Rainbow Bash'd

by K.A. Merikan

CCCC

Solid prequel to Clown'd where we see how Dan and Kyle met. 

While it was quite delicious in the creativity, it lacks the pure, unadulterated, theatrical panache. The sex is scorching with some intense role playing which is anything but PC. Features some aggressive play including mock-rape, moderate humiliation, and some boot worshipping.

The Gravedigger's Brawl

by Abigail Roux

CCC

A seesaw story with some interesting characters and cheeky dialogue.

Wyatt is funny, adorkable, and I really enjoyed his interactions with the museum board. While the timeline for throwing together the exhibition was incredibly unrealistic, the tombstones and signage alone would have consumed the allotted time, I loved the Hail Mary pass he pitched to them. The constant tenor of trying to avoid them and hiding was hysterical:

“You do Pilates under your desk?”
You don’t?” Wyatt asked, eyes going wide.

Better yet, he has a friend, Noah who is both an instigator and the sanity check for him. Noah means well, but no one is completely selfless in their actions:

"He told me he wanted me to meet the guy he worked for and I thought, ‘Hey, I’ll toss him Wyatt in return.’”

With friends like that what could possibly go wrong? And boring, pish-posh.

Ash is unconventional, sexy and has a serious outfit coordinating fixation. Not that I wouldn't mind having a gander at a few of his accessories of choice. Lucky Wyatt, he becomes acquainted with several. 

The actual romance is cute and the elements of Ash and his job and Wyatt meeting and how they intersect is fun and filled with a lot of nifty details. The constant back and forth about whether one should believe what's happening or not is well done and not resolved until the end. I'm not a huge ghost story fan. It's not like a believe or disbelieve their existence, but I don't spend time thinking about them. If I was a bigger paranormal fan then I probably would have rated this higher, but I did enjoy it.

Favorite quote:

"Noah crossed his arms and said for the third time, “I don’t like this, not one bit. I don’t have many morals, but the ones I do have are not happy.”

Clown'd

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If It Fornicates

by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

CCCC

Satisfaction.

After the delightfully engrossing If It Flies, where Spencer and Nick just stole my breath away, this second half of their story is fulfilling. I love meeting new characters and discovering them, but there is something more fundamentally pleasurable in reading about how a relationship works rather than just the easy how a relationship starts. All the hard stuff happens after the initial glow dissipates. 

We spend a lot of time understanding Nick's conflict between loving Spencer and his work. While Voinov and Witt could have taken the obvious lovers' squabbling and ultimatums, they chose a more interesting one. The fears and desires were very real and watching Nick work it through was far more engaging than tantrums and spitting matches.

Add in the ratcheting up of the heat and intensity as Nick and Spencer's relationship deepens and they expose more of themselves to each other and this is one smeltering, yes...it could liquify metal, hot--HOT read. Again, the dynamics and language are subtle and beautiful between these two as they forge ahead. 

Maybe some readers want the uncomplicated story that leaves you with a sense of optimism, but never really had to test the strength of the characters' commitment or fortitude in the long haul. I do like them, but I hold onto stories like this. Life's messy and HEAs are earned, not given as door prizes.

Favorite quote:

Of course they were dating, and Spencer had never judged him for being what he was, but his unflinching acceptance that people ought to just get used to seeing them together was . . . unexpected.

Lord Regret's Price

by Joely Sue Burkhart

CCCCC

Yes, yes...YES! NO! --I want book #4, now. 

This was a delicious, action-packed addition to the series. It definitely stands on its own, but the reader will benefit from having read at least Lady Doctor Wyre, the first in the series since the three main characters continue on from there. The story gets some great mileage with the foray to the Forbidden City and the court intrigue there. Add in Queen Majel's ever present threat, and there is some heavy suspense.

New technology and toys. Some intriguing reveals and development of both this story and the over-arching series makes this fulfilling on multiple levels. A definite cat and mouse game that is fun to watch. There are at least three big wows as far as the characters and plot goes for this one. LIke I said, I highly recommend reading these in order. One might get away without reading #2, Her Grace's Stable, but there are a couple of clues that add to the story complexity, especially Queen Majel--whatever else, book #1 is a MUST.

The sensual teasing that just started the salivating in it is ramped up with some very tempting and satisfying discoveries by the Charlotte and Sig.

"Perhaps he isn’t afraid of me torturing him. But of liking it too much."

"Make me feel, Charlie. Give me something other than death tonight.”

Burkhart can be depended on to deliver strong characters and a high level of sensuality and that is evident here. The one great torment? Gil. The tension between Gil and Sig is killing me. Sweet mercy above.

He had the distinct longing to touch those marks and see what else she’d done to Sig.

This is beginning to feel like the Dance of the Seven Veils, and being the barbaric heathen that I am...I want to rip them all off at once. 

Recommended for steampunk devotees, cultural melange lovers and polyamory fans

Worth Waiting For

by Kim Dare

CCCC

Satisfyingly sweet.

Damn that made me smile...like big, goofy grin. I don't often admit to those, but, yeah...

Colby is the kind of guy that is perfect, but often when we meet this guy we totally don't get how awesome or rare a commodity he is. Straight forward, honest, good-natured, and deliciously unreserved in carnal matters. Never ashamed, but accepting of both others and himself. In essence--a gem.

Noah, independent and having spent way too much time on his own with people who don't really speak to each other for so long--well, he's forgotten or never known true care. 

Slightly different flavor to this Dare novel. Still lovingly devoted kink, but with an extra dollop of sugary cream. I like the club scene or pro-Dom departure here. Throughly entertaining and leaves you feeling happy.

Favorite quote:

I can’t force you to face the fact you deserve to be loved—not if you hate yourself this much!

Carved in Stone

by Kate Douglas

C

Ridiculous assumptions jumped to by both characters. Then we spend an inordinate amount of time rattling around in both their minds about an incidence of nudity. How old are we? 12.

Guns, shooting, and bad guys to throw the spitting cats together. 

Kiss-->No, mistake, let's not discuss EVER again-->Kiss...blah...blah

I categorize this book under: Doing No Favors For Feminism

Woman declares herself equal if not superior to male, declines courtesy as an insult to capability, bullets enter the picture an little woman stays behind, then stupid woman demands action against superior numbers and arms, and let's just ignore the legal liability that the Professor has just exposed his university to by the change in plans. Alex's default argument the entire book thus far is "If I were a man...". No, your idea just sucks and is the bad idea fairy at work. But, if you'll take orders from Professor we'll do it.  O_o  Seriously?

I like feminism. I appreciate all the hard work past generations of women have done to promote the cause--this book tries to talk the talk, but doesn't walk the walk.

DNF at 32%.

Puzzle Me This

by Eli Easton

CCC

Sweet and charming.

A book to make you smile. I wanted to kick Luke and pat him on the back as he dealt with his own feelings about Alex and their relationship. It's not always easy facing what you don't know and realizing that you weren't making the right decisions. Smart guy, but some dumb moves.

Alex, absolutely sweet and adorable. Add in his intelligence and skills, ahem...and he's a gem.

My main grievance, the story is too short. There's the complicated issue of disability being addressed and it's not treated glibly by any means, but I would have been more than happy to spend more time watching this knot unravel.

Precious_boy

by K.Z. Snow

CCC

Intriguing instance of sordid optimism.

Disillusioned innocence and a lesson in the difference between predatory and symbiotic love. Jon and Ethan, Marcus and Ethan, Jon and Donald--let's just say that none of them are perfect, but one is certainly better than the others.

I had a little difficulty accepting the quick transition in their relationship. Ethan's childhood crush never seems to be completely resolved rather morphed into lust with a side of hero worship. While Jon falling back into Donald's game was reasonable and definitely set up the catalyst for Jon to move forward, there was no parallel event for Ethan. He's still the wishful boy wanting and finally getting it. While the romantic in me wanted to rejoice, the realist is screaming, WHOA! There's some unresolved issues here.

I enjoyed reading this. I felt like a bunch of it was unrealistic: Donald's attitude, Marc's easy dismissal, and the lack of repercussions, both mental and physical for Ethan. My favorite part, and the real cracker, thing that just shoots straight through the heart is when you finally understand the title.

Gold Digger

by Aleksandr Voinov

CCCCC


Yum. Smart, sexy love story that made me laugh.

Nikolai is the Texas Ranger in this modern tale of rare metal mining cowboys. Cybele, a brash startup in the high stakes game of gold mining makes an overture for funding to expand operations to extract a major, untapped source. I like the Wild West references to the ex-Communist states and a big thank you for the incredibly sassy mythological references in this one. Not happy about the poor Attis boys of yore--definitely, want them intact. I think Henri would agree.

If Nikolai is the Ranger, then Henri is the slick robber baron heir. Henri's persona is reminiscent of Lord Blakeley of the Scarlet Pimpernel--easily dismissed as a dilettante, but hiding key skills from the ignorant and unworthy. That said, I want to drive his car.

Their meeting, an unexpected catalyst. Simply undeniably erotic, these two took several pages from my personal "Best of" reel.

“Let me . . . see,” Nikolai said, breathless.

If that seems hot, then round two will just melt your ereader.

The story stands on its own, but another treat for "Special Forces" fans is a guest appearance by Vadim. The family context adds a lot to both this story and to Vadim's background. Still sexy, but mellowed by age and love. It is fun seeing him through Nikolai's eyes.

Nikolai paused while the waiter brought the coffee and water and then vanished back behind the bar to linger adoringly where Vadim sat, at the far end, back to the wall, seemingly playing with his smartphone—or really plotting who to kill first in this room with nothing more than a cocktail umbrella.

Now, I'd love to see more of this story not just because Nikolai and Henri are beautiful, but I'd enjoy finding out more about Ruslan, Nikolai's friend and boss. At first, I wanted to compare him to Reardon from "Atlas Shrugged", but honestly, he's Galt.

Favorite quote for personal reasons:

You’d be quite sane and well-adjusted if your family had happened to somebody else, his last ex had told him.

Afterimage

by Santino Hassell and Ais  

CCCC

"I would never just write you off, no matter what happened between us."

Sweet Mercy. 

This book is a long, dark trek. So many reasonable ideas with bad consequences. So many bad ideas with horrific consequences. So many moments of being f**cking Cassandra--yes, that one, from the Trojan War--and wanting to scream even though you know no one will hear it. 

Boyd, too naive for this game and he fails as usual, and like a Greek tragedy, he falls to hubris.

Hubris-->Ate (acts of folly)-->Nemesis

Let's just say that he gets more than a few lessons in growing up the hard way. He makes some foolish decisions in the beginning, but honestly, I respected and understood, even if they hurt like hell, many of the decisions he made. (view spoiler)

Sin. Again subjected to things that only acerbates his underlying issues. The disregard and cavelier behaviors of parties involved induce rage. (view spoiler) Insularity breeds mindthink, a very dangerous thing when the mental health professionals of an organization take part. 

There's a lot of history and background given to help explain so much of what is going on with Sin. Tragic and horrifying and watching his struggle is difficult. One must be completely without empathy to remain unmoved. I found the confusion and self-doubt to be excruciating.

"I didn't live up to your expectations and you aren't living up to mine."

This is why I hate chess. I can sacrifice and scheme, but some ridiculous, optimistic part of me always wants one of my pawns to Queen. But pawns are meant to die. This series better not end that way.

AVAILABLE to read online or download FREE

The Ivy League Rake

by Ryan Field

C

In theory, this book had a chance. In reality, the characterizations, the tell not show, and the dialogue all left much to be desired. While I have no problem believing Elroy existed, the author failed to make any aspect of his character admirable and he is a merely sad constellation of immaturity, ignorance, and self-obsession. While Kyle was harmless, forgiving and generally likable the basis for their friendship as roommates was never earned. I failed to believe that Kyle and Elroy would be even remotely civil to each other after the series of events that occurred, let alone espousing platonic "love" for one another.

In the end, I had to admit that after 69% complete that I would rather do almost anything else than finish this book.

In Allegiance

by Kate Islay

CCCC

Entertaining political story of war and intrigue. 

Reve is taken forfeit when his father's kingdom falls. Given to the victorious commander, Mathias he meets more than fair treatment. This is more a pseudo-historical story with romantic elements than a romance. The machinations of various elements swirling and intersecting was fun. The love between Reve and Mathias was understated and more poignant for it. 

Overall, very enjoyable.

Favorite passage:

"I tried to tell him you would betray him. He would hear none of it. I'll enjoy bringing him your head."

FREE to read online: http://kate-islay.livejournal.com/tag/in%20allegiance

Drawing Closer

by Jane Davitt

CCC

Gray is a determined young man. Self-confident in what he can do, he has no problem chasing down what he wants. What he wants is Charles.

Charles has been hiding in his self-imposed prison after fleeing a painful past. Feeling aged, he rebuffs Gray until chased down. The gazelle falls to the cheetah.

Davitt explores power dynamics in relationships and this story is no different. In fact, it is quite lovely and focuses on D/s more than pomp and circumstance. Charles unveils a new world to Gray who takes one look and dives in head first. Much to the dismay of a couple people. In addition, the secondary characters of both Drew and Carl were funny and well done. A nice treat.

Favorite quote:

Because if there weren't any limits when it came to people like Carl getting close, he made up for that by loathing it when his space was invaded by someone he didn't know, or didn't like.

Play By Play

by Kate Donovan

CCC

This book is a lot like a lite beer, nothing offense, nothing really amazing and sometimes when you need it--refreshing without a bunch of effort.

I probably would have rated this 2 stars except Jake's blog was entertaining and fun; it outshone the romance, hands down. In fact, Jake was awesome all around and the sports talk was fun. I really enjoyed that it was hero-centric instead of heroine-centric.

The end is tied up with a cute bow, but it was pretty adorable all around. Nice feel good read.

Beyond Eden

by Kele Moon

CCC

A test of friendship for Eve, Danny, and Paul.

Honestly, I found both Eve and Paul to be a bit whiny in the beginning of the story with Danny being the only one who seemed to have his head on straight. On one hand, there's Eve complaining about her parents being in her business when she moves back home at age 28. To this I just want to say, suck it up, save and get our own place. On the other hand, Paul is so completely ignoring his reality which after nine years seems pretty dumb. I get that I'm suppose to feel empathetic, but he came across more as ostrich who decides to stick his head in the sand instead of deal with the situation. Both Eve and Paul appear as needy subs. I don't like needy subs.

Granted, once I see Paul and Danny in action my opinion shifted a bit, but I still didn't believe that they could/would have ignored the obvious for so many years. That it took Eve to be the catalyst, not to shift the whole balance, but the men's acceptance and understanding of the situation at hand. I didn't believe it.

Now I might have rated this book higher, by just accepting the author's take of the situation, but there were three things in particular that aggravated me. First, Eve's use of hyperbole was annoying. Second, the amount of Eve's internal dialog about her art and how scenes were described in these terms, again, annoying. I wanted to tell her to shut up at one point. Third, and this is the big one, the overuse of the term "vanilla". I counted 37 instances at just past the 50%. Now, at best, I find this term silly, but harmless when used sparingly, and at worst it comes across as immature and ridiculous--as does the term "deviant". Grow up. Even if the author thought this was cute I can't imagine how the editor let it slide.

Sad really, because underneath it all is a beautiful story about three friends and how their lives evolve and transform. Definitely worth reading, just grit your teeth through those bits and you'll see something pretty underneath. I'll read Danny and Paul's story because I'm really curious how Danny came to be the protector he is.

Favorite quote:

"He willed the exhaustion to take him into sleep as he tried to pretend Paul was sleeping with him because he loved him, not because he had ordered him to."

The Tentacle Monster Everyone Wanted

by Evie Kiels

CCC


This was A-dorbs!

Seriously, the sweetest most lovable tentacle sex story I've ever read. I really liked it. i actually never would have imagined it. Too short, and Kip's so wary that he could be annoying if he weren't so gosh darn cute. Aniket--jerk. Manages to redeem himself, but he deserves a baby growl--grrr...

It's a free read: Download HERE

Her Grace's Stable

by Joely Sue Burkhart

CCCCC

Loved this one's better than the first though Lady Doctor Wyre was pretty cool. I think the dynamics worked better here. Plus, since the first book established an extensive new world/paradigm this one was able to flush out more without having to devote the cycles to delineating the guidelines.

Duchess of Blackmyre is a one of the most powerful women in Britannia aside from Queen Majel and after years of military service she has retired. Her devoted companion Cole is sweet, but yearns for a little more than Violet can give him. Fate gives them a second chance but time is running out for Violet.

If you've read many of my reviews then you know I've fallen out of favor with a lot of MF literature, and technically this is MMF, but usually the women in those configurations are a waste of space, too. Burkhart has always been an exception--Love her writing. Her women are intelligent and emotionally balanced--not a twit or basket case in the lot!

I was a little leery of a book that leaned as much to femdom as this one promised just because in so many of them the dommes come off as psychotic bitches--I don't enjoy abuse masquerading as power exchange. The relationships between the main characters are definitely symbiotic and NOT parasitic. 

Recently, I've been finding stories that feature puppy or pony play that is not humiliation driven, but rather a celebration and joyful experience. I was thrilled to find that here in HER GRACE'S STABLES. The interactions between the Duchess of Blackmyre (Violet), Cole and Arthur are beautiful. The dynamics are sexy with one gentle pony and one stallion in the mix under the direction of a firm but loving hand. This is the most sensually erotic pony play I've read. I would have enjoyed even more exploration. Hence the .5 deduction in the rating, but I marked as five stars because it really is more than four.

Anyway, the additions to the world building are intriguing and I'm definitely looking forward to another--Please.

**Highly recommended to persons with an open mind who enjoy steampunk sci-fi.**

~~A copy was provided by the author for a No Glitter Blown review~~

Point of No Return

by N.R. Walker

CCC


Decent beginning, marshmallow middle and better ending.

I started this book with high hopes of a M/M cop story based in LA. Yay. I got the copy and what an outstanding specimen of blue he is. Matt never wandered into the hero complex, but was pretty much a modern day paladin. He's the perfect city guardian until he finds the one thing that cracks his facade, KIra.

Kira, beautiful and strong definitely ensures the alpha meets alpha guidelines. Their interactions at the gym are steaming hot. Matt's inner characteristics emerge and the ensuing chase is very nice. Then...I swear I lost femininity points just reading how romantic, gooey and emotional these two men were. Must read with an espresso to cut through the sugary loving. They are sweet. 

I was seriously vascillating around two stars until the end where they redeemed themselves with some intensity and more balanced emotions, imo. Not bad at all.

Favorite quote:

"You need to let the guilt go. It not yours to own.”

St. Nacho's

by Z.A. Maxfield

CCCC

This one packs a wallop. 

Cooper is damaged, a bunch of it self-inflicted, and definitely more than dented. How does one get beyond past events, find a place in the now when we carry it around like an albatross? Cooper carries a lot and he's been running for a long time until he finds a place where he can finally stop.

Santo Ignacio is the Brigadoon for gays. It's an idyllic place where happiness is possible until the outer world crashes back into it. A place of second chances and letting go for Cooper. 

Cooper takes a call and answers a request, sacrificing his newfound peace to assuage his guilt--and this is where I have a big issue. I get people take on guilt that isn't there own, but it drives me NUTS. Sometimes you can't go back. It doesn't matter about good intentions, sometimes the only answer is a fresh start. Both Cooper and Jordan come to realize this, but it is a painful process. 

In the end, you can never really go back--you can only keep going forwards and when you're lucky you can interweave the best of the past with now. This was an emotional read, some of it was really tough especially issues surrounding Jordan. I also find proselytizing a huge turn off and Pastor Stan made me want to strangle him which to be fair wasn't the appropriate response for the man truly believed and meant well, but the I disagree with the methods. So my personal peccadillos probably deleted a merited star, but hey, it's my opinion. 

Favorite quotes:

"I tried to return his smile, but couldn’t find one that wasn’t so used it was completely unworthy."

"I was covered in a kind of social rust, made worse by my age and his expectations."

"I loved him. I’d always loved him. But I would never again be in love with him."

Conquest

by S.J. Frost

CC

I wanted to like this story more than I did, but there were some elements that just irked me.

Can't hate the characters because Evan and Jesse are so freakin' perfect that one has to root around to find a small flaw which is then blown out of proportion to create conflict within the story. The actual external conflicts are just washed away like writing in sand, completely ignoring them and their potential turmoil.

The chemistry between the men was hot, sweet and idealized. Unfortunately, it was also unrealistic--instantaneous and all-consuming. Yet, they both walk away from it with no discussion. What?! Your soulmate and only thing worth living for and you're willing to just trot off glibly with a self-designed catastrophe? Evan just lowers the boom and Jesse takes it which is really out of character for Jesse, a grab the bull by the horns kinda guy.

Anyway the tension created by waiting for the other shoe to drop is never realized except in the most annoying way possible. 

Favorite quote:

"It's not an ego when it's the truth,” Jesse retorted.