Adore by Ann Mayburn

Title: Adore
Author: Ann Mayburn
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 64
Characters: Sam, Cody
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Series
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Sam and Cody have settled into married life, live in their dream house, and are more in love than ever. There is just one thing missing from their lives to make their home complete. A baby to share their love with.

Adoption is hard enough, but the struggles and hardship of trying to adopt as a gay couple may be too much for the men to handle. When a series of setbacks leave both men with broken hearts and wounded souls, it will take a Christmas miracle to give Sam and Cody the strength to give adoption one more try.

Review:

When I read ‘Want’ which is the first book that introduces us to Sam and Cody, I knew they were something special. As a reader, the love they have for each other really resonates with me. So, when I saw that their story continues in ‘Adore’ I couldn’t wait to read the continuation of their life together.

The blurb does an excellent job at describing the gist of the story. The two men are married and are expecting to adopt a baby boy, but when things unexpectedly fall through, they’re relationship is tested by the disappointment and sadness they feel because of it. I thought Ms. Mayburn did an outstanding job at describing the pain these two men go through. I admit, I cried with them and hoped that some way they would find a way to heal together and not give up hope that one day they’d have a family of their own.

As a reader, I appreciated how much the two men seem to come out stronger together in the end. I shamelessly admit that I rejoiced at the ending of this book and found myself smiling with happiness at the way everything turned out in the end. This is a fast-paced, lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Adore is a bittersweet, realistically told romance that shows how the power of love can heal all wounds and make us stronger. It is filled with hope, disappointment and the happiness these two men experience while trying to adopt a baby for their own. I enjoyed every minute of this book, and I hope Ms. Mayburn will write more about these characters in the future.

Adore is the third book in the Sam and Cody series. Although it could easily be read as a stand-alone romance, I highly recommend reading the books in series order. This way you’ll understand the dynamics between Sam and Cody and you’ll get to see how their relationship has progressed.

The Sam and Cody series is book order are:

Want
Cherish
Adore

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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A Gift for Santa by Deanna Wadsworth

Title: The Naughty North Pole Book 3: A Gift for Santa
Author: Deanna Wadsworth
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 86
Characters: Nick Claus, Jack Frost
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: Holiday, Romance
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Since birth, demi-god Nick Claus has heard the demands, wishes and dreams of all humans. Unable to grant the wishes of adults because they want love, health, and peace on Earth—things he cannot provide—Nick has devoted his eternity to granting the wishes of children by bringing them toys on Christmas Eve.

But what about the things Nick wants? Will he ever find the love he craves? Or will he continue to pretend the North Pole has not become lonely and Christmas is all he needs?

Enter Jack Frost.

The winter sprite has been teasing Nick and flirting with him ever since the first kiss they shared, centuries ago. With a saucy proposition, Jack convinces Nick to take a few minutes out for himself despite the busy Christmas season. The catch is, Jack hates Christmas.

Will Nick be able to melt the heart of Jack Frost, or will he end up getting frostbite from this sexy, naughty sprite?

Review:

A Gift for Santa is the first book I’ve read by Deanna Wadsworth and it definitely won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing as well as her creative storytelling ability. This story was not only sexy, but it had some funny and heartfelt moments in it too.

The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story. Nick Clause doesn’t look like anything Mr. Rockwell or what contemporary artists have pictured him. Well built, tall and sexy, Nick can easily walk around without getting noticed. Like his well-known image, Nick is very generous and kind and graciously looks out for others. He loves Christmas and loves to grant wishes to both adults and children. Even though Nick often puts others before himself, there is one person whom he wishes he could be with above any others and that is Jack Frost. Nick has always liked and admired Jack and ever since they shared a kiss many, many years ago, Jack has become one of Nick’s favorite fantasies.

One day while Nick is working for the Salvation Army right outside a department store, Jack shows up and propositions Nick to see him after his shift. Anxious to see Jack and spend some quality time with him, Nick readily agrees and soon the two men fall into an easy banter and into each other’s arms. This has been a dream come true for Nick, but as much as he knows he loves Jack, and as much as he wants to spend time with him, Nick has responsibilities he cannot ignore. Since Jack has stated more than once that he hates Christmas and pretty much everything it stands for, Nick knows the love he feels for him is doomed. How can he be with someone who doesn’t appreciate what Nick loves to do the most?

I loved this book. Between the intense physical chemistry Jack and Nick have together and the strong emotional connection between them, I was immediately hooked on these two characters. I also enjoyed the unique storyline the author takes us on to the North Pole and the mystical beings (including Santa Claus himself) she created. She definitely has her own spin on a well-loved character, and I really enjoyed her naughty and well…nice world she created.

Both Jack and Nick are likeable heroes. Although the story is told through Nick’s eyes, the author did a really good job at having Nick being a descriptive narrator. Normally, I prefer romances told in 3rd person because I want to know what both heroes are thinking and going through, but in all honestly I didn’t miss Jack’s thoughts very much because Nick did such a great job.

A Gift for Santa is a creatively sexy story with two interesting and loveable heroes that lived and breathed off of the written page. If you are looking for something unique, naughty and fun to read, A Gift for Santa would definitely be a great choice for you! Highly Recommended!

A Gift for Santa is the third book in The Naughty North Pole series. Unfortunately, I’ve not read the other two books in the series, but had no trouble following along with this book. It could easily be a stand-alone book. I will say I enjoyed this story enough that I plan on going back and reading the previous two books in the series soon, so I know once you read this book, you’ll probably feel the same way.

The Naughty North Pole series in book order are:
Ms. Claus’s List
Pip’s Boxing Day Wish
A Gift for Santa

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Friends with Benefits by Jennifer Labelle

Title: Friends with Benefits
Author: Jennifer Labelle
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 22
Characters: Collin Harrison, Devin Hardy
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary
Kisses: 3


Blurb:

Collin Harrison is loving life as a bachelor, but can’t convince his meddling mother to back off. To make matters worse, he’s confused by his attraction to his new neighbor, Devin. But Collin has never been with a man before.

Devin Hardy is no stranger to fulfilling his intimate desires—desires which include his hot neighbor. Good things come to those who wait, but Devin is getting tired of waiting to turn their friendship into one with scorching hot benefits.

Review:

This is the first book I’ve read by Jennifer Labelle. I liked the author’s easy style of writing as well as her ability to write very erotic scenes. For such a short story, I did find Friends with Benefits to be very erotic and I really enjoyed it for what it is…Erotic Romance.

I want to point out that this book is definitely the start of a casual/sexual relationship between the two heroes. I thought their chemistry was pretty hot together, but there is definitely a HFN ending because there are a lot of obstacles both characters must go through if they want anything lasting between them. Unfortunately, because it is such a short book, we really don’t get to know either hero very well, BUT I don’t really expect this when I read a short story.

If you are looking for a hot, steamy read between two sexy men, then Friends with Benefits is something you should consider. It will definitely fit the bill for those looking for a naughty quick afternoon read on a rainy afternoon day.

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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The CEO and the Cowboy by Starla Kaye

Title: The CEO and the Cowboy
Author: Starla Kaye
Pages: 34 pages
Characters: Daniel (the CEO) and Cordell (the Cowboy)
POV: 3rd
SubGenre: GLBT: contemporary, first gay experience, minor dom/sub
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Rating: 2.5 kisses




Blurb:

The whole thing about relationships and feelings confuses the heck out of Calhoun. He’s a simple cowboy and he’d been planning to marry a long-time friend for a while. When he finally realizes it doesn’t feel right, he lets her go. He probably shouldn’t have gone to her wedding to another man, but she wanted him there. But that’s when he really gets confused. His eye is drawn to a seriously hot businessman…and that sure does unnerve him…and yet….

Emotionally burned by the last man he thought he’d loved, Daniel isn’t anxious to replace him. But there is something about the proud, bedroom-eyed cowboy who shows up at his friend’s wedding. The CEO isn’t even sure if the cowboy’s gay, although the heat firing between them makes him wonder….

What he does know is that he plans to find out.

Review:

The CEO and the Cowboy by Starla Kaye is about two men cut from the same fabric in some senses and from different planets in other ways. Daniel is a CEO, lives in an upscale home, runs a company, has plenty of money, and ended a relationship recently. Calhoun was engaged to be married, lives on a ranch, and has never been with a man before. Add to the mix that both men are dominant A-Type personalities, and you have the makings for a very interesting pairing.

In the first few pages, Ms. Kaye paints a vivid picture of Cordell Calhoun, the man who’d been engaged to Kathleen. We meet him at Kathleen’s wedding to another man and see how difficult it is for him to be there. Despite the fact he loves his ex-fiancé, he knows he can’t love her in the way she deserves. In those opening moments, Calhoun was firmly established as honorable and brave. I was curious why he couldn’t be with Kathleen, but given the genre of the story, I had my suspicions.

The initial set up of the story gripped me. Once the two main characters met, the story lost the emotional punch and the authenticity built up in the first few pages. There were a few things which distracted me from focusing on the development of Calhoun and Daniel’s relationship.

Daniel fell hard and fast, going right to the L-word. On the other hand, Cordell was internally resistant, surprised by his intrigue in being with another man sexually. I’d suspected the reason he couldn’t be with Kathleen was because he realized he was gay, but his surprise at his feelings for Daniel suggests he wasn’t concretely aware of his sexuality at the time of cancelling the wedding plans. I wanted an explanation, some internal dialogue or a conversation with Daniel to help me understand him better, but that explanation never came.

At one point, Calhoun freaks out and breaks things off with Daniel, and although Daniel is heart-broken, his reaction and the events which follow as the couple reunite occurred in the absence of a strong initial foundation between the two men. While I enjoyed the sexual chemistry and actions between the men, I did not feel emotionally invested in their successful union.

Toward the end of the story, a new dom/sub twist is introduced which was handled in an interesting manner. Both Daniel and Calhoun are dominant personalities, so when Calhoun has to take the submissive role in order to make amends for running away, Ms. Kaye does a wonderful job of getting inside his head, showing the reader his internal struggle as he attempts to strike a balance between his instinct to dominate and his choice to submit.

Overall, I believe this story had a great deal of unrealized potential. There were opportunities for emotions to become highly strained and transparent and for the sex to sizzle as experienced for the first time through the mind of a man discovering his sexuality and the pain and pleasure that is man-on-man sex.

Reviewed by Doug

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Too Hot to Handle by L.C. Dean

Title: Too Hot to Handle
Author: L.C. Dean
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 29
Characters: Jason Cameron, Tucker
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Why the hell do I torture myself? Sitting in the sun and hiding a hard-on from his best friend is not Tucker’s idea of fun. He’d rather drink beer and fantasize than destroy what he and Jase have.

A good fuck between friends, what the hell’s wrong with that? Heat and lust make a man do crazy shit, but Jase intends to prove he and Tuck can be lovers and friends.

When desire flares under the Texas summer sun, will it burn too hot to handle.

Review:

The short story, Too Hot To Handle, delivered everything I enjoy in a friends-to-lovers romance. This is the first book I’ve read by L.C. Dean and it definitely won’t be my last! I loved the friendship between the two main heroes and the sizzling chemistry between them practically heated up my computer screen.

Tucker has loved Jase for years, but lately keeping his attraction and the love he feels for his best friend from his best friend has been getting harder to do. At first glance, Jase and Tucker are polar opposites. Tucker is a highly intelligent geek and Jase is and looks like the typical jock, plus he’s straight, so Tucker believes there will be nothing but friendship between them.

Jase is in love with his best friend, Tucker. He loves everything from Tucker’s unique sense of style to his brilliant mind. Jase is tired of pushing his attraction aside and when he presented with the perfect opportunity to make his move, what is better to do on a lazy summer day?

Too Hot To Handle is a sexy and fun read from start to finish. I enjoyed watching these two heroes finally express their attraction and deep feelings for one another. It’s the perfect short story for an hour or so of pure romantic escapism on a hot summer day.

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Accidently Beautiful by Deanna Wadsworth

Title: Accidentally Beautiful (1Night Stand GLBT series)
Author: Deanna Wadsworth
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 61
Book Type: ebook
Kisses: 5

Blurb:

Martin Baird is perfectly content in his safe, predictable job as head concierge for Castillo Resorts, but when a handsome stranger whisks him away for a night of tropical escapades-first visiting an isolated gay bar then to a secluded beach where erotic delights await-Martin’s world is thrown upside down. He’s never met a man like Garret Fisher, but it seems he has been waiting for a night like this all his life.

Could something truly beautiful come out of this accidental meeting? Or was it really not an accident at all?

Review:

I’ve heard of escort services, make a wish foundation, but an organization that specializes in finding your perfect one nightstand. What a wickedly naughty business idea. I’m sure after reading this story; many people will be doing a search for similar match making companies. Realistically not every case can be as fortunate as Marty and Garrett, but hell, it’s worth a shot if you don’t mind the mystery and the casualness of this sort of “dating life”. If nothing else, you might get a week in a tropical paradise or something of that exotic nature. Win, win situation. Heck, you might be extremely lucky and that one nightstand might turn out to be your fantasy mate you’ve longed to meet.

Reviewed By: Kameron

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Want by Ann Mayburn

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Title: Want
Author: Ann Mayburn
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 41
Characters: Cody McPherson, Sam Denham
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Gay-For-You Romance
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Construction foreman Cody McPherson always considered himself as straight as they come. That is until he finds himself falling for the handsome stonemason, Sam Denham, that constantly occupies his thoughts. He wants Sam, badly, and can’t get the man out of his mind. Worse yet, he isn’t even sure if Sam is gay. When he finds out that Sam has signed up with a dating service searching for a guy who looks exactly like him Cody is even more eager, and confused than before.

Sam can’t believe that he’s developed a huge crush on his obviously straight co-worker. Even worse, the job that allowed him to see Cody on an almost daily basis has ended and he desperately misses his buddy in a way that goes far beyond just friendship. In an effort to soothe his aching heart and body, he tries to get a blind date with someone like Cody so he can pretend for just one night that he holds Cody in his arms.

When Cody himself shows up as Sam’s blind date, he is at once elated and afraid of having his heart broken by just another straight guy looking to sample the gay life. He wants to be so much more than Cody’s 1Night Stand and if he’s given the chance, Sam will do anything to prove that love doesn’t discriminate based on gender.

Review:

Want is the first book I’ve read by Ann Mayburn and it definitely won’t be my last! I enjoyed every minute of this sweet and sexy short story, and I hated to see it come to an end. Since the blurb does a great job at explaining what the book is about, I’m not going to rehash it, but I will say that both heroes are very likeable sexy men who really lived and breathed off of the written page.

I enjoyed how both heroes played off each other and the intense physical chemistry between them could have scorched the pages their story was written on. Want has many hot moments between the two heroes, and the lovemaking between them was very well written and plentiful throughout the storyline. Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the fast-paced, addictive story that gripped me from the first page and held me hostage until I read the last word. Both heroes not only were attracted to each other, but they also liked and respected each other too. The camaraderie between them is very apparent throughout the story and I enjoyed watching them come together.

Gay for You storylines can be a difficult sell for most readers. But, in this short story, I thought it was handled very well. Since the two men had such a strong attraction between them, it made me as a reader believe their attraction and the admiration they had for each other. My only gripe is that Want was so short. I would have loved to read more about these characters and seen them work to make their relationship work. I did love the ending, and when I finished reading this book I had a big, happy smile on my face. If you are looking for a lighthearted, intensely sexy read then Want is definitely a book for you!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

Starting Over 1 Night Stand Series by Starla Kaye

Title: Starting Over (1 Night Stand Series)
Author: Starla Kaye
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 36
Characters: Corbin Bradley, Matt DuCharme
POV: 3rd Person
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Erotica
Kisses: 3.5

Blurb:

A virgin gay man, Corbin is ready to ease into his new lifestyle, still, making the move scares him shitless. He’s spent years fantasizing about embracing his true self, but what possessed him to agree to a 1 NightStand? As he nears the long, lean man with shaggy, graying hair, a hard on pushing at the front of his swim trunks, and a sexy-as-hell grin, the dreams pale in comparison, and easing in takes on a whole new meaning.

Though tired of being lonely, Matt considers changing his mind about the one-night arrangement until a tall, well-built man strolls across the pool area toward him, then all thoughts of leaving flee. Those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, the spattering of dark hair on his chest…all of it calls to Matt. He wants to touch it, play with it. He forces himself to calm down. Matt will be his date’s first male lover, and he intends to find the inner strength to take his time.

Intense physical attraction and Madame Eve’s magic ignite a sexual fire, but will it be enough for two men starting over?

Review:

Madame Evangeline displays her matchmaking prowess again in Starting Over, Starla Kaye’s contribution to the 1 Night Stand series that revolves around an exclusive dating service with a reputation for finding ideal matches for its clients.

Corbin Bradley is a successful business man who has only recently left an unsuccessful marriage, a failure that still troubles him even though his ex-wife doesn’t hold any resentment toward him. Finally coming to terms with his homosexuality, Corbin and Pamela Bradley divorced, though they remain close friends, and it is Pamela herself who encourages Corbin to consider dating, allowing himself the chance to be who he’s meant to be and with whom he’s meant to be.

Though hesitant, Corbin eventually acquiesces and contacts 1NightStand, a terrifying prospect for a man who’s only ever been with women. Is a one night stand with a stranger really the way he wants to proceed with his first experience dating, and possibly having sex with another man? That question becomes moot when he’s quickly matched with Matt DuCharme and it’s arranged that the two men will meet at a Caribbean Resort for a night.

It has been six months since Matt lost his partner, but he’s ready to dip his toe back into the dating waters now, ready for the possibility of exploring something new with someone new, and is intrigued by the fact that he will potentially be the first man of Corbin’s new life, even if it’s for nothing more than to offer support and encouragement. When the two men meet, however, it quickly becomes obvious the sexual attraction they feel for each other won’t be leading to lengthy conversations.

As arranged, Corbin and Matt have their one night together, then part ways. But just because they are out of sight does not mean they are out of mind. Their connection was instantaneous and potentially life altering. The clincher is whether they can find their way back to each other again now that they’ve returned home.

Starting Over is the heartwarming story of two men who find a second chance at love and happiness. Corbin and Matt are an ideal match, indeed, Matt being the perfect teacher to Corbin’s very willing and enthusiastic pupil. Though some of the language during the love scenes was perhaps a bit too instructional for my taste, which blunted the erotic potential a bit, the story and the characters themselves were appealing, and I was invested in the outcome of their tale.

Reviewed By: Lisa

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Emerald Moon by Ann Mayburn

Title: Emerald Moon
Author: Ann Mayburn
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 28
Characters: Ben Harkil, Jude Carson
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Paranormal/Shifter
Kisses: 3

Blurb:

Ben Harkil had long ago given up on love, refusing to believe that he was worthy of it. When he is given the gift of a 1 Night Stand blind date he goes into it expecting nothing more than a night of savage pleasure. Instead he finds the missing piece of his heart.

Jude Carson has an impossible task in front of him. He has to convince the man that he hasn’t seen in fifteen years that he still loves him with all of his heart and wants him back. A task made even more diffuclt by the horrible circumstances that lead to their parting and tore their former pride apart.

Ben will have to learn that sometimes the hardest person to forgive is himself if he wants a second chance at the greatest joy he has ever known.

Review:

This story is part of the 1 Night Stand ongoing series with Decadent Publishing. Though this isn’t the “norm” so to speak, it was a decent story. Ben is a shifter who gave up on love long ago after the man he was in love with turned on him after the death of his brother. Jude Carson, another shifter, is the man Ben ran from, for it was his brother, the alpha who died. Jude is back, fifteen years later for a date with Ben, arranged through the 1 Night Stand Mistress.

The two men haven’t seen one another in fifteen long years and when Ben realizes the date he was set up with is his ex, he resigns himself that it will be his last night alive, for Jude is there for one reason and one reason only. I mean, Ben did kill Jude’s brother and all.

For the most part it’s a good idea for a plot. I feel that it should have been a bit longer for the amount of angst set up at the start. This story has a potential to be so much more than it is and I for one wish there was more. For what it is, I liked it.

Reviewed By: Michele

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Mountain Claiming by L.C. Dean- 1 Night Stand Series

Title: Mountain Claiming
Author: LC Dean
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company
Pages: 43
POV: 3rd
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

When Madame Eve and her 1 Night Stand offer a chance at escape, Daniel Long drops the yolk of submission and runs to the Castillo Resort, Grand Turk and the hope of a future without repression. Everything on the island steals his breath including the gorgeous hotel owner, Jagger Castillo. Daniel quickly discovers he’s out of bondage and way out of his comfort zone.

Jagger isn’t expecting the gift Madame Eve drops on his doorstep, but once he realizes how precious the present is, he won’t let go without a fight. The only question is, can he claim Daniel before the night slips away and cheats them both of paradise.

Review:

LC Dean gives us a sweet story of how two men were brought together for a one night stand, but found just one night would never be enough. Daniel Long is a submissive man, rather large one at that, who needs a chance to escape his brutal Dom, so he ends up in Madame Eve’s very capable hands. She sends him to Castillo Resort where he meets Jagger Castillo, the owner/operator.

Jagger is spellbound by the larger man from the first second he lays eyes on the mountain man of his dreams. One things turns to another and he becomes Daniel’s date for that one night.

Attraction is strong, lust even stronger, and we are given the gift of their loving in these short pages. Jagger is a patient man, he’s not a Dom in the way that Daniel’s Master is, instead Jagger sees the man as an equal and only when Daniel opens up to admit pain and humiliation aren’t his thing, is when we get to see this relationship begin between two men who were meant to be in every sense of the word. It’s a sweet story and worth your time.

Reviewed By: Michele