Who Moved By Holepunch? by Anne Brooke

Title: Who Moved My Holepunch?
Author: Anne Brooke
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 76
Characters: Darren Fording and Max Sheldon
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
Kisses: 3

Blurb:

Darren Fording works as Senior Timetabling Officer for his local college and has happily been arranging the schedules alongside his stalwart team for more than two years. When Max Sheldon arrives to take over as Acting Registrar, Darren finds himself consumed by lust for his new boss and making the kind of decisions he, as a stuck-in-his-ways administrator, has never made before. At their first official meeting, Darren takes his courage in both hands and initiates a full-on kiss, which Max returns with enthusiasm. The encounter ends there, however, as Max is reluctant to pursue a relationship of any kind with a subordinate. Darren is equally determined not to take “no” for an answer. When a visit by the educational inspection team goes terribly wrong, Darren must use all his wits to both save the reputation of the college he loves and to prove his worth to the man who’s beginning to mean so much to him

Review:

Who Moved my Holepunch is an easy, fast paced story with fun characters and a good story line.

Darren is an extreme type A man. He likes everything in its place, and to him there is a place for everything. As a Timekeeping Manager, his life is very organized, and that is the way that he likes it. When he learns that he has a new boss, he worries how it will affect him and how no idea how much his well organized life is about to change.

When Max Sheldon walks in the door, Darren takes immediate notice. As Acting Registrar, Max’s main job is to help everything run smoothly while the full time guy is gone. Max is unprepared for his attraction to Darren. Falling for Darren is not going to make his job any easier, but when the two men meet the sparks are extremely obvious. To make matters more complicated the college is going to be inspected. Max has to earn Darren’s love, keep the college’s reputation intact and somehow keep his sanity. Want to know what happens next? Read the book! Recommended.

Reviewed By: Jerry

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Test Drive by LA Witt

Title: Test Drive
Author: LA Witt
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 62
Characters: Sean Waters, Jackson Shaw
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Sean Waters is down on his luck thanks to the economy, and winds up working for his domineering father’s car dealership. It’s not the greatest job, but it’s a paycheck. The only problem? He’s got a wicked crush on the general manager, Jackson Shaw. When Jackson suggests a drive in one of the brand new sports cars, Sean has no idea it’s not the car Jackson really wants to take for a spin. They both need this job, though, and the boss isn’t keen on employees getting involved with each other. But it’s just a lusty little crush anyway, so they can move on and pretend nothing ever happened.

Can’t they?

Review:

Test Drive was so hot, the sex scenes left me tired and needing a cigarette! The characters were strong and the story line was not only easy to read but kept you wanting more.

Until the market crashed, Sean was living the good life. He was fresh out of college, living on his own and making good money. Once the economy tanked, Sean had to swallow his pride and work at his dad’s car dealership just to make enough to survive.

To make matters worse, Sean has to work with Jackson. (Or is working for Jackson the best part ? *grin*) Sean has had a crush for as long as he can remember and working with him day in and day out is not making it any easier on him.

Jackson has been with the company for years, worked his way up from salesman to Sales Manager. He is the smoothest salesman at the dealership…except when Sean is around that is. When Sean is around Jackson, he can’t think straight…much less be a smooth talker! Unfortunately, it has been this way for Jackson for quite a while.

Then one night Jackson decides to take Sean out and clear the air. He uses the excuse of “Test Driving” a new car. That one night will change their lives. But will it be for the better? Read it and find out!

Reviewed By: Jerry

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An Unexpected Magick by ML Rhodes

Title: An Unexpected Magick
Author: ML Rhodes
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 156
Characters: Rowen Daneson ,Wesley Brannock
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Fantasy
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Having lived his entire life under the veil of the high sorcerer’s repression, Wen Daneson grew up with a sword in his hand. Now, at twenty-eight, he’s already earned the rank of second lieutenant in the draegan lord’s guard and been granted the privilege of sitting on the lord’s council of advisors. In spite of his achievements, he’s made a point of keeping his distance from personal relationships. He’s seen too many people develop close bonds and share their hearts, only to have everything torn apart with one slash of a sword. Which is why his attraction to the human Wesley Brannock unsettles him so much. There’s something different about Wesley. Wen doesn’t want to care about the younger man, but when he’s tasked with training the inexperienced yet naturally talented Wesley for a position in the guard, being around him stirs powerful emotions he can’t understand.

Wesley grew up living in secluded villages, learning at a young age to hide from prying eyes and keep to himself. Having spent most of his formative years with little company, when the settlement where he lives is attacked by the sorcerer’s soldiers, he’s frustrated that he doesn’t have the skills to fight back. The draegans who come to their aide encourage the residents to relocate to the draegan camp, and when they do, a new world opens to Wesley. He’s determined not only to learn how to protect himself but to join the draegan lord’s guard and be part of something that matters. But when he’s paired with the passionately intense Lieutenant Daneson, he begins to doubt whether he’s suited for the guard at all. Not only does the lieutenant push him hard while never letting him close, keeping Wesley constantly torn over his feelings for the man, being around so many people after years of isolation makes it hard to keep the secret he’s spent his whole life protecting.

Review:

This latest chapter in the Draegan series does not disappoint! I loved how the author still involved the original characters, but made this story truly about these two men.

Wes has a secret. He’s been burdened all of his life by something he doesn’t understand and told he can never tell. Wen is Leut. In the Dreaganhere, he learned at an early age not to get attached to people, and because of it, he has thrown himself into his work.

In the Draeganhere, Wes, is in charge of the new recruits training, and he makes sure the guys that work hard and deserve it are promoted to help defend the camp. Wes is good at his job and allows nothing to distract him…that is until Wes comes in the picture. When these two men meet, their worlds are turned upside down and they are swept up into a love that neither man expected.

In my opinion, An Unexpected Magick is the most powerful book so far in this series and I am already in anticipation of the next story! If you love to read about fantasy and romance, this is the book for you! Highly Recommended!

Reviewed By: Jerry

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Balthazar Starblitz by AJ Llewellyn

Title: Balthazar Starblitz
Author: AJ Llewellyn
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 98
Characters: Flip McCabe and Balthazar Starblitz
POV: 3rd Person
Sub-Genre: Steampunk, Paranormal, Time Travel
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

When Flip McCabe spots an unusual ad in a magazine requesting a young man or woman to train in the fine art of tea service, he’s pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s still available. He needs this job—any job—desperately, but his new boss, Mr. Chen, will mysteriously tell him only to report for duty at Platform Thirteen at LA’s Union Station at nine o’clock the following morning.

Arriving in plenty of time, Flip becomes panic-stricken when he can’t find any such platform, nor is there a tea shop listed at the bustling railway station. Frantic to get to work, he stumbles across an old line on an outdoor platform and is catapulted in another era of the station somewhere else in time.

The elegant, old-worldly Mr. Chen dispenses tea and serious help for those who need it, but his frail body is no longer up to the dangerous escapades involved with murder, mayhem and steam trains. Flip is sent back to the past to help various famous, often wrongfully convicted criminals, and then plunged back to the present to find a man who needs not only his help, but his love.

But will Flip be able to aid the dynamic, exhilarating Balthazar Starblitz, a werewolf on the run from charges related to a series of grisly murders he did not commit?

Review:

I found Balthazar Starblitz to be a very unusual story with some wonderful characters. Flip is out of a job and his self-esteem is crashing because he hasn’t been able to find a new one. At this point he’s up to taking anything, so when he finds an ad for a tea shop he jumps at it. I like the way the author describes Flip’s journey to the tea shop, and I found myself as lost as the young man was, wondering where he would end up and if he would meet Mr. Chen on time. It’s not long before both Flip and the reader realize that all is not what it seems. Of course, Flip gets the job and while working for Mr. Chen he meets some interesting characters. These characters are not what the reader would expect and I found this a refreshing aspect to the story. One of these unusual characters is Balthazar Starblitz.

Balthazar is a werewolf under a curse. This isn’t your usual curse and when readers learn how he became cursed they will be surprised. There is an instant attraction between Balthazar and Flip, and I liked seeing them together but found the story revolves more around the new adventures Flip seems to be involved in, rather than the relationship between the men.

While there are many aspects of this story that I like, I will admit that I am not a hundred percent sure how I feel about the story. This is not a reflection on the author or his writing, but on the sub-genre. Balthazar Starblitz is my first Steampunk story and it is a sub-genre I think will take me a while to warm up to. This does not mean I would have any problems recommending the story, however, and feel those looking for something new should give Balthazar Starblitz a try. Recommended!

Reviewed By: Lydia

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Lock and Key by Sasha Devlin

Title: Lock and Key
Author: Sasha Devlin
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 97
Characters: Shane and Jake
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: Romance
Kisses : 4

Blurb:

Shane Willet has been crushing on his roommate Jake for as long as he can remember with no relief in sight. But as studious as Jake is explosive, Shane has given up hope of catching his friend’s eye. In an effort to get over him, Shane allows Jake to drag him to a Key Party–a sex party where men are thrown together by chance. Shane can only hope that hot sex with a virtual stranger will help him forget. Key Parties are nothing new to a player like Jake Ritter, but tonight he has his own agenda. It involves leaving all other men behind and finally getting Shane in bed. Unbeknownst to Shane, Jake’s rigged the party for them to end up together. Under the cover of darkness, he will indulge in every kinky act that he’s been imagining over the past few months in a bid to bind Shane to him with sex. Reality more than lives up to fantasy, and both men are left raw in the aftermath of their night of pleasure

Review:

Lock and Key is a light and easy read with a fun and unique story line. Shane’s character was so painfully shy that it just made you want to cuddle him. He is sweet, caring and most definitely submissive in and out of the bedroom. The only problem is that the only guy he wants is the one he will not let himself have.

Jake has been Shane’s roommate for a long time, and has had a crush on him for just about as long. But try as he might, he cannot seem to get Shane’s attention. Jake decides a “key” party is what it’s going to take and uses it under the guise of getting Shane “out there” and out of his shell. Jake says he is taking Shane to this key party to get laid, but what Shane doesn’t know is that Jake has rigged the party, the only man Shane will be sleeping with is Jake.

Will one night of wild crazy hair pulling sex be enough to get these two to admit they have feelings for each other? Or will it ruin their friendship? Want to know the answer?? Read the book! Recommended!

Reviewed By: Jerry

The Escort: In the Public Eye by Parker Linn

Title: The Escort: In the Public Eye
Author: Parker Linn
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 47
Characters: Ryan James and Brock Becker
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, Series
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

The opening book in a sizzling new series……As a professional escort, Ryan James’ job is to service his clients, be it simply to accompany them somewhere socially or to provide more, intimate services. But keeping things strictly business is not always easy. Ryan has feelings, too, and when he takes on aspiring politician, Brock Becker, as a client, the lines between business and personal soon become blurred……………

Review:

The Escort: In the Public Eye was a very fun and easy to read book with a great story line! Ryan is an ex-construction worker turned escort. He prides himself on doing a great job and retaining his clients. Enter, Brock, the soon-to-be career politician. Who, once they meet, falls immediately in-love or is it lust with Ryan? I think the result is a light hearted story with some fantastic love scenes. I do wish the book had been longer. Just when it started getting really good, it ended. Still, the heat between the men is great and I cannot wait until the next book in the series! Recommended!

Reviewed By: Jerry

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Admiring Jesse by Shawn Lane

Title: Admiring Jesse
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Quill Press, LLC
Characters: Jesse, Gilbert
Pages: 29
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: Gay, Contemporary
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Jesse is used to Valentine’s Day passing without finding his own sweetheart. But suddenly he starts receiving gifts from a secret admirer.

With encouragement from his too-sexy roommate, Gilbert, Jesse opens himself to the idea that someone is actually interested in him. Though he has doubts, Jesse can’t help but wonder if his admirer could finally be the man of his dreams.

Review:

Admiring Jesse is a sweet, charming and eye riveting short story. Absolutely sweet story with two roommates who have lived together but have not breeched of telling their own feelings in fear that one did not like the other. Through anonym’s gifts and cards from an admirer, Jesse thinks it’s a prank from someone that doesn’t like him. Gilbert who thinks otherwise makes Jesse believe that it’s not. This book was very good and I read it in one sitting. Shawn Lane has written another great book and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed By: Jen

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Three Little Words by Allison Cassatta

Title: Three Little Words
Author: Allison Cassatta
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 167
Characters: Matt Murphy, Luke Bishop
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Kisses: 5

Blurb:

After Matt’s “perfect” life comes crashing down around him and the man he plans to marry leaves him, he has it in his mind he’s going to make an escape, take an adventure up to New England and get away on the open seas with the big brother he needs to reconnect with after too many years apart. He plans to spend months away from home, clearing his mind and experiencing a different way of life, but undying feelings and a catastrophe with his lifelong best friend causes him to go running back home, only to be met with the ignorance and hatred of the people dearest to Luke.

Will an old love be the key to unlocking Matt’s heart and sending him on the right path, or do some secrets and feelings need to remain locked away for the comfort and security of everyone involved?

Review:

I’ve read several books written by Allison Cassatta and I’ve enjoyed them all. I really like her ability to write a character driven romance. She has just the right amount of angst and light moments in her stories that keep her story-lines a smooth and well-written read. The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so I won’t rehash a lot of it. Instead, I thought I’d write about why I loved this book and why I recommend it.

When Matt comes home from being away from home for three weeks, life as he knows it changes dramatically. Because he has to do a lot of traveling for his job, it has caused a strain in his long-time relationship with his live-in boyfriend. As soon as Matt enters their empty home and sees the ‘Dear John’ letter written for him, he immediately begins to fall apart. Desperately needing a change of scenery, Matt decides to travel across country and spend time with his brother and work with him on a fishing boat. Matt believes he’s got the perfect plan until he discusses his plan with his best friend, Luke.

Although Matt had been involved with his ex-boyfriend for a long time, he’s always secretly been in love with Luke, but because Luke is straight, he’s kept his feelings for him under wraps. But Luke throws him a curve ball and reveals his own attraction and feelings to Matt, complicating his plans to leave, as well as the way he’s always looked at their relationship in general.

Even though Luke has revealed his attraction toward Matt, Matt still instinctively knows he must still leave and work things out in his own mind. He wants Luke, but he also knows he must clear his head and heart if they are ever to have something special between them. So, with a heavy heart, Matt leaves and embarks on a life changing journey that he needs so he can live and love without any regrets.

I really loved this book! I enjoyed watching Matt’s character evolve and change from a confused, hurt and bitter man to a stronger, more self-assured person. Matt is definitely a humanly flawed character that is easy to identify with. When Matt is finally able to go back and face the reality of his life, he does it with a more open heart and mind. The author did a great job at having Matt really face his insecurities and fears head on, and I loved the man he became.

Luke is also a likeable man. He has secretly been in love with Matt for years and although it hurts him to see Matt go away, Luke’s selfless love and understanding allows Matt to leave and to grow as a person. I also enjoyed watching Luke face his own fears and be able to live the life he always wanted to have.

I loved the relationship that these two men formed together. The obvious friendship, respect and love they had between them really touched me as a reader. By the end of the novel I knew that these two men had really developed a strong bond between them, and together they will always be able to face anything life throws their way.

Beautifully written with characters that live and breathe off of the written page, Three Little Words is definitely a book not to be missed! I loved watching their relationship form into something very special, and rejoiced at the very happy and satisfying ending! Three Little Words has definitely earned a spot on my keeper shelf. Highly Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Gratefully His by Shawn Lane

Title: Gratefully His
Author: Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Allure
Characters: Sebastian Walton, Pablo Rivera
Pages: 62
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Gay, Interracial
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

When Sebastian Walton was sixteen, he got his first kiss from a guy, and that guy was his best friend’s older brother, Pablo Rivera. But after the scorching kiss in the Rivera’s swimming pool, Pablo acted like nothing happened between them.

Six years later, Sebastian is close to graduating from college and poised to achieve his dream of going to medical school. During a semester break, he visits his old neighborhood and the Riveras, where openly gay Pablo, now a police officer, is sexier than ever and determined to win Sebastian for good…

Review:

Gratefully His is an adorable, sexy, and mouthwatering story! This new book in the His Series has outdone itself. Sebastian who had one kiss with his best friend’s older brother Pablo at the age of sixteen never sees him again and years later while visiting his old neighborhood encounters him again. Two men have to face reality when they both discover they still have strong feelings for each other. Through several encounters Sebastian has to come to terms about his sexuality preferences but is afraid to do so which drives both mad. I highly recommend this book and also the His Series, they are awesome!

Reviewed By: Jen

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The Tinkered Pinkerton by Helen Louise Caroll

Title: Iron Eyes
Author: Helen Louise Caroll
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 36K
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Gay Steampunk
Kisses: 4


Blurb:

Pinkerton agent Brom Donker’s arm and legs were taken from him during the American Civil War. Now, ten years later, although he’s adjusted to the metal limbs that replaced his real ones, there are times when he still feels like less than a man. Especially when he’s near Simon Wain, his physician/mechanic.

Simon has cared about Brom for years. As his patient. Lately, though, he’s been seeing the handsome agent as more than that. But how can a lowly physician/mechanic fit in with a man from a powerful and influential family?

As Brom deals with missing gun shipments, rogue Sasquatches, and disaffected Southerners, he and Simon confront their feelings about themselves and for each other.

Review:

Brom is the forerunner of the Bionic Man. He has a mechanical arm and two mechanical legs that are maintained by Simon. His limbs weren’t lost in battle, however, but rather the Rebs used Yankie prisoners to experiment on, taking three of Brom’s healthy limbs.

It takes the men some time to realise they love each other. The revelation comes while Brom is investigating stolen arms and trying to prevent them getting into the hands of rogue Sasquatches.

I loved the premise of a post-Civil War steampunk era with automatons, clockwork horses, sasquatches as intelligent creatures, and the Pinkerton Detective Agency trying to track down the stolen guns.

Apart from the fact that this world doesn’t accept a same-sex relationship, Simon fears rejection because of their differences in class, and Brom because he’s no longer entirely a man.

If you’re looking for sweet, sexy and steampunk, this is for you.

Reviewed By:  Pammyla

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