Love Turns the Page by Etienne
15 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Dreamspinner, Etienne Tags: Dreamspinner Press, Etienne
Title: Love Turns the Page
Author: Etienne
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 350
Characters: Tom Foster and Noah Webster
POV: 3rd Person
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Contemporary
Kisses: 5
Blurb:
Tom Foster has his life planned out, and he’s systematically pursuing his goals. At twenty-two, he’s been organist and choirmaster at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd for three years, he’s working on his doctoral thesis, and he’s beginning a secondary career performing in concert. There is no room in his schedule for romance… until Noah Webster, a gorgeous green-eyed blond, walks into the church one evening to audition for the choir.
What starts as an arrangement of convenience—Tom’s usual page turner is unavailable, and Noah agrees to do the job—soon turns into a fast friendship. Then Noah, who is saddled with an obnoxious roommate, rents the spare bedroom in Tom’s house, and ultimately the two men become lovers and partners in life. But before they can ride off into the sunset together, they must face one major obstacle: Noah’s violent, homophobic Southern Baptist father.
Review:
Love Turns the Page is the latest addition to the Avondale series by author Etienne. The author’s ability to make the characters come alive is one of the things I enjoyed about this newest book. Tom and Noah are two young college students from different backgrounds, yet from the moment the meet there is a connection that neither wants to deny. Noah’s naivety comes through clearly and I loved that Tom acknowledges that innocence and gently introduces Noah to the physical side of a relationship. To keep the story interesting the author throws in some intense conflict with Noah’s family. This along with the men’s relationship is sure to keep your interest until the last page.
By now readers of this series are well acquainted with the author’s writing style. The smooth way former characters are re-introduced, and long periods of time covered make each book something to look forward to. I was a little concerned just how bogged down the author would get with the religious information that was in the story, but I should not have worried. The information does not feel the least bit forced and in fact I found it quit interesting. I can’t wait to see more of these two again and look forward to the next Avondale book
Reviewed By: Lydia
The Burdens of Truth by Etienne
26 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in authors, Dreamspinner, Etienne, publishers Tags: Dreamspinner Press, Etienne
Title: The Burdens of Truth
Author: Etienne
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 240
Characters: Ian Sanderson and Randy Richardson
POV: 1st Person
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Suspense, Series
Kisses: 4.5
Blurb:
Professor and secret government analyst Ian Sanderson’s bad day gets worse when he arrives home one miserable November evening to find an apparently incriminating photograph in a FedEx envelope in his doorway, followed by increasingly threatening photographs over the next two or three weeks. It isn’t just Ian being set up: his partner, Randy, a lieutenant colonel working on a top-secret Pentagon project, is also at risk. Someone obviously wants something, but what? And from whom?
Soon, a mysterious caller demands that Randy disclose information about the project he’s been working on. When he refuses, Ian’s and Randy’s sons, David and Paul, are kidnapped from an Amtrak passenger train. Resourceful and intelligent, the boys manage to escape—only to find themselves lost and alone in a remote wilderness. With time running out, can Ian and Randy track down their blackmailers? Or will the man known only as The Broker claim another set of victims?
Review:
The Burdens of Truth review was a difficult one for me to write. Should I just write about the things I liked, or should I also talk about the points that other readers may have issue with? If I just discussed the story and what I liked about it that would be simple. The characters were very entertaining, pulling me into their story from the beginning. The connection between the Ian and Randy is strong and I loved the flashbacks that allowed me to see how they came to be as a couple. The love they have for each other, as well as their sons, comes through clearly. The suspense that is woven through the story kept my attention and many times left me wondering about who the ‘bad guys’ could be. Although this is part of the Avondale series, the Florida locations almost became just another secondary character stopping by to make a quick appearance. For me this gave the series a breath of fresh air, keeping it from becoming predictable.
As for the points that readers may find issue with, one sticks out the most. Both Ian and Randy work for the government, at times in a secretive capacity, yet neither they nor their sons have a problem making that point known. As I found The Burdens of Truth to be a very entertaining story, this was something that I was able to overlook. At the same time, however, it was easy to see how this could become an issue for others.
The Burdens of Truth is an excellent addition to a very entertaining series and should not be missed. The characters and mystery surrounding them are sure to hold the readers attention. The author’s ability to keep this ongoing series appear fresh is sure to bring him new fans.
Reviewed By: Lydia
Magic Fingers by Etienne
03 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Dreamspinner, Etienne Tags: Dreamspinner Press, Etienne
Title: Magic Fingers
Author: Etienne
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 240
Characters: David Majors and Kevin Boxer
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: Contemporary
Kisses: 5
Blurb:
David Majors should be looking forward to a long and prosperous life: after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he’s attending college courtesy of Uncle Sam and riding the fast track to success. He’s tall, fit, and good-looking, so shouldn’t the world be his oyster? But underneath his clothes—and beneath the surface—David is a mess of scar tissue and insecurity.
Then he meets Kevin Boxer, another former Army Ranger. Their first night together, Kevin stares David’s scars in the face and doesn’t flinch, instead showering David with the passion and attention he craves but never imagined possible. Slowly but surely, Kevin helps David rebuild his confidence, and the two of them begin to build their life together. But their journey is far from over, and it turns out Kevin may need David to help him heal some scars of his own.
Review:
I read a lot of series with topics that cover a broad spectrum, however, I probably enjoy the Avondale series by Etienne the most. Each new story is different from the last, yet, each story is loosely tied together by the secondary characters, who have or will have stories of their own. In the newest release, Magic Fingers, the main characters, David and Kevin, really grabbed me. These two strong, proud, military men fought for their country even though they knew their personal preferences could see them dishonorably discharged. Coming from a strong military family I am proud of all our military, but even more so of those that decided to serve under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. While the author does not go into detail about the hardships the men faced during their service, he does let the readers know the risks they faced.
Discharged now, both men are determined to get their education and make a new life for themselves. Each man is lonely and when a night at the bar results in a permanent hook up they are surprised, but for different reasons. For David the surprise is that someone like Kevin is willing to stick with someone as injured as he is. The extent of David’s injuries will shock the reader and really brought to mind all the news stories regarding IED attacks. Kevin is just surprised that he wants a relationship with this man he has just meet and works hard to make sure they stay together. As Magic Fingers covers a long period of time, something the author does very well and the reader never feels as if the story is dragging, there are many hard, as well as, tender moments. For me one of the most intense scenes was as David and Kevin were returning home after seeing David’s mother in the hospital. The TSA agent made me want to smack him and I do not know if I would have had the same restraint those two men had were I to have been in their place.
I was not very happy when the series starting drifting away from George and Mike, but now I can’t wait for the new installments to show up. If we’re lucky the author has many more stories planned.
Reviewed By: Lydia
Sleuth LLC: Birds of a Feather by Etienne
10 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in authors, Dreamspinner, Etienne, publishers Tags: Dreamspinner Press, Etienne
Title: Sleuth LLC: Birds of a Feather
Author: Etienne
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 290
Characters: Quentin Quasar and Nate Braddock
POV: 1st POV
Setting: Contemporary
Sub-Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery
Cover Rating: 4.5
Kisses: 5
Blurb:
An Avondale Story
Quentin Quasar has found that being a telepath is a mixed bag: it’s great when he’s catching an unfaithful spouse or tracking down a thief, but it’s horrible when his bedmate is thinking unflattering thoughts during sex. It’s no wonder that instead of saying his prayers every night, Quentin sends tendrils of thought out into the world, looking for another telepath to ease the loneliness. Imagine his surprise when he finds one—and the young man needs help!
Nate Braddock was plenty panicked at being kidnapped by fanatics who planned to “beat the devil” out of him. With Quentin’s help, and then his partnership, Nate finds the courage to take a stand against his mother’s religious intolerance and together they’ll confront an uncomfortable truth: telepaths may not be devils, but not all of them are angels either. Quentin and Nate will need their combined gifts to tell the difference.
Review:
Although Sleuth LLC: Birds of a Feather is part of Etienne’s on going Avondale series, it is in some ways a bird of another color. No pun intended. This story has many of the same earmarks of the previous stories yet, it is like a whole new series. Readers will run into many old friends who not only help the main characters, Quentin and Nate, with their case, but also help give this story its connection with the previous ones.
Quentin is a private investigator who has an added edge by being telepathic. While Quentin uses his talent to help his cases along, it is something he has always kept to himself. However, the investigator can’t help but send out ‘feelers’ when ever he finds himself in a small town with hopes of finding another like him. To say he is surprised when he picks up on Nate is an understatement, especially given the trouble Nate is facing at the time. Nate is a college student who finds himself kidnapped by some of this mother’s crazy religious friends. When he picks up on Quentin’s search Nate calls out for help, knowing this may be his only chance at survivial.
As with George and Mike’s story, the author takes his time bringing Quentin and Nate together. While I understand this is most likely done to give the reader a chance to get to know Quentin, who is telling the story, I must admit I was anxious for him to meet up with Nate. When these two get together it is as if they have always been a couple. The chemistry between them is strong but does not detract from the rest of the story.
One of the things I enjoy about this author is his ability to draw you into his stories. I find that the combination of romance and mystery is evenly balanced and I loved how the two men worked so well together as they solved the various cases that the men found themselves with. While there are other stories slated for the Avondale series I hope the author plans on coming back to these two men soon.
Reviewer: Lydia
Break and Enter by Etienne
05 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in authors, Dreamspinner, Etienne, publishers Tags: Dreamspinner Press, Etienne
Title: Break and Enter
Author: Etienne
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 230
Characters: George Martin and Mike Foster
POV: 1st POV
Setting: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Cover Rating: 4
Kisses: 4.5
Blurb:
George Martin and his partner Mike live a comfortable life in Jacksonville with their Irish Setter, but something’s missing. Maybe George, a captain in the sheriff’s office, has just been working too hard again. There’s been a rash of break-ins in the area, and the homes targeted all seem to belong to older gay men. Then when the time finally comes for George and Mike to take their vacation, they pack up and head to their mountain cabin for two weeks—only to find a small boy living in their generator shed.
Robbie, who bonds with George right away, had witnessed an unspeakable tragedy, but that is just the beginning of the trouble. Alone in the world apart from a very ill maternal grandmother, Robbie stands the very real risk of becoming a ward of the state if George and Mike can’t convince a bigoted judge to change his mind. Meanwhile, George still has a job to do: solve the mystery of the break-ins—and a murder—and track down who’s responsible.
Review:
Break and Enter is the third story in Etienne’s Avondale series. Once again we return to Jacksonville to visit George and Mike. The story picks up not to long after the end of the second book and George’s team is finally able to put their last big case to bed. The men, in need of some down time head back to their cabin where, instead of the R & R they were hoping for, they stumble upon a little five year old boy.
While the first story revolved around George’s case, and book two was a combination of the men’s lives and another of George’s cases, book three is all about the men. As with the previous stories the men’s sexual relationship is alluded to and not the main focus of their relationship. Although it looks like another big case may be on the horizon George knows it is time to return to their home away from home. When the men find Robbie and see that he is in need of looking after, they have no problems stepping up to the plate. I loved the addition of Robbie into the men’s family, however, I believe some readers may find the speed in which the men were able to adopt the young boy, and the ease in which Robbie adjusts to the drastic changes in his life, a little unrealistic.
While Break and Enter primarily centers around the men and their new son as they adjust to being a family, the author does throw in some challenges for George’s team when a big wig’s brother-in-law is murdered during a home robbery. The dead man’s sister is a bit of a b***h and I liked the way in which George, and the Sheriff were able to handle of woman. That everyone was able to ignore her behavior was shocking as I know there would have been no way I could have done the same.
That being said, this series had made me a fan of the author and while more books, with other lead characters, are planned for the Avondale series, I can’t wait till George and Mike once again take over.
Reviewed By: Lydia
Drag and Drop by Etienne
06 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in authors, Etienne Tags: Etienne
Title: Drag and Drop
Author: Etienne
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 280
Characters: George Martin and Mike Foster
POV: 1st POV
Setting: Florida and Virginia
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Cover Rating: 4
Kisses: 5
Blurb:
After surviving the threat of a murderer and finding love with each other, George Martin and Mike Foster, best friends since childhood, are settling into a happy life. George’s new promotion to the youngest captain in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office keeps him busy, and his current case is no exception.
The body of a fifty-year-old drag queen is found in the locked dressing room of a bar. As George delves into the subsequent murder investigation, he uncovers a dangerous trail of murdered drag queens and young gay men that intersects with another case involving porn films, torture, and worse. He struggles to make sense of the murders, but it’s Mike who asks the question that leads to a break in the case.
Review:
George’s career with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is going stronger than ever. His actions bring him to the attention of his superiors, resulting in a promotion that makes him the youngest captain ever in the department. Through it all his partner and best friend, Mike, is there to lend his support.
Drag and Drop is the second story in Etienne’s Avondale series. From the start the author pulls you right back into the men’s world. The connection between George and Mike is just as strong, if not stronger, than before. Even without any overly sexual scenes the author is able to clearly show the passion that exists between these two men. Their romance is wonderfully mixed with the mystery that makes up George’s current case.
Once again George finds himself investigating a serial killer. This time the case evolves into something much more and will take the reader on a wild ride as it goes places George isn’t expecting. Some of the areas this case touches on, however, may be uncomfortable for some readers. The secondary characters that helped make up the first story are back again to lend the men a hand, and a few new characters are added to keep the story feeling fresh.
Drag and Drop is a very entertaining story that will keep the reader turning the page till the very end.
Reviewed By: Lydia
