Summary:
A Snow Globe Christmas #4
Despite growing up in a family of villains, I’d rather curl up and read than commit crimes. When I get coerced by my brother into helping him rob a bank, I run into August, my childhood crush—also known as Chrono, the city’s greatest superhero. He’s sexy, sweet, and suddenly he’s asking me to Thanksgiving with his parents. It’s probably because he doesn’t realize that I’m Leviathan, a villain with the power of telekinesis. And I can’t tell him because he’d never forgive me and would stop doing things like cooking for me—wait, maybe that would be a good thing, since he’s a terrible cook. It doesn’t help that my parents think they’re the ultimate villains and won’t stop getting in my way, although they can’t even steal toilet paper without getting caught.
But when real supervillains (not the wannabe kind that I grew up with) start targeting August, I might be forced to show everyone who I truly am: a slightly warped and snarky man who’d really rather read a book than save anything… besides August. I’ll tear this world apart just to get another glimpse of him in those glasses and spandex suit. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe, even though it means exposing my true identity. Luckily, August still cares about me, proving that even a villain and a hero can fall in love. Hopefully, we’ll be able to save the world in time for Christmas.
This ridiculous and snarky holiday novel is 92,000 words and contains a villain turned unlikely hero (even if he’s a manager's worst nightmare), a superhero with a fondness for suckers who absolutely does NOT use his powers to cheat on board games, a hairless cat with an unfortunate name, bumbling family members that try to be evil but are mostly just embarrassing, a snow globe with mysterious powers, betrayal, true love, a risqué Santa suit, and the saltiest chicken ever.
Although this book is part of A Snow Globe Christmas series, it is a complete standalone, and it isn’t a requirement that you read the previous books to follow along. We wish everyone a happy holiday season.
I'll admit that with everything going on in 2020 that I forgot it had only been about 10 months since I read this delightful gem. Now I didn't forget just how delightfully genius and fun A Villain for Christmas was just that it had been only 10 months since reading it.
Having re-read my original review, I don't think I can add much more without giving anything away because even though this was from last year's Christmas releases I have a feeling there is still plenty that have yet to experience it's greatness. There still isn't enough superhero stories in the LGBT genres for my liking so I know this won't be the last re-read/listen I enjoy of this Alice Winters gem.
I'll just add that this is the first audiobook with Michael Lesley as narrator for me, personally new-to-me narrators can be almost as "scary" as new-to-me authors. I needn't have worried because he does a wonderful job bringing this holiday fantasy to life, making Landon and August even more real than the author's words already did. I could almost feel the jarring sensation in my arm when I wanted to smack a couple of characters with a frying pan, that's how into the story the author and narrator make the reader/listener, which is a mark of true talent.
Original Review January 2020:
There is just not enough superhero/supervillain(or in the case of Landon's family not-so-super-supervillians) stories in the LGBT genres. A Villain for Christmas was the first book of 2020 for me and what a way to kick off the year!
This is another one of those stories that I'm not going to say too much about because you really do need to experience Landon and August's journey to fully appreciate the magnificence that is Alice Walker's storytelling. There is so much goodness in this story and the genuine-ness of the characters, whether they fall on the good or bad side of the scale, is what makes them stand out. You'll have moments of shaking your head and saying "WTF is wrong with that person?" and you'll have equal moments of "OMG how can one person be so understanding?" It's these emotions that make this story so hard to put down.
This is only the second Alice Winters book I've read and it definitely cemented my desire to read more of her backlist this year. She has a way with what I like to call "snark and cuddle" that make her characters not only fun(even if you want to shake them or smack them upside the head with a kitchen appliance) but that much more real, which isn't easy to do in the fantasy world of superheros and villains. Being a holiday setting only makes the magic of the story that much sweeter. Definitely a win win for both my holiday and superhero shelf.
RATING:
This is another one of those stories that I'm not going to say too much about because you really do need to experience Landon and August's journey to fully appreciate the magnificence that is Alice Walker's storytelling. There is so much goodness in this story and the genuine-ness of the characters, whether they fall on the good or bad side of the scale, is what makes them stand out. You'll have moments of shaking your head and saying "WTF is wrong with that person?" and you'll have equal moments of "OMG how can one person be so understanding?" It's these emotions that make this story so hard to put down.
This is only the second Alice Winters book I've read and it definitely cemented my desire to read more of her backlist this year. She has a way with what I like to call "snark and cuddle" that make her characters not only fun(even if you want to shake them or smack them upside the head with a kitchen appliance) but that much more real, which isn't easy to do in the fantasy world of superheros and villains. Being a holiday setting only makes the magic of the story that much sweeter. Definitely a win win for both my holiday and superhero shelf.
RATING:
Summary:
Copper Creek Shifters #1
It’s time to put away silly ideas about whether or not you should be an Alpha and accept that it was never up to you in the first place. You can’t protect what’s yours unless you claim it and take your rightful place.
Chase Coleman is content with the life he’s made for himself as Sheriff of a sleepy little West Texas town. He might have walked away from his role as the Alpha apparent of his home pride but he didn’t regret making the choice to live as an out gay man.
Paxton Summers could see that Chase was the Alpha of the town’s shifters whether he wanted to accept the title or not. Once he realizes that he and the sexy sheriff are fated mates, it becomes his mission to make Chase see he never had to choose between his destiny and being true to himself—because Copper Creek was exactly where he was meant to be.
Chase just needs to see that he hadn’t left his future behind at all, instead all along he’d been Chasing Fate.
Summary:
City Dragons #1
Jon Erskine had made a good life for himself as one of the top Forensic Accounts and Systems Analysts in the country. He doesn't mind working with paranormal clients - after all, he's a shifter himself. However, he could do without all the slurs and derogatory comments. Not all shifters are wolves, bears and other predators. Still, his expertise and reputation is solid and Jon is more than capable of holding his own. That is until Dirk Hollingsworth runs from his office.
Dirk is running out of time. He has to find out who's been stealing from his company before his father turns up for his wedding in three weeks' time. Acting on the recommendation of a friend, Dirk turns to Jon, or at least thinks about it. That is, until he catches the man's scent in the doorway of his office and does a runner. Not the proudest moment for one of the proudest of all shifters, but Dirk has a responsibility to his clan and catching the tantalizing scent of a dog isn't going to change anything. Or so he thinks.
Family betrayals, a strong-willed dragon spirit; all things collide as Jon and Dirk struggle to find common ground. Calling off the wedding is easy; staying alive might be that much harder. M/M, graphic content. Suitable ages 18+.
Summary:
Hounds of the Hunt #1
Long nights hunting supernatural beings means little time for love in Adze's life. He and his pack mates are what protects Melbourne, and Australia, from the things that go bump in the night—very real spirits and demons who prey on humans.
Every day Archie's life is consumed by work as he desperately tries to pay back his student debt and a loan a boyfriend took out in his name. Tired and alone, he dreams of a future with someone to love and hold him through the night.
One fateful encounter with a nephilim gone bad changes both their worlds forever. Now Adze just has to convince his heart mate he didn't actually kidnap him.
Please note: Archie's Accidental Kidnapping has undergone extensive edits and rewrites since Toni is gearing up to continue the series. In addition, the series has been renamed so as not to confuse it with another.
The plot has changed, the world is different, 41,000 words were added, BUT the one thing that hasn't changed is Archie and Adze.
Sumamry:
Beyond the Realm: Remember #2
“There’s no time. Remember Willowhope Manor.”
All Chance wants is a change of pace and a little excitement, so opening a B&B in a town surrounded by ghost stories sounds like the perfect solution.
Throw in Jett, the super-sexy handyman, who is as willing to work him over as he is to help return the manor to its former glory, and Chance knows he made the right decision.
On the surface, the renovation is moving along perfectly. Then Chance asks questions that were better left buried, and the manor is quickly overrun with restless spirits.
Will Chance have to sacrifice his dreams, tuck tail, and run, or will Jett stand by his side to face-off with the ghosts of Willowhope Manor?
Willowhope Manor is the second book in the multi-author series, Beyond the Realm: Remember. Each book is set in its own world and can be read as a standalone novel. Join eight authors on eight very different, romantic, and magical stories as each one writes their own take on the same concept.
Click to Check Out Previous
Random Paranormal Tales of 2020
A Villain for Christmas by Alice Winters
“Landon, I want you to help me rob a bank.”
I try to ignore my brother, since I clearly didn’t hear him right.
“Won’t you do me a favor?” he asks after letting himself into my house without bothering to knock. Not that knocking would have done him any good since I wasn’t planning on letting him into my house at all anyway.
“No,” I say without bothering to look up from the book I’m reading.
“Just hear me out!” he exclaims.
I lower the book and look up at my older brother Brandon. Thankfully, I don’t take much after him. Not that he’s ugly or anything like that, he’s not, but just because he’s an idiot. And the one thing I don’t want to be is an idiot. “What, Brandon?”
“I want you to help me rob a bank.”
“No! You asked me last week, and I already told you I have better things to do. Like…” I look around as I try to think of something. It’s hard when my life consists of trying to avoid my family and reading every book I can get my hands on. Oh, and did I mention avoiding my family? Honestly, that’s a full-time career when they all have powers that allow them to better annoy the shit out of me. “Work.”
“Mom told me you got fired,” Brandon says as he sits down on the couch next to me.
“I got fired because Mom came in and told the boss that she needed me. When he said I was working and couldn’t just leave, she told him he looks like an overripe nut sac.”
Brandon starts laughing. “That’s so cool.”
“I hate all of you,” I decide as I lift my book back up.
“About the bank. Come on, you borrowed money from me last week.”
I stare at my brother in disbelief. “Five dollars. You honestly think the equivalent of you lending me five dollars is me helping you rob a bank? I’m not going to help you rob a bank again!”
“Landon, I want you to help me rob a bank.”
I try to ignore my brother, since I clearly didn’t hear him right.
“Won’t you do me a favor?” he asks after letting himself into my house without bothering to knock. Not that knocking would have done him any good since I wasn’t planning on letting him into my house at all anyway.
“No,” I say without bothering to look up from the book I’m reading.
“Just hear me out!” he exclaims.
I lower the book and look up at my older brother Brandon. Thankfully, I don’t take much after him. Not that he’s ugly or anything like that, he’s not, but just because he’s an idiot. And the one thing I don’t want to be is an idiot. “What, Brandon?”
“I want you to help me rob a bank.”
“No! You asked me last week, and I already told you I have better things to do. Like…” I look around as I try to think of something. It’s hard when my life consists of trying to avoid my family and reading every book I can get my hands on. Oh, and did I mention avoiding my family? Honestly, that’s a full-time career when they all have powers that allow them to better annoy the shit out of me. “Work.”
“Mom told me you got fired,” Brandon says as he sits down on the couch next to me.
“I got fired because Mom came in and told the boss that she needed me. When he said I was working and couldn’t just leave, she told him he looks like an overripe nut sac.”
Brandon starts laughing. “That’s so cool.”
“I hate all of you,” I decide as I lift my book back up.
“About the bank. Come on, you borrowed money from me last week.”
I stare at my brother in disbelief. “Five dollars. You honestly think the equivalent of you lending me five dollars is me helping you rob a bank? I’m not going to help you rob a bank again!”
Dragon's Heat by Lisa Oliver
Dirk Hollingsworth glared across the room at the pretty receptionist. Wolf shifter, if he wasn’t mistaken, and he was always right. Not that his glaring did any good. She was busily typing on her keyboard apparently uncaring he’d been waiting for ten minutes. Ten minutes! Didn’t she realize his time was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars a day?
“I thought you promised to leave your temper at home,” Bryce, his personal assistant murmured. “This guy is the best in his field and I called in a lot of favors simply to get this appointment.”
“I don’t deserve to be kept waiting. Doesn’t this guy know how much of an honor it is I am even in this cruddy office?” Okay, so he was being unfair about the decor. The office was decorated in understated chic designed to put clients at ease rather than overwhelming them with ostentatiousness. He’d been offered a variety of refreshments clearly designed to cater to any manner of paranormal. He wouldn’t have refused if he’d known he was going to be kept waiting.
A discreet bell sounded and the perky receptionist stood. “Come on through, gentlemen. Mr. Erskine will see you now.” She headed down a long corridor barely wide enough to hold three people walking together. It was clear she took on a protective role – ensuring her boss wasn’t bothered with unwelcome intruders. Dirk privately admitted she was doing a good job. No amount of bluster and throwing his weight around got him in that office any faster.
A strange heat climbed up his spine as he got closer to the dark wood doors at the end of the hallway. He sniffed. Essie’s scent was strongest, probably because she walked up and down the hallway ten times a day. But there was another scent, not as strong but a million times more alluring, until Dirk realized what it was. Dog? Male dog. Hell no!
“I just remembered I have another meeting,” Dirk stammered as his dragon fought to get free. He’d be squashed if he attempted a shift here. Shoving his files in Bryce’s direction. “You take care of this. I’ll meet you back at the hotel.”
“Dirk?” But Dirk was heading in the other direction. Essie had opened her boss’s door and Dirk got a quick glimpse of a strong man with the most appealing face he’d ever seen. Praying he’d caught his spirit in time, he sprinted down the hallway like a frightened rabbit.
********
His legs falling open, Dirk closed his eyes and sunk into the heady feeling of being pleasured. The pressure on his length was perfectly firm; the way Jon nibbled and licked under his crown made his knees tremble. In that moment, Dirk would have given away the greatest treasure in his hoard provided Jon didn’t stop. But Jon wasn’t sucking for treasure. A foreign finger brushed over an area Dirk had only given cursory notice to before and as he tensed at the different sensation, Jon renewed his sucking efforts.
I have to see. Opening his eyes, Dirk grabbed a pillow, stuffing it under his head. Jon kneeled between his legs, a golden tanned beauty, with his hair flopping over his face as he bobbed up and down on Dirk’s dick. As Dirk watched, entranced, Jon’s eyes flicked up and he winked, his lips stretched wide and covered in spit. There is no way I’m giving this up, Dirk thought as he felt his ass being breached.
I want this, I want this. The steady mental chant kept Dirk grounded as he rocked between the finger and Jon’s sinful mouth. When one digit became two, Dirk fisted the covers with one hand and brushed his hand over Jon’s head with the other. Jon moaned his encouragement which sent tingles through Dirk’s hardened length. Oh, yeah, do that again. Jon’s hair was still slightly damp but silky soft as Dirk threaded it through his fingers.
His balls tight and heavy, Dirk could feel his orgasm build. He braced himself, his feet flat on the mattress, his thighs trembling with effort as his body readied himself for what would be a massive cock explosion. The fingers carefully opening his hole were no longer an issue as they weren’t there, but then suddenly the delicious pressure on his cock stopped too.
“Hey!” Dirk glared at his unrepentant lover who was quickly coating his own cock with lube.
“I want you to come on my cock.” Jon knelt up and Dirk realized what he meant.
“Now?” His voice did not squeak…much.
The pressure from Jon’s hips forced his legs wider as Jon loomed over him. Dirk couldn’t see what was going on between his legs but he soon felt it. “Breathe out. Push out,” Jon ordered softly, his voice holding a husky edge. “Breathe out,” he said again as Dirk felt pressure on his anal muscles.
Oh My Fucking God. How do men do this? Every instinct in Dirk’s human body screamed at him to push Jon away. His cock lay limp on his groin as the pressure on his ass increased. Dirk heard harsh panting and looked up at Jon’s serene face. That’s me panting? Fuck. I can’t do this.
“Watch me. Look at me, and for goodness’ sake, breathe.”
I am breathing. I’m fucking hyperventilating, but Dirk did as Jon asked. Staring into Jon’s brilliant blue eyes, he saw pride, peace, and a wave of happiness that seemed to fill the room. Suddenly his anxiety eased. Jon wasn’t pushing him. He must have the patience of a saint, but as Dirk’s muscles adjusted to the invasion of his most private part, that peace settled into his soul. This is right. This is what I needed and even as that thought ran through his brain, Dirk’s body accepted the inevitable and Jon slid home.
Archie's Accidental Kidnapping by Toni Griffin
Chapter One
The streets of Melbourne were quiet, but Adze knew it wouldn't stay that way for long. The sun would peek over the horizon shortly. Then they'd be out of time and have to call it a night yet again without capturing their quarry.
Pyro stalked through the shadows next to him, both of them in their hound forms, larger than any natural dogs and as black as night. The others were all coming in from a different direction, hoping they were finally going to be able to take down the nephilim who'd been lighting the city up for the last week. The little fucker had so far managed to evade them at every turn.
Adze was getting pretty pissed with the situation, as were the others if their constant bitching was anything to go by.
The breeze blew warm air through his fur, bringing with it the slight scorched scent he'd come to recognize as a nephilim gone bad.
Adze stopped dead in his tracks, Pyro stilled instantly beside him.
Do you smell that? Adze asked. One thing Adze was most grateful for, and what had saved them more times than he cared to count, was their ability to communicate with each other in shifted form. This meant they were in constant contact, and if one of them spotted any kind of trouble, they could let the group know about it. It also helped them be long gone by the time authorities arrived on the scene.
Sure do! Pyro confirmed.
You find her? Cacus asked.
We think so. We're on Franklin Street heading to the Queen Victoria Markets. Meet us there. Adze communicated with his team.
On it. They all said, Adze and Pyro picked up their pace.
Adze really wanted to get this job finished. They had been hunting for four nights straight since the call had come in about their supernatural arsonist. His team was tired, hell, he was tired, but the biggest issue was they needed to stop the nephilim before it did any more damage. Luckily no one had died, yet. There were currently four humans in the hospital though, and two of them were in intensive care.
Adze and Pyro moved stealthily through the now-empty car park out the front of the markets. Thankfully it was Monday morning, which meant the markets were closed. That might give them the little bit of extra time they needed.
Otherwise, stallholders could be expected to start showing up shortly as the fresh produce section opened at six a.m.
They rounded the permanent structure, into the open area where all the stallholders set up. The burning acrid scent grew stronger with every step they took.
Everyone be on the lookout. I think we've finally found our girl!
His team relayed their acknowledgment. A feeling of satisfaction rolled through Adze, they had been together for so long now that Adze trusted them implicitly. They all knew what they had to do.
Where are you guys at? He asked, wanting to gauge their distance.
Coming down Victoria Street now, just passing Elizabeth, Cacus responded for him and Daevas.
We're just coming up to Peel and Victoria Street intersection. Should be with you in a matter of minutes, Oriax replied for him and Nicor.
Great, get here as quickly as you can. We've got a nephilim to hunt, Adze said as he scented the air once more, slightly changing the direction he and Pyro were heading in.
Alice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
Jacki James has been saying she was going to write a book since she was sixteen and wrote fanfiction (before fanfiction had a name) about her favorite Rockstar. She is a believer in love of all kinds but MM romance is her favorite by far. She has a romantic heart and a dirty mind and likes to write stories that let both shine.
Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook, or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
Toni Griffin lives in Darwin, the smallest of Australia's capital cities. Born and raised in the state she's a Territorian through and through. Growing up Toni hated english with a passion (as her editors can probably attest to) and found her strength lies with numbers.
Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She's a single mother of one and works full time. When she's not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.
Feel free to drop her a line at info@tonigriffin.net anytime.
Sammi Cee was raised in a family of readers. Summer vacations consisted of a good book while sitting lakeside from as far back as she could remember. After growing up and having her own children, her appreciation of how the written word could transport you on an adventure, bring you to tears, or give you hope, took on a whole new meaning.
These days Sammi is watching her children develop into fine young ladies while doing the things she enjoys most: drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and writing her own stories.
Alice Winters
EMAIL: alicewintersauthor@gmail.com
Michael Lesley(Narrator)
Jacki James
EMAIL: jackijames@jackijames.com
Lisa Oliver
EMAIL: yoursintuitively@gmail.com
Toni Griffin
EMAIL: info@tonigriffin.net
Sammi Cee
Chasing Fate by Jacki James
Dragon's Heat by Lisa Oliver
Archie's Accidental Kidnapping by Toni Griffin
