Unearthing Cole
Summary:
Cole Alston swore he’d never return to his childhood home in rural North Carolina, but when his mother dies, he inherits her hoarded property. He hopes to sell everything and use the money to start over in Canada, far away from his abusive ex-boyfriend. It’s a daunting task, and Cole has no idea where to start. Luckily for him, the local antique store owner, Jeremy Collins, volunteers his services in sorting the hoard. Their professional relationship soon evolves into a personal one, but Cole must overcome his past and his anxiety before he can accept a new man in his life or the possibility of a happy future.
Review:
Loved how well written the characters were and even though it's set in a relative short span of time, Cole learns so much about himself as well as his deceased parents and those around him.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Courtland Chronicles Series by Cat Grant
By Chance (#1)
Summary:
A life of wealth and privilege doesn’t equal happiness—just ask Eric Courtland. Growing up with a cold, unfeeling father and unstable mother has taught him exactly what he doesn’t want out of life or love. The troubled young man prefers a solitary life and is content to keep it that way until a campus emergency saddles him with an unwanted roommate.
Popular, wholesome, straight Nick Thompson is far more temptation than Eric’s prepared for, but Nick’s warm, easygoing manner gradually cracks through Eric’s prickly protective shell.
After Eric suffers a traumatic attack, their friendship gives way to an intense passion. Eric’s no stranger to casual sex, but what he feels for Nick is something deeper, and more fragile.
Independent Eric doesn't know the first thing about being in a relationship, much less with a lover who can't even admit he's gay. But conservative Nick can't seem to find his way out of his own personal closet.
Rock, meet hard place.
Review:
Following Eric and Nick navigate their relationship from strangers to lovers is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I found myself rooting for them both as individuals and as a couple and yet there was this nagging feeling that maybe it's just not meant to be.
Rating: 5 Stars
Strictly Business (#2)
Summary:
Eric Courtland is hungry for revenge—at any cost—against the cold, unfeeling father who never loved him, and who drove his mother to an early grave. Tossed headfirst into the shark-tank world of big business, Eric soon learns it’s eat or be eaten, and has no choice but to throw in his lot with ruthless titan of industry Branford Crane.
Still reeling from his mother’s death—and the guilt of not being able to save her—Eric plunges into a dark spiral of self-destruction, rejecting his longtime partner Nick’s love and support in favor of the harsh tutelage Bran offers him, in and out of the bedroom.
But one night, when Bran finally pushes Eric beyond any reasonable limit, Eric realizes how far he’s fallen—and how desperately he needs Nick to help pull him back from the edge.
Review:
Once again we find Eric and Nick in a heartbreaking scenario but will they be able to come back from Eric's plunge into a much darker world? You just want to shake Eric to make him see what's really in front of him, both the good and the bad. An excellent follow-up to By Chance.
Rating: 4 Stars
Complications (#3)
Summary:
Eric Courtland dreams of a powerful career in politics, but when he begins taking his lover, Nick Thompson, for granted, Nick decides that he's had enough of life in the background. Devastated and alone, Eric throws himself into the distractions of liquor—and his college friend, Ally Taylor.
What starts as a passionate rebound affair sparks something deeper in each of them, and as Eric finds healing in Ally's arms, he makes an unexpected proposal: he will offer his wealth and connections to forward her career; all Ally has to do is agree to marry him. But is a promise of fidelity and an intense physical connection enough make a marriage?
Soon, Ally finds herself falling in love with her new husband, but their lives are thrown into chaos with Nick's untimely re-appearance. Secrets, lies, and betrayal threaten to undermine the growing bond between the newlyweds, and Eric is forced to make a painful decision between the man he’s loved for over a decade, and the new wife he can’t bear to hurt.
Review:
Once again, Eric's ambition seems to be getting in the way of his and Nick's love. Will the proposal he makes with an old college friend give him what he wants or will Nick's re-entry into his life shake things up once again? A very intriguing entry in the series of Eric and Nick's relationship.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Arrangement (#4)
Summary:
Most people are lucky to find one love—Eric Courtland found two. He's spent the last decade in and out of a tempestuous relationship with his lover, Nick. But all that is nearly over when his new bride, Allison, discovers that his vows of fidelity came with an exception. Suddenly, Eric is at risk of destroying all he cares about, from his burgeoning political career, to the two loves of his life.
Terrified of losing everything, Eric proposes an unconventional solution: a non-traditional arrangement that neither Allison or Nick can refuse. And despite the betrayal and jealousy that plague the birth of their new relationship, the three begin to discover new ways of achieving harmony and balance—and an intimacy beyond anything they expected.
Even as their secret relationship grows, however, blackmailing political rivals and the pressures of life in the public eye create stresses that threaten to tear the three apart. In the end, Eric must decide what he's willing to sacrifice: the political ambitions he's nurtured all his life, or building a new dream with the only two people he's ever loved.
Review:
Eric finally has to make a decision between his ambitions and his love life. Once again you just want to shake him to make him see what is in front of him. Politics or love--which will he choose and will his choice bring him happiness? You'll have to read to find out.
Rating: 5 Stars
Triad (#5)
Summary:
Eric Courtland has spent the last decade tucked away in a Tuscan villa with his wife, Allison—and their partner and lover, Nick Thompson. Worlds away from the bigotry and hatred they faced in the States, the triad has built an unconventional relationship that is unassailable. Or so they think.
After years of disappointment, Allison is finally pregnant. But the happy news is soon blunted by a family crisis that brings them—reluctantly—back to the country they've foresworn and the emotional riptides that bide there.
Assailed from every direction, the three face blackmail and a potential corporate takeover, but it's the devastating revelations from both Eric's and Nick's pasts that leave them shaken to the core. The three must stand together and face the maelstrom, or risk losing everything they've worked so hard to build—including the unique love that binds them.
Review:
This was a fitting end to the series although I wish it wasn't over. I love these characters, whether you love them or hate them, and you do both at times, they're well written and they really grab a hold of your heart.
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Summary:
A life of wealth and privilege doesn’t equal happiness—just ask Eric Courtland. Growing up with a cold, unfeeling father and unstable mother has taught him exactly what he doesn’t want out of life or love. The troubled young man prefers a solitary life and is content to keep it that way until a campus emergency saddles him with an unwanted roommate.
Popular, wholesome, straight Nick Thompson is far more temptation than Eric’s prepared for, but Nick’s warm, easygoing manner gradually cracks through Eric’s prickly protective shell.
After Eric suffers a traumatic attack, their friendship gives way to an intense passion. Eric’s no stranger to casual sex, but what he feels for Nick is something deeper, and more fragile.
Independent Eric doesn't know the first thing about being in a relationship, much less with a lover who can't even admit he's gay. But conservative Nick can't seem to find his way out of his own personal closet.
Rock, meet hard place.
Review:
Following Eric and Nick navigate their relationship from strangers to lovers is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I found myself rooting for them both as individuals and as a couple and yet there was this nagging feeling that maybe it's just not meant to be.
Rating: 5 Stars
Strictly Business (#2)
Summary:
Eric Courtland is hungry for revenge—at any cost—against the cold, unfeeling father who never loved him, and who drove his mother to an early grave. Tossed headfirst into the shark-tank world of big business, Eric soon learns it’s eat or be eaten, and has no choice but to throw in his lot with ruthless titan of industry Branford Crane.
Still reeling from his mother’s death—and the guilt of not being able to save her—Eric plunges into a dark spiral of self-destruction, rejecting his longtime partner Nick’s love and support in favor of the harsh tutelage Bran offers him, in and out of the bedroom.
But one night, when Bran finally pushes Eric beyond any reasonable limit, Eric realizes how far he’s fallen—and how desperately he needs Nick to help pull him back from the edge.
Review:
Once again we find Eric and Nick in a heartbreaking scenario but will they be able to come back from Eric's plunge into a much darker world? You just want to shake Eric to make him see what's really in front of him, both the good and the bad. An excellent follow-up to By Chance.
Rating: 4 Stars
Complications (#3)
Summary:
Eric Courtland dreams of a powerful career in politics, but when he begins taking his lover, Nick Thompson, for granted, Nick decides that he's had enough of life in the background. Devastated and alone, Eric throws himself into the distractions of liquor—and his college friend, Ally Taylor.
What starts as a passionate rebound affair sparks something deeper in each of them, and as Eric finds healing in Ally's arms, he makes an unexpected proposal: he will offer his wealth and connections to forward her career; all Ally has to do is agree to marry him. But is a promise of fidelity and an intense physical connection enough make a marriage?
Soon, Ally finds herself falling in love with her new husband, but their lives are thrown into chaos with Nick's untimely re-appearance. Secrets, lies, and betrayal threaten to undermine the growing bond between the newlyweds, and Eric is forced to make a painful decision between the man he’s loved for over a decade, and the new wife he can’t bear to hurt.
Review:
Once again, Eric's ambition seems to be getting in the way of his and Nick's love. Will the proposal he makes with an old college friend give him what he wants or will Nick's re-entry into his life shake things up once again? A very intriguing entry in the series of Eric and Nick's relationship.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Arrangement (#4)
Summary:
Most people are lucky to find one love—Eric Courtland found two. He's spent the last decade in and out of a tempestuous relationship with his lover, Nick. But all that is nearly over when his new bride, Allison, discovers that his vows of fidelity came with an exception. Suddenly, Eric is at risk of destroying all he cares about, from his burgeoning political career, to the two loves of his life.
Terrified of losing everything, Eric proposes an unconventional solution: a non-traditional arrangement that neither Allison or Nick can refuse. And despite the betrayal and jealousy that plague the birth of their new relationship, the three begin to discover new ways of achieving harmony and balance—and an intimacy beyond anything they expected.
Even as their secret relationship grows, however, blackmailing political rivals and the pressures of life in the public eye create stresses that threaten to tear the three apart. In the end, Eric must decide what he's willing to sacrifice: the political ambitions he's nurtured all his life, or building a new dream with the only two people he's ever loved.
Review:
Eric finally has to make a decision between his ambitions and his love life. Once again you just want to shake him to make him see what is in front of him. Politics or love--which will he choose and will his choice bring him happiness? You'll have to read to find out.
Rating: 5 Stars
Triad (#5)
Summary:
Eric Courtland has spent the last decade tucked away in a Tuscan villa with his wife, Allison—and their partner and lover, Nick Thompson. Worlds away from the bigotry and hatred they faced in the States, the triad has built an unconventional relationship that is unassailable. Or so they think.
After years of disappointment, Allison is finally pregnant. But the happy news is soon blunted by a family crisis that brings them—reluctantly—back to the country they've foresworn and the emotional riptides that bide there.
Assailed from every direction, the three face blackmail and a potential corporate takeover, but it's the devastating revelations from both Eric's and Nick's pasts that leave them shaken to the core. The three must stand together and face the maelstrom, or risk losing everything they've worked so hard to build—including the unique love that binds them.
Review:
This was a fitting end to the series although I wish it wasn't over. I love these characters, whether you love them or hate them, and you do both at times, they're well written and they really grab a hold of your heart.
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Irresistable Attraction Series by Cat Grant
Priceless (#1)
Summary:
"When love's for sale, who really pays?"
Connor Morrison is a 3-D optics pioneer, the star of the UC Berkeley physics department, and a socially inept workaholic. And with his dear friend and business partner, Steve Campbell, handling their investors, he's content to remain in the shadows. That is, until he meets the gorgeous and starry-eyed physics student Wes Martin.
Wes is brilliant but broke. Ever since his scholarship fell victim to the financial crisis, he's had no choice but to sell his body to stay in school. Already half in love with Connor, Wes initially resists Steve's offer to be Connor's thirty-fifth birthday present. But in the end, Wes is too broke--and too smitten--to say no.
Connor has no idea Steve bought Wes's attentions, and he quickly falls under the young man's spell. Yet after one night together, Wes disappears. He can't bear to hook with a man he could so easily grow to love, but he also can't bear to tell him the truth. Besides, if he sleeps with Connor again, there'd be no way to hide the bruises one of his regular johns loves to inflict. Only one thing to do: let Connor go. Walking away is painful, but not nearly as much as building a relationship on lies.
Review:
Interesting story of an older man finding new love with a former student, even though their initial "meeting" is slightly unorthodox. Can love find a way?
Rating: 5 Stars
Doubtless (#2)
Summary:
Loving your best friend is hard . . . especially when he's marrying someone else.
On the surface, Steve Campbell seems to have it all: a beautiful home, a snazzy car, and a dream job as one of the country’s top 3-D optics researchers. But underneath, he’s restless and dissatisfied, tired of empty encounters with leggy lab assistants and endless evenings alone.
A chance meeting with a handsome escort lifts Steve’s spirits and opens his eyes to his long-repressed attraction to men—and his love for his best friend and business partner, Connor Morrison.
Connor might’ve loved Steve like that once, but now it’s too late for their happily ever after; Connor’s about to ask his boyfriend to marry him. Fortunately, it's never too late to learn about yourself, and maybe Steve can find a happy ending on his own.
Review:
More of a "companion" installment as opposed to a sequel to Priceless. This story follows Connor's friend/partner, Steve, as he makes some major realizations about his life and the directions he wants to take, if he's determined to be happy.
Rating: 4 Stars
Fearless (#3)
Summary:
How can you plan for the future when escaping the past seems impossible?
After over a year together, Connor Morrison and Wes Martin decide to tie the knot. But an ethics complaint regarding their deeply non-traditional relationship threatens Connor’s job and Wes’s Ph.D. The fact that Connor tried to keep it from Wes—even with the best of intentions—makes the situation even worse and casts a pall over their plans for a Christmas wedding in New York.
It doesn’t help that Connor still treats Wes like glass, though Wes insists he’s recovered from the brutal assault he suffered a year and a half earlier. Wes may be okay, but Connor isn’t. Memories of taking a battered, terrified Wes to the emergency room that night still haunt him, and he can’t let go of the need to protect Wes from any and everything life might throw at him.
But Wes has had enough. Between the specter of the ethics complaint and Connor’s overprotectiveness, he’s already beginning to question their plans. Add in a family ashamed of and angered by his choices, and Wes might just leave Connor standing at the altar.
Review:
This is marked as #3 of 4 but after reading it and reading the description of #4, I'd say it should have been reversed but it doesn't really make a difference. There's a character mentioned in here that is introduced in #4 but that's about it. A very good addition to the tale of Wes and Connor. We find out what happens next in their relationship as well as some family drama on Wes' side.
Rating: 4 Stars
Flawless (#4)
Summary:
Steve Campbell used to be a player, until a mid-life crisis opened his eyes to his long-repressed love for Connor, his soon-to-be-married best friend and business partner. Coming out at thirty-eight means learning how to date all over again, and this time, Steve’s not willing to settle for empty one-night stands. He wants the real thing.
Gil Alvarez has never had it easy, struggling through childhood and rejected by his family for a body that didn’t match who he was inside. A skilled driver and mechanic, he’s working hard to make his auto shop a success. The last thing he needs is a rich white guy in a candy-apple-red Ferrari tempting him, but Steve’s ready smile and easygoing manner prove irresistible.
One brief, intimate encounter leaves them both hungry for more. Gil’s not ashamed of who he is, but he’s terrified that Steve will reject him—or worse—when he discovers what Gil can’t find the courage to tell him.
Review:
Personally I think this should be read before Fearless but the truth is it doesn't really have any effect on that story other than learning who Gil is. Gil is the exact type of person that you never seen Steve with and yet at the same time, you know they're perfect for each other from there first meeting at the beach. Steve does have an uncanny ability of foot-in-mouth disease that makes you want to just give a good shake.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Summary:
"When love's for sale, who really pays?"
Connor Morrison is a 3-D optics pioneer, the star of the UC Berkeley physics department, and a socially inept workaholic. And with his dear friend and business partner, Steve Campbell, handling their investors, he's content to remain in the shadows. That is, until he meets the gorgeous and starry-eyed physics student Wes Martin.
Wes is brilliant but broke. Ever since his scholarship fell victim to the financial crisis, he's had no choice but to sell his body to stay in school. Already half in love with Connor, Wes initially resists Steve's offer to be Connor's thirty-fifth birthday present. But in the end, Wes is too broke--and too smitten--to say no.
Connor has no idea Steve bought Wes's attentions, and he quickly falls under the young man's spell. Yet after one night together, Wes disappears. He can't bear to hook with a man he could so easily grow to love, but he also can't bear to tell him the truth. Besides, if he sleeps with Connor again, there'd be no way to hide the bruises one of his regular johns loves to inflict. Only one thing to do: let Connor go. Walking away is painful, but not nearly as much as building a relationship on lies.
Review:
Interesting story of an older man finding new love with a former student, even though their initial "meeting" is slightly unorthodox. Can love find a way?
Rating: 5 Stars
Doubtless (#2)
Summary:
Loving your best friend is hard . . . especially when he's marrying someone else.
On the surface, Steve Campbell seems to have it all: a beautiful home, a snazzy car, and a dream job as one of the country’s top 3-D optics researchers. But underneath, he’s restless and dissatisfied, tired of empty encounters with leggy lab assistants and endless evenings alone.
A chance meeting with a handsome escort lifts Steve’s spirits and opens his eyes to his long-repressed attraction to men—and his love for his best friend and business partner, Connor Morrison.
Connor might’ve loved Steve like that once, but now it’s too late for their happily ever after; Connor’s about to ask his boyfriend to marry him. Fortunately, it's never too late to learn about yourself, and maybe Steve can find a happy ending on his own.
Review:
More of a "companion" installment as opposed to a sequel to Priceless. This story follows Connor's friend/partner, Steve, as he makes some major realizations about his life and the directions he wants to take, if he's determined to be happy.
Rating: 4 Stars
Fearless (#3)
Summary:
How can you plan for the future when escaping the past seems impossible?
After over a year together, Connor Morrison and Wes Martin decide to tie the knot. But an ethics complaint regarding their deeply non-traditional relationship threatens Connor’s job and Wes’s Ph.D. The fact that Connor tried to keep it from Wes—even with the best of intentions—makes the situation even worse and casts a pall over their plans for a Christmas wedding in New York.
It doesn’t help that Connor still treats Wes like glass, though Wes insists he’s recovered from the brutal assault he suffered a year and a half earlier. Wes may be okay, but Connor isn’t. Memories of taking a battered, terrified Wes to the emergency room that night still haunt him, and he can’t let go of the need to protect Wes from any and everything life might throw at him.
But Wes has had enough. Between the specter of the ethics complaint and Connor’s overprotectiveness, he’s already beginning to question their plans. Add in a family ashamed of and angered by his choices, and Wes might just leave Connor standing at the altar.
Review:
This is marked as #3 of 4 but after reading it and reading the description of #4, I'd say it should have been reversed but it doesn't really make a difference. There's a character mentioned in here that is introduced in #4 but that's about it. A very good addition to the tale of Wes and Connor. We find out what happens next in their relationship as well as some family drama on Wes' side.
Rating: 4 Stars
Flawless (#4)
Summary:
Steve Campbell used to be a player, until a mid-life crisis opened his eyes to his long-repressed love for Connor, his soon-to-be-married best friend and business partner. Coming out at thirty-eight means learning how to date all over again, and this time, Steve’s not willing to settle for empty one-night stands. He wants the real thing.
Gil Alvarez has never had it easy, struggling through childhood and rejected by his family for a body that didn’t match who he was inside. A skilled driver and mechanic, he’s working hard to make his auto shop a success. The last thing he needs is a rich white guy in a candy-apple-red Ferrari tempting him, but Steve’s ready smile and easygoing manner prove irresistible.
One brief, intimate encounter leaves them both hungry for more. Gil’s not ashamed of who he is, but he’s terrified that Steve will reject him—or worse—when he discovers what Gil can’t find the courage to tell him.
Review:
Personally I think this should be read before Fearless but the truth is it doesn't really have any effect on that story other than learning who Gil is. Gil is the exact type of person that you never seen Steve with and yet at the same time, you know they're perfect for each other from there first meeting at the beach. Steve does have an uncanny ability of foot-in-mouth disease that makes you want to just give a good shake.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Adrien English Series by Josh Lanyon
Fatal Shadows (#1)
Summary:
Someone's out to get Los Angeles bookseller Adrien English. His best friend has been viciously murdered, now he's getting weird phone calls and sinister gifts from a mysterious "admirer". The cops think he's trying to divert suspicion from himself—with the exception of sexy and homophobic homicide detective Jake Riordan.
Is Riordan really such a great detective—or does he have a few secrets of his own? Is his offer to help Adrien on the level or is he out to nail his favorite suspect—to the wall?
Review:
Very intriguing mystery. Well written characters, some you love to love, love to hate, and hate to love.
Rating: 5 Stars
A Dangerous Thing (#2)
Summary:
Suffering from writer's block and frustrated with his tentative relationship with hot but closeted L.A.P.D. Homicide Detective Jake Riordan, gay bookseller and mystery writer Adrien English travels to northern California where he finds a body in his front drive. By the time the sheriffs arrive, the body has disappeared, and Adrien once again finds himself playing amateur sleuth. But when the game turns deadly, Adrien turns to Jake. Jake may be confused about some things, but keeping his lover alive is not one of them--no matter what the cost.
Review:
I thought this was a good entry in the series, not quite as good as the 1st one. I had a little harder time getting into the story for the first few chapters but after that, I was hooked. Great mystery, interesting characters, at times you want to really bang Adrien and Jake's heads together. Adrien for being too stubborn to not listen to Jake and Jake because he's too afraid to fully accept who he is. But you can't help but love them. Still a very good story.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Hell You Say (#3)
Summary:
After bookstore clerk Angus flees following terrifying death threats, owner Adrien must contend with a mysterious Satanic cult, a hot and handsome university professor, and his on-again/off-again relationship with closeted LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan.
Review:
Another great entry in the Adrien English Mysteries! The mystery is wonderfully complex and yet still easy to follow along with. I really want to just knock some sense in to Jake for refusing to admit who he really is. Adrien is as stubborn as ever and now he's getting a new family since his mother is remarrying. His sisters-to-be are an interesting trio, the youngest, Emma, seems to be the most level headed and likeable, but the other 2 are just as fun to read, especially Adrien's inner monologue when it comes to his interactions with the young ladies.
Rating: 4 Stars
Death of a Pirate King (#4)
Summary:
Gay bookseller and reluctant amateur sleuth Adrien English's writing career is suddenly taking off. His first novel, Murder Will Out, has been optioned by notorious Hollywood actor Paul Kane. But when murder makes an appearance at a dinner party, who should be called in but Adrien's former lover, handsome closeted detective Jake Riordan, now a Lieutenant with LAPD -- which may just drive Adrien's new boyfriend, sexy UCLA professor Guy Snowden, to commit a murder of his own
Review:
Another great entry in the Adrien English Mysteries. I enjoyed the interactions between Adrien and Jake now that 2yrs has gone by since they stopped whatever it was they actually had. The mystery was well developed with interesting and intriguing revelations. Truly a great read!
Rating: 4 Stars
The Dark Tide (#5)
Summary:
As if recovering from heart surgery beneath the gaze of his over-protective family wasn’t exasperating enough, someone keeps trying to break into Adrien English’s bookstore. What is this determined midnight intruder searching for?
When a half-century old skeleton tumbles out of the wall in the midst of the renovation of Cloak and Dagger Bookstore renovation, Adrien turns to hot and handsome ex-lover Jake Riordan -- now out-of-the closet and working as a private detective.
Jake is only too happy to have reason to stay in close contact with Adrien, but there are more surprises in Adrien’s past than either one of them expects -- and one of them may prove hazardous to Jake’s own heart.
Review:
Another great installment in this series and it has left me hungry for more. Thru searching a 50yr old murder, recovering from life-altering surgery, and a couple visits from his past, Adrien has a couple epiphanies of his own, but is it too late?
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Summary:
Someone's out to get Los Angeles bookseller Adrien English. His best friend has been viciously murdered, now he's getting weird phone calls and sinister gifts from a mysterious "admirer". The cops think he's trying to divert suspicion from himself—with the exception of sexy and homophobic homicide detective Jake Riordan.
Is Riordan really such a great detective—or does he have a few secrets of his own? Is his offer to help Adrien on the level or is he out to nail his favorite suspect—to the wall?
Review:
Very intriguing mystery. Well written characters, some you love to love, love to hate, and hate to love.
Rating: 5 Stars
A Dangerous Thing (#2)
Summary:
Suffering from writer's block and frustrated with his tentative relationship with hot but closeted L.A.P.D. Homicide Detective Jake Riordan, gay bookseller and mystery writer Adrien English travels to northern California where he finds a body in his front drive. By the time the sheriffs arrive, the body has disappeared, and Adrien once again finds himself playing amateur sleuth. But when the game turns deadly, Adrien turns to Jake. Jake may be confused about some things, but keeping his lover alive is not one of them--no matter what the cost.
Review:
I thought this was a good entry in the series, not quite as good as the 1st one. I had a little harder time getting into the story for the first few chapters but after that, I was hooked. Great mystery, interesting characters, at times you want to really bang Adrien and Jake's heads together. Adrien for being too stubborn to not listen to Jake and Jake because he's too afraid to fully accept who he is. But you can't help but love them. Still a very good story.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Hell You Say (#3)
Summary:
After bookstore clerk Angus flees following terrifying death threats, owner Adrien must contend with a mysterious Satanic cult, a hot and handsome university professor, and his on-again/off-again relationship with closeted LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan.
Review:
Another great entry in the Adrien English Mysteries! The mystery is wonderfully complex and yet still easy to follow along with. I really want to just knock some sense in to Jake for refusing to admit who he really is. Adrien is as stubborn as ever and now he's getting a new family since his mother is remarrying. His sisters-to-be are an interesting trio, the youngest, Emma, seems to be the most level headed and likeable, but the other 2 are just as fun to read, especially Adrien's inner monologue when it comes to his interactions with the young ladies.
Rating: 4 Stars
Death of a Pirate King (#4)
Summary:
Gay bookseller and reluctant amateur sleuth Adrien English's writing career is suddenly taking off. His first novel, Murder Will Out, has been optioned by notorious Hollywood actor Paul Kane. But when murder makes an appearance at a dinner party, who should be called in but Adrien's former lover, handsome closeted detective Jake Riordan, now a Lieutenant with LAPD -- which may just drive Adrien's new boyfriend, sexy UCLA professor Guy Snowden, to commit a murder of his own
Review:
Another great entry in the Adrien English Mysteries. I enjoyed the interactions between Adrien and Jake now that 2yrs has gone by since they stopped whatever it was they actually had. The mystery was well developed with interesting and intriguing revelations. Truly a great read!
Rating: 4 Stars
The Dark Tide (#5)
Summary:
As if recovering from heart surgery beneath the gaze of his over-protective family wasn’t exasperating enough, someone keeps trying to break into Adrien English’s bookstore. What is this determined midnight intruder searching for?
When a half-century old skeleton tumbles out of the wall in the midst of the renovation of Cloak and Dagger Bookstore renovation, Adrien turns to hot and handsome ex-lover Jake Riordan -- now out-of-the closet and working as a private detective.
Jake is only too happy to have reason to stay in close contact with Adrien, but there are more surprises in Adrien’s past than either one of them expects -- and one of them may prove hazardous to Jake’s own heart.
Review:
Another great installment in this series and it has left me hungry for more. Thru searching a 50yr old murder, recovering from life-altering surgery, and a couple visits from his past, Adrien has a couple epiphanies of his own, but is it too late?
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Unconventional Series by Scotty Cade
An Unconventional Courtship (#1)
Summary:
Tristan Moreau loves his job as chief administrative officer and personal assistant to Webber Kincaid, President, Chairman, and CEO of Kincaid International. It would be the perfect job… if only he hadn’t fallen in love with his boss as well as the work. After two years, he’s still doing everything in his power to keep his feelings hidden—mostly because he wants to protect the reputation of his famous boss but also because he wants to keep his job.
Webber Kincaid has stayed in the closet, using his best friend and confidante as his beard. Everything in his life was working out just fine until he met Tristan Moreau. Within months, Tristan stole his heart and became his lifeline. But Webber knows the rules of the workplace better than anyone, so he’s kept his distance.
But two years is too long to wonder “what if?”—especially when business takes them to a private Caribbean island. When Tristan and Webber succumb to the tropical heat, their professionalism starts to backslide. It’s a seemingly impossible relationship, making a go at it under the paparazzi’s microscope. It may be the best—or the worst—business decision they ever made.
Review:
A very well written love story between boss and employee/assistant. Characters are well developed and emotionally believable. The story itself takes place over a very short period of time but the 2 principle characters have known each other for 2 years. An enjoyable read all around.
Rating: 4 Stars
An Unconventional Union (#2)
Summary:
Kincaid International Corporation’s CEO, Webber Kincaid, and his executive assistant, Tristan Moreau, have just returned from a Caribbean business trip gone horribly right. After years of hiding their love for each other, they finally came clean—and discovered KIC’s chief financial officer has been up to some shady business transactions. Now that they’re back, Tristan and Webber must expose the CFO’s indiscretions—and save Webber’s reputation, since he’s ultimately responsible for his CFO’s actions. With Tristan by his side, Webber faces KIC’s board of directors and a looming investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice.
With all the uncertainty surrounding them, Webber and Tristan rely on the strength of their connection. Together, they plan an intimate wedding on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. But despite their love for one another, Webber and Tristan quickly realize they have some hurdles to cross before they can start their unexpected new life.
Review:
This was an interesting sequel to further the relationship and story of Webber and Tristan. Again, the story is well written and the characters are well developed. I hated to see it end.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Summary:
Tristan Moreau loves his job as chief administrative officer and personal assistant to Webber Kincaid, President, Chairman, and CEO of Kincaid International. It would be the perfect job… if only he hadn’t fallen in love with his boss as well as the work. After two years, he’s still doing everything in his power to keep his feelings hidden—mostly because he wants to protect the reputation of his famous boss but also because he wants to keep his job.
Webber Kincaid has stayed in the closet, using his best friend and confidante as his beard. Everything in his life was working out just fine until he met Tristan Moreau. Within months, Tristan stole his heart and became his lifeline. But Webber knows the rules of the workplace better than anyone, so he’s kept his distance.
But two years is too long to wonder “what if?”—especially when business takes them to a private Caribbean island. When Tristan and Webber succumb to the tropical heat, their professionalism starts to backslide. It’s a seemingly impossible relationship, making a go at it under the paparazzi’s microscope. It may be the best—or the worst—business decision they ever made.
Review:
A very well written love story between boss and employee/assistant. Characters are well developed and emotionally believable. The story itself takes place over a very short period of time but the 2 principle characters have known each other for 2 years. An enjoyable read all around.
Rating: 4 Stars
An Unconventional Union (#2)
Summary:
Kincaid International Corporation’s CEO, Webber Kincaid, and his executive assistant, Tristan Moreau, have just returned from a Caribbean business trip gone horribly right. After years of hiding their love for each other, they finally came clean—and discovered KIC’s chief financial officer has been up to some shady business transactions. Now that they’re back, Tristan and Webber must expose the CFO’s indiscretions—and save Webber’s reputation, since he’s ultimately responsible for his CFO’s actions. With Tristan by his side, Webber faces KIC’s board of directors and a looming investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice.
With all the uncertainty surrounding them, Webber and Tristan rely on the strength of their connection. Together, they plan an intimate wedding on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. But despite their love for one another, Webber and Tristan quickly realize they have some hurdles to cross before they can start their unexpected new life.
Review:
This was an interesting sequel to further the relationship and story of Webber and Tristan. Again, the story is well written and the characters are well developed. I hated to see it end.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Review & Giveaway for Fix You by Carrie Elks
Summary:
"Richard, we had a baby."
31st December 1999. Seventeen-year-old Brit, Hanna Vincent, meets New Yorker, Richard Larsen; a Columbia student and step-son of scion Leon Maxwell. Divided by wealth, distance and a common language, an unconventional friendship grows between the two.
From London to New York, from 1999 to 2012, Fix You follows the story of quirky, music-loving Hanna and handsome, driven Richard as they fall in love and are torn apart. Their tempestuous relationship leads to an explosive revelation that threatens to destroy them both.
Emotional and touching, this is a story of second chances. Is their shattered love beyond repair?
Review:
First off, those new to my blog should know that you will get no spoilers from me other than what the author or publisher has authorized.
Obviously, this book entices you with the prologue dated May 12, 2012 with an interesting and to the point 5 word statement, "Richard, we had a baby." Than we jump back to the beginning, December 31, 1999. We than follow Hanna and Richard as they do a dance of back and forth, intersecting, wrong timing, and navigating the others around both of them as they try to figure life out. By the time the author has brought us back to 2012 where the prologue left us, you just want to hug both Richard and Hanna but I also wanted to just stand them side by side and whack their heads together.
This book certainly grabbed me from page one to the very last page, not really wanting it to ever have a last page. You want them to find love and happiness even if at times they almost seem to be their own worst enemy. You definitely need to add this to your list of books to read and authors to watch.
Rating:
5 Stars
Excerpt:
Richard couldn’t decide where to put his hands. Her waist seemed
too familiar, too sexual. If he held on to her hips and felt her ass against
him, he was pretty sure he would lose his mind. He settled on the relative
safety of her upper arms, trying to keep the fabric of her t-shirt between his
hands and her skin. But she was moving too much, grinding her body to the beat
of the music. He took a half step backwards, removing his crotch from the danger
zone. He didn’t want to be accused of liking the band that
much.
Hanna turned her head and tried to shout something to him. The
noise of the band, and the calls of the crowd, drowned her words
out.
“What?” Two small lines formed between his eyebrows as he tried to
concentrate on her mouth.
“I said this is my favorite song.”
“What’s it called?” They were still mouthing words at each other.
To try and actually vocalize would have been futile.
“Last Nite.” She whipped her head around as the guitarists
played the instrumental bridge, the discordant sound of the bassist’s chords
jarring against the melodic notes of the lead guitar. The lead singer opened his
mouth, his voice a deep echo as his lips moved closely against the microphone,
his eyes closed as he sang the words.
The crowd was going absolutely wild, the fast tempo of the track
leading them to jump up and down as one. Those unfortunate enough not to join in
were starting to panic, feeling themselves being dragged under. Richard moved
his arms until they were tightly clutching Hanna’s waist. He didn’t care about
his reaction to her body, he just wanted to keep her safe.
Leaning back into him, her hands clutched his arms as they moved
together, submitting themselves to the will of the crowd.
It was electrifying.
Author Bio:
Carrie Elks lives near London, England and writes contemporary romance with a dash of intrigue. At the age of twenty-one she left college with a political science degree, a healthy overdraft and a soon-to-be husband. She loves to travel and meet new people, and has lived in the USA and Switzerland as well as the UK.
An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two.
An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two.
Author Links:
Purchase Link:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fix-You-Carrie-Elks-ebook/dp/B00ICXD842/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1392687487&sr=1-1&keywords=fix+you+carrie+elks
Giveaway Link:
Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NjUxMTAyZDMyMmE1MGMxZDY0NjNiOWE0YWRjMjM3OjI0/
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Fix You by Carrie Elks
EXCERPT:
Prologue
May
12th
2012
Richard had filled out
nicely since she had last seen him. The thin cotton of his shirt clung to his
biceps, skimming his taut abdomen as it tucked into his dress pants. His hips
were still lean and tight, and she closed her eyes as she tried not to remember
how they had felt between her thighs, as he had moved inside her, breathing
softly in her ear, as she had moaned and whimpered
and—
She shook her head. She
wasn't standing in his large, oak-panelled office just to take a trip down
memory lane, as pleasant as that might be. She had flown here, over three
thousand miles, to tell him what he deserved to
know.
Inappropriate laughter
bubbled up in her throat as she considered the ridiculous melodrama of the
situation. Her 17-year-old self would be rolling her eyes, wondering how this
29-year-old woman had managed to turn a seemingly promising life into a soap
opera.
She glanced up at his
face, looking at his lips, which had turned down into a deep scowl. His eyes had
narrowed beneath his brows, and his straight, patrician, nose was slightly
crinkled in response to her presence.
The contempt he felt
toward her was radiating from him.
Hanna tried to keep her
breathing steady, reminding herself that although she was in his office,
on the penthouse floor of his building, this was her
show.
She was in
control.
If he viewed her with
contempt now, God only knew how he would feel once he'd heard what she had to
say. He had been an integral part of her life for so long—as a friend, a
confidante, even a lover—but never before did he have the power to break
her.
"As nice as it is to see
you," he drawled, the tone of his voice making it patently clear that her being
in his office was anything but nice, "I have a meeting in five minutes. Exactly
what is it that you want?"
He had no idea, but this
was it. Time to open her mouth and tell him what he needed to hear. Her arms
suddenly felt heavy, and her fingers trembled; a physical manifestation of her
nervousness. Her laughter was replaced by something more unsettling, as she
tried to take in a deep breath and form the words that she had travelled all
this way to say.
Her tongue darted out to
moisten her lips. She watched his gaze move down to her mouth, staring at it
with dark eyes, as her teeth drew in her bottom
lip.
"Richard." Her voice was
surprisingly strong. She could do this. She could tell him the truth, and then
get the hell out of here.
Back on a
plane.
Back
home.
Back to
him.
"Richard, we had a
baby."
Author Bio:
Carrie Elks lives near London, England and
writes contemporary romance with a dash of intrigue. At the age of twenty-one
she left college with a political science degree, a healthy overdraft and a
soon-to-be husband. She loves to travel and meet new people, and has lived in
the USA and Switzerland as well as the UK.
An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two.
An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two.
Author Links:
Available Links:
Amazon
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