The Gaslight Mysteries by Erin O'Quinn

Heart to Hart
Summary:
Michael McCree is one with a mysterious past, who ends up as a newspaper man, thereby meeting the strikingly handsome Simon Hart, who comes to his shop to turn in an obituary notice.

Simon's flat-mate and former business partner has been killed, and Simon, a private investigator, needs to track down the murderer.  Michael, immediately smitten with the sulky and sexy man, lays a plan to first become his new roomer, then his business partner.

But Simon, stricken by his recent loss, is having none of Michael's undisguised interest.

Not a man to be deterred easily from a goal, Michael sets about winning Simon's affection.  That particular battle is almost as difficult as tracking down the murderer of his predecessor, a nosy detective who was getting too close to the crimes of an evil person.

Simon spends more time ducking Michael's advances than actually finding clues and solving the mystery.  Inquiring minds want to know--how hard is Simon really trying to avoid Michael?  And Michael isn't hiding his forthright urges, but what secret is he hiding?


Rating:  4 Stars



Sparring with Shadows
Summary:
Simon Hart, private investigator, has always thought of himself as a regular fellow.  He's standoffish and a loner with a sullen attitude--yet surely a normal bloke.  And then he meets the randy Michael McCree.

In short order, Michael has become his flat-mate, his business partner, and his wannabe lover.  Now Simon must look deeper, into his own hidden desires, if he wants to survive.

There's something about Michael's secret vocation that invites trouble.  Simon finds himself sparring with shadows: in the hidden bedrooms of a roaring twenties version of a gay bar . . . as a chained wall decoration in the flat of a thief and sexual deviant . . . and as the quarry in a deadly confrontation in an exhibitionist's bed and then in a sewer tunnel beneath the streets of a 1923 city somewhere in Ireland.

Above all, Simon is sparring with the shadow of his own secret urges.  Michael will not allow him to turn away from a kind of private investigation of which he has not even dreamed.  Until now.

Follow a fastidious, surly investigator and his horny yet secretive partner through the very cracks in a city of gaslights and vitage motorcars, into a hidden homosexual culture, as the men find themselves sparring with shadows . . .


Rating:  4 Stars



To The Bone
Summary:
The time is 1923, and the place is a fantasy city in Ireland.  Two unlikely men have formed a partnership:  good-natured Michael, who keeps a serious secret, and sulky Simon, who has plenty of reasons to be angry at the world.  Michael has stalked the standoffish Simon from the beginning, and Simon has consistently rebuffed him . . . yet not enough for Michael to give up a dedicated pursuit of the handsome investigator.

As private eyes, the men have a case to solve:  to find more than a score of stolen paintings, and especially one small valuable work of art worth more than all the others.  But the case grows more complex the deeper they look into it.  Soon Michael and Simon find themselves searching not just for a thief, but for a city-wide ring of criminals.  And the closer they get to the paintings, the closer they find themselves to a killer.

Into this mix steps a man named Moshe--a pesky, secretive, nosy man who is nevertheless a brilliant investigator himself.  He gives both the men fits, burrowing like a tick into their very private affairs, so close they have a hard time evading him.

Can the investigators solve a series of crimes, take care of the interfering Moshe, and drive their own intense relationship all the way to the bone?


Rating:  5 Stars


Review:
I read all three books and since the time frame from page 1 of Heart to Hart to the last page of To the Bone only covers about two to three weeks, I'm going to do an overall review for the series.  I won't lie, the beginning was a bit tricky to get into with the Irish slang of the time but I was able to become comfortable with it after only a chapter or so.  After that I was hooked.  Simon and Michael grabbed my heart and didn't let go.  I loved the humorous banter between the new found partners.  I found them to be very enjoyable and likeable despite their moments of infuriating debating.  At times, they reminded me very much of the banter and bickering of Bogey and Bacall in The Big Sleep.  The mysteries are quite intriguing and definitely hold the reader's interest as does the humor and the obvious attraction between the pair.  Michael McCree and Simon Hart are definitely a pair I'd be very interested to read more of.


Author Bio:
Erin O'Quinn earned a BA(Englsih) and MA(Comparative Literature) from the University of Southern California.  Her life has been a pastiche of fascinating vocations--newspaper marketing manager, university teacher, car salesperson, landscape gardener--until now, in relative retirement, she lives and writes in a small town in central Texas.

Erin now has five novels published by AmberAllure: Noble, Nevada and The Chase are the books so far in the "Noble Dimensions" series.  Watch for two short stories in the same Noble Dimensions universe, "A Hard Place" and "Cowboys and Kilts."  You'll also find a holiday short published around November 24 titled "Merry Christmas, Utah."

Her current series, titled "The Gaslight Mysteries," includes Heart to Hart, Sparring with Shadows, and To the Bone.

In addition to these five Amber Quill Press books, Erin has eleven published novels.  Of those, two are M/M historicals set in the Ireland of badass clansmen, cattle drovers, druids, Saxon mercenaries, and St. Patrick himself.  Her latest, with author Nya Rawlyns, is titled "Bighorn" and is her only Indie-published novel.


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The Trouble with Dating a Movie Star by ZN Willett

Summary:

A.P. Moore's provocative romance throws her onto the Best Sellers list but Alexandria's life was far from the steamy pages of her romance.

Andrew Hughes, the most desired man in Hollywood was at the height of his career.  nothing could be better, until a chance meeting with Alexandria Moore that went horribly wrong.  The man who had everything soon realized what Hollywood couldn't give him.

Or could it?

An invitation that leads to a premier, offers a second chance, and a Hollywood romance straight out of the pages of a magazine.  Yet, this story will not be filled with butterfly kisses and midnight strolls, but with tangled webs filled with lust, desire, jealousy and deceit.

It is Hollywood after all.

Excerpt:
Have you ever experienced that moment when your body starts to tingle uncontrollably, and your heart speeds up?  When you start fidgeting as you try to gain control over your breathing before your mind becomes totally blank?  That moment when you see him for the first time . . . .
Except mine was in a movie theater.  Along with hundreds of other women, that all gasped when Andrew Hughes walked onto the screen.

The trouble started when my best friend Erin brought me to a movie that she had been raving about.  it was during midterms of my freshman year of college, and we both needed a break.  The moment Andrew walked on screen, my heart ached.  My hands actually started to tingle, and the air in my lungs collapsed at the first sight of him.

It was an un-explainable attraction and my body responded in ways it never had before.  I couldn't take my eyes off of him and wanted more of him.  That day changed my life forever.  I couldn't get him out of my mind.  Every waking moment, he was there teasing me and then haunting my dreams.  I wouldn't say I was obsessed, or even a fangirl.  But, I was motivated.  I had found my muse.

Six years later, that muse has helped me to become a best-selling romance author.  No one except Erin knew that Andrew Hughes was the reason to my success, and the primary reason I was able to overcome writer's block.  Writing about romance and having non-existing relationships of my own wasn't motivating.

Author Bio:
I'm the girl who has seen more than she has ever wanted, yet decided to add to that world by writing Hollywood romances.  A northern girl, but a southerner at heart, I love anything and everything about love and romance.  So much that once upon a time I had a career as a wedding and events coordinator.  When I decided to do something I was passionate about, I added my love for travel to the mix.  An avid shoe-aholic, deep down I'm a sappy romantic who happens to believe that love can truly conquer all.

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Nights Embrace by Brandy L. Rivers

Summary:
It all started with a song.

Roxana Nights was late to another gig, thanks to her first love, and drummer. It’s been years since she
left Jordan, but he won’t let her go. Then she hears a voice that pulls her under a spell and changes her
whole world.

Trevor Malone just moved to Seattle with his band. Music is his only passion, until he lays eyes on
Roxana. He’s never felt anything as strong as the pull to her. Now he needs to find a way to introduce
her to his world.

There’s only one problem. A rival clan won’t rest until they’ve taken Trevor’s down. Unwilling to let old
grudges die, they target Roxy. Trevor will do anything to keep her safe.

Roxy will find that the world she writes is closer to reality than she ever imagined. She’ll also learn that
not all monsters are evil, though some are ruthless.

Will love stay strong when the past comes out? Can they survive the centuries old vendetta?

Excerpt:
     She slipped past him, and onto the wings of the stage. Her gaze fell on Mr. Voice who was
tall, dark and smokin’ hot.
     Holy shit, I want to lick him.
     Scuffed combat boots were laced up over black leather pants that clung to muscular thighs,
and his black shirt molded to the most impressive set of abs she had ever seen. Roxy wanted to
trace the ridges with her fingertips.
     He turned, his voice dropping low as his eyes locked on hers. His words enveloped her. “…
you’re the only one.”
     Her heart paused a beat before slamming into her chest at a rapid pace. His full mouth lifted
into a grin that spoke of confidence as he held her full attention. Entranced, she fell deep into his
eyes and the world stopped.
     Until a drumstick hit him in the head. He looked over his shoulder and shrugged sheepishly
at his drummer before turning back to launch into the next verse.
     Mikey gently shook her shoulder. “Hey, Rox, come on. We have to warm up.”
     Her head bobbed in a nod at her brother, but she didn’t look over. She muttered, “Yeah, give
me a minute,” or longer.
     As if he heard, Mr. Voice glanced over and winked at her before the next song started.          “Blinded by beauty, falling at first sight, head over heels…” There was raw passion in his voice,
and she couldn’t help wishing he was singing about her.


Character Bios:
Roxana Nights, also goes by Roxy
Age 24
Nationality: American
Description: Black hair, blue eyes, curvy, tattoos, 5’10”
Occupation: Paranormal Author. Sings in local rock band Nights Embrace
Personality: Generally rolls with the flow. She can be blunt. She tells it like it is.
People person, who likes everyone until she has a reason not to.

Trevor Malone
Age 147
Nationality: Irish
Description: Dark brown hair, Green eyes, muscular build, 6’0”
Occupation: Lead singer for Lunar Storm, which is a rock band.
Personality: Easy going but tends to worry. Prefers to keep the company of
close friends.

Michael Nights, also goes by Mike. Or Mikey but only for Roxy.
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Description: Short dark hair, blue eyes, sturdy, 6’3”
Occupation: Graphic designer, guitar player for Nights Embrace.
Personality: Protective of his sister. Generally friendly, but doesn’t go out of his way to make new
friends.

Jordan Long
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Description: Blond, blue eyes, Tattoos, Lean, 6’1
Occupation: Works in a music store. Also the drummer for Nights Embrace
Personality: Abrasive, self-involved.

Joseph Mullens, also goes by Joey
Age 156
Nationality: Irish
Description: Short dark hair, brown eyes, big and strong, 6’5”
Occupation: Drummer for Lunar Storm
Personality: Finds humor in everything. Loves people.

Sorcha Mullens
Age: 36
Nationality: Irish
Description: Chin length bright red hair, blue eyes, 5’7”
Occupation: Waitress
Personality: Spunky, humorous.


Author's Playlist:    Spotify-Night Embrace
 Here are the songs, in no particular order.
“Addicted” by Saving Abel
“Oh My God” by P!nk
“All Around Me” by Flyleaf
“Possession” by Sarah McLachlan
“Good Enough” by Sarah McLachlan
“Tell Me ‘Bout it” by Joss Stone
“Kiwi” by Maroon 5
“Wasted Years” by Maroon 5
“Every Lie” by My Darkest Days
“Come Undone” My Darkest Days version
“Next Go Around” by Nickelback
“S.E.X.” by Nickelback
“Everything I Wanna Do” by Nickelback
“Just For” by Nicelback
“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails
“Apologize” by OneRepublic
“She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mudd
“Stay” by Rhianna and Mykki Echo
“What Do I Have To Do” by Stabbing Westward
“Blue Eyes Blind” by ZZ Ward
“Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele
“Skin” by Rihanna
“Attack” by 30 Seconds to Mars
“In Love With A Girl” by Gavin DeGraw
“Breathe Today” by Flyleaf
“Kiss Me” by Ed Sheeran
“Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran
“Cannonbal” by Damien Rice
“You Make Me Feel” by Cobra Starship featuring Sabi
“Don’t You” by Candlebox
“S.O.S.” by Apocalyptica, featuring Christiana Scabbia
“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, Kimbra
“Secrets” by OneREpublic
“Porn Star Dancing” by My Darkest Days
“Move Your Body” by My Darkest Days
“Like Nobody Else” by My Darkest Days
“Move Like U Stole It” by ZZ Ward
“Not Myself Tonight” by Christina Aguilera
“Lollipop” Framing Hanley version
“Still Rainin’” by Jonny Lang
“Move” by Thousand Foot Krutch
“Trouble” by P!nk
“What’s Your Name” Theory Of A Deadman version

Soundtrack:
1 – “Like Nobody Else” by My Darkest Days
2 – “Breathe Today” by Flyleaf
3 – “She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mud
4 – “Move Like You Stole It” by ZZ Ward
5 – “Not Myself Tonight” by Christina Aguilera
6 – “Lollipop” Framing Hanley Version
7 – “Come Undone” My Darkest Days version
8 – “Still Rainin’” By Jonny Lang
9 – “Secrets” by OneRepublic
10 – “Trouble” by P!nk
11 – “What’s Your Name” by Theory of a Deadman
12 – “Give Me Love” By Ed Sheeran
13 – “Tell Me ‘Bout it” by Joss Stone

Review:
Paranormal romance can be hard to accomplish but this is definitely well written and intriguing.  This is the first time I've read this author but it won't be the last.  Paranormal/science fiction/fantasy can be very difficult to review without spoilers, which I don't do, but I will try my best.
I fell in love with Roxy and Trevor instantly and as we learn more about each, I only fell harder.  When I found out this was a spin-off from the already established The Others of Edenton Series, I was a little concerned that I would be a little lost or at the very least a few steps behind, I'm glad to say I wasn't.  I did however add the original series to my want to read list.
I was pulled in not only by the paranormal concept but also the characters and how they worked and fought together.  The idea, characters, setting, and tale all blend together so perfectly that once I started I couldn't stop until I reached the final page.

Rating:  4 1/2 Stars

Author Bio:
My name is Brandy L Rivers. I’m a wife and mother of three with an overactive imagination. I’ve been
obsessed with monsters and magic for pretty much ever. I decided to write the stories that keep me
awake at night.

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Giveaway:  Rafflecopter
2 signed copies of Nights Embrace with swag packs (US Only)
2 10 dollar Amazon Giftcards (International)
5 ebook copies of Nights Embrace with Swag Packs (International)

Baby, It's Cold Inside by Brigham Vaughn

Summary:
A trip to visit his boyfriend Nate's parents during the holidays leaves Emerson a nervous wreck.  Bad weather and an unfortunate mix-up leads to an awkward first introduction, and as things deteriorate from there, Emerson begins to doubt if their relationship will survive the stressful weekend.  Can Emerson get their relationship back on track and impress the Collins family in time to have a Merry Christmas?


Review:
I felt for Emerson when he first meets Nate's family.  There were so many directions this story could have taken and I loved where the author took the story.  Generally I'm not a fan of novellas, I've been reading 300+ page books ever since I was in high school and I just naturally gravitate towards the longer stories.  However, I am a forever changed novella fan thanks to Miss Vaughn.

Rating:  5 Stars

Check previous post for author bio & links:  Author Info

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Geeks, Nerds, and Cuddles by Brigham Vaughn

Summary:
Plagued by social anxiety, Paul Conway is content with the online relationship he's built with fellow nerd, Isaac Morrison.  Isaac is determined to move their relationship off the screen and into real life but Paul's fears stand in the way.  The very thing that causes him anxiety in the first place might help him overcome it in the long run if he's brave enough to face his fears.


Review:
I don't know who I fell in love with more, Isaac or Paul?  Just as your heart aches for Paul and his insecurities, you discover that Isaac isn't quite as in control as Paul thinks.  I just loved how even though this is a novella, the characters are so detailed and perfect.  When I say "perfect" I don't mean perfect in the sense that they are flawless but in the fact that they are so real and everyday, which makes them perfect to me.

Rating:  5 Stars

Check previous post for author bio & links:  Author Info

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French Toast Emergencies by Brigham Vaughn

Summary:
Arthur Cain has removed himself from a social life littered with mistakes and unhappiness.  When a freak April snowstorm hits, he just wants to stock up on the basics so he can get back to writing his thesis.  Samuel Richards is a musician with a wicked sense of humor and he knows how to use it.  The last thing he expected was to have it save him when he heads out for supplies and everything falls apart.  The storm sends both to the grocery store, but neither had a "date" on their shopping list.  It's one disaster after another for Samuel, but the history student comes to his rescue.  If only Arthur was as good dealing with live men as he was with dead Vikings.

Review:
As someone who has been born and raised in Wisconsin, I have seen first hand the emergency pantry stocking when a blizzard is predicted and it was fun to see it in a book.  Arthur and Samuel are wonderfully intriguing characters that I would have loved to read more about but the length, or lack-there-of, is definitely not a drawback.  I fell for both guys and the romance that sets in due to their weather triggered circumstances.  Definitely another great novella by Miss Vaughn.

Rating:  5 Stars

Check previous posts for author bio & links:   Author Info

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Wine Tasting Series by Brigham Vaughn

Spit or Swallow

Summary:

Sean Powell, a wine distributor in his early forties, is having a terrible day.  To top things off, his longtime friend, the sommelier at his favorite restaurant, has been replaced by a hot young sommelier with big ideas.  Lucas Spencer is determined to liven up the staid and stodgy wine list, but manages to alienate the distributor during their first meeting.  Can the two blend their professional frustration and personal attraction without risking their careers?

Rating:  5 Stars

Aftertaste

Summary:

Despite sizzling chemistry when they first met, Sean Powell can't quite believe that the gorgeous young sommelier at Bistro Argent wants him.  Anxious about risking his job, Lucas Spencer must decide if the handsome, red-headed wine distributor is worth the risk.  Balancing a professional relationship with a more personal one is tricky, but it just might be worth the effort.

Rating:  5 Stars

Finish

Summary:

After four months together, Sean and Lucas have never been happier, but a wine tasting trip to Traverse City, Michigan threatens that stability.  Sean's insecurities rise to the surface as Lucas' fears of losing Sean lead to jealousy.  Can they repair their relationship before it turns sour?

Rating:  5 Stars

Review:

First off, I have to say I am not a fan of wine nor do I know much about it and quite frankly this series did not improve my outlook on the subject.  However, the stories are amazing!  I won't lie, they could be longer for my liking, that being said, I don't think I have ever read a novella series that covered such an array of emotions from the first page of Spit to the last page of Finish.  Sean and Lucas are both such strong men and yet they each carry around their individual insecurities that really make them unforgettable.  If you've never read Miss Vaughn's work before, this is an amazing place to start.

Author Bio:

Brigham Vaughn has always been a voracious reader with her own stories to tell.  After many years of abandoned plots, something finally clicked.  Now she's eating, sleeping, and breathing writing and is excited to have finally figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.  In the little time that isn't spent writing or reading, she loves cooking, yoga, photography, and remodeling her ninety-year old home.  Brigham lives in Michigan with her four cats and an amazing husband who has always been her biggest champion.

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Barnes&Noble(Wine Tasting Series: 3 Story Bundle)