Review: Draconian Measures

Draconian Measures (Gaven, #3)Draconian Measures by J.C. Owens
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Draconian Measures is the third book in the Gaven series (I assume the last too) but is actually a prequel to the other two books. It can be read easily as a stand alone or in any combination with the two Gavin books. It tells the story of Vlar’s parents –really Vlar’s father and his partner- and their oft mentioned difficult courtship. It’s a cute book with a lot of humor but ultimately the book feels too introspective and repetitive to totally satisfy. It’s a nice easy read though and a welcome change from the usual dark overtones this author usually offers. Continue reading

Review: House of Mirrors

House of MirrorsHouse of Mirrors by Bonnie Dee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

House of Mirrors is in line with other offerings from these authors and I think fans especially will enjoy this. It’s an easy to read and likable historical with a lot of rich detail and angst to sink your teeth into. The story offers numerous memorable and vivid characters, rounding out a cast full of gritty life and heartbreak. The main romance suffers only from lack of time together but the detailed sex scenes should help readers when the two do eek out a few moments together. The ending is a bit over the top and an easy fix to some considerable problems but by then I doubt any readers will care. This isn’t a story I’d read again but it’s enjoyable and likely to hit with historical fans. Continue reading

Review: Le Jazz Hot

Le Jazz HotLe Jazz Hot by Clancy Nacht
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I found Le Jazz Hot to be in line with other offerings from these authors. The writing is ok and fast to read but depends on exaggerated characters, unrealistic situations, and a good deal of suspended disbelief for the story to work. It’s meant as a fantasy, a light hearted story to make readers laugh and enjoy then promptly forget entirely. If you’re looking for an easy fluff story that you’ll forget perhaps even while reading then this may work for you. You can’t take the story seriously though because it’s too ridiculous for that. Continue reading

Review: Paper Planes

Paper PlanesPaper Planes by M. Jules Aedin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Paper Planes is a lovely romance and one I quite enjoyed for 2/3rds of the book. Once the two are together and in love the final 50 pages are slice of life details as the two figures out where they will live and the various details of their life together. It’s sweet and romantic yet I was missing that sense of purpose and need to read, which had my interest in the story petering out. If I’d ended the book once the two got together I don’t feel like I would have missed something important. At the same time however these two men are warm, charming, and mature with an easy, uncomplicated and drama free romance that will appeal to fans who want something light and satisfying.

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Review: Cherry Pie

Cherry PieCherry Pie by Samantha Kane
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

I like Samantha Kane’s writing so when this m/m book came out I couldn’t wait to read it. One of the defining aspects of Kane’s books is how hot and sexy they are. Unfortunately Cherry Pie feels like a complete departure from any previous writing and comes across a little cold and unfeeling. There’s a noticeable lack of chemistry between the two men while money seems to solve most problems. I’m not entirely sure why these two men got together and just couldn’t really believe they were that compatible. This is an ok book but a disappointing one when compared to some of Kane’s more exceptional stories.

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Review: Bound Forever

Bound Forever (Bound, #3)Bound Forever by Ava March
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bound Forever is the third and final installment of the Bound trilogy from Ava March. The first book enchants while the second disappoints somewhat so I’m thrilled the third book delights and satisfies. The couple has come a long way over the course of the series and you’ll definitely want to read the books in order to understand the progression of their relationship and the characters themselves. They’re all short novellas with scorching hot sex so it’s no hardship. The final story is romantic, emotional, and ends the series extremely well with a HEA that will definitely please fans. Continue reading

Review: No Apologies

No ApologiesNo Apologies by Tibby Armstrong
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There’s something about No Apologies and the honest confusion of the protagonists that I just want to like. The sex scenes are beyond hot and the characters are well rounded, even if lopsided and not always sympathetic. Unfortunately the choppy and disjointed vehicle of the present movie detailing their past life (kind of) in flashbacks makes that hard. The benefits outweigh the negatives thankfully but I wish the story had made some different choices.

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Review: With The Band

With The BandWith The Band by L.A. Witt
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I’ll admit I’m a sucker for band stories. They may not be everyone’s thing but I do love a good drama among sexy rockers (or wannabe rockers). With the Band plays on that as two members of an up and coming band get together, something that is sure to cause havoc among the tight knit group. The drama is mostly well played with a few very obvious manipulations. The story lost me on the resolution though as honestly it feels weak and too easy. This is a common issue when books build up the tension and conflict to such a fever point, then let it all wrap up in the blink of an eye. 200 pages of tension to be resolved in 5 pages just ends the book on a sour note for me. However, other than that and a few other issues, the story is easy to read and pretty satisfying.

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Review: A Weapon Of Opportunity

A Weapon Of OpportunityA Weapon Of Opportunity by Kiernan Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Weapon of Opportunity is a whimsical, entertaining story with good characters and a quick paced mystery. In some ways the story is similar to others – the ghost lover and detective are reminiscent of Drew Zachary’s series and the astral projection is eerily close to a current horror movie Insidious. Despite those reminders this story remains interesting and enjoyable to read from start to finish. I heard somewhere this is the start of a series and if so, then definitely one to watch.

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Review: Breaking Logan’s Laws

Breaking Logan's Laws (Quinn Security, #4)Breaking Logan’s Laws by Cameron Dane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Breaking Logan’s Laws is a pretty typical Dane book. Fans of the author should enjoy the story and over the top romance while the somewhat corny style of writing isn’t likely to bother familiar readers. The mystery is eclipsed by the exaggerated relationship which is unfortunate since it has all the elements of being engaging and intriguing. However, the men are cute and sweet together which makes the story fun to read. This is an easy, enjoyable story to read even if it runs a little long with too many repetitive sex scenes and not enough interest in the mystery portion. Continue reading