His, Unexpectedly by Susan Fox

His, Unexpectedly by Susan Fox
Publishing: Kensington Brava
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (242 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Canterbury Bell

A Pleasure Trip To Remember. . .

Shying away from commitment of any kind, Jenna Fallon's rules in life are to have none. So when her car breaks down en route from California to Vancouver--and she's forced to hitch a ride with a sexy stranger--she's thrilled to discover they share the same no-holds-barred views. . .

As a globe-trotting marine biologist, Mark Chambers is used to changing locations--and women. Yet as he and Jenna make their way up the Pacific coast, camping, skinny dipping, and having scorching hot sex, Mark's not so sure he wants to say goodbye. But is Jenna brave enough to meet the challenge of a man who may be perfect for her?

The most exciting aspect of being open minded with your choice of a new book is the rewards that come when you find that just about perfect book. That is what happened to me with this particular choice. I admit that I have never read a Susan Fox book nor have I ever heard of her, so going blindly into this story was about the best experience I have had in reading in a very long time.

Jenna Fallon is a free spirit…letting life take her wherever the universe feels she needs to go. But her life is changed because she opened her heart and gave her all to a man who took both and destroyed them. Mark Chamber is a PHD, an environmentalist, a scientist, and a very set in his ways kind of man. Life revolves around work, work and work. The women in his life are colleagues, safe, distracted woman who could never tie him down.

Circumstances arrive that put these two ends of the spectrum together for a long journey of discovery, not only of the landscape but of each other and but more importantly of themselves. Jenna needs a ride to Vancouver but car trouble puts her in a diner at the same time Dr. Mark Chambers is taking lunch break from his long distance ride from California to Vancouver. From their first meeting the energy and sizzle is rampant so their next two days in a renovated camper should be very interesting. Jenna opens Mark's eyes to all the amazingly small moments of life that he has not noticed and Mark brings to Jenna a realization that maybe her heart isn’t closed to love after all.

The entire story is that wonderful journey into the beginning of a new relationship, the excitement of those first hours together, the passion and uncertainty of that first kiss, the thoughts of the futures, the “am I good enough for this person” pressure but most importantly will they except me for what I am or do they want to change me?

The dialogue, the emotion, the passion and the heartache are all real. You feel everything they feel, you experience everything they do and you relate to all that is going on in their minds. By the end of the book, I was wishing there was another 100 pages so the story could go on and on. As I mentioned I had never read a Susan Fox book, and the since this is book 3 in her Wild Ride to Love series, I have since rectified that situation and I am now all caught up.

This is that passionate beginning of love to the happily ever after story that we all love to be a part of. Don’t miss it!

With Abandon by J.L. Langley

With Abandon by J.L. Langley
Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd.
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (191 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Coreopsis

As heir to an old and proud heritage, Aubrey Reynolds works and lives for his family, his employees and his pack. Agreeing to watch after a visiting werewolf is no big deal—until he discovers the newcomer is his mate. His very male mate…which is a very big deal, indeed. Revealing his sexuality was never part of Aubrey’s well-ordered life plan.

Much as he loved caring for his eight younger brothers, Matt Mahihkan knows it’s time to grab the opportunity to attend college in Atlanta. Realizing Aubrey is his mate should have been a delightful experience…except Aubrey treats him more like a dirty little secret than a lover. Yet Matt is a patient man. Aubrey can’t stay in the closet forever. Can he?

In time, they settle into a comfortable, if complicated, routine. Until a rogue werewolf with an axe to grind forces Aubrey to add to the wedge of secrets driving him and Matt apart, leaving Matt exposed to danger…and Aubrey forced to choose between love and duty.

J.L. Langley is one of my favorite authors and I just love the With or Without series. The way she writes makes you feel like you’re part of the story. She draws a good mental image of the characters and their lives. With Abandon is the fourth installment in this series and it’s an excellent addition.

If you have never read a book in the With or Without series here is a little background. This is a world of shape-shifting werewolves who live in our world undiscovered by humans. They live everyday life like the rest of us, they just get all furry once a month. Werewolves are given one mate, the one person they will love above all others. Being mated is an unbreakable connection between two people.

This story revolves around Matt Mahihkan and Aubrey Reynolds. These two men are defiantly what happens when opposites attract. Matt is younger than Aubrey by ten years, but he is not your typical young male. Matt is loving and caring for others, it’s just part of his nature. Aubrey on the other hand is more about pleasing others and not letting down his family, company, or his pack.

Aubrey is running the family business and is alpha of his pack. He lives in fear of being discovered as gay, so he hides who he is. When Aubrey discovers Matt is his mate, he couldn’t be more pleased but knows that he will never be able to keep Matt. At first you want to hate Aubrey for the way he is with Matt. He convinces Matt to keep their relationship secret and, even though this makes Matt uncomfortable, he does it for Aubrey. When reading the story you eventually find out Aubrey’s reasons for this and you can understand his fears.

Matt is a very loveable character. More than anything he wants to find everlasting love. After watching his parents' marriage slowly fall apart he’s hesitant at first with Aubrey but the pull he has toward the other man is just too strong for him to deny. Being in love with Aubrey out weighs any fears he has.

I absolutely loved this story. With a rollercoaster ride of emotions, this book does not disappoint. These two characters complement each other so well you can’t help but want them to be together. The love scenes between and Matt and Aubrey are beautifully written. You can tell these two men really love one another. Through all the drama these to suffer through they always realize love is the most important thing.

I would recommend this story and, though it will stand alone, I suggest checking out the all the stories. Ms. Langley has left several unresolved story lines between other characters in this story and I cannot wait for the next installment in this series.

Educating Macey by Missy Jane

Educating Macey by Missy Jane
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (52 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Sex has taken a backseat on my priorities list for a while now—being a single mother never allowed me the chance to dwell on it. But then my daughter grew up and Max moved in next door. Just seeing his sexy-as-hell body and hearing the way he growls my full name, Macey Lane, gets me all hot and bothered. I am not a woman of experience, but Max is more than willing to teach me. His lesson plans may be too delicious to pass on, but is hot sex worth the risk of becoming another of his conquests?

“What are you afraid of, Macey Lane?” That is the million dollar question in Missy Jane’s hot little novella Educating Macey. I’ve read some really creative and fun “older woman, younger man” type books but this is the first one that had me really considering the attraction. Maybe it was the age of the female lead, Macey.

She’s my generation and the plot hits a little close to home. Not my home personally, but a close friend. Anyway, Max and Macey’s story has a genuine appeal because it could happen and probably does.

Macey was obviously a teen mom at some point and when the marriage to her daughter’s father didn’t work out she was left to raise Haley alone. Max is the amazing next door neighbor that is looking for a fresh start after his own personal plan for romance falls flat. Where Macey lacks in experience, Max is fully prepared to provide time and technique. I really liked that Ms. Jane had Max and Macey get to know each other as friends and neighbors over a year before they take it to the next level. Macey is pretty practical and knows that she’s not one to play games but she underestimates Max’s ability to not only be able to commit but to actually want to commit.

Ms. Jane won me as a fan girl when I read Two Week Trial, and Educating Macey simply reinforces my love for her stories and the characters she creates. The women are real and strong due to circumstances in their past. They aren’t beaten down but you get the sense that they are ready for their hero to step in and take care of them. Then there are Ms. Jane’s men. Wow! Again, she tends to write the everyday hero but he’s the man every woman wants. He’s self-assured with just the right amount of alpha to not give up easy but blended with a good dose of romantic to make her heart melt.

Bravo! Ms. Jane on another fabulous win. I can’t wait to see what you have for us next!

Afterlife by Joey W. Hill

Afterlife by Joey W. Hill
Knights of the Board Room, Book 2
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (212 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, F/F, M/F/M/M/M, M/F/M, Multiple Partners, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Peppermint

Rachel gave up seeking a Master years ago. After a failed marriage and terrible tragedy, she’s walled her soul against going down that dangerous path again. Then Jon joins her yoga class. He’s thirteen years younger than she, but his Dominant nature threatens her shields from the moment she recognizes it. Not only does he understand what her body wants—he knows what her soul craves.

Part of the five-man executive team of Kensington & Associates, Jon uses his calm, philosophical nature to defuse volatile acquisition negotiations. He can compel opponents to willingly surrender when he draws the sword that closes the deal. As a sexual Dominant, he employs that same expertise. A spiritually driven Master who enjoys connecting with a woman’s soul, he wins her utter submission with his skills. But with Rachel, it goes beyond that. She’s the submissive his own soul has always hungered to have, and he won’t hesitate to use his talents, as well as that of the other four K&A men, to claim her.

Rachel’s story is one that will pull at even the toughest heart strings. It was obvious to me from the beginning why no ordinary relationship would work for her. She needed a man who would help build up what her ex-husband tore down so she could become the confident woman she deserved to be. Everything about her screamed submissive and she doesn’t need just any dominant to accomplish this -- she needed Jon.

I have a feeling that anyone would submit to Jon. The author did a great job displaying his strength without making him harsh. As a reader I found myself wanting to do whatever he demanded along with Rachel; that is how much power he wields. His character had me asking myself if men like him really exist and if so where can they be found? Even better? Jon isn’t the only dom in this series -- there are five of them.

This story has a strong yoga/tantric/Buddhism element to it. This helped to demonstrate why Jon was so comfortable with who he is and how he lived his life. Rachel also respects and follows the same beliefs so it helped with the relationship development also. I will say that the author gets pretty technical when it comes to the various yoga positions, which became occasionally bothersome -- since I am not a follower of the belief I couldn’t fully understand what was going on. I do however think that this belief increased the story and enhanced the BDSM element of the story.

This BDSM story has an intense D/s element to it. So even when Rachel does not know or want to admit what she needs, Jon is there to show her. That is the reason I labeled this a forced seduction. This was not done in a malicious or hurtful way, just a men giving a woman what she needs. There is also a lot of petting and foreplay between various characters, but actual penetration is left for Rachel’s master. Many of these encounters are almost more about reassurance than sex.

This was a very sweet story that should touch anyone’s soul. Sex and sexuality play a large role in this story, but it is always intimate, emotional and something that should be cherished. Even when more than one party is involved you can see the caring and love coming from all participants. It is a nice mixture that left every part of my body feeling warm and tingly.

I have read stories that have left me envious of the relationship and love a couple share, but none as deeply as this story. Fabulous.

House Of Sins by Lacy Danes

House Of Sins by Lacy Danes
Publishing: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (97 Pages)
Other: M/F, F/M/F, menage
Rating: 3 Cherries
Reviewed by Canterbury Bell

Her most important duty—serve the master’s pleasure.

Emily’s dreams are simple: a life of dedicated service at a respectable estate, and a strong marriage filled with love and devotion for one man. Portage Place, the manor where her parents apprenticed, seems the perfect place to start. Though it is whispered that all is not as it seems behind its grand façade.

The rumors, it turns out, ring with truth. The halls are saturated with sensuality, desire and lust. Despite the scandalous duties she is asked to perform, she is determined not to stumble on what could be her first step toward her dreams. Dreams that, lately, have included the manor’s fiery haired groomsman.

A promise to watch over his younger half-brother brought Adam to Portage Place. For the first time in five years of enjoying the delights of the manor’s unbridled debauchery, Emily’s innocence touches the protector that still lives deep in his core. This house of sin may have ruined him, but he will see to it that it doesn’t ruin her.

It seems, however, that behind every door lurks a conspiracy to bind Emily in velvet chains of desire. Until the only way out is for Adam to take the biggest risk of all…

Emily Grey has followed in her parents' footsteps and takes appointment and position at Portage Place. After all, where can a young woman go that provides employment and keeps her out of the brothels?

All Emily desires is a man who loves her and a family of her own, but the desires at Portage Place are far different than she ever imagined. Owned and run by a peerage father and his very demanding sons, there is no sexual appetite that cannot and will not be satisfied at any time and any place. Then she meets Adam, a charming, handsome and very sexy groomsman. Adam has vowed to protect Emily from the decadence and frivolity of the master and his sons but soon loses his heart to the young, trusting and inexperienced chambermaid.

Lacy Danes writes a tale of the life of a young Victorian woman with little choices in making her way through life. Emily’s life is somewhat preordained with little means to deviate from its path. Her realization and acceptance into the life of Portage Place, the men, the women and the one man who does have to ability to take possession of her heart is the center of the story. You cheer for her and her hopes of a different sort of future and to fulfill her passion for that one very special man.

This was an interesting story and a very different type of story with an inevitable outcome but the direction of the characters was interesting with a very sudden and quick twist that I never saw coming! Life in the late 19th century was for the very rich; the very poor had little or no rights or control over their futures and it is fun to take arms for one young and determined woman to forge her own path. A thoroughly enjoyable story.

The Spider Prince by Rebecca Goings

The Spider Prince by Rebecca Goings
Desert Princes of Jikkar book four
Publisher: Carnal Passions
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (161 pages)
Other: M/F, attempted rape
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed By Myrtle

Amani Bantish has been passed over five times for marriage. She fears she has no hope for a husband until finally, the Spider Prince accepts her as his bride. Not for love, but to bear him an heir.

Two years ago, Ziyad Bihar lost his first wife, Karis, and their unborn son under the hooves of a raider’s horse. No one else could possibly compare to the woman he’d once loved, therefore his new bride will not be his princess.

But Ziyad cannot deny that the more he gets to know Amani, the more he fantasizes about his minx of a wife. Yet his loyalty to Karis pulls him deeper into his despair. When Amani’s life is threatened by the very man responsible for Karis’s death, Ziyad realizes he must fight for the woman he loves, or risk losing it all again.

I have one word for this book: magical.

The beginning of this magical tale starts when a woman agrees to marry knowing that her new husband does not love her, and tells her she will never be the Spider Princess. What a cruel and heart breaking way to begin a marriage and it did something to my heart just thinking about how Amani must have felt. With a beginning like that, it made it impossible for me to put this book down ones I started reading. Before I could get far into the book I found tears in my eyes -- my heart bled for Amani Bantish Bihar.

However, if I had a broom I would have loved to use it on Ziyad Bihar, the Spider Prince. Talk about getting lost in a book! The Spider Pince is one that will pull you in and hold you until the end.

It was Ziyad Bihar who put a wall between Amani and himself in the beginning, but when he finds himself sleeping alone with the ghost of Karis, his dead wife, Spider princess and the woman he’d loved with every piece of his soul, he soon learns that a ghost is a cold bedfellow.

It was good to see how, after Amani is married she is not shy about pointing out that she is not his "Princess", only his wife -- as he stated before their marriage. As the story continued, I found myself so proud of her, because there is nothing like making a man eat his words. Tears and laughter will keep you reading long into the night.

Will Ziyad put Karis in the past and look to the future or will he destroy what he can have with Amani? This story kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. It has such an amazing plot and the characters come to life in the pages of this book.

Would I recommend this book? You bet I would and as well as tell you to have a few tissues ready as the story unfolds. I would, however, recommend starting with the first book in the series. Even though The Spider Prince is a stand alone book there are a few places in the story that will make more sense if you do.

In the Beast’s Lair by Marie Medina

In the Beast’s Lair by Marie Medina
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (150 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Verbena

Beauty Allister isn’t intimidated by money or power, but when eccentric millionaire Kyros Rayland offers her a job as his live-in personal assistant, she can’t help feeling overwhelmed. She knows little about him, even though Kyros and her mother have been friends for years. All she knows is he’s the sexiest, handsomest man she’s ever met. She doesn’t care about the odd rumors she’s heard all her life. No sane person would believe any man could turn into a panther at night.

The other rumors intrigue her more.

She hears about orgies and bondage and a wickedly delightful playroom no woman would ever want to escape. Should she believe any of these rumors? Will she be safe if she ventures into his lair and puts herself at his mercy? Will she be devoured by the appetite of the beast or consumed by the desires of the man?

What woman doesn’t dream of a fairy tale romance? One with a handsome prince charming who lives in a beautiful castle and offers his undying love? But what if prince charming has a dark secret, one that could threaten the very foundations of love? When does a fairy tale become a nightmare?

Unlike her adventurous sister, Beauty has never found the right guy to give her body to, not all-the-way, anyhow. The overly gorgeous, rich, and available bachelor in town seems way out of her reach, despite her sister’s goading and her mother’s interference. She’s looking for work, not love. But an unexpected job offer is about to change her world.

Kyros needs a wife and a baby; a boy, to be precise. But not just any woman will do, he’s wanted Beauty since the day she was born. In order to break his curse, she must love him despite his dark secret. Even when it requires hiding the truth, a feat not easily accomplished. Trust and honesty are the very foundations Beauty wants in a man, two things Kyros may not be able to deliver. And sometimes, a fairy tale is involves more than attraction, money, and love.

With In The Beast’s Lair, Ms. Medina offers a pleasant twist on Disney’s famed cartoon Beauty and the Beast. The first 100 pages moved along at an acceptable rate—building character depth and pertinent plot points—the last 50 pages, however, seemed a little rushed and contained multiple sex scenes that served more as fillers than to move the plot forward. With the build up of the main dilemma, I would have liked to see the resolution a little more played out. Even so, the author’s charming characters and interesting plot made it a fun story and an enjoyable read.

For an adult only version of a classic fairy tale, grab a copy of In The Beast’s Lair. Kyros is one beast I wouldn’t mind taming myself.

The Red Thread of Forever Love by Nicole Kimberling

The Red Thread of Forever Love by Nicole Kimberling
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (100 pgs)
Other: M/M, anal sex
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Cactus

Folklore researcher and PhD candidate Hank Caldwell has a problem. He’s come to Japan to get information for his book on supernatural creatures called yokai. Along the way he discovers that yokai are not only real, but one of them is determined to make Hank his forever lover.

Translator Daisuke Tachibana knows all about the shadowy figure in a business suit who keeps accosting Mr. Caldwell. He knows the creature must be stopped, but how? Their upcoming research trip to a remote, hot springs resort will be exactly the opening the yokai is looking for. Now if only Tachibana could stop thinking about Mr. Caldwell’s naked, freckled body submerged in steaming water long enough to formulate a plan to keep the amorous creature at bay.

The path to true love is never easy, but some helpful “Fingers” may do the trick. Canadian Hank Caldwell is in Japan to do folklore research. Hank’s writing a book about the customs and myths of Japan and is hoping to find more information about a spirit called yokai. Unfortunately Hank gets his very own yokai nicknamed Fingers. Fingers is all to happy to help Hank in any way he needs, after all Hank is Fingers’ soul mate! The energetic spirit might just drive Hank into the arms of his translator and guide Daisuke Tachibana.

The Red Thread of Forever Love is a thoroughly delightful novella. The romance between Hank and Daisuke takes place over a few days but it feels much longer. You really get the sense that these two are friends, companions, lovers, and will absolutely live happily ever after. The final resolution is very romantic and lovely, lending a satisfying ending to a story I didn’t want to end.

The characters are nicely developed and you get a real sense of their personalities, hopes, dreams, desires, and fears. Fingers is easily the best character, emerging as a romantic, lovelorn spirit who simply wants to be with someone. His bits of dialogue are truly some of the most hilarious I’ve read. The writing is very, very good and the dialogue is filled with quips, banter, and witty conversations that make the story fly by so fast you won’t put this down. The story is filled with charm, romance, humor, and a great eye catching setting.

The story takes place in Japan and offers a wealth of detail about the culture. From the misconceptions about Canadians to the holiday traditions, there is so much more to this story than just a romance. While the romance is lovely, the interesting background and culture really steal the show. From the quick mystery to karaoke to fortune telling and the yokai history, this novella manages to pack everything in while never overwhelming the reader or moving too fast. Instead this is simply delightful and entertaining to read from beginning to end. If anything I wanted more, but that always happens with a great book and isn’t a bad thing at all.

I can easily recommend this story to anyone looking for something different. Although set in Japan, this is still a contemporary romance with charm, humor, wit, courage, fears, hopes, and dreams. Although I expected this to be good, I was surprised at just how good this novella turned out to be and hope everyone else loves it just as much.

Wild Nights by Rhea Regale

Wild Nights by Rhea Regale
Blood Moon Legacy series
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (168 pages)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, ménage, anal play/intercourse, spanking
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Ayasha White knows she is different, even for a wolf. When a fire burns her house to the ground, killing her uncle, she flees to Wolf Creek and into the arms of Lenox Carter. Her body awakens with passion and her wolf spirit rises in the presence of her mate. But Lenox holds disturbing knowledge of her past and a cold truth about her other mate.

Riley Tormel, Lenox’s friend-turned-foe, leads the rebel pack hot on Ayasha’s tail. He won’t stop until she’s dead. When she unleashes a powerful surge of emotions within him, he’s left questioning his motives and unable to shake a foreign desire to protect her.

Time is running out. Ayasha’s life lies in Riley’s unpredictable hand. Can she and Lenox convince Riley his place is with them? Or will the untamed rebel wolf rejoin forces with his pack and hunt them to the death in the wild night?

In a matter of minutes Aya’s safe and protected world with her uncle is shattered and her life in danger. Little did she know, as a sacred white wolf, her life was forfeit from birth. Aya’s uncle sacrifices himself to ensure that Aya has a chance to reach Lenox Carter, one of her two destined mates. While Nox wants only to protect Aya and make her happy, her other mate, Riley, is sworn to eradicate the white wolves from the face of the earth. Can Aya forgive Riley’s role in the death of her beloved uncle? Will Riley be able to let go of his desire for revenge? When Aya confronts Riley the dialogue and tension is explosive!

In this second installment of Ms. Regale’s thrilling Blood Moon Legacy the fight to save the last descendants of the sacred white wolves continues with Aysha White and her mates Lenox Carter and Riley Tormel. Wild Nights is every bit as exciting and breath stealing as the first book, Wild Hearts. Ms. Regale has created a tantalizing world of werewolf shifters and the legacy of the Blood Moon Massacre. Rebel wolves continue in their quest to destroy the powerful and mystical white wolves. The sadistic she-wolf that tried unsuccessfully to destroy Shyla, Coal and Jacy in Wild Hearts has a sister, Eliza who uses her control over a rebel band of wolves to manipulate them into killing for her pleasure.

There are so many great elements to this story. The romance and sexual chemistry between Aya, Nox and Riley is hot. Their personal struggles that have to be overcome so that they can be a triad unit are compelling. The inherent evil of the devious Eliza is literally palpable. Ms. Regale has a very vivid writing style that makes the action appear to jump right off the page and carry the reader along for the adventure.

Eliza mentions having another sister that gives this reviewer hope that there will be at least one more installment to this series. While I would have liked to have had Shyla, Jacy and Cole brought into this story, even if it was for a cameo only, it didn’t detract from the book at all. My understanding of the story is that Aya and Shyla would be cousins so I was looking for a reunion of sorts, but that could happen in a third story.

The wolves out to decimate the white wolves seem to get more inventive and determined as the series progresses. Eliza was certainly more manipulative and sadistic than Laela. This reader will be keeping her eyes open with hopeful anticipation that Ms. Regale will honor us with one more installment!

Northern Exposure by Jayne Rylon & Mari Carr

Northern Exposure by Jayne Rylon & Mari Carr
Compass Brothers Book 1
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (112 pages)
Other: Menage, M/M/F, anal sex
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed By Myrtle

Silas Compton always had his eye on Lucy, the veterinarian’s daughter. He was even content to wait for the girl of his dreams to grow up before getting anywhere near her with his family’s double-edged legacy.

Waiting around led to fooling around with his best friend—and an impulsive eruption of desire that Lucy’s innocent eyes weren’t meant to see. Figuring Compton Pass wasn’t big enough for either the three of them or the pain he’d caused, Silas let loose his tightly reined wanderlust and headed for Alaska.

Ten years later, when an oil rig accident sends him home, he braces himself for the reopening of old wounds. Instead he finds himself in the care—and welcoming arms—of Lucy and Colby, whose marriage has plenty of room for the man they both still love. And forgive with all their hearts.

As things start to unravel at Compass Ranch, Silas must dig deep for the strength to assume his rightful place in the Compton family…and lay the foundation for a future with his lovers. If he can forgive himself.

Sometimes, someone loves so deeply it cannot be obliterated by time or distance; it is a love that will last forever. When Young Silas leaves home so that he will not destroy the two people he loves most in the world, Lucy and Colby, he does not realize he is leaving a hole in their hearts that will not be mended until he returns to them. It is not until Silas almost dies and has to return home that he learns that the circle of love is not complete without him.

When I started reading Northern Exposure I was not sure what to expect, but it was not the heartwarming sensation I found in reading about all three of the characters finding their place together after ten years apart. It is not everyday that you fall in love with all the characters in a book, but each one left me with a warm and contented feeling through out the story.

Both Jayne Rylon and Mari Carr did an incredible job telling this wonderful story, and the plot just flowed like cool water on a hot summer day from beginning to end. Yes, there were some steamy love scenes between the three -- enough to make you squirm in your seat -- but it was definitely done with good taste and a lot of soul deep emotion.

Northern Exposure is truly a love story that will warm the heart and take the chill of the winter from your bones. Do not miss this one --it will be an absolutely delicious addition to your library. I cannot wait for the next book in the Compass Brothers series so I can see how Lucy, Colby and Silas are doing as well as see what Silas' other brothers are up to.

Delany’s Catch by Diana DeRicci

Delany’s Catch by Diana DeRicci
Publisher: Purple Sword Publications, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (75 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Peppermint

Can love overcome the destructive force of an unnatural secret?

Alone since his boyfriend left him for another man, Jake Holiday has been working his bookstore, treading water, and keeping to himself. It was simple and uncomplicated.

Delany Coltrane changed that.

Turning a corner looking for an address, Del wasn’t expecting to find the hot guy hidden under the stack of boxes, but couldn’t regret needing to ask for directions. Not when Jake was his wolf’s mate, and too damn sexy to ignore even if he weren’t.

But with money problems and safety at the bookstore an issue, can Del and Jake find a middle ground to let their attraction flourish? Because trust is essential to share Del’s largest secret with Jake. A secret that encompasses not just Delany, but his whole family.

It isn’t often that mates are equally matched. That is exactly how I see Jake Holiday and Delany (Del) Coltrane. Both are built similarly, both men love unconditionally, and both come with baggage. Jake is so worried about his problems and how they will affect his relationship with Del that he doesn’t even realize that Del may have just as many if not more issues that will be brought to the bedroom.

The writing style of this story was lovely. As soon as I read the first chapter I knew this would be a story I could finish within a few hours because the author wrote it in a way that was easy to read, and her creativity drew me into the story immediately. The only detail I would have liked to have seen elaborated was the lycanthrope aspect of the story. I like to see the second nature of a person/shifter to play a large role in their behavior and actions. The only time Del’s shifting abilities played a role were in the bedroom. If it would have been elaborated just a little more this would have been the prefect story for me.

The relationships develop within this story worked really well. I think that Del is the perfect pursuer and when he sets his mind to something he sticks with it. While this helps the relationship it proves to also hurt it in the long run. Both men are lovers each can be proud, whether it is meeting the folks or in the bedroom.

This was a beautiful love story between two deserving men and I was happy to share the experience with them.

Fallen by Pia Veleno

Fallen by Pia Veleno
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Contemp., Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (110 pgs)
Other: M/M, anal sex
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Cactus

Man has free will, and guardian angels have an eternal place in the holy host.

When unexpected feelings interfere with Malchediel's guidance of a mortal being, he must decide if his love for one man is true, or the work of the devil. Charged with the soul of handsome but suicidal Bran Weller, Malchediel faces a new challenge: Bran's steadfast belief that homosexuality is not wrong despite the Church's view of his lifestyle.

In the course of his angelic duties, Mal is tempted to turn a blind eye to long-standing rules of guardianship as he falls in love with his charge. Torn between faith in God and belief that every man deserves love, Malchediel must find a way to balance heart and soul or risk a Fall to Hell.

Is a happy ending possible between a guardian angel and his charge? Mal is a guardian angel but he’s careful not to get too attached to his charges. Humans have free will and thus angels can only help guide and advise during the most trying times. When Mal suddenly develops feelings for Bran, the angel is faced with serious doubts. Mal wonders if his love is real and if so, what does that mean for his life and love for God?

Fallen takes a more intellectual approach to the common angel/human love story. Mal is a guardian angel sent to help Bran through a difficult time. Bran’s considering suicide, though the reasons aren’t given, and Mal tries to show Bran there is something worth living for. Bran offers a different philosophy than Mal has ever known and gives the angel a lot to think about. Much of the story is spent debating about whether homosexuality is a sin and whether God loves gay men. Bran takes the position that he can be spiritual and still be gay while Mal initially is shocked and appalled by this. Mal soon comes to realize he’s never thought about the question; just assumed that organized religion is speaking God’s word.

The religious debate takes up a good portion of the story and tries to offer the viewpoint that someone can be spiritual and still gay; that homosexuality is not a sin. The fact that a guardian angel, presumably with the most belief in God, never even thought about this question is a bit suspect. Mal feels too innocent, too naïve in a lot of the scenes. He’s new to the ways of humans and often blunders his way through things as well. He has a very formal way of speaking that makes for an awkward, somewhat difficult reading experience. This is meant to convey Mal’s thought process but tends to make for a disjointed story.

The romance between Bran and Mal is nice but I think the religious and intellectual debate overshadow the story. Combined with the writing style, this may not appeal to everyone. There are several sweet romantic elements and a definite happy ending – with miracles even – and the story does a really good job of offering a different, fresh take on the angel/human theme. I’m very curious to see what the author does next.