Love, Like Water ★★★★✩

Title: Love, Like Water

Author: Rowan Speedwell

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 261 pages

Publication date: July 9, 2013

Rating: Four Stars

Blurb: Three years undercover with one of the worst gangs in the country left FBI agent Joshua Chastain shattered. Battling nightmares and addiction, he leaves the concrete jungle for New Mexico horse country, hoping to start over on his uncle’s ranch.

Foreman Eli Kelly spends his life rehabilitating abused animals, and Joshua is just another lost soul. But as Joshua slowly begins to put his life back together, Eli realizes that Joshua is a lot more than his newest project.

Joshua’s plan seems to work—maybe a fresh start was just what he needed. Then, just when he has finally found a sense of peace, crime and hatred nearly destroy all his hard work. forcing him to reevaluate what he wants out his relationship with Eli and his own life.

Review:

Let me first say that I don't like cowboy romance. I've read at least a dozen of similar novels and they were really bad. I mean, really, really bad. I don't know what it is about cowboy romance that makes even decent authors reach for cliches and vulgarity. So I decided, no more cowboys for me. Who has money to waste?
But I like Rowan Speedwell. As an author, she is remarkably dependable. When you get your hands on one of her books, you can be sure that genuine effort has been put into every aspect of it. So when she came out with this book I hesitated for a day or two then threw caution to the wind. I remember thinking, 'It's Rowan Speedwell, it can't be that bad.'
And it wasn't. It was surprisingly good. For this type of romance, incredibly good.
Joshua is not your typical wounded character. He's broken but still complex. I'm glad he wasn't made out to be some sort of a pretty boy from the very beginning. Years of heroin addiction do not leave anyone looking attractive; that's just reality. Watching him slowly get back on his feet through Eli's eyes was so much more powerful than it would have been otherwise. Eli's character must have taken serious skills too. In some ways, he's your typical cowboy, the ranch foreman, quiet and steady. In less capable hands, he would have fallen flat and become just another slow-drawling, horse riding, stetson-wearing guy. But instead, he's wonderfully fleshed out and stays consistently so throughout the book.
The chemistry between them was very sweet. If you've read Rowan Speedwell's work before, then you know that she has the romance down pat every time.
The descriptions of the landscape were lovely without being overpowering. Some authors will spend pages and pages making sure you're familiar with every blade of grass. It's unnecessary and most of the time, boring. True ability lies in drawing a complete picture with just a few well-worded sentences and this is something Rowan Speedwell accomplishes with ease.
The story line was good, but it stuttered in a few places. The incident with Eli in the city seemed just a little too convenient. But the flow was relatively smooth and the happy ending left me with a smile.
All in all, I now finally have a cowboy romance to add to my 'favorites' pile. Don't even bother with the others, they're not worth the time or money.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DUQ5ABK/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Skybound ★★★★★

Title: Skybound

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre: m/m historical

Print length: 43 pages

Publication date: August 18, 2012

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Blurb: Germany, 1945. The Third Reich is on its knees as Allied forces bomb Berlin to break the last resistance. Yet on an airfield near Berlin, the battle is far from over for a young mechanic, Felix, who’s attached to a squadron of fighter pilots. He’s especially attached to fighter ace Baldur Vogt, a man he admires and secretly loves. But there’s no room for love at the end of the world, never mind in Nazi Germany.

When Baldur narrowly cheats death, Felix pulls him from his plane, and the pilot makes his riskiest move yet. He takes a few days’ leave to recover, and he takes Felix with him. Away from the pressures of the airfield, their bond deepens, and Baldur shows Felix the kind of brotherhood he’d only ever dreamed of before.

But there’s no escaping the war, and when they return, Baldur joins the fray again in the skies over Berlin. As the Allies close in on the airfield where Felix waits for his lover, Baldur must face the truth that he is no longer the only one in mortal danger.

Review:

This story is short but powerful. On the losing side of a war, the German forces are fighting their last battles. The main character is a mechanic, working tirelessly to repair fighter planes so the man he worships can fly into the danger and defend Berlin from the invading forces.

Rarely ever does an author in this genre dare to step this far outside the comfort zone. There is very little about the German forces in that time period that will inspire sympathy. Yet, within the first few pages, the stark reality of a war is revealed. It doesn’t matter which side is right or wrong, nor does it matter who wins or loses, because war reduces all men to baser creatures. In the end, when surrounded by death, each man will focus on saving what is most dear to him.

Felix is a simple character prone to unexpected glimmers of insight and depth. The story is narrated from his point of view. He struck me as a young man, although his age is never stated. A man who dreamt of flying as a boy but when the time came, failed the test. Some parts of him are sweet and uncomplicated, almost idealistic.

“I would devote myself like this to another man. Take a bullet meant for him, and die in his arms, knowing I had fulfilled my destiny.”

The man he worships from afar is a fighter pilot, a legend. Vogt is a bit elusive through most of the story, partly because we don’t have access to his point of view. His first interaction with Felix centers around a bullet that Felix had dug out of the pilot seat, and those few sentences they exchange are almost too painful to read.

Their entire relationship is full of melancholy. Not only because the war is at their doorstep, but because they are so different from each other. Everything about Vogt, as seen through Felix’s eyes, is intimidating. The way he carries himself, the things he says so nonchalantly and without the slightest regard of how they may be perceived, even his reading material. Herodotus’s Histories, a far cry from the fanciful and highly imaginative Karl May adventures that Felix is reading. With each page I felt more and more anxious for Felix, more and more certain that the story would end in heartbreak.

“I’m the eagle who died in his egg while my brother grew up strong and proud.”

Still, a connection blooms between the two men. Something beautiful and fragile and short, made all the more powerful by the fact that this is likely to be their only time together. As the end nears, the despair deepens. We all know how WWII ended. The German forces are determined to fight until they are completely obliterated. A mention is made of suicide missions, of fighting to the last man. The story accelerates, and although you might think you know how it will all end, you will be wrong. Trust me.

This brings me to the only reason why this book did not receive five stars. As much as I loved the ending, it struck me as an entirely unrealistic scenario. It also left me with a feeling that this was not the ending the author had originally intended. Regardless, this book was so exquisite that such a small imperfection, in my opinion, can be overlooked.

Aleksandr Voinov has a skill with words that is almost impossible to match. Each sentence in this story has a beauty of its own. I tend to highlight the passages that strike a chord in me when reading a book for the first time. In this book, I gave up after the first dozen pages having highlighted nearly every other section. I’m embarrassed to admit that this is the first Aleksandr Voinov novel I’ve read, but I will be remedying this very soon.

This may be labeled as a m/m romance but it’s so much more; a piece of history brought to life, threaded with unanticipated poetry. I recommend it with all my heart.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZPFP3O/ref=oh_d__o07_details_o07__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1




More titles by Aleksandr Voinov:

Title: Gold Digger

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 136 pages

Publication date: September 15, 2012

Overall reviewer rating: Four Stars

Blurb: Nikolai Krasnorada leads the life of a corporate nomad. Working for a gold explorations company, he’s never put down roots, and he likes it that way. Roots can be dangerous, as everyone from his “man-hating” sister to his manipulative mother to his war-traumatized father has proven.
But when his CEO sends him to Toronto to strike a deal with LeBeau Mining, Nikolai meets Henri LeBeau, crown prince to the resources conglomerate and inveterate flirt. Sparks fly immediately, despite the business deal that threatens to go sour and Nikolai’s own reluctance to give Henri false hope about him being Mr. Right. He’s barely come to terms with his bisexuality, and getting involved with Henri would get messy.
When LeBeau Mining launches a hostile takeover bid, Nikolai and Henri find themselves on opposite sides of the negotiating table. But fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—for Nikolai, Henri’s not nearly as interested in his company as he is in his heart.

Review by Attention Is Arbitrary M/M Book Reviews:
A very fine stand-alone as well as a must-read for established Special Forces fans. I would also nominate this as an excellent first male/male romance book.

Aleksandr Voinov's voice takes on a fresher, lighter tone yet remains sophisticated in this highly enjoyable romance. I've been anxiously awaiting this new look at the next generation of his Special Forces characters. While it's possible that this book was written purely to indulge his fan's wanton pleading, I honestly believe this project was something the author enjoyed pursuing.

For the past eight months I have been rereading, buddy reading, quoting and praising the epic Special Forces. It's kind of like that first rock album you really connected with and had to share it with everyone willing to listen, in an effort to keep it alive and valid. So, when I heard that Aleks would continue the story, I was thrilled. When I heard the story would be contemporary and revolve around Nikolai, Vadim's son, I was intrigued. When I found that it would be a "sweet romance", I was apprehensive. How could the tragic, physically invasive SF be turned into anything sweet? Duh, I've said this before; I trust Aleks writing and I trust his vision. What he created here was a new day, a new path, while simultaneously easing my soul and giving much needed comfort. Well done.

THE CHARACTERS

There's much better than me out there for you.

Nikolai Krasnorada - Strong, gorgeous, open-minded and introverted. Nikolai is a surprising character to develop from the madness that is Special Forces. He feels normal, average and yet leads a lifestyle many would envy. An explorer by nature or just seeking something he's never known, he works hard to keep a birds-eye-view of his family's, uh, unique quirks.

"The harmless one"

Henri LeBeau - Smooth, rich, flirtatious and the enemy. Wow, what's not to like there?

Vadim sat...back to the wall, seemingly playing with his smartphone -- or really plotting who to kill first...with nothing more than a coctail umbrella.

Vadim Krasnorada - I had instant concern for Vadim in this story. The god-like strength is subdued, vulnerable and he fears losing someone he loves deeply. His brilliance, cunning and protective nature are completely intact. I love him more than ever.

Anya - So like her mother. Competitive, manipulative, mean.

I have to say that it was quite interesting to watch Voinov work with the more "normal" characters of Nikolai and Henri. As a fan, I've seen him develop and present some fascinating, unique and complex characters, so seeing his ability with regular guys was enlightening.

THE STORY

It turns out, for me, this was the perfect contrast to Special Forces. A modern story reflecting a more progressive, yet far from perfect world. Opening within the exciting and fast-paced corporate world, Nikolai and Henri are in high-level discussions relating to corporate mergers and takeovers. The two men are both successful in business but have each forestalled their personal lives. The tentative attraction is acknowledged, but Nikolai is not one to be pinned down. His family has not given him much reason to seek anything long term.

There are glimpses of the parents and family who have worked to achieve certain levels so that their children can have a different type of life. For all that parents strive to make their children's lives easier, smoother, those children must still attain their own sense of self via pitfalls and success.

A strong and necessary undercurrent in the book revolves around Nikolai and Vadim's incomplete relationship. I found myself crying for Vadim. I think you will too.

The Anya twist is reminiscent and surprising. Voinov's genius was showing when he developed this plot line. I have to wonder how long he was sitting on that idea.

THE WRITING

The chemistry and the banter.

This is why I think Voinov found enjoyment in these characters. It was clear in the writing style that he liked both Nikolai and Henri and I found it delightful that he could interest me in such normal, warm and "real" guys.

The story was quick, lively and well written. Again, I would say this would also be an excellent introduction into male/male romance. The pace, tone and visuals are easy to sink into.

...you never know what kind of memory will keep you going when you need it.

~~~~

The longer I digest this book the more satisfaction I'm taking from it. If this is Aleks' attempt to appease his fans, fine. I say more power to his fans for causing this revisit.

There are several plot lines that would be very interesting to pursue. In a very vain attempt to color Aleks' mind, I would love to see more of these characters.

Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog
[...]

Review originally posted on Goodreads


Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Digger-ebook/dp/B009BPUZOG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373956016&sr=8-1&keywords=aleksandr+voinov

Brothers of the Wild North Sea ★★★★★

Title: Brothers of the Wild North Sea

Author: Harper Fox

Genre: m/m historical romance

Print length: 346 pages

Publication date: June 11, 2013

Rating: Five Stars

Blurb: Caius doesn’t feel like much of a Christian. He loves his life of learning as a monk in the far-flung stronghold of Fara, but the hot warrior blood of his chieftain father flows in his veins. Heat soothed only in the arms of his sweet-natured friend and lover, Leof.
When Leof is killed during a Viking raid, Cai’s grieving heart thirsts for vengeance—and he has his chance with Fenrir, a wounded young Viking warrior left for dead. But instead of reaching for a weapon, Cai finds himself defying his abbot’s orders and using his healing skills to save Fen’s life.
At first, Fen repays Cai’s kindness by attacking every Christian within reach. But as time passes, Cai’s persistent goodness touches his heart. And Cai, who had thought he would never love again, feels the stirring of a profound new attraction.
Yet old loyalties call Fen back to his tribe and a relentless quest to find the ancient secret of Fara—a powerful talisman that could render the Vikings indestructible, and tear the two lovers’ bonds beyond healing.

Review:
From any other author, the religious undertone of the story would have made me wary. The idea of priesthood, of devoting one's life to a single, Christian God is an alien concept to me; one that often makes me feel uneasy. I tend to stay away from novels that delve closely into the subject, whether they be fictional, historical, or any combination of the two. However, no Harper Fox novel I've ever come across could be called lighthearted or frivolous. Over the years, I've learned to put my faith into every sentence she forms and trust that my faith will be rewarded with more beauty than a simple human being can take.
I can't say I know much about the time period. I do remember some of my lessons, mainly Synod of Whitby who in 664 left the Celtic Christian Church for the Roman faith. And of course, there's Saint Cuthbert. Is it too much to hope that I saw some of his fascinating life peeking though in Cai's story? I suppose I'll never know. Records of the Viking raids during that time period are few and far between, but they do exist. The rest of the plot, as far as historical accuracy is concerned, is by no means lacking in events that ring true. The action is stark and full of suspense. You can easily imagine yourself sliding on the treacherous sands, smelling the blood and tasting the copper. I had gotten accustomed to the beauty of the worlds this author creates, yet each time I find something new, something that takes me by surprise. In this book it was the images of the waves breaking against the hull of a ship, the moonlight reflected on the steel, the black of blood marring the surface of the sea. Beauty found in an unexpected place and more precious for this fact alone.
Both Cai and Fen are boys in the beginning; if not in body then very much in mind. Each one seems to approach their role in life with a boy's mindset. The concepts of honor and duty seem prevalent, yet it is clear than neither fully understands the meaning of these words, or what it means to live by them. Together, they shed the unnecessary shackles that bind them. They learn which battles in life are worth fighting and why. They grow in front of your eyes, from page to page, so heartbreaking in their imperfections and failings.
In the end, love is the power that moves and conquers. Not just the love in between Cai and Fen, but the other kind, that so often goes unrecognized. The love which so rarely passes the lips of today's religions, where all men are brothers in the eyes of God, where the faith in human kind dwells alongside of science and the needs of flesh and bone. Where humanity is not something to be shed in favor of rigid faith and control, but embraced fully. So all men can revel in the wonder of their own flaws and know that they are no less loved, by each other or their creator.
During a dark time in man's history, Harper Fox has managed to bring about the light. Don't pass this by; there's so little beauty in the world that none should be disregarded. Especially not this kind, the kind that spans centuries.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFQM4VG/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Threshold ★★★★★

Title: Threshold

Author: Jordan L. Hawk

Genre: m/m paranormal 

Print length: Not specified 

Publication date: June 2, 2013

Rating: Five Stars

Blurb: Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne's railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine. 

Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons--including Griffin's ex-lover Elliot--already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.

Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton--especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?

For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can't afford to trust anything--including his own heart.

Review:

I snatched this one up without reading the free sample first, and I rarely ever do that. However, I did read Widdershins and I liked it enough to give it four stars. I figured I'd be in for another four star book. Man was this a surprise.
For one, Christine really grew on me in this one. I wasn't particularly fond of her in the first book; she struck me as the inevitable female supporting character cliche, although much better fleshed out than many other characters of her kind. In this book, she shines. To the point where you wish you had a Christine of your own. I mean, the lady really kicks ass in every way you can imagine, and she does it with a dry sort of humor that many of us wish we possessed. By the end of the book I was in love with her. I do fall in love relatively often while reading m/m romance but NEVER with a female character.
I was glad to see some faults in Griffin. He was just so freaking perfect in the first book that I spent a lot of time being anxious for Whyborne. The introduction of the ex lover definitely shook things up. I spent a lot of time being anxious for Whyborne in this book too; the man is a trouble magnet! But man, the character development in this story was incredible. You can see Whyborne fully come out of his shell and become a man we all knew he was from the beginning. He's such a sweet and faithful guy; it was so awesome to see him kick some ass while staying true to who he is as a person.
The story line itself was just as imaginative and complex as the first one. A definite page turner. I don't want to give anything away, but if you liked the action in the first book, this one will blow you away. And it flows so smoothly, it's a pleasure to read.
The sex scenes. Holy crap. There was this one, with the storm raging outside; I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I won't say any more than that. But wow. I swear, my Kindle got too hot to touch.
All in all, I really, really enjoyed this. I do hope there will be another Whyborne & Griffin book coming out at some point. I got really attached to these guys. And Christine. Oh please, let's have more of Christine :)

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Threshold-Whyborne-Griffin-ebook/dp/B00D5M4NP8/ref=cm_pdp_rev_itm_img_1

If It Ain't Love ★★★★★

Title: If It Ain't Love

Author: Tamara Allen

Genre: m/m historical romance

Print length: 44 pages

Publication date: August 25, 2011

Rating: Five Stars

Blurb: In the darkest days of the Great Depression, New York Times reporter Whit Stoddard has lost the heart to do his job and lives a lonely hand-to-mouth existence with little hope of recovery, until he meets Peter, a man in even greater need of new hope.

Review:
What a way to start the month!
This must be the fifth Five Star book I've gotten my hands on in the last two weeks! I'm either extremely lucky lately, or I've finally learned how to pick 'em :)

This was such a charming and beautiful read.
We meet Whit first and he's really down on his luck. The times are desperate, his job is in jeopardy, and everywhere he turns, all he sees are people just as desperate as he is. The author paints a truly disheartening picture of the Great Depression without going into too much detail. There is a scene where Whit offers to buy a cup of coffee to a man he sees crying in the soup kitchen line. In this one simple encounter, the full misery and wretchedness of the era comes to light. It sets the tone for the rest of the story.

So we meet Whit and are acquainted with his misfortunes. But not until he meets Peter, is Whit's true character revealed. Only then we can clearly see that Whit is a survivor, a man who takes every little gift with gratitude and appreciation it deserves. While Whit is a man who has nothing, Peter is a man who lost everything. Family, home, everything he cared about, including his good name. His darkness is so much deeper than Whits, it appears bottomless. 

The two men find each other almost by chance, and in the worst of times, they find something worth living for. Even thought the word 'love' is never actually spoken, it shines through every page. It truly does conquer all.

This is a short read but the message is timeless. It will stay with me for a long time.
I recommend it with all my heart :)

Download it for FREE from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KV1EHW/ref=oh_d__o00_details_o00__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 



Other titles by this author:

Title: Whistling In The Dark

Author: Tamara Allen

Genre: m/m historical romance

Print length: 338 pages

Publication date: December 10, 2008

Overall reviewer rating: Five Stars

Blurb: New York, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after an affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, he heads to New York with no plans and little money—only a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey’s life has changed as well. After losing his parents in the influenza epidemic, he hopes to save their beloved novelty shop—now his—by advertising on the radio, barely more than a novelty, itself. Sutton lands work in Jack’s corner of the city and the two conclude they couldn’t be less suited for friendship. But when Sutton loses his job, Jack gives him a place to stay. Sutton returns to the piano to play for Jack and finds the intervening months have healed him. The program promises to rescue Jack’s business and Sutton’s career...but success brings its own risks for two men falling in love.

Review by Mark R. Probst:
Every once in a while I'll read a book that will literally sweep me off into another world and hold me there, in a magical trance. WHISTLING IN THE DARK is one of those novels, and while reading it, I began to feel that I had no business being a writer as nothing I write will ever compare.

Tamara Allen uses a very light touch to show the New York City of 1919 as she recreates a post-war Mecca vividly describing the birth of prohibition, jazz, and radio stations; underground homosexual parties; automats; shady loan sharks; and two psychologically-damaged soldiers, Jack and Sutton, who find salvation in one another. The very long novel has a feel of Americana, but without the overly cheery optimism. What is so fascinating to observe, is how these two characters warm up to each other. The pace is deliciously slow and as they get to know each other, it never once feels staged, nor does the reader feel telegraphed ahead where there relationship is headed. It took great restraint to allow these characters to develop separately before they finally came together romantically. I shan't spoil you by telling you how it happens, but the circumstances that lead up to their first kiss, is one of the most unique and imaginative plot twists I've ever encountered.

Though the novel certainly deals with some dark and serious issues, the overall tone is buoyant and charming and I had a silly grin on my face though most of it. The myriad of supporting characters are well-drawn and there was the full range of good to bad. The only thing I will say that is even remotely negative is that I counted five straight characters that knew about the love affair between Jack and Sutton and were completely supportive of it. It's possible. Not likely, but possible. Also, this book has got to hold the record for the number of times the word "sandwich" is used. That's not a complaint, just a playful observation. There were so many sandwiches consumed in this book, I felt positively stuffed.

WHISTLING IN THE DARK is a truly remarkable first novel and a beautiful and poignant romance that deserves to be read and savored by anyone who appreciates good gay fiction. So please read it, then tell all of your friends to read it too.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Whistling-in-the-Dark-ebook/dp/B001NIZ616/ref=la_B002BM227O_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370179826&sr=1-1


More titles by this author:

Title: Downtime

Author: Tamara Allen

Genre: m/m historical/time travel romance

Print length: 504 pages

Publication date: April 1, 2012

Overall reviewer rating: Four and a Half Stars

Blurb: FBI Agent Morgan Nash is on assignment in London when his case goes awry and he finds himself moments away from a bullet through the heart. But fate has other plans: Morgan is knocked out pursuing a suspect... and wakes up in 1888.

While cataloging ancient manuscripts at the British Museum, Ezra Glacenbie accidentally pulls Morgan out of the twenty-first century--an impromptu vacation that may become permanent for Morgan if they can't locate the spellbook Ezra used. Further hampering Morgan's quest to get home is the irresistible temptation to investigate history's most notorious serial killer. But in repressive Victorian London, the unexpected romance blossoming between Morgan and Ezra becomes the most dangerous complication of all.

Review by Anne Somerville:

Time travel stories hinge on the fish out of water theme, or the `what would happen if I shot my own grandfather?' paradox. Downtime, a really rather charming romance, is mostly about the former, with a bit of the latter. This 300+ page novel was a delight in many ways. The Victorian details were handled very well, and deftly so one never felt it was a history lesson (only a couple of goofs revealed that the writer was not English.) The editing and format was perfectly clean , and the quality of writing was itself superior. And the actual plot was not terribly cliched, in a rather cliched genre, with warm and credible characters who linger in the mind long afterwards.

I have very few criticisms. The plot got somewhat tangled, with Morgan's present day crime fighting confusing in detail, and resolved rather quickly - if it had been dispensed with entirely, it would have been no loss. The interweaving of the Jack the Ripper story with the characters' lives was a tad strained and leads to some slow pacing, but on the whole worked well enough. There were a couple of bum notes in the otherwise well-sustained Victorian era setting, and I also thought the acceptance of Morgan and Ezra's relationship among Ezra's circle was a tiny bit too easy, but not to the point of breaking the suspension of disbelief. The social consequences of being homosexual at that time are certainly not skirted over, but nor are they belaboured. I thought that side of it well handled indeed.

These really weren't enough to tarnish my enjoyment of this story which I inhaled more or less in one sitting. Morgan is the least likable of the characters, which is not to say he's not likable at *all* - but being a brash and rather pigheaded American, he sometimes made me want to slap him. But he's just what Ezra and the others needed to shake up their confined existence, and he and Ezra make a lovely, believable couple. Some of his detective antics are a bit too Hollywood for true credibility but they're used well and keep things rolling along nicely.

Ezra is a darling - psychic, queer, tortured, honourable, and trying so hard to fit in with a society and class completely unforgiving of someone so far outside social norm. I loved how Allen resisted taking the easy course between him and Morgan, and it's a good way into the story before anyone makes a move, having to get past misunderstanding, prejudice and social restrictions before they can admit the attraction between them. It feels right to delay, and for there to be no easy path to their relationship either.

The minor characters are also attractive and well-drawn, from Derry, the Irishman (with a regrettably wandering dialect) to Hannah, the beaten-down maid who blossoms under Morgan's modern approach to women and servants. The little household of bachelors, and the wider circle of men of ambiguous sexuality and class fascinated me, as did the set pieces in drawing rooms and opera houses. Real history and fiction are nicely woven together, to make a vivid and enjoyable setting for the romance.

The ending surprised me, though there are really only a few ways a story like this can finish, and I found myself thinking about Ezra and Morgan for days afterwards - always, to me, a sign of good writing. It's not the most perfect novel I've ever read - time travel stories bring many pitfalls and I know of none that avoid them all - but I still thoroughly enjoyed Downtime, and would happily reread it. Recommended, and I'll be looking out for more by this author. One to watch out for.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Downtime-ebook/dp/B007QWJNXK/ref=la_B002BM227O_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1370180115&sr=1-2

Finding Shelter (Rock Bay Series) ★★★✩✩

Title: Finding Shelter (Rock Bay Series)

Author: M. J. O'Shea

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 204 pages

Publication date: April 28, 2013

Rating: Three Stars

Blurb: Rock Bay: Book Three

Justin Foster has nineteen years of nothing but trouble behind him. After escaping his abusive father, he finds himself in Rock Bay, Washington, with his cousin Travis. Justin is bruised and has a hard time trusting, but with the help of his family and the small town, he might be able to heal.

Logan O’Brien is also new in town, hoping he can finally get away from his past and the memories of the girlfriend who shattered his heart. It doesn’t take him long to realize Rock Bay can be more than safe harbor: it can also be home. And for the first time in his life, he finds himself captivated by a man—by Justin.

Justin is attracted to Logan too, but he’s also wary. Physically, Logan reminds him a bit too much of the closeted jerks who used to beat him up after school. But after one awkwardly amazing kiss, he’s smitten, despite how his past and insecurities continue to haunt him. Logan’s love, faith, and stubbornness are just what Justin needs to believe their love is worth fighting for.

Review:

I bought this because I wanted a light read and I got one.

Even so, nothing really happened at all. I like a drawn out romance as much as the next guy but it took these guys over a hundred and fifty pages to admit to each other that they're in love. The last fifty pages or so I was ready to beat my head against the wall and shout, "C'mon, get with the program!" The good thing was that the entire cast of the supporting characters were on the same page as me. Everyone knew except for Justin and Logan. Other than the lack of any sort of excitement outside the romance, there was some sentence formation that made me frown (squealed metallically?), especially in a few places where it interrupted the flow of the story so I could mentally go "What?"

The story was very sweet though and Justin and Logan are really adorable as a couple. Like I said, it's a light read, two hundred or so pages, just enough to pass a boring night at work.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Shelter-Rock-Series-ebook/dp/B00CKFY6G2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

Read the Parts I & II of the Rock Bay Series:

Title: Coming Home

Author: M. J. O'Shea

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 230 pages

Publication date: April 9, 2012

Overall reviewer rating: Four and a Half Stars

Blurb: Rock Bay: Book One

Tallis Carrington ruled Rock Bay with his gang of jocks and an iron fist—until a scandal destroyed his family's name. Ten years later Tallis is dead broke, newly homeless, and on the walk of shame to end all walks of shame. He needs money and needs it fast, and Rock Bay is the only home he knows. But the people of Rock Bay haven’t forgotten him—or the spoiled brat he used to be.

The only person in town willing to overlook his past is Lex, the new coffee shop owner, who offers Tally a job even though he appears to despise Tally based on his reputation alone. When Tally discovers his gorgeous boss is the kid he tortured back in high school, Lex's hot and cold routine finally makes sense. Now Tally has to pull out all the stops to prove he was never really the jerk he seemed to be. After all, if he can win Lex’s heart, the rest of the town should be a piece of coffee cake.

Review by D Jefferson:

After reading Coming Home I've decided that I most likely would not want to live in Rock Bay; however, if only for a brief period, it was a pleasure visiting becasue I was able to delve into the lives of Lexie (James Alexis Barry) and Tallis Carrington (Talli). O'Shea creates rich lives and personalities for Lexi and Tallis. The reader is able to get a real sense of what it is like to walk in their shoes. You feel their pain, excitement, the pleasure they get out of making love to each other and their sorrows. Sorrow which, in part, propels the book and is the underlying foundation they built their current selves and lives on. Eventhough the characters come out on top and with an HEA, they had a long road to cross to get there.

Lexie is the ugly duckling nerd who was bullied by Tallis while in high school. Fortunately, he turns into a good looking and good natured business owner. Tallis, the handsome and popular jock lead a charmed life as a child until his family lost everything and left the town in shame. His character retains his good looks; however, he looses everything and has no one to turn to for help. Furthermore, he's had a secret that he has kept since he was a child. He is humbled and throughout the story seeks redemption. His 180 degree personality change does not go unnoticed by Lexie and as a result, they embark on a hot love affair, until.......... (you'll have to read the book to find out).

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 5 or 6 on the angst meter. The angst is not peppered throughout the book, it is clustered into one section; however, it packs a punch and you feel what the characters feel. The length of the book is just right at a little over 200 pages. The length gives O'Shea an opportunity to introduce and flesh out the main characters and appropriately intoduce the side characters; some who have been carried over into the next Rock Bay book. Finally the sex is sensual and the reader can feel intimacy between Lexie and Tallis. I would definately recommend this book to others. I can't wait to read the other two books in the Rock Bay Series.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-Rock-Series-ebook/dp/B007SNLLWS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Title: Letting Go (Rock Bay Series)

Author: M. J. O'Shea

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 206 pages

Publication date: September 16, 2012

Overall reviewer rating: Three and a Half Stars

Blurb: Rock Bay: Book Two 

Drew McAuliffe has lived in the small town of Rock Bay most of his adult life. He’d like to be happy, but not at the cost of having his private life under his nosy neighbors’ microscope, so he keeps his bisexuality under wraps.

After a messy breakup that caused him to pack up and move to Astoria, on the Oregon coast, Mason Anderson decides to avoid drama of the romantic kind. All he wants is to start over—alone.

But Drew and Mason were meant to meet. The long looks and awkward half hellos chance offered were never going to be enough. But when they do finally come together on the worst night possible, misconceptions and problems from their pasts get in the way. Until Mason learns to trust again—and until Drew learns to let go of who he thinks he is—a real connection is nothing but a pipe dream.

Review by 1313:

So according to some people the beginning of the book doesn't work for them, but I thought it was well done. In the middle of the first book, Drew meets Mason so I thought the re-capping of that part in their lives worked well with the story. I love when couple first meet and it's filled with awkward mishaps, and tentative touches. This book was perfect for playing all that out. I will agree with another reviewer, I was waiting for the abused cousin to surface, if he is the subject of the next book, then it would have been nice to get a feel for him, get me excited for the next one! But the lack of him showing face certainly didn't ruin anything for me. I was to focused on Mason and Drew, such great characters, I truly fell in love with them!

If theres going to be a third book, i can't wait, ecspecially if it involves Logan and Justin(I think his name was) should be a good one seeing how Logan is straight;)

I highly suggest you get read both the first book and this one, they are truly great!!

Buy ti from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Letting-Rock-Bay-Series-ebook/dp/B009CA6P3A/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3

Cold ★★★★★

Title: Cold

Author: Brandon Shire

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 215 pages

Publication date: May 14, 2013

Rating: Five Stars

Blurb: Book 1: Prison is a brutal, heartless, and demeaning environment. No one knows this better than a man sentenced to life in prison for murder. Lem Porter is a high-profile prisoner who had a solid career ahead of him in a field he loved until he killed his brother. He has spent almost eighteen years behind bars and doesn’t have much hope left.

Anderson Passero had it all. He built a career, a name, and a relationship with a man he thought he loved. Only after he very publicly landed in prison did he realize how ignorant he’d been. He has eight months left on his sentence and he is eager to go home and put prison life behind him. He doesn’t know it yet, but he will always carry these eight months with him, and they may just help him to understand what love really means.

Review:

I fell in love with Lem. What can I say.
This entire book was surprisingly sweet. It caught me surprise; you just don't expect something like this from a prison tale. The story is so wonderfully put together, so detailed, from the very beginning you feel like you've just been dropped right in the middle of everything. There are bits and pieces of Anderson's life emerging throughout, enough of them that you have no issues relating to the things he's been through. Even so, I never really warmed up to him. And I don't mind admitting it. For me, my like or dislike for Anderson centers solely on the way he interacts with Lem. Because Lem is, for the lack of a better word, magnificent. A true flesh and blood character. Someone created with a piece of the author's heart and soul. His full story is still unknown. The crumbs that the author doles out don't allow us to make a judgment. Not yet. But by the end, even though you will yearn to know more, you will be ready to forgive Lem anything. Anything at all.
I'll admit that I've been looking forward to reading this. But I never expected to give it more than four stars. Rarely ever do all the pieces of a tale line up perfectly for me. Even when the book is excellent, most authors make the sex scenes cruder than they should be. I never expected such a lush and heartbreaking connection between the characters. So much beauty when they are together for the first time.
*sigh* Now I have to wait even longer for the next installment. But that's ok; now I know it will be more than worth the wait.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cold-ebook/dp/B00CT9X5WA/ref=cm_cr-mr-img

More titles by Brandon Shire:

Title: Listening To Dust

Author: Brandon Shire

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 143 pages

Publication date: March 10, 2012

Overall reviewer rating: Five Stars

Blurb: Murder touched Stephen Dobbins when he was a young boy and left him living in a void of aching loneliness. A chance meeting with a young American chased away the fear that he would always be alone and brought him the prospect of a new existence.

Dustin Earl joined the military and escaped his small town Southern upbringing with the hope that he could give his mentally challenged brother a better life. But Dustin had never known real love, an honest hug, or a simple kiss. He considered his sexuality a weakness; a threat that had been used against those he cared about.

For eight months their relationship blossomed until Dustin suddenly returned home. He cherished Stephen, but felt his responsibilities to his brother outweighed his own chance at happiness.

Shattered, unable to function and unwilling to accept Dustin’s departure, Stephen flew three thousand miles to get Dustin back and rekindle what they had. But what he would learn when he got there… he could never have imagined.

Review by wayne bentley:

"nothing is perfect, not even love" --Brandon Shire

In "Listening to Dust" Brandon Shire's first work since his stunning debut with The Value Of Rain,the author once again drives with poetic abandon through the landscape of the heart, ruthlessly plowing through every intersection of love and pain in this engaging and haunting work.

In London, Stephen Dobbins, whose parents were murdered for mysterious political reasons, meets Dustin Earl, a drunk American soldier with a troubled past and an uncertain future. Dustin's tour of duty has just finished and Stephen takes him home. Their night together engages Stephen's emotions but Dustin explodes with anger the next morning and disappears. He returns eventually and begins a tenuous relationship with Stephen that grows deeply over the course of eight months. From the outset Dustin makes it clear that he will, for family reasons, return to his home and eventually does leaving Stephen bereft and lonely. Stephen hides out in France for a year before finally deciding to go to America to bring Dustin back. He is unprepared for what he finds in America where an awful irony accentuates the paths that love and pain travel together, where love can not save anyone from death, but death cannot destroy love.

"Listening to Dust" is well worth reading many times. There are no wasted words, no comforting platitudes, no perfect romances just life told by a master story teller with a razored and haunting insight into heart and soul.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Listening-To-Dust-ebook/dp/B007JB6ATS/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369541523&sr=1-4&keywords=brandon+shire

More titles by Brandon Shire:

Title: Afflicted

Author: Brandon Shire

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 215 pages

Publication date: September 4, 2012

Overall reviewer rating: Four and a Half Stars

Blurb: A high priced male escort and a blind gay man meet by chance. What ensues is a hot, steamy romance by two men looking for something more than a one night stand. But can they reach beyond their own insecurities to grasp what they really desire?

Hunter Stephens is gay, tall, dark haired, and he’s hot. Very hot. But he doesn’t rely on the visual cues when appraising a man because he’s also blind. He listens to the timbre of their voice, trembles at the touch of their skin, and luxuriates in the deep richness of the aroma of man. He’s hard of the hand because he’s a black belt and takes no shit, but soft of the heart because he’s lonely and has been for a while.

Until he meets Dillon.

Dillon Chambers is straight man candy. He’s a high priced male escort that works with an exclusive agency who handles only the wealthiest of clients. But it wasn’t always like that for him. At sixteen he was thrown out of the house for being gay and struggled to survive, turning tricks on the street and finding food and a place to sleep wherever he could. He met two people that changed his life, but he has never met anyone who could change his heart.

Until he bumped into Hunter.

And now they are both Afflicted.

Review by Shirley Quinones:

4.5 stars

This was a surprisingly good book to read. Why surprising? Well, I just had the synopsis to go by and I was convinced that a relationship between a blind man and a male escort just was not viable. I know, shame on me! However, I very humbly admit that the author brought these two characters together seamlessly and their journey was a joy to read. You get to know the characters inside out and you just have to root for them to make it work.

Both characters had issues to deal with that interfered with finding love, but they were great characters to get to know. Hunter, so strong and determined, revealed a very vulnerable side filled with loneliness and a need to love and be loved. And Dillon, sweet, sweet Dillon, he had a rough past, a very interesting present and a loneliness so great that you could only feel for him. I very much enjoyed how these two got together.

I have to congratulate the author for such beautiful writing. Every emotion - lust, loneliness, anger, insecurity- was so magnificently written that I felt each and every one of them. Especially Hunter's. The author managed to describe these in a way that really let me relate to him. The sex scenes described from Hunter's point of view were splendid. At first, I had to really pay attention since it was so very different from what you read everyday with a sighted MC. Not only for theses scenes, but for every single detail. Page after page filled with feelings, smells, tastes and sounds. The dialog was superb, both entertaining and captivating. It all made for a great read.

So you might be wondering, "Why the .5 deduction?" Well, I feel that the ending came abruptly. I could not believe that it finished so unexpectedly. I remember looking at my location in my Kindle and thinking to myself that it was a mistake. In my opinion, they were in the middle of one of the most defining moments of their relationship and I thought they would start sharing more about each other which in turn would take their relationship to the next level. They did that up to a point, but not to my satisfaction. But that's just me, I tend to take my fictional characters too seriously, so it was a minor detail in an otherwise marvelous book.

I am looking forward to next book since I am very interested in knowing how Hunter and Dillon continue together. Well played, Brandon Shire! You had me hooked from the start, now I have to wait and see where you take us next.

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Afflicted-ebook/dp/B0096BF3LU/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i

Part II is also available:

Title: Afflicted II

Author: Brandon Shire

Genre: m/m romance

Print length: 220 pages

Publication date: December 3, 2012

Overall reviewer rating: Four and a Half Stars

Blurb: Hunter and Dillon finally came to terms with the idea that they wanted more than just hot sex with each other. Dillon decided to quit hustling in order to invest his time and energy in building their relationship, and Hunter let his barriers down and opened his heart. But fear has a way of creeping up and dismantling things that we hold precious. Dillon’s family isn’t quite finished with him yet and Hunter is torn about whether he should step into the fray. 

Their journey together comes to a thrilling conclusion.

Review by D Allan:

Brandon Shire has a way of writing that pulls you in from the beginning and will not let go until he's ready to let you go.

I loved the first book and that book along with it's sequel are on my favorites list and definitely favorites of 2012.

I know whatever I say about this book will not be sufficient to how great it is, and how much I feel everyone should read not only these books, but anything Brandon writes because every book is such a visceral reading experience.

Hunter and Dillon connected by chance, but then could not stay away from each other, despite the supposedly "obvious" reasons they should. The first book ended with them deciding to try this relationship, even though Hunter knew Dillon was keeping a secret from him.

This book begins with Dillon taking Hunter away for a weekend, and he shares his secret about his cousin and how that relates to the younger man Hunter's mother is dating.

The book then goes through how Hunter wants to protect Dillon, but his choices, well meaning as they may have been, take life choices away from Dillon, because as Hunter admits, he is a bit controlling!!!

Going from lovers to partners is an interesting challenge, especially if you have two characters who don't want to offend, or have the one they care for hurt in any way. That and reconciling the past - Dillon discovers his father has passed away, but he actually wanted to see him before he died, Hunter finds a way to shift from seeing his mother as his controller, to actually have a friendship with her, as she finds herself opening up to people she had once kept at arms length or further.

Navigating through all of these dynamics amongst the characters could make a book very busy, but Mr. Shire does it in such a way that it is all part of the story flow.

And the ultimate question when characters get together in one book and get a sequel - will they make it? You'll have to read it to find out - and for anyone who read and enjoyed the love scenes in the first one, there are plenty here and as many people, the scene where Hunter wants Dillon to make love to him to the rhythm of the rain, one of the most sensual scenes ever!

Amazing story that I will read again and again, and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys love stories with real challenges, dealt with in a mature, real way (most of the time, both characters do also get to be drama queens on occasion!).

Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Afflicted-II-ebook/dp/B00AIABPRO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top