RELEASE DAY!!

Check out my review for this AMAZING book and head on over to Amazon to grab your copy ASAP! 

Review here

Review: Dance with Destiny a Highly Recommended Read!

Title: Dance With Destiny

Author:  Sloan Johnson

Publisher/GR Link: GR 

Genre: MM Contemporary

Vice: Coming Out, loss, new beginnings

Rating: 4.75

Lock this book up : 4 out of five kets, very hot and supports the story.  Bring a fan!  It gets hot!

Length: Novel

Satisfaction: HEA

Cover Impressions: I love it!

Best Line: "'I'm not going to fuck you tonight', I inform him bluntly. 'Fucking is something you do with a guy you're attracted to.  What I feel with you, Dom, it's so much more than that. Tonight, I'm going to make love to you so you'll never doubt my confidence that we're it for one another.'"

Synopsis: Tony DeLuca has to get to New York, nor’easter be damned. His older sister is getting married and it won’t matter to her if the entire east coast is shut down if it means she’s short a groomsman. She’s the only reason he’s willing to make the trip home to face a father who’s never forgiven him for wasting a perfectly good degree to become a firefighter. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything about Tony that his father will never accept. 

Dominic Tricoli’s living his dream. He’s spent the past few years working to mesh his business degree and love of the outdoors into a thriving company, providing team building retreats for some of the country’s largest corporations. Unfortunately, there’s a price to pay for happiness, and having someone to come home to at night is the sacrifice Dominic made.

When Dominic overhears Tony’s plight, he’s drawn to help the man get to New York City. Little does Dominic know that one kind gesture will awaken a side of him he’s ignored for far too long. Against his better judgment, he gives in to his desires and Tony’s advances. Just for the night.

When destiny steps in, giving him another chance with the charismatic man who saved his hide, Tony’s willing to do whatever it takes to earn Dominic’s forgiveness and understanding. There may not be forever, but Tony’s determined to enjoy every single minute he’s given with Dominic.

You can’t fight fate. Whatever’s meant to happen, eventually will. 

Impressions: I was lucky enough to read Ms. Johnson's earlier book, Teach Me, and I really enjoyed it.  I was really excited to read this one, and it totally surpassed my high levels of excitement!  This book was amazing, and I can't wait to re-read it.  I hope for more about these two guys, because Dom, and especially Tony, really captured my heart!

The story begins with two men driving a rental car to New York during a storm.  After a hot, but slightly awkward start, they meet up at a wedding, one there for the groom and the other for the bride.  

I was definitely captured from the start of the book.  I had a little bit of trouble keeping the MC's straight with the alternate point of views in the beginning, but I very quickly determined their very different personalities.  I really loved watching these guys realize how strong their feelings were, and I appreciated that Ms. Johnson really took the time to explore their complex backgrounds.

About 50% of the way through the book, I wondered how much more could happen.  The MC's were beginning to fall in love, Tony was getting close to standing up for his love, and Dom was coming along well, and I expected this to wrap up like a typical love story.  I was so glad it wasn't over, but I wondered what could come next.  What came next set this book apart for me.  

We really were able to experience the loss Dom had in his past, and we got to see the transformation that Tony went through.  Both Tony and Dom as a couple grew and faced challenges that were difficult, but which never tested their love.

I really connected with these two, and I loved their supporting characters.  The friends and families that supported them helped provide the support that these men both needed, and sadly lacked in their own lives.  I found them to be very realistic in their actions and reactions.

As for the end of the novel, while I won't give any spoilers, I will say that I really enjoyed it.  I know there are challenges that Tony and Dom will face, but I have every feeling that they will face them together.  I believe that the challenges are temporary, and I have every positive hope for their future.  I would love to see more from these two, as they are definitely at their HEA for love, and I want to see them get their life HEA too!  Great story and a very, very highly recommended read! 

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to say that this book was HOT.  Like turn the fan on hot.  The sex scenes were emotional and SO sexy!

Advanced copy received from author for an honest review.  

Cover Reveal: On Solid Ground

On Solid Ground by Melissa Collins is a contemporary M/M standalone romance with a release date of January 15, 2015.  Check out my full review!  You do NOT want to miss this one!

When Jacob “Dax” Daxton returns home from war, he has to fight a new battle – the one to find his place in the world. The man who normally has a clear path to victory surrounded by brothers in combat is suddenly lost and alone. After meeting Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist, Dax’s journey begins winding down an unexpected path.

Still reeling from events that shook his foundation, Beck has never been part of anything meaningful. Now faced with responsibilities foreign and daunting, Dax’s broken spirit mends Beck in ways he never even knew he was destroyed. As both struggle to find balance, they are healed by the comfort they find in one other. On the other side of chaos, they hope to find themselves On Solid Ground. Excerpt
About the author:

Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream. Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.

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Photographer: Perrywinkle Photography Models: Zachary Randall and Michael Walker Designer: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative

Coming Soon: On Solid Ground, by Melissa Collins

Title: On Solid Ground

Author: Melissa Collins

Publisher/GR Link: GR

Genre: MM Contemporary

Vice: Tattoos, Military, PTSD, Piercings

Rating: 5 out of 5

Lock this book up : 4 Keys...Sex is very hot and totally fits the story!

Length: Novel

Satisfaction: Very satisfied!  HEA

Cover Impressions: Just wait until tomorrow!! But its all good!

Best Line:"No you don't, because I haven't said it...I keep trying to push you away because you're the first real thing I've ever had in my life."

Synopsis: When Jacob “Dax” Daxton returns home from war, he has to fight a new battle – the one to find his place in the world. The man who normally has a clear path to victory surrounded by brothers in combat is suddenly lost and alone. After meeting Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist, Dax’s journey begins winding down an unexpected path.

Still reeling from events that shook his foundation, Beck has never been part of anything meaningful. Now faced with responsibilities foreign and daunting, Dax’s broken spirit mends Beck in ways he never even knew he was destroyed.

As both struggle to find balance, they are healed by the comfort they find in one other. On the other side of chaos, they hope to find themselves On Solid Ground.

Impressions:  I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this novel, which is released on 1/15/15.  This book is the second one that I have read from Melissa Collins, and both of them are simply wonderful.  Let Love Live, her first MM, was an amazing read, and it made me extra excited to get this novel on my kindle!

The characters in this novel are impossible not to love.  Dax has been through so much, and carries such a burden from his PTSD with him, that watching him grow and accept love is made even more beautiful.  Beck, tattooed, pierced, and so sexy, is there to teach Dax how to accept that love.

This story took me away in the best way.  I became totally immersed in the story, and I know that I will return to it many times in the future.  I loved the other characters, and I found the reactions and struggles to be so realistic.

Start counting down the days, because in two weeks and a few hours, you will know exactly why this is already I shoo-in for the top of 2015 list!

I was provided and arc for a fair and unbiased review.

Page's Top Fifteen MM of 2014!

Anyone who knows me, knows that choosing my "favorite" of anything is really a challenge!

Nevertheless, I will attempt it for my dear, fellow MM readers.

This year I really needed some great reads, and I was lucky enough to find many enjoyable hours of escapist fun.

Here they are, in order of reading date, not preference:

1. Smoky Mountain Dreams, Leta Blake 


This isa  great story, full of love and complex main characters.  I loved that there were no easy answers, and yet there was a pure and strong love that saw the MC's through to a much deserved HEA. 








2. Enlightenment Series, Johanna Chambers



A great series, with a realistic setting and two strong, intriguing main characters.  I'm a sucker for a good historical, and this had a great historical reference, as well as two MC's that lit up the page.  







3. Bliss, Lisa Henry


This sci-fi book had an amazing setting and story premises.  I wasn't sure what I was getting into, because this is outside of my normal reads, but I was SO glad that I gave it a try.  Henry and Belleau have never let me down before, so I shouldn't be surprised that I loved it so much.  Beyond a really great setting, this novel and some great MC's and a truly interesting premises.  Note to self: Stepping outside of my comfort zone can be rewarding!






4. Home the Hard Way, ZA Maxfield
This was another out-of-my-comfort zone book.  I wasn't sure about the mystery plot, but how could I doubt ZA Mayfield, even for a second?!  This was an amazing read.  Intriguing, complex, and with two amazing MC's.  









5. Hard Feelings, Ashlyn Kane


I thought this was going to be a light, fun read, but it was so much more.  I enjoyed every minute of this book and I connected with these MC's way more than I anticipated.  This was a book that stuck with me.  








6. Last Thing He Needs, JH Knight


This is the ext kind of cop novel + guy with kids/responsibilities novel.  I just LOVED it.  










7. Pull Me Under, Zarah Detand



OK, I'll admit, this one took me by surprise, and earned me a few teasing comments from my friends. I read this book and I LOVED it.  I loved the MC's, the secondary characters, and everything.  It swept me away from life.  Then, I found out it was fan fic...One Direction fan fic (hence the teasing comments!)  Now, I cannot name a single member of One Direction.  I have a vague mental picture of a bunch of kids with Beiber hair, but I cannot deny...I LOVED THIS BOOK.  And I will stand by it!  For all of you, like me, who can't hum along to any twenty tunes, don't pass this one up!


8. River Leith, Leta Blake


One wrestler with amnesia, and his amazing boyfriend, combine to make a love story that touched my heart.  I fell in love with these MC's as they fell in love all over again.  Truly, I cannot say enough.  Check it out.  Its much deeper and more poignant than a simple love story, but at its heart, it is a true story of love. 







9. Hanging by the Moment, HB Pattskyn

     I wasn't sure about these MC's, since they are outside of some of my normal reading, and once again, thank god for that!  This book was very touching and moving.  I felt transported into their lives, and I counted myself lucky to be there!

10. Stay With Me, SE Harmon

      I don't always gravitate to books where there is a wife, but this one was getting some rave reviews, so I checked it out.  It was great!  I loved the connection and the build between the MCs. 

11. Markof Cain, Kate Sherwood


This one cranked my angst-ometer.  I love Sherwood, and she did not let me down.  There were no easy answers in this book, and I really loved the complexities of these two men.  I found them to be so believable and realistic in their reactions.








12. Blinding Light, Renae Kaye


Renae Kaye is an auto buy for me, and I love her Australian series, but this one was very special to me.  I loved the two MCs, both so different and yet so similar.  Very emotional.  









13. Only Love, Garret Leigh


Garret Leigh is another auto buy for me.  I loved her Rare series, and this one proves to have a similar set of damaged MCs who have to fight hard for their well deserved HEA.








14. Think of England, KJ Charles


As far as historical go, they don't get any better than this.  I don't think I loved two MCs and their building tension more than I loved these guys.  This had all of the enjoyment of a juicy Regency and a romantic MM.  If you are a Regency lover, but new to MM, check this out, and if you are looking to dabble in Historical MM, this one is for you too!







15. Shaking the Sugar Tree, Nick Wilgus


This was one of the most unique books I read in MM this year.  The MC and his situation don't fit any of the typical tropes, and it was what made this a stand out! I will definitely be looking for more from this author.








16.  The Tin Box, Kim Fielding

 I've already reviewed this as a 5+ keeper, so be sure to check that out for more information, but this book mixes history and a contemporary love in a way that you won't soon forget. 

Bonus: On Solid Ground, Melissa Collins 

This book comes out on 1/15, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC in December!  Stay tuned for my full review, but you won't want to miss this one!

Series Review: Romancelandia by Anne Tenino

 

Title: Too Stupid To Live and Billionaire with Benefits

Author:  Anne Tenino

Publisher/GR Link: Riptide, TSTL, Billionaire

Genre: Contemporary MM, Hum0r

Vice: Romance novels, OFY, a great laugh

Rating: 5 and 4.5 out of 5...Great Reads!

Lock this book up: 4 keys out of 5, sexy is very hot and totally fits the plot

Length: Novels

Satisfaction: HEA and a HUGE smile

Cover Impressions: While I like them both, I prefer the first one.

Best Line: “It isn't true love until someone gets hurt.” 

Synopsis: Book 1- Sam’s a new man. Yes, he’s still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he’s wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He’s cultivated the necessary fortitude to say “no” to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be.

Until he meets Ian.

Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.

Until he meets Sam.

Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong . . . can they?

Book 2- It’s just a friend thing.

Before confessing his gayness to his best friend, Tierney Terrebonne’s sex life is -strictly restroom. After confessing his gayness to his best friend . . . it doesn’t improve much. Why bother trying when the man he’s loved for fourteen years (see: “best friend”) is totally unattainable? Good thing Tierney is an old hand at accepting defeat; all it takes is a bottle of bourbon. Or fifty. Repeat as needed.

Dalton Lehnart has a history of dating wealthy, damaged, closeted, lying, cheating, no-good, cowardly men, so of course he’s immediately attracted to Tierney Terrebonne. Fortunately, Tierney is so dissolute that even Dalton’s feelings for the man would be better described as pity. Which becomes sympathy as they get to know each other. Followed by compassion, concern, caring, and hopefulness as Tierney struggles to change his life. When the man comes out very publicly and enters rehab, Dalton finds himself downright attached to Tierney. And as everyone knows, after attachment comes . . .

Uh oh.

But post-rehab Tierney can’t handle more than friendship, so Dalton should be safe from repeating his own past mistakes, right? Right?

Impressions: I had read the first of Romancelandia when it first came out, and I was saving the second for a gloomy day.  Well, after recovering from minor surgery, I had found that day!  It was no hardship to re-read TSTL before BWB, and so I settled in to reread book #1.  I have always loved the Romance genre, and Tenino has such fun with these tropes and the character of Sam.  I ADORE Sam and Ian!  Their love is so adorable, and I can't get enough of them.  The secondary characters are excellent, and I really felt like I know these guys and their circle.

In Book 2, I was surprised to see Tierney's story, since he was SO unlikable in book 1- well I should not have doubts Tenino for a second!  She made Tierney so understandable, and found in Dalton such a great match, that this story was a joy to read as well.  I loved that this story didn't end when the healing began. Tackling Tierney was a challenge, and Tenino took the time needed for us to see the transformation that he needed and deserved.  I have to admit, seeing more of Sam and Ian was a HUGE bonus!

I will be looking for the next book in this series because I cannot get enough of these guys!

Highly Recommended!!