Wednesday, March 9, 2016

New Release: Between Ghosts by Garret Leigh



Title: Between Ghosts

Author: Garret Leigh

Publisher/GR Link: Riptide, GR

Genre: MM Contemporary

Vice: War, Military

Rating: 4 stars

Lock this book up: 3 keys.  The sex is hot and fits the story

Length: Novel

Satisfaction: HEA

Cover Impressions: I like it. 

Best Line:  "Nat shivered, exposed and laid bare, but for the first time in his life he didn’t give a shit. “I’m okay. It’s just being with you, like this, I can’t hide . . . from you, from anything.”

Synopsis: In 2003, journalist Connor Regan marched through London to add his voice to a million others, decrying the imminent invasion of Iraq. Eight months later, his brother, James, was killed in action in Mosul.

Three years on, Connor finds himself bound for Iraq to embed with an elite SAS team. He sets his boots on the ground looking for closure and solace—anything to ease the pain of his brother’s death. Instead he finds Sergeant Nathan Thompson.

Nat Thompson is a veteran commander, hardened by years of combat and haunted by the loss of his best friend. Being lumbered with a civilian is a hassle Nat doesn’t need, and he vows to do nothing more than keep the hapless hack from harm’s way.

But Connor proves far from hapless, and too compelling to ignore for long. He walks straight through the steel wall Nat’s built around his heart, and when their mission puts him in mortal danger, Nat must lay old ghosts to rest and fight to the death for the only man he’s ever truly loved.

Impressions:  I always love Garret Leigh’s work and I was very excited to read her latest release.  I felt very connected to Connor right from the start, and I could immediately feel his connection to Nat.  I really liked seeing some of Nat’s view of their connection, and as the novel progressed I felt that both of those pieces worked very well together to give us a full sense of the story and a perspective on their deepening feelings.

I found the military aspect to this story to be fascinating and very believable.  I hadn’t known much about the military experiences of British soldiers, and I found the combat scenes gripping and gritty.  Leigh must have done the necessary research because I was completely pulled into the story, and I found myself itching to get back to my kindle!

The love in this story is a slow burn with periods of explosive sexual energy, which is appropriate to the situation.  Leigh can write a heart wrencher, and though this book was still filled with emotion, it was about men at war, literally fighting for their lives.  There isn’t a lot of sentimentality allowed in those situations, and I am glad that the love story really suited the setting and context. 

Despite the gritty setting, this story centers around two men who find each other and get the love and closure that they both have been needing.  I loved every page, and I was sorry when it was over!

Highly recommended. 


Monday, March 7, 2016

Rapid Review: Finding Love



Title: Finding Love

Author: Lily G. Blunt

Publisher:  Smashwords, GR

Type: Novella

Vice: Escorts, true love

Rating: 4 stars

Lock this book up: 4 out of 5 keys.  This is sexy and hot!

Cover Thoughts: Romantic and fitting

Synopsis: A male escort takes on an inexperienced client and breaks the first rule of rent boys: don’t get attached.

After updating his Rent Boy blog profile, well-endowed porn star Ty receives a text from a sexually inexperienced client. Andy, the client, asks Ty to provide him with the necessary know-how so should he ever get a date with the guy he’s attracted to, he’ll be fully prepared.

Little does Ty know that this hookup will lead to a friendship that will subsequently change his life.

Review:  This novella is a sexy, short read that is a little delicious treat.  Ty was cute and likable, and I appreciate that this had a cute HEA but didn't avoid the complexities that come with a character who is in porn and escort services.  Andy is an adorable, geeky, and not very shy virgin.  I loved their pairing and their evolution.  Even in this short little gem, Blunt packed a solid punch!

New Release Review: Never Too Late by Sloan Johnson

Title: Never Too Late

Author: Sloan Johnson

Publisher/GR Link: GR

Genre: MM Contemporary

Vice: OFY, Children, Accident

Rating: 4 Stars

Lock this book up: 3 keys.  The sex is hot and supports the plot very well.

Length: Novel

Satisfaction: HEA

Cover Impressions: I really like it!  Classy and gorgeous.

Best Line:  "I'll be here as long as you'll let me."

Synopsis: Dax: My life ended six years ago. No, really. I was dead on the side of the road following a gruesome motorcycle accident. From what I've been told, it's only because of one stubborn man that I have another chance to make something of my life. I no longer hate him for screwing up what I thought I wanted. I want to thank him. NEED to tell him what his actions mean to me.

Now, I’m headed back to the town I’ve never set foot in even though it’s a huge part of my life. I’m not thrilled about that, but the job offers haven’t exactly been flowing in. They’ll probably think I’m crazy, because there’s no way I won’t be able to look at every guy I walk past, wondering if he’s the one who saved me.

Michael: My entire life, I wanted to save lives. I’d earned a full-ride scholarship and had been accepted to med schools across the country. I was so close to making those dreams a reality until the night held a dying man in my arms. I’ve never been able to get the images of his lifeless body caked in mud out of my head. Even when the paramedics tried to take over trying to save him, I couldn’t let go. I never let go. Eventually, my guilt over not doing more cost me everything but my son. And now, I worry I’ll lose him if I don’t get it together.

I’ve often thought that if I could find him, maybe I could get some closure and finally get my life back on track. Now he’s here and I’m more of a mess than ever. Once the truth comes out, will he keep trying to save me or will he realize that it’s too late?

Impressions: This story is told in alternating points of view.  I really enjoyed getting to know both MC’s and to hear things from their individual POVs.  When I first met Jagger and Michael, I saw them through Dax’s eyes, and I, like Dax, felt like Michael was an out of touch parent.  When I saw the world through Michael’s eyes I had a whole different perspective.  I love a story that keeps me on my toes and makes me evaluate things differently with every chapter, and this book certainly does that.

I also really appreciate stories with kids when the kids are written realistically, and Johnson does a great job at that too!  The kids in Dax’s class, along with Jagger, were adorable and endearing.

Most of all, I really loved the love story that is at the heart of the story between these two men.  Johnson always delivers a great love connection, and this books was certainly not exception!