Murder Takes the High Road by Josh Lanyon

Author: Josh Lanyon
Publisher: Carina Press
Date of publication: April 2018

Librarian Carter Matheson is determined to enjoy himself on a Scottish bus tour for fans of mystery author Dame Vanessa Rayburn. Sure, his ex, Trevor, will also be on the trip with his new boyfriend, leaving Carter to share a room with a stranger, but he can’t pass up a chance to meet his favorite author.

Carter’s roommate turns out to be John Knight, a figure as mysterious as any character from Vanessa’s books. His strange affect and nighttime wanderings make Carter suspicious. When a fellow traveler’s death sparks rumors of foul play, Carter is left wondering if there’s anyone on the tour he can trust.

Drawn into the intrigue, Carter searches for answers, trying to fend off his growing attraction toward John. As unexplained tragedies continue, the whole tour must face the fact that there may be a murderer in their midst—but who?

In the Murder Takes the High Road, Carter is taking part in a tour of Scotland visiting the places his favorite author writes about in her books.  A murder and disappearance takes place and he works to try to solve what is going on.   I'm not sure if I mis-read the synopsis when I got book  For some reason, I was expecting a cozy Scottish mystery.

For me, the book was just OK.  It did start off with that "cozy" mystery vibe and I liked Carter.  However, it ended up turning into a kind of underwhelming romance with a boring mystery.  The "romance" came out of nowhere and was a bit more involved than I was expecting.  I don't mind M/M graphic sex scenes, but it just didn't fit with the atmosphere of the book.  Maybe a fade to black would have been more fitting? It just felt forced and unnecessary.

There were way too many people introduced in the book to keep track of them.  They all blended together after a while. Except Trevor.  He cropped up constantly and was annoying.  Seriously, how many times did he have to approach Carter to discuss him being on the tour and how much he knew Carter wanted him back?  It got old very quickly.   As I said before, the mystery was just OK/  I did find myself skimming more than I would have liked.   This is the fist book by this author that I have read.  I'm not sure if this is his usual style of writing.  I may give him another try in the future.

Leveled by Jay Crownover

Author: Jay Crownover
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: November 2015

We all need a hero...let the Saints of Denver begin

Orlando Frederick knows what it is to be leveled by pain. Instead of focusing on his own, he’s made it his mission to help others: sports stars, wounded war vets, survivors of all kinds. But when Dom, a rugged, damaged, sinfully attractive cop, makes his way into Lando’s physical therapy practice, he might be the biggest challenge yet. Lando loved one stubborn man before and barely survived the fallout. He’s not sure he can do it again.

Dominic Voss is a protector. The police badge he wears is not only his job, it’s his identity, so when he’s sidelined because of an injury, the only thing he cares about is getting back on the force. He expects Lando to mend his body, he just doesn’t realize the trainer will also have him working toward a hell of a lot more. As attraction simmers and flares, Dom sees that Lando needs repair of his own...if only the man will let him close enough to mend what's broken.

I have read all of the Marked Men series and have been looking forward to the Saints of Denver series.  Leveled was a perfect bridge between the two books.  It involves Dom, who is Royal's best friend and partner.  He is recovering from his accident while on duty.  He agrees to see Lando for physical therapy to try to get him back to work sooner.  Lando was Remy's boyfriend before he was killed in a car accident and is very close to Rule and Rome, Remy's brothers.  Complex, I know but if you have been following the series, you won't have any problem catching up.

I enjoyed this novella.  I really enjoyed getting to know both guys a lot more since they weren't really fleshed out in the previous books.  I also thought they fit each other very well. I found myself rooting for them until the end.  My only complaint is that I would have liked a longer story.  But, I often feel that way about novellas like this.  If you haven't read the Marked Men series, I highly recommend it.  In fact, start with Rule.  You won't be sorry!  

Blog tour: Fate's Second Chance by AJ Jarrett

Publisher: Silver Publishing
Date of Publication: November 2011

Marie Carter has lived a pretty average life, and she thought dying was the worst thing to happen, until informed by her guarding angel Ross that she was supposed to be born a man. Sent back as Marc, he has one month to heal his sister's suffering and get his soulmate Shawn to fall in love with him. If he fails, it's back to heaven he goes, the love of his life will eventually die of a broken heart, and Ross will be kicked out of heaven.

Marc has been in love with Shawn ever since he could remember, but is a month enough time to get someone to fall in love? And when faced with the knowledge of angels and body mix ups, can a skeptical Shawn believe what is so obviously in front of his face? Can Marc get his happily ever after? Or was what was written in the stars not meant to be?

Fate's Second Chance is an interesting debut novel.  I liked the premise of it. The powers that be make a mistake before Marc is born and he ends up in a girl's body instead of a boy's.  Because of this mix-up, she is given the chance to go back as her (or should I say, his) true self after an unexpected death.  I liked Ross's character the most I think.  He added some nice comedy to the story.

While I did enjoy the book, I didn't love it as much as I was hoping I would.  Marie comes back as Marc, yet most of the time that I was reading the story, I kept thinking that Marc was a woman.  His mannerisms and reactions just seemed too female to me.  So, I had a hard time buying Marie/Marc's change. I do see a promising future for Ms. Jarrett.  It's a cute story and one worth checking out.

About the author:

Hi to everyone! My name is AJ and I started writing about a year ago. So far I’ve been published through Silver Publishing and I just signed a contract for a book with Siren Publishing. So this past year has been busy for me. 
I’m the proud mother of four very active children. When they’re not driving me completely insane they have me laughing my butt off. Kids can do that to adults. I got lucky enough to marry one of the good guys. My husband is very helpful and takes on more of my stress than should be allowed. He supports me and understands all those nights that I don’t come to bed because I’m a slave to my muse.


Fate’s Second Chance is my first release and its part of a series. My intentions are to make this a three part series surrounding the characters from the first book. I already have the second book completed and Silver has accepted it for publication. I’m a fan of books that are part of a series so I wanted to do that with my writings.


I had a fun time bringing these character to life and I hope others enjoy them as much as I do!

BUY LINKS:

Silver Publishing - https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/fate-s-second-chance-ebook-p-653

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Fates-Second-Chance-Twists-ebook/dp/B0063CNE9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321756359&sr=8-1

3 Holiday Novellas

Today, I have 3 M/M Christmas novellas from Silver Publishing! Enjoy!

Tears for Christmas
Author: Freddy McKay
Date of Publication: December 2011

After his partner dies, Dan is left to care for their six-year-old son. Gabriel is a new volunteer at a shelter and meets a 'client' running scared. Can Gabe teach Danny to love again? Or will Dan keep running?

Tears for Christmas is a very sweet story about loss and second chances.  Dan has been trying to cope with the loss of the love of his life as well as trying to raise his son.  Once he meets Gabriel, he sees the possibility of a second chance at love.  He only has to allow himself to reach for it.

I loved Dan and Gabe together.  Gabe was so patient with Dan and I was really rooting for them.  This story takes place over the span of a year.  I think that this would have made a great full length novel, because I wanted to see more of the relationship between Dan and Gabriel.  I felt with the length, there was somethig missing. But I was still satisfied with the HEA.  I definitely recommend this one.

Mr. Popsalos
Author: Lisa Worrall
Date of Publication: December 2011

Luke Fisher has been a single parent for six years. During those six years, he has become painfully aware that the moment you reveal that you have a kid, you immediately become less dateable. Rather than set himself up for the inevitable fall, he just doesn’t date. But it doesn’t matter, because he has everything he needs; a beautiful son, a good job, and a supportive family. He doesn’t need anything or anyone else…does he? 

He doesn't think so until two weeks before Christmas, when he meets Jamie in a bar while out with some colleagues. The man is undoubtedly the hottest thing Luke has ever seen and one glance into Jamie's beautiful eyes tells him the feeling is mutual. But will the attraction fade once Jamie finds out about Reggie? After an amazing night together, Luke decides to pre-empt the heartache and throws away Jamie's number, thinking he will never see him again…

As with most novellas, I wanted more after I read this one. Mr. Popsalos was a really cute story.  Jamie and Luke are cute together.   I loved the ending.  Luke definitely gets a life lesson..don't always assume everyone will react the same when they find out you have a child.  I would have liked to see more of the relationship, beyond just the hope of a HEA.  But, for a quick story that leaves you with a smile, this is totally worth checking out.

White Rain
Author: J. R. Loveless
Date of Publication: December 2011

Brand has spent the last four Christmases without the one man he loves more than anything. After Kia left for college, everything changed. Can Brand forget Kia, or will Santa Claus bring him what he wants most for Christmas?

Brand has been in love with his best friend, Kia, for years. But when Kia left for college, everything between them changed. Kia stopped returning his phone calls and letters and Brand knew his friend had moved on without him. But how could he forget Kia? When he arrives home Christmas Eve to find Kia on his doorstep, his world shifts once more. Kia begs for forgiveness, a forgiveness that Brand isn't sure he has in him. Can he accept Kia's apology, or will the white rain bury his heart in ice forever?

Have you ever wanted to have a second chance with that lost love?  In White Rain, Brand gets to do just that.  This is a sweet story and while it is short, I felt like I got to know both characters well enough to believe their relationship.  I liked the idea of the letters that Brand gets to read to see what Kia has been up to over the past four years.  Give this one a shot, you won't be sorry.

2 for 1 Novellas: When Tony Met Adam & Scent of Attraction

I have 2 m/m romance novellas for you today.

First up is When Tony met Adam by Suzanne Brockman:

Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group (June 6th 2011)

Tony Vlachic, a ruggedly handsome Navy SEAL, has kept his sexuality a secret for years under the threat of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” That is, until he meets Adam Wyndham, a charismatic yet troubled film star. Tony knows that by approaching Adam in front of his teammates he’s jeopardizing his military career. And Adam, nursing a broken heart, has no interest in a relationship. Still, neither man can deny their instant attraction.

Tony didn’t become a SEAL by accepting rejection, and his pursuit of Adam leads to one unforgettable night. But the next morning, Tony is ordered to ship out to Afghanistan, and he’s forced to leave Adam with too much left unsaid. As Tony enters a dangerous war zone, Adam, back in Los Angeles, struggles with the demons of his past, while dealing with the very real possibility that Tony could be killed in action. Half a world apart, both men must face their feelings for each other—and decide if what they’ve found is worth risking everything in the name of love.

This was an OK novella for me. I love Suzanne Brockmann's books and I usually believe the relationships in her books. I just didn't in this one. They met, they had sex and then they are ready for a HEA? It felt forced to me and the whole story felt rushed. There wasn't time to get to know either character. Adam was a total jerk and I can't see anyone liking him at all. I liked Tony, but as he related to his team not Adam. I thought that the reactions of the team after Tony came out were pretty real.

What I did like about it was her touching on the issue of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the military. That was a nice change of pace, especially with its repeal earlier this year. I did some research and I think it comes in after book 12 of the Troubleshooter series, so there might be some back story that I am missing for the characters. I might like it more if I go back and read the stories that come before this.


Second is Scent of Attraction by new author Pender Mackie:

Author: Pender Mackie
Publisher: Silver Publishing (April 2011)

When Shawn takes a job at a cologne counter in a busy department store he hopes it’s the beginning of a successful career in the health and beauty industry.

But almost two years later Shawn is frustrated with his job and his love life. He's still working the cologne counter, still single and still spending every night alone.

His job allows him to meet plenty of good-looking men but most of them are straight, and even when they aren't, Shawn is shy. He gets nervous and tongue-tied when he's around a hot guy and the thought of going on a date with a complete stranger makes his stomach churn nervously.

When he meets friendly and outgoing Graham the attraction on both sides is intense and immediate.

Shawn might be willing to step out of his comfort zone this time but there's just one problem. Graham's with someone else.

It looks like their relationship is over before they even share a kiss. . .

This was a super cute romance. I really enjoyed it. It was well written and sucked me in from the beginning. Shawn is just adorable and I can totally picture his shy face behind the fragrance counter. I loved Shawn and Graham together. What I liked about this story is that the main characters took their time before jumping into bed with each other. I did beleive this HEA. I definitely recommend this quick read.

I know this is the first story published by Ms. Mackie. I see a bright future for her.

Blog Tour - Of Wolves and Men

Author:G. A. Hauser
Publisher: The GA Hauser Collection LLC (April 2011)

'Cowboy' Charlie Mosby worked on a horse ranch in Heber, Utah. He loved his work, the owners of the ranch, and his co-workers; wranglers who helped tourists with guided horse tours and trail riding all year round.
But after a chance meeting with a handsome gay man who had helped Charlie change a flat tire on Interstate 80 a month ago, Charlie was beginning to wonder about his sexuality. And if that wasn't confusing enough, strange things were happening on the ranch.
Satanic worship? A strange cult ritual? Whatever it was, it wasn't good for the owners or the horses on it.
One night Charlie stumbles upon Roman Burk in the woods, naked, bleeding and shivering in the cold. What Charlie never imagined was who -or what- Roman was. Even though the handsome stranger seemed to vanish at times and reappear as if by magic, Charlie was infatuated by this man.
Roman was fearful of revealing his secret. Most of all to a cowboy who was spending more time hunting him, than loving him.
In this shape-shifting story of sexual bonding and discovery, can both Charlie and Roman find what they're looking for? It's a question of honor; one that has been up for debate since the first time man set his eyes on this formidable predator. It's about the mutual respect of Wolves and Men.

Let me first say that this isn't my normal genre. This book does have M/M erotic content in it, so I wasn't too sure if I would like it or not. Having said that, I did enjoy the book. The premise of the curse was interesting and I liked that Roman could turn into both a crow and a wolf. I thought that was unique as usually it is only one animal. I loved Charlie. He just wants to please and help everyone. He was just too cute. I really felt for him as he struggled with his feelings for Roman. I would have liked to see more of Roman's and Charlie's relationship that didn't involve quick sex or turning into animals.

My only complaint about the book is that I wish it had been longer. I felt like not much was resolved in the end. I know that there is a sequel to this one that hopefully wraps up the mystery of the curse. Instead of 2 shorter books, I wish this one was just one longer book so the reader isn't left hanging in the end. I want to know what happens next! I will be seeking out the sequel.

--Kari

About the Author:

I was born in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline in the suburbs of New Jersey in the sleepy town of Fair Lawn. I graduated Fair Lawn High and went to college in Manhattan at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and graduated with honors with bachelor's degree at William Paterson College.

After graduating with a degree in Fine Arts I gave up the idea of being a starving artist and headed for Seattle.

For over a decade I lived in Rain City, and the last eight of those I wore a blue police uniform working for the Seattle Police Department as a patrol officer.

I’ve been writing since 1990 but it wasn’t until I reached the wet British Isles that I published my first book, In The Shadow of Alexander. I lived in Hertfordshire, England for six years and from there I was able to travel and see the wonders of the world. I am back in the good ol’ USA once again and believe me, there’s no place like home.