Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Dreaming of Dragons by T.A. Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I immediately started reading this book as soon as I finished Here Be Dragons. I could NOT put it down and I loved the way the author chose to write the sequel from Mordred and George's POV. You not only get to see how life in the Realm of Dreams is but you get to see how the two legends came to find their soul mates in each other.
Summary: Sequel to Here Be Dragons
Lovers for centuries, Mordred and George's relationship is strong enough to withstand anything--or so they think.
With dragons and magical creatures appearing every day, George risks everything, even to the point of losing his lover, to maintain the balance between the Realm of Dreams and the human world. Mordred can see George slipping away and, for the first time in his long life, insecurity creeps through.
As the presence of old lovers, new friends, and deadly dragons cause cracks in their foundation to form, Mordred and George must discover how far they're willing to go to save their world and their love.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, violence.
What I liked about this book: The plot thickens, as they say and with the sequel we get to see that in order to save the world, sacrifices must be made. While the humans try to fight creatures beyond their comprehension, the living legends are battling against a staged coup that could destroy both of their worlds. In the center of it all, are Mordred and St. George, fighting to save the humans and keep their love alive in the process.
I loved walking through their realm with Mordred and George. Loved seeing the way their love grew and transcended time and space. While the Mordred of Arthurian legend could be considered the bad guy, here he is not just a hero, he's the narcissistic legendary hero we all love to have a love/hate relationship with.
Excerpt: Mordred shrugged slender shoulders and moved, straddling his hips before settling in his lap. “So do I, but it is what it is. We have to take advantage of what we have, and what we have is me. Beowulf wants me back, and I have a feeling he‟ll be willing to brag to me once he believes I‟m on his side.”
Cupping Mordred‟s firm ass, George rocked their groins together. Mordred gripped his shoulders and kissed him. He opened his mouth to the elf. Mordred stroked the roof of George‟s mouth, causing shivers to run down his spine. He sucked on Mordred‟s tongue, drawing a groan from his lover.
He slid his fingers down Mordred‟s back to tease the top of Mordred‟s crease. Mordred tilted his hips to encourage George‟s touch. He pulled one hand away and blindly searched the top of the stand next to the bed. Got it, he thought, as his hand closed around the bottle of oil they kept there. He yanked the cork out with his teeth and spit it over the side of the bed.
Mordred ground their erections together. George noticed how Mordred kept his knee away from the bandage at George‟s side. After pouring oil over his fingers, he rubbed the tips over Mordred‟s hole lightly before he breeched the puckered open.
Moaning, Mordred relaxed, taking George‟s fingers deep into his tight passage. George twisted, brushing Mordred‟s gland with his knuckles.
“Damn,” Mordred groaned.
George scraped his teeth over Mordred‟s shoulder, not breaking the skin, but drawing the blood to the surface. He never drank Mordred‟s blood unless he was severely injured, as he had been with his recent wound. He‟d gotten used to letting Mordred do it when they fucked because he knew the elf needed the connection it created between them.
He continued fingering Mordred‟s ass until his lover‟s smooth rhythm faltered, telling him Mordred was about to come. He removed his fingers to pour oil in the palm of his hand and slicked his cock up.
“Time to ride me, love,” he murmured, gripping his prick in one hand while urging Mordred to impale himself.
He lifted his hips as Mordred sank down, enveloping him inch by gloriously tight inch. Mordred pushed against his chest and shook his head.
“Let me do the work, George. We don‟t want to aggravate your wound.” Mordred winked at him. “Do you really want Hester to lecture you about having sex after a life-threatening injury?”
George shuddered and not from desire. Mordred‟s witch friend, Hester, scared George. His fear could be a residue left over from his mortal life when he‟d been superstitious about women like her. He lay back on the pillows, kept one hand on Mordred‟s hip, and fisted Mordred‟s cock with his other hand.
“Move,” he commanded the elf.
Mordred shot him an imperious look that was spoiled when the elf moaned as the head of George‟s cock stroked over his gland.
“You are a bit of a slut.”
He kept his grip snug around Mordred‟s prick, knowing just the right amount of pressure his lover liked. He raised his knees to help Mordred balance better. Watching Mordred fuck himself turned George on. He admired the long, lean lines of his lover‟s body.
“So beautiful,” he whispered, taking his hand off Mordred‟s waist and trailing it through the cascade of blond hair swirling around them as Mordred rocked.
“Gonna,” Mordred ground out between clenched teeth.
“Come. I want to feel you.”
With his feet planted, he met each of Mordred‟s downstrokes with a thrust of his own. Sweat rolled down the elf‟s thin nose to drip onto George‟s chest. The room filled with the scent of sex mixed with Mordred‟s unique smell.
“Love!” Mordred shouted, hot cum spurting from his cock to cover George‟s hand and stomach.
The viselike grip of Mordred‟s inner channel massaging his cock drew George‟s own climax. He held the elf‟s body tight to his as he flooded Mordred‟s ass with his own seed.
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Saturday, September 19, 2009
Here Be Dragons by T.A. Chase
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have to say that the first reason for my choosing this book to read and review was the cover and the premise behind this paranormal story. The fact that I had yet to read a book that featured a main character named Hugh was also another reason.
Summary: Herpetologist, Kael Hammerson is hiding in Ireland working at a research lab. While Ireland may seem a strange place for someone in his field, it was the furthest away he could get from his abusive ex-partner. Now, a year later, his heart is ready to heal.
Kael's boss, Hugh Price, is very interested in Kael, but is afraid to cross the line from employer to lover. When a strange sea creature is brought into the lab, Hugh and Kael are swept into a fight for their lives and the lives of mankind.
Dragons have returned and the men must decide if their own love can survive the interference of a goddess.
Note: there is a sequel -- Dreaming of Dragons
What I liked about this book: The story is fascinating and the premise behind the idea of creatures crossing over the realm between legend and reality is well detailed and engrossing. The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable and I like that while the attraction is mutual from the onset, the relationship builds as the plot develops for the reader. One minute you're salivating over the sexual tension between Kael and Hugh, the next you're sitting at the edge of your seat wondering how they're going to escape the sea serpent! I have to say that my favorite characters in this book were actually the secondary characters, Mordred and George. Yes, THAT Mordred and St. George. :D
There are lovely scenes with the four of them feasting on each other that had me licking my lips and going back to re-read because the passion between the four was so palpable, it was entrancing.
The only thing that gave me pause with this book, several times in fact, was the constant grammar stumbling blocks I had to hurdle over. The constant replacement of "then" for "than" and "breath" for "breathe" had me going back and re-reading which took me away from the action of the story. Authors, PLEASE have an editor thoroughly read your book before publication! It takes away from your story when your readers have to go back and re-read something because of a typo or misspelling.
Excerpt: Kael would have to remember to thank the knight. He scratched his stomach. Damn, he was sticky. A sudden thought hit him. Hugh had come inside him. Shit. They hadn’t gotten the test results back. So much for being cautious.
Mordred appeared next to him. The elf tugged on one of his nipple rings. “Silly little one. George told you that unless there’s special magic involved, what happens in the Realm of Dreams stays there. Besides, the dragon’s blood you drank would have destroyed any disease you might have had.”
“Dragon’s blood?” Kael frowned. He didn’t remember any dragon’s blood.
“Oops. Shit. Sorry. You’re obviously not meant to remember that. Just forget I said anything.” Mordred grimaced.
Hugh grunted. Kael turned to watch his lover wake up. Mordred put his arm around Kael’s waist and allowed him to take the weight off his injured foot. Hugh’s hazel eyes blinked at them. Kael watched as the sleep slipped from those eyes. Hugh sat up and leaned against the headboard.
“I guess last night wasn’t a dream after all. Don’t you have your own boyfriend, elf?” Hugh smiled at them.
Kael pulled away from Mordred and joined Hugh in bed. Their good morning kiss was tender.
“I do have my own, but I was nice enough to let him sleep in while I checked on our little warrior here,” Mordred interrupted. “As for the sex, it was as real as anything can be in the Realm. I told Kael not to worry about anything.”
“Hmm.” Hugh shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’m more freaked out by the fact that I’m talking to a fucking elf than I am about having unprotected sex with Kael.”
Laughing, Kael snuggled close to Hugh. “It’s overwhelming at first, but you get used to the fact that you’re talking to a real live legend.”
“Why, that’s nice of you to say, Kael.” Mordred grinned.
“I was talking about George, Mordred. You’re just a pain in the ass.”
Hugh chuckled and Kael squeaked as Mordred leapt on the bed. The elf started tickling Kael while Hugh tried to protect him, but ended up touching Kael more than stopping the elf. Laughter filled the room as the three of them rolled around Kael’s bed, trying to get the upper hand. It was more fun than Kael had had in a long time. He’d never had any friends to wrestle with. He found himself caught between Hugh and Mordred. Hugh’s hard-on rubbed against his own while Mordred’s erection slid along his crease. In that moment all the joy fled and he was shot back into the past.
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Thursday, September 17, 2009
Windows in Time by M. Jules Aedin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don't even know where to start on this review because there's so much I want to say and so much I want to divulge but this is one of those books that you go back to and say, "holy shit, it's like I was there!"
Summary: Fate added injury to insult when Jonah Sellers’s live-in boyfriend left him: while moving out his ex’s belongings, Jonah fell down the stairs and broke his leg. Now his house is a prison, and he's working from home while his sister checks up on him. The only diversion in Jonah’s routine is catching the odd glimpse of a man in the apartment across the way taking off his clothes in front of the window.
But then Jonah is distracted by Liam Brooks, the nurse his sister sends over when she goes on vacation. As they dance around their growing attraction, Jonah and Liam begin to wonder about the man in the window. Why is he always dressed in the same clothes? Why is he there one minute and not the next? How is it that he lives in an old woman's apartment? It's while trying to answer these questions that they stumble across a fifty-year-old missing persons case they can't resist trying to solve.
What I liked about this book: First of all, this is NOT your typical romance and though all of the elements of a truly erotic romance are there, it's truly a "whodunit" book that sucks you into the lives of these two couples separated only by time. Aedin takes you on a journey that spans 2 months separated by 50 years. This is CSI meets QAF meets M. JULES AEDIN
After reading this one, I desperately needed a break because I knew any other book that followed this read would pale in comparison to this book. If you've read Ally Blue's Bay City Paranormal Investigations Series, you'll see a shout-out to her in this book and her influence is felt in the medical aspects of the book but Aedin's "haunting" scenes are all her own and amazing!
Oh and let's not forget the cross-dressing character in the 1950s that you completely fall in love with! What's NOT to love about this book? Don't think about it, just go buy this book. Right now!
Excerpt: “Shh,” Buck murmured, bending down and trailing his lips from the nape of Oliver‟s neck down his spine until he found the zipper of the dress. He caught the piece of metal in his teeth and tugged, the metallic click of each inch loud in his ears. When he finished, he was kneeling behind Oliver, his nose pressed into the
smooth skin of Oliver‟s lower back and the soft fabric of the dress
cool against his face.
Oliver trembled, and Buck held his hips, steadying him.
“Buck….” Oliver‟s hand came back, fumbling for him, and landed in his hair; his fingers tightened, pulling, tugging Buck closer. Buck let his tongue flick out, painting long, wide stripes across Oliver‟s back. “Buck, please.”
“You taste so good,” Buck whispered, nipping the swell of Oliver‟s hip. “I want to eat you alive.”
Oliver groaned, and Buck sank his teeth into the soft flesh again, worrying the hard knob of bone beneath the skin and muscle. Oliver‟s fingers tightened again, tugging with purpose this time, trying to force Buck back up his body.
“Come here,” Oliver demanded breathlessly. Buck rocked back on his heels and looked up at his lover. Oliver‟s dress hung open, the dark wig askew and the natural gold of Oliver‟s hair showing above one ear. His pale skin was flushed in shades of rose, starting in his face and neck and spreading down his shoulders and back.
Buck stood, feeling his knees protest, and molded himself to Oliver‟s back.
“So beautiful,” he murmured, his lips brushing Oliver‟s ear.
Oliver wriggled, breaking Buck‟s grip so he could turn to face him. A small smile claimed Buck‟s mouth; he forgot how strong Oliver was until moments like that, when Oliver challenged him. The dress slipped as Oliver pressed against him, shifting to reveal a flushed chest and erect nipples. Hardness pressed into Buck‟s hip, matching and mirroring Buck‟s arousal.
“Make love to me,” Oliver sighed, mouth pressed to Buck‟s so that each word vibrated through him. Buck pursed his lips, turning it into a kiss, and nudged Oliver toward the bed.
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His Convenient Husband by J.L. Langley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Short and steamy read! Looking forward to more of the Innamorati series! I love Langley's cowboys and how they're rugged, rough and sexy as hell!
Summary:A temporary arrangement? Don’t bet the ranch on it…
At the tender age of seven, newly orphaned Micah Jiminez lost everything—and got lucky. The Delaney family opened their hearts and their home, treated him like one of their own. One Delaney in particular, though, became more than a brother to Micah. The handsome and protective Tucker is the man to whom he wants to give his love.
But after a single passionate night together, Tucker rebuffs him and hightails it to Dallas to pursue his dreams. Leaving Micah to pick up the pieces of his broken heart—and feeling like a fool.
The impending death of the Delaney patriarch brings an unsavory relative out of the woodwork, threatening Micah’s beloved adopted family. They’re going to need all hands in the fight to keep The Bar D from being pulled out from under them all—including Tucker. Micah steels himself to convince the man he can’t forget to come home.
To his everlasting surprise, it’s Tucker who comes up with the perfect solution: a marriage of convenience—to Micah. His gut tells him Tucker’s motivation involves nothing more than saving the ranch. Now he just has to convince his fragile heart.
This title has been revised and expanded by more than 10,000 words from its original published version.
What I liked about this book: This Langley piece is one of her more romantic pieces focusing more on the relationship between Micah and Tucker than anything else. I liked the quick story that still revealed a well-developed plot. It takes great skill to be able to write short pieces like these and still captivate the reader. Langley definitely delivers!
Excerpt: Micah’s eyes shot open wide. He gasped and jerked back, letting go of Tucker. Micah clutched his hands into his chest, looking like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Tucker frowned. A sinking feeling settled in his stomach and his erection dwindled. Micah had been asleep.
“Don’t stop. We both want this. I’m tired of fighting it.” Catching Micah around the waist, Tucker covered Micah’s mouth with his again. He pressed through Micah’s lips as the heat of Micah’s nearly naked body pushed against him. It was absolute heaven. Micah felt so damn right in his arms, like he belonged there. Please don’t let him pull away again.
A small whimper left Micah’s lips as he opened his mouth and kissed Tucker back. His tongue tangled with Tucker’s and his arms wound around Tucker’s neck. Micah thrust against Tucker’s leg then moved back, gasping. Micah’s gaze traveled down Tucker’s body, focusing on Tucker’s already hard prick.
“Oh damn.” Tucker looked his fill too.
Micah’s stomach heaved in and out with his breath. His cock was hard and begging for attention with a wet spot staining the cotton briefs.
Tucker’s own breath caught at the sheer beauty before him. Grabbing Micah’s underwear, Tucker yanked them down Micah’s thighs and off, then drew him forward by his prick. Feeling the hard heat against his lower stomach, Tucker moaned before crashing his mouth down on Micah’s.
With a dazed look on his face, Micah pulled back again and shook his head as if to clear it. “We shouldn’t do this.” His voice didn’t sound at all convincing.
“The hell we shouldn’t.”
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Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Realms of Fantasy by Mychael Carmichael Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was excited about reading this book and apprehensive at the same time. My fascination with all things supernatural usually translates into my being a rather picky, somewhat anal (pardon the pun) reviewer. Realms of Fantasy did not disappoint.
Summary:Angels and demons. Two races of beings, alike and yet not the same. The battles between them have raged for time untold. Realms of Fantasy is the tale of ten such creatures. At the heart of their eternal struggle lies the blinding pain of the greatest Fallen One of allLuciferand Michael, the missing half of his soul. As passions run high and balances of power shift, love is the only power that can save them all.
What I liked about this book: The stories are actually intertwined and had I known that from the get-go, I would have enjoyed the second story better, I think. Mind you, out of the five stories, the only one that I didn't enjoy as much was Unholy Need. Not because it was not a good story, on the contrary, it was very well-written but out of the five stories, this one was the most difficult for me to get through.
Excerpt: “I am to expect gentleness from you, Adon? Have you changed that greatly?” Amused, Irael stilled in front of him. “And exactly what kind of evidence are you looking for? Murder not sanctioned by the Council? You’ll probably find plenty of that here.”
“I do not recall an ounce of complaint when my whip tasted your flesh,” Adon whispered as he began circling Irael. “Tell me, Irael. Do you still bear my marks?”
Stepping back abruptly, Irael hissed out a warning. “What has that to do with your investigation? If the Council has just complaint, the cowards need to face me themselves.”
“I am the Council,” Adon snarled. “And you did not answer my question. Have you forgotten your place so quickly, pup?”
Irael’s wings outstretched in a threatening stance as he stood his ground. His normally short nails began to lengthen, resembling razor sharp talons. “Since you don’t seem to recall, I had no place to forget, Adon.”
The robe fell to the floor and black-feathered wings spread out. Adon’s smile was anything but warm. “You have forgotten.” He tapped the coiled whip, the smile turning sinister. “Perhaps a reminder is in order.”
It required every ounce of will Irael had to stop himself from reacting to the sight of his former master. Bristling in agitation, he refused to fall to his knees. Instead he turned his back on Adon and approached his throne. “Nothing is in order, Adon. If you haven’t noticed, it never has been.”
In a split second, the snap of Adon’s whip reverberated throughout the throne room. It coiled around Irael’s throat and, with a hard jerk, Adon had Irael’s back against him.
“You never learn, pup.”
Growling sharply with the pain, Irael tore at the leather strap, trying to get it off his throat. Slashing at his own skin, his sharp talons cut deep into his flesh. “Back off, Adon!”
Adon’s forked tongue traced the curve of Irael’s ear. “You’ve not changed,” he whispered. “You still crave this.” Another snap of his wrist and the whip left Irael’s throat, moving as if the leather were a living thing, retreating to Adon’s hand.
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Monday, September 07, 2009
The Brotherhood 2: Bite Me by Willa Okati
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The second in The Brotherhood series tackles Bree's connection at Amour Magique.
Summary: Tattoos. Piercings. Leather. Attitude. Do anything, say anything, and damn the consequences. That's Bree of the Brotherhood, and he's not about to apologize for a thing.
Little do they know that Bree's whole "tough-guy" routine is a carefully constructed mask. Underneath it all lies a desperately lonely man who doubts everything about himself, and wishes more than anything else that he could find someone who really understands him.
When the incubus Liam invites the Brotherhood to a night at Amour Magique, one of Charleston's premier gay clubs, Bree's all for it. If he can keep his mask in place, he bets he can score a night of drinking, dancing, and possibly even landing a good lay. Anything to take his mind off his problems and give him one night of sweet oblivion.
Julian, a vampire, has long grown tired of ordinary men and seeks out those that will be a challenge. Bree is exactly what he wants. He can see the pain behind Bree's act, and knows he's been desperately hunting for something even he can't name. Julian promises him both the best sex of his life, and freedom from his fears.
The price, however, is belief in the supernatural. And Bree thinks that may be too high a cost to pay…
What I liked about this book: I'm a total sucker for vampires
This book is not for the squeamish and I love the vivid depiction of what it means to accept an immortal life. It's not romantic in the flowers and chocolates sense. It's erotically romantic and marked with blood, violence and in the sense of Julian and Bree, come.
Excerpt: Obedient as a child, Bree screwed his eyes shut and stepped forward. He felt a brief lurch, as if his stomach were dropping out, then a light thump. He fell a little, losing his balance for some reason. No biggie. Julian was right there to catch him.
He tilted Bree's head to the dim light. "You did that well," he said, voice hoarse. "I must be strong enough to wait a little longer, but for now..." Letting out a small hiss, Julian dipped his head and hungrily kissed Bree's mouth. Rougher than before, much more eagerly, Julian's tongue thrust in and out in imitation of the fucking to come. Bree felt sharp pains as Julian bit down on his lips and lapped off the welling blood, but hell if he cared.
He just wanted the kiss to last forever. And even if they were in public, he wanted Julian's hand on his cock. Now. Five seconds ago would have been better. Moaning into the kiss, Bree thrust his hips into Julian's and ground against him.
"Bree," Julian whispered between sips of his mouth. "Are you so eager?" Speak."
"Hell, yeah." Bree reached between them and rubbed the heel of his palm against Julian's cock, as hard as his own. "I want you. You want me. Come on, Julian. Fuck me. Make me see stars."
Julian dropped his head onto Bree's shoulder and let out a groan. "Bree, you tempt me too far... my control..."
"Yeah," Bree breathed, stroking Julian with all the skills he possessed. "You like it, huh? Want me?"
"More than you could know. I have waited centuries for you."
"Yeah? I've waited a couple hours. Long enough, don't you think?" Bree let his fingers wander to the fastening on Julian's pants, starting to pull them open. "No more wasting time."
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Thursday, September 03, 2009
The Brotherhood: Amour Magique by Willa Okati
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The first of The Brotherhood series is really a ficlet that introduces you to the world of Liam the Incubus and his band of Brothers.
Summary: The immortal incubus Liam’s friends call themselves “The Brotherhood”. The Brothers have the perennial problem of gay men everywhere: finding a hottie who’s a great lay but doesn’t turn out to be a loser or abuser afterwards. They’re down on their luck, and looking for love in all the wrong places.
Liam has a plan to get the Brothers happily hooked up…and provide some fresh, er, meat for his paranormal friends.
Amour Magique, where the gay paranormals hunt for love.
What I liked about this book: It's a great intro to a world that I hope she explores in greater detail in the remaining books. The series, I believe, is complete and this one introduces you to the demon behind the sexual exploration that you hope the others in the Brotherhood will soon be privy to.
Excerpt: Liam moved to one such spot on a small balcony overlooking the main dance floor, checking out the writhing and gyrating bodies below, every one of them weaving their life forces through the club like a tangle of blood vessels. He watched them dance, grope, everything but fuck to the pounding of the music, all as he sipped something toxically purple in a martini glass and waited. But not for long.
Silas Trichton, the owner of the club, appeared from a concealed doorway, nodded to the bartender up on the balcony, and waited for his glass of strong whiskey to appear with the deft and gentle touch the good server had. Just like the way magic should be. When his drink materialized at his elbow, he tipped two fingers to the apron-clad man who’d served it, took it in one hand, and went to greet the stranger on his private observation deck.
The man he’d come to meet -- Liam, Silas thought he was called -- glanced up at him, almost unconcerned at his approach, nodded once, and went back to gazing at the dance floor. Wondering what had him so fascinated, Silas looked down.
“Business as usual,” he said after a moment. “Good crowd for a Thursday night. Mostly college kids, though. Have to keep carding them, or so I hear.”
“You don’t say.” Liam sounded slightly amused, but his voice made Silas look at him with renewed speculation. It was a curious cocktail mix of several old-world accents infused with a taste of American flavor. “Why bother? They’ll get their strong drinks somehow. Speaking of which, I note you have a good Scotch, while I am drinking violet piss. Would there be a reason your ’tender served this noxious refreshment to me?”
Silas glanced at his bartender, who raised his shoulders in an eloquent shrug. “You’d rather have something stronger?” he ventured. “We can oblige. Murray, another single malt.”
They waited in silence for the highball glass to arrive, continuing to observe the dancers. “There,” the stranger said, pointing at two men, each with a hand down the back of the other’s tightly fitted pants. “Do you see? They make love with their hands, and no one notices. No one cares.”
Silas looked at the stranger oddly. “Yeah? You’re not a cop, are you?”
Liam laughed. “Hardly.”
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Taste This by Leigh Ellwood
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was an odd mix of sci-fi meets Food Network. The cover's slightly misleading as you expect there to only be M/M interaction but do not be fooled. There are bisexual and lesbian scenes and innuendo in this read that seemed a little out of place for me.
Summary: Captain Tobin of the Jiu’Kr has acquired a taste for chocolate…and the hunky chef. First in the Vectra Series.
No doubt, Kelly Landry makes the best cookies in the world, but the intergalactic fame comes as a surprise…as does Captain Tobin’s interest in more than just this hot chef’s baking skills.
When the amorous Vectran captain claims Kelly for his ship’s kitchen and private quarters, the chef is reluctant, doubtful that free love mixes well with chocolate chips. Can Tobin convince the baker that his true place is aboard the Jiu’Kr, burning off calories from Kelly’s delicious desserts?
What I liked about this read: The sex scenes were okay. I've read better in fanfic, to be honest and with much more romance. I was really thrown by the idea of a gay man enjoying oral sex with a woman (giver not receiver) and though the Captain, Tobin is not exclusively gay, his conquest Kelly Landry is. The climax of the story was also rather weak. Tobin seemed to crumble at the sign of the Prime Minister's arrival and the fact that he barely fought for his lover, did not sit well with me at all.
I understand this is to be a series, but I can't see how I'm going to want to read the second in the series when the first did not endear me to Kelly or Tobin enough to care about what happens to their relationship. All in all, I would've liked this to be more... just more!
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Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had trouble getting through this one but not because of the writing - that was superb - it was the fact that it should have been two books instead of one.
Summary:After witnessing a mob hit, surgeon Jack Francisco is put into protective custody to keep him safe until he can testify. A hitman known only as D is blackmailed into killing Jack, but when he tracks him down, his weary conscience won't allow him to murder an innocent man. Finding in each other an unlikely ally, Jack and D are soon on the run from shadowy enemies.
Forced to work together to survive, the two men forge a bond that ripens into unexpected passion. Jack sees the wounded soul beneath D's cold, detached exterior, and D finds in Jack the person who can help him reclaim the man he once was. As the day of Jack's testimony approaches, he and D find themselves not only fighting for their lives... but also fighting for their future. A future together.
Several parts of the characterization were a bit difficult for me to stomach as well but these were at the end of the book, where I had already resigned myself to this being a neverending story. Perhaps my characterization judgment was clouded by my impatience to finish the book.
I still found myself thinking and caring about these characters greatly. I've got a soft spot for conflicted souls like D's. I loved him dearly and I think that's why I wanted another book. I want more of D.
Excerpt: With no warning, D left off his exploration of Jack’s body and rolled into him, his mouth claiming Jack’s hard and fast. Jack sucked in a sharp breath through his nose, his arms coming around D’s shoulders. He wound their legs together, angling his torso toward D so they could wrap around each other. This close was just not close enough. Jack clutched what he could of D’s short hair, D’s weight pressing him back into the pillows. He felt D’s hand between them; he tilted his hips and groaned into D’s mouth as he was penetrated, D surging up over his body, pressing forward with his hips socked tight between Jack’s legs, gripping D’s biceps hard as he propped himself up.
D dropped his head into the crook of Jack’s shoulder, still eerily silent except for the rasp of his breath, rolling and thrusting like the tide against him, Jack letting himself go pliant to take him in as far as he could, his hands on D’s back. He itched to say something, do something. Push D over on his back and ride him until he begged for mercy, perhaps. But he didn’t. He just hung on and held him, cradling him in his body, one hand going to the back of D’s head.
Suddenly, D stopped and lay still on top of him. For a long moment, they just lay there breathing. D drew back and met his eyes. “Jack,” he murmured, the name barely more than a puff of air.
Jack nodded. “Harder,” he whispered.
D reared back on his knees, pulling Jack’s hips with him to keep them connected. He hooked Jack’s legs over his forearms, shut his eyes and thrust forward once, hard and deep. Jack hissed, grabbing at D’s wrists. “Like that?” D breathed.
Jack was almost too shocked that D was vocalizing something having to do with their sex life to respond, but managed to nod.
D thrust forward again, his head lolling back, and then again, and again until he was pistoning fast into Jack, holding his legs up and apart, every muscle in his chest and arms standing out like carved marble. Jack was transfixed just by the sight of him.
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