I've been waiting to get my paws into this novel for MONTHS I tell you, months. The wait was worth it. I think everyone knows I'm the demon bear daddy -I've been waiting to get my paws into this novel for MONTHS I tell you, months. The wait was worth it. I think everyone knows I'm the demon bear daddy - right? I write the dark stuff. Hold on to your f@cking hats kids, my crown has been snatched.
I had to read this in the light of day. But let me tell you why...
Even though this is a piece of fiction - I happen to know MD rather well so I know he went out and interviewed people directly involved with paranormal, parapsychology, and ghost hunting experience and backgrounds. He also interviewed folks from the Catholic church and an ex-exorcist - yes you read that right. Not sure how he managed to get those interviews because the church is notoriously hush hush on this topic. What did he find out?
The events listed in Golden Hills Haunting aren't as unusual or rare as you might expect. Let that sink in to your already goosepimpled flesh. Are you going to sleep tonight? I didn't, for the last week - THANK YOU MARVIN.
In other words - THIS STORY IS BASED ON REAL EVENTS. Made up for the novel? Sure. But the elements of it? Garnered and gleaned from real-life stories. (Jesus, please take the wheel, and may the spirits calm me down).
Now, I'm a good pagan boy—I've been for years. I've had my fair share of run-ins with ghosts, entities, and even a demon once—no lie—and this book portrays them in every single terrifying, sweat-inducing, spine-tingling reality. I've also felt that all-calming, love-filling, and safety of a god being present - knowing that everything will be okay.
This is not for the faint of heart. Be warned, forge ahead carefully - but my gods, go read this.
Now - one criticism - sometimes the dialogue gets a bit clunky - even MD will admit to this - but who cares - the chills this story delivers will wipe that from your memory.
Holy crap - now I gotta come up with something really terrifying to get my soul-snatching, blood dripping, hellbound demon summoning crown back....more
It's no secret, I'm a huge fan of E.M. Hamil's writing, and if you haven't read Dali you need to check it out (Here). But this book is a bit of a diffIt's no secret, I'm a huge fan of E.M. Hamil's writing, and if you haven't read Dali you need to check it out (Here). But this book is a bit of a different beast. Where Dali was Sci-Fi, this story is more Urban Fantasy, but clever fantasy and I've always said: "I'll read anything as long as it's a clever story."
Our heroine is Callie, short for Calliope - a name which should ring bells. In Greek mythology, Calliope was the muse of eloquence and epic poetry, an apt name for our character if you ask me. The very beginning of our tale starts off with Calliope, as she stumbles into a bar while being chased by a banshee, seeking refuge, and she finds that and so much more.
I can't possibly tell you anything more than that, otherwise, it would be a spoiler and I really want you to read this.
What I will tell you, is that every pantheon of gods shows up throughout this book, and the dynamics of who they are, what they've been doing and why they haven't been around are discussed and explained. Brilliant. Utter brilliance. I've read a few similar stories but Hamil has finally come up with a concept that works, is exceptionally told and kept me flipping the pages. And by the way - I might know a thing or two about several pantheons of god (being the pagan sort of lad I am - and having read a good chunk of many myths). The research and knowledge shown in this book regarding the various diety was nothing short of masterful!
I devoured this book in a few quick reading sessions.
But then, how could you not with gleaming passages like these:
"The scarlet cape swirled about him like blood in water as he jumped to his feet."
and
"I may be a few biscuits short of a tin, but I can shoulder my part of the burden."
and my favorite
"A twitch distorted the side of her mouth as the goddess picked up her daiquiri and drained the glass of icy slush in an impressive show of brain-freeze immunity."
Clearly, the muse herself was sitting elbow to elbow with the author when she wrote these lines.
Now for those of you who read my reviews, you've already noted that the books I read have lead characters who are LGBT, and this book drives in the opposite direction, but here's why I made the exception: The secondary main character, Florian, the bartender is Bisexual, and the host of gods and demigods that show up have no qualms about who they select as potential partners.
Seriously? You mean I could have had sex with Ares, God of War? Sigh .
Oh, and a quick "Wow, that's gorgeous!" to whoever did the cover, because it couldn't have been more perfect.
Hamil's book Dali was bloody brilliant, and Nectar and Ambrosia, I dare say, was as good, if not better. Guaranteed from this moment on, I'll be picking up and reading anything E.M. Hamil decides to put words to.
I suggest you do the same!
Merged review:
It's no secret, I'm a huge fan of E.M. Hamil's writing, and if you haven't read Dali you need to check it out (Here). But this book is a bit of a different beast. Where Dali was Sci-Fi, this story is more Urban Fantasy, but clever fantasy and I've always said: "I'll read anything as long as it's a clever story."
Our heroine is Callie, short for Calliope - a name which should ring bells. In Greek mythology, Calliope was the muse of eloquence and epic poetry, an apt name for our character if you ask me. The very beginning of our tale starts off with Calliope, as she stumbles into a bar while being chased by a banshee, seeking refuge, and she finds that and so much more.
I can't possibly tell you anything more than that, otherwise, it would be a spoiler and I really want you to read this.
What I will tell you, is that every pantheon of gods shows up throughout this book, and the dynamics of who they are, what they've been doing and why they haven't been around are discussed and explained. Brilliant. Utter brilliance. I've read a few similar stories but Hamil has finally come up with a concept that works, is exceptionally told and kept me flipping the pages. And by the way - I might know a thing or two about several pantheons of god (being the pagan sort of lad I am - and having read a good chunk of many myths). The research and knowledge shown in this book regarding the various diety was nothing short of masterful!
I devoured this book in a few quick reading sessions.
But then, how could you not with gleaming passages like these:
"The scarlet cape swirled about him like blood in water as he jumped to his feet."
and
"I may be a few biscuits short of a tin, but I can shoulder my part of the burden."
and my favorite
"A twitch distorted the side of her mouth as the goddess picked up her daiquiri and drained the glass of icy slush in an impressive show of brain-freeze immunity."
Clearly, the muse herself was sitting elbow to elbow with the author when she wrote these lines.
Now for those of you who read my reviews, you've already noted that the books I read have lead characters who are LGBT, and this book drives in the opposite direction, but here's why I made the exception: The secondary main character, Florian, the bartender is Bisexual, and the host of gods and demigods that show up have no qualms about who they select as potential partners.
Seriously? You mean I could have had sex with Ares, God of War? Sigh .
Oh, and a quick "Wow, that's gorgeous!" to whoever did the cover, because it couldn't have been more perfect.
Hamil's book Dali was bloody brilliant, and Nectar and Ambrosia, I dare say, was as good, if not better. Guaranteed from this moment on, I'll be picking up and reading anything E.M. Hamil decides to put words to.
I've read E.M. Hamill's work for years and every novel is as entertaining as the last. This is no exception. Hamill delivers the "Golden Girls" in spaI've read E.M. Hamill's work for years and every novel is as entertaining as the last. This is no exception. Hamill delivers the "Golden Girls" in space, and even though that's the name of the AI spaceship, the vibe of the 4 best friends (who happen to be space mercenaries) is seat-of-your-pants action-packed, filled with 'omg I'm too old for this,' coupled with a healthy dose of 'fuckit, live life to its fullest.' Hamill also does some of the best writing on gender. Check it out. Stellar.
A couple of stunning phrases:
"I know I'm chronologically fifty-four, but I thought there'd be some kind of...I don't know. Some kind of level up where I feel wiser or gain more gravitas. All I have is less patience for stupidity and an increased number of bathroom trips." (Gurl, yes. Me too)
"I expect to be terrorizing the galaxy as cackling old crones." (HAHAHAHAHA - count me in!)
This is a series and I cannot wait for the next installment....more
I had heard so many good things about this book, and they were all true!
Vin George created a fantastical world based in the UK, filled with vampires, I had heard so many good things about this book, and they were all true!
Vin George created a fantastical world based in the UK, filled with vampires, werewolves, and fae. The layers and textures of the story made for breathtaking reading, the visuals created with words left me flipping the pages to discover what would happen next. I did not want to put this book down.
There are twists and turns aplenty, with a 'coming of age' type of story as Charley discovers who he is, and why he has never fit in.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Claw'd.
So damn good! This is my first Hank Edward book but it sure won't be my last! At first, I thought...cowboys and vampires...okay, how is this gonna work?So damn good! This is my first Hank Edward book but it sure won't be my last! At first, I thought...cowboys and vampires...okay, how is this gonna work?
But work it did! Hot damn. Have you wondered how vampires came to the North American continent seeing as how they were born of myth and legend out of Eastern European culture? Well, look no further. Although we don't get a solid story, we know that Balthazar was the great granddaddy of all North American vamps.
Take your western pioneer town, your saloon brawls, horses, and guns, and saddle up to take on an ancient evil that is spreading out like snakes sunbathing on hot rocks in Venom Valley.
This is book one of a series, and it ends on one helluva cliffhanger, so make sure you have book two ready to go.
Superb. Makes me want to be a cowboy. And the romance between Josh and Dex is hotter than the desert valley they rode through. I don't mind saying that the creepy factor was pretty high. Off to start book two!...more
Having read some of Ashen's previous works, I went into The Crown and the Collar with some expectations. Ashen does not disappoint. However, The Crown aHaving read some of Ashen's previous works, I went into The Crown and the Collar with some expectations. Ashen does not disappoint. However, The Crown and the Collar is a touch different, which is deliciously wonderful.
The story has some of the usual trappings (tropes) of the MM Romance world, but Ashen takes them and turns them on their head. Delightful twists on tired old tropes.
In Crown and Collar, we see the Royal Prince love affair trope turned sideways with the use of polyamory, and just the faintest hint of D/s with the claiming of a consort, and the collaring of the chosen. It's brilliantly done, with some more than steamy scenes.
Not only do you get a delicious romance tale, but we also get a bit of suspense and mystery, as all things are not as they seem within the castle walls.
Dominic Ashen brings Dungeons and Dragons to life. All of his works inspire grand scenes of fantasy that reminded me of many evenings around a card table being left to the demise of a dungeon master. Ashen is that master - yet the end result is a satisfied party of adventurers.
My first Finn Dixon book - but it won't be my last! The characters were true-to-life, and the family dynamics with a young pre-tween in the house were My first Finn Dixon book - but it won't be my last! The characters were true-to-life, and the family dynamics with a young pre-tween in the house were very relatable (having been through this myself). I loved the fact that Gareth, the manny, had multiple revenue streams. He was a hired out manny, a cam sex worker, and an escort. And yet, when things began to get serious with Eli, there was no judgments or bigotry on what Gareth did to earn money. How very progressive! There are plenty of steamy scenes and a little kink giving this a hot pepper score of 5/5. The writing is excellent, despite a couple of editorial 'oops' - but nothing I couldn't overlook. I definitely will be plunging back into a Dixon book soon....more
This is my very first A.J. Truman book - and it certainly won't be my last.
The setup - true to MM Romance form - a well-known trope(s) - two characterThis is my very first A.J. Truman book - and it certainly won't be my last.
The setup - true to MM Romance form - a well-known trope(s) - two characters you love (or love to hate), and away you go. In The Falcon and The Foe, two gay dads, both who harbor incorrect assumptions about the other, are fierce rivals...until...they get to know one another. Truman did such a fantastic job with the tension between the main characters of Ross and Cal that I didn't think it would be possible for them to ever mend fences. But in true Enemies-to-Lovers trope, and with a "One Bed Only" variation during a camping trip - Truman managed to pull off the unthinkable. Cal and Russ are heart-warming characters and I enjoyed getting to go on their journey of self-discovery learning how to date and love all while being frantic single parents. Bonus Points: Cal is a bear - big and cuddly, and furry. Ross is more of an exercise enthusiast - muscled and furry - and yet the body positivity abounded. YAY!...more
This is the second novel I have read by Mr. Creyton and all I can say is...as long as he continues to write, I will read it. Brilliant from start to fiThis is the second novel I have read by Mr. Creyton and all I can say is...as long as he continues to write, I will read it. Brilliant from start to finish with plot twists, family drama, and a heart-warming romance.
Jack is a down-and-out actor in LA who's made some poor life decisions - shall we say. But anyone who has had a brush with the acting world (lol - or even the publishing world) will tell you that it's brutal and unforgiving. You have to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right product in order to get noticed. This is no different for Jack - and in a sink-or-swim world, he's drowning.
Along comes an opportunity - a small one - but perhaps some work is better than no work - and hot DAMN if he doesn't get the part! The only glitch? He has to get himself to Phoenix, Arizona in order to be an extra in a western.
And then the rest of the story unfolds. You could say his role ultimately ends up as the lead, in a murder/mystery, with an exceedingly rich family, steeped in drama and history going back generations. Who would have guessed that rebirth into a new persona would have occurred in Phoenix - how poetic is that?
I have to give Creyton a standing ovation. The way he tied together this plot was creative, clever, and convincing.
Imagine getting the role of a lifetime, only to find out the part you'll play will be one you'll star in for the rest of your life.
Pick this up - I promise you WILL NOT be disappointed.
Note to author: MORE ROMANCE - dammit I wanted more. But what was there - steamy and hot, and melted this cold dead heart of mine....more
Quigley has done it again! If you haven't read The Moth and Moon series - you really should. These Young Wolves is a spin-off from the earlier books - rQuigley has done it again! If you haven't read The Moth and Moon series - you really should. These Young Wolves is a spin-off from the earlier books - revolving around one of my favorite characters, Vince Knight. In this tale, we see the once-criminal mastermind take on the role of law enforcement, and slowly begin some personal growth. The endearing gruffness begins to melt away as we are treated to the softer parts of Vince. The plot is twisted, and Quigley ensures you never really see what's coming, all while world-building in such a way as to allow the reader to be steeped in a historical fantasy world.
Honestly - I kinda want to live in this world. Take me away! You won't be disappointed with this book....more
I'll start off by saying I have not read anything by Mr. Quigley that I haven't found to be completely endearing and utterly delightful.
Use as WallpapI'll start off by saying I have not read anything by Mr. Quigley that I haven't found to be completely endearing and utterly delightful.
Use as Wallpaper is no exception.
It's a quick, contemporary M/M Romance short story that is easily consumed in one sitting, and yet, Quigley's words are bound to stay with you for days later. Stuart is a hapless reporter, stumbling over his own recent breakup, and attempting to create a documentary on Otar's polyphonic Georgian choir.
The ensuing clash between personalities, cultures, and expectations warms the heart, makes you laugh, and will ultimately have you wishing for more.
And in fact, I did reach out to the author and made a special request for more on this story - time will only tell if that comes to fruition.
In the meantime - do yourself a favor and pick this up for a ridiculously low price and discover an undersung author whose words paint glorious worlds.
I've said it before, and I will say it again... Every now and then you run across an author who just gets it right. Creyton's book, The View From OlympuI've said it before, and I will say it again... Every now and then you run across an author who just gets it right. Creyton's book, The View From Olympus Mons, is that kind of tale. The main characters, Nate and Craig have stuck with me even though I read this almost two months ago. Here's why.
I grew up in the '80s. Creyton captured the essence of what it was like coming of age in that era, knowing you were gay, but also knowing it would lead to ruin. The thought that having sex with another guy might be a death sentence. Of course, it isn't now. Back then, it was. With HIV/AIDS on the news every night, and constantly referred to as "The Gay Disease", the media scared me into the closet for years. Funny. Regardless of a deadly disease, and the knowledge that who you were would be rejected by society, so many of us were still able to burst out of that closet - but not everyone.
In Creyton's book, Nate comes from an affluent family and is courageous as he boldly admits his feelings for his childhood friend Craig. Craig's childhood is rooted in poverty and a parent's addiction.
You'd think Nate would have the social support necessary to survive the reckoning of one's sexuality. But, as with so many others, religion gets in the way. As a teenager, you're reliant on your parents and their resources and emotional guidance, and support. When that is ripped away, what chance do you have of conquering the roller coaster of adolescence and evolving into a functioning adult? For Nate, it doesn't go smoothly.
Craig, on the other hand, with no support system at all, focuses his drive on pursuing an education and a career, denying himself the discovery and development of his true self. That drive rockets him from poverty to success, except in his personal life, where succumbing to societal pressures, he finds himself in a failed marriage.
Through the twists and turns of fate, Craig is pulled back into Nate's life, albeit at the very end, only to learn of Nate's troubled years...and leaves both Craig and the reader to wonder...what could have been different "if"?
If our society reveled in anyone finding love, and not focusing on the 'who' you were in love with. If religion hadn't taught us to hate other people. If a deadly disease had been treated as a public crisis, instead of a problem left to a marginalized group that no one wanted around.
Ifs - so many ifs - and thirty-plus years later, I truly wonder if we really have managed to get any further along the road of compassion, acceptance, and celebrating diversity. Some days, absolutely. Other days...perhaps not so much.
The View From Olympus Mons teaches us that when you climb a hill that is impossibly high, look up. All you'll see are the stars, and what a wonderful place to focus one's sights. Don't look toward the bottom, that's not where you want to go. Instead, look up. Dream big. Give yourself the whole universe. If we cherish who and what we are, and live life with passion, what an outstanding life it would be.
I'll be sure to pick up anything written by Creyton. As much as this ripped my heart out, it was beautifully crafted.
So, I owe the author a huge apology. Full Review to come! Except it never came. It was like an edging session gone on for far too long.
After being kinSo, I owe the author a huge apology. Full Review to come! Except it never came. It was like an edging session gone on for far too long.
After being kindly reminded of my promise of a review...here it finally is, almost a year after I read the story. But guess what? That story is still fresh enough in my mind that I can write this without having to go back to the book.
What does that tell you?
It should tell you everything about Dominic Ashen's ability to write. Ashen has a way of weaving his stories that paint vivid pictures and leave lasting impressions. To say I was invested in David (the human) and Khazek's (the orc) relationship is an understatement.
So, to be honest, when I picked up the first installment of this series, Steel & Thunder, I really didn't know what I was getting into. Kinky Dungeons and Dragons? I mean, sure, why not? Right? Take me on a ride. Little did I know...
What Ashen managed to do was take me gently by the hand and lead me down a Dom/Sub, BDSM, Monster Romance path that made me BEGGING for more. Confession time: I love a good sexy story like anyone else, but I absolutely demand a solid story to go with it. Am I really that kinky? Nah, not really. Am I into BDSM? Nah, not really. Am I into big hairy green-skinned orcs with tusks? Well, okay maybe a little.
Ashen created a world where all of these things come together. The story, kink, Dom/Sub, all of it. And it is DELICIOUS.
In this tale, Ashen introduces polyamory, orgies, and public sexual demonstrations, but all the good stuff that was there in Steel & Thunder is here in Storms & Sacrifice too.
There's drama. David's party companions (yup, think D&D) are in an Orc prison - being treated rather well, but put to hard work. David is counting down the days to the end of his forced submission to Khazek and his friends' release. But as we get closer to the day, does he really want to say goodbye?
Khazek, the big burly orc shows his soft emotional side (Which we got to see in book one), but now it gets ramped up. His David is about to leave...can he let him go?
All in the midst of this relationship stuff, David and Khazek, who also happen to work together on the orcish police force, discover a cultish plot to return the orcish life back to the 'good old ways'. Elements of this plot thread all the way back to the very beginning of the first book.
This is cleverly crafted. The emotions are raw and honest. The sex is hot and kinky...and you can bet that Secrets & Spires is burning on my To Be Read Next list.
As I said before, if you're not reading Dominic Ashen, Why The Hell Not? I promise you won't be disappointed....more
Because it was so real. Looking back to my time as a single, gay guy, out and about, Dereham's progressI was completely enchanted with this short.
Why?
Because it was so real. Looking back to my time as a single, gay guy, out and about, Dereham's progression of the story unfolded in such a way that reminded me of my youth. Wild, horny, carefree, and on the hunt. Accurate and spot on!
A couple of words on the main characters. Gary and Angus seemed to be just two regular guys getting into stuff guys get into (Steamy hot, sweaty hot). Although the story is told from Gary's perspective - the entire tale has a hidden undertone - and no I'm not telling you. As much as it's about a one-night's good time encounter, there are underlying issues colouring Gary's every move.
Having read The Lookout by Dereham, I can attest he has a way of weaving in the reality of life into his extra spicy stories...and I love it because it's real. It's down to earth. As much as MM Romance or Erotica should take you away and leave you breathless (or breathing hard, or just plain hard), there's that extra magic when an author takes the fantasy and makes it real. When you can make me believe that these sizzling encounters might actually be more than just a fantasy, you've got me hooked.
Read Dereham's works. You won't be disappointed....more
A queer retelling of the fairytale, Little Red Riding Hood, with an all-male cast, and werewolves. It's kind of like a cross between Supernatural and A queer retelling of the fairytale, Little Red Riding Hood, with an all-male cast, and werewolves. It's kind of like a cross between Supernatural and Law & Order....more
Dereham is a 'new to me author', and when I saw an advertisement on Instagram featuring three men on the cover, I was intrigued. I justHoly hot damn.
Dereham is a 'new to me author', and when I saw an advertisement on Instagram featuring three men on the cover, I was intrigued. I just finished major edits to my latest novel which is M/M/M and I thought...I should read someone else's.
So I picked up Dereham's book. Now, he did warn me that the content could be triggering. But I thought to myself, damn, I write about demons, and monsters, and blood and gore, violence...what could possibly be so triggering.
OMG. Just...I almost couldn't. I was CRUSHED.
Crushed as in...Polyamory isn't represented real well. Society has engrained this version of love as two people in a committed relationship (well, okay, most of the time it's far more heteronormative, but let's be more open-minded than that, shall we?) The concept of three guys coming together and not only being sexually attracted to one another, but also able to have a loving, supportive, and healthy relationship shouldn't be an odd thing. Listen, if you find your one and only and you're happy with that, fantastic! You go, gurl. But for some folks, there's enough space in their hearts for more than one. I think that's beautiful. I won't romanticize throuplehood either - hell, I'm a guy who's been in a long-term, committed relationship with a fantastic man for 24 years. Intimate relationships with one other person has challenges. The dynamics that flow with three people? Exponentially more tough to navigate - I would think.
Now, I'm not gonna lie - the concept of sharing your bed each night with two others is also hot as hell. Dereham does not shy away from this, and as listed in the Genre category in the header of this post I have stated this is erotica. There is boundless amounts of sex. Hot, wet, spicy, furry, gay sex. OMG.
I read most of this on the train to and from work and I had to - *ahem* - settle, before I could walk off.
So, if you're looking for scalding hot, get your fan out, and a cold drink - cause you gonna need it - then the first two-thirds of this book is for you.
And then...
Remember when I said polyamory isn't always represented really well? That it's tough to find stories of throuples where jealousy doesn't rear its ugly head, ultimately destroying the relationship? I thought for sure this is where Dereham was taking this. And it got played out...for pages...and I kept turning every page thinking...here we go...this is where it all falls to shit.
And then Dereham completely gutted me. I hate writing reviews where the reviewer ends up spoiling the plot twist - and I do not want to do that here. All I'll say is this...
The demise of the throuple had nothing to do with jealousy, or the inability of three people to have a loving, committed relationship. It had everything to do with mental health. Absolutely gutted. I went from holy fox dens this is hot to what the fuck just happened?
I almost cried. Seriously. I'm a tough old bitch. It takes a lot to take me there. Even writing this, I'm still aghast. Reflecting back on the events in the story, it was all there, right in front of your face. The mental health issue was done so well. You just didn't see the signs until it was all too late. I lived with someone many, many years ago who was (I believe and will always believe), textbook, undiagnosed bi-polar. I'm not a doctor, it could have been many other things...but reliving that period of my life through this book...damn. Just damn.
Dereham has a full-length novel, Hound, and I've already bought it.
I'm going to leave off the review with this message that the author gave to me, and one I support a hundred and ten percent: “What I wouldn’t give to be there, to beg him to come down, to pull him into my arms and make him believe it’s worth staying.”
Many of us have grappled with depression and thoughts of self-harm. If this is you, please remember you are not alone. The phone numbers below are available 24/7. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. I’m rooting for you—Colin Dereham.
AUSTRALIA: Lifeline 13 11 14 USA: National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1800 273 8255 CANADA: The Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1833 456 4566 UK: Supportline: 01708 765200 ...more
4.5 -1/2 star for overuse of the word Flutter. OMG, not everything flutters. But beyond that - WOW - YES - please dear god, more. Spicy. Hot. Full revi 4.5 -1/2 star for overuse of the word Flutter. OMG, not everything flutters. But beyond that - WOW - YES - please dear god, more. Spicy. Hot. Full review to come....more