In the Valleys of the Earth (audiobook) MMy Thoughts and Review:
I loved the story behind the romance more than the romance in this tale. A lot of thatIn the Valleys of the Earth (audiobook) MMy Thoughts and Review:
I loved the story behind the romance more than the romance in this tale. A lot of that has to do with my fascination over angels (even those fallen), the ones deemed “Watchers,” and the faraway lands where all the biblical acts took place (even those not canonized). Add the supernatural to an “Indiana Jones-esque” story and this old broad is all over it.
I loved the characters, even if I did not love how fast the relationship moved between Rafe and Alec. Alas, who am I to judge, right? I mean if I were to come face to face with a gorgeous man, who happened to look like Bjorn Ironside, and who felt he had found his soul mate in me, and I didn’t get skeevy vibes off him, I might let him seduce me too. Just sayin.’
Merged review:
In the Valleys of the Earth (audiobook) MMy Thoughts and Review:
I loved the story behind the romance more than the romance in this tale. A lot of that has to do with my fascination over angels (even those fallen), the ones deemed “Watchers,” and the faraway lands where all the biblical acts took place (even those not canonized). Add the supernatural to an “Indiana Jones-esque” story and this old broad is all over it.
I loved the characters, even if I did not love how fast the relationship moved between Rafe and Alec. Alas, who am I to judge, right? I mean if I were to come face to face with a gorgeous man, who happened to look like Bjorn Ironside, and who felt he had found his soul mate in me, and I didn’t get skeevy vibes off him, I might let him seduce me too. Just sayin.’...more
This was my first read by Seymour. As can sometimes happen when I start books from "new to me" authors it toThicker Than Water MMy Thoughts and Review:
This was my first read by Seymour. As can sometimes happen when I start books from "new to me" authors it took me a while to find my groove. Once I got my rhythm I fell like Alice into a world of supernaturals who live and work side by side with mundanes. The story begins like the shot being fired at the start of a race, and the book proceeds like racers would take off and it doesn't slow down until the end of the story. A lot is going on in the story from drugs, espionage, trafficking, past child abuse/ trauma, experiments on weres, and tons more.
I always love reading a new author's take on supernatural lore, and Seymour's tale has to be one of my favorites so far. It was quite original and so off the beaten path, it was like stumbling on a secret road to an undiscovered treasure. I loved how she explained the way mundanes were turned and what happened when they were. The connection between them and the one who bit them. How things could go very wrong if all the elements weren't in sync. I took that as Mother Nature's way of saying "break this glass only in an emergency." Doing so otherwise would lead to catastrophe...BUT, people be crazy y'all, so of course, there are gonna be people trying to force nature. That's where the story begins.
If paranormal action adventure with a romantic subplot is your jam you are gonna love this story! It's got lots of heat, but the flames are just far enough out of reach to leave you panting for water.
It is also a standalone, but Seymour is one smart cookie because it plays out in such a way that it could be turned into the perfect series.
4.00 I-scent-you-stars
Merged review:
Thicker Than Water MMy Thoughts and Review:
This was my first read by Seymour. As can sometimes happen when I start books from "new to me" authors it took me a while to find my groove. Once I got my rhythm I fell like Alice into a world of supernaturals who live and work side by side with mundanes. The story begins like the shot being fired at the start of a race, and the book proceeds like racers would take off and it doesn't slow down until the end of the story. A lot is going on in the story from drugs, espionage, trafficking, past child abuse/ trauma, experiments on weres, and tons more.
I always love reading a new author's take on supernatural lore, and Seymour's tale has to be one of my favorites so far. It was quite original and so off the beaten path, it was like stumbling on a secret road to an undiscovered treasure. I loved how she explained the way mundanes were turned and what happened when they were. The connection between them and the one who bit them. How things could go very wrong if all the elements weren't in sync. I took that as Mother Nature's way of saying "break this glass only in an emergency." Doing so otherwise would lead to catastrophe...BUT, people be crazy y'all, so of course, there are gonna be people trying to force nature. That's where the story begins.
If paranormal action adventure with a romantic subplot is your jam you are gonna love this story! It's got lots of heat, but the flames are just far enough out of reach to leave you panting for water.
It is also a standalone, but Seymour is one smart cookie because it plays out in such a way that it could be turned into the perfect series.
The Reluctant Alpha (audiobook) MMy Thoughts and Confessions:
I am thrilled to bits with this new series, by Susi Hawke. I am such a huge fan of hers an The Reluctant Alpha (audiobook) MMy Thoughts and Confessions:
I am thrilled to bits with this new series, by Susi Hawke. I am such a huge fan of hers anyway, but this series is definitely what I have been needing.
The West Coast Wolves are a bunch of Alphas who have left or been ostracized from their packs. So, even though it goes against everything known in the shifter world, this group of alphas have become a pack on their own and are closer than most families.
When one of the members, Matthias, gets a distress call from home he must decide to stay with his found family of brothers, or return to his birth pack and save a dying omega and the pack from destruction. Matt suffered so much abuse from his Alpha father growing up, while the rest of the pack stood by and did nothing. He is not so sure he wants to help these same people now, even though his father is no longer around, and years have passed. However, he is not sure he can let an innocent omega die for the sins of his diabolical uncle either. Matt and his West Coast Wolf Pack brothers have always taken pride in helping others in need. He can’t stop now…or can he?
I love Hawke’s storytelling because the characters are people you want to know and have in your life. The worlds she creates are places you want to visit and live in. I always find myself so immersed in these stories MY real-life must pause, so I don’t miss a single scene, one-liner, or character introduction.
I was also ecstatic to find Nick J. Russo was the narrator for this book. When I discovered Russo about a year and a half ago, he quickly became one of my top five favorite narrators. Whenever an audiobook crosses my desk and Russo’s name is attached to said audiobook, I know the story will move me. With, “The Reluctant Alpha,” Nick did a stupendous job bringing the book to life.
I can hardly wait for more of the series to come to audio. I hope it will be soon. I highly recommend this to anyone searching for a good shifter series with lots of heart, humor, and a sense of family and belonging.
When a sweet elf gets auctioned off at a charity to his morning crush from the coffee shop where he serves asWhat Works for Us MMy Thoughts and Review:
When a sweet elf gets auctioned off at a charity to his morning crush from the coffee shop where he serves as a barista, he thinks maybe all his Christmas dreams might just come true. However, can that really be the case when there is such a big age difference in them? Worst of all, can they make it to a HEA when one of them is so deep in the closet he looks like E.T. hiding among all the stuffed animals?
“What Works for Us,” is on the more serious shelf of Davison’s library. At least the audio version is, and that has a lot to do with the stylistic narration of Dan Calley. I first heard Calley in “A Boy Made of Sunshine,” also authored by Davison. Calley’s style in ABMS was lighter and airier, leaning more towards the rom-com spectrum while this audiobook painted a more serious picture, at least for me. The hurt/ comfort theme played a role in that too. However, the characters themselves crafted by Davison and her muse were so multilayered you had to listen intently, or you might miss one of the unveilings of each MC’s character evolution as the story developed and the characters’ most sincere forms were revealed.
I loved how the adage, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” came to mind each time Daddy Theodore was away from his boy, Sam. In the end, I think it may have been the thing that made each man realize, they were perfect the way they were, and their life as a couple “worked perfectly for them.”
Heart of the Holidays My Thoughts and Confessions:
I adore Pat Henshaw’s novies because they pack so much heart, charm, and happiness between their coveHeart of the Holidays My Thoughts and Confessions:
I adore Pat Henshaw’s novies because they pack so much heart, charm, and happiness between their covers (yes, THOSE covers too) you cannot help falling in love with every single character in the story.
“Heart of the Holidays,” begins right before the holiday season in October when local baker Rick and bicycle shop owner Dan are pushed together because of Rick’s niece and nephew who often make use of Rick’s bike rentals.
As the guys become friends the friendship evolves into something more with the season’s progression into the New Year. Soon Holidays are passing by and botched Family get-togethers turn into found family reunions. This is the perfect Holiday read to fill you with cheer as you sit by a warm fire or Christmas tree lights.
Dear Daddy, Please Hold Us MMy Thoughts and Confessions:
Christmas books are a dime a dozen. So, for a Scrooge-like me, finding ones that are not only gDear Daddy, Please Hold Us MMy Thoughts and Confessions:
Christmas books are a dime a dozen. So, for a Scrooge-like me, finding ones that are not only good the first time, but good enough to tuck away to read again is like weeding through a bin of “FREE Left Foot Shoes Only,” in the hopes a right shoe was miraculously left as well. Miracles HAVE been known to take place before if those sappy movies on the *Hallmark* channel are anything to go by. Right?
Well, in this sugary decadent and so naughty it's a satisfying story, we find a darling boy at his wit’s end. He and his dearest friend in the world have been traveling the globe for a couple of years and on the last leg of their journey real life is staring down at them like a sharpshooter through a scope. In a few more weeks one must return to the UK because his Visa will expire. The two men love one another so very much, they just aren’t intimately compatible because they are both submissives, one inherently so.
Enter the Christmas Miracle… Or one very compassionate and caring Daddy Dom. Though Micah isn’t new to the lifestyle, he has never taken on two boys, especially two quite different boys, like sweet “Little” Rett and naughty “Bratty Middle” Zeke. After reading the heartfelt letter to Santa, that Zeke submits to the dating site all three men are members of, however, Micah knows he wants to do all he can to make the boys’ wishes come true.
I think I might say this after every one of Colette’s books BUT, and it’s a big one…THIS is my favorite story by Colette Davison so far. This book is full of silliness and fun, seriousness and cuddles, facing down ghosts and knowing you are not alone. I loved every bit of this story and did not want it to end. The men were all so different, but when put together created the most beautiful picture.
If you love polyamory or Daddy/ boy relationships, this is the one-holiday story that will make you squeal with delight at all the feels.
Ohhh Mmmyyyy PHOEBE! This was an absolute train wreck of over the top, this is so crazy it could totally happen inShip of Fools My Thoughts and Review:
Ohhh Mmmyyyy PHOEBE! This was an absolute train wreck of over the top, this is so crazy it could totally happen in real life, gay Romance. I loved every whacked-out moment of it! When I first started listening to this book (TTS) I wasn’t sure I was going to appreciate the story, but once the two MCs got over the awkward not so meet-cute, I grew to love and appreciate them for the complex characters they were. I also laughed quite inappropriately at all the inappropriateness. When in Rome and all that, ya know. ...more
The Benson Brothers (audiobook) MMy Thoughts and Review:
For anyone who loves a good family series with tons of heart, where each book centers around onThe Benson Brothers (audiobook) MMy Thoughts and Review:
For anyone who loves a good family series with tons of heart, where each book centers around one couple but builds on the backs of couples from earlier, then these books were tailor made for you.
The books are based in a small North Carolina town and begin when a young man comes to town in search of his roots. He has no idea he is about to topple a very delicate Jenga tower. The scandal that ensues however, opens the doors to one good family drama.
I must confess, I struggled from time to time with knowing whose voice belonged to which character, during the narration. There just weren’t enough dissimilarities between each character’s timbre and speech to tell one from another unless the character identified as female.
The Benson Brothers Collection holds many troupes, topics, and themes too, such as, second chances, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, new kid in town, small town romance, homophobia, abandonment, and so many more. There is something for everyone in this series.
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping MMy Thoughts and Confessions:
Sara Dobie Bauer must have been visited by the Ghosts of “Christmas Hitchcock past” and “He Sees You When You’re Sleeping MMy Thoughts and Confessions:
Sara Dobie Bauer must have been visited by the Ghosts of “Christmas Hitchcock past” and “Twilight Zone future” when she decided to write this twisted tale of Nick, who was neither Saint nor Santa.
While it was Nick’s job to visit the children who still believed in him on Christmas Eve, each year, it was not his job to function as a mercenary for one young boy, with pine green eyes, and cigarette burns on his back, but he did…and was. Time and again, as Young Jack grew from boy to man, Nick would show up when Jack’s life was being threatened.
Then the day came when Nick believed Jack to be a threat to himself. That is when things turned from awkward and dark to totally insane and mindfuck worthy! AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!
Bauer is one of my favorite authors because she skates so close to the edge and tips you over the side every so often, so you can feel the heat and smell the sulfur from the fires of hell as the flames reach up to grab you. Reminders of how dark humanity is and at other times how much we the reader love to escape and indulge in a little slice of that mindfuckery pie for ourselves. MMMMMM…. Best pie ever!
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings MMy Thoughts and Confessions:
Sure, most of us like a good ghost story, and some of us even like the more morbiThe Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings MMy Thoughts and Confessions:
Sure, most of us like a good ghost story, and some of us even like the more morbid things that go bump in the night, in our stories. However, what would happen if the story came to life?
The MABB was absolutely amazing and filled with tons of bone-chilling moments, humorous banter between characters, and a century-old mystery with links to Jack the Ripper.
An excellent cast of characters, both living and otherwise, excellent world-building, and a romance that leaves you satisfied, yet hoping this might become a series somehow. **hint…hint… The perfect, snuggle under the covers and escape life for a while, book, especially on those cold and dreary days.
Finally, the amazing and mysterious, Joel Leslie… what can I say that hasn’t been said millions of times about this super talented narrator? How about this, Joel has a way of taking a story and animating it with all his voices so well it is like walking through an art gallery, viewing an artist’s work, and having that work come to life in the gallery complete with a drama troupe, full chorus, and orchestra. THAT is what it is like listening to an audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie. However, do not take my word for it, snag this fun and sometimes turbulent ghost story adventure, and decide for yourself. I am quite confident you will agree. There are a handful of narrators I love listening to, but Leslie is my favorite. He does nothing halfway and he and Lily Morton together are dynamite!
Shep, the bodyguard, and Elijah the actor, OR the Highlander and the Rabbit get off to a rough start. ShCaptivating (audiobook) MMy Thoughts and Review
Shep, the bodyguard, and Elijah the actor, OR the Highlander and the Rabbit get off to a rough start. Shep is not the typical bodyguard, but an ex-military interrogator and High functioning sociopath. Elijah is a 22-year-old actor with secrets in his past that could threaten not only his future but that of others.
This book took me a while to get into and for me, it had to do with the awkwardness between the MCs. I struggled to feel their chemistry, or even find a tether, but it just did not seem to be there. Then, it dawned on me, Shep lacked some typical social cues, and Elijah struggled with letting his guard down around people because of his past. This was why the story wasn’t “clicking” in the way I am used to.
Once the two awkward Men found a way to relate to each other, this story took off, and Oh MMy Goddess! I could not get enough of Sam (Shep) and his Rabbit. Elijah stole my heart and I just wanted to wrap him in a great big squishy momma hug, but since he had his strong highlander I knew he was gonna be okay. So, bear with the quirkiness in the beginning and invest in these multi-faceted characters. You won’t regret it!
This story was more dramatic than book one, at least in my opinion. I loved that these guys got to learn things together in such a genuine and special way, even though there was a decent age gap. While both Shep and Elijah were grown men, in many ways, they were both innocents at heart and that made me love them and cheer for their HEA even more. There were a few serious moments, and some may find the topics of vigilantism, child abuse, and pedophilia triggering so be aware of these.
First I have to begin by saying from the author's description of each of the two MCs, I immediately called Reviewed: 04-05-20
MMy Thoughts and Review:
First I have to begin by saying from the author's description of each of the two MCs, I immediately called to mind Aiden Turner in the role of Evan and Dan Stevens in the role of Julian. Even as the story progressed this did not change for me. I could picture the sexy dark-eyed stare with one brow raised that Aiden has perfected. Every time the scornful gaze of Evan would look upon his "prisoner" I would go all gooey inside.
Julian's character was totally befitting Dan Stevens with his light and cheery disposition, winning over even the hardest heart. With the one exception being that of his own father, who despised everything his eccentric and artistic son stood for. The story plays out like a beautiful historical drama with sweeping descriptions of landscape scenes to the more intricate and intimate details. Nothing is missed or forgotten, and because of the author's magnificent imagination, you have only to close your eyes to be at the derelict manor. The same manor Evan feels he must rob from others to keep from falling into total disrepair. The same manor that turned him into a highwayman and led him to meet and subsequently "kidnap" Julien.
Wrought with danger, action, passion, humor, and romance The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple titillates and delights. The combination of excellent writing (Merikan) and storytelling (James Reily) brought this book to life and made me fall in love with a scoundrel and a wastrel whom society had given up on. A historical romance that would make a sailor blush and I only want more...more...more!
A loving series of short vignettes to wrap up the "Davey's Rules Series." Susan has loving Reviewed: 05-17-20
Rules for Loving MMy Thoughts and Review:
A loving series of short vignettes to wrap up the "Davey's Rules Series." Susan has lovingly taken the fans of the series into the future where we can drop in on a Vegas beach wedding, a proposal in a gondola floating through a canal in Venice. We get to witness a little girl finding a forever home with two daddies who are also a "Daddy and boy." As happy news comes for a puppy, we travel back in time to learn how his boy and Daddy met before bringing him home. There was also the story of our favorite Daddy Diva and his Princess adding to their family with a HEA for the masses.
My eyes may have watered a smidge over events in past books from this series, but I really shed a few when this one was over. Happy and bittersweet tears for the end of one exceptional series that I have loved reading from the beginning.
The cast in the books are people who stay with you long after the story ends. Michael Dean is phenomenal in bringing the characters alive in the audiobooks. I love this series and will treasure it for years to come.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars Performance 4 out of 5 stars Story 4 out of 5 stars Reviewed: 07-08-20
A.L.P.H.A. Collection #2 MMyThoughts and Review:
Book#5-Overall 4 out of 5 stars Performance 4 out of 5 stars Story 4 out of 5 stars Reviewed: 07-08-20
A.L.P.H.A. Collection #2 MMyThoughts and Review:
Book#5- Ezra (Alpha) and Cain (Omega) The Rescuer and the Trafficker
Talk about sleeping with the enemy... What is an Alpha to do when he scents the prisoner his team has taken is his mate? How will he ever get his mate to accept him when his torturer was his twin. Thank Fate, for forgiveness and eventually, a little Faith, Hope, and Destiny. 4.00...more
This is an emotionally driven, unconditionally loving, and life inspirinSo much more than a romance. I loved it!
Love Him Free MMy Thoughts and Review
This is an emotionally driven, unconditionally loving, and life inspiring love story for anyone who has ever had to sacrifice their own aspirations and dreams on the altar of duty and honor so their family was protected and could have a better life without ever knowing the pain and suffering of the past.
Simon is a 36-year-old baker, and Rocco is an adult film industry star. One uses ASL to communicate and the other has never been kissed. One just got dumped and their ex shared it with tens of thousands on social media and the other lacks the ability to communicate effectively, with those in his own town. The two are as different as night and day. However, it seems the stars have aligned to help these two souls, and the more time they spend in each other’s company the more communication barriers for each of them crumble.
This story had me from the first few minutes of listening. I was so fascinated by Simon’s character and his relatable personality. Rocco too held me in sway because he was beguiling and even with a disability he could walk into a room and steal away the conversation from the speaker with just a glance. Even with all his special brand of je ne sais quoi, once Rocco meets reclusive Simon, no one else stands a chance.
Oh, how I adored this grown-up romance that dealt with real grown-up issues in daily life. The characters were quite relatable and very likable… even the “unlikable” overprotective boyfriend of Simon’s younger brother. The only part of the story that did not hit home for me was the conflict. It took away from the more mature side of the romance and would have been better suited for a young adult romance. I was glad it was brief and not drawn out. Truly a delightful story about so much more than just romance. Love of family, love of community, and love of self.
This book was jam-packed with short stories from different times and places all over the world. The ages, occupatForeign Affairs MMy Thoughts & Review:
This book was jam-packed with short stories from different times and places all over the world. The ages, occupations, and backgrounds of the MCs were different. However, each story’s MC was of Jewish descent, and that somehow played into the story, either in a big or small way into each story.
I found the stories beautifully written and even found myself pulled into a couple of them. My most favorite was the story of the Young man in Russia during the Cold War. It reminded me of my youth and how the teens of my generation feared WWIII with Russia. Never knowing just how dreadful things were for the people of the USSR.
The author’s amazing world-building in some of the stories was astounding. You could see and feel and smell and taste everything the MCs did. You felt every single emotion.
This, however, is not a romance. I am not even sure I would call it a book of gay erotic tales. To me it’s more of a book of short stories on some of the trials and tribulations faced by Jewish Men who happen to be gay…or maybe, “aren’t like one specific tour guide,” in the book.
Overall, an interesting read that I am glad passed my desk. While I wasn’t thrilled by all the stories, there were more than enough to keep me going 'til the end.
Thrown Together: Rosavia Royals Book 3 (audiobook) MMy Confessions Thoughts and Review:
I struggled with both the story and the review for Thrown TogethThrown Together: Rosavia Royals Book 3 (audiobook) MMy Confessions Thoughts and Review:
I struggled with both the story and the review for Thrown Together. NOT because the story lacked in its plot or had holes. NOT because the characters were flat. No, the characters were all multifaceted and lept off the page. NOT because the narration lacked in making the story come alive. No, just as with the other Rosavia Royals books, Kieran Flitton does an outstanding job breathing life into the characters.
No…This one was tough, for me, for two reasons; the first being how much my guts always twist and wrench when I think of just how different life is for royalty (in real life) from ours and that other cringe-worthy thing that gets me every time in books, angst, and miscommunication. While I loved the story just as much as the others in the series, “Throne Together” had a bit more realism to it, at least for me.
I grew up in a time when I saw a girl become a real-life Princess. Then I saw how that cost a piece of her soul, even though she was beautiful, famous, rich, and had the world at her feet. She was robbed of the one thing every princess was guaranteed to get, at least in the stories we grew up reading and seeing in theaters, a happily ever after. She was still forced to behave as if she was living her HEA, no matter what, simply because she was royal. This type of “royal realism” was captured by the author and put in the pages of Throne Together. While a job well done, it tore my guts out at times.
The “royal realism” I mentioned above is a trickle-down effect that starts at the throne of the kings of both countries in the story and touches everyone in and out of the palace. It is this, trickle-down effect that causes the next part of my own anguish with TT. The angst and miscommunication or lack of communication at all that sets the princes apart even though these young men had been best friends for 21years.
While this sort of thing would never happen between someone who’s a barista and someone else who is a mechanic, for Royals this is a different dragon that needs slaying.
I had so many different emotions whirling around inside, were I a god these emotions could have birthed a new galaxy. Alas, it was one “feels to the max” ride.
Zoe Dawn was a “New to me” author, and they completely wrote their way into my soul. I look forward to reading more by this talented writer in the future.
❤Sharonica-Logic❤
>
Books:
2020
(202)
