Friday, September 30, 2022

What's on the Reading Radar? #reading #WishList #TBR

What a quick week! I ate something earlier in the week that disagreed with me and I lost a day to sickness. Now we have hurricane weather coming our way. I don't except it to be bad, just lots of rain. The winds are going to be 20-30 mph with gusts. The locals are acting as if we are going to lose power. I guess well see how the infrastructure holds up, yeah?

In the meantime, I've found a couple of great reads this week.

Series:
Author: Isabel Murray
Length: 159 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Gay / 

Notes: What an adorable read. Gary is so innocent and easy to like and root for. I enjoyed this book so much that I went and bought this author's backlist, not caring if they were contemporary. If they have this same feel and atmosphere, then I'm completely onboard. Sign me up! 

Blurb: Seriously? Who is making this up?

Gary said no thanks, don’t want to be king, and they dragged him away from all he's ever known and stuck a stupid crown on his head anyway.

As far as Gary’s concerned, all that political intrigue can go ahead and keep seething without him. He didn’t know or care a thing about it when he was the unwanted son of a backwater lord. He definitely doesn’t care about it now they tried to kill him and he’s on the run.

Minor problem: he managed to escape, but he’s all out of ideas. It’s dark, it’s raining, he’s in the middle of nowhere, and there might be bears. In fact, he’s pretty sure one is following him.

Luckily for Gary (it’s about time he had some good luck) his ex-stable master tracks him down, and it turns out that Magnus has more than a few interesting ideas about Gary and his future.

More specifically, about their future.


Gary of a Hundred Days is a low-angst fantasy romantic comedy in which a sheltered ex-king undergoes quite the awakening at the hands of his rugged ex-stable master, and everyone’s way more interested in kissing and romance than in all that rightful heir to the throne business.

Somehow, despite an entire kingdom wishing him dead, it’s starting to look like Gary might just end up with a happily ever after?

(Unless that really is a bear following him.)


Title: Roman
Series: Vampire's Mate, 1
Author: Grae Bryan
Length: 273 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Vampires / Gay

Notes: I'm in the middle of reading this one right now and really enjoying it. The book has been on my list for a while and for some reason I thought it was going to be dark, but it's not really. There is danger from a crazy vampire but the relationship between Roman and Danny is sweet and hits on everything that I enjoy about fated mates stories. I've not read this author before and plan to look up their backlist. 

Blurb: Danny Kingman is used to fending for himself. Working nonstop as an ER nurse to pay for his mother’s care, he’s been putting his own life on hold since he can remember. But when an unbelievably hot, strangely intense man saves him from a mugging, Danny has a feeling everything is about to change. Especially when that man suddenly pops out a pair of fangs.

Roman Mourier has been wandering aimlessly for decades, waiting for the inevitable day when the last of his humanity leaves him, and the demon inside him takes permanent control. He doesn’t believe in fated mates, or the myth that there’s a soul out there that could tether his humanity to him. Until he feels a strange pull to the lovely young man at the hospital, and hope stirs in him for the first time.

But Roman has demons other than just the one inside him. Is he strong enough to keep Danny safe from the past that haunts him? He knows one thing for sure: now that he’s found his mate, he will do anything to keep him.

Roman is a heated, fated-mates MM paranormal romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains insta-obsession, a cinnamon roll of an ER nurse, and the possessive vampire determined to keep him. It also contains steamy scenes between two men, and the moderate violence (and mentions of blood) that one might expect from a vampire romance. Not suitable for readers under 18.

Series: The Dragon's of Serai, 2
Author: Amy Sumida
Length: 363 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Dragons / Gay

Notes: I really liked the first book of this series and when this popped up as released I dived in. The storyline for this is a little heavier than the Dragon King's Assassin... okay a lot heavy. It's about racism, bigotry, culpability, personal honor, and I don't know what else. I started this before bed one night and got to about 45% before I had to put it down to go to sleep. Sleep was terrible because it was all dreams about this book and possible outcomes. It is rare that I take a story into my dreams anymore, which just shows how wrapped up in this I am. I'm planning a family trip in this coming week so I probably won't pick this back up until sometime in mid-October, but I wanted this to go on the Radar as a recommendation.

Blurb: Death walks beside me.

Two weeks ago, I was hired by the Dragon Prince of Zaru to help his brother, the King, deal with their dead. Not that there is an abundance of corpses in their kingdom, but those who die aren't staying in their graves. As a necromancer, I'm one of the few people on Serai who can put the dead to rest and discover why they are rising. As a Raltven, I'm particularly good at it. Good enough that the King of Zaru sent his brother across the sea to find someone like me.

At first sight, desire sparked between Prince Racmar and me. On the way to Zaru, our attraction for each other had grown. Now it's reached the point of combustion, but I want more than a single night of pleasure from the Prince. To win him, I must play a dangerous game, tantalizing the man without riling the beast inside him. Between Racmar and the dead, I have some serious work to do, and both are presenting unforeseen complications. The reanimated corpses aren't talking, something both unusual and unfortunate for my investigation. Then there is Prince Racmar who speaks too much, and his words are clawing at my resistance. I don't know who will break first—the unknown power behind the dead, the Dragon Prince, or me.

Death walks beside us Raltven, in our shadow form we are akin to spirits, but if I'm not careful, a spirit is exactly what I will become.



Series: Tentacular Tales, 1
Author: Chloe Archer
Length: 358 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal ? / Aliens / Gay

Notes: I just started this one last night, so I'm not far in, but so far it's cute, though I did a side eye at the Gen X'r and their eatable usage. This has the promise of a lighthearted romance with some soft humor. We'll see where it goes.

Blurb: A sexy alien living incognito on Earth meets a sci-fi loving nerd who wants to rock his universe. What could possibly go wrong? Besides the unexpected tentacles and the accidental Mating Courtship Ritual, that is....

RIVER SULLIVAN

As a bona fide sci-fi nerd and total X-phile—the truth is out there—I’ve always believed in aliens. Duh. But I never thought I’d actually find them on Earth–let alone right here in Las Vegas! Now I’ve stumbled onto a big freakin’ secret and found my very own hot AF alien. I’m head over heels, but he’s being a total grump and holding back. How do I make him realize a geeky sunshine guy like me is just what he needs in his life? Did I mention he also has tentacles?!?! #HolyHentaiFantasyBatman #SwoonworthyAlien #SignMeUpSugar #MakeItSo #VivaLasVegas

KAI GENARO

The last thing I need in my life is a chatterbox twink who’s determined to woo me and could expose the secret existence of aliens on Earth to all humankind. Everything about him annoys me, including his stupidly attractive halo of golden curls and his bright green ‘come hither’ eyes. To make matters worse, he’s been recruited to work for the alien Alliance on Earth, and I’m assigned to keep him out of trouble. I don’t care how attractive he is. I don’t date humans! Except, my tentacles may have accidentally started the Mating Courtship Ritual with him…

It’s Not Unusual To Be Loved by an Alien (Tentacular Tales #1) is a (102,000 words) M/M sci-fi rom com featuring an adorkable twink with unexpected secrets and a slight obsession with extraterrestrials, the reluctant alien he wants to make his boo, tentacles with a mind of their own, zany extraterrestrial shenanigans in Sin City, and enough humor to fill an entire spaceship. This is the first book in the series. There is no cheating, and this book ends with a HFN. Never fear, the series guarantees readers an HEA by the end!

Series: Gods of Misfortune, 2
Author: Lyn Gala
Length: 165 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Aliens / Gay

Notes: I enjoyed the first book in this series. Sometimes it was hard for me to wrap my mind around people following gods who could bring misfortune, but the way its presented made sense. I was also glad I wasn't born as one of Regi's species. LOL

Blurb: Regi and Dante landed on one of the Empire's border planets while the exalteds try to understand the involvement of the gods. Regi's people are xenophobic, so he's determined that his crew will make a good impression. The alternative is unthinkable, especially with so many Kowri suggesting that the gods would rather see the outsiders dead rather than show them respect.

Dante wants to avoid the brewing political fight. He has never enjoyed politics—not on Earth, much less around aliens he barely understands. Give him a stable and alien horses to learn to ride instead. But when a certain goddess of poisons is involved, he will be dragged into the conflict whether he wants to be there or not. With Dante's life in danger, Regi cannot remain neutral. He won't take a stand on the conflicts between the Coalition and the Empire, but for Dante he will challenge the universe itself.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Friday, September 23, 2022

What's on the Reading Radar? #WishList #TBR #reading

Another week gone in a flash. I feel like that should be a superpower. Instead of forgetting, I actually sat here wondering if I wanted to post a Radar for this week or not. I've been rereading this week with a few chapters here and there of other books because obviously, I'm not focusing well. 

So, I'm going to pull from my 'curious' list. These are books that their covers have caught my attention and I'm curious about. These will eventually (mostly) be books that I will probably sample. Some of them, I'll come back to and take off the list after rereading the blurb. It's all about the mood with me, like I went through a couple of weeks where I hunted for rejected mates looking for a specific story. Then suddenly I didn't want to read that anymore and so I filed away my findings for when the mood comes back around. The curious list means something caught my attention and I saved it for later. LOL

Series: Perilous Courts, 1
Author: Tavia Lark
Length: 283 pages

Genre: Romance / High Fantasy / Gay

Notes: So I read Necromancer's Light which is a different series by this author and really liked it, though I haven't read the read the rest of that series... for reasons. (See mention of mood reading)

Blurb: He’s supposed to kill Prince Julien. Not fall for him.

Whisper doesn’t remember his real name. All he knows is the elite assassin guild that raised him—and controls him with the threat of blood magic. Plagued by nightmares, he doesn’t get to refuse assignments, even when his new job doesn’t make sense:

Infiltrate Prince Julien’s court, protect him until the signal arrives, then kill him.

Julien hides his own schemes behind a sordid reputation. He trusts nobody besides his brothers, and he certainly doesn’t trust the aloof, beautiful new stranger at court. But he doesn’t have to trust the stranger to be drawn to him, especially when he saves Julien’s life.

Then Julien saves Whisper too, and Whisper’s reserve shatters.

Beneath Julien’s playboy facade is a warmth Whisper can’t resist. Whisper’s never been comforted before. He’s never been cared for like this. As his nightmares darken, Julien’s touch is his only solace—but falling in love could ruin them both.

Because Whisper’s mission hasn’t changed, and the price for failure is worse than death.

Prince and Assassin is a high fantasy gay romance, with secret identities, hurt/comfort, and magic tigers with attitude. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.


Series:
Author: Amanda Meuwissen
Length: 221 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Werewolves / Vampires / Gay /

Notes: I like vampires and am always up for vampire romance but I have found lately that I like certain types of vampire romances. Lots of hunting with nothing brought home recently. This was part of a promotion but by the time I looked at it, the promotional period was passed or something. So I saved it in my curious file to take a look at later.

Blurb: Alpha werewolf, crime boss, and secret Seer Bashir Bain is neck-deep in negotiating a marriage of convenience with a neighboring alpha when a tense situation goes from bad to worse. A job applicant at one of Bash’s businesses—a guy who was supposed to be a simple ex-cop, ex-con tattoo artist—suddenly turns up undead.

A rogue newborn vampire would have been a big wrench in Bash’s plans even without his attraction to the man. After all, new vampires are under their sire’s control, and Ethan Lambert doesn’t even know who turned him. When Bash spares his life, he opens himself up for mutiny, a broken engagement, and an unexpected—and risky—relationship.

Ethan just wants a fresh start after being released from prison. Before he can get it, he’ll need to turn private investigator to find out who sired him and what he wants. And he’d better do it quick, because the moon is full, and according to Bash’s prophecy, life and death hang in the balance.

Series:
Author: Isabel Murray
Length: 159 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Humor / Gay

Notes: The title is what caught my eye and the blurb sounds promising. I'm all for low-angst and some humor.

Blurb: The Kingdom of Estla is in turmoil. Power plays, intrigue, and plots seethe in the corridors of power. And Gary of a Hundred Days, Last of the Tyrant Kings is…well, he's pretty offended, actually?

Tyrant?

Seriously? Who is making this up?

Gary said no thanks, don’t want to be king, and they dragged him away from all he's ever known and stuck a stupid crown on his head anyway.

As far as Gary’s concerned, all that political intrigue can go ahead and keep seething without him. He didn’t know or care a thing about it when he was the unwanted son of a backwater lord. He definitely doesn’t care about it now they tried to kill him and he’s on the run.

Minor problem: he managed to escape, but he’s all out of ideas. It’s dark, it’s raining, he’s in the middle of nowhere, and there might be bears. In fact, he’s pretty sure one is following him.

Luckily for Gary (it’s about time he had some good luck) his ex-stable master tracks him down, and it turns out that Magnus has more than a few interesting ideas about Gary and his future.

More specifically, about their future.


Gary of a Hundred Days is a low-angst fantasy romantic comedy in which a sheltered ex-king undergoes quite the awakening at the hands of his rugged ex-stable master, and everyone’s way more interested in kissing and romance than in all that rightful heir to the throne business.

Somehow, despite an entire kingdom wishing him dead, it’s starting to look like Gary might just end up with a happily ever after?

(Unless that really is a bear following him.)

Series:
Author: Alexandra Rowland
Length: 505 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Political Intrigue / Gay /

Notes: the more I put this list together it seems that my mood was definitely in the fantasy range. The cover caught my eye and the title is a bit odd and the blurb reads like a serious fantasy romance. I've not read this author before and since this comes from a traditional publisher, I'm not sure if this will have a HEA. Presumptuous of me, I know, but I don't want tragic queer books. Since I've not read either book reference in that first review line, I don't know what the reviewer is alluding to. 

Blurb: The Goblin Emperor meets "Magnificent Century"—a queer central romance unfolds in a fantasy world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.

“A delicious tangle of romance, fealty, and dangerous politics.” (Tasha Suri)


Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, finds himself at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court - the body-father of the queen's new child—in an altercation that results in his humiliation. To prove his loyalty to the queen, his sister, Kadou takes responsibility for the investigation of a break-in at one of their guilds, with the help of his newly appointed bodyguard, the coldly handsome Evemer, who seems to tolerate him at best. In Arasht, where princes can touch-taste precious metals with their fingers and myth runs side by side with history, counterfeiting is heresy, and the conspiracy they discover could cripple the kingdom’s financial standing and bring about its ruin.

Series: (Convergence Book 4)
Author: Autumn Dawn
Length: 178 pages

Genre: Romance / Alternate History / Alternate World / Paranormal / 

Notes: I read a lot of hero storylines and I wanted something different, where the heroine is okay or enjoys just everyday accomplishments without there being hidden misogyny. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I liked the blurb enough that I did send myself a sample to see what it was like.

Blurb: The Convergence

It had been thirty years since the Convergence, when the dimensions aligned and combined Earth and the world of Gwyllon, known in human mythology as “Underhill”. Elven castles and ancient ruins sprouted in vacant lots, on major highways, sometimes merging with existing buildings, twisting into completely new structures. Roads and rail systems reformed, and after the rioting, starvation and death, agriculture finally sorted itself and food began to flow. A new government formed of elves and men had arisen, a society of human tech and elven magic. Cell phones and frost giants, race cars and elven steeds, dungeons and dragons…

And everywhere, monsters.

The Ice Giant’s Housekeeper

The Convergence had changed their world. Years ago, Earth and the fabled elven world had melded, causing earthquakes, raising sunken islands and unleashing monsters. The catastrophic disaster disrupted every facet of transportation, agriculture and caused widespread death. When the shaken citizens of both worlds finally sorted things out, roads got fixed, farms and factories started to produce, and oil and natural gas once more fueled the nations. The world ran on a mix of magic and science, allowing dragons to rule the skies and satellites to dominate space.

These days, resources were focused on infrastructure, communications, manufacture and monster control. Meat and animal products were especially rationed. It took a lot of manpower to protect herds of animals and helpless, delicious chickens from hungry monsters. WW2 memorabilia and rationing posters were back in circulation, as people were encouraged to “grow your own” and “have a monster garden”. Etsy sold framed posters of Rosie the Riveter, people were encouraged to “make do and mend”, and homemaking was a full-time job again…

Which is why Hakon and his brothers were struggling. Women were naturally superior at homemaking; at least Fern thought so.

Fern served the perfect frost giant family, until a disaster forces her to find a new home. Turned out another family was in need of a live-in housekeeper. It’s not exactly a dream job.

He needed a cook. Maybe someone to clean house. The little human seemed like a good idea, but it was tricky keeping her alive.

He needed a housekeeper. She needed a home.

Fern’s apartment is wreaked by monsters and she’s fired the next day. With nowhere to go, she’s grateful to accept any job...even if it’s working for a family of ice giant bachelors. They’re nice enough, if dreadful slobs. Thankfully, it’s nothing a fire hose and elbow grease won’t clean.

A member of Fire & Rescue, Hakon doesn’t have time to breathe, much less clean. Not only is the new housekeeper a talented cook, she makes his house a home. She also comes with unexpected magical talents...

American pie and monsters. Ice giant cattle ranchers and goblin bankers. Murderously protective magical geese and a very talented housekeeper.

Heat level: sweet. Contains no graphic love scenes.

Expect reasonable amounts of gore as monster heads explode and plenty of action.

Series: 13 Kingdom's, 1
Author: HL Day
Length: 309 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Gay / 

Notes: To be honest, I keep moving this book on and off my list. It seems I can't make up my mind. I think I'm having a hard time reconciling it being both an 'enemies to lover' as well as 'light-hearted'. That is mixing like water and oil in my mind.

Blurb: Sebastian might have the power to summon animals, but winning Jack over? Far more difficult.

As first encounters go, Jack and Sebastian’s isn’t ideal, leaving Jack nursing a grudge he’s not about to let go of in a hurry. Yet, if Jack is to find his missing sister, and Sebastian is to rescue his captured prince, they’ll need to set their differences aside and work as a team.

Jack is stubborn and somewhat volatile. Sebastian is vain and clearly in love with himself. But as the unlikely companions face all manner of dangers together, they grow closer. Rescuing the prince should be easy. Rescuing him from an impenetrable tower guarded by dragon-shifting knights? Okay, that part is harder.

But once the adventure is over, letting Sebastian go might be the hardest thing Jack has ever had to do.

The Reluctant Companion is an 85k MM enemies to lover’s story featuring murderous orcs, deadly creatures, and marauding bandits. Opposites attract in this light-hearted fantasy romance which mixes humor with action and adventure. Meet a whole cast of colorful characters in the first book of the 13 kingdoms series.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Friday, September 16, 2022

What's on the Reading Radar? #WishList #TBR #reading

I've missed posting the radar the last couple of weekends. Simply lost track of time and honestly didn't do much reading or sampling. This is my birthday week and I didn't plan anything at all. Yep, it crept on me too. :) 

Title: Logan
Series: Chosen Champions
Author: Macy Blake
Length: 328 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: This was a fun story and I really liked the mix of people involved in Logan's and Bailey's lives. 

Blurb: Logan Moore is a leader without a pack...

And after the rejection he faced from his last pack, he’s not sure he wants one. But when a mysterious benefactor he nicknames The Oracle offers Logan the chance to use his military expertise to lead a group of misfit shifters to protect the creatures of the magical realm, Logan’s wolf won’t allow him to say no.

Bailey Cairn is a man without a protector...

And for the entirety of his very human life, he hasn’t needed one. But when his friend is attacked at a bar, sweet, caretaker Bailey is drawn into a world he hadn’t known existed. A world full of secrets, and magic. A world full of danger… and gorgeous, protective Logan.

But if Bailey and Logan want to break the chains of the past, they'll have to learn to trust each other and themselves, and start to believe in things that are bigger than they are...

That magic exists.

That packs are about more than blood ties.

That sometimes true love is a matter of fate.

And that heroes aren’t made…they’re Chosen.

Series: Pillars of Magic: Dark Awakening, 2
Author: Lissa Kasey
Length: 405 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / UF / Gay

Notes: Just released! yay!

Blurb: Everyone underestimates the wind until it tears their world apart.

Con’s job is recovering rare books and artifacts, and learning all their secrets before handing them over to be archived. He never expected to find a little girl with an affinity to speak to the dead, and with her a strange symbol for a cult long since thought extinct.

Luca is on the verge of a change he’s feared for a long time, and he worries his lovers won’t want him anymore once his darker side is set free. With Con newly returned with a little girl in need of protection, and Sam trying to help the most powerful witch in the world solve a slew of murders, Luca feels powerless to stop the rising change.

But someone is in control of a demon and trying to capture the power of all the Pillars of Magic. Can the trio uncover the end goal before dark magic tears them all to pieces?

Series: Daemons of San Delain
Author: M.A. Church
Length: 

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: This blurb makes me think the monster gets himself a cinnamon roll. IDK. I haven't read it yet. We'll see.

Blurb: The monster: They say I am powerful. They say I am the darkness. They say I instill fear in the minds and hearts of many.

They’re right.

I am powerful. I am the darkness. I should be feared. Then I heard his cries and everything changed. Power can be tempered. There’s safety in the darkness. And the monster isn’t always the one under the bed.

Now only the heart and mind of one human interests me. He is mine. I wait, watching over him until the time is right to claim what belongs to me.

Austin: Do you believe there are monsters under the bed? I do. I don’t just believe; I know for a fact they exist. I’ve met one. Sort of. Okay, I haven’t actually seen the monster, I’ve only spoken to it.

Kind of hard to see much of anything when you’re hiding under the covers while waiting on your father to beat your ass. The monster saved me. Literally. He says I’m his, and he’s waiting for the right time to claim me.

Someone tell him to hurry the hell up.

Series: Exiled Pack, 1
Author: Fel Fern
Length: 268 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Shifters / Mpreg / Gay

Notes: It seems I'm on a paranormal kick and I really like rabbit shifters. This one is a rabbit paired with a wolf. It's a little angsty with your exiles' backgrounds and the rabbit  getting away from an abusive relationship. It's set in the same world as the last Fern book I read about the motorcycle club of bear shifters. I'm going to look around her series to see if I can find the one the neutral town that was mentioned in the last book. That was dragon territory and I want to read it too.

Blurb: An Omega who’s trying to get his life back together. An exiled Alpha who just wants to be left alone. Fate brings two broken souls together to make them whole.

Caden Hill’s life is in tatters. Thanks to his ex-boyfriend, he lost his high-paying job, and he’s now living in his car. When his warlock best friend invites him to a sanctuary for lost paranormals, it’s a new start for Caden. He’s sworn off romance… until a gorgeous Alpha saves him from a fate worse than death. Lee’s sexy, protective and thoughtful, but he’s broken, just like Caden is. Caden’s taste in men is awful, but maybe he can make an exception for Lee.

Branded as a murderer by his old pack for killing his father, all Lee Marshall wants to do is forget his past. He runs an animal shelter with three other misfit Alphas like him. Lee thinks he’s finally found peace, but something is missing in his life. The answer lies in Caden. Caden is his bright ray of sunshine, but Lee doesn’t believe a killer like him deserves a shot at happiness. When a former pack mate begs Lee for help, Lee finds himself at a crossroads. Will he choose redemption or his fated mate?

Moon River Rogue is a mpreg shifter romance that features a reluctant Alpha with a dark past, a broken Omega keen on pursuing him and plenty of adorable rescue animals. It is the first book in the Exiled Pack series. There are no cliff-hangers or cheating, and a HEA is guaranteed.

Thank you for stopping by and reading!

Saturday, August 27, 2022

What's on the Reading Radar? #read #WishList #TBR

 The week got away from me and I was thinking about letting this week's radar go. But I'm going to do the a last minute scramble.

Series: 
Author: Aja Foxx
Length: 231 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: Herby is one of the most adorable characters that I've read recently. If you're looking or something cute and fluffy, here you go.

This is my first book by this author and I went to look at their backlist. Something to note, there is an author's note at the beginning that states they played with the mythology a bit. They made their own world so don't go in with expectations.

Blurb: Herby

I needed a boyfriend to keep my father from marrying me off to a man handpicked by him. What better way to get one than to summon a demon? When I found a book of shadows in my grandfather's attic, I knew I'd found the answer, but something went wrong. Instead of summoning a demon, I ended up in hell. What was I supposed to do now?

Hades

Judging souls was boring. Ruling the underworld was boring. Everything was boring. I needed something to happen to keep me from going insane. I never imagined the fates would answer my unspoken prayer by dropping a human into the underworld, and I'd certainly never met a human quite like Herby. He confused me, amused me, and drove me crazy. Why else would I agree to be his boyfriend?

Note: This story was originally part of the Fate's Call Anthology - Manlove Edition. It has been revised and extended by 21,000 words.

Warning: Gay erotic romance. The material in this book contains explicit sexual content that is intended for mature audiences only. All characters involved are adults capable of consent, are over the age of eighteen, and are willing participants.

Series: 
Author: Ruby Dixon
Length: 190 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy

Notes: This was a fun read with a bit of humor inserted in strategic spots. It's more on the erotic side than I'd anticipated but I only skimmed a little. The story left me felling happy and I liked this so much I went back to see if she had any other fantasy romances. 

Blurb: Lady Iolanthe of Rockmourn Keep expects to be a spinster all her days. She is very tall. She is very poor. And she is thirty. What lord could possibly want her?

But then her father returns with news that he has found a bridegroom for her - one that is impressively tall. One that is strong, and bold, and wealthy. And best of all? He wants Iolanthe. It seems too good to be true.

And when Iolanthe gets her first look at her husband-to-be, she realizes why.

No one mentioned the 'orc' part of things...



Series: The Reckless Damned, 1
Author: Lark Taylor
Length: 324 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: I'm about 30% in and enjoying it so far. #reading

Blurb: Cal and his brothers turned their backs on the family business over a hundred years ago. Hell is tired of waiting for them to return.

Cal

I’ve never wanted a relationship—especially not with a human. With my father demanding my return to Hell and a demon leaving dead bodies in my bookshop, now is not the time to lose my heart. But one look in Oscar’s broken eyes, and I know I’m in trouble. Oscar’s been hurt before, and everything in me screams to keep him safe. How can I do that when I know being with me will only put him in more danger?

More importantly, am I strong enough to walk away from him?

Oscar

After escaping my last relationship with broken bones and an anxiety disorder, I’m tired of living half a life. My world revolves around my classroom, flat, and best friend. When fate throws Cal in my path, he seems too good to be true. He looks like he’s been pulled from my fantasies, and my baggage doesn’t scare him. Ok, so there’s the tiny issue of him being a demon, but I’ve dealt with far scarier.

I’ve been broken once before, and I don’t think I’d survive it again. Can I let down my barriers enough to let Cal in?

Devil’s Mark is a thrilling high heat, hurt/comfort, M/M contemporary paranormal romance with a HEA and no cliff-hanger. It features a possessive demon and the broken teacher who captures his heart. ‘Devil’s Mark’ is the first in The Reckless Damned series but can be read as a standalone. Each book focuses on a different couple and will have a HEA.

Trigger warning for emotional abuse and domestic violence in a previous relationship, anxiety attacks, and descriptions of violence.

Title: Notorious
Series: 
Authors: Charlie Cochet, Macy Blake
Length: 317 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: Finished this last night. It was enjoyable. I am happy to see that the next book is about different characters. I had some niggles about the pace of the investigation, so if you're going to jump into this thinking there will be investigations and sleuthing on page, don't. This is not that kind of story. I'm looking forward to meeting the next couple.

Blurb: Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Cas’s world, he’s forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.

Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when he’s summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.

Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger–and their attraction to each other–grows.

With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.


Series: 
Author: Rosalie Spencer
Length: 186 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Sci-Fi Setting / Polyam Romance /

Notes: This is on my 'read next' list. So I picked this up when it was recommended in a group after I read the bottom of the blurb. This is supposed to be a sweet and fluffy FF polyamorous romance. Something to note, FM means the female is the dominant partner. That made me smile lots because this a dynamic that is hard to find.

Blurb: Valerie isn't like other beta shifters, she likes being in control. Andrea isn't like other omega shifters, she likes a bit of pain with her pleasure. Together, they like playing with alphas, but just for temporary fun. That is, until Valerie's childhood rival comes back to town and Valerie decides she's going to show her once and for all, by making their most recent conquests a permanent addition.

Jada was taught that, as an alpha, she should be strong but she was never taught to be gentle until her childhood friend rejected her. She ran after that, found her own mate, Hayden, found happiness with him... until she hears that Valerie has returned to their home town. Now they both have mates, surely they can clear the air. But when Jada sees Valerie for the first time in years, she knows that giving the beta woman an apology isn’t going to be enough.

This is an immediate burn, super spicy standalone fantasy novel intended for audiences of 18+ that centers the experience of the two mated shifter women who enter a polyamorous/reverse harem relationship, it includes tropes of enemies to lovers, second chance romance and a guaranteed HEA. Content warning; includes FM, FF, MFMF and MFFF, as well as BDSM.


Thank you for stopping by and reading!!

Friday, August 19, 2022

What's on the Reading Radar? #WishList #TBR #sampling

I've been doing a lot of research this week into the Sumerian Land of the Dead and the goddess Ereshkigal. Not an easy topic to research when there are very few references available, and when they are, they are mentioned in conjunction with something else and don't have the details that I need. I've read a few interesting things though. One of them was the honors thesis by KM Torres, about the decent of Inanna into Ereshkigal's domain and how she was returned to this plain. There is commentary on lamenting and gender which I found to be really interesting. I'm a geek, I know. 

Anyway, this week has been a rereading week. So the list today will be about samples I sent to myself.

Series: 
Author: Zia Quinn
Length: 252 pages

Genre: Romance / Sci-Fi / Aliens / Gay

Notes: More than once I've wished that Ruby Dixon wrote a couple of gay romances in her Ice Planet series. The set up of that world was ripe for same sex partners, just sayin'. 

This has some similarities. Blue aliens, abducted human who got away, and an ice world, but that's about it. I've only read the sample but liked it and bought the book.

Blurb: Harry Davies thought the worst part of hiking the Oregon woods in December was the uphill trail to the cabin. His five gay friends all agree. It's cold, they're hungry, and it's margarita-o'clock. But Harry's worried about other things. Cougars. Bears. And some strange, animal-like creature a friend had filmed there years ago. His friends say he's being stupid. But when something dark moves in the trees around them, Harry fears they could all be in danger. And when his friends start vanishing into thin air, there's nothing to do but run—straight into the arms of animal-like creatures with technology like they've never seen.

Something is pushing Vexe toward a disturbance in the sky. A ship, possibly slavers returning to capture more of his people to be sold on Bengus-6. The huge, blue-skinned Zentarans are a favorite of the Ghovik slavers, and Vexe knows he should abandon his hunt and head back to the colony. But he can't resist the strange compulsion—the need—that pulls him through the harsh, snow-covered mountainside, straight for the ship, which he's sure now is going to crash. And straight for the exotic, human survivor, desperate for Vexe's help. Vexe's soulbond explodes to life, compelling him to possess her, his rhuza, his destined mate. But the little human will not submit without a fight. And there is much Vexe must learn before he can claim his rhuza, the beautiful human woman, Harry…

Reader note: contains gay Sci-Fi Romance, alpha aliens, and a happily ever after

Title: Roark
Series: The Dragon's of Thunderbird Mountain, 1
Author: Terry Poole
Length: 191 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Dragons / Gay

Notes: I got to this sample last night and bought the book. It's cute and what drew me was the line in the blurb about him running. I'm in that sort of mood where my first thought was, "Oh! We have a runner!" LOL

Blurb: Dragons are real. They live among us in secret. It could be your neighbor, your boss, or your best friend, and you would never know.

Cameron loves his life on the road. As a truck driver in Canada’s north, he sees majestic mountains, lush valleys and waterfalls that fall hundreds of feet. He couldn’t be happier. Until one day, his rig breaks down in the middle of nowhere and a creature out of mythology comes to his rescue, opening up a world he never knew existed.

A world in which Roark, the High King of the dragons, chooses him for his consort. Or does he?

Heartbroken, Cameron flees from Thunderbird Mountain. He can run, but he can’t hide and must decide if dragons can be a part of his future or not.

This book contains the mention of emotional abuse and trauma, along with sexy dragons, happy endings and an egg, which hatches an adorable baby dragon.

Series: D.O.A. 1
Author: Cree Storm
Length: 177 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: 

Blurb: Rene and his men are known as D.O.A., Dragons of Anarchy. They were created centuries ago, by the great Heck, to find and destroy serialists by any means necessary. Each member was gifted with a dragon that was connected to their soul. If one died, so did the other. The men didn't shift into the dragon, but they would call out and the maharishi would join them in the fight against evil. Not wanting their secret discovered, D.O.A. lived in a town called Drago, just outside Poconos Boulevard, and they hid behind their image as a bad ass motorcycle club

Children were being murdered and Rene, otherwise known as Pit, along with his men were out to find out who was behind the copycat murders of a long time serial killer known as the Alphabet Killer. While questioning a victim's mother, Rene discovered his sentience, his mate. Now all he had to do was figure out how to tell the man he was not exactly human, and he better do it fast because his dragon heat was already kicking in.

Bren was the local town veterinarian. He figured something was off about SI Rene Telkin. If not from the leather jacket with a large D.O.A. patch on the back, then maybe because he drove a navy Blue Harley Davidson CVO Street glider instead of a tan sedan.
Bren was not the type to get mixed up with a biker club, even if the man was a cop. However, something kept drawing him to the sexy man and it seemed that nothing would break the bond they were forming. Not even when he discovered the secret all D.O.A. agents held. A large dragon for a partner.

Now Rene needs to do his best to claim his mate and also track down a serial killer, because on the last body was a note threatening the good doctor of Poconos Boulevard.

Series: Javier Coven, 1
Author: Jayda Marx
Length: 434 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Vampires / Prince / Gay /

Notes: I'll be honest, I didn't read the blurb. It's long, and it wasn't talking to me in the first couple of lines. But I skipped to the bottom where there's an author's note which did more to sell me on taking a sample than the blurb did. 

Blurb: Dante – For over three hundred years, I’ve waited for Fate to deliver my soulmate; the person I’d love for the rest of my life; the one I was destined to protect, to treasure and to cherish. The one to complete me. I never expected to find him dancing like an angel in my nightclub. The moment my eyes gazed upon his beauty, my heart was gone. The most mesmerizing thing about him were his eyes; he had the biggest, roundest doe eyes I’d ever seen. They were an enchanting shade of blue; the exact color of the Mediterranean Sea. When I looked into those eyes, I was home. The problem? Ben is human and knows nothing of vampires or our culture. His anxious nature and pure heart give me pause in divulging my true identity. Will he believe what I have to tell him? Can he ever accept what I’ve done; what I need to do? Can someone so sweet and innocent ever see me as anything but a monster? Time is running out for me to claim my mate as I grow weaker every day. If he does accept me, can I keep him safe from the dangers that lurk around every corner?

Ben – The nightclub really isn’t my scene. I’m more of a book reading, star gazing nerd at heart. However, I allow my best friend to drag me out one night (at nine o’clock, I might add!) because I can’t resist his puppy dog expression and he knows it. There, I find the sexiest man I’ve ever seen; tall, strong, and with a sultry Spanish accent that turns my insides to goo. We hit it off immediately, but I’m worried; how can this wealthy, powerful man be attracted to boring little me? The most exciting thing about me is that I know how to ballroom dance, and that’s only because I took lessons with my grandma! I’ve got no experience with men, my best friend refers to me as “Papaw” because again, I’m boring, and a hundred different worries are always battling in my mind. Can Dante accept me as I am and maybe bring a little excitement into my life?

*This M/M paranormal romance is for readers 18 and up! It has no cliffhangers or cheating and a very happy HEA. It contains a sexy Spaniard vampire, his anxious little love and a hilarious (if not insufferable) best friend. Look out for lurking dangers, heartwarming moments and steamy scenes!

**Author’s note: Thank you for your interest in my book! This paranormal romance features my take on some seriously sexy vampires. They share many attributes of vampires found in other fictional works, but not all. This book contains dark elements, fated mates, sweet moments and lots of laughs. My stories tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart; I like getting to the good stuff and live for fluff. If “instalove” isn’t your thing, my books may not be for you. I want my readers to finish my books with a smile on their face and a fierce case of the warm and fuzzies. Laughter is guaranteed, and each read delivers its own type of drama. Thanks again for taking a look and happy reading!




Series: The Reckless Damned, 1
Author: Lark Taylor
Length: 324 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: 

Blurb: Cal and his brothers turned their backs on the family business over a hundred years ago. Hell is tired of waiting for them to return.

Cal

I’ve never wanted a relationship—especially not with a human. With my father demanding my return to Hell and a demon leaving dead bodies in my bookshop, now is not the time to lose my heart. But one look in Oscar’s broken eyes, and I know I’m in trouble. Oscar’s been hurt before, and everything in me screams to keep him safe. How can I do that when I know being with me will only put him in more danger?

More importantly, am I strong enough to walk away from him?

Oscar

After escaping my last relationship with broken bones and an anxiety disorder, I’m tired of living half a life. My world revolves around my classroom, flat, and best friend. When fate throws Cal in my path, he seems too good to be true. He looks like he’s been pulled from my fantasies, and my baggage doesn’t scare him. Ok, so there’s the tiny issue of him being a demon, but I’ve dealt with far scarier.

I’ve been broken once before, and I don’t think I’d survive it again. Can I let down my barriers enough to let Cal in?

Devil’s Mark is a thrilling high heat, hurt/comfort, M/M contemporary paranormal romance with a HEA and no cliff-hanger. It features a possessive demon and the broken teacher who captures his heart. ‘Devil’s Mark’ is the first in The Reckless Damned series but can be read as a standalone. Each book focuses on a different couple and will have a HEA.

Trigger warning for emotional abuse and domestic violence in a previous relationship, anxiety attacks, and descriptions of violence.

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Friday, August 12, 2022

What's on the Reading Radar? #reading #read #TBR #WishList

I'm having one of those 'where did [insert month or season] go' weeks. I spent the majority of the week reviewing and editing so that I could find spots to insert character development scenes and kept getting sucked into the story and had stop and go back to re-review. With so few new words added, it feels as if I should still be on Tuesday, not entering the weekend.

I've read-read a lot this week (the majority of my book consumption is audio so that I can do other things while listening. Not this week though.), most of which didn't make the radar because I don't put things up here I wouldn't recommend. But there are times I read books that have issues (i.e. plot holes galore, wait where was the consent, why are you going back to the vampire who explained NOTHING, wait you're not suddenly gay but bisexual) and instead of DNFing, I'll finish the book/series (that series I completed because I wanted to see how the bad guy plot arc finished up). Mainly it's because I'm a mood reader and sometimes I cannot find what I'm looking for. I don't do this for long because I my reading time is precious. But for some reason I stuck it out with some of those not-recommending stories. BUT I did read a couple of gems. 
Series: The Dragon's of Serai
Author: Amy Sumida
Length: 369 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Enemies to Lovers? / Gay

Notes: This was a pleasant surprise. There are no triggers in this expect possibly violence, which, hey, Assassin plotline. There is a mystery to solve and I did guess it long before the characters wised up, but I didn't mind. The way this was written I think the reader was supposed to put the pieces together first. :) I put a question mark on the trope because they are/aren't enemies. Lock doesn't hate the king but neither does he have any particular emotion for the king. There were a couple of times I laughed out loud because Lock has the right kind of snark and attitude in startling moments. I like that Lock wasn't suddenly this good guy who dropped his criminal ties. I really enjoyed this and if it comes out in audio, I would totally buy that too. 

Blurb: My life changed the day I tried to take his.

Mhavenna is a glorious city but, like every city on the face of Serai, it's run by Dragons. As a human, I'm on the lowest rung of the racial ladder here, as far from an illustrious Dragon as I could be, and I've made me peace with that. I don't like Dragons much, but like or dislike has nothing to do with my work. So when my broker offered me the task of killing the Dragon King, I took it. It was the sort of kill that could make an assassin's career, and I was certain that I had the skills for it.

I was wrong, nearly dead wrong.

The King caught me before I could finish the job, but instead of killing me, he made me his. I'm now the Dragon King's assassin. A warning and a weapon. A way for him to bypass his own laws without personally breaking them. But that's not all. He's tasked me with guarding him against future attacks. Who better to stop an assassin than another assassin? And who better to find the one who hired us? If only the King didn't have a body that made me salivate, a face that made my knees weak, and a pair of teal eyes that made me whimper. If only he didn't stare at me with those stunning eyes as if I could be more than property to him. Maybe then I could do my job, find the person who wants him dead, and save my own life. But I don't believe in miracles.

Series: The Radiant Emperor Duology, 1
Author: Shelbey Parker-Chan
Length: 408 pages

Genre: Fantasy / Non-Binary?

Notes: This was a book suggested for a BOM in a group that I'm in and I've looked at it a couple of times. I finally picked it up this week when it went on sale.

Blurb: To possess the Mandate of Heaven, the female monk Zhu will do anything

“I refuse to be nothing…”

In a famine-stricken village on a dusty yellow plain, two children are given two fates. A boy, greatness. A girl, nothingness…

In 1345, China lies under harsh Mongol rule. For the starving peasants of the Central Plains, greatness is something found only in stories. When the Zhu family’s eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, is given a fate of greatness, everyone is mystified as to how it will come to pass. The fate of nothingness received by the family’s clever and capable second daughter, on the other hand, is only as expected.

When a bandit attack orphans the two children, though, it is Zhu Chongba who succumbs to despair and dies. Desperate to escape her own fated death, the girl uses her brother's identity to enter a monastery as a young male novice. There, propelled by her burning desire to survive, Zhu learns she is capable of doing whatever it takes, no matter how callous, to stay hidden from her fate.

After her sanctuary is destroyed for supporting the rebellion against Mongol rule, Zhu takes the chance to claim another future altogether: her brother's abandoned greatness.

Title: Talismaker
Series: Stray Magic, 2
Author: Megan Derr
Length: 32 pages

Genre: Romance / Fantasy / Gay

Notes: A quick, sweet read.

Blurb: Since losing his arm and being discharged from the army, Millé has been struggling—for money, for work, for a home. Though he is a highly skilled talismaker, his 'devil eyes' keep anyone from hiring him.

Then he saves a man from a footpad, and in gratitude the man takes him home—where Millé finds far more than the warm meal he was promised…

Series: The Bestiary Book, 1
Author: Kaye Draper
Length: 468 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Poly

Notes: 

Blurb: My family is dead and gone. But they left their grimoire behind. Now it's my job to free the powerful magical beings trapped in the pages. I might just find a whole new family…if they don't kill me first.

I was just a kid when my family was executed for starting a magical war, forcing me to live my life in the human world, far away from the judgment and scorn of the magical world—and far away from the weirdos who want me to tell them all my dangerous Lovell family secrets. But when a cursed grimoire containing enslaved magical beings falls into my lap, I can't continue to avoid my family's craptastic legacy of pain and suffering. Now, thanks to the nagging of an annoyingly moral ghost, I'm off to free the powerful (and pissed-off) creatures in the bestiary.

I'm nothing like my horrible family. But my newfound attraction to dangerous magical beings who could murder me without a thought… yeah, that might indicate otherwise.

Series: Beyond the Veil, 1
Author: KM Avery
Length: 472 pages

Genre: Romance / Paranormal / Gay

Notes: I came across this series through book 3, which caught my attention with its blurb. For some reason, when I saw this series before, I thought it was mainstream romance. It's not and I sent myself a sample. It sounds like something that I would love.

Blurb: Something is very wrong with the Fitzwilliam estate...

It was supposed to be a regular séance job.But from the minute I met an angry ghost in the hall, I knew there wasn’t going to be anything ordinary about this house or its dead residents. First of all, there were way too many of them. Second, some of them had been helped along from living to dead. Third, my attempt to figure out what was going on got a bit sidetracked when I met the gardener.

He was tall, dark green, and handsome.

And really, really smart. So I hired him to help me figure out what was going on. And that’s when things got interesting, in more ways than one.

I think I’m falling for an orc, and that’s making it really hard to concentrate on doing my job, but if I don’t, I’m going to be in a whole heap of trouble.


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