Review: Cold by Brandon Shire

Title: Cold

Author: Brandon Shire
Series: Cold, #1

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Publisher: TPG Books

Release Date: May 20, 2013

Source: Provided by Author

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Contact Brandon

Website  | Twitter | GoodReads

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Overall Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!

Reviewer: Kat

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Author Summary

Book 1: Prison is a brutal, heartless, and demeaning environment. No one knows this better than a man sentenced to life in prison for murder. Lem Porter is a high-profile prisoner who had a solid career ahead of him in a field he loved until he killed his brother. He has spent almost eighteen years behind bars and doesn’t have much hope left.

Anderson Passero had it all. He built a career, a name, and a relationship with a man he thought he loved. Only after he very publicly landed in prison did he realize how ignorant he’d been. He has eight months left on his sentence and he is eager to go home and put prison life behind him. He doesn’t know it yet, but he will always carry these eight months with him, and they may just help him to understand what love really means.

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My Thoughts

I seriously couldn’t tear myself away from this novel once I started. Cold is a very believable story of self-forgiveness and the hope that can be birthed through the discovery of new love.  

The author weaves a remarkable tale of love between two completely opposite men… both in physical appearance, background and lifestyle… and he does so brilliantly. Shire is an expert storyteller who’s writing kept me enthralled throughout.

The story has a nice build up to the fiery romance that perfectly suited the characters. Although the attraction was present at the start, it wasn’t insta-love (which is a bit of a pet peeve of mine). Neither one looking was for a prison relationship. Especially given the difference in time left on their sentences.

Cold is a bit different from other romance novels since the author doesn’t stick to the typical ‘rules of writing romance’. Bless his heart! I love it when I get to be surprised by the unexpected. I tell you this because all is not resolved and this is a very, very good thing. It means we are getting more. It’s a series my lovely readers, so stick with it. There are lots of places this story can go.  

This is a fairly new genre for me so I can’t speak to how it compares to other M/M Romance, but what I can say for a fact is that this romance novel was compelling, arousing, convincing, and evocative. Many emotions were felt, tears were shed, lots of wishing my man was around after reading those steamy scenes. *wink*

Can’t recommend this one high enough my lovelies and I’m absolutely, 100% positive I’ll be picking up Book #2 when it releases!  

One last thing, just wanted to mention that this author donates 10% of his book sales to two LGBT Youth Charities. Such a worthy cause and you get a great read at the same time. 

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!

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Buy Now:  Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords | AReCafé

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Review: Old Souls by P.A. Lupton

Title: Old Souls

Author: P.A. Lupton

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Self published

Release Date: February 19, 2013

Source: Self Purchased

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Contact P.A.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Overall Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!

Reviewer: Kat

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Author Summary

Sometimes we choose love, but sometimes, fate chooses for us.

Alyssa has started a new job, and from day one, she’s been haunted by dreams of a man she’s never met but can’t seem to forget. Then Alyssa meets her boss and her world comes to a grinding halt. It’s him. But as impossible as that is, things are about to get even stranger.

Mark is a man with secrets. Plagued by guilt and regret, he has spent countless years simply existing. They say you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, and no one knows that better than him. He’s lost a piece of himself he thought he could never get back. Until the day he met Alyssa for the first time…again.

When unexplainable events occur, the two learn that some actions have consequences so severe that even a powerful love may not overcome them.

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My Thoughts

Good gods I hope this is the start of another Paranormal Romance series for this author. I am so hooked!  As I was reading and loving how the plot was unraveling, I marveled at how this novella has some serious potential for a long-running series. This tale is just too original and intriguing for one novella. And the author brilliantly wrote it so that we feel satisfied with the ending…yet deeply crave more.

For me, this novella is gold for many reasons…

• First, I love novellas and short stories anyway. I like to read a full story in one sitting to truly appreciate its beauty, and life just won’t allow the time to read a full-length novel in one sitting.

• Second, its Paranormal Romance...my favorite genre.

• Third, it has wonderful characters that I fell deeply in love with. This author writes her heroines strong, smart and sassy and Alyssa is all that and more. The hero is definitely an alpha male, however not overbearingly so. I get really annoyed at pushy alpha males but Mark is very supportive of his lady and he shows vulnerability at times. So a very nice balance to his character. I am seriously curious about the background of a couple of the secondary characters introduced as well…like Michael, the sexy bad boy. He has a great story just waiting to be told. I know it!

• Fourth, the world building was unique, well thought out and expertly delivered. Hence, my wish that we will see more.

• Fifth, the sex scenes…Mmmm. I have to include a few lines of this part that just plain did it for me and had my own pulse racing and wishing my Man were near…“Reaching with his palm, he cupped my already aching sex, his fingers sliding softly through the wet folds. Stop teasing me. Lightly, he continued to rub his hand in circles as he whispered, “Teasing suggests I’d arouse without affording satisfaction.” His hot breath wafted along the outer shell of my ear, causing goose bumps to rise on the sensitive skin of my neck below. “I have every intention of leaving you fully satisfied. And that’s a promise.” Totally HOT!

• And finally, parts of the story made me cry a little. I love a book that makes me teary-eyed and evokes emotion. Not heart wrenching sadness (those books depress me) but I like it when they make me truly empathize with what the character is going through.

If you are a PNR fan, I’d highly recommend this novella so you can join me in my stalking of this author to “encourage” her to write more about Alyssa and Mark.

This author has a very generous contest running until June  20th…You can win a Kindle Paperwhite for reviewing this novel. Check out the details on her website! 

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!

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Buy Now:  Amazon

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Kat is now a Book Cover Designer

Hey my lovelies!

I know I’ve been absent a lot lately and haven’t been posting many reviews and I’m very sorry about that.  Unfortunately, sometimes life stuff gets in the way of our doing what we really want to do and I haven’t been reading as much as I normally do. I’m really failing at my GoodReads Reading Challenge - like 20% behind schedule. Yikes! But I’m not yet willing to admit defeat. It’s still early in the year and I can catch up, yes?

Anyway, I just wanted to share with you all some great news. I’ve opened a graphic design business specializing in Book Covers… YAY!! You all know how much I love book covers and proudly display on my blog the ones I have a major Cover Crush on. Well I decided to take the plunge, let the right side of my brain take me over and get into this business myself. Along with a very talented photographer friend of mine, Shelley Wyman.

Its called Aeternum Designs (Aeternum is Latin for eternal or forever in case you were wondering). And here’s a link to our website. I’m so damned excited about this new venture, I would ‘squee’ if I were one to ‘squee’.  Since I’m not, I’ll just give a big ole’ WOOHOO instead! J kinda the same thing though isn’t it.

Anyway, I’ll still be posting reviews sometimes and would love for you to stick around like you have been. Thank you so much for your patience and not giving up on me! Love you all!

If you get a chance and feel inclined, hop on over and give our designs a look over. I’d love to hear what you beauties think. There’s a Gallery of the covers designed so far. Most of them are Pre-made Covers ready for sale since we’re brand spanking new. But there are a couple designed for books already published. Like this collection of poetry for Danish author Helle Gade. 

Also, for all you authors... there are some awesome Grand Opening deals including a chance to win a free eCover Design. Just enter on the Aeternum Designs website. 

Wish me luck! Here’s a few Pre-mades to whet your appetite…

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Contact Aeternum Designs

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Email

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Review: As You Wish, A Cinderella Story by A. Violet End

Title: As You Wish (A Cinderella Story)

Author: A. Violet End

Genre: Erotic Romance, Adult Fairytale

Publisher: Self published

Release Date: May 14, 2013

Source: Provided by Author

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Contact Vi

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Overall Rating: 4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!

Reviewer: Kat

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Author Summary

Annora is willing to do anything to save her father from the dark eros of an evil witch-mother and two demonic step-sisters. It's a perilous task, battling such awful magic, but she doesn't have to face danger alone; a fairy man waits to make all Annora's wishes come true—for a price.

This is not Walt Disney's Cinderella, dear reader. This is As You Wish, a Cinderella story from author A. Violet End.

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My Thoughts

As You Wish, A Cinderella Story has all the elements of the classic fairy tale, enhanced beautifully with an erotic touch and written with a timeless elegance.

There’s a prince, a fairy man, a damsel in distress, evil stepmother and sisters, and lots of majicks. While the essence of the fairy tale Cinderella is the same, the characters and storyline are much further developed than the classical tale making this story even more enjoyable. Annora is a fabulously strong heroine with a huge weakness for Charming.  And, to my delight, Charming is not at all what I expected. The author throws in some great plot twists that were splendid in their unveiling.

I really enjoyed this short tale and I think the popularity of adult fairy tales is nothing short of fabulous. And for those of us who embrace our naughty side, this is a most sinful and enjoyable recipe.

Unlike this author’s Grimm and Dirty Fairy Tales series, As You Wish is more erotic romance than erotica, which is perfect for the tale of Cinderella in my opinion. If you enjoy this, then you should check out her collection of erotic fairy tales as well. Shorter reads but well worth it.

Happy Reading!!

4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!

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Buy Now:  Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble

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The Jessica McClain Ultimate Swag Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Hot-Blooded, Amanda Carlson is having this amazing giveaway. It’s international and will run through June 2^nd.

Here’s what you can win…signed copies of both Full-Blooded and Hot-Blooded, a t-shirt, bookmark, postcard and sticker. I did say it was amazing, yes?

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To enter, all you have to do is fill out this Rafflecopter form and you’re entered to win…
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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If you want to know more about the series, here’s a few links to check out…

Amanda’swebsite

My review of each book and why I think this series is Urban Fantasy gold…Blooded #0.5, Full-Blooded #1, Hot-Blooded #2

Best of luck!

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Undefeated Series Collection by Charity Parkerson

Title: Undefeated Series Collection (Books 1 – 4)

Author: Charity Parkerson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Punk & Sissy Publications

Release Date: March 31, 2012

Source: Provided by Author

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Contact Charity

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Overall Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!

Reviewer: Kat

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Author Summary

Bryant: Smith Brothers fight club has trained some of the world’s leading

MMA fighters, but when the club’s reputation is threatened owner Bryant Smith turns to sexy private detective Parker Wilson to uncover the truth.

Ace: Ace Sparks has spent his life trying to make a name for himself in the

world of MMA, but when he comes to the aid of a friend he learns the most

important fights are fought outside the ring.

Walt: When Walt returns home from war a changed man he must convince the woman he loves that he’s worth a second chance.

Paul: For the past four years Paul has been haunted by the death of his wife, but when he has his own brush with death he’ll discover his life is indeed worth fighting for.

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My Thoughts

Anyone who follows my blog knows that I’m a big fan of a good short story or novella. I’m in total awe of authors that can weave an intricate tale in so few words.  Capturing a reader’s interest, convincing a reader to invest heavily in the characters and ultimately leaving a reader with a satisfied ending in so few pages takes an incredible amount of talent. Charity Parkerson is one of the very special authors with the talent for penning the ultimate short story.

I’ve read a few of Parkerson’s works now and one thing I’ve noticed is how deeply I always seem to invest in her characters. Without fail, they are interesting, relatable, believable and very real. I’m left thinking about them long after finishing their stories. Not because the story isn’t complete, but because I fall in love with them so thoroughly, I simply want to hear more about their lives. It’s that knowledge that I won’t be disappointed in the characters and their relationships that allows me the freedom to never hesitate in picking up a Charity Parkerson novel.

Undefeated is a collection of four contemporary romance short stories revolving around the lives of four professional fighters. While this is a series well tied together, each one can easily be read as stand alones if you wish. The men are all smoking hot and the women are clever and sexy, but each relationship in the series has its own completely unique situation and challenges. Making each one a very compelling read in its own right that I highly recommend.

I’m glad I had the collection because I found I was curious to know each fighters story as they were introduced and didn’t have to wait. I’ve got dibs on Paul though ladies. hehe! Just saying. That southern boy charm gets me every time.

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!

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Buy Now:    Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | AllRomance

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Fire Heart by Dan Avera

Title: Fire Heart

Author: Dan Avera
Series: The Titans, #1

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Publisher: Self-published

Release Date: September 7, 2012

Source: Purchase

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Contact Dan

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Overall Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!!

Reviewer: Kat

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Author Summary

When mercenary Will Blackmane discovers that he is the living embodiment of a Titan - a god from an age all but forgotten - his world comes crashing down around him. Hounded relentlessly by the beings who drove his kind into exile, he must become the leader the world needs and unite the warring nations of Pallamar under one banner if he and his allies are to survive. His only chance of success rests with the other Titans, finally returned after five hundred years of hiding - and with Clare, an extraordinary soldier from an annihilated city far to the west. The growing bond between them is a strange and unexpected one, but it may be all that stands between them and the encroaching darkness.

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My Thoughts

Epic Fantasy based on Greek Mythology…this novel is pure GOLD!

Searching for something different to read one day, I stumbled across this gem. Not my usual genre, but I wanted to treat my imagination to the exquisite beauty of an epic fantasy. My love for all things Greek mythology led me to discover Fire Heart and my interest was piqued. And wow, I have to say to you readers, if you are as well in need of something wonderfully different from our normal paranormal read, then this is it for you. 

If you check out this link, you can go to Amazon’s Look Inside, where you can read the Prologue for yourself. As soon as I read it, I knew I had to read the entire novel. 

The original worldbuilding in this novel is honestly some of the most impressive I’ve seen. The creation theory based on Greek myth is brilliant, the detailed imagery recounted throughout is spellbinding, and the characterization is superb. Every Titan, human and villain developed so skillfully, making it impossible not to invest in their plight and struggle to save the world from the Fallen Ones. 

This author is seriously gifted. If you are a fan of epic fantasies such as George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” (Game of Thrones), or J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”, then you will enjoy this tale composed by this new author. I can’t wait until the second in this series!

Oh, and if/when you read it, you’ll need more. So the author provides a few teasers on his website for Book #2. Just click here to check them out. And while there, take a minute to check out the artwork on his blog. There are some seriously awesome sketches of the characters in the novel. Amazing!

Happy Reading!!

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Buy Fire Heart Now…        Amazon 

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