Dichotomy by Elyzabeth M. VaLey


Dichotomy by Elyzabeth M. VaLey
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Iris is not a usual tiger shifter. Yes, she’s independent, headstrong and dominant, but in the right hands, she’s also submissive and eager to please. The issue has always been finding someone who accepts both sides of her nature and doesn’t try to change her.

Riker and Jared have been mates for almost a decade, but they always knew they were missing a third in their relationship. When they meet Iris, they’re elated. Finally, they’ll be whole. However, they quickly realize the tiger shifter is not what she first seems and bringing the three of them together for good might not be as easy as they initially thought.

Jared and Riker had been mated together for a number of years, both wolf-shifters and in a Dom/sub relationship everything would be perfect had they not both known categorically that they were missing a third. Their relationship was perfect except for that one missing piece and while neither of them knew exactly what it was, neither were they in any doubt when they happened by chance across Iris. Iris, a tiger shifter and a switch – enjoying both being Dominant and submissive – had struggled to form any real connection since most men didn’t know how to handle her two opposing needs. Can these three shifters merge their lives and relationships together so they all can get what they truly need?

I really enjoyed the different dynamic this story offered. While erotic threesome/ménage stories are pretty common nowadays, and shifter romances aren’t very new either, I haven’t read many ménage plotlines where one of the threesome is a proper switch. I felt that, coupled with the MMF relationship makeup – and the fact the two men were already in a long-standing, stable and BDSM style of relationship – this really helped make this story seem fresher and somewhat new to me.

I was somewhat nervous and how Iris would fit in with the dynamic already long-held and working well between Riker and Jared, but the author did a really good job handling that I felt. Jared was certainly submissive, but he wasn’t shy or uncommunicative on his feeling nor his thoughts. I definitely felt this helped ease some of the transition and smoothed some of the bumps those initial few conversations could have had between Riker and Iris. Jared was an excellent sounding board for both of them and I feel his character really was in many ways the glue that helped form their bond and keep any assumptions or miscommunications get out of control.

The three of them all had to walk a careful line to begin with and I thought this was handled quite well and somewhat believably. A part of me feels Iris in particular came around just a little too quickly, much of the start of the story was filled with her resisting and convincing herself that she could never really submit even though she wanted to, so to have her give in and be comfortable and happy after only a few meetings and discussions just felt a little too simple. The short length of the story though and the fact a part of her wanted to submit helped make this a little more believable but I’m not sure all readers will feel this way. The sex was deliciously hot and should really satisfy most erotica readers with a bit of BDSM heat but nothing too over the top.

Sexy and fun this short story is a great shifter, ménage, BDSM story I feel many readers should enjoy.

To Light a Fire by Kristian Parker


To Light a Fire by Kristian Parker
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Historical, LGBTQ, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Frank never thought he would find love…until he met his friend’s servant.

It’s 1922 and Frank Harris has finished his exams at Cambridge. He had planned on going home to his parents’ Midlands shop until his friend Charlie Fitzwilliam issues a surprise invitation to stay at his family’s stately home.

Frank has nursed a secret attraction to Charlie since their first meeting and can’t resist a chance to spend time with him, but once there, it’s Tanner, a manservant, with whom he instantly falls in lust.

Charlie tries to force a local girl on Frank, and although Frank knows he should keep up appearances, it’s Tanner who sets a fire in him.

To Frank’s astonishment, Tanner is attracted to him too, and their mutual passion kindles, then burns strong. Only, their feelings must remain a secret—discovery would mean the ruin of them both.

But how long can love that blazes this bright be hidden?

In a time when being gay was illegal, Frank has to hide his affection for his University friend. However, when he spends some time with Charlie at his home, it’s the Under Valet who lights a fire in Frank.

This is a gentle start to a series that gives you a couple of steamy moments, but nothing too shocking. My heart broke for Frank when Charlie kept pushing Annie onto him, and I completely agree with Frank that at least he was admitting who he was, rather than hiding behind a woman’s skirts. Frank kept telling me that Charlie was different, but I only saw occasional glimpses of that.

I would have preferred this to be longer – a full-length novel rather than a novella – but still, it gave me the full story. I just would have wished for more information on Tanner and Frank, both their pasts and their future.

A thoroughly enjoyable book that starts off a series I want to continue. Definitely recommended by me!

If Only For Today by Gabbi Grey


If Only For Today by Gabbi Grey
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Jared Langford is a happy man. The desk clerk at the Deerbourne Inn knows everyone in his cozy town in Vermont. He is accepted and loved by the community, but he’s missing someone special in his life.

Devastating news has brought journalist Xander Fortier to Willow Springs for some much-needed rest. He’s photographed every major conflict in the world for the last ten years, but being stateside has forced him to reassess the solitary life he’s been living.

Something in Xander’s gruff demeanor calls to Jared’s caring nature. Soon the men are spending time together, but Jared’s kisses might not be enough to keep Xander from leaving. Can the men find a happily ever after if they only have today?

Jared is happy with his life as the desk clerk at Deerbourne Inn. He knows everyone and is accepted in the community. His only quibble is he has no special man to share his life with. Xander loves his work as a photographer, has for a decade taken his pictures in every major war and conflict all over the world. Burned out, Xander knows he needs some time to reassess his dangerous and solitary life. Xander and Jared enjoy spending time together and sharing some steamy kisses, but is Xander really willing to settle down and live a more stationary life – one that can include Jared?

I really enjoyed this character-centric story. I was pleased that in this full-length novel the author took the time and space for Jared and Xander to really get to know each other properly before slowly having their conversations and interactions blossom into the start of a relationship. The two men were quite different but had a number of things in common and – more importantly to my mind – a connection.

Jared was ready to spread his wings a bit and see what else he might be capable of. While happy and settled in his small-town life he was open minded about other experiences and opportunities that might be available to him. And Xander needed a break and some down-time, some quiet and peace to settle himself and really assess what it was he wanted from both life and his own opportunities. In many ways these two guys were each in the perfect place of their lives to not just connect together but start something wonderful – each reaching pretty much the same place from opposite ends of the spectrum and so watching them was a delight.

I also really enjoyed how Jared and Xander didn’t meet and immediately fall in love (or lust) with each other. Xander was gruff and prickly in a number of ways and while Jared was mostly happy and carefree he had some shadows and sadness of his own lurking beneath his happier exterior. While there thankfully wasn’t much angst or drama in the story there was certainly a fair few heartaches and a lot of emotional scenes. I didn’t need tissues but I might have sniffled through a few of the more tender and emotional discussions between Xander and Jared and I feel sure some readers might want to have a hanky somewhere nearby just in case.

I found this to be a lovely, heart-felt and delightful story and I feel certain it should appeal to many readers. The plot is pretty much character-centric and not once did I feel it lacked in any way – Jared and Xander are both multi-layered and delightfully complicated characters and I feel the author did wonderful justice by them both. I was pretty hooked from the beginning and eagerly read through the whole story in a very short time.

Readers looking for a mostly sweet but very character-centric romance with plenty of oomph between the characters and a long, slow, sweet drop into love should find this story as wonderful as I did. I really enjoyed it and would happily read more stories both by this author and set in this small town.

Unlikely Harmony by Lily Michaels


Unlikely Harmony by Lily Michaels
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

In the middle of his darkest moment, Sebastian finds an unexpected light.

Since his immense gift was first discovered, Sebastian Chevalier has led a life of blissful indulgence—crisscrossing the globe to perform to thousands of adoring fans and garnering international attention for putting a modern face on opera—that is until a vocal cord injury steals Sebastian’s most prized possession.

While he rehabilitates, he turns his focus to composing an opera and hires Jasper Lorde to join as his accompanist to help turn his written music into a living creation. Although Jasper is the polar opposite of everything he is normally attracted to, Sebastian finds himself with an overwhelming desire for the man and as he slowly regains his ability to speak, the two men explore the passion building between them.

Once the opera is complete and Sebastian has been cleared to sing, he books a debut at the prestigious LA Opera House. But this decision releases a Pandora’s box of demons for Jasper that threatens their tentative connection.

The world is at Sebastian’s feet when it all comes crashing down. Just how well do you communicate without a voice?

This was a warm and fuzzy novella with some steamy moments. Not too much is mentioned about the BDSM world in detail, more of a light brushstroke. In fact, not too much is mentioned in detail at all, which usually drives me insane, but it worked here. It really did. Instead of too much bumpf about background detail, I was able to focus on Sebastian and Jasper to my heart’s content. Yes, they both have issues, and yes, maybe I would have liked more information because that’s just what I’m like, but YES, this novella worked and gave me a good, all-round story that brought a big smile to my face.

Although this is classed as book three, I was able to read it without any problems. This is a feel-good steamy romance I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending, and am so thankful I have read it.

Artifacts by Bailey Bradford


Artifacts by Bailey Bradford
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Aldric Beamer thought working in an antique shop would be safe and boring. He never expected to find his life—or his heart—in danger…

Being the low man on the totem pole is nothing new for Aldric Beamer. The youngest of three siblings, he was always the afterthought in his family, but Aldric’s trying hard not to let the little confidence he has sink any lower.

Aldric loves the job he manages to land at Intrinsic Value, so much so that he often works off the clock—or maybe he just doesn’t want to go home to his empty apartment. Just as he’s slowly learning to trust his boss and co-workers, he’s attacked outside the store, and all the security he thought he had vanishes with the force of a blow to the head.

San Antonio cop Darrell Williams takes one look at the beautiful, bruised man he finds in a dingy alley behind an antique store, and something in his heart melts. This weakness scares him, making Darrell gruff and indifferent when he should have been—and longs to be—compassionate and caring.

Aldric’s no pushover, though. He’s had enough of being ignored and treated like he doesn’t matter as much as everyone else. And he’ll make damn sure Patrol Officer Williams doesn’t dismiss him, in any way…

What should have been an easy job turns into a life-threatening mystery for Aldric.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book – from seeing Aldric’s tentative and insecure beginnings at Intrinsic Value, to seeing his self-confidence and self-worth come out. He is a strong character that grows throughout the book. Darrell is the opposite – he looks strong but is so far inside the closet, he can see Narnia. Together, these two work perfectly. Now, I just need to know more about Elliot and Jonas!

The writing style is smooth, and the pace is perfect. Although this is the first book in the series, you don’t get a big info-dump on anyone or anything. I would have liked to have known a bit more about the families of both the main characters, but enough is inferred for me to figure most of it out.

This was a fun and sassy read that I have no hesitation in recommending. An excellent start and I can’t wait to read more in this series.

Amy McDougall, Master Matchmaker by Gary Pedler


Amy McDougall, Master Matchmaker by Gary Pedler
Publisher: Regal House/Fitzroy Books
Genre: Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Contemporary, LGBTQ
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Thirteen-year-old Amy McDougall is worried about Travis, the single gay guy who adopted her when she was a kid. He wants a boyfriend, yet isn’t having any luck finding one himself. Amy decides the solution is for someone else to do the finding. Someone like her! Amy’s first attempts at matchmaking are embarrassing flops, despite advice from her hyper-smart best friend Grace. Soon Amy makes not only a match for Dad, but for other people she knows. Now no one can deny that she’s Amy McDougall, Master Matchmaker. Still, she finds there’s a price to pay for her meddling when all three matches cause problems she hadn’t foreseen. Amy McDougall, Master Matchmaker is a fun and engaging tale that takes a fresh look at important subjects like love and friendship.

How complicated can finding a boyfriend for one’s single gay dad possibly be?

Amy was a likeable girl whose character development felt realistic to me. I enjoyed getting to know every side of her personality from her unbridled creativity to her tendency to meddle in other people’s lives over and over again. This particular flaw of hers played an important role in how the plot unfolded, especially in the beginning when she wasn’t aware of all of the issues that can be caused by someone trying to control what other folks do. It was amusing to see how she reacted to her loved ones not always responding the way she wanted them to when she quietly interfered with their love lives.

I would have liked to see a tad more attention paid to the downside of Amy’s attempts to play matchmaker. The humorous parts of her experiment popped up everywhere, and I giggled my way through them. With that being said, I did think the negative consequences of her trying to set people up together weren’t explored quite as fully as they could have been. This was especially true when it came to the dates she picked out for her dad. I adored this tale in general, and I would have given it a perfect five-star rating if she’d faced a few more logical consequences for her actions.

Travis and Amy became a family thanks to an transracial older child adoption. He was a single, white, gay man, and she was a school-aged biracial foster child. I’ll leave the specific details of how they became a family for other readers to discover for themselves, but I appreciated the fact that this book acknowledged the difficult parts of her past while still having such a hopeful and upbeat approach to the beautiful life they’d built together. There was so much love in the McDougall household that I can’t help but to hope for a sequel about them someday.

Anyone who has ever wished they could set their friends and family up with perfect love interests might really like Amy McDougall, Master Matchmaker.

Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of the ’60s by Sandra Murphy (editor)


Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of the ’60s by Sandra Murphy (editor)
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, LGBTQ, Historical, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Rebellion, revolution, and rock and roll defined the ‘60s. As music moved from country to folk protest songs, rock became the voice of the “turn on, tune in, drop out,” generation. Peace, love, and harmony were the goals. Meditation, mysticism, and psychedelic drugs were the way to enlightenment. Peace, love, and crime were often the result, sometimes humorous, sometimes deadly.

And the music played on. As Harold says in The Big Chill, “There is no other music, not in my house.”

Spinning their chosen tunes and the tale of its matching crime are: Earl Staggs, Jack Bates, Linda Kay Hardie, Jeanne DuBois, Terrie Farley Moran, Heidi Hunter, Merrilee Robson, Claire A. Murray, Michael Bracken, Maddi Davidson, Joseph S. Walker, Dawn Dixon, Karen Keely, Paul D. Marks, Wendy Harrison, Mary Keliikoa, Maxim Jakubowski, James A. Hearn, C. A, Fehmel, Catina Williams, Josh Pachter, and John Floyd, talented writers all.

There’s a story behind every song.

In “Cooking with Butter,” Amanda decided to murder her ex-husband. All she needed to do was to figure out the best way to go about it while hopefully avoiding detection. Her personality grew on me as I got to know her better and figured out her reasons for wanting him to die. She was a complex character who gave me plenty to think about, especially once I realized exactly how much thought she’d put into her plan.

All of the stories in this anthology had clever premises that were worth reading, but there were a few that I thought would have benefitted from a little more development. “Mercy” was one example of this. It followed a young woman named Lila as she grieved the death of her brother, came out of the closet, and tried to figure out what to do with her life. There was so much going on in her life that she didn’t have enough time to explore any of those subplots in detail. It would have been nice to get to know Lila better as she was a fascinating character in general.

Jerry had to find out what caused his father’s sudden and frightening chest pain in “Spirit in the Sky.” The relationship between these two characters was genuine and nuanced. They didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but they did always love each other no matter what. I had a wonderful time peeling back the layers of their personalities. They were both far more complex than they appeared to be at first glances for reasons I’ll leave up to other readers to piece together for themselves.

Anyone who loves ’60s music should give Peace, Love, and Crime a try.

A Walk On The Wild Side by Pelaam


A Walk On The Wild Side by Pelaam
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, BDSM
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

By day, Devin is a staid systems analyst, but at the weekends, he becomes Miss Teaque, singer and drag queen.

Driving a little too fast to get home, he’s stopped by the police, and in Devin’s eyes, the big man in uniform is a walking sex god.

Justin is as smitten as Devin and traces him to the bar in which he’s performing. The only dark cloud on their horizon is Devin’s selfish and domineering mother. Caving in to her demands causes the couple to argue. Devin is heart-broken, but since he knows it’s his own fault, he can’t bring himself to call his handsome cop.

Has he lost his chance of happiness?

Devin had only been a little bit over the speed limit, but when he’s pulled over by a policeman Devin has trouble keeping his interest and attraction to the sexy cop hidden. Relived both that the handsome policeman doesn’t give him a ticket but also that nothing was said about his attire, Devin continues his drive home after his singing gig in his drag queen get-up. But when later Devin and Justin meet again at the club Justin is no longer in his uniform and the two men don’t have to keep their exchange brief and professional any longer.

I really enjoyed the writing style of this short and sexy story. I felt a connection to Devin straight away – pleased that the opening scene of being pulled over and really nervous about it was something so utterly relatable. It helped really set the mood for me but also let me feel a good empathy and connection with Devin’s character. I was jolted out of the story a few times by some typos/editing errors near the start of the book, but overall I really enjoyed Devin’s story.

I loved how even though he could be brave and confidant as Miss Teaque (his drag queen alter ego) Devin also was still the somewhat shy young guy inside who let himself be bullied around by his mother. This contrast was part of what made Devin so realistic and enjoyable to me. Devin is still trying to sort himself out and find his way and watching him blossom was really lovely. I found the plotline surrounding Devin’s mother a little cliched – but this in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story as Devin and Justin’s connection – and Devin’s relationship with his brother – together more than made up for this.

I particularly loved how Devin and Justin took some time to get to know each other outside of the bedroom before they became physically intimate. While the sex was a little kinky and super hot when they got there, the connection between Devin and Justin felt deeper and more realistic for them actually trying to get to know each other first and not just having sex as soon as they connected. This really helped sell me on the potential longevity of their relationship and left me with a really good feeling about them both.

Sexy, light and fun this is a good short story.

Bad Moon Rising by Pelaam


Bad Moon Rising by Pelaam
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Marcus is a bear shifter, living peacefully in the mountains with the rest of his sleuth made up of other shifters as well as humans.

When he rescues Kody, a lynx shifter, it changes both their lives. Marcus knows his mate, but Kody has been abused in the past and Marcus is aware he must court his mate carefully.

But not all those in his sleuth are pleased that Marcus brought Kody to live with them and are furious to find Marcus intends to claim Kody as his mate.

Can a determined bear break down the barriers a lynx has surrounded him with and claim his mate?

Marcus, a bear shifter, meets Kody, a lynx shifter, by chance when Kody is trying to escape his abusers and kidnappers. Feeling an immediate connection, Marcus offers Kody not only his freedom, but protection in Marcus’ own group of friends that has formed their own pack together. Kody is nervous but willing to trust Marcus. Can they make something together?

I enjoyed this fast-paced short story. While I understand the author hurrying the plotline along because of the short length of the story, I would have appreciated Marcus and Kody’s relationship having a little bit more time to develop. I was very grateful they didn’t jump immediately into bed together – Kody absolutely wasn’t ready for physical intimacy after being held captive – but with a few interweaving plotlines I was left feeling as if the whole story was just rushed a little too much.

I guessed much of the plot between Kody’s abusers and one of Marcus’ family members and felt it was a little bit cliched. Again, with such a short page-count there wasn’t a huge amount of time for the author to really delve into a heavy plot or a complicated series of events, but I feel perhaps if one of the plotlines had been cut this might have made room to better flesh out (and finish) the remaining plot and still devote a decent amount of space to Kody and Marcus starting their new relationship.

I was surprised, though, that the author left some of the plot dangling unresolved, which really surprised me. Readers looking for an intricate or freshly different storyline won’t find that here and while Marcus and Kody’s relationship is completed and solidified, not all of the plot has that satisfying feeling of being finished. I did, however, enjoy Marcus and Kody’s characters and the small family Marcus had built from various friends, family and others. The characters really shine in this story and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

A fun and easy paranormal short story, this was a good, quick read.

Cereus: Opening by Julia Talbot, BA Tortuga and Sean Michael


Cereus: Opening by Julia Talbot, BA Tortuga and Sean Michael
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Now that his paranormal resort is built, owner Jonny and manager Duke are ready to open Cereus’ doors to their exclusive clientele. Unfortunately, in these three stories, not everything runs as smoothly as Duke would like, and he’s a werewolf on the verge of tearing his hair out. In Pack Rules, by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga, security experts Mik and Van have to learn to work together, even though they have a past, and one that didn’t end well. Werewolf Van wants his vampire back, but Mik is unwilling to be hurt again. Can they trust each other enough to solve their problems, and those of the club? In Downward Dog, Talbot and Tortuga tell the story of yoga instructor werewolf Rian, a city wolf with no way to cope with being courted by the native wildlife. Finally, in The Bear Facts by Sean Michael, one of the first clients at Cereus, polar bear Nuk has special needs. He thinks IT guy Al is just the man to fulfill them, but will that leave Cereus, and Al, in the lurch? Find out in this second installment of the Cereus series. The Cereus series started off with book one, Cereus: Building.

With the classy resort Cereus finally built, it’s time for the Grand Opening. Once again three stories have been compiled by these authors showcasing all manner of various paranormal creatures and the sparks that can be created between them, because events like this never run completely smoothly.

Pack Rules by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga

Werewolf Van and Vampire Mik have a past – and a complicated one at that. Despite that they both realise they need to relearn how to work together or lose possibly everything. Can they repair what was broken between them?

I enjoyed this steamy and fast-paced short story. While Mik and Van have quite a history the chemistry and desire is still really strong between them. I was pleased the reason for their breaking up was believable – this wasn’t just some miscommunication or silly misunderstanding – but a genuine problem the two had to discuss and work through. While the sex and reconnecting between Mik and Van takes up a large portion of the story between them I felt there was enough time also devoted to them working through their issues and rebuilding the trust and foundation of their relationship.

Downward Dog by BA Tortuga and Julia Talbot

Rian is a yoga instructor and a city wolf through and through. He’s eager to give the remote resort and all the freedoms entailed there a good try, but what will happen when a far more wild and instinctive local sets him in their sight?

I really enjoyed this story between Rian and Gilead. Rian was just an adorable character – bouncy and young and just so fresh and lovely it was impossible to not adore him immediately. I found Gilead’s character to be a little more mysterious and it was intriguing to watch his personality and secrets slowly blossom open. It took me a little time to come on board and see the two very different men as being compatible, but their chemistry and connection was completely undeniable.

The Bear Facts by Sean Michael

Nuk has been eagerly anticipating the opening of Cereus and is thrilled that time has finally come. One of the first clients, Nuk is blown away by Al, the IT guy. Will their attraction blossom into something more lasting or is this just a fleeting moment in time?

I’ve never read a polar-bear shifter story so this one was completely fresh and different to me. I really loved how Al was such good friends with Daniel – the dragon shifter and owner of the resort land. I felt that added a lovely extra element to this story. Super hot and sexy this was a lovely short story and I really enjoyed Al’s character in particular and how he and Nuk needed to find common ground between them despite their vast differences. It was lovely to see them both compromise and meet each other half way as they feel deeper in love and forged a delightful relationship.

These three short stories stood very well alone and I enjoyed how clearly collaboration between the authors had occurred since there were small cameos from other characters across the stories. Readers who have read previous installments in this world will also likely enjoy seeing snippets of other characters and it helps make the resort and world feel really well built and far richer for it. That said, readers who haven’t read anything previous to this shouldn’t feel put off – these stories and characters absolutely stand alone and can be read with nothing else prior being known.

A good, solid set of three steamy and erotic stories that I really enjoyed.