The Bench by Jess K. Hardy

October 14, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Bench by Jess K. Hardy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Public defender James has been in self-imposed dating jail since his divorce, but Noah, the gorgeous dad he met at the playground, has him considering parole. Their kids are best friends, they have a lot in common, and they’re both single. It’s almost too perfect, except for one tiny detail: Noah is straight.

City planner Noah’s terrible year started when his wife left him for their twenty-year-old neighbor. Ever since he met James though, things have been looking up. James is smart and kind and now Noah—whose only romantic experience with men was a brain-scrambling spin-the-bottle kiss in high-school—is utterly confused because he can’t stop thinking about him.

During playdates, sleepovers, and steamy sexting sessions, these sensitive and loving dads will discover even broken, uncertain hearts can still find love. When a dark family secret threatens Noah’s daughter, they’ll learn two dads are better than one.

James and Noah have similarly-aged children which they share custody of with their respective ex’s. Their friendship formed over time at their local park bench while they each watched their kids play. James has a crush on Noah, but since Noah is the first friend James has made since he came out of his depression after his break-up with his husband he’s loathe to rock the boat, particularly since Noah is straight. Each man holds the friendship dear, but what happens as things slowly start to change between them?

I adored this modern and realistic short story. Both Noah and James were vibrant and layered characters who were more than just two single men with kids on the prowl. I loved how they complimented each other – Noah so calm while James could be so fearful and nervous about his child’s safety, or how James is so self-assured and knows himself inside out, but Noah is still trying to learn about himself and find his niche. The two men were far from polar opposites, they had plenty of similar characteristics, but they just seemed to mesh and work so well together as a team – to cover each other in so many respects.

I also really enjoyed how the pace of the story and romance was slow enough to be believable but fast enough to not drag. James and Noah had been meeting at the park for a number of months – so much of that “getting to know you” initial phase was completed and didn’t need to bog down the story. But each man was only really starting to come to grips with the depth and strength of their feelings for the other so I felt the story was really balance and just the right sort of pace for me.

This story was equal parts humorous, sexy and uplifting – I adored watching Noah try to grapple with his sexual identity, I loved watching James learn to trust and conquer his fear and grow strong in himself and best of all I was totally in love with the solid, romantic and sexual relationship Noah and James began to forge together through their friendship, support and shared experiences raising their children and trying to piece their lives together.

I found this to be a delightful story and one I will totally relish reading many times again in the future.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales by Elizabeth Black

September 25, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Happily Ever After: Twisted Versions of Your Favorite Fairy Tales by Elizabeth Black
Publisher: Chained Hearts Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Acclaimed author Elizabeth Black is back with a collection of steamy retellings of your favorite fairy tales, but beware, not every ending is a happy one! Reinventions of Cinderella, Thumbling, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, The Little Mermaid, The Pied Piper, Peter Pan, and The Shoemaker And The Elves round out this remarkable collection.

From a sexually frustrated Cinderella, to a troll with some very dirty riddles, we see fairy tales twisted and the secret sex lives of your favorite fairy tale characters revealed. Who would have guessed that the shoemaker and his wife were into BDSM, or that the fountain of youth could also change your gender?

Well written, carefully crafted, and super steamy, this is the ultimate collection of erotic fairy tales!

When you read an anthology or a collection of tales, there are always some you like more than others. This isn’t unusual, more par for the course and so it is with Happily Ever After.

This collection of steamy erotic tales includes Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Bigfoot, and Elves, to name just some of the original titles but the reader isn’t constrained to only western mythology. They are short stories to you have to assume a lot with the world-building. However, being as they are all well-known, although not this alternative version – you don’t have to imagine too much. In homage to the original fairy-tales, some of these have an added layer of creepiness – just to keep you on your toes.

I enjoyed all of the stories which were entertaining and steamy, exactly as described. A couple of them I would have preferred to be longer, and some, shorter. A great summer read or one to curl up with on a dark night! Recommended by me.

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My Sister: How One Sibling’s Transition Changed Us Both by Selenis Leyva, Marizol Leyva

September 24, 2020 By Leave a Comment


My Sister: How One Sibling’s Transition Changed Us Both by Selenis Leyva, Marizol Leyva
Publisher: Bold Type Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Contemporary, LGBTQ
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A powerful memoir by two sisters about transitioning, family, and the path to self-realization.

When Orange Is the New Black and Diary of a Future President star Selenis Leyva was young, her hardworking parents brought a new foster child into their warm, loving family in the Bronx. Selenis was immediately smitten; she doted on the baby, who in turn looked up to Selenis and followed her everywhere. The little boy became part of the family. But later, the siblings realized that the child was struggling with their identity. As Marizol transitioned and fought to define herself, Selenis and the family wanted to help, but didn’t always have the language to describe what Marizol was going through or the knowledge to help her thrive.

In My Sister, Selenis and Marizol narrate, in alternating chapters, their shared journey, challenges, and triumphs. They write honestly about the issues of violence, abuse, and discrimination that transgender people and women of color–and especially trans women of color–experience daily. And they are open about the messiness and confusion of fully realizing oneself and being properly affirmed by others, even those who love you.

Profoundly moving and instructive, My Sister offers insight into the lives of two siblings learning to be their authentic selves. Ultimately, theirs is a story of hope, one that will resonate with and affirm those in the process of transitioning, watching a loved one transition, and anyone taking control of their gender or sexual identities.

Touching, riveting and worth the read.

I knew this would be a gut-wrenching book when I picked it up. I can’t imagine being in Marizol’s position–having your body one way, but feeling another inside. Reading about her transition, the bullying, the fear, confusion…I wanted to hug her. I loved that Selenis and the rest of the family gave her the love and respect she deserved on this journey. The parts concerning her birth parents was particularly hard. I can’t imagine what she went through at the hands of her father.

This book has been described as an open letter between sisters or a dialogue between them. It is. This isn’t all from Selenis’s point of view. Yes, she tells of how she felt as Marizol transitioned, but it’s more about Marizol. Truly.

This book shows how one can accept themselves, how their family can accept them and how it’s okay to be authentic. You have to be yourself.

If you’re interested in reading about Marizol’s journey, then check this book out.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Stag by Stephanie Burke

September 21, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Stag by Stephanie Burke
Wild Hunt, book 1
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Thomas Bright never would have dropped his glamour if he’d known he’d be going into heat. The one night he decides to cut loose at the decadent BDSM club, the Wild Hunt, just happens to be the one night he meets his mate.

Now The Stag, Kern, is on the prowl — but he wants more than a one night stand with his perfect Faunus. If he can only convince his little mate to take a chance on him, and still protect his not-so-innocent lover from those who would do him ill for the magic contained in his body…

Who would have thought that going to a nightclub could completely change your life? Thomas certainly never imagined that but change it did.

This is the first book in a series so you get the introduction but not much of the nitty-gritty of our main characters’ histories. You do find out why Thomas is skittish at the thought of being with Kern but that’s about it. There is an amazing cast of supporting characters that I can’t wait to find out more about – whether through the continuation of Thomas and Kern’s story or their own.

The set up for the world isn’t exactly clear but I’m thinking it’s contemporary with a dash of fantasy. In other words, supernaturals are amongst us, we just don’t have a clue. I love the history about Manx and their protection but still, I want to know more.

This novella does end on a cliffhanger so consider yourself warned. Personally, all it’s done for me is make me want the second book immediately. I thought the ending was brilliant and perfectly fitting for this portion of the story.

If you don’t like cliffhangers, then it may be best if you wait for them all because, trust me, this is a fantastic book. Highly recommended by me.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Footprints in the Sand by L. M. Somerton

September 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Footprints in the Sand by L. M. Somerton
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Mistletoe

Sun, sea and submission…a different kind of dream holiday.

When Ben’s best friend’s appendix throws a wobbly, Ben has to holiday alone. He plucks up the courage to attend their planned mini BDSM break as a solo submissive, determined to have some fun, even if he doesn’t find the Dom of his dreams. When he meets handsome local beachcomber Rhys, Ben hopes holiday romance might turn into more—but Rhys isn’t quite what he seems and Ben has to reconcile his need to submit with his doubts about Rhys’ honesty.

When Ben finds himself all alone on a trip to a special BDSM resort he decides to try and make the best of it. Being in paradise and with like minded men gives Ben the courage to at least try to enjoy himself on the trip that he has been looking forward to for months. Even if his best friend cannot join him Ben is determined to have some fun and make some memories. Hopefully, Ben can find what he is looking for or at least he can figure out where to start looking.

I enjoyed Ben’s story and his adventure has just begun. Ben is a great guy. I loved seeing him open up and find the confidence to try for what he wants with the help of his new friends. Little does Ben know but meeting Rhys will bring many changes to his life. Watching their relationship take shape made for a nice read. The two make a good couple and compliment each other nicely. The author does a nice job of bringing their story to life, the intensity of their feelings shines through in all that they do. Not only did I enjoy Ben and Rhys, but Jules stole the show every time he was around. Each of the characters endeared themselves to this reader and I hope that the author decides to return to their world for more from them.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND is a well-paced story with strong characters that grabbed my attention from the start and did not let go until the end. I loved seeing the friendships develop and deepen as the story goes on. Ben learns that you never know what you will find if you just take the chance.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Broken Road by Sean Michael

September 7, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Broken Road by Sean Michael
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Can lifelong best friends find their happily ever after in each other?

Ardie and West have been friends since the second grade. They’ve been through a lot together: homework, broken bones, the death of a parent, and dreading high school dances. Through Ardie working the family farm and taking care of his siblings, and West chasing his college boy dreams, their friendship never falters, even with the gap of years and lifestyles.

West goes through a series of boyfriends, making Ardie wish his friend could find someone who loves him as much as Ardie does himself. Waiting for the right time to tell West he’s gay, Ardie figures he’s lost his chance when West finally meets someone who seems just right for him.

When the bottom falls out for West, there’s only one person he thinks to call. Ardie is there for him when he does. A little vacation seems to be the right thing, not just to ease West’s mind, but for Ardie to slide into West’s life again, finally letting his friend know how deeply he cares.

Will these two bet friends realize there might be more between them than just friendship? Find out if their Broken Road lead to happiness in this heartwarming read.

Ardie and West have been best friends since the first day of grade two. Through all the highs and lows, the laughter and tears that life brings the men remain friends – the bond formed on that first day never wavering. And when West eventually calls as his life shatters, Ardie doesn’t hesitate, leaving behind his farm and siblings to be there to help pick up the pieces, to remind West of the simple family love that’s been constant throughout each of their lives.

This is an absolutely amazing story. Readers who love a long, slow drop into love, particularly those “friends to lovers” style of story should find – as I did – that this one is just perfect. A little over the first half of this book shows Ardie and West’s friendship, life and love from the beginning. At first I was a bit nervous, worried the background would bog down the story – but I feel the author did a really amazing job managing to balance this side to the story.

The pace moved fast enough that I didn’t feel in a hurry to get to the present day – where West calls Ardie for help – but instead this helped show the rock-solid foundation of friendship and life that the two men had together. It showed them growing up from boys into men and led us on the paths their lives each took. Woven throughout all this was the friendship – and love – that carried the men through the usual highs and lows of a lifetime. I particularly loved how there wasn’t drama merely for the sake of it – Ardie and West’s lives each held plenty of peaks and troughs and this was ample conflict, plot and tension, the solidness of their friendship, the unwavering love and support didn’t need mis-communications or drama or angst to make it interesting and vibrant and I am so very glad the author kept away from those kinds of tropes.

While the first half of the book focused on how the boys became men and reached their early thirties in life, this slow romantic pace felt just right for such a lovely full length novel. It gave me as the reader time to really relax and enjoy and get hooked on each man. This is the first book in a very long time – months for sure, if not the whole year – that had me reading long into the night and finishing it in one sitting. It was addictive in the most wonderful sense and I simply couldn’t stop and put it down to go to sleep. When West finally reaches rock bottom and calls Ardie, the second half of the story shines even brighter than the first. I was particularly pleased the two men – after a lifetime of being there for each other, supporting and helping one another and loving each other – didn’t simply fall into bed. Their pace increased, sure, but it was still natural, logical and so realistic I wish I knew them for real because it was just a beautiful, wonderful story.

Readers looking for something kinky or crammed full of sex won’t find that here. This book is one of those rare gems that, sure has some smoking hot M/M sex, but is full of all the other wonderful aspects of a solid romance. There’s a large and strong cast of secondary characters, primarily Ardie’s family and a few important people coming and going in West’s life. There is the wonderful road of two lives – similar but different and inextricably woven together forever. There is laughter and tears and so much joy and love it makes me want to burst and go right back to the start immediately and re-experience it all over again.

This is a wonderful, heartfelt and amazing story, one that is absolutely going onto my keeper shelf and one I can most strongly recommend.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Sight Of Home by Sean Michael

September 2, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Sight Of Home by Sean Michael
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Stone is used to getting around on his own, even if he is blind. When he decides to head out on a book tour to promote his latest title, though, he knows he needs more help than his seeing eye dog can provide. Stone decides to hire a personal assistant, someone to help be his eyes and ears on the road.

Mason seems like the perfect candidate, a strong, ex-military man who can take care of anything. Even if he can’t see Mason, Stone knows he’s attracted to the man’s gravely voice and hard body, and things start moving fast. Maybe too fast.

Will Stone scare Mason off with his strong feelings, or can Mason see how good they could be together?

Even though he’s blind, Stone is quite capable of taking care of himself and getting around with his seeing eye dog. When he decides to go on tour for his newest book, however, he knows he and his dog will need more help to navigate the new areas. As an ex-military man, Mason appears to be the perfect PA, and even though Stone is blind, he knows when he’s attracted to a man and Mason is just what Stone wants.

I enjoyed this lovely short story. While I didn’t find the speed with which Stone began to trust Mason to be very realistic I was pleased with the chemistry the two men had from the start. Keeping in mind both that this is an erotic romance and a short story, I couldn’t really fault the author for the overall pace of the relationship.

Where I found this story really excelled was in the day-to-day aspect of Stone and Mason growing together and learning the differences between their lives and seeing how they meshed together. Things like Stone focused a lot more on sounds and scents – giving Mason a different perspective on “seeing” the world. It was also lovely, of course, to see Stone trust Mason and get to “see” the world through his descriptions and comments.

I have to admit, at points the similarities between the two men’s name (Stone and Mason are so similar at least in my mind, both referencing a rock/brick/concrete/hard surface etc) that while they were two very distinct and different characters, the similar reference at least in my mind meant I mixed them up a number of times – which truthfully surprised me a little as that almost never happens to me. It’s a tiny niggle – and one that might just be me and my brain being odd – but it happened a number of times throughout the story so I presume at least some other readers may experience a similar thing.

The sex between the men was also smoking hot and deliciously explicit which helped the story speed along at a super fast pace. There is a lot of sex – perhaps as much as half of the story – which I feel readers should expect in an explicit romance story like this. Personally, I felt this was balanced with the growing relationship between the two men, but there wasn’t a lot of plot outside of this so readers looking for a convoluted or layered and deep story might want to consider this.

Romantic and emotional I found this to be a lovely story and despite a few quibbles about how fast it all happened and how very well the two men connected, this was a strongly written and really lovely story. Readers who like heroes that aren’t the cookie-cutter standard mould and relationships that are emotional and heart-felt should adore this story as much as I did.

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Crouching Vegan, Hidden Werewolf by Sean Michael

August 31, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Crouching Vegan, Hidden Werewolf by Sean Michael
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal, LGBTQ
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

New to town, werewolf Dark can’t believe there’s a restaurant called The Vegan Werewolf. Even harder to swallow is the fact that the place smells amazing. The food, however, is easy to get down – it’s some of the best he’s ever had and that’s saying a lot as it’s, unbelievably, vegan. What’s also not hard to swallow is Erik, the sweet Chef of the restaurant, and Dark picks him up after the place closes.

Erik’s got a secret, though, one he keeps hidden deep down inside and Dark threatens to bring all the things Erik has buried to the surface.

Can Dark convince Erik that there’s more to life than being a vegan? And that, just maybe, wolves do mate for life?

Dark has only just wandered into town and is testing out all the new sights, scents and scenes. Following his nose, he ends up in front of a small restaurant with the most amazing smells emanating from it. He’s floored by the name – The Vegan Werewolf – but despite his deep skepticism he enters anyway. Anything smelling that good can’t be too bad – even if he knows he hates vegan food. Dark will soon find it’s more than the food here that his mouth waters for.

I absolutely, positively adored this super short story. I was quite skeptical myself – such a short story (not even 50 pages) and one with a werewolf and a chef didn’t sound like one of the best stories I’d read in months. I was utterly wrong – this story is likely one of my top 5 reads so far this year, and I’ve never been happier to be so delightfully surprised. I adored Dark’s character – he’s a werewolf and knows himself, warts and all. This doesn’t, however, stop him from trying something new or being open to possibilities. Despite the fact he knows he hates Vegan food, the smells he encounters – and his hungry stomach – press his hand to trying something completely outside his comfort food. And I loved how he could poke fun at himself as much as everything else – “What’s navarattan when it’s at home?”. I laughed like a loon at half the witty banter and adored the fact that Dark – and the author – clearly enjoyed this little story as a lighter piece and just rolled with it all.

Erik was a lovely contrast to this, slender, Vegan and denying his wolfish side. My only regret (and the reason I needed to deduct that half star) was because I really, really wish the author had been given enough space/word count to delve at least a little into why Erik felt the need to control his own restaurant and deny himself his wolf-half and go Vegan. Erik explains to Dark that he couldn’t handle killing other animals and eating meat despite his wolf, but Dark seemed to think there was something deeper in Erik’s past pressing this and that tiny plot point was left dangling and I don’t feel it was resolved fully. Everything else about this story was amazing – the sex glorious and passionate and instinctive, Erik and Dark both enjoying each other and unable to resist even before they came to know each other fully.

Readers looking for a blisteringly hot, super short and fun read with werewolves, delicious food, amazing scents and some laugh-out-loud funny moments should find this story and wonderful as I did. Highly Recommended.

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LASR Anniversary Scavenger Hunt: Catch a Tiger by the Tail by Gabbi Grey

August 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Thanks for joining us on our 13th anniversary scavenger hunt! There are two ways to enter to win and it’s easy to play– first read the blurb below, then answer the question on the first Rafflecopter. You might win a $100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC. Follow and visit authors social media pages on the second Rafflecopter and you’re entered to win another $100 Amazon/BN GC!

Thomas Walsh knows the number one rule in the film industry. Don’t get involved with the talent. But resisting the urge to take the big screen to the bedroom can be hell when the lead actor on the set looks good enough to eat…one slow lick at a time.

Peter Erickson’s latest role as a gay man hits a little too close to home. He’s still in the closet and secretly grieving the death of his lover. Then an enchanting production assistant catches his eye, and he’s surprised by the instant attraction that stirs more than his wounded soul.

When the two men are caught on camera in a very intimate pose, both Thomas and Peter are afraid they’ve caught a tiger by the tail.

Scavenger Hunt:

Social Media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Buy the book at Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and The Wild Rose Press.

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With: , ,

Stephen by Sean Michael

August 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Stephen by Sean Michael
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Bad boy ISO someone to make me behave. Punishments welcome. Strict Daddy Dom necessary. Will consider a pair.

When Champ reads the ad on the internet, the dragon shifter is immediately intrigued and contacts the boy who wrote it. When a quick phone conversation leads to the boy sharing his address, Champ heads over, unhappy that a boy would not only leave his phone number on the internet, but then just give out his address. When he knocks on the door, he’s ready to show this boy exactly what kind of punishments he can mete out.
Stephen would like to be a boy, but he’s been burned, and badly, in the past, so he’s not in the lifestyle anymore. All that changes when he answers the door and meets Champ. It doesn’t matter that Champ was expecting to meet Stephen’s roommate Marc, the big Daddy falls for Stephen immediately and insists that while there was an initial mix-up, Stephen is the one he’s actually there for

Patience, kink, and confidence may not be enough for this Daddy to win his boy over, but add in the magic of love and dragons and it’s a whole other story.

Champagne knows as soon as he sees the ad online – a Boy ISO (in search of) a Strict Daddy – that something just clicked and was very, very right. He answers immediately, rushing to the home address planning on blistering the ass of a very reckless young man, only to come face to face with Stephen. While it was Stephen’s flatmate who had put the advertisement so unwisely online, Its him and only he who Champ has eyes for. But Stephen has a rocky past and isn’t in the lifestyle anymore, but Champ simply isn’t willing to take no for an answer and possibly lose the only man who can complete him.

This is a lovely, sexy and smoking hot full length story. I really enjoyed Stephen’s character in particular, the brief hints have from his past experience really helped me feel connected to him and a strong empathy for him being reluctant and burned. While Champ gets under Stephen’s skin (and into his pants!) fairly quickly I did like how they didn’t just jump immediately into the sack – as that wouldn’t have felt very realistic with Stephen’s reluctance and history.

I have to admit I haven’t read any of this author’s dragon books before this one (I’m not a massive paranormal fan and dragon’s don’t do a lot for me usually), but I actually enjoyed the slightly different aspect to the paranormal that this author gave the story. Things like Champ could hear the “singing” in Stephen’s head once they started connecting and bonding, or like how Champ could see the dreams Stephen had while sleeping – slightly unusual (for me, at least) but definitely paranormal elements to the story that I found interesting and kinda cool. There were also further hints throughout the story of Champ and his two best friends’ dragon “hoarde” and various magical elements that I felt added an interesting depth to the story.

Stephen’s flatmate, Marcus, and Champ’s two best friends also make a threesome in a sort of sub-plot that I felt helped round out the story well and made the book more than just about Stephen and Champ and their relationship and sexy escapades. I particularly liked how at a few points Champ felt the need to touch base with his two bff’s and just check that he was on the right path. This made him feel more human and relatable to me and I thought it was lovely to see this very slightly vulnerable side to him.

With plenty of hot sex, a few hints of BDSM elements and some complicated and excellent secondary characters this was a lovely long read and a multi-faceted story that I really enjoyed.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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