The Master Insists by Julia Talbot


The Master Insists by Julia Talbot
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length; Short story (47 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/M, Spanking, Fetish (rope play)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Geoff’s life is one stress after another, and being a sub is his only release. He needs what a mistress at Club Endless can give him. So when he arrives at the exclusive BDSM club and all the mistresses are engaged, he thinks he might just explode.
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Deacon sees the distress Geoff is in and offers his services, but Geoff is convinced he could never go that route. Deacon knows he’s the Dom who can give Geoff exactly what he needs. Now he just needs to convince Geoff.

The only time Geoff is able to ignore the ever-increasing tension growing within him is when he’s on his knees, begging a Mistress for the release he craves. But when all the available Mistresses are booked solid one night at Club Endless Geoff’s stress levels threaten to overwhelm him. About to leave, Geoff is instead tempted by the offer of a drink from Master Deacon. Despite Geoff’s insistence that he’s not sexually interested in men, Deacon offers Geoff release in his subspace and Geoff’s need is urgent enough he cautiously agrees. Can Deacon open Geoff’s eyes to what he truly craves?

I found this a really interesting and erotic story. At first I was a little nervous this might be about Deacon showing or “proving” to Geoff that he was gay and the two men could be brilliant lovers, but I was delighted this wasn’t the manner of the writing at all. Deacon was serious when he explained a good Dom could do a scene with a sub regardless of gender, that the scene was based on dominance and submission and each party giving and receiving what they needed. That sex – while frequent and wonderful – wasn’t a necessary factor in the equation of BDSM. And this was exactly what Deacon showed Geoff. I loved that this was the main aspect of the plot and storyline. Sure, the chemistry and sexual tension between Deacon and Geoff was delicious and I felt it had a wonderful slow burn, but it was very clear to me that Deacon carefully took all his cues from Geoff and there wasn’t even the faintest hint in my mind of Deacon trying to “turn” Geoff or push him in a certain direction.

Geoff’s need for submission was also very clearly written and I felt it was a big part of the plot. I really enjoyed how Deacon could read Geoff’s signals and adjust his own plans to encompass Geoff’s needs. In that respect this was an incredibly romantic and emotional read to my mind. Deacon showed characteristics of an excellent Master, tailoring his scenes and actions to what would best suit and help Geoff. And while there was the steady bubble of sexual chemistry between them (and eventually some delicious, non-penetration sex) the sex truly was secondary, the dominance and submission, the BDSM and elements of that lifestyle along with the blossoming relationship between the two men were what was written as most critical and the sex was absolutely secondary.

For a fresh and slightly different look at a BDSM relationship and part of the lifestyle this was an excellent story and I will be eagerly keeping an eye out for more in this series. A great read and highly recommended.

Quench by Xondra Day


Quench by Xondra Day
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Alternative Reality
Length: Short Story (19 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Lost in a post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce, Bryan is desperate to quench his thirst in more ways than one. When an old friend suddenly reappears, Bryan realizes there is hope for the future.
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Old memories of a once lush world help to ignite long buried emotions. Can love survive in this dry harsh world?

This story simply rocks.

I’m new to the writing of Xondra Day, but I’m glad I picked up this short story. The writing flowed and even though it’s short, I felt like I was right there with the characters. Sure, there is a bit of impossibility in the story…but it’s a good thing. I liked that about this one. I liked how the odds are stacked against the characters, but there’s always a glimmer of hope. I can’t go into too much detail, but this is a great read for the lunch time or when you want something hot and sweet.

My favorite part was the descriptions…and the hot guys. Xondra Day paints a picture of the landscape in a few words and transported this reader. I was there in the desolate landscape with the characters. I loved the heat between the guys, too. It felt real. That’s hard to do in a short story and Xondra Day nailed it.

If you want a book that’s quick and satisfying, this might be the one you’re looking for.

Stalking The Kilt by Keely Jakes


Stalking The Kilt by Keely Jakes
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (65 pages)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When Dane Murphy follows a kilt-wearing man through the airport to alleviate the boredom of travel, he has no idea he is following his future. Then the man sees him, and an immediate connection is made.

Everyone who plays chess wants to get better at it, and made me think, he that is catchy. http://icks.org/n/data/ijks/2018FW-4.pdf tadalafil 25mg The suitable viagra overnight no prescription dosage can be recommended by a doctor, because they will know the amount you are ordering, the price, and delivery details. It is observed that older men are vulnerable to side effects. viagra without prescription uk More on that in a very tadalafil for sale later article. Sully McKellen is making his first public appearance in more years than he cares to think about. Shy, reclusive, and lonely, he finds himself intrigued by Dane, who is headed to the same writers’ conference. Instant attraction turns to lust, which deepens as they spend the weekend together, learning their strengths and weaknesses mesh perfectly.

But can Sully overcome his shyness and enjoy being in the spotlight even for one evening? And even more worrying, can Dane and Sully keep a relationship going once they return home again?

Dane doesn’t like most of the trappings of being an author at the murder-mystery writers conventions. But when T.S. McKellen  – the author of Dane’s favorite thriller series – is the keynote speaker, Dane caves in and decides to go along. While waiting for his layover to end, Dane’s interest is snagged by a gorgeous man wearing a kilt. Dane had never been the stalker kind, but the handsome kilt-wearing man is too good an opportunity for Dane to pass up on.

I found this to be a lovely, fun and light-hearted sexy romance. For the most part I found it realistic, though I did have to suspend disbelief a little that Dane didn’t click and practically immediately realize that “Sully McKellen” was T.S McKellen. Apart from that and the huge coincidence that Dane would run into his writing idol in the middle of an airport to begin with I found the story well written, sexy and it moved along at a good pace.

While the progress of Sully and Dane’s relationship pretty much was the plot, I found it fun and interesting enough that it easily kept my attention throughout the short story. The two men were equal parts adorable and funny, their blossoming relationship was both sweet and erotic, full of chemistry and it totally made me smile. I was also impressed the author wrote Sully’s dialogue with the Scottish accent – how any red-blooded person could go past a man in a kilt with a full-on Scottish accent is beyond me. I loved every moment.

For a fun and lighthearted story filled with sexy chemistry and that fun-loving energy all book conventions seem to have, this is a great short story and a quick read that I really enjoyed.

Home Is Where You Are by Emjay Haze


Home Is Where You Are by Emjay Haze
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (95 pages)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

For a chance at a future filled with love, he’ll have to face a painful past.

Eric, recently dumped by his boyfriend, is summoned home after his dad suffers a stroke. His family farm in rural Vermont holds memories he’d rather forget, but he—with his degree in agricultural business—is needed to clear up a predicament with the bank. In trying to forget the bad, Eric has also lost sight of the good: green meadows dotted with grass-fed dairy cows and the sugar maples that once produced the area’s finest maple syrup. With Eric’s help, they will again.
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A captivating farmhand named Phil tempts Eric to give the countryside another chance, but before they can consider being together, Eric must move past more than his feelings for his ex-boyfriend—he’ll need to stand up to the ghosts that sent him running from the farm in the first place…

Eric had only stepped out to go to the gym. When he came back it was to a stranger helping Eric’s year-long lover finish packing up his gear. Finding out that Drew had been cheating on him with the twink and saw their relationship only as being fuck-buddies was bad enough, but while wallowing Eric gets a call from his mom. Eric’s dad has had a minor stroke and so he reluctantly heads back to the family farm to help out while his dad recovers. Eric doesn’t know it, but his life is about to undergo an enormous change.

I found this to be an interesting and almost old-fashioned small-town, farming style of romance. Full of interesting, vibrant and different characters I found this to be a lovely, if character-driven, story. Eric had nothing but bad memories of his school-life – and the constant bullying over his sexuality – and had avoided as many visits home as he possibly could. When his father has a stroke, however, Eric’s hand is pushed and he reluctantly finds himself returning home to confront old memories. While Eric and Phil had known each other as teens they hadn’t really been friends – the two-year age gap enough for them to not run in the same social circles at school. Even though Phil’s parents worked on Eric’s farm the two men didn’t really interact much. I loved the slow buildup of their chemistry as they each got to know each other as men and not boys.

Readers looking for thrills and fast-paced action scenes might not find what they’re looking for here. But personally I really enjoyed the slower pace of the story, the gradual building of chemistry. It’s clear from the beginning to me that Eric and Phil had an amazing connection and even though they each avoid it in their own way they really do live in a small town and there just isn’t the sort of huge gay-scene like there is in a larger city. The conflict in the story mostly comes from both Eric’s bad memories of growing up, but also the fact that Phil in some ways has taken over working the farm in the way that Eric’s parents had always hoped Eric would.

While it was a fair wait for Eric and Phil to finally get together physically, the sex scene was well worth the wait in my opinion. With only the one full-on sex scene readers looking for something heavily erotic and very spicy might be a little disappointed. Personally though I felt with the slower pace, strong chemistry and more “small town” type feel to the story that the longer wait and single consummation scene fitted the story as a whole perfectly.

With a deliciously happy ending and plenty of happy moments this was a great story and left me feeling all warm and wonderful. A great story I can happily recommend.

The Eager Boy by Sean Michael


The Eager Boy by Sean Michael
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (193 pages)
Other: M/M, BDSM, Toys, Spanking/Flogging
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

An Iron Eagle Gym Novel

Eight months ago Robin Secoya left his lover and master, Stack Lobond, because he didn’t believe Stack really cared about him. He was sure that for Stack, any warm body would do, and Robin wasn’t willing to be just a warm body anymore.

After completing a full-renovation of the space, the unit now boasts of scenic generic viagra from canada Hudson River views courtesy of massive arched windows. They may be more conscious of the foods they eat, alcohol or discount viagra generic caffeine consumed, or exercise regimen maintained. Thus it can be seen that for patients with azoospermia, it is necessity to do testicular biopsy if they want to sildenafil generic cheap have children. Since the current findings indicate that young people with bipolar disorder by barring protein kinase C (PKC), an enzyme that supervises neuron activity viagra wholesale uk in the brain. A chance meeting at the Iron Eagle Gym brings them back together, and old feelings aren’t far from the surface. They decide they can’t pass up a second chance at romance. But this time, it isn’t just Stack’s demanding career as a big-cat vet putting strain on their relationship. Robin also has a new job that takes up a lot of his time.

Will their kinky love affair crash and burn a second time, or can they find the balance that will allow the passion between them to flourish?

Robin and Stack had broken up because Robin felt Stack simply wanted a warm person to fuck and he was tired of that being all their relationship was built around. But when Robin joins the Iron Eagle Gym – a gym geared towards the BDSM community – he and Stack find each other again. Can this time be different for them both?

I really enjoyed this character-driven BDSM story. Both Robin and Stack have a serious history together, but have been broken up for a while. Poor communication between them and Stack’s demanding job drove their relationship to the point where Robin was lonely and feeling truly neglected, and after trying to talk about it a few times he decided to leave. So there is baggage and complications between them in trying to mend their relationship and find their way forward together.

Usually I don’t enjoy the style of stories revolved around patching up a broken relationship – normally the reasons for the relationship failing are either too weak and leave me feeling like they were simply a plot device, or they are genuine and serious enough I don’t always feel the reconciliation is believable. I was really happy, therefore, when the author made this story both believable and serious enough that I found the story both gripping and realistic. Also, there wasn’t some “easy fix” where Robin and Stack just had a long, serious conversation and their relationship magically worked perfectly. They both had to continuously work at it and put in some serious effort – which made the whole plot even more believable to me.

Also, there was plenty of deliciously hot and kinky sex. Both men had a strong history together, and clearly still loved each other deeply – so the sex between them was both hot and intense. Neither of them had any issues in the bedroom and that wasn’t where their relationship problems lay, so the fact there was oodles of sex throughout the story didn’t feel like padding but more the easiest medium for Stack and Robin to connect together. I feel the author did a great job of balancing the “loads of sex” aspect of the story along with the trickier and more emotional “patching up the relationship” aspects of the plot. I appreciated that neither Robin nor Stack were 100% to blame for the break up, both had been somewhat at fault and both needed to learn certain things and work on their romance together. I was really pleased this wasn’t a case where one party was at fault and their issues were unbalanced, there were problems on both sides and they each had to keep up the effort and that kept things evenly balanced to my mind.

I really enjoyed this story and found it full of interesting sex, a strong romantic/relationship based plot and with two interesting and vibrant characters. There were a few familiar faces from previous stories – though this can absolutely be read as a stand-alone – and a few new faces that will hopefully be showcased in upcoming stories. A great read and one I will enjoy again in the future.

At First Bite by Caitlin Ricci


At First Bite by Caitlin Ricci
Publisher: eXstasy Books
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (37 pgs)
Other: M/M, Masturbation
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

On his way home from work, Castor, a werewolf, is grabbed by a group of young vampires. Thinking quickly, he tells the vampires that he will only submit to their elder first, which means that they can’t bite him until that elder gives them permission. But Alexi isn’t interested in sharing his new wolf with anyone, and after they realize that they’re mates everything starts going to hell.

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I like the work of Caitlin Ricci. Her books are always interesting and pack a punch. This book was no exception. Instead of the usual, vampires using humans, the vampires run the show. They can bite whom them want, but don’t always kill. I liked how Alexi wasn’t out for vengeance or anything. He was rather reluctant. He’s a solid vampire, don’t get me wrong, but he’s still got a human side. I wish I could’ve been able to see him more, but I did like him.

Castor took a little time to get to know. I liked him because he didn’t back down, but he was so tense. I didn’t get right away why he was tense, but once I did, it made perfect sense.

The two character didn’t seem to be compatible at first. I liked how they had to work themselves out. The ending was a tad abrupt and I would’ve liked more–but that’s because I enjoyed the story. I wanted to see them flesh out the relationship. What made them change their mind?

There isn’t a ton of sex in this novella, so if you’re looking for a stepping stone into paranormal or vampire romance, this might be the one to start with. If you’re looking for a quick book for a lunch hour read, then this is the one you want.

Partners In Love by Rebecca Brochu


Partners In Love by Rebecca Brochu
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (31 pages)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When an unplanned and unwanted remodel of his apartment leaves Detective Dylan Vancarr homeless, the natural thing for him to do is turn up on the doorstep of his best friend and partner, Tyler Wilky.

An arrangement meant to last only for a night quickly turns into a surprisingly comfortable new life for the both of them.
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While living with Tyler and realizing just how easily their lives mesh, Dylan quickly begins to realize that he may have found a partner for more than just the job.

He may have found a partner in love.

When Dylan’s apartment is wrecked who else could he possibly crash with except his colleague and partner, Tyler? Can they each take this chance to act on the simmering attraction boiling between them and build a relationship together outside of their work?

I found this to be a funny and rather macho M/M romance. Written in the first-person perspective I would have personally preferred to get to know Tyler’s character a little better, but can understand how difficult this task would have been for the author given the very short page-count. I was also left a little puzzled by the manner in which Dylan and Tyler’s relationship grew. For two men whom I found to both be rather macho to have almost the entire relationship seem to almost accidently flourish it just felt odd to me. Neither man made overt moves and while a part of me absolutely loved this incredibly different and fresh tactic in an M/M romance, a larger part of my brain just couldn’t find it at all believable. Two macho, alpha men and neither made the first move? Neither wanted to rock the boat or stake a claim? Neither man even hinted at the deeper undercurrents in their relationship? It just didn’t jibe with anything remotely logical or believable to my mind.

That said, I truly enjoyed this book. I laughed a lot, I really liked both men’s characters and felt attached and invested in their relationship – I just struggled to find the growth of their relationship realistic. Once I disconnected my brain and simply sat back and enjoyed the ride though, I really did find myself enjoying the story far more. The story seems to be told very tongue-in-cheek and while completely from Dylan’s perspective (and I really did miss hearing at least a little from Tyler’s) the jovial, macho story really was a fun ride to be a part of.

With just the one short – but very steamy – sex scene readers looking for a hard-core, sex-laden M/M might not find this the right story for them. But readers who relish the build up and chemistry between their heroes should find this a great, short read.

New Vocations by TA Chase


New Vocations by TA Chase
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (52 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Two men who believe in second chances meet and their lives are never the same again.

Layne Daly comes to participate in the American Royal. He’s there to show off the abilities of the retired thoroughbreds he adopts straight off the track. He wants people to know these animals can do so much more than race. He has three horses there to do exhibitions in reining, barrel racing and cutting. When his usual groom gets sick, he has to hire someone fast.
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Carl Stewartson used to love coming to Kansas City for the rodeo. He’d ride broncs and hang out with his friends. But since his career-ending injury early in the year, Carl has been spinning his wheels, trying to find something to do with his life now that he can’t rodeo anymore. He runs into Layne and offers to help him with his horses.

Together, they have to deal with not only the stress of the event, but also starting a new relationship. Second chances are what Layne does best and he’s more than willing to give Carl the opportunity.

A nice, hot short story.

I know the work of TA Chase will be fantastic, so I was excited to read this. I’ve read others by this author and haven’t been let down. This story is no different.

Two men, hot for each other, but unsure the attraction is mutual. Great trope. I liked Carl being a little wary of Layne. He knows he attracted, but hey, things might not work out. Throw in the need to work together with the horses and there’s great tension. Layne isn’t looking for anyone, but when opportunity strikes, he won’t shirk his duty.

This is a good story for anyone wanting to dip their toes into reading the M/M genre. It’s a hot, quick lunchtime read you won’t want to miss.

Coywolf by Gale Stanley


Coywolf by Gale Stanley
Published by Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (34 pgs)
Other: M/M, Masturbation, Anal Sex
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In a world where reproduction is the number one priority, a gay wolf shifter could never be an alpha. So Logan hides his secret from the pack and resigns himself to a life without love.

Then one night, he finds his true mate and he’s forced to make a choice that will change his life forever.

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I’ve read other books by Gale Stanley and haven’t been steered wrong yet. This book was no exception. The writing flowed well and drew me in from the first page. I had to know what would happen. It’s a short story, but the characters are well-rounded. I rooted for them to get together.

Rory is a coywolf – part coyote, part wolf. Interesting. I hadn’t read a coywolf story, so this was new and good for me. He’s shy, rough around the edges and a little beaten down. I liked his determination and growth through the story.

Logan, the alpha, hasn’t come out. He loves being the alpha, but has reservations. I understood him. He’s been thrust into a job he’s not sure he can handle. His growth was nice, too. ort

There is an instalove component to the story, but it worked. The steamy scenes are just that, steamy. The chemistry was great, too.

If you’re looking for a short read that will singe the screen, then this is the story you’ve been looking for.

Summer Ride by Susan Laine


Summer Ride by Susan Laine
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (112 pages)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

High school best friends Toby Billings and Jim Maverick went their separate ways after graduation. Five years later, they meet by chance. Toby needs a ride, and Jim offers to give him one.

During a journey across several states, with stops at roadside diners, state parks, and cheap motels, small talk turns to serious discussions of lives that didn’t turn out the way either of them dreamed. Their choices are catching up to them, and neither is on an innocent summer vacation. Renewing their friendship will mean painful admissions and secrets coming to light. Yet they discover they have more in common now than they ever guessed, and going their separate ways at the trip’s end won’t be easy.
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After aimlessly wandering the country, all roads lead back home. But first they must decide what home means.

Toby and Jim haven’t seen each other since High School graduation and happen to meet by chance at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere. Toby is at a loose end, wanting to head west but with no real destination in mind, whereas Jim is happy to take Toby along for the ride, for the company and reconnection at the very least. Will this summer ride change both men’s lives?

I found this to be a really interesting and character-driven story. While I loved the deep conversations between Toby and Jim this story really is based around a bunch of very long talks between the men. Personally, I liked this character-driven style of story but I can well understand if the lack of action or adventure might not appeal to a lot of other readers.

The two men spent the majority of the book sharing with each other the course their lives had taken once they’d left high school – how things had turned out the same, and differently, to how they planned and expected. While not angsty or depressing, I found it interesting how they both had wended their way through the ups and downs of growing up and living their lives. I found both men really interesting – rather similar despite their different families and different situations. I loved how this – and their childhood friendship – created an emotional tie and link between them.

I wasn’t quite sold on how neither man knew the other was gay and they didn’t know they were interested in each other. While as small children I could certainly understand them remaining oblivious, as experimenting teenagers (and good friends) I just found that a bit hard to believe. That said, in general I found the story to be otherwise realistic and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed how neither man simply jumped into bed with the other – they both were cognizant of the fact their future potential friendship could be muddied with sex, but they agreed they were willing to give it a try. When Toby and Jim became intimate I found the scenes well written, steamy and full of emotional connection which I really enjoyed.

With a happy ending and a bright future ahead I enjoyed this story, finding it well-rounded and the character-driven plot interesting and engrossing to me. A great read and one I’ll happily re-read again in the future.