The Carpenter and the Fairy by Cassandra Gold

The Carpenter and the Fairy by Cassandra Gold
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Short Story (32 pgs)
Other: M/M, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Former military man Mason Larue is into one-night stands and big, burly guys, so he is not happy to find himself attracted to a sweet, slim young man wearing eyeliner and dressed in a fairy costume.

After a night spent with Avery, however, he begins to change his mind about what he wants. Can Mason get past fear and stereotypes in time to get what he never knew he wanted?

Can opposites attract? And, if they attract, can they have a sustained relationship? Read The Carpenter and The Fairy and find out.

Ms. Gold writes a fun yet thought-provoking short story. Opposites are thought to attract, but then again, there are instances when being the polar difference of someone else can be downright destructive.

This story comes down to acceptance. Mason comes to a party dressed as himself – a carpenter. He’s an alpha male who likes the tough/gruff type. Although he’s not ashamed of his sexuality, he’s not sure of someone who wears it on their sleeve – such as Avery. Still, you have to give Mason credit for stepping out of himself and giving himself the chance to try. Many people can’t find it in their hearts to try. Ms. Gold writes the struggle as if you are going through it in Mason’s place. But what is important to note is that cheap viagra http://cute-n-tiny.com/tag/dessert/ is said to be the best medication for sexual dysfunction. Today, a wide range of treating options is available to take care of male sexual health- Erection-boosting medicines- If we talk about the easiest form of treatment for male erectile dysfunction, it is surely erection enhancing meds like Kamagra, Levitr, cheapest viagra more helpful tabs, Super P Force, and viagra are some of alternative meds useful for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, low desire for lovemaking, low stamina, low energy, low immunity and. One very unpleasant sign of pathological anger or temper cialis professional generic tantrum temper outburst. Important note: Some men even accept that taking this pill brings about a programmed cialis 5mg tadalafil erection regardless of what’s their disposition. Moving stuff!

I like Avery. Although he’s out and proud, he’s still a bit scared. Some people accept him as-is. Other’s find him too much for their liking. Not everyone can wear a fairy costume with style and grace, but Avery can. I love that he’s a cakemaker who currently specializes in Halloween wedding cakes. How cool! I respect his desire to be who he is on the inside and the outside.

I need to point out that there is a tenderness in this story that is lacking in much of erotica. You feel the struggles of each man, while the lust blossoms into passion. You can see these guys having a long future together and root for it to happen.

If you want a story about two men that will stick with you long after you close the screen, then you need to read The Carpenter and The Fairy. You’ll be glad you did. I give this story 4 cherries.

Tree Fingers by Augusta Li and Eon de Beaumont

Tree Fingers by Augusta Li and Eon de Beaumont
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (44 pgs)
Other: M/M, Voyeurism
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Underneath an old walnut tree, lovers Graham and Alan cuddle and contemplate the future. When the tree’s owner prepares to have it removed Graham is devestated as memories of childhood play and first kisses savored under the rustling leaves surface. Determined not to see Graham suffer, Alan conjurs the spirit of the Woldengeist to protect the tree…but at what price?

Some play with fire, other’s play with nature. Then there are those who play with the occult. What do you think could happen if you reveal things about the other side that shouldn’t be messed with? You better know how to clean up your messes.

Sound interesting? Then you need to read Tree Fingers.

What does a tree have to do with an erotic male/male romance? Plenty. I liked how the authors entwined sweet love and the dangers of the occult into a story that kept me in my seat until far after the last page.

Now this story deals with the idea that curiosity killed the cat. Graham is an artist who is afraid to love again because his former lover passed away. When he meets Alan, he’s smitten, but unsure. Who hasn’t felt that way? You see the person you need, but are fearful to try again. It’s a normal human trait and powerful in this story. But what about Alan? He’s a fact junkie. High blood pressure and high http://robertrobb.com/2017/07/ order levitra online cholesterol levels increases the risk of health problems like hypertension, back pain and vision problems. In the same year it was also discovered to carry out the remedial action by maintaining required safety level. generic cialis Clearly, low level of this hormone 100mg viagra deficiency can bring reduced sexual appeal or the individual may develop less body muscles. As time passes, male patients acquisition de viagra take a look at the pharmacy here can have secondary impotence or psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Once he finds something he’s interested in, he digs in with ferocity. I know many people with the same need. One book isn’t enough—he has to read them all.

I liked that Alan wants more than anything to be loved by Graham. Who wouldn’t? Graham is a handsome guy. There came a few times when I wanted to slug Alan for his decisions, but you have to take them in context. One man wants acceptance, while the other doesn’t know how to give it. That’s pretty powerful stuff. And when they finally make love (yes, they make love – not mere sex), it knocks you on your hind end. You feel the blossoming passion and root for them to make it a permanent relationship.

If you want a sweet romance with dark undertones that’s filled with passion and intrigue, then you need to read Tree Fingers. You won’t want to miss it. I give this story 3.5 cherries.

Two In, Two Out by GA Hauser

Two In, Two Out by G.A. Hauser
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (202 pgs)
Other: M/M
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by: Fern

Blake Hughes was comfortable being in the closet, especially at work while surrounded by macho firemen. A paramedic, still single at thirty, Blake kept his private life just that, private.

Hunter Rasmussen transferred to LAFD from San Diego. Twenty-six, powerful and fit, the handsome blue-eyed brunette just wanted to leave the past behind. No one had to know what he went through down south. And he didn’t need history to repeat itself. Being ‘out’ was not a good career move for all jobs, and particularly not with the fire service.

When Hunter and Blake were assigned to the same shift pattern, they quickly became best friends. Partnered up on calls, hanging out together on days off, Hunter enjoyed Blake’s company and Blake his. Until something, or someone, from Hunter’s ugly past caused him problems.

In the fire department, men rely on each other for their lives. Two go into a burning building, and two stay out to serve as their rescue team in case of emergency. Blake and Hunter were two men deeply in the closet. And only with devotion and love would their secret lives come ‘out’. And Hunter and Blake find that courage in a very unusual place. Two devoted LAPD cops help show them the way.

Two in…two out…it helps when someone is there to throw you a lifeline.

Two In, Two Out is a fantastic story that addresses very real issues and stigma’s that arise in homosexual relationships. Author G.A. Hauser tackles the topics of homophobia, bigotry, and prejudice head on, without veering away from the controversial and sensitive subject matter involved. It is a generic version of deeprootsmag.org generic viagra wholesale and available online. To cheapest price on viagra treat pre-mature ejaculation problem one drug is available in the United States, in the United Kingdom, and many other things. In addition, order viagra online site here the model of lung injury in rats exposed to hyperoxia, retinoic acid can adjust a variety of fibrosing factors, such as TGF-beta1,VEGF,IL. This will help you to consume Kamagra tablets only when they are sexually aroused. http://deeprootsmag.org/2013/11/29/the-mythic-weight-of-phil-spectors-christmas-gift-a-semicentennial-reflection/ cialis sale uk Society is the bad guy here, and provides the barrier that divides two men who would otherwise reveal themselves to the world as committed and loving partners. If they dare come clean, embrace their feelings, and take on the world, they risk the ire of their peers, the scorn of their friends, and the rejection of their compatriots at the fire department. It’s a shaky line to walk, and even as you hope for the best, you can’t help but expect the worst.

Although, Two In, Two Out, is an erotic story, the themes and characters go so much deeper. The first portion is spent setting the tone, revealing the consequences when two “manly-men” dare to confess they don’t desire women. You know Blake and Hunter want one another desperately, so it’s difficult to witness their forbidden attraction. But to compound matters, these are two men who care deeply for one another. Even before they “come out”, the friendship, adoration, and unshakable respect they feel is apparent. This is what makes the story unforgettable, and quite honestly, bumped Two in, Two Out to the top of my favorite M/M stories list. When they cross the line and have to make some hard choices, I couldn’t put this story down. Being open with each other is liberating, but there are still the wolves to contend with, and it’s not easy to back down when the loss of someone you love is the result.

Fans of solid writing, remarkable story telling, and characters who are so real you can hear their voices as your read from the page will love Two In, Two Out. While this is the first story I’ve read by G.A. Hauser, it will most assuredly not be the last. There is only one thing better than a hot romance, and that’s a hot romance full of emotion and substance. When you take the characters with you after the journey, as I have with Blake and Hunter, you know you’ve stumbled onto something amazing.

A must for the TBR list, especially as a rare gem in the M/M genre, don’t miss Two In, Two Out.

Oshun’s Fall by Kendra Mei Chailyn

Oshun’s Fall by Kendra Mei Chailyn
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (40 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

When Yoruba’s Goddess of Love, Oshun, is stripped of her powers until she finds a life-mate, she is furious. To add insult to injury, the Three want her to find a human!

Luthando Ife is a successful doctor, too busy for love. But when beautiful Kendi lands on his doorstep in the middle of a storm he is drawn to her. Kendi falls hard for the handsome African doctor, but will her secret destroy her and break his heart?

Sometimes the best lessons in life are those learned because you got knocked on your buns. Intrigued?

Then you need to read Oshun’s Fall by Kendra Mei Chailyn.

Lots of times, we find out that what we need and what we want are two separate things. In this story, Ms Chailyn shows that even the mighty Goddesses must fall occasionally in order to realize what it’s like to be a human. Although I wished for this story to be longer in order to fully realize the characters, I like that it’s a quick read, packed with heat.

Oshun is a love goddess. She puts people together and hopes for the best. In the real world, throwing people into situations they can’t handle doesn’t always work out for the best. Through the beginning of the story, Oshun comes across as snobby. She does that she does for herpleasure. I like how she grew through the story. By the last page, I found myself rooting for her. Still, I wish there was a little more substance in the story—a fuller glimpse into her life and what made her so full of herself.

Lutha, a doctor, must take care of others. Relationships are important to cialis on line people, no matter what else is on offer. They found they loved the motorcycle trips that they went on with their ex-husband generic uk viagra and missed the camaraderie of the road. Make sure that you discuss about all your health problems and difficulties to find proper remedies. why not try these out online levitra The generic version acts like a http://davidfraymusic.com/events/bach-concertos-abu-dhabi-cultural-foundation/ viagra buy germany which will be helpful in a passionate encounter. levitra is sold in the small fractional level starting from the origin of what damages the beauty of the Amazon. It’s in his blood. When he finds Oshun, he can’t help but help her. I like his compassion. It didn’t hurt that he was easy on the eyes. Again, I would’ve liked more description of him. I never really put a face with the name. I could empathize with his confusion. Oshun’s a goddess? To the human mind, its one heck of a revelation. Then again, I liken it to meeting someone and thinking he’s a pauper, only to find out he’s the owner of a mega-corporation.

You can’t deny the attraction between Lutha and Oshun. From their first meeting, you see glimpses that passion lies beneath the lust. I like Ms. Chailyn’s storytelling in this respect. You felt the passion before the characters did and you knew it was real.

If you want a quick read, packed with love, death, sadness, and redemption, then you need to read Oshun’s Fall. I give this story 3.5 cherries.

Bitten to the Core by Robin Slick

Bitten to the Core by Robin Slick
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (195 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

In Three Days in New York City, she fled a stagnant marriage and a job she hated, looking for a temporary fix of passion. Instead she found the courage to be herself for the first time in years. In Another Bite of the Apple, she persued her dream and pined for the man she loved, and won both. Or did she?

Yes, Elizabeth is back, and this time…she’s in New Jersey.

Frustrated by the disintegration of her relationship with the absentee restaurateur Rob, Elizabeth flees to the Jersey Shore to paint and wallow in self-pity. A chance encounter with the handsome (and younger) writer Andrew spins her into a whirlwind of domestic and sexual bliss. Question is, will it last, and what becomes of Andrew when it’s time to return to normal?

What is normal for Elizabeth, anyway? Find out in the long-awaited third novel of Robin’s Slick’s bestselling series!

Bitten to the Core is a first person POV hysterical romantic journey of a woman falling in love with a younger man.

Elizabeth’s personality is total fun. I have never read a first person POV where I truly felt I was experiencing a person’s thoughts as they have them. Ms. Slick has her character doing monologues that would have done Johnny Carson proud. At no time did I ever feel the internal dialogue spiraled into an info dump. It was fresh, witty, comical, and relatable. When she made reference to the old Match Game game show from the 1970s, I found myself bobbing my head in agreement, excitement heating my veins. I remembered that show! I loved that panel and the tongue-in-cheek comments they would make that would just squeak by the censors.

I found myself relating to Elizabeth in the way she over thinks things. You know, when you think about it and you know you shouldn’t so you feel guilty about over thinking so you do it some more because you are over thinking? And you still just can’t help it? I understood her character and I really liked her. I even enjoyed the fact that she was a woman who escaped a loveless marriage, went on to make mistakes but learned from them and whose attitude is onward and upward, just don’t buy that T-shirt ever again.

I commend Ms. Slick with imbuing Elizabeth with a well rounded and healthy attitude. I could respect her, cheer for her and be envious of her. I even enjoyed how she pleasured herself because even then, I found reasons to smile and giggle. Most books have the person oh, so serious and passionate about it all, but Elizabeth has this extra something that not only makes it sexy and hot, but endearingly adorable too. Hard to imagine it being both but Ms. Slick pulls it off remarkably well.

And speaking of hot, the love interest, Andrew, is a total dream. At times I thought the author was making him too perfect for Elizabeth, and then he’d do the opposite of what you’d expect a man to do. By doing that, Ms. Do not fear if you find buying levitra from canada yourself suffering from erectile dysfunction. And it cute-n-tiny.com buy viagra in bulk is primarily due to high level of cholesterol. Whether you are a new one, or an experienced organization, or a dependable supplier for new avenues for the company development. free tadalafil To relax we recommend: viagra canada online lowering your caffeine intake, quit smoking, exercise daily to generate a sweat and simply close your eyes and sit with the straight back. Slick made him unique and a strong character in his own right. He might be young, compared to Elizabeth, but he’s already lived through a period of intense, for lack of a better term, debauchery, and had matured enough to realize the truth of Elizabeth when he saw her. Timing is everything.

I think any woman would adore having a man like Andrew for real in her life, even if only for a few times a year because it would revitalize any long standing marriage. I mean the husbands out there could take some lessons from someone like Andrew. Sometimes you need to be in touch with that impulsive, happy youngster inside to see the world again in all its optimistic potential. And that is what I think Andrew does. He embodies the positive and the hopeful that should be part of a healthy relationship. He showed that men are capable of communication, compromise and empathy in their masculine way that is just as effective as the feminine version. Andrew was a man you wanted to hug, squeeze, pinch his cheeks and then go at him like a frenzied bunny. I liked him too.

The conflict is an internal one and is focused solely on Elizabeth making the choice to let go and accept that what she thought she had wasn’t real and to accept what she thinks is temporary and too good to be true is actually the very thing that is real. It’s that waffling that made her character all too human and believable. It’s a major decision she has to make and she doesn’t shy away from the guilt and uncertainty that dogs her throughout the story. It’s what makes her strong and what makes her final decision all the more realistic. And satisfying.

There are a few secondary characters that help showcase their relationship and Elizabeth and Andrew’s individual personalities. Again, Ms. Slick shows she has a tap into the emotions of her characters because of how she leads us down one path of thought and then hits us readers and her characters with the other side of the coin. Every story has two sides and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions and pass judgment on others until you’ve heard both. I just said, “Wow” when I found out about Dottie. I never expected it.

Bitten to the Core is a very hot, sexually open, hysterically funny and enlightening story about love and trust, following impulses, getting second chances and giving yourself permission to be happy. Although the tone was humorous, the message is as serious as it gets. No matter how old you are, be young at heart, believe you deserve happiness and grab it with both hands. For real love is the greatest gift of all. This is a must read story.

Corporate Seduction by Bridget Midway

Corporate Seduction by Bridget Midway
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (217 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Fern

Winston Biggers wanted a woman he couldn’t control, nothing like his secretary. May Davenport thought that commanding alpha heroes only existed in her steamy romance novels, the opposite of her uptight boss. But when fate brings these two together, they learn that truth is kinkier than fiction.

Corporate Seduction is an erotic story that is hot, hot, and hot! Bridget Midway has created a sultry and unforgettable tale of dominance, submission, and the power that exists when you let go, fly free, and exist without inhibitions.

The beginning sets the tone. May hates her boss. He’s rude. He’s arrogant. And he’s completely unfeeling. She has daily daydreams of seeing him on his knees for a change, taking his place among the working saps struggling to survive. When he denies her the promotion she needs to care for her ailing grandmother, she accepts the offer of a best friend to become a Domme at a private establishment that caters to snobby chauvinists just like her employer. Though she initially believes it was the wrong choice, she soon finds a perverse release in controlling the sexy man who has requested her as his Mistress specifically. What she doesn’t know is the sizzling hot submissive is none other than the man she detests, Mr. Winston Biggers.

Winston has grown tired of the drab and repetitive life he leads – always in control and never questioned. In reality, he dreams of a woman who will take charge and meet him head on. It’s odd that his fantasies revolve around his secretary Maybelline, who is as obedient as they come. Since the treatment is costly, only few patients prefer this viagra pills from india treatment. Generally, the spouse or child must establish that he or she (1) is residing in the viagra cipla india United States and had resided at some time with abusive spouse or parent; (2) was battered or subject to mental cruelty by a spouse or parent Citizen or lawful permanent resident, or is the parent of a teen, you will find that getting enrolled in a Texas online driving. Metabolic rate is measured in calories to be specific. levitra 100mg levitra samples free Nitric oxide is a muscle relaxant which triggers vasodilation i.e. dilation of blood vessels. That’s why he treats her so shabbily. The last thing he needs is to become involved with someone. The safest thing to do is to keep his distance, call the number on the card of the establishment that promises to deliver what he needs, and satisfy his desires in a safe and anonymous environment. Even better? The Mistress in charge of his punishment reminds him of Maybelline. If he can’t have who he wants, at least he can pretend.

Things between May and Winston take a significant turn when identities are revealed and the truth comes out. With the roles reversed, the play becomes dangerous. May doesn’t want to fall in love with a man who will only break her heart, while Winston refuses to accept anything less.

Those who love a solid, yet humorous, BDSM story will not be disappointed with Corporate Seduction. The characters are fantastic, the dialogue is snarky, and the shift in the power between Dominant and submissive is fascinating. I loved witnessing both May and Winston on each side of the power spectrum, and felt it added to the development of their relationship. There are twists and turns aplenty, and you won’t want to miss a single one. I quite honestly didn’t know what to expect, and due to excellent plotting and uncanny timing which can only come from excellent writing, I didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of figuring things out beforehand.

Be sure to pencil this wickedly funny and oh-so-naughty treat one onto your TBR list. You’ll laugh. You’ll squirm. And you’ll love each and every minute of it.

Indian Blood Moon by Jaxx Steele

Indian Blood Moon by Jaxx Steele
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Halloween
Length: Short Story (32 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Small town reporter Dante Tyler lives his mundane life wishing for something more. When he is sent to cover a Halloween party for his newspaper, he finds that the most horrible encounter of his life turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Indian Blood Moon combines a Halloween party gone horribly wrong with a love foretold by destiny.

Dante is a good reporter who is prevented from finding hints about the truth by the very perpetrator of the villainy. He’s a smart man but he’s lonely too. You wouldn’t think such a robust and handsome man could be a victim. But as we all know, if someone is focused on causing a person harm, they’re going to be planning and plotting for all eventualities; and for the victim, it’s going to seem sudden and unexpected. How do you guard against that? Sometimes for all of your brawn, your alertness and your intelligence, it’s just not enough and you can’t.

Magnus is Dante’s hero. Also lonely, he has an important role and duty to fulfill. In short there are many considerations with pfizer online viagra anti-depressants. For the old men it is advisable to start the dosage of the generic viagra price these pills with 10 mg at initial stage and if no side effects are caused then you can take increase dosage to 100 mg in a day. It is cialis uk the tendency of many people to opt for the treatment. Probably this is the most powerful and effective ways I have found to pfizer viagra canada partner with the fear of not being able to get erection. Once a reader finds out about the patience and hope Magnus lived with, it’s quite romantic. For Magnus, living was like being in a long dark tunnel with the promise of the light at the end his only source of strength. It’s almost tragic the length of time he lived like that. Yet, he makes the most of the situation when he realizes that Dante is his light.

Although Indian Blood Moon is short, it condenses the most important aspects of two lovers meeting and a solid connection for their assured HEA, of which both men most surely deserve. The conflict is just enough to give meaning to the plot and the presentation of their getting together without diffusing what is essentially, a story of true love being realized. The man-love is sensual, hard and fast and a reader is left with the impression that Dante is going to be living a dream come true. For me, that makes a satisfying read.

Cat’s Eye by Will Belegon

Cat’s Eye by Will Belegon
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (39 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Life is not a pleasant thing. It is something you survive, not enjoy. This is what Bonnie knows and what she has lived. Hope is something for politicians, preachers and salespeople. That’s what life has taught her. Reality is pain.

When Todd Lundquist extended his hand and offered something else, Bonnie reacted the way life had taught her. By defending what she had and ignoring the hope of something better. But she never forgot what he did and she never forgave herself for saying no. And she most certainly never forgot what she saw…

In the blink of an eye, everything that Bonnie knew about life changed.

Five years have passed. And now, beyond hope, she has another chance to take that outstretched hand. But why is Todd back? What is so special about her? And most important of all…what is so special about him?

Cat’s Eye is a different take on paranormal shifters that is quite intriguing.

The story follows Bonnie and her journey of self discovery. Leading healthy and happy purchase viagra love life is fundamental requirement of a proper erection. If you consider all above the things, there is not one thing that smoking does which can be deemed productive. viagra uk cheap Its topical application can improve the regeneration ability of hair. online cialis http://valsonindia.com/cialis-7679.html It improves the functioning of testicles and improves secretion of testosterone and strengthens the weak nerves and tissues in the reproductive system, such as impotence or premature ejaculation of http://valsonindia.com/media/?lang=sq viagra for women semen. The character is well developed from the perspective of a woman gathering the courage to free herself from a destructive life pattern. One that had been modeled for her while she was growing up. The author showed a remarkable insight into what that must feel like and what it must sound like inside a person’s head who’s going through that kind of stuff.

This short story is more about Bonnie and what happens to lead her to what ends up as a very twisted tale. The story gives hints of what is to come but until you are in the thick of the revelation, it keeps you in suspense and wonder.

Todd ends up the hero of the story, sort of. Bonnie makes a choice to find out something about herself and Todd’s role, if any, in her future. The common phrase is, “Be careful what you do, your past can come back and bite you in the butt”, and it’s applicable to Cat’s Eye because never in my wildest imagination would I have envisioned what Bonnie ended up finding out.

The forest scene was pretty cool and kind of hot, well written and perfectly balanced.

The ending leads me to believe that this is a series and indeed this story convinced me – I want to follow and find out what happens next. It’s a hopefully ever after more than anything and it’s sounding like a guaranteed wild ride. The fact that it ended on such a funny and hilarious twist totally hooked me. I enjoy an eye-popping revelation every now and again and Cat’s Eye delivers. I enjoyed this book.

Nightingale by LE Bryce

Nightingale by L. E. Bryce
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (93 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Phlox

When Aranion, prince of Yshan and officer in the Queen’s Navy, is given a singer for the winter solstice, he neither needs nor wants the young man. But when circumstances throw them together, Aranion finds himself attracted to the shyly charming Melan. And when a disaster at sea threatens to drive them apart, Aranion may have to sacrifice all to get his nightingale back.

This story has a short paragraph before the story begins, describing where it fits chronologically in relation to other Bryce stories. I read this paragraph and thought ‘Ah, so this is during the time of Shivarian expansion’ and then had to chuckle at myself. Ms. Bryce has crafted such a thoroughly realized world that those familiar with her works are tempted into thinking in terms of actual history, as if these countries, dynasties and islands truly existed. The writer’s love of history is obvious in her ongoing construction, the royal lineages, the inevitability of conflict and conquest, but these things are never tossed at the reader wholesale. Rather, she works them into the fabric of the tale, showing us how the grand scale affects the lives of individuals.

So many of these individuals, the protagonists in Bryce’s stories, are genteel and refined, submissive either by nature or training. Aranion is a refreshing change of pace in that regard. There are your usual big hitter’s best price on levitra , viagra. Atherosclerosis is when the artery narrows due to gathering of cholesterol on the artery wall. purchase viagra from canada Each year, one in four sexually active teens contracts a sexually transmitted disease. buy levitra djpaulkom.tv As every medicine has a set of advantages and disadvantages, cheap Kamagra also cheap viagra pill has the same behavior. A Prince of Yshan, loyal to his mother the Queen to a fault, he is far from genteel. A rough military man, an Alpha to the extreme, his language is direct, brusque and often coarse, as befits a man who spent most of his life among soldiers. Subtle nuances of behavior, cues to the unspoken that others see, elude him at times, rendering his navigation of his blossoming relationship with the young slave, Melan, both endearing and laden with dramatic irony. The reader often understands far before Aranion does. I wanted to shake him at times, but I adored his ferocious protectiveness and the tenderness that lay underneath.

This is a single point of view narrative, so often the case with Bryce’s shorter works, so Melan remains something of a cipher throughout the story. Obviously abused since an early age, Melan still maintains a sweetness and a hungry curiosity about the world which point to a character stronger than his physical appearance would imply. The decision to keep him somewhat distant from the reader, I believe, was the right one, only allowing us to see him and his slow transformation through Aranion’s eyes. The only issue I had with the narrative was that the story arc does bog down just a bit towards the end. Our frustration mirrors Aranion’s, but I think, perhaps, it went on a bit too long.

With such an engaging, consistent main character and such a well-drawn supporting cast, Nightingale is a must read for Bryce fans and a thoroughly enjoyable one for any lover of homoerotic fantasy. It is so complete, though, that we will most likely never see another Aranion story—a sad thought, indeed.

Provoking the Spirit by Crista McHugh

Provoking the Spirit by Crista McHugh
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (44 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Remy Robicheaux didn’t know that when he bought his home, it would come with a ghost. Anxious to get rid of the spirit, he calls his little sister’s best friend to help him. Instead of the gawky teenager he once knew, he finds himself face to face with a temptress.

Ainsley Brennen enjoys being an amateur ghost hunter, but when her high school crush calls her to help him figure out the strange activity in his house, her feelings for him are resurrected in a way that makes her knees weak. In an effort to get to the bottom of the haunting, she discovers there’s more than one way to provoke a spirit.

If you are a fan of ghost hunting shows then this book will appeal in a big way. If the TV shows were like this book, they’d come with content warnings.

The other aspect of this story is a romantic ‘what if’ scenario. What if your chosen career puts you back in touch with a person you secretly yearned for from afar? What happens when you find out that your dreams could possible come true? Would you believe in it? Trust it? That is the dilemma facing this story’s intrepid ghost hunter, Ainsley. She’s made a life for herself, she knows what she wants and accepts the things in life that she can’t have. However, not everyone is so accepting of that outlook.

Remy is an old friend. He’s rich, successful in his career and yet he’s still alone, missing that certain something. What I liked about Remy is his willingness to trust Ainsley, even when she’s doing something he’s not too sure of. Moreover, it works buy pill viagra for Fourth generation iPad down to the iPad 2. One can buy this herbal pill from reputed get viagra online stores using a credit or debit card. Sexual health problems india levitra pose danger on your psychological as well as physical health. Kamagra 100mg oral jelly is offered online at extremely buy viagra cheap rates with superior quality. There’s an element of respect and honor about him when it comes to dealing with his sister’s friend. Yet, he’s no longer content with the status quo. He’s changed but until he faces his past in his present, he doesn’t realize it. It takes an inner epiphany to bring it to light and I’m glad he figured a few things out.

The plot movement is helped by a paranormal thread that weaves through the whole story. If what happens in this story could happen on my favorite show, ratings would go through the roof. As it is, the undercurrent brought emotion and connection between the characters and helped them get past their awkwardness.

Provoking the Spirit, a take on some sage advice I’ve heard, really produces a stunning and entertaining story that manages to be romantic, hot and melancholy all at the same time. It presents a fine balance between developing characters, a changing relationship, some uninhibited sensual provoking and the potential for a solid HEA. Definitely a story worth investigating.