The Red Thread of Forever Love by Nicole Kimberling

The Red Thread of Forever Love by Nicole Kimberling
Stars: 3.5/5

Length: 96 pages
Blurb
A "Not Quite New Year" Story!

Folklore researcher and PhD candidate Hank Caldwell has a problem. He’s come to Japan to get information for his book on supernatural creatures called yokai. Along the way he discovers that yokai are not only real, but one of them is determined to make Hank his forever lover.

Translator Daisuke Tachibana knows all about the shadowy figure in a business suit who keeps accosting Mr. Caldwell. He knows the creature must be stopped, but how? Their upcoming research trip to a remote, hot springs resort will be exactly the opening the yokai is looking for. Now if only Tachibana could stop thinking about Mr. Caldwell’s naked, freckled body submerged in steaming water long enough to formulate a plan to keep the amorous creature at bay.

Overall
This is a cute story that immerses the reader in Japanese culture, specifically folklore. While I enjoyed the historical elements, the romance, and the plot, I had a hard time really sinking into the story. Everything was good, but I never deeply associated with any of the characters, which left me pleased but not completely satisfied.

While this story starts slow in order to develop the culture and character relationship, the end picks up, culminating in their relationship and a dramatic turn of plot. The pacing was a bit of a struggle in the beginning, but a necessary evil and definitely worth muddling through.

This is one of those stories that I enjoyed but never wow'd me, leaving me with very little to say. It could be that it just wasn't up my alley, or not relating to the characters kind of ruined it. Nonetheless, I would recommend this story to others, especially those interested in Japanese folklore, who like a little bit of humor, and who are looking for something serious but not too heavy. It's an interesting mix of cultures, characters, and rhythms. And if Fingers annoys you in the beginning, he'll probably grow on you by the end! :)

With Abandon (With or Without, #4) by JL Langley

With Abandon (With or Without, #4) by JL Langley
Stars: 3/5

Length: 206 pages
Blurb
Love was never part of his plan…until it pounced.

As heir to an old and proud heritage, Aubrey Reynolds works and lives for his family, his employees and his pack. Agreeing to watch after a visiting werewolf is no big deal—until he discovers the newcomer is his mate. His very male mate…which is a very big deal, indeed. Revealing his sexuality was never part of Aubrey’s well-ordered life plan.

Much as he loved caring for his eight younger brothers, Matt Mahihkan knows it’s time to grab the opportunity to attend college in Atlanta. Realizing Aubrey is his mate should have been a delightful experience…except Aubrey treats him more like a dirty little secret than a lover. Yet Matt is a patient man. Aubrey can’t stay in the closet forever. Can he?

In time, they settle into a comfortable, if complicated, routine. Until a rogue werewolf with an axe to grind forces Aubrey to add to the wedge of secrets driving him and Matt apart, leaving Matt exposed to danger…and Aubrey forced to choose between love and duty.

Overall
Nothing in this story really jumped out at me as being horrible and irredeemable, but nothing inspired awe, either. I enjoyed it and think most readers will too, even if they may want to smack Aubrey (and Matt, wondering why he's OK with some of the stuff Aubrey pulls).

There were elements of the story that had me raising a brow, wondering why they were included, but in general it was a cohesive (although slightly branching) story that involves wolf shifters and the struggles of finding your mate.

Review
The story started pretty strong with a slight mislead that was cute, and a nice conflict of character personality. Aubrey wants sexsexsex and Matt wants to go slow. Both characters also have external stresses in their lives, whether it's work or family, that influence their actions throughout. There are also outside characters that are interesting and obviously placed to play a role later in the story, which builds a nice anticipation for what is to come.

I was a little disappointed for what happened though. I liked where some characters went, but the drama involved seemed a little over the top and unnecessarily traumatic. Langley definitely re-uses a specific course of drama, even if it does have a new spin on it.

One of my concerns going into this book was Aubrey. I'd read plenty of reviews announcing him as an unredeemed prick, and I was terrified I was going to hate him the entire time. While he's not my favorite character, and he is a prick, he does redeem himself slightly. He obviously cares for Matt, and while he doesn't really evolve as a character (most things just fall neatly in his lap), he does at least realize what is important and make good decisions by the end.

One thing that confused me was Aubrey's parents. Their initial reaction made no sense to me—or maybe their logic behind it. It was probably my biggest peeve, because if they had confronted the issue head-on, Aubrey would have worried less, I'm sure, and Matt would have had a different relationship. As it were, it felt the parents reacted the way they did simply because the story needed to continue moving along. On the other hand, I love Gadget's reaction, how it was balanced out by Bambi's reaction, and the love that exudes from Matt's household.

Langley set this up to open multiple different future stories (not including the one for Sterling that some fans are waiting for), and I'd like to hear those stories, although I'm not chomping at the bit. Langley's stories are good, enjoyable, but were better enjoyed when I wasn't waist-deep in the genre. They are an excellent introduction—a taste test, if you would :)

Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden by LB Gregg

Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden by LB Gregg
Stars: 3.75/5

Length: 55,000 words
Blurb
Holden Worthington's globetrotting days are over. Once the host of a popular adventure show, he hasn't ventured past his own front door in more than a year. Then the arrival of a sexy new gardener sparks something Holden hasn't felt in a very long time?an interest in the world outside his window.

Holden tries to resist the attraction. But painfully shy yet definitely interested Adam Morgan has Holden longing to conquer his debilitating anxiety and live again. After a grisly discovery on the grounds of the estate, the town of Smithfield turns a suspicious eye on the reclusive Holden?and the two men must trust in each other to bring the truth out in the open.

Overall
I started reading this before bed one night when I was restless, and although it didn't grab me as thoroughly as some books, I kept reading until 2:30 am, when I finally finished and was flat-out exhausted. It's enjoyable, with a background murder-mystery plot and some kooky romance. In the beginning, half the cast was going to drive me mad, but by the end I'd come to terms with most of them. I felt the story was leaning heavy toward having too much sex, but never crossed that line, although having read it all in one sitting may have given that impression. Aside from the off-kilter pacing and early annoyances, I found the story interesting. I didn't feel like I could quite give this a full 4-star rating (although it will be tagged as such), but it was better than 3.5. My second favorite of the three Men of Smithfield novels I've read.

Review
What really made this story work for me was Adam and Holden as two 'broken' characters who blend together nicely despite coming from 'opposite sides of the track.' Holden is agoraphobic after a traumatic experience left him shy of being photographed by the press, and Adam can't read people's facial expressions, body language, and verbal nuances. I really love how these two come together through their initial mutual attraction and develop as characters from there, helping each other 'heal' (or in Adam's case, have a safe place where he doesn't have to keep his defenses up). The opening up of their weaknesses helped them quickly develop an intimacy that otherwise would not have worked.

My biggest issue with this story is the rest of the cast (aside from Mrs. H and Tony, I suppose). Everyone just waltzes in and out of Holden's house as if it's nothing, avoids police questioning (even if they've nothing to hide), and is generally rude to Holden (except maybe Mitzie, who may have invited herself over, but seems rather nice). Obviously they do this because they've been permitted to do this, but it rubbed me wrong, although I understand this is a personal thing.

The murder mystery, while playing a main role in bringing all the characters together and moving all the pieces around, definitely feels secondary, which probably stems from the fact that it is secondary in Holden's mind. Holden isn't really too concerned with the dead body in his backyard (which sounds a little odd, but didn't bother me); he's too focused on his hot new gardener. This worked in some ways and didn't in others. I felt that when they were talking about the murder, I was impatient to get back to the romance, and when they were having sex, I wanted to get back to the plot. Perhaps that's just me.

Finally, the murderer's motives were lacking, although the murderer does seem to fall into the 'just plain crazy' domain. A reason for the murder is given, but the character seems unstable, which in itself is a reason for the murder, but while this happens in real life, in stories it seems like poorly constructed plot.

Having said all of that, I still enjoyed this story. My love of Holden and Adam overpower any of my disdain for the side characters, and the resolutions made me like some of the characters more than I had in the beginning, which possibly left me with a better taste in my mouth. But really, Adam and Holden pull this story along and are worth sitting down to read.

Received this book for review.

Alien 'n' Outlaw by KC Burn

Alien 'n' Outlaw by KC Burn
Stars: 3/5

Length: 44,000 words
Blurb
R'kos, son of the Ankylos Emperor, is expected to settle down. But he's much more attracted to human males than to his own species. Eager to explore his forbidden longings, he steals a ship and heads to Elora Ki to see if he can find the right human guy.

Darien robs the corrupt to give to those in need, but now he needs a ride off Elora Ki, stat. Pursued by drug lords, he accepts help from the amorous stranger who calls himself Ricky. As they fly together along Darien's route, their friendship quickly turns into passion.

But when Ricky is injured, Darien must contact the embassy to get his alien lover the medical care he needs. As Darien finds himself accused of kidnapping, and Ricky fears his family's disappointment, can the two protect their growing relationship? Or are their differences just too great?

Overall
Fans of Spice 'n' Solace will probably love this story, but I had similar issues with this one as I did with the first, which is odd, since I love Burn's Cop Out. An enjoyable story with an interesting world, steamy sex, and a unique alien specie, but nothing that really jumped out and impressed me. I wanted to enjoy this story more than I did, and though I felt disappointed in some elements, overall it was a pleasant read.

Review
The writing wasn't bad, but it didn't thrill me. It felt clunky, and while it didn't detract from the storytelling, it didn't really enhance it either. It could be personal preference, but it didn't do it for me.

I liked the challenges that get raised for the lead males, but the solutions felt too easy, much like Spice 'n' Solace. Misunderstandings and a simple conversation clear up problems that needed more attention. Maybe I just like my characters to struggle. A lot.

I love different takes on alien sex, and this series already caught my attention with the triads, but the anatomy differences were especially appreciated. They are cute and almost funny out of context (...though most sexual anatomy things are...), but in scene they are pretty darn sexy! Also, from the descriptions, I think I want to rub up on R'kos. He sounds divine.

There was a good balance of science fiction and romance, and while romance/erotica is obviously the driving force, the science doesn't get ignored, although hard-core sci-fi fans would probably find it lacking. There is brief exploration of other planets and cultures, which was there to help explore parts of the characters that we may not have seen otherwise. I enjoyed those elements of it.

Requested this book for review.

Men of Smithfield: Seth and David by LB Gregg

Men of Smithfield: Seth and David by LB Gregg
Stars: 4/5

Length: 32,000 words
Blurb
He's everything I've never wanted -- too young, too weird, too wild.

I wasn't impressed that I had to get my weekly massage from a guy with a toe ring. But when I discovered David Cooke's skills as a masseur were literally orgasmic, I couldn't stop thinking about him and his amazing hands, day and night. Especially at night.

He's full of surprises. And despite my bad behavior, David's just as eager to explore this chemistry between us. Turns out, there's a lot more to him than hemp pants and tattoos. If he's so wrong for me, why does being with him feel so right?

Overall
Despite Seth being a jerk in the beginning, I really enjoyed this story. I normally hate main character jerks who get the guy, but here it worked, because even though Seth is a jerk, he also tries to do the right thing, and as we see, hasn't always been a jerk. And in many ways he isn't a jerk...just a little closed-minded.

It's a sweet little story that's a mix of serious emotional topics and humor. And some sexy times. Seth and David definitely have physical chemistry, and the clash between that and their emotional involvement is nice.

I'd call this story a palate cleanser, as it is enjoyable and good, but doesn't draw the reader into the drama so far that it's overwhelming.

Review
There is some drama in the non-romantic parts of the plot, which I found to be the weakest parts of the story, but the drama between the lead men was perfectly enjoyable. David is a good, nice guy (who may be a little spastic at times), Seth is a surface jerk (who has been using one line of thinking so long it's habit). Seth has some growing to do, and David is the catalyst. They are a nice mix and the end is completely satisfying.

Also, for people who like stories with kids, there are two here, but for the rest of us, those kids, while playing an important, focal role, are old enough not to be too needy, and they don't overwhelm the story. It was a nice balance, considering the situation.

I don't have much to say about this one. It was good, I enjoyed the story (even the nonromantic elements of the plot that I found to mediocre), and I really liked the characters, especially Seth, who gets to grow and transform over a short number of pages. A nice, pleasant read.

Received this book for review.

Touching Lives

Sometimes there is a passing moment in life—a brief contact, a short exchange of emails—that leaves a lasting impression.

Patric Michael left one such impression in my life. When I first picked up “The Santa Mug,” my only knowledge of him was that he was an author who wrote a Christmas story right up my alley. Read, reviewed, went on with life.

Then Wishing on a Blue Star came out and through tears, I read and reviewed that one as well. I was touched, deeply, by the entire package. But I’m not one to go chasing after authors, so I quietly posted my review.

And was pleasantly surprised when Patric emailed me about my review. We shared a few emails, but I’m extremely shy, so I vanished back into the woodwork instead of letting it go on.

Some time passed and I was out shopping, and I came across a goofy Santa mug, just like that on the cover of “The Santa Mug.” I bought it, and sent him a message along the lines of “Saw this and was touched enough by the story that I bought it. Happy holidays.”

Once more he emailed back. We spoke a little more, but one thing he said will always be with me: “Come Christmas Eve, I'll fill my Santa mug with eggnog and think of you perhaps doing the same.  We'll drink a toast to good stories, the characters in them, and the readers who bring them to life every time they open the book.”

So when I heard that he’d passed, I was very sad. And although it’s been nearly two months, today it just sort of hit me. That despite our interactions being so small, so brief, he’s left an impression in my life.

And this year at Christmas, I’ll be drinking eggnog from my Santa mug alone, but I’ll be thinking of him and I’ll toast good stories, the characters in them, and all the authors and readers who bring them to life.

Galway Bound by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane

Galway Bound by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane
Stars: 4/5

Length: ~7,0000 words
Blurb
A year after they saved each other’s lives in The Druid Stone and eager to return a little bit of intensity to a sex-life that's been put on the backburner, Cormac and Sean book a weekend in Galway with no limits and no distractions. Cormac has a few ideas on how to spice things up and the bag full of kinky surprises he needs to make them happen: a spreader bar, a brand new toy or two, and even Sean’s own belt. But once the cuffs get buckled, just how far can he push Sean... and himself?

“Galway Bound” is a BDSM short featuring Sean and Cormac from the urban fantasy M/M series Layers of the Otherworld, but the only magic here is what’s happening in their bed. Fans of the series and new readers alike will all find a little something to love in this erotic story.

Overall
While this short story stands alone as a sexy excursion into BDSM, it will be better for readers to have read The Druid Stone if they want an emotional attachment to the characters. For readers just looking for kinky sex, this will work nicely.

Review
An unabashed porn-without-plot tale, "Galway Bound" still has character development, particularly the emotional connection between the two men and Sean's boundaries (and, actually, Cormac's). There was just enough depth to give the story flavor without bogging down the focal point: two sexy men getting kinky!

I generally am not a huge fan of PWP stories, as I tend to like plot more than porn, but this story handled it well. The BDSM element makes the sex less insert-and-thrust, and instead draws out the process, building to the, well, climax. The BDSM seems knowledgeable, and covers various kinks without going too heavy, although there is one moment (involving slapping) that bothered me, but that is definitely a personal preference thing.

A quick, hot read that fans of The Druid Stone will especially enjoy.

Received this book for review.

The Druid Stone by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane

The Druid Stone by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane
Stars: 5/5

Length: 117,000 words
Blurb
Sean never asked to be an O'Hara, and he didn't ask to be cursed by one either.

After inheriting a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather, Sean starts reliving another man's torture and death...every single night. And only one person can help.

Cormac Kelly runs a paranormal investigation business and doesn't have time to deal with misinformed tourists like Sean. But Sean has real magic in his pocket, and even though Cormac is a descendant of legendary druids, he soon finds himself out of his depth...and not because Sean's the first man he's felt anything for in a long time.

The pair develop an unexpected and intensely sexual bond, but are threatened at every turn when Sean's case attracts the unwelcome attention of the mad sidhe lords of ancient Ireland. When Sean and Cormac are thrust backward in time to Ireland's violent history—and their own dark pasts—they must work together to escape the curse and save their fragile relationship.

Overall
Another breathtaking exploration of reality, love, and the supernatural by Vane and Belleau. In some ways this story is very similar to Hawaiian Gothic, but it differs so dramatically that the similarities aren't even worth mention, although fans of HG will just as surely love The Druid Stone. Be sure to grab on to your hats, though, because just when you think the ride is about to end...it's really just beginning.

Review
Holy Plot Batman! This story makes your head run in circles trying to guess what's going to happen next—give up, you won't! It's an amazing adventure that once again crosses the boundaries between the mundane world and the supernatural, as Sean and Cormac try to resolve Sean's recurring dreams—a more complex problem than either of them suspects in the beginning. Along the way they make friends, make enemies, and struggle to handle the greed of supernatural beings. The plot is fantastic and leaves no stone unturned—and no thread left dangling.

There is a fairly large (but not overwhelming) and varied cast in both worlds. Cormac, who is a bit of a stiff board sometimes, is balanced out by his super-welcoming family, while Sean, who is incredibly functional considering all he's been through, is contrasted by his almost completely absent family. The men themselves work well together in their struggle and in their stubbornness. And, while this is definitely a romance, it almost takes second seat to the adventure, although the two parts seamlessly entwine.

There are vivid descriptions in this novel, letting the reader experience what the narrator is, while enhancing the narration and bringing the environment to life. But these descriptions also didn't overwhelm the story or interrupt the flow of action. They were well placed and easy to skim with a quick read (if you're that type of reader). Gorgeous.

I think my biggest 'issue' with the novel was the ending, which felt almost anti-climatic after the drama in the previous 100,000 words. I found the conclusion completely satisfying, but after riding the adrenaline and emotional high, it felt so very mundane. That being said, it was perfectly handled and I really loved how things were resolved.

This was one of those books where I loved every moment and already want to go back to re-read.

Requested this book for review.