Fixing schedules Friday

Another long week in my life. They say when it rains it pours and that has certainly been the case this month. But on a high note the weather has turned hot and I got my tan on. Summer is just around the corner and I'm looking forward to good times:) If you're looking for a super summer read then look no further......

Wolf with benefits by Shelly Laurenston

Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn’t have perks?

Toni doesn’t know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for…

Another fantastic book from Shelly Laurenston! Once again I caught myself laughing out loud. Let me just touch on a few key phrases that made me laugh out loud.
~"Go forth and kick ass" words of wisdom from Bo Noviko
~"Morally reprehensible things that most good people would be appalled by" ....Livy
~The Infamous Book of Smells. It's a scratch and sniff book and I'm going to leave it at that.
~ "Entertaining in a really horrifying way". You know you've laughed at an inappropriate things!
~And my favorite...."Loathes with the fire of a thousand suns"
Get this book an adult beverage and hit the sun. Your day will be awesome:)

I give this book 4 chocolate dipped strawberries and a long vacation for Toni she deserves it.
PEACE

 

Wolf With Benefits by Shelly Laurenston

Wolf With Benefits
Pride Series #8
Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn’t have perks?

Toni doesn’t know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for…

Review:
It has been well documented here that I worship at the alter of Shelly Laurenston. What can I say the woman just makes me laugh. While this book has all of the characters that I have come to know and love and some new ones to make me smile, it also had one dark and twisty one.

Toni and her siblings fit right in across the street from the wild dogs. I liked Toni from the beginning because to survive in her family you know the girl had to be not only tough but sneaky as hell too. I loved all of her siblings...well except one...but I think the twins were the funniest. Any two year old that can make a tiger shifter cry is ok in my book.

And you know I love me some Reed Boys. MMM MMM there is just something sexy about their southern drawl. They may not be the brightest crayons in the box but there is a lot to be said for loyalty.

The mystery of the shifter hunts is still going on and I think that story line is going to bring back my new favorite character Livy.... dude let me tell you I want to know more about her. I thought I was going to fall out my chair when Rory had to pull out the Book of Smells to figure out what she was. And as soon as I knew I totally understood why she didn't really like Blayne. (apparently all versions of this animal hate her)LOL

It will be interesting to see how Delilah story line plays out because I am pretty sure it's not over.

Another fun read from Shelly and all I have to say is....bring on the next one!

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Crack The Darkest Sky Wide Open #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

Crack the Darkest Sky Wide Open Anthology, Various Authors, Self Publication
Of humanity there are darker tales. Stories that take some squinting to see through. Unconventional stories. Tales that threaten to break the heart by cruel twists of fate, the dogs of war, or demons that are all too real; whether they be of unrequited love or a karmic slap in the face. Happy endings take a time in coming, and some never arrive. But through all the darkness there is light, a glimmer of hope and wonder…if one has the will to see it.

Review
I knew going in this book was going to be good just by the author line up, but anthologies can be hard to review. Do you review the book overall, each individual story?? So I don't usually make that decision until after I have completed the book and can better judge my feelings toward it. With this book I felt I would let you know my feelings on each piece because each one evoked such different emotions from me.

The Demon of Jericho, Eric Arvin
Totally unique tale about angels and demons. The writing is descriptive and darkly beautiful.

A Cruel Thing, Abigail Roux
OMH this book wrecked me! I can't remember the last time I bawled through an entire book. It was real and visceral just so damn good!

Wrong, SJP Peterson

The title to this could not have been more perfect. Greed and arrogance Lee has in abundance and it's exactly those things that bring him to his knees. This story was not an easy read and it's harshness is like a punch to the gut that you weren't expecting but it definitely evokes extreme emotions.

Anguish, Jason Huffman-Black
I just wanted to know more. What brought him to this point? Short but powerfully emotional.

The Hotel Luz, SA McAuley
Wow what a wonderful way to learn to appreciate what you have. We all think about that first love and  whether it's returned or not it can shape and define how we react our whole lives. Beautifully written and very poignant.

John & Jackie, TJ Klune
It's not easy to read through tears but I have yet to find a book by TJ that I didn't have to read through the blur. I truly believe that TJ owns a lot of stock in Kleenex and he writes like this to drive the stock prices up. I knew this story was going to tear my heart out I just didn't realize it was going to be done with a rusty spoon. This story is all about life on your terms. A beautiful life story.

Buy Links

Amazon

All Romance Ebooks

RATING: 5 Chocolate dipped strawberries

Until Forever Comes #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

Until Forever Comes, Cardeno C., Dreamspinner Press
Mates #2
Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can't shift. Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, he hopes to find an honorable death by joining his pack mates in a vampire attack. Instead, Ethan learns two things: draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate - a vampire named Miguel.

Miguel Rodriguez is more than four centuries old. Strong, powerful, and vicious, he walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they're true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent, and Miguel can't resist for long. Once Miguel gives in, being together comes naturally. The challenge is keeping themselves alive so they can stay by each other's side until forever comes.

Review

Stubborn has a name and it is Ethan Abbatt. Once he figured out that Miguel was his true mate he wasn't going away no matter what anyone else said....even Miguel.

Miguel was savage and ruthless with everyone but Ethan and that dichotomy made me fall for his character.

I have to say after two books, this one being a prequel to Wake Me up Inside, that if the shifters don't make  more of an effort to integrate, their species as a whole isn't going to survive. And while the main theme may be forbidden but true love the more important lesson is acceptance and adaptability. And in that the shifters could learn from both the humans and the vampires.

Lots of sexy, sweet scenes and I have to say a nice change in that the older more experienced very alpha male didn't necessarily take the lead in the bedroom. And on a side note Katie totally cracked me up...she had no boundaries. LOL

My favorite part was the epilogue, seeing how the two stories tied together. I hope there are more stories planned in the future and that the shifters learn to tolerate difference.

RATING: 4 chocolate dipped strawberries.

Touch and Geaux #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

Touch & Geaux, Abigail Roux, Riptide Publishing
Cut & Run # 7
After having their faces plastered across the news during a high-profile case, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have become more useful to the Bureau posing for photo ops than working undercover. Just as Zane is beginning to consider retirement a viable option, Ty receives a distress call from a friend, leading them to a city rife with echoes from the past.

New Orleans wears its history on its streets, and it’s the one place Ty’s face could get him killed. Surrounded by trouble as soon as they land, Ty and Zane are swiftly confronted with a past from which Ty can’t hide—one with a surprising connection to Zane’s.

As threats close in from all directions, both men must come to terms with the lives they’ve led and the lies they’ve told. They soon discover that not all their secrets are out yet, and nothing lasts forever.

REVIEW

Hmmmm “Nothing lasts forever”? All I got to say Ms Roux, is that if Ty and Zane don’t last forever, I’m hunting you DOWN! I truly love this series even when I want to pitch my ipad against the wall and shriek “Dammit!” I’m pretty sure I’ve done that in all 7 books, yet my poor ipad keeps downloading the next book and coming back for more. I’m already jonesing for the next book! I have several friends that have read the series as well and I’ll quote a direct email from one of them: “This book is gonna break my heart! I swear this woman is trying to kill me!”. If that’s not a 5 ooey gooey strawberry review, I don’t know what is? And, just so ya’ll know, the ending of “Touch and Geaux” was more of a SONOFABITCH than a DAMMIT!...and its set in New Orleans! And the sex is ALWAYS hot… I wanna watch..I wanna be in the middle.. I wanna…Wait, did my brain just leak out my ear?? I forgot what I was saying…

5 ooey gooey strawberries dipped in chocolate for Ms. Roux and “Touch and Geaux” and a job very well done!… even though you ripped my heart out…again!

Dangerous Submission #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

Dangerous Submission, Lori Toland, Loose Id
Dangerous Affairs #2
British Agent Drake Steele never thought when he was hired on at the Serious Organised Crime Agency that his job would involve spanking a co-worker. But when the colleague is Lord Robbie Covington, the sexy red-headed computer hacker for SOCA and MI-6, Drake can't agree fast enough to pop Robbie's cherry and pull him into the sensual world of BDSM.

Now they are caught up in a web of lies as they pose as members of the jet-setting crowd. Drake and Robbie have to race against the clock to stop a weapons haul that could threaten the safety of all Europe. As their covers begin to fade and danger is closing in, protecting Robbie is Drake’s most important task, but neither man is ready for the moment when their hearts are put on the line.

REVIEW
MMMM I do love me a hot alpha male that when he get's emotional his brogue becomes more pronounced. Throw in a feisty ginger that is supposed to be a submissive but whose mouth hasn't gotten the memo and all I can say is YUM!

I think that the song Hot & Cold by Katy Perry was written for Drake, dude could not have flip flopped more. I didn't blame Robbie one bit for getting frustrated, so I am pretty sure it was all Drake's fault that Robbie got mouthy. (As you can probably tell I would not make a good sub...LOL) But the punishments that came were very sexy.

The chemistry between these two men was HOT, and could not be denied. I liked the fact that the author took things back a step once the mission was over and gave the MC's a chance to really learn about each other.

A few quirky editing issues disrupted the flow a few times, but not so much that it took me too far out of the story. The mission part of the story was intriguing and the action kept the story moving. There was a great WFT moment with one of the character's and I hope this means we may get to see more of him in a future book. The BDSM is intense and very well done. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a little spice with their mystery.

Buy Links
LOOSE ID
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

RATING: 4 chocolate dipped strawberries. This book was given to us by the author, many thanks.

Second Chance at Love #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

Second Chance at Love, Diana DeRicci, Dreamspinner Press
The hole in Tony Teagan’s heart is slowly shrinking. Since losing the love of his life, he’s buried himself in running West TonDe Press, but now he can remember the good times. Still, that doesn’t mean he’s ready for a new man in his life. Then he meets nighttime delivery guy Brandon, who appears on his doorstep with Thai food. Tony’s interest is piqued despite their ten-year age difference, and Brandon is all for a new relationship. Relinquishing his hold on his deceased lover is the hardest challenge Tony will face, but if his future is combined with Brandon’s, he may have a second chance at love after all.






Review
Brandon has been barely getting by since his family kicked him out and disowned him for being gay. Working multiple jobs and still trying to finish college is taking it's toll on him. When a chance encounter gives him the opportunity of a life time, but is it to good to be true?

When Brandon shows up at Tony's door to deliver his Thai food neither man knew it would change their lives.

This book has a very pay it forward feel to it which was very appealing to me. I thought it was ironic that Tony was reluctant to enter into a May/December romance when that was the type of relationship that he had before, only flipped. Watching both men struggle with their doubts and insecurities gave the story an authenticity. The desire was there immediately but both had reservations that were real.

The character's were likable and the story was full of hope.


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries,  This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

See the Light #HAHAT #Thursday13

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

See the Light, Cassandra Carr
Hockey player Jason Monroe lives a double life—star defenseman and soon-to-be Olympian on the ice and closeted gay man outside the rink. A serious relationship is out of the question, and Jason makes do with anonymous sex in barroom bathrooms, not willing to take the chance on coming out as gay in a decidedly macho sport.

Advisor to the US Olympic hockey team Patrick Parker knows a thing or two about being a professional hockey player who’s not out. He’s fifteen years older than Jason, and when he senses the sexy younger man is interested, he knows he shouldn’t give in to the attraction.

The two men can’t keep their hands off each other, though, and with each heated encounter it gets harder to hide their relationship. When their world blows up around them, forcing them into the limelight, though, will their love survive or be put on ice?

See the Light is a good read that I’d recommend to all romance readers, especially those who enjoy m/m but I would even go so far as to say this might be a good first m/m romance. It certainly wasn’t my first but it did conjure up some emotions about the stigma attached to homosexuality in the sports world.

Here are my 13 KEY POINTS about this book:

1. I’ve read this author before but never m/m so I was skeptical but then pleased. Carr proves she can write romance and love regardless of gender.

2. The Kiss. (When you read it, you’ll understand.) This deserves a bullet point unto itself. The kiss that starts it all is intense. It was an emotional moment... sigh.

3. I could smell the ice. That’s how descriptive Carr’s scenes were. In my humble opinion, there is no smell sexier than that smell of ice on a hockey player and in this book, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

4. The author faced off with an all too prevailing issue in sports… don’t ask/ don’t tell. The men live in fear that the discovery of their relationship could end their careers. It shouldn’t be that way and we need to continue talking about it until the stigma changes. This book takes a step in the right direction.

5. The evolution of their relationship was gradual and follows a realistic ebb and flow. While I wish I knew more –I wish the book was longer- the author provides a satisfying glimpse at their developing relationship.

6. The lengths the men go to just to be with one another speaks volumes for how they feel. It also made me angry that they had to go through such lengths. Readers will feel the men’s’ fear and worry over the simple act of just being themselves.

7. The sex scenes will melt an ice rink. The testosterone is tense and hot and its release is this incredible converging of energy. Good Lord, it made me consider the possibility of voyeurism!

8. Patrick is older and more experienced than Jason. Readers will learn this early on but then we are reminded over and over and over again. Here’s one of the book’s weaknesses (there aren’t many to choose from) but this did get on my nerves some. We got it – he’s older – now move on.

9. The men’s loneliness hurt to read about. Carr gives such fleshed-out characterization of the men that readers see their inner struggles. As a mother, I wanted to hug their hurt away. The shadow hanging over them meant their love story couldn’t be one of simple happiness.

10. I missed seeing how Jason’s family would react… that would be a great outtake for the author to write on her blog (Hint! Hint! Cassandra, please!) as a free read. While his family is mentioned, an actual visit during the holidays could’ve added depth to the story.

11. A tragic incident pushes Jason to admit his feelings for Patrick, regardless of consequences. It was a surprise just how they “came out” – I won’t give it away but I also don’t think you’ll guess without reading it.

12. Shoot and score! The ending was fabulous, albeit a bit abrupt, and conveyed a message more people need to hear. The acceptance of the teammates might still be far-reaching in reality but is a place I’d like to see our world come to.

13. I put this last only because I didn’t want to appear a cover whore but OMH! The cover is beautiful.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
MARK AS TO READ on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17366214-see-the-light?ac=1. READ IT. Then tell me what you think. Did you think it was a winning book? Worthy of the Stanley Cup? Or an Olympic Gold Medal??


.

Pup #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

Pup, SJD Peterson, Dreamspinner Press
Guards of Folsom #1
Micah “Pup” Slayde knows he wants Tackett Austin the moment he lays eyes on him in the Guards of Folsom. Micah wants to have purpose, to be taken care of, and to take care of his Dom—wants to trust him completely, live for him, belong to him. To become his everything. Micah is sure Tackett is the one. The problem is, in order to be the perfect sub, he needs to stay focused, and that’s not easy for Micah, who suffers from what he refers to as a “broken brain.” Focus and adult attention deficit disorder rarely coexist.

Ever since Ty Callahan and Blake Henderson’s collaring ceremony, Tackett’s been thinking too much about his own loneliness. Even though Ty introduces Micah and urges Tackett to give him a try, Tackett isn’t so easily convinced. He’s spent his life pursuing a successful business career, and the subs he dominates almost never enjoy the kiss of his leather twice. Twenty years Micah’s senior, Tackett has no interest in taking on and taming such a young and naughty sub—but it’s difficult to resist such an adorable pup when he begs.

REVIEW

OK so I am enjoying going out of my comfort zone and picking out new authors to read. I am so happy to have another winner to report on. SJD Peterson “Jo” is yet another amazing find for me. I LOVE this book. Not so much because of the BDSM or the M/M or the D/s – yes you know that I would read it! It’s more about the writing style and the characters themselves. Micah will break your heart. You just want to hug him and let him know that he isn’t damaged. His mind wonders and I can so relate to that. I agree with the whole concept of adult ADD and not being able to focus. I have to warn people that I’m traveling with that if they turn around and I’m not there not freak out and to just call me on my cell phone. Something just caught my eye and I wondered off forgetting that I was with a group. It happens to me all the time!!! What Micah is going through is described brilliantly. Arghhh!!!!

Now you add Tackett, older Dom who isn’t afraid to admit that he might not be what Micah needs. For someone that hasn’t been through it they have no idea what it’s like. He doesn’t just give up though. Instead he reaches out for help because he WANTS to be what Micah needs. It is so refreshing to read a story about two people who are working through a relationship together instead of the more common ones where they fight and argue through a whole book only to finally get together in the last couple of pages. You know the kind that you just want to through against the wall and scream that the characters should just grow up and get over themselves. Yes, Micah is struggling and yes, Tackett doesn’t have all the answers at first but that’s OK because they are still together. And oh my, Tackett’s description of the trust needed between Dom and Sub brings tears to your eyes. Peterson, you grabbed hold of my heart with this story and I would not hesitate to pick up another of your books. You deserve 5 chocolate dipped strawberries and congratulations. You are an amazing author. Happy reading everyone.

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner
All Romance Ebooks

That Witch! #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

That Witch! Zoe Lynne, Harmony Ink
Cassidy Ryan and Brynn Michaels attend the same high school, but they live in different worlds. Cassidy’s a popular cheerleader, and Brynn’s the social leper. One is all sunshine and rainbows, while the other could’ve been carved from an Edgar Allan Poe book.

Both girls have their problems, though. Cassidy is coming into her birthright—a long line of ancient magic Cassidy isn’t ready to have. Brynn is coming into her sexuality—something that will definitely cause problems with her very conservative family.

When a teacher assigns Cassidy and Brynn to work together on a project, the girls find themselves in a heap of trouble, because what they feel for each other can’t be denied. If they have any hope of changing ignorant and frightened minds, they’ll have to listen to their own hearts first.


REVIEW
So the first thing that drew me to this book was the cover and it really could not have fit the description of the MC's better. I had their images in my mind the whole time I was reading.

This book read very true to the hierarchy and cliques that I remember from high school. And the verbiage that the author used sounded a lot like my own teenage daughter and her friends so that was spot on.

Cassidy at first comes across as a bitch but as you get further into the story you realize that most of it is a defense measure. Her protective nature really comes out once she admits her feelings to herself and from that  point on you messed with Brynn at your own risk.

Brynn's shyness was adorable and I was so happy when she finally found her voice and stood up for herself. My heart broke for her at the betrayals that she experienced on several different fronts. She was a much more forgiving person than I think I could have been in her shoes.

The secondary character's played such an important role in this story, some good and some bad. I wish every teenager could have a Nana in their corner no matter their sexual orientation.

This is a sweet, emotional story of first love and the heartache that comes when not everyone is accepting. Would be a great read for any teenager in your life!

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Dreamspinner/Harmony Ink Press. Many thanks.

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner
Amazon
All Romance Ebooks

Tell Me It's Real #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

Tell Me It's Real, TJ Klune, Dreamspinner Press
Paul Auster doesn't. Paul doesn't believe in much at all. He’s thirty, slightly overweight, and his best features are his acerbic wit and the color commentary he provides as life passes him by. His closest friends are a two-legged dog named Wheels and a quasibipolar drag queen named Helena Handbasket. He works a dead-end job in a soul-sucking cubicle, and if his grandmother's homophobic parrot insults him one more time, Paul is going to wring its stupid neck.

Enter Vince Taylor.

Vince is everything Paul isn’t: sexy, confident, and dumber than the proverbial box of rocks. And for some reason, Vince pursues Paul relentlessly. Vince must be messing with him, because there is no way Vince could want someone like Paul.

But when Paul hits Vince with his car—in a completely unintentional if-he-died-it'd-only-be-manslaughter kind of way—he's forced to see Vince in a whole new light. The only thing stopping Paul from believing in Vince is himself—and that is one obstacle Paul can’t quite seem to overcome. But when tragedy strikes Vince's family, Paul must put aside any notions he has about himself and stand next to the man who thinks he's perfect the way he is.

Review

The main character is Paul Auster.  He is socially ackward, thinks he’s overweight and has zero self confidence.  His best friend is Sandy aka the drag queen Helena Handbasket.  On Pauls 30^th birthday he is sitting in the balcony at Helenas show when he sees Vince. Vince is the most gorgeous man Paul has seen and immediately dismisses him as being out of his league.  Vince notices Paul as well and much to Pauls disbelief pursues him.  Paul resists at first, worried that Vince is messing with him, but Paul can’t hold out with Sandy and his family pushing him to believe in himself.  Even Gigi’s homophobic parrot and Pauls 2 legged dog, Wheels like Vince.
This book will make you LOL but what I really loved is the message that even if you don’t fit in the “mold” that society has deemed acceptable you are valued and loved for who you are.   And although it takes an intervention from the Auster family and Sandy, Paul finally chooses to believe he deserves love and happiness with Vince.

 I loved this book.  I laughed so hard I was crying.  This definitely gets 5 chocolate dipped strawberries!

Buy Links
Dreamspinner
Amazon

A Marine and a Gentleman #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

A Marine and a Gentleman, Heather Long, Decadent Publishing
Always a Marine #9
Lieutenant Brenden Fitzpatrick is a dedicated Marine, loyal son, and devoted uncle but he’s lonely. When he went Marine, the rule was don’t ask, don’t tell. His brothers-in-arms pretty much didn’t ask and didn’t care. Watching so many friends settle into long-term relationships highlighted the absence of someone to come home to in his life. When his unit encourages him to give the 1Night Stand service a try, he asks for the impossible—a night with the one man he almost gave up the Marines for in the first place. A man he called best friend but let time and distance carry away.

Liam Gardiner grew up on the same Boston block as his best friend, Brenden. Unlike Brenden, Liam always accepted that he was gay—a fact he didn’t mind flaunting to all the bullies and naysayers in school. It got his ass kicked more than once but Brenden always had his back, rescuing him time and time again, until the day Brenden left for the Marines. He missed his buddy—the crush he never confessed, lest it cost him the precious friendship—so when Madame Eve’s invitation arrived to meet Brenden, Liam faces uncertainty for the first time.

REVIEW:

For someone who has known his whole life that he would be a Marine, also realizing that you are gay doesn't make things easy, but Brenden wasn't giving up his dream. Now that DADT has been repealed maybe he can finally connect with Liam the boy from high school that he always wanted.

Liam can't resist meeting with Brenden when he gets the call from 1Night Stand, but he has know idea why his once protector wants to see him.

Have you ever wondered what happen to that unfulfilled crush that you had in high school? A Marine and a Gentleman answers one version of that question.

When the two men meet at the restaurant Liam's attitude is understandable. He is cautious and doesn't believe that Brenden is gay at first. However the chemistry and the sparks are there from the beginning and you know that once they come together it's going to be explosive!

It takes a talented story teller to give you a "full" story in just 40 pages and Heather Long does just that. The character's were fully realized and very believable with a story that I had no problem falling into and wishing for more pages.

If you are a fan of hot Marines I would suggest the entire Always a Marine series there is something for everyone in these spicy stories of love.

BUY LINKS:

Decadent Publishing

Amazon

B&N

RATING: 4 chocolate dipped strawberries.

Horn Gate #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

Horn Gate, Damon Suede, Dreamspinner Press, May 2013


HORN GATE: Open at your own risk. 

Librarian Isaac Stein spends his lumpy, lonely days restoring forgotten books, until the night he steals an invitation to a scandalous club steeped in sin. Descending into its bowels, he accidentally discovers Scratch, a wounded demon who feeds on lust. 

Consorting with a mortal is a bad idea, but Scratch can't resist the man who knows how to open the portal that will free him and his kind. After centuries of possessing mortals, he finds himself longing to surrender. To be together, Isaac and Scratch must flirt with damnation and escape an inhuman trafficking ring—and they have to open their hearts or they will never unlock the Horn Gate.

For those who have read Hot Head, it is clearly established that Damon Suede can grip a reader with a great story.  In fact, it would be safe to say that readers of his contemporary M/M romances are rabid fans who want more of that exact style.  Horn Gate is not Hot Head.  Period. End Stop.  Does this mean do not read?  Absolutely not.  This clever novella ensnares the reader with its well crafted web of sex demons and fantastic Jewish occult lore.

There were moments of this book that felt almost Dorian Gray - with the lowly protagonist getting his greatest birthday wish and falling head over heels for the angel-demon.  The writing belongs in the superb category and almost felt incongruous in an erotic urban fantasy type piece.  On second thought, actually it didn't - it took a great story and vaulted it into an excellent category.  Full of wry wit and erudition, Horn Gate is the thinking person's sexy story.  Isaac and Scratch are the paranormal equivalent of Mutt and Jeff but they work in a compelling way.  

Personally, this reviewer is looking forward to the next installment in this erotic fantastical series. Damon Suede earned his spot on my auto-buy list!

I give Horn Gate five chocolate dipped strawberries and a soft whispered plea to hurry up with Hard Head!

This book was give to us by the author for an unbiased review.  Many thanks.