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Monday, September 26, 2016

Review : The Slave (Free Men #1) by Kate Aaron



Title : The Slave (Free Men #1) 
Author : Kate Aaron
Genre : Gay Romance, M/m Romance with a fantasy/historical slave story, Menagé, MMM
Published : October 27th 2014
Rate : 5 Solid Stars








I belonged to both of them equally, and the thought of seeing them together had fuelled my most secret fantasies for weeks.

❇❇❇

Tam was twelve years old when Grathians soldiers came to their nomand tents and slaughtered everyone, include his family.

Little Tam then sold to slave market, and by fate, the master then bought him and bring him home.

Not like other master who treat their slave like no human, Master always treat him good since he was child. Allowed him sleep in his bed chamber and cuddling him until he fall asleep when he suffered from countless nightmares, teach him how to read and buy him books. 

In Tam eyes, Master was like his 'god', he adore and 'worshipped' him with his whole heart & body.

Tam had been Master's personal pleasures slave for fifteen years since then.

But one day, Master assigned him to go to slave market to buy new slave. Tam start to worried that the Master need a new pleasures slave because he get bored with him.

But as a slave, what can he do except obeying what the master said?

So he choose what he thought the best for his master.

Fate then choose Kai - A former Grathians soldier who sold as a slave to the market, as the new slave. 

The story then become more intriguing and hard for me to put it down.

I choose this book at first because the cover pleased my coverslut eyes. I thought the story would be about a Fae or something 'magical', but when I read the blurb, my curiosity grew even more. 
I'm SOLD instantly and decided to devour this book immediately.

I've been drawn to the story since the very beginning.
It's slow burn but also feels so erotic.
The deep relationship and bonding between Tam and his master were described in such a beautiful way. I don't know that brushing hair could be so erotic !

Then enter Kai, a former soldier turn slave that Tam - thought at first - bought to please his master and will replace his 'position' in his master bed chamber, but  then shockingly knew that actually, the new slave was bought to be his companion.

But Kai with his soldier dignity was not an easy things to 'care'.

Well? What do you think a grieving Grathians soldier would feel to be in his enemy compound as a slave?

Tam must deal with Kai anger and distrust before he won Kai's trust.

Again, the story become more and more interesting when Kai start to feel 'possessive' toward Tam and get jealous over their master.

Deep down in Kai's heart, he craved the bonding Tam had with their master, and he wants that too...
To be with Tam and also with his master...

So?
What will happen next?

In thought everything will be alright, but then...BHAM!!!

The ending ripped my heart and leave my jaws dropped!

Damn! I NEED the next book to know what gonna happens to  them....

The Slave...
The Soldier...
And The Master...

DEFINITELY A RECOMMENDED READING TO ALL!!!



Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Review : Into You by Jay Northcote



Title: Into You
Author: Jay Northcote
Publisher: Jaybird Press (self published)
Length: 57,000 words
Genre: Contemporary m/m romance with a hint of magic, bodyswap, coming of age
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Release Date: Friday 9th of September 2016
Series info: This book is a standalone
Rate: 




What do you do when the body you wake up in isn’t yours?

Olly and Scott promised to be best friends forever. They grew up on the same street, went to the same school, and did everything together. But one hot summer night, teenage experimentation caused hurt feelings and confusion, and their friendship was destroyed.

Four years later they’re both eighteen years old and in their final term at school. Scott is a football star and Olly’s preparing for a main role in the school play. After a heated argument in the street—witnessed by their mysterious, elderly neighbour—they wake up the next morning stuck in each other’s bodies.

With no idea how to get back to normal, they have to co-operate in order to hide their secret. Spending time together rekindles their friendship, yet feelings run deeper for both of them. With the end of school fast approaching, the clock is ticking. Unless they discover how to change back, they could be stuck in the wrong bodies forever.




     The sound of music playing pulled Scott from a thick blanket of sleep into wakefulness. He lay curled on his side; his room was darker than usual, as though someone had come in and closed the blinds while he slept. His bed felt weird, softer than it should be, and it smelled different.
     He sat up, blinking in confusion as he looked around. He took in the room, the details unclear in the half-light that crept around the edges of the blind, but it was enough for him to realise where he was.
     The posters on the wall were new, but the layout hadn’t changed in four years.
     What the fuck?
     It wasn’t possible. Logic told Scott there was no way this could be happening. He’d gone to sleep in his own bed—he hadn’t been drunk or high. So why the hell was he waking up in Olly’s room with no recollection of how he got there? And where the hell was Olly? The music that had woken him was coming from a phone on a docking station by the bed. He picked it up and pressed some buttons until it stopped. His brain was fogged with sleep and he couldn’t think clearly.
     Scott got out of bed on shaky legs. His hip ached as though it was bruised. Actually, his whole body felt weird. Perhaps he was sick? Maybe this was all some bizarre hallucination?
     Pulling the cord to raise the blind, Scott flooded the room with light. He looked down at himself, only….
     He closed his eyes and shook his head. When he opened them again, he still didn’t see himself. His body was too thin, his skin too pale, the hair on his legs darker than usual, and he definitely didn’t own any snug purple briefs like the ones he was currently wearing.
     Stomach roiling with disbelief and terror, Scott turned to the full-length mirror on the wall and blinked.
     Olly’s reflection stared back looking as horrified as Scott felt. Scott raised his hands to his face, and so did Olly in the mirror.
     “This isn’t happening,” he said.
     The voice was Olly’s too, softer and a little higher-pitched than Scott’s own.
     It was the weirdest, most vivid dream Scott had ever had.
     He pinched himself hard. “Ouch!”
     Why wasn’t he waking up?

Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep!
     Olly shot up, heart pounding at the shrill sound. He opened his eyes and blinked in the sunlight.
     Ugh. Too bright.
     He looked around wildly and closed his eyes again, refusing to believe what he saw. Obviously he wasn’t awake yet because he couldn’t be in Scott’s room. He hadn’t set foot in Scott’s house in years.
     Olly cracked his eyes open again but still saw the white walls, the posters of Scott’s football heroes that Olly remembered from years ago, and the freakishly tidy desk that definitely wasn’t his.
     The alarm clock by the bed was still making an awful racket, so he found the button to silence it.
     “Scott?” he said hesitantly, then coughed.
     What the fuck was wrong with his throat? His voice was deep and rough sounding. Oh God, no, please don’t let him be getting a cold. He couldn’t afford to lose his voice with all the play rehearsals coming up.
     He pushed the duvet off and swung his legs around to get out of bed. He’d find Scott and work out what the hell was going on. Maybe he had some weird amnesia after his accident yesterday, although he hadn’t hit his head. There had to be some explanation for why he was apparently in Scott’s bed rather than his own.
     Then Olly looked down at his legs—and froze.
     They were thicker and more muscular than they should be. Olly only dreamed of having legs like that. The hairs on them were light brown instead of dark, the skin more tanned. He looked at his hands, they were all wrong too, thicker and sturdier than they should be. He lifted one to run it through his hair, the way he often did in times of crisis.
     “What the fuck?” No long floppy fringe falling in his eyes. Instead he found short-cropped hair and his ear piercings were gone.
     Now convinced he was dreaming, because that was the only possible explanation, Olly got up to look in the mirror. Scott’s handsome face stared back at him, the mouth slack with surprise and the blue eyes wide.
     Olly shook his head in disbelief. No way could this be happening. No way. This was the stuff of Hollywood movies, not reality. But cold, creeping panic rose in his gut, because apart from the fact that he appeared to be in the wrong body, everything else felt normal. Way too normal for it to be a dream.
     “No,” he said loudly, putting his hands up and touching Scott’s nose, Scott’s cheekbones, Scott’s lips. He felt every brush of his fingertips. “Oh, Jesus Christ on a bike, this is not happening. No.”





Every fairy tale needs someone with courage, and it doesn’t have to be a handsome prince. Be brave and true to yourself, and all will be well. ~ Miss Wychwood.

❇❇❇


I've been over excited when the author told us he's been doing a brand new unique story about 'body swap', and my curiosity get growing since that day!

I've been watching a movie and a serial (both are Korean) which also put the 'body swapped' thing as main theme. But both movie & the drama series are MF.

Into You was my first MM romance with 'body swapped' theme I ever read, so YES - I'm totally curious & SOLD!

I'm in love with Olly & Scott right from the beginning and really enjoying the story so much.

Being inside Olly & Scott's head and knowing what's in their mind were the most excited part when I read this book.
I can't stop grinning when I read about 'mission accomplished' part!

Once again the author succeed put 'the magic touch' into the story and turn this simply beautiful story into something.

This is probably the cutiest story I ever read this year with lovely characters, interesting plot and a little touch of magic. And YES - I LOVE it!

Definitely another favorite reading from Jay Northcote!

Wish someday I can see this story will be make into a movie!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!









Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.










Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Release Blitz Review & Giveaway : Rescued by Felice Stevens




Title: Rescued
Author: Felice Stevens
Genre: M/M Romance
 Release Date: September 5, 2016
Rate:






Ryder Daniels is all too familiar with rejection. His parents cut off contact because he’s gay and his boyfriend left him, choosing drugs over love. Aside from his rescued pit bull, his only joy is hanging out with his younger brother. Then his mother does the unthinkable and forbids them to see each other, leaving Ryder devastated and alone. His friends urge him to date, but Ryder would rather throw himself into working at the dog rescue and figuring out a way to see his brother again.

When Jason Mallory’s girlfriend gives him an ultimatum to get married, he shocks everyone by breaking up with her instead. He believes he's too busy for a relationship now that the construction company he started with his brother is taking off. When he discovers a group of abandoned pit bulls and calls the local dog rescue group to pick them up, an uncomfortable encounter with Ryder causes Jason to question feelings he’s hidden deep inside for years. 

Jason and Ryder build a friendship, until an unexpected kiss sparks the attraction they’ve been fighting. Jason gives Ryder unconditional love and helps him reconnect with his brother while Ryder shows Jason the passion he’s always missed in relationships. Together they must battle through their family differences and ugly prejudices. Only then can they prove that once you find the right person to love, there’s no turning back.

This is a re-release of the original book which was first published in August of 2014. The entire book has been revised and re-edited with over 10k words added. In addition, at the end of this book is a sneak peek of the next book in Ryder and Jason's story, Reunited.













Still glaring at him, Jason moved a step closer. “I know you did, but I didn’t get a chance to answer. You dismissed me like I was a stranger. I thought we were friends.” He raked his hand through his hair as his voice, full of frustration, rose a notch. “Look, I didn’t plan on it happening. It surprised me as much as you, but I thought you knew me well enough to know I wouldn’t fuck around with you.”

Ryder tried to ease Jason’s agitated state. “It’s fine. Let’s forget about it, all right?” He gave him an uncertain smile. Better this way. They could work through Jason’s uncomfortable feelings, and as for his own yet-to-be-reckoned-with desires, he could push them back into that black box where he kept all his life’s disappointments. Right now it contained his parents’ treatment of him, his inability to see his brother and the affairs with Josh and Matt. Jason would be one more depressing addition.

Jason cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “I don’t think you understand.” He took a step closer. “I’m not sorry for kissing you.”

Jason’s soft, husky voice sent a shiver through Ryder and he backtracked a few steps. “I am, though. I’m not looking to teach someone to be gay. You either are or you aren’t, man, and you’re straight.” It pained him to push the guy away, but he wasn’t about to sacrifice a friendship for casual sex.

Jason snorted. “You don’t really know shit about me. If I was perfectly straight, would I have dreams about you?” His blue eyes took on a glint Ryder had never seen before as he continued. “Dreams that have you on your knees sucking my brains out through my cock. Dreams of me sucking you.”

Ryder retreated until he ran out of space and found his back up against the wall, his eyes still caught up in Jason’s mesmerizing dark blue regard. All the air seemed to have been sucked out of the room.

“No one’s ever had this effect on me, not any woman I’ve ever dated or slept with, none of my friends. Not even the guy I once fooled around with in college.” Jason swallowed, a heavy, nervous gulp, then huffed out a self-conscious laugh, all the while never breaking eye contact. “You didn’t know that about me, did you? I’ve never told anyone until now.”

Ryder stood mute, in a state of suspended belief that Jason stood before him, saying these things to him. Jason—bisexual? Was that what he wanted to say? That explosive piece of information Ryder knew had never been shared with anyone before warmed his heart. Jason shared his secret with him, but Ryder remained uncertain what it ultimately meant to their friendship. His heart beat a wild, stuttering rhythm while blood pounded in his head.

As if he couldn’t bear to face Ryder with what he was about to say, Jason turned his back to him. His normally steady, calm voice shook somewhat, betraying exactly how deep his uncertainty ran. “I don’t know what I’m doing here. Am I gay now, ’cause I dream of you, your mouth, your tongue in my mouth? Or, am I bi? God, I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but it’s been making me crazy for weeks now, and I’m not sure what’s happening to me anymore.” He tried to laugh, but it came out choked. “I’m kinda lost at sea here, floating around without a paddle. You know”—a red flush stained the back of his neck—“sex with my ex-girlfriend was never that good. When I look back, it was always unsatisfying, a way to get off quick.” His whisper sounded like a shout to Ryder’s ears. “Maybe it’s why I’ve never thought of settling down. Maybe I knew something was missing.”





“I knew from the first you’d be trouble for me. But I couldn’t stop thinking about you, wanting you, even though I tried.” He bent down and stole a swift kiss. “No turning back now, right?” 
“No. No turning back.”

❇❇❇

Actually, the previous version of this book had been sitting on my reader for months. And along with the passing months, one of my friend keep 'forced' me to read it. (Sorry for not listening you early, dear)

I know how good this story but I keep passing this book either because being distracted by other books (just blamed my coverslut eyes, 'kay?) and/or because I'm too 'afraid' to start it.

Why?

Because it become my habit not to read such a good book when I'm not in a good mood.

So, yes...I keep avoiding this book mostly because I'm afraid my bad mood will 'ruin' the book if I forced myself to start it. That's why I never have intention to start it, because - yes, I KNOW that this book  will be another 'something'!

But when I saw the second revised edition cover for the first time, my first reaction was....

"Oh sweet, Lord. I NEED to read this book NOW!"

And I think, maybe it's about time...

I fall in love instantly with the blonde guy in the cover - well, you know why! (scream hysterically) and the cutie dog!

This book has everything I need about gay romance.

Rescued is a beautiful and emotional love story wrapped in all simplicity with lovely characters, adorable cute dogs that will give you heart warming feeling, and I can feel the LOVE.

Both MC succeed grab my heart since I start the story. And yes.... I'm in love with both Jason & Ryder right from the beginning, and can't put it down!

And now, I keep blaming myself for my 'silliness', "Why I didn't read this book sooner!"

Since, I didn't read the 1st edition from this book, so I don't know what revised made to this new version.
I read this book completely as what it is, and I LOVE it.

Definitely one of the best book I ever read in this year and automatically will have special place on my fave book list!

Highly Recommended!




I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, my characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.







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