ARC Review : Conflicted by Katze Snow

Title : Conflicted by Katze Snow
Genre(s) : Dark gay romance 
Publication Date : May 28th 2018
My Rating(s) : 4/5 Stars

Gabriel Valentino is certain of one thing—he wants Caleb Matthews. He asks for so little. But when Caleb refuses an offer that could change his future, Gabriel’s patience wears thin. Unaccustomed to rejection and incensed at Caleb’s disobedience, he takes the matter into his own hands.

Everything has a price. For Caleb the price of rejection is freedom.

Imprisoned and alone with only his alluring captor for company, Caleb wants desperately to escape. But breaking free isn’t so simple. Awakened to a pleasure he’s never known, Caleb feels lost—conflicted. Can he escape? Or will the bonds of pleasure prove stronger than any lock and key?

Warning: This book contains dark themes which some may find upsetting. This book is also a completely remastered edition of a previously published work.

Because even monsters have demons...

Well, I have mix feeling about this book. This book had consumed me and leave me speechless at some part.

The first few chapters totally made me cringed. From the kidnapped scenes to the White Room scenes and then the rape scene. I must admit that this book really pushed and testing my boundaries to the limit. What had happen next successfully stirred huge 'conflicts' in my head and made me hold my breath so many times for what Gabriel did to Caleb.

The author successfully 'build' the anger toward Gabriel and made the readers hate him almost the entire reading  just to end it with a rush of sympathy to the ‘monster’ at nearly end of the book. All your hate will fall into ambiguity when the author let you 'see' the others side of the monster and what had made him like that.

What Gabriel did to Caleb's still can’t be ‘tolerate’ and so unforgivable. But I can’t denied that at some point the monster have my sympathy. My heart broke for this broken soul BUT I cried MORE for Caleb for what happen to this poor young man, and seeing how the light slowly disappear from his eyes really broke my heart into pieces...
This book - no doubt - had put me in my own dilemma and leave me in conflicted...

Everything that happened in this book could triggered something in readers mind and really disturbing at some part, BUT the way the author write the story behind all those 'cringy' things was interesting enough to follow and very consuming. This book contain kidnapped with non-con sex scenes, brutal rape scene, puppy/pet play, master/slave scenes, punishment and reward and D/s. Consider you've been warned and read it with your own risk.

What annoying me a bit is the ending. I didn't expect this book to ended with a cliffhanger!
Well, in fact, I'm not ready this book to end at all! I need to know what will happen next. I WANT MORE!

Recommended with warning!!

Review : The Prince of the Moon by Megan Derr

Title : The Prince of the Moon by Megan Derr

Genre(s) : Gay romance, LGBTQ+, fantasy-fairytale

Publication Date : January 25th 2017

My Rating(s) : 3/5 Stars

All Solae wants is to be accepted and loved by the family that has always rejected him. But given it was his late mother who cursed the kingdom to eternal winter, the chances of that happening are minimal. If he can find a way to break the curse, however, surely that would be enough to change their minds regarding him.

But Solae is forbidden to practice magic because of his mother, which limits his ability to pursue solutions. Desperate for advice and new ideas, he contacts a famous curse breaker—and has no idea what to do when the unexpectedly shows up, handsome and friendly and dangerously intriguing.

Publisher Note: This story was previously released in Fairytales Slashed Volume 4.

What an interesting novella from Megan Derr. I enjoying the story even it feels way too short and not enough to reveals some important part that seems to be 'neglected' due to the shortness of the story, but the writing was  good and yes, I love the surprise twist!

I must admit that I have the tendencies to auto-marked Megan Derr novellas because even its always feels way too short, still it's feels enjoyable enough to read, especially when you need a short reading between the 'heavy' full length novel that sometimes drained your emotions and you need something a bit light and fluffy story to enjoy in between to bring back the mood. Well, I can assure you that this novella is 'crispy' enough to enjoy as one 'snack read'.

Review : When Everything Is Blue by Laura Lascarso

Title : When Everything Is Blue by Laura Lascarso 

Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, coming of age, friend to lover

Publication Date : March 6th 2018

My Rating(s) : 4/5 Stars

When they were kids, Chris Mitcham rescued Theo from the neighborhood bullies and taught him how to “be cool.” Now, years later, Theo’s developed feelings for his best friend that arise at the most inopportune times. Theo hates lying to Chris, but in coming out, he might lose the one person who understands him best, a risk he’s not willing to take.

When a relationship with another young man goes south, Theo is forced to confront his own sexuality along with his growing attraction to Chris and his stunted, tenuous relationship with his father. Will Chris abandon Theo when he learns the truth, or will he stand by him in this tumultuous season of self-discovery?

In this quirky coming-of-age romance, Theo’s path to manhood is fraught with awkward firsts and a few haters, but also the unexpected comfort of a friend turned lover.

BEING HORNY and almost sixteen is the absolute worst. Take it from me, Theodore Wooten III, resident expert in the spontaneous boner. The cause of my lovesickness: Christian Mitcham. The cure: hell if I know.

This is definitely a very sweet and lovely friends to lovers story about first love that will warm your heart.

This is my first book from the author and surprisingly, I love the writing! 

The story was told only from Theo POV and portraying his struggling in keeping his feeling on his straight and only best friend, Chris for years. Afraid in losing his friendship with Chris, Theo decided to keep what he felt to himself. Until one day, 'asshole'-Dave (well, I will stick to that name for what he had done to Theo!!!), a new student from their school start 'interfering' the situation by showing that he 'interested' in Theo and their 'closeness' had caused the frictions in Theo and Chris friendship. Will Theo gonna lose his best friend forever? Or there's something unexpected happen in their relationship?

The slow pace was good completed with adorable main characters and wrapped in very good story that will brought silly smile to your face almost the whole reading but also give you that warm feeling in your heart. 

But one thing that I didn't expected about this book is, for a young adults book with both main characters are around sixteen and seventeen, the sex scenes a bit surprised me for the details. But I must admit that the way the author describes it feels so sexy and also so innocent at the same time. So, I think it still 'appropriate' for the genre but still I didn't mention the 'young adults' in the genre section even both the main characters are both in their sixteen-ish due to the explicitly. Other than that, I only can say that this book is definitely a recommended read for its pureness and the natural feels that vibrant through the writing.

“...you’re my biffle.” 

“Biffle?“ 

“Best Friend For Life.”

Re-release & Review : The Little Things by Jay Northcote

Title: The Little Things

Author: Jay Northcote

Publisher: Jaybird Press (self published). Previously published by Dreamspinner Press

Length: 75,000 words approx

Genre: contemporary gay romance

Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh

Release Date: Nov 21st 2013. This edition May 2018

Series info: This book is a standalone

My Rating(s) : 4/5 Stars

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make you appreciate what you have

There are lots of things that brighten Joel’s life. His three-year-old daughter Evie is one. His close relationship with her mother, his best friend from university, is another. Joel’s boyfriend, Dan, adds spice to his child-free nights, and Joel is pretty happy with how things are.

One cold and rainy night, everything changes. Joel’s life is turned upside-down when he becomes a full-time dad to Evie, and his previously carefree relationship with Dan cracks under the strain.

Meeting Liam, who acts as if getting hurt isn’t a foregone conclusion, shakes Joel to the core. Their attraction is mutual, and Liam makes no secret of how serious he is about Joel. But Joel is wary. He tells himself he’s keeping Liam at a distance for Evie’s sake, when really he’s protecting his own heart. Taking a chance on this new relationship with Liam may seem a small step—a little thing—but is it one Joel can take after losing so much already?

I can't believe I have miss reading this book when it first released, so when I notice that this book will be re-release with new cover I think it's about time!

And I falling in love instantly with little Evie. She's a lovely and adorable little girl with pure innocent child wisdom that will melt your heart.

The story is about Joel and his journey to find his true love through pain and loss.

Joel has almost perfect life with a young and handsome boyfriend, Dan and sharing the custody of his three years old daughter with Claire, his bestfriend and also the mother of his child. 

But in just one night, Joel’s life is turned upside-down...

Everything changes...and now he must raised his daughter by himself and grieving of losing someone he care had affected his already fragile relationship with his boyfriend...

No one know the sadness he felt, no one understand the grief he felt inside...not until fate then made him meet Liam who also bore the same guilt and grieve of losing someone he loved. The instant connection he felt with Liam felt so comforting but also frightening for Joel.

When Liam trying to stir what they have into more deeply relationship, Joel couldn't face his own feeling and decided to end what had just started and leave...


🌿🌿🌿


Well, I must admit that even I do understand with what Joel feels, but what he did to Liam was definitely not something I would agree. Thank god Liam have a very tender heart and way more mature than Joel and what he did to Joel was wonderful.

I also can't blame Dan for what had happened, but he's still young and definitely not ready for serious commitment. I just hope he'll find someone who love him more and find their own happiness.

Overall, the story was really good with a bit slow pace, but the way the author writing it and playing the readers emotions was good. And I enjoying reading the story very much!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Amazon Link 

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.

www.jaynorthcote.com

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Review : C*cky Writer by Mark Trade

Title : C*cky Writer by Mark Trade

Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance

Publication Date : May 7th 2018

My Rating(s) : 4/5 Stars

From the Author Note : Proceeds from sales of this book will be donated to help authors hurt in the wake of #cockygate and/or to legal funding to fight bogus trademarking of the word in question. Authors in all genres should lift each other up, not tear each other down. There are plenty of readers (and words!) to go around.

Matt Cockalorum quit his job in finance to follow his dream of becoming a romance author. His books are turning the publishing industry on its head with their originality and changing things for the better with their sexy and unique covers, titles, and character names.

At least they would be. If he could sell any.

It isn't Matt's fault. His books are great. His covers are fantastic. But his ex-favorite writer Nelson Storm is stealing all of Matt's readers.

Nelson's books are the reason Matt wanted to become a writer in the first place. No one writes kinky gay romance like Nelson Storm... except Matt, of course. But Nelson never responded to any of Matt's fan mail, and now Nelson's bestselling new book Naughty Dogwalker is a total rip off of Matt's book Naughty Doorman.

Sort of.

They have similar titles, that's for sure. What are the odds of two different romance novels both featuring characters who are chefs? Not very good.
After several snifters of brandy, Matt's ready to exact some writerly revenge. He sets a disastrous drunken plan into motion that finally results in Nelson Storm responding to him.

Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.

But now that he has Nelson's full attention, Matt is about to get way more than he bargained for. And exactly what he deserves.

A silly, sexy, satirical short story where someone gets spanked.

For fans of #CockyGate. Approx 14,000 words. 

Accidentally saw this book popped up on my timeline and I can't stop laughing when I read the title!!!

I've been following this #cockygate #dramaggedon for days and feels kinda silly for what that #cockyauthor did and claimed. So when I saw the title for the first time and reading the naughty blurb, I can't stop laughing then one clicking it without any doubt and read it in one sit!!!

The story was surprisingly full of hilarious things that will make you couldn't stop laughing right from the first page. The satire the author use in writing the story was totally hitting the spot with the current situation. 

It was fun, fast and definitely entertaining reading, and I enjoying the very short reading so much. 

And to Mark Trade, whoever you are, I salute you! *tips the imaginary hat*

Let's support what this author has done by buying this book, and here's the Amazon buy link.

Enjoy!!

Review : The Deal by Zach Jenkins

Title : The Deal by Zach Jenkins

Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, LGBTQ+

Publication Date : May 2nd 2018

My Rating(s) : 3.5/5 Stars

Fake marriage with a gay man? 

I want to help him out with his money problems, but I've burned so many bridges that a marriage is the only way I can get access to my trust fund. So this is just a convenience thing, for both our sakes, and maybe I'll even learn to settle down and become less of a broken man.

All thoughts of healing fade fast when I see him walk around without his shirt on. All I can think of is whether his skin is as smooth as it looks.

But I'm straight.

Fake marriage with a straight man? 

My life is a mess. I'm out of money. My business is failing. My love life is gathering dust. So when he offers to fix both our problems with a phony marriage, it seems the answer to both our prayers. It should shake things up, too.

Yeah. It's shaking me up all right. Instead of high-fives, his tender touch melts my bitter heart, and releases a powerful need I learned long ago to ignore.

But he's straight.

When our lips meet, nothing feels fake any more. 

The Deal is a steamy, standalone gay for you, 35k word romance novella with a HEA ending and a fake marriage that refuses to believe it is anything but true love.

“You make me happy, which makes me want to make you happy.”

Well, I must admit that it IS the cover of the book that attract my coverslut eyes at first, but it's the blurb that made me curious and decided to read it in one sit.

Zach Jenkins definitely another new author to me and I feel so excited and also a bit nervous because the anticipation each time I start a new book from a new author.

The premise of the story was very promising and fake boyfriend/fake marriage turned real was definitely one of my favorite trope, and that what made me so excited to read the book. The story start with such an interesting plot, sounds a bit cliché at first but still promising enough to follow. The two main characters also very likeable and sweet. Their changing feels and interactions until their both reach the moment of truth was well written with good pace, but even it's all look perfect, I must admit that I still can feels that there's something is missing with the story. 

The execution was a bit cheesy to my liking but since I'm in the cheesy mood when I read this book, I think I still can handle it.

Overall, I gave this book 3.5 stars because of the fact that I DO love the story and both MCs, but I must admit that the story not gripping me enough as I expected. But still. I will recommended this book to everyone who love sweet, fun and light reading about fake marriage that turned real. Because Icarus and Harley heart warming story still worth your time.

And I really can't wait for Shane's story!

Review : The Skin I'm In by Jenny Wood

Title : The Skin I'm In by Jenny Wood

Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, LGBT+, Transgender (FTM)

Publication Date : February 20th 2018

My Rating(s) : 3.5/5 Stars

Every Friday, evening, just around closing time; is the highlight of my week.
Gage Conner: Police officer, 6'3, 235lbs, green eyes, black hair, and an organ donor.
He comes through my line, with his charming smile and massive chest and asks to cash his check.

I'm just a bank teller, Briyana Smith- formerly Brian Ashley.
With too many loans, no family to speak of, and a massive crush on our local boy in blue;
he'd never give me the time of day if he knew ALL there was to know about me.
Cosmetically, and socially, I'm Briyana Smith, but, biologically and medically, I'm still Brian Ashley.

He doesn't give up, and I just cannot tell.... so, where do we go from there?
A liquor store robbery, the death of a parent, and a big ol' dirty secret, just waiting to come out.
What could possibly go wrong?.
What if it could possibly, go right?
I guess you'll have to wait and see..... 

Well, I didn't even notice this book, not until one day someone posting a recommendation read to one of M/M group which I'm in as one of the members and stir a bit 'controversy' due to the way that person wrote the caption that following the Amazon link he/she post that later triggered some harsh comments from the other members.

I, myself actually felt a bit offense too with the way the caption that person shared, but choose not to interfere further with the 'conflicts'. But I couldn't denied the curiosity that caught me after the posting. I'm looking for the blurb before finally decided to give this book a chance because aside from the controversy posting, the blurb itself had caught my full attention.

This is actually my first transgender story with a MTF person as a main character in it. This is also my first book from this author, so yeah....can you imagine the double excitement and the nervousness I have?

Even when the cover of the book really don't please my coverslut eyes BUT surprisingly the story was really interesting enough to follow. 

The way the author wrote the interactions between the MCs was very smooth with good pace. The writing also good enough with likeable characters that will stole your heart right from the start. And that's why I like the story and felt satisfied with the reading.