REVIEW : Father of The Groom (Love and Care #1) by Silvia Violet

Title : Father of The Groom
Author : Silvia Violet
Series : Love and Care book 1
Genre(s) : contemporary gay romance
Rating : 3/5 Stars

Avery has a good life. He loves his job as a makeup artist, and he’s ecstatic about being Twink of Honor in his best friend’s wedding. He’s more than capable of supporting himself, but that doesn’t stop him from longing for an older man who’ll take care of him.

Graham Hillingdon has finally repaired his relationship with his son, and he’s thrilled to be part of his son’s wedding day, though he wishes he had a plus one to bring with him. Sadly, he has yet to find a man who appreciates both his dominant and nurturing sides; maybe even someone to call him Daddy.

When Avery and Graham meet at the wedding, attraction sizzles between them, and they end up spending an insanely hot night together. Graham makes sure Avery knows exactly who’s in charge in bed, but afterwards, he’s exquisitely gentle. This is just what Avery needs, and Graham is certain he’s finally found a man who desires what he has to give. Neither of them wants to part the next day, but between their age difference and their reluctance to reveal their relationship to Graham’s son, they wonder if they have any chance for a future together. But as perfect as they are for each other, shouldn’t it be worth the risk?

It’s a short, fun, cheesy and a bit meh reading, BUT surprisingly I ridiculously like it…
Well, maybe I’m in my very super duper cheesy mood when I read it.

The story actually a bit fun at some part. I do enjoying the daddy/boy games Graham and Avery play during their secretly short encounter because Avery is actually the bride-to-be-twinky-gay-best-friend and Graham is actually the groom’s father and that put Avery on the same age as Carter, Graham’s son. Graham just come out as gay few years ago and have not good relationship with his ex wife after the divorce. But Carter insisted his father to attend his wedding and Graham couldn’t say no to his beloved son. And be at the wedding means he must faced the awkward situation with his ex wife and her bigot friends.

What he didn’t expected is he meet this cute, sexy twink that caught his attention since the first time he saw him. On the other hand, Avery with his daddy kink also can’t denied his attraction to the smokin' hot daddy he meet while checking on the wedding preparation. They start flirting with each other before later they finally know the truth.

I found that the story is kinda cute and the daddy/boy role play kinda hot but way too short and like a short story that being ripped from a full length novel and ended just like that. Later I know that this is actually just an ‘appetizers’ to the real full book that release not long after this. Like I said before that (surprisingly) I kinda enjoying the book at first, but after some ridiculous and childish moment at nearly end the book I decided to deduct the rating…

Do I want to know what will happen next with Graham and Avery in the next book? Well….I still don’t know yet, but maybe I’ll try it someday when I’m in cheesy messy mood again. Who knows right?

REVIEW : Temptation in Neon by Peter Dawes

Title : Temptation in Neon
Author : Peter W. Dawes
Genre(s) : gay romance, paranormals, vampires, polyamory, trans 
Publication Date : July 17th 2018
My Rating(s) : 3/5 Stars

Danny Turner had sex last night. At least, he’s pretty sure that’s what happened. Memory gaps, strange wounds on his neck, and blood-stains on his clothing lead him on a quest to recreate a wild night spent at his favorite club, Nocturne. When his journey brings him to a vampire feeding den, he finds out that you only get one chance to walk away – and his curiosity blew it. The vampire who marked him is a two-hundred-year-old man named Liam Quinn. Together with his immortal child, Mari, Liam struggles to determine what to make of the headstrong human. After all, you only survive for two-centuries if you have rules. Something about Danny tempts Liam to bend more than a few, though, while Mari determines to break some entirely. Whatever happens next, Danny’s life as he knew it is over. He just needs to stay alive long enough to show Liam that he’s worth the trouble.

Set in the backdrop of 1980s Philadelphia, Temptation in Neon brings the dark, Gothic subculture of the late 80s into the queer struggle of the time. In this setting, Danny Turner comes to recognize that the very shackles which bind him to Liam and Mari also have the power to set him free.

M/M/F with polyamory, trans, and gay representation, steamy scenes, and an HEA.

The blurb really tempting me and it’s been so long since the last time I read gay-vampire-romance. So, when I accidentally stumbled into this book and read the blurb, I said to myself, “Why not?”

The story a bit blurred and confusing at the beginning because we all were ‘forced’ to following Danny’s jumbled mind about what had happen to him though his POV.

Waking up disoriented about what had happen last night or a day before, Danny start the day in huge confused about what had happen to him before. What he only remember is he was out to a gothic club, have a drink, nope….maybe a lot of drinks and then BHAM! – the next thing he know that he woke up on his bed feeling dizzy with memory gap. The only clue he had from what happen is the bite mark on his neck, few drops of blood on his shirt and the almost very vivid dreams he has about meeting a breathtaking beautiful guy named Liam who turned out to be a vampire?

In the middle of his confusion, he decided to following his instinct to find the truth about what had happen to him days before. His search brought him to the club named Nocturne and accidentally meet the girl who also have the same bite mark on her neck. The girl then lead him to this very secret club which actually a vampire feeding den. When he finally meet with the vampire who appeared in his dream, Danny realized that his life might be in danger…

I must admit the story a bit confusing but at the same time its intriguing enough to drew my curiosity. I like Liam and Mari relationship and their strong bond to each other. Mari is a trans, found and ‘saved’ by Liam. Since then Mari become Liam’s ‘child’ and following Liam everywhere. When Danny presence drawn Liam’s full attention and later caused some trouble to Liam’s because it’s broke some of the vampires coven rules had put Liam’s in dilemma, Mari’s patience in opening Liam’s eyes to the fate that lies before his eyes made me love and respect her. How she ‘persuade’ and ‘comfort’ Danny and slowly put Danny into their polyamory relationship is another things that I found interesting.

There’s still a loopholes here and there but overall I think I do enjoying the story enough to leave this nice review.

REVIEW : Any Given Lifetime by Leta Blake

Title : Any Given Lifetime
Author : Leta Blake
Genre(s) : contemporary gay romance, fantasy, paranormals, reincarnation
Publication Date : September 13th 2018
Rating : 4.5/5 Stars

He'll love him in any lifetime. 

Neil isn’t a ghost, but he feels like one. Reincarnated with all his memories from his prior life, he spent twenty years trapped in a child’s body, wanting nothing more than to grow up and reclaim the love of his life.

As an adult, Neil finds there's more than lost time separating them. Joshua has built a beautiful life since Neil’s death, and how exactly is Neil supposed to introduce himself? As Joshua's long-dead lover in a new body? Heartbroken and hopeless, Neil takes refuge in his work, developing microscopic robots called nanites that can produce medical miracles.

When Joshua meets a young scientist working on a medical project, his soul senses something his rational mind can't believe. Has Neil truly come back to him after twenty years? And if the impossible is real, can they be together at long last?

Any Given Lifetime is a stand-alone, slow burn, second chance gay romance by Leta Blake featuring reincarnation and true love. This story includes some angst, some steam, an age gap, and, of course, a happy ending.

“God only knows how you got here, how it is that you’re here with me. But you’re everything to me.” – Joshua 

“You’re the one who’s everything. I wouldn’t have come back to this miserable earthly plane for anyone else. You’re the reason for my existence. Joshua, you’re my everything. I’ll find you in any given lifetime. Never forget that.” - Neil

From time to time, I find books that successfully swallowed me - heart, body and soul. And this book had caught me from the first page and consume me to the last page.

I already caught by the blurb and the idea of the reincarnation had curious me even more.
I found it interesting enough on how the author starting the story right after the new Neil is born just few months after the old Neil dead. It intrigued me on how the author will set the time line and age gap that stretch between the two main characters with all the time jump that following the story. I know it’s a bit risky but at the same time it also curious me.

Following the young Neil growing and stuck in his new life, watching his frustration and anger for being ‘trapped’ in a child body with all the memories from his previous life, seeing the love of his life suffering from the grief for years with nothing he can do. Then seeing Joshua finally finding his new love in Lee and move on had completely broke my heart when you had emotionally attached to the story way too deep.

I like how the author let the readers know about Neil’s previous life through those simple talks between Joshua and Lee, one of Neil’s donor recipient who bravely came to Joshua because he feels so grateful for having his second chance in life because of Neil’s kindness and he want to know about Neil’s story to honor the gift. And who knows that everything that starting as a friendship turned out become something that bound them into the circle of fate?
And yes, I love Lee for his love and  understanding to Joshua and his undying love to Neil and their memories. He's like an angel sent by god to take good care of Joshua while Neil gone. A true angel...and my heart broke for him...

Overall the story was abso-fuckingly amazing good. The idea of reincarnation combined with a heartbreaking love story that separated two deeply loving souls  through years before fate then bring them back together again are fascinating. The character development was really extraordinary and the story-line was totally engaging and all perfectly bound by the good writing skills. And THAT what made the book really hard to put down.

But I feel a bit disappointed when the story suddenly moved from the completely slow burn into something a bit way too rush at nearly end of the book when finally Joshua realized who the young Neil is. I expected the emotionally WOWmazing moment when all the truth are finally revealed, but everything suddenly felt to rush, flat and kinda lost it magic. I didn’t get the climax like what I expected. And that what make this book didn’t get my full five stars. BUT still, I will gladly recommended this book as one of the  best book I’ve read this year because the story had successfully leave a very deep impression in me.

If you love reincarnation story, then you shouldn’t miss this book!

Recommended!

ARC REVIEW : Edge of Living by H.L. Day

Title : Edge of Living
Author : H.L. Day
Genre(s) : contemporary gay romance, psychological trauma with trigger warning alert
Publication Date : October 28th 2018
Rating : 4/5 Stars
Buy Links : Amazon 

Sometimes, death can feel like the only escape. 

It's been a year since Alex stopped living. He exists. He breathes. He pretends to be like everyone else. But, he doesn't live. Burdened by memories, he dreams of the day when he can finally be free. Until that time comes, he keeps everybody at bay. It's been easy so far. But he never factored in, meeting a man like Austin.

Hard-working mechanic Austin has always gone for men as muscular as himself. So, it's a mystery why he's so bewitched by the slim, quiet man with the soulful brown eyes who works in the library. The magnetic attraction is one thing, but the protective instincts are harder to fathom. Austin's sure though, that if he can only earn Alex's trust then the two of them could be perfect together.

A tentative relationship begins. But Alex's secrets run deep. Far deeper than Austin could ever envisage. Time is ticking. Events are coming to a head, and love is never a magic cure. Oblivious to the extent of Alex's pain, can Austin discover the truth? Or is he destined to be left alone, only able to piece together the fragments of his boyfriend's history, once its already too late?

Trigger warning: Please be aware that this story deals with suicidal ideation. If this is a subject you find uncomfortable, then I would not recommend you reading this book.

I copy people. Copy their normality because I can’t remember what it feels like anymore; it's been way too long since I experienced it. I watch people. I borrow their mannerisms. I borrow their smiles and their laughter, and use them as emotional armor. 

Since the first time I saw the book cover, I must admit that it’s intrigued me in a way I cannot explain. It’s like the book had ‘called’ me and I cannot turn it down…
When I read the blurb, I just knew that this book will gonna be something and I NEED it!

To whoever had read The Silver Cage, I need to warn you that this book give me a dejavu feeling with that book when I read it, BUT of course with the different ending...

I love story with dark and contain psychological trauma in it. Some books end well and give me satisfaction, but there’s some I found failed in bringing the emotions down and deep into the reader heart and only playing at the surface then turned into a meh reading after blabbing about the potential of being triggered something to reader about some kind of trauma.

This book, surprisingly – successfully gripping me right from the beginning and succeed anxious me at nearly end of it!

The story start with very slow pacing and successfully keep the mystery about what happened to Alex back then stay on board by revealing it piece by piece through the flashbacks. I can feel the story kinda lost it grip somewhere in the middle but so glad that it finally gained back the grip with full of emotional tension at nearly end of the book and ended satisfyingly good.

Edge of Living is an emotional read with a warning of suicidal matters that may caused uncomfortable subject to some readers. But I found that this book also give you a show of unconditional love that will warmed your heart.

H.L. Day is a new author to me, but I found that the writing – surprisingly -  suit my liking. Edge Of Living maybe my first book of her that I read, but definitely won’t be the last!

Recommended with warning!

ARC REVIEW : Nova Praetorian by N.R. Walker

Title : Nova Praetorian
Author : N.R. Walker
Genre(s) : gay romance, M/M romance, historical romance
Publication Date : October 26th 2018
My Rating(s) : 5/5 Stars

Buy Link : Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AUS | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon Universal Link 

WARNING : Bookgasm alert!!

A new guard. A new love. A new Rome.

Quintus Furius Varus is one of the best lanistas in Rome. Tall and strong in build, fearsome in manner, and sharp of wit, he trains the best gladiators bound for the arenas of Rome. When Senator Servius Augendus seeks personal guards, he attends the Ludus Varus for purchase of the very best. He puts to Quintus an offer he cannot refuse, and Quintus finds himself in Neapolis, contracted as a trainer of guards instead of gladiators.

Kaeso Agorix was taken from his homelands of Iberia and delivered to Rome as a slave. Bought by a senator to be trained as a guard, his fate is handed to the man who would train him. Absent free will, Kaeso knows his life is no longer his own, though he soon realises the gods have favoured him when he learns his new master has a kind heart.

Quintus and Kaeso forge a bond that far exceeds the collar at Kaeso’s neck, and together they discover the senator’s move for promotion has an ulterior motive. Thrown into a world of politics and conspiracy, of keeping enemies close, they move against time to save Rome before traitors and the gods themselves see to their end.
And in doing so, see the dawn of the nova praetorian—the new guard—rise.

“You took a slave, and you gave him purpose when he had none. You gave him trust and honour when he had none. You gave him reason to live when he had none. I would be yours for all time, Quintus. My loyalty does not lie with Rome. Nor would you find it in Iberia. My loyalty is to you. Do not doubt where my heart is.” – Kaeso.

“As mine is with you. I vow it, no god or mortal man will take you from my arms. I will rip the life from any man who dares attempt to part us. I will find you in the next life, my rabbit, my promise to you.” - Quintus.

🐎🐎🐎

I will not give you any spoilers about this book. I will just gonna say that this book is perfect in all aspects!

Good story blended very well with good writing, completed with amazing two main characters and rich with all those secondary characters that also have their own part in brighten up the story, especially those gladiators who served under Quintus name. They gave me constant goosebumps for their loyalty to their dominus in honorable way. Everything was set in such a good portion. The slow pace was maddening but far from boring, the slow burn romance between Quintus and Kaeso feels so strong and blended very well with the tensions caused by the politics intrigues and conspiracy that surrounded Quintus and Kaeso's fate.

This story successfully gripping me right from the very first page to the last page. Trust me, I’ve hold my breath in panic for what happen on the last few chapters when the D-day has come. And unconsciously chants my pray, “Please….please, don’t let that happen. Please…”

Nova Praetorian – no doubt - is another EPIC read from N.R Walker, and again she had proved her amazing touch in writing an emotional story with classic historical background and make it feels so real! 

If you love historical romance with Roman touch, then this book is for YOU!!

Highly Recommended!!!

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.

She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

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REVIEW : Sugar Daddy by Lucy Hawkins

Title : Sugar Daddy
Author : Lucy Hawkins
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, age gap
Publication Date : September 10th 2018
Rating : 3/5 Stars

Elliot Santos had heard enough about the mysterious manwhore who lived in the apartment building above his cafe, Sugar, to know he didn't think very highly of them. Number Nine had sent a string of morning-afters through the doors of Sugar to caffeinate before making their walk of shame. The details? rarely spared. Elliot knew that Number Nine apparently didn't have a type, except male, and that he always sent them away wanting more.

Sworn off a certain type of man and wondering if there was anyone at all out there who would think he was enough, unlucky in love Elliot has put all his energy into Sugar since the demise of his last relationship. On his morning delivery run, he stumbles across a very naughty dachshund running through the apartment building corridor - and a very naked man chasing her. If Elliot had ever been skeptical about love at first sight - this moment might have changed it. Except that the charmingly handsome naked dude happens to live in apartment number nine.

Ken Donohugh made the cross-country move to San Fransico after his divorce was final. It was time for a fresh start, a new job, and new friends. Even if they only ever made it through a night in the sack. Ken was done with real love. He'd been there, done that, and had his life completely turned upside down in the process. Now was his time to do what he liked and what exactly that was, he was letting himself take time to figure out.

When a handsome long-haired sweetheart helps him wrangle his naughty dog, Penny, he knows exactly who his next conquest will be. Except that much younger Elliot owns the bakery below his apartment and he can't give up the delicious sweet treats he bakes. He decides a friendship will be enough - until it isn't.

With two men who want such different things in love, Elliot and Ken must navigate what their feelings mean. Can Elliot learn to love a little less? And will Ken ever be able to tame his ferocious sweet tooth?

Sugar Daddy is another light and fun reading. It’s sweet, a bit cheesy and fluffy with the promise of daddy kink.

The writing is okay with two very unique and lovely main characters. I like how these two broken people with trust issue trying to learn how to trust and being in love again after what their ex did to them. The journey was not easy, especially with Elliot’s trauma and Ken's first impression as ‘the number nine' completed with his serial ONS reputations didn’t quite helping to give a good impression on their first meet. So they need to learn how to open their heart and trust again and survived the poison Ken’s asshole ex did to ruin their fairly new relationship before they finally have their HEA.

There’s few things that bother me a bit in this book which didn’t sit quite well with the story that come from both Ken and Elliot side. But since I’m in a very cheesy messy mood while reading this book I choose to blind myself to all those not logic things that happen in this book and let myself ‘enjoying’ the story.

There are  few secondary characters here that made me curious. I want to know more about Max and Finley story and also Ken's friend, Bentley. I hope they’ll have their own book soon.

REVIEW : Unwritten Law (Steele Brothers #1) by Eden Finley

Title : Unwritten Law
Author : Eden Finley
Series : Steele Brothers #1
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance
Publication Date : September 2nd 2018
Rating : 3/5 Stars

Being an identical twin doesn’t come without issues.

No one can tell us apart, not even our parents sometimes. We don’t usually use that to our advantage, but it comes in handy when my brother needs help breaking up with his boyfriends—which happens more than I’d care to admit. I know it’s enabling him, but I can’t say no to Anders. I will do anything for my twin. The breakups always go the same; they’re swift and simple.

Until Reed.

He’s everything I've fantasised about but never allowed myself to have. When I give in to temptation and begin to freak out, it’s not because he’s a guy. It’s because he thinks I’m my brother, and I can’t bring myself to tell him the truth.

**Unwritten Law is a 52,000 word stand alone with a HFN/HEA guarantee and no cliffhanger. It contains a mistaken identity trope. Please check trigger warnings in the front matter.**

I want to know what it’s like…hooking up with my brother’s date…

The story is interesting enough, about a man who trapped in his own lies because he falling in love with a man who should have hook up with his twin brother. The story a bit complicated because everything start with a lie then following by another lies and the next thing you know, you being trapped in your own circle of lies. And when the truth finally revealed in such a bad way, it’s already too late because the damage already hurt both side.

The question is….will there’s still a chance to Lawson and Reed to fix all the damage caused by the lies and put aside their ego to be together again?

This book had gained my attention since I read the blurb for the first time.

I love the idea of the story and how it completely blend very well with the pace and writing. Both main characters have their own 'issues' and 'anger' from their past. The conflicts are intriguing enough and subplots is another thing that made this story interesting enough to follow.

Overall, the book is good even though it's didn't give me the WOW effect like I expected before, but I must admit that it entertaining me at some level.

I want to know more about Lawson's twin brother, Anders. What will happen next to him.

Will Brody could be the one who can set Anders free from all the traumatic memories left by Anders abusive ex? Really can't wait!