Genre: M/M Historical Fantasy, Gay Fiction, part of The Eternal Dungeon series
Release Date: February 21, 2016
Publisher: Love in Dark Settings Press
Length: unknown
Description: "'This prisoner deserves special treatment.' The hooded man looked over at the young man again."
Elsdon Taylor, a prisoner accused of committing a terrible murder. Layle Smith, a torturer with a terrible past. Their meeting in the Eternal Dungeon appears certain to bring out the worst in both men.
Yet neither man is quite what he appears. As the prisoner and his torturer begin to be drawn toward each other, the ripple effects of their meeting will have a powerful impact on other inhabitants of the Eternal Dungeon: Layle's faithful guard, struggling to contain his doubts. A younger guard determined to take any shortcuts necessary to ensure that his life follows the path he has already chosen. An old love from Layle's past, still sorrowing. And most of all, a prisoner who has not yet arrived at the Eternal Dungeon, but whose fate will depend on how Layle handles Elsdon Taylor . . . and on how Elsdon handles Layle Smith.
A winner of the 2011 Rainbow Awards (within the "Eternal Dungeon" omnibus), this tale of love and adventure can be read on its own or as the first volume in The Eternal Dungeon, a speculative fiction series set in a nineteenth-century prison where the psychologists wield whips.
The Eternal Dungeon series is part of Turn-of-the-Century Toughs, a cycle of alternate history series (Waterman, Life Prison, Commando, Michael's House, The Eternal Dungeon, and Dark Light) about adults and youths on the margins of society, and the people who love them. Set in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the novels and stories take place in an alternative version of America that was settled by inhabitants of the Old World in ancient times. As a result, the New World retains certain classical and medieval customs.
Amazon US
Amazon UK
OUR REVIEW:
Rebirth is the dark, fascinating tale of two very different men who come to know and love each other under almost impossible conditions. The writing is detailed and powerful, the story fresh and unpredictable. But this is not a romance in the traditional sense. If anything, I would categorize this story as gay fiction because the Eternal Dungeon, in my opinion, is the main character, comprised of the setting and the myriad people who live and work in the dungeon.
Metal jingled nearby, then scraped. He heard the screech of another pair of door-hinges. Without waiting to be pushed, he walked into the destiny that awaited him. The room was small. He was not sure how he knew this, for his eyes were still shut. Perhaps it had to do with the way his footsteps sounded upon the floor.
The room was warm as well, warmer than the dungeon's entry hall had been and light danced against his eyelids. He tried not to think what the purpose of the fire might be.
I must give kudos to the author for creating such a rich world, filled with detail, and structure. It is easy to believe that the Eternal Dungeon is a real place in the shadows of a relatively modern world.
We learn about our two heroes, Elsdon and Layle, in relation to the the Eternal Dungeon--when and how they arrived there, how their lives were changed by the dungeon, and how they came to know each other through it.
The sound of a step next to him caused him to jerk his head up and open his eyes. The Seeker was only an arm's span from him now, and his hand was still empty of any whip or binding or other instrument. His body looked as relaxed as that of a man in bed with his beloved.
The romance between Elsdon and Layle is not to be underestimated either. Elsdon is the victim of years of abuse, accused of killing his father, while Layle is the sadist assigned to be his Seeker (i.e. torturer). How could two such men ever become friends much less lovers? How can one who is trying to recover from abuse surrender himself to one whose every sexual fantasy revolves around the torture of his partner?
Eldson sighed. "Layle, what are you going to do, stop thinking about sex for the rest of your life? Whether you're with me the next time you think of sex or whether you're alone by yourself, I know what image is going to come into your mind. I know that what I suffered under Master Aeden will give you pleasure."
Over the course of Rebirth, as the truths about the heroes lives prior to their arrival at dungeon are revealed, we see this relationship go through many ups and downs. Can it survive? Can love overcome such incredible psychological hurdles? Read Rebirth and find out!
OUR RATING: 4.5 stars!
(3/16/2016)
Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance
Release Date: March 10, 2016
Publisher: Ana J. Phoenix
Length: 170 pages
Description: Seth finds himself alone at an abandoned train station, with no idea what happened, or how he got there. He boards a train, only to discover it's a special express transporting the recently deceased to their final destination. The conductor tells him he's having a near-death experience. Seth wonders if it has something to do with his violent boyfriend, but that doesn't matter. All that matters is getting the hell off the train before he actually dies. But when he spots his best friend and secret crush among the traveling dead, the urge to leave fades...
Amazon US
Amazon UK
OUR REVIEW:
For Never and Always is an amazing story of love, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice. The entire novel is eye-opening and beautifully written. The way the author weaves the world of the in-between is rich in detail, original, and, even more importantly, believable. The characters, including the secondary ones, all have poignant pasts that move the story forward. Nothing is gratuitous. I found myself spellbound, flipping (virtual) pages, and wondering how this romance would end.
"Seth?"
Seth stared at the other passenger, a heavy feeling in his stomach, like he'd swallowed a bar of iron. It couldn't be... But it was. He'd never mistake that voice for anyone else's. Sometimes, he spent whole weeks looking forward to hearing it. The other man had grown his chestnut hair out a little, but that was definitely... "Carter?"
Rest assured, For Never and Always does contain a true romance between Seth and his best friend. As their secrets and their true feelings for each other are revealed and the two men take their love to completion, we route for them. At the same time, we feel their struggle and their despair. Where can this love take them? Is it too late?
Carter dug his fingers in a little harder, betraying his frustration. "I can't even begin to tell you how much I want to get off this train with you so I could love you the way you deserve."
Seth closed his eyes and leaned back, focusing on the warmth of Carter's body, the way he smelled. "You could love me right now," he said.
"I want more than now."
And that's where the author's skill comes in. All too often in stories of the "other side," the not-quite-dead character gives up his life for his true love or some supernatural being comes in to save the day. I was hoping for something different, and in For Never and Always, I got it.
I won't tell you how this was resolved so as not to spoil the reading experience for others, but I will say that what was done is what had to be done for both characters to evolve to their full potential, to be the strongest, best people they could be. See, neither had yet learned what he needed to learn in order to fully enjoy his eternal reward.
If you enjoy beautifully written, thought-provoking stories of the "other side," you'll love For Never and Always.
OUR RATING: 5 stars!
(3/10/2016)
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance, part of the Hearts of Parkerburg Series
Release Date: February 1, 2016
Publisher: Appleton Publishing Avenue
Length: unknown
Description: Craig Gilchrist is the oldest of five siblings, the captain of the Parkerburg Fire Department, and all around buddy his friends run to when they have a problem. Unfortunately, he’s keeping a secret not only from the whole town, but his family as well. Living in the shadows works for him until one fateful night when a hot stranger walks across a smoky barroom, forcing Craig to make a move that could rock the foundation of his existence…and fill the void in his heart he doesn’t realize he has.
Melrose escaped the end of a bad relationship to start over in Parkerburg. With the support of his cousin and a job waiting tables at a great restaurant, he thinks his life is finally going pretty smoothly. That’s when his path crosses that of Craig Gilchrist, local fire captain. The big, beefy firefighter is definitely not his type. So why does he suddenly star in all of Melrose’s fantasies?
With Melrose at his side, Craig finally has the motivation to step out of the shadows and let Parkerburg see the real him…until trouble arises and the truth comes to light that perhaps he doesn’t know the real Melrose.
Lies and fears play havoc with their newly acquired relationship. Luckily, once ignited, the hearts of Parkerburg don’t burn out so easily.
Amazon US
Amazon UK
OUR REVIEW:
Craig Gilchrist, the rough and tumble captain of the Parkerburg Fire Department, is everything you'd expect of a small-town fire chief. Except that he's gay, and no one knows--not his friends, not his family, or most of all, not his colleagues. What would the residents of this small town think of him if he ever came out? Would he lose his job? These are all important questions and the very reasons that Craig has not only shut the closet door but chained it up tight.
On the other hand, while not flamboyant by any stretch, recent transplant to Parkerburg, Melrose, is quite obviously gay, and when these two guys meet, lust ignites. Unfortunately for Craig, lust ties his tongue in front of the hot city boy.
Craig's eyes were wide as saucers, and he radiated a heat that Melrose could feel through his suit and everything. Up this close, flecks of green were visible in his hazel eyes. Pretty...
Realizing he still held his hand out like a derp and Shawna exuded waves of disapproval, Melrose dropped it to his lap.
"This is Craig. He's with the fire department." There was a muffled thunk under the table, and Melrose bit his lip and sipped his beer. Someone had just been soundly kicked. "He doesn't mean to be rude. He's just not allowed out all that often."
"I'm allowed out," Craig protested. He cast a glance under his lashes at Melrose that he could have sworn he felt instead of saw.
Melrose is a man who knows what he wants, and a year of celibacy is more than enough. So when he sets his sights on Craig in his usual forthright manner, poor Craig can only cry, "Uncle!"
"Coffee?" Melrose cocked his head to the side, eyes flickering from the still raised cup to Craig's face. The grin that had faded a little came back full wattage. "Okay, coffee... that's a nice medium between blue balls and black eyes."
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was cute, funny at times, and the sex was hot (although, warning, there is some inventive language used to describe the act and various body parts). In terms of the plot, I felt that while Melrose has a secret that he's afraid to share, it's more something he walked into than intentionally planned. It's also something that could be resolved fairly simply. So for these reasons, this story is a 3.5 stars for me.
OUR RATING: 3.5 stars!
(3/7/2016)
Genre: M/M Science Fiction Romance
Release Date: February 28, 2016
Publisher: Max Walker
Length: 81 pages
Description: Recent college graduate, Jacob Levy, is bringing his cousin home from college when they both witness a sudden flash of light in the sky. After dropping his cousin off, Jacob finds himself in a terrifying situation as he stumbles upon the source of the bright white light.
That source? Bena-drez, an alien known as a Traveler who had been scouting Earth from above its atmosphere. After a mechanical failure, Bena-drez found himself stranded on the planet he was sent to study. The light-purple skinned Adonis was now stuck and could find no one to turn to for help.
Their ensuing connection is immediate and powerful. Ben awakens a new side of Jacob, a side he never dreamed he had. Can Jacob come to terms with the new but startlingly powerful feelings? Can Bena-drez find some help, and possibly something more, with Jacob or is their meeting just destined for a galactic catastrophe?
Amazon US
Amazon UK
OUR REVIEW:
I must say that when I started this book, I really wasn't sure what to expect. Lucky for me, Alien Visitor is a cute, well thought out story! Although it is only 81 pages, I didn't feel that it was rushed. That may be because the author uses the "mated" technique used in many shifter stories to justify the insta-love that is often a fixture of such books. I didn't mind it. In fact, I thought it made sense. A novella has to move and this one does!
Bena-drez, Ben for short, crash lands in a field near Jacob's house. Jacob goes to investigate the bright light and he finds a light-purple skinned man who turns his world upside now. When Ben reacts badly to the sudden cold Earth temperature, Jason reaches out to steady him and gets his first dose of alien pheromones.
The skin to skin contact was.. electric? Jacob had no other word to describe it. As soon as his hand made contact with the alien's muscular back, the flame in Jacob's gut exploded into a full on inferno.
The path to loving same-sex bliss isn't so straightforward though. Jacob isn't gay. He isn't into men, especially not purple-skinned aliens. Jacob determines to not be Ben's experiment. He wants nothing to do with this craziness. Unfortunately, the attraction is undeniable and his concern for the alien soon brings him back to the forest and the damaged spaceship.
There were a lot of fun moments in this story as both males explore their new-found enjoyment of each other, talk about their worlds, deal with Jacob's coming out, and learn to accept the inevitable.
"Because I'm gay. There, are you fucking happy I said it?! I love this man and it's not like anything else I've ever felt. Not with you, not with Erica or Julie or Raquel. Not with any other girl that used to be in my life. When I'm with Ben, it's like my world is on fucking fire. Everything feels incredible. New. Fresh. And most of all? I genuinely feel like I can trust him with my life. That's something no one else has been able to give me."
Wow! Now isn't that something we'd all want our lover to say about us?
The sexy scenes are super steamy and the suspense scenes are well done. Overall, Alien Visitor is well-worth the read, and at Outrageous Heroes of Romance, we're looking forward to the next book in the Travelers series which, we're told, will be a little longer and an m-preg book. Let's see if it's as well done!
OUR RATING: 4 stars!
(03/03/2016)
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 14, 2016
Publisher: CoolDudes Publishing PTY Ltd
Length: 181 pages
Description: Trembling on the floor, pressed beneath a row of seats in a dark theater, college freshman Jason Tripp listens to the terrifying sound of gunshots as an unknown shooter moves methodically through the theater, randomly murdering men, women, and children attending a student performance of Hamlet. Junior Liam Norcross, drapes his massive body over Jason, sheltering him from the deathly hail of bullets, risking his life willingly, and maybe even eagerly.
As a result of the shared horror, an extraordinary bond forms between the two young men, which causes discomfort for family and friends, as well as for Jason and Liam, themselves. Added to the challenge of two previously “straight” men falling into a same-sex love, are the complications that arise from the abundance of secrets Liam holds with regard to a past family tragedy. The fledgling passion between the men seems bound to fade into the darkness from which it emerged.
Jason, however, is inexplicably called to rescue his hero in return, by delving into Liam’s shady past and uncovering the mystery that compels the older man to act as the college town’s selfless savior.
The Art of Hero Worship takes the reader on a voyage from the dark and chilling chaos that accompanies a mass shooting to the thrill of an unexpected and sensual romance.
Amazon US
Amazon UK
OUR REVIEW:
This story opens with a very gripping account of a mass-shooting in a college theater where one of the heroes, Jason Tripp, is in fear for his life. The reader shares every one of his emotions.
Pop-pop-pop...
Life-sucking and blood-spattering and gurgle-inducing, evenly spaced sets of three that are becoming so horribly predictable. I brace myself for the impact because I know the next pop is going to come with excruciating pain that explodes in my head or my back or, if I'm lucky, my ass. Or, if I'm not so lucky, in all three places, one after another.
This can't be happening. It can't be happening.
Is nineteen too old to want my mommy?
Lucky for Jason, who is paralyzed with terror, another student from the same college, Liam Norcross, is there for him. In fact, Liam protects Jason with his own body and leads him to safety.
Be it heightened emotions, a knowledge that life is short, or awakened latent desires, Liam and Jason, both formerly straight men begin to fall for each other. What starts out as a comforting hug to ward off nightmares, turns into so much more.
I wake up crying.
Okay... if I'm going to be real, I'll admit that I'm sobbing. In these strong arms--no, sprawled on top of the chest of a man I hardly know--I sob in a way that I never have before. And hopefully, I'll never have occasion to cry this bitterly again.
Liam is bound and determined to protect the life that he saved, and Jason is all too happy to let him. Until reality hits. Until they are faced with what it means to be gay around their friends and their families. Until Jason's survivor's guilt and Liam's guilt over the one he couldn't save in his past come to the forefront.
Personally, I found the progression of the romance to be very plausible. The author lets the feelings these men have for each other evolve over time. They are both scared, frightened by this new desire for another man. Is it real? Or is it just a by-product of the traumatic event they survived together? These are real questions. Important questions. And the author doesn't shy away from them.
But it's not all doom and gloom. There are some definite lighter moments that made me smile between these two brave men. Take this excerpt from the scene where they first fully consummate their attraction to each other.
"Oh, God... you're in me." Not the most intelligent of observations, but my remark seems to work for him.
His eyes are wet, but it's with the intensity of his pleasure, not sadness. "Yeah... please say it's good for you."
The author's treatment of the characters' symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder as well as their confusion regarding their change in sexual orientation was extremely well handled.
The Art of Hero Worship is a heartwarming story of love found amidst the debris of tragedy.
OUR RATING: 4.5 stars!
(03/01/2016)
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 25, 2016
Publisher: Carmen Jenner
Length: 203 pages
Description: Red Maine’s blue-collared bad boy, North Underwood, has a dirty little secret—Will Tanner. Friends since kindergarten, North had been the one to jump first, and his fall into Will’s bed ten years ago had been no exception. Will and North had been inseparable, but things change, people grow apart, and even a blazing flame can dwindle to a dying ember over time.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
After a run in with a bottle of Bundy rum, Will and North find themselves in a compromising and all too familiar position.
Blurred lines, bad decisions, and one wrong foot after another lead these two down a spiral of sarcasm, secrets, and sex, but when North’s hetero status is called into question he can’t figure up from down. And despite Will telling himself he wouldn’t fall again, he’s head over heels and wandering without a compass.
Love is love.
Love is truth.
Love … shouldn’t be this damn hard to figure out.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1LamYz2
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1TEohZS
OUR REVIEW:
First off, let me just say - that cover? Hot!! And a fabulous introduction to one of our heroes, Will. He's tattooed, pierced, and out in a little town that doesn't do gay. In fact, Will's gay-ness and the feelings he stirs up in his straight childhood friend, North, is what causes the rift between the two that lasts for more than a decade. North is determined to keep his hetero status, until the day he can't. The day he finally gets his hands on Will again and everything changes.
This GFY story (gay for you) has it all: hot guys, steamy sex, and tons of reasons for the "straight" guy to say no. The timeline flashes back every so often to when these two guys were in their early teens so we can see how deep their friendship was and the string of events and circumstances that led to their estrangement. It's a story that's all too real.
"You gonna buy a drink? Or should I pull up the couch so you can lie down and tell me all your feelings?" Will smiles in that cocky way only Will can. If he were anyone else, he'd get his skull beaten in because of that douche-kebab smile. Always the shit stirrer.
I have to say that I loved the humor in this story. Some of the Aussie expressions had me giggling for hours. And since much of the story takes place in and around Will's bar, there is a whole host of secondary characters to round things out.
My lip is all busted up, my jaw is bruised too where North tapped it a couple of times, and I had two rounds of Berocca this morning and it hasn't done jack. I'm still fucking lagging like a cock at a christening.
Will and North's story is exciting and the sex is rough and hot. It takes a lot for these two guys to get to the point where they can even begin to get over the hurt they've caused each other. But a love that deep deserves a second chance.
OUR RATING: 4 stars!
(02/23/2016)
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance, part of the Men of London Series
Release Date: January 28, 2016
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Length: 173 pages
Description: Flight attendant Maxwell Lewis has spent years cultivating a bon vivant image only to find he finally wants something more—and that something more includes the never-does-repeats game designer Gibson Henry.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Maxwell Lewis is proud of the life he’s made. Having turned tragedy into triumph, he’s now a beloved member of a Target Airlines cabin crew with more than his fair share of attention both in the air and on the ground. But lately he’s wanted something more than the occasional hook-up or sometime sex buddy—particularly after meeting game designer and passenger Gibson Henry.
Talented and driven, Gibson has built a company ready to be the next big thing in gaming. Devoted to his work, he takes onetime pleasures where he finds them and never does repeats…which is what he tells handsome, sexy Maxwell Lewis after a little mile-high flight attendance. But a chance encounter in a London club is about to change things forever. Two men, one who’s flown solo and another who’s only ever played alone, are about to find that at some point all games come to end, it’s time to bare your heart and try for love.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1K5ny0R
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1KxB2SY
OUR REVIEW:
Flying Solo is the tale of two very different men. One, Maxwell, has crawled and scraped himself off the streets, where he did whatever he could to survive, and into a respectable position as part of the cabin crew at Target Airlines. But he's getting tired of the mile-high club and the array of sexual partners at every port. He wants something more. He wants Gibson.
Unfortunately, Gibson wants something less. A man with a relatively uncomplicated past, he's a computer nerd who is determined to make it in the gaming world. He never sleeps with the same man twice because why bother with relationships? He's far too busy getting his new company off the ground. He never even thinks about past sexual partners... But that all changes when he meets Max.
I loved seeing how the relationship between these two men evolved from one focused on sex only to one where trust and friendship become the main elements. As they share more of themselves, more of their hearts, their bond deepens until neither man can imagine a life without the other.
Susan did a great job of incorporating humor into her writing with this book. Maxwell is always up for a great one-liner, and while he keeps his most outrageous thoughts to himself, we as the reader are privy to them. These two had me laughing out loud:
When he was released and Gibson stepped back, lips swollen and wet, Maxwell tried to gather his brains back into his head from his crotch so he could form a sentence. He was still trying to when Gibson spoke.
Wall to wall geek. Maxwell wasn't sure what the collective noun was for a bunch of them gathered at a gaming conference, but he thought that perhaps a google of geeks might be a good term. Maybe even a nerd herd.
Flying Solo is some of Susan Mac Nicol's best writing!
OUR RATING: 4.5 stars!
(02/06/2016)
See more of Outrageous Heroes of Romance reviews for the Men of London series:
Suit Yourself (Men of London #3): http://outrageousheroes.blogspot.ca/2015/05/arc-review-suit-yourself-men-of-london.html
Cross to Bare (Men of London #5):
http://outrageousheroes.blogspot.ca/2015/11/arc-review-cross-to-bare-men-of-london.html
