ARC #REVIEW Mr. and Mr. Smith by HelenKay Dimon #RomHero #mmromance #military

Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Publisher:  Random House LLC
Length: 215 pages

Description: Fisher Braun knows how to keep a secret. As a covert paramilitary operative, his job—and his life—depends on it. He’s at the top of his game, ready for action and always in control. No enemy has ever brought him to his knees, but one lover has: Zachary Allen, the man currently sharing his bed. The perfect package of brains and brawn, Zach is someone worth coming home to, and Fisher hates keeping him in the dark about what he does. But the lies keep Zach safe. Until the day Fisher loses everything. . . .

Zachary Allen is no innocent civilian. Although he plays the tech geek, in reality he’s deep undercover for the CIA. In a horrible twist of fate, the criminal enterprise he’s infiltrated has set its sights on the man whose touch drives him wild. Zach would do anything for Fisher—except blow his own cover. Now, in order to save him, Zach must betray him first. And he needs Fisher to trust him with all his heart if they want to make it out alive.


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OUR REVIEW

Loved, loved, loved this book! The suspense starts on page one and keeps going right to the end. Undercover becomes double cover and behind it all is a blazing attraction and love. The danger is thrilling, the banter is witty, and the sex is hot.

"Sometimes you'd hum." Zach smiled at the memory. "I doubt you even realize you did it."

"Fuck it." Fisher whispered the words as he moved. In two lunging steps his hands slid over Zach's shoulders and pushed his back against the wall.

Their mouths met in a hard kiss. Deep and devouring. No slow burn here. They raced from cool and arguing to skin on fire. Lips tasted and hands roamed. A grumble sounded in the back of Fisher's throat. He was all over Zach, crushing him into the concrete while he cradled Zach's head in his palm.

What more could anyone want in an m/m romantic suspense? Oh, how about some heart-wrenchingly impossible situations?

The emotional distance showed in every line of Fisher's body and the stark look in his yes. His mouth pulled tight until tiny lines formed at the edges.

Zach guessed this was what hatred looked like. He'd seen so many emotions cross Fisher's face during their time together. Heat, longing, need, caring. They'd come full circle. Wariness and doubt lingered there now. No warmth. Worse, no trust.

Both Zach and Fisher are intriguing characters. I'd love to know more about them and see how they do in a real-life relationship.

If you enjoy hot, alpha heroes with guns, who happen to love men, pick up a copy of Mr. and Mr. Smith. You won't regret it!

OUR RATING: 5 stars!

#REVIEW My Dirty Detour by Grace Risata (An Alpha Male Mafia Comedy Romance) #RomHero

Author: Grace Risata
Title: My Dirty Detour (An Alpha Male Mafia Comedy Romance)
Genre: M/F Romance
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Publisher:  Grace Risata
Length: 323 pages

Description: A dominant leader flees the mafia, looking for a fresh start in a small town. He put all his effort into starting a business and resigned himself to a life without love.
A neurotic germaphobe lives vicariously through the books she reads, preferring to play it safe in real life and hide behind her sarcastic remarks.

“I am NOT that neurotic! I just have germ issues and I tend to over-analyze things. Sure, I second guess myself all the time and have a tendency to freak out over the small stuff. I’ll admit that I do ask a lot of “what if…?” questions. Fine. I’m neurotic.” 

One fateful day, the simple act of taking a wrong turn leads Violet right into Rocky’s life and completely turns it upside down. Accustomed to his orders being obeyed immediately and without question, Rocky doesn’t appreciate Violet challenging his authority at every opportunity.

“I don’t like being told what to do. Especially when some arrogant tough guy thinks he can boss me around. I might have argued with him just to keep him close. He smelled like heaven. Although with a body like his, I knew he was no angel. 

Violet charmed her way into his heart with her quick wit and stubbornness, causing Rocky to fail at his many attempts to resist her.

“He’d never met anyone like me before. I trash talk, curse like a sailor, and pretty much say whatever’s on my mind. Life is too short to pretend to be something that you’re not.” 

Rocky tries to keep his violent past hidden from Violet, but it suddenly catches up to him and he can no longer deny who he really is. Will Rocky turn his back on the life he built or stay and fight for what’s his? When Violet is faced with situations that rival anything she’s merely read about, will she be able to face her fears and work together with Rocky or will the truth tear them apart?

“It’s one hell of a wild ride! Take a look inside the first few pages and I’ll tell you all about it.” 


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OUR REVIEW

My Dirty Detour was a welcome surprise. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from "An Alpha Male Mafia Comedy Romance." Turns out, this was a perfect description! The book is filled with sexy dangerous men, witty dialogue, and truly humorous scenes.

Rocky is a man who finds himself in the heart of a mafia family. Danger, fighting, and survival are all he knows. Until he decides that he's had enough and moves to small-town nowhere to start anew, making Olde Devil Gin. As a protege of the Don, Rocky is used to having his word heeded immediately. That all changes when this hunky strongman meets Violet. At first sight, she has the appearance and personality of the stereotypical librarian: meek and mousy. But as Rocky and the reader soon learn, what's on the inside is quite different. And she definitely does not listen. Violet is headstrong and naive. After all, what does she know about Mafia families? That she can give back as good as she gets is one of the things I really like about this character. And it seems, Rocky does too. :)

As for the side characters, they are all a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the interplay between Rocky and his friends: Sergio, Dmitry, Vasily, and Vasily's wife Irina.

There were six shot glasses filled with a clear liquid on a tray and each of us took one. I wanted to ask what it was first, but I didn't want to stand out as being a coward. I held my nose and downed the shot in one gulp. Big mistake. I started sputtering and gasping for air. My throat burned like it was on fire.

"What was that? It tasted like ASS!" I promptly exclaimed.

Irina grinned and replied, "That, my friend, was a shot of Olde Devil Gin made at Grim Rock Distillery."

Oh no! Talk about putting my foot in my mouth. I slowly turned around to look at Rocky with a sheepish expression.

"Thanks, Violet, good to know we're making a quality product. 'ASS' was exactly the flavor we were going for," Rocky told me, looking very offended.

While there is a lot of humor and many light moments, there is also a considerable amount of violence, which is expected given that this is in fact a mafia romance. Rocky is a darling, but he is VERY rough around the edges, especially early on in the story.

If you love books with dangerous, alpha men and spitfire heroines with no filters, you'll love My Dirty Detour!

OUR RATING: 4 stars!

ARC #REVIEW In The Present Tense by Carrie Pack #RomHero #mmromance #timetravel

Title: In the Present Tense
Author: Carrie Pack
Genre: M/M Romance, Science Fiction, Time Travel
Release Date: May 19, 2016
Publisher:  Interlude Press
Length: 336 pages

Description: Miles Lawson goes to sleep dreaming of a future with his boyfriend Adam, but wakes to find he is married to Ana, an acquaintance from high school. When he learns he has been time traveling, Miles is consumed with finding a cure for his rare condition—and finding his first love.

Traveling more frequently, Miles assembles the puzzle pieces of his life and, in doing so, alienates his wife. As he loses control, Miles must realize that sometimes fixing your past mistakes means changing your future. But will he be able to convince Adam he is telling the truth before it’s too late?


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OUR REVIEW

In the Present Tense is a truly fascinating story. Is Miles really time-travelling, or is it some sort of multiple personality disorder? That's the question that gets explored in this first installment of what is sure to be a great series!

The story opens with a very confused Miles who wakes up one day--in the future and in bed with a girl from his high school.

"Oh shit, it's happening again," Ana said, her eyes wide.

"What is?"

"The time travel thing."

"What time travel thing?"

"Oh shit, how young are you this time, Lawson? Don't tell me I got the version of you who hasn't figured it out yet."

He stared at her. Time travel? Had she lost her mind?

"Fuck me running," she said when he didn't respond. "Have a seat, Marty McFly. I've got a story for you that's gonna blow your mind."

The relationships in this story are complicated and intense. Miles wakes up in the body of an older Miles who is now married to Ana. He finds out that he broke up with Adam, the boy who was the love of his life, but he doesn't know why. Older Miles is seeing a psychiatrist, but is she helping or hurting? Does anyone really believe him?

As the story bounces between past and present (and future!), we come to know more about Miles, Ana, and Adam and none of it is what it seems.

In the Present Tense is the story of a true love, one that won't give up. It's that chance to perhaps go back and change the things that went wrong, or to reignite old feelings in the present. A second chance... I loved it.

If you enjoy stories like The Time Traveler's Wife, you'll love In the Present Tense!

OUR RATING: 4.5 stars

ARC #REVIEW North to Zombieville by Meg Bawden #RomHero #mmromance #scifi

Genre: M/M Romance, Science Fiction
Release Date: May 18, 2016
Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press
Length: 200 pages

Description: The year is 2028, and Dallas and Raleigh Jenson are torn apart when a worldwide zombie apocalypse ravages their home of Townsville, Australia. After a year of searching, Dallas, a former Australian Army rifleman, finally reunites with Raleigh, but it’s not like old times. Not only do they have zombies to contend with, but they also have to deal with other humans changed by desperation and willing to do anything to survive.

Dallas and Raleigh have changed too. So much so that Dallas struggles with the idea that Raleigh no longer needs or wants his protection. But they will have to rely on each other and find strength in their love as they are forced to evade zombies and watch their friends die. As they fight for their lives in a brutal landscape where every supply and every step toward a potential cure is a battle to the death, only their trust in each other can keep them from perishing.


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OUR REVIEW

North to Zombieville opens with a bit of normalcy. Dallas and Raleigh Jenson are celebrating a wedding anniversary in style. They exchange words of affection...

Dallas stared into Raleigh's pretty blue eyes, his chest tightening at the thought of how much he loved this man in front of him. Raleigh was his world. Did that sound corny? "I love you, Leigh."

Raleigh swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I love you too."

And then their world is torn apart. The two are separated for six months. Dallas who has military training soon finds himself in a leadership position, responsible for a group of survivors. But he never forgets, Raleigh, never betrays him, and never gives up on finding him. Raleigh is rescued by a friend of Dallas' and together they team up with a few others, scavenging and surviving as they can. 

Then one day, a miracle occurs; Raleigh and Dallas find each other. Great right? Not so great. Although their love for each other is as strong as it was, the apocalypse has changed them, made them stronger, different. Their roles have changed. Their relationship must adapt to their new situation. Can they make through as husband and husband? Or will the pressures prove to be too much? 

Being strong wasn't helping anymore, and he fell to the ground beside the bed where someone had already put his bags of belongings. With his back pressed against the frame of the bed and mattress, he buried his face into his knees and cried. He couldn't help it. He cried because there was no tomorrow. It didn't matter how long they lasted, they were going to die. If not physically, then mentally. Their personalities would die. Jesus, he'd already begun to dwindle internally. Not even Dallas being around him could help that. Having his husband there felt like a dream. 

The author did a very good job of world building and of putting her own spin on the zombie lore. As a fan of The Walking Dead, I enjoyed this story a lot, especially because it got into the sexual relationship side of things a little more than the show. :) Dallas and Raleigh are a loyal, loving couple, but their challenges are far from over. North of Zombieville ends on a Happy-For-Now note, as expected, and I'm hoping that there will be a sequel to their story!

OUR RATING: 4 stars!

(05/27/2016)

ARC #REVIEW Power Play by Avon Gale #RomHero #mmromance #hockey

Genre: M/M Romance, part of the Second Chances series
Release Date: May 9, 2016
Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press
Length: 201 pages

Description: A freak accident during the Stanley Cup Playoffs put an end to Max Ashford’s hockey career. Despite everything, Max gets back into the game he loves—only this time behind the bench, as an assistant coach of the Spartanburg Spitfires, the worst team in the entire league. But nothing prepares him for the shock when he learns the new head coach is Misha Samarin, the man who caused Max’s accident.

After spending years guilt-ridden for his part in Max’s accident, Russian native Misha Samarin has no idea what to do when he’s confronted with Max’s presence. Max’s optimism plays havoc with Misha’s equilibrium—as does the fierce attraction that springs up between them.

Not only must they navigate Misha’s remorse and a past he’s spent a lifetime trying to forget, but also a sleazy GM who is determined to use their history as a marketing hook. But when an unwelcome visitor targets a player, Misha revisits his darkest days, and that might cost him and Max the beginning they’ve worked so hard to build.


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OUR REVIEW

Determined to jump start ticket sales one way or another, the owner of the ECHL Spartanburg Spitfires hires Misha and Max as coach and assistant coach. Why is this a big deal? Because an accident during the NHL playoffs several years earlier ended both their careers. He's hoping that the inevitable hostility between the men will spark interest in his flagging team.

Max Ashford looked a lot different than Misha remembered.

Of course, the way Misha remembered Max was lying unmoving on the ice, still as a corpse. A sight he still saw sometimes, in the dark spaces where his dreams should be.

But while they don't give the owner the fire he wants, things aren't exactly relaxed between the two men. At least not until Max puts Misha at ease with his quiet ways and gentle humor, teasing him about his accent and occasional lack of knowledge of English slang. But Misha soon learns to turn the tables on Max.

"Fine. So we're keeping Drake?" Max put his head on the table and groaned. "He has a lip piercing."

"What was that? I can't hear you. Did you say he... has a hip replacement? He's so young."

Max lifted his head. Misha was calmly eating his dissected mozzarella stick and watching him with something that max was sure was amusement. "You have got to be kidding me."

Misha winked at him. Max's world tipped upside down and flipped sideways.

It was a real pleasure to see these two men working to overcome their pasts, the accident and its consequences, as they built up a winning team. Their relationship grows organically over the coarse of the season. Misha, having the most serious issues, is propped up lovingly by Max, who proves to be so much more than he lets on.

I loved both these men. Their story of triumph will make you smile and want to know more. Oh, and the sex scenes are hot and varied. The author did a great job of integrating them into the story line at just the right time and in the right way.

There are also some very interesting side characters in this story, some of whom will no doubt receive their own books. I can't wait to read them!

OUR RATING: 4.5 stars!
(05/25/2016)

ARC #REVIEW On The Outside by Louise Lyons #RomHero #mmromance

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: April 30, 2016

Publisher:  Louise Lyons

Length: 112 pages

Description: When Craig Ferguson is released from prison after a year’s sentence for fighting, he returns home to his father and brother, and the family business. Throwing himself back into the life he left, with family, work, and women, Craig tries to forget his time on the inside, but there’s one thing he just can’t get out of his mind. 

Cell mate, Rocky Kirk, still has six months of his sentence to go, and after a year together in a tiny cell, Craig misses him more than he cares to admit. He does his best to forget, but when Rocky is released, and arrives on Craig’s doorstep, homeless and hurt, everything that happened between them comes flooding back. 

Craig’s family takes in Rocky, now known as Kirk, and gives him a home and a job, but he’s reluctant to join in with their partying, and never seems entirely comfortable in their home. A few months later Kirk announces he has to leave, and when Craig presses him for an explanation, Kirk blurts out that his unwanted feelings for his friend are hurting him too much to stay. His admission changes everything, but Craig’s uncertainty, and fears of his father discovering their secret, threatens to ruin anything that could develop between them. 

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OUR REVIEW

The premise of this story is intriguing: two men who share a cell, also share their bodies. Of course, it's just for sexual release... right?

Craig and Kirk are in prison for minor drug crimes. They end up cellmates and friends, and their friendship keeps them safe from the other inmates. But at night, they are more than friends. When Craig is released, six months before Kirk, he returns home to his brother and father. Now these two are interesting. On weekends, father and sons prowl the bars for women that they bring back home for a night of fun. (It's a little weird, but I have discovered that men feel quite differently about this subject than women do.) Craig is determined to get back into the groove of things. A discussion with his good friend Ben makes him realize that he wants more than one-night stands. 

"When did you become Mr. Faithful?"

"I guess I'm bored with fucking around."

"Well, then, you need to do some different things and meet more people. Join a gym or something. The one I go to has plenty of hot women prancing around in leotards."

I considered what he said. It couldn't hurt to take up a new interest. all I did was work, hang out with Dad and Stuart, and occasionally Ben, and wish I was doing something else. I'd been satisfied before, but being locked up twenty-four seven for a year changed my outlook.

The problem is that Craig wants what he'd had with Kirk: the friendship, the easy connection, the fulfilling sex. When memories of his time with Kirk turn into fantasies, Craig is deeply troubled. He isn't gay. It was just sex. His struggle is real.

It wasn't the first time I'd thought about him like that in the past few months. Each time I forced the thoughts away and convinced myself I remembered it because there'd only been him for a year. It didn't matter that his mouth felt better than any woman's; that his rough hands and hard body fired me up like soft feminine curves didn't. It was all in my head.

Several months later, when Kirk is released, he shows up on Craig's doorstep in need of a job and a place to stay. Craig's father lets him move into their spare bedroom and gives him a job in their construction company. 

I enjoyed seeing Craig and Kirk's friendship deepen as they get to know each other outside of prison. His acceptance of his true sexuality is slow, but believable. And his reluctance to come out to his family is even more so. Each step of the way I felt for him and for Kirk, who comes with his own sad story. 

All in all, I liked On the Outside. It is short and could have been further developed, the characters fleshed out more. But it is a  touching story, and Craig and Kirk are sweet. So if you like short and sweet romance with tender-hearted heroes, this is the book for you!

OUR RATING: 4 stars

(05/22/2016)

ARC #REVIEW The Heart As He Hears It by A. M. Arthur #mmromance #romhero #disability

Genre: M/M Romance, part of Perspectives series

Release Date: April 19, 2016

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Length: 253 pages

Description: Love can slip through the smallest crack in the door.

While most of his friends have moved on to “real” careers, Jon Buchanan is content skating through life as a part-time waiter and gay porn star. Firmly single thanks to a previous relationship disaster, he focuses his spare time on Henry, a dear friend dying of cancer.

And with Henry’s happiness paramount, Jon is on a mission to help Henry meet his recently discovered grandson.

Isaac Gregory hasn’t set foot outside for the past year. He has everything he needs delivered, and his remaining family knows better than to visit. When a complete stranger shows up claiming to be his grandfather—with a distractingly handsome younger man in tow—his carefully structured routines are shaken.

Despite his instant attraction, Jon senses Isaac is too fragile for a relationship. Yet tentative friendship grows into genuine companionship. And when Henry’s health begins to fail, they realize Fate brought them together for a reason.

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OUR REVIEW

One of the things I love most about Arthur's stories is that she doesn't shy away from making heroes of the most unlikely characters, and with The Heart As He Hears It, she doesn't disappoint. 

Jon Buchanan is a porn star with body image issues brought on by a bad relationship with a controlling and cruel boyfriend. Issac is a man who's past traumas have left him hearing impaired and agoraphobic. What an unlikely pair! And one that pulled at my heartstrings. How could I not be moved by Jon's kindness and loyalty or by Isaac's sad story and his awakening desire for a better life?

The one task he hated most was the simplest and hardest to do--walking the trash and recycling bags to the curb the morning of pickup. The trip to the sidewalk was twenty feet, and the task took less than forty seconds, because he ran, but for those forty seconds he was exposed. Daylight or not, he had no protection from the outside world, and he always spend the next half hour sick and shaking.

Good thing he didn't have to do that until Thursday.

The world Isaac has built himself is rigid with routine, safe in its regularity. Every aspect of his day is regimented, scheduled, and in lock-step. But all that changes on the day Aunt Nerina shows up on his stoop accompanied by an older man, who claims to be his grandfather, and a gorgeous guy who has suddenly has Isaac thinking all kinds of new thoughts.  

The beautiful man who'd yet to speak or be introduced was even more beautiful up close. He was as tall as Isaac, with the muscle definition of someone who spent a lot of time exercising. Maybe he owned one of those machines Isaac frequently saw advertised during daytime television programs. He smelled like something spicy and warm, probably cologne.

Isaac enjoyed the scent very much.

It was fun to see Jon and Isaac's relationship evolve into something more, which is quite a challenge because Isaac is a virgin, very naive about sex and love, while Jon is a porn star. The way Jon handles Isaac's questions, with gravity and a touch of humor, is really endearing. 

Although I didn't feel as attached to Isaac and Jon as I did to Gabe and, especially, Tristan (The World As He Sees It), I did love their story, the way Jon slowly made a place for himself in Isaac's overly-structured world, how he became Isaac's "safe" place. I also loved how Isaac helped Jon to see himself as he really is and not how others have made him to feel. Their affection was sweet and genuine, and the sex when it comes is great!

If you love damaged heroes who make each other whole again, you'll love The Heart As He Hears It.

OUR RATING: 4 stars

(05/17/2016)

Check out our 5-star review of The World As He Sees It here.