Necropolis by Jordan L Hawk

From the blurb:

Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has spent the last few months watching his lover, Griffin Flaherty, come to terms with the rejection of his adoptive family. So when an urgent telegram from Christine summons them to Egypt, Whyborne is reluctant to risk the fragile peace they’ve established. Until, that is, a man who seems as much animal as human tries to murder Whyborne in the museum.

Amidst the ancient ruins of the pharaohs, they must join Christine and face betrayal, murder, and a legendary sorceress risen from the dead. In the forge of the desert heat, the trio will either face their fears and stand together—or shatter the bonds between them forever.

Review:

The boys are back.  It's no secret that I love the Whyborne and Griffin series and book 4, Necropolis, is no exception.  Hawk has a way of capturing these characters that makes my heart sing.  Her narrative is dripping with humour, fantastical monsters, and gorgeous settings.  She's a story teller of high calibre.

This book takes our hero Whyborne well outside of his comfort zone - travelling all the way to Egypt, having been summoned by his colleague and best friend the archaeologist Christine Putnam.  The arid desert setting, the ancient tombs and artefacts, combined with the love and turbulence of Whyborne and Griffin's steamy relationship makes this an absolutely rollicking read.

I also love that Hawk is not afraid to touch on the fact that Griffin is bisexual. It's a small thing, but having visibly bisexual characters in the queer romance genre is so important.

I listened to this on audiobook and Julian G Simmons is a masterful narrator. He does a fantastic job capturing Whyborne's voice and giving distinct voices to both Christine and Griffin. It makes for a delightful listen. I couldn't stop and ended up listening to it in one day.  Not only is the performance excellent, so is the production.

This novel is perfect for a lazy summer day. Would be excellent reading on a lovely beach somewhere. If you don't have a beach, I'm sure a sunny patio will also work. Best consumed with iced-tea.

More Information:

Title: Necropolis
Author: Jordan L Hawk
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Publisher: Jordan L Hawk
Publishing Date: May 2014
Type: m/m

Read More»

A Ghost of a Chance by Josh Lanyon

From the blurb: 

Over a century ago Illusionist David Berkeley committed suicide in his mansion by the sea, thus dooming his restless spirit to wander forever. Or so the local legend goes...

Professor Rhys Davies, a part-time parapsychologist, is writing a book on California hauntings and he believes the crumbling ruins of Berkeley House will make a terrific chapter -- if he can gain access to the house and grounds. The only obstacle is brooding cop and self-appointed caretaker, Sam Devlin. As obstacles go, Devlin is a big one.

But you know what they say. The bigger they are, the harder they fall...

The Review:

A short novel narrated by the witty and self-deprecating Rhys.  Rhys is a parapsychologist but with a healthy dose of scepticism, making him a fun narrator. The opening scene of this book is action packed, awkward, and sets the stage for the struggle between Rhys and Sam Devlin.

Rhys is a bit of a hipster university lecturer - but he is quite feisty and sure of himself.  Sam Devlin stands in his way of getting information for his book on California hauntings.  Devlin is the big, brooding cop, but he's smarter and a better listener than Rhys initially gives him credit for.  

The backstory to this novel was intriguing but not overdrawn.  I particularly liked Rhys' trip to a small local museum. I feel Lanyon captured the feel of small town museums with very specific curiosities.  The sea-side small town setting is picturesque.  Rhys' tone as the narrator is witty, adding a nice contrast to the sombre, old-world style setting - a pastiche of modern and old bound together by an Illusionist's suicide.

The thing I loved most about this novel was the way the romance unfolds.  Rhys and Devlin do not get along at first, and it's only through small realisations on Rhys' behalf do we glimpse the gentle movement toward caring for Devlin.

It's not an original story line, but it's well done.  The romance is skilful and the paranormal elements are always left dangling tantalisingly on the fringes.  It's a great read for a cold afternoon perhaps with a full-bodied red wine.

Enjoy.

More Information:

Title: A Ghost of Chance
Author: Josh Lanyon
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Publisher: Just Joshin
Publishing Date: 2012
Type: m/m

Read More»

The Silvers by Jill Smith

From the Blurb:  

B, captain of the first crewed mission to the Silver Planet, does not think of the planet’s native race as people. Silvers may look human, but their emotional spectrum is severely limited. B allows his team to capture, study, and even kill the creatures.

When B bonds with a Silver called Imms, everything changes. B’s not sure if Imms’s feelings are genuine or imitation, but B’s growing friendship with Imms becomes his anchor in a strange world. Following a shipboard fire that kills most of B’s team, B takes Imms back to Earth. He sanitizes the story of the fire—for which Imms bears some responsibility—so that Imms is recast as its hero rather than its cause.

Life on Earth threatens the fragile connection between the two men. As Imms seeks independence from a bureaucracy that treats him like a test subject, he begins to experience the gamut of emotions—including a love B is frightened to return. And as B and Imms’s story about the fire threatens to unravel, Imms must use all he’s learned about being human to protect B.

The Review:

The Silvers by Jill Smith is a highly emotive novel, packed with sagacious prose.  The themes of colonisation and assimilation are prominent, making this novel deep, compelling, and intriguing.

An exploratory team is sent to the Silver Planet to investigate whether the water found there would solve Earth's water crisis.  However, when they arrive, they encounter an alien race whom they call Silvers.  The Silvers are humanoid, have a bruised skin hue, and a wandering heart.  Their emotional and physical differences are threatening to some of the crew, who quickly turn to brutality and cruelty - some of it sanctioned for 'Science'.

When the captain, B, finds a Silver, who has been brutalised by one of his crew, he decides to act with empathy and compassion, taking the Silver on board and nursing him back to health away from the other crew.  Although Silvers don't seem to feel much emotion, B soon learns that they are more complicated than the brutish humans first believe.

Imms, a Silver, is intrigued by these newcomers to his land, but soon his entanglements with them earn him castigation from his clan.  He is left with two options: to be alone or to join the humans, especially the one who saved his life, B.

The second part of this book is where the author really shines.  In the haunts of domesticity, Jill Smith successfully interweaves the mundane, the beautiful, and the profound as B and Imms struggle to navigate their relationship and stop more humans from hurting Imms.

Imms' perspective is especially provoking as he tries to become more human, to assimilate.  The pain of non-quite-belonging that Imms feels highlights, I think, the pain of colonised bodies.  Jill Smith provides open allusions this, especially with reference to the story of Pocahontas. 

B is a wonderfully faceted and fallible character.  He is the reluctant hero, and this reluctance sometimes causes him to falter at times when others need him most.  He is quite reflective on his own shortcomings and even when he is not behaving his best, it is still easy to sympathise with him.

There were a few detail discrepancies that I felt could have done with some work.  The premise is that Earth is short on water, but the action that takes place on Earth gives no indication of such a shortage - for example there are and streams, and the humans eat nonhuman animals, who consume a lot of water.  I would expect water shortage to have wide ranging impacts on humans and nonhuman animals, even those living in wealthy countries.  Also, despite the existence of intergalactic space travel, Earth is very much ordinary modern day.  These discrepancies, however, don't affect the story.

The Silvers provides a hesitant happy-for-now ending, which may not be satisfactory for all lovers of m/m romance, but it is an ending that reflects the turbulence and complexity of the characters and their story.

A highly recommended read.

A copy of this novel was given to Speculative Queer Romance in exchange for an honest review.

More Information:

Title: The Silvers

Author: Jill Smith

Genre: Sci-fi/Romance
Length: Novel

Publisher: Bold Strokes Books

Publishing Date:  Feb. 2014

Type: m/m

Read More»

King of Dublin by Heidi Belleau and Lisa Henry

From the blurb:

Twenty years after a deadly pandemic ravaged the world, Darragh Fearghal Anluan and the people of his village have carved out a hard but simple life in the Irish countryside. But with winter comes sickness, and Darragh must travel to Dublin in search of medicine. What he finds there is a ruined city ruled by a madman, where scavenging is punishable by death . . . or conscription.

Ciaran Daly came to Ireland with aid and optimism, but instead was enslaved by the so-called King of Dublin. After months of abuse from the king and his men, he has no reason to believe this newcomer will be any different. Except Ciaran finds himself increasingly drawn to Darragh, whose brutish looks mask how sweet and gentle he really is.

The tenderness Darragh feels for the king’s treasured pet is treason, but it’s hardly the only betrayal brewing in this rotten kingdom. Rebellions and rival gangs threaten the king’s power, but not nearly as much as Darragh and Ciaran—whose only hope for freedom is the fall of the king.

Review:

It's been a long time since a novel emotionally gutted me like King of Dublin.  It's dark, it's bleak, and you are definitely advised to read the associated warnings on the publisher's site.

The novel opens with survivor of the pandemic, Darragh, who has until this point struggled to carve out existence in his small home village with a few other survivors somewhere in the south of Ireland near Cork.  But he's left his village on a mission to Dublin.  The villagers need medicine to prevent a deadly illness which kills some of them each winter.  However, upon entering Dublin, he falls into a hell from which he may never return.

The other hero of this novel is Ciaran Daly.  He's been trapped inside the hell that is Dublin for about a year before Darragh arrives.  He is also living his own personal hell being abused by the king and his men.  Ciaran's situation, his previous optimism, and his down right stubbornness to survive are all painfully drawn and gut wrenching.

The setting is superb and it feels so real.

King of Dublin moved me intensely.  Heidi Belleau and Lisa Henry do such an amazing job of painting Darragh and Ciaran as complex people, who are fundamentally trying to survive and trying to be good - two things which often come into conflict.  It was emotionally intense to watch these two souls navigate such a dreadful situation.

The finale, however, was worth it.  All of Darragh and Ciaran's mistakes, all the ways in which they've hurt and loved each other.  Without giving it away, you simply must read it.

This has easily been one of the stand out new releases of this year, for me.  King of Dublin is stunning and haunting.

Please do read the trigger warnings on the website before plunging in.

More Information:

Title: King of Dublin

Author: Heidi Belleau and Lisa Henry

Genre: Post-apocalyptic/Romance
Length: Novel

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publishing Date:  24 Feb. 2014

Type: m/m

Read More»

Body Magic by Poppy Dennison

From the blurb:

Sequel to Mind Magic
Triad: Book Two

A pack is only as strong as its weakest member. Rocky Harris knows how the system works. He’s been on the bottom rung his whole life. But when his alpha consigns him to the High Moon Pack to help them improve security, he finds his beliefs not just challenged but outright assaulted.

Cade Montgomery’s confidence took a hit when the pack’s cubs were kidnapped on his watch. He’s prepared to do anything to protect his family, even if it means working with Rocky. Maybe Cade doesn’t trust Rocky, but with the turmoil surrounding pack Alpha Gray’s unpopular decision to break tradition and mate with a mage named Simon, Cade knows more threats are coming.

Then someone declares war on shifters and puts the entire pack in danger. Cade and Rocky will need each other’s strengths to survive the impending battle—and the power of their growing attraction.

Review:

(Read our review of the first book, Mind Magic, here)

Body Magic is the second book in Poppy Dennison's Triad trilogy.  The story follows two couples.  Cade and Rocky are introduced at the new romance for this novel, but a lot of time is also spent focusing on the established couple, Gray and Simon.

Cade is from the High Moon Pack, the pack that we grew to know and love from the first novel, Mind Magic.  Rocky, whom we also know from the first novel, has been brought in as a security expert from an outside pack.  Rocky is not ostensibly a likeable character, and I must admit, when the first chapter focused on him, I was a little uneasy.  

However, seeing things from Rocky's perspective really helped me to have more sympathy for him.

This novel is set right after the first.  Unlike the first novel, Body Magic is less about action and mystery and more about exploring relationships.  Despite the blurb of the book, which makes it sound like the novel is all about Cade and Rocky's romance, the story still hinges upon Simon and Gray and most of the narrative follows them in the lead up to their mating ceremony and Simon's important 25th birthday.  It did feel like it took a while to build up to the action, but I really enjoyed just spending time with the High Moon Pack and Simon, whom I adore.

The stand out character in this novel was actually Cade.  Cade is a biracial black man.  It's great to see in this genre, which is more often than not totally white.  Cade's inner musings on being different and dealing with difference were a very nice addition.  We see a depth to Cade that we didn't in the first novel.  Character wise, Dennison does a fab job with Cade.  School was never his strong point, so he doesn't consider himself smart like college-educated Gray and Liam, however, Cade never comes across as being unintelligent in a hammy sort of way.  His empathy and his loyalty to Gray and the High Moon Pack make him really loveable.

I would have like to have spent more time with Cade and Rocky.  Their romance felt a little thin, comprised mostly of physical attraction and some other inexplicable pull.  Both characters can be quite guarded and suspicious, but I would have like to see them talk more and add a bit more substance to their romantic feelings for one another.

The family scenes with Simon, Gray, Garon, and the new addition, orphan mountain-lion shifter cub Riley are undeniably adorable.  I love them and their family so much.

Body Magic is a solid and sweet second book in the Triad trilogy.  

Visit Poppy Dennison's website

More Information:

Title: Body Magic

Author: Poppy Dennison

Genre: Fantasy/Urban Fantasy/Romance
Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinners Press

Publishing Date: 10 Sept. 2012

Type: m/m

Read More»

A Case of Possession by KJ Charles

From the blurb:

Magic in the blood. Danger in the streets.

A Charm of Magpies, Book 2

Lord Crane has never had a lover quite as elusive as Stephen Day. True, Stephen’s job as justiciar requires secrecy, but the magician’s disappearing act bothers Crane more than it should. When a blackmailer threatens to expose their illicit relationship, Crane knows a smart man would hop the first ship bound for China. But something unexpectedly stops him. His heart.

Stephen has problems of his own. As he investigates a plague of giant rats sweeping London, his sudden increase in power, boosted by his blood-and-sex bond with Crane, is rousing suspicion that he’s turned warlock. With all eyes watching him, the threat of exposure grows. Stephen could lose his friends, his job and his liberty over his relationship with Crane. He’s not sure if he can take that risk much longer. And Crane isn’t sure if he can ask him to.

The rats are closing in, and something has to give…

Review:

The second installment in A Charm of Magpies is an extraordinarily fun romp.  I think this is even better than the first book, The Magpie Lord, and that's a tall order!

This novel follows Lord Crane, a domineering earl, and his lover, magician Stephen Day, as they seek to uncover a very curious plague of giant rats in London.  This mystery provides a fun backdrop to the main story arc - Crane and Stephen.

In The Magpie Lord we got to see their attraction to each other blossoming, but in this second book, we get to see their relationship unfolding.  Both men are incredibly strong in their own ways and fiercely independent.  There is a huge question mark over whether these two can actually get together for more than just mind blowing sex. 

The female characters in this novel really help to make it a winner for me.  Leonora Hart, a friend of Crane's, especially.  I love her sense of humour and her brashness.  I also enjoyed finding out more about Stephen's work partner, Esther Gold.  These two characters are what makes this novel, for me, superior to the first.  What can I say? I'm a sucker for awesome women!

KJ Charles' research also needs commendation.  Victorian London is not portrayed as being entirely comprised of white people!  There's a strong focus in this novel on Chinese migration, which really adds a nice depth to the book.  

KJ Charles' style is witty and fun.  The sex scenes are ridiculously steamy.

A Case of Possession is superb.

More Information:

Title: A Case of Possession

Author: KJ Charles

Genre: Paranormal/Historical/Romance
Length: Novel 

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publishing Date: 28 Jan. 2014

Type: m/m

Read More»

A Reason to Believe by Diana Copland

From the blurb:

Detective Matthew Bennett doesn't believe in ghosts. So when the spirit of a murdered child leads him to her body, he's shaken to the core--and taken off the case. Unable to explain his vision, or to let go of the investigation, Matthew turns to renowned medium Kiernan Fitzpatrick. Though he has doubts about Kiernan's claims to communicate with the dead, Matt is nevertheless drawn to the handsome psychic, who awakens feelings he thought were long-buried.

Haunted by the lingering spirit of the little girl, Kiernan is compelled to aid in the search for her killer. The chance to get closer to the enigmatic Matt is an unexpected bonus. Although Kiernan's been betrayed by people who turned out to be more interested in his fame than in himself, with Matt he's willing to risk his heart. As the two men grow closer, Kiernan helps Matt rediscover that life offers no guarantees--but love offers a reason to believe...

Review:

From the opening chapters, I was hooked.  I downloaded the audiobook for just before going to bed.  The scenes with the ghost of the little girl were absolutely chilling.  You've been warned.

Matt Bennett considers himself a rational man who doesn't believe in ghosts.  So when a chilling vision of the dead child leads him to find her body, he is thrown for a loop.  He admits to his less than welcoming superior what he saw.  His superior is a homophobic arsehat and uses what Matt saw as an excuse to put Matt on leave.  

Matt's sister in law and best friend Sheila takes him to see a psychic medium - Kiernan Fitzpatrick.  Matt is highly dubious about the whole thing.  However, it soon becomes clear that Kiernan Fitzpatrick is far from a hack, he does actually speak to and see the dead.

Kiernan is not what you would expect a psychic medium to be.  He is impish, childish, and funny.  In fact, he is so decidedly not the stereotype that it catches Matt entirely off guard.  The novel tracks their attempts to uncover who murdered the little girl.  Along the way, they explore what's going on between them.

I felt Matt's character could have been a little more interesting.  But Kiernan definitely balances out some of Matt's bland, stoic nature.

The romance didn't feel forced, it was paced really well despite the novel only taking place over a short time - about a week.

The female characters are also fab.  At first I didn't think I would like Sheila, but she soon grew on me and I ended up liking her very much.  Kiernan's sister Aiden is also really cool.

I read a lot of romance books that are predominately white, but this one felt especially so.  A bit more diversity in the characters would have been welcome.

Overall, A Reason to Believe is a great paranormal mystery with a solid m/m romance.  

More Information:

Title: A Reason to Believe

Author: Diana Copland

Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Length: Novel (80k)

Publisher: Carina Press

Publishing Date: 22 Oct. 2012

Type: m/m

Read More»

Mind Magic by Poppy Dennison

From the blurb:

Magical species must never mix. According to the rules, Simon Osborne should ignore the children’s cries for help. After all, they’re werewolf cubs, and he’s an apprentice mage. But for once in his life, Simon breaks the rules and rescues the cubs, saving them from a demon intent on draining them of their magic.

Of course, all actions have consequences, and Simon’s bold move earns him the displeasure of his peers and the attention of the cubs’ alpha, a man named Gray Townsend.

The last thing Gray needs is a mage in his life, but Simon did save his son. Since Simon is now a friend of the pack, Gray doesn’t have much choice about it—or the forbidden attraction that goes along with it. Unfortunately for the alpha, he needs Simon’s help to track down the demon behind the kidnappings—before it strikes again. Simon and Gray must join forces to protect the pack, even as they struggle to resist the temptation that threatens to destroy them both.

Review:

Mind Magic is a charming novel about the importance of family, overcoming social boundaries, and finding love.

Simon Osborne, a mage, through his magic hears werewolf children crying for help.  Unable to ignore them, he interferes and saves them from a demon. When he returns the cubs home, he meets the alpha wolf of the pack, Gray Townsend.  It turns out one of the cubs rescued was the alpha wolf's son, Garon.

Simon Osborne is easy to fall in love with.  He's always trying to do the right thing and he is kind and caring.  Gray could have very easily been a hyper-masculine stereotype, but Poppy Dennison paints him in softer colours, focusing often on Gray's relationship with his son.  This is very touching and sweet and works very well.

Mind Magic is also about finding one place even in the face of social taboos.  If mages and werewolves should never mix, why do Simon and Gray feel so right for each other?  In the face of social constructs, Simon and Gray try to find their own happiness.

What really won it over for me was the children.  Garon in particular stands out as being a stellar character.  He is funny, adorable, and totally lovable and brings out Simon's desires to have a family.

It's great to have a bisexual as one of the main characters in an m/m novel.  Gray doesn't overstate or flaunt it as such, but his bisexuality is simply treated as reality and normal by his peers.  There is no friction between Gray having a son from a one night stand with a good friend and his sudden attraction to Simon.  Garon's questions about the nature of Simon and Gray's relationship are adorable and melted my heart.

Dennison spends quite a bit of time setting up the mythology of this world, and I look forward to seeing how that develops in the other books in the Triad series.

Overall, Mind Magic is a charming novel.

Visit Poppy Dennison's website

More Information:

Title: Mind Magic

Author: Poppy Dennison

Genre: Fantasy/Urban Fantasy/Romance
Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinners Press

Publishing Date: 23 Apr. 2012

Type: m/m

Read More»

The Artifact by X. Aratare, Raythe Reign

From the blurb:

Dane Gareis is the handsome and aloof scion of a wealthy Winter Haven family. He hires Sean Harding, a scarred, yet brilliant, former police detective as his bodyguard after the murder of his father, Julius, by a cult known only as the Ydrath. The Ydrath want an ancient golden sarcophagus returned to them, but Julius had refused and been killed. Dane is just as determined to keep the sarcophagus out of the Ydrath's hands.

Sean knows that his willful, yet fragile, employer is in deadly danger. The former detective is determined to save Dane both from a terrible end and the terminal loneliness that surrounds the beautiful rich boy.


Review:

I really enjoyed this novel. It was captivating and interesting.

We're first introduced to Sean Harding, a cop who has been working a horrible drug case.  The drug in question kills everyone who tries it.  After a bust gone terribly wrong and after he is exposed to the drug too, Sean is forced to leave his job.  He later takes up a body guard position with Dane Gareis, who has recently taken over his father's very profitable business.  There are many things that need to be answered - like why isn't Sean dead from the drug? What's inside the sarcophagus?  But the blossoming feelings between Sean and his charge take centre stage.  Their emerging feelings unfold beautifully in this first book.

Sean Harding's character is very likable.  Although he is a former cop, he isn't hyper masculine and is quite sensitive and gentle.  Dane Gareis although physically delicate is not simply a sheltered flower.  He has his own strengths along with his weaknesses.  I really liked both characters.  There is Yaoi genre influence in this novel.

The author does a fantastic job of drawing out Sean and especially Dane's pasts, of taking their attraction to each other slowly in light of how complicated they are as people.  The tenderness in their blossoming relationships is quite beautiful.

The speculative elements of the story and the plot are intriguing: a mysterious drug and a gang that disappears tied up with an ancient cult known as Ydrath.  I was, however, sad to learn that this novel ends on a cliff hanger - an homage to the fact that it was originally written as serialized fiction and reworked for novel release.  This made it feel much more like finishing series one of a television show.

Although my desire to find out what happens to these characters and what is going on with the Ydrath is not sated, this was a very visual, very emotional introduction to these two characters and their world.  I really look forward to the second novel in the series.

It's available in many formats including audio book.  There's even a graphic novel.  You should check out the release detail page on the author's website.

More Information:

Title: The Artifact
Author: X. Aratare, Raythe Reign
Publishing Date: 30 Nov, 2013
Length: Novel (110k)
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Type: m/m

Read More»

The Guardian by Mary Calmes

From the blurb:
Jude Shea's life is turned upside down when he rescues a dog he names Joe. Even though Jude has enough trouble taking care of himself—he doesn't even have a job—he can't resist the animal that needs him. Then one night, a man shows up on his doorstep looking to claim Jude's new companion. As they run from a surprise attack, Jude finds out that "Joe" is not what he seems.

Eoin Thral is a guardian from an alternate dimension, and once he leads Jude through the veil that separates their worlds, he transforms into a handsome hulk of a man known for his fighting skills, not the capacity for love. Jude finds himself immersed in Eoin’s world, and he's faced with the fight of his life to secure a happy future for them both.


Review:
This is the story of Jude Shae who falls in love with a man from a parallel world called Eoin.   Jude rescues a giant dog, whom we later discover is actually Eoin.  The dog is possessive.  When strange men come looking for the dog, Jude and the dog run and fall through the 'veil' into Eion's world - a medieval-esque realm.

The scenes with Eoin as the dog are alright, but once Jude enters the other world, the narrative goes south.  The cute dog turns into Eoin Thral, who is far from likable.

My main issue with this book was that the main love interest, Eoin, is stylised as an animalistic oaf who cannot control his violent sexual urges.  When they first enter Eoin's world, Eoin binds and gags Jude and threatens him. Then he decides that he'd like to have sex with Jude and says "You will not deny me; ’tis not your right." Seriously, what the hell?

During the first time Eoin and Jude have sex, part way through Eoin is shocked to discover that Jude actually wants to.  Apparently most people don't actually want to have sex with him, but he takes it anyway.  Rape is basically Eoin's modus operandi.

Despite Eoin's possessiveness, he can be quite thoughtless.  Jude is sent to Eoin's room to wait for him.  Eoin fails to send him food or water and when the sex workers of the keep discover this, they take it upon themselves to get him food and drink and keep him company.  The scene with the sex workers elucidates that Guardians like Eoin are so violent and brutal in bed that no one sleeps willingly with them except for prostitutes, even then the prostitutes are reluctant.  This made my skin crawl.  Sex workers do not deserve violence, ever.   The author does seem somewhat concerned with the possible charge of rape, however, and is quick to insist through the sex workers that it's not.  I'll just have to shrug my shoulders and disagree.

The narrative itself is really just an awkward prop for the sex scenes.  Firstly, Calmes uses the conceit of "soul mates" to bypass actually having any kind of romance.  Really?  I guess if they are not soul mates it would be impossible to, you know, fall in love with the rapist Eoin Thral, but, whatever.

I found Eoin's instant possessiveness far from charming.  It was outright intimidating and scary.  Jude's desire for monogamy is fine, but it felt like it was used merely as a way to ensure that Eoin's violent possessiveness and rapey-ness were acceptable.  I get that people enjoy the big, rough "barbarian" stories, dripping with hyper-physical sex... but this story made my blood run cold.

Many reviewers have complained about the characterisation of Jude Shae as pretty much too perfect.  I have to agree.  Everyone loves him. Everyone wants to fuck him and he's super successful at what he does.  Jude Shae is also bi-phobic.  At one point he wonders what people will think now that Eoin is suddenly gay despite having sexual/rape relationships with women previously.

My main stylistic complaint is the distracted head hopping.  The head hopping randomly to minor characters shows that neither of the main characters were interesting enough to stick with for the entire narrative.

The cover is gorgeous.  Anne Cain did a fantastic job of the cover and I love it a lot. Shame about the story.

More Information:

Title: The Guardian
Author: Mary Calmes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publishing Date: 8 Feb, 2010
Length: Novel
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Type: m/m

Read More»

In Discretion by Reesa Herberth

From the blurb: 

Thanson Nez thought his career as a Discretionary would take him to the stars, not strand him on a space station at the ass-end of the Empire. Thanks to his last client, he’s carrying a secret he can’t get rid of fast enough, but his oath to the guild means a swift, painful death if he shares it. Already desperate for help, he runs into yet more trouble: his ex, and an explosion that paralyzes the station moments after their uncomfortable reunion.

Kazra Ferdow, Station 43’s communications officer, is almost as blindsided by the return of his first love as he is by the sudden loss of power and life support. The station is a floating graveyard in the making, and something is turning its inhabitants into savage killers. Fighting human monsters and damaged tech, Kazra and Thanson must put aside their past long enough to try to save everyone.

The more light they shine into dark corners, the more Thanson realizes how many people might die for the secrets locked in his head—and what he’s willing to sacrifice to make sure Kazra isn’t one of them.

Review:

This is a fun, action packed novella that hovers brilliantly between tense action and narrative exposition.  The story opens up with Thanson, a male consort, landing on Station 43, an asteroid mining outpost, escaping the thoroughly unlikable and thuggish Misher.  Once on board, he runs into his ex - Kazra.  

With the Station's power failing and a mysterious zombie-esque virus infecting a large number of the crew, Kazra and Thanson go on a mission to the Station's core to try and reroute enough power to send a message for help.

As things go to hell around Thanson and Kazra, their history unfolds.  Thanson and Kazra were teenage loves, and it's fascinating to watch them navigate the pain of teenage heartache as adults.  Reesa Herberth does an excellent job of balancing the present action filled narrative with exposing tantalisingly bit by bit Kazra and Thanson's past.  

This is the first story I've read in the Ylendrian Empire universe.  It had a great flavour with some Firefly influences seeping through.  First of all, Thanson is a male companion, he is "a member of the Discretionary's Cohort...a respected trade guild," not unlike the Companion's Guild in the Firefly universe in style, training, and respectability.  Second, there was some phrasing which rang of Firefly lilt, such as "ass-end of the 'verse" and "Do you understand? If you don't, find me someone who does, sharp-like." 

The Firefly allusions work quite well in this story without overwhelming it.  

I really liked that neither main characters are white.  Kazra is described as having "olive skin" and Thanson as having "dark skin".  

There are a couple of political undertones, which add a richness to the story. There is a conversation in which Misher, a baddie, threatens to rape Thanson.  Misher, in excellent baddie style, likes to explain what he is going to do.  He makes it very clear that he has no interest in taking physical pleasure, he only wants to put Thanson in his place:  "I just want to put you in your place for once, and we both know that's below me."  This shows that the author is versed in the idea that rape is not about pleasure, it's about power.

Also in a political vein, I also enjoyed the critique of the corporation working to turn a profit rather than look after their people.  This is borne out in the observations made about Station 43 and the state of disrepair it's in, as well as inadequate safety measures - lives cost less than equipment.

The romance story line is teased out over the course of the novella and we have to wait to the very end for resolution.  But the ending is satisfying and well worth the wait.

This makes for an excellent Sunday afternoon read with a cup of tea.  Especially if you like zombies in space and m/m romance.

You can find out more about the series and the world by visiting the Ylendrian Empire website.

You can also follow the author, Reesa Herberth, on Twitter @reesah.

More Information:

Title: In Descretion
Author: Reesa Herberth

Publisher: Riptide
Publishing Date: 30 Dec, 2013
Length: Novella (30k)
Genre: Sci-fi/Romance
Type: m/m

Read More»

Review: Threshold by Jordan L Hawk

From the blurb:

Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne’s railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.

Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin’s ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.

Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?

For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.

Review:

I am totally and utterly smitten with the Whyborne and Griffin series thus far.  I read the first book, Widdershins, but decided to give the audio book a whirl for the second novel in the series - Threshold.

It did take me a little to adjust to Julian G. Simmon's interpretation of Whyborne.  I must confess, in my mind Whyborne was always a little more British in his accent, but Julian does such a fantastic job of creating a softly spoken, humble and all round adorable Whyborne.  Now I couldn't think of Whyborne's voice as anything different.

The story of Threshold is very different from Widdershins.  Threshold is more like an episode of the X-files, whereas Widdershins was more like an adventure novel.  And I mean that as a compliment.  Moving the action away from the town of Widdershins was both refreshing and a little sad.  Widdershins was a character in itself.  But it really doesn't take Hawk long to establish the character of Threshold as a setting.

Hawk handles the movement from blossoming relationship between Whyborne and Griffin in Widdershins to established relationship in Threshold phenomenally well.  She never lets the characters remain comfortable for long.  The pain she puts Whyborne through is simply soul wrenching and it made my heart ache.

I loved the way we explore Griffin's past more in this novel.  It helps to make him a little less shiny and heroic.  There is a real sense of equality in their relationship and it warms me.

Whyborne's character development is also key to the forward momentum of this story.  He becomes emboldened.  And it's not just Griffin's presence and support which helps him to make these personal growths - it's also the ways in which he finds himself standing in opposition to Griffin.

I also adored the way we explore Whyborne's family more - especially his mother.  She is fascinating and I really hope we see more of her in the most recent book.

As much as I want to hold out and wait for the audio book version of book 3 in this series, Stormhaven, I don't possess that kind of patience.

Feels. I has them.

Title: Threshold
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Publishing Date: June 3, 2013
Length: Novel (67k)
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Historical
Type: m/m

Read More»

Review: Widdershins by Jordan L Hawk

Synopsis:
The year is 1897 and it's a chilly winter in the coastal town of Widdershins.  Percival Endicott Whyborne is a brilliant but shy comparative philologist who is defensive about his past and his 'inclinations'. Given a choice about anything, Whyborne would stay hidden away in his office translating dead languages.  But things don't exactly go as Whyborne would like.

A private detective, Griffin Flaherty, requires help translating a text in cipher and Whyborne is the most qualified man for the job in Widdershins.  It's not long until Whyborne ends up being Griffin's reluctant sidekick.

Even as they investigate the monstrous, Whyborne finds himself becoming more and more attracted to Griffin.  But many things stand in his way: his past, the law, and social mores.  Can Whyborne relinquish his memories and love again? Can Griffin, after all he's been through, trust anyone?  And most importantly: can they save the goddamn world?

Review:
This paranormal-historical-romance had me on the edge of my seat for the entire book.  It took next to no time for me to become totally invested in the two heroes as well as their kickass friend, Dr. Christine Putnam.

Whyborne, whose point of view we follow, is utterly utterly lovable as the main character.  He is very introverted and tries to avoid being noticed or being the centre of attention.  His social ineptitude was at times cringe-worthy, but totally sympathetic.  As he becomes more relaxed around friends, he becomes even more loveable.

Griffin, the hero, by contrast to Whyborne, has a certain ease about him. He balances out Whyborne's introverted nature well.  His kindness is really what makes him lovely and drives home many of the 'squee' moments throughout the book.  And were there many 'squee' moments? Oh yes! Many!

Dr. Christine Putnam deserves more than an honorable mention for being a badass female presence.  A female archaeologist at a time when women were not supposed to be doing such things, she is powerful, assertive, smart, and knows her way around guns. And the two heroes would probably be dead without her.

The liberal smattering of classical allusions were very welcome by this reader.  Latin and the ancient world provided excellent embellishments to the paranormal elements.  Jordan L Hawk's background in archaeology is most certainly an asset to this story.

Hawk's language is rich and rewarding.  Her ability to capture the nervousness of new love and mesh that in a story filled with monstrous gore should be commended.

I feel like I've come to the party late on this one - but I'm sure glad I arrived at all.  I'll be starting on Threshold as soon as possible because I just cannot get enough of Whyborne and Griffin.

Seriously, all the squees.

Title: Widdershins
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Publishing Date: Dec 3, 2012
Length: Novel (85k)
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Historical
Type: m/m

Read More»

Review: The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles

From the blurb:

Exiled to China for twenty years, Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England. But with the mysterious deaths of his father and brother, it seems the new Lord Crane has inherited an earldom. He’s also inherited his family’s enemies. He needs magical assistance, fast. He doesn’t expect it to turn up angry.

Magician Stephen Day has good reason to hate Crane’s family. Unfortunately, it’s his job to deal with supernatural threats. Besides, the earl is unlike any aristocrat he’s ever met, with the tattoos, the attitude…and the way Crane seems determined to get him into bed. That’s definitely unusual.

Soon Stephen is falling hard for the worst possible man, at the worst possible time. But Crane’s dangerous appeal isn’t the only thing rendering Stephen powerless. Evil pervades the house, a web of plots is closing round Crane, and if Stephen can’t find a way through it—they’re both going to die.

Review:

I couldn't put this novel down.

The plot is well focused and the main characters are incredibly well drawn.  The pacing is just phenomenally well executed.  While there are a few cliches, e.g. a tall, strong earl, the fact that Lord Crane has spent 15 years in China adds a really nice embellishment to the character.

K.J. Charles does a really great job of balancing elements of Victorian England with a paranormal story line.  Fans of romance might find the romance plot takes a while to get into, but, trust me, it's worth it.

The pacing of the romance is something that I really admired.  The two heroes really do get to know each other and the attraction doesn't feel forced.  There's also the whole business of being in peril and saving one another that helps to solidify their attraction.  What others would have brushed off as a bromance, K.J. Charles masterfully makes into a romance.

The dynamic between the dangerous, but mostly good Lord Crane, and the mysterious, but grudge holding Stephen Day is first almost hostile before journeying through to romantic interest.  Their passion for one another develops over the course of the novel in a series of unfolding events, and K.J. Charles masterfully controls the unfolding relationship by building up to a crescendo.

The editorial execution was, from what I could tell, flawless.  The ebook cover was professional, interesting, and definitely attention grabbing. Overall, a polished end result.

It is one of the best queer romances that I've read, although I have my quibbles with it.  I am eagerly awaiting book 2, A Case of Possession due to be published Jan 28, 2014.

Title: The Magpie Lord
Author: KJ Charles
Publisher: Samhain
Publishing Date: Sep 3, 2013
Length: Novel (50k)
Genre: Romance/Paranormal/Historical
Type: m/m

Read More»