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REVIEW: Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday
Leo Loves Aries – Anyta Sunday
A new person will enter your life in the early year, Leo. Look past any moments of frustration they might bring and laugh—this could be the start of a thriving friendship.
Theo Wallace usually laughs at the horoscopes his mom sends. Still hung up on his ex-girlfriend and practically friendless, this one begs him to reconsider. Because a friendship that stuck, that thrived…
Well, that would be a reason to leave past pains behind and look to the Bright Future.
When his sister Leone challenges him to find her the perfect date for a spring wedding, Theo uses it as a chance to make new friends. Theo’s ex economics tutor and newest roommate Mr Jamie Cooper seems to be a possible and convenient match. Real convenient. Like written in the stars, convenient.
All he has to do is make sure this Jamie is good enough. Could really be the one for her, and the friend for him.
But watch out, Leo, the stars have a surprise in store…
Leo Loves Aries is a feel-good gay-for-you novel slow-burned just the way I liked it. Very effectively written in Theo’s POV, we can only shake our heads at how blind he truly was. We see Theo and Jamie’s relationship gradually developing, each squee-tastic moment bringing Theo closer to understanding the JLM on the red t-shirt Jaime allowed him to wear and coming to terms with his own feelings. It was such fantastic build up with a very rewarding conclusion, it left the heart all warm and fuzzy.
We can go scientific and posit
“The position of the stars and planets will not affect your life in any way, shape, or form, whatsoever.”
Yes, true.
But Theo and Jaime’s chemistry lit up the entire book with so much sparkle and zing they make a very convincing argument that yeah, maybe this Aries should find a Leo instead of pining for that Aquarius.
Well played, Anyta Sunday. Well played.
Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfectSoundtrack: I’m Gonna Love You Too
Artist: Buddy Holly
Album: Buddy Holly -
REVIEW: Blasphemy! by T.J. Klune
Blasphemy! – T.J. Klune
Blasphemy!
Or,
When he sees Satan stuck in a rut, God provides a little divine intervention, suggesting the Devil get back to basics.
Taking God’s advice, Satan answers a summons to a crossroad on Earth, hellbent on brokering a deal in exchange for the soul of the human who summoned him.
The problem with that is the summoner is a deviant twink named Jimmy who immediately falls in love at first sight, much to Satan’s dismay.
Blasphemy! Where God is a frat bro who wants to get his brother laid, Satan absolutely does not have time for this shit, and Jimmy wants to climb the Devil like a tree.
This comes with a warning:
Disclaimer:
Straight up: if you are extremely religious and/or find the idea of Satan as a main character to be offensive, this is not the story for you. You have been warned up front. You are 100% allowed to have a boner for Jesus, but please don’t leave comments about how offended you are and blah, blah, blah. I don’t have time for such nonsense.
I totally love the wicked, irreverent humor here! Satan as a lonely, workaholic boss of hell and God as a sarcastic, meddling do-gooder who just loves to set Satan up on blind dates. Unbeknownst to humanity, these two powers that be get along really well. Here comes Jimmy, a sassy twink with a daddy kink for red-skinned devils. Also Jesus as a rebellious teenager because he missed out on his teenage years. This set-up just screams WTF?!
And TJ couldn’t resist poking fun at politicians, vegans who make you feel guilty for eating meat and his all time-favorite director to hate, Michael Bay.
Though I had to admit, I didn’t warm up to Jimmy immediately. Maybe he was throwing himself a little too much at Satan but God knows, because of course he does, Jimmy is good for Satan. Satan tried to resist but he is just putty in Jimmy’s hands. And so Satan got a boyfriend, God is in heaven and all’s right with the world.
P.S.
This is a free novella so read it here: http://www.tjklunebooks.com/new-blog/2018/12/9/blasphemy
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Sex To The Devil
Artist: Icky Blossoms
Album: Icky Blossoms -
REVIEW: Baby, It’s Cold by Josh Lanyon
Baby, It’s Cold – Josh Lanyon
Talk about Kitchen Nightmares! TV Chef Rocky and Foodie Blogger Jesse have been pals forever, so it should have been the most natural thing in the world to kick their relationship up a notch. Instead, it turned out to be a disaster. But Christmas is the season of love, and someone’s cooking up a sweet surprise…
Rocky said it best, it was a convoluted mess. The whole charade fell flat in so many ways and I don’t understand why Jesse didn’t simply invite Rocky to dinner instead. It would have been the more honest and sincere approach for rebuilding that bridge. The introduction of Rocky’s agent to the affair didn’t help much either.
It’s not without it’s good points. The setting was cozy, the lovely meal Jesse prepared was a success and the whole story gave off fluffy, quirky vibes that earned it an extra star.
Baby, It’s Cold might not be Lanyon’s best short story but it is enjoyable enough once you get past dinner. It started picking up when Jesse caught the flu and he and Rocky had their Big Fight where Rocky pretty much hurled everything he had been bottling up inside out in the open. I’m with Rocky on this one. I love that he even made sure Jesse got his fluids despite everything. Jesse seemed unlikable and it was mostly his fault, IMO. Though I am glad they had their second chance, I still have a few niggles. Better make it work this time, guys!
Rating:
3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked itSoundtrack: Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight)
Artist: Ramones
Album: Brain Drain -
REVIEW: Noble Hops by Layla Reyne
Trouble Brewing: Noble Hops – Layla Reyne
Everything Dominic Price has worked hard to uphold is about to come crashing down on everything he holds dear.
So much for the quiet life. Just as assistant US attorney and brewery owner Dominic Price is settling into a comfy new chapter with his partner, FBI agent Cameron Byrne, the sudden death of Nic’s father puts their happily-ever-after in jeopardy. Nic immediately suspects foul play, his prime suspect a notorious gangster his father was indebted to—only now the loan shark is out for blood.
Cam has been longing for Nic to finally let him in on this very personal case. But when Nic’s belief that he’s the sole Price heir is upended, the line between personal and professional starts to blur, leaving Cam unsure of where he stands.
Nic is depending on Cam’s kidnap and rescue expertise to save his recently discovered family member before it’s too late. But with a dangerous threat closing in, the ghosts from Nic’s past cast long shadows. Any relationship could crack under the pressure, but for Nic, finding his family might mean losing the love of his life.
I want some of that Fighting Boston Irish Stout!
Noble Hops wraps the Trouble Brewing series with a lot of suspense, action and that much awaited HEA. This third installment is focused on Nic. We get some answers to burning questions, such as why Vaugh was so hell-bent on hassling Nic when he had already cut ties with his father and who is this GS tattooed on Nic’s back.
Cam and Nic is rock-solid and nothing could come between them, not even Nic’s first love, though Cam had his insecurities. I love how in sync they were with each other and nothing underscores their deep connection than when Nic wholeheartedly said Cam would find him. He always does.
Like any MM reader, I love a good love story but Noble Hops is my kind of MM book in which there’s a whole lot of plot going on and the romance is on the side. An important person was kidnapped and Cam was in charge of the rescue operation. The search and rescue and the case against Vaugh took up most of the book. Vaughn was one tough bastard to nail. Waiting for him and Bowers to get their comeuppance kept me turning the pages. Nic’s family secrets were exposed but on the upside, his family expanded. Also, I have been waiting for it!, Nic doing his AUSA magic in the courtroom. Go get that bastard, Counselor!
I highly recommend Trouble Brewing. It’s an addicting romantic suspense series with well-written story arcs, lovable cast of characters, exciting romance, also, great beer.
P.S.
And please, do we get a wedding novella? A spin-off for Eddie and G?
I received a copy of Noble Hops from Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Falling In Love Is A Suicide Mission
Artist: Our Krypton Son
Album: Fleas & Diamonds -
REVIEW: The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh by Jess Moore
The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh – Jess Moore
Jeremy Warsh has been in off-mode ever since his grandpa’s death a couple years ago. He set aside their shared passion, comic art, and hasn’t looked back. As an introvert from the other side of town, he fully expects to spend his boring life bagging groceries until, maybe one day, he’s promoted to store manager.
Yet, his two best friends, Kasey and Stuart, are different. They’re not afraid to demand more out of everyone. When Kasey comes out, Jeremy’s inspired. He picks up his colored pencils and starts drawing comics again, creating a no-nonsense, truth-talking character named Penny Kind. Who speaks to him. Literally.
The friend group set in motion Stuart’s plans for a huge Homecoming prank, and if they can get Penny’s comic trending, they might be able to pull it off. Could this be a stepping-stone to a future Jeremy’s only dreamed of? And after he kisses a boy at a college party, will Jeremy finally face what he’s been hiding from?
The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh is a coming of age story set in the late 90s. The book covered Jeremy’s senior year, a time for big changes and major decisions. It is presented in a slice of life style which I liked along with its conscious effort to avoid Hollywood teen movie cliches. However, as one GR reviewer pointed out, situations were presented, problems arose but there seems to be no real consequences. This I completely agree with. I didn’t feel Jeremy and his friends were in any serious trouble. Once a scenario was presented, I could safely assume things would work out for them. In this aspect, the book was predictable.
In this kind of setting and being a YA book, it is very tempting to go heavy on the pop culture references just to get the retro vibe going so I commend the author Jess Moore for not going that route. A little goes a long away and the backdrop effectively provided context on some situations and reactions. But given that the 90s is making a comeback (and that I felt like it never left) , this book could be set this year and I wouldn’t be able to tell much difference, apart from the technology.
It was fun to witness Jeremy’s journey. There were many people who were with him for better or for worse.His friendship with Kasey and Stuart are goals but my favorite was his time with Ms. V, his elderly neighbor and aerobics partner. I also loved his mom, Connie Warsh, who was the best mom anybody could ever hope for. He had his very own Daredevil, Matt, and early on, you could already tell they were good for each other. Their chemistry was great! Even the bully, Russ Landy, gave Jeremy a push on his evolution.
There is romance in the book but it wasn’t the focus. Sexuality was also tackled but it was just something Jeremy and his friends experienced as part of growing up. That these were not the climax but merely part of the journey is a big plus as far too many books tend to dwell too much these two aspects thus minimizing other important milestones in a person’s life. Also, there was, quite refreshingly, no major angst involved in the coming out part. At least for Jeremy, who thinks labels are not important as long as you are OK with yourself . Yes! Kasey’s parents were not so open-minded which is tough but I loved how Kasey is comfortable in her own skin.
Drawing is Jeremy’s emotional outlet and his comic book character, Penny Kind, acted both as his avatar and inner voice that made him look deep within himself. However, as a whole, I felt that Jeremy sort of just let things happened. This kind of semi-passivity gave the book a meh aura so even though I liked TEOJW, it didn’t really blow me away.
P.S.
A Penny Kind comics please!
I received a copy of The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh from NineStar Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating:
3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked itSoundtrack: Oh, Me
Artist: Nirvana (originally by Meat Puppets)
Album: Unplugged in New York -
REVIEW: River Queens: Saucy boat, stout mates, spotted dog, America by Alexander Watson
River Queens: Saucy Boat, stout mates, spotted dog, America – Alexander Watson
Two men and a spotted dog restore a vintage Chris-Craft motor yacht and launch across the American Heartland from Texas to Ohio. The restoration, the people they met along the way, and life in an America which few know exists are the story of River Queens: Saucy boat, stout mates, spotted dog, America.
I live in an island and there’s a river at the back of my house but I have zero knowledge of boating. So I was slightly worried that River Queens might be heavy on boating jargon. Author Alexander Watson reached out via email and sent me a printed copy. When I finally got it in the mail, I browsed the first few pages just to get a feel of the book and before I even realized, I have already read through half of it! This is one of the most engaging and easiest books to read.
Alexander and his partner, Dale Harris, both of whom were landlubbers, bought the Betty Jane on what seemed like a foolish whim to save a beautiful antique designer boat. Such impulses I could totally understand because I have been known to buy a Walter Van Beirendonck jacket from a thrift store despite not having the right body type nor the weather for it. The driving force being, I must have/save this beauty!
We quickly learn that owning a boat is one of the most impractical things you can do. As the saying goes “A boat is a hole in the water you throw money into“. There were never-ending repairs and even during their trip, one thing or another kept breaking down. This kind of high pressure scenarios can make or break relationships. Alexander and Dale worked well as a team with a little bit of drama now and then. Many of these scenes were presented with self-deprecating humor that I find appealing and relatable.
Their adventures took them across several states and along the way, they absorbed the river culture and all the unusual people they met. There were keen observations and vivid descriptions of the river people that were insightful and illuminating particularly to an outsider like me. Some were laid out in in a way that referenced local Midwestern habits, icons and mannerisms and a few of these confused me somewhat, like the significance of the white gloves and its connection to the First Ladies, because I am not completely familiar with this part of the US. However I could gloss over these and it did not hinder my enjoyment of the book. Also, a little googling helped. Same with the boating terms. They were used often once the two men started on the renovations. I didn’t pay them too much mind and I could go on reading just fine. Later, I discovered there was a glossary helpfully provided at the back.
Sadly, homophobia still existed in some of the places they visited but there were much more genuine interest on Betty Jane and Doris Faye, and many acts of kindness and spontaneous connections remembered fondly throughout the journey. The river has its own dedicated community and its own rules and I appreciate the mutual respect and affection the river rats have for each other. Everybody loved Betty Jane and Doris Faye!
I love Doris Faye!
River Queens is a boating adventure that can be enjoyed by seasoned sailors and landlubbers alike. It is a well-written portrait of the American Heartland told with openness, sensitivity and good humor. Highly recommended!
P.S.
Thank you to the author, Alexander Watson, for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Down By The River
Artist: Milky Chance
Album: Sadnecessary -
REVIEW: If The Seas Catch Fire by L.A. Witt
If The Seas Catch Fire – L.A. Witt
Sergei Andronikov was a child when the Mafia wiped out his family, leaving him with nothing but a hunger for revenge. Years later, through ruthless strategy and tireless patience, he’s a contract killer working for the three families ruling Cape Swan… and he’s nearly in position to bring them all down from the inside.
Domenico “Dom” Maisano is Mafia royalty, a made man… and a hitman. He’s caught up in a violent life he can’t escape, struggling to maintain an image he doesn’t want, and suppressing desires he can’t have.
A chance encounter throws the killers into each other’s paths. Though Dom knows he’s playing a dangerous game, he’s intrigued and keeps coming back. Sergei can’t resist him either—Dom is everything he set out to destroy, but he’s also everything he’s ever ached for in a man.
Then Sergei gets the contract he’s been waiting for—the hit that promises to bring the town’s Mafia to its knees.
But when a capo makes an unexpected move, Sergei must choose between dropping the hammer on the families he vowed to annihilate, and protecting the man he swore he wouldn’t love.
And the wrong choice—or even the right one—will destroy them both.
I picked this up because I specifically wanted to listen to Michael Ferraiuolo. I went in blind and came out awestruck . It was so good!
First of all, I was delighted to discover that the main characters were an assassin and a mafioso. I love stories with these kinds of antiheroes and double the thrill that this is a love story between the two.
Sergei and Dom met in less than ideal circumstances, parted ways then met again because Dom couldn’t stay away. At first it was just for sex then the arrangement became something of an emotional lifeline for the two men desperate to escape a situation where the only time you get out is when you are dead. The book painted a good picture of the struggle Sergei and Dom went through. It was pretty much gutwrenching. It was such a convincing no-way-out scenario that I half expected the ending to be tragic. The only guarantee this ends happily is this being MM.
Sergei saved the day with his resourcefulness and quick thinking. The man is deadly as fuck. Dom was the most reluctant made man there is. He had no choice because his uncle, the don, effectively traumatized him to submission. Dom was also his uncle’s personal hitman. Thing is, he is really just a gentle soul so even though he was bigger than Sergei, he could learn a thing or two about intimidating a target from the smaller man. They were supposed to kill each other but the chemistry between the two hitmen were off the charts. The enemies to lovers aspect was executed really well here.
If The Seas Catch Fire is a book about people with guns so violence and death are a given. It was described as dark, but although there were scenes of torture, I felt it didn’t cross over to the disturbing territory. However, the protagonists make morally gray decisions so if you are not comfortable with these kinds of characters, this might not be the book for you.
Author L.A. Witt impressed me yet again with her story telling. The twist and turns, the gritty atmosphere, the heartbreaking family situations and intense scenes all came together in a powerful emotional rollercoaster that I have come to associate with her angstier books. She makes her characters go through so much shit that I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up dead. How Sergei and Dom pulled it off was pure suspense. It was almost perfect but of course, something had to go tits up and there was a very close call so boy, was I relieved to see them miraculously survive!
I had a great time with this book. It’s a winning combination of good writing and outstanding narration so I recommend experiencing If The Seas Catch Fire in audiobook form.
P.S.
I also recommend other L.A. Witt books, the riveting Bad Behavior series, review here, and the fluffier, To My Future Number 1 Fan, review here.
Rating
4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step awaySoundtrack: Slow Burn
Artist: David Bowie
Album: Heathen -
My Top 10 Reads of 2018
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Love Around the Corner – Sally Malcolm
Real life enemies, online lovers. Two lonely men, destined for each other–if only they knew it.
Real life enemies.
Alfie Carter grew up in New Milton, caring for his sick father and keeping their auto repair shop on its feet. He’s touchy about his poor education and doesn’t take kindly to snide remarks from the town’s prickly bookstore owner—no matter how cute he looks in his skinny jeans. Leo Novak’s new life as owner of Bayside Books is floundering. And he could do without the town’s gorgeous, moody mechanic holding a grudge against him after an unfortunate—and totally not his fault— encounter last Christmas.
Online lovers.
Left to run the family business alone, Alfie spends his lonely evenings indulging his secret passion for classic fiction and chatting online with witty, romantic ‘LLB’ as they fall in love over literature. Leo’s still reeling from a bad breakup and struggling to make friends in New Milton, so seeks comfort instead in his blossoming online romance with thoughtful, bookish ‘Camaro89’.
But as the holidays approach, ‘LLB’ and ‘Camaro89’ are planning to meet, and realities are about to collide…
Two lonely men, destined for each other—if only they knew it.What a delightful little story!
Love Around the Corner is the perfect Christmas story for book lovers everywhere. It is an updated version of You Got Mail in which two shop owners don’t get along in real life but connect closely online. While I didn’t enjoy the rom-com because Meg Ryan was forever doing the same character in all her movies and Tom Hanks was not my type, Alfie and Leo charmed me with their online bond and mutual love of Jane Austen, an author I’m trying to get.
I have tried reading Emma twice but I couldn’t move past the mind-numbingly dull conversations but I guess that’s the whole point, it being a commentary on people. I also want to read Pride and Prejudice to see what the fuss is all about with this Darcy fellow. Alfie and Leo understood the whole dissection of human nature thing that Austen is so adept at. Their enthusiasm for classic literature was so contagious I was inspired to read some. I was even pleasantly surprised to learn that Maurice, a book I dismissed as the usual bury your gay classic, has a happy ending! Definitely reading that.
This is another book set in New Milton, this time, in winter. The story is typical of romantic comedies. But even if we know what to expect, Sally Malcolm was able to keep things interesting. She had me hard rooting for both men. Alfie, the moody mechanic, is not really moody. He is actually such a sweetheart. He finds reading challenging but he worked around it by listening to audiobooks. Leo was the exasperating one and I thought Dee should have egged him harder to tell the truth. Heck, Dee should have gone ahead and told Alfie, spare everyone the drama. But since Leo was cute as a button and he was genuinely hurting, I didn’t feel too inclined to be annoyed. Also his love letter to Alfie was so worth it!
If you are up for something warm and fuzzy, Love Around the Corner is for you. That it is about bookworms is an extra treat. Author Sally Malcolm started writing MM in 2016 and she’s an exciting new voice in the scene. I totally loved her New Milton books! I liked how her books are a winning combination of fluff and humor with a side of angst. I recommend this to those who love stories about enemies-to-lovers, second chances and getting into that Christmas spirit.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
P.S.
Review of Sally Malcolm’s book, Between the Lines here.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Lost in Austen
Artist: Mystery Jets
Album: Radlands(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42779749-love-around-the-corner)
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REVIEW: Camp Hell by Jordan Castillo Price
Psycop: Camp Hell – Jordan Castillo Price
Victor Bayne honed his dubious psychic skills at one of the first psych training facilities in the country, Heliotrope Station, otherwise known as Camp Hell to the psychics who’ve been guests behind its razorwire fence.
Vic discovered that none of the people he remembers from Camp Hell can be found online, and there’s no mention of Heliotrope Station itself, either. Someone’s gone through a lot of trouble to bury the past. But who?Normally I don’t like book covers with models because they tend to be cringe-inducing but I liked this book model. Even before I started reading Psycop, I thought he was perfect as Victor Bayne. JCP’s book models are almost always on point. Also, Gomez Pugh’s narration is the best!
Anyway, when Vic was 23, he sported DMs, mohawk and safety pin piercings. Love it!. His boyfriend at the time was Stefan Russell who I dubbed Boy George because of his teased hair and makeup. When Vic got out of Camp Hell and became a psycop, he never looked back. After some research, Stefan resurfaced, reinventing himself as Steven Russeau, an empath specializing in counselling rich housewives and corporate types. I didn’t warm up to the guy. Although he seemed concerned about Vic’s panic attacks and succeeded in helping him deal with it somewhat, I suspected there was a catch somewhere. As to Jacob meeting the ex part, it’s a good thing that JCP wisely steered away from petty jealousies. Jacob met Stefan and deemed him a decent guy. But if I am okay with a Jacob+Vic+Crash threeway, Stefan would be no, just no to Boy George.
Via Stefan’s hypnosis therapy, Vic revisited his memories of Camp Hell which was something like a college dorm slash medical facility slash science lab, the lab rats being young psychics. Vic was in his rebellious state, messing with his tests, sneaking up with Stefan to get high and have sex, stealing food from the kitchen, and getting involved in other shenanigans until the new guy in charge put his foot down and made their lives hell. He was as good a prisoner in the facility with almost no control over what they did to him. I know it was one of the worst periods of his life but the Camp Hell experience was actually kind of fun to read about and I would love a Psycop spin-off featuring young Vic.
I wasn’t entirely comfortable with the flashbacks of him was doing it with Stefan because I kept thinking he should be with Jacob dammit! but the Camp Hell memories had some answers he was waiting for. Although I said reading about the place was fun, being trapped in a mental facility with no one believing your sanity is a big fear of mine. So I could understand why Vic had panic attacks every time he remembers the place.
This installment is one of my favorites. There were major character developments and revelations. Vic faced his past, put it behind him and came to terms with himself. Meanwhile, Jacob discovered abilities he never knew he had. How these abilities play out in the succeeding books is something I am looking forward to. I think this marks a new chapter in Vic and Jacob’s life.
Now, about that ghost tv…
P.S.
Review of Psycop books here.
Review of JCP books hereRating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Mental Hell
Artist: Ramones
Album: Animal Boy(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6003542-camp-hell)
