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REVIEW: Murder at Pirate’s Cove by Josh Lanyon
Secrets and Scrabble: Murder at Pirate’s Cove – Josh Lanyon
Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, Scrabble champion and guy-with-worst-luck-in-the-world-when-it-comes-to-dating, is ready to make a change. So when he learns he’s inherited both a failing bookstore and a falling-down mansion in the quaint seaside village of Pirate’s Cove on Buck Island, Rhode Island, it’s full steam ahead!
Sure enough, the village is charming, its residents amusingly eccentric, and widowed police chief Jack Carson is decidedly yummy (though probably as straight as he is stern). However, the bookstore is failing, the mansion is falling down, and there’s that little drawback of finding rival bookseller–and head of the unwelcoming-committee–Trevor Maples dead during the annual Buccaneer Days celebration.
Still, it could be worse. And once Police Chief Carson learns Trevor was killed with the cutlass hanging over the door of Ellery’s bookstore, it is.
I’m super excited about this latest Josh Lanyon series!
I read a lot of mysteries from procedurals to paranormals but I think this might be the first time I’ve come across a true blue MM cozy.
Lanyon loves paying homage to classic golden age mysteries and to the genre as a whole which is something I really liked about her. Many of her MCs are mystery writers and/or bookstore owners, sometimes antique dealers, frequently with love interests involved in law enforcement.
Her latest protagonist’s name is Ellery Page (love the name!). He is a screenwriter, an abysmally bad actor and the owner of Crow’s Nest, a failing bookstore inherited from a long-lost dead relative. He lives in a mansion that’s literally falling apart as we speak. Also inherited from said dead relative.
I liked that the story was written in Ellery’s third person POV instead of a first person POV. As with most of her protagonists, his ‘voice’ brings in those colorful snarky descriptions frequently deployed by writers to make things more dramatic. I had fun going through his thoughts but I wish Lanyon would shake things up and write from the more stoic love interest’s POV too.
As genre tradition dictates, our amateur sleuth pokes his nose into other people’s business in an effort to clear his name of murder. Most of it involved soliciting gossip from people who were very much willing to share. This is safe enough. But then there was one TSTL-ish moment when he did a little B & E on a dead man’s house. Aaargh!!! I was so exasperated! I wanted to smack him in the head for stupidity.
We also meet Police Chief Jack Carson, the lead investigator of the case who time and time again warned Ellery to stay out of trouble. Carson is your usual Lanyon love interest. At first glance, an abrasive man of few words who as the story progressed would reveal his hidden not-so-bad-afterall side. This happens in almost every Lanyon book but somehow I’m not tired of it yet. I still get a thrill whenever the ‘good’ side is revealed
He and Ellery oh so slowly edged towards a tentative friendship. And that’s all there is. This story has no romance and zero steam. This is a big plus for me.
The story is set in a quaint seaside town of Pirate’s Cove. I’m the type of reader who typically gloss over descriptions of places so I’m glad that the book was able to establish a sense of place and town culture without boring me with too much details. We are also introduced to a fair share of quirky town fixtures sure to pop up in many of the books.
I had a great time letting the story unfold. The mystery was a good one. I couldn’t guess who the murderer was until the very end. I only realized on hindsight that major clues were dropped and I totally missed them.
Murder at Pirate’s Cove is a quintessential cozy. Even with the templates fully in place, they do not detract to how enjoyable everything is. The author was able to keep things fresh and engaging. All in all, this is a charming little addition to her oeuvre.
Recommended if you like amateur sleuths who couldn’t lie to save their life, pirate cosplay murders and puppies who wouldn’t quit.
P.S.
Josh Lanyon books here.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Trouble is a Friend
Artist: Lenka
Album: Lenka -
REVIEW: Saving Rafe by Jocelynn Drake
Lords of Discord: Saving Rafe – Jocelynn Drake
Rafe Varik
The troublemaker. The risk taker. The sexy club owner full of wicked promises.
Rafe has devoted his immortal existence to pleasure and causing mischief.
The only ones who can depend on him are his brothers. Of course, that’s very much a Varik thing.
But when the leader of the Arsenault clan specifically requests Rafe’s help in tracking down a killer, he can’t say no.
Sure, Rafe claims he’s doing it for his family. They’ve attracted too many enemies and could use a few allies.
That’s not the whole truth, though.
There’s something about Philippe Arsenault that draws Rafe in. He wants more of Philippe. The vampire leaves him longing for another second in his presence, another taste of his lips, another caress of those perfect fingers.
Yet when it’s all over, what will become of Philippe and Rafe. Because Philippe will always be an Arsenault, and Rafe will always be a Varik.
Saving Rafe is the second book in an MM paranormal romance series that has vampires, betrayal, annoying brothers, music, heartbreak, hope, sexy times, and a pair of star-crossed lovers.
I am happy to once again sow chaos with the Variks in this second book of Lords of Discord, Saving Rafe.
Vampire politics is something I’m keen on reading about and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. The story picks up months after the Variks defeated the Black Wolf clan. Other clans were getting antsy at what they thought was a power grab by the Variks. None were bothering to believe that it was the Black Wolf clan who attacked first.
The Variks were approached by the Arsenault, a clan many knew little about, for help in looking for their missing member. Rafe was especially picked for the task because the clan leader, Philippe Arsenault, saw something more in him other than a self-proclaimed ‘purveyor of fleshly delights’.
As much as I liked Rafe and Philipe, I wasn’t that convinced with their romance. It was all too insta. What I liked though was how the trust between them was built even if it sprung up too fast for two people who knew better. I also liked the comfortable companionship growing between them. I would have liked their friendship developed properly first before moving on to romance territory. That would have been more believable and would have strengthen the character development too.
Even though I wasn’t that invested in the romance, everyone made the book worthwhile for me. Every Varik, from Marcus, Bel, Winter and Ethan were given ample page time. And I’m so happy Aidan’s back to properly take his seat as the head of the family. The supporting characters Lola, Gideon, Ryder and Julian were also great additions to the cast.
What it means to be a clan was the main theme in the story. The Variks have always considered themselves family and not a clan. Now that their family has expanded to include Ethan, could they possiby accept other vampires into their fold? Would they finally take the step forward and be a clan? Would other clans take this as a sign of aggression?
Meanwhile, Philipe shoulders all the responsibilities of keeping his clan and their secrets safe. Somebody is picking off his most vulnerable clan members one by one. There were dead giveaways as to who the bad guy is. At some point, they were even reduced to a cartoon villain. While I liked it that there are different antagonists per story, the giant spectre of the Ministry hanging over them and an imminent war brewing, I wished we can get more fleshed-out villains.
This is a long book with the showdown reserved almost to the very end. This wasn’t as suspenseful as the first book with less action scenes. There were times I had that just-there-for-the-ride feeling but I wasn’t exactly bored.
The highlight for me was when my favorite twin, Bel, stepped in to save the day with his army. I would love to see that on screen! Winter and his shadowy tricks is making me so very, very curious. The wee Varik is giving Bel a run for his money.
I can’t wait to see what the youngest Variks are up to.
P.S.
review of book one, Claiming Marcus, here.
Jocelynn Drake books here.Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: All You Did Was Save My Life
Artist: Our Lady Peace
Album: Somethingness -
REVIEW: Within the Mind by Alice Winters
In The Mind: Within the Mind – Alice Winters
Seneca is the complete package. He’s smart, sexy, and confident, much to Chevy’s annoyance. They’ve worked with each other for two years, and even though Chevy might secretly find his partner charming and attractive, playful harassment is all they have.
Chevy was born with a unique gift that allows him to go into the memories of others. As detective, he uses this ability to find peace for victims who have been hurt or attacked. He delves into their memories and can pick out minute details that will help them put the criminal behind bars.
But neither Chevy nor Seneca are prepared when they are asked to go into the mind of a serial killer in hopes of finding survivors. They are even more unprepared for the monsters they find inside the man’s mind. Drawn into a memory where it’s hard to figure out where the truth exists, they realize that there may be more to the serial killer than they originally thought. The dark world draws the two men together in a way they never dreamed.
It will take everything Chevy and Seneca can give to stop the darkness that could consume their minds. As the two are forced to face what is keeping them apart, together they realize that there’s more to the mind and heart than either of them know.
Within the Mind is a 90k word romantic suspense with lots of snark, an ominous gramophone, and finger cuddling, because we all know spooning isn’t as great as it sounds.
A mindbending blend of hilarious WTFuckery and creepy AF mindfuckery.
The WTFuckery comes in the form of Chevy Wright and Seneca Bates, detective partners for some unnamed agency. They have gifts, Chevy can access memories of people while Seneca can mimic any gift. When they’re not pretending to be upstanding, civilized law enforcers, they spend their time trying to one up each other in snark. Which is, like, 90% of the time.
Chevy and Seneca are perfect foils for each other. The former is grumpy and very introverted while the latter is very flirty and outgoing. Seneca is forever declaring his love to Chevy. Chevy is forever announcing his disgust at Seneca’s antics. All the while, wanting him but giving up on ever having the man.
I’m not an expert on this, but is Chevy demi? Because with all the innuendos exchanged by these two goofs, Chevy’s POV could have been written with many lust filled references. Instead, it was all about the longing and the pining. And the giving up because how could someone perfect ever liked someone as boring as him? Even when he was finally with the man of his dreams, he didn’t just immediately jump his bones. He took his time until he was ready.
This was more effective in showing the depth of feelings in a relationship revolving around playful harrassment. The beauty of their relationship is that they bring out the best, and worst, of each other. The serious conversations between them are few and far in between but when they come, it’s right in the kokoro!
The mindfuckery is courtesy of the artist/serial killer, whose gift is unknown but very powerful. The way the killer manipulated the mind so effectively it had me questioning reality. To the point I keep expecting that any jump from memory to current reality is an illusion. It was disorienting as hell. As if that’s not bad enough, he threw in creepy sound effects, endless hallways, and monsters in the dark. I got the heebie jeebies!!!
And then at the end, when all the pieces come together, you’ll find yourself, quite unexpectedly, feeling sorry for the monster. All in all, it was a nicely done murder mystery.
Within the Mind is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. The humor could be too juvenile to some but when you’re comfortable enough to show your weird to a person and he shows his weird back, that’s a rare and precious thing. That’s how I see Chevy and Seneca when they’re trading dumbass remarks. I just adore these two!
The worldbuilding and character descriptions are not as detailed as I would have liked. I have no clear picture of what the characters look like exactly. Nor the locations. This could be intentional since we are seeing thing’s from Chevy’s perspective. His outlook could be a little blah.
The gifts weren’t detailed as well. Just enough basic explanation is provided. Gifts are rare and so far, four were presented in the story. I expect more gifted individuals will show up as the series progress.
Within the Mind is best read if you’re prepared for crazy characters getting themselves involved in many ridiculous situations. Situations ranging from there’s a six-legged arachnid woman with a face full of teeth coming after me to let me talk out of my ass like Ace Ventura, pleeease!!!
It could be worse. We’ll find out on their next case.
P.S.
Alice Winters books here.
Rating:
4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step awaySoundtrack: The Memory’s Here
Artist: Hot Hot Heat
Album: Hot Hot Heat -
REVIEW: Tallowwood by N.R. Walker
Tallowwood – N.R. Walker
Cold cases, murder, lies, and an unimaginable truth.
Sydney detective August Shaw has spent the last decade of work solving cold cases. Since the death of his boyfriend eight years ago, August works alone, lives alone, is alone — and that’s exactly how he likes it. His work is his entire life, and he’s convinced a string of unsolved cold-case suicides are linked to what could be Australia’s worst ever serial killer. Problem is, no one believes him.
Senior Constable Jacob Porter loves his life in the small town of Tallowwood in the middle of the rainforests in northern New South Wales. He runs summer camps for the local Indigenous kids, plays rugby with his mates, has a close family, and he’s the local LGBTQIA+ Liaison and the Indigenous Liaison Officer.
When human remains are found in the camping grounds at Tallowwood Reserve, Jake’s new case turns out to be linked to August’s cold cases, and Jake agrees they’re not suicides at all. With Jacob now firmly in August’s corner, they face one hurdle after another, even when more remains are found, they still can’t seem to gain ground.
But when the body of a fellow police officer turns up under the same MO, it can’t be ignored anymore. August and Jake must trace the untraceable before the killer takes his next victim or before he stops one of them, permanently.
Another beautiful masterpiece from N.R. Walker!
Tallowwood is intense, gripping and moving with just enough fluff to keep things from becoming too dark.
August Shaw is a cold case detective working on an 18-year old serial killing case that nobody takes seriously, mainly because the victims were gay. One of them was his boyfriend, Christopher, who he found dead in their bathtub 8 years ago. It was made to look like suicide like the other victims. But August knew Christopher wouldn’t take his own life.
August ‘wears his grief like an old coat‘. He’s drawn into himself, he’s socially awkward, an asshole to others and very, very determined to prove that what were ruled as suicides were actually murders. He’s almost to the point of obsession. It took a small town constable with a winning smile to shed light on a little known fact: the gritty detective could be so damn adorkable!
Jacob Porter is a senior constable in Tallowwood who contacted August in order to consult him with a case that might be related to the detective’s. Jacob is a cheerful, very likable person who’s also smart and very good at his job. He is a ray of sunshine with a side of bossy. You have no choice but to love him.
The two men discovered they worked well as a team. They go over case files, visit families of victims, open old wounds, and sought fresh perspectives for that much needed break in the case. While doing so, they bond over food, small town life, Scarlet the cat, and kookaburras.
The book treated its subject with appropriate gravity and depth. It talks about grief, loss, needing closure and giving oneself a chance to move on. Even with these weighty themes, the story didn’t feel too heavy. The author was able to inject humor with perfect timing. It done so naturally without ruining the profundity of the moment.
My heart went out to August. I could feel his grief and frustrations pouring off the page. He’s one of those characters who badly needs a hug. I loved how Jacob showed him simple acts of kindness that worked so effectively. He made him feel safe and cared for. The romance was appropriately slow-burn and one of the best of its kind out there.
Tallowwood is a complex, well-written police procedural. I liked how it focused 80% on the mystery while still delivering a wonderfully done second chance romance. Not only was the mystery hard to solve but people in high places were placing roadblocks whenever they could. I thoroughly enjoyed going through the nitty gritty of the investigation. I was in the dark until the author dropped the big hints.
I loved how the author built up the suspense and brought everything together in an explosive climax. All loose ends were resolved completely and we were even gifted with a delightful epilogue. I couldn’t ask for a better ending.
This is the kind of book you’ll want to read non-stop from start to finish. I would have done so if not for the need to sleep. I recommend reading this on a weekend so you could binge. And remember to always watch the kookaburras.
Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfectSoundtrack: Dead Hearts
Artist: Stars
Album: The Five Ghosts -
REVIEW: Risk Assessment by Parker St. John
Cabrini Law: Risk Assessment – Parker St. John
All they have left is their pride.
Elliot Smith was once a hotshot attorney, but those days are long gone. A midlife crisis of conscience has left him with shattered confidence, abandoned by his former friends and scraping by at a legal aid clinic. When a smoking hot bad boy rescues him from the side of the road, Elliot is sure he doesn’t stand a chance.
After a misspent youth boosting cars, Lucas Kelly runs his own garage and is finally getting his life back on track. He isn’t about to risk everything by daring to hope for something more, especially not with a man so far above his pay-grade.
The heat between them is enough to have them questioning everything they thought they knew about themselves. But is explosive chemistry enough to keep them together when Elliot’s career threatens to drive them apart?
Risk Assessment is the first book of Cabrini Law, a lawyer romance series featuring a justice league of attorneys out to defend the little guys. And fall in love.
First of all, the MC’s name is Elliot Smith!!! It’s missing a T but still, Elliot Smith!
So I wanted to like him immediately. And I did like him. He was that interesting mix of smarts, ruthlessness and naivety. As a lawyer, he was damn good at his job. He cares about his clients and goes the extra mile for them. He genuinely believes in people. Outside his professional life, whatever silver tongue he has at the courtroom gets all tied up in front of a hot guy. Which happens every time he talks to Lucas.
All of the above would have been cute. What I didn’t like was how Elliot was made to look desperate and needy. I get being submissive but why is he the one always grovelling in front of Lucas. Especially when it was Lucas who said all those horrible things. Yes, this book has one big ugly fight. I wish it didn’t.
Lucas Kelly was harder to like. I wanted to like him too. He’s an ex-con trying to make a better life for himself. He just bought the garage he used to work in. He’s on his last few probation meetings and is well on his way to becoming a free man. He’s charming and dominant but he also has an insecure side which reared its ugly head at the latter part of the story. Hence, the big fight.
Majority of these two men’s issues revolved around the ‘I’m not good enough for him’ woes. This could have been resolved by talking. Instead, Lucas lashed out, hitting Elliot on spots where it hurt the most. He called his 40-year old boyfriend old. Meanwhile, Elliot received advice about self-worth from an unlikely source, his ex. Then went out of his way to grovel. I know this is the ‘going after what he wants’ side of Elliot but I really, really wanted Lucas to do the grovelling.
These gripes aside, Risk Assessment is a good debut and worked really well as a series opener. It is, first and foremost, romance but I liked how the other aspects, such as Elliot’s professional life and his case on Julio, and Lucas’ strive for a normal life, was integrated into the main thread. I also liked how things came together at the end. And for a first book, the writing is great. It’s easy to read and held my attention from start to finish.
The book also succeeded in introducing characters I would love to see more of. I’m excited to read about the other lawyers, like Miguel and especially Maksim. Maks is an arrogant bastard and he knows he’s brilliant enough to earn the right to be one. He’s a silver fox with a silver tongue. I know his story will be aaawe-some!
If you like stories where lawyers are rescued by underwear models and mechanics are wooed by Beyonce, take a chance on Risk Assessment.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: Longshot
Artist: Catfish and the Bottlemen
Album: The Balance -
REVIEW: Bishop: A True Lover’s Story by A.E. Via
Bishop: A True Lover’s Story – A.E. Via
At only thirty-two, Bishop Stockley has lived a hard-knock life. His gang was his family, the streets his home. Until the crew he’d always called his brothers betrayed him. After doing five years in a federal prison, Bishop is back at his dad’s trailer and working for his landscaping company, thrust into a legit world where he’s no longer the alpha—a world where a criminal record is the least of his disadvantages, because Bishop can’t read or write. Illiteracy had never been an obstacle for him on the streets, he didn’t need to know how to read Moby Dick to survive, he needed to know how to read people… and that was a hustle he’d learned hard and fast. Now, he had to change his life.
Bishop’s only support system was a young, inexperienced dad who’d insisted he call him Mike all their life—since they looked more like brothers than father and son. And his hot-tempered, childhood, best friend from ’juvie, Trent. Bishop already had the deck stacked against him, but he wasn’t afraid of hard work to change his situation, and he did want to change. Especially after he encountered Edison Scala, a kind-spirited office manager who didn’t hesitate to come to his defense… a man that saw past Bishop’s grass-stained coveralls. A man who wasn’t intimidated by his stern features and his silence.
Edison hadn’t grown up the way most of his peers had. He’d been raised by a single father who’d owned an old-fashioned barber shop where Edison was taught how to not only shave with a straight razor, and shine shoes, but also how to treat others, to not judge, to be a gentleman, to be respectful and speak without profanity. But, the biggest lesson he’d learned, was to always be himself. His lack of friends and a social life wasn’t his fault. No matter how much weight he gained, no matter how many times his staff called him a square, Edison did not need to change.
Bishop knew Edison was off-limits. He’d made personal vows to himself when he was released from prison, ones that he never intended to break. But, when Edison asked him about providing landscaping services at his home, there was no way he could refuse. He hadn’t expected Edison to feed him, praise him, encourage him, and look at him the way he did—as if Bishop was somebody. Mike and Trent warned him not to mix business with pleasure and he didn’t intend to.
No multiple pairings.No cliffhangers. Ends with a very, very HFN.
Warning:
This book is a M/M contemporary romance, a hardened man’s struggle to find real love.There are no police chases or doors being kicked in, in this one. But, don’t worry.Bishop is still intense enough to keep you on the edge.
Bishop: A True Lover’s Story is a moving story of one man’s struggle, not only to find real love, but to rise above and become a better person. This is different from A.E. Via‘s usual offering of law enforcement bad boys and shifter alphas. This is a true blue contemporary romance but with the same intense alpha males she does best.
The two main characters couldn’t be more different from each other on the surface. Bishop is rough around the edges. He’s an ex-gang leader and ex-con who couldn’t read and write. He grew up with a dad who was only 15 years older than him and wasn’t much of a father figure. Bishop was in prison for 5 years for armed robbery along with his best friend, Trent. Meanwhile, Edison was an executive at a law firm at only 26. He’s slightly overweight, cooks like a master chef and is a veritable bookworm. He has no social life at all.
Right off the bat, I connected with Edison with his weight woes, love for good food, lack of friends and capacity to devour books. It was easy to dismiss Edison as spineless at first glance. He lets his subordinates walk all over him, especially that giant prick, Skylar. But I think Edi is really just a well-mannered man who chose to be polite because he has class. He’s also genuinely kind. I loved how he makes old-fashion charming rather than backward.
Bishop is strong and vulnerable at the same time. I couldn’t imagine the kind of struggle he has gone through in a world where we take knowing how to read for granted. It was impressive how he was able to survive and adapt. He also is a talented artist who created magnificent landscape designs. I liked how he wanted to improve, not because he’s in a relationship with a wonderful man but because he owed it to himself. He’s one of the best leads Via created.
The story took its own sweet time establishing the characters and their backgrounds. Some might find the going too slow. Even I who like slow burn found myself wanting to hurry things along especially at the first parts. But I was happy I stuck around. As I got deeper into the story, I was rewarded with a beautiful portrait of a relationship between two people who fit together perfectly.
The secondary characters were also outstanding. Bishop’s dad, Mike, Trent and even Skylar the villain were all effective in their supporting and antagonistic roles. Skylar was a hateful piece of shit who liked making Edison’s life miserable because he really wanted Edi for himself. Mike is that cool dad who tried really hard to make up to his son for his lack of proper guidance while growing up. Trent was the brother from another mother who always got Bishop’s back. Trent was a favorite, he needs his own book. And I just know it’s happening!!!
Overall, Bishop: A True Lover’s Story is one of Via‘s best written books. Recommended if you’re looking for a story where love is pure and food is good.
P.S.
A.E. Via books here.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitSoundtrack: The Way I Am
Artist: Ingid Michaelson
Album: Girls and Boys -
REVIEW: Claiming Marcus by Jocelynn Drake
Lords of Discord: Claiming Marcus – Jocelynn Drake
Vampires slaughtered my family.
No one believed me until I met some new friends, who promised to help me get justice.
But nothing prepared me for Marcus Varik.
Tall, dark, and mind-numbingly sexy.
But he’s also shy, protective, and adorably eccentric.
Oh God, I should have never agreed to betray him.
Hopefully, it’s not too late to fix my mistake before I lose more people I love.
Claiming Marcus is the first book in an MM paranormal romance series that has vampires, betrayal, annoying brothers, music, heartbreak, hope, sexy times, and a raven named Ozzie.
I love vampires. I love Jocelynn Drake. The combination of the two is an irresistable gift that happily had many good things to give.
Drake did not really go out of her way to reinvent the lore. But she came up with a version that felt fresh and definitely far, far from boring. Her vampires felt less paranormal creatures, more different specie of humanity. The kind that drinks blood and is allergic to sunlight.
Each vampire also has a special ability unique to them. For example, one could control the weather. However, their otherworldly abilities were almost downplayed. Superstrength, durability and endurance were mentioned but not often demonstrated to extreme superheroic levels. Smells were smelt but in an almost normal capacity. Even the super intrusive super hearing ability was hardly ever mentioned. And there’s no fated mate thing. This could be good or bad depending on your preference.
There were different factions with different opinions on their relationship to humans and the world at large. Some view humans as nothing more than blood slaves and pets, others would rather be on top of the food chain out in the open, some seek to live a quiet life while keeping up to date with the changing times. This being a book written by a human, there is an emphasis on equality for both vampires and humans. I imagined a book authored by a vampire might have a different worldview.
That’s the world built around Lords of Discord, which the author was able to skillfully weave around a riveting story without too much info dumping or losing momentum.
Marcus’ story opens the series. Admittedly, the first couple of chapters were slow for me. Ethan applied as a personal assistant to Marcus Varik, who was moving to Connecticut. Unbeknownst to Marcus, Ethan was a spy for a group who were out to kill vampires because he was looking for the vampire who killed his family 16 years ago. Once, Ethan got things going with his packing, the story hit its stride and I was completely into this whole Varik business.
There are four Varik brothers, Marcus, Rafe and his twin Beltran, and their little brother, Winter. Drake has always excelled at creating memorable characters and building strong bonds between them. The tight-knit Varik brothers plus Ethan were a great addition to her collection of unbreakable boys. They all made the story stood out for me.
Each Variks has his own quirks. Marcus is the straightlaced one. Being the oldest, he takes the most responsibility. He tends to be serious but has a shy, totally adorable awkward side. His unique ability is to absorb light. Rafe is the hedonistic, playful twin. He owns a night club, sleeps with anyone he fancies and tells everyone he’s a vampire. He’s living his undead life to the fullest. Aptly enough, his ability is to charm people. Bel lives for science. He has a laboratory that double as a panic room. He has the coolest gadget and the deadliest weapons. He can talk to animals. He’s my favorite Varik. Winter loves sneaking about. He’s the brother with the most secrets. We still don’t know much about Winter. Can’t wait for his book.
Aaaand Ethan.
Ethan came into Marcus’ house all ready to take down the big bad vampire when he found himself questioning all he knew about the creatures. He felt himself drawn to the very endearing vampire with the shy smile. I loved that despite all the horrible things that happened in his past, Ethan managed to keep his sass and genial nature. He’s smart, brave and loyal. He went above and beyond his duty as a personal assistant and became a steadfast friend to Marcus.
I really enjoyed the parts where they became friends. They were totally adorbs!!! I’m a fan of slow burn so I loved how things developed between them. Their relationship was one of the best things about this book.
I wished there was more page-time on the angelic Juliana, their mother. She came on scene and went too soon. There’s another Varik out there. Aidan. He’s their Sire and their father figure from the time they were humans. Will he get his own book too?
This wouldn’t be a Jocelynn Drake book without some action and suspense. Vampire deaths threw the Variks into a bigger game of power and blood, forcing them to sow discord among their kind. This is the overarching thread that gives the series its name. I would love to see the brothers win their way to the top through Marcus’ force of will, Rafe’s deadly charm, Winter’s cunning tricks and Bel’s cool gizmos.
Rafe’s book is next. I know I will love it because Rafe. Winter’s personality is so mysterious I know his story will have the most big reveals. Bel’s book is the one I’m looking forward to the most. There’s something so damn cute about a nerdy vampire with a sense of humor as wicked as his ‘evil’ twin. The thing with Bel, he’s actually serious about it.
Great. Now I want to be a Varik.
P.S.
Jocelynn Drake books here.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Darkest Hour
Artist: Tori Amos
Album: The Light Princess -
REVIEW: The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love by Alice Winters
The Hitman’s Guide: The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love – Alice Winters
What happens when a snarky hitman and a by-the-book PI cross paths?
Leland
Being a hitman has its perks, but I never thought getting an accidental mooning by an attractive PI while he’s caught on a fence would be one of them. While it’s not exactly love at first sight, he’s captured my interest and won’t let go.Suddenly, I find myself caught in a game of cat and mouse, determined to attract the attention of Jackson, the PI who should be my enemy. He pretends like he’s not flattered by my flowers and the mentions of my totally-not-fictitious blow-up doll Randy (or was it Dandy?), but I know better. Why else would he be teaming up with me to bring down Hardek, one of the city’s most ruthless criminals?
Jackson
Even though the cops are telling me that the hitman is a notorious contract killer, I can’t help but admit that I’m drawn to him. He’s funny, charismatic, and attractive. There’s no way this ridiculous man can be the person the cops are after.But when Leland ends up at my doorstep injured, I’m faced with a tough choice. It’s my duty to hand him over to law enforcement, but my heart has other plans. I want to keep him. To protect him. To be with him.
Though one question remains: why in the world does the man have so many d*mn guns?
Contains: shenanigans on a swing that you would NOT find at a playground, a car chase that sadly doesn’t have flips or explosions, a horsey ride sans horse, cuddles, an exuberant mutt, a suspicious chief of police, and lots and lots of laughs.
Expect a whole lot of cray in Alice Winter’s hyperactive novel, The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love. Like any mania, it’s all damn good fun but it could leave you exhausted too.
I had a great time reading about Leland and Jackson’s shenanigans but I could hardly keep up with Leland’s ADHD? Question mark because I’m not qualified to say if he has it or not. The man jumps from one outrageous idea to the next with lightning speed. He is serious about every single one of them. He makes them happened too!
I don’t know how he keeps sane while doing so (maybe he’s not) but Jackson lets himself be swept away by the force of nature that is Leland. At the same time, he keeps the hitman grounded. I think that is the beauty of their relationship. Their snark and banter were hilarious AF. Their polar opposite dynamics really made the book.
I loved how OTT everything is. There were indeed moments when things got a bit tiresome and repetitive but overall the author was able to deliver action-packed insanity wrapped around a sweet and tender romance.
This novel is my introduction to Alice Winters’ work and definitely not my last. Recommended if you like lovers from the opposite sides of the law, (kinda) enemies working for the same cause and fence jumping with varied levels of success.
Rating:
4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step awaySoundtrack: Pretty Little Psycho
Artist: Porcelain Black
Album: Mannequin Factory -
REVIEW: The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish
The Remaking of Corbin Wale – Roan Parrish
Last month, Alex Barrow’s whole life imploded—partner, home, job, all gone in forty-eight hours. But sometimes when everything falls apart, better things appear almost like magic. Now, he’s back in his Michigan hometown, finally opening the bakery he’s always dreamed of. But the pleasure of opening day is nothing compared to the lonely and beautiful man who bewitches Alex before he even orders.
Corbin Wale is a weirdo. At least, that’s what he’s heard his whole life. He knows he’s often in a fantasy world, but the things he feels are very real. And so is the reason why he can never, ever be with Alex Barrow. Even if Alex is everything he’s always fantasized about. Even if maybe, just maybe, Corbin is Alex’s fantasy too.When Corbin begins working at the bakery, he and Alex can’t deny their connection any longer. As the holiday season works its magic, Alex yearns for the man who seems out of reach. But to be with Alex, Corbin will have to challenge every truth he’s ever known. If his holiday risk pays off, two men from different worlds will get the love they’ve always longed for.
I love soft, magical boys and their amazing inner strength. Soft, magical boys with imaginary friends and a notebook of drawings. Soft, magical boys who can read portents in air, fight curses with delicious bread, understand the language of dogs, live by their own unique terms and see the world with eyes full of wonder.
I love Corbin Wale.
I love a person who can truly see. A person who looks beyond walls and silences. Who recognizes the treasure behind the freak. Whose kindness and acceptance spark hope, joy and love.
I love Alex.
This is a soft, magical book that charms you with its ethereal quality. A soft, magical book about need, loneliness, the courage to change, of embracing a person’s uniqueness unconditionally. This is a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Let this beautiful book remake you too!
Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfect -
REVIEW: Promises Part 4 by A.E. Via
The Bounty Hunters: Promises Part 4 – A.E. Via
Men found him attractive, interesting even.He was like a fascinating experiment gone wrong that men liked to investigate.He’d get a date – or two, if he was lucky – but it wasn’t long before Brian’s darkness showed, and the men were running from him.
Brian King was honorably discharged from the United States Navy five years ago. He’d left with the highest honors a man can receive in his country, but he’d paid the ultimate price to earn them. He was considered one of the best; an Intelligence Officer in a Joint Special Operations Delta team that’d been a twelve-man wrecking crew. They’d thought they were invincible… until they weren’t. Brian was the only member that survived the ambush. He survived ten months of pain, of torture, only to emerge on the other side a warrior. A POW survivor. He’d returned home with all his limbs, his right mind, and with his only brother Ford, at his side. But, one thing had been lost, maybe for good… his voice.
Now, being a bounty hunter is Brian’s only means to satisfy his need to calculate, track, and capture. His only outlet to the stress caused by his silence. He was good at what he did. But, all work and no play for a forty-four year old man was taking its toll. Brian wasn’t a faulty experiment. He missed companionship, he missed communicating. So, when he met Sway Hamilton – in the most unconventional means – he’d been surprised at his special way of understanding Brian’s every look… and touch.
Sway grew up in the rough part of ATL, trailing behind his twin brother Stanton and his best friend, Dana. He and his brother had a bond only twins could understand. So when Stanton’s life was taken during their sophomore year in college, Sway didn’t think he’d ever recover. He finally finished school, got his masters in nursing, worked hard, and focused on taking care of his mother. However, Sway knew there was more to life than heartache, and caring for others. There had to be. But he didn’t know what any of those things were until he met a dark hunter that blew his mind… and the intense man had never uttered a single word.
Brian and Sway can feel the powerful connection between them. It was there from the start—but both of them have battled with loss and anguish for so long, neither understand that love can ease all of it. Do they have the courage to battle through it together? Sway has to learn to trust in love, and Brian has to believe that Sway will always understand him even if he never speaks again.
Sway held him tight around his neck, “I don’t need you to talk Brian. I can hear you just fine,” Sway whispered softly, kissing his throat.
This novel is a part of a series but can be read as a standalone.No cliffhangers.
Trigger Warning: This story contains acts of bond recovery agent violence. Mention of war zones and descriptions of war prisoners. This story DOES NOT contain overly-described acts of torture.
I knew it!!!
This is the best book!!!
Ms V outdid herself and pulled off everything to perfection!
I know she loves all her boys but I could tell she had a special fondness for Brian and Sway. I loved the way she brought the two men together. I loved the way their instant hookup blossomed into a deeper, more beautiful connection. I loved the way they fit together perfectly. They’re two of her best characters.
Brian’s loneliness was palpable. My heart went out to him. He has mutism as a result of his PTSD. I was super impressed with the way this was handled in the story. There were no magic dicks, miracle cures or cheesy resolutions. It was a heart-wrenching struggle that exploded in a heart-stopping climax that ended in a very satisfying resolution. This part alone made the book 5-stars for me.
Sway was a joy! He’s not only a healer but a fighter. Squirt was hesitant to take things further at first but when he realized Brian was a keeper, he firmly stood by him through panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares. Loved his sass too!
The story was big on communication. The two had their doubts and insecurities. I loved that they took time to talk and listen. They were goals!
The story was also about brothers, dead and alive. The close relationship between Brian and Ford was one of the things that drew me to the King brothers. There’s Dana who has sworn to look after Sway after the latter’s twin died. He really loves to play the annoying, protective big brother. There’s also the brotherhood between the bounty hunters and memories of fellow soldiers long dead. This theme ran throughout the series. Here, they all came together so well.
The author’s books always had one liners that made me chuckle but this one had many genuine laugh out loud scenarios. The two ladies in Sway’s life, his mom and her nurse, were a riot! Brian’s fellow bounty hunter and Ford’s boyfriend, Dana, rhapsodizing about the trick of using boxed meals as gourmet dishes was freakin’ hilarious!
Most of all, in this trying times of panic and fear, Promises Part 4 succeeded in making me smile and giving me pleasant things to think about the next day at work. This book will always be special to me.
P.S.
(♡ˆ ω ˆ)っ♡♡♡♡ Sway seeing Brian in his dress uniform for the first time!!!!
The Bounty Hunters review here
A.E. Via books here.Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfectSoundtrack: Say Hello To Angels
Artist: Interpol
Album: Turn On The Bright Lights
