Monday, December 31, 2012

Review: Achilles and the Houseboy


Achilles and the Houseboy
Achilles and the Houseboy by Gillibran Brown

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Another fun romp through the mind of Gilli who continues to act as his own worst enemy. Jealousy can sure be harsh.



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Review: A Charming Idea


A Charming Idea
A Charming Idea by Alex Mar

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



An interesting story about finding a connection unexpectedly.



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Review: Rudolph


Rudolph
Rudolph by Sam C. Leonhard

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



A cute story that shows that everyone deserves a special Christmas surprise.



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Review: On The Rocks


On The Rocks
On The Rocks by Ari McKay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Mal and Aiden have a special friendship but an accidental hook seems to have ruined everything. Aiden's panic seems to end a 12 year friendship. I had tears in my eyes reading this one and hoping that they would find a way to repair the damage.



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Review: Soups and Diners


Soups and Diners
Soups and Diners by Alex Whitehall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Max just left his friends wedding when Stan shows up. He is very suspicious that Stan wants something from him but he feels something that makes it worth at least tring. Seems like it will work out into something.



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Review: Traditions from the Heart


Traditions from the Heart
Traditions from the Heart by Bru Baker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Learning to share old traditions and to make new ones.



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Review: The Ghost of Mistletoe Lock


The Ghost of Mistletoe Lock
The Ghost of Mistletoe Lock by Amy Rae Durreson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Emily the ghost is bound by love to stay near her home by the lock. She doesn't want to see Isaac being so lonely. So she does her best to bring Ryan to his door. I love the idea of a sneaky ghost matchmaker.



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Review: The Perfect Gift


The Perfect Gift
The Perfect Gift by Lisa Worrall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I hadn't really read the blurb because I loved the first book so I knew I wanted to read this one so the dramatic twist really took me by surprise. It starts out very light and fun and then wow. It ends up being a very powerful story.



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Review: The Treasure of Christmas Past


The Treasure of Christmas Past
The Treasure of Christmas Past by Grace Roselynn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Sweet romance of reconnecting with a bit of help from grandma.



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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Review: The Party


The Party
The Party by R.J. Scott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Henry and Jack hit a rough spot and it seems over for the two of them. But with Christmas approaching and some meddlesome moms they just might have a chance to work things out. A neat Christmas gift from some great authors.



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Review: Beaten


Beaten
Beaten by Sean Michael

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



It is interesting to see Killen and Treat caring for Francis but still saying they don't want another partner in their lives. I still think there is someone out there for them someday. Nick is instantly drawn to Francis and wants what is best for him. I love the line in Chapter 6 "God the man gave him a happy.". The last few chapters are full of dramatic action. Another great addition to the Hammer family.



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Review: The Roommate


The Roommate
The Roommate by Teegan Loy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I don't know about Ryan but I was ready to smack Jordon upside the head. Jordan hasn't come out to his family and Ryan is finally coming home. He has this great romantic surprise waiting and the humor of him trying to fix the meal was lots of fun. But the fun stops when everyone shows back up and he becomes the roommate. Poor Ryan's about had it and the truth is nobody's really fooled anyway. I really loved the family interactions throughout the story. They were all great. This is another one of the Christmas story couples that I would love to hear more from in the new year.



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Review: The Perils and Pleasures of a White Christmas


The Perils and Pleasures of a White Christmas
The Perils and Pleasures of a White Christmas by Emily Moreton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This is more about Drake and Tim getting off and staying warm then a story. I would like to have seen a bit more plot development maybe including the neighbors. Maybe they could come back and fill in the rest of the story.



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Review: Bianca's Plan


Bianca's Plan
Bianca's Plan by B.G. Thomas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Do not get in the way of a young girl and her plans for everyone to have a happily ever after. Straight Curtis gets roped in to help find Bianca's dad Gavin someone to make him happy but Curtis just can't seem to see anyone good enough for his best friend.



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Review: Bless Us Every One


Bless Us Every One
Bless Us Every One by Gina A. Rogers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Edan can't figure out what his perky neighbor is up to and before he knows it he's right in the middle of everything. A wonderful story of recovery and the importance of reaching out to others.



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Review: The Christmas Snoop


The Christmas Snoop
The Christmas Snoop by Jean Wolfe

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



James decides on a traditional holiday snoop while Matt is away at work. A quick but happy holiday read. No presents found but a new insight into Matt seems to make the snooping worth the effort.



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Review: A Gentleman's Agreement


A Gentleman's Agreement
A Gentleman's Agreement by J. Roman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Great story with lots of wonderful elements: Jealous ex-lovers, new loves, secret arrangements, unrequited love, death, and life all wrapped up perfectly with a holiday bow.



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Review: Chocolate Vanilla Swirl


Chocolate Vanilla Swirl
Chocolate Vanilla Swirl by Vicktor Alexander

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Great story and hope to hear more about this couple. It was fun reading about places I know as well.



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Review: Snowed In


Snowed In
Snowed In by Freddy MacKay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



We have a new visit with George and Max. They guys are enjoying their relationship and looking forward to spending time together with family for Christmas. That's what made the attack from Max's sister so devastating to everyone. The story is bittersweet through much of the story and draws you in. The sad thing is so many people are being taught this ugly harshness everyday. The lesson too in this story is that you can having healing and restoration but sometimes even when everything turns out alright in the end the drama can have lasting effects.



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Review: Snowflakes and Strangers


Snowflakes and Strangers
Snowflakes and Strangers by Annabelle Jacobs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ethan finds himself alone after 18 months with Alex. Emma convinces him to go ahead and take his Christmas vacation with the gang. Seems she has a plan to fix him up with friend Riley and it doesn't turn out to shabby.



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Review: Clear as Glass


Clear as Glass
Clear as Glass by Jannie Lund

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Kristin is traveling because she needs to get that story that will really get her career on track. She is surprised that the very private artist is even giving her the interview. But when she arrives she finds out that he's the Danny from her past. The magic in his Christmas baubles seems to fill the air and they might just have a future together.



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Review: All She Wants For Christmas


All She Wants For Christmas
All She Wants For Christmas by Paige Tyler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Conner and Hayley are a married couple. While at a party with other couples Hayley shares her far out wish and finds out that the only thing about her wish is that she's still wishing. Now Hayley wants it more than ever and hopes she'll have a very special Christmas.



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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Review: A Great Miracle Happened There


A Great Miracle Happened There
A Great Miracle Happened There by Kim Fielding

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jude is just working away and then there is Mac. They hit it off for a real Christmas miracle.



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Review: Mannies Incorporated


Mannies Incorporated
Mannies Incorporated by Sean Michael

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Drake feels that he should be helping his sister so he shows up to help the "nanny" Slayde. Slayde figures he'll get bored and disappear and until he does macho man will just be in the way. But they find a working relationship that develops in ways neither one could have predicted. I also loved the side characters in this story as well.



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Review: The Broken Road


The Broken Road
The Broken Road by Anna Lee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Kasen is wheelchair bound and he never expects someone to every see him as just a person anymore. Ryan is getting over his own loss but he is such a special guy. I love how its not about the able guy being the caretaker but about the two men really forming a partnership where they share the responsibility of caring for each other.



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Review: Donovan's Blues


Donovan's Blues
Donovan's Blues by Chloe Waits

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



She comes to hear his music and it draws her in and seduces her. She is surprised by his blindness and they have a wonderful encounter. But the way he turns on her leaves her stunned. Sometimes getting around walls can be difficult.



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Monday, December 17, 2012

Review: Never Let Go


Never Let Go
Never Let Go by M.L. Rhodes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Will and Ethan seem to have both been carrying secret crushes on each other and just when it seems like a wonderful new beginning it all seems to fall apart. A story full of deep emotion and lasting love.



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Review: O Come All Ye Kinky


O Come All Ye Kinky
O Come All Ye Kinky by Joey W. Hill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Lots of fun story with lots of variety despite having a similar theme.



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Review: The Angel's Fall


The Angel's Fall
The Angel's Fall by Rebecca Leigh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is a well written story with an interesting premise of an Angel choosing love with a human over life in heaven but personally the theme is just a bit squeamish for me. I know we all have things that don't just sit right for us and this one of those things. I got this book as part of the purchase of the whole set and because it's well written I didn't want my personal feelings effect the rating.



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Review: A Not-So-Straight Christmas


A Not-So-Straight Christmas
A Not-So-Straight Christmas by TN Tarrant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Morgan gets stranded and has to head back to the lodge he works at to ride out the storm. He's surprised to run into his boss Sam who's hiding out there as well. They enjoy their time getting to know each other better and finding out they are both gay just makes the holiday that much brighter for both of them. Loved the epilogue.



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Review: Fractured Heart


Fractured Heart
Fractured Heart by Piper Whitney

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This one is one of the slightly longer Christmas offerings. Cole and his daughter Kaity have been dealing with the death of Cole's wife. He doesn't see how he can love again despite his daughter's wishes. Syd has been his friend for years and they are spending the holiday together. When feelings start to develop it takes them by surprise. The reason I have this a 4 instead of 5 was I really wanted some kind of acknowledgement or approval from Cole's mom. It was the start of something but it was something that could go so wrong so fast if Grandma made a fuss.



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Review: Wrapped Around Your Handlebars


Wrapped Around Your Handlebars
Wrapped Around Your Handlebars by Azura Ice

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Oak just hasn't had it easy in a while and he's down on Christmas. An expected meet up with a Chandler the waiter leads to changes in his life beyond anything he could think possible.



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Review: The Christmas Mix-up


The Christmas Mix-up
The Christmas Mix-up by N. Phillips

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



We meet up with Evan and Cole and while the reader can quickly figure out what the mix-up is it's fun to see everyone going around and around trying to figure out what is really going on.



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Review: Christmas Magic


Christmas Magic
Christmas Magic by Pelaam

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



An elf comes to the rescue to put life on track but things don't go as planned and falling in love in wasn't supposed to happen.



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Review: Joys R Us


Joys R Us
Joys R Us by Kim Fielding

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Reece is stuck in line at a toy store for his sister when he is literal run down by the crowd. Angel comes to his rescue and then decides to lead him through a lesson about Christmas joy. Love the message in this story.



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Review: Turkey in the Snow


Turkey in the Snow
Turkey in the Snow by Amy Lane

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Hank suddenly has care of his niece Josie. Justin is the care giver at the gym and while Hank appreciates how he cares for his niece he doesn't care for his over the top behavior. Hank does not do drama. But Justin suddenly seems to feel in all his empty places and they seem to be just what the other one needs. Maybe you can weather a bit of drama if don't have to face it alone.



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Review: Safe Harbor


Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor by Laylah Hunter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Blake is back home at Christmas but sees no joy only the pain of what can never be. His best friend tom shows up to take him home for Christmas and he's sure his will break but better this pain then the pain of never speaking at all. But the surprises of Christmas might not all be played out yet.



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Review: Wish List


Wish List
Wish List by J.J. Cassidy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This tale starts so bittersweet with Berg showing up to surprise his army buddy and ends up being the one surprised. But the story takes a magical turn with a meet up in the driveway with DJ who comes to his rescue. It seems both of them have been very good boys this year.



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Review: Lord of Misrule


Lord of Misrule
Lord of Misrule by Alix Bekins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Taj and Dan are medieval reenactors and Dan has started to worried that the play acting is effecting their relationship so he comes up with the perfect gift but it all comes together in a very special and wonderful way.



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Review: Last Tree Standing


Last Tree Standing
Last Tree Standing by Julia Talbot

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Foster and Levi both end up trying to get the last tree but Levi has the better need and then they work out a deal. Over the course of the evening something draws them together and they go off like rockets together.



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Review: Old Flames


Old Flames
Old Flames by Davi Rodriguez

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Great story of reconnecting after a break up and finding out that the love is still there.



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Review: Aunt Dee Dee's Holiday Check


Aunt Dee Dee's Holiday Check
Aunt Dee Dee's Holiday Check by Joel Skelton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Sweet story of Ethan and Henry who met on a ski tour and end up having a very special time.



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Review: All I Want For Christmas


All I Want For Christmas
All I Want For Christmas by Liliana Hart

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Two great holiday stories of love and getting things together even when it doesn't seem like it will happen.



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Review: The Rebel and The Heir


The Rebel and The Heir
The Rebel and The Heir by Sullivan Clarke

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Sloan and Rosalie both need to marry for different reasons but neither one actually wants to get married. So they make a plan that will give them both what they want and trick their relatives and everyone wins but as is often the case love comes along and messes up a good plan.



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Review: Oh So Nice...And Naughty


Oh So Nice...And Naughty
Oh So Nice...And Naughty by Starla Kaye

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Kandee has an old crush on Sean Masters. The two of them dance around the attraction they feel through three holidays until they finally admit how they feel.



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Review: Elvish Wishes


Elvish Wishes
Elvish Wishes by Courage Knight

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Holly feels different but has no idea why she never really felt like she fit in with the people around her. Turns out she really half elf. Santa doesn't know for sure what's going on with her so he sends Cane to find out and deal with the problem. This is one sweet Christmas story that actually brought a tear to my eye.



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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Review: New York Christmas


New York Christmas
New York Christmas by R.J. Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A wonderful feel good Christmas story. Chris feels he's lost everything and doesn't really have anything left to offer the world. Then suddenly there is Daniel a crush from years ago. So much drama ensues because what would a dramatic Christmas story be without that. In the end you know love will win but it also doesn't just gloss over the struggles one has when overcoming emotional abuse. You can't turn self-esteem back on with a flip of a switch but the true love of another one will bring healing. I would love to hear more from these two maybe they could even help Ame find someone, too. Plus I want to know if Marie had a boy or a girl.



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Review: Santa Wishes


Santa Wishes
Santa Wishes by Amber Kell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Gregory's not sure how Santa worked his magic but he is sure enjoying the results.



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Review: Inseparable


Inseparable
Inseparable by Chris Scully

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is the perfect Christmas story. Here are two guys who have been best friends for years but the most important piece of information in their relationship has been locked away because both are fearful of ruining what they have. It takes a near death to finally bring things to head. Very sweet and wonderful story of enduring love and friendship.



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Review: Peace in the Valley


Peace in the Valley
Peace in the Valley by Jana Denardo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Fun romp with two guys when one just happens to be a guy one minute and a rescue dog the next.



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