BLURB: Liam yearns for Master Neal’s harsh touch, but Neal fears that a part-time Master can’t give a full-time sub everything he needs.
Liam’s world crumbled after the unexpected death of his Master. Prone to panic attacks and other social anxiety, Liam doesn’t believe he’ll ever find another Master who would be willing to take on such a challenged sub full-time. Too distraught to go back to Club Consequence, where he met the man he thought he’d be with forever, he decides to give Kiss of Leather a try.
After doing a piercing gig at Kiss of Leather, Master Neal signs up to become a member. On the night he performs a demo as the final step to being accepted, he meets a sub who brings out his protective urge and makes his heart come alive. Neal isn’t scared off by Liam’s anxiety or social awkwardness. On the contrary, he finds the sub to be refreshingly honest and endearing.
They try out a scene to see if they’ll click, and their connection is everything they’d both hoped it could be. However, the road to love and a Total Power Exchange isn’t an easy one. Neal still hasn’t discovered all there is to know about Liam’s traumatic upbringing, and he’s not sure if he’d ultimately be the right Master for Liam.
Both men are forced to face the truth about love, life, and what it means to share it with another person. But before Liam can start over with Neal, he’ll have to cut the cords to his past and trust that Neal will be there to catch him when he does.
REVIEW: This great book is the sixth entry in Morticia Knight’s smoking hot Kiss of Leather series. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Liam, wanting to hug him and protect him from everything bad in the world. Neal had my admiration from the very beginning, with his upfront, straightforward attitude, and the care and gentleness with which he handled Liam has me almost in tears. This is a gorgeous, beautiful, and sexy story that I would recommend to everyone.
Crow has had his eye on baby-faced Shelton since the young man became part of the Wyverns, but Crow is a committed Dom and unsure that Shelton is ready, or willing, to become his submissive. Getting trapped together during a dust storm provides an opportunity to find out.
When the dust settles, the winds have scoured the desert and uncovered a shallow grave full of bodies. Smuggling people across the border is big business and Crow knows that the traffickers will not want their gruesome secret revealed to the authorities.
When Shelton is taken and used as collateral, Crow and the Wyverns have to decide just how far they are prepared to go to serve justice and save Shelton’s life.
REVIEW: This is the fourth novella in the Wyverns series. In this one, we finally get to Crow and Shelton’s romantic development. Now in the interest of full disclosure, I will admit that this review is form this novella which is the 4th in the series. Even though I was a bit confused as there were back stories and peripheral
characters that I was unfamiliar with, I truly enjoyed this story. The author did a wonderful job with these characters and the storyline. I loved Shelton. At first glance, it appears that he doesn’t really belong among these rough and tumble outlaw bikers but it’s clear that he is actually and integral part of their team. I think that he and Crow are the perfect fit: the rough biker and this smart, geeky and nurturing intel gatherer.
Crow’s had his eye on Shelton for quite some time but wasn’t sure if Shelton could handle being in a D/s relationship. Little did Crow know that Shelton was ready for whatever Crow was willing to dish out.
The love, respect and strong bond that these men have for each other is displayed when Shelton is danger. These men pull together in an extraordinary way and go all out to save one of their own.
This novella was most definitely an exciting little read. My confusion over the peripheral characters and backstories was minor as this was novella. With that said, these definitely aren’t standalone reads and must be read in sequential order to have to full understanding of the characters and their backstories.
BLURB: When the rest of the world crumbles and fails, you have me.
Kynan Laing gave up his mortal soul to the will of the Sources, the ancient beings in charge of the universe. With the sensual grace and speed in his vampire form, he serves in his role as a Protector for the Supernatural world. But the impending war between the Supers and the Hunters is heating up. The woman he’s charged to protect is all grown up and the perfect submissive partner he wants. Can he keep his heart under wraps while keeping her safe?
Alexa Mercury doesn’t know why she’s supposed to trust the vampire, but she does. Even when she ppushed him away, Kynan watches over her. She fraves him like no other and wants to submit body and soul to him, even if he is a Supernatural creature of the night. When circumstances beyond her control force them together, Lexa will have to decide whether to offer her heart to the vampire or risk her very soul.
REVIEW: Megan Slayer has written a taut, sexy paranormal tale that may be on the short side, but it’s anything but boring!
Synopsis
A bounty hunter’s partners to lovers’ story.
The hunt is on… and he’s the prey.
Bradford (Ford) King was sure he had the rest of his life mapped out. Though he was no longer a SEAL Lieutenant, his brother was home safe and he had a job that still allowed him to satisfy his hunger for hunting bad guys. Life was simple, no distractions or complications – at age forty-six – that’s all Ford wanted. What he didn’t want was his work partner, sniper/watchman, Dana, giving him s**t all the time.
Dana Cadby had grown up labeled a roughneck from the wrong side of the tracks. He’d fought, scrounged, and survived despite a father that constantly told him he couldn’t. Dana pulled himself up by his own boot straps and made a name for himself in the marksman community. He’d been Duke’s bounty watchman for five years. It was his job to ensure their safety, watch their backs. At thirty-three, he was trusted, well respected by his peers, his bosses, his friends… so why couldn’t he earn the same respect from his partner?
Dana knew he was bisexual before he graduated high school. He also knew he was attracted to the huge, 6’3”, SEAL from the moment he and his brother came to join their team. It wasn’t easy for him to tamp down his immediate reaction to Ford’s thick muscles, full beard, and dark eyes. Still, Dana exhibited nothing but professionalism towards him, not wanting to make his ‘straight’ partner uncomfortable. So why did Ford constantly give him hell?
After Dana took back his ex-girlfriend, he’d noticed an intensification in Ford’s bad attitude. One that turned aggressive and downright antagonistic, and Dana was damned if he’d just lay down and take it. He was gonna make that man respect him if it was the last thing he did.
When Duke sends Dana and Ford out to track down their most dangerous bounty yet, they both embrace the fact that they make one hell of a team… but they fight tooth and nail against the powerful intimacy brewing between them.
Beware: If Ford and Dana connect completely, god help the fugitive who’s in the sights of the hunter and his watchman.
This story is a part of a series but can stand alone. It does not end on a cliffhanger and has a HEA.
AUTHOR BIO:
A.E. Via is an author in the beautiful gay romance genre and also founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books. Her writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.
When she’s not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family—a husband and four children.
Adrienne has tons of more stories to tell, so be sure to visit her site to learn more! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next
Excerpt
DANA
He wasn’t in the mood to be out tonight. He’d had two bond hearings this morning and a huge recovery today that left him irritable and sore. All he’d wanted was to go back to his apartment and have a stiff drink and a freshly delivered pizza. So when Jessica called and asked him to take her to happy hour, he’d refused, but she was nothing if not persistent. They’d gotten back together after an amicable break up last month. They’d both decided that he was too busy and she deserved a man that could shower her with the kind of attention she demanded. Imagine his surprise when she called him last week, claiming she’d made a mistake and she still loved him. Even now, Dana didn’t know why he’d agreed to give it another shot. He couldn’t make her happy their first go around no matter how hard he’d tried.
His job as a bounty hunter was demanding and time consuming, but he loved every minute of it. Working for Duke and Quick at Duke’s Bail Bonds and Recoveries was a dream come true for a once-hoodlum like him. His father used to tell him he’d never amount to shit, but look at him now. He was an awarded marksman, worked for two of the most revered men in Atlanta’s criminal justice community, owned his own condo, and had a team that backed him up in every way. More than that fucker ever accomplished. Only thing he’d like to add to his successes was a loving wife… or husband.
Dana could almost feel Ford’s commanding presence when he walked into the crowded restaurant. He was sitting in the bar area with his brother, Brian, and appeared to be in the middle of another one of their heated exchanges. He couldn’t help but think, what has Brian done now? Ford was always on his younger brother about something. Dana knew this because he was with them so much. When Ford and Brian were first brought on by Judge – one of Duke’s business partners – Dana didn’t know what to think of the two ex-SEALS. One didn’t talk – not couldn’t talk, and the other was brooding and unapproachable. Dana wasn’t a small man. He could hold his own. He had broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a fit body, but Ford was in a whole other category. Fucking massive.
“What are you looking at, honey?” Jessica squeezed his hand, looking up at him.
Dana swallowed when he noticed Ford wipe his mouth and sit back in his chair, those midnight eyes glaring at him from across the room. Like he was daring Dana to bring his ass over to him.
What the fuck is his problem now? He’d be damned if he let Ford intimidate him. He never had and he wouldn’t now. He started walking, his long legs eating up the distance between him and his co-workers, Jessica’s short legs double-timing to keep up. He kept his eyes locked on Ford’s. When he got to their round, high-top table he saw they were almost finished with their meals.
“What’s up, fellas? Didn’t expect to see you two here. What’s going on?” Dana asked, ignoring Jessica’s tight clamp on his arm.
“Eating,” Ford said drily.
Dana stared at him for a couple tense seconds. “No shit.” He liked the way Ford’s jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. Jessica eased back a little when Dana widened his stance. “Um. This is Jessica. Jess, this is Ford and his brother, Brian. You may not remember me mentioning them.”
“Oh, yes I do,” she said a little too cheerfully. She could sometimes overdo it and come off as fake and insincere. “It’s nice to meet you both. Sorry for the intrusion.”
Ford didn’t say anything so Dana turned his attention away from him and spoke to Brian. “I’ll let y’all go ahead and finish up. I’m trying to eat and get back home soon.”
“What happened to the game?” Brian signed.
“He said, ‘What—”
“I know what he said.” Dana sharply cut Ford off and turned back to Brian and signed in not-so-perfect ASL. “She got mad.” Dana shrugged. Brian had been teaching him a little sign language during their long days on surveillance duty or waiting at the courthouse for a bond. By the stunned look on Ford’s face, it was obvious he didn’t know why Dana bothered to learn.
Dana wished he’d learned more. He couldn’t say what he wanted to out loud and he didn’t know how to sign, “My girlfriend whined and pouted until I agreed to take her out. Yes, I had every intention of staying home and enjoying the game… alone.”
“I didn’t know you knew sign language, honey. Awww. That’s great that you can talk to him. Can I speak to him? Can he read lips?” she said innocently, not realizing her words were a bit insulting. Brian was a grown-ass man, not a toddler.
“He’s not deaf, Jess. But let’s go eat, I’m starved,” Dana said quickly. He had to get Jessica away from them because Ford looked like he was about to chew his own face off he was grinding his teeth so hard. Dana was sure Jess didn’t mean anything by it, she simply didn’t understand Brian’s disability. Dana waved, getting an ‘it’s all good’ look from Brian and a pissed off grimace from Ford before he left.
He moved to a table a few up from Ford’s and sat down. He picked up the drink menu, needing something to cool him off. He didn’t know why Ford got under his skin sometimes. He jerked his head up when he heard Jessica loudly clear her throat. She stood there in front of her chair with her arms folded in front of her chest. “Do I have to pull out my own chair, Dana? Geez. Be more rude.”
Dana ignored the snickers from a couple guys at the bar, got up and walked around to the other side and pulled her chair out, trying to ignore Ford’s eyes, which were still on him. Jessica sat daintily in the seat and placed her expensive bag in the chair next to her. He scooted the chair in and looked up at the amused smirk on Ford’s face. Dana mouthed “fuck you” and sat back down.
He took a large gulp of his Miller draft as soon as it was set in front of him. He wouldn’t mind something stronger but he was driving. He ate his burger rather quickly, wanting to get home by at least the fourth inning. He wiped his mouth and signaled the waiter for another beer while Jessica gracefully ate her salad. He cut his eyes to the television over the bar and back to her while she talked non-stop. When they first got together, he thought it was cute the way she rambled on, thinking she was nervous around him. But he soon found out that she was simply in love with her own voice. He groaned internally. He and Jessica had very little in common. He admitted that he’d gone out with her because she was gorgeous, educated, and came from a cultured family. He never thought a woman like that would be interested in a simple man like him. A man that knew more about the new A22 long rifle that was coming out next year than he did about the recent presidential election. He could talk all day about rimfire cartridges or the shoo-ins for the American Marksman competition but he was clueless about pop culture, which was Jessica’s current topic of conversation.
“I still can’t believe she would let Brad go. I mean, her standards are a tad high if you ask me. I guess you reap what you sow. She did steal him from Jennifer.” She elegantly wiped the invisible dressing from the corners of her mouth and sipped her wine. “You’re sexier than Brad, honey. I love it when you wear that leather coat and those boots. Makes me feel like I’m dating a bad boy.”
“I’m not wearing it as a fashion statement, Jess.”
“Obviously. Otherwise, it’d be designer.” She pushed her half-eaten salad away and quickly pulled out a little compact mirror from her purse.
Dana ran his fingers through the long hair on the top of his head and looked down at his worn jacket. It’d seen better days, especially after this afternoon’s recovery.
She spoke to him while applying a fresh coat of lip gloss. “We have some new Vervatos leather jackets coming in next week. They’re only six-fifty, I could put one to the side for you. You could even use my twenty percent discount.”
“You’re shittin’ me, right?” Dana said, feeling even more exasperated and tired. “Six hundred and fifty dollars. For a coat?” That’s half my mortgage!
“That’s on sale. It’s a great price. No need to thank me on the discount.” She smiled like she’d really done him a favor.
“I appreciate it, but no thank you.” Dana tossed his napkin onto his empty plate. He waved to the server for the check since Jess appeared to be done with her food.
“Oh, wait. I wanted another glass of wine. It’s been a day, sweetie. Two of my deliveries were late and one of my employees called out with the flu. Unbelievable. Where’s the dedication?”
“I’m ready to go, Jess. It’s been a fucked-up day for me too, ya know.” Not that you asked. “I wrestled with a three-hundred-pound man today. I’m really beat.” Dana turned his mug up to down his last gulp when he was hit in the center of his back with a massive hand hard enough to leave a bruise. Most of his beer flew out his mouth from the surprise, jerking him forward so hard the table rattled. Jessica gasped, her eyes looking upwards at the hulking figure behind him. Dana knew who the fuck it was.
“My fault,” Ford grumbled. His tone flat and bored. He clamped his thick hand down on Dana’s shoulder and squeezed but Dana didn’t give him the satisfaction of the pained grunt that threatened to escape between his clenched teeth. “You two have a good night, hear.”
Ford walked away, Brian right behind him. Brian gave Dana a quick nod and kept moving, the few people at the door hurrying out of their path. One guy even opened the door for them.
“Well that was childish and uncalled for,” Jessica said, looking wide-eyed and confused. “Are you okay, sweetie?”
“Of course. I’m fine.” Dana kept his growl low. He wiped the beer off his chin with the back of his hand, glaring at Ford’s broad back. Motherfucker.
BLURB: When true love is a lie and pleasure turns to pain…
Adam Webb spent most of his teenage years in love with his best friend, Gabriel Connor, only to be thrown out of their shared apartment when he finally found the courage to reveal his feelings.
Seven months later, Adam’s effort to save their lost friendship finds him more than he ever asked for. After all, being thrown out has to better than being thrown into a wall. However, Adam isn’t ready to give up. Trapped and isolated in a dangerous relationship, he falls deeper and deeper into Gabriel’s world. Despite Adam’s attempts to push them away, his friends are determined to help, but the man who fights hardest is Cameron McCain, Adam’s photography teacher–a man who treasures what Gabriel does not.
They say love should conquer all. But when passion breeds fear and love turns toxic, will Adam make the right choice?
REVIEW: I was totally blown away by the gritty, heartbreaking, in-your-face, take no prisoners, grab-you-by-the-throat, no holds barred honesty of this compelling story. The author doesn’t sugarcoat, or try to gloss over, just how people can be sucked into a dangerous situation where it’s nowhere near as easy to escape from as you might think. This book carries a powerful message, and left me thinking about it long after I reached the end. This story may have triggers for some people, but for me, it was well worth the journey.
BLURB:Sasha was born to, and has always defined himself by, the secret assassins’ Order of the Crimson Scythe. He chose the love of Yarrow L’Estrella and Duncan Purefoy over his duty to his clan, forfeiting his last mission and allowing Prince Garith to live. Now, the order-previously Sasha’s family-has branded him a traitor. He’s marked, and that means the brethren of the Crimson Scythe won’t stop until Sasha is dead.
Garith’s twin kingdoms balance on the brink of war, and all three men have reasons to help the king, whether loyalty, duty, the interests of their own lands, or gold in their pockets. Still, Yarrow and Duncan are willing to abandon their reasons to seek out and destroy the assassins’ order to keep Sasha safe. But Sasha isn’t sure that’s what he wants. Loyalties are strained by both foreign invaders and conspirators in their midst. It’s hard to know which side to choose with threats piling up from every direction and war looming, inevitable, on the horizon. Their world teeters on the precipice of change, and Sasha, Duncan, and Yarrow can only hope the links they’ve forged will hold if Garith’s kingdom is torn apart.
REVIEW: Well, things haven’t settled down any since Book 2. If anything, the situation is even more chaotic than ever! Yarrow and Duncan are at their wits’ end with worry about the threat the Crinsom Scythe pose to Sasha, and Sasha’s indecisiveness isn’t helping any! I’ve been addicted to this sweeping saga since the very first book, and the journey has gotten even better in this awesome book. Gus Li is a master wordsmith, painting a vivid, compelling world where the characters are three dimensional, complex, and I feel like I almost know them as my friends. I DEFINITELY recommend this facinating tale to everyone, and suggest that you start with reading the first two books in this gripping series in order to really appreciate just how great it is. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book, and am looking forward to many happy hours of reading.
