Author: Morgan

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Loving Jay Audiobook by Renae Kaye Narrated by Dave Gillies

Dreamspinner Presents http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Loving-Jay-Audiobook/B00RM40KMK/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1420147158&sr=1-1

loving jayBlurb

One thing Liam Turner knows for sure is that he’s not gay—after all, his father makes it very clear he’ll allow no son of his to be gay. And Liam believes it, until a chance meeting with James “Jay” Bell turns Liam’s world upside-down. Jay is vivacious and unabashedly gay—from the tips of his bleached hair to the ends of his polished nails. With a flair for fashion, overreaction, and an inability to cork his verbal diarrhea, Liam believes drama queen Jay must have a screw loose.

An accident as a teenager left Liam with a limp and a fear of driving. He can’t play football anymore either, and that makes him feel like less of a man. But that’s no reason to question his sexuality… unless the accident broke something else inside him. When being with Jay causes Liam’s protective instincts to emerge, Liam starts to believe all he knew in life had been a convenient excuse to stay hidden. From intolerance to confrontations, Liam must learn to overcome his fears—and his father—before he can accept his sexuality and truly love Jay.

Review

Liam notices Jay on the train to work everyday. He is entranced by what he sees. When a missed train places the two on the platform, waiting, they strike up conversation and discover that they could be (at the least) friends. Later, Jay (James) is being gay bashed and subsequently rescued by Liam and the ability to deny the attraction is too much for them.

Liam has had “male relations” but doesn’t outwardly identify as gay (yet) and Jay is a bit swishy and fem, but perfect for Liam.

Of course Liam’s dad “can’t have a gay son” and so Liam has to be absolutely sure that he is gay before coming out for Jay.

Jay helps Liam delve into the world of gay sex and it is hot and very sweet. In then end we get a very HEA.

**

This was my first Renae Kaye book and I just loved it. Normally I am not attracted to overly fem characters, but Jay is just wonderful… high maintenance and not too swishy.

I love how Kaye writes and love the relationship that develops between Jay and Liam.

Audio:

Dave Gillies is an amazing new narrator. Every one of his narrations has been fantastic. I really love his accent and love his ability to understand the story and really add flavor and color. I highly recommend listening to this book as it is wonderful in the hands of this great narrator!

Overall, 5 of 5 hearts

5

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Mr Popsalos by Lisa Worrall

Dreamspinner presents http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5870

mrpopsalosBlurb

Luke Fisher has been a single parent for six years. During those six years, he has become painfully aware that the moment you reveal that you have a kid, you immediately become less dateable. Rather than set himself up for the inevitable fall, he just doesn’t date. But it doesn’t matter, because he has everything he needs; a beautiful son, a good job, and a supportive family. He doesn’t need anything or anyone else…does he?

He doesn’t think so until two weeks before Christmas, when he meets Jamie in a bar while out with some colleagues. The man is undoubtedly the hottest thing Luke has ever seen and one glance into Jamie’s beautiful eyes tells him the feeling is mutual. But will the attraction fade once Jamie finds out about Reggie? After an amazing night together, Luke decides to pre-empt the heartache and throws away Jamie’s number, thinking he will never see him again…

Review

Luke runs into Jamie again and again, the chemistry is hot, but Luke is afraid to act on the attraction, due to past rejections. Jamie gives Luke his number 3 times before they finally manage a drunken hook up around Christmas. Luke slinks out before morning – again, allowing fear to drive his actions.

When Jamie turns out to be Reggie’s (Luke’s child) assistant teacher, suddenly the world seems like a brighter place.

From here forward, time moves quickly and the couple quickly become deeply involved with one another (and let me say the sex is super hot!). But… tragedy strikes near the end and it becomes imperative that everyone involve do their utmost to protect this new family.

**

This was a tear jerker – fair warning, but absolutely wonderful! If you aren’t a big “kid” fan, there isn’t a lot of Reggie in the story, but enough to warm your heart. I really was on pins and needles at the end and was grateful for the amazing HEA we are left with.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. 4.5 of 5 hearts.

4.5

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The Healing Power of Eggnog Audiobook by Jamie Fessenden narrated by Robbie Ravena

Dreamspinner Presents http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/The-Healing-Power-of-Eggnog-Audiobook/B00NG10L1S/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1420149062&sr=1-1

eggnogBlurb

Will Sutherland hasn’t been home to see his parents in four years – not since they reacted badly when he came out. This Christmas, he’s finally worked up the courage to go home, where he’s surprised to find they’ve taken in a boarder. Ryan Bennett is just a couple years younger than Will, cute, sweet…and openly gay.

As Will deals with his jealousy of the man who’s been receiving the love and acceptance he was denied, Ryan finds himself falling for Will’s brooding good looks. But Ryan also suspects the Sutherlands may be using him as a pawn in their long-standing conflict with their son. Will this Christmas finally tear the family apart, or is there a chance they can put their hurt and anger behind them.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package

Review

This is a short holiday story about love and forgiveness. Will hasn’t been home since the Christmas when he came out to his family. There is a “mystery” as to why he’s stayed away, but you can guess why. When Will’s family extends an olive branch, he decides to try again but is mystified by the boarder they are sharing their house with.

Ryan is a young gay man who was kicked out of his home by his religious family and is now being supported by Will’s family.

At first Will is jealous and guarded with the virginal Ryan, but as the eggnog gets drunk and the inhibitions loosened the two find they might have a bit more in common than they think.

**

Since this is a short story, a lot happens in a time line that feels unrealistic to me, but is acceptable given the parameters of a holiday love story.

I didn’t really feel Will ever had a reason to “love” Ryan or vice versa, though I was certainly rooting for the relationship.

I thought the sex and the “I love yous” were rushed but sweet nonetheless.

Audiobook:

I thought Robbie did a nice job with the narration, this was his first narration I’d heard and I would definitely look for him in the future. He didn’t do a lot with the voices but he certainly seemed to understand and translate the story well.

Overall I give the book a 3 of 5 hearts and the Audiobook a 4 of 5 hearts for a total of 3.5 hearts.

3.5

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Trouble Comes in Threes by MA Church

Dreamspinner Presents http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5884

trouble in threesBlurb

A snowstorm in the South—on New Year’s Eve—is a perfect recipe for a catastrophe. After two soul-crushing bad breaks, Kirk’s waiting for disaster number three to strike when, naturally, two stray cats arrive on his doorstep during the storm and decide to make themselves at home. Tenderhearted Kirk lets them stay even though there’s something decidedly odd about his overly friendly felines.
Out of the punishing weather and full of tuna, Dolf and Tal are happy to be snug in Kirk’s house. But then their human goes outside for firewood and suffers a nasty fall that leaves him unconscious. Now the two cats have no choice but to reveal themselves.

Kirk wakes up to find the two kitties are actually Dolf and Tal. They’re cat shifters—and his destined mates. Being part of a feline threesome is enough for Kirk to grapple with, but soon he learns they come from a clowder that doesn’t believe humans and shifters should mix. Kirk knew those two cats would be trouble. Little does he know the real trouble lies ahead.

Review

Kirk is having a bad… life so far. His partner has left him, his house is falling apart and though he has his own garage – it’s early days and he worries about every penny. Suddenly, on a snowy new year’s night, 2 cats show up on his door. Little does he know these aren’t your average cats and they are in fact shifters and his mates!

Dolf and Tal are already mates when they scent Kirk. They both know he is their (uncommon but not impossible) third mate. They petition the alpha for the right to claim him and bring him into their “clowder” or group of cats. They are accepted… but that is where the easy stuff ends and the tough stuff begins.

Though it doesn’t take long, Kirk has to be convinced of the whole mating, shifting, moving part of his new life. The clowder is less than welcoming and this puts a rift in their relationship. To add to that, someone is targeting Kirk and physically attacking him as well.

Luckily, the clowder joins together to keep Kirk safe and we end up with a very HEA.

**

I loved this book! It was exciting and a unique but still traditional take on shifter romances. The threesome really worked for me. I thought that each truly added to the relationship and though Dolf and Tal were there together first, Kirk really added a needed dynamic that kept them closely bound.

I didn’t like a lot of the very light BDSM between Kirk and Dolf (not my taste) but it was mild enough I could skim it.

I hadn’t read this author before but I will definitely be looking for more from her in the future.

I give it 4.5 of 5 hearts

4.5

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Late Bloomer by Bru Baker

Dreamspinner Presents http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5802

late bloomerBlurb 

If not for his family and his Christmas tree farm, David Rochester would be a recluse. And Erik Shriver wouldn’t know a quiet moment if it smacked him in the face. But now David’s farm has brought them together. When Erik’s flurry of bad jokes and frenetic energy sets David off kilter, his family notices and begins conspiring. They push David and a very willing Erik together again and again until David stops denying his attraction. But an almost-hermit and a soon-to-be-former club boy each bring baggage into a relationship. They’ll have to take things slowly to find the middle ground between David’s taciturn silence and Eric’s boundless chatter.

Review

This was a short sweet holiday read about a solitary “late bloomer” who is compelled to open up by a more gregarious teacher.

I enjoyed the MCs but wished for more smexy times and more developing relationship.

For a short, holiday story it was nice.

Overall, I enjoyed it 3 of 5 hearts.

3

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The Two Gentlemen of Altona (Playing the fool #1) by Lisa Henry and JA Rock

Riptide Presents: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/two-gentlemen-of-altona

altonaBlurb

Mischief, thou art afoot.

Special Agent Ryan “Mac” McGuinness is having a rough week. Not only is he on a new diet, but he’s also been tasked with keeping Henry Page—the world’s most irritating witness—alive. Which is tough when Mac’s a breath away from killing the Shakespeare-quoting, ethically-challenged, egg-obsessed Henry himself. Unless killing isn’t really what Mac wants to do to him.

Con man Henry Page prefers to keep his distance from the law . . . though he wouldn’t mind getting a little closer to uptight, handsome Agent McGuinness. As the sole witness to a mob hit, Henry’s a valuable asset to the FBI. But he’s got his own agenda, and it doesn’t involve testifying.

When evidence surfaces of a mole in the FBI office, Mac and Henry are forced to go into hiding. Holed up in a fishing cabin, they’re surprised to discover that their feelings run more than skin deep. But as the mob closes in, Henry has to make his escape. And Mac has to decide how far he’s willing to go to keep Henry by his side.

Review

This is a funny first book of a three book series. In book one we are given the set up. Why Mac and Henry are together: Mac is keeping Henry “safe” for his trial against the mob, Henry wants to run away.

Giving us the two MCs basic profiles: Mac: somewhat overweight FBI agent on a diet, grumpy because of diet, not your typical MC but still very masculine. Henry: conman, chatty, sly, eager to push Mac’s buttons.

Setting up the beginning of their romance: These are early days, there isn’t a lot of hot and heavy sexy times, but we can hope in the next installment there will be more to come! Instead we get witty banter and sexual tension.

I love the “imperfect” MC and in this book we get two!

Be warned- cliff hanger – next book due in February.

This is a super funny book and I am eager to move on to book 2!

I give it 4.5 of 5 hearts!

4.5

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Stardust by Andrew Grey


Dreamspinner presents http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5848

StardustBlurb

With Georg’s life in Germany and Duncan’s in Boston, the chance for more than a holiday fling is as elusive as stardust.

Duncan is an ocean from home over the holidays and expects to spend them alone. To his pleasant surprise, one of his European co-workers, Georg, befriends him and includes Duncan in the holiday traditions of his homeland: cutting a Christmas tree under starry skies at Georg’s country estate, decorating it at the family’s city home, and shopping at the Christmas market in Munich. Both men are lonely and realize they have much in common. But Georg’s life is in Germany and Duncan’s is in Boston. With the project they’re working on nearing completion, any chance for more than a holiday fling seems as elusive as stardust.

Review

Duncan recently dropped his cheating ex, and since he’s single and has no close family, he elects to take a job overseas for the holidays. He’s an engineer working for NASA and loves his job, but is terribly lonely.

Georg is a count! But is also terribly lonely. He doesn’t want someone who wants him for his mostly in-name-only status and hasn’t yet found someone to fit the bill. He works with Duncan on the NASA project and is immediately intrigued by the American’s lack of desire for titles and pretensions.

Though they both wonder at the intelligence of starting what will have to be a short-term affair, neither man can resist the lure of the other, an in the meantime they fall in love.

Luckily, by the end, it looks like they may just have found a more permanent solution.

**

This was one of the longer books in the advent series and it is excellent. The descriptions of Munich and Fussen are spot on and the love and caring between Georg and Duncan feel very authentic, plausible and very sweet.

I really enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it.

4.5 of 5 hearts.

4.5

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The magic of Christmas by Pelaam

MLR Press Presents http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=PTHEMAGC

 

Blurb

On a friThe_Magic_of_Christmasends’ getaway in a winter wonderland, Jared and Casey discover real Christmas magic.

Jared joins his four best friends on an early Christmas holiday in a beautiful winter wonderland. He’s been in love with the talented and extroverted Casey for years, but lacked the courage to say anything.

Casey loves Jared, but despite his gregarious exterior, inside lurks someone shy and insecure and so he’s never spoken up.

Both men are about to experience real Christmas magic.

 

Review

Surprisingly sweet – this is a paranormal Christmas story of two friends who have harbored a love for one another but haven’t had the guts to admit it. They end up going on a holiday together with other friends to a spot that is “haunted” by the Snow Queen. Luckily, they end up being rescued by Kris Kringle, his lover Jack Frost and their mighty shifter Rudy.

It’s a lovely mishmash of Christmas lore, contemporary romance and some New Zealand culture.

I really enjoyed it, thought it was a full and complete story told in only 49 pages and would recommend it to someone looking for a short story full of fantasy, humor and a little hot sex!

4 of 5 hearts

4

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Batteries Not Included by JL Merrow

JL Merrow presents http://www.amazon.com/Batteries-Not-Included-J-L-Merrow-ebook/dp/B00QH6PV6O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1419024658&sr=1-1&keywords=batteries+not+included

batteriesBlurb

How would you react if you woke up one morning to find you were in bed with your favorite rock star? More to the point: how would the rock star react?

Animal rescue worker Sam is content to dream of rock sensation Cain Shepney. Trouble is, his meddling mother Lillith thinks he deserves to have all his dreams come true — and she isn’t above performing a little magic to achieve her ends! Sam’s shocked to wake up one morning to find himself actually in bed with his celebrity crush — but that’s nothing to how Cain feels about it! Suddenly Sam’s got to deal with an irate, naked, and very distracting rock star in his bed.

Cain has it all — he’s good-looking, famous, and adored by millions. But his life takes a turn for the surreal when he wakes up in bed with Sam. Expecting everyone to be worried sick by his disappearance, Cain’s horrified to find his manager — and even his mum — insisting he’s an imposter, and the real Cain Shepney is right where he belongs.

Sam just wants to help, but with Cain convinced he’s a crazed, celebrity-kidnapping stalker, Sam’s got his work cut out for him. Can he get the object of his affections to trust him long enough to find out just what the hell’s going on?

Review

This is a super short fantasy novel about a toy “idol” doll coming to life and making Sam’s dreams come true. In true Merrow fashion it’s British and snarky and hilarious with a dash of hot sex to keep things steamy.

I loved it and my only complaint was that it was too short!

My absolute favorite part is the tattoo!

I highly recommend it and give it 4.5 of 5 hearts

4.5

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The Magic of Weihnachten by Bru Baker


Dreampsinner presents: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5842

MagicofWeihnachten[The}Blurb

American Walsh Brandt is happy when a promotion lands him his dream job and a quiet new life in Germany. Until December rolls around, when he realizes it’s almost impossible to hide from the holiday season in Germany.

Dierck Reiniger is fascinated by Walsh’s hatred of Christmas and makes it his personal mission to help Walsh enjoy Weihnachten and the German traditions he grew up with. Walsh has a great time getting to know Dierck—but he still isn’t sold on Christmas, despite Dierck’s efforts. Dierck’s on the rebound, and he’s determined to develop their physical relationship slowly, much to Walsh’s frustration. It isn’t until they’re alone in a secluded cabin—hiding from the traditional trappings—that Walsh finally recognizes what the magic of the season can bring when spent with someone special.

 

Review

Walsh is a lonely man who hates Christmas. He’s in Germany,permanently, working at his new job in pharmaceuticals and is surrounded by their Weihnachten traditions everywhere he looks. One day he literally runs into Dierck who takes it upon himself to show Walsh the beauty of the season.

Dierck has been hurt in the past and is reluctant to move forward quickly in any relationship, so he forces the men to be friends first before lovers.

Finally, Walsh begins to feel that Dierck may just be using him for a holiday diversion when Dierck blessedly moves their relationship forward and we get a very solid HFN/HEA.

**

Though I really loved Dierck and learning about the traditions of Germany, I was as frustrated by this story as Walsh. Just when things looked to get more interesting and emotional, the story ends. The writing and character development were good, but the story felt truncated.

Overall, it was nice, but not my favorite of the advent series.

 

3.5 of 5 hearts

3.5

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