Category: Adult (18+)

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Moon Dances (Sundown Series #4) by KC Kendricks

Amber Allure Presents http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1943-Moon-Dances.aspx

Moon DancesBlurb

(Book IV in the Sundown series)

For Lieutenant Fallon Roxbury, Special Police Consultant, reality has taken on a strange shift. Shapeshifters exist and a clan of them live under his protection. One is his lover, Sundown. Protecting the Chal is a full-time job, a task which would be easier if they weren’t so secretive—and scheming. When Fallon’s police force partner suggests a vacation, Fallon jumps at the chance to take Sundown someplace private. A resort near where he grew up seems like the perfect place for a getaway. Ten days filled with sex, sleep and sun is just what they both need, but more than fun lurks in the woods.
The ancient nemesis of the Chal is still out there and could one day return to earth to enslave both Chal and human alike. Secrets of the Chal past come to light when Fallon’s suppressed memories of his early years resurface. The shapeshifters have always had a plan to defeat their enemy, one with Sundown at its core…

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Review

This is the last in the Sundown Series (that we know of!). Sundown and Fallon go on a vacation (believe it or not!). They head out to Fallon’s grandfather’s old homestead for some much needed R&R but… of course it can’t be a “normal” vacation.

First, Sundown wants to learn to drive – that in itself is a little bone chilling! Second, unease sits on Sundown’s shoulders from the minute they arrive – there is something familiar about the place and he doesn’t know why it should feel that way when he’s never been there.

When the feeling gets too strong to ignore, Fallon and Sundown take a walk around the lake and Sundown realizes he is sharing the memories of the ancient Chal he harbors within him – only it’s not just his memories – it’s the actual essence of the being himself!

Needless to say there are some repercussions from that knowledge that need to be dealt with, questions and answers to be shared, and a discussion as to what that means and what the future holds. (Without giving everything away, we do find out what the long term plans are for Sundown and Fallon and that their history extends beyond what we thought was their first meeting.)

With a somewhat melancholy ending, Fallon and Sundown are finally left alone to enjoy the rest of their vacation. Upon returning, Fallon and Juny meet up again and delve in to the beginnings of another cold case, so we are left knowing that their work will continue on as before.

**

I was a little disappointed with this book, especially as a final installment in the series. It was great to learn some more about the beginnings of Sundown and learn about his role and his relationship with Fallon.

But — it left me feeling kinda sad, definitely melancholy. I don’t doubt the two really love each other and will end up together as long as possible, but I really (really, really, really) wanted them to have some sort of solution that would give Fallon a chance at being alive as long as Sundown. Even some little suggestion or hint that it might be possible would have gone a long way.

Instead, Fallon is pretty blasé about it – telling Sundown he wants him to find someone else after he’s gone because he doesn’t want Sundown to be alone.

Ugh!

My little ol’ romantic heart wanted them to figure out another way! Don’t make me so attached to them then strip them away there at the end! (No, nobody dies, but we aren’t given much hope either…)

So – though I appreciated the writing and the new information, I have to say this was not my favorite installment in the series.

I give it a 3.5 of 5 hearts

3.5

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Body Magic Audiobook by Poppy Dennsion Narrated by Robert G Davis

Dreamspinner presents: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3219

body magic

Blurb

Sequel to Mind Magic, Triad: Book Two
A pack is only as strong as its weakest member. Rocky Harris knows how the system works. He’s been on the bottom rung his whole life. But when his alpha consigns him to the High Moon Pack to help them improve security, he finds his beliefs not just challenged but outright assaulted.

Cade Montgomery’s confidence took a hit when the pack’s cubs were kidnapped on his watch. He’s prepared to do anything to protect his family, even if it means working with Rocky. Maybe Cade doesn’t trust Rocky, but with the turmoil surrounding pack Alpha Gray’s unpopular decision to break tradition and mate with a mage named Simon, Cade knows more threats are coming.

Then someone declares war on shifters and puts the entire pack in danger. Cade and Rocky will need each other’s strengths to survive the impending battle—and the power of their growing attraction.

Morgan’s Review

This is the sequel to Body Magic and we see a lot of Simon and Gray in this story – maybe even more than Rocky and Cade, the supposed MCs.

Simon and Gray are really hammering out their relationship and it was great to see them and to be able to follow them from their tenuous HFN to a more day to day relationship, watching their mating really solidify.  Simon waffles back and forth between wanting to trust his love for Gray but also wanting to be a good and independent wizard, separate from the pack and Gray.

Simon is also preparing for his final mage test with his uncle and this occupies a fair amount of time.  His uncle helps also him work through his emotional issues in addition to  his magickal issues as they prepare for his test.

The pack rescues an adorable little lion shifter after his family is decimated by the malevolent being from book one and integrating him into the pack proves to be more tricky than anyone thought.

There is discord when it is found that someone has infiltrated the pack – spying on the forbidden mating between shifter and wizard and the integration of a lion shifter into a wolf pack. When war breaks out there are people going to be hurt and loyalties will be tested.

Meanwhile, as almost a side note, Cade lusts after Rocky for a while and then they tentatively begin a relationship just before the pack is invaded.  Rocky is a very conflicted character and he needs someone solid, like Cade to help him get over his issues (the pack hates omegas and gays, both of which Rocky is.)  The budding relationship is almost lost when Cade realizes that Rocky was sent to the pack as a spy.  Cade is shocked at first but with a minimum of fuss the two work out that Rocky is loyal to his new pack (he’s willing to be a double agent for the pack) and the pair take tentative steps forward in their own relationship.

**

Overall, this was a great second book in that we get to see Gray and Simon develop more fully as a couple. I would have loved to see more of Rocky and Cade as they were equally engaging characters (Rocky in particular is very complex) but they didn’t get much page time.  Hopefully we will see more of them in future installments.

I’m looking forward to Book Three, since this left us with a sort of cliff hanger!

Audio:

Robert Davis does a really nice job with this narration, as well. Nothing too over the top but very clear and  differentiates all the different characters’ voices.  I really liked Simon’s Uncle Cormac genteel voice and Rocky’s Southern drawl.

I’m looking forward to his narrations in the upcoming books as well.

I give both the book and the audiobook 4 of 5 hearts

4

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River Walk (Sundown Series #3) by KC Kendricks

Amber Allure Presents: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1588-River-Walk.aspx

Blurb

river walk

(Book III in the Sundown series)

Detective Fallon Roxbury has a big problem. A twenty-year-old cold case turned hot threatens to expose his secret—shapeshifters exist and they’re living in Montgomery Circle under his protection. Between a new witness and a group of fanatical alien watchers, Fallon’s scrambling to uphold the law and keep his promises intact. He already knows no power on earth can keep his shapeshifter lover from stepping into the mix.
Sundown has come into his own with his human lover by his side. Fallon is his compass, and shield, as he seeks to keep his Clan united and teach them most humans can be trusted. A catalyst, Sundown is rare among his kind, a descendant of heroes. The status of his Clan rests on him and he’s determined to see his people prosper on this world owned by humans—without the humans knowing shapeshifters walk among them.
Secrets have a way of being exposed. Fallon’s not the only one who knows about Sundown’s kind. A cop used to right and wrong being black and white, Fallon struggles to learn shades of gray. Their relationship is tested as Fallon and Sundown race against the clock to find a kidnapped shapeshifter before the Clan takes matters into their own hands. Because if they fail, Fallon knows his lover will be forced to stand with his people and act against him.

 Review

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This series just gets more and more exciting! In book one we basically met our two MCs and they started their affair. In book two the lovers grew much closer and began to work with one another on solving crimes. In book three we find out that the Chal have been holding information back from Fallon and though it kills him to do it, Sundown is allowed to only answer direct questions from Fallon, keeping him in the dark about a lot of things.

The other problem is Juny and Juny’s brother. Both know there is something “other” out there and Juny suspects Sundown is it.

When one of the baby Chal goes missing Juny, his brother, Sundown and the Elders (!) have to work together to bring the baby back.

We are left with a little dangling carrot at the end – the idea that the rescued baby Chal might just play a role in the next installment – and that little guy is gonna be trouble!

**
I really enjoyed watching Sundown and Fallon make promises to one another, deciding that despite the challenges they would be there for the long haul. I was also glad Juny got the information, because he was starting to cause ripples.

I will be sad with this series ends, I’ve really gotten to enjoy Fallon and Sundown’s romance and the world created by KC Kendricks.

I give it 4.5 of 5 hearts

4.5

 

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Ilya and the Wolf by Rory Ni Coileain

Dreamspinner Presents:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5832

IlyaandtheWolf

Blurb

Accepting shapeshifter Volyk’s Christmas offer will change Ilya’s life forever.
Ilya, the youngest son of a Moscow oligarch, is so deep in the closet he’d find Narnia if that weren’t a decadent Western story. On Christmas Eve, his brothers lure him into the forest, intending to murder him and erase the shame he inflicts on their family by existing. However, the attempt is interrupted by Volyk, a wolf who carries the blood of the ancient oboroten’ —shapeshifters. Ilya never imagined a Christmas gift like the handsome wolf, but accepting what Volyk offers will have consequences that change both of their lives forever.

 

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Review

In this tremendously sweet shifter story, a gay man of Russian Royalty (Ilya) is tricked by homophobes into going out in the snow to gather wood. They end up attacking him and nearly kill him.

Ilya is saved by a “wolf” with a fascinating story to share and a life of mated perfection to save him forever from those that would call him an abomination.

**
The writing is beautiful and fluid and has a fairytale like quality to it.

I hope/wish there are more stories from this “world” as it was beautifully created and wonderful to read.

I give it 5 of 5 hearts

5

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Saint Martin’s Day by Kim Fielding

Dreampsinner Presents:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5831

saint martin

Blurb

Toby follows Neno to Zagreb, Croatia, hoping Saint Martin’s Day will bring the change their relationship needs.

Five years ago, Neno Kovač fled California, graduate school, and his lover, Toby Cowan, to return to his native Croatia. Since then, he’s led a quiet life as a librarian—until one November afternoon when Toby, who has never stopped loving Neno, shows up in Zagreb. When he left the United States, Neno wasn’t ready to give up his home and family to take a chance on a long-distance relationship. But Saint Martin’s Day has arrived, the day pressed grapes turn to wine and autumn turns to winter. Perhaps it will be a day when other changes are possible as well.

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Review

We jump into the story right when Toby shows up in Zagreb to surprise Neno. It’s been 5 years since the couple has seen or heard from one another, but neither has lost the love they held.
In order for Neno to be with Toby (back in California where society will accept their relationship) he has to tell his family, agree to leave his childhood home and face the fact that he can’t be who he thinks his mother wants him to be.
**
Kim Fielding is a wonderful writer and this short holiday story shows the depth of the feelings between the couple as well as their hope for the future. There is a little steam to the story and lots and lots of “feels”.
I especially loved Neno’s family and the sense of being there we get from Neno’s touring Toby around his home.
I really enjoyed this selection from Dreamspinner’s 2014 advent calendar and give it a 4.5 of 5 hearts

4.5

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Mind Magic Audiobook by Poppy Dennison Narrated by Robert G Davis

Dreamspinner Presents:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2887

mind magicBlurb

Triad: Book One

Magical species must never mix. According to the rules, Simon Osborne should ignore the children’s cries for help. After all, they’re werewolf cubs, and he’s an apprentice mage. But for once in his life, Simon breaks the rules and rescues the cubs, saving them from a demon intent on draining them of their magic.

Of course, all actions have consequences, and Simon’s bold move earns him the displeasure of his peers and the attention of the cubs’ alpha, a man named Gray Townsend.

The last thing Gray needs is a mage in his life, but Simon did save his son. Since Simon is now a friend of the pack, Gray doesn’t have much choice about it—or the forbidden attraction that goes along with it. Unfortunately for the alpha, he needs Simon’s help to track down the demon behind the kidnappings—before it strikes again. Simon and Gray must join forces to protect the pack, even as they struggle to resist the temptation that threatens to destroy them both.

Morgan’s Review

Simon is a mage, and mages don’t mix with Others (vampires, shifters, demons) but when Simon “hears” some shifter children crying for help, he runs to their rescue despite this “rule”.

Gray is the father of one of the children Simon rescues and he is immediately indebted and attracted to Simon.

Together they work to find the demon who kidnapped the children and also unravel a mystery that involves Simon’s own powers.

Gray reveals that Simon is his Mate and though it should be impossible for two from different “groups” to mate, the chemistry is undeniable and very hot. They fight the attraction for a while, but it turns out to be necessary to save Simon’s life so they both joyfully and somewhat cautiously mate, unsure what the future will hold.

This was a sweet romance, most of the angst was about the “mystery” and the romance was pretty straight -forward. However, their relationship is far from solid and we will see it evolve in future stories as they experience being a couple on a day to day basis.

I liked this book a lot and am happy to keep reading the series.

Poppy’s world building is exceptional and her characters are fun and engaging.  I enjoy exploring her world further with book two.

Audiobook:

Robert G Davis narrates the entire series and does a pretty great job.  I really love his dialog.  He’s good with the unique voices, uses some great accents and does a fantastic job voicing the children.

The sound quality is good and the pacing is excellent.

My only peeve is that while reading straight descriptive text (no dialog or specific action sequence) he tends to lilt his voice in such a way that every sentence ends with a higher inflection, like everything is a question or vaguely exciting.

If you put that out of your mind, the rest far out ways that gripe and it’s a great way to experience this series.

I recommend this book and the audiobook and give both  a 4 of 5 hearts

4

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Bowl of Cherries by Raine O’Tierney

Dreamspinner Presents http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5799

bowl

Blurb

Porker, Fatty, Tons-of-Fun: Crowley Fredericks has heard it all. He’s dropped a lot of weight since his high school days, but he’s still a big guy, and the painful words and bullying follow him. Rejected—again—because of his size, Crowley is starting to think that maybe love just isn’t meant for huskier men.

Averell Lang and his twin are so different they might as well not even be related. So when Rell’s brother brings his roommate home to snowy Susset for the holidays, Rell expects the worst—another uptight, pretentious hipster. What he discovers instead is Crowley. Nerdy, fascinating, attractive, Crowley. Rell never expected to look at a man this way, and what he sees in Crowley Fredericks is something he didn’t even know he was looking for. If both men can overcome their hang-ups, they might unwrap more than presents this holiday season.

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Review

Crowley just wants to have a nice Christmas with his family. But, after recently coming out to them, he’s told not to come home – no one will be there to pick him up from the airport.

He’s crushed, but he’s got a great friend in the form of his roommate, Tyler Lang. Tyler invites him to share Christmas with his big family upstate and even buys him the train ticket. The problem is the only available seat will actually put Crowley there one entire day before Tyler. No worries, Tyler tells him, just hang with his dumb twin Avrell and try not to be too bored.

Though he’s a little shell-shocked, he makes it to the train station and to Tyler’s hometown of Sutten. He’s a bit dismayed when someone vaguely resembling Tyler comes crashing over the curb – late – ready to pick him up, and sparking his romantic interest.

Crowley “knows” that there’s no way someone as good looking as Averell could be interested in a “fatty” like him, and Tyler never said he was gay so… he just quietly crushes on him… but is amazed by how easy they get along. Crowley’s pretty shy, especially in the face of someone he’s attracted to, but the conversation flows and the two end up having a ball!

Averell (Rell) is “in between jobs”. More or less permanently. He’s never found that “perfect” job and stumbles aimlessly looking for it. He’s currently living at home again and doing chores for room and board. He can’t believe his hipster-snob of a brother actually has a cool friend and he’s psyched to be actually “forced” to room with him while he’s here.

As the story progresses we see Crowley (nicknamed Owl by Rell) falling for Rell and surpisingly, Rell (who identifies as straight) falling too. Tyler tries to keep them separated – knowing how Crowley has been deeply hurt in the past and unwilling to see his “loser” brother “use” Crowley for either experimentation or worse.

But — the attraction can’t be denied and on Christmas, Owl and Rell exchange a mind-blowing kiss that shakes them both up a bit. When it looks like they might want to do more than kiss, Owl freaks out at being naked and we begin to learn just how deep his body issues go. (Both boys are “virgins” in this case – making things doubly difficult.)

Fortunately, Sondra, the boys’ cousin, is there and she has an absolutely amazing idea for helping Owl to love his body – and it works!

Now the only obstacle left to overcome is Rell and his feeling of unworthiness due to his lack of direction. Again – the best ideas come from loving family members and we leave Owl and Rell with a decidedly HFN that will completely have you sobbing tears of joy.

**
There are those of us who will so closely identify with this story, it’s not even funny. The horrible, horrible things society can do to young people – making them hate themselves – is not just for girls anymore.

This story handles the issue with loving care. It’s realistic, touching, sentimental, heart-breaking, tender, sweet… just amazing.
Even if you never had body “issues” you can clearly identify with childhood trauma and the feelings of isolation caused at the hands of a bully. When Crowley shares his experience and how it not only happened to him but was then broadcast on Facebook – I couldn’t help but think – Thank God I was a kid before Facebook! What an evil tool that little social program can be in the wrong hands!

My heart absolutely broke when Owl confessed that his guidance counselor was of no help and he didn’t dare tell his family about the incident because it would “out” him as well as show him as a weakling. So there he was, 15, feeling all alone, and having to face his bullies every day with no sense of power or any ability to feel good about himself. (It makes me tear up just thinking about it!)

I wanted to hug Rell and Sondra. God – what amazing healers these two people were. They were able to reach in a see what needed to be done and were brave enough to do it. (Sure the time frame was a little quick, but I don’t think it was out of the realm of possibility. Let’s face it – the chance for sex is a great motivating factor!)

The other thing that I appreciated from this story was that Owl went through a probably fairly normal “slimming” down as he went through puberty and grew up some. Sure, he did have some crazy diet ideas (and those were handled so very well in the story) but at no point did anyone suggest they’d help him “look better” or be his “work out buddy” in order for him to feel good about himself. The message was – you are beautiful As. You. Are.

Isn’t that a freeing thought?! (I fear corporate America will never let us (as a society) truly accept this as a concept – but one can hope!)

There are not enough hearts available to me to tell you how wonderful this book is.
Everyone who has ever thought “I am worthy not enough unless I …” should read this. The message is universal.

My applause to Raine O’Tierney and my appreication for tackling this issue so well.

amazing

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Blue Days by Mary Calmes

Optimized-Blue daysFalling for a coworker is rarely a good idea, especially for a man getting a last chance at salvaging his career. But from the moment Dwyer Knolls sees the beautiful but socially awkward Takeo Hiroyuki, he seems destined to make bad decisions.

Takeo’s life is a string of failed attempts to please his traditional Japanese father. Unfortunately, succeeding in business turns out to be just as difficult for Takeo as changing from gay to straight. In fact, the only thing Takeo seems to truly excel at is taking notice of Dwyer Knolls.

When Dwyer and Takeo head to Mangrove, Florida on a real estate buying trip, their tentative friendship combusts and becomes much more. Is their sudden connection real enough to bank their futures on, or should they chalk the whole thing up to the daze inspired by the blue ocean breeze?

Marieke’s Review:

Dwyer thinks he’s about to lose his job, but then is give a new partner. Mak is hilarious and they are a perfect team. But Mak is not the only new colleague Dwyer gets. Takeo Hiroyuki is Dwyer’s dream man, but he has no idea is the man is gay. He starts to talk and ‘play’ with Takeo.

Takeo is Japanese, and doesn’t get the whole social conversation thing. He takes everything too literal and is a perfectionist to the littlest detail. He’s all business and no pleasure to everyone but Dwyer. His colleagues start calling him the Ice Prince.

Then one day Dwyer has to go to Florida for business, but instead of Mak, Takeo comes along. The trip changes everything, their relationship, their jobs and their ideals for the future.

**

Mary Calmes is not my favorite author… Yes I know, people will be shocked and all that, but that’s just my taste. I did, however, liked this book a whole lot. The only thing I would’ve changed was the length. If it was longer, the part from friends to lovers could’ve been worked out better.

I love Takeo. Dwyer is sweet and funny, but in this story Takeo stole my heart. He’s so clueless and socially awkward, I just had to love him. His father is––predictably–– the asshole here, and I was very happy that the two men move on without remorse.

But this bit could have been more angty too. More confrontation, and maybe even a bit of a rough spot with the new B&B, because dad was making it hard for them. But, as it is a novella, this was not annoying or anything.

It was a heart-warming story with lots of humor. It’s definitely something the Mary fans will adore, as did I.

Rating: 4

 

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His Omega by AC Katt

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

his omega

Blurb

On his way home from a meeting of the North American werewolf council, Armand La Marche is stopped in his limousine by a boy who is hurt by an unknown assailant who murdered his friend. After decades of searching, Armand has found his mate. There is one problem, someone is trying to kill Sean.

Sean Quinn’s friend Leroy was gutted trying to protect him. He runs for help and stops the first car he sees.

Armand LaMarche is head Alpha of the North American werewolf council and was in his limousine on his way home to his Manhattan brownstone. When the wounded boy stops his car, Armand recognizes two things:the boy is part wolf, an Omega with a great gift, and he’s Armand’s mate. Now all Armand has to do is claim his mate and keep him safe from the murderer.

Morgan’s Review

Sean is an art student who comes out to his dad and is thrown out into the streets. He has no money, no job and is about to become a rent boy when he is attacked. He’s “rescued” by Leonard, but his would-be friend/pimp gets killed trying to protect him and Sean gets injured, but is rescued again by Armand.

Both the attacker and Armand are werewolves. It turns out Sean is a werewolf too, only he doesn’t know it. But that isn’t all.  Sean is no ordinary werewolf, he has special powers. Armand wants Sean because he is his mate. The attacker wants Sean’s special powers.

Armand nurses Sean back to health, tells him about the supernatural and they “fall in love”.

The rest of the story is preparing Sean to be a special Omega wolf and working on capturing the other werewolf after Sean.  Sean comes into his powers at 25, Armand wants to be married before mating him, if Sean is taken before he’s mated his powers can be easily stripped from him, so there is some time pressure, as well.

**

Overall, this was an okay shifter story. Insta-love. Medium-hot sex. Semi-believable conflict. Lots of “I love yous”, “babys” and “honeys”.

If you’re a sucker for a sentimental, traditional “mates” type shifter story (like me) this is a book for you. There is next to nothing about being a wolf in this story other than as a plot device to explain the insta-love.

If you want a story with a more meaty storyline, more “shifting”, more “realism”…you might want to skip this.

I enjoyed it for what it is and give it 3.5 of 5 hearts

3.5

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Abercrombie Zombie by KZ Snow

Dreamspinner Presents:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2456

abercrombie

Blurb

A tale of life, love, death, and other mysteries of the universe . . . including the importance of a good wardrobe.

Dead folks are the best friends of Quinn McConnell and Hunter Janz. Dead folks pay the bills for this team of psychic mediums . . . but just barely. To make it into the financial comfort zone, they need to outshine their competition.

Quinn needs even more than that. He’s been infatuated with his partner for the nearly three years they’ve been together, and if he can’t either get over his crush or make something happen with Hunter, they’ll have to split up. Sexual tension and unrequited love can wreak havoc with a psychic’s reception.

Salvation comes hobbling along in the form of a well-dressed but ravaged-looking man who can clearly see and converse with the dearly departed. Why? Because, he claims, he has something in common with them: He’s also been dead. The zombie who calls himself Dustin DeWind needs the psychics’ help in finding the man who made him what he is. In return, he promises to steer them toward the often elusive spirits that are their stock in trade.

But something more goes on when Quinn and Hunter forge an uneasy alliance with Dustin DeWind. It seems he’s also nudging them toward each other .

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Review

Quinn and Hunter are psychics who can sense the emotions of people from places and things they’ve touched. They help the cops, do private investigating, and some talk shows. Though they met in an odd way (a one time hook-up at a wedding) they are business partners and friends now, and have been for years.

Quinn is out and proud and secretly pining for Hunter. Hunter is a “straight man” who occasionally finds men attractive. He’s been engaged up until recently and though he seems pretty touchy feely with Quinn, he has never approached Quinn again sexually or even spoken of their first meeting years ago.

The psychic duo are approached after one of their talk-show gigs by a dapper but somehow dilapidated man seeking their expertise on a personal matter. He claims he can speak with the dead, but won’t say how and won’t tell them any more until he feels he can trust them.

To prove himself, the man who calls himself (pun intended) Dustin DeWind, agrees to meet with them at an old asylum Quinn, Hunter and their paranormal group are investigating. Dustin claims he’ll prove he can speak with the dead and help them with their cases in return for their psychic help with his own, personal problem.

At the asylum Dustin communicates with a homophobic ghost and afterward asks the pair to help find Dustin’s ex-lover – the man who turned Dustin into a zombie.

Though they are still not so sure what to make of the guy (zombie and all) they agree Dustin has talent and his sob story is very compelling. So they go on a search for the ex. Meanwhile, Dustin keeps pointing out how the couple seems to be more than just friends and this spurs some interesting and revealing conversations between Quinn and Hunter. Neither man wants to lose their partnership but these feelings between them have to be addressed and it looks like things will need to change – one way or another.

**

What a surprise this book was! I was expecting it to be one thing (kinda spooky, kinda goofy, maybe even a little silly) but instead found it to be a really well written, thought provoking and sweetly sentimental story.

The magic and psychic stuff was fun! (I love it when paranormal authors actually capitalize on that unique feature of their books and do something with their characters’ powers/skills/etc.) Dustin’s part of the story was bitter-sweet but also interesting and moving and added quite a bit to the story.

I really liked how Hunter and Quinn’s romance subtly moved forward along with the “mystery” and that it wasn’t a big or over the top transition from friends to lovers. The pair had known each other for years and I was pleasantly surprised by the “reveal” in its simplicity.

There are only a few smexy times, but it’s pleny hot and felt like just the right amount for the story.

I really enjoyed this book, thought the writing and world-building was excellent, and will gladly look for more from this author.

I give it 4.5 of 5 hearts

4.5