The Gathering by Jacey Holbrand ~ Review & Giveaway

 

Title -- The Gathering

Author -- +Jacey Holbrand

Publisher – Evernight Publishing Series – The Glorious Guild of Lady Windsurfer, 1 Genre – Alternative (MM)/Gay, Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Erotic Romance, Steampunk Heat Level – 3 Word Count – 35, 510 ISBN – 978-1-77233-049-6 Editor – Karyn White Cover Artist – Sour Cherry Designs Add to Goodreads TBR

BLURB

The year is 2112, and the world has changed… Jake Landry is interested in having some fun. He’s in Las Vegas, newly single and just off his most recent tour of duty. In Vegas he has met up with his old friend Nicola Goodheart, a scientist and inventor who studies portals, other worlds, and strange beings. Jake has also met and become enamored with Alexander, a gorgeous man with violet eyes. Jake goes with Nic on a portal finding mission, and they all end up in Alexander’s alien world. Recruiter Alexander Bloodworth is interested in Jake for himself and in Nicola for placement in a pleasure house on his home planet of Aurath. When he hears word one of his people’s enemies are after Nicola and Jake, he goes to save them both, even at the peril of losing his job. Will they risk their hopes and dreams—Alexander and Jake for a chance at love and Nicola for her career—or will they falter and lose everything anyway? Be Warned: m/m sex

 

 

REVIEW:

This one was a little hard for me to get into. I usually enjoy a good alien story but this one jumped around a lot in the beginning. But I perservered and once they got off planet the story picked up for me. 

Jake is in Las Vegas for a vacation. He was supposed to take it with his boyfriend but after getting a "Dear John" letter that ship has sailed. That is until he gets to his hotel only to find out his ex has checked into his room with his new lover. Jake turns the tables by renting a suite using his ex's money. He meets a gorgeous man at the bar and has a drink with him, he is captivated by Alexander's violet eyes. When he meets up with his friend Nicola to accompany her into the dessert to search out a wormhole he is surprised to find out Alexander is an alien and he was planning to abduct Nicola. 

Now the three are on the way to Alexander's planet where same sex relationships are forbidden. What will happen with the growing attraction between Alexander and Jake and can Jake get Nicola back to Earth safely?

Again if you can get through the first couple of chapters this book does pick up and straighten out. Once together the heat between Jake and Alexander is hot. Nicola is a fun character if a little flighty for a scientist. I would give this book 3 stars. 

 “Sounds acceptable to me.” Alexander captured Jake’s mouth in another kiss and the only time he stopped kissing him was to pull Jake’s shirt over his head. They mimicked each other’s touches—running their hands up each other’s smooth chests, tracing the dips and curves of their muscles, enticing nipples. When Alexander latched onto one of Jake’s hard nubs, Jake sucked in a stream of air. Alexander’s lips on his body were like heaven and hell. Heaven because their silky touch sent delightful vibes through him, and hell because whenever Alexander trailed down toward his pulsing cock, he didn’t take it in his mouth or lick or kiss it. “Come on, Alexander. Quit teasing me.” “What do you want me to do? I want to hear it. Tell me.” Alexander’s rumbling commands sent more heat racing through Jake’s veins and down into his cock. Jake didn’t know his dick could get harder than it already was, but it had. He gazed straight into the alien’s stormy purple eyes. “I want you, Alexander. I want you to take me in that beautiful mouth of yours. I want you to suck me dry.” The alien rose from the couch and towered over Jake before he dropped to his knees in front of him. Alexander reached out and grabbed the top of Jake’s pants, then yanked them down and off his body. Jake’s cock stood, bobbing to and fro as he resettled on the couch. “Spread your legs, Jake.” He did as Alexander demanded, then stared down upon the alien who positioned himself between his thighs and stroked, licked, and kissed his cock and balls. Jake tilted his head back, loving the way Alexander took command of his body, his senses. All the colorful twentieth and other centuries’ artifacts fell from sight. The metallic fragrance of the ship disappeared, replaced by Alexander’s heady musk and leather scent. Slurping and sucking sounds along with Jake’s panting breaths and occasional ahs and fuck yeahs filled the room. Jake closed his eyes to savor the exquisite feel of Alexander’s moist and warm mouth on his length. “God, Alexander. You’re incredible.” Jake breathed heavily, realizing he truly believed what he’d said. Alexander was wonderful and not just in a sexual capacity. The alien had a caring and compassionate way about him that Jake rarely saw any more in anyone. Alexander licked his way off his cock, grasped it in a semiclosed fist and pumped his hand as he stared at him. “You like, yes? You have a nice dick for an Earthman.” “Have you seen many?” Jake wanted to be jealous, but it was hard with Alexander’s soft fondling of his penis. “I have viewed my share. I am glad I waited to bring someone home until I met you.”   

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Jacey Holbrand believes love comes in all forms and should be celebrated. She’s committed to her muse and writing so she can share those kinds of stories with readers. Hot days. Sexy nights. Come play in her world.

Jacey loves to hear from readers! eMail her: JaceyHolbrand @gmail.com

 

Website – http://jaceyholbrand.wordpress.com

Blog – http://jaceyholbrand.wordpress.com/blog/

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Devada by Tich Brewster

Title: Devada

Series: Angels & Demons

Author: Tich Brewster

Photographer: K Keeton Designs

Model: Jaclyn Rutland
Cover Artist: Sprinkles On Top Studios

Publisher: Pennedit

AVAILABLE NOW!

Synopsis:

Angels and demons, God and Satan, heaven and hell. What do you do when you find out that these things are not some made-up fantasy but they are real? Not only are they real but you discover that you were created to fight in this warfare.

Hannah's life is turned upside down when she discovers that everything she thought was fictional is actually real. Everyone she loves is in danger and to top it off, she learns that she is a Devada. She was created to kill demons.

Will she be able to learn and master her Devada abilities before the demons find her?

Book Links:

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Goodreads

Author Bio:

Tich is an Oklahoma resident and the mother of five.  Her passion for reading started at an early age when her Aunt Vicky gave her the novel Heidi for Christmas.  She didn’t start writing until middle school, after being inspired by her best friend’s short stories.  “Genny’s stories weren’t just great but they inspired me to put my pen and paper to good use.”  Tich never thought of publishing her works until working with Teresa on the Royal Blood series.

Author Links:

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Blue Mountain by Cardeno C.~ Pre-Release Review

Blue Mountain

By Cardeno C.

Expected publication: November 21st 2014 by The Romance Authors, LLC

Exiled by his pack as a teen, Omega wolf Simon Moorehead learns to bury his gentle nature in the interest of survival. When a hulking, rough-faced Alpha catches Simon on pack territory, he tries to escape what he’s sure will be imminent death. But instead of killing him, the Alpha takes Simon home.

A man of action, Mitch Grant uproots his life to support his brother in leading the Blue Mountain pack. Mitch lives on the periphery, quietly protecting everyone, but always alone. A mate is a dream come true for Mitch, and he won’t let little things like Simon’s rejections, attacks, and insults get in their way. With patience, seduction, and genuine care, Mitch will ride out the storm while Simon slays his own ghosts and Mitch’s loneliness.

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As he kicked the last of the dirt over his mother’s grave, bone deep exhaustion nearly brought Simon Moorehead to his knees, but at least he’d delivered his mother home to rest. She had left Blue Mountain for him, and he had returned for her. There was a certain harmony in that, albeit an ironic one. But harmony or not, he had to leave the territory before another welcoming committee was dispatched to greet him. He darted his gaze around the surrounding landscape, looking for a flat rock to pound down the loose earth. Once he found an appropriate stone, he shifted into his human form, lifted it with both hands, and returned to the grave where he used the last of his energy to repeatedly raise and then slam down the rock, packing the soil. “Stop.” Shocked by the deep, rumbling voice, Simon lost his balance and toppled onto his backside. “Who’s there?” He held the stone in front of him like a weapon as he jerked his head from side to side and squinted, trying to see beyond the surrounding trees by the light of the moon. “Relax, little one.” He had his answer—it was a pack member who mistook his size for weakness. Well, Simon would prove him wrong just as he had the others. He’d been banished at age twelve and spent the next thirteen years learning how to take care of himself. Shifters underestimated him because they were led by scent and sight and refused to look beneath the surface. They didn’t expect an Omega to fight or disobey. But Simon had learned to act as strong as any Alpha. And if rejecting his true nature meant his soul suffered and withered, ultimately leading him to the same demise as his mother, so be it. “Show yourself,” he demanded as he stood. The direction of the wind changed, and Simon caught scent of the other shifter before he saw him. Alpha. The urge to bare his neck and roll over hit him deep in the gut. Forcing himself to ignore it, he mentally recited his mantra: Never show weakness. Stay in charge of every situation. Don’t back down. He wouldn’t be a slave to reactions he couldn’t control. He was better than that, stronger than that. Then the biggest man he had ever seen stepped into the clearing. Broad was an understatement in describing his shoulders. He was almost twice as wide as Simon and well over half a foot taller. “Drop the rock,” he said, piercing Simon with black eyes. Grateful for the reminder that he could use the tool as a weapon, Simon ignored the wetness dripping along his forearm, raised the rock above his head, and said, “Back away.” A growl was Simon’s only warning before the Alpha grabbed his wrist and forced him to release his hold on the stone. “Let me go!” Simon tried to yank his arm away from the powerful grip but strained his shoulder instead. He’d never come across anyone so large and powerful. The timing was terrible because Simon was already running on fumes, worn down soul-deep, but he gathered whatever energy he had left and tried to fight. “You’ve injured yourself.” The Alpha clasped Simon’s hip with his free hand, further impeding his movement. “Stop.” Grunting in denial, Simon struggled to get free. His backpack was a thirty minute hike away at the campsite. If he could shift and get there, he’d have his supplies and enough cash to get out of the Blue Mountain territory. “Let me go, and I’ll leave,” he said. Then, his gut rebelling at the possibility the Alpha would consider that a concession on his part, he added, “Like I told the men you sent, I have no intention of staying here.” He wriggled. “Let me go.” “I sent nobody.” The Alpha’s voice was deep and rough, like his face. “Be still.” With a grip just shy of painful, he raised Simon’s hand, leaned forward, and nostrils flaring, he inhaled deeply. “Males can be Omegas,” Simon resentfully answered the inevitable question. “It doesn’t make us weak.” “Not weak.” Bottomless black eyes peered at him as the Alpha shocked him to his core by parting his lips and licking his palm. “Mine.” Involuntarily, Simon trembled. The Alpha wanted blood—more blood than he was getting by lapping at Simon’s wounded hand, which meant he was feral, his animal half overrunning his human half and driving him to kill. When the giant leaned forward, going for his jugular, Simon delivered a well-placed kick to the groin and then went limp, making himself dead weight. The strategy worked—the Alpha lost his grip and Simon toppled to the ground. Before his attacker could react, he scurried out of reach, shifted into his wolf, and ran. Simon wasn’t a big wolf, but he was fast and he had a lifetime of experience evading other shifters. He ignored the instinct pulling at him to roll over and show his belly and wove around the trees at a breakneck pace, planning to do exactly what he’d done thirteen years earlier: take his meager belongings and escape from the Blue Mountain Alpha. But then a roar shook the very air around him, a big body knocked him to the ground, and teeth dug into his nape. Without breaking his skin, the Alpha shook him like a lamb and growled. Human words weren’t needed for the message to come through loud and clear: submit. It wouldn’t happen. If Simon was going down, he’d do it fighting and inflicting as much damage as possible along the way. He kicked and bit, clawed and smacked, never getting free but occasionally hearing pained yips and eventually smelling copper. As the scent of the Alpha’s blood permeated his entire being, Simon twisted in knots, waging an internal war between the cell-deep instinct to bare his throat to the wolf above him and the well-honed habit to fight and get free. When the world began darkening, he was less sad about the loss of his life than he was thankful for the reprieve from the battles—both external and internal. At least he’d be laid to rest with his mother.

REVIEW:

Mitch is an alpha wolf, he and his twin brother have taken over a pack. His brother mated with one of the females when they passed through the area and when they found out how the current alpha treated the women they had to step in. Now instead of trying to find his own mate, Mitch lives on the outskirts of the pack, being the enforcer as his brother leads. Finding a mate for himself will not be happening here and he is thinking about moving on.

Simon has come back to the land of his birth to bury his mother. Being a male omega is a hard life. Most wolves don't want anything to do with him. His father had thrown them off this land instead of claiming Simon. His life has been hard and he doesn't see it changing, in fact now that his mother is gone, it is hard finding a reason to live. When he is caught by the pack wolves, he just wants it all to be over. 

Mitch can't believe he's found his mate in the skittish omega. How is he going to get this man to see that he belongs and is safe with Mitch? And will his brother and the rest of the pack accept the two of them?

This is a wonderful book from CC. The characters are well written and they draw you in right away. I love that even though Simon feels a draw to Mitch, he makes Mitch work for it. Mitch is a big strong softy that you just want to cuddle up next to, and eventually Simon does just that. 

As always with CC's books we get our HEA after the characters work their way through their insecurities. Another 4 star read! 

Cardeno C. – CC to friends – is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few “awwws” into a reader’s day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno’s stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.

Cardeno’s Home, Family, and Mates series have received awards from Love Romances and More Golden Roses, Rainbow Awards, the Goodreads M/Romance Group, and various reviewers. But even more special to CC are heartfelt reactions from readers, like, “You bring joy and love and make it part of the every day.”

Website: http://www.cardenoc.com/index.php#.U-Js0Tg-671

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardenoC?fref=ts

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CardenoC/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CardenoC

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4620386.Cardeno_C_

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Her Purrfect Match by Milly Taiden Review & Giveaway

Blurb:

Paranormal Dating Agency Book 3 (STANDALONE)

Alyssa Moran is tired of being the old cat lady with no man. She has very specific needs and goes to visit Mrs. Wilder at the Paranormal Dating Agency. Shockingly enough, she is promised a man who likes cats, wants kids, likes curves and will be wild in bed.

Grayson Green needs a mate. Fast. But he refuses to be pushed into anything. That is, until a curvy funny woman shows up in his territory saying she’s there for him. Who is he to argue when someone as delectable as Alyssa decides she wants to give herself to him?

Of course, not all is at it seems and some people want Alyssa gone and Gray dead. If Gray mates, the future of his pride will be sealed and no one can argue his place as leader. Unless it can be stopped before they ever get a chance to make some cubs. He will have to work hard at convincing a human she’s the only one for him or lose his pride and his mate.

Reader Note: This book contains scorching sex (the kind that will make you sweat and need ice cream), adult language (he's a very dirty talker and we like it), and violence. If this is not the kind of stuff you like to read, skip this book. However, if you like dirty, raunchy sex with a growly tiger on one funny curvy girl, then this is right up your alley. Enjoy!

REVIEW

Milly has done it again with the third edition of the Paranormal Dating Agency books. Alyssa is tired of dating the wrong guys. You know the ones who use her to take care of them. She wants a man who will take care of her for a change. He also has to like cats. When her friend tells her to contact Gerri Wilder to find a shifter she is apprehensive but what does she really have to lose? When Gerri sends her out of town to meet her date Lyss gets lost, or so she thinks when her tire blows and she finds herself approached by a guy and his pet tiger. Yes that tiger seems to be taken with her, but then she's always had a way with cats. 

Grayson is the leader of his pride, but he's holding onto that position by a thread. He needs to produce cubs, unfortunately Gray's not like most tigers, he doesn't just sleep around and impregnate any female of the pride. But as soon as he sees Gerri, he's drawn to her, the fact that she's been sent to him by a dating service he didn't actually sign up for is somewhat surprising. 

The two manage to start a relationship that seems to be right for both of them, but scheming pride members are determined to keep them apart. When Lyss finds out that Grayson never really wanted a mate she runs. Now Gray needs to figure out if all he wants is the cubs they could have together, or if his heart is ready for a lifetime commitment. 

As always with Milly's characters, the heat is tempered with humor. When your in the mood for a lighthearted story that leaves you smiling at the end you should look no further than one of Milly's books. 

Excerpt:

“Why what you want in a man, of course.” Gerri placed her elbow on the table and cupped her chin with her hand, tapping a finger on her cheek. “I know you said you wanted a man that likes cats.”

She nodded quickly. “He has to. Or at least not be allergic and not be bothered by them.”

“A man who likes pussy,” Gerri said as she wrote. “Got it.” Lyss blinked. Then she burst into giggles.

Gerri gave her a side smile. “You got that, huh?” “Heck yeah. I definitely need a man who likes erm...that. You know, Tally had said you were unique, but wow.

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Purrfect-Paranormal-Shifter-Romance-Dating-ebook/dp/B00O7YLKFO

Bio:

Hi! I'm Milly (AKA April Angel) I love to write sexy stories. They're usually either paranormal or contemporary with a large dose of heat. My paranormal stories can be anything from wolf-shifters (my favorites) to witches, demons and anything in between. I was born the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, I live in New York City with my hubby, the bossy kiddo and our little dog "Needy Speedy". Don't ask.

When I'm not working some really long hours at the day job, or hanging out in the awful life-sucking invention known as Facebook, messaging my bestie in the UK or shopping with my sis Julie, then I can be found watching scary movies. Buuut when I'm not doing that, I'm usually writing because the voices won't shut up.

I am addicted to shoe shopping, chocolate (but who isn't, right?) and Dunkin' Donuts coffee.

Website: millytaiden.com
Facebook: facebook.com/millytaidenpage

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Breach of Contract by JR Gray Review & Giveaway

Book: Breach of Contract (Bound Book 2)

Author: J.R. Gray

Genre: BDSM M/M Erotic

Goodreads Book Link

Synopsis

With the legal trouble behind them, Daniel Caplin and Rafael Argon are ready to settle into a low key d/s relationship, but life is unrelenting, when blackmail shatters their illusion of happily ever after. Pictures from one of the Rafael’s public scenes instill fear into his new Submissive, Daniel, acting as a wedge driving the new couple apart.

            The building peril in George’s community weighs heavy on his shoulders as he struggles to find the culprit while hiding his feelings for his new house guest. Jesse is torn between ending his marriage, picking up a rebound he should have left fifteen years in the past, and the dangling carrot of a possible relationship with a man. He is forced to fight for what he wants most, a leap he may be too chicken to take.

            In the sequel to Legally Bound George battles to take down an unknown enemy, while watching helpless, as those he cares for most are broken beyond repair. Can Rafael and Daniel rebuild their trust after it's broken with lies?

Excerpt

The back elevator dinged as he approached, and the doors slid back to reveal Jesse's face. He had circles under his eyes and worry lines in his forehead. Two fingers held a garment bag over one shoulder and a duffle over his other.

            “Is it still okay if I stay?” He put a smile on his lips that George knew was fake.

            “But of course. Let me help you.” George approached him and tried totake the bag, but Jesse didn’t move to hand it over.

            “I’ve got it.”

            “Don’t be absurd. I would have a slave do it, but he’s rather tied up at the moment.”

            The statement earned a chuckle out of Jesse, and he gave up the bag. Even hurt Jesse had a light in his blue eyes and his heart on his sleeve, a trait that made him wholly unique compared to the masks most wore to impress George.

            “I can stay on the sofa or something if the slaves use the guest rooms.”

            George laughed and turned his back to stalk down the hall. When he didn’t hear Jesse following, he cast a glance over his shoulder.

            “Slaves in bed … how naive you really are, handsome.”

            Jesse started after him, brow creased. “Where do they sleep then?” He caught up and followed George to the other side of the penthouse.

            He realized Jesse was serious, and he laughed throatily again. “I have cages for them.”

            “I love you and Daniel, but your lifestyle is fucked.”

REVIEW:

I did not read the first book of this series but I didn't feel left out of anything. From the synopsis you think that the story has more to do with Daniel and Rafael, but they are bit players in this story. This book is mainly about George and Jesse. George aka King, is the head of the BDSM community and everyone bows down to him, everyone that is except the man that for the first time in years interests George beyond the playroom. The problem? Jesse is married, not that his marriage is happy, in fact he has finally decided to leave his wife. He is drawn to George but is unsure if he has the guts to follow through with his feelings, especially since George is so dominant. 

This was a great story about the struggle both these characters go through. The subplot includes the characters from the previous book and we follow along with the investigation of who would like to bring down the BDSM community. Truth be told, I figured out the culprit about a third of the way through the book, but I have a way of doing that, it may not be so easy for you. Either way the storyline moves quickly and the characters are well thought out. The sex scenes are hot and I am looking forward to reading more of J.R. Gray's books. 

Author Bio

When not staying up all night writing, J.R Gray can be found basking in the warm glow of the Miami sun, or at the gym where it's half assumed Gray is a permanent resident. A dominant, pilot, and sword fighting enthusiast, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. Gray frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns, to jot down nonsense. The bane of Gray's existence are commas, and even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder.

If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave or possibly a mental institution where the tales would end up on the walls in crayon and finger paint.

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Other Books in the Series

Legally Bound (Bound Book 1)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

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