Paul's D'Marco by Leiland Dale

So yes, now that I've been royally sidetracked -- see previous post! -- I will now discuss the latest book that I read by Leiland Dale.

 I read, and reviewed his book When the Bluebird Calls for Dark Diva Reviews and I loved it.  But Paul's D'Marco is a different story altogether.  One that I love, if possible, even more than Bluebird.  I think part of the reason that it appeals so much to me is the suspense element.  I love suspense / thrillers and Leiland's imbued Paul's D'Marco with suspense galore... it also doesn't hurt that it's got police in it.

Then there's the romance; whew!  Extremely sexy and H-O-T, I loved the development of the relationship between Matt D'Marco and Paul Whittington.  And the struggle to discover who is killing these boys; horrific yes, but a mesmermising story nonetheless.  In fact, I've already re-read Paul's D'Marco... it's the kind of story that will be a regular re-read.

* * * * * *
Description:  Matt D'Marco has happily settled in his routine for years. Now with a pending divorce, recently promoted Matt's life is about to take an entirely new direction. Matt's first case as detective turns out to be a challenge. Desperation sets in when all leads in the child serial killer case leave the police department empty handed. Paul Whittington, psychic and medium, may be the only solution in finding a break in the case.

Matt and Paul are forced to work together. But when a work relationship turns into something more, it challenges everything Matt's known about himself, his life, and desires. Then, a turn in the case could put everything at risk. In the end, can Paul win over Matt's resistance and claim him as his own?

---------------------------------------
by Silver Publishing -- Buy here

By Degrees by J.B. McDonald

Heartbreaking and Heartwarming. Both apply even though they're on opposite sides of the same coin. I bought this book not knowing anything about the author; unusual? Yes. But the story description really called to me and I needed to know how Tim and Conner's story was going to go.
Tim's layers and layers of protection were a formidable barrier, but Connor was more than up for the challenge; he's knownTim for years.  Knowing him as well as he does, better than anyone, gave Connor an edge that no-one else had ever had.  But he still had to work to get past all the barriers. 
Connor's gay and has known so for a long, long time.  Tim, on the other hand, really thinks he's straight; until his girlfriend tells him different. 
Tim, wow.  I could feel his prickliness from the first; it was incredibly tangible. And yes, it was a defense mechanism.  But he's a man who has never let anything get in the way and he's not about to start now.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, Connor wasn't one to let go of what he wanted... and Tim is definitely what he wanted.

This is far more than a romance; it's about friendships, it's about families and it's about opening oneself to life, regardless of the inherent risks.  But above all it's the story of two men who, by degrees, work their way through to a love that is ... I don't know if I have the words to describe just how powerful I found this book; I do know that I'm starting to tear up.  *snort*
J.B. McDonald is on my auto buy list and I'm looking forward to exploring more of her writing... in fact I just bought two more of her books; print and ebook. 

* * * * * *

BOOK INFO:

J.B. McDonald; By Degrees; Torquere Press; August 2009 (TPB)

Orphaned at eleven and bounced around the foster system, Tim learned young that the only thing he could control was himself. It was a lesson he took seriously, and it's the only thing that keeps him safe from more heartbreak. Conner doesn't understand this desire to control things, but he doesn't need to. He loves everything about his control-freak friend, even the way he quirks just one eyebrow. He has for years.

With Con's arrival, everything starts unraveling in Tim's life. He's questioning his sexual orientation, wrangling with emotions from his past, and fending off questions from Con's well-meaning family. Drowning in a world out of his control, his one hope is to let go and trust that love will save him. But after so many years of burying his feelings, he's not sure it's possible.

Buy this book: ebook / print

D.W. Marchwell ~ Good to Know

D.W. Marchwell is a new-to-me author; I *found* him through a guest blog on Book Wenches. The post itself was fascinating reading; when he segued into mentioning his book and added how it was connected with his post, I was hooked and went straight away to Dreamspinner Press.  Didn't hurt either that I know the area that he wrote about quite well... beautiful, beautiful country.

So I bought Good to Know and read it within a day or so... with my backlog of TBR books that doesn't happen often, but I was particularly intrigued by the story synopsis and the post that Mr. Marchwell wrote.  I was completely enchanted, both by the characters and their stories that became their story. A heartwarming romance with two men and a boy all looking for somewhere to belong. It's about a search for friendship, family and love and about taking what they have made of their lives and learning to open themselves up and risk hurt.  But anything worthwhile is earned with tears, sweat and labour and in Good to Know, D.W. Marchwell shows himself to be cognizant and familiar with these concepts.

I'm now firmly in the D.W. Marchwell fan club and will be sure to acquire anything this most talented writer comes out with.  Fabulous!

Windows in Time by M. Jules Aedin

This book has, to my embarrassment, been sitting in my TBR for a couple, or perhaps even more, months. And now I'm kicking myself because this story is out-and-out fabulous and a book that I would have already re-read.

Windows in Time is a story so rich in detail, characters, scenes... just everything, that you would always discover another nugget of gold, another delicious tidbit of knowledge, something that would make a re-read almost as fresh as the first time. Of course this would probably work better for people who really enjoy re-reading, but even so....

There are just so many parts of the book about which I could rave; I could also go on ad infinitum... but I won't. Instead I'll mention just how fascinating I found the basic premise, the mystery of who, what and where. Windows in Time is an amalgamation of two separate, by 50 years!, but also closely related, stories. How M. Jules Aedin did this in such a seamless and compelling manner leaves me in awe of her talent.

Then there are the subtle connections between the past and the present that really give me a good case of goosebumps... over and over again.

The gradual, or perhaps not-so-gradual, development of the relationships between the men.

Truly spell-binding this is a ghost story, a fantastic mystery and a beautiful romance, or two, all entwined to create a tale that will live on in my mind for a long time to come.


At least until I read it again... or get an opportunity to buy a print version.

Fabulous, truly fabulous...and I hope that there are many more stories from the pen of M. Jules Aedin. I'll be there!
 
* * * * * *

Book info:
M. Jules Aedin; Windows in Time; Dreamspinner Press; August 2009

Book Description:
Fate added injury to insult when Jonah Sellers’s live-in boyfriend left him: while moving out his ex’s belongings, Jonah fell down the stairs and broke his leg. Now his house is a prison, and he's working from home while his sister checks up on him. The only diversion in Jonah’s routine is catching the odd glimpse of a man in the apartment across the way taking off his clothes in front of the window.

But then Jonah is distracted by Liam Brooks, the nurse his sister sends over when she goes on vacation. As they dance around their growing attraction, Jonah and Liam begin to wonder about the man in the window. Why is he always dressed in the same clothes? Why is he there one minute and not the next? How is it that he lives in an old woman's apartment? It's while trying to answer these questions that they stumble across a fifty-year-old missing persons case they can't resist trying to solve.

Pure Sex by D.J. Manly

This story captured not only my imagination, but also my heart.
Not always an easy story to read, it is still very much a heartfelt and unapologetically erotic one that kept me reading long past my bedtime, yet I count it a very worthwhile exchange.
Emotionally barren, seemingly, Lance has reasons for his lack of belief in 'love' and he is certainly not prepared at all for his reaction to Tobias. Toby, on the other hand, grew up knowing love and acceptance but he's become rather jaded since working for Jackson Scott. Neither man is open to the feelings that the other engenders, but Toby does, overall, have a much easier time coming to terms with what is happening between them.
I cringed, I cried, I mourned, I celebrated and I always, always loved spending time getting to know both Lance and Toby. What a journey and what an author!


Needless to say I have a number of other books by the wonderful D.J. Manly and I know that I will be enjoying them as well.

* * * * * *

Book info:
DJ Manly; Pure Sex; eXtasy Books; October 2009

Book Description:
Lance has never known love, and he scoffs at its existence. The only thing that matters to him is security, and that's why he makes contracts with wealthy men. They keep him in luxury and he fulfils their hearts desire. Lance is presently in need of a new client, and he sets his sights on the billionaire, Jackson Scott. And all goes smoothly until Jackson's personal assistant, the enigmatic Tobias Naso, decides to throw a wrench into the wheel.

Tobias would leave Jackson's employment in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the fact that he is helping his sister to support their grandmother in a very expensive care facility. Jackson is demanding and possessive and Tobias hardly has a life. Lance Cooper is just another thorn in his side, a scheming con man after Jackson's fortune. He makes it plain to Lance from the beginning that he doesn't approve, but when Jackson insists Tobias join them for a little recreational activity in the bedroom, things really start to get complicated.

Love & Loyalty by Tere Michaels

This story did something I thought was impossible... I actually think that it's an even better story than Faith & Fidelity, and that story is still among my top favourites. Just goes to show how wonderful an author is Tere Michaels.
In many ways this story was grittier? It had more of an edge than I remember from F & F, but that in no way detracted from the story; if anything it heightened what was happening between Jim and Griffin.
There were so many instances where I was nearly overcome, okay I actually had to put the book aside 'cause I coulnd't see the pages; so much emotion that scenes and events evoked. All in a marvelous way though. There was an incredible emotional connection with the characters ~ Ed Kelly... I loved that man! And Jim and Griffin ~ wow. Watching them as the freight train of attraction came their way was... stunning. I could feel how at sea they felt, but I could also feel the lightness, the joy that began to seep into their hearts.


The story would not be complete without Jim's friends: Terry and Mimi, oh those two cracked me up ~ especially the text messaging and subsequent phone calls. Love them both!
And when I realized that Jim was actually connected to Matt from Faith & Fidelity I was tickled pink... 'cause I remember him!
Now both these books are on my re-read list and I don't think that I'll be waiting too long to do so.


If you've never read Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels and you pick up Love & Loyalty, good for you. But don't cheat yourself out of an experience that will leave you feeling all wonderful inside. And both books do that fantastically well!

Enjoy!

--------------
Book Info:
Tere Michaels; Love & Loyalty; Loose Id; September 2009

Book Description

Detective James “Jim” Shea is a Seattle homicide detective who has never taken his work home with him – until now. A case has gotten under his skin and though it’s “over," it isn’t for Jim. The emotional toll has left him vulnerable and tied to the victim’s dying father.

Meanwhile, Hollywood comes calling for a hot story, and screenwriter Griffin Drake sees the tragic case as his ticket to more serious fare than his usual action blockbusters. But to get the whole story he needs to win over the stoic and protective Detective Shea.

Neither man has had much luck when it comes to romance or long-term relationships and neither is particularly looking but there's an attraction from their first meeting that can’t be denied. Their impromptu first date seems to have no end in sight – quickly becomes a barreling freight train of romance.

Looming problems outside threaten their relationship – death, secrets and broken trust – and they'll have to learn loyalty to save their newfound love.

Smart Alex by AKM Miles

In one of the Yahoo groups where I spend some of my time, there had been some discussion about AKM Miles and the fantastic books that she writes; of course I had to check them out. I bought three books ~ Dare To, a Christmas short Dare's Christmas Gift and Smart Alex. I've just finshed the latter and now have added ALL her books to my gotta-get-soon list.

Her stories have so much heart, so much emotional richness and detail that, while you could easily be overwhelmed, the characters keep you grounded. There is one element in both the stories that I've read that leapt to my notice, but it in no way hinders my enjoyment. It's that the romance moves fast... and by fast may I say 'warp speed'? But in AKM Miles's stories, it's the relationships between the men that are the focus, the meat of the story. Not so much that they do fall in love ~ because that's a given ~ but how their love helps them through the very difficult situations and / or events that occur in the story. It's about hope, friendship and love and how all these are necessary for love to withstand the very worst that can be thrown at it.

In Smart Alex, our hero Smart is a young man who's trying to find a place where he fits. He knows he's gay ~ at least he's pretty sure he is ~ but he's never had an opportunity to find out for himself. That is, until he leaves his small hometown and heads off to university. Luckily for him two of the first people he connects with, Mike and Tommy, are the kind of friends everyone should have. They take him under their wing and offer him a friendship the like of which he's never experienced.

I absolutely LOVED the dynamics of the relationships: Smart with Mike and Tommy and then Tommy and Mike... oh those two are so very special. When Smart meets Alex, fireworks ignite... and love finds a home.
This story is not only a romance, but a story of the strength of true and lasting friendships and just how vital they can be in our lives.

If you love a story in which you can lose yourself and yet, at the same time, discover the strength of friendship and real love, then AKM Mile's Smart Alex is just the book for you. But don't stop here; I guarantee that you'll discover that the rest of her stories are just as amazing!

As You Are by Ethan Day

I admit it... I gobbled this book down and I'd sit and do it all over again right this minute. Truly!


Ethan's been a favourite of mine since I saw, okay read, an interview he did with Amanda Young. By the time I got to the excerpt for Self Preservation, his first book, I was completely and utterly hooked.  Not only is he a funny, funny man but he's got an imagination that rivals... well anyone's.  The characters that he lets loose on the pages of his, to date, three books are believable, unforgettable, extremely likeable ~ even when at their bitchiest ~ and all have a uniqueness all their own.

As You Are details Julian Hallowell's search for a forever-happily-ever-after love with Mr. Right. But it's so much more than that. It's introducing us to a whole raft of characters that really take on a life of their own. These characters, people, exist as solidly as my next door neighbour... or at least they seem that way to me. 
And funny?  Oh my heavens... I can't believe how much I laughed. Julian had some outstanding moments... and as a matter of fact I was bookmarking pages all throughout the book.  And if it wasn't something that Julian was doing or saying, it was Gabby, or Delilah.
Then there were the tears, and the raging, a little invectives being thrown around. 
But most all it was total and undeniable enjoyment... too bad it went so fast.

I feel privileged to have been able to spend time, once again, with some of the people that lurk in Ethan Day's mind; they're gonna be sticking with me for some time to come... and that's even before I re-read the stories!

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Book Info:
Ethan Day; As You Are; Loose Id; September 2009

Teaser:
Julian has no idea what he wants to do with his life - except Danny, his roommate. He's tried everything to make Danny fall in love with him, to no avail. But when he finally throws himself back into the dating scene, has he given up too soon?

Book Description:
OPERATION Danny…that’s all bartender and recent college graduate, Julian Hallowell has had on his mind the past year. Julian may have no idea what he wants to do with his life, but he definitely knows he‘s in love with the boy next door: the next door down the hall to be exact, housing his roommate and used textbook store owner Danny Wallace.

WHILE Julian has done his level best to make Danny fall for him, all his hard work has been in vain. Danny doesn’t seem to view Julian as anything other than a roommate and friend. So when new guy in town Andy Baker asks him out on a date, Julian can’t think of a good reason to say no.

INSTEAD, he institutes a Reverse Operation Danny plan, which he’s positive will purge all thoughts of love and lust for his roomie out of his head. He’s ready to move on and start looking for his next Mr. Right, and Andy just might fit the bill. But has he given up too soon?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices

Tempestuous Relations by Amanda Young

This is Amanda Young's lastest offering and, while it took me awhile to get to it, it was worth the wait. It's a relatively short story published by eXcessica and, as always, she's written an engaging and emotionally strong story.  Short though it may be it's filled everything you expect to get in an Amanda Young story.  There is the requisite man-on-man loving, a shocking surprise and the expected fallout; but that's all I'm going to say because I really wouldn't want to ruin the impact.  But be assured that it is a romance with all that entails... and enjoy! 

One thing that I will mention is that one of the tag-lines that Amanda uses is: Romance Without Inhibition... definitely one of the things that I enjoy a lot about her stories!
____________________________________________________

Book Description:


Dominic Mackenzie isn’t too proud to take advantage of the local gloryhole. As far as he’s concerned, there’s nothing better than a warm, wet mouth without any strings attached. It’s only by accident that he discovers the shocking identity of the man on his knees. Once the secret’s out, then all bets are off.

Heart Song by Jambrea Jo Jones

On one of the Yahoo groups to which I belong someone mentioned something about this new book being released by Jambrea Jo Jones called Heart Song.  So, being the book fiend that I am I checked out the excerpt and wow!  I was hooked and immediately headed off to get my own copy. 

Then yesterday while at one of the groups discussion turned to J3's book and I mentioned that I didn't need to enter a contest for the book 'cause I'd already bought it.  As I was reading, or rather re-reading Ethan Day's Dreaming of You at the time, and had a number of new books that I wanted to devour.. er read, I said that I'd be reading it soon-ish. 
One of the other posters encouraged me to read it NOW and she was so enthusiastic about it I decided that I'd read it as soon as I finished my book. 

Am I ever glad that I listened to her! Even as I started reading I was entranced; the power that this story had to get one's attention was surprising.  As I contiued I honestly felt as though I'd been whacked upside the head and grabbed by the heart; the emotional impact as I was reading had tears running down my face and I couldn't see to read.  In fact even as I write up this review I can feel the emotional tug. 

I'm not going to put the excerpt here, just the brief blurb... and let me tell you it's a real tease.

------
Rafe lost his love, but did he really have it to begin with? He finds out more than he bargained for after the death of his ex-lover. Will he ever find the love he is looking for?
------













So if you're looking for a wonderful short story with a big impact, give Jambrea Jo Jones' Heart Song a try... you won't be sorry! Oh and yeah... the cover's not too bad either. *wink*

Cattle Valley ~ My favourites

Visiting Cattle Valley is addictive... really! I finally sat myself down and read all twelve, to date, books in this enthralling, often titillating and extremely heartwarming series. Carol Lynne sure does have a way of bringing to vibrant, full life a cast of characters that are not ever going to be forgotten.


I have my favourites, of course I do... you can't get to know all these sexy men and not fall a little, or even a lot, in love with them.
At the top of my list, I must confess, is Nate Gill. I loved him from the get-go when he showed up in the Good brothers' stories. There's something very attractive about Nate... but then anyone who's spent time with him can attest to that. His personality is larger than life but at the same time he knows, and cares, about people. His partners Rio and Ryan are sexier than hell... uh, all get out and watching as the three start their life together is fun and fascinating. The dynamics between the three of them are superb ~ very likely not something that would work in the 'real' world ~ but Carol, once again, knows her men and these three are determined to be together. 


While each book is tied to the rest, it has its own character, it's own individuality. And this is due, in no small part, to the uniqueness of the men into whose lives we are invited. We get to know why they're in Cattle Valley, what brought them here and what they want, or need, to do. We get to follow and watch as they fall in love and learn to make lives for themselves as well as learn to be part of a community.  And we continue to meet new people and watch as they, too, learn to fit in and, hopefully, find what they're looking for.

Of the twelve books out so far, the ones at the top of my list are:

#  1 All Play, No Work
#  5 Physical Therapy
#11 Eye of the Beholder
#12 Cattle Valley Days

but don't for a minute think that I was totally absorbed by the rest of them.  It's just that there is something about the men, the relationships, the pasts in these four stories to which I really responded... and often very strongly.  Tears and laughter made their appearance while spending time with Nate, Rio and Ryan in All Play, No Work; with Sam, Isaac and Matt in Physical Therapy; and with Rance and Bo (from Campus Cravings' A Biker's Vow) in Eye of the Beholder.  In Cattle Valley Days there is a lot more community activity, and the Good brothers and their partners all show up for a visit ~ YES!  This really is an amazing story.

Now just to wait for the next two to come out: Bent--Not Broken and Arm Candy; these are going to be a real treat!


If you haven't been to Cattle Valley yet, or gotten to know the Good-time Boys or the guys from Campus Cravings, do yourself a favour and find out just why Carol Lynne's stories are so very popular... and Hey, if you don't read e-books, most, if not all, are now out in TPB... I'm going to have to wait for Christmas or my birthday to indulge to that extent... but I will!

Cattle Valley ... an introduction

The reason for this post is that I have, finally, read the rest of Carol Lynne's Cattle Valley stories... at least the ones that have been released so far.  Most of the books have been sitting in my TBR queue; I really wanted to read them altogether, hence the delay.  And oh MY!
 
I knew that I'd like it ~ I read Carol's Campus Cravings last year and have also devoured quite a few of her other stories... and really liked them all ~ but I didn't expect to fall in love with the town!  But I did... and visiting Cattle Valley, Wyoming is like visiting dear friends and feeling at home there.  Of course I have my favourites, but Cattle Valley is far more than the characters, it's all about finding home, a place to belong and to feel safe, be accepted for who you are... and love, it's about finding love.

The Cattle Valley series is all about romance... it's also about men (and women) who, while searching for love, learn more about themselves and are able to come to terms with the scars that they carry ~ some external but most internal. Not easy being part of a society where you can be shunned, disowned, attacked even killed all because of who you love. 


Each story is a wonderful combination of elements unique to the characters. There is no formula ~ patterns, yes, but formula, no. Each story brings to life not only the featured characters, but many other people from around the town. One thing that I had forgotten is that while Carol Lynne writes about the men of Cattle Valley, Jenna Byrnes has written to date, two stories (Truth or Dare and Fool's Gold) about some of the women who have moved here, looking for a haven and a chance to begin a life away from prejudices relating to whom they love.

Over the next few days I will be posting my reviews for the stories of which there are 12 so far. 
The more that I get to know the people, and the town, of Cattle Valley, the more that I wish that there really were places like this... A utopian dream? Sure... but that's what dreams are for. 

Stepping Up to the Plate by J.M. Snyder

This story is often raw, sometimes dreary and even heartbreaking at times; ultimately though it is anything but. There's a lot wrong in Stacy's life ~ worst of all, in his opinion, is his name. He's also white in an area where he's definitely in the minority... and he's gay. All this is at the root of his problems... he's definitely on the outside looking in and those on the inside, they're just happy to make him miserable.
Being 16 is bad enough, but being different is death in high school.
Trying to change this leads Stacy to the discovery that life in the 'real' world isn't much better.

Watching as Stacy deals with, or not, and strives to come to terms with a life that is going nowhere fast is sometimes very difficult, certainly it's heartrending. But there are a couple of people in his life that provide him with a tenuous, but important, support: his mother and his friend, and crush, Ange. There's no magic wand, no sudden breakthrough; but there is a glimmer of hope that grows as the story progresses. Stacy's not the boy next door ~ he's been fighting against others for so long that he no longer knows how to let people in. But finding himself enrolled in a GED course is the beginning. And while we often struggle along with Stacy, being there, watching as things begin to happen... that's the beauty and magic in this story.

If you're looking for a romp, this is not the book for you. But if you enjoy an excellent story that will leave you feeling good at the end, then give this a try. You will definitely find it worth your while!

_______________________________________________________

J.M. Snyder; Stepping Up to the Plate; Lulu Press; 2006 [110K]


At 16, Stacy Evans dropped out of high school in the hopes of moving on with his life. But four years later, he's stuck in an abusive relationship with Lamar, a "friend with benefits," and works long hours at a dead-end job just to get by.
Then his mother enrolls him in a program to earn his GED. There he meets Darian, a woodshop teacher who is everything Stacy's friends are not -- smart, successful .. and who seems to take a personal interest in helping Stacy turn his life around.
The two develop a rapport that keeps Stacy after school just to spend extra time with him. In intimate moments alone, they grow closer than just student and teacher.
On the right track for once, Stacy has a chance to choose between his troublesome past and a promising future with Darian.  But his jealous friends won't let him go so easily.

Dreaming of You by Ethan Day

This is Ethan Day's second book and the promise shown in his first book ~ Self Preservation ~ is wonderfully kept. There's something about Ethan's characters to which I really respond; they're so very real and likable, even when they're being bitchy.
They've got their flaws, foibles and fantasies but they've got heart, loyalty and a genuineness that makes them people that I'd love to know. The friendship between Aden, Nathan and Finn ~ superb... and hilarious, always a giggle or three. Aden and Logan ~ sizzle & burn! but also romantic... very, very romantic.
I'd love to insinuate myself into Aden's circle of friends 'cause there's something about Aden that gets to me, way down deep. Of course, I felt exactly the same way about Davis in Self Preservation.

To be honest I get the same feeling reading anything by Ethan Day; his sense of humour is a delight and a riot and you never know what he's going to say next! But whatever it is, it's worth reading and always more than just enjoyable.

In September, I believe, Ethan's got another book due: As You Are. I can hardly wait... well I can, but I'm going to be impatient while doing so.

--------------------------
SYNOPSIS:
Copyright 2009 Ethan Day.
All Rights Reserved.

Restaurateur Aden Ingle has been in love with the perfect man since his fourteenth birthday. Unfortunately, his perfect boyfriend only exists in his dreams. But Aden’s always believed it was his destiny to meet his dream man, and he's perfectly content to wait around for him to walk into his real life.

When he meets Logan Price at a Hotel/Restaurant Trade Show, he finds himself drawn to this man who shakes him out of his dream world. Pretty soon, the flesh and blood reality is becoming more appealing than the fantasy. The only problem is Logan lives half way across the country in California.

Aden's going to have to choose whether to give up everything he’s built for himself professionally and uproot his whole life for Logan, or wait for the man from his dreams to become a reality.

So yep... I found another author who's become, on the strength of the one story that I've read, a favourite and auto-buy author. As this is Ethan Day's debut story, I'm looking forward to many more years of love and laughter as he lets us into the world of his imagination... or at least the part of it that gets published!

I "found" Ethan Day and his story Self Preservation via Amanda Young's blog wherein she did an interview with him.
I loved it; I laughed so much just reading the interview that I was sure that his story would be a winner. I was right!
The characters were very well developed and as the story progressed, getting deeper into Davis' heart and mind was an amazing ride. His emotions were my emotions and I was completely taken in.
Davis' best friend, Deseree ~ oh heavens. I love her! She's sassy, smart, caring and her in-your-face attitude is just what Davis needs to keep grounded.
The memories of Davis and Jack's passionate romance, in turn, made me giddy and broke my heart.
Tadd was an enigma throughout most of the story, but even he, Davis' rival, was a great character.
And Alex, oh my! His pithy comments cracked me up time and again, and the way he and Deseree played off each other was priceless.

As for the romance.... Whew! Both romances, past and present, were fun, erotic, tender and heartwarming. Oh, and can you say Steamy?
Yet this fantastic story was also everything a romance should be and Ethan's description of his story as a romantic comedy? Bang on.

So I wrote up a review (most of it reprinted here... or something) and I've posted it in a couple of places hoping that more people will come across this story, 'cause I think that it's one of those that should be shared, and shared widely.


5 stars... er hearts ~ LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this debut story by Ethan Day... and to be honest I certainly hope he has more where this came from, a LOT more! This man's humour is slightly skewed ~ but I LIKE it ~ and his characters, unforgettable. The story, well I couldn't read it fast enough... but when I was done I felt as though I was saying goodbye to a dear and treasured friend.This story joins the line-up on my (virtual) keeper shelves.Oh, and when it's out in paperback ~ don't get in my way 'cause I'll run anyone over that slows me down on my way to get my copy!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BOOK INFO:

Ethan Day; Self Preservation; Loose Id, LLC; February 2009 [54K]
Erotic Gay Romantic Comedy

SYNOPSIS
(from Ethan Day's website)

Davis is a Historic Preservationist who’s stuck in the past. It’s been six years since his steamy four year relationship with stage actor Jack Monroe ended and Davis still can’t imagine his life with anyone other than Jack, the only man he’s ever loved.

When Jack calls and invites Davis to his wedding to Tadd Austin, a prominent architect in Chicago, Davis is stunned. There’s no way in hell Davis can stand by and watch the life he always expected to get back slip away to some guy Jack barely knows.
Tadd Austin, indeed…more like Toad Ass-ton, Davis thinks. He’s going to the wedding with only one goal in mind. To do whatever it takes to win back Jack…the Toad is toast!

Jack is stuck between the possibilities of what could be with Tadd and the passionate past he had with Davis. In the short amount of time Tadd has known Jack, he’s fallen hard. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep from losing the new love in his life.

Alex Parker is a wealthy British playboy who’s always had a different guy on his arm and in his bed. He’s never been one for convention and is a bit taken back when he stumbles across Davis. He’d like nothing better than to knock Jack out of Davis’s head once and for all.

Only true love will survive as the tug of war ensues in this Bermuda love triangle from hell.

Copyright 2009 Ethan Day. All Rights Reserved.
_____________________________________________

Josh Lanyon's Adrien English Mysteries

I've been finding so many fantastic writers via emails that I get from various ebook publishers; now that could develop into a problem... someday.... maybe....

Or not. LOL

Anyway one of my more recent *finds* is Josh Lanyon. The first story of his that I read was called Dangerous Ground and I was hooked, big time, from the get-go. I love romances; I love gay and mènage romances; straight romances and definitely the erotic romance. I've discovered that, while I'm actually a very white-bread type of person in *real life* I've got another persona in my reading life. Who knew?

Through a number of new-found authors I've discovered that, in the name of romance and true-love, I enjoy stories from just about every genre and sub-genre going... Erotic romance is one of my newest reading genres... actually since I joined the eHarlequin.com community last year!

So, as I was originally saying; Josh Lanyon has become another of my favourite and auto-buy authors. It's not just that he writes gay (or m/m fiction) romances, but that he writes amazing mysteries that get me right from the start.
Now, I'm not a new fan of mysteries: He!! no! I grew up reading Agatha Christie ~ and by now I have nearly every one of her many, many books. I also enjoyed reading Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason stories as well as the odd Ellery Queen.
But I guess my earliest foray into the mystery story would be the Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Rick Brant's Science Adventures and the Ken Holt stories: the latter two had been my uncle's books and when I chanced upon them, they became MY books!

So being able to enjoy my beloved mysteries as well as gay erotic romances was a match made in heaven.

I've just read the first two of Mr. Lanyon's Adrien English Mysteries ~ Fatal Shadow and A Dangerous Thing ~ and immediately went back to Loose Id and bought up the next two Adrien English stories as well as two other of JL's books. (Um you may sense that I get a tad acquisitive upon finding a new F&AB [favourite and auto-buy] author... and you'd be RIGHT!)

So, without further ado (or rambling....) here are my reviews for Josh Lanyon's first two Adrien English Mysteries ~ Fatal Shadows and A Dangerous Thing.

Relationships can be murder. Bookseller and mystery author Adrien English is looking for love in all the wrong places -- and, according to hot and handsome LAPD detective Jake Riordan, it's liable to get him killed.

Before reading these first two of Josh Lanyon's Adrien English mysteries I was already a fan of the man's work. The first of his books that I read was Dangerous Ground and it was gripping. The mystery in each of his stories is well crafted and I'm left wondering whodunnit 'til the end... but then even if I weren't I wouldn't be troubled by it as I'm not the type of person that *needs* to solve the mystery before the end ~ I'm just along for the thrill of the ride!
Add to the mystery element is a deep and intriguing character development ~ somewhere among the man-on-man love relationships is often one man who is unsure of his sexual identity ~ especially in relation to the other lead male character.
Suffice it to say that after reading Fatal Shadows and A Dangerous Thing, I made a stop by the online bookstore and came away with four more of Mr. Lanyon's wonderful, and very tempting!, stories. Definitely a new favourite and auto-buy for me.

Excellence: 4.5 stars of 5
Steaminess: Yummy to Heat Wave

1st of the Adrien English Mysteries

FROM the Website:
A serial killer is stalking gay men, and a tawny-eyed LAPD detective wants bookseller Adrien English in handcuffs -- for all the wrong reasons!

MY NOTES:
Let me start by saying that the character of Adrien English was nothing as I had imagined him to be... I'm not sure why, but his name for me, conjured up a rather stuffy British detective who was also gay and a bookseller. Far off the mark? You bet! Did it bother me? Not a whit.
I really enjoyed Adrien's character... he wasn't a detective by any means, but when his best friend was murdered and he was the suspect, the whole business of discovering who the murderer was basically fell into his lap.

RATING:
Excellence: ~ 4.5 stars of 5
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

BOOK READ: Josh Lanyon; A Dangerous Thing; Loose Id, LLC; May 2007
2nd in the Adrien English Mysteries

FROM the Website: When his romance goes south, Adrien heads north to the California Motherlode country. Can murder -- and Adrien's favorite LAPD detective -- be far behind?

MY NOTES:
In this story, Adrien's a step removed from the murder that he stumbles upon... but it's on his property and from the very beginning if something can go wrong, it does! The plot was, I found, somewhat more serpentine, but I still found it difficult to book the book down.
The more that I get to know Adrien English, the more I become hooked on his stories... and sometimes I was roundly cursing out Jake... but the path to true love never runs smooth. Another excellent chapter in these fascinating mysteries!

RATING:
Excellence: ~ 4.5 stars of 5

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels

I'm not much for writing book reviews. That said, there are times that I read a book that has such an impact on me that I cannot just say one time what it was that got to me so much. But this latest book that I read ~ Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels ~ is so much more than just a story to me. I do tend to get involved in the stories that I read, some much more so than others, but there is the occasional story that takes my heart and my very emotions by storm and I want others to find the treasure as well.
Below is the review that I wrote up on my eHarlequin blog... but I really wanted to get the word about this amazing author out even further, so here it is:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tere Michaels ~ Faith and Fidelity ~ Loose Id, LLCSeptember 2008 [88K]

My reaction to the story from the beginning was far more involved than I ever expected, and while often very emotional it was also intensely invigorating.
The basic premise of the story, as I see it: Love ~ true love, romantic love, whatever you want to call it ~ is more than gender. Neither man, Matt nor Evan, had ever experienced attraction to another man. But finding someone that knew just how lonely and hurt the other was, was the basis for a friendship that superceded anything they had ever imagined, and slowly, eventually, they both came to realize that what they felt for each other was far more than mere friendship. And that shocked the heck outta both of them.
The process by which they came to terms with what they felt, both the emotional component and the impact it would have on their lives, reads as an extremely realisitic experience.
There were times that I seemed to experience emotional overload and had to take a short break, but I could never leave them for long. It wasn't only the beauty and strength of Matt and Evan's love that drew me deep into their lives; many of the other characters ~ Helena, Vic, Liz, Miranda, Kathleen & Elizabeth and Danny (Love those two!) ~ added so much life and realism to what I was reading. All I can say is is that I would read this story again... right now. And even for me, that is very, very rare! All I can say is that, for anyone that loves a romance that will leave a lasting impression, you will NOT want to miss Tere Michaels' Faith and Fidelity.