Blog Tour: Aiden’s Shepherd by Beany Sparks

Aiden’s Shepherd by Beany Sparks
Publisher: Extasy Books

A man who never knew magic and shifters existed gets a crash course when he saves an injured dog.

Aiden Grey is packed and ready to move and start a new phase of his life away from the family that kicked him out when he was eighteen. The night before he leaves he sees something fall out of the back of a van. Upon closer inspection, he is shocked to find that it’s not the bag he suspected, it’s a dog!

Deciding to take the dog with him, the two set off the next morning to Aiden’s new home. Everything is going well for Aiden and the German Shepherd he named Lex. That is, until said German Shepherd shifts into a man who claims Aiden is his mate.

Lex can’t believe he’s finally found his mate. But as happy as he is to have him, he still worries about his brother and pack, and where they have ended up.

With the revelation that shifters exist, secrets about Aiden’s past come to light. Secrets he didn’t even know existed. Suddenly, Aiden has to deal with not only the reality of shifters, but also ghosts and magic. But with Lex by his side he can handle anything—even his surprise guest.

( Excerpt )

Author Bio:

Beany lives in Western Australia. She first started reading romance novels in 2008, but it wasn't until January 2010 when her Kindle got delivered that the world of erotic romance opened its doors to her, and she hasn't looked back.
With suggestions and support from friends, her muse—“affectionately" known as PITA—was finally able to break free, and in January 2014 her first story was written. Since she can’t put PITA back in his box, Beany has decided to give in and team up with him. Together they’ve made plans to write both MF and MM stories.
Author Contact:
She can be reached at beany.sparks@gmail.com
Or visit her at www.beanysparks.com
Or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeanySparks



Tour Dates: 10/3/14
Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Amanda C. Stone, Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Fallen Angel Reviews, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Nic Starr, Jade Crystal, MM Good Book Reviews, My Fiction Nook, Prism Book Alliance, Cate Ashwood, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Havan Fellows, Carly’s Book Reviews, Iyana Jenna, Kimi-Chan, Up All Night, Read All Day, Velvet Panic, Multitasking Mommas, Love Bytes

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rafflecopter Prize: e-book copy of ‘Aiden’s Shepherd’

GayRomLit Retreat: Charlie Cochet

Starting from March up until September I will feature authors attending the GayRomLit Retreat in Chicago (October 16-19, 2014: http://gayromlit.com/grl-authors).

Today author is Charlie Cochet: Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From historical to fantasy, contemporary to science fiction, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too! Currently residing in South Florida, Charlie looks forward to migrating to a land where the weather includes seasons other than hot, hotter, and, boy, it’s hot! When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.
Website: http://www.charliecochet.com

Charlie Cochet is offering a copy of A Rose By Any Other Name to one commenter on this blog. You can comment on LJ or DW if you have an account (I will send a PM to the winner), if you don't have an account, please leave a comment on DW with a contact email.

A Rose by Any Other Name (Fallen Rose Book 2) by Charlie Cochet
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 12, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1632160293
ISBN-13: 978-1632160294
Amazon: A Rose by Any Other Name (Fallen Rose Book 2)
Amazon Kindle: A Rose by Any Other Name (Fallen Rose Book 2)

Fallen Rose: Book Two

Nights in the roaring city remind bright young things that life’s too short to take for granted. Tucked away in Times Square hides the Pantheon: a secret cabaret for wealthy gay men. Pretty young men in elaborate costumes and rouged lips are eager to please, and the champagne flows all night long. It’s a world of frivolity, fantasy, and debauchery. As Eros, the most sought after performer at the Pantheon, Julius uses his beauty and charm on enthusiastic patrons, but growing weary of superficial love, he longs to make a better life for himself.

Five years after being declared mentally unfit after surviving the trenches of No Man’s Land, Edward Joseph Clarence Junior pieced his shattered life back together. Now he’s ready to take on the family empire. To celebrate his thirtieth birthday, Edward’s cousin takes him to the most posh nightclub in town, the Pantheon. Falling under the sway of Eros, Edward and Julius find a love they’ve never imagined and the chance for a future they had only dared to dream about. But as Ares, a notorious gangster and Julius’s most important—and dangerous—client watches them, the threat to their love and their lives grows by the day.

2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions

Waiting for the list of finalists to be announced beginning of October, I will post daily the 2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions: an honorable mention means a judge gave a rate of 36 or above out of 40 to the book; an honorable mention doesn't mean the book is automatically among the finalists, could be could be not, but it's important to understand there are more than 500 books in the literary contests, all books are in the process of being read by the jury, but only half of them will go to finals. So please, congratulate with me this year honorable mentions:




Gay Romantic Comedy
Merry Gentlemen by Josephine Myles
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (November 12, 2013)
Amazon Kindle: Merry Gentlemen

"I was very impressed with this book. I enjoyed the author's sense of humor and the way she drew you into the lives of these two men who were clearly destined for each other. Good conflict, resolution, and banding with the local wildlife."

Gay Anthology / Contemporary General Fiction
An American Memory by George Seaton
Published February 26th 2014 by Wilde City Press
ISBN13 9781925031836

"This is a very important project. These stories, fictional though they may be, are our stories. Tales from a community, the shoulders upon which, everything we enjoy today was built. What's more, Mr. Seaton clearly understands to need to hook a reader early and keep him for the duration. Setting and sensory details were vibrant, and spot on! I felt like I knew all of these people. Characters practically leapt off the page. A bit purple in places, but overall, the writing is exceptional."
 

Lesbian Historical Romance
Murder and the Hurdy Gurdy Girl by Kate McLachlan
Paperback: 198 pages
Publisher: Quest by RCE (August 8, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1619291266
ISBN-13: 978-1619291263
Amazon: Murder and the Hurdy Gurdy Girl
Amazon Kindle: Murder and the Hurdy Gurdy Girl

"Well-written and gripping historical novel! The period details are lovely. Both Jo Erin and Susan shine as complex and full characters, each strong in their own ways. The plot was captivating, with only a few points that lulled. The romance was slow-burning, well-woven, and in the end, sensual. Very glad to see these women sail to their well-deserved HEA. A pleasure to read!"

Lesbian Anthology / Paranormal Romance
When the Clock Strikes Thirteen by Diane Marina, Emma Weimann, Erzabet Bishop, Joan Arling, L.T. Smith, Lois Cloarec Hart & R.G. Emanuelle
Paperback: 202 pages
Publisher: Ylva Verlag e Kfr (October 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3955331555
ISBN-13: 978-3955331559
Amazon: When the Clock Strikes Thirteen
Amazon Kindle: When the Clock Strikes Thirteen

"Overall the book was highly entertaining. Loved Midnight Messages, Batteries Not Included, Lost And Found, Sisters Of The Moon and Wolf Moon."

Lesbian Contemporary Romance
Departure from the Script by Jae
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Ylva Verlag e.Kfr. (June 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3955331954
ISBN-13: 978-3955331955
Amazon: Departure from the Script
Amazon Kindle: Departure from the Script

"A very engaging story of love.  No wasted scenes or words, great pacing and wonderful characters. There was no over the top misunderstanding.  It was just two women learning each other and making their way to each other; very well done."

Gay Contemporary Romance
Names Can Never Hurt Me by Wade Kelly
Paperback: 340 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 11, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627988564
ISBN-13: 978-1627988568
Amazon : Names Can Never Hurt Me
Amazon Kindle: Names Can Never Hurt Me

"Although the story seemed slow at first, I really liked the detail because, as the reader, I got much insight into what motivated the MC. I also liked that the love interest wasn't a handsome stud and the development of the physical aspect of their relationship was not made easy by him. Nick really had to work hard to prove he was no longer the shallow sleep around guy. I got a real sense of place in this story.
The MC started off as a shallow guy who only slept with pretty girls and had to deal with quite a few hard realisations about not only himself but also his so called friends as he came to terms with being gay - a detailed journey of personal growth. The character's voice was engaging, although it took me a little while to get into his story because of the slow development."

Gay Contemporary Romance
Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1 by Cate Ashwood
Paperback: 210 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 8, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627980822
ISBN-13: 978-1627980821
Amazon: Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1
Amazon Kindle: Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1

"Very well written. Good character development, I felt like we know Mack & Oliver pretty well. I loved the setting of the story and will definitely be reading more of this series. I really enjoyed the authors writing style, which flowed nicely."

Gay Mystery / Thriller
Antidote (Don't... 2) by Jack L. Pyke
Series: Don't...
Paperback: 406 pages
Publisher: Fantastic Fiction Publishing (May 5, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1622341643
ISBN-13: 978-1622341641
Amazon: Antidote (Don't... 2)
Amazon Kindle: Antidote (Don't... 2)

"Yes, this book is brutal, and painfully so, but the brutality is never glamorized. The intensity of emotion in this book is raw and honest. The main characters made me care deeply for their plight, although the antagonists were also well-drawn and not cardboard cutouts. Overall, an impressive story that gripped me from the beginning and makes me want to read the other books in the series."

Gay Historical
Happy Independence Day by Michael Rupured
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 20, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1632161621
ISBN-13: 978-1632161628
Amazon : Happy Independence Day
Amazon Kindle: Happy Independence Day

"What started off slow became a whirlwind of action. I really felt the riots of Stonewall come to life. A little tidy at end, but not a complete set of bows. Would love a sequel to follow how gay liberation affects everyone's lives. Also what a great commentary about gay relationships in 1969. Like a time capsule, but then the author lived thru it, so he should know. I loved this book."

Bisexual Contemporary General Fiction
Best Bi Short Stories by Sheela Lambert
Paperback: 260 pages
Publisher: Circlet Press, Inc. (June 15, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1613900880
ISBN-13: 978-1613900888
Amazon: Best Bi Short Stories
Amazon Kindle: Best Bi Short Stories

"The editor did a superb job of representing the often-overlooked B in QUILTBAG. I’ve never read such a colorful, balanced, and engaging anthology—a collection that, by and large, demonstrates the short-story form at its finest. Each plot was unique and inventive, with a distinctive tone; each presented bisexuality in some unexpected instead of banal way. Main characters (and, in many cases, supporting characters, too) were so well-developed, they seduced me into accepting their realities. Settings were varied—in place, time, and cultural context—and vividly portrayed. Each subgenre (contemporary, paranormal, fantasy, historical, even a touch of YA) was represented. I was enchanted, as if each tale took me on a trip with fascinating people whose company I rarely tired of."

2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions

Waiting for the list of finalists to be announced beginning of October, I will post daily the 2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions: an honorable mention means a judge gave a rate of 36 or above out of 40 to the book; an honorable mention doesn't mean the book is automatically among the finalists, could be could be not, but it's important to understand there are more than 500 books in the literary contests, all books are in the process of being read by the jury, but only half of them will go to finals. So please, congratulate with me this year honorable mentions:



Gay Paranormal Romance
Monsters Under the Bed (Lifting the Veil) by Susan Laine
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press; 1 edition (October 22, 2013)
Amazon Kindle: Monsters Under the Bed (Lifting the Veil)

"Short and sweet story. Mystical beings are human too, at least in their souls. They leave among us and bring magic to everyday life and even ones dreams."

Gay Mystery / Thriller
Jaded (Precious Gems Book 3) by EM Lynley
Series: Precious Gems
Paperback: 250 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 22, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627982027
ISBN-13: 978-1627982023
Amazon: Jaded (Precious Gems Book 3)
Amazon Kindle: Jaded (Precious Gems Book 3)

"Beautifully written, with book three in the 'Precious Gems' series author Lynley has created a story that is impossible to put down. Be prepared to enjoy a marathon read with this one."

Gay Contemporary Romance
General Misconduct by L.A. Witt
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (July 22, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: General Misconduct

"I love L.A. Witt's writing style. Like the first book in this series, she provides very vivid descriptions that make it easy to visualize Okinawa. Another book that was easy to get lost in with great characters, location and storyline. "

Gay Young Adult
Pray The Gay Away (A Southern Thing) by Sara York
Series: A Southern Thing
Paperback: 314 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496133579
ISBN-13: 978-1496133571
Amazon: Pray The Gay Away (A Southern Thing)
Amazon Kindle: Pray The Gay Away (A Southern Thing)

"Outstanding story. This is another book I would have gladly given a higher score. At first I was not sure it would be a book I would be able to get in to yet the author pulled me right in. I loved this book so much that I had to pick up and read books two and three right away."

Gay Contemporary Romance
Heart Knot Mine by Lily Velden
Paperback: 226 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627986871
ISBN-13: 978-1627986878
Amazon: Heart Knot Mine
Amazon Kindle: Heart Knot Mine

"Very sweet bedtime story. A bit predictable, but well written nevertheless. A pleasant read to pass time."

Bisexual Mystery / Thriller
Murder on the Mountain by Jamie Fessenden
Paperback: 210 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 22, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1632162024
ISBN-13: 978-1632162021
Amazon: Murder on the Mountain
Amazon Kindle: Murder on the Mountain

"Jamie Fessenden is brilliant. There are no two ways to say it. He is a simply brilliant wordsmith, and every moment of toil and sacrifice he endures to bring such beauty into the world as his stories do ought always to be greeted with adulation. Murder on the Mountain is a riveting thrill ride that caught me up right from the first moment and kept me clinging tightly until the story came to its stunning conclusion. Bravo, Mr. Fessenden. You have done it again."

Lesbian Contemporary Romance
She Sings of Old, Unhappy, Far-off Things by Caren J. Werlinger
Paperback: 306 pages
Publisher: Corgyn Publishing (April 25, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0996036814
ISBN-13: 978-0996036818
Amazon: She Sings of Old, Unhappy, Far-off Things
Amazon Kindle: She Sings of Old, Unhappy, Far-off Things

"Have not been disappointed by this author yet and she delivers again. The story was a little slow at times but overall a very well written thought out book. I loved both the MC's, and the settings in this book."

Gay Erotica
Games Boys Play by Zoe X. Rider
Publisher: Loose Id LLC (April 15, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Games Boys Play

"Wow, this is an author I will definitely read more from in the future."

Gay Contemporary General Fiction
First Exposure by Alan Chin
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (August 19, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626390827
ISBN-13: 978-1626390829
Amazon: First Exposure
Amazon Kindle: First Exposure

"The author has a wonderful command of language, and uses it to paint pictures, the same way his character use art and floral arranging. An interesting story that sucked me as I quickly wanted to find out what happened to these engaging, yet in some cases, tragic, characters. In a story about friendship, and love within friendship, and the different perspectives were used well to show all sides. "

Gay Anthology / Contemporary General Fiction
Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction by Timothy Lambert & R.D. Cochrane
Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: Cleis Press (January 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 162778005X
ISBN-13: 978-1627780056
Amazon : Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction
Amazon Kindle: Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction

"Out of this whole book I only knew one author and I found this a great read with so many different journeys... each story had both their high and their low points but overall the whole thing was worth it."

2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions

Waiting for the list of finalists to be announced beginning of October, I will post daily the 2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions: an honorable mention means a judge gave a rate of 36 or above out of 40 to the book; an honorable mention doesn't mean the book is automatically among the finalists, could be could be not, but it's important to understand there are more than 500 books in the literary contests, all books are in the process of being read by the jury, but only half of them will go to finals. So please, congratulate with me this year honorable mentions:



Bisexual Contemporary Romance
Fusion (North Star Book 2) by Posy Roberts
Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 18, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627982221
ISBN-13: 978-1627982221
Amazon : Fusion (North Star Book 2)
Amazon Kindle: Fusion (North Star Book 2)

"Excellent style and beautifully written. Sad but poetic and well plotted."

Gay Young Adult
Vivaldi in the Dark by Matthew J. Metzger
Paperback: 294 pages
Publisher: Queerteen Press (December 8, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 149362279X
ISBN-13: 978-1493622795
Amazon: Vivaldi in the Dark
Amazon Kindle: Vivaldi in the Dark

"A lovely YA, with the right amount of uncertainty, humour and action. I didn't put it down from beginning to end. Not even for a coffee break."

Gay Contemporary General Fiction
Walking the Camino Sagrado by Michael Chavez
Paperback: 198 pages
Publisher: Regal Crest Enterprises, LLC (December 11, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1619291347
ISBN-13: 978-1619291348
Amazon: Walking the Camino Sagrado
Amazon Kindle: Walking the Camino Sagrado

"This was my first experience reading Michael Chavez's work.  I have bought another novel by him immediately after reading this one.  The Characters are compelling and the plot had me reading into the night, even though I had to work the next day."

Lesbian Erotic Romance
Escapades by MJ Willamz
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (July 15, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626391823
ISBN-13: 978-1626391826
Amazon: Escapades
Amazon Kindle: Escapades

"All the elements were there and I liked it very much."

Gay Contemporary Romance
A Heart for Robbie by J.P. Barnaby
Paperback: 214 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 11, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1632160668
ISBN-13: 978-1632160669
Amazon: A Heart for Robbie
Amazon Kindle: A Heart for Robbie

"You can feel the desperation that Julian is trying to cope with as well as Dane's fear of being ostracized for coming out. You can see and smell the hospital where Julian is forced to spend his time in order to save his son's life. The author truly makes you want to save Robbie's life too. I found myself unable to justify lowering the score in any of the categories."

Bisexual Sci-fi / Futuristic
The Stars Change by Mary Anne Mohanraj
Hardcover: 162 pages
Publisher: Circlet Press (July 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1613901178
ISBN-13: 978-1613901175
Amazon: The Stars Change
Amazon Kindle: The Stars Change

"Wow. I finished this and sat back and wondered how the author packed so much story into such a compact form with so many fully formed characters and such a serious story-line. Race, sexuality, tradition, technology, terrorism, age, love--how people fight without fighting... it was all packed into this well-formed and well-written book. I cannot thank the author enough for showing me a culture that was human and familiar and wonderful that wasn't based on white Europe. The relationships--especially family--felt real and wonderful and heartbreaking. And yes, there was tragedy, but also love. I am very grateful to have been able to read this, and will be hunting down the author's other works. It's one for the keeper shelf."

Gay Contemporary General Fiction
Dissonance (Blue Notes) by Shira Anthony
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 8, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1632161818
ISBN-13: 978-1632161819
Amazon : Dissonance (Blue Notes)
Amazon Kindle: Dissonance (Blue Notes)

"I loved the growth shown by Cameron through out this novel.  Very well written story."

Gay Contemporary Romance
The Silence of the Stars by Kate McMurray
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627988939
ISBN-13: 978-1627988933
Amazon : The Silence of the Stars
Amazon Kindle: The Silence of the Stars

"Although this story is a sequel the book can be read as a stand-alone as the couple is new. I was pulled into the story and loved both main characters. The chemistry between them is intense and I loved how they circled around each other in the beginning. This book should not be missed."

Gay Contemporary Romance
O​ut of the Gate by EM Lynley
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 21, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627986820
ISBN-13: 978-1627986823
Amazon : O​ut of the Gate
Amazon Kindle: O​ut of the Gate

"Well written with good development of characters and storyline."

Gay Romantic Comedy
Can This Be Real by L.E. Franks
Publisher: MLR Press
Amazon Kindle: Can This Be Real

"Needless to say, I found this book to be a very charming surprise.  The standard initial attraction (and understated, witty interactions) between the two main characters set up the story for a thoughtful, but not heavy-handed, exploration of love.  These men, who seem incompatible on an essential level, who stand on opposite ends of an issue that is very important to each - for very different reasons - learn how to reach a middle ground for the sake of the love they bear each other.  Christian's cooking for Andy in a way that would get him "kicked out of the CIA" (as his sous chef remarks) and Andy's learning to cook for Christian seemed very poignant illustrations of love to me.  I found the source of the conflict to be original and the execution to be perfect - had it been handled in a more heavy handed way, it would have made me roll my eyes, but the characters reactions were spot on for me.  This story was not long, but it was very well-crafted, complete with eccentric but vividly drawn secondary characters and a villain who, in the end, turned out to be flawed but still human.  A perfect read."

2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions

Waiting for the list of finalists to be announced beginning of October, I will post daily the 2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions: an honorable mention means a judge gave a rate of 36 or above out of 40 to the book; an honorable mention doesn't mean the book is automatically among the finalists, could be could be not, but it's important to understand there are more than 500 books in the literary contests, all books are in the process of being read by the jury, but only half of them will go to finals. So please, congratulate with me this year honorable mentions:



Lesbian Romantic Comedy
That Certain Something by Clare Ashton
Paperback: 238 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (May 26, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1499331185
ISBN-13: 978-1499331189
Amazon: That Certain Something
Amazon Kindle: That Certain Something

"Loved this romance, light hearted and witty!!  Found myself laughing out loud at certain points.  Pia and Cate are great together.  This is my first story from this author and it won't be my last."

Transgender Young Adult
Lessons on Destroying the World by Gene Gant
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (February 6, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627987924
ISBN-13: 978-1627987929
Amazon: Lessons on Destroying the World
Amazon Kindle: Lessons on Destroying the World

"Catchy intro pulls you into the story."

Gay Fantasy
Measure of Peace (Measure of Devotion Trilogy Book 3) by Caethes Faron
Paperback: 326 pages
Publisher: Branwen Press (June 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615850200
ISBN-13: 978-0615850207
Amazon: Measure of Peace (Measure of Devotion Trilogy Book 3)
Amazon Kindle: Measure of Peace (Measure of Devotion Trilogy Book 3)

"I didn't have the pleasure of reading the first 2 books, but honestly, that wasn't necessary, as the descriptions of this very dystopian society that still uses slavery as a way of life, both in the 'city' and the 'country', came alive in this author's book.  Two very beautiful men, one freed from slavery, the other, once the owner of the former slave, their families, and how their quest for freedom, for family, for love shapes their lives and the lives around them.  All for the good.  There is loss, but what is gained is immeasurable."

Gay Paranormal Romance
Wide Asleep (Tales from Ballena Beach Book 3) by Nick Nolan
Series: Tales from Ballena Beach Book 3 (Book 3)
Paperback: 407 pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (February 4, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1477817972
ISBN-13: 978-1477817971
Amazon: Wide Asleep (Tales from Ballena Beach Book 3)
Amazon Kindle: Wide Asleep (Tales from Ballena Beach Book 3)

"In terms of plot, this one was all over the place, but in a good way. It pulled in bits and pieces of several genres to freshen up some classic tropes from sci-fi and romance. I was thoroughly engaged by the characters and the story. "

Lesbian Historical Romance
First Tango in Paris by Shelley Thrasher
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (July 15, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626390738
ISBN-13: 978-1626390737
Amazon : First Tango in Paris
Amazon Kindle: First Tango in Paris

"Love story with a lot of great historical references.  Loved seeing Paris again through the author's eyes.  She is spot on."

Lesbian Historical Romance
The Gardener of Aria Manor by A.L. Duncan
Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: Yellow Rose by RCE (March 28, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1619291584
ISBN-13: 978-1619291584
Amazon: The Gardener of Aria Manor
Amazon Kindle: The Gardener of Aria Manor

"Great debut novel.  Easy read, likeable characters and good thoughtful plot."

Gay Young Adult
Pukawiss the Outcast by Jay Jordan Hawke
Paperback: 204 pages
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (April 16, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627986480
ISBN-13: 978-1627986489
Amazon: Pukawiss the Outcast
Amazon Kindle: Pukawiss the Outcast

"This story was wonderfully crafted. The characters and settings were rich. The plot, while  a little slow in places, was wonderful, and I really enjoyed the author's writing style. I had the joy of going through basic training with a young lady from Lac du Flambeau, and she taught me many things about her culture. That is something that has stayed with me for 16 years. Reading this story, I could hear her voice. It was wonderful. "

Gay Contemporary Romance
Chasing the Dragon by Kate Sherwood
Paperback: 230 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 4, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1632160315
ISBN-13: 978-1632160317
Amazon: Chasing the Dragon
Amazon Kindle: Chasing the Dragon

"I liked the fact that the plot became more complex as each part of the story developed (it is in 3 parts). At first it just seemed like it was going to be a pleasant romance between a hardened ex soldier and a young hooker, then it broadened into a convoluted 'spy versus spy' type plot and it wasn't obvious who was telling the truth and who was deceiving the 2 MCs. Also, recovering from heroin addiction was added to the mix which added depth to the characterisation of the young hooker. All in all a very enjoyable read and I will read it again. The description setting of the remote cabin and the woods really drew me into Hunter's private world away from his job. "

Lesbian Anthology / Romantic Comedy
Three by Ann McMan
Paperback: 162 pages
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing Company (December 16, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1939562422
ISBN-13: 978-1939562425
Amazon : Three
Amazon Kindle: Three

"With each of the three stories (Nevermore—A Christmas Tree Grows In Baltimore—Blended Families) I was right there with the characters. I enjoyed all of them. I’d recommend this one... could be because I really like Christmas as well."

Bisexual Erotic Romance
My Brother's Lover (Twin Ties 1) by Lynn Kelling
Series: Twin Ties
Paperback: 284 pages
Publisher: Fantastic Fiction Publishing (February 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1622341449
ISBN-13: 978-1622341443
Amazon: My Brother's Lover (Twin Ties 1)
Amazon Kindle: My Brother's Lover (Twin Ties 1)

"She's brilliant. 40. Wow. Lynn Kelling certainly delivers on the promise to not shy away from the dark spaces of life in her writing. My Brother’s Keeper is a complex, finely nuanced tour de force that will creep into your psyche with the delicate tread of a Shaolin monk treading a span of rice paper without leaving a single footprint. The story is almost unbearably erotic, titillating, dizzying, and has a fine, stinging bite of discomfort. I highly recommend this read. It will move you."