2016 Rainbow Awards: Mate Me, Hate Me, Date Me, Love Me by Chris McHart (196-07-24-2016)

Mate Me, Hate Me, Date Me, Love Me (Unexpected #3) by Chris McHart
Gay Paranormal Romance
Series: Unexpected
Paperback: 316 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 25, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1532941587
ISBN-13: 978-1532941580
Amazon: Mate Me, Hate Me, Date Me, Love Me (Unexpected #3)
Amazon Kindle: Mate Me, Hate Me, Date Me, Love Me (Unexpected #3)

When his father, King Harold, forces Prince Gerome to mate a complete stranger in order to save his unborn child, he complies with a heavy heart and says goodbye to all his dreams of finding love. Gerome’s hurt and treats his mate the way he’s been taught all his life: through power and submission. But with Luis, it doesn’t work. When Luis is mated off to a stranger, his world ends. He was a carefree student one day and the next a vampire prince demands his submission. He can’t run, but he can hide and hate in silence. So he withdraws until only a shell remains. Neither of the men has any chance of finding love together until a friend intervenes. Can Gerome forget what he’s been taught all his life, and is it possible for Luis to forget what’s happened to him? Will they ever find their own happy ending? Or can love blossom where only hate exists?

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Dowry Blade by Cherry Potts (024-02-27-2016)

The character and setting development were well done. The plot is a good plot.

The Dowry Blade by Cherry Potts
Lesbian Fantasy
Paperback: 394 pages
Publisher: Arachne Press (February 25, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1909208205
ISBN-13: 978-1909208209
Amazon: The Dowry Blade
Amazon Kindle: The Dowry Blade

Trust anyone, even an enemy... ...Trust no one, not even a friend. A fantasy epic of the strength and limitations of love and loyalty: between friends, lovers, kin, strangers- and enemies.Nine years after the loss of her sister, and near obliteration of her clan in an ill conceived raid, Brede, a plains' nomad, is living unwillingly in the marshes. The sudden ending of a decade long drought, brings with it many changes; rumour has it that the rain was bought at the price of a King's head, and the sword needed for such a sacrifice is missing. Change comes for Brede in the arrival of Tegan, a wounded mercenary. Brede's discovery, first of the Dowry Blade and a stolen horse, and then of Tegan's history, sets in train a journey to the capital in search of her missing sister and leads to an unexpected role in the Queen's household, and a powerful lover.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: ’Til Death Do Us Part by Addison Albright (75-04-06-2016)

1) ’Til Death Do Us Part combines drama, adventure, and true love that should never be taken for granted. A plane crash separates Henry from Sam. Henry spends over four years on a deserted island, combining his skills with those of two other men as they survive, raise a baby into a capable young boy, and hope for rescue. Henry is torn between hoping that Sam waits for him versus wanting him not to be lonely and find happiness. After years of coming to terms with his beloved Henry’s demise, Sam is presented with the unenviable position of choosing between his husband and his fiancee. The survival plot line the castaways is fascinating, and Albright exploits the emotional highs and lows of love, grief, and hope to its fullest. A wonderful and captivating read!

2) This was an interesting read. There are also a few OMG moments in this book that will keep the reader turning the pages.

’Til Death Do Us Part by Addison Albright
Gay Contemporary Romance
Publisher: JMS Books LLC (April 3, 2016)
Amazon Kindle: ’Til Death Do Us Part

Henry and Sam Miller-Greene are living the dream. They love their careers -- which afford each of them opportunities to travel to exotic locations -- they love their home, Sam’s caring family, and each other. They disagree on the subject of adoption, but are fully committed to each other in marriage ... ’Til Death Do Us Part.

The dream is shattered when Henry’s plane crashes and he’s presumed dead. But four people -- Henry, two other men, and a child -- survive undetected on a remote, small, and insignificant island. Will Sam and Henry’s love be able to survive, as well?

Henry fights to endure in harsh conditions, never knowing when disaster will strike. Sam struggles with his loss, but with help moves on with his life. Will Sam be able to put aside his new love when he reunites with Henry?

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Love Bites by Lila Bruce (77-04-10-2016)

1) This story was fantastic. I loved the point of view changes. I couldn't put it down once I started. I laughed out loud at some of the plot and can't wait for a sequel!

2) I absolutely loved this book! It's funny, witty, touching...all wrapped up in a wonderful romance. Including the dog's point of view was clever and ingenious. It really added to the storyline, too. "Love Bites" will be one I'll re-read...with a smile on my face.

Love Bites by Lila Bruce
Lesbian Romantic Comedy
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 25, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1519219229
ISBN-13: 978-1519219220
Amazon: Love Bites
Amazon Kindle: Love Bites

The last person Ashley Baldwin expected to see when she walked into Ridgeview Animal Clinic was the gorgeous ex-love-of-her-life, Peyton Maxwell. Their break-up in college had been an explosive one, and now, some twelve years later, Ashley was still picking up the pieces of her broken heart. Peyton Maxwell knew better than anyone that life rarely turned out the way you planned. After spending more than a decade away from her hometown, she’d finally decided to move back in order to raise her young daughter closer to family. She was just beginning to settle into her new job when Ashley walked into an exam room at the vet clinic and back into her life. Peyton thought she’d put that part of her life firmly in the past, but one look at her former lover and it all comes rushing back. Ashley has waited a long time for answers, but walks away from their encounter with only questions. Could it really hurt to pursue a friendly, platonic relationship as Peyton suggests? Or will Ashley find herself rekindling a flame that never really died?

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html