2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: My Boyfriend's Back Elliot Cooper

1) At first, I wasn’t sure about the storyline, but it turned out great. In spite of the accidental issue that turned Dax & Steven’s life and relationship upside down and hating how things ended for them, for their sake, it all worked out for the best. It was at least a 5-star read.

My Boyfriend's Back Elliot Cooper
Gay - Paranormal Romance
Paperback: 190 pages
Publisher: NineStar Press (October 4, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1945952024
ISBN-13: 978-1945952029
Amazon: My Boyfriend's Back Elliot Cooper

After losing both of his parents, Academy of Magecraft student Steven Durant doesn't want to see anyone else lose a loved one before their time. Traditional resurrection methods, however, only create mindless, flesh-hungry zombies; they're no cure for death. He's certain his unique brand of necromancy—using alchemy and blood magic—is the only answer. When his boyfriend, Dax Everhart, has a fatal accident, Steven sees no choice but to use his experimental Lazarus Elixir. Dax comes back wrong, but the more humans he consumes, the more human he becomes. With the help of his best friends, his ghostly aunt, and her living doll homunculus, Steven fights to regain normalcy and repair his shattered relationship with Dax. But with Dax openly embracing his monstrous nature, Steven shoulders the guilt of assisting in a murder spree that could lead the mundane and magical police right to their door.

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Vespers (The Hours of the Night #1)

1) This was an incredible story. I've often said to friends, recommend to me an intelligent, well-written, LGBT book. This is one book I will be recommending to others.  Although the setting of New Orleans and Vampires has been done, it set the stage well for an old vampire who often sprinkles his dialogue with French quips. I also enjoyed the dichotomy of good versus (perceived) evil within the main character, Thaddeus Dupont who is not only gay, but also a monk, and a vampire. The snippets of prayers also added to the overall feel for the story. I will most definitely be watching for more out of this series, and these authors.
2) This was an awesome read. The over-religious Vampire was actually cool. His battle for/against his desire for Sara ((Sarasija actually) made the mystery of the story more exciting to see how it would all play out. Just checked Amazon and two more books in this series are available.

Vespers (The Hours of the Night #1) Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt
Gay - Paranormal Romance
Series: Hours of the Night (Book 1)
Paperback: 322 pages
Publisher: Prescourt Books; 1st edition (April 25, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0996809953
ISBN-13: 978-0996809955Amazon: Vespers (The Hours of the Night #1) Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt

Thaddeus Dupont has had over eighty years to forget...

The vampire spends his nights chanting the Liturgy of the Hours and ruthlessly disciplines those unnatural urges he's vowed never again to indulge. He is at the command of the White Monks, who summon him at will to destroy demons. In return, the monks provide for his sustenance and promise the return of his immortal soul.

Sarasija Mishra's most compelling job qualification might be his type O blood...

The 22-year-old college grad just moved across the country to work for some recluse he can't even find on the internet. Sounds sketchy, but the salary is awesome and he can't afford to be picky. On arrival he discovers a few details his contract neglected to mention, like the alligator-infested swamp, the demon attacks, and the nature of his employer's "special diet" . A smart guy would leave, but after one look into Dupont's mesmerizing eyes, Sarasija can't seem to walk away. Too bad his boss expected "Sara" to be a girl.

Falling in love is hard at any age...

The vampire can't fight his hungers forever, especially since Sara's brought him light, laughter and a very masculine heat. After yielding to temptation, Thaddeus must make a choice. Killing demons may save his soul, but keeping the faith will cost him his heart.

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Damian Serbu The Vampire's Protege

1) This was interesting. The central character, Charon, reminds me a lot of LeStat De Lioncourt – Anne Rice, with his bratty self, doing things his own way with disregard for the rules. Adding witchcraft to his abilities was a cool diversion that made him unique. Interested to see this character continue.

Damian Serbu The Vampire's Protege
Gay - Alternative Universe/Reality
Paperback
Publisher: Ninestar Press, LLC (August 21, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1947139711
ISBN-13: 978-1947139718
Amazon: Damian Serbu The Vampire's Protege

A sinister vampire offers Charon a choice he can't refuse: play a deadly game of winner takes all, losers die.

Charon relishes the competition and molds himself into a sexy vampire who defies vampire law, savoring his power and embracing the role of villain. He also loves surrounding himself with hot young men. But when an alluring vampire stalks him and threatens to turn him into the Vampire Council unless he helps with a seemingly impossible task, will Charon risk his perfectly narcissistic life on the challenge? Does he have any other choice?

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Jody Klaire Best Maid Plans

1) Funny romance.  Well written and flowed easily. Loved all of the characters and found them very well developed.

Jody Klaire Best Maid Plans
Lesbian - Romantic Comedy
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Independently published (June 15, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1521511845
ISBN-13: 978-1521511848
Amazon: Jody Klaire Best Maid Plans

Love in France is wonderful... Pippa and best friend Rebecca have settled into life in France only neither has found a job, the house is still unfinished and then ex-fiance Doug calls to say he's getting married and wants Pippa's help. With chocolate in tow, they swap France for Wales. Pippa only needs to help Doug with wedding chores, renovate a grand mansion, show she has wiles of her own, charm a village and somehow become a caddie on a golf course... all while trying to convince Berne that she's not running away. Best Maid Plans with Pippa usually go awry!

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Red Fish, Dead Fish (Fish Out of Water #2) Amy Lane

1) This was one of the best mysteries I’ve read all year. I loved the plot and the interesting perspective into nature and nurture as Amy Lane explored a protagonist and a villain with the same background becoming very different people. The romantic subplot featuring Jackson and Ellery was nicely woven into the murder mystery. The angst was caused by plausible issues which were dealt with as needed, it never felt artificial. Great, fast paced, and thrilling read.
2) Another lovely book from a outstanding writer. Adventures of Ellery and Jackson - love story at gunpoint. 

Red Fish, Dead Fish (Fish Out of Water #2) Amy Lane
Gay - Mystery / Thriller
Series: Fish Out of Water (Book 2)
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 4, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1635337631
ISBN-13: 978-1635337631
Amazon: Red Fish, Dead Fish (Fish Out of Water #2) Amy Lane

Fish Out of Water: Book Two

They must work together to stop a psychopath—and save each other.

Two months ago Jackson Rivers got shot while trying to save Ellery Cramer’s life. Not only is Jackson still suffering from his wounds, the triggerman remains at large—and the body count is mounting.

Jackson and Ellery have been trying to track down Tim Owens since Jackson got out of the hospital, but Owens’s time as a member of the department makes the DA reluctant to turn over any stones. When Owens starts going after people Jackson knows, Ellery’s instincts hit red alert. Hurt in a scuffle with drug-dealing squatters and trying damned hard not to grieve for a childhood spent in hell, Jackson is weak and vulnerable when Owens strikes.

Jackson gets away, but the fallout from the encounter might kill him. It’s not doing Ellery any favors either. When a police detective is abducted—and Jackson and Ellery hold the key to finding her—Ellery finds out exactly what he’s made of. He’s not the corporate shark who believes in winning at all costs; he’s the frightened lover trying to keep the man he cares for from self-destructing in his own valor.

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Scarred Mia Kerick

1) This book is a fantastic story about two people who, even though both are scarred physically and emotionally, and carrying enough baggage to fill an airport luggage carrier, are able to find their HEA ending.
2) This one drew me in from the very first sentence. I loved the characters and was fully invested in their arcs within this story.
3) Scarred is not an easy read by any means. The author does not pull her punches with the details of the trauma the 2 MCs have experienced, nor with the emotional backlash following that trauma.  The characters are very well drawn and the dynamic between them was great. The secondary characters fitted perfectly into the story, I especially liked the vibe of the Tikki bar and the people who worked there. The development of the MCs relationship was very believable – I really came to care about them. 

Scarred Mia Kerick
Transgender - Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 234 pages
Publisher: CoolDudes Publishing (March 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1544212356
ISBN-13: 978-1544212357
Amazon: Scarred Mia Kerick

Matthew North waited ten years to heal from the devastating wounds inflicted by the man who abducted and abused him as a child. Living reclusively on a tropical island—with no company but his four cats—he merely avoids the lingering pain. Wearing twisted ropes of mutilated skin on his back, Matt struggles with a profound hindrance—the scars that deaden his soul. However, on the night he meets lively Vedie Wilson, a local restaurant busboy who expresses his gender by wearing lipgloss and eyeliner along with his three-day beard, things change. Gradually, Vedie and Matt unite in friendship. Through a series of awkward encounters, the pair learns each other’s secrets. Vedie learns that an angelic face can front for a scarred soul. Matthew learns that the line between one’s masculine and feminine sides is blurred. Can they embrace the painful stories behind each other’s scars if they’re to find everlasting love? Or will surrendered love come to be yet another blemish on their souls?

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: E.M. Hamill Dalí

1) The author's ability to describe a sci-fi future made me believe that space flight was possible and in fact a reality. The various alien races were described in such a way as to be believable, while the technology was ingenious and creative.
The main character's ability to morph between female and male genders depending upon external stimuli, while normally sitting comfortably in a genderless state made me question what gender was, and how we fit into our assumed roles. This aspect was brilliantly portrayed by the author!
2) This sc-fi novel is spell-binding in its inventiveness and originality. Featuring third-gender, sexually fluid humans as the main characters along with an assortment of alien species as friends and foes keeps the plot moving swiftly to a dynamic conclusion. Dali is a unique character that I found fascinating. Great world and character building. An extremely satisfying read.
3) This is a phenomenal book with an intriguing approach to gender. The writing is sharp, effective, and suspenseful. The political and social conditions of the future are rich, detailed, and convincing.
4) This is a deep, complex, multi-faceted bit of edge science fiction that does some fantastic things with gender and sexuality. The story itself starts out edgy and dark, and goes even deeper, but Dali is a strong enough character to hold it all together. 

E.M. Hamill Dalí
Bisexual - Sci-Fi / Futuristic
Paperback
Publisher: Ninestar Press, LLC (August 7, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1947139584
ISBN-13: 978-1947139589
Amazon: E.M. Hamill Dalí

Dalí Tamareia has everything--a young family and a promising career as an Ambassador in the Sol Fed Diplomatic Corps. Dalí's path as a peacemaker seems clear, but when their loved ones are killed in a terrorist attack, grief sends the genderfluid changeling into a spiral of self-destruction.
Fragile Sol Fed balances on the brink of war with a plundering alien race. Their skills with galactic relations are desperately needed to broker a protective alliance, but in mourning, Dalí no longer cares, seeking oblivion at the bottom of a bottle, in the arms of a faceless lover, or at the end of a knife.
The New Puritan Movement is rising to power within the government, preaching strict genetic counseling and galactic isolation to ensure survival of the endangered human race. Third gender citizens like Dalí don't fit the mold of this perfect plan, and the NPM will stop at nothing to make their vision become reality. When Dalí stumbles into a plot threatening changelings like them, a shadow organization called the Penumbra recruits them for a rescue mission full of danger, sex, and intrigue, giving Dalí purpose again.
Risky liaisons with a sexy, charismatic pirate lord could be Dalí's undoing--and the only way to prevent another deadly act of domestic terrorism.