Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Heart of the Dragon by Jamie Sullivan

Heart of the Dragon

"Quite an entertaining story. I'm not one to get so deeply enthralled with a fantasy book but this one definitely brought me to its fantastic dragon world. I really enjoyed it and wish it was longer. Great job from a new to me author. I'd definitely want to read other stories from them. Well done!"

"I loved this story. It was funny, well-written, and all the characters were gorgeous, including the dragon."

When the dragon Madfall steals a basket from the castle, he expects it to contain gold—not a baby.Seventeen years later, Richard of Benfro expects to meet certain death when he sets out to slay the dragon—but instead he finds himself face to face with a cute boy.When the two worlds collide, Oenyn is caught between the loving parent who raised him and the human world to which he rightfully belongs. Luckily, being raised by a dragon means he's plenty stubborn. He won't give up what he loves without a fight.

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Too Damn Dumb to Think by Diana Wright and Bernie DeCoke

Too Damn Dumb to Think

"I loved this book. As a memoir it managed to gracefully combine the components of creative non-fiction with the structure of plot, making it a inspiring and pleasurable read without compromising the factual elements themselves. These authors managed to take a segment of a life, identifying the story within and staying true to that story."

"This was an utterly fascinating journey to watch. 😊"

Just a tiny flap of pig tissue, but such an influence in Diana’s life. She began by sewing the tissue into heart valves, moved on to engineering a new concept modifying the orifice of the valve, and finally founded a medical device manufacturing company. Her childhood on a farm, with its exposure to incessant hard work and the pain of childhood sexual abuse, instilled in her the strength and determination necessary to conquer a mystifying and debilitating illness, her husband’s attempt to take over her company, and her desires so forceful they pose threats to her very identity. Join Diana as she strives to maintain her audacious grasp on life and learns that wallowing in the mud may be necessary for a time, but staying there is not allowed.

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Captain Merric by Rebecca Cohen

Captain Merric

"Well written, deliciously attention to historical detail, and great romance between British naval officer and swashbuckling pirate - a fun read."

A tale of pirates, lost love, and the fight for a happy ending.

After he’s set adrift and left to die by his mutinous crew, the last person Royal Navy officer Daniel Horton expects to come to his rescue is Captain Merric. An infamous pirate, Merric is known as much for stealing his victims’ hearts as their jewels. Daniel’s world is about to be turned upside down when he recognises Captain Merric as none other than Edward Merriston, someone he thought he'd never see again.
Edward can’t believe Daniel Horton is aboard his ship. While Edward is willing to do anything he can to get a second chance at their happy ending, Daniel isn’t interested in digging up the past. But Daniel is one priceless treasure Captain Merric isn’t about to let go of without a fight.


Captain Merric first appeared as short story in a pirate-themed anthology. Now completely rewritten and extended he is ready to set sail again.

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Jackal's House (Lancaster's Luck #2) by Anna Butler

The Jackal’s House (Lancaster's Luck Book 2)

"This is an entertaining and logical sequel to The Gilded Scarab for readers who like the combination of historical MM romance and science fiction. Anna Butler created realistic, likeable, and interesting leading characters in a captivating environment. The leading character’s first person voice is so realistic that I couldn’t believe it wasn’t written by someone in 1900. The story also included enticing villains, a nice plot twist, and a satisfying ending. I believe the novel would have been even stronger if edited to alleviate the many lengthy and repetitive sections. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the Lancaster’s Luck series!"

"I loved part 1, this is still good, but a little less captivating."

"Rich, engrossing steampunk world that pulls you in and refuses to let go - engaging and seductive."

Sequel to The Gilded Scarab
Lancaster's Luck: Book II

Something is stalking the Aegyptian night and endangering the archaeologists excavating the mysterious temple ruins in Abydos. But is it a vengeful ancient spirit or a very modern conspiracy….

Rafe Lancaster’s relationship with Gallowglass First Heir, Ned Winter, flourishes over the summer of 1900, and when Rafe’s House encourages him to join Ned’s next archaeological expedition, he sees a chance for it to deepen further. Since all the Houses of the Britannic Imperium, Rafe’s included, view assassination as a convenient solution to most problems, he packs his aether pistol—just in case.

Trouble finds them in Abydos. Rafe and Ned begin to wonder if they’re facing opposition to the Temple of Seti being disturbed. What begins as tricks and pranks escalates to attacks and death, while the figure of the Dog—the jackal-headed god, Anubis, ruler of death—casts a long shadow over the desert sands. Destruction follows in his wake as he returns to reclaim his place in Abydos. Can Rafe and Ned stand against both the god and House plots when the life of Ned’s son is on the line?

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Blood Before Wine (Dominus #3) by J.P. Kenwood

Blood Before Wine: Dominus Book 3

"Exceptionally well detailed historical setting with great attention to history, religion, and character motivation. Highly recommend for fans of Roman m/m romance."

Conquer. Own. Sacrifice everything.

Gaius Fabius knows a healthy son will secure his claim to the throne of Rome, but his devotion to his illegal Dacian pleasure slave, Allerix, could destroy his dreams of supreme power. Determined to solve the mysterious murder of a dear friend, Gaius searches for clues hidden deep in the palace that threaten his future and his family.

But while he and Allerix share passions in and out of the bedchamber, another assassination sends Gaius and his captured prince back to the vanquished kingdom of Dacia. In order to protect his beloved concubine, can Gaius find the courage to sacrifice his own heart?

Lose. Submit. Betray everyone.

Allerix knows vengeance for the vicious destruction of his homeland is within tantalizing reach, but only if he can convince his Roman master to trust him. When an unexpected ally interrupts his plans, Alle sets aside his lust for revenge to embrace the ecstasy of Gaius’s unbridled devotion.

But a surprise reunion with a childhood friend and an unforeseen return trip to Dacia remind Allerix of all he has lost while revealing the honor and glory that remain to be won. To earn the respect of his surviving kinsmen, can Alle betray the only man he has ever loved?

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Anáil Dhragain: (Dragon's Breath) by Stephan Knox

Anáil Dhragain: (Dragon's Breath) (The Pendhragains Book 1)

"This was a very good book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it."

"A story with a good pace, interesting characters, and plenty of twists to keep me entertained to the end."

Not his devotion to a Goddess, his fierceness for Briton, nor his uncommon desire have prepared him for the sacrifice he will have to make so his family, his tribe, and the love in his heart will survive the Roman occupation. What Trystian Pendragon doesn’t know, is it will take a Dhragain’s breath to protect him.

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Predestination Unknown by Tanya Chris

Predestination Unknown

"I am an avid fan of time travel stories and this one didn't disappoint. I'm so glad to have read this wonderful story where one young man goes back in time and saves the lives of so many people proclaimed as witches. It was quite entertaining and it kept me wanting to read more, especially at the end of the story! Why, oh, why did it have to end! I really hope Ms. Tanya will write more stories like this."

"While almost always a lighthearted read, Predestination Unknown tackles a lot of serious subjects, yet never loses sight of the fact it's a love story. I really enjoyed getting to know Luther and Ezekiel. Their romance is super sweet and I loved the way things worked out for them. The author manages to wrap up the plot satisfactorily while giving both characters what they want, almost without compromise. A challenge well met."

"A clever premise and attention to historical detail help build a time-travel romance with urgency and purpose. A fun, fast read that puts a new spin on Puritans, Salem, and the witch trials."

Luther is almost enjoying a rainy day in Salem, Massachusetts on All Hallow’s Eve when his pursuit of a light-haired, light-skinned guy in a Pilgrim costume sends him crashing back in time to Salem 1692 and the start of the Salem witchcraft trials.

Ezekiel was only going about his chores when a gay, bi-racial man from the future dropped into his life. He doesn’t know Luther is from 2017, not from Boston. He doesn’t know that it’s OK to feel about a man the way he’s coming to feel about Luther. And he has no idea that the wealthy men running Salem are about to hang twenty people for the trumped-up crime of witchcraft.

Ezekiel has a lot to learn, both in bed and out, and he’s going to have to get up to speed fast if he and Luther are going to prevent a Colonial American tragedy, one that has already kind of happened. Is our future predestined? Or can Luther and Ezekiel change the course of their country for the better?

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Lion Lies Waiting by Glenn Quigley

The Lion Lies Waiting

"Very nice, well written, not as great as part 1, but def a very nice world setting, lovely details and great writing; (love the loving and admiring descriptions of - in our eyes - imperfect bodies); everything sits well here."

"Beautifully rendered world and characters, with lovely details and attention to authenticity. Wraps you up in an intricate portrait of people and places you wish were real. Highly recommended."

Winter, 1780, and the solstice is fast approaching. Four months after the events of The Moth and Moon, burly fisherman Robin Shipp is preparing for his first Midwinter festival with his lover, the handsome baker Edwin Farriner. But when a letter arrives begging for help, they must travel with their friend, Duncan, to Port Knot on sinister Blackrabbit Island for a final confrontation with Edwin’s mother. Also visiting the island are Lady Eva and her wife Iris, with a stunning proposition that could change Robin and Edwin’s lives forever.

The snow-covered harbour town of Port Knot is a dangerous place. While there, Robin, Edwin, and Duncan explore the menacing rooftop settlement known as the Roost, mingle with high society in the magnificent splendour of Chase Manor, and uncover a violent conspiracy threatening the island’s entire way of life.

Old rivalries will flare, shocking secrets will be revealed, and as Duncan’s scandalous past finally catches up with him, will it ultimately destroy them all?

The men will be tested to their limits as they discover that on Blackrabbit Island, the lion lies waiting.

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Prelude: The Gaining of Shamanic Wisdom by Widdershins

Prelude: The Gaining of Shamanic Wisdom

"I've read a few books about people undergoing spiritual journeys but what I liked about this one is the author allowed herself to show emotions that are considered negative, such as anger, as part of her journeys. To me, that made the experiences feel more real. Quite enjoyed it."

Shamans come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life, from all the continents of the Earth. We've been around since the human race realized there was more to existence than just the physical, and we'll be around long after the last star has died, when the Wheel turns to renew All.
Becoming a Shaman is not for the faint-of-heart, or the timid-of Spirit. It is not an easy Path, nor should it be. The responsibilities are great and require harsh testing before one is judged capable of shouldering them.
There are many Pathways to becoming a Shaman, and I came to understand mine through my Earth-based, Goddess Spirituality, She who is the First Mother of Us All, in all Her forms.
'Prelude' is the story of my very first steps along that Path. It is part memoir, part Shamanic adventure, and part guidebook, with a dash of dire warning on the side.
From the moment I came across a giant statue of Bast, I knew my life would never be the same. There were times I froze, bled, burned, raged, and cried. My life, my past, the shadows, and the shining moments, all the things I believed defined me, were challenged, until nothing but a truth, my Truth, remained.
Join me as I confront my monsters, discover my true Name, and come to understand that the Physical world I grew up with was just a tiny corner of a much vaster Cosmos.

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Caledonia Destiny by Lexi Ander

Caledonia Destiny (Blessed Bane Book 1)

Caledonia Destiny hooked me from page one. I did have an inkling of how things would transpire, but the author twisted the end in such a unique way, I was still surprised at the resolution. The setting was very well balanced, enough description to ground the reader without going overboard. There were a few places where character remarks clouded the setting, but they were few and my mind readily dismissed them. The characters’ depth and growth was masterfully handled. The emotions and reactions felt real, when a book brings me to tears, the loss of Roi, I know I’ve connected to well developed characters. The style is probably my favorite part of the book. I’ve read others that use period spelling, but only in speech. The choice to do so, to research not only changes in spelling but in terminology, was what truly pulled me into Ewen and Roi’s world. The writing style immersed me in this world, compelled me to remain. In summary, this was an excellently composed story, one that draws a reader in so completely that they must blink to remember where they really are.

"All the beautiful writing I expect from a Lexi Ander book with worldbuilding skills on par with my favorite fantasy romances. The blend of history, magic, action and romance is wonderfully compelling. Really enjoyable to read."

A twist of fate changed both their destinies.

The wyrbears, once a long-lived species, were being lost to the forest in their prime. A people borne of a curse, their abilities not a gift but something wrongly taken, they nonetheless live in harmony with their animal spirits. But over time the curse they lived under changed, mutated, and now what once was a refuge from the world when they became too weary is culling mathan in their prime.

Ewen mhic Friscalach, the leader of his peoples, lost his father too early and is now a widower with four children. The vow he made as a youth to break the curse afflicting wyrbears has been buried by grief and responsibility.

Roi mhic Alric, a priest of Cerridwen and seer, watched his fellow priests slaughtered and his temple desecrated. The only thing that kept him going the last three horror-filled years was the vision Cerridwen had granted him of his emancipation. If freedom came at the cost of his life, well, he was more than ready for the Otherworld.

A fated meeting upon a bloody field of battle. A wrong done long ago. Their choices could save a people… or send them into extinction. Either way, their love will be legend.

Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Cavalcade by K’Anne Meinel

Cavalcade (Vetted Book 2)

"Unique and beautiful using a rare setting and a very special relationship as the backdrop to an intense story of adventure and, first and foremost, love."

Molly didn’t know what kind of life to expect when she fell in love with Erin Herriot—her schoolmate, her best friend, and a woman. She had been grateful for Erin’s friendship when the bank swindled her after selling her parents’ farm and she was invited to live on Erin’s parents’ farm.

After making the difficult decision to live life as ‘man and wife,’ Molly gladly accepted the challenges before them. Together, they made the decision to sell Erin’s farm and embark on the journey of a lifetime…on the Oregon Trail.
Erin couldn’t give Molly children; however, she could love her forever. But leaving the area where they had both grown up and where everyone knew the women was the only way they could be together without questions about the true nature of their relationship.

Come along on their adventure as two women cross the country, adopt a family, and begin a life that neither had imagined possible growing up in the mid-1800s.