Review of Savior (415 Ink 02) by Rhys Ford #LGBT #Contemporary #Tattoos #Romance

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes Rhys Ford and the next book in the 415 Ink series: Savior. It release day today with it publishing everywhere on September 18th 2018 by Dreamspinner Press, and is approximately 220 pages. See my review for Rebel, the first book in the series here.

 

The Review:

Rhys provided the story to me for an honest review.

5 Stars

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As I mentioned in the review of Rebel, I binged-read it and Savior with the intent on getting off my duff and publishing an ARC review on the day of release., since I have to read in series order. It doesn’t matter if they are standalone and can be read in any order, I have to read them in order. I just like to have the whole picture. Always been like that. I’ve been known to wait to get all the books in an established series before I start the first one… but I digress.

So, I’ve done it. I’m going to have this review posted the day of release. I feel accomplished. This is in spite of insane work hours and too many dental issues to name, as I recover from the latest root canal writing these posts. And now, the Review:

This is story of 415 Ink tattoo artist apprentice Rob Claussen and Mace Crawford, a San Francisco firefighter who works with Rey from the previous story. Mace’s back story is full of strife and provides Rhys’s signature storytelling and angst that we’ve seen from her prior series. It’s heart-wrenching but worth the high intensity that is Mace and the start of his relationship with Rob, although Mace being an owner and Rob an employee of the shop throws in additional layers of issues these two lovers have to overcome. I especially love the storming sex scene that you will just have to read to appreciate. Their story is on the explosive side where neither one was looking for a relationship, but it fits their personalities and their own ride to their happy ever after they didn’t know they wanted until it was dropped in their laps. We find out more about the brothers and what secrets they are hiding, not only from themselves, but the people they call family. I very much love how family is what you make and not necessarily whom you were born too. They all have issues and trauma from their childhoods. It’s great to find out as they fall in love. I can’t wait for the next pair. Perhaps there will be a threesome in the wings of this series? One can hope. 🙂 (Yes, Rhys, that was a hint.)

Overall, I give Savior 5 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

DreamspinnerAmazon | B&N | Google PlayKoboGoodreads | iTunes

About the Author:

Rhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series, including Murder and Mayhem, a 2016 LAMBDA finalist. She is published by Dreamspinner Press and DSP Publications.

She’s also quite skeptical about bios without a dash of something personal and really, who doesn’t mention their cats, dog and cars in a bio? She shares the house with Yoshi, a grumpy tuxedo cat and Tam, a diabetic black pygmy panther, as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird and enjoys murdering make-believe people.

Rhys’ Blog: www.rhysford.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhys.ford.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhys_Ford

Rhys Ford’s books can found at Dreamspinner Press (http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com), DSP Publications (https://www.dsppublications.com/) and all major online book stores.

Review of Rebel (415 Ink 01) by Rhys Ford #LGBT #Contemporary #Tattoos #Romance

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes Rhys Ford and the beginning of a new series: 415 Ink with the first book Rebel. It released on December 29th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press, and is approximately 220 pages. Stay tuned tomorrow for a review of Savior, the second book in the series. 🙂

 

The Review:

Rhys provided the story to me for an honest review.

5 Stars

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When I got the opportunity to receive the ARC for Savior and decide to attempt a release-day review (I try, but sometimes I fall behind), I realized that I hadn’t read and reviewed Rebel’s ARC either. I ultimately bought it and then forgot to do that review. Real Life got in the way and it’s been a helluva year. I’m sure some readers can agree.

So, I think, “Great! I’m a series completionist. I’ll try out this new series of Rhys and get that elusive release-day review in too.” Two birds with one stone, and all that.  (The blurb for Rebel did help tip me over to have a goal of one day in 2018 getting my first tattoo.)

It’s a good thing Rhys sent it early August for Savior so it gave me time to get both of them read. 😀 I just need to work on the scheduling reviews earlier part… and now, on to the review.

We meet Rey Montenegro, firefighter extraordinaire in San Francisco, California and former flame for tattoo artist Gus Scott, who returned to his family’s tattoo shop at 415 Ink to work on his personal demons and issues. One of those demons was how the relationship ended with Rey. In the midst of Rey and Gus circling each other to actually talk about the past, they find that family is key and it’s the family you make that heal your heart. There’s angst as only Rhys does, a romance that is slow to rekindle, and a new world and characters to learn about. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all of the “brothers” and how they banded together to create the family Gus returns to and Rey becomes a part of. I love how Gus and Rey get together: How Rey helps out Gus with Chris, Gus’s son, with no expectation of returning to the relationship that Rey ended suddenly three years prior. It’s a slow revival of trust as Gus and Rey open themselves to finally allow their relationship to be what they need it to be. It’s not explosive. It’s not sudden. Rey has to earn Gus’s trust again. It’s a great story to set the stage for the rest of the 415 Ink family: Ivo, Bear, Mace, and Luke. I was glad I could run right to the next book in the series to continue the story that gripped my imagination with it’s realism. This is definitely a great world to read about and the romance is hot too. 😉

Overall, I give Rebel 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: As of this blog posting, Rebel is on sale for $1.99 at all retailers. I would snatch it up while you can. I don’t know when the sale will end, so go quick.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

DreamspinnerAmazon | B&N | Google PlayKoboGoodreads | iTunes

About the Author:

Rhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series, including Murder and Mayhem, a 2016 LAMBDA finalist. She is published by Dreamspinner Press and DSP Publications.

She’s also quite skeptical about bios without a dash of something personal and really, who doesn’t mention their cats, dog and cars in a bio? She shares the house with Yoshi, a grumpy tuxedo cat and Tam, a diabetic black pygmy panther, as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird and enjoys murdering make-believe people.

Rhys’ Blog: www.rhysford.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhys.ford.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhys_Ford

Rhys Ford’s books can found at Dreamspinner Press (http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com), DSP Publications (https://www.dsppublications.com/) and all major online book stores.

Beta’s Surrender (Irresistible Omegas 03) by Nora Phoenix #LGBT #mpreg #Romance #Review #Menage

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes author Nora Phoenix! Published by Nora Phoenix on July 28, 2018 and is approximately 350 pages.

The Blurb:

Sven’s heat is coming, and with his mutative gene, the omega is warned he needs an alpha. The only alpha he trusts is Grayson, who is twenty years his senior. He’s also the only one who’s not afraid to take on Sven’s lover, Lars. What is supposed to be just sex turns into much more for Sven. But what alpha would want two boys?

Lars vowed he’d always take care of Sven, but when his lover’s heat comes, he’s not enough. He has to accept the help of the alpha he hates more than anyone—with the exception of his brother Enar, maybe. When Grayson figures out what the beta really craves, Lars pulls his defensive walls up. Alphas can’t be trusted, no matter what promises they make. Not even if they can offer what he never knew he needed.

Grayson never expected to connect with the sweet omega, and even less with the bratty beta who seems out to defy his authority at every chance. But there’s a reason for Lars’s insolent behavior, and soon the combination of these two boys becomes irresistible for Grayson. Can he be the Daddy these two need?

Beta’s Surrender is an MMM mpreg romance and the third book in the Irresistible Omegas series. It is not a stand-alone but continues the story from the first two books. It ends with an HEA for our three men, but the overall storyline will continue in the next books.

The Review:

Thank you Nora for your ARC Review group. 🙂

5 Stars

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This time around, Nora only had a few days prior to release day to provide ARCs. I jumped on it of course. Read it in two days. Then Real Life got involved and I’m just now getting to sit down and write this review. Instead of focusing on the hotness that is between Vieno, Palani, Enar, and Lidon, we get the interesting tale of Grayson, Lars, and Sven. While learning about the overall arc of mutated heats for certain omegas, and new information regarding how they came to be, we watch Sven and Lars fall in love with Grayson with grown sons their age. It’s not as angsty as the other books, very sweet actually, but still has their own issues and confrontations. We do have a birth and an interesting surprise ending. It didn’t actually surprise me, but I saw it coming. You have to read it to know. 😉

I love learning more about this world through the eyes of all seven protagonists. Just like the first four, it was great to see their love evolve from a situation of necessity and choice. The pack continues to develop and more truths are revealed. There is a happy ending for Grayson, Lars, and Sven with Grayson as their Daddy. Very well done, Nora, very well done.

At this point, I have no idea who we are going to follow next. I have my hopes…

Overall, I give Beta’s Surrender 5 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author:

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!):

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norasnook/

Stalk me on Twitter or Goodreads where I share recommended books and reviews! You can also find me on Bookbub and Instagram.

Alpha Submission (Irresistible Omegas 02) by Nora Phoenix #LGBT #mpreg #Romance #Review #Menage

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes author Nora Phoenix! Published by Nora Phoenix on May 26, 2018 and is approximately 462 pages.

The Blurb:

an MMMM Mpreg Gay Romance

Four men, brought together by fate, connected in more powerful ways than they’d ever imagined.

Lidon, Vieno, Palani, and Enar are finding their way in their complicated relationship. For Vieno, it’s easy. He thrives in the care of his men, taking his place as their omega and focusing on rebuilding the ranch.

For Enar, it’s a lot harder to find his role…and himself. His struggles to accept himself and his place in the relationship create tension between him and his mates.

Palani keeps digging into the Melloni gene and the fraud case Lidon alerted him to. His investigation reveals a conspiracy that is bigger than any of them expected, and it endangers them all.

Lidon discovers powers he never knew he possessed. When his mates and his home are threatened, he steps into a legendary identity. With the help of new friends that become family, Lidon vows to protect what’s his.

Alpha’s Submission is an MMMM mpreg romance and the second book in the Irresistible Omegas series. It is not a stand-alone but continues the story from the first book. It ends with a HEA for our four men, but the suspense storyline will continue in the next books.

The Review:

Thank you Nora for your ARC Review group. 🙂

5 Stars

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So, the next book is releasing on May 26th, and I devoured it from Nora’s ARC group the same day as I got the notification of the release of the ARC a week prior.  We continue the hot burn between Vieno, Palani, Enar, and Lidon as they waltz into their ménage of four. They come together in a weave of adjustment between the all the mates, as well as the individual pairings. Resolution about the mating between them is tied up in a nice little bow, and that is all I’m going to say on that. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger but much better than the first one, so I’m not even going to call it a cliffhanger because it’s has a satisfying HEA ending.

I continue to love all four of the main characters. especially Palani and Enar. I have high hopes that a certain event will allow Palani to father children with Vieno. We’ll see. We find out more about the Melloni gene, additional behind-the-scenes government issues, and continue to learn about the social interactions for Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. It was wonderful to see their love evolve as the adjust to their new circumstances. You will just have to read the story–there is so much to learn. You will not be disappointed at all. Be prepared to laugh and cry as they continue additional trials to keep each other and their developing pack.

My very first comment after finishing this story to Nora’s ARC group was that I want the next one because I’m invested in this series. There will be more books in the series and new main characters will come to light. I have my hopes on the next triad. 🙂

Overall, I give Alpha Submission 5 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author:

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!):

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norasnook/

Stalk me on Twitter or Goodreads where I share recommended books and reviews! You can also find me on Bookbub and Instagram.

Review of Sin and Tonic (Sinners 06) by Rhys Ford #LGBT #Mystery #Suspense #Romance #NewRelease

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes Rhys Ford and the last Sinners series book: Sin and Tonic. It released on May 15, 2018 and is approximately 610 pages including an appendix of all the songs and lyrics in the series.

 

The Review:

Rhys provided the story to me for an honest review.

5 Stars

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It’s with a bittersweet sob that I review the final Sinners book: Sin and Tonic Book 6. As always, I loved it like everything else Rhys has done in this series. Like the Cole McGinnis series before, this too tied up the loose ends, and we finally see what makes Miki tick as he deals with new information that comes to light. It’s a slightly lower-key ending then that of Cole McGinnis but just as powerful for all the trials Kade and Miki go through to get to the end of the murders that trigger Miki finding out about his biological mother and father. I cried at the end of this series because of the trials to love the main characters endure to get where they are now.

The Morgan clan circle-up around Miki as he is in danger yet again, and Miki finds the true meaning of family. Kade and Miki have a few rough spots but nothing that their love, and a little help from friends and family, can’t provide. The author says in the forward that there might be short stories in the universe but this story arc between Miki and Kade is done. Good luck to them, and the Sinners universe. We eagerly await what Rhys will come up with next.

Overall, I give Sin and Tonic 5 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

DreamspinnerAmazon | B&N | Google PlayKoboGoodreads

About the Author:

Rhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series, including Murder and Mayhem, a 2016 LAMBDA finalist. She is published by Dreamspinner Press and DSP Publications.

She’s also quite skeptical about bios without a dash of something personal and really, who doesn’t mention their cats, dog and cars in a bio? She shares the house with Yoshi, a grumpy tuxedo cat and Tam, a diabetic black pygmy panther, as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird and enjoys murdering make-believe people.

Rhys’ Blog: www.rhysford.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhys.ford.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhys_Ford

Rhys Ford’s books can found at Dreamspinner Press (http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com), DSP Publications (https://www.dsppublications.com/) and all major online book stores.

Alpha Sacrifice (Irresistible Omegas 01) by Nora Phoenix #LGBT #mpreg #Romance #Review #Menage

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes author Nora Phoenix! Published by Nora Roberts on March 13, 2018 and is 458 pages.

The Blurb:

an MMMM Mpreg Gay Romance

Four men, brought together by fate, connected in more powerful ways than they’d ever imagined.

Lidon, the powerful alpha-cop, determined to never trust another partner—until he helps a vulnerable omega through his heat and connects with him in a way that leaves him reeling.

Enar, the alpha-doctor who dedicates his life to serving omegas who need his help. He works himself to the bone, anything to drown out his inner voices that scream at him he’s not a real alpha.

Palani, the sassy beta reporter who will do anything to save his omega lover and childhood friend, even if it means watching another man claim him.

Vieno, the omega who suffers from a medical condition that requires an alpha’s help. It was supposed to be sex, but his attraction to the alpha goes much deeper. But how can he betray his soulmate and lover Palani like this?

When Vieno’s freedom is endangered, he needs Lidon to save him. The alpha steps up, but the consequences of his choice are more far-reaching than anyone of them had foreseen.

Four men try to figure out what they are to each other amidst political unrest, investigations into corruption and fraud, a medical issue that is far bigger and more sinister than it seemed at first, and old legends that are turning out to be real.

Alpha’s Sacrifice is an MMMM mpreg gay romance and the first book in the Irresistible Omegas series. It is not a stand-alone and ends on a cliffhanger. Please note the triggers warnings in the front of the book.

The Review:

Thank you Nora for your ARC Review group. 🙂

5 Stars

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I’m going to start off this review as saying that this is the best menage, mpreg, and MM romance I’ve read in a long time. That said, I can’t even begin to describe the subtle writing style that is Nora Phoenix. It’s a slow burn between Vieno, Palani, Enar, and Lidon as they dance around each other to symphony music that is best described as a waltz. You really have to read it to understand the nuances Nora describes. Yes, it ends in a cliffhanger as the author points out from the beginning. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers without having the next book ready (see my reviews for Rhys Ford) but like Rhys Ford’s various series that the individual books end on a cliffhanger, this is a blessing in disguise to see the overall story arc. Yes, she’s evil for ending in a cliffhanger, but you love the characters so much you don’t really care, and you have to find your inner patience.

Speaking of characters, I love all four of the main characters. Palani and Enar are almost tied for first in characters that I love from this book. Lidon and Vieno, as well as Palani and Enar, are all well rounded as we get to know their universe where certain omega’s gene, dubbed the Melloni gene, makes omega heats harder on their person. Behind the immediate issue with this gene, we see prevalent issues between Alphas, Betas, and Omegas in general that mirror and mimic current political, social, and legal issues in life today. Yes, this is a fantastical universe where men get pregnant as a backdrop to the love that develops between the four men. The love and commitment between them all is subtle enough that they all have a hard time coming to terms with it. Isn’t that was life is all about? I won’t say more since I try not to give too much away, but you need to read this story. You’ll laugh and cry throughout their trials to get to each other, but hope, and love, will win. That is all we can ask for in any life we lead.

Since this is self published, I did private message Nora when I was done reading and confirmed that she was working on the next one. Who knows, maybe it will come out really soon. *hint hint* *wink* Thank you for your patience as my review was delayed due to work and internet issues.

(FYI, I keep wanting to type “Nora Roberts” because Nora Phoenix’s style is on par with Nora Roberts a.k.a J.D. Robb, and I love both their writing styles. Hats off to you Nora!)

Overall, I give Alpha Sacrifice 5 out of 5 stars, and wish I could do 6 stars. 😉

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author:

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!):

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norasnook/

Stalk me on Twitter or Goodreads where I share recommended books and reviews! You can also find me on Bookbub and Instagram.

Ghost Wolf by Hurri Cosmo #LGBT #Contemporary #Romance #Review #Mystery

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes author Hurri Cosmo! Published by Painted Hearts Publishing LLC on January 18, 2018 and is 390 pages.

The Blurb:

Hi, my name is Trevor. I’m a wolf shifter. I say that like I know what I’m talking about. I don’t. I was simply running off a ton of steam one day when I was about eleven and bam! Okay, not quite that easy or fast but it happened when I was young and stupid. I’m also gay. I say that like I know what I’m talking about with that too. I simply don’t.

I’m grown up now and living in the big city which has me too busy to much care about either one of those things. I get out and run my wolf when I can, trying like hell to stay out of the local pack’s territories. Belonging to a “family” just sounds like too much work. I honestly don’t have time for such things. Besides, I was told when I was young the color of my wolf was all wrong. Too silver I guess. Metallic. I thought it looked cool in the full moon. “An Alpha would kill ya soon as look at ya.” My grandpa used to say. Course he wasn’t my real grandpa. Just an old man who lived down the street. But he was a shifter too and I thought he knew it all. He probably knew diddly shit either but a guy can’t be too careful.

So romance? Way off the radar.

But then someone started killing wolves. Started leaving lined up broken bodies all in a nice little row next to the high school in my home town and it got me to thinking. If a shifter is killed in his or her wolf state, does he/she stay that way? Were these dead wolves like me?

I had to see what I could do. Kind of like a super hero. Oh yeah. Probably forgot to tell you this. I can turn invisible.

Yep, Ghost Wolf to the rescue.

The Review:

Thank you IndiGo for the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

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It’s not often I find a first person paranormal story as interesting as this one. An invisible wolf? I had to know more. Then there was the mystery/suspense factor and I couldn’t waiting to read it. In fact, I read it in two sittings in about two days. There were a couple of places where I wasn’t sure who was talking since it was told in first person, but you really got into Trevor and his misconceptions about wolves and shifters based on one older wolf in his neighborhood. Secrets abound, and Trevor finds out more than he thought possible. It was a fascinating read and Hurri did a great job of detailing this world Trevor found himself in. I had read one other story in 2016 and enjoyed that one as well. I plan on find other books to read. There is a HEA and how Trevor and Ryan, the man he finds in a bar as his fated mate, find each other right when Ryan had given up finding his other half. While there is fate mates going on, it’s not the forefront and the mystery of Trevor’s history and his powers is foremost and makes it an easy way to get away for awhile. How Trevor thinks and talks is vastly amusing and I smiled through most of the story. There are some rough spots, especially past bullying, but for the most part is great read. I would recommend reading about Trevor and his antics with his mate. Trevor’s friends are fun secondary characters and I wouldn’t mind seeing some of those show up in a sequel.

Overall, I give Ghost Wolf 4 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Title: Ghost Wolf
Author: Hurri Cosmo
Publisher: Pained Hearts
Release Date: 1/18/18
Heat Level: 5 – Erotica
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 390 pages, 122,000 words
Genre: Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense

Book Links:

Amazon | Painted HeartsBookStrandGoodreads

About the Author:

Hi, my name is Hurri Cosmo and I am a happy ending junkie. I always have been. You can be pretty rest assured everything I write will have one. I am not big on angst. I believe we get enough of that in real life so when I go to read something, to make the real world go away for awhile, I will most likely not chose something that will make me cry. So I write for those people who, at least occasionally, feel the same way. I’m okay with the fact I will probably never write anything “important” but I guess I will have to see where my imagination takes me. I would love it if you would come along.

Website | Twitter | FacebookGoodreads Author Page | Blog | YouTube

Review of “Dawn Patrol” (Tidewater 01) by Tami Veldura #LGBT #Contempory #Romance

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes author Tami Veldura! Published by Oldewolf Alternascents on July 28, 2017 and is 40 pages.

The Blurb:

A Tidewater Short Story. Contemporary, Stand alone, HEA.

Elias lives for the waves. He’s been surfing off the Tidewater coast since he could crawl, and the connection he’s forged with the ocean is fundamental. Every morning he shares a ritual swim with the local pod of dolphins. Elias is desperate to find a way to express what the sand and the sea mean to him, and local artist Theo could be just what he needs.

Theo’s art has helped him move mountains. It granted him freedom from abusive family and supports his quiet lifestyle. He’s ready for more. So when muscle-bound Elias commissions him for a mural on his bedroom wall, Theo has more than one reason to take the job. It’s time to reach with his heart, an easy thing when Elias is so eager to share what’s in his.

Water is essential when painting, and color is what brings the ocean to life. Elias and Theo were made for each other. It’s only a matter of time before Tidewater brings them together.

The Review:

Thank you IndiGo and William Cooper for the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

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I have an affinity to water although not a surfer myself. It’s different to see surfing as a primary focus and not something money-making. Elias does have a job in a call center and that’s about all the reference to what he does for money. Theo is an artist, of course, and nothing mentioned if he does anything else to supplement.  It’s a neat, compact story, with just enough detail to want to know more. There is not a lot of depth for this story but it’s a sweet story about dolphins, a surfer who wants to capture the memory of them surfing with him, and the artist who makes that happen. It so happens that Theo and Elias do get together themselves as sparks fly and the sex scene at the end is hot and makes you want to see more.

There are Point of View shifts and each chapter has the name of the MC it’s focused on. All written in third person but you do have to pay attention to whom is “talking.” I really enjoyed it and love that it’s part of the Tidewater area. So, more stories in the universe are coming. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to the next standalone in the series. Overall, I give Dawn Patrol 4 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

Amazon | Tami’s Store | iBooks/iTunes | Kobo | B&NGoodreads

About the Author:

Tami Veldura is an aro/ace author of queer fiction. Hir pronouns are sie/hir/Mx. Sie loves romance, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal stories that push genre limits. Sie lives in California where sie writes full-time which means procrastinating as often as possible with video games. Dragons fascinate hir, a consistent schedule eludes hir, and sie makes a terrible housewife, just ask Mr. Veldura.

As S.T.Lynn, sie writes uplifting, sweet, and tropey fantasy fiction, featuring women font and center. Including fairy tales, elves, magic, and happy endings for young adults and young-at-heart.

As Anna Morgan, sie writes powerful fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction M/F romances with Alpha heros and the strong women that bring them to their knees.

Twitter | FacebookPatreon | Instagram | Tumblr | Snapchat | Wattpad | Pinterest
Newsletter and ARC list: http://www.tamiveldura.com/newsletter-social-media/

Review of “The Palisade” by Rosalind Abel #LGBT #Contempory #Romance

Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes new author Rosalind Abel! Just a note that this was supposed to be a release day review (Published 6/20/2017), but Real Life got the better of me and I finished the book and review later than I wanted. Oops. Luckily, Rosalind was VERY understanding. 🙂

The Blurb:

Confident businessman Joel Rhodes sees the small California town of Lavender Shores as nothing more than a business transaction and a final stepping-stone to the position he’s been working towards his entire life. It was supposed to be nothing more than one night in town to close the deal, and sleeping with one of the local men, no matter how gorgeous, meant nothing more than a few hours of fun.

Andrew Kelly is perfectly content with the life he has in his hometown.  So much so, that the only thing missing is someone to share it with. Going to bed with a tourist was never meant to be the answer to his dreams, just a beautiful distraction. He could get back to looking for Mr. Right the next day.

Both Andrew and Joel’s worlds are turned upside down when a few hours of pleasure gets extended to a couple of days.  Even that shouldn’t be a big deal. You can’t fall in love in such a short time, that isn’t how it works.  However, if destinies collide, a few short days may be all it takes to find your soul mate. Even so, when secrets and motivations get tangled, destiny may do nothing more than leave two hearts in pieces.

The Review:

Rosalind provided a copy for an honest review. Thank you.

4.5 Stars

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I was given the blurb which hooked me enough to want to read this story–the start of a new series. Normally, I summarize blurbs in my reviews but I’m not going to this time because you need to see it. The cover was great as well, and I love Lavender the plant, so 2 for 2. After reading this book, I can’t wait for the next one: The Garden, that released July 25th.

Rosalind is very descriptive of Lavender Shores to the point that I could smell the lavender that gave the town the name, taste the food that Andrew and Joel would consume, hear the dialog between the characters, and feel the love that blossoms between them. It’s a slow heat with several points of angst. I could see the conflict coming and it reminded me a bit of seeing a train wreck coming and not being able to do anything bout it. While I love the story, the details, and love these two men have, the “wreckage” did delay finishing the read because I had to stop halfway, when I saw it coming.

Nothing wrong with the angst but there is a reason I don’t do Soap Operas because the obvious conflict that will break the main characters apart is going to happen. Perhaps I’m a bit too empathic, even if it’s only words on a page, but I felt the hurt, pain, and agony of indecision Andrew, and to an extent Joel, felt when the secrets Joel had were revealed later in the book. There is an HEA and the underlying conflict resolves, but to get there, you have to gird yourself and muscle through. It’s well worth the read even if figuring out what is coming fairly early on may stop you. Like other authors I read, you really can’t pass this up, especially if you like angsty stories. It is a contradiction of deep thought and light humor that blends together in a really great story.

There is not a lot of sex between the MCs, but it works with the story. The relationships are the focus but there are some hot scenes when described. Normally, I don’t do half stars in my star reviews either, but for this one, I have to make an exception. Overall, I give The Palisade 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author:

Rosalind Abel grew up tending chickens along side her sweet and faithful Chow, Lord Elgin. While her fantasy of writing novels was born during her teen years, she never would have dreamed she’d one day publish steamy romances about gorgeous men. However, sometimes life turns out better than planned.

In between crafting scorching sex scenes and helping her men find their soul mate, Rosalind enjoys cooking, collecting toys, and making the best damn scrapbooks in the world (this claim hasn’t been proven, but she’s willing to put good money on it).
She adores MM Romance and the power it has to sweep the reader away into worlds filled with passion, steam, and love. Rosalind also enjoys her collection of plot bunnies, and welcomes new fuzzy ones in her home all the time, so feel free to send any adorable ones her way.

Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/2qoiuLC

Facebook Author page: http://bit.ly/2rH8C4o

Rosalind Abel Website:  http://www.rosalindabel.com

Lavender Shores Website:  http://www.lavendershores.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosalind_abel

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rosalindabelauthor/ (Rosalind Abel Author)

Return of the Chauffeur’s Son by Tara Lain #BlogTour #Review #Contemporary #LGBT #Giveaway

Will the promising chef with dreams of starting his own restaurant and winery see the dark, quiet lure of his long time crush’s conservative older brother, Dylan Armstrong?

 

Return of the Chauffeur’s Son
By Tara Lain
 
Blurb: 
Luca McGrath may be returning to Napa Valley, California, as a promising chef with dreams of starting his own restaurant and winery, but his heart still lives with the bad-boy son of a billionaire, James Armstrong. Luca spent his childhood playing games with the golden boy of California society, so blinded by James he barely noticed the dark, quiet lure of his conservative older brother, Dylan Armstrong.
But now Luca’s home, and his own powers of attraction are enough to make James question his dedicated heterosexuality and his promised marriage to a wealthy and powerful businesswoman. The obvious attraction between Luca and James spurs Dylan into action—but he’s fighting a huge secret. While Luca dreamed of James, Dylan dreamed of Luca. When Luca gets caught in the struggle between the brothers and gets accused of culinary espionage he’s ready to chuck the fairy tale—unable to even imagine Dylan’s power to make his dreams come true.

 

         

 

 

Excerpt

 

 That soft, deep voice slithered up his spine and filled his brain with even more fog. He turned and watched Dylan amble toward him across the grass, dressed in black jeans and a black long-sleeved T-shirt. He moves like a cat. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you in anything but a suit before.”“It does happen—occasionally.” Dylan half smiled.

“They should star you in a movie about a panther that turns into a human.”

Cat People?”

Luca cocked his head. “You know that old movie?”

“Yes. Movies are a passion of mine.”

“Seriously. I thought you just worked all the time.”

“Surprise.” His light green eyes sparkled.

Luca leaned back against the fence. “What are some of your favorites?”

Dylan stepped to the fence and leaned against it too, about two feet from Luca. Do I really feel heat coming off his skin? Luca took a deep breath.

Dylan looked up at the stars. “I love No Country for Old Men.”

Luca barked a little laugh.

Dylan glanced at him. “Funny?”

“It’s just the stereotype of the powerful businessman taking out his enemies wholesale. Sorry.”

“Okay. Well, I love The Notebook.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope. I don’t think it’s a great movie, but I do love the chemistry between the young couple.”

“Yeah, the old couple’s story was even too sappy for me.”

“I love Michael Clayton.”

“No shit!” Luca chuckled. “One of the least appreciated movies ever. Love that film.”

“But I’ll see almost anything with Tilda Swinton in it.”

“Me too.” He shook his head. How could they have so much in common?

“I also love My Fair Lady.”

“Now you are joking.”

Dylan smiled and gazed at Luca. “No, I’m not joking. I’m gay. Remember?”

The word felt like a karate chop to the windpipe. “Uh, right. Sometimes I forget.”

“So, how’s the new job?”

“Uh, wonderful. They really want me to develop new recipes and dishes. It’s what I love—along with wine making.”

“Oh? You’re interested in viticulture?”

Luca nodded. “Part of my degree is in winery management.”

Dylan pushed away from the fence. “You’re a man of many talents, Luca.”

 What the fuck did he mean by that?

Dylan strolled a few feet toward the house.

Luca said, “By the way, I wanted you to know that James invited my dad and me to your party and polo match this weekend.”

That got his attention. He looked back with a crease between the beautiful eyes. “Oh? When did he do that?”

“Earlier tonight, when he and Nila had dinner at the restaurant. She seconded the invitation and, since it’s kind of her party, I figured it would be okay.” Did that sound like he had a chip on his shoulder?

“Then I’m sure it must be okay.”

Luca stared at the grass. “If you ever want somebody to watch a movie with, just holler.” Crap! He wanted to bite off the tip of his tongue.

Dylan looked equally astonished. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He turned and walked into the shadows.

 Why the hell did I say that? The sound of the big house door opening and closing carried across the quiet space.

 Dylan just looks so lonely.

 And so damned beautiful.

 

Review
I was provided a copy for an honest review.
I love Tara Lain’s work. I was given the opportunity to review and post for the blog tour, and I jumped on it. The blurb hooked me, and seemed somewhat familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I saw mention, I think in the book itself, that it was based on a favorite movie of Tara’s. So, I went searching. Sure enough, you have to see Sabrina (of which I had seen and loved it) with Audrey Hepburn (there is a remake later) to get the idea of this tale. Thank you Google fu and Tara for doing a MM version.
Tara did a beautiful job of this retailing of a classic love story. Luca McGrath is the son of the billionaire Armstrong family’s chauffeur who dreamed of the heterosexual bad-boy James. Meanwhile, the older brother, Dylan, has dreamed about Luca. We see the start of something between James and Luca despite a female fiance, but there grows the attraction between Luca and Dylan that has everyone involved confused but the families themselves. There is much dating and making between both he and James and he and Dylan as Luca’s affection changes from one to the other. I wanted to find out how it worked out in the backdrop of Luca’s working as a Chef for a local spotlighted contest, subsequent accusations of espionage with the rival restaurant, and Luca coming into his own.
I did have a little trouble with how long it took Dylan to realize his love for Luca, but it all worked out and I’m happy with the storyline. There is an HEA, and I won’t go more into the dynamics between the brothers and Luca. Needless to say, family is everything including those that you make. Overall, it was a great story that everyone should read even if you haven’t see the movie it’s based on. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
Eloreen
About the Author

Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 32. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft.  She lives with her soul-mate husband and her soul-mate dog near the sea in California where she sets a lot of her books.  Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!
You can find Tara at Lain

               



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