ARC REVIEW : The Crofton Chronicles by Rebecca Cohen

When his sister reneges on her engagement to Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, actor Sebastian Hewel must play his most difficult role yet: impersonating his sister in order to restore the family name and pay off his father's debt, inThe Actor and the Earl. But Anthony is shrewder than the siblings had guessed, and now Sebastian and Anthony have to decide how far they're willing to play this part. InDuty to the Crown, Sebastian is happily playing the part of his sister Bronwyn, wife to the Earl of Redbourn, when the Queen asks Anthony to seduce Marie Valois to find out information about her father. With Marie and her brother, Lord Nicholas, both interested in seducing Sebastian, Anthony and Sebastian both have delicate roles to play if they're to keep their secret. InForever Hold His Peace, Sebastian's role as "Bronwyn" becomes more precarious when she is accused of witchcraft with planted evidence. Together, Anthony and Sebastian must decide if it's time for Bronwyn to retire her place to protect their love. Over four centuries later, inSaving Crofton Hall, the current Earl of Crofton, Benjamin Redbourn, is not going to lose Crofton Hall without a fight. Ashley Niven is the perfect man to help make Crofton Hall pay for itself, if Benjamin and Ashley can get past their attraction to each other, and if the secrets that the house is hiding doesn't destroy them first.See excerpt for individual blurbs.

A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma

REVIEW

The Crofton Chronicles by Rebecca Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


THE ACTOR AND THE EARL

This is a refreshing reading historical again. I think I read this one at the right time.
I really enjoyed this one, despite my constant need to slap Anthony for his clueless and stupid and idiotic behavior ! There I said it.
Good thing is, Sebastian made his choice to make him 'work' for having Sebastian.
I really wanted to jump into the book at 80 percent mark to smack Anthony's head! I mean, seriously? Stupid much?
Of course I can understand what kind of man Anthony was before he married Bronwyn/Sebastian, but still.
I was tempted to give this one one star instead of four, because of that one moment of Sebastian's heartache. But it won't be fair for Sebastian, because I liked him a lot, especially after he made it clear to Anthony, that he's not that cheap and easy!
I need to read book two, but I'm a little coward. Because the blurb is not doing good for my 'trust issues'.

Note to author : Anthony is an Earl. The mention of 'His Grace' was kind of annoyed me. I think Sebastian should called him 'My Lord' instead of 'His Grace'. He's not a Duke.

DUTY TO THE CROWN

Too much drama, but I enjoyed this one as well.
Because, Anthony.
I was having fun 'seeing' that Anthony got the 'lesson'. Now that's what I called 'equality'.

Got that, Anthony? How did it feels like?
Sebastian though, I feel like he'll be better if he's a transgender. Less complication, I think.

Note to author : a little research about British nobility would be appreciated. No one called an Earl 'His Grace' (it's for the Duke). Anthony should called The Honourable, or just the Earl or Lord.
This is a bit annoyed me from time to time while I was reading.

FOREVER HOLD HIS PEACE

Last book about Anthony and Sebastian. Kinda down hill through the end of the book.
Especially the epilogue. Not my favorite epilogue for sure.
No worries about Anthony and Sebastian HEA. They have it. But in the 17th century, you couldn't expect more than to 'still' covered your same-sex relationship. That's sad. Even for now, right?

I enjoyed at least half of the story, and I wish I skipped the epilogue.

SAVING CROFTON HALL
Boring.
Except for the history of Anthony and Sebastian. If not for the sake of them, I'd probably dnf this book at 25% mark.
No chemistry between Ben and Ashley, they're just dancing around avoiding the attraction and that was irritated the hell out of me.
The author though did a good job (finally) about the history. I thought this was a romance, but I was searching for romance between Ben and Ashley like looking for a needle in a haystack!
This was more about saving Crofton Hall instead of romance.
Oh, wait! Look at the title !
It is about SAVING CROFTON HALL ! *smirk*

Recommended all three of the earlier about Anthony and Sebastian, but if you want to know about their 'history' read Saving Crofton Hall, but don't expect any great chemistry like Anthony and Sebastian had.

* I received the ARC from publisher in exchange of fair and unbiased review.

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RELEASE DAY! A Family For Christmas - Jay Northcote

A Family For Christmas - Jay Northcote

Author: Jay Northcote

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh

Release: November 18

Length: 45,000 words

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Zac never had a family of his own, but Rudy has enough to share.

Shy, inexperienced Rudy has a crush on Zac from the moment his new colleague walks through the door. On an office night out before Christmas, Rudy finds the courage to make a move, and they form a tentative bond. When he discovers Zac will be alone at Christmas, he invites Zac to come home with him.

Zac prefers to keep people at arm’s length. Yet when Rudy offers him a family Christmas it’s impossible to resist. With no parents of his own, Zac is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by Rudy’s. The only drawback is that everyone assumes they’re a couple. Unwilling to disappoint Rudy’s mum and make Christmas awkward, they decide not to deny it.

It’s not a chore for Zac to pose as Rudy’s boyfriend, but the pretence makes him want things that scare him—things like a real relationship with Rudy. Zac’s suffered enough rejection in his life already and is afraid to risk his heart. If he can get over his past rejection and let Rudy inside his armour, he might get more for Christmas than he ever imagined.

Author Bio

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.

www.jaynorthcote.com
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ARC REVIEW : Only Forever by Scotty Cade

 

Master Captain Theodore Gourdin has always loved the ocean. But his devotion to maritime life left little possibility for a long-term relationship. After two failed marriages, Theo gave up on finding the person who completed him and decided the sea was his soul mate. When offered the opportunity to captain the newly launched megayacht Eternity, Theo jumped at the chance. With Eternity's maiden voyage looming, Theo focused all his energies on hiring his crew and readying his ship. The last thing he expected was to finally lose his heart in the process.

After twelve years at sea, First Officer Heath Rawlins was restless and in need of a change. A gay seaman's life could be a lonely one, but to Heath the positives far outweighed the negatives. With excellent recommendations and an impressive resume, he was quickly offered a position on the private megayacht Eternity. Heath's heart skipped several beats when he finally met the ship's captain. He was handsome and charming. And... familiar? Had they met somewhere before? Highly unlikely. But as smitten as Heath was with the gorgeous captain, everything inside him screamed, Abandon ship! Rough seas ahead!

Only Forever by Scotty Cade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The idea of reincarnation was really good, I really interested of the concept of reincarnation. You know, what we did in a past life, comes alive again and so on and so on. So the 'forever' could really happen.

The prologue and epilogue was really interesting.
I thought I will read some sad cry-fest book after the epilogue. But instead, I have an insta-love 'I feel like I know you for all my life' kinda thing.
Well, of course, we need no brainer to know that Theo and Heath were Eddie and Steven in their past life, but still.

As much as I wanted to really love the story, I couldn't get into the whole boat details thingy.
As much as I wanted to feel the strong chemistry between Theo and Heath, all I can 'see' was 'lust'.
If only there's a stronger chemistry between the MCs, and less ship/boat details and ditch the annoying crew, I'll probably enjoyed the story.
But if you like lots of 'telling' instead of 'showing', give this book a try.

* I received the ARC from publisher in exchange of a fair and honest review. *

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Author's Bio

 Scotty Cade left Corporate America and twenty-five years of Marketing and Public Relations behind to buy an Inn & Restaurant on the island of Martha’s Vineyard with his partner of over twenty years. He started writing stories as soon as he could read, but just five years ago for publication. When not at the Inn, you can find him on the bow of his boat writing gay romance novels with his Shetland sheepdog Mavis at his side. Being from the south and a lover of commitment and fidelity, most of his characters find their way to long healthy relationships, however long it takes them to get there. He believes that in the end, the boy should always get the boy.

 

ARC REVIEW : The Playmaker by Andrew Grey

 

Professional football player Hunter Davis is learning that saying he’s gay is very different from actively being in a relationship with another man—especially in the eyes of his teammates and fans. So when Hunter needs a personal assistant to keep him organized, he asks for a woman in order to prevent tongues from wagging.

Montgomery Willis badly needs to find work before he loses everything. There’s just one position at the agency where he applies, but the problem is, he’s not a woman. And he knows nothing about football. Still, Hunter gives him a chance, but only because Monty’s desperate.

Monty soon proves his worth by saving Hunter’s bacon on an important promotional shoot, and Hunter realizes he might have someone special working for him—in more ways than one. Monty’s feelings come to the surface during an outing in the park when Hunter decides to teach Monty a bit about the game, and pictures surface of them in some questionable positions. Hunter is reminded that knowing he’s gay and seeing evidence in the papers are two very different for the other players, and he might have to choose between two loves: football and Monty.

The Playmaker by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


* 3,5 stars *

This is a cute feel good story I need after some bad news I've heard from the whole world 11/9. You know which one.
I was glad I found Monty and Hunter. Especially Monty, because sometimes I have to hold my urge to slap Hunter. I get that he's 'like that' but didn't mean that I allowed him to act stupid like that. Thank God he has Joe to remind him how precious Monty for him.
I'm kinda hate Hunter's father, what kind of father was he? Duh.
I liked Monty and Hunter's relationship, but I found it was lacking of chemistry between them, not as strong as I wanted at least. Less bonding time and less heat between them probably was the one that caused it. No idea.
But overall, if you need very low angst, feel good and sweet story, go for it. Monty is cute and adorable. I liked him a lot.



* I was given the ARC by Dreamspinner Press for a fair and unbiased review, no high rating required*

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ARC REVIEW : Why I Love Geeks (Why I Love... #1) by T.A. Chase

2nd Edition

New York City Homicide Detective Chuck Davidson is a guy’s guy. He likes sports, beer, and classic cars—fancy gadgets, not so much. When yet another high-tech phone goes on the fritz, he knows he needs help, and he meets a man who loves technology as much as he hates it—cute but awkward biochemist Herbert Pommerset.

Herb’s never been with a man—not even on a date. He hides behind his research, daydreaming about what it might be like to find someone special. A malfunctioning phone causes his path to cross with a sexy older detective, and Herb wishes he’d spent less time studying science and more learning how to flirt, because he can think of some experiments he’d like to conduct with Chuck. None of his considerable intelligence is helping him express his desires to the other man.

Just when it seems they might overcome their differences, Herb’s research puts him in danger. He’s made a discovery that could cost him his life, and Chuck must use his very different talents to rescue the geek he’s coming to love.

First Edition published by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure, 2011

REVIEW

Being the smartest and genius apparently didn't make a 27 years old Herb mature. He's more like a 17 years old, act and sounds.
At first, it was cute but the no filter mouth, and this naive personality bored me easily. I think he's the most annoying motormouth innocent MC I have ever 'met'. And as for an 'innocent' person, he surely a most horny one. Speaking of double standard. Or incostitency? No idea.

I also annoyed of their PDA all the time, at work, in front of Herb's boss, at work, while working, I found it too unprofessional and irrittaed me to tears.
I worked in Compliance departement once, and that kind of attitude is not allowed ffs!
If not for the mystery, I have no idea how to rate this book, because, Chuck and Herb are the most annoyingly horny all the time couple in books.
Oh, not to mention the love at first sight thing. And making out at Chuck's parent's family dinner.

I read the 2nd edition ARC of this book, provided by Dreamspinner press. No high rating required.

ARC REVIEW : Catching Heir by Julia Talbot

 Is he in love with an old hotel—or its new owner?

Professional snowboarder Cullen Patrick is successful and kinda famous. So when he inherits an old Colorado hotel from an unknown relative, he really should leave well enough alone.

Matt Nathanson has been managing the Treeline Estates since college. He loved the elderly former owner, and he stands to inherit the place if no one claims it in the next week. Of course, Cullen shows up, and Matt thinks it’s time to move on. He doesn’t want to like Cullen, no matter how engaging the guy is, or how hunky.

Cullen has grand ideas for the Treeline, but he doesn’t want to implement them without Matt, and he’s not sure he’s ready to give up snowboarding. Can Matt convince Cullen that putting down roots is worth it… and maybe catch his heir at the same time?

Catching Heir by Julia Talbot
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


* 2,5 stars.*

Well, umm...




Let me just say this. If you're looking for a story about hotel management, hotel food, hotel daily activity, less romance and a fade to black sex, MCs who's busy with hotel's daily life, eat, eat, snacking, eat, eat, snacking, eat, and some 'honey' and 'babe', like all the time. Oh, did I mentioned 'eat'? Yeah.

This one is for you. And not for me.

The cover though, it's gorgeous, and the blurb tempted me to read this one. That was that.
*Unpleasant sigh...*

* ARC was given by Dreamspinner press in exchange of a fair an unbiased review. No high rating required.*

PS. *This book made me fat*


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ARC REVIEW : You Belong With Me by J.R. Loveless

You Belong With Me by J.R. Loveless
My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I need to review again about my ability to analyzed a blurb of a story.
Read this...

...Scott has been in love with his best friend Craig for years, but watching Craig with his manipulative boyfriend has worn Scott down, and he knows he needs a break from the pain and maybe a change of scenery and perspective. His twin sister, Karen, convinces him to spend a summer in Paris.

Karen is sick and tired of seeing Scott suffer, and she’s not going to stand for it anymore. She confronts Craig and tells him what he’s been missing by spurning Scott’s affection in favor of a jerk who mistreats him.

When Craig unknowingly breaks Scott’s heart, Craig opens his eyes—and his own heart—to the possibility of a future with Scott. He plans to use the time while Scott’s abroad to orchestrate a romantic surprise that will show Scott they belong together. But when he sees Scott with another man at the airport, Craig fears he’s too late.

Reading the blurb, this gotta be a great read. I mean, YA is about love triangle, and hurt and heartache and struggling to find your real path in life.
So, I'm okay with that.

Then I read this book. And everything fell into pieces.
I mean, they're supposed to be 'young', right? Like high school young?
But, I didn't see 'young' here,except Scott is being virgin and stupid and doormat.
They acted and talked like adult, not a mature adult, but immature adult. Does that makes them young adult? I have no idea.

The sex between teenagers (Craig had sex over two years already. Kids these days. SMH) is like, oh the usual for them. Call me old fashion, but still.
And having sex in other people's house, in your best friend's bed? Speaking of bad behavior!
And Scott still wanted the oblivious clueless Craig is beyond me.

I can't see what Scott saw in Craig beside his gorgeous persona. He treated Scott like a doormat, and Scott just let it happened. All the time. Not that Scott obvious he's okay with that.
I think, this story had been wrong in so many level. The sudden change of heart, like a minute change was unbelievable. Craig ended his two years relationship with his douchebag boyfriend because he knew about Scott's crush all this time? What a glorious relationship that was!
Not to call it a meh.
I read a lot young adult stories, but this one was just didn't do it for me.

* ARC was given by Dreamspinner press in exchange of a fair an unbiased review. No high rating required.*


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ARC REVIEW : Model Bodyguard (Haven Investigations, #2) by Lissa Kasey

Things are going well for androgynous model Ollie Petroskovic, ex-Marine Kade Alme, and their business, Haven Investigations, until rock star Jacob Elias shows up in need of their services… and trouble follows.

Jacob is a playboy with a serious penchant for kink, slaves, and sex toys. He’s also Ollie’s ex—and all that implies. With the media exploiting his personal life, a stalker sending blood-soaked “gifts,” a bumbling security team, and a family he can’t trust as far as he could throw them, Jacob is in desperate need of a bodyguard for his latest tour, and Kade can’t refuse.

While Kade deals with new doubts about his partnership with Ollie and struggles with reminders of his war injuries, Jacob’s stalker escalates from blackmail and threats to murder. As Kade and Ollie work to keep Jacob safe and find the culprit behind the attack, a web of family secrets, lies, and abuse slowly emerges, leading up to a final confrontation that they might not walk away from—and that will have lasting repercussions for Kade and his relationship with Ollie.

  

REVIEW

Model Bodyguard by Lissa Kasey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


*Fair warning : For all those who groaned over the teaser at the end of Model Citizen for being a cliffhanger. This is a cliffhanger.*





I was temped to skip this one because of the cliffhanger. At first.
But then after I read a few early chapters, I can't just ignored it. I know Jacob will will be a test for Kade and Ollie's relationship. Because, damn, even Kade admitted that Jacob is freaking hot. And he's worried all the time every time Jacob near Ollie.

But I didn't find it was annoying every time Kade need to be near Ollie when Jacob's around. He's a mother hen all the time. And Ollie, he's getting more and more attached to Kade, thankfully!
Kinda cute how Ollie took his breakfast every morning. I think I want that too, Kade is just so right for him.

I hated Jacob in the beginning, because, he hit on Ollie all the time and irritated Kade. And Me!
But, Ollie made sure, and told Jacob that his heart solely belonged to Kade. This made me happy. They're solid.

Jacob's problems though, was a big fucked up. Family drama dominated their investigation this time.
I'm already knew that this is going to be a cliffhanger. But, a major cliffhanger like that?
I mean MAJOR, with unsolved mystery and a new upcoming problem, and the possibility that Kade won't be able to see Ollie for a long time. That's what I called MAJOR CLIFFHANGER!

But I can't give this book low rating, because, as much as I wanted to yell at the author, I enjoyed this story, much more than the first one.
But then, I saw there's no release date for the next book. and I was mad again.
I need book three ASAP!

* I was given the ARC by Dreamspinner Press for a fair and unbiased review, no high rating required*

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