Fables Retold, Morgan Brice and Various Authors

I'm a sucker for a good fairy tale retelling, especially when there are a few twists or modernizations thrown in wisely. Four of the included stories really caught my interest and two were written by a couple of my must-read authors so I was pretty excited for this anthology.

Below are reviews for only four of the stories: The Cat Returns to Adderly, Sam Burns; The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell, W.M. Fawkes; Gruff, Morgan Brice; and The Demon's in the Details, Meghan Maslow.

The Cat Returns to Adderly, Sam Burns
This was a really unique take on Puss in Boots, that the boots were the tool used to bring back the element of humanity in a supernaturally altered cat.  The romance itself took a back seat to Luke's making a home in the mansion of a missing witch while making sense of the life he's trying to gain.  In and amongst all the little discoveries there's something going on between him and the Alastair of his dreams, but none of that really comes together until the very end and by then we're supposed to believe there's a romantic connection, though it's a bit of curiosity, lust, and desperation all mixed up in a way that's okay for a start, but not a good way to end the story.  While the epilogue bit was cute and shows a far more settled couple, it doesn't really deepen the believability of the romance.  I wished there were more magic, more romance, and more of a build, but overall the unique take and interesting premise was passable.  3 stars.

Gruff, Morgan Brice
I love Fox Hollow!  Each story in this world fits the setting and adds interest to a town I wish I could visit in real life.  Adiel and Joe are new additions to the town and their meet-cute was a good intro to Adiel, getting to know Joe came a bit later.  My favorite bit was probably the first shift where they meet one another's goats...adorable!  Their hesitance was endearing until Adiel let his fear and insecurity get the better of him.

The romantic conflict was super predictable and the way they both flew off the handle and stomped off full of self-righteousness and hurt feelings was definitely not appreciated, but what made it excusable was that during their separation both truly reflected on their overreactions and made really astute observations that led to believable resolutions.

And the introduction of the Three Billy Goats Gruff aspect was far more dramatic than I expected, they were powerfully different, violent, and challenging.  Very little resembled the Norwegian fairy tale beyond the desire to consume the challenger and I liked the intent behind the changes.  They were a little repetitive, but still quite effective.  The whole experience helped Adiel to prove, not only to Joe, but to himself that he was stronger than he thought, that he was deserving of more than he's been given or had accepted up to now.  And the assists from Joe were just right; a partnership and a non-verbal show of just where his own heart and hopes lay.  Definitely unique and great addition to the Fox Hollow stories.  4 stars.

The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell, W.M. Fawkes

Quite grim nearly from the start with a whole lot of loss and apprehension about huge life changes for everyone, Elio had a lot to come to terms with over the course of the story.  The creepy nature of Bertram, the house setup, the mystery...all of it was fitting to the original tale.  While I was glad things worked out as they did, I didn't connect with any of the characters much at all even though I really wanted to.  I was more interested in Grim, the random dog who was a mystery on their own and left unexplained to the very end.

There was a lot that was unresolved by the end, most the minutiae of consequences from the climax, and I would have really appreciated seeing some of the transition because Elio had two more huge changes coming at him; the hopeful expectation regarding those changes just wasn't enough to satisfy me.  Between the magic that I wanted more of and the friends-to-lovers setup with Dutch that I also didn't get enough of, the story was fine, I just didn't feel there was enough.  3 stars.

The Demon's in the Details, Meghan Maslow

By far the best book I have ever read from this author.  Poe and Tommy are fascinating and memorable on their own and together they are incendiary and fickle and salty and sweet too.  I enjoyed their roller coaster, though I wish it had been an alternating POV and not just Poe's.  From the very beginning I was intrigued and engaged and interested in the MC's and rooted for their HEA, which they most definitely got.

The plot was clear and focused, it progressed well without too many complications thrown in just to make things more interesting.  There was drama, of course, but it was resolved in a way that fit the characters and the family they surrounded themselves by.  There weren't any true surprises along the way, but neither was it exactly predictable; it was just right, in my opinion.  There was a strength in the subtleties, the bad guys were clear, and the good guys were a lot of fun while also being clever and deadly.

There was compassion, heart, passion, and family in all the right ways.  I really want more from this world.  If you sign up for the author's newsletter you could gain access to a short story from Tommy's POV from when he met Poe and while it was kinda nice, it was incredibly short and I thought it was underwhelming.  I'd recommend not reading it after the story, read it as part of the story where it belongs chronologically if you really want to read it, I just think it was unnecessary.  4.5 stars.

*$8.99 on Amazon

Tales as old as time…reimagined.

What if your favorite fairy tales…kicked some serious, urban fantasy ass?

Fueled by magic, steam, and scorching men, this MM romance anthology has just the thrill you’re looking for.

Stories included:

Blake & the Beast by Rhys Lawless (Beauty & the Beast)

The Cat Returns to Adderly by Sam Burns (Puss in Boots)

The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell by W.M. Fawkes (Bluebeard)

Gruff by Morgan Brice (Three Billy Goats Gruff)

The Demon's in the Details by Meghan Maslow (Rumpelstiltskin)

Spirit of Snow by Richard Amos (Snow White)

After the Weekend: Love and Care Book 2, Silvia Violet

"Some enchanted evening,

You may see a stranger,

You may see a stranger,

Across a crowded room,

And somehow you know..."

From their first meeting somehow Graham and Avery knew they were made just for one another.  But how long can intense passion and an inkling, a yearning for more last before it fades?  Neither of these men want to let go of one another and there's no one in their life that wishes them apart either.  Fears and self-doubt, however, might sabotage their chances at a happily-ever-after.  They'll each need to decide what they're willing to give, and let go of, to truly start their own forever, together.

The passion and sensuality are palpable and incendiary right from the start.  There's no denying that they're stellar for one another in the bedroom.  I really, really enjoyed watching them figure out how to navigate their comfort level with boundaries.  Every aspect of it was honest and their communication was perfection.  While there were moments when one of them, or both, would hold back their reservations, there was an innate understanding from the other party and they'd address the difficulty.  With everything out in the open I could absolutely believe in their rightness as a couple, one that would last far longer than their initial weekend connection.

Graham was sweet, patient, understanding, caring, and all that a good Daddy should be.  He seemed too good to be true but simultaneously genuine.  I didn't doubt that he really was all those things.  The way he felt for Avery was beautiful.  His willingness to give all and be all Avery needed was so far from the smothering I was kind of expecting.  Instead, there was freedom and openness in addition to the dominance Avery craved and received.

Avery had a good head on his shoulders.  He did have a tendency to over-complicate things which led to the relationship's conflict, but I absolutely respected his reasoning.  I wasn't a fan of everyone calling him an idiot for not wanting to jump into what Graham was offering.  It annoyed me even though I agreed a little...BUT, I only agreed because he was allowing fear trump his heart and objectivity.  For him to not want to take advantage of Graham was admirable.  The decision Avery made in the end was perfect and well-thought out so I felt that it justified the distance even though it seemed the focus was on his emotional upset rather than finding the best solution.

Together Avery and Graham just fit.  In every way they were perfect for one another.  I fell in love with them even more.  And the side characters were just the right amount of supportive so that they didn't overshadow Avery and Graham's evolution but were compelling enough that I MUST read their stories.  Awesome story, incredible chemistry, good flow, absolutely satisfying.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Dominate: Harris Brothers Book 5 (Duet), Amy Daws

Title: Dominate
The Final Harris Brother Duet #2

Series: The Harris Brothers #5
Author: Amy Daws

Genre: Sports Romance

Release Date: July 27, 2018

Blurb

To dominate one’s heart is to truly be free.

The anticipated conclusion to The Final Harris Brother Duet.

After the harrowing attack against Gareth and Sloan, there are more than just physical wounds that must be healed.

Recovering and moving on from their dark pasts is the only way they can truly find their bright futures.

Who will surrender? And who will dominate?

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Binge the entire Harris Brothers Series today!

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Author Bio

Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author of sexy, contemporary romance novels. She enjoys writing love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond in England; especially about those footy-playing Harris Brothers of hers. When Amy is not writing in a tire shop waiting room, she’s watching Gilmore Girls, or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy smiles awkwardly from a distance. For more of Amy's work, visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com

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Surrender: Harris Brothers Book 4 (Duet), Amy Daws

Title: Surrender
The Final Harris Brother Duet #1

Series: The Harris Brothers #4
Author: Amy Daws

Genre: Sports Romance

Release Date: July 19, 2018

Blurb

One night of complete surrender is all it takes.

Gareth Harris is Manchester United’s reclusive star defender. He has control over all aspects of his life. But a lifetime of supporting his siblings and filling in for an emotionally absent father has taken its toll.

Sloan Montgomery is a clothing stylist whose world was turned upside down when she found herself pregnant and moving to Manchester with a man who was never supposed to be her forever. Now recently divorced and struggling with shared custody of her daughter, control is a fleeting concept for this American living in England.

Both Gareth and Sloan are in need of a release.

A moment in time where they can forget about their pasts and family pressures...and just...

…surrender.

No one could predict what happens when both of their defences are down.

Surrender is part one of The Final Harris Brother Duet and concludes with Dominate. The Final Harris Brother Duet reads great as a duo, but to maximize enjoyment, check out the first three brothers’ books in Challenge, Endurance, and Keeper. 

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With MC's that make you feel, angst that's frustrating, passion that's intense, and a cliffhanger that will leave your jaw hanging open...

The emotional angst is tangible.  There's so much to love and yearn for with these characters.  And that cliffhanger?!?!?!  I usually hate cliffhangers and avoid them like crazy but it's so hard not to be wrapped up in this story.  I'm hooked and cannot wait to read Dominate!


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Coming Soon

Releasing July 27, 2018

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Author Bio

Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author of sexy, contemporary romance novels. She enjoys writing love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond in England; especially about those footy-playing Harris Brothers of hers. When Amy is not writing in a tire shop waiting room, she’s watching Gilmore Girls, or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy smiles awkwardly from a distance. For more of Amy's work, visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com

Author Links

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Cease Fire: Omega Sector Under Siege, Janie Crouch

There's nothing I love more than a woman who kicks ass and sticks up for herself and others.  Keira is made of win.  She has a fire and a passion inside of her that couldn't be extinguished by an anguishing past.  Roman is an amazing partner to her.  Someone who understands what it means to be human, frail, and vulnerable.  He allows her freedom within the bounds of protection and is always in her corner.

Well, except for their one falling out that caused a two-month separation, but not for the reason Keira or Roman's mother thinks.  The depth of his feeling was intense and more than he could handle and adding in his mother's manipulation, his fear won out and he pulled away.  Their reunion was realistic, frustrating, and perfect for the story.  Adding in the drama surrounding the Omega Sector and you get one hell of a ride.

The complexities of character were there mostly in Keira and while not as strong in Roman, it didn't diminish the strength of his character in the least.  I do wish that Keira had told off Roman's mom or at least silently maintained her backbone instead of retreating inside herself.  Roman's dedication to her and his actions showed only support and commitment.  Making decisions for someone else based on insecurity and/or manipulation is wrong no matter what the intention behind it is.  I was very glad for Roman's intuitiveness to head off any other foolish separations with his honesty and insightful questions and declarations.

The danger to Keira was a bit unexpected and made the novel more focused on Keira and Roman's story rather than the underlying plot for the entirety of the Omega teams in regards to Freihof.  Freihof is more of a puppeteer and his role is far from over and will be continued in more of the Under Siege series.  For Roman and Keira, though, Freihof orchestrated a confrontation between them and Keira's harrowing past.  The conclusion of which was surprising with the character that rode in to save the day.  Such a great story with an awesome ending that was perfect for the MC's and their evolution.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Father of the Groom: Love and Care Book 1, Silvia Violet

Short, sweet, and very, very sexy, Father of the Groom is a tender take on the Daddy/dom kink.  With Avery and Graham's explosive chemistry right from the start you know the sexy times will be hot.  But what I wasn't expecting was the amount of tenderness, care, concern, and sweet feels.  While the pace was quick and the relationship moved extremely fast, I actually didn't mind because the quickness wasn't glossed over, it was acknowledged over and over and fed the brewing conflict the budding couple needed to overcome to get to their happy ending...both literally and figuratively.

Graham had been estranged from his children after coming out as gay decades into his marriage.  With his relationship slightly strained but on the mend, he attends his son's wedding.  He's not expecting to find a sassy man in pink lip gloss that will capture his attention.  He's even less prepared for the younger man to grab hold of a place in his heart and not let go.

Avery is a stylist of fabulous proportions and is committed to helping his best friend's wedding go as smoothly as possible.  While running one of her errands he's stopped in his tracks by the sight of the most delicious man he's ever seen.  Unwilling to let the chance to meet the man pass him by, he approaches the stunning stranger.  The interaction floors him and when he learns just who the man is, he makes a quick retreat because no quick hookup is worth upsetting his friends...right?

The connection is immediate and powerful and taps into desires shared by both men.  Neither one expected it but it was just what they needed.  I loved reading their interplay and was touched by how considerate and careful Graham was of everything Avery was offering him both spoken and unspoken.  I could actually believe that they'll survive both distance and the lack foundation based on the length of the relationship.  What they build is something lasting despite not knowing one another very long because it's based on trust, vulnerability, honesty (mostly...), shared interests, common goals, support from family and friends, and a desire to work it out no matter what.

The only thing missing was an epilogue.  I would have loved to see a small snapshot of the happiness they were beginning to build.  Without that it felt like more of an HFN rather than an HEA and I want so very much to believe that they get their HEA.  Overall this was a great story that was filled with passion, kink exploration, tenderness, and heartfelt confessions.  I don't even mind that we get basic background information and a lighter, fluffier feel in the story rather than angst, conflict, and hard-won resolution.

"...I thought I was taking care of you by not saying anything.  But I shouldn't keep things from you.  Doing what's best for you means comforting you if you're upset, not trying to keep you from hearing something upsetting."

*$2.99 on Amazon!