Born a Changeling: Paranormal B&B Book 3, M.D. Stewart

A Hellhound and a single father, right away I was more than just intrigued.  With the dangers of crossing worlds and the threats that follow Cam onto the mortal plain and you've got the makings of something really special, in my opinion.  Thankfully this story did an admirable job living up to my hopes.

Cambrai was the more interesting of the two men, but that's mostly because of what he is.  In terms of who he is, we don't actually get too deep into anything.  Despite the lack of breadth that we get on him we do get a good feel for what he's all about and his tenderness mixes well with his fierceness.

Ben was a little harder for me but mostly because he seemed to be a little too much the type to "follow the prevailing winds", if you will.  I think he's a really good dad and was dealt a really hard hand when it came to his former partner.  There was also his honesty and forthrightness with his need for Cam's patience in dealing with everything new he learned.  When the going got rough he reacted poorly but quickly realized what was wrong with his reaction and worked hard to make things right.  But if you think about the way his life completely flipped on its head it's pretty understandable.

And then there were all the supernatural elements.  Most issues were cleared up a little too prettily and the "reunion" between Ben and Marcus had me a bit on the fence.  While there was closure, it felt a bit forced, like without that Ben wouldn't have been capable of showing Cam and himself that he was actually trying to heal and move forward.  It was nice, but not my favorite part.

Oh the steam.  So much steam!!  I'm all good for a spicy story, but the little details should read a little more genuine.  This one's a little hard to describe, but if self-1ubric8ing backsides are merely because you're mates and Fate says that's how your biology gets to surprise you rather than being a function of your special inherent biology, I'm not sold.  Their first intimate moment made me a little apprehensive because lust and doubts and hesitations and sense seemed to be at odds enough to make me give pause.  The dialogue didn't really match the lead-up to the gettin'-it-on stuff too.  Once things got heated though, then it maintained the level of passion through the entire story.

The underlying plot was actually focused and didn't get too convoluted.  Except when there was the confrontation near the end, then I was left thinking I really should have read the preceding books in order to get a more complete understanding of what was really going down here.  Without that one moment of confusion, we learned what happened to lead them all there, where it left them at that moment, and where we're likely going as the series continues.  I have to say that even with a few misgivings I had about this story in particular, I'm actually going to look up the previous books and keep a lookout for Te 'Garth's story.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Cam: I’m a changeling, a shapeshifter born to protect the innocent and serve my Queen, Hecate. While patrolling the Castle grounds in our supernatural world, a scent leads me through a portal to the Mortal Plane where I meet my mate and his charming daughter. An evil plot between his world and mine is trying to take them away from me, but I’ll die -- or go against my Queen -- to protect my new family.

Ben: My daughter, Seda, is my world, though I try not to give in and let her have everything she wants. But I can’t say no to her keeping the large cat she finds while we’re on vacation. It turns out this cat really is different -- he turns into a very sexy man who crashes into my life and steals my heart. When something evil tries to cross into our world, Cam vows to put his life on the line to protect my child. I may lose one to save the other, and I don’t know how I’ll ever survive the loss.

The Alpha's Undeniable Omega: Arranged Mates Book 1, Lorelei M. Hart

When their unwanted betrothal suddenly showed them to be fated mates, neither Ahe nor Liko was prepared for the consequences.  Each man had their own shortcomings but it was clear that only together could they find the strength to overcome them.  With an interesting dynamic between the social expectations of both clans, there was something extra to keep me reading the story that could support and strengthen the relationship that initially intrigued me.  And even though there were issues that felt unresolved or swept under the rug, the ending was really fantastic for both men and what they were able to achieve together.

As Liko battled Fate with his own desires for his future he could have lost the possibility of everything with Ahe, but when they both finally gave in to their feelings and were honest with one another they found a way to truly live their fullest lives.  Together they built a family and created a foundation for the change both clans have needed for decades.  I didn't love how they got to that point, but some of my frustration was soothed by the love and support we witnessed at the end.

Issues hanging out there and not given closure, like with Ahe's mother and brother and a certain texter, really stick in my craw, in fact, it's been days since I've finished the story and I'm still annoyed by it.  What bothers me the most is that I remember those moments more than the joy they found.  Also, the way neither man seemed inclined to actually share their thoughts and feelings until it was almost too late was beyond frustrating.  The way the "fated mates" situation was pushed was a little too manipulative for me as well.

But in the end, it's the end that really saved the story.  What the author was able to accomplish gave so much hope and lightness and love.  And having the auntie as a strong supporting character was the bridge that both men needed to see that there's another way to live, another way to see things and that making big changes sooner rather than later was imperative to not only their clan's well-being, but to them as well.  So overall this was a sweet story that took it's sweet time getting to all the tender, fluffy feelings I love, but they did get there.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Liko has his eyes set on an unattainable goal. 

In his clan, Omegas don’t get educations or have careers. They have babies. Period. Only problem is, Liko has always wanted more, even though his fate was sealed by a mating arranged before he even hit puberty. 

Ahe has no time for relationships, much less to be someone’s alpha.

Alpha Ahe’s life is ruled by responsibilities. He is alpha of his clan, a clan held firmly in the past, while running his multi-billion dollar business. He doesn’t have time for finding his perfect mate, which works out well since his parents signed away his choices almost two decades earlier. 

Both men know it can’t last, yet their magnetism is undeniable.

Both men agree to a three-month mating. What could go wrong? Ahe’s clan will have the political ties his parents pushed for, and Liko will get a way out of the life he was pigeonholed into—he’ll get an education.

Both men know the mating is a sham—a sham with a time-stamp, so why is it that their panthers disagree? Could they be the true mates they had once upon a time hoped for? Would that even matter, given their goals don’t mesh?

Widdershins: Whyborne & Griffin Book 1, Jordan L. Hawk

Magic always has a lovely way of complicating life.  I always wish I knew what that felt like.  What I really liked about this book was that it wasn't just stopping bad magic users, it wasn't just someone discovering magic talent in themselves, and it wasn't just about finding out magic exists at all.  It was all of that and more with Whyborne experiencing it all along with coming to terms with his past, accepting a brand new possibility for his future, and that he struggled with how to use the power he found.  He was a completely genuine, awkwardly endearing, vulnerably wonderful man.  He made this story engaging and un-put-downable.

There were times that his second guessing and insecurities became a little much, but those moments were fleeting, thank goodness.  More often than not he was clever, used his intellect and drive, and intelligently caught onto clues that gave them all a little better insight into what may be going on and the implications of it all.  There were a few clues and intimations that were pretty obvious to me but weren't discovered until it was staring them in the face, but that's pretty common in most mysteries because if they had the answers as quick as the reader could predict them it wouldn't be much of a story, so I wasn't too bothered by it.  Except in one instance with the grave placements and the history "lesson".  That should have been as obvious to Whyborne as it was to me, I mean, I'd excuse a little denial, but not the complete lack of dot connecting on his part until it was nearly too late.

For Griffin's part, since we never got his perspective, we were left guessing right along with Whyborne as to his intentions, feelings, and hopes.  We get a good sense of him through his forced confessions and revelations, but I do wish I had more from him.  I wanted more of his feelings, more opening naturally to Whyborne rather than being forced to because he's backed into a corner.  His vulnerabilities make him likable, I just want to really know him.  His feelings for Whyborne sometimes come across in the unguarded moments when Whyborne sees a softer look before he doubts and disregards them as well as in his passion during their more intimate times, but I don't think it's enough to convince me of the depth and reality of them.

The underlying attraction between Whyborne and Griffin was recognized but didn't progress for quite a long time.  I loved that it felt like a natural progression for them and for the times.  While there were still secrets and unsaid feelings and insecurities, it was steamy and genuine.  Their reconciliation was fraught with all kinds of crazy because of when it occurred.  Once the action settled down and they had their conversation it was clear they were on a great path to building something strong, lasting, and important.  I'm absolutely eager to find out where they go from here, especially since there's some relationship drama that's coming according to the synopsis for book two.

*99¢ on Amazon!

A reclusive scholar. A private detective. And a book of spells that could destroy the world.

Love is dangerous. Ever since the tragic death of the friend he adored, Percival Endicott Whyborne has ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man. Instead, he spends his days studying dead languages at the museum where he works. So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible.

Griffin left the Pinkertons after the death of his partner. Now in business for himself, he must investigate the murder of a wealthy young man. His only clue: an encrypted book that once belonged to the victim.

As the investigation draws them closer, Griffin’s rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne’s iron control. But when they uncover evidence of a powerful cult determined to rule the world, Whyborne must choose: to remain safely alone, or to risk everything for the man he loves.

Love Voodoo, BLMorticia

Love isn't a science and when in a city known for its mysticism there are no hard and fast rules governing it either.  I liked the idea behind a lot of the characters' actions and felt their motives were coming from great places.  The way Cayden and Trent spent time getting to know one another felt genuine and I liked that it was a little slower paced in the steam department.

What didn't work as well for me was the slight disconnect I felt from both the characters and their relationship, especially in regards to the promise of some magic.  Their initial meeting was pretty basic, a rockstar in disguise is attracted to the shop clerk and after a little reveal, the attraction is mutual.  I was expecting a whole lot more intense and magical than that.  In fact, I was expecting a whole lot more from the voodoo aspect.  Since it's in the title and the synopsis, you'd think there would be more than what we got.

Cayden's personality in the beginning wasn't thrilling me and while Trent was marginally better, I can't say I was captivated by either of them.  The structure of the switching perspectives was a bit jarring because most of them were quick scenes that gave surface introductions to the characters, their situations, and their motives, but didn't do a lot to create depth or capture my invested interest.  Once Cayden and Trent meet for the second time things got more interesting because it felt better to intertwine their stories since that was the whole point of their romance.  I just wish there was something in the writing or the men that sunk deep for me.

The intent of the author to get certain social and emotional points across was great, but it didn't come across effectively.  It wasn't until the author's note at the end that I realized what they were trying to convey.  If that note had really been applied the story could have been really great.

The story wasn't bad by any means, and the sentiment was fantastic, but neither were strong enough in my opinion.  There were also a few background and personal moments that were brought up which implied something heavier or that there would be some kind of conflict, mystery, or individual evolution that was going to take place but never happened.  So while this was a sweet story with a couple that has everything it takes to make something lasting, it just didn't come together completely for me.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Can a cocky internet star and a humble Southern boy come together—with a little help from a love potion—in the spookiest city in America?

Burned out and in need of a vacation, online sensation Cayden is drawn to New Orleans, with its rich history and paranormal lore. A cynic and a pessimist, Cayden nonetheless hopes to experience some of the legendary city’s magic.

Trent grew up on the streets and wouldn’t have survived without the kindness of the local community. Now he’s embraced his eccentricities in a place that appreciates them. He works at a voodoo shop and guides ghost tours for extra cash, but he also volunteers at the local LGBT youth center, helping lost souls find their way.

When Cayden and Trent lock eyes across the shop, something happens… and it isn’t just Cayden’s flirtation or the mutual attraction drawing them together. It’s something even a skeptic like Cayden agrees is a little unearthly… and could lead to something extraordinary.

Trashed: Eastside Brewery Book 2, Mia Hopkins

The Rosas brothers are back!
A fiery chef captures the attention of Trouble,
but is his will enough to find the truth
and slay the demons of his past?

Trashed

Eastside Brewery #2

He burns for her. Lucky for him, she likes to play with fire. . .

My name is Eddie Rosas, but everyone calls me Trouble. Since I got out of prison six months ago, I’ve had one goal: find my father, whatever the cost. My older brother says I need to move on. He also wants me to leave our gang, East Side Hollenbeck, and go straight, but I can’t—not until I uncover the truth about our family and its missing piece.

One problem? I’m distracted. My distraction’s name is Carmen Centeno. Smart, passionate, and tough as hell, Carmen is a woman from the neighborhood who’s built her career as one of the city’s top chefs. She’s a master of creating pleasure both in and out of bed. But when our connection deepens, how can I show her I’m not the trash everyone says I am?

The pressure’s rising. Carmen deserves a man she can depend on. And when the ghosts of my past rise up, I’ll have to outsmart them—or lose my shot at a future with the only woman who believes in me.

The Rosas brothers will return in Tanked!

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Praise for Thirsty...

ONE OF THE BEST ROMANCE NOVELS OF THE YEAR “A powerful, honest look at love as both a motivation and a risk.”—The Washington Post

“Heartrending, raw and beautiful.”—USA Today

“A brilliant read. There are good writers, and then there are writers that just leave you in awe. And Hopkins has definitely left me in awe.”—Hypable

“Bold and unapologetic.”—Smexy Books

“A sizzling, emotionally intense story that is both gritty and heartwarming, an addictive page-turner that will stay with me for a long time to come.”—New York Times bestselling author Cathryn Fox

“Sexy and soul-wrenching, with Sal’s irresistible voice luring you through a living, breathing Los Angeles.”—USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone

“An amazing read! I stayed up way too late to finish and haven’t stopped thinking about the characters. Highly recommended!”—USA Today bestselling author Molly O’Keefe

About Mia...

Mia Hopkins writes lush romances starring fun, sexy characters who love to get down and dirty. She’s a sucker for working class heroes, brainy heroines and wisecracking best friends. Her favorite form of procrastination is baking. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.

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