Happy Gay Friday & The Letter A

And another week went by… My mini-break is turning out to be not so mini at all. In fact, I’m still enjoying the A-Z Reading Challenge and now that I’m not spending as much time online as I used to do, oddly enough my social calendar seems to become a bit overwhelming. Or maybe it’s not so odd…
Somehow invitations for fun dates with friends keep coming in and they’re making my calendar for the month of May look like one big busy feast of colors (since I’m using different pencils for all the dates). It must be the wonderful, sunny and warm weather that we’re having here for weeks now. It makes people want to plan parties, barbeques and other get-togethers. And also, all the national holidays during this time of year are a great cause for fun things, there are plenty of musical and cultural festivals you can go to.
Yesterday for example, we had a national holiday here in the Netherlands what’ll probably translate as ‘Liberation Day’ or something like that (we celebrate the end of WWII because by then, in 1945, most part of our country was liberated by the Canadians and Americans). And we went with a couple of friends to one of the many rock and pop festivals that are organized in the larger cities each year on May 5th.
Between the beautiful weather, all the holiday events and the upcoming deadlines at work, I’m afraid there probably won’t be much time for my online activities left. So don’t start to worry if you don’t see me around much, I’ll be back *wink*. Every now and then…


My reading groove is still not what it used to be, but the A to Z Challenge is at least helping me with picking my next book. I moved on to the B last week, no C books in sight yet, but here are a few reviewettes (not as short as Chris's ones but alas) of the A titles I’ve read:

Anything For You by Ethan Day

This is a hilarious and endearing story which shows realistically and makes very palpable how terrifying it is/can be to come out of the closet. Jason is the first person narrator of Anything For You and he is uniquely funny but extremely in the closet. Finding true love makes brave so that Jason can continue being hot and sweet together with his super hero gay rights activist Chad. Highly recommended! 4.75 stars

Alex's Appeal by Jude Mason & Jenna Byrnes

Book three in the Kindred Spirits series. Cute story about a younger cook winning the heart of an older lawyer who recently lost his lover. Although this books has its own main characters the setting is the same as in the previous books in this series: an inn where ghosts feel happy to show themselves. This time the ghost was the deceased lover of the lawyer Alex, which felt a bit farfetched: I didn’t get why he would ‘show up’ now, one year after he died, and at this place far from home. I did like the bedroom scenes between Alex and Logan but cared less for their insta-love. 3.5 stars

A to Z by Marie Sexton

Zach and Angelo's relationship starts out as an endearing friendship, which finally turns into a sweet and hot love story that comes to full bloom in the second half of the book. Their engaging and well-written story is about giving each other space, being able to be yourself, finding your own strength in the other's strength, the balance between give and take, having patience to let trust build and stimulating each other to live your life to its fullest potential. Zach and Angelo complete each other in the most beautiful way and I just loved their emotional interaction and physical chemistry. 4.5 stars

All or Nothing by James Buchanan

This final installment in this series is an explosive finale of Nicky and Brandon’s ongoing relationship which has been a rollercoaster of emotions from the start. Very raw and deeply felt feelings are threatening to destroy them when this moving couple has to deal with the mother of all nightmares. This was one of the most emotional books I’ve read within this genre so far. And yet, despite everything that’s going on in their lives, the author managed to throw in a couple of sexy scenes which involved some wicked rope work again. And these scenes even supported the plot and weren’t just inserted for hotness sake. I’m kinda sad that this was the last of the Nicky and Brandon books (and free stories) I had on my shelves. It’s hard to say goodbye to this unbelievably hot couple. *sob*. The entire series (Cheating Chance and Inland Empire are the previous books) has been an enthralling reading experience. Highly recommended: 5 stars

Happy Gay Friday everyone!

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We have a winner…

The guys from random.org picked a winner for one of Jenna Byrnes and Jude Mason’s books! And it’s…

*drumroll*

vslavetopassionv

Congrats, Jase! You won a copy of Hunter’s Light. Jenna will send you the book directly.

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Don’t forget to go over to Marie Sexton’s place for another chance to win one of these books.
And thanks to the lovely Jude and Jenna for appearing on my blog and giving away one of their books!

Giveaway: Jude Mason and Jenna Byrnes' Blog Tour Kicks off Today!

I’m pleased to welcome Jude Mason and Jenna Byrnes to the blog today. They are kicking off their blog tour for their latest release, Alex's Appeal. For a chance to win one of their ebooks leave a comment on this post.

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Hi everyone! Thanks for joining us on the first stop of our blog tour, Janna's Erotic Romance Reader blog, and thanks to Janna for hosting us! All week long we'll be talking to readers about our latest project together, book 3 in the Kindred Spirits series, Alex's Appeal. If you haven't read the first two books (why haven't you?) never fear, each title stands alone so you don't have to read them in order. For those who enjoy series works, however, there are returning characters and we think it's fun to show you how their lives progress over time. So if you want the full effect of the series, read Ethan's Choice first, Hunter's Light second, and Alex's Appeal third. The fourth book, Quinn's Blessing, is scheduled for release from Total E-Bound in November.

Kindred Spirits Book 3: Alex's Appeal
By Jude Mason and Jenna Byrnes

Lawyer Alex Brookfield arrives at Whiskers' Seaside Inn with a big decision weighing heavily on him. He's been offered a judgeship, and while it's an incredible promotion, it would mean leaving the house he shared with his late, long-time partner. Russ died of cancer eight months ago, and although Alex is ready to move on, he isn't sure about such a big, permanent step.

Logan Emerson is the inn's chef, and wouldn't mind cooking up something special with the handsome attorney. He's not concerned about their fourteen year age difference. He just knows what he likes and isn't afraid to go after the hunky bear of a man.
Alex heard stories about the inn's ghosts from its owner, his friend and former lover Ethan Roberts. But he's totally unprepared for the spirit who shows up his first night there. Between futile attempts to fend off the frisky young cook, and his offer to help inn co-owner Cade Wyatt come up with a romantic marriage proposal for Ethan, Alex finds his hands, and his bed, quite full.

~ Coming August 2 from Total E-Bound, purchase here

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Giveaway

If you'd like the chance to win one of our co-authored titles, please leave a comment on Janna's blog with your email address and let us know which book you'd like to win. Each day of our blog tour, we'll give away another ebook. Tomorrow we'll be at author Marie Sexton's blog, talking about our motivation for writing this series.

Here's a list of our co-authored titles for you to choose from:

Kindred Spirits 1: Ethan's Choice (contemporary, paranormal m/m)
Kindred Spirits 2: Hunter's Light (contemporary, paranormal m/m)
Kindred Spirits 3: Alex's Appeal (contemporary, paranormal m/m)

Untamed Hearts 1: Feral Heat (shifter, m/m/f)
Untamed Hearts 2: Bear Combustion (shifter, m/m/m)
Untamed Hearts 3: Wolfen Choice (shifter, m/m/f)
Untamed Hearts 4: Stallion's Pride (shifter, m/m/f)

Slippery When Wet 1: Wanted Dead or Alive by Jenna Byrnes (contemporary m/m)
Slippery When Wet 2: Livin' on a Prayer by Jude Mason (contemp m/m)
Slippery When Wet 3: Never Say Goodbye by Jenna Byrnes (contemp m/m)
Slippery When Wet 4: I'd Die for You by Jude Mason (contemp m/m)

All the books listed are ebooks. For more information please visit our websites and blogs.

Contest is open to anyone and is an overnight contest. This means you’ll only have 36 hours to leave a comment. The contest ends at 11pm Sunday Janna’s time (GMT+1, which is 5pm EST/4pm CST).

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Thanks for having us today Janna, and happy reading everyone!

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*Jude Mason - Readers needed: Come, explore with me...if you dare!* | Website | Blog | Newsletter | To sign up for my mailing list, email me: jude.mason @ yahoo.ca (no spaces)

Jenna Byrnes, Page Scorching Erotic Romance | Website | Jenna on Fire blog | Hot Highlights monthly newsletter

We Have a Winner!! Oh. And some other Happy Stuff

I brought all the commenters on Keta Diablo’s blog tour post – okay not literally, just their names – to Mr Random and he picked one lucky winner! And her name is:

*drumroll*

Twimom227 (aka Jen)

Congratulations Jen! You win a copy of Blood Oath! Keta will be sending your book directly.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by, thanks to the wonderfully generous Keta Diablo for appearing on my blog and giving away one of her books!

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If you didn’t win, be sure to come back this Saturday for another sexy giveaway when the lovely writers Jenna Byrnes and Jude Mason drop by! They’ll celebrate a new release in their Kindred Spirits series and will give away a book to one lucky commenter (winner’s pick). It’s an overnight contest that’ll only run until Sunday, so mark your calendars! :)

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And, I want to thank Vixen Pearl from Vixen Reviews for giving me this award!! Thank you very much Vixen!! :)

Here's how this award works:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason!
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award! I’m sure they’ll be thankful ;-)


So, here are 7 things about me…

1. I’m an awful procrastinator
*
2. I hate people who start whistling unfamiliar tunes in an occupied train (happened to me today)
*
3. I still miss my Binny every day but refuse to give in to hubby’s wish for a naked cat, I need fluffy and cute
*
4. I’m going horribly into withdrawal during my upcoming vacation without internet access
*
5. I once spent the night with two gorgeous Italian guys while I was in Rome on a passage to India (My excuse: I was only 19 years old ;) and for the first time traveling alone)
*
6. I love the tv-show Supernatural (read Dean Winchester/Jensen Ackles) and even take the DVD of the last season with me on vacation
*
7. Almost all these 7 secrets are related to vacation. Guess what? My vacation just started an hour ago!! Yippeeeh!

Now, the 15 recently discovered, fantastic bloggers:
*depends a bit on how you define ‘recently’, but okay*

1. Redd @ The Forgotten Hollow
2. Diana @ Book of Secrets
3. LynnMarie and her gang @ Happily Ever After Reviews
4. Amora @ Amora’s Place
5. Steph @ Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
6. Sherri @ Urban Girl Reader
7. Mama Kitty and her Staff @ Mama Kitty Reviews
8. Carole and Silver @ The Romance Reviews
9. DemonLover @ Demonlover’s Book Reviews & More
10. Evi @ Zwillingsleiden (in German but with the occasional review in English)
11. Jenny @ SupernaturalSnark
12. Ash @ Smashattack Reads
13. Yvonne @ Diva’s Bookcase
14. Daydrmzzz @ Day Dreaming (she just started but her layout and genre preference look promising)
15. This one I leave open – maybe you can tell me which fantastic blogs you’ve recently discovered?

And actually Vixen Pearl’s own blog is fantastic and new to me too and it’s really worth visiting!

I’ll drop by tomorrow at all these wonderful places to fulfill the 4th task! It’s too late now (over here). :)

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And I just found out that I have myself won a book!! It’s Double Blind by Heidi Cullinan and I won it over at International Heat *thanks for the tip Chris!*
It’s the perfect way to start my vacation!!
*going to dance a little now*

I hope you’re all having a great day too! Wishing you a lot of Happy Stuff!!

Still catching up on some (short) reviews: Knight or Daye by Jude Mason

Jude Mason
Knight or Daye
Total E-Bound Publishing, 2009

Genre & Keywords: Gay, M/M/M, Menage, Bdsm

Rating: êêê
Heat level: ¹¹

The Back Blurb:
A love lost, then found. Can Knight rescue his love or will Daye prevail?
Jeremy Knight lives with, and is in love with, Sam, a man who hides his submissive nature until, one fine evening, he asks Jeremy to dominate him. Jeremy is shocked, but does go along with his lover's request. It goes well - perhaps too well - overwhelming Jeremy. He leaves, gets wildly drunk and decides he can't abide the behaviour. Returning home, he tells Sam, who pushes his sub side down, for a while. He finally can't take it and leaves.
Devastated, Jeremy does some soul searching and discovers that perhaps Sam's desires weren't all that horrible. His own dominant side shows itself and he does as much research as he can to find himself.
Then he must find Sam. A cop friend of Jeremy's sees Sam in the company of 'someone of interest' to the police - Nathanial Daye, a very wealthy man who owns and sells people. The only trouble is they've never been able to prove it. When Jeremy decides to get into the picture, he winds up as the newest 'boy' in Nathanial's house. He finds Sam, who has fallen for another slave named Peter.
Can Jeremy rekindle the love Sam had for him? How will Peter fit into the picture? Can Jeremy find a way to rescue them all? Or will Daye win?

I like a book that opens in mid action and Knight or Daye has a strong opening that sucked me right into the story:

Jeremy Knight stood outside of his lover’s door, his hands clenched at his sides, thinking about knocking, but not quite sure he was ready. […]
He looked back at the door. “Could use some TLC,” he mumbled and shifted from one foot to the other. The thong pulled tight up the crack of his ass. He squirmed, trying to readjust the strap without actually using his hands. It didn’t work. He knew it wouldn’t.
He looked at the door again and took a deep breath. It was now or never. Standing there any longer wasn’t going to help his indecisiveness. He raised his hand and knocked. Stepping back, he waited and his heart raced. He crossed his hands in front of himself, gripping one wrist. Head lowered, he eased his feet apart, shoulder width.
His decision was making itself known.
Jeremy watched the rise and fall of his chest, and worked on his patience. His hands grew slippery with sweat. His jeans felt too tight, his tank even tighter. The boots weighed a ton when he moved his feet. He clenched his fist then straightened his fingers, stretching them, trying to distract himself. Jumbled thoughts and desires plagued him. His c**k pulsed, and he wanted to sooth the dull ache he’d been trying to ignore for the last hour.
Footsteps approached from inside.
Should he bolt, flee for his freedom?

The back blurb is pretty misleading though. We actually step into the story where the blurb ends. Everything that’s written in the blurb, except for the last few sentences, has occurred already and is not part of the story, it’s only mentioned shortly. By the time I figured this out I was already pulled into a lot of action, involving a mean Dom and slave trader (Nathaniel), Jeremy’s lost and submissive ex boyfriend (Sam) and Sam’s newfound friend and fellow submissive (Peter), who were all thrown into the mix with Jeremy to have a hot bondage sex scene at Nathaniel’s house. Jeremy went there as the new boy toy of Master Nathaniel to find and win back Sam. Well, he finds him very quickly and things are forgiven and solved between them even faster.

Then the suspense is increased with a notch or two by introducing the mean side of Nathaniel, who keeps the men in captivity and intends to sell Peter as a slave. I don’t want to give the whole plot away but let me say that there’s a lot going on in this short story (of ca. 40 pages). And not everything was as easy to believe as I wanted to. To be honest, the characters appeared to be not much more than chess-pieces on a board in a play of fast chess, only there for the sake of action. Granted, the play was hot and sexy! It’s just that I didn’t feel the love or the romance or the affection, only the attraction.

If you pick up this story as a quick hot read than you won’t be disappointed and it will be worth 3 or 3.5 stars, if you want a heart wrenching romance than you won’t be satisfied and probably won’t rate it with more than 2.5 stars.