#REVIEW of Warrior @CaraBristol #SciFi #Spanking Sexy! @loveunleashed

Warrior (Breeder #3)
by Cara Bristol

Between war and duty, they find love…

On a planet where women are chattel, Anika is to be delivered to become the mate of an Alpha Commander. Secretly in love with another, she is unable to accept the arrangement and flees. Bound by his duty, her lover Urazi intended to bring her back to fulfill her function. But war intervenes, and as their planet fights a desperate battle against a villainous despot, Anika and Urazi become united in their determination to save their people. But with their lives on the line, the love they share may become the biggest risk of all.

REVIEW

The final book in Bristol's Breeder series brings an end to the war but the beginning to new love. I'd been waiting eagerly for Anika's story and was surprised by her story. It was nothing like I'd expected but everything I found intriguing. She was strong in a society that doesn't traditionally honor this in women but ultimately, she saved their world from the destruction of a would-be dictator. I loved the bad-ass heroine perspective! The end of the war and the opportunity of new society rules allowed Anika to find her HEA with Urazi, a Beta she could never before have mated with. The story was written tightly, in the author's typical style, so that every scene led towards the conclusion in a purposeful way.

Read the full series to get the best experience.

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

Mighty Casey by Willa Okati #REVIEW

Mighty Casey, Willa Okati, Loose Id
Novella: The only thing extroverted Nate loves more than baseball is his quiet, reserved Casey. The feeling's mutual, thanks--but it isn't all fun and games. A wedding planner, Casey's booked solid during the summer months and thanks to a certain poem about the Mudville Nine, cringes at the thought of ball games. Fair's fair--with seven older sisters who redefined “wedding drama”, Nate freezes at the thought of tying the knot. Casey might wish things were different, but he wouldn't trade Nate, his big heart, or his skills between the sheets for a wedding worthy of a Rockefeller.

After losing a strip poker bet, Casey's promised forfeit is spending a full day at a softball tournament. He's sure there's more going on than a simple sports wager and wonders what Nate's up to, but he's curious enough to jump in and commit. And so, finally, is Nate, who's planning a surprise involving an engagement ring and a proposal from the pitcher's mound.

But things don't go quite according to scheme for the odd couple when Nate takes his lover out to the ball game. And who knows what might happen when Casey's called up to bat?

REVIEW:
I love stories that are about established couples, I know the finding love stories are popular but I like the idea of lasting love. The two characters in this story are great and they blend well with each other. Not quite opposites attracting, but close.

The back and forth banter between them worked for me and I found myself smiling a lot. The authors play on major brand name items was particularly humorous. But as someone who has spent a tremendous amount of time at the ball field it was difficult to read everything revolving around that aspect of the story. It was all just so wrong.

The cast of secondary characters were fun and helped round out the story adding laughter and amusement. This is a fun quick read with a lot of interesting sexual encounters.

Mighty Casey: Home Run
Mighty Casey# 2
If opposites attract—and in this case, they do—then Casey and Nate fit like puzzle pieces. Though married for a year and still rocking the honeymoon lifestyle, Casey’s starting to feel like it’s time for the next big challenge.

Casey’s never been interested in having kids, but knows Nate would love a family of their own and would be a fantastic father. He thinks he’s ready to put aside past prejudices, but he knows it’s not the kind of decision you make on a whim. Nate only wants to have a family with Casey if Casey wants it just as much. Neither would accept anything less.

The annual Rule family reunion is the perfect time and place for Casey to take his hopes for a test drive and inform his choice. He’ll have plenty of chances to practice—with Nate’s ménage-a-parents and seven sisters, there’s a smorgasbord of family to observe and a half-dozen babies to test his limits.

(And a few games to play. This is Nate, after all!)

Is Casey ready to grant Nate his wish to become a dad and wind up the pitch for a proper “home” run?

REVIEW:
Casey and Nate are back and it's reunion time with the Rule family. Nate comes from a unique family structure in that he has two dads but what a loving environment to grow up in. He also has 7 sisters and is the only boy so you can imagine what that was like growing up.

They have come to that time in their relationship where the question to have children or not is being asked and while Nate would love to have a big family Casey isn't sure. What better time to test out your parenting skills than a family reunion with lots of little ones running around.

While the story was fun and entertaining there were a couple of things that seemed to happen for no reason and left me a bit perplexed and gave the story a disjointed feel.


RATING: 3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries each.  This book was given to us by Loose Id. Many thanks.


 

Shoes & Ties by @thejenawade @loveunleashed # Review

Two reviews are better than one!

Shoes & Ties, Jena Wade, Loose ID
Shoes & Ties #1
Ashten Brody is a chef fresh out of college. He lands his dream job working as a personal chef to Trent Cole, local luxury hotel owner. As it turns out, Trent is also his dream man.

After working together, the two are unable to deny their attraction. One late night they can’t hold back any longer. Too bad Ashten rushes off soon after.

In the weeks that follow, it appears to Ashten that he has landed his dream man and his dream job. He and Trent appear to be on the path to a serious relationship and life-long happiness. Life seems to be just too perfect…




REVIEW:
These were my first books by Jena Wade but I will be keeping her on my authors list to watch.

Trent has been burned before, so when he hires Ashten to be his personal chef he refuses to acknowledge the attraction between them. Or at least that is his plan but the older man can't seem to to keep his eyes off the young chef.

Ashten is attracted to Trent from the get go but this is his first job and he wants to keep things professional. Which is all well and good until he sees Trent getting out of the pool in nothing but swim trunks and water droplets.

This was a fun light read. The characters are likeable and the attraction seems natural. The author gives the story a much longer feel than the 100 pages it is, so that the development of the relationship doesn't feel rushed. Ashten's family makes for great secondary characters and help to round out the story.

If you are looking for a quick, well written, light read, then be sure to check out the Shoes and Ties series!

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by Loose ID. Many thanks.

Lumber & Law
Shoes & Ties #2
A few months after his brother’s accident, Jesse Brody can’t stop thinking about Troy Evans, the police office that helped solve the case. Even though Troy almost had to arrest him, Jesse is sure he has a shot at a date.

The two meet by chance and share a nice dinner at Jesse’s apartment, which ends with Jesse all over Troy’s lap. Though he isn’t out at work, Troy agrees to give a relationship with Jesse a chance. Everything is fine, until the two are seen in public together by some of Troy’s coworkers.

Out of panic, Troy ends the relationship. Of course he regrets his decision, but it will take more than just an apology to win Jesse back.

REVIEW:
I was so excited when I read the blurb and realized that hottie Detective Troy and Jesse were the MC's for this story. We meet both in the first story and while you get to know Jesse a bit, he really shines in this book.

Detective Troy Evans is so far in the closet he can't see the door, but he looks forward to seeing the hot guy at the park every Sunday on his run.

Jesse is the light hearted goof ball of the Brody family. But he has a serious attraction to the detective that helped his brother and jogs in the park each week.

Thankfully these two had Duke, Troy's golden retriever, or who knows if they ever would have gotten together. After six months of ogling each other Duke takes it into his hands....er paws, to bring the two men together the only way he knows how....by tackling Jesse to the ground and drooling all over him.

The two men agree to date, but to keep the relationship on the down low for the sake of Troy's job. Which is fine in the beginning, but quickly becomes a problem as each mans feelings grow into so much more than they expected.

We get snippets from the Brody clan and once more the Patriarch is there with words of wisdom and a swift kick in the behind.

Another fun, sexy read and I really look forward to more. I am hoping that Travis the firefighter gets a story!

Buy Link:
Shoes & Ties
Lumber & Law

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Loose ID. Many thanks.

 

Slow Burn by @SamBMorgan # REVIEW

From Slow Burn to Scorching!

Slow Burn, Sam B. Morgan, Loose Id
Detective Douglas Brody has only ever known the life of a cop. Raised strict but fair by his police chief father, he joined the academy right out of school, climbed the ranks hard and fast, and now works homicide for the City of Charleston. The job is his entire life. For years it’s kept him happy enough to minimize the side of him that craves what he believes is wrong. An accident on the job puts him on medical leave and everything in Brody’s world changes. He has to prove himself once more to be best cop in the department, all while dealing with Zack – his persistent, sexy, and out of the closet physical therapist.

Zack is tan skin, big grins, floppy hair and tackles his job with the same full-blown enthusiasm he does everything else. When the “patient from hell” is thrown his way by another PT who can’t handle him, Zack is committed to achieving the impossible. His new patient is a head strong and hot as hell homicide detective, who oozes as much resentment as he does sex appeal. Any involvement with a patient, especially a man who is so deep in the closet he can’t see light, is something Zack swore he’d never do. But Brody slowly proves too much to resist…


REVIEW: 

YAY for another new to me author! I have read quite a few books recently with one of the MC's buried in the closet and they are never easy reads. It makes me sad to see someone go so far to not be themselves. That being said they are also some of my favorites.

Brody is an ASS! I seriously don't know how Zack kept from killing him when they first met, that man has the patience of a saint! Brody is a tough, dedicated cop so when he is hurt on the job and can't work it makes him crazy. Unfortunately for Zack, he is Brody's physical therapist and all of Brody's frustration is taken out on him. It doesn't help that Brody thinks Zack is hot as hell and he is trying to fight his attraction to him.

Zack is not going to let Brody intimidate him, so when he gets grumpy Zack pushes him harder, which is exactly what Brody needs to get him back on the job. When Brody asks for extra help getting him back to full strength Zack wants to say yes but finds it hard to fight his attraction to the man. And Zack is NOT falling for another straight man.

I had no problem connecting to both characters...yes even Brody. The story line flows and the dialog is fun and very well done. The mystery part of the story line has a great curve ball thrown in and added depth to a story that for the most part is only two characters. There is some interplay with Brody's work partner and some family drama but the bulk of the story is Brody and Zack.

I really enjoyed this story and will definitely be picking up this authors other works!



Buy Link:
LOOSE ID


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Loose Id. Many thanks.

 

SHOUT OUT to the 12 Hunky Days of #Christmas SPONSORS!

It's ALMOST that time of year again...

the 12 Hunky Days of Christmas

at the Guilty Indulgence Review Site.

But before we begin, here's a SHOUT OUT to our EVENT SPONSORS!

They've donated some awesome prizes for the event... (2) $5.00 Gift Certificates from Torquere | $10.00 Gift Certificate for ARE | $10.00 Gift Certificate for Riptide | $10.00 (GBP) Gift Certificate for Totally Bound | $15.00 Gift Certificate to Wilde City Publishing | $20.00 Gift Certificate to Evernight | $20.00 Gift Certificate to Dreamspinner | $20.00 Gift certificate from Love Lane Books | $25.00 Gift Certificate for Secret Cravings | Loose Id 2014 VIP Membership *$29.99 value* | Entangled Grab Bag (digital books)

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COMING SOON: The 12 Hunky Days of Christmas!

It's ALMOST that time of year again... the 12 Hunky Days of Christmas! It's our fourth year of hosting this fun event where we bring you some of our favorite Christmas romances. Enjoy a new review, savor a sweet piece of eye candy (it's calorie free!) and enter our contest each day.

December 14-25, 2013

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Check out prize details on our event page HERE.

Visit a Foreign Land: BREEDER @CaraBristol #REVIEW

Breeder by Cara Bristol is like traveling to a foreign land and eavesdropping on a new culture. I drank every bit of this story in.

The author created a completely new world in this book where men are all respected -though in different

levels as alphas and betas- and women are no more than property for the use of men. Breeder explores the concept of gender roles. Men are coupled, alpha and beta, to complete a familial unit. It's crazy how realistic the story feels as the author introduces new terminology and creates a believable community based on a well-established structure.

The two main characters are dynamic, multi-dimensional people. When Dak first brings Omra to his home as his breeder slave, he intends to impregnate her, produce a son, and hand her off to his beta partner. When things begin changing though, Dak realizes the Protocol of his planet might not be as good as it once seemed. Commander Dak's evolution throughout the book and the gradual love story is fascinating, like visiting a foreign land even as they come to have regard for one another. *Loved the scene when they admit to having regard.*

Omra is demure but she grows into herself as she's allowed to explore her strengths. Most beautiful is that she is the catalyst for the change we see in Dak. As they discover a sexual connection banned by law and explained away as impossible -women supposedly can't be pleasured- Dak questions all his beliefs in their sanctioned male domination.

The delicious part of this male domination is that it involves a form of domestic discipline wherein the male establishes rules and maintains them using punishment when necessary. Dak is judicious in his use of spanking but when he does use it, the scenes are quite erotic. There is one hot scene that involves his beta early on (m/m) and then several sweet and romantic and steamy scenes with his breeder too (m/f).

The conflict throughout the book builds as Dak's questioning jeopardizes his command. His people question his ability to lead and those opposed to him seek to hurt Omra for her role in Dak's betrayal of Protocol. There has to be more to come because the author left room for possible continuation - a series, perhaps?

I enjoyed traveling to another world and could imagine it so vividly as I read the story. This author once again proved her craft. I've read her other books but this is a new genre for her. She nailed it with Breeder. This is a must-read-or-you'll-never-know-what-you're-missing book.

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Breeder EXCERPT

If not for the sneeze, Dak would have exited the musty, dank corridor. But the muffled sound caught his attention. When he squinted into the darkened cell, he spotted a female crouched on a straw mat in the corner. He hadn’t noticed her on his way into the Breeder Containment Facility; the habitation unit had appeared empty.
Dak turned to the BCF director and sighed. “What about her?”
The beta’s already crooked mouth drooped farther in distaste. “My apologies, Commander. You don’t want that one.”
Sival’s disparagement piqued Dak’s interest. The director’s opinion had proven worthless; none of the breeders he’d preselected for inspection had rated close to satisfactory.
“I would like to see her,” Dak insisted.
“Very well, Commander.” Sival saluted and opened the habitation cell with a master entry card. Dak stepped into the small enclosure. The director followed, and the metal gate clanked shut.
The naked female drew into a tighter ball and tucked her face deeper into the crook of her arm. Other breeders had preened as soon as they’d noticed him and his chest-insignia identification. He wasn’t just an alpha. He was the Alpha.
This breeder’s lack of respect and failure to adhere to Protocol by acknowledging his presence struck him as odd. Dak frowned. “Is she mentally deficient?”
Sival tightened his lips. “No, stubborn, ill behaved. She would not befit an Alpha Commander.” He nudged the female’s hip with the toe of his boot. “Rise to your feet.” She did not respond, and he moved to prod her again. Dak forestalled him with a wave and grasped the female’s arm.
“You will stand.” He hauled her upright. She averted her face, so he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. Tangled hair the color of black heating stones fell back from an oval face to reveal eyes like the Parseon moon. The glimmer of intelligence that sparked within the violet depths aroused his interest more than anything else he’d seen so far. Nature had bestowed the Parseon people with an exceptionally strong immune system so that they rarely required medical intervention, but breeders by nature were weak, and so many of the ones he’d seen had seemed dull or ill or both. This one’s skin, when unsmudged by grime and dirt, probably glowed like the pale sands of the Ospian Sea. He supposed, as breeders went, she wasn’t unattractive, although the stench emanating from her was. His beta would throw a fit if he dragged such a creature into their domicile.
“Why is she so filthy?” he asked.
“She refuses to bathe.”
As Dak scrutinized her facial features for shape and symmetry, he noted little imperfection or dysgenics other than her lack of hygiene and her gender. When cleaned up, she would please the eye, but to bear his sons, it mattered more that she be healthy and strong.
He released her face, stepped back, and assessed her from head to toe. He exceeded the height of most males, alphas included, while she stood smaller than the average female. The top of her head failed to even meet his shoulder. She was thinner than other breeders too, although her chest bore an abundance of fatty breast tissue. In the chill of the cell, her nipples had puckered to hard points. Despite the coolness, he was experiencing a rise in temperature. A dormant lust chose that moment to kindle, causing heat to coil in his abdomen and groin. He could not remember the last time he’d experienced such a spontaneous reaction—if he ever had. With the pads of his fingers, he probed the sides of her neck for swollen areas. The way she trembled under his touch aroused a sliver of sympathy. Breeders lacked courage, and uncertainty frightened them. Not all alphas and their betas treated breeders well. If he chose her, she would be adequately fed and housed. His command consumed his time and energy, which left his beta alone for long stretches. A breeder would relieve Corren of household chores and provide him with a physical outlet as well.
“What is she called?” Dak asked.
“Her sire named her Omra.”
Peace, it meant.
He parted Omra’s lips with his fingers and slipped a digit into her mouth, running it along her upper gum line to check the solidness of her teeth. At a flash in her eyes, he jerked his hand away a centisecond before she snapped her jaws together, so that her incisor only grazed the tip of his finger.
Sival’s face reddened. “Commander, I apologize. I will have her flogged.”
“Unnecessary. I will take care of it.” He unclipped the sudon from his belt.

CONTEST

Comment on our post to WIN a copy of either Reckless in Moonlight or Destiny's Chance -- winner's choice from the author, Cara Bristol. Visit her website at http://www.carabristol.com to learn more about her books. She also keeps a great blog! A WINNER will be selected and contacted by November 1, 2013.

Meteor Strike by Silvia Violet

The Kilt is BACK!

Meteor Strike, Silvia Violet, Loose ID
Astronomers #2
Astro-physicist Matthew Dansk falls for one of his colleagues during a research trip, but Matt is looking for a serious relationship and he doesn't date men who are in the closet. Alan has no interest in letting anyone find out he's gay and he never goes out with the same man twice. When the two men part ways, Matt believes their situation is hopeless, and he does his best to forget his feelings for Alan.

Months later, Alan winds up in the hotel room next to Matt's at a conference, and both men realize the chemistry between them hasn't diminished. As they spend time together, Matt sees a different side of Alan. When he realizes Alan's feelings for him run deeper than he'd thought possible, he begins to hope that they can be together after all.


Review:
Let me just start by saying that I am moving to Baton Rouge and enrolling in the astronomy dept at LSU! Holy Heck there are some hotties in that department....and did I mention the KILTS!! LOL

Matthew is a romantic. He may be a scientist but he leads with his heart. Unfortunately this has caused him to be hurt in the past. So when Matthew runs into former crush Alan at an astronomers convention he vows to not let his heart be broken again.

Alan knows he screwed up with Matthew and his plan at this convention is to get him back. He just has to convince Matthew that he has changed and everything will be perfect...right?

Watching these two dance around each other was both funny and painful. You know they are meant to be together but you really aren't sure if they can get out of their heads and let go of the past to be able to get there.

Greg and Blake both make appearances and so does the kilt! There is enough science in the story to add authenticity but not so much that you are overwhelmed by it. I am really enjoying this cast of character's that the author has put together and can't wait for the next hot scientist!

If you like sexy nerds who have out of this world hot sex then Meteor Strike should be on your list.

In honor of the Kilt!!

 RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Loose ID Publishing. Many thanks.

Dangerous Submission #HAHAT

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

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And now for the good stuff:

Dangerous Submission, Lori Toland, Loose Id
Dangerous Affairs #2
British Agent Drake Steele never thought when he was hired on at the Serious Organised Crime Agency that his job would involve spanking a co-worker. But when the colleague is Lord Robbie Covington, the sexy red-headed computer hacker for SOCA and MI-6, Drake can't agree fast enough to pop Robbie's cherry and pull him into the sensual world of BDSM.

Now they are caught up in a web of lies as they pose as members of the jet-setting crowd. Drake and Robbie have to race against the clock to stop a weapons haul that could threaten the safety of all Europe. As their covers begin to fade and danger is closing in, protecting Robbie is Drake’s most important task, but neither man is ready for the moment when their hearts are put on the line.

REVIEW
MMMM I do love me a hot alpha male that when he get's emotional his brogue becomes more pronounced. Throw in a feisty ginger that is supposed to be a submissive but whose mouth hasn't gotten the memo and all I can say is YUM!

I think that the song Hot & Cold by Katy Perry was written for Drake, dude could not have flip flopped more. I didn't blame Robbie one bit for getting frustrated, so I am pretty sure it was all Drake's fault that Robbie got mouthy. (As you can probably tell I would not make a good sub...LOL) But the punishments that came were very sexy.

The chemistry between these two men was HOT, and could not be denied. I liked the fact that the author took things back a step once the mission was over and gave the MC's a chance to really learn about each other.

A few quirky editing issues disrupted the flow a few times, but not so much that it took me too far out of the story. The mission part of the story was intriguing and the action kept the story moving. There was a great WFT moment with one of the character's and I hope this means we may get to see more of him in a future book. The BDSM is intense and very well done. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a little spice with their mystery.

Buy Links
LOOSE ID
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

RATING: 4 chocolate dipped strawberries. This book was given to us by the author, many thanks.

See the Light #HAHAT #Thursday13

Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Ladies and gentlemen - readers of all ages....Guilty Indulgence Book Club is pleased to participate once again in the annual Hop Against Homophobia And Transphobia (#HAHAT for those social media savvy) Last year we reviewed some great books and paid tribute to a beautiful author who left us too soon.  This year we look forward to bringing more great authors, stories and romances to our Indulgent readers.  

While our book club has that modern mix of women and men, straight and gay, our focus has always been on romance and Love in all its forms.  One of the most important aspects of Love has to be it's connection to Hope. For those who have Love, who love and are, in turn, loved, Hope resides in the heart and mind.  Hope allows one to celebrate the good times and weather the bad ones. Hope allows one to succeed and to fight and to give others Hope.   For many GLBTQ youth, Hope is hard to find.   It is our greatest wish that all who read these reviews this week take the time to spread the message of Hope at all times.  Be the message to our diverse youth population that fear, hatred and intolerance are not acceptable.  Help us spread the message that it does get better, there will be equality, they are accepted and give them Hope!  

Please feel free to click on the following links for other ways to get involved:

Day Against Homophobia     The Trevor Project      NOH8      GLBT National Help Center

 It Gets Better Project      Human Rights Campaign       Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

PFLAG    

And by all means, stick around for the next ten days during the Hop Against Homophobia - make a comment on the Guilty Indulgence blog site daily for chances to win great reads and find new and fabulous authors!  And then, jump back on the Hop main page to visit each and every site for more chances at prizes, hear stories, read reviews and much, much more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now for the good stuff:

See the Light, Cassandra Carr
Hockey player Jason Monroe lives a double life—star defenseman and soon-to-be Olympian on the ice and closeted gay man outside the rink. A serious relationship is out of the question, and Jason makes do with anonymous sex in barroom bathrooms, not willing to take the chance on coming out as gay in a decidedly macho sport.

Advisor to the US Olympic hockey team Patrick Parker knows a thing or two about being a professional hockey player who’s not out. He’s fifteen years older than Jason, and when he senses the sexy younger man is interested, he knows he shouldn’t give in to the attraction.

The two men can’t keep their hands off each other, though, and with each heated encounter it gets harder to hide their relationship. When their world blows up around them, forcing them into the limelight, though, will their love survive or be put on ice?

See the Light is a good read that I’d recommend to all romance readers, especially those who enjoy m/m but I would even go so far as to say this might be a good first m/m romance. It certainly wasn’t my first but it did conjure up some emotions about the stigma attached to homosexuality in the sports world.

Here are my 13 KEY POINTS about this book:

1. I’ve read this author before but never m/m so I was skeptical but then pleased. Carr proves she can write romance and love regardless of gender.

2. The Kiss. (When you read it, you’ll understand.) This deserves a bullet point unto itself. The kiss that starts it all is intense. It was an emotional moment... sigh.

3. I could smell the ice. That’s how descriptive Carr’s scenes were. In my humble opinion, there is no smell sexier than that smell of ice on a hockey player and in this book, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

4. The author faced off with an all too prevailing issue in sports… don’t ask/ don’t tell. The men live in fear that the discovery of their relationship could end their careers. It shouldn’t be that way and we need to continue talking about it until the stigma changes. This book takes a step in the right direction.

5. The evolution of their relationship was gradual and follows a realistic ebb and flow. While I wish I knew more –I wish the book was longer- the author provides a satisfying glimpse at their developing relationship.

6. The lengths the men go to just to be with one another speaks volumes for how they feel. It also made me angry that they had to go through such lengths. Readers will feel the men’s’ fear and worry over the simple act of just being themselves.

7. The sex scenes will melt an ice rink. The testosterone is tense and hot and its release is this incredible converging of energy. Good Lord, it made me consider the possibility of voyeurism!

8. Patrick is older and more experienced than Jason. Readers will learn this early on but then we are reminded over and over and over again. Here’s one of the book’s weaknesses (there aren’t many to choose from) but this did get on my nerves some. We got it – he’s older – now move on.

9. The men’s loneliness hurt to read about. Carr gives such fleshed-out characterization of the men that readers see their inner struggles. As a mother, I wanted to hug their hurt away. The shadow hanging over them meant their love story couldn’t be one of simple happiness.

10. I missed seeing how Jason’s family would react… that would be a great outtake for the author to write on her blog (Hint! Hint! Cassandra, please!) as a free read. While his family is mentioned, an actual visit during the holidays could’ve added depth to the story.

11. A tragic incident pushes Jason to admit his feelings for Patrick, regardless of consequences. It was a surprise just how they “came out” – I won’t give it away but I also don’t think you’ll guess without reading it.

12. Shoot and score! The ending was fabulous, albeit a bit abrupt, and conveyed a message more people need to hear. The acceptance of the teammates might still be far-reaching in reality but is a place I’d like to see our world come to.

13. I put this last only because I didn’t want to appear a cover whore but OMH! The cover is beautiful.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
MARK AS TO READ on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17366214-see-the-light?ac=1. READ IT. Then tell me what you think. Did you think it was a winning book? Worthy of the Stanley Cup? Or an Olympic Gold Medal??


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Humpday Hello Elle Aycart!

Greetings and Salutations Humpday Nation!  Hope you are surviving the whiplash moves of 2013 - here in Virginia we've gone from 70 degrees (last Saturday) to 30 degrees (today); rain (last night) and snow (tomorrow).  Actually, the snow might help stop the massive influenza epidemic our state is in!  What's a gal to do?  Stay home, grab your favorite beverage (wine by the fire, tea in bed) and read something delish.  Speaking of delish - how's about a calorie free treat for all who are trying to lose a few this winter?  Mmmmm - eye candy!  Enjoy!

Speaking of enjoy - today continues our blog feature of author Elle Aycart Bowen series - totally delish!

More Than Meets the Ink, Elle Aycart, Loose-ID

Bowen #1

Wickedly sexy James Bowen is a bad boy of the highest order -- tattoos and attitude included -- which unfortunately ranks way up on Tate's not-a-chance-in-hell list, right there along with skydiving naked over Teheran and juggling Ebola vials just for kicks. But what the heck, she's on holiday, the guy is absolutely irresistible, and she needs to unplug from her life. With her dad and brother gone, Tate is left to deal with the family restaurant, which is fast going down the drain. Her employees are acting out, her boyfriend has bailed out, and her very own private stalker is emailing her to death with lovely threats of doom, fire, and dismemberment. So yeah, maybe a little holiday fling is in order. Strictly sex though, and no follow-up whatsoever once.

She hadn't counted on her take-charge holiday fling having an opinion of his own and stubbornly sticking around, before and after the sex, making himself at home in her life. There is definitely more to James than meets her prejudiced eye, and even if she's not ready to look deeper, James isn't prepared to permit her not to.

Review:

Elle Aycart rocks! She just plain rocks!  The trifecta of contemporary romance - alpha male, feisty female, stellar sexual tension. Check, check and double check.  Ms. Aycart follows the tried and true approach of sexy siblings and their slippery slope to fall in love.  However, her heroines have some serious depth and her heroes aren't perfection waiting for more perfection.  I think that is the element that takes a solid storyline and kicks it up a notch.

Tate is holding onto her life by her fingertips - she can't handle more than a vacation fling.  The upheaval in her life leads her to lean on preconceived notions of people as a safety net - right or wrong, James gets snagged and he doesn't want to let go.  Readers may hate Tate.  Hell, my friends hate Tate. But I think anyone struggling to make her family legacy work, survive a lover's betrayal, go the whole course alone has earned a little gunshyness.  Thankfully James Bowen sees something special and knows how to push the right way.  Theirs is no breezy romance and they both have some baggage that could potentially pull this story into maudlin-ville but clever dialogue, perfectly timed comedy and sizzling sex keep the reader turning page after page of highly enjoyable reading.  With a splash of intrigue, this dish is best served family style - grab a copy and pass it along to your bff's!

Excitedly awaiting further installments, More Than Meets the Ink, delivers a promising beginning to an enticing new series. 

Rating: 4 Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!!

Heavy Issues

Bowen #2

Steering clear of relationships has never been difficult for demolitions expert Cole Bowen, but now, with his brother's engagement sending the female population into full-blown hysterics and the town of Alden's month-long festivities helping along, he finds himself in hell. When he discovers Alden's new resident and the object of all his wet dreams, Christine Sheridan, has sworn off relationships and is going to hire a gigolo to get professionally laid, he decides to kill two birds with one stone.

Christy is so not drinking again. Thanks to José Cuervo she has her friends signing her up for stud conventions and Cole frigging Bowen offering sex in exchange of fake dates, which is so out of the question it isn't even funny. She knows the domineering man will push her boundaries, and after battling all her life with self-esteem issues, she isn't ready for that. Too bad he won't take no for an answer.

Cole is determined to strip away all of her defenses but refuses to lower his ever-present walls, so when Christy realizes she wants more, she's left with only two options; walk away or crack his shield and risk her heart in the process.

Review:

Heavy Issues picks up not long after More Than Meets the Ink leaves off.  Brother Cole's rocky road to romance delivers the perfect paradox - two people who want no strings and end up in a big knotty mess.  Aycart continues to bespell readers with more of her hot Bowen boys - where were they when I lived in Boston? 

Heroine Christy battles her body image issues long after the weight is gone. Cole battles his abandonment issues long after his mother walks away from her little boy.  With all that durm und strang, how can two people find their way into happiness?  If you live in Alden, apparently in the bedroom (and car and closet and kitchen....)  Again Aycart doesn't take the easy road with her characters. They are multi-dimensional, and their worlds are very compelling for their realness.  Oh, and did I fail to mention really, really supercharged sexual tension and erotic scenes?  Grab your fan and ice water because they generate some serious steam!  

The very strong secondary characters flesh out more of story and tease the reader with hopes that future stories will unfold. In fact, I can hardly wait to read little brother Max's tale. I fully admit to staying up past bedtime for this read. How can you not with a treat that makes you laugh, cry and sigh for more smokin hot romance! Take a chance on the Bowen boys - they'll boss your pants off the right way!

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries These books were given to us by the author.

Author Bio:
After a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff. While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.

Elle loves to hear from readers!

elleaycart@gmail.com