Seven years after the war. Harry’s an auror, investigating a possible terror-attack on an All-Beings-friendly music festival. Draco’s a bounty hunter,Seven years after the war. Harry’s an auror, investigating a possible terror-attack on an All-Beings-friendly music festival. Draco’s a bounty hunter, hired by the Auror Department to find and help Harry.
The political circumstances depicted here reflects to contemporary issues.
“Can you imagine this festival turning into a riot? Even if no one dies, it’d be conclusive proof that the Beings can’t coexist peacefully. The goblin talks will end. The centaurs will retreat back in the woods, out of sight. Every progress the elves have made will be rendered irrelevant.”
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The festival atmosphere was nicely done, really captivating. Mutual pining for each other, for years.
A ravishing getting-together story, with a deep and smart suspense storyline. ...more
Draco's life is threatened, and Harry agrees to work as his bodyguard.
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Sounds simple, but there is so much more here. They have a recent historDraco's life is threatened, and Harry agrees to work as his bodyguard.
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Sounds simple, but there is so much more here. They have a recent history, insane attraction, real danger, dark secrets, an amazing invention, and an epilogue that would make anybody cry.
Tony, a private investigator, as a part of an investigation goes to the local sex-clinic with a made-up problem to find out more about a possible suspTony, a private investigator, as a part of an investigation goes to the local sex-clinic with a made-up problem to find out more about a possible suspect, Jack Halloran. But Tony has also a real problem.
Jack diagnosis him as demisexual (people who only experience sexual attraction to others that they have close emotional connections with), but Tony feels strong sexual attraction for Jack on their very first appointment, when the emotional bond between them hasn’t formed yet.
Actually, it doesn’t form even later. The suspense is only there to frame the story, and the whole storyline is very superficial: the romance is not developed, the operation of the sex clinic is totally unbelievable. I think Jack overstepped boundaries as a doctor, and I didn’t like his thoughts on asexuality.
Tony’s family was great, but otherwise this story was a miss....more
The Merchant of Death is book two in the Playing the Fool series by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock.
I have no idea why I’ve read this despite the fact I didnThe Merchant of Death is book two in the Playing the Fool series by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock.
I have no idea why I’ve read this despite the fact I didn’t really like book one, The Two Gentlemen of Altona. I guess I hoped for some romance development. But sadly, it remained the same - heatless and sparkless.
The mystery – though sometimes total nonsense – was pretty exciting. But I’m more interested in romances than mysteries, so I don’t think this series is for me....more
Sam Garrett, New Orleans Police Detective is assigned to investigate a string of gay bashings. Much to his annoyance, he is paired with a new partner,Sam Garrett, New Orleans Police Detective is assigned to investigate a string of gay bashings. Much to his annoyance, he is paired with a new partner, the unbelievably hot and most likely straight Travis Boudreaux.
I didn’t read any reviews before, so I was pretty shocked by how their investigation ended. Thankfully, the story takes a surprising twist at the end, so it’s all good.
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Altered States is an awesome and intriguing prequel to Deep Blues Goodbye, first book of the Altered States series. ...more
Not My Sinner is a sequel to Sinner's Fall, the story of Mateo Oliveros and Tommy Jankowski.
Mateo and Tommy are married now, but their marr4.5 stars!
Not My Sinner is a sequel to Sinner's Fall, the story of Mateo Oliveros and Tommy Jankowski.
Mateo and Tommy are married now, but their marriage is not as perfect as they want to believe. Something is missing and something is wrong.
“Ma, I’m happy. I have everything I could possibly need.” Not everything, a tiny voice in his head whispered.
Mateo doesn’t give himself over to their marriage completely. He is holding back, and sadly not only one thing but more. He keeps secrets and hides his real self from Tommy. His reasons for that are understandable, and he is convinced that he does the right thing.
Tommy was his life. He’d do anything, whatever he had to in order to protect Tommy. That included making sure his two worlds didn’t ever collide.
Tommy feels that something is not right, but first he thinks it is only the sex. It is confirmed when they meet Mateo’s ex, Dima Zhirkov.
“You been hiding yourself from me,” he said finally. Mateo froze. “What?” “Your needs, you’ve been hiding them from me. I need you,” Tommy whispered. He reached up and nipped Mateo’s chin. “All of you. You’re holding back.”
But that’s not all. When he finds out what Mateo has been hiding from him, Tommy breaks down and leaves him.
“You don’t trust me.” Tommy looked as if he’d been punched. “You don’t trust that I’m stronger than that scared, fucked-up kid you first met. You don’t trust that I can deal with the difficulties of being with you.” “That’s—” That was the truth, wasn’t it? Teo was scared of what might happen if Tommy had to face the tough side of who he was.
But Mateo is wrong. Tommy is strong enough to deal with Mateo’s dark side. What breaks him is Mateo’s silence and lies. He is unable to deal with that. It is a serious issue, a severe marriage crisis, still, everyone makes mistakes. Tommy has every right to be mad, but not to throw a tantrum. Teo lied to him, yes. It’s maddening, yes. Is divorce the solution? No.
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Neither Teo nor Tommy are good relationship material. They have to learn how to live in a relationship, in a marriage, and how to communicate with each other.
I loved them together. Not My Sinner is an amazing addition to Sinner’s Fall, and a great insight to Mateo and Tommy’s life.
There are many-many beautiful and heartbreaking moments in this story. The hate-attack scene was devastating, it broke my heart.
The erotic scenes are loaded with emotion, and insanely hot.
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My only complaint is the make-up sex. Though I loved the (view spoiler)[domineering Tommy, blood-play (hide spoiler)] is not really my thing. I can accept even appreciate it, but not when it is done by anger and hurt and revenge.
(Watch Me) Unmask You is the third book of the Run This Town series, which is a sequel/spin-off of the highly recommended Brooklyn Sinners series.
I'm (Watch Me) Unmask You is the third book of the Run This Town series, which is a sequel/spin-off of the highly recommended Brooklyn Sinners series.
I'm really sorry for giving it one star.
But I just can’t see where the love comes from.
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Lucky and Elias have chemistry - I can give them that. But their whole relationship is based on lies, dark secrets, Lucky’s infatuation on Elias, Elias’s stalkerish behavior, and the aggressive and arrogant way he claims ownership over Lucky’s heart.
And I am supposed to believe that this is love.
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The book is divided into two parts: the first half (up to 43%) is about the past: how they met, their painful and unsatisfying random encounters in the following years, and finally, how they get together.
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It is half of the story, but it still feels like an extremely long prologue.
The second part is set in the present: Lucky and Elias are together for ten years now and have a little daughter. From this point, it is obvious what’s going to happen: Elias’s past is going to bite him in the ass, they’ll fight, then make it up. Annoyingly, it was like a soap opera: all the revealed connections between the characters, oh god, they were just too melodramatic.
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Characters Elias I really despised Elias. And not because of his ‘occupation’ but his behavior toward Lucky.
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I just didn’t get where Lucky’s infinite trust in him came from. Elias was creepy.
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Lucky He was cute at first, and I really liked him, but as the story progressed, I felt him kind of a pushover. I often wished he was like this:
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But instead he was like a personal groupie of Elias.
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The erotic scenes are very creative, but the emotions are not as present and intense as in the previous books of the series. Scorching hot sex scenes don’t make an impressive portrayal of emotions.
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Lucky’s forgiveness comes easily and without real explanation; the happy ending is very sudden and baseless.
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All in all It is really sad, actually, it was the first Avril Ashton story I didn’t like.
I had a hard time with this review. I thought that maybe reading Not My Sinner - where Dima is introduced - would
“Let's play then, Rush.”
I had a hard time with this review. I thought that maybe reading Not My Sinner - where Dima is introduced - would make it easier. But no, nothing could have prepared me for this book.
(Watch Me) Break You is a rivals-to-lovers gay romance, with memorable characters, action and thrill, blood and tears, and lots of kink.
The Story
Dima Zhirkov is the head of a Russian gang running the streets of Coney Island. He is fucked up like crazy. He is into women and men, hardcore sex ((view spoiler)[ pain, breath play, blood play (hide spoiler)]), drugs and booze. But his usual ways don’t seem to work for him anymore.
Dima sets eyes on Xavier Storm in a private club. Seeing X in action, Dima is immediately captivated. He instinctively knows that X would give him what he craves. So he determines to hunt him down.
Xavier Storm is the silent leader of The Rude Boys, rival gang of the Russians, and he is after Dima’s territory. When they meet in the club, X recognizes Dima, but of course doesn’t tell it to him. He tries to stay away from the Russian, but Dima doesn’t let him have the luxury of choice.
Sex and pain Dima can handle, and X delivers the most depraved kind. Their connection is explosive, their games are addictive, but Dima can end it whenever he wishes. At least that’s what he thinks. When he realizes otherwise, it is too late.
Characters
Dima Zhirkov appears first in Not My Sinner, as Mateo Oliveros’ ex. In Not My Sinner he is a gorgeous guy with wicked humor, and an aura that tells you that you better behave.
But he is not that simple. Dima is a criminal. He uses drugs and alcohol on a daily basis. He is extremely violent and dangerous. He kills without remorse. He fantasizes about killing and basks in the thought of warm blood on his hands. He is a psycho. He is uncontrollable and unpredictable. Not to mention his very special sexual needs.
Still, I loved him. And when you ask why, the only thing I can say that he is irresistible. Though not in a sweet and adorable, but in a dark, wicked way, but yeah, that’s the reason.
Dima seems to be fearless, but has insecurities just like anyone else, and a secret soft side.
“I don’t know how to do this.” Dima motioned between them. “It scares me,” he whispered. “The way I feel, the way you make me feel. It scares me.” Too much to put into words. He’d never had something to lose before.
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Xavier is unapproachable, stoic, and powerful. After Dima shows up, he tries to grasp his hallmark control with both hands but he loses the fight quickly. He has no defenses against the crazy Russian, he is simply swept away by him. And though first he doesn’t want any kind of relationship with Dima, not even sex, let alone love, as the story progresses, and X realizes that he has feelings for him, he isn’t scared or hesitant. It is amazing how clearly he sees the situation, how aware he is in his own emotions and Dima’s possible reactions.
X lost track of everything but the taste of Dima. He was surrounded by the Russian, his senses taken over by him. He'd fight it, but he wasn't meant to win this. From the instant Dima accosted him in the bathroom at the club, X realized this was meant to happen. He was meant to give in, to be here on his knees, holding Dima’s face between his hands, kissing him as if he'd be lost without the sweet taste of the other man filling his taste buds.
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The Romance
Dima doesn’t believe in more. He thinks ‘more’ is not for a man like him.
Xavier was in love once but he lost it. His tragedy is heartbreaking, and unbelievably cruel. He would have never thought he would want love again: the craving, the need, the fear, being out of control – not his favorite things.
He was willing to do whatever was necessary to keep this silly grin on his face. To keep his heart beating faster and his pulse racing. His reaction was similar to what he’d felt with Quinn, but different. He’d fallen in love with Quinn slowly, quietly. With Dima, it was like a baseball bat upside the head, these feelings. They completely swamped him, made him want different things, made him want to be different.
Xavier doesn’t expect love, he doesn’t see where it comes from. And sadly, I can’t see it either. Yes, there is chemistry, attraction, lust. Dima and X are incapable to stay away from each other. Their need for each other is visceral. But somehow, in the whirlwind of emotions and sensual erotic scenes, I missed the development of the romance – if there is one. My fault maybe, but even if it is insta-love, it is impossible not to be affected by it. X and Dima’s love is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
The Erotica From the reviews here I know it is too much not only for me but for other readers too. There was a moment when I considered abandoning this book. I’m so glad I read it anyway. The presence of emotions makes the sex a bit less rough as the story progresses – not much less, and it remains insanely hot, no need to worry!
“Aw, Rush.” The blows fell faster, harder. “You have me. Couldn’t lose me if you tried.”
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Avril Ashton is an amazing writer. Her stories are captivating and extremely intense. (Watch Me) Break You is one of those stories that makes your heart beat faster and your pulse race.
Recommended to readers with some BDSM reading experience (do not start with this one!), who are open for more.
That wouldn’t do for Dima. He’d demand more. No way would he accept being topped by someone who wouldn’t or couldn’t show their pleasure at his submission. His gift. Because submission was a gift to be treasured. Appreciated.
The mystery is pretty obvious, and the plot is predictable, but the romance is slow and nicely built. The staying in the closet versus coming out probThe mystery is pretty obvious, and the plot is predictable, but the romance is slow and nicely built. The staying in the closet versus coming out problem is perfectly depicted too: genuine, not exaggerated, not melodramatized, and the solution is awesome and thrilling.
It wasn't lost on me, that I was now thinking when and not if I told them. Coming out to my workmates was something I'd never dreamed I'd ever do, and there I was considering how they'd take the news, not if I told them, but when.
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I have problem with the erotica too: it is told rather than shown.
The characters are likeable and sweet. And I enjoyed the Keira Knightley related jokes…
"Um, Mitch knows I'm seeing someone called Kira." His smile died, and he put his spoon down. "Oh," he said, then cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable with the whole idea. "And…?" "He thinks I'm secretly dating Keira Knightley." Kira snorted. "I should be offended! I'm so much prettier than she is."
I hate adding books to my everyone-liked-but-me shelf, believe me. It was my second try to read it actually: it couldn’t engage me for the first time,I hate adding books to my everyone-liked-but-me shelf, believe me. It was my second try to read it actually: it couldn’t engage me for the first time, and I thought I just was not in the mood, so I put it aside. For the second time, it was still boring. But I didn’t give up and tried to find those amazing qualities the positive reviews mention. Sadly, with no avail.
Both Ty and Zane irritated me, and the jumping viewpoint made them indistinguishable.
The continuous banter tired me, the suspense bored me to death, I felt the chemistry forced.
Romance – what romance?
Poor writing, full of repetitions: heads were cocked 31 times, eyebrows were raised 40 times, eyebrows climbed in surprise twice!, heads were tilted 25 times, and eyes were narrowed 47 times. And there was a glorious moment when two of these were in the same sentence:
“Wait wait, let me guess,” Ty said as he held out his hand toward Zane. “Psychology major with a...,” he narrowed his eyes and cocked his head, “political science minor,” he guessed.
Anyway, it was a disappointment. I have no interest in the following books....more
Greta, an old friend of Bones, is asking for a favor: her grandchildren are in trouble. Frazier is kidnapped by the local mob, and Isabella is5 stars!
Greta, an old friend of Bones, is asking for a favor: her grandchildren are in trouble. Frazier is kidnapped by the local mob, and Isabella is forced to marry the mob leader to keep her brother alive.
Bones assigns Chance to solve the situation. Chance is charming and hilarious. The second time he (view spoiler)[reappeared after he was supposedly murdered (hide spoiler)] was priceless.
Isa is witty and brave.
“You’d make a great chef,” she said once she’d swallowed. “Ever think of leaving the honor-bound, criminal-interrogating hypnotist society to try your hand at that?”
Insta-love but the vampiric kind – vampires just know it’s the real thing. It’s one of their superpowers.
Bones appears only at the beginning and at the end of the story, but Chance makes up for his absence.
Mindbend is a medical thriller-mystery here and there with horror elements (for me...). The ending is a little bit rushed but overall it's an excitingMindbend is a medical thriller-mystery here and there with horror elements (for me...). The ending is a little bit rushed but overall it's an exciting read....more
Years ago I had a PNR reading phase, and from time to time I grab a book I enjoyed back then and re-read it. Usually I get disaRe-read: 5 stars again!
Years ago I had a PNR reading phase, and from time to time I grab a book I enjoyed back then and re-read it. Usually I get disappointed, but this book is still amazing. It’s funny, bloody, and adventurous.
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is hunting vampires as a payback for what a vampire had done to her mother. She has a damn successful routine (as she’s still alive), but one night a new target confuses and kidnaps her.
Bones is a vampire bounty hunter, and a vampire himself. He hunts “bad” vampires, and offers his help to Cat to find her father if she agrees to be his partner.
They are training together, hunting together, and naturally falling in love with each other.
Simple but smartly build plot, fast-paced, action packed, humorous, and steamy story. Just brilliant. The world of the vampires is created from traditional and modern elements.
Bones trains Cat to be stronger and teaches her how to hunt vampires, but most importantly he helps her to accept herself as she is. She has strong prejudices about vampires, and has built high walls around herself, but with Bones everything is different.
Cat and Bones together are absolutely lethal.
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It’s PNR romance, yes, but it’s more than that. Actually, Cat’s personal development is much more important in this book.
The behavior of Cat’s mother is sickening: she’s very well aware that her daughter is in danger every night. Still, Justina selfishly not only lets but encourages her to continue the hunt. As I’ve already read the series, I know things about Justina, but later about that.
Halfway to the Grave is a superb start to an extraordinary series....more
Reckoning is a prelude to the Night Huntress series. Not essential, but it’s definitely worth reading.
Bones arrives to New Orleans to hunt down two vReckoning is a prelude to the Night Huntress series. Not essential, but it’s definitely worth reading.
Bones arrives to New Orleans to hunt down two vicious ghouls, just before he travels to Ohio and meets Cat.
Bones left without looking back. His flight out of the city was already booked. By tonight, he’d be on his way to Ohio, searching out the undead accountant he’d been tracking before he got involved in this mess. This was over, but it was time for the next hunt.
Though it’s a prequel, it’s best to read after book one (or even later).
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