The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan

Genre: Fantasy; Horror; Young Adult

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Goodreads Blurb: In a kingdom of merciless tyrants, Jebel Rum's family is honored as royalty because his father is the executioner. But Rashed Rum is near retirement. And when he goes, there will be a contest to determine his successor. It is a contest that thin, puny Jebel has no chance of winning.

Humiliated and ashamed, Jebel sets out on a quest to the faraway home of a legendary fire god to beg for inhuman powers so that he can become the most lethal of men. He must take with him a slave, named Tel Hesani, to be sacrificed to the god. It will be a dark and brutal journey filled with lynch mobs, suicide cults, terrible monsters, and worse, monstrous men. But to Jebel, the risk is worth it. To retrieve his honor . . . To wield unimaginable power . . . To become . . . The Thin Executioner.

Inspired by The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, international bestselling master of horror Darren Shan takes readers on a thrilling, fast-paced journey into a nightmarish world where compassion and kindness are the greatest crimes of all.

My Review: I'm not a horror fan, but the premise of this book drew me in: Jebel setting out on a brutal quest with the slave he must sacrifice at the end of it. Why would the slave go along? We find out early on that Tel Hesani goes willingly; he accompanies Jebel because his death will mean his family's freedom. It's an intriguing set up.

Given that premise, I don't think it's too spoilery to say that I figured the two men would somehow reach the end of the quest, and that Jebel would have to decide whether to go through with the sacrifice or not. I was right--but there's a twist I didn't see coming!

I have a few quibbles with this book: Shan can get preachy, and the names of two of the supporting characters, Bush and Blair, suggest that he felt compelled to throw his political opinions in. But the setting here suggests a Middle-Eastern, dark fantasy world--those Anglo names are ridiculously out of place! Another problem was the gruesome violence of the story. It was so over-the-top that I just found myself growing numb. (But, again, I'm no horror fan.) Lastly, while I loved the scenes that Jebel and Tel Hesani shared, whenever the two men were apart I found the story dragging.

Overall, though, this is an excellent read. For me the heart of the book is the growing and sometimes frustrating relationship between Jebel and Tel Hesani. There's a glimmer of friendship between them as Tel Hesani becomes something of a father figure for the bratty would-be executioner, but that doesn't mean Jebel is ready to reconsider his entrenched prejudices. This uneven relationship more than makes up for the times when Shan veers between being too gruesome and too preachy.

Available on Kindle: Yes. You can find it on Amazon here.

In a Dark Wood by Josh Lanyon

Genre: Contemporary Romance; M/M Romance; Romance; Suspense

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Goodreads Blurb: In a dark, dark wood there was a dark, dark house...

Camping in the Jersey Pine Barrens may literally turn out to be a first date from hell for travel writer Tim and the cute cop who persuades him to revisit a past that Tim has done his best to forget.

My Review: Yeah, this camping trip with Luke is the first date from hell. Poor Tim. (Note to self: learn from Tim's experience. Never go camping on a first date.)

But worse than getting lost in the woods is Luke's annoying conviction that he knows what's wrong with Tim and how Tim should fix it. (Ok, Tim. I agree with Luke that you have a problem--but damned if you should put up with him telling you how to run your life! You can hit him now if you'd like. I've got your back.)

And yet, this single-minded, tactless cop may be just the guy to help Tim confront his demons . . .

On Kindle: Yes. Find it on Amazon here.

Angel and the Assassin by Fyn Alexander

Genre: bdsm; contemporary romance; m/m romance; romance

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Goodreads Blurb: Kael Saunders loves to dominate handsome, masculine men like himself. Being in charge is his way of life whether it be in his work with the Secret Intelligence service, his personal life, or in the dungeon. The last thing he expects when he is out on a hit is to fall in love with Angel, an eighteen-year-old boy desperate for the love and guidance of a Daddy. Yet Angel also has a passion for being spanked and restrained. Two very different men find love in a world of skilled assassins, Bosnian terrorists, and dungeon play.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and content, male/male sexual practices.

My Review: Oy. I have conflicting opinions about this book. I began it wondering if the author could make the main character, assassin Kael Saunders, sympathetic. Overall, I'd say the answer is no. Kael's an intriguing character to be sure--and he does have his redeeming moments. But I still find a ruthless assassin a tough sell; especially as Kael's willing to murder innocent witnesses.

(I find it even more problematic that Kael is a government-sanctioned assassin, and that the 'collateral damage' from his hits are likewise sanctioned; that doesn't say much for the author's opinion on the UK government.)

I had problems with Angel too. He never quite rang true to me. I have no issue with his daddy kink-he's not actually related to Kael, after all, and both men are of age. However I did find Angel's sex and bdsm scenes with Kael excessive and drawn out. (Ditto for the other sex and bdsm scenes in the book.) But more importantly, I found it hard to get a handle on a young man who's sometimes less mature than a five year old, and other times as wise as a Jedi Master.

And yet, I kept reading. That's partly due to another character who has a complicated--not to mention disturbing--relationship with Kael: Kael's boss, Conran. I found the, ah, strained interactions between Conran and Kael a better reason to keep reading than the romance between Kael and Angel, and ultimately worth staying the course for.

One last note: despite my ambivalence toward this book, there are plenty of people who love it. I've included a link to a rave review below.

On Kindle: Yes. Find it on Amazon here.

Other Reviews:
Jessewave

Duck! by Kim Dare

Genre: BDSM; Fairy Tale Retelling; Fantasy; M/M Romance; Romance

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Goodreads Blurb: Raised among humans, Ori Jones only discovered he was an avian shifter six months ago. Unable to complete a full shift until he reaches his avian maturity, he still can’t be sure of his exact species.

But with species comes rank, and rank is everything to the avians. When a partial shift allows the elders to announce that they believe Ori to be a rather ugly little duckling, he drops straight to the bottom rung of their hierarchy.

Life isn’t easy for Ori until he comes to the attention of a high ranking hawk shifter. Then the only question is, is Ori really a duck—and what will his new master think when the truth eventually comes out?

My Review: I love the premise of this book: retelling The Ugly Duckling as an avian shape-shifting, bdsm tale. Plus I have a thing for wings--and though this isn't quite wingfic, it's close enough to suit me. So I was all set to adore this book.

But while I enjoyed this story, I didn't fall in love with it. The characters are likable, but rather one dimensional; Raynard and Ori don't have much personality beyond the fact that one's all dom and one's all sub. Worse, there are some disturbing, institution-sanctioned abuse scenes early on. Not between Raynard and Ori, thankfully, but--well, suffice to say that Ori had a rough time of it before Raynard decided to rescue him.

One last complaint: I would have loved more details about this avian world! It's intriguing, but it could stand some fleshing out.

Still, my kvetching aside, this is an imaginative take on the original fairy tale. Apart from those early abuse scenes, it makes for a pleasant read.

Available on Kindle: Yes. Find it on Amazon here.

Revelation by C.J. Sansom

Genre: historical fiction; historical mystery; mystery

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Series: Dissolution; Dark Fire; Sovereign; Revelation

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: Spring, 1543. King Henry VIII is wooing Lady Catherine Parr, whom he wants for his sixth wife. But this time the object of his affections is resisting. Archbishop Cranmer and the embattled Protestant faction at court are watching keenly, for Lady Catherine is known to have reformist sympathies.

Matthew Shardlake, meanwhile, is working on the case of a teenage boy, a religious maniac locked in the Bedlam hospital for the insane. Should he be released to his parents, when his terrifying actions could lead to him being burned as a heretic?

When an old friend is horrifically murdered Shardlake promises his widow, for whom he has long had complicated feelings, to bring the killer to justice. His search leads him to both Cranmer and Catherine Parr - and with the dark prophecies of the Book of Revelation. As London's Bishop Bonner prepares a purge of Protestants Shardlake, together with his assistant, Jack Barak, and his friend, Guy Malton, follow the trail of a series of horrific murders that shake them to the core, and which are already bringing frenzied talk of witchcraft and a demonic possession - for what else would the Tudor mind make of a serial killer . . .

My Review: Matthew Shardlake may have sworn off politics, but the murder of a close friend forces him to work for Bishop Cramner once more. Catholic leaning traditionalists now have Henry VIII's ear, and Cramner is attempting to keep the spirit of Reform alive and preserve his own skin. Matthew, meanwhile, remains a cynical skeptic--but he is determined to bring his friend's killer to justice.

Matthew's assistant, Jack Barak--my favorite character in the series--is front and center but busy wrecking his marriage to Tamasin. Matthew cringes at Jack's carousing and infidelities, but can't find a way to talk some sense into his friend. (Personally, I was ready to smack Jack upside the head.)

Guy, the former monk and current physician, plays a large part here too. He shows considerable insight when he tries to delve into the mind of the mentally ill--but not an ounce of wisdom when it comes to his personal life, much to Matthew's frustration.

The best part of this book--and what keeps me addicted to this series--is the characters and their interactions; in that respect, Sansom is in top form here. A close second is his portrayal of Tudor London and the deadly mixture of religion, politics and persecution that was so characteristic of Henry VIII's reign. The mystery itself is a distant third. It held my interest and kept me guessing, but a couple of points had me furrowing my brow, and another improbable escape had me rolling my eyes.

Still, this is an excellent continuation of the series, and as soon as my budget permits, I'll be buying the next one!

On Kindle: Yes. Find it on Amazon here.

Snowball in Hell by Josh Lanyon

Genre: Historical Mystery; Historical Romance; M/M Romance; Mystery; Noir; Romance

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: It's 1943 and the world is at war. Journalist Nathan Doyle has just returned home from North Africa--still recovering from wounds received in the Western Desert Campaign--when he's asked to cover the murder of a society blackmailer.

Lt. Matthew Spain of the LAPD homicide squad hates the holidays since the death of his beloved wife a few months earlier, and this year isn-t looking much cheerier what with the threat of attack by the Japanese and a high-profile homicide investigation. Matt likes Nathan; maybe too much.

If only he didn't suspect that Nathan had every reason to commit murder.

My Review: The mystery is front and center in this story, but it never overshadows the romance: Matthew Spain’s attraction to Nathan Doyle is immediate and palpable—and it doesn’t abate, even when realizes he has to add Nathan to his lists of suspects for the murder of Phil Arlen. Nathan, meanwhile, is dangerously depressed, dangerously contemptuous of his own homosexuality, and dangerously determined to ferret out the real killer.

I am not a fan of noir films, so I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the noir feel of this book. But my doubts vanished in the first few pages. I was hooked! The mystery kept my interest and my heart bled for Nathan, who can’t bear to live like a monk and yet can’t help despising his sexual appetite. Matthew, meanwhile, seems to be living his life on a more even keel—but Nathan manages to upset his balance!

The setting—WWII California—seems solid and I didn’t notice any anachronisms in the characters’ attitudes or vocabulary. The ending left me satisfied, but curious; fortunately Josh Lanyon is planning a sequel. (See this thread in Josh's Q & A Group on Goodreads.) All in all an excellent read!

On Kindle: Yes. Find it on Amazon here.

Special Note: Find a discussion of the book here on Goodreads.

Other Reviews:
The Romanceaholic
Jessewave (Reviewed as part of Collected Novellas, Volume 1)

Scandal by Amanda Quick

Genre: Historical Romance; Regency Romance; Romance

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: With her reputation forever tarnished by a youthful indiscretion, lovely Emily Faringdon is resigned to a life of spinsterhood, until she embarks on an unusual correspondence and finds herself falling head over heals in love. Sensitive, intelligent, and high-minded, her noble pen-pal seems to embody everything Emily has ever dreamed of in a man. But the mysterious Earl of Blade is not at all what he seems.

Driven by dark, smoldering passions and a tragic secret buried deep within his soul, Blade has all of London cowering at his feet, but not Emily... never Emily. For even as she surrenders to his seductive charms, she knows the real reason for his amorous wit. And she knows that she must reach the heart of his golden-eyed dragon before the avenging demons of their entwined pasts destroy the only love she has ever known ...

My Review: Emily's naiveté, romanticism and bad poetry might make you cringe, until you realize that her escapism masks an understanding of the harsh realities of life. (Some readers never forgive Emily's flights of fancy--see 'other reviews' below!) But while Emily understands those harsh realities, she doesn't always accept them. She's made her peace with the faults of her father and siblings, but she's determined to see Simon, her revenge-obsessed husband, live up to nobler ideals. Simon gradually begins to do so, and that's what makes this book so much fun.

I fell in love with this book when I first read it, which was--well, let's just say it was a long time ago, and I was young and naive myself. I don't love this book as fiercely anymore, but I still enjoy Simon's gradual and reluctant transformation, as well as Emily's odd combination of unstinting faith and hard core realism.

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

Special Note: The author, Amanda Quick, is also known as Jayne Ann Krentz and Jayne Castle

Other Reviews:
My Book Addiction

The Boys from Brazil by Ira Levin

Genre: Science Fiction; Suspense; Thriller

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: Alive and hiding in South America, the fiendish Nazi Dr. Josef Mengele gathers a group of former colleagues for a horrifying project—the creation of the Fourth Reich. Barry Kohler, a young investigative journalist, gets wind of the project and informs famed Nazi hunter Ezra Lieberman, but before he can relay the evidence, Kohler is killed.

Thus Ira Levin opens one of the strangest and most masterful novels of his career. Why has Mengele marked a number of harmless aging men for murder? What is the hidden link thatbinds them? What interest can they possibly hold for their killers: six former SS men dispatched from South America by the mostwanted Nazi still alive, the notorious “Angel of Death“? Oneman alone must answer these questions and stop the killings—Lieberman, himself aging and thought by some to be losing hisgrip on reality.

At the heart of The Boys from Brazil lies a frightening contemporary nightmare, chilling and all too possible.

My Review: This book had me on the edge of my seat; it's worth suspending disbelief for. The cat-and-mouse game between Josef Mengele and a Nazi hunter, mixed with a sci-fi plot about nature versus nurture, makes for a fast, absorbing read.

If you're not familiar with Josef Mengele, read up on him before you begin. The book only hints at what a butcher this "Angel of Death" was. (Knowing he was still alive and at large in South America when this book came out gave me pause while reading it.)

My one complaint about this story is that the characters seem like rough sketches. I wanted to grow attached to Liebermann, the Nazi hunter (based loosely on Simon Wiesenthal) and Klaus, a young German who helps him. But they seemed more servants to the plot than characters in their own right. Still, I'll probably revisit this book--if only to study the art of creating suspense.

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

1978 Film Version: See IMDB

Strapless by Honoria Ravena

Genre: Contemporary Romance; F/F Romance; Romance

My Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: Suffering from heartache over her broken engagement, Nadia has sworn off men. Elisheba, who has been a confidant throughout the break up, has always stood by Nadia—but Elisheba has more on her mind than friendship.

My Review: Hot but seemingly mindless sex between two characters with barbie-doll figures and painful wax jobs. This short story has its moments, but I couldn't find a reason to care about the characters--and  I couldn't find a plot beyond "I'll-turn-bi-for-you-because-my-spineless-fiancé-broke-up-with-me."

I'd love to hear a different take on this. Do you enjoy a porn-without-plot story? Or am I missing something deeper here?

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

The Good Thief by James Buchanan

Genre: M/M Romance; Romance

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: What if the wrong guy, turns out to be the right guy for you? Caesar Serrano thought he screwed up when he landed in the bed of LAPD Officer Nathan Reilly. But when Caesar breaks into the wrong house and stumbles upon a heinous crime, implicating a high ranking LAPD officer, Nate is the only person he knows to turn to. The resulting investigation throws the Blue Brigade into panic. Now he's running for his life and Nate is his only hope for survival. Can two men, on opposite sides of the law, come together to bring a monster to justice?

My Review: I'm a sucker for a good lawman-thief story, and this one delivers. There's chemistry to spare between Caesar the housebreaker and Nate the LAPD beat cop; some tough moral decisions for both of them; and a juicy plot to follow. I think there were too many sex scenes crammed in here--when do these guys have a chance to breathe?--but I can't complain too much about that. Besides, I learned some fun, romantic Spanish phrases!

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

Genre: Regency Romance; Romance

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: When Lady Ombersley agrees to take in her young niece, no one expects Sophy, who sweeps in and immediately takes the ton by storm. Sophy discovers that her aunt's family is in desperate need of her talent for setting everything right: Ceclia is in love with a poet, Charles has tyrannical tendencies that are being aggravated by his grim fiancee, her uncle is of no use at all, and the younger children are in desperate need of some fun and freedom. By the time she's done, Sophy has commandeered Charles's horses, his household, and finally, his heart.

My Review: I love The Grand Sophy--this is the book that introduced me to the witty Georgette Heyer, who has remained a favorite author of mine ever since. This book also contains my favorite supporting character: Sophy's father, Sir Horace Stanton-Lacy.  How does he manage to be so selfish and self-absorbed and yet so engaging?

But Sophy is the heart of the book, and she's almost as much fun as her father. Her aunt, uncle and cousins stand no chance once she decides to rearrange their lives. Only her cousin Charles puts up a real fight, but he can't stop himself from falling for her. Sophy falls hard too; Charles may seem like a prig, but she soon comes to value his sense of humor, intelligence and love for his family.

Unfortunately, Heyer's antisemitism is most obvious in The Grand Sophy, which spoils some of the fun for me. I think it would spoil it even if I weren't a Jew myself. Her portrayal of the Jewish moneylender (Goldhanger) employed just about every nasty stereotype about Jews--and this was published in 1950, just a few years after the Holocaust! (In other books, she referred to "the Jews" derisively as a synonym for moneylenders. Also nasty stuff, but the scene in The Grand Sophy is worse.)

Nonetheless, I still love this book and decided to give it a five-star rating despite the antisemitism. It's still one of my favorites. (Heck, I've lost count of the number of times I've read it.)

Are you familiar with Georgette Heyer and The Grand Sophy? Did the controversial scene with Goldhanger bother you as much as it bothered me? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

Other Reviews:
Jane Austen's World

The Dark Tide by Josh Lanyon

Genre: M/M Romance; Mystery; Romance

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Series: Fatal Shadows; A Dangerous Thing; The Hell You Say; Death of a Pirate King; The Dark Tide

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: As if recovering from heart surgery beneath the gaze of his over-protective family wasn’t exasperating enough, someone keeps trying to break into Adrien English’s bookstore. What is this determined midnight intruder searching for?

When a half-century old skeleton tumbles out of the wall in the midst of the renovation of Cloak and Dagger Bookstore renovation, Adrien turns to hot and handsome ex-lover Jake Riordan -- now out-of-the closet and working as a private detective.

Jake is only too happy to have reason to stay in close contact with Adrien, but there are more surprises in Adrien’s past than either one of them expects -- and one of them may prove hazardous to Jake’s own heart.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.

My Review: This is the most satisfying series finale I've ever read. Adrien and Jake have both grown up, and they're ready (if not entirely willing) to confront their past and maybe the possibility of a shared future.

Adrien is on an emotional roller-coaster after his heart surgery; he's stunned that he might live a normal lifespan after all, and he's not sure what he wants at this point. Jake is dealing with the fallout from coming out of the closet, his failed marriage, and his abrupt resignation from the force.

Jake has become a private investigator, and that works for Adrien, who has entangled himself in yet another murder investigation. The noir-esque mystery--which is my favorite of the series--makes the two men partners in solving crime again. And despite all their romantic issues, it's clear they still make an excellent team.

Meanwhile, Adrien's family is helping him despite his best efforts to thwart them, and both Mel and Guy make significant appearances. All in all a brilliant read--but don't pick this up as a stand alone. You'll want the whole series under your belt before relishing the finale.

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

Other Reviews: 
Graceful Hippo
Rainbow Reviews

Book Discussion: Once you finished this finale, head over to Josh's Q & A Group on Goodreads and discuss the whole Adrien English series.

Death of a Pirate King by Josh Lanyon

Genre: M/M Romance; Mystery; Romance;

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Series: Fatal Shadows; A Dangerous Thing; The Hell You Say; Death of a Pirate King; The Dark Tide

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: Gay bookseller and reluctant amateur sleuth Adrien English's writing career is suddenly taking off. His first novel, Murder Will Out, has been optioned by notorious Hollywood actor Paul Kane.But when murder makes an appearance at a dinner party, who should be called in but Adrien's former lover, handsome closeted detective Jake Riordan, now a Lieutenant with LAPD. And that may just drive Adrien's current boyfriend, sexy UCLA professor Guy Snowden, to commit a murder of his own!

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual situations, strong violence.

My Review: Adrien English finds himself smack in the middle of another murder mystery--only this time LAPD Lt. Jake Riordan is encouraging him to do some amateur sleuthing instead of threatening to throw his ass in jail for interfering. So Adrien has his hands full with his informal investigation, his new step sisters, his faltering relationship with Guy . . . and his lingering feelings for the still-closeted (and now married) Jake. Adrien and his sharp tongue are in top form here; don't plan on putting this book down once you start it!

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Genre: Mystery; Suspense

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Series: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; The Girl Who Played with Fire; The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.


Book Blurb: A familiar evil lies in wait for Lisbeth Salander, but this time, she must do more than confront the miscreants of her past; she must destroy them. Much to her chagrin, survival requires her to place a great deal of faith in journalist Mikael Blomkvist and trust his judgment when the stakes are highest.

To reveal more of the plot would be criminal, as Larsson's mastery of the unexpected is why millions have fallen hard for his work. But rest assured that the odds are again stacked, the challenges personal, and the action fraught with neck-snapping revelations in this snarling conclusion to a thrilling triad. This closing chapter to The Girl's pursuit of justice is guaranteed to leave readers both satisfied and saddened once the final page has been turned.

My Review: Blomkvist, Salander and team have quite a problem on their hands now that they've uncovered a major conspiracy within Sapo, the Swedish security police. This conspiracy has bedeviled Salander her entire life--and it's on the brink of shutting her up by shutting her back in a mental hospital with a sadistic doctor to watch over her.

But my gut assured me that our redoubtable heroes would out this conspiracy and bring them to justice. The fun was in watching how it played out.

This is not a stand-alone book; you need to read first two installments to make sense of it. But it works as a finale. There's a lot that seems improbable in the story and sections that seem overlong, but it's still a fun ride and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

The Hell You Say by Josh Lanyon

Genre: M/M Romance; Mystery; Romance

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Series: Fatal Shadows; A Dangerous Thing; The Hell You Say; Death of a Pirate King; The Dark Tide

How I acquired this book:  I purchased it.


Book Blurb: Adrien English isn't really a detective, he's a bookseller and mystery writer who has a knack for attracting real life mischief and mayhem -- much to the displeasure of his sexy, sometimes-boyfriend, closeted homicide detective Jake Riordan.When bookstore assistant Angus falls afoul of a Satanic cult, Adrien falls afoul of Jake -- but despite the fact that his amateur sleuthing is playing hell with his love life, Adrien can't help but delving into this case of kooks, cults, devil worship, and human sacrifice.

Publisher's Note: This book is a re-edited, revised version of the work previously released under the same title and.contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices, violence.

My Review: All of Adrien and Jake's issues come to a head here, so at times this is a gut-wrenching read. That's almost a relief--whatever the outcome for these two, I didn't want their problems as a couple to keep festering. And fortunately, Adrien's snarky sense of humor remains in place throughout his troubles with Jake, the absorbing mystery he lands in, and some hilarious changes in his family situation. No wonder I couldn't put this down!

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

Special Note: To add to your enjoyment of this series, when you're finished this book, check out this character interview between Jake Riordan and his maker, and then this follow up character interview between Josh and Adrien.

More Reviews: 
Elisa Role's Review
Graceful Hippo's Review

The Gentleman and the Rogue by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon

Genre: Romance; Historical Romance; M/M Romance; LGBT


My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars


How I acquired this book: I purchased it.


Book Blurb: A lad from the streets meets a lord of the manor...


When war veteran Sir Alan Watleigh goes searching for sex, he never imagines the street rat he brings home for one last bit of pleasure in his darkest hour will be the man who hauls him back from the edge of the grave. A night of meaningless sex turns into an offer of permanent employment. As Sir Alan Watleigh’s valet, Jem offers much more than polished boots and starched cravats. He makes Sir Alan Watleigh smile and warms his bed. 

Just as the men are adjusting to their new living arrangement, news about a former soldier under his command sends Sir Alan Watleigh and Jem on the road to save a child in danger.The journey brings them closer together as they travel from lust toward love. But is Sir Alan Watleigh's love strong enough to risk society discovering the truth about him?


Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.


My Review: Sir Alan is haunted by his war memories--so much so that he's decided suicide is his only option. But first he wants one last night of pleasure and warmth with a young man, no matter how much he despises such an 'unnatural desire.' 

Enter Jem--a delightful, nineteen-year-old street rat who's more than willing to provide said pleasure and warmth for pay. But he wants to see a smile on his patron's face in the process, because he can't understand how anyone with a grand roof over his head, plenty of food in his belly and servants to cater to his every need could possibly be so miserable. So he shares some really terrible bawdy jokes with Sir Alan, along with thieves' cant and his general philosophy of life. 

Sir Alan is captivated--and it's a safe bet to say that most readers will be too! 

Alan begins to think of ways to keep Jem around for more than one night. His solution makes good sense--and up to this point, this book is damn near perfect. (Well, I could nitpick about errors regarding the clothing of the Regency period, but Jem is so much fun that I'll let those go.) 

But then the authors veer off into a subplot about a maniacal doctor that takes up the rest of the book. What a shame! I wish they had kept their focus on Alan struggling against his depression while re-learning to live day by day; Jem learning his new role and how to leave behind some of the habits that helped him survive on the streets; and both men learning how to balance their relationship as master and servant on the one hand and lovers on the other. 

So, for me, the entire subplot was an annoying distraction. I can see myself reading the first few chapters of this book over and over, and then skipping around, ignoring the maniacal doctor. I'm glad Kindle has a bookmarking feature!

Have you read this book? If so, how did you like the maniacal doctor subplot? I'd love to hear a different take on it.


On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

Genre: Mystey; Suspense


My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Series: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; The Girl Who Played with Fire; The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest


How I acquired this book: I purchased it.


Book Blurb: Mikael Blomkvist, crusading journalist and publisher of the magazineMillennium, has decided to run a story that will expose an extensive sex trafficking operation between Eastern Europe and Sweden, implicating well-known and highly placed members of Swedish society, business, and government. 

But he has no idea just how explosive the story will be until, on the eve of publication, the two investigating reporters are murdered. And even more shocking for Blomkvist: the fingerprints found on the murder weapon belong to Lisbeth Salander—the troubled, wise-beyond-her-years genius hacker who came to his aid in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and who now becomes the focus and fierce heart of The Girl Who Played with Fire. 

As Blomkvist, alone in his belief in Salander’s innocence, plunges into an investigation of the slayings, Salander herself is drawn into a murderous hunt in which she is the prey, and which compels her to revisit her dark past in an effort to settle with it once and for all.

My Review: Another addictive story, even if Blomkvist is still entangling himself in too many love affairs. I like his longstanding, poly relationship, but the rest in these first two books seem over the top. (Yeah, I'm betting Larsson identified with this evidently irresistible journalist!) Still, I couldn't stop turning the pages as Blomkvist and his magazine declared war against the sex trade and human trafficking--and as Salander came crashing back into his life. 

One warning: this middle book doesn't quite stand on its own. It has an ending, but you'll want to have the last book standing by.


On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

Dark Fire by C.J. Sansom

Genre: Historical Fiction; Historical Mystery; Mystery

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Series: Dissolution; Dark Fire; Sovereign; Revelation

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: It is 1540 and the hottest summer of the sixteenth century. Matthew Shardlake, believing himself out of favour with Thomas Cromwell, is busy trying to maintain his legal practice and keep a low profile. But his involvement with a murder case, defending a girl accused of brutally murdering her young cousin, brings him once again into contact with the king-s chief minister - and a new assignment . . .

The secret of Greek Fire, the legendary substance with which the Byzantines destroyed the Arab navies, has been lost for centuries. Now an official of the Court of Augmentations has discovered the formula in the library of a dissolved London monastery. When Shardlake is sent to recover it, he finds the official and his alchemist brother brutally murdered - the formula has disappeared.

Now Shardlake must follow the trail of Greek Fire across Tudor London, while trying at the same time to prove his young client's innocence. But very soon he discovers nothing is as it seems . .

My Review: Dark Fire is even more enjoyable than Dissolution, the first Matthew Shardlake mystery. That's thanks to Jack Barak, an uncouth rogue who becomes Shardlake's new assistant by Cromwell's order.

Jack's a patralineal descendant of converso Jews. Unlike Matthew, who's in the midst of an existential crisis, he doesn't worry his head with questions about the nature of the Divine or the problems of Reform. And unlike Guy, the Moorish ex-monk, he's not a man of strong faith. In fact, Jack seems to care little about Christianity (his titular religion) and knows next to nothing about Judaism. He even calls the empty mezuzah his father passed down to him a 'mezza' until Guy corrects him! Yet he's fiercely attached to his Jewish heritage. More power to him, especially as he's not fool enough to advertise that attachment in Tudor England.

There are two mysteries to untangle here; both are more interesting for the interactions between Matthew, Jack and Guy than for the mysteries themselves. Meanwhile, Sansom's recreation of Tudor England and historic characters like Thomas Cromwell continues to dazzle. And there's plenty of tension where Cromwell's concerned--even if the reader is familiar with the man's fate.

I wasn't crazy about some of the action scenes and improbable escapes, but that's a minor complaint. I'm going to keep devouring this series, cheesy escapes and all!

On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Genre: Mystery; Suspense

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Series: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; The Girl Who Played with Fire; The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest 

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: A spellbinding amalgam of murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue. It's about the disappearance forty years ago of Harriet Vanger, a young scion of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden . . . and about her octogenarian uncle, determined to know the truth about what he believes was her murder.

It's about Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently at the wrong end of a libel case, hired to get to the bottom of Harriet's disappearance . . . and about Lisbeth Salander, a twenty-four-year-old pierced and tattooed genius hacker possessed of the hard-earned wisdom of someone twice her age--and a terrifying capacity for ruthlessness to go with it--who assists Blomkvist with the investigation. This unlikely team discovers a vein of nearly unfathomable iniquity running through the Vanger family, astonishing corruption in the highest echelons of Swedish industrialism--and an unexpected connection between themselves.

It's a contagiously exciting, stunningly intelligent novel about society at its most hidden, and about the intimate lives of a brilliantly realized cast of characters, all of them forced to face the darker aspects of their world and of their own lives.

My Review: I've had the feeling for a while now that everyone else in the world has read this book but me. And now I know why--I couldn't put the damned thing down! I stayed up the whole night to finish it.

It's not for the faint of heart; it's a mystery that deals with serial killings, financial shenanigans and sexual abuse. There are also some complicated romantic relationships and disturbing issues dealing with legal guardianship.

Sounds like a lot for one novel, huh? But Larsson is a deft storyteller; you don't even notice how much is going on until you're done!

Ok. Since everyone else in the world really has read this book, I know you have an opinion. Let me hear it . . .
On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.

Fatal Shadows & A Dangerous Thing by Josh Lanyon

Genre: Mystery, Romance, M/M Romance, Contemporary Romance, LGBT

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Series: Fatal Shadows; A Dangerous Thing; The Hell You Say; Death of a Pirate King; The Dark Tide

How I acquired this book: I purchased it.

Book Blurb: Relationships can be murder. Bookseller and mystery author Adrien English is looking for love in all the wrong places -- and, according to hot and handsome LAPD detective Jake Riordan, it's liable to get him killed.

Fatal Shadows: A serial killer is stalking gay men, and a tawny-eyed LAPD detective wants bookseller Adrien English in handcuffs -- for all the wrong reasons!

A Dangerous Thing: When his romance goes south, Adrien heads north to the California Motherlode country. Can murder -- and Adrien's favorite LAPD detective -- be far behind?


Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic situations, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: homoerotic sex, violence.


My Review: Adrien English is a wry, funny, endearing narrator with a weak heart, a stubborn streak and an unhealthy dose of curiosity. He gets himself into such a dangerous, disturbing situation toward the end of the first book that I almost had to close my eyes.  Jake Riordan, meanwhile, is a smart, tough, ambitious cop who won't acknowledge himself as gay--but can't stop himself from pursuing Adrien. (Ok, sometimes it's because Adrien is a suspect, but still.) Add two creepy, puzzling mysteries and you have the first two books of a series that's impossible to put down!


On Kindle: Yes. Find it at Amazon here.


Special Note: If you're just starting the Adrien English series, purchase this two-for-one edition for your Kindle. Let me know what you think . . .


More Reviews: 
Graceful Hippo's Review