Book Review: False Evidence by Jon Michaelsen

3.5 stars

Kevin, a corporate accountant, finds his life turned upside down when he notices a handsome young man living in the building across the street. Interest and infatuation quickly turns into obsession as Kevin watches the man through binoculars and cameras. When the two men finally meet, Kevin's desire increases tenfold. He also soon discovers that Tony is living in a complicated situation with a partner. Even though he knows the risks involved, Kevin still pursues the relationship, with disastrous results.

While reading the first half of this book, I noticed it's like a modern-day Rear Window, a favorite movie of mine. The voyeuristic nature makes the story thrilling, yet at the same time disturbing. Kevin's obsession with Tony runs deep, almost to the point where I questioned his sanity. What made it even sadder was the fact that this behavior was Kevin's only form of excitement in his mundane life.

The overall mystery, which starts about 65% into the book, was gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat. I flew through the last third of the book, desperate to see what was going to happen. False Evidence sets the groundwork for additional books as the MC tries to solve the mystery for the sake of his own sanity and freedom. I look forward to reading them and seeing where Jon Michelsen takes this character.

I noticed a couple of typos, but nothing that was too distracting. I think the one thing I took the most issue with was the character Alice. She was very unlikeable and seemed to think she was entitled to know every detail of Kevin's life. Part of me wondered if she had feelings for him, despite knowing he was gay. She seemed way too needy, clingy, rude and petulant to be anyone's friend.

Buy False Evidence (Murder Most Deadly #1) here or here.

The Broken Alpha by SoundShield11

The Broken Alpha by SoundShield11

Driven by the need to avenge his parents' death at the hands of a sadistic vampire, Victoria, Jacob finds himself in a strange town. Before he knows it, another shapeshifter has imprinted on him and he discovers he's the true Alpha of the pack. Will Jacob be able to handle his new role as Alpha and the unfamiliarity of imprinting before Victoria rips everything important away?

It's always a joy to read a story featuring Jacob and Seth and this story provides a great spin on the story we've all come to know. Jacob knows very little about the Quiluete tribe and after years on his own is suddenly thrust into a family he never expected to have. Not only does this story contain a sweet and aww-inducing romance, it also has nail-biting suspense and action. I highly recommend this story about loss, vengeance and discovery.

~ M

Finding Our Colors by Jaspered01

Finding Our Colors by Jaspered01

Wondering what happened to his marriage and the man he thought he knew, Jasper takes the necessary steps to regain his confidence and become a better man.

This drabble-esque story is definitely an emotional rollercoaster! My heart broke for Jasper over and over again and I wanted to strangle Edward for being so callous, arrogant, selfish and spiteful. If you're a die-hard Edward lover, you may want to skip this because he possesses very few redeeming qualities so far. However, I really like the message Jaspered01 presented: Jasper must find himself again, independent of Edward. Once this occurs, and he no longer needs Edward, Edward's world will crumble. I absolutely can't wait for that moment!

~ M

Echoes by Lletya

Echoes by Lletya

Sisters Rosalie and Alice are stuck in the airport awaiting a delayed flight carrying their loved ones. When they stumble upon a man waiting for his partner on the same flight, they strike up a conversation and eventually Jasper begins to tell the women about his bumpy, but happy, 20-year relationship with the love of his life, Edward.

Each chapter of this story just seems to get better and better. Jasper describes his relationship and love for Edward so vividly that you can't help but get caught up in his memories, much like Rosalie and Alice. Even though this story is sweet and heartwarming, it does have its difficult moments as Jasper initially struggles with accepting his sexuality and the fact that his parents believe being gay is an "illness". Definitely check out this story! I highly recommend it!

~ M

The Hike by Yulliah

The Hike by Yulliah

Edward, Jasper, Seth and Jacob set out for their annual camping trip that promises to be a lot of fun. However, Edward knows the trip will be full of torment because his nemesis, Emmett, willl be there as well. Edward doesn't know what he did to Emmett to warrant all of the Emmett's taunting and hurtful actions, but he decides to just grit his teeth a bare it. After an accident, revelations are made and Edward is forced to wrap his head around some startling news.

This is a story that immediately draws you in and makes you care about the characters. I could feel Edward's frustration and disbelief at the unfolding events, and his confusion and betrayal during an important (in my opinion) point in the story was so palpable that I too wanted him to push everyone away. I don't want to give too much away, but I recommend that you check this story out! Hopefully Yulliah will revisit these characters in the future because I'd love to know if Edward and the others were able to repair their fractured friendship.

~ M

Book Review: Whitewater by Meredith Shayne

Baker Luke Henderson is enamored by a gorgeous surfer he watches each morning during his breaks. He only watches from afar because he's sure someone like that would never give him the time of day.

Cameron Brown notices an intriguing and cute guy watching him while he surfs, and would like to approach him, but hasn't gotten up the nerve to actually talk to him. This mysterious guy isn't his usual type, but there's something about him that piques his interest.

I truly loved every aspect of this book. The slow build of Luke and Cam's relationship brought a huge smile to my face and warmed my heart. I appreciated that Luke's disability was presented in a very realistic way, showing both the pain and frustration associated with it. There was just enough angst without being overwhelming, and the romance was delightful.

Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the food. As a foodie, I enjoyed reading about Luke's confections and Cam's culinary masterpieces, and longed to taste the delicious creations.

Whitewater is definitely a book that I will read again in the future. Highly recommended.

Buy Links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Appreciated, but Not Required by L.A.91

Appreciated, but Not Required by L.A.91

Edward has just experienced the death of a parent and not only has to deal with the pain of that loss, but he also must deal with the whispers and murmurs of his classmates as he tries to put on a brave face at school. When the guy who has been the source of torment and embarrassment tries to show his support, Edward wants nothing to do with it. Will Emmett be able to break through and explain the reasoning behind his bullying or will Edward continue to shut him, and everyone else, out?

Although this one shot is quite sad a times, there is also a sweetness that balances out the angst. Edward's pain is described so vividly that I just wanted to reach through the screen, give him a hug and tell him that everything would be okay. Emmett also won me over with his quiet support and desire to comfort someone he has a lot in common with.

Please check out this beautiful story, but you may want to have a kleenex or two handy just in case. *giggle*

~ M

Second Chances by saroco61

Second Chances by saroco61

As Justin recovered from his bashing, his mother told Brian to stay away and allow Justin to live without complications. When Justin is released from the hospital, he goes to Brian's loft, but is rejected over and over again. Resigned to the fact that Brian no longer wants him, he leaves Pittsburgh and lives the life his father wants, not the one he dreamed of. Now, 17 years later, Justin returns with a daughter in tow, surprising all of his former friends and especially Brian. When Gus and Justin's daughter, Samantha, grow close and figure out the history their fathers share, they set out to reunite the two men, who obviously still love each other.

This is a great look at what could have happened if Justin hadn't been persistent and refused to allow Brian to push him away. Brian is still a sarcastic asshole after all these years, and quite a few times I felt my blood boiling at his nasty, rude and immature remarks. Justin, on the other hand, is much more mature because he's deallt with not only having a child, but losing his wife, taking on a career that isn't entirely fulfilling and dealing with he recurring after-effects of his bashing.

Already a fan of the series, I found myself sucked in to this story, and I can't wait for the next chapter! If you're a fan of QaF, you'll definitely enjoy this!

~ M

Book Review: The Fight Within (The Good Fight #2) by Andrew Grey

In this sequel to The Good Fight, Bryce has suffered the loss of his fiance days before their wedding. Even after a year, he hasn't fully moved on and is still immersed in his grief. When his good friends, Jerry and John, invite him to go camping, he reluctantly agrees. While there, he not only discovers the poverty and desolation on the reservation, but he also finds himself attracted to Paytah, a hardened young man who keeps just about everyone at a distance. 

After some rough starts, Bryce and Paytah develop a friendship that soon awakens more powerful, romantic feelings. 

I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to see all of the characters from the previous book as well as get to know the new characters on the reservation. The relationship between Bryce and Paytah was frustrating and difficult at first, but eventually bloomed into something quite lovely. Paytah's past was heartbreaking and hard to read, but was handled with tact and realism. 

I must admit that little Mato, John's nephew, kind of stole the show for me. He was absolutely adorable and brought a ray of sunshine into an otherwise heavy storyline. :)

Highly recommended.

Buy Links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Fight or Flight by SarahAH30

Fight or Flight by SarahAH30

In this spin on Eclipse, Edward and Jacob are protecting Bella during the newborn battle. However, Edward is fighting a battle of his own: he's not really in love with Bella, but isn't entirely comfortable with his sexuality, especially being raised in a time when homosexuality could get a person killed.

When Victoria and Riley appear on the mountain, Edward realizes that the person he's supposed to spend his life with is not the clumsy brunette human, but the red-eyed male newborn vampire.

I definitely enjoyed this different look at what happened on the mountain. Riley has always been a mysterious character that I wish had been better developed and this story not only pairs him with Edward, but also provides a better look into how Victoria manipulated him to do her dirty work.

Very good!

~ M

Book Review: A Fostered Love by Cameron Dane

When Christian Sanchez and Jonah Roberts come face-to-face after their foster mother's untimely death in order to carry out her wishes, neither man knows what to make of the situation. It's been years since they last saw each other and old fears and resentments take hold in both men. As teenagers, Christian had a crush on his rough, older and slightly dangerous roommate and foster sibling, while Jonah always felt the need to protect and look out for Christian. As they carry out the task of renovating and selling their foster mother's home, feelings they've tamped down for over a decade bubble to the surface.

I loved this story! Not only were Christian and Jonah's characters well-developed, but their intensity, passion and love were palpable. My heart broke at Jonah's feelings of unworthiness. Even though Christian was obviously a very good man, it was nice to see Jonah's journey towards confidence and the realization that he truly is good and honorable.

The situation with Christian's ex kept me on the edge of my seat and allowed the readers to truly see Jonah's fierce protectiveness in action. The sex scenes were so hot I thought my kindle was going to melt.

A Fostered Love is definitely a book I wouldn't mind reading again in the future.

Buy A Fostered Love here and here.

~ M

Endlessly by ManicAuthor

Endlessly by ManicAuthor

This is a very short story that gives readers a glimpse into a moment in time between Edward and Jasper. ManicAuthor did a great job portraying the sweet and tender love between the two men in very few words. I definitely recommend checking this story out. It's truly lovely. :)

~ M

Crazy in Love by les16

Crazy in Love by les16

It's Valentine's Day and Edward has a very special evening planned for his boyfriend, Jasper.

This has to be one of the sweetest, most romantic stories out there. The connection between Edward and Jasper is so strong, and their chemistry so perfect, that you can help but root for them. I love reading stories about established couples who show each other how much they mean to one another. Not only is there fluffy sweetness in Crazy in Love, but there is also an incredibly hot lemon that will leave you breathless. However, the pièce de résistance is the very last line in the story. I thought my heart was going to burst!

Please check out this lovely story. It will definitely bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. :)

~ M

Book Review: The Good Fight by Andrew Grey

Jerry Lincoln, a self-employed computer programmer, is pretty overwhelmed with work. His small business has more work than he can handle, so he sets out to hire an associate to help lessen the workload. After a rigorous interview process, he settles on two candidates, Bryce and Akecheta (John) Raven Black, a gorgeous Native American who grew up on a nearby reservation, but left for a better life. When even more work comes Jerry's way, he decides to hire both men. However, this slightly troubles him because he's very attracted to John and doesn't want that to interfere with their working relationship. John, who is trying to gain custody of his niece and nephew, who were placed in foster care after his sister died, is very grateful to Jerry for the opportunity. Social Services seems intent on blocking John at every turn, but with the help of Jerry, he's better equipped to fight the organization.

I thought this was a really sweet story. Jerry and John relationship was gradual and didn't seem at all forced, which allowed for a deeper and more realistic connection. The secondary characters were all enjoyable as well. Everyone was well-developed and I felt like I truly knew them. The story seemed to drag at times, particularly when dealing with the John's custody battle, so I found myself skimming those pages. Overall, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the sequel, The Fight Within, featuring Bryce.

Buy The Good Fight here and here.

~ M

All Over Again by karenec

All Over Again by karenec

Garrett often frequents the bar, Masen's, after a hard day's work. The atmosphere is fun and he can kick back and relax with a good beer. However, it's the lively bartender with the funny novelty t-shirts and kind disposition who really holds his attention.

All Over Again is a delightfully sweet story about two men who find the kind of love that many of us wish we had. Their transition from friendship to a romantic relationship was very realistic and didn't seem rushed at all. As I read each of the chapters, I felt like I got to know both men; their eccentricities, fears and desires. They both have their flaws, but deep down they're very good people...and very good for each other. Please check out this great story! You won't be disappointed!

~ M

Author Spotlight: Lily Velden, Author of New Release Gay as Mardi Gras

I recently had a nice chat with Lily Velden, whose book, Gay as Mardi Gras, will be released tomorrow (March 6, 2013). Check out what she had to say about art, the stigma attached to fanfiction authors and how she came up with the concept for her latest book!

In addition to being a writer, some may not know that you're also an artist. When did you first become passionate about art, and how did your art background manifest itself into your writing?

As long as I can remember, M.

As a small child I didn’t have a lot of interest in typically girlish things like dolls. I always liked writing and illustrating my own stories, and making things. I loved craft.

           

When I was in my late twenties, I bumped into my old kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Green, and she asked me what I was doing with myself. As soon as I mentioned I was in the middle of completing a degree in fine arts she beamed at me and began recounting a story of my first day as a five-year old in her class. She related how she’d had the class coloring in pictures of nurses, firemen, and doctors etc. When she came to check on me, I was desperately trying to cover the outlines of my picture of a policeman with my colored pencils. She explained to me the idea was to keep within the lines, and apparently, I turned to her and said, “But Mrs. Green, people don’t come with outlines.” She proudly told me, she instantly knew I’d end up being either a philosopher or an artist.

My interest turned to a passion when I was in my early teens and feeling isolated and bullied at high school. It, along with reading, writing, and watching movies, were my form of escapism—much healthier than drugs or alcohol!

My area of specialty in art is sculpture and installation art—though, I love life drawing and portraiture as well. Because of my love of the written word, I often incorporate text into my work. I always carry notebooks in my handbag which are filled with quotes, lyrics, paragraphs from books, speeches, you name it, if it resonates with me, I jot it down.

A few years ago several things happened at once in my life: I injured my shoulder in a car accident, the last of my children left home, and an unresolved issue from my past reared its ugly head and managed to pull the rug out from under me. I didn’t feel comfortable going to a counselor to talk about it all, and so I decided to write about it instead. That first bit of writing, though therapeutic, was quite dark and difficult, and so I started writing How the Light Gets In (tentative release date of June or July 2013) I suppose you could say, it was therapy for my therapy! And I’ve been writing ever since.

On a side note, I still abhor outlines, boxes, and labels!

The Dream about Prison by mistyhaze420

The Dream about Prison by mistyhaze420

Brandon and Brady are back in this The Thing about Falling outtake in which Brady dreams he's sent to prison and his cellmate just happens to be the yummy and delectable Brandon.

Anytime a new story based on characters mistyhaze created in her Lessons Learned universe comes out, I know it's going to be good and this one certainly doesn't disappoint. mistyhaze420 shows the harsh realities of prison life, but also manages to mix in some sweet romance and hot sex. You can't go wrong with that combination!

If you're a fan of Lessons Learned and The Thing about Falling, you definitely don't want to pass this up!

~ M

Under the Sea by naelany

Under the Sea by naelany

In honor of Valentine's Day, Jasper sets out to make the day extra special for his boyfriend, Emmett.

When I read this story, I wanted to say "aww" throughout most of it. It is absolutely adorable! Emmett's wide-eyed wonder at his gift definitely gave me the warm and fuzzies and I wouldn't mind seeing more from this sweet couple in the future. Definitely give this story a shot!

~ M