Book Review: Ty's Obsession (Whispering Pines Ranch #3) by SJD Peterson

In this third book in the Whispering Pines Ranch series, we find Ty completely filled and overwhelmed with rage, frustration and hurt at the fact that the man he loves, Quinn, has rekindled his relationship with Lorcan. Determined to show Quinn he's the better man, Ty sets out to make Lorcan doubt his feelings for Quinn and eventually cause them to split.

Ty's rage and obsession were unsettling and scary at some points. He just could not understand why Quinn, who made no qualms about his love for Lorcan in the last book, would choose someone else over him.

When Blake Henderson enters Ty's life, he immediately resists. He knows what's best for himself and Quinn and does not want this stranger telling him his business. As Ty's dark feelings grow stronger and seemingly take over his life, Blake finds a way, through their mutual need for the the BDSM lifestyle, to help Ty shift his focus.

While reading this book, I was taken aback by Ty's unflinching need to inflict pain on Lorcan, the bane of his existence and the supposed reason for all of his problems. It was scary and disturbing, but definitely showed me the depth of Ty's obsession. I really liked Blake and felt his heartbreaking backstory was very necessary for Ty to come to grips with his feelings.

The feeling of hope and good things to come at the end of the book was a nice change from the darkness displayed throughout much of the book.

Buy Ty's Obsession  here and here.

~ M

Fourth Time's the Charm by MsNJS

Fourth Time's the Charm by MsNJS

Flight attendant, Nasir, feels as though he's met a certain tall, handsome and ruggedly built passenger before. At first he can't remember, but then memories suddenly flood his mind. He would love to grab the attention of his one time lover again...if only he could remember his name.

Adorable, sweet and full of heat, this story will definitely pique your interest! Nasir is cute as the shy and kind flight attendant and Agron sizzles and oozes sex. In order to find out what happens, click the link above and read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed! :)

~ M

I ❤️ Houkago No Love Call by Kitazawa Kyou

Hello yaoi lovers! This week's selection is Houkago No Love Call by Kitazawa Kyou.

A high school teacher, Ueda Wataru, was rejected by a person he loved when he was a high school student and has been timid with love ever since. However, he's now fallen in love with his student's father, Ippongi Kazushi, a Yakuza. Although Ueda knows that he shouldn't be, he's fascinated with the good looking Ippongi's sweet words...

I thought the main story was pretty cute. It was pretty interesting to see how the mild mannered and shy teacher falls in love with the hardened and sometimes scary Yakuza member. However, the one-shots that followed left a lot to be desired. The first one-shot was cute and fluffy, the second was downright scary and weird, and the last one shot's storyline was boring and contained artwork that was not up to par.

In my opinion, readers should just read the main story and the first one shot. Everything else is just poorly executed filler.

~ M

The Reception of the Year by rivlee

The Reception of the Year by rivlee

Agron and Nasir are finally taking that final, major step in their relationship, but will the joyous occasion go off without a hitch with Agron's big, crazy and often overwhelming family involved?

If you enjoy humor, sweet fluff and a smartass Duro, this is the perfect story! You will chuckle uncontrollably as Nasir and Agron try to navigate wedding planning amongst a raucous crowd of loud, but well-intentioned, family members. Definitely give this story a try!

~ M

Book Review: Quinn's Need (Whispering Pines Ranch #2) by SJD Peterson

3.5 stars

I was so anxious to read this book after I devoured Lorcan's Desire. However, once I made it through this sequel, I was left cold.

In Quinn's Need, Quinn Taylor is dealing with the loss of Lorcan James, the man he is love with but lost because of his fears. Lorcan has now moved on and is in a good relationship with Jess Jenkins. When Lorcan and Jess decide to move back to Pegasus to start their own ranch, old feelings that had been cast aside by both Quinn and Lorcan come bubbling to the surface.

While trying to move on, Quinn finds himself within the BDSM lifestyle. He enjoys exerting his power and dominance over willing participants and while he receives a physical release, his mind still tends to drift to his former lover. He eventually finds a partner, Ty, who can take all of the anger and roughness Quinn bestows upon him due to his need for the rush that pain from a Dom. Quinn doesn't quite understand that need, but he's more than willing to provide it. Their arrangement is established from the start: it's only physical and feelings aren't involved. Quinn makes it clear that he's still in love with Lorcan and Ty seems fine with this...at first.

Although their brief interactions are tense and painful, Lorcan and Quinn at least try to be cordial to each other knowing they'll be living in the same town. In some scenes, you could literally feel the anger-filled, sexually charged electricity crackling between them.

Family Ties by Brinchen86

Family Ties by Brinchen86

Agron is in the depths of despair and life holds little meaning. When a rambunctious little boy and a beautiful man with long, raven hair and soulful eyes comes into his life, the walls around Agron's hardened heart begin to slowly fall.

Family Ties is the full length story based off of Brinchen86's one-shot Blown Kiss. Much like the one shot, this story is filled with emotion, love and hope. If you enjoyed Blown Kiss, I know you will love Family Ties even more. Nasir's nephew, Kalib, steals the show!

~ M

artwork credit: crazzzdope

I ❤️ Yaoi: Dolce by Kitazawa Kyou

Greetings! This week's yaoi recommendation is Dolce by Kitazawa Kyou.

Usami is a chef of an Italian restaurant called MIYA. One day, the whimsical owner decides to turn the restaurant into a "bishie (handsome man) restaurant"! Usami refuses to be part of this frivolous idea and will do anything to get out of it. This leads him to strike a deal with the owner. He's now stuck training Komiya, the spoiled, playboy son of the owner, to take over the business, but Komiya decided to make a deal of his own!

This is another cute offering from Kitazawa Kyou and I really enjoyed the restaurant setting. I expected the storyline between Usami and Komiya to be quite typical - the silly, irresponsible man falls for his strong-willed and intelligent mentor - and it does eventually, but the start of their relationship disturbed me.

Even though he's portrayed as a klutz, I thought Hanano stole the show. He is extremely kawaii and I wish readers could have learned a little more about him. He does have a brief storyline with fellow MIYA employee, Morinaka. I wasn't a huge fan of Morinaka's, but I was just happy to see more of Hanano.

Overall, this is a pretty good manga, but the topic of rape in both storylines (carried out in "Dolce" and implied in "Antipasto") didn't sit well with me. Had that topic been eliminated, because in my opinion it was completely unnecessary, I would have given Dolce another star and a half. I liked the characters, for the most part, the romantic conflict and the restaurant setting. Another thing that I appreciated was the fact that Usami didn't immediately forgive Komiya for assaulting him. He even made it clear that what was done to him was horrible: something I don't often see in manga.

2.5 stars

~ M

He Won't Leave by DarkAliceLilith

He Won't Leave by DarkAliceLilith

Even though Nasir knows, logically, that Agron loves him and only him, he can't help but feel a little insecure at times. Will Agron someday change his mind and deem Nasir unworthy of his love and affection?

He Won't Leave provides an interesting and realistic look at Nasir's insecurities when it comes to his relationship with Agron. In his head he knows that Agron only has eyes for him, but every once in a while that little seed of doubt is planted and Nasir's heart fears the worst.

~ M

Book Review: Lorcan's Desire (Whispering Pines Ranch #1) by SJD Peterson

Wow! This book was incredible and I'm so glad I read it!

In this story Lorcan James, a young man seeking adventure, finds his way onto Quinn Taylor's ranch desperately needing work, food and shelter. With much trepidation, Quinn hires Lorcan even though he feels an intense attraction to the young man. Confused by his own feelings towards Quinn, Lorcan happily takes the position of ranch hand if only to earn enough money to return home.

Even though Lorcan and Quinn forge a friendship, soon their feelings take over, but everything is not rainbows and puppies and declarations of love. These two men experience quite a roller coaster of emotions, leaving both of them frustrated, angry and hurt. Fear of breaking societal norms and standards eventually drives a wedge between the two men and readers witness the slow breakdown of a relationship that could have been really great.

This was an incredible story (click here for spoilers)... even if the book didn't end with a HEA. No matter

Buy Lorcan's Desire  here and here.

~ M

Wish and Want by im_not_a_lizard

Wish and Want by im_not_a_lizard

Being the legal guardian of his little brother is often a struggle for Agron, but things look a little brighter when he meets Duro's favorite teacher, Mr. Nasir. Enchanted and enamored, both men try to subtly make their interest known, but tend to suffer from foot-in-mouth syndrome over and over again.

Sweet, light and adorable, this story has everything! Duro is a sweetheart and I know you root for Nasir and Agron even though they just can't seem to get on the same page at first. There is just a hint of angst, but the story is all fluff for the most part. I really enjoyed Wish and Want and I know you will too!

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Koishite Daddy by Kitazawa Kyou

Hello fellow yaoi lovers! This week's selection is Koishite Daddy by Kitazawa Kyou.

Satou is a salaryman who is raising Rintarou, a toddler, by himself. After an event, he grows closer to his neighbor, Takahashi, a gay university student. Satou's attraction to  Takahashi strengthens, but he holds himself back thinking it would be too imprudent for him since he only got divorced just recently. Rintarou starts throwing tantrums wanting to go to Takahashi's house all the time, and Satou is confused... What is going to happen?

I thought this story was absolutely adorable! Koishite Daddy is the prequel to the equally cute Love Kids!! In this manga, the story is focused on Rintarou's father, Satou and his growing attraction to their neighbor, Takahashi. Satou is confused by his feelings for the young man because he's just recently divorced Rin's mother and he's a man. However, Takahashi's ability to connect with little Rin and make Satou feel special alleviates some of his fears. All in all, this manga is pretty light and fluffy. There's very little conflict and all the characters are very likable. Rin is the most adorable little boy and will undoubtedly capture your heart!

~ M

Brace Against a Single Day by sassaphrass

Brace Against a Single Day by sassaphrass

Nasir is the assistant to one of the most important women in fashion and Agron is the new security guard in Nasir's office building. Although attracted to one another, their first meeting does not go well; Agron is arrogant and Nasir is bitchy. However, once they take the time to get to know one another, they connect and create a strong bond. Even though he wants to give his all to Nasir, Agron harbors a painful secret that haunts him constantly. Fearing that Nasir will leave him if and when he finds out, Agron is determined to keep his former life a secret and hidden away. Will Nasir be able to crack Agron's shell?

Wow! This story started out pretty light-hearted and funny, but slowly morphed into something much more serious and intriguing. I was impressed by sassaphrass' ability to seamlessly mesh canon elements of the Spartacus tv series into a modern setting. I highly recommend this emotional and superb story!

~ M

Book Review: Hot Head by Damon Suede

I really enjoyed this book! It tells the story of firefighters and best friends, Griffin Muir and Dante Anastagio, who are living and working in the aftermath of 9/11. Griff, who was unofficially adopted into Dante's big, boisterous family, starts to develop feelings for his best friend that are not only foreign, but looked down upon in his world. As he struggles with these new emotions, he also deals with Dante's financial problems and eventual segue into internet porn. Through it all, Griff remains steadfast in his support and love of Dante, even if those feelings aren't returned.

Hot Head effectively mixes romance, sexual tension and stark realism that I found refreshing. I couldn't put the book down and read it in almost one sitting. It would be wonderful to hear more from Griff and Dante, as well as other characters like Tommy and Alek. I look forward to reading more from Damon Suede!

Buy Hot Head  here and here.

~ M

Agron and Nasir Come Out by MsNJS

Agron Comes Out & Nasir Comes Out by MsNJS

Agron and Nasir come out to their family members...with humorous results!

These two one-shots are adorable! You will feel the the nervousness and embarrassment as Nasir and Agron come out to their family members in their own special ways. I don't want to give anything away, but I'm sure you will enjoy these funny looks into their lives!

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Love Kids!! by Kitazawa Kyou

Today's kawaii yaoi selection is Love Kids!! by Kitazawa Kyou.

High schoolers Rin and Kyo are childhood friends from kindergarten. They're so close that there's virtually nothing they don't know about each other.

Rin, who had been pining for Takahashi-kun, his father's lover, for many years, finally gave up and wished for his father and Takahashi's happiness. After his broken heart was comforted by Kyo, Rin was finally able to stand up again, but then suddenly, he was confessed to by Kyo...?!

This is an adorable little story! The tension Kitazawa Kyou created amongst the characters, especially Rin, his crush Takahashi, and his father is juicy to say the least. Plus, Rin is so incredibly sweet and kindhearted that you can't help but root for him.

Even though readers are led to believe that there may be a love triangle of sorts, the story shifts when Rin's best friend, Kyo, reveals his feelings. Rin is sent into a tailspin and their friendship is strained and awkward for a while, but does Rin really want to live without his best friend by his side? This is one manga that will definitely be added to my favorites list. A sequel, Love Limit!!, is currently in the works and I can't wait to read it to see what happens between this adorable couple!

 ~ M

Neighbors by kateyes085

Neighbors by kateyes085

While moving into his new apartment, Nasir quickly learns about the whirlwind known as Agron; he's arrogant, rude and brash. However, the two men somehow develop a close friendship. Although they consider themselves straight, Agron and Nasir cannot deny the growing feelings that have for one another. Will they act on those feelings or keep them hidden deep within their hearts?

I really liked this humorous and sweet look at Nasir and Agron's relationship. The opposites attract trope works really well and I enjoyed watching them grow closer...even though Agron suffers from a chronic case of foot-in-mouth syndrome. lol

~ M

picture credit: Darkstar357

Slashsessed Loves...

Some of the things I particularly enjoyed this week....

• I haven't watched True Blood in a couple of years, but this scene with Jason Stackhouse and Eric Northman may re-ignite my interest! HOT!!!!
  
  
• This incredible piece of Nagron hilarity brought to us by equion! Tumblr is a marvelous thing!
  
  
• Have you seen How to Train Your Dragon 2 yet? What are you waiting for?!?!? It's a great movie that isn't just for kids. Ever since I watched the first film, I've been enamored with Toothless the dragon. He is so adorable! Check out this fan art!
  
  
• The Goodreads M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes writing event. New stories are released daily through August.
  

~ M

Monster by o_crist

Monster by o_crist

Ever since Duro died, Agron struggles with keeping the beast within himself at bay. This beast, who is filled with an uncontrollable rage, will kill Romans indiscriminately without conscience. When he fears that Nasir may be in danger of sharing the same fate as his beloved brother, the beast re-emerges, more lethal than ever. Agron hates the fact that Nasir has to witness such a thing and worries that his lover will turn from him once he sees Agron's true self.

Emotionally-charged, tense and engaging, this story delves into Agron's psyche as he continues to try to hide the dangerous and rage-filled side of himself in front of Nasir. My heart went out to Agron as he regressed emotionally when faced with the prospect of losing the one person he lives for. I don't want to give too much away of the story, but I know you'll find it quite captivating and hopeful. Definitely check it out!

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Katekyo! by Moegi Yuu

Hello yaoi lovers! Today's review is of  
Katekyo! by Moegi Yuu.

Rintarou is bothered by the throbbing of his heart caused by his tutor, Kaede for unknown reasons. One day, Rintarou finds out that he's actually in love with Kaede when he was receiving punishment!

But, without knowing Kaede's feelings, Rintarou became anxious and...

Overall, this is cute little manga in which Rintarou finds himself experiencing feelings for his older and more experienced tutor, Kaede. It's actually quite amusing to watch the couple as they skate around their growing feelings and affection for one another. If you're looking for a relatively uncomplicated storyline, Katekyo!  is for you! This is also a pretty good selection for those who are new to yaoi manga in general. There are a few cliches, but that's part of what makes reading yaoi fun, right?

 ~ M