Season's Greetings, Christmas Meetings by LiesLoveAndLullibies

Season's Greetings, Christmas Meetings by LiesLoveAndLullibies

After reconnecting with his childhood friend on Thanksgiving, Connor cannot wait to spend more time with Oliver. Discovering that they both now live in the same city is a bonus...that and finding out Oliver is gay AND a great kisser!

I was so happy to discover this sequel to Home for the Holidays so I could find out what happened to Connor and Oliver after their monumental Thanksgiving holiday reunion. The story is still in it's early stages, but I look forward to seeing how Connor and Oliver's relationship grows and strengthens!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Together with Dad! by Harumitu (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello fellow yaoi lovers! The final yaoi recommendation of 2015 is the Free! doujinshi, Together with Dad! by Harumitu!

Even as children, Makoto and Haru shared a close bond, but their fathers also forged a silly friendship during their adventures watching their sons.

This is such a silly story! I've only recently become aware of Free! fans not only shipping MakoHaru, but also their fathers! You will chuckle to yourself as you read about all of the hijinks these two men get into! Check it out!

Read Together with Dad! here.

~ M

Merry Christmas from Slashsessed!

To all of my readers who celebrate, I hope you have a very
Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for your support throughout the past year!

~ M

Grand Pas de Deux by Shaples

Grand Pas de Deux by Shaples

Nagisa is an incredible dancer and is studying to become a professional at a prestigious dance academy. However, in order to pay his tuition, he works as a stripper. It's good money and he gets to show off his dancing skills. Things get
a little complicated when a new, blue-haired bartender catches his eye.

I adore this story! The fact that Nagisa is a stripper may turn some people off, but it's a really interesting premise. Rei is not just the intellectual dork we've all come to know and love from the anime. There is a dark side to him AND he has tattoos! The development of Rei and Nagisa's friendship definitely brought a smile to my face, and their burgeoning romance warmed my heart. Check it out!

~ M

artwork credit: muchacha11

I ❤ Yaoi: Let's Eat Together by Hakutou Noriko

Good morning yaoi lovers! This week's feature is Let's Eat Together by Hakutou Noriko.

While in high school, Sonoda and Matsumoto had a brief relationship. When his classmates questioned Sonoda about the relationship, he denied everything, effectively hurting and alienating his boyfriend. Now, many years later, Sonoda finds himself in a troubling situation. Matsumoto is his new roommate!

This is a pretty cute story. I thoroughly enjoyed the culinary aspect, but I also felt there were a lot of holes in the story. I wish we could have learned more about Sonoda and Matsumoto's relationship in high school and what happened after Sonoda effectively ruined everything between them. I also felt things moved a little too fast, which often happens in one shots. If the story had been fleshed out more, this could have been a really great read.

2.5 stars

~ M

Hakutou Noriko

Itty Bitty Nagron (volume 3): Marvel's Agents of Spartacus by figbash

Itty Bitty Nagron (volume 3): Marvel's Agents of Spartacus by figbash

Agron arrives home to his boyfriend engrossed in the latest episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. because a certain character looks quite a bit like himself...

The newest comic from figbash is 100% hilarious! She shows us how Agron and Nasir would react to watching shows that feature Dan & Pana, and I enjoyed every minute. I dare you not to laugh while reading! Check it out!

~ M 

artwork by figbash :)

Blog Tour: Indigo Road by R.J. Jones

Title: Indigo Road
Author: R.J. Jones
Genre: New Adult, Gay Romance, Contemporary
Length: Novel
Cover artist: Meredith Russell

Synopsis

Two best friends take a year off to find themselves… and end up finding each other.

Joshua Simpson has just finished four years at Purdue University, but that’s not why he’s buzzing with excitement. Once they’ve said goodbye to their families, Josh and his best friend Alex are taking off to discover America in an old but reliable VW van, planning on not seeing snow for an entire year.

Josh has always considered himself straight—except for that one time in college—so when he and Alex are living in such close proximity on the road, he’s unsure what these new feelings mean. Is it because they’re spending 24/7 together, or is it something deeper? And does it really matter since Josh has only ever seen Alex with women?

While in Oregon, Josh meets Johnno, a sexy but confusing Aussie surfer. While having an impromptu surfing lesson, Johnno helps Josh realize who he is and what he wants—but Alex’s reaction leaves Josh confused.

From a Montana ranch to the bright lights and dangerous streets of Los Angeles to a dark and lonely deserted highway in Alabama, join Josh and Alex as they drive around the US, discovering not only who they are, but who they can be together.

Buy Now

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Smashwords | ARe 

Home for the Holidays by LiesLoveAndLullibies

Home for the Holidays by LiesLoveAndLullibies

Now that he's a full-time law student, Connor finds it increasingly difficult to visit his family for the holidays. He manages to make it home to Michigan for Thanksgiving, and it's a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of class and work. Spending time with his family is always nice, but he also misses hanging out with his childhood friend and neighbor, Oliver. This holiday weekend turns out to be one that neither Connor nor Oliver will forget.

Home for the Holidays is such a sweet, sweet story! It has plenty of fluffy moments, but the author also makes everything feel very true to life. Not everything wraps itself up in a neat little package, but there is always hope for the future. I absolutely adored reading the interactions between Connor and Oliver and watching them rekindle their friendship after so many years.

If you're looking for a heartwarming, holiday-themed story, this is definitely the one for you!

~ M

picture credit: Conrad Ricamora's instagram

I ❤ Yaoi: Darka, Kimi to (Because, With You) by Namazakana (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Darka, Kimi to (Because, With You) by Namazakana!

Feeling like a burden to his dear friend, Haru, Makoto decides to give him some space and starts dating a girl from Iwatobi. Confused and in pain, Haru spirals down into bad sleeping and eating habits that lead him to get sick. In the meantime, the pair’s friends can do nothing but watch how Makoto desires to be with Haru, and how Haru wants to be with Makoto but doesn’t want to selfishly ask him to stay after he made his choice of having a girlfriend.

Wow! This dj will hit your right in the feels from the first panel! The angst is pretty strong, but the story will also warm your heart. It perfectly encapsulates the relationship between Makoto and Haru. I also enjoyed seeing the rest of the Iwatobi & Samezuka crews do their best to help their good friends find happiness (Nagisa and Ai are so cute!). Highly recommended!

Read Darka, Kimi to (Because, With You) here.

~ M

Mira and the Doctor by MissDorktastic

Mira and the Doctor by MissDorktastic

Due to traffic, Duro is unable to take his daughter, Mira, to her doctor's appointment. After a quick phone call, Uncle Agron to the rescue! However, when the adorable doctor walks in to the examination room, Agron loses all ability to function.

This is such an adorable "first meeting" story for Agron and Nasir. All of the characters are great in their own ways, and Mira steals the show with her grown up disposition and desire to play matchmaker between her favorite doctor and uncle. Definitely give this quick read a try! Also, be sure to check out the sequel, How to Dress on a First Date!

~ M

Book Review: It's Not Yule, It's Me by Michael P. Thomas

Christmas has never been the best day of the year for Shannon. It's seems that each time the holiday rolls around, his current boyfriend breaks up with him, and in the most horrible ways. Fed up, Shannon finds himself at a local coffee shop crying and wallowing in self-pity. Feeling horrible for the poor sap, Ben, a barista, offers a shoulder to cry on and support.

Thus begins a tradition for the two men, who seem to find themselves meeting each year as yet another boyfriend breaks up with Shannon and Ben does his best to comfort him. What happens when the two friends decide to try dating each other and how will they fare when the dreaded holiday comes around again?

This is a delightful Christmas story I really enjoyed. Both of the MCs are very likable and funny in their own unique ways, but they also aren't two dimensional. There is more to Shannon than just being the dumpee on Christmas, and Ben is much more than just a kind ear for Shannon. I enjoyed learning about each character and seeing them grow as men. The one or two twists and turns towards the end definitely held my interest amongst all the fluff.

If you're in the mood for a relatively uncomplicated and sweet Christmas love story, It's Not Yule, It's Me is definitely one to try!

I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links
Smashwords | Amazon

~ M 

Mr. Matsuoka by CurlyFriesFreak

Mr. Matsuoka by CurlyFriesFreak

When Haru meets his son's new teacher, Mr. Matsuoka, sparks immediately fly. As a single father, Haru must do what's best for little Makoto, so dating has been on the back burner. However, Rin's charm is just too strong to be ignored.

Awesome! That's the best word I can use to describe this story! There are twists and turns, sweet moments, tense moments and instances in which you wish you could reach through the screen and hug all of characters. Although Rin and Haru are the MCs, the secondary characters are just as complex, important and wonderful. I highly recommend this fic! You will not be disappointed!

~ M

artwork credit: Zatta

I ❤ Yaoi: Memories and Promises by Shuu (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Memories and Promises by Shuu.

While soaking in the bath before school, Haru thinks fondly on a childhood memory between himself and Makoto and the day that determined the future of their close relationship.

Oh my goodness! This has to be one of the cutest, fluffiest MakoHaru doujinshis out there! The artwork is absolutely adorable (especially the chibis), the storyline is heartwarming and the humor will definitely make you chuckle more than once. Be sure to give this superb doujinshi a try!

Read Memories and Promises here.

~ M

Blog Tour: Rooftops by John Wiley

Title: Rooftops
Author: John Wiley
Genre: Contemporary, Gay Romance, New Adult
Length: Novel
Publisher: Wayward ink Publishing

Synopsis

Its summer and three friends from Ohio graduate college, ready to start making their way in the real world.

Rhys; the eternal optimist who wants to be an actor and moves to Los Angeles.

Erick; the career man, seeking money and position who moves with him.

And Joey; the aspiring artist, who for the love of his girlfriend, Cheryl, stays behind in Ohio.

While attempting to follow their dreams each must face their share of personal and professional obstacles. Each is tested. Will they lose sight of themselves?

Will old friendships fall apart and new friendships form?

Buy Now

WIP | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | ARe | B&N

Any Questions? by jooliewrites

Any Questions? by jooliewrites

Connor takes Oliver to the criminal law lecture hall to teach him his own private lesson.

Woo hoo! I really enjoyed this detailed look at the scene that transpired at the end of episode eight. Your pulse will quicken and you may even blush, but there are also some really sweet, tender moments! Definitely check out jooliewrites' interpretation of this hot and steamy scene!

~ M

Gif credit: moonchild30

I ❤ Yaoi: Kekkoshitara Dounaru!? 2 (What if We Were Married!? 2) by Makiron (Free! Doujinshi)

Greetings yaoi lovers! This week's selection is the delightful doujinshi, Kekkoshitara Dounaru!? 2 (What if We Were Married!? 2) by Makiron

Haru and Makoto think back on the happiest moments of their lives since they married.

I loved seeing this little slice of life for one of my favorite Free! couples. Their bond is so strong that you can't help but melt at their sweet declarations of love for one another. If you're looking for a sweet, fluffy and uncomplicated MakoHaru read, this is the perfect doujinshi for you!

Read Kekkoshitara Dounaru!? 2 here.

~ M

~ For You, I Am Thankful ~ by Kairat11

~ For You, I Am Thankful ~ by Kairat11

After a year overseas in the Army, Agron is finally returning home to his husband and daughter for good; just in time for Thanksgiving.

This is pure Nagron fluff and I loved every moment of it! I always enjoy reading slice of life modern AUs in which Agron and Nasir are living their lives and loving one another. As a Nagron fan, you will fall in love all over again with these men, and your heart will warm as you witness their immensely strong bond.

~ M

artwork credit: crazzzedope

Happy Thanksgiving from Slashsessed!

 I hope each and every one of you has a happy, safe and fun-filled Thanksgiving holiday!

~ M

Sunset of Farewell by Valgus

Sunset of Farewell by Valgus

How can this be happening?!? If only Haru had gone with Makoto, he wouldn't be feeling this pain and missing his best friend.

*WARNING* This story will make you cry. It's rare that I read something that makes my eyes not only well up, but release tears, and this is one of those times. Sunset of Farewell is beautifully written and perfectly conveys the feelings of loss, anger and pain experienced when losing a loved one. Even though the subject matter is extremely sad, I highly recommend this story!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: DripLink02 by 南條パピ子 (Free! Doujinshi)

Greetings yaoi lovers! This week's feature is DripLink02 by 南條パピ子!

Makoto invites Nagisa and Rei to meet the person he's fallen in love with and plans to marry. They are extremely surprised when they discover that Haru is a merman who lives in the ocean. How will Makoto and Haru make their relationship work when they come from two different worlds?

I liked this version of the Little Mermaid told with a MakoHaru twist. The story as a whole is quite heartwarming and endearing! Give it a try!

Read DripLink02 here.

~ M

Blog Tour: Secret of the Manor by Taylin Clavelli

Title: Secret of the Manor
Author: Taylin Clavelli
Genre: Gay romance, mystery, paranormal, adventure
Length: Novel
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

Warren Blake is an accountant at the pinnacle of his career. After accepting a new position he decides to settle in the scenic Cotswold village of Walmsley Hackett.  A village with a colourful history of myth, old wives tales and mystery.

One morning during his train ride into work, Warren notices a small quaint church which he becomes enchanted with. Curiousity compels him to find the church and when he finally does, he discovers an unmarked grave in the corner. Feeling sorry for its occupant, Warren becomes a frequent visitor.

Little does he know that the young man inside the coffin needs a champion and Warren is chosen.

What follows involves a ghostly medieval joust, witchcraft, love, and Warren risking his life.

Buy Links

WIP | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | ARe

The Real Housewives of the Third Servile War by Cheryl1964

The Real Housewives of the Third Servile War by Cheryl1964

The things one puts up with being the 'wife' of a rebel general. Short little ficlets of the adventures of Nasir, Naevia, Saxa, and Mira.

LOL!!! I am loving this story so far! Cheryl1964 brought conversations that I and other Sparty fans had with her on Twitter to life, and I highly recommend reading these small glimpses in the lives of our favorite "housewives". :p

~ M

Blog Tour: The Case No One Foretold by L.G. Fabbo-Gonnella

Title: The Case No One Foretold
Author: L.G. Fabbo-Gonnella
Series: Mark Julian, Vampire P.I., book five
Genre: Mystery, Detective, Gay romance, Paranormal
Length: Novel
Publisher: Ai Press

Synopsis

Two men engage in an altercation in a movie lobby. Later one of the men turns up dead in a New York City alley. But this is no ordinary murder. The deceased is a sex demon and his fellow combatant was the werewolf, Jean-Claude Roué, fiancé of Mark’s shape-shifter secretary. Now the werewolf is accused of his murder and faces a trial by before a supernatural tribunal. If Jean-Claude is convicted for causing this death it will mean his execution. This time however, Mark Julian is away on a personal investigation in Kenya so Tortego, the crafty vampire chief, goes to an unusual source to secure help. Using his powers as head of New York City’s supernatural community he appoints Mark’s human partner, Detective Vincent Pasquale, to be one of the three judges for Jean-Claude’s trial. Now Vinnie must not only fight to clear his friend, Jean-Claude, he must deal with his supernatural co-jurists: the werewolf Viola Lupa and the sex demon Dale Carter. Both of his companion judges are on record as sworn enemies of “any mixed supernatural mating.” Throw in a shifty shape shifter named Andelan Clarke, Ja-ne the original Oracle of Delphi and, a sexy TV newsman from the island of Guernsey who appears to be more interested in bedding Vinnie than nailing a story and it truly becomes “The Case No One Foretold!”

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon DE

Giveaway

Prizes: Two bundles of books one & two in the Mark Julian, Vampire P.I. series; Three copies of Book One in the series, The Case of the Choirboy Killer.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Simple Things by monicashipscoliver

The Simple Things by monicashipscoliver

Connor realizes that being a couple definitely has its advantages.

This quick one shot is so sweet and fluffy! Your heart will melt as you watch Connor revel in the comfort of his relationship with Oliver. If you're looking for a feel-good read, this is the perfect one for you! Highly recommended!

~ M

gif created by kinghernando

I ❤ Yaoi: Best and Important Day of the Year (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning, yaoi lovers! In honor of Tachibana Makoto's birthday today (11/17), this week's selection is the Free! doujinshi, Best and Important Day of the Year!

It's Makoto's birthday and the first major celebration since he and Haru started dating. He hopes to celebrate with him one on one, and soon discovers that Haru has very specific plans in mind.

This is such a sweet dj! Makoto, as always, is both excited and embarrassed about the time he plans to spend with his boyfriend, and Haru is calm, cool and collected. The heart melting ending will only make you fall in love with Makoto and Haru even more! Check it out!

Read Best and Important Day of the Year here.

~ M

Stalker Santa by peloquine

Stalker Santa by peloquine

When Nasir discovers thoughtful gifts in his locker from a secret admirer, he's not sure what to think. Part of him hopes the gifts are from his crush, Agron, but he knows better than that. Why would someone as handsome and popular as Agron want a nerd like him?

Talk about a sweet story! It's perfect for getting you into the holiday spirit, and your heart will melt watching these two dorks fumble through their feelings for one another. Give it shot! I know it will bring a smile to your face!

~ M

Book Review: The Neighbor by Bernadette Chapman

Anders likes his life the way it is: quiet, ordered, neat. If that gets him called antisocial, well, it also gets him left alone and that's the way he likes it.

Then a new neighbor, Finch, moves in and he is everything Anders hates. He's nosy, over-friendly, and doesn't know when to quit. He's also cute and infuriatingly charismatic. Which is the only possible explanation for the way Anders keeps putting up with Finch and his crazy ideas, like training for a wife-carrying contest, instead of telling him to go away once and for all the way he should.

This was a tough read for me because I thought the original premise of opposites attract would be interesting, especially when one of the leads, Anders, has OCD and likes to have rigid routine in his life. Finch's purpose was to open Anders' eyes and broaden his horizons, but I so often felt that Finch was just a jerk. He was mean, condescending and immature when he was first introduced and I honestly didn't know why Anders even gave him the time of day. Then the two men do eventually grow on each other and fall in love. This seemed difficult for me to believe because of how they were introduced in the first place. I fully believe Anders would have shut the door in Finch's face the first time they met and then subsequently called the police when he continued to return.

If you're looking for a relatively uncomplicated read, you might like this book, but Finch was just so unlikable to me that his first impression ruined him in my eyes for the rest of the book.

This book was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M

Teach Me, Tachibana by Snurtlicious

Teach Me, Tachibana by Snurtlicious

Makoto lives an ordinary life as the single father to two young sons, Aiichirou and Nagisa. He enjoys his job as a teacher and is happy to start the new school year. The arrival of a new student starts a series of events that will alter his existence forever.

Haru is also a single father to sons Rin and Rei, and the family is trying to move on from a troubled and drama-filled past. When he meets Rei's kind and gentle teacher, he begins feeling things he hasn't felt in a very long time. How will the two men handle their feelings for one another, past demons and the pressures of fatherhood?

I absolutely love everything about this story! The author has woven a tale that has many twists and turns, but also has extremely tender and endearing moments that will warm your heart. I highly recommend all MakoHaru fans give this story a try! You will not be disappointed!

~ M

Makoharu artwork by yuki-k

Makoharu children edit by Snurtlicious

Good Days by goldtitaniumman

                                                        Good Days by goldtitaniumman

Being in a support group for PTSD suffers can be a blessing and a curse for Nasir. It's a blessing because he's able to work through his past trauma; and it's a curse because the most handsome man he's ever laid eyes on just happens to be there as well. Nasir knows that trying to start a relationship in his support group may not be the best idea, but he just can't resist the easy rapport he has with Agron....oh, and those dimples are absolutely breathtaking!

This is a short read that gives readers a quick glimpse into the lives of people who are struggling to move forward with their lives. Agron, as you can imagine, is not the easiest person to talk to, but the connection that he and Nasir share is very sweet and endearing. I also appreciated how the author worked some canon elements into the story, particularly when it comes to Agron and Nasir's painful pasts.

~ M

New Release: I Got You by Jamie Lake

When college student Jake is left for dead on the side of the road, he has one thing on his mind: Learn to defend himself against the men that gay bashed him.

And fight back or die trying.

At his sister’s suggestion, he tries self-defense courses. Little does he know when he asks the man to teach him, he'll be guarding more than his body, he'll be guarding his heart.

Aspiring MMA trainer Benjamin is on his last leg, literally. As a wounded warrior, he's scarred from a broken heart that has nearly broken his spirit.

So when Jake approaches him for lessons and tells him his story, it touches his heart.

The more time Jake and Benjamin spend together, the more they realize they’re becoming best friends.

The more time they spend together, the more they realize they can't live without each other.

The more time they spend together, the more they realize they’re falling in love.

But Jake has a secret, one that could change everything....

They’re step-brothers.