Book Review: Seth & Casey (Storming Love: Bizzard #3) by R.J. Scott

Seth Wild lost everything. After a building collapsed on him while fighting a fire, his job is now in jeopardy. Not only does he have to deal with the physical ramifications of the accident, but also the mental. To top it all off, his anger and frustration caused him to push away the man he loves, Casey McGuire.

While on a field trip, an epic snowstorm blows into the area and traps Casey and his students on a bus. Even though they aren't on the best terms, Casey doesn't know who else to turn to but Seth.

I really enjoyed this short story. It was filled with plenty of angst, tension and excitement. Despite being separated, Seth and Casey were able to put their differences aside, most of the time, in order to deal with the deadly and very scary storm and try their best to keep the students safe. Communication, the lack thereof or the way it is delivered seems to be the running theme throughout the piece. So often I wished Seth and Casey could be more open to each other, but past hurts and the serious situation they were in made it difficult.

I don't want to give away too much of the story, but I definitely recommend this quick read.

Buy links
MLR Press | Amazon

~ M

Tell Me a Secret by meerasreed

Tell Me a Secret by meerasreed

Spending time with his tipsy boyfriend is both a blessing and a curse. Oliver is much more affectionate when he's drunk, but Connor is determined to remain a gentleman. When Oliver requests a secret, a myriad of options run through Connor's head. What secrets will he reveal?

This is an absolutely adorable, feel-good story! It's an extremely quick read, but it warmed my heart and made me love Coliver even more! Definitely give this one-shot a try!

~ M

This Love Will Be My Everything by kateyes085

This Love Will Be My Everything by kateyes085

Nasir's crush on his good friend's older brother has been longstanding, but he's never taken the plunge and expressed his feelings. Agron was in a long-term relationship for a long time and Nasir never thought he'd give him a second glance, especially being Duro's best friend. However, one evening Nasir sees a side of Agron that he never would have expected and it may just be the opportunity he was looking for.

This story pleasantly surprised me. It took a direction I was not expecting, but was handled well and I ended up really enjoying the read. I don't want to give away too much of the storyline since it's a quick one-shot, but I think you all will like it just as much I did!

~ M

Book Review: A Hard Ride Home by Emory Vargas

It's hard enough returning to his birthplace to replace a dead man as sheriff. The last thing Emmett needs is to find himself smitten with Jesse, the whore he arrests almost immediately upon arrival. Especially since Jesse works for his half-sister and at her thoroughly disreputable saloon.

But being smitten with a whore is only the beginning of Emmett's troubles. Silver Creek is a town full of secrets and people too terrified to talk. Why does Emmett's father, the mayor of Silver Creek, have such a strong hold on the town—and on Jesse?

This book had a lot of potential, but for some strange reason it just fell flat for me. The writing was great and the overall premise was interesting, but I just didn't feel a connection with the characters. There was a lot of angst, so I definitely went through a roller coaster of emotions, both good and bad. All in all, this was a good book. Unfortunately, it just didn't resonate with me.

2.5 stars

A copy of this book was provided by Less Than Three Press, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Release date: June 16, 2015

Buy Links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M

Book Review: Just Business (Takeover #2) by Anna Zabo

Barista and MBA student, Justin White, takes advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for well-known businessman, Sam Anderson, when he overhears him and his CFO, Eli Ovadia, talking about the lack of good candidates for a new assistant position. He takes a chance and is granted an interview. The only thing in his way is Eli, who is gruff, cold and aloof.

Eli, a brilliant businessman in his own right, is trying to come to terms with the demons from his past: being disowned by his religious parents when he came out, and losing his boyfriend, Noah, and two friends in a tragic car accident many years before. The arrival of Justin stirs emotions that he hadn't felt since Noah. He sees traits in Justin that set his blood ablaze with desire, but will Justin accept his proclivities or be completely turned off by them?

Overall, this was a solid book. The characters are complex and well-developed, and there is a strong BDSM theme throughout. I split the book into three acts:

1. Introductions and set up
2. Honeymoon phase
3. Drama, revelations and explanations

Acts one and three were great in my opinion, but act two fell flat. There was nothing particularly wrong with the writing, but the story seemed to slow down with several chapters being dedicated to one night and several exchanges between Eli and Justin. I'm not afraid to admit that BDSM is not my cup of tea, but I can appreciate it in a good story. Unfortunately, those scenes seemed to drag on longer than I thought necessary. They were scorching, but just a little too long.

Soul Words by Crazy_Pairing_Girl

Soul Words by Crazy_Pairing_Girl

Makoto, Nagisa and Rin are typical high school boys. However, they are also eagerly anticipating the arrival of their soul mates, who will speak a line that has been tattooed on each of their arms since birth. How will they react when the loves of their life finally appear?

This is such a cute story! Each chapter follows Makoto, Nagisa and Rin respectively as they encounter the person they're destined to spend the rest of their lives with. I can guarantee this story will warm your heart in the best of ways. Check it out!

~ M

artwork credit: siquia

I ❤ Yaoi: Kimi no Iru Sekai Shikairania by Hanamura Ichika

Good morning all! This week's yaoi feature is
Kimi no Iru Sekai Shikairania by Hanamura Ichika.

The bright spot in Futaba's lonely childhood was Yuki, a pretty boy who helped him when he was lost and would magically appear to relieve his tears. One day, Futaba, sad at his parents continual neglect, runs away and asks Yuki, "Do you hate me too?" Yuki responds with a kiss and then disappears. Years later his father announces that his brother, Kazuyuki, from a previous marriage will be living with them. Yuki has returned to Futaba, but the gentle and kind boy of the past has been replaced by a cold and beautiful stranger.

Even though the whole "brothers in love" theme may creep some people out, I thought this was a really lovely story. The secrets and history shared by the two young men will definitely draw you in, and the twist that Yuki reveals will not only bring everything together, but will also break your heart. It took a while for me to get used to this mangaka's drawing style, but she manages to make the characters look almost otherworldly with their immense, sparkling eyes. There are additional one-shots in this manga that are just as heartwarming as the featured story. Definitely give this manga a try! It was a truly delightful read.

4.5 stars

~ M

Spartacus - Love is Hard by Nesrie

Spartacus - Love is Hard by Nesrie

While on a disastrous date with a man he can barely stand, a good samaritan defends Nasir when he least expects it. A friend suggests that Nasir check out a gym to build up not only his strength and endurance, but also his confidence. He's extremely apprehensive, but decides to give it a shot...until he discovers that his trainer is none other than the incredibly handsome good samaritan from the other night. Will Nasir be able to open up or will he forever keep a wall up, preventing him from experiencing true happiness?

This is one of those stories that takes you through a gamut of emotions. You will cheer with joy, swoon, cry and become frustrated. However, it's all wrapped up in a nice little package that leaves you wanting more. I know I can't wait to see what happens next.

~ M

Book Review Round Up

Just in case you missed any of the Slashsessed book reviews over the past few months, here's an easy one-stop listing. Enjoy!

Gay Amish Romance Series by Keira Andrews
A Forbidden Rumspringa (Book #1)
A Clean Break (Book #2)
A Way Home (Book #3)

Portland Heat Series by Annabeth Albert
Served Hot (Book #1)
Baked Fresh (Book #2)

Dating for Deafies by Nikka Michaels
In Darkest Peru by Louise Lyons
In the Distance (In the Kitchen #3) by Eileen Griffin & Nikka Michaels
Layne, River & Damion (Storming Love: Blizzard #4) by Vicktor Alexander
Misfits by Garrett Leigh
Moscow Nights (Seasonal Love #3) by T.T. Kove
Opposites Attract by Lily G. Blunt
Souffles at Sunrise (Just Desserts #2) by M.J. O'Shea & Anna Martin
Sweetness & Strength by J.N. Olsen

~ M

Book Review: A Way Home (Gay Amish Romance #3) by Keira Andrews

In this third and final installment in the Gay Amish Romance series, Isaac and David are reluctantly thrown back into the Amish world when Isaac's little brother is diagnosed with cancer. Even though their relationship is on shaky ground, David does all that he can to support the man he loves.

Returning to their families is both a blessing and curse. On one hand Isaac and David have the opportunity to reconnect with their family members, but on the other, they must also suppress the men they've become during their time in San Francisco. Will they be able to stand firm in their beliefs or succumb to the pressure and guilt placed upon them by loved ones?

This is, by far, my favorite book in the series. It was wonderful to see just how much Isaac and David had grown outside of the Amish world. They both made a mess of things while in San Francisco, so I really appreciated their more mature approach to their relationship in this book. Even though their families made things very difficult, I was proud of Isaac and David and how they stood up for themselves and each other. I wished David had stood up for himself more, but he did come a long way since the beginning of book two. Aaron and Jen, as always, were a joy to read, and I found myself wanting an Aaron of my very own. He is such a good, kind and decent character that it's almost impossible not to fall in love with him. He and Jen are very lucky to have each other.

All in all, this is a lovely end to a great series!

4.5 stars

Buy links
All Romance Books | Amazon

~ M

New Release: The Eye of the Beholder by Louise Lyons

The Eye of the Beholder

Release Date: April 29, 2015

Publisher: Wilde City Press

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: 103,000 words

Blurb

Vince Voss is obsessed with physical beauty. Influenced by his aunt, with whom he runs a modeling business, he has become unfeeling and cruel. Vince’s mother, who was a witch in life, returns to show him a better way to live. She casts a spell to take away his good looks and he finds himself challenged with searching for someone to love him, without the use of physical attraction.

Vince eventually meets a lonely male vampire, Peter, and despite his reluctance to get involved with him, he decides to use Peter to help him lift the spell. Little does he that at first, Peter is using him too, and he finally realizes what’s really important when he falls for Peter along the way.

Excerpt

Peter smiled broadly, giving Vince a glimpse of his perfect white teeth. Vince took a step closer without realizing it and immediately caught the scent of Peter. He told himself he should just get it over with. He was going to kiss Peter at some point, and the sooner he did it, the sooner things would move forward. He lifted his hand to touch Peter’s face, rested his palm against the smooth plane of his cheek, and felt the faint warmth there. Peter’s beam lessened and became a shy smile, his eyes lowering to hide his red orbs beneath long lashes. Vince’s pulse sped up, and he didn’t miss the way Peter breathed in sharply through his nose. Is it safe to kiss him? What if he bites me? Maybe it’s too much proximity, and even though he recently fed, he won’t be able to control himself.

College Friends to Lovers by jooliewrites

College Friends to Lovers by jooliewrites

Connor's life is all mapped out. Once he leaves undergrad, he's off to Middleton Law School. The only problem is...Oliver.

Oliver, who has been his college roommate and best friend.

Oliver, who won't be going to Philadelphia.

This sweet one-shot will definitely hit you hard in your feelings. It's a lovely tale about two best friends and how they plan on spending their futures, either together or apart. I don't want to give too much away because I think you'll really enjoy this quick read. Give it a shot!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Be Jealous if You Want! by Nightlight (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello yaoi lovers! This week's feature is Be Jealous if You Want! by Nightlight.

Rei can't seem to understand Nagisa and his incessant need for hugs and affection. When it all becomes too much, he asks Nagisa to refrain for being so clingy. His friend reluctantly agrees, but soon Rei finds himself jealous of all the affection Nagisa continues to give to their friends. Will jealousy get the best of Rei or will he be able to hold firm to his principles?

This is a really sweet and heartwarming story! Rei, in all his serious dorkiness, will bring a smile to your face, and Nagisa, as always, is so kind and adorable. Definitely give this doujinshi a try!

Read Be Jealous if You Want! here.

~ M

Running to You, Running From You (Of Magic & Monsters #3) by venomedveins

Running to You, Running from You (of magic & monsters #3) by venomedveins

As Nasir continues to acquaint himself with his new family and responsibilities, new questions, fears and enemies make themselves known to not only him but Agron, Duro and his beloved friend and brother, Pietros.

I don't know how venomedveins does it, but this story just gets better and better, and this is my favorite chapter so far. You will be on the edge of your seat as you watch these wonderful characters live, love and fight their way through each day. The next chapter cannot come soon enough!

Highly recommended!

~ M

The fabulous artwork above was created for venomedveins by Joe Wraith-wood.

Book Review: Layne, River & Damion (Storming Love: Blizzard #4) by Vicktor Alexander

After a heartbreaking break up, Damion is trying his hardest to move on. It doesn't help that he still works in the same building as his ex, Layne, but a cute marketing student may be the key to help him put the past behind him. Layne misses Damion terribly, but he had to break up with him to save him the pain of his secret, even though he regrets his actions everyday.

I'm typically not a huge fan of threesome stories, but I liked this one. Each of the characters captured and held my interest and I felt invested in their lives, particularly Layne's and Damion's. There was a good amount of back story provided for them, but not quite enough for River. Hints were given, but due to the length of the story, it seemed as though there wasn't enough time to delve into his life.

I do wish that there had been a short epilogue at the end, but maybe Vicktor Alexander is planning to revisit these characters again in the future. I know I would enjoy reading about how their relationship grew and developed after the snow storm.

Buy Links
MLR Press | Amazon

~ M

Pressure by AngryFemale

Pressure by AngryFemale

Haru has been through a lot in his short time on this earth. His beloved mom passed away, and now the same illness she fought all her life is hindering him as well. When a shy and incredibly kind little boy moves in next door, Haru's life changes forever. In Makoto he finds his soulmate; one of the few people he would do absolutely anything for, even protect and shield him from Makoto's scary and abusive father.

What a captivating story! I've been reading this over the course of the week and I've loved every moment. Readers will follow Haru and Makoto as they grow up and experience growing pains, unfamiliar feelings and the bonds of friendship and love. It's a slow build, but your heart will flutter by the utter cuteness displayed. Our other favorites, Rei, Nagisa, Rin and Sousuke, play pretty big roles in the story too. Definitely give this wonderful story a try. There are some angsty and heartbreaking moments, but the closeness Makoto and Haru share will bring the biggest smile to your face!

~ M

artwork credit: のど

I ❤ Yaoi: Harete Bokutachi wa (New Beginnings) by Yamamoto Kotetsuko

Hello fellow yaoi lovers! This week's adorable feature is Harete Bokutachi wa (New Beginnings) by Yamamoto Kotetsuko.

High school student, Chihiro, is small and cute...and gets molested by middle-aged men on the train. But it wasn't always this way. Through elementary school, Chihiro was bigger than all the other boys and defended his friend, the smaller and gentler Keigo from bullies. That is until Keigo was transferred to Vienna! Despite promising to write, Chihiro had long ago left behind the memories of Keigo. Now Keigo is coming back to Japan and now they'll be living under one roof! Will Chihiro accept the confession from Keigo who has become like a stranger? 

I really liked this manga. It's very sweet, and I couldn't help but root for the characters. Keigo is such a gentle soul that I wanted to wrap him up in a big hug. I was sort of on the fence regarding the drawing style, but I have no real complaints. Definitely give this quick read a try!

~ M

Take Shelter in Me (Of Magic & Monsters #2) by venomedveins

Take Shelter in Me (of magic & monsters #2) by venomedveins

Prince Agron and Nasir are now married, but Nasir must not only deal with his new title as consort, but learning a new language and customs, and the loss of his family and everything he ever knew. The connection between Agron and Nasir is undeniable, but jealousy from outside sources threatens to rip them apart before they even really begin.

In the second installment of the of magic & monsters series, I found myself falling even more in love with Nasir and Pietros and appreciating Agron and the burden he bears as the future king. Gerulf continues his reign of terror that will make you want to ball up your fists in frustration. There is still plenty of angst, tension, romance and mystery surrounding the characters that will keep you glued to your screen until the very last word of the chapter. Just as an FYI, each part of the series so far is deliciously long, ranging from 17,000 to 31,000 words. It won't feel like it because you will be pulled into the universe venomedveins has created.

~ M