~ 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.

Book Review: Long Haul (The Mile High Club #2) by Michael P. Thomas

Flight attendants, Clark Arnold and Tanner Bradac, find themselves on an extended layover in San Francisco when the Supreme Court rules in favor of marriage equality. Riding the high of happiness, the two men venture into the city that seems to be alight with joy and pride.

A misunderstanding, some pushy, but well-intentioned new friends and a simmering attraction for one another lead them to stand before a judge and get married on a whim. Now that they've made a commitment to one another, they must now get to know each other beyond random make-out sessions and work.

I liked the first half of this story and witnessing the surprising union of Clark and Tanner, but once the they were married, the book, in my opinion, loses its steam until the final act. Clark and Tanner were very compatible physically, but once they had to settle down and live day-to-day life, the cracks in their hasty marriage showed. I liked the characters, but this book glaringly proves that getting to know someone in a relationship is very important. I felt a little let down that one person had to give up his dreams because the other refused to budge in his stance. I immediately thought about the old adage "set in his ways" and feared that this couple probably wouldn't make past their two-year anniversary.

2.5 stars

                          A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links
JMS Books | Amazon

~ M

I Don't Do Boyfriends, Except You by HoneyBadgerInHanover

I Don't Do Boyfriends, Except You by HoneyBadgerInHanover

After getting their tests at the clinic, doctors discover that Oliver does not have HIV, but something else. Something that could take his life away much faster, and now Connor is trying his best to keep positive, but the weight of reality is sinking down on him...he just can't lose Oliver. He can't.

Oh my goodness! I think my heart was in my throat throughout most of this story. HoneyBadgerInHanover wrote a wonderful story that will have you engrossed in the lives, emotions and tribulations of Oliver and Connor. I loved how Connor's friendship with Michaela was portrayed and how much she supporter her colleague and friend. I highly recommend this read! It's heavy on the angst, but don't let that deter you. It's beautifully written and worth your time!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Horror Movie Night!! by ciao.baby (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning fellow yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Horror Movie Night!! by ciao.baby!

Always being afraid of horror movies has become quite troublesome for Rei and Makoto, especially when they hang out with Haru and Nagisa. To help overcome their fear, they decide to rent a couple horror films and watch them together. Hopefully they'll be able to get past their extreme dislike for scary things, and strength in numbers always helps. When things get particularly intense, Rei and Makoto end up turning to each other for a special kind of comfort.

This doujinshi was actually quite cute. Seeing Makoto and Rei struggle with the horror movies was hilarious and endearing, and what happens next is definitely a treat! Give this dj a try!

Read Horror Movie Night!! here.

~ M

A Craving for Potato Pancakes by Cheryl1964

A Craving for Potato Pancakes by Cheryl1964

When Agron has to cancel their romantic evening due to work, Nasir begrudgingly settles in for a microwave dinner and a little tv. He's nearly knocked off his feet when he turns on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and sees Agron's doppelganger!

This is an adorable one-shot that I thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone was excited to see Dan Feuerriegel on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. a few weeks ago, so how would it play out if Nasir also happened to be watching? Give this sweet story a try! You won't be disappointed!

~ M

Blog Tour: Long Haul by Michael P. Thomas

Title: Long Haul
Author: Michael P. Thomas
Series: The Mile High Club, book two
Genre: Gay Romance, Contemporary
Length: Novella (62 pages)
Publisher: JMS Books

Synopsis
Flight attendant Tanner Bradac and his occasional make-out buddy Clark Arnold find themselves on a layover in San Francisco on the day the U.S. Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage. Tanner is as happy about the ruling as any of his Facebook friends rainbowing up their profile pictures, it just doesn’t affect him personally—he doesn’t even have a boyfriend. Color him surprised, then, when he and Clark get caught up in the celebratory spirit of the day and return home as lawfully wedded husbands.

The wedding may have been a last-minute light-hearted lark, but Tanner and Clark are willing to give marriage a go. Tanner loves Clark—at least, he really wants to love Clark—and he figures the rest should just fall into place. How hard can being married to a guy you barely know really be?

Short Blurb: On the day the Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage, Tanner Bradac doesn’t even have a boyfriend, so you can imagine his surprise when he and his buddy Clark get carried away by the celebratory spirit of the day and wind up lawfully wedded husbands. The wedding may have been a light-hearted lark, but Tanner and Clark are willing to give marriage a go.

After all, how hard can it be?

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | JMS Books