GiGi The Literary Slave

Title: Fusion

Series: North Star: Book Two

Author: Posy Roberts

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (300 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: How do you tell your friends and family you’ve fallen in love with a man when they’ve only ever known you as straight? How do you explain to your kids that you loved their mother very much, but your new partner is your best friend from high school?

Kevin Magnus must figure it out while trying to build a relationship with Hugo Thorson, whose bigger than life, out-and-proud drag queen persona is simply too big to be contained in a closet—even for the time it takes Kevin to come up with an explanation for his kids and Erin, his soon-to-be ex-wife.

But Erin faces an even bigger obstacle—one that shakes the entire family to the core. When she unexpectedly turns to Hugo, they form a connection that forces Hugo to grow up and offers Kevin the chance to become the kind of father he wants to be. Despite the coming complications, they’ll all benefit from a fortunate side effect: it becomes clear that Hugo is very much a part of this unconventional family.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4374

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: I read this story from the perspective of someone who lost her mother to cancer, discovered at stage four, that took her life fast and ugly. I cared for her at home until the moment she died in my arms. I know what the decision is like to take care of a loved one with a terminal illness and a short prognosis. It’s not really a decision. You do it, because the alternative would be even more painful, even more damaging to one’s emotions. So I totally understood Kevin’s decision to take care of Erin.

The title, Fusion, seems to be to be descriptive of how they become a family, how Kevin and Hugo become a stronger couple, forced together, permanently bound through the heat and pressure of this life changing experience. This is a tough and self-sacrificing choice that both Kevin and separately Hugo have made. Something like this takes guts and dedication for Hugo. He could have walked away. He could have simplified his life, focused on himself and his career, and saved a ton of awkwardness, heartache, and strain. But he quickly becomes my favorite character because he does not, he befriends Erin, he gives her the greatest gift anyone ever could. He allows her to die with the assurances that her children will be loved, safe, and cared for in her absence. I’ve got tears on the edge of my eyelashes as I type that comment, but it is so true.

The moments of respite written in for Kevin and Hugo is also supremely important to anyone caring for an ill loved one. Because we are no good to each other if, we’re weary beyond functioning in a healthy way. I’m glad they got their breaks, their isolation, their alone time to focus on their relationship. The only thing that threw me for a loop, though it seemed to work, was the night swimming scene between Erin, Kevin and Hugo, erotic yes, uncomfortable yes, a bit odd…glad she left the water when she did!

Anyhow, there is so much packed into this story, I could go on and on, but I’m glad it was told. It’s difficult material to write about but Posy did a great job! It’s honest and I have the feeling, written from an experienced perspective. A surprising, yet bolstering turn of events from book one. I’m eager for the next book!

The strength and uniqueness of her characters is what keeps me coming back to Rhys Ford's writing again and again. Ford is on my auto read list, and this title, the first in the new Hellsinger series does not disappoint! I can totally relate to, and love the quirkiness, talent and intelligence of Tristan Pryce. While the arrogance, dominance and leap before looking mentality of Wolf compliments Tristan. The two at first seem like oil and water, but as the chaos and haunted shenanigans roll on we can see that the attraction is inevitable, more like fire and oil! 

The secondary characters hold just as much interest to me, two of my favorites being Wolf's mother and the dog, yes the ghost dog is one of my favorites in this spooctacular tale, especially when skeptical Wolf actually starts playing fetch with him! This highly entertaining book is full of horror, humor, supernatural events, and sprinkled with super sexy scenes between our two MC's. Fish and Ghosts is fast paced, and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. I may have lost sleep but it was so worth it and I can't wait for the next book in this supernatural series!

Title: Sparks

Series: North Star: Book One

Author: Posy Roberts

Genre: Contemporary/Coming of Age/First love-second chance

Length: Novel (304 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 2^nd, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: In their small-town high school, Hugo and Kevin became closeted lovers who kept their secret even from parents. Hugo didn’t want to disappoint his terminally ill father, and Kevin’s controlling father would never tolerate a bisexual son. When college took them in different directions, they promised to reunite, but that didn’t happen for seventeen years.

By the time they meet again, Hugo has become an out-and-proud actor and director who occasionally performs in drag—a secret that has cost him in past relationships. Kevin, still closeted, has followed his father’s path, and now, in the shadow of divorce, is striving to be a better father to his own children.

When Hugo and Kevin meet by chance at a party, the spark of attraction reignites, as does their genuine friendship. Rekindling a romance may mean Hugo must compromise the openness he values, but Kevin will need a patient partner as he adapts to living outside the closet. With such different lifestyles, the odds seem stacked against them, and Hugo fears that if his secret comes to light, it may drive Kevin away completely.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4156

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: At first I was daunted by the length of this book, thinking it could have been culled a bit. The further I got, the more glued to the pages I was, however! There were many layers to this story and the quality of the authors writing is great. Often times I felt myself caught in a dreamlike mentality that was perfect for the main characters’ remembrances.

This story is about coming of age and self-discovery, yes, but it also made me examine my own relationships more closely and see things I have never considered before. There are many different types of intimacy exhibited, intimacy among best friends, lovers, family, some that are sexual, some that blur lines and I think that’s all part of the strength of this novel. Another strong theme throughout this story is the conscious part of the main characters to understand their relationships with others, both failed and successful and to understand how problematic cycles repeat, and how to break them. Kevin finally finds his way to breaking a cycle of a cruel and domineering father, so he can do better himself, and he educates himself how to be a better one for his own family. Hugo and Summer both openly discuss their own cycles of repeating bad relationships and how to avoid the same problems in the future.

Hugo, most importantly, gets over his fears and acknowledges how he doesn’t want to sabotage his renewed relationship with Kevin by hiding parts of himself. Realizing he needs to begin this second chance, with eyes wide open on both sides.

Roberts does a wonderful job setting a scene, defining that atmosphere in which an encounter or important moment takes place. She’s excellent at building up tension, and at hinting towards a major shift about to happen. I also took comfort in a familiarity with the Midwest setting, the whole lake cottage phenomenon and the language and culture of the Midwest. As a Michigan girl, I grinned at familiar phrases and past times. I read this book later into the early hours of the morning because I couldn’t put it down. As I normally read something of this length in segments that’s saying a lot! Bravo Posy, I look forward to the next installment in the series!

If you’re looking for something deeper, something special and something truly passionate…grab this book!

 

Reviewed for MM Good Books Reviews

 

Title: Elements of Retrofit
Series: Thomas Elkin Book #1

Author: N.R. Walker
Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (89 pages)

Publisher: Total-E-Bound (October 4^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Book one in the Thomas Elkin series.

Even the strongest of buildings start out as plans on paper, and every architect knows that sometimes plans need to change. Sometimes, these lessons are learned on the job.

A successful New York architect, Thomas Elkin almost has it all. Coming out as gay and ending his marriage before his fortieth birthday, he needed to start living his life. Now, four years later, with his relationship with his son back on track, and after a few short-lived romances, this esteemed traditional draftsman thought he knew everything about architecture, about life.

Cooper Jones, twenty-two years old, is about to take the architect world by storm. Talented, professional, driven, and completely infuriating, Cooper is the definition of Generation Y.

Starting an internship working with Thomas, Cooper is about to knock Tom’s world off its axis. Tom can teach Cooper about the industry, but Cooper is about to teach Tom a few things about life.

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2332

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: What a fun chase and a slow build between newly single Thomas Elkin and intern Cooper Jones. Tomas has been closeted for his entire adult life, married, then divorced with a grown son and has a successful career as an architect. After the big D, he’s had his flings and one-offs, but can’t control his newfound desire for his intern of all people! And to top it off, his new attraction is one of his son’s best friends from school. Thankfully, they are able to keep it professional in the workplace, even though the secretary sees right through them! This delightful story is full of interesting architectural design facts, and a great tease between the two MC’s. I love it when they finally snap and the floodgates open! Then it’s a sexual marathon that shows the two are very compatible! It’s a fun read, and Cooper Jones is definitely strong enough to hold his own against the experienced and talented Thomas Elkin. I love it that Cooper doesn’t let the experienced and controlling Thomas take over. He keeps the reins of his own career and life, while still driving new passion into Thomas’. I look forward to finding out what is in store for this dynamic duo next!

 

Reviewed for MM Good Books Reviews

MM Good Books Reviews - Spark - Posy Roberts Title: Sparks
Series: North Star: Book One
Author: Posy Roberts
Genre: Contemporary/Coming of Age/First love-second chance
Length: Novel (304 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 2nd, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: In their small-town high school, Hugo and Kevin became closeted lovers who kept their secret even from parents. Hugo didn’t want to disappoint his terminally ill father, and Kevin’s controlling father would never tolerate a bisexual son. When college took them in different directions, they promised to reunite, but that didn’t happen for seventeen years.
By the time they meet again, Hugo has become an out-and-proud actor and director who occasionally performs in drag—a secret that has cost him in past relationships. Kevin, still closeted, has followed his father’s path, and now, in the shadow of divorce, is striving to be a better father to his own children.
When Hugo and Kevin meet by chance at a party, the spark of attraction reignites, as does their genuine friendship. Rekindling a romance may mean Hugo must compromise the openness he values, but Kevin will need a patient partner as he adapts to living outside the closet. With such different lifestyles, the odds seem stacked against them, and Hugo fears that if his secret comes to light, it may drive Kevin away completely.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4156 Reviewer:   GiGi
Review: At first I was daunted by the length of this book, thinking it could have been culled a bit. The further I got, the more glued to the pages I was, however! There were many layers to this story and the quality of the authors writing is great. Often times I felt myself caught in a dreamlike mentality that was perfect for the main characters’ remembrances.
This story is about coming of age and self-discovery, yes, but it also made me examine my own relationships more closely and see things I have never considered before. There are many different types of intimacy exhibited, intimacy among best friends, lovers, family, some that are sexual, some that blur lines and I think that’s all part of the strength of this novel. Another strong theme throughout this story is the conscious part of the main characters to understand their relationships with others, both failed and successful and to understand how problematic cycles repeat, and how to break them. Kevin finally finds his way to breaking a cycle of a cruel and domineering father, so he can do better himself, and he educates himself how to be a better one for his own family. Hugo and Summer both openly discuss their own cycles of repeating bad relationships and how to avoid the same problems in the future.
Hugo, most importantly, gets over his fears and acknowledges how he doesn’t want to sabotage his renewed relationship with Kevin by hiding parts of himself. Realizing he needs to begin this second chance, with eyes wide open on both sides.
Roberts does a wonderful job setting a scene, defining that atmosphere in which an encounter or important moment takes place. She’s excellent at building up tension, and at hinting towards a major shift about to happen. I also took comfort in a familiarity with the Midwest setting, the whole lake cottage phenomenon and the language and culture of the Midwest. As a Michigan girl, I grinned at familiar phrases and past times. I read this book later into the early hours of the morning because I couldn’t put it down. As I normally read something of this length in segments that’s saying a lot! Bravo Posy, I look forward to the next installment in the series!
If you’re looking for something deeper, something special and something truly passionate…grab this book!
 
Reviewed for MM Good Books Reviews

Looks like a fun place to hang out and talk books with some of my favorite authors and reviewers! Now I just need more time in the day!

Review: I must first admit that I haven’t read the previous book in this series and I usually don’t think it’s fair to review a book without the back-story, but even so, I was enthralled. Maybe it’s because I like a good murder/mystery, or possibly, because Jon and Lender have such wonderful chemistry and a strong partnership when they go on adventures for Leander’s psychic work. Either way this story captured my imagination as well as the main characters capturing my heart. I love the way Jon takes such care of Leander, making sure he wears sunscreen, eats well, and watched out for his general well-being, all the while denying what his heart already knows, he’s totally lost in love with “Andy” and needs to come to terms with and admit it before he loses him.

The psych job Leander is on, the hunt to discover what has happened to heir apparent Ethan sends Jon and Andy on a wonderful wild goose chase. It’s also interesting to see Leander come into his psychic skills set and develop it. The secondary characters Harper introduces are quite complex and spike my curiosity also, they have plenty enough strength to balance the main story. The ending is surprising, and I especially enjoy the epilogue! I can say no more else, I give it all away. Definitely, a recommended read, in fact I’m going in search of Books 1-2, so I can be fully involved in Harper’s intriguing plot twists.

Reviewed for MM Good Books Reviews http://networkedblogs.com/PKFRl

Sometimes through our frustration in relationships, we forget the small things, and then big problems erupt. I'm happy to read about a more mature couple, and the real hardships in marriage, it's not all hearts and flowers for sure. So this tale of frustration and separation, combined with Mary's usual wild dangerous criminal element make this love worth fighting for! Great read, fun, loving, sometimes irritating characters. But it all makes this a wonderful read.

I'm thrilled Aaron finally found a man he could love! I bet Jory is happy for him too! Thanks Mary, this was an excellent series, what an adventure! Do read...in order...everybody needs some of this!

A sweet, heartfelt love story. When a short story can still make me run the gambit of emotions from irritated, to heartbroken, to oozing sweetness and put that goofy lovey-dovey smile on my face...then it is a supreme success. I recommend this read and hope this authors continues to write for us!

Marie wraps up this series beautifully; bringing the lessons and strengths we've gathered from each character together to literally bring this family together! If you've followed the series you know this one's about Jon and Cole adopting, and boy do we feel the fear, hope, and over all stress that process takes on! We run the gambit of emotions with Cole and Jon as they deal with trying to adopt a child while also handling their own family dynamics. Especially enjoyable was Jon's father George's point of view during segments of the story. Marie pulled it all together with love, passion, pain, fear, forgiveness, and yes even those sexy scenes she writes so well. For me this story was a great close to the series; showing us the importance of family, love, commitment, and letting us imagine the wonderful journeys ahead. This book definitely gives us hope!

A wonderfully poetic, nail biting, groan-out-loud, amazing read. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I felt passionately for the characters, event he dog!

An amazing story full of history, culture, beautiful geography, and to top it off amazing characters! You'll feel like you've been placed into the Scottish Isles, to journey along with her characters, and their family stories, and this amazing love story. Dont' miss the chance to read this book!

Definitely f&@#*d my mind, a plot with many twists and turns. Good suspense!

This story allows you to pay attention to the subtleties of an early relationship, discovery, exploring not just the main sexual event, but all the smaller things that feed our sexual and emotional appetites. It also presents the reader with very real dilemmas. Relationships are hard enough as it is, throw in having to hide who you are, from your friends, family, and world at large. This story is also about discovering what truly makes you happy and having the guts to reach for it, or not.

Very believable characters, familiar scenery, I could feel this relationship building and the passionate and torturous events throughout, like it was my own, because this writer is truly gifted with the power of words.
Read Plan B!!! You are sure to add it to the keeper shelf to read again!

This series just keeps getting better! Strong female leads.