Archive for the ‘5 Whip Reviews’ Category

The Amethyst Eye

by Julia Talbot

Publisher: Torquere Books
ISBN: 978-1-61040-157-9

Jared might be physically blind, but he has the amethyst eye his granny gave him, and there are things he can see perfectly well. When a mysterious stranger starts following him around the city, Jared knows that changes are coming, and he might just be looking forward to the excitement. Dante is more than willing to give Jared what he needs. It’s been a long time since anyone has seen Dante for what he really is, and he knows it might be Jared, not the eye, who has all the magic he wants.

The Amethyst Eye by Julia Talbot

Book Review by Jasmine

3/4/5 Whips in the Backseat

The Amethyst Eye by Julia Talbot is a book that needed multiple ratings in my opinion. Why you ask? Well because elements were great while others were lacking. The characters: Engaging, well developed emotionally. I felt for them and the attraction between them was fast and furious.  Another thing to like – the scenes between Jared and Dante are Hot Hot HOT! So on that front there was not a thing missing – 5/5

World building? Believability? 3/5 – Again you ask why? Well the magic and the blood sucker and the lack of explanation for any of those things. What does it mean to be a vampire in this world? Are they just flying below the radar? Jared isn’t interested enough to ask? What happens when you walk hand in hand into the sunset? I was left with a lot of questions that did not match up with the happy reader feeling I got from the emotions between characters at their immediate attraction in The Amethyst eye.

So in the end – the average is 4/5 whips in the Backseat

Love Slave for Two
Love Slave for Two, Book 1

By: Tymber Dalton

Heat Level: SCORCHING
Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

[Ménage Amour: Erotic Contemporary Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, M/M, M/F, BDSM]

Nevvie Barton has never truly felt loved or like she belonged anywhere–ever. Abandoned by her adopted family and trapped in an abusive relationship, she takes a job with Tyler Paulson and Thomas Kinsey as their cleaning girl.

Nevvie knows her fantasies about “the boys” will always be just that–the two handsome men are devoted, loving life-partners. Then Tyler and Thomas fall in love with Nevvie and hatch a secret plan to seduce her and make her their permanent third.

For the first time in her life, she feels attractive and wanted. When they ask her to move in and be their personal assistant, Nevvie jumps at the chance. Her planned escape doesn’t go without a hitch, and the boys must rescue her from a brutal man who would rather kill her than let her go.

Can Tyler and Thomas heal Nevvie’s wounded body and soul and prove to her that she really is their dream come true?

“I love this book because I fell in love with the characters as I got deeper into the story. They really surprised me, and the dynamics between them as they related to each other were fascinating. They heal each other in different ways, and while they’re all independent people, they’re truly complete and stronger when they’re together.” ~ Tymber ~

A Siren Erotic Romance

Love Slave For Two Book Review

Review by Armenia

5/5 Whips

Have you as a youngster ever read a book past your bedtime sneaking under bed sheets with a flashlight to find out what happens at the end of the story? I have to admit Love Slave For Two made me do just that. I read in the glow of my netbook while on my bed in a dark room. Hours later I met the sunrise. I felt naughty, exhausted and thoroughly satisfied. LOL, if I smoked I would have lit one. All kidding aside this is one story that should not be missed.

Tyler Paulson and Thomas Kinsey have been life partners for eleven years. The guys need help around the house now that Tyler is a successful novelist and Thomas runs his own architectural business and  Nevvie Barton comes to them as a part-time housekeeper. From the beginning both Tyler and Thomas are attracted to Nevvie. The men extend their friendship providing a safe environment for Nevvie whenever she is with them. She’s wary though of the feelings simmering just below her heart. Her feelings for them deepen after a few weeks but fantasizing about a relationship outside of their friendship is near impossible. Or so she thinks.

Tyler plans a long seduction along with Thomas to make her their own. I loved this part of the story; how insightful, caring Tyler and Thomas were when it came to considering Nevvie’s fragile ego. Right in front of me I saw a heroine go from battered, low self-esteem victim to a loving, assertive, confident woman. I was jumping for joy when “her boys” finally let it known they wanted her as a permanent third in their family. Tyler, Thomas and Nevvie were such perfect complements to one another, providing whatever the other could not.

Tymber Dalton pens a wonderfully loving story in Love Slave For Two. This is a super-length novel but don’t let that deter you. Its rich in emotion, has well defined characters that make you fall in love with them, and steamy inventive love scenes. Its fast paced, very light reference to BDSM, and the hot sex scenes done tastefully. Ms. Dalton did throw an unexpected twist towards the end I did not see coming. My stomach was in knots, I felt impending distress wrapping itself around my psyche, and I shouted “Oh. No! You are not going to kill off the heroine!” I had to laugh at myself because I completely fell into her trap. Well done Ms. Dalton.

Love Slave for Two: Beginnings

Love Slave for Two (Prequel)

By: Tymber Dalton

Heat Level: SCORCHING
Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

Tyler Paulson came to America with a scholarship and a dream of becoming a writer. With an unsupportive mother and a father who abandoned him, he makes close friends and tries to build a new life for himself in his adopted country.

Unfortunately, a series of heartbreaking betrayals makes him doubt not only truths he once held about himself, but shatters his trust in others.  Thomas Kinsey wants to carry on his father’s legacy and become an architect. His family and upbringing couldn’t be more different than Tyler’s, but he hides a secret he’s afraid to admit for fear of testing his strong family bonds.
Thomas knows Tyler is the man he wants to spend the rest of his life with…if he can convince Tyler to forget the ghosts in his past and have faith in their future together. Read the scorching prequel to “Love Slave for Two!”
“I’ve had so many readers ask about how Tyler and Thomas met, so while it wasn’t a story I’d originally planned to write, I did know how it came about and decided, why not share it? It sheds some really startling light on how Tyler came to be the way he is.” ~ Tymber ~
A Siren Erotic Romance

[Ménage Amour: Erotic Alternative Ménage a Trois Romance, Contemporary, May-December, BDSM, Public Exhibition, M/M, M/M/M, with M/M/M/F]

Love Slave For Two: Beginnings Book Review

Review by Armenia

5/5 Whips

In this novel-length story we are introduced to Tyler and Thomas, who are principal characters in Love Slave For Two, Book 1 in the series. We learn about the path each take in their journey to sexual self discovery, and how they eventually meet and become life partners.
Tyler is sensitive, caring and trusts too easily. His history is fraught with deceit and betrayal from failed relationships, and one such affair leaves him heartbroken and devastated. These experiences mold Tyler and later become fuel in creating conflict in his relationship with Thomas. Poor Tyler has a bad time of it when dealing with trust issues, and who can blame him.

Thomas is the jock. He can’t admit he is attracted to men but continues to date women to keep up appearances. When he rescues a college friend from an abusive boyfriend, I was cheering him on. He is heroic and so darn likeable that I just wanted to hug him. Tymber Dalton creates these two loveable characters with hearts of gold. When both men finally lay eyes on one another sparks fly and they realize it’s the real thing. Tyler and Thomas are complete opposites, but in every way complement each other. The passion and love between them felt committed and heartfelt.

When I started to read Love Slave For Two: Beginnings I was not quite sure what to expect . To my delight I found it had all the elements I wanted in a romance: humor, sadness, joy, passion, and love. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and yes, I drooled over all the hot BDSM scenes. Oh yeah, Tyler is introduced to the lifestyle which instantly intrigues him. Be warned this book does not lack a supply of seductive, kinky scenes. Secondary characters are well developed and give the story greater depth.   Ray is a Dom who introduces the BDSM lifestyle to Tyler. But this time around as Ray for a teacher Tyler learns he has choices. I admired Ray for his integrity and that he was not out to hurt Tyler. I absolutely loved Peggy, Thomas’s mom who offered her unconditional love for her son, and embraced the loving relationship Thomas and Tyler had for each other.

Years later when Tyler and Thomas are well settled into their relationship, Nevvie comes to them as their part-time housekeeper. She is the third in the upcoming menage story in Love Slave For Two. Its instant attraction for all three and they can’t deny the sizzling chemistry between them. Ms. Dalton’s writing style grabbed me and didn’t let me go. I want more and I’m really looking forward to Tyler, Thomas, and Nevvie’s story in the next sequel: Love Slave For Two.


More Titles by Tymber Dalton – or visit her site – http://www.tymberdalton.com/

Tasim’s Tale

by Stephanie Vaughan

Publisher: Torquere Press

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Captured by the Kundari, a neighboring kingdom, Tasim is a stranger in a strange land. When he is made part of the entertainment at a lusty reward ceremony for the king’s soldiers, Tasim has one hope for survival: make Dorian, the rugged captain of the regiment, his protector. A single encounter will shock them both — but first they must survive the night.

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Tasim’s Tale by Stephanie Vaughan

Review by Missy

4.5/5  Whips

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If you like the idea of being stolen away and sold to a handsome man, this story is a perfect match for you.  Rough and tumble soldiers, domineering and yet in the case of Tasim’s new match, oddly caring.  Isn’t that a big part of the fantasy?  Get captured, auctioned off as a sex slave and end up with a caring and protective man who decides you are the most desirable of all.

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The hero will never have another slave lover and though there was hardship our characters were meant to be together.  Right?  Well that last bit is actually what this story lacked.  The resolution that this was more then just attraction at first site.  That there is more to it.  It is possible that could have all been taken care of in an epilogue, or maybe not.

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I found the world a fascinating place to visit and I do wish we could spend a little more time seeing what the day to day life is like.  The culture and society is rich, but we only get a quick peek.  I want more -  though I confess, the sex is hot and the story interesting.  Overall I found it too interesting to be cut so short.  I hope we get to revisit this world again, maybe see Tasim and Dorian again from a distance.   I confess I am not the biggest fan of sequels, though I would make an exception for these two.

Chasing Smoke

by K. A. Mitchell

Samhain  Publishing

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An old mystery brought them together. Solving it could tear them apart.

In the best of times, Daniel Gardner hates visiting his family. With his boyfriend pressuring him for a mortgage-serious commitment, Christmas in Easton, PA sounds, for once, like a welcome escape. His old house holds more than memories of a miserable adolescence, though. It has Trey Eriksson.

At seventeen, Trey was taken in by the wealthy Gardner family after his father was jailed for his mother’s murder. Until he left for the Army, he fought a double-edged battle—for proof of his father’s innocence and against his attraction to Daniel.

Fifteen years later, things haven’t changed. Trey is still looking for the real killer. And Daniel has never forgotten how Trey used to sneak into his room at night.

Now new clues to the murder are resurfacing—and so is Trey and Daniel’s sexual chemistry. Except this time, Trey has come to terms with his orientation.

But their connection may not be enough to overcome the mistakes of the past. Not while a murderer still walks free…

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Chasing Smoke by K.A. Mitchell

Review by Missy

-  4.95/5  Whips

This title is Smoking HOT!  I like, like, liked it.  We have drama, murder, mystery, and two long separated lovers.  K.A. Mitchell weaves a complex tapestry of young love, mis communication, and what happens when the romance is rekindled.   Here is a bit of how the story runs its course and I won’t giveaway spoilers.

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We have our boy Daniel who is returning for the holidays and to help his mother move, leaving his current boyfriend alone.  Does Daniel fear commitment or is BF just not the right one?   The impression when Trey walks in is that he has kept Daniel from committing elsewhere.  First loves have a way of lingering.  A set up that felt so believable I was embarrassed at the awkward moments for them.

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Family dinner with your current BF who is pushing for a commitment and your first lover who still holds your heart?  I Squirmed!  Poor Daniel must have felt  that times ten!  Plus why would Daniel NOT have a lover?  The dynamic would have been weakened if all we read was Daniel pined for Trey, and Trey obsessed silently over Daniel.

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This book reminds me of an Onion! It too has lots of layers.  Though parfait would be an appropriate analogy as well.  There is the family history, the main characters personal history, the murder mystery, the sexual tension, the whole deal is wrapped together in a carrying case of onion skins.  Wait the onion may not have been the best choice.

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Chasing Smoke by K.A. Mitchell is way up there on my list of favorite reads – so why might you ask is this not a 5/5?  I am not the biggest fan of the far reaching implications of the murder element.  In a story so strongly driven by character and richly defined by human drives any thing that goes outside believability detracts from the men who feel real enough to walk off the screen.   I look forward to more of her work.

Angel of 13th Street

by Eden Winters

Publisher Torquere Books

Synopsis

The Angel. That’s what the young hustlers call Noah Everett, the man who’ll help them get off the streets. Once a hustler himself, Noah doesn’t take his own good advice, which is, “Don’t let this ruin your life.” Haunted by the past and those he couldn’t save, Noah carefully keeps others at bay until his self-imposed loneliness is shattered by determined, ambitious, but homeless eighteen-year-old Jeremy Kincaid.

A ruthless pimp has targeted Jeremy, but if Noah will fight to get anonymous young men out of the life, he’ll fight harder to keep Jeremy from getting in, even if it means a return to old stomping grounds to make a deal with the devil. To save Jeremy, Noah risks more than just his body. He risks his soul as well, because Willie Carnell, pimp, was once Billy Cordell, Noah’s lover.

Angel of 13th Street by Eden Winters Review

Review by Missy

5/5 Whips

Bravo!  No joke.  Angel of 13th Street is a well executed, complex story that makes this world of semi-underground male prostitution believable.  Maybe believable is not the best word, perhaps there are others that work better, like accessible, relatable,  insightful?  Okay, maybe not 100% of the time, but as a reader I was there with our main character Noah every second and drawn into his story and struggle.

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As for the young man, Jeremy, who falls into his life there were a few issues with him as the catalyst to the story.  He is being followed by a former lover who would like to recruit him to work the street corner.  That is when the “Angel” steps in.  Noah and Jeremy have a believable attraction – though I might have been happier if the younger half of the couple had a few more years on him.  You can be 20 and still look young.  But his age worked for the story, and to stop the city pimp from bothering Jeremy, it forces Noah back into the lions den to see HIS former lover.

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Which brings me to the elusive Billy Cordell/Willie Carnell.  I do NOT want him to be elusive.  I loved the snap shots we see in flashback of Noah and the then called Billy as lovers.  If there was one disappointment with the book it was that there was not enough interaction between Noah and the now called Willie.  Their dynamic was the most interesting element of the whole tale.  That was an area I would have explored happily in the story.  Oh, and is Willie really an intimidating enough name for a bad ass pimp?  Who is afraid of the big, bad, Willie?

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The story is one I could not put down, plan to re-read, and would recommend to any reader who enjoys M/M and is willing to look into the darker side.   I really can not call it a happy story, but it is uplifting in its own way.  It is easy to fall in love with Noah.  It is also hard NOT to fall a little in love with Billy, and even Willie.  What can I say?  I am a sucker for a man who pines for his lost love.  Adore the book, and I will be searching for more by this author.

- Missy

Sage

by J. Rocci

Torquere Press, Spice It Up

Synopsis -

Yu Maguire has just been released from prison after bearing witness against the gang that runs Little Earde, a “human”-only barrio in the planet’s capital city. In prison, Yu had to face a lot of hard facts about his previous life and, after being sheltered by the Earde his entire life, he has no friends left.

No friends except Amergin, the police officer who opens his home to Yu. Amergin, who happens to be Marazny, a race renowned for their icy exterior. Amergin may be reserved, but Yu finds peace and acceptance in Amergin’s ordered little corner of the word. Trying to make his way in a new city shows Yu that he has so much more left to learn, but Amergin offers Yu a second chance at creating a home for himself and a companion to share it with, if he’s brave enough.

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Sage by J. Rocci

Review by Jasmine

4.85/5 Whips in the Backseat

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I want to start by saying I loved this story and plan to read and re-read it many times in the future.  It has a great cast of characters and the alien world is well rounded and fascinating.  Please, please revisit it with another story!  I mean as a reader it is hard to have so little time in a place you find so fascinating.  So why is the story not a 5/5?  Basically cause I wanted MORE!

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The great thing about this story is that there is a lot to discuss especially considering that this is a rather too short read.  Many of the books I have read that are intergalactic (I guess that would be the term) have very humanoid beings and who have a culture similar to those we are familiar with.  They might still have swords and be closer to 1300 England, or much like today but shooting phaser guns.  What I love in Sage is that J Rocci has distinct cultures.  They have social mores very different from our norm and distinct between the races presented in the story.

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I doubt I would want to live there, but I would sure love to read about it some more.  So a little more about the story, we have our two characters, Yu and Amergin.  Yu comes from an area off the grid a bit – a slum – that is kinda like the rookeries of 19th century England in a way.  Criminals can just slip away and disappear.  Yu was a driver for a crime that was unexpectedly violent and comes forward to testify to none other then officer Amergin.  A scene we do not get to see – for which I am sad.  It would have been awesome to see/read about their first meeting.

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It would have also been exciting to see the interaction between the heroes when Amergin invites Yu to live with him after his time in prison is up.  Usually I have no complaints when the opening blah, blah, blah is removed because we don’t really need to see the two scenes I mentioned, but at the same time I adore the characters so much I would love to see them.

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If J Rocci went back and extended this story and fleshed it out into a longer tale I would be online day of release ordering it at 12:01 AM.  It is a great romance and even if there was not too much necking – sexy time, it is a heart warming read.  I go so far as to say a must read if you enjoy M/M Sci-Fi.

Pick up this title at the Publishers Site

http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2644