And the Rainbow Award goes to: 1) Abigail Roux - Stars and Stripes This was the sixth book in the Cut & Run Series; which does a very nice job advancing the development of the relationship between the two main characters as well as their relationships with their respective families as their relationship is revealed. –Linda E. This is the first novel by this author that I have read. I just bought the first one in this series. I loved this novel and look forward to beginning this series off the proper way. From the start. –April O. Paperback: 292 pages Publisher: Riptide Publishing (August 13, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 193755158X ISBN-13: 978-1937551582 Amazon: Stars & Stripes: Cut & Run, #6 Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have managed the impossible: a few months of peace and quiet. After nearly a year of personal and professional turmoil, they're living together conflict-free, work is going smoothly, and they're both happy, healthy, and home every night before dark. But anyone who knows them knows that can’t possibly last. When an emergency call from home upsets the balance of their carefully arranged world, Ty and Zane must juggle family drama with a perplexing crime to save a helpless victim before time runs out. From the mountains of West Virginia to a remote Texas horse ranch harboring more than just livestock and childhood memories, Ty and Zane must face their fears—and their families—to overcome an unlikely enemy and bring peace back into their newly shared world. 2) L.A. Witt - Where There's Smoke I really enjoyed this - tension was high pretty much throughout, ending was realistic. Smoothly written, good voice. –Aleksandr I liked this book. Raw and interesting with current themes to associate with. Each revelation of Jesse and Simone, individually as well as a couple, had me surprised. I rarely find a book I cannot predict, but this one had enough twists and turns to keep me interested the entire read. Great characters! Ms. Witt has a flawless style. It’s fluid and fun. –Alisha Publisher: Loose Id LLC (February 20, 2012) Amazon Kindle: Where There's Smoke Anthony Hunter wonders what the hell he’s gotten himself into when he agrees to manage an unproven candidate’s campaign for governor of California. As soon as he meets the gorgeous, charismatic—and married—politician, attraction gives Anthony’s rock-solid professionalism a run for its money, and Anthony knows he’s in way over his head. Jesse Cameron doesn’t like the idea of putting himself out there as a happily married, wholesome candidate, but his retired senator uncle insists it’ll give him an edge over a challenging rival. The only problem is that Jesse’s marriage is over, existing only to maintain his heterosexual façade. Oh, and there’s that minor detail about his undeniable attraction to his smoking hot campaign manager. Or the fact that the attraction is very, very mutual. Before long, temptation explodes into a sizzling, secret relationship, but under the microscope of the media and the relentless scrutiny of the voting public, Anthony and Jesse can only keep their secret for so long. And this is one scandal a campaign won’t survive... 3) Freddy MacKay – Incubation ( ) A HFN novel (2nd in a series) involving a older gay college student who's lost so much, hurt physically, mentally, and emotionally, and is given a second chance to have a true family, if he can survive the real-life demons still hounding his very steps. Does involve MM & MF interactions and discussion of rape. –Tame It was a bit too long, but I couldn’t put it down! –Stacia Paperback: 514 pages Publisher: Silver Publishing (August 6, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 1614957398 ISBN-13: 978-1614957393 Amazon: Incubation (Finding Peace #2) David McCourt's makeshift family moves in together and forms a protective cocoon around him. But they don't know David's whole story, and he finds the constant noise a distraction instead of a help. Bobby, Chris, and Austin want to help David however possible--but he needs to open up. Jackson crossed a line he never thought he would. He wants to take a chance with David, even if his dreams of a normal life are firmly rooted with Alyssa. The group has the makings of a rag tag family, but secrets--old and new--threaten their fragile bond. The community takes sides and David ends up where he doesn't want to be: the center of everything. Honorable Mention: 4-tie) Amy Lane - Gambling Men This story left me with warm feelings. The characters were great and their loving and intimate connection felt so right. –Caroline Paperback: 220 pages Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 7, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 1613724985 ISBN-13: 978-1613724989 Amazon: Gambling Men Anne Tenino - Frat Boy and Toppy ( ) Well written love story with the perfect touch of not having the main character be a “typical jock” but a real young man with fears and insecurities that any reader would likely be able to relate too. –Theresa Paperback: 192 pages Publisher: Riptide Publishing (March 26, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 193755130X ISBN-13: 978-1937551308 Amazon: Frat Boy and Toppy: Theta Alpha Gamma #1 (Volume 1) Harper Fox - Scrap Metal Wonderful. Easy to read, lyrical. I'd recommend this book to others. –Lynn I enjoyed this book a lot. There were some heart-wrenching moments that were well balanced through the story. Harper Fox is an author I'll be looking for more of. –Kathy Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Samhain Publishing (February 5, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1609289021 ISBN-13: 978-1609289027 Amazon: Scrap Metal 7) Cat Grant - Once a Marine ( ) Well-developed characters in a sweet romance with highly charged erotic scenes. Overall, the writing is very good. –Gene What a surprising beautiful novel this was, no goblins or shapeshifters or vampires just natural human beings trying to get by with life. From beginning to end was a pleasant and worthy read. No robust cheers erupting, just a pleasant grinning acceptance. Good job! –Mick Paperback: 208 pages Publisher: Riptide Publishing (October 30, 2011) Language: English ISBN-10: 1937551245 ISBN-13: 978-1937551247 Amazon: Once a Marine 8) Jaime Samms - Stained Glass ( ) First of all, there is very little I can say about "Stained Glass" that doesn't begin with "a" and doesn't end in "mazing". Seriously. I don't often call a book brilliant anymore but this one is. 100%. –Cira Paperback: 214 pages Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 27, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 1613727232 ISBN-13: 978-1613727232 Amazon: Stained Glass 9) Ethan Day - Second Time Lucky ( ) Wonderful book; I liked it from beginning to nearly end, as for me it didn't really end. I felt a bit like left hanging in the air. –Anke I really liked this story about former friends/lovers reconnecting after many years apart. Ethan Day's stories are guaranteed to make me laugh and this one was no exception. There's just something about the humor in his books that I connect with. –Lily Paperback: 380 pages Publisher: MLR Press (June 8, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 1608206971 ISBN-13: 978-1608206971 Amazon: Second Time Lucky 10) Aleksandr Voinov - Dark Soul This was a fascinating and exciting story. I liked that it was short stories and not this epic book. There were no wasted words or scenes. It kept my attention entirely. There was no waste in the book and I consider that a true gift. –Mariana Paperback: 310 pages Publisher: Riptide Publishing (March 19, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 1937551318 ISBN-13: 978-1937551315 Amazon: Dark Soul: The Complete Collection This journal is friends only. This entry was originally posted at http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3369764.html . If you are not friends on this journal, Please comment there using OpenID.