Alpha's Moon (The Half-Breed Chronicles) by Shannon West
Publisher: Dark Hollows Press, LLC (April 2, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Alpha's Moon (The Half-Breed Chronicles)
Sweet space/sci-fi/fairytale. "The kids are not responsible for parents." Nobody but yourself can decide whom you should love or hate.
Alpha Trine (The Valespian Pact) by Lexi Ander
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (September 25, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1620042444
ISBN-13: 978-1620042441
Amazon: Alpha Trine (The Valespian Pact)
Amazon Kindle: Alpha Trine (The Valespian Pact)
The characters are the strong point. The start with the alien lizard like species who adopt Zeus is really inventive and fascinating. The symbiotic bond between Dargon and Alpha is very interesting and original too. World building is good, but I have a feeling more will come with the sequel. Same goes with plot development - it felt a tiny bit unfinished. Writing style is very good.
A rare books that sends reader straight back to the bookstore to get part 2. The story keeps you wondering what is next until the very end. Just the right balance between sci-fic and romance in perfect space settings. Thank you for introducing that wonderful author to my library.
Alone in deep space, Zeus is adopted by a noble family whose lineage may be too great for him to join. Exciting tale of danger and privilege.
The first in a series; a very different story about a world where humans are revilved and other species revired, and how a blind human changes the course of several worlds, including his own future.
An Unspoken Compromise by Rizi Xavier Timane
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2 edition (October 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1492804371
ISBN-13: 978-1492804376
Amazon: An UnSpoken Compromise: A Spiritual Guide for LGBT People of Faith
Amazon Kindle: An UnSpoken Compromise: A Spiritual Guide for LGBT People of Faith
A very personal memoir that adds a cultural element to the process of transitioning. This is the story of a Nigerian born transgender person at odds with her family and who experienced constant bullying and religious exorcisms in her homeland. The book contains an extensive reference list at the end that I'm sure will be helpful to readers interested in finding out more about the transition process. An inspiring tale that I will not soon forget.
Another Healing by M. Raiya
Paperback: 216 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 10, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 162798559X
ISBN-13: 978-1627985598
Amazon: Another Healing
Amazon Kindle: Another Healing
I really enjoyed the originality of the plot and how positive the main characters stayed throughout the book. This book held my attention from the beginning to the end.
Bird of Paradise by G.J. Paterson
Paperback: 326 pages
Publisher: Pendraig Publishing (October 17, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936922649
ISBN-13: 978-1936922642
Amazon: Bird of Paradise
Amazon Kindle: Bird of Paradise
This is definitely the winner for me in this category. Finally, someone wrote a real rock 'n' roll band in an m/m romance! I am so sick of all those "boy bands" pretending to be rock bands! Two love stories run parallel in the story: a self-destructive one between two band members, and a budding (still in denial) one between two detectives, all four of them thrown together by a child kidnapping case. Both the mystery and romance plots are well thought out and well researched, excellent use of flashbacks and back-stories, it is such a joy and thrill to follow, from start to finish.
Breaking Free: A Guarded Novel by Cat Grant
Publisher: Cat Grant Books (July 9, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Breaking Free: A Guarded Novel
Cat delivers as usual. I do not even like books that include cross-dressing, just not my thing, but Cat made this a hot, hot story. The plot was well done, a slow build up that did not disappoint.
Breath of the Feathered Serpent by Pelaam
Publisher: Breathless Press (April 10, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Breath of the Feathered Serpent
This book was a true delight to read. So much going on here and not a boring moment. Action at its best. There is steam punk, old west, ancient history, so much to delight the reader who loves this type of story. I really liked so many of the characters portrayed here; even the villains are well developed. Very well composed story.
Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1 by Cate Ashwood
Paperback: 210 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 8, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627980822
ISBN-13: 978-1627980821
Amazon: Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1
Amazon Kindle: Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1
This was a sweet story, worthy of an Honourable Mention but not a winner in my opinion.
Cythera by Jo Graham
Paperback: 156 pages
Publisher: Supposed Crimes, LLC (November 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193810840X
ISBN-13: 978-1938108402
Amazon: Cythera
Amazon Kindle: Cythera
Full marks for an interesting story, with characters and world-building that were engaging.
Exciting and well written science fiction tale, Jo Graham deserves 5 big stars for this one.
Dance of Stone by Jay Lewis Taylor
Publisher: Manifold Press (May 30, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Dance of Stone
Twelfth century this time... I never would have survived then... I was speechless. I fell in love with Hugh and supported him through the whole book.
Daughter of Mystery by Heather Rose Jones
Series: Novel of Alpennia
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bella Books (February 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1594933804
ISBN-13: 978-1594933806
Amazon: Daughter of Mystery (Novel of Alpennia)
Amazon Kindle: Daughter of Mystery (Novel of Alpennia)
A sweeping epic from a new to me author. Well written historical fantasy.
There were a couple of places where background information drifted into a bit of ‘info-dumping’. This complex story was a pleasure to read.
Departure from the Script by Jae
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Ylva Verlag e.Kfr. (June 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3955331954
ISBN-13: 978-3955331955
Amazon: Departure from the Script
Amazon Kindle: Departure from the Script
Wow. This book kept me up all night reading. I blame you Elisa, and the author, for needing that extra cup of coffee the next morning. Between witty dialogues that grabbed my attention from the chapter and a sweet romantic plot line that made my heart sing, this book is a true winner.
This was a very smooth read - loved the characterizations and the slow build.
This is a lighthearted romance playing subtly with the concept of femme/butch. I esp. liked the pinch of humor and „grandma“ or rather the Grand Ma. As always with Jae the writing is superb.
Exception to the Rule by Cindy Rizzo
Paperback: 248 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 3, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1494225557
ISBN-13: 978-1494225551
Amazon: Exception to the Rule
Amazon Kindle: Exception to the Rule
This blew me away. What a great book - could not put it down and read it straight through one afternoon. Loved it.
Multilayered, well-written and well-edited indie debut. Set in the 90s the main characters add additional, e.g. out in the South or helping homeless gay teens. A well-rounded, positive read.
Firestorm (Soulshares Book 4) by Rory Ni Coileain
Series: SoulShares
Paperback: 348 pages
Publisher: Ravenous Romance (March 11, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1607779501
ISBN-13: 978-1607779506
Amazon: Firestorm (Soulshares Book 4)
Amazon Kindle: Firestorm (Soulshares Book 4)
I have not read any others from this series but I will be now. I loved the inter-action between Rian and Cuinn. I love the magic, the fae, everything about the story. Very Hot!
First Exposure by Alan Chin
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (August 19, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626390827
ISBN-13: 978-1626390829
Amazon: First Exposure
Amazon Kindle: First Exposure
Such a fantastic book - very well written, characterizations were spot on, a superb take on what could be a tired trope.
For by Grace by Adrian J. Smith
Publisher: Supposed Crimes LLC (May 30, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: For by Grace
Really liked the characters in this one, especially Grace. Found the story to be slow in some spots but overall was a good read.
Girls Don't Hit by Geonn Cannon
Publisher: Supposed Crimes LLC (February 27, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Girls Don't Hit
It gets a full 10/10 for every category from me! 40/40! Full marks!! I absolutely loved it! Was so refreshing to read something different-a love story between 2 killers!! Fantastic!
Goblins by Melanie Tushmore
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (September 23, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 162004238X
ISBN-13: 978-1620042380
Amazon: Goblins, Book One
Amazon Kindle: Goblins, Book One
It is a fun and interesting world the author has created. Rarely are the more evil or dark people the focus of the relationships, and it is nice to see something fresh like that. The almost Stockholm syndrome tone of the first story was interesting, not badly handled, just not something you seem too often. It had a very nice ending for sure. I really enjoyed the descriptions of how the goblins used everyday items, fireflies in cobwebs and such. I enjoyed the main character of the second story a lot more, stronger personality and a lot more fun. He also acted more like how a goblin was portrayed in this world. I would have preferred him not to fall so deeply in love and be more true to his nature. His pranks and spells were well thought out.
Happy Independence Day by Michael Rupured
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 20, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1632161621
ISBN-13: 978-1632161628
Amazon : Happy Independence Day
Amazon Kindle: Happy Independence Day
Talk about making history come to life. This book to a small yet defining moment in gay history and educated yet entertained. I had heard of Stonewall but never knew much about it. I learned so much about how homosexuals where treated in the 1960's. Michael did it in a way that you felt you actually knew the people; you could picture the dirty seedy bar and each person felt like someone I could go to New York and meet. A truly fantastic book.
Heart Knot Mine by Lily Velden
Paperback: 226 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627986871
ISBN-13: 978-1627986878
Amazon: Heart Knot Mine
Amazon Kindle: Heart Knot Mine
The best book I have read all year. Hands down. Fantastic plot, slow build, great characterizations - made me believe the whole premise of falling in love this way.
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