Explore Written Worlds with Stephanie: #M/M.

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Friday, December 30, 2016

Blog Tour, Giveaway and Review ~ In Enemy Hands by M.A. Church

TITLE: In Enemy Hands

AUTHOR: M.A. Church

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

COVER ARTIST: Anne Cain

LENGTH: 73006 words / 214 Pages

RELEASE DATE: December 30, 2016

BLURB: Two very different civilizations—one bathed in bright sunlight and the other veiled in shadow.

Bad decisions, declining resources, and a king on the brink of madness force Prince Varo Kutchif, third son of the royal family and a starship captain, to attempt the impossible: barter for Black Phospolrock, an energy source the mysterious Helkan Kingdom has in abundance. Varo opens a line of communication with Adlar, an intriguing Helkan who seems to reciprocate Varo’s interest. He hopes so, because if negotiations collapse, Varo has orders to attack.

The Helkans preside over a planet shrouded in perpetual darkness. Several species have tried to exploit its natural resources through trade with them, but all have failed. Adlar Mondur is the older brother to the Helkan ruler. An assassin of the highest order, he’ll do anything to protect his king and his people—including tracking down the Yesri prince who crash-lands on their planet, leaving an ugly scar across its untouched beauty.

Thus begins a journey where two men from disparate civilizations grow from enemies to lovers.

A low moan came from Varo.

“Come on, then, open your eyes.” Adlar lowered Varo to the ground.

Varo’s eyes twitched, then he slowly blinked them open. “Who… who…?”

Adlar saw the confusion. His grin was as sharp as a knife’s blade as he stared into brown eyes—big, beautifully rich brown eyes. There was no doubt now this was the same Yesri he’d spoken with earlier during negotiations. By some odd twist in genetics, the males of the ruling Yesri family had brown eyes. They were the only ones. All other Yesris either had green or blue eyes.

Adlar waited until Varo focused on him. “Greetings, Prince Varo Kutchif of Yesri.”

“Wh-what? Why am I lying down? You’re using the Universal Language Standard to speak to me, right? You sound funny. Or is it me? And how… how do you know my…. You look like…. Who are you?”

“I’m Adlar Mondur, leader of the D’noir and older brother to King Omori, ruler of Helkan.”

“Helkan? But… how’d I get here?” Varo sat up.

Adlar grasped Varo’s chin. “My dear princeling, you crash-landed on my planet, remember?”

“I… I… yes?” Varo clenched his eyes shut and then opened them again. “Yes, that’s right. I had to make…. Oh goddess! You! I remember you.”

“Excellent. I claim you as my prisoner.”

“P-p-prisoner?” Varo stuttered.

He watched as the confusion cleared and… was that fear in those eyes? How delightful. “I’m sure you know my people do not release our prisoners.”

Adlar smiled at Varo, letting his fangs show. He’d prepared himself for many reactions; he wasn’t ready for Varo to headbutt him. The force of the blow rocked him backward, breaking his grip on Varo.

“Oh frack!” Adlar yelled as he sprawled on the ground. Pain exploded in his face, spreading quickly.

Varo was on his feet and running.

From off to the side, he heard a rolling chuff. He lifted his hand and gently touched the tender, swollen area. He bet a bruise was already forming. He glared at Dar. “Too busy laughing at me to help, I take it?”

Dar yawned, showing off huge canines. He licked his lips, his whiskers twitching as he stared in the direction Varo fled. Then he laid his head between his paws.

Well, he had his answer. “Fine!” Snarling, Adlar launched to his feet and stumbled slightly as he followed Varo. Maybe his head wasn’t as hard as he thought.

Even with the pounding in his ears, he could still hear the harsh breathing of Varo as he crashed through the jungle. And crash he did since Varo couldn’t see as well as Adlar could. Adlar needed to end this before Varo broke a leg or something.

“Stop!” Adlar yelled. Then a new thought hit him. “All this noise will draw predators straight to you!”

Receiving no answer, he dug deep, pushing his body to move faster. That was his prey, and when he caught Varo, he was going to…. A sudden flash of purple streaked past him. Oh, so now the temperamental batar decided to help?

Adlar growled as Dar’s long strides ate up the ground as he closed in on Varo… then flew past him. He didn’t bother to question why Dar bypassed Varo—the irritating feline must have a reason.

Reviewed by:

I was super intrigued by the blurb to this book, so of course I had to jump on it. Plus, I haven't read sci-fi in awhile and I needed a fixin. This was totally worth it.

Caro, third son to the King, is a Star fleet commander and has his own ship and crew. But, being the third born, he's dispensable in his father's eyes. The King sends him on a suicide mission that he cannot back out of for fear of his crews lives and the lives of their family. His father isn't the most same of men, apparently.

Varo is a noble man though, so when the opportunity arises,he makes everyone abandon ship and goes about his "mission" alone. He lands on a planet that is unknown to every other planet. All they have are rumors, as no one gets to go on the planet, and if they do,they never get to leave. But what he finds there is the last thing he expects.

Adlar, the first born son, brother to the King, and commander of the royal assassins takes Varo as his prisoner. There's this weird chemistry between these two, they felt it in their negotiations prior to this crash landing, and even more so now in person.

I really like the description of Adlar's species. They're almost like Elvin vampires. Sounds mysterious to me. Everyone makes them out to be animals, but really, they're anything but. When Varo comes to this conclusion, his life changes.

I loved everything about this book. The description of the world's, the animals, their people, the relationships between characters, the crazy king, the technology, just everything. It was all very descriptive and engaging and I would definitely read more by this author
4.5*

Dreamspinner Press (eBook)

Dreamspinner Press (Paperback)

Amazon US

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M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!

When not writing, she’s on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children.

She is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

:: Blog :: Facebook :: Facebook Page :: Twitter ::

You can also email the author at - nomoretears00@hotmail.com

Winner’s Prize: $5 Amazon GC.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

ONE STEP TOO CLOSE | SEX AND MAYHEM SERIES ~ BY K.A. MERIKAN

--- One love. One motorcycle club. Two stepbrothers. ---

Ryder. Controlling. Ambitious. Protective.

Jed. Self-destructive. Trapped. Lonely.

Their love? Forbidden. Taboo. All-consuming.

For Jed, the Coffin Nails Motorcycle Club is family. With them, he learned how to think, what to enjoy, and how to fight, but there is one thing he knows his friends can’t find out about. They would never accept him as gay, and so his life is a constant struggle with desires that fill him with despair. Only there is a much darker secret lurking in Jed’s heart. His feelings for his stepbrother, Ryder, go far beyond brotherly. Trapped with a yearning that can never be fulfilled, Jed spirals out of control and unwillingly puts the love of his life in danger.

Ryder is climbing up the ranks. Recently promoted to sergeant-at-arms, he has it all: drive, respect, and the love of his biker family. When his stepbrother gets into trouble with the law, Ryder decides to take the blame and save him from a long sentence. Deep inside, he knows there is nothing he wouldn’t do for Jed, but through a desperate attempt to suppress his own hidden desires, he might irreversibly break the man he secretly loves.

But finding out what they feel for each other will test their loyalty to the Coffin Nails MC and change their lives forever.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS:

Themes: Outlaw motorcycle club, criminal activity, forbidden love, stepbrothers, blackmail, homophobia

Genre: M/M dark romance, suspense, drama

Length: 135,000 words STANDALONE novel

WARNING: Adult content that might be considered taboo. Explicit sexual content, strong language, violence. Reader discretion advised.

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REVIEW

This is by far my favorite one of this series.

Jed and Ryder, to me, outshine Tooth and Luci.

Maybe it's because I got a sneak peak from Swamp Blood,

but they've wormed their way in regardless.

Dana, Dana, Dana...

same cold hearted bitch we've come to know and hate,

and love to hate.

It only gets worse.

I am still wondering what that beeyotch is up to.

We still don't get to find out!!

The wait is going kill me!! But, enough about her.

Ryder

Jed

Deeply closeted Jed has a secret thing for his step-brother, Ryder.

Bi-curious (but hasn't done anything about that yet) Ryder, has a deeply hidden thing for Jed as well.

Some things go down and Ryder takes the fall for Jed,winding up in jail.

Let's just say it was very eye opening for Ryder and brings his feelings for Jed into a new light.

I adore how possessive and protective Ryder is to Jed. Not just as a "big brother". When he sees how he's failed Jed

*ah-hem* " the bridge scene " ..

he vows then and there that he will do anything to protect him, even from himself, and right now, Jed's his own biggest enemy.

Ryder tries to balance too much on his shoulder.

The club, his ex, Jed...

That it all blows up in his face when an important deal goes bad (thanks Dana). I loved that this was such an underdog of a club. There were so many fuckups, but isn't that just human nature? It made the story that much better.

After Jed blows his top, he's kind of forced to make a decision, and where Jed goes, Ryder goes.

I loved this HEA, as they got to be free and happy and to do what they want when they want.

This was probably the most emotionally involved Sex and Mayhem for me.

Some of the scenes just shredded me, and I loved every minute of it.

Reviewed By

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STALK THE AUTHORS

K. A. Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are taken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat’s the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitating to kick Agnes’s ass when she’s slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalogue, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing thirty, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.

They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there’s one thing you can be sure of - it will be full of surprises.

Inspiration never failed them so far, but they are ready to hunt down the exotic and unique. Kat and Agnes are pursuing their dream of becoming full fledged virtual nomads. Having gotten rid of their apartment and with most of their belongings put in storage, they are choosing their own path in life, ready to experience all the world has to offer while working on their books.

e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com

More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KAMerikan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KA_Merikan
Agnes Merikan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgnesMerikan
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KAMerikan/

Trivia:

- We are Polish,
- We're neither sisters nor a couple,
- Kat's an artist, and Agnes is a psychologist but neither works in her field,
- Kat's fingers are two times longer than Agnes's.

Monday, August 17, 2015

When to Hold Them by G.B. Gordon

Blurb:
Doran Callaghan doesn’t know when to fold ’em. His gambling has landed him in debt and in jail, and now it’s got him stuck in the sticks in a reintegration program. He wants to turn his life around, but old habits come knocking, and some creditors are harder to shake than others.
Xavier Wagner cares more about the National Park he works in than the people around it, until a stranger awakens desires he didn’t know he had. Doran’s natural submissiveness turns Xavier’s ideas of how to treat a lover upside down. But Doran doesn’t seem to know about boundaries—or even to have any—and Xavier’s not sure that Doran will say no if he needs to. Which means someone’s going to get hurt.
While Xavier struggles with his principles, Doran’s past comes calling. Trusting each other is suddenly a matter of life or death, but Doran has to decide whether counting on Xavier—or himself—is a gamble he’s willing to take.
Review:
Let me start with there has been a lot of great books in this series, and this meets all the requirements. The chemistry between Xavier and Doran was smoking hot, and all of Doran's "Tells" of being the perfect submissive that was there from the start. Let me emphasize this book has mild BDSM within the contents. Loved the story build up and watching the sparks fly between Xav and Doran, I especially loved how when pushed into a corner, Doran became the Attitude or the Brat. Would have loved to read a little more about TJ from Doran's new group, but overall the story build up and the climax was well written and a great addition to this series.

********4 Stars********* This book was given to me by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley for my honest opinion

Saturday, August 15, 2015

BLOG TOUR& GIVEAWAY ~ Beyond the Surface by Felice Stevens

Title: Beyond the Surface

Series: The Breakfast Club #1

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: August 17, 2015

On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He's unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick's life is centered around helping burn victims, until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.

For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.

When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it's Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn't prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://goo.gl/pZImkS

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Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/yNFBgp

Julian was in the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools by the counter. He had a glass in front of him filled with what Nick presumed was vodka, having spied the Grey Goose bottle.

“Would you like a drink? I have beer, wine…anything you’d like.”

Nick shook his head, regret piercing his heart as he watched the hope drain from Julian’s eyes.

“I don’t think so. I’m going to head home. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did for Jamal tonight.”

Julian stood abruptly, kicking the stool away from his feet.

“Don’t treat me like I’m some fucking stranger, Nicky. You owe me. It’s been eighteen years; you think I’m going to let you walk out on me again like you did before? After what just happened between us? After you fell apart? No fucking way. I’m not that same person and neither are you, obviously.”

Taken aback by Julian’s anger, Nick remained mute.

“What the hell is going on with you? One minute you’re tongue fucking me into the next century and the next you’re freaking out. I know I’m a damn good kisser, but this isn’t about us, is it? It has nothing to do with our past and everything to do with you and the shit that’s floating around in your head.”

Julian stepped closer to him and Nick, who normally couldn’t stand people near him, was rooted to the floor, unable to move.

“Talk to me, Nicky. Tell me what happened to you.”

He was so tired of holding himself together, feeling like at any moment he’d shatter into a million tiny pieces, leaving nothing behind but a pile of dust.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The words poured out of him, flowing unchecked this time. “It should’ve been me. We all went to the Towers to save them. It was my day off, but I went anyway. I heard and couldn’t stay home; I had a duty to help, you know? But I lived and they all died. Why, Julian? Why did I live and they didn’t?”

“Oh, Nick.” Julian held him close. “I don’t have the answers for you. No one does. But I’m going to be completely selfish and say I’m so thankful you did make it and we’re here together after all these years.”

Unflinching green eyes gazed back at him. Clever, beautiful eyes that Nick could never stop dreaming of. Eyes that at one time had held the promise of forever, until Nick ruined everything with his cowardice and shame. Unable to maintain Julian’s scrutiny, Nick broke away and ran to the elevator, his chest heaving, eyes stinging with tears.

“Let me out. I need to leave here. NOW.”

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. I started reading traditional historical romances when I was a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until I picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that my interest in romance novels became renewed.

But somewhere along the way, my tastes shifted. While I still enjoys a juicy Historical romance, I began experimenting with newer, more cutting edge genres and discovered the world of Male/Male romance. Once I picked up her first, I became so enamored of the authors, the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion of the books, I knew I wanted to write my own.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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Wednesday, August 5, 2015

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY ~ AGAINST THE GRAIN (THIRDS #5) BY CHARLIE COCHET

Title: Against the Grain

Series: THIRDS, Book 5

Author: Charlie Cochet

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Length: Novel, 216 pages

Release Date: August 3^rd, 2015

Blurb: As the fiercest Defense Agent at the THIRDS, Destructive Delta’s Ash Keeler is foul-mouthed and foul-tempered. But his hard-lined approach always yields results, evident by his recent infiltration of the Coalition. Thanks to Ash’s skills and the help of his team, they finally put an end to the murdering extremist group for good, though not before Ash takes a bullet to save teammate Cael Maddock. As a result, Ash’s secrets start to surface, and he can no longer ignore what’s in his heart.

Cael Maddock is no stranger to heartache. As a Recon Agent for Destructive Delta, he has successfully maneuvered through the urban jungle that is New York City, picking up his own scars along the way. Yet nothing he’s ever faced has been more of a challenge than the heart of Ash Keeler, his supposedly straight teammate. Being in love isn’t the only danger he and Ash face as wounds reopen and new secrets emerge, forcing them to question old loyalties.

At one point, Ash felt Cael’s leg pressed up against his, and it was ridiculous how happy the tiny gesture made him. If it was even a gesture. Ash swiftly put it off to being an accident, but then a little later, Cael reached over and wiped a thumb over the corner of Ash’s mouth, telling him he had a breadcrumb.

“You should have seen him,” Dex said with a laugh. “He looked so adorable with his cheetah fuzz shaped into spikes, from his head down to his back. Like a little spotted punk rocker.”

Maddock shook his head at Dex. “It took me two hours to wash all the hair spray off your brother’s fur.”

“We were pretending to be Guns N’ Roses,” Cael explained. “Dex was singing ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ and I was backup sing—er, chirping.”

Ash laughed and playfully bumped Cael’s shoulder. “I’m going to have to agree with Dex. That’s adorable.” Even in his Therian form, Ash thought Cael was the sweetest thing he’d ever laid eyes on. Cael could be in his Therian form among thousands of cheetahs, and Ash would be able to point him out. His little gestures, the heart shape of his nose, or the way he chirped away, as if anyone not in their Therian form might understand him if he tried hard enough.

Dex grabbed Sloane’s arm. “Tell me you recorded that. Doesn’t matter. I have witnesses.” Dex stood and motioned to all of them. “Witnesses! You all heard it. Ash said he agrees with me.”

“Oh, good Lord. We’re never going to hear the end of this,” Maddock sighed, getting up to clear the dishes.

“Do you realize how epic this moment is?” Dex said, helping clear up.

“It’s not really that epic,” Maddock replied.

Dex let out an exaggerated gasp. “Where have you been living? Ash Keeler has agreed with something I, Dexter J. Daley, has said.”

“About your brother being adorable. Not exactly earthshattering. He’s thought that since they met.”

The table fell into silence as they all gaped at Maddock. Well, this was news to Ash. What the hell? Seeming to notice the quiet, or more likely the lack of Dex talking, Maddock looked up.

“What are you, fish? Close your mouths.”

Four mouths promptly closed.

“It’s not rocket science. I’ve known that boy since he joined, and he’s threatened every agent he’s ever met with kicking their ass. Except for Cael.”

Hard to argue with that. It was the truth.

Dex frowned at Ash. “You threatened to kick Hobbs’s ass?”

Ash nodded. “Yep.” Was it his first week of being on the job? He was pretty sure it was the first week.

“Dude, that’s not cool. Hobbs is awesome.”

“He can also be a pain in the ass. Plus when we first met, I didn’t know he had selective mutism. I asked him a question, and he wouldn’t answer me. He’d whisper to Calvin, who’d answer for him. I got pissed off and told him if he didn’t tell me himself, I’d kick his ass.” Ash had never met a tiger Therian as big and insecure as Hobbs. The whole encounter had left him confused. Here was their new demolitions expert, and he couldn’t talk. How the fuck was he going to communicate with his team? Ash wasn’t proud to admit he’d had a shit fit. He understood the THIRDS was about equality and representation when it came to hiring, but he had been genuinely concerned about the safety of his team. Not long after, Ash had seen how wrong he’d been about Hobbs. Not that he’d admitted it.

Dex let out a sound of disgust. “Dude, not cool.”

“I said I didn’t know. I apologized afterward, and that’s saying something.”

Ash got up to help clear the dishes, with Dex going on about how he should really think about using some of those scented candles Rosa had gifted him. Ash proceeded to flip him off.

When Cael stood to help, Ash put a hand to his shoulder.

“Relax, I’ve got this.”

He gave Cael a wink and walked the dirty dishes to the kitchen with Dex yammering on behind him. The guy was like a fucking mosquito buzzing in your ear and trying to suck the life out of you. Ash placed the dishes in the dishwasher, giving grunts and one-word replies. He grabbed the dishes from Dex and put those in as well. He wished he could stick Dex in there. Finally someone up there decided to give him a break, and Dex left the kitchen, singing some stupid song about a lion sleeping tonight or something.

Ash frowned at Maddock. “Does he never shut up? How the hell did you live with this for so long?”

“It’s called patience,” Maddock replied. “Not exactly your forte.”

“Oh, I can be patient. That’s not what’s required when dealing with your oldest. I’d say sedative is more the word you were looking for.”

Maddock laughed. “Just get in there, Keeler.”

What...just...happened??

This book starts off where R&F ends, Tony Maddox and his bat "Old Betsy". Tony is having his “talk” with Sloane, then drops a bomb on Ash regarding Cael. One I was certainly not expecting, and it was most definitely pivotal to the twists of the story, and holy twists and turns they were!

One moment you're like "ohhh, shit. please say it ain't so!"

Then you're like "WTF is going on, who are these people?"

Then a huge *sigh* of relief, only to be left on the edge of your seat, only to be relieved again... Seriously, a mind trip.

You have no idea which way this book is going to go.

As for Ash and Cael.... awwwwww!!!!

There were moments I wanted to shake Ash, but seeing his POV, I just couldn't be mad at him. I thought for sure he was going to make me cry, which I shed a few tears, but nothing too ugly. He was always so sweet to Cael, despite his “rough” exterior.

I love how fiercely loyal and protective Ash is, and how sweet and strong Cael is. Despite all their baggage. they just work together, you can't help but swoon at them.

Charlie did an awesome job and took the story to a whole new level. I can't wait to see where else this is going. I expect awesome things for Seb in the future, and I really hope Calvin and Hobbs get a super HEA, cuz holy crap they've been through hell.

This is such a fantastic follow up. I started at about 9:00 p.m and it is now 3:00 a.m.

I couldn't put.it.down!!

Hopefully I'll be able to sleep with all the gun explosions going through my head. I really can't say any more about the book, I don't want to spoil anything, but I just can't say enough about how much I enjoy this series. All these guys have become so special to me. They're all unique in their own ways and I love them all.

Until next time...

I give this book a 4.5 badass stars

***Given as an ARC for my honest opinion***

Ash *sigh*

I've been waiting for this book for many, many months. Needless to say, it was a sore subject whenever my friends brought it up, I'd tell them to mention it in July, closer to release date.

Seriously, I've been in love with these books and characters from the very first paragraph. It's M/M, it's PNR. Funny, hot, it has all the major feels. What more can a girl ask for?

So, Ash. Man, he wasn't my favorite, at first. But, somewhere along the lines, I fell for him, and I fell for him hard. And Cael? Aw man, how can you NOT love that guy?

The many feels I had while reading this! I laughed, I cursed, I melted and I even got teary-eyed. All of the characters are different, but they mesh up perfectly. I can't wait for more!

5 stars. Of course. It's Ash.

One complaint, though. Why was is so short?

***Copy given in exchange of honest review***

And I'll admit I tend to sing a different song
But sometimes you just can't be afraid
To wear a different hat
If Columbus had complied
This old world might still be flat

Nothin' ventured, nothin' gained
Sometimes you've got to go against the grain

                                         Well, I have been accused
                                         Of makin' my own rules
                                        There must be rebel blood
                                   Just a-runnin' through my veins
                                         But I ain't no hypocrite

Garth Brooks - Against The Grain

When Charlie announced that the fifth book in the THIRDS series was called Against the Grain, and when we found out it was going to be a primarily Cael and Ash, this is what immediately played in my mind. Because over the last books in the series, we know that Ash beats to his own drum. His sexuality has never been an issue, to anyone but Cael, our darling chirping little leopard.

In AtG we get a little more of the Ash psyche, he has always shown protective instincts toward Sloane and especially Cael. I’m constantly asking myself and my reading buddies how hell did she come up with that? No question Charlie Cochet is a master storyteller, she has set up this awesome universe, where she is the master of all. When you ask her a question about parts of her books she has a ready answer, I mean she knows exactly where she is taking us in her next book.

She is sets us up in this book, she has you thinking WTF? Oh, Hell NO, and Holy Shit throughout this book. This is one twisty book in my opinion, and like I stated before her storytelling is incredible, I could see Tony standing in that bar holding “Betsy”. And of course Dex was in the house, the Dex/Ash arguments were EPIC in this book, at one point I had Dr. Pepper running out my nose at Dex’s……..

"Yeah well maybe you shouldn't have used porn as a teaching aid, because a good deal of what you said got lost in the pizza guy's ass”

‘ Dex opened his mouth, then closed it before opening it again, “I got nothing.” Cael elbowed Ash playfully. “Dude you left Dex speechless.”’

‘”Oh, now this is precious. Dexter Justice Daley in sheriff footie pajamas.” Ash froze, pillow raised high above his head. “Hold the phone.” He arched an eyebrow at Sloane. “What did you say?”’

This book as all the books in this series is great, another I will purchase in paperback and audiobook.

***This ARC was received from the author for my honest opinion***

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Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

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