Carol Lynne

 

Taming Black Dog Four

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Bodyguards in Love Series

ISBN: 978-0-85715-011-0

Genre: Contemporary/ Gay/ Menage a Quatre/ MM

Publisher: Total-E-Bound

 

5 Hearts

 

After a failed mission the team know as Black Dog Four are back to working together again. Jack has never stopped loving his team mates and lovers. Now the four men are together again guarding a witness that has information again a Chicago mob leader. All he can do is work to clear the air between them and hope that they can get back to where they used to be.

 

This book actually goes into detail about three separate relationships. The relationship between the Black Dog Four team members, Addy Constentine, (Gabe's from Open To Possibilities sister), is about to testify against her cousin a mob boss. She needs the best protection possible and that is more than just the FBI. She hires Three Partners Protection, who sent her the Black Dog Four Team. While under the protection of her bodyguards and the FBI she falls for Joe, her FBI contact.

 

Also testifying in the mob case is Addy's cousin Alec. For the first time Alec isn't afriad to show his sexuality and makes a play for both his bodyguards. Lon and Taggart are sent to protect Alec. Lon falls in love with Alec, but stands by while Alec also spends time with Taggart. While Lon and Taggart has had a previous relationship, Lon can't bring himself to share Alec.

 

While some parts of the Bodyguards in Love series are stand alone stories, it really is best to read them together. The characters and stories make more sense that way and the stories all do tie together.

 

 

Description:

The bodyguards of Black Dog Four had been carefully chosen for looks, temperament, battle skills and sexuality. In the tradition of the Spartans, the idea was to see if lovers worked better as a team than merely friends. The experiment had seemed like a complete success until they'd been sent to guard Maria Valdez. After Maria was killed in an explosion, all four men had refused to work together.

 

Addy Constentine needed around-the-clock security if she hoped to legitimise her father's empire. With her stepbrother now in prison, Addy's goal was to keep the family out of the underworld it had been entrenched in for decades.

 

With death threats coming from several different sources, Addy needed the best. She needed the men of Black Dog Four.

 

Firehouse Heat

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Cattle Valley Series

ISBN: 978-0-85715-126-1

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M-M/ Erotic Romance

Publisher: Total-E-Bound

 

5 Hearts

 

In book  of the Cattle Valley series, Carol Lynne tells the story of Mario's new neighbor, Leo. Leo has come in as the new Assistant Fire Chief. At 48 years old he realizes he's too old for you Sammy Lee, but he can't help but fall for the sexy younger man.

 

Sammy knows exactly what he wants and that's Leo. All he has to do is convince him that the 18 year age different between them means nothing.

 

In the meantime two new stories develop. Leo has been counseling Neil, one of the EZ Does It Ranch hands after the lose of his friend in the rodeo incident. He learns that there was an older man in Neil's life once.

 

Sammy and Zac, another firefighter, are best friends and have been most of their life. Zac is injured after a fight with his partner Terry. There is a mystery behind what happened because Zac isn't talking about what happened and feels very guilty about it. These two sound like future stories in the Cattle Valley series for sure. One other note. Carol, the mayor's secretary, is nine months pregnant and as cranky as ever. Should be interesting to see where that story line goes.

 

All and all, Firehouse Heat was a nice story that seems to be helping the series move along.

 

Description:

Despite the eighteen year age difference, Sammy Lee wants his new boss, Assistant Fire Chief, Leo Burkowski. Living and working side by side at the firehouse several days a week is wearing on Lee's control. When Leo asks for his help with a special project, Sammy can't take it anymore and makes his move.

 

Although Sammy is playing for keeps, Leo refuses to think of the relationship as anything more than a passing affair. Age has been an issue in the past, and although Leo's attracted to the younger man, he's learned the hard way to keep his heart out of it.

 

Will the heat generated between the two men be enough to melt Leo's resolve, or will Sammy's hopes go down in a blaze of disappointment?

 

Dedication from the front of this book:

In early April of 2007, shortly after my second book was released at Ellora's Cave, I decided I wasn't cut out to be a writer. I stopped writing for over a month, miserable and quickly sinking into a depression of epic proportions.

 

One day I received an email from Claire Siemaszkiewicz about a new e-publishing company she was planning to launch. There was something about Claire that drew me in. For the first time in weeks I was able to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

 

I quickly agreed to write a short story for Total-E-Bound. To be honest, I wasn't sure at that point I could even pull a short story off. I wrote Coach, book one in the Campus Cravings series, and Claire released it on Total-E-Bound's opening day. It truly was the start of a new type of writing for me. To work with an owner/editor who seemed excited by my stories was like a breath of fresh air.

 

Firehouse Heat is my 50th book with Total-E-Bound, and I'm as happy working for Claire now as I was that first release back on July 2, 2007. I can't explain what it is like to work for a publisher that truly seems to care about their authors and the stories they put out. A publishing house that doles out respect along with on-time payments and a cheerful attitude is not easy to find, and for me, Total-e-bound is one of the best.

 

Thank you, Claire. Without you, my life would not be what it is today. Here's hoping for another 50!

 

I Love Rock N Roll

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Bodyguards in Love

ISBN: 978-0-85715-049-3

Genre: Contemporary M/M

Publisher: Total-E-Bound

 

4 Hearts

 

When rock star Keifer/Jimmy starts getting threatening letters from an obsessed fan, Archer is sent to be his bodyguard. Although Archer is attracted to Keifer, he keeps his distance because he's had experience with long distance relationship before. With both his and Keifer's jobs, Archer knows there isn't a chance. He knows himself well enough and he can't just jump into a relationship without giving his heart.

 

As a rock star Keifer has kept his sexuality a secret for 15 years. Now he's decided it is time the world knew who he really is. Opening himself up to his new life, he hopes that he can draw the attention of the one man he is attracted to--Archer. First he has to break past the wall Archer has put around himself.

 

I Love Rock N Roll is the third in the Bodyguards in Love series. (A spin off of the Men in Love series). In this series Carol Lynne has added a little bit of suspense and mystery to her m/m romance love stories. Carol Lynne continues to show her understanding of the gay world and write sensitive interesting stories on the subject.

 

Description:

Rock star, Keifer Zane's homosexuality was leaked to the tabloids by 'inside sources'. With the news of his sexual preference came threats and love-sick stalkers. In need of a bodyguard, Keifer's manager hires Archer Adams, a man that is anything but a rock fan.

 

Archer enjoys the quiet life. Relaxing at his dessert home and listening to the blues are his idea of heaven. Traveling around the country on a bus, pretending to be a rock stars boy-toy, hell. Despite the loud music and long hours on the road, Archer actually likes Keifer. When disturbing gifts begin showing up in Keifer's private spaces, Archer's protective instincts kick in.

 

With their lives being played out in front of thousands of screaming fans, will the bodyguard and the rock star be able to see beyond the limelight to what is real?

 

Recipe for Love

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Cattle Valley Series Book 15

ISBN: 978-0-85715-033-2

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M-M

Publisher: Total-E-Bound

 

4 Hearts

 

In Recipe For Love, Carol Lynne brings two long time characters together—Jay and Erico. Jay came to Cattle Valley, Lynne's fictional gay only community, after ending an abusive relationship. The town immediately takes the young man into their fold and does everything to show him support.

 

Erico is the owner of The Canoe. A premier restaurant in Cattle Valley. Everyone knows Erico as the town playboy and warns Erico not to mess with Jay. Jay on the other hand has his eyes set on Erico and while no one is looking seduces the man. It doesn't take much since Erico is completely in love with Jay.

 

What everyone doesn't know about Erico is that he is ill and needs surgery he has been putting off, but once he is back on his feet he isn't going to let Jay slip from his fingers.

 

Despite only giving this book four hearts, it really isn't a bad story just not what I expected Carol Lynne to write when it came to Jay's turn. He seemed like such a shy quiet man with a lot of potential for a completely different story. One that involved the old abusive lover coming after him and actually giving Ryan something to do. That's okay though, it is definitely a keeper and one that can't be missed for all of those who are following along with the Cattle Valley series. I wonder who will be next?

 

Description:

After years of living in fear, Jay De Luca has finally found a safe haven in Cattle Valley. Although he's beginning to open up around his friends, he's far from ready to get involved in another relationship. When handsome, Erico Morrelli tries to hire him away from a job he loves, Jay declines the restaurateur's offer, afraid of spending time with the town's playboy.

 

Ashamed to tell his friends he's sick, Erico tries to run The Canoe on his own despite protests from his physician. When he collapses at work, Erico begins to re-evaluate his future. His attraction to the one man he knows he should stay away from haunts him.

 

Can Erico invent a Recipe for Love or will he face his toughest challenge alone?

 

 

Seb's Surrender

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Bodyguards in Love Series/ Men in Love

ISBN: 978-0-85715-023-3

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M-M

Publisher: Total-E-Bound

 

5 Hearts

 

In book 2 of the Bodyguards in Love series Carol Lynne takes off from where she left off in the first book when Brier rescue's Jared from the man that raped both of them in the hospital. Now Jared is trying to move on with is life. He's gotten a job and is doing the best he can to get by despite threats from his former rapist and the man's accomplice brother.

 

Seb can't help but want to protect Jared. He's kept to himself for many years since his younger brother's death, but he can't help but have feelings for Jared. Now with the threat against the younger man getting closer, Seb will do whatever he can to keep Jared save and loved.

 

Over the past few years Carol Lynne's writing has continued to strive as she tackles current hard hitting issues, be it mental disabilities, abuse or men falling in love. Seb's Surrender keeps up with her theme and her talent shines through. This book is part of a series and while some of the characters are from previous books in the Men in Love and the Bodyguards in Love series it is not necessary to read all of those to enjoy this book. Since those are great series though you might not be able to resist if you like Male/Male themed stories.

 

Description:

After a lifetime of abuse, Jared Grant was rescued by Brier Blackstone and taken to one of the safest places he knew, the bodyguard dormitory of the Three Partners Protection Agency. For the first time, Jared is surrounded by men whose job it is to protect, not hurt him.

 

One of his protectors, Sebastian James, knows a little something about abuse. Once a victim of abuse before he and his brother were taken from an abusive household and put into separate foster homes, Seb learned to harden his heart as a way of survival. Now, the soft spoken and scared Jared threatens the shell Seb spent years fortifying.

 

When Jared's tormentor threatens him from jail, it's up to Seb and the rest of the bodyguards to keep Jared safe until he can testify at his abuser's trial. However, the close contact might be more than Seb's hard shell can withstand.

 

Saving Noah

Authors: Carol Lynne and Cash Cole

ISBN: 978-1-60735-064-4

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M-M

Publisher: Resplendence Publishing

 

5 Hearts

 

Saving Noah is an emotionally gripping tale of a young man who lives in a small town in Kansas. Worried about what the people in town would thing if they knew he was a homosexual, Noah has kept his secret and been alone for a long time, until Dexter comes to town. Now Noah decides to take a chance on spending just a little time with Dexter, but what will it cost him.

 

This is an incredible book that will leave the reader surprised and in tears. I don't want to give too much of the story line away because the best part of this book is the surprises inside. The writing styles of both Carol Lynne and Cash Cole shine through the pages.

 

Description:

Dexter Krispin arrived in the small Kansas town of Schicksal with one thing on his mind: finishing his doctorial thesis. He hoped getting away from his hectic life in Pittsburgh would allow him to concentrate on the long overdue paper and to forget about his last lover.

 

Life-long Schicksal resident, Noah Stoffel, has managed to keep his sexuality a secret. Yet, after one look at the dark-haired newcomer, he knows his life in the sleepy town will never be the same.

 

But more than Noah's desire for privacy stands between him and Dexter. For years, the residents of Schicksal have been hiding a horrific secret, one that takes Dexter mere days to uncover and expose. . .a secret that could destroy-or heal-them all.

 

About the Authors:

An avid reader for years, one day Carol Lynne decided to write her own brand of erotic romance. Carol juggles life as a full-time mom and a full-time writer. These days, you can usually find her either cleaning jelly out of the carpet or nestled in her favorite chair writing steamy love scenes.

 

Sunny Cole has so many characters vying for attention in her head that she's had to assign them different authors to tell their story. Cash Cole writes male/male erotic romance, and while 'he' is fairly new at the game, he has a published novel with Ellora's Cave called "Knights & White Satin" and a novella with them called "Smooth Ride".

 

Cattle Valley: Vol 7

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Cattle Valley

2 books in 1: Bent— Not Broken and Arm Candy

ISBN: 978-1-907280-75-7

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M-M / M-M-F/ Erotic Romance

Publisher: Total-E-Bound

 

4 Hearts

 

This is the continuation to the Cattle Valley series. Bent—Not Broken features the mayor's secretary Carol and the fire chief George.

 

After the tragedy that stuck Cattle Valley during Rodeo Days, Carol is injured and George can no longer keep his feelings for her at bay. He loves her, but he has spent the past 19 years in a secret relationship with musician Trick. Wanting more in this life than just a relationship on the sly, George breaks off his romance with Trick and pursues Carol.

 

Carol is in love with George, but she is one of the few people who knows about his relationship with Trick. She's already been in a relationship with two men and come out the loser, she doesn't want that to happen again. Should she take a chance that George means it when he says his relationship with Trick is over or should she just take a chance and maybe hope that his relationship with Trick continues and she'd be invited to become a part of it?

 

To be honest this wasn't one of my favorites in the series. I liked Carol's brazen personality in the other books and I missed it in this version. Plus I found myself rooting for George not getting back with Trick. It didn't seem like Trick treated George very well in their 19 year relationship. I think George gave Trick enough of his time. But. . .it was Carol Lynne and I just loved all her books. She's entitled to have one or two I disagree with.

 

In Arm Candy the story feature Mario and Asa. I really liked this series. The story line surrounding the two men worked out well. I liked the fact that there wasn't much derision between the two, even after the initial disagreement.

 

Mario works at The Gym with Rio and Nate. He has been in love with Asa, the town's billionaire, since he first met the man, but Asa hasn't seemed to want their relationship to go in a romantic direction--at least that is what Mario thinks.

 

Asa was hurt in the Cattle Valley Rodeo disaster and came to realize what he always knew--all of his friends only want him when he is throwing his money around. Now that he is hurt no one is around. He calls to Mario for help, but Mario is upset at him because he pushed him away when he tried to see him at the hospital. When he finally gets through to the other man they learn they had a misunderstanding the two men get to know each other better, while Mario helps Asa recovery from his injuries.

 

While we get a chance to visit with the friends at Cattle Valley over the holidays we can to learn a little more about Erico, the restaurant owner, and Jay, Cattle Valley's new comer.

 

Description:

 

Bent— Not Broken

After the tragedy at Cattle Valley Days, Carol McGowan woke in the hospital to find George Manning hovering over her. George confessed he'd fallen in love with her, but Carol is skeptical. She knows George is bi-sexual and has been in an ongoing secret affair for years. She's been down that road before and ended up on the wrong side of lonely. Carol learned from her previous relationship and isn't in any hurry to jump back into another mŽnage.

 

George Manning has spent the last nineteen years hiding his love for his closeted friend and country music legend, Trick Allen. After almost losing Carol, George decides to grab hold of the love in front of him, instead of the dream he's always chased.

 

Trick Allen spent years building his career. With the reputation of being a typical love 'em and leave 'em superstar, Trick hid his love for George from the rest of the world. When presented with the choice of losing George forever, or stepping out of the glittered closet he'd become accustomed to, he is faced with the ultimate decision. Is a real life worth risking his career?

 

Three people, with very strong personalities, try to blend love and home amidst a national outcry of vehemence.

 

Arm Candy

Asa Montgomery is a hard man to figure out. He's got millions of dollars in the bank, a host of men vying for his bed and he's still miserable.

 

When a tragedy leaves him broken and battered, Asa quickly finds out who his real friends are. Left alone with only his household staff to nurse him back to health, Asa realises he wants more than just a pretty man to adorn his bedroom.

 

Mario Benta was fooled by a rich man in the past. They may say you're the only one for them, but what they really mean is, you're the only one until something younger and sexier comes along.

 

Despite Mario's growing attraction to Asa, he'll be damned if he'll allow himself to be another man's arm candy.

 

When Asa sets out to change Mario's mind, he'll discover it takes more than money to gain the heart of the ex-Army Ranger. (By the way I think this is wrong. I though Mario went into the Marines not the army--but maybe I missed something.)

 

Brier's Bargain

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Bodyguards in Love and Men in Love

ISBN: 978-1-907280-28-3

Genre: Contemporary romance/ M/M

 

5 Hearts

 

Brier's Bargain tells the story of Bram's (Men in Love books Tortured Souls and Reunion) twin brother Brier. When Carol Lynne first introduces Brier readers learn that when Brier and Bram were babies they were abused by their father. Brier was hurt so bad that he received brain damage and then was made a ward of the state. Bram never knew he had a twin brother until in Tortured Souls, Brier kidnaps Bram's lover. In Reunion Brier meets Jackie and falls in love, but Jackie has to go away for work purposes and leaves Brier behind.

 

Now time has again passed and in Brier's Bargain, Brier is working with his brother, Bram, for the security company. He is still keeping in touch with Jackie, who is still working overseas. When Jackie is injured in a bombing he comes home and all Brier wants to do is take care of his man and establish his independence. He hopes that he can convince his brother that he is ready to be his own man.

 

While worried about Jackie's condition, Brier makes a bargain with God to be a good man who does the right thing. When the FBI finally finds one of the men who abused Brier in the mental hospital they hope that he will testify against the dangerous man. In order to keep his vow Brier decides that he will do whatever it takes.

 

Once again Carol Lynne puts together a great story with difficult characters. Brier is not only emotionally, but mentally scared from his childhood. He will always be slow in his mental development. Carol delves into the difficulties for a men with these disabilities to find love and keep a relationship going.

 

Description:

Love is always special, but when you're a thirty-six year old man experiencing it for the first time, it's everything.

 

After spending his entire life in a hospital, Brier Blackstone is finally free to become the person he's always wanted to be. With the men of Three Partners Protection Agency as role models, how can he go wrong? And falling in love with bodyguard Jackson Benoit, is a dream come true, but the dream becomes a nightmare when Jackie is gravely injured in the line of duty. Feeling helpless, Brier makes a promise to God in exchange for his lover's life. One he intends to keep no matter what.

 

Jackie Benoit cherishes the love he's found with Brier. When his new lover insists on testifying against a violent man from his past in order to fulfill a promise, Jackie has no choice but try to stop him. If that doesn't work, Jackie will protect Brier with everything at his disposal.

 

Pocket Pair

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Book three in the Poker Night Series

ISBN 978-1-907010-76-7

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M/M/ Inter-racial

 

5 Hearts

 

The Poker Night series is about a group of gay friends who get together once a week to play poker. The friends each have their own stories and dramas going on in their lives. In Pocket Pair Trey Huggins is a lonely school teacher who decides use an online dating service to find love. Unfortunately, the experience leaves him in the hospital after he finally meets the man he's been corresponding with and is nearly killed.

 

Now recuperating at his poker friend Bobby's house, Trey has trouble dealing with the shame of letting the man who nearly killed him in his home.

 

Cole Harding is the principal at the school where Trey teaches. After hearing that Trey has been hurt, Cole wants to run to his side, but propriety won't let him do that. If anyone knew that he lusted after the young teacher he would lose his job. Not wanting to rock the boat, he doesn't do anything until Trey calls him. While the two men begin to spend time together and fall in love, the man who attacked Trey is caught and put on trail. Can Trey deal with the abuse of his past and dedicate himself to a relationship with Cole? And will Cole have to make the ultimate decision between his job or the man he is falling in love with?

 

Carol Lynne continues to be one of my favorite writers in this genre. Her books are always ripe with emotion and strong lines. Pocket Pair is no different. The emotional story of two men struggling to find love in a society where they are outcasts is heart warming. The friends they have pulled together in the Poker Nights series make a wonderful assortment of supporting characters. Definitely worth the read for those in this who like this genre.

 

Description:

For three years, Trey Huggins has watched and wanted Principal Cole Harding. As a teacher in the high school where they both work, Trey knows it'll never happen. Even if Cole was gay, he'd never go for a guy like Trey.

 

Seeking love in other places, Trey meets a man online and finally agrees to a drink. What he gets instead is a trip to the emergency room in the back of an ambulance. With the school year swiftly approaching, Trey fights to overcome his physical limitations as well as his constant fear.

 

For twenty-five years, Cole has managed to keep his private life separate from his job. Extending a helping hand to a colleague shouldn't be a big deal, but the feelings Trey invokes in Cole are anything but professional.

 

Can the teacher tutor the principal in love, or will class be out for these two before the school year even begins?

 

Cattle Valley Days

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Book twelve in the Cattle Valley Series

ISBN # 978-1-907010-60-6

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M/M

 

5 Hearts

 

Nate and his men, Ryan and Rio are back in the 12th installment of the Cattle Valley series. Years ago in honor of his son, a rich man set up an out of the way community where gay men and women could live in peace without fear of being harmed from those who disapproved of their life style. Several years ago Nate, Rio and Ryan moved to the city in hopes of finding a place the three of them could live their life. Ryan took on the job as town sheriff. Just recently Nate took on the job as the town's mayor.

 

While his men are proud of Nate for taking on the job as mayor, they can't help but be sorry that things are changing in their relationship. Nate is working a lot of hours helping to get everything ready for the annual Cattle Valley Days and the additional work load is putting a strain on his relationship with Ryan. Rio is making himself sick worried about what will happen in the future, but when tragedy strikes, the men and the town need to stick together and help.

 

This is the most emotionally powerful packed story I've read from Carol Lynne yet. It was remarkably thought out and written. I've read every book that Carol has written and continue to become impressed with her ability to weave a emotionally driven story about real people. I was also glad to see the Good Brothers and their mates again. I wish the story could have been just a little bit longer so that that aspect of the story could have been delved into a little more, but with everything else going on in the book, it might have been a bit too much.

 

As always I'll be anxiously awaiting the next installment to the Cattle Valley Series. It seems that there are a lot of couples who are still waiting for their story to be told.

 

Description:

Saddle up, Cattle Valley residents. It's time for the annual Cattle Valley Days, which means one thing. Cowboys, lots and lots of chapped cowboy butts.

 

We'll be checking in with some of your favourite couples from the past as well as meeting a few new residents. Our old friends from the Good-Time Boys will also be dropping by for the annual rodeo festivities.

 

So slap your spurs in and get ready for a wild ride!

 

Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series

 

Extinction

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Book one in the Refuge Shifters Series

ISBN: N/A—Resplendence Publishing

Genre: Paranormal/Shifters/ M/M

 

4 Hearts

 

Carol Lynne, one of my favorites in M/M genre, takes her stab at a shapeshifter series. I'm a big fan of shapeshifting series and love to see what the authors come up with for explaining the existence of the different breeds and history about why humans do or don't know about their existence. One of the best parts about the book is the way that Carol explains in great detail how shifters came to exist in our world and their vast history and struggles against those who hunt them to almost extinction.

 

Carol starts her story with Jack, a professor on a quest to find if stories his great-grandmother told him in his youth are true. His travels led him to Toby, a young shifter alone in the Mountains.

 

Toby has been alone for a long time and when he comes upon Jack he knows he has found his mate. With the help of "The Guardian", Jack and Toby go in search of the wolf shifters who are still alive and battle some of the hunters that are after them.

 

This series has the potential to be a good group of books on shapeshifters. I love Carol Lynne and her novels on M/M love. The emotions she interjects into her stories are real and inspiring. This book would have received a full 5 Hearts if not for the way she just jumps into the sex scenes in the beginning. They don't have enough of that something to make the scene seem a natural progression. It was too much like "this book is about sex, so let's just jump right in." It just didn't work for me. After the first scenes though, she seemed to dive back into her usual style and I was impressed with the rest of the book. Definitely a book for fans of the M/M scene.

 

Description:

Professor of Environmental Science/Wildlife studies at UNLV, Jack McBain has spent his adult life trying to track a legend overheard during his youth. Born and raised in the Canadian Province of Newfoundland, Jack's grandparents related stories of a race of people eradicated by European settlers in 1829. According to the legend, the Beothuk people didn't die out as first thought, but were transformed into wolf shifters.

 

On Spirit Mountain, he finally comes face to face with not only the shifter he's been looking for, but the man of his dreams he didn't know he needed.

 

Toby has lived a life afraid of man. Hidden among the mountains of California and Nevada by his parents, he's longed for the one person he can share his life with, his mate. When he smells Jack McBain for the first time, he knows he's finally found him.

 

Slow-Play

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Poker Night Series

ISBN: 978-1-907010-42-2

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M/M

 

5 Hearts

 

Carol Lynne is my favorite author in this genre. She does an excellent job at conveying love and romance between men. I find her writing to be refreshing and without the standard stereotypes that can be found in the genre.

 

Slow-Play is no different. The second book in the Poker Night series leaves me hanging on the edge of my seat waiting for what will come next in the poker buddies lives.

 

The story between Bobby and Jules was developed for such a short novel. The characters were well written and the men as a couple were quite compatible even though they came from different positions in their life. Carol didn't play on the angle of age too much, which was appreciated because that would have just been another barrier that the couple in the story didn't need.

 

Waiting in anticipation for book number three, but I haven't seen any indication of when it will be released. I hope soon.

 

Description:

Charter Captain Bobby Quinn loves life on the water. What he hates is working for his brother.

 

Charter Captain Bobby Quinn loves life on the water. What he hates is working for his brother. After years spent restoring an aging wooden yacht, his brother bought it out from under him. In Bobby's mind, if family will screw you at the drop of a hat so will everyone else so, except for his bi-weekly poker game, he sticks to the solitude of the boat he loves.

 

Dr. Jules Peters knows all about solitude. When not working endless hours as Head of Emergency Medicine, he's tinkering in his garage. A collector of vintage cars in need of TLC, Jules has an impressive collection of cars but few friends.

 

Jules meets Bobby when he's given a cruise around the San Francisco Bay as a gift. Although their mutual attraction is explosive, neither man is ready to move out of his comfort zone. It might take a meddling med student and an off-season football coach to get these two loners to see there's more to life than caring for inanimate objects.

 

Eye of the Beholder

Author: Carol Lynne

Series Connection: Cattle Valley

ISBN: 978-1-907010-25-5

Genre: Western/ M/M

 

5 Stars

 

Cattle Valley is by far my favorite series in this genre. I've been keeping close tabs on Carol Lynne and her writing and I can't tell you how much I enjoy everything she writes. I fell in love with Cattle Valley when she brought Nate and his lovers to the town and haven't stopped reading since. I've been waiting for a while to hear Rance and Bo's story and I wasn't disappointed.

 

This segment in the Cattle Valley series was well written and the characters wonderfully developed. Carol Lynne's depth of understanding for her characters and her absolutely consistent focus on theme of the series brings this story and the others in the series to life.

 

I don't want to give away any of the secrets to this book, as Carol has worked hard to get the readers wonder exactly what Rance has in his background that is so bad he has kept away from Bo for the last year. So I'll end this by saying, please keep them coming Carol.

 

Description:

Book eleven in the Cattle Valley series.


 

For a year, Bo Lawson has tried to get closer to his boss, Backbreaker Ranch foreman Rance Benning, but the stubborn ex-rodeo champion refuses to be swayed. Bo can't understand Rance's aversion to being alone with him. Could it be Bo's HIV status?



 

Rance noticed Bo the first day he laid eyes on him at Brynn's Bakery. Since that time, he's done anything and everything to stay away from the dangerous-looking gardener with the chiseled six-pack and tight-fitting jeans. Rance has seen what pity in a lover's eyes looks like, and he doesn't plan on ever putting himself in that position again.



 

When one of the ranch's prize bucking bulls breaks through the fence and disappears, Rance and Bo are thrust together to help find the one ton money-maker. Although Bo sees their forced time alone as an opportunity, Rance sees it as torture. Every minute with Bo threatens the secret Rance won't tell anyone, least of all this dangerously sexy man.

 

No Longer His

Author: Carol Lynne

ISBN: 971419912214

Genre: Contemporary

 

5 Stars

 

No Longer His is a heart wrenching story of a women who is brutally abused by her husband, but gets a second chance at love. Carol Lynne may not be a household name in novel writing world, but I love her style and her books, while a little on the naughty side, hit the right cord.

 

Description: 


Kelly seems like a happy, All-American housewife. Two beautiful children and a successful husband should make anyone happy, right? But Kelly lives her life in constant fear of her abusive husband. Any father seems better for her children than having none at all.



 

On a rare vacation to San Diego, Kelly sees there is so much more to life than what she has. She meets Sam and begins to wonder what life would be like without Jack. Does she have the strength to break away from her brutal husband? In one horrific night, the decision is made that will forever change her life.



 

Sam is instantly attracted to Kelly. He is horrified to see the pain in her eyes. No man should treat a woman like that. Once Kelly finally ends her marriage, Sam makes it his business to give Kelly the love she deserves. Can Kelly learn to trust another man? Can love conquer all?



 

Reader Advisory: This book contains references to spousal abuse.

 

In For a Penny

ISBN eBook: N/A

Resplendence Publishing


Genre: Contemporary, M/M

 

5 Stars

 

Description: 


What's the old saying--you can never go home again? Raven Black resigned himself to never returning after being ordered from the only real home he'd ever known. Now, seven years later, Raven is back to face the man who sent him away. Zane Conner is not only Raven's foster brother but the only man Raven ever loved. Despite his mixed feelings about the situation, Raven can't deny Zane when the older man asks for his help in saving the Lazy C Bar Ranch. A boy found dead on the ranch clinches Raven's decision. Why did the young boy look so much like he had at that age—the same age he'd been when his own father had beaten him and left him for dead?

 

From the back of the book:

An avid reader for years, one day Carol Lynne decided to write her own brand of erotic romance. Carol juggles life as a full-time mom and a full-time writer. These days, you can usually find her either cleaning jelly out of the carpet or nestled in her favorite chair writing steamy love scenes.

 

My View:

Raven (Ray) is called back to the ranch he was raised in after he escapes from his father's abuse. When Ray returns to help the man he always loved he finds that he wasn't alone in his admiration and gets the second chance he never dreamed he would ever have. Now Ray must work to find the clues to Zane's missing cattle and the death of a boy who whose wounds look all too familiar.

 

This is a well-written book for those who enjoy gay romance. It is has an interesting plot and keeps the reader going until the end.

 

The Last Bouquet

Author: Carol Lynne

Series: Book ten in the Cattle Valley Series.

ISBN: 978-1-906811-93-8

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

5 Hearts

 

Description:

Tyler Manning hates seeing Hearn Sutherland mourn over a jerk like Mitch Lanham. Every week Hearn comes into Tyler's shop to pick up fresh flowers for his lover's grave, and every minute spent with the good-looking man makes Tyler love him more.

 

Since Mitch's death, Hearn has become withdrawn and sullen. For months before Mitch's accident, Hearn tried to fight the attraction he felt for his best friend, Tyler. Now nine months later, he learns the truth about his long - term partner, one that will change Hearn's life forever.

 

My View:

Another great Cattle Valley series entry for Carol Lynne. I like the way she has been combining stories in the last three books, giving more of the residents some airtime. In The Last Bouquet, we finally get to hear Hearn and Tyler's story. We first heard about the pair in the story about the doctors, Physical Therapy, when the car crash kills Hearn's lover, Mitch. Later in Bad Boy Cowboy, we learn that Mitch wasn't as faithful as Hearn thought he was. Now a year later, Hearn is finally ready to let Mitch go and have a future with Tyler, who he has loved since before Mitch was killed.

 

The book also brings back the series' original characters, Nate, Ryan and Rio when Nate decides to run for mayor, opposite Hearn. Finally we get to learn the all about Nate's background and hear the story he didn't want to get out in the first Cattle Valley series book. Although Carol's been publishing these books every couple of months, she hasn't announced when the next in the series will be out. Let's hope it's soon.

 

By the way, I always love series that have their own websites. This one's is located at www.cattlevalley.net.

 

Legend Anthology

Featuring: 'A Legend Arises' by Brynn Paulin

'Gaining Hope' by Lacey Thorn '

Moonlit Magic' by Bronwyn Green

'Healing Doctor Ryan' by Carol Lynne

'A Legend Accomplished' by Brynn Paulin

ISBN: #978-1-906590-61-1

 

3 Hearts

 

Description:

 

'A Legend Arises' by Brynn Paulin Legend has it that long, long ago, a great knight fell in love with a fair maiden. . . Emma knew her entire life that she'd eventually marry the King's knight Ailig and be the lady in his castle, but she fears for her love's safety while he does his king's bidding. Though she endeavors to hide her apprehension, Ailig knows of his bride's anxieties yet duty to king and country compels him. Before answering each call to service, he promises to safely return. But there are some perils that even a knight can't overcome. . .

 

'Gaining Hope' by Lacey Thorn Hope has spent the last three years searching for her older sister and now she's finally found her. And not a moment to soon. Her twenty-first birthday is just a week away and with it her marriage to a man old enough to be her father. She is desperate to escape and when fate presents her with the chance she grabs it. Shawn O'Grady had no idea what fate awaited him. First he'd discovered the bottle with the note and the necklace, followed almost instantly by the blonde beauty with fear in her eyes. She called to everything that was inside him until he was the one with fear. Fear of falling in love, fear of letting go. Fear of gaining hope.

 

'Moonlit Magic' by Bronwyn Green Brought back to Ireland by her job, American Beckett Matthews is reluctant to return to Ireland where she left the love of her life. Kieran Brennan has waited five years for Beckett to finally return to Ireland. When he found the necklace, he knew it was more than a historical find—it was the key to reclaiming the only woman he ever loved. Under a curse from the Faery King, he couldn't follow her when she'd fled to her home in the States years ago, but now in his arms he'll help her face her fears and return to him.

 

'Healing Doctor Ryan' by Carol Lynne Surrounded by death on a daily basis oncologist Brannigan Ryan has learned to harden his heart quite effectively. That is until he starts treating Ian Fitzgerald. Ian's warm smile and determination easily punch holes in Bran's barriers. Taking a step back to rebuild the walls around his heart, Bran takes off to his weekend beach house. He can't surrender to Ian and he can't ever get involved with a patient. When a treasure and a message in a bottle wash ashore on his beach, he's forced to re-examining his determination and wonder if he can't open himself to love after all.

 

'A Legend Accomplished' by Brynn Paulin Writer, Emily Harteger has been at loose ends her entire life, never quite fitting in anywhere she's gone. She finds her place in the past amongst the knights and maidens she creates on paper. When a story idea comes to her in a dream, she's drawn to the shores of Northern England where vivid pictures fill her head . When she meets Alec Woods, the very embodiment of the man she's visualized in her dreams. Her visions of the knight and his love grow stronger and she wonders if the attraction she feels for Alec is real or the product of her wishful dreaming. Then she finds a bottle containing a necklace and note identical to one she's written about in her book. . . Is this fantasy or something else entirely?

 

My View

I picked out this book to read because over the past year author Carol Lynn has become one of my favorites. I like her wit and style of writing. She didn't let me down with her inclusion in this book. Over all I liked the concept of the story. All of the stories are connected as each book tells the tale of a couple who has found the bottle, the message and the necklace that the first story tells about. The stories were good, the sex scenes fun and imaginative and kept me entertained. What I liked the most was the variety of stories. Each with their own theme. My biggest complaint with the anthology, however, was the number of type-os in the story. Usually I don't worry about them, but there were quite a few and it became distracting. The story was published out of England, so some words are naturally spelled different. I'm used to those, since I've read quite a few books from over sees. The other type-os were an issue for me though. Also, I can only guess the meaning of the end of the first story. I'll leave it at that so I don't ruin the story for readers.