ETHER & ELEPHANTS by Cindy Spencer Pape

 

Publisher: Carina Press
Date published: Jul 20, 2015
ISBN: 9781459290259
Romance, Steampunk
E-book
Reviewed by Helen
Weblink: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/8D91AB28-5B5C-4FAC-819B-37DDA58BE2B6/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=%7bC8549AE4-505B-4B12-A258-E6E4C26622E4%7d
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 5



In this, the final Gaslight Chronicles novel, (at least for now), Sir Thomas Devere and the Honorable Miss Eleanor Hadrian are thrown together and forced to face up to the love they’ve had for each other for many years, and the different directions their choices, both good and bad, have led them. All this while dealing with missing children, a deadly alchemist, and the chance of evil taking over the known world.


Well, Cindy Spencer Pape has done it again. Another 83000-word book that grabbed me at page one such that I didn’t stop reading until it was finished eight hundred pages later. (Oops, sorry honey. You’re home already? I’m sure there’s something we can eat in the frig.)

All these characters are so alive, so vivacious, so completely three-dimensional. Ms. Pape truly has a gift for sketching in personalities with a few clever words here and there, until the reader feels like these are people she’s known for many years in real life. I also absolutely enjoy the author’s witty, understated, and slightly sarcastic humor that lifts the action scenes as well as the dialogue. There are several laugh-out-loud lines that ought to come with a “do not drink while reading” warning.
The plot was designed so various other members from the Hadrian family reappeared at times in the story, and it was great to catch up on how their lives were going as well. This is a large and varied extended family, and every one of the former heroes and heroines remains painted brightly in my memory. I loved revisiting them even just briefly.

The only faults I found with the book were minor, and due to the publisher rather than the author. There was a name change of a minor character which the proofreader should have picked up. Also the first paragraph of the “about the author” page is about the wrong author. Finally, I really don’t like Carina Press’ style of having POV changes mid-scene without line breaks. I find it disconcerting, and I’m sure other readers do as well.

This book was a wonderful way to spend a day. Fast paced, bright, filled with engaging characters, action, adventure and romance in a cleverly built steampunk world. A must read.


This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

IN THE RAW by Eileen Griffin & Nikka Michaels

 

Pages: 209

Date: 05/10/2014

Grade: 4.5

Details: No. 1 In the Kitchen

            Received from the publisher

            Through NetGalley/Love Romances and More

Kindle

The blurb:

“James Lassiter has had a crush on fellow culinary student Ethan Martin for three years, but has never had the guts to make a move. Putting himself out there is hard, especially when under the thumb–and wallet–of his overbearing parents. Now that bad boy chef Ethan–who is always vying with Jamie for best in class–is struggling with the pastry course, Jamie suddenly has a reason to reach out.

Ethan doesn't mean to be an ass–okay, so mostly he does–but even though he's secretly hot for Jamie, he sure as hell doesn't want help with pastry. Ever since his dad walked out, Ethan has been the one to hold things together and he's done fine on his own. Except that he can't get his cake to rise.

Jamie could be the answer to what Ethan's been missing his whole life–someone to depend on. But with the two competing for the same scholarship, things suddenly get too hot to handle. And if Jamie finds the strength to go for what he wants, he isn't about to settle for what he needs.”

My thoughts:

Opposites attract maybe a cliché, it is definitely true in this book. At first glance Jamie Lassiter – Golden Boy – and Ethan Martin couldn’t be more different. The rich pampered Jamie appears to get everything thrown in his lap for nothing more than luck of birth while Ethan has had to battle life for years just to make sure he and his sister Claire kept a roof over their heads and food in their mouths.

As soon as you get to know the two young men a little bit better, it becomes clear things aren’t quite as clear cut. Jamie’s wealth comes with a price in the form of parents who won’t accept him for who he is, try to run his life for him and have his future planned out. Ethan’s tough and stand-offish attitude on the other hand, is his way of shielding himself from all the hurt he knows is waiting for him in the world. When the two come together they need each other to bring their hidden character traits to the forefront. And that is one of the things I really appreciated in this book; the characters are anything but one-sided. Jamie may appear shy and retreating, he is quite capable of standing up to the bullshit Ethan throws his way and knows how to take the initiative. Ethan’s softer and unselfish sides becomes clear in his relationship with his sister, Claire, and the things he is willing to do for Jamie.

Talking about Claire, she was a ray of sunshine in this book. She knows how to put Ethan in his place and keep him grounded with just a few well chosen words that show her deep love for him as much as her no-shit attitude.

And just in case I make this book sound like an angst-fest without relief, allow me to add there were quite a few laugh-out-loud moments in this book too. I’ll never look at a cake tin in quite the same way again.

If I’m perfectly honest I have to admit the first half of the book dragged a bit for me at times. The boys spent a bit too much time in their heads and not enough time with each other or communicating, for my liking. The second half of the book more than made up for that though. I can’t deny I had a pretty good idea of who exactly Jamie and Ethan were exactly because we’d been given that insight into their thoughts and feelings earlier on.

The relationship between Jamie and Ethan was a rollercoaster of angst, happiness and heartbreak. There wasn’t a boring moment once these two gave into the attraction between them. To say they were hot together would be a huge understatement; they were scorching. And I can’t stress enough how Ethan’s need to make everything perfect – not to say orgasmic – for Jamie gave me all the feels.

Now, I have seen a few people give out about the ending of this book in their reviews and I fully expected to join their chorus; I do not like cliff-hangers. But now that I’ve finished the book I have to say I disagree. While it is clear from the ending that Jamie and Ethan’s story is far from finished, it does end in a logical place and, for me at least, on a good, be it teary, note. The fact that I already have the second book on my Kindle may make it easier for me to say that, but I don’t think I’d have said anything else if I had a longer wait ahead of me.

Eileen Griffin and Nikka Michaels have once again proven their awesomeness as a writing team. Their boys leap off the page and fight their way into your heart. I’m delighted I have two more encounters with Jamie and Ethan to look forward to.

SHATTERED BONDS by Lynda Aicher

Publisher:               Carina Press           

Published:               September 15, 2014        

ISBN:                     978 1 42689 903 4

Genre:                   Contemporary Romance, Erotica, BDSM

Book Format:          E-book

Obtained via:          Publisher

Reviewed by:          Helena Stone, helenastone63@gmail.com

Rating:                   4.5

         

This is the seventh and final title in the ‘Wicked Play’ series.

Lives can be shattered in one short, cruel, moment. A single act of madness throws the lives of the owners of The Den into panic and chaos. It is up to Noah Bakker to do what he can to limit the fall-out and keep his friends and business partners as safe as possible.

Noah hasn’t had a sub or participated in a Scene since a tragic event four years ago changed his life and forced him to question everything he believed to be true about himself. Forced to play a bigger than usual role in the running of The Den he is grateful for Liv Delcour’s unquestioning support even as the attraction he feels towards her scares him.

Liv didn’t know about the lifestyle choices her sister and the other owners of The Den have made. When the secret comes out in the most public way possible, she finds herself more intrigued than shocked. Noah’s dominant strength, both in his dealings with the press and in the bedroom, arouse feelings in Liv she hasn’t experienced before, doesn’t quite understand, but can’t deny.

Liv isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to completely submit to Noah. Noah isn’t sure he can risk allowing a woman into his heart and life again. As everybody connected to The Den struggles to salvage what’s left of their lives, Noah and Liv have to find a way to follow their heart without risking their sanity.

Shattered Bonds starts with a bang. Before you’re five percent into the story you’ll be worrying about at least half the characters you’ve come to love while reading the ‘Wicked Play’ series. Everything is suddenly uncertain. There are questions about life and death as well as the future of The Den and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the worry and uncertainty.

In the midst of the chaos that ensues, Liv is the light and bright spark keeping everyone going. There were times when she was a bit too much for me; too good, too cheerful, too understanding and too unquestioning. But overall she made me smile as well as wish I was a better person. And, given the darkness Noah struggles with, Liv’s character had to be both understanding and patient for the story and the romance to work.

Noah broke my heart for most of this book. His pain, fear and reluctance to commit ever again were so vivid it made me hurt for him. The way he eventually deals with his issues and the sacrifice Liv makes to make that possible for him, were both heartbreaking and utterly beautiful.

Ultimately this is a book about love, friendship and loyalty. Things that might shatter us if we have to face them alone, can be managed if those who are close to us gather around to see us through. It is a wonderful truth and powerful message.

As always Lynda Aicher has put several pearls of wisdom in her story. I’ve decided to not quote BDSM related statements this time since I covered those in my previous reviews. The following sentiment though rang very true for me:

“She didn’t go around envisioning the sex lives of any of her other friends.”

This is such a wonderful line. The whole world seems to feel they have the right to judge how people who are into kink or are gay or ‘other than the norm’ have sex. And yet those same people probably don’t spend a minute thinking about their neighbours’ sex life. Because they know it’s none of their business. Well, guess what. It’s none of your business either if the people concerned happen to like something you’re not into or you don’t understand.

The following scene brought tears to my eyes. Liv’s selflessness was astounding and inspiring.

“You have so much love to give, but your heart is still broken. Her actions shattered it. But it still beats. You’re still alive. You need to find a way to piece it back together so you’re not afraid to use it again.” – Liv to Noah.

As she did in the previous books in this series, Lynda Aicher manages to give us yet another perspective on BDSM. With Liv not being submissive, even though she does enjoy kinky sex, and Noah no longer comfortable with the idea of a full-time D/s relationship, this book shows that it isn’t all or nothing. We all develop our relationships based on our personal needs, and that’s the only way it can possibly work. I’m both delighted and impressed at how well Lynda Aicher managed to convey that message in this series.

I have adored this series from the very beginning. Every single title brought me hours of reading joy and all the characters I encountered in the stories will stay with me for one reason or another. For that reason, the epilogue left me with a big smile as well as a bit teary-eyed. It was a wonderful and very romantic ending to a series I’ve loved from start to finish. It was also goodbye. As much as it was great to have the series end on a high, I can’t deny I will miss these characters and The Den. The world and characters Lynda Aicher created became real for me and saying goodbye to them is a bit like saying goodbye to trusted friends. Not having a next book to look forward to is going to take a bit of getting used to. On the upside though, there’s a new series on the way and if the ‘Wicked Play’ books are anything to go by, it’s going to be fun losing myself in new characters.

“That was what this day was really about. The victory of love and the promise it had given them all when someone had tried to destroy it.”

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

 

MAYBE THIS TIME by A.M. Arthur

Publisher:               Carina Press           

Published:               July 21. 2014         

ISBN:                     978 142688 871 6 

Genre:                   Romance, M/M

Book Format:          E-book

Obtained via:          Publisher

Reviewed by:          Helena Stone, helenastone63@gmail.com

Rating:                   4

         

This is the second book in the ‘Belonging’ series. While it can be read as a stand-alone I think you’ll enjoy it more if you read ‘No Such Thing’ first.

Ezra Kelley presents himself as a free spirit. A regular at gay hotspot Pot O Gold, he loves flirting and one night stands. A relationship is the farthest thing from his mind after a boyfriend he gave his all to,let him down. When bartender Donner Davis picks him up off the bathroom floor one night after an encounter gone wrong and too much tequila, Ezra is amazed at the man’s kindness. A kindness Ezra is sure he doesn’t deserve.

Donner’s life has been on hold ever since his lover died two years ago. He lives in his sister’s basement and works at the Pot where he flirts with his customers. He can’t deny his attraction to the flamboyant Ezra and wouldn’t mind spending a night with him but knows that a fling is all it could ever be. He isn’t ready for anything beyond that.

What should have been a one-night-stand leaves both Ezra and Donner with feelings they didn’t expect. What they thought was physical attraction appears to be a connection that won’t be denied. But with Donner still afraid to risk his heart and Ezra incapable of sharing his thoughts and feelings they push each other away as much as their connection brings them closer. They’ll both need to face their past, deal with it and leave it behind them if they want to get it right this time.

When I started this book I didn’t realize it was the sequel to ‘No Such Thing’ and I was pleasantly surprised to find myself spending more time with Jaime and Allessandro, even if they only play a supporting role in this book. The two characters taking centre stage this time, Donner and Ezra, are as fascinating as their two predecessors. They come with enough baggage to make connecting with each other harder than it should be which makes their hesitant relationship fascinating to follow. They don’t always deal with their issues in the best possible way which makes them relatable characters.

None of the issues the characters face are new to the reader. We’ve read books about parents rejecting their child before. There’s nothing new about being reluctant to commit to someone new after you’ve lost the love of your life. And yet nothing in this story felt rehashed. Their story may not be unique, these characters were and they are what made this a beautiful and hard to put down book.

It was impossible to not fall for Donner almost from the moment he is introduced to the reader. He is one of those characters who is aware of his issues, struggles with them but tries to stop himself from allowing his past to interfere with his future. Ezra on the other hand is a bit more of a handful. Younger than Donner he hasn’t yet learned to separate his past from who and what he is. His constant struggle between wanting to connect to Donner and being afraid of what it might cost him in the long run was at times heartbreaking. Watching him as he takes small steps towards a happy future was beautiful.

“Flaws are only part of a person. Our pasts are another part. But the most important part is our present. It’s the guy you are now and the guy you’re going to be down the road.” - Donner

The author pulls no punches in this book. We’re given a clear picture of everything that can and does go wrong in relationships, families and the world at large. The fact that this is a positive and ultimately uplifting story despite all the darker details proves A.M. Arthur has found the right balance between gritty realism and beautiful romance.

The writing in this book was smooth and at times awe-inspiring. The dialogue between the characters sounded real and the descriptions left me with a clear picture of Donner, Ezra and the world they live in. I’m pretty sure there will be more titles coming in the ‘Belonging’ series – I even have my suspicions about the character the next book might focus on – and I will most definitely be reading it when it comes out.

“Because nothing worth doing is ever completely easy. It’s like falling in love. You have to risk getting hurt in order to get the rewards, and usually the rewards are so fucking amazing and totally worth it.” – Donner

 

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.