S.E.X. Review~ Alpha Heat~ Audible

Buy Links: Audible US | Audible UK

Narrated By: Michael Ferraiuolo

Length: 15hrs 22 mins

Heat of Love Series

Book #1 - Slow Heat - Audible US | Audible UK

Blurb

A desperate young alpha. An older alpha with a hero complex. A forbidden love that can’t be denied.

Young Xan Heelies knows he can never have what he truly wants: a passionate romance and happy ever after with another alpha. It’s not only forbidden by the prevailing faith of the land, but such acts are illegal.

Urho Chase is a middle-aged alpha with a heartbreaking past. Careful, controlled, and steadfast, his friends dub him old-fashioned and staid. When Urho discovers a dangerous side to Xan’s life that he never imagined, his world is rocked, and he’s consumed by desire. The carefully sewn seams that held him together after the loss of his omega and son come apart - and so does he.

But to love each other and make a life together, Xan and Urho risk utter ruin. With the acceptance and support of Caleb, Xan’s asexual and aromantic omega and dear friend, they must find the strength to embrace danger and build the family they deserve.

This gay-romance novel by Leta Blake is the second in the Slow Heat universe. It has a strong, happy ending and a well-crafted non-shifter omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. No cheating. Content warning for brief sexual violence.


Alpha Heat Sample 1 from Leta Blake on Vimeo.

Author Bio

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

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The continuation of Leta Blake’s Slow Heat, Alpha Heat furthered delivered the story of Jason and Vale, expanding on characters Xan, Urho, and Caleb. The introduction of a ménage in a world of forbidden desires, sexual expectations, and a strict caste system, Xan, Urho, and Caleb forged a union of circumstance and need.

As an alpha, Xan was to contract an omega and produce an heir to carry on the lineage. Alphas held the physical power, sexual power, and above all were never penetrated (lest he be unmanned).Unfortunately for Xan, his desires lent itself more to an omega than an alpha. This affected his sexual desires which transcended to his sexual exploration.

The author characterized Xan’s personality as confused and self-loathing, while attempting to allow him to find his place in a world where differences were not tolerated, even ostracized. Xan found some redemption in his contracted asexual omega partner, Caleb. Sweet and understanding, Xan and Caleb made their union their own, albeit some complications.

Urho, very alpha and in charge, intimated a relationship with Xan, his alpha-omega, thus cementing their triad and going against the norm.

While I liked each character, the heavy handedness of the dominant alpha and the ease in which the omega permitted it, brought forth a circa early 1900’s feel- a time when women had no say and the male ruled the roost. Elements of BDSM lifestyle also prevailed, an alpha who sought someone who punished him for his desires, omegas who held the power in the relationship (as a submissive), along with some light spanking.

Ms. Blake truly has a gift to design an all-male world, finding a gender-related role for each.

Michael Ferraiulo did a wonderful job with the narration of Alpha Heat. I appreciated the inflection and modulation of his voice, so that each male character sounded different in tone, pitch, and design. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to infuse believability into the characters you are narrating, but Mr. Ferraiulo did it impeccably. I was drawn into the story even more so than when I previously read it, and I gained a better understanding of Ms. Blake’s characters and world.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

~~~~~

2018 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Audio Review~ Tis the Season by Alex Jane

Aaron has spent the past 10 months alone. When he meets a sad, yet strangely familiar man on a cold Halloween night, he impulsively invites him home. But the intimate connection they share lasts only until morning. Aaron wakes up alone - wracked with guilt and devastated to have lost his chance. Or so he thinks.

Thanksgiving brings Aaron another shot at happiness, but letting go of an old love and accepting a new one isn't as easy as everyone keeps telling him. And by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, it becomes clear that Aaron's not the only one struggling to let himself love again.

Christmas miracles are all well and good, but it's going to take more than the Holiday Spirit for Aaron to get his happy ever after.

A story of grief, sadness, and letting it go; and finding love when you least expect it.

A feel good emotional tale, 'Tis the Season by Alex Jane was a sure-fire winner. Barreling through the lives of Aaron and Dylan Ms. Jane broached the subject of love lost and the feelings of dread during what should be the most joyous time of the year.

Aaron lost his husband and waded through life- a man still attached to the spirit of the deceased. Dylan- on the brink of destruction, lost, after getting out of a bad relationship. What Aaron and Dylan found was common ground in despair and the strength in each other to forge forward.

Ms. Jane spun a tale taking this reader on an emotional roller coaster, hoping for holiday cheer and a miracle happy ending. ‘Tis the Season brought a smile and a tear and the knowledge that good things are around the corner when we open ourselves to the holiday spirit.

Narrator, Michael Fell catapulted this reader into a world of despair and cheer as his voice gave credence to Aaron and Dylan’s story. Beautiful inflection and a soft cadence brought the men’s lives alight with hope and the desire for new beginnings. Between Ms. Jane’s written words and Mr. Fell’s narration, ‘Tis the Season was one to be heard.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Amazon Audiobook Buy Link

~~~~~

2017 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ The One Who Saves Me by Cardeno C.

Boyfriends come and go but best friends are forever has always been Andrew and Caleb's mantra. Can they be both?

At fourteen, Andrew Thompson and Caleb Lakes become best friends. As the years pass, they stand by each other through family trauma, school, and the start of their careers. They share their first sexual experiences, learning and experimenting, and they talk each other through countless dates and breakups.

Decades of trust and loyalty build a deep and abiding friendship, one that surpasses any relationship in their lives. But when the parameters of their unique friendship change, neither man knows how to break out of their established roles to build something new. After all, boyfriends come and go, but best friends are forever.

I never get tired of a Cardeno C. book. Always captivating, witty and chock full of sex, The One Who Saves Me did not disappoint— and especially one narrated by Alexander Collins.

Andrew and Caleb have been best buds. Together every summer, exploring their sexuality and always having each other’s back, the two men rummage through life, thick and thin— even through every boyfriend and breakup.

As I listened to the book, I wondered why the two men couldn’t just stop being **** buddies and get with the program of realizing they were each other’s everything. Under the careful words of Cardeno C.’s writing I soon realized the men needed to come full circle and experience the turmoil of life in order to find what each needed was right in front of him. I loved both men and their wit and character had me laughing, crying and just plain smiling.

Alexander Collins’ narration delivered instant gratification and allowed me to get to know the main characters on a more personal level. His inflection and cadence brought Andrew and Caleb to life.

The One Who Saves Me was sexy and erotic and left little to the imagination. A must read for any fan of hot men.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

2016 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Where He Ends and I Begin ~ Cardeno C. ~ Narrated by Alexander Collins

Aggressive, physical, and brave, Jake Owens is a small town football hero turned big city cop who passes his time with meaningless encounters believing he can't have who he really wants: Nate Richardson, his best friend since before forever. Thoughtful, quiet, and kind, Nate is a brilliant doctor who has always known who he is and has never been able to shake his crush on loyal, courageous, straight Jake.

After a passionate night together, Nate realizes Jake isn't as straight as he assumed, but he worries that what they shared was a fluke, a result of too much closeness for too long. For Jake, the question isn't how they ended up in bed together because he has always known that Nate holds his heart; it's how he'll convince Nate that he wants and needs to stay there.

I thoroughly enjoyed Where He Ends and I Begin by Cardeno C., narrated by Alexander Collins. The title appropriately fit the story as Jake and Nate begin their life before each other was a glimmer in their mother’s eye and from birth were two peas in a pod.

The wonderful pretext of the story, life-long friends, a loving relationship and then lovers allowed the author to captivate us with the journey that was Jake and Nate.

Both men were loving and exhuberant in their joint lives and holy hell, their love making. Once sex was brought to the table and Jake and Nate realized a life together as couple was possible, no one held back. ~ S.E.X.~

The story was told from both men’s POV for the same events, but was clearly delineated in the author’s writing and Mr. Collins narration. Nicely done!

I enjoyed Jake and Nate’s love story and the journey they took to achieve their happiness.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Audible Buy Link

2016 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Something in the Way He Needs ~ Cardeno C.~ Narrated by Ezekiel Robison

Controlled Asher didn't expect to fall for free-spirited Daniel, but they'll find what they desperately need in one another.

Police captain Asher Penaz's staunch professionalism bleeds into his home life, down to his neatly pressed attire and Spartan apartment. He enjoys being in charge and in control, so his sudden and powerful attraction to the lighthearted, free-spirited Daniel Tover throws him for a loop. In his entire life, Daniel has never gotten what he needs, so he moves to the next place, the next job, the next attempt to find something worth staying for, always landing at the top of his game, but never feeling like he belongs.

The chemistry between Asher and Daniel sizzles, but with all that fire comes the risk of getting burned. As both men struggle to learn themselves while getting to know each other, the lines of desire and control blur. If Daniel and Asher can walk through the flames together, they might find what they desperately need.

When I began to read Something in the Way He Needs by Cadeno C. I was torn and perplexed in my thinking. How was the author going to seemingly meld two very different personalities into a satisfying HEA? Leave it to Cardeno C. to accomplish this task.

Anal retentive police captain Asher and free-spirit David couldn’t have been more different. Brought together through happenstance, Asher was intrigued and smitten by the man who couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag~ with directions.

At first I wanted to dislike Asher; not that there was anything completely wrong with the man. But, the man who loved to dominate had an insecure personality which he projected his short giving onto others, especially Daniel. Asher was his own worst enemy and nearly lost Daniel in the process.

I adored Daniel. The man appeared younger than he truly was, yet he had wisdom and maturity, and a care-free attitude which made him likeable and tender-hearted.

Daniel had patience and stamina to keep up with the roller coaster Asher.

Something in the Way He Needs is not a BDSM book, although Asher is dominant and professes to enjoy the lifestyle. The book is a journey of exploration and opening your mind and heart to other’s who you usually wouldn’t do so, and finding the other piece of your heart.

As with all Cardeno C.’s audible books, her chosen narrator was spot on. Ezekiel Robison’s tenor delivered a dynamic narration with feeling and emotion. Kudos Mr. Robinson for holding my interest.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

2016 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ The Half of Us by Cardeno C.

If short-tempered Jason can open his heart and life to optimistic Abe, he might finally find the family he craves.

Short-tempered, arrogant heart surgeon Jason Garcia grew up wanting a close-knit family, but believes he ruined those dreams when he broke up his marriage. The benefit of divorce is having as much random sex as he wants, and it's a benefit Jason is exploiting when he meets a sweet, shy man at a bar and convinces him to go home for a no-strings-attached night of fun.

Eight years living in Las Vegas hasn't dimmed Abe Green's optimism, earnestness, or desire to find the one. When a sexy man with lonely eyes propositions him, Abe decides to give himself a birthday present—one night of spontaneous fun with no thoughts of the future. But one night turns into two and then three, and Abe realizes his heart is involved.

For the first time, Abe feels safe enough with someone he respects and adores to let go of his inhibitions in the bedroom. If Jason can get past his own inhibitions and open his heart and his life to Abe, he might finally find the family he craves. 

The Half of Us told the story of surgeon Jason Garcia and the ups and downs of a broken marriage, children he rarely saw, and a new man in his life that he wasn’t’ dating.

Jason and Abe are the perfect opposites attract couple as they waded through the initial hook-up, murky waters of potential dating to the eventual we’re an item.

What I loved about this book was that the love was not instantaneous. Yes, there’s lust and a heady dose of sex, but Cardeno C. permitted the characters to discover each other and build a relationship based on finding themselves.

I found myself cheering for Jason and Abe, while wanting to throttle Jason and his inability to commit to anything. Abe’s kill ‘em with kindness not only won over Jason, but his ex-wife and children too.

Funny moments~ crazy espresso machine…I have to admit that I laughed out loud and got some looks. Did I care? Absolutely not! A Cardeno C. books always brings a smile to my face and make my heart feel lighter.

Cardeno C. has the uncanny ability to choose the perfect narrator for her books. I’ve listened to quite a few Cardeno C. audio books and Ezekiel Robison did not disappoint. The inflection in his voice, the change over for each character and the suitable nuances to distinguish between funny moments had me intrigued and ready to listen to the entire book in one sitting.

Listening to The Half of Us was a total joy.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review (Previously reviewed, slightly edited)

Definite S.E.X.
A five handcuff review

2015 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ The Christmas Throwaway by R.J. Scott

Christmas is a time for giving - what do you do when no one gives a damn? 

For Zachary Weston Christmas means sleeping on a churchyard bench in the freezing snow with nothing better in his future. Thrown out of his home for being gay, he is left without money or, it seems, anywhere to go. 

Until a stranger shows him that some people do give a lot more than a damn.

Ben Hamilton is a rookie cop in his small home town. He finds a young throwaway, fresh from the city, sleeping on a bench in the churchyard on a snowy Christmas Eve. Can he be the one to give Zachary his own Christmas miracle?

R.J. Scott delivered a beautifully written Christmas story in The Christmas Throwaway and one that should be read every year to remind us of our blessings.

Zach was tossed from his home.  Young, vulnerable and homeless, Zach was lucky enough to meet police officer Ben on a cold winter’s night, as the snow begun to fall and the temperature dropped. Ben talked Zach into returning to his home where we are treated to a beautiful family filled with love and warmth.

Although Zach was young and the attraction between the two men quickly snuck up, the story was so much more than that. Ben realized his feelings for Zach would turn into something more, but wanted the best for the young man, allowing him to grow, mature and find himself in the world.

I adored Ben’s family and friends~ the traditions, the gift-giving, the happiness which enveloped Zach and allowed him to be accepted.

Ms. Scott chose the perfect narrator for the audible addition. Sean Crisden’s soothing voice transported this reader into the wintery nights, the cold seeping into my bones and the gut-wrenching feelings of abandonment.

Ms. Scott wrote a slow-simmer story of lasting family and love~ a perfect tale to add to any Christmas collection.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

2015 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Spotlight~ He Completes Me by Cardeno C.

He Completes Me: Home Collection

Written by: Cardeno C.

Narrated by: Alexander Collins

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins 

Series: Home, Book 2

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:09-22-15

Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC

Not even his mother's funeral can convince self-proclaimed party boy Zach Johnson to tone down his snark or think about settling down. He is who he is, and he refuses to change for anyone. When straight-laced, compassionate Aaron Paulson claims he's falling for him, Zach is certain Aaron sees him as another project, one more lost soul for the idealistic Aaron to save. But Zach doesn't need to be fixed, and he refuses to be with someone who sees him as broken.

Patience is one of Aaron's many virtues. He has waited years for a man who can share his heart and complete his life, and he insists Zach is the one. Pride, fear, and old hurts wither in the wake of Aaron's adoring loyalty, and as Zach reevaluates his perceptions of love and family, he finds himself tempted to believe in the impossible: a happily ever after.

©2013 Cardeno C. (P)2015 Cardeno C.

Ebook Links

All Romance eBooks / Amazon / Amazon CA / Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Smashwords
Coupon: EH83R

Cardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever- after sunset.

Cardeno's Home, Family, and Mates series have received awards from Love Romances and More Golden Roses, Rainbow Awards, the Goodreads M/M Romance Group, and various reviewers. But even more special to CC are heartfelt reactions from readers, like, "You bring joy and love and make it part of the every day."

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2015 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Spotlight and Review~ Until Forever Comes by Cardeno C.

Until Forever Comes: Mates Collection

• Written by: Cardeno C.
• Narrated by: Charlie David
• Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release Date:09-22-15
• Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC

A sensitive wolf shifter and a vicious vampire challenge history, greed, and the very fabric of their beings in order to stay together until forever comes.

Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can't shift. Hoping to find an honorable death by joining his packmates in a vampire attack, Ethan instead learns two things: Draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate: a vampire named Miguel.

More than four centuries old, strong, powerful, and vicious, Miguel Rodriguez walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they're true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent, and being together comes so naturally that Miguel can't resist for long. The challenge is keeping themselves alive so they can stay by each other's side until forever comes.

 

 

Ebook Links

All Romance eBooks / Amazon   

AmazonUK / B&N / iBooks / Kobo / Oyster / Smashwords

Smashwords Coupon: GT46E

Cardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever- after sunset.

Cardeno's Home, Family, and Mates series have received awards from Love Romances and More Golden Roses, Rainbow Awards, the Goodreads M/M Romance Group, and various reviewers. But even more special to CC are heartfelt reactions from readers, like, "You bring joy and love and make it part of the every day."

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Cafe Risqué ~ SharedBlog

Pintrest | Google+ | Youtube

Audible copy of Until Forever Comes by Cardeno C.

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I loved Until Forever Comes by Cardeno C.! With each book in the Mate series, the author further demonstrates her ability to compose sensitivity and sensuality into the characters.

Although completely opposite and of different paranormal worlds, Miguel and Ethan traversed all known prejudices and stigmas to gain control of their lives- together.

Ethan’s quiet resolve was enhanced by his alpha-vampire and gave him the ability to soothe the man in times of turmoil. Soft-spoken and quietly fierce, Ethan was the perfect mate for hot-headed Miguel.

Cardeno C. navigated the difficult life Miguel and Ethan were destined to endure and through her writing the two formed the bond of a timeless love story.

The author’s infusion of prejudices and preconceived notions lent itself to the reality that surrounds us in today’s society. Judging someone based on traditional values only stands to hurt all those involved.

Until Forever Comes taught life lessons~ always be open to what you don’t truly know, because you never know when “the one” is right in front of you.

Until Forever Comes was narrated by Charlie David. Mr. David was a superb orator.  Every fluctuation in his voice brought the characters to life, especially Ethan. As he recited Ethan’s inner-monologues, I was transported to Ethan’s world and saw events unfold through his eyes. If I loved Cardeno C.’s voice for Ethan in the written word, the spoke hit it out of the park.

Audio Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

2015 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.