S.E.X. Review~ The Running Fields by Sydney Presley

Fate brings them together in the end…

Ansgar wakes to find himself outside—somewhere he’s never been before. He’s scared out of his wits and wonders whether The Scientist is conducting another experiment. Is Ansgar naked, leaning against a large building so The Scientist can monitor his reactions? Ansgar doesn’t know, but what he does know is that the black wolf staring at him from the darkness isn’t something he expected to see.

The black wolf is Ben, and he didn’t expect to see a naked bloke on a cold night, sitting on his bare arse beside the old abandoned bread factory a mile or so away from town. Ben had only come out for a run, yet there he was, facing a man who clearly didn’t belong in these parts.

After taking Ansgar to his home, Ben discovers more about the big man—where he’s been, what he’s endured, and a few other things to boot. Things no one should have to go through. Ben’s determined to help heal Ansgar, to teach him the ways of not only the shifter world but the human one, too. Except there’s a human they need to be wary of, a man who calls himself The Scientist, and protecting Ansgar from him is Ben’s main priority.

The past holds a slew of secrets, ones that come tumbling out of hiding at an alarming rate. Ben and Ansgar need to face each one head on—although at times they’re overwhelming and relentless in their attack. The two men dream of living a life without fear in it one day, but unfortunately, dealing with the horrors from Ansgar’s old life have to come first.

The Running Fields by Sydney Presley took an interesting spin on shifters and shifter life. Main character Ansgar was kidnapped as a child and eventually dumped, now an adult with little memory of his past. Found by Ben, his fated mate, together they attempted to unravel the mystery of Ansgar's life and the experiments performed on him.

I enjoyed Ansgar's eagerness to learn and his wonder in every new experience. Ben too was a patient mate and invested in teaching Ansgar everything he needed to learn to bring him up to speed in a modern world- although, a few times, I found Ben treating Ansgar like a child and not the adult he was.

The Scientist and Mother Love- two integral people in Ansgar's life- yet little background was given and their involvement in experimentation glossed over. As well as Terry, Piers, and The Convocation. 

While I enjoyed the story, "the more" was missing, leaving more questions than answers, and hoping this was the start of a series where things will come full circle.

Ms. Presley always delivers new and interesting ideas in her writing, something I appreciate as a reader.

Frisky but Nothing to Kinky

A Three and a half handcuff review

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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~ Dead Wolf Walking by Sydney Presley

The crows cannot be ignored…

Jon had moved away from Northchurch because the crows had come, bringing havoc with them. He’d left behind the love of his life, Vince, and they’d agreed to live together once Vince’s mum passed away. Much as Jon would have loved to have stayed near Vince, he couldn’t. He was the bad wolf, the Dead Wolf Walking, the one the crows had come to take away.

Vince had missed Jon this past year, but the time had gone quickly, what with him caring for his mother and working full time. The local farmer, Mr. Potter, had given Vince bad news, though, and Vince had had to contact Jon. There was no other way forward.

The crows had come again, and Jon was the only one who could make them go away. Or was he? With the birds dropping from the sky, Northchurch was set to be bathed in trouble again—deaths, too, if the last episode was anything to go by.

Jon had to face a hurtful fact, though—as if his painful childhood hadn’t hurt enough. His mother was someone he’d vowed never to see again, yet here he was, back in Northchurch, presented with a task no son should ever have to face. But the crows had spoken, and Jon was powerless to ignore their needs…

Dead Wolf Walking by Sydney Presley left me feeling confused and bereft, and disconnected from a story I hoped to enjoy.

I never connected with the characters, neither on a personal level, with them as individuals or as a couple. Jon and Vince appeared to be a disjointed couple with little in common.

The language of the tale and the characterization of the players was unclear. The involvement of the crows, although explained, appeared more glossed over and left more questions than answers. Additionally, I am puzzled about the wolves- their inception, their role in society, and how they all fit together (if they don’t know about each other).

My curiosity has the best of me, and I am compelled to read the next book upon release, if only to satisfy my own curiosity. I do enjoy Ms. Presley's work and many of her previous characters.

No rating given

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~~~~~

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~ No Matter What by Sydney Presley

They must protect each other. No matter what.

Quinn has resigned himself to living alone. His cabin, on the outskirts of a village, is the perfect place for him to paint. No distractions, lots of peace and quiet—until he goes out for a run as a wolf and sees another wolf scarpering for its life.

Goddard is that wolf. He’s been running for God knows how long, and he’s tired of looking over his shoulder, waiting to be found by the one man Goddard doesn’t want finding him. Injured, he discovers a cabin and goes inside.

Quinn’s and Goddard’s lives are changed forever when they realize they are bonded mates. The thing is, there’s still the problem of the man from Goddard’s past to get over, and when an incident in the village means Goddard’s whereabouts becomes public knowledge, things might take a nasty turn.

Gone are the days when the two men had to stick by human law. Being mated means wolf law comes first—and if it means killing to keep each other safe, then that’s what they’re prepared to do. They must protect each other. No matter what.

No Matter What by Sydney Presley was a nice read. Upon discovering they were fated mates, Quinn and Goddard traversed a slippery slope of getting to know each other and reconciling a past which stood in their way.

Each man brought an interesting dynamic to the table, an almost primitive quality in a modern world- an oxymoron.

While I found both characters likeable, I found myself struggling to connect with them. I believe this may be in part to the continuous POV change, leaving me bereft to fully connect.

A quick read with a slow pace.

Frisky but Nothing to Kinky

A three handcuff review

Pride Publishing 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~ Sergeant's Secrets by Sydney Presley

Keeping secrets from your mate is a struggle—especially when he can read your mind.

Sergeant is doing the night security shift to give his mate, Dillon, a break. On his rounds, he smells a stranger wolf and heads into the forest to investigate. What he finds is disturbing—and what happens next even more so. With events out of his control, he’s at a loss as to what to do. What the hell is going on?

Dillon wakes knowing something is wrong. He follows Sergeant’s trail into the forest and realizes that his mate is in deep trouble. A plane ride later, and with a few Highgate shifters by his side, Dillon has to find Sergeant fast—before any harm comes to him.

After a bizarre experience, Sergeant is free to go back to Highgate, but there is a stipulation. He must not tell Dillon—or anyone—what happened to him until the time is right. Sergeant detests keeping things from his life partner, but there is no alternative, and hiding secrets is what he must do. At the same time, Sergeant has a massive decision to make—one that will affect not only himself and Dillon, but also the Highgate pack and all known shifter wolves, as well as other shifter species.

The burden is a heavy one, and Sergeant can’t wait to offload it. Time is holding him back, though, and he must wait before he can give an answer to something he never would have dreamed he’d have to contemplate.

Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.

Why was I shedding a tear reading Sergeant’s Secrets? ~ because Sydney Presley delivered a beautifully written story of love, loss, and family. My favorite book to date in the Highgate Shifters series, Ms. Presley outdid herself.

Sergeant and Dillon are drawn into a web that cannot be undone, with decisions that will affect not only themselves, but those they held most dear.

Ms. Presley penned drama and intrigue throughout the story with enough angst that truly set this book apart from the others in the series. The storyline was fluid and the synergy between the main characters seeped through the pages. I felt Sergeant’s Secrets answered many questions that I didn’t know I had or were previously missing in the other books.

Sergeant and Dillon are two of my favorite characters in the series and I was immediately drawn into their adventure. The love they share transcended through Ms. Presley’s ability to capture their spirit.

Kudos Ms. Presley~ Sergeant’s Secrets was …..Definite Sexy Erotic Xciting

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

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

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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~ Jacob's Journey by Sydney Presley

The journey is well worth the destination.

Jacob arrives at Highgate to collect two members of his pride and take them back to Oakland, the place they grew up. The problem is, Evan and Christian have mated and decide to remain at the Highgate wolf compound. Knowing an Oakland official, one of the pride king’s right-hand men, will turn up to fetch them all if they don’t return home, Jacob has a dilemma on his hands. Especially when he’s introduced to Frankie, a wolf who gave him the serious jitters at the hotel in Morgan’s Creek. A wolf who insists they’re mates…

Frankie doesn’t understand how a lion and a wolf can be destined mates but he’s not about to question it too much. He’s waited for his mate for far too long, and now that he’s arrived, Frankie isn’t about to let Jacob get away. The question is, how can he convince Jacob to stay? With the threat of an Oakland lion coming to collect Jacob, Evan and Christian, Frankie knows the only way to solve the issue is to follow shifter law. Jacob must fight the Oakland man—and only one of them will remain alive. Only then can Frankie and Jacob share their lives without looking over their shoulders.

However, Jacob is a kind soul, a man who doesn’t like fighting of any kind, yet he will have to step up and be the type of person who is prepared to do everything it takes to keep his mate safe. Frankie is more than willing to fight in Jacob’s place, but the shifter law is the law, and for happiness to be theirs, they must follow it to the letter.

But will they?

Jacob’s Journey, Sydney Presley’s fifth book in the Highgate Shifters series was a lovely tale of a wolf and his destined mate, a lion. Frankie was a member of the Highgate Pack, while Jacob, a lion was sent from his pride to round up Evan and Christian (Evan’s Epiphany) and return them to their king.

Along the way, Ms. Presley has created a distinctive, albeit unusual family of shifters with Sergeant and Dillon as the pack alphas. Frankie and Jacob were sweet and sensitive~ with each other and their mating. Two souls uniting for a common ground and very protective.

A tad bit of drama that ended very quickly, none the less added a bit of spice. A nice book in a good series.

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

Frisky but Nothing to Kinky

A three and a half handcuff review

Pride Publishing 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~ Evan's Epiphany by Sydney Pressley

Finding out who you really are is one hell of an epiphany.

Evan is trying to come to terms with who and what he is. After arriving at Highgate, primed to kill, Evan is left pondering many questions. He has no idea where he came from—or whether he’s a wolf or lion. All he knows is he has animal inside him and the urge to shift. Unfortunately, shifting hasn’t been an option. He just can’t manage to do it.

Until he meets Christian—a man Evan is drawn to but doesn’t understand why. Christian is his mate, and has been for a long time. Ever since Evan went missing, Christian has been searching for him, and once he’s found him, he isn’t prepared to walk away, even after learning what Evan has been doing while they’ve been apart.

With Christian’s arrival comes Evan’s epiphany—his realization that his animal will no longer be caged inside him and that he is loved beyond measure. He shifts and finds out which beast he really is. Along with new emotions and some of his memory coming back, Evan also has something else to deal with. Someone who he’d thought of as a friend, isn’t a friend at all. This person is a threat to the Highgate pack, Dillon in particular, and Evan will do anything to stop his mentor being put at risk…

Evan’s Epiphany, Highgate Shifters series by Sydney Pressley is not a standalone and should be read in order. Ms. Pressley reveals more information as the Evan’s inner shifter is divulged and the mate, Christian, he had no memory of appeared at Highgate.

Christian came in search of Evan and although Evan looked different, the love Christian felt for him never diminished. Evan and Christian found an even ground and began to build a new mating relationship.

Ms. Pressley does a nice job of furthering the adventure of the Highgate shifters, giving the reader snippets of information and building a world of mystery and intrigue while maintaining camaraderie between the shifters under Dillon and Sergeant.

Evan’s Epiphany moved very quickly, as the mate pull fell upon both Evan and Christian and an enemy is eradicated.

The series continues to fascinate me and is one I plan to see to the end.

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

Frisky but Nothing to Kinky

A three and a half handcuff review

 Pride Publishing Buy Link

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~ One Bit at a Time~ Sydney Presley

Being thought of as a freak wasn’t something Raven cherished.

Raven has been brought up as a shifter in the city, along with his siblings, hiding what he is from humans. His father became abusive as soon as Raven’s mother died, and after a traumatic childhood, plus being caught wearing his sister’s clothes, Raven knows it’s time to run away.

He takes off in search of a wolf haven, knowing they’ll take him in but worrying over how his siblings will fare now he’s not there. He meets Boss, the owner of the compound, and realizes that not everyone shuns a cross-dresser. What follows is a new journey of discovery—not only can Raven wear what he wants, but he can be exactly who he is too.

The problem is, his past won’t let him go, and someone is on a mission to drag Raven back home to his father. And that someone doesn’t seem to want to take no for an answer…

Reader advisory: This book contains references of homophobic language.

One Bit at a Time by Sydney Presley was a sensual story of acceptance and understanding. Boss ran a safe haven for shifters and Raven needed saving. The story was fast-paced and told in third person POV with first person POV flashbacks. This did not deter from the story but enhanced the tale by allowing the reader to grasp the seriousness of the Ms. Presley’s words.

Gay and a cross-dresser, Raven escaped the clutches of his abusive human father now that his siblings were old enough to fend for themselves. His only real ally was his brother Glen, who promised to join Raven when the opportunity permitted.

Sydney Presley presented a tale of emotional upheaval as Raven came to terms with what he considered internal failings while also delivering acceptance and thoughtfulness from Boss’s point of view.

The author delivered a different spin on the shifter population although as much as what was told was equally not done so. Many questions were left unanswered and I am in the mindset that Ms. Presley will peel away the layers as subsequent books are written, thus opening up this world before our eyes.

One Bit at a Time was not a tale of sex but of explorations and the burning need to find oneself and be true to your inner beauty. Ms. Presley conveyed the message thoughtfully and with care.

One Bit at a Time may have not contained sex but it was definitely sexy and sizzling.

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

A four handcuff review

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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. Review~ Dillon's Decision~ Sydney Presley

Keeping secrets can sometimes be a very wrong thing to do.

When a stranger steps onto Highgate land in the middle of the night, Dillon has to decide whether to chase him off or let him into their pack house. Sergeant, Dillon’s partner and pack alpha, takes the decision out of Dillon’s hands. The stranger looks like a wolf they know from Crossways, and he’s disoriented and doesn’t seem to know his own name. Something’s very wrong, and Dillon intends to find out what’s going on.

The stranger turns out to be just that—a stranger and no one they know at all. When the horrifying fact comes out that the stranger has had his face surgically removed then replaced with another, Dillon’s terrible past comes back to haunt him. The government agency he used to work for think he’s disappeared for good—or do they? Have they found out where he lives now? Do they want him back on their books as a spy?

Dillon can’t go back—no way, no how. In order to remain free and at Highgate, he has to work out a plan that will keep every single pack member safe. But most of all he must protect Sergeant, the love of his life and the one man he’s told all his secrets to.

Or most of them, anyway…

Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series. It is not a standalone title.

I am more enthralled with each book of Sydney Presley’s Highgate Shifters series, and Dillon’s Decision was a wonderfully written addition. Dillon and Sergeant have set into a life of love and care of each other and their pack. Both strong alpha men, they take their duties seriously and want only the best for their extended family.

Ms. Presley wrote of intrigue and clandestineness as she further developed the worlds of Highgate and Crossways. I adore the cloak and dagger suspense and Ms. Presley’s tone and character development sucked me right in. Dillon’s Decision kept me on the edge of my seat in rapt attention as I needed to know what occurred next and who was behind the nefarious dealings.

Dillon’s Decision whet my appetite and left me hanging just enough that I’ll definitely be coming back for more.

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

Sexy and Sizzling

A four and a half handcuff review 

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S.E.X. Review~ Vann's Victory by Sydney Presley

Being a Dom in secret—being mated to another wolf in secret—is something Vann has always done, but now he has the chance to be open about his whole life.

Vann grew up under the rule of an alpha at Crossways Compound, who controlled every aspect of his pack members’ lives. Used to obeying without question, Vann suddenly finds himself in a position where he can make his own decisions outside his sexual relationship. In the past, his trysts with his subby lover, Kip, have been in secret, snatched moments away from security cameras or listening devices. Now they’ve been welcomed at Highgate, a safe haven, life should work out beautifully.

But there’s something Vann has to do first. He has to return to his childhood compound to right the wrongs that were done there. Along with Kip and members of the Highgate security team, Vann has to play the biggest role of his life so far in order to bring down the alpha at Crossways and rescue some cross-bred cubs. It isn’t going to be easy, going against someone he’s been conditioned to obey, but for the sake of his pack and the safety of the cubs, he’ll do whatever it takes.

Kip is determined to be with Vann every step of the way. Usually, Kip is submissive in all aspects of their life, preferring to bow his head and only speak when he’s given permission. But their return to Crossways changes all that. The danger there is too great for Kip to wait for Vann’s instructions on everything he does. Kip knows that to keep Vann safe, he must become more dominant—or die trying.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of exhibitionism and voyeurism.

Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.

Vann’s Victory by Sydney Presley continued the saga of the Highgate Shifters, picking up where Jace’s Justice left off. I enjoyed the first installment and I equally liked this one.

Vann and Kip, dominant and submissive are on a mission to help oppressed wolves at the Crossways Compound, their former residence. Free and finally able to express their true love, Vann and Kip have looked forward to the day of sexual freedom sans reprisals.

Ms. Presley delivered openness in Vann and Kip’s personalities, which gave me more incite to their tragic pasts and the lives they wish to lead. As a continuation of Jace’s Justice, I would recommend reading the series in order~ to understand the turmoil and relationship of the characters.

As Ms. Presley writes each book, bits are divulged and a greater appreciation of the Highgate pack dynamics. Ms. Presley, too, revisited previous characters paramount to the evolution to the story and also did a wonderful job of revealing more information starting the trek ‘full circle’. The book also contains some mild elements of BDSM between Vann and Kip.

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

Frisky but Nothing to Kinky

A three and a half handcuff review

S.E.X. Review~ Jace's Justice by Sydney Presley

Finding yourself isn’t always easy—unless your true mate helps you along the way…

Jace has always felt as though he doesn’t belong, that he’s surplus to requirements, alone and destined to stay that way for the rest of his life. His love for Louie, his true mate, is solid and real, but Louie has never shown Jace that they’re mates, has never given any indication that he wants them to be together. Jace is convinced that fate has got things wrong in pairing them—until a stranger arrives on pack land, throwing everything into chaos.

Louie has lived his whole life keeping his distance from Jace—and his emotions. He loves the man with a passion, but knowing Jace might be taken away from him at any moment means Louie has kept his mouth shut. Jace was found on the side of the road as a cub by their alpha, Sergeant, and Louie has always known that one day Jace’s true family will come back to claim him. To save Jace having to make a painful decision—leave Louie or join his family—Louie remained in the shadows.

But life has a way of changing things, and with the stranger comes knowledge of some terrible things happening on another wolf compound. Things that the Highgate pack feel compelled to fix. The question is, will Jace and Louie mating also change things, or will they remain the same as they’ve always been, forever circling around their love and never admitting it through fear of being hurt?

Jace’s Justice by Sydney Presley told the story of fated mates Jace and Louie determined to traverse life apart, until an unforeseen circumstance brought them to the forefront of their relationship. Orphaned at a very young age and raised by the pack alpha and his male mate, Jace was distant and rebellious. Always with the knowledge that Louie was his fated mate, Jace has kept his detachment, as did Louie.

Jace and Louie finally came together, two virgins taking the slow route to sex, hormones running amok like randy teenagers.

While I generally liked the story, minor inconsistencies throughout left me confused and feeling like an outsider looking in. The first book in the new Highgate Shifters series delivered much information with little back story, requiring me to surmise prior occurrences.

The characters were appealing but I never connected with them, receiving snippets of their lives as opposed to their life story.

My hope is that many of my unanswered questions are dealt with in subsequent books in the series.

Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Frisky but Nothing too Kinky

A three and a half handcuff review

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