Cia's Stories

Thursday, November 19, 2015

eBook Review My Hero: The Olympian by Max Vos

Today I'm reviewing a new book by Max Vos. This is the follow up to his eBook, My Hero. There's also a naughty-esque excerpt and a contest for a chance to win an e-copy of My Hero and My Hero: The Olympian.

Enjoy gay-for-you college jock stories? My Hero: The Olympian is for you! But it's more than that too. Reading this book was a roller coaster for both the personal and professional journeys of the main characters, Johnny and Rich. The story begins immediately after My Hero, and the cast continues to feature the two main characters from the first book as well as most of the secondary characters that make up Johnny and Rich's family and close friends.

We do get to meet quite a few more people in their lives, though, as Johnny's relationship with Rich fully comes to light after his blow up in the first book. He's a college football player, and even in modern times, not everyone is accepting, especially in a sport where there's a lot of testosterone flying around the field and locker room. That leads to a lot of drama, which drives a lot of the events in the book.

The second main element of the book focuses far more on Rich's journey to... you guessed it, the Olympics. For all that is going wrong in his life, he's experiencing something exactly right. His diving is spot on, and he's focused in a new, loose way that has escaped him in the past. His relationship with his dad is on the mend, even.

But everything Johnny is facing affects Rich, too. Can they overcome the danger them personally and professionally, keep Rich diving, and get through all the drama of the Olympics? With twists and turns that keep you guessing, this book makes the path to the end unpredictable. I must mention the editing isn't great (the habit of using mom/dad instead of Mom/Dad when being used as a name and some homophone issues and missing punctuation jumped out the most) but it's not so bad to keep a reader from enjoying the story. For those who read My Hero and hated the cheating scene, I will say this does NOT get a repeat in the sequel.

Overall, a good read, especially for a popular genre that can often feel far more formulaic than fresh.

TITLE: My Hero: The Olympian

SERIES: My Hero Series #2

AUTHOR: Max Vos

COVER ARTIST: Alex J. Corza

LENGTH: 129,600 words approx

RELEASE DATE: November 15, 2015

BLURB: After a romantic evening, Rich and Johnny face the light of day as a couple. Johnny’s coming out forces them to face some serious repercussions as the world of collegian jocks adjust to their first openly gay football player.

Rich is still working towards the World Diving Championships with his hopes and dreams set on the 2012 London Olympic Games, while as a couple they deal with concerns closer to home.

With the support of friends and family, the young couple grow closer together, but with prejudices and adversity at every turn will Johnny and Rich be able to tackle the world together?

No matter what, Rich will always be Johnny’s hero.

“No, I’m not going to and there is nothing you can say that will make me either.” Johnny crossed his arms, a defiant look on his face, his eyes narrowed slits.

“Oh come on, John, I wear them.” Rich held up the skimpy black racing briefs. “For me?”

Johnny looked away. “No. I said no and I mean no.”

Rich leaned in close to Johnny so only he could hear. “If you wear this, I can guarantee you some of the best sex in your life. If you think I get turned on by jock straps…”

Johnny glared down at Rich. “You don’t play fair.”

“Wasn’t it you who recently said that all is fair in love and war?” Rich smirked as he dangled the tiny briefs in front of Johnny.

“It better be the best ever.” Johnny let his arms drop. “Okay. But you promised.”

Again, Rich leaned in close. “Maybe even join the mile high club.”

Johnny’s eyebrows shot up and a grin blossomed on his face. “Deal.”

“Are we done here?” Dan called to the two college men. He was standing at the counter, credit card in hand.

“One more thing, Dad.” Rich hurried over to him. “This.”

Dan raised his eyebrows slightly. “Oookay then.”

Rich snickered when he saw Johnny blushing.

“I think this will be all,” Dan said to the clerk.

“I’m going to give you a discount,” the young woman said as she rang it up. “It isn’t every day that we can say an Olympian wore some of our gear.”

“I’m not an Olympian yet,” Rich commented.

“Rich Miller, I’ve known you my entire life, and if anyone is going to be an Olympian, it’s you.” Michelle Stubbon smiled at Rich as she started putting the pile of swimsuits, track suits, shorts, and other things that he and Johnny needed for London in a bag.

“Thanks, Michelle. I appreciate the confidence everyone has in me.”

“Just remember us lowly folk when you come home with Olympic gold,” she laughed as she handed Dan the receipt.

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Max Vos is the bestselling author of My Hero. He is loved by his readers for his ‘inappropriate’ side, bringing hot and steamy sex to his writing. Not hemmed in by a single genre Max has the ability to woo you with sweet romance, move you with the power of his words and make you question your definition of love.

Having retired in 2011 after more than 30 years as a chef, Max turned his creativity to writing. You can always find wonderful Southern charm, well rounded and vibrant characters with a good meaty story line in a Max Vos book. Each book will give you something new and amazing to love.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

eBook Review: Raider Captured by J.J. Lore

Today I'm featuring a new MM sci-fi eBook, Raider Captured, by J.J. Lore. There's an unusual prize, lol, so make sure you enter the Rafflecopter contest too.

Raider Captured starts off during the aftermath of the battle that inspires the title, Raider Captured. We're introduced quickly to the rather tiered society, the Domidians, though I never really pinned down all the elements that rolled together to change a low status member to higher. I found it interesting that having a spouse seemed to translate so much into it because it's never clear if that's just in relation to military rank or if the military rank holds true through the entire society. They're also a rather callous race, opportunistic especially in regards to their captured spoilers, much like a born again series of pirates.

That societal construct is countered, quite heavily, by the main Domidian character, Daran. He has a rather rigid set of personal morals, ones that come into play when he starts getting to know his captive. He's supposed to ransom the raider who attacked his ship, but first he wants to study him. Elements of love at first sight influence the decision Daran made to claim the Atavaq when no one else wanted him, but it's couched in his supposed desire to learn more about their enemy.

But Sagiv isn't really an Atavaq. He's something else, something created and raised to relish his role as a slave to a strong, smart master who uses his skills as he sees fit. Sure, he's given command on missions, but someone else pulls his strings. His failure, even through no fault of his own, leads to shame and he knows his fate.

But will Daran? And to what lengths will he go to change it?

The story is a rather classic tale, captive and captor, inappropriate love and desire. I feel the cultural aspects of the Domidians and Atavaqs, plus the universal society, were an odd mix of ancient Earth customs and futuristic elements. The background definitely needed more fleshing out, which is fairly common in sci-fi stories. Creating a whole new universe takes time, and a higher word count, than most novellas can manage.

That left the relationship the focus, which also required a little bit of suspension of disbelief. While I totally got Sagiv's fatalistic acceptance--at least on the surface--Daran's infatuation with Sagiv makes much less sense. The encapsulation of them in Daran's room at least gives us an intimate setting where we'd expect the man to be more vulnerable. And he definitely is. That's probably the best part of the story to me, the character's layers of personality that are peeled back and revealed as the story progresses. For that element, I'm giving this story, Raider Captured, 3.5 stars.

TITLE: Raider Captured

AUTHOR: J.J. Lore

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

COVER ARTIST: Brooke Albrecht

LENGTH: 90 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2015

BLURB: Is love possible between sworn enemies when the universe seems determined to tear them apart?

Sagiv, a genetically modified Atavaq fighter, is captured when his master’s raid on a Domidian ship goes wrong. Daran, a young Domidian science officer, claims the warrior for ransom and as a subject for study. As they spend time together in the close confines of the shipboard cabin, both learn more about the other’s culture, and against all odds, a fragile trust begins to form. But the ship is approaching a frontier outpost, where Daran will be expected to ransom Sagiv—even though it means condemning Sagiv to die for the dishonor of his defeat or suffer in the fighting pits. That’s if bounty hunters don’t find them first. Daran’s risen up the ranks through hard work and always following protocol, but he sees something in Sagiv that might be worth breaking the rules for the first time in his life—maybe even something worth sacrificing everything to keep.

His cheek was pressed to the soft rug on the floor. The material smelled faintly of perfumed wood, and he wrinkled his nose, unhappy something pleasant was intruding on his misery. To be the leader of the finest Creig raiding party one day and reduced to a worthless prisoner the next was a fate he’d never envisioned for himself. Sadness at his lost fellows settled over him in a cold wave, and he closed his eyes tightly until the sensation passed.

A sudden awareness of warm moisture on his body roused him, and he jerked upright as far as his immobilized arms would allow. Was the Domidian urinating on him? With a growl he sought the source of the sensation and was shocked to silence when he saw the young officer trying to apply a wet cloth to the phase wound on his hip.

“What are you doing?”

“Cleaning this up. It might become infected if I don’t.” The pretty boy gave him a measured glance, then concentrated on the rent in his skin. Sagiv took a breath and tried to hitch away but was brought up short by the manacles yet again. The Domidian’s vigorous application of the cleaning cloth hurt, but Sagiv was determined not to react. He might have fallen from his hard-fought stature as a skilled warrior, but at least he wouldn’t flinch like a weakling when someone washed his body.

“It looks as though you endured blade cuts, blunt instrument strikes, and some sort of percussion volley,” the Domidian said in a conversational tone. Sagiv gave him a glare that would have sent one of his minions cowering to the floor. At least it would have worked yesterday, when he still had underlings. Now his brother Creig were dead, wasted in this futile raid made at the whim of an impulsive master or three. His current condition didn’t matter; he was bred and trained to serve and fight, not to think of his fate or wish for any different life. The Domidian, for his part, merely absorbed the scowl with a slight smile. Superior bastard. “I’m going to work on the most severe injuries first. Basic triage. I have several accreditations in first aid and battlefield medical treatment, so don’t worry for your health.”

The young man moved on to the welts that covered his back, and Sagiv endured the ministrations with teeth clenched, both to stop himself from making a pained sound and to prevent the conversation this bare-chinned youth seemed to desire. As the Domidian’s words sank in, he couldn’t help the question that sprang to mind.

“Heal me for the execution?” Sagiv shook his head once. These damned Domidians had such perverse notions. If only he’d been lucky and taken a phase bolt to the forehead yesterday. The young officer stopped touching him, and his skin twitched.

“Execution?”

“Death to pirates, that’s the code in the cold reaches of space.”

The Domidian laughed. Sagiv craned his head to observe him. Even though he was brought low by his defeat and loss of his collar, there was no way he was going to be mocked by a spoiled boy.

“I follow a different code. The Domidian code.” The young man moved closer and pressed his fingers around the edge of the throbbing injury on Sagiv’s head.

Sagiv refused to flinch and instead decided to scoff. “Oh, yes, the code whereby you decide everything you do is correct and expect every other race you encounter to bow down before your magnificence.”

The Domidian’s full lips tightened and a spark lit up his eyes. “We cannot be other than what we are.”

“Arrogant whelp.” Sagiv’s stomach dropped when the young man smiled broadly. What was he doing engaging in conversation with the enemy? He was behaving as if they were at a rim world tavern sharing a flagon, far from the concerns of Domid and Atavaq politics. “Why are you treating me?”

He wanted to bite back the words, especially when he saw the intent expression of the other man.

“It is my duty to care for you. I have taken you as hostage proxy, and any ransom paid for your return will be mine.”

“Then you will be sorely disappointed.” Knowing that this boy would be deprived of even a small sum was the only achievement he could muster at this point. A Creig was worth nothing without the recommendation of a pleased master, without victories to bolster his reputation. The Domidian shrugged and pulled out a small case. He flicked it open, and Sagiv couldn’t help but look inside, sure he was going to see implements of torture. Instead, there were bandages and creams. The Domidian was going to help him. Pulling together the last shards of his dignity and rage, Sagiv decided to remain silent. No need to treat the youngster as if they were equals.

“You have a lot of bruising and contusions. Did all of these wounds occur in the altercation yesterday?”

Sagiv stared at the red carpet. Altercation. What a fine word for a muddled mess that had cost him so much. No, the majority of his injuries had been administered by his former masters as they’d assaulted him in the brig after their humiliating capture. No need to reveal that, or anything, to the Domidian. The young man waited a polite interval, then continued to speak as if there was a normal conversation to be had, all while he administered first aid.

“My name is Daran, of the Eridia clan. If you tell me your name, I’ll be able to initiate contact with your people and set up an exchange.” Daran waited for a response, but Sagiv pressed his lips together. He didn’t have a people, only assignments. Creig fighters existed on a different plane than civilian Atavaq, housed in exclusive barracks and given the finest in weapons, nutrition, and training. He jumped at the sensation of a warm ointment being carefully applied to the edges of one of the throbbing welts on his back. The wounds felt ugly, but he hadn’t been able to inspect them. Exactly what he deserved.

“I’m in service as a science specialist. I’m hoping you can teach me more about your kind. I’m very curious about you.”

Teach his enemy about Creig ways? Betray Atavaq? He’d die first. As the Domidian continued his treatment, Sagiv’s stomach boiled with regret and frustration. He slanted his eye toward the officer to detect what he was about and saw the other man frowning. Daran of the Eridia glanced up and hurriedly put a smile on his face.

“Your wounds, though painful I’m sure, are going to heal well now that you are under care. I was merely thinking about something else.”

The urge to ask what was strong. Sagiv wasn’t sure if he was interested in gaining more information about the enemy or genuinely intrigued by his unusual captor. The other man was treating his wounds and speaking to him as if they were partners. Equals. As if Sagiv wasn’t merely a tool to be repaired and sent back into service.

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J. J. Lore has been interested in the dashing men who roam outer space since she was transfixed by Han Solo piloting the Millennium Falcon a long time ago in a theatre far, far away. Sadly, there is no way for her to join in the fun of intergalactic adventures unless she writes them, so that’s what she does whenever she isn’t taking care of the business of life. If you can’t find her typing madly on her sluggish keyboard, she’s probably poking around in a thrift store searching for the perfect pair of worn jeans or a vintage kachina bolo tie. These days she puts her anthropology degree to work when she whips up dishes from many different cultures, most of which benefit from a liberal dose of sriracha or a smear of green curry paste. Her favorite reading topics are costume history, epidemiology, and permaculture, all of which she’d like to work into a story if she’s suddenly overcome with a brilliant idea someday.

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Thursday, November 5, 2015

eBook Review: Jinxed by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Today I'm featuring Jinxed by Sandrine Gasq-Dion. I share my thoughts on the eBook, as well as the book information and buy links. There's also a contest, so don't pass that up! You could win an awesome swag pack!

Jinxed is anything but when it comes to a successful sequel, while also remaining readable as a standalone. This spin off sequel follows a new main character from the first book, Fret, which featured a hot wetwork artist doing babysitting duty for a somewhat reluctant rocker, Gareth. He's the front man of the band that forms the main character pool for this series. I enjoyed the fact that Jinxed didn't follow a similar formula to book one. The relationship and the drama are completely different.

We are introduced to the main character for Jinxed, Jinx (go figure), when he's dealing with an... uncomfortable situation. It shows off his character pretty quick; he's a lot loose with his body, but he has people he cares about, even if he'd rather be alone from time to time. The band is close knit, though, definitely brothers with a lot of different mothers.

He's also pretty damn decent to his fans, which is how he firsts meets Jayden during a random encounter. The encounters continue but turn carnal. But while they're sharing their bodies, that doesn't mean they're sharing themselves. And that leads to a lot of drama.

Just as with Fret, I found Sandrine's writing to be smooth and effortless to read. The images are easy to imagine, and the words get out of the way of the story in a superb way. I loved the character progression in both Jayden and Jinx. We get a good idea of where the series is going (and that's helped by the third story preview at the end of the book) and once again, we're taking a new path without leaving the rest of the band behind. With any sort of spin off series, that is absolutely vital.

Now, before you think I'm glad-handing this review, there was a major issue that pulled this story from a higher rating. Without giving away the entire gist, there are motivating factors that affect the main characters based on the personality and presentation of several vital secondary characters. As is often common with gay fiction, parental reaction to coming out can go a few different ways. In this story, we see a couple, but the negative reaction turning into a positive--after years of no contact by choice--felt far too easy. Even when using secondary characters, we need to see their progression to make it believable, and that just didn't happen here.

That issue, however, is a minor one that doesn't really affect the plot but more the main characterization for Jayden based on their past actions, so I only took off a single star. It affected the believability of the story, but not my enjoyment one whit. If you enjoyed Fret, I'm sure you'll enjoy Jinxed as well.

TITLE: Jinxed

SERIES: The Rock Series #2

AUTHOR: Sandrine Gasq Dion

PUBLISHER: Skull Blaster Publishing

COVER ARTIST: Kellie Dennis

LENGTH: 52,000 words

RELEASE DATE: October 30, 2015

BLURB: Jinx Jett is a rock superstar. As such, the hunky Skull Blasters drummer thoroughly enjoys the many perks of willing groupies, earning him a reputation as the band slut. Making it big and scoring hot women is something Jinx never expected. There's a little voice in the back of his mind constantly reminding him of how he used to be -- shy, overweight and acne prone. One night in a gay bar turns life upside down when Jinx runs into Jayden Dempsey, a kid he's been fantasizing about since giving him his autograph at a mall. Long-held insecurities keep Jinx from fully committing to anyone, and he may lose Jayden if he can't put his past behind him.

Jayden Dempsey always wanted out of his life in small-town Alabama. When his parents kicked him out after he told them he was gay, Jayden decided the time was right to move on. He crosses the country to try out for 'Singers!', a show that propels unknowns to stardom. In a twist, producers choose him and three others as winners and form a boy band called London Boys.This season, the show brings Jayden and the guys back for the finale. Surprise! The contest's heavy metal finalist will be singing with Skull Blasters.

Jinx and Jayden's initial meeting doesn't go so well, and Jayden's stunned when the guy he's crushed on for years turns out to be a total jerk. It doesn't stop him from falling into Jinx's arms every time they're alone, but Jayden didn't sign on for one nighters. He wants Jinx Jett, baggage and all.

Can a former teen outcast put rejection behind him and embrace the acceptance standing right in front of him? How much will one boy bander put up with from his rock idol before enough is enough? Can they make it work? Or are they jinxed in love?

“Can I get some clothes?”

“I like you in a robe.” Jinx waggled his brows.

I started for the door and Jinx jumped up and grabbed my hand. He pushed me into the wall and gently pinned my hands above my head.

“Jinx …”

I gasped as his thigh insinuated itself between my legs, rubbing my balls.

“Yeah?” his breath caressed my lips.

“I … fuck … stop doing that,” I panted.

“This?” Jinx raised his knee higher and rubbed my dick.

My God, my mouth actually started watering as Jinx leaned in closer to me, letting his tongue trail my bottom lip. I wanted to taste him so fucking bad my whole body hurt. I wanted him. I couldn’t deny it.

“Fuck, you are sexy as sin,” Jinx rumbled against my lips. “Love your lips, your eyes, even your fucking hair turns me on.”

I clenched my eyes shut and tried to stay in control.

“Yeah? Even if I’m a talentless pretty boy?”

Jinx stiffened. He pulled back slowly and searched my eyes.

“I’m sorry I said that.”

“Yeah? Why did you say it? What’s your problem with me being in a boy band?”

Jinx sighed and let my hands go. He rubbed his hands down his face and exhaled slowly. I continued to speak because by that time, my word vomit had begun.

“I don’t even like boy bands, but you know what? This is where I am and fuck it! I’m successful. Do you know I auditioned with one of your band’s songs?” Jinx’s gasp was very audible in the room. His eyes widened. “Yep, that’s right. I sang Manwhore; the song fits you.”

“I deserve that.”

“Are you going to tell me what your problem is?” I placed my hands on my hips, glaring at him.

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Best-selling author, Sandrine (Sandy) was born in Inglewood, California. Raised by "Old School" French parents, she later moved to Tucson, AZ. It was there that writing became a hobby. Always told she had a great imagination, Sandy wrote short stories for her friends in High School. In college, she took more writing classes while working on her Criminal Justice degree, but it wasn't until a soap opera caught her eye that she got involved in male on male romances. On the advice of a friend, Sandy dipped her toes into the world of M/M Romance. Sandy takes the writing seriously and has had countless conversations with gay men as well as hours of research. She's been involved with the military in one way or another for over twenty years, and has a great deal of respect for our men in uniform. She's traveled the world, but has finally returned to Arizona.

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