Book Review: Third Mate by Rebecca James

This is an M/M story about werewolves and is the third in the River Wolf Pack series by Rebecca James

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

This story focuses on several pairings and the changing dynamic of the pack. Part of the pack wants to return to the way things were, and part of it wants to grow and be more accepting of those that are different than they are. This leads to a divide and grumbling about the pack’s leader. What is an alpha pack leader to do when his own people want him and his family gone?

The different view points are interesting, but it seems like the book needs a little bit of editing. I’m glad Jax is finally accepting himself and what he wants. I really wanna know if the twins are gonna be the first female werewolves. How cool would that be? Maybe it is for the best what River does at the end, the human interaction just doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere in the current situation.

Book Review: The Wolves of Daos 5 by Rebecca James

This is an M/M science fiction werewolf story.

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

A college student with crippling anxiety finds himself at the mercy of a stranger who claims he is not only his mate, but a werewolf. Michael thinks the guy is crazy until he sees him change form right in front of him. But it seems to set off something inside himself, leading him down a new path filled with strange worlds, murder, betrayal, friends, and love.

I thought the twist was interesting as to what the werewolves really are. I haven’t seen that combination before. I liked watching as Michael explored his new home, and learning as he did. I hope there is a sequel, because I would love to see the little wolf pups running around. I look forward to more.

Book Review: Second Alpha by Rebecca James

Another one, I'm on a roll today.

This is an M/M book that is a sequel to First Omega by Rebecca James

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

David, the pack’s second in command, finds himself, instead of hating humans like normal, falling in love with one. But with tensions mounting on both sides of the possible war coming their way, can the two of them weather the storm?

This story was a bit more violent than the previous one, but not undeserved violence, except when it came to the actions of the humans. I found the reasoning for the kidnapping to be a bit cliche, but I’m glad some things got resolved. I’m hoping there is more to this series later as questions still circle. Where is King? What’s gonna happen now? The final battle cannot be good for human/were relations. The suspense!  

Book Review: First Omega by Rebecca James

Next up we have...

This is an M/M book about werewolves and their pack.

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

A human is sent to learn about werewolves by spending a month with them, but he soon learns something about himself that will change his life forever...if he can live that long.

This is definitely a sex driven book, no doubt about that, but there is also a darker plot going on behind the scenes. While most of the book is spent making you suspicious of the werewolves through Josiah's eyes, it soon becomes apparent that not all is as it seems. I hope the dark schemes are solved in the second one, as this one leaves you hanging a bit at the end.

Book Review: Beneath the Layers Anthology

Ok, so I've recently joined a group on Goodreads that reviews books that are coming out to try and help authors get some publicity. I'm gonna be posting the reviews I do here as well. So, first off I have...

This is an M/M book that is an anthology about men and their love of satin and lace.

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

1. A Linebacker in Lace by Caitlin Ricci

An ex linebacker gets spotted wearing a pair of lady's underwear, and it leads him down a previously unknown path.

It was refreshing to see a manly man accepting that he liked being in lace. The way Brent was accepted without question by Arliss and his family was sweet as well. Gives warm fuzzies when you can feel the love coming from the story.

2. Satin Secrets by CL Mustafic

On a snowy evening a man gets an unexpected visit from a police officer. But is the officer there to warn him of danger, or is he, himself, the danger?

I'll have to admit that I've seen these characters before in the author's book Falling for Him, so I know a bit more of their personalities than the average reader would. (You should check out that book, it's their story) But I will try to review this as if I didn't know them. It was an intense story that leaves you worrying about what's going to happen next, but the twist makes it all better. It was cute getting to be in Gavin's head, seeing his fears and doubts, then seeing them put to rest.

3. Backwards and in High heels by Elizabeth Coldwell

A man takes dancing lessons to surprise his lover with his welcome home gift, but it's not the only thing he has up his sleeve that night.

It was sweet to see him work so hard to give his guy the gift of a dance together, and to have all of his gifts be accepted so well made me smile.

4. Angels in Delaware by Sita Bethel

A shy man takes a chance and goes home with a gay couple. Both of whom are looking for more than just a one night stand. Could this be the start of something new for all parties involved?

I like the characters in this. Delaware is a tough guy who just so happens to wear dresses and is genderfluid. Angel loves him just the way he is, and Beau is just the guy they are looking for to try and take a chance with them.

5. All That Entails by E.M. Hamill

A genderfluid prince is forced to take a bride for the good of the kingdom, but he may have found the perfect match in a woman who calls herself Henry.

Watching the difficulties the two of them faced because of who they are caused irritation. Not because of bad writing or anything mind you, but because I felt their struggle. I am glad they found each other and can finally be themselves, even if only in private.

6. After the Dance by Sydney Blackburn

A Cinderella story about a grease monkey who works on airships, and the owner of the company’s son.

A sweet story involving secrets, disguise, and love no matter what form it’s taken. The timeline was a little hard to place at times, maybe because I’m not as familiar with the era.

7. A Secret Shared by C.C. Blocke

A geeky dungeon master and his closeted football player boyfriend play a game when it’s finally revealed how much of a geek the little guy is. In return the jock has his own secret to reveal.

This story genuinely made me laugh several times. I am a geek and hearing the banter between the two was funny.

8. Ruffle My Feathers

A drag performer keeps it a secret from his fellow coworkers that the burly man likes to dress up on the weekends. At least it’s a secret until his boss comes in to see the show and recognizes him.

I like it when the tough guys have a softer side. I like it even more when they accept it, and own it. Well done.

Enchiladas

My roomie and I love to make these.

ground beef
sour cream
cream of chicken condensed soup
red enchilada sauce (optional)
taco sauce
taco seasoning
canned green chilies
flour tortillas
shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 fahrenheit

Cook however much ground beef you need to fill however many tortillas you get. After fully cooked, drain the grease. Return to the pan and stir in a little water to get taco seasoning to stick, then add that and the green chilies to taste. In a large bowl add cream of chicken soup and sour cream in an equal amount. Add taco seasoning, taco sauce, and (optional) enchilada sauce to taste.

Line your cooking pan with foil, and (this is important) spray your foil with non stick cooking spray. Lay down a light layer of your soup goo. Add a cooking spoon or so of the goo to your meat and stir together.

Place ground beef in your tortilla and roll up like a burrito, place them in the soup lined pan. Pour remaining soup goo on top, then cover in shredded cheese.

Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. If desired, broil for a short time to crisp the cheese a bit.

Also, these are really good topped with taco sauce, but that's a personal preference.

Pre-Oven

Post-Oven

Noms!

Moral: God I love these!

Tuesdays with Morrie

So, I finally took the advice of a friend of mine and sat down to read this. I knew going in basically what it was about, so I prepared myself to have a good cry.

I remained strong through it, but I had happened to see in the table of contents that there were 14 Tuesdays written about, with 14 titled something about saying goodbye. I didn't think anything about it until I happen to look up at the chapter title I am on. 9. Oh no, I'm on the 9th Tuesday! But 14 is right around the corner. At this point I begin to get a bit anxious, and the closer it comes, the more upset I'm getting. Then one sentence sets it all off. Morrie tells Mitch that if he had had another son, he would have been proud if he had been it. Annnnd cue the waterworks.

I keep reading, and the chapters are coming faster, the pages fewer as his visits become shorter, and Morrie grows weaker. The final goodbye let loose more tears from my already emotional self. It was a very good book, and I will recommend it to my friends. Just be warned, it will make you cry if you have even a tiny amount of love in you. But sometimes, crying is a good thing.

As Morrie says, "It's ok to cry."