#Review “Grace Street” by Ella Dominguez – 3 stars

Grace Street is a fascinating story reminiscent of the television shows “Tell Me Lies” and “Hannibal”, only the focus is on the romantic relationship instead of a murder. It features a man who thinks he’s the master of the mind game, and the strong heroine who unexpectedly challenges him. This is a dark story with some harsh elements, but it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s plenty of excitement and the occasional laugh to prevent the plot from getting mired down. Also, Elsa is no shrinking violet, and I’m planning to add several of her quotes to my favorites list.

At first I had trouble understanding Elsa’s attraction to Victor. He starts their relationship by stalking her, and frankly it’s creepy. Even Elsa thinks Victor’s behavior is sinister, and describes him as “Beautifully Creepy”. Elsa fingers her mace, but hesitates due his attractiveness. I wanted to yell at her, Do it! Do it! Of course, macing him wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun as the witty repartee they indulge in instead.

“…I’ve had my share of dangerous men and I’m over it.”

Elsa decides to follow Victor down the rabbit hole a little further, and meets him at a house on Grace Street. There the story turns hot. He’s still dark and torments Elsa without remorse, but I could see why she stayed. Whew! A bit of hot, dirty sex sure as hell hits the right spot for Elsa as well as the reader.

“So what you’re saying is: everything will be safe, sane and consensual?”

“Not exactly, but two out of three ain’t bad.”

Soon Elsa starts playing the game, but not exactly by Victor’s rules. She may be submissive sexually, but that doesn’t make her either stupid or a doormat. This is a concept which is missing in way too much BDSM fiction. Submissive doesn’t mean never questioning your dominant lover. It also doesn’t mean stupid or weak. No, I don’t subscribe to the theory ‘the submissive actually has all the power’ theory. When you’re tied down and your lover is flogging the crap out of you, how in charge do you really think you are?  Elsa a smart, educated woman, and she starts turning the tables on Victor. It’s delicious to read.

“Grace Street” is intriguing with some very good characters, however, there are a few issues. The story develops a bit too slowly so the book seems much longer than the advertised 235 pages. There’s also an anal sex scene with no lube which always makes me clench my ass cheeks in horror. Lastly, there is no happy ending to this story. Honestly, I don’t see how there could have been a happy ending without ruining the book, but it’s important to note for those who require one in their books.

So who would enjoy “Grace Street”? Well, it’s less dark than “Mind Fuck” by Manna Francis although that term comes to mind frequently. It’s around the same level of darkness as “Bared to You” by Sylvia Day, only the characters/story are deeper. “Grace Street” is unique, and the story has plenty of interesting places to go in the next installment. This isn’t an automatic one click for the next book in the series for me, but on the other hand I can’t get Elsa or Victor out of my head.

Amazon, Goodreads

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review. 
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

 

#Review - "Special Delivery" by Heidi Cullinan - A Male/Male Romance Classic

Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	5	Ignore the marketing blurb. It doesn't describe the story well at all. I promise you will fall in love with this book. Just try it!
Fantasy World	5	From interstate truck stops to the lights of Las Vegas, the scenery is described in fabulous detail.
Tingle	5	OMFG! M/M, Menage, and BDSM action.
Characters	5	Sam is as sympathetic as Mitch is stoic. They're wonderfully drawn characters who will suck you in like a black hole.
Story	5	Heidi Cullinan breathes new life into a familiar story. Coming of age and road trip plot lines have been done before, but this one is done too well to miss.

Summary

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever love a book about a truck driver. This updated, re-issued version of “Special Delivery” is an instant classic which everyone should read ASAP. This is a coming of age story in which Sam runs away only to find himself, along with a lot of love and hot sex, on the road. This book made me want to visit a truck stop and go look for Mitch's truck, Big Blue. Yes, I know it's a fictional truck, but I was caught up in the moment.

“Special Delivery” is a bargain at $4-5 for 299 pages. Even if you're not a male/male romance fan, you should give this book a chance. It's simply wonderful.

Availability
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

Laugh Out Loud Funny - Tainted Touch by Lucy V. Morgan – 4 stars

Review - 4 stars

“Tainted Touch” is a well-written book full of witty dialogue, which is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. It's also a book of contradictions. There are humorous lines almost every other page, but these are balanced by some serious angst. The first half of the book is appropriate for a Young Adult audience as there is tremendous drama over holding hands and the first kiss, while the second half of the book includes several, explicit sex scenes. Much of the book focuses on the romance between Cait and Art, but a literary subplot contemplating the meaning of life is also included. Sometimes the overly complex plots gets in it's own way, but overall “Tainted Touch” is a fun, rewarding read.

The heroine, Cait, describes herself as “more conflicted than your average bag of snakes” and that's a good description. She was mentally abused by her ex-boyfriend whom she hilariously describes as a “deluded scrotclown”. The scars linger and effect her ability to not only form new relationships, but even to simply touch other people. Cait is supported by a wonderful cast of friends who add lots of life and laughs to the story. It's easy to sympathize with her struggles, while simultaneously rooting for her to get her head out of her ass.

The plot doesn't fall victim to the usual cliches, and Cait's issues with self worth seem all too real. However, the books is a bit slow, and seems longer than the advertised 336 pages. At one point Cait says, “We've spent so long on the cusp of kissing that sometimes, I forget that we haven't.” I wanted to jump up and down and yell “Yes, I know. Now get on with it already!” The author was making a point about Cait having trouble being touched, but the build up definitely drug on too long. The sex scenes were good once we finally got to them, but the explicit language was like a slap upside the head with a wet flounder because it was such an abrupt change from the page after page of earlier turmoil over even touching lips.

The hero, Fist Candy - also known as Art, is a mystery for much of the book. He's the hot, new massage therapist whom Cait lusts after at work. When he returns her interest, she's shocked. Art has his own demons though, and his difficult history is revealed as their romance progresses. He's a true blue kind of guy though, and definitely qualifies as an upgrade in the boyfriend department.

This review would not be complete without mentioning the cake. It's practically a character in the book. Most of the characters are students, and while their world should revolve around studying, it mostly revolves around cake and Instagram. Vanilla, chocolate, and everything in between are represented. If you make it through this book without falling victim to a cupcake, you're a better woman than I. Be prepared.

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

Outstanding Story! - Breaking Perfect by Lydia Michaels

Summary – 5 stars

Breaking Perfect by Lydia Michaels is the story of a woman trapped by her compulsions, who finds comfort in the careful world she and her husband have structured. Liberty's careful balance is disrupted when her husband's old friend comes to visit, and she develops an unexpected attraction to him. Not only that, but her husband seems very comfortable with intimate contact with his old friend, Sean. This is an outstanding book, and you should go buy it immediately. Breaking Perfect is so much more than this brief review can do justice. It's well worth the $7 e-book price, and if you find it for less you should celebrate.

Fantasy World

Liberty's world is outlined in such exquisite detail, the rules start to make sense. The author has done a truly amazing job of making Liberty's OCD real instead of just a character quirk.

Tingle Factor

Holy shit is Breaking Perfect hot! It starts slowly with missionary sex in the dark, which made me worry I had picked up the wrong book. However, once the action gets going it does not stop. This is a menage story including male/male interaction, and it is done very well. There is also some light BDSM.

Romance

Love is accepting for someone for who they truly are, and wanting the best for them. Breaking Perfect reminds us of this over and over. All the characters are fully integrated into the relationship, and no one feels like an afterthought even though Liberty and Mason are married.

Drama

The drama is layered as there is relationship tension between Mason and Alex, Alex and Liberty, and Liberty and Mason. Also, there is the drama of Liberty's every day existence. The drive to do harmful things to herself, and her internal struggles against her compulsions. Mason wants to help Liberty, but in a way is also a prisoner of her disease.

Heroine

Liberty is a sympathetic character who is only too aware of her problems. She feels trapped by her behaviors, but they're the only way she knows how to cope with a horrific past. Her relationship with Mason is the rock on which she anchors her life, and she's not sure whether Sean threatens that stability or not.

Hero #1

Mason starts as the stereotypical wealthy, successful surgeon, but as we get to know him he turns out to be so much more. He loves Liberty for who she truly is, and not as some pity project or china doll. Mason once loved Sean, and is discovering that he never stopped. How does he meet both their needs?

Hero #2

Sean has never been able to overcome his father's disapproval, not even now that he's dead. Neither has he ever been able to overcome his love for Mason. He shows up unexpectedly trying to overcome the ghosts of the past, but nothing about Mason or Liberty is as he expected. He's further shocked when he finds himself attracted to Liberty, and invited to touch her by Mason.

Availability

Amazon, Goodreads

Spectacular Finish to the Night Huntress Series - "Up From the Grave" by Jeanine Frost

Summary – 5 stars

"Up From the Grave” by Jeanine Frost is the 7^th book in the Night Huntress series and Cat and Bones continue to deliver all the excitement and sarcasm you can handle. This is the last book in the series, and it goes out with a bang. Obviously Jeanine Frost has been planning this plot for a long time, and she throws everything she has at it with great success. Put this book at the top of your reading list, and put the rest of your life on hold. You won't regret spending time with Cat and Bones at whatever the cost. This book provides back story tidbits to help those readers who haven't read the rest of the series, but I recommend starting with book one, “Halfway to the Grave”.

Fantasy World

"Up From the Grave” occurs in our everyday world where people who see anything strange are immediately green-eyed into forgetting all about those people with fangs who treated their necks like juice boxes. It's a fun place to visit, and is filled with exotic locations and medieval castles.

Tingle Factor

Bones and Cat are still unable to keep their hands off one another. The sex isn't as explicit in this installment as they're mostly too busy pursuing one objective or another. However, those two can still generate a forest fire with just a kiss.

Romance

The great thing about this series is it kept going after Cat and Bones fell in love, and even after they got married. They clearly love each other intensely, but that doesn't mean they don't also occasionally want to kill each other. True love's path is never smooth.

Drama

Jeaniene Frost does a great job of weaving in plot strands from the other six books and deftly creates a thrilling end to the Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones are in a race to save not only their friends, but the entire undead world.

Heroine

Cat is just as stubborn as the day we met her in Halfway to the Grave. She still attacks first and talks later. She still values family even when they betray her, and will throw herself on a grenade for innocents without hesitation. She is a great character full of flaws, which are a delight to read.

Hero

Bones is equally as stubborn as Cat, and is a big believer in tough love. He's as intelligent and conniving as he is handsome. Bones is one of the few literary vampires who is truly believable as a master vampire. There are a lot of so called Alpha males who he could school with his pinky finger.

Availability

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

A Great Biker Romance - “Reaper's Legacy” by Joanna Wylde

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Summary – 4.5 stars

Reaper's Legacy by Joanna Wylde is the second book in the Reapers Motorcycle Club (MC) series, and will appeal to anyone who likes the television series “Sons of Anarchy”. This story answers the question of what happens when a devoted man-whore and a devoted mother meet. Sophie has been burnt before by a man, and doesn't want to be dependent ever again. Ruger has some old-fashioned ideas about women which are fostered by his MC affiliation. Both of them want each other, but neither of them want a relationship. There are lots of laughs and plenty of emotion. This is another great biker romance from Joanna Wylde, and is well worth the $5 cover price for 368 pages. I still love Horse and Marie from “Reaper's Property” best, but Sophie and Ruger are close runners-up. Fortunately for me Horse and Marie get some page time too.

Favorite Quotes

“Fifty bucks says your baby mama could take you in a fair fight...”

“This whole situation is like a great big zit that needs popping...”

Fantasy World

The author continues delving into the outlaw biker world in which Reaper's Legacy takes place. There are still plenty of parties and guns, but this time there is also tense interaction with a rival MC, the Devil's Jacks.

Tingle Factor

Ruger is pierced in all the right places, and he likes to tie his women up. Fortunately for us Sophie gets on board the sex train fairly quickly, and we get to spectate on all the action. Grab a spare pair of panties before reading.

Romance

The romance is a little too tortured, and drags just a bit. These two focus more on their lust for each other, and their love for Sophie's son, Noah.

Drama

Sophie stumbles into one precarious situation after another. It's not that she's dumb. Some of it is just bad luck. The author really puts Sophie through a lot, but she handles it fairly well.

Heroine

We meet Sophie as a naive teenager who gets knocked up when she loses her virginity. As we follow her story, we watch her get knocked around by life. She does the best she can with what she has, and is a devoted mother. If anything, she's too sensible, and might be a little more fun with a few more flaws.

Hero

Ruger is the step-brother of the man who knocked up Sophie, and has always watched over her and her son, Noah, even when they lived far away. Ruger is a total pig who revels in the mud of the outlaw lifestyle. He's deliciously amoral, and will screw anything with tits and a pulse. Ruger is also smart, and he truly cares about both Sophie and Noah. He's a really great character.

Availability

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

An Exotic Vacation - Nabbed in New Zealand by Christine Edwards

Summary – 3.5 stars

Nabbed in New Zealand by Christine Edwards is the exotic vacation you've always wanted to take. It's full of beautiful locations, amazing scenery, and hot men. The story isn't overburdened with slang, accents, or stereotypes, which is a wonderful thing. There is a shy woman who is looking for more in her life, and a large, rugged man with plenty of money, but no one with which to share his life. These are familiar characters, but the author manages to give them a nice, new twist. Cough up the $5 ebook price without complaint. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than an actual vacation to New Zealand, and you'll get the same lovely, relaxed feeling.

Fantasy World

I recommend going with the flow on this one. There are a few plot points which require suspension of disbelief. Just accept them and move on so you can enjoy the smutty delight which is the rest of the story.

Tingle Factor

Nabbed in New Zealand practically melted my kindle. There are BDSM elements, but they're light - more talk than action. Valla does get spanked a few times, but that's as deep as the BDSM gets.

Romance

This is an insta-love scenario. Valla does have a few doubts, which is only fair considering she was kidnapped. However, it's fairly clear throughout the story that a happy ending with lots of hearts is on the way.

Drama

There are a few dramatic points in the story, but they're not overly stressful. There isn't a huge amount of angst, but there are some emotional moments. For example, we know the police are looking for Valla, but it's not overly emphasized. The romance is more important to the storyline than the drama.

Heroine

Valla avoids the usual stereotypes for Southern women, and instead comes across as cultured without being a snob. She was looking for an escape from her daily life, and she finds it exponentially. She takes some big risks trusting Judge, and questions whether she's doing the right thing on several occasions. No one can blame her for falling under the sexy Judge's spell though.

Hero

Judge is an attractive enigma. When Valla first sees him, he's dressed roughly and frequenting some very pedestrian locations. After her kidnapping, she wakes up in a beautiful mountain house. Who is the real Brocan Judge? It's a question we have to follow Valla through every scrumptious page to find the answer.

Availability

Amazon, Goodreads

A Truly Great Blend of Genres - The Ophelia Prophecy by Sharon Lynn Fisher

Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	4.5	A truly great blend of genres, which results in a fascinating tale with all of my favorite elements.
Fantasy World	5	Exotic, lush, amazing. Just wow.
Tingle	4	You'll have to wait for it, but when they kiss... FIRE!
Characters	5	Great heroine who faces problems like an intelligent, adult woman. Every character is complex – no caricatures here.
Story	4	Fabulous plot put together like the Mona Lisa made out of mosaic tiles. End is slightly rushed.

Summary

The description doesn't do this book justice. It's everything science fiction stories should be, and too often aren't. The hero and heroine wake up on the edge of a lake without remembering how they got there. As they investigate each other, the reader gets to go along for the ride discovering an exotic new world full of genetically engineered wonders. Each character has their own agenda and motivations, which seem completely reasonable, however, are often in conflict with one another. There are romantic and erotic elements, but they mostly take a back seat. Overall, this is one of the best books I've read lately, and I recommend it to anyone who likes science fiction, urban fantasy, or post apocalyptic stories. The Ophelia Prophecy is pricey at $9-10 for the ebook version, but well worth the cost.

Favorite Quote

“She wasn't small, and she wouldn't let the amir make her feel like she was.”

Availability
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

A BBW Werewolf Romance - My Wolf King by Rose Wynters

Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	2.5	You can have the werewolf and eat the cheesecake too. This is a BBW paranormal romance with all the usual elements.
Fantasy World	2	The world is a bit ragged around the edges, and you'll definitely need to suspend disbelief to enjoy the story.
Tingle	3	A hot, naked man shows up on the doorstep, and wants to get busy. What's not to like? The sheik scene is more odd than hot though.
Characters	3	Full of hot, Alpha werewolf stereotypes. Carole's self-esteem issues become tiresome, and I desperately wanted her to get a clue.
Story	2	The plot is a well worn path. Nothing new, but it's still fun to take a stroll down it.

Summary

When Carol Anne goes to claim a surprise inheritance from her dead Uncle, she doesn't know it includes a sexy man showing up on her doorstep to provide erotic delights. She's trying to recover from her divorce, and plans to live alone in the country. Unfortunately, Carol Anne doesn't know she's actually close to a hidden werewolf town, and is smack in the middle of a fight between werewolves and panthers.

“My Wolf King” by Rose Wynters is a fairly standard paranormal romance with familiar elements. It's not going to rock your world, but is more like snuggling into your favorite sweats with a side of cocoa and cookies. You get to visit with hot men who know their mates at once, and a real sized woman who is valued for being more than a twig. It's a bit pricey at $3.99 for 282 pages, but worth the time to read if you can find it on sale.

Availability
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

Spontaneous Panty Combustion - "The Boy Who Belonged" Review

Summary – 4.5 stars

The Boy Who Belonged is the follow up book to The Good Boy – both by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock. This new series installment is almost as good as the original, and sparkles only a little less. The story of Lane Moredock, the disgraced son of investment con artists, continues as he tries to make a life with his new love, Derek. Just as Lane settles into a life he loves, his mother sticks her nose in and makes him question everything. Brin is still there to lighten the mood with outrageous outbursts, and this time his wit is challenged by a mischievous macaw. This book is not recommended as a stand alone title. Read The Good Boy first, and they are both very worth the $6.99 ebook price.

Fantasy World

This world is all too believable, and the actions of the characters are right on target. The public relations people are so real, you'll want to write them nasty letters.

Tingle Factor

Warning! This book may cause spontaneous panty combustion. There is serious BDSM action, including breath play and sounding, so it's not for the faint of heart. The author writes it tastefully, and delves into why the characters engage in BDSM play as well as the eroticism of it.

Romance

Lane and Derek are truly in love, but loving someone doesn't mean there aren't problems. There are many touching moments throughout the story.

Drama

You know how sometimes during movies you want to scream at the characters? “No, don't open that door! No, don't go in there!” Well, that happens many times in The Boy Who Belonged. Lane's mother is pure evil, and you'll want to yell at him every time he talks to her. “Don't fall prey to her evil schemes! She's bad, not you Lane!”

Hero

Lane has echoes of Forrest Gump about him. He enjoys the simple things like his fast food job and his community college studies. He knows there are more highly regarded jobs out there, and that his parents wanted him to have a more prestigious education. However, he never fit in in those more esteemed schools or jobs. Lane accepts who he is, and just wants to be happy. Why can't he make his mother understand that?

Hero #2

Derek is experiencing a bit of a mid-life crisis. He's the recipient of too many “Daddy” remarks and starts to question his relationship with Lane. His self confidence has never been strong, and now it's under siege by advancing age and Lane's mother.

Availability

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

Dystopian Delight - "Evenfall" Review

Summary – 5 stars

"Evenfall” by Santino Hassell & Ais is a combination of “Gattaca” and “V for Vendetta”. This is a dark, dark book with dystopian and torture themes. There are some very difficult sections, but they only make the overall plot more rewarding. This is not a book for everyone, and at 1427 pages it is a commitment to read it. However, the complex plot is masterfully written and very compelling. There are a few small grammar errors and typos in the currently posted version, but a new, edited version is on the way soon. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian or espionage novels. "Evenfall” is downloadable in multiple formats for FREE so I encourage anyone who thinks it's even a little interesting to give it a try.

Fantasy World

The story takes place in an alternate future the authors call “In the Company of Shadows”. War has devastated the world, and the thriving metropolises of today mostly lie in ruins. The authors make both the wars and the aftermath very plausible. There are no outlandish gadgets or silly futuristic nonsense. The setting is very gritty and feels very real.

Tingle Factor

There are many plot lines to this book. The professional relationship between the main characters, the espionage, and the dystopian themes take precedence. However, there is a section of the book with some hot, hot male interaction. I don't recommend "Evenfall” if that's the only thing in which you're interested. It's there, but overall is a minor part of the story.

Romance

This is not a romance. Feelings between the main characters evolve, but these are both very damaged individuals. Hearts and flowers do not fly. Not killing each other is their equivalent of a box of chocolates.

Drama

There are multiple missions, Agency politics, and personal angst. Every chance you have to read a section of the book is a thrill ride. It's well done though so the angst doesn't feel exhausting or overdone. This is a long book so there's plenty of time for multiple subplots.

Hero #1

Boyd is alive physically, but froze mentally years ago after a traumatic incident. His mother is an ice queen who abandoned him years ago, until the day she finally summons him to offer him a job. Boyd still wants his mother's approval so he accepts the job even though it means partnering with an unstable assassin who has a bad habit of killing everyone around him. The job has unforeseen consequences though, including an unexpected empathy with his psychotic partner. Boyd tries to figure out Sin while the reader tries to figure out Boyd. It's a circle which is endlessly evolving, and rewarding to read.

Hero #2

Sin is a killer. His father made sure he became the perfect assassin by starting his training at a very early age. Repeated abuse by the Agency for which he works, only made Sin more violent. No one cares about him except as a tool, and he is tormented by demons in his dreams. Sin accepts the new partner he is assigned, and waits for him to die one way or another. However, Boyd is different, and he causes Sin to change in ways he could have never anticipated. Sin is a fascinating character, and every time you think you know him, he'll slip away into another realm.

Availability

http://www.inthecompanyofshadows.com/#

One Click the Rough Boys Series NOW! - "Runaway" Review (Rough Boys Series)

Summary – 4.5 stars

The Rough Boys series by J. Vaughn is a three book series which is a cross between The Basketball Diaries and Almost Famous. The series features three boys all dealing with the challenges growing up gay, and the constant threat of homelessness. The first book, Runaway, features Ty who runs away from home after being tortured by his father. Living on the streets is hard, and simply getting food is a challenge. Ty does his best, but harsh conditions and depression drive him to depths he never imagined. Runaway is a riveting story, and don't be surprised if you can't stop at just one Rough Boys story. I one-clicked to buy the next one without even hesitating to take a breath. This book is currently being offered for FREE on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, so go grab it while you can! It's also a bargain at the $.99 list price.

Fantasy World

The world of Runaway is gritty and disturbing. Some elements are surprising and others are heartbreakingly real.

Tingle Factor

For all its angst and suffering, there are also some hot moments especially as Ty discovers his long repressed sexuality.

Romance

Ty is befriended by a man who tries to help him, but he's so consumed by fear he doesn't even know how to recognize any feelings he might have. There is a romantic storyline, but don't expect it to be any easier than the rest of Ty's life.

Drama

Staying alive every day is its own drama in addition to ongoing family issues. There are also multiple sub plots featuring Ty's friends and acquaintances. There is plenty of angst, but it's not overdone or inappropriate.

Hero

Ty is a teenager in an impossible situation. He does the best he can, but his options are limited. Ty's father has left deep scars on him both physically and emotionally. At first he is left with only the desire to survive, and eventually even that seems like too much for which to hope.

Supporting Cast

Runaway is rich with fabulous characters, and I do mean fabulous. There are gay boys who dress like girls, and rock band members on the edge of fame. Drug dealers, homeless people, therapists, and crazy parents round out the cast. They are all riveting in their own way, and they all appear again throughout the series. The author does a wonderful job of creating individual character arcs for all of them.

Availability

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

Unsatisfying Menage Triangle - "The Prince of Punk" Review

Summary – 2.5 stars

You can feel the rock music playing on every page of The Prince of Punk by Jenna Galicki, and the descriptions of a polyamorous relationship ring true. Unfortunately accurate doesn't mean fun, and the various grammatical errors are distracting. The ideal reader for this book is a bi-sexual man, but it's not as satisfying for a woman of any sexual persuasion. The male on male action is hot enough to earn a couple of stars, and watching the guys make it big as stars is a thrill. If you can find this book on sale, it's worth the time and money to read.

Favorite Quote

“You play dirty, Mr. Blade. And you, Mrs. Blade, are a wile vixen.”

Fantasy World

There is plenty of details on the grimy, punk rock underground of New York. The national tour gets a bit short changed, but you can practically hear the music play. Other elements though may leave you shaking your head.

Tingle Factor

The male on male action is hot, but every time I worked up a good tingle the Angel/Jessi interaction threw icy water on my ladybits.

Romance

These punk rockers definitely belong to the school of polyamory where love has no limits. They fall fast and pledge themselves to one another forever more.

Drama

Most of the drama comes from the band trying to make it big, but there are additional storylines concerning family acceptance and a stalker. The family storylines are multiple but brief, and the stalker is mostly annoying.

Heroine

Jessi is supposedly a punk rock girl with a tough attitude, but her actions don't match her hair. She quits school and gives up her career to marry her bar band boyfriend, Tommy. She spends all her time either promoting his bands or working like a dog to support them. Jessi is self-sacrificing to the extreme she's willing to give up her happy marriage when Tommy falls in love with another man. There's not much to admire about Jessi except for her pink hair.

Hero #1

Tommy is a guitar genius looking for his big break. He's a lucky man or rather a lucky pierre. Not only does he have the steadfast love of a good woman, but he's the center figure of an ongoing threesome which includes a handsome, latino lead singer. It's good to be Tommy.

Hero #2

Angel is a gay, punk rock singer who wants Tommy, and not just to play for his band. He has designs on his new, lead guitar player, but isn't sure what to do with Tommy's wife. Angel loves Tommy as well as desires him, but doesn't have any type of attraction to women. It's challenging to like a character who describes a woman's vagina as “the ugly sagging skin underneath it was ghastly”.

Availability

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

Disappointing But Worth Reading - "Ball & Chain" Review

Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	3.5	Author mailed this one in, and kept getting confused on whether she was writing the Cut & Run or the Sidewinder series.
Fun Factor	3	Comedic timing is off. Adventure feels cliched.
Tingle	3	Hot, but not as tingly as the rest of the series.
Characters	4	Main characters are still great. There were so many secondary characters I kept getting them confused.
Story	4	“Clue” the movie rides again.

Summary

“Ball & Chain” by Abigail Roux is enjoyable, but don't expect it to live up to your anticipation. It's the 8^th book in the “Cut & Run” series, and we get to visit Ty and Zane as they attend Deuce's wedding on a remote Scottish island. Lower your expectations, sit back, and savor your time with these characters. Ty's Sidewinder best friend, Nick gets the most page time, and it's his emotional issues that drive the book. Ty and Zane's issues are mostly ignored, and the jokes didn't quite hit my funny bone. However, Abigail Roux slightly off her game still writes a better book than most authors. It's more than worth the $7.99 ebook price.

This is not a stand alone book, and should be read after both “Touch & Geaux” (Cut & Run #7) and “Shock & Awe” (Sidewinder #1).

Favorite Quote

“I never realized how disturbing your accent is until you started using cow analogies.”

Availability

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads