Dirty Angel by Barbara Elsborg

Dying Sucks

Particularly when you discover there really is a hell. Aden thinks there’s no way he can avoid going down, but when an angel and demon can’t agree over his fate, Aden is given one more month to gain redemption. He doubts he can find a way to become a better man in so short a time. But it’s worth a try, right?

Living sucks

Particularly when you can’t shake free of an obsessive ex. Brody might be managing to hold down his job as a vet, but his personal life is a mess. If he doesn’t pull himself together soon, he’s going to be sliding downhill too fast to stop.

One wet night, on a dark country lane, two worlds collide and destinies change forever. 

Heaven and Hell. Right and wrong. Good vs evil. Angels and demons!

I myself have wondered, have I done enough? Been good enough? 

Will I be forgiven for those I've wronged? The lies I've told? Will I be allowed in Heaven?

This book makes you think! 

It sucks you into otherworldly thoughts and possibilities. 

It makes you fall in love.

As in usual Barbara Elsborg fashion, this book is witty, the characters sarcastic, the story emotional, funny and thought provoking!

Aden's backstory broke my heart.  Over the course of the story bits and pieces of his childhood and the suffering he endured was revealed. 

It brought me to tears on many occasions. 

"Worried you'll get lost?"

"I've been lost all my life, " Aden replied quietly. 

"Not lost." Brody squeezed his fingers. 
"Just undiscovered."

Brody on the other hand has also had a rough go at life, getting wrangled into things at a young age he had no control over.

These two together are sexy as hell, but they're also extremely sweet.

 Barbara also has a gift of making even the sexiest of moments fun and funny. 

Her characters are always cheeky and sarcastic and I love that! They're very endearing.

Also, I can't not mention the animals! 

Brody is a vet and lives on a farm, so several different animals come in to play throughout the story. From emotional moments that brought me to tears to laugh out loud ones, these animals made a great addition to the story.

All in all, another fantastic read from Barbara Elsborg! 

I highly recommend you read this one!

Amazon US / UK

The Law of Attraction by Jay Northcote

When a professional relationship turns personal, it’s impossible to resist the law of attraction.

Alec Rowland is a high-flying lawyer in a London firm whose career is his life. He doesn’t have time for relationships and his sexuality is a closely guarded secret. After picking up a cute guy on a Friday night, Alec’s world is rocked to its foundations when his one night stand shows up in the office on Monday morning—as the new temp on his team.

Ed Piper is desperate to prove himself in his new job. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by a crush on his boss. It’s hard to ignore the attraction he feels, even though Alec’s a difficult bastard to work for.

Both men strive to maintain a professional relationship, but tempers fray, passions ignite, and soon they’re both falling hard and fast. If they’re ever going to find a way to be together, Alec needs to be honest about who he really is because Ed won’t go back in the closet for anyone.

You can't help who you fall for! Even when everything inside you is telling you not to... the heart wants what it wants! Both men are handsome lawyers, each a success in their own right. For one of them, his career is everything he's ever dreamed of.  He's worked hard to be the man he is and is most definitely a success in the business world!  On the other hand, the other man hasn't quite gotten his career taken care of yet, but he's good in life and love.  He has a wonderful family, friends and is openly gay and happy with himself and his choices. I love Jay's books!  They're always passionate and fulfilling, but short, sweet and to the point! This story was no different. It was an enjoyable, easy going, quick read. There was hotness, sexiness and oh so much chemistry and attraction. There's also a bit of a sad story behind one of the characters and I really enjoyed that addition of emotion. Great read!! Amazon US  Amazon UK

Like A Lover (Housemates, #2) by Jay Northcote

BLURB

Josh has a plan: get through uni with a good degree and no debt. 

Focused on his goals, he pays his way by working as an escort. 

He enjoys the no-strings sex because he doesn’t have time for a relationship. 

Falling in love definitely isn’t part of the deal—especially not with a client.

When Rupert meets Josh in a bar, he’s smitten on sight. 

He’s never paid for sex, but when Josh propositions him, he can’t resist. 

He should’ve known one night would never be enough. 

Luckily for him he has an inheritance to fund his addiction to Josh, 

because his job in IT support wouldn’t cover the cost.

With each encounter the lines get blurred, 

creating something that feels more like a relationship than a business transaction. 

But they come from different worlds, 

and to go from client-and-escort to lovers seems impossible. 

If they want a future together, Josh and Rupert have a lot to overcome.

MY REVIEW

This was a sweet and tender story of a somewhat forbidden nature, mixed in with hot steamy sex and instant chemistry!

How do you tell someone you can't have that you want them?
That's the case with both Rupert and Josh.
Escort-Client. 
Along the way the lines get blurred.

Bravo Jay for making me feel it. 
Both men are falling, but they're also both struggling to remind themselves where they stand.

"He's only here because I'm paying him, Rupert reminded himself.
He felt suddenly foolish for making the effort to look good for someone he didn't need to impress. Josh was a sure thing because Rupert was paying him."

aaawwww poor Rupert!

And Josh felt the same way. 
Yes, he's an escort and it's his job to get paid for sex... but no relationships? No connections? 
Well, not until this handsome redhead caught his eye!

"Rupert's genuine smile disarmed Josh, sending his excitement fluttering and swirling in his belly like confetti in a breeze."

There's an instant connection between these two men and the sex is hot! Josh gets paid to make it hot and believable you say? 
That's what Rupert tells himself too!! 

Quick and sexy read with a touch of true feelings. 

AMAZON

Feat of Clay (Men of London #4) by Susan Mac Nicol

Synopsis

Imprisoned and tortured, undercover cop Tate Williams will find redemption in the arms of his boyhood friend, now lover, former SAS soldier Clay Mortimer.

TWO MEN.

TORN. TORTURED. LOVED.

Though they went their separate ways, Tate Williams and Clay Mortimer have been crazy about each other since their school days. Clay went into the SAS. Tate became a cop. Neither mentioned their attraction to the other. Both sought out danger. Both found it.

Imprisoned and shot in an undercover assignment gone wrong, Tate somehow survived…and found his way back into Clay’s arms. His old friend is now the owner of an elite investigation agency and everything any man could want: patient, handsome, commanding. And Clay knows what it takes to survive. But Tate can’t bring himself to share all his secrets, nightmares that force him to rebel against everything. He finds solace from his past as a graffiti artist, a childhood passion, but his demons drive away all who might care for him. Only when he faces that past—and learns that everyone has tasted despair—can the two men truly be brothers-in-arms…and more.

My Review

Susan Mac Nicol does not shy away from difficult subjects. In fact, she tackles them head on.

This  book is filled with many tough subjects to include abuse, torture, kidnapping, suicide and more.

Feat of Clay doesn't pull any punches and opens right up with sadness and a holy shit moment!!

There's beauty in a battered soul learning to find their way out of the dark and who better to help you with that than the man you've been in love with since you were both kids.

Clay's unyielding love and protectiveness for Tate is awe inspiring.

Sex as therapy? Hmmm That's what Tate's therapist suggested, but in my opinion there might have been just a tad too much of it.  Oddly enough, this is one of my favorite quotes...

"Let's just go to bed so I can fuck some loving into you."

There was also the usual witty banter which I've come to know and love, but not as predominant as in the others in the series. I did laugh out loud with Clay and the liquorice though!

And finally, I really enjoyed the interaction with the children at the halfway house as well as Jax. 

Is he to be a future mc? I would love it if he was!

For now, I look forward to the next Men of London and Lenny!!!!

AMAZON

Top Me Maybe? by Jay Northcote

BLURB

Duncan has a secret fantasy, but is Tyler the right man for the job?

Tyler’s new policeman boyfriend, Duncan, is gorgeous. Tall, broad, and über-masculine, he’s the epitome of the dominant top—in appearance at least.

When they discuss their sexual fantasies, Duncan confesses to a secret desire that surprises Tyler. Luckily for Duncan, Tyler’s happy to oblige and is determined to give Duncan a night to remember. 

Length: 9666 words

MY REVIEW

Just what I needed... a steamy afternoon quickie! 

Top Me Maybe? is a short story about Duncan and Tyler's hot new relationship.

Duncan, the tall, muscular, strapping piece of man cop and Tyler, the bleach blonde, lithe bodied hair stylist. They couldn't be more different!

"You're so beautiful like this... on your knees for me."

You never know what your partner wants or needs unless you ask! And soon enough, they discover that they aren't as different as they had originally thought.

"Do you want me to be gentle with you or fuck you hard?"

A quick, sexy and satisfying read!

AMAZON

All Man by Jay Northcote

BLURB

“You’re the sleek little sports car to my Land Rover.” 

From the moment Gareth walks through the door of the salon to fit some new sinks, Jules can’t take his eyes off him. Jules has always been attracted to men who are his polar opposite, so burly Gareth is Jules’s fantasy man.

At the weekend, Jules gets into a tough situation with another bloke in a gay club and Gareth comes to his aid. Gareth rejects Jules’s subsequent advances but leaves him with the hope that his attraction isn’t completely one-sided. Fantasy could become reality.

With Gareth’s work at the salon nearly done, he’ll soon disappear from Jules’s life for good. Time is running out. Jules needs to prove to Gareth that he’s tougher than he looks and that his feelings run deeper than gratitude.

13,000 words approx

NB: This story is a spin off to Top Me Maybe? where Jules appears as a minor character. Both stories are standalones and don’t need to be read in order.

MY REVIEW

Loved it!! Jules and Gareth's story is funny, sweet and incredibly sexy!!

 

 This is my second short story from Jay Northcote and it was perfect! Jules's initial attraction and interactions with Gareth had me laughing out loud and grinning like a fool!

"He smelled of clean sweat and masculinity, locker rooms and teenage fantasies. Jules was in heaven."

This is another case of opposites attract. They are at complete ends of the spectrum, yet they couldn't be more perfect for each other.

"You're the sleek little sports car to my Land Rover."

I really enjoyed the writing, the humor and the tenderness of this story. A handful more chapters and it would have made a bang up novella! In fact, I could read about Jules and Gareth for days!



AMAZON

Suit Yourself (Men of London #3) by Susan Mac Nicol

Scarred both physically and emotionally after a motorcycle accident, twenty-five year old ex fashion model and porn star Oliver Brown is about to be stripped bare by flamboyant twink Leslie Scott—and they’ll rebuild love from the bottom up.

BARING THE BEAST

Twenty-five year old Oliver Brown is addicted. Two years ago, he was at the height of his career as “Nikki Star,” fashion model, porn actor, partier without peer. Then came the accident. Hiding his scars, both emotional and physical, he’s gone into hiding. But fine clothing is some solace. A new suit by Debussy? Better even than a ride on his motorcycle Hulk or all the things he used to give and take on camera.

Enter Leslie Scott, the flamboyant, dark-haired, heel-and-tiny-short-wearing twink sent to deliver Oliver’s newest fix. A firecracker, Leslie is dapper, generous, in touch with his feminine side but all man, and as gorgeous as any garment ever made. He makes Oliver dream of ending his reclusion, of recapturing a future forever denied him. But for that to happen, Leslie would have to strip him to the bone. Only then will they rebuild life from the bottom up.

Leslie

In the first two books in the series we met this corset and heel wearing beautiful man. He's like a mama bear with his friends, has a huge heart and a kick ass wardrobe!

"beauty, grace, and a warm-hearted beautiful soul."

He also has a hilarious sense of humor and is a bit of a nervous talker!

His antics had me continuously laughing out loud.

The only thing irritating him about his outfit was his thong. It just wan't behaving properly, riding up his backside and into his crack. Leslie didn't mind fingers and tongues doing that, but an errant piece of fabric was simply a no-no.

It was nice to see Leslie get his happily ever after. After both his best friends and housemates were paired off and out of their shared flat, Leslie was left all alone longing for that special person of his own.

Oliver

Oliver has a sad story. He was quite the celebrity in his prime. Popular, unbelievably handsome, a social butterfly and a bit of a suit whore!

Unfortunately after some unforeseen events, he's become quite the recluse. Now he's hiding, feeling unworthy and definitely unlovable.

Looking for love and that special someone to see the person he is inside is hard when you're trapped behind closed doors.. 

This was a sweet, funny and at times sad story. 

Leslie and Oliver shared an instant attraction but I like how they take things easy and form a friendship before jumping off into 'more'. 

I loved the banter and funny one liners I've come to expect with Susan's books.

I really enjoyed Leslie's kinky side. I am an m/m lover, but have to say that I don't usually read about feminine men who wear women's clothing. So leave it to Susan Mac Nicol to change that!
I must say... 
Leslie masturbating in bed wearing nothing but heels 
was one hell of a turn on, I kid you not!

And I also appreciated their struggles with trust and acceptance. Their relationship wasn't all unicorns and rainbows. It was real, with real insecurities and heartache.

"Well, I'm not everybody. So don't taint me with the brush that other arseholes use."

I really enjoyed Leslie and Oliver's story, as well as catching up a bit with the previous couples Gideon/Eddie and Taylor/Draven.
Bring on the next Men of London!!! I'm ready!

Buy Links

Amazon US

Love You Senseless (Men of London #1)

Sight and Sinners (Men of London #2)

Sight and Sinners (Men of London #2) by Susan Mac Nicol

THE MEN OF LONDON

From Charing Cross to Waterloo, there’s no escaping love.

SEEING THROUGH…

28-year-old Draven Samuels has a tragic past, but as an investigator with a high-profile London company he now gets what he wants. Tough, sarcastic, and sceptical, he has no patience for lies and even less for people who waste his time. Even if they’re as beautiful as the wild and dark-haired Taylor Abelard. Especially when they’re talking over the body of a murder victim.

THE DARKNESS

Psychic Taylor Abelard is used to people calling him a freak. He can see past events and feel the ghostly vibrations of people close to him who've passed on. It’s why he doesn't get too close to the living. But this time, against his better judgment, despite Draven’s mocking rejoinders, Taylor will get closer than ever before. The mystery surrounding a dead friend will lead the two men down a dark and seedy trail of blackmail and lies. Add in the heartbreak of a family tragedy, and events lead them straight into each other’s arms. By the end of this night, all their demons will have risen—and been banished with the dawn. 

I always enjoy Susan's mix of cheekiness and wit in the middle of a story filled with love, sex and delicious men.

This one had not only mysterious twists, but also paranormal activity.
No, not ghosts....
Taylor is psychic.
He sees and feels according to those that are close to him.
Those he's come in contact with.
His gift is creepy at times but very intriguing!

There were some emotional moments not only having to do with Taylor's abilities, but also with Draven, the usually tough, no nonsense investigator. His story broke my heart.

We also got to revisit with Eddie and Gideon as well as Leslie from book 1.

Amazon

Love You Senseless (Men of London #1) by Susan Mac Nicol

  One of London’s up-and-coming chefs, Eddie Tripp has just the right recipe to drive tragedy from the mind of Gideon Kent—and leave him senseless with desire. 

THE MEN OF LONDON 

From Soho to Norwich, there’s no escaping love. 

A TASTE OF FOREVER 

An award-winning chef with his own restaurant and an inexhaustible passion, Gideon Kent once had everything. Then came tragedy. It stole more than Gideon’s home. He hasn't cooked since. 

Until Eddie Tripp. Fun-loving and vivacious, the Norfolk redhead’s a real up-and-comer in Gideon’s kitchen—and other places. Slim where Gideon’s broad, easy-going where Gideon is growly, he and Gideon seem polar opposites, and yet Eddie conjures flavors that would tempt anyone with a taste for perfection. The sauce of love is already simmering, and this pair is about to dine on the most delicious dish they've ever prepared. Because Eddie’s been Gideon’s missing ingredient all along.

SO many cooking puns in that synopsis.. I won't smother you with more! Ok, just that one.

Gideon is moody. He's got a quick temper and he's a bit of a jerk. Underneath though he's just a helpless man whose been struck with tragedy. Everything he's every wanted has been taken from him, leaving him angry, tired, resentful and unable to cook.

His story is really an emotional one and you understand why he's the moody bastard he is.. for the most part!

"I like them cute and with floppy hair, yes. But I also like them all macho and growly with amazing lips and beautiful hazel eyes. I like them moody and difficult and challenging. Sound familiar?"

Eddie is young, fresh and a chef in Gideon's restaurant. He's kind, shy and did I mention a ginger? Gingers aren't always my personal preference, but Eddie changed my mind!

He lives with his roommates Leslie and Taylor and together with all their quirks and eccentricities, they are a tight little family. 

There's laugh out loud moments, hot as hell sex and emotional teary eyed moments.

"Everyone farts in bed, sunshine. This isn't a romance novel."

Looking forward to the next in the series. Wonder who it'll be!!!

          Amazon

Waiting for Rain by Susan Mac Nicol

The village of Stamford, the quintessential chocolate box English scene, seemed an impossible dream for foster kid Toby Prentiss. Now he’s found a home among the haystacks and village fairs as the general manager for the Duck and Drake Hotel. With the fears and demons from his youth hidden away in this bucolic oasis, he’s very protective of who he lets in. Until he stumbles across shirtless carpenter Rain Engel building the hotel’s new custom-designed bar. 

Working in the countryside, Rain prepared to face his biggest fear: sheep. He didn’t expect to deal with his second biggest fear: commitment. Toby’s controlled, tough guy façade coupled with his “find happiness where you can” optimism calls to Rain like nothing before. While Rain may be an exhibitionist, his romantic history forces him to hold his emotions close. As their relationship develops, secrets from their pasts drive a wedge between them: the ex-boyfriend who tore apart Rain’s trust and Toby's history with the law. But can the secrets hiding among the quirky villagers bring them together? With missing sheep, pole dancing at the winter festival, and a crippling drought, everyone is waiting for Rain. 

Loved it!!! 

As with all Susan Mac Nicol books I have read, Waiting For Rain is laugh out loud funny, witty, and sexy as hell! And although not a sad story, there was a moment of sadness that had me almost in tears!

Toby and Rain have an instant and electrifying chemistry. They also both harbor sordid pasts and secrets that if kept hidden could possibly ruin their future together. 

Love how Susan always writes about strong men having overcome adversity. 

This story is no different.

Toby and Rain are yummy! Did I mention Rain is a sexy carpenter that likes to pole dance? If only novels came with streaming video, I'd be golden! 

"You are so bloody sexy. I want to wear you."

There's also a supporting cast of friends that brought lots of humor and tenderness to the mix.

"What is it with you straight women and your fascination with gay-man sex?"

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially all the British lingo I as an American don't hear everyday! Words like bloody, git, and bollocks!

Thank you Susan Mac Nicol for another great read!  

Amazon