Daring Fate by Megan Erickson

Daring Fate by Megan Erickson

Review by Lauren

source: copy from the author; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: I wake up chained to the wall of a dark cell aware of two things: I failed my sister, and I smell my enemy.

When I’m taken to meet Dare, the alpha of the Silver Tip pack, I’m sure I’m about to lose my throat. The last thing I expect is for the Alpha to recognize me as his fated mate. No way is he going to let me go now, and I still have to find a way to rescue my sister.

As I plot my escape to save her, I find that if I leave, Dare could be killed by power-hungry members of his pack. And now he’s more to me than my fated mate—my heart is involved. With time ticking by on my sister’s life, I have to make a choice I never thought I’d face—my sister’s life or my mate’s? That’s if I can survive the undead shifters intent on killing me first...

Review: I really don't remember the last time I read a shifter novel. I don't mind paranormal stories, and I used to review a lot of them for Romantic Times magazine. However, it's definitely been awhil since I've read one, so I was really excited when I saw that Megan Erickson was looking for people to review the first in her new shifter series. I'm a huge fan of Erickson's m/m fiction and this falls under that, so I was pretty sure I was going to love it, regardless of the genre or overall story line. And I was right.

One of the biggest themes of Daring Fate is family. Reese made plans to leave the place he's called "home" for years, because it's definitely not a safe place to be. He got his brother, Jude out, but when he went back for Selene, he was beaten up and left in the wild. This is where the Silver Tip pack comes in, a group of Weres who are seen as enemies to werewolves like Reese. However, these Weres are not as bad as Reese was led to believe. And it helps that as soon as Reese meets the Alpha of the pack, Dare, they realize they are True Mates. Not everyone gets a True Mate, and Reese only knows about them because his parents were, so it was definitely interesting learning about this along with the two guys. Regardless of the growing bond with Dare, Reese cannot and will not forget about his sister. He's not sure he can trust Dare at first...and then he just doesn't want to hurt Dare's pack by bringing him into his plan.

I don't want to give away too many details of this story, because it was a very unique story of shifters. I've never read a book about Weres, and I assume Erickson created them herself - they are different from werewolves, like Reese and his family, though they do have similarities. I also really liked the various things that come along with being a True Mate too. It was easy to get to know Reese and Dare, and I felt for both of them. Neither know how to react to the other, and while their physical need for each other is apparent, they have a lot to deal with in terms of emotional collections and trust.

This is definitely an adult read in terms of the physical relationship between Reese and Dare, but it very much as an overarching story too, and I loved getting to know the secondary characters, like Bay, Dare's brother. The next book will be following Bay and I can't wait!

Out of Frame by Megan Erickson

Out of Frame by Megan Erickson

Review by Lauren

source: personal copy; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Perpetually shy, Quinn Mathers is content to remain in the shadow of his brash best friend Jess Hartman. But before their college graduation, he and Jess have planned one last hurrah: a spring break Caribbean cruise.

And it won’t be just any cruise. On board are members of the reality show Trip League, which follows young twenty-somethings on adventures around the world. Since the show’s beginning, Quinn has been fascinated by J. R. Butler, with his amazing body, warm eyes, and killer grin. Unfortunately, he’s straight—or so the world thinks.

At nineteen, J. R. signed a contract to play straight for the show, and there’s no way to get out of it now. Yet with each passing day, Quinn and J. R. find it harder to keep their hands off each other and to keep out of the camera’s frame. But when the lens finally focuses on them, J. R. must decide if he’s willing to risk his career by admitting his bisexuality, and Quinn must determine if he's bold enough to stand in the spotlight with the man of his dreams... 

Review: I absolutely love the In Focus series by Megan Erickson (the fourth was just released and I hope to read soon). Out of Frame is the third book in the series and follows Quinn Mathers and J.R. Butler, both on a cruise for spring break, but for very different reasons. Quinn is on the ship to finally enjoy college the way he wishes he could have before. Him and his best friend, Jess, will graduate in a couple months and they want to live it up beforehand. As for J.R., he's on the cruise as part of a reality TV show. He's ready for the show to end, though, as he's had to hide his true identity the whole time and he hates it. J.R. is bisexual, but everyone thinks he's a straight guy with a long time girlfriend back home. He's also known for not being the nicest guy around, but that didn't stop Quinn from crushing on him while watching the show. Once the two meet? Well, things get even more complicated...

I really loved both of these characters. I loved getting to know their personalizes and quirks. Quinn is a quiet guy who is used to planning for the worse and he's always worried about what his parents think, having made him grow up cautious. As for J.R., he's black and bisexual, and while his family is completely supportive, he has to hide his sexuality in order to be on the reality show. He does so hoping to make a career in acting, but once he meets Quinn, he finds the secrets even more suffocating than usual. He just wants to be open and honest and try and make a real relationship with Quinn work. Instead, they spend their time on the cruise sneaking around, trying to enjoy all the little moments they can away from the cameras.

Out of Frame is a great addition to this series (all of the books are companion novels, and you get to see the couples from the first two in this one!) and I can't wait to read the fourth book. I do recommend this one, as well as all of the others. Erickson creates diverse, realistic characters that are more than their sexuality, though you won't be disappointed by the sexy scenes either if you' are looking for those. Highly recommended!

Top Ten Tuesday: Author Edition with Megan Erickson

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I thought it would be a fun way to promote authors if I had them do the Top Ten Tuesday meme every now and then. 

Today, I welcome my first guest, Megan Erickson, who is one of my favorite authors. She writes fantastic m/m fiction if you're interested! 

Top Ten Books in a School Setting by Megan Erickson

It’s back to school time for most people in the US, whether it’s as a teacher, a parent, or a student. I’m a parent so I’m pretty much shoving my kids out the door with a joyful wave.

So for today’s Top Ten, I thought I’d do the Top Ten Books in a School Setting. I’m going to do a mix of New Adult and Adult so here we go!

If Only by AJ Pine: I adore this book. Jordan heads to Scotland for her senior year of college and meets a fellow student who kisses well and reads classics.

Upside Down by Lia Riley: Talia spends six months as an exchange student in Australia, where she finds herself and a broody Aussie surfer.

Last Will and Testament by Dahlia Adler: After the tragic death of her parents, Lizzie needs to clean up her act if she’s going to take care of her younger brothers. Her help? A professor. Sparks fly in this student/teacher romance.

London Bound by Nana Malone: Abbie strikes out on her own taking photography courses in London. There, she meets Lex, but they are both keeping secrets. Also, bonus points for a gorgeous cover.

Social Skills by Sara Alva: Such a gorgeous story about a painfully a shy college freshman who loves music, until he meets an outgoing hunk on campus. A special book I’ve read more than once.

Better Off Red by Rebekah Weatherspoon: Uh, vampire sorority sisters. Do I really need to say more? Okay, it’s also f/f!

In the Middle of Somewhere by Roan Parrish: Students aren’t the only ones finding love in schools. A college professor meets a local handyman in this gay romance.

Sutphin Boulevard by Santino Hassell: Friends to lovers gay romance between two teachers in a book with sexual tension so thick it’s hard to breathe sometimes.

To One Hundred by Melissa Blue: Another professor/student romance with fandom talk and other delicious geekery, as well as a touching romance about overcoming odds.

Hey, it’s my post, so for number ten, check out Make it Count by me, where a popular girl who is used to relying on her looks falls for a geek who sees more in her… too bad her boyfriend is his best friend.

About The Author: Megan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she’s been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn’t writing, she’s either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or… thinking about writing.

Website: http://meganerickson.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormeganerickson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeganErickson_

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6879435.Megan_Erickson

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Megan-Erickson/e/B00AWD8MHS/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1454466025&sr=8-2-ent

Strong Signal by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell

Strong Signal by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell

Review by Lauren

source: personal copy; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: I was counting down the months until the end of my deployment. My days were spent working on military vehicles, and I spent my nights playing video games that would distract me until I could leave Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid behind.

That was when I met him: Kai Bannon, a fellow gamer with a famous stream channel. 

I never expected to become fixated on someone who'd initially been a rival. And I'd never expected someone who oozed charm to notice me—a guy known for his brutal honesty and scowl. I hadn't planned for our online friendship to turn into something that kept me up at night—hours of chatting evolving into filthy webcam sessions.

But it did. And now I can't stop thinking about him. In my mind, our real life meeting is perfect. We kiss, we fall into bed, and it's love at first sight.

Except, like most things in my life, it doesn't go as planned.

Review: 

I've read all of Megan Erickson's M/M novels and loved them all, so I was really excited to see that she was coming out with another title but co-writing with someone else. Now I MUST read Santino Hassell's novels because Strong Signal was fantastic. Honestly, I have no idea how the two of them broke up the writing but it all felt seamless and you would never know that two people were writing. The premise of this novel is that Garrett is overseas in the Army and he comes across a fellow gamer named Kai. The two of them start talking via email, then move to chat so they can talk in 'real time' and finally, they start to use Skype to really get to know one another. I thought the romance was great, because it does make note of how it might seem strange to fall for someone online. As a person who has made many friends online - and even met quite a few of them in person - I can definitely see how you can grow a relationship over the internet. People tend to open up more in writing or through a webcam than if they were sitting face to face. This is true for Garrett and Kai. Normally, Garrett isn't great with people. He doesn't smile a lot, so people tend to see a stern-faced soldier and don't want to get closer. As for Kai, his social anxiety has turned him into a hermit of sorts, someone who feels much safer inside his own home and won't venture past it except to a neighbor's apartment. Talking to Garrett makes him want to try harder though, and once the two meet in person after Garrett comes home, Kai wants to try ever harder. It's not easy though. I liked that the authors showed this. I know what it's like to have social anxiety and I can see how some people with it could find themselves completely avoiding certain situations. Kai makes his money online, so by doing that, he eliminates his need to leave the house for any reason. I really liked the relationship between Garrett and Kai. They felt real, and not everything was picture perfect, even though it's easy to tell they are good for each other. I can't wait for the companion novel!

Top M/M Choices for March 2016

March is a really good month for m/m fiction. I have a lot of titles on my Kindle already that I need to review, but I wanted to focus on books I came across via Goodreads (mostly) that I do not currently have copies for, but would love to read ASAP! Please let me know if any of these interest you too! The titles link to Goodreads so you can add them/check out the summaries!

Out of Frame by Megan Erickson (In Focus #3): I have read and loved the first two In Focus novels. They are companion books, but I would still suggest reading them in order. I can't wait for Out of Frame to be released on March 15 (not too long now!)

Simple Things by Kade Boehme: I've seen a few m/m novels that deal with one or two guys coming back to their hometown and finding love with someone they used to know. It's a fun trope and I'm really excited to check out Simple Things, due out on March 25.

Salt and Iron by Tam MacNeil: I read a lot of m/m fiction, but they tend to often be contemporary. Therefore, it's nice to come across something in another genre that still interests me! Salt and Iron is one such novel, that I came across on Goodreads. You get magic and monster-hunting families among the romance. What could be better?! This title came out on Monday, March 7 - I need to get a copy ASAP!

The Worst Bad Thing by J.E. Birk: I'm really curious about this one! The summary definitely has me intrigued. I don't know how to describe the story really, so definitely read the summary for yourself. I'm curious about this secret that Tate is trying to fix! This one is out on March 23.

A Few LGBT Reviews Elsewhere

When I come across LGBT+ book reviews on other blogs, I try and save them so I can make little round up posts like these. I only have a few to share today, but definitely give them a look!

Lovin' los Libros reviewed Strong Signal by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell 

-I really want to read this one. I love Megan Erickson and I know I need to check out Santino Hassell. I always like when authors work together; makes it interesting!

Go Read a Book reviewed Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

-I've wanted to read this one for awhile now! I'm definitely curious.

The Bookish Manicurist reviewed Unbecoming by Jenny Downham

-I didn't know about this one until I read the review here. It sounds really interesting, and I do think it's something I would enjoy.

February 2016 M/M Book Picks

source

One of the things that I really enjoy about Goodreads is that people make lists of upcoming books in various genres. I have noticed that there have been lists made for m/m books in different months. I love a good m/m story, especially when the romance isn't necessarily the sole or only focus of the book. While it's already February 14, I still thought I'd check out the February 2016 MM Releases list and share the titles that I am most looking forward too! Some of these are already out, but I'll list dates for all of them!

Happy Valentine's Day by the way! 

-Lauren

Strong Signal by Megan Erickson (who I love) and Santino Hassell- due out February 15



The Law of Attraction by Jay Northcote - came out on February 5

Finding North by Carmen Jenner - due out February 25

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Any of these look good to you? Any other February books with LGBT+ characters you would recommend?

LGBT Book Reviews from ShootingStarsMag

For those of you that regularly read this blog, you know that I also blog over at ShootingStarsMag. I often have review books for that blog that feature LGBT+ characters and I want to make sure that none of you here are missing them. Therefore, I thought I'd share some of my latest LGBT+ book reviews from ShootingStarsMag.

Just today I posted a review for We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson. This book is a YA novel and it's fantastic. It features a lot of tough issues and asks some interesting questions. It's one I'd love to read again!

On January 13, I shared my review for Tied to Trouble by Megan Erickson. I have only read Erickson's m/m novels and I love them, so I was excited to see she had an m/m novel attached to an m/f series of books. You don't have to read the previous books to understand and enjoy this one! This is an adult novel full of passionate and steamy scenes, but I also loved the real and emotional relationship between the main characters.

On January 8, I posted my review for Icarus Ascending by Lee James as well as a short interview with the author himself. This is another m/m adult novel but it's mostly a mystery novel. The romance is an addition to the book and I did enjoy it, but I also liked that this book wasn't solely focused on that. There is a lot of suspense and questions to work through as you read!

On January 6, I had one post with two book reviews. These include Tied Together by Z. B. Heller and Give Yourself Away by Barbara Elsborg. Tied Together takes place over many years, showing the progressive relationship between two friends. I did enjoy this form of storytelling and it was intriguing to see how the two would ultimately work things out. Give Yourself Away was a really emotional novel but I LOVED it. It's a romance, but it also deals with an abduction from years previous.

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I'll stop there as it gives you all the LGBT+ books that I reviewed (thus far) for the month of January.

Have you read any of these? Which of them would you like to read, if any?