- FREE READ FRIDAY: TOO CLOSE TO MISS By John Perich May 18, 2012 Dark Haven Maven
- HOP AND REVIEW/TOUR: COLLEGE BOYS By Daisy Harris and The HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA May 17, 2012 Dark Haven Maven
- ON 5/17 HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA BEGINS. SPOTLIGHT – COLLEGE BOYS By Daisy Harris May 16, 2012 Dark Haven Maven
- WINNERS: RR Erotic-Romance Blog Hop & COLLEGE BOYS: Review and Giveaway on May 17th May 15, 2012 Dark Haven Maven
- FREE READ FRIDAY: LASH By Tara Fox Hall and CONNECTIONS By Selena Kitt May 11, 2012 Dark Haven Maven
BOOKS IN THE BEAM
AFFILIATES
To get to the Hop Against Homophobia Blog post and leave a comment to win 1 of 2 copies of COLLEGE BOYS by Daisy Harris, click HERE
FREE READ FRIDAY: TOO CLOSE TO MISS By John Perich
Happy Friday! After nearly a year of book reviewing I am facing the fact that I’m not doing a very good job highlighting mainstream mysteries or suspense. I am going to be remedying that in the next months as I complete my TBR pile. With that thought in mind, I chose a mystery thriller that has received good reviews on Amazon. TOO CLOSE TO MISS is written by a man, John Perich, but the protagonist is a woman. I find that very intriguing. I hope you enjoy this selection and would love to hear what you think. Dark Haven Maven
SYNOPSIS
Mara Cunningham knew that sleeping with a married man was a bad idea. But when her lover shows up in the hospital after his wife and son are murdered, the rumors about Mara turn dangerous. Now she’s the prime suspect in a double homicide, and the real killers will stop at nothing to silence her. Mara’s race against time takes her from the dense heart of Boston to the dark woods of New Hampshire, from gritty streets to the halls of power. Before she’s through, she’ll learn just which of her friends she can trust – and she’ll stare death in the face.
Too Close to Miss is a gritty, lightning-paced thriller set in Boston. It introduces Mara Cunningham, a stubborn crime scene photographer whose quick wits and eye for trouble often get her into danger. It contains tense chases, brutal fights and confrontations over dark secrets.
Too Close to Miss is the first book in the Mara Cunningham series.
AMAZON
HOP AND REVIEW/TOUR: COLLEGE BOYS By Daisy Harris and The HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA
Morning! Today is the International Day Against Homphobia and the beginning of The Hop Against Homophobia which runs until May 20. Kudos to the those who organized this event. I’m not going to jump on a soapbox but anything that can foster understanding, a “live and let live attitude” and an environment to offer an opportunity for people to get together and reach out to one another, I’m all for it.
Now as far as the details to winning on DHBR – let me get those out of the way right off the bat. I am giving away at least two e-books of COLLEGE BOYS, but I may be giving away more. Why? Because I liked it that much and I think you will, too. To win a copy, just read my review (below) and leave a comment. Also – I want you to know that Ms. Harris will be giving away a $25.00 gift card to one of the commenters from within all the sites that are participating in her tour. Okay. That’s done. Now on to my review of COLLEGE BOYS.
REVIEW
Peter Cohen is out of the closet and accepting of his sexuality and gay life style. Chris Fischer is a soccer jock whose hetero-sexuality has never been in question until he meets Peter. An overnight camping trip, coupled with Chris’s assignment to a new door room with Peter on the other side of a thin wall, once back on campus, changes everything. Late night talks change into emotional longing and sexual tension neither man can ignore. They each quickly have their heart on the line, but is a happily ever after in their future?
COLLEGE BOYS isn’t an over the top collegial romp of a story with lots of wild sex and gratuitous events that are supposed to pass as a plot. Don’t get me wrong. This story does have some intense, hot and, I think, honestly portrayed sex. But more than that, COLLEGE BOYS is a charming and engaging story of self-discovery and that passionate, toe curling, yet frightening first love I hope I never forget. I loved the characters of Peter and Chris. They were real to me and quite frankly remind me of friends I knew in college. This story could be their lives.
The angst and passion that the author gives Peter and Chris in this story is spot on. The caring and tenderness that Peter displays as he guides Chris through his first sexual experiences with another man were endearing. There is no doubt in my mind these events could occur in reality.
Beyond the sexuality of the story, the two main characters and one supporting character, Nathaniel, where wonderfully drawn. To say this story hits home with me would not be saying enough. These aren’t just characters on a page, they are real people I know.
COLLEGE BOYS is well written. The characters will tug at your heart; and the secondary characters, Nathaniel and Greg, will make you laugh and also peak your interest.
I’ll be honest. When I read the title,COLLEGE BOYS, this story is not what I expected – at all. I expected a light weight, frilly tale. I was pleasantly and delightfully surprised. This first entry in Ms. Holsum’s series has passion, humor and emotional depth. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Ms. Holsum… A+. (PDF supplied by Goddess Fish.)
Series: Men of Holsum College
Published By: Siren Publishing
Format Reviewed: PDF
Published: May 9, 2011
SIREN PUBLISHING
AMAZON
To continue in the blog hop click here.
ON 5/17 HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA BEGINS. SPOTLIGHT – COLLEGE BOYS By Daisy Harris
Tomorrow is the beginning of The Hop Against Homophobia. There are a number of wonderful blogs who will be highlighting authors of gay literature (whether they’re gay or not) and their stories. There may be a little controversy over the motivation for the event, but I definitely think the host’s heart is in the right place, hence DHBR’s involvement.
I’m actually combining two events tomorrow: The Hop and COLLEGE BOYS by Daisy Harris. It seemed like a perfect fit to me. I hope you’ll stop back tomorrow for my review and try to visit the other blogs participating. Until then—enjoy an excerpt from COLLEGE BOYS. This one is PG; the one posted yesterday was R Rated bordering on X Rated. Whew! Be well. DHM
SYNOPSIS
When soccer star Chris moves next door to an openly-gay classmate, he doesn’t realize the wall between their rooms will be so thin he’ll hear his neighbor’s every move. But soon he and Peter become friends, and Chris is intrigued—imagining what happens on the other side of the wall.
Soon Chris must choose whether to run away from his new feelings or embrace a relationship with the guy he loves. And Peter must decide if he can give his heart to a guy who hasn’t yet figured it all out.
Active on the Queer Student Council, Peter wishes he wasn’t so damn hot for his straight neighbor. He can’t tell if Chris is flirting or in denial or what, but Chris’ innocent overtures lure Peter into flirtation that throws his world into chaos. Peter doesn’t want to date a closet case, but he desperately, passionately wants Chris.
EXCERPT – PG
Peter listened to the sound of Chris stomping around next door but couldn’t figure out if Chris was trying to be loud for some reason or if he was drunk. “Hey, Chris.” Peter had been going out of his way to be extra friendly ever since their unfortunate date. Of course it hadn’t really been a date—Peter had been completely delusional thinking that it was. But regardless, their first attempt to interact outside of their connected room had been a disaster, and Peter had been trying ever since to feel back on his footing. Continue reading
WINNERS: RR Erotic-Romance Blog Hop & COLLEGE BOYS: Review and Giveaway on May 17th
Happy Tuesday Everyone! It’s raining like crazy in my neck of the woods. Hope your day is sunny and bright! My thanks to everyone who pariticipated in The Romance Reviews Erotic Romance Madness Blog Hop that ended yesterday. Thanks to random.org picking the lucky numbers— the winners of a copy of THE HOURGLASS are Tamsyn and Lacey T. I’ll contact each of you today to find your format of choice. Congratulations! I know you’ll love it.
In the meantime, on Thursday, May 17, I’ll be reviewing COLLEGE BOYS by Daisy Harris, part of her Men of Holsum College Series. I’ll be giving away an e-book of her story to one lucky commenter. 
Also, everyone who leaves a comment is eligible for the grand prize of a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card to be chosen by Ms. Harris. Have a great day and I hope you enjoy the blurb and excerpt below from COLLEGE BOYS. Dark Haven Maven
SYNOPSIS
Active on the Queer Student Council, Peter wishes he wasn’t so damn hot for his straight neighbor. He can’t tell if Chris is flirting or in denial or what, but Chris’ innocent overtures lure Peter into flirtation that throws his world into chaos. Peter doesn’t want to date a closet case, but he desperately, passionately wants Chris.
Soon Chris must choose whether to run away from his new feelings or embrace a relationship with the guy he loves. And Peter must decide if he can give his heart to a guy who hasn’t yet figured it all out.
When soccer star Chris moves next door to an openly-gay classmate, he doesn’t realize the wall between their rooms will be so thin he’ll hear his neighbor’s every move. But soon he and Peter become friends, and Chris is intrigued—imagining what happens on the other side of the wall.
FREE READ FRIDAY: LASH By Tara Fox Hall and CONNECTIONS By Selena Kitt
TGIF Everyone!
If you’re here because of the TRR Erotic Madness Blog Hop there’s a link at the end of the post to take you to the DHBR post you need to read. But before you go, I hope you make note of these two free reads. The first– CONNECTIONS by Selena Kitt (42 pages) is available for free on Smashwords and Amazon. The second- LASH by Tara Fox Hall (238 pages) will be available tomorrow, May 12th only, through Amazon. There’s more information about these two free reads below. I hope you check them out and I’d love it if you’d come back and tell me what you thought of them. Have a great day and a better weekend. Dark Haven Maven
In the bygone days before cell phones, lonely Cathy, college dropout, works in a grocery store and makes completely random phone calls to strangers just to make a human connection. When a strange coincidence forces her to actually speak to the person on the other end of the phone, she’s suddenly thrust back into the world, with all its vulnerability. Will Seth be able to draw Cathy back into the land of the living?
SMASHWORDS
AMAZON
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Scarred from a childhood spent in constant indigence, teen years infused with ill-gotten affluence as the son of an influential criminal, and finally into adulthood rife with complications—weresnake Trystan Valeras is hardened into the titular Lash: a whip-wielding killer with a talent for violence and a thirst for vengeance.
To The TRR Erotic Madness Blog Hop
TRR Erotic Romance Madness Hop: Featuring THE HOURGLASS By Anne Weller
Hi Everyone! Welcome to The Romance Reviews Erotic Romance Madness Blog Hop that begins today and ends May 14th. The goal of this hop is to showcase erotic romance and the participating bloggers have been asked to pick an erotic romance they like and tell you about it. Personally, I’m looking forward to some serious hopping. I always love to learn about new authors and hops are the best way to do that. To thank you for stopping by today, two commenters, at the end of this blog post, will win an ebook – The Hourglass. So let’s get started. You can go on your way and hop to the next site by clicking on the TRR logo at the end of this post.
The Hourglass by Anne Weller, was recently published by Bradley Publishing. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a freelance editor and I became aware of The Hourglass when I was asked to edit it. As I reread the story for today’s blog, I still felt the excitement and pleasure I had on my first reading.
THE HOURGLASS
Looking back, I see now that it was the day that changed my life.
Of course I didn’t know it at the time. But even then, I knew it was no ordinary day.
At the time, I was the dullest and most restrained of all creatures – a research librarian. Nevertheless, against all precedent, I had traveled halfway around the world and then slipped away from my tour group, making my way alone from Rome to a remote country village for the sole purpose of bribing my way in this elegant palazzo, and from there into the cool silence of its private library.
A DEATH THAT LINGERS By Kaylie Newell
“‘He promised this time would be different.’ And it never was.”
After three years of marriage, Josie Collins has found the strength to leave her abusive husband. Liam Collins may be the much loved “Piano Man” to his legend of fans, but to Josie he is a monster whose alcoholic induced rages and jealousy has killed any love she once felt for him. With the decision made, Josie returns to the only safe haven she’s ever known- Adeline, Kansas. In the arms of the grandparents who raised her and in the safety of her hometown, she hopes to begin anew and forget the fear, pain and suffering of her past. But Liam had once threatened…“You don’t leave me. Ever.” And he seems to be making good on that threat – even in death.
Ms. Newell begins her book with an intense and fast pace that challenged me to keep up with the range of emotions it induced from me. Ms. Newell’s choice of a character as Josie Collins puts a face on domestic abuse that is easily identifiable and empathetic. I liked Josie from the beginning and cheered her courage to run for freedom. Once she made it to Adeline I anticipated the worse upon Liam’s arrival. The author does a good job heightening the suspense with an eerie incident in her grandparents’ home that also serves to introduce a main character and love interest, Chief Paul Starke. When word arrives her husband has been killed in an accident speeding towards Adeline to exact revenge on Josie (a gun is found in the wreckage), I was able to catch my breath but then I wondered where the author planned to go with this story. A simple romance between Josie and Paul, wouldn’t suffice after such an auspicious opening. And wonderfully, their romance isn’t simple.
Josie has her sad and painful history and so does Paul. While Josie isn’t seeking a new relationship but gradually opens to the idea, Paul, despite the passion he feels for Josie, fears her becoming attached to him and shuns the physical and emotional intimacy she offers. It was wonderful and painful to watch Joan and Paul fight their mutual attraction; succumb to it and then have it all disintegrate because of Paul’s fear and uncertainty. The story becomes even better as Ms. Newell weaves the paranormal element of the dead transcending death itself to terrorize and in one awesome scene, protect the living.
This story however isn’t perfect. It’s probably about 25 pages or more too long, because it sagged a little in the middle. But even with that, this is a debut novel that is well worth reading. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Newell.
Published By:Beachwalk Press
Format Reviewed: PDF
Published: November 21, 2011
BEACHWALK PRESS
AMAZON
STONE COLD By Fleur T. Reid
Harry looked up. The dame standing in his doorway was a knockout. Gams that went on forever; curves that wouldn’t quit. Harry felt his jaw drop as he took in the smooth, curled red hair, the wide, innocent eyes, the six-inch heels.
What’s a private dick to do, when a babe with helpless little girl pout, a bombshell body and a sob story of a cheating husband walks through his door asking for help? In Harry Stone’s case, he takes the job despite the illegality of it. Married at 19 to a rich industrialist, after 6 years Vanessa Bouvier has had enough of her husband’s philandering and wants out. But before she takes a powder, she wants the diamond necklace her husband gave her on their wedding night. Harry Stone may be a tough as nails PI, but he’s a PI who’s a soft touch when a damsel’s in distress… especially when he’s libido then heart takes over. Vanessa Bouvier is a mass of contradictions: softly innocent one moment, then sexually alluring the next. And despite all of his professionalism, Harry’s hooked and wants this girl/woman for his own, once the job is over. But is Harry in Vanessa’s future plans and is she a diamond in the rough or just a sparkling rhinestone? Continue reading
SENATOR, MINE By Kerry Adrienne
Darius paced. He hadn’t been to see the Sibyl in months, but her last words haunted him. “You will not find love in your lifetime.”
A romantic trip to Rome becomes a painful idyll when Eleanor’s boyfriend breaks up with her. Determined to make the best of a bad situation, Eleanor contacts Madame Eve at 1 Night Stand in the belief that romance in the arms of “good looking Italian with no baggage” will salvage her Roman holiday and soothe her damaged ego, however, she gets more than she bargained for. The purchase of an ancient signet from a bizarre antiquities dealer, with the inscription ‘Darius’ within, is the key to meeting her ‘date’ from Madame’s Eve. When she meets her date confusion ensues, but passion reigns as they quickly realize theirs is a match that has transcended time. One night of romance and passion, without complications, is all Eleanor asked for and what Darius expected. Now one night will not be enough. Continue reading
AND THE WINNERS ARE…….
Happy Saturday, Everyone!
Sorry I’m late posting, but I had to take the Dark Haven Diva out shopping to get a new laptop….so she could stop borrowing mine. Again, my thanks to everyone who stopped by to participate in the Spring Fling Blog Hop. Here are the winners of the $15 and $10 Amazon Gift Cards!
The $15.00 Gift Cards go to: Desiree Riley and Stacie D
The $10.00 Gift Cards go to: Marlene Breakfield and Lisa Brooks
CONGRATULATIONS, LADIES!! I’ll be contacting you individually to verify the e-mail address to send your gift cards to. Dark Haven Maven
WELCOME TO DHBR!
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