Review of Lightening-Struck Heart by TJ Klune

 by TJ Klune

4.5 Stars

Once upon a time, in an alleyway in the slums of the City of Lockes, a young and somewhat lonely boy named Sam Haversford turns a group of teenage douchebags into stone completely by accident.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam's pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King's Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

When Sam is fourteen, he enters the Dark Woods and returns with Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant named Tiggy, earning the moniker Sam of Wilds.

At fifteen, Sam learns what love truly is when a new knight arrives at the castle. Sir Ryan Foxheart, the dreamiest dream to have ever been dreamed.

Naturally, it all goes to hell through the years when Ryan dates the reprehensible Prince Justin, Sam can't control his magic, a sexually aggressive dragon kidnaps the prince, and the King sends them on an epic quest to save Ryan's boyfriend, all while Sam falls more in love with someone he can never have.

Or so he thinks

We haven’t laughed as hard in a book since the last TJ Klune we read.  If you haven’t read Lightening-Struck Heart – go now and pick it up.

There ae some anything things happening in this fantasy m/m romance, but the story is set around wizard Sam of winds, sorry, apprentice wizard!  He is a 20 year old man who is apprenticing under the King’s Wizard Morgan, after him and his family are plucked from the slums to live their new life in the Castle.  Sam is an odd fellow and seems to collect odd friends; Gary the Gay-Unicorn and half-giant Tiggy. But Sam is in love with the great Knight, Sir Ryan Foxheart who is trothed to another, sand poor Sam is left to pick up the pices of his heart.

Honestly, this is one of the funniest books we have read, we laughed so hard we sorted.  There is so much wit, humor, sarcasm and teasing we couldn’t get enough.  We were never bored during the 400 page book.  Sam is a clueless kind of fellow, and he goes through life falling into ridiculous crazy situations. 

This book reads a bit like a fairy tale, but in an alternate reality.  There is a Grand Quest, villains, and an epic love story.  Sam and Ryan are so sweet together, their bashfulness is endearing, their situation is heartbreaking and their chemistry (when the allow themselves to acknowledge each other) is enthralling. 

This is another winner by TJ Klune, and we love these characters.  Lightening-Struck Heart is a winner of a book, and we can’t wait to read the next installment. 

Review of A Fashionable Indulgence by K.J. Charles

by K.J. Charles

4.5 Stars

 In the first novel of an explosive new series from K. J. Charles, a young gentleman and his elegant mentor fight for love in a world of wealth, power, and manipulation.

When he learns that he could be the heir to an unexpected fortune, Harry Vane rejects his past as a Radical fighting for government reform and sets about wooing his lovely cousin. But his heart is captured instead by the most beautiful, chic man he’s ever met: the dandy tasked with instructing him in the manners and style of the ton. Harry’s new station demands conformity—and yet the one thing he desires is a taste of the wrong pair of lips.

After witnessing firsthand the horrors of Waterloo, Julius Norreys sought refuge behind the luxurious facade of the upper crust. Now he concerns himself exclusively with the cut of his coat and the quality of his boots. And yet his protégé is so unblemished by cynicism that he inspires the first flare of genuine desire Julius has felt in years. He cannot protect Harry from the worst excesses of society. But together they can withstand the high price of passion.

A Fashionable Indulgence is the first in a new series by K.J. Charles, a historical romance set with around a small group of men the Ricardians who have the same tastes in bed-partners.  But don’t be fooled  by this book has intrigue, political strife and romance romance romance.  We love a good historical romance and seriously, K.J. Charles is one of the best at delivering.  This book is a m/m version of My Fair Lady, but with a lot more naked fun!

Julian, a Regency Dandy is tasked with turning Harry, a son of a long passed radical that had been dis-inherited by his wealthy family into a true gentleman of that time.  Harry’s grandfather wants to put the family back together and marry Harry off to carry on the family line, but knows he lacks the quality for the London season.   Julian is a bit of an un-likeable character that hides behind a perfect façade, but Harry’s love-of-life reminds Julian that there is love  and he is deserving.

What stands out about A Fashionable Indulgence is the characters, not just the mains but the group of Ricardians.  They create a world that you can totally believe.  K.J. Charles creates a whole world that you can easily find yourself believing, with the clash between upper and lower classes laid out between the 2 main characters.   Harry coming from the streets feels the divide keenly and brings a little humanity to the Ricadians who have lived at the top all their lives.

K.J. Charles is a master at weaving a story, and A Fashionable Indulgence does NOT disappoint.  Even if you aren’t into the historical romance, this book is SO much more!  We can’t wait to dig into the next sequels!

Review of Working It by Riley Hart & Devon McCormack

By Riley Hart and Devon McCormack
  
 4 Stars

 Such a fun read.  If you a looking for a sweet, romantic m/m loving good time, then Working It, the 2^nd in the Metropolis Series is one you should pick up!

The Metropolis series focuses around a group of single males all living in the same apartment complex.  And although this is the 2^nd story of the series (Faking It being the first) it is not, per se, a continuing story.  However, we do get to visit with some our favorite characters form the first book, the delicious Travis and Gary and the smart-mouthed Derek.  So much fun.  Working It can be ready as a standalone story.  

Working It focuses on the story of Hayden and Cody.  Hayden is a sweet, nerdy math fellow, who is struggling with the direction of his life after the end of a 3-year relationship.  Cody is a free-spirited, easy-going tattoo artist who has had his own trying journey with family.  They are brought together when Hayden needs a room to rent and Cody is willing give a hand-up to a friend-of-a-friend.  The outcome is hot, sexy and sweet!  

We really liked this book, there isn’t much angst, the plot line is pretty familiar (friends-to-lovers), and the story moves along.  But what really sets it apart from other similar books, are the characters.  You really feel like you know Hayden and Cody, and can feel the comfort, friendship, love and SPARKS between them.  Cody has a pretty one sided story; kicked out by parents, taken in by a stranger, but his optimistic streak helps Hayden move through his self-esteem issues and end up really complementing each other. 

Let’s talk about the good stuff!  Even though I have used sweet 10+ times describing this book, there is some serious heat, serious….like the threesome kind.  Yes, Yes and YES.  These 2 authors (Riley Hart & Devon McCormack) produce some pretty steamy books, but seem to have found the right level of heat vs. story for Working It.  The sex seems to enhance the love story and doesn’t overwhelm.

 

So, do you want an easy, fun, sweet, sexy read, then pick up Working It, you won’t be disappointed!