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A Matter of Time - Volume 2 ::: by Mary Calmes

My dear Anewers!

I think it is time for the sequel of A Matter of Time Series. Here we go again in a journey with Jory Harcourt and Samuel Thomas Kage. Let’s hope things get better between these two.

Let’s cut to what matters? Synposis and starting info:

“Books Three and Four Vol. 2

Three years ago, Jory Harcourt changed his name and shut the door on a past full of pain, only to emerge stronger on the other side. He has a new career, a great working partner, and a satisfying life—except for the hole in his chest left behind when police Detective Sam Kage walked out with his heart.

Now Sam's back and he knows what he wants... and what he wants is Jory. Jory, who doesn't know if he can survive another break up or losing Sam to his dangerous job, resists returning to the arms of the only man he has ever truly loved. But when a serial killer with a score to settle targets Jory, he will have to decide if love is worth the danger as he tries to solve the case and keep Sam safe.

Title:  A Matter of Time Volume 2 (Books 3 and 4)

Author: Mary Calmes

Year: 2011

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Language: English

Pages: 298

Reading time: 3 days

Format: e-book (Kindle)

Date of Purchase: 28/07/2013 at amazon.com

LINKS: Amazon (US) Dreamspinner Press

Again, this volume has two books in sequence.

I - Cover: (1)

The only thing i will say about the cover is: Who the hell is depicted at the cover? Jory? Nah... Sam? If it is, please don't... Erase this image from my brain please! Sam is like Chris Hemsworth easily for me... So please... Just don't.

II - PoV: (4.5)

BOOK 3: Now she nailed it! The third stallment of A Matter of Time was sublime! Fast paced when needed, slowed down right on time. Not much dwelve on repeat scenes that just happened. PERFECT! Jory’s mind each time more and more twisted and interesting.

BOOK 4: Well... I will not repeat myself. Amazing. (lol), but the narrative sometimes gets a bit fuzzy, confusing.

III - Protagonists: (4.875) - HEAVY SPOILER ALERT!

Jory Harcourt: (Book 3 e 4) He was resilient about being back where all things began. Sam was out of his life completely for 3 whole years or so, and of course, who in the name of God would be, in good shape, after loosing the one person that holds your heart in his hand and then (even well justified) trashed it? Not a soul, i bet. So the reaction that Jory had about being around with Sam again was totally justified, i would personally do things a bit differente, but hey! That's Jory, not Alex.

Sam Kage: (Book 3 e 4) That persistent sonofabitch. He's adorable and perfect about the way he crumbles little-by-little the resistance of Jory. Stubborn, but both are. And his family mauling him and Jory after the definitive reunion... awesome... but let's not talk about them, the focus here is SAM. Hot as ever, still the man of anyone's dreams. I just didn't enjoyed him at all at the last chapter of book 4, if i was Jory, i would've let him alone and went home.

IV - Antagonists: (4.5) 

(Book 3): There's no antagonists at this book, i could place Aaron Sutter like it, but it wouldn't be fair to the man.

(Book 4): Caleb Reid: I can't mention him in his full feature now, because the HUGE SPOILER is coming on twists section... all i can say is this. This character is full of surprises, awesome and awful surprises. It would be interesting to read more about him messing with Jory and Sam’s life in the future.

V - Side Characters: (5)

(Book 3): General speaking... All perfect as always. I am madly inlove with Dylan Greer and her husband. The Kage's are something unreal. I miss a lot of Dane and his wife Aja. Aaron Sutter is something! Like a refined Sam Kage, but way out of Jory's league. Having nothing else to add... PERFECT.

(Book 4): Dane is back, like ACID back... He just mauled Sam's ass to submission for being back at Jory's life again. It was really awesome!

VI - Hot Scenes: (4.75)

(Book 3): There's only two hot scenes about Jory and Sam. And... WOW! The first one, the getting back sex was ASTONISHING-BREATHTAKING-AROUSING-EXCITING-SUBLIME-HOT.AS.HELL-PERFECT! Being mauled against a door, it got me right at the spot!... I can't comment any longer without pausing to take a cold shower...

(Book 4): Not so many scenes like that, and the ones that happened were as great as always, but getting too fast, should be a little bit more detailed.

VII - Story: (4.5)

(Book 3): The story is shortened as the Sam pushing real hard to get Jory's back... Or as his father said: "Hey, dipshit, when do you get your boy back?" Plain and simple, with some sidetracks: the marriage of Dane at the beginning, the pregnancy and birth of the first child of Jory's partner and BFF Dylan, the reencounter of Jory and Aaron, and two or three bad dates of Jory. No crime, no pursuit, no shots fired, or house busted, or kidnapping, torture... so on... just the plans of Sam to get Jory back. Funny and sweet. Unmisseable.

(Book 4): Despite the perfectness of book 3, book 4 starts doing a full back to books 1 and 2... and back and forth memory lane, BUT this time it was right. At least Mary Calmes doesn't lost too many time (or lines) re-explaining things... Thing is, if you never read Books 1, 2 and 3... you will be filled Crash-Course-Style everything in 3 chapters, and i meant it: EVERYTHING.

On this book, we already have the all cops-investigating-thing back again. Turns out that, the Brian Minor's case wasn't the real deal after all... but a serial killer matter, and, as you might think, "Jory is at the center of it" (well, not really), or so they thought. No more spoilers here...

This time Jory left Sam (same situation of Book 2, but in reverse) to investigate himself what's going on. And... well... read and see. It was interesting, and well developed,... BUT there's a huge ass flaw: Why the hell the police or the FBI didn't traced Jory's cellphone position to find where the fuck he was? Only when you take off the battery tracing is impossible. Moving on...

Jory's Batman-Mode is interesting, but... tiresome. Mary Calmes build this up for far too long, that i caught myself skipping some lines and paragraphs, meaning that i had to went back several times to catch up. It transited easily and fastly from interesting to boring.

But in the end, was really good, as a Hitchcock's Psycho gay version.

VIII - Plot Twists: (4) 

(Book 3): No twists in here. The story was way too forthcoming as predicted. And its not bad, actually it is awesome, no room for continuity mistakes.

(Book 4): HUGE SPOILER NEEDED! BE WARNED: The twists here are almost every single one in Jory's mind, and especially at the end when he was doing the Batman-Investigating-thing. Confused twists, first the one to Caleb Reid as the responsible for the murders, after that shifts to his mother Susan with a very poor excuse. Then Jory assumed that Sam thinks about he's being a danger for himself and the society?! Really??? Then Jory, unexplicably, tells he's wrong, Susan Reid is innocent. WHAAAAAT??? How so? The Caleb Reid hid inside the closet, really?! And the police didn't find him there? Really??? Searching 1-0-1: look under beds, furniture, inside armoires, furniture and CLOSETS!!! And Surprise-surprise! Caleb Reid has MPD! Multiple Personality Disorder. REEEEALYYYY!!!!!????? How Psycho is this?! Originality was forgotten or forsaken or forbidden? Hahaha, jokes apart: i loved it! However... the dialog between Jory and Caleb in Susan's shoes was AWESOME! Short and direct. I felt the horror Jory felt. This alone saved the entire sequence of unrealistic, unlikely, illogical, unclear and highly implausible events.

IX - Ending: (4.5)

(Book 3): HAPPY ENDING! I JUST LOVE HAPPY ENDINGS!!! So cute! And it gave you the feeling that there's room for more (a lot more). I love it! Simple as that.

(Book 4): So... Considerations on this ending... Interesting thing is, i would rather read about the full Jory/Sam wedding at Canada, some party after and they coming back to US happily ever after. This would be the crown jewel for me. BUT - in the interest of surprising people - Mary Calmes didn't do it. Disappointing? Definately yes. Bad? No.

Sam's brother, Michael's wedding with a blasting-catholic chick was the touch, but then again, i would rather see Jory this time standing his ground and obliterating that bitch over pulling out Sam and kiss the life outta him, than sucking it up and got all jealous in silence. So not Jory, even in Michael's best interest. I wouldn't toletare such thing, but then again it is me, not Jory. To avoid this i would not be at the reception, i would just be at the wedding, at the most far away bench and accept that everyone or suffer the consequences.

I would not consider this a real perfect happy ending, it was a happy ending, but with a catch. I didn't enjoy it that much. Pity.

X - Pace: (4.5)

(Book 3): Since this book has no twists (not that i can recall) tempo was right. Could be a little bit longer, but i'm not complaining at all. Perfect timing as i said at the beginning of this review.

(Book 4): This book has ups and downs. Some scenes i simply skipped, too long or visiting extensively down memory lane. Even so, not tiresome. The book have a good pace. In comparison with book 3, this one could be shorter, like WAY shorter. Too many unnecessary twists.

XI - Re-reading Factor: (5)

(Books 3 and 4): Well, this was the 8th time that i read the entire series, so... You all know what i mean by that, right?

XII - Recommendation: (5)

(Books 3 and 4): Do i really need to answer to that?

XIII - EXTRA POINTS: (+2.5)

- Bonus points:

   . Gorgeous characters, and absolutely my type;

   . Should have a TV or Silver-screen adaptation;

   . Perfect HOT Scene (wow, just wow... did i mentioned that i want Samuel Thomas Kage in my bed right fucking now?!)

- Penalties:

   . None.

Average: 4.34 of 5 (from I to XII)

Final grade (applying bonus points): 6.84 of 10

Well, a little improvement from the previous volume. Although my review on book 4 was a bit harsh, the story is really interesting, just gets confusing and tiresome at a few points.

Anyway, Mary Calmes still delivers great stories about Jory and Sam. I would mention a few things here about this series, but let’s mention only after the review of the last book, ok?

x-o-x-o

AlexM

NEXT REVIEW: “Pale as a Ghost” by Stephen Osborne.

[anew-books-blog]

Borrowing Blue ::: by Lucy Lennox

Hi there Anewers!

Here we go again. This book is one of those that grabbed me by the balls... i mean, by my eye balls, i bought this one at the moment i laid my eyes on the cover (my opinions on that aspect, right down).

I just wanted to support her. So, here we are... let’s find out, shall we?

Synopsis and start info:

“Blue: When my ex walks into the resort bar with his new husband on his arm, I want nothing more than to prove to him that I’ve moved on. Thankfully, the sexy stranger sitting next to me is more than willing to share a few kisses in the name of revenge. It gets even better when those scorching kisses turn into a night of fiery passion. The only problem? Turns out the stranger's brother is marrying my sister later this week. Tristan: I have one rule: no messing with the guests at my vineyard resort. Of course the one exception I make turns out to be the brother of the woman my brother’s about to marry. Now we’re stuck together for a week of wedding activities, and there’s no avoiding the heat burning between us. So fine, we make a deal: one week. One week to enjoy each other’s bodies and get it out of our system. Once the bride and groom say I do and we become family, it’ll all be over between us. Right?“

Title: Borrowing Blue

Author: Lucy Lennox

Year: 2016

Publisher: Unknown (Amazon US)

Language: English

Pages: 307

Reading Time: 7 days

Format: e-book (Kindle)

Date of Purchase: 01/02/2017

Links: Amazon US

All Made Marian Series can be read as a stand alone book, there are facts that intertwined between the books. I’ve read so far books 1 and 2, but i strongly intend to read all of them, including the crossover... more of this another time, let’s proceed.

I - Cover: (5)

THIS IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT! This cover have all the main elements of the book. The vines, the couple, the emotion in the models eyes - especially the one i assume that is Blue Marian - perfect: sadness, conflicted... Amazing!

Typography perfect...

Sweet and tense cover, i simply LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

II - PoV: (5)

Brilliant! The PoV alternates between the two main characters Blue, then Tristan, then Blue again... So on...

Amazing! Read the conflicted minds of both is something simply amazing. And it gets better each chapter.

You see part of the scenes under Blue's perspective, and the scene continues under Tristan's... AWESOME!

With this book my vocabulary increased and... wonder of wonders, they speak french. Je ne parle pas française (i don't speak french - really, it's true), but i love when stories came with lines in other languages.

III - Protagonists: (5)

Bartholomew "Blue" Marian

: Gorgeous, big hearted, family guy, great body (happy trails, OMG, happy trails), blonde and with blue eyes... Oi! Blue Marian, because of his eyes?! SPOILER!!! N O P E ! ! ! ! ! The reason is... You must read to discover. I picture him exactly as in the cover, maybe with bigger muscles, but just like that.

He immediately connects with Tristan and have a level or relationship out of this world with his famous country music singer Jude.

Tristan Alexander: Again... another gorgeous guy with piercing grey eyes. Damn sexy.

Tristan is a former international attourney, who became fully jaded with his profession and decided to dedicate his life o his passion: the vineyard that belongs to his uncle Henry. Transforming the property into a vineyard with a hotel, charming isn't it?

Charming is his middle name. After met with Blue, he became more and more addicted to him, and have a twisted background history that is uncovered little by little along the story.

Oh boy, isn't he the sweetest guy that anyone could met? You will understand at he epilogue (but not only then).

Interesting Fact: First book that i've read that both main characters are versatile.

IV - Antagonists: (5)

Jeremy: Blue's ex-boyfriend. He dumped poor Blue because of his business.. Unbelievable. Hen show at Simone Marian's wedding with a younger boyfriend to provoke... Thanks God he did it, so Blue found someone who deserves him.

John Alexander: Tristan's brother, soon to be married with a Marian. Homophobe, idiot, biggot. Tried so hard to blow his broher happiness... His betrail was unforgivable, he was caught cheating with Tristan's ex-wife... in the end he couldn't proceed with the marriage because of it.

Both believable and relatable characters. Lucy Lennox did a great job with both, since they are not so important to Blue and Tristan storyline!

V - Side characters: (5)

The Marians - ALL OF THEM - are so sweet!!!!! I wish i had a big, happy, crazy family like that! (mine is somewhat big, but not that good crazy)

But there’s one that needs to be mentioned: Jude Marian. Damn, isn’t he the most incredible brother that ever lived? Cute, charming, sang with Bon Jovi, is a great listener, a great songwriter, an amazing counselor... full fucking package. This is the one i loved the most from the side characters.

Others are good, but one worth mention: Piper. She's so cute!!!!! Read and find out why.

VI - Hot Scenes: (5)

Well... Well... WEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLL... The very sensitive topic!

I wish i could have a threesome with them... Blue have some neat tricks, and Tristan too... But i have a fall (huge fall... A canyon) for blonds with blue eyes.

The first night of them together are amazing, but the night that they went to the city and go to the dance club... WOW! The hot’n sexy dance, and after the club happened someting unexpected, even for Blue, ... Like Hell simply got more fiery HOT-STEAMY sex.

VII - The Story: (5)

The story of being in love at the first time, so fucking fast is so relatable... I fell for my husband at the very moment we met... Well, this is not about me, is it?

Blue (gay) and Tristan (until-now-sort-of-straight) got involved to hit Jeremy (Blue's ex) in the balls, the one who got there accompanied by some red-haired-twink. Then, after the first and PERFECT TO THE GROUND kiss, they began to get closer and closer.

I loved Blue's song, written by his brother Jude... and the reason of the word Bluebells made me cry when i finally understood that. SO FUCKING CUTE! Then when Blue panicked with his brother about he going down to love Tristan is too damn much complicated. That moment was tense, then i cried again... At the end, when Tristan purpose Blue using the same metaphor - I CRIED OCEANS!!!

The way the that events develop along the week is so intense. You can feel the tension, the passion, the sadness, the anger, the conflicts... all of it. Lucy Lennox nailed it... and as i realized at the end of the book, this was her debut work. You ruled GIRL!

VIII - Plot Twists: (5)

A few twists were noted, especially the doubts around Blue's confidence and trust in Tristan's feelings. Well placed, and tottaly real.

John intervention calling out for Tristan's ex-wife and the discussion with Keller was the "sort-of-twists" by the side of Tristan.

Piper shifting instantly her allegiance to Blue was so amusing.

The short-sidestory about Tristan's uncle: Art & Henry was so sweet, so well written, so tender.

IX - Ending: (5)

O M G - another perfect happy ending. And i mean... Almost a fairy-tale... So damn CUTE!!!! I loved it. With all my heart and soul... I would give a higher grade if i could... The timing was perfect, the emotion... All of it... So perfect. I want to read it again, and again, and again...

And the epilogue... that epilogue is EPIC!

X - Pace: (5)

The timing was amazing. Too good to be true. I almost didn't believe in how much time i've got to finish it... I used to read books in my kindle around a day or two (during working days) and a bit more when have a weekend in the middle (it's almost impossible for me to read at weekends)... I was savoring so slow this story i didn't wanted to rush things, and some times i caugh myself re-reading entire chapters simply because i loved it. (this happens every fucking time i read this book).

XI - Re-reading Factor: (5)

This is some of the books that i've finished and started all over right after. So... Yes! I will re-read again this story in the near future i have no doubt of that (says the guy who read this one already 5 times).

I might admit that i just wanted to read it again right after finished it this time again.

XII - Recommendation: (5)

After Reading all of this review, what do you think? Of course i recommend this one... with all my heart and soul.

XIII - EXTRA POINTS: (+5)

- Bonus Points:

   . PERFECT SCORE! (YES! AGAIN!)

- Penalties:

   . Of course, none.

Average: 5 of 5 (from I to XII)

Final grade (applying bonus points): 10 of 10

DAMN! Another perfect score... so, another candidate for ABOTY... i hope this cannot became a custom, or i must add some more aspects to avoid all these troubles. (LOL)

Borrowing Blue is so amazing that i really wanted to read it again right after i ended it (again), as i said before, and i am not lying. This is really entirely true.

I hope you all read it too.

x-o-x-o

AlexM

NEXT REVIEW: “A Matter of Time - Volume 2″ by Mary Calmes

[anew-books-blog]

A Little more about ANEW blog, the ANEW Awards and ABOTY

Anewers of my heart! Howdy?

Well, i suppose that i need to do some explanations about the ANEW blog, the planned awards and the ABOTY... so, let’s do like Uncle Jacky taught us (Jack, The Ripper) and move along in parts...

This blog is dedicated solely to review the LGBTQ books i read in the past, present and in the future... WOW, time machine much? No, i am re-reading the books to do this and i am also acquiring some new ones to read.

You, my amazing anewer, can indicate as well, i will - as soon as i can - acquire the book and read it too. Despite the fact that i am already have a scheduled reading through the next months/year i can insert your indication in between, if i can.

I have also a wishlist at amazon.com that contains the e-books i want to read, you can visit there and if you can sponsor some readings, please do. I will mention that it is a gift from an anewer - your name.

THE ANEW AWARDS 2018/2019

The AA 18/19′ will take place in january, 2020 as mentioned before because i will have more ‘firepower’ to the contest of the books. (LOL)... but seriously, this is the one and only reason. I can’t perform a contest of 11 ribbon prizes with a just number, right? It wouldn’t be fair.

And i like the challenge.

But now that i mentioned it... the prizes will be divided into:

Orange Seal - 10th place

Red Seal - 9th place

Pink Seal - 8th place

Purple Seal - 7th place

Blue Seal - 6th place

Green Seal - 5th place

Yellow Seal - 4th place

Copper Seal - 3rd place

Silver Seal - 2nd place

Gold Seal - 1st place

Well... ok, there’s 10 prizes above... which means that happens to be 

Prismatic Seal - ABOTY = The Awesome Book of The Year

I will talk about the ABOTY shortly, but first...

There will be another honorable mentions at the awards:

- Best author of the year;

- Best HOT scene of the year (kinky huh? lol);

- Best protagonist;

- Best antagonist;

- Best side character; and

- Best cover.

Ok? Moving on... for these aspects grades may or may not be used to give these prizes... It will be a very very very personal evaluation.

THE ABOTY

The Awesome Book Of The Year is a prize given to the book that scores the perfect 10 grade.

Only one can receive such honor, and will defend his title for the next year ANEW AWARDS.

ONLY BOOKS that granted grade 10 can be ABOTY. If along the year, no book achieve such grade, the previous one keeps the prize for another year and so on...

ABOTY Books will have a permanent link at the blog, and so its author.

Cool, huh?

I know that i am just a tiny dust compared to Goodreads - for example, but i think it will be super-fun to do. Since it will be based solely on my personal evaluation.

There’s more to it... probably, the ANEW AWARDS will be posted in vídeo format. This is just a draft idea, that can turn to be reality in the future, who knows. Await for scenes from the next episode, right? (LOL)

Wow... now that i’ve got it all out of my chest... i hope you enjoy the reviews as much as i love to write about them...

OH! One more thing... maybe i am going to put myself into competition... after all i am a writer too y’know. Kiddin’, it wouldn’t be a fair competiton if i did, but even so i will post here News about my Works too, ok? Just for y’all to know.

See ya at the next review.

x-o-x-o

AlexM.

[anew-books-blog]

Just Drive ::: by L.A. Witt

My dear Anewers!

Welcome to the second review of this humble blog. So... Let’s get to it:

Synopsis and some start info:

“The Anchor Point stories can be read in any order -- jump in wherever you'd like!

For Sean Wright, driving a cab in the tiny Navy town of Anchor Point isn’t an exciting job . . . until he picks up just-dumped Paul Richards. A drive turns into a walk on the pier, which turns into the hottest hookup Sean’s had in ages.

After a long overdue breakup, Paul can’t believe his luck. Of all the drivers, he’s picked up by the gorgeous, gay, and very willing Sean. Younger guys aren’t usually his thing, but Paul can’t resist.

One taste and neither man can get enough . . . right up until they realize that Paul is Sean’s father’s commanding officer and the last man Sean should be involved with.

With two careers on the line, their only option is to back off. It’s not easy, though; the sex and the emotional connection are exactly what both men have been craving for a long time. But Paul has devoted twenty-four years to his career and his dream of making admiral. If he’s caught with Sean, that’s all over. He has to choose — stay the course, or trade it all for the man who drove off with his heart.”

Title: Just Drive

Author: L.A. Witt

Year: 2016

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Language: English

Pages: 248

Reading time: 3 days

Format: e-book (Kindle)

Date of Purchase: 30/11/2016 at amazon.com

LINKS: Amazon (US) Riptide Publishing

All Anchor Point Books can be read in any order, or you can select only the ones you want to read. I read (so far) only books 1 and 2.

I - Cover: (5)

The covers from Anchor Point Series are really something. THEY ARE AMAZING! It translate exactly what this is all about and, damn! They are sexy as hell. (Uniforms do this to me). I couldn't realize who is depicted at the cover, but, honestly, i don't care!

II - Point of View (POV): (5)

One of the greatest thing about this book is that you have 2 PoV! Like a book that i am writing with my husband. One chapter you have the view of Sean, the following one you have Paul's. It keeps alternating until the end. AWE-FUCKING-SOME! PERFECT AT ANOTHER LEVEL!

L.A. Witt raised the level difficulty of the game!

III - Protagonists: (5)

Sean Wright: A twenty-early years old guy, cab driver and college student. BUT son of a military officer. One weird night he got a passenger who simply said to him the very fucking title of this book: "Just drive". And just like that they end up having the most intense time of their lives.

Sean is a guy who is just unable to lie to his father, and this will prove a problem later on the story.

When he discover after some great time with Paul that he is actually his father's comanding officer. Everything falls apart. Perfect. You can see his imaturity struggling with this maturity and his will to keep Paul close to him.

It took a little for him to realize that they were in fact in love since the "Just drive" command.

Paul Richards: Experienced Navy Comanding Officer of NAS ADAMS. Wants to reach Admiral, and this alone is trouble for his personal life. Being gay, even after the lifting of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, is hard for everyone, especially him.

He just got dumped the very night he met Sean. And the intensity of things makes he wonder what places this "thing" he was having with Sean could go, until he discovers that his father is under his command.

Carreer or love... not enough dilemma.

Age gap? Age gap my ass... age is just a number, and L.A Witt did it brilliantly.

IV - Antagonists: (no grade)

There aren't really any antagonists in the story, this is a pure romance story... You can maybe put as antagonist the Navy's Regulations. So... Can't even grade this.

V - Side Characters: (5)

Senior Chief Wright: Sam's father. I would love to have him as a father. He appeared on just a few scenes and chapters, but the few last ones he was the key to everything. Not a brilliant character, but delivers what promises.

Travis Wilson: CO Paul's best friend. Pity we didn't see him much. Only 2 chapters with a real good conversation between him and Paul. An awesome character, charismatic and funny!

Other characters appears so briefly, not worth mention.

VI - Hot Scenes: (5)

Funny that loads and loads of scenes i've already read in so many different books, but in this particularly one, the foreplays are so damn hot to ignore.

First the lust, then things develop to (each time) a higher level of passion, and love, and caring... so tender and hot at the same time. Scenes not as hot as some that i used to read, but detailed at the exact point to let little for imagination (just like i love!)

It took me by surprise that Sean is in fact the top one and Paul is the bottom. But the way things develop between them caught my attention and drove blood down under... if you know what i mean.

Of course i've had to get used to it, not what i expected, but when i circle my mind around it, it settled.

HEAVY SPOILER ALERT! There is a scene worth mention: When Paul fucks Sean’s inner tighs... WOW! That is something that happened to me once, and i might say, this is sexy and hot like anything i’ve experienced before.

This was the first book i've read from L.A. Witt and i can tell you for certain that she rocked my world!

VII - The Story: (5)

Many would tell me that vanilla books can't be that good... But YES! They can! They are! Well, at least "Just Drive" is.

The romance between Sean and Paul begins with a bad breakup and follows the course that could naturally ends in a marriage, BUT fact is =HUGE SPOILER ALERT= Paul is Sean's father Commanding Officer, and for the Navy regs this is so fucking wrong (still got me why, but i can understand the conflict of interests)...

The way things got develped fast resembles a lot my relationship with my husband... in no more than 4 months i was moving to his house. So, fast is possible, and can be good - afterall, i am married for 17 years, and still addicted to my man.

VIII - Plot Twists: (5)

The major twist in the story was PERFECT, and also too damn sad! I can't understand really why military (any place around the universe) keeps people to have normal lives outside the force.

The fact that Sean's father works for Paul, because he is NAS ADAMS CO's... and because of that they can't be together, tell me: Why the hell there's conflict of interests about a guy, who isn't in military - no matter if his father is, can't have a relationship with anyone inside? Anyway, love is love... people should be able, especially the military ones, to keep things separated.

Anyway... this twists caught me by surprise the first time i've read this book, and even now, 5 or 6 times later, still bring tears to my eyes.

Then again... another twist... they come back. The way it happened was wild, surrendering, addictive. And wonder of wonders, they confessed their feelings.

Following by the most painful twist that made me cry for the third time in this book. Despite the fact that i've never passed by anything near the situation of Sean and Paul, even so, L.A. Witt managed to touch my soul. I felt their pain, their struggles and suffering around something that should be so amazing to feel.

IX - Ending: (5)

If i could (and believe, i could since i am the one who make the rules of it, "chuckles") i would give a lot higher grade to this matter.

SO DAMN-FUCKING-PERFECT! I am really a sucker for happy endings. This couldn't be any different, especially with... well, i will not give you spoilers on that, it's so fucking cute! So, yes! Memorable..

X - Pace (timing): (5)

Perfect timing for everything, the pace of the story, the way each character places their POV's... Awesome in so many differente ways. Read it, pretty please!!!

XI - Re-reading Factor: (5)

Funny fact: i bought this e-book in november 30th, 2016. Finished reading it (i don't quite remember, but...) in 2 days, then immediately read it again - and finished it in less time than before.

Addicting.

XII - Recommendation: (5)

Did you read about re-reading factor? So it's easy to conclude that OF COURSE i recommend it. Fiercely.

XIII - EXTRA POINTS: (+5)

- Bonus points:

 . PERFECT SCORE

- Penalties:

 . None.

Average: 5 of 5 (from I to XII)

Final grade (applying bonus points): 10 of 10

WOW! It’s just the second review and this is already a serious candidate for the SuperChamp Book of the year! The ABOTY (Awesome Book Of The Year).

I seriously wanted to read more about these two. Pity the Anchor Point Series can be read as stand alone books.

Read it and take your conclusions.

x-o-x-o

AlexM

NEXT REVIEW: “The Current Between Us” by Kindle Alexander

[anew-books-blog]

A Matter of Time - Volume 1 ::: by Mary Calmes

Hiya Anewers!

I am going to begin with the very first book that i’ve read about M/M romance, and that was a perfect startup! Well, let’s go with it, right? (I am too anxious to know what you will tell me about this review. Begining with the synopsis and some start info:

“Books One and Two - Vol. 1

Jory Keyes leads a normal life as an architect’s assistant until he is witness to a brutal murder. Though initially saved by police Detective Sam Kage, Jory refuses protective custody—he has a life he loves that he won’t give up no matter who is after him. But Jory’s life is in real jeopardy, especially after he agrees to testify about what he saw.

While dealing with attempts on his life, well-meaning friends who want to see him happy, an overly protective boss, and a slowly unfolding mystery that is much more sinister than he could ever imagine, the young gay man finds himself getting involved with Sam, the conflicted and closeted detective. And though Jory may survive the danger, he may not survive a broken heart.”

Title:  A Matter of Time Volume 1 (Books 1 and 2)

Author: Mary Calmes

Year: 2011

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Language: English

Pages: 280

Reading time: 6 days

Format: e-book (Kindle)

Date of Purchase: 27/07/2013 at amazon.com

LINKS: Amazon (US) Dreamspinner Press

Yes, this volume has two books in sequence. And that, my anewers, was great, since the books are too damn short, in my opinion.

I - Cover: (2)

The cover is nice, but honestly, i would do better. Jory Keyes is depicted here as a hustler (to say the least - ok, it’s not far from how the author describe him, but even so...), the city at the background give an aura of Law & Order: SVU. It's so cliché. This could be a lot more different and less obvious.

Why the hell not depict Sam Kage at the cover too?

II - Point of View (POV): (4.5)

I never read anything in first person perspective before this one, it simply doesn't catch me, this was my first book like this... And i loved it! Mary Calmes was really inside Jory's head, sometimes gave glimpses about other characters through expressions and Jory's observation. Amazing. Total bliss everytime i read this book. (This was my 5th time reading this book)

III - Protagonists: (4.5)

Jory Keyes (Book 1)/Harcourt (Book 2) - The main guy. And yes, the very same person. He is a mix of frail around his lover, but a force of nature at the same time. Reckless, clumsy, irresponsible, crazy... But totally relatable.

He was abbandoned by his mother after birth, was raised by his grandmother until his 10s, then went to foster care. Afterwards, went to Chicago to try his luck. End up working for a huge-ass-famous architectural office, with a boss who can work only with him.

Lucky in life, maybe... but in love... he is the typical stereotype of a gay one-night-stander. When he mets Sam Kage, something clicks inside him, but fear of letting go and being hurt made him run out of it every time... I will say no more for now.

Samuel Thomas Kage, or just, Sam Kage - I must say this once and for all: I WANT HIM IN MY BED, IN MY LIFE (Sorry, hubby... but i can't hide it anymore - LOL). This man is too damn perfect to be true.

Strong, simple, straight to the point... and closeted. This is Sam. He struggles about love a man and please everyone else. I relate to him a lot, since i was in the closet until i was 23. But this is not about me.

Sam is a vice detective, who loves his profession, have problems with his temper and when met Jory and his heart kicks for him, Jory has the unexplainable ability to ground him, to draw the very best of him...

IV - Antagonists: (3)

Brian Minor: (Book 1) He is a classic thug. The one who is conceited and connected with some middle rank people. He shots a guy and is witnessed by Jory at the very beginning, and since then all of it unfolds. He appears little in the story, thing is, the story is told under Jory's POV, so obviously we wouldn't know much about him, wich is understandable. He's not appealing and definately not important for the story about Jory and Kage, he is just a plain motive to keep they both tied together.

Dominic Kairov: (Book 2) One thing bothered me about this guy. He's so close to Sam - since he was his partner at CPD - and the way he turned against him was almost unfair, but we must place this story at the real life timeline. when it's written being gay was a huge deal, especially within typical "macho"-jobs. He flipped, but the fact is he saw in that an opportunity to be off the grid again. It was nice, how come a vice detective could afford a luxurious home? He was involved with the mob, plain and simple. Mary Calmes took more time to develop this one, and... even bothering me... he was really good.

An observation is needed: I think, in the end, the real antagonist of this is the one and only Jory. He sabotages himself a lot.. Read it and you will understand what i am talking about.

V - Side Characters: (5)

Dane Harcourt: Boss, Former boss and adoptive brother of Jory. Icy is his middle name, but when he let Jory in his life, things change drastically, he have a warm and tender heart, but this side he shows only to J.

Seriously, one of the very best secondary roles that i've ever read in a book, many will not agree with me, but i don't care. I love Dane, i love the way he relate to Jory and how deep their connection goes.

Two damaged persons, but with the feelling that they are soulmates in another level, the brotherhood level. It is sweet how the author constructed their evolution from boss-employee to family.

To Jory is a fairy tale in the making...

Dylan Greer: Loud, manic, frantic, clumsy, hot headed and big hearted. BFF, partner in crime of J. The kind of friend you want to have around always - if you can manage to reach out for her.

The perfect partner to Jory by far!

VI - Hot Scenes: (5)

The first night between Jory and Sam is outstanding. Jory imagining Sam somehow insecure about being with him, but what happened was complete the opposite. He was completely aware and sure about being with him. I believed that every single person in the world wants something like at some point in life. I was breathless at the end of if. Imagining how's it going to be to have a hot-rock-hard-immense-muscular-diry-blond-sweaty-piece-of-perfection-man with his thigh over mine and his arms around my waist. Mary Calmes, you are mean! (in a good and HOT way, of course)

VII - The Story: (4.2)

In the beginning i was worried about being a cliché story, but even these kind of stories have their values. A Matter of Time Book 1 brings you to the universe of a gay cliché one-night-stand-guy who falls for a typical straight-strong-mindless-rock-hard-gorgeous-cop. BUT how it is develop is something else entirely, since it's told by the main character: Jory Keyes and his twisted view of things. It is delightful.

Actually, both books are. Book 2 goes even further. Jory was struggling about quitting his party night days to be with someone for good... having only 23 yeas old. It's not common to see a young one wanting it... and because of it i relate to it A LOT. I was 24 when i met my husband, the difference is i was never a party-one-night-stand-guy. Like i said before, this is not about me...

Book 2 show us how they finally get together... and... well... i already gave you lot's of spoilers, i will not give you the biggest one, i will just say that i am fortunate to not have read this book on it's launching and had to wait for the book 3... I was royally pissed (in a good way).

Most of this review is written like books 1 and 2 was only one, because i felt it that way. One story, divided into 2 books.

VIII - Plot Twists: (4.5)

There's enough twists in both books. But always related to Jory's behaviour. Only 2 twists aren't his fault, the ones that draws Kage back to the cop-protective-mode activated.

Good twists, but not great. For me, the only thing that really mattered at the story was how the hell Jory and Sam would end up together, and that's why i was royally pissed at the end of book 2. Again, i will say no more.

IX - Ending: (4)

I didn't see the end of book 1 as an end. It was a plain hook to book 2, and so book 2 to 3. BUT...

The end of book 1 was interesting, believeable, and somehow not unexpected as it seemed.

But the end of book 2 gave me rage rampages against Mary Calmes! I hated it, but i really understand that it was a PERFECT hook for a third story. That's why, even hating the guts of Sam Kage for what he did to Jory, i can understand why he did it. (Even didn't understanding how police regiments and laws in US works).

X - Timing: (5)

BOOK 1 has perfect timing to tell the tale. Fast paced when needed, slow paced when needed. Perfect. Following Jory's mind is challenging and super-fun.

But Book 2... Well, Mary Calmes used the memory lane too often, and sometimes right after the very scene happened, like a mexican soup opera. It was not very appealing and i caught myself skipping those small paragraphs because i've just read it. It doesn't give you the will to stop reading it, but it is totally unnecessary. Re-telling what happened in book 1 or in the very beginning of book 2 is a good thing to do, but do it at the next scene is an exaggeration.

XI - Re-reading Factor: (5)

I will only say this: Haven't i mentioned that this was the 5th time i read this book?

Well, actually it was my 8th. What do you think then? (LOL)

XII - Recommendation: (5)

Since i was reading it for the 8th time, i guess it is a must read.

Note that you can be a different impression about this story, and this is my very personal opinion about this. So, read it and take your conclusions.

XIII - EXTRA POINTS: (+2.5)

- Bonus points:

   . Gorgeous characters, and absolutely my type;

   . Happy ending or perfect hook for the next book;

   . Perfect scenes, that took my attention;

   . Should have a TV or Silver-screen adaptation;

   . Story with a rook so Strong that makes me wants more and more...;

   . Perfect HOT Scene (wow, just wow... did i mentioned that i want Samuel Thomas Kage in my bed right fucking now?!)

- Penalties:

   . None.

Average: 4.30 of 5 (from I to XII)

Final grade (applying bonus points): 6.80 of 10

What do you think about this review? Give your impression on comments below and don’t forget to check back often, ok?

x-o-x-o

AlexM

NEXT REVIEW: “Just Drive” by L.A. Witt

[anew-books-blog]

Welcome

Hiya Anewers!

This is going to be my new blog. The one i was longing for so long, you have no idea, but i needed to have things quite clear and well placed to start this one.

So... what this is all about?

I love read and write books as you can see in my short version profile at the menu. But, i wanted also to make reviews for the books i’ve read... soon after i decided that i want to do a blog like this, came the idea to create a system to give grades for some aspects as shown below:

Cover

Point of View

Protagonists

Antagonists

Secondary Characters

Story

Twists

Hot Scenes

Timing

Re-read factor

Do i recommend it?

From these aspects i will make an average. Then the book can have some extra points to be add to the final grade (these extra aspects are totally personal and can change anytime over my perception and will).

So at the end, a grade can vary from 0 to 5 on the average, and can reach the top of grade 10 with extra spare points.

I will comment each aspect to produce a full review.

Going a little ahead of myself, i will - at the beginning of each year - make some kind of ANEW AWARDS where the best books and writers will receive a colored ribbon as prize... about this award-thing i will tell you more along the next months.

What i can tell you all in advance is that, the first ANEW AWARD will take place in January 2020, ok? I know it is too damn far away, but i begin this blog officialy at the end of 2018 it would be difficult as hell to do this in so short notice, don’t you think?

Talking about what i can now:... (lol)

There’s one thing i didn’t comment yet. All books reviewed here will be LGBTQ ones, M/M Always. Fantasy or not, by my choice, your choice (so, feel free to recommend one for me to read and review) or indication from a publisher or retailer, with or without hot sex scenes (soft or hardcore, i don’t mind)... well, you’ve got the picture.

I will post reviews one to two times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. Depending solely on finishing reading a book. Of course.

Let’s see how this story unfolds, right?

Once again, welcome to my humble abode of imagination, take a seat, relax and come with me.

x-o-x-o

AlexM

PS: It’s very important to say that SPOILERS will happen inside almost every post, well, it’s a review, isn’t it? So, be warned and prepared. Even so, i will try not to give too much, ok?

PS 2: Please, i beg you all... don’t mind my mispellings or some typing mistakes... they are sometimes intentional and other times, well... i am not an english teacher or profound scholar in languages. (lol) Sorry ‘bout that.

PS 3: I know many of you will not agree with the background image of this season (2018-2019) blog, but i find it so cute!!!!!! (lol) Credits for:

“book of imagination” (2014) by Martina “t1na”Stipan www.facebook.com/t1naa https://www.deviantart.com/t1na/