M/M Monday-Giving an Inch by Heidi Belleau and Amelia C. Gormley

Giving an Inch (the Professor's Rule, #1)

        
           

Grade-A-
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-The Professor’s Rule #1
Genre-BDSM m/m
Reviewed by Kate
46 pages

This one is only 46 pages long and I worry that if I write my own synopsis, I might give too much away. So, here is the blurb from NetGalley.

“History grad James Sheridan thinks his biggest problem in life is trying to find a suitable outfit for his upcoming Ph.D. candidacy exam. That is, until he accidentally texts a changing-room selfie meant for his fashionable sister to his ex, the domineering Professor Carson. James and Carson haven’t seen each other since James fled their power games two years ago. Back in his undergrad days, Carson was his Professor, and not just in the academic sense: a man of unusual tastes and extreme sexual demands, James had been happy to sate Carson’s savage appetites. Too happy, in fact. He never could trust himself not to let Carson push too far. Now James is older and wiser, and sharing some seriously flirtatious vibes with a cute menswear rep. When Carson replies to James’ errant text, ready to pick up where they left off, James can’t help being drawn back into Carson’s control. It’s only when Carson suggests involving the salesman that James has to ask himself how far is too far, and whether he’s willing to go there with Carson again.”

What I truly find amazing is that the authors have managed to write such an entertaining, hot, and steamy read without the main characters ever being in the same building. The writing is very sharp and I loved the back and forth texting. I was glad to discover that there’s a second book, An Inch At a Time, coming soon, because I definitely want more of James and Carson.

I really liked the texting back and forth in this book. Does anyone have any recommendations for other books that involve texts, emails, or letters as a main part of the story?

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Styxx (Dark-Hunter, #23)
Grade-A
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level- Moderate Kink
Series- Dark-Hunter #23
Genre-Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Kay
836 pages

Back many months ago when I read the blurb for this book, my heart raced. I’ll admit I was a little tentative about a book featuring Styxx, but the blurb says that we only know half of the story. If you don’t want to read a review with spoilers stop now.
Here’s a little refresher on this very long series. Styxx is the identical twin to Acheron except for the eyes. They shared a womb even though they were not blood related. I’m not going to summarize all the details to Ash’s (Acheron) conception and subsequent birth. Just know that Ash was put in a queen’s womb who was already pregnant as a way to protect Ash from those who were hunting him. See, Ash is the son of the Destroyer and he can bring an end to the world.
In Ash’s book, we learn of his birth and life up until this point. He and his twin, Styxx hated each other. Ash was made to suffer atrocities that no one should suffer, especially a small child. We all developed a hatred so intense for the golden child, Styxx. But in this book, we realize that we only knew Ash’s story. Styxx’s story was in my opinion even worse. Not only was it over one hundred pages longer but it was almost double the size of Ash’s back story. A back story that had me either too stunned to cry or sobbing uncontrollably. I won’t say anything more about the back story other than you have to read it to truly know the story and the ultimate betrayals that take place.
The most beautiful part of this book is the love story between Styxx and Bethany. It was so precious and innocent. Styxx is the future king of his country and became a true war hero and a master strategist. His one and only true love was a blind girl who he met when she was fishing.
He didn’t realize that his love was really the Goddess of Misery as she didn’t realize he was Prince Styxx.
I don’t want to give away too much about the book. Just read it even though it is 836 pages long. It moves quickly and I devoured it in less than 48 hours. I’ll end this review with my favorite quotes from the book.
“Never once in my life did I feel the sunshine on my skin until the day you touched me.”
“And without my Bethany, I dwell in total darkness.”
“It’s not fair that we’re forced to live without them while the world goes on, oblivious to the fact that it’s missing the most vital part of it.”
“I let go of your hand eleven thousand, five hundred thirty nine years, one hundred and eighty three days and roughly ten hours give or take a few mintues ago.”
“You really did count the heartbeats.”
“Oh Beth, you have no idea.”
This time Styxx knew that nothing would ever separate them again. And if anyone or anything was dumb enough to try they were going to learn the lesson he had given both Archon and Apollo. Styxx of Didymos fought for what he wanted. He didn’t back down. He didn’t give up. He didn’t lose. Even if it meant coming back from the dead, he wouldn’t be stopped and he would never again live without his most vital part. Bethany.

M/M Monday – Waiting for Ty Samantha Ann King

Waiting for Ty (Lovers and Friends, #2)
Grade: B-
Hotness Level: Inferno
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary, m/m
Series: Lovers and Friends #2
Reviewed by Anne
117 pages 

So, Ty and Landon have been best friends for a long time now.  Each wonders about making that a sexual relationship, but neither knows if the other is attracted to him.  To top it off, neither of them has ever been with a man before.  So they are each secretly lusting after the other.
 
Finally, having downed enough beers, a celebratory sports hug turns into much more.  And now they have to navigate the aftermath of that night.    Was this a one time thing?  Or something more?
 
Well, it’s a romance, so of course it’s something more!  This was a quick read and it was pretty good.  It was a solid story and the pacing of it was good.  I’ll admit that I had a hard time keeping the guys straight sometimes.  Overall it had a good feel to it though.  it’s the second in the series, but I had no problem keeping up with everyone.  The first book in the series is Sharing Hailey, and it sounded pretty good!  And I LOVE that Landon appreciates that Hailey has broken ground for him (they’re siblings, if I remember right) when he thinks “He knew for a fact that introducing Hailey’s menage to the family had been more complicated than introducing his relationship with Ty.”
 
It was good read and I’d read this author again.
 
This was the first m/m book I read where both guys were m/m virgins.  Are there other books out there you would recommend like this?