Heat level: 1
Review - The Roaming Sea by Mike Carss
My rating: 
Callum is a pacifist at heart, but like all humans, he grew up hearing about the war to regain human territory taken by the pactrids. So, when he reaches the age of conscription, Callum does his part. Luckily for him, he shows an aptitude for medicine and is trained as a medic. He works near the front lines but doesn’t have to be involved in the fighting. One day, on his way back home for a rest, there’s a transport problem that lands him far behind enemy lines.
Tags: Fantasy
Review - River by C.J. Dragon
My rating:
Earth was a dying planet when the Guardians arrived and took over. They ended all wars. Polluting industries and the billionaires who perpetuated them were eliminated. Everyone has a guaranteed basic income and the freedom to pursue their interests. But the Guardians permit no dissent. Those who do speak out tend to disappear. River works in the diplomatic service for the Guardians, dealing with other aliens who come to Earth.
Tags: Science Fiction
Review - Memoriae by S.P. Somtow
My rating:
Note: Due to a health issue, the author published the third book of this trilogy in two parts. This is the review of the second part, titled “Memoriae.” If you haven’t read the first part yet, the completed third book can be purchased as a single volume titled “Damnatio Memoriae.” Sporus and Nero return to Rome from their trip to Greece, but Sporus knows that Nero’s days as emperor are numbered.
Tags: Ancient Rome Novella
Review - Havana Bay by John Patrick
My rating:
Hank Mannix is helping Hans manage his new guest house in Havana. Along with former FBI agent Tony Cordero, Hank also poses in scantily clad scenes for a “physique” style magazine, the very soft-core gay porn of the day. He doesn’t want to admit it, but with his thirtieth birthday approaching, Hank’s days as a pin-up boy are numbered. Hank is also wondering why he is so attracted to the cute Cuban gardener he’s seen watching him.
Tags: 1950s
Review - Fever by Jordan L. Hawk
My rating:
Colin and his older brother Doug have been making a living as con men since they left home to escape from their abusive father. They’re in Seattle when the first miners return from the Klondike, laden with gold from the newly discovered strike. Doug instantly sees an opportunity for a new con and soon the brothers are on their way with a new mark. Getting to the Yukon as winter closes in proves harder than expected, but Colin makes friends with Steve and his family, who are also out to strike it rich.
Tags: Thriller Supernatural Historical Nineteenth Century
Review - Dark Moon, Shallow Sea by David R. Slayton
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Raef has lived on the streets for ten years, ever since the Knights of Hyperion destroyed the tower dedicated to the moon goddess Phoebe, where he grew up. He still has no idea why the priests ensured that he escaped while the knights murdered all of the others in the tower. Seth started training as a Knight of Hyperion after the destruction of Phoebe’s towers. Seth wields the fire of the sun god, but he doesn’t have control over it.
Tags: Fantasy
Review - Starry Nights by Julian Archer
My rating:
Jamal spots Xavier across a crowded room at the opening of an exhibition of Xavier’s paintings. Both men feel irresistibly drawn to each other, and it’s the start of a serious relationship. Can they withstand the pressures that will try to pull them apart? Sadly, this short novella feels like the outline of a story with a few sample paragraphs instead of a finished work. The writing that’s there is good, but it’s very disjointed.
Tags: Contemporary Novella
Review - The Spoil of Beasts by Gregory Ashe
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The sherif and two inmates of the county jail are dead, and one of the deputies is missing, along with an inmate. Police Chief John-Henry hires private investigators North and Shaw to help track down clues. The trail leads the pair to a mega church in the same town as the Cottonmouth Club. The clues and bodies continue to mount up as North, Shaw and their friends try to track down the killers and figure out how it all connects to the club.
Tags: Mystery
Review - The Prince's Dearest Guards by Beau Van Dalen
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Prince Hal is celebrating his 21st birthday, although he doesn’t feel much like enjoying the party. The Prince is desperate to lose his virginity. That will probably have to wait, since tradition requires Hal to go on a hunt with his two newly appointed personal guards. When Hal meets his two guards, his outlook about the future changes drastically. He only needs to screw up the courage to tell the two handsome men what he wants.
Review - Broadway Butchery by C.S. Poe
My rating:
Detective Everett Larkin is called to a souvenir shop in Times Square where workmen have uncovered the mummified remains of a young woman. It doesn’t take long for the clues to point to another serial killer connected to the mysterious figure that’s been taunting Larkin. Once again, Larkin’s boyfriend and police forensic artist Ira Doyle, is there to lend a hand and provide emotional support. “Broadway Butchery” is the third murder mystery in the Memento Mori series.
Tags: Mystery