Book Reviews: Beneath the Layers and Sexy to Go: Gay Romance (LGBT Anthologies)

Title: Beneath the Layer
Author: Various
Publisher: NineStar Press
Publication Date: 17 April 2017
Pages: 165
Format: eBook - EPUB
Genre: LGBT Fiction
Source: Author Copy

 

Eight stories of men who like a little satin and lace.
A Linebacker in Lace by Caitlin Ricci
This ex-linebacker is impossible for his friend to resist.
Satin Secrets by CL Mustafic
Sometimes secrets are better when they’re shared.
Backwards and in High Heels by Elizabeth Coldwell
Tonight he has the chance to live out his dream.
Angels in Delaware by Sita Bethel
When one finds two partners, it helps to dress for the occasion.
All That Entails by E.M. Hamill
A gender-fluid prince with a penchant for gowns finds his unlikely match in an arranged marriage.
After the Dance by Sydney Blackburn
Sometimes happily ever after requires a pretty frock.
A Secret Shared by C.A. Blocke
One sweet secret shared—and a spicy one returned.
Ruffle My Feathers by Asta Idonea
Sometimes love can be found behind a feather boa.


Beneath the Layers is a great collection of diverse tales, from the sweet to the erotic. There's something to appeal to all tastes, but my personal favourites were Satin Secrets by CL Mustafic, After the Dance by Sydney Blackburn and A Lineback in Lace by Caitlin Ricci.
Disclaimer: One of my stories features in this collection; however, my review pertains only to the other stories therein.

Title: Sexy to Go: Gay Romance
Author: Various
Publisher: Eva LeFoy
Publication Date: 1 April 2017
Pages: 286
Format: eBook - EPUB
Genre: MM Romance
Source: Author Copy




9 Hot MM stories sexy enough to make your blood sing. Find shifters, hunky construction men, mythological heroes and everyday lovers who scorch the sheets with their boy on boy, man on man lovin’. From honey-mooning couples to intense instant hookups, these same-sex couples remind us that love is always worth fighting for, no matter what the cost.
Matzo Ball by Avery Duran
When Jacob’s outgoing best friend talks him into attending a party for Jewish singles, neither man realizes that it’s not a gay event. Things go from bad to worse when Jacob’s friend doesn’t show up. The night turns around when Jacob befriends Ian, a sexy bartender. After a spectacular kiss good night, they go their separate ways. But Jacob can’t forget the chemistry he shared with Ian, and hungers for more. In a city the size of New York, will these men be able to find their way back to each other?
Styx & Stone by Leigh Ellwood
What's the afterlife really like? Charon the ferryman knows the River Styx like the back of his hand, and he enjoys giving newly departed Stone the full tour.
First Swallow of Spring by Asta Idonea
The first swallow of spring draws Seanán back to the fae circle each year, where he dances with the handsome fae lord, Iorweth. He knows the four rules he must follow if he wishes to be free to leave at the end of the night; however, Iorweth is growing ever more inventive in his attempts to trick Seanán into breaking them.
How Hercules Got His Bruise by Eva Lefoy
Hercules might have completed his 12 labors and become immortal, but he's still not out to himself. Until he meets Sisyphus, a man who turns him on in ways not even a goddess can compete with. When Zeus threatens to destroy their new bond, Hercules must again rise to the challenge, this time to protect his right to love a man.
Loggerhead by Dale Lowry
Soon after they fall in love, Jake makes Eric a promise inspired by an old track uniform. But demanding work schedules at Jake’s four-star restaurant and Eric’s newspaper keep them from following through. Six years later, they take the honeymoon they never had, heading to the Florida coast in search of sea turtles – and rekindling their passion for each other in the process.
Handyman by Jodi Payne
Danny is haunted by memories of his ex, Peter, who moved out six months ago. He recognizes just how bad off he is when he wakes up to a flood in his condo, a problem Peter would have adeptly handled. Danny can't find the insurance paperwork, he doesn't know who he should call first, and he's about ready to strangle his stoner neighbors. His day starts looking up, though, when the workmen arrive to deal with the water, replace his breaker box and demolish the soaked ceiling. Ken, a handyman, shows up to handle the drywall, but can Danny handle Ken?
Clipped Wings by Shiloh Saddler
When a male swan shifter is captured by a cruel master he develops feelings for another male slave. The master has plans for the shifter that go against every fiber of his being. Will the two men bow down to their station in life or take flight to keep their love alive?
Rebuilding the Future by Sam Thorne
Allen's peace has been seriously disturbed. As the shy architect takes on the task of extending the home he inherited from his late aunt, his life becomes a battle. The building work is going fine, but he can barely contain his one-way lust for sexy foreman Declan, who's a one-man generator of testosterone and mixed messages. As the build completion approaches, Allen's ready to do just about anything to keep Declan around a little longer...
Man in the Mirror by A.E. Wasp
A companion story to the Paper Hearts novel, Man in the Mirror is the first short in a new erotic series set in the world of the Veterans Affairs books. Benny hasn't let Mikey see him naked in a week, will barely let Mikey touch him. Mikey's going to get to the bottom of the issue if it takes all night.


Sexy to Go: Gay Romance offers an eclectic collection of tales, ranging from contemporary to fantasy, with something to tantalise every taste. I didn't dislike any of the stories; however the standouts for me were: Handyman by Jodi Payne, Loggerhead by Dale Lowry, How Hercules Got His Bruise by Eva LeFoy and Styx and Stones by Leigh Ellwood.
Disclaimer: One of my stories features in this collection; however, my review pertains only to the other stories therein.