Kayla Bain-Vrba

This is a hilariously twisted version of Rapunzel that had me laughing from the start. With a fascinating mix of fairy-tale-speak and a very up-to-date way of looking at relationships, this tongue-in-cheek story must be one of my favorite versions of the tale.

Noble is a thief, a criminal even, and his straightforward, no-nonsense way of looking at things has Price Dawson completely baffled. Noble has no time for all the curses, the "this is how it has to be" and other requirements the prince lists. Noble is there to get the job done, marry the prince, since he rescued him, and save his butt. Except, when he gets to know the prince better, his heart starts interfering and he changes his mind…

Prince Dawson is a spoilt little brat of epic proportions. Well, I thought so for most of the story, until the truth began to emerge why he's in the situation he finds himself in. I actually started the feel sorry for him. And luckily, Noble is just the man to avoid all the "hype", and cut to the chase. Prince Dawson turns out to be a pretty decent man – if he could only get rid of this self-requested curse!

If you like fairy tales with a modern twist while still set in "historical" times, if you enjoy stories where both main characters learn from each others and change to be better men, and if you're looking for a read that will make you smile, then you will probably like this book.




NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

… (más)

'Captain, May I?' is a quick, fun read with a space battle, an evil saboteur, and some slightly kinky bedroom, or rather, private cabin, activities included. For such a short story it contains a lot of details and characters who definitely each have their own agenda. Not all of them are apparent initially, and discovering what exactly is going on was half the fun for me.

Monroe is a captain with a few quirks. Yes, playing classical music in a crisis is one, but there is his passion for his lieutenant that is a deep secret. Monroe likes taking control, but, as he discovers, that isn't everything…

Kale is an excellent lieutenant, quick on his feet when needed, and totally in love with Monroe. Unfortunately, since he's his commanding officer, he cannot openly admit this, but there are a few things he needs to discuss with the man… once their lives are no longer threatened.

If you like space operas, if you enjoy reading about 'forbidden' love, and if you're looking for a light, fun read, you will probably like this short story.



NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
… (más)

This brief novel has quite a bit going on! It's a science fiction m/m love story, including a capture, rescue, deadly alien virus, and the development of two characters' love for one another. Some parts of the burgeoning love story are told in flashback, which helps us understand how the characters got to where they were. The remembrances were deftly woven into the story in a way that seemed natural. Mikhael and Sawyer are very sweet and genuine characters whom the reader can really relate to. The love between the two is lasting, rather than chemical and based on friendship and trust rather than lust, which is refreshing to read about. The science-fiction elements are reasonable, and we're dropped right into a world with teleportation and a multitude of planets. The science isn't explained, but it really doesn't need to be, as it's mostly a device to get these characters where they need to be. The writing is solid, if a little simple, but if this is intended to be YA fiction, then it's probably about the right level for that age group.
An extra 1/2 star because it kind of felt like "Firefly"… (más)