Amy SpectorBesprekingen

Club 669 is the first book in the ‘House of Witches’ series. It stars Charlie Jessup, a counter boy in a boutique, and Caspian, a customer who is more than he appears to be. This is told in first person from Charlie’s pov.



I really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue in this book. The plot is all rather vague however and left more questions unanswered than answered. I really hope the author goes into more depth about the world that she built as the series goes along about the witch society.

The story is set in what appears to be an alternate universe of Earth. It has many similarities, even the same companies and technology, but it’s also less functional on the human side. It’s like witches have more advantage but they tend to hide, and the life Charlie lives is rather sparse, if not hand-to-mouth. This is one of the questions I wondered about in this book. Is this Earth and there was a war amongst the witches that destroyed human society as we know it and so now witches are more in power? Or is this just an alternate Earth? In fact, I have a whole lot of questions I plan on posting behind a spoiler further on.

Like I said, the world that Charlie lives in is harsh. He can barely make ends meet and his days working at the men’s boutique are coming to and end because he is starting to look older. The only thing that makes his days is a hot guy that comes into his shop, who he later finds out is Caspian. He figures Caspian is a businessman, but later learns he’s way more important than that. What I found interesting is that Caspian patronized this store, even though Caspian is so filthy rich, he could have shopped at a much more expensive place. Why did he return there? It seems like he may already have been attracted to Charlie. Caspian’s personality is reserved when in human society, amongst his own people he’s more commanding. He always treats Charlie kindly. Caspian is also sadly resigned to his fate because it’s expected of him. After Charlie figures out who and what Caspian is, he’s willing to accept whatever he can from him. At least he’ll have this moment to remember for the rest of his life. For some reason I can’t place Charlie’s personality. Usually, characters have distinct attributes that are easy to figure out, but not Charlie. He’s protective of Caspian and he loves reading like Caspian. I get the impression Charlie is like, ‘My life sucks, but I can’t do much about it, so I may as well grab some happiness while I can.’ I do like both characters though and can see them together as a couple. They haven’t known each other for long, but Caspian and Charlie developed close feelings for each other in a short time.

There are a couple things that I had trouble within this book, and it could just be me. I thought the beginning was a bit slow and for some reason I couldn’t orient myself on what was happening in the plot. I don’t think the story settled for me until Caspian walked into the store. The second thing I had difficulty with was that even though this is told in first person from Charlie’s pov, at times it felt like there was a pov shift and I was in Caspian’s head or no one’s pov at all. It would take me a little while to realize that something was off, and I’d have to stop and re-read what I’d read which ended up pulling me out of the story.

I can’t forget the ending! It’s not really a cliff-hanger even though it feels like it to an extent. The story is complete as a first book, but the ending is a huge mysterious lead-in to the next book. It’s optimistic, not a HEA or even an HFN, but a hint of something going to happen.

Now, I wrote up a list of questions I had about the plot. I’m really, really hoping the author plans on answering these questions in the future books because my mind desperately needs to know the details about each of these points. I’ll put the questions behind a spoiler for those who don’t want any clues.

1) How did the Regent know that Charlie was the specific person that would upset everything amongst the witches? Was it just a vague vision of ‘someone’ or he knew what Charlie looked like even though he didn’t know who he was?

2) How did the Regent know to arrange it, so at the party Charlie would get kidnapped? Because the Regent mentioned that Sebastian had failed that night to bring Charlie to him. That sounds as if Sebastian was given orders to go after Charlie, which means the Regent knew who Charlie was.

3) Did the Regent set it up so that the brother of Sebastian was killed so then Charlie would find the ticket and end up at the party where Sebastian would drug and kidnap Charlie to bring him to the Regent?

4) What does Charlie’s faded tattoo mean? Is it just a mark of his family’s surname? Or does it mean he’s a part of a secretive group?

5) Do Adam and Sebastian get together? Or Adam and Dax? Because Adam and Dax would be cool.

6) When Charlie was a captive of the Regent, why did the Regent say, “He woke up,” when the lights flickered? Did the Regent drug Caspian?

7) And finally, when we know Caspian shows up at the end again. Why didn’t Charlie hear him or turn around? How could Caspian walk that fast to the apartment before Charlie turned around? Can witches make themselves invisible?



So those are just a few of the questions I have about this story. As you can see, there are a tremendous amount of, what I call ‘holes.’ Sometimes authors purposefully leave ‘holes’ to be answered in the follow up books, which I really hope is the case because I enjoy fantasy stories much more when a world is complete, in-depth, and the questions are answered.

Overall, I really enjoyed the world the author created as well as the characters. Caspian and Charlie are distinct personalities and seem well suited to each other. I didn’t however, like what I considered for me personally, too many unanswered questions. I want to give this book, 4 stars because of that, but the world-building and characters are great and deserves more than four stars. I’ll give Club 669, 5 Stars, and keep my fingers crossed that the author delves more into the world-building and provides answers to so many unanswered questions.



I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Big Flames and Small is the fourth book in the ‘Short North’ series. It stars Oliver Stoll a writer, and David Elliston, the older brother of his best friend. The story is told in third person from both Oliver and David’s povs.



This is a very quick read. It has a bit of tension, but I would call it fluffy. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. This book can be read as a stand-alone.

Sometimes it’s hard to review a short story because it’s…short. I don’t want to give anything away, so this won’t be a long review. Oliver and David were distinct characters, although I thought David was a bit selfish especially after Oliver didn’t return his texts/calls. I would’ve thought he would have tried to get his sister, Mia, to tell him what was going on, especially if he cared for Oliver that much. Or he would have returned to see Oliver, but he didn’t. Oliver I can understand why he thought what happened, happened, so he moved on. Did David move on? Especially since it sounded like he was still missing Oliver. It sounds like he did, but no mention was made of any relationships. I did think they got back together too fast, but what do I know. Maybe guys like to jump each other quickly once they meet again.

The story was easy to read, but it used a technique that I’m not a fan of, and this is purely personal taste. I don’t like far distant flashbacks in books. Thankfully, the author kept the flashbacks short. In a way, I can see they were necessary to show why Oliver/David reacted the way he did. The author had the flashbacks go back furthest in time and then gradually catch up to present time. There were a couple instances where in present time the pov would be say in Oliver’s pov, but then it would be followed by a memory from David’s pov. That confused me and pulled me out of the story. I don’t think they should have switched povs during those sequences.

Overall, this was a pleasant read. I’d call it relaxing because I wasn’t really stressed except, I got ruffled because I thought Oliver should have made David wait and suffer more, lol. And he certainly should have confronted the person who told the lie. But again, that’s personal preference. Big Flames and Small is a cute story. If you’re looking for something relaxing and quick to read, this could be the book for you. I give it, 4 Stars.



I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Whiskey Den is the second book in the ‘House of Witches’. This story follows Sebastian, a witch from the first book, and Adam, a counter clerk and BFF of Charlie, who was in book one. This is told is first person from both Sebastian and Adam’s pov.



I’ll start with the cover. The cover model has to be Sebastian although he appears younger looking than I thought he was. But he is a cutie with his bleached blond hair.

I don’t consider this book a stand-alone. There’s not enough mention or explanation carried over from the first book into this one to orient readers in what’s happening. So, I would definitely recommend that Book One be read first.

The blurb does a good job of explaining the general plot, although it’s a lot more complicated than what it says. Sebastian is in a difficult position. He’s trying to find out who killed his brother and he wants to rejoin the witch’s coven. In the meantime, he ends up encountering Adam again while hunting down information, and his confused feelings for Adam are flamed higher. Adam hasn’t stopped thinking about Sebastian either, but he has other problems to work on. He’s coming to the age where he’ll lose his job as a counter boy. Charlie has asked him to move to the Monastery with him and Caspian, but Adam isn’t the type to be confined. But he also doesn’t want to join one of Mr. Aki’s brothels.

The author did a great job of recreating the atmosphere of the dystopian world from book one and I slipped right back into it. She doesn’t use heavy-handed description, but somehow there’s enough reminders here and there that the world she created shows a world that is gritty and difficult for humans on the outside of the ruling houses.

The characters are another place the author did really well. There’s character growth and reveals. In the first book Sebastian doesn’t seem like a very nice guy. But in this story more and more is revealed about him and readers realize he may use unacceptable methods, but he does what he believes is the right thing to do. He does have deep loyalty to family, even his crappy brother. Sebastian is unconventional and I can see why Adam is attracted to him. Adam is more independent than Charlie and sets out to find himself a side job before he loses his job as a counter boy. The place he works at is called, ‘The Whiskey Den’, a club/bar run by wolves. Adam can’t stay away from Sebastian, and Sebastian has a great desire to protect Adam. It’s a very slow dance as the two grow closer together. Sebastian is hesitant of growing close to Adam because he knows if he is re-admitted into the Witch’s coven, he’ll have to leave Adam behind. This is another melancholy conflict hanging over both their heads. I don’t think Adam grew that much in the story. He mostly had to adapt to changing circumstances. It was Sebastian who changed to let someone, particularly a human, into his life. The hesitation and attraction between the two was so well done, I could believe in them as a couple.

Now here comes the questions! I have many that I’ll put behind a cut again, but only mention a few:

1) One situation confused me a lot. We find out later in the story that Caspian and Charlie are going to be bonded. I was surprised because at the end of the last book, Caspian only showed up at Charlie’s house. There was no indication they were going to be bonded and then there was no short story or ‘half-book’ in between books one and two that answered the questions of how they got to that stage. I ended up feeling lost. It might not have affected other readers the same way so it’s likely more a ‘it’s me, not you,’ sort of thing. I’m guessing the author has a clever plan for explaining what’s happening if/when she continues the series.

2) When Adam’s friend Delilah gives him some important information about how Sebastian's brother was killed, the series could conclude there since the main issue of Sebastian’s brother’s death is solved. But she also says something like, ‘it’s best if you don’t stick your nose in.’ Which to me, hints that there’s other stuff going on.

3) How did the owner of ‘The Witch’s Den’ not recognize that Sebastian looked like his brother? There is mention of a size difference, but later Adam mentions something about eyes that I won’t mention because it’s a spoiler. Were Sebastian and his brother completely different looking?

4) Now this is a spoiler so I can’t explain all of it, but how was Sebastian allowed to see and visit with ‘H’ when the owner of the Witch’s Den didn’t like Sebastian after what Sebastian did to him? Did Caspian intervene?

5) Why did the killer, kill the brother? Readers find out who, but not ‘why’? I want to know why. Did it have to do with Money? Power? Or something more basic?

6) I want to know what happens to young Ezra who works as one of the new counter boys and who has a crush on Dax.

7) I want to know more about Dax!

8) And I want to know what is going on with the bonding between Charlie and Caspian.



I really enjoyed The Whiskey Den and couldn’t put it down. The author did a terrific job with the atmosphere and interesting characters. It answers many of the questions from the first book, but adds in more questions and is not a stand-alone. For me, I prefer fewer unanswered questions, but maybe it won’t bother other readers. I give this book 4 Stars, and that’s mostly because of the disorientation I felt with the time line because of Charlie and Caspian suddenly set to be bonded but there was no indication of it at the end of the first book.



I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

How to Cheat at Dirty Santa stars Jonah Newfeld and his co-worker, Nathan Sharp. The story is told in first person through Jonah’s pov.



This is a short, cute, funny, fluffy read that has a strong HFN. Jonah and Nathan work at an insurance company and Jonah is totally smitten with Nathan. Jonah desperately wants to date Nathan but first he needs to find a way for Nathan to really notice him. Sadly, Jonah is too nervous to ask Nathan on a date so he concocts a crazy scheme with the help of his friends, which evolves into the whole office helping Nathan acquire Jonah’s gift in the Dirty Santa gift exchange. Jonah’s wacky scheme or rather his BFF’s idea, was crazy and is what moves the story along.

Jonah is a nerd, but a loveable nerd who is rather clueless. He is totally smitten with Nathan. Since the story is from Jonah’s pov, we only get to see how he thinks and feels and he is pretty funny, but at the same time a sweet guy. We don’t know about Nathan much except through Jonah’s eyes, but Nathan is kind, friendly, and if Jonah was paying attention, he’d realize that Nathan kind of hung around Jonah and seemingly ‘accidently’ would bump into him on occasion. But Jonah gets tongue-tied every time he’s around Nathan, so he’s oblivious to Nathan’s behavior towards him. Of course, it’s also obvious that Nathan’s afraid to ask Jonah out. The author did a good job of creating unique personalities for Jonah and all the side characters. And at the end I could believe in Jonah and Nathan as a couple.

I enjoyed this whole story, but I think what sealed it for me was the last line of the book spoken by Nathan. It took me completely by surprise and I cracked up laughing. Even now, I still think about it and think it was the absolute perfect ending. Not all authors can pull off the perfect conclusion to a story, but this author did.

How to Cheat at Dirty Santa is a funny, sweet, fluffy, Christmas read. I recommend it to everyone. This book deserves a solid, 5 Stars.



I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

25/12/2018 FREE at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H13P1T1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3

A sweet shortish story where we get a guy who is down on his luck and struggling and a wealthy guy who wants to help. I liked the set up for them getting together. Daniel needed a break in his life and just kept getting kicked down. When he comes across Max, it could've gone in a bad direction, but Max had such a big heart and wanted to help Daniel. I loved how they got closer but never really crossed the line of relationship until they were in a healthier place to do so. That made the HEA much more believable and enjoyable. The twist at the end was interesting but not 100% surprising and luckily quick so there wasn't too much angst or drama. Enjoyable read.

I read recently that most M/M "romance" books are written by women for women. I'm not sure why that's the case, especially since, in my experience, most M/M "romance" books are actually closer to soft core (or even hard core?) porn. This is not one of those books. The closest the characters get to showing any skin is at a pool party where they are NOT skinny dipping. There are no throbbing members, or scenes where clothing gets torn off panting bodies. What this novella is, rather, is a sweet story about two damaged men who find each other in the darkroom. The story took me just over an hour to read, but that was a very enjoyable hour and for anyone interested in watching two men come together without the sex play, I can recommend Amy Spector's book. Note: Fall is Elijah's last name. I leave it to you to decide if there is a play on that name.

A Cinderella/Pretty Woman premise that is spun way too sweet for my taste. Much too jolly and benevolent billionaire paired with do good, down on his luck alcoholic, (almost?) prostitute.

I am not having much luck with the Love is an Open Road readings this year.

Swimming in the 3.5-4 stars pool -- The billionaire prompt?



I was so hard pressed against this prompt, it should’ve popped wood. Major wood.

One of my favorite things in romances (it might look like I like a lot of things but trust me, I don’t) are billionaires.

Yeah, I’m that girl.

I don’t care about the probability of anyone actually finding an attractive, single and eligible rich bachelor who is hung like Triton and can fuck like a god in bed.

I don’t care.

Give them a personality and I’m sold…for the most part.

My favorite fictional billionaire is Mr. Gideon Cross. And guess who he was based on? Mr. David Gandy.

Don’t know who he is? Here let me help you.



And this prompt pic was one of Mr. Gandy’s as well, wouldn’t you know?


(Not the prompt pic but I just thought I’d give another angle of his face)

Right, so I might have quelted once or twice when this prompt popped up.



Now in my head, I imagined this story going a certain way because billionaire and Gandy equals hot fucking and sultry orders was on the menu, right?

But “Almost But Not Quite” wasn’t like the popular billionaire clichés. In fact, the author humanized Maximilian, the billionaire main character.

He was relatable and sweet and such a soft heart. Don’t get me wrong, when the bedroom action happens (and it does happen), he had a couple of hot lines. There was a growly moment that I particularly enjoyed. (of course)

This was cinderfella-esque so in terms of relationship building between, the main characters, I knew to suspend reality for a bit because who would bring a drunk homeless person who offered to fuck them for cash to their house? Their actual living space and close their eyes and go to sleep...with the hot for cash hobo in their house? With all their valuables just laying about looking all pricy?

The main thing was for me to buy Daniel the part-time rent-boy/fired hairdresser/full-time drunk/ex-drug addict and Max, the Gandy-twin billionaire's relationship and then sexual tension. You can pull that off I don't care if their plan trips to moon to search for polar bears, make me believe.

And overall, their relationship was good. There were parts where I questioned their motives but they were meant for each other. So it's all good.



I had niggles though, minor ones.

One being, it was short for pulling off the HEA. Add another 50 pages or so to show Daniel's progression of detox and his substance abuse struggles, let him stand on his two feet. Let Max slowly start to trust Daniel and let him into his world, I would have thrown all the stars at this thing. I had to reread certain parts to make sure they were actually ready for the ILY moment because I kinda thought it was premature. (A little bit)

Max gave in too quickly before realizing how he felt. In fact, the beginning Max was slightly arrogant, sort of standoffish business man then he turned to mush toward the middle and stayed like that. He was very trusting, very quickly and if he had got burned by the stepbrother (my biggest niggle - I'll get to that) would he really be as open and trusting as he was with Daniel.

Daniel, I preferred slightly more than Max just because I sort of got to know him more. I think he was a good kid who came from a bad situation. I would have liked a little more clarification on his background, then again maybe some more exploration of Max's and his stepbrother as well. What we get is good and can carry the story. I might just be nitpicky and know nothing of what I speak of. ;P

Sometimes there were minor scenes that I didn't think added to the overall story.

Oh and my biggest niggle, the stepbrother plot twist.

Okay, this story was a solid 4 stars until the last chapter. It was sweet and about redemption and being sober and cute and sweet kisses and finally getting to express yourself in the bedroom kinda hot but...the twist felt like it came out of nowhere.

And then I'm thinking to myself as I'm reading: (it's a little spoiler-ish)
So the billionaire lives on a street with other houses and no security?
Like wouldn't Max be prime pickings for any thief with a weapon? He's doing publicity, everyone except for Daniel pretty much knew the man was a billionaire.
And this stepbrother just happens to pop up after all these years and never gave Max a hint of anything?
And the stepbrother didn't try to attack or take his "man" when Max was alone for those six weeks?
Plus, the way Max sorta explained what happened in the past...what exactly happened?

If only the last chapter didn't happen. But it did.

But I can respect the author for trying to shake it up. I enjoyed the ideas brought to the story. The execution showed promise, it got a little shaky a few times but I was entertained. (I'll be reading more Amy Spector, for sure)

And most importantly, the author proved not all billionaires need to be anti-social fuck machines who can make body parts leak at just a glance.



So major thanks to the author and the team behind the story.
And David Gandy.



P.S. Great cover.
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