This is my Standalone Stories page, and here I will accumulate information on all of my published standalone stories. I'll give the order info, the blurbs, and best reviews. Enjoy!

 

This book, Falling for Rain, released on Oct 26, 2012. This is a contemporary M/M romance. This story is available in e-book and paperback formats from Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here’s the blurb:

"Matt Wetherton is just an average-looking tax attorney until he breaks up a gay bashing and unwittingly becomes a hero. He isn’t looking for a date, but when he meets the man he rescued, he finds himself longing for one anyway. Rain Deveraux is a beautiful, effeminate lounge singer—and utterly unwilling to be Matt’s damsel in distress, even if he does wear women’s clothing for his performances. When common courtesy prompts Rain to pay Matt a thank-you call, it’s the beginning of the romance of their lives.

Before long, Matt and Rain fall for each other hard and fast, but both men are stubborn: Rain clings to his right to express himself even though Matt worries for his safety. Despite their occasional clashes, the passion between them is undeniable.

When an accident compromises Rain’s independence as well as his singing voice, it tests the strength of their newfound relationship. It is up to Matt to help Rain find his music again before depression sullies the brightness in Rain’s soul."

The Cover of Falling for Rain is a Winner in the 2013 Rainbow Awards: Third: Best LGBT Cover – Illustration.

 

I know as an author I'm supposed to love all my heroes the same. But, alas, Rain is my utmost favorite. I can't help it. I adore Rain. When you read the story, maybe you will too.

Both of these two men, Rain and Matt, like things done their way, but the reasons behind these rigid points of view are vastly different. For Matt, it's a force of habit and the comfort of routine. For Rain, it's proof positive of his strength of will in the face of adversity. When neither is willing to budge on their stance, clashes are inevitable.

Compassion and love, however, are powerful forces for change. Enjoy!

 

5 Star Review by Confessions From Romaholics:

"Delightfully fun, witty, and engaging. A daringly sweet romantic story about a man stuck in the humdrum day to day life cycle and a bright if not overly dramatic southern belle – of the male sort – meeting by chance and having a whirlwind adventure of lust and love. -- I give this 5 couples. I adored Rain and his diva self, and with Matt they became such a sweet, cute, playful and definitely humorous couple – they complemented each other well. Definitely Recommended!"

 

5 Star Review by Top 2 Bottom Reviews:

"I loved this book! Susan Laine is one of my favorite authors. I know when I’m in the mood for a well-written story with amazing heroes; I’ll reach for Ms. Laine’s books time and time again. She never disappoints me and not only are her books I’ll read over and over again, I’m always on the lookout for her newest release. -- Both men are very well-written, likeable heroes. They both bring something very special to the book and I loved watching them fall in love. The love between them was strong and beautiful and I was quickly captivated by both characters and the story they told. Between the fast-paced storyline and the romantic feel to the book, Falling for Rain is one of my favorite books written by Ms. Laine and it definitely has earned a spot of my keeper shelf. I loved these two men and hope to read more about them in the future. Highly Recommended!"

 

4 Star Review by The Romance Reviews:

"And once again Susan Laine works her magic with men falling in love... -- FALLING FOR RAIN was a beautifully written story, tender, amusing, telling the account of two very different men and their struggle to make a relationship for themselves despite the prejudices and challenges faced by family, outsiders and people in general. -- There is conflict, heartbreak and most of all, real love is this truly romantic and sexy tale of a tax attorney clad in shades of gray and a lounge singer whose brilliance would outshine even the most vivid flower. A definitely recommended read and one I think any true romantic will enjoy."

 

This book, The Season of Snow and Snogging, released on Dec 10, 2012. This is a contemporary M/M romance. This story is available in e-book formats from Siren Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here’s the blurb:

"Niki Immonen and his American boyfriend Charlie Hale are all set for a Finnish-style family Christmas at Niki’s family’s country cottage, hoping to stay for a week.

Only…the place is way out in the wilderness, miles from any semblance of civilization, with no electricity and no running water, let alone hot water, and loads of relatives are constantly close by.

What can two lovers do for privacy and intimacy out in the boondocks? Will they choose the guest bedroom, or the sauna, or the snowy woods? And what will Santa bring these boys for Christmas?

After all, they have not been naughty, but very nice—to their family, and especially to each other.

Presents or no, the best gift for Christmas is always love."

4 Star Review by Love Books! Book Reviews:

"Anyway, this story was a cute holiday novella. In addition to being about a couple whose relationship has lasted more than 5 years, it is also about home and family. Ms. Laine did a fabulous job of painting a loving family unit who accepts everyone for who they are. It was a heartwarming tale that really got me in the mood for my own family time this season.  We also got an interesting glimpse into some of the Finnish customs for the holidays. -- There were also some hot sex scenes and fun in a sauna. This book would be good to read any time of the year for its themes of love and family values. I give it 4 stars."

 

This book, Haunted Heart, released on Apr 16, 2014. This is a contemporary M/M romance. This story is available in e-book formats from Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here’s the blurb:

"Duncan Kerr is the art director of Enamored Press, an erotic romance publisher based in Seattle. An open submissions call for new artists yields an imaginative book cover with rich details and bold colors that catches his interest. After a few more samples of work and some e-mails, Duncan is determined to hire the talented young artist on a permanent basis.

But Ruben Winterbottom isn’t an average freelance artist. His agoraphobia leaves him terrified to set foot outside his secluded house in the woods by the Olympic National Park. Living alone, fear is Ruben’s sole companion.

When the two men meet, Ruben has a panic attack and hides away. Although confused, Duncan sees past Ruben’s anxiety to his artistic gifts and beautiful soul. So he sets out to coax the young man out of his shy shell.

Falling in love with a broken boy, however, might be the first draft of heartbreak."

5 Star Review by Top 2 Bottom Reviews:

"The words sweet and endearing sum up the story for Haunted Heart by Susan Laine. It has a wonderful storyline with fantastic characters and it’s very easy to lose yourself within the story of this book. -- I really liked this book! It was a truly wonderful story. Highly Recommended!"

 

4.5 Star Review by Sensual Reads:

"Haunted Heart by Susan Laine takes us on a journey of discovery and recovery.  Haunted Heart gives us an unconventional love story that stands out for its unique ability to bring two people together in a way that one never really sees in the typical romance.  One man is an art director for a romance publisher and one is an artist with agoraphobia.  When these two men meet it may start out rough but the end results is utterly inspiring.  Sometimes we find what we need in the most unlikely of places and it is the journey of the heart that gives us the grandest adventures. -- Susan Laine is an amazing author.  Every single book is written with passion and heart.  The characters are always sympathetic and amazingly well-developed.  Haunted Heart is no exception.  This is another must read, must own book by an author who seems to understand the healing power of love and forgiveness.  I definitely believe that Ms. Laine is an automatic read, every book leaves me wanting to read more."

 

4 Star Review by 3 Chicks After Dark:

"Reuben is very broken but with some love and patience from Duncan he can start the very long road to possible recovery. One things for sure, Duncan is fine loving the person Reuben is without changes and that’s really all Reuben could ever hope for."

 

This book, Compromising Situations, released on Oct 25, 2014. This contemporary M/M romance with BDSM is readily available in e-book formats by Siren Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here’s the blurb:

"Jared Owens works for a company researching emergent technologies, namely greentech. His boss, Grant Kendrick, seems to have it in for Jared, always on his case, cracking the whip. Jared wants to quit—or fuck Grant to show him who’s boss.

One night, Jared and Grant are leaving the office at the same time when a blackout causes their elevator to stop dead. Trapped in a small space with his office nemesis? Jared believes he’s lady unluck’s favorite punching bag. But during the blackout, Jared learns Grant is more than a tyrannical boss. He’s a Dom who has set his sights on Jared as his sub.

Clashes of power are inevitable when neither man is willing to give in, even though both want the other like crazy. Can these two strong-willed men find a compromise? Or will they find themselves in a compromising situation?

[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Consensual BDSM Romance, M/M, flogging, sex toys, HEA]"

 

This book, The Sensualist & the Untouched, released on Dec 19, 2014. This contemporary M/M erotic romance is readily available in ebook formats and paperback by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here’s the blurb:

"Being over thirty is not an issue for Corey Paige. Being frigid and a virgin, however, is a huge problem for the only son of a newspaper magnate. No matter the risk, Corey’s intent on resolving both problems in one go.

Enter Lucian Allard, a wealthy hedonist with a notorious reputation at the club Boudoir—and an unconventional sexual mentoring program for those who suffer from dysfunctions. As the two men begin a sensual journey to awaken Corey’s libido, Corey’s frigid body isn't all that begins to melt. His untouched feelings also spark to life.

Though a family emergency puts a halt to awakening Corey’s senses and desires, Corey and Lucian grow closer as friends. Then an unexpected kiss from Lucian in Corey’s most desperate hour changes everything. Now Corey must decide if the program is still an aid or an obstacle to two lonely men trying to maintain a professional detachment but falling hopelessly in love."

5 Star Review by Sinfully Sexy Books:

"-- What I loved about the love/sex scenes were the flashes of humor that were sprinkled throughout. It wasn't all perfect and wonderful - it was real and wonderful and Susan Laine has managed to express that subtle difference beautifully. -- I learned quite a few new facts, historical and sexual, thanks to Lucian's lectures but what I take away from this book most of all was the gift of love. It is a gift and it should be cherished. This book is now in my favorites pile, and I strongly recommend you put it in yours."

 

5 Star Review by Inked Rainbow Reads:

"-- By the time the book was over I was sad because I fell in love with Corey and Lucian and loved how they were together and didn’t want it to end. This is one book that I wish there were pictures, some of the scenes I would have loved to have seen in real life."

 

4 Star Review by The Novel Approach:

"-- Susan Laine is a talented author. The level of detail is astounding and clearly researched. It makes me wonder if she knew all of these things beforehand, or if it was researched just for the book. If the latter, then this was an unbelievable undertaking. I highly recommend this book. If you’re not a fan of character driven novels with a slower plot, give this one a chance. It might just win you over with the beautiful details and overall… sensuality."

 

4 Star Review by The Kimi-chan Experience:

"This is my first Susan Laine book and it won’t be my last. She is an excellent writer who spends pages developing her characters so that we really know each of them intimately. She has a writer’s eye for detail and a nice touch with phrasing."

 

4 Star Review by The Romance Reviews:

"Author Susan Laine creates an interesting story in THE SENSUALIST & THE UNTOUCHED. While there's plenty of steamy action accompanying the storyline, the focal point centers around the emotional rather than physical dynamic. -- While many of the gay romances I've read have tended to be rather superficial in nature, Susan Laine demonstrates an unusual level of depth with the story as her characters explore their sexuality."

 

This book, Sauna Lover, released on Jan 16, 2015. This contemporary M/M romance novella is readily available in e-book formats by Dreamspinner PressAmazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here's the blurb:

"When Shawn Wells learns a planned development project threatens the quaint gay neighborhood of Trickstown, he jumps into action. This is his home turf. Plus, his favorite hangout, bathhouse Hot Haven, is the heart of the community--along with its owner, Toby Macintyre, who has been a sort-of friend to Shawn for years.

Surprisingly, Toby seems opposed to Shawn’s community-wide campaign to save the uniqueness and unity of the area. Even so, an unexpected attraction sparks between them, further fanning the flames of change.

Shawn has to fight for the future of his community, his beloved bathhouse, and for Toby. The sauna lover quickly finds himself in some real hot water."

 

This novella, Sweet & Sour Soap, released on Dec 5, 2015. This is a contemporary M/M romance and is readily available in e-book formats from Siren Publishing, and Amazon.

Here's the blurb:

"Andrew “Mac” McGuire and Dylan Keane are heartthrobs in a soap opera called The Lighthouse. They are best buddies on and off the set. To boost ratings, the producers decide to change the two young men’s roles on the show from bad boy and cute geek close friends… to lovers.

As Mac and Dylan start rehearsing the gay intimacies for their new storylines, their fictitious roles and real lives get tangled up. One erotic experiment paves the way for the next. Soon neither is no longer able to tell who is falling in love—their characters or their true selves."

4 Star Review by Sinfully Gay Book Reviews:

"-- When reading this, you won’t need to stoke the fire on these cold winter evenings. I read every word, and didn’t skim any part – a sure sign it is well written and engaging. Many a time I’ve watched TV and hoped some of the stars had the same chemistry off set as on. This story gives that fantasy life."

 

4 Star Review by Hearts On Fire:

"-- Nor are the heartthrobs who populate those story lines. It is just cherry on the cake that in this one, I get a bad boy and a cutie getting together. -- I adored the first awesomely terrible kiss, because it seemed so real. And even more real when the practice, i.e., sex, begins to take a toll on their friendship. -- I thoroughly enjoyed Mac and Dylan trying to figure out what was what."

 

4 Star Review by Rainbow Book Reviews:

"-- For that reason, ‘Sweet and Sour Soap’ with its additional gay twist had me curious. It’s not the first book about actors who have to play gay characters only to find the romance leaking into their real world relationship, but it is one of the most fun ones I have read. What I particularly liked was the interjection of scenes from the soap that mirrored the drama in the actors’ real lives. -- If you like soap operas and the stories that follow the same rules, if two men struggling with their feelings for each other suddenly changing sound interesting, and if you’re looking for a read full of angst, drama, unlikely coincidences, plot twists, a storybook-like happy ending, and some very entertaining and sometimes hot love scenes, then you will probably like this novella."

 

This novella, Flushed, released on Jan 13, 2016. This is a contemporary M/M romance and a basic feel-good story, and it's readily available in e-book formats by Dreamspinner PressAmazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Here's the blurb:

"To prove to his annoying older brother that he’s a man, well-to-do sculptor Rupert Pemberton tries to repair his broken toilet. But he has no tools and no know-how. After a flood of biblical proportions, he has no choice but to call for help.

A gorgeous hunk of a plumber named Paul Cooper shows up at Rupert’s doorstep with a ready toolbox and a sexy smile. With Paul at his side, Rupert realizes he wants more than a quick fix. After a couple of cozy dates and a few bouts of steamy sex, Rupert wonders how he can keep Paul around for good."

5 Star Review by Redz World Reviews:

"Flushed by Susan Laine is a nice quick fast paced read that is steamy hot. I stories like this great ones to just sit back and get lost in after a long day. -- I found this story to be super sweet and a whole lot spicy! Loved it and want more! I will be looking for more from this author in the future."

 

4.5 Star Review by Open Skye Book Reviews:

"This is a very sweet, low to no angst short story -- For a quick, hot, and sweet read – I highly recommend this short story."

 

This novella, Boston Bauble Party, released on June 28, 2016, and it’s readily available in e-book formats by Siren PublishingAmazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. This is a contemporary M/M/M erotic romance with light BDSM.

Here's the blurb:

"Liam feels sorely inadequate below the belt. To cheer him up, his roommate and best friend Troy scores for them a special invite to an exclusive and hush-hush Bauble Party held in a classy mansion in one of Boston’s upscale districts.

When Liam discovers what the fancy soirée is actually about, he gets nervous and insecure, and wants to leave. Troy convinces him to stay by introducing him to Burton, a wealthy, self-made, clean-tech tycoon—who is also an experienced Dom befitting Liam’s submissive tendencies. It seems Liam and Burton are a match made in kink heaven.

But where does that leave Troy with his secret and unrequited love for Liam?

Perhaps an unusual party is exactly what these three men with big hearts need in order to learn that size isn’t everything and that they are better off with each other than without.

[Siren Ménage and More ManLove: Erotic Alternative Ménage a Trois Romance]"

4 Star Review by Divine Magazine:

"Oh I really REALLY enjoyed this! Super hot and heavy, but equally quite emotional in places. Taking place over a single evening, we hear from all three men, and what they really want, and with whom. Liam, and his feelings of inadequacies; Troy, and how much he loves Liam but can't let him know; and Burton, who never thought he could love another, let alone TWO others. -- Its really hot and steamy, and packs in quite a lot for such a short book."

 

4 Star Review by Rainbow Book Reviews:

"This book is written by Susan Laine, an author whose sometimes deliciously naughty stories I like reading. The way she uses “bauble” it means “ball” as well – except she’s talking about the kind of balls gay men appreciate. More specifically, two of the men in her stories are positively fixated on male balls, if in very different ways. -- If you like stories that are entertaining with a touch of drama, if three men getting it on in a seriously hot sequence of events are your thing, and if you’re looking for a fun read with lots of heat and the beginnings of a three-way romance, then you will probably like this novella."

 

This novel, Skyships Over Innsmouth, released on August 2, 2016, by DSP Publications. It's readily available in e-book and paperback formats from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. This is a futuristic steampunk and Lovecraftian horror M/M  sweet romance.

Here's the blurb:

"Twenty winters have passed since the Cataclysm robbed people of their memories. Humanity, vastly reduced in numbers since the initial chaos, has started anew in Canal City with the aid of library books and steam technology. The Scout and Ranger Core was established to search for survivors and to replenish dwindling resources.

Dev is the captain of the scout airship Smoke Sparrow and Shay is the scholar of their newest expedition. Their destination: An unknown town that shows on no maps but is hoped to contain answers. This small fishing town is called Innsmouth, Massachusetts.

But the fog-covered, ruined hillside town by the bay holds within unspeakable dangers and horrors beyond imagining. The expedition team soon learns that Innsmouth is one town that should have been left forgotten."

Skyships Over Innsmouth got two Honorable Mentions in the 2016 Rainbow Awards as a semi-finalist.

 

4½ Star Review by MM Good Book Reviews:

"This is a brilliant post-cataclysmic horror story that bows its head to H.P. Lovecraft’s The Shadow Over Innsmouth, it’s beautifully written drawing us into the world where hate has been forgotten, where everyone is on equal footing and where love is love. -- The world building is amazing and at times you can feel the damp fog sneaking up on you, the characters are given life as the story unfolds and the horror that comes to light really does send shivers down your spine. I can’t help but hope that there will be a sequel because that epilogue really has my hopes up. I recommend this to those who love horror, post-apocalyptic stories, strong characters, a budding romance and an ending that leaves you intrigued."

 

4 Star Review by Joyfully Jay:

"Skyships Over Innsmouth has a little something for everybody: action, adventure, romance, fish people, and tentacles. And who doesn’t love a fish person? -- [The main characters] are far from one-dimensional and their romance is a series of sweet moments amongst the backdrop of a rather dark book. The author has certainly done a good job with world building and creating a unique blend of fantasy, science fiction and steampunk. -- Overall Skyships Over Innsmouth was an enjoyable read that blended together some of my favorite genres. I’m not a huge Lovecraft fan, but I certainly appreciated the way Laine wove aspects of those stories into her own and created something different and intriguing."

 

4 Stars by Romance Junkies:

"SKYSHIPS OVER INNSMOUTH is a mixture of old-school horror and post-apocalyptic fantasy with small elements of steampunk. I enjoyed the author’s approach to Shay and Dev’s relationship, leaning more towards sweet than erotic."

 

 

This novella, Defrosting Jack, released on Dec 7, 2016, and is readily available in e-book formats by Siren Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. This is a fantasy and paranormal M/M romance, perfect for the holidays.

Here's the blurb:

"Jack Frost has a problem. He’s the mythical power behind the elements of ice, snow, and frost, but his fame is being usurped by a fictional Frozen queen. So Jack’s the grumpiest man in Yuleland and is in need of a naughty distraction.

Rudolph Hreinn has a problem, as well. Rudy’s in high demand on Christmas, but the rest of the year he’s scorned by everyone for being different. So Rudy’s the saddest man in Yuleland and desperate for a nice diversion.

When the winter sprite and the reindeer shifter meet, after a rocky start, a friendship of like minds is born. Attraction soon follows. But then strange things start to happen. Odd omens warn them of dire consequences for Yuleland and for the winter holidays should they fall for each other.

Can love unite two lonely men and save Christmas? It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for some frosty reindeer games."

5 Star Review by The Romance Reviews:

"I wanted to read something different, so I chose this winter tale m/m story because it sounded fun. This story of Jack Frost and Rudy Hreinn is as I thought it would be--different, fun and very sexy. I loved it and I would recommend it for anyone who wants something just a little different."

 

4 Stars by Rainbow Book Reviews:

"--The way Susan Laine tells the story is also entertaining, made me laugh more than once, and leads to a lot of fun and naughtiness. -- It’s an adventure with more than one scary moment, sacrifices are demanded and made, and in the end, it comes down to a test of the feelings that have developed between Jack and Rudy -- If you like stories about the mythological creatures of the winter holiday, if you think that two men with antisocial tendencies would make a great couple, and if you’re looking for a read full of emotion, adventure, unknown danger, suspense, and lots of hot loving, then you will probably like this novella. I think it’s a great take on well-known characters with a few creative twists that make for a great new story."

 

4 Stars by Love Bytes Reviews:

"I loved this holiday short. I know we are past Christmas now but sometimes you just need a good little holiday book to get you through the day and this was one for me. -- The sex scenes in this book were what stood out to me the most. This was one sexy, sexy book. Rudy being part fire giant was hot blooded and Jack being part ice giant was cold blooded and when they got together they melted the furniture! Literally! -- This is one book I definitely recommend. Even though it is a holiday book, it’s still one you want to curl up with at any time. I can’t wait to see what happen with these two next because their relationship becomes so amazing."

 

4 Stars by Diverse Reader:

"Susan Laine has written a very sexy tale between opposites that has adventure, hotness, epic love, and great sacrifice! -- We do meet some colorful characters in this book and are taken on a wonderful adventure to save the world. It’s an enjoyable read and one that will thrust you into exciting magic, and amazing love."

 

This novella, Tradeoff, released on May 18, 2017, by Siren Publishing. This is a contemporary new adult M/M erotic romance with a friends-to-lovers theme, and it’s readily available in e-book formats by Siren BookStrand, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here's the blurb:

"Milo Blake and his best friend, Jasper Reed, are college freshmen. Their shared passion is cars. Milo will build them, Jasper will drive them. That’s been their post-college plan since they were kids.

Until the day Milo gives Jasper a chance to test drive a new sports car—and Jasper, in a daze, smacks a grateful kiss on Milo’s lips. That single, spontaneous act changes everything. At least it does for Milo. Now, he sees his best friend in a different light.

So, he devises a new plan. He offers Jasper a mutually beneficial tradeoff: the perfect car for Jasper, the full gay experience for Milo. Essential car parts in exchange for a wide range of sensual acts—and zero emotional complications. When Jasper surprises them both and agrees to the audacious proposition, he and Milo are in for the ride of their lives.

[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Romance, M/M, HEA]"

4 Star Review by The Rainbow Book Reviews:

"The proposition that starts the story -- Ridiculous, right? Of course, with something this unlikely I just had to read this book to see how Susan Laine was going to pull this one off. And I have to say I was not disappointed! -- If you’re looking for a light, entertaining, outrageously funny read that features intricate negotiations, fast cars, and scorching men, then I’m pretty sure you will not be disappointed by this book. Just remember – it’s all good fun!"

 

This novel, An Island in the Stars, released on June 12, 2017, by Dreamspinner Press. This is a new adult science fiction M/M erotic romance, and it’s readily available in e-book and paperback formats by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here's the blurb:

"Sam, a geeky college freshman, has bigger problems than lusting after Marcus, sexy jock, college junior, and his big brother’s best friend. Chasing after a beanie caught in the winter wind turns into a tumble down the rabbit hole for them both—science fiction style.

Sam and Marcus find themselves trapped on a tropical island in the middle of a strange ocean on an alien moon. The sole structure is a ruined temple devoted to the art of love. Flustered, confused, and unable to return home, they need to figure out a means of escape from a hostile jungle teeming with dangerous life-forms.

In this tale where opposites attract and secret crushes are revealed, two very dissimilar young men discover they actually have a lot in common after all, but it will take their differences as much as their points of connection to survive on an island in the stars."

The Cover of An Island in the Stars is a Winner in the 2017 Rainbow Awards: Third: Best Cover.

An Island in the Stars got an Honorable Mention in the 2017 Rainbow Awards as a semi-finalist.

 

4 Stars by Rainbow Book Reviews:

"What happens next turned out to be an exciting adventure, an exploration of an imaginative alien world, and a “getting to know each other in unusual circumstances” that I found entertaining as well as touching. -- Their journey is interesting in every way. The explorations of the moon and its flora and fauna, their slow realization of how they may be able to get back, and the adventure of testing their survival skills was well written and often quite amusing. -- With an ending that fits the rest of the book – a mixture of the fantastical and adventurous – this novel certainly makes for fun reading."

 

4 Stars by Christina's Bookshelf in a YouTube video review:

"I was in awe of Susan's ability to create some a magnificent other world. Then watching how Sam and Marcus navigated the foreign territory was an adventure. Sometimes stressful, mostly strategic, and simultaneously their banter was hilarious."

 

This novella, Summer Ride, is a contemporary M/M erotic romance, and it’s available in e-book formats by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here’s the blurb:

"High school best friends Toby Billings and Jim Maverick went their separate ways after graduation. Five years later, they meet by chance. Toby needs a ride, and Jim offers to give him one.

During a journey across several states, with stops at roadside diners, state parks, and cheap motels, small talk turns to serious discussions of lives that didn’t turn out the way either of them dreamed. Their choices are catching up to them, and neither is on an innocent summer vacation. Renewing their friendship will mean painful admissions and secrets coming to light. Yet they discover they have more in common now than they ever guessed, and going their separate ways at the trip’s end won’t be easy.

After aimlessly wandering the country, all roads lead back home. But first they must decide what home means."

4.5 Stars by OptimuMM Blog:

"Summer Ride was a cute little friends to lovers story that had me laughing out loud at times, but also needing a cold shower at others. It’s a story that definitely kept me entertained and stimulated throughout. -- I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and had a good pace and flow. The characters were very likeable, and I couldn’t help forming an attachment to them. -- This book is perfect for when you’re having a lazy day and want a good story."

 

4 Stars by Rainbow Book Reviews:

"This story is full of discoveries, a renewed friendship that turns out to be quite different from what they shared before, and wonderful scenes typical for a road trip. The tale is also filled with an underlying sense of hope that things might get better – despite a ton of secrets between Toby and Jim – and the combination gave me exactly what I was looking for after reading the blurb."

 

This novel, Gremlins Are Malfunctioning, originally released on August 22, 2018 by Less Than Three Press. This paranormal, contemporary M/M erotic romance with elements of urban fantasy and BDSM is now available as an e-book and paperback on Amazon, and will soon become available through other retailers and in other formats as well.

Here’s the blurb:

"A year ago, supernatural creatures swarmed the earth—and ensured that human technology could no longer function without them.

Eliot Tate works for the Civilian and Environmental Protection Agency, so he's on the receiving end of customer complaints about their gas gremlins. Despite his efforts, though, he can't figure out what's wrong.

He gets help in the form of Alek Saroyan, an agent with the Mythkin Energy Research Facility, but right from the start the two men despise each other. With antagonism, the gas gremlin problem, and rising questions about mythkin sentience hanging over their heads, Eliot and Alek are going to have find their own balance if they stand any chance of restoring the balance that's been lost."

New Cover Art by Reese Dante.

5 Stars by Coffee Time Romance:

"Whew, this story is Susan Laine at her very best!! I absolutely LOVED this book!! Ms. Laine’s stories have always been some of my favorites, and this particular book did not disappoint! This book is creative, imaginative world building at its very best. Throw in the budding antagonism/romance relationship between Alek and Eliot, and just watching that particular pot simmer was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat until the very last word on the very last page. If you love urban fantasy, if you love gay erotic romance, and if you love romantic suspense then you are going to love Gremlins are Malfunctioning by Susan Laine! I highly recommend you go out and get your copy today!"

 

4.5 Stars by Love Bytes Reviews:

"I’ve read a few books by Susan Laine before, but I can honestly say that this one wins as my favourite so far. -- I think the author did a great job with world building here, because this Earth is definitely not the one we’re use to. -- On top of that she wove a plot that I found extremely interesting and well thought out, with so many aspects coming together to culminate in the dramatic conclusion. -- Whether continuing with these characters or writing about someone new, I would love to keep reading more of these books by Ms. Laine."

 

This novel, Femme Faux Fatale, released on November 20, 2018. This is a contemporary mystery M/M erotic romance. It’s readily available in e-book and paperback formats by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here’s the blurb:

"Mystery. Murder. Men in silk stockings. Hollywood nights are heating up.

Hardboiled Los Angeles PI Cain Noble is hired by wealthy and gorgeous Camille Astor to find her husband and a priceless work of art, both of which have disappeared.

At the nightclub owned by Mr. Astor, Cain encounters the mesmerizing Lily Lavender, who has the body of a goddess and the sultry voice of an angel—but is really a young man named Riley who attracts trouble like a magnet.

What’s a private dick in the vein of LA’s bygone era and a cross-dressing burlesque starlet to do when faced with the hidden decadence and lethal dangers of the Hollywood Hills? They have their work cut out for them because they haven’t even scratched the surface of an elaborate scheme more twisted than anyone could ever have imagined."

5 Star Review by The TBR Pile:

Book Of The Month -- November 2018

"This story grabs you on page one and doesn’t let go for two hundred plus pages. A great five star read."

 

4.5 Stars by Optimumm Blog:

"I knew that I wanted to read this book when I read the blurb and it said men in silk stockings. I love a good cross-dressing book and add in all of the twists and turns of a murder mystery, and I was entertained from the start of the book to the end. And there were quite a few twists that I didn’t see coming. The book had a 1940’s feel to it. I kept picturing a Humphrey Bogart movie as I was reading this book. Fans of Noir films and old black and white PI movies will greatly enjoy this book. -- I recommend this book to anybody that likes to read murder mysteries with a PI and a cross-dressing burlesque dancer, if you do then this book is just what you are looking for."

 

4.5 Stars by Love Bytes Reviews:

"This book nails the film noir atmosphere, with both characters and settings conveying a sense of tarnished decadence. -- This story wasn’t what I expected, in fact, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The plot was full of unpredictable twists and turns as our main characters follow the clues -- I’ve read several books by this author now, from this contemporary mystery, to a fluffy (pun intended) sheep shifter novel, and her clever, appealing writing hasn’t failed to impress me yet."

 

4 Star Review by Rainbow Book Reviews:

"From the very beginning of this clever and suspenseful mystery, the author manages to paint a perfect picture of the environment, the characters, and the kind of “adventure” I entered when I opened the book. -- If you like mysteries with a touch of the 1940s, if you prefer plots that twist and turn until you’re not sure who is lying to whom and about what, and if you’re looking for a read that is as entertaining as it is suspenseful, then you will probably like this novel."

 

4 Star Review by Divine Magazine:

"I really rather enjoyed this! It's got instant and powerful attraction, it's got steam and passion, it's got a nutty woman, it's got so many levels of secrets! It's deadly too. -- I've read one other by Ms Laine, I'd like to read some more. She has a way of grabbing you and pulling you in."

 

This novel, How I Accidentally Slept With a Prince, released on May 26, 2020. This is a contemporary M/M romance novel, and it's readily available in e-book and paperback formats by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here's the blurb:

"While on vacation in the south of France, aspiring chef Oliver Reed unwittingly thwarts an assassination attempt on the mysterious Max—and finds himself embroiled in courtly intrigue, stately theft, and a whirlwind romance.

A brief holiday fling with the sweet young American isn’t enough for Maximilian IX Lukas, crown prince of the Kingdom of Noricia. He whisks Oliver—and the entire Reed-Ruíz family—to a castle in the Alps.

But picking up where they left off won’t be easy while contending with Max’s elitist relatives, dealing with the lady he’s supposed to marry, and staying one step ahead of the killers still pursuing him. Add to that Max’s flexible relationship with the truth, and Oliver isn’t so sure being with a real-life prince is a dream come true."

Here is a map of Riten Castle that was done by the talented Daniël Hasenbos.

Daniël, thank you kindly for such a beautiful piece of art that brings the setting of my story to life <3

 

Daniël Hasenbos, website https://www.danielsmaps.com, email info@danielsmaps.com.