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Inked Rainbow Reviews
Category Archives: Kimberley
by inkedrainbowreviews | April 14, 2016 · 10:00 am
New Release: TWO 5 Star Reviews for The Dilemma (Sirius's Wolves #5) by Victoria Sue (AUTHOR INTERVIEW) #MM #Shifters #Mpreg @vickysuewrites
Title: The Dilemma (Sirius's Wolves #5)
Author Name & Publisher: Victoria Sue (Dark Hollows Press)
Publication Date & Length: April 7, 2016 – 50,000 Words
Marcus has just become the only human ever to be Alpha of a werewolf pack and thwarted the plans of Anubis to destroy the goddess Sirius' creation – the werewolves.
Now, Anubis has decided to focus his efforts instead on Marcus and his new pack, to try and destroy the pack from within. In order to do this, Anubis seeks the one thing Marcus wants above all else and when he finds it, will use that to get him to walk away from his mates and the pack.
Unaware of the evil god's plans, Marcus works together with Kellan and Ricoh, not only trying to help Nate recover from the vicious torture he has undergone at the hands of the terrorist group, The Winter Circle, but to also come to terms with leading a pack of over two thousand wolves.
Marcus soon will be faced with a dilemma, but will he give everything up for his mates and the pack or will the temptation Anubis offers him be too much for one human to refuse? Will Marcus put his wolves before himself or will he be tricked into leaving them behind forever?
This book is part of a series and I recommend reading theothers. The stories are interwoven, and not a waste of your time.
I think what I have enjoyed about Victoria Sue's writing with this series is her ability to introduce multiple characters and bind them to your heart. Seriously. Each book I read, I love thecharacters in that story. They pull me in and wrap themselves around me like a safe, warm blanket. I might not always love what happens in the story, but I can't help reading every word.
This story has gut-wrenching moments that felt like they were creeping under my skin and I could feel Nate's pain.
This is an important part of the wolves series with damaged heroes who leave a lasting impression.
Victoria Sue keeps rocking these Sirius Wolves. The backstory continues on, but even in this book 5, it keeps you guessing as to what will happen next.
Marcus finally has his mates, but not 1 mate, 3 mates, and not just 3 mates, but 3 wolf mates. It broke my heart throughout to know why Marcus feels that he cannot even have 1 mate. Ms. Sue does a fabulous job of creating a character (Kellan) that has not been well liked through the prior stories and not only comes out filling your heart with love, but you find yourself cheering for him and with a huge twist of surprise that I will not reveal but will make you melt. Ricoh and Nate were just amazing and to read about Nate will make you think you can succeed over hurdles in life.
All the prior characters are still there and heavily involved with the story in which I absolutely love about Victoria Sue's writing. Most series, once the couples' story has been told, they are usually shuffled into the background, but not in this series. Everyone is up front and part of the show. Blaze, Conner, Darric and especially Aden stays with you and is an integral part of the storyline, and helps Marcus realize that love comes in all shapes and sizes and especially numbers. Why would you want to limit yourself to one mate, when you can have 3 equal loving mates? The question is, does Marcus let go of not having full legs, which makes him feel less than a whole man, so he can share his heart and compassion like the man he is?
This series keeps me entertained and attached to the men, as each one has their own strength and power that you become a part of their family and do not want to leave. I cannot wait until the next book in this series and with fingers crossed Victoria Sue doesn't ever end this series.
~Keri
Nate opened his eyes slowly and looked down. Kellan blinked as they both seemed to shimmer for a few seconds and then gaped as he stared at the white wolf now standing shoulder to shoulder with a black one.
Nate had shifted. Not only had he shifted into a beautiful wolf, his wolf was black. Nate was an Alpha.
"Does that mean what I think it does?" Marcus said quietly.
"I've never seen his wolf," Ricoh said, awe coloring his words.
Then in another second, Nate had shifted back, and that was their second surprise. He was fully clothed. Kellan realized there had been no torn clothes on the floor, and as far as he knew Darric was the only wolf with that ability.
Nate stood. The wolf, Chris, was still close enough so Nate could burrow his hands in the thick white fur.
Marcus took a step forward and Nate lifted his head — and they all gasped. All hesitancy, all trace of fear, all the remnants of pain that Nate seemed to carry with him constantly — it all vanished as the man took a step and Marcus opened his arms for Nate to step into them.
The white wolf shook himself, casually licked a paw, and headed for one of the smaller meeting rooms. Conner followed him with some jeans he had been carrying. In seconds Chris and Conner were walking over to Marcus, Chris fully shifted back and clothed. Nate and Marcus stood quietly holding each other.
Blaze spoke up. "Unless it's essential for you all to be here would you please give your Alphas some privacy?"
In seconds everyone had disappeared except for both Alpha groups and Chris. Blaze drew some chairs together and sat down. Aden chuckled, his arms full with a sleeping baby. "Well, you don't see that every day."
"Look," Marcus said quietly, holding one of Nate's scarred hands. The skin was smooth. Injury free, no burn marks, no missing nails.
Aden stared in astonishment. "That's incredible. Shifting heals, but it doesn't remove scars."
Darric dropped a hand on his leg. "I should know," Aden whispered.
Kellan swallowed, guilt immediately swamping him. Kellan had lured Aden back to their old pack the last time when he got injured again.
Aden lifted his head and stared at Kellan. Then he smiled, and Kellan felt the guilt ease. He was grateful. He wasn't sure he deserved it, but he was grateful.
"I have to ask," Blaze said when they were all sitting down. Marcus and Nate were side by side, but Kellan had drawn Ricoh to him. Of them all, Ricoh seemed the most shocked. "I understand you were thrown out of your pack as a child. Was it because you are an Alpha?"
Nate sat a little taller. "I'm not an Alpha," he said hesitantly.
"I can assure you," Darric interrupted, "your wolf is black. Alpha marked. Besides which, I can feel your energy." He paused and assessed him. "That's new, isn't it?"
"New?" Marcus asked.
"My wolf is gray," Nate said hesitantly. He looked at Chris who was sitting quietly with Conner.
"Did you do that? I felt an incredible amount of power when I touched you."
Chris put his head to one side and laughed nervously. "I don't think so. I just remember thinking you seemed hurt and that I had to help you."
"I felt the Alpha power. I can sense it in you," Darric said.
Nate turned his head and gazed at Darric. "I'm sorry. I know those are words often said with little meaning, but I—"
Darric reached over and clasped Nate's hand. "The gods knew what they were doing. I think everything happened as it should." Darric smiled. "I think you are an Alpha for a reason, and I think the gods have a purpose for you."
Kellan gazed at everyone's awed faces and knew that Darric was right. Even he could feel the steady thrum of Alpha power coming from Nate. What did that mean for their future?
Marcus stared in awe. He wasn't totally sure what was happening here. "Are you saying that because Nathaniel has a black wolf, he's an Alpha, and that his wolf has changed color?"
"There are different types of Alphas, Marcus. My wolf is silver," Darric said.
"Stephen's is golden brown, as is mine," Conner said.
Marcus frowned. "Then why do you say black means Alpha-marked if an Alpha can be any color?"
Darric smiled. "Alpha-marked also means marked by gods." He gestured at Blaze. "Blaze's wolf is black. It's usually an indication of leadership as well."
Marcus gazed at Nate. "What does that mean for you?" Did that mean he should be running the pack? But Nate never left their rooms. He looked like he had a newfound confidence, but he was still curled into Marcus' side as if he needed protection.
Nate looked at a complete loss. Aden spoke up. "I am not completely sure but I would hazard a guess that Sirius has a specific job for you to do," he said quietly.
Marcus nearly shook his head in complete disbelief, but then he knew all the other incredible things that had happened, Darric being alive, the baby that Aden was cuddling. If they had happened, why was it such a leap to believe Nate had a higher purpose of some sort?
Marcus thought hard. Even as the other Alphas stood and congratulated Nate and fussed over Chris, he let the conversation swirl around him and he knew. Kellan was a strong werewolf.
Ricoh had gotten a strength of purpose planning the new school and helping the kids he loved.
And Nate — his fragile boy, the one who Marcus had never been able to leave for long, because he needed him so much … Nate was an Alpha werewolf. If he wasn't about to run a pack then he was destined to play some important role. God touched.
Marcus eased his arm away from Nate as Nate laughed at something Darric said. At the end of the day, Marcus was fooling himself. Nate healing had just taken away his reason for being here, and he was very much afraid none of them needed him now.
Filed under 5 Star, Author Interview, Keri, Kimberley, M/M, New Release, Review
Tagged as M/M, Menage, MPreg, romance, shifters
by inkedrainbowreviews | March 24, 2016 · 2:00 pm
Pre-Release Reviews: 5 Star and 4 Star Reviews for A Gentleman's Position (Society of Gentlemen #3) by K.J. Charles #MM #Historical @KJ_Charles
Title: A Gentleman's Position (Society of Gentlemen #3)
Author Name & Publisher: K.J. Charles (Loveswept)
Publication Date & Length: April 5, 2016 – 246 pgs
Power, privilege, and the rigid rules of class leave two hearts yearning for connection in the sizzling new Society of Gentlemen novel from K. J. Charles.
Among his eccentric though strictly principled group of friends, Lord Richard Vane is the confidant on whom everyone depends for advice, moral rectitude, and discreet assistance. Yet when Richard has a problem, he turns to his valet, a fixer of unparalleled genius—and the object of Richard's deepest desires. If there is one rule a gentleman must follow, it is never to dally with servants. But when David is close enough to touch, the rules of class collide with the basest sort of animal instinct: overpowering lust.
For David Cyprian, burglary and blackmail are as much in a day's work as bootblacking—anything for the man he's devoted to. But the one thing he wants for himself is the one thing Richard refuses to give: his heart. With the tension between them growing to be unbearable, David's seemingly incorruptible master has left him no choice. Putting his finely honed skills of seduction and manipulation to good use, he will convince Richard to forget all about his well-meaning objections and give in to sweet, sinful temptation.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
What do you get when you take M/M historical romance, add in a scoop of pining and a dollop of nefarious plotting? A Gentleman's Position.
Let's start off with Richard and David's relationship. As Richard's valet, David's job is to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. Not only is he good, he's exceptional, putting in 110%.
Unfortunately, that last 10% comes from the fact that he's in love with his master. Lord Richard Vane wants David desperately, but doesn't think it's right, since David wouldn't be in a position to refuse. The unresolved romantic (and sexual) tension was strong in this book, in all the right ways. Pining is quite possibly my favourite thing in a book, which probably says something about me. There's something about watching two characters want each other so badly but refuse to act on it, for whatever reason, that really makes my heart clench, and it makes the final get-together that much sweeter. This was absolutely no exception. It was beautiful. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say you definitely won't be disappointed.
*I'll preface all of my next comments by saying I didn't know until I was about ¾ of the way through that this was part of a series. I've subsequently bought both the first and second book, along with the short story.*
In addition to having really great main characters in Richard and David, A Gentleman's Position also had amazing supporting characters, including a gay trans man and a gay black man. Honestly each and every character was so fleshed out and so real. They all had motives, they all had relationships. And granted this was because they were all part of a bigger series, but even in the context of this one book, they weren't just side characters.
The one thing that I would have to say is that it starts out a bit slowly. And again, the fact that I hadn't read the first two books in the series probably had something to do with this. Connections were already there that I didn't know about, so it took a bit to piece everything together. It's not impossible, but I would absolutely recommend reading the others in the series before A Gentleman's Position.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It was well written, it kept me engaged all the way throughout, and it was so good that I one-clicked the others in the series without even looking at the blurb. I can safely say that this is one author that I will be reading more of in the future. If you love Regency era romance and books that really tug on your heart, this is definitely one to check out.
This is the 3rd novel I have read in the Society of Gentlemen stories.
When you read a Historical Romance, there are expectations; angst, forbidden passion, and a character that can't make up their mind.
I was intrigued with the story that began in the first book, however I was slightly disappointed with the way Richard often behaved. l found myself skimming pages at times because his attitude was just too pompous. I did adore David and remained captivated when he was featured.
I do enjoy KJ Charles' writing and would read more by this author.
Filed under 4 Star, 5 Star, Alyson, Kimberley, M/M, New Release, Review
Tagged as historical, M/M, Regency, romance
by inkedrainbowreviews | February 14, 2016 · 10:00 am
THREE 5 and 4 Stars for Spook Squad (PsyCop #7) by Jordan Castillo Price #MM #Paranormal
Title: Spook Squad (PsyCop #7)
Author Name: Jordan Castillo Price
Publication Date & Length: August 30, 2013 – 321 pgs
Everyone enjoys peace and tranquility, and Victor Bayne is no exception. He goes to great lengths to maintain a harmonious home with his partner, Jacob. Although the cannery is huge, it's grown difficult to avoid the elephant in the room…the elephant with the letters FPMP scrawled on its hide.
Once Jacob surrendered his PsyCop badge, he infiltrated the Federal Psychic Monitoring Program. In his typical restrained fashion, he hasn't been sharing much about what he actually does behind its vigilantly guarded doors. And true to form, Vic hasn't asked. In fact, he would prefer not to think about the FPMP at all, since he's owed Director Dreyfuss an exorcism since their private flight to PsyTrain.
While Vic has successfully avoided FPMP entanglement for several months, now his debt has finally come due.
This story helped me love the series again. While the previous book was less than my favorite, this one was great! I loved the new changes that the characters had to wade through, the mystery was ever present and with the new powers they all are facing, each will have to rely on people they normally would not rely on.
Dr. Chance's presence was great! I loved what she gave to the story. It was with this aspect of the mystery that I was most taken by. Then you have the secrecy of Con – can he really be trusted or is he just using Vic?
Then you have the introduction of Con and his people – more so than in the previous story and I liked that new characters were introduced.
Finally, you have more in the way of seeing Crash's perspective on life and his issues come more to light – Lisa is still a slight conundrum, as I don't know if she's really invested in her friendship with Vic or is that just within her comfort zone?
There were a lot of questions that came through for me during this story – but I can't wait to see where everything shakes out.
AvidReader
This book was such a awesome addition to this series!
With this book we get more of Victor which I loved and of course his inner monologue which was at times so funny but also helped me learn more about him too.
Then there was Jacob which was good also, I have to admit I love his character too. He is in a different job now so while trying to work on a case he is also trying to protect Victor from those who would do him harm.
There was a lot of action in this book and some steam which was so very hot! I have to say I love the way this author writes the steamy scenes in this series. There always so very hot!
You see a lot of the characters from the previous books in this series too which was also very good.
There was just so much going on in this book between Victor trying to exercise a ghost that is evil and trying to figure out who around himself he could really trust. I have to say this has been one of my favorite M/M series! Every book in this series has been so good and has had me on the edge of my seat hoping for the best for these characters. Also Victor and Jacob can I just say how much I really love them together and how I love the way this author wrote these characters.
So I will leave this review with I really loved this book and I hope this is not the last we will see of Victor and Jacob! 🙂
I would 100% recommend this series!
~Kara
Another awesome and twisted book by Jordan Castillo Price. There were a lot of unpredictable surprised that kept me flying through the pages of this book. More of my two favorite men doing their thing.
I really loved how we learned more about all the characters we've met in all of the previous books. It was a perfect conclusion to the series, even if I was sad to see it come.
All the previous question were so perfectly answered and closed the series in such a nice way that it left me wanting more.
I'll still say this is absolutely my favorite series with my favorite characters.
4 Spooky Stars!
I feel like I want to say I am verklempt over this book. Siiigh.
When I have finished the previous books I am usually jubilant, not Sound of Music singing in the hills jubilant, more of the pervy jubilant. Like I got a glimpse into a sacred, intense relationship that made all my bits siiiiiing. This story, not so much. Not that I am disappointed but just kind of a bit, sort of… let down. I still love Jordan Castillo Price, don't get me wrong. But I felt a lot of parts dragged and I felt a bit left out of Vic and Jacob's relationship. I guess the first book kind of exploded my senses when it came to this relationship and I have pretty much gotten a good dose of their intensity (or the equivalency in word porn to satisfy my appetite for this sexy duo).
I still think Jordan Castillo Price possesses an imagination that is beyond impressive. The storyline that she enraptures us with is intricate and intriguing and continually growing. This paranormal world is envious and one you sometimes wish you were part of, and then other times you are very glad you aren't in their world!!!! haha
I would read more in this series!!! I hope we get more in this series!!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
Reviewer: Kimberley
Filed under 4 Star, 5 Star, AvidReader, Kara, Kimberley, M/M, Renee, Review
Tagged as Ghosts, M/M, Paranormal, romance
by inkedrainbowreviews | February 10, 2016 · 8:00 am
New Release: 5, 4.5, 4 and 3.5 Stars for Second to None (The Breakfast Club #2) by Felice Stevens #MM #Romance @FeliceStevens1
Title: Second to None (The Breakfast Club #2)
Author Name: Felice Stevens
Publication Date & Length: January 28, 2016 – 248 pgs
Nightclub owner Marcus Feldman never met a man he didn't love, at least for the night. Although his best friends have all found love, Marcus shuns their advice to commit to one man and settle down. His past has taught him monogamy and marriage is for fools, and Marcus is anything but a fool.
Tyler Reiss's dream of dancing professionally is unexpectedly cut short and replaced by a different kind of love. He trades in his ballet slippers for go go boots, and spends his nights dancing at the hottest gay club in the city. Flirting with the customers for tips is easy, but resisting the dark and sexy Marcus is becoming harder to do with each passing day.
Unforeseen circumstances bring Marcus and Tyler closer and though they give in to their mutual passion, both still struggle to guard their hearts. When crises threaten, Tyler and Marcus find their strength in each other rather than falling apart. Tyler must choose to either run, or stay and fight for the life he wants, while Marcus realizes that love doesn't mean losing himself and opens his heart, making him a better man in the end.
You can read this as a standalone but if you read the series in order it gives you backstory and gives you the full picture. I have been waiting for Marcus' story; you had to know that when he fell, he was going to fall hard. We all know Marcus will do anything for his friends and we also learn that he will do that for his employees as well, butt, of course he goes above and beyond for Tyler. I don't want to give too much away because if I bring up one element it will ruin the story line. Let's just say that there is more to Marcus than we all think and I fell in love with him so hard! This is a great series and this book just made my heart melt.
I really enjoyed this story. I thought that Tyler and Marcus made a great couple. When you throw in Lillie, it just got even better.
Marcus goes through quite a transformation in this story – he opens himself tolove, living and genuine feelings again. It was so sad to hear about his childhood – how unloved he felt. But, he was even able to over come this with the help of Tyler.
Then you have Tyler. I really enjoyed him – he was spunky and loving, protective and gentle all wrapped in to a pretty dancer.
His commitment to Lillie is unparalleled and I loved how he was able to see the bigger picture. That despite his dreams changing, he was not giving up – his views just had to change a little.
Stevens did a great job at creating some angst without going overboard and allowed the reader some breathing room when you couldn't know for sure if one of the men was going to mess it up.
You can read this as a stand alone because each book in this series features a different couple. But you do see the previous characters in this series in this story and you might be a little lost so I would suggest reading the previous books in this series first before this one.
So I do I have to be honest and this is where I am going to say this was not my favorite book in the series which pains me to say because I have loved this series. But please do not get me wrong I still really liked this book. The reason behind this book not being my favorite is it took me a really long time into this story before I liked Tyler's character. He just came off so rude to me and it took me a while to understand why he acted the way he did. Once I did understand him more I ended up really liking his character by the end of this book.
You get steam and angst in this book, you also do see the characters from the previous books in this series in this story too which I loved! I thought the way this author wrote these characters, especially Marcus's was awesome! I am not usually a huge fan of the player in a romance book but the way Felice Steven's wrote his character was just so good! I got why Marcus was the way he was and I loved how he was with Tyler.
So I will leave this review with… I really liked this book and would recommend this series!
This author is like gold to me. I have really enjoyed other books by her. That's why when I got this, I devoured it! (Other books sit on my Kindle for months, neglected.)
Marcus and Tyler were cute, sweet, and sexy.
I wanted to love it but.. they both did things that were contradictory and that inconsistency in the story annoyed me.
When both characters got out of their own heads, then the sweetness and the chemistry shined through. Marcus and Tyler do scorch up the pages a time, or two!
I really enjoyed seeing the characters from previous books in the story.
I would still read more by this author, even in this series.
"This wasn't a permanent arrangement; you knew that." Tyler leaned against the wall. "I can't impose on you any longer. I'm sure you want your bedroom and your life back."
"I didn't mind it last night." He walked over to Tyler and placed a hand on his neck, stroking him. This he could do. He had no qualms about seducing Tyler to stay with him. The troubling reason why he wanted him there so badly, Marcus pushed to the side for now. Instead, he pulled Tyler close, settling their hips in line, and his cock thickened in his pants. "I'd tell you if I did. Please, come with me to brunch, and we can talk."
Doubt clouded Tyler's eyes. "I don't belong there. Those are your friends, the people you're closest with."
"I had my dick inside you twice last night, Tyler. How much closer could we get?"
It took Marcus many minutes of deep, persuasive kisses to rid Tyler of his confusion.
When he pulled away though, the ground under his feet reeled, and Marcus needed a moment to compose himself.
They remained standing close; Tyler's hands rested on his shoulders while he clasped Tyler around his hips. He nuzzled Tyler's ear, then pleaded with him.
"Come on; you have to help me out here. They're all coupled up, and the last thing I want is to listen to them be all disgustingly loving and happy."
An amused glint lit Taylor's eyes. "And you hate that, huh?"
"Bet that sweet ass of yours I do." He gave Tyler's ass a squeeze for effect, and the light in Tyler's eyes smoldered.
"If you want me to come, you'd better get your hands off my ass."
Marcus's lips curved up in a grin as he popped open the button of Tyler's jeans and drew them down.
"I definitely want you to come; in every way possible," he said, and sank to his knees, uncaring of how late he might be to meet Zach and Julian.
Filed under 3.5 Stars, 4 Star, 4.5 Stars, 5 Star, Angie, AvidReader, Kara, Kimberley, M/M, New Release, Review
Tagged as M/M, romance
by inkedrainbowreviews | February 2, 2016 · 8:00 pm
TWO 5, 4 and 3 Stars for In The Dark (PsyCop #6.1) by Jordan Castillo Price #MM #Paranormal
Title: In The Dark (PsyCop #6.1)
Publication Date & Length: October 30, 2012 – 26 pgs
Halloween is fun…at least, it's supposed to be. Costumes, candy, trick-or-treat, even jaded Victor Bayne can get behind those sorts of antics. Too bad this year's Halloween is a grownup event. Not only must Vic don a suit and endure a disco-obsessed DJ, he has to mingle with friends of Jacob's he would much rather ignore.
Vic thinks he has the party's host all figured out–but as he so often realizes, once he looks beneath the surface, things are seldom what they seem.
This was a strange read for me. I was not sure if we were meant to sympathize with Keith or Vic. While I know that Vic hates to be social, it was just a quick back alley repeater, an impromptu exorcism and some internal forgiveness.
I can only speculate that we were meant to know more about the relationship that Keith and Jacob had and this was helping us to see back in to their relationship and why, perhaps, Keith is the way he is.
This was a super short story but awesome look into Victor and Jacob around friends at a Halloween party.
I have to say this is one my favorite M/M series and to get little snippets of their everyday life together is just awesome!
This time yes there is a ghost Victor must deal with but also being around people who he is unsure of or feels like they hate him. So you get to see how he deals with that kind of situation too.
All together I loved this short story!
I would definitely recommend this series!
4 "a short interesting glimpse into ghouls and ghosts and … things that go bump in the night and aren't necessarily dead" STARS!!!!!
This was a quickie…. and not necessarily the dirty kind.
I think that these shorties in between full-length stories are like something Jordan Castillo Price needs to get out and give us.. yes, us, the hungry ones, devouring every word about Vic and Jacob.
So, thank you Jordan Castillo Price for the words… and world that has Vic and Jacob in it!!!
I'm still fully enraptured by this series. Can't wait to read more!
I really enjoyed this little snippet from my favorite male characters.
This is just a little snippet of what every day life is like for them
and it was really wonderful to watch as Vic tries to fit into Jacob's
life. Plus we got a little paranormal activity and got to see Vic
relate to someone from Jacob's past.
Just like all the other stories, we really get to see the snarky and
hilarious side of Vic while watching the oh so sexy Jacob do his thing
I just love the way Jordan Castillo Price writes her characters.
Filed under 3 Star, 4 Star, 5 Star, AvidReader, Kara, Kimberley, M/M, Renee, Review
by Kara | January 28, 2016 · 12:00 pm
TWO 4 Stars for Herc's Mercs: The Harder They Fall (Herc's Mercs #5) by Ari McKay #MM #Thriller @AriMckay1
Title: Herc's Mercs: The Harder They Fall (Herc's Mercs #5)
Author Name & Publisher: Ari McKay (Torquere Books)
Publication Date & Length: January 6, 2016 – 44,000 Words
Chris Hardison never expected the simple consulting gig to put him on somebody's hit list, but Hercules Security's resident computer whiz never does anything by halves. Now he's on the run, guarded by gorgeous Jason Hekili, the newest member of Herc's crew. But Chris and Jason have a past, and holing up in a safe house together is as complicated as it is dangerous.
Jason still wants Chris even though his broken heart hasn't healed. He isn't sure he can trust Chris, but when a crime syndicate targets Chris for assassination, Jason has to put his life on the line to protect Chris or risk losing their second chance for happiness before it even begins.
4 Sweet Second Chance Stars!
I read the previous book in this series and enjoyed it. I was looking forward to this one.
For the most part, I enjoyed this second chance story. The main character's had some issues to forgive in each other and that kind of annoyed me but then I put myself in their shoes and could relate.
There was a sweet intensity between the character's and that is what kept my attention. I was rooting for them!!!! It was short but still a packed a punch.
I would read more by this author.
This book can be read as a stand alone.
Chris is a computer whiz who meets Jason at a company party. They are instantly attracted to each other but Chris has been hurt before…
Now I was not a huge fan of what Chris did but it felt like it took almost half of this book for Jason to forgive him which I really was not a fan of at all. I do not like it when one MC will forgive the other too quick but there is also that line where it seems to take way too long for forgiveness to happen for me too.
But other than that you get a lot of action and angst in this book. I did really like how this author wrote these characters and this story I just wish I could have read more about them together than I did. I do not want to give away any spoilers so I will leave this review with… I loved Chris and Jason together with what we got of them as a couple and I really liked this book!
It took him a few minutes to find the right place, and his heart lurched when he saw Jason sparring with a tall, broad-shouldered Native American merc. He hovered in the doorway of the training room, torn between wanting to run over, fling himself at Jason, and beg for forgiveness, or wanting to flee.
Jason had changed. Gone were the thick, dark waves that Chris had loved to run his fingers through; Jason had shorn it all off in favor of a buzz cut, and Chris wanted to cry at the loss. Jason's shoulders were broader, and he was even more muscular overall. After working with mercs for so long, Chris knew the difference between bodybuilder muscles and working muscles, and he could tell Jason had gotten those hard muscles from work. Jason's body wasn't the only thing that looked harder; Jason's face looked different as well. More closed off, more distant. It was enough to make Chris want to turn and run. How could he possibly stand a chance with this Jason?
Before he could slip away unnoticed, the other merc knocked Jason on his ass. Jason let out a grunt when he hit the floor, but he didn't grimace or show any other sign of pain. He simply bounded to his feet and turned—and spotted Chris.
For a long moment, he simply stood there, holding Chris' gaze, and something that Chris thought might be hope brightened his eyes. Then Jason turned away, said something to his sparring partner, and headed toward the far side of the room.
Chris' heart plummeted at that clear rejection signal, but he knew he deserved it. He lifted his chin and squared his shoulders. Jason had seen him, so he couldn't just sneak out like this had never happened, and he hadn't come all this way to give up so easily anyway. The other merc's eyebrows climbed as he watched Chris march across the room, and Chris heard him say something about going to the showers, but Chris' attention was focused entirely on Jason.
"Jason, I'd like to talk," he said firmly as he approached.
Jason draped a towel around his neck, his spine straightening before he turned slowly to face Chris. Up close, Chris could see that a slender, pale line of a scar now bisected Jason's right eyebrow. The line mercifully skipped over his eye, but picked up again on his cheek, running down to the sharp line of his jaw. It made his cheekbones look even more pronounced and pulled the line of his lips slightly crooked, though that wasn't easy to judge, since he was clenching his jaw.
"I believe you agreed six months ago that there was nothing more to say," Jason replied, his voice ragged, betraying emotions that didn't show on his face. "And you didn't want to subject yourself to a long, awkward ride."
"A lot can change in six months," Chris pointed out, aching to reach out and touch Jason but knowing he didn't have that right yet. "You have. So have I."
"Is that so?" Jason regarded him with narrowed eyes, a muscle twitching slightly in his jaw. It was something Chris recognized at once as a "tell," an indicator that Jason wasn't nearly as unaffected by Chris' presence as he was trying to appear; sometimes the little things he'd learned from being around people in the physical side of the security business were quite useful.
"Yes, that's so," Chris replied quietly. This was the part where he laid himself utterly bare and held nothing back, which was terrifying, but it was necessary if he wanted any hope of winning Jason back.
"I've had plenty of time to think about what an idiot I was. I'm sorry I hurt you, and I'm sorry I didn't trust you. You didn't do anything wrong. It was all me and my stupid insecurities getting in the way.
Letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life."
Jason's eyes widened slightly as if he was surprised at Chris being so blunt and forthcoming. At first, he stared back at Chris, seeming to search for something. Finally he gave a terse nod. "I'm glad you realize that," he said quietly.
"I do, and I'm willing to do anything to make up for my stupidity." Chris took a little step closer, gazing up at Jason hopefully. "I've missed you so much, Jason. I haven't been able to stop thinking about how good we were together. I came here to see if there was any way you'd consider giving me a second chance."
Again, Jason didn't answer immediately, and this time, there was no mistaking the pain in the look he gave Chris. "There's a problem with that." He glanced away from Chris and frowned. "Trust has to go both ways."
Publisher's Website
Filed under 4 Star, Kara, Kimberley, M/M
Tagged as Action, M/M, romance, Thriller
by inkedrainbowreviews | January 27, 2016 · 6:00 pm
TWO 5, 4 and 3.5 Stars for The Stroke of Midnight (PsyCop #3.1) by Jordan Castillo Price #MM #Paranormal
Title: The Stroke of Midnight (PsyCop #3.1)
Publication Date & Length: December 25, 2009 – 7 pgs
Jacob Marks has noticed that crimes are committed whether or not he happens to have a social engagement on the agenda. Date another PsyCop, and the likelihood of having a successful night out are cut in half.
Of course Jacob feels sorry for the poor sap in the Fifth Precinct who's been shot. But did he have to go and get himself offed on New Year's Eve?
Free, through the author's website.
I have loved this series since the first word passed by my brain. Jordan Castillo Price has captivated my attention and my heart. In this short but just as exquisite instalment in the PsyCop series we get Jacob's POV!!!!! I enjoy Vic's POV but it is nice to "hear" from his brooding, sexy partner!
The chemistry and sensuality between Jacob and Vic is delicious and I devour every word.
I can't wait to read more!!!
Loved this short story!
I can't say how much I love reading the stories in Jacob's POV and see more of Jacob and Victor together!
This story was about Victor getting called into work and Jacob going to a party on his own with his friends. I will not go much more into it because this is a short story and I do not want to give any of this away.
So I will leave this review with I loved this short story!
I would recommend this series!
This was sweet. That pretty much sums these 10 pages up. A quick look in to the midnight kiss. I don't know if these are really adding to the story for me, but they are nice to get a glimpse in to their lives. I always like these characters.
~AvidReader
Normally I love every little insight we get into Jacob and Vic's
relationship, but this one we didn't really get to see them together
much so we didn't get to really feel their chemistry as much as we
normally do so I felt a bit left down. However, I did like that we got
to see a bit of what Jacob's life is like around his friends without
Vic.This was a cute short little story that I gobbled up just like
everything else from Jordan Castillo Price.Renee
Author's Website
Filed under 3.5 Stars, 4 Star, 5 Star, AvidReader, Kara, Kimberley, M/M, Renee, Review
by Kara | January 25, 2016 · 8:00 am
FOUR 5 and TWO 4 Stars for Full Domain (Nice Guys, #3) by Kindle Alexander #M/M #Erotic @KindleAlexander
Title: Full Domain (Nice Guys #3)
Author Name & Publisher: Kindle Alexander
Publication Date & Length:Published January 12th 2016- 434 pages
Honor, integrity, and loyalty are how Deputy US Marshal Kreed Sinacola lives his life. A former SEAL now employed by the Special Operations Group of the US Marshal Service, Kreed spent most of his life working covert operations and avoiding relationships. Never one to mix business with pleasure, his boundaries blur and his convictions are put to the test when he finally comes face-to-face with the hot computer geek he's been partnered with. Hell-bent on closing the ongoing case for his longtime friend, he pushes past his own limits and uncovers more than he expects.
Aaron Stuart strives for one thing: justice. Young and full of idealism, his highly sought after computer skills land him a position with the National Security Agency. Aaron's biggest hazard at his job is cramped fingers, but all that changes when he is drawn into the middle of a dangerous federal investigation. Aaron gets more than he bargained for when the FBI partners him with a handsome and tempting deputy US marshal. His attraction to the inked up, dark-haired man provides another kind of threat altogether. Aaron tries desperately to place a firewall around his heart and fight his developing feelings, knowing one misstep on his part could ultimately destroy him.
The solution isn't as easy as solving the case, which is treacherous enough as it is. But the growing sexual attraction between them threatens to derail more than just Kreed's personal convictions as he quickly learns temptation and matters of the heart rarely fit easily into the rules he's lived by. Will Kreed be able to convince Aaron to open his heart and face the fact that sometimes the answers aren't always hidden in code?
5 'Sexy, Nice Guys' Stars!!!!
This is part of a series. I highly recommend reading the first two books. They are awesome and it won't be a waste of time!!!
I have devoured this series since the first word. My heart was sort of sad, thinking that this would be the end of the Nice Guys…..
Sin and Aaron sitting in a tree k i ss i ng. lol Sorry, they kind of make me goofy!
Aaron: "You're intoxicated."
Kreed: "You intoxicate me."
They kissed hard. So hot.
Dual POV's!!!! It is the best of both brains! LOVED being inside their minds.
I loved these two the mostest!!!!!! Sin is just so masculine and growly and raw and vulnerable and sexy and in charge… and yea, a DELIGHT to read!!!!!!
Aaron. Sweet, sexy and smart…. a triple threat!!!!! He was PERFECT for Kreed.
They have a case to solve. It is intriguing and interesting and also heartbreaking (because of the subject). Good times though following this suspenseful journey with the Nice Guys. I personally LOVE cameo's from other characters in previous books!!!!
There is an intensity through the book and then, its sweet and you are in awe of their relationship.
Recommend highly!
This is the first book I have read by Kindle Alexander and I must say I was totally impressed. Even though I hadn't read books 1 and 2 I felt it was a fantastic book. I do feel I need to go back and read 1 and 2 just so I know what was going on before this book.Oh man I think I'm in love with Kreed. He was sweet, caring and so romantic. Aaron had secrets he wasn't sharing. But the two of them made a fantastic team.
There was humor, suspense, drama, action and hot steamy scenes.Definitely recommend reading this book I enjoyed it very much.
To start of this review I have to say I thought this book was such a awesome addition to this series!
Yes it can be read as a stand alone but you might be a little lost because couples from the previous books in this series are in this book too, so I would recommend reading the previous books in this series first before reading this one.
With this book we get Kreed and Aaron which I loved! I have been wanting Kreed's story for awhile and let me say these authors definitely delivered a awesome story for these two men. The banter back and forth between them was hilarious and then there was the sweet too. Also I the steam which was seriously off the charts hot between these two men!!!! I have to say I loved these two men as a couple.
You also get to see more of Mitch, Cody, Colt and Jace which I loved getting to see more of these men together.
Loved the way these authors wrote Kreed and Aarons story!!! Let just say I started this arc as soon as I received it and was up all night reading because I could not put this book down once I started.
I do not want to give away any spoilers because you really need to read this book for yourself because it was just so good!!! So I will leave this review with… I 100% loved this book and would definitely recommend this series!
I have been a huge fan of this series from the start. While this book focuses on hactivist Aaron and Deputy Marshal Kreed, all of the characters from the first two books work with them to bring down the group that has been terrorising high-profile gay men.
Aaron is a great character. He is reluctantly working for the government while hiding some pretty huge secrets. His new partner, Mitch's former partner Kreed, isn't exactly squeaky clean himself. But the FBI needs Aaron's brain and Kreed's brawn to close this case.
For a mystery, the pace is quite slow. The focus of the story is as much on catching up with Jace and Colt, Mitch and Cody as it is on developing the relationship between Aaron and Kreed or solving the crime. There are some suspenseful moments, but there are far more relationship building scenes than action scenes.
I found the writing in this third book much clunkier than I expect from a Kindle Alexander story. The punctuation and grammar errors were disappointing and as parts of the story rambled repetitively, I found myself wondering how this book could have been written by the authors of the amazing Secret and Always.
I'm glad I've finished the series but while I really loved the first book in the trilogy, I just didn't feel the emotional wallop I expect from a Kindle Alexander story in this third book.
I just loved this book, Kreed and Aaron are smoking hot together and you can't help but love them both. Kreed is a tatted up bad ass and Aaron is your nerdy tech guy. They each have demons and walls up around their hearts but man, they have some sizzling chemistry and off the charts sex. I don't want to give anything away, you need to read this book! I am sad that it is the last book in the series but Kindle promised us that we will see the guys again in another series. It was good to see the other guys from previous books too…..gotta love them all. Sigh…..
~Angie
Kreed and Aaron are awesome together. Their attraction to each other is something neither one can hide from the other. Although, in the beginning Aaron tries his best to make sure Kreed has no idea what he feels.
I loved the characters. I'm a sucker for tall, beefy, tattooed men who protect the ones important to them. But, I'm also very attracted to men with the geeky glasses and the smart computer mind to go with them. That's such a turn on for me.
I was so glad to hear from Colt and Jace & Mitch and Cody. I sure did miss these 4 men. And the chemistry between all 6 men is amazing. They all get along so famously.
The secrets the men both carry weigh heavy on them both throughout the story. I was able to figure out Aaron's about half-way through the book and waiting for him to reveal it to Kreed drove me insane. Kreed's secret on the other hand was a complete surprise. I was also very happily surprised by the appearance of 2 other men at the end of the book. Although this is the end of the series, I'm positive it won't be the end of the story for any of them. We will see them all again.
I was expecting to read about more violence in the story. I guess I was hoping for a more dramatic ending when they solved the case, so I felt a little let down in that regards.
~Kris
"You're so fucking sexy with those fuck-me-I'm-so-smart glasses on and that intense look on your face."
Aaron glanced up and narrowed his eyes as he shoved the glasses off to the top of his head and stretched out his back. There was just something about the big, gorgeous deputy marshal growling those words at him that made his dick want to come out and play. A tired yawn from hours of sitting behind his laptop slipped free as he rubbed his eyes.
"And those noises you make are a complete turn-on."
"I have a feeling it doesn't take much to turn you on. A slight gust of wind would probably have you at full mast," Aaron teased, lowering the lid to his laptop.
Filed under 4 Star, 5 Star, Angie, Kara, Kimberley, Kris, M/M, New Release, Review, Sarah, Sherry
Tagged as erotic, M/M
TWO 5 Star, TWO 4 Star Reviews for Camp Hell (PsyCop #5) by Jordan Castillo Price (AUDIOBOOK) #MM #Paranormal
Title: Camp Hell (PsyCop #5)
Publication Date & Length: December 10, 2008 – 296 pgs
Victor Bayne honed his dubious psychic skills at one of the first psych training facilities in the country, Heliotrope Station, otherwise known as Camp Hell to the psychics who've been guests behind its razorwire fence.
Vic discovered that none of the people he remembers from Camp Hell can be found online, and there's no mention of Heliotrope Station itself, either. Someone's gone through a lot of trouble to bury the past. But who?
**Audiobook Review**
*sigh* normally I talk about the book first then the narrator… but I just have to momentarily swoon over Gomez Pugh. Seriously… You add something special to these books!!
Anywho… I still fully stand by my previous statement that this is my FAVORITE COUPLE EVER… and quite possibly my favorite series. I simply adore Jacob and his reactions to Vic…. and the new revelations we find out in this book are SO exciting for me. I literally bounced in my chair in glee.
There is a lot of little things we learn in this book, just like every other book in this series. I literally think at the end of each book "How did Jordan Castillo-Price do it again?!?!' I'm always simply blown away by how detailed and amazing these books are.
Knowing that the end of the series is closing in on me I'm already feeling a major book hangover… quite possibly the worst of all book hangovers ever.
This book was another really awesome addition to this series!
With this book we get more of Vic "which I have to say he is one of my favorite characters" who is trying to find out more about what happened to him while he was at Camp Hell. So he must trust people that may not be the best decision to make while he investigates more ghosts for his job with the police force.
There was just so much going on in this book but the way everything came together was just so awesome! This book had me on the edge of my seat as soon as I started it and I could not put it down until the end.
You also get so more of Jacob and Vic together which I love them as a couple! Yes they do have their problems but every relationship does from time to time. Which brings me to the steam which was off the charts hot between these two.
You also meet new characters in this book. Some good and some not so good.
I don't want to spoil this book for anyone else because it was so good you really need to read this series for yourself. So I will leave this review with I 100% loved this book and I would recommend this series!
Vic is still searching for answers throughout this story. He was the majority of this book, while Jacob was a very minimal part. I do wish that we had seen more of Jacob. However, the chemistry between these two was still off the charts and the way that Price was able to develop Vic's story was innovative.
Vic learns that he has more talent than he remembered, confronts his past through seeking out people who may not necessarily be allies, but are no longer threats and then has to deal with a new situation with his paranoia.
I liked how you were reading flash backs and then integrating those memories in to present day. I felt that it was a very organic way to develop the story. The secondary characters in this story were fairly strong, and I did like that we were able to see the characters from the previous story too.
Overall, this was a good mystery. I felt that it answered some questions, but developed others.
'Jacob held me so hard I was worried he might crack a rib, and he crushed his mouth to mine, filled my mouth with his tongue. I felt his fingers dig into my back, even through my jeanjacket and two sweatshirts.' This is why I love Jordan Castillo Price and her words. *swoon*
The first book, Among The Living, hooked me in and hasn't let up.
I think I may have a slightly harder crush on Jacob. There is something about him that is so masculine and animalistic that gives him an edge, and to me, has created this strong, intense reaction to him. It makes me giddy when he is involved in any scene!!!!
Jordan Castillo Price likes to keeps us on our toes. Camp Hell is a crazy and chaotic ride with spooky, suspense-filled intensity that kept me on edge. We get to see glimpses of a younger Vic. There were parts that hurt my heart and found it difficult to read them (not the ghost scenes). But, I persevered and read on through! Worth every cringe!!
Still loving this series and will definitely read the rest!!!
Tagged as M/M, Paranormal, romance
by inkedrainbowreviews | January 8, 2016 · 4:00 pm
THREE 5 and ONE 3.5 Stars for What Happens At Christmas by Jay Northcote #MM #Romance @jay_northcote
Title: What Happens At Christmas
Author Name & Publisher: Jay Northcote (Jaybird Press)
Publication Date & Length: November 19, 2015 – 37,000 Words
When two friends pose as boyfriends, could what happens at Christmas turn into something more?
Justin is recently and unhappily single. Christmas is coming, and he doesn't want to face his ex alone at their office party. So Sean—Justin's best mate and long-time secret crush—volunteers to go with him and pretend to be his new flame.
Sean has always lusted after Justin from afar, but there's never been a good opportunity to ask him for more than friendship. Posing as Justin's boyfriend isn't a chore, and if Justin wants to rebound onto him, Sean's more than willing. At the party pretence and reality blur, and a kiss on the dance floor leads to a night of passion.
In the aftermath, they both assume it was a one-time thing until fate intervenes. Stuck together in London over the holidays, they give in to temptation again. But what happens at Christmas stays at Christmas… right?
This was a very sweet Novella about two men who have been friends since high school who have both had a crush on one another but neither one has admitted their feelings to the other out of fear of the reaction the other might have.
Sean comes back to stay with Justin during Christmas. Justin has just broken up with his long term boyfriend and does not want to go to the Christmas party out of fear of seeing his Ex with the man he cheated on Justin with.
Well both Sean and Justin come up with the plan to go as boyfriends which leads to so much more…
I thought this book was equal parts so sweet and so steamy! Because seeing these to together was honestly so cute and then there was the sex when the finally admit to how they feel for each other.. Let's just say it was so hot!
I loved the way the author wrote this story and these characters! This was the perfect Novella for Christmas about two men who finally admit their feelings and find love.
All together I loved this Christmas Novella!
I would recommend this book!
What a cute sexy story with a holiday theme. I loved it! Friends turned pretend boyfriends then real boyfriends, what a great story. I loved how it ended it was perfect.
Justin and Sean had wonderful chemistry and I loved that the author took time for them to get together.
It was a sweet story spread over the Christmas holiday which makes it that much more enjoyable.
This is a really really sweet story. The way the two friends move onto a more serious relationship felt so real and honest that I almost felt like I was there with them instead of reading a book.
The two men had such chemistry and I could totally see how they would've hidden their feelings for so long from each other because really… who would want to risk such a good friendship.
As usual, Jay really swept me away with her writing style and the realism that she manages to portray.
3.5 Smokin' Sweet Stars!!
Ahh.. Christmas. It brings out the best in people, especially in stories!!!!
Justin and Sean have great chemistry.
I liked that they were friends who caught back up in each other's lives. I was slightly miffed that they hadn't gotten together sooner, considering they had feelings for each other for a while but I guess better late than never eh!
The writer takes us on a quick, sweet, reacquainting journey that will fill your heart with all things warm and fuzzy for the holidays. And the two of them together (coughnakedcough) is page-scorching!!!
~Kim
Justin's phone chimed with a text, interrupting Sean's train of thought.
Justin picked up his phone to read the message. "Ugh." He put the phone back down without typing a reply and ran his hands through his hair.
Justin sighed. "It's our work Christmas party next weekend. I've already got a ticket, and nearly everyone in the office goes, but it's for partners as well. One of my co-workers, Jess, is bugging me to come, but I can't face it. I bet Andy's going to bring his new boyfriend. I know he's a shit and I shouldn't let him get to me, but the thought of him parading around with my replacement, and me being there on my own, isn't very appealing."
"Is it too late to find someone to take?"
"No, they don't need final numbers till Monday."
"Well, then. Take someone else and flirt like crazy in front of him. Show him you can do better and that you've already moved on."
"But I'm not ready to date. It's only been two weeks, and I'm still at the feeling-sorry-for-myself stage."
"I'll go with you," Sean offered. "I could be your date. We could pretend we've got together and are a couple now."
"Yeah?" Justin looked thoughtful. "Are you sure?"
Duh. It would hardly be much of a sacrifice to flirt with Justin all night. It would actually be a relief not to have to hide the way he felt for a change.
"Sure," Sean replied. "I think I can manage to fake that I'm arse-over-tit infatuated with you. As long as it's only for a few hours."
"Gee, thanks." Justin rolled his eyes. "You really know how to make an already-wounded ego feel better. But if you're up for it, we should totally do it. Andy was always jealous of you before you went away. He saw you as competition because we lived together and were so close.
I'd love to see his face when I walk in with you on my arm. I think he'll hate it even if he's moved on."
"Okay." Sean rubbed his hands together, excited at the prospect of getting to piss off Andy.
"Let's do it! Text your friend Jess back and tell her you're in—with a hot date."
Filed under 3.5 Stars, 5 Star, Kara, Kimberley, M/M, New Release, Renee, Review, Sherry
5 Stars for Bad Idea by Lily Harlem #MM #Romance @lily_harlem
4 Stars for Lysistrate Cove by Dena Hankins #Bisexual #Trans @DenaWrites
4 Stars for Relentless by Cheyenne Meadows #MM #Paranormal @Dreamspinner
5 Stars for Close to You (Sunshine and Happiness #3) by Skylar M. Cates #MM #Romance @Dreamspinners
5 Stars for File Gumbo (Roughstock #3) by B.A. Tortuga #MM #Cowboy @batortuga @PridePublishing
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text:
Throughout final 20 years, ASU elevated its resea
Whether exploring the interiors of planets, running the longest ecological study of a desert city, tracking virus variants of the COVID-19 pandemic, or helping people and robots work together, Arizona State University has become an innovation powerhouse of leading researchers and transdisciplinary schools making an impact on our local and global communities.
With $677.7 million in expenditures in fiscal year 2021, ASU ranked No. 6 among 750 other institutions without a medical school, ahead of Carnegie Mellon University, Princeton University and the California Institute of Technology, according to the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development rankings. NSF's annual HERD survey collects and ranks research expenditure information from hundreds of institutions nationwide. It is the official NSF report on expenditures within higher education institutions in the United States and outlying areas covering the previous academic fiscal year.
"As a public university, we have a responsibility to serve our communities in ways that make a difference. By advancing scientific discovery that benefits life on Earth, we are on a path to imagine a sustainable global future and support a thriving planet, thriving people, and a thriving society," said Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU .
According to the HERD survey, ASU ranks in the top 25 among all US public institutions, (25th of 412), ahead of the University of California, Irvine, the University of Colorado and Virginia Tech.
Overall, ASU ranked in the top 5% of all universities with research expenditures, placing 42nd out of 910 universities nationwide with or without a medical school, ahead of the University of Chicago, Brown University and Princeton University.
ASU receives funding for research from federal agencies, state and local grants, businesses, and other private organizations, which is often awarded over multi-year periods. Research expenditures — the amount of this funding an institution spends in a particular year — provide the most effective way to measure and compare research enterprises.
Among federally funded research sources, ASU ranked no. 6 in spending of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) funds, ahead of the University of California, Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Michigan. ASU ranked no. 9 for spending of health and human services funds among institutions without a medical school, ahead of Princeton, Georgia Institute of Technology and Colorado State University. ASU ranked no. 18 in National Science Foundation (NSF) funded expenditures, ahead of the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University and Harvard.
The university's sponsored expenditures from state and local government (No. 26) and business (No. 61) also saw increases in FY21 when compared to other institutions.
ASU also achieved top rankings of expenditures in academic disciplines:
No. 1 (of 253) in transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and other sciences, ahead of Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pittsburgh and Ohio State University.
No. 1 (of 360) in geological and earth sciences, ahead of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University, Virginia Tech and University of Arizona.
No. 1 (of 244) in anthropology, ahead of University of Michigan, Harvard University, Stanford University and University of Arizona.
No. 5 (of 553) in non-science and engineering, ahead of University of Kansas, Florida State University and Georgia State University.
No. 8 (of 317) in visual and performing arts, ahead of the University of Southern California, Princeton University and Cornell University.
No. 9 (of 265) in civil engineering, ahead of Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
No. 11 (of 292) in electrical, electronic and communications engineering, ahead of Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Southern California.
No. 15 (of 195) in social work, ahead of Boston University, the University of Utah and Michigan State University.
Arizona State University has a history of rapidly growing its research capacity, leading to solutions for complex problems like climate change as well as advances in new scientific fields like ultrashort X-ray technology. In fact, during the last two decades, ASU has increased the scale and scope of its research activity nearly six times over.
Here are a few examples of how ASU research is making a positive impact.
Desert city discoveries
For the past 25 years, scientists at ASU have been studying the Phoenix metropolitan area as an ecosystem in the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) project. Their findings have offered insights into the well-being of our own desert landscape as well as desert cities worldwide, which are home to a third of the world's population.
"Cities are ecosystems. And they're different because they have a built environment and they have a very, very dominant species — people — that operate by different rules. We have culture and institutions and things that other species don't," says Nancy Grimm, a Regents Professor in ASU's School of Life Sciences at ASU and a founding director of the CAP LTER project.
CAP LTER is part of the National Science Foundation's Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network, which started in 1980. LTER sites advance our understanding of the nation's ecosystems and inform scientists, policymakers and the public with the knowledge needed to conserve and protect them.
CAP LTER researchers have published more than 800 articles in research journals to date. Their findings cover topics like animals, plants, water, soils, infrastructure and human behavior — and the interactions among them.
This body of work helped establish the field of urban ecology and provides a basis for government and community leaders to discuss the long-term future of the Phoenix area.
Read more: Life in the city: ASU a powerhouse of urban ecology research
Working under pressure
The Facility for Open Research in a Compressed Environment (FORCE) has the tools researchers need to explore new materials, from computer chips that fuel the knowledge economy to the inner workings of planets. The findings from this foundational science will advance technology and our understanding of the universe.
The mission of FORCE is to enable the synthesis of large-volume samples under high pressure and high temperature conditions.
"Pressure can dramatically alter the physical property of materials," says Sang-Heon Shim, a researcher with FORCE and an associate professor with the School of Earth and Space Exploration. "The most classic example is diamond, which is pure carbon. The form of carbon that is stable at room condition is graphite, which is used in pencil cores. So, if you think about a pencil core versus a diamond, they are hugely different in terms of material properties. A diamond has greater value because of its strength and optical properties."
High-tech machine presses and thermodynamic sensor technologies create and measure extremely high pressure and temperature conditions. Under these conditions, materials undergo subtle changes that alter their atomic structure — forming entirely new materials — or alter their properties, unlocking new uses.
These extreme conditions also mimic the interiors of planets. FORCE allows scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the origins of our own planet and others across the solar system and beyond.
Read more: The 'FORCE' is with ASU, thanks to a $13.7M NSF grant
COVID variant vigilance
Efrem Lim is a virologist with ASU's Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics. He leads a lab that studies the community of viruses at work in the human body and how these viruses affect health and disease.
Over the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lim has helped public health partners in Arizona understand and prevent the spread of the virus, including sequencing viral genomes. Sequencing helps us stay ahead of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as variants like Delta, Alpha and Omicron spread through communities.
Genomic sequencing spells out an organism's genetic code, revealing how it mutates over time. The letters of the genetic code in a virus can change as it infects and reproduces in the body. In the case of COVID-19, this resulted in dozens of variants that changed the transmissibility and severity of the pandemic over time, causing worldwide waves of infections and deaths.
Lim's lab participated in a massive effort to track the COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona, working with a coalition of state universities and health agencies that together, sequenced the genes of more than 100,000 virus samples. He oversaw a team at ASU that has now sequenced more than 40,000 of those genomes.
"This real-time surveillance makes a difference for public health responses. As scientists, we have a responsibility to care for our communities," says Lim, an assistant professor with the School of Life Sciences.
By understanding the particular variant present in a community, public health officials and emergency and health care partners can better respond to outbreaks, provide treatments and save lives.
Read more: Milestone: Arizona researchers sequence genomes of more than 100,000 COVID-19 samples
When robots join the team
ASU's Center for Human, Artificial Intelligence and Robot Teaming (CHART) studies how humans and intelligent systems work in teams — an increasingly important capability for areas like health care, manufacturing, transportation, space exploration and defense technologies.
"Humans do higher-level cognition, adapt well to novel events and can solve problems on the fly. AI's superpower is that it's very fast computationally. It can take in, remember and manage lots and lots of data," says Nancy Cooke, a professor of human systems engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU's Polytechnic School and director of CHART, a unit of ASU's Global Security Initiative .
At CHART, robotics engineers and computer scientists work closely with researchers from social sciences, law and the arts to understand communication, coordination and legal and ethical implications for these teams.
One outcome of this interdisciplinary approach is the General Human Operation of Systems as Teams (GHOST) Lab. The lab is both an art installation and a scientific testbed that explores how humans can develop trust in robots and AI so they can work together seamlessly on space exploration missions.
Read more: CHART-ing the future of space exploration
Changing the way the world solves problems
"Our faculty, students and staff are collaborative, innovative and dedicated, which is evident in ASU's continued top national research rankings," says Morton. "Together, we are changing the way the world solves problems."
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence, and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
Past Membership Q tragedy, Colorado hints at US shift on LGBTQ rights
Alex of DPS Marrero named amongst '2022 Superintendents to Watch'

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When you come in for a smog test, you'll need to present your driver's license, proof of insurance, title (unless you are still making payments on the vehicle), and registration. Once your vehicle passes inspection, you'll receive a certificate. If your car fails, we will advise you on the repairs needed to pass and then offer you a retest.
We also offer diagnostics for any make and model. Pleasanton Smog and Repair has a computer diagnostics system to uncover the cause of any repair, from minor to major. Our technicians will then go over with you in detail what the problem is and give you a time and cost estimate. Simple repairs or services such as fluid flushes, oil changes, filter changes, and other small fixes can be done the same day.


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Chicago Bears free agency targets: Chris Culliver
As we continue our look at players the Bears may be interested in in free agency, we look at San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver.
By Sam Householder@SamHouseholder Feb 20, 2015, 11:00am CST
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It's obvious that the Bears need to invest the most resources into the defensive side of the football because they've fielded the worst units in franchise history in consecutive seasons.
They have issues at every level of the defense, but the pass defense has been especially atrocious. Since cornerback Charles Tillman went down back in 2013, it seemed like the defense was never really able to recover.
Tim Jennings, who was playing the best football of his career alongside Tillman, suddenly didn't seem so great when he was manning the field by himself.
Last season the Bears ranked 30th in pass yards allowed and 31st in pass touchdowns allowed. This included allowing QBs like Ryan Tannehill (25/32 for 277 yards 2 TDs) and Matthew Stafford (34/45 for 390 yards 2 TDs) to look like top tier players. I'm not even going to remind fans of what Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady's stat lines looked like.
While last season's first round pick Kyle Fuller looks like he has a bright future, the Bears could use some investment into resources at cornerback.
The Bears might not be able to spend a huge amount of money at CB, and Jennings is likely to be back thanks to his huge contract extension that would carry $6.65 million in dead cap money if he were released. His contract counts $5.25 million this season. But the Bears could use another CB because last season they wanted to bump Jennings inside to nickelback and, in the current pass-happy NFL, three solid CBs is a need.
Look no further than San Francisco 49ers CB Chris Culliver.
When I wrote my first free agent post on Monday, some of the commenters suggest I look at unrestricted free agents who have a connection with the Bears' new staff.
Culliver has played his entire career for new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive backs coach Ed Donatell. Culliver was a third round pick in 2011 out of South Carolina in Fangio and Donatell's first season with the 49ers.
Since then Culliver has been a role player, starting only 20 games, 14 of which came last season. Culliver has seven career interceptions, two forced fumbles and 111 tackles. He missed the 2013 season with a torn ACL.
Last season in his 14 starts he had four interceptions, 15 pass deflections and a forced fumble.
Culliver, 27, gets high grades ProFootballFocus as well. They have him graded as the third best free agent CB with an overall rating of 8.5. He also ranked 10th in PFF's signature stat Yards per Cover Snap, which rates a CB by how many yards a CB allows when they are in primary coverage on a per snap basis. He surrendered 0.95 YPCS on 491 coverage snaps. Opposing QBs had a 66.5 ratings on those snaps.
For comparison, Jennings surrendered 1.09 YPCS on 601 snaps, allowing QBs a 106.7 rating.
But can the Bears afford one of the best CBs on the market? Culliver might be cheaper than these grades suggest because he has some off-field issues.
Culliver was in hot water during Super Bowl week two years ago when he said that a homosexual player would not be welcome in an NFL locker room. He also had a minor problem dealing with social media, and last March was arrested following a hit-and-run crash and possessing brass knuckles.
These issues, combined with his lack of vast starting experience, means that perhaps the Bears could get Culliver on a team-friendly deal and get a solid player.
Is Culliver a player you'd be interested in the Bears pursuing?


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Search Results for "Formula One"
Showing 10 of 27 results for "Formula One"
So You Want To Drive The Glen, Vettel? Be Our Guest!
Last week, Watkins Glen International topped Sebastian Vettel's list of tracks he would like to drive. Today, the three-time Formula One champion received a formal invitation from WGI President Michael Printup to bring his Red Bull Racing-Renault to The Glen anytime.
Related Topics: Watkins Glen International, Michael Printup
Formula 1™'s Hamilton & NASCAR's Stewart Trade Cars in "Mobil 1 Car Swap"
Mobil 1 is bringing Formula 1™ World Champion driver Lewis Hamilton and two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart together to swap race cars at the legendary Watkins Glen International in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. This exhibition builds upon Mobil 1's more than three decades of supporting motorsports champions and globally renowned race teams.
Related Topics: NASCAR, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, Formula One, Tony Stewart, Lewis Hamilton
David Hobbs to serve as Grand Marshal of Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at the Glen
The Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix comes to The Glen, September 7-9.
Related Topics: US Vintage, Watkins Glen International
Bill Milliken and Mario Andretti Latest to Join The Legends of the Glen
Watkins Glen International track president Michael Printup announced that William "Bill" Milliken and Mario Andretti have joined the Legends of the Glen during a press conference held earlier this afternoon. The announcement was made in front of media and fans in Lafayette Park located in Watkins Glen, NY as part of the downtown grand prix festival that runs in conjunction with the Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix presented by Welliver. Milliken was joined by members of his family but Andretti was unable to attend.
Related Topics: Watkins Glen International, 2011 US Vintage Grand Prix, Jeff Gordon, Legends of The Glen, Michael Printup, Bill Milliken Jr, Mario Andretti
Learn about the history of Watkins Glen International.
NASCAR 101
USF2000 Championship battle will come down to wire in season finale at Watkins Glen International
The USF2000 Championship title battle will be decided at Watkins Glen International, September 1-3.
Related Topics: IndyCar Series, Indy Lights, Watkins Glen International, News, New York
Related Topics: Watkins Glen International
Drivers and Fans Agree That Mobil 1 Car Swap Was Unbelieveable
Local and global reaction to the Mobil 1 Car Swap at Watkins Glen International on June 14 continues long after the sound of Lewis Hamilton's team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has faded away and Tony Stewart's No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet Impala wrapped up its first trip through the famed section known as The Boot. The overwhelming response has indicated that the Mobil 1 Car Swap at The Glen was an event that will last in the minds of the participants and spectators forever.
Related Topics: Watkins Glen International, Lewis Hamilton, Tony Stewart, NASCAR, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, Formula One, David Coulthard, Michael Printup
Ferrari Challenge North America returns to Watkins Glen International, July 27-29
Ferrari Challenge North America returns to The Glen on July 27-29
Related Topics: Watkins Glen International, Ferrari Challenge, News, New York


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What is Braille?
HomeAnswersTechnology
By Jimmy, Facty StaffUpdated: Mar 29, 2019
Braille is a system of raised dots read through touch. People with visual impairments read and write in Braille. People without visual impairment can read Braille with their eyes. Values are assigned to Braille symbols according to the sort order of the alphabet in various languages.
Most Braille alphabets follow the French sorting order of the 26-letter Latin alphabet. Japanese and Korean Braille are very different from other Braille transcriptions, and they assign codes using abstract principles.
Military Origins
Braille was originally developed by Charles Barbiera, a French army captain, in 1819. It was called "night writing," and was used for officers to read commands and communicate during the night without candles or lamps. Enemy soldiers may have heard speech, and light from candles or lamps would have attracted enemy attention as well. Louis Braille was a 15-year-old student with a visual impairment. He learned of Barbier's 'night writing' and worked to turn it into the Braille used today.
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Many people mistakenly believe Braille is a language, but it is not. Braille is a tactile coded alphabet used to transcribe language. English, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew and many other languages have Braille versions. People with visual impairments learn Braille in their native language. They can not read Braille in another language unless they also learn that language.
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Who Uses Braille?
Though it might seem obvious that braille is for people with blindness or visual impairment, only 10% of people with visual impairments in the United States understand Braille. The percentages are even lower in the United Kingdom where only 1% of the estimated 2 million people with visual impairments understand Braille. The National Federation of the Blind calls the decline in Braille users a "literacy crisis."
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Significance of Braille Illiteracy
The National Federation for the Blind considers using technology as a substitute for learning Braille a tragedy. People with visual impairments that don't learn Braille are illiterate when they can't access technology. Numerous studies have shown that learning Braille increases the chances of earning an advanced degree, establishing a career, and living independently for those with blindness. The results of one study showed that 44% of people with blindness who learned Braille were unemployed, while 77% of those who never learned Braille were unemployed.
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Braille Drawbacks
Two major drawbacks of Braille are the space requirement and the price of materials. Braille takes up much more space than text does. A Braille character is called a cell, and each cell contains 6 dot positions. The arrangement and number of the dots indicate which character is represented. There are 64 possible combinations for each 6-dot grid.
Braille novels or textbooks are extremely large, while the selection of reading materials in Braille is limited and expensive. The Braille version of a popular novel trending on bestseller lists can cost over a hundred dollars. The Braille version of the King James Bible is 18 volumes and takes up 72-inches of shelf space. An organization called Braille Bibles International supplies free Braille Bibles to people with visual impairments.
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Modern technology offers so many options that some people believe Braille is obsolete. Audiobooks don't take up any shelf space, and the selection of books is the same whether a person has a visual impairment or not. Text-to-speech software turns every book or document into audio, although the voices tend to sound robotic and errors are common. Personal electronic devices allow people with visual impairments to keep necessary technology on-hand. They can listen to web content, instructions, or even messages from friends. They can also record their own words by speaking into the device.
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Braille and Literacy
People born with visual impairments that never learn Braille usually have a poor understanding of language. Sometimes they don't know that commonly used phrases, such as "once upon a time," are a string of individual words. Listening to words doesn't spark activity in parts of the brain that are active while reading. Some sections of the brain that were once associated with "visual reading" don't actually require vision. The same areas of the brain are active while a person is reading visually or reading Braille through touch. Literacy is essential for understanding language and many other complex concepts.
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Braille paper is designed for Braille embossing. It is thicker than regular printing paper because Braille dots are pressed into the page, and the dots have to stay firm and raised. Braille paper meets a specific level of quality to produce Braille documents, letters, or books. A slate and stylus can be used to write Braille. The slate, or template, is covered in evenly spaced depressions. A sheet of paper is placed on the slate, while a stylus is used to poke holes. Braille printers are actually more similar to embossing devices than traditional printers.
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Braille Notetaking
It isn't necessary to carry a slate and stylus or use a bulky embossing printer for academic or personal notes. Braille displays connect to computers or mobile devices to replicate text on screens in Braille. Braille displays also transform text into refreshable Braille that a user can interact with or edit. Keyboards can be in Braile or the traditional QWERTY format, and most Braille notetakers include a synthetic speech option for input as well.
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Types of Braille
Learning Braille isn't quick or simple. There are three types of English Braille. Grade 1 is the basic alphabet and punctuation without contractions. It is used by beginners. Grade 2 consists of the alphabet, punctuation, symbols, and contractions. Most menus, signs, reading materials, and other mainstream uses of Braille are in grade 2. Grade 3 is a sort of shorthand that condenses entire words.
Some specialized subjects have their own Braille codes. The Nemeth Code is for writing mathematical and scientific notation. Braille music code is universal and lets musicians share information regardless of their native languages. A Braille chess code lets players track moves and analyze games.
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