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Author: Serena Yates | Website
Published Works & Book Reviews
Sachael's Test
What if you're the angel of water and suddenly face more droughts and floods than even you can bring back into balance? Sachael has been the angel of water for centuries. He used to love his job, but humans have caused serious droughts and more suffering than he can stand. He performs a miracle which brings rain to East Africa, but is caught and appears before the judicial panel. His boss intervenes, hinting at new ways of doing things and sends him on a 'vacation' to Earth. Victor Lomack didn't want to inherit the family farm in the most drought-ridden depths of Kansas, but is the only child. He isn't able to sell the farm, and taking in a mysterious stranger who appears on his doorstep is the last straw. Will Sachael make the right decision? Or will he fail the test and lose everything?
Fighting for Hope
Dr. Grayson Burrows is convinced that a children's hospital is what Oxford most needs. Dr. James Pearson is equally certain that an oncology research center is what will do the most good. Who will end up the victor? A rare piece of land has become available in the city of Oxford with the stipulation that a new medical center be built. Two handsome and determined doctors are fighting for their ideas of what is right. Dr. Grayson Burrows and Dr. James Pearson butt heads from the very start. They know only one can win. But they aren't only fighting on a professional level. Their personal attraction for each other is threatening to take over, making them behave in an entirely unprofessional way. Can they resolve their issues--or will they crash and burn?
The Cellar Hand
Can Orson Digby, who wants nothing more than a harmonious work environment, be successful as a cellar hand? Orson Digby lost his entire family to a fire when he was twelve. He has worked long and hard to become a cellar hand in a family-run winery. When mysterious acts of sabotage threaten to destroy his new employer's business, he knows he needs help. Geoff Robichaud, a childhood friend, is the new head of security. After a long separation and five years as a Marine, he has finally found Orson again. Geoff is determined to catch the perpetrators. Will Orson and Geoff be in time to stop the saboteur? Or will the attacker succeed in destroying Orson's new career?
The Model
How is Alessandro, a famous fashion model with the perfect body, supposed to find love if people never look beyond his appearance? Is it possible to find someone interested in the man he is deep-down? Off camera, Alessandro is Fabio Bonardi, a man tired of loneliness and drama. His modeling career is great, but in a world where image is everything, no one is as they seem. When the first wrinkle appears, it's time for Plan B. He wants to start a business and enlists Edwin Zachary to help. The shy financial consultant looks below the surface and connects with Fabio, surprising them both. Not everyone is happy with this development. A mysterious stalker tries to drive Fabio and Edwin apart. Will he succeed? Or can they overcome the obstacles and build the lasting relationship they both so desperately want?
Finding Elliot
After five years of forced separation David was determined to find Elliot again – but what he gets isn’t the closure he was hoping for... After yet another unsatisfying one-night stand David Lear decides it's finally time to find his former lover Elliot Watkins. He needs closure before he can move on. He is still angry at the man for never getting in touch after his parents moved away when David and Elliot were caught kissing at age seventeen. Elliot Watkins has never forgotten his first and only lover David but lives under his father's scrutiny, too afraid to come out before he gets access to his trust fund when he turns twenty-five. His fiancée Patricia Hobart constantly nags him and he wants nothing more than to live his own life and to become an architect. Falling back into each other's arms is relatively easy. But will Elliot be able to free himself from his father's influence? Will David be able to forgive his lover and have the patience to wait until Elliot is ready? Reader Advisory: This book is the first in a series linked by theme and characters appearing in more than one book. The stories, while they can be read on their own, are best read in sequence.
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Nov 21, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, M/M
While I found the story to be a bit short (I would have liked to see a longer timeline and more interaction between the characters), Finding Elliot was a very good read.
The reason I found it to be so is Ms. Yates' presentation of the themes of miscommunication, breaking free of a suffocating environment, finding yourself again, and love.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Rediscovering Adrian
What happens when the past you've been running from finally catches up with you?
For the past five years, Peter Adams has convinced himself that his one and only true love, Adrian Shrader, never really cared. Peter has dedicated his life to becoming a private investigator, more determined than ever to keep his memories, and his feelings, locked away. But when a near fatal shooting causes a brain injury, he's about to discover that his past is anything but behind him.
Adrian Shrader disappeared in the hopes that his best friend and lover wouldn't lose the only family he'd ever known. Aware that Peter's mother threatened to remove Peter from his sibling's lives, Adrian's spent the past few years wishing there was a way to right this wrong. When he hears that Peter is seriously injured and in the hospital, Adrian rushes to his side. Will they be able to rediscover love? Or will history repeat itself?
Reader Advisory: This book is the second in a series and the stories, while they can be read on their own, are best read in sequence.
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Nov 21, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, M/M
Once more there is a theme of old friends/lovers finding themselves again, but done in such a way as to not sound repetitive. Family plays an important role again as well, this time via Adrian's sacrificing the relationship that could have been at the time in order for Peter to be able to help his family.
Both characters are sympathetic in what they are/were going through and the point they are in their liv
Understanding Mark
Rick Dealy and Mark Shrader have the perfect, loving relationship, until a seeming act of betrayal threatens to destroy both their love and their lives...
As a newly appointed lawyer in his uncle's firm, Rick Dealy doesn't have much time to get involved in a new relationship. But when he runs into Mark Shrader, his friend Adrian's younger brother, he realises some pursuits are worth the time. He and Mark fall in love and share their lives, until Mark's new job threatens to destroy everything they've worked so hard to achieve.
Mark Shrader has had a crush on Rick for what feels like forever. And now that Mark’s not so little, he's determined to make Rick his lover. After orchestrating a chance meeting, things finally seem to be going his way. But when one of the men he performs live music for, Tony Mondello, decides he wants to be Mark's lover, Mark must choose between his own safety and the life of his lover.
Will Rick be able to understand what happened, find Mark and bring him back?
Reader Advisory: This book is part of a series and while it can be read on its own, they are best read in sequence.
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Nov 23, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, M/M
So far, Understanding Mark is my favorite story in the Men of Riverside series. I have several reasons for this.
The first reason is the timeline. While the story is short (at around 80 pages, give or take), Ms. Yates handles the time frame (from when Rick and Mark meet, to their jobs, to what happens because of an apparent betrayal, to when they come together again) wonderfully and seamlessly.
The next r
Saving Zeke
Ben and Zeke have been best friends forever – but can they become lovers without losing each other along the way?
Ben Dealy longs for a loving relationship like the one his parents have, but he can’t seem to connect to any of the women he dates like he does to his childhood friend, Zeke. As a police detective, admitting he's gay could ruin his career. But when he discovers Zeke is in trouble, not admitting he's gay may cost him much more than his job.
Zeke has been fighting his attraction to Ben since college, but was determined to uphold the 'expected' lifestyle. When he discovers his fiancée, Claudia, is only after him for his money, he decides it's time to stop running from the truth, and start fighting for the man he's still crazy about.
But will Ben and Zeke admit their feelings for each other or will Ben's need for a career drive them further apart?
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Nov 23, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, M/M
Appearances can be everything or "just" illusions that are best stripped away.
That, I think, may be the central theme of the story of two best friends who may find that they have a lot more in common than they believed. The key will be whether or not they will be willing to work things out or have it drive them apart.
Overall I enjoyed this story. If you enjoy friend becoming more storylines then give thi
Forgiving Jason
Jason vows to protect Steve from the bigots who attacked him, but can Steve forgive Jason for what he’s done?
Steve Jacobi is a window washer who is very focused on his financial independence. He’s always known that he’s bisexual, but never had the courage to approach one of the men he was interested in. Relationships have taken a back seat in his life...until goes car shopping and meets Jason Fortin.
Jason is a fun-loving salesman who likes his job. He hasn’t come out because he’s never met a man he was interested enough in. Yet he has no problem approaching Steve, and their relationship quickly develops to the point where Jason is ready for more.
But when bigots attack Steve, Jason reconsiders. Can Steve forgive him for the pain his protectiveness causes them both?
Reader Advisory: This book is the fifth in this series and the stories, while they can be read on their own, are best read in sequence.
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Nov 23, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, Multicultural / Minority, M/M
A lovely story (despite the instance when Steve is attacked) about coming into your own and being who you are. It is also a story about forgiveness and love.
This is a wonderful addition to the series.
Loving Vicente
William loves Vicente with all his heart, but can he give him the life he deserves, free from financial worries and danger, without making Vicente lose his self-respect?
William Fortin is a forensic scientist who has returned to Riverside after six years for his first job. He wants a social life and to settle down, and when he runs into his old crush from high school, Vicente Vasquez, he knows he has found the man of his dreams.
Vicente is a shy Mexican American who works hard so he can pay for the medical care his wheelchair bound father needs. He is a courier by day and a bartender by night, just to make ends meet. Dating the man who was his science tutor in high school is a dream come true.
But how can they possibly be partners when Vicente is struggling just to keep the creditors at bay and his traditional family can’t possibly find out he’s gay?
Reader Advisory: This book is the sixth in a series and the stories, while they can be read on their own, are best read in sequence.
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Nov 23, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, M/M
I enjoyed Loving Vicente, especially how the characters - both independent men - interacted with each other.
I also liked how their personalities (Vicente's prickly independence and William's loving, though more analytical, mindset) played off of each other.
However, having said that, I would have liked to see a couple of things happen within the story. The first is that the reader gets to see how Vicente'
Noticing the Finance Manager
Felix has found a lover to start a new life with after losing his job due to false accusations – but will he be able to defeat the enemy who kicked him out of his old career?
Felix Oakden loved his work as a finance manager...before a spiteful ex-boyfriend used false accusations to not only get him fired, but also blackball him throughout the health care industry. Forced to work as a waiter to support himself, he met Leo and the two fell in love.
Returning to the real world means making a decision about his future professional life. Felix discovers several alternatives he would have never considered before Leo noticed his talent for financial analysis.
When an old enemy begins to make life difficult for him, can Felix fight back and win – even when the situation seems hopeless?
Reader Advisory: This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone title.
Reviewer: Sandra
Review: Nov 4, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, GLBTQ, M/M
This is the ending of the story that began in Anger Management, Book 5 of the New Horizons series.
Helping Leo refinance his business is a new beginning for Felix after losing his job to lies and accusations. Felix Oakden finds love with Leo and a new start in the financial business world. He is also able to confront the enemy who tried to destroy his life.
When another old enemy tries to destroy his new l
The Cake
Baking the best cupcakes in San Francisco is Daine’s true calling…who knew that the tastiest cakes could lead to a talent for danger?
Phillip Sedgwick is a lawyer who works for an unusual law firm: Arden, Bainbridge, Chinook and Damek is the supernatural world’s most prestigious company, protecting, and often prosecuting, members of the supernatural world for various crimes and infractions. His latest case involves the owner of Fabulous Cupcakes, Daine Paradis, who has been accused of abuse of his superpowers.
Daine is proud that he’s been able to keep his father’s bakery going and has made it a huge success. Weird things start happening, and hard work no longer seems enough to stay in business. When he meets Phillip the sparks fly, but will the two men be able to solve the case before everything goes up in flames?
Reader Advisory: This book contains mouth-watering descriptions of cupcakes and hot references to other foods.
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Sep 24, 2011
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, GLBTQ, Anthologies, M/M
The Cake was a fun read for several of different reasons.....outside of developing a yen for cupcakes.
The most enjoyable aspects of this first installment of the Elemental Superpowers series are: the humor, the characters, Dain's coming into his powers, and how things worked out.
I look forward to many more collaborations from two wonderful authors.
Sins of Summer
The seven deadly sins: lust, wrath, greed, gluttony, envy, pride and sloth.
The Sins of Summer weaves a general thread of deception loosely tying these tales together. Envy, lust and wrath are explored in these scorching m/m tales involving action, burning hot sex and sinful adventures that will have you cranking up the Air Conditioning.
'Mayze' by D.J.Manly
D.J. Manly tackles the sin of lust in his paranormal tale
Jas’s joy of being reunited with his sister is short lived when one night she is murdered by a madman, a madman his foster brother claims is a vampire. Sent out on a mission to find a monster, Jas meets Mayze, and he’s like no one he’s ever met before. Is he the monster who killed his sister, or could he just be the answer to his prayers?
'Burnt Island' by A.J.Llewellyn
A.J. Llewellyn tackles the sin of jealousy in Burnt Island
Manhattan-based private investigator, Leo Gannet, accepts an assignment to tail his father’s boyfriend, theater director Thane Covey on a clandestine trip to a tiny Greek island. With only three hundred inhabitants and four miles to cover, Leo worries about pulling off his mission. He soon discovers he's got bigger problems: Thane Covey is the sexiest man he's ever seen. And he's not alone. Leo soon becomes insanely jealous, then very worried. To top it off, Thane also seems to have somebody else's attention...a hitman's.
'Summer Escape' by Serena Yates
In Summer Escape, Serena Yates tackles the sin of wrath.
New York banker Carlton Jaymes Pearce receives an ultimatum from his doctor: accept a lifestyle change and early retirement to reduce his astronomical stress levels or be prepared to have a heart attack - soon. Being only thirty-eight, Carlton isn't ready to die and decides to finally learn how to sail. Neither he nor his private sailing instructor, Troy Nicholls, are ready for the almost instant attraction that leads to a hot and heavy summer fling. But all is not well because someone from Carlton's past appears on the scene to exact revenge for a perceived injustice. Carlton and Troy are kidnapped and left on a deserted island. Will the mysterious man's wrath cost them their lives
Zuriel's Fate
What if you're a senior guardian angel on your way to a promotion and discover you don't want to do your job the way your superiors tell you to do it?
Zuriel has been a guardian angel for over a millennium. He's good at following orders and wants a promotion. But is it worth foregoing any kind of emotional attachment to the humans he is in charge of? What's the point of his job when he isn't allowed to connect with those he protects?
Luke is a bad boy who runs his deceased father's motorcycle dealership and repair shop. It gives him the freedom to run his life as he pleases, but he misses having a partner to love and share his life with.
When Zuriel is assigned to guide Luke's soul into the next life, he refuses. Will they be able to escape punishment or will the celestial justice system catch up with them and banish Zuriel into the void?
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Jun 24, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, GLBTQ, Fantasy, M/M
For a novella, Zuriel's Fate packs a nice punch. As a reader, I liked the concept, the characters, and the "world" of the celestial court.
I liked both of the main characters for different reasons. Zuriel because the reader sees his doubts about his profession and wants to connect with those he is charged with guarding. Luke because he comes across as a little bit mysterious (more on this in a moment) and
The Ship Engineer
Can a straight-laced ship engineer and a happy-go-lucky musical dancer find enough common ground to discover a future together?
Nathan Kappas is a ship engineer who prefers the predictability of machines to people. He has just been promoted to second engineer on a mid-size cruise ship, hoping to become first engineer within the next few years. During his first day on his new ship, the Sapphire, he runs into his new crew mate Harper Quade, a musical dancer who is full of life and is very good with people.
Nathan has no idea what has hit him, but the attraction is immediate and they quickly become inseparable. But then Harper's abusive ex-boyfriend appears and threatens everything they have achieved together...
Reviewer: Daisiemae
Review: Jun 14, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, GLBTQ, M/M
Serena Yates is one of those authors that I reach for when I'm in the mood for a romantic, up-lifting story that has interesting and sexy characters with a fast-paced storyline. Her stories never fail to give me a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart as I read through her books. I love the attention to detail she gives and the romance between the heroes and their story always lives within me long after I
The Mistletoe Experiment
Sequel to The Solstice Mistletoe Effect - Lance is on cloud nine. His lover Magnus has proposed to him, making Lance the happiest man on Earth, and they are planning to move their family to Sweden for Magnus’s new job at Stockholm University. But when an old enemy resurfaces, followed by an unexpected new threat to their relationship, their new life in Europe with Magnus’s nephew Jakob turns out to be very different from what they had hoped. Will Lance and Magnus's love be strong enough to make their Mistletoe Experiment a success?
The Chauffeur
Physically scarred ex-model Kyle Anderson leads two lives: he is a chauffeur by day, and an exotic dancer by night. His performance attracts the attention of Nick Giddings, a factory worker visiting the club to forget his worries.
Kyle was kicked out by his parents when a car accident on his eighteenth birthday left his face scarred. Now he works for his uncle's limousine rental company, but the pay is too low for him to become financially independent. So, he dons a mask and works as an exotic dancer most evenings.
Nick has been kicked out of school for a prank he didn't commit, and rejected by his parents. He is too proud to sell his body, so ends up working for a fast food chain until he can secure a job as a forklift driver. Meeting a gorgeous exotic dancer is just the icing on the cake. But when he is laid off, all his dreams come to an abrupt end...
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: Mar 24, 2011
Genre(s): Contemporary, GLBTQ, M/M
I found The Chauffeur to be a very good read, albeit too short.
I liked the set up for how Kyle and Nick meet - both times - and the way things work out between them.
What I would have liked to see more of and what left me a little frustrated (which, in this case, may very well be part of the enjoyment) is that Kyle's past with his immediate family is touched on a couple of times and then moved on.
Another
Araton's Destiny
4 Flames
Page Count: 120
What if you're a guardian angel and fail to do your job?
Araton has been a guardian angel for less than a century when a moment of distraction causes his human charge to be hit by a car. He expects to be punished - and is surprised to find out there is room for leniency - and even a new job. Will he be any better at being a Christmas angel?
Jake is a former pro-football player whose knee injury has prevented him from fulfilling a lifelong dream. He turns his attention to extreme sports instead. When he falls into an ice cave during a solitary trip just before Christmas he believes it is the end of the road for him. Nothing short of a miracle will save him...
Reviewer: Sandra
Review: Apr 24, 2011
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, GLBTQ, M/M
Young guardian angel Araton in a moment of distraction causes serious injury to his charge. He knows that he will be punished for his actions. He is surprised when he is given a second chance as a Christmas angel.
All he has to do is bring Jake back to Christmas and the spirit in which it's for. Jake though isn't doing too well himself because when he lost his chance in the Pro Football game when he injure
The Magic Thieves
What if there was a parallel dimension in which magic was a real and necessary part of keeping the political and economic balance - and someone was now stealing that magic?
Elryk Muyd’omir is the most powerful lightning wizard born on Tah’Nut in two hundred years and a pacifist. When he refuses to co-operate with the illegally ruling Xoh’kas family they torture and kill his lover. Rather than risking the death of thousands by losing control over his lightning magic in his rage, he flees to Earth - a place without magic. When the gateway that connects Tah’Nut to other worlds opens Elryk knows that the Law Forces have found him. It is time to either face cruel punishment or fight.
Kaythan Vs'urr is a Law Force Commander who is sent to retrieve the criminal wizard Elryk. He is expected to return him to Tah'Nut for ‘reprogramming’. Secretly disgusted with the Xoh'kas' lack of determination to stop the magic thieves, he has decided to win Elryk for his plan of defeating them. All they need to do is find the fabled Magic Shield to prevent further thievery.
Can Elryk trust the gorgeous Law Commander who wants his help? Will the two men be able to work together to defeat the Xoh’kas and eliminate the magic thieves?
Reviewer: Sandra
Review: Feb 26, 2011
Genre(s): GLBTQ, Fantasy, M/M
Elryk Muyd'omir the most powerful lightning wizard left on Tah'Nut has to flee or risk his life and his magic. He flee’s to Earth where magic didn't work. But when the Xoh'kas family creates a bridge to Earth in their search for Elryk he knows he has to give himself up and save his world or be killed.
When Elryk suddenly appears in the Earth side outpost of the Law Force he encounters Kaythan Vs'urr wh
The Elevator Mechanic
Joe Taylor isn't interested in anything beyond casual sex - until he meets Bill Evans.
Joe is a quiet elevator installer who longs for a more stable life than having to change work sites and teams all the time. He doesn't want a relationship, though. When he runs into Bill Evans, his priorities begin to change.
Bill is about to open his own fitness center at the new super mall north-east of Philadelphia where Joe currently works. The two men are immediately attracted to each other, and when they meet again at a gay club at the end of the work week, the sparks fly. Bill suggests a casual arrangement for weekend sex, which suits Joe initially.
But when the sex gets hotter by the weekend, and Joe begins to be attracted to Bill beyond the physical, will they be able to make a relationship work?
Reviewer: Doug
Review: Dec 27, 2010
Genre(s): Contemporary, GLBTQ, M/M
The Elevator Mechanic is a story which portrays the journey two men take as they open their hearts to accept love into their lives. Joe Taylor is an understated man with a past that has caused him to seek stability and to steer clear of any form of rejection of confrontation. Bill Evans is a man who wants to start up his own fitness center and to be his own boss. Both men are afraid to make connections that l
Eye of Scota: Cin ed
Worried that his planet is slipping into moral decay, the High Priest of Dálriata sends a healer priest to retrieve more magical Slànach Stones, the Council of Priests’ quickly dwindling source of power. Cináed MacAlpin agrees to undertake the quest despite his misgivings, hoping a successful mission will relieve the pressure upon him to heal only the “worthy.”
But finding the Stones is no simple task. Cináed must travel to the mystical Eye of Scota, a passageway through space that leads back to Earth, and the supposed source of the Stones. There he meets Tadeo Banderas, a spaceship captain marooned at the Eye. They discover that the spark of energy between them may hold the key to Dálriata’s future.
Does Cináed have the courage to bring home the truth that the power to save his world is found in forgotten laws and his bond with another man?
Reviewer: Lilyraines
Review: May 13, 2011
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, GLBTQ, Science Fiction, M/M
Cin ed MacAlpin is sent by the head priest of D lriata for the Sl…nach Stones. While there he finds more than he expected in the form of Tadeo Banderas, a stranded space ship captain.
What follows is an interesting journey for both. Tadeo has self-assurance even as he is looking for something new in his life. Especially since he doesn't always follow the rules instituted by the Solar Exploration Fleet. Cin
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