4 Stars!!!

Tested in Fire is book 2 in the Art Medium Series by E.J. Russell and it needs to be read in order to be better appreciated.

In this installment, Luke and Stefan are living in Sarasota, Stefan is preparing for his first show, Luke's art investigation firm is doing great and even if Stefan isn't ready to move in with Luke yet, their relationship is working... somewhat.

After Luke returns from a 5-week long business trip to Italy, though, things start to change and soon Stefan realizes the man in Luke's body isn't Luke and he'll need help to get him back.

This book was so much better than book 1 for me, I really like Stefan and it was nice seeing him doing so well, even if he was being a tad stubborn about moving in with Luke. And Luke wasn't as annoying as in the first book, although, he was still a bit so at the beginning. *slaps Luke* Still, it was really great to see how this experience made them both realize what they have and what is really important. I'm not sure if there are more books after this one, but I really wouldn't mind reading more about them and see how different their dynamic will be after this second hijacking.

I loved Rudy and really, I wouldn't mind reading a whole book just with him. He was fabulous! And I liked Peg and Hootie, they were too much fun and helped move the plot along.

The only reason why I didn't give this book a higher rating was because of how the whole Di Bartolo-Antoinette arc was handled. While Jacques' ending was somewhat fitting, I feel like Antoinette got off too easy. I get that she wasn't fully evil, but she wasn't completely good, either.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was very entertaining and fast-paced and I have no trouble recommending it.

*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

The is the second book in the MM paranormal ghost series, Art Medium. This story begins where the first book ended. As opposed to just a ghost story, this story centers around a character who changes bodies with an unsuspecting character. The author has an interesting point of view for the body switching. The story was well written and the characters were wonderful. It is the second in the series and can be read as a standalone, but probably best read in order.

Stefan is an artist. Recovering from a harrowing experience at the hands of a ghost several months ago (first book in The Art Medium series).
Him and his lover Luke have resettled in Florida. Stefan is happily painting nudes. Luke is reestablishing his art-investigation business. Both working through their pasts and looking forward to what both expect to be a happy future.

Luke wants Stefan to move in with him but Stefan is resisting, wanting to prove that he is more than capable of taking care of himself. Wanting to show that his past mistakes don't define him.

Luke take a job recovering an artifact in Italy. The job was only supposed to take a few days but stretched into weeks. The next time he sees Luke, Stefan senses that there is something really wrong. Not knowing what, just aware that this is not his Luke.

As things get stranger, Stefan is becoming more and more afraid he has lost Luke. Not sure what to do he seeks outside help

A slightly crazy medium who takes a ghost with her everywhere she goes, and a nude model/caregiver added a depth to the story I wasn't expecting. Throw in true evil and a psychic bond and this book was very entertaining. This is M/M book, with very low heat.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

When I requested this book, I was unaware that it was the second book in a series so I went in a little blind. I was reading through the book and was bit confused as to what, exactly, the characters background was and how they knew about the paranormal world already. That being said, I was able to piece together enough of the bits the author gave us of the previous book to get an idea of what happened.

This book was interesting enough to keep me reading, but...that's about it. I wasn't invested in the characters, and I didn't necessarily care about the romance. Maybe it's because I missed out on the first book, but the relationship between the protagonists just fell flat for me.

Now, I did find the villains immortality situation interesting. I don't want to give too much away, but the whole concept was fascinating.

Other than that, this book was just 'okay' for me.

Tested in Fire (Art Medium #2) by E.J. Russell

ARC reviewed for Netgalley

Stefan Cobbe and Luke Morganstern return in this sequel to The Artist’s Touch. Unfortunately, the paranormal world has opted not to leave the lovebirds alone, and their lives are once again in peril as another character decides that he wants far more than Luke is willing to give.

Tested in Fire is a quick and entertaining read especially when a potty-mouthed psychic and a sexy male nurse join the cast of characters and add some flare to the endless drama that is Stephan and Luke’s love life.

Without giving too much away, I still find Luke to be rather hard to like. He is so grumpy and abrasive that I wonder how someone like Stephan can tolerate and even love him. And, keeping this spoiler-free, the ending left me wanting more. I didn’t think the punishment fit the crime when it came to the awful truth that was revealed about the paranormal bad guys. They got off way too easily and left Luke even more damaged than he already was. The ending definitely leaves room for a third book. Let’s just hope that if Art Medium #3 does happen someone else becomes the victim of a paranormal maniac so that Luke and Stephan can get the break they deserve.

Coming April 2nd from Riptide Publishing

When I requested this book from Riptide Publishing, I hadn't realised it was the second in a series. That did cause me a few initial problems in reading, because we were thrown straight in with the characters, who talked of events of which I had no knowledge. However, once the plot started to unfold, I was drawn in and found it an enjoyable read. I liked the characters of Stefan and Luke, and the idea of the masks and body swapping worked well. I think I would have gotten more out of it had I read the first book ahead of this one, but even so, it was a four-star read for me. It should appeal to fans of MM PNR, but I would recommend picking up book one in the series first.