Waking up alone after a crash on a deserted island, Barry Hodgeson hopes for a speedy rescue. He’d give anything to return to the safety of his conventional life. He spends the first moments of his isolation longing for the comforts of his one-bedroom apartment in Florida and the love of his severe, but well-meaning parents. Instead, life has other, much more seductive plans for the young Coast Guard pilot.
As the weeks pass, Barry realizes he isn’t alone in this remote paradise. A mysterious stranger has been seeing to his most basic survival needs. Are his host’s attentions well-intentioned or does the alluring Xanathen see Barry as an unwelcome intruder?
In this erotic gay romance, human desires are boiled down to their most primal and transformation is inescapable. A haunting tale of finding passion in unexpected places; not only does this novel deliver hot sex scenes, but when everything else is stripped away it appears that love becomes the only rule between two strangers stranded in paradise.
Noah Harris is a 28-year-old bisexual man currently single and living in a small apartment in New York.
Being a natural introvert with significant extrovert tendencies he expresses himself through the world of writing MM books, often with a darker, paranormal twist. His books are written from the heart of his deep, sensitive and mysterious, but playful and creative, wild spirit.
Noah is dedicated to giving something back to the universe, sharing generously in his successes and inspiring and motivating others through his writing and in any other way he can. He believes in living a natural, healthy lifestyle and has embraced meditation as a way of clearing the 'noise' in his head and allowing his dark creativity to shine through in his books.
He is determined to reach out to as many readers, who he considers his 'friends', as he can through his unique personal touch and through building like-minded communities online. It is this personal touch, with his readers, that sets him apart from most other authors today.
I enjoyed this book a lot but there are some parts that doesn't satisfy me. For one, Noah Harris is an excellent writer but this book's coherence really sucks. For example, after Xanathan and Berry flied together for the first time, they were back at the cave in the next scene and Berry was contemplating about their first kiss which happened at the beach which was never mentioned or written in the book. Flying and back to the cave embracing .. where is the scene of first kiss? It was just lost. Also another thing, after Berry walked alone at the beach they are back again at the cave. There was supposed to be a scene where Xanathan was hurt because Berry wanted to walk alone and there was no such scene. But again in the story, it was mentioned when Berry was evaluating the situation in his mind. The coherence is really terrible in this story although it's a beautiful one. Also, Xanathan is a dragon shifter and he is supposed to live for a thousand years or for eternity. But there was no mentioning of a mate bond or whatever magic that's going to allow Berry to live as long as his mate also lives. Actually, they were arguing about that at one point that Berry, well .. humans don't live as long as dragons. They did get a HEA but like I said, the story would have been much nicer if it's more coherent and they untie the knots that were tied and unanswered.
More about story and less about lusty scenes but that's Noah's style.
“Island Pleasures” is about a Coast guard pilot named Barry who had gone out on a mission in stormy weather in the open sea to save a man. He and his fellow teammate’s chopper went down in the brutal storm crashing into the maelstrom of waves. Next thing he knows he’s waking up on a beach. Even with his exploring he doesn’t find any civilization. So, he sets up camp.
The one thing I would have changed was Chapter One. I felt could have been shorter to just give a little break from all Barry’s memories and living on the beach with someone or something leaving food for him, to actually talking to himself out loud to no one. It ended beautifully with his thought about that, “what a lousy conversationalist he was”.
Then Chapter Two would have started about Barry waiting to see what or who had been sneaking into his campsite a night leaving food. As hard as Barry tries to stay awake, he falls asleep to be woken by the familiar rustling of the bushes. That got Barry to his feet chasing the sound ahead of him until he actually nabs the culprit and meets another man named Xanathen. Xanathen was thrilled that Barry caught him. The man seemed happy to finally meet Barry. Other than that the book was great.
Noah gives us a fun read with Xanathen not knowing a thing about the world beyond the Island and Barry having to explain the littlest of things. Barry had inter-personal chaos about himself and Xanathen seems to know this. It’s though the way Xanathen treated Barry that he came to know himself, his true self, not the self he was trying to live up to please other people.
It’s an endearing tale of the two growing closer together and the shock of Barry discovering Xanathen was a dragon. Barry accepted Xanathen for who he was and liked his dragon part as he did his human part. They explored the island together as dragon and human as well as humans, but even with all the fun and lovemaking and Barry’s deep feelings, Barry missed home.
So, as the months go by this yearning to return home grew stronger than staying on the island with Xanathen. It was the hardest thing for him to pull away from his lover who refused to leave his island and his legacy. Plus Xanathen try to warn Barry about the dangers of another clan of dragons that were larger and powerful then him. The Brass dragon would kill them both before they ever made it to America.
It didn’t stop Barry and he left to build a raft to set sail as soon as possible. The loving couple had both their hearts torn apart by Barry’s decision and many tears were shed as you read the book. I don’t want to give all the exciting parts away, because it’s more powerful if you read it than someone just trying to tell you. But I can say the loving couple gets their HEA ending, which brought joy to my heart. *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. ***
Wow. This was so much more than I was expecting! Love Dragon Shifters!!! Noah Harris exceeds every expectation of every book I have ever read of his. Not only do you become invested in Barry and his loneliness and thinking how his life wasn't exactly what made him happy, but when you meet Xanathen and hear his story, it just about breaks your heart. There is so much growth between the two of them. I love feeling that I was part of that (the writing is just that good). Noah Harris surprised me throughout the book and the ending was just amazing. Give this book a try. I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed! So glad this is going to be a series!!! Woo Hoo!!
Island Pleasures is the first book in the Wings of Passion series by Noah Harris. This was a great story full of passion, mystery, and intrigue. I loved how strong of a character Barry is and how he stood up for himself when he wanted something. Xanathen is also a loveable character. It is completely forgivable the dragon shifter is a little selfish, stubborn, and set in his ways after being alone on the island for 200 years. I loved getting to see the passionate, goofy, and fun loving side of him that Barry brings out. I loved Barry's Titanic moment the first time he rode Xanathen in his dragon form. I can't wait to see what happens next with this couple. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
New author for me and a nice Dragon shifter romance
I'd not read anything by this author before so had no expectations before I started reading this Dragon shifter tale.
Considering the vast majority of the book takes place on a desert island with just the two characters on it, it still had a lot of good world building and a depth to the narrative.
I wasn't sure about the opening few paragraphs but I get why they were written that way and I think there's a few time jumps that aren't really dealt with clearly enough.
Other than that though, this is an enjoyable read. I'm not too keen on the cover though, I think it would have worked better without the propeller!
This is a consuming story about life - enter Barry. Finding yourself on deserted island not remembering at first how he got there. Xanathen enters beautiful and exceedingly strong During a few months together they talk and really get to know each other. Their sexual desires multiplied until they were sated then began again never tiring of each other
Barry tasted many new things together with Xanathen which in turn brought them closer much closer. Their sexual desires knew no bounds It would be interesting to see where life takes them together- human and a dragon shifter.
Well written as usual - sweet ending with all the lovely feels -- these two certainly know how to enjoy themselves! Written as Pat Jayz
3.5* Washing up on the shore of an apparently deserted island was the last thing Barry expected when he set out looking for a man lost at sea. As a member of the coast guard, what should have been a routine mission, ends with him waking, lost, alone and with no idea of how he ended up where he is.
The days pass with no sign of rescue. He spends his days exploring the island but the nights have him on edge and unable to settle. In time, he starts to realise that when he wakes, there is always a readily available supply of food nearby and therefore there has to be someone or something out there watching him. With much determination and patience, he bides his time waiting for his chance to confront this person but what he finds out gives him more questions than answers. Xananthen is adonis like in appearance but there's way more than meets the eye to this man and he has Barry questioning his sexuality. The pair live happily, spending their days together and Xananthen reveals more and more about his kind, his abilities and why he can never leave the island. The trouble is that as Barry falls for the other man, he also knows that he wants to make it back to his old life and see his family again so can he persuade his lover to go with him or will he lose what they have found.
To begin with, I found this a little too descriptive. It gave the story a very atmospheric feel to it but I would have liked to know more about the Barry and the way he was feeling rather than have so much detail about the surroundings. I wasn't quite so sure about Xananthen's character as there was an almost sci-fi hint to him (sci-fi is so not my thing) but as we get to know him, this is not the case and he is very much based in the fantasy genre.
They are both very likeable characters (although you don't expect a 'Barry' to be very dynamic (no offence meant to any Barry's out there!) but he is a strong and determined man and I liked them as a couple. Their relationship is a very, very slow burner and we are almost half way through the book before we see any action between them but I did enjoy the story itself. There were a few surprises, I was kept interested and there is a happy ending. The actual ending itself could have been longer. I felt cheated by the way it was written and the fact that it's like a chunk was missed out so we could fast-forward to the HEA. You'll know what I mean when you read it. All in all, it's a fun read, it's easy to follow and just a little bit different. It's worth a read.
Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club Alpha Book Club All Alpha Males Accepted alphabookclub.org
Title: Island Pleasures Author: Noah Harris Publisher: Noah Harris ISBN: B072128JS2 Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072128JS2/... Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel Blurb: Wings of Passion 1 Waking up alone after a crash on a deserted island, Barry Hodgeson hopes for a speedy rescue. He’d give anything to return to the safety of his conventional life. He spends the first moments of his isolation longing for the comforts of his one-bedroom apartment in Florida and the love of his severe, but well-meaning parents. Instead, life has other, much more seductive plans for the young Coast Guard pilot.
As the weeks pass, Barry realizes he isn’t alone in this remote paradise. A mysterious stranger has been seeing to his most basic survival needs. Are his host’s attentions well-intentioned or does the alluring Xanathen see Barry as an unwelcome intruder?
In this erotic gay romance, human desires are boiled down to their most primal and transformation is inescapable. A haunting tale of finding passion in unexpected places; not only does this novel deliver hot sex scenes, but when everything else is stripped away it appears that love becomes the only rule between two strangers stranded in paradise.
Total Score: 4/5
Summary: "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
This was a fascinating book that could be one explanation of what may lie within the Bermuda Triangle. Barry's life was filled with duty to the coast Guard while trying to fit into a life that he wasn't happy with. He didn't really understand what was wrong and even his own parents weren't happy with him. While out looking individuals missing at sea, a freak accident left him alone on a deserted island to survive. It wasn't until weeks later that he realized he wasn't alone and that one thing could be the catalyst to change his life.
This was a very interesting story was an unexpected paranormal twist to it. The individual Barry meets Xanathen who brought wonder, mystery, and a ton of seduction in ways that Barry never expected or knew he ever wanted. It will be fascinating to see what happens in the next book in the Wings of Passion series.
The author sets the tone immediately for this book... I was caught up and tightly held within the first few paragraphs. The writing flows effortlessly... engaging the senses with this lushly descriptive, picturesque spill of words. I enjoyed each moment as it was fed to me...... each morsel rich with flavor... licking my fingers greedily to savor every drop of tropical goodness! Beautifully blended... a sweet but spicy, romantic story!
Barry, a US Coast Guard pilot, is left stranded alone after his helicopter crashes while on a rescue mission within the Bermuda Triangle. With basic necessities barely met, he begins exploring... seeking to uncover what secrets the island might reveal. He struggles with countless hours and days of discovery, followed by nights tightly laced with fear and blanketed with pure darkness. He experiences overwhelming feelings of solitude breached only by the contemplation of each sound brought in on the wind, the narrative thoughts that he sends back out into the darkness to alleviate the loneliness of perpetual silence, and his hermetical, desolate existence. But within the night, an uneasy mystery takes shape... both intrusive and perplexing. But, eventually, Barry's curiosity surfaces and he embraces the challenge of discovery. He awakens one inky, shadowy night to the sounds of another presence... gives chase... pursues the invisible... to capture an enigma, an exotic beauty and quite possibly.... his future and dreams unrealized.
A "calgon, take me away" type of escape... a dragonliciously, entrancingly magical read!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I had trouble getting into this book. Besides not feeling a connection with Barry, I felt that his moods were either poorly described, or just erratic. He felt too trusting of Xanathen at first, and not enough after they became lovers.
I didn't like that Barry "conveniently" remembered aspects of the Brass Dragon chief from his crash when we got nothing like a hint of it before. It would have felt less like an afterthought to try and fix a plot hole if Barry had thought he'd seen something and dismissed it as impossible, or if he'd have had nightmares about the experience during his stay on the island.
I also found the transitions between scenes to be abrupt and, several times, I found myself confused and having too re-read a section to actually finds where one scene ended and the next began. The biggest one of these occurred between chapter 6 and chapter 7. At the end of 6 Barry makes a decision that seems to be coming too fruition at the beginning of 7, but then, a few pages into the new chapter, we find out that it's actually been months since the events at the end of 6. And Barry has come up with another excuse to not be satisfied, that didn't really jive with his character, until half way through chapter 8 when we learn that all of his previous arguments were just made to sound good, and didn't reflect his true reasons for being dissatisfied.
Despite the negatives, I did find the ending to be exciting and romantic. Overall, I thought that this was an ok story, but not an example of Noah's best.
What would happen if an ace Coast Guard rescue pilot was standed on a tropical island where the only other creature was a lonely dragon? Would they swap tales of flying adventures and soar the skies together? Would they fall in love over their mutual love of flying? In this original tale Noah Harris gives his interpretation of the mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle myths and his imagination soars as usual, it's a brilliantly, innovative idea. As I started reading I was full of excitement and anticipation but my expectations were not fully realised. The story also has plenty of emotion, amazing descriptions and of course hot sex although more could have been made of all three. It flows well enough through Barry's crash, weeks of loneliness and isolation, trying to survive, and his realisation that he's not alone, then into his frienship with Xanathen and ultimately to a breathtaking climax which had me on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately some scenes seem flatter than others, so the quality of the writing is not consistent throughout. Also I didn't really bond with the characters which was a real shame. Both came across too arrogant and even childish for me to really become invested in them. Hence the 3 star rating. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I had a bit of a hard time falling into Barry's head space, admittedly, the first chapter or two were a little boring for me but after Xanathen comes into the picture, I instantly became intrigued and delighted with the story and his childlike curiosity. Xanathen was definitely the draw for me in this story but I did start to warm up to Barry after he found out who and what Xanathen was. However, as much as I loved that surprise of finding out what kind of shifter Xanathen was, by the end I grew so damn angry at Barry for suddenly acting like any bond, or trust or just the connection he had with Xanathen was gone. Like, why?! I mean, I guess you can't blame him too much as anyone that suddenly leaves home gets that extreme homesickness but still... I absolutely hated how it broke Xanathen's heart.
There were a few more things here and there that made me angry at Barry, but I don't want to give too much away, So, I'll just say this-- for me, it was a slow start, interesting and delightful middle and a tad bit confusing and irritating but also happy end. Overall though, I really liked the story and am quite looking forward to the next one!
I guess I need to give this story four stars as it is entertaining, but never quite reaches my "Can't put the book down." Barry is a Coast Guard pilot and spirals into the sea during a vicious storm. All members of his crew are never mentioned again and Barry doesn't even think about them. Washing up on a beach on unknown island, Barry tries to stay sane during the weeks he is alone. Finally noticing he has food at hand every day, just laying on the beach near his shelter, he finally figures he is not alone on the island. He finally catches Xanathen, a dragon shifter who has lived on the island alone for two hundred years. Lost in time, he knows nothing of the modern world. The two develop a friends to lover relationship and spend their time together. Xanathen is childlike and Barry is glad to have companionship. A story that is a good read, although could have been better thought out. There are so many more emotions that could have been used to enhance the story and make the characters more real. I definitely would recommend the book for anyone to read. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
I am voluntarily reviewing this ARC I received. A magical, island paradise mixed with a HOT dragon shifter and an equally HOT Coast Guard pilot who finds himself stranded after his helicopter is brought down in a storm makes for a HOT paranormal encounter. Barry is stranded on this tropical island hoping for rescue, but the days appear like he never will. Every morning he awakes with fruit and fish awaiting for him to eat. He decides to find out who or what is doing this. One night as he hears the bushes rustle he goes after what it is. As he overcomes them he finds a beautiful man looking up at him. He's not only beautiful, but intelligent. The two get along, challenging each other. Then one night Barry finds himself in a storm and being thrust in a cave. As he explores he finds a dragon at the end. That dragon being Xanathen. Barry has never thought of being attracted to another man, but the two find themselves exploring each other. The sex is HOT and the emotions run high until Barry decides he wants to go home...This is an amazing paranormal tale that will steal your heart. Very well written and flows with wonderful detail. Don't miss it. ❤️❤️
Barry is a Coast Guard helicopter pilot and when he is called out to rescue a man lost at sea his helicopter is hit by a massive storm and goes down. When he wakes up, he finds he is on a beach on a strange uninhabited island. Barry is puzzled when each day he finds food left for him so one day he tries to find out who is bringing it. Eventually he hears noises and goes in for the chase. He eventually catches another man who calls himself Xanathen and they become very close. Xanathen is keeping a secret from Barry which he will eventually discover. Will Barry be able to deal with this and will it affect their life together on the island? How will Barry cope with leaving all his family and friends behind? This is an excellent, exciting, hot and unique paranormal read. Another 5* read from Noah Harris
Wow I loved island pleasures it was such a amazing world to be transported into
Xanathen and Barry stole my heart so much
Noah Harris tried something different in a dragon shifter and a human and he did it perfectly I loved it I can't wait for more
I did not want to come out of this world I wanted to stay there
Island pleasures was such a fun intense story to read there were some heart pounding moments to that had me going wow and oh no I loved the fact you didn't know what to expect next from one page to the next it was perfect
I voluntary reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Once again Noah Harris writes a book in his descriptive way. You can almost feel the warm, white sand in your hands. I love the way he sets a scene in each and every book he writes. A coast guard finds himself stranded on an Island and as beautiful as it is he is alone and lonely. When he meets another inhabitant of the Island their friendship develops. They are both young and constantly trying to put do each other. . This book although enjoyable wasn't one of my favourites. I do have to mention again Noah Harris is skilled as usual in his descriptive writing as usual he sets a beautiful scene. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book." Washing up on the shore of an apparently deserted island was the last thing Barry expected. After thinking he is alone on the island, Xanathen reveals himself to Barry and they start a friendship which has Barry questioning himself and his sexuality. Xanathen reveals a big secret to Barry but can he cope with it. Is their love enough to keep them together. Once again Noah tells a beautiful love story with hot passion this book had me hooked. I read the book in one sitting as i could not put it down. A definite must read I cannot recommend this book enough. I hope there is another book to follow.
A beautiful story of the unknown and challenges that come up unexpectedly. I loved Barry to what he had to face. Especially at the ending being on the island for a month decisions had to be made.. courage and love they may need. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this dragon story. Barry woke on a beach aching he remembered he was searching for and unknown male lost at sea. Barry a coast guard pilot of a helicopter when it went down. He thinks he's alone until he chases down a very stange man. Xanathen treated Barry as his play thing chasing and exploring the island together. Barry's straight and but feelings start to flow.. a great story. .
Will Barry ever get off the island? June 6, 2017 Format: Kindle Edition An interesting take on the dragon-human relationship with steam, romance, self sacrifice and some suspense. When a Coast Guard helicopter pilot falls from the sky and lands on a seemingly deserted island he ends up "falling" time and again, but usually into the arms of a lonely dragon shifter. The book is medium to slow paced until the exciting conclusion. I'd actually rate this one 3.5 stars because it did drag on occasion.
I received an ARC of this book from the author at no cost. This is my voluntary and honest review.
John Harris you are amazing writer and a ass for getting my all emotional at the and but I love it all what's a good book with out getting emotional. Even though Barry is stuck on a island and tries to get home he finds himself in the island and love with Xanathen the only Dragon left of his people. After Xanathen safe Barry from close to death twice he fights for his love with Berry even if he's going to leave his home. I love this story it's cute and it makes you think you shouldn't give up on the person you love.
the book was an okay read kinda wished it was developed more but such is life. Barry is a pilot and wakes up to finds he has crashed on an island but his crew and the wreckage is not in sight, after being stranded for days and giving hope of every being rescued, Barry started to notice something strange every morning he would wake up with food in his camp although he wasn't the person who put it there. One night he decides to find out who keeps leaving him food ad when he does his life is completed changed forever. "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
This was good.. not my favorite by Noah but still good.. I enjoyed the dragon aspect.. his character was interesting and intriguing.. but i felt like his mood swings were a bit... much at times.. i also really liked barry also..and again his mood swings were a bit much at times also.. however he was fun and interesting as was xanathen. both of them together were sexy and amazing.. it was a good story and im glad i got to review it
What do you get when you put a hot pilot and a hot dragon shifter on a deserted island? An amazing story that is incredibly written and flows flawlessly. Xanathen and Barry are wonderful characters who form an incredible bond as they explore the island together and learn about each other. Ups and downs, twists and turns, hot and steamy scenes will keep you hooked all the way through. Can't wait for the next book. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
MM. Barry was not happy in his life, except when flying and he finds himself stranded on a deserted island. Except someone has started leaving him food. Xanathen does not know what to make of the man invading his home. I enjoyed the new take on dragon shifters. There were several bumpy transitions and Barry was difficult to connect with and could not make up his mind on important issues. Explicit. I reviewed a copy of this book.
Barry, a coast guard pilot, is stranded on a strange island. Alone but not hungry because magically there is always food at his disposal he discovers Xanathen. Xanathen is the only survivor in his island and Barry will be challenged when they meet. Xanathen is playful, competitive and strong and Barry falls for him and his games but he is not a pushover. It was slow at first but then the pace picked up. It's a Magical and mystical draconic world.
Island Pleasures is the first book in Noah Harris' new series Wings of Passion.
I really enjoy dragon shifter books and Noah Harris does not disappoint! The characters were intriguing and I really loved the chemistry between Barry and Xanathen.
I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I enjoyed the book. I just didn't really care for Barry. To me, he cried more about what others thought. Then once he accepted himself, he cared more about what he wanted than what he had found in Xanathen. He was just a little too immature and concerned about what he wanted than what he had found. The book was well written, and I loved Xanathen .
Every time I think I've read all your books a find another one I've missed . I felt this book followed a different path than I'm used to, but I still found it enjoyable .