Review: Deal Maker

Deal Maker by Lily Morton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic follow-up to Rule Breaker. More light-hearted than the first book, with laugh out loud moments, this story still has its serious moments. This is so well written, the author has found the balance needed to take serious subjects, keep them serious but not over shadow the story. The story flows between the fun and humorous moments and the deep, introspective ones. Neither one taking you out of the story.

The story here picks up with Jude, last seen in Rule Breaker as Dylan’s model roommate, in the afterglow of a casual hookup with Dean. Flaky Dean, who has a few very lonely working brain cells. Everything is good, until the ceiling collapses and the upstairs bathtub comes to rest in the middle of Jude’s apartment. Needing a place to stay, Dean offers up his step brother’s house, telling Jude that he’d make the arrangements. Of course, this never happened, so Jude shows up to find a pink house and finds Asa in that pink house. Asa, the famous actor. And his son, Billy. The house is in slight chaos, Asa has lost his assistant and needs a new one. In exchange of a room, Jude will fill in. If he’s capable. Asa has dealt with models before; his hopes aren’t high. The building of the relationship begins here and slowly builds with every misconception, conversation and interaction. The banter between Jude and Asa has a little snark and is fun to read.

The cast of secondary characters is amazing. Billy is wonderful, at times seeming older than his years. as is Peggy. Amos is such a curmudgeon that he’s a hoot! Dylan and Gabe make an appearance here, and it was wonderful to see them again.

This is book number two in the series. It could be read as a standalone, but you’ll get much more from the story by reading book one first. And actually, you want to do yourself a favor and read it. I loved it and you will too. This author has become an auto buy for me, she is that good.


View all my reviews

Review: Rainbow Rebel

Rainbow Rebel by Lina Langley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A friends to lovers story, with an interesting premise. Jordan has a matching making business, and he’s good at it. Until his friend Harry signs up. Harry, who hasn’t connected with any of the matches Jordan has sent his way. A sleepy confession, changes everything between them. And Jordan is confused by the words and how they affect him.

Good read, loved both Jordan and Harry. The angst of a teenage nephew added to the story. How Jordan handles the talks between himself and Adrian is very well done. Overall an enjoyable read.


View all my reviews

Review: Christmas with His Omega: MM Non Shifter Alpha/Omega Mpreg

Christmas with His Omega: MM Non Shifter Alpha/Omega Mpreg by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Through no fault of his own, Pierce had to leave the Alpha he wanted as his own. When the couple he’s acting as a surrogate for back out, he heads back to the town he left so long ago. He’s going to keep this baby, he already thinks of the baby as his own. So, he’ll raise it by himself. He’s sure that Rhone has moved on.

Rhone is tired of being the lone single among his circle. But he’s already giving his heart to an omega, Pierce. He can’t believe that Pierce is back and pregnant as well. When he finds out the circumstances of Pierce’s pregnancy, he’s ready to step in. He’s not about to let his omega go again. And as far as he’s concerned that baby belongs to them both.

Wonderful written, with a great story-line, this story just leaves you feeling good.


View all my reviews

Review: Playing With Love

Playing With Love by Ava Thorpe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All Ash has ever wanted to do was play hockey and have his dad be proud of him. At least he has his career in the NHL. And if keeping that career means not being able to acknowledge a boyfriend, so be it. Hockey is worth it, right? Four years ago, he gave up Cam for hockey, so it must be worth it.

Cam’s been traded, to the team Ash plays for. The same Ash that chose his career over him. The same Ash he’s tried for four years to forget. The same Ash that he couldn’t possibly still love, right? Or is this a second chance for them both?

This is an amazing book. The story is well written, the plot pulls you through the pages. The characters have depth and feel like real people. You feel the emotions of the characters right along with them. And there are all kinds of emotions in this story, happiness, sadness, anger.

This author did such a great job with the world surrounding hockey, pro athletes and the prevailing attitudes in locker rooms. I am looking forward to the next story by this author.


View all my reviews

Review: The Powerless: Part Two

The Powerless: Part Two by Lina Langley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story has improved, as you get more information and a better grasp of what is going on. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, some about Tore and some about the relationship with Teo. But I wonder if the story is too complex to have been broken down into the little snippets we get in each part. Because you’re reading such small pieces of the whole, it can be hard to keep the continuity flowing.

But at this point, I would like to know what the final outcome is between Teo and Tore. If they’re successful in Teo’s quest. So, yes, I’ll be looking forward to part three.


View all my reviews

Review: The Powerless: Part One

The Powerless: Part One by Lina Langley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a serial story, and this is part one only. Because of that, a review is hard to do. You don’t have the complete story to base your judgment on. Now the blurb was very intriguing. The story fell a little short for me, lacking the background to the characters and the world this story is set in. There is enough there to tease you though. I don’t know if this will be addressed in the next parts of the story or not.
Now as far as the Teo and Tore, the part of the story about their relationship was good. And the basic plotting of the story was well done. Overall, it’s a good story to read, but I might wait till all the parts are done and read at once.


View all my reviews

Review: Unexpected Christmas

Unexpected Christmas by Nell Iris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An unexpected gem of a sweet little Christmas story. Daniel has had enough of his homophobic and bigoted uncle spewing hate at his mother and himself. He storms out of his mother’s house and into a snow storm. Only then does he realize he’s left his jacket behind. Resigned to walking into town, he hears a truck and flags it down. He’s thankful it stopped until he sees the big bad boy driving it. Ax murderer or death by freezing? He’ll take the ax murderer. On the way into town, Axel must make a detour to take care of his niece, with Daniel tagging along. This begins the relationship that develops between Daniel and Axel.

This could be classified as insta-love, and yet it didn’t have that feel to it. There’s a lot of depth and warmth to the story and the characters as well. The relationship develops slowly, over the course of a year. This was a well written and thoroughly enjoyable story.


View all my reviews

Review: Safety Protocols for Human Holidays: A Holiday to Remember

Safety Protocols for Human Holidays: A Holiday to Remember by Angel Martinez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun and quirky little Christmas tale set on a space ship with species of all kinds. And there is one lonely human onboard. When the Human Jen is deemed to be not to be behaving as before, the Captain of the ship orders Growlan Raskli, as the only other ‘lactating placental species’ on the ship, to investigate why Human Jen is not acting right.

Growlan Raskli sets out to find out as much about humans as the data allows. While on her journey of discovery, she finds that she is developing feeling for Jen. And that Jen returns those feeling. And through talking to Jen, she comes to realize that Jen is missing the holiday season that happens on Earth. So, to remedy this, she along with the rest of the crew, set out to give Jen the whole of Earth’s winter holidays rolled into one.

As with all this author’s stories, the world building is superb. The aliens are well written, you have no trouble picturing them. There is a lot of humor, a little snark, and moments that make you feel good. Wonderful story.


View all my reviews

Review: Undercover Star

Undercover Star by Jackie Keswick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable story, with a little intrigue and mystery. Detective Inspector Josh is hunting an art thief. One that knows who killed his partner. For several years Josh has put everything else on the back burner hunting this thief. He doesn’t have time for life, much less a love life of any kind. Then his boss comes up with the crazy idea of using a rock star to help trap this thief, knowing that Matisse can get Josh into a charity event where Josh has ensured the thief will show. If Josh’s boss has another agenda in mind while pairing these two, he’s not going to say so.

What follows is a story about looking past what you see on the outside and seeing the real person. Josh must learn that the star persona isn’t really who Matisse is. Just as Matisse must figure out if he can be true to himself. In both his music and personal life. That maybe Josh would be worth coming out of the closet for. There’s a lot of push and pull between Josh and Matisse before they figure it out.

The story is well plotted, and keeps you turning the pages. Loved both Josh and Matisse, they were well rounded as characters. And I loved the secondary one, like Montgomery and Marissa as well. This is a fun, fast pace read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.


View all my reviews

Review: Just Jack

Just Jack by Meredith Russell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful remake of the classic story about Jack Frost. Jack has been done with love for a very long time, like decades long. After his heart was broken the last time, Mother Nature granted his wish and frozen his heart. And frozen it has stayed, until Leo.

Leo has always been accused of giving his heart away at the drop of a hat. But this time, his heart is broken after walking in on his boyfriend cheating on him. Maybe he should be done with love too. Rushing away from his now ex-boyfriend, he has an accidental meeting with Jack. Jack has caused his usual mayhem and Leo has slipped on the ice he created and cracked his head. Jack is concerned by what has happened to Leo. That never happens. And for the first time, Jack’s heart might be starting to thaw.

This story is so well written. It’s a gentle, easy read. Loved both Jack and Leo as characters. And the way the author built the relationship between them. Love the cast of secondary characters as well, Ruby was a hoot. Truly enjoyed this story.


View all my reviews

Review: Ganymede: Abducted by the Gods

Ganymede: Abducted by the Gods by Wendy Rathbone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m having trouble with my review here. This was an okay book, but I was never invested in any of the characters. Also, this is supposed to be a romance, but for me the romance didn’t show up until I was already three-quarters of the way through the book. Ganymede and Sable are the romantic couple, but they don’t get together until that three-quarter mark. Up until this time, Ganymede has been with Zeus, which isn't really a romantic relationship at all.

Otherwise, the story itself is well written, but the pacing is slow. It does have an interesting mix of mythology and sci-fi. And the world building was incredible. So, it was an okay read for me. Others might love it.


View all my reviews

Review: But to Love More: A Holiday to Remember

But to Love More: A Holiday to Remember by Foster Bridget Cassidy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet, feel-good Christmas story. Going home for Christmas is always fun for Mel. But with all his siblings there, hectic isn’t even close. So, he escapes to his best friend Aldo’s house. It’s a second home to him. Complete with Aldo’s little brother tagging along. But it’s been six years since he left, and the little brother isn’t so little anymore. And Carlos is interested in him. As they connect, Aldo is anything but happy as his best friend and little brother may get together. Although his heart is in the right place, what he does to stop them jeopardizes his friendship with Mel. A gentle reminder from Mel about Aldo’s own relationship with his wife makes him step back a bit.

All the characters had a real feel and were just like families everywhere. Loved Aldo’s and Carlos’ Nana. For me, this story ends with more of a happy for now/let’s see how this works than a happy ever after ending. That means I would love to read more about Mel and Carlos, see where their relationship goes.


View all my reviews

Review: Watermelon Kisses

Watermelon Kisses by Freddy MacKay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A short, sweet story with a look at a different culture and one of their holidays. Amir and Esmail have immigrated to the US. Living in a foreign country is hard enough, but living it with PTSD makes it that much hard. With the patience of Esmail, Amir is slowly getting better. To do something nice for his husband, Amir gathers what he needs to celebrate a holiday from home, Shab-e Yalda. He needs them both to remember that even after the darkest night, the sun always rises.

Beautifully written, you empathize with Amir and you’re so glad that he and Esmail are able to love each other. They are wonderful characters.

I loved that the author gives a short history of the holiday and includes some of the recipes made in this story.


View all my reviews

Review: Forever With You

Forever With You by Londra Laine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This is an emotional story, there are places you will shed a few tears. You will have the emotional moments of “oh” at the cuteness of Jay. It is an emotional rollercoaster. But I loved every up and down. It does have a trigger, a past tense reference to a rape. If this is not a trigger for you, this is so worth the read.

Kelly has so much going on in his life. His two jobs, care of his brother and dance classes. He doesn’t have time for anything more. Certainly not a man in his life. The only man he’d consider is his boss. His boss, who hates him.

Andrew has lusted after Kelly since the day Kelly applied to the company. So much so that he’s gone out of his way to not give Kelly the time of day, except when it’s work related. Until the day Andrew kisses Kelly. This starts the relationship between them. But as with all relationships, there are things in each of their pasts they need to be honest about. And things they need to work together to get through.

This author has done an amazing job of taking a very serious subject and not making it either too light or too heavy. It is a part of the story, but just a part. And while it is a key part, it doesn’t over shadow the rest of story. The characters are well rounded, showing a range of emotions. The secondary characters are such an important part of the story as well. This is an amazing book. I will be looking for others by this author.


View all my reviews

Review: Releasing Death

Releasing Death by Kenzi Bonde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book seven in the series and you could read it as a standalone, but to get the backstories and relationship correct, you need to read this series in order. And there are triggers here, past abuse. Done to a great number of characters in this story. So, you will get angst, you will laugh some and cry some. But the story here is one of healing, of believing in your own self-worth. Of growing and caring. Of never giving up.

I loved Kasey and Joel from the first. Both are damaged from the life they were forced to live. Neither believes they have anything to give another or are worthy. Kasey has watched Joel abuse himself by giving himself to whoever would have him, but now he’s done. From the time they first meet, Kasey has loved Joel. But if Joel keeps breaking his heart, how can Joel claim to love him back? What follows is the work they both must do. The work of healing, for themselves and to make a relationship work. Throw in a few surprises, a twist and turn, this is a compelling read.

I loved that we get to see most of the characters from the previous books here too. I do have to say that I still find Beau and Dean a bit creepy. But I do hope they get their own book. Because I will read it. This is an amazing, well-written series with wonderful characters. Get book one and read them all.


View all my reviews

Review: Love Happens Anyway

Love Happens Anyway by R.J. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A cute, sweet, wonderfully warm and fuzzy, feel good Christmas story. Derek is so insecure and a failure at relationships that he’s made up a boyfriend. And that worked for him until his mom and dad insisted on meeting this boyfriend. In panic mode, he tries an agency that ‘rents’ companions, there he hires Luke. But Luke can’t be Luke, he’s Marcus because that’s the name of said imaginary boyfriend.

Injured in a building fire, Luke’s firefighting days are over. But he needs money fast, to pay bills so he can keep the bar that belongs to his family. The bank has turned him down, it’s the only reason he took the job with Derek. It has nothing to do with the spark of interest he feels. When a planned PDA kiss turns into more, can they both get past the contract and into a real relationship? Through the magic of Christmas, these two souls find love and happiness with each other.

This was a great story, well written with laughs and a few breathe catching moments when they’re at the bar’s memorial. There are a few tears for the loss of Luke’s career. It has a wonderful cast of secondary characters. I loved everything about this story.


View all my reviews

Review: Deep Edge

Deep Edge by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sparkly, sassy and all kinds of fun are had in this book. Along with the very serious problems of addiction, dependence, rehab and the host of emotional issues that comes with that.

I love Trent. He has snark down to an art form. Just like his use of eyeliner and lip gloss. Some of it is just who he is, but some of it is the uniform he uses to get through the reality of having grown up with a gambling addict step father, who stole everything Trent had. All the while showering Trent with constant homophobic slurs. Trying his best to keep his Rainbow skating rink open and a roof over his mother’s head, he’ll do whatever he has to. This time it’s a reality show with him teaching the fine points of skating to some of the Railers hockey goons. Trent has had more than his fair share of trouble at the hands of hockey players. He’s expecting these guys to be no different. But they are, especially one named Dieter.

Dieter is finally getting his shot at the NHL. And he’s not going to let anything, like pain from a knee injury stop him. Not when he has some little pills that take away the pain. And if a couple help with the pain, well, a few more can’t hurt. Right? Anything that gets him through the day is all good. He’s one of the several Railers that are going to improve their skating skills with, of all things, a figure skater. But one look and Trent and he’s hooked.

The chemistry between Trent and Dieter starts at the first look and keeps building. But Dieter’s addiction is something that Trent needs to work through. As the saying goes, he’s been there and done that with an ex. And, also with his lying, stealing, cheating step father.

Loved Trent’s grandmother, she is such a hoot (even if she is a Flyers fan). And having the guys from the team in this story is a treat. I can’t wait for the next in this series. If you like sports stories, you need to read this. Even if you don’t, read this one anyway, as well as the rest of the series. It’s that good.


View all my reviews

Review: A Detached Raider

A Detached Raider by Ana Night
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Warning: This story does have triggers, there are pedophiles and rapist mentioned here.

This book has it all. Mystery and suspense as you keep reading to figure out the whodunnit part. It has its flashes of humor. It has its sad moments where you feel for the victims in this story. It has a dark and brooding cop, a out going and engaging one. There are things in both of their pasts that have made them this way. The author did a great job of showing the different ways people handle things in their past. The interactions between them has all kinds of sparks going off. When they finally give in to their attraction to each other, it’s sizzling hot. This story also has a snarky ex-partner, who is a hoot and her daughter. And this is a one sitting book. You will keep turning the pages, because you must know. You will not want to put it down till it done and you have all the answers.

At the start of the book, I did have a hard time keeping Cade and Cole straight. I did think at the start, it might have been better to have changed the name of at least one of the guys. But that didn’t last long. And the further I got into the story, the more invested I was. It has a steady pace, great plotting, wonderful characters. No one part of the story is greater than or takes over the other. The balance between the mystery and the romance is perfect. It is an all-around great read. I will be looking for other stories by this author.


View all my reviews

Review: Loving Graham

Loving Graham by Kenna Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story about two men, who both have bitter backgrounds. Graham almost lost himself to drugs and addiction. Through a lot of work, he’s made it back. He’s now a successful business owner, having opened Tease, a high-end salon. And he gives generously to those he cares about. He had a muse that helped him, so he’s paying it forward by helping those around him. But he’s never gotten to the point where he thinks he’s made up for how low he went.

Levi’s background is gritty, he was abandon as a baby and grew up in the orphanage. So, he has a low sense of self-worth already. Adding to his low self-esteem, Levi lost at love, hurting so bad that he doesn’t want to risk his heart ever again.

Levi is a cop, he sees the worst that is out there, leaving him a ‘bitter realist’. When Graham’s salon is stolen from for the third time, Levi catches the case. It’s a case of insta-love for them both. And they have help from both of their best friends. Reading their story as the romance blooms is beautiful. The journey has its ups and downs. There are misunderstandings and tears along the way as they both open up to each other.

The plotting of this story was well done, mixing the romance with the robbery elements. And mostly the writing is great. There were a few places where more editing might have helped. Where I wasn’t sure who was doing the talking. Overall though I did enjoy this story and I did see growth in the author’s writing. I am looking forward to the next story from them.


View all my reviews

Review: Promises of Eternity

Promises of Eternity by Lina Langley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Best friends to lovers, through revenge. When Holden is left at the alter by his fiancé, his best friend Gabriel comes to his rescue. After his rescue, Holden can’t deal with real life, so he does a disappearing act. When he’s ready to join real life again, he calls Gabriel. And coerces Gabriel into helping with his revenge on his ex, Sean. This leads them on a path of discovering that the right man was in front of them this whole time.

I have read other stories by this author that I loved. But this one was not as smooth a read as the other. Holden and Gabriel are great characters. The plot was a fun one. Cute enough story to be worth reading though.


View all my reviews

Review: The Elves of Christmas

The Elves of Christmas by Wendy Rathbone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very sweet Christmas story about never making assumptions. Something both Ice and Pepper have done, about each other. Pepper thinks that Ice is to irreverent about all things Santa. Ice believes that Pepper is a suck up to Santa, stuck up and standoffish to boot.

A visit from Santa creates a frantic cleaning and decorating of the workshops. All elves are called on to help. Paired together, Ice and Pepper slowly discover that what they thought was true about other is only an illusion of their own minds.

There is tension, some angst, misunderstandings, and some hot sex. Loved the characters, they are well written. And the secondary character adds fun to the mix.

There was one point that I was unhappy with, the ending. Santa’s attitude toward Ice, and how he dismissed Ice’s idea didn’t give me any ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling towards Santa. And the issue wasn’t resolved, and yet all seems to be forgiven at the end. Christmas magic, maybe. Otherwise, I loved this story.


View all my reviews

Review: The Cupids Do Christmas

The Cupids Do Christmas by Riza Curtis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short, sweet, and very cute Christmas story. Set in a paranormal world where Santa must take paternity leave, the Cupid squad is talked into helping take up the slack.

Piotr, a cupid, is tired of watching everyone else get their happy ever after’s. He doesn’t think there is a someone for him, it doesn’t seem to be in the cards. Nobody wants him, he’s so different, so he pushes everyone away with his mean personality. In another story, he’d be the one saying “bah, humbug”. He’s decided that he’s going to leave the Cupid ranks. But darn it, his boss reminds him that he has to give a month’s notice. She ships him off to help Santa and the elves. Piotr gets assigned to help Danny.

Danny makes magical wooden ponies. Danny is kind and caring, the opposite of Piotr. And Danny doesn’t see Piotr as different, he sees him as being hot. And tries to act as his friends, making sure that Piotr has some fun. This is the beginning the change in Piotr.

I love both Piotr and Danny as well as Piotr’s boss Marseille. The plot was well done, and the world built here is fun and imaginative. This is just a fun story to read.


View all my reviews

Review: Daddy, It's Cold Outside

Daddy, It's Cold Outside by Max Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Christmas story about second chances. About the one that got away, for Jude. Or the one you let get away, which Logan did. The writing is good, the plot is a tried and true. Through mishaps and circumstances, Jude and Logan get stranded together. Giving them the time to hash things out and realize that they still care for each other, maybe even the big “L” word.

There is a lot of angst as you read about the horrible childhood Logan went through. With his mother dead, he was raised by his homophobic grandmother. The only thing in his life that kept sane, it was Jude and his family. And yet, how does he get past the echoes of everything he’s grown up with, the slurs thrown his way by his grandmother.

From the beginning of the story, you knew that something big had happened to end the best friends and budding romantic relationship between Logan and Jude. And now that they work together, they both are trying to act as if the past doesn’t matter. But it does still matter to both of them. So Boss Logan sets up a retreat, insisting that Jude be there. His assistant does him a favor by mixing up the arrival time of the others on the work team. Mother Nature does him another favor by throwing a snow storm at them and stranding them alone.


There were times as I read that I felt like I had missed something. Through research, I found out that most of these characters have appeared in another story by this author. All of the characters were great. This is an enjoyable, good read.


View all my reviews

Review: Breaking Free

Breaking Free by A.T. Brennan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Zander and Kai is my favorite of the series, so far. The story telling, and the writing has gotten better with each story. The author takes damaged and scarred characters, making them feel real, then takes us along their journey to healing and their happy ever after. There is some angst here, some tears, some humor and a lot of pulling for the two of them to work their way through.

Zander thought he’d lost the love of his life. And while he’s not drowning himself in a bottle, or taking every man that he can to bed, he’s also not living either. He won’t let anyone into his life. But his family at The Den bar won’t let him bury himself. They talk him into coming out to a new club, one that has dancers. One of the dancers, stage name Skylar, peaks Zander’s interest like no man has since his lost lover. Kai has so much going on in his life, dancing, camming, and school, he doesn’t have time for anything or anyone. At least that what he’s told himself. At one of his jobs, his eyes meet Zander’s across the room. Zander and Kai have a chemistry that comes off the page. It’s hot, the sex is hot. And yet there is a gentleness to the sex scenes that make them so much more.

Although this is book three in the series, it can standalone. But for background on the secondary characters that show up here, it’s best to read the series in order. And really, the books are great, so you’d want to anyway. Now I can’t wait for the next in the series.


View all my reviews

Review: Orion's Circle

Orion's Circle by Victoria Sue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This has a wonderfully built new world of shifters. It’s different from most shifter book, based on a legend of ancient Gods and Goddesses, with Sirius creating a triad tasked with saving mankind. But the triad needs its Psi Omega to complete the circle.

Aden hasn’t shifted yet, and never will. His sadistic Alpha takes that to mean he’s an Omega, that he can do as he wishes. That Aden is there to take the negative emotions from the rest of the pack. And to generally be the whipping boy, to be abused, beat and whatever else the Alpha decides. Unable to endure any more, when the alpha orders Aden to run so the pack can hunt him, he’s wishing for death.

Enter the triad, Blaze, Conner, and Darric. They are three of the most gorgeous wolves Aden has ever seen. Aden has a hard time believing that they really want him. Or that he has anything that they need. What follows are the ups and downs of them finding a path to balancing all of their needs. Of the triad helping Aden see his own self-worth.

This is well written and fast-paced. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.


View all my reviews

Review: Archie's Accidental Kidnapping

Archie's Accidental Kidnapping by Toni Griffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read the original and loved it. But this expanded version is all the better for the adds. It’s a complicated world now, with hellhounds patrolling cities to take care of run amok Nephilim, Djinn and other creatures that go bump in the night. And like all peacekeepers, the hellhound pack is run ragged with too many bad guys and not enough of them to go around. Adze and his pack are tracking a Nephilim serial killer. Tracking the killer, Adze gets there before the killer can get his next victim into a getaway car. When Adze catches the scent of his mate coming from the victim, he’s torn. He doesn’t want to let the killer go but he can’t leave his mate unprotected. In the end, he protects his mate, taking him back to his home.

The last thing Archie remembers is arms grabbing him, so when he wakes in a strange place with a man he doesn’t know, he assumes it’s the kidnapper. And what if the stranger resembles the fantasy man from his dreams and there’s a spark of attraction when the man is near. What if the guy only wants to protect him? Archie is independent and wants to stay that way…maybe?

I loved the back and forth between Adze and Archie. And the two cents that is thrown in by the rest of the pack makes you laugh. There’s lots of teasing in between the serious jobs of tracking the bad guys. The world built here is well written, sucking you in. The plot keeps you turning the pages. As characters, the pack of hellhounds is varied and fun loving, but serious about their job. Can’t wait to meet more of them as the series progresses.


View all my reviews

Review: Hot Mall Santa

Hot Mall Santa by A.J. Truman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Incredibly cute, sweet and funny story, with some cheesy laugh out loud dialogue. The characters are engaging and likable. Except maybe Kirsten. Several places I didn’t like her much, she was a bit too pushy and obnoxious, yet in the end she is a good friend to Tom. Then there is Antonio, as you find out, he’s not a nice guy at all.

The contrast between Tom and Randall was part of what made this story work. That Randall, for all his good looks, had just as many insecurities as did Tom. Tom, thinking that someone as hot as Randall wouldn’t ever be interested in someone like him. Their chemistry was hot, and sex was hotter. You may never look at a Santa suit the same way again.

Yes, this is an insta-lust/love story, with its HEA, but it works here. This is a Christmas story and isn’t love the greatest gift of all?


View all my reviews

Review: Texas Gift

Texas Gift by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was the author’s gift to us, to let us catch up with a beloved family, the Campbell-Hayes. We, the readers, have had the privilege of watching the love bloom and grow between Riley and Jack. Then see that love expand as they added Hayley, Max and the twins, Lexie and Conner.

But now the kids are growing and growing up. Hayley is ready to leave the nest and go to college. RJ Scott does a masterful job of showing the kinds of pains parents have when one of their own is leaving the nest. Of how hard a job it is, to balance the need to forever keep your child safe and letting them test their wings.

This story is an emotional one, with highs and lows. There are some scary moments and some bittersweet as well. You connect with every feeling the characters on the pages are going through. As always, this story is so well written. It was wonderful to see the rest of characters on the ranch and the extended family, to be able to catch up with them. It is, a one click, one sitting read.


View all my reviews

Review: Home for Christmas

Home for Christmas by Lina Langley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short, sweet, enjoyable story, with a few twists and turns. Rory is hoping to get home for Christmas. But you can’t fly home without ID and that’s been stolen from Rory’s hotel room. Then Rory’s room is stolen from, again. Enter Officer Spencer Crane, who is there to investigate the theft, but he also wants to check out Rory. That Rory is checking him right back leads to a date, ‘but not a date while I’m investigating the theft’ type of date, which leads to even more between them.

Along the way, there are snarky best girlfriends (Spencer’s) and a scuzzy boss (Rory’s). Spencer does solve the crime and in time for Rory to go home. Rory wants Spencer to go with him. It ended with more of a HFN, rather than a HEA. I’m not sure if these two will show up in a new book, but I think they need their full story told.


View all my reviews

Review: Giving Chances

Giving Chances by Tanya Chris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute, cute short story. Sweet and sexy at the same time. I loved both Mitch and Jackson. Together they made a wonderful duo.

Mitch came out to his parents over a year ago and hasn’t seen them since. So when the invitation to come for Christmas this year is issued, he’s nervous and scared while still happy it happened. But this sends him scurrying to the mall for gifts. Where he and Jackson both grab the last toy on the shelf. This leads to a discussion about who needs it most. Mitch’s 12-year-old sister or Jackson’s 5-year-old niece. When Jackson points out the age range for the toy, Mitch must admit that his sister is too old for it. And leaves Mitch without any ideas for his sister.

Caring and nurturing Jackson now feels bad, because Mitch is so lost about what to get now. So, he offers a few suggestions before hurrying away to his job. Both he and Mitch wish they’d taken the time to exchange info or at least let the other know there was interest. As Mitch wanders the mall, he takes Jackson’s suggestion for his sister then sees a massage shop. He thinks this might be a great gift for his mother. And look who works there. Jackson. Well, one thing does lead to another. They each have an interest in the other, so maybe they should see where it goes, at least for one night. Jackson invites Mitch to his place for a massage. And a massage wasn’t the only thing that table was used for. Their one-night stand turns into a morning after. Neither wants to stop there, leaving Jackson to invite Mitch to a friend’s get together.

Through all of this, Jackson keeps telling Mitch to give his parents a second chance. That is what the season is all about. Forgiveness. But Mitch wants to hold on to his bitterness just a little bit, how could his parents have done this to him? And yet, when he goes home, he and his family start the slow healing process.

Well written, but like I said, very short. And that is the only negative for me. There was more that I wanted, like what happened with Mitch’s brother Joseph? The year gap at the end, I needed more of Jackson’s and Mitch’s relationship. How did they get there, a year down the road?


View all my reviews

Review: Resurrected

Resurrected by Kris Sawyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not a standalone, you need to read book one for this story to make sense. But you need to read book one anyway, it’s a great story. And this one is even better.

Terry is back from the land of the in-between and death. He and Clyde are still together, but there is an unsettled feeling between them. Terry knows things he didn’t before his death but has gaps in his memory that test the trust between him and Clyde.

Before things get bad between him and Clyde’s pack, he leaves to find answers. Along the way, he picks up a companion, Seb. Who happens to be a vampire, but not a great one. He’s small and doesn’t or can’t do the whole neck sucking thing on humans. But Seb is going to be Terry’s protector since he saved him. Seb is so darn cute. Can’t wait to see more of him.

There are more twist and turns in this story. Some answered questions and new ones asked. And once again, it’s a well-written plot that keeps you turning pages. I was at the end of the story way too soon. And now I have to wait for the next one. I need more of Terry and Clyde’s story.


View all my reviews

Review: Touched By Talin

Touched By Talin by Tyler Gayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake is left with a failing business when his father dies. While struggling to get the business back on the right track, he doesn’t have time for much of a life. And what life he does have, he’s always kept hidden from his conservative parents. But when he receives a coveted invitation to the Blue Top Hat, he gives in to temptation.

Talin is trying to get over the betrayal of his ex. One night at the Blue Top Hat and he literally falls into a man he wants, Jake. Neither of them can forget the other. So Talin finds himself continuing to return to the Blue Top Hat, hoping Jake returns. But he keeps running into his scummy ex.

Outside of the building relationship between Jake and Talin, the rest of the story deals with the problems at Jake’s company. Talin is now employed there as the white knight, saving the day. But as Jake goes through the paperwork left by his dad, he discovers that someone has been stealing money from the company. From this point, the story takes twists and turns and you keep reading to find out the how and who is behind it all.

One thing didn’t work for me in this story. Jake’s in the closet because of how he was raised. But suddenly his mother is okay with him being gay. Otherwise, this is a great, well-written story that I enjoyed reading.


View all my reviews

Review: Faking a Husband

Faking a Husband by Rosa Swann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very short and sweet read about an Alpha who saves the day for an Omega that comes to his café. The Omega’s price for the rescue? A weekend spent pretending to be the Alpha’s husband.

I loved both Clay, the alpha and Aiden, the omega. At times Clay seemed completely clueless. And Aiden was equally helpless. Yet they did work as a couple. But you don’t see enough in this part of the story.

The story was an easy read. But it is the first part of what I call a serial story. Where the ending of this one runs into the beginning of the next story. So, I wasn’t quite satisfied with the ending. But overall, I did enjoy this book.


View all my reviews

Review: The Stone

The Stone by Seb L. Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, there are lots of characters and a lot of moving parts to this story. And there are so many elements, sci-fi, paranormal, action, adventure and more that make up the whole of it. This is fast paced, with lots of action and complex storyline. It is a bit of a rollercoaster ride, with twists and turns around every chapter. Dark in places with moments of lightness. It is compelling and well written.

Patrick and Liam, are wonderful together as they build their relationship. As characters, they are real and believable. Yet the romance isn’t the primary storyline here, but it added to my enjoyment of the story. The cast of secondary characters is as well developed as the two main one. All of them add greatly to the story.

While the relationship between Patrick and Liam is established in this story, it does end on a ‘to be continued’ type ending in my mind. So, I along with many others will be waiting for the next part of this story.


View all my reviews

Review: High Balls

High Balls by Tara Lain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

High Balls is a sweet and angsty falling in love story of the bad boy bartender and a twinky nerdy college TA. It is a wonderful, easy read. It is book six in the Balls to the Walls series, and while the cast of characters from the other stories show up here, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend reading the series in order, I enjoyed the books that much. You meet the other characters, getting an in-depth look at how they arrived at their own happy ever after’s.

Theodore is gay, always known he was gay. So did his best friend Esther. But when Esther gets pregnant and dumped by her boyfriend, Theodore steps in to the daddy role, gladly. He’s not Andy’s biological dad and that’s a truth he has to keep hidden. It’s the lie that also sets up how he’s tried to live his life since the death of Esther. Doing nothing that would allow Esther’s ultra conservative parents from getting custody of Andy. But then he has a chance meeting with a tattooed bad boy bartender named Snake. And he dreams of having what his friends have, someone he and Andy can have a family with. Everything is so close, within his grasp, his PHD and tenured job, happiness with Snake and then it’s not.

Snake has a few dreams of his own. Theodore or Teddy as he calls him, fills all the check lists boxes for what he wants. And he couldn’t love Andy any more than Teddy does. But Snake has a few secrets of his own. When the time is right, hell reveal them, but kept secrets have a way of being exposed at the worst possible time. But Snake is ready to do anything he needs to, with the help of Teddy’s friends to help Teddy, Andy and give them the shot at a life together.

This is another of the author’s great location stories. It has all the elements that I love, romance, angst and splashes of humor. Andy as a seven-year-old, is a hoot with wisdom of a thirty-year-old at times. And, of course, there is the colorful cast of the guys from the previous books to liven things up. Over all, I loved this book.


View all my reviews

Review: Fox Hunt

Fox Hunt by Zoe Perdita
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book ten in the series, and I haven’t read the others. I will be going back to read them all. That is how much I enjoyed this story. And it does stand-alone, but I’m sure that I missed some things by not having read the others. Although the characters that had previous books show up here, it is easy to understand how their stories probably went and why they are a part of this story.

Loved Edward. A fox shifter, he is homeless and has the care of his baby sister. He is at times fierce, like his protection of his baby sister Daisy. And at other times, very much the eighteen-year-old that he is. Unsure and fearful at times, confident at others. Left mute by silver in his throat by hunters who killed his dad, he has no reasons to trust hunters. But being in the wrong place at the wrong time leads to his being taken into custody. And to keep Daisy safe, he’ll do just about anything. Including moving in with an older hunter, Max. Max is sometimes torn between his duty, the things he’s done and the justice that some of his hunts deserve. He’s longed for a family of his own, can he get it with Edward and his baby sister. I love the ease in which this group turned into a family unit.

This was the only part I wasn’t comfortable with, the age difference between Max and Edward. Otherwise, the relationship that develops between them is a lovely thing to watch. This story is well written. It keeps you engaged with the characters and the storyline.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: Improper Fraction

Improper Fraction by V.L. Locey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet, at times bittersweet and humorous story of best friends, who lose each other along the way. O’Malley has been in lust and love with his best friend Garrison since forever. Even when Garrison was off chasing girls. But one night, the night before they go off to college, leads to things between the friends that changes everything. O’Malley has known he was gay for a while. Finding out that Garrison isn’t as straight as he thought, gladdens him. But it confuses and scares Garrison. It will be four years

The contrast between O’Malley (Mal) and Garrison are many. Mal is a math nerd and completely non-athletic. Everything in life can be put into the form of a math problem. Everything except why Garrison left for college and baseball, then never came back. Garrison is the popular all-star athlete, with a full scholarship to play baseball.

For the past four years Garrison has been conflicted, confused and flat out scared of labeling himself as anything but straight. No one on his baseball team is out yet. And he doesn’t think he wants to be the first. But he knows how badly he treated Mal. He wants Mal to forgive him. And he still loves Mal, does he want more, maybe? But what would that do to his world?

The journey taken between these two is full of emotions on both sides. There is pain and disappointment for Mal as he patiently waits for Garrison to come to grips with who he is. There’s the growing pains for Garrison as he figures things out, about his sexuality, his career and Mal.

The characters are wonderfully written and are well developed. The secondary characters, such Garrison’s little sister Emily, Mal’s Dad and the Professor at camp all add to this story. This is well written and a great read I recommend.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: Deacon's Law

Deacon's Law by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How do you balance the need to do your job, save lives and protect someone you’re falling for? This is the dilemma Deacon finds himself in. He’s undercover trying to take down a truly evil man and his family. Into the middle of all this wanders Rafe. While Deacon believes he’s innocent, how can he really tell? What do you do when the one person you want is the one you can’t step out of character for and show who you really are?

Rafe wants justice, for his mother and his father. He knows his uncle has something to do with both of their deaths. He needs to find something to prove it. While staying at his uncle’s house, he can’t fight his attraction to Deacon. But how can he be falling for someone who works for his uncle?

The first part of the story is all about conflicted emotions for both Deacon and Rafe. Deacon wants to do whatever he can to get Rafe out of harm’s way and Rafe is just as determined to not leave until he has the proof he needs.

The next part of the story happens three years down the road. Circumstances have led to Rafe and Deacon reconnecting. And the feelings from three years before haven’t gone away for either man. In the middle of danger, the relationship developing between Deacon and Rafe is a slow burn. And the sex is more sweet and caring than hot.

This story has all the intrigue, danger and angst you could want. It has some twist and turns as well. It keeps you on edge, waiting to see what happens next. This was book three in the series, it can standalone but is better read in the order of the series. I can’t wait for the next in this series.


View all my reviews

Review: Picture Winter

Picture Winter by Amy Aislin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A case of opposites attracts. Elias is driven, at times grumpy, stubborn, sometimes arrogant and going through the motions of his job. His passion is photography, but he can’t take the chance of trying to make his living doing that. Ty is easy going, taking pride in whatever he does. Their first meeting made me laugh. And it sets the stage for how the rest of the story goes with Elias stepping out of his comfort zone.

This is an insta-love story and it worked for me. It didn’t take away from the story at all. I loved it. It’s a lite, easy, sweet and fun read. And yet there are those moments that make you think. How much are you willing to settle for in life to feel secure? Elias doesn’t like his job and yet he won’t leave it because of the security it provides. Also, he judged Ty by the job he did without ever asking or looking further. But Ty did some judging of his own regarding Elias’ job. Yet I loved the gentle way in which he kept pushing Elias to take a chance.

All the characters in this story have a real and relatable feel to them. You understand them and feel for them. I absolutely loved Ty’s family! His mom is such a hoot. Loved it when all the kids hid in the basement.

This was a wonderful read that I truly enjoyed. I can’t wait for this author’s next story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: Daddy and the Manny

Daddy and the Manny by Bella Flint
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This a sweet story. And it’s a fast and easy read. It has some angst, enough to keep it interesting. And I did enjoy it, as it was written.

But this story had all kinds of potential, given the different elements that the author put out there. All the pieces are there for an intense story. You had the always professional Manny who never stepped over any inappropriate line. There’s in the closet movie star, whose life isn’t his own. Who is all about the public persona. Add in the call from his dying ex-girlfriend, telling him about his unknown before this love child. Add into this the paparazzi and tabloids, and a sleazy ex-boyfriend of the ex-girlfriend.

Hayden is likable enough most of the time. He was a bit annoying with his whole ‘I am a movie star, I live in the public eye’ persona which keeps him from doing much of what he wants outside of the whole Hollywood thing. He’s totally clueless when it comes to his daughter, always looking to James for everything about her. In some ways he was as much a charge of James’ as was the daughter, Violet. Also, it was never really stated if Hayden was or wasn’t gay. At most there are vague hints. And yet he has this interest in James. And James winds up being his first at any kind of gay sex or relationship. James, as the Manny is calm, cool and collected most of the time. He is selfless, working to unite father and daughter. And yet he falls for his boss, wants to be a part of the family he’s helping create with Hayden and Violet.

The characters needed more development and depth. I never got a real feel for either of main characters. Violet might have been the best developed of them. She was at times smart, funny, sassy and at others a heartbreaking little girl. Things hinted in the blurb never really develop either. This is a first story for the author, and I think with time and more writing she will be an awesome writer.

I received and ARE in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: Patrick's Savior

Patrick's Savior by Nic Starr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Patrick needs a place to live after he’s attracted the unwanted attention from his roommate’s boyfriend. It so happens that his friend Charlie knows of someone who needs a new roommate. And if there is an attraction there, so much the better. Put Patrick is the shy, nerdy, insecure type and may not ever act on his attraction to Simon. They’ve been living together for six months now and nothing happened.

Simon has an overriding need to help and protect others. When Charlie comes to him with Patrick’s problem with his current living situation, of course he’s going to help. And if he wants to take it farther than just roommates, so much the better. But he’s waiting for Patrick to give him a sign that he wants to take it further too.

Though all of the slow build to their relationship, both are dealing with their pasts. Patrick now has a stalker, someone who is leaving love letters in his bedroom. Things escalate from there. (And yes, I figured out who the stalker was fairly early in the story) Simon has a tragedy in his past, of the one he couldn’t save with his paramedic training. He thinks he’s dealt with it and is past it, but it does still haunt him. It also feeds into his need to save everyone else.


Another enjoyable story in the Heroes series. It has the slow burn to Patrick’s and Simon’s HEA. And the intrigue of the stalker. And although this is book three, it can be read as a standalone. But definitely better if you have read the other two. You’ll have a better understanding of the other characters and their relationships.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: All About Zane

All About Zane by Avery J. Moon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story has a little bit of everything in it. It has Colin, reserve military Seal, who was injured. It has his twin sister goes missing at the same time he’s injured. With his sister missing, it leaves an orphaned nephew. Then there is the asshole step-brother who wants the nephew. There is the ‘friends with benefits’ Josh, who wants to be more. Add a hunky sheriff, Gabe who isn’t out of the closet yet. An oblivious parent, a shy but fierce nanny and there’s even a dog added to the mix. It is intriguing story with its touch of murder/mystery added to the building of the relationship between Colin and Gabe.

I liked everything about this book. All the elements mesh together to keep you turning the pages. It is well written, most of the characters are likeable and real. The asshole step-brother you’re not supposed to like and you don’t. And you want to reach into the pages and shake Colin’s mom, the oblivious parent, and tell her to wake up and see what was happening. The only thing I would have wanted was some more depth into the ‘why’ of what happened. For me, it was never fully explained. But I still really enjoyed this story. And I can’t wait to read the next story in this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: Loving Sarajevo

Loving Sarajevo by C.L. Mustafic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a complex, intriguing and at times emotional story. There lots of power struggles, lust, hot kinky sex, and finally love.

Let me start by saying I felt so bad for Lucas. He’s love Gabe for 5 years. But Gabe is never there for him. And not just physically but emotional as well. But for Gabe, Lucas was comfortable and mostly easy. And he never looked at why he’d never told Lucas he loved him. When the next trip overseas takes him out of the country for a month’s time, that spells the end of their relationship.

At the beginning, Gabe is not a real lovable guy. He comes off as a bit cold and uncaring. He feels bad about Lucas and is a bit introspective but that doesn’t stop his interest in the attractive man he sees at the airport. He strong willed and always in charge.

After living his early life in the US, Nikola is back home working for his Uncle. He’s been assigned to quote ‘babysit’ the American that is coming to negotiate with his Uncle. There is an instant attraction to this man. But he has secrets, is he willing to share them with Gabe?

This isn’t a story for everyone. But it is well written with strong developed characters. The relationship that builds between Gabe and Nikola is intense. There a good deal of pushing and pulling between them, which is what you expect with two very strong personalities. I can’t wait to see what story this author comes up with next.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: Stay

Stay by Piper Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is so full of angst. There are so many emotions you feel while reading this book. You are standing on the outside of the story, looking in and you want to so badly reach into the story and help both Adrian and his brother Gabriel.

Adrian show up in the previous story, Obey. And frankly, he was an ass. He treated Lucian so abominably. He was bitter and cruel and I hated him. So, I was intrigued to see how the author was going to remake him into a lovable character. Who would be strong enough to take on all of Adrian’s emotional baggage. As you read, you start to understand who Adrian really is. You see the reasons behind the external persona that he shows to the world. And at times it breaks your heart.


Sterling is the owner of The Shepherd and a Dom of a different stroke. Many other masters use pain, humiliation and other mean of control. But Sterling is a ‘kill them with kindness’ type of Dom. That is the kind of domination that he feels Adrian needs. And if he must give up his control and submit, so be it. In the long run it will give him what he wants, Adrian.


As with the first two books, this one is well written. The characters and the emotional impact of the story keeps you reading. I’m hoping that Gabriel gets the next story. And I’m hoping that more characters are added to this world. Because I’m selfish and want more stories set in this world.

View all my reviews

Review: Stay

Stay by Piper Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is so full of angst. There is so may emotions you feel while reading this book. You are standing on the outside of the story, looking in and you want to so badly reach into the story and help both Adrian and his brother Gabriel.

Adrian show up in the previous story, Obey. And frankly, he was an ass. He treated Lucian so abominably. He was bitter and cruel and I hated him. So, I was intrigued to see how the author was going to remake him into a lovable character. Who would be strong enough to take on all of Adrian’s emotional baggage. As you read, you start to understand who Adrian really is. You see the reasons behind the external persona that he shows to the world. And at times it breaks your heart.


Sterling is the owner of The Shepherd and a Dom of a different stroke. Many other masters use pain, humiliation and other mean of control. But Sterling is a ‘kill them with kindness’ type of Dom. That is the kind of domination that he feels Adrian needs. And if he must give up his control and submit, so be it. In the long run it will give him what he wants, Adrian.


As with the first two books, this one is well written. The characters and the emotional impact of the story keeps you reading. I’m hoping that Gabriel gets the next story. And I’m hoping that more characters are added to this world. Because I’m selfish and want more stories set in this world.


View all my reviews

Review: Cataclysmic Shift

Cataclysmic Shift by Tara Lain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to read the third book in this series and happy that Aloysius is getting his story. This is not a standalone book. You must read the first two for this one and the characters, their relationships to each other and other happenings to make sense. And all the main characters are back in this one.

As with the other stories, here again the gang is battling evil, this time in the form of witches from Europe. They want the source of Killian’s power and believe that Aloysius is that source. Hit by a blast of power trying to protect his witch, Aloysius is knocked unconscious. Scared, Killian and Blaine decide to take him to a vet Blaine knows. As he shows Killian and Blaine out, he reassures them that he will do what he can, but he can’t figure out or find anything that is physically wrong with Aloysius. In the back where Luke left him, Aloysius wakes up and he’s human. With little memory of his past. He’s also naked and surrounded by animals. His name though he remembers, it’s Alain Bellarose.

Luke is drawn to Alain. While he has spent a very long time hiding and not involving himself with people, he can’t seem to help it with Alain. Alain seems to be everything he didn’t know he was looking for. They both fall hard and fast for each other.

There are many twist and turns in this book. Luke has a hidden past that gets exposed on accident by Alain. Alain is torn by his need to protect Killian and the others. With no memory of his relationship with them, he doesn’t understand why. Then there is his need to protect Luke as well. Add in evil witches and magic fights, it’s an exciting ride through the pages.

What a wonderful way the author weaved this tale. You are both wanting and hoping for Alain and Luke to get their happy ever after. Yet at the same time you understand that for them to get it, there is a great sacrifice on the part of others. You do and don’t want the sacrifice to be made. The ending is as it should be and will make you very happy.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review


View all my reviews

Review: Loving Noah

Loving Noah by Kenna Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderfully written and engaging story of best friends separated and of lost love and finding it again. Liam and Noah were always best friends. And both knew they were ‘different’. They thought the other was ‘different’ as well. But schoolmate cruelty and cold-hearted parents separated them before they got a chance to explore who they were, both as individuals and maybe as a couple.

Not a day went by that Liam wondered what had happened to Noah. Though a quirk of fate or a really luck chance, they’ve found each other online. For a year now, they’ve been talking to each other and building the relationship they did get to nine years ago. But Noah is a changed man. Anxiety and panic attacks keep him inside his bedroom. And he’s scared of telling Liam the truth of how much he’s changed. Both physically and mentally. His fears lead him to hide behind his middle name of Ben, that’s who Liam knows him as.

They start making plans for Liam to come to Noah’s home. As I read, I kept wondering what was going to happen when they finally met. It was part of what kept me reading. From there the story keeps developing Noah’s healing and the growing relationship between them.

I loved this story. Noah and Liam are beautifully written characters. And the author did a realistic job of describing panic attack reactions. The small steps that you take to overcome your fears. A week was maybe a little fast, but this is fiction, where time-lines are condensed. And I was okay with it being that fast.

I received an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: First Season

First Season by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hired to help with the media circus that is going to ensue after a player and coach for the Harrisburg Railers coming out as gay, Layton has his work cut out for him. Added to the mix is one of the players, Adler, who has shown an interest in him. And while he returns Adler’s interest, there are things in his past that keep him cringing and shying away. Adler’s gentle pursuit slowly works on Layton.

Adler is a fun character. He has an open mouth and words fall out problem. What he says doesn’t always come out the way he means. At heart he’s a fun, loving and caring guy. It just doesn’t come across that way all the time. With cold and uncaring parents, all he’s looking for is someone to love him. He thinks that someone is Layton. Now he needs to take things slowly enough for Layton to realize it too. And then there is the fact that if he wants Layton, he’ll need to come out of the closet too.

Loved both Layton and Adler. Their different personalities contrast nicely, and yet balances well between them. They have starts and stops, pushes and pulls in the building of their relationship. Also, the secondary cast of characters from the first book, Changing Lines, show up here. Tennant and Jared, Stan and the rest of the group add great depth to this story. I think Stan may need his own book. And I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

On a serious note, I love the way the authors dealt with the issue of a player coming out. Of being gay in a professional sport. It will happen at some point, I hope soon. I also have hope that in real life the player is allowed to live and love as he chooses. He will be a brave, brave person. And this world needs brave people.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: Adrian's Bodyguard

Adrian's Bodyguard by Shelby Rhodes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adrian is King. He’s also a little quirky, a little odd and sometimes childlike. At least that is how the world at large sees him. Being king is a good thing, but it does come with challenges. Mostly in the form of assassins and their attempts to kill Adrian. After the last attempt he’s giving a body guard. Except he doesn’t want a body guard.

Xavier gets the assignment of guarding the king. He expects to be dealing with an adult. He gets the quirky Adrian instead. But can he see beyond the surface of what Adrian shows the world? And if he does, can he keep from wanting the real Adrian? Getting involved wasn’t in the plans for either of them. He needs to keep things professional and ignore Adrian and his advances. Only if he can stay strong enough.

This story was a joy to read. Adrian and Xavier have a real person feel to them. And it was fun to watch them work their way past lust and into love. You can feel the chemistry between them. The push and pull as they work their way to love. This was a one sitting read for me. I got sucked into their world and didn’t want to leave till the last page. Well written, with a great storyline. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Review: The Silver Dragon's Mate

The Silver Dragon's Mate by Genna Donaghy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is part two of the Silver Dragon books. You need to have read part one to understand this story.

Part one started with a lot of promise for this book. For me it fell short of what the title promised. The story is well written enough. They can’t have a relationship if they aren’t in the same worlds. And for most of the book, it’s Kia dealing with being back in the ‘real world’ and helping Esther. It is told from Kia’s POV, but maybe some of Sebastian’s POV would have given the story more depth. We don’t know if Sebastian is happy, sad, looking for Kia or what. This wasn’t really about the building of a relationship between Kia and Sebastian.

So, this story was enjoyable enough. And I’m glad I got to read part two and get the conclusions to what was started in part one, the storyline with Catherine and Bruce.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews