Review: Fusion

Fusion by Posy Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow. After the first story, I wasn’t sure about Kevin and Hugo. And the ending with Kevin’s ex-wife left me wondering where the story was going to go. While the first book was good, I wasn’t as invested in it, but this second book pulled me in.

This book is such an emotional rollercoaster. There is every emotion is there. Laughter, joy, fears, sadness, anger and pain. And the story is written so you feel every emotion right along side every one of the characters. And I did need tissues at various places in the book.

This is so beautifully written. The characters have such a real life feel to them. You watch as all of them grow as individuals and as a family. If you read book one, read this one. It is so worth it. And now I need the last chapter of Hugo’s and Kevin’s story, I can’t wait to read it.


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Review: Spark

Spark by Posy Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m having a hard time with this review. Although I loved the story told here, getting a second chance at love, I had trouble with how much Kevin hide himself from his dad and the rest of the world. I found him a bit selfish in the beginning, as in wanting to have his cake and eat it too. He wanted Hugo but wasn’t going to give up trying to please his dad. So, he dated girls and did what dad expected him to. Which hurt Hugo. I also had trouble with how fast they both fell back into love with each other, after 17 years and Kevin having been married, with children and never out. Hugo found out about his ex-boyfriend cheating on him, so he’s taken a time out from the dating world. But is ready to jump back in as soon as he meets Kevin again.

And yet as the story develops, you realize what each man has gone through to get them to a point where they know and understand themselves. More so Hugo than Kevin. Kevin is still a work in progress, dealing with the issues left from the ghost of his dad. You feel for Kevin, as he tries to balance children, work and he need for Hugo, along with the real though of having to express his bisexuality to the people in his world.

Hugo has a few secrets of his own, and one is named Miss Cherrie Pop. He understands the caution Kevin is using, so he fears a little how will Kevin react to Hugo doing drag? (On a note, I didn’t care for Ginger and what she did on stage. Not her tale to tell, ever.)

As with all of this author’s stories, it’s well written. The characters are very human, with all of foibles most of us have. It keeps you turning the pages. She has seamlessly combined Hugo’s and Kevin’s history with their present-day story. I do agree with another reviewer, it does end a bit abruptly. I am looking forward to the next part of the story.


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Review: Ghost Hunted

Ghost Hunted by B.L. Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you love the ghost hunting shows, you’ll love this story. The author did an amazing job of building the suspense and making you feel things that go bump in the night. The further you read, the more goose bumps you get.

Jason and Wade have always been best friends. And no matter how much Wade wishes for more, he’s content to leave it at that if it means he get to keep Jason in his life. Even putting up with Jason’s obsession with all things ghost and hunting them. Even if it scares the heck out of him. It was fun watching the guys as they both realize that they wanted more from each other.

This is a fairly new author, so I did find a few minor things, that are growing pain type things. Things that will get better, the more stories they write. Not real big things. That said, they have amazing potential. The plot was very will done. You kept turning the pages to see what was going to happen to the guys next. So, I am looking forward to the next book by this author, seeing where they take the guys in the next ghost story.


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Review: His Wildest Dream

His Wildest Dream by Xander Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a super cute and sweet romance story. Plays into a couple of tropes, like May/December and Learning to love again after loss. And there is a bit of Prince Charming rescuing and whisking the Cinder-fella off to his penthouse castle too.

Daniel is a young and down on his luck omega, trying to make his way in the world. He’s got a job as a bike messenger. One of his deliveries is at a residential building instead of his usual office buildings. He goes into a super heat as soon as he enters the penthouse.

Cameron lost his Omega; he doesn’t know how to live life anymore. He’s holed up in his penthouse, working and taking care of his daughter Maggie. Until he catches the sent of another Omega, Daniel. There’s something there, but can he risk his heart again?

This story does move fast, with Cameron finding an excuse to move Daniel into his home right away. From there they work towards their relationship, with Cameron finally figuring out that it’s okay to love again.

The characters are well written. I loved Daniel, with his sunny outlook at life and his upbeat personality. Maggie is almost the best part of the story. I loved her and her doll.

So, this is a fun little read that I really enjoyed.


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Review: The Sinner and the Saint

The Sinner and the Saint by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve miss the gang in Ellery Mountain. So I’m glad we got to go back and visit. This book is another wonderful addition to the series.

Nick is a good guy. He’s from old money, and an actor. He’s doing what he can to get out of a bad situation, marrying a family friend, Heather. But she’s now met the love of her life and is pregnant. Neither family will accept this. So Nick makes a statement to the press about being gay and becomes the fall guy. Hiding from the press, his family and everyone else, he takes his friend Jason’s offer to stay at his home in Ellery. To bad no one told the neighbor there was someone staying at Jason’s.

Ben takes all of his duties very seriously, as a doctor and as a neighbor. So when Jason asks him to keep an eye on the house, he does. This is why he called the cops when the outside house lights are blazing all night. Someone is there and he doesn’t know who. When Nick checks out, and if he can’t get the guy staying in Jason’s house out of his mind, maybe he should scratch that itch.

I loved the chemistry between Nick and Ben. How Nick’s British humor throws Ben off sometimes. And how both of them, more on Ben’s part, keep telling themselves that it’s just sex and it is, until it isn’t. But since neither of them plan to stay in Ellery, what else can it be?

Like any of the author’s story, this on is well written and the characters fully developed. It was so good to see some of the gang return for an appearance here. Another wonderful addition to the series, I hope there are more.


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Review: Last Defense

Last Defense by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful addition to this series. With book number 5, you as a reader, are totally invested in the lives of the Harrisburg Railers. The cast of characters from previous books are here, as much of a family as any blood relative could ever be. There is enough of the hockey and the teams journey to the Stanley Cup to satisfy the sports fan in me. But the romance that blooms between Ben and Max was what the story was truly about.

You met Ben and Max in the previous book. Both men are scared to look for love and a lasting relationship, but for very different reasons. Ben has loved and lost, doesn’t want to put his heart through that again. Max doesn’t want to lose his heart only to leave his loved one behind. Their journey is at times painful and yet, joyful as well. You feel the connection between them and hope they can get past the obstacles in their way. Both men have a certain vulnerability about them. That, along with their caring and compassionate personalities made them easily relatable.

Warning you, you will fall in love with Stan, the Russian goalie. Stan is the best, one of the most awesome characters in these books. With his broken English, you can just imagine the looks on his teammates faces and the confusion there. Ben’s sassy aunts come a close second. They were both sassy and a hoot! Bucky, the dog, is amazing. He was every bit a part of the story as any character there. Then there is Trent’s Lola, who I still haven’t figured out her obsession with the Flyers.

So, get book one and start your entry into the Railers family. You will love them as much as I do, and I will meet you at the next book.


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Review: Lover

Lover by T.M. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will say from the start, you need to read book one, Survivor before reading this one. It is the start of their story. And wow, the things Shannon went through may be triggers for some. If they’re not, then this is an emotional read, well worth the rollercoaster ride you will take.

This is an incredible read. You watch the slow buildup of the relationship between the three of them. Rory and Shannon are an established couple when Rand comes along. For Rory and Shannon, there are conflicted emotions that have them both longing for and pushing away the third person. As much as Rand has an interest in both Rory and Shannon, he would never want to do something that broke them up.

All of this is set against the backdrop of Rory and Rand solving a cold case together. Much more would be spoilers, which I don’t want to do. I will say that the author has done a masterful job of blending all the elements here into a suspenseful and enjoyable story. I’m looking forward to the next book.


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Review: Murder Most Meow: A Hazel Hart Cozy Mystery Four

Murder Most Meow: A Hazel Hart Cozy Mystery Four by Louise Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is plain fun to read. Set in the small town of Cedar Valley, the cast of characters that reside there are at times snarky, snarly, quirky, some are eccentric, some seem almost normal. Then there is the furry one. They feel real because they are the people that live in small towns everywhere. From Hazel and the good Sheriff Cross, to Violet, his niece and Hazel’s Mom and the rest, it’s fun to follow their lives.

In this story, the town is having their annual Shakespeare festival. And the festival directors have hired Hazel to be the official photographer. While snapping her pictures of the play Macbeth, the worst happens, and a famous actor is killed. Was it an accident or murder? Hazel and her boyfriend, Sheriff Cross take different paths to find the answer.

This can be read as a standalone, but the others are as much fun to read as this. So, I would recommend reading them too. I love how the author takes you along on the investigation and allows you to follow the clues. I did figure this out before the end, but the journey is still fun to read.


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Review: Alaska

Alaska by Cate Ashwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holden thought he had it all. He had the great job, the fancy apartment and a great life in New York City. Unfortunately, it all came at a cost and with baggage in the form of his dad, Philip. The dad that has never been satisfied with anything Holden has done. Out of the blue, his dad threatens everything in his life, if he doesn’t go to Alaska and convince dad’s ex-business partner into returning.

For Gabe, it was never about the money. And when Philip took the company they started together, and made it all about money, he left. And nothing is going to make him go back. Not even Philip’s son, Holden. Who checks every mark Gabe has in his perfect man list. And he has to give Holden credit for being persistent in his endeavor, the man won’t give up.

As characters, both Gabe and Holden are wonderfully written. Nothing about either one is too much or not enough. And the relationship they build is a steady slow, even if they aren’t the greatest at saying the words. And world of Sawyer’s Ferry sounds like a cozy community to live in. The people there seemed like real, downhome and like your neighbors in the real world. Loved the ending, cause yeah, Philip deserved it.

Great start to the series. And I can’t wait for the next book, because Logan has got to find his HEA. And Frankie does too.


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Review: Ben's Rainbow

Ben's Rainbow by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a heart tugging story. Victoria Sue took two emotionally and physically damaged men and gave them a second chance at love. And as they reconnect, they both must face that miscommunication played a major part leading to their separation. And they need to face the emotional damage that relatives and the past can inflict.

With burn scars on his face, Ben is hiding from everyone and everything. Those scars ended his modeling career. The one thing he had, his beauty, he can no longer show the world. So, he hides on Rainbow Key island, hoping that the paparazzi chasing him can’t find him.

When Ben puts one more appearance ahead of him, Zach’s had enough. Angry, he leaves that night, the same night Ben is burned and scarred in a fire. When Ben disappears, Zach throws himself into his photography career, to the determent of his health. Now he’s in danger of losing the only then other than Ben that gave his life meaning.

This is book three in the series, and while I think you could read it as a standalone, you would miss so much by not knowing the back stories of the secondary cast of characters. By this book, you so are invested in the lives of everyone that lives on Rainbow Key. And now I have hopes for Seth and Chris to have stories. And I’d love for May-belle to get some resolution. Whoever gets the next story, I am truly looking forward to it.


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Review: Mated To The Demon Prince

Mated To The Demon Prince by Sadie Sins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I’ve read by this author. I loved it. And this book has a little of everything in it. Snark, humor, angst, action, drama, lust, chemistry between the characters and some really hot sex…really, really hot smoking sex.

Poor Sean. At the beginning of the book, his whole world is coming undone. In this world, magic and tech don’t mix. And a witch is moving in. His best friend and the star of all his lustful dreams is TJ. And TJ is innocent and possibly straight, and maybe or maybe not? Then add a demon and stir the pot. And watch the three of them work to get their relationship together.

Well written and very faced paced, the storyline keeps you moving through the pages. And for me, it was a one sitting read. The author has built the start to a wonderful world and has created some great characters. And I can’t wait to get back into this world.


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Review: Pyro's Accidental Shooting

Pyro's Accidental Shooting by Toni Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun follow-up to Archie’s Accidental Kidnapping. The world building continues here. You get to know the other hounds a little more. And it continues with the action-packed suspense, as the hounds hunt for supernatural beings that have gone bad. It has bits of humor, some family angst and smoking hot chemistry between Pyro and Callum. And I love how the author has woven in different mythological creatures and legends.

Pyro is a little jealous of Adze and Archie’s relationship. He’d like to find his own mate, someone to love and who will love him right back. And when he does find his mate, he sure doesn’t think that said mate was going to shoot him.

Callum is finding out that things he only thought went bump in the night are real. And he just shot one. In the chest. Do hallucinations bleed? Dang, he should have listened to his Sargent and stopped investigating this—whatever or whoever. Callum’s family shows up here and there’s a lot of them. And I loved them, even his dad.

I will say that there are a few places where American versus Australian language/word usage shows up. It doesn’t take anything away from the story. And this is story number two, could work alone, but the world, the hounds and their relationships are established in book one.

I can’t wait for the next story. I keep wondering which hound is next up.


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Review: Charlie's Rainbow

Charlie's Rainbow by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautifully written follow-up to Joshua’s story. And yes, I think you need to read it first. It sets up the characters and their relationships to each other, along with other elements of the overall story arc in this series.

Victoria does an amazing job bringing Charlie to life with his problems and not having them over take his character. There is such an emotional pull you feel for Charlie. You want to cry over his traumatic childhood. And you cheer as he works to over come his tactile disorder and other fears. And he’s doing all this with the help of Noah.

Noah has his own problems to overcome. One is being left at the altar, and why he isn’t more broken up about it. Then there is Charlie, who he’s getting some very mixed signals from. Noah’s understanding as Charlie starts to trust him and explains his problems is beautiful to read.

This story is so full of ups and downs. Charlie’s journey as he takes a step forward and then two back, with Noah coaxing him forward again is an amazing rollercoaster ride. I can’t wait for the next in this series.


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Review: Rising Tide

Rising Tide by Bryce Winters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well written, lovely slow burn May/December romance. At the start Cardiologist Harris Brewer is a bit of a jerk. He’s hiding in a small Oregon seaside town after being sued for malpractice. His PA Maggie is going to handle the lawyers, just like she handled his trip. PA Maggie is a hoot. I loved the back and forth phone conversations with her snark very apparent.

Thing aren’t going well for Harris; his GPS isn’t working, and he can’t find his hotel. He does see a hunky young blond jogging down the street. But the nice hotel is a hotel at all but a Bed and Breakfast, with his view of the ocean a mere sliver if you sit at the right window. To compound matters, it’s St. Patrick’s Day and the town’s bars and restaurants are all full. Harris isn’t used to waiting an hour for a meal. At the last place he goes to he runs into the hunky blond.

When a worker doesn’t show up for his shift, Reid is called in early to cover. His place, Gail’s Place is packed with locals and out of towners, all there for a good time on the holiday. When raised voices draw his attention to the hostess stand, he sees the good-looking guy that was eyeing him from his car.

So, begins the chemistry and romance between the two. Harris isn’t going to be in town for very long. And Reid doesn’t get involved with tourists. And yet, try as they might to keep things causal, emotions get involved. And the romance continues to bloom.

This is a beautiful story, with well-developed characters. I can’t wait for this author’s next story in this trilogy.


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Review: Dead Weight

Dead Weight by Pandora Pine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book four in the series and no, not a standalone. You need to read the others to establish the characters and the relationships involved. Not only for the main characters but for the secondary ones, who become a more integral part of this story.

For me, there was a darker feel to this story. The evil is/was so much more intense here. Men are dying, in a manner that copies one of Ronan and Tennyson first cases. But that killer is dead and gone, isn’t he? Then guys are being stalked and their lives are being threatened. And it’s going to take every one of their friends help to come out of this alive. The story takes some twists and very unexpected turns. And the author does an incredible job of slowly building the tension in this story.

And yet, the story had the balance of lighter moments. Like Dixie, the pup that Ronan and Ten adopt. Then there is the budding romance between Fitzgibbon and Jace, that starts at a funeral. Then there’s Carson and Cole, with their banter and at times goofy approach and the rest of the gang, both alive and not. In this story, the gang feel like family You are so invested in the lives of all the characters here. I can’t wait for the next story in this series.

This author keeps getting better with each story. From the first page you are pulled into the story. The writing, the plot, that pacing is all perfection. I seriously can’t wait to see where the author takes us next.


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Review: Purrfect Alibi: A Hazel Hart Cozy Mystery Three

Purrfect Alibi: A Hazel Hart Cozy Mystery Three by Louise Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book three in the series, this does standalone. But you get a much better read if you’ve read the other two. Characters and their relationships are established in the other books.

This book is everything a cozy murder mystery is supposed to be. It has the small-town cast of characters. The hunky single Sheriff, the small photography business owner heroine, the slightly sleazy bartender, the heroine’s new age mom, and her baker sister and the rest of the cast of hundreds who live, work and go to school there.

When Hazel is asked to take the high school’s Spring Fling photos, all she thinks is going to happen is having to deal with surly, snarky teens. But when a dead teen’s body is found, the Sheriff asks for her help again. Hazel goes about asking her questions, and for every one that is answered, she more that still needs answers.

As with the other books in this series, it is well written with great characters. The story is well paced and keeps you turning the pages, as you guess who did it. I can’t wait to read the next in this series.


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Review: Score

Score by A.E. Wasp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beau has drifted along playing minor league hockey for years. He could have made it to the big show, but that would take more work than he’s ever wanted to do. But he’s reaching an age where even a minor league career might be over for him. Pressure from his family has him thinking about life after hockey. So does meeting Connor, when his beloved Lady Gaga minivan breaks down.

Connor got pulled out of the Marine Corp and back home when his parents where killed in a car accident. According to the wills, he is now the sole guardian of his four step siblings. He knows nothing about raising kids, so winging it, he does. But when things start to overwhelm him, with Social Services breathing down his neck, he finally asks for help. That help comes in the form of easy on the eyes (blue hair not withstanding) Beau.

The kids add so much to this story and the feelings it generates. The author did an incredible job with giving each child its own personality. Sean, a moody teenager. Stuck in that place between child and adult. Little Benji, the youngest and sometimes the wisest. Quiet and shy Micah, who loves hockey. And Fiona, growing up as fast as Sean is. I absolutely loved Mac and Cheese. Hands down the best names ever for Guinea pigs.

This is a beautiful, gentle, slow building romance. You want to take your time and savor this story. You will laugh, you will cry and there will be places where you say ‘ah’. You will want to reach into the story and smack ‘The Walrus’. And gently shake both Connor and Beau for being stupid. Neither one wants to upset the apple cart by asking for more than what they think is only a temporary fling. The author has done an amazing job with this book. It has everything you want in a romance. It’s about the connection, friendship and the chemistry. This is a story I would recommend to everyone.


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Review: Omega Shadow

Omega Shadow by Quinn Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the third in the series, but I think it stands alone. While characters from the previous stories show up here, you won’t get lost or feel like you’ve missed much. There’s some elements of suspense here, along with the romance. Lots of mistrust and misconceptions by the home Blackcreek pack, of the visiting alphas and omegas from the Pine Creek Lake Pack. The differences in rules and treatment of omegas becomes very apparent. But the new alpha of Blackcreek is trying to make changes, bringing his pack more inline with Pine Creek and the rest of the shifter world.

Kyle isn’t an omega, so he’s conflicted when he meets the alpha Shadow. He feels an instant attraction to the sex alpha. But alphas only want omegas, right? That’s what he’s always been taught. Kyle and Shadow start meeting in hot, sexy dreams. But only fated true mates can do that and as a beta, he can’t be Shadow’s true mate.

Young Alphas are dying under mysterious circumstances. Kyle, as an apprentice healer, wants to figure out the how and why. You think you know the who almost from the start, but you don’t want to be right. Because if the murderer is who you think, then there has been a betrayal of the worst kind. Because no matter how noble the intent, a lie is still a lie.

I have read all three now, this one is the best so far. The pacing and plotline keep you moving through the story. Can’t wait to see where this series goes next.


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Review: Strength of the Omega

Strength of the Omega by Sara York
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in the series and this is a series that does need to be read in order. This picks up where Alpha’s Law ended.

Jamie and Max are back, mated and trying to make a life in their hometown. Max is out of the Army but is still doing some covert work for the FBI. He and Jamie are working on a life outside of the military. That means jobs and maybe a baby. But overshadowing them and all shifter’s happiness is the Brethren. They’ve been silent for some time now, but how long will this quiet last? What bigger, bad thing do they have planned? No one believes that they’re gone for good.

Of course, all the governmental alphabet soup agencies are involved. And keeping information close to their vests. Max and his contact in the Brethren stronghold are walking a fine line, with unknown undercover agents, they don’t know who to trust. Things come to a head when Jamie is kidnapped for the third time. This time it’s not just his life in danger, but the life of his unborn child.

The suspense in this story keeps you turning the pages. The world built in book one develops even further here. This story is well written, has a great plot and wonderful characters. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Jamie and Max.


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Review: Mister Cinderella

Mister Cinderella by Ivy Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really 3.5 stars for me, but I’ll round up. The blurb was intriguing, and this story had so much potential. And while it was a good enough story, it fell just a little short for me. At the start, Ash isn’t going to give into the “man”. But I felt like he gave into Harry awfully fast. It felt like he sold out, which makes him feel like a wishy-washy character. And out of nowhere came the BSDM part of Harry needing to dominate but there was no real hint that Ash was a sub. In some ways, I never connected with either character because I never got a real feel for who they were.

Some of the best parts of the book, were the relationship between Harry and his daughter. Virginia is such a typical teen. And the banter between them was full of snark. And I loved the element of a stalker, with the suspense of who and why. I do think this element of the story could had been expanded. Overall, it was an enjoyable story, it just could have been so much more. This author has a great deal of potential in my mind. So I will look for other stories from her in the future.


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Review: Lost Wolves Complete Series

Lost Wolves Complete Series by Zoe Perdita
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

I have read several of this author’s stories. This is one of her best. It’s a great collection of shifter stories. Each one builds on the previous one. And most of the characters move from one story to the next. You have assassin omegas, a variety of alphas, a prince and a beta and others as well.

All are well written, fast paced with a bit of suspense. The world building here was beautifully done, with stories of the Old Ones and wolves living the modern world and the blending of both. Although it’s six stories, you will be hard pressed to put the book down before you finish them all.


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Review: Zero Day Exploit

Zero Day Exploit by Tami Veldura
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Black hat hacker turns into a good guy. Asher is all about the safe, legal paycheck these days. When he’s hired to hack a mortgage company’s computer system, he figures a piece of cake. Why he needs a bodyguard, he isn’t sure.

Connar is still looking for his niche in life after the military. Babysitting some hacker isn’t really it. But the hacker does tick off all his check boxes for his type. But Asher is his job, so maybe not a good idea.

The job Asher has been hired to do isn’t what it seems and Connar’s job of keeping him protected just got harder. They both must work together to figure out who the bad guy is.

For me, it took a couple of chapters to get a feel for both Asher and Connar. They seemed so different, and annoyed each other so much, I wasn’t sure how a romance was going to work. It was fun to watch them both give in to the chemistry between them.

This story has a little of everything in it. It has romance, some suspense, it has heroes trying to do the right things and getting vengeance on the bad guys. It’s well written, and nicely paced. Loved the cast of characters that come to our hero’s aid.


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Review: Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety by Avery J. Moon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With his best friends pairing up, Max feels all alone. He just needs a night out, right? Sadly, it’s by himself. So of course, the man that shows an interest isn’t the kind that Max wants to spend time with. He’s glad there was someone there to rescue him when the guy wasn’t going to let him leave. To bad he’s so scared that he can’t take the time to say thanks or get his rescuer’s phone number.

Jake’s in the same boat as Max. His best friends have paired up as well. He decided a night out is the ticket too. To bad he’s just a tad to late to show his interest in the cute guy with the motorcycle. Another guy has already sat down at his table. The least he can do is help the cutie out when it appears he’s having problems with the other guy. After the cutie escapes, it’s another night alone for Jake.

When a someone starts stalking Max, he needs to figure out how he can protect himself. That includes getting a dog. Good thing he knows someone, who knows someone that might have a dog. Lucky for all of them, Jake and Max get to meet again. And Max get a dog, because the dog, Samson needs a new home after the death of his former master.

Beautiful, sweet story. Well written and nicely paced. The stalker element was just the right amount of intrigue and angst without over shadowing the building romance. Loved both Max and Jake. This is book three in the series, but it does standalone. But it’s a great, fun and easy reading series, so read them all.


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Review: A La Carte Friend

A La Carte Friend by Lina Langley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is not a bad story, but it wasn’t a great story either. I found Brighton so fixated on Jaden that I wanted him to get over it. They were best friends before their parents married, so no blood relationship there at all. So, I wasn’t sure why there was so much angst about them being together. But I also didn’t understand why they had never acted on their interest in each other before this point. They were co-workers for years, according to the story. But I also never got a handle on their ages. Or why they were still living at home. Otherwise, it’s a sweet and easy read.

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Review: Love in Overtime

Love in Overtime by Sloane Easton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love is sweeter the second time around. This is a lovely and sweet second chance at love story. It’s a read that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy at the end. The author did a fantastic job of giving insights into the training of service dogs. And Morgan became one of my favorite parts of this story.

High school sweethearts, that were not meant to be. Tucker has a promising career in football and decides to leave Ryan behind to pursue it. Ryan’s heart is broken, but he understands. Doesn’t mean he’s ever stopped loving Tucker though. When a tragedy ends Tucker’s ability to play, he comes home a bitter and scarred man. With the help of his family and their recruiting of Ryan and finding the right service dog, slowly Tucker comes out of his depression and learns to live life again.

Tucker and Ryan are beautifully written characters. Ryan with his gentle and persistent encouragement of Tucker. And Tucker’s slow and steady growth back into the real world. This story is a wonderful, feel good read.


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Review: Fake Out

Fake Out by Eden Finley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liar, liar, pants on fire. And Maddox’s pants are burnt to a crisp. To get out of a relationship with his high school sweetheart, he lies. He tells her that he’s gay. But he’s not…or is there some truth in that lie? After ex-girlfriend, Chastity outs him to his home town, the guilt he feels about his lie keeps him from going home very often. When he runs into Chastity at her bachelorette party, he has no real way of getting out of the invite to the wedding. Oh, and he must bring his boyfriend too. The one that is a figment of his imagination. As they say, ‘what a tangled web we weave’. What to do now? Can he get his best friend Stacy, to convince her brother Damon, to step into the role of fake boyfriend?

Damon’s major league baseball career ended before it began. So now he’s refiguring his life as an agent to athletes instead of being one. Right now, he has no clients, so when Maddox dangles a major client in front of him, maybe he can pretend to be Maddox’s boyfriend for a weekend. That Maddox checks all of his boxes for a real boyfriend makes the weekend much more interesting. As the weekend of the wedding goes on, the two of them click as more than pretend boyfriends. But since they’re together under false pretenses, Damon is reluctant to think it’s more than proximity.

Maddox isn’t sure what to think now. But he finds himself questioning the ‘pretend’ part of their relationship. Damon wants to keep things to a ‘friends’ because of Maddox and the lie. He also has a betrayal in his past that are still haunting him. Maddox has a past that he didn’t think much about with his college roommate. It’s making him rethink his sexuality and if he was ever as straight as he thought.

I absolutely loved this story. It’s a well written story of discovery, about yourself and your own truth. The characters are all engaging. The plot moves you through the pages. It’s a sweet and fun read. And I can’t wait for the next story. I’m hoping for a long series from this author.


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Review: Blue Line

Blue Line by V. L. Locey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My first book in this series, for me it stood alone. I had no problem following the characters and what was happening in their lives. But I will be going back to read the rest now, because I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Helen is like most women that are athletic and not the normal standard of what others think women should be. She is not petite or curvy, and she can hip check most men into the boards. Most men are intimidated by her. But not Bobby. Sure, he’s ten years younger and the brother of one of Helen’s teammates, but he’s not going to let that stop him. He will continue his gentle and steady pursuit of Helen.

I loved everything about the slow building romance between Helen and Bobby. How it grew step by slow moving step. There is a lot of respect for who and what Helen is, on Bobby’s part. And we watched as Helen gave up her fears of men and relationships, one at a time.

Well written, with beautiful characters, this was a wonderful, romantic read.


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Review: A Hard Call

A Hard Call by Max Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had the feel of a Sam Spade novel, a little gritty, a little hard boiled. And maybe a little tongue in cheek, since a gent instead of a dame walks into to the private investigator’s office. It has mystery, it has suspense, there’s some snarky dialog and banter. Then there’s the emotional connection between the main characters, neither of which is sure they want one. It’s interesting dynamic between Zane Holden, owner of Stonewall Investigations and a high-priced defense attorney, Lorenzo ‘Enzo’ De Luca. Both men are strong, powerful men. Both with issues from things in their past, both trying to work through those issues and move on. For Zane, it’s the murder of his husband by a serial killer. A killer long thought dead and buried. With a new murder, is the serial killer back? Trust is the issue for Enzo, how does he trust again.

Well plotted story that does move you along and keeps you turning the pages. Both Zane and Enzo are well written characters. I think this is the start of a great new series.


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Review: Dead Silent

Dead Silent by Pandora Pine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We’ve all heard the saying ‘be careful what you wish for’. Sadly, for Tennyson, he finds out the hard way some wishes come true. Overwhelmed, and being pulled in every direction by the living and the dead, with too much going on in his life, Ten feels the need to get away from everything and everyone. Including Ronan, the love of his life. Off on his solitary vacation, the dead still won’t leave him alone. In a temper tantrum fit for a toddler, he wishes his gift away. Waking up in silence the next morning, he realizes he got his wish. Now he must figure out who he is. Is he more than just his gift and what that gift allows him to do? And will everyone still love him? What follows is the discovery by both Tennyson and Ronan, that they can face challenges. And if they face them together, their relationship can come out stronger for it. We get to see more of who Tennyson is and Ronan as well. And both men realize that they have the strong support of all their friends.

The rest of the gang is here, lending moral support. In this series, that means both the living and dead. And we get some hints into Capt. Fitzgibbon’s future. These hints are given by a new character, Madame Aurora. Who has a history with Ten, and not a good one. I’m thinking she will play a bigger part in future books. And I wonder if the ME Vann Hoffman and Healer Broughan Beals will get their own story? I sure hope so.

This series is so well written. The characters feel real, you’re invested in their relationships. As you read, you feel all the ups and downs of emotions they go through. This is the third book in this series and is not a standalone. Book three focuses more on the characters then on the actual cold case, although the cold case is intriguing too. And harder to solve without Tennyson’s gift. And I can’t wait for the next book. This author has become an auto buy for me, her books are that good.


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Review: Skater Boy

Skater Boy by A.E. Wasp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fun little story of friends to lovers. And I think my favorite of the series. Sergei has shown up in most of the previous books in this series. And while it would be better to read the series in order, for me this did stand alone.

Sergei and Alex have been friends for most of their lives. And each has loved the other as more than friends for a long time, but neither ever wanted to risk the friendship. The big bad Russian goalie and the French figure skater have always been there for each other. When Alex’s life blows up, will moving in with Sergei make the move to more than friends happen? Alex wants to move slowly and cautiously. Watching the guys move from friends to lovers is a slow, teasing build.

This is my favorite of the series so far. Loved both Alex and Sergei. But the rest of the secondary characters adds so much to this story. The wives of the other players and Allie add so much to this story. Can’t wait to see who gets the next story.


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Review: Brandywine Investigations: Family Matters

Brandywine Investigations: Family Matters by Angel Martinez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Further tales, with the mix of mythology and imagination, all set in the modern world. Angel Martinez continues her wonderful re-telling of mythological gods from cultures around the world. She continues with the gods and their cohorts, in all at their snarky, sassy, outrageous and funny selves.
This series is well written. The blending of myth, mythology and facts, with modern day technology is beautiful done. And this series is just plain fun to read. I’m hoping for more gods and stories. Lots more stories, think of all the gods that still need their own HEA.

Books, Bulls and Bacchanals

Dionysus, the wine and orgy and party god. The god no one takes seriously. And most of the time Dio is good with that. But sometimes, he’s the out of control, angry god. After taking his anger out on another god, even he knows he needs help with his anger. Off to the Eternal Library for help. There he meets the librarian, Leander, the minotaur. When one of his followers is murdered there, the family comes to help solved the case. And the family keeps underestimating Dio too.
The cast of characters in this story are amazing. I loved the Red Panda library assistants and the gardening mushroom dudes. I think of all the stories in this series, this one is my favorite.

Midwinter Dancing

Interesting interlude between the Brandywine stories. The family has gathered at grandmother’s house for a holiday meal. Ingeborg’s grandmother believes in the old gods and magic. As the odd one out in the family, Ing isn’t sure what to believe. But she’d never tell her grandmother that. Out in the forest to gather firewood, she stumbles across a group of dancers giving a lesson to their sister. The sister is none other than Artemis, goddess of the hunt. And Ing invites her to dinner.
I loved that both Artemis and Ingeborg show up in the next story.

Pack Up the Moon

I have been waiting for Charon, death’s ferryman to get his story. Charon is happy with his service to Lord Hades. And if he has occasional twinges in the region of his heart, well he’s still satisfied with his life. A run in with Azeban, raccoon trickster, leaves him missing his pocket watch. Then Azeban keeps coming around, first returning things and then to take things again. Charon is starting to think the little raccoon is doing this on purpose. And that is fine with him. Something about the little raccoon intrigues Charon. He’s hiding something, he won’t tell Charon what, and he can’t ask for help. But Charon does figure it out and with the help of the gang, they fix the problem, allowing Charon and Azeban to have a future.


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Review: Brandywine Investigations: Open for Business

Brandywine Investigations: Open for Business by Angel Martinez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first three stories in the Brandywine Investigations series. The series is a funny, well written, fabulous retelling of mythology and the Gods that ruled in a wide variety of cultures. But they now live in the modern world. I loved the author’s imagination that she used to create her take on them. They are fun, quirky, snarky, sassy, sexy and downright fun to read.

Canines, Crosshairs & Corpses

Divorce among the Gods isn’t something you expect to hear about. And while he never really loved Persephone, he never expected to be served with divorce papers. And she’s keeping his domain. So, Hades moves to the human realm. And to keep himself busy, he starts a PI business. While investigating a series of murders, he meets Tiberius or Ti. Ti is human, down on his luck. And the next target of the murderer.
There is a gentle building of the relationship between Hades and Ti. Hades gets to find out what real love feels like and what you’re willing to do to protect those you love.

No Enemy but Time

Hades son, Zagreus and his fallen angel, Michael are the focus of this story. Again, there is a beautiful blending of the mythology from various cultures. Guardian Angel Michael is fallen because he fell in love with his charge, Zack. And since his fall, they’ve had a happy life. But things are changing. Michael is no longer stable and he’s going down hill fast. What or who is accelerating the change in Michael?
Of the three stories in this book, this one has the most angst. There is a bittersweet feel to it. You truly feel for both Michael and Zack.

Dragons, Diamonds & Discord

In this next story, we meet a dragon. And as most of us know, dragons are all about their treasures and hoarding of it. Hermes is a businessman with many interests, one of which is high end jewelry. When some of the most expensive pieces go missing, he gathers the clan and investigates. That investigation leads him to Fafnir, a dragon and an author of children’s books and someone Hermes finds smoking hot. Fafnir is going into a hoarding cycle and he’s not sure why. And now he has Hermes invading his space. And Hermes isn’t going away.
The banter between these two was snarky and fun. The sex scenes were hot. And this story was fun.


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Review: Switching Places

Switching Places by Morticia Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can you say something involving BDSM is sweet? And gentle? Because this story is both, a sweet and gentle romance. It’s also smoking hot when the three characters get busy in the bed or play room. Yet the focus in this story is the romance building between Tai, Master Lucas and Elliot. Of how they are going to balance meeting all their needs.

Tai is his usual sassy, snarky and fabulous self. He’s falling for Master Lucas but can’t do the submission thing full time. Every so often, he needs to feel someone under him. Master Lucas wants thing to work between him and Tai. But he knows that Tai can’t give him everything he wants in a sub. And that he can’t give Tai any little bit of control over him, at all. Enter sweet, shy and inexperienced Elliot. Elliot will be the element that fills both Tai and Master Lucas’ needs.

You’ve met the three of them in the previous books, but I think this could standalone. But why would you start here, when the rest of the series is so great. Get book one and enjoy this awesome series.


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Review: Poke Check

Poke Check by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We are back in the world of the team, the Harrisburg Railers. This time it’s Stan, the goalie’s turn. I’ve been waiting for Stan’s story since we first met him in book one. He was such an engaging character there. And I couldn’t wait to see what the authors were going to do with his story.

We’ve had glimpses of Stan in the previous 3 stories. As the mother of a goalie, I can attest to the fact that they are all strange and unique. So, I totally got Stan talking to his pipes. I know that the pipes are a goalie’s best friend. And each time we met Stan, his broken English makes us laugh. I love Stan, he’s quirky and fun. He’s also stoic, yet caring, such a mix of contrasts.

At the beginning, I wasn’t sure I even liked Erik. He broke Stan’s heart, after all. But then we learn why. And as the story goes along, we start to like Erik. He thought he was doing the right thing, the best for everyone involved. After his decision, his heart was broken too. And then further on into the story, we love Erik. He’s so devoted to his son, Noah. Erik and Noah fulfill all of Stan’s dreams.

The rest of the gang from the other books show up here, and it’s nice to see them. Added to the mix here, are Stan’s sister, Galina and his mom. I love the side story with Galina and Arvy falling for each other. The one character I never warmed up to was Noah’s mother, Freja. And yet, at the end, she did the right thing for everyone.

As with all the previous stories in this series, it’s well written. With great characters. The hockey elements are spot on. The authors did a great job with how quirky and superstitious goalies can be. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.


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Review: Joshua's Rainbow

Joshua's Rainbow by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful story, of over coming the damage your past can do. To understanding that how we perceive ourselves, often isn’t the way the rest of the world sees us. Your heart breaks for everything that Joshua has gone through in his life. You want to coddle Daniel and make him relax, and to take care of his health. And you want to wrap the rest of the characters in this story in cotton and protect them from the evil in the world. Except Paul, who can’t have enough bad things happen to him!

Being at the top of your game comes at a cost. For Daniel, it’s his health. Sent by his best friend and doctor, Alan, he’s to rest and relax on a private island. Arriving there, he’s intrigued with Joshua. But he hasn’t gotten his executive brain shut off yet and all he sees is a property he wants for his company. But the more time he spends with Joshua and the gang, the more he sees the value of the people and not the place.

Joshua is hanging on to the hotel by his fingernails. He needs to save the place, to protect and give his motley crew a place to be safe. He doesn’t understand what Daniel sees in him. Every time he looks in the mirror, he still sees the fat and damaged kid that was thrown out of his house. Yet with Daniel’s gentle persuasion, he starts to see his own self-worth.

This story has it all. Wonderfully written characters and a great story line. You are pulled into the story and you don’t want to leave. You laugh, cry and hurt when the characters do. You feel their every emotion. I can’t wait to read more of this gang.


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Review: Omega Revealed

Omega Revealed by Tanya Chris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A different take on the usual Omega and Alpha stories, one I haven’t read before. In most, the omegas want to be anything but omegas. Here Gage is a beta, who swears he’s an omega instead. And he longs for all things omega, to be submissive, to be under an alpha’s care, to nurture those around him. But no one around him takes his words seriously when he tells them. Except Ryker. Ryker listens and treats Gage as an omega. Then there is Gage’s sister, maybe a beta trapped in an omega body.

I found the story very well written, fast paced, steamy hot sex, great characters and I love the twist here. The subtle prodding that not everyone is who or what we perceive them to be. It made the story fascinating to read.


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Review: Dead Reckoning

Dead Reckoning by Pandora Pine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant second story in this Cold Case Psychic series. This story is dark, with lots of mystery and intrigue. There is anxiety and fear as the guys work to solve the crimes in this story. And here again, the author has taken the relationship journey between Ronan and Tennyson on several twists and turns. And yet, you know that they are both committed to each other. You never doubt that they love each other.

When we last saw Ronan and Tennyson, life was good. They had solved the crime and where working building on their relationship. The story here opens with a hiccup in the relationship. But Tennyson needs Ronan’s help after a murder victim shows up in his bedroom. As the two of them put aside their personal relationship, they work together, along with the others in their ‘family’ to solve the murders of not only the victim that visited Ten, but a series of other related murders.

The bonus in this storyline is the building of Captain Fitzgibbon’s character. Loved him in the first book, even more here. And everyone you met in the first book is back here.

For me, this story is not a stand-alone. To understand the characters and the relationships between them all, you need to read book one. And book one is so worth the read, you want to read it anyway.

I can’t say how much I have loved the first two stories in this series. Pandora Pine is an incredible author and now one of my favorites. She writes great characters. Intricate and complex plot lines, full of everything you want in a murder mystery. Can’t wait for the next story.


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Review: Bound to the Omega

Bound to the Omega by Ashe Moon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shifters in this story live in a different world than most shifter stories. But the world created here is easy to imagine. This is a second chance at love story, set sixteen years after Arthur and Perry have been pulled apart by the forced marriage of Perry. Perry has left his husband and come home with his daughter. He never expected to see Arthur again, but they run into each other, both realizing that they still had feelings for the other.

The author did a great job with the describing the world here. You could hear the roar of the wolf cycles, feel the rain coming down. Everything is easily pictured. I loved how Arthur’s family stuck together, folding Perry into the mix.

This is book four in the series, but I haven’t read the others, so this does work as a stand-alone story.


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Review: His Professor Omega

His Professor Omega by Harper B. Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A well written and enjoyable story. Sort of a second chance, because the main characters come back together and build their relationship after a one-night stand. That one-night stand had lasting consequences for the omega of the pairing. The path to true love is never easy, but it was satisfying to watch Ash and Coop work through everything thrown in their way.

As characters, loved how Ash and Coop were written. The age difference is alluded to, but it’s not the main focus here. There were a couple of occasions were things felt like they were skimmed over, and I would have liked the authors to give us more information about what the final outcomes were. Otherwise, I really liked this story.


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Review: Skythane

Skythane by J. Scott Coatsworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me the first chapter to sink into the world created here. Different world, with a different language, different inhabitants living in this world, etc. But by chapter two, I was completely immersed. There is intrigue, danger, a little mystery along the way as the characters of Jameson, Xander and Quince, Morgan tagging along, journey to another dimension.

Jameson is sent to the half planet of Oberon on a mission. He’s just a simple psych, wanting to get his mission done and to get home to his life and fiancée. He doesn’t know he’s not what or who he thinks. Or that he’s a part of a plan to save both halves the planet. He’s completely undone when the person who picks him up doesn’t take him where he thought he was supposed to go. Instead, he’s now an unwilling kidnapping victim. And he’s on the run from the very people he thought he was supposed to meet. And those people keep shooting at him.

Xander lost his parents, when they were gunned down in the street. The same man that killed his parents takes Xander in, abusing him till he’s rescued. This has made Xander a streetwise, wary man, who takes jobs on the side. Sent by his friend, Quince, to pick up an off-worlder, he takes an instant dislike to Jameson. And that feeling seems to be mutual, except the longer they’re together, the harder it is to keep that dislike going. The longer they spend together, the more the relationship develops.

Quince seems to have the answers that both Jameson and Xander’s questions need answering. She also seems to have a great number of secrets she’s holding close. Neither Jameson or Xander can help but wonder what those secrets are, since they all seem to involve them.

The world created by the author is amazing, with beautiful descriptions, that made it easy to visualize. For me, this was a beautiful blending of sci-fi and fantasy. The characters are complex, with their different personalities, they are believable and real. The story-line and plot, keep you turning the pages. I can’t wait for the next part of this story.


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Review: Wild Untouched

Wild Untouched by Tami Veldura
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lovely, sweet, short story with what feels like a slow burn for finding love, but with a fast attraction from the first.

Madden is out hiking, getting back to nature and settling himself. After two tours in the desert, he needs to center himself again. There’s nobody around except for himself and the animals that live in the forest. Or that’s what he thinks. But his solitude is interrupted by the blast from an emergency whistle. Following the sound, he finds Gage at the bottom of a bank, injured.

As they make their way to a forest ranger cabin, the attraction flares between them. They let it build and act upon it once they reach the cabin. That they keep it going and building into a relationship after the rescue, is what makes this a feel-good story. (But as always, a longer story would have been nice)


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Review: Pain Play

Pain Play by Morticia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story will not be everyone's cup of tea. There were parts of it that I wasn't completely comfortable with. That said, those parts did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the story itself. What I truly loved were the characters, Phil and Terry, and their interactions with each other. Terry, with his snarky comebacks and his nervous introspection. And Phil, with his need to balance his wants and needs against what he feels Terry wants and needs. As with all the author's stories, this is a complex story looking at the relationship between Terry and Phil, as they further explore their 24/7 commitment to each other and their lifestyle. They still have their ups and downs as they grow into their roles. Both characters are shown with strengths and weaknesses, making them have a real person feel. It is a story well worth the read.

This is not a standalone story, you must read the previous books to understand the dynamics at work here. The series is well worth the read.


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Review: Dead Man's Tale

Dead Man's Tale by Riza Curtis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun and quirky little story of humans, ghosts, fae and other things that go bump in the night. There’s a whole lot of a great story in a very little book. This book is so well written, with great characters and a ‘pull you through the pages’ plot line.

Detective Drew Holden has the best solve rate in his prescient. Nobody knows he has a little supernatural help, in the form of a ghost. But now his solve rate is so good, his higher ups don’t believe he isn’t involved in the crimes himself. They want him under investigation by the Supernatural Liaison team. Detective Sean Farley heads the team sent to help solve the murder case Drew is working on, as well as investigate Drew. There is instant chemistry between Sean and Drew, and things get hot between them. But there are more murders and misunderstandings that come after their night together.

Loved both Drew and Sean as main characters. Absolutely love Calleigh and her interactions with Drew. Loved this book, but as with most short stories, would have loved a longer story here.


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Review: Bodyguards and Babies Box Set: Mpreg Romance Box Set

Bodyguards and Babies Box Set: Mpreg Romance Box Set by S.C. Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the world this author created. The three books in this set are set in a non-shifting world of Alphas and Omegas. There is a better balance here between the alphas and the omegas. Unlike most of these kinds of books, the omegas here aren’t weak, wimpy men. They aren’t different from other omegas, except for the fact that as solar eclipse omegas. Which means they can have babies. I loved how the author interwove the lives of the characters through each book. All three books have great, well developed characters. Wyatt’s mom, Riley’s manager, Tom and Seth’s daughter, Emily, as secondary characters, they add that extra bit to the stories. The plots are well written, the story-lines pulls you through the pages.

Book one: My Omega’s Baby

As the saying goes, love is the other side of the coin with hate. And at the start of this story, these guys love to hate. They snark and snipe and otherwise hate each other. Especially when Blade is assigned to guard Wyatt when he is threatened. Being around each other 24/7 leads to things and feelings neither one has had before regarding the other.

I love the sense of confusion both Wyatt and Blade felt while trying to figure out their attractions to each other. Do they keep fighting it or do they give in and maybe take a chance with each other? And after they give into one night of lust, there’s a baby to be concerned about. Can they be a family? It was a fun thing to watch as they worked their way to a real relationship.

Book 2: Rockstar Baby

When we last saw Riley, a rockstar on the cusp, he was in the closet and drunk while thanking Blade in book one. When Blade and Wyatt come to one of his concerts, they drag Colin along. When Riley needs a new bodyguard, Colin gets the job. They share a night of passion, but Colin won’t be anyone’s secret. But Riley won’t give up on the chance to have Colin, he wants him for more than just one night, even if it means coming out of the closet. When they give into a second night of need, Colin must come clean about being a solar eclipse omega, and a pregnant one as well. Colin comes to realize that maybe Riley really is a gentle and kind alpha, the kind that he needs.

Book three: Manny’s Surprise Baby

When Colin and Riley go to the compound to have their baby, Riley protects an omega named Pierce from a bully alpha. Bullying and abusing alphas are all Pierce has ever known. Trusting an alpha isn’t easy. When he moves back to LA, he’s staying with Colin, who helps him get a job as a manny with Seth, one of Colin’s co-workers. Seth has just become a dad to an 8-year-old daughter he never knew about. Seth doesn’t understand the pull to Pierce. He’s never been into guys. But Pierce, even with his prickly nature, calls to every protective urge Seth has ever had. So, he’s going to do whatever it takes to keep Pierce around. Besides, Emily would be devastated if Pierce left. The longer Seth and Pierce are around each other, the less they can keep their hands off each other. And under a full moon’s pull, they give in and their night of passion results in Pierce’s pregnancy. In the end, they both get what they need, a family and love.


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Review: Uncorked: A New Year's Eve Novella

Uncorked: A New Year's Eve Novella by J.R. Barten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A lighter hearted visit with Dev and Garrett from Unf;nshed. The guys have been together about a year now. They have gone through lots of ups and downs. They have worked at compromise and being what the other needs, even if that means space from the other. And both are still committed to each other, still willing to do what it takes to be with each other. They both want a forever, but each is waiting for the other to say it first.

Christmas is a very stressful time for Dev, it reminds him that his Grandma is with him any longer. Add the stress from his job and he might be teetering on the edge. He’s going to need Garrett by his side, especially after his mom invites them to dinner on Christmas Eve. To say it didn’t go well is an understatement. But it does help Garrett see that he wants to commit to Dev in a permanent way. He devises a plan with help from Kim to do just that.

After this book, I will never look at pancakes and permanent markers the same way ever again. The gang from the first story show up in this one and are as much fun here as they were there. This was a wonderful follow-up story, I loved it.


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Review: Unf;nished

Unf;nished by J.R. Barten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emotional, angsty, intense and wonderful. The chemistry between Garrett and Dev comes off the pages. And yet, this story is about introspection, dealing with past mistakes and the need for honest communication between partners. Warning, there may be a trigger for a past suicide attempt mentioned.

Garrett is introverted and working to get past his ex, who because of his bipolar disorder is in jail. He decides on a semicolon tattoo for its meaning and so that he can always remember his past. He hasn’t been with anyone since his ex and he’s okay with being alone.

Dev is outgoing and fun loving. He’s at the same tattoo shop for a semicolon tattoo also. But his is for the struggle he’s gone through with his illness and coming out on the other side. He sees Garrett and wants to get to know the cute nerd sitting in his friend’s tattoo chair.

Their relationship has many ups and downs along the way. But it makes this a beautiful story as you watch them grow individually, then together, then apart, then back together again.

This story worked on so many levels. The writing is phenomenal, the author masterfully walked that fine line while telling the story of a character with mental health issues. It never overpowers the story or the characters. It is just a part of who the character is. And I love how real the characters seem when dealing with it. The lack of knowledge about it and learning more, the fear of relapses. Or not understanding what it truly means, that it doesn’t define who someone is, it is just a part of them. Or how Garrett not dealing with it lead to Pierre being his ex.

There is so much more I’d like to say about this book, and how good it is, but for once, the right words aren’t coming to me. Read it, it is that worth it.


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Review: And The World Begins With You

And The World Begins With You by Lina Langley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Best friends who have a falling out meet years down the road. This short story hits on several different tropes, second chances, office romance and maybe a little of first love.

Mikael has never forgotten his best friend, Rush. He still doesn’t know why or what happened to end their friendship. Imaging his surprise when he shows up for his new job and his boss is no other than Rush. A Rush who does seem to know him.

Rush has never gotten over the hurt that broke up his friendship with Mikael. He now protects himself at all cost. Even if that means pretending to not know Mikael.

The tension and emotions between the two keeps ramping up till something has to give. It pulls you through the pages. For a short story, this story was all the elements you want in a longer story.


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Review: Finding Home

Finding Home by Lina Langley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very short story. The premise was promising and intriguing. And with a longer story, the author could have done so much. Here, it was too short for any kind of real development of plot or characters. I didn’t find either character totally likeable at the start and the story ended so fast I never got a real feel for them. And yet in the end with the epilogue, it did work.

Nev is forced to take a vacation and he’s never been the type to do one-night stands. But that’s what happens here with Josh. Except Nev can’t stop thinking of Josh. Maybe a vacation fling then or maybe more. But a misunderstanding happens and Nev thinks things are over before they start. But never say never. The epilogue made this story work out okay.


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Review: Unhappily Ever After: A Villain's Tale

Unhappily Ever After: A Villain's Tale by Sarah Beth James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A zany, funny, quick read. This is a fairytale told with a twist. Are the heroes always the good guys? And are the villains always really the bad guys or girls, as the case may be? And Princess’s aren’t always what they seem. Love the author’s take on this one.

It could have used another round of editing, there were several errors that caught my eye. Nothing that took me out of the story though. And I would have loved for a longer, more in-depth story. More about the dark Prince’s village and its inhabitants would have been nice. This has the potential to be turned into a series of stories too. Overall, I really enjoyed this story.


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Review: Breathe

Breathe by Piper Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This book is a fitting end to this series. The guys from the previous stories show up here along with Marshall and Oli. This, for me, is not a standalone. You need to read the others. And they are so good, do yourself a favor and read them.

This story opens so smoking hot with sexting between Oli and Alcrest. But as you get into Oli’s life, you realize he doesn’t have any good luck to start this story. As you read his life, you feel for him. How much more can he take? Then he has a chance meeting with Marshall, or Alcrest as he knows him from online.

This story had so many ups and downs. The story takes you on a ride through all of the emotions. Your emotions are all over the place, you laugh, cry and your heart hurts, then warms as the love blooms. Then you fan yourself while reading a couple of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a while. And in the end, love wins.

As with all the stories in this series, well written, great storyline, nicely paced and the characters are full of depth. I am so sad that this series is at an end. But I am looking forward to something new from this author.


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