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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