|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
my rating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1622100999
| 9781622100996
| B00JTNT4MO
| 3.82
| 177
| Apr 20, 2014
| Apr 21, 2014
|
really liked it
|
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review. Gio Savale is an agin rocker (41 y/o) going t I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review. Gio Savale is an agin rocker (41 y/o) going through a nasty divorce. His band is working on a come back album, and he's in the midst of a reality show about rockers' real lives. Only, the show is boring. The producers want to cancel, but it would mean Gio losing out on a ton of cash--money he needs to pay for his attorneys and studio time. The show producers think it would be a great idea to bring in a love interest to spice up the show--and they hire a gay man, citing a long ago comment in a Rolling Stone interview when Gio confessed to being bisexual. Well, those dodgy escapades all happened when Gio was strung out on drugs. He's not really into guys, or is he? Having no way out, but through, Gio allows the farce to go on, hoping that the added publicity will get him some new gigs to pay his way out of the show's contract. In the meantime, Gio heads to an antique shop to get help selling all the furnishings his ex left behind. There he meets buff, masculine Lance. And, Lance is a BIG fan of Gio's music. Suddenly Gio isn't wondering if he's bisexual. He's wondering if he isn't gay altogether. Okay, so there's some problems with the ex, she's pushing for sole custody. There's problems with the "boyfriend" the show hires--an Asian-ish twink working his way through theater school, because Gio's Real Live BF, Lance, doesn't want any reality show getting Gio to kiss other men. Lance is selfish that way. Oh, and Lance has a deep dark secret that just might end in murder, if it's uncovered. So, yeah. It gets uncovered. I liked the story. I really liked the tie in to FOREVER IS NOW, a previously published K. Vale book which I enjoyed. There is a desperate chase scene, and a part where the reader is left hanging, wondering if Gio is going to find happiness again. In all the pacing was excellent. The smexytimes were well-written and interesting. I had some trouble wondering what happened with the ex-wife, and had expected she would brook more trouble over the custody, knowing that Gio was pursuing a homosexual relationship. (Yes, I did remember that the ex's sister is lesbian, but people do nasty stuff in a divorce....) In all a satisfying quick read. Merged review: I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review. Gio Savale is an agin rocker (41 y/o) going through a nasty divorce. His band is working on a come back album, and he's in the midst of a reality show about rockers' real lives. Only, the show is boring. The producers want to cancel, but it would mean Gio losing out on a ton of cash--money he needs to pay for his attorneys and studio time. The show producers think it would be a great idea to bring in a love interest to spice up the show--and they hire a gay man, citing a long ago comment in a Rolling Stone interview when Gio confessed to being bisexual. Well, those dodgy escapades all happened when Gio was strung out on drugs. He's not really into guys, or is he? Having no way out, but through, Gio allows the farce to go on, hoping that the added publicity will get him some new gigs to pay his way out of the show's contract. In the meantime, Gio heads to an antique shop to get help selling all the furnishings his ex left behind. There he meets buff, masculine Lance. And, Lance is a BIG fan of Gio's music. Suddenly Gio isn't wondering if he's bisexual. He's wondering if he isn't gay altogether. Okay, so there's some problems with the ex, she's pushing for sole custody. There's problems with the "boyfriend" the show hires--an Asian-ish twink working his way through theater school, because Gio's Real Live BF, Lance, doesn't want any reality show getting Gio to kiss other men. Lance is selfish that way. Oh, and Lance has a deep dark secret that just might end in murder, if it's uncovered. So, yeah. It gets uncovered. I liked the story. I really liked the tie in to FOREVER IS NOW, a previously published K. Vale book which I enjoyed. There is a desperate chase scene, and a part where the reader is left hanging, wondering if Gio is going to find happiness again. In all the pacing was excellent. The smexytimes were well-written and interesting. I had some trouble wondering what happened with the ex-wife, and had expected she would brook more trouble over the custody, knowing that Gio was pursuing a homosexual relationship. (Yes, I did remember that the ex's sister is lesbian, but people do nasty stuff in a divorce....) In all a satisfying quick read. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
not set
not set
|
Sep 29, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1785642103
| 9781785642104
| B09RQYYW5N
| 4.24
| 795
| Mar 18, 2022
| Mar 18, 2022
|
really liked it
|
Nick Horner is a widowed gay man, still mourning his late-husband Danny going on 6 years now. They had a daughter, Hannah, via surrogacy, and later ad
Nick Horner is a widowed gay man, still mourning his late-husband Danny going on 6 years now. They had a daughter, Hannah, via surrogacy, and later adopted two orphaned brothers, Mason and Caleb. Danny was a stay-at-home dad while Nick did investigative reporting, selling his stories for big sums. Anyway, it Nick a long time to get beyond his depression and grief, and be a solid father to his children, after Danny's death. He's just sold his interest in his production company, and is committed to building the bigger family Danny always wanted, beginning with adopting Teegan, a deaf toddler in foster care. Nick is committed to ensuring Teegan will thrive in their family, but he's struggling to learn sign language. He reaches out to his children's school to see if they have any discreet resources, after an online "educator" tried to blackmail him. Nick's so committed to being the best dad he can to all his kids--including Teegan--that he's willing to seek the help of Elliot Curtis--the only man to turn his head since Danny's passing. Elliot Curtis is an English teacher at St. Josephs elite private school for the wealthy and privileged. He taught Nick's daughter Hannah a couple of years back, and is still stinging from the problem he had convincing Nick (at first) to get evaluations and services for Hannah, who he suspected had ADHD. Well, that and the big one-sided crush he had on Nick, fueled by an unexpected kiss Nick gave him two years ago. But that's all in the past, right? Now, Elliot is being tasked to assist Nick learn ASL so he can better communicate with the young girl he hopes to adopt. Elliot, a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), is convinced that Nick's adoption of Teegan is just some sort of publicity stunt, and he's dead set against facilitating this, but his side project, a safe space for Deaf children and families to congregate and learn, could use the hefty donation Nick will make, in return for Elliot's help. This book seemed to start as a twist on an enemies-to-lovers type of romance, but without any solid enmity. Nick is embarrassed to be attracted to Elliot, as if he's disrespecting Danny's legacy to find another man attractive, and he's mortified about how he acted on that attraction. Elliot is frustrated to still find Nick honorable and sexy, even after their confrontation over Hannah's needs. Teegan is at the heart of their current situation. Elliot knows first-hand the challenges that persons in the Deaf community face. Can Nick actually provide a loving and supportive family? Should Elliot interfere with the adoption, if he thinks Nick won't be a good parent? It's not like many Deaf people are looking to adopt. Elliot and Nick have a lot of history to uncover and rehash, but their inconvenient attraction brings more struggle to the situation. I loved how patient Elliot was, teaching Nick ASL, but also more about how to navigate the Deaf community. And Nick's so vulnerable and open, with Elliot, but also with his children. He's a committed parent, and is willing to do the work to make himself a better person--having years of therapy supporting this mission. It's a tender romance, with Elliot bringing out the best in Nick, with the kids being overjoyed at the dad's new happiness, and with Teegan finding a forever home with a big family that will love and support her. Expect a bit of drama with the birth mom, and a scam artist hoping to profit off Nick's good will. Other than that, there isn't too much angst. I loved how Nick's happy ending began with a new beginning, and laying to rest his ghosts. Very sweet. Merged review: Nick Horner is a widowed gay man, still mourning his late-husband Danny going on 6 years now. They had a daughter, Hannah, via surrogacy, and later adopted two orphaned brothers, Mason and Caleb. Danny was a stay-at-home dad while Nick did investigative reporting, selling his stories for big sums. Anyway, it Nick a long time to get beyond his depression and grief, and be a solid father to his children, after Danny's death. He's just sold his interest in his production company, and is committed to building the bigger family Danny always wanted, beginning with adopting Teegan, a deaf toddler in foster care. Nick is committed to ensuring Teegan will thrive in their family, but he's struggling to learn sign language. He reaches out to his children's school to see if they have any discreet resources, after an online "educator" tried to blackmail him. Nick's so committed to being the best dad he can to all his kids--including Teegan--that he's willing to seek the help of Elliot Curtis--the only man to turn his head since Danny's passing. Elliot Curtis is an English teacher at St. Josephs elite private school for the wealthy and privileged. He taught Nick's daughter Hannah a couple of years back, and is still stinging from the problem he had convincing Nick (at first) to get evaluations and services for Hannah, who he suspected had ADHD. Well, that and the big one-sided crush he had on Nick, fueled by an unexpected kiss Nick gave him two years ago. But that's all in the past, right? Now, Elliot is being tasked to assist Nick learn ASL so he can better communicate with the young girl he hopes to adopt. Elliot, a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), is convinced that Nick's adoption of Teegan is just some sort of publicity stunt, and he's dead set against facilitating this, but his side project, a safe space for Deaf children and families to congregate and learn, could use the hefty donation Nick will make, in return for Elliot's help. This book seemed to start as a twist on an enemies-to-lovers type of romance, but without any solid enmity. Nick is embarrassed to be attracted to Elliot, as if he's disrespecting Danny's legacy to find another man attractive, and he's mortified about how he acted on that attraction. Elliot is frustrated to still find Nick honorable and sexy, even after their confrontation over Hannah's needs. Teegan is at the heart of their current situation. Elliot knows first-hand the challenges that persons in the Deaf community face. Can Nick actually provide a loving and supportive family? Should Elliot interfere with the adoption, if he thinks Nick won't be a good parent? It's not like many Deaf people are looking to adopt. Elliot and Nick have a lot of history to uncover and rehash, but their inconvenient attraction brings more struggle to the situation. I loved how patient Elliot was, teaching Nick ASL, but also more about how to navigate the Deaf community. And Nick's so vulnerable and open, with Elliot, but also with his children. He's a committed parent, and is willing to do the work to make himself a better person--having years of therapy supporting this mission. It's a tender romance, with Elliot bringing out the best in Nick, with the kids being overjoyed at the dad's new happiness, and with Teegan finding a forever home with a big family that will love and support her. Expect a bit of drama with the birth mom, and a scam artist hoping to profit off Nick's good will. Other than that, there isn't too much angst. I loved how Nick's happy ending began with a new beginning, and laying to rest his ghosts. Very sweet. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Mar 23, 2022
not set
|
Sep 28, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1945802677
| 9781945802676
| B0894YFCZ1
| 4.11
| 1,548
| May 31, 2021
| May 31, 2021
|
really liked it
|
Screenwriter and former actor Ellery Page is finally settling into quaint but active Pirate's Cove. He's got himself a steady beau in Police Chief Jac
Screenwriter and former actor Ellery Page is finally settling into quaint but active Pirate's Cove. He's got himself a steady beau in Police Chief Jack Carson, even though Jack is continually challenged by Ellery's penchant for getting caught up in murder plots in real life. They seem to have a truce on Ellery making unauthorized investigations--especially since the last time netted the criminal plus a cracked skull. Ellery's just getting over his concussion when another mystery seems to be knocking on his door. Miss Juliet Blackwell is an elderly woman and life-long resident of Pirate's Cove. She is a spinster and peculiar, never letting people into her spacious, though now-crumbling, mansion. Ellery was asked to deliver some of her new book purchases, and while there he hears Miss Blackwell screaming in terror. He's not terribly well, but he is able to climb through an open window and rescue Juliet who had a nasty fall and is terrified the ghost of her pirate ancestor has finally come a-calling to take her home to rest. Thing is, Ellery was sure another person was in Juliet's home at the time of her "attack" though she later denies seeing anyone. On a side note, a fellow Scrabbler, Libby, is filling in for her injured father, Tom, running their family tavern and boarding house, the Salty Dog Inn. Libby is a just 18, and she's had some upsets with her dad taking sick and her last boyfriend getting into big legal trouble, so Ellery is pretty sure Libby's reports of theft from her bar and kitchen are just borne out of pressure and exhaustion. However, his promise to quietly investigate lead to further mayhem. And, Jack is feeling decidedly salty about Ellery doing anything remotely dangerous, or sleuth-y, since the debacle at the Bloodworth crypt a few weeks back. This is a fast-paced mystery that really digs deeper into to history of Pirate's Cove, as well as that of its enigmatic citizens. I loved the scandal, as well as the cave explorations--a tunnel system that dates back to the pirate age and has been in continuous use for sometimes-nefarious dealings. Jack is stellar as a foil to Ellery, who really IS trying to not get murdered, or injured, this book. They made a sweet couple in investigation as well as back home. It was awesome to see a peek behind Jack's tough exterior, and I'm very much looking forward to watching him and Ellery fall deep into love in future stories. It's a little less dramatic than the previous books, in that the death doesn't come at the beginning of the story. Ellery's a champ throughout, and his compassion--even for his biggest enemies--is really astounding. I flew through this story, much like the previous books in this series, and I recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, especially those starring LGBTQ characters. Merged review: Screenwriter and former actor Ellery Page is finally settling into quaint but active Pirate's Cove. He's got himself a steady beau in Police Chief Jack Carson, even though Jack is continually challenged by Ellery's penchant for getting caught up in murder plots in real life. They seem to have a truce on Ellery making unauthorized investigations--especially since the last time netted the criminal plus a cracked skull. Ellery's just getting over his concussion when another mystery seems to be knocking on his door. Miss Juliet Blackwell is an elderly woman and life-long resident of Pirate's Cove. She is a spinster and peculiar, never letting people into her spacious, though now-crumbling, mansion. Ellery was asked to deliver some of her new book purchases, and while there he hears Miss Blackwell screaming in terror. He's not terribly well, but he is able to climb through an open window and rescue Juliet who had a nasty fall and is terrified the ghost of her pirate ancestor has finally come a-calling to take her home to rest. Thing is, Ellery was sure another person was in Juliet's home at the time of her "attack" though she later denies seeing anyone. On a side note, a fellow Scrabbler, Libby, is filling in for her injured father, Tom, running their family tavern and boarding house, the Salty Dog Inn. Libby is a just 18, and she's had some upsets with her dad taking sick and her last boyfriend getting into big legal trouble, so Ellery is pretty sure Libby's reports of theft from her bar and kitchen are just borne out of pressure and exhaustion. However, his promise to quietly investigate lead to further mayhem. And, Jack is feeling decidedly salty about Ellery doing anything remotely dangerous, or sleuth-y, since the debacle at the Bloodworth crypt a few weeks back. This is a fast-paced mystery that really digs deeper into to history of Pirate's Cove, as well as that of its enigmatic citizens. I loved the scandal, as well as the cave explorations--a tunnel system that dates back to the pirate age and has been in continuous use for sometimes-nefarious dealings. Jack is stellar as a foil to Ellery, who really IS trying to not get murdered, or injured, this book. They made a sweet couple in investigation as well as back home. It was awesome to see a peek behind Jack's tough exterior, and I'm very much looking forward to watching him and Ellery fall deep into love in future stories. It's a little less dramatic than the previous books, in that the death doesn't come at the beginning of the story. Ellery's a champ throughout, and his compassion--even for his biggest enemies--is really astounding. I flew through this story, much like the previous books in this series, and I recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, especially those starring LGBTQ characters. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Jun 28, 2021
not set
|
Sep 28, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 9781784308292
| B015WFNVP8
| 4.13
| 179
| Sep 29, 2015
| Sep 29, 2015
|
really liked it
|
Allistair Richmond is a trust fund brat who made good. he took his money and built an empire of companies, including the Dark Fantasy resort and casin
Allistair Richmond is a trust fund brat who made good. he took his money and built an empire of companies, including the Dark Fantasy resort and casino in Las Vegas. He's had a solitary life, with parents who were mostly absentee and an elder brother, Quentin, who is more psycho than...well, psycho. Due to threats from unnamed persons, as well as Quentin, Allistair is mostly holed up in his penthouse suite. He has no problem finding one-nighters, but he's definitely down for a repeat performance with sexy bottom and police negotiator Officer Steve Ashwood. Steve's a regular guy, an army veteran and a proud wearer of women's lingerie. *swoon* Honestly, didn't know that manties would be a thing for me, but yeah. The genuine affection both Steve and Allistair have for women's lingerie was yummy. Steve likes to be dominated. Hard. He's super stressed in his role as a negotiator and craves punishment and rough love to clear his head when things go wrong. We had a few ints of Steve in HELD HOSTAGE, because he's Cole's long-time friend and frequent no-strings sexual partner. It was Steve who called an end to their hook-ups because what Allistair wants is anything but casual. There some interplay between Steve and Allistair, clashing over finances and the like. Steve is a proud man, and never wants to feel as if he is "bought"--he doesn't like gifts, cash or anything of the sort, and Allistair isn't used to dealing with people on an emotional level. All his previous partners have been after his money; Steve's a refreshing change. I liked how they worked this out, and spent a good bit of time setting boundaries. There is little conflict between them, most of the suspense comes from the specter of Quentin, and his vague threats to extort more money from his more successful younger brother. Expect some hostage scenes, and some quiet mornings, and some HOT lovin. Mmmmm. I always ask that the excerpts I receive for the blog are PG-13, and well, this one was a challenge. There's a lot of sexytimes, LOL! That said, there's a nice story, too, and it was great to see Brett and Cole again. While this is part of a series, it's probably fine to read it as a standalone. It's a super quick read, and sure to be enjoyed by folks who like it kinky. Merged review: Allistair Richmond is a trust fund brat who made good. he took his money and built an empire of companies, including the Dark Fantasy resort and casino in Las Vegas. He's had a solitary life, with parents who were mostly absentee and an elder brother, Quentin, who is more psycho than...well, psycho. Due to threats from unnamed persons, as well as Quentin, Allistair is mostly holed up in his penthouse suite. He has no problem finding one-nighters, but he's definitely down for a repeat performance with sexy bottom and police negotiator Officer Steve Ashwood. Steve's a regular guy, an army veteran and a proud wearer of women's lingerie. *swoon* Honestly, didn't know that manties would be a thing for me, but yeah. The genuine affection both Steve and Allistair have for women's lingerie was yummy. Steve likes to be dominated. Hard. He's super stressed in his role as a negotiator and craves punishment and rough love to clear his head when things go wrong. We had a few ints of Steve in HELD HOSTAGE, because he's Cole's long-time friend and frequent no-strings sexual partner. It was Steve who called an end to their hook-ups because what Allistair wants is anything but casual. There some interplay between Steve and Allistair, clashing over finances and the like. Steve is a proud man, and never wants to feel as if he is "bought"--he doesn't like gifts, cash or anything of the sort, and Allistair isn't used to dealing with people on an emotional level. All his previous partners have been after his money; Steve's a refreshing change. I liked how they worked this out, and spent a good bit of time setting boundaries. There is little conflict between them, most of the suspense comes from the specter of Quentin, and his vague threats to extort more money from his more successful younger brother. Expect some hostage scenes, and some quiet mornings, and some HOT lovin. Mmmmm. I always ask that the excerpts I receive for the blog are PG-13, and well, this one was a challenge. There's a lot of sexytimes, LOL! That said, there's a nice story, too, and it was great to see Brett and Cole again. While this is part of a series, it's probably fine to read it as a standalone. It's a super quick read, and sure to be enjoyed by folks who like it kinky. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Nov 11, 2015
not set
|
Sep 27, 2024
|
ebook
| |||||||||||||||
| 0996418164
| 9780996418164
| B01M995QMT
| 3.64
| 253
| unknown
| Nov 07, 2016
|
really liked it
|
This is a standalone spin-off from the authors' No Weddings series, featuring a secondary character finding love. Mason Price is on a quest to find him This is a standalone spin-off from the authors' No Weddings series, featuring a secondary character finding love. Mason Price is on a quest to find himself, and dealing with the grief of losing his brother. He's got plenty of cash, and he drifts from beach to beach in surfing competitions to fill his time. He's approached by Leilani, a beautiful Hawaiian girl while hanging in Tahiti, so she can solicit him for a sponsorship of her brother's board company. Mase only accepts if Leilani will be his personal assistant. They're both attracted to the other, but neither wants to upset their budding friendship. Mase wants a home, and he finds one he can build up and enjoy close to Leilani's family. Leilani's struck by Mase's interest in living simply, like her Hawaiian family, and sees more than just the wealthy white boy. Still, even as they grow closer, Leilani knows her family will never accept her dating a haole, or outsider. Mase's wealthy and politically-connected parents are the same. Thing is, Mase and Leilani soon learn when you find that person who completes your soul, it really doesn't matter if their skin color matches yours, or your family hates them because of it. It's actually not an easy thing, being true to your heart, and both Mase and Leilani are hurt in the process--Mase critically. Do not cross some lines on the sand, Mase!! It's less steamy than previous books in this series, but has lots of different issues, notably shared grief, and fast friendship. I liked Mase better than Leilani, though I often felt he was an odd philosopher. It's a reasonable romance, slow-burning, but long on emotions. I received a review copy via NetGalley. Merged review: This is a standalone spin-off from the authors' No Weddings series, featuring a secondary character finding love. Mason Price is on a quest to find himself, and dealing with the grief of losing his brother. He's got plenty of cash, and he drifts from beach to beach in surfing competitions to fill his time. He's approached by Leilani, a beautiful Hawaiian girl while hanging in Tahiti, so she can solicit him for a sponsorship of her brother's board company. Mase only accepts if Leilani will be his personal assistant. They're both attracted to the other, but neither wants to upset their budding friendship. Mase wants a home, and he finds one he can build up and enjoy close to Leilani's family. Leilani's struck by Mase's interest in living simply, like her Hawaiian family, and sees more than just the wealthy white boy. Still, even as they grow closer, Leilani knows her family will never accept her dating a haole, or outsider. Mase's wealthy and politically-connected parents are the same. Thing is, Mase and Leilani soon learn when you find that person who completes your soul, it really doesn't matter if their skin color matches yours, or your family hates them because of it. It's actually not an easy thing, being true to your heart, and both Mase and Leilani are hurt in the process--Mase critically. Do not cross some lines on the sand, Mase!! It's less steamy than previous books in this series, but has lots of different issues, notably shared grief, and fast friendship. I liked Mase better than Leilani, though I often felt he was an odd philosopher. It's a reasonable romance, slow-burning, but long on emotions. I received a review copy via NetGalley. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Nov 04, 2016
not set
|
Sep 24, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1250132398
| 9781250132390
| B01MRJVW0N
| 4.33
| 94
| Jan 17, 2017
| Jan 17, 2017
|
really liked it
|
These books are the third in their series and should be read after Claimed by the Mate 1 and 2. DANGEROUS PASSIONS picks up where the other books have These books are the third in their series and should be read after Claimed by the Mate 1 and 2. DANGEROUS PASSIONS picks up where the other books have left off: with members of the Trinity Alps pack needing mates. Alpha Traker Jakes and Evan Dark are the final two unmated members of this pack--and the vacation season has come to an end. It's frustrating to not have mates, but with all the rest of the pack now bound to women they love, Trak thinks maybe it's time to close down the Feral Passions resort for single women--and maybe restructure it into a destination wedding spot. They already have one wedding booked, and that's the last of their expected guests until spring. Unexpected guests turn up, however. Darnell is a Hollywood make-up artist who never forgot the steamy nights she spent kissing Evan Dark--and cuddling with a wolf from the reserve. It's been months, but she has to know if Evan's still single--or interested. On an impulse she drives up from LA, and Evan's all-too-happy to rescue her when she takes a wrong turn near the resort. He'd really liked the spunky gal who'd struck a chord with him at the beginning of the summer, and has high hopes that she might join him as a mate. Meanwhile, pack members notice Chelo, a rogue wolf running a new flower shop in nearby Weaverville. Chelo has finally managed to escape the bonds of her abusive mate, now dead. She's been on the run for years to escape his brother, Rube, who plans to continue where Jorge left off--raping and abusing Chelo for eternity. Meeting the Trinity Alps pack is such a big change, and Trak is definitely attracted to this powerful shifter who could be his perfect mate--if they can manage to get rid of Rube and his stooges. The romances are pretty straight-forward, and have a nice amount of heat. The main stories involve Chelo's pursuers and how the pack decides to deal with it. Expect battles to the death and hot nights in the wolf reserve. While all the love stories are wrapped tight, I can imagine further books with new problems and wolf pups in the future. In BOUND TO THE WOLF, Phelan Sava is a lycan werewolf shifter who's been cursed to never find a mate by on of the Furies. He'd turned his back on this female when it became clear she was spying on Phelan to gain access to his Alpha, Blaez. See, Blaez and his Devoted pack are being hunted by Hunters and emissaries of Olympus. Zeus wants the lycans dead--and he won't stop until this happens. Previous books brought mates to Phelan's pack, but he's not on the lookout for his own. He notices the scent of a newly-turned shifter while out for some pleasure and he stops. Because newly-turned wolves need constant physical attention, and she's clearly alone. Marena Panos is an attorney who'd been bitten by a partner in her San Francisco firm. This dude wanted a piece of Marena however he could get her, and she fled the area when it seemed she was under investigation for his disappearance. Fair point, as she shot him in order to prevent being raped, but his body was never recovered, and the police thinks she's a killer. Driving non-stop, she rolls into Montana overcome with pain as her body struggles to assimilate the new shifter DNA. Phelan's touch and proximity is the only saving grace from her round-the-clock pain and nausea. It's not long before Phelan's touch becomes more than a balm--and their coupling seems to make all things right in Marena's new stark world. Add to this, Marena hears her attacker's voice in her head, and Phelan's sure it's all tied to a plot to capture Blaez and destroy their pack. Phelan's not happy about his growing attraction to Marena, and the realization that she's his true mate isn't a happy one; Phelan's been abandoned by everyone he ever loved. His history is a little too bleak, I thought, but Marena's advent gives him more hope than he's ever held before. Expect kidnapping, randy werewolves, Olympic maneuvering and dramatic rescues. This book also feels like it might end the series, but there's a window or two still open to revisit our favorite black ops wolf pack in the future. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Merged review: These books are the third in their series and should be read after Claimed by the Mate 1 and 2. DANGEROUS PASSIONS picks up where the other books have left off: with members of the Trinity Alps pack needing mates. Alpha Traker Jakes and Evan Dark are the final two unmated members of this pack--and the vacation season has come to an end. It's frustrating to not have mates, but with all the rest of the pack now bound to women they love, Trak thinks maybe it's time to close down the Feral Passions resort for single women--and maybe restructure it into a destination wedding spot. They already have one wedding booked, and that's the last of their expected guests until spring. Unexpected guests turn up, however. Darnell is a Hollywood make-up artist who never forgot the steamy nights she spent kissing Evan Dark--and cuddling with a wolf from the reserve. It's been months, but she has to know if Evan's still single--or interested. On an impulse she drives up from LA, and Evan's all-too-happy to rescue her when she takes a wrong turn near the resort. He'd really liked the spunky gal who'd struck a chord with him at the beginning of the summer, and has high hopes that she might join him as a mate. Meanwhile, pack members notice Chelo, a rogue wolf running a new flower shop in nearby Weaverville. Chelo has finally managed to escape the bonds of her abusive mate, now dead. She's been on the run for years to escape his brother, Rube, who plans to continue where Jorge left off--raping and abusing Chelo for eternity. Meeting the Trinity Alps pack is such a big change, and Trak is definitely attracted to this powerful shifter who could be his perfect mate--if they can manage to get rid of Rube and his stooges. The romances are pretty straight-forward, and have a nice amount of heat. The main stories involve Chelo's pursuers and how the pack decides to deal with it. Expect battles to the death and hot nights in the wolf reserve. While all the love stories are wrapped tight, I can imagine further books with new problems and wolf pups in the future. In BOUND TO THE WOLF, Phelan Sava is a lycan werewolf shifter who's been cursed to never find a mate by on of the Furies. He'd turned his back on this female when it became clear she was spying on Phelan to gain access to his Alpha, Blaez. See, Blaez and his Devoted pack are being hunted by Hunters and emissaries of Olympus. Zeus wants the lycans dead--and he won't stop until this happens. Previous books brought mates to Phelan's pack, but he's not on the lookout for his own. He notices the scent of a newly-turned shifter while out for some pleasure and he stops. Because newly-turned wolves need constant physical attention, and she's clearly alone. Marena Panos is an attorney who'd been bitten by a partner in her San Francisco firm. This dude wanted a piece of Marena however he could get her, and she fled the area when it seemed she was under investigation for his disappearance. Fair point, as she shot him in order to prevent being raped, but his body was never recovered, and the police thinks she's a killer. Driving non-stop, she rolls into Montana overcome with pain as her body struggles to assimilate the new shifter DNA. Phelan's touch and proximity is the only saving grace from her round-the-clock pain and nausea. It's not long before Phelan's touch becomes more than a balm--and their coupling seems to make all things right in Marena's new stark world. Add to this, Marena hears her attacker's voice in her head, and Phelan's sure it's all tied to a plot to capture Blaez and destroy their pack. Phelan's not happy about his growing attraction to Marena, and the realization that she's his true mate isn't a happy one; Phelan's been abandoned by everyone he ever loved. His history is a little too bleak, I thought, but Marena's advent gives him more hope than he's ever held before. Expect kidnapping, randy werewolves, Olympic maneuvering and dramatic rescues. This book also feels like it might end the series, but there's a window or two still open to revisit our favorite black ops wolf pack in the future. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Jan 11, 2017
not set
|
Sep 13, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1785642723
| 9781785642722
| B097LGVLKB
| 4.05
| 657
| Aug 31, 2021
| Aug 31, 2021
|
really liked it
|
Isaac is in his middle 20s, living in Tampa and raising his deceased sister's daughter as his own. He could never get his sis to reveal the name of he
Isaac is in his middle 20s, living in Tampa and raising his deceased sister's daughter as his own. He could never get his sis to reveal the name of her baby daddy, though he tried. And when she died in birth, well, Isaac took full custody and did his very best. Problem is his little sweetheart, Sophie, is gravely ill with leukemia, and Isaac is not a donor match. And, he has no remaining family to test and see if they could help with a bone marrow transplant to save poor Sophie. Scouring his sister's old journals, Isaac gets a hint that Sophie's dad is potentially a hockey fan, so he gets a babysitter and makes a spectacle of himself outside of the arena, hoping to catch some viral buzz and raise awareness of Sophie's plight. Record numbers of strangers go and get tested as a result, and though Isaac had tried to keep his hope in check, he's astounded that a match is found. Unfortunately, it's also Sophie's biological dad, and he's a pro hockey player now playing for the Boston Rebels. Joachim Löfgren is a disgraced professional hockey player newly traded to Boston from Tampa Bay now that he's out of his fourth stint in rehab. He's long since spent his signing and endorsement money, though he still makes a good bit of coin as a defensemen. He isn't sure if he'll get along with his teammates, but they seem like genuinely nice guys and he's got few friends. So, he's pretty stunned to learn that his blood isn't just a match to helps save a young girl with leukemia--he's her daddy. Week's out of rehab, this kind of shock is nearly enough to send Joachim searching for some alcohol, but this time he's determined not to mess up his life again--or that of his apparent daughter. The Boston Rebels want to play this as a heart-wrenching story of amazing triumph, but Joachim and Isaac are both wary. It's not a good look that a pro player didn't even know he fathered a baby--too drunk to even remember having relations with the mom. Still, Joachim has a nice house and he wants, begs, Isaac to stay with him, so he can get to know his daughter. Having lost his parents recently, Joachim is desperate for a familial connection, and he's definitely attracted to Isaac. Though his AA sponsor reminds him it's best not to jump into a relationship while still managing his recovery. Isaac is terrified Joachim won't help, then, he's afraid of how much help he is giving. And well, he's also afreaid of how attracted he is to Sophie's bio father, which is how he thinks of Joachim because Isaac is her daddy--no matter the paternity. It seems like it could be a good situation, if Isaac and Joachim do fall for one another, but neither man is expecting a lasting connection. Isaac is planning a full return to Tampa with Sophie once the treatments are done, with visitation for Joachim if he wants, while Joachim wants full custody with Isaac released to regularly-scheduled-pre-baby life. Their diametrically-opposed goals do not become apparent to one another until pretty late in the story, once they have both grown significantly close, and Sophie has begun to bond with Joachim. I liked this one. It had good, squirmy tension, with the family issues that both men are dealing with. Their mutual love of Sophie, and budding attraction for each other, keeps the story moving ever forward, and it was fun to see these relationships grow. The loneliness is palpable, as is the drama of Sophie's worsening health condition. There isn't a lot of hockey in the book, mostly just how the schedule was impacted for Joachim--and, well, how he goes bananas when the fit hits the shan between him and Isaac. Still, there was a great team dynamic here, and I loved how the Rebels all supported Joachim, Sophie and Isaac. When Isaac and Joachim do make it to sexytown, it felt pretty authentic, as they'd been house-sharing for going on two months and had a strong rapport. Expect a superbly happy ending, and a slow-burn, pseudo-enemies-to-lovers romance. Merged review: Isaac is in his middle 20s, living in Tampa and raising his deceased sister's daughter as his own. He could never get his sis to reveal the name of her baby daddy, though he tried. And when she died in birth, well, Isaac took full custody and did his very best. Problem is his little sweetheart, Sophie, is gravely ill with leukemia, and Isaac is not a donor match. And, he has no remaining family to test and see if they could help with a bone marrow transplant to save poor Sophie. Scouring his sister's old journals, Isaac gets a hint that Sophie's dad is potentially a hockey fan, so he gets a babysitter and makes a spectacle of himself outside of the arena, hoping to catch some viral buzz and raise awareness of Sophie's plight. Record numbers of strangers go and get tested as a result, and though Isaac had tried to keep his hope in check, he's astounded that a match is found. Unfortunately, it's also Sophie's biological dad, and he's a pro hockey player now playing for the Boston Rebels. Joachim Löfgren is a disgraced professional hockey player newly traded to Boston from Tampa Bay now that he's out of his fourth stint in rehab. He's long since spent his signing and endorsement money, though he still makes a good bit of coin as a defensemen. He isn't sure if he'll get along with his teammates, but they seem like genuinely nice guys and he's got few friends. So, he's pretty stunned to learn that his blood isn't just a match to helps save a young girl with leukemia--he's her daddy. Week's out of rehab, this kind of shock is nearly enough to send Joachim searching for some alcohol, but this time he's determined not to mess up his life again--or that of his apparent daughter. The Boston Rebels want to play this as a heart-wrenching story of amazing triumph, but Joachim and Isaac are both wary. It's not a good look that a pro player didn't even know he fathered a baby--too drunk to even remember having relations with the mom. Still, Joachim has a nice house and he wants, begs, Isaac to stay with him, so he can get to know his daughter. Having lost his parents recently, Joachim is desperate for a familial connection, and he's definitely attracted to Isaac. Though his AA sponsor reminds him it's best not to jump into a relationship while still managing his recovery. Isaac is terrified Joachim won't help, then, he's afraid of how much help he is giving. And well, he's also afreaid of how attracted he is to Sophie's bio father, which is how he thinks of Joachim because Isaac is her daddy--no matter the paternity. It seems like it could be a good situation, if Isaac and Joachim do fall for one another, but neither man is expecting a lasting connection. Isaac is planning a full return to Tampa with Sophie once the treatments are done, with visitation for Joachim if he wants, while Joachim wants full custody with Isaac released to regularly-scheduled-pre-baby life. Their diametrically-opposed goals do not become apparent to one another until pretty late in the story, once they have both grown significantly close, and Sophie has begun to bond with Joachim. I liked this one. It had good, squirmy tension, with the family issues that both men are dealing with. Their mutual love of Sophie, and budding attraction for each other, keeps the story moving ever forward, and it was fun to see these relationships grow. The loneliness is palpable, as is the drama of Sophie's worsening health condition. There isn't a lot of hockey in the book, mostly just how the schedule was impacted for Joachim--and, well, how he goes bananas when the fit hits the shan between him and Isaac. Still, there was a great team dynamic here, and I loved how the Rebels all supported Joachim, Sophie and Isaac. When Isaac and Joachim do make it to sexytown, it felt pretty authentic, as they'd been house-sharing for going on two months and had a strong rapport. Expect a superbly happy ending, and a slow-burn, pseudo-enemies-to-lovers romance. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Aug 31, 2021
not set
|
Sep 11, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1488057044
| 9781488057045
| B07YCQ7VQW
| 3.74
| 2,055
| Apr 27, 2020
| Apr 27, 2020
|
it was amazing
|
4.5 stars Lincoln Reid lost his best friend Wyatt Hartmann in a big fire about nine months ago. They had been friends throughout childhood, Wyatt's fri 4.5 stars Lincoln Reid lost his best friend Wyatt Hartmann in a big fire about nine months ago. They had been friends throughout childhood, Wyatt's friendly family taking care of neglected Linc from a young age. Wyatt was the first person Linc came out to--and pretty much the only person. Wyatt's youngest brother Jacob is gay, too, and Wyatt wasn't happy about it back when Jacob came out. He could see that Jacob had designs on Linc and Wyatt, in his backhanded bigoted way, forbade Linc from ever messing around with his little brother. Made some crude comments about Linc somehow turning Jacob into a gay man. That was years ago, and they managed to keep their friendship together, but Linc holds true that he shouldn't have any romantic interest in Jacob--even though they are both grown men and Wyatt is dead. Jacob has just joined Linc's smokejumping crew of hot shots, one of many replacements for the new fire season. Linc is having enough trouble keeping himself together with the ghosts of Wyatt haunting him, and Jacob taunting him. Jacob isn't the flighty queer boy his family thought couldn't manage his life. He's a determined firefighter with years of experience and certifications. And, he's tired of his family getting all up in his business. Especially not the lingering sentiment of Wyatt who wasn't a fantastic brother for Jacob coming up in the world. Jacob and Linc have real chemistry together; they have always had. Their connection is growing as Jacob proves himself day-in and day-out in the spring training. And, let's face it, both Linc and Jacob are lonely. Linc has no living family, and Jacob's family are too mired in their grief over Wyatt--and mad that Jacob's joined the smokejumping crew--to be a good support. Jacob proposes for him and Linc to have sex just to get the attraction out of their systems--and Linc is too attracted to let the opportunity pass him by. He's been alone too long, and grieving his lost family and friend to push Jacob away. One night becomes another, and another, with Jacob spending more and more time in Linc's home. This means more than sex, their companionship and camaraderie fills the empty holes in each one's lives and hearts. And, as the work becomes more dangerous, Linc needs to make decisions to put Jacob at the center of his life, while still honoring his friendship bonds with Wyatt. It's a big change, and would mean Linc coming out. Can he? Will he? It's a solid grief/comfort story mixed with the intense love of any swoony romance. Jacob's family is a tense affair, with their disapproval of Jacob's professional life choices, and the grudging approval of his life partner, well, it makes for some fights. Fights Linc doesn't want to have. He feels like losing the love of the Hartmann's--his surrogate family--could kill him, even if Jacob remained by his side. It's a touch call, and leads to a great deal of internal and external conflict for Linc. He feels like dating Jacob would dishonor the love the Hartmann's have showed him since he was a young boy--and they are quick to remind him how much he owes them--even if it's hypocritical. I really felt Linc's anguish, and grief, and tenderness and struggle. He's a good man, and he wants to take of his "family" the best way he can. Even if he has to sacrifice himself to do it. And it's Jacob's strong love and fierce contrariness that pushes Linc to change his stance. Because, when it comes down to it, living without Jacob in his life makes his life not worth living. Expect family drama, confused firefighters, hot sexytimes and cool insight into the work and experiences of smokejumper heroes on the fire lines. The end is a definite HEA, with growth beyond grief and new love to light up days and warm up nights. I liked the story a lot, and I look forward to more stories in this compelling setting. Merged review: 4.5 stars Lincoln Reid lost his best friend Wyatt Hartmann in a big fire about nine months ago. They had been friends throughout childhood, Wyatt's friendly family taking care of neglected Linc from a young age. Wyatt was the first person Linc came out to--and pretty much the only person. Wyatt's youngest brother Jacob is gay, too, and Wyatt wasn't happy about it back when Jacob came out. He could see that Jacob had designs on Linc and Wyatt, in his backhanded bigoted way, forbade Linc from ever messing around with his little brother. Made some crude comments about Linc somehow turning Jacob into a gay man. That was years ago, and they managed to keep their friendship together, but Linc holds true that he shouldn't have any romantic interest in Jacob--even though they are both grown men and Wyatt is dead. Jacob has just joined Linc's smokejumping crew of hot shots, one of many replacements for the new fire season. Linc is having enough trouble keeping himself together with the ghosts of Wyatt haunting him, and Jacob taunting him. Jacob isn't the flighty queer boy his family thought couldn't manage his life. He's a determined firefighter with years of experience and certifications. And, he's tired of his family getting all up in his business. Especially not the lingering sentiment of Wyatt who wasn't a fantastic brother for Jacob coming up in the world. Jacob and Linc have real chemistry together; they have always had. Their connection is growing as Jacob proves himself day-in and day-out in the spring training. And, let's face it, both Linc and Jacob are lonely. Linc has no living family, and Jacob's family are too mired in their grief over Wyatt--and mad that Jacob's joined the smokejumping crew--to be a good support. Jacob proposes for him and Linc to have sex just to get the attraction out of their systems--and Linc is too attracted to let the opportunity pass him by. He's been alone too long, and grieving his lost family and friend to push Jacob away. One night becomes another, and another, with Jacob spending more and more time in Linc's home. This means more than sex, their companionship and camaraderie fills the empty holes in each one's lives and hearts. And, as the work becomes more dangerous, Linc needs to make decisions to put Jacob at the center of his life, while still honoring his friendship bonds with Wyatt. It's a big change, and would mean Linc coming out. Can he? Will he? It's a solid grief/comfort story mixed with the intense love of any swoony romance. Jacob's family is a tense affair, with their disapproval of Jacob's professional life choices, and the grudging approval of his life partner, well, it makes for some fights. Fights Linc doesn't want to have. He feels like losing the love of the Hartmann's--his surrogate family--could kill him, even if Jacob remained by his side. It's a touch call, and leads to a great deal of internal and external conflict for Linc. He feels like dating Jacob would dishonor the love the Hartmann's have showed him since he was a young boy--and they are quick to remind him how much he owes them--even if it's hypocritical. I really felt Linc's anguish, and grief, and tenderness and struggle. He's a good man, and he wants to take of his "family" the best way he can. Even if he has to sacrifice himself to do it. And it's Jacob's strong love and fierce contrariness that pushes Linc to change his stance. Because, when it comes down to it, living without Jacob in his life makes his life not worth living. Expect family drama, confused firefighters, hot sexytimes and cool insight into the work and experiences of smokejumper heroes on the fire lines. The end is a definite HEA, with growth beyond grief and new love to light up days and warm up nights. I liked the story a lot, and I look forward to more stories in this compelling setting. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Apr 27, 2020
not set
|
Aug 01, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1945802766
| 9781945802768
| B0895658Y9
| 4.06
| 1,344
| Dec 18, 2021
| Dec 18, 2021
|
it was amazing
|
4.5 stars Screenwriter and former actor Ellery Page is finally settling into quaint but active Pirate's Cove on Buck Island, off the coast of Rhode Isl 4.5 stars Screenwriter and former actor Ellery Page is finally settling into quaint but active Pirate's Cove on Buck Island, off the coast of Rhode Island. His steady beau is Police Chief Jack Carson, with whom Ellery goes scuba diving, and together they find an unidentified body. The body isn't only out of place, it's seemingly out of time with the wreck. Jack is continually challenged by Ellery's penchant for getting caught up in murder plots in real life. In fact, Ellery's exploits have earned him a potential stalker--someone who's willing to send him anonymous threatening letters. Jack wants Ellery to get more security at his home and bookshop, but money's tight. It seems he might get a windfall, if he accepts the disingenuous role as an amateur sleuth investigating the attempted murder of a visitor to the area, Odette Wallace. Odette and her late-husband's family used to visit Buck Island--and she's convinced one of his adult children are behind a few shady situations that could have killed her if they hadn't been otherwise thwarted. She and her partner, Mr. King, a longtime acquaintance of the Wallace family, are visiting for Yacht Race Week, as are all three of Odette's stepchildren. Mrs. Wallace is unwilling to go to the police. Turns out there was a contentious situation where her terminally-ill, yachtsman husband died alone aboard ship--prior to demanding a divorce, according to his children. It was so inexplicable that Odette was officially arrested under suspicion of murder, but was later released when there was insufficient evidence. Now, she's convinced that one of the step-children wants her dead to collect their father's trust. Could this be connected to the boyd Ellery found? Or, to the stalker who's breaking into Ellery's home and business? Will Ellery's sleuthing help keep Odette safe? And, will Jack ever speak to Ellery again when he learns Ellery's accepted Odette's retainer to help solve her attempted murder mystery? This is a fast-paced story that gives us a LOT more info on Ellery, as his mom and step-father visit. Unlike the acrimonious situation with the Wallaces, Ellery loves his parents, and wants them to love Jack, too. The misdirection is frantic, and Ellery's confidence in Jack's affection is waning as the long days wear on, and the danger moves closer to Ellery than anyone--especially Jack--likes. This is a conflict, of course, because Jack can't protect Ellery if he's on duty all the time, and Race Week has all the officers on overtime. The Wallace children are all haters of Odette, but one of them might be more effectively lethal than then other two. Expect an explosive ending, blowing away the conspiracy theories and pairing Jack and Ellery together in solving these cases. I love seeing Ellery and Jack get closer to one another, and develop a deeper bond. Ellery is an absolute hoot, and I adore his narrative voice. I flew through this story, much like the previous books in this series, and I recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, especially those starring LGBTQ characters. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Mar 23, 2022
|
Mar 23, 2022
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| B09G1WS5R8
| 4.34
| 1,221
| Oct 13, 2021
| Oct 14, 2021
|
really liked it
|
This review first appeared at Joyfully Jay: https://joyfullyjay.com/2021/11/revie... 3.75 Stars U.S. Deputy Marshal Kurt “Ridge” Dandridge is a man on a This review first appeared at Joyfully Jay: https://joyfullyjay.com/2021/11/revie... 3.75 Stars U.S. Deputy Marshal Kurt “Ridge” Dandridge is a man on a mission: he wants to capture the drug and arms dealer who murdered a child in cold blood. Once he does that, Ridge plans to leave Savannah in his rear view and find another assignment and living situation that might take him closer to his family’s ranch in Montana. And finding his fiancé in bed with his boss is only another reason to hate Savannah. Though, to be honest, he’d long suspected Todd was only partly monogamous. All Ridge’s buddies want to set him up with a mutual friend, Kendall, but he’s too bruised to consider dating right now. He’s currently couch surfing after walking out on Todd. Kendall Blakemore is finally finding his feet after struggling for a long time. His illicit tryst with his stepbrother has brought nothing but pain, and he’s been estranged from his haughty mom and her wealthy husband for the past three years, since nothing he ever did was valued by them. Kendall has a good job working as a paralegal, one that he’s preparing to quit so he can take a management role at The Cockpit, a popular gay club where Kendall has been creating distinctive wing sauces and signature drinks. Going by his “Sugar” persona at the club, Kendall meets Ridge by chance, and they are both intrigued. But Kendall doesn’t want anything casual, and Ridge isn’t prepared for anything permanent. This book is a standalone spin off from the Sinister in Savannah series and can be enjoyed on its own. It is a romance, with a dash of suspense, in contrast to the other books in the Sinister series. Ridge and Kendall have both been introduced in previous books, but they finally meet each other in this one. Their mutual friends are all lovingly partnered, and they want their good buddies to connect and find happiness. It’s a cute gimmick, and both characters are interesting and fun to read about. Their love story has a meandering path, as both men have a lot of backstory, and Kendall’s family implosion intersects with Ridge’s official duties. Todd has convinced Ridge that he’s terrible at sex, and Kendall knows that he makes bad decisions about men, falling too hard, too fast, and chasing them away. These guys have an intense chemistry, but hesitate to initiate intimacy because of their past hurts and a seemingly impossible future. It allows for a slow burn as they get to know one another, keeping sex out of the equation. I liked both characters, but the plot convolutions detracted from the story. Ridge has about five different assignments in his Marshal role, yet wanted to bug out of his life, and has a vengeance mission to settle, and all of that got kind of confusing. Likewise, Kendall’s family drama was intense. His mom’s behavior was so weird and awkward, and his despicable stepfather felt unrealistic, not to mention his ex-slash-stepbrother, who’s both closeted and self loathing. Kendall is somehow the only decent person in the whole sordid family, and it only served to make them all seem even more emotionally depraved. This didn’t facilitate accepting the “transformations” when they came. The sauce-master business I didn’t quite get, because Sugar/Kendall was a waiter, and how then did he get to experiment in the club kitchen? It seemed unlikely, anyway, which was another convolution I didn’t fully buy. In all, I liked the characters and the side characters—who were main characters in other books. I think people who have read the previous series will likely find this story a more satisfying read, because there are so many callbacks to the other characters and their continuing happiness. On its own, this book reads fine, but was complicated by coincidences that felt too strained. Expect a slow burn and a happy ending all around. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Nov 10, 2021
not set
|
Nov 26, 2021
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| B09HR3TW9K
| 4.12
| 678
| Nov 01, 2021
| Nov 01, 2021
|
really liked it
|
This review was first published at Joyfully Jay. https://joyfullyjay.com/2021/11/revie... 4.25 stars Xander Cole is a model whose on-again, off-again p This review was first published at Joyfully Jay. https://joyfullyjay.com/2021/11/revie... 4.25 stars Xander Cole is a model whose on-again, off-again photographer boyfriend, Harvey, has just abandoned him in a hospital in Switzerland with a broken pelvis from a skiing accident. Xander hadn’t even wanted to go to Switzerland, and he’s even less pleased that Harvey doesn’t waste any time jetting off to set up a shoot for Chanel. So, Xander calls his brother Miles to fly to Switzerland and bring him back to his London home. With mere weeks before Christmas, Miles knows he’ll need a real nurse to watch over Xander so he can visit with his children for Christmas. So, he hires Ferris Night to be a live-in nurse to his recuperating, grumpy, younger brother. Ferris is between jobs for the holidays, having just signed on with a new hospital, but he’d looked forward to the down-time. What he hadn’t anticipated was the leak above his flat that rendered his living situation untenable. While he has a new flat leased, he can’t move in until the new year. Now, it’s couch surf with friends, or stay with his mum and her creepy perv live-in boyfriend. It’s barely a moment before Barry tries it on with Ferris, who bolts. And his bestie’s couch is worse than bare floorboards. Ferris’ struggle seems relieved when he gets a call from a mutual friend connecting him to Miles, who is ready to hire him for 24/7 nursing care, and offering a clean, private bedroom, to help his brother convalesce. Ferris was sold on the bedroom, but he’s surely attracted to Xander’s physical beauty—if not his salty demeanor. Oh, wow, what a meet-cute they have, with Ferris turning up unannounced and Xander preparing to call the police. This is a fun and frisky holiday romance between a Christmas-loving nurse and his curmudgeonly lovable patient. Xander is truly not used to being bossed around, and he’s also not a holiday-spirit kind of guy. Yet, Ferris’ relentless holiday decorating, coupled with his strict nursing management, cracks through Xander’s resolve. It was so cute watching Ferris plot ways to startle and surprise Xander into merriment, and his baiting humor was more and more winning. Over his years with Harvey, Xander had forgotten his worth and how it feels to be loved wholly. To the point he’s not really feeling worthy of love. And yet Ferris is so open with his joy of the season that sharing a house becomes more enjoyable by the day. I really loved the banter, and how sweet and tender these guys are, especially when they both agree that the attraction totally simmers between them. The fun and games with the Christmas decorations are a hoot, and the characters are colorful. There’s a brief separation, during which Xander and Ferris get the time to come to grips with how strong their attraction has grown. And, Xander makes an unexpected grand gesture to bring Ferris right back were he belongs—Xander’s home. I loved that he’s so committed to the project that he’s doing all the therapy exercises that he grumped about Ferris conning him into doing. The end is one hundred percent happy, with a look into a solid and loving future. Note: This is the second edition of the book, which has been revised, significantly expanded, and switched to dual POV. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Nov 17, 2021
|
Nov 26, 2021
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| 1942809514
| 9781942809517
| B09BBV9K7F
| 4.28
| 510
| Oct 26, 2021
| Oct 26, 2021
|
liked it
|
This review was first published on Joyfully Jay. 3.5 Stars. Brody is a horse wrangler at the Farthingdale Ranch and he loves his life there. He has his This review was first published on Joyfully Jay. 3.5 Stars. Brody is a horse wrangler at the Farthingdale Ranch and he loves his life there. He has his own room in the staff quarters and he is admired by the dude ranch patrons for his cowboy mystique and his rope tricks. Brody had been part of a trick roping and riding duo of brothers back when he was a kid, abused and neglected by turns over his youth. Brody was beaten and nearly left for dead before being rescued by a horse trainer, Quint, who is still a good friend and mentor at Farthingdale Ranch. Brody is in the nearby town of Farthing and comes across Kit, a young man breaking out of the basement of a local tavern. Brody recognizes the look of a malnourished and abused person, so he sneaks Kit into his truck and back to the ranch to escape his captor, one of a long line of boyfriends Brody’s mom had ripped off. Kit may be 19 in age, but his maturity seems less. A high school drop-out, like Brody, Kit has few belongings and even fewer people he can trust. His practical knowledge consists of cash-and-carry skills from the hand-to-mouth, destitute life his scam-happy mom led. Now, being at the ranch, Kit sees that life can be very different and, with Brody’s help, he might be able to adjust himself enough to find a career and a life that’s truly his own. Maybe these two men who have had terrible childhoods can gain affection from more than just the animals they nurture and maintain, but also find love with one another. The Wrangler and the Orphan is the fourth book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, but can be easily enjoyed as a standalone. I liked this story, with the hurt/comfort of Brody taking on Kit and all his anxieties and challenges. Kit is determined to reconnect with his mom, but she is dodging his calls going on weeks now. He’s doing good work in the stables and in the kitchen, where he’s learning to be a line cook. For once, Kit is earning his own money, and he loves sharing a room with Brody, who is so calm and serene, and sexy. Their mutual attraction is growing each day, but Brody has deep reservations about fraternizing, so he tries to keep Kit focused on their work, and not sexytimes. Brody’s desire to set a good and positive example competes poorly with his desire for Kit, and his stalwart resolve doesn’t last long. Kit’s trauma is so fresh, it seemed complacent for Brody not to attempt to discuss it with him and to help him recognize that his mother’s manipulation wasn’t love, and that he and Brody were finally experiencing love with one another. For me, the pacing was very slow here, especially in the first half of the book where Brody recounts years and years of abuse and neglect, pre-Quint. I respect that it was there to give us context of why Brody is so closed off, and yet determined to help Kit rescue himself. It just felt long and unnecessary to have so much trauma narrated to us. Likewise, Kit’s history is unpleasant and long; I was just as tired of hearing Kit’s mom’s name as Brody was by the second day. Had the story spent half as much time discussing the past and twice as much time focused on the current conflicts, I would have enjoyed it more. I did like the grand gesture that saves Kit from an unfortunate and dismal future. It was pretty fun to experience Brody riding hell for leather to save his man. Series readers probably knew all the side characters, but they were all well-described here. Again, maybe too much of their backstory was given; I had distinct moments of wanting to move through the current plot faster. For me, I would have also loved a solid conversation about the future possibilities between Brody and Kit, which might have shut down Kit’s desire to reconnect with his mom. The climax brought Brody’s selflessness to a well-deserved end, though, for which I was glad. He took absolute control of the situation and Kit’s regard was only higher for Brody being such a knight in shining armor. Expect a happy ending all around. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Nov 19, 2021
|
Nov 26, 2021
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 3947909144
| 9783947909148
| B07WZ83416
| 3.88
| 1,382
| Sep 10, 2019
| Sep 10, 2019
|
really liked it
|
Mort grew up in a house devoid of love. His father despised him from birth, after his mother died in childbirth. With such an austere childhood, it wa
Mort grew up in a house devoid of love. His father despised him from birth, after his mother died in childbirth. With such an austere childhood, it was a miracle Mort found a family to embrace him--that would be the Rochesters, the ordinarily boisterous and loving family of five kids and a mom who treated him as their own. Mort was best friends with Michael (Roch) the eldest, and harbored a very long tendresse for his best mate, but knew it would always be unrequited. Life got kooky when Roch's mom took very ill, needing a kidney transplant to save her life, and unexpectedly asking Mort to go away and leave their family behind before she had surgery. Mort respected her wishes and left, teaching outside of Wellington and away from his beloved Rochesters for a year. A year of pining for the only family he'd truly loved. Even while his own bitter father died, and missing with his whole heart both Roch and his younger brother, Felix. But a year was the most he could stay away and now he's home and wanting to mend fences. At first the Rochester clan is standoffish, and Felix himself is very hurt--he'd harbored the world's biggest crush on Mort for years, and that was unfortunately why their mom asked Mort to leave; she was afraid that Felix and Mort might develop a relationship, and this would go against her conservative ideas--and her vow to stay close the God if he would save her with a transplant. It's a lot of bittersweet, honestly, but at 28 years old Mort is a man grown, as is Felix who's 25, and neither of them are willing to let the other walk away again. Is friendship all they can have? Would going farther upset the tenuous rapprochement that they have currently? Felix fears his mum will ostracize him if he follows his heart's desire for Mort, but some firm talk does sort out the biggest of the messes, here. Plus, Felix has a reasonable fear that Mort will always love Roch more than him, and that continually has him pushing the brakes on both friendship and more. I loved the goofy family, and the outlandish characters they are. Mort is so loving to all his Rochesters, but he's especially sweet to Felix, who feels he'll always be second-best to his dashing elder brother. Also, he's a little afraid to come out in general, as he's never had a date with a man, and Mort is the only one he'd ever dreamed of in those darkest of fantasies. Mort wants his family back, but he also wants more with Felix. It takes both of them a while to recognize the need and vulnerabilities of the other, but they are both committed to fixing their mistakes and building a family--together and on their own. There are some sweet firsts, as Felix is a very inexperienced man, on top of never being with another man before. He dated girls a little, but not much. His love for Mort is a poorly kept secret in the family, but its such an exuberant and joyous connection when he finally screws his courage up to be a partner to Mort, accepting the love Mort has been dangling out for him to grasp for several months. We get a couple mentions of our beloved characters from the previous books--Mort now works at Kresley Intermediate with Jack and Luke from the two previous books, but apart from some coincidental contact (Felix was one of Ben's blind dates gone bad) this is truly a standalone story. I highly recommend these feel-good romances, and enjoyed reading this one more than once. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Sep 15, 2021
|
Sep 15, 2021
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 3.90
| 4,802
| Jun 27, 2013
| Feb 2017
|
really liked it
|
I read this book, originally titled TABOO FOR YOU, but you might find it re-titled as THERE FOR YOU. Sam and Luke have been neighbors for seven years, I read this book, originally titled TABOO FOR YOU, but you might find it re-titled as THERE FOR YOU. Sam and Luke have been neighbors for seven years, and they have developed a very close friendship. Luke even helps with the caring for Sam's teenaged son Jeremy. Sam is approaching 30--he was a father within days of his 15th birthday, and he hasn't had any sexual partners since that time. He hardly has any attraction for people, mainly because he's been a full-on parent for half his life. He hasn't had a lot of opportunities, in any case. Luke has been visiting his parents for the past six months, helping out when his mum got ill with cancer. Now that she's better he's come back home, but he's been riled thinking of the "list" of experiences Sam has wanted to complete before he hits the big 3-0. And, on that list is "do taboo sex" which could dovetail into Luke's own desires, because he's gay and closeted--and in love with Sam. He's afraid to tell Sam, though, because it might break their friendship. These relationships are so sweet and fun, with Sam and Luke such tight friends, and being bittersweet for Luke, whose longing is pretty apparent. Jeremy has certainly picked up on it, and in some ways he accepts Luke as a surrogate father. But, he's also not happy about his mum finding a beau. There is some teen angst and a complicated story that Jeremy winds, to hide his own sexual activities. I liked that Sam, Luke and Jeremy each narrated some chapters, so they could give us their internal thoughts. Sam's so clueless, but he's so sweet and lovable, and once he and Luke try some of the "taboo" it's clear that he really loves Luke, too, just as much as Luke does as well. There are some moments of hurting, when it all becomes too much and a break is called. The ending is amazingly fun and tender, and it was a great wrap on the story. I've read the sequel as well, which picks up with a new couple, and enjoyed that book just as much. I highly recommend these feel-good romances. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Aug 19, 2021
|
Aug 19, 2021
|
Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||||
| 1709190132
| 9781709190131
| 1709190132
| 4.39
| 7,986
| Nov 24, 2019
| Nov 20, 2019
|
it was amazing
|
4.5 Stars Max Kaufman ran away from home as a teen, once his family made it clear that his sexuality would not be welcome or tolerated in their home. H 4.5 Stars Max Kaufman ran away from home as a teen, once his family made it clear that his sexuality would not be welcome or tolerated in their home. He spent years on the streets as a hooker and drug user, but met a man who helped him clean up and get enough education to be a nurse. He’s returned to his hometown of Seattle, Washington to reconnect with his roots. He’d worked in the ER before being recommended to a lucrative position as a private, live-in, caregiver to Edward March III, a billionaire pharmaceuticals CEO. It’s a tetchy assignment because he’s gay and Marsh is a vocal homophobe. Well, he’s a vocal a-hole, he’s got plenty of slurs to spread around his whole family, including his beautiful, dutiful son Silas who is running the company, and his eldest son, Eddie, who has Down’s Syndrome. Marsh is dying of MS and spiteful as all hell. But, he’s been that way a long, long time. Silas March hates his father, but he hates himself, too. He was only ten when his loving and devoted mother died of a stroke, and whatever humanity his father had disappeared. With his heir, Eddie “compromised,” he took exceptional interest in Silas becoming his perfect replacement at the company. So, when he got the idea that Silas was gay he shipped the teen boy off to an abusive gay-conversion camp in Alaska. The damage was immediate and long-lasting; Silas has a deep aversion to touch, and has never had any intimacy–or even arousal since. He’s hired a woman, Faith< to act as his girlfriend and maintain the pretense that he’s a virile and functional heterosexual man to his father, even though he’s neither. Faith is a stalwart confidante, happy to accept the money and gifts Silas gives her–at least for now. But, Max is so deeply giving and so willing to help him, as well as Marsh and Eddie, well, the emotional bonds form nonetheless. Silas knows that his company’s cash cow drug is an opioid painkiller that hooks people into dependency–he knows because he got hooked himself, when he was trying to find something to take away his pain and nightmares over Alaska. Knowing that Max is clean, and an NA sponsor, helps Silas confess to his past addiction, but also to develop a plan to remediate the opioid dependency his company has fostered. He’s going to be the CEO someday, and he doesn’t want his legacy to be one of profiteering from pain pill addictions and heroin overdoses. Of course, his manipulative father is holding the company hostage, insisting that Silas marry Faith before he signs over control. And then, he wants Silas to become a father, and then…and then… So, yeah, it’s a big mess, especially once Silas begins to recognize that he and Max are more than friends, they are soulmates. And, well, Daddy Dearest has some more nasty surprises to hamstring Silas. Both Silas and Max are good men. They have deep family trauma, and they each work through it in methodical steps. Silas needs to outsmart not only his father, but also insiders in the company who’d love to capitalize on Marsh’s failing health and avarice. Max has to forgive his family to find closure that helps on his recovery journey. It’s hard, because they do not really see themselves as at fault for Max’s trauma–he could have chosen differently, right? Silas and Max make choices that are the right ones for them in the moment, knowing it can hurt the other in that moment. Marsh likes Max, and trusts him implicitly, but his abuse escalates to the point that Max can’t take it any longer. And that means a forced separation is in order. Adding all the machinations going on at the company, Max has no guarantee that Silas will ever be able to be out, or love him completely. It could even lead to a relapse for either of them. It’s still tough to get through, especially while trusting that their life paths will converge eventually. I loved this one. It’s definitely challenging and triggering, so please know there will be scenes of verbal abuse, and recollections of prostitution, domestic violence, conversion therapy situations and drug use. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Aug 05, 2021
|
Aug 05, 2021
|
Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1335484728
| 9781335484727
| 1335484728
| 3.94
| 970
| Apr 27, 2021
| Apr 27, 2021
|
really liked it
|
Shane Travis is an up-and-coming country singer, if only he wasn't always derailed by his impulsive sister. This time he's up and left him with his ba
Shane Travis is an up-and-coming country singer, if only he wasn't always derailed by his impulsive sister. This time he's up and left him with his baby niece, Jewel, disappearing into Canada to work some music festival and with no intention of returning to motherhood anytime soon. Shane has commitments of he own, and he hasn't had a decent night's sleep in days, so he does the only thing he can do: hunt down the unwitting baby daddy and see if he can't get Jewel a family she deserves. Brandt Wilder is all his name suggests, a free-wheeling, free-loving adrenaline junkie that smoke jumps in season and does parachute jumps out of it. He'd met Shane and his sister, Shelby, when they did a parachute jump for Shane's 30th birthday--round about 10 months back. Well, it was a fun night for sure, but he never imagined a child would come of it. He's mighty suspicious when Shane turns up on his temporary doorstep, but agrees to take them in for a spell--at least until they can work out a paternity test. Because Brandt is not a deadbeat dad--at least he won't be if little Jewel truly is his daughter. While these unlikely babysitters await the testing and results, they also get acquainted. Shane is waiting for a callback to a reality singing show and Brandt's between shifts in the field. They spend time co-parenting, and connecting in ways Shane had wished for the first time he'd met Brandt. Of course, he's got prospects in the music industry, but he's also got some down time, and he's spending it mooning over both Brandt and Jewel, writing new lyrics for songs that he'd never imagined before. Brandt's life hasn't gotten less dangerous, but he's got commitments he can't escape, no matter how itchy his feet get. And, well, Shane is the kind of guy that worth being stable for, isn't he? Of course there are lots of complications, but there are also late night bonding sessions, and shopping sprees at the thrift store, and errant mothers turning up and making drama. I loved how Shane and Brandt built a connect between themselves, as well as with baby Jewel. They're so sweet, and so sure that they are messing everything up, while trying their hardest to be good caregivers. Their attraction is hot as a wildfire, even if Shane's afraid to make any moves--Brandt's a big dude and he already knows the man likes women. Turns out, though, that Brandt is...open...to having sex with men, and though he doesn't specify his sexuality in actual terms it's clear that Shane yanks his chain in just the right way. Their attraction simmers and then rages, but it's still hard going for these guys and their little miss. But Brandt and Shane are going to do the right things to make sure that girl lacks for nothing in life--not even a mama. It's a totally sweet story with a great HEA. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Mar 22, 2021
|
Aug 04, 2021
|
Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1728226031
| 9781728226033
| 1728226031
| 3.88
| 5,316
| Jul 06, 2021
| Jul 06, 2021
|
it was amazing
|
4.5 Stars Jasper Quigley is a gamer and cosplayer and all around humanitarian. He's an out-gay college senior about to finish his degree and might be t 4.5 Stars Jasper Quigley is a gamer and cosplayer and all around humanitarian. He's an out-gay college senior about to finish his degree and might be taking his first job working for Odyssey--his fave card game--as a game designer. He has an in with a gaming friend who currently works there. But it would mean moving away from his hometown in New Jersey, and his family. This wouldn't normally seem an issue, but he's devoted to his younger sister, April, who has a congenital immune deficiency that continues to send her into the hospital. It's why Jasper and his cosplay pals, including April when she's well enough, dress as Odyssey characters and visit the children's ward at April's hospital each week to cheer the kids and play the game with them. Right now, April is bummed that one of Jasper's pals is on a study abroad mission, because the popular character of Prince Neptune is MIA for several months. Milo Lionetti is a man in search of redemption, and rare Odyssey cards. He was Jasper's best friend for years, until high school and the GSA-club made Milo shun him. Jasper had a loving and supportive family. Milo had an alcoholic, homophobic and abusive dad, a browbeaten mom and an older brother who escaped to the military. He may have felt the same as Jasper did about boys, but he certainly couldn't own it. But, not only did he hide his feelings, he didn't intervene when his colossal-idiot friends bullied Jasper for his brains and his sexuality. Well, it's all water under a bridge someplace, right? At least, it's been years since Milo saw Jasper--but now he needs his help. Because the game shop where Jasper works could sell him a set of rare Odyssey royalty cards to replace the ones he just lost to a scumbag cheater. The cards that were his brother's, who'll be returning home from his tour in a matter of weeks. The cards, Jasper has just informed him, that are worth thousands of dollars...and are also not "for sale". One needs to win them, or find them in decks. Milo is crushed, and Jasper isn't one iota sorry. Well, okay, maybe a single iota. Because he did like Milo's brother, and he does hate the dude that torched Milo and fleeced him of the valuable cards. But, well, Milo can just take a hike, right? Except he's still so attractive, and being around him is rekindling a confusing mix of sadness and attraction, as Milo was Jasper's first crush, the boy he'd loved in secret until Milo's betrayals cut too deep. So, yeah! See ya later, Milo! And, by later, Jasper means in a week, because he agrees to help Milo with the impossible--score FOUR ultra rare Odyssey Royalty replacement cards--if he will join the hospital cosplay nights. And this bargain between "enemies" leads to romance. I loved this story from the start. We met Jasper in CONVENTIONALLY YOURS, as one of the players on the Gamer Grandpa vlog who had to drop out of the cross-country quest when April got hospitalized and he feared she might not make it. He seemed a sweet guy, willing to bend over backwards to help anyone--which is how Milo knows that asking for his help will actually yield results. Milo is restarting his life after a bad car wreck, and dashed college dreams. The dark shadow his dad loomed over him is now gone--having died a couple years back. He's living with his old high school friends, who are just as vile as before, with the poetic justice of them being lowly custodians, while Milo is scrambling for steady work, and maybe art school? He's been an avid doodler for years, though his dad discouraged it. But now, seeing the vibrant lives of Jasper and his friends, well, Milo is more than willing to try some new things, including being honest with Jasper about his true feelings for him. I loved the "quest" these guys embark upon, and how they are easily able to fall back into camaraderie, building a mature friendship that includes forgiveness, and even kindles love. Both Milo and Jasper have some demons to lay to rest, if they are going to move forward into adulthood. Milo needs to love himself, and it's Jasper's support that gives him to courage to do so--and come out. In the meantime, Milo also needs to take responsibility for his actions, or INactions, something he didn't do well as a kid. As a man, however, he's making far better decisions, and that includes an HEA for himself, and for Jasper. If you enjoyed Conventionally Yours you'll probably love this one, too. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Jun 03, 2021
|
Aug 04, 2021
|
Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1953810675
| 9781953810670
| 1953810675
| 4.16
| 572
| Jun 24, 2021
| Jun 25, 2021
|
liked it
|
Brick Matthews has returned to Fire Lake, Texas to retire and pay homage to his Great Aunt Sophia–by rehabbing the house she bequeathed him when she d
Brick Matthews has returned to Fire Lake, Texas to retire and pay homage to his Great Aunt Sophia–by rehabbing the house she bequeathed him when she died two years before. As a Navy SEAL out on missions, he hadn’t been able to return that often, but he loved Sophia deeply, as she was one of the few people who’d cared about, or for, him as a child. He’s not pleased when a young woman enters his crumbling home, posing as a realtor, and ready to service any of his “needs” in order to get him to sell. First, he’s gay, and second, he’s not going to sell–not even if a woman’s trying to (poorly) seduce him into it. Turns out, she’s a broke single mom working for the realtor as a secretary, and he’d threatened to fire her and blacklist her through town if she didn’t get Brick to agree to the sale–one the scumbag was trying to arrange for years now. Brick’s lakefront property is highly coveted by his neighbor on the other side of the lake, a deplorable human by the name of Stephan Furrow, former CEO of Furrow and Son Investments. It seems that Stephan is all about strippers, coke and riding around in his cabin cruiser on Fire Lake. His son, Roman, has him on an allowance, ever since he’d gotten the shares needed to wrest control of their company from his father’s mismanaging hands. Roman is a decent man, and has worked tirelessly, and thanklessly, for the past few years to restore the portfolios of their investment holdings after his lust-hungry father nearly bankrupted them. Some of daddy-dearest’s minions still work for the company, though, and they make trouble happen to see if they can destabilize Roman’s operations. When Brick comes after Furrow and Son for their shady tactics to take over his property, well, Roman is ashamed. He had no knowledge of Stephan’s involvement in coercing the secretary–who Brick has hired to help manage his construction projects. Meanwhile, a few members of Brick’s old unit need some place to stay and something to do, so he puts them on renovation duty. Soon his house is a bustling place. Well, maybe not exactly bustling, but the bedrooms are filling up. Even has some room for Roman when his car breaks down near the property during a storm. The forced proximity of hiding in a storm shelter breaks open some raw feelings for both Roman and Brick–because they each see the deeply good core of the other during mutual rescue attempts. Beyond that, well, Roman and Brick get to talking. Seems Roman has had an inordinate number of “accidents” that coulda-shoulda incapacitated him. Were these just coincidences? Or, is there a plot to take out Roman, returning power and money into Stephan’s greedy paws. This was a new-to-me author experience. I’ve read a lot of SEAL romance, and veteran romance, so I thought I’d really enjoy it. I kinda felt as though there was a lot of coincidence that overwhelmed me, giving me the sense that I already knew–or could reasonably anticipate–exactly what was coming next. All the bad guys were too sinister, and all the good guys were too heroic, making them all feel a little one dimensional, and the plot gimmicky. The pace of the romance felt too quick, as well, without sufficient time for Brick and Roman to really develop a lot of chemistry. It seemed like Roman was outstandingly naive, and his father cartoonishly malevolent. This book is a clear set up for the cadre of former SEALs that come to Brick’s aid to later find their own romances. I’m usually okay with that, but I think it was a little heavy-handed in this story. I might try another book in this series, just to see if I got a bad vibe on this one. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Jun 20, 2021
|
Aug 04, 2021
|
Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 9781648903311
| B099KWDCKN
| unknown
| 4.06
| 33
| Jan 29, 2020
| Jul 19, 2021
|
really liked it
|
3.5 stars Roland Finley and his best friend-slash-stepbrother Logan have been building their band for years. Both in college and working part-time jobs 3.5 stars Roland Finley and his best friend-slash-stepbrother Logan have been building their band for years. Both in college and working part-time jobs, Roland is sure that getting a spot on the Battle of the Bands reality show will be their breakout experience. Roland is the vocalist, who also plays keyboards, and Logan plays guitar. They don't have a big following and their few gigs have all been for family or friends, but Roland has big dreams. He's working on new songs for the show audition, and is startled to encounter a salty-tongued songwriter in the park near his dorm. Jay McClintock is a legend, the writer behind numerous top-grossing acts, notably Brad Garza, who Roland rather emulates. Jay's sneering critique of the lyrics in Roland's notebook is a lightning rod to help Roland write more heartfelt and cohesive lyrics. He and Logan, performing as Fighting Chance, grab one of the four LA-based band spots in the TV show. Along with longtime rivals Dread Theory, fronted by Lance Gold, son of an oil company billionaire and somehow former schoolmates with both Roland and Logan. Jay McClintock is a man of secrets. He's been raised under an alias after his family was murdered, but he's become a notable songwriter, rising among the ranks at ALIVE Records. He's made few friends over the years, though he and Brad are close--once lovers but better as friends. He's not sure why Roland is so appealing, but he's sure it's only a whim. After all, his juvenile lyrics won't get him into the competition. And, even if they do, well, Jay has been contracted by his company to write the songs Dread Theory will sing for the competition. Yeah, reality TV is a sham, when his own record company is just using it as a springboard for a rich man's son to build an audience before the record launch. Yet, Jay's intrigued further and further when Roland's songs become more and more deep, and garner his professional as well as personal respect. He'd planned to toy with the kid a bit, but now, well, Roland's fresh sound and virginal naivete call to Jay on a primal level. This is a mostly fun and breezy rock romance, with some deeper currents relating to Jay's backstory of violence. BRad makes some cameos, urging Jay to take his feelings seriously, even as Jay fears Roland's response if he learns that Jay's been providing the fuel for his biggest rival to steal his dream. And, well, the sex is both risky and amazing. Roland is an unqualified novice in nearly everything, and definitely relishes Jay's attention and his expertise. They connect in ways Roland hardly dared to imagine, giving away all his firsts without a second thought. I liked Roland a lot, he's peppy and sweet, the opposite of Jay, giving Jay the opportunity to display his softer underbelly--if infrequently. Logan and Brad can see the connection, however, once they're all out in the open together, before Jay or Roland reveal their relationship. The competition is fierce, but Fighting Chance is not going down without giving it their all--even after Jay's behind-the-scenes activity becomes apparent to Roland. What he didn't expect was the depth of his own feelings for Jay, nor the depth of Jay's losses, and what fuels his own creative streak. The story ends with a Happy For Now, and a tease that Jay's dark past with take center stage in the next book. I liked the rock romance part of the story, but felt the witness protection storyline was weak, by comparison. And, honestly, when did Roland and Logan attend class? These "college students" did nothing college-related but sleep in a dorm. For me that was an oversight which could have ramped up some tension, or fed into the growing fan base to prop these guys up. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Jul 23, 2021
|
Jul 23, 2021
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| B093RJ5NLV
| 4.12
| 1,431
| Jul 16, 2021
| Jul 16, 2021
|
really liked it
|
George is the youngest child in his family. His two older brothers were huge jocks--Simon even played pro football before concussions sidelined him. A
George is the youngest child in his family. His two older brothers were huge jocks--Simon even played pro football before concussions sidelined him. And, Simon's best friend Aiden has been the star of many a nighttime--and daytime--fantasy for George since forever. Aiden played football with Simon and baseball with their eldest brother, but George never got into "sportsball," always sitting on the sidelines while his brothers played, usually wearing a cape, and always reading a book. George didn't fancy himself a superhero, he was more goth/vampire inspired, and is a bit high on the socially awkward scale, with a low tolerance for peopleing. George is bisexual, but he leans more toward men than women in his sexual attraction. George really adored how Aiden would stand up for him, like his brothers, whenever idiot jocks would pick on him. He's a grown man now, working on his graduate degree in aeronautics and trying not to lean on his folks for help, so when his ancient truck breaks down, George is happy to oblige Aiden who suggests a creative way to pay for the repairs. Aiden's nearing 30 and wants more than working as a grease monkey for his homophobic uncle. He's always loved athletics, and has been quietly taking courses that will help him become a scout for baseball teams. He even has some rudimentary algorithms put together to make this more structured, but he wants George's mathematics brain to look over his calculations in order to confirm he's on the right track. George is a little overwhelmed, with his internship and school--especially now that his incredibly awkward boss wants tips on how to woo a co-worker who'd made play for George. He isn't really interested in her--a mutual feeling--but it's convenient to claim he has a boyfriend to get his boss off his back, except now the boss thinks the "boyfriend" can also help him in his romantic quest. So, George and Aiden spend a lot of time together, fixing the truck and watching baseball games, to help Aiden's mission to become a scout. It's quiet nights sharing the meals George's mom delivers and moments of absolute discovery as Aiden confesses his own unrequited attraction for the shy but beautiful man George has grown into. This is a sweet New Adult romance with lots of playfulness, and the expected family struggles, as George attempts to keep his fling with Aiden on the down-low to not upset Simon. I liked how this echoed the tension from FOLLOWING THE RULES, where Simon was keeping his interest in Topher--George's good friend and housemate--on the super down-low. Aiden's personal life is definitely changing, but in ways he's ready to embrace as he finally follows his own path and becomes the man he's strived to be. There are some dirty firsts, flirty moments, and caped crusades in this one, and I really enjoyed them all. Highly recommend. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
not set
|
Jul 23, 2021
|
Jul 23, 2021
|
Kindle Edition
|
Veronica of V's Reads
>
Books:
contemporary
(1118)
|
|
|
|
|
|
my rating |
|
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| 3.82
|
really liked it
|
not set
not set
|
Sep 29, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.24
|
really liked it
|
Mar 23, 2022
not set
|
Sep 28, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.11
|
really liked it
|
Jun 28, 2021
not set
|
Sep 28, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.13
|
really liked it
|
Nov 11, 2015
not set
|
Sep 27, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.64
|
really liked it
|
Nov 04, 2016
not set
|
Sep 24, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.33
|
really liked it
|
Jan 11, 2017
not set
|
Sep 13, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.05
|
really liked it
|
Aug 31, 2021
not set
|
Sep 11, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.74
|
it was amazing
|
Apr 27, 2020
not set
|
Aug 01, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.06
|
it was amazing
|
Mar 23, 2022
|
Mar 23, 2022
|
|||||
|
| 4.34
|
really liked it
|
Nov 10, 2021
not set
|
Nov 26, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 4.12
|
really liked it
|
Nov 17, 2021
|
Nov 26, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 4.28
|
liked it
|
Nov 19, 2021
|
Nov 26, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 3.88
|
really liked it
|
Sep 15, 2021
|
Sep 15, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 3.90
|
really liked it
|
Aug 19, 2021
|
Aug 19, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 4.39
|
it was amazing
|
Aug 05, 2021
|
Aug 05, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 3.94
|
really liked it
|
Mar 22, 2021
|
Aug 04, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 3.88
|
it was amazing
|
Jun 03, 2021
|
Aug 04, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 4.16
|
liked it
|
Jun 20, 2021
|
Aug 04, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 4.06
|
really liked it
|
Jul 23, 2021
|
Jul 23, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 4.12
|
really liked it
|
Jul 23, 2021
|
Jul 23, 2021
|
Loading...
