Avery, stuck by circumstance, doesn't foresee himself ever leaving his small town existence. He's resigned himself to a lonely, sexless life of banaliAvery, stuck by circumstance, doesn't foresee himself ever leaving his small town existence. He's resigned himself to a lonely, sexless life of banality. That is, until cocksure, beautiful Chase walks through his front door. Though Chase is self proclaimed straight, these two hit it off immediately, forging an easy friendship. Fighting his attraction, Avery will just have to settle for just being BFF's, right? Right.
This was pretty low on angst, and was quite the easy read with some nice UST and smex thrown in. Simply, short and sweet....more
Very pleasantly surprising, this was a nice break from the oft serious side of this series. Never fear though, Goode does not shirk from the to4 Stars
Very pleasantly surprising, this was a nice break from the oft serious side of this series. Never fear though, Goode does not shirk from the tough topics, this time delving more into relationship dynamics and the questions that can inevitably arise with an established couple. How do two people progress to a more committed relationship? Should a couple join and mesh their lives for a deeper connection? Is there a shared future in 1, 5, 10 years?
Tyler and Matt have been together for awhile now, and though Tyler is obliviously content with the status quo, Matt longs for more. Tyler’s cluelessness hurts Matt deeply and in an effort to right some wrongs, Tyler books them a vacation of a lifetime and commandeers the help of their friends Sebastian and Robbie.
What stands out the most for me in this installment was the fun factor that is intermittently dispersed throughout the more sober/serious parts. I’ve never laughed so much with a Goode novel before, which says something about the typical, painful, no-holds-barred nature of his previous works (which is never a complaint). This had bite and snark, mostly in the form of the fabulous Robbie, that had me cheering emphatically for Matt and Tyler to get their shit together. Of course they do after going through many roadblocks, mistakes and fiascos, and one just has to sit back and enjoy their hilarious, but poignant ride, to happiness.
So it’s not all about how Tyler gets his ducks in a row. Matt too evolves and learns a few things, and inevitably they come out the better and stronger for it. As always, Goode brings the harsh truth to light. This time around, it was an entertainingly fabulous, good time....more
A road trip. A homage. A chance to defy the rules and ultimately break them.
Justin has barely been living under the thumb of his well intention4 Stars
A road trip. A homage. A chance to defy the rules and ultimately break them.
Justin has barely been living under the thumb of his well intentioned mother. He’s been in the closet and in love with his best friend Landry for years, and he’s scared shitless to do anything about it. On said road trip to honor his dead father, stress and grief come to a head, and the truth comes out with unsurprisingly, a lot of consequences.
Despite some upsetting angst, the writing here is what gives this extra points. The way Erickson conveys how Justin and Landry fit perfectly - always did, always will - was the best part of this book. So yes, this wasn’t the easiest read - but the poignancy, the intimacy - all won me over.
Admittedly, Justin has a shit ton of growing up to do - finding, owning, and embracing himself so he could be with Landry who btw, was a wonderful character to experience. Overall this was touching and very romantic. Of course, it was sweet and sexy too. These two meet cute when they were young and immediately connect. There was never a question as to whether they were meant for each other - they just had to take a journey to realize and embrace that possibility. Really, all the rest is inconsequential, and that my friends, is the way love should be....more
Roger and Jack and have b4 Historical Hearts - Team Review with Chelsea
Another win for this holiday series!
Prepare yourself for some heartache though…
Roger and Jack and have been boyhood friends for forever and at the cusp of adulthood, a shared kiss that could’ve possibly been the start of something never comes to full fruition as the world is soon thrown into war. Six years later and these two young men have seen and done much, suffered and grieved, and missed each other every day, surviving only through the hope of seeing one another again. Was that shared kiss all it was? A fleeting thing between friends or the start of something more?
This blends the best of friends who become lovers, set in a time where such was not accepted or condoned. Melancholy and full of longing, Roger and Jack are expected to carry on and move on, but neither can let that one memory go despite time, distance, and everyone else in their lives doing their damndest to keep them apart.
However, life’s too short and these two are about to lose the best thing, the only thing they want. They deserve happiness and they grab it for themselves regardless of the possible consequences.
A bittersweet but triumphant win for Roger and Jack, their love definitely bringing all the romantic contentment and feel good warmth to the heart!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
The title is so appropriate, for this is beyond any shifter book I've ever read, and it was quite the fabulous refresh4.5 Seriously Impressed Hearts!
The title is so appropriate, for this is beyond any shifter book I've ever read, and it was quite the fabulous refreshing BR with Sara!
I don’t know if I can do this story justice but I’m gonna try…
What one has to know first is that this is a world where werewolves obviously exist. They’re a government experiment gone wrong decades ago and the age old debate did come up as to what to do with this new subset of humans with extraordinary abilities but potentially scary ones at that. There’s unfortunately now a very strict divide between “species” and once a person goes werewolf, they are pretty much separated from their human life and brought into the fold of a pack. Werewolves are basically second class citizens - highly monitored, regulated, and restricted as they pose a perceived danger to the masses should one go rogue. To keep them in line and to insure their safety, a pack’s alpha is basically conscripted to serve the government in any nefarious ways they deem necessary, using their deadly skills in the name of national security.
Knowing that, this book starts off with Ward. He’s desperately trying to find his newly shifted daughter Ava. By law, she is no longer legally his and has been unfairly taken away from him to an unknown destination to be raised by her “own kind”. Well fuck that. Ward is not going to give up that easily. His daughter is the only family he has left, and he is determined to be a part of her life, regardless of the fact that it’s basically unheard of for a human to live among werewolves. Luckily, he has a friend in high places that helps Ward track Ava down, and once he arrives, he staunchly refuses to budge.
Enter Henry. He’s Ava’s alpha, and though he knows Ward’s presence is probably the best thing for her, especially since she has yet to shift back to human and is slowly failing to thrive, his first inclination is to say no because it’s against the rules and Henry always follows the rules. Ward’s presence and how he came to find Henry’s pack puts all of them in danger, shining an unwanted spotlight on Henry as he essentially takes the “blame” for this breach in security.
With pressures and demands coming at Henry from all directions, the last thing he needs is to feel attraction to the newcomer. However, he can’t deny that Ward’s tenacity and bravery grounds him like no other, and though Ward was never something Henry ever imagined he could obtain, he sure is something Henry wants. In turn, Ward feels the same attraction and hesitation. Henry is prickly and intimidating but his consideration and care for all of those under his protection cannot be ignored. Ward realizes Henry is admirable in his acceptance to be an instrument for the government to use and abuse, taking their shit over and over for the good of the pack, sacrificing his happiness, his soul. If Ward can give and get some measure of comfort with Henry, he’s going to try his darnedest to do what feels right by him and what he starts to feel is now his pack too.
Perhaps as a warning, this isn’t a fluffy shifter romance. It’s so much more.
This had grit, an urgent seriousness to it. Life isn’t pretty nor kind. Responsibility weighs heavily, and it takes every ounce of willpower and determination and obligation to survive the unfairness of it all. Perhaps though, finding someone special to care for and to be cared by, can ease that burden. For those that need to know, the doling out of yummy bits between these two are small and far and few between. However, the gradual build and the UST are palpable and oh so strongly felt, and despite the low smexy level, this still kept my avid interest. Have no doubt though, I would’ve hungrily gobbled up more if given.
I obviously loved this. I want Cari Z to write at least 10 more books in this compelling complex world she has created. She better, because I have to know the fates of Tennyson and Davis!! Puh-leeeeasse don’t leave me hanging!!!
Like I said. Unique and wholly captivating. It sucked me in, caught me, and wouldn't let go. Very very highly recommended!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
I’m not the only one who appreciated this insight from Ethan’s POV as it was long overdue and thankfully, linear in its storytelling.
Not that3.5 Stars
I’m not the only one who appreciated this insight from Ethan’s POV as it was long overdue and thankfully, linear in its storytelling.
Not that I had any doubts that Ethan loves Jack and would do anything to keep him safe, this just added a new dimension as to what happened in Why the Devil Stalks Death and what is about to go down in the final installment. Looking forward to it!...more
I’m going to agree with everyone else who loved this.
Realistic. Hardcore. Compelling.
This is where a cop story is done right, when you want pla4 Stars
I’m going to agree with everyone else who loved this.
Realistic. Hardcore. Compelling.
This is where a cop story is done right, when you want plausible and it’s delivered.
Take one jaded detective who’s always been on the right side of justice, one who has been met with corruption and roadblocks over and over and goes about taking down a criminal drug ring that goes all the way to the top by any way possible. If that means brushing against, and sometimes stepping over the line to justify the means, then so be it.
Drop in a newly promoted rookie to be his partner, one who’s been not so secretly tasked to “spy” on him by Internal Affairs, and you’ve got quite the sticky situation.
Not surprisingly, these two don’t hit it off at all, but when things get dangerous and more informants end up dead, the pressure to bring down the bad guys reaches a breaking point and they can’t afford to not trust each other.
No eye rolling here. I applaud the gritty seriousness of not only their working relationship but each of these men have their own personal problems that present plenty of other challenges to their complicated dynamic. Add some really well done UST and smexy, a very nice age gap, and a delicious enemies to lovers set up, and this was oh so satisfying especially when these two give into their unwanted but too hard to resist desires. Mmmmmmm.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo, this fact should only make you want to read this more!! Go now! Don’t wait! I for one, look forward to what’s next in store for these guys!!...more
These days, contemporary MM doesn’t hold as big a lure for me as it once did. In my old age, I like to avoid angst and miscommunication and ru4 Stars!
These days, contemporary MM doesn’t hold as big a lure for me as it once did. In my old age, I like to avoid angst and miscommunication and running away from one’s issues/problems. Thankfully, none of that was here.
Scott is world weary, cynical, and people avoidant. All he wants is to bake his confections with little fuss and to basically be left alone. Who knew comforting the exact type of person he tries to avoid at all costs - a chatty beam of sunlight - on a transatlantic flight would be the chance encounter that would change his life. In contrast, Theo is in a major life transition, trying to take the safe route instead of cultivating his creative strengths. Lucky him that a surly sexy baker is just the push he needs to reconsider his plan.
My return to Hayes’s recent releases has been a surprising success. The characters were drawn well, their insecurities valid, and the chemistry was on point. So if you want a really easy opposites attract, grumpy sunshine, age gap romance that was full of banter and sexy, with a bit of hurt comfort and some yummy feels then this is for you!
My favorite in this quartet thus far as this simply continues to explore the entertaining group dynamics as the Kings and Wild Cards celebrate 4 Stars
My favorite in this quartet thus far as this simply continues to explore the entertaining group dynamics as the Kings and Wild Cards celebrate the holidays together.
Focusing on Joker and Gio, this was sweet, sexy, and funny with a touch of high stakes thrown in!
So go forth and enjoy mishaps aplenty, dog cuteness galore, and mischievous banter that all of these guys love to give each other!
It will be inevitable that this will be compared to Red, White & Royal Blue. If you loved that book, then this should easily satisfy. If you4.5 Stars!
It will be inevitable that this will be compared to Red, White & Royal Blue. If you loved that book, then this should easily satisfy. If you didn't love that book, then I think this will better satisfy.
Callum is thrust into the spotlight as he’s now the heir to the British throne through crazy circumstances. He’s a fish out of water to say the least, wholly unprepared to be scrutinized and judged for everything he does and says. When Callum's plight strikes a chord with Prime Minister Oliver, neither man thinks exchanging numbers would lead to anything more than maybe friendship.
So, texts lead to calls, leads to video chats and commiseration, leads to support and camaraderie which turns into so much more. These two men are lonely and isolated by the very nature of their position and as they connect and bare their very vulnerable souls, they soon find that their days and nights and ultimately, their entire reason for living, is nothing without the other.
Not gonna lie. This gave me some heartburn as the understandable need to keep their relationship under wraps gave me anxiety. However, the evolution of their feelings rang true and I was moved. Just know that Oliver Hartwell is absolutely one sexy man. He’s good looking, confident, smart, and so in control … until he isn’t. And Callum? Him not growing up with the royal family is what makes him a one of a kind genuine article, his klutzy charm, his joy in interacting with people, connecting with them, and leaving them feeling noticed is his greatest gift.
While this has a serious note to it, it was also fun and funny with a great supporting cast. I also felt very educated afterwards, but it was never forced or boring. These days, I’m typically not for contemporary romance, but I read this in one day and that is the strongest endorsement I can give, showing just how much I was captivated and how much I enjoyed this. I’ve not read Jax Calder before, but if the rest of her works are anything like this, then she’s found a devoted reader. I eagerly await the sequel and am totally bummed I have to wait a year to get it in my hands.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review...more
The stakes keep getting higher and higher but also, equally satisfying is to see how vested both Raul and Brad are as this has slowly morphed3.5 Stars
The stakes keep getting higher and higher but also, equally satisfying is to see how vested both Raul and Brad are as this has slowly morphed into the traditional ABO romance we love to enjoy.
There’s lot of contingencies and as many allies as there are foes who are ready to mess with Raul and Brad’s bond.
This has been a fun ride reading about their unconventional story, and I look forward to the conclusion! ...more
Brad finally gets his wish come true and finds himself back home, back in sane reality. Funnily enough, he realizes the irony that he actual3.5 Stars!
Brad finally gets his wish come true and finds himself back home, back in sane reality. Funnily enough, he realizes the irony that he actually misses Raul, that though it was a “dream”, nothing ever felt so real.
Luckily, Brad discovers his hallucination was a result of a rare happenstance of events that he’s so very desperate to replicate. However as he, his brother Devon, and various frat bros try to reunite him with Raul, the repercussions of dabbling in things they do not know of has some unwanted unpleasant side effects…
This continues to be a fun and an original story within a trope that’s so well known!
Here we continue Brad’s journey as the beleaguered omega of a popular ABO romance!
He for sure isn’t going to take his situation lying down, and4 Stars
Here we continue Brad’s journey as the beleaguered omega of a popular ABO romance!
He for sure isn’t going to take his situation lying down, and it’s hilarious to see him resist resist resist.
Equally entertaining is alpha wolf Raul who tries his darnedest not to throw fuel on an already blazing fire, but it’s hard to predict how Brad will react to Raul’s understandably protective nature, especially since Brad may be pregnant!
What’s a straight dude bro to do?!
Stay tuned for the next installment as Brad gets his “wish” to return home ...more
Just like the blurb says, Brad somehow finds himself stuck in his brother's favorite paranormal romance novel where he’s the omega heroine, reg4 Stars
Just like the blurb says, Brad somehow finds himself stuck in his brother's favorite paranormal romance novel where he’s the omega heroine, regardless of the fact that he is a macho straight dude bro who can’t even fathom kissing a guy let alone becoming his destined mate.
This was all sorts of funny and a very entertaining take on the romance tropes we as readers enjoy no matter how ridiculous they may look to newbie Brad who is fully cognizant that he’s in a coma? Dream? Parallel reality?
Whatever got him there, Brad needs to get out fast before he succumbs to Raul and his magical mystical pheromone fueled appeal, especially as Brad’s omega existence decides to go into heat! This ended abruptly, and I look forward to more of Brad’s desperate resistance to his new mind boggling situation!...more
This latest and last installment deals with quasi uncouth jock-ish caveman Ezra, who drives persnick4 Stars
Consistent drama free, easy breezy reading.
This latest and last installment deals with quasi uncouth jock-ish caveman Ezra, who drives persnickety proper-ish Holden absolutely bonkers. When antagonism turns into a wager, turns into lust and exploration, these two agree to keep it simple fun with no commitments.
Not as OTT as some of the previous books, each guy has had their own sad past and struggles. Also, Ezra had a bit more thoughtful self contemplation as well, pondering what would happen should he get attached to Holden and what that would mean for his future.
However, don’t worry. This was plenty smexy explicit and reassuredly, Hayes has made it a consistent point to keep this very low angst. That’s how I like all my romances to be, and I’ll take them any way I can get them! ...more
Look. This is not Ian and Miro by any means. It’s basically a poor man’s Ian and Miro. However because Ian and Miro are in this I had to g4 Iffy Stars
Look. This is not Ian and Miro by any means. It’s basically a poor man’s Ian and Miro. However because Ian and Miro are in this I had to give it 4 stars because I take what I can get right?? One can see that I think Ian and Miro are the bees knees. Can I say Ian and Miro any more than I already have? Ian and Miro. Ian and Miro. Ian and Miro.
So it’s obvious what I wish this 5th installment was all about. If it weren't for the aforementioned lovebirds, I’d typically give this my standard 3.5 score. Rest assured that the classic Calmes components are present. There’s a Jory-esque character who is irresistible to all, takes no sass, and who’s in love with his best friend. Said straight best friend is clueless but is possessive of Jory (ahem, I mean Cel) like nobody’s business and then an epiphany comes, and it’s literally balls to the walls.
This is basically Ian and Miro 2.0 without the major swoon. Maybe it’s because I never really got a sense of who Eli was in the previous books except that he was a metrosexual ladies man - that minus the Marshals association, this was nothing overly special. However, revisiting my favorite guys and all the other badass marshals (and don’t forget king of the grumps, no nonsense Sam Kage) made me remember that I absolutely love this group of wily hooligans. Toss in the requisite mob presence because of course they’re involved, and this was still a solid entry to Calmes’s convoluted cuckoo Chicago universe....more
Starting where the first book left off, this delves more into the burgeoning, and mostly forbidden, relationship between Kiram and Javier. Thes4 Stars
Starting where the first book left off, this delves more into the burgeoning, and mostly forbidden, relationship between Kiram and Javier. These two must learn to work and trust the other to overcome the terrible curse affecting Javier and his family.
Overall, a very satisfying conclusion that had several twists and betrayals, along with a great fight against the enemy at the end. Though this frustratingly ended quite abruptly, Hale is a master at the complexity that involves her protagonists plight and fight for a happy ending, and what matters most is she doesn’t fail her readers here. Enjoy!...more
I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of Hale’s works, and this was no different.
This contains quite a heady mix of complex world building, comp4 Stars
I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of Hale’s works, and this was no different.
This contains quite a heady mix of complex world building, complete with two opposing cultures, religious fervor dealing with one’s salvation, and a magical bent, all with warring political machinations and betrayal against the backdrop of a school academy and young men on the brink of maturity and real life consequences.
Javier is cursed. He’s also cavalier, charismatic, and skilled in smarts, weapons, and fighting. He’s not only magical but his social standing is immense, making him fearsome and compelling all at the same time. Though he’s arrogant, he’s loyal and protective towards those he loves. Javier wants better for himself and his family, but the curse runs through his bloodline and there’s no way out.
Kiram is a foreigner, highly sheltered being from a prominent family. His race has been persecuted and deemed lesser, but his genius gets him a rare coveted spot in the Sagrada Academy. Circumstance puts him and Javier as roommates as they are outcasts for different reasons, and Kiram slowly realizes that Javier is a pawn in a sinister conspiracy that could enslave everyone.
Overall, this was not only a complex suspenseful mystery, but also a burgeoning love story between two people who are divided by class as well as foundational beliefs. I was never once bored as Hale knows how to expertly create an intricate alternate universe, knows how to do an exquisite slow burn. I look forward to the conclusion as to how she will make things right between “cursed” Javier and the idealistic Kiram. These two young men from different backgrounds will have to find a way to work together to defeat not only inherent prejudice and societal rules but the corrupt royalty and religious leaders of the highest hierarchy. Not an easy feat for sure, but I’m confident Hale will deliver with the ultimate satisfying win!...more
The second installment pretty much picks up where the first book ended. Silas, our reluctant hero, a newly arisen Ankou, who can see troubled3.5 Stars
The second installment pretty much picks up where the first book ended. Silas, our reluctant hero, a newly arisen Ankou, who can see troubled spirits and lay them to rest, is slowly healing from his most recent battle. His relationship with his guardian, daemon Tobias is still quite fragile, often with Silas being the whipping boy for Tobias’s foul mood.
Overall, I enjoyed this second installment as some questions were answered, mainly dealing with Tobias’s mysterious past and why he’s been banished to the human realm, but also in the works is a greater conspiracy that involves evil causing trouble in the unlikeliest of places. Just know that everything about this series is S-L-O-W. The reveals, the character development, the romance (still just anxious lusty feelings that one tries to deny while the other tries to aggressively incite). Silas is very much tentative in his role of fighting evil spirits, but he’s sticking up for himself a bit more despite being stymied often with the mysteries of his unknown former life and his irrational fears. Tobias continues to be an absolute unapologetic profligate, but one can see that his sharp, often antagonistic caustic personality is just his protective mechanism, and it will be quite interesting to see how his walls crumble.
This is labeled as gaslamp fantasy, but it’s literally historic paranormal horror intermixed with all sorts of creatures who have villainous hidden agendas who treat humanity as their playthings, while the still mysterious Order of the Dawn tries to mitigate this sinister manipulation. Mix that with the slowest of all slow burns and you’ve got a solid, rich AU with plenty of flawed characters who fight the good fight and who hopefully will find redemption and happiness along the way!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
A representative novella showcasing prickly Kieran who has plenty of reasons to have a huge chip on his shoulder. He’s volunteering on a poli3.5 Stars
A representative novella showcasing prickly Kieran who has plenty of reasons to have a huge chip on his shoulder. He’s volunteering on a political campaign and can’t help but be attracted to stern, by the book campaign manager Sean. As they slowly get to know each other both see the other in a new light.
Touching on struggles for persons both trans and bi, this was a sweet but acerbic romance with a satisfying payoff....more
* A Reader Obsessed *
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