Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 46

  

• Wolf: Shifter Kings Nashville Book 4, Holly Gunn
• How to Catch a Prince: Chester Falls Book 1, Ana Ashley
• Socks for an Otter, Posy Roberts

One thing I loved here was that it had memorable characters.  Between a complicated relationship between Seraphina and her magic and Wolf and his role as King, both individual complications added interest to this short story in a way that felt real and just difficult enough to make their outcome that much more awesome.  I really couldn't have predicted the ending at all and it was perfection for the couple and their most heartfelt desires.  Giving us compelling characters, despite the push and pull that generally annoys me, made this story fit right in with the series.  The steam was absolutely there and the relationship had its share of ups and downs with secrets, but they made it out the other end with so much strength and determination to make things work so they could fulfill their roles in a brand new way for their world.  4 stars.

Oh, my goodness, this was adorable!  There was quite a bit of predictability when the truth was revealed, but what was awesome was that the hurt, betrayal, and separation didn't follow the general pattern that you see in many other royalty secret romances.  After good advice by a trusted friend, they were able to move forward after explanations to work for their forever.  Charlie was adorable and I wish I had seen more come from his art, but what we saw of him was enough to know he really is a wonderful human being that is just right for Kris.  Kris is also a good man and I definitely wish we had more on his chosen profession and how that got resolved.  Overall, I just feel this story was too short to give us the important things regarding their passions and livelihoods, but it was just long enough to introduce two sweet characters and a story that was simply tender and passionate with a wonderful cast that I will definitely be back to learn about.  4 stars.

Well, this isn't what I expected.  I was engaged right from the start with Sebastian, but soon after the relationship began he became stagnant.  Confusing in his reactions and infuriating in his seeming lack of remorse for his actions against Louis.  There's something deeper there that I feel didn't get enough attention so it ended up contrasting rather alarmingly with Louis' many, many apologies where he really didn't do anything terribly drastic.  Sure, apologies were necessary at times, but it felt so one-sided.  The whole relationship did, in fact.  Overall there were some very tender, very sexy moments, but I just wasn't as thrilled by the overall story as I thought I would be.  2.5 stars.

Sugar Land Saints, Baylin Crow

With a slow build to their sexy conclusion, Torin and Rush have a great connection and friendship. We don't get enough of that on the page, sadly, and even their romantic evolution is sudden because of all the denial, withholding, and pretending. Their first attempt at more than a friendship was aborted by "good" intentions and unclear motives for Torin's change and further put on hold by some family drama from Rush. I'm not sure why that information was so huge and necessary for prolonging the relationship angst. It seemed like making a huge deal out of something that was never discussed again until the very end when things kind of changed for the better. Torin and Rush were believable together, but I wish it had more depth. I thought they were sweet together once they were all in and they did have chemistry, though not as sexy as others of Baylin's stories, but overall it worked. I'll definitely read more from the series because the other characters were quite compelling, even from the sidelines.  3.5 stars.

Bishop and Shaw appeared to be the "odd couple" of the team with Shaw's bright friendliness and Bishop's dark brooding.  Together they found a balance, but not until they went through their own trials both from within themselves and those that should have supported them.

I enjoyed Shaw and Bishop's chemistry quite a lot.  If this is the first book you've read from the series you'd miss out on some of their interactions that gave a bit of a basis for the way their relationship really took off in this story.  There was very little foundation building in this story, but we know right away what the relationship is and that the status quo is quickly becoming not enough for either of the young men.  With a dual POV we get to see both of them attempting to navigate the complications of their changing feelings and fears of both perceptions and disappointed hopes.  It wasn't too angsty, but the angst was predictable with the interference of secrets, coercion, and prejudice.

I did think the reconciliation and conclusion made up for the upsets that were experienced.  And with an epilogue that gave us the open and loving moments between Bishop and Shaw we've been craving, it felt like a complete story, so long as you saw how they were as friends in Quarterback Sneak before things changed for them.  We were also given a little insight into the trouble we're going to find with Nash and Rendon.  I'm seeing a good lead-in to the next book in the series and I'm suitably intrigued.  3.5 stars.

This addition to the series was longer than the previous two because there wasn't a long-running history that was implied enough to give context and depth to the relationship.  I enjoyed that the story began with their first meeting, which we saw peripherally in Quarterback Sneak, and then caught another glimpse of impending drama at the end of Broken Play.  From there we got their whole story, sordid and steamy details and drama and angst and immaturity and all.  Both Nash and Rendon were intriguing in their own ways and while Nash was my favorite, Rendon was not without his charms.

Their relationship progressed as expected, with a lot of denials, jealousy, setbacks, and second-guessing, but the thing that remained the stable driving force was Nash's heart.  He was committed to having Rendon and then to keeping him.  It didn't go easily and no amount of cocky charm could influence the fallout of his past, but he opened up and it was his complete honesty and laying bare his heart that made everything right.  There are additional characters in this story that caught my attention without stealing the show, mostly, so I'd be super happy if the series continues with them.  Until then, I'm glad the stories are improving and deepening both with the characters themselves and their own journey to finding their best partner.  4 stars.

Protecting His Pack: North American Wolves Book 1, Morgan Elektra

There were a whole lot of things that I thought were fantastic about this story and a few things that left me with questions.  Overall the outcome was a great start to a series that I'm definitely going to revisit when subsequent stories are offered.

Jared is an interesting character that was complicated in a good way.  He has a mystery of a back story if you remove the late wife and mother of his biological child.  Outside of that we don't learn where he's really from or what his personal goals are.  What we do get though, are his motivations, his concern, his care, and his passion.  We also get a large amount of denial of his feelings and connection to Lane.  This causes confusing moments and reactions that don't leave me wondering in a good way.  I get whiplash sometimes and wish he had been a bit more consistent and far less stereotypical in his denials of any kind of feelings toward the other man.

Lane was very similar in this way with his reactions swinging from one extreme to the other.  I admired his individual strength and willingness to compromise and see reason when he came to terms with his situation versus his pride.  His "other-ness" was also something of a mystery that I'm hoping we get more of as the series continues.  I often felt like there were moments of insight that were either disregarded or totally glossed over and would have loved for them to have been developed so Lane could be a character more proactive than reactive.  He wasn't a bad MC, just one that was interesting but lacked a bit of spark.

Conall was the best for me.  Yes, he was a child, which often bothers me when authors create kids in the single digits yet think and speak like they're in their 30's.  Despite his age, his reactions and rationalizations and mannerisms were that of his described age and his childlike simplicity and expressions endeared me to him at the outset.  He wasn't a main feature in the story any more than the son of one of the MC's can be, but his presence enriched the telling anyway.

The drama was quite confusing with a leading prologue that didn't seem to have any point at all other than to foreshadow the violence and hatred others have for a big, black alpha wolf.  It was intense and intriguing and then never again revisited.  There was a whole lot of inter-pack drama that was a big deal in the big council meeting but seemed based on a history that we weren't privy to.  Who performed the attacks isn't clear until the very end, but we don't ever get a motive at all besides hatred...but hatred for what?  I don't know.  I just didn't see a clear thread that could adequately weave all the parts together.

Whether this is going to be a series based on the pack, the Wolf society, or Lane and Jared's journey dealing with all of it is as of yet unclear and while I find myself frustrated with the lack of answers, I am interested in finding out what comes next.  I am deeply invested in the personal growth of both Jared and Lane and am eager for more despite my many, many questions.  So I suppose this was a truly effective story based on that yearning alone.

*$6.99 on Amazon

It’s been less than a year since Lane Perkins left his controlling ex and the big city behind for a new job and a new life in small town Watson Hollow, NY. When he meets enigmatic widower Jared Atherton, Lane can’t deny he feels a pull, but there’s no way he’s getting involved with another man so soon.

Jared has enough on his plate as a single father and Alpha of the smallest pack in North America. He’s not interested in a relationship, especially not with the aggravating human teacher who knows nothing of his world.

Fate has other plans however, and when a threat to Lane’s life leads him within the walls of Jared’s estate, they’ll be forced to face their attraction once and for all. But will it be enough to save them both from the wrath of a bitter rival?

Home (Ky and Nick): Six Degrees Book 1, Sandy Smith

I'm torn. I enjoyed the general flow of the writing, adored the epilogue, and was intrigued enough by the characters. What didn't work for me was the pacing, the non-alternating POV, the poor integration of Ky's job, the two different versions of Ky we got, and the length of time it took for Ky and Nick to actually get something going. Despite the "con" list being longer, the good things were enough to balance it out, but I'm not sure that it's enough to rave about the book either...hence being torn.

Ky is an intriguing character right off the bat. There's something about him that draws me in right away, especially his commitment to the job. The job is also something that piques my interest. Especially the case and how his insight and the details we get at the outset of the story set the tone for Ky's personality. After he kinda gets together with Nick there's something that switches inside of him and it feels like everything else that was captivating about him falls by the wayside. Not that he's no longer worth following as a character, just that there's a whole new insecure side of him that dominates the rest. I'm not exactly a fan of that, though I think there's something very human about him that becomes much more relatable. Still not a huge fan of the change, but I can't deny that this version of him is effective, I just wish there were something that connected the two versions.

Nick is different for me. Through Ky's eyes he's intriguing, but beyond that I'm just not drawn to him at all. He's not a bad character, just not interesting to me. I don't find myself caring about him beyond what he can do to progress, grow, and become a good and equal partner to Ky. Though I will say that his bit in the epilogue was superb. His sentiments are genuine, sincere, and heartfelt.

What annoys me most about the story is the lack of care put into getting Ky's investigation integrated into the story. So many vague throwaway mentions of no progress in the case that I was frustrated by the time we got to the solve, which really had nothing to do with Ky's gut feeling and everything to do with his bigoted coworker's technique and feelings surrounding the case. Everything that drew me to Ky in the very beginning was passed off to someone who was written as a dbag. And the thread with the mysterious call into his boss' office wasn't ever picked up either.

That being said, the pacing of the relationship was good, I feel. While I'm usually intolerant of other partners being involved in the MC's romantic lives, I think that it wasn't done poorly at all here. Being that Ky and Nick met through a mutual (at separate times) hookup...quite literally...it was clear that there was some kind of connection, but nothing concrete or even verbalized between either party. And then the encounters between that one and when they finally decided on something more were more of the ships passing in the night variety. I will say that having one date and then going back to being nothing is the one moment that I wasn't sure I could get past, but despite Ky becoming a bit of a desperate doormat, I was glad they were finally headed in an upward trajectory. The epilogue though...dang, that was a total gem and the sole reason I rounded up on the stars. It was a bit too big of a time jump, but the sentiments and feels were awesome.

*$3.99 on Amazon

He gives me everything despite me not deserving it, but what do I give him?

Ky is an intimidating man. An overworked cop. A perfect son. He has spent the past sixteen years trying to be enough, to be worthy. Fear of anyone finding the skeleton in his closet has kept everyone at arms reach.

Nicholas is sex on legs. Sydney’s most eligible millionaire. And totally uninterested in commitment.

Ky knows he shouldn’t ask for more, that he doesn’t deserve more. But when he meets playboy Nicholas, things get messy. What happens when Nick breaks down Ky’s walls and makes him crave more? What will happen when Nick sees behind that wall and learns his secret? When Nick is everything he ever wanted, what happens when he has nothing to offer in return?

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 45

  

• The Prince and his Bedeviled Bodyguard: Book 1, Charlie Cochet
• Evergreen, Geneva Vand
• A Swants Soiree, E.J. Russell

Short, sweet, and full of snarky feline and sappy wolf. Owin began as quite grating for me with his constant arrogance and prickly nature. It went beyond normal feline prickliness and I wasn't a fan. I immediately loved Grimm's general happy, wolfy attitude that was a perfect foil for Owin's more annoying traits. But it was Owin's turnaround that seemed so genuine because of his self-reflection that had me changing my mind about him. Everything was on a truncated timeline due to the story length, but that didn't bother me one bit. For such a short story I think it was well-rounded in the character growth and development department. It had enough sweetness, passion, and humor to give me everything I really needed from the genre and promise in the premise. What really drew me in besides Grimm was the obvious story we'll be getting about the King and the Earl. That's one I'm definitely sticking around for. And to know that the next story will be about a semi-reclusive bear? Those are my favorite. So yeah, this story's ability to make me change my mind so completely about a character combined with all the good stuff that's being hinted at makes me a happy camper and an eager reader of the series.  4 stars.

Fantastical and sweet, this story was full of heart and magic set in a simplistic world.  Aside from being overly descriptive at times, there was incredible detail that brought the world to life for me.  There was a lot to be charmed by when it came to the relationship between Kym and Gabe.  They were soft, sweet, and a little awkward which made their slower-build romance quite endearing and believable despite this being a fantasy story.  Their affection was built on a whole lot more than attraction and magic and went far deeper than I expected.  When it came time to face the real world I felt both of their tentative natures worked to their detriment and was extremely glad when a solution was found.  Even better was that it was Ashley who came up with the plan to end the moping.  She went from being a stubborn patient to the problem solver and I could really see her independence and growth.  Her role wasn't merely one to bring Gabe to the presence of a dragon, but to set in motion everything necessary to keep them together.  Strong women abound in this short tale and it rounded out this wonderfully sweet story.  4 stars.

We get Brent's POV in this incredibly short, yet sweet story.  There are only hints at desired steam along with some vivid flashes of fantasy, but otherwise this is an incredibly tame tale.  With swants to bring them together, there's a very cute story to go with their meet-cute, but I definitely didn't get enough.  I didn't really find their connection to hold any weight and with Jonathan's evasions and virtually no confessions of feels, it was barely a romantic novella at all for me.  I love this author so I can really see this story going father and becoming something really awesome though, so it's something I'd be willing to hold out for in the future because the MC's really did have a ton of potential as did the cute story line.  4 stars.

Bright Horizon: Pine Cove Book 4, HJ Welch

I was so excited for the premise of the story.  An adventure, a sassy and cute baker, a caring older man, a mystery inheritance announcement delivered via threat...there was a lot here to work with.  While I did like some aspects of the characters and the romance, I often felt bogged down in their individual inner turmoil and the lost backbone on Ben's part.  The promises given in the beginning fizzled in the middle while eventually working out in the end.

Ben began as an overwhelmed and slightly frazzled cutie working in a beloved bakery.  There were moments of steel in his spine and I was incredibly interested in his progress and growth.  He lost sight of himself at so many moments.  He also fell victim to over-thinking and doubting his feelings and Elias' more often than I cared to read about.  There were some common sense things and glaring inconsistencies in what many of the "villains" would say that I was sure he'd catch it out and find the fight inside himself to stand up and declare what was right and best.  Unfortunately, that only came after a dramatic moment organized by Elias and their new-found friends.

That dramatic moment was suitably awesome and sweet, but I wish the vehicle getting us there to that point wasn't so weighed down under all the miscommunications, making unilateral and unvoiced decisions for others, and so much self-doubt.

With only one clear "villain", there were many chances for others to set themselves up either for or against Ben and Elias.  I liked that almost no one else was as clear-cut in their side of the fence because it was a bit of mystery that kept me invested in the story.

The romance itself was a bit slow to start with so much hesitation that I grew bored.  There were big issues that were tackled with tenderness and tact and for that I was truly grateful.  It's clear that Ben and Elias were good for one another, it was just all the contrived angst that was over the top and decreased my enjoyment.  Their outcome was pretty wonderful though, and it was a great ending that suited the men, the situation, and the family they wanted so much to help.

Ben Turner is besotted with the handsome older man who’s always in his bakery. They have nothing in common…until one day Ben discovers he’s an overnight millionaire, and his customer could become his protector. But they hardly know each other. He’d be crazy to accept his help, right?

Lawyer Elias Solomon knows his crush on the beautiful young baker is ridiculous, but when he suspects Ben is being taken advantage of, he can’t help but step in. Elias’s upcoming fortieth birthday has made him adventurous, but he never imagined he’d accompany Ben all the way to England.

Ben has never even heard of his great-grandmother Nancy, his corrupt and bitter English family, their enormous home and orchard grounds, or the business they run from it. All of which he now apparently owns. It’s up to Ben to save the estate with Elias’s help, but does he want the responsibility? All he really wants is to fall into Elias’s bed and never leave, and soon the chemistry is too much to ignore. Elias can’t see how they’ll make it work when they’re from different generations. But when old rivalries take a dangerous turn, he soon realizes he’ll do anything to keep Ben safe from harm…and in his arms.

Heavenly Melody: A Snow Globe Christmas Book 7, Sammi Cee

I was caught by both men right from the start.  There was a bit of hesitation on Zach's part for me, but only because he held himself back whereas Avi was all out there 100% of the time.  He wore his heart on his sleeve and couldn't keep a secret from his face if his life depended on it.  I actually like that quality because it's incredibly honest.

The connection between both men was instantaneous and they slowly explored what that meant for them.  It began with concern, attraction, and friendship.  A crazy idea gave them a bit more of a romantic push and it was just what they needed to find the partner of their hearts.

There were moments of grief that were simply and well written that captured exactly what Zach needed to experience and with Avi's history, he was the perfect person to give comfort and empathy when it was needed.

Even with the cute and very obvious meddling of friends, they were drawn together all on their own and I really enjoyed their pacing despite the short story length.  The familial reunion/reconciliation felt a little rushed, but in no way forced.  I liked that Zach's support group and idea of family was opened and broadened with Avi's subtle influence.  It was clear that they really were perfect for one another and all of it worked together to bring a whole lot of warmth to the story and to me while I read.

*$2.99 on Amazon

When you’re holding hope in the palm of your hands…

The holiday season is Avi Layton’s favorite time of the year. In his opinion, there’s nothing better than offering hope to those he meets at the local soup kitchen. When Zachary Smith, the new volunteer with sorrow-filled brown eyes, is uncomfortable attending a Christmas Party, Avi offers to be his fake date.

When one date turns into two, will the spirit of the season reveal a whole new path for both men—together?

Damaged Hearts: The Boys of Venice Beach Book 1, Jan St. Marcus

Life doesn't always end up how we plan.  For Michelangelo and Brandon it seems that life is the complete opposite of how we'd hoped to live, but in their moments of grief and fatalism they find someone to lift them up and give them something new to hope for.

They didn't have a meet-cute, that's for sure, but what brought them together was something that both men needed.  For Mike it was doing something for someone else that opened a door to more.  For Brandon, it was a chance for someone to care that he was alive and worth that care.  The romantic portion of their story was a bit of a slow-burn with a lot of confusing feelings that kept them on edge until they admitted what they were feeling and grasped it tightly with both hands.

I can't say I'm a fan of their voices.  Their young age was incredibly apparent both in expectations and expressions.  And it was their inner voice that kind of irritated because I felt like I was reading the rambling, slightly vapid thoughts of a teenager.  Well, in Brandon's case that's an accurate age, but it felt younger, like early high school and I felt that was inappropriate to the life Brandon led.  It was immaturity that came across rather than simply youth.  Sometimes, especially in Brandon's case, they would seem to break the fourth wall so it was confusing in its narrative because it would jump from describing thoughts, feelings, sights, impressions, etc. to inviting the reader in as if they were talking to us specifically.  The flow wasn't exactly smooth.

If we took out the drama, the government involvement, the Grant bits of the story, I don't believe there was enough development of the characters or their relationship to support the story's intent.  We get distracted by all the stuff going on around and behind the scenes and lose sight of the actual relationship building stuff that will make me believe they're solid, healing, and good for the long-haul.

Overall though, the story was nice with surprisingly little angst and a lot of honesty.  The language and voice were less-than awesome, but I didn't not like the story and while I thought there could have been more balance and depth, it was a pleasant read.

*$3.99 on Amazon

When 19-year-old military veteran Brandon Hawkins is attacked on Venice Beach by a gang of frat boys, he is saved by Michelangelo Curtis, a passerby.

Michelangelo was roaming the boardwalk grieving the death of his twin brother six months earlier. The two men’s unexpected encounter forges a strong bond between the damaged and lonely men.

Inviting the homeless Bran to his place for some food and a shower, 25-year-old Michelangelo finds himself drawn to the younger man. Neither of the men is gay. But before long, their friendship morphs into something like love and takes them both by surprise.

And they have something else in common: The frat boys are out for revenge.

Hot Chocolate Kisses: A Snow Globe Christmas Book 9, Jackie North

First impressions are not always correct, especially if you're coming from a place of past hurt and current frustration.  Alex and Cory both have their own demons to fight before they can feel the magic of Christmas and a love neither man was expecting.

Cory was interesting right from the start.  He had a whole life that wasn't always synonymous with trouble, but grief and being alone spelled out a whole lot of it.  I love the idea of a second chance at life when you're really trying to become the best version of yourself.  While he sees himself as worth so much less than everyone else he's still trying.  Attempting to do it independently is admirable, though a bit unwise as he learns that support and love are more important than pride.  His evolution is one of subtle changes as he tries to give another lonely man what might cheer him up and possibly open a path for more between them.

Alex is far less open to the idea of more as his own pride and hurt color his every interaction with Cory until he truly sees the man beneath the "bruiser" appearance.  I had a far harder time connecting to Alex because he had an annoying inability to sincerely apologize.  He never tried to make amends for his crappy attitude and hurtful words to Cory.  Sure, we could see a little flicker of remorse every once in a while, but no action was made to correct his uncharitable behavior.  Only when he opened his home to a very hurt Cory did we see that things could get better for him, and them by extension.  His icy edges were slowly thawed under the constant warmth of Cory's gigantic heart.

They were a good pair and my frustrations with Alex were overshadowed by how much I enjoyed Cory in all of his vulnerability and seeming flaws.  The whole community gave the idea of living in a small town merit, where perhaps everyone knows everyone else's business but they use that information to find ways to love and serve instead of gossip and judge.  I loved the warmth of the setting and the essence of what the holiday spirit really is as it was apparent in so much of we saw and experienced in this story.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Alex had to leave the mean streets of Chicago in a hurry. Now he's weathering his first Christmas in a small town in Colorado.

Cory had a boyfriend and now he doesn't, which means the Christmas holiday is turning out to be the loneliest he's had in years.

When they meet at a Holiday Fair, Alex finds himself being drawn into Cory's world. A world where there is grace to be found in a simple, home-cooked meal, books read out loud by firelight, and the golden glow of welcome.

Alex has never wanted anything as tame as hearth and home. Now that he wants it, it's not anything he can have. Nothing feels he deserves, at any rate.

Can Cory and the Spirit of Christmas Present prove to Alex that love is love?

Terror by Moonlight: Critter Catchers Book 1, Hank Edwards

This particular story sets the tone for the series and while I don't think every aspect was pulled off, it was kind of exciting to read when the action was happening, the MC's were becoming interesting, and the will-they-won't-they is at its most basic.

Cody is incredibly childish.  From the way he treats women, Demetrius, and his responsibilities to his childish antics and reactions it's clear that no one, including Demetrius has given him the kick in the pants he needs to grow up.  Not even a werewolf can get him to do it either.  While I don't necessarily like him, I do find myself curious to see when and how he gets his head out of a certain orifice and where it belongs.  I don't think it'll come at a point where it's actually too late, but I'm really hoping to see some serious character evolution with him.

Demetrius is another matter.  I think he's so mired in his own perception of things that he's going to nearly miss all the opportunities to have more with Cody sooner rather than later.  His enabling of his best friend's behavior is going to snap, I can feel it, and I'm hoping the snap comes from his desire to be less of an insecure doormat and not from the paranormal creatures that have a knack for finding and tormenting him and Cody.

The creature aspect was a bit predictable in terms of what we were looking for, but not in the who-is-it bit.  There were intimations a little later in the story, but only after the way-too-obvious-to-be-the-culprit person was brought in to throw us all off.  I was actually hoping the super-obviously-not-the-bad-guy was going to be the bad guy.  Part of me thinks that would have been a good twist because I'd be expecting it to be someone else since the "revelations" were coming on pretty thick.  Having a large group of people know what was actually happening and for the MC's to only discover that fact when things were going down bloody is a thread that may or may not continue throughout the series and I'm curious to see if that'll be brushed under the rug or not.

Overall this was an entertaining story that didn't have a lot of depth but does have potential.  It's an interesting start to say the least.  I'm pretty sure I'll be back for more.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Cody Bower and Demetrius Singleton have been friends for over twenty years even though they are polar opposites. Cody is tall, handsome, athletic, and straight, and Demetrius is average height, more of a thinker, and gay. They have started an animal control business together and have to figure out how to be business partners without letting it affect their friendship, but that’s the least of their problems. When one of their first clients ends up brutally murdered in what appears to be an animal attack, the two realize something big and dangerous is stalking their tiny town of Parson’s Hollow, and it’s up to them to catch it before it kills again.

The Snow Dragon's Mate: Lonely Dragons Club Book 2, Silvia Violet

The amount of steam in this short story is incredible.  Sometimes it pulled focus from the romantic build, but these kinds of stories generally follow the same romantic formula by starting with the lust and ending with the love.  It's not a bad or ineffective approach, it's just a bit predictable.

Holden is a sassy omega who has a heap of hurt to heal if he's really going to chase after his HEA.  Kymar is a dissatisfied playboy (play-dragon?) who wants a mate but isn't sure how to go about finding one of his own.  Together they are an incredibly sweet pairing with crazy amounts of chemistry.

I liked the simple evolution of the story and especially Kymar's guileless love of the snow and commitment to his mate.  Both of those traits sold me on him as an individual.  While Holden's emotional reaction to getting stuck in the snow is a little much for me, I do extremely appreciate his forthright honesty instead of a typical response of defensiveness.  I can't say I was captivated by the characters, but I did quite like them on a surface level.  I think they had massive potential on their own and together but were hampered by the length of the story.

The other dragons are quite interesting and I'd be interested to see more from the Lonely Dragons Club because the ones I met here are sweet, toppy, and so very eager to find the partner of their souls.  On its own, this story does stand, though I will probably say that for enjoyment of the club on the whole, reading the other books in the series sure wouldn't go amiss.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Best Christmas gift ever: Finding out dragons exist and one of them is your fated mate.
Kymar
Weary from centuries spent searching for my mate, I hid away in a mountain cabin until an offer from a friend leads me to the most exquisite omega I have ever seen. From the moment our eyes meet, all I want is to make him mine. A well-timed storm leaves him stranded in my lair, but when the snow melts, he insists on returning to his human life. I’m convinced we’re fated for one another. Can I make this stubborn young man believe it too?

Holden
I rode on a dragon’s back. A real, live dragon. In his human form, Kymar is so gorgeous I can hardly breathe around him. I’m drawn to him by a force too strong to ignore, but, magical creature or not, I can’t get involved with him. Happiness never lasts. I’ve learned that lesson again and again. After I walk away, my longing to return grows worse every day until I start to wonder if I can find to courage to believe what my heart and my dragon say is true—Kymar and I are meant to be together.