Tried & True: THIRDS Book 10, Charlie Cochet

There was a lot of time spent on closure in this one, which is completely understandable as we're sort of closing the THIRDS chapter of Dex and Sloane's crazy ride.  The way it was included was a bit eye-roll inducing because it was a lot of touchy-feely stuff that honestly gave way too many hints as to the bad guy in this particular book.  Extolling someone's virtues a little too heavily felt a bit clumsy to me and while I think there was a better way to go about things, I will admit that it was particularly effective to demonstrate the depth of betrayal everyone will have felt when Dex figured out the connections.

It wouldn't be a Dex and Sloane story without a ton of crazy action and a lot of steamy moments and in that Tried & True did not disappoint.  The crazy action involved a few more changes in Dex's therian expression and I can't properly convey my excitement for how totally badass he is and is sure to become as he takes everything from TIN that he possibly can.  Despite that bit of awesomeness, I think there was a little too much action going on and it detracted from the wedding we've all been waiting for for at least three books prior.  The setting worked, the betrayal, kidnappings, and explosions all came together well, but it did feel like overkill because it was all of it only broken up by Dex and Sloane having the emotional parts of their journey summed up in long pages.  Well, there were the sexy times, but they didn't contribute enough of a balance for my liking.

I'm sad to be ending this part of the journey, but I'm also truly excited for where we're going.  With so many warnings to Dex and Sloane of the darkness that awaits them and cautions against letting that darkness swallow Dex's light I just know we're in for even more crazy as we follow them into the TIN chapter of their lives.  We've gotten so big up to now that I don't know where we'll go from here, but I think I can imagine some breadth and depth waiting for us and I don't imagine a better way to move on from the THIRDS.

*$4.99 on Amazon

When THIRDS agent Dexter J. Daley met Team Leader Sloane Brodie, he couldn’t have imagined how slamming into his new partner—literally—would shake both their worlds. Now four years later, they’ve faced dangers, fought battles both personal and professional… and fallen deeply in love. Now their big moment is finally in sight, and they’re ready to stand up together and make it official. Unfortunately, as the countdown to their big day begins, an enemy declares war on the THIRDS….

With their family in danger, Dex and Sloane are put to the test on how far into darkness they’ll walk to save those they love. As secrets are unearthed, a deadly betrayal is revealed, and Dex and Sloane must call on their Destructive Delta family for one last hurrah to put an end to the secret organization responsible for so much devastation.

Dex and Sloane will have plenty of bullets to dodge on the way to the altar, but with happiness within their grasp, they are determined to get there come hell or high water….

Dragon Lost: Dark Kings Book 16.5, Donna Grant

 

What I loved about this story that I felt was lacking and dismissive in other full novels in the series was the inclusion of family.  While Lily's family was peripherally mentioned in Night's Blaze because Kyle played such a pivotal role, most everyone else's family was pretty much abandoned because there would be too many questions when aging became an issue.  Heaven forbid they keep in touch before that happens, but the justification of the danger surrounding them was thin at best.  In Dragon Lost integrated Annita's family really well giving them enough information to feel safe with their daughter following the prophecy while not overwhelming and endangering them.

Annita's family was fantastic on their own as they played an incredible role and were included, considered.  They were supportive and open and as encouraging as they could be.  Having something deep and abiding can only be a benefit not just to Annita, but to the Kings as a whole.  Isolating themselves from potential allies in any form was an error that they are realizing far too late in the game.

The cavern scene where Royden shows Annita his past is something incredibly unique in the series.  No king up to this point has had something so completely untouched, a place or thing that connected the past with the dragon, with the now, and with the mate.  Passion did follow the reveal, but it was the wholly unique experience that was moving.

One bit of information on the Others made me think I missed something in the preceding stories, but it was insight only brought up as Royden was telling Annita their story up to that point.  Having re-read every story from the entire Dark World stories in order over the last few days up to posting this review I know I didn't miss anything.  Anyway, it was a moment that took me out of the story until I realized it was something new.

For such a short story to feel so full and complete with a very different storyline as the series both ramps up and winds down this was so well done and incredibly memorable.  Its simplicity and the way it feels out of place is actually its strength as it focuses on the romance and how mates strengthen their dragon kings rather than divides and distracts them from the threat of the Others.  For the family aspect alone this has such a high rating for me and I'm ready again to jump into the next book of the series.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Destinies can’t be ignored. No one knows that better than Annita. For as long as she can remember, it's been foretold she would find a dragon. A real-life dragon. She’s beginning to think it was all some kind of mistake until she’s swimming in one of the many caves around the island and discovers none other than a dragon. There is no fear as she approaches, utterly transfixed at the sight of the creature. Then he shifts into the shape of a thoroughly gorgeous man who spears her with bright blue eyes. In that instant, she knows her destiny has arrived. And the dragon holds the key to everything.

All Royden wanted was to find an item his brother buried when they were children. It was supposed to be a quick and simple trip, but he should’ve known nothing would be easy with enemies like the Dragon Kings have. Royden has no choice but to trust the beguiling woman who tempts him like no other. And in doing so, they unleash a love so strong, so pure that nothing can hold it back.

Remember That Winter, Riley Knight

Both men were missing something and a case of amnesia gave them a chance to put things right.  Patience, shared moments, and a whole lot of steamy encounters served to bring them together after a fifteen year absence.  What initially drove them apart almost has the power to do it a second time, but if they find the courage to make a different choice this time around they just might get the future their hearts need.

At times their miscommunications and withheld feelings got in their way and I can't say I was a fan of that, but their desire to be together won out over everything else in the end.  It wasn't a simple journey to get to that point though, so there were a few obstacles to overcome along their way. 

Closets aren't a fun place to conduct a relationship and it's not without good reason that Jack didn't want their town to know about them.  I struggled with Miles' insistence that everything had to be his way.  His lack of empathy and his juvenile attitude about many things were more detrimental to their relationship than Jack's fear of coming out of the closet.  It was honestly difficult for me to like Miles, even up until the very end I struggled with his personality.

Jack had his cowardly moments, that's for sure, but I think it was far easier to forgive his cowardice in the face of him being truly aware of the dangers than of Miles' insistence that Jack dive in head first into a community that could destroy everything (and almost did).  And for Miles to be upset that Jack didn't jump in with his fists was a bit much to expect.  I think Jack could have stood up for his friend with words, especially in his own place of business, and for that I was disappointed in him, but I wasn't team Miles in the least either.

Overall this wasn't a bad story in the least, it was quite pleasant and the steam really did feel genuine between the MC's.  Their relationship was based on mutual love that eventually came out alright with a lot of maternal interference in various ways.  Everything worked out for the best even if it was a little too "perfect" having someone to give them all the answers.  It's undeniable that both men really needed one another and I was glad they finally got it all worked out.

*99¢ on Amazon

They say you can’t go home again… but what if home is the only key to secrets locked behind an amnesiac past?

Miles Blackburn and Jack Barnes were best friends, until they were more. But after a tragic accident, that’s all Miles can even remember about his former life. In the search to find the missing pieces of a history forgotten, Miles has only one place left to go-- home.

Jack never expected to see his best friend again. When they’re finally reunited, Miles doesn’t even remember who he is. But could this be a chance to rewrite their history? Is his heart strong enough to survive what could happen if they try love again, just one more time?

Power Twist: Power Play Book 2, Kennedy L. Mitchell

Kennedy L. Mitchell is back with

Randi and Trey.

The campaign is won,

but how can she stop the disaster

she knows is coming?

February 20th, 2020...

Book Two – POWER TWIST

Release Date: February 20, 2020

With the campaign over, a new devious challenge awaits.

I thought the toughest part was behind us.  Stupid me.  Now I have to live with the consequences of winning, some that make me regret ever stepping foot in this city.  Day one in office I learn of the president's true plan, one so manipulative I can't allow it to come to fruition.  But with zero allies to call on, I'll need to work with my enemies to stand a chance at stopping him.

At least I have Trey, even if our scorching-hot affair can only happen in secret.  Until the best part of my new life makes his own deal with a devil, I'm forced to make a choice.  I can't have it all in this power game they've woven, and watching me flounder is just part of their sick fun.  Or can I play the game, change the rules, and have everything in the end?

Too bad for me, luck has never been on my side.  It's sink or swim here in D.C., and I'm the idiot wearing cement shoes to this party.

Power Twist is the second book in the five-book Power Play series offering more twists, turns, and HEAT.  Each book CANNOT be read as a standalone. All five books follow one main couple's relationship as it grows through a five-year time period. It's suspenseful, steamy, and oh so unputdownable.

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!
*$3.99 on Amazon!

About Kennedy

Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

Follow Kennedy...

AMAZON

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB

TWITTER

WEBSITE

NEWSLETTER

How to Vex a Vampire: VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Book 1, Alice Winters

Yet again, Alice has created a cast I'm absolutely addicted to.  From Finn's shenanigans to Marcus' allowance, to every other vamipre dhampir on the team and in the family, I just can't seem to get enough!  So the story isn't perfect, but I kind of just don't care at all because I had such a good time reading the story.  There were a ton of things to love while there were only a couple issues that reduced "believability"...if one can believe that the world Alice created and the species present is actually, uh, believable.

So on to the praise!!

I'm in awe of how Alice can create a snarky, ridiculous, hilarious, charming, vulnerable lead each and every time and have them still be unique and captivating on their own.  They're all so utterly fantastic.  With Finn we have an incredible amount of vulnerability with his limbs and the cause as well as the fact that his nightmare really isn't over.  And then there are his antics that are stupidly funny and make me wish to be at least a little like him.  His natural setting to annoy and yet charm are what make him endearing to the team that never thought he'd fit.  The way he gets Marcus to go along with his crazy is both confusing and completely obvious, as if there is any other way to be once you get sucked into Finn's orbit.

The dots...so many connections to be made and while there were a couple distracted moments where they should have seen something coming, the connections made along the way were appropriate and no one played the dunce.  No one played the ignorant fool that so many authors use to kind of portray the obliviousness they hope the audience embodies.

Progressing the relationship could have been straightforward, but with characters like Finn and Marcus a lot more work had to go into it all.  I liked how it progressed, that there was a bit of push and pull and then the futility of fighting it brought them crashing together in all their passionate and awkward glory.  There was quite a bit of humor to be had while they were getting up to their sexy times too.  Though I can't say that their sexual chemistry in the actual bedroom was incendiary, there were some amazing moments of tenderness that went a long way to helping Finn appreciate and be open with his physical state and believing Marcus' enjoyment of Finn as a whole being.

There were two main conflicts in the story and they each had enough attention to keep a fluid story line and to give a great lead-in to the continuation.  Except how a college student could create a chemical in a casually-used lab with only a club affiliation and a bunch of textbooks, I'll never know.  Wrapping that up was a bit too tidy with the few pages of explanation before we get to the really big cliffhanger in regards to Finn's other issue.  Overall though, I think the story really worked well and the focus was well-placed all throughout.  I seriously CANNOT WAIT for book two to get here!!!

*$5.00 on Amazon!

Finn
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part; what’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner, an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it, and Marcus—or as I like to call him, Fangy McFangface—would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not. But what he doesn’t know is that I didn’t join the unit because I was tired of being a homicide detective, I joined because there is someone after me. They’ve already taken enough from me and I’m afraid they’re going to take all of me if I don’t find someone to help. That’s all Marcus was supposed to be, but now, he’s so much more and I can’t imagine my life without him.

Marcus
The moment the pesky human walked through that door, I knew I had to get rid of him. He’s charming and almost everyone else instantly loves him, but he doesn’t understand how risky it is being part of this unit as a human. But as I get to know the stubborn man, I learn that perhaps he’s not as naive as I once thought. And maybe he’s what I needed to realize there is more to life than just work and my dog. A group arises who is threatening to disrupt the alliance between the humans and the vampires, but Finn is the one who shows me how strong that alliance can be and reminds me why it’s worth protecting. When threats hit closer to home, I realize I would do anything for Finn because he’s brought so much joy to my life—and because he’s mine.

This 105k word book contains: A creative use for undergarments, unintentional splits, a wolfhound who just wants to be a part of things, a vertically challenged human who still manages to wrap every vampire he meets around his little finger, the best date ever, possessiveness, really awkward dancing, some workplace revenge, and just a bite or two. Or three.

A Wolf Reborn: Blue Moon Shifters Book 1, Isha Fang

I was so incredibly confused.  There was so much that distracted from the flow of the story, the characters got in their own way so dang often, the romantic progression was extremely frustrating, the plot didn't feel focused, and the characters weren't compelling on their own.  The potential came from the incredibly unique ideas that were attempted and the implications for the future that came right at the end of this story.  While I wasn't a fan of how everything was integrated, with some objective editing and streamlining, this series could improve immensely and would be worth a second look.

I don't really want this review to seem more like a rant, but there are some glaring issues that bother me enough to feel it important enough to include so as to caution potential readers of possible struggles.  So with that introduction...on to the not-rant!

The pack dynamics were really convoluted with so many links, relationships, hierarchies, and crossovers.  There was a severe lack of clarity that left me trying to accept confusion rather than parse out who was what and why they were important.  Similarly there was a cultural element here that tried way too hard to be poetic and poignant.  The explanations and practices were nice in theory, but poorly executed and served as a confusion as to why so much of that was important because the culture wasn't truly connected to the plot or the MC's despite the blood relation.

Cillin was ... strange?  He seemed older and focused and put-together, but as soon as his mate is discovered, it's like he becomes a different person.  His stunned moments where he internally freaks out are bizarre, his interactions with Conor are baffling, and his inner dialogues with his wolf are a little more codependent than I'm comfortable with.  And what is with the descriptions, explanations, and the scene with his Fbuddy?  Completely unnecessary and just left me feeling icky when we kinda roll back around to the non-building of his relationship with Conor...which is a whole other thing.  Time jumps, holding back, a bizarre heat, unvoiced feelings, drama and trauma, adoptions...what else can we include but not integrate?

There are quite a few threads that are picked up and left to dangle in the wind only to be brought back up with an unsatisfactory integration.  Cillin is supposed to have a lunch with his father? grandfather? someone regarding the Blue Moon shifter thing that we never read about in any way and then during a cultural ceremony with Conor's family it gets brought up in a way that leaves me with more questions than answers, and not in an intriguing way that would bring me back to the series for more.  And the whole thing with Mark's alpha is kind of given a response after the truly crazy is revealed, but there's no real closure there at all.  That whole convoluted mess is too big to be wrapped up with a couple sentences and yet that's what we're given.

And then there's the voice.  Cillin starts off with a sage sounding voice, but then modern slang and vernacular is tossed in which doesn't fit at all with who we meet initially.  They're supposed to be in Boston but no one sounds like they're from Boston.  There are references and languages being tossed around from Ireland and India and it confuses the entire location at every turn.  With no flow in the dialogues it was so hard to want to keep reading.

What's with all the fainting?  I mean, at certain times it's appropriate, and sometimes with being pregnant there's a bloodflow issue at times (I had very low blood pressure with my second so I get feeling faint), but to completely faint as often as Conor does was excessive to say the least.  None of it served any purpose except to make me feel that Conor was weak which did nothing to give me any hope that he'll actually live up to the powers and responsibility he'll have in the books to come.

Ultimately, the end was the best part with making me want to learn more about the powers and implications of the future.  Who else will be Blue Moon, what will they do, how will everything come together?  I didn't love this story, but felt mildly interested in what will come next.  I wish so hard that this was as good as I had hoped it would be, but that was not the case.

*$3.99 on Amazon

An Omega who thinks he's broken and cannot have a mate.
An Alpha who is ready to find his destined mate!

Conor:
An accident turns violent and ends with me in the hospital. I thought nothing else dramatic could happen.
I was wrong.
My doctor turned out to be everything I crave, but everything I’m afraid of.
I’m nothing special, just an omega that can’t shift.
Cillin is an alpha.
I can’t understand why he wants me and yet, he keeps pulling me in.


Cillin:
What was meant to be a normal day at the hospital turned into the most important one of my life. Working in the ER isn’t a glamorous job, but one I love, and treating patients is an everyday occurrence.
Until the patient turns out to be my fated.
Too late to turn back now; I’ve imprinted on him.
Now, I just have to convince him to stay. He may not see it but I know he’s special.

Will they find their way to each other?
Will fate prove the omega is not broken?
Or will they lose each other forever?

Austin: Single Dads Club Book 4, Candice Blake

Where the previous book felt like there was disconcerting pressure to get a straight boy into the sack, this one features pressure with an age and power imbalance.  I wish this could be called a vast improvement on the previous story, but I was so very disappointed.  I could have liked Brayden if not for Austin being who he was in the story.  It has nothing to do with the father's-best-friend trope, or even the age gap, it has everything to do with Austin's lack of respect, boundaries, and good sense.

Brayden is a promising young athlete that's being a typical young college freshman.  While I can turn a blind eye to underage drinking on a college campus, I'm far less forgiving of Austin encouraging it as a father figure, teacher, coach, and supposedly responsible adult.  Brayden's lack of time management, his quick temper, his enthusiasm, his budding talent -- all of it spoke to a young man on the cusp of learning what it's like to truly adult for the first time and I think he should have been given the chance to do that.

Austin is supposed to be Clayton's best friend, but the lack of respect, the judgment, the confrontations, none of it spoke to friend-like behavior.  Yes, we see the truth of our friends, but to gossip, judge, and berate them behind their backs to anyone, let alone their children, is dispicable.  Getting to know Brayden's hangups is fine, but featuring Clayton's parental foibles in such a negative light was bad form and demeaning.

The sexual situations made me mildly uncomfortable because of Austin's insistence on their roles, his dishonesty, and his utter disrespect for boundaries in Clayton's home.  All of it culminated in a rather unsavory feeling that coated each of their more passionate moments.  What could have been a really beautiful relationship felt tainted by the behaviors, attitudes, and sordid manner in which Austin comported himself.

There were some really sweet moments in the story that made this better than Clayton's story, so lest you think I detested everything, I didn't.  Brayden standing up for himself with both his father and Austin were great moments of independent thought and passionate feelings.  Clayton's love for his son was there as well and his care for his son was evident in his desire to connect with him and how much he missed him.  Westley was soft, sweet, and a good partner in this story.  There were things to like here, but my enjoyment was eclipsed by many disappointments.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Austin: Hockey is life.

As a forty-five-year-old divorced single dad, being the varsity hockey coach is the only thing that still brings me joy. When I’m on the ice, I feel so alive and for those precious moments, I can forget about all my shortcomings.

Because of my dedication to my players, we are the league’s reigning champions.

When my best friend's son, Brayden, tries out, I don't know if there's room for his ego and cockiness on my all-star line-up. But Brayden ignites something inside me that I haven't felt since my divorce.

The attraction doesn’t—and shouldn’t—make any sense. I'd previously been married to a woman and Brayden is half my age.

I'm supposed to push my players' boundaries to their absolute limit, but this boundary I'm pushing with Brayden is definitely out-of-bounds.

It’s only a matter of time until Brayden's dad finds out…

Brayden: Austin's my coach…and my dad’s best friend.

There's something about Austin's boldness as a coach that makes me feel some kind of way.

After many 6:00 a.m. practices with Austin, our coach-player relationship grows into something much more.

This attraction to my coach is sudden. It feels like I'm getting body-checked hard out of nowhere.

There's no doubt we shouldn't be together at all. But even though I want to stop, it feels like we’re colliding on the rink at sixty miles an hour.

If anyone finds out, my dream of playing in the varsity league will be over faster than it began…

Gummy Bears & Grenades: THIRDS Novella, Charlie Cochet

It would seem the shenanigans that find Dex are both of his making and completely random coincidences that are just as drawn to him as Sloane is.  I'm not sure there's anything Dex could do to live just one normal day and I'm not sure I'd have it any other way either.

The title is extremely apt for the crazy that Dex finds himself chasing.  (And can I just say how much I dislike this new cover?  The other new ones are tolerable, but this one is rather...unfortunate because it's both unattractive and a spoiler that ruins the obvious surprise that is arranged for Dex.)  Dex's love of gummy bears gets him into trouble this time and while he's totally in the right, it's the way he goes about trying to get a handle on the situation that makes it purely Dex and utterly ridiculous.  But it's the newscast that captures the most embarrassing part of it all that is the icing on the cake and embodies everything we've come to love and expect.

The consequences of the hilarity however, bring a more solemn feel to all that Dex now is and will need to consider as he and Sloane move forward together in life and in their careers.  There's a whole lot more to think about as he jumps into the fray and despite his new training, which we get to see with another encounter during this story, he's still at risk.

What I'm interested in that this story introduces is not just the genetic risks they're as yet unaware of, but the newer group that has plans that are still mostly shadowed.  A whole lot of questions are being brought up that bear significant weight and signify a whole new enemy and mystery that seems too large to be wrapped up in the next, and last, book of this series arc.  For such a short story there's an incredible amount of information, capers, and surprises included.  This was an amusing, exciting, and sweet addition to the series and I'll be on the edge of my seat to see how everything culminates and concludes in Tried & True.

$2.99 on Amazon

 

THIRDS agent Dexter J. Daley can’t wait to marry his fiancé, Team Leader Sloane Brodie, but first he’s looking forward to celebrating his bachelor party—which he intends to be a shenanigans-free evening of getting his groove on with family and friends.

Of course events don’t work out as planned, but for Dex that’s nothing new. One thing is for sure, dodging drug dealers and hired thugs amid booze, dancing—and even a bear costume—will guarantee it’s a night Dex will never forget. Now he just needs to survive all the fun.

Second Chance, Barbara Elsborg

Honestly, the T-Rex t-shirts were my favorite parts of the story. I had to stop reading so I could laugh really hard out loud to appreciate the awesomeness of those images. I HAVE to find shirts like them.

But on to my thoughts about the story. I thought I would struggle more with the first condition set for the bargain, but it turned into something that was both sexy and endearing. The viewers, besides Padraig(?), weren't really participating in a disturbing way so I could believe in the intention, feelings, and pressures of the moment.

The MC's were both interesting and intriguing. They became memorable in their own ways and really were a fantastic pairing. The uncertainties brought on by the circumstances of their meeting were predictable, but it was the reaction to them that pushed the story from being good to great for me. Feelings were handled well and the moments they were expressed were perfect for them as a couple. The interference by Nico was integrated especially well in how it both complicated as guided.

Overall I was shocked in a fantastic way by how the angst, tenderness, honesty, and healing were woven together in a wonderful story. The author is incredible with their talent for that kind of writing and to see them test it out in a new genre for them was a happy surprise that I'm totally on board with. Looking forward to more!

*$4.00 on Amazon

Ryder’s on the company bonding trip from hell, five days of competitive cycling with competitive colleagues and an even more competitive boss. Faced with yet another vertical climb, he ignores his uninvited, insistent inner cheerleader. No, he cannot keep up, and what’s more, he’s had enough. And the weather appears to agree he should stop, when sun turns in an instant to thick fog.

Callan’s at Whittaker’s Auction House to bid on fae land that his werewolf pack need as their new home, when an unsuspecting human stumbles through the door. Ryder is out of breath, out of luck, way out of his depth—and apparently the newest item on the auctioneer’s block. Unexpectedly tempting, if Callan had the money.

As the bidding heats up and Ryder proves dangerously irresistible to the assembled supernatural creatures, the situation grows more and more precarious. When Callan interferes, he puts his pack’s future in peril. Despite knowing how devious faeries can be, desperation makes Callan accept a deal, a chance to win the land for his pack and a future with Ryder. But it’s a risk. Possibly a deadly one.

This is not 'just another Valentine's story', it's a Barbara Elsborg Valentine's story (ish). So don't expect the usual sonnets and flowers and Cupids, but do expect the unexpected - vampires, weres, witches and warlocks. Oh, and a vengeful fae. Things are not quite as they may seem. You have been warned!

Trust No Alpha: Omega Misfits Book 1, Wendy Rathbone

Kris and Thorne have both had their struggles, that's for sure.  Both of their tragedies work to bring them together, a true match that seems written in the stars with how perfect they can be for one another.  Nothing is ever simple though, and they'll have to face their fears to grasp the happiness that could be theirs in the face of a very serious threat that could tear them apart.

A gilded cage is still a cage and Kris' is no exception.  His whole life is upended and it was an incredibly awful surprise to find that his family would do what they did.  Him finding Thorne was definitely Providence at work.  It took him a little while to come out of his shell with Thorne, but I felt the progression worked there.  Dealing with the Burn fell into the predictable category for these types of stories, but the carry-out of the scenes were done really well and felt right for both men.

Thorne has had a difficult road as well, but a bit more of his own making.  His genetic condition was a burden for sure, but with everything that Kris is it was actually exactly what both men needed.  I wish the scene where that issue was put to rest were more than it was.  A situation that used exactly what Kris is would have been vastly more entertaining and meaningful than the mild, "oh, poor Thorne for loathing himself so hard" revelation.  Despite that moment though, I liked Thorne.  He was a more strong and silent type that worked to provide a safe place for Kris to bloom.

Even though there were some really difficult moments that were disturbing (in a general content way, not that the writing or story itself was disturbing), there were so many moments of strength in Kris and tenderness in Thorne that went a long way to making this story stand out and work really well.  It's my favorite of the series so far.

*$3.99 on Amazon

It’s a world gone mad. The Alphas are out of control.
When you discover you’re not who you thought you were, the nightmare begins.

KRIS

At age eighteen, life as he knows it is over for Kris. A secret to his nature he was not aware of has been revealed.
Now, kept as a prisoner in a locked room in the mansion of his wealthy father, Kris is at the mercy of Alpha laws and Alpha domination.
Things take a turn for the worse when his own litter mate threatens him, and his father starts behaving strangely around him.
Escape is his only hope. But where can he go in a world that allows him no rights?

THORNE

Marked as a dangerous Alpha, and living a secluded life alone and unloved, Thorne still grieves for the mate whose death he feels responsible for.
Years have passed, and he refuses to even try to function in normal society.
One day he discovers a young man on his property, disheveled, desperate, and scared. He acts like a runaway Omega, but he doesn’t smell like one.
What is this boy? And why does Thorne feel an immediate need to protect him? To bond him? To make him his?

Fake it 'Til You Make Out: Love & Luck Book 1, Isla Olsen

I'm a huge fan of the fake relationship and friends-to-lovers tropes so I was already pretty sold on the premise alone, but I was definitely not expecting to love it as much as I did.  There were a couple points that really bothered me, but on the whole it was the banter, the sexiness, the acceptance, the love that won me over so completely.

Oh geez.  Those texts!!  I think I died a few times with all the hilarious back-and-forth between everyone.  The sexy times were filled with both passion and humor and Heath constantly surprised me with how much openness he had toward his sudden enlightenment.  I have a harder time with the angst that comes with self-judgment due to attraction outside of monogamous heterosexual leanings because it often quickly slides into a blind judgment of everyone that doesn't fit archaic societal views of sexual normality because they refuse to accept themselves being anything other than that.  Heath was a little shocked, a whole lot interested, and accepted himself without prejudice.  A lot of that was because of who he was experiencing everything with.

Declan wasn't the stereotypical best friend that secretly harbors lust or love that has to be denied in order to keep the friendship.  He's a happy, mostly settled, gay male that just hasn't found his person yet.  When he finally sees that Heath is his person, he's surprised that they took so long to get together, but still took most things in stride.  I really enjoyed that aspect of this story.  But how he handled the Joel situation was bad.  Knowing Heath and what drove him to fabricate the relationship in the first place should have immediately gave Declan pause.  He didn't have to share Joel's situation, but to at least give Heath some kind of heads up instead of flat out lying?  Hell to the no.  The denials and secrets were absolutely unnecessary.

I wish so much that the Big Mis hadn't preyed on Heath's insecurities, but I will concede that the question brought up about trusting Dec because of who Dec is and what they've had together for most of their lives, even before romance entered the picture was appropriate.  And the reunion scene, while mildly humorous with the full-body tackle, was a picture I don't think Heath needed to walk in on because, from his perspective and what he saw both previously and here, no matter the reasoning, was misleading enough that Declan should have made more of an effort to be the friend more than the miffed lover.

Other than that pretty glaring thing that really frustrated me, I loved this story.  Heath and Declan had great chemistry both in and out of the bedroom and their families were awesome...how could I not fall head over heels for everything?  And with so many siblings that are other-than-straight, I'm looking forward to a whole lot more awesome from this series!

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Heath
It’s a classic story: Boy meets girl, girl breaks boy’s heart, boy pretends to be gay to get back at girl, girl outs boy to everyone on Facebook…
Okay, maybe it’s not that classic. But it’s what happened to me.

When I bump into my cheating ex and catch sight of the moon-sized rock on her finger, there’s only one option to save face: pretend to be dating my gay best friend, Declan.
And when she outs me on Facebook and everyone I know sees it, there’s still only one option: keep pretending to be dating Declan.
And when Declan and I have to kiss to keep up the ruse and it turns out there’s actually a spark between us (more like a blazing inferno, if truth be told) there’s once again only one option…

Gin Me Over, Susan Mac Nicol

This was really so dang cute at so many moments that I found myself smiling in real life at Birdy's antics.  When things were good between him and Jaydon I was smiling really hard as well.  The puns were fantastic, as I have a great fondness for both puns and dad jokes, of which Birdy seems to have plenty.

As individuals I found both men quite interesting, though moreso with Birdy because we get so much more of him.  We learn where he came from, the reason for his determination, his fondness for all things avian, his quirks, and his heart.  Jaydon is less known and that's a shame.

While I absolutely detested Jaydon's cruel rooster-like posturing and thought his groveling could have used a lot more work, the matter was a simple one and I was glad they found a way to reconcile.  From there to the epilogue is a big jump and I wish we had at least a few more pages to connect those moments, especially as this is more of a sweet story without any on-page, fade-to-black, or behind-closed-doors intimate scenes.  I really just wanted more all around because this was such a cute story that I wasn't ready for it to end.

*$1.99 on Amazon

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Imaginative, creative, brilliant are some of the accolades Bradley “Birdy” Dobbs enjoys as the creator of top-of-the-line designer gin. Flighty, crazy, and irresponsible are also monikers used to describe him, mostly by the parade of Relationship Managers – read: death and doomsday business wazzocks – the bank sends over to Birdy’s company, Ori-Gin. When the latest number cruncher shows up with propositions Birdy can live with – and some he’s aching to try – Jaydon Tyrell becomes the most important member of Birdy’s flock.

T.A.G. You're Heard: T.he Assassins Guild. Book 2, A.G. Caruthers

With what we see in book one of Connor and Oz's relationship I wasn't expecting the huge backsliding we start off with that ultimately provides the moment needed to begin the chaos.  It becomes very clear when we get all the back story of both men that there's more under the surface than we could imagine.

There was a little too much internal angst on Oz's part and I think it became a little too "woe is me" when we got to re-read his hesitations, believed uselessness, and berating himself with virutally every switch over to his POV.  What I loved when things turned around was that it was an appropriately bossy boy to get Daddy's head on straight.

Their sexual dynamic was a good fit and I really liked how their roles were a little flipped from the stereotypes because it made for a much more interesting way to pair these two opposites together.  While the on-page sexual chemistry was a little tame, it was more touching than raunchy and I liked the change of pace from the first book.  Sweetness and tenderness were the hallmarks of this relationship more than the sexual preferences or even the crazy of the story itself.

With a beautiful wedding to show the immense love and care within the guild and among friends, this was a very sweet story overall, which I wasn't expecting, and the display of all that love was very touching.  I'm interested to see where we go and which men come together in the next book.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Hello again, Mr. No here, communications agent for T.A.G. and your inside source to your favorite agents.

Our next file is on Operation Gingersnap and none other than Agent Code name Mr. Kr, aka Connor Foley Turgenev, our snarky and hyperactive computer genius.

Connor gets hit with a blast from the past that he'd thought was long dead. Yoshi and the rest of Upper Management must scramble to save him before his situation turns dire.

In the meantime, will nearly losing Connor push our gentle giant of a Chef, Asbjorn Sternberg, to open himself up to Connor and truly be the Daddy and partner that Connor wants and needs? Or will he let injuries obtained while serving in the Norwegian Army fuel his self doubt?

ARC opportunity provided through Gay Book Promotions

Clayton: Single Dads Club Book 3, Candice Blake

I don't feel that this is a good representation of what the author can produce.  Many of their stories are touching and well thought out.  This story suffered from too quick of a pace and not enough objective thought in how some of it would come across.  Overall it wasn't a bad story, it just really needed more pages and more finesse with creating both men.

Clayton was interesting in the beginning because of his honesty and obvious love and exasperation with his college-bound son, though that relationship was made a focus and then quickly abandoned.  What followed with his interaction with the various men of the Single Dads group was touching in that he was attentive and genuinely enjoyed providing a safe and accepting place for men of all walks of life to cope with, advise, and commiserate with others in similar life situations.  It was his interactions with Westley that had me scratching my head.  I have to admit to becoming increasingly uncomfortable with Clayton's behavior.

Knowing West is straight and yet continually flirting with him is on the edge, less so because of the eyes that West is making right back at Clayton, but the way he pushes for physical intimacy before truly knowing the man and working past the very glaring and obvious emotional impasse is over the line for me.  Using language like, "Come on," when West is saying no in a way that implies no rather than interested hesitance is inappropriate and extremely bothersome.  Many of us who have been pressured into physical intimacy likely have negative connections with those words and those that are similar and I find the entire situation Clayton is pursuing appalling.

West is harder to know because we get so very little of him as a person.  This was likely due to the shorter length of the story and would have been much better if we had more from him.  I can't honestly say that I like him as a person either.  He seems so milquetoast for the vast majority of the story rather than the decisive man we're introduced to.  He wilts as the story progresses, especially under Clayton's pressuring.  While I have a great hope that he gets better there's just no clear evidence that he will.

Maybe the series gets better?  I'll give the next book a shot to see if the series can redeem itself, but I don't really have a lot of hope of that.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Westley: A one-week cottage trip with a group of single dads...what could possibly happen?

I don’t have any expectations for this trip and I certainly don't expect to meet Clayton, an older man with salt-and-pepper hair and icy-blue eyes, who makes me question my sexuality.

Stuck inside the cottage in one of the worst snowstorms in years, Clayton and I don’t have a choice but to get to know each other. We start off as just friends, but Clayton’s charming and able to convince me to do things with him I never thought I’d do. Soon, I start having feelings for this handsome, older man.

But once we go back to the real world, I know things will never work out between us. As one of the top neurosurgeons in the country, I've dedicated my life to my work. It wouldn't be fair for anyone to have to deal with my long and hectic hours at the hospital.

So, do we make the best of our short time together and end it at that? Or do I give it a chance with Clayton when we finally go home?

Clayton:

As the founder of the Single Dads Club, I organize an annual trip to my cottage. This year, I extended the invitation to friends and family of my members.

I meet someone named Westley and he reminds me so much of my husband who died ten years ago. When I catch Westley stealing glances at me from across the room one too many times, I make a move on him and test the waters.

There's something about Westley that drives me wild. But he makes it clear that he's straight. As a CEO, I don't give up easily, and I won't give up on someone I find so special.

I'm still healing after my husband's death and it's hard to love again. With my son leaving for college in a year, I'll be all alone. I want to fall in love again, but just the thought of it terrifies me. Westley has the power to change all that.

Will he though?