Honesty (Ben and Eric): Six Degrees Book 2, Sandy Smith

When we left Home, Ky and Nicholas' story, we got the sweetest, most honest, fantastic epilogue in a beautiful setting that gave a little hint that sent itself to grounding and supporting that moment.  And now we're on the other side of that setting with how everyone got to that point.  Well, how Eric and Ben got to that point.  I was on the fence about Home, but I cannot express how glad I am that I gave this author and series another chance.  Honesty was sweet, honest, and so much more engaging.

Told only from Ben's POV, we learn about his difficult situation and just how much he has on his plate.  When he meets Eric it seems that he's finally on the way to forming a relationship that can give him a lightness, a sweetness that is just out of reach.  It's very clear how young he is and while I would have loved to have a dual POV, Ben's evolution is the one that needed the most work so it was appropriate to have the tale told in his words.

Ben had quite a few immature moments and I wasn't exactly thrilled with them, but knowing his age and life experience, I wasn't surprised.  He had a couple of experiences that attempted to get him out of his own way, but it ended up being harsh words from a sweet friend that shocked him out of himself enough to see that his world is not as narrow as he's believed it to be up until this point.

Having met Eric a few times in Home, we're aware of who he is and what he does, so seeing that he kept that a bit of a secret wasn't surprising in the least and the reveal coming from someone other than Eric was incredibly cliche and predictable.  It wasn't bad, just formulaic and uninspiring.  What I did appreciate however, was that the man didn't become defensive, angry, or hurtful in response.  His heartbreak was more from his own acknowledgement that he could have made this a non-issue from the beginning and the scene with his grandmother really put that into perspective for Ben.

Ultimately, there were so many tender and sweet moments, especially in Byron Bay, that made me sigh and come to truly love these men.  Their separation wasn't too prolonged and their reconciliation was full of sincerity.  Their entire romance was governed by their hearts and their desire to be good, hardworking men.  Life sometimes got in the way of them seeing it in themselves, but finding one another gave them the foundation they needed to face everything life deigned to throw their way.  I truly enjoyed this story.

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How do you build a relationship without honesty?

To care for his teenage sister and her newborn baby, Ben Sinclair gave up his carefree university student life, playing gigs with a band, and his boyfriend Wyatt, who he thought was the love of his life. Handling a breakup, bills, and a baby is bad enough. Then Ben discovers Wyatt was cheating on him their whole relationship, and everyone knew but Ben.

Finding out his ex wasn’t quite as honest as he thought shatters Ben’s confidence, but it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t have time to do anything other than work, babysit, and stress over bills anyway.

When Ben starts a new job at a hotel and meets Eric, he begins to dream of a better life. Eric is hot, charming and funny. He’s also straight… or so Ben believes. Eric is everything Ben ever wanted but couldn’t possibly have.
Eric helps Ben find his footing and rediscover his passions. But when Ben discovers Eric has been lying to him all along about who he really is, can Ben ever forgive him? Or were they doomed from the start?

No matter what else happens, Ben vows never to make the mistake of falling for someone who lies again. There is no way he’d make that mistake a second time, right?

Familiar Beginnings: Happy Endings Book 2, Alice Winters

Knowing the crazy from the past isn't done with either Havoc or Miles, I was sure we were in for something rather dark before everything got solved.  That wasn't the case and I think the overall situation was incredibly well done.  Not only do we get some amazing surprises, but we finally get to see some phenomenal power, the power we saw hints of throughout Happy Endings.

Miles has a great head on his shoulders and I've always loved that he knew to think through a problem and not just rely on blasting who or whatever was in his way.  That he also finally came to terms with his guilt and what to do with it was fantastic because it showed an evolution within him that was necessary for him to truly accept the happiness he deserved.

Havoc's heart was actually a surprise.  Not like I couldn't believe it, but a shock in how fervent his feelings were.  The way Miles' memories were shared a lot more in this continuation gave us a lot more depth to their interactions and how deep Havoc's distrust went, that even though he knew something was different about Miles, it's difficult to separate centuries of betrayal and abuse.  Watching them truly share their hearts and minds was a testament to how far they've come together.  His adamant request to Miles was a bit of a surprise, but one of the most touching moments.  We don't get a lot of touchy-feely confessions from the taciturn and flirty demon so in that moment we get to see exactly his level of trust, commitment, and love for Miles.

Seeing all the pieces come together, having various confrontations and battles of the magical type, and the culmination of it all into one vanquishing moment brought everything together in a satisfactory way.  I think what I was most moved by was the softness.  Things really could have gotten crazy and gory with the story's set up but instead we were built on a foundation of feelings, of determination, of bonds.  The snark was softer, the friendships more real, the good more powerful.  This story didn't feel like so many others of this author's work and that is absolutely not a negative in any way for me.  I adored the MC's and wish there were more of them.  I'd happily dive back into their world right now.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Smart men quit while they’re ahead—they lay low and hope disaster blows on by them. Not me. Especially when disaster seems to follow me and my soulmate Havoc, a demon I bound to me three hundred years ago with my magic.

The dark mage Geoff is back from the dead and creating chaos by devouring the hearts of people with magical abilities, giving him overwhelming power as his followers grow. And since I’m one of the strongest mages alive and am leading the resistance against him, he’s coming for me next. Oh, and it might have something to do with the fact that I was also the one who originally killed him. But you can’t blame me; the guy needed to die.

Havoc and I, along with our unlikely band of… (I don’t want to say heroes, I can’t give them that much credit) annoyances will stop at nothing to end the destruction. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a sexy demon by my side every step of the way. For the first time in three hundred years, I’m finally with the person meant for me, and I will do anything to keep from losing him.

Love and Payne: THIRDS Universe Book 1, Charlie Cochet

Zach finally gets his man.  We finally learn about Austin.  Austin finally learns to accept love.  All of those things we were hoping for all along for these two men came together in a bit of a crazy ride with intrigue, hidden villains, soul bearing, and a whole lot of steam and it was mostly worth the wait.

My favorite was Zach.  I have a fondness for bear shifters, this is true, but Zach on his own is completely badA along with being kind, patient, sexy, and sweet so I have no problem saying that he carried the story for me.  I've been curious about him since day one when Dex ran off with "his" Cheesy Doodles and he did not disappoint.  His entire family was great and as they all came together to change Austin's world they solidified their place in the top five families I wish I were a part of, especially all the females.  Talk about awesome.

Austin was a bit of a struggle for me.  I can understand why he turns to his friend when he needs release, but I didn't want to read about it or have any of that intimated to be continuing while we were watching him and Zach try to get on the same page emotionally.  Not a fan.  I appreciated his vulnerability and was glad he changed so much by the end of the story though.  The ending was actually the best part for me when it comes to Austin because he finally makes a choice and stops his insensitive dithering that only hurt Zach again and again.  And how Sparks pulls one over on him is perfection.

I waited for Zach to finally get his spy and he did.  The steam was there, but I think since I wasn't completely sold on Austin it was harder to read through and I found myself skimming past the steam to get to the action parts where we learn exactly who was behind all the trouble that was featured in this story.  As mysteries go, this was pretty tame and it served as more of a vehicle to get us to the MC's making a go of romance than anything that pertains to the overall THIRDS world.  This was an adequate side story and I'm really looking forward to all the ways Dex will drive Austin crazy as we branch into the world of TIN.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Austen Payne, THIRDS Squadron Specialist Agent (SSA) for Destructive Delta and TIN operative, has seen the worst the world has to offer, faced lethal killers, and helped bring down dangerous organizations. But nothing terrifies him more than falling in love. After years of undercover work, Austen is a master at defending himself and protecting his heart… until he meets Osmond Zachary.

THIRDS Defense Agent Osmond Zachary has a huge, doting family, yet something is missing in his life. After meeting grumpy, foul-mouthed, jittery cheetah Therian Austen Payne, Zach knows exactly what that something—or someone—is. Unfortunately Austen seems determined to avoid Zach at all costs.

When Zach foils an assassination attempt, he ends up in the killer’s crosshairs, and Austen is Zach’s best chance at staying alive. Zach hopes the crisis will bring them closer, but Austen has every intention of walking away as soon as the danger is over.

Happily ever after isn’t for guys like Austen, but Zach is determined to show him it can be…

Out on the Ice: Out in College Book 5, Lane Hayes

The college boys are back,

and this time it's a whole lot of heat

for two boys who thought they hated one another.

Release Date: March 19, 2020

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 63k

Genre: Romance, New Adult, Bisexual, Enemies to lovers, 

College romance, Athletes, Hockey, Baseball, Humor

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Colby Fischer is a bad boy with attitude and a chip on his shoulder. As a senior at a Southern California college, he knows this may be his last shot. He doubts he’ll ever become the hockey legend he dreamed of being as a kid, but he definitely doesn’t want to be an accountant.

Things get interesting when he’s asked to train the new intern at his step-dad’s firm, who happens to be the troublemaker from his econ class. And the one guy Colby can’t stand.

Baseball is Sky Jameson’s life. He’s happy to be back at Chilton for his senior year, but he’s burned a few bridges and has a bit too much free time off-season. He could use the money and something to keep him busy until his season begins. But his accidental crush on his prickly coworker could be a problem.

Colby is straight and Sky is in the closet. Their timing isn’t great, but the intense attraction is hard to deny. With his final season on the hockey team in the balance, Colby may have to decide if he’s ready to come out on the ice.

Excerpt

“What position do you play?” Sky asked, pealing the label off his water bottle.

“Right wing. Forward. Think of soccer where the front line moves the ball down the field. We do the same with the puck.”

“I know how it works. I’ve watched a lot of hockey.”

“Have you ever played?” I asked.

“No. Baseball was always number one for me. Besides, hockey is kind of…rough. There’s always a fight. And the game moves so fast, it’s hard to see the puck sometimes.”

“Not if you pay attention.” I raised my beer bottle in a mock toast and grinned. “And I like it rough.”

Sky pursed his lips and stared at me…or maybe he was staring at my throat. I couldn’t tell. “Me too. But not on the field. It distracts from the game.”

“In hockey, it’s part of the game. If you can’t defend yourself, your teammates, and the ice, you have no right to be out there. Might as well take up ice dancing or something,” I snarked, only half kidding. “And no offense, but ice dancing is a hell of a lot more entertaining than baseball. Trust me, I know. I played Little League for a couple of years. I used to beg the coach not to put me in the outfield. Geez, you could take a fuckin’ nap out there some days, you know?” Sky laughed. “Fuck you. You obviously don’t know what you’re talking about. Baseball is a game of strategy.”

“Strategy my ass,” I huffed, smiling to take the sting from my words…even though I kinda meant it. “It’s one of those weird sports where everyone gets pumped when nothing happens.

‘Oh, it’s a no-hitter. That’s amazing!’ Sure…but nothing fuckin’ happened! No one hit the ball, no one rounded the bases, no one slid to home plate. No one had to even wash their damn uniforms! And you know why?”

“Why?”

“’Cause nothin’ fuckin’ happened,” I replied, taking a long sip of my beer as I let the sweet sound of Sky’s laughter wash over me.

God, he had a great laugh. It made me like him a little more. And yeah, as much as I didn’t want to admit it, I liked Sky. He was smart, talented, easy on the eyes, and he had a sense of humor.

“That just proves baseball players are smarter than hockey players,” he taunted. “Said no one anywhere ever.” I held my hands up in surrender when he flipped me off. “Hey, I’m kidding. I like baseball fine. I told you I follow the Tigers. I still have the jersey my dad bought me when I was ten. Dude, I’d wear it if I still fit in it. What’s your position?”

“Shortstop. I’ve played almost every position at one time or another but I like it the best. You gotta be quick, have a strong arm, and good instincts. I also have a long wingspan. That helps.”

“Makes sense. I don’t know about wingspan, but you gotta be quick in lightning fast hockey too with quick reflexes. Big ol’ quads help.” I smacked my thighs and chuckled. “Mine are kinda huge.”

Sky gave me a lopsided smile. “I noticed. It’s hot.”

“You think muscular legs are hot?”

“I do. Believe it or not, it wasn’t your sweet personality that made me look twice. It was your thighs.”

I snickered. “That’s weird.”

“Maybe, but it’s true. You always wore shorts to summer school. I used to come in a little late so I’d get a good look at you before I sat down. I purposely didn’t sit next to you because I knew I’d get caught staring. And the one day I did, you were the one who got caught.”

“Are you telling me that all this started because of my thighs?” I asked, narrowing my gaze suspiciously.

Sky nodded. “Basically…yes.”

We held eye contact for a moment then busted up.

And when our laughter faded, the mood changed all over again. I felt that same crackle of heat and sexual energy I always did when I was around him, but this time I knew what it was. And though I might have been unsure, I wasn’t afraid.

I leaned forward on my barstool and motioned for Sky to close the distance. He brushed his nose against mine. I held my breath and waited for him to make a move. Any move at all. When he blinked, I licked the corner of his mouth then pressed my lips to his and closed my eyes.

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Out in College Series:

 

         

 

          

About Lane...

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were First Place winners in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

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Murder at Pirate's Cove: Secrets and Scrabble Book 1, Josh Lanyon

Just what I like in a cozy mystery and enough to bring me back for more.  Josh Lanyon seems to have a way with characters at times that makes me sink right into the story and their lives.  In any cozy mystery that I seem drawn to there's a hint of romance that hooks me and gives me hope of something strong, built through moments of crazy and something deeper that we get only pieces of until it all fits together like the clues in the mysteries they solve.

There were quite a lot of frustrating moments where all I wanted was for someone I could believe that believed in Ellery's innocence.  The ones we met that said they did were suspects in and of themselves.  I think it was a little far fetched to have everyone but Jack be a suspect though I will say that some of those people were quite likable anyway.  Something I didn't expect was to be a little surprised by the culprit, I mean, there were hints and looking back I can totally see who did it, but at the time I was just thinking that it was one more thing that was weird and didn't add up.

I'm really hoping that the Scrabble thing takes off and becomes something...kitsch? but in a good way, like the something unique that toes the whole series together beyond what Ellery and Jack could have and the quirkiness of Pirate's Cove.  Ellery is interesting and his looking for a place in the town and in his own life served as fantastic draws to him as a character.  We only get his perspective, though I hope to have a chance to see into Jack's mind and heart at some point, and since the series follows Ellery it's understandable, I'm just a bigger fan of a dual POV in general.

The story was simple and formulaic, but I'd argue that it's in the best way because the format is one we're familiar with so we don't have to guess at the foundations, we can jump right into what makes these people, this mystery, this potential relationship unique and worth devouring.  While I can't say I was ravenous for the story, I was definitely hungry for more by the end.

$3.99 on Amazon

Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, Scrabble champion and guy-with-worst-luck-in-the-world-when-it-comes-to-dating, is ready to make a change. So when he learns he's inherited both a failing bookstore and a falling-down mansion in the quaint seaside village of Pirate's Cove on Buck Island, Rhode Island, it's full steam ahead!

Sure enough, the village is charming, its residents amusingly eccentric, and widowed police chief Jack Carson is decidedly yummy (though probably as straight as he is stern). However, the bookstore is failing, the mansion is falling down, and there's that little drawback of finding rival bookseller--and head of the unwelcoming-committee--Trevor Maples dead during the annual Buccaneer Days celebration.

Still, it could be worse. And once Police Chief Carson learns Trevor was killed with the cutlass hanging over the door of Ellery's bookstore, it is.

Disrupt: Iron Heretics MC Book 1, Michelle Frost

We jump in after an incredibly significant event takes place (found in Cold Light, apparently) and as I didn't previously read how Pax and Mace meet, there was a small feeling of being behind the curve at the outset.  What I appreciated was the snippet we get into the depth and level of commitment Mace held toward Pax and his trauma.  That tenderness and fierceness was carried very well throughout this story and I liked that it gave a basis for deeper attraction and emotion that followed.

The connection between both men was believable and the pacing of their romantic relationship was appropriate for the men as individuals and the flow of the overall story itself.  Both worked together well as the drama unfolded around them and the gifts of trust and love were supported.

This is a standalone in terms of seeing a beginning and a promise between these particular characters, but the motivations, actions, and consequences of events surrounding them and the MC they're affiliated with necessitate reading more of this and the connected "parent" story, Cold Light.  While not a light-hearted story in the least, the romance felt lighter and sweeter than I was expecting and gave a warmth that was definitely needed in contrast to the darker elements that surrounded them all.  I like where this series is going and the attitudes of the MC members so it's safe to say I'll be back for more of the Iron Heretics MC and the men they come to love.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Being vulnerable makes you a target. Pax knows this all too well. He doesn’t want to need a hero, but the green-eyed biker that keeps rescuing him anyway has him sliding into dangerous territory—namely, Mace’s bed.

Mace is the Sergeant-at-Arms of the St. Louis Iron Heretics MC—treading through volatile situations is all in a days work. At the end of the day, he knows better than to let his heart rule out over his head, but Pax is an anomaly he can’t shake loose.

When a threat returns, taking aim at Pax and disrupting the balance they’ve reached, Mace has to recalibrate his sights, bringing what he truly wants into focus. Unfortunately for them, danger doesn’t always stay dead.

Fated for the Fake Fiance: Claimed by Fate Book 1, Aiden Bates and Jill Haven

I liked the idea of Fate and the town setting.  In a world where shifters are a reality, but the notion of fated mates is considered a myth, there's a lot more "reality" that can be had here.  Where relationships take work and the insta-love is more of a spark that isn't always instant, but definitley has the potential of forever if you don't dismiss it...this is the kind of story that has the potential for incredible depth and magic of all kinds.

Sometimes potential is all you get though.  The idea of Fate and the town are great, though it needed a bit more of a concrete feel, like it's something real as if everyone can feel the magnetism of both but have no words or full awareness of its meaning until they and their person are brought there.  If it had been integrated a bit better and were more solid this would have been made of win.

Markus and Levi are kind of lackluster and uninspiring on their own and the relationship was quite shallow for most of the book.  I can't say I'm a fan of holding back on how you really feel because of uncertainty and their hesitation goes beyond what I can tolerate.  There was a whole lot that could have been deepened between them and their individual growth was uneven as well.  Markus did do more changing, but I wish more had been on the page because his immaturity seemed to be his main personality point and it lasted for far too long.  Levi was in a similar place being only 18 and playing at playwriting seemed less of a passion and calling and more of an interest with juvenile sentiments guiding his writing.

There were quite a few story complications with packs, roosts, politics, mating, setting up a life in a town Markus was meant to fail in...none were given a lot of context beyond the constant reiteration of Markus' irresponsible playboy attitude that got him sent there and so I found myself confused at quite a few moments.  Being distracted from a story that lacked a clear focus and balance wasn't exactly enjoyable.

On the positive side, there were some really well-written shifting scenes and passionate moments that carried enough weight to make the story redeemable.  I'd like for the rest of the series to improve and I'm interested to see if we'll get to sink deeper into the town through a few characters that were intriguing in their peripheral roles in this story.

*$4.99 on Amazon

I don’t believe in fate, but this dragon makes me burn …

I want to be a playwright, not a trophy husband to whatever powerful alpha my family chooses. And when they go too far, I can’t take it any more. I’d rather be poor than their pawn. But when my past catches up to me, I do what I do best … make something up.

Mason Shanahan isn’t my fiancé, but my family doesn’t need to know that. A dragon as powerful as Mason shouldn’t be happy to play along, and a part of me is worried that he’s just as concerned with his status in society as my family. But if that’s true, why does he kiss me like me means it? He says there’s more than a fake relationship tying us together … he says we’re mates.

No one believes in those stories anymore, myself included, but the more time I spend in Mason’s arms, the more I find myself wondering … are we really faking it? Or could it be fate?