Flame: Dark Kings Book 17, Donna Grant

When I say wow I truly mean that in all the big, positive and negative, stunned wow you could possibly mean.  The sheer number of secrets and surprises was staggering.  The changes in Rhi were also astounding, though those weren't quite surprising since we've had book after book detailing her struggles.  But when everything is combined, bombs are dropped, betrayal rocks the boat, and a confrontation with a monologuing villain, all the changes could mean something bad or something great is on the horizon and I'm not exactly sure how everything will play out in the last book.

Getting the Dragon King's history in the way Noreen got it was utterly unique and the perspective both in the telling and in the knowledge gained was incredible and far more potent than any other retelling thus far.  There were emotions felt, passed on, and experienced in a way that was unattainable before now because of the gift only Noreen possessed.  So when Moreanne's plan through Noreen was revealed it meant an incredible amount of pain and a betrayal we all saw coming yet hoped wouldn't actually happen.  Thank goodness for friends and allies they could count on to help them sort through that mess.  There was a question of what was added to Moreanne's spell that was unanswered and hopefully that will get resolved when Inferno comes out.

I will say that the monologuing villain was a bit too much, a bit too heavy-handed.  While it did answer some questions as well as bring up even more, it was a slightly predictable scene that could have been finessed into something a bit less cliche.  The one unpredictable bit was who showed up to perform the rescue.  That was something I didn't see coming.

There are so many times that the "cliffhanger" bits at the end of each story hint at more trouble or the next step, but the lead-in to Inferno was incredibly painful and huge.  We've known from the first who would be the pair and I have both doubts and hopes for how their story will play out.  For now though, one tumultuous relationship is enough and I'm glad for a tiny breather until we get the big battle, the redemption, the healing, the groveling, the passion, and the conclusion we've all been waiting for.

*$7.99 on Amazon

If she believed in destiny, she would believe they were meant for each other.
But that fire was put out long ago. . .

Living among the Dragon Kings, Cain has spent lifetimes learning to distrust both mortals and Fae. He is a warrior born—and every instinct demands that he fight to keep his own kind safe. But when a fringe member of the Dark Fae contacts the Kings with an urgent warning, Cain is torn for the first time. How can he trust this beautiful creature when resisting his primal attraction to her is battle enough?

Noreen is horrified by what her kind and the malevolent Others are planning for the Dragon Kings. Dark Fae or not, there are lines she will not cross—even if it means risking her life. But she never imagined that she would risk her heart until she meets Cain. She wants him with a soul-deep desire that frightens her…and endangers them both. Is saying goodbye to everything Noreen has ever known worth a love that will span time and realms?

Goodman Dairy: Dan's Hauntastic Haunts Investigates Book 1, Alex Silver

This really was an interesting start to the series with quite a bit more honesty than I expected.  There were moments of irresponsibility and selfishness, but other than that there were some solid foundations being laid that bode well for what comes next both in the relationship and the video series they work on together.

I really liked the premise a ton and the circumstances that brought the men together.  Both men were interesting in a simple way and I was liking that they didn't get together right away.  Letting them build something together with shared goals and different strengths coming together to create a good product was mature in a way I didn't expect from this story.

What got in the way of that maturity were Dan's irresponsible and selfish actions in the name of getting good haunting shots.  He put everyone in danger and was intentionally untrained where he had ample resources and opportunity to figure out how to be an effective medium instead of stumbling on hauntings of various types and bumbling his way through giving them peace.  His actions appalled me and I was absolutely on Chad's side when he called him out on it and left.  Dan's idea for giving the ghost resolution was far more dramatic and unhelpful and executed quite poorly because of his tunnel vision.

What I was glad for in the outcome was that Dan acknowledged his actions, even if it took a while, and went about making amends in healthy ways.  I'm really interested to see where the training aspect will go from there.  And giving Chad the new position was an excellent way to maturely move forward both in the relationship and the show.  With an average plot evolution and getting a little bogged down in the mundane details as well as simplistic characters this should have been an average story, but I ended up more curious than I thought I would be by the end.  There are a lot of places we can go from here and I'm willing to see them through it.

*$3.99 on Amazon

When ghosts reach across the veil, Daniel Collins is there to tell their stories.
Dan is a vlogging ghost hunter. He has devoted his life to documenting paranormal activity. In his converted van, he travels around the country exploring haunted sites. He loves the thrill of filming restless spirits.

Chad Brewer, skeptic, works for an insurance company. He doesn’t believe in ghosts, but watching Dan’s vlog is his guilty pleasure. The cute vlogger is accident prone. He has Chad’s work extension on speed-dial. The two talk whenever Dan gets hurt during an investigation, a frequent occurrence.

When Chad loses his job for approving too many claims, Dan offers him a position as his personal assistant. The pair sets out to investigate a haunted dairy barn for the vlog’s next video series. The catch is that they must live and work together in Dan’s tiny traveling home.

As the paranormal activity at the haunted dairy ramps up, so does the romantic tension between the two men. Can the love between a skeptic and a social media sensation conquer a vengeful ghost?

Rosavia Royals, Starling; Welch; Dawn; Rowan; Davies

*$4.99 each on Amazon

One royal ball + Five unexpected dates = A lifetime of love

This certainly wasn't what I was expecting, especially because I truly enjoy this author's other works.  You could probably fill the actual dialogue from the entire story onto merely a handful of pages and the rest was an incredible amount of stream-of-consciousness type of inner monologue that went on forever and ever.  The actual relationship bits were cute and I liked that Leo had his enlightening moments that were filled with actual feeling rather than just lusty thoughts and that Edvin finally found someone to love him for himself and to care for him as he lives to care for others.  I can't say I was drawn to either man from the beginning, but I had a lot of hope that things would get better.  Overall the world was interesting, the ending was wonderful, and there were some really good feels, but it just wasn't up to par with what this author can actually create.  Up for Heir, Stella Starling - 3 stars. 

I enjoyed the way Cassander and Matty worked things out because while I detest the secrets that cause misunderstandings and hurt, it's how they work things out that make the difference.  Cassander is under a lot of pressure and most of it is his own making despite the selfishness of his brothers and a fling with Matty what wholly unexpected, but exactly what he needed.  His tenderness and care for and of Matty was endearing as was the way he sincerely apologized for the hurt his secrets caused.  Matty was a bit more simplistic for me, like he was almost too good and also a bit immature.  He wasn't a badly written character at all, he was exactly what Cassander needed, he was just a bit stereotypical in his goodness and forgiveness.  Overall though it was a sweet story that fit well with the series.  Reign or Shine, HJ Welch - 3.5 stars.

The overall story was very sweet, especially once they finally opened their mouths and vocalized their feelings and their misunderstandings of the years past.  Although that's also when the puns became a little too ridiculous for me and took the humor down a notch.  With a bit of conniving meddling from certain royals and a whole lot of nastiness from Rosavia's favorite reporter, their journey back together was a little more rocky than they expected, but when they found the courage to be honest with not only one another, but with the royals that had their best interests at heart, everything slotted together as it was always meant to be.  I do wish there hadn't been so much of the waffling back and forth and the extremely repetitive thoughts of "he must know, how can he not know?  I suppose it's best to not say anything and just show him."  I mean, if it didn't work in the past, why would it work now?  Communication, people, would have solved a whole lot of issues.  But then the story would be shorter...though I can't say that would be a bad thing, in my opinion.  Throne Together, Zoe Dawn - 3.5 stars.

Even though Ben came off like the layabout prince with a severe lack of decorum or respect, he was so much more than that and I genuinely liked him in this story.  He was the brother nearly everyone forgot about and until Felix, he was likely going to remain in the shadows avoiding his loneliness.  Felix was his match, but I didn't like him at all until maybe the last third of the book because he was whiny, easily offended, defensive, and hurtful all because he felt insecure.  Ben gave heartfelt and sincere apologies as well as feeling confessions and there's only one memorable one from Felix.  Well, maybe two, but that's because Ben stole the show with the epilogue and Felix's response was appropriately commensurate to Ben's offer.  My favorite part was following along with Ben on his escape as well as finally seeing Felix become the man he was supposed to be under the loving support Ben willingly gave him.  In His Court, Max Rowan - 3.5 stars.

The beginning and lead-in was really very good with just enough anticipation to make you want more and the pleasure of seeing Wren find himself in the gardens when the original edict brought him so low.  The prospect of if and when along with growth was just what I'd hoped for with this story.  While some of those more steamy bits took a back seat to the ulterior motives of a footman with a grudge and concerned family, their relationship went through the requisite testing necessary to prove just how permanent both Wren and Thom needed it to be.  Wren truly grew into himself and his role and I was most charmed by how he literally blossomed under both the guidance from Thom and the determination in his horticultural endeavors.  This was my favorite of the series.  Barely Regal, E. Davies - 4 stars.

Wayward Love: Cedar Cove Book 2, Rhys Everly

I'm a huge fan of May/December relationships and with a premise promising an intelligent, driven young man and an older man that needs new perspective and life breathed into his existence, I had high, high hopes for this story.  I'll admit that I'm less of a fan of the author's stories under their other pen name and I figured I'd give them another chance.  I wish it had worked out.

Kyle had exuberance that he let run away with him at every single turn.  For being so smart he was so very unaware of his impetuousness and both men would have greatly benefitted from some good old fashioned communication.  Andy's stick needed to be removed for sure and sometimes it takes a bit of steamrolling to make him see the light, but Andy was stubbornly awful about everything because he was uncomfortable.

And then there was the relationship.  Kyle's assertion that it's just for fun is something that always comes back to bite everyone and his impetuous nature had him promising things and then blowing up when he just needed to stand still and see things from another perspective for five minutes.  Andy's excuses about keeping things special and therefore secret is the same in that it always gets revealed in the worst way and this was completely avoidable, but he was more selfish than all the rest for unsustainable reasons.  Countless times he was shown love and support for the possibility between him and Kyle and he continually shot it down because he hid behind the disapproval of his children.  As a parent, children's feelings are absolutely taken into account when navigating a new relationship, but to allow adult children to dictate your adult relationship is beyond ridiculous.  Nope, just a big fat nope all around.

The grand gesture had sweet moments, but it was nearly ruined by impulsiveness on both sides, yet again.  I know my opinion is in the minority for this book and I feel awful about that, but there's just no denying that the relationship was dysfunctional, the adults acted more like children, acceptance was demurred as often as it was spat on, and straightforward honesty was thin on the ground.

*$5.99 on Amazon

He’s a ray of sunshine, but he’s my son’s best friend.

My life has had three modes since my wife passed away.

Work.
Work.

And work.

And I’m not even any good at that.

Unless I find the money I owe everyone, only a miracle can keep my bar afloat.

Until he comes into my life.

Kyle Brady. 

I’ve never looked at another man the same way I look at him. 

It’s a dangerous feeling.

Somehow I’m roped into letting him help my business and he wants to fix everything.

Including my broken heart.

Want to know how?

Read now and find out.

The King and Jai: Royal and Reckless Book 1, Isla Olsen

This is so very my style of book for when I want to feel happy, bubbly, and to recover from anything more angsty or dramatic.  Keep in mind though, that you'll need to hold back your need for reality when it comes to royalty, royal protocols, and various elements of the mundane daily life of a royal while reading this one.  The point of this story isn't royal life, it's the seemingly impossible romance, a couple of conflicts that need quick resolutions, and enough steam and getting-to-know you stuff to believe in the romance itself.

Lukas was gruff and frustrated because of years of denial, but his heart was so very present in the way he interacted with his children and revered and loved his deceased wife.  Complications coming from either his children or his wife weren't an issue.  What was an issue was the homophobia his father harbored and wielded as a weapon.  Once he overcame the internal struggle with his upbringing he was all in with Jai in every single way.  I adored that there was no angst there because I just didn't really want any in this short, very sweet story.

Jai was adorably flustered at times because of his attraction and the rather ridiculous scene where he caught the king in a rather compromising position.  With the children he was dedicated and loving and his studies were present in a way that added to his validity for not just being there, but for who he was.  It fed his motivations and gave something truly interesting to his character.  Seeing that that passion and those duties didn't fall by the wayside because of feelings or sexy times was a concern I had and was happy to find unfounded.

The romance was sweet, steamy, and really worked for me.  And when the grand gesture came, it was big, rather believable and yet very fairy-tale like, and so very sweet.  I'm a sucker for a feel-good romance with no angst and a lot of spice and this is exactly what I got with The King and Jai.

*$3.99 on Amazon

One young American tutor + one dangerously sexy widowed king = conflict, chaos, misadventure and lots and lots of sexytimes

Jai

For the record, sleeping with my boss was not part of the plan when I started this new job. A job I desperately need to get my parents off my back about my chosen career path.

But the second I catch sight of Lukas Romansky in the flesh, I know I’m in trouble. The guy is pure sex wrapped in a three-piece suit, and not even his stuffy attitude or the way he seems to despise me on sight is enough to stifle my attraction.

But I’m here to work, not to hook up. It doesn’t matter how sexy Lukas is, or how sweet he is with his children—sleeping with the boss is never a good idea.

Oh, and did I mention my boss also happens to be the king?

Yes, King Lukas III of Korova, the man voted World’s Sexiest Head of State three years in a row. Hooking up with him wouldn’t just be a bad idea, it would be an international scandal.

So believe me when I say I didn’t come to Korova with the intention of seducing the king. But sometimes things just happen. And is it my fault I’m impossible to resist?

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 49

  

• The D- in 403B, Jess Bryant
• Blood Ruby: Tin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 4, Kiernan Kelly
• Dragon Consultant: Supernatural Consultant Book 1, Mell Eight

This was an overall cute story with characters that I wanted to get to know and at the outset it was setting us up for a meet-hate-cute situation that I was all over.  But very quickly it devolved to something a bit more juvenile than endearing.  Once they finally got to the dating portion it was quick and definitely steamy so I was back on board.  But very quickly it became repetitive both in action and being stuck in their head.  The separation was necessary, though I feel the situation was forced by an incredibly unthinking Brett.  As a vet there was a whole lot that I didn't understand with his behavior.  The beginning was amusing and the ending was really, really good, I just got a bit lost in the middle.  3 stars.

Ishago and Finn had a rather auspicious meeting and while it made things interesting and drew me in, there wasn't a whole lot to maintain that interest.  Their interactions felt like words on a page rather than organic and fluid and even Finn's personality couldn't really make up for the dialogue that felt slightly contrived.  The action was reserved for near the end of the book rather than something that built based on multiple events that carried them to that point.  Things would probably have worked better if the confrontation and resolution weren't reserved for the very end.  There could have been quite a lot more build up and anticipation for the end as well as more care given to crafting Ishago.  Finn stole the show as did his familiar and I wish that Ishago would have been as compelling as Finn.  3 stars.

The different types of dragons, the elements of danger and mystery, and the hint of romance combine to make this a very interesting series to dive into.  It didn't all work together and some personality things were a little questionable, but that's only because this story is so short that we don't get a whole lot about any of them.  We have basics and for a start to a series with shorter-length stories I didn't mind too much.  There was enough to draw me in and pique my curiosity.  3.5 stars.

Undeniably Yours, Brittany Cournoyer

Both men were interesting at the outset, but I can't exactly say I stayed interested for very long.  There was a ton of detail in the story which made the whole first 1/2-2/3 feel a whole lot longer than it really was.  By the time anything happened between the two men the book was more than half over which gave very little time for the transition and settling of their relationship.

When the big conflict happened it felt so very predictable and it was Soloman's reaction that was the most disappointing.  He'd been building up his insecurities for days and days and piled all of them on top of more than a decade of longing that he exploded quite spectacularly, and not in a good way.  It felt forced with how big the issue became.  Brody's groveling was simple but direct and I appreciated it because it was something he truly did need to apologize for and I was happy for them that they finally got on the same page.

Overall the story was nice, it just wasn't my favorite from this author and the characters weren't quite as compelling as I hoped they would be considering friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Friend-zone: a place where feelings are buried after they aren’t returned.

Solomon yearned to be more than Brody’s best friend. But when there was no hope of Brody feeling the same way, Solomon took his place in the friend-zone and stayed there for thirteen years.

Serial dating was only ever a sport to Brody, but even then, he sucked at it. No matter who he went out with, something was always missing. Perhaps what he’s missing is the man who’d been standing beside him for the last twenty years.

Feelings can only stay buried so long before they surface.

Were Brody and Solomon always meant to be together? Or will giving into their feelings transform their friendship completely?

Shayne's Hope: Timberwood Cove Book 12, Liam Kingsley

Shayne gets a raw deal and to find himself with no better choice than to give his precious daughter a chance at a life he knows he can't provide at 17 makes me ache.  His broken heart is beautifully written and I hurt for him and hoped so hard for his future happiness.  (And introducing Hogan as his best friend and ginger brother was a great move because it puts us in an excellent position for Hogan's story next.)  I didn't have any major problems with anything Shayne said or did because all of his actions and hesitations were pretty logical and even though I don't like perpetuating secrets, his concerns were incredibly valid, especially after Vince expressed his insecurity regarding Charlotte's birth family.

So then we get to Vince.  He started out really great and I was so interested in him.  The biggest issue I had with him was his reaction to Shayne's secret.  Knowing he had his own whopper of one that he literally surprised Shayne with with so very little preparation and explanation and then to react as he did in such a brutal fashion was pretty reprehensible.  And then there was so little groveling.  Shayne was so eager to forgive because of his love that the apology was simple and direct but lacked depth and I wasn't exactly impressed by that scene at all.  He did have a ton of heart and was a fantastic father so there was a lot to make up for what bothered me so overall he wasn't so bad.

There was so much unsaid, even when both Charlotte and Vince expressed the desire to know Shayne's story.  I know that we got it because we started with it, but Shayne's intuition, his impression that the unknown-Vince was the man Charlotte needed to go to, his yearning to stay despite Vince's edict for him to leave...there was a lot that I wanted to see from Vince's perspective as Shayne shared his past and all that brought him to Timberwood Cove.  And Dan's not telling Vince Shayne's feeling and intention after their first enlightening scene in the diner when Shayne realized the truth was also a missed opportunity.  I think I wanted Vince to feel a bit more of a knife twist so the big gesture, the groveling, the huge apology could have come more convincingly from Vince rather than a moment of fate that forced Shayne's return.

I truly love this author's writing.  From their first book to now, every book I've read that they published (omitting the co-written ones) has been really good.  I felt for the characters right at the start and rooted for their happiness until the last word on the page.  Shayne's Hope is no different and despite my frustration with Vince and a bit of explanation that doesn't get page space everything else has me sold on Timberwood Cove as a place and a series.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Vince
I’ve been hurt before, but Shayne makes me want to try again …
I haven’t been lucky in romance, and for the past twelve years my daughter Charlotte has been my number one priority. But my senses go crazy every time I’m around Shayne and my inner wolf is convinced he’s my fated mate. He fits right into my family, but he doesn’t know a thing about shifters and I don’t want to scare him away before I find a way to convince him to stay in town. It all seems too good to be true - but maybe this time, love will last.

Shayne
He adopted my daughter and now he’s stealing my heart …
Giving my kid up for adoption twelve years ago was the hardest thing I ever did. I never expected to see her again, and I definitely didn’t think I’d fall for her hot firefighter father. I’m not supposed to stay in Timberwood Cove for long, but when Vince asks for my help, I can’t resist. It doesn’t hurt that his kisses are hotter than the fires he puts out! But he doesn’t know who I really am, and if he finds out, I’m afraid it will ruin everything.

Finding You: Voice Out Book 1, Stella Rainbow

Scott and Luke were incredibly sweet together when Luke's walls dropped.  With a difficult past that left scars both physical and mental it's no surprise that the relationship takes time to grow and I was glad the story focused on the growth rather than a cliche "sexual healing" scenario.  Luke needed time to learn trust and comfort and to find the strength within himself to progress beyond his past horror.

What I enjoyed most was the sweetness and tenderness that took precedence over sexual interest.  I'm all for a deliciously smutty story, but when dealing with trauma it's more important to heal the brain before jumping back into the sack, even if you never do make it there.  Scott's sexuality was almost too perfect for Luke, but that's actually a sweet way to write in a simplified journey for both men.  At the length of the story it was important not to overcomplicate things.  Luke's trauma is plenty.

The confrontation at the end was a little overdramatized, but nothing unbearable or out of the realm of possibility.  Overall this was a very good story that focused on healing, honesty, and how Scott and Luke forged a future together amidst trials.  With a supporting cast that really lifted the story I'm definitely interested in coming back for more from the series.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Luke:
It has been a year since I escaped my three years of hell. Twelve months, and yet I felt just as broken as I had all those months ago. I had a job now, a home and people who cared about me, and yet I was all alone in this darkness that surrounded me. My past haunted me day and night and there was no one who could protect me from it.

Until I met Scott.

Scott:
Losing every person I loved one after the other made me realise just how much loving someone could hurt. Without even realising, I made a decision to never love another person again, lest I lost them too. For years, my life revolved around studying and then working and the only person I was close to was my best friend, who wouldn't leave me alone, no matter what I tried. I was content to stay alone.

Until I met Luke.

A man shy of loving someone again and a man haunted by his past. Will they be able to help each other heal? Or will they just end up breaking each other?

Has Brady found his own match?

Meet Luke's friend Brady

as he helps Charlie find himself,

and maybe some love along the way.

 *Pre-order for $3.99 on Amazon

Brady:
I thought I was happy with my life. I have a successful business, an awesome found family, a dog who is a bigger princess than me and volunteer work that keeps me busy and satisfied when nothing else does.

I was content—and I'd thought I was happy, too—to live my life just like that. No mess. No one to demand things of me I wasn't willing to give. No complications.

But then I met Charlie.

Charlie:
For my whole life, I'd been sure I was destined to live a half-life, to hide a part of myself so I wouldn't lose the only two people I cared about. And I was resigned to my fate.

But when my dad died of a sudden heart attack, I realized life was too short to keep hiding. I moved to a new city, but I had no clue how to go about finding a part of myself that I'd buried so long ago.

And then I met Brady.

A man who is out and proud of who he is and a person who has spent their life hiding a part of themselves. Will they be able to forge a path together or would their differences end up pushing them away?

Single Omega Dad: Omega Misfits Book 4, Wendy Rathbone

After what happened in Trust No Alpha with Mathias I was set to make him earn his redemption.  I didn't expect to see his detachment and listlessness from the very start and then his quick change after truly seeing Saber.  His redemption didn't fully come until near the end, but that's because part of the process is making amends.  While he spent most of this story attempting to do what was right by the Omega that he was falling for, he had to come to terms with his past and that was his hurdle.  It took a while, but when he got there it was sweet because Kris was a wonderful human being that saw the heart of the man rather than holding a grudge from the past.  Though it did all work out, I felt the reconciliation was a bit too tame for what was necessary.

Finding a strong Omega who knew his mind and was still a wonderful father is something that doesn't always find a balance in many mpreg stories.  I was very happy that this wasn't the case here because Saber was truly a good dad who wanted the best for his sons.  Having a great Alpha to support him in that and to become a true partner in the task was icing on the cake.  I'm glad the kids played a role and at the same time were off screen as an integral part of their story but not taking up a lot of page time because there was a lot to cover with just the two men on their own.  The passion the two shared was definitely steamy and also full of unspoken feels most of the way through the story.  What they found in the end was a bond stronger than either ever anticipated they'd have for themselves and I was happy they got what they needed.

The issue of personal struggle for Mathias was something I felt evenly torn between.  Part of me wished they found a way to get what they wanted and needed without the miracle moment and part of me was grateful that they found a kind of completeness that worked for them.  It could have gone either way and while I enjoy what we got, I kind of feel like the grass may be greener on the other side.  Finding a way to accept yourself for exactly who you are, as you are, is a tough endeavor without anything out of your control getting in your way.  There's a message missing with the cure we found because the toxicity behind Mathias' father's ideas of what makes a strong Alpha is nearly reinforced by having that "flaw" of Mathias' be the thing that solidifies their bond.

Despite that bit of ambivalence, this was such a great story that needed to happen in the series.  It's definitely a stand-alone story, but to understand the depth of Mathias' guilt and resentment I highly suggest reading Trust No Alpha prior to this one.

*$3.99 on Amazon

My new financial guardian, Mathias, is a cold, self-centered, rude-ass Alpha and the son of one of the wealthiest men in the country. To him, I am a burden on society, only fit to live on a chattel farm.

It doesn’t matter that I’m drawn to him, to his ominous presence and chiseled jaw, his muscular body in his fitted silk suits. I’m a single dad with kids and responsibilities--I don’t have time for that rich bastard.

He keeps coming by the house so I can sign documents, fine. But then he’s got cute gifts for my kids. It’s got to stop. I don’t have time to fix him. Don’t have time to fall in love with an Alpha right now.

Just My Luck, Alice Winters

I knew I'd enjoy the story overall, mostly because I adore this author's writing, but this story had a much different feel than others because it was darker and had quite a few elements that needed time and care to get to the answers and the healing.  For the issues to be tackled adequately as well as maintaining the comedic flair that makes Alice's stories all their own wasn't easy, but I think it was done well.  I fell in love with both characters, was charmed by the dog, and was definitely happy with the ending.

Killian came across as both immature and intelligent at the same time while also being oblivious and giving us a sense that he was hiding something too.  He was kind of complicated in a way I didn't expect.  And his atrocious upbringing that we got in the flashbacks made me ache for him over and over again.  He didn't grow up easy.  I think it made him an even more understanding and perfect partner for Shepherd.

The humorous moments that came from Shepherd were a bit unexpected, but surprisingly perfect for who we learn he is.  He's damaged, definitely, but I didn't predict how he reacted to the choices he was forced to make when he was young.  Part of me is torn that he found a way to be intimate with Killian because trauma doesn't always have such an easy transition.  It wasn't really easy, but the lighter moment where he realized what he felt for Killian and what he felt previously was miles apart felt easy.  So while I'm a little conflicted about that, there's an overwhelming part of me that thought that moment was necessary for both men and that it was logical yet full of feeling.

Even though there is a bit of a loose end with the father and the consequences he faced, the end bit with Killian and Shepherd was all kinds of lovely.  It was tender, funny, and exactly what I'd needed to read about their tumultuous journey.  Their happiness was hard-won in the face of all the danger that sought them and when Shepherd's playfulness met with Killian's sass and amusing excuses it all came together.  It was my kind of story, the kind that I could willingly re-read and recommend, which I do, whole-heartedly.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Killian
When I’m tossed into the trunk of a car, I realize that what little luck I have has finally run out—especially when I find that Tony, the man who’d abducted me, is planning on using me to get back at my father. My chances for escape look pretty bleak when I’m handcuffed to Tony’s bodyguard, an intimidating man named Shepherd who apparently loves tight shirts and seems to be amused by making my life miserable. Soon, though, I learn that Shepherd has a heart and a brain. And sometimes, those two things can be a bigger weapon than anything in a time like this. I just have to learn how to wield them.

After Shepherd gets me away from Tony’s men, I discover that he’s a survivor, a fighter, and the only person who seems willing to help me when it feels like the whole world is against me. At first, I’m not sure if I can trust the man, but the more we get to know each other, the more I realize that he’s funny and kind of sweet. He’s determined to protect me, but he doesn’t know all of my secrets. He doesn’t know that Tony isn’t the only one looking for me. But together, as we face betrayal and taking down the worst monster of all, we’re determined that we will be the lucky ones after all.