Little Pleasures: Paddle Creek College Book 3, HJ Welch

Xander was in a real fix and there really wasn't anything he could do about it.  I appreciated that he had a wonderful brother and a fantastic little sister to give him support, but it seemed nothing could stop the mental torture and anguish his step-mother was determined to put him through.

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about Xander even such a long time after reading the book.  He started off discouraged and distraught, his love of dinosaurs and basic sweetness came through, and he was at home with Ruben, but I just didn't connect with him.  I saw him, but I didn't feel him.

Ruben was much the same for me.  He was a good Daddy for Xander.  I absolutely appreciated how he introduced his desires and their possible dynamic to Xander; that was probably the thing that made me like him more than anything else.  Adding in how protective of him he was toward Xander's step-mother and Ruben really fit the role of the protector Daddy with a caring streak a mile and a half wide.  But there were little things that just didn't sit right with me.  His many, many assurances to Xander, and to himself, that he was just doing a favor for Xander's brother did nothing to endear me to him.

Speaking to the introduction of the HIV+ thing...  I'm of two minds and one is slightly more dominant.  Part of me feels a bit icky about it because there's spicy time without external protection and Ruben bringing it up was a minor announcement with a question of understanding, both of which were acknowledged by Xander with understanding and acceptance, and then the issue was dropped.  No explanation beyond that at all.  I'm not 100% sure I liked that.

However, and this is a big however, I feel that it was complete in its sparseness.  It was addressed adequately for understanding and consent and it wasn't made to be a giant elephant in the room.  The way it was done was simple and I can see it as removing the stigma of the disease when the reality of it now in a modern, western society with all the new medications and treatments is that it doesn't have to be the slow, awful killer that would have those affected be like the lepers before them.

So overall I think the story was sweet.  It wasn't my favorite by this author at all, but it was a nice read.

*$4.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Love You So Special: Love You So Book 3, Tara Lain

Artie, precious, wonderful Artie.  His unpretentiousness and genuine appreciation of music, his surprising insight, and his love of his fish, all of it worked together to become one of my favorite characters this author has created.  Francois worked well with him in all his invulnerability and genuine need to be seen, truly seen.  Together they were sweet and simply fit together just right, and that was the overall feel of the whole story.  Sweet, uncomplicated fluffiness.

So this earned a respectable 4 adorable stars with how precious Artie was and how fascinated by him Francois was, but seriously, what was up with the mall sequence?!  It didn't work with the story's flow, it was random and unnecessary, and it felt so out of place.  If it weren't for that it would have kept all four of those stars, but that whole scene was like minding your own business on a lovely day and then getting slapped with a fish...yeah, random, bizarre, and somehow insulting.

*$4.99 on Amazon

The plumber, the pianist and a tank full of fish.

Artie knows he’s nothing special—just-your-regular-brown hair, a solid plumber’s job, not much education, and a family that can barely get off the couch.

Francois was born special— famous, rich, and revered as one of the world’s great classical composers and pianists.

But then Artie loves tropical fish, his existential philosophy-quoting neighbor, and anything that Francois plays.

While Francois’s fear of crowds reaches near paralysis and only Artie’s strength and certainty gets him through.

This might be a match made in heaven if Artie can believe he deserves it.

Love You So Madly: Love You So Book 2, Tara Lain

I was glad to see Craig and Jesse from Love You So Hard. Craig's unassuming manner and sweet nature made for a great confidante, encouraging Ben to open up and share and Jesse's exuberance, intelligence, and acceptance made for a safe place for Ben to express his vulnerabilities. Ben really needed that kind of sounding board because his head and heart was in turmoil for much of the story.

Since we spent so long with Ben trying to get him to a place where he could make decisions for his future there was very little time spent on actually growing a relationship between him and Dusty. But even then the decision wasn't made until nearly the end of the story and then it was a mad rush to the finish with a lot of happy-sketchy situations.

Not sketchy like creepy, but sketchy like unbelievable. Sure Dusty has real-world experience with what he's hired on to direct, but that's not enough. Yes, we know Dusty and can see he'd strive hard to do what's asked and expected of him, but we know nothing of what actually qualifies him for the position beyond those two things. Physical condition and a good work ethic doesn't always breed success when you're vastly unqualified for a job. Add in what Ben did for Dusty and his mother after knowing them only a little while and you've got a whole "just accept that this is a fairy tale" vibe going on.

I mean, this whole thing was way too Cinderella for me complete with a sassy fairy Godmother from Arkansas waving her magic wand made from $100 bills. If this story was marketed that way I'd be a little more accepting, but to say it's a corporate guy falling for a handyman...that's just a lot more involved than something more like a fairy tale revamping. It was a sweet story overall, it just needed a whole lot more balance and depth to be believable.

*$2.99 on Amazon

What does it mean when you have it all ... and you’d like to give some of it back?

Ben Shane’s a hard-working guy, deeply committed to an important job.

Dusty Kincaid is a hard-working guy who happens to be Ben’s handyman.

Ben’s chafing against his engagement to a super-wealthy man who makes him feel like a trophy wife – but is he really going to give up a partner who drives a Ferrari for one who takes the bus?

Dusty has challenges Ben can’t begin to imagine, and the world thinks they’re crazy. But face it. From the beginning, this love has been a little bit mad.

Finn's Fantasy: Maine Men Book 1, K.C. Wells

Both men were engaging, but I have to admit the pace in the first nearly half of the book was filled with so much information and minutiae that it felt plodding. Once both Joel and Finn came to some decisions and opened themselves to the possibility of more and moved toward that together things picked up pace.

The conflict between Finn and Joel was simple and simply resolved because there was another conflict that had the potential to be more volatile. While the reveal was predictable as well as the initial fall out, the resolution was very well done despite most of it being done off page. Overall it was satisfying and stayed low on the angst.

Joel and Finn worked together and were sweet, a little too much cheese and corniness sometimes, but sweet nevertheless. There were times I was worried the hesitance and insecurities were going to run away with things, but thankfully that wasn't the case. They were a good match and the supporting characters were all interesting and supportive in the best ways. I'm interested in each of the Men of Maine and will be back for more.

*$5.99 on Amazon

A secret desire

By day, Finn builds houses on the coastline of Maine. Afterhours, Finn dreams of the hot older guy who walks his chocolate lab on Goose Rocks Beach. The man of his dreams ticks all his boxes. Salt and pepper hair. Strong jawline. Blue eyes.

His dream man is perfect fantasy material. As for actually speaking to him?

As if. Their paths won’t ever cross, and the guy is probably straight.

A new chapter

Recently divorced Joel is finally living as a gay man, but he’s not sure he’s ready to jump into a relationship. That doesn’t stop him from noticing his new contractor’s muscular build, hewn from hard, physical work, or his storm-colored eyes. Or the way he wears his tool belt slung low on his hips. The icing on the cake? There’s more to Finn than good looks. Maybe he’s the perfect guy to share long walks on the beach and warm nights in front of a fire.

But it’s been twenty years since Joel was with a man. While he’s not forgotten how to flirt, he’s nervous about making a move.

Especially with Finn.

Marquis of Hidden Doors: Royal Powers Book 3, Lynn Lorenz

Both men were interesting on their own and while I was glad we weren't bogged down in rehashing painful history and blame throwing, there was something lacking in the chemistry and the overall story progression that left me feeling a bit less than satisfied.

The struggle between Remy and his mother was there and vaguely resolved by the end while his relationship with his father was fantastic. There was a bigger bully that didn't truly get his comeuppance on page and could have been woven better with the overall drama surrounding them in their world.

The romance was a little quick and included a bit of extra drama that turned out to be unnecessary so I felt the time used to exacerbate their issues would have been better used to weave a more compelling overall story. I wish this had the punch I came to expect after reading Duking it Out by E.J. Russell, though on its own it wasn't a bad read at all, it just fell a little flat by comparison.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Secrets are never good things.

Remy Marchand is the Marquis of Marchand. Royal by blood. But he’s got a secret. In a world where royals have superpowers, Remy refuses to reveal his power, especially to his family. His entire life Remy wanted is to be just plain old Remy, not the Remy the Royal the kids from his childhood tormented. Back from university, all Remy wants to do is work on his art. All his parents want him to do is get a real job in The Municipal. But Remy’s not up for a life of boring paper pushing.

Hugo Legrand used to be a follower and a bully. But that was ages ago and Hugo is now the owner of a fledgling construction company. With one job, he’s got the chance to really make a name for himself – the renovation of the Marchand’s stable into a luxury rental place. The only bad thing – Remy Marchand, the object of Hugo’s desire lives there at the chateau. But Remy is so far out of his league, Hugo doesn’t stand a chance with a royal.

Hugo past haunts him. He’d been one of Remy’s childhood bullies – and Remy remembers. Hugo’s secret – even at thirteen, he’d thought Remy was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. If his fellow bullies found out, both Remy and he would have been in even more danger, so Hugo watched over Remy and stayed silent, letting Remy think the worst of him.

Now, fate and circumstance has thrown Hugo and Remy together, and there is no denying the spark between them. In their dreams, that spark ignites desire and hope.

But if Hugo wants Remy, he can no longer keep his secret.
And Remy’s secret, if it stays hidden, can let Hugo and Remy live the lives of their dreams.

But once out, it could destroy their future.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 47

  

• Becoming Sienna: Tide Series Book 0, T.M. Bashford
• Rebound: Latent Series Book 0, Alana Timms
• Whispers of the Heart: Hartwood Valley Book 1, Anita Therry

There were a few things that held promise, but I'm not sure that everything worked together to actually draw me into the larger series.  The two MC's can be great for one another if they can only figure out what the specter in Sienna's world and what they want.  With a mystery within a mystery there are a lot of tangled threads to unravel and it left me with a more confused and dissatisfied feeling than intrigued and invested.  Quite a lot of the emotional aspects felt forced and I had a hard time with Sienna's end choice.  Yes, healing is necessary, but I don't think her choice is actually the right one for both her and for the situation.  Overall I'm just not exactly a fan of the story and it didn't make me want to read more from this world, especially because the first story in the series isn't about the MC's from here.  2 stars.

I find that this story lacked balance for me.  We spent far too long pining for a friend who though virtually nothing of Trent, not even enough friendship to care about their dynamic and the situation Trent would face without him.  Chasing after his own urges put Trent into a situation that was more than unfortunate.  I did like Noah, though I thought there were so many threads and desires he had regarding his views on their inner wolf that would have beefed up the story and made it so very intriguing.  If we hadn't spent so long on Trent's yearning and the discordant feelings for both alphas we could have had an amazing story.  As it stands, Trent was alright though a bit one-note with a bit of a backbone, Noah was intriguing though in a basic way, and the story was merely alright when so much potential was set aside.  Honestly though, the vampire lounge thing really should have happened, I was really interested in that, but it too was set aside in favor of other unimpressive details.  3 stars.

I liked both characters and thought they matched together as a couple.  Their attraction in the past was there and while I didn't like that it took so long for them together, once they gave in to what they really wanted, it worked out in a sweet way.  That both men didn't expect monumental changes or for the "lowly omega" to give up his dreams and hard work now that he had an alpha in his life was wonderful.  Not everything was easy, especially with someone attempting to undermine and lie their way into taking everything away from them.  As they discover who it is and why it gives both men a chance to support one another.  And in the face of everything, they not only come together as a partnership, but they created a family and an environment where they could all truly thrive.  3.5 stars.

Christmas Riches, H.L. Day

Overall this was a nice story that did have a happy ending and included a lot of sexiness that worked to draw the MC's together. I'm honestly torn because I liked where they ended up and there was a real connection, though it was a difficult one due to external circumstances and internal angst, but there were quite a few things that really, REALLY bothered me about the story.

I definitely didn't like the way the separation played out or the "permission" for other partners during it and the reunion was so very lackluster that it kind of didn't make up for the difficult sacrifice. For all of Tom's "I know my own mind" and "I'll never let you go", he really made a mockery of that because of his own cowardice. Yes, I completely agree that he needed the chance to grow up, but to have so much emphasis on his insistence throughout the first 2/3 of the book regarding his pursuing Aiden and then for Tom to do to Aiden what he did while away was unacceptable. It honestly turned my stomach.

Aiden felt so very Eeyore about almost everything that I had a really hard time connecting with him. His sweetness, understanding, and honest love for Tom made up for that though. It was Tom's actions that made him revert back to his very sad-sack mien. Tom is the kind of brash, sassy, vulnerable, and insecure MC that I kind of like, at least until he blows it by acting his age. I agreed with the decision but his immaturity really showed in how he handled it. I don't think either of them grew in a positive way once things got difficult.

The beginning was interesting and once things really started growing between Aiden and Tom I was actually eager to keep reading. And then Tom made a choice that sent it all careening downhill and I struggled to finish the story. It wasn't a bad story, just really, really not my cup of tea once I hit the 2/3 point.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Opposites might attract. But does that include age?

Christmas comes early for Aiden Malone in the form of a seductive, blue-eyed stranger down on his knees. But a shocking revelation about his new “friend” has him running for the hills and cursing his stupidity before the night is out.

Tom's not prepared to give up that easily. He may be rich where Aiden's poor. Innocent in a way that Aiden isn't. And on the wrong side of twenty. But he's old enough to know what he wants. And that's Aiden. He just needs to persuade the older man to look past his hang-ups about age and wealth.

Lust and prejudice pull Aiden in opposite directions, severely testing his willpower. As Tom's layers begin to peel away, Aiden discovers the younger man's life of privilege may not be all it seems. If Aiden gives in, they could have the sweetest Christmas that either of them has ever tasted.

But Tom's about to shatter their joy with a surprise announcement. Decisions need to be made on both sides. It’s down to Aiden, though, to stay strong and decide whose happiness is more important. His? Or Tom's? Because they can’t have it both ways.

It's possible their relationship won't even last as long as it takes for the snow to melt.

a

Accidental Mates, Anitra Lynn McLeod

This was a unique and really funny beginning to a series that I'm definitely going to dive into.  I enjoyed the premise quite a lot and the demon was really easy to come to love.  He had a lot of passion and compassion for Alex that went a lot way to evening out the more forceful and secretive parts of him.  Alex was interesting in that he stood up for himself and used his brain more than his reactions to the sexy demon.  It was his father that bothered me.  Yes, I can understand his blustering and the reasoning behind his actions, I just felt like there could have been a bit more of an apology on his end for the secrets and the way he treated Alex.  Overall, I thought this was a very humorous start and I'm definitely coming back for more.  4 stars.

Not as charming at Demon, but still interesting.  I'm a sucker for dragons so I thought this would be my favorite of the series.  Not so, unfortunately.  I found there to be very little real chemistry between the MC's and neither character really captivated me.  The mating stuff was interesting, a little amusing, and very unique.  I'm not sure I was won over by the dragons' world either.  It was definitely unique and gave Mitch a purpose, but his individual character was so very milquetoast before this point that I just didn't really think his journey was anything close to what we got with Alex.  Alex's "quest" was interesting and fit with the story.  While Mitch's was fitting to the story, I didn't think it showed strength or any significant change to make him a stronger character.  It was an okay story for sure, but a let-down from the first.  3 stars.

This was a nice story with two men who really did need one another. While I wasn't really invested in their story, I did really like how it ended. Gabriel was a little harder to like because of his constant dismissal of many of Luke's concerns, questions, and convictions. Luke's moral beliefs when it came to relations, intimacies, etc. seemed a little out of place. To claim he knew little about religious things but held notions of prudish appropriateness that typically come from religious experience felt incongruous. I absolutely respect his desire to wait, that it was something special to him, and I had zero problems with that sentiment, but Gabriel's countering and then praising it didn't sit well. There were quite a few things that didn't really add up and it detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

Where the first two stories in the series had the human mate go on some kind of journey, Luke's was very different in that he needed to find himself and know who he really was and what he was all about without strong male personalities guiding, taking advantage of, or protecting him. I don't think he fully achieved it, but it was a nice thought that could have used a bit more attention. By the end I was okay with the story and haven't given up on the series.  3 stars.

Of all the stories, I think this one had the most well-rounded characters and the story was sufficiently wrapped up with an exciting beginning and a sweetly wonderful ending.  While I think there were a couple bits that didn't really work as well, like near the end with Os'vald's weirdly justified behavior in the beginning as well as the ease of location change to satisfy the story's end, overall I think this was an immensely successful story.  It felt complete because there were two unique characters with quirks and vulnerabilities and motivations that were believable and interesting.  The drama was specific to the MC's and their dilemma.  The ending was appropriately sweet, it fit with the story, and was a believable solution to any difficulties they might face because of their different races.  This one got me in the feels at the same time that it satisfied my need for a believable and well-played plot.  4 stars.

The story was good overall, especially with where they finally got their HEA, but the road was a bit bumpier than I expected.  A couple dramatic elements that were thrown in were surprises and I don't think one of them fit at all, in fact, it caused unnecessary complications to their already complicated situation.  Some things were brought up to increase the angst with intimated hurts and reasoning behind Von's decision to be a player but were never explained or fleshed out.  Silver is adorably earnest and naive and while I think he was a bit superficial, in that he wasn't given enough depth as a character and not that he was vapid or shallow, he was the character that drew me in the most.  Von's opening scene was promising, as was the end, but through the whole middle I found him to be lacking.  Where they get to in the end was really sweet though, so overall it was a sweet, nice story to add to the series.  3 stars.

Damaged Heart, S.C. Wynne

I can't say this was my favorite book by this author.  There are many others of hers that I truly enjoy but I felt this one fell short of the mark.  With an interesting premise and hints of bonds healing someone suffering, I was eager to read the story.  Where it fell short was in character development and the relationship progression.  Potential was high, execution was relatively low.

Cory has a lot of emotional baggage and trauma.  I ached for his situation and even though I didn't connect with his character at all, I could see how he would behave the way he did.  Rhys was a bigger draw because he was a brighter, lighter character that had the potential to draw Cory from the darkness of his past, but there were quite a few things he did that left ambiguity rather than a clear path for Cory to follow.

Without giving anything away, I'll just leave my frustration with both men by saying that neither man resonated with me and their actions, while some were understandable, most of them were confusing, maddening, and absolutely unpleasant.  The overall story suffered because of the characters but I definitely enjoyed the setting and the sweet gestures and confessions that were included.  They saved the story from being dismal and distasteful, instead it was merely disappointing.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Cory Johnson fled Bayville as an eighteen-year-old following the suicide of his father. He’s estranged from his abusive mother and has made a life for himself as a successful lawyer in Los Angeles. While Cory’s career is rewarding, he’s unable to connect to people because of his upbringing.

When Cory’s mother dies he grudgingly returns to his hometown to handle the estate. Rhys Tucker owns the construction company that is going to renovate Cory’s childhood home. Rhys has harbored a crush for Cory since they were in high school. When Cory comes home, Rhys takes that opportunity to get close to Cory. Or at least try to.

Their physical chemistry is undeniable, but will Cory ever be able to have a real relationship with Rhys after being so emotionally scarred by his past? Can a heart as damaged as Cory’s every really come home?

Trusting in You: In You Book 2, Sammi Cee

Childhood crushes rarely turn into the romance of our lives and this certainly seems to be the case for Chuck...or is it?  While unloading all his personal angst during an emotionally driven conversation Chuck reveals enough about himself to have Nathaniel taking a closer look at the man he's held just out of reach.  Neither man thinks they're good enough for the other and as they navigate the difficulties from Nathaniel's past bleeding into their present, both realize just who they are and open the other's eyes to the true worth of a person.  If they can survive the crazy they just might finally be on the same page, enough to reach for the future they never dreamed they deserved.

Chuck was endearing and quirky and had a huge, soft heart when we met him in Mixed Up in You.  Getting to know him a little better here was both enlightening as well as disappointing.  I liked that he never lost his sense of humor, the banter between him and Julian, and his tremendous capacity to love and forgive.  What didn't thrill me was how immature he seemed and his incredibly misplaced sense of personal value.  To consider himself blah because he doesn't have the stories or experiences of a recovering drug addict or a man with ties to a violent drug dealer?  I'm not buying it.  It cheapened who I felt Chuck was and that disconnect between those different sides of him was too much for me to believe.

Nathaniel was similarly conflicted.  I thought he was more even-keeled and his path to redemption and discovering his own worth was admirable as well as good, but it was a bit lackluster.  There was just no crescendo.  Many times there was a hint at more nefarious dealings of his past, but he was really just an innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Nothing he personally did was enough to warrant the angst and self-imposed separation from Chuck over the years.

Together I thought they were cute and sweet and had the drama supported their growth, this would have been a really great story.  As is, it was a nice story that introduced us to a new character that I'd like to see in a continuation as well as giving us more of Julian, the star of the series for me.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Mixed up in You: In You Book 1, Sammi Cee

Everyone makes mistakes; it's the fallout that can lead us to ruin or triumph.  For Vaughn it was a bad decision with an ex.  Well, it was about two exes that converged into one big mistake that kept him self-exiled from his family for nearly a decade.  Julian got mixed up with a bad relationship and addiction.  For both men their meeting is born of a second chance at life, but it's the second chance at love that has them staying.

I enjoyed the slow-burn aspect of their relationship because it felt right.  Both them being together as well as their progress.  Julian needed security and tenderness, something he had very little of outside his parents and best friend before he made his doomed choices.  Vaughn needed to show care and concern, to be needed, and Julian's disposition as well as his circumstances allowed him to finally be the kind of partner he always yearned to be.  Together they were a sweet win.

As for the drama, it was a bit out of left-field and didn't feel like it fit.  It wasn't bad, it just felt contrived.  Instead of keeping with something already established, it brought in a whole new dynamic that was a bit awkward as well as overly dramatic.  The ending though, was full of passion and sweetness that went a long way to cementing Vaughn and Julian's relationship.  This was a cute story with two men that found a way to move on from the past, to forge new lives out of strength and resolve, and were made for one another.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Moving On: Ranier Family Book 4, Ashton Cade

Grief can be a sinkhole for some and for Trevor, this was never so apt.  Until a city boy in the body of a lumberjack shows him a different future.  Shane is immediately drawn to the reticent Trevor and his patience is going to play a central role to their romance.  But if Trevor can't let go and move on, the romance won't even get off the ground.

The grocery store meet-cute was adorable in its halting awkwardness.  From there the relationship's progression pretty much stopped.  But they get quite a few chances to get things right and I actually liked how long it took them to take things to the next level.  For Trevor to finally see beyond himself and his misplaced guilt it would have been disappointing as well as devastating if they had invested more than they already had.  Instead of rushing into something that was intensely physical before he was even close to understanding what he may or may not be in for, there was a lot of awkward come-ons, obvious avoidance, and learning about one another that went a long way toward getting him on the right path that would lead to Shane.

I didn't think the cause of Trevor's guilt was really all that bad, at least not in comparison with things I was imagining when all the hints were so vague and went on for far too long.  Understanding that guilt is sometimes irrational and accepting it are two different things.  While I may feel that his actions were a long-time coming despite being poorly timed, someone in his situation, given the events that followed, might feel exactly as he did.  What was frustrating about it was all the intimation of the action's severity over and over and over again as well as the bitter anger he reacted with when his family had the wrong idea about things.  Perspective, I totally get it, is where my issue was since I'm merely an observer to the story.  Other than that, I thought the story moved well, was well-written, and the characters were likable.

*99¢ on Amazon or FREE on KU!