What We May Be, Layla Reyne

This author has a way of writing relationships that I adore when I was initially incredibly hesitant of the dynamic. While I'd love to say this story became one of the same, it turned out that I only enjoyed the relationship and didn't come to adore them as I'd hoped. I'm pretty sure this came down to the amount of pages devoted to them versus the pages to the mystery. There's a feeling in me that would have loved for this to be a duet. The dynamic of the three worked so well and their path to reconciliation wasn't without pitfalls, but there were some things I would have appreciated to see take a little slower to delve into. There was an incredible amount of spice and I'm certainly not ashamed to say I wanted more of it. There were also some incredibly tender moments of love and forgiveness that could have really blossomed if the preceding and the following moments were given a little more time to unfold. Similarly with the serial killer mystery. I think it was a little bit rushed and could have really been given an extra element of suspense and fear if it had more time to develop. This author has an amazing way with words that I wanted more of for nearly every situation. And really I think that's what this comes down to. Layla Reyne is an incredible author with fantastic characters and wonderful plots and I always want more for each story.

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What We May Be by Layla Reyne is now live! 

What we were...

Sean found love once, with his college roommate, Trevor, and Trevor's best friend, Charlotte.
The missing piece, Sean made it possible for Trevor and Charlotte to find love too.
But then Sean left and took the love with him.

What we are...

Now an FBI agent, Sean is back in town, ten years later, to investigate a murder.
A case that pits him against his ex-lovers--Charlotte, a local detective, and Trevor, a literature professor sucked into the Shakespearean mystery.
Everyone guards their hearts, but before long, desire sparks anew the feelings that burned hot a decade ago.
That still burn true.

What we may be...

Love is within their grasp again, but as the killer escalates, it's more than just their hearts and futures on the line.
Sean, Charlotte, and Trevor will need to work together to solve the case.
If they can't, lives will be lost and pieces of their love gone for good.

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 About Layla

Layla Reyne is the author of the Fog City, Agents Irish and Whiskey, Trouble Brewing, and Changing Lanes series.  A Carolina Tar Heel who now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, Layla enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart-pounding romance.

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Bound to Happen: AirB&D Book 4, Olivia Joy

I know these stories are short in this series, but a couple of them have still managed to win me over with their honesty, connection, and chemistry.  This story didn't manage to do that.  While there was chemistry, a really decent amount, that played well to their mutual desires, it didn't translate to a relationship in a real way for me.  Overall it was a nice story, a fairly okay addition to the series, but it wasn't my favorite.

Will was a little easier to know as we begin with his POV and his internal commentary on his life, relationship status, job, and feelings about the situation as well as about Mitch.  Mitch on the other hand, was bland to me.  There wasn't a good enough explanation of his motivations, his redemption for the bet, or a real connecting moment between him and me as a reader.  I just didn't care about him and wasn't convinced that he deserved Will.

The outcome was a tale of two men who got a second chance at a college attraction turned sour and all the spice you'd expect from this series.  It wasn't fully successful for me by the end, but it wasn't an entirely unenjoyable reading experience either.  It was just...meh...and a bit disappointing.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Will Simpson figures he’s the epitome of boring. He works in a cubicle, goes to the beach for vacation every year, and even the ex who only wanted sex once a week left him. So when he gets an invitation to spend a weekend at a B&B in Maine with a bunch of his old frat buddies, Will figures why not do something totally out of his comfort zone. He knows he might see Mitch again, but with enough guys around, it wouldn’t have to be awkward.

Mitch Archer thinks a weekend with his old buddies might be fun, too, but when he gets to Maine, he surprised to find Will is the only one who made it. He’s also surprised to discover that the house itself is more than just a fun place to vacation in small-town New England. He’s always wondered what he and Will could have had together, so he grabs at the chance to test things out between them. He’s ready to explore, and he’s bound and determined to show Will how adventurous he can be.

Silent Knight: Fog City Book 5, Layla Reyne

 

Friends-to-Lovers is way too simple a trope for the men here.  I've already come to love these men so much throughout the previous stories in this series and I needed to know their story.  There is complication after complication, a wife and kid, deep affection, shared history, separation and reunion...what Brax and Holt have is so vast that they needed to tell their story, I needed to read it.

But something to keep in mind before reading...  This is the conclusion of the drama and danger surrounding the family and the villain is one that is important enough that you have to have context behind why it's such a huge deal and you won't get that by starting here with Silent Knight.  For that you have to dive in from the beginning with Prince of Killers.  It's also in the rest of the series that you see all the complicated mess and longing and affection that's apparent between Holt and Brax.  So my suggestion is to go back to where it all started.

Holt and Brax didn't get a trilogy like Chris and Hawes got, but the angst building up throughout all of that up to this moment was enough to make me yearn for Brax and Holt's story.  FINALLY!!  They get their HEA.  And while it took a long time to get there, including most of this book too, it happened.  We started with the past, the one hinted at but never shared before now.  In Brax's words, his feelings, we see just how deep his feelings went and how they built from their first fated meeting where he fell head over combat boots in love with the scared giant of a young soldier.  It answered all the secret questions of how a bond so strong could have existed.

Both men were fierce, caring, and committed to saving the other, almost to their own detriment.  Holt had been the quiet force, the tortured gentle soul in the other books in the series, but here we got to see him take charge, running in to save, to protect, and threatening their worst enemy for the sake of those he loves.  The ultimate villain was expected, but the way it played out, seeing everyone put the pieces together while also battling Brax's savior complex and his pride and stubbornness, it all worked out to a sufficiently dramatic confrontation that was resolved without the flash-bang of the drama and distractions that preceded it.

I do wish we had spent more time with them on the happier, more settled side of the conclusion.  It was a little too abrupt and off-page for all the angsting we'd done up to this point.  The choices made at the end were exactly right for everyone and I couldn't be happier with finally seeing Holt and Brax be together as they were meant to be.  There was a mention of a certain company, Redemption Inc., and I'm pretty much salivating over that becoming a new spin off series.  The world the author has created in San Francisco is addictive and compelling; I'd be ecstatic for another reason to rejoin it.

*5.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU

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I won't let anything happen to you.

Fourteen years ago Braxton Kane's feelings were forbidden.  As an officer, he couldn't fall for an enlisted...no matter how much he longed for Holt Madigan.

Now―as a police chief in love with a digital assassin―his promise to always protect Holt is becoming harder to keep.

I'll protect you.

Holt doesn't understand why his best friend has been pushing him away for months.  But when Brax's life and career are threatened, Holt refuses to allow the distance any longer.

The Madigans protect their own, and Brax is family, whether he believes it or not.

I won't let anything happen to you either.

Forced together, Holt realizes his feelings for his best friend have changed.

His desire to explore the promise their single night together held is undeniable.

His resolve to protect the man who has always protected him is unshakable.

But if Holt wants a future with Brax, he'll have to search and destroy the person who attacked him―before Brax activates the kill switch and sacrifices himself.

*Silent Knight is the fifth book in the Fog City romantic suspense series. It can be read as a stand-alone but is best enjoyed after reading books one through three of the series, in fact, it's definitely my opinion that you should really start with Prince of Killers.

About Layla

Layla Reyne is the author of the Fog City, Agents Irish and Whiskey, Trouble Brewing, and Changing Lanes series.  A Carolina Tar Heel who now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, Layla enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart-pounding romance.

Follow Layla...

WEBSITE

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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Imaginary Lover: Beyond the Realm: Remember Book 8, Morgan Brice

I adore both this author and the town of Fox Hollow they've created and am extremely pleased to be returning there.  This story was full of magic, mystery, and the men who find love in the midst of it all.  Light on steam, this was a romance based on story and discovery rather than merely lust.

This was a shorter story and it still felt quite complete for both the men coming together and the mystery that caused their circumstances.  It was a really great read on its own, though I would recommend reading the rest of the Fox Hollow books as the townspeople carry more weight when you get a bit more of a chance to get to know them.

Both men are interesting on their own and when they come together you can see why they are meant to be, in addition to finding a family of choice with wonderful side characters.  Even though the focus was on the story itself rather than the romance I felt a good balance was found and the story truly worked overall.  A great addition to interesting series, both in Beyond the Realm and Fox Hollow Zodiac, Morgan Brice brings together paranormal and romance in a memorable way that makes me want more.

*$2.99 on Amazon

“There’s no time. Remember your imaginary lover....”

Cory Caldwell woke up by the side of the road with no memory of how he got there. He pieces together who he is but has no idea what happened to him.

Dark visions haunt him—flashes of blood, magic, and a brutal fight. Scorching dreams of a faceless lover offer no clues. His gut warns that something urgent is eluding him, and that time is running out. Worse is the sense of bone-deep grief, as if Cory is missing part of his soul.

Desperate for answers, he hops a bus for Fox Hollow, a town famous for psychics, mediums, and those with supernatural abilities. Then a stranger calls Cory by name and casts a furtive glance around him. “There’s no time,” the man says. “I need your help. Remember...” Can Cory unlock his missing memories and rescue the stranger before it’s too late?

Imaginary Lover is full of dangerous magic, hurt/comfort, brave monster hunters, dark curses, sincere psychics, found family, and forever love.

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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.

Dances Long Forgotten: Winsford Green Book 1, Ruby Moone

I truly enjoyed where we ended up with this story, but I will warn that it took more heartbreak and secrets badly revealed before we got there.  Speaking of the story within the story (pretty much the main story since it was pretty much the only one we got in depth), both men were charming, but as we only get one POV, it's a bit skewed in favor of feeling more strongly for Hugo than for Lyndon.  There was a sweetness to where they began as children and a satisfaction to where they ended up once all the chaos settled, it just hurt a lot in between.

One thing to note, in my opinion, was that the story, though well-written, was unnecessarily complicated.  It was secret after secret, reveal after reveal, heartbreak after heartbreak, and was just far too much for a shorter story.  At least one or two could have been dropped and we would have had a much more engaging story.  With a total of three couples being featured in varying degrees it made for too much to bring together at the end.  That being said, if it had been simplified, I would have adored the whole thing.  Each couple was interesting enough with their own complications and hearts to sort out and they all got their HEA in the end.

The "main" couple that we started out with served as a vehicle more than a feature point and that was another missed opportunity.  There were quite a lot of little details that needed some fine tuning and an objective eye, but the overall story had excellent bones and a wonderful ending full of family, feels, and forgiveness.  It was worth the read.

*$2.99 on Amazon

On Christmas Eve, Dylan, the man of James Pell-Charnley’s dreams, is on the point of walking out. Then they hear the faint strains of a waltz in the library of the empty abbey. The music is said to be heard only by those truly in love, and it gives James the courage to tell Dylan the story.

In December 1841, Lord Hugo Pell-Charnley is in a terrible mess. The youngest son of the late Marquis, youngest brother of the incumbent, never felt to fit. When his life comes crashing down, and his life and his family are threatened, he is forced to face his elder brother and confess his deepest secret. When he arrives at Winsford Abbey he finds he must also confront the shame from his past in the form of Lyndon Cross. The boy he’d loved but betrayed in school.

As they clear the ghosts from the past, they dance in each other’s arms in the library to the soft strains of the waltz, but long buried secrets threaten to destroy their happiness.

Two hundred years later, can those dances long forgotten give James and Dylan the courage to hold on to love?

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.

Forged in Magic: Twin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 2, B.A. Tortuga

There was so much feeling and trepidation that filled the prologue that I was emotionally primed for whatever the rest of the story offered.  And then we meet Owen who is gruff, gritty, and grieving.  The tone was really set right from the start with how harrowing their journey might become.  Add in a wonderful guardian, some truly interesting and humorous side characters, and this was a solidly enjoyable story.

But I have to mention the stuttering feel of the writing, the dialogue, and the timeline confusion.  I didn't think the story actually flowed smoothly from one moment, one crisis, one passionate embrace to the next.  The transitions and feelings that connected each of those could have been polished and finessed so it could effectively carry the feels we were set to expect with the beginning of the story.  It wasn't clear how much time passed between the tragedy and the reunion either.  Though if it was and I missed it, that's my bad, but seasons were mentioned, Owen was uncomfortable yet resigned to the idea that his beloved was dead and so he sought physical affection from purchased bodies, and the appetites of the Eaters in relation to how often and how much they fed from Jericho's magic...all of these things pointed to a longer time apart, but it also felt like it was maybe not very long?  I just didn't like constantly wondering whenever some time frame was referenced and I had no actual reference to refer to.

The side characters, the number of animals, the sweet children, the very clear love between the MC's, and the interesting element that was the Eaters were all parts to enjoy in the story.  While not my favorite book in the series, it's a solid addition and hasn't given me any reason to not continue with the next book I can get my eyes on.

*$2.99 on Amazon

When Owen McBride sees his lover Jericho stagger into their homestead outside of Ruby Gulch, New Mexico, he thinks he’s seeing the dead come back to life. Jericho was lost to him when the wagon train he was leading was taken by monsters called Eaters, and Owen expected to be alone the rest of his life.

Blind, poisoned by magic, and near real death, Jericho Nater comes back to Owen, needing the love his man offers, and his help. The doomed wagon train’s children are still alive, and Jericho has promised to go back for them. Owen can’t bear to lose Jericho again, but he would never deny Jericho something so important. Together they must find a way to save those kids, and to make their way home alive.

Play of His Life, Amy Aislin

Even though I usually struggle with second-chance stories, this one was so full of sweetness, forgiveness, and love that never faded that it was a bit easier to give in to these men and their story. Christian and Riley belong together.

Christian was the man that I was drawn to from start to finish.  His heart was so very obvious in everything he did and it was difficult when I read the moments he recounted that broke his heart, they broke mine too.  Riley was a great man as well, but for him to take so long to realize that his obliviousness and then cowardice broke Christian's heart again and again, it took me longer to warm up to him.  His confessions and admissions about not realizing that his choices meant he couldn't have both of his loves were earnest and real.  In his youth and ambition he truly didn't see that his actions were paving a future that kept him from Christian.

When it came time for the grand gesture I can't say it came from the person I felt it should have, especially because a certain someone hadn't really overcome their history of short-sightedness, but it all worked out in the end.  And the surprise at the end was incredibly sweet.  I loved their passion, their reconciliation, and their love.

*$2.99 on Amazon

The last person Christian wants to run into on a visit home to spend time with his mom over the holidays is his former best friend-turned-lover-turned-ex. But there Riley is, in all his tall, chiseled, blondness. The same guy who walked out on him six years ago, breaking his heart in the process. Who knew he’s still in love with the jerk?

Two years ago, Riley was injured out of the NHL, but he’s got his own bakery now and a quiet life selling quiches and cupcakes to his customers. Then Christian unexpectedly walks back into his life, forcing Riley to question his choices. Especially that one choice he made six years ago that walked him out of Christian’s life. Now if only he had the courage to tell a boy how he really feels about him…

Burn Zone: Hotshots Book 1, Annabeth Albert

Both Linc and Jacob have been attracted to one another for years.  But as the older brother's friend, Linc takes it upon himself to distance himself.  He distances himself even further for the sake of his best friend, a homophobic jerk who has his back, but with conditions.  Linc's history is a lonely one and a bit sad too so it's far more complicated for him than just opening his heart to love from the young man he secretly yearns for.

Jacob isn't as complicated, he's far more brave in the face of expectations and others' comfort levels.  He's determined to live his best life and that includes finally having Linc after being pushed away so many years ago.  But nothing is ever easy and his youth makes him blind to the homophobia and expectations that trap Linc.

Together they were so very hot and also incredibly sweet.  They have such a hard road to travel before they can be together and it mainly circles around Jacob's family.  There was a bit too much self-denial and Linc's martyr attitude for my liking.  In addition to that I found Jacob to be incredibly selfish at times.  His courage was brazen, but it was often at the expense of Linc.  Yes, Linc totally needed to get out of his own way and finally stand up for his own heart and be as brave as Jacob, but Jacob's pushing was a bit too much for me at times.

They do get it together and when they do it's all kinds of sweet.  Jacob stands up to his family and brings up excellent points that essentially slap his family in their faces with hypocrisy.  And, damn, were they sexy together.  Linc was such a good man and finding his heart belonged to Jacob only brought out all that good even more.  Jacob evolved in such positive ways over the course of the book through both his hotshot training and with Linc.  If the rest of the series plays out like this one I'm going to be one very, very happy reader.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts…

Smokejumper Lincoln Reid is speechless to see Jacob Hartman among his squad’s new recruits. Linc had promised his late best friend he’d stay away from his little brother. And yet here Jacob is…and almost instantly, the same temptation Linc has always felt around him is causing way too many problems.

Jacob gets everyone’s concerns, but he’s waited years for his shot at joining the elite smokejumping team, hoping to honor his brother’s memory. He’s ready to tackle any challenge Linc throws his way, and senses the chemistry between them—chemistry Linc insists on ignoring —is still alive and kicking. This time, Jacob’s determined to get what he wants.

Close quarters and high stakes make it difficult for Linc to keep his resolve, nevermind do so while also making sure the rookie’s safe. But the closer they get, the more Linc’s plan to leave at the end of the season risks him breaking another promise: the one his heart wants to make to Jacob.

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.