Nixing the End of the World: Phoenix's Quest Book 1, Alice Winters

Alastair and Nix...a good mix of tame, bewildered, crazy, and outrageous, I was alternately sedate and on the edge of my seat with the pacing of the story. I found Alastair to be a cross between Leland from Hitman and Marcus from VRC with his weapon wielding and snark in the face of his denial of past guilt and current interest in Nix. In this particular instance, it's the story surrounding him that assisted with being a unique character, but I found a whole lot of similarities to past Alice characters so he felt familiar even if I knew nothing about him.

In fact, I can't say I really learned all that much about him by the end of this first book in this new series. We do find out where his guilt comes from and his hesitance around his bond with Nix, but other than to give context, it wasn't much in the way of really knowing him. I'm eager to find out more and to watch him really open up to Nix. I want to see more of his power, what it can do, and how Nix can balance it out.

Speaking of Nix, his own power is an unknown until pretty much the end of the book. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about Nix taking the entirety of the story to get only a clue about what his power is and how to use it before he's thrust into the crazy with the villain. I really look forward to seeing him train and grow with his own magic in addition to the bond building he and Alastair really need to get working toward.

Together they work for me. It's a slow growth between them and I'm glad that they didn't really act on their attraction until it felt right because there were so many unknowns, so much going on with and around them, that it would have distracted from the story and felt forced. They've got a long road ahead of them and I want to be with them every step of the way.

The cast surrounding them is quite varied, though the ones directly involved were...interesting. Some were introduced with a bang and then kind of left off to the edges of the goings-on until near the end and I wasn't exactly liking that. Another, the BFF, was actually my least favorite character out of everyone introduced. I'm guessing she'll grow on me as the story continues though. The villain surprised me. Not in who they were, but how it all played out and what they did. I'm super stoked to see where things go from the cliffhanger bomb that was dropped.

Even though this wasn't a resounding five hilariously awesome star story, I have a feeling I'm going to love the whole series. Between the shenanigans of creatures, humans, and guardians and the plot that's barely getting off the ground, there's a whole lot to look forward to and I seriously can't wait to jump back in as soon as book two is available.

$5.99 on Amazon

Nix
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever.

Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense. I mean, the moment he took my annoyingly judgmental grandma hostage, it was all over for me. I was hooked.

Now the only problem is… what exactly are we saving the world from?

Alastair

The moment I laid eyes on Nix, the naive yet easygoing human captivated my attention, and now I’m determined to protect him. But despite my amazing and majestic abilities, we might not make it out of this mess. Still, there must be a reason Nix was chosen. No, he doesn’t have pizazz and maybe he really doesn’t have magic, but he’s also one of the strongest and kindest men I’ve ever met.

Now if I can just get him to stop throwing blankets at enemies, we might have a shot at this.

Masters of Romance, Emma Alcott

Side Character

https://amzn.to/3to2Oc2

Quick and dirty, that's what I was expecting and that's what we got.  What I didn't expect was the subtle cuteness or the awkwardness or the two-way pining that happened.  Sawyer's friends were hilarious and I had no idea they'd even play a role, but the role they played actually made this short story much better.  I have to admit, the synopsis really turned me off, but since I like this author I was willing to give it a shot and I'm actually glad I did.  The set up for what's to come was the tiniest thread so I'm not sure what we'll get with Bad Boy, but if there are moments of cute like here in Side Character, I'm all in.  There was a lot of depth missing as well as an actual promise of transition from crush to real, but if you only focus on the funny side characters and the awkward cuteness that was endearing, then I think you'll probably like this prequel just fine.  3 stars.

Bad Boy

https://amzn.to/3xS3Lww

A tattooed reclusive ex-con and an imaginative, skittish, young man...on paper neither of them belong together, unless that paper is in a romance novel, then all bets are off and they're a match made in literary heaven.  I liked Colton and Russ together when the moments were good and not awkward and I mostly enjoyed Russ' POV.  Aside from that, the story was hit or miss for me and I'll be back because the group of authors are more intriguing than this particular coupling ended up being.

I think what bothered me the most was Colton's reactions and thoughts.  There were so many moments that I rolled my eyes and either skimmed through or longed to skim through his portion of the story.  Juvenile can be appropriate and amusing and endearing, but in Colton's case it was inconsistent and made me uncomfortable.  Especially the jumping in the sack thing right away...way too soon and on the heels of some disturbing thoughts racing through Colton's brain.

It's Russ that saved it for me and while I wasn't a fan of everything he did, thought, or said, he was the character that I gravitated to from the very beginning.  I like a bit of redemption with my romance and while I believe Russ had nothing to prove to anyone, he needed to show for himself exactly the type of man he was; a good man deserving of the young man that captured his attention and his heart, not to mention other bits of his anatomy.

There was some contrived drama that pushed the story forward but was honestly overkill and inappropriate, so I feel that could have been beta-read out of there, but I can't say I didn't understand why the author went in that direction.  It was kind of an easy road forward conflict-wise and seemed ready-made for overreactions and prejudice to overcome.  I wish it had been less predictable and more organic though.  Other than that, I enjoyed reading this story and am definitely coming back because my curiosity has been piqued with the group of authors that deserve their own HEAs.  3.5 stars.

Invincible Me: Stories of the Seasons Book 3, Addison Lloyd

This YA story felt very high school while also creeping into some New Adult themes.  There was discovery that had me curious, but the journey didn't exactly keep me captivated.  The ending was a hopeful HFN as age and the fact that their lives haven't even truly begun yet kept it from being an HEA.  Even though the title didn't exactly match the story, it contained a relatively good mix of angst, drama, curiosity, complications, and feelings.

I can't say I was truly drawn to any certain character besides Jade and they were only a peripheral side character for a short portion of the relatively short story.  To be honest, their short interactions with the MC's as a compassionate and meddling secret keeper and with another side character with their jealousy and animosity was far more interesting than the actual story I was reading.  Caleb was fine, but I didn't really connect with him much at all; he also read way older than 17 and the way he was written felt like he just didn't fit into the scripted role but was shoved in anyway.

I'm not sure the story reflected the empowered or invulnerable feel of the title.  I mean, sure, he survived something scary, but the self-discovery, the sudden realizations about his desires...none of that was on the level I'd been expecting with the title or the passion implied in the synopsis.  What I hoped to get from this story wasn't what I got, but I can't say I disliked it, I just didn't feel it the way I wanted.

*$2.99 on Amazon

A reaction to almost dying or gay awakening?

I don’t fit in anymore. Not at home. Not at school. And this jittery feeling—like I’m living someone else’s life—needs to stop. Nothing makes sense until I confront Caleb Patterson at his locker. Arguing with him makes me feel alive again.

I have a girlfriend, but Caleb lights me up like he’s flipped a switch. He’s patient and sweet. And I want to kiss him until I break his world apart and reach the person underneath.

I’m tired of labels and playing by the rules. But living my life on my terms is more difficult than I imagined.

All I want is to be his everything.

Chance Encounters, A.T. Brennan

Honesty.  That's the word I think of most when I think about this story; from the communication between Hayden and Eric to their eventual admissions to themselves and their community.  Once everything was out in the open they really stuck to it and made an effort to communicate often and honestly so petty things didn't come between them.  It made their whole journey so much more wonderful to watch unfold.

The drama came from far less predictable sources and it was refreshing even though the conflicts that came up on Hayden's end were a little forced.  Like, can a bad guy be that bad and then get worse with only a quarter of the book left?  Though I will say that it pushed another element of trust to the fore so they could move forward and through difficulties as a partnership.

I was glad of the secondary characters and their timely and candid support from the very beginning even when Eric and Hayden weren't yet willing to accept everything they were to one another.  This story was a bit surprising for me in a very pleasant way.  I enjoyed it a lot more than I anticipated after being drawn in by the synopsis.  I'm not sure what exactly I expected, but whatever it was wasn't what I got.  Definitely a good read despite the slightly rushed and shorter ending.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Two men with undeniable chemistry, one chance encounter that starts it all.

Hayden Murphy is done with love. He’s sworn off finding another partner after the death of his husband eighteen months ago. He’s finally starting to feel like himself again and is focused on rebuilding his friendships and his work as a physiotherapist.

Eric Connors is over relationships. After breaking up with his longtime girlfriend, he’s ready to enjoy the single life. He doesn’t want or need another partner… Until he meets Hayden at the scene of an accident while on duty as a paramedic, then keeps running into him in the most random places.

Neither man can deny the chemistry between them or the fact that fate seems bound and determined to keep thrusting them together. As the men continue to meet and give in to their desires, that chance meeting grows into a friendship with benefits. Both men are reluctant to want more, but even they can’t keep things completely casual the more time they spend together.

Will their pasts keep them from seeing what’s right in front of them? Or will Hayden and Eric realize that there is life, and love, after loss?

Fables Retold, Morgan Brice and Various Authors

I'm a sucker for a good fairy tale retelling, especially when there are a few twists or modernizations thrown in wisely. Four of the included stories really caught my interest and two were written by a couple of my must-read authors so I was pretty excited for this anthology.

Below are reviews for only four of the stories: The Cat Returns to Adderly, Sam Burns; The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell, W.M. Fawkes; Gruff, Morgan Brice; and The Demon's in the Details, Meghan Maslow.

The Cat Returns to Adderly, Sam Burns
This was a really unique take on Puss in Boots, that the boots were the tool used to bring back the element of humanity in a supernaturally altered cat.  The romance itself took a back seat to Luke's making a home in the mansion of a missing witch while making sense of the life he's trying to gain.  In and amongst all the little discoveries there's something going on between him and the Alastair of his dreams, but none of that really comes together until the very end and by then we're supposed to believe there's a romantic connection, though it's a bit of curiosity, lust, and desperation all mixed up in a way that's okay for a start, but not a good way to end the story.  While the epilogue bit was cute and shows a far more settled couple, it doesn't really deepen the believability of the romance.  I wished there were more magic, more romance, and more of a build, but overall the unique take and interesting premise was passable.  3 stars.

Gruff, Morgan Brice
I love Fox Hollow!  Each story in this world fits the setting and adds interest to a town I wish I could visit in real life.  Adiel and Joe are new additions to the town and their meet-cute was a good intro to Adiel, getting to know Joe came a bit later.  My favorite bit was probably the first shift where they meet one another's goats...adorable!  Their hesitance was endearing until Adiel let his fear and insecurity get the better of him.

The romantic conflict was super predictable and the way they both flew off the handle and stomped off full of self-righteousness and hurt feelings was definitely not appreciated, but what made it excusable was that during their separation both truly reflected on their overreactions and made really astute observations that led to believable resolutions.

And the introduction of the Three Billy Goats Gruff aspect was far more dramatic than I expected, they were powerfully different, violent, and challenging.  Very little resembled the Norwegian fairy tale beyond the desire to consume the challenger and I liked the intent behind the changes.  They were a little repetitive, but still quite effective.  The whole experience helped Adiel to prove, not only to Joe, but to himself that he was stronger than he thought, that he was deserving of more than he's been given or had accepted up to now.  And the assists from Joe were just right; a partnership and a non-verbal show of just where his own heart and hopes lay.  Definitely unique and great addition to the Fox Hollow stories.  4 stars.

The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell, W.M. Fawkes

Quite grim nearly from the start with a whole lot of loss and apprehension about huge life changes for everyone, Elio had a lot to come to terms with over the course of the story.  The creepy nature of Bertram, the house setup, the mystery...all of it was fitting to the original tale.  While I was glad things worked out as they did, I didn't connect with any of the characters much at all even though I really wanted to.  I was more interested in Grim, the random dog who was a mystery on their own and left unexplained to the very end.

There was a lot that was unresolved by the end, most the minutiae of consequences from the climax, and I would have really appreciated seeing some of the transition because Elio had two more huge changes coming at him; the hopeful expectation regarding those changes just wasn't enough to satisfy me.  Between the magic that I wanted more of and the friends-to-lovers setup with Dutch that I also didn't get enough of, the story was fine, I just didn't feel there was enough.  3 stars.

The Demon's in the Details, Meghan Maslow

By far the best book I have ever read from this author.  Poe and Tommy are fascinating and memorable on their own and together they are incendiary and fickle and salty and sweet too.  I enjoyed their roller coaster, though I wish it had been an alternating POV and not just Poe's.  From the very beginning I was intrigued and engaged and interested in the MC's and rooted for their HEA, which they most definitely got.

The plot was clear and focused, it progressed well without too many complications thrown in just to make things more interesting.  There was drama, of course, but it was resolved in a way that fit the characters and the family they surrounded themselves by.  There weren't any true surprises along the way, but neither was it exactly predictable; it was just right, in my opinion.  There was a strength in the subtleties, the bad guys were clear, and the good guys were a lot of fun while also being clever and deadly.

There was compassion, heart, passion, and family in all the right ways.  I really want more from this world.  If you sign up for the author's newsletter you could gain access to a short story from Tommy's POV from when he met Poe and while it was kinda nice, it was incredibly short and I thought it was underwhelming.  I'd recommend not reading it after the story, read it as part of the story where it belongs chronologically if you really want to read it, I just think it was unnecessary.  4.5 stars.

*$8.99 on Amazon

Tales as old as time…reimagined.

What if your favorite fairy tales…kicked some serious, urban fantasy ass?

Fueled by magic, steam, and scorching men, this MM romance anthology has just the thrill you’re looking for.

Stories included:

Blake & the Beast by Rhys Lawless (Beauty & the Beast)

The Cat Returns to Adderly by Sam Burns (Puss in Boots)

The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell by W.M. Fawkes (Bluebeard)

Gruff by Morgan Brice (Three Billy Goats Gruff)

The Demon's in the Details by Meghan Maslow (Rumpelstiltskin)

Spirit of Snow by Richard Amos (Snow White)

Words and Music, JD Sampson

I was drawn in by the premise and had high hopes for found family, personal growth, discovery, and healing.  The reality was a little of all of that, but none in quantities that were truly moving or captivating.  I ended up being more interested in the surrounding situation rather than the MC's and was left underwhelmed by them and their journey.

While there were some tender moments, there were a lot of transitions between them that didn't sit right, didn't flow, and just plain didn't wow.  With a lot of potential for an angsty ride to a powerful love, the reality fell short for me.

The story overall wasn't bad, I think I just didn't enjoy the flow, the MC's, or the "necessary" dramatics to get Kieran to pull his head out.  Assault and kidnapping near the end of the story seemed like overkill at this point.  There was something incredibly traumatic in his past and the reveal felt awkward and while Miles said he'd be patient, there were a lot of times where he was short-sighted and selfish.  Those two terms could describe so much of Kieran's actions as well, unfortunately.

So while I wasn't enthralled by the story, it wasn't a bad one, I'm sure a lot of people will love the music and poetry elements as well as the surface story between Kieran and Miles, but for me there was just too much and yet not enough.

*$2.99 on Amazon

A rock band tour bus is an unconventional place to raise a child, but indie artist Miles Mason is doing his best to be a stand-in father for two-year-old Bowie. But when Bowie’s real father turns up looking for the boy he hasn’t seen in years, it’s up to Miles to help this skittish Irishman bury the secrets of his past in order to become the father and partner he’s dreamed of all his life.

With less than two weeks left in the tour, the clock is ticking not just on fatherhood but on love. Can these two learn to make beautiful music together or will a secret from the past keep them from becoming a family.

Not So Innocent: The Real Thing Book 2, Emma Lyon

I liked the writing, the voices of the MC's were distinct enough and each had their own issues to resolve or deal with before finding a future together.  Though I would have liked to see them with a little more of the settling part, like how they made their lives together.  The scene at the wedding was pretty adorable and right on brand for both men so even if we didn't get much more of them after the reconciliation, that was a really good moment.

There was a feeling of unresolved angst in Ethan's life with his father, but where we're left was actually a hopeful place despite not having him or his father open up and do a whole sharing bit.  What we got spoke to a positive progression rather than a stagnation or a decline, but that's mostly up to the interpretation of the reader than what's actually on the page.

Ethan was the younger partner and despite his lackluster enthusiasm for life after college and professions, he had good moments of maturity and insight that helped Holden see a lot of sense.  Overall it was a nice story, though character growth was lacking, but it was one that got me really curious about the series beginning with Zac and Lane.

*$4.99 on Amazon

You shouldn’t want what you can’t have.

Holden

That’s the first thing I think when I see Ethan Garrett—young, beautiful Ethan Garrett, son of Senator Garrett, the man I’ve been hired to protect. Did I mention young? Not that Ethan sees himself that way. Nearly twenty-three and fresh out of college, he thinks he knows what men like me are like. But the thoughts I have about him aren’t anywhere near innocent or nice.

Indulging a secret romance while trying to do my job can’t possibly end well, but Ethan’s made no secret that he’s put his sights on me. And I’m fast discovering that what Ethan wants, he finds a way to get.

Ethan

I don’t want nice, and I’m sure as hell not innocent. I don’t care that Holden thinks he’s too old for me—he’s the only one who doesn’t see me as a failure. And with my family in danger, he makes me feel safe. But there’s nothing safe about the way I’m starting to fall for him.

He might be leaving as soon as his job is done, but until then I’m not letting his hangups stand in our way. I’ll take whatever I can get from him, even if he breaks my heart.

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.

Press One for Fake Boyfriend: Dial A Man Book 1, Joe Satoria

This was a new-to-me author and I have to say I don't think their writing style completely worked for me.  Awkwardness abounded in the writing's flow, the MC's individually, the retreat, and most of the interactions between each and every character other than Vik.  And Chef Espy?  Yeah, I just really didn't get it.  He was a caricature and made me uncomfortable on a number of occasions to say nothing of his own sketchy interactions with the MC's.

There were a few moments that I thought I might enjoy myself, but those weren't as often as I would have liked.  I just didn't connect with the characters at all, probably because I didn't see or feel a deeper connection between Wyatt and Kane either.  Their chemistry felt scripted more than organic both platonically as well as when things finally became intimate.

Juvenile behavior was one thing, but it was the immaturity from Kane that really threw me.  I didn't believe most things in the story and while Kane's manner was okay in the beginning, his dramatic flight from the retreat showed that all the professionalism he spouted at every opportunity was just lip service in the end.  It was like watching teenagers instead of grown men.  Even with surprising feelings being thrown into the mix there had to be a better way to write their conflict.  Wyatt on the other hand started out truly annoying and uptight and even if he didn't actually have a lot of character growth himself, he ended up less annoying as the story went on because he became less of a robot.

I didn't really dislike the story, it just really didn't work for me and I struggled to finish.  The only bright spot was Vik and his ridiculousness; he was truly a character.  I think the story suffered mainly from trying too hard.  It wasn't a bad story, the synopsis was good and the premise really held promise, it just needed a whole lot of finesse and some objective editing.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Opposites attract when Wyatt hires Kane to be his fake boyfriend.

Wyatt Scott is a highly strung pastry chef who owns a patisserie with dreams of expansion. He always gets what he wants, the exception being a boyfriend.

Kane Dixon is an easy-going creative soul who moonlights as an escort. He's saving to open a pottery studio and continue to make phallic ceramics.

Hired for a weekend retreat, Kane's three rules are going out of the window. No kissing, no drinking, and definitely no overnight stays. Can he pull it back even after going so far?

With a shared bed and close proximity, will they let lust take over? Or quit while they're ahead?

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 50

• Love You So Hard: Love You So Book 1, Tara Lain
• Fate's Final Chapter: A Collection of Strays Book 6, Toby Wise
• Night Skies and Galaxy Leggings, Nikole Knight

While we didn't get to know the men a whole lot, less of Jessie than of Craig, we got enough of a sense of rightness between them, that they were the right person for one another.  I ached for Craig and even teared up when everything in his life seemed to be falling apart and seeing him find his forever with Jessie was very sweet.  Though the individual growth where he finds his courage and confidence isn't complete or even completely solid by the time the story ends, it is on an upward trajectory.

His Charlie Brown thoughts got to be a bit too much for me at times and there was very little sense at all of who Jessie is other than a good match for Craig because he's so complementary.  But despite the cheese and simplistic characters, I did like the overall feel of the story. I also liked the words a certain boss had for him and that those that needed their comeuppance got it.  Very low angst, this short story was full of sweetness, fluffy feels, and some spice to balance it all out.  3.5 stars

Such a sweet ending, a great way to close out the series of all the unlikely yet perfect pairings.  Being guided by Fate to find their fated mates and to bring life into the pack lands as well as the heart of their adopted father, each group gets one final moment to show us just how wonderful it is to find the being(s) meant for your soul.  True to each character there were twin shenanigans, steamy moments, tender feels, and all the good stuff we've come to expect from each and every book in the series.  Along with some truly interesting female alpha explanations that I'd always been curious about, there were snippets from each grouping that rounded out and solidified every good thing I've felt over the course of following all their journeys.  4 stars.

Tender, heartbreaking, and triumphant.  

Casey and Andy are so incredibly young and only starting out in life. On their own they're so very different and yet there's a common thread of admiration, yearning, and discovery that ties them together. There's also an attraction that's more than physical and while they navigate a mostly homophobic community and their changing feelings they find that young love isn't enough when life comes calling.

I enjoyed the story so much and when the heartbreak came I teared up knowing that it was such a difficult moment for both of them and cursing the fact that there were only a few more pages in the novella left. The epilogue was short and wonderful and I wanted to say I didn't like the book because it was so short, but that would be a disservice to effective writing just because I wasn't ready to let these young people go. I want more.  4 stars.

A Reluctant Boy Toy: Men of St. Nacho's Book 3, Z.A. Maxfield

Virtually no conclusions about anything, but I still really, really liked it.

So this wasn't actually set in St. Nacho's despite being "marketed" that way by being included in the series.  There's a connection, but a vague one at best, so I don't know how well it fits in terms of setting or cast, but in feel and theme it really does so whatever you choose to make of that, there it is.

Stone really got to me.  Maybe because I relate to the demi discovery after a failed marriage, but there's something in his tremendous heart and infinite care of those he cares for that hits me right in the feels.  His shame and guilt are a bit painful to watch because the way he describes his fears and his vulnerabilities feel real and not something made up to give him complexity in a story that eventually gets an HEA.  That's not what happens at all.

And then there's Bast who has a truckload of unresolved trauma that comes back with a vengeance.  All the good he's done and the healing he thought he achieved before that happened falters in the face of a very real and disturbing situation.  I liked him and that no one let him continue running from the consequences of PTSD from whatever really happened in his past. His honesty with Stone and his expressions of mortification were endearing as well.

So then there's the whole plot and character progression and the romantic arc to consider...

Plot: not much of one, to be honest.  It basically centers on the personal evolution of each MC and how that brings them together.  Throwing around little to no detail of Bast's past except that one video and a lot of intimation from one uncomfortable conversation with a pervy dude because of the NDA was annoying, actually.  I get that we didn't really need a whole rehashing of some sick stuff that older dudes in the industry perpetrated on young, naive kids new to the scene, but it felt way too swept aside with the mention of the NDA even in Bast's personal thoughts.

Character progression: Stone does most of the growing because he's got a lot to discover about himself and come to terms with at the same time as making peace with his past.  It's not complete by the end, but there is huge progress on the past front and a full acceptance of who he is in relation to Bast and what he wants out of that relationship.  Bast doesn't actually deal with much of anything by the end and his character is left hanging despite being under the care and encouragement of Stone.

Romance: definitely on a good footing by the end, though the HEA is implied and not explicit because of where the author chose to end the story.  Very slow burn and very low steam as well.

By the end I felt it was a really wonderful story and I was actually glad the author didn't try to cram in full resolutions on Bast's legal issues, Bast's emotional issues, Stone's relationship with his ex, Stone's relationship with his kids, Bast's career, Stone and Bast's living arrangements, therapy, etc.  To do that the story would really have to be lengthened quite a bit.

Perhaps some of it could have been left out completely from the outset to keep the story simpler.   Maybe we could have gotten a lot less of Stone's job and the repetitions of wolf-dog issue explanations.  The balance could have been improved, yes, but judging the story for what we got, I was actually not displeased by the end and really felt for Stone and enjoyed the read.  I'm still all in for the series.

*$4.99 on Amazon

A physically scarred veteran. An emotionally scarred young actor. Can they let go of the past and find a future together?Stone Wilder is happiest with his emotional support dog and the hybrid wolfdogs he rescues. They don't react to his scars or call him queer because sex doesn't interest him all that much. Maybe that's why he doesn't believe the rumors that paint gorgeous Sebastian Keye as an unprofessional "it boy." To Stone, Sebastian is simply a nice kid who shares his interest in dogs.

Sebastian is drawn to Stone's warmth and caring nature. With the help of his stalwart PA Molly, Sebastian and Stone begin a quiet friendship. But a video from Sebastian's past suddenly goes viral, causing old hurts and humiliations to destroy his emotional stability and nearly cost him his life.

After Sebastian's world falls apart, Stone wants to support him. But Stone has his own tortured past, and they can't move forward unless he makes things right.

Will growing close to Sebastian lead Stone to a new understanding of who he is and what he wants?

Fair Trade: Bold Brew Book 7, Cate Ashwood

Despite being drawn in by the premise and the inevitability of a one-time hookup becoming a forever love, I wasn't sure I liked either MC all that much.  Callum was a bit of a grump in a negative way and Nick was a little too lost and unclear.  It was Callum that grew on me first with his desperate need to cling to the job and his isolation and I wanted so much to know why.  It wasn't until the end that I appreciated Nick and it was mainly because he fulfilled Callum's needs.

I think my favorite scene of everything was the moment of profound relief after everyone thought the worst had happened.  I had to take a tiny break from reading so I could quietly giggle.  Giggle, yes, and I kind of never do that on my own without the aid of my two kids being ridiculous.

When everything fell into place there was a sense of peace for the reader who was following along with the chaos of the job as well as the inner turmoil from Callum.  The balance of the book was thrown off because we spent so long with the before that we didn't get nearly enough of their after.  Their happiness was well-earned despite taking nearly the entirety of the short book to get there, but this seriously needed an epilogue.

*$2.99 on Amazon

After working with the same partner for almost fifteen years, she ditched me for a cushy teaching job. And I thought things couldn’t get worse.

I was wrong.

Because walking into the ambulance station to see my new rookie is none other than the guy I’d picked up in a seedy bar would’ve been bad enough.

Except we hadn’t just hooked up.

Nope.

What we’d done went so far beyond an anonymous one-nighter.

And now I'm not sure what to do with myself, because being with Nick isn’t just against station rules.

It’s against mine.

But I can’t seem to stop, and what’s even more concerning…

I can’t make myself care.

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.

Hit the Brakes: Food Truck Warriors Book 2, Beth Bolden

I really love following along with a group of men who need, deserve, and want love as much as anyone.  The community and friendships and rivalries provide a really great backdrop for this series and I'm always happy to read.  This particular book though, worked a bit less for me than Drive Me Crazy.  I'm never a fan of the hesitations, back and forth, and woe-is-me attitude and this book had a whole lot of all of that. 

Chase was all that and more for me.  As much as I loved him, there was a severe lack of balance with Tate and his character.  Tate nearly ruined the story for me for quite a number of reasons.  He just...ugh...he just rubbed me the wrong way on many, many different occasions.  I didn't even really like them together for most of the story, unfortunately.

But it was the combination of Chase and a fantastic epilogue that really brought everything together in the end.  It redeemed my hopes for the men together and assured me that things were really working out in a believable and heartfelt way.  I'm definitely coming back for more from the series.

*$5.99 on Amazon

Can they fake it til Tate makes it?

Tate Ward is in a bind. His food truck hasn’t been the runaway success he’d always dreamt it would be. When he tries to join a new food truck collective to gain a larger following, his sales aren’t even high enough to win a spot. What he needs is a high profile endorsement—and he knows just the guy.

Tate hasn’t seen Chase Riley since high school. It’s been ten long years of watching from a distance as Chase conquers football fields and fans’ hearts.

Tate never wanted Chase to know that he had the world’s stupidest crush on him, because he always believed Chase was straight.

But desperate times call for desperate measures . . .

When Chase offers a tempting plan that could fulfill all his dreams, Tate knows he can’t say no. All he has to do is pretend that his very real feelings are actually fake.

But faking it with Chase, while leading to wild success and even wilder nights, is everything that Tate feared it would be. All it’s done is leave him wanting the impossible: Chase’s heart.

ARC received from Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews

Out of Harm's Way: Balls and Brawn Bodyguards Book 1, Rebecca James

Ox and Mick...Mick and Ox...I wanted to love them together. It was a giant and a nerd match that should have been made in heaven for my own taste, but there was something about Mick in the beginning and Ox at the halfway mark that didn't really work for me. They were fine overall, just not anything close to a couple I'd rave about.

I liked Ox for most of the story and appreciated that he was a solid character, one you could count on and build on, but his family drama seemed forced and didn't add to his character or his individual growth all that much. I will say that while Ox protected Mick and came to his aid at the drop of a hat, Mick was given a chance to "save" Ox in return. What didn't work for me in that situation was that it wasn't something Mick was specifically qualified for. His encouragement to Ox to open up was good, it worked for them, but the whole situation seemed very specific and yet very generic so literally anyone kind of close to Ox could have given the same advice and have it heeded.

Mick was saucy and also incredibly scared. Those traits should have worked, but his constant return to describing or discussing his past conquests bothered me. No shaming, no judgment about his exploits, I just think that his more salacious moments could have been skipped and just have him open up to Ox in a more genuine way, some kind of tender and open conversation becoming more and more heated as they shared desires or interests. I certainly won't claim to be anything close to an author myself, so maybe what I hoped for instead wouldn't be viable. Whatever. All I know is I wasn't a fan of how it was done in the story.

So overall this wasn't a bad story, it just wasn't for me in the end.

*3.99 on Amazon

I’m coming after you, baby boy. You’re going to pay for what you did.

The terrifying text message from Mick Water's abuser, recently escaped from prison, sends him spiraling into panic. His life is just getting back on track, and now he's constantly looking over his shoulder and barely able to sleep at night. When his friends arrange for a bodyguard for him, Mick feels a confusing combination of relief at having protection, dismay at the sheer size of his new bodyguard, and arousal due to Mick's attraction to big men. His ex was a big man, and Mick paid dearly for that attraction.

Oxford Bradley enjoys his job with Foster Security, which includes a mixed bag of high-stakes cases--some of them dangerous--and dull babysitting-type situations. When he isn't working, he prefers a serene life devoid of drama and, let’s face it, a somewhat vanilla sex life. Assigned to protect a terrified man from his abusive ex, Ox is horrified at his body’s reaction to not only Mick himself, but also Mick’s admission to a Daddy kink--he’s never had an unprofessional relationship with a client and he isn’t starting now.

As Mick warms up to Ox and the two men get to know one another, the attraction between them grows. Ox refuses to break his professional code, but what about when the danger's over? Living in different states, they can't possibly have more than a one-off, and the temptation to explore with this intriguing man is undeniable.

Will one night send Ox running back to his comfortable vanilla lifestyle, or will Mick help him find a new favorite flavor? And what happens when an opportunity presents itself for Ox to see Mick again?