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?

Off Camera, Wendy Qualls

Max caught my attention right off the bat with his competence and stellar effort at not becoming too starstruck to do his job or deliver what he promised.  His shy awkwardness really worked for me.  And his intelligence and ingenuity in his job was a surprising facet that really went a long way to making him my favorite of the MC's.  Every so often his vulnerability got in his way a bit, but overall he maintained the most stable presence even in his little bit of growth as he stepped out of his comfort zone.

There wasn't much character growth on either side, but slightly more so on Devon's because he had his past to overcome if he wanted a future with Max.  I was satisfied by his groveling at the end, but the separation bothered me only because it took so long for any kind of amends to be made at all.  If it weren't for surprise kicks in the head I don't know that he would have made the choice to fix things on his own, which was slightly disappointing.  The tattoo doodle part before then really broke my heart and I almost gave up on Devon when we got that little scene.

Together they definitely worked, though I can't say their chemistry was anything truly exciting or spectacular.  The whole story felt soft, subtle, and slow-moving despite only having the relationship build over the course of a couple weeks with a fairly quick jump into one another's pants.  It was a very nice story that was a much better representation of what this author can write than when I initially found their books.  The feels were present even if they were much more mellow, but that's not always a bad thing.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Devon Yoshiro may be a famous actor, but he's also a big brother. When his niece turns six and his sister is laid up after surgery, he sticks around town after promoting his new movie at a major scifi convention to help out. He may know nothing about kids, parties, or planning, but how hard can it be?

Max Harrington develops a major crush on the actor he met while volunteering at Con--which is why he's in shock that Devon has chosen HIS little science museum to host a birthday party. And has chosen him for a little stress relief. No point in wanting more...

Gay Romance Holiday Collection, Keira Andrews

Eight Nights in December: 4 stars

Both MC's were soft and sweet as was their passion.  It was immature because of their age, but not in the way it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Both characters had a lot of growing to do and it's clear that they're given the best possible start with foundations of love, good family, and a faith system that provided tradition and community.  I do wish there had been an alternating POV, but Nate's issues and feelings were relatively obvious so I could forgive that.  Theirs was free of any external angst and the internal issues were rectified really quickly by well-meaning family so the overall feel of the story was light and fluffy.  The epilogue was absolutely perfect for them and showed an immense amount of family love, connection, and happiness that would be anything anyone could hope for.

In Case of Emergency: 3.5 stars

With a slow start and an unnecessary amount of meddling and ridiculousness from the would-be boyfriend, this wasn't my favorite of the bunch.  But then things started deepening and progressing between the MC's and then a whole load of sweetness came rushing in and really brought the story to a better place.  I think the demi bit was slightly contrived and simplistically explained, but other than that, the rest of the story flowed well and gave a great sense of connection between the men.  The ending was very sweet and just right for the MC's.

Santa Daddy: 4 stars

This was a cute story that had a lot of steam and I liked it all.  Getting to know both men and seeing how they changed and grew to become better men by the end as well as more settled was an absolute pleasure.  I even liked the interjected thoughts from Eric's perspective that helped Nick to come to terms with all that stretched him beyond his comfort zone.  It was snarky, tempting, and quite amusing at times.  With a couple of solid side characters to add depth and breadth to the story I was completely sold.

Where the Lovelight Gleams: 3 stars

Another family for the win.  These two MC's really need the support of family being stuck in the Hollywood spotlight.  The sexual chemistry between them really works, but the emotional one felt lacking.  I would have liked an alternating POV because there was quite a bit of internal conflict, withheld feelings, aborted sentiments, and rash reactions on both of their parts.  While the ending was very sweet and brought us full-circle, the lead-up was a bit rough and didn't give me the same lovely feelings I got with all the rest of the stories in this collection.

*$4.99 on Amazon

First Priority: Priorities Book 1, Este Holland

The beginning almost turned me off completely.  I get arrogant characters who need a good love to give them perspective, but certain things that happened almost pushed it too far for me.  Truman started off as more despicable than unlikable and I was really, really worried he wouldn't redeem himself.  Turned out I worried a little too hard.  He ended up as one of the best men and I'm so glad I stuck it out.

Adam had mental health issues and I loved that the way it was dealt with was real.  That there's no real cure and that he found his own coping methods.  While the actual follow-through with some of it was inconsistent, it was still a present thing in their lives that was handled realistically.  As an individual I thought he had backbone when it counted and learned to love himself and see himself through Truman's eyes.  He grew and deepened as a character and I liked that quite a lot.

There was a hint relatively early on about a possible conflict and it was never mentioned again until it surprised them all.  Completely unnecessary.  It really should have been nixed in favor of keeping the conflict between the person that sold them out and had been causing problems from the very beginning.  The confrontation with that person at the end was ... mature, I guess, but felt completely underwhelming.  Instead of thinking that a couple loose threads needed to be tied up, it would have been much more effecting to simplify and stick to only one.

The slower-to-act steamy aspect of their relationship was full of so much heart and understanding.  It showed exactly how far Truman came from his infamous beginning.  And seeing him in Ireland was fantastic.  I loved how they grew and the way they weren't chosen as the vehicle for tearing them apart before a reconciliation.  Instead, we get a more united front dealing with those things that sought to bring them down and pull them away from one another.  Their relationship and how it grew, deepened, that was what really sold me on the story.

I have such high hopes for the rest of the series.  The small asides to introduce the next two couples we'll see more of was slightly distracting and I mostly wish they'd been saved for their own books, no matter the overlapping timelines we'd get later, but they weren't huge or so overt that I disliked them.  The characters were present enough to draw my interest without really pulling the attention from First Priority's MC's.  I'm really hoping the rest of the series follows the same level of depth and commitment that Adam and Truman showed here.  With a start to the series that was utterly enjoyable, I've set the bar pretty high and can't wait to see how the rest plays out.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Adam:
Meeting an A-list movie star like Truman James wasn’t part of my life plan, but neither was temporarily living with my bully of a stepbrother. Being hit on by said celebrity definitely hadn’t been planned. Beating my social anxiety wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, and avoiding the stubborn actor was even harder, so when I was thrust into the spotlight, there was only one thing I could do… Run.

Truman:
From the moment I set eyes on Adam Hendrix, I was enraptured. His sweet demeanor and pretty-boy looks captured my heart from the start, and I refused to let Adam get away. When the paparazzi began to swarm, I did the only thing I could to protect Adam… I whisked him away to a place no one could get to him. I let my guard down and showed Adam the real me. The one only a few people in the world know. But will it be enough to make him stay? Will I be enough to make him happy?

The Winter Quarters, Anna Veriani

Deeply unsatisfied with his life but feeling immense guilt for his dissatisfaction, Kai seeks escape.  It's a good thing his best friend is exactly what his soul needs to find peace and rest.  But Hiro isn't just his best friend, he's also the love of his life.  For one month he can hold his attraction at bay to find solace, right?  Well when that solace combines with finding the place your home was always meant to be, all that's left is for his love to be returned.  Good thing Hiro has a couple secrets of his own to share.

These men.  Seriously.  They were adorable together with a friendship that was so very real, so very warm.  I loved that their evolution was slower with less sexy time in the beginning and middle because the important part of the story was the relationship, but more than that, it was coming to terms with what their individual happiness looked like.  Kai needed to find within himself the stability and love necessary to accept what was on offer from the Asada family.  Hiro needed to stop being resentful of his family and appreciate what Kai was doing for him and to find his own solutions to his romantic dilemma.

It certainly helped that Obaa-chan was the freaking amazing woman she is because she pretty much paved the path for their forever happiness.  Her story was a little bit of a side story yet immensely important to Kai and Hiro's fate.  I loved her so hard right from the very start.  She was the star of the story for me.

The exact right person made the big romantic overtures.  If it was someone else it wouldn't have felt as real as it turned out.  Each character played their role, but sometimes when authors create a slightly more dominant partner whether in attitude, higher self-confidence, or more self-assured, it follows that they would be the ones instigating the big things, the big changes that direct the relationship.  While that was a little present here, it flipped by the end so the person who needed to do the asking was the one who did it.  It was adorably sweet and absolutely perfect for the couple.  I don't know if I could have loved their moment more than I did.

The epilogue was presented in a bit of a unique way and I have to say that it was an interesting way to go about it.  It fit even though it wasn't all sappiness or steam.  The drama that provided the main conflict was addressed in an organic way, that it wasn't too simple nor to complex, and that the solution fit the overall feel of the story.  There weren't any extra bits of drama added in to make things more intense and nothing else was thrown in that could have detracted from the story.  Overall I was happy to have loved this story.  It's definitely going on my re-read shelf.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Snow, steam, and a second chance.

Reluctant socialite Kai has thirty-five days before his family starts shooting the next season of their reality TV show, revealing a life he’d rather keep private—and one that feels increasingly scripted. Desperately needing a break, Kai escapes to his childhood best friend Hiro Asada’s inn in rural Japan. He finds peace in the thousand-year-old hot springs, but his yearning for Hiro resurfaces at the worst time: Hiro is about to inherit the inn, and his parents expect him to marry within the year.

Hiro’s traditional family loves him for who he is, but they can’t imagine two men running the inn. Meanwhile, Kai has a TV contract his lawyer insists can’t be broken. Hiro and Kai need to think outside the box—and solve their problems before Christmas Day, when Kai’s show shoots its annual holiday special.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 42

  

• Bootyogomy: Booty Call Series Book 1, C.M. Seabrook and Frankie Love
• Rival Princes: Fairyland Romances Book 1, Jaxon Knight
• Finding Home: Northpoint Wolves Book 1, Kiska Gray

Bootyogomy is a silly title with a seriously sexy story that brings two friends together despite the "taboo" of the best friends' little sister throwing a wrench in their romance.  The overall story was pretty cute with a forever crush on both parts finally finding resolution with one another.  While Max and Kendall worked together and were opposites in many ways, I'll admit that the language and descriptions of their more sensual moments felt a bit over the top, a little too cringey, quite juvenile.  It read as young as the characters were and served as a reminder that more crass language seems to be more popular among that age group.  While I'm absolutely no prude, I just think it was a bit much.  The sweetness, however, made a valiant effort to balance the more erotic aspects of the story and I loved how genuine their connection felt.  There were a few too many things unsaid until the last moments, but the end of the book was pretty much perfect.  It continued their story to a satisfying point and completely fit their characters.  3 stars.

Like a certain "world of mouse" with an iconic castle, the world of fantasy in this story is a bit cutesy, a bit cheesy, and rife with behind-the-scenes drama.  I enjoyed this story as much as I thought I would despite the moments where the characters' character obsession brought me out of the story.  It was my hopes for the men as well as the supporting cast that kept me invested.  Nate was the star for me as his natural "princely" qualities meshed with his endearing sweetness, tenacity, and honesty.  Dash took a while for me to warm up to.  His reasons for his behavior were understandable, but nowhere near acceptable.  There was a whole lot he needed to do to earn redemption and it took a long time for him to get around to it, but by the end he was well on his way.  We were left seeing the potential rather than something a bit more conclusive.  As it stands, the ending seems a bit rushed, the resolution isn't completely satisfying, and it felt more like an HFN.  I think I'll sign up for the newsletter so I can get their epilogue.  If the story were a bit longer or more balanced in a way that would have given us a stronger ending, this story would have been almost fantastic.  3.5 stars.

A kidnapping, a brand, revenge, and fate's absurd humor in choosing fated mates...  You don't get hit with the darker elements until farther into the story and the world set-up is short but understandable enough to avoid confusion.  I liked Tegan right away with his attitude, his grasp of reality, his strength, his yearning for love, pack, and home.  Rhine was unintentionally funny.  His blind rage got him into the whole kidnapping mess and his lack of self control just keeps him digging his hole deeper and deeper.  I felt so sorry for him constantly putting his foot in it but I was also chuckling at just how ridiculous he made things at every turn.  But it was them together fighting and giving in to their attraction, their obvious hearts that took a bit to get on the same page, and their incredible love for family that gave them motivation.

There were some disturbing elements that were a shock to read yet weren't so graphic that I felt uncomfortable (*huge note for a trigger warning here though...rape is never entertainment).  Though distressing, it was a whole lot more plausible than the perfectly-timed rescues we see in most other stories.  The darker elements lent a level of intrigue that drew me into the series, not just the story.  I think there was a pretty good balance found here and I'll definitely be back for more.  The supporting cast is really great and the family's journey is only just beginning.  There's a whole lot more coming and I want to find out what happens to everyone.  4 stars.

Starstruck: Opposites Attract Book 1, LJ Stark

A hopeful encounter that turns sour, a second-chance that turns into matrimony, a fake relationship that becomes...complicated.  Peter is in awe of Aiden, and then he's disgusted.  Aiden is bored out of his skull, and then he's irate.  Neither man wants anything to do with one another but talent and a whole lot of alcohol keep them together, and if the cheap gold rings on their fingers say anything, it'll be for a lot longer than either ever hoped.  But sometimes an accident is a happy accident and both men get a glimpse into something more, something deeper, something real.  Whether it will last beyond the movie's opening, however, is the question.

Peter is awkward, honest, and very real.  I found him relatable...for most of the book.  His constant sniping at Aiden became old because it didn't really let up.  We got his perspective for most of the book and I was expecting some kind of revelation that all his hate-fueled passion was changing into something more tender but those moments were few and far between.  I did think he truly felt more for Aiden, though.  Because we got more from his thoughts we could see small glimpses into his understanding of Aiden and how he could read him.  Aiden's thoughts, however, were mostly hidden from us.

I think I was more disappointed in Aiden's character than anything else.  We got very little from him in terms of feelings and evolution of character.  What we were given was a sullen, moody, entitled prick so often that I felt my hopes of him growing and softening and becoming honest with Peter dwindling with each passing chapter.  By the end I kind of didn't care if he changed at all and I doubted that his change came from within rather than loneliness.  I just hoped for so much more from him.

The machinations of Aiden's agent in the beginning were great because it meant Peter got the chance he deserved for his career, but as soon as she decided to take the reins for the PR stuff, she became a questionable character.  Her job was at the forefront, yes, but seeing her undermine decisions and ultimate happiness for business was frustrating.  The confessions at the end went a long way to redeeming the story though.  From there to the epilogue was where we could have used more.  Pretty much more of everything soft to compensate for all the hate that was spewed between Peter and Aiden through so much of the story.  Overall, I think the story was good but had more potential than what we were given.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Beard Wanted: Rent-A-Dom Book 4, Susi Hawke and Piper Scott

Perception and reality are rarely ever the same.  In the case of Monty, he's convinced that there's nothing that will ruin his company's image than for his to be seen.  As a twink-like 24 year old it's unlikely that anyone will think him the powerful Dom and CEO of his own company.  For an anniversary party he's determined to hire a beard to project the image everyone is expecting except it very quickly becomes more than just a contract.  Christian is wedging his way under Monty's prickly and controlled disposition and they quickly surrender to one another's magnetism.  But a lapse on Monty's part twice over produces some unintended consequences.  If he doesn't decide quickly what's truly important he might lose out on love.

The beginning was a good introduction to who Monty and Christian are at the current moment but very quickly we get into a confusing mess of emotion with no known foundation, mainly from Monty.  After that the interactions become awkward in a confusing way, as if we're missing something.  It feels like we should know something about why Monty acts the way he does but we don't actually ever get a concrete reason.  There's no event or betrayal that justifies Monty's reactions enough to believe all the angst he imposes on his life and relationships.

Christian's positivity, lightness, and desire are excellent counterpoints to Monty's pessimism, workaholic tendencies, and emotional restraint.  His natural submission seems at odds with what Monty is requesting of him so we get to see him fluctuate between the two.  I never feel a sense of him settling on one or the other and it kind of rubs off on Monty as well.  It's like their innate desires and natural states become less important as the story progresses and I'm not sure if that's intentional or even a good thing.

I did feel that Monty's anniversary party speech was a bit too sappy, like it was trying too hard to be profound, but shortly after the start of the book Monty's manner of speaking seemed to change rather quickly to reflect that same thing, too poetic, too aloof, just trying too hard.  Overall the story had a great premise and some serious steam as well as a lot of tender feels.  The anniversary party took a much better, healthier turn for Monty and I was glad for that.  When their "oops" moment became something to bond over rather than a wedge to drive them apart it was the time they had before that to get to know one another and to give in to their feelings instead of just their lust that made for a much more believable and lasting connection.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Bashful, Lo Brynolf

Falling for your gay best friend isn't that uncommon.  But when that gay best friend isn't really gay, the confusion and frustration becomes palpable.  When Bash comes back from a study abroad in England his plans for romance are a little different from what Callie expects.  She's been in love with Bash forever and the years and distance have done nothing to dull her attraction or affection.  The push and pull she feels from him is more than confusing, it's beginning to hurt.  There's a lot they'll have to overcome if they'll find their own happily ever after.  Maybe some awesome friends and a steamy kiss as co-stars can help...

Callie has a flair for the dramatic, that's for sure.  She's young and hopelessly in love with someone who could never return her feelings.  But knowing that she'd rather have his friendship than nothing at all, she tries her best to squelch all those flutters and nerves whenever she's in close proximity to Bash.  I thought she was cute and quirky almost all the way through the story.  She was also caring, giving, understanding, and funny.  Her best friend is phenomenal.  But when things really get serious, I found her a bit juvenile.  The issue with that is that she's really just acting her age, there's nothing unnatural about her reactions and feelings, I was just hoping for some maturity and clarity and COMMUNICATION.  Without those things I felt disappointed rather than amused and hopeful for a romance between them.  Except for when there was an issue with the professor, I loved that she found her strength, her ferocity, and put it to good use.  While not completely redeeming herself, I did soften toward her.

Bash was another story.  I was hoping for a lot more of his perspective.  Although it would have given away the secret early, it's not like it was actually a secret because the synopsis clearly tells us he's not really gay.  I found him just as much at fault for not communicating.  They're best friends and I can understand holding a bit back for fear of ending up with nothing instead of what you've yearned for for years, but if he was so determined to get out of the friend zone he sure wasn't trying very hard.  Small overtures here and there, some flirty comments, and then some seriously whip-lash inducing "advances" only to have them quickly become full retreats...none of that is doing him any favors.  His fierceness to protect and care for her is quite admirable though.  When we get his perspective it's pretty much all from the moment we learn the truth of her terrible assumption.  He's angry, hurt, confused.  It's not doing the audience any favors or winning us over either.  Instead of watching him get over himself we get to see him stewing and venting and wallowing.  An unfortunate choice by the author there.

Their relationship was cute and full of the angst of youth and apprehension.  I liked watching their interactions through most of the story, learning about them individually and together went a long way for me to root for them.  The reveal, however, completely threw me.  What should have fit the tone of the story and been a shock, a bit of distance, and humorous became overly dramatic, angry, full of hurt, and almost the end of them.  I felt that it didn't fit the flow of the story and was disappointed by it.  The epilogue was sweet and hopeful but quite abrupt.  I was hoping for more settling but we get drama, drama, drama, and a harrowing experience followed by more drama before we get sexy times and reconciliation only to have it end suddenly.  Despite that there were some real gems that made the story enjoyable.  The humor, the side cast, and the focus of the story that made the progression fluid were all great.  While there were some things I wasn't a fan of, the overall story was pleasant to read.

*99¢ on Amazon!

Bashful, Lo Brynolf

Entering stage right is Lo Brynolf's Bashful...
Release set for March 29, 2018!

Callie Miller loves drama. As a theater major, that’s a given.

It’s hard to date in the theater department when all the guys are either taken or gay—like her best friend and longtime crush.

When Callie becomes the lead in the biggest production of the year, she realizes she has no time for love.

Until Sebastian “Bash” Moore reenters her life, stage left.

He left everything behind three years ago to chase his dreams. But his heart remained at home, tied to memories of a tiny blonde with a flair for the dramatics—on and off the stage.

Bash is determined to become her leading man, and he will do anything to get out of the friend-zone and win her love. Only, it might not be so easy.

Callie Miller might love drama, but she’s out to protect her heart…

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Author Bio

Lo Brynolf was born and raised in southeast Michigan. A lover of all things artistic, Lo grew up performing on stage and in choir and attended Eastern Michigan University to major in Theater Arts. She now resides in the same small town that she grew up in with her wonderful husband and three tiny humans.

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