Dream: Jagged Edge Prequel, Remi Varlow

I wanted to love this book.  Opposites attract, biker hotness, sassy twink, bi discovery, redemption, bad boy spice, alphamallow...this book should have been my jam, but it just didn't hit me in the feels, make me yearn, fan myself, or engage me, instead I felt it fell short.

That's very, very much my minority opinion, of course.  So when I say it didn't hit me in the feels I think it was mostly due to the pacing and the lack of depth in addition to the utter nonsensical reactions by Dream.  Yes, I do understand his damage, I do understand that he's young, I really do.  But reading his over-the-top reaction to the rather contrived shock of Grave's ex just added ridiculous to the unnecessary.

While the tropes grabbed my attention, the story lacked what I needed for it to keep my attention.  This was the first book I've read by this author and while there were small gems that I did enjoy, I admit that I skimmed most of the book after realizing the grit, darkness, and stark yearning in Grave wasn't going to last beyond the opening scene and the "meet-not-exactly-cute".

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

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?

Billy and the Beast: Ever After Book 3, Eli Easton

The only reason this isn't a full 5 stars is honestly because of the steam factor.  There was an incredible amount of sweetness, love, grumptastic caring, innocent joy, and the way they truly saw one another...all of that was fantastic and came together so beautifully that it needed Eli Easton's brand of sensual, soul-touching steam to balance it out and make it perfect.  Think Redemption of River and Mating of Michael level of awesome, but without a ton of sexy times.

Aaron was so incredibly gruff and yet so charming with his "I'll show you, show you how much I want you gone...by buying you expensive work shirts and bringing you meals and spending time with you.  *Hmph.  Let that be a lesson to you."  I loved him.  His vulnerability felt real too, not just because of the physical disfigurement, but the weight he was carrying regarding what he couldn't remember and the grief over the loss of his father.  His character was simple and yet still moving.

Finding his counterpart in the irrepressible Billy was sweet and fun because Billy couldn't find a way to stay mired in negativity despite his circumstances.  It wasn't until the villain stuck their nose into things that he found a pain and hurt he hadn't yet truly experienced.  Thankfully his indomitable will got the kick in the pants it needed by a little tea-and-chat session with their resident "witch".  His discoveries meant a whole lot of freedom and I enjoyed seeing that bit come together.

The villain was very predictable, both in who they were, their motivations, and their methods.  But even with all that predictability, it wasn't annoying.  It was slightly over dramatic, but it fit with the tradition of big, dramatic confrontations marked in all fairy tales.  Everything worked out, obviously, and the bad guy actually saw justice, amends were made, and Aaron finally found healing, confidence, and freedom.  Thanks to Billy's heart and spirit they were both able to get the exact "ending" they deserved.  I loved this story, it's my favorite of the series so far, and I can't wait to see what's next for this little town with its own brand of magic. 

*$3.99 on Amazon

One stolen rose leads Billy to the Beast of his dreams...

The rose is so perfectly pink and delightfully fragrant, so temptingly within reach through the bars of the locked gate. One snip later, and a masked man from Billy’s darkest fantasies grabs his arm.

Billy’s punishment for the theft? To toil in the estate’s horribly overgrown garden for the summer. Only this summer job comes with a mystery. Who is the sexy, scarred, irascible man who lives at Malfleur, and what dark secret from his past is he hiding?

The Beast believes he deserves his self-imposed exile for the crime he committed one awful, reckless night—a night he can’t even remember. He believes no one can love the ruin of a man that survived that cursed accident.

He didn’t count on Billy Martin.

Moored Heart: Catalina Dreams Book 1, I.M. Flippy

Jason and Charlie had an interesting connection right from the start and I enjoyed watching them grow to love one another.  While Jason's lust was a bit of a surprise for him, Charlie's was present right from the start.  Getting them on the same page didn't take as long as I thought it would and seeing Jason's cute and sweet moments paralleling that more intense chemistry was a good change of pace from other stories with a similar plot.

The confrontation and conflict was definitely predictable, but I don't really feel it was unjustified from either Jason or Charlie's perspectives.  Seeing the heartache on both sides being very different but no less real was also a wonderful surprise because there was a vulnerability on Jason's and a maturity on Charlie's that was the real gem during the reconciliation.  That was actually my favorite part of the story, the emotive and honest confession from Jason, the level-headed and understanding preface from Charlie, those were the kinds of words that I always hope to see in so many stories where hurtful reactions cause the biggest trouble.

While I do wish there were more of a connection between me and the men individually and that Jason's ex wasn't so unapologetically pushy more often than not, I liked the overall flow of the story and the men's evolutions both on their own and together.  Jason was the more interesting character and remained so for the entirety, but I liked Charlie for him.  So overall I was happily surprised and even though I choose not to continue the series, this was an enjoyable story on its own.

And on a side note, I agree with other reviewers about the author's note putting them off.  It did for me as well.  Let's be honest here, the whole world needs a serious "come to Jesus" smack down with all the hate and violence and disgust being tossed around as if that's okay.  Racism is absolutely real and completely wrong.  Racial profiling is absolutely real and completely wrong.  I'm totally fine with authors deciding not to write law enforcement characters into their story, but to preface this particular story as they did was...out of place.

They should have made their rant and decision somewhere on their personal or author forums and not in a book where their MC as a police detective had nothing to do with anything regarding the movement, no questionable actions of any kind while on the force regarding this issue in this story, and not at the very outset of a story where it wasn't truly relevant thus coloring the reader against the character before even meeting them.  Justifiable choice going forward, but not the best place to declare it.  Jason was a good man, a good detective, and that was tainted by how the author chose to voice their political opinion.

*$1 on Amazon

When retired homicide detective Jason Winters moves to Catalina Island fresh off a divorce, he’s ready to start a new life.
Jason’s plan is simple: hang out on his small yacht, work on his book, and get his dick wet once in a while. There are plenty of hot women on the beach to choose from.
There are also a lot of men throwing him winks and calling him “daddy.”

Jason can’t deny he’s thought about men, but that attraction is something he’s never had to confront before... until he meets Charlie.
Charlie is gorgeous and more than that, he makes Jason laugh. He’s also smart and genuinely kind.
Jason feels a zing around him he hasn’t felt in years.

Zing…

Charlie Benton likes his life. Sure, he works in a tourist trap shop, lives with his mom, and rarely bothers to leave tiny Catalina Island. But he’s got friends, he loves his town, and hot guys come in on boats all the time. Tourists always want to bang a cute townie.

But Charlie wants more.
Charlie wants the great gay romance.
Charlie did not expect true love to come in the form of Jason Winters.
Jason’s an injured, divorced cop from L.A. He’s got history and baggage. Even worse, he’s probably straight.
So much for the great gay romance.
The last thing Charlie needs in his life is to get his heart broken by a straight guy.

Too bad love never listens to reason... especially on Catalina Island.

Fix Me: Tattoos and Temptation Book 2, Mia Monroe

Casper and Saint share some amazing chemistry, but there's something holding Saint back at the same time that something is propelling Casper forward.  Watching them find their shared wavelength is a difficult ride, but no less full of the feels I'd come to expect after reading Marry Me, book one in the series.  I adore both men for different reasons, though I have to admit that it's Casper that really captured and kept my attention throughout the story.

If basing my enjoyment only on the chemistry these two men shared I'd be an enthusiastic reviewer.  But it was adding in the subtleties, the struggle, the pain, and Casper's individual evolution that really sold the story for me.  Casper struggled with so much more than you'd ever expect and the way he gives his everything to Saint again and again was both wonderful and agonizing.  It was Saint's reactions and hesitations that made me ache the most, not for him, but for Casper.  I was glad for the dual POV, because otherwise I'd probably write Saint off despite my general love of a gruff Daddy opening his heart fully to his boy.

Saint was a tough character for me because while I respected his journey and his emotional hesitations, I felt his reaction to his past was a bit over the top.  A lot of blame that wasn't really warranted, even the irrational guilt kind.  It was enhanced and prolonged only to add angst to Casper's own journey and I didn't really appreciate that.  Casper's difficulties stemmed from bad choices, self-discovery, not knowing themselves, desperation to find acceptance, a nasty ex, and a set of parents who were pieces of work.  It was a lot to unpack.  Everything got it's resolution in the end and I adored Casper's maturity and realization of all the good he had both in himself and in the life he forged around himself.

I can't wait to see where we go next with these men.

*$4.99 on Amazon

My crush has Daddy written all over him

The minute I laid eyes on him he became my new hobby. I turned on the charm to win him over, only to get friendzoned. The more time we spend together, the more glimpses I get of the Daddy he’s hiding under his no dating allowed exterior. Unfortunately for Saint, a Daddy is exactly what this boy is looking for.

I have no intention of staying friends with him, but with every platonic interaction, I start feeling things I never have. And not just about the sexy Scottish object of my affection.

I wasn’t looking for someone to fix me, but if I let him in we might have something amazing here.

If we can just shake the ghosts from the past…

Clean Up on Aisle Mine: A Spy Like Me Book 1, Patricia Logan

So many sweet feels!  The story was slow to start with a couple chapters filled with descriptions of scenery and quite a few things that didn't enhance the setting or push the story forward, but once it gained traction both Jude and Damon captured my attention and held it.  Both men needed someone to see to their tender soft parts and the good men they were inside and fortunately they were in the perfect situation to give one another time to do just that.  There's a bit of mystery that surprised us near the end giving a hint of what we'll find out as the series continues and since we're following Jude and Damon on their adventures I'm so very in for more.

I'll admit that I was wary at the outset that I'd have a tough time getting through all. The. Words.  The pace picked up quickly once Damon made contact with Jude though and I was continually impressed by Damon's sincerity and understanding as well as Jude's thoughtful capitulation and maturity when reality and possible consequences were laid out clearly for him.  They worked so well together in so many ways that when physical intimacy became part of their story it was so organic and right for both of them.  They'd built a foundation of trust, respect, and affection which allowed Jude to be confident that Damon was his choice as well as in other life choices and for Damon to open up and share his grief and his heart with Jude.

With very little angst other than Damon coming to terms with his past and the slightly confusing mystery that causes more than a few problems, this was an enjoyable read with two men that I don't want to leave just yet.  I'm eager for more from them and hope their story continues in the same lighthearted and intriguing way.  Aside from the title that doesn't really seem to fit the story, I'm all in for the series.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Former CIA operative, Damon Thorne, is a fixer. He cleans up messes other people make of their lives to forget the wreckage his own has become. Whether it means retrieving a drug addict whose family is being blackmailed or rescuing a furball who’s the subject of a custody dispute, Damon just gets things done.

When the job means kidnapping the wild son of a prominent Senator in an election year, it should come with hazard pay.

From the day Jude Chenoweth was born into wealth and position, his father has groomed him to follow in his footsteps. Jude has other plans. Openly gay and infamous, all he wants to do is live his life, create his art, and never settle down.

Life has a way of kicking butts, even the sexy ones. Thrown together in a situation neither wanted, Damon and Jude must now decide how to move forward. Jude knows something is wrong when he gazes into Damon’s haunted brown eyes and Damon recognizes there’s much more to Jude than the caricature he shows the world.

This might be the beginning of a journey… or an incredibly stupid mistake. Perhaps working together will help them process their own demons. Whatever happens, neither of them believes Damon’s assignments will always come with a heaping helping of bad guys.

Not always… right?

About Patricia...

International bestselling author Patricia Logan, resides in Los Angeles, California. The author of several #1 bestselling erotic romances in English, Italian, French, and Spanish lives in a small house with a large family. When she’s not writing her next thriller romance, she’s watching her grandchildren grow up way too soon, and raising kids who make her proud every day. One of her favorite tasks is coaxing nose kisses from cats who insist on flopping on her keyboard while she tries to type. She counts herself lucky to be surrounded by people who love her and give her stories to tell every day.

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Smash & Grab: RELIC Book 1, Maz Maddox

Seriously, dinosaur stuff and paleontology?  Pink mohawks?  A deep love of kids?  Why has no one yet written a dinosaur shifter that is both cute and fierce?  Dalton is absolutely adorable as well as being a punk.  He's thoughtful and considerate even while pushing Simon's buttons.  Well, to be honest, he pushes everyone's buttons, but he knows when enough's enough.

His pretty Simon takes a little while to come around to things, but when he does his devotion to Dalton is just as strong as Dalton's is for him.  I'm completely in love with this story, not just because of the novelty, but also because it was well-written, the pacing was right for the characters and the situation, the relationship was believable, and the set up for a series was really well done. I'm just sold. I cannot wait to see who finds their person next!

*$4.99 on Amazon

My standard issued lab badge reads 'Simon' but it really should say 'unexciting nerd with no social life'

Don’t get me wrong -- I love what I do with a passion, but it doesn’t leave a lot of time for much else.

Especially romance.

While chipping away at my work, I’m suddenly the person between hired cartel muscle and the fossil that will define my career.

Which isn’t the most insane part of the story.

My savior is a chaotic, bat-wielding punk with a bubble gum pink mohawk and a killer smile.

In a mad dash to escape the thieves, my knight in studded armor sweeps me across the country while hitting every tourist trap along the way.

While smuggling a fossil, might I add.

Oh, and did I mention this pink punk can shift into a dinosaur?

Advance & Retreat: The Midwest Series Book 4, Brigham Vaughn

Ian finds maturity and what it really means to love.
Sometimes dreams change, sometimes they grow.

Finding someone to love you, all of you, is tough enough when you don't have another persona, another facet of yourself that's just as valid as the one that performs your day job.  Ricky and Rosie are sides of one person and Ricky is about to give up on finding his person.  Ian isn't sure if what turns him on is something he can publicly acknowledge because a history of love and loss has left him painted into a corner, one where the invisible chains are strangling him but he can't see how to break them.  Both men need something more, someone to celebrate every part of what makes them unique and special.

I think this was my favorite story in the series.  While Touch & Go gave me the redemption story that makes me believe, Advance & Retreat gives me the story of acceptance that gives me peace.  Ian is mature in some ways, but tragically young in others.  He's not had an easy life with so many losses and emotional obligations that bind him to people who don't always see the man he should become.  His loyalty is based on a child's need for family and stability and that loyalty almost costs him the one person that supports his soul.  He definitely makes a quite a few big mistakes and while I'm not a fan of the begging, I am a huge fan of his willingness and determination to fix his mistakes even if it doesn't get him what he hopes for.

Ricky is really great when he explains his feelings, his perspective, and his own part in the huge blow up of their relationship.  I thought he was a subtle, soothing presence throughout the whole story even when he was hurting because of Ian's naivety and hurtful reactions.  He was interesting on his own, as was Ian, but it was them together that really sold the story for me.

The cameos from Micah were my favorite of the past characters involved in Advance & Retreat because they came from someone who knew exactly what it was like to truly hurt the person they loved the most.  His story added depth to his advice to Ian and while it's not necessary to have read Touch & Go, I was glad that I did.  The entire cast of The Midwest Series showed up here and there and added a well-rounded feel to the support and breadth of experience in their little family.  A few other side characters drew enough interest to make me hope for a spin-off series because after finishing this story I'm still not ready to let them all go.  I've become attached.

*$5.99 on Amazon

Olympic-size dreams come at a price.

Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington feels like he's fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold. 

Ricky Chavez has just about everything he wants in life: a great career, a supportive family, and a side gig as drag queen Rosie Riveting. The only thing he's missing is a partner to share it all with. 

When the two men connect after Rosie’s performance, they're immediately drawn to one another. But it's never that simple. Ricky isn't the type of man to hide, and with Ian's coach breathing down his neck, he can't openly love a drag queen without making waves. 

They'll have to brave deep waters to make it to the finish line.

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Touch & Go: The Midwest Series Book 3, Brigham Vaughn

Redemption and self-acceptance net Micah the future and love he needs.

Micah is probably everyone's least favorite character.  Yes, he's a total ... yeah, pretty much any vehemently negative descriptor would be accurate here, but even though I had some seriously unkind thoughts about him in the first two books there was something deeper going on with him than self-hatred and cruel words and actions and I knew he'd get his chance to tell his story.  Brigham Vaughn is no stranger to writing internal angst and her brand of it can be poignant and honest.  I appreciated the way we saw Micah's internal struggle and the softness that gave me hope he'd pull himself out of his own misery.

And misery there was aplenty.  He sank himself so deep into his own bog of awfulness that he could see no way out or around to true freedom.  His growing and deepening feelings for Justin felt futile and yet so right.  Micah isn't an easy character to love because the surface of heartlessness and callousness is so thick that most won't even try to look past it.  I was glad for Justin's patience and willingness to try for him.

But everyone has their limit and I supported Justin's decision even though I hated his timing.  When Micah's emotional breakthrough came it was met with Justin's heartfelt yet heartbreaking limit.  Left on his own it was finally up to Micah to see exactly what he needed to do to fight for his light.  No final decision was easy, but I really enjoyed all he did to create the future he wanted by seeking redemption, forgiveness, and honesty.

Each story so far in the series has characters that grabbed me for different reasons, but I think that Micah is my new current favorite because of his evolution.  I believed in him, believed in his changes, and I adored his actions with Ian in the lead-in for Advance & Retreat.  I cannot wait to see his cameos in the next story.

*$4.99 on Amazon

It was supposed to be a secret fling.

Micah Warner spent his whole life dreaming of pitching in the big leagues. Signing with a minor-league team near Chicago puts him one step closer to making that a reality. But there are no out players in pro ball, so any involvement with a man must be discreet.

Physical therapist Justin Lamb loves his job with the Cougars. A romantic at heart, he wants to find lasting love—with a man or woman—but traveling with the team makes it difficult to maintain a long-term relationship.

Micah offers Justin a no-strings-attached way to blow off some steam, and Justin reluctantly agrees. It doesn’t take long before they’re both in over their heads but falling in love will risk everything.

With their careers and relationship hanging in the balance, they have one last play to make.

It’s time to take a swing for real and lasting love.

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Wayward Love: Cedar Cove Book 2, Rhys Everly

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

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

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

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

*$5.99 on Amazon

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

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

Work.
Work.

And work.

And I’m not even any good at that.

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

Until he comes into my life.

Kyle Brady. 

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

It’s a dangerous feeling.

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

Including my broken heart.

Want to know how?

Read now and find out.

The Redemption of River: Sex in Seattle Book 4, Eli Easton

After leaving the series on such a fantastic high note with incredible depth and connection and understanding between James and Michael in The Mating of Michael, I wasn't sure River's story could match it.  But those concerns were pretty much obliterated because it came damn, damn close to being just as awesome.  In some ways I liked it more, because dogs and raw healing, but the relationship between James and Michael still wins a bit more for me.

Moving beyond grief is hardly ever an easy thing and for someone like Brent it was so much worse because not only did he suffer while watching his wife suffer, he unknowingly took her pain into himself.  His loss of libido was the least of his worries at first, but when it begins to concern his friends and himself he seeks out our favorite clinic and finds a lot more than his missing libido.

"...What did you do to me, Mr. McKay?"
"Love you, maybe? Yeah. I think I just loved you. With everything that I am."

River has a love/let-go (not hate) relationship with his mother and it bleeds into not only his actions, but in his own perception of himself.  That self-sabotage lasts a little too long for me, but no life-altering realization comes quickly or easily and the writing really makes it easy to forgive how long it takes to get River home.  His homecoming is rather wonderful with a humorous moment followed by vulnerability and a plea for forever that really hit me in the feels.

Even though it's Brent that begins our story, the true transformation is in River.  He's held on to his mother's insistent idea of who and what they are that he needs to realize what he has by nearly giving it up.  I'm not usually a fan of separations between lovers once they feel as deeply as Brent and River do, but it really was an important part of River shedding his blinders and realizing what's most important.  Seeing that what he needs above anything else is waiting for him in Seattle takes a little push and some supremely wise insight from Harrison, a fabulously gay octogenarian and friend.

"...whatever it is I've been searching for, it's not out there.  It's not with some guru.  What I've been searching for...is you."

With the grand gesture being made by the right person, a couple that absolutely belongs together, along with some interaction with the other men of the series I've come to love, and a perfectly fitting end and this book is a winner.  How could it not win with its depth of feels, interesting characters, intense and steamy intimate moments, and a wonderfully happy ending?

*$4.99 on Amazon

River Larsen is a world traveler, truth-seeker, and tantric healer.  He's a master of loving all—and no one.  Both his past and his spiritual path warn him against attachment.  When he falls for his surrogacy client and coffee magnate, Brent McKay, River tells himself it's a temporary idyll, a beautiful encounter they'll both enjoy and move on from like mature adults.  Only his heart misses that memo.

Brent McKay hasn't been interested in sex since his wife died two years ago.  When he goes to Expanded Horizons sex clinic in Seattle for help, he meets River Larsen, a sex surrogate specializing in reiki massage and tantric sex therapy.  Brent never expected to be interested in a man, but River's light-filled spirit, inner peace, and electric touch bring him back to life.  Brent's loyal heart is ready to commit again.  But how can he convince River that love can last forever—if you just have faith?

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