The Silver Fox: Red's Tavern Book 3, Raleigh Ruebins

Clear right from the beginning, there was something palpable and filled with potential between Rock and Perry.  Watching their chemistry unfold along with Perry's family drama and Rock's self-discovery was enjoyable...for the most part.  The slightly emotionally turbulent moments in the middle were due to too much focus on family drama that really wasn't drama at all, one-dimensional characters, and a forced conflict that didn't really need to be there at all.

I did love how Rock was incredibly sweet and all in right from the first.  His excitement for everything Perry was adorable as was his inability to lie.  It was very clear that his affectionate manner was exactly what Perry and his family needed, his personality brought a lightness to the affair that could have drowned in Perry's insecurity and excessive self-sacrifice.

Perry's shyness was endearing at first, but then his constant pushing away and separating himself from Rock became annoying.  I totally understand that he's got a few hang ups that stem both from his romantic and his familial responsibilities, but constantly stressing labels and pushing Rock toward females was too much for me.  His consistent denials of Rock's words and actions despite knowing very well that Rock couldn't and wouldn't lie became disappointing.

But in the end, while they were really communicating and coming clean to family so many things fell into place along with their passion and intimacy.  So yes, the characters were simplistic, the story itself wasn't organic, and the resolution was quick and nice, but I wouldn't say it was a waste of time, it was merely a nice book.

*$4.99 on Amazon

I rescue people from danger every day. But my love life? That’s a dumpster fire I can’t put out.

I had a badass life, my dream job as a firefighter, and I could snag anyone I wanted in bed. But when an injury temporarily took me off duty, it all screeched to a halt. Now I’m healing, staying with my brother Red in Amberfield, this small town with jack-all to do.

Other than flirt with Perry. A hot-as-hell, shy but smoldering silver fox. And I think he wants me bad, even though I’m a straight, baby faced jock in a baseball cap.

Perry is a family man, through and through. He would do anything for his mom, brother, nieces and nephews. When family drama threatens to ruin his big family reunion, I know I can help. I offer to be Perry’s fake boyfriend for the reunion, so all eyes will be on us.

And then the plan works.

A little too well.

Turns out Silver Fox isn’t as bashful as he seemed. Now I’m becoming addicted to the feeling of his lips on mine. His skin pressed up against me in bed. Soon, I’m fantasizing about going all the way with him, and I’m not sure I can call myself “straight” anymore with a straight face.

At first I just craved the attention. But Perry isn’t just great in bed--his family is fun as hell, too. For once, I feel like I belong somewhere.

And once we're done faking it, I don’t know how the hell I’m going to leave.

Huntsman: Fox Hollow Zodiac Book 1, Morgan Brice

A fox and a wolf, fated mates and good men, who never would have met if not for the danger of a hunter of lore used to scare children into keeping the shifter secret among a world of humans.  There was so much to enjoy in this story from the world to the chemistry between mates, side characters with loyalty and personality as well as tact, a self-sacrificing MC that is NOT TSTL, and a subtly sweet way of expressing grieving and healing from it.  With a strong start to this series I know we'll be in for a romantic and supernaturally chaotic ride that fits right in with this author's style.

Liam ran away from danger in the way that foxes do and I liked his character, the way he was invested in his job and was eager to make friends in a town he knew would become his home.  I'm glad he didn't fight his mating instinct though truly appreciated the way he tempered that desire with honesty and caution.  Just because they were mates didn't mean they had to rush into a claiming.  Sometimes we get the fated-mate = insta-love situation in these trope-based stories, but in this story we got something that used human sensibilities and a very believable progression...up to a point, of course.

In addition to being interesting on his own as a part of a relationship with Russ, Liam became my favorite when he dove head-first into the search for the Huntsman, both in determination and in logic.  Too many times we see one MC feeling guilty and then running headlong into danger with nary a thought to using their brain and embodying the TSTL heroines we see in bad horror B-movies.  Instead Liam tempers that guilt with intelligence, precaution, and common sense.

Russ was good in a more subtle way.  He was dealing with years of grief over the loss of his husband, though not his fated mate.  Attempting to reconcile those two types of love gave us a mature and sweet evolution for Russ as he came to accept his fated mate while balancing not forgetting his former husband and also not letting it be a reason to avoid Fate's guidance.

The overall danger that surrounded everyone and everything was pretty well hidden despite having predictable parts that moved the story along.  While having the villain doing the cliche monologuing wasn't exactly awesome, the rest was, as was the introduction of other nefarious foes that may come calling as well as other characters that are sure to get their own stories.  I'm really looking forward to watching the series grow and evolve as we get other stories from the little town's residents and newcomers.

*$5.99 on Amazon

A grieving wolf. A hunted fox. Fated mates, thrown together by chance, and the looming threat of a fabled Huntsman who might tear them apart forever.

Fox shifter Liam Reynard is running from a killer. He uproots his life to find sanctuary in Fox Hollow, deep in the Adirondack Forest in New York.

When his car breaks down, sexy wolf shifter Russ Lowe comes to the rescue, and one touch makes it clear they’re fated mates. Neither man was looking for love, and both are still mending from past heartbreak. When mysterious fires and disappearances threaten Fox Hollow, Liam fears the killer is hot on his trail. Can he protect the town and his fated mate from the evil hunting him, or will an ex-lover’s betrayal cost Liam everything he loves?

High Heat: Hotshots Book 2, Annabeth Albert

Imperfectly perfect MC's, fantastically spicy, and endlessly tender.

Garrick and Rain are a wonderful pairing and these men meet one another at the right time in their lives to truly appreciate what each has to offer and for who they've become.  Learning to love someone very different from you is one thing, but adding that to learning to accept who you are with a sudden disability is a whole other basket of almost-too-much.  It'll definitely take some self-realization and swallowing enough pride to lay it all on the line for the two of them to make a forever work together.

There's been a lot dumped onto Garrick in the past year, a new normal that he desperately wants to quickly become his past.  I was glad to have read Burn Zone prior to this so I got a bit of background not only about the cause of his physical trauma, but to see what kind of man we were going to get to know here in High Heat (though it should be known you can totally read this story on its own).  Knowing he was a kind man, one who was open about his personal life without drifting into the oversharing type, someone optimistic and enthusiastic about life, he was someone I genuinely wanted to know more of and to find his own HEA.

Meeting Rain gives him a taste of a life he thinks he's ready for, but with his disability in his way and Rain's youth and professional aspirations as stumbling blocks he may not fight for that future with everything he has.  I pretty much adored how his journey with disability was written.  It was honest, frustrating, disheartening, and very real.  Not everything was bad, but the struggle was absolutely genuine and having watched my father never truly accept his physical limitations due to situations out of his control hurt so I saw every stage he went through as very real-to-life.

Rain was all about Garrick and all the fun they could find together because of and in spite of Garrick's injury.  The way he was so optimistic and upbeat about nearly everything was a bright spot in not only Garrick's life but in the story as well.  His reaction to Garrick's "selflessness" was less than ideal, but it was real and evidence of his age and life experience.  I had a harder time with his realization and then the almost reversal of his intention when he finally made time for Garrick than with his initial overreaction though.  Things worked out in the end, but it was one of the more frustrating moments in the story.

The pacing kept me reading and unable to put the story down.  There were a few laggy bits with some repetition, but the story maintained focus on the most important parts and gave us parallel journeys for both men while simultaneously weaving us a relationship that worked, one that was meant to be.  Rain constantly accepted Garrick in all his ups and downs and Garrick's openness and affection were so steadfast and tender.  With each couple and story improving in this series I absolutely cannot wait to see what we'll get with Feel the Fire!

*$4.99 on Amazon

Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.

Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all...

Deacon's Defender: Protect and Serve Book 2, Pandora Pine

I loved and was intrigued by Ozzy from the moment we met him in Gunnar's Guardian so I was super stoked to get his story next, especially with the tragedy that we were left facing at Gunnar's conclusion.  While not what I expected, Deacon's Defender gave us some cheesy, some tender, some hot, and some surprising moments that culminated in a pretty good story that fit with the series.

Ozzy has a lot on his shoulders and isn't truly coping well.  Thanks to a fantastic family he's able to see a light at the end of the tunnel of his grief and frustration, but it's Deacon that helps him find that light.  Deacon brings out feelings and hopes in him he'd thought he'd never feel again.  After having disappointment after disappointment in his romantic life he'd pretty much given up on finding his person and when a horrid order from his superiors forces him to get closer to Deacon he's surprised to find that an unfortunate situation brought him something good.  But guilt and shame and suspicion are muddling the path forward and it was so hard to watch him suffering and falling in love at the same time.

Deacon was a little harder for me.  I wasn't charmed by him at all and felt little connection with him.  While his attributes seem to be a match for Ozzy, it's really Ozzy that carries the story.  The suspicions are valid and it was nice to see that Deacon supported the initial questions after a bit of justified frustration, but I found myself very bothered by his declarations to be wiped out by his dramatic reactions.  I wished that I loved him as much as I'd grown to care for Ozzy.

Finding the arsonist was both predictable and also a surprise.  Predictable because we could see the character that would likely be written in as the culprit once other secrets were revealed, but surprising in the way it played out because it seemed quite over the top.  I can't say it was my favorite reveal and it didn't really feel organic to the overall story, but instead it was a way to make it way more dramatic, as if it were competing with the horrors we witnessed in Gunnar's Guardian.  I'm hoping the next brother's story flows a bit better than this one did and while I'm not looking for the chaos of Book 1, I do hope it flows organically like it did.

$4.99 on Amazon

Hot on the trail of a crazed arsonist, Fire Captain Ozzy Graves has been ordered to stick close to the number one suspect in the string of deadly fires; mild-mannered newspaper reporter, Deacon Fairbanks.

Spending time with Ozzy is a dream come true for Deacon, who’s been in love with the ornery captain from afar. Deacon’s wildest dreams become reality when Ozzy asks him out.

The new relationship burns hot, but there’s trouble in paradise. Each of the lovers is keeping a devastating secret that could not only threaten to send Ozzy and Deacon’s fledgling relationship down in flames, but the entire city as well.

Gunnar's Guardian: Book 1, Pandora Pine

I felt this story was really well-written.  There were absolutely shocking events and tragedy, but it wasn't overwhelmed by the horrors.  It was family, love, and all the bits that made the characters find their true selves that made it worth reading.

Gunnar really grew into his own and found his innate skills while discovering his worth and a real family.  He didn't have the easiest path in life despite all the wealth he was afforded.  Sometimes the strings attached to the affection aren't worth the box the puppet is forced into and when push came to shove, Gunnar found himself with a bleak future.  But that dark cloud was dispelled by the grumpy cop next door.

Kennedy definitely had his prickish moments, mostly coming from his rather difficult past.  What I liked best about him was that he used his resources and didn't let his pride, justification, and prickly nature push everyone and everything away.  He never shied away from , ignored, avoided, or dismissed and disregarded those that would call him on his BS.  Along with that, seeing his thought process and knowing he knew when he was wrong was honorable, refreshing, and wonderful.  He understood exactly when he was the one that needed to apologize and set about getting advice and counsel, along with a large side of forthright and necessary chastisement, on how to make amends.  And then he just did it.  He didn't let things stew and cause greater harm, he just sought out what to do and got to work.

There were some truly jarring heartbreaks in this story too, but overall this was truly an awesome read.  I can't wait for Deacon's Defender so I can jump right back into their lives.  These men and the cast surrounding them are compelling and hurting and so worthy of love and healing.  I'm thrilled this series had such a strong start.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Aside from being a cop, Kennedy is used to living a quiet life. But when a new neighbor moves in next door, his peaceful days are at an end.

Gunnar pushes all Kennedy’s buttons. He’s rude, cocky, and overconfident. He’s also sexy, and Kennedy can’t deny the attraction that simmers between them.

He helps Gunnar find a job at the local firehouse, where the younger man seems to fit in well. As they grow closer, tragedy strikes. Will Kennedy be able to save the man who’s become his whole life?

Shayne's Hope: Timberwood Cove Book 12, Liam Kingsley

Shayne gets a raw deal and to find himself with no better choice than to give his precious daughter a chance at a life he knows he can't provide at 17 makes me ache.  His broken heart is beautifully written and I hurt for him and hoped so hard for his future happiness.  (And introducing Hogan as his best friend and ginger brother was a great move because it puts us in an excellent position for Hogan's story next.)  I didn't have any major problems with anything Shayne said or did because all of his actions and hesitations were pretty logical and even though I don't like perpetuating secrets, his concerns were incredibly valid, especially after Vince expressed his insecurity regarding Charlotte's birth family.

So then we get to Vince.  He started out really great and I was so interested in him.  The biggest issue I had with him was his reaction to Shayne's secret.  Knowing he had his own whopper of one that he literally surprised Shayne with with so very little preparation and explanation and then to react as he did in such a brutal fashion was pretty reprehensible.  And then there was so little groveling.  Shayne was so eager to forgive because of his love that the apology was simple and direct but lacked depth and I wasn't exactly impressed by that scene at all.  He did have a ton of heart and was a fantastic father so there was a lot to make up for what bothered me so overall he wasn't so bad.

There was so much unsaid, even when both Charlotte and Vince expressed the desire to know Shayne's story.  I know that we got it because we started with it, but Shayne's intuition, his impression that the unknown-Vince was the man Charlotte needed to go to, his yearning to stay despite Vince's edict for him to leave...there was a lot that I wanted to see from Vince's perspective as Shayne shared his past and all that brought him to Timberwood Cove.  And Dan's not telling Vince Shayne's feeling and intention after their first enlightening scene in the diner when Shayne realized the truth was also a missed opportunity.  I think I wanted Vince to feel a bit more of a knife twist so the big gesture, the groveling, the huge apology could have come more convincingly from Vince rather than a moment of fate that forced Shayne's return.

I truly love this author's writing.  From their first book to now, every book I've read that they published (omitting the co-written ones) has been really good.  I felt for the characters right at the start and rooted for their happiness until the last word on the page.  Shayne's Hope is no different and despite my frustration with Vince and a bit of explanation that doesn't get page space everything else has me sold on Timberwood Cove as a place and a series.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Vince
I’ve been hurt before, but Shayne makes me want to try again …
I haven’t been lucky in romance, and for the past twelve years my daughter Charlotte has been my number one priority. But my senses go crazy every time I’m around Shayne and my inner wolf is convinced he’s my fated mate. He fits right into my family, but he doesn’t know a thing about shifters and I don’t want to scare him away before I find a way to convince him to stay in town. It all seems too good to be true - but maybe this time, love will last.

Shayne
He adopted my daughter and now he’s stealing my heart …
Giving my kid up for adoption twelve years ago was the hardest thing I ever did. I never expected to see her again, and I definitely didn’t think I’d fall for her hot firefighter father. I’m not supposed to stay in Timberwood Cove for long, but when Vince asks for my help, I can’t resist. It doesn’t hurt that his kisses are hotter than the fires he puts out! But he doesn’t know who I really am, and if he finds out, I’m afraid it will ruin everything.

Burn Zone: Hotshots Book 1, Annabeth Albert

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

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

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

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

*$4.99 on Amazon

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

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

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

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

Shelter for Penelope: Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Book 15, Susan Stoker

Finally getting to Moose and Penelope's story is a little bittersweet. I loved that they finally got their happy ending together and that we finally get the details of Penelope's trials. What was less lovable was the repetition. Every grand statement was a reiteration of every one that came before. It also felt like every reassurance had to be a grand statement instead of finding a simpler, more concise way to say things, it was like I was reading the "big confession" each and every time so probably the last half of the book lost its potency. Overall it was a powerful story full of healing and love and a healthy dose of well-earned steam, I just think the pacing and intent could have been better balanced.

Sometimes the enemy isn't out there waiting to snatch us, hurt us, or even kill us. Sometimes it's the fallout, the insidious voice inside that can do the most damage. Penelope faced both foes and was almost destroyed, not by the ones that took her, but by the one she brought home. PTSD is an intense issue that many people suffer from. Penelope has avoided and run from her condition for longer than necessary and only when Moose gives her a perspective check does she see beyond herself so she can take her situation in her hand and do something productive with it. Her healing is a long journey, but one that is absolutely necessary for a happy life.

Thankfully Moose can see the bigger picture despite his heart revolving around one stubborn, hurting woman. I did love Moose despite all his earnest platitudes and promises. I kind of wish he had been more of a reality check all the time instead of just loving support. He needed to be the loving support, but I wished for more directness than we got.

These two people were made for one another and I'm glad to have had a chance to read their story. The summary of all the couples in the series was nice, but felt a little too simplistic. Granted, how do you sum up a long series like this with about 40 trillion other couples and families? You pretty much just do what this author did. It was well-done even if I had a tiny issue with it. Overall this was a fantastic way to finish the series and I definitely can't wait for whatever the author has in mind to bring to life.

*$4.99 on Amazon!

Dubbed the “American Princess” after her rescue from months in the hands of ISIS, soldier and firefighter Penelope Turner has struggled silently since her return to Texas. The media, the danger of her job, the pressure of knowing lives are in her hands…all of it and more has combined to slowly fill Penelope with seething guilt and doubt. Missing memories from her moment of capture cause even more angst. Is she responsible for the deaths of her Army patrol unit? And without knowing what happened, how can she be trusted by her fellow firefighters—or trust them in return?

Worse…how can she ever be worthy of the man who believes in her most?

It took seeing Penelope in the hands of terrorists—in viral videos seen around the world—for Tucker “Moose” Jacobs to realize just how much he loved his fellow firefighter. He died waiting for her rescue, then died all over again when Penelope abruptly left Texas, trying to outrun her past. Now that she’s returned, the kid gloves are off. Moose is a patient man, but even he has his limits. He loves Penelope, and he knows it’s past time for her to face her fears, and remember she has an entire tribe of friends who not only have her back, but need Pen to have theirs, as well.

In the end, Penelope will have to trust Moose, her friends, and most of all herself, if she’s going to make peace with her past…and have any kind of future.

Reveal: Men of Hidden Creek Season 4 Book 4, HJ Welch

Whenever a geek scores a jock, or in this case a fireman, I just about melt.  There's a lot to unpack in Jason Miller's view of self-worth, but because Channing is patient, sweet, and kinda oblivious, they create a lot of magic together.  Reveal gives us a ton of my favorite tropes (ugly duckling, opposites attract, fake relationships...), an antagonist that actually sees his karmic return gift, a bit of danger, and a whole lot of tenderness and first time steam.

What I really appreciated about this story was the "love yourself first" concept.  Jason has spent his entire life trying to fit in with his peers or to just blend into the background.  His one bit of self-acceptance was when he got to live out his geeky imagination back in the day with a couple childhood friends.  There's a whole lot of "real man" talk that's pretty deplorable as well as over-the-top and because Jason is incredibly vulnerable he gets sucked into those ridiculous ideas of societal norms.  He has a big "A-ha!" moment in the salon where he gets completely schooled by his friends.  It brought to the forefront that his ideas about the LGBTQ+ community around him are just as hurtful as his ideas about himself.  It was a toxic mix of projecting his insecurities on the community at large as well as internalizing all the hate that can come from the ignorant masses.

I won't say that a few outfits, a haircut, some makeup, and a killer pair of boots will fix all the years of internalizing all the damaging rhetoric, but it can definitely give you the boost to see yourself beyond the box you've shoved yourself into.  For Jason, it gives him a glimpse through other people's eyes that they're suddenly seeing a glimmer of confidence and personal expression that was completely missing before.  It's a stepping stone to seeing himself as more.  When he was in charge of his own look, he was still too deep into the workplace abuse he'd endured to embrace any real change.  He needed the help of friends who saw the real him.

As for the relationship, it was mainly sweetness, exploration, and subtle revelations with a small period of them figuring their individual stuff out enough to realize they wanted to be together.  There was no real conflict there and certainly no real angst regarding sexual inclinations on Channing's part.  I'm not a fan of one character making decisions for the other, especially in regards to their own wants, needs, and desires, and Jason really fell prey to that.  And with the karmic justice, it was well-earned by the slightly cliched bully and I especially loved the reckoning coming from the spouse.  She, along with quite a few other side characters, gave a good base for Jason and Channing to find their way both alone and together.  I kept thinking about how I want friends like these ones...Hidden Creek gets all the good ones.

*$3.99 on Amazon

“I wish this were real with you.”

Geeky Jason Miller has never really been with a man, and his bullying colleagues at NASA know it. But when an innocent white lie gets out of hand, Jason never would have guessed his gorgeous-but-straight childhood friend would leap to his rescue.

Firefighter Channing Forster saves people every day, so when protecting his former next-door neighbor turns into faking a relationship for a work getaway, he doesn’t hesitate. As the weekend goes on, though, Channing starts to think that he doesn’t just see cute Jason Miller as a buddy anymore.

Are Channing’s feelings for Jason real enough that he could be his first? Jason needs to accept his true self before he can love another. But when his colleagues and boss discover his many secrets, will he lose everything forever, including Channing?

Cold Pressed: Seacroft Book 2, Allison Temple

Life has definitely dealt two raw deals to Oliver and Nick.  But when one meet-cute turns into a meet-hate and a second chance through a blind date turns that into a meet-hot-against-a-brick-wall, you know we're in for a bit of a roller coaster.  There are definite lows and a few highs that speak to their souls and give them glimpses into another side of themselves, one they fear, and they'll have to choose if they'll give up what they could have for something they may not be able to save despite their best intentions.

This was hard.  I wish I could say I didn't like this book because there were some really hard moments here that frustrated me, hurt me.  But that's just not what I can say at the end.  I think it was a bit jarring because a lot of it was reality and reality isn't all sunshine, rainbows, and happy conclusions.

Nick was my favorite of the two.  He was believable in his struggle and since we spent a lot more time in his head, we got to know him more, to know how deep his confusion, frustration, and dissatisfaction went.  By the end there was no clear conclusion or fix for all the things in his life, but it was very clear that the best partner he could have is the one he got.  The situation with his son was heartbreaking and there were zero moments of saying just the right thing, coming to a perfect understanding, mending fences, building bridges...or pretty much any other trite cliche you can think of to describe fixing years and years of doing the wrong thing.  Instead, we get honesty and that honesty isn't exactly pretty.  I think Nick could and should have made much bigger strides to saying at least something, but where we end up shows that there is a ton of hopeful potential between them.  They're on the right path and Nick is committed to staying on it because beneath all his failings, he's so full of love for his troubled son that there's no other future he's willing to settle for if it means a life without his son.

Oliver's struggles stem from trying to live a life that wasn't his dream.  Having his heart and expectations crushed by a weak man did him no favors.  Except maybe that was the biggest favor; freeing him to find and build a life in Seacroft turned out to be the greatest gift.  In Nick he found someone that could support him in an adult way and could give him the love and passion he didn't know was absent from his previous life.  I enjoyed his eagerness to connect with Nick even if it all just began as an FWB situation.  I do wish he had been a bit stronger at the end instead of being constantly tossed around by his emotional turmoil, that he were less reactionary and used his intelligence to think his way through his situation rather than to just keep ramming his head against the wall.  I also wish there were more on the page about his tentative connection with Nick's son and not just the one moment in the interrogation room.  There is a lot to heal there.

Without the harsher realities of life it's cliche, and yet so very true, that we can't fully appreciate or enjoy the triumphs and happier moments in life.  A lot of time was spent in their heads and less on the action of the story so we didn't even really see things get going until probably halfway through, and then the really big stuff didn't come until near the end.  I wasn't a fan of the pacing or the navel-gazing, but I respected and grew to appreciate the story as a whole because it really was closer to real life than some imagined idea of life with a knowledge that the cheesy HEA is right around the corner.  Typically that's the kind of book I gravitate towards, but then I get surprised with a book like Cold Pressed and have to reevaluate why I shy away from stories that echo a less idealized version of reality.  So overall it was a bit harder to read, but no less satisfying when we see where they end up.  I definitely want to see Avery get his own story and to see Oliver and Nick's progress on the periphery.

*$3.99 on Amazon

No strings attached is all Oliver can offer. He's hiding a broken heart that holds him back from diving into a new relationship, but he'll go on a blind date to make his family happy. Just one date, though; he doesn't have time for love to derail his plans.

Divorced and demoted to the night shift, Nick has his own problems. He's got an ex-wife who needs him and a kid with one foot in juvie. The last thing Nick needs is to butt heads—or other body parts—with a tempting hipster who wears a sad smile on their blind date. 

Their chemistry can’t be denied, though, in an argument or in bed. No strings sex is uncomplicated and that's what Nick and Oliver need. But getting into bed together is one thing. Staying out of each other’s hearts soon becomes so much more complicated than either one imagined.

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Burning Up: Rainier Family Book 3, Ashton Cade

Sawyer is the recluse of the Rainier family, and for good reason; there's something in his past that keeps him from letting anyone past his steel-forged defenses.  Until Jason moves to town.  When Sawyer's equine therapy program brings them closer together he finds something that he yearns to hold onto.  Jason has been trying his best to make a good life for his autistic niece and with Sawyer's horses he sees a chance to heal and to love.  But neither of them will get the chance to find out about that future if they can't catch the arsonist plaguing their town.

Jason was fairly straightforward throughout the story, though I did find him quick to react poorly many times.  His ability to think through his initial response and know when he needed to apologize, however, went a long way to signifying just how mature he can be and how willing he was to make a go of things with Sawyer despite the quiet man's seeming reluctance.

Sawyer was really shy, quiet, and damaged.  His horses were his friends and I did feel a connection between them.  Those were some of my favorite parts.  The way he was with Emily was fantastic as well.  Trauma was featured pretty heavily once it came to light and I felt that it wasn't dealt with properly.  Surely some therapy outside of his horses would be beneficial.  Counseling doesn't work for everyone but one "session" of getting it on with Jason isn't a cure and not a long-lasting one either.

There was adequate chemistry between the men but nothing to captivate me.  The story itself plodded along and was a nice read with an adequate resolution to all the trouble-making, but I never felt gripped by a driving need to find out what happened next.  Overall, it was Emily, the horses, and the rest of the Rainier clan that stole the show and made this a good addition to the series.

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Melt with You: Into the Fire Book 8, J.H. Croix

Max Channing and Harlow May can't seem to keep their hands off one another despite their heads telling them to run the other way if they hope to remain unaffected.  But who listens to reason when their magnetism is enough to pull them together repeatedly and their chemistry is hot enough to start a forest fire?  A year goes by after their one night and they're just as drawn to one another now as they were before.  Max is determined to have more time with Harlow and he'll do everything he can to persuade her to agree.  But when they start to fall they'll have to come to terms with their pasts if they can hope to move forward to a happy future together.

I mostly liked both characters.  Harlow was a strong woman but most of the story was spent with her second-guessing herself romantically, running away, avoiding the truth of her feelings, and pushing Max away because of her fear.  While she eventually got it together, it took her almost the entire story to get there and I wasn't convinced she'd ever get there without some kind of tragedy.  Thankfully it didn't come to that.

Max, on the other hand, was determined to win Harlow's heart after he came to accept that he felt far more for her than lust.  The synopsis from with his perspective says no other woman will do but Harlow, except that's not completely true.  Between their first encounter and their second he seeks out the company of other women.  He's not cheating at all, they're not even really together for quite some time, it's just that the synopsis is a bit misleading.  So no celibate male lead here, that role is, predictably, given to the female lead.  Once he decides that Harlow is the one, however, he's all in, more so than Harlow actually.  His efforts to go at her pace but to push her just enough to accept more of his affection are sweet as well as hot.  He more than makes up for her vacillation and denials.

The ending was beyond sweet and so perfect for them as individuals.  It showed their growth, their commitment, and their love that matched the passion we've come to expect from them.  I enjoyed their first meeting before they fell into bed (or onto the counter...) and the epilogue the best.  From sweet to hot, they had the potential for a fantastic relationship, they just had a bit of a road to travel before they could get there.

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About J.H. Croix...

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!

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Hide and Seek: Playing with Fire Book 2, Anne Conley

Joey is unsure of what he wants is future to look like and who he wants in it with him.  He's freshly dumped by someone who never had his heart and when he catches the eye, and disdain, of a fiery beauty he thinks he might have just caught a little clue about that future.  Except Vivian wants nothing to do with the muscle-bound hottie, no matter what her lust-starved body says; she's got a lot riding on her keeping her head, and her heart, out of the sheets and firmly in control.  Joey's never met a challenge he backed down from and Vivian's heart doesn't stand a chance.  As they open their hearts to one another it's clear they both want something more, something deep and lasting, but if they can't see what's right in front of them and take a chance, it'll slip right through their fingers.

It was Joey that captured my attention right away.  I knew there was something special about him and it became clear when his earnestness and devotion to Vivian even when she was only an idea once he met her.  Changing his ways and turning himself inside out to prove he was worth a chance as well as falling in love with her daughter endeared him to me even more.  And when he apologized right away and admitted to his lack of knowledge and understanding regarding both Carly and their history I was practically swooning.  He really was the complete package despite his cockiness, bravado, and difficulty accepting his mother's new-found happiness because he was willing to own his faults and improve for the sake of himself and to have a future with Vivian and Carly.

While I knew Joey wasn't perfect, I loved him for everything that found a balance.  Vivian didn't have that balance.  She was constantly shooting herself in the foot.  Being so anti men based on one, albeit horrible, experience was short-sighted.  Her commitment to her daughter was admirable and I absolutely do not fault her for it, except it often went to the extreme.  Protecting her heart is one thing but when she was almost cruel in her actions I couldn't get on board.  Her evolution, however, was wonderful.  She went from being surrounded by walls to being open and laid bare for someone she learned she could trust to treat her the way she deserved.  I enjoyed watching her open up to Joey and to the women who became her good friends, seeing her build her own community of support and love.

I enjoyed the story overall and felt that there was a lot of potential for both characters both as individuals and together.  Joey felt like a complete person and watching him grow and mature made everything worth it.  Similarly with Vivian, watching her become the softer, more open, more forgiving version of herself showed me that they were worth getting to know.  I did feel that Carly read a lot older than her described age, though to be fair, she could just be emotionally, verbally, and socially advanced for her age.  Overall, it was a pleasure to read their story mostly for their individual growth and for the passion that they shared that deepened into something long-lasting.

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Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology Volume 2

Forget Paris, R.G. Alexander:

Forced to organize the anniversary charity event in Toronto instead of his dreamed-of moment in Paris, Martin is undeniably testy.  Despite the bluster, short temper, and sniping he captures the attention of Luke, the very helpful and very attractive bartender.  After accepting an offer to experience a bit more of Toronto before Martin has to leave, he discovers that there might be something more to Toronto for him than Paris...but his little adventure is just beginning.  The start of Martin and Luke's story has an interesting beginning and goes from mopey to sexy very quickly.  We'll get to see their "conclusion" at the end of the anthology...

Los Angeles, A.E. Wasp:

Kurtis and Zane are very cute together.  I accepted the characters without in-depth background or well-established motives because their hearts were so very obvious.  They also didn't play games.  The honesty and desire for depth and something lasting was very clear from the get-go.  At first meeting they were adorable, from Kurt's lack of smooth to Zane's upfront honesty.  I will say that the back and forth between present and Kurt's flashback-ish moments was a bit difficult to get into at first, but it grew on me and became a nice change from the story line progression normally used.  While the end came a little too soon for me, there was such a great connection between Kurt and one of his patients in addition to what he was building with Zane that the sentiment and intimation of something long-lasting and expanding was fantastic.  I just really wanted more.  3.5 stars.

(ARC of this book was provided by this author)

Cincinnati, Aimee Nicole Walker:

This story was merely okay for me.  It wasn't as transformative as I hoped.  We get to know Evan through Lucas' eyes and the picture isn't exactly pretty despite their long-lasting friendship.  Evan is sweet, kind, but a playboy and Luke is a late-blooming virgin in love with Evan, his best friend.  A lot of time was spent defining stereotypes which felt like a waste of page space since we're all pretty well aware of the myriad of stereotypes ascribed to gay men.  It didn't enhance the story or Luke's situation at all.  Why were they best friends?  Why are we just told that Evan did a lot of proving to Luke but we didn't get to see any of that at all when the main thing we know about Evan was that he willingly bedded a lot of women prior to the big revelation moment?  Without the actual evolution of their relationship the sweetness of the epilogue is lackluster and more like a gloss-over with an overview.  2 stars. 

Oakland, Alexa Land:

Rick and Ryan's first meeting was definitely less than stellar and first impressions are difficult to change.  At their second meeting, though, it doesn't take long for their situation to bring out the best and the damaged parts of them and both men end up yearning for more.  Their separation was predictable based on what we learn in a letter but it's the way Rick goes about seeking a reunion with Ryan that has me falling for him so hard.  Their reunion was cute and while it was an HFN it held so much promise.  3.5 stars.

Cape Town, Alison Hendricks:

This story had a really great start.  We really got to know both men very well right away which laid out their biggest individual vulnerabilities and insecurities.  It ended quite abruptly though.  With a vague mention of more but a sweet sense of hope to accompany it I can't say it was unsatisfying, but I can't say it was the best point to end on either.  The dual POV was nice but I might have been willing to sacrifice that for more of a story than a super nice first date with vague mentions of maybes and possiblys regarding career and romance.  Mitchell and Lucas had a ton of potential with such a great set-up that the story just seemed too short.  It was nice but I just wanted more.  3.5 stars.

Boston, Annabella Michaels:

Harry and Milo were surprisingly awesome.  I was immediately interested and then when they really meet for the first time I became enchanted.  The surprise was both in their abilities and warmth for one another and I couldn't get enough.  The ending felt natural for a segue between the end of their date and a hint toward their future.  I genuinely liked both men but more in a general sense that they were both very good men and almost made for one another.  I'd love to see this couple in a longer story.  3.5 stars.

Athens, Charlie Cochet:

Nico was an archaeologist lamenting his unknown nemesis only to find out that his nemesis could very well be his forever love.  Aedan is a thief pursuing something he's willing to let Nico do all the work to acquire and yet there's something that makes him second-guess his life's profession.  There was more a sense of yearning than actual conflict between these men and with all the sexual chemistry added to that it was difficult for me to sink deep into their story.  The resolution was nice, not a lot of a plan for the career move or repercussions of defiance, but the gesture toward a happy future together was a good one.  I liked that both men were changed by their encounter before they were reunited.  3 stars.

Denver, E. Davies:

Jaden and Henry were so real and honest.  I enjoyed the honesty and forthright nature of both men especially concerning Henry's revelation.  That questions and desires could be discussed and shared went a long way to making their relationship believable.  We really got to know both men well by the end, enough to know that they truly fit and complemented one another.  It was fantastic that there was no magic cure at the end, but that the progress was there and it felt organic and real.  4.5 stars.

Melbourne, Eden Finley:

The individual motivations in this story was quite different from the others we've read thus far and I have to say I really liked the direction it took.  The sniping between Marty and Luce was more amusing than grating and they were very sexy together.  Their dynamic was slightly unexpected and really hot.  Their story's "end" was very cute and had loads of potential.  4 stars.

San Francisco, Hailey Turner:

Right from the beginning I felt like I was there with them.  From a cute beginning to great characters to a nice ending that was very light-hearted and hopeful, I enjoyed reading this one.  The donuts meeting their doom was funny and the best part was the consumption the next morning.  Eliot's love of sweets and Bernard's love of rum give a quirky-cute vibe to both men that make them memorable.  3 stars.

"Cavities are an acceptable risk for deliciousness."

Scotland, K.M. Neuhold:

Maverick was much more of a free spirit than Tucker but both men seemed to genuinely fit together.  They were good characters that I truly liked.  Specifically, which character ended up making the life change felt natural and believable for their personalities and inner wants despite the practicalities.  Those were skipped in favor of story length giving us another HFN rather than an HEA, but it was their intimacy progression that felt the most fitting for the story.  It wasn't rushed and it was more subtle while still maintaining the spice.  3.5 stars.

Washington, Lucy Lennox:

I really, really liked these men.  Cam and Josh were amusing and caring, very warm right from the start.  Their sexual chemistry was there also but it felt more comfortable than incendiary.  They were awkward at times yet so honest and sweet.  Tender and flirty and all the things.  The ending was a good combination of sexy and sweet and with only three sentences we're shown how they tied together for now and forever.  4.5 stars.

New Orleans, Macy Blake:

Antonio and Paxton's beginning was quite awkward.  I almost cringed when Antonio shot off at the mouth, but the immediacy of the making-nice to apologize was really good.  My initial impressions of the men were that Antonio was shallow and arrogant but for his family while Paxton was a downer and pessimistic.  Those impressions quickly changed, though, and their interactions felt much more fluid and interesting.  While I'm not exactly sure how much I liked the cousin's visit I won't deny that it was pretty sweet and gave a sense of the family's inclusion of Paxton going a long way to making me believe that their romance would become pretty solid.  3 stars.

Toronto, Max Walker:

The drama here was much bigger than the story length could accommodate.  It felt contrived.  Between Brody's family tragedy and mascot trouble to the poaching it felt like there was way too much to resolve in such a short time.  Not enough attention was given to the couple.  Jordan and Brody's connection was definitely there but I didn't find the humor to be, well, humorous, and their interactions felt more awkward than anything.  The dinner scene was nice and while the setting was a bit more fantasy than I expected, it was trying to fit in all that crazy that made it less special than it could have been.  Aside from everyone and everything feeling like it was all trying too hard, there was potential there between Jordan and Brody that I would have liked more of.  2 stars.

Boston, May Archer:

An unfortunate first impression gives way to something more, something deeper, something neither Taika nor Ethan ever expected.  I kind of liked their awkward start because while their contention felt juvenile (age-wise) with their temperaments and reactions, it felt relatable.  Their back-and-forth was highly amusing, especially their ridiculously cute texting and their confessions were beyond adorable because they were so heartfelt coming from men who were pretty untried in the serious-relationship department.  Their dynamic for being together and making things work out was very right for the characters.  And that epilogue?  Cute and much appreciated.  4 stars.

Baltimore, Ruthie Luhnow:

I was slow to warm up to both Michael and Adam.  Michael never really grew true confidence outside of the sexy times.  It was as if Adam had the potential to bring it out in him, but I'm not convinced that it'll last and encourage Michael to want to make individual changes to grow as a person.  Adam seemed to tap into something softer and a small change that could lead to something more between them was there, the seed just needed germination.  By the end I was kind of on the fence about the two both individually and together, but they were still intriguing enough that I hoped they'd get everything they needed and would find a way to make a future between them work.  2.5 stars.

Atlanta, Sloane Kennedy:

I was a little apprehensive as to where this story was going when we first meet Ryan and Knox.  There was a little awkwardness but Knox endeared me to him straight away.  It's clear at the outset that there are some really big issues in both of their pasts that both align and could keep them apart.  There was a lot of healing, sweetness, and tenderness between the two men (and I'm always a sucker for a big, bad, tatted hottie that's a giant marshmallow inside).  The big reveal was all kinds of awkward despite the good intentions and I'm not sure if I liked how that all played out.  The sentiments and sentimentality was there from the instigator, it was just cringey-awkward as all get out.  The ending was sweet with a hope for more.  3 stars.

Oh...Canada, R.G. Alexander:
Martin and Luke find their first connection is definitely the type to last longer than Martin's business trip.  But it's also clear that lots of sex didn't cure his neuroses completely.  Luke's humorous take on the level of bluntness necessary to get through to Martin really saved both their romance as well as the written story.  I kind of liked the men, more Luke than Martin, but their final "scene" was where it brought their initial meeting and the entire anthology full-circle.  The guest-list additions were awkward at best; tossing a mention of other couples invited to the event last-minute despite not really being near them in location nor were they even formerly acquainted was more out of place than the author intended, I feel.  Overall the happiness was there even if we didn't really get a chance to see how they progressed outside of the overview we got as an explanation for why Martin extended his trip.  3 stars.

**I have to admit that I was generous with these star ratings most of the time because I felt it was my own dislike of an HFN ending rather than something that felt like a solid potential for an HEA that affected my feelings for the stories.  Once I realized all of them would be HFN's, despite being surprised by a couple epilogues, I tried to not be so upset by that.  Some stories caught me off guard with their lack of depth and ability to grasp and keep my attention because many of the authors are ones I enjoy.  So make of that what you will...Volume 1 was FAR better than volume 2.

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*All proceeds from the sale of Heart2Heart Vol. 2

are going to the authors' favorite charities

which include:

Trans Lifeline

Rainbow Railroad

The Ali Forney Center