Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 48

  

• Love Vintage Blend: Home in Hollyridge Book 2, Elle Keaton
• Unicorn Unashamed: Rainbow Fever Book 1, Riley Rivers
• Dirty Chef, Cara Dee

We didn't get what I expected, though I have to say I was happy to be wrong.  With very little angst and a whole lot of cute interactions there was a lot to like about this story.  Add in a loveable pup and I was well pleased.  There was a bit of drama surrounding the ex and issues he caused both in the beginning and in the end, but both were quickly and easily resolved so nothing negative was left lingering.  Zach and Jeff were really good together, especially when they finally got on the same page in both their business and personal lives.  The self-deprecation on Jeff's part was understandable, but it was a bit too present and not truly worked through, it just miraculously went away.  And then there was the really cute reunion at the end that opened the door for the all-important question and gave us a wonderfully tender moment that wrapped up the story with warmth.  A satisfyingly sweet read with great characters in a town with lush descriptions.  3.5 stars.

Once the seemingly unrequited pining ended and they got a chance to burn up the sheets, they really showed a lot of passion.  They still held feelings back for a bit, but it wasn't unbearable and they made some really tender confessions.  The story was definitely short and sweet, but the steam was incredibly present and I really enjoyed the world that was created.  I'm for sure wanting to come back for more from the interesting side characters we met as well.  3.5 stars.

Ooh damn, this was HOT!  I love the Camassia Cove world and am always stoked to come back to it.  Alessia and Adam have been dancing around one another for a decade and finally, finally!, with one menu tasting, everything they thought they couldn't have explodes with some serious sexual napalm.  What's even better?  All the tenderness that hits you right in the feels.  Short, infinitely sweet, and incredibly sexy, this is definitely going on my re-read shelf.  4.5 stars.

Are You In?: POWERHOUSE Book 1, P.W. Steele

This had the potential to be a great story with messages of body positivity, something unique in its take on body image, and an interesting story line.  I did not find that at all, unfortunately.  There was so little depth to the MC's that I just didn't truly care about their romantic outcome.  Their interactions were questionable and very far from romantic or inspiring as well.

I was intrigued at the outset with some of the co-owners and with Andy, but aside from giving me a shallow glimpse into each co-owner and a rather arrogant and contrived POV from Jack I didn't really find much to inspire a second trip into this world.  Along with that rather uninspiring foray into POWERHOUSE the POV shifted in confusing ways so the small glimpses into Jack's mind and others' was jarring and felt unnatural.  As a first book by the author I'm willing to see if there's improvement, but unless it's for Sean's(?) story I can't say I'll continue with this series.

99¢ on Amazon

Sometimes when you change one part of your life, it transforms everything else...

Meet Andy. He's in his mid-twenties, smart and successful, with a slightly adorable propensity for clumsiness. He's happy with all aspects of his life - except one. His body.

He's skinny. Too skinny. Which doesn't make any sense, because he has the worst eating habits of anyone he knows. If anything, his problem should be too much weight, not too little.

Not one to be defeated, Andy decides to do something about it. He joins the gym. His goal? To build the body of his dreams, and become an absolute muscle powerhouse.

What he doesn’t expect is how much joining the gym won’t just change his body, it will completely transform his life. 

Andy joins the Amazing Fitness gym where he meets the four co-owners, known as the quad squad (who yes, all have great thighs). But it’s one co-owner, who literally takes his breath away. Jack.

From the moment Andy lies eyes on Jack's glistening, naked body in the locker room, he feels something stir within him that he's never felt before. 

But there's more to Jack than just his stunning muscular body, chiselled face, deep blue eyes and adorable smile. Jack’s looking to find the right guy who sees and values him for more than just his appearance. 

Insecurities about his body and a bad breakup means Andy’s inner-confidence is at an all-time low. Will he be able to push himself past his limitations and break through to get the body - and the guy - of his dreams?

Join Andy on his journey of transformation, reconnecting with his lost inner-confidence and overcoming insecurities to find love, and just as importantly, self-acceptance.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 41

  

• Protecting His Heart: Nox Bay Pack Book 2, Connor Crowe
• Aurora Borealis: Cold Case Psychic Spinoff Novella 8, Pandora Pine
• Chandler: Training Days Book 1, J.D. Light

A sequel that earned it's place in the lineup for sure.  But I wish it were longer.  There is so much going on, so much story, so many elements, that it should be turned into a novel.  I really enjoyed this one and found it even more interesting than the first, though I wasn't sure this story's events could outshine Felix.  Even though Arric spends a lot of time squashing and denying his feelings and urges what builds between him and Elliot turns into something memorable.  The dragons, female alphas, stones, and powers were all attention-grabbing.  Though I will say the pregnancy testing stone part was a bit...strange, it was something I was willing to overlook in favor of just enjoying the overall story.  3.5 stars.

Wow.  Pandora sure packed a lot into this little story.  My heart ached for Aurora and was so glad Jace and Kevin had the whole Crew of awesome to support them all.  I was glad that the opposition from the relatives was kept civil and simple so the focus could be on assimilating Aurora into the family.  Watching Jace and Kevin become fathers and seeing them commit to one another and being there for Aurora no matter what was a growing moment for both of them in different ways.

While Jace still isn't my favorite, he's growing on me as we see him become less selfish.  I think I had one idea of him from his care of the LGBTQ+ youth at his shelter.  His role there led me to believe he was someone he consistently has issues being when it comes to the most important person/people in his life.  He is that person, to some degree, but it's when it directly involves his own life that he becomes reactionary, petty, immature, and juvenile.  His determination to be a good partner to Kevin and father to Aurora shows us the less selfish, more empathetic, more mature side of him we know is in there.  I have hope.  I think he has great potential and I'm interested to see him develop as the Cold Case series progresses.  3.5 stars.

Holy sweetness!  I was completely shocked that I loved this story to the degree I did.  I was expecting something sweet, cute, and sexy, but not like this.  What was the most surprising was the character depth and connection achieved in such a short story.  I loved that Chandler wasn't actually insecure despite his endeavor to become fit coming from insults from a few exes.  There were quite a few appearances of people who could derail Chandler and Baker's progress that could have been eliminated, but overall I didn't find that it decreased my enjoyment.  It was so fluffy, so sweet, and definitely sexy so I was happy.  4.5 stars.

An M/M Christmas, episode 8

  

• Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Claire Castle
• The Christmas Lights Battle, Skylar M. Cates
• Operation Toy Rescue, Sarah Hadley Brook

Finding a purpose in a tiny town at Christmas seems like an impossible feat when grief threatens to swallow Colton whole.  But when he finds compassion, attraction, and understanding in the charming Brit, Winter, he finds more than solace, he finds a home.  This was a very sweet story when taken at face value.  There were a lot of moments that endeared me to Winter and I preferred the interaction between both men out of the bedroom rather than in it.  The chemistry was there but felt a little forced instead of organic.  I will say that the story felt a bit superficial in terms of depth for the characters and conflict and felt slightly rushed.  Overall, though, both Winter and Colton were likable and the feels when Colton made his discovery were a nice way to bring him quickly to a place of healing.  3 stars.

Quick judgments lead to flustered interactions and incorrect impressions.  But a little vulnerability opens their eyes to more and we're re-introduced to two men who have trouble putting their hearts on offer.  This was so sweet and I loved where we ended up with Julian and Leo.  Their chemistry was definitely there and I appreciated that the conflict remained with external frustrations rather than misunderstandings, lies, omissions, and lashing out.  Julian's feeling regarding his kids was justified and handled well without sabotaging what he was building with Leo.  And Leo's quiet care, passion, and sweetness was a fantastic balance for Julian.  What we got was a completely wonderful story that hopefully leads into a series with a great cast, a lot of feels, and excellent steam.  3.5 stars.

A punishment turns into an unexpected gift when Jules is sent to Snow Hope Island for shenanigans that went too far.  Finding his boss, Felix intriguing is one thing, but when that turns into attraction and then a crush, Jules isn't sure what to do with himself.  Both men find something surprising as well as a way to save all the toys that seem to come to their island to languish unloved.  With the focus on the toys and Jules finally finding his purpose, with the relationship becoming secondary you'd think the story would fall flat.  Well, it didn't!  It was sweet with a really wonderful way of conveying both the spirit of Christmas as well as acceptance and love.  Though the relationship conflict was predictable, it was settled with maturity and very little fanfare.  More sweet than steamy, this was a very cute story that hit all the light and lovely notes of a good Christmas love story.  4.5 stars.

Quick Reads and Quick Reviews 31

  

• Cake Clash, BL Maxwell and Claire Castle
• Trusting Jack: MC Securities Book 1, Ruby Moone
• Cowboy Rules: Breaking the Rules Book 4, Jacki James

Successful bakers, Finn and Josiah, were once lovers.  Not just lovers, but in love, the forever kind...or so they thought.  There's no denying their hearts still belong to one another, but neither of them have reached out after they were separated a decade prior.  A television competition, however, just might give them a chance to have the future they always dreamed of.  But first they'll have to navigate competitors, work through the pain of their separation, and learn who they are as men.

The premise of this story was so cute, I could hardly wait to dive in.  The final product, though, left a bit to be desired.  There was an immense amount of telling instead of showing, so much minutiae that I skipped pages of text and missed virtually nothing.  The relationship progressed very quickly after they were "reunited" and while I wouldn't have a problem with pretty much zero angst, it seemed too simplistic, as did the writing which was basic and lacked depth and punch.  Once they decided that there was nothing that would keep them apart, not even their roles in the competition, they wasted no time being together in every way possible.  The many, many mentions of their dwindling time together on the show and how they felt about that came off as the authors trying way too hard to make the future seem shaky and their present bittersweet.  Their deep moments felt a little juvenile, a little forced, and a lot too cheesy.  Overall, though, it was a sweet story with lots of passion and no real angst except the contrived descriptions of an unsure future following the show.  3 stars.

FREE on KU!

I really liked both men and their vulnerability, quirks, and tender hearts.  There was something so innocent in their interactions that I found them endearing rather than lacking.  While the resolution of the drama was a bit quick with a giant save from the initial supposed villain, it didn't fully detract from the point of the story.  Michael learned to trust someone, to trust their word, their intentions, and ultimately, to trust his heart to them.  Jack grew to understand his own worth, a new way of interacting with someone he cared for, and what he should expect in return from them.  Both men were so good and needed someone special to highlight their goodness to themselves so they could heal and move forward.

There were a bunch of times I wasn't sure where their heads were, like why Michael, the naturally suspicious, very intelligent, successful tech and securities guy, would push to get a huge wad of cash to a severely shady character when he knew he could watch out for Jack well enough that they could have at least waited until the situation was more in their favor.  And I didn't mind the quickness of their relationship progression because we were so much in their heads, especially Michael's, so it didn't feel as fast as the timeline indicates.  Overall I found the story to be pretty sweet despite its issues.  3.5 stars.

FREE on KU!

More benefits than friends, more friends than benefits, but never more than friends-with-benefits.  Lincoln wanted to change the status quo by moving into something a bit deeper despite his fears and relationship inexperience but he didn't anticipate Matt's fears and reservations being much larger than his own.  When Lincoln's father's health gives him a chance to change the scenery and get some space from his romantic problems both men find a bit of clarity regarding their hearts.  Lincoln wants to be free from Matt, but Matt realizes there's no one he wants more than Lincoln.  If he can find his courage he might be able to win his cowboy before it's too late.

Having gotten to know these men in the periphery of the other Rules books this story didn't feel like insta-love or insta-lust at all.  If read on its own, it might be seen that way, but the depth has been building for quite some time now and I couldn't be more pleased how these men finally get onto the same romantic page together.  They were hella steamy, so sweet I needed to brush my teeth, and they communicated.  Wait, they used their words?  Why, yes, yes they did.  Lots of points right there that they didn't shy away from expressing what they needed, wanted, feared, and hoped.  And when their hearts reached out to Spencer who needed them?  It's like they were already so united that they couldn't help but work toward the same goal.  I really loved how this story came together for these two men and that neither of them were ashamed of their "dating" history but knew that from then on it would be just the two of them.  Their expectations and fears were realistic and addressed appropriately.  I'm totally sold on Matt and Lincoln.  4 stars.

FREE on KU!

Matched Intensity: Open Wounds Book 3, Michelle Frost

Family and secrets tore them apart years ago, the same thing brings them back together.  Rory and Magnus have always known there was only one man who could own their soul, but with all the hurt they might not be able to trust one another with their hearts again.  Finally willing to let down their walls and aim for a new normal, they're at the cusp of beginning something different, better than they had when they were young.  Except a dangerous past comes calling and might keep them from the future they both hoped to forge anew.

Rory had my heart from day one with his fierceness, loyalty, brooding, and quiet strength and love for the Rourkes.  It was clear that he wanted something from Magnus but didn't believe he could have it and was therefore punishing himself.  The impression I had up to this point was that it was Magnus keeping them apart despite Rory's disappearance for a decade.  What we learned here was much more complicated, frustrating, and heartbreaking.

Magnus was the aloof, brooding, and proud brother that was almost more of a mystery to me than Vidar.  The Magnus I met here was nothing like what I imagined up to this point.  I don't know if I like this version better, to be honest.  I will say that I did like how he stuck up for himself, got help, and was trying for honesty with Rory in a way that he was holding back before.

There were so many unanswered questions in this book that I'm feeling quite conflicted about Magnus as well as the relationship's struggles.  My feelings are unresolved by the end and while I do like the men together and have so much hope and love for them going forward, I feel that there's a whole foundation and background that is lacking.  What is this huge, hurtful outburst that happened a year and a half ago?  We didn't get that in Carry & Drag so I'm left mystified about their initial reunion.  What made Magnus go from modeling to porn and why did he make that decision?  I don't remember reading that anywhere before.  Magnus' pride in his porn career is fine, I don't really have a problem with that choice, but it doesn't feel like pride so much as bravado and familial acceptance of his choice.

Overall, this was a good story and I'm so very glad Rory got the man he always wanted, that his heart could truly heal.  I appreciated Rory's honesty regarding Magnus' career consequences and felt that was the most believable outlook he could have had.  The drama was suitably built up but the resolution was a little too clean and quick using something like a deus ex machina, or maybe more like a Rory and Tom ex machina, and it felt a bit cheap and rushed.  I just feel such a disconnect from  Magnus as an individual and from their relationship that I had a hard time coming to terms with their history in order to feel fully invested in their future.  Doesn't mean the story was bad, not at all, it just left me conflicted rather than satisfied.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Take Down: Open Wounds Book 2, Michelle Frost

Both Harbor and Theo have lived for the fight.  Sweat, blood, fear...none of that is going to hold them back from taking the title; but maybe love will.  More than possibly facing one another in the cage, they'll have to fight through their own personal setbacks and reservations to win the future they want most.

There was so much maturity and heart from the Bad A viking that has been all caged predator, lethal intent, and fire up to this point.  His loyalty to family is stellar but when we get to see the sweeter, lighter, tender side of him as his feelings for Theo grow, it's truly stunning.  The soft feels were honestly perfection.  They contrasted perfectly with the hard-edged fighter we've come to know thus far.  Theo was wonderful, but it was Harbor that stole the show and my heart in this story.

Theo was a good match for Harbor but I felt that there was something different about him in terms of character depth.  While Harbor dug deep, Theo was a little on the just-beneath-the-surface side.  He had no less of a complicated past that held him back in some things but I wasn't as drawn in.  His fun and playful side was ideal to bring out those same things in Harbor though.

I actually expected more drama but it was the reactions to the drama that had me pleasantly surprised.  Between Harbor's reaction to the drama created by Theo's past coming out to threaten his future to the outcome of their title match, everything was resolved nicely.  And I mean nicely, like the fight organizers were nice about the situation, Theo and Harbor were nice to one another, other fighters were nice and said nice things...just so much nice that I felt conflicted.  I truly appreciated the nice reactions, those were great.  But I also felt that it packed less punch...literally and figuratively.

Speaking of literal punches, I really wish that the "most electrifying fight" was given page time.  So much build-up and then it was overlooked in favor of getting to the happy ending.  What bothers me the most was how Harbor's "take down" had gone.  It was a predictable outcome that felt like a cop out and not really true to the characters' abilities.  Add that to not getting to "witness" the fight at all and I'm very unsatisfied.  Also, I wished that Harbor's end of the bet was given freely instead of as fulfilling the terms.  Oh, and that that scene should have been added...it would have been really hot I bet, but we didn't get to see it at all.

The drama with the other couples is ramping up like crazy and while I don't know who will get their story next, it doesn't actually matter because I'll be reading each and every story in this series.  When you combine hot, tattooed, fierce, loyal, brooding fighters and the men that challenge, support, and love them with cage fights, drama, and seriously hot intimate couplings in the way Michelle Frost does, you've got a fan for life in me.

*$2.98 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Quick Reads and Quick Reviews, 24

  

• Sweet Revenge, River Laurent
• The Alpha's Vow: Iriador Chronicles Book 1, Colbie Dunbar
• Falling into Love: Family Found Book 1, Kris T. Bethke and Nell Iris

There's no good reason to cheat and when Dawn's no-good ex blames it on her body shape and lack of bedroom prowess she's good and hurt.  And then she's pissed.  But the best revenge is being happy with yourself so Dawn makes the remarkably adult choice to go back to her real self, the one that got lost trying to hold onto a man who never truly appreciated her.  On the way there she meets Ace, someone who seems genuinely interested in all that she is...well, physically at least at first.  One night of indulgence paves the way to her own happily-ever-after but not until she comes to terms with accepting herself before she can accept what Ace seems to be offering.

We get one chapter from Ace's POV and I'll be honest, it's shallow and just not enough.  I like Ace, actually, but the first impression we get of him is an unsatisfied man who's tired of temporary but quickly gets distracted by luscious curves and then his inner monologue devolves into a lot of superficial dirty thoughts.  There's nothing wrong with dirty thoughts and being physically attracted to someone, but when it becomes the only thing on your mind, we're left to wonder if there's anything of substance to hold the interest.  Thankfully that changes and he shows his heart.  We get it all through Dawn's POV, which is mostly fine because it's about her and her transformation and moment of revenge, but I would have liked something a bit more balanced.  Aside from that, it was equally hot and sweet for a short story about a curvy girl and her vanilla bean-flavored revenge.  3.5 stars.

An alpha determined to avoid claiming an omega for himself, an omega determined to steer clear of any and all alphas, and an adorable piglet determined to steal the show and bring the two men together...this has all the makings of something quite interesting.  The reality, however, was disappointing to say the least.  I have so many questions that go unanswered.  What vow?  Why did Seb feel so inadequate?  And why the eff will no one let Seb speak?!  The way Seb reacted the morning after was pretty bad, definitely, but Max's reaction and subsequent actions were over the top, forced, and so childish I couldn't stand it.  Max was impulsive, cowardly, vindictive, and juvenile.  I also felt like I was missing something from the very start.  Waking up in jail with a hangover would feel like that since we start with Seb's POV, but it's like the haze never lifts.  Then there's all that confusing drama with Max's father, the vague references to Seb's family, and being run off Seb's land.

This is my first book by this author and I have a feeling that further stories from this series will redeem the first book as they fill in the details, expand on those details, and introduce a solid cast...but as it stands right now, I'm not loving it.  I feel like I do want to read more because I think I could love these characters, I just feel so distant from them in addition to the character flaws that are so very glaring.  Overall, I'm not a fan.  But I could definitely be convinced to finish the series.  2 stars.

An accident-prone ginger and a radiology tech...seems like a match made in medical-visit heaven, right?  Well, actually, yeah, you're right.  But not like you'd first think.  Avery is a sweet and earnest man who finds himself on a hike with the hottie he's been subtly eyeing while x-raying.  Liam is just as interested and while their first non-medical office interaction turns into another of Liam's "incidents", it sparks a small flame for both of them.  Though I will say that Liam is probably in the wrong profession and should stick to running the office.

They are both direct and honest right from the start.  I appreciated Liam's honesty with himself and Avery about his feelings and intentions.  There was no angst, just a little hesitation on Avery's part.  Avery's lack of swearing is cute at first but becomes cheesy in its repetitiveness -- mostly because of the multiple times he says "holy [insert pasta name here]".  If it were a little more creative it would seem far less gimmicky.  The whole overall feeling was giddy, sweet, and a bit adolescent in its emotional expression.  Neither man felt as old as they were described as being.  Steam-wise, however, it was absolutely not lacking.  The table parts were my favorites.  Even better than the gooey-sweet confessions.  There was also just enough background information and interactions with the side cast to make me incredibly interested in their own stories.  Hints were dropped effectively so they weren't too vague, they created interest and not frustration or drama.  3.5 stars.

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