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.

Clayton: Single Dads Club Book 3, Candice Blake

I don't feel that this is a good representation of what the author can produce.  Many of their stories are touching and well thought out.  This story suffered from too quick of a pace and not enough objective thought in how some of it would come across.  Overall it wasn't a bad story, it just really needed more pages and more finesse with creating both men.

Clayton was interesting in the beginning because of his honesty and obvious love and exasperation with his college-bound son, though that relationship was made a focus and then quickly abandoned.  What followed with his interaction with the various men of the Single Dads group was touching in that he was attentive and genuinely enjoyed providing a safe and accepting place for men of all walks of life to cope with, advise, and commiserate with others in similar life situations.  It was his interactions with Westley that had me scratching my head.  I have to admit to becoming increasingly uncomfortable with Clayton's behavior.

Knowing West is straight and yet continually flirting with him is on the edge, less so because of the eyes that West is making right back at Clayton, but the way he pushes for physical intimacy before truly knowing the man and working past the very glaring and obvious emotional impasse is over the line for me.  Using language like, "Come on," when West is saying no in a way that implies no rather than interested hesitance is inappropriate and extremely bothersome.  Many of us who have been pressured into physical intimacy likely have negative connections with those words and those that are similar and I find the entire situation Clayton is pursuing appalling.

West is harder to know because we get so very little of him as a person.  This was likely due to the shorter length of the story and would have been much better if we had more from him.  I can't honestly say that I like him as a person either.  He seems so milquetoast for the vast majority of the story rather than the decisive man we're introduced to.  He wilts as the story progresses, especially under Clayton's pressuring.  While I have a great hope that he gets better there's just no clear evidence that he will.

Maybe the series gets better?  I'll give the next book a shot to see if the series can redeem itself, but I don't really have a lot of hope of that.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Westley: A one-week cottage trip with a group of single dads...what could possibly happen?

I don’t have any expectations for this trip and I certainly don't expect to meet Clayton, an older man with salt-and-pepper hair and icy-blue eyes, who makes me question my sexuality.

Stuck inside the cottage in one of the worst snowstorms in years, Clayton and I don’t have a choice but to get to know each other. We start off as just friends, but Clayton’s charming and able to convince me to do things with him I never thought I’d do. Soon, I start having feelings for this handsome, older man.

But once we go back to the real world, I know things will never work out between us. As one of the top neurosurgeons in the country, I've dedicated my life to my work. It wouldn't be fair for anyone to have to deal with my long and hectic hours at the hospital.

So, do we make the best of our short time together and end it at that? Or do I give it a chance with Clayton when we finally go home?

Clayton:

As the founder of the Single Dads Club, I organize an annual trip to my cottage. This year, I extended the invitation to friends and family of my members.

I meet someone named Westley and he reminds me so much of my husband who died ten years ago. When I catch Westley stealing glances at me from across the room one too many times, I make a move on him and test the waters.

There's something about Westley that drives me wild. But he makes it clear that he's straight. As a CEO, I don't give up easily, and I won't give up on someone I find so special.

I'm still healing after my husband's death and it's hard to love again. With my son leaving for college in a year, I'll be all alone. I want to fall in love again, but just the thought of it terrifies me. Westley has the power to change all that.

Will he though?

Damaged Hearts: The Boys of Venice Beach Book 1, Jan St. Marcus

Life doesn't always end up how we plan.  For Michelangelo and Brandon it seems that life is the complete opposite of how we'd hoped to live, but in their moments of grief and fatalism they find someone to lift them up and give them something new to hope for.

They didn't have a meet-cute, that's for sure, but what brought them together was something that both men needed.  For Mike it was doing something for someone else that opened a door to more.  For Brandon, it was a chance for someone to care that he was alive and worth that care.  The romantic portion of their story was a bit of a slow-burn with a lot of confusing feelings that kept them on edge until they admitted what they were feeling and grasped it tightly with both hands.

I can't say I'm a fan of their voices.  Their young age was incredibly apparent both in expectations and expressions.  And it was their inner voice that kind of irritated because I felt like I was reading the rambling, slightly vapid thoughts of a teenager.  Well, in Brandon's case that's an accurate age, but it felt younger, like early high school and I felt that was inappropriate to the life Brandon led.  It was immaturity that came across rather than simply youth.  Sometimes, especially in Brandon's case, they would seem to break the fourth wall so it was confusing in its narrative because it would jump from describing thoughts, feelings, sights, impressions, etc. to inviting the reader in as if they were talking to us specifically.  The flow wasn't exactly smooth.

If we took out the drama, the government involvement, the Grant bits of the story, I don't believe there was enough development of the characters or their relationship to support the story's intent.  We get distracted by all the stuff going on around and behind the scenes and lose sight of the actual relationship building stuff that will make me believe they're solid, healing, and good for the long-haul.

Overall though, the story was nice with surprisingly little angst and a lot of honesty.  The language and voice were less-than awesome, but I didn't not like the story and while I thought there could have been more balance and depth, it was a pleasant read.

*$3.99 on Amazon

When 19-year-old military veteran Brandon Hawkins is attacked on Venice Beach by a gang of frat boys, he is saved by Michelangelo Curtis, a passerby.

Michelangelo was roaming the boardwalk grieving the death of his twin brother six months earlier. The two men’s unexpected encounter forges a strong bond between the damaged and lonely men.

Inviting the homeless Bran to his place for some food and a shower, 25-year-old Michelangelo finds himself drawn to the younger man. Neither of the men is gay. But before long, their friendship morphs into something like love and takes them both by surprise.

And they have something else in common: The frat boys are out for revenge.

Gay Romance Holiday Collection, Keira Andrews

Eight Nights in December: 4 stars

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

In Case of Emergency: 3.5 stars

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

Santa Daddy: 4 stars

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

Where the Lovelight Gleams: 3 stars

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

*$4.99 on Amazon

Copper Creek: Sawyer's Ferry Book 3, Cate Ashwood

Ack!! I was absolutely not expecting this to be so funny, but it was! Frankie is adorable and sassy and always moving. His "generous gifts" to Barrett pretty much set the tone for their dynamic and even though it takes a little bit for Barrett to come to terms with his newly discovered facets of sexuality, once they're all in, they're all in...pun intended =].

There was so much tenderness and discovery here that showed that there's so much more to them beyond the bedroom proving that they're utterly perfect for one another despite all their differences. I love the opposites-attract trope and Copper Creek definitely did this one justice. For all their disparities there was a commonality in their affections that gave a solid foundation to all their romantic endeavors and a deeper undertone to their sexy times. I adored them together!

Sometimes you get a lot of angst from guys who hadn't been with other males up to the point they meet their person and while there was definitely some thought and a little bit of turmoil, there was no unnecessary dragging out of any angst. I do wish there were more background on Barrett. I wanted to learn so much more about him. I mean, I truly enjoyed him and all his muscly sweetness but a lot of things about him were kind of vague, like his family. In the end though, it's really difficult not to love him despite that so this isn't really a complaint.

And to avoid spoilers I won't go into too much detail about the end and I'll just say that the epilogue wasn't detailed enough and jumping forward in time missed a great opportunity to answer questions, build depth, and satisfy my need for more of Barrett and Frankie together. Such a great story!

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 40

• Tiny Dancer: Cold Case Psychic Spin Off Novella 7, Pandora Pine
• Whole Again: Orchard Ridge Omegas Book 1, Braylon Black
• My Maine Man: The Johnson Family Book 4.5, Holly J. Martin 
• Trickster, Nicola Cameron

Despite being a novella, this felt like a fully fleshed out relationship based on something solid and not just a supernatural enhancement of insta-love.  When Riordan jumps on stage to dance with his daughters because of stage fright I was just as charmed as everyone else.  His innate strength of character allowed him to push on despite his grief and his lack of pride let him accept help where it was available.  I loved his humility.  And for a loving, supportive partner, there was no man better than Faulkner.  While I had reservations about him before this point, he more than redeemed himself with his stellar care and concern for Riordan as well as his adoration of all the children.  His heart was so obvious in this story that I couldn't help but fall head over heels for him.

The only thing I had an issue with was the four year old speaking like she was seven or eight.  I enjoyed her role and pure childlike acceptance of the supernatural, but it was the age and verbalization capabilities that took me out of the story quite a few times.  I also wish I got a lot more of Faulkner's background, but I liked what we did get.  Overall though, this was a fantastically sweet story that fit in with the parent series and introduced me to new characters to love.  4 stars.

It's not every day you get a second chance with your first love, but for Houston and Emmett the embers of attraction and warmth of youthful love spark into a full-blown forest fire.  Except the past holds them hostage and they'll have to decide if a future together is more important than holding on to the pain of the past.  I liked the threads of making amends and embracing your history in order to become the person you were always meant to be.  Those ideas were really well done in this story.

Houston's difficulties with his father were incredibly painful and legitimate reasons for him to leave the town behind.  His shortsightedness when it comes to his situation with Emmett, however, is a bit frustrating.  Emmett's painful past is truly heartbreaking.  His insistence on pushing Houston away at every turn, even when he willingly makes a family with him is beyond annoying.  I had a really hard time taking him seriously after a while because his fierce need to believe in a curse truly hurt Houston over and over again.  They figured things out and I appreciated the way the story ended because it went a long way to soothing my feelings for both men.  With an interesting cast this series holds quite a bit of promise.  3 stars.

When Noah first meets Ned it's definitely lust at first sight, but when they give one another a chance to see beyond the surface, they find something truly special with a partner they'd never expected to find.  I know Ned was a big bully growing up and that he really did some awful things, but if there was anyone who needed redemption and love, it was the big, gruff antisocial lumberjack.  I liked Noah's feisty attitude and positivity too.  Together they could be wonderful.  I truly loved the quiet way Ned went about seeking redemption.  It was his heart, his intent, and his humility all while feeling like he didn't deserve forgiveness that broke my heart and made me love him so hard.

But any time (read every time) the outside world or even the community entered the picture, Noah got on my nerves.  He was wonderful with what he was doing for the Boys & Girls Club and was so open-hearted and generous, but the way he made Ned feel in public was often unfeeling and disappointing.  Noah did come around and I'm glad he didn't get haughty or make Ned grovel because he really was the best match for Ned.  Ned's Grand Gesture was heartfelt and great, but by the end of his speech it felt off because it should have circled back to the purpose behind the event.  It just didn't feel right for the situation, story, and intention behind it.  With Ned's pure soul and Noah's openness to change and the beauty of a town that felt like home, this was a nice story with a very sweet ending.  3.5 stars.

An unexpected mate brings Delaney to his knees and despite all that stands in the way of their mating, he's determined to make Mark his in the most loving way possible.  What I loved about this story was that it was moved along by passion, but it was the forbearance of the lust in favor of the solid connections, the creation of comfort, and the honesty Delaney was determined to have before he gave in that won me over.  Everything happened quickly but it felt more natural than so many other insta-love shifter stories I've read.

I appreciated the villain being a predictable mystery and not overly complicated.  Another awesome point of the story is when Mark uses his brain to find a solution without resorting to making amends and hoping for forgiveness after giving in to coercion.  Using his resources and not going it alone because of threats was admirable and it showed true strength to me.  Mark and Delaney made a great pair with their sweet moments, their intelligence, their chemistry, and their commitment.  This was a surprisingly fantastic read.  4.5 stars.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 32

  

• Awakenings and French Songs, Nell Iris
• Omega's Healing Hands: Book 1, Mackenzie Wilde
• Kiss Me Like You Mean It: Valentines Inc. Book 1, Jacki James

A birthday bash matching the Iggy of the past just doesn't work for him anymore.  Not to mention a few insults from a rejected bathroom encounter sealing his decision to leave his own party.  But he has no idea why the life he's led is so unfulfilling now.  A deep sense of dissatisfaction sends him home early and an invitation from the handsome, tender single dad across the hall is just what his soul needs, always needs.  An evening of tea, conversation, and achingly beautiful French music opens his eyes to new possibilities, ones that just might bring him love.

This was sweet, slow, and warm.  With the simple yet effective setting of a table, tea, and a friend we're instantly drawn into the warmth of the scene and aside from getting them from friends to more, I'm an instant believer in their forever.  By adding the daughter as well as some drama regarding the ex, you'd think that it would be marred by misunderstandings, reservations, or doubts, but every piece fit, was given enough attention to matter but not overwhelm, and only what could be resolved was.  It was believable.  From start to finish, I liked both men quite a lot.  Ronan was someone I more had to accept at face value, but the very end where the confession came, it was all heart and very sweet.  For such a short story there was quite a bit of depth and I couldn't help but enjoy it all.  4.5 stars.

A damaged body and a healer's hands.  Neither man is expecting love to come from the situation but few do.  We spend a significant amount of time getting to know the expansive anger Danny carries.  He lashes out and gets so angry all the time that it's almost grating since it only lightens when Brad is there.  There's not much in terms of relationship development at all since this is only the first part of their story, and while I can see where it's going, I'm not seeing a very promising start.

For a part 1, this was an adequate beginning and lays the groundwork for all that Danny has to overcome to find peace with himself, his career, and his family before he can hope for love with Brad.  What we're given doesn't feel compelling or even truly romantic either; I'm only mildly interested in finding out more.  I hate to be blunt, but with very little redeeming qualities in Danny, knowing virtually nothing about Brad, and no relationship to speak of, there's practically nothing to recommend for me to continue.  2 stars.

When a lie becomes the truth and brings two men their perfect partner.  Clayton needs a boyfriend, but it has to be fake since he's straight.  Trevor is bored during the winter season so he helps out and takes the gig.  What should have been a fun trip of skiing and pretending for a hot, fun, nice guy turns into something far more than Trevor signed up for.  Clayton isn't prepared for everything Trevor makes him feel, especially when the kisses aren't even in view of his audience.  The problem?  He means it.  Does Trevor?

Holy sweet tenderness and steam!  I'm in love.  Seriously.  5 sweet and fluffy stars with a tablespoon of steam to amp it up.  Everything is completely effortless with zero angst and nothing to truly tear them apart.  One might argue that this was too simple, I argue that it's perfect for a quick and steamy read for the sappiest of all holidays.  Through Trevor's care and attention to detail Clay felt appreciated, cared for, and happy.  None of his efforts were appreciated by his ex, but the circumstances allowed him to let it all out.  Turns out that was the best thing he could have done because Clay soaked it up.  Clay was comfortable, honest, eager, and observant as well.  They made the best match and I loved that it was Clay that reassured Trevor when mentions of the future were stumbled upon.  And that Trevor decided to be the kind of boyfriend he always wanted to be rather than holding himself in reserve the way we see many fake relationship trope stories begin.  Written well with awesome flow, no conflict, and a supportive cast that rounded it all out, I'm completely won over.  5 stars.

The Gift: Love in O'Leary Book 2, May Archer

While Daniel is feeling crushed under the weight of his failures, Julian is feeling crushed under the weight of others' expectations.  Both men are surprised to find a quick, easy, and deep connection with one another and their friendship brings peace to each of them; something so elusive they'd nearly given up on it.  As feelings evolve, deepen, develop new facets, they each will have to come to terms with those changes within themselves and the consequences of giving in to its tempting warmth.  But they might end up being their own worst enemies as their individual insecurities and history seek to sabotage the possibility of a future together.

Julian was interesting when we first met him in The Fall and his connection with Daniel seemed more romantic than friendly there.  But here we're given something much sweeter with a very slow-burn romance that builds through the course of their interactions.  My memory of Julian in the previous book doesn't really match the person we meet here, but aside from the diminutive stature and internal struggle with pleasing everyone before himself, I quite liked him.  He had a slightly neurotic depth that charmed me right away.  And for Daniel to see all his sides and find him just as endearing was a win.

As Julian goes off on Nature Channel-esque narrations regarding animal traits and behavior, Daniel is quietly falling in love with him for it.  Even though it takes Daniel quite a while to realize what's happening emotionally between them, he doesn't throw up roadblocks in their friendship which I truly appreciated.

Daniel vacillated more and because the "surprise" of his past was waiting for the revelation right at the very end, it drew out his situation as well as the reveal that could have been given earlier in his thoughts, especially when Julian's fanboy status was mentioned more than once.  While the moment when he came clean about his career identity is utterly perfect and completely sweet, I was almost to the point of eye-rolling and sighing in exasperation when even Daniel's thoughts evaded complete honesty.  I also feel that we were missing a lot of Daniel's evolution regarding his family.  I agree with the separation because of timing, but without getting Daniel's familial and career resolution while he was reconciling who he was with who he is, Daniel's character fell a bit flat overall for me.

The surprise connection between fan and former career wasn't all that surprising; actually, none of the conflict was.  While it was quite predictable, I didn't think it detracted from the story.  Because we got a good sense of who these men are individually and what they struggled with before they forged their friendship, it was a natural progression in terms of their insecurities getting the best of them at times.  I did find Julian more mature and forthright than Daniel, however as he took advice and caution with both irritation and introspection.  Because it was so honest in the assimilation and follow-through, I found myself gravitating toward him more often despite the very repetitive reiteration of his self-perceived flaws.

I found this story charming, sweet, and humorous.  Add in some serious steam and incredible tenderness and you've got a total win on your hands.  I enjoyed revisiting the well-intentioned yet über gossipy and nosy residents of O'Leary, and getting a good idea of what to expect when we get Parker and Jamie's story doesn't hurt either.  That one's sure to be angsty and explosive as well as healing and redemptive.  Definitely looking forward to more from this little nowhere town full of surprising characters and so much love.

*$3.99 on Amazon!