Clueless: Squad Goals Book 1, Willow Thomas

Lexi is the favorite of the duo in this one for me.  With his pining it was natural for him to brush off many flirty attempts by Ryder in the beginning and I can't say I was a fan of the way it came off as Ryder playing with him before they actually said all the words.  But I think it was Lexi's way of being present, being able to see Ryder, and his whole way of being there for his friends, family, their struggles, joys, and confrontations.  His whole being drew me in.  Even when he was being a little dumb about Ryder.

I wish Ryder were truly his match.  When he was on and good, he was good, but there were a bunch of moments that he both nearly and really did stuff it up that I couldn't love him.  I liked him, sure, because he did have times where his utter joy in everything that is Lexi brought him closer to the best version of himself.  What I didn't like was how he was so absolutely clueless about everything that he hurt Lexi, seemingly toyed with him, and then continued to almost punish him because he couldn't really open his eyes and get his head out of where the sun doesn't shine.

The resolution was a bit rushed, but with a shorter, low-angst story I don't think I can fault that too much, it just needed to hold more weight than it did.  It definitely felt like a young college kid book with some of its sophmoric humor, but again, with the setting being in college, it's not a true fault, it just made the book seem a little sillier than it could be.  None of those things are truly negative things, just observations.  Lexi was the star and his group of amazing friends are absolutely the draw to the series that I will most assuredly return to.

*$4.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

List Me with Your Best Shot: Best Men Book 2, Isla Olsen

I'm generally a die hard fan of this author's books because they can blend snark, banter, spicy times, and romance all into a short book.  But here it felt off for me.  And that's not because of the typos and formatting issues, of which there were many, but unless the book is unreadable because of them they are never a reason for a lower rating or poor review.  This was purely because there was so much animosity, arrogance, antagonizing, denials, and almost a feel of coercion, that dominated so much of the book before any feels or complicated stuff entered the picture.

There was a family issue with Jack that really should have been a bit more settled, and not just by Alistor's assistance and support later in the book as a sweet aside kind of thing, but by Jack.  He needed to find his own inner strength and acceptance.  Without that he felt incomplete.

Alistor's deal was more on-page in how he went from needing all the extra to just needing Jack, and that was fine, but again, the actual change was mentioned in an aside from Jack's question rather than really seeing that evolve.

And the confrontations between them with misunderstandings and hurt feelings...those were brushed off with punishingly pleasurable distractions.  The biggest frustratingly unsatisfying confrontation was the reunion bit.  Initiated by the "wrong" character, and resolved with more spicy time and not given any time to settle.  The epilogue was necessary but was also ended so very abruptly.

I should probably give this book only two stars for all those issues, but there were some very sweet moments, the possessive bits, the absolutely incredible spice, and Xavier calling Alastor out, that made me bump it up to a three.  It could have been better, it should have been better.  I wish it had been what I've come to love and expect.

*$4.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Bound to Happen: AirB&D Book 4, Olivia Joy

I know these stories are short in this series, but a couple of them have still managed to win me over with their honesty, connection, and chemistry.  This story didn't manage to do that.  While there was chemistry, a really decent amount, that played well to their mutual desires, it didn't translate to a relationship in a real way for me.  Overall it was a nice story, a fairly okay addition to the series, but it wasn't my favorite.

Will was a little easier to know as we begin with his POV and his internal commentary on his life, relationship status, job, and feelings about the situation as well as about Mitch.  Mitch on the other hand, was bland to me.  There wasn't a good enough explanation of his motivations, his redemption for the bet, or a real connecting moment between him and me as a reader.  I just didn't care about him and wasn't convinced that he deserved Will.

The outcome was a tale of two men who got a second chance at a college attraction turned sour and all the spice you'd expect from this series.  It wasn't fully successful for me by the end, but it wasn't an entirely unenjoyable reading experience either.  It was just...meh...and a bit disappointing.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Will Simpson figures he’s the epitome of boring. He works in a cubicle, goes to the beach for vacation every year, and even the ex who only wanted sex once a week left him. So when he gets an invitation to spend a weekend at a B&B in Maine with a bunch of his old frat buddies, Will figures why not do something totally out of his comfort zone. He knows he might see Mitch again, but with enough guys around, it wouldn’t have to be awkward.

Mitch Archer thinks a weekend with his old buddies might be fun, too, but when he gets to Maine, he surprised to find Will is the only one who made it. He’s also surprised to discover that the house itself is more than just a fun place to vacation in small-town New England. He’s always wondered what he and Will could have had together, so he grabs at the chance to test things out between them. He’s ready to explore, and he’s bound and determined to show Will how adventurous he can be.

Fair Trade: Bold Brew Book 7, Cate Ashwood

Despite being drawn in by the premise and the inevitability of a one-time hookup becoming a forever love, I wasn't sure I liked either MC all that much.  Callum was a bit of a grump in a negative way and Nick was a little too lost and unclear.  It was Callum that grew on me first with his desperate need to cling to the job and his isolation and I wanted so much to know why.  It wasn't until the end that I appreciated Nick and it was mainly because he fulfilled Callum's needs.

I think my favorite scene of everything was the moment of profound relief after everyone thought the worst had happened.  I had to take a tiny break from reading so I could quietly giggle.  Giggle, yes, and I kind of never do that on my own without the aid of my two kids being ridiculous.

When everything fell into place there was a sense of peace for the reader who was following along with the chaos of the job as well as the inner turmoil from Callum.  The balance of the book was thrown off because we spent so long with the before that we didn't get nearly enough of their after.  Their happiness was well-earned despite taking nearly the entirety of the short book to get there, but this seriously needed an epilogue.

*$2.99 on Amazon

After working with the same partner for almost fifteen years, she ditched me for a cushy teaching job. And I thought things couldn’t get worse.

I was wrong.

Because walking into the ambulance station to see my new rookie is none other than the guy I’d picked up in a seedy bar would’ve been bad enough.

Except we hadn’t just hooked up.

Nope.

What we’d done went so far beyond an anonymous one-nighter.

And now I'm not sure what to do with myself, because being with Nick isn’t just against station rules.

It’s against mine.

But I can’t seem to stop, and what’s even more concerning…

I can’t make myself care.

Adler's Hart: Briggs Ferry Bay Book 2.5, Misty Walker

Really short and a little too simplistic, but gruff older men who hide a soft, vulnerable, gooey middle seem to bypass any reservations I had regarding the story's basic plot.

Adler is gruff and surly and all the best kinds of hotness when we first meet him.  His fragile heart is there for us to see despite all the bearish behavior that's trying to hide it.  His reaction to Hart is just as described in the synopsis, but Hart sinks deeper than I expected and while the timeline is super short to seem to feel so much for the younger man, there's a long reflection that makes Adler's change of heart believable.  It's still tentative though, so what follows makes me feel better about how his offer is presented.

Hart is vivacious, caring, insightful, and just right for Adler.  His youth is quite apparent in some of his reactions and I'm mostly glad that we got to see him acting his age most times.  Having fantastic parents and a stellar friend helped him to see beyond what his unseasoned life experience didn't allow him to see about Adler and led him to reciprocating Adler's grand gesture with one of his own.

The confessions were sweet and straightforward as well as simple with very little to complicate an already complicated situation between them.  Their reactions to hurt were expected and their reunion was still simple but managed to pack some really good feels in there as well.  This story really covered a lot of ground despite being so short and I was happily surprised with how it played out.  Made me wish I discovered the series sooner, actually, so you can bet I'm adding the others to my TBR list.

*$2.00 on Amazon

I'm a loner.
Never getting too comfortable or allowing anyone to get too close.
So when I log onto the hook-up app on my last night in Ketchikan, Alaska,
I assume it'll be a quick lay before I go south for the winter.
Until I see the man who shows up at my door.
He's young, wide-eyed, and perfect.

All I want is a one-night stand with no attachment,
I should have known things would be different with a man named Hart.
After the best night of my life, I'm desperate to run.
Except we're snowed in.

I try to keep him at a distance.
But there's something about him that has me opening up,
letting him in against my better judgment.

Suddenly I don't want to be alone anymore.
I want to be with him.
My Hart.

Fix Me: Tattoos and Temptation Book 2, Mia Monroe

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

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

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

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

*$4.99 on Amazon

My crush has Daddy written all over him

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

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

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

If we can just shake the ghosts from the past…

Hunter's Moon: Alpha Triplets Book 1, Minerva Howe

This story definitely made the most of the tropes.  Fated mates with instant attraction and aggression toward the interlopers and insta-love being at the forefront of those tropes.  I'd say this story was a little light on the plot and the depth, but if you can get past all the gratuitous sexy times, you do find the bits of a plot that rescues omegas in danger as well as a set of alpha triplets that are as unique as they are the same that have a lot of potential for a fantastic pack.

The world itself is interesting, but we get very few, read none, of the details of the unique aspects of it, like the different names of the moon, the significance of triplet alphas that share a soul, the different wolf breeds, the pack structure they do and don't follow...there's a lot of detail that is missing and brings down the enjoyment of the story.  I'm hoping we get more in the subsequent stories, but I doubt it if they're all meant to be short stories that focus on the sexual healing of the magic peen and the bonding of mates through that oft-repeated act.

I actually felt myself being interested in the alphas and when the story finally got to the plot outside the bedroom.  The MC's in this particular story felt unbalanced and unlikely, though Derek was interesting because we actually got more of his thoughts regarding his family, job, art, and future hopes.  Ethan was kind of a stereotype come to life and his naivety was written more like a child and both his style and level of communication came of so childlike that it made nearly every intimate scene quite uncomfortable for me until near the end when he started to read as simply a naive, abused young man.

Despite feeling this book is more of a 2.5 stars than a legit 3, there are some grains of potential that I'm mildly interested to find out how they turn out.  Chris intrigues me as do the other alphas, Jax and Ryder, so I'd be willing to give the series a further read, but I can't say I'm running out to add them to my TBR list either.

*$2.99 on Amazon

When a rogue wolf brings a sweet omega to Derek Lowell's tattoo shop, he takes one deep breath and knows he can't let Ethan leave with the jerk. This omega is meant to be his, and Derek will do whatever he needs to do to save him.

Ethan is a Worthless One, an omega sold to a bad pack as a child, but he has a core of steel under his vulnerable exterior. When Derek offers him a safe haven, Ethan knows he has to try to overcome his past and grab his new Alpha with both hands. Cam Derek keep Ethan safe and teach him how to accept all the gifts Derek has to give him?

The Magpie Lord: A Charm of Magpies Book 1, KJ Charles

I adore this story.  I've read it probably five times and feel the series fits the genre, the period, and the two men are given adequate justice in the romance, the sexual, and the intrigue department.  This book is worth devouring as the magic is fascinating as is the whole structure surrounding the use of magic.  Stephen is wonderfully insecure and yet self-assured and Lucien is his match in fierceness and determination.  They make a wonderful pair and I find myself coming back to this series again and again when I want a detailed yet fast-paced story filled with magic, frustration, and sexy MM love.

Lord Crane is arrogant, lofty, frustratingly dominant, and yet fantastic.  There's something in him that drew me in right away and his "eff you, London" attitude was refreshing as he wasn't a repressed aristocratic "gentleman".  Stephen is equally frustrating except in a very different way.  Their relationship will absolutely be difficult because where Lucien has all the "freedom" afforded him by money, options, and societal respect due to his title, Stephen has nothing but his spit and pride.  They're an awesome match in far more than the bedroom, but it'll take quite a while and a journey to get them onto the same page and to get Stephen willing to be all in with Lucien.

Being a practitioner is no easy thing because there's a whole hierarchy and in-fighting and justice issue piling up and Stephen is bearing an incredible weight under it all.  And to top it all off with a request to help a man with the name and face of his family's tormentor and you've got a virtually unbearable load on his incredibly slight shoulders.  But when they find themselves in the country and at the mercy of some very evil warlocks, we get a ton of excitement, utterly intriguing magic use, and a powerful alliance.  The action, once it gets to the big confrontation, is both disturbing and awesome.  It moves so quickly that you almost fight to slow down to catch every word, every nuance, every bit so you're not lost.  Much of it comes back in the third story of the series, so my caution is to get caught up in the pacing, but be careful in its reading.

I can't find anything I don't love in the story.  While not something I expected to love because sometimes historical MM romances can be a bit dodgy, this fit nearly every bill and left me both reeling and swooning.  Such an awesome read.

*Currently FREE on Amazon!
~All prices are valid at time of posting~

A lord in danger. A magician in turmoil. A snowball in hell.

Exiled to China for twenty years, Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England. But with the mysterious deaths of his father and brother, it seems the new Lord Crane has inherited an earldom. He’s also inherited his family’s enemies. He needs magical assistance, fast. He doesn't expect it to turn up angry.

Magician Stephen Day has good reason to hate Crane’s family. Unfortunately, it’s his job to deal with supernatural threats. Besides, the earl is unlike any aristocrat he’s ever met, with the tattoos, the attitude... and the way Crane seems determined to get him into bed. That’s definitely unusual.

Soon Stephen is falling hard for the worst possible man, at the worst possible time. But Crane’s dangerous appeal isn't the only thing rendering Stephen powerless. Evil pervades the house, a web of plots is closing round Crane, and if Stephen can’t find a way through it—they’re both going to die.

People Like Us: Winsford Greene Book 2, Ruby Moone

A prickly popsicle and a warm and tender bear...who could expect a love that fit so perfectly?  With an intense snow storm forcing two unlikely men together they find much more than love, they find the other half of their desires, their hopes, and their lives.  At first I wasn't sure if I wanted things to work out as they did, but very quickly I fell in love with both men and knew they'd have a chance at something real if their ideas for the future could be changed just enough to see the possibilities of more.

Their affection grew by degrees and while their more lusty thoughts were kept to themselves until one very explosive moment, their relationship was working its way to being a solid connection that I was growing quite attached to.  Arthur's willingness to work hard and contribute was a great way to add depth to his prudish mien.  He was someone you needed to get to know, quite unlike Joseph.

Even though he seemed to be a bit of a conundrum to Arthur, his heart was so visible in everything he did, his pride in his work, the depth of feeling for his place in life, the respect and affection he had for many in the town, how much he cared for other people, all of it was obvious and drew me in in a very different way than Arthur.  I ached for him when Arthur got his back up and said and did things that he was later ashamed for, and I don't mean his ingrained shame for his particular proclivities.  Arthur's groveling is as unique as him and more believable for it.  They find their way out of shame, out of their bleak outlook on the future and into a spicy, sweet, and freeing existence that I can't seem to get enough of.

Between them they had a fire, a tenderness, and a future that I was very much invested in.  With cameos from individuals from Dances Long Forgotten we were given a wonderful sense of the village they had and just how well they fit.  And then there's a certain character we're introduced to that I hope becomes book three in the series...  Overall this was a wonderful book and my favorite of the series so far.  I truly hope it develops into more stories, more men finding love and acceptance in their little town with such big personality.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Arthur Fitch clawed his way out of the violence and poverty of the slums of London to become a valet to the aristocracy. His ambition to secure a higher position led him to a disastrous appointment with a cold, brutal man, and when things come to a head, Arthur is forced to flee into a snowstorm to find safety.

Joseph Wilkinson is the Winsford Green blacksmith. He has a good life, good friends, owns a thriving business, but at the end of the day when he goes home, loneliness consumes him. When he stumbles upon a small man determinedly trudging through the snowstorm, he invites him into his home to shelter.

Arthur Fitch is older, smart-mouthed, and as prickly as hell. But, as Joe peels back the layers, he discovers a warm, funny, vulnerable man whose tastes in the bedchamber leave Joe gasping and desperate for more. Trouble is, having found the real Arthur Fitch, how can he convince him that life in a small town can be infinitely better than working for an Earl? That love really is possible for people like them? Particularly when Arthur’s past catches up with him in horrifying fashion.

My name is Ruby Moone and I love books. All kinds of books. My weakness is for romance, and that can be any kind, but I am particularly fond of historical and paranormal. I decided to write gay romance after reading some fantastic books and falling in love with the genre, so am really thrilled to have my work published here. The day job takes up a lot of my time, but every other spare moment finds me writing or reading. I live in the north west of England with my husband who thinks that I live in two worlds. The real world and in the world in my head...he probably has a point!

Follow Ruby...

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Beautiful Beast: Those Other Books Book 4, Roe Horvat

This is seriously one of the sweetest, sexiest, lightly dirty books I've read in a long time. I adored Joakim, enjoyed Kevin, and thought their relationship was balanced between tenderness, steam, and detail. The setting felt real as did their relationship because there was chemistry in every aspect. With pretty much no angst and no big-mis to get in the way of their romance, this was a light-hearted story with a whole lot of bedroom action to spice it up in all the best ways.

With the way the synopsis was written I was actually expecting a lot more k-ink, or at least a slightly darker kind than what we got. There was a bit of D/s and some fantastically dirty talk, but overall I felt it was pretty tame. Well, except for the fantasy they acted out, that was wonderfully smutty. Yet even in that moment there was an immense amount of care and concern for one another because they modified parts of it for what both men were emotionally comfortable with so it's clear in every interaction between the men that there's just as much heart as there is eroticism.

I really enjoyed the writing and that I was immediately drawn in to Joakim's point of view and his need for Kevin. The way he put himself out there and held nothing back from their relationship except his wealth and the way Kevin appreciated everything Joakim offered, it's clear very early on that both men need one another and are such a wonderful fit. Their messages back and forth were heartfelt and provided something real for both of them before they ever met in person. From start to finish I was invested in the men and their story.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Beautiful Beast is a light tale of lust and love, about a beautiful dancer who keeps a wild beast locked inside him, and the man who sets it free.

Kevin used to hold himself back, trying to keep his less conventional desires to himself. With Joakim, he feels free. It's almost as if Joakim can read Kevin's subconscious, touching the right places at exactly the right time, and whispering the most shameless things...filthy, and oh so satisfying.

Falling for Kevin is easy. Joakim can feel it happening and he's powerless to do anything about it. With every touch, his desire grows. Men have chased him for his money and status before, but Kevin doesn't seem to care about any of that. Maybe this time, Joakim should let himself fall, and hope the landing will be soft.

Bad Beat: Lady Luck Book 0, J.J. Anatoliy

I...I think I'm in love.

Cin and Silas are dark, tortured, hateful, vengeful, sexy, damaged, and utterly perfect for one another.  They have the ability to give one another exactly what they need while also being the catalyst to becoming something new together.  Their story is just as dark as their thoughts because the world they live in is unkind, but somehow they make most of their scenes together both hot and funny while simultaneously being utterly badA and deadly.  Their encounters with those that would destroy them are merciless and gruesome, but so very entertaining.

I love that the bad guys central to this story get their comeuppance because they are truly reprehensible and utterly disgusting humans and I'm thinking this is going to be the overarching thread that ties the whole series together.  I'm absolutely on the edge of my seat for more of Cin and Silas' brand of hilarious brutality.  Their interactions are perfect for them because they admit all the twisted things they love, their affection is disturbingly funny, and their brand of steam is absolutely electric.  And when you find a balance between their savagery with a certain type of bloodthirsty justice I think you've found a kind of magic formula that keeps readers like me champing at the bit for more.

This is admittedly a bloody tale, but there's something so engrossing about their story, their goals, and the characters that plot, maneuver, and assist them.  I'm incredibly intrigued about virtually every character we meet and while the idea that the behind-the-scenes powers is predictable, I have a feeling that we're in for a wild ride no matter who thinks they're pulling the strings.

*$2.99 on Amazon

An assassin too talented to tame.

Silas Deveroux has a problem. He has been a member of the world’s most feared assassin organization, known only as Maman, since he was nothing but a brat living on the streets of Paris. Over the years, he has been honed into a talented, ruthless killer and has claimed the coveted spot of the second most successful assassin in all of Maman. He is deadly, he is ruthless, he is feared…
And all of that is perfectly fine by Silas.

The problem is… He’s bored.

He wants out of Maman. Silas wants to live life by his own rules and he’s willing to defy his terrifying superiors to do what no one has done before him- escape Maman’s clutches.
Right when he thinks he can finally make his move; he receives a contract from his superior to take the life of a gangster half the world away. Even with this unusual assignment, he doesn’t foresee his boredom lifting any time soon.
That is, until he meets his target’s brother.

A gangster with too much attitude and too little time.

Cin Raymes is on the edge. After the brutal murder of his baby brother- the only person that Cin held dear in his shithole of a life- he’s out for blood, bone, and teeth. But he has a problem. He’s been put on a leash by his older brother, Saint, the leader of the gang that Cin was raised in. Cin’s only role is to protect Saint and he is barely even allowed to breathe without Saint’s explicit permission. His impatience and rage are building and he’s about to snap…
When an unexpected guest arrives, who shakes the foundation of Cin’s entire world.

Put them together, and what do you get?

Hell. On. Earth.

*The rest of the Lady Luck series is MF, though our favorite assassins do make an appearance or few =]

T.A.G. You're Heard: T.he Assassins Guild. Book 2, A.G. Caruthers

With what we see in book one of Connor and Oz's relationship I wasn't expecting the huge backsliding we start off with that ultimately provides the moment needed to begin the chaos.  It becomes very clear when we get all the back story of both men that there's more under the surface than we could imagine.

There was a little too much internal angst on Oz's part and I think it became a little too "woe is me" when we got to re-read his hesitations, believed uselessness, and berating himself with virutally every switch over to his POV.  What I loved when things turned around was that it was an appropriately bossy boy to get Daddy's head on straight.

Their sexual dynamic was a good fit and I really liked how their roles were a little flipped from the stereotypes because it made for a much more interesting way to pair these two opposites together.  While the on-page sexual chemistry was a little tame, it was more touching than raunchy and I liked the change of pace from the first book.  Sweetness and tenderness were the hallmarks of this relationship more than the sexual preferences or even the crazy of the story itself.

With a beautiful wedding to show the immense love and care within the guild and among friends, this was a very sweet story overall, which I wasn't expecting, and the display of all that love was very touching.  I'm interested to see where we go and which men come together in the next book.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Hello again, Mr. No here, communications agent for T.A.G. and your inside source to your favorite agents.

Our next file is on Operation Gingersnap and none other than Agent Code name Mr. Kr, aka Connor Foley Turgenev, our snarky and hyperactive computer genius.

Connor gets hit with a blast from the past that he'd thought was long dead. Yoshi and the rest of Upper Management must scramble to save him before his situation turns dire.

In the meantime, will nearly losing Connor push our gentle giant of a Chef, Asbjorn Sternberg, to open himself up to Connor and truly be the Daddy and partner that Connor wants and needs? Or will he let injuries obtained while serving in the Norwegian Army fuel his self doubt?

ARC opportunity provided through Gay Book Promotions

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

Bodyguard's Bite: Howler Brothers Book 2, Silvia Violet

This series is getting stronger with each book.  And though we're only on the second of the series, I can already see that with how much better this is than the first, we're definitely going to keep getting better and better.  Especially when you bring in the external drama that the family gets wrapped up in too.

What I enjoyed most about Bodyguard's Bite was the connection between Storm and Jax.  They had an intense connection from the beginning that was present throughout.  While I wasn't thrilled with the constant denial, I think it was a good idea for them to try and find some distance so they could discover the depth of their pull as mates.  How the distance was achieved bothered me because it felt a little forced and with more ignoring than forethought.  If it had been a little more believable I would have been much more okay with how it played out.  Their chemistry was definitely hot and that was something that never waned.

A small annoyance was the way the overlap between books one and two was included.  Being more like a quick summary took the tension out of the moment and didn't allow that tension to act as a tool to intensify Storm's internal struggle with getting to Jax or Emerson.

Aside from those two things, I think the MC's were likable, the rest of the family intriguing, and the drama was interesting.  I'm very curious to know more of the brothers' stories and where we're going to go from here.

*$4.99 on Amazon

What if the one thing you wanted most was forbidden?

Wealthy werewolf Storm Howler wants a chance to act out his submissive fantasies without his overprotective brothers scaring off every dominant man in sight. If he can’t choose his own partners, how will he ever find his fated mate?

As the former leader of a shifter special forces unit, Jax knows how to keep people safe, but he also craves the one thing he never had in the military: control.

When Storm and Jax meet, tension sizzles between them. It only takes one night of control and surrender for each of them to question whether they’re fated for one another. But the next day, they discover Storm’s brothers have hired Jax as Storm’s new bodyguard. Rather than resign, Jax agrees to the hands-off policy in his employment contract, because no one can protect Storm as well as he can. But when danger threatens, Storm needs a man who can calm his mind as easily as he protects Storm’s body. The two begin spending more time together, and there’s only so long anyone can fight against fate—or love.

Black: MM Kitty Play Romance, Quin & Perin

The premise seemed simple with an undercurrent of emotional conflict.  What we got was far more complicated, more angst, more depth than I thought we'd get.  I'm so glad.  Initially thinking the story would be kinky sexy with a side of emotional struggle, I went into it with a lighter heart than I ended with.  Trials came both at the individual as well as the pair and the feels were heavier than anticipated and I was struck by the vulnerability and difficulties of both men.  Their love was hard-won and well worth the emotional journey to watch them achieve it.

Having the synopsis focus on the kitty play, it seems like that would be the focus of the story.  It's actually one part of it, but it really comes through well with how it's integrated.  Rather than being a necessary sexual act or lifestyle to feel complete on an every-day basis, it becomes a shared kink that's more for sexual and certain personality trait expression that fits in with the life they already live.  I like that it started off as a joke, then a surprise, and then grew into something fun, sexy, and excitingly comfortable.  It was an interesting take that I enjoyed reading about, especially since it was super hot.

Dima and Tony's relationship was a bit of a roller coaster and there was a good mix between Tony's tenderness and persistence and Dima's prickly, offensiveness.  There were huge reasons as to why Dima was the way he was.  There was one surprise reason and it altered their dynamic in a huge way that ultimately made their connection, their struggle to find their way together, and their ending much deeper.  Dima needed him so badly in so many ways that I loved watching Tony's heart slowly break down Dima's defenses until they could make everything they had together work.

There were a few confrontations that I felt were unnecessary because it just made things more complicated, but there wasn't anything so huge that it derailed the story or the relationship.  It was Tony's mellow yet determined nature that saved them over and over again.  Tony's situation with his family was supposed to be an individual focal point but didn't get a lot of attention or resolution.  His grief wasn't really addressed, nor was his relationship with his sister and her boyfriend, Jan.  Jan was inserted as an important side character and yet he seemed so milquetoast during most of his moments.  Everything with Dima and Tony had varied depths, but what surrounded them didn't really enhance that.  Instead it seemed as if the world around them was merely a prop instead of something well-balanced to support them.  Overall, though, I was so caught up in Tony and Dima that I could forgive all that and ultimately enjoyed their story quite a lot.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

“Meow!”

There it was.

The sound that made my knees buckle.

He purred, neck stretched, eyes half-lidded.

With those cat ears, in his hair.

And the tail, that he flicked.

A ray of sun in the drizzling rain. I’d been a traveler, floating adrift, while he’d stayed in one place. How was I supposed to know he’d become my anchor? My light. My everything. But would I ever become his?