Adverse Conditions: Reclaimed Hearts Book 1, Elle Keaton

While remaining the average length, or at least it feels average to all the other books from this author I've read, we're introduced to a whole lot of people, a lot of elements, a whole new town, and a couple that definitely has some high school angsty love to work out.

As the first book of the series we got something that had a lot of things to cover, as usual, but I think it might have been a little much to toss out all in the same book. Maybe some hints would have been better than how much intro we got into each of those elements because we ended up with a lot less of the natural evolution of Xavier and Vincent.

We got a little of everything here and I have to say, the half a star deduction is really only because we jumped from antagonistic bickering to spicy times to sweet and vulnerable to tentative dating to running scared and standing up to that fear, to their promise of an HEA all while learning about the danger stalking the town, a ridiculous ex, all the townspeople we're going to get to know, and a pup adoption. It was just too much to take us through the relationship evolution at a pace that left us feeling settled before we move on to, my sincere hope, is the property owner and our resident bat-wielding security guard.

I definitely loved the MC's and felt they were relatively well balanced. Vincent's run to "safety" without actually thinking clearly or logically was slightly predictable but annoyingly understandable. As a single mom I find myself wishing I could do the same thing when a potential romantic partner shows up and then I get dealt a blow from my ex or life in general. But it was Xavier's reaction to that, his determination to bring him back around, even if he needed a little push on the timing, was awesome. I was impressed and I have to say that I didn't actually think that's how that would play out because of the Xavier we met right in the beginning.

I'm invested and am really looking forward to diving back into the town and its impending peril and addictive love stories.

$5.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Silent Knight: Fog City Book 5, Layla Reyne

 

Friends-to-Lovers is way too simple a trope for the men here.  I've already come to love these men so much throughout the previous stories in this series and I needed to know their story.  There is complication after complication, a wife and kid, deep affection, shared history, separation and reunion...what Brax and Holt have is so vast that they needed to tell their story, I needed to read it.

But something to keep in mind before reading...  This is the conclusion of the drama and danger surrounding the family and the villain is one that is important enough that you have to have context behind why it's such a huge deal and you won't get that by starting here with Silent Knight.  For that you have to dive in from the beginning with Prince of Killers.  It's also in the rest of the series that you see all the complicated mess and longing and affection that's apparent between Holt and Brax.  So my suggestion is to go back to where it all started.

Holt and Brax didn't get a trilogy like Chris and Hawes got, but the angst building up throughout all of that up to this moment was enough to make me yearn for Brax and Holt's story.  FINALLY!!  They get their HEA.  And while it took a long time to get there, including most of this book too, it happened.  We started with the past, the one hinted at but never shared before now.  In Brax's words, his feelings, we see just how deep his feelings went and how they built from their first fated meeting where he fell head over combat boots in love with the scared giant of a young soldier.  It answered all the secret questions of how a bond so strong could have existed.

Both men were fierce, caring, and committed to saving the other, almost to their own detriment.  Holt had been the quiet force, the tortured gentle soul in the other books in the series, but here we got to see him take charge, running in to save, to protect, and threatening their worst enemy for the sake of those he loves.  The ultimate villain was expected, but the way it played out, seeing everyone put the pieces together while also battling Brax's savior complex and his pride and stubbornness, it all worked out to a sufficiently dramatic confrontation that was resolved without the flash-bang of the drama and distractions that preceded it.

I do wish we had spent more time with them on the happier, more settled side of the conclusion.  It was a little too abrupt and off-page for all the angsting we'd done up to this point.  The choices made at the end were exactly right for everyone and I couldn't be happier with finally seeing Holt and Brax be together as they were meant to be.  There was a mention of a certain company, Redemption Inc., and I'm pretty much salivating over that becoming a new spin off series.  The world the author has created in San Francisco is addictive and compelling; I'd be ecstatic for another reason to rejoin it.

*5.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

I won't let anything happen to you.

Fourteen years ago Braxton Kane's feelings were forbidden.  As an officer, he couldn't fall for an enlisted...no matter how much he longed for Holt Madigan.

Now―as a police chief in love with a digital assassin―his promise to always protect Holt is becoming harder to keep.

I'll protect you.

Holt doesn't understand why his best friend has been pushing him away for months.  But when Brax's life and career are threatened, Holt refuses to allow the distance any longer.

The Madigans protect their own, and Brax is family, whether he believes it or not.

I won't let anything happen to you either.

Forced together, Holt realizes his feelings for his best friend have changed.

His desire to explore the promise their single night together held is undeniable.

His resolve to protect the man who has always protected him is unshakable.

But if Holt wants a future with Brax, he'll have to search and destroy the person who attacked him―before Brax activates the kill switch and sacrifices himself.

*Silent Knight is the fifth book in the Fog City romantic suspense series. It can be read as a stand-alone but is best enjoyed after reading books one through three of the series, in fact, it's definitely my opinion that you should really start with Prince of Killers.

About Layla

Layla Reyne is the author of the Fog City, Agents Irish and Whiskey, Trouble Brewing, and Changing Lanes series.  A Carolina Tar Heel who now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, Layla enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart-pounding romance.

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Words and Music, JD Sampson

I was drawn in by the premise and had high hopes for found family, personal growth, discovery, and healing.  The reality was a little of all of that, but none in quantities that were truly moving or captivating.  I ended up being more interested in the surrounding situation rather than the MC's and was left underwhelmed by them and their journey.

While there were some tender moments, there were a lot of transitions between them that didn't sit right, didn't flow, and just plain didn't wow.  With a lot of potential for an angsty ride to a powerful love, the reality fell short for me.

The story overall wasn't bad, I think I just didn't enjoy the flow, the MC's, or the "necessary" dramatics to get Kieran to pull his head out.  Assault and kidnapping near the end of the story seemed like overkill at this point.  There was something incredibly traumatic in his past and the reveal felt awkward and while Miles said he'd be patient, there were a lot of times where he was short-sighted and selfish.  Those two terms could describe so much of Kieran's actions as well, unfortunately.

So while I wasn't enthralled by the story, it wasn't a bad one, I'm sure a lot of people will love the music and poetry elements as well as the surface story between Kieran and Miles, but for me there was just too much and yet not enough.

*$2.99 on Amazon

A rock band tour bus is an unconventional place to raise a child, but indie artist Miles Mason is doing his best to be a stand-in father for two-year-old Bowie. But when Bowie’s real father turns up looking for the boy he hasn’t seen in years, it’s up to Miles to help this skittish Irishman bury the secrets of his past in order to become the father and partner he’s dreamed of all his life.

With less than two weeks left in the tour, the clock is ticking not just on fatherhood but on love. Can these two learn to make beautiful music together or will a secret from the past keep them from becoming a family.

A Reluctant Boy Toy: Men of St. Nacho's Book 3, Z.A. Maxfield

Virtually no conclusions about anything, but I still really, really liked it.

So this wasn't actually set in St. Nacho's despite being "marketed" that way by being included in the series.  There's a connection, but a vague one at best, so I don't know how well it fits in terms of setting or cast, but in feel and theme it really does so whatever you choose to make of that, there it is.

Stone really got to me.  Maybe because I relate to the demi discovery after a failed marriage, but there's something in his tremendous heart and infinite care of those he cares for that hits me right in the feels.  His shame and guilt are a bit painful to watch because the way he describes his fears and his vulnerabilities feel real and not something made up to give him complexity in a story that eventually gets an HEA.  That's not what happens at all.

And then there's Bast who has a truckload of unresolved trauma that comes back with a vengeance.  All the good he's done and the healing he thought he achieved before that happened falters in the face of a very real and disturbing situation.  I liked him and that no one let him continue running from the consequences of PTSD from whatever really happened in his past. His honesty with Stone and his expressions of mortification were endearing as well.

So then there's the whole plot and character progression and the romantic arc to consider...

Plot: not much of one, to be honest.  It basically centers on the personal evolution of each MC and how that brings them together.  Throwing around little to no detail of Bast's past except that one video and a lot of intimation from one uncomfortable conversation with a pervy dude because of the NDA was annoying, actually.  I get that we didn't really need a whole rehashing of some sick stuff that older dudes in the industry perpetrated on young, naive kids new to the scene, but it felt way too swept aside with the mention of the NDA even in Bast's personal thoughts.

Character progression: Stone does most of the growing because he's got a lot to discover about himself and come to terms with at the same time as making peace with his past.  It's not complete by the end, but there is huge progress on the past front and a full acceptance of who he is in relation to Bast and what he wants out of that relationship.  Bast doesn't actually deal with much of anything by the end and his character is left hanging despite being under the care and encouragement of Stone.

Romance: definitely on a good footing by the end, though the HEA is implied and not explicit because of where the author chose to end the story.  Very slow burn and very low steam as well.

By the end I felt it was a really wonderful story and I was actually glad the author didn't try to cram in full resolutions on Bast's legal issues, Bast's emotional issues, Stone's relationship with his ex, Stone's relationship with his kids, Bast's career, Stone and Bast's living arrangements, therapy, etc.  To do that the story would really have to be lengthened quite a bit.

Perhaps some of it could have been left out completely from the outset to keep the story simpler.   Maybe we could have gotten a lot less of Stone's job and the repetitions of wolf-dog issue explanations.  The balance could have been improved, yes, but judging the story for what we got, I was actually not displeased by the end and really felt for Stone and enjoyed the read.  I'm still all in for the series.

*$4.99 on Amazon

A physically scarred veteran. An emotionally scarred young actor. Can they let go of the past and find a future together?Stone Wilder is happiest with his emotional support dog and the hybrid wolfdogs he rescues. They don't react to his scars or call him queer because sex doesn't interest him all that much. Maybe that's why he doesn't believe the rumors that paint gorgeous Sebastian Keye as an unprofessional "it boy." To Stone, Sebastian is simply a nice kid who shares his interest in dogs.

Sebastian is drawn to Stone's warmth and caring nature. With the help of his stalwart PA Molly, Sebastian and Stone begin a quiet friendship. But a video from Sebastian's past suddenly goes viral, causing old hurts and humiliations to destroy his emotional stability and nearly cost him his life.

After Sebastian's world falls apart, Stone wants to support him. But Stone has his own tortured past, and they can't move forward unless he makes things right.

Will growing close to Sebastian lead Stone to a new understanding of who he is and what he wants?

Finn's Fantasy: Maine Men Book 1, K.C. Wells

Both men were engaging, but I have to admit the pace in the first nearly half of the book was filled with so much information and minutiae that it felt plodding. Once both Joel and Finn came to some decisions and opened themselves to the possibility of more and moved toward that together things picked up pace.

The conflict between Finn and Joel was simple and simply resolved because there was another conflict that had the potential to be more volatile. While the reveal was predictable as well as the initial fall out, the resolution was very well done despite most of it being done off page. Overall it was satisfying and stayed low on the angst.

Joel and Finn worked together and were sweet, a little too much cheese and corniness sometimes, but sweet nevertheless. There were times I was worried the hesitance and insecurities were going to run away with things, but thankfully that wasn't the case. They were a good match and the supporting characters were all interesting and supportive in the best ways. I'm interested in each of the Men of Maine and will be back for more.

*$5.99 on Amazon

A secret desire

By day, Finn builds houses on the coastline of Maine. Afterhours, Finn dreams of the hot older guy who walks his chocolate lab on Goose Rocks Beach. The man of his dreams ticks all his boxes. Salt and pepper hair. Strong jawline. Blue eyes.

His dream man is perfect fantasy material. As for actually speaking to him?

As if. Their paths won’t ever cross, and the guy is probably straight.

A new chapter

Recently divorced Joel is finally living as a gay man, but he’s not sure he’s ready to jump into a relationship. That doesn’t stop him from noticing his new contractor’s muscular build, hewn from hard, physical work, or his storm-colored eyes. Or the way he wears his tool belt slung low on his hips. The icing on the cake? There’s more to Finn than good looks. Maybe he’s the perfect guy to share long walks on the beach and warm nights in front of a fire.

But it’s been twenty years since Joel was with a man. While he’s not forgotten how to flirt, he’s nervous about making a move.

Especially with Finn.

The Midnight Gardener: The Town of Superstition Book 1, R.G. Thomas

I typically don't read YA, but the premise of this one really intrigued me.  I was happily surprised to find that I quite liked it and am very interested to see where we end up with this series.  There were definitely very cliche bits that I hope aren't indicative of what's in store for us, but overall I enjoyed reading this story.

Thaddeus was a unique teenager in that there was very, very little sulking, minor misbehaving, an earnest and respectful attitude toward his father, and seemingly well-adjusted despite relocating suddenly every few months.  It was all a little too nice, too understanding.  It wasn't bad, just super tame and a bit unrealistic.  He was interesting on his own though, with a curiosity and intelligence as well as a bit of intriguing mystery that hinted to more.

Surrounding him is a paranoid father that clearly had Thaddeus' best intentions at heart, but the mystery surrounding his actions was played up a lot with no questions being asked.  Once the whole reveal came it was quite dramatic and while Thaddeus played the peacemaker for the group, I was absolutely on the side of the father and felt a bit frustrated with a lot of posturing and still no answers, only cryptic responses and lofty judgmental reasoning coming from the leader of the group.

One thing that truly bothered me was the constant, "I'll tell you when I think the time is right" pronouncements after promising honesty and answers.  The only place that thinking can lead is to a big reveal disaster.  I would much rather the ending wasn't such a cliche edict from his father and something more like, "Okay, son.  You're right.  A lot of the danger we're in was caused by secrets and I want to protect you with the truth, no matter how difficult those truths may be.  Let me tell you about your mother/the village/magic/etc."  It would have been a suitable cliffhanger for a YA as they take that step through the door instead of giving us yet more excuses, secrets, and withholding of vital information that will likely blow up in everyone's faces when answers come from yet another source that wasn't the intended one.

Other than that, I am suitably interested in all the different characters and dangers that we're going to face on the adventure.  There's a lot of growth and supernatural discoveries that are sure to happen and I'm willing to along for the ride.

*$4.99 on Amazon

A lonely teenage boy whose father has moved them too often for him to make lasting friendships.
A mysterious neighbor his own age who hums as he gardens... at night... surrounded by fireflies.
Superstition is the town Thaddeus Cane and his father, Nathan, have settled in this time, and every evening Thaddeus becomes more intrigued with his new neighbor. When Thaddeus finally works up the nerve to visit his neighbor, the crush blooming underneath surfaces, and he realizes that Teofil, the midnight gardener, is lonely as well. When his father finds out where he's been spending his time, Thaddeus is forbidden from returning. But the attraction is too strong, and soon Thaddeus is back in Teofil's yard, leading to the revelation of long held secrets that upend Thaddeus' quiet life and sends him on the adventure of a lifetime.

Wayward Love: Cedar Cove Book 2, Rhys Everly

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

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

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

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

*$5.99 on Amazon

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

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

Work.
Work.

And work.

And I’m not even any good at that.

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

Until he comes into my life.

Kyle Brady. 

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

It’s a dangerous feeling.

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

Including my broken heart.

Want to know how?

Read now and find out.

The King and Jai: Royal and Reckless Book 1, Isla Olsen

This is so very my style of book for when I want to feel happy, bubbly, and to recover from anything more angsty or dramatic.  Keep in mind though, that you'll need to hold back your need for reality when it comes to royalty, royal protocols, and various elements of the mundane daily life of a royal while reading this one.  The point of this story isn't royal life, it's the seemingly impossible romance, a couple of conflicts that need quick resolutions, and enough steam and getting-to-know you stuff to believe in the romance itself.

Lukas was gruff and frustrated because of years of denial, but his heart was so very present in the way he interacted with his children and revered and loved his deceased wife.  Complications coming from either his children or his wife weren't an issue.  What was an issue was the homophobia his father harbored and wielded as a weapon.  Once he overcame the internal struggle with his upbringing he was all in with Jai in every single way.  I adored that there was no angst there because I just didn't really want any in this short, very sweet story.

Jai was adorably flustered at times because of his attraction and the rather ridiculous scene where he caught the king in a rather compromising position.  With the children he was dedicated and loving and his studies were present in a way that added to his validity for not just being there, but for who he was.  It fed his motivations and gave something truly interesting to his character.  Seeing that that passion and those duties didn't fall by the wayside because of feelings or sexy times was a concern I had and was happy to find unfounded.

The romance was sweet, steamy, and really worked for me.  And when the grand gesture came, it was big, rather believable and yet very fairy-tale like, and so very sweet.  I'm a sucker for a feel-good romance with no angst and a lot of spice and this is exactly what I got with The King and Jai.

*$3.99 on Amazon

One young American tutor + one dangerously sexy widowed king = conflict, chaos, misadventure and lots and lots of sexytimes

Jai

For the record, sleeping with my boss was not part of the plan when I started this new job. A job I desperately need to get my parents off my back about my chosen career path.

But the second I catch sight of Lukas Romansky in the flesh, I know I’m in trouble. The guy is pure sex wrapped in a three-piece suit, and not even his stuffy attitude or the way he seems to despise me on sight is enough to stifle my attraction.

But I’m here to work, not to hook up. It doesn’t matter how sexy Lukas is, or how sweet he is with his children—sleeping with the boss is never a good idea.

Oh, and did I mention my boss also happens to be the king?

Yes, King Lukas III of Korova, the man voted World’s Sexiest Head of State three years in a row. Hooking up with him wouldn’t just be a bad idea, it would be an international scandal.

So believe me when I say I didn’t come to Korova with the intention of seducing the king. But sometimes things just happen. And is it my fault I’m impossible to resist?

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 49

  

• The D- in 403B, Jess Bryant
• Blood Ruby: Tin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 4, Kiernan Kelly
• Dragon Consultant: Supernatural Consultant Book 1, Mell Eight

This was an overall cute story with characters that I wanted to get to know and at the outset it was setting us up for a meet-hate-cute situation that I was all over.  But very quickly it devolved to something a bit more juvenile than endearing.  Once they finally got to the dating portion it was quick and definitely steamy so I was back on board.  But very quickly it became repetitive both in action and being stuck in their head.  The separation was necessary, though I feel the situation was forced by an incredibly unthinking Brett.  As a vet there was a whole lot that I didn't understand with his behavior.  The beginning was amusing and the ending was really, really good, I just got a bit lost in the middle.  3 stars.

Ishago and Finn had a rather auspicious meeting and while it made things interesting and drew me in, there wasn't a whole lot to maintain that interest.  Their interactions felt like words on a page rather than organic and fluid and even Finn's personality couldn't really make up for the dialogue that felt slightly contrived.  The action was reserved for near the end of the book rather than something that built based on multiple events that carried them to that point.  Things would probably have worked better if the confrontation and resolution weren't reserved for the very end.  There could have been quite a lot more build up and anticipation for the end as well as more care given to crafting Ishago.  Finn stole the show as did his familiar and I wish that Ishago would have been as compelling as Finn.  3 stars.

The different types of dragons, the elements of danger and mystery, and the hint of romance combine to make this a very interesting series to dive into.  It didn't all work together and some personality things were a little questionable, but that's only because this story is so short that we don't get a whole lot about any of them.  We have basics and for a start to a series with shorter-length stories I didn't mind too much.  There was enough to draw me in and pique my curiosity.  3.5 stars.

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

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

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

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

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

*$4.99 on Amazon

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

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

Single Omega Dad: Omega Misfits Book 4, Wendy Rathbone

After what happened in Trust No Alpha with Mathias I was set to make him earn his redemption.  I didn't expect to see his detachment and listlessness from the very start and then his quick change after truly seeing Saber.  His redemption didn't fully come until near the end, but that's because part of the process is making amends.  While he spent most of this story attempting to do what was right by the Omega that he was falling for, he had to come to terms with his past and that was his hurdle.  It took a while, but when he got there it was sweet because Kris was a wonderful human being that saw the heart of the man rather than holding a grudge from the past.  Though it did all work out, I felt the reconciliation was a bit too tame for what was necessary.

Finding a strong Omega who knew his mind and was still a wonderful father is something that doesn't always find a balance in many mpreg stories.  I was very happy that this wasn't the case here because Saber was truly a good dad who wanted the best for his sons.  Having a great Alpha to support him in that and to become a true partner in the task was icing on the cake.  I'm glad the kids played a role and at the same time were off screen as an integral part of their story but not taking up a lot of page time because there was a lot to cover with just the two men on their own.  The passion the two shared was definitely steamy and also full of unspoken feels most of the way through the story.  What they found in the end was a bond stronger than either ever anticipated they'd have for themselves and I was happy they got what they needed.

The issue of personal struggle for Mathias was something I felt evenly torn between.  Part of me wished they found a way to get what they wanted and needed without the miracle moment and part of me was grateful that they found a kind of completeness that worked for them.  It could have gone either way and while I enjoy what we got, I kind of feel like the grass may be greener on the other side.  Finding a way to accept yourself for exactly who you are, as you are, is a tough endeavor without anything out of your control getting in your way.  There's a message missing with the cure we found because the toxicity behind Mathias' father's ideas of what makes a strong Alpha is nearly reinforced by having that "flaw" of Mathias' be the thing that solidifies their bond.

Despite that bit of ambivalence, this was such a great story that needed to happen in the series.  It's definitely a stand-alone story, but to understand the depth of Mathias' guilt and resentment I highly suggest reading Trust No Alpha prior to this one.

*$3.99 on Amazon

My new financial guardian, Mathias, is a cold, self-centered, rude-ass Alpha and the son of one of the wealthiest men in the country. To him, I am a burden on society, only fit to live on a chattel farm.

It doesn’t matter that I’m drawn to him, to his ominous presence and chiseled jaw, his muscular body in his fitted silk suits. I’m a single dad with kids and responsibilities--I don’t have time for that rich bastard.

He keeps coming by the house so I can sign documents, fine. But then he’s got cute gifts for my kids. It’s got to stop. I don’t have time to fix him. Don’t have time to fall in love with an Alpha right now.

Dancing with Daddy, Susan Hawke

There were three moments in the story that really grabbed me and brought so much enjoyment to my reading.  The first was the communication between the men before they ever met in person.  Their emails were filled with exploration, honesty, and a simplicity that set a true beginning for their friendship and a foundation for their later romantic relationship.  Second was their confessions.  They were simple and straightforward that, when coupled with the first moment I mentioned, were believable and earnest.  Third was the end scene that brought everyone and everything together.  Creating the family both men had always craved but hadn't found until then was a fantastic way to end the story.

Those moments aside, there was a very serious pacing issue.  It was difficult to read continuously without taking breaks because it constantly felt like we were getting nowhere fast.  I'm all for a slow-build where appropriate, but this was a little too slow for me.  Also frustrating was the insta-trust in bringing a stranger, even a blood-related one, into your home with your child.  Amazing email communication and a few phone calls aside, there just wasn't enough there for me to trust their initial living situation.

Yes, this is a fictional story, but it still brought up some serious red flags for me.  Being a single mother myself and also having had the not-really-a-pleasure of beginning a couple relationships through fantastic messages and calls only to have it all turn out to be lies only made me immensely grateful I didn't introduce these cretins to my children.  This story was a sweet and idealized version of a relationship lots of single people engage in and was more fantastical in their genesis than based in reality.  So reader beware, there are enough issues that you'll need to suspend reality to believe their beginning wasn't super sketch.

The one thing that wasn't sketchy despite having all the hallmarks of betrayal and heartache, was the paternity of a sweet little girl.  When it's discovered that blood types didn't match, the relief was palpable under the weight of serious health concerns and the laughter wasn't out of place at all.  Sometimes that's just how relief is expressed.  And knowing she didn't cheat, it was just some incredibly close timing between a moment of rekindled passion and then finding your forever person within a very short time-span, was a huge relief to me as a reader.

Overall this was a very sweet story that moved slowly, but had a great ending for three good people who deserved all the happiness they found together.

*$4.99 on Amazon

I love my daughter, but finding out she wasn’t biologically mine is the best news ever.

I’m a widower who is too scared to have the stupid test that would tell me whether or not I even have the gene that would mean dealing with a horrible illness and certain death. A gene that could’ve also been passed to my child, had she been mine.

She’ll need her father, if something ever does happen to me…That’s why I search for Maddie’s biological father, and when I find him, ask him to become part of her life.

What I didn’t expect is for him to become my best friend. Shane is fun and easygoing, the exact opposite of me. He makes me laugh. He’s the perfect antidote for my neurotic existence. And he’s bi, like me.

But am I courageous enough to take the leap into falling in love with him?

Daddy Ink: Get Ink'd Book 1, Ali Lyda

I honestly wish I could have rounded this up for Javi because even though he was gruff and shut down quite a lot, there just wasn't enough here for me to love and recommend.

The story started off interesting enough with two men I really wanted to get to know.  Unfortunately it was pretty much a non-issue after that because neither man truly inspired me.  Javi had more potential for me because he was misunderstood, had an awesome package and a bit of damage on the inside that could have been worked into some amazing growth and vulnerability.  Except Gordo pretty much walked all over that and Javi let him for far too long.  With so much hot/cold back and forth and very little genuine warmth to build on, there wasn't a whole lot to go from and convince me they belonged together.

Gordo didn't charm me hardly at all.  I know he struggled, I'm a single parent and totally get how tough it is sometimes, but his attitude just wasn't understandable and virtually every problem in the relationship stemmed from his attitude and his treatment of Javi.  I lost interest in him so very quickly.

Javi's complications and vulnerabilities were touching in the beginning, but then they almost became excuses for his own behavior of running away and shutting down.  The Big-Mis was predictable and he proved himself cliche and impulsive in an exaggerated reproduction of his actions all throughout the story up to that point.  And then there was the accident.  It really served no point other than to put him in a physically vulnerable place and to keep him sitting still long enough for Gordo to catch up to him and do the whole explanation/insufficient groveling thing.

I just wished for a different resolution, a different journey to get to an admittedly sweet ending.  They became the family they were meant to be and while the premise promised amazing things and intriguing characters, it wasn't an easy road to get there and I didn't find myself wanting to travel it with them.

*$5.99 on Amazon

He’s raising a baby, not looking for love …

I don’t want a serious relationship, and certainly not with the single dad next door. But one look at Gordo? I’m smitten. Even though I might be a tough looking tattoo artist, I know that the ink does a lot to hide my own insecurities. It doesn’t matter how much Gordo seems to like me - I can’t bring myself to make a move.

Talking has never come easy to me - and I mean that literally. But Gordo doesn’t seem fazed by my speech problems or the mess in my head, and soon we’re forming a deep connection. But I learned a long time ago that nothing lasts forever … and when a blast from Gordo’s past shows up, it proves that everything was too good to be true.

At least, that’s what the old me would say. This time, I know that Gordo and his little baby are worth fighting for. I’m willing to walk through fire to get what I want. But can a tattoo artist with a checkered past really be any guy’s happily ever after?

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?