Under a Greek Twilight: Love Abroad Series, Jax Stuart

Joshua was actually very real-feeling to me.  He was hurt, struggling, frustrated, sad, lonely amongst friends, yearning, and hopeful...all of his feelings were on the page and I believed them.  What he found with Lysander was definitely story/movie magic that I play out in my head for myself but could never believe would happen to me.  Lysander was a steady presence and I liked his honesty with both himself and Joshua.  They really were a good match.

What detracted was the repeating drama with Lysander's ex.  Ryan was a bit predictable so that was kind of expected, as was his fling-turned fiance-turned scorned lover...  The unnecessary road blocks were manufactured angst that didn't really belong.  There were other things that could have played that role just fine that were far more organic.  But what really didn't belong at all was Ryan's ridiculously petty confrontation at their new job.  It was out of left field, did nothing for the characters or the story, gave no kind of closure, and was just purely annoying.

Altogether this was a really cute story that I could see reading again, so long as I skip the cafeteria scece.  Well, maybe just parts of it, because the players really showed their true colors and they were bright and beautiful.  Overall it was a truly nice way to pass an hour or two.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Bad Bishop: Perfect Play Book 2, Layla Reyne

The communication that I felt was lacking in book one really shone here in book two.  There was a subtle shift in the relationship that allowed for both men to truly rely on one another as they faced the enemy that was taunting them and drawing them further into a dangerous game that threatened not only the safety of countless vulnerable young women, but themselves and everyone they hold close.

There are moments in this book that I'm not sure will play out well for the men but it's far more clear this time around that they are in it together.  They come to trust one another not just professionally, but with their hearts and the hurts of their past.  It bonds them far more deeply than just their attraction that got a small but powerful moment in Dead Draw.

We're left at the end with a bigger cliffhanger, one I truly wasn't expecting, and it shocked me.  I'm now at the edge of my seat and cannot wait for the resolution which is sure to be messy, frustrating, painful, and also vindicating, powerful, and right.  This was a fantastic continuation of the series with more feels, more spice, and more drama.

*4.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list!

Sink or Swim: RELIC Book 2, Maz Maddox

At first I was bothered by all the intentional needling of Baha by Jackson; it took me quite a while to warm up to him. I already liked Baha and his eternal grumptasticness, though his grumpines sometimes seemed out of spite rather than his default. The moments of more, of the caring, softer side were especially sweet. The gifts, like Dalton's t-shirts, were completely endearing and very early on showed a side of him that was addictive.

Once I liked Jackson it was easy to feel as if I always liked them together, though that was definitely not the case. His interpretation of our prickly spinosaurus' offering tipped me over into love for him. Not only because he could work out Baha's intentions, but his utter gratitude and wonder and adoration of Baha's simple yet powerful actions. Hard not to love a guy who appreciates theropod-style courting.

"This giant, scaly, angry bastard had essentially just showed up with a box of chocolates on a date. But instead of manufactured sweets, he caught me a big, fat shark and put it at my feet. Cowboys didn’t swoon, and neither did pterosaurs. Well, they sure as hell did now." -Jackson

Speaking of the courting scene, it was likely the best scene of the whole dang book. I was the one who was sunk. Seeing Baha's walls come down, his heart opening, those were collectively my favorite moments. They were everything I hoped for when I knew he'd get his own story and HEA.

“You are the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in sixty-five million years." -Baha

As for the drama, it was kept focused right where it should be.  The complications were few and slightly predictable, but well done so it didn't feel formulaic or rote either.  The bad guys were obvious and stereotypical and Baha and Jackson handled them all with humor, fierceness, sly maneuverings, and outright ferocity.  There was a balance to the story once it really got moving and as Jackson burrowed his way under Baha's skin and into his heart.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Trapped on a cruise ship with a man I absolutely hate is not how I wanted to spend this fake honeymoon. Especially when my “fiancé” has a deadly ex on the same boat.

Jackson is everything I’m not: brash, careless and a former fossil thief. But he’s my ticket to getting what I want -- the original Spinosaurus fossils that have been lost for decades. Now I have to play the part, win the fossils and try not to kill him in the process.

The danger of being caught, tortured or killed isn’t what scares me.

Navigating the waters of this fake relationship is threatening to pull me under.

And I’m terrified of sinking.

Flying Blind, Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga

There were a lot of directions this story could take in terms of the conflict and the journey of the relationship.  What was lovely was that while those more predictable elements were there, none of them were allowed to escalate to disastrous proportions.  Keeping the story simple and focused on the two men as they navigate their new "normal" and discover more about one another allowed a fantastic amount of depth to be achieved.  Well, mostly.  I'll get into that in a bit.  For the most part this was so full of all the lighter feels, sexual chemistry, and determination you could hope for in a story with these particular tropes.

Being totally upfront, there was very little about January that truly felt deep in terms of character background and growth.  He was the far simpler element of the story so while he played a central role, I felt the story really focused on Hawk.  Hawk was the one with a whole lot more to work out and through in the story.  Also, another reviewer said a content warning should have been included.  I'm kind of in agreement because there's a tragedy that occurs that can make you feel totally blindsided, though I will say there are hints that something pretty bad is going to happen to one of the characters.  So without giving a spoiler, just know that this is an incredibly dangerous sport and there are consequences, sometimes dire ones, that happen.  Everyone going in knows the risks and the outcome can sometimes be as devastating as often as they can be euphoric.

Any and all angst in the story was reserved for the big issues, no petty arguments, lack of communication, miscommunication, jealousies, or unreasonable reactions.  Most of that was for Hawk's specific situation regarding his health and his career.  What makes this story different, and happily surprising, is all the communication.  Every moment where something could have been said was expanded to true soul-opening conversations where nearly everything on the topic was hashed out.  Sometimes there aren't any clear decisions made after them, but they nearly always end them on a positive note about recognizing the process of evolving as a couple, that there are possibilities they're willing to explore...it was so different and full of warmth and honesty that I can't find myself complaining about any of it.

These men, especially Hawk, have the biggest hearts and they fit so well together.  Their sexual chemistry is absolutely there, though sometimes it gets a bit one-note, like they're just rewording most of their sexual encounters slightly and perhaps changing the location, but it's satisfying as a balance to the many, many in-depth conversations.  Everything is really out in the open for both of them.  Professionally Hawk is in the closet, but to everyone that matters he's completely out and only keeps things on the DL when in the cities and arenas of the competitions.  That was another refreshing aspect to the story.  Adding in compelling side characters that are varied, expressive, and supportive throughout everything and I'm crazy about the overall story.  I want to read Jax's story next!

*$4.99 on Amazon

Sometimes the best thing about living in New York is leaving it.

When January Bell takes a risk on a business trip to Denver and introduces himself to the hot as fire cowboy across the bar, he has no idea what he’s in for. Hawk is like nobody he’s ever met, and Jan finds he is intrigued enough to want more than just one night with the deceptively complex man.

Hawk Destry is working hard to wring every moment he can out of his bull riding career. He’s used to beating the eight second clock, but a life-long degenerative disease is causing him to slowly lose his sight and he doesn’t have a lot of years left in the sport.

None of that seems to matter, though, when Hawk meets January, who treats him like he’s worth more off a bull than on one, and who’s willing to work just as hard to be with him.

The two men have to deal with the distance, unexpected challenges when Hawk visits New York, family on both sides, and neither of them sees any of it coming. Eventually even Hawk’s dangerous job is thrown into sharp relief when tragedy strikes. How will January and Hawk find their way when they’re flying blind?

On the Wings of War: Soulbound Book 5, Hailey Turner Cover Reveal

Patrick and Jono return in

On the Wings of War!

Hailey Turner's Soulbound series continues

September 2, 2020...

Remembering the dead will always give them life.

The coveted Morrígan’s staff is up for sale on the black market to the highest bidder, and SOA Special Agent Patrick Collins will do whatever it takes to ensure the Dominion Sect doesn’t get their hands on it. Returning the weapon to its rightful owner is another step on the long road toward clearing Patrick’s soul debt, but he won’t walk it alone. Jonothon de Vere won’t let him.

Obeying the gods means Patrick must travel to London. For Jono, it means facing a past he thought he’d left behind forever. His return to England isn’t welcome, and neither is their pack, but Jono and Patrick will face the antagonism together. Politics aside, their priority must be the mission, but the bone-chilling secret they uncover in the London god pack will have far-reaching repercussions no one can ignore.

A race against time takes Patrick and Jono from the streets of London to the bright lights of Paris, where hospitality is thin on the ground, the air is filled with whispered prayers for the missing, and the Morrígan’s staff will end up in the one place it should never have gone—a graveyard.

For beneath Paris lie the long-forgotten dead, and when they rise to walk again, the living can only hope to die.

On the Wings of War is a 109k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending. It is a direct sequel to A Vigil in the Mourning. Reading the first book in the series would be extremely helpful in enjoying this one.

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Exclusive Reveal Excerpt:

“I hate ties,” Patrick said, tugging at the one wrapped around his neck. “I hate suits. Why couldn’t I have done all of these meetings remotely?”

“Because you’ve done enough property damage earlier this year that it’s best to remind people you aren’t the enemy,” SOA Director Setsuna Abuku replied without looking at him as they continued down a corridor in the Pentagon. The military aide escorting them was doing a fine job of pretending not to hear a word they said.

“Chicago was not my fault.”

Setsuna finally deigned to look at him, arching one eyebrow. “The people of Chicago beg to differ.”

“It was months ago. They should be over it by now.”

Setsuna twisted her wrist so her cane smacked him in the shin, never breaking stride. “You know a city doesn’t easily recover from an attack like that.”

About Hailey

Hailey Turner is big city girl who spoils her cats rotten and has a demanding day job that she loves, but not as much as she loves writing. She's been writing since she was a young child and enjoys reading almost as much as creating a new story.

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Smash & Grab: RELIC Book 1, Maz Maddox

Seriously, dinosaur stuff and paleontology?  Pink mohawks?  A deep love of kids?  Why has no one yet written a dinosaur shifter that is both cute and fierce?  Dalton is absolutely adorable as well as being a punk.  He's thoughtful and considerate even while pushing Simon's buttons.  Well, to be honest, he pushes everyone's buttons, but he knows when enough's enough.

His pretty Simon takes a little while to come around to things, but when he does his devotion to Dalton is just as strong as Dalton's is for him.  I'm completely in love with this story, not just because of the novelty, but also because it was well-written, the pacing was right for the characters and the situation, the relationship was believable, and the set up for a series was really well done. I'm just sold. I cannot wait to see who finds their person next!

*$4.99 on Amazon

My standard issued lab badge reads 'Simon' but it really should say 'unexciting nerd with no social life'

Don’t get me wrong -- I love what I do with a passion, but it doesn’t leave a lot of time for much else.

Especially romance.

While chipping away at my work, I’m suddenly the person between hired cartel muscle and the fossil that will define my career.

Which isn’t the most insane part of the story.

My savior is a chaotic, bat-wielding punk with a bubble gum pink mohawk and a killer smile.

In a mad dash to escape the thieves, my knight in studded armor sweeps me across the country while hitting every tourist trap along the way.

While smuggling a fossil, might I add.

Oh, and did I mention this pink punk can shift into a dinosaur?

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?

The Blacksmith Queen: The Scarred Earth Saga Book 1, G.A. Aiken

This author is seriously one of my absolute favorites and I've read everything any library I can find that carries them in both their pen names.  The insane world they create under the name G.A. Aiken is fascinating, well-detailed without being overly complicated, includes incredible creatures and their personalities are all distinct as races, and the characters are both nuanced and simple so the overall story carries a wonderful balance.  And with the irreverent, slightly immature, witty humor?  I'm just...gone.  I adore it.  And I've already re-read it four times.

With this story in particular, we're in the same world of the dragons in Dragon Kin, just in another part of the world and we get to focus on a human and the centaurs she meets all because of a quietly power hungry sibling no one ever expected much of.  I really love Keeley, how her thoughts are always of her forge and her family, that her daydreams are of what she can create from her own hands and fire.  Despite her difficult relationship with Gemma, it does get sorted in the end once they both drop their prejudices and expectations and just express their feelings, the banter and "arguments" between every other character fit with the characters themselves as well as with the author's style.  Keeley in particular is positive, loyal, determined, and just scared enough to balance out her desire to do what's best with what's possible.

Well, what's possible in this world is nothing short of fantastic.  She meets amazing creatures, amazing characters, and her adventure is more about forging her own path to becoming the kind of queen the world needs to combat her brilliant yet soulless sister.  The story follows that journey and the romance is kind of a consequence of getting to know one another in all kinds of situations.  That's something I absolutely adore about this author's stories, that lust and getting it on is rarely the first thing that happens when there's a saga to be had.

Characters are well-formed, connections are made, and the relationship is often based on a believable foundation.  When species live as long as they do in this world, it would be a shallow connection and a horrendous future they'd face as mates if it weren't strong and real before adding all the sexy times.  The romance does take a bit of a back seat in this story and I feel that was absolutely appropriate for not only the MC's, but for the whole saga that's to come.  It's a part, not the focus, and I CANNOT WAIT for more!

*$6.99 on Amazon

The Old King Is Dead
 
With the demise of the Old King, there’s a prophecy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the king’s sons, who are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers. But for blacksmith Keeley Smythe, war is great for business. Until it looks like the chosen queen will be Beatrix, her younger sister. Now it’s all Keeley can do to protect her family from the enraged royals.
 
Luckily, Keeley doesn’t have to fight alone. Because thundering to her aid comes a clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amichai. Not the most socially adept group, but soldiers have never bothered Keeley, and rough, gruff Caid, actually seems to respect her. A good thing because the fierce warrior will be by her side for a much longer ride than any prophesy ever envisioned …

Honeymoon Sweet: Out & About Book 2, Allison Temple

Doug and Tripp were both on vacation, but neither expected to end up alone.  Tripp's effort to save a relationship that he couldn't accept was no good to keep and Doug's effort to salvage something from his life before it seemingly fell apart came together and gave them both a chance at the kind of happiness they'd always wanted.

I liked Doug's sensitivity and how most of his perspective throughout the story focused on accepting and coming to terms with the reality of his relationship, how it ended, and what he wanted for the future.  Along the way it was easy to fall in love with Tripp and his enthusiasm, understanding, and authenticity.  Tripp's perspective was a bit...not shallow, but not too deep either because he didn't really realize the truth about his own behaviors until his best friend pointed it out to him just before the grand gesture was made, and not by him either.  They eventually did get to the place where they should be, it just took a bit for all the pieces to come together.

There was a definite slow burn in terms of actual physically doing the deed and I liked that.  It would have felt unnatural and unbelievable for them to jump into bed before their heads were in the right place.  When they did get there it was suitably steamy.  Sometimes it got in the way of having the mature discussions about their future that they needed, but that was down to Tripp and his moments of cowardice.  Doug was all in and I loved that about him, but mostly that he didn't let the surprise at the end of the cruise set him on a path away from Tripp.  The writing kind of suggested that it did once they went home, but it was actually pretty obvious that his physical responses were proof of his commitment to Tripp and not his past.  One exception would be the cafe scene, that was a little disjointed for me, but it got Doug moving so it wasn't all bad.

This story had a soft and cute vibe all the way throughout and while not super deep, it was deep enough to be believable, that they'd actually have a real shot at a forever happiness.  It fit with the first story and sets a good tone for the series to continue from here as well.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Doug is a cheese pizza kind of guy. A honeymoon cruise around the Caribbean is the most adventurous thing he’s ever done. Going on that honeymoon alone is unthinkable, but here he is, with a luxury suite and a broken heart.

Tripp is a hopeless romantic. He’s in a sinking relationship that’s been taking on water for months. He’d throw in the towel if he had one, but he’s naked and locked out of his room.

No one should be on a cruise alone, and Tripp has a simple solution: he and Doug will pretend to be husbands and enjoy everything a week of sea and sun has to offer. But as the days and nights heat up, can a cheese pizza kind of guy be brave enough to give love a second chance?

The Winter Quarters, Anna Veriani

Deeply unsatisfied with his life but feeling immense guilt for his dissatisfaction, Kai seeks escape.  It's a good thing his best friend is exactly what his soul needs to find peace and rest.  But Hiro isn't just his best friend, he's also the love of his life.  For one month he can hold his attraction at bay to find solace, right?  Well when that solace combines with finding the place your home was always meant to be, all that's left is for his love to be returned.  Good thing Hiro has a couple secrets of his own to share.

These men.  Seriously.  They were adorable together with a friendship that was so very real, so very warm.  I loved that their evolution was slower with less sexy time in the beginning and middle because the important part of the story was the relationship, but more than that, it was coming to terms with what their individual happiness looked like.  Kai needed to find within himself the stability and love necessary to accept what was on offer from the Asada family.  Hiro needed to stop being resentful of his family and appreciate what Kai was doing for him and to find his own solutions to his romantic dilemma.

It certainly helped that Obaa-chan was the freaking amazing woman she is because she pretty much paved the path for their forever happiness.  Her story was a little bit of a side story yet immensely important to Kai and Hiro's fate.  I loved her so hard right from the very start.  She was the star of the story for me.

The exact right person made the big romantic overtures.  If it was someone else it wouldn't have felt as real as it turned out.  Each character played their role, but sometimes when authors create a slightly more dominant partner whether in attitude, higher self-confidence, or more self-assured, it follows that they would be the ones instigating the big things, the big changes that direct the relationship.  While that was a little present here, it flipped by the end so the person who needed to do the asking was the one who did it.  It was adorably sweet and absolutely perfect for the couple.  I don't know if I could have loved their moment more than I did.

The epilogue was presented in a bit of a unique way and I have to say that it was an interesting way to go about it.  It fit even though it wasn't all sappiness or steam.  The drama that provided the main conflict was addressed in an organic way, that it wasn't too simple nor to complex, and that the solution fit the overall feel of the story.  There weren't any extra bits of drama added in to make things more intense and nothing else was thrown in that could have detracted from the story.  Overall I was happy to have loved this story.  It's definitely going on my re-read shelf.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Snow, steam, and a second chance.

Reluctant socialite Kai has thirty-five days before his family starts shooting the next season of their reality TV show, revealing a life he’d rather keep private—and one that feels increasingly scripted. Desperately needing a break, Kai escapes to his childhood best friend Hiro Asada’s inn in rural Japan. He finds peace in the thousand-year-old hot springs, but his yearning for Hiro resurfaces at the worst time: Hiro is about to inherit the inn, and his parents expect him to marry within the year.

Hiro’s traditional family loves him for who he is, but they can’t imagine two men running the inn. Meanwhile, Kai has a TV contract his lawyer insists can’t be broken. Hiro and Kai need to think outside the box—and solve their problems before Christmas Day, when Kai’s show shoots its annual holiday special.

Mending Heartstrings: Forging Forever Book 1, Aria Glazki

A much slower-paced romance, Kane and Sabella have a subtle chemistry that carries through despite the distance and past hurts that threaten to keep them apart.  The relationship build is based on something much deeper than passion, but what I enjoyed was that their passions came through in other ways.  I always like steam in my romances, but sometimes I'm willing to overlook the closed-door moments when a couple comes through with the tenderness.  That was mostly the case here and I think the best word I can describe Kane and Sabella, their relationship, and their whole progression is "understated".

Sometimes the supporting characters upstaged the MC's and I can't say it wasn't well-deserved.  There was also a secondary conflict with Gina that could have dominated the story, but even though the situation was pretty serious, it only served to strengthen Kane's character and show Sabella for the concerned and observant friend that she is.  I loved that she wasn't like so many younger heroines who get caught up in all their own drama that they overlook, dismiss, or downplay the important people around them.

Kane was a great male lead with his patience, concern, consideration, and honesty.  A small spark led him to make some big changes in his life and his heart that were absolutely necessary to give him his musician's soul the boost it needed.  He did lash out and make some pretty hurtful assumptions at some points, but once he got over himself and his past he moved on to a future with Sabella.  He was determined and supportive and a tender man that had something really special about him.

Being that the pace was much slower it did drag at times and got a bit bogged down in the descriptions and exposition of so many things that happened in the story.  I wished the pacing had picked up at any point in the story, but aside from the Gina drama, it was just a slow read.  While the many details served their purpose and gave us a clear picture, it was a bit too much on the "tell" side of things rather than focusing on the "show" aspect of story telling.  But overall this was a sweet story with good, solid characters and a tender love story worth reading.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Kane’s a country singer who’s tangled with too many deceitful women. He’s learned his lesson: girls are for flirting and fun; emotions are for his music. But after spending a night with an earnest woman unlike any he’s known, he can’t force her out of his mind. So he goes in search of the woman he knows only as “Elle.”

On her last night in Nashville, the staunchly pragmatic Sabella found herself in a situation more suited to a romance novel than reality. Swept away, she ignored her rigidly self-imposed rules, succumbing to the fantasy just this once. But she knows real-world relationships have nothing in common with their fictionalized portrayals. When Kane unexpectedly shows up at her Portland apartment, she must choose between the practical truths she has learned and the desire for a passionate love she has struggled to suppress.

Despite the distance, Kane’s tour schedule, and their meddling friends, both are drawn to the chance for a romance neither quite believes is possible.

Ghost Town: Haunted Souls Book 3, Pandora Pine

Diving right in and giving it their all in every aspect has firmly cemented Jude and Cope as a favorite  West Side Magick couple for me.  It's astounding how much growth and mellowing we see in Jude in this book and how good of a partner Cope is for him.  Together they make a name for themselves and what they do as well as make me believe that this series will rival the Cold Case Crew despite getting their start there.

The mystery aspect of the story progressed really well though I will say that the surprise "I have the exact information you need" findings was a little contrived.  It didn't bother me too much though, because Jude and Cope took those directions and worked it into what they needed to discover without letting it detract from their focus.  What I really liked was that Jude was the instigator of balance between vacation and volunteering their abilities.  The way he weaved them both together gave us what we needed to see the job done as well as show us exactly what we wanted from the romantic aspect of their partnership.

It's very clear that Jude is finding his peace; he's finding it with Cope.  Their friendship has been growing steadily and creating a solid foundation and now they can finally give in to all the steam that's been building right along with that friendship.  Steam is equivalent to tenderness between them and I cannot express how thrilled I am that we're getting a great balance.

Even though the true villain was predictable it was discovered in a surprising way.  Following along and getting to know all the ghostly players for all their viciousness and vulnerabilities rounded out the story really well.  It was full of intrigue and drama and one of the more interesting mysteries from the group.  Adding in their new friends hints at some fun vacation moments for everyone and I'm really eager to see how they'll be included in the future.  This is working its way to becoming a really solid series and I like where we're headed.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Ghost Detective Jude Byrne has just landed in magical Key West, Florida for two weeks of fun in the sun. He’s looking forward to working on his tan instead of on haunted houses. Sitting at the hotel bar, he overhears a radio call-in show interviewing a terrified man about the harrowing experiences he had with a ghost at Casa Flores, a local bed and breakfast.

Psychic Copeland Forbes is equally thrilled to be on vacation. He’s still dealing with the effects of the Lewis case and a few weeks in the sun is just what the doctor ordered. Hearing the caller on the radio changes everything. He knows he needs to get involved with this case and places a call to PRIDE XM to offer his services to the scared young man. What starts out as a friendly phone call turns into a bet with Jude and Cope spending the night in this haunted hotel where things do, in fact, go bump in the night. 

The vacationing duo soon find out they have a mystery on their hands. Casa Flores was the home of a Cuban cigar baron and his second wife. The problem was that Santiago Flores’s first wife was still alive and well back in Havana. When she learned of her husband’s betrayal, she came to Key West for revenge. In the end, mysterious deaths visited all three members of the Flores family.

Can Jude and Cope get to the bottom of what really happened at Casa Flores or will they become the latest victims in this ghost town?

Aiden Inspired, Blake Allwood

Strangely, I liked the story but not the actual writing.  Descriptions, dialogue, inner musings, all of them felt slightly wrong but I also couldn't help liking where most everything ended up going.  

Devin's personality really grates more often than not and for all the times when he promised himself he wouldn't be like the previous ranch owner he seems to never grasp the moments where he knows he's acting the same way.  Even knowing he's doing or saying something hurtful or super grouchy he refuses to alter his behavior.  He does eventually come around and tries to make amends, but I'm not sure it's enough for me.

Aiden is a little flighty but he's also very simple.  The life he knows he needs is the same one he wants yet when he's asked questions about possible change or thinks about making that happen it's as if he's in denial and that knowledge isn't what he knows at all.  It's confusing and disappointing to say the least.  It feels like the denial is just a way for the author to cause more potential conflict and make the life change acceptance more powerful at the end.  Doesn't work, by the way.  What I do love about him is the peace and the satisfaction we see all over him while he's working in the barn, the stalls, with the animals, and absorbing everything that's country and beautiful about where he's stranded.

Their separation before the reunion felt a bit forced, like that was the only way a "see what you had when it's gone" realization could happen.  When they finally did come back together I don't know if I'm totally sold on their reconciliation.  I would have liked more between the end and the epilogue so the sweetness and "full-circle" feelings could have a chance to settle and warm me to their permanence.  Overall though, this was a nice story that somehow won me over despite not being a writing style I typically enjoy.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 36: Valentine's Inc Edition

  

• Kissing Lessons: Valentines Inc. Book 10, Brittany Cournoyer
• Kissed in Paradise: Valentines Inc. Book 9, Crystal Lacy
• Kiss Me Tomorrow: Valentines Inc. Book 8, Ashe Winters

"Satisfaction guaranteed" only gets you so far when your your client is so surly even your friendliest staff member throws in the towel.  For Witt, he takes the statement to heart and goes so far as to coach Tony in the subtleties of dating himself.  But the lessons sink deep and he not only begins to feel proprietary, he's having trouble keeping his very-real feelings from growing.  Convinced his feelings are one-sided and that the lessons can't continue, he sets his client up with someone who could be their match, and it's not him.  With a bit of meddling and a little Valentine's Day magic Witt might get the forever-after he'd given up hope on keeping.

The set-up of this story was really cute and a bit of a disaster in the best way.  I was really curious as to how Witt would change Tony.  What I loved was that it was less about the changing and more about seeing the wonderful that was always there, it just needed a deeper look.  It had a really strong beginning that drew me into the story and I felt for Witt.  He was a bit much, however, with his intense denial and unwillingness to alter his path despite the glaring signals that it wasn't the right thing to do.  And without enough from Tony's side, getting to know him and his feelings, the end lacked the emotional punch it needed.  Overall, it was a very sweet story with a great ending.  3.5 stars.

It's not every day you get a chance with your "gay epiphany", but Carey's forced holiday just might be more than he could have dreamed when he sees his high-school crush pull in to pick him up from the airport.  Finding out the tour guide is actually a hired four-day date?  It could either be a disaster or an opportunity to be with Fei in a way he only fantasized about.  As he and Fei give in to their attraction and their feelings begin to grow they have a chance to make something permanent, but only if they can overcome distance, past hurts, and confess what's in their hearts.

This was incredibly sexy, very sweet, and so very good.  I loved the idea of a second chance with an old crush that never got off the ground and this was done so well with enough of a conflict to pose an issue, but not enough to really threaten the relationship.  With the story short enough to curtail some of the bonehead moves either man could have made, the focus was kept on the budding feelings and the surmountable odds that could keep them apart.  Ugh, and the steam?  FanTAStic.  Carey was incredibly sweet and his heart was so perfect to balance Fei's insecurities.  I was in love with the couple from the word go.  5 stars.

The pain in our pasts can cripple us or turn into a strength to propel us forward into the lives we were meant to live.  For Mal, he's lost in his depression until his friends finally break through his funk to get him back on his feet.  Levi's past is much heavier and he refuses to see it as a strength and instead hides it while keeping up his cool, calm, charming personality in both school and work.  When a chance meeting followed by a fake date set up bring both men together it's clear that Fate has a plan.  But fear and shame might destroy their chance at forever and it will take everything in Mal's heart to give Levi the freedom to choose happiness.

This wasn't exactly a quick read and with the subject matter included in the story, it shouldn't have been.  What I loved was that the heavy topics weren't shied away from and the healing process wasn't glossed over either.  The build-up of feelings gave a great foundation for the more sexually intimate situations and I was so very pleased with the slow growth of their physical relationship.  Trust and hearts were more important than what they could offer one another sexually and after Levi's past, it was exactly what he needed.  I really liked this story and the title tie-in was unexpected and perfectly sweet.  4 stars.