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.

Roxy's Recovery, Kim Breyon

Two men who need the other, but insecurities, a lack of communication, and a little too much passivity threaten to end the best thing either of them could hope to have.  Wonderfully sweet moments with animals, a fair bit of steam, and one emotionally charged outburst give a sedately affectionate and quietly passionate feel to the story.

The romantic progression was very slow, bordering on nonexistent for quite a lot of the story and I can absolutely respect the need to take things slow when trying to have a relationship with someone who is recovering from abuse of any kind.  It didn't work for me in the long run, but the intent was there.  

I'm not really sure why the Trinity thing was included.  Unless it was a way to "educate" about being bi, it was completely unnecessary.  And even the "education" was more a defensive, confrontational moment that pretty much came out of the blue based on Trinity's interest in Vaughn and his relationship with Alex.  His comments came off as super defensive and even fujoshi-shaming in his self-described lack of understanding of some women's interest in m/m pairings.  I'm not cool with that by any means.  Add in a judgmental sister that's more about condemning, shaming, bossing, and intervening and I'm pretty much done with most of the female characters in the story.

*photo credit: Sharonica Logic

Another confrontation that came out of left field was the one near the end with Alex's past.  It served a purpose in resolving two big issues, but was an indirect way of dealing with those conflicts.  While it was effective in the end, I guess it's okay, but I just didn't think that was the best way to handle either problem.  It was just too big and yet also way too simple.

Speaking of those issues, I really disliked Alex's treatment of Vaughn when his insecurities and their lack of communication collide.  Since neither man can seem to use words like mature adults, there were bound to be misunderstandings and hurt feelings.  Instead of getting to the point where they do use words, a physical altercation with a third party was used to get everything out in the open.  And the person that ultimately did the "confessing" was, in my opinion, not the person who should have spoken up.  There was a distinct lack of adequate groveling and equal-opportunity confessions.  I found that quite dissatisfying.

But the sweet feels really went a long way to making things not as terrible as I'm making this book sound.  I quite like the author's writing style even if I didn't completely jive with these particular men.  There were some amazingly tender parts and the interactions with all the animals were many of the bright points of this story.  While the title is about one pug in particular, it was through it that the MC's find their own recovery that led to the happy family they've always dreamed of.

*$3.99 on Amazon

As the newest veterinarian in the small town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Vaughn Winters doesn't have time for relationships. He is too busy healing injuries and establishing his reputation as a trustworthy vet. But when a strange man waves him down on a stormy night seeking help for his injured dog, Vaughn simply can't refuse.

Obviously homeless and with no means to pay for Roxy's medical care, Vaughn throws caution to the wind and strikes a deal with the hesitant stranger that would allow Roxy the time to heal and provide some much needed TLC to his property as well. As the days pass, Vaughn's curiosity grows. Alex's dedication to the job is as surprising as the sexy tats hidden beneath his rugged clothes. What could have pushed this kind, hardworking man to the streets, or cast such dark shadows in his otherwise bright blue eyes?

Will six weeks be enough time to earn Alex's trust? Or will asking questions cause him to tuck tail and run as soon as Roxy is able?

About Kim

I am an Idaho native who grew up dreaming about traveling the world and writing stories. As a child, I would often spend my spare time curled up with my favorite blanket and a notebook, writing another fairy tale. I never would have guessed those fairy tales would one day grow into gay romances, but that is where my heart led me and I am so glad it did. I write about love because I believe it can happen to anyone, with anyone. I also believe dreams never expire, redemption is possible, and true forgiveness can heal us in ways we never expect. I know firsthand how messy life can get, but as any artist will tell you, a little mess is needed to create something beautiful. That’s why I write, to help others see that anything can be beautiful. You can often find me with a mug of coffee in one hand and a dog toy in the other. There is never a day that goes by without my sweet boy insisting on a game - or twenty - of fetch.

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GOODREADS

An Arresting Ride: Survivors Find Love Book 2, Lissa Kasey

This was not an easy book.  There was trauma, recovery, PTSD, and a lot of judgment.  But what shone through by the end was the more societal messages of how we treat survivors of abuse of any kind, how we view their new state of being, and what truly constitutes "normal".

Graham and Jason shared a connection that set them on the paths that ultimately brought them together, but the situation was written with both understanding and confrontation.  For the confrontation, I really appreciated that what a real recovery looks like was given thorough consideration.  That not everyone will fully "heal" from trauma, certain things will never change, reactions may not disappear, and very few of us will ever be truly "normal" are ideas that most people don't understand because of adages like "time heals all wounds" and other similarly trite sayings.

The understanding part came when the tables turned and Graham was in need of support and compassion.  Jason's experience with his own journey helped open avenues of healing for Graham that he never would have considered on his own.  Together they were able to find something unique and special together that wasn't based on codependency or grief.  It was far more powerful than that and their relationship evolution started out realistically and the comfort and warmth built gradually.  How they jumped from becoming friends to more was where I felt like something was missing.

In the beginning it was as if Jason read slightly on the spectrum with how he was described, how he reacted to others, and his altered perceptions of consent and himself.  I didn't see a real changing point in him before he was very, very clear to Graham that he was fully in control of his choices and the consent portion of their changing relationship.  I liked both versions of him but would have liked to see his growth.  Because of the disparity I felt slightly disconnected from him as a whole.  A dual POV would have really helped with this.

There were a lot of preconceived notions that Graham had that needed to be reevaluated and altered to accept a life with Jason.  I felt that those ideas were really well-expressed by Bastian and Charlie and I cheered with how it really gave Graham a hard look at how he was treating and judging Jason and all victims.  Despite his innate sense of compassion he still fell prey to society's views just like the vast majority of humans in the Western world.  There was a little too much emphasis on the word "normal" though, and it wasn't really a fluid confrontation, it was thrown in so many times with very little variation on when, why, and how it was harped on or mentioned that it became something I almost wanted to skim over.

Similarly was the conflict with Clark, the IAD investigation, and the former employees of Jason's ranch.  The pieces didn't really connect completely and none of them felt concluded either.  It's like we got to the end of the story and the author was like, "oh shoot, I gotta write in the villain.  Villains?  Meh, whatevs."  So aside from feeling like all of those threads were throwaways, the overall messages in the story were unique and well-formed.  I enjoyed the story and felt the connection between Jason and Graham was real though not fully supported.  I was drawn into their lives and appreciated the setting, the whole cast, and the animals with distinct and memorable personalities.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Graham Church began career as a police officer with a case so gruesome it sent many officers into early retirement. That day he helped save the lives of children and began a long crusade of protecting the residents of Friday Harbor from the worst of humanity. But brutal car accidents and the discovery of a dog fighting ring have taken their toll on Graham. Returning to an over-crowded apartment where his room is a closet, and working sixteen-hour shifts, have left him emotionally exhausted and in need of a quiet place to call home.

Jason Wullcot is a horse breeder and a mystery to the island he lives on, but is in need of a roommate for human contact. His therapist recommends Graham Church, who also happens to have a "white knight" syndrome. When Graham discovers his new roommate was one of the children he helped save twelve-years prior, Graham’s need to protect and save kicks into high gear. Only Jason has no interest in being saved. In fact, Graham realizes that Jason may not be the one in need of saving at all, but maybe, just maybe they can fill the broken pieces of each other.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 44

  

• Something to Believe in, Sloan Parker
• Shark: Shifter Kings Nashville Book 3, Holly Gunn
• Sleepless in San Francisco, Ryan Field

This was a very short story with two young men who are beyond down on their luck and find friendship during hardship.   Their relationship took longer to come together (off page) and when they finally did, it was mostly awkward confessions and a physical connection.  There's nothing in the synopsis to hint at how they come into the money, and it's not an easy situation in the least.  I'm not too uncomfortable with their situation or how it was described, though it was difficult to "witness" the specifics of what they had to do.  The holiday and resolution to the story was full of sweetness and hope for a better future but a bit too ...sappy?... for the tone set in the beginning.  It did end on a very happy note with all the warmth of holidays, family, and love which provided a tender counterpoint to where we started.  3 stars.

Right from the start there's a whole lot of nerd.  I liked both Shark and Lexie right away because they were definitely unique and we were given a pretty clear picture of who each of them are and why we should like them.  The big reveal was a little awkward, to say the least, as was the first intimate moment between the MC's.  It's not that their sexy times didn't pack a steamy punch, it certainly did, but I think it was the lead up, it just didn't feel well timed.  As for the mystery surrounding Nashville's shifter population, there's not a whole lot of explanation or progress.  In a book this short it just didn't have enough page space to get things really rolling without giving us enough of a relationship build sufficient to carry the story.  What it did give, however, was a sweet, sexy, quirky romance, a great set up for the next story (hopefully Wolf and Sera's!!), and a general sense of the turmoil that's brewing and what we might expect as the series continues.  The dialogue was mostly incredibly quirky and sometimes cringey, but the whole thing was silly, sexy, and I found myself utterly charmed.  I'm definitely going to read more from this series.  4 stars.

Holy inappropriateness, Batman!  From their very first encounter there was all kinds of behavior that was shocking, to say the least.  I was so turned off that I was tempted to stop reading after chapter one.  But it had to get better, right?  Well, the sex became frequent, there was virtually no relationship building, no communication, lots of awkward dialogue and unmoving "confessions", no dealing with grief in a sustainable way, and a whole lot of questionable relationship statuses flying around everywhere.  I don't care if established couples want to add someone for a night or more, I don't care if non-exclusive couples see other people...what I do care about is when it's within the realm of cheating.  The dog drama was unnecessary, as was the East Hamptons scene and all the various sexual partners and situations surrounding them, the seeking of signs rather than pulling your own head out, not being honest with everyone, no discussion with the son about the relationship (even though we know the son would be on board, there still needs to be at least a talk of some kind)...  I'm just so thoroughly and immensely dissatisfied by the entire story.  At least it was short.  1.5 stars.

I've Got You, Becca Seymour

I didn't read Let Me Show You prior to this so I wasn't privy to all that Scott was ashamed of.  I will say, though, that I'm pretty glad.  Going into this with no notions of who these men were gave me a chance to view them through a clear lens.  In doing so I found humility, humor, passion, fear, vulnerability, understanding, growth, and love.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Scott was the victim of both internalized and external homophobia.  Because of the abuse suffered from all angles, he lashed out in jealousy and fear toward someone he knew didn't deserve it.  (Those events were in Let Me Show You.)  Luckily, that man was forgiving and held out a greater hope for Scott than he had for himself.  It was Scott's insecurities and the intimations of their cause that interested me at first, but it was his genuineness that kept me invested in his evolution.  He knew when he was saying or doing something in reaction to fear and was trying hard to overcome it.  I respected that.  What I loved most was that even through his fear, once he made the decision to make something work, he didn't run.  By turning to those who had his back despite seeing him at his very worst, he began to accept the makeshift family that was waiting to love him back.

And then there's Davis.  His lighthearted way of living life was a little too pretty, a little too perfect to fully accept.  I'm becoming a single mom myself and despite not having the kind of community he does to help with child rearing, I can't believe that it's that easy.  I'm not the type to stress out or worry or become anxious so I can relate to him in a way, but the complete lack of struggle in so many things was a bit off-putting.  Thankfully he was a cool guy who loved fully and rolled with the punches.  His stability and calm gave Scott the perfect foil to his struggles.  He was also pretty funny and gave a lighter feel to the story that could have taken a much more angsty turn.

When the confrontations came, it was through love, hard-won inner strength, and the support of those who had his back that gave Scott the determination to stand against that which had crushed him in the past and threatened to ruin all that he was building.  I really, really liked where the story ended up and was left feeling light, happy, and content.  I wish there were more, actually.  I want an extended epilogue to see how their family grows and settles.  The steam is high but more behind closed doors with reminiscences  rather than a hot in-the-moment play-by-play.  Overall, this was a wonderful story where the title was truly apt.

*$2.99 on Amazon!

When a single dad and a newly outed veterinarian meet by chance, it takes red-cheeked conversations, a tentative friendship, and the willingness to put their hearts on the line to show these men they’re made for each other. 

Single dad Davis Jackson is busy balancing his coffee shop and being the best dad he can be. That doesn’t mean he’s not lonely. After a fumbling encounter with a man who looks as gorgeous as he does unhappy, Davis is left wondering who the mystery man is.  

All Davis knows is that he has never felt such an instant attraction to anyone before, but when he discovers the brown-eyed man’s identity, it’s clear the recently out-of-the-closet veterinarian is lost and quite possibly broken.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 35

  

• Parallel Larry, Jacqueline Rohrbach
• Color My Kiss: Valentine's Inc. Book 5, Michele Notaro
• Pisces Floors Taurus: Signs of Love Book 4.5, Anyta Sunday

A toaster mishap sends Larry to a parallel universe where he gets the chance to see if love crosses as many boundaries as he hopes.  Blind to a love that was right in front of him, Larry discovers that his obliviousness and reticence cost him his ideal partner.  I was intrigued by the premise and the crazy universe-bending potential for this story.  There were quite a few things that were likable and some that were less so.  I found myself quite apathetic when attempts were made at explaining things and yet the DMV scene was both humorous and as confusing as it was enlightening.  The drama was a lot bigger than I expected and felt the short story could have benefited from something a bit more simple.  Instead of spending enough time building a solid foundation between Larry and Greg, we had to go through a lot of crazy to make Larry's ultimate destination work.  It was just a bit too much.  The sweetness that was there, though, was worth the crazy.  I liked that the good Larry was awkwardly persistent and his simple yearnings were the most touching things I've read in a while.  Overall, this was a fun story that could have used a bit of streamlining to make it really sing.  3 stars.

Needing a wedding date to accompany him to his sister's wedding, Poe takes his her advice and hires someone from a dating service.  What he doesn't expect is a stunner to approach him at the bar as his date...and it's a man.  Dakota gives Poe a chance to truly be himself and honest in a way he hadn't been able to before.  I loved Poe's determination to see things through and how he opened his heart to all the tenderness Dakota offered him.  Their romance built in a believable way and despite the assumptions and leading remarks made out of fear, they were a really good match.  I did think that the resolution between them and the "antagonists" of the story was a bit unresolved and I wished there had been more of a conclusion there.  Poe also didn't really develop a backbone, he pretty much remained the same despite finding freedom.  Dakota was my favorite, actually.  His earnestness and supportive nature really matched Poe and made him very likable.  Together they created a cute couple that embodied effervescence when they were engaged and open with one another as they interacted.  This was a very cute story with a charming couple that I want more of.  4 stars.

Back with my favorite couple from this series, Zane has something specific on his mind and in his earnest, clumsy way, he's trying to get Beckett to be utterly romanced into participating.  But as we all know, Zane's plans never go well and the unfortunate accidents happen over and over.  He ends up disheartened and I ached for him.  Except Beckett would never let Zane stay feeling that way so when he helps guide Zane to their sexy goals, they come together in a way that's utterly perfect for them.  I've loved this couple from their first moment and I'm still loving them now.  4.5 stars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Quick Reads and Quick Reviews 30

  

• Keeping Cole for Christmas, Tuesday Embers
• His Crazy Summer: Portville Summer Book 2, Xander Collins
• The Kinsey Scale: Campus Connections Book 1, CJane Elliott

To protect against a volatile relationship she grew up seeing her parents share Abigail is convinced that a steady relationship based on a schedule rather than love and passion is the right kind for her.  It isn't until her fiancé proves unfaithful that she evaluates who she is and what she truly wants.  Having Cole, her older brother's best friend, around to revive her zest for life isn't a hardship either.  But when her feelings for him begin to deepen and change, she might let her fear ruin her chance to keep Cole for more than just Christmas, maybe even forever.

This was actually a really sweet story with a lot of depth, evolution, and changing perspectives.  Abigail was a complicated person who loved with all her heart, but never let that heart get tangled romantically.  I was glad that Cole engaged her slowly, allowed her to realize that there's no one she'd rather live life with than him and when it came to fight for them it was Abigail.  It made up for her willful blindness and stubborn attitude that got almost annoying.  The ending was sweet and full of hope for a happy life.  A very cute story.  4 stars.

*$1.50 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Jeremy and Alex would likely never be together if Fate didn't have a mind of her own.  When Jeremy's status as a beta changes to that of an omega in the middle of a group of alphas at a drive-in movie theater it's Alex that rescues him...and then breeds him.  The consequences of that night weren't desired or expected but it could mean an even better future than either could have ever hoped for.  There's more than just the pregnancy to come to terms with, though, and both men will have to learn to accept who they are, where they come from, and what kind of life they want together before they can reach for that happily ever after they each are dreaming of.

Aside from hitting the racial tension and stereotypes a bit too hard for me, the complexities of the relationship were enough to give sufficient conflict and chances to bond as well.  What I liked best was that Jeremy wasn't all that he seemed right from the start.  Feeling trapped in a role assigned by society has him acting in ways he's not proud of and his internal metamorphosis gives him a chance to evaluate who he is, who he wants to be, and how to come to terms with it all.  Alex was a good support but I felt like it was the chip on his shoulder that caused most of the problems between them.  Once they got it all together it was a sweet story and I loved the redneck traditions that ultimately brought peace to both men as well as to both families.  All's well that ends well, right?  3.5 stars.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Two unlikely young men are thrown together yet quickly become close friends.  The dramatic and very openly gay Eric and Will, the straight jock, find that they make excellent RA partners as well as friends but when the attraction deepens for one of them it begins to put a strain on their relationship.  Not everything is as it seems, though, and there are secrets that will be revealed that just may change their relationship forever.  But if neither can find the courage, that change might spell an end rather than a new beginning.

This was a cute story that moved very quickly.  I'm not sure I enjoyed the time jumps used to speed up their whole evolution because it felt like we missed some vital moments that cemented their friendship.  Those pieces would also have been good to give them a little more foundation and depth when the reveals started happening.  I also think that with all the emotional turmoil Will had going on inside him the very big confrontations regarding his confession were skimmed over and skipped altogether.  Aside from those rather large oversights, this was a nice story that had some cute moments to match an interesting premise.  3 stars.

*$3.99 on Amazon!