Och, Ness!: Wet 'n' Wild Book 1, Eryn Hawk

This is a new take on a mythical creature shifter romance for me.  Not truly unique, but a slightly different take that I thought was interesting.  The connection Gray had with Nessie and with Hamish was definitely a draw and one of my favorite moments was when Gray checked in with Hamish about their status.  It spoke to something awkward that he wasn't aware of but an honesty and genuine feeling for both entities that was very sweet.

There was something missing though, and I think it was in the actual relationship evolution.  Going from one side of the spectrum to the other, "we have a connection, but let's not pursue it, but maybe we should make the most of our time together, and yet not spend a lot of time together", was an inconsistency and a vacillation that detracted from the relationship growing.  I became more interested in Gray with Nessie more than Gray with Hamish despite them being the same creature.

Ultimately this was a cute story with an interesting take and some good spicy times.  It was the first story I've read by this author and I think I'd be open to more from them.

*$3.49 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Masters of Romance, Emma Alcott

Side Character

https://amzn.to/3to2Oc2

Quick and dirty, that's what I was expecting and that's what we got.  What I didn't expect was the subtle cuteness or the awkwardness or the two-way pining that happened.  Sawyer's friends were hilarious and I had no idea they'd even play a role, but the role they played actually made this short story much better.  I have to admit, the synopsis really turned me off, but since I like this author I was willing to give it a shot and I'm actually glad I did.  The set up for what's to come was the tiniest thread so I'm not sure what we'll get with Bad Boy, but if there are moments of cute like here in Side Character, I'm all in.  There was a lot of depth missing as well as an actual promise of transition from crush to real, but if you only focus on the funny side characters and the awkward cuteness that was endearing, then I think you'll probably like this prequel just fine.  3 stars.

Bad Boy

https://amzn.to/3xS3Lww

A tattooed reclusive ex-con and an imaginative, skittish, young man...on paper neither of them belong together, unless that paper is in a romance novel, then all bets are off and they're a match made in literary heaven.  I liked Colton and Russ together when the moments were good and not awkward and I mostly enjoyed Russ' POV.  Aside from that, the story was hit or miss for me and I'll be back because the group of authors are more intriguing than this particular coupling ended up being.

I think what bothered me the most was Colton's reactions and thoughts.  There were so many moments that I rolled my eyes and either skimmed through or longed to skim through his portion of the story.  Juvenile can be appropriate and amusing and endearing, but in Colton's case it was inconsistent and made me uncomfortable.  Especially the jumping in the sack thing right away...way too soon and on the heels of some disturbing thoughts racing through Colton's brain.

It's Russ that saved it for me and while I wasn't a fan of everything he did, thought, or said, he was the character that I gravitated to from the very beginning.  I like a bit of redemption with my romance and while I believe Russ had nothing to prove to anyone, he needed to show for himself exactly the type of man he was; a good man deserving of the young man that captured his attention and his heart, not to mention other bits of his anatomy.

There was some contrived drama that pushed the story forward but was honestly overkill and inappropriate, so I feel that could have been beta-read out of there, but I can't say I didn't understand why the author went in that direction.  It was kind of an easy road forward conflict-wise and seemed ready-made for overreactions and prejudice to overcome.  I wish it had been less predictable and more organic though.  Other than that, I enjoyed reading this story and am definitely coming back because my curiosity has been piqued with the group of authors that deserve their own HEAs.  3.5 stars.

Fables Retold, Morgan Brice and Various Authors

I'm a sucker for a good fairy tale retelling, especially when there are a few twists or modernizations thrown in wisely. Four of the included stories really caught my interest and two were written by a couple of my must-read authors so I was pretty excited for this anthology.

Below are reviews for only four of the stories: The Cat Returns to Adderly, Sam Burns; The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell, W.M. Fawkes; Gruff, Morgan Brice; and The Demon's in the Details, Meghan Maslow.

The Cat Returns to Adderly, Sam Burns
This was a really unique take on Puss in Boots, that the boots were the tool used to bring back the element of humanity in a supernaturally altered cat.  The romance itself took a back seat to Luke's making a home in the mansion of a missing witch while making sense of the life he's trying to gain.  In and amongst all the little discoveries there's something going on between him and the Alastair of his dreams, but none of that really comes together until the very end and by then we're supposed to believe there's a romantic connection, though it's a bit of curiosity, lust, and desperation all mixed up in a way that's okay for a start, but not a good way to end the story.  While the epilogue bit was cute and shows a far more settled couple, it doesn't really deepen the believability of the romance.  I wished there were more magic, more romance, and more of a build, but overall the unique take and interesting premise was passable.  3 stars.

Gruff, Morgan Brice
I love Fox Hollow!  Each story in this world fits the setting and adds interest to a town I wish I could visit in real life.  Adiel and Joe are new additions to the town and their meet-cute was a good intro to Adiel, getting to know Joe came a bit later.  My favorite bit was probably the first shift where they meet one another's goats...adorable!  Their hesitance was endearing until Adiel let his fear and insecurity get the better of him.

The romantic conflict was super predictable and the way they both flew off the handle and stomped off full of self-righteousness and hurt feelings was definitely not appreciated, but what made it excusable was that during their separation both truly reflected on their overreactions and made really astute observations that led to believable resolutions.

And the introduction of the Three Billy Goats Gruff aspect was far more dramatic than I expected, they were powerfully different, violent, and challenging.  Very little resembled the Norwegian fairy tale beyond the desire to consume the challenger and I liked the intent behind the changes.  They were a little repetitive, but still quite effective.  The whole experience helped Adiel to prove, not only to Joe, but to himself that he was stronger than he thought, that he was deserving of more than he's been given or had accepted up to now.  And the assists from Joe were just right; a partnership and a non-verbal show of just where his own heart and hopes lay.  Definitely unique and great addition to the Fox Hollow stories.  4 stars.

The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell, W.M. Fawkes

Quite grim nearly from the start with a whole lot of loss and apprehension about huge life changes for everyone, Elio had a lot to come to terms with over the course of the story.  The creepy nature of Bertram, the house setup, the mystery...all of it was fitting to the original tale.  While I was glad things worked out as they did, I didn't connect with any of the characters much at all even though I really wanted to.  I was more interested in Grim, the random dog who was a mystery on their own and left unexplained to the very end.

There was a lot that was unresolved by the end, most the minutiae of consequences from the climax, and I would have really appreciated seeing some of the transition because Elio had two more huge changes coming at him; the hopeful expectation regarding those changes just wasn't enough to satisfy me.  Between the magic that I wanted more of and the friends-to-lovers setup with Dutch that I also didn't get enough of, the story was fine, I just didn't feel there was enough.  3 stars.

The Demon's in the Details, Meghan Maslow

By far the best book I have ever read from this author.  Poe and Tommy are fascinating and memorable on their own and together they are incendiary and fickle and salty and sweet too.  I enjoyed their roller coaster, though I wish it had been an alternating POV and not just Poe's.  From the very beginning I was intrigued and engaged and interested in the MC's and rooted for their HEA, which they most definitely got.

The plot was clear and focused, it progressed well without too many complications thrown in just to make things more interesting.  There was drama, of course, but it was resolved in a way that fit the characters and the family they surrounded themselves by.  There weren't any true surprises along the way, but neither was it exactly predictable; it was just right, in my opinion.  There was a strength in the subtleties, the bad guys were clear, and the good guys were a lot of fun while also being clever and deadly.

There was compassion, heart, passion, and family in all the right ways.  I really want more from this world.  If you sign up for the author's newsletter you could gain access to a short story from Tommy's POV from when he met Poe and while it was kinda nice, it was incredibly short and I thought it was underwhelming.  I'd recommend not reading it after the story, read it as part of the story where it belongs chronologically if you really want to read it, I just think it was unnecessary.  4.5 stars.

*$8.99 on Amazon

Tales as old as time…reimagined.

What if your favorite fairy tales…kicked some serious, urban fantasy ass?

Fueled by magic, steam, and scorching men, this MM romance anthology has just the thrill you’re looking for.

Stories included:

Blake & the Beast by Rhys Lawless (Beauty & the Beast)

The Cat Returns to Adderly by Sam Burns (Puss in Boots)

The Seventh Ring of Bertram Bell by W.M. Fawkes (Bluebeard)

Gruff by Morgan Brice (Three Billy Goats Gruff)

The Demon's in the Details by Meghan Maslow (Rumpelstiltskin)

Spirit of Snow by Richard Amos (Snow White)

Crossing Lines: Hollywood Hopefuls Book 3, Jeris Jean

Crossing Lines (Hollywood Hopefuls Book Three)

Release Date: March 30, 2021

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Age-gap, Hollywood

Themes: Trust, commitment

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 61,095 words/181 pages

In Drawing Lines we got a glimpse of something between Jasper and Matt so I was intrigued before this release was even announced.  What we got in their story was far more depth, hurt, patience, and growth than I expected.  Jasper and his successful yet stagnant life met Matt's burgeoning yet haunted life and neither expected the chemistry, disappointment, insecurity, or the love that they'd find with one another.

Aside from the bar scene, their sexual chemistry was kind of muted for most of the book.  There were definitely some spicy scenes, but in the face of Matt's history and hang ups there were other things that became more important.  Jasper's patience with Matt's limits was wonderful because it showed how much he truly valued Matt and was willing to go at his pace.

That being said, both men had a tendency to get a bit too much in their own heads and then get hurt and then offended and lash out at one another over a few issues that really would have been solved by good ole fashioned communication.  They were stellar at it in some cases and then not at all when it came to really sensitive things.  Adding in some contradictory actions and statements and I was left a little confused a couple/few times.  Not enough to write anyone or anything off, just enough to be taken out of the flow of the story unnecessarily.

While this wasn't my favorite of the series, it was a solid follow up with some incredibly tender and sweet moments that stemmed from individual growth and realizations that brought both men to exactly where they needed to be and who they could share it all with.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Crossing Lines is a sexy and sweet age-gap, opposites-attract mm romance set in Hollywood.

When Matt is propositioned by Jasper, a hot older guy, he’s more than down. That is until he realizes Jasper has a boyfriend, and Matt would be joining them both. He’s not into it, especially since the boyfriend is a jerk. What Matt doesn’t expect is the lingering disappointment that the handsome man who approached him wasn't single.

Jasper is not used to rejection. He didn’t become one of the most successful executives in Hollywood by accepting defeat. So when Matt, the sexy young barista, turns him down flat, he's determined to find out why, especially when there is such undeniable chemistry between them.

*Crossing Lines is the third book in the Hollywood Hopefuls series, but it works as a standalone novel, though I absolutely suggest getting to know Ethan from Drawing Lines since he's adorable, the best friend of Matt, and there is a bit of storyline overlap that adds perspective.

Excerpt

Jasper turned in Reid’s arms and simply nodded. Reid’s face lit up, and he drug Jasper off the dance floor. They made their way to the bar to reload on drinks, then they found a small table in the bar area to scope out their options. After quickly scanning the bar, Jasper knew they’d have no trouble finding a willing third. While he was probably a solid 8, even at his age, Reid was a fucking 10, taking tall, dark and handsome to a whole other level. Jasper could already see guys shooting them the Pick me! Pick me! eyes. They were practically licking their lips.

“How about him,” Reid said, nodding his head toward a table near the back. Jasper followed his gaze to a table with three young guys, seemingly in jovial conversation. He watched the three men for a few minutes, trying to gauge their relationship to one another. It certainly seemed like they were close, but the vibe was very platonic. Easy laughs, casual postures, but not sitting close or touching at all. They appeared to be oblivious to the entire club around them, and from what Jasper could tell, they were celebrating. Judging by the baby face on the one guy, it could be his 21st birthday. Jesus. I’m old enough to be that kid’s dad.

“I hope you’re not talking about the ginger, because if you are, I’m going to have to institute a must be old enough to rent a car policy.” He shot Reid a judgmental glare.

Reid laughed. “Not the baby gay. The blonde.”

Jasper considered this. The blonde was also really young, early twenties at best. He was good looking in a boy-next-door sort of way, but Jasper wasn’t particularly attracted to the innocent type. If they were going to have a threesome, he wanted someone who would know what to do. And when his eyes flicked to the third man at the table, all Jasper could think was “Bingo.”

“Him,” Jasper said, not phrasing it as a question.

“Lip Ring?” Reid lifted an eyebrow.

Jasper slowly raked his eyes over the man, considering his appearance. There was something about him that seemed vaguely familiar, thought he was sure they didn’t know one another. He’d certainly have remembered meeting him. He was young, too, but older than the other two. Definitely still in his twenties. He had black hair that was shaved on the sides and longer on top, and it had a few streaks of blue in it. He had piercings in his eyebrow and lip, and while the black hair and piercings would make a lot of guys look rough, the man’s clear blue-grey eyes and easy smile made him seem approachable, kind even. He was long and lean, dressed in all black, tight jeans and a t-shirt that was rolled at the sleeves. His exposed arms were all creamy-pale skin contrasted with stark, bold tattoos, all black and grey and striking blue.

“Yeah,” Jasper croaked, realizing he had been staring for longer than he probably should have been, “him.”

Reid grinned. “Fuck yeah. I’ll go say hi. You go grab a…looks like he’s drinking a beer?”

Jasper stood up quickly. “I’ll go talk to him. You get the drinks.”

About Jeris

Jeris Jean is a life-long Minnesotan with an obsessive love of books. She has a master's degree in English Literature but didn't write her first novel until she was in her mid-thirties.  Something just "clicked," and all fell into its rightful place.

Jeris is a lover of cats, coffee, binge-watching tv shows, her bffs, puzzles, knitting, white sunglasses, black nail polish, purple hair, and reading and writing like it's going out of style, especially mm romance.

She lives with her husband, two sons and their cat, Fluffy Cat Love, in a lovely little suburb of Minneapolis.

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As Big as the Sky, Amy Aislin

Five stars for the fluffiest fluff to ever fluff!  I adore Sam and Bo with all my heart.  They were direct, endearing, and so very open to one another once Sam realized that he was being kind of a big jerk.  In addition to that there were the heartfelt confessions, the apology carrots, the apology primroses for the apology carrots, the genuine warmth, amusing parents, and all the animals...I don't think I have a single complaint.

Keeping the conflict on the real issues and not manufacturing drama between the men was the perfect way to go for this short romance.  The depth was there, but in a light handed way so it was more alluded to by the circumstances and side characters rather than in the descriptive dialogue or written explanations.  While Sam's individual conflict was a bit of a non-issue, it did give validation for his rather caustic myopticism that dictated his and Bo's first interaction and was suitably resolved in the same non-issue kind of way.  It was Bo's conflict that was really the focus and I was glad for the way it played out.

I almost want to take a tiny break from reading so I can let all the tender feels settle in me for just a bit longer.  There was just so much heart and honesty that it gave me the lightness I was craving.  No angst and all the feels, this short story is perfect for a literary lift when you need it.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Sam McAuley isn’t having a great start to the summer. Served with papers? Great. He’s being sued. Perfect, pristine yard overrun with chickens? What the—? Clearly, the new guy running the animal rehabilitation centre next door has no idea what he’s doing.

It’s one town to the next, one school to the next, one job to the next for Bo Novak. Everything is temporary. Even his current job—running his sister’s animal rehab centre while she’s away on a four-month leave—is temporary. And he does know what he’s doing, thank you very much. Sure, things don’t always run smoothly, but the stick-in-the-mud next door could be a little nicer about it.

One overheard conversation, an olive branch, and a baseball game might show these guys that being at odds isn’t really what they want, and that what they want might just be each other.

Deacon's Defender: Protect and Serve Book 2, Pandora Pine

I loved and was intrigued by Ozzy from the moment we met him in Gunnar's Guardian so I was super stoked to get his story next, especially with the tragedy that we were left facing at Gunnar's conclusion.  While not what I expected, Deacon's Defender gave us some cheesy, some tender, some hot, and some surprising moments that culminated in a pretty good story that fit with the series.

Ozzy has a lot on his shoulders and isn't truly coping well.  Thanks to a fantastic family he's able to see a light at the end of the tunnel of his grief and frustration, but it's Deacon that helps him find that light.  Deacon brings out feelings and hopes in him he'd thought he'd never feel again.  After having disappointment after disappointment in his romantic life he'd pretty much given up on finding his person and when a horrid order from his superiors forces him to get closer to Deacon he's surprised to find that an unfortunate situation brought him something good.  But guilt and shame and suspicion are muddling the path forward and it was so hard to watch him suffering and falling in love at the same time.

Deacon was a little harder for me.  I wasn't charmed by him at all and felt little connection with him.  While his attributes seem to be a match for Ozzy, it's really Ozzy that carries the story.  The suspicions are valid and it was nice to see that Deacon supported the initial questions after a bit of justified frustration, but I found myself very bothered by his declarations to be wiped out by his dramatic reactions.  I wished that I loved him as much as I'd grown to care for Ozzy.

Finding the arsonist was both predictable and also a surprise.  Predictable because we could see the character that would likely be written in as the culprit once other secrets were revealed, but surprising in the way it played out because it seemed quite over the top.  I can't say it was my favorite reveal and it didn't really feel organic to the overall story, but instead it was a way to make it way more dramatic, as if it were competing with the horrors we witnessed in Gunnar's Guardian.  I'm hoping the next brother's story flows a bit better than this one did and while I'm not looking for the chaos of Book 1, I do hope it flows organically like it did.

$4.99 on Amazon

Hot on the trail of a crazed arsonist, Fire Captain Ozzy Graves has been ordered to stick close to the number one suspect in the string of deadly fires; mild-mannered newspaper reporter, Deacon Fairbanks.

Spending time with Ozzy is a dream come true for Deacon, who’s been in love with the ornery captain from afar. Deacon’s wildest dreams become reality when Ozzy asks him out.

The new relationship burns hot, but there’s trouble in paradise. Each of the lovers is keeping a devastating secret that could not only threaten to send Ozzy and Deacon’s fledgling relationship down in flames, but the entire city as well.

Fated for the Fake Fiance: Claimed by Fate Book 1, Aiden Bates and Jill Haven

I liked the idea of Fate and the town setting.  In a world where shifters are a reality, but the notion of fated mates is considered a myth, there's a lot more "reality" that can be had here.  Where relationships take work and the insta-love is more of a spark that isn't always instant, but definitley has the potential of forever if you don't dismiss it...this is the kind of story that has the potential for incredible depth and magic of all kinds.

Sometimes potential is all you get though.  The idea of Fate and the town are great, though it needed a bit more of a concrete feel, like it's something real as if everyone can feel the magnetism of both but have no words or full awareness of its meaning until they and their person are brought there.  If it had been integrated a bit better and were more solid this would have been made of win.

Markus and Levi are kind of lackluster and uninspiring on their own and the relationship was quite shallow for most of the book.  I can't say I'm a fan of holding back on how you really feel because of uncertainty and their hesitation goes beyond what I can tolerate.  There was a whole lot that could have been deepened between them and their individual growth was uneven as well.  Markus did do more changing, but I wish more had been on the page because his immaturity seemed to be his main personality point and it lasted for far too long.  Levi was in a similar place being only 18 and playing at playwriting seemed less of a passion and calling and more of an interest with juvenile sentiments guiding his writing.

There were quite a few story complications with packs, roosts, politics, mating, setting up a life in a town Markus was meant to fail in...none were given a lot of context beyond the constant reiteration of Markus' irresponsible playboy attitude that got him sent there and so I found myself confused at quite a few moments.  Being distracted from a story that lacked a clear focus and balance wasn't exactly enjoyable.

On the positive side, there were some really well-written shifting scenes and passionate moments that carried enough weight to make the story redeemable.  I'd like for the rest of the series to improve and I'm interested to see if we'll get to sink deeper into the town through a few characters that were intriguing in their peripheral roles in this story.

*$4.99 on Amazon

I don’t believe in fate, but this dragon makes me burn …

I want to be a playwright, not a trophy husband to whatever powerful alpha my family chooses. And when they go too far, I can’t take it any more. I’d rather be poor than their pawn. But when my past catches up to me, I do what I do best … make something up.

Mason Shanahan isn’t my fiancé, but my family doesn’t need to know that. A dragon as powerful as Mason shouldn’t be happy to play along, and a part of me is worried that he’s just as concerned with his status in society as my family. But if that’s true, why does he kiss me like me means it? He says there’s more than a fake relationship tying us together … he says we’re mates.

No one believes in those stories anymore, myself included, but the more time I spend in Mason’s arms, the more I find myself wondering … are we really faking it? Or could it be fate?

Second Chance, Barbara Elsborg

Honestly, the T-Rex t-shirts were my favorite parts of the story. I had to stop reading so I could laugh really hard out loud to appreciate the awesomeness of those images. I HAVE to find shirts like them.

But on to my thoughts about the story. I thought I would struggle more with the first condition set for the bargain, but it turned into something that was both sexy and endearing. The viewers, besides Padraig(?), weren't really participating in a disturbing way so I could believe in the intention, feelings, and pressures of the moment.

The MC's were both interesting and intriguing. They became memorable in their own ways and really were a fantastic pairing. The uncertainties brought on by the circumstances of their meeting were predictable, but it was the reaction to them that pushed the story from being good to great for me. Feelings were handled well and the moments they were expressed were perfect for them as a couple. The interference by Nico was integrated especially well in how it both complicated as guided.

Overall I was shocked in a fantastic way by how the angst, tenderness, honesty, and healing were woven together in a wonderful story. The author is incredible with their talent for that kind of writing and to see them test it out in a new genre for them was a happy surprise that I'm totally on board with. Looking forward to more!

*$4.00 on Amazon

Ryder’s on the company bonding trip from hell, five days of competitive cycling with competitive colleagues and an even more competitive boss. Faced with yet another vertical climb, he ignores his uninvited, insistent inner cheerleader. No, he cannot keep up, and what’s more, he’s had enough. And the weather appears to agree he should stop, when sun turns in an instant to thick fog.

Callan’s at Whittaker’s Auction House to bid on fae land that his werewolf pack need as their new home, when an unsuspecting human stumbles through the door. Ryder is out of breath, out of luck, way out of his depth—and apparently the newest item on the auctioneer’s block. Unexpectedly tempting, if Callan had the money.

As the bidding heats up and Ryder proves dangerously irresistible to the assembled supernatural creatures, the situation grows more and more precarious. When Callan interferes, he puts his pack’s future in peril. Despite knowing how devious faeries can be, desperation makes Callan accept a deal, a chance to win the land for his pack and a future with Ryder. But it’s a risk. Possibly a deadly one.

This is not 'just another Valentine's story', it's a Barbara Elsborg Valentine's story (ish). So don't expect the usual sonnets and flowers and Cupids, but do expect the unexpected - vampires, weres, witches and warlocks. Oh, and a vengeful fae. Things are not quite as they may seem. You have been warned!

First Priority: Priorities Book 1, Este Holland

The beginning almost turned me off completely.  I get arrogant characters who need a good love to give them perspective, but certain things that happened almost pushed it too far for me.  Truman started off as more despicable than unlikable and I was really, really worried he wouldn't redeem himself.  Turned out I worried a little too hard.  He ended up as one of the best men and I'm so glad I stuck it out.

Adam had mental health issues and I loved that the way it was dealt with was real.  That there's no real cure and that he found his own coping methods.  While the actual follow-through with some of it was inconsistent, it was still a present thing in their lives that was handled realistically.  As an individual I thought he had backbone when it counted and learned to love himself and see himself through Truman's eyes.  He grew and deepened as a character and I liked that quite a lot.

There was a hint relatively early on about a possible conflict and it was never mentioned again until it surprised them all.  Completely unnecessary.  It really should have been nixed in favor of keeping the conflict between the person that sold them out and had been causing problems from the very beginning.  The confrontation with that person at the end was ... mature, I guess, but felt completely underwhelming.  Instead of thinking that a couple loose threads needed to be tied up, it would have been much more effecting to simplify and stick to only one.

The slower-to-act steamy aspect of their relationship was full of so much heart and understanding.  It showed exactly how far Truman came from his infamous beginning.  And seeing him in Ireland was fantastic.  I loved how they grew and the way they weren't chosen as the vehicle for tearing them apart before a reconciliation.  Instead, we get a more united front dealing with those things that sought to bring them down and pull them away from one another.  Their relationship and how it grew, deepened, that was what really sold me on the story.

I have such high hopes for the rest of the series.  The small asides to introduce the next two couples we'll see more of was slightly distracting and I mostly wish they'd been saved for their own books, no matter the overlapping timelines we'd get later, but they weren't huge or so overt that I disliked them.  The characters were present enough to draw my interest without really pulling the attention from First Priority's MC's.  I'm really hoping the rest of the series follows the same level of depth and commitment that Adam and Truman showed here.  With a start to the series that was utterly enjoyable, I've set the bar pretty high and can't wait to see how the rest plays out.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Adam:
Meeting an A-list movie star like Truman James wasn’t part of my life plan, but neither was temporarily living with my bully of a stepbrother. Being hit on by said celebrity definitely hadn’t been planned. Beating my social anxiety wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, and avoiding the stubborn actor was even harder, so when I was thrust into the spotlight, there was only one thing I could do… Run.

Truman:
From the moment I set eyes on Adam Hendrix, I was enraptured. His sweet demeanor and pretty-boy looks captured my heart from the start, and I refused to let Adam get away. When the paparazzi began to swarm, I did the only thing I could to protect Adam… I whisked him away to a place no one could get to him. I let my guard down and showed Adam the real me. The one only a few people in the world know. But will it be enough to make him stay? Will I be enough to make him happy?

Legendary Loves Volume 2; Nell Iris, Kassandra Lea, Addison Albright

Told from Hunter's POV, we get an excellent sense of who he is, his loneliness, his motivations, and what life means both with and without Vinge.  We don't get as much as I'd like from Vinge, but his heart and devotion practically leapt off the page.  Through Hunter's eyes we get a surprisingly unbiased view of who Vinge is and it makes their relationship all the more tender because they're both such fantastic men.

The slow-build of their relationship and the light steam was fantastic.  It fit the MC's, but also felt organic to their relationship because we had a lot to learn about the depth and breadth of their connection, as did they.  The steam and their relationship didn't rely solely on the idea of their instant and cryptic connection, but gave us a story of their own in this moment of their lives that was believable.

This was such a sweet story and the reason I signed up to review the short anthology.  It was my first Pegasus story and with such beautiful descriptions and a wonderful story to accompany them I'll need to find more, pronto.  But to find more that are just as beautifully written with characters as compelling as the shifter type will be no small feat.  There was very little I didn't like about this story and right on par with the quality I've come to love and expect from this author.  4.5 stars.

With such incredible elements to work with, I was extremely disappointed in the finished product.  There was very little, if any, real connection between the characters and their chemistry was non-existent.  Keston was annoying with his panic, dramatics, and reactionary behavior and Ness wasn't any better with his sparse explanations and non-information.  We know where he's from and what he is, but beyond that there's nothing about him that we learn or that I want to discover.  There is a lot of mystery with unsatisfactory resolution and no answers.  The dialogue was confusing and underwhelming and the overall voice was confused with words used that came from various times and regions.  I found quite a lot of the exclamations to be cliche and both overly dramatic and entirely too simplistic.  One moment that was baffling to me was the "monster" status in relation to celebrating human notions of holidays...what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?  It was an attempt at humor that fell flat...much like the rest of the story.  2 stars.

This was a good story with characters I enjoyed and an actual plot that worked with the length and theme.  Surrounding the supernatural existence versus the sensationalist take on Bigfoot we have Winston and his unconventional morals as a tabloid writer.  The way he conducts himself as the story progresses gives us a great glimpse into who he really is and why we should like him so much.  Romantically there could have been a lot more.  The connection was there and the chemistry worked well, but we were missing a lot of the evolution.  Their initial connection was good in that it was believable and the end showed promise, but what was missing were confessions that were more than just Winston's attempt to see what Oliver's affections might be, and a progression that could leave us feeling more of an HEA rather than an HFN.  Overall this was a really nice story, I just wanted more from the characters I was beginning to love.  3.5 stars.

*$5.99 on Amazon

Legendary Loves Volume 2 contains three paranormal shifter M/M romances just in time for Halloween! Contains the stories:

In My Arms Again by Nell Iris: Oxen is lonely, feeling like he's waiting for something, and can't focus. But when a very ill stranger collapses on his doorstep, everything changes. The stranger, Vinge, is a Pegasus unable to transform. Both men feel an instant connection that swiftly grows deeper. The questions surrounding Vinge are many. Why is he so familiar? What will it take for the depth of their connection be revealed?

The Murky Depths by Kassandra Lea: Tired of the daily grind of his job, Keston heads out for a weekend at his family's cabin in Kona Woods. Turns out he isn't alone, though, as there are others lurking in the shadows. When a near-death experience brings Ness waltzing into his life, everything Keston thought he knew is turned upside down. Will facing what scares him bring to Keston's life what it's missing most?

Weekend at Bigfoot's by Addison Albright: There's nothing about perky -- twinky? -- Oliver Hughes that would make Sensational News' (Never Fake! We Swear!) reporter Wilson Banks think Bigfoot actually exists. But while pursuing soundbites for a tabloid story about Bigfoot, Wilson witnesses something he wasn't meant to see. In Wilson's new reality, is there room for love with someone whose dreams are as big as his ... er ... feet?

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.

Black: MM Kitty Play Romance, Quin & Perin

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

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

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

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

*$3.99 on Amazon!

“Meow!”

There it was.

The sound that made my knees buckle.

He purred, neck stretched, eyes half-lidded.

With those cat ears, in his hair.

And the tail, that he flicked.

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

Leo & His Lion: Oh My! Book 2, Andi James and Lila Wilde

With Dylan's inability to adult and Leo's insecurity regarding coming out, it seems like they'd have some pretty big difficulties finding their forever happiness.  And while they do have their stumbling blocks, it's the way they fight for their individual happiness that truly brings them together and makes them memorable and very sweet to watch.  They each have something the other lacks and through their moments of discovery, their passion, and their constantly building connection they find exactly what they need.

There was something so satisfying in watching Dylan become the man he is meant to be.  Not only do we get the eye-opening kink discovery, we get to watch him be incredibly clumsy along the way to finding out who he wants to be and achieving that path for himself.  His foibles are actually quite endearing and speak to the innocent and genuinely good soul he has.  I found that just under the surface of all that scattered mess, he was actually the stronger partner in the story.  It was through him that Leo found his courage.

Leo was complicated in that he came from a family of love but had no confidence in their ability to accept a fundamental part of him.  There's no specific timeline for anyone admitting that part of themselves, and while I wished it hadn't taken him so long, his journey was one of moving from fear to freedom.

The connection both men shared right from the start was apparent in Teddy & His Bear.  Starting from a moment in that book was a great way to go, but things felt a little awkward the morning after.  It felt like Leo was trying too hard to show his adoration, support, and awe of Dylan's artistic abilities and dreams.  It just didn't feel organic to the moment.  Dylan's journey of kink started off quite awkward for me and I didn't know how I felt in those moments, but when we got to their "Ah ha!" moment, it all settled together and felt right.  The way they wove the kink into their budding relationship was believable as well as sexy.  While their connection did grow in a really fantastic way, it was the conclusion that really had me sold on these men.  They made the choices they did regarding their futures as individuals and they weren't dependent on the other man.  It brought the story from sexy and nice to solidly good with both steam and feels to add to the more admirable qualities of the MC's themselves.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Leo Varma doesn’t need love. At thirty-seven, he’s satisfied with focusing on his career, friends, and casual hookups. Besides, getting into a real relationship would mean finally telling his conservative family that he’s gay, and possibly losing them forever. He’s convinced himself that living in the shadows is good enough... until he meets Dylan. 

Dylan Drake-Matthews might be a catastrophe on two legs, but he loves life. After taking a part-time job at the club Leo frequents, the wide-eyed nineteen-year-old dives into the kink scene with both feet. When his first few attempts end in disaster, Leo takes Dylan under his wing, and everything clicks in a surprising way.

But secret encounters can only carry them so far. Dylan’s authenticity and personal honesty make Leo wish things were different in his own life, while Leo’s family situation keeps him from being what Dylan needs. Can Leo face his fears? Or will he let the love he never expected to find slip through his fingers?