Radical Hearts: Deviant Hearts Book 2, A.E. Ryecart

Lee is secretive, controlled, dark, and severe when we meet him in Captive Hearts.  But with a complete life change and a low moment during a downpour, he finds a surprise that just could maybe bring light and peace into his life.  I liked Lee quite a lot in this story.  He did seem like a completely different person, however, from the man we met before.  There wasn't a true seamlessness between who we met and who we're reintroduced to.  Both men are worthy of love, worthy of true freedom and future, but whether they really are the same person is debatable.  What I will say about this new Lee is that there's a captivating amount of softness and vulnerability in him.

Dominic instinctively knew that there was something inside of Lee that was worth getting to know.  His eagerness and inner strength in addition to his youth and self-assurance made for an intriguing package that drew Lee in just as strongly.  Their interactions were well-balanced and their connection was strong right from the start.  The lives they'd both lived up to this point gave them each the tools necessary to provide a safe place for both of their hearts.  Each one could open up about their pain and frustrations and while surprised at the acceptance both men displayed, they were both relieved that their fears of rejection were quashed.

The drama that surrounded both men was both a surprise and a bit predictable.  I could feel that there was going to be a helluva huge family connection drama, especially since that was the source of so much pain for one of the men, but the more intense drama surrounding the Save Charlie movement was what surprised me.  It was big, violent, scary, and the hints and intimations all throughout prepared us for the who, but definitely not the final confrontation.

Despite the high level of drama that surrounded and guided many of Dominic and Lee's interactions, there's an undeniable chemistry and compatibility between the men.  There's also an incredible amount of tenderness between them that I wasn't expecting.  I loved these two men and rooted for them the entire time, even when they fell back into old coping habits.  There was a future for them that could bring them both true healing and a sense of peace that will sustain them far beyond what they could have ever achieved on their own.  From the start we knew these men would have a hard road to travel to get their HEA and while that road was certainly littered with blockades and potholes, they made it through to the other side together.  It was intense yet tender amongst all the crazy they had to live through.

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Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together, Ari McKay

Two men hoping for love that will last a lifetime.  Tomy's anticipated hopes were crushed but Jason hopes for a chance to change Tomy's mind with his own hope for love.  When Tomy's disappointment opens the door for Jason to show Tomy that the right man for him is still waiting it leads to a very slow-burn, gradual deepening of affections between the two men.

Tomy was cautious, vulnerable, hurt, and lost.  A far cry from the happy, flirty, confident man we meet in the beginning with the easy smiles and eager happiness.  While I do feel there's a certain amount of depth missing despite all that we know about him, I still think he's a good character.  He's a solid guy that we root for from the very start.  His honest reticence in beginning something or jumping into the club scene in an attempt to get over his ex is admirable and I like that it gave Jason a chance to show Tomy just what he could have instead.

I liked Jason quite a bit.  He's a giant of a man with the softest, most earnest heart ever.  All he wants out of life is love and happiness and there's something about Tomy that calls to that part of him.  Jason is direct, yet subtle.  He knows Tomy isn't ready for something more romantic but for all Jason does to further their friendship he makes just enough overtures to stay out of the friend-zone.

Their dance, both figuratively and literally, stokes a slow-burning passion that creates a far better foundation for the men than the years of shallow interest Tomy mistook for love from Sean.  The story was light, happy, and a very easy read.  There were times that it felt like it dragged.  When I say it's a slow-burn type of story, slow is the operative word here.  Months and months go by of dance classes, knitting projects, and awkwardly withheld flirting.  Once they were on the same page, though, the tender passion they feel for one another is palpable and I felt myself breathing out, "Finally...!"  The end of the story was equally tender and sweet rounding out the light, heartfelt story of love and healing broken hearts.

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Cease Fire: Omega Sector Under Siege, Janie Crouch

There's nothing I love more than a woman who kicks ass and sticks up for herself and others.  Keira is made of win.  She has a fire and a passion inside of her that couldn't be extinguished by an anguishing past.  Roman is an amazing partner to her.  Someone who understands what it means to be human, frail, and vulnerable.  He allows her freedom within the bounds of protection and is always in her corner.

Well, except for their one falling out that caused a two-month separation, but not for the reason Keira or Roman's mother thinks.  The depth of his feeling was intense and more than he could handle and adding in his mother's manipulation, his fear won out and he pulled away.  Their reunion was realistic, frustrating, and perfect for the story.  Adding in the drama surrounding the Omega Sector and you get one hell of a ride.

The complexities of character were there mostly in Keira and while not as strong in Roman, it didn't diminish the strength of his character in the least.  I do wish that Keira had told off Roman's mom or at least silently maintained her backbone instead of retreating inside herself.  Roman's dedication to her and his actions showed only support and commitment.  Making decisions for someone else based on insecurity and/or manipulation is wrong no matter what the intention behind it is.  I was very glad for Roman's intuitiveness to head off any other foolish separations with his honesty and insightful questions and declarations.

The danger to Keira was a bit unexpected and made the novel more focused on Keira and Roman's story rather than the underlying plot for the entirety of the Omega teams in regards to Freihof.  Freihof is more of a puppeteer and his role is far from over and will be continued in more of the Under Siege series.  For Roman and Keira, though, Freihof orchestrated a confrontation between them and Keira's harrowing past.  The conclusion of which was surprising with the character that rode in to save the day.  Such a great story with an awesome ending that was perfect for the MC's and their evolution.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Pull You Through, Kaylee Ryan

This was a really sweet story that showcased a lot of love for the military and support of the military.  So the story was more of a tribute to soldiers and the ones committed to waiting for them rather than a romance about these two characters.  Their romance was a vehicle rather than the focus.  Not a bad story, not at all.  The characters were young however, and they had a lot of life yet to live.  We get a great beginning to what is sure to be a great life for these two.

Austyn ended up being quite a crier.  I can handle some tears but I felt that the number of times she broke down into them was a little excessive.  Slade is a great man with a depth of character I wasn't expecting.  We also get to follow the relationship of their best friends a bit more than peripherally.  Since both of these couples were extremely close as individual friends before we meet them in their respective relationships we are given another young military relationship to see.

When we first meet Slade and Austyn we get a good sense of who they are despite their youth and I like that they both have a good sense of who they are and that they have good heads on their shoulders.  Their connection is relatively quick and very strong.  I'm extremely glad Slade and Austyn take their time getting involved intimately because it makes their relationship even more believable.  As they progress they have immense highs and lows all connecting to the military and how difficult it is to be on both sides of a military relationship.

Overall, this story was sweet and very emotional.  The synopsis was a bit misleading because of its intimation that we'd get something a bit more "New Adult" rather than a paean to military men and women through Slade and Austyn's very intense relationship.  This wasn't a bad thing, it was just a bit unexpected.  The title was used in the story and was my favorite part of their interactions.  It was a poignantly phrased way to see love and connection to those who are in dangerous situations and need hope, strength, and support.  The ending was incredibly sweet and showed a future for them that was full of healing and how overcoming the difficulties battle has on an individual can give them true freedom and purpose.

$3.99 on Amazon!

Baby Donor: Poppy Field Omegas Book 3, Beau Brown

When presented with the future he wants by the very person he could imagine sharing that future with, Ace is beyond tempted.  But is what Wyatt really offering everything Ace wants?  Both of these men are trying to fight against an incredibly strong pull toward one another but for very different reasons.  For Ace it's trying to protect his heart against an inevitable heartbreak from the alpha of his dreams that's determined to not be involved.  And for Wyatt it's that he isn't interested in family life whatsoever but can't deny his carnal interest in Ace...or so he deludes himself into believing it's something that simple.  When fate has another idea in mind for the two of them it's only a matter of time before they either give in to what could be or if they'll let pride and intractability keep them from a greater happiness than either could ever imagine.

Ace reads younger than he is.  His shyness and eagerness and fumbling is more cute than alluring and yet he captures the interest of Wyatt.  He believes the best of the sexy alpha and his admiration grows into a bit of fantasy and wishful thinking.  Despite those increasingly sexy thoughts he has for the enticing alpha he doesn't think he could ever capture Wyatt's eye, let alone his heart.

Wyatt notices the young omega.  Each encounter increases the intensity of his attraction.  When they get a chance to communicate beyond their usual donor appointment dialogue it's clear that there are some serious sparks between them.  Whether those sparks can grow into something deeper and longer-lasting, however, is the question.  Wyatt is sure it's just physical until a force compels him to be near and to protect Ace.  This compulsion leads him to make the offer that sets them on the course of their destiny and only Wyatt's brand of obliviously fatalistic honesty can derail it.

I liked Ace far more than I liked Wyatt.  Wyatt's denial of everything throughout pretty much the entire story wore on me.  Ace's submissive character merely brought out momentary feelings of ambivalence toward him but it's his refusal of Wyatt's second proposal that makes me really love him.  Not giving in despite wanting the man so very much took courage and an inner strength that's admirable.  Only when Wyatt opens his eyes to everything he's missing out on, what he was denying within himself does he do what's necessary to get Ace back.  The ending was satisfying and I appreciated all of Wyatt's efforts to show Ace what he felt and the kind of future where Ace could truly be happy.

*$2.99 on Amazon!