Not My Groom by Devon Doe (Am I The Problem? Book #2)

Title: ⟫ Not My Groom (Am I The Problem #2)

Author: ⟫ Devon Doe

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Tl;dr: Am I the problem for sleeping with my cousin’s groom before their wedding? I did her a favor, really!

I [25M] hate weddings, because I was jilted at mine a few years back. But while I might be cynical about love, I’m not gonna refuse free food and a five-star hotel at my cousin’s nuptials. And since I was visiting my hometown, I grabbed the opportunity to hook up before the event. What can I say? I’m an ass man, and when I spot a ripe peach, I’m gonna reach for it.

So here’s the issue: at the rehearsal dinner on the very next day, I found out the man whose cherry I took is the groom [20M].

This guy is to marry my cousin, so if he thinks I’ll let his behavior slide, he has another thing coming. He even has the audacity to make eyes at me during the wedding preparations. I don’t want to ruin the celebration, but I will tease and taunt this cheating bastard until he admits he’s gay and calls the whole thing off.

But it turns out he’s actually sweet as a basket full of puppies, lost in working out his identity, and now I’m falling for him.

Am I the villain and a wedding-wrecker? He’s the one who cheated!

(And why does his dog have to be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen? The guy cooks a mean steak, has an ass you can bounce coins off, and owns a cute dog? Come on! I’m not in the market for a husband.)

*

“Not My Groom” is an enemies-to-lovers steamy romcom filled with wedding disasters.

When a commitment-phobic cynic meets a cheating groom, who’s actually desperate for affection, only a dog can talk some sense into them.

While the books in the series share a setting each can be read as a standalone.

Review: ⟫ This book seemed to be comprised of two separate ideas that kinda smushed together. We have the initial hot-as-heck meeting, where Logan and Kyle have intense chemistry and Kyle gives in to long-held desires. Unfortunately, he’s on the brink of getting married to Logan’s cousin and a whole farce commences there.

The second half is – more domestic I guess? I was confused by why Kyle chose to follow Logan – yes, they had chemistry but Logan’s behaviour was kinda awful and I couldn’t quite see just why Kyle would do what he did. The relationship between the two men is entertaining and pleasant to read, but the confusion – or maybe my inability to suspend disbelief – messed with how I felt about the story.

Ultimately, it’s a nice, pleasant read with some hot sex scenes and domestic bliss, but this missed the mark for me. I will, however, happily read more in the ‘Am I the Problem’ series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

His Fatal Love by Leighton Greene (West Coast Mobsters #3)

Title: ⟫ His Fatal Heart

Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene

Rating: ⟫ 5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Easily bored, completely manipulative, and utterly deadly…and that’s just in bed.

As an assassin for the Castellani Family, I live for the thrill of the job.

I'm devoted to my Family and my Don, because they keep me safe.

To Leo Bernardi, I'm a monster.

A killing machine.

And a puppet that his Family can use for their own ends.

To me, Leo is just a pawn in a game that I'm playing.

A means to an end.

And if I have a little fun with him along the way, who cares?

Leo thinks he can seduce me. Tame me. Use me.

In this game of cat and mouse, the Bernardi Lion is about to get a big surprise.

But the more entangled we become, the more I start to feel…

Things I didn’t think I was capable of feeling.

Things I’ve never wanted to feel.

In my line of work, love is a fatal flaw. But the more time we spend together, the harder I fall.

Leo Bernardi is my greatest enemy…

Could he also be my greatest love?

**

Dive into a forbidden romance between a psychopath assassin and a Mob Enforcer. Get ready for seductions and betrayals, scorching love scenes, and an unforgettable romance as a cold case comes back to haunt two Families sworn to destroy each other.

Review: ⟫ Oh, Julian! I have wanted his story from the first time I met him and I was in no way disappointed! And the Lion! Oh my good Lord!

These two burned up the page – the psychopath (not officially diagnosed) and the henchman make an absolutely amazing couple, and adding to the whole BDSM club sexy madness, we have the mystery of who killed Julian’s mother.

There are plot points in here that had my mouth dropping in awe and glee; the sex scenes were hotter than Hades and I was absolutely engrossed in the whole story. Okay, I admit it – I’ve read it twice since I got the ARC which is NOT GOOD because I have five other ARCs to read – but I just wanted to immerse myself in the details and glory in the beauty that is Julian and Leo. Two more suited individuals I have yet to read, and the fact that both of them were trying to deny what it was made it completely and utterly delicious.

We also get Xander, Jack, Miller and Teddy as well as meeting other capos, many of whom don’t survive the book! In case it’s not obvious, I freaking adored this book and I am just so incredibly pleased that Julian lived up to all of his previous billing. An easy five stars from me and I am so in love with the West Coast mobsters that they almost replaced my other favourites in Leighton’s series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Whiskey and Sin by Emily Rath

Title: ⟫ Whiskey and Sin

Author: ⟫ Emily Rath

Rating: ⟫ 3.75/5

Blurb: ⟫ Run.

In a world where unbonded omegas are worth their weight in gold, running is the only thing Silas Wright knows. Run from the criminal alpha pack hunting him. Run from the dark secrets haunting his nightmares. Run from himself.

Stumbling in the dark down a twisting mountain road, Silas is on the run when a stranger comes crashing into his life. This alpha is dangerous, but Silas is out of options. Forced to accept help, Silas finds himself holed up in a lonely mountain cabin. Cornered and desperate, Silas must quickly decide: Can I trust this alpha? Can I let him know my secret?

“My handsome rescuer may be an alpha…but I am no beta.”

WHISKEY & SIN is a standalone MM Omegaverse novel featuring dark themes in a small town setting. For a full list of content warnings, see the author's website. 

Review: ⟫ This was an easy book to sit and breeze through – the story telling was engaging and entertaining, the struggles that Bear had with being an Alpha were interesting as I’ve never read anything like that, and the character of Silas was a strong lead which made me want to see him reach his HEA.

It did begin to drag a little towards the end, and the big battle with the Rainer pack felt a little – well, weighted in Bear’s favour, but I guess that was explained by his military experience.

I did have some quibbles – there was nothing actively done about the Omega Centres and what they were doing; the Beresford Pack were difficult to like, and the fact that to a large extent Bear and Jared were prepared to ditch Silas before they found out his real designation didn’t sit right with me.

All that being said, I enjoyed the book and was pleased with the ending, and the special epilogue available through the author’s newsletter. Be aware of the warnings as they were necessary, even if a lot of the abuse was off-screen, but it was a nice book.

Himbro by Honey London

Title: ⟫ Himbro

Author: ⟫ Honey London

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Devon got dumped.

My tragic taste in men has left me in the lurch… again. This time it’s the day before I’m supposed to leave for a destination wedding. When my ridiculously hot older stepbrother volunteers to be my travel buddy, I’m ready for five days of brotherly fun in the sun. What I’m not prepared for? My very straight stepbrother introducing himself as my boyfriend to shut up my manipulative, evil ex.

Jesse saves the day.

I’ve spent my entire life protecting my nerdy little stepbrother. If spending a few days holding his hand and calling him baby is going to help him stand up for himself, I’m ready to give an Oscar-worthy performance in my role of fake boyfriend. What I’m not prepared for? A game of spin the bottle that changes everything.

Himbro is a steamy stepbrothers to lovers, jock and nerd, opposites attract, fake relationship, forbidden romance novel with a sweet happy ever after.

Review: ⟫ This was a funny, sweet read, with Jesse stepping up to help his stepbrother when his boyfriend dumps him just before Devon is going to a wedding. The worst part? His evil ex is going to be there and the thought of having to face him sans partner is enough to make Devon want to leave the country.

Bryce is a fantastic villain, upsetting and alienating everyone whilst Jesse steps up and is the hit of the wedding. He appears to be the picture-perfect boyfriend and everyone falls in love with him. Including Devon.

My favourite part was the quiz night when Jesse and Devon handed everyone their butts simply because they had known each other for so long and could use that to get the answers. The stepbrother aspect was kinda strange – I guess it could be viewed as a bit taboo, especially as they essentially did grow up together – but there wasn’t a lot made of it throughout most of the book. The fact that it slipped into the sex part of things was – a little weird. Simply because I would have thought they’d want to avoid those connotations and it wasn’t discussed or appeared to be a kink for them until then.

I’m not sure how steamy I would describe this story to be – until quite near the end anyway – but I laughed a lot and enjoyed reading it, so I don’t mind.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Out of the Wild Night by Marina Vivancos (Coven Ties Book #2)

Title: ⟫ Out of the Wild Night

Author: ⟫ Marina Vivancos

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ In a world filled with magic, where everybody is born a submissive or a Dom…

Mason might no longer hate being a submissive, but life has taught him his dynamic puts him at a disadvantage. Neglected in childhood, abused by the first Dom he ever trusted, he knows to keep his heart guarded.

Mason’s skill in Animal Magic allows him to move from coven to coven—never settling down. Never opening up to anybody.

The Meliora coven was supposed to be no different.

Mason has learnt the hard way not to fall for the kindness of strangers, but the people here are different. Charlie, the Dom Mason works with, is different. Joyful, teasing, caring—Mason’s icy suspicion can’t help but start melting.

Will it be so bad if he gives in and starts scening with Charlie? To get on his knees and beg for what he really wants?

Can he learn to trust again?

Content Warning: The beginning of this book deals with child abuse, grooming of a minor, and sexual abuse. It is not between the main characters but is on-page and may be distressing to read.

Review: ⟫ I read the first book in the Coven Ties series and didn’t get along with it, but I was very interested when I saw the blurb for this one and decided to give it another go. I’m glad I did – this felt like such a completely different style of story within the same verse and I enjoyed it very much.

Mason is holding himself away from human ties – he allows himself to scene, but because of his past he never truly lets himself go and therefore is missing out. Until he comes to the Meliora Coven and meets Charlie.

Charlie was an utterly delightful character – he was snarky, flirty, funny and above all else, he gave Mason time and space to figure out what he wanted. I loved their interactions, watching as their relationship grew, as Charlie encouraged Mason to open himself to people in a way he hadn’t felt safe enough to do before.

How Mason discovered whole new aspects of his character through allowing himself to ‘settle’ at the Meliora Coven was beautiful to read, but more than anything I liked the fact that the author didn’t pretend that it was simple and easy. Mason had to work for it, made mistakes, and took steps backwards – he struggled and worked to become the better person he was, and the author described it beautifully.

We see people from the previous book and I must admit, I had a more favourable reaction to them in this one – perhaps I will go back and re-read book one. All in all, I found this a beautiful love story, with the ‘magic’ aspect of things blending seamlessly with the human interactions and relationships.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Lost in the Past by Trent Allen (Slipping Through Time Book #1)

Title: ⟫ Lost in the Past

Author: ⟫ Trent Allen

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Why am I alive?

Cody Callahan has asked that question every day for the last ten years, ever since that psycho kidnapped two boys, him and his best friend, but only one survived.

Cody opens a doorway that leads him back to that nightmare. Shock that he’s traveled to his past sparks his resolve to change the outcome. Can he remember anything to help save his younger self and the boy who he will always love? Or, will the clock run out for both boys this time around?

Cody’s arrival derails Detective Jack Vance’s carefully crafted life, causing Jack to question everything he thought he wanted for himself. If they don't get to the boys in time, will Cody disappear from Jack's life forever? Why does that thought suddenly terrify Jack?

Cody’s pendant might be part of the reason. It looks exactly like the one hanging around Jack’s own neck, even down to the blue glow. Jack’s grandmother said it was magical. She even promised it would bring him love. He scoffed at the idea, but it never once glowed before Cody appeared. Could Cody possibly be that love? Jack wouldn’t be foolish enough to fall for a guy that isn’t from his own time… Would he?

This novel contains non-consensual m/m sex. It also has supernatural time-travel, consensual m/m sex, suspense, and lots of love!

Review: ⟫ This book surprised me in many ways and, to be honest, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. There is a lot that is good about the book – the pacing is good, the storyline is fascinating, and the thriller works well in itself.

My likes:

* Jack’s initial disbelief was well written – anyone would question someone telling them they were from the future, no matter what proof they provided;

* The mystery behind what has happened to Cody and Ricky was well written, with enough red herrings without going overboard;

* some pretty solid detective work by the police department rather than taking the easy way out and having future-Cody conveniently remember/recognise things;

* the twist took me by surprise and I was impressed with how it was handled.

My dislikes:

* I know the blurb warns about non-consensual sex but it gave me the serious ick factor just how often we were seeing things from Benji’s perspective. It began to feel a little over-the-top and unnecessary and I came close to skipping quite a few of those scenes;

* regardless of the time travel perspective, I think it possibly took too much suspension of disbelief that so many people noticed the similarities between future-Cody and past-Cody and nothing more was said/done;

* Cody was a little too ‘together’ for me considering he’d travelled through time and was faced with such an incredibly stressful time in his life. I think I would have liked to see just a bit more freaking out from him;

* the number of times the word ‘gawd’ was used jumped into my head and wouldn’t leave and I found myself flinching every time I read it. Other exclamations could be used!

* The style of writing was hard to describe – sometimes it felt a little too ‘simple’ and a bit immature, but that is most likely just my feelings on it. Other reviews I have seen have raved about the book so it’s probably my personal preference.

I really did enjoy reading this book and I will definitely be looking out for more from this author. I understand that this is their debut novel and I am impressed with their achievement.

I received an ARC from GRR.

In His Sights by K.C. Wells

Title: ⟫ In His Sights

Author: ⟫ K.C. Wells

Rating: ⟫ 4.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Random letters belong on Scrabble tiles, not dead bodies. But when a demented serial killer targets Boston’s gay population, leaving cryptic messages carved into his victims, lead detective Gary Mitchell has no choice but to play along.

As the body count rises, Gary gets desperate enough to push aside his skepticism and accept the help of a psychic. Dan Porter says he can offer new clues, and Gary needs all the insight into the killer’s mind he can get.

Dan has lived with his gift–sometimes his curse–his entire life. He feels compelled to help, but only if he can keep his involvement secret. Experience has taught him to be cautious of the police and the press, but his growing connection to Gary distracts him from the real danger. As they edge closer to solving the puzzle, Dan finds himself in the killer’s sights….

Review: ⟫ This was a very good read. Police procedural, with a touch of the paranormal and romance, and engrossing – I read it in just a few hours. The story pulls you along at a swift pace, throwing clues at you whilst the relationship between Gary and Dan grows before your eyes.

It definitely reminded me of an episode of maybe Bones or Criminal Minds, the characters bouncing off each other as they try to solve the mystery of the serial killer. As such, I was really pleased to learn that this is going to be a series – I greatly look forward to reading more about Dan and Gary, as well as Ritchie and the other team members who were in the background.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Never Have I Ever: Wanted My Brother's Rival by Willow Dixon

Title: ⟫ Never Have I Ever: Wanted my Brother’s Rival

Author: ⟫ Willow Dixon

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ “Why is the one person I hate the only guy I can’t stop thinking about?”

West, my older brother’s high school rival. The rich kid who has it all. The guy who disappeared six years ago and destroyed my brother’s life.

I thought West and I were friends. I trusted him, but he showed me I was nothing more to him than a means to an end.

Being twenty and in my last year of college isn’t easy. Neither is being a virgin. I’ve never been normal or felt like I fit in, and I don’t feel what I’m supposed to.

My online job has given me the perfect way to solve my virginity problem, but then the last person I ever wanted to see again shows up on my doorstep. Not only has West learned what I do for a living, he’s essentially my landlord.

I hate him. So why can’t I stay away from him? Why is he the only person I’ve ever felt a connection with, who makes me feel like there’s something in me worth wanting?

Eli and West’s story is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance between a former bad boy who seemingly has it all and an awkward genius who’s never felt like he fits in. Expect lots of banter and hot first times as these two try (and fail) to stay away from each other. It is the fourth novel in the steamy Never Have I Ever series but can be read as a standalone.

Review: ⟫ This was a sweet wrap up to the series. I have enjoyed the glimpses of Eli that we have had, learning a little more about him in each book until it definitely felt like it was time for his story.

The link between he and West was so caring and sweet and made me smile on numerous occasions: one of the best examples is when Eli turns to West and asks him if they’ve been doing something and West replies ‘I wonder how long it would take you to notice’. West just accepts the person that Eli is, with his foibles, habits and little quirks – in fact, he relishes them and it shows in the way he treats Eli. In return, Eli flourishes under the attention.

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Eli and the housemates, how as he began to accept the care that West was giving him, he in turn blossomed in his friendships.

This was a lovely book, with some hot sex scenes (including the camming) and as I said, excellent closure for the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Luck of the Devil by Lark Taylor (The Reckless Damned #4)

Title: ⟫ Luck of the Devil

Author: ⟫ Lark Taylor

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ One demon. One angel. A relationship that’s failed so many times. Could it really be just one human they’ve been missing?

Dagon

For centuries, Dimitri and I have tried to make it work. Each time we’ve been torn apart by our dominant natures, neither of us willing to back down. A hundred years ago, I thought he’d betrayed me in the worst possible way. In a fit of anger, we made a deal that led to my downfall.

Now Dimitri is back in my life, reshaping our history with the truth. But love still isn’t enough to make it work, not when being together tears us apart.

When he tells me he’s met our human mate, I can’t help but hope that Lucky will be the key to loving Dimitri the way I’ve always wanted.

But with Hell knocking at our door and an uprising threatening us all, can we persuade Lucky to give us a chance before it’s too late?

Dimitri

I haven’t given up on Dagon for one hundred years, and I won’t now.

When Lucky crosses my path, I finally understand why Dagon and I have never quite worked. Fate never intended us to be a couple…we were destined to be a triad. Lucky is the piece we need to complete us.

Winning Lucky over won’t be easy. Someone is hurting him, making him put up walls that are nearly impossible for us to cross.

But chasing Dagon has taught me that I’m a stubborn angel. I won’t give up on either of my mates.

Lucky

What an ironic nickname. Never in my life has anything lucky ever happened to me.

But everything changes when I meet Dagon and Dimitri. Two super-hot guys who aren’t put off by my in

experience? All my dreams are coming true.

Not for long though. Even with my boss and his family looking out for me, I know it’s only a matter of time before my past catches up to me.

So, for no

w, I’m going to soak up every drop of happiness Dimitri and Dagon have to offer.

Drink it up and pray they forgive me when I do what I always do.

Run…and don’t look back.

Luck of the Devil is an action-filled, fated-mates MMM paranormal romance with an HEA and no cliff-hanger. It is the final instalment in The Reckless Damned series, which is best enjoyed in order due to the overarching plot. Each book focuses on a different couple or triad and has an HEA.

Review: ⟫ Well, the Reckless Damned series has come to an end and it did it in explosive fashion. Dagon and Dimitri have been teased from the sidelines throughout the previous books and now the focus is well and truly on them. We find out just what is going on with them in terms of being mates, and discover that Lucky – the bartender – is the missing link that could make their lives complete.

There’s just a small matter of a demon uprising, Lucifer making his move, and a big bunch of angels to handle before the three of them can settle down to their HEA. We get big cameos from the previous couples and a satisfying end for Dagon and Dimitri, as well as the humans showing that although they don’t have superpowers, they can look after themselves.

We also get a few teasers for potential spin-offs which were interesting but not intrusive, so all in all, a good ending to the series.

Off-Sides by Andi Jaxon (Part of Worthy: a Pride Anthology)

Title: ⟫ Off Sides (part of the Worthy: A Pride Anthology)

Author: ⟫ Andi Jaxon

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Worthy: A Pride Anthology is a collection of original, brand-new short stories brought to you by thirteen incredible authors. Each story touches on the common theme of LGBTQ+ Acceptance.

Review: ⟫ I understand that the athletes of Darby U are part of a bigger universe but you don’t have to have read any of the other stories to read this novella. Nick and Joey meet in a club, both wanting to scratch an itch. What takes this story a step further is the issues that Joey is struggling with – his confusion regarding his sexuality and sexual needs is affecting these encounters and he seems to be on the point of breaking.

Somehow, Nick taps into something in Joey that makes their chemistry red-hot and makes him feel seen in a way that he hasn’t before. I think it was incredibly skilful of the author to manage to do that in a novella – you have time to fall in love with Joey and Nicky, believe in the relationship that they are building between them, and feel the sense of ease and acceptance that Joey reaches by the end of the story. That’s a lot to pack into a novella but the author made it happen.

I don’t think I’ve read any of the other Darby U books (although a situation that occurs in the book did ring a bell), but this can definitely be a standalone read with nods to previous characters for those who have read deeper. I enjoyed the story and will be looking for more of the anthology.

I received an ARC from Indie Author Creative.

Omega Trapped by Beau Brown

Title: ⟫ Omega Trapped

Author: ⟫ Beau Brown

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ I’m a pregnant and vulnerable omega and now I’ve caught the eye of a ruthless mafia boss who won’t take no for an answer.

Omega Nico is carrying the child of an alpha who attempted to end his life, and is now trapped in an impossible predicament. Unwilling to bring the child into the world, but too destitute to change his circumstances, Nico struggles to find hope amidst his crumbling life.

Enter Valentino Syracuse, the heir to the infamous Black Knives mafia. As his father's health wanes, the responsibility to lead falls upon young Valentino's shoulders. His ascension to power, however, comes with a he must take an omega as his mate to prove his unwavering commitment to the syndicate.

When he sees Nico, Valentino is immediately drawn to the sexy, feisty, omega. Unfortunately, Nico has no desire to be Valentino’s omega. Nico has an aversion to anything mafia related. He politely refuses Valentino’s proposition, however, Valentino isn’t an alpha who likes being told no.

Driven into a corner by threats and intimidation, Nico is left with no choice but to accept Valentino's offer or face certain death. As the two forge a fragile alliance amidst the chaos, unexpected feelings begin to bloom. But when the malevolent alpha responsible for Nico's pregnancy re-emerges, a torrent of secrets from the past threatens to shatter any hope of happiness they might have found together.

This is a dark romance and contains violence and graphic smexy times. If you're sensitive to either of those things this story may not be for you.

Review: ⟫ I admired Nico’s resilience in this story – he started from the bottom and was determined to stand on his own two feet. When life threw him into Valentino’s path, it would have been very easy for him to cave in and let himself be dragged along by the current but he continues to fight for his autonomy and life the way he wants to live it.

Valentino was spoiled by circumstances of birth and put into the untenable position of having to present himself as ‘stable’ by getting married at short notice, which meant he had zero interest in hearing Nico’s objections and did whatever was necessary to get what he wanted. In that regard, there was little doubt that this was a ‘dark’ mafia romance.

I enjoyed the other side presented – the idea that Valentino wasn’t just a mafia boss but a doting uncle, a loving son and brother, a person who by circumstances of birth was put into the position of having to do things he might not otherwise have done. A side we rarely get to see in mafia books.

I enjoyed how the situation played out, especially Valentino’s attitude towards the whole situation which wasn’t stereotypical – this wasn’t one of those books with a misunderstanding that revolved around the male ego. I enjoyed reading this and am pleased that I gave it a chance.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Paladin by Onley James (Jericho's Boys #1)

Title: ⟫ Paladin (Jericho’s Boys #1)

Author: ⟫ Onley James

Rating: ⟫ 4.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Arseny Lebedev lives a normal life. During the day, he’s a mechanic. At night, he livestreams a fairy tale video game called Paladin. And sometimes—only sometimes—he kills people. But they all deserve it.

Ever doesn’t know his last name. He doesn’t know much of anything. Most of his life has been torture, bought and sold by a woman who calls herself his mother. He’s resigned himself to a life of servitude, until he meets Arsen.

The moment Arsen sees Ever, they’re bonded. Ever is both fragile and feral, willing to defend himself with any tool at his disposal, even teeth. Arsen is color and light, a beacon in Ever’s darkness, as brave as the knight in the game he plays.

Arsen protects Ever fiercely, but just when he feels safe, someone attempts to drag him back to his old life, reminding him that reality isn’t fairy tales or video games. He knows staying puts Arsen in danger. But Arsen insists they’re safer together. Can Ever truly have his happily ever after or is it game over?

Paladin is a hurt-comfort, dark romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features a vigilante twitch-streamer and the beautiful but feral gremlin he saves from a life of misery. As with any Onley book, you’ll find dark humor, steamy sexy times, and gratuitous violence against people who totally deserve it. This is book 1 in the Jericho’s Boys series. Each book follows a different couple.

Review: ⟫ There are so many reasons that I love this book: Arsen with his blue hair; Ever with his baby-faced innocence and inner feral beastie; Levi and the bite; the Mulvaney twins coming to play; Jericho and Freckles – the list is darned near endless.

But the main reason I loved this was how it handled trauma. Therapy was there – which, awesome – but also an understanding that everyone handles trauma in different ways. Some people are talkers, some repress, and some find something that makes them feel safe – there is no template for trauma and handling it, and that is what shone through for me in this book. A deep understanding that whatever you need to do to handle what you’ve been through, as long as it’s not hurting you or other people – do what you gotta do. And that, for me, was priceless to read.

We have the normal madcap run of adventures in this story, with Jericho’s Boys somehow adopting a new person and helping them figure out a whole heap of firsts; we have the steaming hot sex – like, holy moly, these two were determined to burn up the page; some murder and mayhem which included Felix getting to flex his claws, a screwdriver and a live-action mission from Call of Duty – this book was a fun read, which sounds odd when you think of the subject matter.

I rejigged my budget so that I can afford to join Patreon again so that I could read this as it was written, but as per normal, I stopped myself about halfway through so that I could experience Arsen and Ever in full, and I’m so glad I did. I was sad after I read Maniac because I knew it was the end of the Necessary Evils series, but Jericho’s Boys have steamed in and filled that gap and I cannot wait to read more!

I received an ARC from the author.

New Blood by L.C. Davis (The Godbearer Book #4)

Title: ⟫ New Blood (The Godbearer Book #4)

Author: ⟫ L.C. Davis

Rating: ⟫ 3/5

Blurb: ⟫ I know this will end the way it covered in blood.

Too much? Me being a demigod now and all, I figure I can get away with a pinch of melodrama.

I mean, have you seen Olympus? It's a damn soap opera up there. One I'd rather be watching on the couch with popcorn than playing a starring role in.

Not that things are much better down here. I'm still in denial over being madly in love with Cameron, the likely father of my twin babies and the far more evil twin of one of my three boyfriends. Because self-destruction is my brand, apparently.

Fortunately, so is being a vampire-taming, totally badass witch, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep my weird little cult-slash-family safe. And convince Cameron he belongs in the circus with the rest of us.

No biggie, right?

(Jk, send help. And nachos. I've been craving those lately.)

Review: ⟫ I was very excited about this book because somehow I convinced myself that it was the last one in the series. It isn’t – in fact, it feels like a very short interlude and very short book and I got cross.

The good bits:

* we spend a chunk of time with Chase and Cameron where they ironed out a few things The new body-sharing thing was interesting and the chemistry between the two of them was palpable;

* the front cover with Hades is absolutely stunning – truly beautiful and quite possibly my favourite cover for this series;

* as always, the writing is engaging and fun, with Chase’s inner dialogue full of snark and banter.

The not-so-good bits:

* how short it was. I read this in a couple of hours and was left feeling like I’d barely scratched the surface or moved forward in the story at all;

* yet another God falling for Chase felt a bit too much for my liking. There was so much going on already, I’m not sure we needed to add someone else to the mix;

* the storyline is getting a bit rinse and repeat-esque. Chase throws himself into danger, the vampires try to figure out how to help/save him, Chase gets himself out of danger with some sex sprinkled in.

I want to know how this story ends and that’s why I keep reading, but I am getting a bit irritated by how much it feels like it’s being dragged out. Maybe I should wait until the whole thing is completely finished and then read it all in one go. I will read what comes next but my excitement is waning.

Oblivious Roommate by Devon Doe (Am I the Problem? Book #1)

Title: ⟫ Oblivious Roommate

Author: ⟫ Devon Doe

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Tl;dr: Am I the problem for trying to sabotage my gay roommate's relationship? I have my reasons!

I [20M] moved to a different college just so I can live with my best friend since high school [21M]. But it turns out that in the two years we lived apart, he’s come out as gay, and he never told me! He also has a boyfriend, and I’m really not homophobic, but seeing them together bothers me. Other than that, we’ve reconnected like it’s magic. Living with him is amazing, and everything would have been perfect if his ass of a boyfriend wasn’t around. I don’t think that guy is good enough for someone as funny, interesting, and cool as my friend.

How do I make him dump the stupid boyfriend?

Update: So I’ve been trying to break them up, and I’m starting to realize that, possibly-maybe, I’m the one who wants to date my roommate. Help! He’s the hottest guy I’ve ever known and I keep screwing things up!

Also, is it gay to love smelling his sweaty T-shirt?

*

“Oblivious Roommate” is a best friends-to-lovers, gay-awakening steamy romcom filled with misunderstandings caused by an oblivious himbo who means well but has no clue.

While the books in the series share a setting each can be read as a standalone.

(Matt and Cassian’s story)

Review: ⟫ I remember reading this on social media and being in love with the idea that this roommate had accidentally fallen in love and discovered he was gay, so I loved the idea of a story that seems to be based on that premise.

Mattie is an idiot – I mean, I know he’s described as a himbo but the absolutely ridiculous ideas he comes up with and drags Aaron into had me laughing out loud whilst facepalming on his behalf. This story was fun to read, light-hearted with what I would describe as light angst – Matt handles the idea that he might be bi-sexual well, and his coming out to his mother was very sweet. The whole story is very sweet as Mattie tries to find the means to incriminate Logan, pines for Cassian and generally acts like a complete idiot.

I enjoyed reading it and will definitely look for more books by this author.

I received an ARC from GRR.

His by Daniel May

Title: ⟫ His

Author: ⟫ Daniel May

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Lucas Russo was never a child. He was raised like a soldier, trained like a dog to hunt down his master’s enemies.

Shane Case was barely a man. Unraveled by grief, he kidnapped two children to follow in his footsteps, to shape in his image and continue his mission of vengeance.

Lucas never forgave Shane, because forgiveness is something reserved for the living. So is hate. With Shane gone, all Lucas has left are hot, guilty memories he denies to himself as he continues the hunt alongside his brother. Many things in Lucas died with Shane, but desire was not one of them.

But Shane is not dead.

Now Lucas hunts his old warden, seeking Shane’s ghost in both dreams and waking world, haunted by memories of his fists, his mouth, his cruelty. And more than haunted, Lucas is hungry — hungry for answers. For a reckoning. Hungry for the love of the man who stole his childhood.

His is part one of a dark, age gap MM romance.

Review: ⟫ It would be disingenuous of me not to mention that I had some thoughts about the potential plot bunnies for this half of a tale. Two brothers, hunting monsters in an American muscle car much beloved by the older one; a missing father – if your mind goes in a certain direction, I am with you. Add to that, the missing father figure who had a complicated and entangled relationship with the older son, and it sounds a lot like a few stories I’ve read.

This is difficult to review simply because it is only half of the story. Lucas – and the inner writhings of his mind – were fascinating, as was his relationship with his brother, Nicky. Lucas is completely and utterly obsessed with Shane, their pseudo father figure, who died three years ago – his mind creates memories and he self-medicates with weed to handle the chaos in his head. This is very much the back story – how Lucas came to be the man that he is, why he is obsessed with Shane and how much the need and desire for that man rules his life.

I would say it isn’t so much of a romance because Shane doesn’t come back on the scene until very late into the book. How Lucas finds him is fascinating, and their first real time spent together in three years is hot and terrifying in equal measure. But the story is most definitely only half-told and as such, it’s really difficult to rate this story. I don’t think there is any way to read this as a standalone and I await the publication of part two in September to complete the picture.

As always, May writes with assured confidence, pulling you easily into the story and the calibre of the writing isn’t in question – I think that I personally would have preferred it if the two halves had been published together.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Becoming Bennet by Cora Rose & Nicole Dykes (Behind the Camera #2)

Title: ⟫ Becoming Bennet (Behind the Camera Book #2)

Author: ⟫ Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ I cannot stand Bennet Montgomery.

His rugged hotness knows no bounds and his unwavering cheery disposition is maddening. How can someone be that happy all the time? His smile infuriates me.

I need to keep my distance from this man and all his Midwest charm. I have my camboy career to focus on and I can't afford to get attached or bogged down with his nonsense.

But when Bennet receives devastating news about his mother, his grief consumes him.

I don't know what to make of this new sad side of Bennet. All I know is that his teary eyes infuriate me even more than his smile. I need to get his stupid smile back.

So that's how I wind up accompanying him home to his tiny town in rural Kansas.

And let me tell you, this California boy is not cut out for a land where fruit salad has marshmallows and where you're just as likely to be eaten by a feral cow as you are to be chased down by an angry rooster. *Shudder*

The worst part is, Bennet and I are forced to share one bed in a cramped trailer. And as I try my hardest to comfort this man who I can barely call a friend, I wonder if maybe that flutter in my chest isn't just heartburn. Maybe I can allow myself to get swept up in him...just for a bit.

That is if a rogue tornado doesn't sweep me away first.

Becoming Bennet is a funny and sweet MM romance with forced proximity and only one bed.

Review: ⟫ Jasper finds himself thrown into a completely unexpected situation when he is with his co-worker Bennet when he finds out that his mother has had a stroke. Somehow, this complete city boy finds himself travelling to a farm in Kansas, helping to take care of Bennet’s family who never met a vegetable they liked, all whilst sleeping in a decrepit old trailer with Bennet and trying to figure out just when feelings had crept into things.

Bennet is an absolute sweetheart who falls apart during times of stress. He can’t quite believe that Jasper has not only accompanied him to Kansas but is sticking around, taking care of Bennet and his family, and showing signs of interest that Bennet has been searching for ever since their scorching hot scene in front of the cameras.

The relationship builds as the two men work together to keep things together for Bennet’s mother, film what are meant to be teasers for Carter’s fledging cam-boy business and fall in love – all at the same time. This story is full of jokes, snark and banter, as well as a healthy dose of sexual innuendo and steamy sex.

The writers work well together – I didn’t find it obvious which of them wrote which section and there didn’t seem to be hiccups or plot holes which I would imagine can be difficult in a collaboration. I’ve read more Cora Rose than I have Nicole Dykes, so I would describe this as appearing to be very much in Cora’s style – slightly off the wall, very sexy, and quite swiftly paced. An enjoyable romp with a sweet centre and plenty of laughs.

I received an ARC from Indie Author Creative.

Under Cover by Amy Lane (Covert Book #1)

Title: ⟫ Under Cover (Covert Book #1)

Author: ⟫ Amy Lane

Rating: ⟫ 4.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ For Judson Crosby, the transfer to the elite law enforcement branch of the SCTF is a great escape from the death sentence he earned as a whistle-blowing patrol officer. Calix Garcia, the fierce new guy, makes a perfect partner, catching bad guys while minimizing collateral damage. Crosby loves working with him.

Of course, he’d also love to work him over in a totally different way.

Garcia has waited his whole career for a solid, dependable partner like Crosby. But after six months fighting crime together, he’s done fighting their attraction.

Their coming together promises to be everything they need… until a threat from Crosby’s past comes back to haunt not just him, but their entire team.

When Crosby goes undercover to keep them safe, Garcia is frantic with worry. One false move could get Crosby killed and Garcia exposed. But they have to fight their way clear, because hiding your lover under the cover of darkness is no way to live. Crosby and Garcia will risk everything for the chance to live their lives in the light.

Review: ⟫ This one hit the floor running and pretty much went full tilt from there!

The beginning of a new series finds us meeting Judson Crosby, a good cop put in a bad situation who finds a transfer to a new city and new unit makes his life immeasurably better. And that’s before he gets a new partner.

Calix Garcia starts on a new team, with a new partner, wanting this to be the best thing in his life. And rapidly finds that not only has he found the perfect workplace, but quite possibly the perfect partner – in more than one way. And that all happens in the first few chapters!

What happens after that is vintage Amy Lane – we have bad guys, even worse guys, an intricate plot that you have to pay close attention to, and a set of characters that you very swiftly come to care very much about. It’s kinda obvious by now that I absolutely freakin’ loved this book! I started reading and found myself absorbed immediately, trying to remember who was who, and figure out what was happening, all whilst rooting for our guys to get something resembling a happily ever after. Calix and Judson were good people and the way they were with each other, both caring, a little possessive, loving and downright hot for each other was perfect.

The plot was intricate and deeply involved, with The Sons of Blood who were similar to the KKK but working within the police force and other agencies. It also involved drugs, crooked lawyers and politicians and a set of people who were determined that justice was deserved for all – regardless of their race, creed, sex or colour. It reminded me very much of the Marshals in Mary Calmes’ series which means I am already jonesing for the next story.

An easy 4.5/5 from me and I heartily recommend it to anyone who likes a lot of action amidst their steaming hot sex.

I received an ARC from the Author.