Cross by S.E. Harmon (The Formicary #2)

Title: ⟫ Cross (The Formicary #2) 

Author: ⟫ S.E. Harmon 

Blurb: ⟫ I thought getting shot, losing my memory, and being hunted by people I didn’t know for reasons I couldn’t remember was rock bottom. Turns out I was wrong. I found a shovel, dug a little deeper, and found a whole new sublevel of suck. 

Apparently, I took something from the Formicary that doesn't belong to me. The boss, Petar Dobroslav, is willing to do just about anything to get it back. Making an enemy of a super-secret organization of assassins might seem like a bad idea and…well, it absolutely is. 

To be honest, it was inevitable that Grayson Laurie would get dragged into my mess. In my line of work, love is a luxury, a vulnerability I can't afford. But I couldn't stay away, and now we're both paying the price. But I can fix this. I will fix this. 

Everyone knows the Formicary is a formidable adversary. It's time to remind them that so is Christian Cross. 

Review: ⟫ Yeah, so I didn’t fangirl over the first book enough, but book two surpassed it! Talk about action packed – this was a wild ride, full of twists and turns and the return of favourite characters. 

Can we have a moment of appreciation for Chaos please? And his relationship with Nick cracked me up constantly. Like, can we have the two of them getting together, even if it’s just for a one-off hate thing? 

The Formicary #2 was full of fascinating characters, a better understanding of what Cross had got himself into and why, and the story just kept twisting itself into pretzel-like knots, then smoothing out. 

I loved it – Gray and Cross are so sweet in a hyped up, horny duo and intensely messed up pairing. On paper, Gray should be completely out of his depth, but he more than showed his mettle this time and I really appreciated seeing more of what makes Cross love him so much. Villains, henchmen, Operation Genesis – I raced through this book and was so sorry to put it down. 

Really appreciated how this was written, and have now got a kindle full of S.E. Harmon’s books to read because I just wanted more. Another 5/5 from me!

Pretty Toxic by J.R. Gray (Pretty Broken #2)

Title: ⟫ Pretty Toxic (Pretty Broken #2) 

Author: ⟫ J.R. Gray 

Blurb: ⟫ Saint Vincent 

 I might be the best-selling solo artist in the world, but my personal life is a disaster. For every number one album, there's a sea of my worsts, all documented in photos. 

Bad break-ups. Destroyed hotel rooms. Fights. Drugs. 

And just as many rumors. 

Every headline reaffirms the walls I’ve built around myself. Fame destroys everything it touches and I can’t let anyone close. The only exception is my best friend— Lowe Wilder. But I’ve fucked that one up too. 

It’s all about him. Every song, every lyric. Every piece of music I’ve ever written. I planned to carry that secret to my grave. He’s straight. Another break-up, another call to Lowe. I can’t bear to have another scandal splashed across the tabloids. 

At my absolute worst he’s here to pick up the pieces, and I ruined it all with a kiss. 

Lowe Wilder 

I’m the least famous member of the most famous band in the world. 

I’ve sat in the background while we toured the world and tore each other apart. I wouldn’t have made it through any of this without Saint. He came into my life like a nuclear bomb. Unapologetic and with about as much destruction, but he’s kept me sane from across the world. 

Nothing could come between us. 

Until he kissed me and shattered my world. 

Pretty Toxic can be read on its own or enjoyed part of the Pretty Broken Series. 

Review: ⟫ Ooh, this one was a doozy! 

Lowe and Saint are practically joined at the hip. Platonically. Or at least from Lowe’s side. 

And then Saint finally gives in to his feelings and opens a whole can of worms. 

This book is a mess of emotions and trauma, from the main couple, to the band Pretty Broken, and it was a roller-coaster of a ride from start to finish. Lowe and Saint are a couple in every way apart from sexually, if only Lowe would open his eyes and admit it. 

And Pretty Broken is living up to it’s name. 

I was immersed from the beginning, along for the ride, and suffering alongside both Lowe and Saint. It was a pretty intense look into what life is like for the rich and famous – whether it be living without consequences or in a fish-bowl. 

Lowe and Saint are two peas in a pod – possessive, nearly obsessive, and almost on a crash course to destroying each other unless they can get their act together and figure out how to be together despite how much time they have to spend apart. 

I really enjoyed this one – not as much as I liked Pretty Obsessed, but in a different way. And I am desperate to find out what is going on between Cas and Iris. This was an intense book and very real, and I think this entire series could well become one of my favourites for when I want to ‘suffer’ alongside the main characters. 

4.5 rounded up to 5 – I received an ARC from GRR.

Lord Garrington's Vessel by S. Rodman

Title: ⟫ Lord Garrington’s Vessel 

Author: ⟫ S. Rodman 

Blurb: ⟫ It's 2022. 

Magic isn't supposed to be real. 

Arranged marriages aren't supposed to exist. 

How are gay arranged marriages for the purpose of magic a thing? 

Fen has grown up all alone in boarding schools. Never meeting any of his family. At his graduation, his older brother turns up to take him home. 

Except Fen discovers he is the result of a shameful affair and not actually related to Lord Garrington at all. Yet, for appearance’s sake, everyone must continue to believe they are brothers. 

To make matters worse, an indiscretion reveals that Fen is a vessel. Someone who grows magic but cannot wield it. Magic can only escape his body and not kill him by regularly submitting his body to a mage. 

Hence the crazy arranged marriage idea. 

It's a shame the only mage he wants is his arrogant and obnoxious fake brother. 

 

Lord Xander Garrington, like all British nobility, is secretly a mage. 

He was only supposed to pay the boy off, but Fen turned out to be outrageously pretty. Then he turns out to be a vessel. The opportunity is too great to miss. 

He needs to pretend Fen is his brother and sell his stepmother’s bastard to the highest bidder. Securing the best possible match to advance the family’s fortunes. 

If only Xander's emotions would obey. He is supposed to sell his fake brother, not fall for him. 

Please note. Xander is a controlling, obsessive bad boy who likes to take control. This book touches on dark themes, including a side character subjected to the worst that can happen. Off page and not from either main character. 

This book is high heat. No Mpreg. HEA guaranteed. 

Review: ⟫ Suspend belief and strap in for a bonkers ride! Fen made me lmao off and I enjoyed his inner thoughts. Xander was a complete AH, even if he was a sexy one. The story was a fun, quick read that delivered exactly what it said it was. I wish we’d seen more of the magic side of things, but basically, this was hot and steamy with a plot that was pretty much Mills & Boon, but gay and with some magical elements! I read it for what it was and enjoyed it – solid 3.75 happily rounded up! I received an ARC from GRR.

Punching the V-Card by Leta Blake

Title: ⟫ Punching the V-Card 

Author: ⟫ Leta Blake 

Blurb: ⟫ Best friend’s hot older brother? Check. 

A weekend alone? Check. 

Finally punching that V-card? Oh yes. 

Carl has a pesky “innocence” problem that requires a solution. His best friend's brother Devon is the perfect answer. Devon’s experienced, gorgeous, and Carl’s been secretly crushing on him for ages. Carl doesn’t want to “lose it” to just anybody. Everyone says the first time should be special—and what’s more special than sharing it with the guy of his dreams? 

It’s not like Devon won’t enjoy it. 

Solving this so-called problem is an objectively fun experience for most people! The plan is totally win/win! Shockingly, Devon agrees. But even though it goes better than either of them ever expected, Carl’s moving across the country soon. It’s not possible to have more. 

No matter how much they both want it. 

Right? 

Punching the V-Card by Leta Blake is a is a high heat, low angst, new adult gay romance featuring a best friend’s hot older brother, scorching first times, and falling in love with the guy of your dreams. 

Review: ⟫ I have no idea how to review this story fairly! It sounds like a (fairly) realistic idea, but some of the elements are a bit fantastical. It was a very steamy, fun read and the entire book involves the two main characters with a small cameo from the sister. 

I think for me the things I found difficult were how innocent Carl was, and yet he turned out to be some kind of mega-dominant sexual maestro straight out of the gate. Probably a ‘me’ issue that I found that hard to get my head around? 

I did enjoy reading it, although I struggled a little with the emotions from Devon as he went from vaguely fancying Carl to being so in love with him by the end of the weekend that he literally changed his life plans. 

It was well written and perhaps if I had gone into it in a different frame of mind, I would have enjoyed it more and been less critical. I think I’m going to look for a few other books by this author to see if it was just this one that my sceptical mind struggled with! 

A solid 3.75 rounded up to 4 from me. I received an ARC from GRR.

Lost Touch by Eliot Grayson

Title: ⟫ Lost Touch 

Author: ⟫ Eliot Grayson 

Blurb: ⟫ Not being able to feel pain might sound like heaven… but it’s a living hell. 

After enduring more than a year of imprisonment and experimentation, Ash is finally free—but not unscathed. Unable to feel pleasure or pain, and without any memories of his life before his ordeal, he’s at the mercy of his rescuer: an alpha werewolf who promises he’ll protect Ash no matter what. 

Drew is handsome, caring, and kind, but he might not be all he seems, and he’s suffering his own ill effects of his briefer imprisonment. When he burst into Ash’s cell drenched in blood after ripping their torturers to pieces, Ash looked into his eyes and didn’t see anything but safety. 

But he’s dangerous. 

And if he can’t control himself, Ash could suffer a worse fate than the one he escaped… 

Lost Touch can be read as a standalone and has new main characters, but it closely follows the events of Lost and Bound and is better read in series. Contains knotting, amnesia, pack politics, and a human who’s willing to offer himself up in every way to help the alpha werewolf who saved him. This series does not contain mpreg. HEA guaranteed. 

Review: ⟫ The idea doesn’t sound so awful when you first think of it. Being pain-free (especially to someone with chronic illnesses) sounds pretty damned awesome to be honest. 

But when you get into this story and realise what has been done to Ash, the actual reality of it is completely horrendous. I was kinda awestruck at the idea to be honest – not being able to taste food, feel things – how would you keep going, knowing that’s going to be your existence? 

The relationship between Drew and Ash was fascinating. There was a lot of misunderstandings on both sides, with communication being an issue for them, but there was also a sweetness there. They were both committed to protecting the other, seeing the good rather than the bad and it was lovely to witness. 

This story was also hot as hades – not being able to feel meant that Ash was completely and utterly in the moment when he and Drew were together in bed, and it was so well articulated how he gained pleasure from them being together that way even though he couldn’t feel. 

Drew’s family were interesting, and I loved his sister – especially how she ended up helping him. That made me raise an eyebrow and applaud her ‘sacrifice’. It was really good to catch up with the others (Calder is still one of my absolute favourites) and the banter and snark between Arik and Nate never gets old. I enjoyed this instalment and was really glad to see the notification turn up in my inbox. 

A happy 4/5 from me and I wouldn’t mind knowing what happened to that Fairy!

CRIMINAL INTENTIONS: Season One, Episode One: THE CARDIGANS by Cole McCade

Title: ⟫ CRIMINAL INTENTIONS: Season One, Episode One: THE CARDIGANS 

Author: ⟫ Cole McCade 

Blurb: ⟫ Read the complete first two seasons of this thrilling, action-packed investigative suspense romance with two strong-willed detectives, an undeniable slow burn attraction, and a terrifying puppetmaster in the shadows before Season Three returns! 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE 

When a string of young queer men turn up dead in grisly murders, all signs point to the ex-boyfriend—but what should be an open-and-shut case is fraught with tension when BPD homicide detective Malcolm Khalaji joins up with a partner he never wanted. 

Rigid, ice-cold, and a stickler for the rules, Seong-Jae Yoon is a watchful presence whose obstinacy and unpredictability constantly remind Malcolm why he prefers to work alone. Seong-Jae may be stunningly attractive, a man who moves like a graceful, lethal bird of prey...but he's as impossible to decipher as this case. And if Malcolm doesn't find the key to unravel both in time, another vulnerable young victim may end up dead. 

ABOUT THE SERIES 

Baltimore homicide detective Malcolm Khalaji has his own way of doing things: quiet, methodical, logical, effective, not always particularly legal. He’s used to working alone—and the last thing he needs is a new partner ten years his junior. 

 

Especially one like Seong-Jae Yoon. 

Icy. Wilful. Detached. Stubborn. Seong-Jae is all that and more, impossible to work with and headstrong enough to get them both killed…if they don’t kill each other first. Fox-like and sullen, Seong-Jae’s disdainful beauty conceals a smouldering and ferocious temper, and as he and Malcolm clash the sparks between them build until neither can tell the difference between loathing and desire. 

But as bodies pile up at their feet a string of strange, seemingly unrelated murders takes a bizarre turn, leading them deeper and deeper into Baltimore’s criminal underworld. Every death carries a dangerous message, another in a trail of breadcrumbs that can only end in blood. 

Malcolm and Seong-Jae must combine their wits against an unseen killer and trace the unsettling murders to their source. Together, they’ll descend the darkest pathways of a twisted mind—and discover just how deep the rabbit hole goes. And if they can’t learn to trust each other? 

Neither will make it out alive. 

Review: ⟫ First of all, how come this is the first I have seen of this? I can’t believe this series isn’t being talked about more – or have I just had my head up my butt? 

Secondly, omfg, this was grisly! Like, I was wincing when I read the descriptions on page because I could quite clearly see the scenes that Seong-Jae and Malcolm were seeing. I don’t blame some of the cops for running from the murder scenes and hurling! 

In the interests of honesty, there is very little ‘romance’ in the first book – although, I’m not sure it was in the romance section so I can’t complain. Not that I am – complaining that is. The only sex involved one of the MCs and another character and was hot as hell (unless I’m conflating book one and book two). 

 

Whatever. 

The lack of romance/sex was absolutely cool with me because I was knee-deep in the murders and trying to figure out who the killer was. This was a complete mindf*ck to me – the sense of urgency they felt as the serial killer began to deteriorate and kill sooner; the effects on both Malcolm and Seong-Jae, and how the two of them rubbed each other completely up the wrong way yet worked together so well. I cannot believe there are currently twenty-nine of these stories and am practically rubbing my hands with glee! 

I really enjoyed the style of writing – it was like watching an episode of Criminal Minds in written form – and my mind happily provided images for the main characters (yummy). Stellar writing and such a satisfying read. And I’ll admit, I’m 50% of the way through episode two already! I really hope the level of writing is maintained and cannot wait to plough through the remaining twenty-seven books! 

A very enthusiastic 5/5 from me!

Last Man Standing by Augustus Roth

Title: ⟫ Last Man Standing 

Author: ⟫ Augustus Roth 

Blurb: ⟫ “You know, if anybody was going to give death the middle finger, I would have thought it would be him.” 

Ezekiel 'Kel' Warbis is the last of them - the only one left after his two best friends (and childhood sweethearts) died tragically and gruesomely young. 

Over a decade later, their loss is still a fresh wound. Kel works alone as a private investigator, wandering through the world functional but aimless, trying to live up to what his friends would have wanted for him. 

He has one friend, a handful of dogs, and a well-organized spice cabinet. He tries. 

His numb reverie is broken by a phone call: noisy teenagers, begging his help finding their missing friend. Guilt compels Kel to take the case - guilt, and an eerie sense of familiarity. 

As he searches for the missing teen, it becomes increasingly clear that this tragedy rhymes with his own. By the time things become dangerous, it's too late for Kel to turn back. He can only move forward, confronted with answers to questions he was always too ashamed and too terrified to ask. 

He comes to realize that his loved ones might not be gone forever... and that the truth may be more horrible than the bloody memories which echo in his dreams every night. 

Last Man Standing was originally published as Spoiling the Machine by Daniel May. It is a supernatural thriller with a tragic MMM romance at its core and contains a HEA ending. 

Review: ⟫ I’m not sure ‘enjoy’ is the correct word to use to describe reading this book. I was fascinated, repelled, confused and impressed, sometimes all at the same time. And I wanted to know what was going on – although, having finished it, I’m still not sure I fully understand – so I kept reading, hoping that the ending would be satisfying and make sense of it all. 

The ending was satisfying but I am still confused. I think I’m going to be avoiding anything resembling eyes for a very long time, and some of the imagery I would really like to be purged from my mind. I would recommend this book because it was an interesting read – extremely well-written, thoughtful and thought-provoking. 

Just don’t expect to find it a comfortable read! 

4/5 from me – I received an ARC from GRR.