My Big Gay Secret Wedding by D.K. Sutton (Wedding Disasters #3)

TITLE: ⟫ My Big Gay Secret Wedding

AUTHOR: ⟫ D.K. Sutton

SERIES: ⟫ Wedding Disasters #3

RATING: ⟫ /5

BLURB: ⟫ That feeling when you wake up married to your best man…

When my almost-wedding to a popular media influencer implodes and goes viral, we head to Vegas to drown our sorrows and hide from the paparazzi. Everything is under control. Right?

But then I wake up naked, hungover, and married to my straight best friend.

A quick annulment is the perfect solution. Until it’s not.

I need to break free from my controlling father and stay in med school to gain access to my trust fund and the truth about my mother’s disappearance. The only way to do that is to prove my independence.

Mac and I agree to pretend our accidental marriage was intentional. Pretend Mac isn’t exactly straight. Pretend I'm madly in love with my best friend.

The hard part? All this pretending feels way too real.

Every kiss and touch from Mac feels more authentic than the last, making it difficult to hide how much I want our marriage to be forever.

Mac has been the only constant in my life. My best friend. My whole world.

But with our divorce only a signature away, I risk losing everything. Mac included.

Can what happened in Vegas be forever?

My Big Gay Secret Wedding is a low angst M/M romance and the third book in the Wedding Disasters series. It features best friends to lovers, waking up married, demi-awakening, fake relationships, small towns, and found family. It can be read as a standalone but is better read as part of the series. There is no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.

REVIEW: ⟫ Currently reading - review to follow. I received an ARC from GRR.

Sexy Possessed Roommate by X Everett (Planchette Playboys)

TITLE: ⟫ Sexy Possessed Roommate

AUTHOR: ⟫ X Everett

SERIES: ⟫ A Planchette Playboys Novella

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ This demon knows your heart's desire.

There’s only two rules for the party I’m hosting at my fraternity this weekend: don’t mess around with straight boys OR Ouija boards. When my hot, hunky college roommate gets possessed by a demon, I quickly find out why… but I keep asking myself, “Why not?”

SEXY POSSESSED ROOMMATE (Planchette Playboys Book #1) is a steamy M/M dark romance novella with elements of horror and the paranormal, death, possession, and humor. Tropes include friends-to-lovers, bi awakening, forbidden love, and size difference. This first-person, past-tense tale has a happy ever after, but trigger warnings include a dirty-talking demon, light bondage and degradation, homophobia, non-graphic death, and acts of the occult. Though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone novella.

With contributions from indie horror author Xtopher

REVIEW: ⟫ This was well written with an interesting premise. Crispin was an interesting character, although sometimes he came across as really indecisive: one moment he was completely against using the board, the next he was like ‘yeah sure’. Stacio sounded absolutely lush and I loved the imagery the author created of the two of them together. I can think of at least two characters that I imagine are going to be featured and that sounded fun. It was a nice, easy read that I enjoyed. I received an ARC from BookSirens.

Candy Hearts : Volume #2 by Various Authors

TITLE: ⟫ Candy Hearts

AUTHOR: ⟫ Various

SERIES: ⟫ Volume #2

RATING: ⟫ /5

BLURB: ⟫ What's sweeter than a low angst queer romance at Valentine's Day? How about twenty-three of them in one anthology to help support a good cause?

Each novella in the Candy Hearts Anthology, volume 2, is overflowing with red-hot romance and all the good feels. This volume is all about wrong numbers—wrong phone numbers, addresses, office numbers, seats, and more. If you enjoy serendipity, then you’ll love this collection.

The Candy Hearts Anthology will be available for a limited time, and all proceeds will benefit the Rainbow Railroad.

The participating authors in this volume ⟫

Anna Sparrows * BA Tortuga * Becca Seymour * Beck Grey * Bix Barrow * BL Maxwell * CD Rachels * Chantal Mer * D.K. Sutton * David Gray * E.M. Denning * Hinsel Meyer * Jem Wendel * Lee Blair * London Price * Marie Sinclair * Merry Farmer * Minerva Howe * Riley Long * Rye Cox * Stella Rainbow * Susan Scott Shelley * Victoria Gillilan * Zoe Lee

REVIEW: ⟫ Currently reading – review to follow. I received an ARC from GRR.

Paper Roses by Lily Morton (Confetti Hitched #3)

TITLE: ⟫ Paper Roses

AUTHOR: ⟫ Lily Morton

SERIES: ⟫ Confetti Hitched #3

RATING: ⟫ 5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Jed Walker thinks he’s having a midlife crisis. The only trouble is that it feels too good to stop.

Widowed at a young age, he’s spent his life since then avoiding any relationships that might end up hurting him again. He has his successful wedding planning business, Confetti Hitched, and a series of uncomplicated hookups, and that’s all he needs in life

The one person disrupting this controlled stoicism is his younger assistant, Artie. He’s sweet and kind and has a funny way of calming Jed’s mind. So, when Artie comes to him with a problem, Jed moves heaven and earth to help, which is how he finds himself entering a fake marriage with the younger man and catching feelings. Too bad it’s all pretend. Or is it?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a story about how love can completely derail the best-laid plans.

This is the third book in the Confetti Hitched series, but it can be read as a standalone.

REVIEW: ⟫ Oh the squee of delight I let out when I received this ARC! I am part of Lily’s Facebook group and was extremely chuffed to discover that the third Confetti Hitched book was due out on my birthday, but I wasn’t about to say no to reading it early!

This book – oh my goodness, this book! Jed is such an idiot! He was so kind, so caring whilst protecting his heart with a solid brick wall between him and everyone else. He was so utterly blind to the fact that it was obvious he was head over heels in love with Artie that it was occasionally so heartbreaking.

Artie was such a brave young man – from a childhood marred by a horrid stepmother, he still remained kind, sensitive and caring and completely in love with Jed. He took the opportunity that fate presented to him and ran with it, making a home for he and Jed, and risking it all for love. I was in awe of how strong he was, especially with stepping away to allow Jed to figure out some things on his own.

The two of them together were just amazing – so witty, so damned sexy and just made for each other. I adore ALL of the crew of Confetti Hitched and laughed so loudly at Raff and other shenanigans and just loved the updates that we got on how everyone was doing. As always, the background cast of characters were entertaining, funny af and perfect additions to the story line. Special shout-out to Mal and Cadan (I LOVE those two) and the descriptions of the various weddings, brides and grooms and insane situations made this a laugh out loud situation.

I will still be buying this for my birthday because it was just so darned good – if you have read any of the other Confetti Hitched books, you will not be disappointed. This is Lily Morton at her absolute best! I received an ARC from GRR and am insanely grateful for getting my birthday present a couple of weeks early!

Seth's Awakening by Kim Breyon (Unexpected Love #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Seth’s Awakening

AUTHOR: ⟫ Kim Breyon

SERIES: ⟫ Unexpected Love #2

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ After a devastating blow in my personal life, I hastily pack my bags and take off for San Diego, desperate for a new start. A new life. But where do I even begin? I sacrificed my entire adult life to raise my son, focusing on his dreams instead of mine. What do I now? How do I pick up the pieces?

Friends are hard to come by in the city that never slows down, especially for someone as depressed as me. Until a red-haired bartender at the neighborhood dive bar takes pity on me. His seemingly innocent gesture catches me off guard… but not nearly as much as my attraction to him. Declan is invading my every thought, every steamy, unrelenting dream.

Soon, he’s invading every hope. I want more, and I’m willing to risk everything to get it. But Declan has pain too, perhaps even deeper than mine. Opening his heart again just might shatter it completely.

Is it possible for two broken hearts to fit together? Or are we doomed to live in pieces forever?

****

Seth's Awakening is book 2 in the Unexpected Love series. It is highly encouraged to read the books in order.

REVIEW: ⟫ Teaching Quinn was still very much in my mind when I saw the opportunity to read Seth’s Awakening and I am surprised to admit that I actually preferred book two. Seeing Seth’s point of view of the situation made me think really hard about how it must have felt to walk in on what he did, especially after what must have felt like a lifetime of putting himself second at best.

I absolutely loved Declan and my heart broke for him. I loved the relationship between the two of them, how respectful they were, how kind and thoughtful, and the sex between them was hot. The side characters were a decent bunch of people and towards the end where Declan helped Seth resolve certain situations, I was really pleased. I’m glad I got to read these two books so closely together and can heartily recommend this one. I’m looking through the author’s list of books as I would like to read more of their catalogue. I received an ARC from GRR.

Stacked by Linden Bell (Mars Fitness #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Stacked

AUTHOR: ⟫ Linden Bell

SERIES: ⟫ Mars Fitness #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Preston and I have been best friends and roommates since the first day of boarding school. If it weren’t for me, he’d never step away from his precious dissertation, not to eat, not to shower, not for anything.

I might have been in love with him for ages, but Preston has never expressed any interest in anyone other than his research. That's fine, there are plenty of guys at Mars Fitness who can help me get my rocks off.

Then one day, the sexiest man alive walks through the front door and sweeps me off my feet. He's everything I've ever wanted, except there's just one problem. He wants my heart, but how can I give it to him when I've already given it to Preston?

Stacked is a best friends to lovers, gay-awakening, nerd/jock MM romance between co-dependent roommates. It is the second book in the Mars Fitness series and can be read as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.

REVIEW: ⟫ Oh my goodness, has there ever been anyone as utterly oblivious as Preston?! This story made me smile, laugh cry – the relationship between Sawyer and Preston was absolutely beautiful, but I honestly don’t know how Sawyer put up with Preston! He’s literally been in love with him since puberty but Preston is so oblivious to anything that isn’t his research that he had zero clue until it suddenly looked like he might lose Sawyer to someone else.

I loved Sawyer’s Mom and Preston’s childhood sweetheart, Madison, but Preston’s parents were a complete nightmare and those were the bits that upset me the most. In the end, I found myself thinking the same as Sawyer – Preston needed to be kept safe, happy and loved because he didn’t experience that when he was growing up and he deserved all the love. In the end, Preston deserved the love he found with Sawyer and I adored the epilogue!

I received an ARC from GRR.

Barbarian by Onley James (Jericho's Boys Book #3)

TITLE: ⟫ Barbarian

AUTHOR: ⟫ Onley James

SERIES: ⟫ Jericho’s Boys #3

RATING: ⟫ 5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Nico Michaels pretends to be carefree, avoiding anything serious, especially relationships; his chaotic past has taught him that love only complicates things. He’s content with one-night stands and his close-knit group of friends, including his roommate, Malachi Mizrahi.

Neurodivergent and gender-fluid, Malachi wakes up each morning with a whole new personality, but one thing remains his love for Nico. They clicked perfectly from day one, sharing a love of everything from anime to nature documentaries. They even share a bed. Platonically, of course.

One night, the lines blur when they share a kiss, but before things can go further, a desperate call from one of Mal’s dance students throws them into a missing person’s case that leaves them with more questions than answers. To complicate matters, Mal reveals he’s been quietly orchestrating Nico’s whole life without him even noticing. Nico is shaken to his core, his perception of their relationship shattered.

As they navigate the perilous world of a vicious Chinese triad, their bond deepens, and Nico begins to see that Malachi is not only the perfect friend, but the perfect man to fulfill all his needs. Together, they must face their past and survive their present if they want any chance of a happy ending in their future.

Barbarian is a friends-to-lovers, dark romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features a masochistic vigilante with ADHD and a video game addiction and his sadistic and controlling best friend who worships the ground he walks on. As with any Onley book, you’ll find dark humor, steamy sexy times, and gratuitous violence, but only against people who totally deserve it. This is book 3 in the Jericho’s Boys series. Each book follows a different couple.

REVIEW: ⟫ In a feat of self control that I didn’t know I possessed, I stopped myself from reading this as it was posted to Onley’s patreon – I wanted to have the whole thing to binge in one go and I downloaded it last night. I haven’t been to sleep yet (I guess the patience and self control only lasted so long) because I had to read this in one go! And it is SO worth the lack of sleep!

Nico and Malachi are absolutely fascinating – the way that their jagged edges match so well. Malachi described it well when he talked about them being two souls waiting to be reunited – which, height of romance right there – and I cannot imagine either of them with anyone else. The sex was off the charts hot – as to be expected from Onley – and I loved the background plot involving the triads, counterfeit handbags and a psychopath (one of the bad ones) masquerading as a good brother.

I loved all of the other boys popping in and out; I adore Felix; but I almost stroked out when Freckles threatened Coe with ‘if you die, I’ll marry Kendra and have the kids call her Mom!’ That was absolute gold and I chuckled so hard I scared my cats.

I love Onley’s characterisations, how she builds the tension in both the plot and the relationship so that you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for the resolution. Thomas Mulvaney remains the absolute GOAT, and I had a complete and utter blast living in this universe for the last six hours. I might console myself with re-reading the Necessary Evils books before I go and have a mooch about on Onley’s Patreon – I don’t have to avoid it now so can catch up on all of the mini fics, etc!

Teaching Quinn by Kim Breyon (Unexpected Love #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Teaching Quinn

AUTHOR: ⟫ Kim Breyon

SERIES: ⟫ Unexpected Love #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ When my best friend’s son calls asking for help, I am not prepared for what he has in mind.

Quinn wants me to teach him about sex, and he wants me to do it without his dad knowing. That wouldn’t be difficult, since his dad is away for work for three months, but I still need to say no. He’s Seth’s kid, for starters. Plus, Quinn doesn’t need me. He’s an adult who can figure this out on his own.

But when his desperation leads him into a dangerous situation, I am forced to make a let Quinn continue to explore things with the wrong men, or show him what I know, safely.

There is only one right I need to protect him—but it just might cost me everything.

REVIEW: ⟫ I’ve read a few best friend’s father romances but don’t think I’ve read any best friend’s son ones so I was interested to see what would be different. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Quinn and Ian – there was respect from the very beginning, as well as palpable chemistry. Their relationship happened very organically once they had made the agreement and I really loved how caring Ian was – he was determined that Quinn was going to have a better experience than he himself had and it showed.

The background characters and subplots were interesting, and I loved the sibling relationship and how close Ian and his sister were. I was worried how things would go when Quinn’s father returned to the scene, and it didn’t disappoint – I wasn’t expecting it to happen when it did and it was explosive!

The ending felt a little rushed and I would have liked to see more about how the two of them transitioned to a full relationship, but I very much enjoyed reading this story and will keep an eye out for the next in the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Fey Regency by S.Rodman (Fey Lords #3)

TITLE: ⟫ Fey Regency

AUTHOR: ⟫ S.Rodman

SERIES: ⟫ Fey Lords #3

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ I wanted to kill a fey prince. But he called me pretty. And made me his pet.

All my life I've been different. My grandmother proudly declared we were descendants of the Fair Folk. I thought she was batty.

Until the fey invaded Earth.

And I saw I looked just like them.

A fact everyone else also noticed.

I had to leave my grandmother all alone. Run, hide and survive. My life was hell, and it was all the fey's fault.

So when I got the perfect opportunity to take a prince out, I seized it with both hands.

Except I messed it up and was claimed as a pet.

By Prince Tristan Y Mabinogi.

A flame haired himbo who is convinced life is about pleasure & gratification and the only reason I'm a moody, grumpy bastard is because I haven't had enough of either. A status he is determined to rectify.

I'd rather die than admit it to him, but he might just be on to something.

REVIEW: ⟫ If you like grumpy/sunshine, you’re going to love reading this one. Ollie has the ‘misfortune’ to be at least part-fey – misfortune because the fey have taken over the human world and are viewed very much as the enemy.

When he bungles an assassination attempt on a fey prince, he finds himself taken as a pet – with all that that entails. Discovering that he’s a sucker for praise as well as being a magical vessel is the least of his worries as he struggles to make his way through fey politics, family dynamics and learning more about himself as he falls head over heels for his captor – who insists on feeding him and sexing him up in equal measure. I laughed and sighed happily and immediately logged on to find the previous two books in the series!

I received an ARC from BookSirens.

Shared by the Gladiators by Taylor Wolfe (Straights Get Shared #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Shared by the Gladiators

AUTHOR: ⟫ Taylor Wolfe

SERIES: ⟫ Straights Get Shared #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Zane is finally checking off the number one item at the top of his bucket list: to visit the Colosseum. And when a ridiculously handsome tour guide dressed like a gladiator offers him a private tour, he certainly can’t refuse. Especially not after the gladiator stirs unfamiliar, but very welcome, feelings.

And when the gladiator offers to introduce Zane to his friends, Zane realizes that all his new fantasies might just become a reality.

REVIEW: ⟫ I love books like this – when you’re in the mood for something simple, a bit of smut, some insta-love, they completely hit the spot. I liked the historical aspect of this and the sex was hot – what more can you ask for?! I received an ARC from BookSirens.

Thunder Road by Morgan Brice (Badlands #7)

TITLE: ⟫ Thunder Road

AUTHOR: ⟫ Morgan Brice

SERIES: ⟫ Badlands #7

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Simon and Vic are home from their honeymoon, just in time for a brand new case!

Mysterious missing person reports, a cursed motorcycle club, and an ancient entity add up to trouble. A bad bargain to stop a long-ago gang war requires a yearly sacrifice from a tightly-knit group of riders, and even their coven of witches hasn’t been able to stop the deaths.

Then the granddaughter of a former lighthouse keeper comes to Simon for help. When the lighthouses were automated, they lost their live-in guardians, who worked protective spells to shield the coast from killer storms and a murderous creature. Those protections are fading, and an old evil has gained power, growing stronger with every life it claims.

Can Simon and Vic end the deaths and disappearances, or have they finally found a foe too powerful to stop?

Thunder Road is an action-packed MM paranormal romance chock full of old magic, protective guardians, found family, an ancient monster, brave motorcyclists, helpful ghosts, loyal friends, psychic visions, hurt/comfort, supernatural suspense, and an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the feels.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was an interesting read with engaging main characters and a well thought out plot. I haven’t read any of the previous books, but surprisingly that wasn’t necessary even though this is book 7 in the series. There was a lot of lore and background information provided and sometimes that did slow down the pace of the story, and I felt that some of it was a little repetitive. The battle with the big-bad wasn’t as satisfying as I had hoped but it was good and there was definitely a sense of danger that added to the ambience.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Impulsive Connections by Marie Reynard (Elemental Bonds Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Impulsive Connections

AUTHOR: Marie Reynard

SERIES: ⟫ Elemental Bonds Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Ignited by accident, fueled by fate. Some bonds burn brighter than any flame.

Kade Mills has spent over a decade dreaming of his ideal meet-cute. Surely the universe wouldn't toss the perfect mage at him while he's a scarred shadow of his former flirtatious self, recovering from his last encounter with the malicious spirits haunting his pack's territory.

Liam Batiste is a man of simple pleasures; a quiet room and a stack of books are all he needs to be happy. He's only in Lost Creek to help his friend save the Mills pack from the unknown evil infesting their land, but everything changes when he and Kade are paired up to capture the supernatural threat.

After a run-in with a spirit leaves them entangled—physically and magically—they must learn to control the newfound power their unwanted connection grants them. As they struggle to resist the heady pull of their bond, they begin to realize it may hold the key to defeating the dark forces that are endangering far more than just Kade's pack… and perhaps it's not as unwelcome as they first thought.

Impulsive Connections is a steamy 149k M/M paranormal romance featuring a playboy wolf shifter, a nerdy mage, and friends who are trying their very best not to meddle. This simmering slow burn is perfect for readers who love reluctant mates, unintended bonds, forced proximity, unfortunate bed shortages, and knotting. While it guarantees a happy ending for its main couple, the overarching plot does contain cliffhangers, and the series should be read in order. Please look inside for content warnings. (This series does not contain mpreg.)

REVIEW: ⟫ Part of my feelings about this story are my own fault – I have to be in the right mood for slow burn and I obviously wasn’t in that mood. The story continues from the first in the Elemental Bonds series, with Liam rushing to assist Elijah and his new mate, Victor, in solving just what is happening to the territory. In the process, he becomes accidentally bonded to Kade. The plot is interesting, with the details interwoven of the spirits they are trying to get rid of being quite fascinating. However, I think I would have preferred if there had been slightly faster progress on the relationship between Kade and Liam and less concentration on the issue with the spirits.

It was nice to see Victor and Elijah again and see how their relationship was thriving, but I almost felt like there was too much attention paid to everyone else instead of the main couple.

I loved the nods to MateHub, especially between Aran and Kade, and the one liners, banter and dick jokes were brilliant. I think I just wanted to feel more of the main couple. Even after they had both realised what was going on, sometimes it felt like the pace was glacial. I appreciated how important consent was to both of them – especially with how their bond was established – and the scenes between them were really hot. I guess I just wanted more focus on them and less on the over-arching plot. I am really looking forward to Aran’s story in the new year and I definitely recommend reading this one.

I received an ARC from GRR.

On Circus Lane by Lily Morton (Wright Brothers Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ On Circus Lane

AUTHOR: ⟫ Lily Morton

SERIES: ⟫ Wright Brothers Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ The first time Bee Bannister met Tom Wright, he couldn’t stand him.

Everything about the man aggravated him—his perfect hair and body, his confident arrogance, and the way he looked straight through Bee.

Which is why it’s such an unpleasant shock to find that he’ll be sharing space with him while on a Christmas holiday with friends in Scotland.

However, as the days fly by and snowy Edinburgh begins to work its magic on him, Bee discovers that sometimes first impressions can be very misleading. Tom is kind and funny, and somehow, rather than looking through Bee, he actually sees and likes all of him.

The two men grow closer, but will Bee follow his heart or his head when the holiday ends? And can relationships that start so badly ever lead to love?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a festive romantic comedy about enemies to lovers and the magic of Christmas.

This is the first book in the Wright Brothers series.

REVIEW: ⟫ This book was an absolute delight! Bee and Tom are the cutest couple ever, with both of them falling head over heels over the course of a short holiday. Their banter, chemistry, utterly unable to resist each other was a joy to read and I find myself wanting to visit the sites in Edinburgh to see what they saw. Lily Morton has such a deft touch when it comes to creating characters that you find yourself invested in, and story had those people in spades! I feel like I’ve read Jack and Arlo’s story (although I’m not sure how because this is meant to be book #1 in the series). I feel like I’ve been really lucky in my Christmas books this year – so far, not a dud among them!

I received an ARC from GRR.

The Remarkable Lover by Maya Jean (Sweet Southern Book #3)

TITLE: ⟫ The Remarkable Lover

AUTHOR: ⟫ Maya Jean

SERIES: ⟫ Sweet Southern Book #3

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Jackson

Dreams collapse in the blink of an eye, I know that better than anyone after losing my career as an athlete. Now I spend my days giving people pleasure for pay and playing with stocks. Most of my friends have settled in Clay Springs, Florida. A sleepy little town that moves slower than molasses. Call it boredom or infatuation with the redhead who scowls at me every time I smile his way, but I think there’s also something special for me in Clay Springs. If only Harper would let me show him.

Harper

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that most people suck. Not in the fun way either. All my cousins are settling down with their boyfriends and I’ve got my service dog and a brain disorder. Cool. When Jackson shows interest in me, I figure it has to be a joke. But the big guy wants to be my friend. Then he wants to date me. And now … well now I’m in too deep and it’s only a matter of time until he leaves. After all, I’m always too much or too little, never just enough.

The Remarkable Lover is the third book in the Sweet Southern series featuring one-sided annoyance to lovers, size difference, hurt/comfort, playboy/inexperienced, and a man who finally allows himself to be loved.

REVIEW: ⟫ Harper and Jackson are couple goals! They listen to each other, understand each other and care with a blistering heat that sears the page. Harper has had a tough ride – his epilepsy has limited his life so much, with a lack of understanding from his mother making things worse. So when Jackson keeps trying to ask him out on dates, insisting that he wants to be friends, Harper just doesn’t know how to take it.

And yet he allows himself to be vulnerable with Jackson, lowering his guard and letting himself be seen, appreciated and ultimately loved. Jackson was an absolute angel. The way that he accepted the limitations that Harper put onto things, whilst finding ways to tick off any and everything on Harper’s bucket list was so touching. And let’s not even talk about Honey – the goodest girl that ever was!

I really enjoyed this instalment in the Sweet Southern series and have high hopes for Benji and Nolan which is due out in April 2025. I received an ARC from GRR.

The Christmas Curse by Avery Cockburn

TITLE: ⟫ The Christmas Curse

AUTHOR: ⟫ Avery Cockburn

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Martin Gibson is cursed. Ever since a childhood clash with a Christmas elf, the holiday has brought him bad luck. In a desperate attempt to avoid the Curse—or at least protect his loved ones from its calamities—he leaves Scotland and travels to America for a Christmas utterly alone.

Anthony Bello is adrift. Fired from his job as a TV weatherman, he’s returned to West Virginia to be caretaker for his family’s vacation rental properties. When a hot Scot with an unlucky—and unlikely—story checks into one of the tiny homes he oversees, Anthony is more than smitten. Now he has a thrilling new help Martin break the Curse for good.

Will a wild winter storm let Martin and Anthony’s attraction build into something real, or will it trigger the most cursed Christmas yet? And when Martin’s transatlantic escape is over, can they bear to walk away with nothing but memories?

Get your holiday warm fuzzies with this standalone tale featuring a Christmas-tree heist, a bed-hogging dog, and the coziest hot tub ever!

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a very sweet Christmas story, with plenty of laughs, some feels and some incredible animals. I really enjoyed the fact that none of the families featured were perfect, and that both Anthony and Martin were able to see what was happening and feel that it was all worth the risk. The tale of the Christmas Curse made me giggle for far too long, and the line the Elf came out with? Absolutely perfect!

A lovely way to transition fully into holiday mode, this was an enjoyable romp that was easy on the brain and the heart! I received an ARC from GRR.

The Wolf's Wounded Omega by A.J. Cane (The Grizzly Ridge Series Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ The Wolf’s Wounded Omega

AUTHOR: ⟫ A.J. Cane

SERIES: ⟫ The Grizzly Ridge Series Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Wolf shifter Knox is thrilled to find his fated mate…until the sassy omega rejects him.

Danny tried the relationship thing, and it ended violently. He has no desire to let another alpha close enough to hurt him…especially not an intimidating stranger like Knox.

Knox has never been called patient. He's grumpy and stubborn, and he's afraid he'll inadvertently push Danny further away.

But when a rogue wolf pack threatens the omegas of Grizzly Ridge, Danny must trust Knox if he wants to escape with his life—and heart—intact.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a sweet, slightly complicated read, with a relationship shy omega and an outcast wolf shifter finding each other. I haven’t read the first book in the Grizzly Ridge series but I don’t think you need to – although the main couple from that are in this book, things are explained enough that this can be read as a stand-alone. I say complicated because it wasn’t as simple as see mate, fall for mate, mated!

I liked the fact that Danny didn’t immediately bounce back from what he went through, and that despite the biology telling him (and Knox) that they were meant to be together, they worked through things at a human pace. It felt more real – as did the reactions of Danny’s pack when it became obvious that Knox was his mate. Seeing someone you care about going through what Danny went through was bound to make the people who loved him wary of anyone new, but I also really liked the way they were prepared to give Knox a chance and appreciated him for what he brought to the pack.

The story does seem to be a continuation of a larger arc for everyone, but this was a good, solid read and I enjoyed my visit to Grizzly Ridge. I received an ARC from GRR.

Honey Sunshine by Gen Blackwell (Bower Brothers Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Honey Sunshine

AUTHOR: ⟫ Gen Blackwell

SERIES: ⟫ Bower Brothers Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ “How did the two of you meet?”

The age-old question that turns couples into giggling messes, blushing like they’ve just been shot in the heart with Cupid’s arrow as they recount their cute meeting.

My meet-cute with Harvey Cooper?

Well, it wasn’t exactly run-of-the-mill, and truthfully . . .

It was a damn mess.

I was supposed to be meeting a potential investor for my small advertising firm. However, life decided today would be a great day to test my willpower when—out of all the restaurants in the city—my ex-boyfriend slash ex-business partner who’d stolen all our top clients, also chose to dine in the same one where I was meeting my potential investor.

So there I am in the restaurant’s bathroom, threatening to murder my best friend if he doesn’t come to my rescue. And then, just when I’m about to punch my ex—because it feels like the better option—the love of my life waltzes in to save the day.

Did I say the love of my life?

What I mean is the investor I’m supposed to meet, who’d heard my desperate SOS in the bathroom. Just when I’m thinking of giving myself a potential concussion to forget this whole thing, he lays out a plan that might benefit both of

Why don’t I be the Juliet to his Romeo at his upcoming family dinner?

Well . . .

Romeo to his Romeo, except we don’t try to kill ourselves no matter how embarrassing this is.

It sounds foolproof, and frankly, it seems perfect, so we make a pact.

What I don’t expect?

Accidentally falling for my fake boyfriend like any other cliché novel.

Meet Zach and Harvey in Honey Sunshine, a lighthearted MM romance novella filled with passion, humor, and insane chemistry. This is the first book in the Bower Brothers series and can be read as a standalone.

REVIEW: ⟫ This is the first book by this author that I have read and I enjoyed it for the light-hearted romance that it was. Harvey and Zach were very sweet together, and I really enjoyed meeting Harvey’s family. Despite meeting because Zach’s ex was being awful, there was little to no angst in the story, with things being quiet surface. I enjoyed meeting Harvey’s family and they did make me laugh a couple of times. A nice, easy read. I received an ARC from BookSirens.

Breathless by Willow Thomas (Squad Goals Book )#

TITLE: ⟫ Breathless

AUTHOR: ⟫ Willow Thomas

SERIES: ⟫ Squad Goals Book #4

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ The Cheerleader and The Guy Next Door

Perry

My life is a mess.

My mom and sister treat me like I’m the worst person in the world because I enforce my lone boundary. I’m really close to failing a class that is crucial to my degree. The very important regional cheerleading competition is coming up.

It’s a lot.

Then I meet my new neighbor and realize it’s the hot guy who witnessed something I do not want my cheer squad to find out. My life gets even more messy as I come up with a proposition to convince him to keep my secret.

He tells me he’ll keep my secret anyway, so why do I push him to take the deal?

Beau

Inheriting my grandfather’s old house after he passes away is bittersweet. It’s not been lived in for twenty years and is next to a house full of college cheerleaders, but it is perfect for me and my bee hives.

When I introduce myself to the squad, I come face to face with Perry, the guy whose family life imploded in front of me weeks ago.

He offers to help me kick start my business in exchange for never mentioning what I witnessed. No way would I say anything, but I still take him up on his offer.

Perry is the kind of man you use any excuse to spend time with.

So I do.

Breathless is book four in Squad Goals, an MM cheerleader romance. Expect a not-so-meet cute, Petty Perry, bee puns, spice, and a lot of cheer.

REVIEW: ⟫ It’s time for the king of petty, Perry, to find his HEA and as expected, this one was a lot of fun. Perry has an absolutely awful family consisting of his mother and sister, and the first time he meets Beau is during one of the most awful interactions.

However, when Beau moves in next door and has a business proposition that is exactly what Perry needs for his course, things go a lot more smoothly. Beau is not quite as petty as Perry but does a good enough job to keep up with our lovely cheerleader. The rest of the gang is present and correct, complete with their normally inappropriate and/or funny behaviour so this was like revisiting old friends.

I liked Beau and Perry together, especially the way that Beau views Perry as something special – it’s exactly what our boy deserves! A solid addition to the Squad Goals series! I received an ARC from the author.

Ravager by S.B. Hazel (A Twisted Bonds Novella)

TITLE: ⟫ Ravager

AUTHOR: ⟫ S.B. Hazel

SERIES: ⟫ A Twisted Bonds Novella

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Running through a haunted Halloween maze, I feel the heat rising inside me—chased by a sexy devil in a mask, hotter than I ever imagined.

The thought of being captured, ravaged, ruined… it tempts me beyond reason. I want to stumble, to fall and surrender, to feel his arms close around me.

Desire and fear churn in a terrifying mix, my body burning for what comes next.

I want to be his, to be wrecked by the faceless man at my back.

When he catches me, what will he do? Will I succumb to his darkest desires?

Ravager is a 12k MM novella featuring a Halloween maze and primal play.

REVIEW: ⟫ Heading into Halloween season, it seemed appropriate to start reading/reviewing things that are a little bit darker! Which was why the cover of his novella caught my eye – it looks like it would be fun and a little bit dark!

This novella is part of a larger series although I haven’t read any of that series. There was backstory provided here but mainly enough to titillate you into reading the rest of the series rather than being necessary for enjoying this.

Cole is a little bit twisted by his upbringing and appears to be obsessed with Avery. He is very much the darker half of the duo, with some daddy issues thrown in for good measure. He steals from his father in order to afford Avery in an ‘auction’, which as part of the prize includes a chase through a Halloween maze and a private dance.

Avery comes across as a little naive maybe? But also really likes the idea of being chased as something a bit different from the ordinary.

Obviously with a novella, things happen very quickly, but time is given to the chase in the maze that was fun to read. I got a little distracted with the descriptions of the decorations – I guess it seemed a bit superfluous to things and I would have preferred there to be more of the interactions in the maze. It sounded like it was going to be seriously hot and slightly terrifying at the same time.

The dancing/sex scene was generally good although no real negotiation between them for what was happening. Avery seemed into the whole anonymous idea of things but I would say it was slightly problematic that Cole knew who Avery was but not the other way around. However, this was clearly listed in the warnings so that if it’s something that doesn’t appeal, there was definitely time to close the book!

Overall, I enjoyed reading it – it was fun, sexy and entertaining and I think I would be quite interested in reading a full novel about how Cole gets out of the situation he’s placed himself in.

I received an ARC from BookSirens.

His Mate By Resistance by Mel Aitchess (Lunetti Pack Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ His Mate By Resistance

AUTHOR: ⟫ Mel Aitchess

SERIES: ⟫ Lunetti Pack Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ His boy deserved better. He deserved to be the centre of someone’s world.

Luca stumbled on something he shouldn't have and now someone's trying to kill him. If only he knew what and who. He hates that he has to use his hacking skills against his own pack as he hunts down the traitor. He hates it even more when his Alpha sends him away for his safety. Hex-Rated—the hottest gay nightclub in New Trinity—is the last place he expected to be hiding out. The water witch who owns it better keep his damn hands to himself.

Cal has no time for the three crime families that run the city. He's worked hard to keep his club on the right side of the law. That's all put at risk when a favour for a friend has him faking a relationship with a Mafia wolf shifter. Luca's a criminal and there's no way Cal would go there for real. Even if the shifter brings out every protective instinct in him. Even if Luca is so good for him despite himself.

His Mate By Resistance is an enemies to lovers MM Paranormal Romance. It's book two in the Lunetti Pack series, but can be read as a standalone. It features forced proximity, a fake relationship, knotting, a water witch Daddy, and magic sensory play. There is no mpreg in this world.

REVIEW: ⟫ Having read the first book in this series, I had an idea of who Luca was but not what had happened to him to make him seem so vulnerable and for the pack to treat him as fragile. This was more than adequately explained in this book, as well as the reasons why Luca felt so suffocated by his Pack – he wanted to let go of the past, avoid thinking about how it had affected him and move forward but there was so much holding him back.

I really enjoyed getting to know Cal a bit more. He was an interesting character in the first book and reading more about him, about his past, about what he wanted from his life, made him someone I was rooting for.

It was a bit frustrating just how much the pack left Luca to deal with. On the one hand, they acted like he was fragile and on the other hand, they had him working day and night on things without proper consideration as to how it was affecting him. I loved how easily Cal picked up on Luca’s kink, how open he was about his attraction and how he allowed Luca to set the pace.

I had some niggles: Luca knew he was in danger yet goes down to the club unsupervised; I needed to know more about how mating worked in order to understand the issue with Gio; Luca’s twin sister was aggravating at times and not necessarily in a good way.

But overall, I really enjoyed this story. The relationship between Cal and Luca, the scent-marking, possessiveness and their obvious attraction to each other hit the spot and I was glad that I read it. I will be looking out for the next book in the Lunetti Pack series. I received an ARC from BookSirens.