Fey Conquest by S.Rodman (Fey Lords #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Fey Conquest

AUTHOR: ⟫ S.Rodman

SERIES: ⟫ Fey Lords #1

RATING: ⟫ /5

BLURB: ⟫ He is morally grey, with all the red flags. He isn't human. He conquered Earth and claimed me as his pet. So why don't I hate him?

Prince Rhydian Y Mabinogi. As beautiful as he is cruel. The man of my dreams, and of my nightmares.

I was just a normal human man. Now I am his pet. He will never see me as his equal, as his partner. I don't even know why I want him to.

I should hate him. I should try to escape. I should loathe the things he does to me every night.

But as I come to know the twisted politics of this cruel and violent fey court he dragged me into. I can't help suspect there is far more to Rhydian than meets the eye.

I think under his icy armour, one thing is true.

He needs me.

Fey Conquest contains captor/captive, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, first times and touch him & X.

Happily ever after is guaranteed.

Please note this story includes content that will be upsetting for some readers. If further information is needed, please use the “Look Inside” or sample feature to view the copyright page, where a full list can be found. Alternatively, this information can be viewed on the author’s website.

REVIEW: ⟫ Currently reading – review to follow.

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.

The Christmas Veto by Keira Andrews (Festive Fakes #3)

TITLE: ⟫ The Christmas Veto

AUTHOR: ⟫ Keira Andrews

SERIES: ⟫ Festive Fakes #3

RATING: ⟫ /5

BLURB: ⟫ Can fake dating lead to true love?

My name’s Connor Lisowski, and here’s what you need to know about me:

I’ve had a massive crush on my best friend’s older brother since high school.

Everyone thinks I’m straight.

I have two dads but I’m afraid to come out.

I’ve never even been kissed.

And somehow, I’ve been roped into pretending to be Reid’s boyfriend for the holidays. Who’s Reid, you ask? Only the aforementioned best friend’s older brother who never looked at me twice.

Until now.

The Christmas Veto by Keira Andrews is a gay Christmas romance featuring fake boyfriends, a bisexual king in a designer suit, first times, and of course a happy ending. Connor first appears in The Christmas Deal, but this novel can be read as a standalone.

REVIEW: ⟫ Currently reading – review to follow.

Tough Cute Omega by Eva Lyra (Howl Academy Babies Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Tough Cute Omega

AUTHOR: ⟫ Eva Lyra

SERIES: ⟫ Howl Academy Babies Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 2/5

BLURB: ⟫ Reese is tough, however, and can handle anything this academy full of arrogant alphas can throw at him. Or at least he hopes so. He has a scholarship and all his ducks in a row… until Tiberius, alpha son of a powerful werewolf clan, hires him as help and keeps shooting him those hot looks… Everything in Reese wants to submit to the powerful alpha, but is that a good idea?

Being an alpha from a powerful clan comes with responsibilities…

Tiberius is supposed to marry into a good family, claim a rich omega and have plenty of babies to continue his line—but the only omega he wants is Reese. When one day Reese takes off without a word, Tiberius realizes just how much the pretty omega means to him.

What he doesn't imagine is that Reese has some important news for him, news that will change both their lives…

* This is a 55,000-word mpreg shifter novel with humor and angst and misunderstandings that lead nevertheless to love and cute babies! Intended for adult readers.*

REVIEW: ⟫ I was looking for something light and fluffy and thought that this would fit the bill. Although things moved quickly, there felt like there was so little substance to this that I was constantly rolling my eyes. A vague attempt at a political plot was inserted badly with no resolution and I found the characters pretty much impossible to like – they seemed to be caricatures more than anything. I don’t know if I was expecting too much but I can’t see me reading any more of the series. Obviously YMMV.

End Scene by A.V.Shener

TITLE: ⟫ End Scene

AUTHOR: ⟫ A.V. Shener

RATING: ⟫ 3.75/5

BLURB: ⟫ A Hollywood dream turns into a nightmare.

***

In the early 1990s, Jonah Carter almost made it big. With a breakout role in a well-regarded film, he had never been closer to achieving his dreams. But behind the scenes, dark forces devised a plan of their own, costing the briefly shining star both his dreams and freedom.

Years later, Jonah is still bound to the City of Angels, living in solitude with the echoes of a long-forgotten dream. His peaceful life comes crashing down with the reappearance of his detective ex-boyfriend. Hayden is investigating the disappearance of a young actor, and the bloody signs all lead back to Jonah’s mysterious past.

As his buried secrets come roaring back, Jonah must join forces with the man he thought he’d lost forever. But how can they defeat the ones who live in the shadows?

***

End Scene is an intense read and meant for a mature audience. Please read the Author's Note for more information.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was very much a dark read – I went into it with very little in the way of prior knowledge, so just how dark it was took me by surprise. The story itself was fascinating, as was the way it was told in two different times – flashbacks and the present time. It constantly surprised me with where it took things – sometimes for good, sometimes not so good. So why the rating? I think because I couldn’t find it in myself to like or care about the main character.

I definitely sympathised with what he went through because it was horrific, but there was something that kept me detached from the story – I wanted to know what was going to happen but I couldn’t actually say that I cared overly much. It was well written – the characters were nicely defined and I could sort of understand some of the decisions that were made. But like I said, I found it difficult to care. This didn’t rip my heart to shreds or make me want to weep. It was interesting but I just felt so distanced from it all.

This is the first book by the author that I have read and I think I might look into some of their other works. I would say if you like the idea of a dark thriller with some seriously morally ambiguous characters and some dark deeds, you may well find this an interesting read.

His Prince by Cora Rose (Unexpectedly Twisted Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ His Prince

AUTHOR: ⟫ Cora Rose

SERIES: ⟫ Unexpectedly Twisted Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ All my life I’ve waited for my fairytale romance. Sheltered by my protective father and confined by the dangers of his mafia legacy, I’ve saved myself—my heart and body—all these years for this very moment…

Deadly handsome and charming, Mikhail Ivanov, strikes a deal with my father for my hand in marriage, ensuring my safety and building an alliance. And I thank my lucky stars Mikhail is everything I’ve ever dreamed of, his sweet mouth whispering sins and promises—that I’m his little prince, his angel.

But when the wedding ends and I’m left with a barren wasteland of secrets, lies, and broken promises from the man I trusted, my dreams suddenly become a living nightmare I can’t escape.

I should have known all along that fairy tales aren’t real, just as my dear husband should have known that even angels will get their revenge.

REVIEW: ⟫ I was fascinated by the idea of Angel and Mikhail even after I didn’t enjoy the first story in this series, so I was pleased that I had the time to read it as soon as it came out. Despite Angel always being described as the ‘weaker’ member of the family, reading this made me feel that he was definitely one of the strongest. Diablo and Anthony both used violence to deal with things – Angel’s methods of torture were far more entertaining and dare I say it, effective.

I was prepared to dislike Mikhail but as I read the story, I understood why he acted the way that he did. It was an interesting read, with an interesting subplot that allowed Angel’s darker side to come to the fore, and I enjoyed all of the background characters, including Bane (of course). As I’ve said before, when I like Cora Rose, I like her a lot and this was one of the good ones for me!

Once Upon A Christmas Song by Mary Calmes

TITLE: ⟫ Once Upon A Christmas Song

AUTHOR: ⟫ Mary Calmes

SERIES: ⟫ Multi Author Once Upon a Holiday

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Chris Gardner has a good life in New Orleans. He owns a club in the French Quarter, has a wonderful crew of people who call it home, loyal, caring friends, and even gets his kid fix by helping to take care of his chef’s daughter. What he doesn’t have is that special someone to share his days and nights with. He thought he did, once upon a time, but that man left to find fame and fortune, became a rockstar, and never returned. And that’s fine. Life isn’t a fairy tale. Now if only he could find a band to play music in his club at night, that would be a Christmas miracle.

Dawson West had to leave to see if his dreams could become reality, but what he didn’t count on was that once he had the world at his feet, he’d miss the man who’d held him tight. Between the endless climb toward greatness and the pitfalls of addiction, Dawson lost himself for a while, but that doesn’t mean he stopped loving Chris. Not wanting his love to see him broken, he makes certain he’s clean and sober when he finally comes home. Going radio silent while becoming the man Chris deserves seemed like a good idea at the time, but now…

Now, Chris has a problem. Dawson is back, out of the blue, and if Chris lets him return to rocking his club, is that an invitation for his heart as well? How can Chris ever trust again, even if it is the season?

Once Upon A Christmas Song is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon A Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.

REVIEW: ⟫ Mary Calmes writes complex characters who love deeply but care more. It’s all about wanting to be the best that you can be for that other person, although sometimes that does blind you to what’s happening around you. Chris and Dawson definitely seem like a match made in heaven, and I found myself rooting for them in their flashbacks even though I knew that they weren’t together when the story began. The cast of supporting characters were as fascinating as usual, and I loved the glimpse into the band members and how they all wanted to become better.

A really enjoyable story by an author who knows her niche and how to write it in a manner so satisfying that you kinda don’t care if some of it feels a little too familiar!

It's Complicated by Willow Dixon (Legacy Mechanics Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ It’s Complicated

AUTHOR: ⟫ Willow Dixon

SERIES: ⟫ Legacy Mechanics Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Isaac

For three years Jamie has been my best friend, my roommate, and my wingman. We do everything together, and we live by one simple rule: work hard and play harder. Everything was perfect until what was supposed to be a meaningless threesome between friends changes everything.

Now I can’t stop thinking about that night, and how I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I want Jamie, even if I don’t understand why. We might both be straight, but I can’t ignore the pull between us.

I don’t want to risk losing him, but I can’t keep pretending like nothing happened. And the more time that passes, the more I wonder if he feels the shift between us too.

Jamie

Isaac isn’t just my best friend and roommate, he’s the person I trust most in the world. We’ve been inseparable for three years, and we’re rock solid. Then a mutual ex of ours suggests we have a threesome, and what should have been a fun experiment between friends sends my life into a tailspin.

Now I’m seeing Isaac in a new light. I want him, and I don’t understand why. I try to ignore it so I don’t risk ruining the best friendship I’ve ever had, but that night awakened something in me, and the more time that passes, the more I think it also awakened something in him.

We're both straight, but that doesn’t stop me from picturing my best friend on his knees for me. Or remembering how he looks when he comes.

Isaac and Jamie’s story is a double bi-awakening, best-friends-to-lovers romance featuring two roommates who might not be as straight as they thought. You can expect found family, best friend shenanigans, hurt/comfort, big Golden Retriever energy, some exhibitionism, lots of heat, tons of steam, and all the feels as these two clueless besties realize that sometimes what you want is exactly what you need. It is the second book in the exciting new Legacy Mechanics series but can be read as a standalone. ***Please note that the threesome happens prior to the start of the book and is completely off page***

REVIEW: ⟫ A nice and easy read, with the friendship between Jamie and Isaac remaining at the forefront of everything. Neither of them wanted to take a chance on losing their person, which made their nerves completely understandable. There were no weird miscommunications, a few hiccups, a lot of exhibitionism, and a really decent set of friends that made this quite the delightful read!

The Silencer by Cora Rose (Unexpectedly Twisted Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ The Silencer

AUTHOR: ⟫ Cora Rose

SERIES: ⟫ Unexpectedly Twisted Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 3/5

BLURB: ⟫ When a little harmless flirting at a biker bar suddenly takes a turn for the worse and I find myself at odds with the dangerous Fallen Aces gang, I call on the only man I know who can save me.

Anthony Costello may be a vicious mafia boss with a penchant for violence and torture, but he’s also my best friend’s father and the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. His buttoned-up demeanor and grumpy attitude only fuel my desire to take him apart. I live to push all his buttons. And though he says he’s straight, it seems Anthony may have a soft spot and possessive streak for this smart-mouthed twink. Because as war between rival gangs escalates, things between Anthony and I start to heat up. And I think I’d rather like to sit on the king’s lap to watch it all burn.

The Unexpectedly Twisted series is a rom-com mafia spin-off of the Unexpected series. It contains dark themes and triggers, please see content warnings at the beginning of each book.

REVIEW: ⟫ I think I am going to have to finally accept that my love for Cora Rose does have its’ limitations. This last year, I have struggled to finish some of her books at all, and often when I have finished them I am questioning myself as to why. I like her style of writing – when her ability to write banter, steamy sex and interesting characters are on point for me, I adore reading her work. But when any of that doesn’t quite hit me right, then generally I think I need to learn to DNF – that’s not a failing on their behalf, that’s just that it isn’t hitting my buttons. And that’s okay.

I might return to this series because I would like to know what’s going on with Angel and Mikhel, but this one didn’t hit the mark for me.

Only the Small Bones by C.P. Harris (Slow Burns and Tragic Beginnings Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Only the Small Bones

AUTHOR: ⟫ C.P.Harris

SERIES: ⟫ Slow Burns and Tragic Beginnings Book #1

RATING: ⟫ /5

BLURB: ⟫ “What makes him so special?”

“He reminds me of someone I once knew…”

As the founder of Freedom Fighters, famed music composer, William Mayes, is often the first port of call when the FBI needs assistance with human trafficking victims.

After receiving such a call one night, William abandons everything to catch the next flight home. Arriving at Manhattan Memorial, he finds a beautiful young man restrained to a gurney. His eyes are wild with fear, and blood stains his skin. No one has been successful in getting him to speak.

When even he can’t get the young man to cooperate, William does something he may later come to regret—he extends an invite to his home.

The young man is non-verbal, angry, and at times openly hateful. All of which gives him control over William’s emotions.

William slowly begins to spiral from his own struggles with his tormented past. His nightmares return, sleep becomes a lost cause, and the dark voices in his head are out for blood.

Amid their co-dependent isolation, William’s feelings evolve. Lines are blurred, and then crossed altogether as they start down a path riddled with secrets and lies of omission.

The only thing that can set them both free is the truth. But maybe some things are better left buried. Because if the ugliest parts of William are ever unearthed, no one will be spared.

***Only the Small Bones is an MM romance, and book 1 in the standalone series Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings. This story features an interracial romance, a non-verbal MC, and mental health representation. Cameos from cast members of the Infidelity series is also included. A full list of content warnings is provided on my website.

REVIEW: ⟫ Flipping heck – oh wow! Well, this was a multiple packet of tissues kind of book, and I hadn’t even realised that I was shaking and sobbing until I couldn’t read the pages. Watching Ryan struggling to accept his new reality was so incredibly difficult, as was being able to see how William was hurting himself. And that was in the initial stages – the pain just dug deeper, burned hotter, hit harder the further into the story I got. I’m not even going to pretend that this is going to be coherent because I’ve literally just finished reading the book, my eyes are puffy from crying and my heart is a twisted wreck.

I would say wholeheartedly read the warnings that are provided and if you decide to dive in, pack some comfort snacks, plenty of water and tissues – so many tissues. C.P. Harris ripped my heart out of my chest so many times in this story but it was also incredibly liberating and uplifting. A story about not letting the bad people/bad times win, to keep pushing forward and making connections.

I did warn you this would be almost incoherent – it’s not a typical Christmas story, but it is an incredibly real one, with fallible humans, an unkind world, and the ability of humans to survive damned near anything if they can only find the thing that keeps them sane.

The Christmas Collection by Garrett Leigh

TITLE: ⟫ The Christmas Collection

AUTHOR: ⟫ Garrett Leigh

STORIES: ⟫ Angels in the City, Hometown Christmas, Christmas Mountain

RATING: ⟫ 5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Dive in to the heartwarming world of MM holiday romances with Garrett Leigh's THREE bestselling novels, complete with EXCLUSIVE bonus content for all THREE books!!

Angels In The City

Jonah & Sacha. A fake relationship with a stranger, an office romance filled with doughnuts and white knights, and an addictive arrangement that fast evolves into a deeper connection neither man can give up. Don't miss the exclusive bonus epilogue featuring Alexei from the Rebel Kings MC series!

Christmas Mountain

Rami & Fen. The single dad probation officer caring for his dead brother’s baby. The wounded gentle giant with the biggest softest heart. Get ready for a heartwarming holiday story you'll cherish forever, along with an exclusive bonus epilogue featuring Embry from the Rebel Kings MC series!

Hometown Christmas

Yani and Gavin's friendship takes a festive turn as they venture from friends to lovers this Christmas. Fleeing a painful breakup in London, Yani finds himself drawn to brooding Army VET Gavin Ritchie. They're not looking for love. This is a no strings arrangement. But love finds them all the same. Dig into this sweet and steamy holiday romance, plus enjoy an exclusive bonus epilogue featuring Nat, Marc, & Jamie from the Between Ghosts universe.

"Must read books for any MM romance fan. Don't miss out on the love, laughter, and holiday magic Garrett Leigh has gifted us with these wonderful boys."

REVIEW: ⟫ This book (or rather books) may well be the absolute best beginning to my December reading I’ve had in a very long time! I knew at least two of the stories but it was so lovely and easy to fall into each one, become inveigled in their lives, feel for them cry for them and ultimately have a happy, tearful grin on my face when I reached the ends of each story.

The banter, the sex, the feels – these books had them all, and Garrett Leigh delivered in the way only they can. I’ve decided my Christmas present to myself this year is buying in to their Patreon because their works are simply too good to wait for. Make this your first Christmas read and your December will start off well.

The Bear's Brave Omega by A.J. Cane (Grizzly Ridge Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ The Bear's Brave Omega

AUTHOR: ⟫ A.J. Cane

SERIES: ⟫ The Grizzly Ridge Series Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 3/5

BLURB: ⟫ Bear shifter Everett has found his fated mate, but he'll have to defeat another alpha to keep him.

When Milo’s date sprouts fangs and tries to bite him, he flees into the nearby forest and ends up lost. The gorgeous man who rescues him seems too good to be true… until Milo discovers his secret.

Everett knows the human omega is his fated mate, but the last thing Milo needs is another alpha shifter trying to claim him so soon after his traumatic experience.

Unfortunately, Milo’s date from hell is determined to mate with him—willing or not—and Everett will have to fight tooth and claw to protect their love.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a sweet, simple story. Milo, a human omega, is attacked on his first date with Tomas. He runs away and gets lost in the forest and is rescued by the town’s local search and rescue. The man who rescues him is a bear-shifter, Everett, who realises almost immediately that Milo is his mate, but then has to face the thought that Milo already be mated elsewhere but even if that’s not the case, has no idea about shifters. With an underlying plot regarding a rogue wolf pack, this is a sweet story, with Milo and Everett being honest, kind and trusting with each other. I actually read book 2 before this one so knew pretty much what the story was about. A nice read.

Christmas on Stardust Lane by Garrett Leigh

TITLE: ⟫ Christmas on Stardust Lane

AUTHOR: ⟫ Garrett Leigh

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ A scarred ex-biker with a hardened soul. The hot new nurse in town guarding his own bruised heart.

Tam Dubois is used to being alone. With a body that bears the marks of his mistakes, he’s grown to like it. But scratching out a living with pen and ink is tough, the numbers don’t work, and the only solution he can think of gives him the opposite of Christmas cheer.

A lodger.

It’s the last thing he wants, but like most things in life, it happens anyway, and the stranger he’s so keen to avoid turns out not to be a stranger at all,

It’s him.

Tam can’t believe it--and he doesn’t want to. But matters of the heart don’t play by the rules, and as Christmas approaches, love might just prove the greatest gift of all…

If they’re brave enough to unwrap it.

Christmas On Stardust Lane is a steamy, angsty MM holiday romance. Expect: forced proximity, hurt/comfort, and a chaotic canine with a bad case of little dog syndrome. If you love MM romance, holiday love stories, and the magic of two damaged hearts finding their way, Christmas on Stardust Lane delivers the perfect festive read.

REVIEW: ⟫ Okay, I might as well just move into Garrett Leigh’s brain because that is where I want to live! Tam and Bhodi were chef’s kiss – I adored the two of them, how closely they were trying to guard their hearts whilst it was so obvious that they were meant to be. The sex was hot (when isn’t it when Garrett Leigh is writing it?) but the banter between the two of them, the UST, how they cared for each other with things like fixing the car, shopping and cooking – absolutely stellar!! In case it wasn’t obvious, this is just another Garrett Leigh masterpiece that has to be read to be appreciated!

And yes, I am so HERE for Sab!

Newly Tied by Mary Calmes (Marshals Book #7)

TITLE: ⟫ Newly Tied

AUTHOR: ⟫ Mary Calmes

SERIES: ⟫ Marshals Book #7

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ For the last six months, Deputy US Marshal Delroy McCabe has been secretly pining for his partner, Langston Ross. He’s kept his desires to himself because he wants to do a good job and prove himself at work. More importantly, if Lang were to find out his true feelings, maybe the person he cares for the most might walk away.

Between the understanding and support Lang gives him, as well as time with his family, Del can’t afford to slip up. But then, why does his partner and best friend care who Del sleeps with? Why, if given a choice, would Lang prefer to do anything with him? Maybe Del’s been missing something important, and perhaps Lang’s not the only one who’s not seeing what’s right in front of him. Because sometimes the strongest ties are the ones that bind our hearts.

REVIEW: ⟫ If you’ve read any of the other Marshals books, then you know exactly what you’re in for. And Mary doesn’t disappoint – her books are very much comfort reads for me because despite being new people, new cases, new scenarios, there is always a clear line towards a happily ever after and I needed that at the moment!

Del and Lang made me laugh so hard – their humour, banter, the way they were around other people – it was so obvious that they were each other’s person that it surprised me that it took that long. It was also great to catch up with everyone else (I have missed Chickie so much!) and it was fascinating reading these people we watched mess up and fumble their own love lives being grown ups and settled whilst still being sexy as heck!

Another hit for me and I really loved trying to figure out who’s going to be next or if there will be a spin off. An easy good read for me.

The Backup Plan by Eden Finley (King Sports Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ The Backup Plan

AUTHOR: ⟫ Eden Finley

SERIES: ⟫ King Sports Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Thad

Failing to make it in pro ball left me absolutely devastated. Baseball has been my life, my dream, but it’s time to move on.

Becoming a sports agent was always my backup plan, and now that I’m interning at the biggest queer-focused firm in the country, I’m doing my best not to let my bitterness toward baseball affect my future.

That’s really difficult when I’m assigned to babysit Kelley Afton, hotshot rookie pitcher for Philly. He has everything I ever wanted, and he doesn’t even appreciate it. I didn’t become an agent so I could soothe the ego of diva athletes.

His constant need for validation from others frustrates me to no end, but that’s probably a good thing. Because if he didn’t have that, I’d find him irresistibly my type.

Attraction could lead to crossing lines which would put my position at King Sports in jeopardy, and I can’t have that.

I don’t have a backup for my backup plan.

REVIEW: ⟫ I remember reading Damon’s story so it was rather lovely to see him in the present, not just as a visiting uncle but as a major player.

Thad sounded absolutely dreamy – the tattoos, the way he dressed, all of it – but initially, he was a bitter p.i.t.a. However, what I really appreciated about him was that once he realised that he was being really awful to Kelley, he did what he had to do to turn things around. He read Kelley’s file, gained an understanding as to what made him tick, and he made a difference.

I thought Kelley was really relatable and the descriptions of his catastrophising and anxieties were very realistic. I very much felt for him and everything he was going through. What I liked about Kelley was that he gave Thad a chance, listened to him, learned from him, and the two of them together really made each other better. So much better.

I loved seeing King Sports in action and am already trying to figure out who’s going to be in the next book because there were at least two people that I was thinking ‘hmm’. A very enjoyable read and recommended.

Dead Serious Halloween Special by Vawn Cassidy (Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed Book #6)

TITLE: ⟫ Dead Serious Halloween Special

AUTHOR: ⟫ Vawn Cassidy

SERIES: ⟫ Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed Book #6

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ It’s Halloween and Chan’s hosting a party at Harrison’s newly inherited occult bookshop. Tristan is looking forward to a night of music, food and fun costumes with his husband and their friends.

What they actually get is chaos on the streets of Whitechapel when they accidentally open the Gospodar, the master copy of all fairy tales and let all of the creatures loose.

It’s not the first time they’ve escaped but this time, they’re determined not to go back. They’ve only got until midnight. Tick tock goes the clock...

This Halloween special picks up after the events of book five and leads into the spin off series, The Little Shop of Curiosities.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was such a fun read! I’m sorry I didn’t read it around Halloween time, but this is a story that you can read anytime! Tristan and Danny just can’t seem to catch a break, and when Tristan opens a book that shouldn’t be opened, all hell is turned loose. Actually, not hell exactly, but the world of fairy tales hits the real world with some very funny results.

I cannot express how much I loved who Death decided to model himself after, as well as him fangirling over Hades – that was hysterical! Anyway, this was a lovely read, bringing in some fascinating characters including Puck! Well worth a read anytime!

Riding Shotgun by Amy Lane (Princeton Royals Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Riding Shotgun

AUTHOR: ⟫ Amy Lane

SERIES: ⟫ Princeton Royals Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Val Royal’s tight family has always had his back, but they love to interfere in his life. That interference almost sends him over the edge when they arrange for Rory McCauley, security specialist, marksman, and hound-dog smartass, to ride shotgun as security on his latest run.

Hot, bossy, and sharp as a tack, Val ticks all Rory’s boxes, but Val’s looking for something real, and Rory’s allergic to intimacy. Besides, their gig running refrigerated bull semen from Bakersfield to Austin could make or break Val’s buddy’s ranch, so Val’s understandably pretty focused on the job. Rory still wishes Val would let him help Val, uh, ***relax.***

As Val and Rory work to keep their payload safe from a couple of determined saboteurs and they get to know each other as smart, competent, fearless professionals, sparks fly, and Val starts to fall for Rory’s roguish charm. But can he convince Rory their romance would be worth more than a straight shot to Austin—that it would be a love worth coming home to?

REVIEW: ⟫ I started reading this book and then had to put it down – I’d just started a pre-op diet and this book was just completely and utterly filled with delicious food. It was torturous!

Having made it through surgery, I returned to the book and I am so glad that I did. This was a fabulous adventurous ride into a whole new Amy Lane family and I am so here for it! Val and Rory were so good together – even before the sex – and the way that their relationship built was a pleasure to read. The plot-line was alternately hilarious, entertaining and informative, and meeting all of the family members and seeing them together was wonderful.

So pleased I had this as my week before Christmas read because this family – by blood, found and made – is what Christmas should be about!

Alpha Kings by Roe Horvat (Hedonist Series)

TITLE: ⟫ Alpha Kings

AUTHOR: ⟫ Roe Horvat

SERIES: ⟫ Hedonist series

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ As the king’s only omega son, Prince Aiken has been taught to obey in silence. Kept prisoner in his own home, his only destiny is to accept the alpha his father chooses and produce an heir to the throne.

Then one autumn day, barbarians defeat the king’s army and break into the castle: Aiken is taken hostage and brought to a citadel ruled by the formidable Cairistine lords. Suddenly, Aiken is allowed to look, speak, and roam on his own—and the things he witnesses are both outrageous and marvelous. How come the omegas at the citadel seem so happy? And who are the mysterious lords? What are they?

Bear and Wolf are the last of their kin, the true lords of Cairistine. Their powers have weakened, however, and unless a miracle happens, their sons will be born mere humans. While Bear has his doubts, Wolf believes in legends. If they can find the one omega who’ll give them twin sons from his first heat, the magic in their blood will be revived. None of this is on their minds when they kidnap Prince Aiken—they only want the war to end. But as time passes, the skittish virgin awakens desires in them both. They would never take an innocent omega against his will… but what if they seduce him?

The story is a part of the Hedonist universe in a new place with a new cast of characters. MMM omegaverse, two alphas and one omega, shifter, mpreg.

REVIEW: ⟫ According to Goodreads, I’ve read this before but I have no recollection of it, most likely because I went on an ‘author reading binge’ and read so much by the same author that I can’t tell which stories are which!

This is a reverse harem omega/alpha story, with the completely innocent Aiken taken by Bear and Wolf as reparations for the actions of his father. The atmosphere Aiken finds himself in is completely different to what he is used to – omegas are loved, cared for, and free to show their own feelings in a way that Aiken has never experienced. He doesn’t understand what is happening to his body, but both Bear and Wolf are waiting for Aiken to realise that what he wants, needs, is them.

Roe Horvat has a fascinating writing style and I definitely enjoyed this re-reading. The scenes between Bear, Wolf and Aiken were passionate, hot and more than a little bit kinky. A good read to start off the month!

Reluctantly You by Cora Rose (Our Exception Book #3)

TITLE: ⟫ Reluctantly You

AUTHOR: ⟫ Cora Rose

SERIES: ⟫ Our Exception Book #3

RATING: ⟫ 3/5

BLURB: ⟫ They say blood makes you related but loyalty makes you a family…

Sounds like a tacky wall-art quote to me. But what do I know? I don’t have a family. Not anymore. And I definitely don’t know loyalty. Not since my brothers collectively decided to shut me out of their lives... Not since my mother lied to me and kept a devastating secret... Not since my father sold our company out from under me to a smug jerk with a chip on his shoulder.

Gideon Masters… he’s my new boss, and I hate him for everything that’s happened to me. For everything that’s been taken away. Even though I know, deep down, that being an angry bastard all my life hasn’t done me any favors, and that my hatred must have consequences. So maybe Gideon is my rightful punishment. Maybe I deserve his retribution for my sins. But the way he taunts me and torments me, the way he commands me, it all feels too good to be wrong. Maybe I don’t want him to stop. Maybe my punishment could also be my savior.

This story contains intense themes of depression and homophobia, as well as other potential triggers. Please see the full list of trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.

REVIEW: ⟫ I think sheer stubbornness made me finish reading this. I wanted to know what happened to the third brother and kinda close the door on Sem and Whit, etc. I have found my reaction to Cora Rose books to be variable – I either absolutely love them or just find them too quirky for me.

The thing is, this one wasn’t quirky but it also didn’t work for me. I mean, we got cameos from a whole feast of previous characters and occasionally the links to them are a little unbelievable. I didn’t like Mitch but to be fair, I didn’t like Gideon either. I just found them to be caricatures rather than fully fleshed people and their relationship just didn’t connect in my mind at all.

I think the issues of internalised homophobia and depression were handled quite well, and I did enjoy reconnecting with Basil and his menagerie. I’m glad I read it if only to consider the series ‘complete’ but it wasn’t my favourite by any stretch. Obviously YMMV.

Just Bromantically Invested by Saxon James (Accidental Love Book #4)

TITLE: ⟫ Just Bromantically Invested

AUTHOR: ⟫ Saxon James

SERIES: ⟫ Accidental Love Book #4

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Madden

My best friend is uptight, gorgeous, the greatest person I know … and I might be a smidge in love with him. Just a small amount. Barely worth the mention.

Which is a stupid choice on my part when the guy is straight.

Starting a landscaping company with him was the perfect mix of doing what I love and an excuse to spend time with him, only it hasn’t completely taken off yet and now he’s telling me he’s lonely.

Lonely.

Apparently having one friend in your life isn’t enough.

So I’m determined to help him find love. With someone other than me. Maybe if I can pull that off, it’ll mean my heart will finally get the message and move on.

Or finish breaking into a hundred pieces.

Same thing, right?

Penn

Being besties with an overenthusiastic, gold-hearted, nudist of a man is a challenge sometimes. Madden makes everything sunshine when he’s around.

The problem is that he hasn’t been around as much lately. We work together, sure, but he’s got his roommates and I have … no one. Just him. So I feel the distance acutely.

My one reassurance is that we have work tying us together, but when an old client calls with a proposition for us, it feels like our once solid friendship is unraveling fast.

He wants Madden to help him open a nudist resort, and if Madden’s doing that, he won’t be working with me.

I’m trying not to panic over the thought of losing him, which is a typical, common best friend reaction. Nothing out of the ordinary.

And neither is the way my body has been reacting to him lately.

Everything is totally, completely normal between us.

While there’s still an us at all.

REVIEW: ⟫ I readily admit that I’m a Saxon James stan – I love her characters, the situations they find themselves in, the hot sex – yeah, I’m a fan for life I think. And I wanted a lot from Madden’s story – maybe because he was always so giving and caring in the other stories.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about Penn. I couldn’t quite picture him – maybe if he had been the cover model instead of Madden? But because I couldn’t picture him properly, I couldn’t get the right image of him and Madden together which affected my reading of the story. I fully believed in their relationship, especially how honest they were with each other. I loved how they talked – about the good and the bad – and I really enjoyed reading the naturalist aspects and why Madden is, well, Madden.

But I also found myself half hoping Damien might tempt Madden away from Penn which was a surprise to me. This was a very good addition to the Bertha Boys – as always I’m switched between irritated and scared for Xander, and catching up with the others was lovely. I think I need to maybe re-read to get a better understanding/love of Penn but that’s not exactly going to be a hardship. A solid read and looking forward to Xander finally finding his person next!