The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer by Chloe Archer (Monsters Hollow Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer

AUTHOR: ⟫ Chloe Archer

SERIES: ⟫ Monsters Hollow Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Welcome to Monsters Hollow, where love knows no bounds—even in a town full of monsters!

A quirky romance writer in hiding. A sexy gargoyle lover turned bodyguard. And a stalker that just won’t quit...

Ryder St. James

I assumed writing swoony romance novels about humans and Otherkind might attract some unsavory attention. But I never imagined I’d have an obsessive fan stalking me.

As a former foster kid, I’m pretty resilient but this situation is messing with my sleep and I’m on deadline for my next book!

About the only thing that can help at times like this is some regular mind-blowing…release. Trust me, solo methods just aren’t enough and hooking up with randos isn't my style. I need someone safe who can reliably rock my world in the bedroom and maybe help me with my research as a bonus!

Enter the hunky Scottish gargoyle who’s been flirting with me ever since I arrived to hide out in Mystic Hollow. We come up with an ideal no-strings and no-feelings arrangement.

After all, romance is just a fantasy I write about in my books--right?

Vash DarkWing

From the moment I met Ryder St. James, I wanted to know more about the bonnie, brave man who speaks his mind. With no filter.

When he proposes a few weeks of mutually beneficial shagging before his book tour starts, I immediately jump on the chance to, well, jump him. Just a bit of fun and maybe friendship.

Hell’s bells, but Ryder slips past all my defenses and wins my affections without even trying! Now, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep the man I love safe. Even if it means putting my heart as well as my life on the line.

The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer features an inappropriately curious novelist, a sexy Scottish gargoyle, a speciality harness for aerial…shenanigans, a creepy stalker, and true love for the win. This is the second book in the Monsters Hollow series and can be read as a standalone.

REVIEW: ⟫ I actually find this review difficult to write because this book was – different. I haven’t read the previous book in the series (I didn’t realise it was a series initially) so I had no previous knowledge of the characters. This possibly impacted my initial enjoyment as from the very beginning, we start the book on an incident that obviously harks back to the first one.

I found the characters to be a bit of a caricature on occasion – Max, for example, came across as a bit of a stereotype with the way he was described, his mannerisms and attire. This wasn’t necessarily a negative but I was a little thrown by it. I also struggled to connect with Ryder as a character – it felt very much like I should feel a certain way about him because of his upbringing, his attitude and his demeanour. It felt very much like he was written as a neurodivergent character whereby a lot of his mannerisms were ‘covered’ by his neurodivergence. It felt – maybe a little lazy? His inappropriate questions were not amusing after a few occasions of them happening, and I would have expected a man of his age to have better masking techniques.

I thought Vash was fascinating and I wish I had learned more about him – the bits we did find out about his home, actions and motivations was really interesting. The forum entries at the beginning of each chapter were fun to read and to try to guess who each person was. I thought the relationship between Vash and Ryder was nice – it built slowly with regard to the emotional aspect of things, and I liked how respectful, open and honest they were with each other.

I’m not sure if I would describe this story as steamy – there were sex scenes that were quite descriptive and explicit, but I didn’t connect with them very well and wasn’t as involved in them as I might have been. The best way that I can describe it is that I felt like I was told what they were feeling and experiencing rather than feeling it myself – the best sex scenes affect you on a visceral level and I didn’t get that from this story.

The stalker storyline felt under-developed but that might have been covered more in book one, so that is on me for not reading the first book. I did guess who the stalker was going to be but I don’t think it was meant to be a huge surprise by the time the confrontation took place. I did enjoy the confrontation, especially because Ryder proved himself more than capable of looking after himself which I appreciated – he wasn’t a damsel in distress.

The investigation into the magic within Mystic Hollow was intriguing and the arrival of a particular character definitely alludes to future stories. Overall, this was a pleasant read and I enjoyed the time I spent in Mystic Hollow. I’m not sure if I will try to read the first story, mainly because a lot of the plot might well have been spoiled for me by reading this first. I would recommend finding the rest of the series first so that you can enjoy things in the correct order.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Just Like Magic by Ellie Roth (Longview Romance book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Just Like Magic

AUTHOR: ⟫ Ellie Roth

SERIES: ⟫ Longview Romance

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ The witches are rioting again.

Figures. They overreact to everything.

Anwer Alexander, son of the notoriously anti-magic governor, has everything he wants in life: a good job, amazing parents, and an annoying brat of a younger sister. But when his sister Shay manifests the same kind of magic powers that get countless teenagers kicked out of their houses, Anwer has to scramble to find her a witch who can show her how to control them—and make sure their parents don’t find out.

Christian Lewis, the most powerful magic user in the tristate area, doesn’t know what to do with himself when the Alexander siblings ask him to teach Shay in exchange for Anwer helping Chris with a life-changing ritual. But no matter how much he hates their parents, Chris has never been able to say no to mentoring a newbie magic user from a toxic household—even though her scowling older brother infuriates him.

As the long summer days grow warmer, Anwer and Chris find themselves slowly drawing closer to each other over Shay’s training. Sparks fly when Shay decides that she wants to compete in the Santiago, the largest magic tournament of the year, but will the five-day competition be the beginning of something more or the end of everything Anwer and Chris hoped for?

--

Just Like Magic is a contemporary LGBTQ+ romantic fantasy that features a modern world imbued with magic, a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, found family vibes, tragic backstories, mild to moderate steaminess, major angst, and a happy ending for our protagonists (with a few plot threads left open for later books).

*Content warnings available on website.

REVIEW: ⟫ I am in two minds about this story. Admittedly, it did say that it was slow burn so I wasn’t expecting insta-love or anything like that. However, as the first book in a series, there was a lot of world-building and plot that had to be fitted in and as such, for me personally, the romance part of things did suffer.

The characters were nicely written – Chris and Anwer both had good reasons for the way they felt, it wasn’t manufactured, ignored or blown out of proportion. The plot was extremely interesting and the metaphor of children with magic being thrown out of their homes hit home without feeling like you were being bashed over the head.

I enjoyed the magic tournament and the things that happened there – it was brilliant to see Chris in his element and demonstrating his power, rather than us just being told that he was an incredibly powerful magic user. The additional characters were also well-rounded and not just there to pad out the background.

I found Anwer’s parents to be a little of a caricature but then it would be difficult to give them more depth when they weren’t the main thrust of the story. I was very interested in the persecution of the magic users and how it was described and I will be looking out for further stories in the series in the hope that it is examined in more depth.

The romance between Chris and Anwer was sweet – when we did spend time with them, it was possible to see them falling in love with each other and the reason why. I especially enjoyed when Chris was training Shay and Anwer was struggling to fight his fear/hatred of magic whilst falling under Chris’s spell. There were certain aspects of things that I wasn’t very happy with – especially with regard to how much it was made into a thing that being magic was an integral part of who people were – but that definitely falls under the category of YMMV. Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Arranged Salvation by Jacey Davis (Arranging Love Book #3)

TITLE: ⟫ Arranged Salvation

AUTHOR: ⟫ Jacey Davis

SERIES: ⟫ Arranging Love Book #3

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Bastion: Making that phone call was the hardest thing I’d ever done. But also the best. I was terrified of what would happen once I asked my half-brother for help, but I had no other choice. I’d do anything to protect the baby growing inside of me. Even if that meant escaping my husband’s home and possibly putting everyone’s life in danger in the process. It was the most selfish thing I’d ever done but for the most selfless reason.

I knew there would be consequences for my actions, but I never expected I’d have to pretend I had a fated mate. But being tied to an alpha like Arden wasn’t a hardship. He was kind, sweet, caring, and protective. He was everything I never thought an alpha could be. He was showing me that the world wasn’t as terrible as I believed, and that maybe not all alphas were cruel. I just wished fate was kind to me for once and he was truly my fated. But I knew better than to hope for too much and was grateful for what I did have with Arden.

Arden: I always knew I was a smidge overprotective. Caring for my pack was my love language. But nothing compared to how intense those feelings were toward Bastion. I had sensed…something…between us when I met him all those months ago but hadn’t thought much of it. Now that he was mine, though, even if it was just on paper, that caretaker side that was always just under the surface had its moment to shine. I’d do anything to protect Bastion.

Anything.

With the government breathing down our throats and the political climate getting more heated every day, I might be putting that to the test.

Arranged Salvation is book three in the Arranging Love series. Each book is an interconnected standalone with new MCs and at least an HFN for the couple. It is strongly recommended that you read the previous books, as there is an overarching storyline that continues throughout the series. However, it would be possible to read this one without those. Arranged Salvation is a slow-burn, plot-heavy MPreg omegaverse featuring a traumatized omega trying to protect his baby, an overprotective alpha with a soft side, a fake fated mating, and a lot of people doing anything they can to undermine them.

It is an alternate reality omegaverse with adult themes and explicit content. It is not meant for those under 18. This book contains on page MPreg. This is a world where omegas have very few rights and are essentially owned by their alpha guardian or mate. There is also a biological kink element where alphas are biologically inclined towards dominance while omegas are inclined towards submission.

Content warning: societal repression of a group of people, on-page violence, detailed mentions of abuse, undiagnosed PTSD, panic attacks, on-page MPreg, and off-page SA, and ongoing abuse (not by MCs) that is described. There is also a consensual Daddy kink dynamic between the MCs and very light age regression. Please see the book for a more detailed warning.

REVIEW: ⟫ There felt like simultaneously a lot to take in and yet not a lot happening on-page with regard to the central romance. I had read a previous book in this series, Arranged by Fate so the characters and premise were familiar to me. At the front of this book is a very helpful list of characters, how they fit into the story and who they are currently partnered with, as well as a list of triggers.

We are thrown straight into the action with Bastion locked away in a cupboard, finally calling for help from Lyric. It definitely felt like I needed to have read the previous books as it immediately referred to things that had happened previously, but I was able to guestimate what I had missed. Bastion’s plight – being at the mercy of his evil alpha – was described very well, as was his emotional state, so I was settled in for some hurt/comfort.

However, I would say that there were so many politics going on, the main couple didn’t get as much focus as I would have liked. This was definitely slow-burn, with things being very plot-heavy for a large amount of the story, often to the detriment of the romantic side of things. I wanted to see more of the interactions between Arden and Bastion, and however much I enjoyed the world building, I feel that the romance should have featured more heavily.

As mentioned, there is light age regression, which was handled smoothly and sweetly; however, the Daddy kink wasn’t explored as much as I was hoping. I was impressed with the fact that Daddy/boy was recognised as a ‘normal’ dynamic between mates and therefore no-one seemed to bat an eyelid at Bastion calling Arden ‘Daddy’ a few times.

After a while, the cast of characters felt like they became a little unwieldy – when they were trying to escape from government retaliation I knew there were a large number of people I should care about, but after a while they just became names on a page, and this was a shame.

I think the main issue I had with this story was that I wasn’t expecting it to be so politics heavy, and although it was interesting I feel that it got in the way of the building of the relationship between the two main characters. I also think it can be difficult to handle so many previously established relationships deftly enough to satisfy people’s desire for an update on previous favourites whilst dedicating enough time to the ‘featured’ couple.

It was a good addition to the series, and the writing is easy to read and understand. I didn’t “feel” as much as I wanted to but I think that might just be a me thing and YMMV. Well written, a solid entry in the series but I would definitely suggest reading the previous books to be able to know who everyone is and where they belong.

I received an ARC from GRR.

One by Paulina Ian-Kane (Angels of Wrath book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ One

AUTHOR: ⟫ Paulina Ian-Kane

SERIES: ⟫ Angels of Wrath

RATING: ⟫ 3.75/5

BLURB: ⟫ Michael Caldwell —medical examiner, odd, blood obsessed. His new life in Chicago consists of performing autopsies and eating chips while watching old detective series.

Until…

“He’s suddenly standing in front of me. Leather jacket, washed-out jeans, jet black hair.

His deep, green eyes are so intense on me I can barely breathe.

It’s in his crooked smile, bold flirting and confident—borderline conceited—behavior that I get lost.

The fact that he protects me five minutes later during an attempted robbery only reinforces my crazy-instant attraction toward him, though.

But there are shadows hiding in his gaze. And his apathetic yet possessive attitude confuses me.

Makes me care.

Makes me crave.

But then secrets come out and my life turns into a thriller movie.

Now I’m left wondering how this all started. And when the answer comes, I know I can never go back to my uneventful life. Would I even want to?

Would I be able to leave him?

‘Never again’, he whispers.”

WARNING-This is not a sci-fi angel story, unless you see eager vigilantes with a dark side as angels.

This is an action packed romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features an over the top possessive psychopath, and a peculiar medical examiner with a stomach made of steel. There’s violence, torture (only of very bad people), dark humor, amazing side characters and very spicy scenes with blood play. Morality’s grey area is quite stretched in this story.

This is book one in the Angels of Wrath Series. Each book follows a different couple.

REVIEW: ⟫ The main thing that it suffers from is comparison to Onley James’ Necessary Evils series. The idea of a family of psychopathic (and varying other diagnoses) who are kept under control by their parent and only kill bad people is a really good premise – I LOVE the idea, especially if they’re sexy psychos.

The writing is solid, and the premise is engaging. Michael was not as strong a character as I would have liked – he seemed like he just got dragged along for the ride. His particular kink didn’t get in the way of his career and I admit, I was a little confused as to why he was so ‘uptight’ about it since it didn’t seem to have any effect on his daily life.

Raphael was more fleshed out, but there were times when he felt a little one-dimensional and I don’t think it was his personality that caused that. His diagnosis and background were covered well, but his inner dialogue occasionally struck me like a teenage boy denied having some fun – he seemed like more of a liability than an asset to the family.

I enjoyed meeting all of the brothers and the dynamic between them was entertaining, especially when it came to the bets and pranks. The sex was pretty intense and the closeness between Raphael and Michael, the almost instant co-dependency was interesting to observe. There was a little too much telling rather than showing, and I didn’t like how days passed with nothing happening so it was hard to know how much time had passed.

I did like how things between Michael, Linda, Megan and Raphael were ‘resolved’ – there wasn’t instant forgiveness and understanding and I thought that was important and actually well handled.

All in all, I did enjoy reading this story and I have already downloaded ‘Six’ which is the next one in the series. If you’re missing out on some psychos in love, I would give this a go – just go in with reasonable expectations and I don’t think you’ll be too disappointed.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Soulmates by Kate Munro (Soulmates Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Soulmates

AUTHOR: ⟫ Kate Munro

SERIES: ⟫ Soulmates Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Maddox St. James and Jake Osterman have it all—a perfect friendship, powerful magic, and the future laid at their feet. The only thing that could make life any better is finally gaining the courage to admit that they are desperately in love with one another.

But this declaration carries the potential to ruin everything, and before they have the chance to explore their feelings, a spell gone drastically wrong nearly destroys them both.

Now, Maddox is fighting for his life, and Jake is fighting for his sanity as an unknown magic challenges everything they thought they knew about their world.

A race across the country, a quirky, reclusive mage, and a new kind of magic may be their only hope of survival and a chance at lasting love.

Soulmates is an urban fantasy friends-to-lovers romance featuring clueless best friends, a magic ritual, a swamp, and a connection that runs soul-deep.

REVIEW: ⟫ I picked this up for two reasons: book two is due out next month (February) and it caught my eye, and I thought it was a novella. Don’t ask me why – nowhere does it say that but my brain decided and that was that.

So it was obviously longer than I was expecting and that took some adjusting. I think I was expecting it to be the prequel to the book due out next month – it does centre around the same couple, so I can understand why I got that idea.

I liked this book and disliked it at the same time. I really enjoyed the friendship between Maddox and Jake that was made obvious from the beginning. And I must admit, I loved the idea of a school-wide challenge that no-one acknowledges but everyone knows happens – kinda Hogwarts but the kids are older and a little naughtier. I found the structure and world building interesting, and was definitely intrigued by the entire ‘spell’ that Jake and Maddox find themselves under.

I enjoyed Cricket and the history lesson the three of them received, as well as his cranky exterior whilst taking such good care of them. I was definitely intrigued by the happenings at the school, although we don’t really get to know much more than at the beginning.

I didn’t like the chasing across country – I understand why it happened but for me it slowed down the pace of the story too much. We didn’t learn much that we hadn’t already, and occasionally the whole point of the societal injustices, levels of power, etc just felt rather laboured. I wanted to learn more about Maddox’s father and the hints given to his childhood; I wanted to learn more about how the magic worked and how they were entwined (especially having to travel fused the way they were); their companion wasn’t fully fleshed and felt like a plot-device.

Once I had reached the end, I could see what the author was doing with the world building, raising questions that weren’t necessarily answered in this novel, projecting into the future. However, I think that for me some of that overshadowed the story that I was actually reading and as such, I’m not sure I actually want to read the next novel. Maddox and Jake didn’t grab me as much as I hoped they would, possibly because of the need to get people up to speed on everything meaning that not as much time was put into their characters.

I think this may well be a case of YMMV but this story didn’t resonate with me however much I wanted it to. I will say, the world building, style of writing and pacing was generally good, and the premise is most intriguing so I would say this is worth a go.

The Surrogate Omega by Jacey Davis (Part #1 and #2)

TITLE: ⟫ The Surrogate Omega

AUTHOR: ⟫ Jacey Davis

SERIES: ⟫ Unexpected Omegas Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ This special edition of Surrogate Omega contains both part one and part two of the original story. It features a new cover and has been lightly revised and re-edited.

Part One:

With all of the changes happening in Lake Simmon’s life in the past year, he’s had to learn how to adapt and adjust, or he’d be lost. Since most of the changes are good ones, like his baby niece, he is learning to come to terms with the lack of stability that he has always relied on. While some of the changes make him uneasy, he finds he is comfortable with the knowledge that he also has the Omega gene, like his twin brother River. After friends receive some devastating news, Lake knows that he wants to help and offers to be the surrogate for them.

There is one change Lake never saw coming: falling in love.

But when events from his past lead to Lake meeting Evander, he feels an instant connection to the man that awakens feelings Lake has never felt before. Then Ev introduces him to his best friend, Logan, and sparks fly between the three men.

Part Two:

If someone asked Lake Simmons a year ago what he imagined his life to be like in a year, he’d never in a million years imagine this. He somehow went from never having a relationship to having not only one but two mates. And if that isn’t wild enough, he’s now helping his friends fulfil their dreams of a family by being their surrogate. He never dreamt he’d want a life like this, but now he can’t imagine anything else.

Not everything is smooth sailing, of course. Between the holidays, busy schedules, long work hours, and undercover work trips, Lake and his mates, Evander and Logan, find themselves fumbling to solidify their new relationship and find their rhythm. When one of his mates has a case at work he just can’t let go of, Lake finds himself getting involved against his better judgment.

When everything comes to a head, and the secrets Lake has been keeping come to light, the three men must come together to fight their battles as one. Because at the end of the day, no matter what struggles they face, Lake, Logan, and Evander know it’s better to face them together.

The Surrogate Omega is an MMM contemporary omegaverse romance with MPreg. It's the second instalment to the Unexpected Omegas but can be read on its own.

Content Warning: references to past child abuse, food insecurity, drugs, attempted trafficking (all off-page), infertility of a secondary character, surrogacy, a miscarriage scare (does not happen), kidnapping of a minor character, adoption, and found family. A more detailed content warning can be found in the front of the book.

REVIEW: ⟫ I was very interested in the premise of twin omegas and how they handled the revelation that Omega genes were reappearing and Mpreg was now possible. The interesting juxtaposition between River and Lake – with Lake showing signs of being on the spectrum which was handled smoothly, with people accepting his characteristics and quirks with little to no comment. River was full of emotion whereas Lake was far more comfortable leaving emotions out of things.

The characters of Logan and Evander were interesting in different ways. Logan identified as straight for his whole life, to the extent that he didn’t register just how entangled he was with Evander until Lake came into both of their lives. Deeply submerged feelings for Evander as well as the almost instant desire to make Lake belong to him means that Logan had to go on a voyage of discovery about himself. He went through the most changes – physical changes that he little to no preparation for and no point of reference to guide him – meant that I felt his character had the most ‘progression’. Evander to a certain extent seemed to represent the beta in the relationship, albeit taking on the role of carer in the throuple as they developed their relationship.

I wasn’t too enamoured of the subplot regarding the case that Logan was working on and Lake’s involvement – it felt a little superfluous to be honest and I couldn’t quite get behind it. I liked the idea – I just didn’t particularly enjoy the implementation. I enjoyed the fact that this was both parts of the story so not only did you see the beginning of the relationship between Logan, Evander and Lake but also how they managed to entangle their lives together. The Mpreg aspect wasn’t really explored, although signs of how the general population felt about male pregnancy were prevalent in the story and I would imagine played a heavier role in the first story in the series which I have no read. I would say for anyone slightly leery of the mpreg aspect of things that it is very lightly touched on and there are no graphic scenes.

I liked reading these stories but they didn’t grip me – I can’t even explain why as the idea of a hot threesome, with an emerging alpha, a switch and a submissive omega is right up my street. Well written with engaging characters and an interesting storyline, I think this just wasn’t the book for me – YMMV.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Creekside Township Rivals by J T Fader

TITLE: ⟫ Creekside Township Rivals

AUTHOR: ⟫ J T Fader

SERIES: ⟫ Books #1 - 3

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Three HEA stories set in Creekside, a sleepy little town, where rivalries don't generally occur due to the leadership of the East Creekside pack. This boxed set follows the love stories of three brothers, dedicating a book to each. Lots of knotting, MPreg, and of course love.

REVIEW: ⟫ This is pretty much exactly as the blurb describes – three tales set in Creekside, featuring members of the East Creekside pack. It includes mpreg but doesn’t go into huge amounts of detail. There is minimal angst, some violence and an interesting look at werewolves living alongside humans and the issues it can cause.

Reading these was a nice way to while away a few hours – they are nice, gentle and romantic, with fated and chosen mates as the main tropes. If you’re looking for something simple and pleasant, these stories won’t steer you wrong.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Cute as Cats by Suki Fleet

TITLE: ⟫ Cute as Cats

AUTHOR: ⟫ Suki Fleet

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Meet-cute in a cat cafe, but oh no! there's a storm and they're trapped together...Zu has spent his life wishing he wasn’t so big and awkward and always making a mess of things. When he gets stood up by his date at a cat café one rainy Christmas eve, it turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to him. He finds himself exchanging flirty glances with Kiitan, the café’s slender pudding chef. But when they start to talk, Kiitan tells Zu he’s deaf and Zu’s shyness get the better of him, and his worry about messing up makes him do just that. Gathering his courage, Zu vows to wait until the end of Kiitan’s shift to make it up to him. But as the streets around the café start to flood, the café closes early to make sure everyone can get home, and Zu thinks his chance is gone. Until he sees Kiitan is staying behind to protect the café’s cats. Ignoring all the ways things could go wrong, Zu does the only thing that feels right—he takes a chance and offers to help him. This contemporary Christmas short story has gay, pansexual, disability rep and a HEA. An earlier version of this story was available as part of the Rainbow Christmas Advent in 2022. This is an extended and updated version of that story.

REVIEW: ⟫ I admit it, I picked up this book because of the cats and the meet-cute premise! I went to a Cat Cafe for my 50th birthday with my kids and we had an absolute blast!

This novella is sweet, cute and all of those words that are appropriate for this time of year. It contains a lot of representation for such a short story: disability representation, gay, pansexual – but all of it is just part of the story rather than a big deal. Obviously there isn’t a lot of space for character/world building and it was a little instant-love – basically Zu and Kiitan fall in love over the course of a (very busy and traumatic) day. If you ignore that aspect of things if it doesn’t work for you, then this is a simple tale of two men meeting and liking each other, working together to keep cats safe, and a little bit of sexy-touching to round things off. A really nice read and a good start to my Christmas reading!

I received an ARC from GRR.

Arranged by Fate by Jacey Davis

TITLE: ⟫ Arranged by Fate

AUTHOR: ⟫ Jacey Davis

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Alpha Orion Strongfire: The last thing I wanted was to marry one of the Inwood omegas. Or anyone really. But the choice had been taken from me. This arranged marriage was the only thing that stood between my family and complete ruin after my father’s scandals nearly caused irreparable damage to my family’s reputation and our business empire. I could care less about the business, but I refused to allow my mother and siblings to be vulnerable and without protection, so I guess I was getting married.

I may not have wanted an omega to care for, but one brush of my lips against Lyric’s and all of that changed. He was mine and I would burn down the world before letting him go.

Omega Lyric Inwood: I was not looking forward to being under the control of Orion Strongfire. The Strongfire alphas had a reputation, and it wasn’t a good one. But omegas had no power and this union was the only way I could protect my family.

I never believed in fated mates, but just moments after meeting Orion, it was impossible to deny the connection. For better or worse, it seemed fate destined me to belong to Orion.

This was originally featured in the anthology, Tying the Knot. It has been expanded into a full-length novel with over 30k additional content added. Arranged By Fate is book one in an alternate reality non-shifter MM omegaverse series all based around arranged marriages and marriages of convenience.

Arranged by Fate is a high-heat, insta-lust omegaverse romance. While each book in this series ends in an HEA for the main characters, with no cliffhanger, there is an overarching plot that will continue throughout. It is an alternate reality omegaverse with adult themes and explicit content. It is not meant for those under 18. While MPreg is possible it does not occur in this book. This is a world where omegas have very little rights and are essentially owned by their alpha guardian or mate. There is also a biological kink element where alphas are biologically inclined towards dominance while omegas are inclined to submission.

CW: domestic discipline, power exchange, kink elements such as spanking, mentions of child abuse and spousal abuse (not between main characters), some on page violence, SA (not between main characters). Please read the content warning at the beginning of the book for a full list of triggers and kinks.

REVIEW: ⟫ There were many elements of this story that worked for me – the premise of an arranged marriage where neither party was completely willing, the fated mate idea, an omega being able to calm their alpha down – lots of things for me to sink my teeth into.

The characters of Orion and Lyric were interesting together – they were both intelligent, caring men who were more than willing to accept what fate had thrown at them. They cared deeply about each other, were determined to make the best of things for themselves and their family members, and worked together extremely well.

The sex was – hmm, it’s hard to describe my reaction to the sex. I liked the scenes but there was something missing. They should have been burn the page up hot, but for some reason they just didn’t resonate with me. I enjoyed the different kinks including spanking and dominance, but somehow the scenes still came across as perfunctory. I don’t even know why and kinda assumed it was me rather than the story.

The sub-plot involving Orion’s father was interesting enough but some of it didn’t make sense. His father was the one pushing for the arranged marriage, so his actions afterwards didn’t make sense to me and I wasn’t quite satisfied with the explanation given. Overall, I’m not sure how I felt about this book – the ideas ticked a lot of boxes but the execution didn’t quite do it for me but YMMV.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Forbidden Match by MM Farmer (The Perfect Match Agency Book #6)

TITLE: ⟫ Forbidden Match (The Perfect Match Agency Book #6)

AUTHOR: ⟫ MM Farmer

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ The Perfect Match Agency’s company policy is clear: No dating in the workplace!

Looks like Renn and Topher didn’t get the memo…

Topher

Working in IT for the Perfect Match Agency has been my dream job. Not just because I get to work with the software that helps people find their mate, but because it allows me to work from home. And with my anxiety issues, working from home is a must. Don’t get me wrong, I have my work friends who I talk to through email and texts every day, especially Renn. We’ve never met, but Renn has become my best friend.

When the system sends both of us emails congratulating us on finding a 99.1% perfect match, not even my anxiety can stop me from heading to the office to solve the problem…and to meet Renn in person for the very first time.

Renn

Having the Perfect Match system send me an email telling me it’s found a 99.1% compatible match for me was not the wildest thing that happened to me that day. Meeting my best friend in person for the first time and having him instantly go into heat and me into rut definitely was. That supply closet will never be the same. Neither will me and Topher, unfortunately. There’s nothing like coming into work on a Monday after a wild heat weekend only to be fired to start a relationship out on the wrong foot.

But are Topher and I victims of nature and destined to go down in flames, or is the perfection of our match exactly what the company needs to study to take the whole matchmaking system to the next level?

Perfect Match Agency is a multi-author gay romance series. The stories are non-shifter omegaverse, with high heat and low angst. Male pregnancy is possible in the world. Each individual book can be read as a standalone, features a new couple, and a satisfying happily ever after. Forbidden Match is the sixth book in the series and features friends to lovers, office romance…that leads to disaster, a convenient broom closet, that guy from HR who ruins everyone’s fun (you know the one I’m talking about), someone else’s wedding, and a happily ever after.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a very sweet story of two workers falling in love with each other through their emails and interactions, before having everything confirmed by the Perfect Match Agency. It was interesting to see a little more of the workings of the agency, although the ‘drama’ felt more than a little manufactured. I thought that Topher’s anxiety was handled very well, with the mating bond acting to soothe some of his concerns but not ‘fixing’ everything. I also liked how the resolution of things considered Topher’s conditions – it wasn’t a case of it simply being a plot device, quickly forgotten and discarded.

I have really enjoyed reading the stories in this verse and it has introduced me to two new (to me) authors so that’s excellent as well! If you’ve enjoyed other stories in this verse, I think you will find this a kind, gentle read with a little heat and a lot of caring/love.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Second Match by Wendy Rathbone (Perfect Match Agency #5)

TITLE: ⟫ Second Match

AUTHOR: ⟫ Wendy Rathbone

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ One failed attempt with the Perfect Match Agency leads to a second—will this omega be The One?

Morgan Dor is a handsome wealthy businessman who attracts young omegas easily, but most are looking for a sugar daddy and never stick around.

Signing up with the Perfect Match Agency sounded like the best bet for finding his perfect mate, someone with whom he might form a real relationship, but his first match ended almost before it could get started when the omega matched to him fell for his office assistant instead.

Now the agency has found a second match for Morgan. He’s been skunked before. His heart is yearning but his mind tells him not to get his hopes up. Will it happen again? Will his second match find someone else, just like all the other omegas he’s ever dated or hooked up with? Or will this omega, finally and forever, be his perfect match?

Perfect Match Agency is a multi-author gay romance series. The stories are non-shifter omegaverse, with high heat and low angst. Male pregnancy is possible in the world. Each book can be read as a standalone, features a new couple, and a satisfying happily ever after.

REVIEW: ⟫ Morgan would have been well within his rights to be sceptical of the Perfect Match Agency having a suitable omega for him – the last time they sent someone, they fell in love with his assistant. But Morgan is prepared to give them a second chance and allow for some idiosyncrasies in how he was to meet his omega – at his parents’ property in the evening. There was also the fact that they were insisting on marriage before any mating took place, which was a little out there but he was prepared to risk it for the chance to meet the right man for him.

Riley is allergic to sunlight, which in his parents’ religion means that he’s a demon. As such, they have done the right thing for him all of these years, but now that he is old enough to go into heat, they need to marry him off. He’s managed to avoid the less than attractive offers he’s received from the alphas in the community but time is running out and something has to be done. But what kind of alpha will want an omega with Riley’s condition?

This was actually a sweet, gentle romance with an omega who has more than made the best of what life has given him but who yearns for freedom, and a mature, sensible Alpha who longs for his perfect match. Riley and Morgan were supportive and kind to each other and the Perfect Match agency have managed to do it again.

There were some parts of the story that I felt were unnecessary – the ‘villain’ was a bit of a caricature who wanted Riley for himself which didn’t make sense to me because according to their religion, he was a demon so surely none of the members should have wanted anything to do with him? I thought Riley’s parents were a little bit one-dimensional but to be fair, they weren’t the main thrust of the story. It was nice to see characters from other books in the series and I would recommend this if you are looking for something quietly sweet to read.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Unfortunate by Nicole Dykes (Black Diamond Novel - Unlucky 13 Book #3)

Title: ⟫ Unfortunate (An Unlucky 13 Novel)

Author: ⟫ Nicole Dykes

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Welcome to the Black Diamond Resort and Spa . . .

I’m in exile in this luxurious refuge after a scandal, which shouldn’t be a scandal at all. I’m Elijah Hunt, former child actor, now beloved action star.

When a picture of me in a compromising position is posted online, for the entire world to see, my agent sent me here to escape the limelight.

But here, it’s different from my crazy, loud, glitzy life. It’s quiet and peaceful. No one seems impressed with my celebrity.

And no one is less impressed than the sexy, aloof member of the cleaning crew. He couldn’t care less who I am or why I’m here.

He’s convinced I’m one of the fortunate ones—and I suppose I am. I’ve had it all—big houses, the best care, money, fame, and shallow adoration . . . but I’ve never been loved.

I’ve never known if people like me for who I am underneath it all or just for my money and fame.

And to me . . . that seems awfully unfortunate.

Review: ⟫ I think I must be missing my emotion chip this week because I can tell that this was an emotional read, with both Atlas and Elijah daring to hope for more, all whilst being terrified of the potential consequences to their heart, mental health, life yet I didn’t find myself connecting with either of the m/c.

I could well understand the underlying message about what can be perceived as fortunate not always being the prize that it seems, but I just wasn’t feeling anything. I can see from other reviews that other people definitely felt that connection and I’m sorry I missed out on it.

The other thing I would say was that the ending/resolution felt a little rushed. Now it may be that we see more of this couple further on in the series, but I wanted to see more. I think this is more of a me issue –the book was well written, the sex scenes were good and I enjoyed the story in general.

I received an ARC from GRR.

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

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

Author: ⟫ Devon Doe

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

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

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

I received an ARC from GRR.

Himbro by Honey London

Title: ⟫ Himbro

Author: ⟫ Honey London

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Devon got dumped.

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

Jesse saves the day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I received an ARC from GRR.

The Loathed Omega by K. Worthy (The Omegas of Windsly Book One)

Title: ⟫ The Loathed Omega (The Omegas of Windsly Book #1)

Author: ⟫ K Worthy

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Jackson Rockford is a walking cliché. He’s handsome and rich, with dark, brooding eyes and a jawline carved by the gods. As the beloved captain of Windsly Academy’s football team, every alpha wants to be him, and every omega wants to be with him.

Well, every omega except for me.

Since our first encounter, Jackson has haunted my days and stalked my nightmares. He says I repulse him and makes sure I pay for it. Every. Single. Day.

It’s too bad that our fathers don’t get the memo…

During our last spring break, I’m faced with an impossible choice. Marry Jackson or spend the rest of my life rotting away in a golden prison.

My fate is the same either way, so I hold my head high as I walk down the aisle as the loathed omega.

I brace myself for his revulsion. But when his hand touches mine, a fire ignites in our hearts, changing us forever.

I may belong to Jackson, but now he’s mine too.

And not everyone is happy about it.

The Loathed Omega is a non-shifter omegaverse romance and the first book in The Omegas of Windsly series. Each book can stand alone, but the stories and characters are connected and will be best enjoyed when read in order.

Buckle up for a high school bully romance featuring first times, hurt/comfort, true mates, found family, off-the-charts heat, and a HEA.

This book contains very strong language and explicit sexual content. Please see the author’s note for information on trigger warnings.

Review: ⟫ This sounded like a really interesting take on the idea of soul-mates – I’ve never read about soul-mates being repulsed by each other and I was interested in the dynamic and how it would work out.

The beginning of the book definitely went with that idea – Jackson was completely awful to Eli, bullying him and encouraging his friends in a physical attack. However, once the marriage takes place and the discovery of them being soulmates comes to light, everything changes. And for me, this change happened too quickly in the book. It would have been more interesting in my opinion if the discovery had taken place later.

I did enjoy the practical aspects of things being explored – just how do two people who feel like they are halves of the same whole cope with being separated all day, every day? And just how does Eli get over how Jackson treated him before they discovered the truth?

I think, from my perspective, although aspects of this were explored well, the whole bullying aspect was glossed over too soon and too easily by everyone involved (apart from maybe Jackson). The side plot involving a young alpha felt a bit fake and extraneous and I would have preferred if the focus had been elsewhere.

The book has many sex scenes, is generally well written and moves along at a decent pace. I haven’t read any other works by K Worthy but will look out for them. This was a nice enough read but missed the mark on a few things for me.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Tales of the Harker Pack Collection by Tara Lain

Title: ⟫ Tales of the Harker Pack Collection

Author: ⟫ Tara Lain

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ A werewolf versus a panther shifter, a billionaire, socialite flamboyant, half-human wolf, and a shifter so charismatic he captivates with a stroll across the room—meet the males of the Harker Pack in Tara Lain’s bestselling paranormal collection. You’ll fall in love – just like they do.

Book 1 – The Pack or the Panther

Cole Harker, son of an alpha werewolf, is bigger and more powerful than most wolves, tongue-tied in groups, and gay. For twenty-four years, he’s lived to please his family and pack—even letting them promise him in marriage to female werewolf Analiese to secure a pack alliance and help save them from a powerful gangster who wants their land. Then Cole meets Analiese’s half-brother, panther shifter Paris Marketo, and for the first time, Cole wants something for himself.

But this is the battle between cats and dogs!

Book 2 – Wolf in Gucci Loafers

The billionaire, socialite, playboy -- werewolf.

Socialite Lindsey Vanessen wants someone to love who will love him back — an impossibility for a gay, half-human, half-werewolf. Then Lindsey meets tough cop Seth Zakowsy—the hunky embodiment of everything Lindsey wants but can't have.

Seth has never been attracted to flamboyant men. But intrigue turns to lust when he discovers Lindsey’s biting, snarling passion more than matches his dominant side.

Book 3 – Winter's Wolf

Winter Thane was raised on the two cardinal rules of werewolf existence: don’t reveal yourself to humans under penalty of death, and there’s no such thing as a gay werewolf. Ha! Winter takes one look at human FBI agent, Matt Partridge, and decides bird is his favorite food, but trying to convince Matt of that ends them both up in chains and facing imminent death. Winter quickly learns the pack alphas are a bunch of wusses, and humans aren’t quite what they seem.

Review: ⟫ The ability to read all three of these books in one was what initially attracted me to this book, and I’m pleased I did read all three of them. I’m not sure when they were originally written, but I found some of the attitudes described to be more than a little out of date – the idea that werewolves can’t be gay being so wildly accepted didn’t sit right, especially as this appeared to be within a contemporary setting.

The romances themselves were nice enough. In book one, I found Paris to be rather aggravating. I understood his need/desire for distance, but I didn’t like the push me-pull me attitude towards Cole and this definitely affected my enjoyment of the book.

In book two, I seriously wasn’t sure what to think. The way in which Lindsey was described was a bit over the top, and I found myself offended more than once by the things that his love-interest, Seth, said to him. Add to that the sounds that Lindsey made during the sex scenes (literally making arroooo noises) pulled me out of the story more than once. I think I would have preferred a different method of describing things but obviously YMMV.

In book three, I found Damon’s attitude really confusing. I didn’t understand why he chose to bring Winter up so far away from the pack, and why he chose to come back when he did. I did love the resolution to all of the politics and fighting, and the way that the characters from book one and two came back. The ‘twist’ with Matt and his father was signposted a little too much for me, but it didn’t take away too much from the story.

I think, for me, this felt a little out of date and this definitely affected my enjoyment to some extent. They were a nice, easy read and enjoyable, but I’m not sure if I will be looking for Jazz’s story which I understand is available.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden (Love Unexpected Book #5)

Title: ⟫ Waking Up Filthy – Love Unexpected Book #5

Author: ⟫ R. Cayden

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Why in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed?

I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men.

Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband.

Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning.

Annulment. ASAP.

Gabriel might be annoyingly charming and hot, but he’d spell disaster for my life and career.

Then the photos surface, the ones where we’re making out at the chapel.

A

fake relationship might be our only way through the media frenzy, which means playing nice with the man who makes me want to scream and swoon at the same time.

The long-haired rocker who makes me laugh when I least expect, who swears that his songs aren’t sad, and who I definitely don’t want to kiss.

Except for maybe one more time. Just to get it out of our systems…

Waking Up Filthy is a steamy and sweet M/M romance about two guys who try hard but just can’t resist each other. It features dirty talk, sunrise serenades, and a touch of angst. The fifth book in Love Unexpected, Waking Up Filthy can be ready as a standalone or as part of the series. Enjoy!

Review: ⟫ I wanted to enjoy this one more than I actually did. There was nothing wrong with it as such – the premise was fun, and the contrast between the two main characters was good. The fact that it looked like they might be able to walk away from the entire marriage thing with no worries before their hopes were dashed was handled well.

I think – perhaps a little unfairly – the ‘extra’ bit of story that we got after the epilogue might have helped me fall for the main story more. The night of their meeting/marriage was never expressed/explained, and so it was difficult to see just where their attraction/relationship had begun. Perhaps if this ‘addition’ had made it’s way into the main story, I would have been able to connect better with everything.

It was well-written, with good communication between our leads, no annoying ‘misunderstanding’ getting in the way of things, and the sex scenes were good. I just felt like something was missing and I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, but it affected my enjoyment of the story.

I haven’t read any of the other ‘Filthy’ series or anything else by this author before, so maybe that’s why? Either way, I think this is one of those stories that you should read for yourself and make up your own mind – I definitely feel that it’s a case of it being me rather than the writing/story.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Be Mine, Twisted Valentine by Gianni Holmes (Corrupt Cupid #1)

Title: ⟫ Be Mine, Twisted Valentine

Author: ⟫ Gianni Holmes

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Fifteen years ago, I helped put my abductor behind bars.

And shunned the events of my traumatic past.

I’ve lived a content life with my wife.

Until the dreaded phone call.

Duncan Whittaker’s out on parole.

The first time I confront him, I intend to kill him.

But when we’re face to face, everything changes.

I’m still codependent on him.

Duncan’s the only man who’s ever made me feel desire.

He’s also the one who held me captive for almost a year.

Isolated me from others to make me grateful for his presence.

Deprived me of sensation to make me crave his unwanted touch.

Duncan Whittaker’s the sadist who broke me in the name of revenge.

Now his twisted obsession is about to ruin my life a second time.

And God help me, but I don’t know how to stop him.

I… may not want to stop him.

Be mine, Twisted Valentine is part of a multi-author collab. Ditch the hearts and flowers and step into the dark world of Corrupt Cupid. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not grab each and every deranged romantic tale as you slip into a place where darkness rules?

Review: ⟫ I have flu, so this review is probably going to be shorter than normal – apologies for that.

Be Mine, Twisted Valentine was not even what I would call a twisted valentine story – it was just straight up twisted. It just seemed like everyone in this story was all the way effed up and I felt like I was reading a car-crash. How the heck was there going to be anything even resembling a HEA in this story? The person I felt for the most was Teddy’s wife – she was the only one who didn’t deserve all of the stuff that went on in this story.

Teddy was obviously traumatised by what happened to him all of those years ago, and no surprise considering what we learnt about how Duncan treated him. Did he not get therapy? He obviously didn’t get support from his father, but surely someone could have looked a little deeper and seen how he was feeling.

And Duncan was like a man completely obsessed. As soon as Teddy was anywhere near, he seemed to lose all sense of survival instincts or common-sense. This book was a trip, and I hurtled through it because I was really fascinated with all of the characters and wanted to see how they got their HEA – or their version of it.

If you like your stories a little bit trippy, a lot dark, and more than a little unhinged, this one if for you!

I received an ARC from GRR.

Claiming Rys by Annabelle Jacobs

Title: ⟫ Claiming Rys

Author: ⟫ Annabelle Jacobs

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ All that time apart and yet the pull between them is as strong as ever…

Rys

Ten years ago Gabriel Mason betrayed me in the worst way. He made me question my instincts because I’d trusted him with a bone-deep certainty, and for that I will never forgive him.

Seeing him again after all this time sparks memories I thought I’d buried so far down they’d never surface. He’s as beautiful as I remember, but I’m older and wiser now, and I refuse to make the same mistakes again.

Gabriel

Rys Calder, wolf shifter and the biggest regret of my life. I loved him, and yet I didn’t share with him the one thing that eventually became our undoing. I broke his trust and I’ve carried that guilt for years. I knew seeing him again would hurt, but no matter how many times I’d imagined it, being on the receiving end of his cold stares and indifference hurt more than I’d anticipated.

Thrown together again with a killer on the loose, will the past continue to haunt them, or can they move past it and claim the future that fate always had in store for them?

Claiming Rys is an MM paranormal romance with second chances, fated mates, pining, angry alphas, and feisty ex-hunters.

Review: ⟫ This was a pretty straight-forward story of second chances, but with the added benefit of the Fae and fated mates and werewolves. Rys and Gabriel were young and in love and thought they had nothing but time – time to explain who they were and what they meant to each other.

Unfortunately, things caught up with them and because of a misunderstanding they were separated. Each suffered in their own way – Rys distrusted himself and his instincts, convinced that he had fallen for a hunter’s lies. And Gabriel paid the price for going against ‘his’ people in the worst way.

The situation they find themselves in is bigger than their misunderstanding, and although there is bad feeling they have to work together to try to save supernaturals from a dangerous poison that is causing them to go feral and be put down.

I really loved the plot idea and also the way that this was written, but something didn’t gel for me. I don’t know if it was because I was looking at the side characters and wondering which of them would be getting their own storyline, or because the culprit was too obvious.

It was a nice, easy, enjoyable read and I will probably keep an eye out for follow-up stories. I received an ARC from GRR.

Follow the River by CE Ricci (River of Rain #1)

Title: ⟫ Follow the River (River of Rain #1)

Author: ⟫ CE Ricci

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Follow the River is a full-length, mature, new adult bully/enemies-to-lovers MM (male/male) romance with dark themes. There will be triggering content for some readers. SPECIFIC TRIGGERS WILL NOT BE LISTED at the beginning of the book as they will be spoilers, so please be advised that if you have triggers, any at all, this book might not be for you.

I've never been one to back down from a challenge.

Rather than shy away, I grit my teeth and use it as an opportunity to prove myself.

Not just in football, but also in life.

Even when I was thrown through a loop in discovering I was bisexual, I embraced it. Owning it so no one can use it as ammunition against me.

But when Ciaráin Grady comes barreling into my life with his venomous tongue and amber eyes brimming with disdain, I realize every test of my character and strength could never have prepared me for the trial he holds.

One that toes the line of love and hate.

It's all-consuming and toxic.

Yet under the layers of revulsion he masks his face with, I see it. A glimmer of lust from deep within his secretive, broken soul.

And when we're thrown together under heinous circumstances, the distinction between enemy and lover begins to blur.

So...what is Ciaráin Grady to me?

I'm only certain that he is the greatest challenge of my life.

Review: ⟫ Firstly, I think I need to say that I am one of those people who feels that the author should have listed some of the triggers, simply because the warnings given were too vague. That’s my personal opinion and I know that others will disagree and that’s cool – that’s the point of opinions, right?

Some of this book really did shock me. I expected some of it – it’s enemies to lovers and listed as dark, so I wasn’t expecting sunshine and roses. However, I really wasn’t expecting what I would describe as outright sexual assault between the two main characters. I thought that River’s excusing of Rain’s actions by saying that he didn’t say no or fight him off were a dangerous thought process to have and more than potentially triggering for people.

The relationship between the leads was difficult and verging on toxic. There was more than one occasion when I found myself thinking that they should just leave each other alone because they were so bad for each other. However, the chemistry between the two of them was obvious and there was an almost morbid fascination in seeing just what they would do to each other.

When they were at the cabin and had begun to admit that this wasn’t simply a FWB situation – or more like enemies with benefits – I thought that some of their interactions were incredibly sweet. They were both such damaged creatures, with a skewed view of each other that a straightforward conversation might have aided, although probably not fixed.

I did sometimes find myself getting confused between Rain and River as in who was saying what, and their voices were occasionally too similar for me to differentiate between them. The sex between them was scorching – almost obviously with the chemistry between them – and there was no denying that there was something powerful there.

I feel that there should also have been a warning that this ends on a cliffhanger. This didn’t affect me as such because the following book was available immediately, but I think it would have irritated me a lot if that hadn’t been the case.

The writing was solid, the ‘mystery’ intriguing, and the chemistry between our two leads was strong, but overall I’m not sure I’m pleased to have read this story, not like I felt after reading Iced Out by the same author. If you do decide to read, do so with caution – the content is darker than you might expect, with explicit descriptions of child abuse that I’m still not sure were absolutely necessary.