Benji by N.R.Walker (The Wylde Street Boys #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Benji

AUTHOR: ⟫ N.R.Walker

SERIES: ⟫ The Wylde Street Boys #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Nolan O’Brien is a public prosecutor, and if he ever sees the name Bruno Barbieri again, it will be too soon. After a long week preparing for the trial of the decade, it takes no convincing to hit the men’s club for a few drinks.

Except the club wasn’t the only thing he hit that night.

Benji Smith works on Wylde Street as a rent boy. When he’s chased by two men, he runs into the path of a moving car. With a no-cops, no-hospital policy and needing to escape the men following him, he agrees to go back to the driver’s place.

The last thing Nolan expects is to offer Benji a place to stay, to recuperate, and to lie low. And the last thing Benji expects is to be attracted to the man who saved him.

But their worlds are about to collide in a way neither of them was prepared for, and both men need to decide what’s at stake, what they’re prepared to lose, and what they’ll fight for.

REVIEW: ⟫ Well this was absolutely delicious! Nolan was such a sweetie-pie, but my goodness when he let go in bed, he was seriously hot! I loved the relationship between Benji, Fitch and Kylan – they were so good to each other and it was obvious how much they meant to each other. Dominic gave off some serious Daddy vibes and his chemistry with Fitch was steamy hot – I can barely wait for their book.

I liked the subplot surrounding the people who were chasing Benji and how it was resolved and just really enjoyed reading this book. Definitely recommended!

Stacked by Linden Bell (Mars Fitness #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Stacked

AUTHOR: ⟫ Linden Bell

SERIES: ⟫ Mars Fitness #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

I received an ARC from GRR.

Ripped by Linden Bell (Mars Fitness #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Ripped

AUTHOR: ⟫ Linden Bell

SERIES: ⟫ Mars Fitness #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Sometimes heartache is a blessing in disguise.

I thought my life was perfect, and then I walked in on my boyfriend sleeping with my best friend.

The only person I can turn to now is Donnie, the silver-fox spin instructor who lets me crash at his place. Donnie’s a lot older and he’s still grieving his late husband. My dreams of being a filmmaker have disintegrated along with my relationship.

The worst of life has brought us together. Do we dare create something beautiful out of it?

Ripped is an age gap, nerd/jock, hurt/comfort MM romance between roommates who cuddle while watching classic movies. Expect low angst steamy shower rooms, teary confessions, disapproving family, and brand new beginnings. It is the first book in the Mars Fitness series and can be read as a standalone.

REVIEW: ⟫ Ripped literally started with one of our main characters getting his heart ripped out and I felt so awful for Connor. That situation was straight out of anyone’s nightmares and I was so relieved when he found his way to Donnie and Donnie not only understood his pain, but could completely empathise.

I really loved the way that this story didn’t try to minimise Donnie’s past relationship – his late husband was shown with love and sensitivity, without taking away from the new romance. His relationship with his late in-laws was so lovely and he completely deserved the way that they viewed him.

I also really enjoyed the fact that Connor was able to realise that how he had felt for his ex wasn’t a patch on how he felt for Donnie. It would have been so easy for there to be some big misunderstanding or belief that it was all a rebound, but both men were mature enough to accept that what they were being given was the real deal, deserving of their time and effort, and I really appreciated that.

The background characters at the gym were entertaining and I have an inkling that some of them feature in other books by the author – if so, I will have to search them out. This was a beautiful love story – with an awfully sad beginning – that made me feel all soft and happy inside.

I very much enjoyed reading this and will definitely read the rest of the series when it’s released. I received an ARC from GRR.

Teaching Quinn by Kim Breyon (Unexpected Love #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Teaching Quinn

AUTHOR: ⟫ Kim Breyon

SERIES: ⟫ Unexpected Love #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I received an ARC from GRR.

Fey Dominion by S.Rodman (Fey Lords Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Fey Dominion

AUTHOR: ⟫ S.Rodman

SERIES: ⟫ Fey Lords #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ He is a fey prince. A ruler of the race that conquered Earth.I’m a leader of the Resistance.

There can never be anything between us.

I’m lucky he didn’t kill me when he caught me snooping around the palace, but then again, Prince Mabon Y Mabinogi is unlike anyone I’ve ever met.

His decisions don’t make sense.

He is beautiful.

Demanding.

Loud and dramatic.

He loves sparkly things and pretty things.

And keeping me as his pet.

I’ll play along for now. For the sake of the Resistance and the intelligence I can gather.

But as soon as I can escape his bed, I’m gone.

There is no reason to stay.

Is there?

REVIEW: ⟫ This was so different to what I was expecting after having read books #1 and #3, but then Mabon is very different from his brothers. We saw deeper into the politics that surround the fey, and how what may seem to be all-powerful is anything but. I really enjoyed seeing things through Blake’s eye, especially when the resistance got involved. Mabon revealed himself to have hidden depths and I very much enjoyed this instalment to the series. It’s a shame that I’ve already read book #3 because now I have to wait for book #4 to come out!

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

TITLE: ⟫ Fey Conquest

AUTHOR: ⟫ S.Rodman

SERIES: ⟫ Fey Lords #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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: ⟫ Well, I started this series on book #3 so I knew a little bit about the relationship between Rhydian and Jamie. However, I am pleased that I went back and read this because their coming together was really powerful. I loved how Rhydian tried his best to understand and respect Jamie; I absolutely adored how protective over Rhydian was and when he stood up for his man and challenged someone – well, I cheered. Suffice it to say, I really enjoyed this beginning to the series and moved on to book two feeling very happy.

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

TITLE: ⟫ Fey Regency

AUTHOR: ⟫ S.Rodman

SERIES: ⟫ Fey Lords #3

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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

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

Until the fey invaded Earth.

And I saw I looked just like them.

A fact everyone else also noticed.

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

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

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

By Prince Tristan Y Mabinogi.

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

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

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

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

I received an ARC from BookSirens.

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

TITLE: ⟫ Shared by the Gladiators

AUTHOR: ⟫ Taylor Wolfe

SERIES: ⟫ Straights Get Shared #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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

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

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

Monstrous Travels as Wicked as Sin by W.H.Lockwood (The Sinful Crimes Duology Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Monstrous Tales as Wicked as Sin

AUTHOR: ⟫ W.H. Lockwood

SERIES: ⟫ The Sinful Crimes Duology Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ “If it hasn’t been too awful, I’d really like it if you’d keep doing crimes with me.”

Deeply in love, traversing the world on the holiday of a lifetime, that hard-earned happy ending is almost in sight for Percy Ashdown and Joe Bruno.

There’s just the small matter of Percy’s ex princess-with-benefits, who seems determined to get her hands on his magical sheath. And apparently she’s recently developed the ability to raise the dead.

Never fear. As always, Percy has a plan. A dangerous plan. And with hot priest Joe Bruno as his new partner in crime, Percy’s never felt more confident. For the first time, the two will work together, secret-free, to face ghosts, sequined hot shorts, and a villain far more powerful and malignant than anything they’ve met before.

But as Percy’s innate darkness clashes time and again with Joe’s unrelenting light, plans go spectacularly awry in a series of ridiculous, hilarious, and horrifying misadventures, leading them to wonder, are they really a match made in heaven? Or are they just too different to ever make things work?

Monstrous Travels as Wicked as Sin is the romantic, heart-stopping, adrenaline-fuelled orgy of steamy, bloody, outrageous excess that will leave you gasping for air, renewing that Valium prescription, and wondering how you’ll ever return to normal life again.

REVIEW: ⟫ I’ll admit, I struggled to read this one. The writing was so evocative that I found myself having nightmares with some of the things the author described and I wasn’t sure if I could carry on reading it.

However, I really wanted to know how Joe and Percy were going to get out of the absolutely horrific situation that they found themselves in, so I persevered. I did have to take several breaks – my goodness, some of the things in this book were far too terrifying – but I am glad that I pushed through and finished it.

The love between Joe and Percy is a one-of-a-kind and that was the ultimate message that came through. The way they feel about each other is the closest thing to real soul-mates that I have read, so if you can handle the horror, the gore and the scary stuff, you will love this book more than the first one.

I’m going to read something light and fluffy and hope that I can get to sleep without the lights on! I received an ARC from the author.

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!

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

TITLE: ⟫ Impulsive Connections

AUTHOR: Marie Reynard

SERIES: ⟫ Elemental Bonds Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I received an ARC from GRR.

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 Christmas Curse by Avery Cockburn

TITLE: ⟫ The Christmas Curse

AUTHOR: ⟫ Avery Cockburn

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

TITLE: ⟫ Ravager

AUTHOR: ⟫ S.B. Hazel

SERIES: ⟫ A Twisted Bonds Novella

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I received an ARC from BookSirens.

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

TITLE: ⟫ His Mate By Resistance

AUTHOR: ⟫ Mel Aitchess

SERIES: ⟫ Lunetti Pack Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Between the Pipes by JJ Mulder (Offsides Book #3)

TITLE: ⟫ Between the Pipes

AUTHOR: ⟫ JJ Mulder

SERIES: ⟫ Offsides Book #3

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Nico Mackenzie is angry and argumentative— in every way, he is the exact opposite of NHL goaltender Anthony Lawson. Thrown together for a summer of coaching college hockey at South Carolina University, Anthony makes every effort to be friendly; Nico, on the other hand, seems intent on being infuriating and keeping the other man at arm’s length.

When a causal relationship forms between the pair, they form an unsteady truce. The summer is finite, however, and when it comes to an end a decision has to be do they end things as they are or try for more?

REVIEW: ⟫ Okay, so I loved Lawson in the first two books so I was very invested in him getting his HEA. I wasn’t sure about Nico – I loved him in Carter’s story which is in the SCU verse, but here he definitely came across as angry and a bit of a PITA. However, these two – the way they worked together, how much they cared about each other – they melted my heart.

I was heartbroken when the summer came to an end and was really not sure how the author was going to bring them back together. The way it was done, how it was handled – yeah, definitely worked for me. I loved seeing the other guys from in the series but I think Lawson holds a special place in my heart!