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.

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!

Square to the Puck by JJ Mulder (Offsides Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Square to the Puck

AUTHOR: ⟫ JJ Mulder

SERIES: ⟫ Offsides Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Corwin Sanhover could almost convince himself that the night six years ago didn’t happen. But when Nigel St. James is traded to South Carolina, it becomes a lot harder to keep their history in the past.

Nigel St. James can’t imagine a team he’d like to play for less than South Carolina, and he knows Corwin probably feels the same. But when things between them become friendly, it’s clear that they both still want each other now, the same as they did back then. Is it possible to start fresh and build a relationship, or are some things—and people—better left in the past?

REVIEW: ⟫ I wasn’t expecting the darker aspects of this story. They were very well handled – the way things came out seemed natural and real, and my heart broke for Corwin, especially considering what an amazing friend he was to Troy and Lawson in the first book of the series.

I really enjoyed reading Nigel and Corwin becoming a couple, especially with how patient and kind Nigel was with everything Corwin was handling. Really well handled/written and definitely enjoyed reading this.

Jon's Helter Skeleter Cold Case by A.J. Sherwood (Jon's Mysteries Book #6)

TITLE: ⟫ Jon’s Helter Skelter Cold Case

AUTHOR: ⟫ AJ Sherwood

SERIES: ⟫ Jon’s Mysteries Book #6

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Jonathan Bane and Donovan Havili cordially invite you to their wedding.

They just have to prove a man’s innocence and get him out of prison first.

Not to mention prove Solomon completely inept (not hard), and fired from being a detective.

Oh, and train Jon’s new apprentice.

They can probably get married this year. Probably.

Tags:

Jon has an apprentice, apprentice finds him an innocent man in prison, as usual it snowballs from there, frustrating cold cases, hinky bonds, wedding!, part time soul mates full time problem, I treat canon like a buffet but in a gentle way, allllllll the cameos, ALL, never play paintball with Eli, Solomon gets his comeuppance, so does Rodger, stalkers are not friends, -sniff- Jon’s little girl is all grown up, this book sponsored by PIZZA, HEA, last case do enjoy!

REVIEW: ⟫ The last in the series about Jonathan Bane and Donovan Havili and it was a rollicking ride! There were so many people in this story from other series – I wish I could remember them all, but the good thing is I get to re-read the ones I’ve forgotten!

AJ Sherwood has an engaging style that picks you up and swirls you in a tornado of fun, detecting, supernatural gifts and family – whether by blood or by family – and at the end you are left with a huge grin and good feeling in your heart. This story delivered this in spades and was a more than fitting end for this particular series. I love reading about Jon and all of the Havili family members and this took me back to some rather epic reading I’ve done in the past.

I highly recommend reading the books leading up to this – as well as the ones that link to it – if only to get a true feeling for all of the characters. Excellent read!

The Nøkk and the Jock by Leslie McAdam (Creelin University Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ The Nøkk and the Jock

AUTHOR: ⟫ Leslie McAdam

SERIES: ⟫ Creelin University Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB:⟫ You’re formally admitted to Creelin University—known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monster shifters prowling around campus are the spicy male-male love stories unfolding between classes. The Nøkk and the Jock is book one, starring an emo shapeshifter and a sunshine human. Each book is a stand-alone M/M spooky romance, but we hope you enroll in them all.

I’m pumped to be one of the first humans to attend a monster university, but a minor, negligible, insignificant issue arises almost My new roommate wants to drag me to his underground realm and take my soul.

He’s a nøkk who could almost pass for human, except his webbed fingers and entirely black eyes give him away. In my attempt to befriend him, I give him three drops of my blood, a black animal, and a bottle of vodka (I hear it’s a nøkk thing). Which apparently triggers some ancient bonding ritual. My bad.

I must admit I’m into him. Maybe those online tests that say I’m only mostly straight are right. But there are a few I can’t know his real name. He won’t show me his true form. And he’s both an omen and a cause of drowning … which is troubling, since he’s on the water polo team with me.

Still, something about him calls to me, even if it shouldn’t.

The Nøkk

This human is mine.

Stay away from him.

The Nøkk and the Jock is a monster-human bi-awakening M/M romance starring Brandon Fernandez, a golden retriever of a human being, and the prickly, melancholy nøkk. It features puzzling emoji text conversations, a monster who can stop waterfalls in midair, and drunken scareoke (monster karaoke). HEA guaranteed.

REVIEW: ⟫ When I read the blurb for this, I was intrigued. And my interest was well rewarded! This was a very sweet, lovingly written read, with a fascinating premise and very good follow through. Brandon is one of the first humans invited to Creelin University where he will be studying alongside monsters. He plays on the water polo team with a variety of monsters and is looking forward to meeting his new room-mate – the Nøkk. From the very beginning, there is a connection between the two of them and I so enjoyed reading how they overcame their concerns and fears and became a couple.

I thought the idea of how the monsters came about was very, very cool. I really enjoyed the fact that there wasn’t some huge information dump – the reader finds things out organically through circumstances and/or from Brandon’s never-ending questions. The Nøkk and Brandon together were incredibly cute and I so enjoyed the way that their romance progressed. It would have been so easy for it to be a soul-mate trope where free will wasn’t an option, whereas they both made sure the other was following their feelings

I also really enjoyed the water polo aspect of things which I didn’t expect as I’ve never watched it. If you think of this series as a lighter, college version of the Lily Mayne Monstrous series, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I will definitely be looking out for more in the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Sinful Crimes for the Artistically Inclined by W.H. Lockwood (Sinful Crimes Duology Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Sinful Crimes for the Artistically Inclined

AUTHOR: ⟫ W.H. Lockwood

SERIES: ⟫ The Sinful Crimes Duology Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ "It’s you and it’s you and it’s always been you…"

Catholic priest and exorcist Joe Bruno has been nursing a secret crush for months. All he can think about is too-sexy-for-words, demon-killing art historian Percy Ashdown.

One cataclysmic night, when Joe realises Percy’s about to slip from his grasp forever, he’s forced to lay his cards on Percy’s table. What Joe doesn’t know is that Percy’s dreamed of this moment since the day they met, and quicker than he can say Hail Mary, Percy whisks Joe away to Europe on the holiday of a lifetime.

The only problem is, Percy’s living a double life. And while he’s determined to keep his dark side hidden from his sweet priest, secrets soon start catching up with them. Before he knows it, the two are mired in crime, blood, and zombies.

As each disaster falls at their feet, Percy’s hapless and hilarious attempts to pretend to be good pull them both deeper into a web of lies, leaving Joe wondering, has he made the worst mistake of his life? Or could Percy really be the happy ending Joe’s always dreamed of?

REVIEW: ⟫ An absolute rollicking ride of a story, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into! Percy and Joe are stupidly in love with each other – I say stupidly because they are both hiding things about themselves in an attempt to fit the ‘image’ of themselves they have presented.

On a number of heists, they get themselves into trouble with zombies, art theft, corrupt priests and human trafficking, and that’s not even getting into all of the dodgy stuff that Percy is involved in! The sex scenes were hot and steamy, with the chemistry between Percy and Joe burning up the page. This reads like a serialisation that has been compiled and I actually really enjoyed the format. It made me feel like I could dip in and out of the book and quickly find my place. There is some major violence, blood and gore (as to be expected with zombies and the like) but the humour permeates the entire story, and even whilst you’re shaking your head at this pair getting into scrapes, you can’t help but cheer them on in their adventures.

I’m looking forward to the second part of this duology which is due out in 2025. I received an ARC from the author.

Get a Fix by Mary Calmes (Torus Intercession Book #6)

TITLE: ⟫ Get a Fix

AUTHOR: ⟫ Mary Calmes

SERIES: ⟫ Torus Intercession Book #6

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Simply because your world collides with a shooting star doesn’t mean that’s a sign, does it?

Cooper Davis has a nice life he’s quite fond of. He has a wonderful family, good friends, and a job he excels at. As a fixer with Torus Intercession, he’s entrusted with the well-being of the people relying on his guidance. He is protector, guardian, but most of all, as his boss always says, everyone needs to be better off once he leaves. The issue is, when he’s asked to watch over the actor Ashford Lennox, he’s not sure that leaving is what he wants to do.

Ashford Lennox is a movie star on the rise. He has everything he’s ever wanted, except someone to love and call his own. He’s learned over the years that home is not a place but sharing a life with one special person you can count on. When he meets the man tasked with keeping him safe during a wedding, it’s like a lightning bolt. Suddenly he can see his whole future unfolding.

Being on the same page is an epiphany for both, now if they could just make it to the happily ever after without getting shot…

REVIEW: ⟫ You know exactly what you’re getting when you read a Mary Calmes book, and boo six in this series is no different! There’s an element of insta-love (or more love with intense like) and I really appreciated how open and honest both male leads were with how they felt – from the moment they met, Cooper and Ash were utterly out there with each other and it was refreshing.

The normal case of fun characters, along with a hateful ex, and a background plot that included murder, fraud and international issues, and this was an enjoyable romp that was exactly what I was in the mood for!

Changing the Game by J.J. Mulder (Offsides Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Changing the Game

AUTHOR: ⟫ J.J. Mulder

SERIES: ⟫ Offsides Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Former college hockey player, Sam Jameson, is coming off of a bad summer. After the derailment of his hockey dreams, and a nasty breakup with his girlfriend, he's ready to put his head down and work hard for the South Carolina NHL team. He doesn't count on Troy Nichols, though.

Troy, the star forward for the team, is unexpected in more ways than one. And when sparks fly between the pair, there seems little sense in holding back. Can they make it work, or is this little more than a rebound?

A low angst MM hockey romance. Just a happy, feel-good story about two men falling in love.

REVIEW: ⟫ Well, I’ve been sick again so I needed a nice and easy, feel-good story and this one delivered. The relationship between Sam and Troy was so lovely to read – they were open, honest, caring and very present for each other. There was no subterfuge, no last minute misunderstandings – the author did exactly what they said they would and provided a happy, feel-good story about two men falling in love and I truly enjoyed reading it.

His Mate By Vengeance by Mel Aitchess (Lunetti Pack Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ His Mate by Vengeance

AUTHOR: ⟫ Mel Aitchess

SERIES: ⟫ Lunetti Pack Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ I have lived for centuries. I have used and been used. Had countless lovers. And I have never wanted more. Not once. Not until today. Not until you.

Angelo is a protector—head of the Lunetti Pack's security. He walks a delicate line avoiding the darker side of his mafia shifter pack's business, but there's no grey area in his hatred of vampires. Not after what they did to his family. When his Alpha orders him to keep one safe, it takes everything in him to obey. So, why is his wolf so intoxicated by the sassy vampire assassin's scent permeating the safe house? And did there have to be only one damn bed?

Vin doesn't know who's trying to frame him for the bombing targeting the head of the local vampire coven, but he's got the skills and ruthlessness to figure it out. When he called in a favour for somewhere to lay low, he hadn't intended it to come equipped with a wolf shifter bodyguard, but he isn't complaining. Angelo is as easy on the eyes as he is to rile up. Seduction is a game and Vin's always loved a challenge.

Until Angelo does something no one ever has before. He cares.

Now, all bets are off. Angelo is his.

His Mate By Vengeance is a steamy enemies to lovers, fated mates, MM paranormal romance between a grumpy wolf shifter and a murder sunshine vampire assassin. It features forced proximity, only one bed, and knotting. There is no mpreg in this world

REVIEW: ⟫ This was so much fun to read! Vin is witty, quick thinking, lethal and caring. Angelo is the definition of a grumpy marshmallow – even his position as enforcer doesn’t change the fact that he doesn’t kill without reason. Angelo has plenty of reasons to hate vampires, but what I absolutely adored about this book was the way his other half, his wolf, fell for Vin completely and utterly from the beginning and had no problems showing it. The tail wagging, head butting, providing food – all of it made me grin.

The background story was also interesting and I really enjoyed the world building as we learned about the vampires, witches and wolves in this new (to me) series. It was a very easy, quick read, enjoyable without too much angst, with some spicy scenes that were nicely written. The descriptors had this playing in my head like a movie and I very much enjoyed the scenery that was painted for us!

Have joined the author’s newsletter and looking forward to the next in the series. I received an ARC from GRR.

The Former Fake Boyfriend by Maya Jean (Sweet Southern Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ The Former Fake Boyfriend

AUTHOR: ⟫ Maya Jean

SERIES: ⟫ Sweet Southern Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Beau

The strong one. The dependable one. Eldest son. Big brother. Now the family farm is mine to run. My entire life is centered around others. To keep the attention off me at my baby sister’s wedding, I impulsively hire a fake boyfriend to give the pretense of happiness. What I don’t expect is a man that seamlessly fits into my life. Trevor holds me up when no one else thinks twice about my needs or wants. And he keeps coming back for me. Again and again. Our relationship might be fake to Trevor, but I’m playing for keeps.

Trevor

Fake boyfriend. Good friend. Shitty son. Faking is my only real skill. The dark family secrets I carry inside remind me daily of my worth. Nothing. I’m only of value when I’m providing fake boyfriends a service. But when a sweet farmer hires me for a wedding weekend, everything slowly starts to unravel. Beau works his way into my battered heart with gentle smiles, shy looks, and profound steadiness. Safe with Beau, maybe it’s finally time to stop faking my way through life.

The Former Fake Boyfriend is the second novel in the Sweet Southern series. Expect a swoony fake dating romance between a city boy sex worker and a gentle giant farmer featuring an age gap, hurt/comfort, and second chances.

REVIEW: ⟫ When I say that this was easy to read, I mean that the characters draw you in pretty much immediately and it was very easy to enter the world of Beau and Trevor. However, the things that Trevor and Beau were handling weren’t easy and I really appreciated the thought and effort the author put into showing these two men being so vulnerable with each other. The strength that they both showed in such different circumstances was fascinating to read – with Trevor, it wasn’t always easy to understand why he did what he did – but the parallels between the two of them made it perfectly plain why they were so good for each other.

I read the Husband Experience previously so knew some of the background, but I didn’t expect to care as much as I did about these two.

The phone calls between them – the one word from Trevor – made me feel so sad for him. I can’t imagine going through what he did and could well understand his difficulty in accepting the love that was offered to him. The background characters were fun, touching and very real, and I very much enjoyed reading how these two men fought for their happy ever after.

I received an ARC from GRR.