Out of the Wild Night by Marina Vivancos (Coven Ties Book #2)

Title: ⟫ Out of the Wild Night

Author: ⟫ Marina Vivancos

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ In a world filled with magic, where everybody is born a submissive or a Dom…

Mason might no longer hate being a submissive, but life has taught him his dynamic puts him at a disadvantage. Neglected in childhood, abused by the first Dom he ever trusted, he knows to keep his heart guarded.

Mason’s skill in Animal Magic allows him to move from coven to coven—never settling down. Never opening up to anybody.

The Meliora coven was supposed to be no different.

Mason has learnt the hard way not to fall for the kindness of strangers, but the people here are different. Charlie, the Dom Mason works with, is different. Joyful, teasing, caring—Mason’s icy suspicion can’t help but start melting.

Will it be so bad if he gives in and starts scening with Charlie? To get on his knees and beg for what he really wants?

Can he learn to trust again?

Content Warning: The beginning of this book deals with child abuse, grooming of a minor, and sexual abuse. It is not between the main characters but is on-page and may be distressing to read.

Review: ⟫ I read the first book in the Coven Ties series and didn’t get along with it, but I was very interested when I saw the blurb for this one and decided to give it another go. I’m glad I did – this felt like such a completely different style of story within the same verse and I enjoyed it very much.

Mason is holding himself away from human ties – he allows himself to scene, but because of his past he never truly lets himself go and therefore is missing out. Until he comes to the Meliora Coven and meets Charlie.

Charlie was an utterly delightful character – he was snarky, flirty, funny and above all else, he gave Mason time and space to figure out what he wanted. I loved their interactions, watching as their relationship grew, as Charlie encouraged Mason to open himself to people in a way he hadn’t felt safe enough to do before.

How Mason discovered whole new aspects of his character through allowing himself to ‘settle’ at the Meliora Coven was beautiful to read, but more than anything I liked the fact that the author didn’t pretend that it was simple and easy. Mason had to work for it, made mistakes, and took steps backwards – he struggled and worked to become the better person he was, and the author described it beautifully.

We see people from the previous book and I must admit, I had a more favourable reaction to them in this one – perhaps I will go back and re-read book one. All in all, I found this a beautiful love story, with the ‘magic’ aspect of things blending seamlessly with the human interactions and relationships.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Lost in the Past by Trent Allen (Slipping Through Time Book #1)

Title: ⟫ Lost in the Past

Author: ⟫ Trent Allen

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Why am I alive?

Cody Callahan has asked that question every day for the last ten years, ever since that psycho kidnapped two boys, him and his best friend, but only one survived.

Cody opens a doorway that leads him back to that nightmare. Shock that he’s traveled to his past sparks his resolve to change the outcome. Can he remember anything to help save his younger self and the boy who he will always love? Or, will the clock run out for both boys this time around?

Cody’s arrival derails Detective Jack Vance’s carefully crafted life, causing Jack to question everything he thought he wanted for himself. If they don't get to the boys in time, will Cody disappear from Jack's life forever? Why does that thought suddenly terrify Jack?

Cody’s pendant might be part of the reason. It looks exactly like the one hanging around Jack’s own neck, even down to the blue glow. Jack’s grandmother said it was magical. She even promised it would bring him love. He scoffed at the idea, but it never once glowed before Cody appeared. Could Cody possibly be that love? Jack wouldn’t be foolish enough to fall for a guy that isn’t from his own time… Would he?

This novel contains non-consensual m/m sex. It also has supernatural time-travel, consensual m/m sex, suspense, and lots of love!

Review: ⟫ This book surprised me in many ways and, to be honest, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. There is a lot that is good about the book – the pacing is good, the storyline is fascinating, and the thriller works well in itself.

My likes:

* Jack’s initial disbelief was well written – anyone would question someone telling them they were from the future, no matter what proof they provided;

* The mystery behind what has happened to Cody and Ricky was well written, with enough red herrings without going overboard;

* some pretty solid detective work by the police department rather than taking the easy way out and having future-Cody conveniently remember/recognise things;

* the twist took me by surprise and I was impressed with how it was handled.

My dislikes:

* I know the blurb warns about non-consensual sex but it gave me the serious ick factor just how often we were seeing things from Benji’s perspective. It began to feel a little over-the-top and unnecessary and I came close to skipping quite a few of those scenes;

* regardless of the time travel perspective, I think it possibly took too much suspension of disbelief that so many people noticed the similarities between future-Cody and past-Cody and nothing more was said/done;

* Cody was a little too ‘together’ for me considering he’d travelled through time and was faced with such an incredibly stressful time in his life. I think I would have liked to see just a bit more freaking out from him;

* the number of times the word ‘gawd’ was used jumped into my head and wouldn’t leave and I found myself flinching every time I read it. Other exclamations could be used!

* The style of writing was hard to describe – sometimes it felt a little too ‘simple’ and a bit immature, but that is most likely just my feelings on it. Other reviews I have seen have raved about the book so it’s probably my personal preference.

I really did enjoy reading this book and I will definitely be looking out for more from this author. I understand that this is their debut novel and I am impressed with their achievement.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Never Have I Ever: Wanted My Brother's Rival by Willow Dixon

Title: ⟫ Never Have I Ever: Wanted my Brother’s Rival

Author: ⟫ Willow Dixon

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ “Why is the one person I hate the only guy I can’t stop thinking about?”

West, my older brother’s high school rival. The rich kid who has it all. The guy who disappeared six years ago and destroyed my brother’s life.

I thought West and I were friends. I trusted him, but he showed me I was nothing more to him than a means to an end.

Being twenty and in my last year of college isn’t easy. Neither is being a virgin. I’ve never been normal or felt like I fit in, and I don’t feel what I’m supposed to.

My online job has given me the perfect way to solve my virginity problem, but then the last person I ever wanted to see again shows up on my doorstep. Not only has West learned what I do for a living, he’s essentially my landlord.

I hate him. So why can’t I stay away from him? Why is he the only person I’ve ever felt a connection with, who makes me feel like there’s something in me worth wanting?

Eli and West’s story is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance between a former bad boy who seemingly has it all and an awkward genius who’s never felt like he fits in. Expect lots of banter and hot first times as these two try (and fail) to stay away from each other. It is the fourth novel in the steamy Never Have I Ever series but can be read as a standalone.

Review: ⟫ This was a sweet wrap up to the series. I have enjoyed the glimpses of Eli that we have had, learning a little more about him in each book until it definitely felt like it was time for his story.

The link between he and West was so caring and sweet and made me smile on numerous occasions: one of the best examples is when Eli turns to West and asks him if they’ve been doing something and West replies ‘I wonder how long it would take you to notice’. West just accepts the person that Eli is, with his foibles, habits and little quirks – in fact, he relishes them and it shows in the way he treats Eli. In return, Eli flourishes under the attention.

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Eli and the housemates, how as he began to accept the care that West was giving him, he in turn blossomed in his friendships.

This was a lovely book, with some hot sex scenes (including the camming) and as I said, excellent closure for the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Luck of the Devil by Lark Taylor (The Reckless Damned #4)

Title: ⟫ Luck of the Devil

Author: ⟫ Lark Taylor

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ One demon. One angel. A relationship that’s failed so many times. Could it really be just one human they’ve been missing?

Dagon

For centuries, Dimitri and I have tried to make it work. Each time we’ve been torn apart by our dominant natures, neither of us willing to back down. A hundred years ago, I thought he’d betrayed me in the worst possible way. In a fit of anger, we made a deal that led to my downfall.

Now Dimitri is back in my life, reshaping our history with the truth. But love still isn’t enough to make it work, not when being together tears us apart.

When he tells me he’s met our human mate, I can’t help but hope that Lucky will be the key to loving Dimitri the way I’ve always wanted.

But with Hell knocking at our door and an uprising threatening us all, can we persuade Lucky to give us a chance before it’s too late?

Dimitri

I haven’t given up on Dagon for one hundred years, and I won’t now.

When Lucky crosses my path, I finally understand why Dagon and I have never quite worked. Fate never intended us to be a couple…we were destined to be a triad. Lucky is the piece we need to complete us.

Winning Lucky over won’t be easy. Someone is hurting him, making him put up walls that are nearly impossible for us to cross.

But chasing Dagon has taught me that I’m a stubborn angel. I won’t give up on either of my mates.

Lucky

What an ironic nickname. Never in my life has anything lucky ever happened to me.

But everything changes when I meet Dagon and Dimitri. Two super-hot guys who aren’t put off by my in

experience? All my dreams are coming true.

Not for long though. Even with my boss and his family looking out for me, I know it’s only a matter of time before my past catches up to me.

So, for no

w, I’m going to soak up every drop of happiness Dimitri and Dagon have to offer.

Drink it up and pray they forgive me when I do what I always do.

Run…and don’t look back.

Luck of the Devil is an action-filled, fated-mates MMM paranormal romance with an HEA and no cliff-hanger. It is the final instalment in The Reckless Damned series, which is best enjoyed in order due to the overarching plot. Each book focuses on a different couple or triad and has an HEA.

Review: ⟫ Well, the Reckless Damned series has come to an end and it did it in explosive fashion. Dagon and Dimitri have been teased from the sidelines throughout the previous books and now the focus is well and truly on them. We find out just what is going on with them in terms of being mates, and discover that Lucky – the bartender – is the missing link that could make their lives complete.

There’s just a small matter of a demon uprising, Lucifer making his move, and a big bunch of angels to handle before the three of them can settle down to their HEA. We get big cameos from the previous couples and a satisfying end for Dagon and Dimitri, as well as the humans showing that although they don’t have superpowers, they can look after themselves.

We also get a few teasers for potential spin-offs which were interesting but not intrusive, so all in all, a good ending to the series.

Off-Sides by Andi Jaxon (Part of Worthy: a Pride Anthology)

Title: ⟫ Off Sides (part of the Worthy: A Pride Anthology)

Author: ⟫ Andi Jaxon

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Worthy: A Pride Anthology is a collection of original, brand-new short stories brought to you by thirteen incredible authors. Each story touches on the common theme of LGBTQ+ Acceptance.

Review: ⟫ I understand that the athletes of Darby U are part of a bigger universe but you don’t have to have read any of the other stories to read this novella. Nick and Joey meet in a club, both wanting to scratch an itch. What takes this story a step further is the issues that Joey is struggling with – his confusion regarding his sexuality and sexual needs is affecting these encounters and he seems to be on the point of breaking.

Somehow, Nick taps into something in Joey that makes their chemistry red-hot and makes him feel seen in a way that he hasn’t before. I think it was incredibly skilful of the author to manage to do that in a novella – you have time to fall in love with Joey and Nicky, believe in the relationship that they are building between them, and feel the sense of ease and acceptance that Joey reaches by the end of the story. That’s a lot to pack into a novella but the author made it happen.

I don’t think I’ve read any of the other Darby U books (although a situation that occurs in the book did ring a bell), but this can definitely be a standalone read with nods to previous characters for those who have read deeper. I enjoyed the story and will be looking for more of the anthology.

I received an ARC from Indie Author Creative.

Omega Trapped by Beau Brown

Title: ⟫ Omega Trapped

Author: ⟫ Beau Brown

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ I’m a pregnant and vulnerable omega and now I’ve caught the eye of a ruthless mafia boss who won’t take no for an answer.

Omega Nico is carrying the child of an alpha who attempted to end his life, and is now trapped in an impossible predicament. Unwilling to bring the child into the world, but too destitute to change his circumstances, Nico struggles to find hope amidst his crumbling life.

Enter Valentino Syracuse, the heir to the infamous Black Knives mafia. As his father's health wanes, the responsibility to lead falls upon young Valentino's shoulders. His ascension to power, however, comes with a he must take an omega as his mate to prove his unwavering commitment to the syndicate.

When he sees Nico, Valentino is immediately drawn to the sexy, feisty, omega. Unfortunately, Nico has no desire to be Valentino’s omega. Nico has an aversion to anything mafia related. He politely refuses Valentino’s proposition, however, Valentino isn’t an alpha who likes being told no.

Driven into a corner by threats and intimidation, Nico is left with no choice but to accept Valentino's offer or face certain death. As the two forge a fragile alliance amidst the chaos, unexpected feelings begin to bloom. But when the malevolent alpha responsible for Nico's pregnancy re-emerges, a torrent of secrets from the past threatens to shatter any hope of happiness they might have found together.

This is a dark romance and contains violence and graphic smexy times. If you're sensitive to either of those things this story may not be for you.

Review: ⟫ I admired Nico’s resilience in this story – he started from the bottom and was determined to stand on his own two feet. When life threw him into Valentino’s path, it would have been very easy for him to cave in and let himself be dragged along by the current but he continues to fight for his autonomy and life the way he wants to live it.

Valentino was spoiled by circumstances of birth and put into the untenable position of having to present himself as ‘stable’ by getting married at short notice, which meant he had zero interest in hearing Nico’s objections and did whatever was necessary to get what he wanted. In that regard, there was little doubt that this was a ‘dark’ mafia romance.

I enjoyed the other side presented – the idea that Valentino wasn’t just a mafia boss but a doting uncle, a loving son and brother, a person who by circumstances of birth was put into the position of having to do things he might not otherwise have done. A side we rarely get to see in mafia books.

I enjoyed how the situation played out, especially Valentino’s attitude towards the whole situation which wasn’t stereotypical – this wasn’t one of those books with a misunderstanding that revolved around the male ego. I enjoyed reading this and am pleased that I gave it a chance.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Oblivious Roommate by Devon Doe (Am I the Problem? Book #1)

Title: ⟫ Oblivious Roommate

Author: ⟫ Devon Doe

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Tl;dr: Am I the problem for trying to sabotage my gay roommate's relationship? I have my reasons!

I [20M] moved to a different college just so I can live with my best friend since high school [21M]. But it turns out that in the two years we lived apart, he’s come out as gay, and he never told me! He also has a boyfriend, and I’m really not homophobic, but seeing them together bothers me. Other than that, we’ve reconnected like it’s magic. Living with him is amazing, and everything would have been perfect if his ass of a boyfriend wasn’t around. I don’t think that guy is good enough for someone as funny, interesting, and cool as my friend.

How do I make him dump the stupid boyfriend?

Update: So I’ve been trying to break them up, and I’m starting to realize that, possibly-maybe, I’m the one who wants to date my roommate. Help! He’s the hottest guy I’ve ever known and I keep screwing things up!

Also, is it gay to love smelling his sweaty T-shirt?

*

“Oblivious Roommate” is a best friends-to-lovers, gay-awakening steamy romcom filled with misunderstandings caused by an oblivious himbo who means well but has no clue.

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

(Matt and Cassian’s story)

Review: ⟫ I remember reading this on social media and being in love with the idea that this roommate had accidentally fallen in love and discovered he was gay, so I loved the idea of a story that seems to be based on that premise.

Mattie is an idiot – I mean, I know he’s described as a himbo but the absolutely ridiculous ideas he comes up with and drags Aaron into had me laughing out loud whilst facepalming on his behalf. This story was fun to read, light-hearted with what I would describe as light angst – Matt handles the idea that he might be bi-sexual well, and his coming out to his mother was very sweet. The whole story is very sweet as Mattie tries to find the means to incriminate Logan, pines for Cassian and generally acts like a complete idiot.

I enjoyed reading it and will definitely look for more books by this author.

I received an ARC from GRR.

His by Daniel May

Title: ⟫ His

Author: ⟫ Daniel May

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Lucas Russo was never a child. He was raised like a soldier, trained like a dog to hunt down his master’s enemies.

Shane Case was barely a man. Unraveled by grief, he kidnapped two children to follow in his footsteps, to shape in his image and continue his mission of vengeance.

Lucas never forgave Shane, because forgiveness is something reserved for the living. So is hate. With Shane gone, all Lucas has left are hot, guilty memories he denies to himself as he continues the hunt alongside his brother. Many things in Lucas died with Shane, but desire was not one of them.

But Shane is not dead.

Now Lucas hunts his old warden, seeking Shane’s ghost in both dreams and waking world, haunted by memories of his fists, his mouth, his cruelty. And more than haunted, Lucas is hungry — hungry for answers. For a reckoning. Hungry for the love of the man who stole his childhood.

His is part one of a dark, age gap MM romance.

Review: ⟫ It would be disingenuous of me not to mention that I had some thoughts about the potential plot bunnies for this half of a tale. Two brothers, hunting monsters in an American muscle car much beloved by the older one; a missing father – if your mind goes in a certain direction, I am with you. Add to that, the missing father figure who had a complicated and entangled relationship with the older son, and it sounds a lot like a few stories I’ve read.

This is difficult to review simply because it is only half of the story. Lucas – and the inner writhings of his mind – were fascinating, as was his relationship with his brother, Nicky. Lucas is completely and utterly obsessed with Shane, their pseudo father figure, who died three years ago – his mind creates memories and he self-medicates with weed to handle the chaos in his head. This is very much the back story – how Lucas came to be the man that he is, why he is obsessed with Shane and how much the need and desire for that man rules his life.

I would say it isn’t so much of a romance because Shane doesn’t come back on the scene until very late into the book. How Lucas finds him is fascinating, and their first real time spent together in three years is hot and terrifying in equal measure. But the story is most definitely only half-told and as such, it’s really difficult to rate this story. I don’t think there is any way to read this as a standalone and I await the publication of part two in September to complete the picture.

As always, May writes with assured confidence, pulling you easily into the story and the calibre of the writing isn’t in question – I think that I personally would have preferred it if the two halves had been published together.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Becoming Bennet by Cora Rose & Nicole Dykes (Behind the Camera #2)

Title: ⟫ Becoming Bennet (Behind the Camera Book #2)

Author: ⟫ Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ I cannot stand Bennet Montgomery.

His rugged hotness knows no bounds and his unwavering cheery disposition is maddening. How can someone be that happy all the time? His smile infuriates me.

I need to keep my distance from this man and all his Midwest charm. I have my camboy career to focus on and I can't afford to get attached or bogged down with his nonsense.

But when Bennet receives devastating news about his mother, his grief consumes him.

I don't know what to make of this new sad side of Bennet. All I know is that his teary eyes infuriate me even more than his smile. I need to get his stupid smile back.

So that's how I wind up accompanying him home to his tiny town in rural Kansas.

And let me tell you, this California boy is not cut out for a land where fruit salad has marshmallows and where you're just as likely to be eaten by a feral cow as you are to be chased down by an angry rooster. *Shudder*

The worst part is, Bennet and I are forced to share one bed in a cramped trailer. And as I try my hardest to comfort this man who I can barely call a friend, I wonder if maybe that flutter in my chest isn't just heartburn. Maybe I can allow myself to get swept up in him...just for a bit.

That is if a rogue tornado doesn't sweep me away first.

Becoming Bennet is a funny and sweet MM romance with forced proximity and only one bed.

Review: ⟫ Jasper finds himself thrown into a completely unexpected situation when he is with his co-worker Bennet when he finds out that his mother has had a stroke. Somehow, this complete city boy finds himself travelling to a farm in Kansas, helping to take care of Bennet’s family who never met a vegetable they liked, all whilst sleeping in a decrepit old trailer with Bennet and trying to figure out just when feelings had crept into things.

Bennet is an absolute sweetheart who falls apart during times of stress. He can’t quite believe that Jasper has not only accompanied him to Kansas but is sticking around, taking care of Bennet and his family, and showing signs of interest that Bennet has been searching for ever since their scorching hot scene in front of the cameras.

The relationship builds as the two men work together to keep things together for Bennet’s mother, film what are meant to be teasers for Carter’s fledging cam-boy business and fall in love – all at the same time. This story is full of jokes, snark and banter, as well as a healthy dose of sexual innuendo and steamy sex.

The writers work well together – I didn’t find it obvious which of them wrote which section and there didn’t seem to be hiccups or plot holes which I would imagine can be difficult in a collaboration. I’ve read more Cora Rose than I have Nicole Dykes, so I would describe this as appearing to be very much in Cora’s style – slightly off the wall, very sexy, and quite swiftly paced. An enjoyable romp with a sweet centre and plenty of laughs.

I received an ARC from Indie Author Creative.

Confetti Hearts by Lily Morton (Confetti Hitched #1)

Title: ⟫ Confetti Hearts (Confetti Hitched #1)

Author: ⟫ Lily Morton

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Joe Bagshaw doesn’t believe in love or marriage anymore, which is rather a hindrance for a wedding planner.

His own marriage was a whirlwind affair that ended before the ink could dry on the wedding certificate. Nevertheless, even with his divorce pending, he’s getting by. Or at least he was until he finds himself snowed in at a remote Scottish hotel with the wedding party from hell, a terrible ABBA tribute band, and his soon-to-be ex-husband.

Lachlan has missed Joe from the second his husband walked away. He wants Joe back and is prepared to do anything to get him. Being snowed in together seems to offer the chance Lachlan needs, but does he have what it takes to get Joe to trust in love and their marriage again?

From bestselling author Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy about love, matrimony, and the best of second chances.

This is the first book in the Confetti Hitched series.

Review: ⟫ I clicked request for this one as soon as I saw Lily Morton’s name, which meant that I didn’t read the blurb and got a little bit confused initially – Joe seemed to be in love with his husband, how was he going to fall in love with someone else?!

This was typical Lily Morton, full of banter, snark and sarcasm and oodles of chemistry between our two leads. Joe and Lachlan meet and hook up at a wedding – something Joe sees as an extremely hot and pleasant one-night kind of thing until he meets Lachlan at yet another wedding. And somehow those two nights have changed into something more, although neither him nor Lachlan are prepared to put a label on things.

When they end up drunkenly getting married, Joe realises just how little he knows about his husband, and this distance between them as well as some well hidden insecurities mean that he and Lachlan don’t go the distance, especially with Lachlan’s housekeeper and assistant making it perfectly clear that Joe just isn’t good enough.

Lachlan is feeling out of control and terrified of it, and when he should be making himself vulnerable and sharing himself with Joe, he’s pulling away, even whilst dragging Joe to the altar. It’s only when he loses Joe – to the point of divorce paperwork – that he finally realises what he has done and decides to do everything he can possibly do to get his husband back. (Can I just say the signing of the divorce papers had me giggling for ages?)

This is a very typical Lily Morton story so if you have enjoyed previous books of hers, you know what to expect. It’s hot, sweet and sexy, being a lot of fun to read as well as satisfying when you reach the end.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Never Have I Ever Had a Bromance with a Teammate by Willow Dixon (Never Have I Ever Book #3)

Title: ⟫ Never Have I Ever Had a Bromance with a Teammate

Author: ⟫ Willow Dixon

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ How could one kiss change everything between me and my best friend?

Jax has been my best friend since the day we met. We not only share our passion for baseball, but we train together, play on the same team, hang out together, even sleep in the same bed half the time.

I feel safe with him, and he gets me like no one else. Yeah, he’s gay and I’m straight, but that doesn’t matter.

Until it does.

Until one stupid dare to kiss each other leads to the most amazing, epic kiss of my life.

Until I suddenly can’t stop thinking about him, about what he awakens in me.

Until all I want is him.

Our bromance evolves into something much deeper, something neither of us can define. I explore new territory with him and discover sides of myself I never knew I had.

But with not only our future in baseball on the line but also our friendship, how can this thing between us ever be more than temporary? A bromance between besties doesn’t have to change anything, right?

Matt and Jax’s story is a best friends-to-lovers romance between teammates who discover that a bromance with their bestie is exactly what they’ve always wanted but never thought they could have. Expect lots of BFF banter, some serious steam, and tons of sweetness as these two oblivious jocks navigate the line between boyfriends and bros. It is the third novel in the exciting Never Have I Ever series but can be read as a standalone.

Review: ⟫ This is the third novel in the Never Have I Ever series and I really enjoyed reading it. Matt and Jax are joined at the hip – they are bros who do everything together, or nearly everything. Jax is gay and Matt is straight, otherwise they could be each other’s everything.

A kiss at a party gets Matt thinking and because Jax is his best friend, who else would he turn to in order to figure out if he really is as straight as he thought? This bi-awakening was lovely to read – the ease of communication between the two of them, the way in which they rely on and take care of each other – it was all really lovely to read.

There are some moments of angst – what happens if things go wrong? Will they lose their friendship? And there’s the typical a-hole team-member who is homophobic, but that was such a small amount of the story that it wasn’t too irritating.

The sex scenes were very nice – hot, steamy and yet caring at the same time – and the progression of things wasn’t hurried. It was also lovely to learn a bit more about Eli and check in with the guys from the previous stories. All in all, this was a nice, relaxed romance with lovely main characters and a good story. I look forward to reading more in the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Divine River by Marina Vivancos

Title: ⟫ Divine River

Author: ⟫ Marina Vivancos

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Mike is just fine being the grumpy wood-worker in town. Sure, maybe he’s not the epitome of happiness, but he doesn’t need some lively city boy coming onto his turf and turning his world upside down.

Mike has learnt to conform to the small-town expectations placed on him. He keeps who he loves—who he is—to himself. Turns out, it’s a lot tougher to stay in the shadows when city-slicker Jason’s sunshine personality beams straight at him.

Jason makes Mike feel seen. Makes him feel like it might just be okay to be himself.

The questions remain—is Mike brave enough to show the rest of the world?

Is he brave enough to let go…and fall in love?

Review: ⟫ This could have been a simple grumpy guy/little mr sunshine story but it was so much more than that. At the beginning of the story, Mike is essentially hiding away from life – he has limited relationships where he never relaxes, and he spends most of his time with his dog. His only outlet/opportunity to be himself is when he speaks to his sister on the phone.

All of this changes when Jason moves in next door, and a gentle friendship grows between the two of them. But Mike is still hiding aspects of himself – scared of rejection or misunderstanding – and it takes some real bravery to show Jason who Mike really is inside.

I liked the way that Jason didn’t push Mike beyond his comfort-zone too much, and when it came to the sides of Mike’s character that he had hidden from everyone, Jason was gentle and kind. Even when he didn’t completely understand, he didn’t push or try to make Mike explain something that simply was, and that was a major part of why I enjoyed his character.

This was a nice, simple read but at the same time, it made me think a lot about the masks we wear in front of people and the importance of having someone in your life that you can let everything out in front of. A beautiful read.

Requited by Jesse H. Reign

Title: ⟫ Requited

Author: ⟫ Jesse H. Reign

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ If you've read Unrequited, and have been left longing for more of Andy and West's story - you are in luck.

Requited tells the story of roommates and best friends Andy Montgomery and West Baxter from West's perspective. It is a sweeping story of friendship that turns into longing that can't be ignored.

Be warned, this isn't a retelling of the same story, rather, it's an exploration of what would have been if West or Andy had had the courage to do one teeny, tiny thing differently.

Review: ⟫ I did read Unrequited and reviewed it here and finally got over my anger at the wasted TEN YEARS in that book to read the alternate version.

I think I’m glad I read it, although I’m still not sure. Wes is pretty much obsessed with Andy but hides it because he doesn’t want to lose the friendship that they have. Some of his actions are extremely dubious whilst dealing with this obsession and it was fascinating seeing this different side to him – in Unrequited, he seemed more together, confident and sure of himself. In Requited, we see his thought processes and feelings and it quickly becomes obvious that he hasn’t dealt with being bisexual and his attraction to other men during different periods of his life.

I did enjoy the opportunity to see Andy through outside eyes – strangely enough, in Unrequited he was the one who seemed to be lacking in confidence and self-assurance, whereas through Wes’s eyes, Andy truly has got it all together.

Overall, this book had a lot of sex scenes in it, but it also had a lot of talking – the talking that should have taken place in Unrequited to be honest – and I enjoyed that aspect of it. I also enjoyed the two of them realising all of the ways in which they have revealed that they cared but were too blind to see.

The relationship with Ashleigh was also explored through new eyes, and it became obvious a lot sooner that she and Wes were not suited to each other. I think, generally speaking, I enjoyed this chance to see the other side of things and it was worth the money I paid for it.

There was a lot more sex in this section of the books, which isn’t always a bad thing. Overall, I enjoyed this alternative look at what could have been if Wes and Andy had shown some gumption and spoken up and it was different enough to make it worth reading.

Iced Out by CE Ricci (Leighton U Book #1)

Title: ⟫ Iced Out (Leighton U Book #1)

Author: ⟫ CE Ricci

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ All's fair in hate and hockey.

My path to success never included an enemy as a teammate, especially one as infuriating as Quinton de Haas.

Clawing under my skin is his favorite pastime, only feeding the animosity between us as the years pass.

We’re as completely opposite as two people can be: the golden boy and the black sheep.

Constantly at odds or at each other’s throats.

The only thing we can agree on is hockey is our true love, and we’ll do whatever it takes to come out on top.

I never imagined that drive would lead me to do the unthinkable: falling into bed with my not-so-straight rival.

But athletes are a superstitious bunch, and when our hook-ups lead to victories, we tell ourselves we can’t stop.

Besides, it’s all for the sake of the team, right?

*Iced Out is the first in a five book stand-alone college sports romance series featuring two misunderstood rival teammates, pages of snarky banter, and more secret spicy times than any book should be filled with. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*

Review: ⟫ The trash talk between these two was epic! I love a good hockey story (even though I’ve never seen a hockey game in my life) and this one reminded me of the series by Saxon James and Eden Finley.

Are hockey players really as superstitious as this? I hope so – some of the things that they apparently do are hilarious, and the manner in which the author managed to bring that superstition into the story and make it work was brilliant. The socks – the socks, I need them!

Sorry, a teeny bit incoherent with this review because most of this book put me into such a good mood. The relationship that grew between Oak and Quinn was really sweet beneath all of the chirping and digging at each other, and I loved the way they slowly grew to accept each other – all of the bits that they kept hidden from other people slowly being revealed.

I didn’t like the little subplot with Braxton – for me, I think the way that Oak was written, he would have admitted it as soon as it became clear that the two of them had caught feelings for each other and not waited to be called out. I did like the fact that Quinn didn’t automatically forgive Oak, and that Oak had to actually accept responsibility for what he did and didn’t do, rather than it just being wiped clean.

This had a bit more hockey in than I am used to but I wasn’t opposed to it, and I think it definitely added to the story in terms of how it showed how in sync the boys were.

A fun, entertaining read with some very nice sexy times included!

The Isle of ... Where? by Sue Brown (An Isle Story - Book #1)

Title: ⟫ The Isle of … Where? (An Isle Story – Book #1)

Author: ⟫ Sue Brown

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ When Liam Marshall's best friend, Alex, loses his fight with colon cancer, he leaves Liam one final request: buy a ticket to Ryde, on the Isle of Wight, and scatter Alex's ashes off the pier. Liam is tired, worn out, and in desperate need of a vacation, but instead of sun, sea, sand, and hot cabana boys, he gets a rickety old train, revolting kids, and no Ewan MacGregor.

Liam would have done anything for his friend, but fulfilling Alex's final wish means letting go of the only family Liam had left. Lost, he freezes on the pier... until Sam Owens comes to his rescue.

Sam's family has vacationed on the Isle of Wight every year for as long as he can remember, but he's never met anyone like Liam. Determined to make Liam's vacation one to remember, Sam looks after him-in and out of the bedroom. He even introduces Liam to his entire family. But as Sam helps Liam let go, he's forced to admit that he wants Liam to hang on-not to his old life, but to Sam and what they have together.

Review: ⟫ I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this story, but I definitely got more than I thought I would. Liam cuts a sorry figure – he’s lost his best friend, and pretty much his only link to the outside world. He has no family, very few friends, and has basically put his life on hold to see his best friend through the last months of his life.

The pain Liam is in is palpable and I felt for him so much. Sam was exactly what Liam needed – someone who, although he came across like a giant Labrador to begin with, actually had some depth to him. Sam saw someone he liked the look of and moved forward with no fear – or none that he let Liam see. The relationship between the two of them happened very quickly – understandable since it was viewed by both of them as a holiday romance with a definite end in sight.

It quickly becomes clear that they have both caught feelings, and I enjoyed the fact that apart from initial hesitancy, they were both upfront and honest about how they were feeling.

Through the course of the story, Liam finds a whole new family and raft of friends, proves himself to be Sam’s hero, and manages to say goodbye to his best friend with dignity and love.

This is a low-angst story, with a great cast of characters – villains included – and I really enjoyed reading it and have gone looking for the next in the series. The Owens family were entertaining, and I loved seeing Liam blossom beneath their clear-cut affection, as well as Sam’s honest care and love.

Unrequited by Jesse H. Reign

Title: ⟫ Unrequited

Author: ⟫ Jesse H. Reign

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Andy Montgomery is an artist and a dreamer. It isn’t long before the person he’s dreaming about is his college roommate, West Baxter.

West is cheerful and popular, a jock and a genius. Despite Andy’s best intentions, he develops a maddening crush on West. As their friendship deepens, so does his crush. It changes from an innocent flutter to the type of longing that defines a lifetime.

The problem? West is straight, so this epic love is unrequited…or is it? 

Review: ⟫ There were huge chunks of this book that seriously worked for me. The relationship between Wes and Andy during college was absolutely awesome, from the initial assumptions, to the way they became each other’s person.

The pining at college was handled masterfully but sometimes Andy came across as a complete masochist (I’m talking about him listening to Wes with girls here). There were hints that feelings were reciprocated, but I felt that Andy’s inability to see them for what they were read quite true – at that age, you don’t always trust your instincts and he had friends telling him that Wes was completely straight so it was understandable.

Where things went a little astray for me was the TEN YEARS that passed. Ten years where Andy pined, didn’t allow himself to find love, and just seemed to be in permanent self-destruct mode. And Wes did nothing about it – I don’t care how unsure you are, if you are free you sure as heck don’t watch your best friend self-destruct without doing something other than that one conversation.

When they did get together, things went fast and were hotter than heck, and that definitely made up for a lot. Overall, I really did enjoy reading the book, hence the 4/5. I half want to read the second book called ‘Requited’ for Wes’s perspective, but I need to get over the anger of those ten years first!

Jon and Mack's Terrifying Tree Problems by A.J. Sherwood

Title: ⟫ Jon and Mack’s Terrifying Tree Problems

Author: ⟫ A.J. Sherwood

Rating: ⟫ 4.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ It’s like a bad game of Telephone.

Grant locates a murdered teen in McMinnville. He calls Jon.

Jon locates the girl’s ghost. He calls Mack.

Mack talks to the ghost who leads them to more ghosts. Who lead them to even more ghosts.

And why are all the murder victims buried under trees?

The boys are ready for this game to end, please. (Donovan especially.)

Tags:

Jon’s World crossover, hail hail the gang’s all here, oh look we meet Grant, trees are not to be trusted, according to Donovan, ya’ll pray for Donovan, there’s so many ghosts, the ghosts have some WORDS to share, car sex, bondage sex, Mack has plans, so of course they get ruined, BAMF female cops, Jon and Mack are ready for this case to be over, please and thank you, serial killer(s)? running amok, people get tombed, literally, Eli’s mad she missed the fun, Mack would like to say: Don’t use Jon as a battery, seriously don’t do it

Review: ⟫ There is not a chance that you’ll be able to follow this story unless you’ve read the other ones in the series so don’t even try!

As a fan of Jon, Mack and all of the others, it was really fun to dive back into this world. I did get lost a few times and had to remind myself of who was who and who did what, but once I’d got my memories back, it was full steam ahead. I loved how this story showed new sides to the powers these guys had (who even knew it was possible to use Jon as a battery even if it was a supremely bad idea), whilst solidifying what you already knew about them.

I wouldn’t say there a was a lot of romance in this book, although there were a few steamy sex scenes. It was more about the mystery they find themselves in the middle of, and how they all came together to figure it out and solve the crime.

I thought Jon and Mack were complete idiots a few times, especially towards the end, but they did so good in the end that I forgave them. The reason for the rating of 4 instead of 5 is because the book did get confusing a few times, and as I haven’t read the previous books in a while, I felt a little lost and I wouldn’t be surprised if other people felt the same.

It was brilliant to be back in this universe, and I look forward to reading more about the adventures of our guys – maybe a little recap/glossary in the beginning of the next book?

Wish by Cambria Hebert (Westbrook Elite #3)

Title: ⟫ Wish (Westbrook Elite #3)

Author: ⟫ Cambria Hebert

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ For me, choice might as well be a wish.

My parents died in a fiery car crash when I was barely sixteen.

I’m gay.

I’m also totally in love with my brother.

I didn’t choose any of that. In fact, I’ve tried like hell to deny it. But here I am in all my gay, brother-loving, no-parentals glory.

Technically, Max isn’t my brother. Not by blood anyway. That should make it less ick, right?

Considering he calls my parents mom and dad, probably not.

Also, did I mention he’s straight?

So that’s me: the freestyle swimmer doing my best to keep my sexuality on the down-low while simultaneously wishing my feelings for Max will evaporate into thin air.

Too bad he acts like he’s my keeper and my heart shakes every time his eyebrow ring glints in the sun or he levels his opaque stare on me with an intensity matched by nothing else.

My desire to keep my personal life personal drowns at the bottom of the pool when a fellow Elite lets everyone in on my business, which throws Max into macho protective mode all over again.

Enough is enough, though. I’m forcing myself to move on.

Maybe the best way to forget about my forbidden crush is to find a new one.

I have options. More than I realized.

Unfortunately, none of them are leather-wearing, tattoo-sporting, motorcycle-riding grumpholes.

So here I am wishing for Max while someone else wishes for me.

Someone who decides if they can’t have me…

No one will.

Please note that WISH contains homophobia. There is also mention of off-page child abuse and parental death. This book also contains a male/male sibling-esque relationship and mentions of male assault. Some readers may find these things uncomfortable.

Review: ⟫ I haven’t read the first two books in this series because I wasn’t in the mood to read M/F, but it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of this book as it was all set up very well and I could infer pretty much everything I needed to know.

The story is mainly told from the perspective of Wes, who is completely and utterly in love with Max. Like, imprinted from a very early age. But because of the way they were brought up and the circumstances behind it all, he felt very much alone and as if the whole idea of being with Max was an impossibility – which is understandable – they were brought up as brothers, despite Max’s parents being very much alive.

I thought that the story did a good job of showing Wes’s feeling of loneliness and isolation, fear of being outed due to a previous incident, as well as his inner turmoil for his feelings. I felt for him – deeply – because it very much seemed as if he was surrounded by people who cared but that he was wrapped in a bubble and couldn’t quite bring himself to reach out and accept the hands of love and acceptance that were there for him. I very much enjoyed his interactions with Rinkin – he didn’t back down, didn’t allow himself to be cowed, and showed himself to be a strong person beneath his quiet exterior.

Max annoyed the hell out of me, but at the same time I could understand the bind that he was in. He was struggling with his upbringing, the promises he had made, and general feelings of not being enough. More than sufficient to mess with anyone. However, the lengths he went to in order to keep track of Wes were unfair if he wasn’t going to step up, and I really liked how he was called on it by the people around him.

The story is engaging and entertaining, although a few times it did veer off into soap-opera land (yes, I’m looking at you Veronica), and it kept me entertained throughout. The sex scenes were hot – in fact, they were very hot – and I really enjoyed reading it. One of the better brothers-in-love stories that I’ve read and I will be checking out further works by the author.

Scales and Song by L Eveland (Monster in my Bed Book #2)

Title: ⟫ Scales and Song: Monsters in my Bed Book #2

Author: ⟫ L Eveland

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ We were supposed to protect the world from monsters, not become them.

All I’ve ever wanted was to protect the people I love. That’s why I joined the military’s Elite Specimen Containment Unit.

When I learned they were experimenting on sentient monsters, however, everything changed.

Now, I have a new mission: protect a scaly winged monster named Bud and escort him to somewhere he’ll be safe from my superiors.

Yet, Bud’s so sweet and perfect, I can’t help but fall for him, even though I know it’s too dangerous for us to be together. It’ll be safer for us to go our separate ways, especially when we’re being hunted.

But I’ve only got so much willpower…

Though Scales and Song is the second book in the Monsters in my Bed series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. It features a closeted and traumatized special forces soldier, the sweet cinnamon roll monster who loves him, and a HEA. Please see the interior for content warnings.

Review: ⟫ I’ve got complicated feelings about this book. In the first instance, the premise really reminds me of the Lily Mayne’s Monstrous series: monsters coming through a tear, being imprisoned by the army and experimented on; soldier falling in love with one. That’s not a bad comparison, but it did make it hard to shake from my head whilst I was reading.

I’m in the middle of reading the first book in the series, Kissed by the Krampus, as I enjoyed reading Scale and Song enough to want to go back to the beginning. I would say if you’re wanting a bit of monster-loving, with a side order of stoic soldier boy and conspiracy theory, this could well be the book for you. The love-making scenes were frequent and hot, and the lead characters Bud and Phoenix were interesting. As a gay man of colour, Phoenix was quite well written – his concerns about telling his family, the way in which he compartmentalised things, his feelings of isolation and betrayal – were all palpable.

However, I didn’t get as much of a sense of Bud. Maybe it was me and I was missing it, but I wasn’t sure how the music thing was such a calming influence on him, and I really didn’t get his magical abilities – they felt a little vague and definitely unexplored. It felt like some of them transpired at just the right moment with little to no real explanation of them.

The mating cycle’s influence on Phoenix wasn’t fully explained for me either, and I would have liked to know just a bit more about how and why he was reacting to Bud the way he was.

The main cast of characters was interesting – obviously, otherwise I wouldn’t have gone looking for the rest of the series – and it was obvious who else would be getting their own story. I did enjoy reading Scale and Song and would recommend it if you’re looking for something a bit different, with some kinky monster sex for good measure!

I received an ARC from GRR.

Only One Coffin by A.J. Truman

Title: ⟫ Only One Coffin

Author: ⟫ A.J. Truman

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ I’m stuck sharing a coffin with the world’s perkiest vampire. This vacation is going to suck.

After centuries of eternal existence, and still mourning the loss of my lover to vicious slayers, I needed a few days of peaceful solitude at the Hotel Draugr.

But thanks to a double-booking mishap, I’m forced to share my coffin with Kilroy, a freshly bitten vampire who loves his new afterlife as much as he loves hanging ten. My unexpected room-mate is determined to show me how “totally awesome” being a vampire can be.

Doesn’t he know vampires don’t do sunshine of any kind?

Through epic snowball fights and midnight meetups at vampire speakeasies, the ice around my not-technically-beating heart begins to melt. And during days sharing our too-small coffin, one part of me has trouble staying dead.

Maybe this budding relationship has teeth…that is, if we can evade the slayers closing in on the hotel.

Only One Coffin is a grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, paranormal MM romcom featuring a 300-year age gap, coffin cuddling, and a vampire bro who wears flip flops no matter how cold it is outside.

Review: ⟫ With a neat twist on a few tropes such as age-gap, grumpy sunshine and forced proximity, Only One Coffin is mainly played for laughs. The puns drop thick and fast, blood is substituted for some truly entertaining food items and the relationship between Kilroy and Magnus is a sweet, fun read.

Magnus is still in mourning for the lover taken from him by the humans, and is making his annual trip to hide away in a frozen hotel when he is suddenly forced to face the reality of the fact that the rest of the world is still living. Kilroy comes along at a time when probably no one else would try to drag Magnus out into the world again, and is stagnating and, no pun intended, slowly dying.

Kilroy was most definitely one of those glass-half-full people that can be incredibly irritating or endearing depending on the mood you are in. He took being changed into a vampire as a ‘whoa, dude’ thing rather than a path to depression. I loved the idea of a group of vampires who help ‘newbies’ get on their feet, and on the whole Kilroy was fun in a seeing the world from a new perspective.

I did find the constant corrections to Kilroy saying things like good morning and good night a bit irritating after a while – yes, we get it, Magnus’s character is a little stuffy and formal but literally every single time someone said something like that, it felt like overkill. This gave me ‘Hotel Transylvania’ vibes, which was fun, and I did love how casually things like turning into a bat, etc. were discussed.

I would describe this as a nice, easy read, with an interesting take on the whole vampire life, and a sweet love story.