Scapegoat by J.R. Gray (Working Dogs Book #1)

Title: ⟫ Scapegoat (Working Dogs Book One)

Author: ⟫ J.R. Gray

Blurb: ⟫ Special Agent Nolan Hudson

At seventeen, I ran. I joined the military and planned to never step foot in my home town again. Nothing could make me return to that hellhole and the pain I buried there, or so I thought— until I found myself on a plane to that very place.

Almost two decades later, I’m forced home to help find a missing nine year old. As a member of the most elite K9 special unit in the country, it was my job and you can’t exactly say no to the FBI. It should be easy, and I won’t have to face what I ran from.

However, the case is anything but simple and to make matters worse, I’m faced with the last person I ever wanted to see again: Officer Callum Stone— the sheriff’s son and the town’s golden boy. Only he’s not anymore—he’s a ruin of what he once was.

It’s Callum’s kid who’s missing, and all the feelings I’d spent almost twenty years running from rise to the surface. As secrets come to light, we realize our small town is hiding a lot more than we thought, and we’ll have to follow the trail of deception to get justice and maybe a second chance at love.

Scapegoat is a second chance MM romantic suspense, featuring a small town, some FBI K9 fun, and hurt/comfort vibes. It is the first book in J.R. Gray's Working Dogs series, which will be packed with action, suspense, and humor.

Review: ⟫ I read Sitting Ducks as part of the Your Book Boyfriend’s Boyfriend and really enjoyed it, so when the chance came to read Nolan’s story I leapt at it!

I didn’t enjoy this anywhere near as much as I liked Sitting Ducks. Initially, I wasn’t sure why – the parts I really enjoyed included Nolan’s relationship with Maddie, Snoop, the friendship between Hayes and Hudson, Knox and the procedural stuff. These were all top notch in my opinion.

The bits I didn’t like: the relationship between Callum and Nolan. Which, as they were the MCs was obviously a bit of a problem. I didn’t like how easily Nolan forgave Callum for what he had done in the past, and I didn’t feel enough time was given to resolving all of that between them. I didn’t like that Nolan seemed to be doing all of the work between the two of them – initially,yes, I could see why that was but after a while, it just got tiresome! Flying back and forth across the country once a month whilst Callum didn’t reciprocate just bugged the heck out of me! There were times when I mixed up Nolan and Callum because they didn’t come across to me as two separate people – their voices were too similar. There were too many loose ends for me – there felt like there was a huge amount of build up with regard to the Sheriff with no pay-off (for me at least); the relationship between Nolan and his parents – what was up with that? How come after such an intense friendship where they shared everything, Nolan treated Hayes so shabbily?

I really enjoyed getting to know Knox better, and like I said the stuff with the dogs was brilliant – the Snoop thing completely cracked me up! I am working my way through J.R. Gray’s M/M catalogue and really enjoyed Pretty Obsessed, and I will be on the lookout for the next Working Dogs book, but this one just didn’t work for me.

3.5/5 for me, although obviously YMMV.

I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews.

Best Belly Buddies by Ki Brightly & M.D. Gregory

Title: ⟫ Best Belly Buddies

Author: ⟫ Ki Brightly & M.D. Gregory

Blurb: ⟫ In Need of TLC

Zayden “Z” Shoemaker has secrets. He’s been in love with Dare, his straight best friend, for longer than he can remember, and on top of that tragedy in progress, he has an odd quirk none of his ex-boyfriends could handle. After every nasty breakup, Dare is there to help him through the heartache—and wipe away tears.

The Port in Every Storm

Fern “Dare” Darrow is tired of seeing men break Zayden’s heart. As far as he’s concerned, no one is good enough for his Z. When Zayden’s current man cheats and sends him into a cocoon of blankets and despair, Dare steps up in his role of best friend. Dare doesn’t expect to walk in on Zayden in a vulnerable position, which causes Dare to seriously question his sexuality for the first time. Dare is shocked into examining his true feelings for his best friend.

Scared But Determined

After confessions from both men, Dare and Zayden must make a decision that could transform every piece of their relationship and life, especially since they already live together. They’ll either grow with the change or destroy the one friendship that has kept them sane. Dare isn’t a coward, and Z is stronger than he thinks, but they will need each other more than ever if they want to overcome a lifetime of expectations.

Review: ⟫ I’ve never heard of this kink outside of perhaps werewolf romance, so that was a new one on me. I was very interested in how it worked and how the writers were going to incorporate it without too much feminisation and I do think they did that very well.

The story was very sweet – friends who to the outside look like they’ve been dating for years, with one pining after the other – sounded right up my street. But this didn’t gel for me – at all. There seemed to be a lot of extraneous characters – some, I believe, who have books of their own – that got too much attention. Their work life also seemed to play a huge role in the story but didn’t actually add anything to it.

I liked how Dare didn’t just dive straight into things as soon as he admitted his feelings – his concerns about what Zayden was looking for based on the porn he had watched seemed valid and I liked the fact that they communicated. I liked Zayden’s character development in as much as he learned to stand up for himself more and accept that what he was looking for from a relationship wasn’t as out there as he might have initially believed.

But it just felt too long – very drawn out and almost laborious. I loved the idea of the Boudoir shoot, but I was completely thrown out of the story by what happened there. It just seemed completely out of character considering how concerned/hesitant Dare had been up until that point. It felt wrong and it bugged me.

Perhaps I just wasn’t in the right mood for this? I think it was overall very well written and it passed the time, but I can’t see me looking into the various other stories written in the verse.

3.5/5 from me.

Chosen by Nicholas Bella (Demon Gate Series Book #1)

Title: ⟫ Chosen (Demon Gate Series Book 1)

Author: ⟫ Nicholas Bella

Blurb: ⟫ Officer, Brian Cordero, didn't expect his life to be flipped upside down the day Raphael Ledeo sped past his patrol car in an Aston Martin. It was supposed to be a routine patrol stop, but the moment their fingers touched, his fate was sealed. He'd been chosen as Raphael's mate unbeknownst to him.

Now human no longer after he and Raphael bond, Brian has to figure out how to navigate life as a powerful demon. And that's just the beginning of his troubles. He discovers that there are eight gates to hell, and one of them – the worst one – is open, and a secret demon-hunting organization needs his help to close it. If that wasn't enough on his plate, his attraction to Raphael grows more intense the longer he tries to deny it. Brian considers himself straight, after all, and Raphael has been the only man he's been with.

But can he deny his desires any longer or will he have to finally admit his feelings for Raphael?

Reader Advisory: This book is filled with sarcastic demons, devilish charm, enough steam to fog up all of the windows in your home or car. And a plot that will keep you engaged until you finish the last page. 18 and older. Content may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.

Review: ⟫ I went into this story vaguely aware that some people found there were problematic issues with the mating of the two MCs, and the warnings that content might be sensitive to readers. I wasn’t expecting the straight up rape up scene that I read. I must admit, that threw me quite a bit – I’ve read dub-con and non-con, but this was just – nope. I think that the warnings given need to be clearer as they are too euphemistic for what actually happened on page.

The main character, Brian, was horrible – as in, I couldn’t find a single redeeming quality about him. He blundered around, getting himself into all kinds of trouble with secret societies and demon royalty with the subtlety of a dumper truck. He whined, constantly. His attitude towards women was abhorrent, and I was barely 30% of the way through the story before I decided that I really couldn’t give two sh1ts what happened to him. He was a complete dumbass.

Raphael was one-dimensional at best, and you would think considering his age, he might have handled things better. He was barely on page (mainly because Brian was such a dumbass but I digress), but when he was there, it was all about how pretty he was whilst he acted like a complete AH.

I was actually intrigued by the idea of the gates of hell, working to close them as well as secret societies and all sorts of demons, but it just wasn’t there. It was all about how powerful Brian’s demon was (told, not shown), him eating souls and sex. That was it. I know it was episode one, but there was pretty much nothing here that made me want to go back for episode two. I have read other Nicholas Bella books and enjoyed them, so I was a little disappointed in this one. I didn’t even find the story that dark – perhaps all of that will come in further episodes when it gets more into the demon gates? Or maybe I’m just a bit too dark in myself!

2.5/5 from me.

Wrecked But Not Ruined by Nicole Dykes

Title : ⟫ Wrecked But Not Ruined

Author: ⟫ Nicole Dykes

Blurb: ⟫ Ethan

I had everything. I was going to college and having a blast. Enjoying myself and not taking much seriously. But then, two years ago, everything changed.

A car wreck destroyed my life. It sent me into a total tailspin. I walked away, even when everyone said I wouldn’t be able to.

But I haven’t recovered from it.

The only thing I have left is my best friend, but I’m sure he’ll give up on me soon. Even so, I can’t fight the truth . . . I’m irrevocably ruined.

Knox

College is coming to an end, and I couldn’t be happier to finally start my real life.

Ethan and I had plans. So many amazing plans. And then, everything changed. He was in a horrific wreck, but he miraculously survived. Except it took a piece of him.

I’ve tried to help him get it back. Tried to get him to go to a trauma support group and come back to me.

He thinks he’s broken, but I know the real Ethan is still there. The brave, outgoing man I’ve known my entire life. And I’m going to help him see the truth. That he can overcome this.

That he may have been a little wrecked, but he wasn’t ruined.

Review: ⟫ This may well be one of the sweetest, most hopeful and most caring books I've ever read.

Ethan has survived a traumatic car accident but because he escaped with minimal injuries, he truly doesn't see the trauma. Reading how his life has changed since the incident and his view of himself was really painful, but also very realistic. After all, a lot of people would dismiss his fears and continuing trauma as him being overdramatic - after all, he wasn't that hurt. 

It was really interesting seeing the group of people he has managed to surround himself with who all care for him dearly, but are also aware that they can't help him until he is ready to help himself 

Knox was really sweet and a rock-solid friend in a way that so many people need. And it was an interesting twist to realise that he had suffered trauma of his own. I liked the parallels the author made and the overriding message that came through loud and clear - it doesn't have to be life-threatening to be trauma.

This was a very nicely written story, with a great list of characters and a solid pairing in Knox and Ethan. I found it a quick, satisfying read and am happy to recommend it.

I received an ARC from GRR. 

Double Play by E.M. Lindsey (Hit and Run Book #3)

Title: ⟫ Double Play (Hit and Run Book #3)

Author: ⟫ E.M. Lindsey

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ If self-destruction is an art-form, then Hervé is a master artist.

After all, he’s perfected self-sabotage since he was young and full of promise.

He’s spent his life running from his past and pushing away anyone who might break down his walls, but it wasn’t until his body betrayed him that he realized just how lonely his present had become. Now he’s in the countryside, trying to figure out if anything is worth salvaging, and wondering if he’s the sort of man who will ever be worth a second chance.

Even when Orion Coulter—one of the star pitchers on the Denver Vikings—shows up in his little village like some sort of predestined knight on a white horse, Hervé doesn’t trust him. How can he when Orion is close to all the men Hervé hurt?

But Orion’s situation is more complicated than Hervé realized, full of pain and grief, looking for some kind of escape. And while Hervé knows that he hasn’t quite earned meeting the man of his dreams, Orion’s quiet voice, tender hands, and impossible promises has him wondering if maybe—just maybe—the universe is willing to give him the chance he doesn’t deserve.

Double Play is the final book of the Hit and Run MM baseball romance series. It features countryside kisses, grief, redemption, long walks, careful handling, and a painfully tender happily ever after. 

Review: ⟫ I haven’t read any of the previous Hit and Run series and that may have influenced my experience with this book.

Well written, and extremely well researched, this book was an interesting read. I didn’t know about cataplexy although I knew a little about narcolepsy, and I found it quite educational. It features characters from the previous Hit and Run books (I assume so anyway), and there is obviously a lot of history playing a role in things. 

 Unfortunately,I think that may be what I struggled with. I haven’t read the previous books, knew none of the characters and therefore had no frame of reference and no ‘side’ in things. There were a lot of references to something Hervé did in previous books (and I know some people figured it out just from this book) but I couldn’t quite grasp what he had done that was so wrong, and I wasn’t sure I really cared.

That sounds really callous, but neither Hervé or Orion appealed to me at all – I felt their relationship moved at light speed when both of them were going through something completely life-changing and perhaps should have been more cautious. The struggles Hervé had with his health were handled sensitively and incorporated into the story – this wasn’t a case of saying a character is suffering from something and then never mentioning it again. But, again, I felt like he should be concentrating on stabilising his life and not on falling in love with someone based in a completely different country. I also thought recovering addicts were advised not to get into a relationship in the first year?

Basically, for me, this story didn’t connect and I think that is in large part because I didn’t have the history with the characters. As such, I personally don’t think that it can be read as a stand-alone novel. The sports was minimal, so I probably wouldn’t class it as a sports romance either.

The last two chapters were absolutely romantic, blistering and everything I could have hoped for. I just didn’t gel with the rest of the book. I received an ARC from GRR.

To Whom It May Concern by A.M. Johnson

Title: ⟫ To Whom It May Concern: A For Him Novella 

Author: ⟫ A.M. Johnson 

Blurb: ⟫ To whom it may concern, I can't be sure what you're into, that being said, if you like sexy and sweet romance with a whole lot of quirk, keep reading… 

Ever since Clay Saxon's parents passed away a year ago, he's been stuck in a rut, running their business, and suffering from the worst writer's block ever. 

But when Syrus Albie, aka yellow sweater guy, (you'll see) walks into The End Book Store, Clay's mundane little world turns to sunshine. 

I don't want to ruin it, but I can definitely say, when an introverted as hell narrator finally meets his favorite author and crush, all of his usual protocols go up in flames. 

Set in the For Him World, this stand-alone is the perfect introduction or addition to this steamy MM collection. 

Sincerely yours, 

A.M. JOHNSON 

Review: ⟫ I’ll preface this by saying that I haven’t read any of the ‘For Him’ verse that is mentioned in the blurb so went into this blind. I don’t think it made any real difference – I may have missed out on cameos that are from the other books, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment. 

This was a very sweet, soft, gentle read, with a socially awkward Syrus moving from a slight case of hero worship to love with a genuinely nice guy in Clay. There was no real angst in this book, just two guys meeting each other when they needed someone in their world and finding that they meshed really well. 

The communication between the two of them was a very strong point for me – perhaps because I recently read a book where I was almost screaming at the two main characters to just talk to each other – and Clay and Syrus made a lovely couple. I don’t know if I’ll look into the rest of the series, but this was a nice interlude. 

3.5/5 from me. I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews.

His Boy To Cuddle by Morticia Knight (Naughty or Nice Season 2)

Title: ⟫ His Boy To Cuddle (Naughty or Nice Season 2) 

Author: ⟫ Morticia Knight 

Blurb: ⟫ Dear Santa, 

I just recently moved to Boston and would love to find a sweet, pretty boy to spend the holidays with. I’m a fit, thirty-eight-year-old Daddy who loves to cuddle, pamper and kiss up a storm. Spankings and punishments? Not so much. With that in mind, I’d prefer a nice boy. 

Naughty in bed? That’s a different story! I’m all about heating up the sheets and keeping my boy satisfied. 

All Littles are welcome, any age, but if he likes dolls and frilly things—even better. I love me a femme boy who knows what he wants. 

I need to be up-front, though, Santa. This is a no strings attached arrangement for the week leading up to Christmas only. A long-term relationship isn’t what I’m searching for right now and be sure to let any potential boys know I’m not a wealthy dude. 

I can’t shower him with lots of presents but I can sure shower him with tons of affection! 

Thanks, big guy. I hope you can fulfil my wish. 

DareDaddy 

His Boy to Cuddle is part of the Naughty or Nice Season Two multi-author series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but there are so many Daddies looking for some holiday magic to bring them their perfect boys, why not grab them all? 

From this novella, you can expect a super shy boy who prefers nighties over PJs, a spectacular vintage Barbie collection, first times, and a muscular, bearded Daddy who can’t keep his hands off the prettiest boy he’s ever seen. 

Review: ⟫ I’ve never read a femme Little story before and that was what initially attracted me to reading this. An added benefit was that the Daddy in the story wasn’t wealthy – most of the other books I’ve read, money hasn’t been a problem which I think can sometimes skew the dynamic. 

This story was very sweet with excellent communication between Jaxon and Tracy. Although there were a few other characters, the focus was predominantly on the new couple, with Tracy learning about what he needed as a Little and Jaxon realising that he wanted more from the arrangement than he had initially thought. 

Lots of festive romance, playing with dolls and a little bit of sex. A solid 3.5/5 and I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews.

Moth by Lily Mayne (Monstrous #5)

Title: ⟫ Moth 

Author: ⟫ Lily Mayne 

Blurb: ⟫ When I—along with my best friend and his big purple monster boyfriend—come across a fortress-like raider camp while journeying across the monster-infested Wastes, we stop to deliver a message. 

Somehow, that simple pit stop turns into a seemingly impossible quest to get this camp’s missing leader out of the prison where he’s being held and forced to fight monsters and other humans. And I know exactly where it is, because I’ve been there. 

 Problem is, I’m making this journey with the prickliest and most arrogant guy I’ve ever met, who seems to immediately hate me on sight. 

Oh, and he’s also half monster. 

So there’s that. 

And he’s in love with a raider who definitely does not love him back, and he seems determined to take it out on me. So there’s also that. But I’m not going to rise to his childish insults and barbed words. I’m not. 

I’m also going to try very hard to ignore how mind-numbingly beautiful he is, even when he’s scowling at me. 

But the longer we’re out here together, the more I learn about my prickly half monster companion Moth. I realise there’s a reason he’s so closed off and angry. There’s a reason he hates everyone. There are secrets he’s been keeping, and when I find out what they are, I want to do everything in my power to help him—even though he’s telling me he can’t be helped. 

Moth is Book Five of the Monstrous series, a post-apocalyptic m/m fantasy series that features monsters and human men falling in love. It is best to read the series in order. 

Warning: This m/m love story contains explicit sexual content and is not suitable for young readers. It also contains graphic depictions of death and violence. 

Review: ⟫ Oh Moth!! 

My heart broke for this half-monster – I knew there had to be a good reason for what had happened in previous books, but I never imagined this. 

Lily Mayne pulled out the stops with this one – all of her monsters are beautiful, alien and scary in their own way, but Moth with his vulnerabilities, differences and awful childhood just about broke my heart. 

I devoured this in one sitting, then re-read it immediately to pick up all of the things that I might have missed, and I will probably re-read it again. This is another one of those series where each subsequent book somehow manages to replace your current ‘favourite’ couple, and Moth and Charlie most definitely did that. 

I loved Charlie. I loved how affable he was, how kind and understanding, how strong and unflinching. His loyalty to the people he cares about was palpable and what he did for Moth – building him up, listening, understanding and ultimately loving him – was just beautiful. 

More world building, catching up with our previous favourites and Cat – this was just such a brilliant book. I cannot wait for Lilac’s book, if only so we can finally see him wield that machete! An easy 5/5 from me.

Only for Ollie by Lisa Henry (Starcrossed #3)

Title: ⟫ Only for Ollie (Star Crossed Book 3) 

Author: ⟫ Lisa Henry 

Blurb: ⟫ Xander Finch is a top-ranked MotoGP rider, desperate to get back to the circuit after an injury. He’s going stir-crazy in his parents’ house in Ventura while he works on his recovery. Xander has tunnel vision when it comes to his sport—it’s all he’s ever wanted to do in life. 

When he hires a massage therapist to help speed up his recovery, he’s not expecting the guy to completely flip his universe on its head. 

Ollie Baker is living in his car after a disastrous break-up and jumps at the chance to earn some extra cash through massage. Xander Finch might be hot as hell, but Ollie’s not going there. He’s never going to let some rich guy screw him over again. 

Besides, Xander’s straight. Isn’t he? 

When their friendship deepens into something more, Xander discovers that Ollie makes him feel a way that nobody ever has before, and maybe motorbikes aren’t his only passion after all. Navigating Xander’s newly discovered demisexuality isn’t the only challenge they’ll have to face if they’re going to be together, because Ollie’s been burned before. It’s hard for him to trust Xander, to believe that he’s really willing to make room in his life for Ollie as well as his racing—assuming he recovers enough to race at all. 

Only for Ollie is the third book in the Star Crossed series, where regular guys meet famous ones, and sparks fly. 

Review: ⟫ Ooh I wanted to slap Xander! There was so much about him that I absolutely loved – the way that he was willing to accept a new view of himself, his kindness, his understanding and the way he treated Ollie was special. Just seeing him as a human being and doing what he could to help whilst remaining respectful and accepting boundaries. 

But the risks he took with his health made me want to slap him. I could well imagine the pressure he was under and it was very realistic – as long as people don’t see the spells he’s suffering from, he can get his life back. As someone who suffers with vertigo and has far too many spills, I know how easy it is to hope no one saw and try to go about your day like everything is fine. 

But the difference is, I’m not putting people in danger. He could have cost someone their life with his actions and I liked the way that this wasn’t brushed under the carpet – there were repercussions for what he did and he learned his lesson. 

Ollie was a cupcake who deserved absolutely everything in life, and it’s about time life handed it over in spades. The way he was accepted by the Finch family and open to their support and love despite how he has been treated in the past was lovely to witness and I really enjoyed his growth in the book. 

I loved reading this – learning more about MotoGP without becoming overwhelmed, the relationship that grew between Ollie and Xander, and the supporting characters – it was all extremely enjoyable. 

I haven’t read any of the other Star crossed books but I will keep an eye out for them. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend. 4/5 from me – I received an ARC from GRR.

Suddenly Beck by Vawn Cassidy (Belong to Me #1)

Title: ⟫ Suddenly Beck (Belong to Me Book 1) 

Author: ⟫ Vawn Cassidy 

Blurb: ⟫ A surprisingly sweet, sinfully sexy, and deliciously hilarious romp along the Cornish coast. 

Nathan Elliott has run away from home at the age of twenty-six. His teenage rebellion may have come ten years late, but better late than never. Leaving behind a world of wealth and privilege, and a strict patriarchal family that would never except a gay son, he’s ready to embrace life and make up for lost time, but nothing’s ever that simple. 

A coin toss, a delayed train, and a wrong bus later, and Nat finds himself in a small bay in Cornwall being hauled out of the ocean by a gorgeous stranger and wondering how the hell his life got so off track. 

Beck Ainsley lives life by a very simple ethos, don’t get attached, don’t get involved and don’t fall in love. He’s been there, done that and got the t-shirt that reads I’m a gullible idiot. Now, he keeps his life simple; all he needs is his dog, his art, his rambling sea cottage overlooking the bay and a few choice waves to surf. 

He’s not looking for love or commitment, but when he ends up plucking a posh boy from London with incredible blue eyes from the ocean, Cupid doesn’t just shoot him with an arrow, he decides to club him senseless with the bow too. 

One simple agreement. A summer fling, a chance to act on the insane attraction between them with no strings attached, and at the end of the summer they walk away. 

There’s just one problem, fate is a fickle and capricious creature, and she has no intention of letting them walk away unscathed. They’re about to discover that sometimes the heart wants, what the heart wants… 

From author Wendy Saunders writing as Vawn Cassidy, comes this hot and sweet, first time, MM romance that will leave you laughing out loud and fanning yourself from the heat… 

Review: ⟫ This story was completely delightful! 

I adored Nat – the way he was determined to be free and experience everything; and Beck sounded completely delicious. There is a certain amount of suspending disbelief required, but this book is so well worth that. Full of love, laughter (Molly cracked me up so much), a family dealing with grief and a young man finding himself and true love – who could ask for more? 

The descriptions made me want to visit Cornwall again (I went about 25 years ago and there was nothing but wind and rain), and the whole story was just so sweet and enjoyable. The cast of characters were really cool – I come from a big family so it was fun watching the dynamics of the Ainsley clan and it brought back so many memories. I loved the surfing aspect, especially the family tradition – the description was so vivid and evocative, I almost felt like I was there. And the sex scenes were steamy as all hell – I wasn’t expecting the level of dirty talk but I LIKED IT a lot! 

Happily rounding up from 4.5/5, I received an ARC from GRR.

Cross by S.E. Harmon (The Formicary #2)

Title: ⟫ Cross (The Formicary #2) 

Author: ⟫ S.E. Harmon 

Blurb: ⟫ I thought getting shot, losing my memory, and being hunted by people I didn’t know for reasons I couldn’t remember was rock bottom. Turns out I was wrong. I found a shovel, dug a little deeper, and found a whole new sublevel of suck. 

Apparently, I took something from the Formicary that doesn't belong to me. The boss, Petar Dobroslav, is willing to do just about anything to get it back. Making an enemy of a super-secret organization of assassins might seem like a bad idea and…well, it absolutely is. 

To be honest, it was inevitable that Grayson Laurie would get dragged into my mess. In my line of work, love is a luxury, a vulnerability I can't afford. But I couldn't stay away, and now we're both paying the price. But I can fix this. I will fix this. 

Everyone knows the Formicary is a formidable adversary. It's time to remind them that so is Christian Cross. 

Review: ⟫ Yeah, so I didn’t fangirl over the first book enough, but book two surpassed it! Talk about action packed – this was a wild ride, full of twists and turns and the return of favourite characters. 

Can we have a moment of appreciation for Chaos please? And his relationship with Nick cracked me up constantly. Like, can we have the two of them getting together, even if it’s just for a one-off hate thing? 

The Formicary #2 was full of fascinating characters, a better understanding of what Cross had got himself into and why, and the story just kept twisting itself into pretzel-like knots, then smoothing out. 

I loved it – Gray and Cross are so sweet in a hyped up, horny duo and intensely messed up pairing. On paper, Gray should be completely out of his depth, but he more than showed his mettle this time and I really appreciated seeing more of what makes Cross love him so much. Villains, henchmen, Operation Genesis – I raced through this book and was so sorry to put it down. 

Really appreciated how this was written, and have now got a kindle full of S.E. Harmon’s books to read because I just wanted more. Another 5/5 from me!

The Red Collar by M. Kato

Title: ⟫ The Red Collar
Author: ⟫ M. Kato
Rating: ⟫ 4/5
Blurb: ⟫ Chief Inspector Hayashi Teruo is short-tempered, impatient and a perfectionist. When another one of his partners resigns, Teruo is assigned a new one transferred from Hiroshima. But this comes with a condition: if his partner bails on Teruo before the end of the month, he risks demotion.

Miyazaki Shinji wants to forget the problems of his past, focus on his new position at Tōkyō MPD and work with the department’s best homicide detective. As a supernatural, Shinji speaks with ghosts of murder victims, gaining insight into the cases and solving them faster.

Before they get a chance to become acquainted, Teruo and Shinji are thrown into a new murder case. The body of a young man is found, killed with a weapon bearing a strange resemblance to a dog's collar. As more victims are discovered, they need to dig deeper and find the connection between them.

While working on the case, Teruo and Shinji are caught into an irresistible attraction. But being partners on duty and lovers in bed isn't easy. As Teruo slowly unravels Shinji’s secrets, he questions his partner's integrity, while Shinji is caught in endless lies threatening his relationship with Teruo as lovers and co-workers.

Review: ⟫ This book got more and more interesting the more I read, but I definitely had some issues with it. The main characters were not very defined in my opinion and their relationship got hot and heavy extremely fast with no real explanation as to why they were feeling such an intense attraction to each other.

The Supernatural aspects were really interesting, although I sometimes got confused with the terminology that was used. I was also fascinated by Teruo’s reactions – on the one hand, he was more than a little blasé, but on the other hand he was asking the questions I would want answers to.

The procedural aspects of things were good but a bit basic, but with all of the supernatural stuff to explain that is understandable. I will be looking for the second book in the series to read and would recommend this to people interested in a little supernatural touch to their police romance.

4/5 from me – I received an ARC from GRR.

Pretty Toxic by J.R. Gray (Pretty Broken #2)

Title: ⟫ Pretty Toxic (Pretty Broken #2) 

Author: ⟫ J.R. Gray 

Blurb: ⟫ Saint Vincent 

 I might be the best-selling solo artist in the world, but my personal life is a disaster. For every number one album, there's a sea of my worsts, all documented in photos. 

Bad break-ups. Destroyed hotel rooms. Fights. Drugs. 

And just as many rumors. 

Every headline reaffirms the walls I’ve built around myself. Fame destroys everything it touches and I can’t let anyone close. The only exception is my best friend— Lowe Wilder. But I’ve fucked that one up too. 

It’s all about him. Every song, every lyric. Every piece of music I’ve ever written. I planned to carry that secret to my grave. He’s straight. Another break-up, another call to Lowe. I can’t bear to have another scandal splashed across the tabloids. 

At my absolute worst he’s here to pick up the pieces, and I ruined it all with a kiss. 

Lowe Wilder 

I’m the least famous member of the most famous band in the world. 

I’ve sat in the background while we toured the world and tore each other apart. I wouldn’t have made it through any of this without Saint. He came into my life like a nuclear bomb. Unapologetic and with about as much destruction, but he’s kept me sane from across the world. 

Nothing could come between us. 

Until he kissed me and shattered my world. 

Pretty Toxic can be read on its own or enjoyed part of the Pretty Broken Series. 

Review: ⟫ Ooh, this one was a doozy! 

Lowe and Saint are practically joined at the hip. Platonically. Or at least from Lowe’s side. 

And then Saint finally gives in to his feelings and opens a whole can of worms. 

This book is a mess of emotions and trauma, from the main couple, to the band Pretty Broken, and it was a roller-coaster of a ride from start to finish. Lowe and Saint are a couple in every way apart from sexually, if only Lowe would open his eyes and admit it. 

And Pretty Broken is living up to it’s name. 

I was immersed from the beginning, along for the ride, and suffering alongside both Lowe and Saint. It was a pretty intense look into what life is like for the rich and famous – whether it be living without consequences or in a fish-bowl. 

Lowe and Saint are two peas in a pod – possessive, nearly obsessive, and almost on a crash course to destroying each other unless they can get their act together and figure out how to be together despite how much time they have to spend apart. 

I really enjoyed this one – not as much as I liked Pretty Obsessed, but in a different way. And I am desperate to find out what is going on between Cas and Iris. This was an intense book and very real, and I think this entire series could well become one of my favourites for when I want to ‘suffer’ alongside the main characters. 

4.5 rounded up to 5 – I received an ARC from GRR.

Lord Garrington's Vessel by S. Rodman

Title: ⟫ Lord Garrington’s Vessel 

Author: ⟫ S. Rodman 

Blurb: ⟫ It's 2022. 

Magic isn't supposed to be real. 

Arranged marriages aren't supposed to exist. 

How are gay arranged marriages for the purpose of magic a thing? 

Fen has grown up all alone in boarding schools. Never meeting any of his family. At his graduation, his older brother turns up to take him home. 

Except Fen discovers he is the result of a shameful affair and not actually related to Lord Garrington at all. Yet, for appearance’s sake, everyone must continue to believe they are brothers. 

To make matters worse, an indiscretion reveals that Fen is a vessel. Someone who grows magic but cannot wield it. Magic can only escape his body and not kill him by regularly submitting his body to a mage. 

Hence the crazy arranged marriage idea. 

It's a shame the only mage he wants is his arrogant and obnoxious fake brother. 

 

Lord Xander Garrington, like all British nobility, is secretly a mage. 

He was only supposed to pay the boy off, but Fen turned out to be outrageously pretty. Then he turns out to be a vessel. The opportunity is too great to miss. 

He needs to pretend Fen is his brother and sell his stepmother’s bastard to the highest bidder. Securing the best possible match to advance the family’s fortunes. 

If only Xander's emotions would obey. He is supposed to sell his fake brother, not fall for him. 

Please note. Xander is a controlling, obsessive bad boy who likes to take control. This book touches on dark themes, including a side character subjected to the worst that can happen. Off page and not from either main character. 

This book is high heat. No Mpreg. HEA guaranteed. 

Review: ⟫ Suspend belief and strap in for a bonkers ride! Fen made me lmao off and I enjoyed his inner thoughts. Xander was a complete AH, even if he was a sexy one. The story was a fun, quick read that delivered exactly what it said it was. I wish we’d seen more of the magic side of things, but basically, this was hot and steamy with a plot that was pretty much Mills & Boon, but gay and with some magical elements! I read it for what it was and enjoyed it – solid 3.75 happily rounded up! I received an ARC from GRR.

Punching the V-Card by Leta Blake

Title: ⟫ Punching the V-Card 

Author: ⟫ Leta Blake 

Blurb: ⟫ Best friend’s hot older brother? Check. 

A weekend alone? Check. 

Finally punching that V-card? Oh yes. 

Carl has a pesky “innocence” problem that requires a solution. His best friend's brother Devon is the perfect answer. Devon’s experienced, gorgeous, and Carl’s been secretly crushing on him for ages. Carl doesn’t want to “lose it” to just anybody. Everyone says the first time should be special—and what’s more special than sharing it with the guy of his dreams? 

It’s not like Devon won’t enjoy it. 

Solving this so-called problem is an objectively fun experience for most people! The plan is totally win/win! Shockingly, Devon agrees. But even though it goes better than either of them ever expected, Carl’s moving across the country soon. It’s not possible to have more. 

No matter how much they both want it. 

Right? 

Punching the V-Card by Leta Blake is a is a high heat, low angst, new adult gay romance featuring a best friend’s hot older brother, scorching first times, and falling in love with the guy of your dreams. 

Review: ⟫ I have no idea how to review this story fairly! It sounds like a (fairly) realistic idea, but some of the elements are a bit fantastical. It was a very steamy, fun read and the entire book involves the two main characters with a small cameo from the sister. 

I think for me the things I found difficult were how innocent Carl was, and yet he turned out to be some kind of mega-dominant sexual maestro straight out of the gate. Probably a ‘me’ issue that I found that hard to get my head around? 

I did enjoy reading it, although I struggled a little with the emotions from Devon as he went from vaguely fancying Carl to being so in love with him by the end of the weekend that he literally changed his life plans. 

It was well written and perhaps if I had gone into it in a different frame of mind, I would have enjoyed it more and been less critical. I think I’m going to look for a few other books by this author to see if it was just this one that my sceptical mind struggled with! 

A solid 3.75 rounded up to 4 from me. I received an ARC from GRR.