Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (The Bridgertons Book #4)

TITLE: ⟫ Romancing Mr Bridgerton

AUTHOR: ⟫ Julia Quinn

SERIES: ⟫ The Bridgertons Book #4

RATING: ⟫ 2.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London. Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same - especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat - or his promise of a happy ending?

REVIEW: ⟫ Like many, I arrived at this book following the series on Netflix. However, Colin and Penelope’s story was the first that made me want to read the accompanying book – I adored the first two seasons and don’t get me started on Queen Charlotte – but I wanted more of Colin and Pen and decided to visit the source material.

I can well see why some of the book fans feel that Netflix has taken the essence of the characters and bounced off from there – it wasn’t impossible to imagine the characters as the actors but their actions and behaviours were so different from the series that I finally decided to divorce the two in my mind. I don’t read many heterosexual romances – MM is more to my taste – but I had hoped that the chemistry between Colin and Penelope would take over. However, in the book I was disappointed by so much. Colin’s internal dialogue about Penelope, his reasoning, his attitude – it was all a tad fratboy (or rather rakish) than I was expecting. He seemed quite shallow and superficial and I found myself wondering just what it was about him that Penelope fell in love with. I saw very little of his much vaunted kindness and indeed, more often than not I felt he was quite a petulant little boy in his behaviours and actions.

Admittedly, his declaration of love for his wife was brilliant – touching, romantic, proud – but it took what felt like far too long to get there. I think I will happily watch the series on Netflix and not read the rest of the books – I cannot imagine they will engender more affection for the characters than I already have and might instead taint my expectations/hopes.

I understand that the books have a very passionate fanbase, which I am glad for because without them I doubt the series would have been made, but it feels like the novels are not for me although obviously YMMV.

Vengeful Bonds by Nolah Harker - Vengeful Bonds Season #1

TITLE: ⟫ Vengeful Bonds

AUTHOR: ⟫ Onley James writing as Nolah Harker

SERIES: ⟫ Vengeful Bonds Season #1

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ in a world rigidly defined by secondary genders, a political storm brews, challenging the traditional alpha-dominated order with progressive ideals. Amidst this upheaval, eight strangers unite against Cerberus, a corrupt power broker. Their mission, born from loss, forges an unexpected bond, transcending societal norms.

This diverse group includes Fen, a sharp-witted omega hacker, Loch, the protective alpha leader, Binnie, a charismatic alpha political consultant, Saint, the former demolitions specialist who can no longer function in polite society, and Ollie, the analytical beta. Forced together by circumstance, they join Binnie in his secure residence for safety, bringing along Fen's Seth, an omega interpreter, San, an alpha artist, and Deacon, an unpresented makeup artist with a flair for the dramatic.

As they unravel Cerberus's sinister plots, they discover not just the hope of justice but also an unconventional love. Forming a formidable pack of four mated pairs, they challenge the very foundations of their world, redefining family and pack bonds in a society where loyalty and love are often confined by archaic norms.

Vengeful Bonds is more than just an Omegaverse tale of revenge; it's a journey of healing, self-discovery, and the forging of a polyamorous pack that challenges the very foundations of their world. Join them in the complete compilation of season one of this serialized adventure, where each chapter unveils layers of intrigue, romance, and a bond that defies all odds.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was absolutely awesome! So much in each ‘chapter’, with well defined characters, a cool backstory, a mission that anyone could get behind, and ABO dynamics. If you have any interest in Omegaverse stories, then this is definitely for you. Watching as the group comes together, slowly beginning to accept that fate is playing a hand in everything that they do; the diverse relationships that build so quickly; the potential for extremely hot times ahead – just ticked all of my boxes! Really looking forward to season #2 as they dig deeper into Cerberus as well as finding out more about the effects becoming a pack is having on them all.

Angels in the City by Garrett Leigh

TITLE: ⟫ Angels in the City

AUTHOR: ⟫ Garrett Leigh

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ A fake relationship with a stranger. An office romance with doughnuts and white knights. An addictive arrangement—friends with benefits—fast turns to love.

Jonah Gray is rich, successful, and the most eligible bachelor in the city, according to his mother, at least. But the truth is, despite her efforts to pair him off, he’s fine on his own. All he needs is a date to the Christmas ball.

Sacha Ivanov is a lone wolf, content in the cycle of long days, late nights, and anonymous hook ups, but when a chance encounter in a broken-down lift brings a gorgeous copper-haired CEO into his life, everything begins to change.

As Christmas fast approaches, a favour for a stranger blooms into something more. He doesn’t do second dates or relationships. But for kind-hearted Jonah, his angel in the city, he might just change his mind.

Angels in the City is a Christmas themed MM friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, office romance. Expect fraught days, steamy nights, and true love built around festive snacks and Christmas trees.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was such a sweet, sexy read – Jonah and Sacha should not have matched at all and yet, they are perfect together. Sacha is so determined to hold himself away from things that overpower his control that he sometimes comes across as cold. But Jonah sees through the exterior and realises that Sacha is a strong, warm, kind, loving man who just needs someone who accepts him exactly as he is.

I loved the relationship between the two of them, the back and forth banter, and the chemistry between them was palpable. I also really enjoyed the background story regarding the App that they were both working on, as well as the characters involved in both of their lives. This was a really enjoyable read and I’m glad I picked it up now even if it’s set at Christmas!

Dateless by Willow Thomas (Squad Goals Book #3)

TITLE: ⟫ Dateless

AUTHOR: ⟫ Willow Thomas

SERIES: ⟫ Squad Goals Book #3

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ The Cheerleader and The Frat Boy

Luke

On paper, I have everything going for me.

I am a flier on the FVU cheerleading team. I’m getting a degree so I can become a kindergarten teacher. I have amazing friends and the best brothers.

Yet, with men, I am totally inexperienced.

Kisses…yes. Anything else…nope.

A stupid incident lands me in hot water with the president of the Kappa Frat house. Corey Howe is rightly feared across campus. Students and staff members have been expelled for crossing him. He gives me an ultimatum; do whatever he says, or he goes to the Dean and I lose my scholarship.

It’s hardly surprising what I choose.

Spending so much time with a guy who shows his disdain for me should be a nightmare, but the glimpses I see of the person behind the facade draw me in.

I’m in serious trouble…and I think I like it.

Corey

I may have a trust fund, but I hate entitlement.

When I became the president of the Kappa, I swore I would turn it from being an old boy’s club, to a frat where anyone can thrive.

It’s given me a reputation for being an asshole, which I wear like a suit of armor. People don’t bother you if they think you’re going to ruin them.

Luke Green didn’t get the memo.

Instead of ratting him out, I choose an unorthodox approach. Yet despite every chore and task I throw at him, Luke never loses his smile. He does everything with so much enthusiasm I want to throw him over my shoulder and see if he gives the same amount of energy in my bed.

That’s never going to happen…

…until it does.

REVIEW: ⟫This was quite the delightful read! If you’ve read the other Squad Goals stories, you’ll recognise Luke – the virgin looking for love whilst watching all of his friends find theirs. And finally, Luke finds the man of his dreams! He just so happens to be a nightmare as far as other people are concerned – the rumours circulating around Corey make him sound very scary indeed.

As a duo, Luke and Corey are just lovely. Corey gets the wrong impression of Luke initially but it was refreshing to see him realise his mistake and move on. No major angst, no denial – just acceptance that he was wrong and that Luke truly is the sexy, straight forward, caring man that he appears to be. Corey tries not to fall in love but not that hard, and that is another sweet side to this – after talking to Ryder, Corey realises that he’s pulling away from Luke because of his own fears and makes efforts to rectify that. Again, minimal angst, just some thoughtfulness and a willingness to be better.

So freaking refreshing!

The sex was fun, sexy and everything Luke deserved after so long – basically, this whole book is just like a golden retriever. You can’t help but smile and it leaves you in a much better mood once you’ve read it!

I received an ARC from the author.

Red Flags and Tuesdays by Nordika Night (Weekday Weirdos Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Red Flags and Tuesdays

AUTHOR: ⟫ Nordika Night

SERIES: ⟫ Weekday Weirdos Series Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Waking up to his one-night stand trying to flee the scene, Reid sits back to enjoy the show. This blond boy is all snark and quick-wit, but there’s an awkward side to him that intrigues Reid enough to want to con him into a second date. After numerous failed attempts, Atticus reluctantly agrees to an on-the-spot date, and things get quirky from there.

A philosophy major and a wayward son, these two work through their differences, battling red flags and a slew of Tuesdays that have them bonding in ways they never saw coming. There is no normal way to date Atticus, and Reid soon learns that this ‘romance lover’ has no idea what romance is, but he’s willing to put in the work.

Reid is taking back his life. Atticus is taking back Tuesdays.

Together, they’re a brilliant disaster.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a delightful read, especially enjoyable after the dark, intense book I read just beforehand. Atticus made me laugh so hard with his rules and regulations, his absolute refusal to give an inch to Reid and the obvious pain he is carrying. His desire to protect himself from the damage Reid could do to his heart is so touching and believable, yet the pull between the two of them is far too strong for him to resist.

Reid impressed me for different reasons. He could have been a typical f*ckboy, out to spend his father’s money and waste his life. Instead, he saw what he wanted in Atticus, adjusted very quickly to the idea that he was more sexually fluid than he expected, and went for it with every ounce of himself. I appreciated the fact that he thought about what Atticus was afraid of and was so determined to learn Atticus’ love language.

The story was intense and yet fun at the same time, with both main characters so multi dimensional that it was easy to see them in my mind’s eye. I very much enjoyed this story, Nordika Night’s style of writing really worked for me and I’m glad I took the ride with the characters.

Where There's a Will by Jessie Walker (Lost Boys Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Where There’s a Will

AUTHOR: ⟫ Jessie Walker

SERIES: ⟫ Lost Boys Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ He was everything I never wanted.

Impulsive. Careless. Self-Destructive.

I'm the cliché they all warn you about.

The head case with a pretty face.

If I'm not chasing the bottom of a bottle,

I'm snorting a line off a girl's ass.

That guy you know who plays Russian Roulette at parties?

That's me.

But that all changes when he comes barreling back into my life. Will Foster.

The boy from my childhood.

The boy I told myself was a fluke.

A mistake.

Nothing.

It's only a matter of time before he learns the truth.

Before he sees me for who I really am under all the bullshit.

Broken.

Tainted.

Worthless.

He wants to love me whole, but shouldn't he know better than that by now? Saving someone who doesn't want to be saved is a recipe for disaster...

And loving someone who doesn't want to be loved?

Fucking hopeless.

* Where There’s A Will is a full-length, slow-burn, emotional MM romance novel. The story continues in If There’s A Way. This duet deals with heavy topics that may be triggering for some readers.

REVIEW: ⟫ Firstly, I count myself as fortunate to have found this book after the follow up had been released. I’m not sure how big of a tantrum I would have thrown if I had read this and had to wait for the next instalment.

This book is the epitome of messy humans getting even messier with each other, drama on top of drama, hefty emotions and a serious amount of angst. Addictions abound, as does co-dependency and incredibly painful back stories and the tale is moving and frustrating in equal measure.

Will and Waylon are so obviously meant to be together that watching Waylon fight his feelings makes you so conscious of the pain he has suffered, his insecurities and PTSD making him lash out and become dangerous to be around. The fact that Will can still see that his love for Waylon is worth fighting for after his awful life experiences is a testimony to just how incredibly strong their connection is.

I really felt drawn into this story and will dive into book two once I’ve recovered just a little!

A Stealthy Situation by Saxon James (Franklin U 2 Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ A Stealthy Situation

AUTHOR: ⟫ Saxon James

SERIES: ⟫ Franklin U 2 Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Harrison

My life’s goal? Make plants fun!

I’m gonna be fighting for flora when I’m older and it all starts with auditing stats so I can level up for my masters, and lucky for me, the intriguing guy in my class is a math whizz.

He’s standoffish at first, but after a class where I bet my sitcoms can make him laugh, one bet leads to another and we’re hanging out all the time. Even though I know he’s interested in me, we’re easy friends, until I start to think I might be a little interested in him, too.

The only problem? He seems like a totally different guy in class to when we hang out. I brush it off as him trying to concentrate, but then I spot something I can’t explain away.

A scar. On his palm.

One I’m positive Benny has never had before.

Benny

Since we were little, my twin brother and I have always switched things up–literally. It started as funsies, and now we’re college juniors and still taking each other’s classes. I suck at Math, he sucks at English, and we both have a rule not to make friends in class as the other person. Our system is perfect.

Only Emmett has the audacity to get sick right before stats and I have to actually show up for my own class–where I meet my future husband.

Harrison is smart, weirdly into plants, and we instantly hit it off like old friends.

Only of course the gorgeous mountain of a nerd is straight.

Just when I’m telling myself to let my dreams of matching rings go, our text messages become constant, flirtier, deeper than I’ve had with any other guy before. My butterflies have butterflies every time we catch up.

And then I get a text from Emmett: I’m so sorry. I think I messed up.

REVIEW: ⟫ How lovely it was to read the beginning of the twins’ story. Emmett and Benny basically come from Hockey royalty, so the decision to run away from all of that hockey was a difficult one. Benny is doing okay for himself – he loves his frat, enjoys most of his college work, and is happy with his various hook-ups.

Until he meets Harrison when he is forced to actually attend one of his stats lectures. And suddenly, he’s doing and wanting things that he’s never wanted before. And that’s not even taking into account that Harrison has always previously identified as straight. The relationship between the two of them is an absolute delight, made even more so by the fact that Benny seems to be allergic to ‘love’ and being nice, whereas Harrison is the sweetest, most cheerful, cinnamon roll!

All looks like it might turn out pretty damned good until Emmett returns to stats class and Harrison notices something awry. That opens a whole new can of worms that it took some real effort to get through. I appreciated the fact that Harrison is prepared to accept the new ‘him’, support Benny and try to understand the twins’ actions without judging them too harshly. And the resolution – what we see of it – made me quite happy. I definitely feel like things were left up in the air because of Emmett but look forward to where Saxon James is going to take things for the Dalton twins.

A fun, satisfying read and a worthy addition to the Franklin U 2 series.

The Hookup Mix-Up by Riley Hart (Franklin U 2 Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ The Hookup Mix-Up

AUTHOR: ⟫ Riley Hart

SERIES: ⟫ Franklin U 2 Book #1

RATING: ⟫ /5

BLURB: ⟫ Perry

I moved to San Luco to get to know my brother, and so far, it’s been great. Working as a bartender at Shenanigans, a bar close to Franklin University, there are beautiful men and women everywhere. When a hot guy falls into my arms at a party, I’m down for some naughty fun. Until I realize he’s way too drunk for anything to happen. Thankfully, we agree to meet up the next day.

One near-kiss later, I discover Theo has no idea I’ve been hitting on him. He thinks we’re hanging out as buddies, and to my great regret, says he’s straight. How did I misread this situation when I thought he was giving me all the right signals?

Theo

Perry thinks I’m a nine…a nine! Sure, I’m not into dudes, but it’s flattering that someone as attractive as him thinks I’m hot. Despite the confusion, Perry and I click and agree to keep hanging out. The more time I spend with him, the more I realize there’s a part of myself I’ve been ignoring. One that’s super bi and wants Perry as more than a friend.

Trying to study with him makes things hard for me…below the belt. Unfortunately, his abandonment issues have him open to a fling and nothing more, while I’m catching feelings in a big way. Can I be satisfied with a hookup? Or should I find a way to convince him to take a chance on making this something real?

REVIEW: ⟫ Currently reading – review to follow.

Junkyard Heart by Garrett Leigh (Porth Ewan Bay #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Junkyard Heart

AUTHOR: ⟫ Garrett Leigh

SERIES: ⟫ Porth Ewan Bay #2

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ The drifting photographer and the man who knows just what to do with lost things that wash up on the beach. Get lost in this smoking hot trends-to-lovers hurt/comfort MM romance.

Tired of the London rat race and the heartbreak that comes with it, photographer Jas Manning returns to Porth Ewan, the Cornish seaside town where he spent every childhood summer on his father’s farm. Resigned to year-round rain, wind, and homemade jam, he’s sorely unprepared for the impact that artsy carpenter Kim Penrose has on his heart.

Kim’s free-loving reputation precedes him, and he’s as generous with his inked-up body as he is with his time. The sex is hot, the easy friendship even better, and Jas’s time with him building his family’s new farmhouse canteen is everything Jas was missing in his empty city life.

But Kim’s carefree existence isn’t as simple as it appears. He’s worked hard to vanquish his demons and build his dreams, but the devil on his shoulder is ruthless, and when it comes to call, their happy bubble bursts like it was never there at all. The canteen opening looms, but Kim is gone in more ways than one, and it’s down to Jas to shore up Kim’s soul and convince him that he deserves his place in Jas’s heart.

*Previously published with the Porthkennack shared world series, these books have been significantly reworked and re-edited

REVIEW: ⟫ This book crept on me, much the same way that Kim crept up on Jasper. Jas is in no position for a relationship – he still bears the scars from his last one, and returning to Porth Ewan was meant to be a bit of a bolthole while he sorted himself out. Meeting Kim one morning changes that in momentous ways that Jas could never have imagined.

I adored the first Porth Ewan book and didn’t think I could love anyone more than I loved Brix and Calum, but Jas and Kim swept me away and dragged me into their relationship with their open hearts, vulnerability and the beauty of what they create together. I love love love reading these stories and cannot believe how well Garrett Leigh creates such characters that make you feel so much for them, root for them, and sigh happily when they reach their well deserved happily-ever-after. I’m fascinated by the hints we have of things in the future – Lena and the baby come to mind with that one – and can only say that alongside the Rebel Kings, these may well be my favourite characters by this writer.

Suddenly You by Cora Rose (Our Exception #2)

TITLE: ⟫ Suddenly You

AUTHOR: ⟫ Cora Rose

SERIES: ⟫ Our Exception #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ We’ve all heard the saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

God help me, if only that were true.

Because as it turns out, my surprise gay husband is very much still my husband outside of the great state of Nevada. And let me tell you, as a straight guy, waking up married to a man I barely know with no memory of how it happened wasn’t even on my Bingo card.

What started as a fun weekend getaway to support my brothers in their relationships and show them how much I've grown, has somehow spiraled wildly out of my control.

Cooper Barone is rich, kind, and charming, but he’s holding all the cards now. Because he doesn't want our marriage annulled. No, he says he wants us to make a deal. He wants me to spend time with him, to move in with him.

All I know is that I’m broke and I can't afford a divorce without his compliance, without his help.

So there’s nothing left for me to do but agree and accept my fate.

I'm a straight dude with a husband.

This is my life now.

REVIEW: ⟫ I have not enjoyed the most recent Cora Rose books as much as I did when I initially started reading their books. I think it was more me than the actual material – I was looking for something else, whereas I feel that they write slightly insane meet cute circumstances with steamy sex scenes very well. Perhaps I was in my dark era?

Anyway, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Suddenly You because, like many of their other books, it calls back to different series that they write, and Matt did not stand out to me when I met him before. However, despite the ‘getting married in Vegas’ trope being a little out there, along with Cooper’s insistence that there wouldn’t be a divorce until he was ready, this book touched me quite deeply. Matt is a troubled young man, struggling against his upbringing, what he has been taught by his parents, and drowning in debt. The only good thing in his life is his reconnection with two of his brothers, and even that comes with issues.

Adding a bisexual awakening to the mix seemed like just too much for the poor man to handle. Until there was Cooper. Cooper who seemed to understand just how touch-starved Matt was; who despite ‘spoiled rich boy’ vibes was actually incredibly kind, caring and careful with Matt. Cooper was the standout for me in this book – he was as much deeper character than first presented, allowed Matt to move at his own pace, and was also willing to risk his heart on a closeted man who has demonstrated less than stellar behaviour in the past.

I really enjoyed reading this and was surprised by how much depth was in the book, whilst still allowing for the usual madcap adventures, albeit in the background. It was cool to see Whit and Caleb are still as deranged, and obviously Sem gets a special mention. Now that I am out of my ‘dark’ era (or taking a break from it at least), I think I may revisit the Cora Rose books I’ve overlooked in the meantime. .

The Captive's Curse by Eliot Grayson (Twilight Mages Book #2)

TITLE: ⟫ The Captive’s Curse

AUTHOR: ⟫ Eliot Grayson

SERIES: ⟫ Twilight Mages Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Unwanted. Unloved. Unransomed. And unable to control his dawn magic by any other means…

At odds with his family and on the run, Lord Cyril is taken prisoner and held in a gloomy mountain fortress—which he brightens up quite a bit, thank you. His captor wants him to be quiet and not cause any trouble, but who cares? Cyril may need the mysterious highwayman to quell his dawn magic and keep him sane, but he’s overbearing, sardonic, and unpleasant.

Mostly. Except when Cyril can’t live without his touch, or his voice, or his rare smile…

Ser Enzo, a robber and (not quite) a gentleman, desperately wants his obnoxious, adorable, irritating, irresistible captive off his hands…and other parts. Lord Cyril’s wanton, irrepressible, and worst of all—his family won’t take him back. Enzo can’t release him without being paid. It’s against his principles.

But so is keeping his bewitching captive forever. Cyril may be his prisoner, but Enzo’s dangerously close to losing his own freedom by falling under the mage’s spell…

The Captive’s Curse is the second book in the Twilight Mages series, but it takes place concurrently with book one and can be read as a standalone. Contains wildly inappropriate discussions of vegetables (no vegetables were actually harmed in the making of this book), the mad ghost of an evil lord (the Mad Lord is harmed, to no one’s regret), and the overcoming of fears, family quarrels, and scheming villains to reach a guaranteed HEA.

REVIEW: ⟫ Oh my good Lord, Cyril is a complete and utter menace and I loved everything about him!! I have been looking forward to this story ever since I read the first Twilight Mages story and I am so happy to report that it is actually BETTER than the first one!

Cyril was such a character – misunderstood, lonely and in need of purpose and how bizarre that it took being kidnapped for him to find his people. Quick-witted, hot tempered and stronger than he gives himself credit for, Cyril not only makes the most of the opportunities presented by his kidnapping, but firmly makes a home for himself amongst a group of people that he could never have expected to encounter.

Enzo was the epitome of the hulking ruffian with a heart of gold and a sense of humour that more than matched Cyril’s. The different names he endowed Cyril with cracked me up, and the way he made love to Cyril was absolutely perfect. These two were filthy in the best possible way and I loved the entire story.

Quite obviously a 5/5 from me and I highly recommend this to anyone who likes high heat, masses of humour and a healthy dose of plot without being too heavy.

His Hunter by MM Farmer (Omegas After Dark Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ His Hunter

AUTHOR: ⟫ MM Farmer

SERIES: ⟫ Omegas After Dark Book #1

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ The Dark Fantasy Club can make your wildest dreams come true…

Ari

An arranged marriage to a first-class, high-society jerk means that my life as I know it is just about over. The wedding is only weeks away, so I only have one chance to give myself a memory I won’t ever forget. Through the Dark Fantasy Club, I’ve found an alpha who can fulfill my primal fantasy of being chased through the forest, captured, and taken through heat in the most brutal way possible, just like I’ve always dreamed about.

Falling hard for my alpha hunter was not part of the deal, though…

Samson

I moved to Barrington to get away from bad memories of my time on the force, working in the Missing Persons Unit. But even as an ex-cop, I need to get my rocks off somehow, and the Dark Fantasy Club is perfect for that. Ari is the perfect fantasy partner, too. But the more I learn about his reasons for contracting me for play, the more I want to help him in reality.

And when our fake danger turns very, very real as we discover we’re not alone in the forest, I might just have to be the savior he’s needed all along….

Omegas After Dark is set in the same world as the lighter, fluffier Bangers & Mash series, but it deals with much more intense subject matter. Sink into the underworld of Barrington in all its super-hot glory, but don’t say you weren’t warned!

REVIEW: ⟫ Well this was quite the adventure! I was expecting the steam and it was there almost immediately. Ari is in the awful position of being an omega being married off by his family. But he wants one last adventure before he settles down into married hell.

Samson has seen far too much of the dark side of people. Taking contracts for ‘dark fantasies’ is the only thing he wants to bring with him to his new life. And the contract with Ari ticks all of his boxes.

The primal fantasy played out very well, with a lot of begging, pleading, exclamations of mine and satisfaction on both sides. But it pretty much immediately becomes obvious that what these two have together goes far beyond the fantasy but how exactly do they find their happily ever after when Ari has to return to reality? What follows is an adventure that the two of them fall into featuring people that they could never have expected and with potentially life threatening consequences.

The story was well written and enjoyable, with a palpable chemistry between Samson and Ari and an engaging darker storyline. I have read previous stories by this author and was pleased to have read this instalment. It will be interesting to see how further entries in this series turn up the darker aspect of things.

Clueless by Willow Thomas (Squad Goals Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ Clueless

AUTHOR: ⟫ Willow Thomas

SERIES: ⟫ Squad Goals #1

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ The Cheerleader and His Twin’s Best Friend

Lexi

I’ve been in love with Ryder Jackson since my twin sister brought him home and declared him her best friend five years ago. He is funny, smart, gorgeous. The perfect man. Except he’s never shown any romantic interest in me. Ryder only does hookups, but my poor demi heart wants the whole package. I vow to get over him and focus on my upcoming cheer competition, but suddenly, he’s everywhere, making me fall harder.

When he accidentally walks in on my self-love time, everything changes. One night with Ryder isn’t enough.

I know it’ll hurt when it ends, but if friends with benefits is all Ryder can give, I’ll take it.

Ryder

No boyfriends, no repeats. That’s always been my motto. But when I nearly get my ass handed to me by the disgruntled ex of a former hookup, I realize I need to change things up.

No sex until I learn to avoid the walking red flags.

I can do this.

Except, suddenly, all I can see is Lexi, my best friend’s brother. I’m creating situations to get cuddles from him during nineties movie night and even going to a football game just to watch him cheer.

After one hot night, I want more.

But how do I get Lexi to see me as more than just a hookup?

Clueless is book one in Squad Goals, an MM cheerleader romance. Expect demi rep, witty banter, delicious pining, and cheertastic fun!

REVIEW: ⟫ To be fair to this book, having accidentally read the second one in the series first meant that I kinda felt like I already knew what was going to happen. I’m pretty sure that that affected how I felt about the story – it felt like I already knew it all and what was left was filling in the details. It’s a sweet story – Lexi pining for Ryder who is completely oblivious to how he feels as he views Lexi very much as his best friend’s brother. Both Ryder and Lexi were nice characters, and their chemistry was strong once they got together. There were a few instances of misunderstandings that definitely could have been avoided, and I wasn’t much of a fan of the use of those as both men seemed more than capable of discussing things rationally. I did get irritated at Ryder a couple of times – leaving without saying something, running away at finding something out – but overall, I enjoyed reading the story.

The Husband Experience by Maya Jean (Sweet Southern Book #1)

TITLE: ⟫ The Husband Experience

AUTHOR: ⟫ Maya Jean

RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

SERIES: ⟫ Sweet Southern #1

BLURB: ⟫ Elijah

Being a fake boyfriend is usually pretty easy. My part time job slots perfectly into my schedule as I pursue my PhD. But when the agency sends me on a week-long vacation to play husband … I don’t expect the experience to feel the opposite of fake. Colby Smith is everything I never knew I needed. He’s sweet, he even blushes, but in the bedroom, he calls all the shots. This experience is supposed to be for him, but as time goes on, I think it’s starting to be real for me.

Colby

After losing my husband, my cousin recommended I reach out to The Boyfriend Experience to get back in the saddle, so to speak. I asked for a husband for a week and they sure delivered. Elijah Ruiz is wild, in a way that shakes my world to the core. But after a week of tender touches, of breathtaking smiles, I start to wonder if it’s really all an act. Can we make this something real after only a week of playing pretend?

The Husband Experience is the 36k novella that starts the Sweet Southern series. It features a professional fake boyfriend, a ready for love again widower, an age gap, fake husbands for a week by the beach, lots of swoon, emotional steam, and just a sprinkle of kink.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a very sweet, sexy novella that acts as a very good introduction to the planned Sweet Southern series. Colby comes across as a self-aware man who has accepted the loss of his husband and is ready to re-enter the world of dating. However, he wants his first real experience to not be a random hook-up – he knows himself well enough to know that that is not how he operates. Hence the husband experience.

Eli comes across as a little less self aware. Initially with Colby, he tries to put up artificial barriers, constantly reminding the both of them that he is a ‘sure’ thing and doesn’t need the romance, etc that Colby keeps trying to offer. I really enjoyed the way in which Eli slowly let down his barriers and began to accept the affection and attention Colby was offering until the two men began to have an experience that perhaps neither of them fully expected. I was impressed with how much the author managed to pile into the novella, but obviously being that length it suffered a little from how ‘surface’ and superficial things had to be. I definitely enjoyed reading this story and will look for more from the Sweet Southern series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Under Your Skin by Lee McCormick

TITLE: ⟫ Under Your Skin

AUTHOR: ⟫ Lee McCormick

RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ You’re the only one who can get under my skin.

Levi

Trapped in nightmares from my past, the only comfort I find is in gifts from the man who killed my mother’s killer—presents wrapped in a body bag and delivered to the morgue for me to examine.

From the first time I saw his mark, I knew I had to keep my Killer safe, had to keep his work a secret for me and me alone. Every body is a love letter, and I’m the only one who can read them.

Jonah

When I accidentally leave evidence behind during a kill, I have to go to the morgue to rectify my mistake. I didn’t expect to find a young mortician admiring my work.

Relishing in it. Studying it.

Covering it up.

I have no idea why someone would want to hide my crimes, but I’m determined to find out. What I discover is a man named Levi—a man obsessed with the idea of who he thinks I am.

A man who threatens to change my entire world.

~~~

Under Your Skin is a dark romance set in a world where a corrupt town lets a serial killer walk free, and a young mortician is determined to make sure it stays that way. Expect high heat, intense emotions, and two men who find their own way to define what love really means.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a dark and delicious insight into the mind of a serial killer and a traumatised young man that was just the right side of unhinged.

Levi survived a trauma that no one should ever have to go through at such a young age – not only the loss of both parents but actually seeing his mother die whilst trying to save him. It’s no wonder that his adopted father represents such safety and that the young man has a few quirks. What I didn’t expect was for Levi to be the character who came across as the darkest one – the way in which he views the bodies he works on daily, his obsession with his Killer, his coping mechanisms – Levi could definitely be viewed as a sick puppy.

Jonah initially came across as a more standard psychopath but he had hidden depths. The way he watches Levi and how he thinks of him – it was both hot and disturbing, and yet I very much felt that Jonah was completely under Levi’s spell in more ways than he had ever thought possible.

The links that brought them together were twisting and fascinating, as was the way they moved around each other. This could almost be classed as slow-burn as they manoeuvred around each other. Levi’s integral understanding of Jonah – the ways in which he made Jonah admit things, show Levi his allegiance and his unwillingness to be seen as a damsel in distress – they were all incredibly sexy even whilst they could be viewed as disturbing.

The underlying story about the town that they lived in – the corruption of the local government and police force was really interesting. Everyone turning a blind eye to the things going on was bizarre to watch as I’ve never seen this play out with even our main characters being involved in hiding the seedy underbelly. Of course, Levi had ulterior motives but it was fascinating nevertheless.

I loved the way these two worked together and how they came together – psychos in love is definitely my catnip! But the thrill and suspense didn’t end with just Levi and Jonah – the other characters in the book had so much going on. This felt like I dived head-first into a murky river and was trying to find my way out whilst also wanting to see what was under the surface.

This is the third (fourth?) book I’ve read by Lee McCormick and I am definitely putting them on my insta-read because it was just as good as others I’ve read whilst being completely different. Lots of surprises, oodles of sexiness and a satisfying conclusion made this an excellent read for the Bank Holiday weekend and I heartily recommend this to anyone who likes their romance on the dark side. I received an ARC from GRR.