Audiobook Review: Better Than Home (Better Than Good #4.6) by Lane Hayes

The lawyer, the diva, and a new adventure…

Life is good. A few years ago, I met someone special, came out as bi, fell head over heels, and married the love of my life. A man. But not just any man.

Aaron is a confident, unapologetically fabulous diva who isn’t afraid to take chances. I love that about him. New state, new career path…no problem.

Except things don’t always go according to plan. That’s okay. It might be the perfect time to get back to basics and check off a few items on our original list…like buy a house and start a family. Whoa! House first.

However, house hunting isn’t glamorous at all, and with my partnership at the law firm in the balance, it’s kind of stressful. Everything we’ve dreamed of is within reach—if we can just find a place that feels like home, we’ll be better than good.

Listening Length: 3 hours and 55 minutes
Narrator: Nick J. Russo

It’s been a while since I listened to an audiobook, so I was excited for this one. As always, Nick J. Russo did an amazing job!

I’ll be honest - I don’t recall much of the details of Matt and Aaron’s story in ‘Better Than Good’, as I read it about six years ago. But I do remember enjoying it, and I gave it 4 stars.

I’d definitely recommend a read of book 1, as this isn’t a standalone read. However, even without a re-read of their origin story, I still really enjoyed the continuation of Matt and Aaron’s love story in ‘Better Than Home’.

This short sequel isn’t dramatic or grand in any way. And that’s exactly the point - life happens, and we go with the ups and downs that come with it. This book is a look at what happens after the big HEA.

In ‘Better Than Home’, Aaron and Matt navigate their way through the “regular” decisions that shape us. Things like careers, homes, families and friends.

And throughout it all, they’re still completely head over heels in love with one another. It was incredibly sweet how much the two loved each other, and how they put the other first.

                                                         

The romance is there in spades, and all the stronger for the years since Aaron and Matt first met.

Also, and this I do distinctly remember from book 1, these two bring the heat. And they’re still going strong! Kudos to them.

Another part of this book that I enjoyed is the cast of family and friends. They were a fun part of the story without being distracting.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read, made all the more so as an excellently narrated audiobook. If you’ve read book 1 and are looking for a very romantic low-key love story, give this a try!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Long Game (Game Changers #6) by Rachel Reid

To the world they are rivals, but to each other they are everything.

Ten years.

That’s how long Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov have been seeing each other. How long they’ve been keeping their relationship a secret. From friends, from family…from the league. If Shane wants to stay at the top of his game, what he and Ilya share has to remain secret. He loves Ilya, but what if going public ruins everything?

Ilya is sick of secrets. Shane has gotten so good at hiding his feelings, sometimes Ilya questions if they even exist. The closeness, the intimacy, even the risk that would come with being open about their relationship…Ilya wants it all.

It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love.

It’s time to make a call.

*potential spoilers below*

This book will give fans exactly what they’ve asked for. It’s the perfect conclusion to Ilya and Shane’s grand romance.

Ten years after they first went down the rabbit hole, the two men are happier than they’ve ever been. That’s where readers begin in this second part of Shane and Ilya’s journey.

Let me say - there is nothing entirely new about their romance. But that’s the point - these two hit the jackpot and cemented their love in Heated Rivalry.

The Long Game simply reinforces all of that - the same love, intense feelings, passion, and care. Not to mention the mutual needling.

Also, the physical. They’ve still got it. In spades.

Shane and Ilya quickly tug at the heartstrings again. It’s so easy to root for them. I had heart eyes at least once every other chapter.

                                            

The big issue of course is that their happiness is in the shadows - stolen moments, fear of discovery, half-truths. And it’s taking more of a toll than ever before.

Reading those parts was hard. Especially from Ilya’s point of view. My heart hurt for him, and how he struggled alone.

Kudos to the author for being realistic. There is no magic cure for Ilya’s depression, and it doesn’t simply disappear. He goes through the cycles, gradually working to build changes that help. It’s slow and painful, but he does get better.

There were times when I wanted to kick Shane for being so focused on the immediate and himself. But even that was realistic, and he does make amends.

And there is never any doubt that whatever the obstacles, it’s Shane and Ilya together against the world. They do what needs to be done for each other.

Things do eventually come to a head - and the other side is beautiful. Ilya and Shane deserve and earned all of the happiness.

The Game Changes series is great, but Ilya and Shane hold a special part in my heart. Recommended for all romance readers, regardless of sports preferences!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Sink or Swim (Shore Leave #2) by Annabeth Albert

Winning and losing are subject to sexy interpretation…

Navy chief Calder Euler loves to win big. His latest score? A remote mountain cabin. Checking it out is supposed to be a quick trip, but Calder’s luck abruptly turns when a freak injury and a freakier snowstorm leave him stranded.

Oh, and the cabin isn’t empty. A silver fox caring for two young girls claims that the property is his, but Calder’s paperwork says otherwise.

Felix Sigurd is on a losing streak, and his ex-husband risking the cabin in a reckless bet is only the latest in a series of misfortunes. He’ll tolerate the handsome stranger for a couple nights--even care for his injuries—but that’s it.

Calder doesn’t know a damn thing about kids, but making pancakes for Felix’s girls is a surprising delight. Trapped in the cabin, the four of them slip easily into the rhythms of a family. But when the ice melts, they’ll have to decide if a future together is in the cards.

Calder’s lucky win quickly evaporates when the real owner of the cabin walks in with his two nieces in tow. His luck continues downward when he injures himself and gets snowed in with strangers.

But on the upside, Felix is a very attractive man and seems to cautiously return Calder’s interest.

The snowed-in trope is one of my favourites. You’d think I’ve read enough by now to be bored of it, but you’d be wrong. Give me all of the cliché!

In Shore Leave, the storm forces Felix and Calder to make the best of the situation. That includes playing in the snow with the girls, reading stories, and cooking together.

                                               

The close quarters also set off feelings that neither man had expected. And it isn’t just the physical attraction - it’s easy to share space and their thoughts with each other.

When the storm ends and they have to return to the real world, Calder convinces Felix to have dinner with him - not a date, just for fun. It sets a pattern - hangouts, long phone calls, and thinking about each other when they’re not together.

This isn’t a particularly angsty book, and actually quite slow. I really liked the cozy feeling.

The big hurdle is how different the two men are. Calder lives in the moment and likes to have fun. Felix is cautious and has to put the girls first.

I loved how they balanced each other - Calder brings Felix out of his shell, and Felix gives Calder a taste of the slower life. They’re both equally protective and caring.

The two have to adjust and eventually figure out how to mesh their lives together. It was sweet how Calder set out to convince Felix that he was all-in for a serious relationship and the kids.

Speaking of the kids - very much so present in the book, and adorable. Madeleine and Charlotte were just kids being kids.

Felix and Calder eventually reach a tipping point, and make decisions for their future. Their happy ending is sweet, and left me with warm fuzzy feels.

If you’re looking for a drama-free family-focused MM romance, give ‘Shore Leave’ a read!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Devil's Dance (Rebel Kings MC #1) by Garrett Leigh

Opposites attract. The outlaw biker and the accountant. Straightlaced vs straight to hell. Or heaven, depending on how you look at it.

And you can look at it any way you like, doesn’t mean it’s true. Either way, falling for snarky Alexei Ivanov is the lightbulb moment I’ve been waiting for my whole damn life. Or at least since my head got turned by someone else. A man I call brother, but he's so much more than that.

I’ve loved Saint Malone for years. My loyal wingman has owned my heart so long I figured it had died of yearning for him. But Saint is as fragile as he is deadly. I don’t know how to help him until Alexei brings me to life in ways I can’t describe.

He opens my eyes, and I see them both.

I love them both.

With the weight of the underworld bearing down on me, I just gotta stay alive long enough to tell them.

Devil’s Dance is the first in a hurt/comfort, dark romance, MMM duet from the world of the Rebel Kings MC. Expect: tattoos and leather, an enigmatic Russian hitman, and dark and dirty themes.

*Trigger warnings: childhood abuse, sex work, graphic violence, death.

Cam finds himself between two men - the man he’s pined after for years but can’t have, and the man who was supposed to be a one night stand but that he can’t stop thinking about. On top of it all, rivals are threatening his territory and his MC family.

It’s been a while since I read an MC book. It was interesting to see the politics and interpersonal dynamics play out. And of course, that extra rough and wild adds some fun to the mix.

Cam was easy to understand and to root for - he’s dedicated to his club, their dependents, and building legitimate above-board operations. The occasional throwdowns with rivals notwithstanding.

Alexei’s the mysterious dangerous type, so his story is only revealed gradually. But underneath that sharp exterior, he’s vulnerable and fiercely protective.

Both men are used to going it alone, that is until one night together changes everything. They’re smitten, and want more.

I really liked their dynamic - neither wanting or planning for it, but unable to stay away from each other. Alexei and Cam end up needing each other, and revealing parts of themselves that they’d kept buried.

Also the sex - hot, hot, hot. Grade A material.

The other man in this story is Saint - Cam’s long-time friend and his most trusted wingman in the MC. Cam and Saint have skirted around their longing for each other for years, neither ever making a move.

From the moment Alexei and Saint meet, they prioritize looking after Cam together. And along the way, they even find themselves drawn to each other.

The three men, and their bond, are tested when shit hits the fan and puts the MC in direct danger. The action livened up the pace of the story.

Where things hit a snag for me was how little relationship development there was. Alexei and Cam jump to love pretty quickly, while we get the bare minimum on Saint and Cam’s backstory.

I was definitely rooting for the three and happy to see them coming together, but the why and how just wasn’t fully there. Maybe that will come in the next book.

In any case, I’m hooked enough to read on! Recommended if you’re looking for a gritty MMM book with interesting characters and a fun action plot.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: A No-Strings Noel by Annabelle Jacobs

A week of no-strings fun in a winter wonderland setting. No consequences, no expectations, no hurt feelings. Right?

Henry:
Finding his boyfriend in a compromising position leaves him with a week off work and no holiday to go on. A night of vodka, ice cream, and his sister’s sympathetic ear is the only way to deal with it. It’s also how he finds himself on holiday alone a few weeks later, at an English holiday village in the countryside, surrounded by Christmas cheer and happy families.

He’s expecting a week of relaxing days and early nights, doing his own thing, and taking some time for himself. And hopefully finding some festive spirit along the way, because it’s sorely lacking at the moment.

What he’s not expecting is Dom.

Dom:
Coming to somewhere so familiar soothes his broken heart after yet another failed attempt at finding someone to settle down with. He’s ready. They never are.

Seeing a lost-looking stranger on the first day of his holiday triggers his protective instincts, so he steps in to give him some helpful advice. Who knew that advice would mean they end up spending the day and then the whole week together? But he figures a holiday fling is exactly what he needs to get through this slump: no expectations, no misunderstandings, no heartbreak.

Or that was the plan. He knows Henry wants more, but he doesn’t trust himself where his heart’s concerned. He doesn’t trust Henry not to break it.

A Christmas MM romance featuring a meet-cute, a sexy holiday fling, a meddling but awesome sister, a teeny bit of angst, and a festive HEA.

After finding his boyfriend in bed with another man, Henry decides to spend a week at a holiday village in the countryside.

Distraction comes in the form of burly experienced holiday village-goer Dom, who’s getting over his own recent breakup.

The two men agree to a week of no-strings fun, both in and outside of the bedroom. It’s a simple arrangement with some Christmas cheer.

I really liked the set-up of Dom and Henry’s relationship. It felt natural and believable. I liked how despite the two being strangers, Dom immediately tried to make Henry feel welcome, and how Henry felt at ease with him.

The obvious sexual tension also didn’t hurt. A holiday fling should bring the heat, even if it’s winter, after all!

I did wonder at one point whether the two had jumped into feelings a bit too quickly after their recent breakups. But I suppose that can’t be helped when you’re spending everyday (and night) together in your own little bubble of outdoor activities and bedroom shenanigans. And when the connection is just undeniable.

Their week together at the holiday park was cute, with sweet moments and lots of holiday fun. ‘Charming’ would be the word to describe them.

Where things went off the rails for me was the second half. So many misunderstandings and miscommunications, and much of it because they were texting.

Was it realistic for today’s world? Yes, probably. But was it also incredibly frustrating to read? Very much so.

But I wanted one of them to just smarten up and call the other. They could have avoided a lot of heartache, and it may have allowed for more page time to see the two together in the “real world” outside of the holiday park.

The epilogue was very sweet, though it felt a bit tacked on after a rushed happy ending.

Overall, while the first half of the book was quite enjoyable, the second half didn’t deliver on the holiday feels. Your mileage may vary!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Lights on Knockbridge Lane (Garnet Run #3) by Roan Parrish

Can one man’s crowded, messy life fill another man’s empty heart?

Raising a family was always Adam Mills’ dream, although solo parenting and moving back to tiny Garnet Run certainly were not. After a messy breakup, Adam is doing his best to give his young daughter the life she deserves—including accepting help from their new, reclusive neighbor to fulfill her Christmas wish.

Though the little house may not have “the most lights ever,” the Mills home begins to brighten as handsome Wes Mobray spends more time there and slowly sheds his protective layers. But when the eye-catching house ends up in the news, Wes has to make a choice: hide from the darkness of his unusual past or embrace the light of a future—and a family—with Adam.

Is October too early to bake some sugar cookies, make some hot cocoa, and throw on a Hallmark Christmas movie? Because that’s exactly what this book made me want to do!

‘The Lights on Knocksbridge Lane’ introduces readers to young father Adam and his daughter Gus, as they start a new life in Adam’s old hometown. Moving on from a failed relationship and with a tight budget, Adam is determined to make Gus’ Christmas magical.

One of their new neighbours is reclusive Wes. He likes his solitary and orderly life, his experiments, and his unconventional pets. But Gus barges right in with her curiosity, dragging her apprehensive dad with her.

This is a very kid-centric book. Gus, who loves science and animals of the scaly or eight-legged kind, sets out to make Wes her friend, bringing Adam and Wes together as a result. So be ready for a precocious child with lots of questions!

The early interactions between Adam and Wes were funny. Wes being grumpy and standoffish, and Adam apologetic and slightly (very) scared by Wes’ strange animals.

But despite that, the spark is there. Adam can’t help crushing on the brooding man, and Wes is drawn to Adam’s light.

Or lights, in this case, as Wes gets roped in with Adam’s plan to illuminate their new house in strings of Christmas lights for Gus.



I thoroughly enjoyed every sweet moment between Gus, Adam, and Wes. Maybe it was a bit overly Hallmark-y, but I was digging it!

Especially seeing Adam and Wes slowly giving in to the tension between them. This isn’t a particularly steamy read, but the connection between the two men is palpable.

And much more importantly, the two find someone else to lean on, and learn to let their guards down. It’s a quiet, sweet, and adorable love.

The other shoe does drop eventually, but they make it to the other side just fine, a happy family of three (+ Wes’ strange pets).

If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit (even before Halloween!), definitely give ‘The Lights on Knockbridge Lane’ a read!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Salvation (Darkest Skies #3) by Garrett Leigh

Reformed gang boss Dante Pope is out after a four-year stretch in prison. But freedom has found him faster than he’s ready for. His only brother hates him, and with nothing but PTSD and a newfound fascination with plants for company, the outside world is a terrifying place.

A prisoner rehabilitation scheme lands him at a stately home that might as well be the moon. Working for gorgeous gardener Sid is a welcome distraction—his shoulders are broad, his rugged jaw unshaven, and his long, tanned legs?

Wow.

But Sid has problems of his own. A life-changing disease has left him limited in ways he can’t bear and accepting help, even from a stranger, makes him want to curl up and die.

If Dante would let him.

Newsflash: he won’t, and he’s not a stranger for long. With his dark smile and sinister ink, Dante Pope is the most beautiful man Sid has ever seen. Life is hard, but falling for each other is easy.

Sunshine and shadows.

Old ghosts can haunt Dante all they like. Loving Sid is the only salvation he’ll ever need.

Dante is released from prison to a country garden. He’s determined to make the most of this second chance, and leave his old life in the past for good.

Sid looks after his gardens and manages his chronic illness. He doesn’t need complications, which is what Dante is.

The two men come from very different backgrounds, but the attraction is there from the start. Despite their differences, they’re actually very similar men.

Both are cranky, a bit antisocial, and prefer each other’s quiet company. Some common ground to build a relationship on!

I really enjoyed reading how working in the gardens side by side brought the two together. It led to homemade dinners, shared smokes (literally), and eventually stolen kisses.

Is there anything hotter than a man who just wants to feed you? Sid’s a total catch! His quiet determination in continuing with his daily life as much as he could made him even more admirable.

For his part, Dante has had a massive character improvement. Even better is that he was well aware of it, and actively identified and changed behaviours that were his old self. The self-awareness is what made him likeable, after the previous events.

I will say though - I found Sid’s repeated insistence that Dante was completely blame-free and a good man irritating. Yes, Dante is a good man now, but that doesn’t erase the past. Sid could have supported Dante without constantly throwing on the rose-coloured glasses.

I also found that the book dragged quite a bit in the middle. It could have been tightened up.

But that aside, Sid and Dante are incredibly sweet together in their little English countryside bubble. Not to mention hot!

They have a major stumbling block thrown at them, but they get through it for the better on the other end.

Overall, though this isn’t my favourite book in the series, it was still an enjoyable read. Would recommend it if you've read the two preceding books!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Sailor Proof (Shore Leave #1) by Annabeth Albert

The sexy Navy chief and his best friend’s adorkable little brother…

It’s petty, but Naval Chief Derrick Fox wishes he could exact a little revenge on his ex by showing off a rebound fling. His submarine is due to return to its Bremerton, Washington, home base soon and Derrick knows all too well there won't be anyone waiting with a big, showy welcome.

Enter one ill-advised plan…

Arthur Euler is the guy you go to in a pinch—he's excellent at out-of-the-box solutions. It's what the genius music-slash-computer nerd is known for. So when he finds out Derrick needs a favor, he’s happy to help. He can muster the sort of welcome a Naval Chief deserves, no problem at all.

Except it is a problem. A very big problem.

When Arthur’s homecoming welcome is a little too convincing, when a video of their gangplank smooch goes enormously viral, they're caught between a dock and a hard place. Neither of them ever expected a temporary fake relationship to look—or feel—so real. And Arthur certainly never considered he'd be fighting for a very much not-fake forever with a military man.

Set on making his ex jealous, Naval Chief Derrick Fox accepts help from his best friend’s younger brother, Arthur Euler. But the kiss that quickly goes viral does more than just get revenge - it also ignites a fire neither man expected.

Before they know it, the two men are locked in a temporary fake relationship at a family retreat, and it doesn’t take long for them to take full advantage of their private cabin.

Right off the bat, the setup was delicious. Opposites attract, best friend’s younger brother, and a fake relationship? Yes please!

From their first “fake” kiss, these two light some fireworks! And it only gets better. 10/10 for making the most of their unplanned proximity.

It also doesn’t hurt that Arthur and Derrick have a genuine emotional connection to go along with the physical from the get-go. They make the best of their awkward situation, and they do it with mutual respect and some laughs.

It was sweet how Derrick took all of Arthur’s concerns seriously, and that Arthur felt comfortable sharing how he felt about his family’s competitiveness. Even better, how both of them naturally began looking out for each other.

In just a few days, each private moment and shared confession leads to the “fake” relationship beginning to feel more and more real. It was adorable!

Did things move a bit quickly? Sure, but this is one of those romances where it makes complete sense, and where the main characters just click from the start.

This isn’t a particularly angsty romance. The big stumbling block is Derrick’s job, which takes him away from the US for long periods of time, and makes Arthur wary of a long-term relationship.

It takes some serious thought and a bit of time for both men to decide if what they have is worth the fight. And not surprisingly - it totally is!

The HEA was perfect in every way! Arthur and Derrick more than deserved their happy ending.

This was a great start to a new series from Annabeth Albert. If you’re looking for a sweet romance, some heat, and lots of good feels, give Sailor Proof a try!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Tag Team Review: Subtle Blood (The Will Darling Adventures #3) by K.J. Charles

Will Darling is all right. His business is doing well, and so is his illicit relationship with Kim Secretan--disgraced aristocrat, ex-spy, amateur book-dealer. It’s starting to feel like he’s got his life under control.

And then a brutal murder in a gentleman’s club plunges them back into the shadow world of crime, deception, and the power of privilege. Worse, it brings them up against Kim’s noble, hostile family, and his upper-class life where Will can never belong.

With old and new enemies against them, and secrets on every side, Will and Kim have to fight for each other harder than ever—or be torn apart for good.

Averaged!

Adam - 4 Hearts

And so it ends! On a really good note too.

Will and Kim have settled into a happy routine. A bit dull perhaps, but that’s just fine after everything the two have been through.

Of course, that doesn’t last too long at all. Their past adventures and Kim’s abominable family pull both men right back into the midst of another crime.

KJ Charles really knows how to write murder and mystery. From the start, the twists and turns kept me hooked.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading everything unfold, and then finally understanding how all the pieces fit together. Plus, Maisie and Phoebe return with all of the fanfare and attention they deserve!

What made the plot even more entertaining - it was closely linked to learning more about Kim.

Kim has either been an enigma or an asshat since book 1. He’s worked hard to shed that asshat-ness, but his past has still been murky.

Well, Kim is a mystery no more! Turns out he’s the product of his family. It really did put things into perspective, and explained how Kit came to be the man he is. Especially so for Will.

I loved how Will absorbed it all and became the rock that Kim needed. They’ve had their ups and downs, but in book 3 the two men just get each other and do what needs to be done to keep each other whole.

                                                       

Don’t get me wrong, they are far from sunshine and roses - Will and Kim are still snarky, combative, and seem to find joy in poking at each other. But it’s all done with love, and makes their quiet vulnerable moments all the more sweet.

Book 3’s ending is absolutely perfect for Kim and Will. And perhaps leaves room for a short follow-up? *hint hint, please*

This series (and Kim, Will, Maisie, and Phoebe) really grew on me. It’s got romance and mystery in spades. Recommended!

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4.5 Hearts

Whoo! Talk about a page turner!!

Last we saw Will and Kim, they had taken those few tentative steps toward a fragile commitment towards each other, and now they’re slowly getting into their groove. All that seemingly domestic bliss however, is rudely interrupted when Kim’s awful arsehole of a brother is accused of murder.

Things quickly unravel into a complicated messy need to see Kim’s brother exonerated, and Will and Kim do what they do best in trying to find a way out of the shit show they find themselves embroiled in. What they uncover is perhaps a not so shocking realization. Their common enemy, Zodiac, is trying to regain their feet after they were disbanded in The Sugared Game, and Will and Kim have landed smack dab in the middle of it, mucking about and causing their trademark meddlesome trouble.

For me, this series continues to get better and better as it successfully brings a great supporting cast, a complicated mystery full of twists and turns, all the while brandishing gentlemanly propriety amidst some not so gentlemanly situations. What this also brings is some seriously romantic and well earned swoon! Both Will and Kim have taken a deep dive into what their hearts truly desire and once that realization is made, they'll do anything to see it come to fruition. And how!

Admittedly, I wondered how Charles would close this trilogy, both in the overall series arc and with the love progression. Don’t fear dear readers, for she didn’t fail us. Historicals aren’t a top trope that I readily delve into, but Charles makes a strong argument for them as I blatantly call for more of her paranormal stories!! To say the least, I’m not easily impressed, but I’m waving the white flag in concession as this pulls out all the stops!

A copy provided for an honest review.

Review: Deliverance (Darkest Skies #2) by Garrett Leigh

Banished gangster Benito Martell is living on the edge. An explosive hook-up in a club gifts him the relief he craves, but nothing about his life is ever so simple. Complications abound, and before long, he’s falling for the only man who can save his family from eviction.

Recovering addict Mickey Larwood has worked hard to leave his past behind. He can’t look back, not even for the beautiful Benito, the last soul on earth he expected to steal his heart—a soul who’s knee-deep in the underworld Mickey has run hundreds of miles to escape.

Benito can deny it all he wants, but Mickey can smell trouble a mile off.

And Benito is trouble with a capital T. As his desperate lies unravel, so does the fledgling love that’s grown between them. If Benito wants deliverance from his old life and a future with Mickey, old ghosts need to die.

If they don’t kill him first.

When Benito and Mickey hook up in a club, it’s complete fireworks. Both men want to go back for more.

However, what should be an easy no-strings-attached arrangement quickly becomes complicated by a personal connection the two weren’t aware of, and by their pasts.

Not to mention the emotional pull that quickly becomes more important than the physical.

First of all, let me acknowledge the obvious - Benito and Mickey are hot. Like no holds barred, aggressive, dirty hot. Lovely.

Both men also have baggage. Lots of it. And unfortunately, that baggage means that the clash was unavoidable.

It’s gritty and rough, but I thought both men were justified in their feelings and actions. It pulled the heartstrings - Mickey and Benito so clearly want things to work, but circumstances outside of their control make it tough.

Life just throws curveballs sometimes.



I loved that the common ground between the two was Benito’s family. Because while they may have been unsure about each other, they were both committed to Benito’s mother and sister.

And slowly but surely, Mickey and Benito begin chipping at the cracks. Until they just can’t stay away from each other, and become more and more entwined.

I had heart eyes.

The sh*t does inevitably - and very predictably - hit the fan. But there’s no guarantee on exactly how things will play out.

However, Mickey and Benito do make it out on the other side, and they both make amends. It’s a hard-won happy ever after, and very much so deserved.

Recommended for those who enjoyed book 1!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Bell, Book and Scandal (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #3) by Josh Lanyon

Black Magic. Blackmail. Little Black Books. Must a witch break his vows to save his marriage?

Cosmo Saville loves that his husband has finally accepted his witchy ways. And in return, his promise to stay out of police business guarantees them a happily ever after. At least, until he discovers he might be responsible for a dangerous game of blackmail…

Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith feels relieved that his marriage is back on track. Especially since he has his hands full with a high-profile suicide and rumors of a city-wide extortion ring. But when he stumbles across Cosmo breaking his vow by playing cop, John agonizes over old wounds.

With the commissioner’s badge and family in jeopardy, Cosmo has no choice but to put his life on the line…

Can the witch expose a dark conspiracy, save John’s career, and return to love’s delicious spell?

Cosmo and John are happily enjoying married life, and are glad that their days of mistrust and odd goings-on are behind them.

That rosy honeymoon phase doesn’t last too long.

An unexpected spate of high-profile blackmails has Cosmo back to playing amateur magical cop, and John back to being suspicious.

The adventure/mystery in this series is Grade A entertainment. The plot is fun, captivating, and entirely unpredictable. I enjoyed every new twist and turn!

The worldbuilding was also markedly more detailed in this installment. Consider it a consequence of growing up on a certain series involving a bespeckled boy wizard, but I’m a sucker for magical societies hidden within our modern world.

And the Craft definitely fits the bill!

 

Where the book hit a bit of a sour note for me - John. In book 2, I really didn’t like John’s treatment of Cosmo. But it had seemed like the two had moved past that dynamic.

Not so apparently - when things get a bit too dicey for John’s liking, he resorts back to his old habits. And I just don’t think that’s fair to poor Cosmo.

The two are very sweet when everything is going smoothly, but I’d like to see them keep that same energy when times are tough!

That being said, I’m still fully on-board with the pairing. Cosmo and John just have a chemistry - physical and emotional - that can’t be denied.

If John would just grovel a bit and learn to live with Cosmo’s witchy ways, all will be forgiven.

 

 In any case, bring on the next one and let’s see where this story goes!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.