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.

Guest Review: You and Me Again (Must Love Dogs #2) by Megan Slayer

Can love really strike twice?

Colin Dent knows what he wants out of life—his career at the advertising agency and his dog. Love is great, but he needs to know the guys in his life understand his dog is his family. He thought he had the perfect combination when he and Matt were a couple. But Matt didn’t stick around.

Matt Miller didn’t leave Colin because he wanted to—Colin hadn’t wanted him any longer. When Matt’s sister leaves her dog, Willie, with him for good, Matt not only understands separation anxiety, but how much it hurts to be forgotten. Then he sees Colin at the dog park. The old feelings rush in and he wants to open his heart, but he hasn’t forgotten the past.

Colin wants a second chance with Matt, but will the time and distance apart be too much to overcome? Or will the love of their dogs be enough to push these two former lovers back together for good?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

By the time I finished the book, I was enjoying it, but it took awhile for me to get with it.

I totally loved the premise. I get it totally. My dog is my favourite kid (I have human kids too…) but I found the writing a little clunky at the beginning, and I was a little bit confused about the timeline of the story given that our two MCs had lived together before the break up, yet Colin had a best friend (key to his house type of best friend) that Matt had never met yet who hated Matt. Maybe I was just being a bit slow.

So, Matt who left Colin because Colin put his dog first, is now a dog owner himself and the two guys meet at the dog park. I thought it was a nice touch that the dogs liked each other!

The story proceeds with Colin trying to win Matt back, without really knowing why they broke up. Later we saw Colin had a roving eye with made me like him even less! Matt seemed too good fro Colin and, and the new bestie was a complete ass.

I found the dialogue a little stilted and “tell me” rather than “show me” but the story did grow on me. Maybe I was just being a grumpy butt, but it wasn’t really my cup of tea.

I’ll try the author again just to see!

I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Cowboy and the City Slicker by Bonnie Dee

Can a fish out of water find a home on the range?

Alex Wheeler arrives in Arizona with a job to do—convince Matthew Parsons to sell his guest ranch to an Americana-themed resort chain. A landscape filled with nothing but cactus and cattle promises a dull week, until he meets the strong, silent cowboy who lassoes his interest. Alex begins to fall for Matthew’s quiet charm, gentlemanly ways, and hidden sweetness. As their friendship and attraction deepen from casual to intense, Alex delays revealing his agenda.

Matthew Parsons has one wish—to keep his family heritage intact despite financial hard times. He has convinced himself his life isn’t lonely, until a dynamic, animated, upbeat stranger erupts into his solitude and breaks down his barriers. Against all odds, a man he could actually grow to care for has come to the middle of nowhere like a gift just for him. Even knowing Alex must soon leave, Matthew can’t help falling a little bit in love.

When the truth comes out and harsh realities must be faced, their budding relationship is trampled. But a bruised bloom may be nurtured back to life even in the harsh desert.

I’ve always been a big fan of Bonnie Dee, her historicals are a weakness of mine. I love the language, the settings and the conflicts are always fascinating. Unfortunately I can’t say the same for The Cowboy and the City Slicker. I did enjoy it, the writing is solid and the characters are well formed. The best part of the story is meeting Alex and especially Matthew. The story itself however is one we’ve all read before.

Alex works for a corporation that buys up family farms, ranches, etc. that then turns them into vacation destinations while maintaining their homespun feel. He’s sent to Matthew’s family ranch (that is struggling) under the guise of a vacationing guest and there is an immediate attraction between Alex and Matthew. Alex is gregarious and social which Matthew is shy and stoic. Of course Matthew has a heart of gold and as the two spend more time together Alex discovers Matthew’s softer side and he starts falling for the cowboy while Matthew starts falling for Alex.

And therein the conflict lies. Alex waffles back and forth about when he should tell Matthew his real reason for visiting the ranch. Feelings start to become real things between them and the longer Alex waits, the more the tension rises and the blowup is inevitable. This is nothing new, especially in the wonderful world of cowboy tropes, and the one thing that these stories need is a unique hook and that was the one thing missing in this story.

The chemistry was great between the Alex and Matthew and thankfully they worked through the first conflict, times were good and the reading was heartwarming and steamy. But then, another conflict came along and it was completely manufactured and I couldn’t figure out the point other than to throw some angst at the reader. The logic was flawed in that their was literally no reason for Alex to do what he did and then some stubbornness was thrown into the mix and I ended up just feeling frustrated with the both of them (Alex mostly though),

There was a bit that was seriously off putting for me and it was right at the beginning. I did have to step back for a bit before I dove back in. There was an unfortunate word choice that I know was not intentional, but it’s not a word to use lightly. There was a conversation regarding bad guys in the old west and how one could be sent to the gallows. Instead of being sent to the gallows one characters asked if the loser in their contest (bad guy) would be lynched. Again, I know this was not intentional, but the word has horrific connotations in American history and reading it dropkicked me right out of the story.

Moving along . . .

I did enjoy the dynamics between Alex and Matthew when they were just spending time together and getting to know one another. Matthew had a lot of sweet habits that no one but Alex knew about and whenever they would talk about Matthew’s writing and their love of books I ate those conversations up. And while the story was missing any conflict of real value, I did have a good time meeting the two main characters and reading the growth of their relationship.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Audiobook Review: The Alpha King (Kingdom of Askara #1) by Victoria Sue

The Kingdom of Askara has been torn apart by conflict for centuries, where humans exist as subservient beings to their werewolf masters. Legend says it will only be able to heal itself when an Alpha King and a pure omega are mated and crowned together, but a pure omega hasn’t been born in over a thousand years.

Luca is an Alpha-heir eagerly awaiting the choosing ceremony on his twenty-fifth birthday and the gifts granted by whichever omega he mates. His small pack is destitute due to the decisions of its ruling council, but being only an Alpha-heir, he has no authority to challenge them. Not until now—this moment he has waited a long time for.
Kit grew up as a street-rat, an unlicensed human who would never be more than a slave for whichever master owns him. Then one day he came across a young Alpha-heir, attacked and dying of poison, and found out their fates were suddenly entwined.

Luca needs to take over his pack and save his people. He cannot afford to be distracted. But when he meets Kit, he develops abilities indicating he is not just a pack Alpha, but the King his world has needed for a thousand years.

Is Kit really the cause of Luca’s newfound power, the true mate he needs? How is it possible when the young man isn’t even a werewolf, and as merely a human, a mating is not only forbidden, but for Kit, a sentence of death? (WARNING -Contains MPreg)

Listening Length: 8hrs 15mins
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Okay.

Here's the thing.

I rarely have issues with my audio book choices due to screening the samples prior to even buying anything. And even if the book sounds like it would be a match made in heaven for me, if the narrator doesn't mesh in that sample for me, it's a no-go for me.

With Joel Leslie as a narrator to this fantasy/ paranormal romance, it was a match made in heaven! I'm not a audio book OG like some but I'm not quite a newb? I know what I like and this narrator and his penchant for drama and multiple voices just works, especially for this genre.

The premise of Victoria Sue's The Alpha King is a lot of SRAL winning topics: alpha/omega dynamics, KNOTTING, destined/fated mates and cool world building.

At twenty, human Kit has had such a rough life, it's a surprise he's still alive. But he always knew he had a bigger purpose in life... Luca. Beaten, starved and worked to the bone, Kit knew he had to hold on to help change the world. Werewolf Luca didn't have it easy either. At twenty-five he's already had family betrayal and an assassination attempt to deal with. He has to participate in an antquated werewolf mating system to try to regain a hold over his family's pack. He didn't see Kit coming. And after seeing him that night, he didn't want to see anything else.

The story? The story swim in the 4- 4.5 Heart side of the pool. The couple did have communication issues (I don't mind that theme as long as it gets resolved and appropriate groveling ensues) It did mostly. It cracked me up a little when even Kit stated he and Luca needed to learn to communicate.

Luca was overprotective and he did do one major bonehead move *cough*the tournament*cough* where I feel Kit definitely should have made Luca beg more. And Kit proved time and time again he could predict things and get premonitions (of sorts), why was he ignored by Luca? Argh, it was frustrating!

But they seem to get their shit together in the end. I hope it remains so for the future.

I also wished we got to see more cunning from Kit when presented with difficulties, only because for someone who was a "guttersnipe" and had a hard life... I had trouble believing some of his softer reactions.

Other those those hiccups, the story entertains and Sue definitely knows how to keep the story turning. I'm clearly on a Victoria Sue kick and I'm not tired yet.

The narration? Joel Leslie narrating fantasy is definitely his wheelhouse! 5 HEARTS all the way!

He breathes life into characters, to the point where I'm actually thinking about the audio after it is over.  Need another example of Leslie's excellent fantasy narration skills (see Lord Mouse) I could write sonnets on why Leslie won with that book.

I loved Kit so much as a character. And I really like the direction Leslie went with him. Also, Leslie's penchant for different voices added another cool element. I kept wondering on what accent would be present as new characters and territories were introduced.

Just a total audio pleasure to listen to.

Sue and Leslie are a great match. I already purchased the next audio, The Alpha Heir once I saw Leslie was narrating. I can't wait to get my earbuds prepared for more of Askara!

The average is around 4.5 - 4.75 but once again, Leslie's narration elevated a strong story, I can't rate the audio anything other than a 5.

Review: Three Under the Christmas Tree by Silvia Violet

Ace and Gavin haven't had a threesome in far too long. When Ace meets the perfect guy to join them, he can't think of a better way to kick off the holiday season.

Jonathan is charmed by the sexy couple, and he quickly realizes that what started as a fling has the potential to be a whole lot more.

Gavin feels their connection just as strongly, but even after weeks of the three of them hanging out, he's afraid to suggest they turn their friends-with-benefits arrangement into a serious relationship.

The joy and shared experiences of the season have a way of making magic happen, if only all three men could find the courage to ask for what they want.

This ended up being a good solid story with some nice kinky sex to break up the monotony of Christmas stories. However, I've definitely read this story before. You would have to.

Exhibit A- The happy loving couple in an open relationship are looking for a third, they stumble upon the perfect guy and they all fall in love. But oh no the third guy isn't sure if he's welcome into this happy loving relationship and (yep, you guessed it) no one has an adult conversation.

So that brings me to the biggest problem in this story. The misunderstanding. Jonathan (the third) hears a small portion of a very insinuating conversation, doesn't stick around to hear the end of the conversation, and storms off in a huff of broken heart without a word.

Even though 'the misunderstanding’ doesn't irk me like it does some people, I still find it a bit… standard, like the go to for end-of-book drama. So while this didn't make me hate the book, it just made me feel.. indifferent towards it.

The light in the dark was the sex. There was probably a bit too much dialogue for my taste but the power exchanges and rough fucking were a dream after reading so many sweet Christmas stories.

I probably won't read this again, simply because I've read this story before… but better versions of it. However it really was a welcome change to all the cutesy Christmas stories and I'm glad I read it.

A review copy was provided.

Review: Snowflakes and Cinnamon Buns by Claire Castle

Cameron Pearce loves to work hard and play hard. Living in New York City, means lots of men and lots of variety. He isn’t looking for love.

When he goes to his small hometown Dickensville for Christmas, food, friends, family and seeing his best friend Levi are what’s on the agenda. He also hopes for some friends-with-benefits enjoyment.

Levi Jones owns and runs his own café in Dickensville. He loves the Christmas season and all that comes with it. Decorating, baking, and snow among other things. Another perk is when Cameron visits home and he gets him all to himself.

What will happen when true feelings are revealed and everything is put on the line. Will their friendship survive? Can best friends go from hooking up to a real relationship? Do they even want to?

This book contains delicious cinnamon buns, a cute westie and sexy hot men to warm up your holidays.

The setup for Snowflakes and Cinnamon Buns was like Jizzmas catnip for me and I was really looking forward to read this BFFs with Benefits to Lovers tale. And, for the most part, it was fine, but it was an opportunity missed for the rest. Snowflakes and Cinnamon Buns is textbook telling and very little showing for the narration. And that was a bummer because the conversations between characters flowed pretty well, but the rest read rather clunkily and the transition between thoughts and chapters was just awkward enough to pull me out of the story.

Even though he came back home to help his parents and I chose to stay and explore the big city, we could always reconnect and start where we’d left off. It was great. A few times Levi came to visit me in New York City and I would show him all the tourist attractions. He loved my condo for some reason. Marketing was my passion and I loved my job, luckily.

I mean, that paragraph is telling me things, but the choppiness of it makes me focus on the periods at the end of each sentence and the flow just stops. While that may be a tougher read for me, it may not be a niggle for you, so take my words with a grain of salt that goes with a pet peeve.

The sex scenes are definitely steamy, so there is no doubt that Cameron and Levi have more than friendship possibilities on the table. And those pieces of the story flowed, so I know it’s a possibility for the rest of the story. My real issue was Cameron’s actions when Levi came clean about his feelings.

I don’t want to get all spoilery, but I do have to ask, what the actual fuck? Cameron went back to New York and basically just bailed out? Seriously? For that length of time?? It was too much to make the reunion believable for me. Way too much. Levi deserved better and if the two of them were such great best friends since childhood, Cameron shouldn’t/wouldn’t have pulled a ghost on Levi like that.

This story had some real positive aspects and then just a couple of left turns that killed it for me. Some additional editing to the narration and transitions and a redo of the Cameron fuckery would bump this story up a star or two easily. The bones and charm are there, but I still haven’t forgiven Cameron so I don’t really get how Levi could. The misunderstanding that wasn’t could have been dialed back by 10 and would have given enough conflict to keep the story interesting and still make it realistic.

**A copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Review: Like a Gentleman by Eliot Grayson

James Rowley, penniless younger brother of an earl, discovers his rejected sensational story has been stolen and printed under another name — and he’s certain his editor is the guilty party. Determined to get his due, he sets out for London to take revenge on the perfidious L. Wells. He means to have satisfaction, even if he needs to pose as a simpering fop in a pink waistcoat to get it.

Two years before, intrigued by his favorite writer’s talent and wit, Leo Wells had visited the Rowley estate incognito, seen James’s portrait — and promptly lost what was left of his heart. Ever since, Leo has fought his obsession with his favorite writer. Unaware of the manuscript’s theft, he’s bewildered and heartbroken when James, acting the part of a sneering dandy, visits him in person only to use his obvious attraction against him.

From Gloucestershire to London to Portsmouth, can two men with society and secrets dividing them find happiness?

I have to say thanks to my girl Lost for putting this scrumptious little amuse bouche on my radar. Good Regency historicals are hard to come by and she hooked a girl up! This hit the sweet spot just right and threw in a dash of hotness that had me all...

The brevity of Grayson's words left me wanting more, though in just a mere five chapters I got a real sense of a writing style that I could love. It's sharp, witty and captured the tone and atmosphere of the period with the waistcoats, White's and hoi polloi even!

It's difficult to ask an author to develop characters, a relationship and still put a semblance of a plot into something this short, but Grayson squeezed it in there, though I think the relationship development drew the short straw, there was still enough for me to invest in them and their coupletry. Had it had a little more time to percolate I'm certain my rating would've been higher.

James and Leo tell this story together and they have rather dubious beginnings with James receiving a sassy letter from his editor, an L. Wells, informing him that his latest submission has been deemed unworthy. I bark/cackled approximately four times in the first two pages, so whilst James was most put out with said letter I was spinning in delight.

Because perfect setup for angry/hate sex is perfect!

The blurb tells you all you need to know about this appealing little diversion, so if you have problems with a big misunderstanding rest assured it doesn't last long. What you can expect are many amusing, sweet and sexy moments between two gentlemen on polar opposites of the social standing scale, one of whom is a bonafide virgin! 

Their chemistry is evident and the fact that Leo has been pining over James for years made my inner squishy marshmallow squee. I'm a sucker for the unrequited trope. Even though there is a divide between them socially they seem to have much is common temperament-wise which seemingly makes them well suited. In the end, they have a great start on a future filled with bucolic bliss that I wouldn't mind peeking in on were the author so inclined.

Recommend to historical fans.

A review copy was provided.

Trivia Question: What does Mark call the vampire they meet in the tunnels in Hemovore? 10 pts

Random winner will be chosen on (or about) Noon EST 11/20.

Review: The Prince and the Omega by Penelope Peters

Rowan’s not royalty – and that’s fine by him.

Omega Rowan Thornton has never been so glad he’s not considered royalty. Especially since his best friend Princess Celia is stuck bonding with a foreign prince she’s never even met. Celia’s solution? Ask Rowan to flirt with someone, anyone, during her engagement ball so she can live a romantic entanglement vicariously through him.

Well, that’s what best friends are for, right?

Gus is royal to the bone – and it’s never bothered him before.

Prince Gaspar – better known as Gus – isn’t the type of alpha to fall in love at the drop of a hat, or at the staged farce of a romantic ball. He’s agreed to an arranged marriage because it’s his duty – not his desire. When his half-brother suggests he take a last chance at having what he really wants before getting tied down to a foreign princess, Gus has no intention of following through… until he meets the handsome omega commoner with the adorable smile.

It’s not like Gus is going to lose his heart or anything, right?

It was only a single night – but the consequences could be greater than their lifetimes.

Gus and Rowan both know that a lifetime spent together is impossible – but for a single hour, they just don’t care. One night of giving into their passion has consequences neither of them anticipated… but will it dismantle the fragile truce between their countries? And will one courtier’s jealousy end up destroying everything they both hold dear?

The Prince and the Omega is a stand-alone m/m mpreg omegaverse non-shifter romance with an HEA ending. It has secret passageways, loyal friendships, garden labyrinths, and a prince in disguise.

This was a pretty cute little non-shifter ABO mpreg story.  Rowan has grown up on the fringes of royalty.  His best friend (who is also a distant cousin) is a princess so he's had the best of both worlds for most of his life.  Princess Celia is about to be betrothed to a prince from a warring country in order to garner peace throughout both countries.  Though it is an arranged marriage and not out of love, she is willing to do her duty for her realm.  Rowan is never so thankful that he's not royalty as he is the night of her engagement.  The king has thrown a ball to welcome the foreign prince and Celia, being the BFF that she is, wants Rowan to get out there and meet someone too.  

Rowan's immediately drawn to the foreign Alpha that is part of the prince's party (sorry for the alliteration there).  They have a blistering hot tryst in the guest wing of the castle before the party and Rowan thinks he may just have found The One.  But it is not meant to be, because the foreign Alpha?  Well, he failed to mention that h'se not just any ordinary man.  He's the prince that's promised to his best friend.  You can imagine the despair Rowan feels at this betrayal.

I waffled on my rating for this.  On the one hand, the writing is good and the storyline was interesting.  And of course, the mpreg was the draw for me here.  On the other hand, this story has some of my most hated tropes in it.  Lack of communication.  Big Misunderstanding.  Keeping secrets.  I normally stay as far away as I can from these tropes.  Talk your shit out, you morons!

The sex was smokin' in this book though.  All growly and manhandle-y and slam-you-up-against-a-wall and come-so-hard-you-see-stars hot.  I would've liked to have seen more of it and that's not something I usually say about my reads as I'm not a big smut lover.  There were only two scenes but they were something.  Mmm mmmm, were they something.

The world building kind of confused me, maybe because there wasn't all that much to it.  I don't remember if their country even had a name.  I could tell they lived in modern times because they drove cars and I think I remember they texted so they must've had cell phones but they traveled overseas by ship instead of by airplane.  And I don't think they had television.  Trying to figure out what era they lived in was hurting my brain.

There was some drama and a boatload of angst but it was more on the fluffy side for me than anything.  I liked the dialogue and Rowan had a snarky streak that I appreciated.  This is a good filler book for when you're in-between reads and need something to pass the time.

On the brain candy scale, I would say this is like an Almond Joy.  I enjoyed the chocolate and the almonds but could have done without the coconut.

Audiobook Review: Two Cowboys and a Baby by BA Tortuga

A little bundle of joy means big changes.

Hoss McMasters has a working ranch, a bull riding career, a nosy momma, and a best friend he’s been in love with since he can remember. He’s a busy, happy cowboy, living the good life.

Then one morning he discovers a baby on his doorstep.

Well, Hoss does what any reasonable man would do—he calls his momma and his buddy, Sheriff Pooter, and they head to the clinic to see if Doc knows of any suddenly not-so-pregnant girls.

In the meantime, Hoss and his best friend, Bradley, have their hands full trying to care for an infant, run a ranch, and deal with the sudden confession that Bradley doesn’t hate Hoss for coming out to him in high school. In fact, Bradley’s been trying to catch Hoss’s attention for damn near a decade.

Listening Length: 5 hours and 51 minutes
Narrator: Dorian Bane

Reviewer: R *A Reader Obsessed*


3.5 Yee Haw Hearts!

This story right here probably best represents what the Dreamspun Desires series is all about, with a surefire, enjoyable experience regarding all things cowboy!

As per the blurb, Bradley has been secretly in love with his best friend Hoss for forever, feeling a not so small shame for having reacted badly when Hoss first came out. At that time, he just couldn’t reconcile his own confusing feelings and pushed Hoss away. However, these two eventually made up and have been close ever since. Hoss in turn, secretly loves Bradley back but keeps their friendship on the level, believing Bradley's straight and unobtainable.

So how does Bradley and Hoss get over themselves and confess their lurve?? Well, fortuitous happenstance drops a baby onto Hoss’s doorstep, which is the perfect, needed impetus to bring these two together. What starts out as ranch-hand-Bradley helping rodeo-lovin-Hoss keep his head above water (while they try to find the sweet girl’s mama) evolves into them meshing their lives more than ever. What a fantastic boon to realize how well they fit in all things work, play, and domesticity. Of course, it’s only a matter of time before the baby’s charm starts to work on both men, leading them to want things they never imagined and reveal desires believed to remain forever buried.

There’s just a teeny tiny wrench - actually a big misunderstanding - and their happily ever after is a bit delayed. Never fear though. Through it all, the OTT country twang to this was just so fun, silly, and heartwarming, making the aforementioned snafu easily forgivable.

Narrated by Dorian Bane, this was my second foray into him doing a Dreamspun Desires story. Though I’m still not completely sold on Bane specifically, the strong southern touch he brings to the various characters really added to the entertainment value of this little gem. Overall, quite low on the steam but high on the good feels, this was definitely a win for the series!

Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for an honest review.

See our tag team review of the eBook title HERE!

Guest Review: Tied to You (Wild Side #2) by Riley Hart

Miles Sorenson prides himself on his brutal honesty. Facts and logic are a hell of a lot easier to deal with than emotions. He’s got his career and a small, close-knit group of friends, and he doesn’t need nor want anything else. The total opposite of Quinn Barker, who doesn’t take life too seriously and thinks a good laugh can cure anything.

When Quinn takes Miles home, it’s supposed to be a one-time deal. Except they really click in the sack and end up spending the weekend together, enjoying each others’ bodies as much as their company…to Miles’ dismay. Matters get even more muddled when, months later, they run into each other at the popular West Hollywood bar, Wild Side, and pick up right where they left off.

On the surface, Quinn and Miles are like oil and water, but the draw between them is undeniable. As their lives further entwine, they realize there’s more to their connection than the way they singe the sheets together.

But demons from the past have a way of catching up, and no matter how strong the link is tying Miles and Quinn together, the pressure may be enough to make it snap.

Reviewer: Lost in a Book

This book was fine…but it had the potential to be great. The story, characters, and events were meticulously laid out through most of the book. Then, the main event at 90% was SO predictable and frustrating at the same time.

This story starts when Miles and Quinn meet at a bar and spend a weekend together. Both were alike in their needs for a quick, no strings attached good time while knowing that they were back to regularly scheduled programming once the weekend was complete.

"They’d both needed to fuck, done that, and there wasn’t much more to the story.”

Miles and Quinn are complete opposites. Miles is a closed off, brooding, control freak who has a tight circle of friends and family with zero room for anyone or anything else. Quinn is a very open and social person that likes to push the limits in all aspects of life. Both men have baggage from their childhood which becomes a thread that connects them.

“One plus one is always two. It’s always been two for me, but now there are all these fucking variables that make me continuously come up with a different answer.”
“So, I’m kind of like the anti-two?” Quinn asked”

Two months after their initial weekend hookup, they end up at the same bar again and are unable to completely ignore the presence of the other.

“Why don’t we cut to the chase and you tell me where to meet you tonight?”

From here, their relationship continues to grow. Slowly. Quinn chips away at the walls that Miles has built and each little crack is a huge victory.

“You’re thinking. I can see the wheels turning… Do I want to tell Quinn this or not? Will I still be the gorgeous as fuck, brooding dude who oozes sex, if I say something that really matters? The answer is yes, by the way.”

Everything happened so organically for Miles and Quinn. Nothing was rushed in the beginning. They started as strictly a hook up and then Miles gave Quinn his full name. This led to emails and then to texts. Texts turned into phone calls and eventually Quinn had him hooked and was slowly reeling him in.

”Why had it been Quinn he picked up in the bar that night? Why had he not only been an incredible fuck, but also charming and funny and completely annoying, which Miles also strangely found endearing?”
“I like him. I’m not looking to fall in love with him, and he sure as shit isn’t looking to fall in love with me. He’s got walls higher than a maximum-security prison, but I like him.

Their emotional relationship moved at a snail’s pace which was fitting for them. The growth in their physical and emotional relationship, although subtle, was evident throughout. It was written in a way that you could feel the huge steps they were taking even though it was a seemingly small action, word, touch, look, laugh, etc... They started off so emotionally unavailable that I found myself getting excited with each baby step they took knowing that it put another crack in the foundation.

There was a lot of sex in this book. A. Lot. I’m all about the sex usually…*sigh* but it was too much in this book. *gasp* I know a huge part of their relationship was sexual. But, there came point where emotions were involved and I wanted more and by more I don’t mean how they wanted to spank suck fuck. They couldn’t stop talking about “the ass.” (I had to give it an official title with how much it was discussed throughout) Don’t get me wrong, I’m usually all for reading about ass play. But if I read one more time about Quinn’s ass, how it liked to have something in it all the time and how much it wanted Miles’ dick…

There were times when I wanted to skip a sex scene. But I didn’t know if this would be one of the times where there might be some emotional growth taking place during it. So I pulled up my big girl panties and kept on going.

Miles and Quinn had a chance to form a friendship which became entertaining. They had a snarky and sarcastic style that eased some of the seriousness of Miles’ personality,

”Fucking Quinn. The man seemed to have a knack for making Miles feel less surly, which he didn’t understand.”
“Miles pointed to the couch and said, “Sit.”
“Woof!”
His eyes went wide at Quinn’s bark. Still, he sat down.
“Do I at least get a treat for being a good boy? I really like bones.”

The second half of the book read longer than the first. I found myself becoming so frustrated with Miles and his almost childlike reactions. The entire book was building to where you just knew that something HUGE was going to happen…until it doesn’t. As mentioned before, the big plot twist around 90% was extremely predictable.

I was disappointed that it was the direction the author chose. I was even more frustrated on how the MCs reacted to it. IMHO, It felt so contrived and ruined all of the work the author spent in building their relationship.

With all of that being said, Tied to You was a decent read with fun supporting characters which were in the previous books of the series as well. When Miles’ broodiness and knee-jerk reactions weren’t getting in the way, they worked. Quinn and Miles fit well together.

”This isn’t a competition. It’s not a game of who’s been hurt the most. We both have scars, but we’re still standing. The question is, are you going to spend your whole life punishing yourself or are you going to move on?”