Review: Pretty in Pink (Housemates #6) by Jay Northcote

Ryan isn't looking for a relationship with a guy--and Johnny isn't looking for a relationship at all.

Ryan's always been attracted to tall, leggy blondes--normally of the female variety. When Johnny catches his eye at a party, Ryan's interest is piqued even though he's never been with a guy before. The attraction is mutual, and the amazing night that follows opens Ryan's eyes to his bisexuality.

Experience has taught Johnny that love hurts. Staying single is safer, and there's no need for complicated relationships when hooking up is easy. When he moves in next door to Ryan, they're both interested in picking up where they left off, and it seems like an ideal arrangement: convenient, mutually satisfying, and with no strings attached.

Despite their best intentions to keep things casual, they develop an emotional connection alongside the physical one. Both begin to want more from the relationship but are afraid to admit it. If they're going to work things out, they need to start being honest--first with themselves, and then with each other.

Although this book is part of the Housemates series, it has new main characters, a satisfying happy ending, and can be read as a standalone.

Well this one was a naughty little book wasn’t it?!?! Masculine straight guy exploring his bi-curious side, femme wild boy after a little fun. Sounds like it was a match made in heaven, until they start to have feels and realise they have noooo idea how to communicate to a person they actually want a relationship with. But you know, this was what college is all about.

I really enjoyed this one, but it does have a different feel to the other books in the series...a more realistic feel. Where in previous books the transition from fuck-buddies to boyfriends is somewhat seamless, it's definitely not in this book. Sometimes it takes a little jealousy to change the course of a relationship and when Johnny sleeps with someone else it definitely wakes Ryan up, not straight away, but he gets there. There is no on-page sex scenes with other people though, just a ‘morning after’ scene.

As I said I thought this was quite a realistic portrayal of fuck-buddies to more, but also bi-curious/bi-sexual Ryan. He doesn't shy away 'from the gay’ and readily accepts that he's attracted to Johnny/men, just chooses not to tell to many people about it when he's experimenting. But there's no denying and no thoughts of shame.

I don't have to tell you, but the sex was hooooottttt!!!

This series is perfect for that! But this one did lack the extra feels of the previous books. I really did want a better epilogue, just to see these two actually having a relationship.

Hot and sexy, not a favourite within the series, but still lots of fun to read.

Audiobook Review: Practice Makes Perfect (Housemates #3) by Jay Northcote

Getting experience with the guy next door seems like a great idea-until the lines blur. Dev, a geeky first year physics student, has zero sexual experience and he's determined to change that ASAP. After a bad time in halls of residence, he's starting the summer term with different housemates and a new plan of action. Ewan lives in the house next door to Dev. He's young, free and single, and isn't looking to change that anytime soon. When awkward circumstances throw them together, Ewan offers to help Dev out in the bedroom in return for maths tutoring, and Dev jumps at the chance. They work their way through Dev's sex-to-do list, but what starts as a perfect no-strings arrangement gets more complicated as their feelings for each other begin to grow. If they're going to turn their lessons in lovemaking into something more permanent, they need to work out how they feel about each other-before they get to the end of Dev's list.

Listening Length: 5 hrs 27 min
Narrator: Mark Steadman

He was supposed to be thinking about numbers... but instead he was thinking about Dev's pink lips around his cock. Surely oral had to be on the list?

Hot vanilla!

Northcote strikes again with hot vanilla sexing!

Oh yeah, pout it all over! Next all over my face! 

Practice Makes Perfect is book #3 in the Housemates series but can be read as a standalone. Dev is a geeky first year physics student: skinny, nerdy, wears black framed glasses and a virgin to all thing sexual. What Dev lacks for experience he makes up for in listing. He lists like a boss! He lists so much, he makes lists for his lists, baby! #dedictation

After leaving student housing where he was bullied, socially awkward Dev is ready to sample life without being tormented by jock losers. And on his list of things to do after learning how to cook?

• Research sex stuff
• Join Grindr
• Get some experience
• Find a boyfriend

And he does everything in that order with a hilarious start. Who can tell people that they met their future boyfriend after a dildo mishap? Not many. A sex toy package screw up leads to sexy redhead Scot second year student, Ewan, to Dev's door. Not that he had a far distance to go being as he lives right next door.

Ewan is athletic, hot, lightly accented, available and also gay. I can hear the wheels turning in your head.

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo! All aboard!

This is my second ginger experience with Northcote and he upped the game by making Ewan had a Scottish accent. And then Mark Steadman, brought it next level with speaking with a Scottish accent for Ewan while I read/listened. (I read along with the audiobook - it's the best!) Ewan met the shy Dev and doesn't pity Dev in the least. After the Grindr incident (hee-larious), he feels hard pressed to take Dev under his wing and introduce him to safe sex. Because Dev is super smart but a little slower on the street smarts uptake.

So what does Dev do when faced with a new challenge? That's right. #listboss2darescue

Sex Things to Try

Kissing

Hand jobs

Frottage

Blow jobs (giving)

Blow jobs (receiving)

Fingering

Rimming (giving)

Rimming (receiving)

Topping

Bottoming

And they do all that and a little extra on that list. It was a funny, erotic time with self exploration and new adult yum yum.

Hot vanilla, baby! Get you some!

The fuck buddies meet up weekly to have sex sessions. But to make it feel more fair, Dev offers to tutor Ewan in Statistics. (Hm, who got the better end of the deal? Both because both ends were thoroughly inspected.) As both young men explore and tick off items on that list, feelings develop. There were misunderstanding/miscommunication plot devices at play toward the last third.

But you know who never tires of the misunderstanding/miscommunication tropes? ME!

The story is a very strong 4 Hearts, the relationship read organic. The dual POV gives the reader a chance to see where each main character's head is . The narration elevates the text and is close to 5 Hearts. Steadman is charming and funny. He gives the right amount of emotion when needed at pivotal scenes. My rating is an average.

Steadman and Northcote are a fine pair. I hope they stick around for future books because Steadman rocks. I enjoy listening to his tone and distinct voices given to the characters.

If you're in the mood of college guys exploring that list, popping cherries and falling in love, definitely check out Practice Meets Perfect!

Recommended!

Let the #hotvanilla splatter all over you!

Review: Maybe This Time by Annabelle Jacobs

Moving into a new home starts with a bang when Ryan Blackwell celebrates turning thirty. Being hungover means he’s bleary-eyed and clumsy the next day, but even in that state, he can appreciate how sexy and fit his neighbour is.

Matt Thomas isn’t looking for anything long-term—one and done is usually his life rule. Why settle down early, like his sister, when casual relationships are so easy? With Ryan living in the same building, chance encounters are inevitable. When one night together becomes two, a friends-with-benefits deal seems a natural progression.

There’s only one problem: sex with no strings relies on matching expectations, so Ryan can’t help worrying. His huge heart always wants more, but Matt’s been clear about his limits. As passion leads to caring, they’ll have to make some tough decisions—maybe this time, breaking some rules will be worth it if that means they’ll get to share a future.

This book was CUTE! It's a quick, easy read that absolutely hits the spot as far as I'm concerned. 

Neighbour meets neighbour and they have a one night stand. Then another one night stand. Then friends with benefits... I loved watching Ryan and Matt slowly slip into each other's lives and how their mutual, sexual, attraction becomes more. 

Despite this book being written around the sexual attraction these guys have for each other, it really felt like a book about friendship, and damn do I like that! It's in the quiet moments, the running and drinking and helping that the story forms and the characters stole into my heart.

As with all good easy-reads, there is a great collection of friends and family making up the secondary characters, a good dose of wit, a better dose of friendship and some niiiice sex. And that's nice spelt YUM. Oh and a cat, because what's a meet-cute without a cat or dog. Nothing, that's what!

This book is bound to leave a smile on anyone's face, well written and thoroughly enjoyable.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Group Review: Marc's the Spot by Meg Harding

Marcus “Marc” Lacroix, a red panda shifter, knows who Lucas Grayson is, and up until playing with him during the world cup of hockey, didn’t much care for him. But when he finds out the jaguar shifter with the hot body has a personality to match, he’s a bit blown away. A night of celebration leads the two of them to the bedroom, and they discover that one night might not be enough to finish this thing between them.

Passion grows to love and more than a little kink, and the two make things work despite the obstacles standing in their way. Lucas plays for the Aces and Marc for the Hares, the distance and crazy schedules of a pro-hockey player keeping them apart. Lucas discovers it's harder to let go of things than he'd thought. When ill-fate strikes, Lucas spirals and Marc has to try and hold them together. It's one match Marc doesn't know if he'll win.

Average of 4.3333

Sara - 4.5 Hearts

Call me biased. Call me a fangirl. Call me whatever you will but I simply adore Meg Harding’s work.

I remember reading To Arizona and falling in love with a league of shifter hockey players. Not only was the couple – Dustin and Chandler – adorable but the entire team of Arizona Hares stole my heart with their shifter ways. I clearly remember how much I loved Marc when he would shift into his Red Panda form and cuddle with his teammates, so I was beyond excited when I learned Marc was getting a book and he was gonna fall in love with a Jaguar on an opposing team.

Oh yeah. This was good.

The book starts off with Marc and Lucas, who normally play on different teams, playing side by side during the World Cup of Hockey for Team Canada. We get the game and they win and everyone goes out to celebrate. Marc has always noticed the veteran hockey defenseman Jaguar shifter that is Lucas Grayson even when playing on Marc’s biggest rival’s team. But when drinks start flowing, when Marc’s hand randomly falls on Lucas’s thigh and Lucas likes Marc’s hand there… the two leave the celebration to have a party of two. Goodness, the first night was hot and it was also all sorts of adorable because these two are simply made for one another.

The story is told in what I will call vignettes. We get the first night with Marc and Lucas and the interest of seeing one another again but they are professional hockey players on different teams living in different cities so we get pieces of them along the way. The beginning of their situation gave way to texts between the men and the few times they can be together when they are in the same city. It also gave way to teasing from Lucas’ teammates when he is late one morning and to Marc’s when they catch him smiling at his phone. I adored the time the men spent together and that they recognize what they have may have started as a one night stand but when they consume each other’s thoughts, it’s hard to think once would ever be enough.

I love the shifter time we get in the story as well though it wasn’t as much as To Arizona and yet, I was completely fine with that because while the men are shifters, the story is about more than their animal forms. That may sound odd for a book with shifters in it but it fit for me, the story was about the romance between Marc and Lucas, about both men accepting changes in their personal and professional lives. They are shifters and we do get moments between them but just like some shifter romances that focus on pack politics and less of the human side, this was a good balance of both to me. Plus, if you’ve read To Arizona, the world building kinda happens there. *shrugs* Oh and I would LOVE to see a copy of the pictures the men took IN their shifter forms for the photo shoot for NHL All-Star Weekend… because OMG HOW FREAKING CUTE!

But as I was saying the story is told through moments of time, sometimes months, before Lucas and Marc can be together yet trust me when I saw each time is so worth it. Not only are the men hot in bed, the way they start to develop and acknowledge real feelings was amazing. I felt terrible for Marc after a devastating loss with his team but how he shows up at Lucas’ and what he learns that night was so memorable and emotional, to me his loss was worth what he gained.

The story spans three years of their lives together and we get to a point where Lucas’ career goes in a direction he wasn’t ready. But the direction allowed Marc to be there for Lucas in a way he never had the opportunity before and it gave Lucas a chance to see how strong and sturdy his goalie is off the ice and in his life. The men have a few bumps along the way but with amazing teammates – loved seeing Chris again and knowing him and Dustin still float – who support them on and off the ice and this world that accepts shifters, the book was nothing short of a fantastic read.

Marc’s the Spot is a wonderful addition to the world Ms. Harding had built of shifters in the game of hockey. It’s a story where the men not only find themselves, but find new strength and vulnerability in loving one another. That end was so damn good and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Well, I could ask for more in the series but as I said, I am biased to the author.

SheReadsALot - 4.5 Hearts

"I want to take you apart," admitted Lucas, spreading Marc's cheeks, then pushing them together. "I always want to take you apart."

*growl*

Did you see that quote?

Marc's the Spot backs it up and then some. Meg Harding returns to the AU world where shifters are the ones playing contact sports. In To Arizona, we met the Arizona Hares, a popular hockey team with a menagerie of animal shifters.

In Marc's the Spot, we get red panda shifter goalie, French Canadian Marcus aka Marc as a lead! Spanning about three years, the story starts at closer to the beginning of Marc's career as a goalie. (Forgive me sports people, because I will surely bungle up some sports term) Marc and a hockey rival, older jaguar shifter Lucas play together in a world cup sort of hockey game for their home country, Canada. Once the game is over, teammates go back to rivals...but not quite.

See the two guys have chemistry. And a little booze and flirting leads to a hot hook up.

What was supposed to be a one night stand, stays as one since Lucas plays for Las Vegas and Larc is in Arizona. Their teams are bitter rivals. But they never delete the other's phone number. And they never forgot about each other. It's gotta be the sex right? So if they happen to be in the same town, playing a game against each other, afterwards, they can just hook up again. No one needs to know.

Then the hooking up, when it was convenient, moves into something more. And that's the magic of this story. I found To Arizona to be more cuddlier than this one. And for good reason. Harding delved deeper into Marc and Lucas's background. The story is told through dual POV, we get to read about the important connections they have in their life, the sacrifices they've made for a sport they love.

And parallel to their relationship is the peaks and lows of each man's hockey career. The story is told in a pattern of vignettes through the most important moments for the guys and it really got the point across. It was a character driven romance and I bought it hook, line, and sinker.

There is a good amount of sex! Lucas is dominant and demanding. And Marc is eager to please.

Cum marking, spanking, D/s, rimming... Baby was happy!

Lucas loves a good ass. And I can't blame him in the least. He's obsessed with the ginger panda's ass.

Thing of beauty, I say.

I liked Marc and Lucas separate, but I loved them together. The time the reader spends with them makes their relationship believable. No insta-love here. They communicate when they're faced with problems, be it through use of mouths or bodies. (Love and lust hard) I don't think either of them were looking for a relationship but that chemistry is the glue, their love of hockey the cement.

The story is low angst, heavy of the sex and blends paranormal really well with contemporary. If I had to say I had a gripe, it would probably be the lack of in between, meaning I wouldn't have minded reading some more about couple learning each other rather than cutting to this highlight and the next. The story works. But I think it's partially from me being a greedy reader.

I think this is beginning to be a new fave trope of mine: fuck buddies to more. I am enamored with this world Harding created - it's a sports romance that this non-sports person can get behind. I wasn't lost. And I really like the ease to her shifter stories. I can easily see myself binge reading her books. I haven't been disappointed in what I've read so far. I think this was stronger than To Arizona and I really dug that, so I have to rate higher.

Recommended.

P.S. I hope there's a certain otter that will have his story in the future! *fingers crossed*


Optimist King's Wench - 4 Hearts

I really want to review this book properly but all I can think about are RED PANDA CUDDLES!!!!

DFGHJIOPLKJHGTRT56Y7UIOP#$%^&**&^$@#$%^&!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get directly into my pocket, please. R.T.F.N.

And squirrel...

When I was but a mini-cupcake I went to the zoo and saw my first red panda. I fell in love. I remember being perplexed as to why I couldn’t get to it-for the cuddles-and thinking my parents would quickly remedy this situation and that lil bundle would be coming home with me. Imagine my astonishment when they told me that the animals at the zoo lived at the zoo! Wut? Why would they live at the zoo? When they. Could live. With me!?!?!? I still find this logic faulty.

Anyways. There I go again. Digressing and whatnot.

So. Marc is a red panda shifter and he embodies all the things I envisioned a red panda would want. Specifically: CUDDLES! That’s right. Marc is a cuddle monster and he usually shifts to do so. He cuddles in his regular form too and usually still sleeps on top of Lucas. So cute!

He’s also an NHL goalie in the AU world Harding has created wherein all sorts of shifters live amongst humans. Marc’s the Spot is a follow up to To Arizona but can be read as a standalone if you must, but whyyyyy? Why would you do that? One word: otters. 🙌🏾

Marc meets Lucas and is immediately hot for the jaguar shifter who plays for a rival team as a defensemen and is slightly older (10 yrs). He’s also BIG. YUM! And bossy in the bedroom! Double YUM! The boom boom scenes are stellar: mild D/s, begging, spanking, drooling cocks, begging, face fucking, rimming, begging. Did I mention begging? He also has a tendency to carry Marc around a little bit. #dead And someone had a hands free orgasm! #DEADISAY!!!!!!!!

Their story is told over 2 yrs with them progressing from fuck buddies to exclusive to living together. There is no instalove nor is anything contrived about their relationship. How relatable Harding’s characters are is what I like best about her writing. She crafts imperfect characters and Marc and Lucas occasionally get it wrong. After an unexpected hardship forces them to redefine their relationship, they have to work out how they’re going to fix it and sometimes that requires outside help. Where everything was easy before, everything is hard after and they traverse those ups and downs together. This is where Harding shines, in capturing those ebbs and flows while still maintaining their connection. When an author can show me unwavering devotion even through the shit times, that goes a long way towards convincing me of their longevity.

She also does hockey really well and I loved all the team stuff. The Hares shift together, piddle around in the pool and have each other’s backs. Plus there are some SUPER CUTE shifters on this team. A chipmunk! I so hope there will be more from this universe. Specifically Chris’s story, because something is amiss betwixt him and Eli and I’m hoping it might could involve some hate sex to work it out.

#DYINGOFCUTENESS

Recommend to red panda and shifter romance fans!

Review copies were provided.
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Guest Review: Cultivating Love by Addison Albright

A man of few words, Joe is a hard-working farmhand who likes his simple, uncomplicated life. Ed is satisfied with his existence as an auto mechanic, but thrilled when an unexpected development in his life allows him to help Joe realize a dream.

It forces them, however, to reevaluate the casual, undefined nature of their relationship. They’re too macho to speak of love, and neither would acknowledge he doesn’t really mind when it’s his turn to bottom. When life throws them a curve ball, and the rules of their game get old, Ed tries to take every aspect of their relationship up a notch. Can Joe adapt to the open sentimentality Ed’s injecting into their relationship, let alone the new spice in their bedroom activities?

This is a previously published story that has been rewritten, expanded, and re-edited.

Reviewer: Lost in a Book

That was adorable!! Seriously. I just devoured Ed and Joe in all their cute, funny, sarcastic, too-manly-for-emotion glory.

And, Cowboys? Only every day of the week and twice on Sunday, please.

Ed and Joe are roommates and have been fuck-buddies for the past two and a half years. I say fuck-buddies because they’re very good at hiding from the emotional side of what they have going on. Joe is a farm hand working seasonal jobs and Ed is a mechanic. The two of them are all they have in the world due to an estrangement with Joe and his family and the fact that both of Ed’s parents are dead… or so he thought. Prior to the death of Ed’s mother eight years ago, she held steadfast to the lie that his father died before he was born. There is a little snag in this claim because a lawyer contacts Ed to inform him that his father actually passed away in an accident two weeks prior and listed him as the sole beneficiary of his estate…which is a running farm. Ed knows that running a farm is Joe’s dream and now he has the opportunity to make it come true.

“We’re solid, right? I mean—shit—we don’t talk about this stuff, but…well…you know. This isn’t something I can commit to without knowing you’re with me for the long haul, or at least that you intend to be.”

Joe agrees to make a go of it and they begin the process of leaving one town behind for another. Ed wraps up loose ends and Joe heads to the farm since he is familiar with working one. It is during this separation where they live the saying, "absence makes the heart grow fonder."

“He missed Ed acutely. Hell, he’d rather bottom for Ed every day for a week than live apart for a week. Joe smiled reflexively. That was a thought he’d take to the grave with him.

With each push from Ed, Joe’s walls would crumble and just another hint of intimacy broke through. Their sex became more emotional and instead of a quick “assume the position” fuck, they started making out, switching positions, and even giving the BJs that were considered “too intimate.” I loved Ed and Joe together. They were sweet, funny, macho, and sarcastic. They were best friends that also happened to be partners in all forms of the word. They loved deep and it was great to see them evolve and not be afraid to show it.

I struggle with the synopsis for this book because it doesn’t do it justice. It is an all encompassing novella that has depth. Joe is estranged from his family because he is gay. We get to witness the beautiful transformation that takes place with his family and understand the reasons behind his detachment with Ed. We also get to come along on a journey as Ed gets to know his father through the people in Mayfield. We get to meet Bill, his father’s lover.

We also get to meet psycho Stan. Stan is a bigot and lets his hate for gay men run free. He became such a big part of the story and the synopsis mentions nothing about crime or them running into dangerous situations. One of the issues I had with this book was that Stan wasn’t explained. He had such horrific behavior and it was never discussed in further detail. At first I thought maybe he was gay and being a bully to deflect. I wondered if he was actually in love with Ed’s dad before he died. I had all of these scenarios plotted out in my head and it was never addressed at the end nor the epilogue. I almost took off 1/2 a star because it was such a glaring oversight.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a funny, sweet and hot cowboy read.

Review: Drawn In by Barbara Elsborg

Undercover police officer Kell has crossed the line. He’s become trapped in an abusive relationship with his violent thug of a boss and sees no way back without wrecking months of work. The hope of ever being involved with someone who respects him seems a distant dream.

Private investigator Gethin is depressed that the bulk of his work involves following unfaithful partners. He knows just what it’s like to be cheated on. Even worse, his relationship with his ex is complicated and Gethin can see no way of breaking free of a guy who so desperately needs him.

A chance encounter brings Kell and Gethin together, entwining their lives with secrets and danger. They both have reasons to keep things casual. But there are consequences to zipless fucks. Not only do they have to survive people trying to kill them, they need to trust each other and keep their wits about them, while ensuring their hearts stay intact.

Let me just play devil's advocate on behalf of this book for a sec. Drawn In came after reading two phenomenal books back to back, so it had big shoes to fill. Also, I seem to be continuing to struggle with heavy reads under the Cheeto regime. I like Elsborg's writing and she does have a tendency to tackle some weighty issues, had I been in a different mindset this could have been a 4 heart read, but timing is everything. So they say.

This is one weighty read. There are mentions of pedophilia, women being sold into slavery, one of the MCs is regularly beaten and for all intents and purposes raped by his "boss", the other MC's ex-boyfriend is a quadriplegic who wants to be euthanized and the icing on the cake is a sociopathic brother. If that isn't the cake of evil cackling doom I don't know what is. All it was missing was a dusting of Cheeto jizz.

EEEEEEEEPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!! OR A CLOWN!
EEEEEEPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!

I think it would've been more successful had the euthanasia and maybe the sociopathic brother storylines been deleted. I think I understand the purpose of both I just think it could've been accomplished in a less dire and or sinister ways. To put it succinctly, I struggled to get through this and once it was over I went scurrying directly back to my happy, happy, joy, joy place. With my binkie. Perception is everything though, so what's "weighty" or "heavy" for me may not be for another.

I can always count on Elsborg to bring the heat, though and she delivered there. The chemistry between Gethin and Kell is palpable. I did think their transition from fuck buddies to feels was choppy and verged on instalove, but as the story evolved their relationship strengthened and grew before my eyes. They both have to endure quite a bit and begin relying on and trusting one another more and more. I also loved their banter. Sometimes it was silly but it provided a much needed respite from all the heavy.

The mystery storyline was kind of a bust for me. It came together really quickly with very few unforeseen twists or turns and made these law enforcement officers look like a bunch of incompetent amateurs. The reason I like mysteries and thrillers is that feeling of being kept guessing, on the edge of my seat, if you will and that eluded me. Yet, I always feel badly saying these things when the primary objective of this book or any in this genre is romance. I get that the mystery is supposed to just be the window dressing. I just wish it had been a little more complex.

There were some editing issues that had me rereading sentences to piece them together, but overall the narrative flowed well.

I would recommend this to MM romance fans who enjoy heavier reads, but please heed the warnings.

A review copy was provided.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Review: Out of My Mind (Browerton University #3) by A.J. Truman

Mac had to be out of his mind.

Completely out of his ever-loving mind to even consider rooming with Gideon. The same guy he kissed during his freshman year who said he was straight. He’s held Mac’s mind hostage for the last two years after running out that one special night. Mac was a fan of social experiments, and this one was going to be a doozy.

Gideon doesn’t sweat anything. He was always two lies ahead of everyone. A master at spinning rock solid alibis to protect the house of cards that was his life. To Browerton University, he’s the popular guy getting over a breakup. To his family…the dutiful and responsible son. But rooming with Mac was bringing up old memories and forming new ones. First, a friendship develops, and then a late night infused with alcohol pushes them into uncharted, benefits-laden waters.

As their sexual experimentation continues, and the lies add up, both of them fight to withstand the feelings growing between them, feelings that could ruin their friendship and topple Gideon’s house of cards for good.

Out of My Mind is the 3rd book in the Browerton University series, but can be read as a standalone. It contains humor, heart, and hot guys. This book is intended for readers 18+.

This book had many of my favorite tropes to read all wrapped up in one super sweet and sexy story.

When Mac and Gideon meet, they are both confused freshman out on their own at Browerton University ready to start a new life. They boys hit it off and when a chat turns into flirting, they take things to the next level. Only this next level took a wrong turn at Albuquerque when an innocent kiss isn’t returned because, well Gideon is straight. Not only is he straight, he’s kind of a dick and tells Mac he is Out of His Mind when he suggests a friendship after the failed attempt at making out.

Sigh.

See, I am a huge sucker for not only unrequited love, but second chances and boys in the closet who take a “sex only” approach to exploring their sexuality who end up falling for their new best friend and fuck buddy. Yup, this book has it all and it made for one hell of a happy ginger as I lapped up this story like a thirsty hiker on the PCT who forgot to fill up at the last aid station and finally finds water.

What? Never mind.

Anyway.

That tragic kiss happens, the boys go their separate ways until two years later when Gideon needs a roommate since he is suddenly single. When a friend of a friend suggests a friend needs a place, the boys meet once again and it’s a bit awkward, of course.

I love that we get dual POV’s in this story. For me, when you have the exploration of a character who thought they were straight or who has interest in both sexes but never went for the one the story involves, i.e. - the “straight boy” who know lusts after his male roommate, I need to know what’s going on in both brains and libidos. We know that Mac has never forgotten that kiss or the remark Gideon threw at him. We know that he is also, suddenly single and while he really doesn’t want to room with a dude who fucked with his emotions all too quickly, the place and price is too sweet to pass up so they boys decide on a trial run and go from there.

This wasn’t the first time he’d had thoughts like these over the years. But he never acted on them, and that’s what mattered. The good son would never do something so irresponsible.

Being the good son was exhausting.

I knew from the first glance Gideon has of a shirtless Mac he was going to be a joy to read. I said earlier, I have a soft spot for boys in the closet and Gideon was a classic case with an added bonus of familial guilt on his shoulders. He is the youngest of two brothers with a single Jewish mother who tells him over and over again how is the “good son” and after his father’s death, it’s truly want Gideon wants. But the fight over being “good” and the fight over being his true self begins early.

Like all embarrassing, soul-crushing moments, it loved popping back into his mind at the most random occasions, usually when Mac was already feeling down on himself. It was the cherry on top of a crappy mood.

And then there were those times when Mac thought about that night, but with an alternate version that didn’t have them stopping.

Mac, by dear Mac.  You were a mess of a boy in so many ways but so strong once we learn your back story. To know why you left home, to go through your losses with you and to watch you find your strength as you learn to fight for yourself only to have to fight in a new way was nothing short of heartbreaking. To know that you had a thing for Gideon all this time and still tried to be friends with your “straight” roommate and then attempt to attend Geology class with him and have boundaries… sigh. Boy oh boy did I love each time I got into your head even though you gave me a bit of angst.

This was what he did. Lies on top of lies. Giving the people the stories they wanted.

The amount of lies Gideon tells to keep his secret, to keep himself safe became exhausting. Not in the way that you want him to tell the truth, which I totally did, but the mere fact that he had to come up with them, had to categorize and catalog them so they didn't fail or become tangled made me so tired. I just wanted to wrap him up, make him mac and cheese and tell him that it gets better. I cannot imagine living the way he did for so long and trying so hard to make sure no one knew. I love that his brother Noah was positive in his life and I am so grateful that this wonderful young man is who he is and made the right choices at the end.

This was fun and does has a few darker moments to deal with. Though they are present, they lend to the story to provide growth for the characters when needed. I will admit the last bit was a tad over the top and I wasn’t exactly keen on a few things because they didn’t add up, at the end. But I am happy with how it all turned out.

So, yeah. I really liked this. As I have only read book one in this series I can tell you this works fine as a standalone thought it was nice to see Ethan and Greg for a few seconds.

I look forward to reading the other books in the series and to the new one coming out in 2017. Browerton University is proving to be a setting I truly appreciate.

For more info on Goodreads!

Guest Review: Inheritance (Dominion, #1)

Seiran Rou's life is complicated—he's the only male in the world allowed to take magic classes in a female-dominant society, his vampire boyfriend, Gabe, is hinting that he wants more, and his mother is demanding a grandchild. But when a co-worker turns up dead on his doorstep, Seiran realizes his problems are only beginning.

With the police dogging his steps, a stalker-like bartender watching his every move, and a magic groupie following him around, Seiran is finding it hard to hide his power—a power that if revealed could get him killed. The Dominion, the ruling body of elemental magic, seems to have started a deadly game to control the rare magic he possesses. 

Someone is pulling strings, murdering witches, and gathering power. When Seiran finds himself next on the hit list, he doesn’t know whether to run and hide or prove himself to be the powerful witch he is. If he stands up and fights, he’ll have to decide what is more important—hiding his power or protecting the ones he loves.

Guest Reviewed by Vivian

Peace and quiet is underrated.

Took a minute to get use to the first person point of view, not bad, but unexpected. It worked well at keeping the focus narrow and the action contained to Seiran. The reversed power structure with females dominating in the witch world made for a quick twist. Also allowed for more violence since males are physically hardier than females; the repression could be both psychological and physical.

Gabe is a big, softy vampire, He is also Seiran's boss at the local vamp bar, and his occasional fuck buddy. Seiran doesn't do relationships. Bam! And move on. Which for a student isn't that unreasonable, but it's more than his focus being other places--he has baggage. Oh, mommie dearest.

Jamie is Gabe's trusted employee and friend. He also HOT. A big wall of a guy with a kind heart and oddly invested in Seiran. Seiran seems to attract creepy, stalker-like people, a magnet.

The comet of destruction in Seiran's life is his mother. Mother is a high ranked politician and demanding. When Seiran needs help, she negotiates that he provide an heir for her assistance. Thanks, ma.

The pace is fast moving with bodies, mishaps, and traumas around every corner. I found it entertaining and the hot/cold relationship of Gabe and Seiran amusing. Quick and fun read.

Overall, it's underdog to the rescue.

Favorite quote:

“You are so beautiful.” I started to say, “Fucked up,” but he stopped me with a finger to my lips.

For more information on Goodreads or Booklikes!