Review: Blood Drop (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #5) by Jacob Z. Flores

A single drop of blood might hold the key to the fate of the magical world, and Aiden Teine must choose between his bond of love and embracing the power to defeat his enemies.

Aiden’s adjustment to being the first vampyre fae hasn’t been easy, but his ties to warlock Thad Blackmoor prevent him from becoming a monster. With Thad, Aiden has a new family, a new purpose, and a new reason to live—though he’s technically undead. There’s one problem: Aiden’s control over his vampyre is weakening. He must learn what’s triggering his violent reactions before he surrenders to the creature within. To complicate matters, Aiden discovers his transformation might not be complete, and he fears what he will become.

Aiden’s search for answers thrusts him into a frightening world filled with deception, new dangers, and apocalyptic visions. The part destiny intends Aiden to play could alter his relationship with Thad forever. If Aiden, Thad, and the entire magical community are to survive Icarian’s latest scheme, Aiden must interpret the meaning of the prophetic blood drop before it falls and ushers in the destruction of all creation—and the warlock he loves.

If you’ve read my reviews for the previous books in this series you know I am a huge fan. I love that we get the first books told from the Blackmoor brothers POV’s as we learn about their lives as warlocks and meet the men they come to love. Then we move into the second half of the series which are told by three different men who love one of the brothers. We get them in order; Mason/Drake, Thad/Aiden and Pierce/Kale. Now while I wasn’t a big fan of Thad’s book because his love interest confused me *facepalm on my part* I adored Aiden and couldn’t wait to get in his head.

We’re blood tied. Nothing is more powerful than that.

I love how vulnerable Aiden is in his book and how that vulnerability gives him the most strength. We know that Aiden is troubled by his vampyre side and doesn’t want to lose his fae side as it’s that which blood ties him to Thad. But Aiden is having trouble controlling the darkness that is his vampyre and that control includes the shift. Though Aiden and Thad keep it secret from the family, secrets are never kept long among the warlocks and they often lead to a bit of anger induces chaos.

We know what’s up with Icarian so far. We know how far he will go to get all the crests he needs to become invincible. We know who he has used to get what he wants and that he doesn’t care about the consequence. We know he had a chat with Drake and told Drake what may come. But what we don’t know if who Icarian really is and the why behind all he does.

Icarian could try to come between us, but he would fail.

There is a lot and I mean a lot that happens in this book that had me yelling at my Nook while I read. I thought I knew a few things and even when I turned out to be right, the author still pulled some plot twists that had me gasping. This book was a wild ride full of mystery, romance beyond the spirit realm and the best magical scenes that really are cinematic.

I want to type out all my feelings when it comes to this story but I can’t so I will try to stay neutral with it all and maybe just fangirl over Aiden? Really though, the dude is amazing. From the beginning when Thad saved him from a banshee, to him fighting in the otherworld, to the shit his dad pulls, to becoming a freaking fracking Vampyre... Aiden Teine, the rejected fae Prince of the Otherworld, beloved of warlock Thaddeus Blackmoor and member of the Blackmoor family has gone through more than any being should have to in one lifetime. Yet what does Aiden do? He still fights for what is right, for what will save the family he’s come to love and what he has to do to remain by Thad’s side forever.

Something was coming, and it was worse than anyone could imagine.

Goodness. Flores put my heart through a bit of angst in this one and gave me beautiful scenes of the ultimate sacrifice for love. Seeing what Aiden can become, what he does become and how that is all twisted around is what makes me such a fan of this series. It may all seem so simple on the surface but what we see isn’t always the truth when magic is involved.

I like that we got the Blackmoor family in this but it didn’t focus on the brothers as much considering all Aiden had to do… Aiden is on a hero’s journey though the outcome may be prophesied, prophecies are nothing when it comes to what the Blackmoor Warlocks do for those they love.

Their love for us gave them the power they needed. What if it’s their love that causes them to tap into magic beyond their control? What if that power begins to control them?

Ack I know. I am talking in circles and making zero sense. I have to say the deal with the Warlock Hag was outstanding. I thought it could be with a glimpse into the robe but when we get the reveal, I had the same reaction as Aiden. Gerald Wa… blah. I’ve not been a fan for a few books now and I stand on my side of giving the dude the bird. Really? Who turns their girlfriend into a vampyre and blames everyone but himself for doing it? The other protector covens still rub be the wrong way with their “but the Conclave said we can’t” deal and their perchance to weasel out of things unless the shit really hits the fan. They bug me and yet I want Adam Proctor to get his own book because he pulls at my heart for oh so many reasons.

Blood Drop, another title in this series that really has its own story within the romance. It’s foretold but its end depends on the love, trust and strength of one fire fairy turned vampyre turned… oh what? Thought I was going to tell you what else happens to Aiden? Nope, not gonna but it’s kinda amazing. This is a story where love triumphs evil. Where the fiery passion between a fae prince and a man who should be as cold as ice beat the odds. Where power can be all consuming and corruptible unless the love of family comes first.

“I love you, Thad. Please don’t forget that.” 

“I could never forget you. I love you enough for the both of us.”

What? What did I just say? I dunno but I loved the hell out of this book and am so freaking curious how the author will take the next book. Ahh the next book and my buddy Kale who belongs in my pocket. *sigh* I can’t wait.

Review: Spell Fall (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #4) by Jacob Z. Flores

Love and trust made them soul mates, but destiny might have other plans.

Ever since Drake Carpenter fell in love with warlock Mason Blackmoor, his life has been one supernatural battle after another, but Drake doesn’t mind… much. To be with Mason and experience the magical connection they share, Drake would face entire hordes of vampyren, shifters, or fae—and he has. Luckily Drake is immune to magic, though no one can explain his natural ability to negate almost any enchantment. With Drake’s own family gone, Mason is all he has. So why is Drake experiencing disturbing dreams about Mason that terrify him?

A new threat looms on the horizon, and a revelation about Drake’s identity and the true origin of his bond with Mason shatters everything Drake believes. If Drake, Mason, and all of magic are to survive the coming Spell Fall, the most destructive curse in sorcery, Drake must deal with the truth and fight his way back to Mason—because their enemies are gaining strength, and they intend to reach the boy Drake loves first.

From the moment we met Drake Carpenter as the new boy in school in Spell Bound, he has been an enigma. When he becomes the object of Mason Blackmoor’s affection and spellbound to his warlock, he became exceptional. When we discover is immunity to magic and how it aids the protector covens of The Gate, he became essential. Now, we learn the true identity of Drake Carpenter and it’s… well, sort of… erroneous.

If you’ve read this series you know that no one, not even the almighty Conclave can figure Drake out and it bugs the crap out of them. The Blackmoors take him in after the death of his only relative Aunt Millie was killed by Vampyre and though the witches and Wizards don’t like him because he is human, they don’t exactly shun him either.

I was so damn ready for this book. Not only do we get Drake’s POV (thank you for that) but we get to find out just what makes him special.

When the book begins, Drake is in the process of selling the home he shared with his Aunt Millie. On one last visit to the house, an unexpected visitor shows up and asks Drake to do the unthinkable. And it broke my heart. I know it was necessary and it really showed just how strong our young Drake Carpenter truly is. But from that day, Drake begins to have strange dreams about being a strange man in a strange house who is fighting with a stranger who just happens to look exactly like someone close to Drake and it’s the key to everything. HA! I was totally vague with all that right? Trust me, I had to be because when each dream gets deeper and deeper, you are dragged into the story just as deep.

Along with what’s going on with Drake, we still have the issue of the Conclave and the mysterious Ica that has been behind all the shenanigans with Ben and his minions. When the Blackmoors go to the Proctors to attend Imbolc they have ruffled the robes of the Conclave for the last time and shit starts to get real. I hated what the Conclave did but I adore how the Blackmoor coven, led by the kick ass high priest and admirable father Oliver Blackmoor as well as their vampyre, fae, and shifter band together and decide they will do what they always do and handle it. Goodness. It’s just that Mason and Drake are sent to the kids table on this one, so they decide to ask Charlotte and Miranda Proctor for help.

The addition of Will, the newest kid at school had me thinking something was up with him when he tried so hard to become friends with Drake. I am not one to try to figure out mysteries in stories, I like the author to lead me through it all, but I had a theory once Will showed up and it wasn’t bunnies. My theory turned out to be right after that last dream/vision Drake had and then HOLYMOTHERFUCKINGSHITBALLS… yup, it got really good.

Drake and Mason had a strong bond in Spell Bound and that bond only intensified with this book. With the foreshadowing remark to Drake that he had what it would take to save them all, I think that it’s truly his love and connection to Mason and not what we're led to believe. Sure, they are young but that doesn’t deter how important, how true and how utterly wonderful witnessing their love is… over and over again.

I am so giddy with this series and I adore the author’s writing. There was so much about differences in here, about being born that way that hit a chord with an echo of what is currently going on in our society. I will never understand the need to persecute those who are different from you, nor judging someone before you know them. Whether intentional or not, I took away with me a sense of warmth with the author’s words regarding how the magical are viewed by the non-magical and a glimmer of hope that if not peace, and understanding can be found.

But after all that, after we know now about Drake, we know now the prophecy of the Blackmoor brothers and just everything this book gave us, that end left a few things unfinished and I sincerely hope there is more to this series.

Spell Fall led us through days of angst with Drake and Mason and the protector covens down to a pretty dark time, when we learn who Drake is. The darkness in many ways, showed us that there is always hope and light even in the darkest of places. It’s a story about finding your family when the one you were born in doesn’t fit and it’s a story about loving well… your enemy.

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

Review: Soul Struck (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #3) by Jacob Z. Flores

Like the electricity he commands, Pierce Blackmoor streaks through life on raw power and pure sexual energy. His conquests on the battlefield and in the bedroom form his foundation, but that bedrock crumbles when his younger brothers’ abilities surpass his own. Pierce finds himself at an all-time low, and clawing his way back to the top becomes his only concern.

Pierce's plan to reassert his dominance, however, takes a backseat when he wounds Kale Aquilo, an emissary of the Beast King, lord of all shifters.

Kale’s beguiling nature shoots like a lightning bolt straight to Pierce’s soul, and when the soft-spoken Kale relays that a virus is killing his people, Pierce abandons his quest for power to do something he has never done before—protect someone other than himself.

As Kale, Pierce, and his brothers struggle to find the root of the magical virus spreading plague across Aeaea, the shifter island, they face a gauntlet of old and new foes. Soul struck, Pierce and Kale must uncover the truth behind the conspiracy gathering in the shadows.

Let me start off by saying I am a bit biased with this series. I am so stupidly in love with it that I can’t take my heart glasses off to see anything, but how much freaking fun I have had so far. It’s not normal for me to read authors back to back let alone devour an entire series, but I can’t stop reading. I have to know… everything.

This truly is a series and I would read it in order. Lucky for you and for me, all the books are out so there is no waiting to see what happens next and for that I am thankful. I was kicking myself that I waited so long to read the series but now, I know it was the right thing because I could go from book to book and satiate my OCD.

Brief history of the series before we did into this book… Spell Bound was book one where we meet the Blackmoors, a warlock family of boys trusted to be one of the protector covens of the Gate. The Gate is the center of all magic for a simple explanation. In Spell Bound, we met the youngest brother Mason, who at the time hadn’t come into his power yet and big brother Pierce was the traditional oldest male with an attitude of arrogance to match. Mason meets Drake, his now boyfriend who is not magical, unless you count his bad ass free running as magic, but has an aversion to magic… it doesn’t affect him at all and we have yet to find out why. I adored the hell out of book one and just love Mason and Drake to pieces.

Blood Tied was book two where we get middle child Thad’s story. And boy is he on par for middle child syndrome, though Thad buries his nose in books to deal with his brothers. Thad is bitter and heart cold to the touch and it’s fitting as his powers have to deal with ice. But strange things are afoot at the Circle K when Thad rescues Adien, a fire fae who also happens to be a prince and sorts of stuff goes down between two worlds. I liked Thad and Aiden though I’ll admit to being confused with the “love triangle” in the beginning and kinda wanting the bad boy Ben to be with Thad. Now sure what that says about me now that I’ve read the book and really met Ben, but whatever.

So now we get to Pierce’s story. Pierce, the arrogant older brother who has no idea how to deal with the fact that his younger brothers are coming into more power than him and possibly becoming stronger. This is totally evident in how the book begins, with the brothers fighting with magic which leads Pierce to tap into more of his that he has no control over. Pierce’s magic deals with energy with a focus on electricity and when he loses control, he shoots a few things from the sky. But Pierce being Pierce gets all butt hurt about his mistake and takes off on his motorcycle where his meet cute with an adorable man named Kale packs one hell of a punch. *winks*

I knew that I would love Pierce’s story. I have a thing for redeemable assholes and that is what Pierce truly is. I wouldn’t say that all of his arrogance is a mask or shield he puts up to protect him from getting hurt but a good amount of it is. He has the pressure of responsibility of becoming High Priest of his Coven after his father and he wonders if he is up for the challenge. Pierce, also is terrified of losing what he loves after the death of his mother. None of the Blackmoor men have really dealt with the loss of the most beloved woman in their life and each of them has coping mechanisms, but Pierce has a few extra.

I hadn’t been looking for power. I’d been looking for Kale.

I loved that we know Pierce as the man whore who doesn’t pick between genders. Pierce is pretty fluid with his sexuality and if you turn him on, he’ll turn you out and forget your name but then he meets Kale and it’s Pierce who is the one being turned inside out.

Kale, yes that is his name and, no, I didn’t immediately go to the leafy green when I read it because this is a book about magic and magical creatures. Kale can mean slender in Gaelic which is how Kale is described, or if you read the Top Definition (and #3) in Urban Dictionary for Kale it totally nails his character! Kale was amazing, he is brought to the human world from his shifter island of Aeaea on a mission to save his kind from a deadly virus. And no matter how much he likes Pierce upon their first meeting, he must get to the Conclave and do as they is bid.

Good lord. The Conclave drives me up the wall. These hidden robed figures who pop in and out when they feel it’s necessary and all the damn secrets they keep and how they treat the protector covens of the Gate irked the hell out of me. So much that went down in all three books could have been prevented if they just talked to the families. The miscommunication meets blind obedience that they use as a standard is just not acceptable and yet, it kinda fuels the story arcs so I guess it’s okay. Doesn’t mean I didn’t flip them off numerous times while reading and yeah, that includes you too Gerald Wa!

Ugh and anyway.

The shifter aspect in this story is not one I have read before and I was entranced by it. I love how it’s not the norm of alpha/beta/omega pack politics but one of true spirit animal guidance with a side of OMG that is so freaking fracking cool! Yep, that’s all I am going to say about that.

How did this even happen? I lived my life according to my wants and desires. I did what felt right, when it felt right, and with whom it felt right. I didn’t give two shits about what anyone else wanted or needed, but ever since I met Kale, that wasn’t me at all. I was protecting him, believing in him, and wanting him to feel safe. It was like I’d unearthed my soul.

Goodness me! Pierces growth after meeting Kale was a pleasure to read. He not only opened up to the man whose adoration for The Backstreet Boys is truly epic, but he let himself feel the emotions he’d been bottling up inside. For a warlock who harvests and controls energy, stuffing your emotions down so far can only lead to a magical sort of backup that will explode and fates help us all if Pierce can’t control it. Wow. This book, I knew I loved it but as I sit and write this review I can’t stop the fangirling that is flowing through my fingers! I have to put it out there that the slow burn to the romance of Pierce and Kale was done so well! I wouldn’t have bought it if Pierce had gone for his norm with Kale. They both needed to take the time as the relationship was so new and important to them both. The slow burn was exactly what was needed and I loved the hell out of it.

It was time to let go of our old rivalries. With Adam, Edith, and me as the next generation of high priests, we had the potential to change the magical community into anything we wanted.

Now, I know I have already said a crap ton of nothing but rambles in the review but I need to add that I am loving the way the protector covens are coming together… finally. It’s about time the Proctors [White Magic = Witches], the Stonewalls [Gray Magic = Wizards] and the Blackmoors [Black Magic = Warlocks] begin to break down the damn walls that separate them and see that they are stronger together. This book gave us a glimpse into seeing the families start to see one another as allies and not the enemy. And I just hope that at some point, Adam Proctor gets a damn HEA because that boy needs one badly! *taps foot and waits*

Soul Struck was such a fun book. It had everything that I love about the series; hilarious banter, romantic declarations, exciting adventure, fast paced action and at the heart of the story, family. Such a fantastic series and now don’t mind me as I dive into the next book to see WTF the Conclave is so damn afraid of.

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

See our previous reviews:

Spell Bound - Book #1
Blood Tied - Book #2

Audiobook Review: Undercover Boyfriend by Jacob Z. Flores, Narrated by Rusty Topsfield

Two men, one lie, and a whole bunch of trouble. Marty Valdez is in serious trouble.

His sister's wedding is around the corner, and everyone expects to meet Marty's super-successful underwear model boyfriend - whom Marty invented. Now Marty has to produce a half-naked hottie or suffer the worst humiliation of his life.

FBI agent Luke Myers is in serious trouble. He's been working undercover to take down a dangerous drug cartel, but his cover's blown and he needs to disappear. Luckily, a geeky yet intriguing comic book artist gives him the perfect opportunity. Luke just has to pretend to be his boyfriend, and pretending is what he does best. But between Marty's mother and his ex, Luke might've bitten off more than he can chew, and Marty's knack for finding trouble might ruin more than just his sister's wedding.

Listening Length: 5 hours and 51 minutes
Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

For the story!

For the narration!

I can't help but have extra hearts going on for this one. The story is a solid 4 hearts, but the narration overall wasn't a fit, hence the 2.

This gem fits in perfectly with the Dreamspun Series of stories. There’s just the right amount of extra with the dramatics and the sweetness to make it fit right in. These stories always make me wish there was a Hallmark channel to turn these into movies. I want to sit on my buns, drink cocoa with hooch in it and wallow in the love.

Undercover Boyfriend delivers the ‘opposites attract’ beautifully. Marty is a geeky loner and Luke is a mystery stud. They have no business being together, but of course, plots happen, the two meet and Luke is pretending to be Marty’s boyfriend so his meddling family will get off his back already. Of course Luke, being the mystery stud that he is, has mysterious shenanigans going on and it doesn’t take long for Marty to be dragged into it. The author did a really good job of balancing the MC’s growing attraction and the action, it worked really well.

The UST was delicious and their banter was charming. Marty may have been inexperienced but he was no push over and his feistiness kept him from being a caricature. I could easily believe in Luke’s attraction to Marty even though it took Marty a little convincing.

Now, for the narration; this was my first Topsfield and while it won’t be my last, I don’t think he was a great fit for this one. My main issue was the accent that he adopted for Marty’s side of the family and the Hispanic characters throughout. If you are going to have a narrator read characters from another culture, please, please, please make sure it’s right. When names are pronounced incorrectly and the accent sounds forced it takes me out of the story. It gave the story some odd tension here and there and the humor sounded forced instead of natural which was unfortunate, because I would have found it much more amusing if I’d read it instead of listening.

I liked the narrator’s voice very much and his Luke was perfect and even his Marty worked. I am looking forward to listening to something else of his that may be a better match for me.

For more information on Undercover Boyfriend, check it out over at Dreamspinner Press.

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

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit + Giveaway - Jacob Z. Flores

Take your shoes off and relax (we'll give you a breather from all the partying)
Jacob Z. Flores is here today with a video!

Hi, everyone! I'm so excited to be here as part of Boy Meets Boy's anniversary shenanigans. To celebrate, I'd like to share with everyone a mini-author reading from my latest release Suddenly Yours blog tour and offer one lucky winner a free e-book from my backlist.

Before we get to the video, though, here's the cover and the blurb.

Blurb:

Suddenly Yours

“What Happens in Vegas Doesn’t Always Stay in Vegas”

Cody Hayes is having one epic morning-after. The hangover following a Vegas bachelor party is nothing new to him, and neither is the naked man in his bed.

His apparent marriage is a different story.

Carefully plotting every detail of his life carried Julian Canales to a senate seat as an openly gay man. A drunken night of Truth or Dare isn’t like him… and neither is marrying a man he just met. He’d get an annulment, but the media has gotten wind of his hasty nuptials. If Julian’s political career is going to survive, he has to stay married to a man who’s his opposite in every way.

Now he must convince Cody that all they need to do is survive a conservative political rival, a heartbroken ex, their painful pasts… and an attraction neither man can fight.

Now that you now a little bit about the book, here's a short video of me reading from Suddenly Yours.

Thanks again for allowing me to be a part of the Boy Meets Boy celebration!

About the author

Jacob Z. Flores lives a double life. During the day, he is a respected college English professor and mid-level administrator. At night and during his summer vacation, he loosens the tie and tosses aside the trendy sports coat to write man on man fiction, where the hard ass assessor of freshmen level composition turns his attention to the firm posteriors and other rigid appendages of the characters in his fictional world.

Summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, provide Jacob with inspiration for his fiction. The abundance of barely clothed man flesh and daily debauchery stimulates his personal muse. When he isn’t stroking the keyboard, Jacob spends time with his daughter. They both represent a bright blue blip in an otherwise predominantly red swath in south Texas.

You can follow Jacob’s musings on:

Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Our thanks to Jacob for helping us celebrate by reading from his flufftastic newest release which we reviewed HERE.

One eBook from Jacob Z. Flores' backlist is up for grabs! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway is open until 12:00AM (Eastern time) on 11/27/16. Shortly thereafter, we will contact a winner! 

Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner. Good luck!

Trivia Question

Name the series wherein all the titles of the books are riffs on old or current American soap operas. (worth 15 pts)

Don't forget to tag @BMBReviews as well as the author along with your answer on Twitter to be entered to win DSP credits!

Don't miss entering in our month long unicorn giveaway here!

Review: Suddenly Yours (One Fine Day #2) by Jacob Z. Flores

What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas.

Cody Hayes is having one epic morning-after. The hangover following a Vegas bachelor party is nothing new to him, and neither is the naked man in his bed.

His apparent marriage is a different story.

Carefully plotting every detail of his life carried Julian Canales to a Senate seat as an openly gay man. A drunken night of Truth or Dare isn’t like him… and neither is marrying a man he just met. He’d get an annulment, but the media has gotten wind of his hasty nuptials. If Julian’s political career is going to survive, he has to stay married to a man who’s his opposite in every way.

Now he must convince Cody that all they need to do is survive a conservative political rival, a heartbroken ex, their painful pasts… and an attraction neither man can fight.

I'm not sure who at DSP devised this plan to turn me into a cracky fluff addict but they are crushing it! I wouldn't say I have a problem... okaaaaaaaayyyyy maybe I have a problem. 

They say the first step is admitting it, so step one down. I think I'll tap out there because I've absolutely no intention of quitting this series. Save all your intervention efforts. I NEED MY CRACK!

Jacob Z. Flores knows how to deliver my cracky fluff just how I like it-warm, cozy, comforting, maybe a little cheesy with some drama thrown in to sucker punch me right in the feels. I was started on romcoms at a tender young age by my mom. She has a tendency to watch the same movies over and over again and that stuff sticks with you! I've got a million and one random dialogue lines forever imprinted in my subconscience and Suddenly Yours brought many of them to the fore.

You know how people always say the best decisions are made when you're drunk and your inhibitions are lowered? Well, except for Britney Spears, that is. I digress. Anywhat! Cody and Julian got married in Vegas on a drunken whim. Only Julian doesn't remember this the next day. Did I mention that Julian's a Senator? So... OH SHIT!!!!!!!!!! He got drunk married in Vegas to a Waiter is headline news. 

Once he stops praying to the porcelain god and the night starts coming back to him, he decides this marriage might not be as catastrophic as he initially thought. Neither believes in love so they embark on a mutually beneficial "arrangement". *grabby hands*

Wanna know the best part? Julian's NEVER been in love before! 

As if that weren't enough, I really liked both these dudes. Cody is outgoing, funny and could charm the pants off anyone. How obsessed invested Cody is in Days of Our Lives cracked me up because he's such a dude; it's the last thing I'd expect of a 6'2" muscle hunk, y'know? It humanized him or something. Julian is more reserved, deliberate and cerebral, but being around Cody makes him bolder, less stuffy.

They both have baggage that creates the conflict. I could've done without Cody testing Julian. I despise that sort of nonsense and through this he seemed to close off and become less vibrant. I missed his happy-go-lucky goofballdom.

The build up of tension between them could've blocked out the sun it was getting so thick. They agreed to live together but take sex out of the equation so they could objectively evaluate their "arrangement" over a 6 month period so... one sex scene but it was pretty epic. I do love a size difference. 

The end is super fluffy, somewhat cheesetastic and has the cutest HEA, ubiquitous to all the great romcoms. Cody's frat buddies providing the comic relief.

I know this is listed as a book 2 but it is in no way related to book 1 and can absolutely be read as a standalone.

If there is a cracky fluff god, there will be another one in this series.

I needz.

Recommend for fluffy crack addicts like me. You know who you are.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

Review: Undercover Boyfriend (One Fine Day #1) by Jacob Z. Flores

Two men, one lie, and a whole bunch of trouble.

Marty Valdez is in serious trouble. His sister’s wedding is around the corner, and everyone expects to meet Marty’s super-successful underwear model boyfriend—whom Marty invented. Now Marty has to produce a half-naked hottie or suffer the worst humiliation of his life.

FBI agent Luke Myers is in serious trouble. He’s been working undercover to take down a dangerous drug cartel, but his cover’s blown and he needs to disappear. Luckily, a geeky yet intriguing comic book artist gives him the perfect opportunity. Luke just has to pretend to be his boyfriend, and pretending is what he does best. But between Marty’s mother and his ex, Luke might’ve bitten off more than he can chew, and Marty’s knack for finding trouble might ruin more than just his sister’s wedding.

BREAKING NEWS!!!

This story is #TotesAdorbz

I legit wanted to hug my kindle at the ending. It's got so many things I enjoy about escapist entertainment. If this were a movie it would be that one you've seen a million times but still it never gets old. It's your comfort watch where you settle in with the good popcorn and the BIG OLE DEW. Seriously, what's the point of that 12 oz can? That's nothing but a waste of my time.

Just look at all that yummy neon goodness. 

Anywhat!

This book is my first experience with this author, this series and by proxy Harlequin. That's right. I've never read a Harlequin but if this is what they're like I need to rectify that travesty with a quickness.

Undercover Boyfriend is the classic fake to real boyfriend trope with a geek and a super hot dude. They seem an unlikely pair but Marty and Luke click from the moment Marty catches Luke trying to steal his Hyundai. It's pretty predictable and maybe a little OTT, but so sweet and romantic with loads of UST and two well developed characters.

Marty is our adorkable geek who's gotten into the habit of making up people to get out of uncomfortable situations. He's a comic book aficionado and homebody. I wouldn't characterize him as an introvert or anything he just isn't into peopleing; peopleing's a hassle. But his big sister's wedding is coming up and everyone is pressuring him to meet his underwear model boyfriend, Tim Drake, so in a desperate attempt to find someone, ANYONE he head's for the local gay bar armed with his lucky coin.

And meets Luke Myers, undercover FBI agent and sex on a stick. Dude is crazy, stupid hot and in a pickle since his cover just got blown on a cartel case he's been working for over a year, so if fake boyfriending it can get him off the grid for a bit so be it.

I don't think he ever imagined becoming so smitten with not only Marty and his extensive collection of superhero garb, but the Valdez family. Nor did I. The mother is larger than life and nothing's getting past her. The sister is brash, nosy in an affectionate way and her brother's biggest cheerleader. The extended family is gossip-y and loud, something I can identify with, but they will close ranks if you fuck with one of them in a heartbeat.

Of course the cartel case gets brought to their doorstep which brings out all the things I like in an MC. Luke is protective and becomes increasingly possessive of Marty. There's also a significant size difference between the two, something that pushes my buttons. The way Flores threaded Luke's backstory into the story kept my attention and I loved that even though this is instalove it worked for me because both of these characters used their words. 

They bond over throwback tunes, superheros and their shared dislike of Marty's ex-boyfriend and royal douchecanoe, Christian. Their first kiss was romance movie epic and swoonworthy. Flores did an amazing job of showing how much they care about each other, how having to work together betters them both and how their feelings expand and develop over the few days they're together.

There's nothing better than a romance wherein the two MCs bond through a harrowing experience and this harrowing experience brought with it sinister baddies and an all around badass partner in Crispy. I'm kind of hoping book two is Crispy's book. Whomever it is I will be there with bells on! 

The sex scene was fade to black, but not before its made imminently clear just how turned on each MC is by the other. Yet another win in a romance read in my book.

Recommend this book highly to people who enjoy romancey romance that is sweet with a side of adventure.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

Review: Blood Tied (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #2) by Jacob Flores

Thad Blackmoor’s heart is as cold as his icy magical abilities. He considers emotions a waste of his time and prefers to study the arcane, using the sacred books of his coven to grow in his craft. He aspires to supersede his father and elder brother Pierce in power, and now that his younger brother Mason has tapped into the rare warlock power of darkness, he needs to work harder than ever. 

But Thad's ambitions are halted when he saves Aiden Teine, a fire fairy, from a banshee. Thad’s immediate attraction to Aiden catches him off guard and thaws his cold heart for the first time. As Thad, Aiden, and his brothers investigate the connection between the banshee attack and the vampyre and shadow weaver who almost killed them, Thad tries to dodge Ben, a sexy warlock who won’t let him be after a one-night stand.

Their search leads them to the Otherworld, where something even more insidious is at work—something Thad will need more than logic to stand against.

I read and reviewed the first book in this series and I gave it five stars. I was excited to read this addition to the Warlock Brothers' tales... but for some reason it didn't work quite as well for me as the first.

For me this has all the hallmarks of a great story; I love the magical world that intertwines (mostly) unknowingly with the human world. The characters are great - I loved Mason and Drake's story - the whole Blackmoor family and friends are intriguing; each character carefully different and thoughtfully written.

The magical darkness they are fighting, the fantasy aspects of the story that build and fall, the danger that twists and turns... they are great. The fight between good and evil - I particularly like how Jacob Flores makes the line between these blurred. That the line is not clear. The coven, keepers of the gate, supposedly good and working for the best for the magical beings, but their role is not that clear cut. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and all that.

So, why didn't this work? Well I racked my brains to try and figure this out. I'd pick up this book, read a  little, then put it down - yet everything about it should have ticked all my boxes. I came - eventually - to the conclusion, that it felt like too much tell for me. The story was great, but, even in first person, I felt detached from it. I didn't feel it... and because I didn't feel, I didn't care as much as I could.

I kinda guessed some of the twists, that doesn't bother me (I like figuring out what is going to happen sometimes, it makes me feel clever!). I mean didn't always know exactly how things were going down, and some things caught me by surprise, but some of it I guessed.

Looking at other reviews, many people have loved this book, so go and read some of those reviews; this is just my opinion and (despite what I tell my husband) I'm not always right!! (I'm not even going to go into the it's an opinion and an opinion is neither right or wrong but both! territory, you guys know this!) It didn't completely work for me but it just might for you, all the elements of a fab story are there.

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

For me see Goodreads.

Review: Spell Bound (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #1) by Jacob Z. Flores

Mason Blackmoor just can’t compete with his brothers, much less his father. They represent the epitome of black magic, strong, dark, and wicked, and though Mason tries to live up to his respected lineage, most of the spells he casts go awry. To make matters worse, his active power has yet to kick in. While his brothers wield lightning and harness the cold, Mason sits on the sidelines, waiting for the moment when he can finally enter the magical game.

When a dead body is discovered on the football field of his high school, Mason meets Drake Carpenter, the new kid in town. Drake’s confident demeanor and quick wit rub Mason the wrong way. Drake is far too self-assured for someone without an ounce of magical blood in his body, and Mason aims to teach him a lesson—like turn him into a roach. And if he’s lucky, maybe this time Mason won’t be the one turned into an insect.

Not surprisingly, the dislike is mutual, and Drake does nothing to dispel Mason’s suspicion that the sexy boy with a southern drawl is somehow connected to the murder.

If only Mason didn’t find himself inexplicably spellbound whenever they are together, they might actually find out what danger hides in the shadows

This is only the second book I've read by this author - but it certainly won't be the last. Here Jacob Z Flores has created a world which I already love...anyone who likes YA stories that have a fantasy/paranormal twist will like these. I love that whole it's our world but with elements much of society doesn't know about theme of books and TV and this embraces that genre so well.

Mason is a character who is hiding a secret and this affects how the world at large views him. Even his closest friends don't truly know him, this seemed very metaphorical to me of teenagers the world over. He has an image to uphold, but truly he only has that image as a way to shield himself. I love that Drake was able to work his way through the shield and into Mason's life, intended or not.

At times this book was laugh-out-loud funny. My particular favourite was 'park whoring'. I'm a park whore fan myself - could watch it for hours. Even if I do call it free running... The whole book managed to find a great balance between humour and action.

I'm eager to find out more about this world, though this story wrapped up I'm not done with these characters. t feels to me like there is a whole lot more to find out about the Blackmoors and the world they inhabit. I also feel like there is more to Aunt Millie than we learnt about here...I often have a feeling in these kinds of tales that the general public in the worlds know more than they are letting on. More than the supernatural characters realise...Danny from Teen Wolf anyone?? I like this because it feels like the simple story we're shown in the first book is just the first layer - I can't wait to read more of this series to see where it goes.

A really enjoyable read, and as I said, an author I'll be looking out for more of.

For more info check out Goodreads.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Please Remember Me by Jacob Flores

Successful lawyer Santi Herrera couldn’t be happier with the direction his life is taking. Not only is he on track to becoming a partner in his law firm, but he’s planning his wedding to Hank Burton, a south Texas contractor who has made a name for himself despite his humble beginnings. The introverted, lone wolf Santi and the friendly, outgoing Hank complement each other perfectly. From the moment they laid eyes on each other, they were hooked, and as far as Santi and Hank are concerned, a happily ever after is their destiny.
 
But fate deals them a devastating new hand.
 
A construction accident leaves Hank with severe head trauma and brings him precariously close to death. When he finally awakens, Hank doesn’t remember Santi or the love they shared for the past three years. Santi faces the greatest challenge of his life. Can he respark a flame his lover can’t recall? And can he stop the diverging paths that fickle fate charts between them?

I was a Jacob Flores virgin before I started this book...and I have to admit, I came to it with mixed feelings. One friend HIGHLY recommended this book to me, then another friend found it didn't suit at all. As I've said a million times one of the best things about reading is that it is an individual thing, what works for one won't for another - but I would be lying if I didn't say that other readers opinions do influence my book choice, if not my actual feeling for a book. It is both the best and worst thing about reviews. Within about one chapter though, I knew I was firmly on the 'loved this' side of this book. Yay.

Why? Why did I love it so much? Quite simply Santi and Hank. I absolutely fell in love with them. We see the story through Santi's eyes, both in the present and flashback. He is dealing with losing the man he loved really. Although Hank is there and alive he is suffering memory loss and can't remember Santi at all. My heart broke for Santi, on the day that should have been their wedding he is taking Hank home - to home that Hank has no recollection of. From being the whole world to each other they are both learning each other again.

So, memory loss...it doesn't matter how many times I read this storyline, I cannot imagine how horrible this is, it would be like me waking up tomorrow and being told that this is not my life and family any longer, the children are older or x,y & z has happened. How impossible would that be to believe? While it is Hank with the memory loss, it is equally as hard for Santi. Every single action has to be thought about, all those things he takes for granted - the peck on the cheek, the sharing a bed, breakfast, dinner, tea routine, likes, dislikes...every single thing has to be thought about twice. Is he putting too much pressure on Hank by showing his worry, should he be trying to trigger memories...the list of uncertainties is endless.

I think Jacob Flores did a great job of handling this. It felt real, yet I could feel the care and despair of both characters. All the characters actually. They were all well rounded and fit the story perfectly. there was no angst plonked in for the sake of it, it just really clicked for me. Hank and Santi were a fantastic couple, they made me smile and I could feel their love with every word. I really appreciated how special Santi and Hank were and the message I found that love will conquer all, however hard the path maybe. A story I would highly recommend.

As an aside, I follow the author (amongst many others) on facebook and so I see pictures and updates and all the time I was reading this I could only imagine him and his partner in the roles of Santi and Hank. Maybe that's why the relationship felt so genuine. I'm not saying at all that the characters were based on them, I'm actually sure they weren't, but they were the images I had in my head as I read.

To find out more check out Goodreads.

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

Review: When Love Takes Over by Jacob Z. Flores

Zach Kelly’s life is a shambles. His boyfriend of three years dumped him, and his writing career is going nowhere. On a whim, he heads to Provincetown, Massachusetts, to nurse his broken heart and figure out his next step. He’s expecting to find rest and relaxation on the sandy beaches of Cape Cod. Instead, Zach meets a hunky porn star during a chance encounter at a leather shop he mistakes as a place to buy a belt that is definitely not for whipping.

Van Pierce is smitten when shy and inexperienced Zach crashes through a shelf of fetish gear. Though Van’s got an insatiable appetite for men on and off the set, his porn persona, Hart Throb, hides a broken heart. He’s struggling to find the reality the porno set doesn’t offer, and Zach is fighting to find the fantasy that will set his writing on fire. The odd goofball and the suave beefcake may either find love amid Provincetown’s colorful pageantry where summer never seems to end—or more heartbreak than either can imagine.

A summer romance.  We’ve all experienced this in one fashion or another at some point in our lives.  That instant connection that you just don’t seem to find at any other time of the year.  Summer romances are filled with fun times, sharing, laughter and sometimes even love.  And when the summer is over they also always lead to heartbreak as you part ways. 

But what if…  what if there’s more?  What if you have the chance to keep going?  What if your love is so deep, so profound that it transcends the common summer romance?

Zach Kelly is lost.  He has just been dumped by his boyfriend of three years and is set adrift in the world.  He has nowhere to go.  From the pain and sorrow of his breakup he makes the snap decision to take a vacation to Provincetown, hoping it might cheer him up.

And his life is changed forever.

Once there he meets a gaggle of high-spirited and eccentric people who immediately welcome him into their inner circle.  So introverted, Zach at first balks at all the changes they seemingly force upon him but after a bit he learns to let go and ends up going hog wild.  Then, in a clumsy and hilarious encounter, he meets Van.

Van.  Oh yeah, Van.  What can I say about Van?  Van of the Golden Body.  Van of the Porn Star notoriety.  Van is beautiful, inside and out.  He brings out the best in Zach.  Zach can’t help but immediately fall in lust.  They spend 48 amazingly intimate hours together and both feel on top of the world.  But it can’t last.  It’s just a summer romance.  Right?

Zach has a decision to make.  Maybe the most important decision of his life.  But considering his past relationships with both his father and his ex and how they treated him, he is at a loss as how to make his choice and if it is the right one to make.

“He’d been living for others for so long that he simply stopped living for himself.”

I adored this book.  It made me laugh out loud and I think that scene with Dylan was one of the funniest I have read in a long time.  At first I thought this was just going to be a light and fun read but after about 75% the book turned into something more heartfelt and emotional and I got sucked right into all the feels.  The story was well paced and the words flowed beautifully.  I cannot wait to read the next in the series!


Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.