Audiobook Review: Fairy and Impartial (Starfig Investigation #4) by Meghan Maslow

All Twig Starfig wants is to settle into mated life with his wizard and be a good leader to his clan. No drama. No heartache. A happily-ever-after fit for a dragon. Or half-dragon, at any rate. 

Instead, Twig and Quinn get roped into a new case involving missing orc stones. Yes, those really are a thing. Twig’s dad is on the PR warpath...again. Quinn's little brother can't seem to stop pining over their housemate. Someone - or something - seems to be following them. And getting quality time alone with his wizard is more difficult than keeping one’s virginity at an incubus party. 

To make matters worse, Twig's old enemies start dropping like fairyflies, and they find themselves smack in the middle of an inconvenient murder investigation with a certain red fury as the main suspect. With everyone in Lighthelm convinced of Bill’s guilt - and by Twig’s association - Starfig Investigations is on the case.

Is there no one in the Elder Realm who’s fairy and impartial?

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

Listening Length: 10 hours, 45 minutes

I feel a little bit like a broken record but truly, this series seems to just get better. Each one makes me excited for the next to see what's in store for Twig, Quinn and their ever-expanding clan/family. And make no mistake, they are a family who gets messy sometimes and fights; they care enough about each other to tell the truth and don't pull punches and I couldn't love them more.

Maslow blends romance and adventure expertly. She intelligently weaves in important social justice issues without beating me over the head with them. What's more, these adventures are fun! And what can I say about Boudreaux that hasn't already been said countless times before? Simply put, he brings all of these characters to life. I can't conceive of anyone else telling these tales or bringing Twig et al. alive other than him.

Twig is one of my favorite characters; he's grumpy and ornery with a gooey center especially when it comes to his mate which appeals to me on so many levels. I love when the grumps find themselves having caught feelings.

Twig and Quinn are still over the moon for each other and finding it difficult to carve out "quality time" since their happy abode is bursting with stray clan members they keep picking up along the way. However, this frees up time to help out their resident red furry, Bill, get out of the pickle he finds himself in that drives this installment.

Of course, this takes them all over and even to some familiar stomping grounds. Catching up with these people/creatures is always fun, like catching up with old friends and meeting the new ones who make each installment that much more enjoyable. I'm looking at you, Dandy. 

However, there are questions left unanswered about multiple characters that I'm now excited and nervous to find out the endgame. Excited for the possibilities and nervous thinking about how long I may have to wait to get said answers.

Regardless, I would HIGHLY recommend this series to fantasy fans who like their stories uptempo. 

A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: What We May Be by Layla Reyne

 

What we were… 

Sean found love once, with his college roommate, Trevor, and Trevor’s best friend, Charlotte. The missing piece, Sean made it possible for Trevor and Charlotte to find love too. But then Sean left and took the love with him. 

What we are… 

Now an FBI agent, Sean is back in town, ten years later, to investigate a murder. A case that pits him against his ex-lovers—Charlotte, a local detective, and Trevor, a literature professor sucked into the Shakespearean mystery. Everyone guards their hearts, but before long, desire sparks anew the feelings that burned hot a decade ago. That still burn true. 

What we may be… 

Love is within their grasp again, but as the killer escalates, it’s more than just their hearts and futures on the line. Sean, Charlotte, and Trevor will need to work together to solve the case. If they can’t, lives will be lost and pieces of their love gone for good.

Layla Reyne dangled MMF in front of me and I couldn't resist. Truthfully, I didn't want to. Have you seen that cover?

Let's take a moment to appreciate the pretty.

Anyhoo, hot cover that is surprisingly representative of Charlie, Sean and Trevor aside, this was a good second chance romantic suspense thriller. I think the second chance was a smart choice on the author's part because it automatically builds a backstory which allowed more of the focus to be on the mystery/thriller aspects of this story.

So, that's warning one for the hardcore romancers out there: it's a romantic suspense and the romance is definitely in the sidecar not the driver's seat.

Charlie and Trevor have been licking their wounds since Sean basically vanished a decade ago shortly after asking them to marry him. Of course there was a reason but nonetheless lives were altered, feelings were hurt, there's amends to be made and when circumstances dictate he return to their small town in North Carolina he does so with hat and heart in hand thus the stage is set for a reunion.

Except for the pesky serial killer that's lurking around and seems to have an axe to grind. Even though I was fairly certain I knew who the killer was I continued to be engrossed in the storyline until the end.

What I liked most about this story were the characters and the fact that even though Charlie, Trevor and Sean's relationship is/was an unconventional one, everyone in town seems to be genuinely rooting for them to reunite and make it work. That was an unexpected but pleasant surprise.

I'm not 100% certain but I believe some of these characters may appear in other books however, I had no trouble following this story. So if you're looking for an engrossing romantic suspense featuring a second chance triad give What We May Be a try.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Role Model (Game Changers #5) by Rachel Reid

Troy Barrett has been freshly traded to Ottawa after calling out Dallas Kent during a team practice. He wants to be a better person, and the weird, scrappy energy of the struggling Ottawa team seems like the place to...well. It seems like the only place that will have Troy right now.

Fortunately the Ottawa team includes Ilya Rozanov and Wyatt Hayes, and also includes an adorable social media manager, Harris Drover. Harris is the opposite of Troy in every way: friendly, cheerful, chatty, and goofy with a booming voice, a startlingly loud laugh, and Pride pins all over his denim jacket. Definitely not the sort of person Troy would normally associate with, and yet…

I'm not EVEN going to perpetrate. I'm a smitten kitten when it comes to this series, so I may not be the most objective when it comes to it. I find even the ones that aren't as strong still fall in the comfort read category due to this Game Changer world that keeps hearts consistently in my eyes. Honestly, I barely read let alone review anymore mostly because almost everything I pick up I'm bored by or a I feel like I've read before but Role Model made me want to read again. For the first time in a loooooooonnnnnnnggggg time I wanted to be with Troy and Harris more than I wanted to binge watch whatever, so thank you Rachel Reid and Carina Press.

The reason I enjoyed this read so much was these characters. I'm a character person and we have two strong characters in Troy and Harris plus the ringer-Chiron. HAHA! I bet you thought I was going to say Ilya. To be fair, Ilya and Chiron do have some adorable moments together. Plus, Reid always does a great job sprinkling in the team dynamics that never fail to bring the levity and are what I crave from sports romance. But that last game scene will stick with my squishy marshmallow heart for some time to come. ❤️🏳️‍🌈🏒

I love stories of redemption and Troy Barrett needs to be redeemed like nobody's business. Because J.E.R.K. Don't get me wrong, I sympathize with his trying to mask his sexuality behind an aggressive, intimidating, bullying mask but just being sorry about his behaviors doesn't absolve him of the hurt he caused. The great thing about this story is Troy realizes this but not fully until he begins spending time with a literal chirpy, out and proud, ray of sunshine in Harris. This, of course, checks off another thing I love in my romances: protagonists being good for each other.

Harris is happiest when everyone is happy. He would rather see the good in people than the bad. He enjoys or tries his damndest to enjoy every minute of his life. He makes lemonade out of ALL the citrus fruits and that sort of extroverted optimism is infectious and even a little tractor beamish for some. Troy finds himself in Harris' company sometimes not even knowing how he got there until he decides he likes being there and begins finding reasons to do so.

He just has to decide he's comfortable there which is a bigger ask. There are some communication issues but they made sense to me when paired with Troy's perspective and past, plus the payoff is so worth it because once Troy comes into his own he's SPLENDID! He has that dry sense of humor that makes me bark with laughter. As a matter of fact, I have a feeling if he put his mind to it he could give Ilya a run for his money in the one-liner department.

As you might have guessed, Role Model is more of a slow burn which worked for me given the closetedness and Troy's general self-image but there is one tongue-slap-your-brains-out sex scene coupled with nuclear levels of UST and a heaping dose of relationship development making for a winning recipe for me. 

So if you enjoy opposites attract romances that are hockey forward with an adorable puppy Role Model is another winner in the Game Changer series that you could conceivably read as a standalone but why would you want to do that?

An ARC was provided by Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Homecoming Prince (The Castaway Prince #3) by Isabelle Adler

Having returned to the continent following Warren’s illness, Stephan and Warren are certain they’ve escaped the notice of spies from Seveihar and are ready to build a new future for themselves. However, their quiet life is shaken once again when they receive a message from Stephan’s sister, Nessa. She begs him to return home and help her stand against their older brother, Robert, who is abusing his power by oppressing his subjects and starting an unnecessary war with the neighboring country of Esnia. 

With dark family secrets coming to light, Stephan is faced with a difficult choice between safety and happiness in exile with the man he loves, and his duty as a prince to protect his people from tyranny. And yet, amid all the dangers, the greatest risk he might face is a broken heart… 

The Homecoming Prince is the final book in The Castaway Prince series. For best enjoyment, please read the books in order.

I'm not so great with goodbyes so I'm going to keep this short for fear of face leakage. 

Obviously I joined this party for superficial reasons but along the way Adler developed two really strong characters in Stephan and Warren that I came to like and admire and now find myself a little bereft that I no longer have more adventures to look forward to from them.

However, the finale ended on a strong and satisfying note in part by seamlessly folding in a few relevant current topics to this fantasy world that surprised and delighted me. I wish I could go into a couple things in more detail but I don't want to spoil, so suffice to say I went on an emotional rollercoaster and wouldn't mind if Adler were to pivot and focus on a different character(s) in this world.

Which leads me to the world building which is as impeccable as always and almost on par with Adler's prose, which I continue to be enamored by even though there seemed to be more editing issues in this one than previous installments. Regardless, I enjoyed the finale and would recommend the whole series to fantasy adventure lovers.

A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: His Fairy Share (Starfig Investigations #3) by Meghan Maslow

“Why does this always happen to us?” Quinn Broomsparkle, wizard extraordinaire 

Six months have passed since wizard Quinn Broomsparkle left behind his indentured servant shackles. He’s in love with his half-dragon/half-fairy familiar, Twig Starfig. He’s got a home. Friends. A job. And a father-in-law he could do without. A pretty close to perfect life. But as Quinn has learned the hard way, things rarely stay peaceful for long. Especially when a Starfig’s involved. 

Summoned to his home realm and a past he’d thought left behind, Quinn and Twig find themselves in the middle of evil machinations . . . with no clear enemy. When Quinn’s younger brother, Zak, goes missing, it’s Starfig Investigations on the case. 

Being the first wizard in a thousand years isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. On top of a missing brother, a broken-hearted red fury, an archivist with a secret, and a ghost pirate-parrot who’s determined to return to his captain, Quinn and Twig’s relationship is sorely tested when questions—and unhappy answers—about their mating dilemma are pushed to the fore. 

All Quinn wants is his fairy share of happiness. Is that so much to ask?

Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux

Run time: 11 hrs, 51 mins

Lighthearted Wizardry to kick off 2021!

I adore this series and His Fairy Share may well be the best one yet. Not only is it action-packed with a complex mystery storyline that will keep even the sleuthiest sleuth guessing but it was F.U.N.! Maslow pressed the accelerator to the floor from the beginning and kept it there throughout. Nothing like holding onto the side of a speeding train by your fingernails, ammiright? 

But I can't lie what I really and truly love are these characters especially when they're in the capable and adept hands of Greg Boudreaux, so much so that when I requested this installment I felt it necessary to re-listen to the first two of the series for the fourth? time. I don't know how he can switch between so many characters, always make them unique AND remember them all! Talk about magical...

Twig, Quinn, Bill, Cookie and Pirate McPiratestein have nestled into my heart and simply put, I love hanging out with them and seeing what sorts of shenanigans they get up to. Shenanigans that will undoubtedly irritate Auric Starfig. Now, I realize I'm in the minority here but that crabby fairy has amused me from the jump and he continues to do so. He only plays a small but crucial role in this installment and I have to say, I missed that cranky bastard. 

Usually Twig and Quinn get into their pickles in the Elder but this time they've taken their show on the road to the Hominus Realm. Another change being we're also told His Fairy Share through Quinn's viewpoint rather than Twig. Fitting since he's there to see his family for the first time since being sold into slavery. By them! Needless to say, I was not a fan of his people except Zak but they do meet some good "people" along the way, as they always do. Beckett plus a whole host of pirates will make nice additions to the The Clan of Twig and, the good lord willing, will play a role in Starfig Investigations #4.

Because it's The Clan of Twig and what it represents that draws me to this series again and again. It validates and continues to reinforce the notion that people can overcome perceived shortcomings particularly with the love and devotion of others. It also continues to turn the social order on its head and propose anti-heroes as the ones to emulate and conventional leaders as the ones to side eye. The fact that all of this clever subtext is couched in a tongue in cheek tone, fun capers with a heaping side of sexy hijinks is precisely what makes Starfig Investigations one of my favorite fantasy series and will surely lead to a fifth re-listen. 

Recommended! (not as a stand alone though)

A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Cry Wolf (Big Bad Wolf #5) by Charlie Adhara

Don’t miss this thrilling installment in Charlie Adhara’s suspenseful paranormal mystery series, Big Bad Wolf. 

Agent Cooper Dayton never thought anything could be harder than solving murders. Until he had to plan a wedding. 

After taking down an old adversary, Agent Cooper Dayton of the Bureau of Special Investigations has earned a break. Not that planning a wedding to his sexy shifter partner, Oliver Park, is necessarily stress free, but it’s better than worrying about the ominous warning, delivered months ago, that Cooper’s life is in danger. 

When he’s dragged to an event by his family, Cooper braces for an awkward evening, but instead finds himself in the middle of an ugly feud between Park’s ex and a rebel pack leader. What was supposed to be a quick outing turns into a full-blown murder investigation after the pack leader ends up dead, Park’s ex goes missing, and Cooper and Park are sent a series of disturbing wedding gifts that are somehow connected to it all. 

The list of potential suspects is long, and with the bodies piling up, Cooper must turn to the one person he trusts the least: the villain he’s already put behind bars once and who has nothing to lose by lying and everything to gain if Cooper is out of the picture—for good.

How quickly had the mere background hum of another person's life become such an essential fixture of the house that its absence felt like a robbery?

In the fifth installment of the Big Bad Wolf series Cooper and Park are in the throes of domestic bliss, something if you had told me was forthcoming at the beginning of this journey I would've said, oh... bless your heart. But they are and I think their soul deep happiness translated into my savoring Cry Wolf, not really my strong suit. The savoring was also due in part to thinking this was the end but I'm delighted to discover I think there is more to come from my favorite wolf and his porcupine. Or, at least, the door hasn't been entirely closed.

This installment was packed with the same intrigues and sticky situations that I've become accustomed to where Park and Cooper are concerned and have kept me guessing through the previous four installments. I was surprised by how much I felt for Eli and am hoping for maybe a spinoff involving him. He deserves some romantic shenanigans all his own. However, Cry Wolf didn't fall victim to the common pitfall of other series by focusing on secondary characters or becoming a watered down version of its former self; the mystery storyline was just as strong with Cooper and Park anchoring it. 

On the romance front, the swoon was brought. The witty repartee is on full display delivering more than one moment of levity amongst the death and chaos. There were countless moments that showed their connection which is what I thoroughly enjoyed about Cry Wolf and their chemistry, as we all know, could start a brush fire. 

"Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn't matter. Because the way we love is already the stuff of legends."

Amen.

I putting my vote in now for more hijinks from these two and if you're a fan of this series, Cry Wolf won't disappoint.

Recommended.

An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: This Is Not the End by Sidney Bell

A Polyamorous Love Story 

Zacary Trevor is the love of Anya Alexander’s life. Their sometimes tumultuous marriage has survived ups, downs, and all the in-betweens. With successful careers, a lovely home, and a beautiful child, domestic bliss is a hard-earned reality for two people whose hedonistic days are in the not-so-distant past. They’re happy. Enter Zac’s best friend, the deeply reserved Cal Keller. 

Zac’s friendship with Cal is the foundation of his career and—until Anya and their son came along—the most important relationship of his life. Cal’s a cipher, someone Anya can’t help but gravitate to, even if they don’t always get along. Even more, she’s drawn to the Zac she sees when he’s with Cal—a careful, cautious version of her husband, someone with hidden thoughts and desires kept secret even from her. Inviting Cal into their home, deeper into their life, is a risk. 

Zac should say no. He knows he should. But he doesn’t. From the first, the hint at the life the three of them could have together is exhilarating. And finding a new definition for family just might be worth the risk to every bond that exists between them.

"Everything will be okay in the end..." 

"If it isn't okay, it isn't the end."

Sidney Bell has not lost her touch. I'm not sure if my becoming verklempt at times while reading This Is Not the End was due to my being invested in these characters or my appreciation for how well Bell can craft said characters. Probably both.

Regardless.

The point is I found myself verklempt at the emotions, trials and tribulations of these characters. More importantly, I believed and invested in their journey. Each of them has their own distinct voice, backstory, strengths and shortcomings which is absolutely what I liked best about them. Anya, Zac and Cal are flawed characters and that is precisely what made them and their story so riveting.

Anya and Zac are married and have a son. Cal and Zac have been friends and bandmates for years so the UST is up on legendary. Anya and Zac are cut from the same impetuous and passionate cloth. Cal, on the other hand, is deliberate and steadfast. Anya is the lodestar. Zac is the joie de vivre and life-force and despite Cal's being a bit of a square he balances the relationship. He grounds them. 

I hesitate to explain too much about their relationship but I think this might be a make it or break it point for many. So, and this is my opinion/understanding only, I would say they have an open marriage and Zac has leanings towards cuckholding. They have sex with other men and Zac is aroused by Anya having sex with other men. They are a package deal and all the other men are guest stars, so to speak. Until Cal.

The foundation of this polyamorous relationship hinges upon intertwining them in not only a realistic but a believable way. One that's beyond the prurient and deeper, more integral. Something that will withstand the test of time. I was convinced at the end of This Is Not the End of their durability for a multitude of reasons but mostly because they care about not only each other but their relationship and that shows in how they interact. 

Suffice to say I, like many others, have had a difficult time concentrating or even mustering up the desire to read this year but I've been looking forward to this book since it was announced and I'm delighted it held my attention and gave me that immersive reading experience I've missed recently. 

Recommended to fans of hurt/comfort, polyamory or the author's work.

An ARC was provided by Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Master of Restless Shadows (Master of Restless Shadows #1) by Ginn Hale

Freshly graduated Master Physician Narsi Lif-Tahm has left his home in Anacleto and journeyed to the imposing royal capital of Cieloalta intent upon keeping the youthful oath he made to a troubled writer. But in the decade since Narsi gave his pledge, Atreau Vediya has grown from an anonymous delinquent to a man renowned for penning bawdy operas and engaging in scandalous affairs.

What Narsi―and most of the larger world―cannot know is the secret role Atreau plays as spymaster for the Duke of Rauma.

After the Cadeleonian royal bishop launches an unprovoked attack against the witches in neighboring Labara, Atreau will require every resource he can lay his hands upon to avert a war. A physician is exactly what he needs. But with a relentless assassin hunting the city and ancient magic waking, Atreau fears that his actions could cost more than his own honor. The price of peace could be his friends’ lives.

I'm blaming this on 2020. Many things have been challenging for me this year. Reading has been hit or miss but this is Ginn Hale.

GINN-EFFING-HALE! 

Author of the greatest series to ever series: The Rifter.

But try as I might I could not get into this. I loved the White Hell books and even the Wolf books and with this new series being set in the same world I figured this would be a slam dunk.

Surely, it's me I thought. So I put it down and tried again later.

Rinse and repeat.

I halfway blame myself for not having the wherewithal to soldier on and push through but... nay. I'm blaming 2020.

My apologies to the great Ginn Hale. I won't let this diminish my fangirling of her other books nor will it give me pause whenever she releases something else.

Obviously, YMMV. I sincerely hope it does, actually.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Acsquidentally in Love (Sucker for Love Mysteries #1) by K.L. Hiers

Nothing brings two men—or one man and an ancient god—together like revenge.

Private investigator Sloane sacrificed his career in law enforcement in pursuit of his parents’ murderer. Like them, he is a follower of long-forgotten gods, practicing their magic and offering them his prayers… not that he’s ever gotten a response.

Until now.

Azaethoth the Lesser might be the patron of thieves and tricksters, but he takes care of his followers. He’s come to earth to avenge the killing of one of his favorites, and maybe charm the pants off the cute detective Fate has placed in his path. If he has his way, they’ll do much more than bring a killer to justice. In fact, he’s sure he’s found the man he’ll spend his immortal life with.

Sloane’s resolve is crumbling under Azaethoth’s surprising sweetness, and the tentacles he sometimes glimpses escaping the god’s mortal form set his imagination alight. But their investigation gets stranger and deadlier with every turn. To survive, they’ll need a little faith… and a lot of mystical firepower.

Tentacles! Tentacles! Tentacles!

Who's with me?

I know the tentacle lovers out there understand when the tentacles come a-callin' the lure is too great to resist. This was one of those times.

I'm glad I didn't too because this was cute and fluffy escapism with a healthy side of eroticism. There is a bit of mystery that drives the plot forward and makes for some hijinks and the occasional ghoul. Along the way Sloane and Loch become smitten with each other and Sloane discovers the joys of the tentacock.

Bottom line: it's a fun read. Sure, there's an abundance of exclaiming. Sure, there's some cheese especially from Loch. But it all adds to the charm of a tentacle romance based in some mythology that I'm *fairly certain* is a product of the author's mind, though admittedly I'm too lazy to actually look it up to be certain.

Who cares, though?

It was sexy, fun, lighthearted and a nice diversion so if any of the above appeals give it a try. You could discover you have a tentacle kink heretofore unknown to you.

Do it in the name of self-discovery!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Common Goal (Game Changers #4) by Rachel Reid

New York Admirals goalie Eric never thought his friends-with-benefits arrangement with much-younger Kyle would leave them both wanting more…

Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.

Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.

Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.

Everything they both want is within reach… They just have to be brave enough to grab it.

I love this series so much; it's a comfort read for me. It's smart. It's sexy. And (most importantly) it's got Ilya!

He seems to turn up in every installment to deliver the chuckles, though he was not flying the Chuckle Ship solo this time. Eric "Benny" Bennett's teammates also delivered in the levity department, something that's always a win for me.

As much as I liked Benny and Kyle Common Goal started off slow for me. The push/pull thing is not one of my favorites. I like my MCs to use their words. These two gets points for using words they just used the wrong ones. Not great but points for effort.

However, what turned the tide was Benny being willing to embrace his bisexuality for the first time in his life at 41. I'm a sucker for sexual discovery plus I really liked Benny. He's not a character that leaps off the page like Ilya or one that you want to mummify in bubble wrap like Ryan but he's just... good people. Genuine. Loyal. Humble.

He wants a relationship, someone to share his life with and because he's such a good person he feels the 16 year age difference between he and Kyle would be shortchanging Kyle. Thus the push/pull betwixt what he thinks is the "right" thing to do and what he actually wants begins.

Rest assured, he wants Kyle with the force of a Cat-5 hurricane.

Kyle even though he's still kind of rebounding from his unrequited crush on Kip quickly turns into Team Benny's #1 fan. Maybe it was too quick but then again Benny is well, Benny so... I get it and what's more, Kyle counterbalances Benny superbly. He's just exuberant enough to bring out Benny's playful and adventurous sides and they have just enough in common to make me buy into their well-suitedness.

To get the ball rolling, Kyle offers to be a "mentor" in all things gay. Let me just say, the sex is... SKYROCKETS IN FLIGHT!!!!!!!!! AFTERNOON (and evening. and morning) DELIIIIiiiiiiiiIIIIIIIiiiiiiiiiIIIIiiiiiIIGHT!!!! Bossy top, edging, a little bondage, begging... *bites fist*

Their connection builds slowly and it took me a while to invest but once I did I enjoyed their journey.

Alongside Benny and Kyle's journey, what I liked a lot again were the secondary characters. I felt like I really got to know (and like) Scott in this one and the whole Maria-n-Matti Jalo thing... can I get a short on this? Do I need to beg? Though if there's one thing I crave in a sports romance it's team dynamics and those were on point in Common Goal! The whole locker room scene was funny and heartwarming... perfection.

Bottom line: Reid delivered again and I can't wait to see what's in store for us in Game Changers #5. 

*cough*Dallas Kent*cough*

C'mon! It would be the greatest twist to ever twist!

An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Englor Affair (Sci-Regency #2) by J.L. Langley

A Sci-Regency Novel: sequel to My Fair Captain

Anxious to escape the confines of Regelence society, if only for a little while, Prince Payton Townsend poses as an admiral’s aide to further investigate a dangerous conspiracy. Payton plans only to use his computer skills to help navigate the tangled web of mystery and deceit on planet Englor, then return home, but he finds himself drawn to the charismatic Colonel Simon Hollister.

Simon, however, is no mere soldier—he is heir to the throne of Englor, and his life is meticulously planned to include a bride and heir. Unlike Regelence, the Regency society on Englor disapproves of same-sex relationships, and Payton and Simon’s attraction plays out in a daring secret affair, one Simon never expected would grow into love.

Risking scandal and certain ruin if they are discovered, Payton and Simon uncover more about a common enemy and a deadly plot that imperils both their worlds. But in this game of interplanetary intrigue, love might be the ultimate casualty….

The second in this space opera series was just as fluffy and feel-good as the first only this time it's set on the Regency "companion" planet Englor and involves Lord Plague a.k.a. Payton and the future king of Englor, Simon. Payton accompanies Nate to his home planet posing as his aide due to his computer prowess. However he finds himself drawn to the military life and enjoys assists in the investigation into the shenanigans that occurred on Regelence in book one.

One rather problematic fly in the ointment is he soon finds himself enthralled with the giant ginger at the gym.

*pause for applause on the alliteration*

The tension between Simon and Payton builds much the same as it did with Aiden and Nate with the addition of Payton essentially investigating Simon as a possible suspect in the spy game. The tension and heat builds nicely between them. I am a fan of public and or semi-public shenanigans and these two are a fan of the each other. At the gym. Though there was enough actual relationship development to satisfy me as well.

As backwards as it sounds, I'm almost more invested in the investigation than these romances which may entice me to carry on with the series. I need to know who this villainous villain is! Plus, my curiosity was piqued by the Colton pining over Sebastian that was hinted at more than once in My Fair Captain so...

Aside from the subplot, I share a fondness for a size difference that Langley seems to favor and who doesn't like a bit of feel-good fluff set in space in a Regency time period from time to time?

Say that four times really fast.

If any of the above appeals give The Englor Affair a try, though you will likely need to read My Fair Captain first.

A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Review: Jude (Lucky #3) by Garrett Leigh

Isha has spent the last year watching his BFF get his happily-ever-after. He’s proud of Dom, but…it hurts to see him so free while Isha’s love life is still on lockdown. Only Isha’s ex-wife knows the secret that he’s kept caged for so long—that he’s queer too, and he’s lonely.

Jude’s too chained to his work to notice what he’s missing by being terminally single, but a new face in the village soon catches his attention. City boy Isha is gorgeous, and when he starts to haunt Jude’s reptile shop as well as the hook-up app on his phone, he's a welcome distraction from Jude’s business problems.

For a control freak like Isha, letting Jude under his skin is an existential meltdown, but Jude’s not in the market to be anyone’s queer crisis, not when he’s facing troubles of his own. Unlocking their lives could push both men apart forever, but it might be a risk worth taking if sharing is the key to their happy future.

I actually ended up enjoying this one more than I initially thought I would. Because snakes. Actually, snakes, bearded dragons, leopard geckos... you name it and in case you're wondering, I'm not a fan. However, I did end up learning a couple things about these creatures and I always enjoy that.

In true Garrett Leigh fashion there is much angst and pain in Jude and Isha's journey. Isha is queer and in the closet to everyone except his ex-wife/best friend. For years he's been perfectly fine with his occasional Grindr hookups then along comes Jude and throws everything off-kilter.

Jude is a struggling pet shop owner and a bit... eccentric. I actually really like Jude but he does have a hard time communicating as does Isha which makes the push/pull extra push/pull-y.

They do clearly have some sort of voodoo connection between them that defies explanation and I'm fine with that. Where things got dicey was Isha's closetedness. I honestly couldn't understand why it was such a huge deal. His entire circle of friends are queer, his kids are young enough that they're going to take it in stride and keep on loving him just as much as ever and his ex-wife already knows and accepts him so... *scratches head*?????

BUT, I will say I understand people get things in their head for whatever reason and it's difficult to shift out of that mentality; however, that obscurity doesn't translate well in the written word here especially considering the whole situation was over and done with in the blink of an eye without a backwards glance giving the whole thing an air of contrivance.

Jude ends happily with Isha making the adjustment to blissful domesticity in the epilogue and I enjoyed watching them find their way. Though I would've appreciated a little more happy than the epilogue.

Definitely doesn't compare to Lucky but still an absorbing hurt/comfort romance that stays true to Ms. Leigh's form and one I would recommend to fans of her work.

A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Review: Date Me, Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye

What If It's Us meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before in this upbeat and heartfelt boy-meets-boy romance that feels like a modern twist on a '90s rom-com!

Everyone knows about the dare: Each week, Bryson Keller must date someone new--the first person to ask him out on Monday morning. Few think Bryson can do it. He may be the king of Fairvale Academy, but he's never really dated before.

Until a boy asks him out, and everything changes.

Kai Sheridan didn't expect Bryson to say yes. So when Bryson agrees to secretly go out with him, Kai is thrown for a loop. But as the days go by, he discovers there's more to Bryson beneath the surface, and dating him begins to feel less like an act and more like the real thing. Kai knows how the story of a gay boy liking someone straight ends. With his heart on the line, he's awkwardly trying to navigate senior year at school, at home, and in the closet, all while grappling with the fact that this "relationship" will last only five days. After all, Bryson Keller is popular, good-looking, and straight . . . right?

Kevin van Whye delivers an uplifting and poignant coming-out love story that will have readers rooting for these two teens to share their hearts with the world--and with each other.

Where's the com in this romcom?

I was waiting for it. I wanted it. But not one chuckle did I have.

Ironic since this story bursting at the seams with social justice issues one of which being how queer kids never get the romcoms, HEAs and the like, instead being relegated to the funny friend or killed off. So I was surprised that not only was Date Me, Bryson Keller not funny but Kai, our protagonist, was put through the gauntlet.

Don't get me wrong the relationship between Bryson and Kai is sweet and romantic which I enjoyed and kept me engaged but (a) I wish it was more the focal point and (b) every time I turned around Kai was being subjected to yet another awful event in his short life.

Kai is the narrator and, though his narration is a bit choppy and oddly formal for a 17 yr old initially, he is likable which integral to this story. He's tenderhearted, loves his friends and family, is awkward in that adorable, blushing way and is terrified of being rejected once he comes out. Bryson is king of the school who was dared into "dating" anyone who asks him out on Monday for one week. Though we don't get his perspective it's clear he's kind, generous, honest, loyal and incapable of artifice. I liked him a lot. I also loved the secondary characters: Priya, Donny and Kai's amazing and possibly preternatural sister, Yazz.

Where the quibbles arose for me is... probably my annoyingly erratic inability to suspend disbelief. So the location of this story which is (as far as I can deduce) about 15-20 minutes outside Los Angeles in contemporary times. They attend a prestigious private academy wherein all the students are vying for spots at places like Stanford. California is arguably one of the most liberal and open-minded states in the union and these students are the new generation so the notion that the vast majority of the student body would not only be homophobic but viciously so was a bit hard to swallow in California. Maybe Alabama or Idaho but Cali? Big city, intelligentsia Cali????

I also found it far-fetched that Kai's parents didn't have an idea whatsoever given all the telltale signs pointing to his sexuality.

However, what I did appreciate about this story was the differing trajectories of Kai and Bryson coming to grips with their sexualities; the bit about there being no right way to get to the destination I thought an important one.

And did I mention how sweet they are? They are cute together so much so I wouldn't be averse to catching up with them in the future.

Even though Date Me, Bryson Keller wasn't perfect I did enjoy the journey and will be on the lookout for this author's sophomore offering.


Triggers: homophobia, violence

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.