Guest Review: Wicked Lovely (The Black Blade Chronicles #1) by J.K. Hogan

Darkness grows in the realm of Taleth. To the west, a power-hungry despot schemes to conquer kingdoms and territories alike by chasing an ancient elven prophecy that could give him the power to rule all. In the east, after a prince’s murder goes years unanswered, a princess learns there was much more to her brother’s death—and to her life—than she realized.

The House of Kjenelach is shaken to its foundation when Princess Sigrid is stolen away. Her faithful guardian, Sir Senne Clayward, reluctantly accepts help from his nemesis, a notorious halfling mercenary of questionable morals—but indispensable tracking skills—called Kasimir vas Hjardar.

Kasimir makes his living hunting monsters, both creatures and men. While he exists outside the law, he lives by his own unassailable code of honor. At the top of that list: never harm a child. When he turns down a contract to kidnap Sigrid and later finds out she was taken by someone else, he offers his help to the prickly knight tasked with protecting her.

Together, they embark upon a journey across the continent to save Sigrid and foil King Prosper’s plans to conquer Taleth. The way is fraught with dangers and pitfalls, from supernatural beasts to Senne’s deathly fear of magic, but they must not fail, for Sigrid may very well be the savior of the realm: the long prophesied Aisnellach Fuil. Somehow, the two men must set their differences aside and work together to rescue Sigrid, and possibly find love along the way.

Reviewer: Free Dreamer

Prophecies, magic, action and adventure with just a dash of romance? Count me in!

The prologue starts the book off with a bang. I was hooked right away. The plot is fairly action-packed and while there were no shocking turns, "Wicked Lovely" still proved to be an enjoyable page turner.

The setting is a bit generic. There's so many Fantasy books set in a world that's heavily inspired by the Western Europe during the Middle Ages. Some of the creatures we encounter seem to be vaguely influenced by Irish mythology. Kasimir is a halfling, which in itself isn't exactly innovative. But unlike all the other halflings I've encountered so far, he's not half human and half something else.

I'm usually not a huge fan of the enemies to lovers trope and this book certainly had a bit of that. It wasn't overdone, though, and since we got both Kasimir's and Senne's pov, I could relate to their actions and the animosity in the beginning. I didn't particularly care for the sex scenes, however. Since they were on the move a lot, hygiene wasn't exactly great. Not many baths for these two. And I'm sorry, but I just think rimming after a few days of hard riding and no bath to be found is just kind of gross.

Sigrid also gets her own pov, but not as often as the guys. From what there is, she seems a bit stereotypical. The wild princess who doesn't want to be a princess and doesn't behave like one at all. But she's only 15 and teenagers tend to rebel anyway.

The world building was good, but not great. I would have liked a bit more depth, but there are a lot of elements I really enjoyed.

Overall "Wicked Lovely" was a good read. Not amazing, but definitely enough to keep me interested in the series. I'm looking forward to part 2!

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

Review: Want Me (Extracurricular Activities #1-7) by Neve Wilder

Two roommates. One calculus exam. A whole lot of extracurricular activity. 

Nate: Living with four other guys, it's bound to happen.
Every guy's been caught taking care of business at least once, right? It shouldn't be a big deal.

But I don't know Eric as well as my other roommates, and things are a little awkward now.
He's a loner.
A mystery. Quietly confident. Smart. Sexy as hell.

I've been happily subsisting on the typical frat guy diet of booze and sorority girls.
But the way Eric looked at me that night?
There was something there.
Something that's got me curious. Something that's stirring up feelings I thought I'd left behind for good.

Something that's making me think I'm not as straight as I thought I was. 

I can't get him off of my mind.
I don't think I want to.

So when he offers to help me study for a midterm, I take him up on it.

It's innocent.
Probably. Maybe.

There's no way I could've known what it'd start... 

This is a steamy standalone new adult/college mm romance with HEA that unfolds across six "episodes" following Nate and Eric. Now bundled up in one collection with a bonus episode for a seamless reading experience. 87,000 words.

This book right here, y'alls...

Straight to the one-handed read HOF for you, lil bookie.

I bit my lip, debating whether I should just get it over with and start begging, say please. I wanted him to ruin me, make me beg, make me come. Make me do anything.

Neve Wilder was new to me but now she's on my BRING IT shelf because not only was this book hot enough to send local fire departments on high alert it also brought a surprising amount of organic  and believable relationship development.

But first let's talk about all the buttons of mine that got annihilated by Nate and Eric.

§ public sex
§ begging
§ public sex
§ rimming
§ public sex
§ big guy bottoming
§ public sex
§ bossy top
§ public sex
§ mild D/s
§ public sex in the library, the gym shower, the backseat & the woods!!!

Conclusion: #thud +

ICYMI, I'm kind of a voyeur and these two boys lit me up like a Christmas tree. On steroids. What I wouldn't give to catch them in flagrante. For science. They have so much chemistry I think they could school some chemists! 🔬🔥 = 🚀 🌑 (and maybe some astronomists?)

The whole story is told from Nate's POV and he is a delight! Honest and genuine that sometimes comes out in the most inopportune times and in the most awkward of fashions, all of which combined to make him crazy, stupid lovable. It's a testament to Wilder's writerly skills that I truly felt and sympathized with his turmoil and hesitancy over his growing feelings for Eric. Though he's not exactly new to same sex shenanigans he's never been this shaken by nor this into another guy.

I didn't know a lot about him beyond that he was majoring in structural engineering. And currently minoring in confusing my dick.

Their relationship begins very casual but Nate soon gets a taste of something that he wants seconds and thirds and fourths of, something only Eric seems able to provide. And Nate's kind of a glutton for it too. Bless him.

As much as I enjoyed the sexy times between them, and I did immensely, I thought Wilder developed their relationship realistically. It wasn't rushed nor did it sail along smoothly. I found myself fully invested in them, loved their dynamic, how relatable their dialogue was throughout and how much fun they have together once they lay their cards on the table.

Each time we got together, it was like one more layer of myself peeled back, and now I lay here feeling... not raw, and not even vulnerable or exposed-though I was all of those things with him, and more than willing to be stripped to my core by him now-but mostly I felt like all the bullshit had been whittled away and I was just me-a closer match to the thoughts that'd always been inside my head.

I would definitely read a follow up in this universe. It seems there might be a couple of secondary characters that could potentially be protagonists in future installments.🤞Plus, I would love to check in on Nate and Eric as well.

Recommended and #ProTip: might not want to read Want Me in public. If you catch me.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Tag Team Review: Tight Quarters (Out of Uniform #6) by Annabeth Albert

Petty Officer Bacon, a navy SEAL and ace sharpshooter, has been on the front lines of more than his fair share of dangerous ops. Yet when a minor injury relegates him to the beta team, he’s tasked with what may be his riskiest assignment yet: the silver fox journalist he’s babysitting is the hottest, most charismatic man he’s ever encountered.

Award-winning journalist Spencer Bryant may have been named one of Pride magazine’s most eligible bachelors of the year, but he’s not looking to change his relationship status. He’s a consummate professional who won’t risk his ethics or impeccable reputation by getting involved with a source. Even a sexy-as-hell military man. But while Spencer can resist his physical attraction to Bacon, he has less control over his emotions—especially when the mission goes sideways and the two men are trapped alone.

Getting out of the jungle alive turns out to be easy compared to facing the truth about their feelings for one another back in the real world. And whether or not they can build a future is a different story altogether.

Adam - 4 Hearts

Bacon’s a dedicated SEAL. He doesn’t let anything get in the way of his job, and he’s highly loyal to his team. But he also has a secret that few people know - Bacon is pansexual. He doesn’t expect to come out to his team, unless he falls for a man.

I’ve wanted to read Bacon’s story for a while now. It didn’t take me long to develop a major crush on Bacon. He’s the total package - strong, driven, and he’s got heart in spades. Plus, the killer bod doesn’t hurt either.

Spencer Bryant is an award-winning journalist who’s shadowing Bacon’s team. Spencer’s married to his career and has a rigid sense of ethics. But from the moment he meets Bacon, Spencer can’t help but be drawn to the man.

The two men don’t get off to a great start. Bacon ends up on babysitting duty, keeping Spencer out of harm’s way. Bacon would rather be in the midst of the action, and Spencer doesn’t like being treated like a burden.

However, underneath the snark there’s an undeniable simmering tension. Spencer and Bacon manage to keep their hands to themselves, but it’s only a matter of time before they give in.

When the mission goes awry, Bacon finds himself turning to Spencer for comfort. The two men go at each other with no holds barred. This is one sexy read!

And it’s not just the physical chemistry that’s obvious to the two men. At some point during the mission, their rocky start turned to mutual respect.

Bacon finds himself opening up to Spencer about his past in a way he’s never done before, and Spencer begins thinking about a life that includes more than just his pen and laptop.

I loved seeing the two men let their guard down. It doesn’t take long for their weekends together to become the most important parts of their lives.

The big stumbling block on Spencer and Bacon’s road to a happy ever after is a book that Spencer wants to write about the military, which Bacon isn’t on board with. I’ve got mixed feelings about the whole thing, and neither man handled the situation that well.

But I was really happy with how everything was resolved, and that Bacon and Spencer get the perfect happy ever ending!

Overall, this was a really good addition to the Out of Uniforms series!


SheReadsALot - 4 Hearts

Tight Quarters is another solid addition to the Out of Uniform series.

This certainly can be read as a standalone, but it features couples (briefly) from Wheels Up and Squared Away.  Pansexual Petty Officer Bacon (Bacon's first name finally revealed inside) has been a solid side character. I was a little unsure how I'd feel about Bacon getting a starring role. But I shouldn't be surprised, this author gave him an interesting enough back story and a solid romance to boot.

Ginger haired Bacon is 28 years old and enjoys being a 'lifer'. Granted, everyone around seems to be coupled up. He hasn't even come out to his team other than a trusted friend. But he's satisfied...enough. He's dedicated to his SEAL career. And to his dismay, he's assigned to watch over a journalist embedded with his SEAL team. And it's the last thing he needs. Especially since he's a fan of the handsome silver haired out 43 year old author, Spencer Bryant. Bacon isn't sure Spencer will make any new fans with his team since there are a few homophobes on his team.

Spencer and Bacon do start off a little rough. Bacon just thinks the out and proud journalist is going to dig into everyone's business. It takes a mission for the two to form a bond and mutual understanding after sharing their pasts. The sexual chemistry was palpable.

Bacon and Spencer try to deny themselves, especially since Spencer would never start a personal relationship with a source. Once Spencer is off from being embedded with the SEAL team, the two start something that became bigger than they ever expected.

I like Spencer for Bacon a lot. He knew how to read his desires and was just about perfect as his match. The way how they dived into feelings...I'm mostly on board with it. The further I read along, the more favorable I became to the two being a couple.

The author added tidbits of daily life to help move the plot along. It was an easy read. There was a good amount of sex as well: big guy bottoming, rimming and dirty talk.

The two struggle with career choices as Spencer plans on writing book that focuses on the military. But as per usual with this author, the two figure it out with a satisfying HEA.

The last chapter was my favorite.

Sexy, sweet story with a some mission action and solid leads. It's not my favorite from the series but I'd recommend to readers who enjoy age gaps, sexual tension that goes somewhere and a couple that learns the importance of communication.

Reviews: Rhoades—Undeniable (Man Up #2) by Felice Stevens

Rhoades
Loneliness. The pain doesn’t simply go away with time. It’s been years, and they tell me I need to move on. But I can’t.
Blame and regret are my constant companions. Until I see him in the spotlight and everything changes. Night after night, I watch him dance. Thinking about him.
What he’d feel like.
What he’d taste like.
And now that I know, I want him even more.
And maybe…just maybe, he might want me too.
But not yet.
Not before he knows he’s more than a pretty face. Not before he knows what he means to me. I need him by my side.
The two of us.
Together.


Austin
Why can’t I forget him? His hands touching me. His mouth on mine. Kissing me. Rendering me mindless.
Breathless.
Every night I lay awake burning for him. Dreaming. Thinking. Needing him.
No—I don’t. I don’t need anyone.
I lie.
I want him.
I want more. I am more. He’s seen that, and now here I stand with my dream on the horizon. All I need to do is take that first step. Trust him.
Trust myself.

Rhoades begins immediately where Austin, Book one, left off

This was a lovely follow up to the novella we got introducing us to Austin – not just a dancer in Man Up – and the mystery man who fancies him. We got a good build up with Austin and, the now named, Rhoades with their flirting and then the passion that exploded in the private room. But now, with this book we get a steady slow burn to their relationship that lends well to their romance.

I loved that we got Rhoades POV in this one because I was so interested in him. We got glimpses of his demeanor through Austin but I wanted to know Rhoades and I wanted to see Austin through his eyes.

I admit I was expecting these two to give in a heck of a lot faster than they did but I really enjoyed the slow burn. I loved that Rhoades, with all his hot and passionate want for Austin, was able to truly listen to what Austin was saying and do as he asked. He is a true gentleman and his backstory is heartbreaking. To know how long he has been alone was enough to make him a gem in my eyes but I fell hard for him as he fell for Austin.

Austin, goodness boy are you a stubborn one. I get it, you are guarding everything that you are and that you have but sometimes I wanted to smack you upside the head the way any good mother would. Rhoades never once exhibited what you kept accusing you of an while I can admire you standing up for yourself, you kinda did it way to much when it came to Rhoades.

For me, the slow burn was so slow that when we finally get them together, the payoff wasn’t as satisfying. I think I was just over Austin putting up so many walls and being so damn wishy washy when it came to Rhoades. You can’t tell the dude to stay away and then pout when he does. You can’t tell him to not touch you but maul him if he breathes the same air as you do. The fight on Austin’s end of the attraction wore me down and I was ready for their HEA. I am happy they got it but that was exhausting.

I will say though, Frankie and Aaron have me intrigued. I am a sucker for the redeemable asshole and I think that describes Aaron but also doesn’t scratch the surface. Frankie deserves a prince and I hope he gets it.

Review: In the Shadows (Metahuman Files #3) by Hailey Turner

Take a chance.

Staff Sergeant Alexei Dvorkin doesn’t trust easily, and he most certainly doesn’t trust spies. He’ll work with them if ordered to, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it. Except Agent Sean Delaney is proving to be the exception to the rule. There’s something about Sean that gets under Alexei’s skin and won’t let go. Alexei would be lying if he said he wasn’t interested in what lay beneath the agent’s mask. When they’re assigned together for a mission, Alexei vows to keep Sean safe all while trying to coax the hot agent into his bed.

Hold onto hope.

Agent Sean Delaney has spent his entire adult life living a lie for his country. When the MDF tasks him with finding evidence of criminal wrong-doing against the owner of a private military company, Sean knows exactly how to play the game to get what he wants. He just doesn’t know how to handle Alexei’s advances, nor his own attraction to the younger soldier. Being a spy is lonely work, and Sean knows he should keep his distance, but saying no to Alexei is impossible from the moment they first kiss.

In a world of lies, the truth can be deadly.

When the mission takes a turn for the worse, the only thing left to do is run. In the wake of betrayal, and in the path of danger, can their fragile trust survive the battle?

In the Shadows is a 104k word steamy gay sci-fi military romance with a HFN ending that skirts HEA. There is military violence within the story that may not be suitable for everyone, as well as explicit intimate scenes not suitable for readers under the age of 18. This is a direct sequel to In the Ruins and reading the previous books in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one.

I have to get this off my chest. WHEN ARE THEY GONNA GET THE BADDIES?!?!?!??!?!

Well, I feel better now.

I tip my hat to you, Hailey Turner.

You're playing the long game with these elusive baddies. I'll play along for two reasons: (a) I like these people and (b) this series is full of action-packed goodness.

In the Shadows is focused on Alexei and former CIA agent Sean. They had some *eyeballs* happening in the prior book and here is where Alexei makes his move.

Alexei is hot in more than one sense of the word. He's a pyrokinetic and Russian and possessive: A Trifecta! He's also kinda grumpy and oozes confidence, so I am officially #TeamAlexei at this point.

Sean is slightly older and very focused on his job which has been detrimental to his love life. I like that Turner flipped the script making the older character the less experienced of the two. Sean's sweetly bashful and self-conscious. But he cannot deny the powerful attraction simmering between he and Alexei when they get paired up on a mission as "fake" boyfriends. We all know how that goes.

I wouldn't say they have more chemistry than Jaime and Kyle but how much Sean turns Alexei's crank and how verbal he is about that did it for me. That second sex scene when he had Sean sit on his face also did it for me. Muchly.

Another thing I really like is this team. This is actually one of those series that I wish would spin into MF or MMF or something because Katie, Madison and Annabelle are badasses. Turner writes women well. All of them are strong, smart, funny and levelheaded in a pickle, so when Kyle and Alexei's former commander showed up to assist in one of the missions and started making googoo eyes at Katie I got a little sad knowing I'd never get to read their story.

Alright. End of the pity party of one.

There is much action, adventure, they all have cool ass powers and many things get blown the fuck up, so if you are a fan of your romance being action packed this book and this series are for you! Much more spycraft is present in this one which made the plot complex but not convoluted. I suspect things are going to get even dicier as the series progresses.

So you win, Hailey Turner. I'm in for book 4. I sure hope some baddies are gotten in that one.

A review copy was provided.

Tag Team Review: The Blueprint by S.E. Harmon

Kelly Cannon is satisfied with his life. He has friends, a wonderful family, and a great job. But his love life has reached a new level of pitiful. Why? Well, his heart decided to break all the rules. Don’t fall in love with a straight guy. And definitely don’t fall in love with your best friend.

NFL standout Britton “Blue” Montgomery has pressure coming at him from all sides. From his father, who’s only interested in Blue’s football career. From his coaches, who just want him to play without getting injured again. From the fans. From his agent. And from his mother, who has popped up on the radar after leaving his family years before. And now his relationship with Kelly is on shaky ground, and that frightens Blue more than anything.

When Kelly admits he’s in love with Blue, bonds are tested, and Blue has to decide what’s really important. He doesn’t want to lose the number-one person in his life, but the cost to keep Kelly close might be more than he’s willing to pay.

It’s a good thing his nickname is the Blueprint—it’s time to draft a new set of plans.

averaged

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ - 3.5 Hearts

Sometimes the heart just wanted what the heart wanted, and to hell with the consequences.

There is SO MUCH to like/love about this story: the banter, the heehawlarious family dynamics, these characters, witty writing, great team dynamics and verisimilitude that spoke to me. The Blueprint is the story of the evolution of platonic into romantic love and how uneasy that road can be. It's not fluffy and possesses a genuine melange of emotions. Maybe I would've liked more fluff, but throughout I respected where Harmon took the narrative. She stayed true to them and I applaud her for that.

Part best friends to lovers, part sports romance and part jock/nerd trope this is the story of Blue and Kelly who have been best friends since forever. Through thick and thin. Through a mom leaving. Through bunk beds and a shitty father. Through a metric ton of peanut M&Ms and a surprise peanut allergy. Through a trouble making sister and a plethora of bad decisions. Through high school when the jock/geek dynamic was fertile ground for a breakup and even their experimental college days. So something as fickle as the NFL doesn't stand a chance at separating them. They are family.

Family could be awkward, but you stayed.

Kelly has always been in love with Blue. No relationship has ever worked because they all suffer by comparison. Blue is straight and Kelly knows his pining is futile but there's a big difference between knowing a thing and accepting a thing. Even more confusing, every time Kelly tries to pull away, Blue tightens his hold. Blue knows he needs Kelly, knows he loves Kelly. He just doesn't know what that means or what to do with or about those confusing feelings.

The Blueprint tells the story of their watershed moment from both of their perspectives.

The things that I loved about this story are many including how accurate I found the portrayal of the NFL to be (it's NFL heavy) from the locker room dynamics to the pressure to perform and conform. Blue is 30 but in NFL years, that's old. He's two years older than Gronkowski, who's basically held together with twine, duct tape and Gorilla glue, so that sense of always looking over his shoulder for the replacement that's breathing down his neck resonated. I also loved how much he loves the game, because it's literally all he knows. 

Which is why I think Kelly will be good for him long-term. Kelly won't allow him to give up once he's hung up his cleats; he'll bolster his self-worth. Because he is an indomitable SassMonster who will stay on his heels like a terrier. That's precisely what endeared him to me. He's snarky, witty and kind of a dick at times. Gawd, I hearted him and his dry erase markers and love of all things Star Wars.

Neither one of them are perfect, but they are soulmates.

The sex was true to them and sometimes funny. Really, many things about their interactions had me tittering and I liked that they could have fun during the sexy times. They have a synchronicity in all things that translated well to the bedroom. What they do seemed like a natural progression for a virgin. I enjoyed their size difference most of all, but there is also a big guy bottoming, rimming, frottage and oral. Also, there are mentions of sex with other people and some on page kissing for those that are sticklers for the couple to be true blue.

As much as I appreciated the truth of Harmon's narrative, the organicity of it, the push/pull is interminable. Harmon showed me why, showed the emotion and the angst they both struggle with, and as much as I understood their struggle I needed more of a payoff at the end. I would've liked more of them being incandescently happy together once they decide they're going to give boyfriending a go, though I did appreciate that there wasn't a manufactured/unrealistic ending. But an epilogue probably would've gone a looooonnnnggggg way.

There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.

Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed Harmon's writing style and look forward to reading her in the future and were she inclined to write Connor's story, I would be tickled pink to read that.

Recommend to readers who enjoy a hefty dose of realism in their friends to lovers romance and sports romance fans.


Sara - 5 Hearts 


Me and this book, we got a thing goin’ on and it’s too strong to let it go now.

It’s not just physical attraction or sex or being buddies. I love you.

This book did it for me in so many ways. I am a huge fan of the friends to lover’s trope and I adore unrequited love. I blame John Hughes for my addiction to stories that frustrate the holy heck out of you with waiting for the couple to get together. This was a test in the frustration department turned up to eleven but it couldn’t have been told any other way if we wanted a bit of reality in the romance.

Part of me thinks I could fall in love with you.

The other part of me knows I already have.

Kelly Cannon has been in love with his best friend Britton “Blue” Montgomery since they were 12. They are the best of friends, the best friends you could ever hope to have or ever want someone else to have. They are in one another’s pockets, getting in all sorts of trouble but always having the other’s back. They share Kelly’s family and even as adults, the besties hashtag is staying strong. But Kelly is so in love with his best friend and his best friend is so clueless that Kelly sabotages a very public proposal and inadvertently sets into motion what will be the end all be all of his existence.

Blue Montgomery is all about the world of the NFL and his position of tight end *grins* on the Aventura Outlaws. He loves what he does and he has everything he can think of. A great career, different woman at his beck and call as well as in his bed and he has the decades long close friendship with his best friend Kelly. But Blue needs to take a moment and check his life skills play book before he loses everything that means anything to him. It’s that love is everything, EVERYTHING sort of thing and Blue is so damn clueless.

“How long have you been in love with him?”

“It’s hard to remember a time when I wasn’t.”

I loved this book. I loved how witty, snarky and downright funny Kelly is with everyone but mainly how he is with Blue. He is in love with his best friend but under all the unrequited longing, Blue IS HIS BEST FRIEND and their friendship flies off the page and smacks you in the face. The fact that everyone around Kelly knows how he feels is hilarious because while they can see the heart eyes on Kelly, they can also see how Blue’s eyes track his best friend around the room.

When Kelly decides he needs a break from Blue to figure out how to deal and really own his feelings, Blue doesn’t know how to deal and needs to be in Kelly’s space and quick. But Kelly isn’t around because he has to go back home and face his parents who didn’t know he was gay but was proposed to by a man on national television. Yes, it’s as crazy as it sounds but the book is so much fun. Kelly’s family is amazing and the whole coming out is one for the books. But… there are some other things that happen dealing with bunk beds, admiration of ones ass and a mutual albeit solo exploration that leaves Blue questioning everything he thought he knew.

This. This was what I’d needed. I might not have been ready to admit it to anyone else, but, goddamn it, I could admit it to myself.

I loved Blue’s sexual exploration. It wasn’t quick and insta anything because Blue takes his time to do some soul searching when it comes to his feelings for Kelly. Sure, some of that soul searching was physical and required a bit of liquid courage, but Blue recalls everything this new man on man experience gives him. This new deal gives Blue exactly what he’s been missing and not just because it’s with a man, it’s because it’s with Kelly. Blue just needs a bit of time to come to terms with what he’s feeling and what he wants *ahem* some dick *ahem* and what it means to his life and his football career. Wow. Did I just talk in circles or what? Trust me, it will make sense when you read it.

I know the book is frustrating with the push and pull between these two but I think if Blue submitted his love for dick card too soon, it wouldn’t have been believable. He knows he loves Kelly as a friend, he knows he’s never felt what he does in bed with Kelly with anyone else but Blue needs to wrap his brain around it to be on the same page with his heart. He’s just really freaking lucky that Kelly loves him so much because Blue, really needed to unfuck his shit.

Now, Kelly. OMG I loved Kelly. I got his crush on his best friend and I got him taking what small bits of Blue he would offer and storing them away in his heart and his spank bank. It’s hard to get what you want, even for one night, and go back to best friend jail without passing go or getting a sloppy but sexy blow job. He is head over heels in love with Blue and is so clueless about Blue’s true feelings. These two took the road less traveled and it indeed made all the difference. They just took the smallest of baby steps to reach their destination.

When the heart was involved, sometimes you didn’t get second chances.

I admit the end threw me for a three second loop I wasn’t prepared for. But when I took a moment it all made sense. Sure, it could have been an over the top Disney ending but really, it couldn’t have gone any other way. I am just going to say that Kelly had tunnel vision when it came to being with Blue, to getting Blue to admit his feelings and them to be together as a romantic couple so that end, it made sense. He wasn’t thinking outside of the Blue/Kelly bubble of them as lovers so when his bubble gets pin pricked, he freaks out a bit. I do love Blue’s response though and that very end? GAH! Killed me.

This book, is smoking hot. Kelly and Blue have amazing chemistry together that my fingertips started to singe while they explored and got it on. I fully enjoyed them finding their way from best friends to friends with benefits to the love of each other’s lives.

Oh and one last thing? I loved Connor O’Rourke. Connor needs a book.

Please?

Pretty Please?

Kay.

I’m done.

ARCs were provided by the publisher.

Review: In the Ruins (Metahuman Files #2) by Hailey Turner

Truth and lies.

Captain Jamie Callahan knows the Metahuman Defense Force frowns on fraternization. For once in his life, he’s breaking all the rules. Having Staff Sergeant Kyle Brannigan on his team and in his bed is worth the risk of being found out. When a mission comes down requiring Alpha Team to go undercover in order to infiltrate a criminal alliance, Jamie knows it won’t be easy. Putting his family’s name on the line is nothing compared to the role the MDF wants him to play—that of a billionaire’s son, discharged from the military, with a lover on his arm, looking to make his own shady business deals.

Dirty little secret.

Kyle knows the only way to be with Jamie is to hide their relationship from their superiors. Waking up to Jamie at home is more important than being together in public, or so Kyle thought, until he comes face to face with what he’s been missing. Pretending to be a couple on paper for the sake of the mission thrusts Kyle into a world of incredible wealth and a social status he’s not sure he belongs in, but he’ll do anything to stay by Jamie’s side.

Play the game to win.

Surrounded by the enemy, Jamie and Kyle need to trust each other now more than ever. Their covers—and the life they’re trying to build together—depend on it.

In the Ruins is a 105k word steamy gay sci-fi military romance with a HFN ending that skirts HEA. There is military violence within the story that may not be suitable for everyone, as well as explicit intimate scenes not suitable for readers under the age of 18. This is a sequel to In the Wreckage and reading the first book in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one.

I'm going to make this short because I gotta find out what happens next!

I'll be the first to admit I had some issues with In the Wreckage but this was a BIG improvement for me. The action was great, the chemistry, not just between Kyle and Jaime but the whole MDF team, was fun, great secondary characters, snappy pacing, good worldbuilding with endearing relationship development between Jaime and Kyle and scorching hot sex! Prostate orgasm, prostate milking, multiple orgasms, rimming, rough and kinky sex, size difference with a very... bendy bottom, sex in a public restroom, creative use of a dildo...

I don't want to discount the action/suspense plot or anything but the sex and romance deserve a standing O! The connection that already existed between Kyle and Jaime strengthens over the course of In the Ruins as they go deep undercover in London and it warmed my heart. I like my romances with action and this struck the perfect balance.

The action plot carries over from In the Wreckage so I wouldn't recommend trying to read this as a standalone. I did like the action plot of this one better than the first though and I'm not really sure why. Maybe because they were undercover or maybe it was just that there was more of them working together against a common enemy? I don't know but I did think the plot was tighter than the first and I'm really looking forward to reading In the Shadows.

I think it could've done with a final proofing but nothing too egregious that pulled me out of the story. I will also caution those who don't like head hopping that there is a bit of that happening. I enjoyed this because it showed what happens to various team members during the good bits.

Recommend to fans of military, action/suspense and sci-fi romances.    

A review copy was provided.

Review: Life on Pause by Erin McLellan

Niles Longfellow is a nerd, and not the trendy type of nerd, either. He wears a historically accurate homesteader costume to work every day, has a total of one friend, and doesn’t know how to talk to guys. So when he gets a flat tire and the hottest hipster ever stops to help him, all Niles can think is that he’s wearing his stupid cowboy getup. Normally, Niles feels invisible to other men, but he’d take that invisibility any day over Rusty Adams seeing him in suede and fringe.

Rusty moved to Bison Hills to help his sister raise her daughter, and nothing is more important to him than that. He’s also fresh off a breakup, and isn’t prepared for anything complicated. But then he meets Niles. Rusty sees Niles as more than a clumsy, insecure guy in a costume. He sees a man who is funny, quirky, and unexpected.

Nothing about their connection is simple, though, especially the lies and insecurities between them. Niles doesn’t know if he can trust Rusty with his heart, and when Rusty’s sister decides to move away, Rusty doesn’t know if he can stay behind.

I was hesitant to read this based on the early reviews but I actually liked it. It's not perfect and it didn't leave an impression like Controlled Burn did, but there's something about McLellan's voice that I find cozy.

Life on Pause is a story of one man's battle with his inner demons and trying to figure out this thing called love. There is angst. There is pain. But I still found Niles' plight to be a sympathetic one. He has low self-esteem, is an introvert and is socially awkward. His appalling self image issues are heavy handed at times and I think this would've resonated more were his backstory better developed to show causation rather than it just being a thing for the reader to accept.

Niles' issues present hurdles in his relationship with Rusty, but not all of their problems. Rusty LIES! I understand why he thought he had to because we got his perspective as well but...

He learns lying is bad and nothing good comes of it. And nothing good does come of it once Niles learns the truth.

This all makes for a long drawn out conflict that keeps them in the periphery of each other's lives. Neither are satisfied by this newfound status and both are butthurt over it, thus the job of reuniting them falls to their friends.

I tend to enjoy my romances when the couple are together more than they're apart which wasn't the case here. Once they do get their shit together they have a heartwarming HEA and I also liked Niles' personal growth. Maybe it was a little sudden but I didn't care too busy wallowing in the sap was I.

"I want every piece of you. I want every reiteration of you. I want every verse."

So I had a few niggles but as I said initially I simply like McLellan's voice. I like that she obviously put time in to research the Native American history to lend credence to this fictitious town in Oklahoma. She was also pretty generous with some smoking sexy times that included rimming, angry sex, prostate orgasm, multiple orgasms, frottage, biting and face fucking.

And Victor. I LOVED VICTOR!!!! Victor is a sassy queen and if he gets a book I will reading the stuffing out of it.

Recommend to readers who enjoy angsty reads with imperfect characters.

A review copy was provided by NetGalley.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2pHrqOW

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2pFSvC2

Amazon Ca: https://amzn.to/2GpNxmH

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2pHGb4h

Smashwords: https://bit.ly/2ujOO9X

Review: The Hockey Player's Heart (Hockey Hearts #1) by Jeff Adams & Will Knauss

When hockey star Caleb Carter returns to his hometown to recover from an injury, the only thing he’s interested in is a little R & R. He never expects to run into his onetime crush at a grade school fund-raiser . Seeing Aaron Price hits him hard, like being checked into the boards. The attraction is still there, even after all these years, and Caleb decides to make a play for the schoolteacher. You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take, right?

Aaron has been burned by love before and can’t imagine what a celebrity like Caleb could possibly see in a guy like him. Their differences are just too great. But as Aaron spends more time with Caleb, he begins to wonder if he might have what it takes to win the hockey player’s heart.

By now I think it’s pretty obvious that I am a fan of the Dreamspun Desire series and this book is a great example of why. There are some books in the Dreamspinner Press houseline that are super fluffy and they are some that are so damn sweet and meaningful, you need to hug it out with your Nook when you finish the book. This story is the latter.

From the prologue I was hooked as we get a young Caleb waiting to give a gift to his older sister’s best friend Aaron who is also Caleb’s crush and his geometry tutor after Aaron’s high school graduation. Caleb has been crushing pretty hard on Aaron for what seems like forever but he has no way to tell Aaron other than this. It’s a milestone moment for Caleb but it’s over quickly and then life happened and the two men haven’t seen one another in years.

Caleb has always loved the game of hockey and was lucky enough to turn it in to a career playing for the New York Rangers. But a foot injury has Caleb needing some time off the ice so he heads back to his home town of Foster Grove to recover. Once home, his sister Pam who is also the elementary school’s principal thinks it’s a great idea for Caleb to participate in the local school’s carnival and draw some fundraising money, Caleb comes face to face with his teenage crush.

I love that this was told from both Aaron and Caleb’s POV so we really got a chance to see that both men have had crushes on the other for some time. Aaron is nothing short of adorable as he tries to act like seeing a grown up and hot as heck professional hockey player that Caleb now is doesn’t affect him and Caleb momentarily turns 16 again when he sees Aaron but the men keep it platonic.

This story was so sweet and yet really meaningful. We get a lot of Aaron and Caleb building an adult friendship though a natural progression. The men hang out with one another and find out they have a lot in common with their likes and shared history. It’s easy to see how they could quickly find themselves in a relationship though it moves at a slower pace with them keeping respectable boundaries. The moments of Caleb showing Aaron’s third grade class how he uses geometry in Hockey and Aaron being mesmerized by Caleb teaching kids on the ice was lovely to experience. These two have such a healthy admiration for what the other does that it gives the reader a stable building block for their romantic relationship.

With Caleb being a hockey player, we do get a good amount of sport in this story. At least for a reader like myself who isn’t sporty. We get the ins and outs of how the sport works professionally for Caleb and his responsibilities with it. The “You Can Play Initiative” is front and center with Caleb and the story highlights it in an informative and supportive way. Just the memory of Caleb dealing with a young man wanting an autograph and what he does warms my heart. Caleb knows that his position as an out gay man in the world of professional hockey holds a level of responsibility and he doesn’t take that lightly. He gives back to his community and he gives back to kids remembering what it was like to be one.

Aaron broke my heart with his relationship issues and how he wants to trust Caleb but is scared. I think what I liked the most about this element is how he and Caleb were so honest with one another about their past, present and future. The communication is always there even if it’s a little stalled with insecurity but it doesn’t last long.

Once again, I find myself rambling because there are so many positives in this story. It’s a great unrequited/unknown/mutual high school crush/friends to lovers romance that warmed my heart. I truly loved watching Aaron and Caleb become friends and then more. They are sweet and also really hot together when they decide to get down and dirty and Aaron can get pretty dirty.

At the end of it all, this was lovely. I find myself thinking of the moments that made me smile and there are so many of them. I have a note on one highlight that says “Stop highlighting moments before you highlight the whole book” because there are that many.

The ending was super sweet and again, respectful and romantic. Yeah this was a good book.

Wait… I have one more thing to say. Since this is listed as a series, I really hope the next books is Dimitri because he needs someone to show him his hookup days are over.

Tag Team Review: Deal Maker by Lily Morton

Sometimes your mouth makes deals that your heart can’t honour.

Jude is a highly successful model, but a very reluctant one. His life is full of casual hook-ups with pretty men in glamorous locations, but it’s still empty. However, circumstances decreed a long time ago that this was his path, so he’s resolutely stayed on it and accepted his fate with good grace. He made a deal with himself and his hook-ups. Get in, get out and no ties with anyone.

However, an accident at home one night leads to him making a new deal and accepting the offer of help from an unlikely source. It leads to an unexpected summer of falling in love with a larger than life man and his child.

But by the end of the summer his reasons for not staying are still valid. Will he turn away? Can he?

Asa is a talented actor who has spent time away from the scene to look after his son. But now he’s back, and the last thing he needs are complications from the gorgeous man who is staying with him. Scarred from too many betrayals, he has no intention of forming a lasting tie with anyone. However, he can’t resist the beautiful man with secrets, and to his horror he develops feelings.

But a deal’s a deal and they said it was just for the summer. What can Asa do with a man who has forever in his eyes and goodbye on his lips?

From the Amazon bestselling author of ‘Rule Breaker’ comes another scorchingly hot romantic comedy.

4.75 average

Lost in a Book - 4.5 Hearts

Well Ladies and Gents, it’s official- Lily Morton has been added to my automatic author list. If she writes it, I’ll read it.

I really enjoyed this story with Jude and Asa along with the frequent appearances from the fabulous Dylan and Gabe.

I loved almost everything about Jude. He’s sassy, loyal, loving, funny, and intelligent. When his ceiling caves in from water damage, he’s directed to visit Asa for possible boarding in exchange for being his assistant. And man did Jude assists his ass off for Asa.

Asa. *swoon* He has this warm, friendly, intelligent, larger than life temperament that compliments Jude’s so well. He's a gentle giant that can also be snarky and give as good as he gets. Unfortunately for Jude, Asa despises models and thinks they are all pretty much a waste of space that lack brain cells. Unfortunately for Asa, he doesn’t hide his opinion and makes it clear to Jude on their first meet exactly what he thinks of models.

Hilarity ensures as Jude wins Oscars daily by acting the part of brainless model. I laughed my ass off at his antics and giggled as Asa begins to pick up on them as well. Both men have a ton of baggage due to family issues and burns from past relationships. They're quick to judge and very slow to knock down the walls. Their intimate relationship progressed slowly but their emotional connection grew organically as their relationship evolved from boss/employee to friends and then finally to lovers. Their chemistry from the beginning was delicious but once the sexy times kicked in, Yowzaaaaaa. I loved (seems I keep on gushing) how nothing was rushed and I believed each stage of their relationship.

Another star of the show was Billy, Asa’s son. Billy is a cheeky little thing and connects with Jude right away. It was sweet to see that side of Jude and Asa with Billy. Being a parent of a little one that rocks the terrible twos daily, I usually stay away from books with young kids because mental breaks from real life are needed to save my sanity. However, I really enjoyed the sweetness and humor that he brought to the story.

So with all this gushing why not 5 stars? Gabe and Dylan still hold the number one spot for my heart within this series. Jude drove me a tad bit crazy at times with his inner monologue of want a relationship but I can’t. I understood his reasoning but wished that thought train wasn’t so frequent. I still love him though.

Asa and Jude got their HEA and we were given an epic sugary sweet high. Ahhh the epilogue....pure sugar, not the knock off low calorie crap but the real shit we use in the country for our sweet teas. So Good.

Just in case it isn't clear, Loved it. Loved Asa and Jude. Loved the secondary characters (especially Peggy). Love Lily Morton. Love this series. Definitely recommended.

"Love is simple. Humans are complicated.”

P.S. I love Henry too...*hint* *hint* Henry is also a GINGERRRRR *twirls* I'll wait not so patiently for his story. *stalks Lily again*

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ - 5 Hearts

You know those book experiences where from the start you can't stop smiling? That was me from the start, a déjà vu of Rule Breaker, so I completely agree with Lost about this author now moving into auto-buy territory. I found myself, yet again, having separation anxiety from Asa and Jude just as I did with Gabe and Dylan. So as soon as I finished it I immediately went to read the extra on her website and here I sit still feeling the loss. Lily Morton sprinkled her sparkledust again.

I think what makes her characters so special is their accessibility, relatability. Despite both Asa and Jude having somewhat posh jobs (actor and model) they are two simple men who are trying to traverse life's obstacles and tribulations all while believing they'll never have what they most want: someone to share their life. They've both tried and failed and are set on traveling light from here on out. Not that either are dour or forlorn, quite the contrary.

Asa is a big lumbersexualized un with a man bun... wait. I need a minute. 😍 to the 🌑 and 🌎 Sorry. I digress. Where was I? Oh yeah, he's got a larger than life personality that draws people in and puts them at ease. People want to be around him so his house is always full and loud. Jude is younger with a sharp wit, enough snark and sass to rival Deadpool (minus the guns and killing, avocado face and stuff) and fiercely loyal. I was smitten with both of them, particularly the correspondence at the beginning of each chapter courtesy of Jude.

Jude's been hired as Asa's assistant despite him being a "vapid, air headed model" and makes it his personal mission to prove himself the King of the Nitwits; it was seriously funny too. I chortle-snorted multiple times. But his intelligence shines through and soon Asa is on to the game. Their attraction to each other is palpable and with each evolution of their relationship it grows stronger.

Several of my buttons were pushed when it came to Asa and Jude: age difference, size difference, they're both loud, uninhibited, raw and tend to be messy during the sexy times and they're desperate for each other every. single. time.

Even in a semi-public place. Ripped shirts, missing buttons, hair askew, still a lil sweaty, beard burn... #deceased

Their chemistry and the evolution of their relationship drew me in and didn't let go, still hasn't let go to be honest. Even the conflict was believable and, thankfully, short-lived. All this along with the fantastic secondary characters-Billy, Peggy, Dylan, Gabe, Henry-just... made me feel good; it's chicken soup for the heart, even Amos and his tiny black cloud.

If you want a feel good read/series look no further than this one and now I can't wait to see who Lily Morton will make me form an yet another possibly strange, possibly unhealthy attachment to in the next one. Fingers crossed it's Henry.

Review copies were provided in exchange for honest reviews.