Guest Review: Dark Horse (The Braided Crop Ranch #3) by A.E. Lister

Adam Marsland has a plan.

He’s been managing the Braided Crop Ranch for six years and wants to bring everybody he can find back for a week of games, competition, and celebration.

Henry Swift was a ponyboy at the BCR during its very first year. He learned to trot, pull a cart, and submit to his trainer. He’s never quite left the experience behind and is excited to receive Adam’s invitation to return.

But it’s not only the Ranch and its sex-positive atmosphere pulling Henry back to the seclusion of the Muskoka wilderness.

Ever since their first frantic and lustful encounter in the woods, Henry’s had a thing for Adam Marsland and his memories of his tumultuous time on the ranch have haunted him for years. Adam’s still at the ranch, and now Henry can go back and discover if the older man has any regret for the way things turned out in the past.

But the gymkhana Adam’s planning means the return of a plethora of ponyboys and trainers and Henry wonders if he will have trouble reminding Adam how much they wanted to be together back then, and how possible it might be for them now, in the midst of the excitement and testosterone.

No one ever said love was easy, but Henry is determined to make the most of his chance.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Adam is a big part of the success of the ranch, and in the first two books he is the boss but is separate from the staff and the guests. He facilitates the whole complicated and intricate retreat, but is very much alone. With the exception of Henry.

When Henry attends the ranch as one of the very first guests, he has an encounter with Adam that stays with him, and the opportunity to return for the gymkhana is just the chance Henry needs. Will Adam remember him at all?

The kinky goings on at the BCR is a wild and powerful thing. The gymkhana brings back our main characters from the previous books and I was delighted to see Adam getting his story. Henry is new to us, but not to Adam! Of course our stoic boss-man tries to resist the allure of the handsome pony boy but of course with many meddlesome people who care for Adam (and Henry) there is no chance he is going to be able to resist!

The sexy interludes are scorching and the love is powerful. This is a fitting HEA for Adam and his man.

Highly recommended.

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

Guest Review: The Gilded Mirror (Treasure Trove Antiques #2) by L.M. Somerton

Life would be simpler if X marked the spot.

When Landry Carran buys an antique mirror from a pop-up flea market, he doesn’t expect it to set him on a treasure hunt originating in the Second World War. He can’t resist tracking down the clues even knowing that every step brings him closer to danger.

Landry’s partner and Dom, Detective Gage Roskam, has his own problems handling a money laundering case that twists and turns as much as Landry’s treasure trail.

As a decades-old mystery collides with modern-day crime, Landry and Roskam must juggle work, friendships and their relationship to solve both puzzles. It’ll be a miracle if nothing gets broken along the way.

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of physical assault, gunshots and expressions of homophobia. There are references to non-nurturing parenting, addiction and attempted abduction.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

We met Landry and Gage in the previous book (Lucky Cat) and this story continues their relationship. Landry is a sassy sub and Gage is a long suffering Dom! We also see their friends find each other and more kinky love. Alongside we have the threat of bad guys looking for treasure maps and Landry delights in solving clues much to Gage’s frustration.

I really did enjoy this book, but despite reading the earlier book, I found it difficult to get immersed in the story. The characters are pleasing and likeable (with the exception of the bad guys - obv) and the writing is accessible. My inability to get into it probably says more about me as the reader than the book itself!

This is a lovely twisty tale that is fun and exciting without being overly angst-ridden and stressful, so if you like a little suspense and romance this could be the book for you.

Recommended.

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

Guest Review: Greeking Out (Destination Daddies) by Colette Davison

Can a singles holiday in Crete give two men who’ve never met, and only spoken via a hook-up app, what they both crave—love?

Apollo

A year of messaging on the Cuffd app has led me to understand one thing: Troy is the one meaningful relationship I’ve ever had. Two things are stopping it from being more, I’m an adult film star and there’s also an ocean between us. To claim my geek boy, I’m going to have to pull out all the stops and lay my heart on the line as I’ve never done before.

Troy

Apollo, my online friend gives me the confidence to take a trip to a place I dream of. Myths and legends are worth a little fear of flying, right? With the incentive of finding a Daddy who’s as caring as Apollo, what do I have to lose?

Greeking Out is a long-distance-friends-to-lovers story with a geeky boy who hasn’t been little in too long, a confident, caring Daddy who wants to give his boy the holiday of a lifetime, and a well-loved teddy bear. It’s part of the Destination Daddies multi-author series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are so many destinations and Daddies to discover, why not grab them all?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I loved the character names and their perfect energy!

Troy is a sweet subby boy who needs the love and care of a daddy. His best friend is Apollo who lives on another continent and they have only chatted on the cuffd kinky app but the daily contact with Apollo gives Troy the confidence to take strip to his dream destination. Troy is a scholar and geek with a vast love and knowledge of Greek mythology so a Cuffd daddies and littles holiday in Crete is his dream come true. Since Apollo gives him the confidence to undertake such a journey, and this will be their first face-to-face meeting, is there any doubt that this will be a match made in heaven?

Apollo is an adult film star and caring daddy who has never found his perfect forever-boy, but his online chat buddy Troy is everything he even dreamed of. Will their meeting go ok? Will they have the chemistry in real life they have over the internet? And if they do, what will they do about the fact that they live thousands of miles apart?

This was such a sweet and sexy read with all the happiness of our main characters finding just what they need in each other. The HEA was a delight and the tour round some of the most amazing locations in Greek mythology was an added joy.

I loved both men, but seeing Troy given the validation he needed was delightful.

Highly recommended.

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

Guest Review: Concussion and Contentment (Vivian Chastain #3) by Liz Faraim

Vivian, an adrenaline junkie and U.S. Army veteran, goes about her life as a bartender, avid runner, and polyamorous lesbian. Her life in Sacramento, California, is going well until she is blindsided by unforeseen financial issues that lead her to consider a new career.

In an attempt to recharge and take a break, Vivian goes on a motorcycle trip with her best friend, Bear, but the adventure does not turn out to be the carefree break Vivian had hoped for. She returns to Sacramento where her partner, Ang, tries to push her down rather than help her pick up the pieces. Meanwhile, Vivian takes big steps with her other partner, Audre.

Vivian has an epiphany about what line of work she wants to pursue. As things start to stabilize, one of Vivian’s partners commits an act of grave violence, resulting in life-changing consequences for all concerned.

Surrounded by friends, Vivian turns over a new leaf and finally finds the contentment she has sought for a lifetime.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I should say up-front that I had not read the previous books, so Vivian was a new character to me, but the book does work as a stand alone.

Vivian is trying to find her place of happiness in the world as an army veteran. She has a circle of friends and a couple of lovers but things are often just hard. The situation with her family was very difficult to read, but I really enjoyed her rediscovering a relationship with the brother by the end of the book.

Viv is a complicated character that didn’t grab me in the feels from the outset. Maybe the fact that I struggled to relate to her made my reading of the book much slower than normal. The writing was good and intricate, but a lot of it felt like I was watching lives played out through a window rather than being in it with the characters. There was a lot of descriptive writing which I found harder to emotionally connect with, until the tragedy strikes. Then I was all-in.

The change in Viv as she finds her alternate career is super and the post-tragedy acceptance of herself, her relationships with friends and her partner Audre were joyful.

Not an easy read, but a fascinating journey with Viv and her chosen family.

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

Guest Review: Sexted by Santa (Thrust Into Love #4) by D.J. Jamison

Christian Kringle: College professor, reluctant Santa, and...fake dating my neighbor?

I'm a grinch and proud of it--but this year, there’s no avoiding the Christmas cheer.

First, I get roped into playing Santa. Shudder. Then, while trying to dodge a setup with my boss's brother, I somehow promise to attend a holiday party with my boyfriend--who doesn't exist.

Next thing I know, my (soon-to-be former) best friend has set up a profile on a hookup app to find me a date. With the username of.... wait for it... SantaWantsYourChimney.

Go ahead and laugh. He sure did, the traitor.

Before I can delete the profile, I match with an easygoing guy with amazing photos. His teasing about Santa kink makes me laugh, and blush, and feel things I haven't since my divorce. For the first time in years, I look forward to dating.

Until we meet, and he turns out to be my neighbor. My very young, very off-limits neighbor who I've clashed with for years. Only now I know just how sexy, charming, and sweetly devoted to his daughter he is.

I should walk away, but I still need that fake boyfriend. The only problem? Jaxson's so convincing I can't tell where the pretense ends and real feelings begin.

Falling for him is easy. Loving his daughter? Effortless. Trusting that I can keep them is the hard part.

It'll take the magic of love, family, and yes--even Christmas--to teach this old grinch new tricks.

Sexted By Santa is a standalone holiday romance set in the Thrust Into Love universe.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I absolutely adore a grump getting together with a little ray of sunshine, or even better, a curmudgeonly Christmas-hating grinch falling for a cute as heck single dad doing his best every day for his daughter! This book was everything I expected and more.

Chris is a divorced college professor strong-armed into playing Santa for good cause, but his Ho Ho Ho-ing could use some serious work when he rocks up at the care home where Jaxson works. The fact that this Santa is Jaxson’s grumpy neighbour is not lost on him, but Jax still likes what he sees!

The book starts quite slow, giving us time to get to know the two men (and the adorable Tori) before the sexting starts! Both men have had their ups and plenty of downs, and Jaxson’s struggle as a single parent is depicted accurately (to me anyway!) and I really love the rolling nature of this tale as our guys find their way (quickly) to a scrumptious HEA just in time for Christmas.

This is a perfect dose of festive love and connection. Highly recommended!

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

Guest Review: Compassion Fatigue (Marisburg Chronicles #1) by Emily Carrington

Peter Campbell, a deaf man who teaches sign language classes, believes no one would ever love a bisexual man. When his new veterinarian, Dr. Abe Yoshida, shows him he’s wrong, Peter is left with the monumental task of coming out to his teenage daughter. Can his growing love for Abe give him the courage he needs?

The holidays are the worst time for Dr. Abe. He recently lost a patient, and the circumstances leave him struggling under a burden of guilt. Adding to his depression, as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, he finds himself the victim of anti-Asian hate crimes. Then he meets Peter, a compassionate, partially in the closet bisexual man. Will Abe let love heal his heart, or will suicide’s sour music bewitch his soul?

Trigger Warning: Deals with Asian Hate Crimes, COVID-19, depression and suicidal thoughts in characters with disabilities, which may be triggers for some readers.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

This is a moving story that carries a whole slew of trigger warnings. It is a sensitively written and enjoyable story that doesn’t shy away from some huge issues that are so very prevalent in our ongoing pandemic world.

It is refreshing to have a main character who is bisexual, though Peter has some seriously internalised bi-phobia which is a little hard to read. Our other leading man has serious mental health problems, with Abe struggling with suicidal thoughts. The balance is a tricky one and some bits of the book are clunky and a touch heavy, but I liked that this wasn’t a formulaic happy romance novel. This was a pair of vulnerable men who found the strength to be what the other needed.

I really enjoyed this unusual book and a new-to-me author.

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

Guest Review: Only You (Second Chance Omegas #1) by Willa Okati

Second Chance – a small town where anything can happen.

Once upon a time, a teenaged Alpha named Alex fell in love with a pretty Omega boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Zachary was everything he’d ever wanted -- sweet, sassy, and sexy as hell. Alex would have married that boy and raised baby after baby with him -- if Zachary hadn’t run away when Alex popped the question.

Alex doesn’t give up easily. When a train derails on its way to Alex‘s hometown, he’s finally got another shot at the one who got away, and he’s not going to waste it. Now he’s got Zachary in his sights, and he’s never letting go again.

It killed Zachary to let Alex go the first time. He loved that man as much as that man loved him, and he’s never fallen out of love, but he left to give Alex his best chance at living his best life. He can’t -- won’t -- be sorry for that, no matter what it cost him.

Stranded in Second Chance with nowhere else to go and no way to get there, Zachary's got no choice but to accept the help and shelter Alex offers. The chemistry’s still there. The desire. The connection. The yearning. But when the secrets they’ve both been keeping come to light, will they shatter their bond for keeps, or bring them together in a forever kind of love?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

We meet Zachary on a train. He’s alone, unwell and desperate. He just needs to get away, but then the train derails.

He’s near the town where he grew up, and ran away from the future he was sure he didn’t deserve.

Alex found his heart when he was just a teenager, only to have Zachary run out on him after he proposed. Alex is broken, but becomes the man his people need him to be.

He’s on a train, aware of the man who broke his heart just a short distance away. After the derailment, he isn’t going to let Zazhary get away a second time. He’s going to take Zachary with him.

The story then unfolds as our two men carefully circle around each other. Alex offers everything Zachary has always wanted, but can’t accept. How can they find their way to each other? I enjoyed the story, but there were a few leaps I felt could have been better explained.

This is a beautifully written tale with twists, turns and some painful truths. The ending is happy, thank goodness!

Recommended.

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

Guest Review: Liam (Love @ the Haven #4) by Stella Shaw

The brawny Dom and the beautiful Diva—and the secrets they keep

A personal trainer and part-time escort, Liam is burly, bossy, and perfectly cast as the resident Dom at the Haven Hotel. And if anything falls outside that box—like the lacy lingerie he keeps hidden in his gym bag—that’s easily ignored, right?

Felix’s career as a successful model means being at the beck and call of anyone who requires him. He’s expected to be satisfied with glamour, money, and subservience. No one would ever believe his secret desire to take control.

When Liam agrees to show the outrageously pretty and delicate Felix around Liam’s infamous Room 8, neither one expects the disobedient desire that sparks between two such opposite men. Felix is looking for a lover who’ll let him call the shots, whereas Liam is fighting the desire to submit. Their passion and power could make for a kinky role reversal.

They just have to surrender to their deepest needs.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

This book was such a refreshing take on romance and roles. Can the lovely men let go of all expectations and take hold of what they need? I loved the writing, and some bits really made me laugh out loud.

Liam is a gym trainer and Dom for hire. Felix is a waif-like model. Who is going to be the bossy top in this scenario? Well, when the Dom is being hired, he might just do as he is told!

The characters in the story were clearly crafted and charming. I loved that Felix became almost a different man in the room with Liam. Their connection was electric, and I loved the rich cast of supporting characters with some varied representation I adored.

The journey, both men went on, was a rollercoaster and their contrasting characters were lovely. I read the whole thing in one sitting (sleep is for wimps!) because it was such a fun read.

Recommended!

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

Guest Review: Swiped By My Dad’s Best Friend (Thrust into Love #1) by DJ Jamison

Cooper Rutledge: frat boy, general screwup, and...Daddy's boy?

On the surface, I don't take things too seriously.
Not my poor grades, or my hookups, or my inability to find my purpose.
But that was before.

Before the daddy of my wet dreams swiped right on my pic.
Before he turned out to be my father's best friend.
Before I convinced him to indulge in one night of pleasure with no strings.

I didn't count on how magical it would be.
I didn't know that when he spanked me and offered words of praise, my soul would drink it up.
I didn't realize how right Daddy kink would feel.

One night could never be enough.
Because I do care. Too much.
And when life sends me into an emotional tailspin, Trace steps up to support me---proving he cares too.

Everything has gotten very real, very fast.
But are we ready for the fallout?
I can't let anyone, not even my father, come between me and Trace.

I've finally found my Daddy, and I'll fight to keep him.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I loved this book! I loved that Cooper and Trace were such a good fit, but that the author really evaluated the genuine challenges of a big age gap in a relationship.

When we meet our guys, Cooper is really floundering. He’s having trouble with college and finding his way in the world. Living up to his father’s expectations for him presents a bigger challenge than he can meet by himself.

Trace has got his life together, and although he’s lonely, his business is doing ok, and he’s been asked to speak at the college alumni association by his former best friend, Cooper’s father. When Trace arrives in town, he decides a cheeky little hook-up is just what he needs to relax.

Take a breath folks, when the hook-up arrives, it’s Cooper. * At this point I’m clapping my hands with glee* This is even better than the only one bed trope that I love!

Of course, the path of true love did never run smooth! There is a huge journey for both men, including the elephant in the room - Cooper’s dad. The distance they live from each other, and Cooper’s need for direction and a daddy.

This book is adorable. It’s beautifully written, funny, engaging and cute. The HEA is perfect, and the journey all the characters go on are charming. I adored Cooper finding everything he needed in Trace, and vice versa.

Highly recommended!

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

Guest Review: Hold Tight (Biker Daddy Bodyguards #4) by Sue Brown

Griff spends his evenings unofficially protecting the successful club owner, Jem Peacock, for the Biker Daddy Bodyguards. But Jem is a boy in need of a Daddy and Griff is desperate to take that job. He will wait patiently for Jem to trust him with the secret of his heart.

This young Daddy, all wiry muscle and compact strength, is not Jem’s type. But when Jem’s world implodes, Griff is the one by his side, guarding him, and offering Jem the chance to explore his little side. Jem has longed for a special kind of Daddy, one who loves a femme little. Is he too old to have his dream? Can he trust Griff with that secret?

To his fellow bodyguards, Jem is a client. To their community, Jem is a boy in need of a special Daddy. To Griff, Jem is a little to be treasured. Will Jem give him that chance?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Griff has his eye on Jem. In every way that matters. Jem isn’t really interested, but circumstances might just put Jem in the way of the best thing that ever happened to him. The tension between these two men is confusing at first, but it soon becomes clear both men have been hurt badly. The beautiful crafting of Sue Brown’s words makes each man so very clear and real, that I hurt for them. Jem resists being honest about what he truly wants - even to himself and it is a matter of him learning to trust Griff to be really open about his deepest needs and desires.

The daddy kink in this book is cute and sexy, but also, more about needs being met. Jem needs to be a femme little, and Griff gives him a safe space to embrace his other self. This book is a joy, despite the fact that Jem is under threat and needs protection. The Biker Daddy Bodyguards from previous books in the series have little cameos here too.

Highly recommended.

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

Guest Review: Shug's Daddy by Siobhan Smile

Grey
I was just a divorced, small town, hardware store owner, and the man most people considered a gentleman. A slip up in my strict routine would send the town gossips into a frenzy. Yet I'd grown up in that town and everyone knew everyone. No secrets were safe, but I carried one that would send my world into chaos if I let it. I was falling for a town transplant and one of my best friends, Sugar. He was everything I wasn't. Spontaneous, fun, and knew exactly who he was. What would he see in a boring man like me?

Sugar (Shug)
I was that fat, nonbinary person who hadn't known the inside of a closet in my life. With a mom like mine, she taught me to never live with regrets, but I had a massive one. I fell in love with my straight, gentlemanly best friend. Grey was everything I wasn't. Thankfully, he was clueless, but our shared friend group wasn't. How long could our friends stay silent in a town as small as ours?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Oh my goodness, how much did I love this book! There is something so delicious about the best friends secretly in love with each other trope that I adore.

Grey and Shug were even better than usual friends, being that they are such polar opposites. I adored that the rest of the friend group knew that Grey and Shug were too busy keeping secrets to notice that their love, affection and need for each other was truly reciprocated. Grey was the archetypal proper gentleman whereas Shug is a totally out-there, larger than life character.

The dawning realisation took a while, and I loved this book so much I read it twice. The writing is funny, sassy and so adorable. I really enjoy a daddy kink romance, and this one was a splendid example. I appreciated the non-binary rep too.

Highly recommended.

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

Guest Review: Jared (Boyfriend for Hire #4) by RJ Scott & Meredith Russell

Jared’s world is turned upside down after Luka hands over his pocket money to hire him as a friend for his lonely, widowed dad.

Jared is good at his job, but his soft heart means that he often finds himself in the weirdest of situations. A kind-of-threesome, a disappearing swan, and a destroyed hotel room are just the tip of the iceberg, but he is a popular boyfriend-for-hire and always in demand. He dreams of working as a family psychologist one day, and as his work with Bryant & Waites is funding his studies, the last thing he wants is to lose his job. At a make-or-break meeting, Jared vows to focus on being strictly professional. Still, almost immediately, he meets Luka sitting on the office steps with pocket money in hand and with a sadness that melts Jared’s resolve. Luka explains that his mom passed away some years ago, and his hardworking father needs a friend. Jared has no intention of taking Luka’s pocket money, but he wants to make Luka smile again, and if being hired as a friend for Luka’s widowed dad is what it takes, then he’s all in.

Being a single dad to eleven-year-old Luka is the best thing in Nate’s world, but add running a bar with long hours, and his work-life balance is screwed. There’s certainly no time for relationships, and even though Luka worries about his dad’s love life daily, romance is the last thing on Nate’s agenda. Owning Rhea’s Bar and keeping his head above water is second only to his love for Luka. His entire world consists of his son and the bar until Jared stumbles into his life. Even though Nate won’t admit it, he’s lonely, and Jared is the first friend he’s made in a very long time. Could their friendship become something more?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I adored Jared and his series of unfortunate dates! His soft heart got him in all sorts of scrapes, and then he met Luka.

Luka is a sweet boy who is looking for a friend for his dad. With Jared though, he gets way more than that.

Nate works hard at his bar, and to be a good dad to Luka and that leaves no time at all for a social life or for that matter a love life!

Luka is the catalyst that brings Nate and Jared together, and the winding road to a relationship is cute, emotional and charming. The two men really need each other, though Jared doubts his place in Nate’s affection as Nate was previously married to Luka’s mom. The chemistry between them is lovely, and the delicate nature of Jared dating Nate with Luka along for the ride is so adorable that I loved the whole thing.

This is the fourth book in the series of Boyfriends for Hire, and each had its own independent story, as well as revisiting some of the previous boyfriends. This is a delightful series with clever writing, charming relationships and joyful HEAs for everyone.

Highly recommended.

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

Guest Review: Nothing Special VIII: SWAT Ed.: Fox & Bull by A.E. Via

A fox can set many traps to catch his target—but this one only needs one to catch his.

Dominic “Bull” Walker is used to the simpler things in life. Give him his own land to work, a strong horse, and twelve hours of daylight, and he is a contented man. But when someone threatens to take away the successful ranch that took him two years to rebuild, he’ll accept any help he can get to defend it.

Mandel “Fox” Tucker is a sixth-generation SWAT soldier. It’s embedded in his bones to protect and serve his community. So when he gets word of the vandalism occurring on the Walker Ranch, he quickly volunteers the free time he has, thanks to his recent suspension.

The brief visit Fox had with Bull four months ago had been a contentious—but powerful—encounter. Therefore, he’s not surprised when he shows up on his doorstep unannounced and has to pull out some of his best tricks to get past the six-foot-four, stubborn Texan.

Fox is only there to safeguard what’s most important to Bull. But being on the ranch brings an awareness to him that he embraces with both hands. Nature, peace… love—things he never found in the city.

Trigger Warning: Mild police violence. Scenes are not graphic.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I have loved the whole Nothing Special series of books and audio books, and was looking forward to this one as it has a different energy than the other books being mostly set on a ranch rather than in the city.

Bull is a strong quiet man who has made a safe space for all kinds of animals and people on his land, but there has been disturbances and attacks. Bull’s father has a friend in the Atlanta Police Department so called in the big boys for assistance. Fox has an immediate response to the big man, and when circumstances conspire to leave him needing to get away from the city for a bit, he goes to stay at the ranch to look out for the folks and the business there.

When it comes time to go, Fox doesn’t want to leave Bull, but God and Day won’t take no for an answer!

Bull fears his man will never return, but he doesn’t know how big of a pull he has on the sixth generation SWAT man.

The heat between our two guys is stunning and story will totally suit fans of the hurt-comfort trope. The HEA is everything it needs to be. My only complaint is I’d have liked more dialogue and less strong silent stuff!

Highly recommended.

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