Audiobook Review: Romancing the Ugly Duckling (Romancing the... #2) by Clare London

Is this the makeover of a lifetime?

Ambitious fashionista Perry Goodwood lands the project of his dreams—track down a celebrity family’s missing brother in the Scottish Highlands and bring him back to London for a TV reality show. But first he must transform the rugged loner into a glamorous sophisticate.

Greg Ventura has no use for high fashion. He lives on the isolated island of North Uist to escape the reminder that he’s nowhere near as handsome as his gorgeous brothers and avoid the painful childhood memories of being bullied.

Greg wants nothing to do with city life, and Perry’s never been outside London. When Perry is stranded on North Uist, this conflict seems insurmountable. But Greg is captivated by the vivacious Perry, and Perry by both the island and his host. However, Perry’s one heartfelt wish remains: that ugly duckling Greg fulfill his potential as a swan.

Narrated by: Joel Leslie
Length: 7 hours 15 minutes

Let's just nutshell this deal, k?

L     O     V     E     D   !     !     !     !

I might have had little hearts floating around my head even. From the start to finish I loved it. I laughed out loud. I had some feels. I shouted at the fictional characters in my phone like they could hear me. But most unbelievable of all, I drove the speed limit! Well, for the most part. A lot more than I normally do so that's something.

Romancing the Ugly Duckling had so many things I love in my romance reads my head was spinning around on all the Cracky Fluff. If it had been kinky I would've thought Clare London was courting me. Alas, no kink. So I guess I should end my mailbox vigil waiting for all those wooing gifts I was hoping for. *sad face* Anyhoozit!

KILTS!!!
Size difference!
Cute Dog!
Sassy Twink!
Grouchy Bear!
Making a family out of friends!
Opposites Attract!
Couples who are good for each other!

Perry Goodwood, which is the cutest name ever, ain't it? Also, solid porn star name. I am just saying. Perry is a posh Londoner and bonafide city slicker. He gets tasked to reel in the other Ventura brother, the ugly duckling of the family full of swans, to come back for a reality show. Problem is Greg Ventura is on an island off the coast of Scotland called Uist. How beside himself Perry gets by this development had me laughing out loud whilst stuck in traffic hell. He acts like it's Siberia or something!

Greg Ventura HATES the city! He left home 5 yrs ago and he's not going back. Not now. Not ever. Those perfect brothers made his childhood hell and he's got no intention of subjecting himself to that nonsense again. He's perfectly happy in his little cottage on the croft, diving for scallops and going to the pub every now and then to meet his friends.

Their interplay starts off fun with Perry not backing down from Greg's gruffness but quickly turns sweet. Having both their perspectives showed just how much things evolved for the better for both. Perry makes Greg more approachable and brings order to the chaos that Greg perpetually lives in and Greg settles Perry's frenetic nature. They both buoy the other's self-image which shows in their interactions with others as the story unfolds.

Perry fits in on this island even though it has all that water that makes him want to flee to a nice safe highrise. So Greg teaches him how to swim. They just fit. Like old shoes. It was the stuff of the best Cracky Fluff high.

There were so many conversations and swoon worthy moments between Perry and Greg like how Perry takes to just sitting on the floor of Greg's studio with Rory to watch him paint. Rory, by the way, is smarter than all of the people combined. How he even got out of the cottage to alert Greg et al. about the Perry/Fiona emergency I don't even know but good dog is good. There were so many touching moments between them and their friends too. I literally didn't want it to end and stretched it out and will probably start listening to it again in the next few days. Whenever I need a comfort read Perry and Greg will be there.

As with all the Cracky Fluffs the sexy times are few but they have chemistry and their desire for one another really came through on that Isle of UST, I mean Uist.

Greg is bad with words. Words are not his friend but the grand gesture at the end...

This was another fantastic job by Joel Leslie with all the voices. He put emotion and feeling into his performance and made this cadre of characters shine. Clare London wrote a great story and Joel Leslie brought it to life. It was a joy to listen to.

I've squealed over a few of the Cracky Fluffs but this shot to the tippity-top of my fluffs faves list. I loved the characters, the relationship, the secondary characters, how the conflict came about, how their relationship strengthened each of these men and how it all worked out in the end. And Rory. I had a pretty wide range of emotions while listening to it which is always a good thing and it held my attention from start to finish which is saying something since I have the attention span of a hummingbird.

If you're looking for a comfort read that'll hit you in the feels and leave you wanting more, give Romancing the Ugly Duckling a try.

A review copy was provided.

Audiobook Review: Breaking Bonds (The Walker Boys, #2) by Ari McKay

From the frying pan into the fire.

After a critic’s review attacks both Chef Liam Walker’s culinary skills and his personal life, Liam can no longer take the heat of the cutthroat New York City restaurant scene. He needs to get out of the kitchen—at least long enough to cool down and regroup.

At the Overlook Resort in North Carolina, Liam meets owner Carter Galloway. Carter has a passion for the hospitality business to rival Liam’s own, and it’s not hard to see where their shared interests—and attraction—could lead. But Carter has no interest in a fling, and Liam has no intention of walking away from the career he fought so hard for. If they want a taste of happiness together, they’ll have to find the courage to break the bonds threatening to pull them apart.

Narrated by: Dorian Bane
Listening Length: 5 hours and 26 minutes

I LOVE chefs, cooking, cooking shows, the whole nine yards. One of my favorite movies is Chef with Jon Favreau because of that scene. You know the one.

That shit cracks me up every single time!

Anywhat, I mention all this because this book is very chefy and Liam had a Chef moment that landed him at an upstart resort in North Carolina on a sort of forced vacation. The resort is owned and operated by Carter Galloway. In short order, Liam takes over the kitchen because they're serving "swill" *cackle break* and things start to turn around for the resort quickly. If you're not big on the food biz this may not be your cuppa. Obviously, I thoroughly enjoyed that part and could talk your face off about the whole celebrity chef/NYC thing versus making a name for oneself outside of the Big Apple, but I'll be good and refrain. However, the romance kind of took a backseat, in my opinion

At one point I actually thought Rocky was going to be Liam's love interest rather than Carter. However, I did really like both of Liam and Carter and Rocky, for that matter. Carter and Liam become friends mostly because Carter isn't the hook up kind and he can't envision being happy in a long distance relationship since Liam in New York and Carter in North Carolina which I respected. He knows his limitations and was upfront about them, didn't play games but was also honest about his attraction to Liam.

This is definitely a slow burn, so slow I think I missed the burn part but somewhere in there they became attached. There's only one sex sect at the end that, honestly, I could've done without but I'm glad they got their HEA and I wouldn't be averse to continuing on with this series.

With regard to Bane's narration, I really like it! His Liam was great and I kept thinking he sounded like someone I know and then it clicked: Fred Thompson. Loved that guy's voice! All the characters were distinct and he brought enthusiasm to his narration. He's got kind of a rumbly thing happening that I dig.

Lastly, I'm not really sure how to word this but there were parts of it that felt patched(?) in, like, it wasn't all recorded continuously? The volume would vary during these times as though these passages were recorded elsewhere. IDK maybe somebody else who's listened to it can articulate it better than I, but it was kind of... odd and usually took me out of the story.

Nevertheless I still enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it to foodies.

A review copy was provided.

Review: I Love You More Than Pierogi by K.A. Merikan

Marek and Adrian dated in high school, but a bitter breakup led them to choose different paths. Adrian is out and proud while Marek is in the closet. Adrian embraces his eccentricity while Marek clings to a conservative image. And while Marek worked hard to build a successful life and financial stability by climbing the corporate ladder, Adrian threw caution to the wind and has spent the last five years backpacking across the world.

Now Adrian is back in Warsaw, Poland, but while Marek thinks they will have a hookup and have a blast from the past, Adrian is just looking for a place to crash. Worse still, Adrian turns up at Marek’s advertising agency for help with his outrageous new business venture, and if Marek wants to get promoted, he might have to work with the guy who broke his heart.

Second chances in love... in a job... in life... I Love You More Than Pierogi is about being able to start over, no matter your choices in your past.

Adrian and Marek couldn't be more different. Adrian is out, adventurous, and willing to take risks. Marek is firmly in the closet, very cautious and conservative. After a bad breakup after high school, they spend years apart. While Marek was working himself to the bones trying to further his career, Adrian was out seeing the world.

When they met up again, they didn't automatically fall into old patterns like they assumed they would. I liked that about them. A lot of time had passed and they weren't the same people anymore. Even though they were together before, their relationship wasn't easy. They still had some of the same issues, along with some new ones. This almost had an enemies to lovers feel to me. They didn't seem to like each other much, despite not being able to stay away. The arguing got a little old for me, but when push came to shove they made the right decisions for themselves and each other.

For the first half I wanted to smack Marek more than a few times. His attitude toward Adrian seemed all over the place. Marek was so uptight and judge-y. He was hard for me to like a lot of times. Adrian was a much more likeable character. Being so open and easygoing, it's hard not to like the guy. But he wasn't perfect either. While he seemed to have taken the better path in life, he had his own mistakes, too.

The romance was light and so were the sexytimes. Especially for K.A. Merikan. Adrian and Marek were cute and sweet, but ya know... it's The Merikans.

I loved the setting. I've never been to Poland and don't know much about it. I especially enjoyed all the food! It sounds so different from anything I've had before. It definitely left me wanting to seek out some traditional Polish eats.

I Love you More Than Pierogi is sweet romance about second chances with a good dose of culture.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more info on Goodreads and Dreamspinner Press. 

Did you see our I Love You More Than Pierogi blog tour stop here?

Review: His Fairy Godfather by Cate Ashwood and Nico Jaye

Since the death of his father, Trick Grigsby has fought to keep his head above water. Following in his father’s footsteps as a talented architect, he hopes to work his way up at the firm. Unfortunately, the company’s new owner barely resembles the man who was once Trick’s father’s best friend. Trick’s days are filled with drudgery and cruel remarks from the man who was supposed to be his mentor—along with his two sons, whose only jobs seem to be making Trick’s life miserable.

But all that is about to change.

Edwin Goodmaker struggled through his fairy godparent curriculum, but his mother—the reigning Fairy Queen—has a simple solution: Edwin will go to New York City and get some practical experience. When he meets Trick, Edwin knows he’s found a worthy charge, and he’s sure he can help Trick achieve all of his heart’s desires. Edwin falls for Trick, but with everything standing in their way, a fairy-tale ending might remain nothing more than a dream.

Adorably flufftastic! I wanted something light and fun and that's exactly what was delivered. A cute Cinderfella story, complete with an evil step-dad type figure and a fairy godfather.

Edwin was a fairy godfather in training and is sent to New York to get some hands-on experience. As soon as he ran into Trick, Edwin knew he found his charge.

When he ran into Trick, his new charge was working at a job he hated for a terrible boss and his two sons. I can't believe how badly he was treated at his job. He was barely getting by and was underappreciated. Actually, he wasn't appreciated at all. He was constantly insulted. Trick had his reasons for staying at the firm, but even after his explanation, I still didn't understand why he would stay in such a bad environment. It was a tad far-fetched. But, hey, this is a Cinderella story, after all!

Edwin was pretty much clueless about life in New York. He was adorably naive and so damn endearing. Always smiling and always willing to help. I just wanna squeeze him! Apparently, so did Trick. I loved that their relationship had exactly zero angst. From strangers, to friends, to boyfriends, there wasn't any unnecessary drama. Just adorable dates, a magical Thanksgiving, and Christmas cuteness.

This modern-day Cinderfella story is full of fairy godfather magic with the sweetest HEA. Grab your hot cocoa, a blanket and prepare to snuggle up.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more info on Goodreads and Dreamspinner Press.

Review: Hotline by Quinn Anderson

Zack never intended to become a phone sex operator, but with half a college degree and a smart mouth, his options were limited. It helps that he has a knack for thinking on his feet and a willingness to roll with whatever his clients throw at him. Sure, he gets his fair share of creeps and unconventional requests, but it pays the bills, and he’s in no danger of breaking his one rule: never fall for a client.

Until a man named “John” starts calling, and Zack finds himself interested in more than a paycheck. It’s not just that John has money, or that his rumbling baritone drives Zack wild. He’s everything Zack isn’t: educated, poised, and in total control of his life.

A twist of fate brings them face-to-face, and now that they’ve seen each other—and spent an unforgettable night together—they can’t go back to the way things were. A sex worker and a trust fund brat . . . It’s like Romeo and Juliet, but with less stabbing and slightly fewer dick jokes. Hopefully they can pull off a more successful ending.

Cinderfella Slash-fic pretty much sums this book up. I'm actually totally fine with fanfic/slash-fic. If taylorpotato hadn't abandoned my ship for Sciles I'd still have a largely inappropriate relationship with his fics. What makes a really good fic or book for me is layers be it a gripping subplot, great relationship development, feel good fluff that'll make your teeth hurt or angst. Unfortunately, Hotline was one note, and that note was sex. There's nothing for me to sink my teeth into and 350 pgs of nothing but nuclear sex... I got bored. I can easily imagine this being classified as a one-handed read, but aside from the sex it's not all that imaginative. 

Zack is a phone sex operator who sucks at his job. He's only in it for the paycheck and it shows in his lackluster performances and his paychecks until he gets a call from John. John turns out to be a trust fund baby who's also GQ beautiful, single and available. They accidentally meet one night and that bell can't be unrung, so they start dating (mostly fucking). 

Truth be told, I requested this because I saw a post of Rachel Haimowitz' that was essentially squealing. The word "stitches" was used and not in a medical sense. I like funny. I get funny. So it was a foregone conclusion that I'd be requesting this as soon as it hit NetGalley. However, this wasn't funny to me which leaves me with two possible explanations, (a) my sense of humor is deficient...

or (b) it's not funny. For the sake of argument, let's go with 'b'. I mean, there is a zinger every now and again mostly by Alexa, Zack's co-worker and snark monster extraordinaire, but comedic it is not.

The problems I have with it aside from it being monotonous and not funny are neither of these characters are well-defined and I need to know and see why they feel like they're right for each other when they're not fucking each other into the mattress or the couch or the backseat. Zack's characterization comes off inconsistent-he has some college but he doesn't know what proclivity means yet he uses vacillate often? 

I also don't understand the point of introducing his parents because aside from a tempestuous dinner his sister is the only one who makes a reappearance. I think it was a half-hearted attempt at evil family/Cinderfella trope but it fell flat. In a nutshell, it could've been pared down. 

Hotline is told through Zack who comes across very immature and dickish and his relationship with John has very little substance. John didn't do much for me either.

On a more positive note, I like this author's voice; it's a nice blend of fanfic lingo and freshness. I would read something else by her. It's also probably a 5 on the fluffometer with a feel good HFN ending. I like fluffy and I didn't hate this I just wish there had been more to it. Also, have I mentioned how hot the sex was? 

Recommend to those who enjoy a one-handed read just break it up over several days. Because chafing or carpal tunnel. 

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

Find out more on Goodreads.

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

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

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

His apparent marriage is a different story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I needz.

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

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

Review: Escapade by Dolce

Twenty-nine-year-old Lucas Thompson is at the top of the corporate ladder. But when his lifelong friend and ex-boyfriend invites him to his last-minute destination wedding in the Bahamas, Lucas realizes his corporate success can’t hide his private loneliness. Nor will he be able to escape seeing his family at the wedding—and having to explain, yet again, why he’s rich, handsome… and still single.

Fate and a taxi ride change everything when Lucas meets the charismatic and clever Jack McQueen, who just so happens to be a male escort. Jack’s presence on Lucas’s arm at the wedding keeps questions at bay, but their pretend relationship turns into something more after ten days of sun, sand, and sex. And before the trip is up, both men will discover that what started as a simple escapade in paradise might just lead to their very own happily ever after.

Love blooms in paradise.

This story has everything I love about rent-boy stories, and none of the added angst. This was such a light and fluffy book that I had the goofiest sweet grin on my face when reading it.

When Lucas is invited to his lifelong friend’s wedding, where he will be surrounded by a hoard of loving but meddling family… still single, he finds himself seeking some sort of an escape route. Jack (aka Teddy) feels an instant kinship to Lucas when they meet, and therefore finds himself accepting Lucas’ offer to be his pretend boyfriend for the 10 day wedding extravaganza.

I’m really going to struggle putting my thoughts on this book in articulate words. The way this was written was so detailed and subtle that one or two lines can’t convey the connection that was built between these two. It's through conversations that last pages, with Lucas and Teddy noticing small moments where their lives are starting to intertwine.

Jack laughed and perched on top of the kitchen island. He crossed his ankles, gently tapping his heels into the cabinet below.

Lucas glanced at the front door. Jack’s brown suede ankle boots rested beside his blue Adidas trainers.

“You’ll love them,”Jack insisted. “I’m sure of it.”

The flow of the writing is beautiful. We get so immersed in Lucas and Teddy's conversations as they get to know each other that I didn't notice the page count changing.

In most ‘pretend boyfriend’ books, the men are awkward around physical affection with each other and can barely be civil at times due to loads of sexual tension. Lucas and Teddy are actually like a real couple. There's no deceit between them, they confide in each other and offer support when it's needed. They also spend most of the book kissing, and each kiss is steamier than the last. Yes, there's sexual tension, but these men actually have control of their bodies and don't hide their attraction towards each other. Both are interested in forming a connection with each other before having sex.

Look I won’t lie, it takes ages for these guys to have sex. When they do, it's raw passion and sweaty sex, but I still felt like it was somewhat anticlimactic considering I had been waiting 75% of the book for them to get together.

Also at points I felt like the story dragged a bit, mostly around all the wedding activities Lucas and Teddy attend. It was still enjoyable, just 380 pages of sweet and fluffy romance building.


The humour was refreshingly funny and felt real. I could imagine actual people having these conversations. Thankfully there were no strange one liners awkwardly inserted to try make the book more enjoyable.

“You already gave me a very detailed blow-by-blow of your origin as Spider-Hustle.”
Jack snorted, “Captain Cock or Iron Arse,” and Lucas started to giggle with him.
“I quite like Captain Cock. Does your shield have a cock on it instead of a star?”
“It has cocks arranged in the shape of a star.”

I really enjoyed this, I felt content then entire time while reading it, and as long as you're prepared for 380 pages of fluffiness, I would highly recommend this book!

Check out on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

Review: The Lone Rancher Audiobook by Andrew Grey

He'll do anything to save the ranch, including baring it all.

Aubrey Klein is in real trouble—he needs some fast money to save the family ranch. His solution? A weekend job as a stripper at a club in Dallas. For two shows each Saturday, he is the star as The Lone Rancher.

It leads to at least one unexpected revelation: after a show, Garrett Lamston, an old friend from school, approaches the still-masked Aubrey to see about some extra fun… and Aubrey had no idea Garrett was gay. As the two men dodge their mothers’ attempts to set them up with girls, their friendship deepens, and one thing leads to another.

Aubrey know his life stretching between the ranch and the club is a house of cards. He just hopes he can keep it standing long enough to save the ranch and launch the life—and the love—he really hopes he can have.

Narrator: John Solo
Listening Length: 4 hours and 54 minutes

I know what what I want for my next birthday. A cowboy stripper.

After his parents’ excessive spending and mismanagement almost drove the family ranch into bankruptcy, Aubrey Klein stepped in to try and get things under control. In order to bring in some extra cash, he began dancing as a masked cowboy at a strip club. At one of his shows, Aubrey spots his childhood friend Garrett Larnston. While Garrett didn’t recognize him, things become complicated when Aubrey and Garrett begin a relationship back in their small hometown. Throw in that the two are still in the closet, and Aubrey soon finds it difficult to juggle everything.

This is my first time listening to an audiobook narrated by Jon Solo. I liked his narration. The characters were differentiated, the pacing was good, and I didn’t have to try too hard to follow along with the story.

There’s a lot going on in this book. We’ve got financial trouble, stripping, a tentative relationship, and an oblivious mother who’s set on getting her gay son hitched. It could have been quite angsty, but ‘The Lone Rancher’ was a fairly low-angst and easy read. The majority of the book is smooth-going, and it’s easy to immerse yourself in this story of two friends becoming more.

I’m a fan of small town romances, and I’m a fan of cowboys. So though the romance wasn’t exceptional, I still enjoyed seeing Aubrey and Garrett grow closer, especially their sweet moments alone in the fields. And while this isn’t a particularly steamy book, the few sex scenes are hot. Though I might be biased, because I find anything with a cowboy hot.

However, one thing I really didn’t enjoy was the constant guilt that Aubrey had over stripping. When it comes down to it, I didn’t think it was such a big issue. Sure, he should have been forthcoming with Garrett, but the circumstances were understandable. I also didn’t like that Garrett felt betrayed by Aubrey’s dancing, but had no problem watching the strip shows before he knew who the masked cowboy was. It’s too close to the pot calling the kettle black for my liking.

So far I’ve avoided the Dreamspun Desires books. Harlequin hasn’t been my thing for years, and most of the blurbs I’d read so far didn’t really catch my attention. ‘The Lone Rancher’ follows the “harlequin theme” in that it’s an easy read in which all problems conveniently solve themselves. It requires a bit of suspension of disbelief, like Aubrey’s parents complete turnaround regarding his sexuality. But it’s a nice enough read, if not special.

Overall, this book was likeable. I’d say it’s closer to two stars, but I’ll round up for the good audiobook narration.

Check out:

Dreamspinner Press
Goodreads

And our review for the book here!

Cupcake's Year in Review

Hi all! Happy New Year to you and yours. Being the end of the year I thought it would be a perfect time to be completely unoriginal and talk about my favorite reads of 2014. 

2014 a.k.a. the year I became a unicorn!

A seminal moment in my life. *snortles* I said seminal… 

I haven't been a unicorn all year BUT I 2014 was also my first full year of reading predominantly M/M.  Still a neophyte in the genre, but we all gotta start somewhere, right?

Without further ado, let's get this party started! 

Lists are in no particular order.

Let's start with one of my favorites. 

*growls*

Slow Bloom by Anah Crow & Dianne Fox

Fantastic MANTIES. Great story with an age gap, a little bit of kink and so much romance.

Blind Space by Marie Sexton

Amazeballs MANTIES!!! Good Lawd, I'm still fanning myself.

Life Drawing by Jane Davitt

Cute story with a big guy bottom. Yum. Who likes MANTIES. Yummerer.

Mark Cooper vs. America by Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock
MANTIES + Henry/Rock = Full of Win

Wallflower by Heidi Belleau

More cross dressing than MANTIES. The story has meat on its bones. Plus, Bobby.

Dark Space by Lisa Henry

I really have nothing profound to say. Read it. It's fantabulous.

Sarge by Bey Deckard

Superb D/s in spaaaaccccceeee with a big guy bottom. 

El Presidio Rides North by Domashita Romero

I don't even like zombies and I chortled through this thing. Plus, IT'S FREE!!!

Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts by Lyn Gala

My eyes *may* have become juicy whilst reading this. I rarity indeed.

Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities by Lyn Gala

Phenomenal world building. Fantastic writing. Ondry & Liam… *sigh*

The Laird's Forbidden Lover by Amelia C. Gormley

Uh, kilts. Lots of them. And buttsex in barns. 

All in with the Duke by Ava March

Regency kink with angst. Who can resist that?

Benjamin Pepperwhistle and the Fantabulous Circus of Wonders by Cornelia Grey

Super hot, not your run of the mill kink with two of the best character names, like, ever.

You can't get much more contemporary than The Colbs. Ammah right?

Fight by Kelly Wyre

Loved this story. Loved the relationship. Loved the fuckhot sex. Loved it.

Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan

C'mon! Nowhere Ranch, man! She's Queen Shit of Fuck Mountain. Got to read.

Motel. Pool. by Kim Fielding

Great love story. Fielding can rip your heart out with the best of them & make you run back for more.

It's Like This by Anne O'Gleadra

I just loved these kinky kids. Loved Niles' angst and being inside his hot mess of a head.

The King by Tiffany Reisz

King wears a corset. OMFG KING WORE A CORSET!!!!!!!! 3 words: Sex. On. Legs. (in heels)

Animal Instincts by Kim Alan

Adorbz story with a cute dog, a vet and a damaged new guy to the neighborhood with a pinch of kink.

Bloodraven by P.L. Nunn

I still think of this as my accomplishment read of 2014. It's like 4 books! Long books. Great books, but lllllooooooooooooonnnnnnnngggggggggg. Pack a sack lunch.

Caged:  Love and Treachery on the High Seas by Bey Deckard

Pirates. Kinky pirates who are treacherous. Amazing writing. Blown away by the level of skill in this debut novel.

Sacrificed:  Heart Beyond the Spires by Bey Deckard

Three kinky pirates who get into one heck of a pickle. Did I mention they were kinky?

Master of the Game by Jane Kindred

Angels & demons with a Russian twist and exceptional writing.

Thick as Thieves by Tali Spencer

VORGELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND PETAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! So stoked for the sequel.

Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey

This book held me hostage and I think melted my brain a little bit, but it was worth it.

Tribute by Lisa Henry

Awesome. Unbelievably awesome. Still can't believe this was Henry's first novel.

Armed & Dangerous by Abigail Roux

Ty & Zane. That is all. I really need to get back to this series.

Hostile Ground by Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt

The thriller part sort of petered out but the relationship between Ridley & Mahir was quite nice.

In The Red by Kari Gregg

More like boiling or ON FIYAH!!!! The Gregg brought'd it. Pay no attention to that cliffy ending.

City Knight by T.A. Webb

Growly bear & a rent boy twink. That's all I got. What else do you need? I mean, really?

Love in a landscape. Good, right? 

I don't know about you guys but I thought the quality of the stories that we got FOR FREE this year was impressive. And so many of them!

The Arroyo by M. Caspian

You'd be hard pressed to find another author that writes the most fucked up things so eloquently.

Bird Meets Cage by Anyta Sunday

There was a clown and I still loved it! Nothing scarier than a clown.

Cruel to be Kind by Kim Dare

MY PROMPT!!!! BY MY GIRL!!!!!! STILL SQUEALING!!!

The Case of the Insufferable Slave by Gillian St. Kevern

Inspired noir writing that harkened back to Bogey & Bacall.

Where Willows Won't Grow by Lia Black

Fantastic world building & dub con with kinky wrestling. You heard me.

Geeking Out on 11C by L.L. Bucknor

I giggled & snortled & felt uncomfortable & giggled again & I loved every bit of it.

Stranded By Lies by Finn Marlowe

This just made me happy. It reminded me of some great times in my life & Finn's so talented.

Consorting with Dragons by Sera Trevor

Dragons. Regency dragons in an AU. It's like a soup of all my favorite things. A yummy soup.

Blood in the Water by Tami Veldura

Swashbuckling paranormal pirates who battle & have angry sex.

My SMUTASTIC category. Plot schmot is what I say! Have your lube handy.

Concubine by Jill Knowles

Sparkly butt plugs & bedazzled sex toys & oodles of orgasmic sex.

Dirty Fighters by Kyle Adams

They fight & fuck in a basement. One handed read. 

Please Come at Home for Christmas by Misha Horne

Garland & tree skirts will never look the same to me again. Ever.

Bound to be a Groom by Megan Mulry

So hot & kinky & hot. Did I mention it was hot? Because it was.

These three are in a class by themselves. 

YES by Lord Original Buttersworth

Profound & so wordy. It's almost purple.

Clipped by Devon McCormack

I know there were monster cocks & #teampain & there will be a sequel & I will be there for it.

Kraken by M. Caspian

I don't even know. I know it creeped me the fuck out. I'd read it again though.

And last but certainly not least… 

Cupcake loves her some kink, so here goes.

The Dark Collector by Vanessa North

Fantastic story with cathartic kink.

Fettered by Lyn Gala

Great leather society kink & Dilly is adorbz.

Uneven by Anah Crow

I haven't words adequate enough to describe how good this was.

Her Grace's Stable by Joely Sue Burkhart

The most exquisite pony play.

Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan

Sam. Sam. Sam. The writing was stupendous because… Queen Shit of Fuck Mountain, but Sam… 

Mr. Benson by John Preston

If you like gay kink. You read John Preston. The Godfather of gay kink.

Bad Things by Varian Krylov

A. Xavi

B. I like Krylov's writing style even though it's wordy or maybe because of. I'm not sure.

The first two of the Ganymede Quartet (A Most Personal Property & A Proper Lover) by Darrah Glass

Slavefic from the Gilded Age with glorious writing. Glorious.

To all of you… 

Have the happiest of new year. May 2015 be your brightest yet.

To the Unicorn Mafia, I love you all.

Thank you so much for inviting me to join BMBR. It's made 2014 a memorable year indeed.

Be well.