Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Seeking Solace (The Walker Boys, #3)Seeking Solace by Ari McKay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This book is about leaving your past behind and embracing what the future holds.

Paul Mercer is next in line to inherit the Triton family business of cruise ships. Paul has never been on a cruise, so his father sets him up on a two week business opportunity aboard the Poseidon’s Pearl, where he is somewhat undercover, using a false last name. He's trying to get a read on the staff hospitality and needs, but when he sees bartender Devin Walker, he can't help mix business with pleasure.

I enjoyed the easy relationship between Paul and Devin. Paul had been burned in the past when an accident claimed his leg. Living with a prosthetic had been difficult to manage and his ex had wanted no part in his recovery. But Devin wanted Paul to enjoy life to the fullest and find happiness anywhere he could. He really changed Paul's outlook and it was fun to read the change in Paul.

While I thought the story was fun, it was somewhat slow for me. I loved that the relationship between the two was the main focus, but I guess I was waiting for more action or adventure to take place.

This was a good, fun, low angst read with plenty of good times and a HEA.

*Arc provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/*

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Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Bad Habit (Bad in Baltimore, #6)Bad Habit by K.A. Mitchell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the best kind of angsty, rough, tortured romance you can read.

The MC’s were tough, hard driven, tattooed and angry. Angry at each other, angry at the world, angry at fate. And it translated into pure desire and lust.

Scott and Liam survived foster care together and promised each other a life together when they aged out. Plans changed when Liam had to take care of his drug addicted mom and disappeared.
Years later, they reunited and fell in love again and were on their way to making it work. Scott was working two jobs and Liam was in school to become a doctor. When he came home and found Scott with pills, he left.

Six years later they are both different people. Scott is still stuck in a rut and Liam has seen hell and lost a leg there but he’s on a journey of self discovery and he’s got a new boyfriend. The possibility of finding each other again and making it work seems like a lost cause this time around, but the love between them is palpable.

Scott’s character was angsty and tough and I wasn’t sure I was going to like him, to be fair, but he ended up being my favorite. He was repentant and had a heart of gold and loved like no other. His dry wit had me laughing so many times.

“Liam rubbed the back of Scott’s neck. ‘You’re going to hate me saying this, but this is how I know we’re going to make it this time.’
Scott pulled away. ‘Why, because I drove you to Delaware to eat a Tastykake in my car?’
‘Exactly.’”


Bad Habit was a really great dark love story with an HEA and is a perfect addition to K.A. Mitchell’s Bad in Baltimore series.

*Arc given in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on https://gaybook.reviews/*

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Night Moves (Hot Wire #1)Night Moves by Kat Cassidy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really quick read, but it was fun. Basically 90% of the story takes place over a 24 hour period with some flashbacks injected here and there.

The story begins with Peter Bauer, the son of Nick Bauer who heads a chop shop and other shady businesses. Peter steals a boss Cobra, which has started his day of horrors. This action leads him through the gamut of emotions and finally ends with him in jail, looking to serve a 6 month sentence.

There is a lot going on in the short story, but it's all action packed and full of depth and I'm super excited to read the next book in the series.

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Oceans ApartOceans Apart by J.K. Hogan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed reading this. It was such a good, wholesome adventure.

Leo Takahashi is bored with his mundane life in San Francisco and drives his beater BMW across the country. His destination is pretty much any beach town in North Carolina. When he's 90 minutes from the ocean his car breaks down. He's officially worried about being obviously gay and stuck on the side of the road in a rural farm town until he is greeted by Sellars Hodge, local closeted Farm Boy.

OMG was Sellars so freaking SWEET!! From the first time he saw Leo he was smitten and he tripped over his words, he blushed, he stared, he gaped like a fish. It was amazing. And Leo fed right into it. By the time there was anything between them I was dying for it. This is exactly the kind of slow burn heat that's wonderful to read.

Leo was a very toppy top and he'd been burned in the past because of it. As a sometimes makeup wearing petite man, he was put in the box of a sub enough to be wary of a giant like Sellars, but he soon realized they were a match when Sellars melted at his dominance. It was fun to read about a romance that varied from the norm, but was super sweet.

There was plenty of story line to keep the plot going as Sellars had to make a lot of decisions about his life and his future. I really enjoyed the backing that he had from his sisters and his mom. They stood up to his father countless times and didn't put up with his close-minded ways. It was truly refreshing to read about such a close family that stood by the youngest and accepted him over and over again.

Overall, this story had everything you could want. The MC's were from totally different backgrounds and classes and meshed so well. There was low angst, high heat, slow burn, family values, and an overabundance of love.

I'd definitely recommend this sweet story of love to everyone.

*Arc provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Sunday, October 28, 2018

Advent AdventureAdvent Adventure by Karrie Roman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very cute story about the holiday events that transpire between couple Jack and Will. Jack is a touch OCD about his Christmas tree and will can't help but use that to his advantage. The laughter continues throughout the month where they each try to shop for each other while keeping their gifts a surprise for the big reveal on Christmas day.

I always love a holiday add on book. You just get a quick glimpse into a couple that you fell in love with and get to see them interact one more time during a very special, loving season. This one was great. The writing was just as you would expect from Karrie Roman. Lighthearted and fun, this was a treat!

*Arc given in exchange for an honest review*

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A Fated BondA Fated Bond by T.L. West
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 Stars.

Joseph Roth is a member of the Rockfort Paranormal Department. He is sent to crime scenes post police to find clues to paranormal activity. When he's the only one who is able to identify vampire involvement, things turn rather peculiar for him.

The writing was meh. It was simple and I couldn't get over the use of 'Oh, no!' in every scene dealing with possible death.

There were plenty of gratuitous sex scenes that had nothing to do with the MC's nor the story, which was super weird.

Then at 75% the chapter starts with '4 days before...' and there is a totally different set of characters that make up the rest of the story. Not sure what to even make of this.

The end was just....there? Apparently there will be further books in this series but I'm not even sure what happened in this one to be honest.

*Arc provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Touch of Love (Trials of Fear #3)Touch of Love by Nicky James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Remarkable.

I’m truly in awe at the words and insight and love I just read.

I love a MC with a disorder or some kind of tragic barrier to life to conquer and this had it in spades.

Ireland Hayes has a phobia of touch. He can’t touch or be touched, especially by men. When his girlfriend of two years can’t handle it anymore, he’s forced to move out.

Raven is knocked over by how attractive Ireland is when he shows up to move his things to his new apartment. He can’t understand why this guy is so blatantly disgusted by him when he’s been nothing but helpful.

There are so many issues standing in the way and I don’t know that anyone could ever be as patient, kind and loving as Raven but he was perfect. I loved that he still seemed human and got upset. He wasn’t perfect but he was perfect for Ireland.

”When I had nothing left to give, I fell back on my heels and fought to catch my breath. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, I thought maybe, just maybe, Raven could be the one person who wouldn’t give up on me.”

The story was truly humbling and the narrative was eye opening. I loved every word. Hope is alive and well.

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Truth Will Out (Merrychurch Mysteries, #1)Truth Will Out by K.C. Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was totally unexpected from what I've read of K.C. Wells previously. I came for a mystery and got so much more than I anticipated.

Jonathon de Mountford arrives in Merrychurch for an extended visit with his uncle Dominic. When he arrives with on one to greet him at the station, the tale begins. He quickly is befriended by Mike Tattersall, the landlord of the pub, who promptly befriends him and gives him a place to stay when Jonathon discovers his uncle has been killed. With Mike a previous cop and Jonathon risking his future, they team up to get to the bottom of the case.

The writing is done so exquisitely. I felt like such a part of Merrychurch. All of the surrounding characters were fun and charming and each one had their own drama and provided backstory into the town and surrounding suspicion.

There was not as much romance as I'd like to see typically, but the relationship between Jonathon and Mike from the start was so relaxed and they bantered like an old married couple that the lack of on page heat didn't really affect the story at all. The plot line was strong and held firm until the end where the mystery was solved...However, I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.

*Arc provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on https://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Friday, October 26, 2018

Alaska  (Sawyer's Ferry, #1)Alaska by Cate Ashwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short, sweet, totally satisfying.

There was no angst, no miscommunication, no big fight. But there was enough to keep the plot line going and the interest at a high level.

Dr. Holden Prescott is a surgeon living in NY, working for his dad, living for his dad, trying to please his dad. When his dad, Philip Prescott, tasks him with flying to Sawyer's Ferry, Alaska to bring his old partner Dr. Gage Emerson back, he's not too thrilled. But when he realizes it's he will have nothing left if he doesn't bring Gage back, he's got to come up with a plan.

Gage hasn't been to NY in two years and is very content with his modest life in Alaska. So when a new face shows up in town, he's immediately on guard and for good reason. The son of his former partner is here and seemingly stalking him.

When the situation becomes a little more friendly, things get heated between them quickly. I loved that there was no insta-love in this story. Things took their time and both sides questioned the relationship enough to seem real.

The format was alternating POV, which is my favorite for the majority of books when it's done well. I like to get a feel for each MC's thoughts and it's always fun for me to read how the author has maintained two totally separate characters with differential goals and MO's.

This book was well written, funny, sweet, and hooked me from the start. I loved the town of Sawyer's Ferry and the supporting characters were all super charming. I can't wait to read the next book.

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Tuning It Out (Young Spades #3)Tuning It Out by Riley Long
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love a fun band romance and this series has been awesome. I feel like each book can be read as a stand alone, which is fantastic.

In this story, the keyboardist for Young Spades is the MC. Pa(Trick) is still living at home in his parent's basement waiting for the band's big break. He's got a younger brother, Colby, who has autism and is the primary focus of the family. When his parents go on vacation, Trick takes him to all of his appointments and therapies where he can't help but notice Noah. But he's seen Noah before...with his wife.

Noah and his wife Haley were high school sweethearts who married too young for all the wrong reasons. Although they are still married, they haven't been together in five years and she is the only person who knows Noah is gay... until now. When he meets Trick he knows he can't live like this anymore, but he's not necessarily ready to give up on all of the promises that he's made to Haley and her family.

I'm not gonna lie, there was some insta-love going on here and I didn't quite know what to do with it. Noah has known he was gay since high school but hasn't ever been with another man in any way. Then he's suddenly in love with Trick. But then he walks away. And comes back.

I didn't fully understand the relationship between Noah and Haley's parents and why they seemed so much closer than his own parents. I also felt like most of the heat and love that was portrayed between Noah and Trick was told, not felt. I like a burn. I like to feel that moment when a date turns into more. I want to believe in a happily ever after. I didn't get that in this book. With the timeline I felt like they were apart longer than they were together and I wasn't sure what Trick saw in Noah anyway. Maybe a little more background or subtext would have helped.

Riley Long has a way of pulling you into the story and the writing that I love. I didn't love this nearly as much as "Facing the Beat" but I'm excited to ride out this series and see where it will go.

*Arc given in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on https://gaybook.reviews/2018/10/26/fo...*

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Thursday, October 25, 2018

The Art of Hero WorshipThe Art of Hero Worship by Mia Kerick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This was difficult for me to rate tbh. I was so intrigued with the story and literally read it in one sitting simply because I couldn't put it down. In that regard, I really enjoyed it. But there was so much awkward, too, that I had a hard time giving it the full stars as well.

I loved the premise. The book begins with Jase on the floor of a campus theater currently being overtaken by a student shooter. He's there with his girlfriend who was shot and he lost hold of her in the chaos. From nowhere comes a hero, putting himself between Jase and the shooter, guiding him to safety and taking him from the situation.

He introduces himself as Liam. He's seen Jase around campus and they live in the same dorms and now they are in the middle of a nightmare together. When the police find them in a friends apartment, they take them into custody and then to a hotel where they leave them while they try to find the shooter. It's during this time that Jase realizes he can't sleep without the comfort of Liam's arms around him, his heart beating in his ear.

Jase says multiple times that he is straight, but none of his actions follow up with this statement. Then, when the first sexual act happens between them, it's super awkward and Liam announces that his is straight as well. This was hard to accept. If he had been bi or gay it would have been more believable.

I enjoyed the next part of the book where it went into how deep their feelings were tied to each other and how much they needed each other. I bought that they had a connection that was brought on by a distressing situation. I thought that part was very well done, but the reactions by their friends and Liam's parents made the story more about the sexuality part than it did about them being emotionally attached.

Again, I couldn't stop reading this story because it was totally gripping and I had to know what happened. The depth of character was very present. I thoroughly enjoyed Liam and all he had to offer to the story. He was so full of love and charity and willingness to do anything for Jase, but I just wish there was more substance to their deep feelings.

Honestly, I'd recommend this one and I'll probably read it again.

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Trusted (Until You, #3)Trusted by Karrie Roman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Trusted is the 3rd book in the series and I would suggest reading them all in order, but I don't think it is strictly necessary.

All three books have a very different feel, but this one was the most intense in my opinion.

Zach grew up the son of a cult leader and the oldest of his many children. In book two, he was found trying to escape and was aided by Ben and Ethan. Cameron, Ben's brother, agreed to take Zach in and look after him, since he had no idea what life looked like outside of the small camp he grew up in.

Despite the immense verbal and physical abuse Zach underwent growing up, he has a heart of gold and a good head on his shoulders. He spends his days learning everything he can about the outside world with Cam at his side. But there are so many things that Cam hasn't gotten around to teaching him yet and there are a few potholes along the way.

Cam spent 5 years in an abusive relationship and has promised himself that he won't ever let anyone get close again. He won't trust anyone and can't give his heart away again, but when Zach needs him he has to decide how long he wants to fight his feelings.

Both MC's are very reserved and somewhat shy, which made it difficult for me to really love them as much as I have loved the characters in the other books. They were both very vulnerable and needy, which worked for their relationship, but was somewhat hard to get excited about. I really just wanted one of them to crack some sort of joke and lighten the mood.

Karrie Roman has created this series of wonderful, deep characters that are very close and always there for each other and I'm excited to read the next book.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Pisces Hooks Taurus (Signs of Love, #4)Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't even describe all of the ways that I loved this book. This is my first Anyta Sunday, so obviously I haven't read any of the others in the series and I was completely fine with it as a stand alone.

First of all, I loved the Pride and Prejudice aspect. I loved that I, the reader, had personal insight into the story from clues and banter that one of the MC's had missed out on. Don't even get me started on the torturously slow burn.

As the story begins, Zane has a month left on his Visa before he's shipped back from the US to New Zealand. He's desperate to stay to be close to his brother who has just become a father. He's not looking for someone to MOC him, he wants to marry for love. He's looking for the girl of his dreams on dating apps and hoping to have the perfect meet-cute that he can relate to his grandchildren one day.

When he gets kicked out of the room he's borrowed with one month left, he asks a friend of his brother's wife, Beckett, if he can crash with him temporarily.

As the story unfolds, we learn about how deeply scarred Becky is from a past relationship and how unaware Zane is at what he's really after.

I felt such a connection to Becky and just really loved his character. He was witty and charming and studious. He loved deeply and cared fully. And Zane was just so oblivious in the nicest way possible. It was a thrill to finally get to the point where he became self aware. And what a ride.

I loved this so much and I can't wait to read more by Ms. Sunday!

*Arc copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Nova PraetorianNova Praetorian by N.R. Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I'm not a huge fan of Roman Empire tales, N.R. Walker giving it a go was enough for me to beg for an opportunity to read this. And I'm so glad that I did.

The tale begins with Quintus Furius Varus, a Roman gladiator trainer extraordinaire. He's asked by Senator Servius Augendus to accompany him back to Rome, basically as security detail and guard trainer, for an unknown amount of time. While he's there, Servius has a new team of slaves brought in, including Kaeso Agorix, who was taken from his home in Iberia to become a slave. When his pride gets in the way, Quintus asks to make him his personal slave for the time he's in Neapolis.

This is where it gets good... where N.R. Walker does the finest work. The slow burn between the two men, both gauging each other's plays, the looks of desire when no one is watching, the stolen moments... all an intrinsic Walker tale. And she does not leave us wanting.

There is a lot of action, a lot of Roman gladiator pride, fighting, tales of slavery and unequal footing. There is also a lot of hope and love and fearlessness and honor above all.

Yes, this was set during an era of slavery and riches beyond measure, hatred and evil, but this is a tale of finding the good and letting it be the hope for a bright future. This was an awesome story that I'll remember as one of the best from this author.

*Arc copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on https://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Sunday, October 21, 2018

End Street Vol. 1 (End Street Detective Agency, #1-2)End Street Vol. 1 by Amber Kell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am starting to love more of the paranormal societies and was excited when I read this blurb, but I was thoroughly confused as I read both of these books. There was just so much going on.

Sam has inherited his Uncle's building, complete with his private investigation business and the four apartments upstairs. As he gets his PI license set up, he goes about renting one of the apartments to Bob, a very attractive vampire.

His first customer is a witch who casts a spell on him. Then a werewolf comes in with a missing daughter, and a trio of fae's is missing their third member. There's a giant, a demon, siren's, gargoyles, talking cats, and all matter of paras.

It was difficult for me to understand what I was supposed to already know about each trope and what powers they had or didn't have. I found the insta-love between Bob and Sam to be a bit much, especially from the time we meet Bob. It seemed like he was always more attracted to Bob's friend than Bob, which was awkward.

Throughout the entire book there was mention over and over and over again that Sam was merely a human, yet none of the other paranormals believed that because he possessed abilities no humans did, however, nothing came of it. I continued to be confused as to where that was leading as it seemed significant to the story.

Overall, I was entertained as there was a lot going on and some of the supporting roles were really fun to read about, but this was not really one of my favorites.

*Arc copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Friday, October 19, 2018

Further To FallFurther To Fall by Catherine Cowles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Was not expecting to love this, but I did. For a first time novelist, Catherine Cowles has made quite a splash. I was hooked from the start until the end. MC's Austin and Carter were perfect.

Carter was not the typical female MC, which I can't say THANK YOU enough for. She was strong and brave and didn't blow things out of proportion. Yes, she was feminine, but just the right amount.

Austin was an MMA fighter who wore his heart on his sleeve and was tenacious as hell.

The only aspect that caused me to leave off half a star was the cheesiness of the dialog in some parts. I literally had to roll my eyes and move on. So worth the read, though. I can't wait to see what else Catherine has for us.

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The Bones Beneath My SkinThe Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every time I pick up a T.J. Klune book I know to expect greatness and this newest epic masterpiece did not disappoint. I mean, there's Star Wars. There's bacon. There's love. There's comets and mountains and cabins and trees and cults and stealthy military operations.

Artemis Darth Vader. She is of the Seventh Sea. She's a 10 year old girl that loves sunglasses and pigtails and bacon. And Alex. And Nate.

Alex is former USMC and he's trying to get Art back home. Nate has inherited his parents cabin in the middle of nowhere Oregon and finds Alex and Art holed up there, running from the world, basically.

It's a story of family ties and friendship and love and making your own life. It's just magical, as T.J. Klune always is. Stellar writing, lovely characters. Sublime.

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Ten days to finally make the leap from friends to lovers….

Craig and Mitchell have been friends for years, but each of them reached a point where that camaraderie became… more. Mitchell’s kept his feelings close to his chest. So has Craig, but now that they’ve graduated from UMKC, he knows it’s his last chance to show Mitchell they’re meant to be before their careers take them to opposite sides of the country.

He insists they can’t leave Missouri behind without one last adventure. Mitchell agrees to a road trip to visit all the touristy spots and say goodbye to their home state.

As they spend their days and nights together, buried feelings rise to the surface and hope blossoms. When their journey ends with a dance beneath the Branson stars, will they find love and a future together at the end of the road?


States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.



Best friends Craig and Mitchell are at a turning point in their lives. They are both done with school and have accepted jobs in their respective fields, but both have a secret. They are desperately in love with each other. With one moving to West Virginia and the other to California, chances are they won't see each other again. But when Craig insists they take a road trip together, Mitchell can't say no.

I was super excited when I read the blurb for this book. It sounded exactly like something I'd love. The writing just fell flat for me. It seemed choppy and short and the same phrases were used over and over. I'm pretty sure that each of them said "we need to talk" at least twice in the last twenty pages. 

The actual relationship between the MC's was difficult to imagine. They were very awkward with each other and spent most of the book in silent states of being, which is probably why "we need to talk" was overused. 

I did enjoy the history that surrounded their adventures around the state of Missouri, I just wished there was more showing of their feelings instead of telling what they were doing.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Who We WereWho We Were by Melissa Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"I couldn't exactly put a finger on it, but as I walked back out into the yard, a sense of calm enveloped me. No matter what happened at the end of our time together, I knew that this would forever go down as one of the most significant moments of my life."

Talk about a heart-wrenching surprise. I had no idea going into this that there would be so many feelings. I am pretty sure I ran through the full gamut of heartbreak, anger, love, hate, hope, disappointment and giddiness.

Ryan and Quinn met in Junior High and ignored each other until they were Seniors. Quinn had a fun loving sister and parents who supported him, as well as a bright future. Ryan was overshadowed by his twin brother and felt as though he was alone and lost. When he found out that his life wasn't even half as bad as he had thought, he ran.

Now it's 12 years later and he has no choice but to deal with the fallout and decide what his future will hold, and if it includes Quinn.

Melissa Collins' writing gripped me from the start and never let go. Her words were engaging and every time a new chapter started, I had to keep reading. So many times I wanted to strangle Ryan or console Quinn while I read, and I love it when I can feel so much connection with the characters when I'm reading.

This is an absolute must read and I can't wait to see what else she has in store.

* Arc given in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on www.gaybook/reviews

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Garrett Leigh Releases!!

These are two MUST READ books and Garrett Leigh is offering Slide for free right now!




Don’t look back. Don’t you ever look back… 

Shy tattoo artist Ash has a troubled past. Years of neglect, drug abuse, and life on the streets have taken their toll, and sometimes it seems the deep, unspoken bond with his lover is the only balm for wounds he doesn’t quite understand. 

Chicago paramedic Pete is warmth, love, and strength—things Ash never knew he could have, and never even knew he wanted until Pete showed him. But fate is a cruel, cruel mistress, and when nightmares collide with the present, their tentatively built world comes crashing down. 

Traumatic events in Pete’s work life distance him from home, and he doesn’t realize until it’s too late that Ash has slipped away. Betrayal, secrets, and lies unfold, and when a devastating coincidence takes hold, Pete must fight with all he has to save the love of his life.





Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Sugar Cookies and MistletoeSugar Cookies and Mistletoe by Kay Doherty
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 Stars

I started out loving this story. When Preston smells something sweet, his family tells him that it's his mate. He's startled to learn that Dylan is only 12 years old. Dylan's father sequesters him until he's of age and they meet again six years later.

Dylan is a very young adult when he finally is able to be with Preston and acts pretty immature, honestly. Preston was actually an extremely decent guy, given the situation.

I really wished this had been longer so that there was room to get to know the MC's and how they clicked and worked. The entire read was over 8 years in just a few short chapters. I think if given the opportunity to get better acquainted I would have appreciated the story more.

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Only YouOnly You by Kay Doherty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was about leaving the past behind and fighting for a second chance.

It had everything I was looking for: angst, a well done age gap, a past to overcome, two MC's who are very different but perfect together.

The story begins with Casey moving from Denver to his grandmother's ranch in a small town. He's basically independently wealthy and living the lifestyle of a 25 year old without a care in the world. He's left behind six boyfriends and packed a bag in his gold Mustang, searching for something else.

When his car breaks down, 44 year old Sheriff Rawley Kane comes to his rescue. Lust is in the air when they can't take their eyes off of each other and a week later, Rawley pretty much attacks him in the best way possible. From there they have to make amends with their pasts before they can think of a future together.

Things that I loved:

-Kay Doherty is brilliant with her writing.
-Rawley knows what he wants and goes after it, even if it goes against the grain.
-Casey is fun and funny and spoiled and smart and keeps Rawley on his toes.
-The characters in town were all awesome. I loved the support and the friendships that were made
as well as the support from the sheriff's office.
-The age gap was done very well and wasn't a main focus in any part of the book.

It hit all of the right spots, but I think it was a little lacking in follow through. The foreward leads the reader into the aspect of PTSD, but the book barely touched on it, which surprised me. I think I would have appreciated some more insight into that part of Rawley's hangups.

There was definite insta-love going on here, but honestly, I was okay with it. I felt like it didn't really detract from the MC's personalities and so it worked for me.

At the end of the day, it's a feel good love story that hits a lot of good feels and is a great read for cuddling up with.

* Arc copy given in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on www.gaybook/reviews *

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Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Hiding the Moon (Fish Out of Water #4)Hiding the Moon by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have loved Amy Lane for a long time. I was enchanted by her Fish Out of Water series. I think if anyone needs a happy ending it’s Jackson Rivers and Ellery Cramer.

Hiding the Moon is a treat. It’s kind of a stand alone, but also involves the Fish Out of Water series as well as the characters from Racing for the Sun, Ace and Sonny.

The MC’s in this are Burt(on) and Ernie, which… I still don’t know how to feel about. Anyway, we met Lee Burton in Racing for the Sun. He’s basically a black ops assassin who is given the job to take out Ernie Caulfield by his handler. When he sets his sights on Ernie, he doesn’t see a threat, but a young, innocent club bunny.

Ernie is a bit of a psychic and it takes a lot out of him. Living in the city, he has learned to take respite from the noises in his head by drinking and taking drugs and giving himself over to his baser needs. He’s not a bad guy, but he definitely has bad guy radar. He’s been illegally taken into the military to corrupt his psychic talents and use them to create model soldiers. The hit is put on him when he’s no longer needed and has become excess.

When Burton questions his chain of command and saves Ernie from a rogue military unit attempting to kill him, he finds that there’s something unusual about the psychic man. When Ernie tells him that he’s his future, it becomes a test of Burton’s wills to see if he’s up for the challenge.

”You asked how long. As long as you want me. I’m going to want you forever.”

As mentioned, this book has a lot in common with some of Amy Lane’s previous works. To the degree that this story was almost the reverse image of A Few Good Fish, which was published this year. This was the same story but from Burton and Ernie’s perspective, so it felt a little redundant in some parts. I almost felt like I’d already read this story and was trying to just parse out the pieces in relation to Burton and Ernie’s relationship. To me this felt more like a Book 3.5 to the Fish series, not a Book 4.

Honestly, this book showed more about the sweet side of Ace and Sonny and Jackson and Ellery as well as Burton and Ernie which was refreshing. I wish I could have seen a little more of Ernie and Burton together, or more of their individual pasts or some more character exploration. I felt like I needed a little more out of them to fully appreciate their relationship.

Overall, it was a journey into the fun side of the Fish Out of Water series with a little extra from the couples.

* Arc given in exchange for an honest review. Review cross posted on Gay Book Reviews*

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The Bride's BrotherThe Bride's Brother by J.P. Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book.

When Hunter's sister agrees to marry a billionaire, yes Billionaire, she wants the wedding of everyone's dreams and will spare no expense. The only problem is the groom isn't around. So, she enlists the help of Hunter to meet with the wedding planner, Toby.

Toby can't believe that his new client's brother is so hot and into him. He's hesitant because he's been burned in the past, and when Hunter doesn't stand up to his sister's demands, he wonders if he can trust him.

This story started off really well done and it had that wonderful slow burn that I love so much. So many times it burns out for me when the MC's reach that point where there is a misunderstanding or some kind of issue and the story falls apart. I was so pleased with this book, though. It had me in suspense and I honestly thought the plotline was extremely well crafted. A great HEA ending and I was smiling through it.

* ARC given in exchange for an honest review*

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Release Day!!

These are two MUST READ books and Garrett Leigh is offering Slide for free right now!




Don’t look back. Don’t you ever look back… 

Shy tattoo artist Ash has a troubled past. Years of neglect, drug abuse, and life on the streets have taken their toll, and sometimes it seems the deep, unspoken bond with his lover is the only balm for wounds he doesn’t quite understand. 

Chicago paramedic Pete is warmth, love, and strength—things Ash never knew he could have, and never even knew he wanted until Pete showed him. But fate is a cruel, cruel mistress, and when nightmares collide with the present, their tentatively built world comes crashing down. 

Traumatic events in Pete’s work life distance him from home, and he doesn’t realize until it’s too late that Ash has slipped away. Betrayal, secrets, and lies unfold, and when a devastating coincidence takes hold, Pete must fight with all he has to save the love of his life.





Monday, October 15, 2018

Blind Date (Back in the Game, #1)Blind Date by Kay Doherty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm finding it difficult to write a review for this. I really enjoyed the storyline and thought the MC's were very likable characters. The story starts out with Dekker being begged to do a charity auction event for a friend and then a blind date after. He finally gives in and is surprised that he, in fact, wants to get to know of the the contestants, Slade, better.

During the date, Slade mentions George, his boyfriend. Dekker is about to call an end to the night, but Slade persuades him to stay. This is the undercurrent of the story that really bothered me. They had a connection that was obvious to both parties, yet Slade goes home to his boyfriend.

Over the next few months, they see each other in what is camouflaged as business, but seems more like emotional cheating to me. When Slade then accuses Dekker of seeing someone else, tempers flare and Dekker says he's not a cheater. I'm not sure about the validity of this argument seeing that Dekker is determined to break up Slade and George and has no problem telling everyone his plans.

I think writing around a theme of cheating can be tricky, but in the end I really did like the overall story that was told. There was a lot going on with the characters and there was a lot of emotion. I wish there was more leading up to their relationship because it seemed fast to me, but there was also a lot of drama which tends to create deeper emotions. Again, I had a hard time rating this one, but if you are okay with some cheating, I'd recommend the read. There was definitely good writing and funny moments and a great ending.

I think my favorite part was the fun t-shirts!

*A copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Review cross posted on Gay Book Reviews*

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Saturday, October 13, 2018

I've Been Careless With A Delicate ThingI've Been Careless With A Delicate Thing by Marina Vivancos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Whoa. Can I say HOT?

I was not prepared for this. There was so much raw emotion and I am not sure that I've ever read a book that gave me this many feels in such a short story.

Silas meets Oscar at a bar and they immediately fancy each other. Silas has never been with a man and has basically spent all of college in a long distance relationship, so doesn't have a ton of experience in the romance department.

When an epic night turns into a weekly affair, things start heating up and Silas asks for total trust. Even though this was supposed to be a casual thing, Oscar gives it to him. He gives him everything.

I was so entranced in this story. There were plenty of plot issues. There was basically no actual story, other than the fact that they were trying new things constantly and falling deeper and deeper, but I found that I couldn't put it down anyway. I have no idea how Oscar made his living, other than attending meetings and reading files, but those things didn't seem too important here.

This book was pure love and it was hot and definitely worth the read.

* A copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on Gay Book Reviews

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Friday, October 12, 2018

Slide (Roads, #1)Slide by Garrett Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first time I read this book I was in awe. When I finished it, I immediately started it again.

There is so much grit and angst and love and normalcy that doesn't get written very often like this.

Ash has a past. His mother died when he was young, he was thrown around from home to home and lived on the streets for years. He's gotten over his addiction, he's got people who care about him and he's got a roommate that turns him inside out.

Pete is an EMT with a big heart and the uncanny ability to read Ash's moods, subtle cues and whispers. He's not perfect, but he tries to do the right thing and he cares about the few people in his life.

Ash and Pete have a deep, loving relationship but it is far from perfect. And that is what I loved the most. It's such a real, tangible thing, what they have. The can go days, sometimes weeks passing in the night and they fight. They can be ornery and mad and not communicate, but when they are on the same page, its MAGIC.

The book is written from both Pete and Ash's POV, which I always love. You have the unique ability to get inside the MC's head and it just adds to the dimension of the reader's experience.

Garrett Leigh spares no feelings with her words. She paints the picture of winter in Chicago with skill. The timeline covers two years of Pete and Ash and it's not enough. Her writing has the innate ability to creep into your heart and make you fall in love with the characters. Not only do they feel real, I felt I lived through Pete's anguish over the weeks of Ash being gone and then the months after his return. I love how invested I became in Joe, who is a wonderful friend to both Pete and Ash and becomes very important to both of them.

I would recommend this book to everyone, especially those who love a bit of rough with their romance.

"There's nothing wrong with being at the beginning of something, Ash. Sometimes that's the best bit."

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

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Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Fling (Nothing Serious #1)Fling by Baylin Crow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This book was love and hope and an added bonus of sweet.

Hayden is spending the summer between high school and college at home, living next door to the only man he's ever wanted. But Dean is his best friend's older brother. And Reese would never want them together.

Dean is home for the summer after he's graduated from college and awaiting word on an internship. He's a total player, relationships aren't for him. After his father left them when he was little, he's sure he's happy moving from one person to the next. But when he sees Hayden at his house with Reese, he can't help but really see him in another light.

Alternating POV's is probably my favorite writing style, especially when it's done well and there is a definite shift in language and state of mind. Ms. Crow did an excellent job of writing Hayden as a nerdy, humble, Star Wars loving dork who was very true to himself. I really, really loved him as well as Dean, who was more of a jock, but had so much appreciation for a little nerdiness and I absolutely loved his love of Hayden's glasses.

I was somewhat confused by some of the other characters in the story, mainly Dean's friends and Levi. They were introduced and appeared throughout the story, but there was a lot of mystery around them and how they tied into this relationship. I'm assuming that there will be other books in the series that will unravel that in time.

Overall, the story kept up it's pace and the MC's were both loveable and I was cheering them on by the end. Well written and a good HEA.

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Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Lone Wolf is out today!

Check out Anna Martin's newest book! If you love a good shifter romance with a hint of mystery, you need to read this!


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40821914-lone-wolf

Escaping Solitude (Escape Trilogy #2)Escaping Solitude by Sara Dobie Bauer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Escape Trilogy and I would definitely recommend reading the first prior to this book. For one, you need the background on the two MC's. For two, it's absolutely amazing in it's own right.

Vampire Andrew was exiled to an island for four years after past transgressions caught up with him. Edmund, an English sailor and scientist, was shipwrecked on the island and rescued by Andrew. In this continuation, Edmund and Andrew have been returned to New Orleans and are becoming acclimated again to real life.

Finding himself living in a house teeming with vampires, Edmund is desperate to find his Elder to turn him so that he can be with Andrew for eternity. We learn more of Edmund's past and his love for fighting in this book, and his quest for knowledge as he spends his days and nights in the vampire's library researching his Elder. He's come a long way and his love for Andrew has deepened and will be tested.

Andrew was surly and dominant in the last book and I loved how his character was so much more patient and understanding and loving in this sequel. It was almost like the MC's switched roles and this time it was Andrew who was fascinated by Edmund. Andrew watched over Edmund and cherished him. Edmund was as adventurous as ever, while still holding to the tie that bound him to his love.

"You made me angry. You made me afraid. That doesn't mean you lost my love and have to earn it back. I'll never stop loving you, no matter what you do." I take his wet face in my hands. "Do you understand that?"

I am not a lover of historical romance, but the creative air that this book employs is so refreshing and the unique cast of characters and hot vampires overpowers the sense of being a period piece.

I can't even give the quality of writing the credit it deserves. Even if the story was nonsense, Sara Dobie Bauer's eloquent writing would be worth the read.

I cannot wait to read the last installment. Do yourself a favor and get caught up before it's out.

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

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Sunday, October 7, 2018

Lone WolfLone Wolf by Anna Martin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had been waiting to read this and I'd seen so many poor reviews and I hoped that I would still love it. I didn't. I don't know that I've ever actually read a book like this where I didn't care for one of the MC's and I really really didn't like the other.

I've read some shifter books and I felt like this one was far from the norm as far as they go. Everything that I've read recently stereotypes shifters as sexually fluid, so this was bizarre to me. I feel like maybe if the roles were reversed and the human was constantly saying he was straight.... no, not even then.

I just don't understand what the point was. Once they finally were together it seemed so strained. Like, the day after and Leo has to ask Jackson if he's attracted to him? Seriously? And if I read the word soulmate one more time...ugh.

The actual writing was excellent, but when it's good writing about something boring and frustrating, it isn't super fun to read. This one was a loss for me, but I will look out for the next Anna Martin work.

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Between the LinesBetween the Lines by Sally Malcolm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need a really sweet story where things work out and Love is found and no one dies and hope is realized.

That is exactly what this story was about.

Letting yourself fall and hope someone will catch you, even though you’ve been dropped before.

This was a great story of a family legacy that was in desperate need of fixing up with no one able to do it, yet selling felt unbearable.

And Luca, who had planned on inheriting the hotel one day was stuck in the middle. He’d run into Theo and made a bad impression and then realized he was there to take away his dream.

Theo had a soft heart and suffered from dyspraxia, leaving him feeling inadequate in many situations. I live to see a MC thrive in life when they suffer roadblocks such as this. And to see how Luca saw this as a way to be closer to Theo, instead of treating him as a child.

Anyway, I was in the mood for a light tale of love and trust and I certainly got it with this book.

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Saturday, October 6, 2018

A Thief in the Night (Carlton House, #1)A Thief in the Night by K. Sterling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had no idea that this was going to be so well written, so well thought out, so consuming. Oh, man. I literally loved every word. I hate historical romances. Hate. This was just incredible.

Quinn Waverly is a 28 year old nanny to three children. He's a born nurturer and comforter and keeper of hearts. His twin brother is missing after spending the night with the Master, possible vampire, part magician, influential, internationally renowned thief Roman Carlisle.

Quinn gets tangled up in the life of thievery and thugs and the underground in search of his brother with the help of Roman. It's a journey and an adventure and a wild romance.

Roman was just sublime. He was a murderer with a heart of gold and only had eyes for Quinn, but he would wait as long as it took for his trust and his heart.

Man. I just can't say enough. Just unbelievably well done. I can't wait to read more!

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Friday, October 5, 2018

Out in the End Zone (Out in College, #2)Out in the End Zone by Lane Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is everything that I love about Lane Hayes. It was sweet and dorky and intense and spicy. It was everything I was hoping for.

Evan is starting his last season as a college football player and he's enjoyed the partying and notoriety and female attention that comes with being an athlete... until he starts talking to Mitch at a party and realizes he doesn't want to stop. He's known Mitch for 5 years, but hasn't really made an effort until now. And he can't hide the fact that he's completely drawn to him. So when Mitch suggests that they create a series of youtube videos called "Faux or No" where the viewers decide if their 'relationship' is real or not, Evan says yes. He's all in for spending more time with Mitch, even if it isn't real. But when Evan's past comes back to haunt him, he's in the same place as he was 5 years ago, but he has the option to make a different choice this time around.

Evan was the typical jock in many ways, but he had a heart of gold and I love that in a character. And Lane Hayes writes this so well. He's smart and funny and a little socially awkward, but it just adds to his lure.

Mitch is a unicorn loving, rainbow wearing, out and proud gymnast with good, close friends and a history of being left behind. He's cute and sweet so genuine. He's the kind of guy that you want on your side and he's the perfect man for Evan.

The story was sweet. There was plenty of plot line to keep me interested and I couldn't stop reading. Well done! Now I'm super excited for book 3.

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Thursday, October 4, 2018

Patchwork ParadisePatchwork Paradise by Indra Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was really well done. It was a roller coaster of emotions all the way through. Honestly, writing a book like this that deals with so many issues (death, cheating, miscarriage, PPD, a baby, grief) is super difficult, but this was so comfortable and smooth.

It took almost the entire book for the MC's to get together, but by the time it happened it was right.

There was a torturous slow burn in the very best way. There was an amazing supporting cast of characters that only added to the story. Tons of drama and a lot of heavy, but it was so well written that it worked. By the end of Ollie's story I felt like I'd lived the span of a couple of years with him. I knew who he was, I felt the supportive love of his mom and I knew he'd have his happy ever after.

Indra Vaughn surprised and delighted me with this one and I'm so glad that I read it.



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The Reluctant Ghost WhispererThe Reluctant Ghost Whisperer by Neptune Flowers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This was such a fun story with humor, love, motorcycles and ghosts!

Johnny Sparrow is sad and out of work. His sister has died and he’s being followed by strange noises and apparitions.

Adam Barrow is a construction worker in need of assistance. When a friend suggests that Johnny would be a good fit, he offers him the job.

Adam is hilariously unsure of himself and desperate for affection from Johnny. When Johnny shows interest and delivers cheesy lines, it hard not to laugh and hope for the best. Pretty soon it becomes obvious that Johnny has an issue with ghosts and Adam decides it time to organize his time so they don’t take over.

Funny jokes and fights with egg whisks abound in this hilarious ghost story of love and romance. I can't wait to read the next one!

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Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Nortown Box Set 1Nortown Box Set 1 by Ofelia Gränd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

In the forward of the book, the author mentions that she started writing this series mocking some of the commonly used tropes and so I was expecting an overwhelming sense of dry humor, but found a few touching stories about a small town in the woods with a quaint cafe, some lumberjacks and a couple of old gossipy knitters.

Once in a Snowstorm: Aiden & Tristan

Aiden has a chip on his shoulder. He feels he's been wrongly stereotyped his entire life for being short and thin and stylish. Oh, and he loves yoga. And lattes. When he finds himself with nowhere to go, literally carried from his death in the snow by a lumberjack named Tristan, he finds himself not knowing what to think about his future. Trust doesn't come easily to Tristan after his divorce and he's not looking for anything, but when Aiden adds life to his dull cabin, he can't help but wonder what a little color would look like.

Once in a Forest: Tom & Jason

Jason is in town visiting Aiden for the holiday and wants to have a bit of fun. When Tom is guilted into letting Jason stay with him, he worries what everyone will think and say. But he can't hide his feelings for long.

The Empty Egg: Aiden & Tristan

When Aiden wants to surprise Tristan with an Easter Egg filled with fudge, he has to think on his feet after he eats it all. This one was more of a bonus scene.

Once in May: Zachary & John

John has lived in town for 3 years and has barely spoken to anyone. He's had a dark past and is unable to forget. When Zachary comes back to town after 8 years and sees John, he makes it his mission to befriend him and hopes for more.

Happy Endings: Aiden & Tristan

This was another bonus where Aiden is feeling overworked as he is trying to be an equal parter to Tristan financially.

There were three separate relationships at play all in the same small forest town and they were all very sweet, if not completely gooey inside. Each story had the Insta-Love cliche which I took in stride because of the forewarning up front. I don't anticipate I would have enjoyed the stories as much if I hadn't been aware that the intent was to overdramatise the situations. Given that information, it softened the nature of the quick turn around relationships and miscommunication.

I did enjoy the superfluous characters of the market owner, the cafe owner and her son, and the two knitters. Theirs stories were interwoven into each of the books in such a way that added a depth of character to Aiden, Tom and John that I appreciated.

If you are looking for a collection of steamy lumberjack stories, this is a great set with happy endings.

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Monday, October 1, 2018

Craft Brew (Trouble Brewing #2)Craft Brew by Layla Reyne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second in a series and is, in my opinion, the better of the two so far. I found myself thrown into book 1 feeling lost, but Craft Brew was a life raft or a compass rose.

This book was so much more personal and highlighted both MC's emotions and characters and delved into the questions that Imperial Stout (Book 1) had left us readers with unanswered.

Nic is still dealing with his father Curtis' money issues throughout this book, but we get more information as to his past and the woman his father hired to take care of him. We also get a sense of what he went through when he came out and how that led to his decisions and his fear of commitment.

Cam was the main player in this plot line. He gets the call that his mother has suffered a heart attack and most of the story takes place with him back home in Boston, surrounded by his brothers and parents. His sister's kidnapping was alluded to in the first book, but this delves into her case and Cam's shady past and why his brother Keith is so angry. We also realize how much his missing sister has shaped the framework of his career and life.

There is a lot of action in this book, but there is also a lot more tender moments and love between friends, siblings and family. The overall feeling of this book was way more romantic and endearing than the first, which was more my style. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.

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Love and Lint RollersLove and Lint Rollers by Kaje Harper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book starts out great with promise. I enjoyed the beginning, with Thom meeting Dean at a pride parade when they find a cat in need of medical help. It just so happens Dean is a vet.

The two hit it off and when Thom decides to keep the cat, it's enough reason to give Dean his phone number and an excuse for Dean to use it.

Under the pretense of following up with the cat, they get together again and decide to give a relationship a go.

Dean is bi, but he's been married to a woman until they divorced a year ago. Thom is his first boyfriend, but Thom has some reservations about being Dean's first man. Dean has Chrone's Disease and is a side. No questions. Will that be enough for Dean?

As I said, this book started off with promise. I enjoyed the introduction of both Thom and Dean and thought they were well suited. Once I made it 1/3 of the way through I was getting bored. It seemed like each encounter was painfully documented, including each of Thom's 7 cats and the noises they made while being fed.

Obviously the author knew her stuff when it came to veterinary medicine, but it was a lot of unimportant information to go into in multiple scenes over the entire story. I mean, one guy is a vet and the other has 7 cats. We get that they like animals. I didn't need pages of history of 12 feedings a day and how many times a day the cat litters were changed. I think quite a bit could be removed and make the story flow better.

The main conflict seemed like a recurring theme for Thom and I did appreciate how it was addressed and resolved, but there were points in the story that I found their relationship to be lacking. The fact that they were pretty far gone and Thom doesn't let him know that something has happened to him? I found that odd.

Overall, it was an entertaining read, but I thought it may have read better if it was shortened a bit.

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Kneading You by C.S. Poe My rating: 4 of 5 stars 4.25 Stars This was a novella done right. It had all of the elements of a flirty, believ...