Hipster Brothel by K.A. Merikan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun read! I mean, a Hipster Brothel, boozie jam and the ultimate Lumbersexual Experience.

It was a great story of two best friends, one straight, who had no idea that they were secretly madly crushing on each other. Friends to lovers is the best and this was awesome.

Jo was Chinese and small, extremely stylish and supposedly straight. Mr. B was all lumberjack, from the suspenders to the wooly socks. Total opposites, yet the worked so well.

I just loved this. It was cozy and cute, funny and intense, warm and HOT.

Totally recommend this.

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The Replacement Husband by Eliot Grayson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by Eliot Grayson and I will definitely be reading more. I absolutely loved this story.

Set back in the times of bed clothes and fainting spells, Owen Honeyfield takes a fall along the moors and is rescued by Drake brothers Tom and Arthur. After meeting them properly a week later, Owen has his heart set on Tom and Tom asks for his hand, knowing that Arthur, too, has feelings for Owen.

When Tom sends a letter describing his less than ethical situation, Arthur steps in and volunteers to marry Owen, thus keeping gossip at bay. But will Owen ever get over Tom?

I loved the gauzy, vintage sepia feel of this book. I felt like each page had a unique filter and the spectacular writing put me right there in the room with Arthur and Owen and a cup of tea. Both MC's were wonderful. I loved Arthur and his fierce need to protect Owen and his ability to remain steady in the midst of Owen's uncertainty. And that he laughed when Owen threw a pillow at his face.

Owen was described so well and held true to his nature of agonizing over every decision, word and meaning. He made me laugh so many times at his misunderstanding of situations, but he came through in the end and it was worth it to see the change when he came to his important realization.

All in all, this was a simple, fun, quick witted story and I loved all the words. I'd absolutely recommend it.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted at http://gaybook.reviews/ *



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The Douglas Fir by Anyta Sunday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG this was so freaking unexpected and AMAZING.

I loved this little bit of romance so very much. I feel like if I even talk about it, I'll give away the somewhat surprise ending, but the entire story was just so great. And MAGICAL. Oh, man.

A must read for sure IMO.

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Sinfully Mine by Nicky James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow. As much as the topic is so wrong on so many levels, this was another great book by Nicky James. Man, this packed a punch.

I will say, in defense of the story, I can understand how it happened. There were certainly issues with the mother and the fact that Emerson was the sole person that ever cared about Kaiden.

I've definitely come to expect greatness from this author and I've heard so many things about this book... being such a taboo subject, but honestly, it was just THAT good. So glad I read it.

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Vanilla Clouds by Roe Horvat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was such a great romance that started out online.

Magnus and Michal have been online friends for a couple of years now. They originally 'met' on a dating app after sharing a couple of revealing pictures. When Michal got sick hours before the date, he had to reschedule and then Magnus ended up moving out of the country. So, they stayed virtual friends, even though it seemed like more. But Michal was scared to meet in person.

When Michal unexpectedly meets a stranger named Bernard, he's instantly attracted and feels like coming home. But he has a nagging feeling that he's somehow cheating on Magnus.

The difference in reading and listening to a book is so vast. I was unaware of how much I would rely on the change in tones, subtle expressions and inflections in the narrator's voice. And as much as I enjoyed being read to, this one just wasn't everything I was hoping for.

Vance Bastian took me on a journey through Michal's world of chocolate and his fear of people with a somewhat reserved tone. At times it seemed almost monotone, if I'm honest. The difference in pitch between Michal and Magnus was almost non-existent at times, which got confusing.

Towards the end of the book I was more involved and heard the change in expressions more, which made the listening experience better for me. I'm not sure if it was just me finally used to their 'voices' or if Vance Bastian crossed a comfort threshold, but it definitely improved and I actually enjoyed it.

This is such a lovely book and I think the audio version kept the loving sentiment intact, without overstating or confusing the experience.

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

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Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles by Eli Easton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My teeth ache from the sweet.

This totally reminded me of an old movie that I can't think of where the town was saved. Anyway, it's the sweet story of a town librarian who is under scrutiny for abusing a child. His assistant librarian gathers the town together in an effort to support him and his work as well as show their appreciation for everything he gives to them.

There were so many moments in this story that I sighed blissfully including this exchange:

"Not having a heart attack are you?"

"Merely a heart resorting, I think."

"Are you making room for me in there?"

Awwwwww.

Seriously. If you haven't read this yet, do. It's wonderful.

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One Night In Whisper... by K. Sterling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Before I get started, I would just like to say how much some of the words in this book moved me. One example:

"I could find you in a crowd with my eyes closed. It's never been as good as it is with you."

Magnus Deacon is a billionaire who's made a life in politics with the help of his former assistant, who was the mother of Beck Night. After Maggie's death, Magnus hope's that he will be able to rely on Beck to take her place as his assistant, but Beck has never wanted anything to do with Magnus. He's been jealous of his and Maggie's relationship his entire life. So, how much convincing will it take to show Beck that he's not an awful guy?

I loved the parallel relationship between Magnus's best friend Cade and Beck's best friend Delilah. The love was so sweet and endearing between them and their friendship really cemented this story for me.

Beck's feelings were so hidden it became painful, but when realization hits, it hits hard and fast (heh, heh, heh). And yes, there was plenty of that for your reading pleasure!

I really, truly enjoyed the second half of this book. I had a hard time getting into it, though, at the start. I kept getting confused with the pronouns. There were so many 'he' and 'his' and I got lost trying to figure out which person went with which body part. Also, the changing POV's threw me as well. It just seemed like the first section was somewhat disjointed, but then it flowed and rolled and I LOVED how the feelings were so buried, then popped like fireworks.

I'm totally going to give this another read as I feel like it's worth it.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted at http://gaybook.reviews/*

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Ta Weezo's Blues by Layla Dorine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a cute, short story about a professor and his student.

When Sabre stays after class to inquire about extra reading materials, Drax can finally put a face to the name of the student who's papers have been so surprisingly well written.

After going on an impromptu 'field trip' with another group of Drax's students, Sabre and Drax find they have more in common than they thought.

This was an interesting story with shape shifters and humans and it was well done, but I was kind of surprised at the abrupt ending. I'm hoping there is more to this story because I'd like to get to know Ben a little more.

*Arc copy provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

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The CEO's Christmas Manny by Angela McCallister
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an unexpected gem.

I literally read this in one sitting. I was so enthralled in this story.

Nic is the CEO of his family's corporation and he's working round the clock to ensure it gets back on track. It's hit a downtrend and his father is threatening to have him removed if he doesn't turn things around in 6 weeks. On top of work stress, he's also the guardians of his 16 yr old niece and 12 yr old nephew who have been causing trouble and skipping school. Nannies have come and gone and he's going out of his mind. So, when his friend and assistant hires Sasha, he can't wait to meet her and make sure she's capable.

Sasha was nothing. He was in a relationship with his coworker, which landed him jobless and looking for another math teaching position. When nothing was available, he accepted the position to be a manny.

I loved how insightful Sasha was, and how many great ideas he had to make the kids actually want to learn and be a family.

The slow burn was ever present. I loved both MC's so much and was totally invested in their relationship and happiness from the start. This was so well written and flowed so seamlessly. I seriously enjoyed the heck out of it and this will be one that I will end up re-reading for sure.

I'd definitely recommend this title.

*Arc copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley for providing*

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Mr. Sparkles by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorites!

This was so freaking cute!

In a few pages it put me in the Christmas spirit! Read it!

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Love Me Whole by Nicky James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't even. This was so so good, so inspired, so real. I loved everything. It was definitely difficult to read. There were so many things that broke my heart, so much that was unfair, but it was so beautifully written and you just couldn't help but fall in love with Oryn and Cove, Theo, Rain, Cohen and Reed. And Vaughn. OMG. It takes quite an honest, caring, loving person to be there for someone with DID.

I don't even possess the words to describe the awe I feel after finishing this.

I wish Oryn would have been the one to give himself over to Vaughn first, but I thought the way he pushed for Cohen to be there, there was definitely a decision made, so it didn't feel like cheating. Although, I did wonder if, in the future, now that Vaughn and Oryn have that physical relationship as well, if it will continue with Cohen and if it will feel more scandalous.

Other than that, I just have love for this book. So very well done.

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Dust of Snow by Indra Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I LOVED this story. It had everything!

*Age Gap
*Secret Santa exchange
*Crazy ex boyfriend
*Two very sweet, smart, capable MC's

There were a couple of things that I didn't understand, like the stomach issues that Gregory had, the headaches that Ashley had, the leaving of Bill, the repairman in his apartment... weird. I also found the boss to be a little skeevy.

Even with the strangeness I thought this was a great holiday story with some hot sexy times and beautifully written. I couldn't put it down!

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Single Omegas Only: Mpreg Romance by S.C. Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story. I couldn't put it down. I loved the premise of Tyler being stuck on a trip he didn’t want to go on, but he still was a super nice guy to everyone and made the trip fun. He was so casual and laid back and really put himself out there to give it a chance.

I loved that Ronan couldn't stay away. Even though he'd never thought about a man before, he couldn't help himself. I loved the resolution after the turmoil. This was just a really strong story with a great HEA and a perfect message.


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Stuffed Stockings by K.A. Mitchell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

K.A. Mitchell does naughty like no one else. In this short holiday story, Zane and Lucas are coworkers at an accounting office in NYC. It's a few weeks before Christmas and they have just started their intra-office Secret Santa, but Lucas has started receiving bonus gifts at his desk that are hot and dirty.
He's hoping they are coming from Zane, but according to office gossip, he's got a boyfriend and they are going to get engaged.

I loved the premise of the Secret Santa gift exchange. You could feel the tension in the air when Lucas got to his desk in the morning and a gift was waiting as he nervously swallowed and read the Open in Private tag.

Cute story, well written, a bit of kink, needs a bdsm warning, but overall well done.

*Galley copy given in exchange for an honest review*

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Homebird by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yeah, this one totally did it for me. I wasn't quite sure I'd love it when I read the blurb, to be honest. I'm not one for insta-love trip romances and wandering hearts, but I really loved this book.

Crispin has been left all his life. His parents died when he was young, leaving him to be sent to a wonderful, loving adoptive parents who then died when he was in college. Now, as an accountant for a firm where his team of coworkers have taken him in, he finally has a small corner of the world to call home.

On a week long boys trip to Oktoberfest, he meets Luka, the waiter/superhero with many talents, including loving Crispin and helping him heal. But he's also been left... and his method of healing involves running around the world.

I loved Crispin so much. He took his time. Everything was according to his time, which was so real. And the depth of feeling he had, the compassion. I just loved everything about him.

Luka was your typical perfect on the outside, broken on the inside MC with a wandering heart and enough charisma to light up a Christmas tree farm. He was the perfect balance to Crispin.

I loved the group of friends that Crispin had. As accountants, they were so freely giving of their time and expertise and affection. I loved how they took in Jaime as their own, saw what lied beneath, and loved heart and soul.

This was another homerun for Amy Lane. I loved every page and hope there will be more because I need Cam's story.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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New Tricks by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this story. I felt like the characters were genuine and I loved the homey feeling.

Thomas Stepford has spent the last 21 years building an empire for himself, but his life in New York City is killing him... literally. He's got to slow down before his body gives out on him and he's only 39. He's decided to move back home to Colorado Springs to be closer to his parents and to try to live a slower life. His assistant, Marjorie, hires him a local assistant, Brandon, who seems familiar.

Brandon Wilson has finished college with an MBA and can't find a job. He'll take anything at this point. So, when his grandmother gives him a lead on an assistant position, he sends in his resume. Come to find out, he'll be assisting his teenage crush, Thomas Stepford. But he's sure he can keep everything professional... maybe.

There was one aspect of this story that didn't sit right with me, unfortunately. From the start it seemed strange that Thomas had only had one relationship and yeah, it ended badly, but once the truth comes out and it was a harrowing experience, I am surprised he wasn't more guarded than he was. It seemed like the experience he went through was glazed over, which I found a little weird.

I absolutely loved Brandon's character. He was so confident and went after what he wanted in all aspects of his life. And I loved how Thomas was the dominant force, however, when work was through, he really just needed to be taken care of, which Brandon did brilliantly.

Honestly, the main characters were made for each other and I felt that in the writing from the start. It was a fun, exciting read with a clear path and an ending that left me feeling good.

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Beautiful Dreamer by Christina Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great read! And all about families and close friends getting together for the holidays.

Garrett Coleman had a crush on his best friend's brother for most of his life. Sure, there were some awkward phases since Finn was a few years older, but he was Garrett's hero. Until something happened and they hadn't really spoken in 6 years. During which time, Garrett's mom battled the long road of cancer and recovery and finally beat it.

So, this was the first Christmas in 6 years that both families were getting together again at a cabin in the mountains to re-establish their holiday traditions.

Finn Sweeney still couldn't believe that he hadn't reached out to Garrett in all these years. He was hoping things wouldn't be awkward between them after all this time, but bringing a friend with benefits to this family reunion of sorts may not have been the best idea he'd ever had. Especially after seeing Garrett for the first time in years and realizing what he'd missed.

Things I loved:

*Garrett held a grudge, with good reason, and didn't forgive easily just because he had a crush
*Finn was willing to lay it all out there and put his heart on his sleeve, even asking for forgiveness
*The love and respect that the two families had for one another
*The gift exchange
*The slow burn and the anxiety over what would happen between Gar and Finn
*The sexy times, of course
*The final scene when Finn was leaving...omg I literally screamed in joy (which was mortifying for my family)

Things I didn't love:

*When it ended... because it was over.

Seriously, this is a great little heartfelt story, perfectly written with an epilogue, HEA and lots and lots of feelings. It's the perfect holiday romance.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Chasing Forever by Kelly Jensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This is the third book in the series and although there are characters from the other books, it could be read as a stand alone.

This book didn't capture me like the first book did. I never really got behind the whole Brian is a good guy now thing. It's difficult going from being a villain in one book to being a stand up guy in another. Especially when he's repeatedly deemed a liar, cheat and asshole by more than two different characters.

For the most part, I liked Malcolm's character, but he seemed to have more confidence at the start of the story than he did by the middle. He was pretty sure of himself and he spoke with cockiness when he and Brian bantered in the Colonial, but somehow when they got closer, he felt less attached.

I was hoping for more stability with Josh, Brian's nephew, as well. He needed a place where he felt safe and loved and he ran away twice. And Brian never used the L word with him. That kind of rubbed me the wrong way, honestly.

There was plenty that was great about this book. I loved the writing style and the fact that Brian and Mal were both overcoming major obstacles in their lives and they did it together. I liked that they missed out on a huge opportunity to save the Colonial, but didn't give up and made sure that they saw their vision through to the end. There were so many good moments and dialogue between both of them that it was easy to get wrapped up in their story.

I have really enjoyed reading this series and I'm excited to see more from Kelly Jensen.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Trusting Jack by Ruby Moone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, can I just say WOW! I loved this book.

Jack is 25 and living rough, considerably below his means, due to a debt that his dead brother owes. He finds himself taking an admin job where he works for Michael.

Michael is 30 and lonely. His only relationship ended when his boyfriend stole his ideas and ran, leaving him and his company in jeopardy. But now, his business life is under control. His security company is doing well and his partner handles the people-ing, so he's got it made. Or so he thought...until his secretary announces that Jack stinks and it's up to him to deal with confronting him.

This is where it gets really good. He follows Jack to his 'house' in a derelict building with no doors, then fights off a brute of a man who's the muscle collecting on a $10K note that he owes.

So, I'm trying not to give the story away, but it's obvious that this is more than just a sweet romance. There are so many barriers and issues and boundaries and bad guys. It's got some action and it's got some love and it's totally endearing.

As for the main characters, Jack and Michael. Awesome. Jack was so guarded and skittish but when pressed, he said what he meant and he meant what he said, post haste. Michael had the upper hand being confident and monetarily secure, but he was crap with words. He said all of the wrong things, but he knew it and he fixed it. Right away he fixed it and it was just so real.

Throughout the story was the theme of 'Two's Company' and it was very fun to see that woven in their relationship and how they saw each other.

This was just a very sweet, charming, honest story of two different lives making space for love and jumping in with eyes wide open. Loved it.

*Galley copy generously given by the author in exchange for an honest review. To be cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/*

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His Hart's Command by A.E. Via
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Solid Stars

I love a series, but I love a series that has strong characters with actual jobs and lives along with a romance and this had it all!

Lennox Freeman is working with his best friend Tech for the Atlanta PD as an admin, but he's a genius and one of the best hackers in the world. He's laying low due to a shaky past, but he's hoping to grow some roots here in Atlanta.

Ivan Heart is the Captain of the Atlanta PD SWAT and he's tough as nails. He's a big, hairy, bear of a man who's had his heart crushed by his abusive ex-wife. Now, he's ready to be the person he's always wanted to be and he's got his sights set on Len.

I loved the car chases, the fires, the rush of adrenaline and the romance. This book had it all and it was incredibly written. The sexy scenes were hot and sweet and not overly done.

My favorite thing was how both Len and Hart were big, strong men, but they each had their own alpha male as well as sub qualities and it totally worked for them. I loved the razzing they got at work and how everyone was on their side.

This played out like a serious action movie with lots of heat and just enough of a burn. I loved every page and can't wait until the next book in the series!

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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