Noble Hops by Layla Reyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

As the third Trouble Brewing series story, this had a fantastic display of action, thrills and a side of romance.

Cam and Nic are at it again, still trying to stop Duncan Vaughn from his murderous plotting, scheming, and well... murder. This time all the gang is back together and it's edge-of-your-seat emotional turmoil as Nic lays down the final plan to take him down for good.

It would be way too easy to give away the entire book, so I'm just going to say... OMG. And squeeeee. And a little bit of awww.

Layla Reyne has given me anxiety for three books now and I am not ready to let go of Cam and Nic yet. If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for?

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

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Stranded by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m both exasperated and thrilled. I have such a love/hate relationship with this series. I feel like I’ve come to know the characters so well and it’s devastating every time there is a loss. And there are many.

But here I am, still wildly sucked in and broken hearted at having to wait for the next book in the series.

I’m getting antsy for the romance now. There was a bit more in this story now that they’ve returned to the United States, but it’s still not enough... Dammit I need it!

If you haven’t started this series, you NEED to. It’s emotionally exhausting and will leave you an utter wreck but somehow the writing is gripping enough that I’m happily waiting for more. And giving it all the stars!

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Auctioned by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just don't even know what happened. This was such an emotional, heart wrenching, difficult read. It was fantastic.

So many things...

--There was a lot of torture
--There was a lot of death
--There is slavery
--The worst, most horrifying things you can think of are happening

But also,

--There were heroes
--There were innocent people who helped
--There was a ton of emotion
--I'll be thinking about this book for a very long time

The writing was graphic and brilliant. I loved the characters. I loved how well the story was thought out and how it managed to end well instead of with excruciating loss.

There is still so much more to Gray and Darius's story, I can't wait to read the rest!

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Ride On by J.P. Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, man. I really, really enjoyed this story.

I loved the aspect of the back injury that Jacob suffered and that he knew Danny from his childhood. I loved the fast paced romance that built, even though I don't love an insta-love story. This didn't feel like it was too fast simply because of their past.

It was a great story, even if it felt like it ended kind of abruptly. I would have liked a bit more of an HEA or HFN. Overall, a really great read.


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Power Play by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story.

Abel grew up with one constant in his life, Madigan. As his biological dad's best friend, Mads was there through his father's death, every birthday, his mother getting remarried, school events, etc. When Abel's mental illness reared it's ugly head, Mads was the one who calmed him.

Now, at 21, Abel realizes that his love for Mads had turned into more than a friendly, fatherly love. And when he confessed it by text a year ago, his relationship with Mads broke. They haven't spoken since, and Mads has missed a year of his life. So when Abel asks for help with his new lifestyle, Mads can either let him find someone else to mentor him, or finally give in to the feelings he's repressed this whole time.

I was sucked into their story from the Prologue. I loved how intense all of the family members were. There was just this tangible, pure respect, acknowledgement, love aura that surrounded them, which was a really rich part of the story. It was also very dark and real.

Each character was so vital to the story and their reactions and relationships with both Abel and Mads were so important. I just really loved the writing and how everything flowed and built. And the understanding that was between all of the characters.

Honestly, I have nothing but love for everything about this entire story. I'd absolutely recommend this read.

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The Beach House by Angelique Jurd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Honestly, I love this story but I couldn't do a full 5 stars because of the writing. It was third person, but somehow it just seemed so very detached at the first half. I am not sure if I just got into it more and didn't notice or if the writing just got better, but I fell in love with Ben and Alex's story.

Alex had awful parents. Like, THE WORST homophobic arses ever. And he bore the scars from growing up with them, sadly. But when he meets Ben at a U2 concert, he feels he's worth fighting for.

Ben was everything good. He was a high powered lawyer, but he was a softy who wore his heart on his sleeve. He gave and gave and gave and when he needed he asked. I loved that about him.

If the writing in the start had been better, I'd have given this 5 stars. Honestly, though, I'd still recommend this book as I absolutely loved their story and it had so many wonderful hurt/comfort feels, which is my bag.

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Off the Ice by Avon Gale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I really, really LOVED this story.

Tristan Holt has decided to take a few college classes during the NHL's off season. When he can't get his sociology professor, Sebastian Cruz, out of his head, he decides to make a move and ask him out the day the semester ends.

Sebastian is trying to get tenure at the University and he's got it bad for a student. How bad would it be to start seeing each other after class is officially over? It probably won't last anyway...

I totally dug the whole Hot For Teacher aspect, as well as the age gap.

I loved every part of Tristan. I loved how he stood up for himself when accused of cheating. I loved how worried he was about his professor's feelings. I loved how much he was embarrassed to express what he needed from Seb but did it anyway. He was a great teammate. He cared about his game and his team and his friends and loved his family. I loved how emotional he got over missing Thanksgiving with them.

I grew to love Seb at the end. I think if he wasn't such a complete jerk at the start I would have given this a full five stars, but I was turned off on his character until the very end when I felt he finally showed some real emotion.

This was a great writing partnership between Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn. I have thoroughly enjoyed Gale's previous hockey books and this was right up there. A must read!

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

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Perfect Match by A.G. Meiers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Really cute, sweet story about two very different men who are matched together and have some secrets to come clean about.

I thought it was a fun read. I loved both Jayden and Sven and thought they were very sweet together. The plot kept me going and I highly enjoyed it!

*Arc provided for an honest review.

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A Murder of Crows by Jane Wallace-Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As far as this series is concerned, I'm totally hooked. This was the second book in the Agents of C.L.A.W. series and it was a wonderful addition.

Ben Clearwater is a crow shifter, a technical genius and a member of C.L.A.W. After creating a new identity 5 years ago, he won't let anyone close enough to know the real him. But Bear has certainly tried.

Bear has wanted Ben from the start. So when Ben's world collapses and his past comes back to haunt him, he'll do everything he can to keep him safe and hopefully just keep him.

I love a good action/romance and this one was perfect. It wasn't over the top, but there was enough that it got my anxiety up and rooting for the C.L.A.W. team in its entirety. And it was fun to see the characters from the first book as well. I loved how well they all worked together and how understanding the team was of each of its members. Totally supportive, yet highly humorous.

This was a fast paced, fun read with awesome characters, plenty of action and lots of cute romance.

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


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How To Be A Normal Person by T.J. Klune
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I mean, how could I even give less than ALL THE STARS to TJ Klune. OMG. So, I am super late to the whole TJ is the most amazing author party, but I'm here now. This is the fourth book, I think, that I've read of his and yeah. All the stars.

I read this now because How to Be a Movie Star is up and coming and I can't be left out, see. But this was so different and so similar to what I've read of his before. I honestly felt like Gustavo Tiberius had a wee bit of Ox in him.

Gus was so awkward in the most magical of ways. From his love of his albino ferret Harry S. Truman to his best friends, a trio of Vespa driving elderly women in matching jackets, he was perfect and whole and omg so funny.

So, there were a few lines in this book that I must quote because I almost died and I feel as though they should be tied to this review for my posterity in case of my sudden demise.

"What are you smiling at?" "I wasn't smiling. I was doing lip stretches."

"Speaking of old, just how old are you?" "Twenty-nine." "You poor thing. Don't worry. I hear thirty is the new something something. I don't even know. You'll make it work, somehow. I believe in you."

"I'll be honest, I'm sort of stoned because I got nervous again about coming over here because I like you so much and I have no idea what you just said." "I made ham because I'm nervous." "Fuck yeah. We're, like, a power couple. Or something."

Just do yourself a massive favor and read this and then read all of TJ Klune's other books. End of.

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Educating the Professor by Sean Michael
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have some serious mixed reviews on this one and I'm trying to wrap my head around them. On the whole, the story was engaging, the characters were true to life and enigmatic, but I found the dialogue between them lacking and sometimes even bordering on weird.

At the start, Kenn is portrayed as a somewhat reclusive history professor who was admired by his colleagues and cherished by his students. In his small college town, he was well known and had a quite large set of groupies following his lectures. When his best friend and fellow professor guilts him into attending a school mixer, he meets grad student/professor Dave, and he's overwhelmed by his feelings towards him.

Here's where I started getting confused. Kenn had a past and it was brutal. He told Dave from the start that he wasn't ready to start anything, yet he spent all of his free time with him. He constantly spoke of being an introvert, yet was always with people, going out, wanting to spend time with Dave.

Another issue I had was the way Dave spoke to him. At times it felt like he was talking down to a child. And the responses from Kenn were always short (yes, okay, no). Most of the middle of the book continued on like this. It wasn't really until they found their groove, finally, in an unexpected way that Kenn finally got some confidence and actually articulated his feelings and wants as well as needs, but at that point I just felt like Dave had steamrolled him. It very much felt like an uneven relationship to me.

As I mentioned, I was intrigued enough to see where the story would take me to read it fully and it ended as I'd expected, so there were no surprises there, but I just got a wholly weirded out vibe from the entire relationship. Again, this is just me and my humble opinion.

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


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Gage by J.J. Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the second book in this series, I would not recommend reading this as a standalone. There is too much that happens in Wolff that is continued in this story.

We pick up where we left off with Wolff and Gage reigniting their relationship, but this time the story takes on more of a character background feel. When Gage starts receiving messages from home after 12 years without any contact he's not sure what to think. The story takes us through his relationship with his sister, his mother and his father.

Meanwhile, we get to know more about the friendship between Gage and Banner, as well as Wolff and Theo. And there's some interesting drama going on there!

I really enjoyed this book, but it felt like a bridge book to me... So much happened in the first story that this kind of evened out the relationships, divulged more information and got us all hot and heavy to learn more about Banner in the next installation.

Another great book, but I'm looking forward to the next!

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

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Wolff by J.J. Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This was super intense and I read it in one sitting. I couldn't get enough.

Gage is in finance and just weeks away from becoming a partner at his firm. He's got it all. A great best friend and a nice place and the perfect job. As long as he doesn't think about what happened to him 12 years ago, his life is good.

Wolff can't believe he got the job at the firm he's always wanted to work for in London. In a few weeks his entire life is changing. When he pokes around at the firm's website and sees Gage the past comes flooding back and drags him under.

12 years ago, Wolff did something unspeakable to Gage. It's the worst thing that anyone can imagine and now he's going to have to face him and try to apologize. But what if Gage can't forgive him?

This was super raw and the feelings portrayed by the writing were so direct, it was awesome. The way that Wolff humbled himself and how Gage showed such compassion was just so honest and felt so real.

I loved reading this story and even though it didn't end on a cliffhanger, there are quite a few strings left undone. I can't wait to read the next book in the Redemption series!

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. *

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His Uptown Guy by Felice Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet, sweet story that had me feeling the feels.

Jesse has lived in the famous Dakota building across from Central Park since he was born. Now that he's an adult, he hasn't left the building in 5 years. Well, he hasn't left the apartment in 5 years. When his father was killed in 9/11 he was deeply affected and his life changed in many ways. But when he was mugged and stabbed, he never recovered. And losing his boyfriend at the same time didn't help.

But today he's feeling ok. He's going to make it to the garden and sit. And that's where he meets maintenance worker Dash. He almost passes out and Dash comes to his rescue and gives him the strength to fight off his demons and maybe slay some of Dash's as well.

I love a well written hurt/comfort and this totally gave me my fix. Jesse was such a cool, down to earth character and the agoraphobia was a very interesting issue for him to overcome. I loved how Dash knew exactly how slow to go and how honest he was with Jesse.

Both Jesse and Dash were totally different characters, but fit together so well. I could absolutely feel their connection and loved how family oriented they both were. They were a great match and I was so happy for how this ended.

I would definitely recommend this read. I blew threw it just waiting for the HEA I hoped was coming and it did not disappoint.

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

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Unlocking the Doctor's Heart by Liam Livings
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Honestly, this was a difficult read for me.

It started out with Davie, a nurse, starting a new job at a hospital in London. He's trying to get into the hospital for a walk through, but he doesn't have his staff pass yet, so he's arguing with the desk clerk. When Leo, a staff doctor gets involved, he takes on Davie as his responsibility and shows him around. When they end up working together in the youth transplant ward, they spend a lot of time together at the hospital, but also forge a friendship out of work.

I felt the potential in this story and wanted it so badly to move me, but it just didn't get me there. First off, Davie tells Leo he won't date another doctor, yet every time they spend time together his thoughts are quite the opposite. Leo has an issue to overcome with his ex, but won't discuss it and won't have a relationship because of it. So. That leaves them with longing and a slow burn. But this wasn't the delicious kind of slow burn. I just wanted them to finally get together.

Without completely spoiling the review, I'll just say that there was an HEA, but it only happened in the last 5% of the story, so I honestly didn't feel it. I saw more of the characters apart than together, which was unfortunate.

I did enjoy Davie's character and the compassion he showed for his patients and the ability he had to wear his heart on his sleeve when it mattered most. There just wasn't enough there to keep me rooting for the romance to happen.

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

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The Other Book by Roe Horvat
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars!

Oh. My. Holy. Hell.

I was seriously NOT expecting this much HEAT from Roe Horvat but I loved it!

This story comes with a preemptive note at the start, which I would recommend reading. Sometimes the insight of the author and where they were headspace wise when writing gives you more clarity and enjoyment and I for sure kept it in mind with this story. And here's my disclaimer... I'm not into more than one partner for love scenes and too much sex in a story and I skim. This book had a lot of sex and it did have a scene with a foursome, but knowing the origin of the story and the surrounding emotion with the scene, it didn't have a detrimental impact on me. In fact, it was one of the most pivotal moments of the story.

That being said, there was an actual story here and it was beautifully written. If you've read any of Roe Horvat's work, you know the writing is stellar. This was no exception. I loved that this started off as a enemies to lovers story as well as a naughty workplace romance.

The two MC's were perfect. They communicated effortlessly and I loved how the writer showed how much empathy and understanding both men had for each other. There were no misunderstandings here, which was a welcomed relief.

Do yourself a favor and read this book. It was heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time. Roe Horvat broke my heart and put it back together again and I enjoyed every minute.

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

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The Devil's Breath by A. Nybo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Super fast paced and thrilling!

Henri was living a normal life until he found out he was being stalked and watched and recorded in his own home for over a year. After being abducted and tortured by a psycho and lived through the pain of the trial, Henri has so many emotional and physical scars that keep him from forming any type of relationship. After three years his nightmare returns when he finds a bullet taped to his car door. Frantic, he runs into a cafe and tries to call for help is assisted by Birch.

Birch was just minding his own business, trying to assist a man who was in the middle of an anxiety attack. Now he's stuck in the middle of nightmare where a crazed killer is looking for him in a safe house. But he's more worried about Henri than he is himself. Because he doesn't think Henri can make it through this ordeal again alone.

This was so well written and well done. I couldn't help but cheer on Birch the entire time when he tried his best to comfort Henri. I loved the inner turmoil he felt and how strong he made himself to be what Henri needed him to be. The character formation was just superbly done.

I got so into the story line. So many times with thrillers like this it's easy to get lost, but this was written so well and I was so deep into the characters that I felt like I was there with them.

This was a great, fast paced, thrilling read with romance and humor. Totally recommend.

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

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Typhoon Toby by R.L. Merrill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was definitely a whirlwind, but it was also refreshing and the best kind of hurt/comfort.

Toby is a genius. He started college at 16 and grew up fast. Relying on his advisor, he trusted where he shouldn't have and ended up very emotionally and physically scarred. He just wants to block out the past and move forward, the more nameless the hookup the better. But when he takes a well needed vacation in Bali, he finds that after spending a week with the same man, he feels lost when they part.

Spencer is a therapist and an advocate for LGBT+ youth. He own his own practice with his friend and he's been working himself too hard. When he leaves Toby after a week in Bali, he can't get him out of his head. And when he sees him on TV promoting his new show, he realizes he can't miss an opportunity to see him again.

I'll be honest, I didn't really get into this story until about halfway, but then I was consumed. Toby started out a reckless, lost and frankly annoying character who finally realized that in order to get past his pain, he had to confront it. It was honestly very gratifying to see Toby take the steps to becoming whole. I had to give him credit for his maturity and willingness to 'fix' himself in an effort to have a relationship with Spencer.

At first Spencer annoyed me as well because he acted so victimized and small, but with the promise of love from Toby, he too became more confident and less guarded. Once they found a place where they were grounded the story was so tender and raw.

I really enjoyed all of the friends in this story and their drama as well. It's fun to see the beginnings of other stories building up in the background to keep the series moving.

The last half of this was done so well. There were so many triggers for Toby that he was able to weather with Spencer at his side and I really felt the relationship as it morphed into a tangible feeling of love. This was definitely a book that I'm thrilled to have read and I'm excited to see the next story, hopefully with Javier.

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

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The Alpha's Lust by Preston Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a truly unique shifter story and I enjoyed it more than I had expected.

When Ray is sent to another pack to mate with an omega, he has no idea what he's in for. He doesn't want a mate. He doesn't want a family or love, but he denied the Alpha's son, so he was cast out.

But when he meets Sil, he instantly feels protective of him and wants to feel a part of his family. But the past has a way of coming back to haunt him and he's caught in the middle of a crossfire.

This has a great HEA and some interesting character quirks that really made the story take flight.

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Pisces Floors Taurus by Anyta Sunday
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you aren't familiar with Zane and Beckett, you MUST read Pisces Hooks Taurus. It was on my top 2018 reads and it's one you don't want to miss.

This short little HEA addition to that story was everything well wrapped and placed on a platter for us readers. This story begins with Zane and Becky finishing up their stint abroad and returning home. Zane is (no so) patiently waiting for two things to happen.

First, he wants Beckett to top him...for the first timenopressure! Secondly, he wants that proposal he was promised when they returned to the US.

Becky is just as charming and fun in this snippet as he was in PHT and Zane is his typical breezy self, with a wee bit of anxiety and it was adorable. I love these boys so much and love that Anyta Sunday gave us the HEA we were dying for.

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

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Valor by Karrie Roman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We finally got Alec's story and it was truly worth the wait!

This is book #4 in the Until You series and while it could be considered a stand alone, there are so many characters from the other books that I feel like you'd be missing out. Plus, the other books are wonderful, so do yourself a favor and read them all anyway.

Alec is former military, former FBI, full fledged badass. He works with his friends finding lost and stolen children, returning them to safety. When Alec gets a call from San Diego that a well to do lawyers 4 year old son was taken from the playground, he's called in and prepared to do anything he can to get Jack back.

Asher is somewhat estranged from his family due to his career choice, but his brother has called him home for support. When he walks in the door he takes one look at Alec and is immediately love-struck.

I know, I know. It sounds like insta-love and it felt like insta-love but it wasn't. Honestly. There was burn and it was slooowwww.

This felt like two books in one because of the two separate but related cases and it built so much excitement in me as I read. I also was treated to some much needed comedy in the form of Ben Cronin. I love how Alec has his self made family of support and friendship including Ben, Cameron, Zach, Ethan, Ryan and Lucas. The gang was back together again making memories and forging bonds and welcoming Asher with open arms.

Karrie Roman has created a world in which threats exist, but there is a team of good guys at the ready who happen to be gorgeous, funny and extremely entertaining. If you haven't read this series, now is the time to start. This fourth book was perfect.

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

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Fearless by Nicky James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Nicky James has rocked my hurt/comfort loving world. This is seriously THE BEST series and I'm so glad I've had the opportunity to read it.

Krew was magnificent. I love his story. I love what a princess he is and his excitement over all things Disney. I love his bunny jammies.

Max was exactly the perfect person for Krew. All of his happiness came from Krew, which is just awesome. He was magnanimous and unwavering and so hopeful.

Exquisite writing, beautiful story, charming characters, it was everything.

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Little Harbour by Sophia Soames
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This was a hard one for me to read and rate. For the first quarter of the story, I absolutely loved it. Every word. There was so much greatness here...

Jens lost his wife a year ago. He's now the single parent of 4 children with a full time job as a professor and lecturer at the local college. His life has fallen apart, his kids have fallen apart, he's got no idea what he's doing.

Axel is a mid-wife and has started a blog online. When he gets an email intended for someone else, he notices that it's from Jens, the best friend he fell in love with and then lost 20 years ago. And he's been in love with him since. He takes a chance to meet him again and see if he can finally let him go.

This was a story about second chances and was written so poetically. I really was amazed at the writing in this. I fell in love within the first 15 minutes and was so invested in both Jens and Axel, but also the children. Each one was so dynamically engaging in the story and I literally felt like part of the family. I honestly can't say enough about the writing in this. It was just beautiful.

My only hesitation in giving this a full five stars was the length. The story was angst free. There were no issues or crossroads. It was blending Axel's life with a family of five and how to cope with work and friends and family and feelings. Once I got 2/3 of the way through, I was ready for the end. Yes, the writing was still stellar. Yes, everyone was still engaging and funny and the stories were epic, but it was so much without direction, I suppose.

It was all heart and I would have honestly given this 5 stars just for the writing and the story line alone. So many words of love and the dialogue just flowed seamlessly. I really loved so many exchanges.

"You looked like you needed a hug." Axel whispers in his ear.
"I did." Jens whispers back. "I needed you, and now everything is okay."

I totally recommend this author as I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the prose, and I know I'll be thinking of the Sommerfeldt family for a very long time.

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

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Cuffing Season: A Gay Paranormal Romance by Liam Kingsley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the government gets to decide the laws surrounding shifters, a new election becomes very important. And one of the candidates has paid to own his own omega, James. James has lived hidden his entire life and has finally broken free, just to be alone and in danger.

When he meets Ben, a former military hero, he finally feels what it's like to trust someone, but he's got to get rid of his ex before he can move on completely.

I really enjoyed this book and the depth of the characters and story. There was a lot of great dialogue that kept the story flowing.

"He wasn't the picture of the man I thought I'd fall for. He wasn't the picture of safety and independence that I had imagined. Somehow, he was everything I needed, anyway."

I just really enjoyed this one.


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Escaping Mortality by Sara Dobie Bauer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So so good. Sara Dobie Bauer has finished this series strong and as much as I hate to see it end, it was totally worth it.

This final book starts where the second book ended, with Edmund finding his elder and being half dead in the ocean. Nothing goes according to plan when Andrew is told he can't be the one to kill Edmund. Somehow, the elder has revived Edmund into immortality with a special ability, but it's one that is reliant on being in contact with him.

As they journey to London to get in touch with Edmund's dying mother, more of his abilities are revealed, as well as the insidious plan the elder has for Edmund.

I have fallen in love with Andrew and Edmund during this series. The books are written in such a way that describes every moment and every action so well without being overly wordy. I love Sara Dobie Bauer's writing style and how she pulls me in so willingly to the characters. And Andrew and Edmund's love affair is so deep and real that I feel part of it.

"He's no longer only my miracle but the world's, as well. Then there's me. I find contentment in simply loving him."

I have often thought of Andrew and Edmund and their past lives being so vastly different than the life they've made together and I feel spoiled to have had the opportunity to get to know them so well. I'll miss reading of their adventures, but with an HEA epilogue I can't really complain.

Do yourself a favor and read this series. It's vampire love at its finest.

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

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Out in the Offense by Lane Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another winner for Lane Hayes. I love how her MC's in the Out in College series are so very different with completely original backgrounds. Rory and Christian were the perfect additions.

Christian is the Quarterback for the Chilton college football team, but he's failing statistics. When his coach tells him he needs a tutor and offers to pay for Rory, Christian can't say no.

Rory is an out and proud bi man who's recently graduated from college and is looking at what to do next. He's got time on his hands so tutoring Christian seems like an easy addition to his plan. But soon his student turns into a distraction...

Rory was charming and funny and smart as hell. He was out and proud, but he'd been in the closet and knew what it was like living there. So when Christian is dodgy about PDA, Rory gets it. He was so patient and supportive. The story was told in the perspective of just Christian, but I'd love to have gotten inside Rory's head.

Christian was living his life playing defense instead of pushing for what he wanted. I enjoyed how determined he was, but the whole relationship with his roommates Max and Sky was so much drama. The lack of drama between Christian and Rory was gratifying, but the addition of the supporting casts struggles made me cringe at times.

Overall, this was a beautiful tale of love trumping all and was very well done. I loved the jokes and the inquisitive nature of Christian. I loved Rory and his contribution to making this story so uplifting and satisfying. This is definitely another must read addition to the series.

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



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Rough Terrain by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the freak out of this book. I have not read the rest of the series, but I don't feel as though I missed any vital information, so I'm confident in it's ability to be read as a stand alone.

Canaan Finley is in nursing school by day, a smoothie king by night. He lives with his grandpa and he wouldn't have it any other way. The best part about living in San Diego? There's no shortage of Navy SEALs. And he's got a group of 4 that are regulars, but only one has caught his eye.

Renzo Bianchi is in a holding pattern. He's living in California, doing the SEAL thing... waiting to get sent on a mission, waiting for a transfer back home to Virginia. When Canaan catches his eye and offers him a bit of trouble, he's taken on a mission he can't forget...and doesn't want to.

Oh, man. THE FEELINGS! Annabeth Albert seriously got me in this one. I couldn't help feeling the gamut of emotions for both Renzo and Canaan, but also for myself. I wanted EVERYTHING for them.

Things I loved best about Canaan:
--He was a talker, especially about his plans and what he wanted
--He stood up for himself fiercely
--He was a total romantic and planned ahead
--He didn't compromise even when it would have been the easy way

Things I loved best about Renzo:
--He just cared soooooo much. So much.
--He wanted to earn the title of hero
--He put his family first
--He was sweet and funny and unafraid when it mattered

Together, they just worked. Vastly different backgrounds and personalities. I loved the juxtaposition of their personalities as well. I was expecting Renzo to be a cocky jerk, honestly, but he was almost shy and reserved, especially when it came to sex. And Canaan was the one with the wild sexual past, which I kind of enjoyed. It made his character more real.

Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the writing. Totally recommend. And now I've got 6 more books to catch up on!

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

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Awakenings & French Songs by Nell Iris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Family and waiting was the theme here and there were such tender moments, I couldn't help but fall for this story.

Iggy has just turned 36 and after a night at the club, he's feeling rather old. And like he's been missing something in his life but he can't figure out what. When he heads home early and alone, for once, he passes his neighbor, Ronan, in the hallway and is invited over for tea.

Ronan is a single dad to 11 year old Emery. They've spent years living across from Iggy and have had a few chats over tea, but tonight something is different. Ronan is different. And when Ronan hears a particular song in French, he's overcome with a feeling that he knows exactly what's been missing and what he wants.

This story was extremely short, but it was packed with ooey gooey goodness in the form of Ronan. I fell in love with him from the start. He was super sensory oriented and touched Iggy gently when the mood hit. He read Iggy's mannerisms and moods and was giving and caring and unafraid to explore new territory when it came to love.

This was a really sweet story of realizing what you want and taking the steps to get there. I loved that they were adult and didn't rush. I loved that they both cared more about Emery than starting a relationship. I just wished there had been more blanks filled in before it ended, though with a epilogue I got my happy ending.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to https://gaybook.reviews/2019/01/02/fo... *

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By the Way, I Love You by Seth King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Super fluff!

All the makings of a sappy story, but it touched me. I felt the agony, the fear, the love, the anxiety. All of it. And in such a short, sweet story. For that, I gave 4 stars.

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Don't Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper by Carole Cummings
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the type of read that I absolutely needed right now. I laughed and sighed and fell in love a bit.

Emery Sutton was just walking across the street when he saw the man of his dreams...and then he saw the wings. Yeah, that was weird.

Waking up in the morgue, he doesn't feel dead. Well, he must have died, but he's no longer dead. So he gets up, metaphorically dusts himself off and goes about his business, only to find the Reaper has come back. And when he touches Emery again, ugh. Dead.

Now that this has happened a few times, it seems like Heaven and Hell both want a say in what's going on, but nothing can compare to the wrath of a mother scorned.

Oh, and let's not forget about the HOOOT reaper. Emery sure hasn't.

This book was so fun and likeable and every character was great. I loved Emery's sister, who wanted to walk in his footsteps. I loved his dad who was more worried about the minions from hell wrecking his lawn than he was about their actual presence.

I'd totally recommend this and I'd read it again. I just wish there was more to the story... *sigh.

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

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