Echoes by L.A. Ashton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There were quite a few twists and turns in this story that I was seriously unable to stop reading to the end. So dramatic, fantastic and the longest pining in the history of pinings.

Oskar is a wandering vampire. He's lived a thousand years, since the Vikings. When he shows up in the middle of corn field flat Iowa, he's overcome with emotion to see his best friend from his human life.

Aranck has made something of himself as the 'Lord' of the vampires in his town. He's charged with dealing with all matters of bloodsuckers as well as keeping the peace with the were wolves in the area. When there's a matter to be dealt with the truce between the two is compromised. But to what end?

L.A. Ashton created a unique world where vampires are known, light-tight motel rooms are a thing, and were wolves are still hidden. In the middle of this small town in nowhere Iowa, an epic love is kindled and lives are changed. And it's sometimes pretty funny...

"The fragility of humans is strange. Creeps me out."

I don't want to give anything away, but this was a serious edge of your seat entertainer full of blood lust, shifters and secret promises you won't want to put down.

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

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A Model Escort by Amanda Meuwissen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was so much better than a Pretty Woman story or a fake boyfriend trope, even though it had a bit of both in it. There was so much more to this, though. It was smart. It was thoughtful. It was exciting.

Owen left a tumultuous relationship, his home, his friends, and his family to start over in another town. He was on his own for the first time and afraid of being lonely. After being given a business card for an escort service, he made the call. He didn't want a boyfriend. Or sex. He just wanted someone.

Cal was high end. He picked who he wanted to spend his time with and he chose how much he gave of himself to his clients. When he picked up Owen on his calendar he wasn't expecting the innocent, cheeky, smart man who was broken and alone. And he didn't expect to want to be the guy who put him back together.

So much went into this little story. Age gap, hurt/comfort, friends to lovers. It was a pleasure to read and get to know Owen and Cal. They were both so very independent and smart, giving and loyal. These were the kind of characters you'd like to meet IRL.

The story was sweet, the romance was slow and satisfying. I had wished for a bit more interaction between Cal and Owen on page, however. It felt like most of their bonding and friendship happened off page and we were just told of it. Same with their intimate moments. Given there are times when it's too much for the story, I would have liked a bit more here.

Worth the read entirely if you like a sweet story with a smart couple and a happy ever after.

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

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Salt Magic, Skin Magic by Lee Welch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This was positively magical.

I had no idea that I was into Victorian/Fantasy, but this was just awesome.

Lee Welch created a world of human/seals and child size hedgehogs and magic and alchemy and I found myself saying, just five more minutes until it was done. There was just so much to the plot. So many twists and turns that kept me guessing and my anxiety on alert.

Joel Leslie has no boundaries. He does epic voices, makes me feel everything that is going on in the story and adds so much life to the characters. I loved his take on Lord Thornby in this. He has such a way of making the characters jump out at you, you just feel like you are right there running with the hedgehog and talking to mounds of salt.

I would absolutely recommend this book because the story was amazingly well done, but I'd recommend the audiobook for the magic that Joel Leslie brings.

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

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Working Out the Kinks by Misha Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So. Much. Angst.

I enjoyed this story, but there was just so much mentally going on. I needed more interaction. More dialogue.

I gave this 4 stars because I really thought the writing was awesome. It was pure prose, which floored me. I just needed to feel a bit more for the characters. I hated how pushy Brett was. I hated how much of a martyr Landon was. I honestly didn't love them together, either. I understood it, though.

More romance, more dialogue, just more would have been nice.

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Bitten By Fate by Annabelle Jacobs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

As the last book in this series, I think there was a lot at play with tying up loose ends and giving everyone their happy ending. And I'm pretty sure if you've read this series, you'll be thrilled at this finale.

Jason has been eyeing Daryl for a while now, but they've been on opposite sides, just recently merged into the same pack as betas. With all of the animosity from the merger, the packs have yet to find their groove together. The alphas have set up a two week pack bonding experience and have sent Jason and Daryl to assist.

Daryl has never wanted more than a fling. His parents' relationship ended viciously because of a bond and he's promised himself that he'll never let that happen to him. But what's the harm in a little playing around?

Jason was up front and honest in his feelings. Daryl was only fooling himself. It was a bond in the making and they both knew it. It was heart-breaking when Daryl made a decision, but Jason was so giving and loyal. It floored me how well he took the news and how much he was wiling to give up and risk for Daryl.

This was quite a love story and it was really inspiring. Annabelle Jacobs did a wonderful job finishing up her shifter series with this last tale. Such a great series.

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

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Redeem by Christina Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This just really hit me hard. These boys were both so broken. Gah. Unbelievable story of love and hope and belonging.

Michael has a solid job, enough money to throw around, and a new-found proclivity for men. His last relationship was...unhealthy. But, he's taken the time to look at himself and realize if he doesn't do something, he's going to turn into his father.

Stewart is a barista. He's happy with where he is professionally, but his personal life is a mess. With repressed anxiety from his upbringing, his nightmares have returned, he's gone through a relationship crisis, but he's seeing a professional now. The meds are working. He's had less panic attacks, but he's not ready for anything serious. So, when a quickie in the bathroom on New Year's Eve won't leave his mind, he's surprised to see Michael show up again at his work.

From the start I was loving the fact that both Michael and Stewart were seen as the bad guys in past relationships. It's so difficult to pull a jerk into a new role as someone you want to see end up happy and Christina Lee pulls this off so well.

Both boys were so broken and working so hard to get better and I just loved how intuitive they both were at finding what the other one needed and just being there. There was so much honesty in this and love.

Christina Lee writes with so much emotion and just has a way at getting under your skin with the raw honesty of her characters and their dialogue and desires. I loved this story. I loved her interpretation and gift for hurt/comfort and couldn't recommend this book more.

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

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The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love a hurt/comfort/healing and this was a perfect example of that trope.

Chris, having always looked up to his younger brother, Cal, is devastated at his funeral. Soon after, he realizes that his relationship with his brother wasn't at all what he thought and he's reeling from all of the questions and dishonesty surrounding his new found information.

Elliot loved Cal, but after six months of dating, he wanted more than just being his dirty little secret. And then suddenly, there was no time left. He was mad at the funeral. No one knew him there and seeing Chris for the first time brought back so many memories of Cal.

Neither of them could stay away from each other long and their odd friendship morphed into more.

Just reading this story was so interesting to me. The dynamic between Chris and Elliot and Cal was overwhelming at times. Everything they felt and worried about was so real. All of the questions... how much is he thinking of Cal instead of me? Gah. I loved how Brigham Vaughn just layed it all out there and forced the two to pick up the pieces.

Told solely from Chris's POV, I kind of wanted to get in Elliot's head a bit more. He was so much the typical brooding artist, but then he had this whole other side where he was funny and sweet and romantic.

Honestly, they were perfect for each other. There was an ensemble cast of friends and family that really left you raw, as a reader, and added so much to the story. I loved the story, the emotions, the feelings and the ending.

This is a great story and I'm excited to know it's just the start of a series that I can't wait to dive in to!

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

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Pros & Cons of Deception by A.E. Wasp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another charming, action packed addition to this wonderful series!

This is the story of the nerdy, cyber genius, gamer Wesley Bond. It's his turn to open the envelope and find the horror that lurks behind his adventure.

When they find a resort that's basically kidnapping young worker's, holding their visa's hostage, and basically turning them into slaves at the resort the team goes fully undercover, code names and all, to catch the guy in charge.

This series has me laughing constantly. I love how this gang of criminals has become such a family complete with razzing each other, having their backs, and showing more care and concern than their own families ever have.

There was a lot of romance in this story, with Danny, the twink from the first book, and Wes. I loved their dynamic together. Wes was so concerned that he wasn't and never would be good enough for Danny, who looked at the world with innocent eyes, despite all he'd been through. And Danny, who looked at Wes like he was everything.

This series is just so exciting, fun and full of humor. Oh, right... and adventure that won't quit.

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

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Pros & Cons of Vengeance by A.E. Wasp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure!

Charlie is dead. He's enlisted the help of his attorney to get a group of misfits together, through blackmail, to do some of his not-so-legal work posthumously.

The team is hilarious. I love their internal hijinks and the way they all come together, even though they are all cons.

The style that this was written in was unique but in a fresh, fun way. It's told through dual POV's, but one of the characters is more on the peripheral.

The central romance is a fast, insta-love but it's made genuine by the fact that it's surrounded by so much drama and the characters are constantly in each other's pockets. Which, I have to say, is so fun to read at the start of a relationship.

Overall, the story was so well done, the action packed scenes were believable and exciting and the romance was super sweet. The characters were all charming in their own way and snarky as hell. It made for a highly humorous tale. I can't wait to read more of this series.

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

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Black by Quin Perin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Meow."

I'd expected the deliciously dirty, but who knew these guys could be so sweet?

"If he only knew what he did to me. How he controlled the rhythm of my heart."

There was so much emotion in this story. Hurt/comfort is totally my cup of tea and this fed that thirst with an edge. Kitten play is new to me and holy freak did this story spotlight this kink in the very best way.

Tony was a wanderer. He fell into step in the life his father had wanted for him, but he wasn't made to be a lawyer. After traveling the world, his sister called him home and he went. And he found Dima in a small cafe in a small town living a dim life.

Dima had his fair share of pain and wasn't looking for more. Nothing with feelings involved. Purely physical was all he needed. Until Tony shined a light on him and suddenly he could see a life with more.

It wasn't hard to fall in love with Dima right away. He had snark and fight and passion. I loved the way he rationalized his feelings in his head and how utterly shameless he was. His character brought so much fun to the story and he was heart-breakingly perfect.

Tony couldn't have been more perfect for a man like Dima. He was honest and supportive and seriously... a man with that many tattoos, long hair AND a beard. Come on.

I was wowed and humbled by the story line. I cheered and laughed, and as much as I hate to admit, my throat did tighten up at the end. I absolutely loved how they just accidentally fell into a kink that neither had planned, but worked so perfectly.

This book had a ton of feelings, a ton of kink, a well thought out story, and a romance to swoon over. It's absolutely going to be one that I'll go back to and read over and over. Very well done.

*Galley copy generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review. To be cross posted closer to release. *

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Wait for Me by Kris Jacen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This just really worked for me. Coming from a military family myself, I found this story really well done and delightfully refreshing.

Jeff Mackey is currently home from deployment with his Heptad (7 of his Army buddies) and at a bar, celebrating another upcoming wedding. The last minute bartender, Scott, catches his eye and quickly becomes the focal point of his evening. When he asks him to be his plus one to the wedding the next night, Scott can't refuse.

There was a ton of military jargon in this book and the POV switched throughout, which got kind of confusing at times. It was easier to understand as the story continued on and as Jeff deployed to the sand box.

I really loved how adult this relationship was. From the start Scott and Jeff knew that they had something worth figuring out. They took slow steps, even though they only had a month before Jeff was leaving for a full year.

The fact that the Septad was there, constantly, and knew everything that was going on was both creepy at times, but also super supporting. The concept of Army Wives is a true thing and it was really brought to light here as Scott was accepted into the fold and given the mantle of family.

This story had romance and heat, but for me it was the honesty and obvious long-term love that was unique that really spoke to me. It was mature and real and raw at times. I really enjoyed this read and I'm excited to continue on with the With Me series.

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

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Dirty Mind by Roe Horvat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one just really, really worked for me.

By day, Alex is a professor of writing. He's got a steady income, has good friends and a decent life at age 30. Oh, and he also is a successful writer of porn.

When he saves 18 year old Chris from being fondled by some seriously trashy guys in a bar, they start a friend/mentor/brother relationship that includes phone calls, emails and occasional visits.

When Chris gets accepted into college in Alex's hometown and they start seeing more and more of each other, it becomes obvious to Alex that his feelings have been shoved into a deep, dark corner and they come toppling out at the worst time.

The story gripped me in it's fist and just kept tightening it's hold. I couldn't stop reading, couldn't put it down until the end. There were so many times that I just really had to catch my breath, but then kept going. Roe Horvat has a way with making my insides gooey and I love/hate every second of it. I was burning during the entire story.

While the title and the whole 'porn writer' character sort of alludes to a descriptive, kinky, sex fueled story, this was not that. This was two people finding their way to each other and then finally getting their own love story.

So well done. I just can't say enough.

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With a Twist by K. Evan Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the first book in a new series by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn, this is also a spin-off of another series collaboratively written by the pair.

Will Martin is a gay NYU professor and writer who's been estranged from his family for a decade after coming out. When he receives a call that his father, the Senator, is ill and he's needed at home, he decides to take the summer off and get reacquainted with his family.

David Mori has looked up to his mentor, Senator Martin, since he first entered the senate race and has become very close to his family. When he meets Will for the first time, he can't help but feel the static charge between them. After getting to know each other, it's obvious they lay on opposites sides of the political aisle, but is it too far to cross?

This story was so smartly written. I was thoroughly impressed by the ability to cover so much in the way of politics and platforms and the prejudices that go along with them.

I loved David's character. He had so much compassion and was so genuine and affirming. He brought so much to this story. Will's character had to grow on me. At first he seemed like a self-righteous brat, but he humbled himself and I really felt the connection between him and David.

I loved the second chance that Will had with his father and the role that David played getting him there. Everything just flowed so well and the pacing kept me wanting more.

I can't wait to read more of this series!

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

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A Lord to Love by Sara Dobie Bauer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I could just get about 200 more pages of Harrison and John I think I'd have died happy.

Sara's a genius at prose and this story's writing is marvelous, as always. I can't say enough about this Victorian tale of love.

John Morgan has wanted Harrison Price for three years. He's almost twice his age, but that can't matter. He's also somewhat of a villain to the Price family, but that won't stop him from getting what he wants. Needs. Or will it?

Harrison lost his mother and now his father has died. Just when he feels lost and alone, John offers him a future full of love. He only has to say 'yes'.

It was obvious from the start that John didn't just love Harrison, he cherished him. Sara has a way with words and I seriously fell in love with both MC's from the start.

"I am half dead. I always have been. Bring me to life, John. Make my heart beat."

I may or may not have girly squeeed when I read this, but so will you. Honestly. This is a must read and it's a quick read that will leave you panting and needy and wanting more words.

*Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. To be cross posted closer to the release date.*

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Finding Grey by Rebecca Raine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This ticked so many of my boxes. Second chances, rock star, first love, gay for you. The story line was so unique as well, I'd definitely say this is a must read.

At 17, Dante is used to being on stage and adored by female fans everywhere. But when he finds a 15 year old boy with a camera backstage at his concert, he's insanely attracted to him and is haunted by his grey eyes for years to come.

Sean has promised himself he won't be made a fool of by a musician. He put his heart on the line to see Dante again three years after they met the first time just to be humiliated. Now, when he comes back into his life five years later, Sean has a chance to put his ill fated crush on Dante to rest.

I was buzzing the entire read. The torturous build up from the first kiss to finally seeing each other again was maddening in the best possible way. The rich writing had me wanting to devour each page and I felt a loss when it was over. I love a dual POV and this was wonderful.

Both MC's were magnificently done and charming as hell. I loved them both and cheered them on the entire way to the end. This was one satisfying read.

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

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A Dance For You by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really, really got into this sweet story. Mason's character hooked me from the start.

Mason has just moved hours away from his family, has switched dancing companies and is basically starting from scratch. When he meets his neighbor, David, he's instantly comfortable in the older man's presence and feels like he's met a good friend.

But when David is introduced at the company as their choreographer, Mason doesn't think their friendship has a future, but David isn't too keen on letting him go just yet. He's got some kinky plans for Mason.

I was so attracted to the amount of communication the characters used in this story. They sat and talked about everything to a comfortable extent that was a bonus for me. It made the story more real, and you could literally feel the character's bond grow each time they took the opportunity to understand each other more.

The age gap worked so well in this story. David was such a dominant (hehe) personality and he worked so hard to protect and advise Mason throughout the book. It just really worked for me.

The narration by Neil Macfarlane was exquisite. I loved his deep, resounding voice, his accent, his ability to adjust his voice based on character. I never took issue with confusion over who was speaking. If anything, listening to this story through Neil Macfarlane's voice increased the enjoyment of my experience.

This is a great addition to any for any audio lover out there.

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

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Pretend You're Mine by Sloane Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my second Sloane Kennedy book and I have to say, I just can't get enough.

This was a short story but it was full of so much heat and love and acceptance. The writing just pulls you in and makes you feel every moment. It's just perfect.

When Devon overhears an argument on the other side of the fence, he finds a way to interrupt and finds himself stunned by the man who's renting next door. And he's got to come to terms with the fact that his body is reacting this way to a man.

Sebastian has had one boyfriend...who ended up hurting him spectacularly. He's also living in fear after a being mugged at gunpoint and left broken. So when he realizes that his new neighbor is straight, but is the nicest, most charming, friendliest, and best looking guy he's ever seen, he's not really sure what he's doing.

All the feels were felt. Not just told... but felt. I love this story. I love this author. I can't wait to sink my teeth into more of her work.

Available for FREE on Prolific Works.

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My Fair Brady by K.C. Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A delightful story with a bit of an office romance and a bit of an age gap and some slow burn.

Jordan Wolf has made a name for himself in the accounting world. He's the head of his own business, but he's never had time for a personal life. According to his doctor, he needs to spend less time at work and more time relaxing. But when his assistant, Brady, calls in sick for the first time in 3 years, he starts realizing how much Brady actually does for him. And how much he can't live without him.

It was very sweet how this started off. I loved how slowly everything happened at first. From Jordan checking up on his sick assistant, to hearing a friend say he wasn't attractive and getting prickly over the remark. Each time he saw Brady it was with a new layer of film peeled off. That part was written so well and had me aching for more.

I loved the first 3/4 of the story. Written in dual POV I really got a taste for the easy flow and repartee between the characters and I was never guessing what was happening.

I felt like the last section of the story was rushed. Very rushed. Everything happened at once and everything completely changed in a day. It just didn't feel real to me. Especially with how Brady had reacted to Jordan spending money on him from the start.

I did thoroughly enjoy this very sweet story with a definite HEA and two blissfully in love characters.

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

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Healing Him by Laura N. Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Floored. That's what I am right now. Book hangover is coming.

I loved everything about this. Everything. This is one I'll be reading again for sure.

Henry is a Dom. He's just finished a contract with his sub and he's ready to find love. When he sees a man who's everything he's never wanted, he's surprised at the intensity of the attraction. What's even more surprising is that Ryan seems like he's conflicted about what he wants. He's promised himself he'll never be a sub again, but there's a desperate spark when Henry calls him 'my boy'.

Phenomenal writing, hurt/comfort at it's finest. I read this in one sitting because I was desperate. I needed the happy and I got it. There was slight BDSM in this, but it was really more a romance, honestly. It was about love and trust and healing. It was perfect.

I absolutely recommend this read and I can't wait to see more from Laura N. Andrews.

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

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Familiar Demon by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book two in the series and it was magical.

This time, Edward is risking it all, with the help of his brothers, to bring his beloved, Mullins, back from hell. He was sent there 4oo years ago after making a deal to save his sister.

I was surprised at how funny this was. All of the brothers running around in a minivan. Three of them turning into cats, one into a dog. Hoping Mullins will make it more even when he's turned.

I loved how Amy Lane can write a story and can go from funny to witty to super romantic to hell fire. I love how she can be so descriptive, yet not get overly wordy. I loved how much love and romance and sweetness was in this story. And magic.

It's always fun to experience sweet exchanges between the MC's in her stories, like this one:

"I'm not going to hell. Hell is without you."

If you love Amy Lane and you love romance with a twist, you need to read this series. Another win!

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

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Racing into Love by Noah Steele
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was some pretty solid story building and writing.

Aiden has a full life. He's the owner of a bookstore and the best friend of Oliver, his roommate. He's had a traumatic experience that has left him unable to ride in cars so he's subjected to public transportation to get around. He's also really bad at dating. When he meets Derrek at the bookstore, something tells him to forget his boy troubles and give this a shot.

Derrek loves cars. He's been a professional racer for years and he's not looking to give it up for anything. But when his mind goes straight to thinking about Aiden constantly, he's considering maybe changing things up in the future.

For a first time author, I was blown away at the story. There was so much going on to keep me involved and wanting more. Yes, there was insta-love, but in a good way. They fell hard and fast, but there was also waiting and wanting and sloooooow burn. And then it was ON!

"We're going to devour every inch of each other until there's nothing left."

I loved both Aiden and Derrek. They were each so genuine and true to their characters. I felt the pull they had towards each other and their story was inspiring.

As much as I enjoyed the plot and the action, I felt like the ending was somewhat disassociated from the rest of the story. It just felt like what ended up happening to Aiden changed both of the MC's paths and I'm not sure I felt like it was for the better. It just seemed to come out of nowhere, instead of being something that was dreamed up before or spoken of previously.

Overall, this was an exciting, fast paced read with a burn and an epic love story complete with tons of feels and fun. Definitely recommended and highly entertaining.

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

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Love You So Special by Tara Lain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay, this cover just blew me away. This was a fantastic visual for me. While I really enjoyed so many aspects of this story, there were some things that just really bothered me as well. Overall, it was a very sweet romance that proves that opposites attract.

Artie is a blue collar kind of guy. He's the first in his house to graduate high school and he's built his life around hiding the fact that he's gay. From the clothes that he wears to his profession of plumber, no one knows. Well, that's not entirely true. His fish know everything about Artie.

Francois is a musical genius. He's a composer and he's a world class pianist. But he's got a crippling anxiety of crowds and well, most people. He lives in a huge mansion with his mother where he's safe. But when he meets the plumber who's working on his home addition, he can't believe how easy it is to talk to him. And he can't understand what it is about him that makes him feel comfortable.

The romance between Artie and Francois was so sweet and a very slow burn. I really enjoyed how their feelings were laid out so well by Tara Lain. It was very well written and fun to read.

I didn't love the homophobic aspect of the story. It was saddening how great lengths Artie went to to stay in the closet and how the story made his parents seem like awful, uncaring people until he brought home someone like Francois.

This audio version was narrated by Ry Forest, who I really enjoyed listening to. With all of the French accents, it was fun to hear his vocal range. I did get confused at times as to who was talking when Francois was conversing with his mother as they both had accents, but overall I really appreciated what the narration brought to the story.

If you are looking for a sweet, slow burn with MC's that are clearly meant to be, this is for you.

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

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New York Heat by Cameron D. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

There were so many facets to this book, it's difficult to know where to begin. For me, it was really awe inspiring the way that the story took place around five distinct couples, plus a myriad of other characters in relation to the New York Club 21.

The story starts with Dan taking over as the new owner of the club. He's kept most of the staff and hires a few more, which includes 3 go-go boys, 2 bartenders, DJ Heat and Gabriel, the bouncer.

Each person has their own story and each story revolves around love, loss, tragedy, overcoming obstacles and becoming a family. It also mirrors a tragedy that happened in our own history, with the shooting of a gay club.

Honestly, this was really well done. It was easy to keep track of the characters, even though there were so many of them. I really enjoyed the background and individuality between them all. They really banded and took care of each other, which was impressive.

There were some things, though, that made it miss the mark of perfection, at least for me. One thing that went a bit overboard for me was the sex. To the point where I was skimming to get through the scenes. There was just so much of it.

Also, the plot seemed to get lost as the book progressed. I felt like yes, it was great to get to know each character, but at one point I had no idea what the book was trying to accomplish.

I loved the scene at the end after the shooting when the entire community rallied together to support LGBTQ rights and Dan was able to rebuild. It was a great way to finish the story off and was humbling to feel the love.

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

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Love And Silence by Peter Styles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story. It had everything… slow burn, MC's with issues, angst. A very big win for Peter Styles.

Harrison is a singer/songwriter for a very popular band that's currently on its way to the top. When he's on stage, he's home. But tonight, the stage fights back.

When he wakes up in the hospital, his throat in pain, his chest bruised and broken, unable to speak, he feels his world is crashing in. And then he meets Luke, his nurse, who's deaf and never heard him sing.

Luke has fought hard to get to where he is. A little more and he'll be offered a position as a full time nurse at the hospital and will be able to live the life he's dreamed of. But when he meets Harrison, everything goes out the window. His career is at risk, as well as his heart.

From the start, the spark was there and it just burned harder throughout this story. I just got reeled in and couldn't put it down. An excellent read.


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