Burden by K.C. Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet and soulful. The pairing of these two MC's was inspired.

Randy is a Vice cop who spent over a year undercover working a sex trafficking club. He's lived his life straight as an arrow, but when he spends his days watching Jesse, he's wondering if maybe he's not a straight as he thought.

When Jesse had to testify against Richards, his secret was out. His parents learned that he was earning money for school as a rent boy and cut him off completely. Now, he's got no choice. He needs money for rent and he's had to quit school. But he can't stop lusting after Randy. Straight Randy.

I loved that Randy had his neighbor Owen, the psychologist, in his corner. He worked out so many doubts and was able to truly put himself out there. He was such a great, giving and loving character.

The story just really flowed, with minimal angst and maximum romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can't wait for the next in the series. If you want a sweet, sexy, GFY romance, look no further than Burden.

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

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Forever Lost and Found by T.N. Nova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've read quite a few shifter books, but this one gripped me from the start. It was magical.

Aiden never really fit in. His parents let him stay at home after he came out, but they made their disapproval known whenever possible. When he moved out and was on his own, his father made sure he couldn't keep a lease or a job. Then, one night he was driving home and hit someone on the street and it changed his life forever.

Darius is a wolf shifter. He's convinced himself he'll never be in love, which is perfect for him. He lives with his friends, parties at clubs, and doesn't need anyone. Until he meets his mate...

I loved the Peter Pan aura that surrounded this story. Darius and his roommates, together the Lost Boys, consisted of three wolf shifters, a Nephilim and a pixie. They all contributed so much levity and fun to the story as well as support for both MC's.

The relationship between Darius and Aiden felt real and emotional. Packed with heat, the BDSM element was done expertly with open communication and rules, which is always a plus to this reader. I loved the dialogue between them and the ease of affection as their relationship played out.

Highly entertaining, fun and witty. This was a great read and a perfect start to what will most likely be a great series!

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The Doctor's Secret by Heidi Cullinan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely story of two professional men trying to have a relationship in a small town.

Dr. Hong-Wei Wu left Houston, Texas to transition into a position as a general surgeon in a small town in Minnesota. He left behind his family, shying away from the guilt that manifest at letting them down. He was going to start fresh, make something of himself, and finally get his father's approval. But things didn't really go according to plan from the minute he gets off the plane.

Simon Lane, an OR nurse, has no plans to ever leave Copper Point. He's lived there his entire life and his friends stayed and took positions at the local hospital to be with him. Nothing could take that away.... except the new addition.

The hospital hierarchy is a bit muddled. To say the least. The board runs the show. Or does the CEO run the show? Or are they related? Yes, to all. When news of inter-hospital romance will result in the loss of a job, the staff is ever watchful. So, starting something new is a very bad idea.

The flow of the story was perfect. I loved how the relationship grew organically and how so many friends helped hide their affair. It was slow and sweet and wonderful. The supporting characters in this story were so fun and invested.

I think my favorite character was Hong-Wei. He was just so free, yet caged. His burden was heavy, being in the spotlight and new. His family was always on his mind, yet he just wanted Simon so badly. I really felt the need in the writing and he was so sweet and tender.

Awesome story, great feelings, a bit high on the politics for my taste, but I'd recommend the read.

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

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Play It Again by Aidan Wayne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The premise sounding fun and cute and I am a sucker for an MC with a disability. But I just did not love this story, unfortunately.

Dovid has a Youtube show called Don't Look Now and is blind. With the help of his twin sister, he travels and reviews food and spaces and pretty much everything. He's got a huge, loyal fan-base and a pretty good life. When his sister shows him a video of Youtuber Sam playing his video game online, he's immediately drawn to his voice, then to his overall adorable personality.

The story was so very cute, but it didn't stop there. It was adorable and love-able and the back and forth texting between the two MC's was fun and creative. But it went on and on...and on. It took months before anything happened. Months. And while a slow burn is totally worth the wait, this just was missing that element.

One of the characters termed themselves a homoromantic asexual, which was awesome, but there just didn't feel like the loooooong build up to a relationship led anywhere. When they finally were in the same location, there was no apex. I just was hoping for something more...

I did really enjoy how supportive and uplifting Dovid was with everything dealing with Sam. He would have followed him to the moon and camped there if Sam asked and that was the best part of this story. Very sweet.

At the end there was a very, very sweet HEA that added a lot of bonus points for this reader.

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

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Chasing Chance by M.E. Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I was totally excited about this book, I have some mixed feelings about how it played out.

Chance and Andy have been best friends since they were just kids. They did everything together, to the point where Chance's parents questioned/warned him about being gay. It just wasn't an option in their home. Andy's parents were glad to see him happy.

But when they were in high school, everything changed and Chance ghosted Andy when he came out. Now, in college, circumstances put them back into each other's lives and they are weathering the storm of feelings that they both have for each other.

I think the jock/nerd trope can be really fun to read when it's done right. To me this was very cliche. I felt like Chance got away with being so closed off and Andy put up with it all. Told from alternating POV's we got in Chance's head and could see how he felt, which helped me not completely hate him, but I just really wanted him to be a little less in the closet at the end of the day.

There wasn't enough here for me to be okay with the relationship the way it was and not feel like it was getting into 'dirty little secret' territory.

The story ended abruptly with a blurb for book 2, which is the continuation of their story as they both go home for Christmas break. I'd have liked a bit more of a warning or some kind of wrap up of this book before just ending it, but that wasn't to be. I'm hoping the next story will give Chance and Andy the relationship they deserve.

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

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Copper Creek by Cate Ashwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Oh, how I've loved this series. And to finally get a book about Frankie, well... it was perfect.

Frankie Bell is out and proud and high maintenance. His life in New York isn't what he'd been expecting a year ago when his bosses ended up in prison and the company fell apart. Temp jobs have gotten him nowhere and he's better than this. So when Holden asks him to Alaska to plan his wedding, he's got nothing to lose by taking a few months of vacation from his life.

Barrett has lived in Sawyer's Ferry, Alaska his entire life. Everyone knows him and he's got a business that he runs and he doesn't need more than that. When the whirling dervish named Frankie arrives in town, he turns his business AND his heart upside down and shows him that there's more to life than work.

I love that Frankie is a makeup wearing, hip-cocking femme with a love for all things glittery. The best part of him, though, is that he is SMART. He's got a good head on his shoulders, he's reliable, funny, well mannered, and loving. And when he sees something he wants, he goes all in.

Barrett was so giving it touched my soul. He had everything to lose and I loved how much he wanted Frankie. He was the perfect fit.

Cate Ashwood can write romance. She sweeps you up into the moment and you get lost in the feels. It's no longer about the words you read, but the squeeze in your heart. This story had me and didn't let go. Very well done.

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

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Family Camp by Eli Easton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was so very adult summer camp in all of the fabulous, sweet, new romance kind of ways. With s'mores!

At 32, Geo has decided to get his life in order. He's fostering two kids, 12 and 5. It's been a month, but he's hoping to adopt them as his own. And he's trying soooooo hard to be the best dad he can. So, why not spend a week together at a family summer camp?

Travis is a MLB player for the Padres. He's one of the 8 adopted foster kids of the Mayhew family and spends a week a year at their family camp. It's a great time to get in touch with his family again and rest a bit during the season. But this year, he's unable to take his eyes off the new dad with his kids.

This was a very fun, cute, light read with all the feels of a new romance. It was fluffy and funny. There were fun family bonding and teaching moments. It was full of campfires and stargazing. Very low angst. High on feels.

This book is the perfect fit for a nice, relaxing sweet story with a bit of steam. Totally recommended.

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

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Upside Down by N.R. Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

N.R. Walker gets all the motherf@cking stars on this one. OMG. Who says romance is dead?

"He looked right up at me and smiled, all shy-like and timid, and I breathed the only thing worth saying. 'Motherfucker.'"

I'm not going to rehash the blurb here because you can read it above. There is so much else I'd like to say...

For anyone who has thought they were not normal for how they feel, this is the book for you. For anyone who loves to laugh, you have to read this book. For anyone who wants all the romance but doesn't need sexy times you'll be in love.

This seemed like such a different book that what I've read of N.R. Walker's, which is mostly everything, lets be real. This was just simple. Both asexual, Hennessy and Jordan met on a bus and laughed their way into each other's hearts. They had friends along the way that urged them along, shined a light on their path and guided the way.

It was fresh, fun, quirky, silly, goofy, romantic and light. And it scored on my heart. I loved every word, every comma, every punctuation.

Jordan was perfectly neurotic and funny as hell. Hennessy was the sweetest internet ninja to ever walk the earth. And I could go on and on, but instead of reading this review, just do yourself a favor and read the book. It will make your heart flip upside down.

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

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Speak No Evil by J.R. Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was really enjoyable. It was easy going and fun and the characters totally grew on me.

Weston is a contract killer who is trying to dissolve his marriage. A native of NOLA, he's shied away from Voodoo all his life, but his ex has cursed him and vows that she will never let him leave her.

Eli is a military man who's seen too much. He is a closeted gay man with a thing for a guy he doesn't know has a contract to watch him. And once they meet, everything erupts and all they can do is stick together.

There isn't a cliffhanger at the end, but not all of the strings are tied off, so I'm hoping there will be a sequel in the works. And honestly, I got really invested in Eli and Weston as their story progressed.

It took me a while to get into this, first because I didn't care much for Weston. He told his story with the use of flashbacks, which aren't my favorite. He just seemed like kind of a jerk, honestly. But things changed once he got caught up with Eli and did a little dance in the hospital whilst drugged. Things changed between them and Weston seemed to soften at his edges.

From there the action never stopped. There were guns and chases and black magic. It was thrilling and funny and sweet. I quite enjoyed the story, the characters and the craziness of the voodoo goddess. I can't wait to find out what happens next in their story.

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

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

I had to read this in one sitting. HAD to. Gah.

Seriously, the Scott and Locey team has quickly become one of my favorites. I've grown so very fond of all of their books, but I love the hockey series and while this wasn't completely centered around the craziness of the rink, it was hockey-related. And there was a cameo made by Tennant Rowe, so....swoon.

Told in dual alternating POV's, Scott and Hayne's story was stunning. The juxtaposition of two very, very different characters just worked big time in this story. Hayne was small and lean, with a pretty face and beautiful curls. He was wary of most people, jocks in particular. Being around anyone who could potentially cause harm was a trigger. And yet. He had taken in Scott with open arms, his heart on his sleeve.

Scott had made mistakes. He was gripped with grief, in a place where he couldn't be reached and finally hit rock bottom. With the loss of almost everything, he found someone who could help him heal and rebuild. Someone who could have watched him suffer, but wouldn't.

So, my takeaway from this was pretty much OMG READ THIS BOOK. I fell in love with Hayne and his artsy prose from the start. My heart squeezed each time he winced in worry. If I could ever have a book best friend, it would be Hayne. He was epic.

Scott cradled his heart and made a home for it within his and I have to say, to write a big, husky, burly guy who can flick at gentle curls and have the patience and kindness that he did was awesome. These boys just totally worked so well and I am just sitting here in book hangover heaven.

Well done. All the stars. I want more!!!

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

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No Quick Fix by Mary Calmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, Mary, how I love you so.

The words that she writes just always do me in. My only grrrr moment in this was I had to wait a verrrrrrry long time for the sparks. I wanted more.

The characters in this were so humble and sweet and fun. I fell in love with them instantly.

Brann Calder is a fixer. It's a loose term, as far as I can tell. He works for Torus Intercession, a securities company that basically is hired to pretty much do anything support-wise. From contracting home remodels to babysitting to protective detail, they take a job and move wherever needed until it's completion. So, when Brann gets the call to watch over a man and his two daughters until his upcoming nuptials, he's less than thrilled. Add the fact that Emery Dodd lives in Nowhere, Montana and you can imagine the excitement.

But when he arrives and is greeted by the family, he's pretty much instantly taken by all of them, including Emery.

Emery's character reminded me so much of Nathan from Mary Calmes' Acrobat. He was a nurturer from day one and would die for those he loved. He was charismatic and compassionate and oh so loving. I have to say I longed for the sweet touches and smiles he threw at Brann throughout their story. He was so tactile and it was such a lovely trait.

Brann was a retired SEAL, but he wore his heart on his sleeve and wasn't afraid to be himself in any circumstance. He was alive and raw and unapologetic. I loved him from the start.

This book is the start of a series and I'm so excited to read what else Mary has in store for these characters. This was a perfect matching of two lonely, needy, loving men and it was such a pleasure to read. Definitely one of the more heart-felt books that Mary has written.

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

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Wicked Games by Aimee Nicole Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and she did NOT disappoint. So much awesomeness.

Ryder Jameson is an art restorer. Six years ago he met Lucien Clarke and it changed his life. He fell in love, thought he had it all, then Lucien disappeared. And with this loss, he also lost his integrity in the art museum world when corresponding pieces went missing under his watch.

Things have come full circle now in Cincinnati when yet another piece of art is taken and Lucien just happens to be in town. Things get heated. And sexy. And rough. And, well, you just have to read it...

I love love love a good heist story and this was perfect. There was suspense and action and thrills, but there was also humor. The characters were so damn funny.

Not only did I fall hard for Ryder and Lucien, but their friends were a motley crew of misfits that somehow just worked in the very best of ways. And the over use of finger quotes in a story have never been so naughty. This was a thrill to read.

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

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Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nothing but LOVE for Rachel Reid and this enemies to lovers hockey romance.

Shane Hollander is a crazy good hockey player. And when you are THAT good, there is always someone trying to knock you down a peg. In this story, it's Russian Ilya Rozanov. Since they met as teenagers, hockey fans across the world have pegged them as rivals and the fans go crazy for their on air angst. But what they don't know...is a lot.

I am seriously fan-girling over this book. First of all, I loved the timeline. It moved the story along so well. We got just glimpses into each time the two of them met up over years of playing. The anger and upset between them was so deep, but it made for even more passion for their private rendezvous.

I loved Ilya and how deep his character was. He had familial issues that he confided in Shane. He had worries and fears and gave of himself whole-heartedly, even when everything was on the line.

And Shane. Swoon. He just cared so hard. He was fun and light, but wore his heart on his sleeve. Such a wonderfully done character.

This book had me from the start in a vice grip and didn't let go until the end. And I want more! Full of heart and soul, you won't go wrong with this fun, sexy, action packed story.

*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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Clean Break by Erin McLellan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the very best surprise. This is a new to me author and I'm hooked.

Connor has some OCD issues mingled with anxiety, but he's doing ok. He's almost done with college and he has plans. He's taking over his family farm, it's all settled. It's fine that it isn't what he wants because it's always been the plan and he lives for plans. Only Travis was never part of the plan...

Travis also has a plan. Finish this last semester of college and get the hell out of town. He'll do anything to get gone, even if that means breaking his own heart in the process. He's made plans before and he got screwed and he's not going to let anything stop him this time.

Erin McLellan has flayed me open. Gah. I'm not one with my feelings, but she managed to pull every single one of them out and play a ballad with them. I laughed, teared up, wanted to throw things, and fell in love.

Told from alternating POV's, we got a peek inside both Travis and Connor's thoughts and spent time organizing, learning farming, spanking, literature, bugs, family and beautifully whispered endearments.

Honestly, this was a stellar read, perfectly written and I did not want it to end. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

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

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Extra Dirty by K. Evan Coles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn hit a home run with this book. I loved every page.

Cameron is an elementary school music teacher by day and a DJ at a club by night. He's got his life where he wants it... no strings sex, a happy family life and rewarding work. He's never really wanted to settle down and he's never thought about wanting more.

Jesse seems to have it all. He's rich, powerful, has a self made family that respects and adores him, and he has slept with half of NYC. But when he crosses paths with Cam, things start to get tangled and he starts to get attached. But neither of them do strings...

Both MC's were so very different than the expectation of most 'romance' reads. The writers turned kitschy romance on it's head and forged a new, honest, raw relationship of trust, openness and mutual respect. It was an emotional experience for both Cam and Jesse to come to terms with what they wanted and to draw up the plans for their relationship, but it was so rewarding to see that with love, anything is possible.

The family that was formed around meeting at The Speakeasy was so crucial to the story and such a fun, exciting, loving space. It was here that most secrets came out, emotions ran high, and friendships were created and strengthened. It held such a homey vibe. I just really loved how supportive everyone there was of everyone else, and it was obvious that Jesse was the glue that held them all together. The Speakeasy acted almost like a character in itself, which made for a very interesting dynamic.

The writing was exceptional, the characters were flawlessly real and humble and the story just took me on an emotional trip to uncharted feelings. I loved the unique feel to this story and I'm so very excited to keep reading this series to see what these writers have up their sleeve.

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

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The Secretary and the Ghost by Gillian St. Kevern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a ghost story with heart. Oh, man did I enjoy this.

Pip's father is in tremendous debt to Lord Cross and, in repayment, offers Pip's services as his new secretary until he can get out from under his bills and get Pip's sister married. As Pip gets more and more acquainted with Cross and his staff, he hears and sees the ghost of Joseph Leighton, who seems to have a particular purpose in haunting the manor.

Set in the Victorian era, the writing was phenomenal. I am so awestruck at Gillian St. Kevern's ability to create this world of mystery and passion in a time where bedclothes are worn and female doctors are laughed upon.

Pip was everything. He was smart, unflappable, unassuming and charming. And his smile that he threw upon Cross that sent his heart alight? Gah. So sweet!

Written in perfect prose, this story captured my heart, made me believe in ghosts and the ability of love to pierce even the most crotchety of souls. It was an honor to read.

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

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Rewind by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a second chances story and this one was breathtaking. Written just beautifully.

"Enzo, I never moved on."

Gah!

Enzo and Florian were best friends and lovers in high school. They were sneaky about their relationship until they were caught in public and assaulted. Neither of them were the same after.

The story is told in third person with dual POV's, which is my favorite, so bonus for me!

After the assault, Enzo becomes deaf. His life is impacted and altered with this new condition and the way he embraces this and overcomes it is just magical. He was so heroic. The character of Enzo was written so amazingly well, he was so full of humility. I fell in love with him instantly.

Florian was full of past pain and had so much lingering hurt, it was awesome to see how much he grew and opened up when he was in Enzo's presence. Their relationship was so inspiring.

I really loved so many things about this story. The characters were so sincere and lovely. The writing was engaging and meaningful. It was just a great tale full of feeling and joy.

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

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Borrowed Heart by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a book that features main characters that have known each other a while and something changes where they finally see the other. This was so good I couldn't stop reading.

Robin was born with a bad heart. A lifetime of surgeries and a transplant later, he's a tour guide for a small gay tourist company in Germany. After being left by Mason, his ex, five years into the relationship, he's destined to be alone. And since he figures he doesn't have much time left, he's resigned himself to that fate.

Johan takes chances. He likes to live and be happy. As the driver of the tour bus, he's watched Robin and knows he's holding himself back, but he doesn't understand his motives. So, he makes his interest known on this special tour and hopes to change both their lives for the better.

I loved Johan's lust for life. He was just so present in everything he did. All of his actions were thought out and caring. Robin was more sweet and somewhat innocent. He was the type of guy who could read a situation and add fun or reduce drama in an instant. They were a perfect match.

Their story was sweet. The romance took off, and while most of the intimate scenes were off page, Andrew Grey's writing left you with an obvious feeling of the growth of their love and relationship. It all flowed very well and was low on angst. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story.

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

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Marshall: Book 1 - Mayfair Model series by Claire Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet.

Touching.

This book melted my heart. The way Claire Castle describes the feelings of her characters is inspiring and I lived for the dialogue between them.

Marshall is a closeted runway/ad model with a reputation for being gruff. He has no one in his life but his overbearing homophobic mother because giving anything away would potentially ruin him. Since he adopted Jess, his pretty puppy, he has something to look forward to at the end of each day.

Stuart is an artist and a dog walker. When he takes up a new client, Jess, he realizes he's never met the owner, but can feel the desolation from his space when he's in his home. After a one night hookup with a nameless man, Stuart can't believe it when he sees him again...and is the owner of Jess.

I loved both MC's. They were true to their character and honest and at times very raw. They both gave and gave without reservation and it was so fun to read their story.

The dialogue was engaging, sweet, sexy and fun. Stuart was snarky and kind and I was overwhelmed at the feelings that Marshall could convey through his stuttering words and gestures.

This was a very well done, fantastic story of two men who find what they've been missing and realize they can be more, together.


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Backstreets by Kat Cassidy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a second book in the series, I wouldn't recommend this as a standalone. That being said, you should absolutely pick up the first book if you haven't. This series is so full of action, suspense, thrills and romance.

We pick up a few months were we left off with Nik being the affectionate, sweet but dirty widower in love with the newly reformed bad boy Peter. But not everything is roses. Peter is having a hard time fitting into the home of Nik and his late wife and it's coming up on the anniversary of her death. With that tension between them, Nik's daughter is taken from school.

Since Peter is out of the game, they have to rely on Peter's sister and father to help them figure out which Family is involved in the abduction and then decide if there's still enough between them to make it work.

I really love Kat Cassidy's writing style. It seems effortless and fun, but is so fast paced and full of action. The characters are seemingly simple, yet are so capable of twisting your emotions on a dime. This is really well done and I'm excited for another book!

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

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Moved By You by Ann Lister
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There were a lot of really meaningful exchanges in this story that caught my attention and made me want to keep reading. I loved the overall feel to the story. Both MC's were so different and so electric.

Vance works for his father's architecture firm, but his real passion is his art. His metal sculptures provide him a steady income, but his life isn't his own. His father is ever present, unyielding, and unhappy about his choices.

When Kyle, a bike messenger, literally crashes into his life, he gives him the strength Vance needs to finally make decisions in his life that will make him happy. But, it also leaves him wanting more. More from Kyle specifically.

I really enjoyed the anger-intense moments between Ky and Van that led to more meaningful interactions as they figured out what they each wanted. It was fun to read and kept me guessing, but I feel like there was so much time in between their meetings that the basis of the relationship was hard to believe. I wanted to see more of them together.

The epilogue had all of the things that I wanted to see in the story line, but it was condensed into such a small portion, it felt rushed. I would have liked more of their happiness and the overall blissed out newness of a relationship during the story.

Overall, I connected with the characters and was grateful for their HEA.

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


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Love of the Egoist by Nero Seal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A serious mind game was played with me here and I honestly loved every second.

This was a race of emotion, turmoil, angst, and an OMG No Fu#%ing Way ending that crushed me. Damn.

Brilliantly written, dark and twisted, highly entertaining, absolutely recommended.

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Broken by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emotionally healing and well written, this story sweeps you away and takes you on a journey of self discovery and love.

Jag has been on his own since he was 16. Now 20, he's made up a few rules to live by. Rules to keep him safe. Rules to keep him sane.

Michael is the owner of a pole dancing workout center by day, a gay night club by night. When a young, hot new dancer waltzes into his bar and asks for a job, he gets more than he bargained for.

Jag had such a painful past that traumatized him and made him fear intimacy, attachment, friendship, and finding a place to call home. His character was so deep and rigid, yet he somehow managed to wear his heart on his sleeve. He was an amazing character and I loved that he found himself and learned how to let go and heal.

Michael was truly everything. He gave and gave without taking and showed Jag what life could be like if he was willing to give up running. He was written so well, satisfyingly so.

I truly enjoyed their story. I would have liked a bit more information regarding the outcome of the letter home, and maybe a bit more of the friendships that were created with the other dancers. It felt a bit like Jag would have been more emotionally grounded with that piece as more than an afterthought.

Overall, I really loved reading Broken and truly felt involved in their story. A great read.

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

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Cowboy Seeks Husband by Leta Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't expect this story to absolutely consume me like it did. Whoa. Cowboy meets hipster. Who knew? It was freaking GOLD.

Walker lives on his parents ranch. His dad is getting older and weather issues have drained the savings so finances are tight. A new reality show offered $300K to Walker to become the first gay bachelor-type show in history. And he took it. But it isn't like anything he's ever experienced and all of the suitors are overwhelming.

Roan needs money. His mom is dying. His last chance is this cowboy bachelor show. If he can just make it a few weeks, he'll have enough to get his mom into a medical trial that could save her life. He just has to make sure to keep his feelings out of this. And it turns out it's harder than he thought.

I devoured the words here. Honestly, I really didn't expect this light-hearted story to impact me so much, but the writing was so great. The characters were so deep. The romance was so tender. I loved the dialogue. I loved the little accessory things like the fact that Roan wore glasses for fun. That Walker had a bit of a kinky side. That they didn't take life too seriously, but still cared so deeply.

Honestly, I could recommend everything about this story. Yes, the setup was a bit cheesy, but it was all in fun and the MC's really made this story so consuming and lovely. Go get it and read it and you'll be glad you did.

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

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