The Nature of the Game by Amy Aislin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sports books are so fun to read, but a second chances hockey story is like winning a prize!

Told from dual POV's with alternating flashbacks and present, Amy Aislin created a deep, emotional trip through six years of pain and hurt and growth and regret.

Dan and Ash both discovered they were bi when their friendship turned into love. Something happened to shake the world they knew and six years later Dan shows up in Ash's life again.

I will admit, I was annoyed and confused at why Ash was adamant about not wanting an explanation for Dan's walking away. Looking back I can see that he wasn't ready to know, wasn't in a place where he could forgive or even listen, but it just went on and on.

I did really enjoy the back and forth, getting the full story of then and now... of how much they'd changed and grown. They were so good together. I felt their relationship in my bones. I was gripping my pillow just waiting for the moment that everything just clicked.

By the end, I was thrilled with the story, how everything played out, the love and support of the team and coaches and the HEA that was created. Very sweet second chance story!

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

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Promises by Marie Sexton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've heard so many wonderful things about this book so I was super excited to have a chance to read it for the first time as the second edition is set to come out.

I loved so many things about this story. The relationship that started as a simple test drive that created a strong bond of friendship between Jared and Matt, then ended in so much more was honestly so inspiring to read. I loved the turmoil that went through each of them at different times while they were together. And then when everything finally clicked, it was so worth the wait.

Stories like this remind us that no one is perfect. No one has all the answers. There are always going to be people who don't agree with you or don't approve of what you do. But you have to live your life for you and what makes you happy. This was a great reminder of that. I loved the way they loved each other.

I had wished for a bit more of a neatly wrapped ending, but there was an HEA regardless. It was a sweet, emotional and delightful read with a short prequel in addition.

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Redesigning Landry Bishop by Kim Fielding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very cute, non-angsty read that had me feeling warm and happy.

Landry Bishop has made a name for himself in the world of crafty planning and Pinterest type designing. He hails from small town Peril, Nebraska and has somewhat fallen into a hole of the brand Landry Bishop instead of the person. When his PA decides to move on, she brings Jordan into Landry's life and he not only makes Landry think about who he is, but what he wants.

It was a joy to read something that wasn't messy or complicated. There were no misunderstandings or hateful words. It was like watching a relationship bloom from two MC's who were at a point in their lives where they didn't need games or gimmicks or pleading, but they dove in and went for it.

Both Landry and Jordan were nice guys, and they made each other better just by being together. I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who is looking for a sweet, fun romance with an HEA.

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

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In The Absence Of Light by Adrienne Wilder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where do I even start? This was pure heaven.

Grant has retired from his shipping empire and moved to the middle of nowhere as a temporary hideout until he can flee with his money to an island paradise to live out his days on the water.

When he meets Morgan, it's obvious right away that something is different with him. And it's not just the fact that Morgan has autism. He's special. And beautiful. And perfect.

But the past comes back to haunt them both...

I loved Morgan so much. I have a special place in my heart for him. My son has autism and I loved reading Morgan's story. He's strong and courageous and the love that Grant had for him was incredible.

The words in this story danced off the page. It was lovely.

"I'm not cold, at least, not on the outside."

Morgan sighed. "The inside cold is always worse."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you can put a coat on to stay warm, but there isn't much you can do for your heart."

Gah. So yeah, read it and let it change your life.

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At Attention by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As for the story... my throat may have tightened up more than once, which is not something that I do...so yeah, I really enjoyed it. It made me feel, which is always an experience.

As for the narration, I've found that Cooper North is just amazing. I love love love the voices and the clarity and I feel like he just adds something to the story. Perfect!

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A Cordial Agreement by Ryan Loveless
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This book is somewhat difficult to rate/review because it doesn't exactly follow any rules and basically flips the BDSM trope of dark and sexy on its head.

Grant Jessup is the billionaire mogul and head of a family business and all of the stress associated with it. But what's really giving him heart trouble is his son, Bennett. His constant partying and rash behavior has him making the headlines more often that not. Looking for a way to relieve some stress he decides he needs a 'whipping boy'.

Jim Sieber is a stripper and Ace. His roommate/best friend went through some rough times and he bears the guilt that it rendered. When he's offered a load of money to be whipped on a weekly basis, therefore assuaging his guilt, he's all in. And he's received a promise that it's not and never will be sexual. But then promises are broken all of the time...

The whole premise of the stripper, whipping, BDSM club was a little confusing to me as both parties agreed that this would be purely physical, not sexual at all. It was stress relief for one, punishment for the other. I've never read a situation in which this has unfolded this way, so it caught my interest. With the aftercare involved in D/s relationships, I feel like there's always going to be some level of intimacy, and it eventually plays out this way.

The feelings that took place and the dual understanding was hard for me to get excited about. I wish more had been explained regarding Jim and his asexuality. I'm not sure what either one was receiving from the other, just that they planned to make it work.

Overall, the story moved along well and kept me interested. I enjoyed the banter and quick assertiveness of both Jim and Grant and how well they settled and discussed their disagreements. It was definitely an interesting spin and kept my attention through to the HFN.

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

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Coming Up for Air by Amanda Meuwissen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book totally made me happy dance!!

It was sentimentally romantic. Romantically sentimental? It was super sweet and cute and there were mermaid tails and mobsters and cops and robbers and learning sign language to ask out a crush and monsters with claws. In short, it was perfect.

When Leigh is fitted with concrete boots and thrown into the water, he's pretty sure it's over. Then he sees a man swimming towards him, then kiss him. And then he's laying on solid ground again. And now he's got a merfolk named Tolly who has legs and/or a tail. And he's his. To own and to have forever and ever. At least, if the mob doesn't kill Leigh first. Or the spell isn't broken that will take Tolly's legs away forever.

I'm seriously so hyped on this story. I am amazed and astounded and aflutter at how much this moved me to feel. I fell in love with Tolly instantly, then with Leigh about 2 minutes later. I never once questioned the story. I never once questioned their feelings. It was all there, laid out, plain as day in words and dialogue and gestures and glances and sighs.

I loved Alvin. He's the best friend/mob boss son/brother from another mother to Leigh. He was so damn sweet and funny and awed by everything.

There was humor and action and suspense and explosions and sex. There was fun dialogue...

"I'll bring the forks. Do you know what a fork--"

"Yes. I am not the little mermaid."

This was like nothing I've read before and I just want to read it again for the first time. Magical and whimsical and an utter delight.

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

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Forever Moore: A Gay Fairy Tale by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a delightful spin on Snow White and the Huntsman!

Ansil Eirwin is within months of turning 21, and thus earning his seat as the duke of Ravenswood. But his evil stepfather has nefarious plans. He's asked his brother, the Huntsman, to have him killed so that he can take his place.

Orien Moore has done some bad things in his life, but he's also taken in quite a few needy souls. It's here, in a cabin in the woods that the 7 members of his 'family' dwell and take care of Ansil during his 'kidnapping'.

I loved this fresh take on a classic story. I loved how the apple made an appearance, as well as a mirror. It was a retelling that spoke from the heart. The relationship that blossomed between captive and captor was slow and sweet and the dialogue between the two made my heart ache.

I had so much fun reading Orien and Ansil's story. It was cleverly paced and delightful.

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

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If We Could Go Back by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, I loved this story of hope and faith and love and second chances and heartbreak. But, I will provide a caveat...this probably isn't the book for everyone. Cara Dee has become one of my must read, one click authors, so I didn't even read the blurb before I delved right in. I'm not one for books with cheating. Honestly, that was a major part of this story. If you can get past that, this book is superbly written and angst filled and worth every ounce of guilt that the MC's had.

This is one of those books that makes you realize your life will ever be changed when you reach the last page. I couldn't have predicted how much impact the words on the page had on me. It was beautiful. I felt the emotions run through Kieran and Bennett. I felt the longing, the tenderness, the passion, the regret, and the heartbreak.

So many really tough subjects were brought to the surface in this story and each was met with dialogue of caring and understanding and support. I can't say enough about the brilliant writing that went into creating this story and the significant emotions that were felt. Cara Dee is generous with giving her characters depth and imperfect lives and shaping them into heroes and people you'd be glad to call family.

This is one book that will go on my top 5 for this year, without question.

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

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Adam's Trial by J.M. Wolf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There was a lot of effort that went into constructing this story and it was such a pleasure to read.

Jerrick was living a lie and needed to get his life back. There was too much at stake, yet someone was going to get hurt no matter what he did.

Adam was fabulous! He was sassy and flirty and femme and finally feeling like he could have love in his life, but he was hiding an awful, painful secret. One that he had convinced himself made him unable to have a life.

The story alternated POV's between Jerrick and Adam, which is my favorite. You get to see both sides to the story and IMO it just helps with transitions. And man, there were many. It kept the pace strong and moved the story along. I loved not knowing what was going to come up next.

This was a strong tale of creating your own family along the way to living your dreams and was very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic of Adam, being so flamboyant, yet so strong and take charge, while Jerrick was the supportive, comforting teddy bear. I very much enjoyed this read.

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Love is a Walk in the Park by V L Locey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sheer perfection. I laughed so many times at this story and it really made my life a bit better.

Duane has just broken up with his girlfriend, yet again, and this time she's taken everything BUT the dog. Which is fine, except he needs to be walked. A lot. When Duane is catcalled by a fiercely vocal, boisterous twink at the dog park his social awkwardness rears it's ugly head. But it gets him to notice and react.

Sullivan is a charming, loud, flighty, wildly fabulous twink with a flair for fashion and dancing. And one look at Duane and the hot pants are ON! Sully was an entire story on his own. His brilliant adjectives and diva personality had me spitting out my soda and wishing I had a real life Sully as my bff.

The two MC's together were a masterpiece. They balanced each other out perfectly and fully, each part of them working together to create a brilliant tour de force.

Every character involved was witty and fun, adding spice and whimsy to the scene. I loved Duane's roommate Ronan, who cared so much and felt like family. I loved the parents who came through in the end. I loved the dance/theater group who believed in and supported Sully through his horrifying encounter.

There were good times, bad times, fun times and sexy times and they all flowed so well. I was thoroughly impressed at this collaboration between VL Locey and her daughter Stephanie and hope to see more!

I absolutely recommend reading this fantastic story of love and overcoming life's obstacles together, hand in hand. You will fall in love, I promise.

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

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Wounded Soul by Annabelle Jacobs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the whole vampires and humans trope. Especially when the human has no idea that vampires exist. So this was a very fun read for me.

From the start I was instantly drawn to Ian. His unrequited crush on his best friend had halted his social life and he was finally trying to do something about it when he meets Jesse. He didn't hold back his feelings or emotions and he was fiercely loyal.

Jesse just wanted to love someone. He wanted to be able to call someone his and protect them. It hadn't worked out so well in the past, so he was careful and cautious. But something with Ian just clicked.

I liked the friction in this story. There was a ton of potholes and traps to get to the end and it created suspense and intrigue. I also really enjoyed the tense, intimate moments that took place when Ian and Jesse were together. It just really solidified their bond and made it real, even in the short amount of time that the story takes place.

Overall, this was highly entertaining and full of surprise. I enjoyed Annabelle Jacobs take on a human society living with vampires and the world building that was described. A very enjoyable read.

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

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Going Commando by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars for the story
4.5 Stars for the narration

Let me just get this out of the way... I lOVED Cooper North's narration. With 3 guys to deal with, he was able to create distinct voices for each and all three were dark, deep and husky. I loved listening to him narrate this series.

As far as the book goes, I didn't love it as much as the first in the series. I enjoyed how easily Zade, Nash and Royal meshed and created separate, yet symbiotic relationships with each other. It all came together without angst, which was fun to read. I don't love polyamory in general, but when it's written well, without drama and jealousy, it's quite exciting and fun. K.M. Neuhold made this everything I was hoping for as far as MMM Romance goes.

I was all in until Liam's character was introduced. It seemed contrived and broke up the pace of the story.

I'm certainly enjoying the series enough to continue on to the next!

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Mud & Lace by Jay Northcote
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Self discovery is a vast, scary, exhausting experience and one that isn't easy to express. Jay Northcote has taken this delicate notion and created a wildly romantic, generous tale of two men united in their journey and given them both the words and means to support each other and has done it with excellence.

Charlie's character has always had a feminine side. He's been ashamed and scared of showing it...afraid of his friends opinions as well as his mother. When he takes the chance to dress up and sing as Lady Gogo at Rainbow Place, he finally feels like a piece of the puzzle has snapped into place.

Simon 'Wicksy' Wicks is straight. And has feelings for a guy who dresses as a girl. But he's still straight, right?

At first I was worried for the obvious reasons. Was Wicksy really taking advantage of Charlie by ignoring the masculine side of him and flaunting the femme? Jay quickly dispelled that thought when the characters voiced their own worry.

Things weren't easy, but the support of family and friends allowed each of them to acknowledge and accept what they felt was true and real for them. It was amazing to read and get to know both Simon and Charlie. The intense feelings between them were palpable.

I've loved each book in this series, but I have to admit... I've been waiting for Wicksy's story. He's intrigued me from the start and Jay Northcote did NOT disappoint. I loved this book. I loved how carefully played out it all was. It was crafted with intent and so very well done. Do yourself a favor and read this awesome tale of love and awareness.

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

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Starting From Zero by Lane Hayes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I have loved Lane Hayes for years. She's created so many series that I've fallen in love with and this book is such an exciting start in my opinion. It's fun and fresh and come on... we love band boys. We love an age gap. We love song writers and romance and artistic souls.

Justin was perfect with his ADD and his constant babbling and running in circles. It added so much dimension to his character and created this vulnerability and need to be brave and strong and accomplish his goals on his own.

Gray was the quintessential supporter, cheerleader, backer, and all around perfect boyfriend. I know a few book boyfriend hoarders out there and I'm calling dibs on Gray.

The built in family of friends was so fun to meet. Charlie is a character all to himself and I seriously need his story next.

The writing was magnificent. There was poetry and heat and talent and raw edge. It blew my mind and stole my breath. So many theories and thoughts on love and its meaning. So well done. Loved it.

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

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Where Death Meets the Devil by L.J. Hayward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"As you wish, Jack." L.J. Hayward turned those words into romance in the middle of the desert, with a camel as a pet. Just magical.

I really didn't want this book to end. Told in 3rd person from Jack's viewpoint, I loved getting into his head. He asked so many questions and pondered so much on Ethan's motives, it never got dull.

There was so much action. I will admit that at first, switching from Now and Then each chapter was frustrating and confusing, once I got into the story I was hooked and found myself needing both perspectives at once.

The narration by Rowan Scott was brilliant. This was my first book with him and I'm going to have to find more. There was never any voice confusion with characters or waivering. The tones were distinct and clear and I loved the added chuckles and freshness that he provided for Ethan's voice. It made him more real and raw.

This was one audio book that I'll go back to and listen again. I have a feeling I'll uncover even more the second go around, but the story was enthralling and the characters intriguing. Very well done.

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

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Taboo For You by Anyta Sunday
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This made my heart ache. It was humbling and sweet with a nice, slooooooow burn.

This was the perfect example of a Gay For You story. After 7 years of being so much more than neighbors, Luke realizes that he's in love with Sam. And Sam is straight. Like, S-T-R-A-I-G-H-T straight. And there's the rub.

So, when Sam edges closer and closer to that elusive 30th birthday, he decides to create a bucket list and Luke takes it upon himself to help him out. But there are things on the list that are a bit taboo for a completely unbent Sam, which makes things interesting.

There are stories that need the physical intimacy to carry them along and then there are stories like this that make the waiting until almost the very end so very worth it. It's truly a nod to writing done right when you can create a story that moves at a good pace and force the burn until the end.

I cannot wait to get started on book 2 in this series. Cannot wait!

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Window Watcher by Matt Converse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Chilling stars

OMG. Matt Converse was trying for Alfred Hitchcock and he succeeded in a very big way! I was nervously flipping pages, thanking someone up there that the story was somewhat short because I couldn't wait to know what happened!!

As much as I want to ruin this entire review by saying EVERYTHING that happened, you know I won't do it...

I will give you this:

--There was a main character and his love interest
--There was window watching
--There were murders
--There were creepy voices
--There was mystery and intrigue in spades
--There was talk of an unreliable narrator
--Just when I thought I knew, I realized I had no idea
--There was the tiniest bit of romance, but it was the cutest thing in the entire world and so worth it.

Gah. Go ahead and read this if you love biting your nails. I literally felt like I was in the middle of an episode of a Hitchcock mystery. It was wonderfully played out and exceptionally done. Bravo, Mr. Converse.

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

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Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, first off I loved this book. The way Theo was so blind to Jamie was hilarious. They were so cute and funny and the quote of the day was awesome! Also the JLM red shirt.

This story made me feel feelings, which is why the 5 stars. My throat tightened a few times with Jamie.

Sadly, I listened to the audio version of this and hated it. The story was good enough that I finished all 8 hours of it but I’ll read the rest. The voices were robotic and cold and nasally and just baaaaddddd. Like, awful.

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Trust with a Chaser by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very raw, honest characters with flaws and baggage and stuffed closets. But it was a very lovely story about family and being your own person.

Nash Flint is the town Sheriff and very closeted. And when he saw Mason again after a decade, his closet door cracked open and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep it closed.

Mason was all heart. He was the opposite of his brothers and father. He wanted to make Rainbow Cove a better place. He wanted to make others happy. And grumpy Nash was his perfect match.

So many poignant situations made up this story that had me hoping for a HEA that came through for me in a big way. Well done and sweet.

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Rescue Me by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This was such a perfect hurt/comfort story. I loved it so much.

Both MC's had issues, Madden more so. I loved how this whole story played out. From a one night stand to tragedy and then living together in just a couple of days. I love stories like this when the MC's live in each other's pockets. It allows for so much emotion and anticipation and realness. So so worth the read.

I have to say, Cooper North was AMAZING at narration. I loved his voices. There was no confusion or frustration at all from me at any point. It was superb.

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