Home Improvement by Tara Lain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

If a fluffy romance between a carpenter and a rock and roll god sounds like your brand of screws, this delightful story will hit the nail on the head.

Gabe Mason is a 33 yr old single gay man raising his 17 year old daughter. His ex-wife is still in the picture, just enough to threaten his ability to have a life without worrying about her taking him to court. He makes his own furniture in his spare time, but living in Oregon doesn't truly afford him an opportunity to get his business off the ground. Instead, he works a day job at the local home improvement warehouse.

Jerry Castor is a rock star by night, but really wants a new life in the light of day. When he buys a run down home and has no idea what he's doing, he heads to the local hardware store for help and runs into Gabe. Who just happens to be perfect.

This first half of the book grabbed me and held on for dear life. I loved it all and couldn't put the book down. The attraction between the two men was palpable and explosive. But there were secrets that Jerry was keeping and things took a turn.

This is where things started crumbling for me. It seemed like the shy, stuttering Jerry turned into a wholly different person that oozed sex appeal and charm, which seemed contrived. It almost seemed to go to extremes. At one point I felt like we had gotten to the 'I think I like him' stage, and then a few minutes later there were declarations of forever. It just felt unrealistic to me, unfortunately.

Ellie stole the book for me. As Gabe's 17 year old daughter, she was the glue that held everything together. The voice of reason. The adult. The shoulder to cry on. I loved her and was thrilled that she ended up being such a vital character in the story. She's worth the read, just as herself.

Overall, it was a cute spin on the rich/poor trope with lots of fluff and hyperbole.

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



View all my reviews

Ramen Assassin by Rhys Ford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a fast paced suspense with lots of action and a side of romance.

Trey Bishop was a former child actor from a very affluent home. Both his mother and father were married to each other, but had other relationships and he had older siblings that looked down on him because of former wild child days. But he's turned a new leaf and is sober. Unfortunately, when he sees a couple of guys hauling a dead body to a van he's caught in the middle of a shootout, then caught up in a tangled web of lies and deceit.

Kuro Jenkins owns a ramen restaurant in K-town since retiring as an assassin. He's happy to be serving others and takes his new job seriously. But he's forced out of retirement when Trey is almost gunned down in the alley behind his place. Bringing his friends and allies into the drama, he's got to rely on them to keep Trey safe.

I really enjoyed the start of this story. There was a lot of great world building and description and the action started immediately. I was completely drawn in.

I really enjoyed the friendship and trust that blossomed between Kuro and Trey and how much open communication they had in their relationship. It felt genuine and organic and I loved their dialogue.

As much as I loved the suspense, it all sort of went off the rails for me by the end with the suspect list. I also ended up only really liking a handful of players in the book. The rest of the supporting characters were just not very likeable at all.

The writing was engaging and quick and the story was original. I enjoyed the read, just wished for a bit more from Trey's family in the end.

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

View all my reviews

Trial & Error by D.K. Sutton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

My overall thoughts are that this was a page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had a lot of emotion and the family theme was inspiring.

Jake thought his life was going along fine until his wife up and left him and their 2 small children. Two months later she wants a divorce and custody and she's hired the best legal council in the city.

Sebastian is a forced to be reckoned with. His skills as an attorney are well known and prestigious. When his father's firm is given the case against Jake, he realizes that he's the man he met at a bar that he can't get out of his head. Things quickly get tangled up and both MC's have to put themselves on the line to save the other.

I loved how both MC's couldn't get enough of each other. It played out so well and their attraction was so real. The writing was done so well here that you couldn't discredit any of the quick attachments and feelings.

I enjoyed the fun back and forth between the characters and the mystery that being on the opposing teams created here. It was fun and romantic and the children's insights just added depth and reality to it all.

I felt like the plot went a bit off the rails towards the end, which seemed a bit unnecessary. The epilogue went a long way to redeem itself, though, so I rated it at 3.5 stars.

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

View all my reviews

His Steady Heart by Nell Iris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a comfortable, short and sweet story, this is right up your alley. And with an age gap added in for good measure!

Ashley has lived next door to Pippin for over a decade. Pippin's mother was absentee and flighty, showing up with a different boyfriend all the time. Now that Pippin is an adult, he's working two jobs and needs some peace and quiet in his life. He takes up residence on Ashley's couch and finds that Ashley might just be what he's been searching for.

I loved that Ashley took such good care of Pippin and watched after him, buying books for his house, even though he didn't read. He was so sweet and caring. Pippin was true to his character throughout, hesitant, yet domineering when he'd made up his mind. They were a perfect match.

This story was very sweet, no angst, just plotted along well. The HEA covered quite a span of time and was a nice finish to their story.

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

View all my reviews

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/*

View all my reviews

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/ *


View all my reviews

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/ *

View all my reviews

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/ *

View all my reviews

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

This was such a great romance that started out online.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View all my reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

View all my reviews

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

3.5 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View all my reviews

Christmas Lane by Amy Aislin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This was a heartwarming tale of two men, with seemingly nothing in common, finding love in unexpected places.

Holland Stone has a running problem. He’s switched careers multiple times. He’s been in a couple relationships that didn’t last. All he wants is to settle down with someone for the long haul, but he’s set his sights on Zach, who’s 15 years younger. And might possibly leave. Or stay. Or break his heart.

I really got into the story and enjoyed both Holland and Zach. With the age difference you frequently find a creep factor or something distasteful but this was done really well, even though Holland was Zach’s former 3rd grade teacher.

I loved the supporting cast of Holland’s friends as well as multiple members of their small town. I loved how adult their relationship was and how open they seemed to be.

I was bothered by the relationship that Zach had with Alana. She seemed like a spoiled, selfish sister and I’m not sure where that was intended to go.

Even though Holland and Zach’s relationship became physical, all of the ‘activity’ took place off page, so while that may appeal to some, this book was sweeter than spicy.

I’m intrigued enough to watch out for the next book in the series, which I’m hoping with be Clark and Dev.

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

View all my reviews

Seeking Solace by Ari McKay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This book is about leaving your past behind and embracing what the future holds.

Paul Mercer is next in line to inherit the Triton family business of cruise ships. Paul has never been on a cruise, so his father sets him up on a two week business opportunity aboard the Poseidon’s Pearl, where he is somewhat undercover, using a false last name. He's trying to get a read on the staff hospitality and needs, but when he sees bartender Devin Walker, he can't help mix business with pleasure.

I enjoyed the easy relationship between Paul and Devin. Paul had been burned in the past when an accident claimed his leg. Living with a prosthetic had been difficult to manage and his ex had wanted no part in his recovery. But Devin wanted Paul to enjoy life to the fullest and find happiness anywhere he could. He really changed Paul's outlook and it was fun to read the change in Paul.

While I thought the story was fun, it was somewhat slow for me. I loved that the relationship between the two was the main focus, but I guess I was waiting for more action or adventure to take place.

This was a good, fun, low angst read with plenty of good times and a HEA.

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

View all my reviews