Curses, Foiled Again by Sera Trevor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Felix and John's adventures together felt like the Odd Couple and I loved every minute of it.

Felix is a vampire on the prowl when he sees John walking home from work late one night. As he jumps out to scare him, John rolls his eyes and keeps going. Inexplicably, Felix is unable to bite him and it drives him crazy. It just so happens that John is a witch.

Unable to stop from thinking about John, Felix stalks him, investigates him, follows him, then finally shows up at his work. At this point, it's no longer just intrigue that keeps him interested, but John himself.

When John realizes he can't get Felix to leave him alone, he tells him that if he puts a drop of blood on a rose every day for 101 days, it will turn blue with magic and he can bring the rose to John and he'll see him. John knows that a vampire wouldn't be able to hold their interest long enough. But Felix isn't just any vampire. At this point, John can't stay away. But their lives start to get messy and entangled and they'll need vampires, blood and magic to fix it all.

There is a ton more to this story involving twins and curses and sharing hearts and cats and murders and movies and old film stars. And every single one of those things is central to the story. And what a story it was. I seriously loved it.

It's possible I loved the narration by Michael T. Bradley the most because his portrayal of John was just so innocent and sweet and even tempered, yet so very melancholy, which fit him perfectly. Felix's voice was magical. He was deep and dark and sometimes whiny, which just added a level of dimension for me, making this mysterious and fun.

I loved how much comedy was involved in this story. Felix wasn't the studious, formal vampire that is commonplace in the paranormal world. He was a little off, a lot sweet, very silly and oh so loving.

The characters were marvelous, each bringing so much to the story individually, then all blending at the end to create a stellar ensemble for the HEA.

I thoroughly enjoyed this listen and would absolutely recommend it to any audio lover.

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

View all my reviews

Warm Heart by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Soft and fluffy and heartwarming. It was pure Amy Lane.

Tevyn Moore is a world champion snowboarder and Mallory Armstrong is his finance backer, but really, there's more to their relationship than that. Even though Tevyn finds his way into a different bed each night, Mal is always there.

Tevyn's grandmother is dying and he's got to get to Colorado to see her one last time. When Tev and Mal get into a helicopter with Damien, things get rough in the snowy mountains and their copter crashes into the trees.

Now, for the three of them, it's all about survival. Damie's injured and both Tev and Mal lean on each other to figure out a way through this to survive. And quite possibly to start living a life they'd been pretending didn't exist.

After reading this inspiring story, I will say that if I was ever trapped on a mountain I'd want Tevyn and Amy Lane with me. I literally wouldn't have known half of what they came up with for survival. And the tenderness between the characters as they each tried to save the others... it was beautifully written.

With this story, nothing was vague. The words were clear and heart felt. The dialogue was proud and poignant. Hearts sat on the knitted sleeves of colorful sweaters, to be seen and felt throughout the story. I loved it. It's one I will definitely read again and I'm hoping the next book in the series is Damie and Preston!!

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



View all my reviews

Rise from the Ashes by Noah Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This was very unlike any other shifter story I've read in the best way possible. Told in a single person POV, it was more than a romance between two characters. Yes, that played a huge role, but it was more about pack families, loyalty and friendship.

Adam Miller was content. He had an office job where he was respected, a pack that he loved, and alpha friend who guided him and plenty of freedom. It wasn't perfect, but he didn't want to rock the boat. He was next in line for alpha and his secrets could wait.

Joshua Wetmore walked into Adam's conference room and changed everything with a glance. His sweet omega side called to Adam and soon their connection sparked.

When Adam's alpha suddenly dies, the pack looks to him for comfort, guidance, and leadership, but most of all, revenge. They want blood and will stop at nothing to get it. Even if that means taking down Adam and his mate.

The overall theme of family and bonds was the main thread that wove this story. It was more than just Adam and Josh's relationship. There were so many elements involved with side characters and side stories that all interwove into an inspiring tale.

Noah Harris has a unique writing style that moves the reader with descriptive phrases and effortless flow. I can't wait to dive into more from this author.

The narration by Christopher Kauzlarich was impeccable. His voices were distinct for each character, adding emotion and depth to the story.

If paranormal/shifter romance is your thing, you'll absolutely love this audio version of Noah Harris' story. I'd definitely recommend giving it a listen.



View all my reviews

Spellbound by Allie Therin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book came out of nowhere and surprised me. I had no idea how much I'd love it, but I did.

Rory Brodigan is working in his aunt's antique shop in New York in 1925. He's got a gift. When he touches an object he uses his powers of psychometry to validate its antiquity.

Arthur Kenzie is the rich son of a politician, but the friend of quite a few paranormals who are trying to rid the world of supernatural relics. In an effort to flush out another paranormal, he brings a relic to the antique shop that Rory works in. When it becomes obvious that Rory has powers, he needs protection, but he also might be the key to unlocking a mystery and saving New York.

This story was very well laid out, planned and executed. The characters involved were unique and interesting and I loved the slow burn between Rory and Arthur.

Allie Therin built a world that came alive and flew off the pages. A world with magic and potions, astral walkers and telekinetic powers. A world where a twenty year old boy can save the lives of his friends, lover and the state of New York with an ability that he doesn't even fully comprehend.

I loved this book and can't wait to read the next in the series.

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

View all my reviews

Prince of Killers by Layla Reyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Okay, WOW. What I was expecting and what I got were not the same thing, but in a very, very good way.

Layla Reyne is not a new author to me, so I should have known. This is so twisty and deep and full of suspense. It's gripping and bold and fun and sexy. BUT... yeah, the dreaded but... we are left with a cliffhanger of epic proportions. Yes, the next book is coming, but I neeeeeed it now!

Hawes Madigan basically runs the mob in San Francisco. He's got someone on the inside that wants him out and someone on the outside that wants in. He trusts his family, but he no longer trusts himself. And it's sooooo worth the read.

I don't want to say more and give any spoilers, so I'll just say, please read this. Get as caught up in the shock and suspense as I did so that we can angst over our wait for the rest of the series. Because it's bound to be amazing.

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

View all my reviews

The Reluctant Husband by Eliot Grayson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eliot Grayson can write an engaging, emotional roller coaster of a story like no one else. I loved The Replacement Husband and I so love this book as well.

Tom was considered 'the bad guy' in the last book, but is our man after redemption in this story. Writing an unlikeable character into a likeable one is extremely difficult to pull off, yet I fell for Tom without question. He wasn't perfect and he knew it. He wore the persecution of his past like a cloak, finally shedding it in the end.

Mal wanted nothing more than to save his cousin's life, and clung to the belief that marrying Tom would achieve it. When it didn't happen overnight, the tension and panic turned into a wall between them that was difficult to tear down. Tom fought hard, but Mal waivered.

I loved how completely invested I was in the story. I wanted to shake both Tom and Mal and force them into a box to talk it out. I absolutely love caring so much about the outcome. This was so well written and just a lovely, strong story of letting go of the past and finding your happy.

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

View all my reviews

String Boys by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I loved this and I hated this. I loved it because it was pure Amy Lane. The words just flowed and the love was beautiful and raw and elegant and real. I hated it because it was heartbreak after heartbreak. But I hated it in the best way, I guess.

This is the story of two boys who meet as children, realize they love each other, then spend the next decade apart, trying to find their way back.

My heart was in a vice the entire time. When I finally made it to the end, it felt like I'd run a marathon. This is one of those books that will stay with you for a very long time. There was so much hate, but so much love that counterbalanced it woven through the entire story.

For a bonus, there were a couple of cameo's towards the end from Amy Lane's other works that put a freaking huge smile on my face.

Overall, this was a wonderfully painful read. I cherished it, wanted to throw it, choked up while reading, but mostly fell in love.

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

View all my reviews

Prophesy Book II: The Bringer of Wrath by A.E. Via
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had so much of everything. There was a perfect balance of action, mystery, intrigue and sexy times.

In this second book of the series, Alek, the second wolf in command under the AZ and Justice's brother is reunited with Bell, his true mate who happens to be a vampire. But things aren't always what they seem and they both have to decide if they truly want to be mated.

I loved the interaction between the Alek and Bell. There was an interesting plot twist at the start that paved the way for the entire story that really deepened the read. There were moments between Bell and his mate that had me laughing and moments that were so tender it inspired awe. Each of them had moments where they became the Alpha in the relationship and where they were the submissive and it was exciting to see how they reacted to each other during the shift in power.

A.E. Via is a writer who listens to what her readers want and delivers every time. This was brilliantly done and very engaging. I loved it.

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

View all my reviews

Larry Boots, Exterminator by John Inman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This wacky romance between a bow-tie wearing nerd and a hitman just really did it for me. The characters together just swept me up in their story and I had a great time enjoying their banter and wit.

Larry Boots is no stranger to tragedy. With his twin brother murdered, he vowed revenge and has taken to a life of payback for sins committed by the worst of society that have skirted the law.

During an afternoon of surveillance he meets Ken, a very sweet, docile, dorky blind man with a heart of gold and hair to match. It doesn't take long for them to become close, but at some point Larry will have to tell him how he makes a living. And hope it doesn't scare him off.

Honestly, this was so easy to read and easy to love. It was fun and fresh and the MC's had charisma and heat in spades. Larry was a lovable crusader of evil and Kenny was impossible to not fall for. His sweet vulnerability was touching and made the story soft around the edges.

I absolutely recommend this read and give it a solid 4.5 stars.

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

View all my reviews

The Well-Dressed Werewolf by Gillian St. Kevern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gillian St. Kevern is masterful at creating Victorian style stories, but this was much more than just a murder mystery. This was a labyrinth of twists and turns, leaving you wondering until the very end.

Told in single person POV, we meet Felix Wood, the valet/best friend/lover of Robin, whom he's known since childhood. At the full moon prior to Robin's 21st birthday, they are invited to stay at the country estate of Westaway, who has more tricks and secrets up his sleeve than anyone had thought possible.

When half the men turn to werewolves and the other half their caretakers, the sudden security measures aren't enough to keep everyone alive. But who is murdering their friends and why?

While this was more of a mystery/thriller/suspense, there was a hint of romance behind the scenes, which was just enough to tide me over and leave the story feeling emotionally sated. I loved the introduction of werewolves to this series, as well as a hidden society of caretakers. It was an exciting read infused with suspense and action and had me guessing from start to finish. Very well done.

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

View all my reviews

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/*

View all my reviews

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/*

View all my reviews

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/*

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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/*

View all my reviews

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/ *

View all my reviews

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/ *

View all my reviews

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/ *

View all my reviews

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/ *

View all my reviews

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/ *

View all my reviews