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

This series is turning making me mushy!!! I loved this addition.

Erin is the HR director at the Copper Point medical center and is known for being his father's pawn, but also for being the antagonist in Owen's life. In the previous book, Erin let his true honor out when he removed the ban against interoffice dating, but he never got the opportunity to explain HIS reasons.

When the committee sets up a bachelor auction, Erin schemes to finally have a chance at Owen. But his dad has other plans. This leads to a mystery to solve and some deep dives into both Erin and Owen's pasts. Ghosts come out to play and it's both haunting and healing.

As much as I enjoyed The Doctor's Secret, this was more my style. There was more mystery and romance than politics and it had a sweet young love vibe. I'm a sucker for a good enemies to lovers as well as hurt/comfort and this perfectly satisfied both as well as the added bonus of a first time.

Heidi Cullinan's quality of writing holds your attention from the start and the effortless way the characters fit together is inspiring. I loved the glimpse into their lives, their pasts and their healing. This was a really solid story filled with wonderful characters and a perfect nod to Scooby Doo mystery. Very much recommended.

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

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Top Secret by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Filled with heart, this book just resonated with me.

Keaton is the heir to a pharmaceutical company and lives a pretty luxurious life. He's up for president of his fraternity, he's got the perfect girlfriend. But if you look under a magnifying glass you'll see that things with his parents are strained, he doesn't want anything to do with his dad's company, and his girlfriend wants a threesome for her birthday because things are a little vanilla in the bedroom.

Luke has worked for every penny he has. He's living in the frat house on a full scholarship, but he's got to pay for his books, housing and food. In an effort to let off a little steam, he logs on to his Kinky! app and searches for a party. When he finds a couple looking for a third person, he's all in. But things quickly twist and turn and get messier than anyone could have expected.

I was so enthralled in this story. It had so many points of interest for me. First of all, it started with a first time gay experience, then added in a bit of enemies to lovers and ended with a brilliant HEA, giving me one hell of a satisfying experience.

The writing was fantastic and I loved all of the modern references. Keaton started out a bit of a snob and I worried that I'd hate his character, but he showed some class and some balls and just really wowed me. I loved Luke from the start and his character just had me laughing and cringing and hoping for his happy ending. He deserved it. They both did. And I love a story that makes me feel so much for the MC's. I wanted to badly for them to work out their issues and doubts, fears and insecurities and become their potential.

Loved this story, loved everything about it. Perfectly done, entertaining and fluffy. 5 won me over stars.

*Galley copy generously provided by the authors 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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Wolff by J.J. Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This was super intense and I read it in one sitting. I couldn't get enough.

Gage is in finance and just weeks away from becoming a partner at his firm. He's got it all. A great best friend and a nice place and the perfect job. As long as he doesn't think about what happened to him 12 years ago, his life is good.

Wolff can't believe he got the job at the firm he's always wanted to work for in London. In a few weeks his entire life is changing. When he pokes around at the firm's website and sees Gage the past comes flooding back and drags him under.

12 years ago, Wolff did something unspeakable to Gage. It's the worst thing that anyone can imagine and now he's going to have to face him and try to apologize. But what if Gage can't forgive him?

This was super raw and the feelings portrayed by the writing were so direct, it was awesome. The way that Wolff humbled himself and how Gage showed such compassion was just so honest and felt so real.

I loved reading this story and even though it didn't end on a cliffhanger, there are quite a few strings left undone. I can't wait to read the next book in the Redemption series!

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

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The Other Book by Roe Horvat
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars!

Oh. My. Holy. Hell.

I was seriously NOT expecting this much HEAT from Roe Horvat but I loved it!

This story comes with a preemptive note at the start, which I would recommend reading. Sometimes the insight of the author and where they were headspace wise when writing gives you more clarity and enjoyment and I for sure kept it in mind with this story. And here's my disclaimer... I'm not into more than one partner for love scenes and too much sex in a story and I skim. This book had a lot of sex and it did have a scene with a foursome, but knowing the origin of the story and the surrounding emotion with the scene, it didn't have a detrimental impact on me. In fact, it was one of the most pivotal moments of the story.

That being said, there was an actual story here and it was beautifully written. If you've read any of Roe Horvat's work, you know the writing is stellar. This was no exception. I loved that this started off as a enemies to lovers story as well as a naughty workplace romance.

The two MC's were perfect. They communicated effortlessly and I loved how the writer showed how much empathy and understanding both men had for each other. There were no misunderstandings here, which was a welcomed relief.

Do yourself a favor and read this book. It was heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time. Roe Horvat broke my heart and put it back together again and I enjoyed every minute.

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

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One Night In Whisper... by K. Sterling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Before I get started, I would just like to say how much some of the words in this book moved me. One example:

"I could find you in a crowd with my eyes closed. It's never been as good as it is with you."

Magnus Deacon is a billionaire who's made a life in politics with the help of his former assistant, who was the mother of Beck Night. After Maggie's death, Magnus hope's that he will be able to rely on Beck to take her place as his assistant, but Beck has never wanted anything to do with Magnus. He's been jealous of his and Maggie's relationship his entire life. So, how much convincing will it take to show Beck that he's not an awful guy?

I loved the parallel relationship between Magnus's best friend Cade and Beck's best friend Delilah. The love was so sweet and endearing between them and their friendship really cemented this story for me.

Beck's feelings were so hidden it became painful, but when realization hits, it hits hard and fast (heh, heh, heh). And yes, there was plenty of that for your reading pleasure!

I really, truly enjoyed the second half of this book. I had a hard time getting into it, though, at the start. I kept getting confused with the pronouns. There were so many 'he' and 'his' and I got lost trying to figure out which person went with which body part. Also, the changing POV's threw me as well. It just seemed like the first section was somewhat disjointed, but then it flowed and rolled and I LOVED how the feelings were so buried, then popped like fireworks.

I'm totally going to give this another read as I feel like it's worth it.

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

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Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't love this book more. This is definitely going to be an annual holiday read for me.

Alfie has an online friend that he's met through a Jane Austin fan club. They've been writing for a year now and it's finally time to meet. But when he's on his way there he runs into his nemesis, Leo. They met a year ago at a Christmas party when Alfie hit on him and Leo rudely turned him down. Ever since, they've hated each other. When Alfie's friend doesn't show, he can't help but be crushed. But maybe a Christmas miracle will bring Leo and Alfie closer.

This story reminded me of the movie You've Got Mail in a lot of ways. Maybe it was just the premise of developing a relationship online, then the letdown of being stood up, only to find your soulmate in real life.

Sally Malcolm has a way with words. This story wasn't flashy or difficult, but it was brilliant nonetheless. I couldn't stop reading it...finished in one sitting because my heart couldn't take it anymore. I had to know. HAD TO KNOW.

There were so many quotes from the classics, any bibliophile would appreciate the nod to greatness. There was nothing flimsy or flashy. It wasn't insta-love. It was a long time coming and it was worth the wait. I seriously cannot say how amazing this story was.

Give it a try and I hope you love it as much as I did. It certainly warmed my semi-grinch-like heart. (Especially the part about the hand blown tree pickles).

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

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