Third Time's the Charm by K. Evan Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story had me super entranced from the start. I am sporting a big time crush on Finn! And I’m a sucker for a good book cover and I’m in love with this one.

While standing in line for coffee with his friend, Luke turns and notices the hot guy behind him and smiles. Finn smiles back, but they both hesitate and miss an opportunity to speak. Later that night, they run into each other again under Finn's friend's awning and this time when the sparks fly, they take advantage of the situation.

The meet-cute in this was epically arranged and romantic as hell. I loved how both Finn and Luke paced themselves and were so adult about their blossoming relationship. There were plenty of hurdles on both sides and there were times when my throat got tight, but I loved their story. It was so charming and sweet.

This read felt so timeless to me. The characters were just so emotional and real, wanting and trying so badly to ensure the other was priority. It was refreshing to read such a deeply charged romance with two passionate MC's. I really loved this story and felt their instant connection so deeply. Gah. 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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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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