Barefoot by Lillian Francis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an adorable short!

Finn worked at a homeless shelter and gave his shoes to a man who had none. That's just the kind of guy he was. When he made his way to the grocery store in his socks, Sam, his crush who happens to work at the grocery flirts with him and assumes he's homeless.

This story was full of sweetness and heart, a misunderstanding and a cute ending. Totally worth the read.

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Adam Only by Roe Horvat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The ability Roe Horvat has to take dirty, sexy words and deeds and turn them into sweet romance is just magical. Really. It boggles my mind.

I loved The Other Book and fangirled when I found out there were going to be more in the series and this addition just blew me away. We met Adam and Christopher in The Other Book and I love that Adam got his own story. He and Christopher needed to be heard and their story is just so bone crushingly powerful, gah. It's the perfect meshing of need and trust and freedom.

Adam has a history of falling hard and fast and for the wrong guy. He's been known to overstay his welcome and doesn't want to make the same mistake again. So, after spending a weekend with Christopher he leaves before he is told to leave. And Christopher is left wondering what he did wrong.

Both MC's were somewhat cocky at the the start when they met, but once they let themselves get carried away, they were both so vulnerable and young. There are very few authors that I've read that can get that sentiment out in their writing and do it well and this is one of them. My heart twisted for Christopher. It ached for Adam. I loved falling so hard for these characters.

And yes, for those all about the sex, there was a lot of it, but it was really beautiful. It was full of passion and need and oozed love.

I could go on and on but you should just read it for yourself. Buy a copy and treasure it.

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

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Forever Lost and Found by T.N. Nova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've read quite a few shifter books, but this one gripped me from the start. It was magical.

Aiden never really fit in. His parents let him stay at home after he came out, but they made their disapproval known whenever possible. When he moved out and was on his own, his father made sure he couldn't keep a lease or a job. Then, one night he was driving home and hit someone on the street and it changed his life forever.

Darius is a wolf shifter. He's convinced himself he'll never be in love, which is perfect for him. He lives with his friends, parties at clubs, and doesn't need anyone. Until he meets his mate...

I loved the Peter Pan aura that surrounded this story. Darius and his roommates, together the Lost Boys, consisted of three wolf shifters, a Nephilim and a pixie. They all contributed so much levity and fun to the story as well as support for both MC's.

The relationship between Darius and Aiden felt real and emotional. Packed with heat, the BDSM element was done expertly with open communication and rules, which is always a plus to this reader. I loved the dialogue between them and the ease of affection as their relationship played out.

Highly entertaining, fun and witty. This was a great read and a perfect start to what will most likely be a great series!

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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/*

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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/ *

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Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nothing but LOVE for Rachel Reid and this enemies to lovers hockey romance.

Shane Hollander is a crazy good hockey player. And when you are THAT good, there is always someone trying to knock you down a peg. In this story, it's Russian Ilya Rozanov. Since they met as teenagers, hockey fans across the world have pegged them as rivals and the fans go crazy for their on air angst. But what they don't know...is a lot.

I am seriously fan-girling over this book. First of all, I loved the timeline. It moved the story along so well. We got just glimpses into each time the two of them met up over years of playing. The anger and upset between them was so deep, but it made for even more passion for their private rendezvous.

I loved Ilya and how deep his character was. He had familial issues that he confided in Shane. He had worries and fears and gave of himself whole-heartedly, even when everything was on the line.

And Shane. Swoon. He just cared so hard. He was fun and light, but wore his heart on his sleeve. Such a wonderfully done character.

This book had me from the start in a vice grip and didn't let go until the end. And I want more! Full of heart and soul, you won't go wrong with this fun, sexy, action packed story.

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

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Clean Break by Erin McLellan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the very best surprise. This is a new to me author and I'm hooked.

Connor has some OCD issues mingled with anxiety, but he's doing ok. He's almost done with college and he has plans. He's taking over his family farm, it's all settled. It's fine that it isn't what he wants because it's always been the plan and he lives for plans. Only Travis was never part of the plan...

Travis also has a plan. Finish this last semester of college and get the hell out of town. He'll do anything to get gone, even if that means breaking his own heart in the process. He's made plans before and he got screwed and he's not going to let anything stop him this time.

Erin McLellan has flayed me open. Gah. I'm not one with my feelings, but she managed to pull every single one of them out and play a ballad with them. I laughed, teared up, wanted to throw things, and fell in love.

Told from alternating POV's, we got a peek inside both Travis and Connor's thoughts and spent time organizing, learning farming, spanking, literature, bugs, family and beautifully whispered endearments.

Honestly, this was a stellar read, perfectly written and I did not want it to end. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

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

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Marshall: Book 1 - Mayfair Model series by Claire Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet.

Touching.

This book melted my heart. The way Claire Castle describes the feelings of her characters is inspiring and I lived for the dialogue between them.

Marshall is a closeted runway/ad model with a reputation for being gruff. He has no one in his life but his overbearing homophobic mother because giving anything away would potentially ruin him. Since he adopted Jess, his pretty puppy, he has something to look forward to at the end of each day.

Stuart is an artist and a dog walker. When he takes up a new client, Jess, he realizes he's never met the owner, but can feel the desolation from his space when he's in his home. After a one night hookup with a nameless man, Stuart can't believe it when he sees him again...and is the owner of Jess.

I loved both MC's. They were true to their character and honest and at times very raw. They both gave and gave without reservation and it was so fun to read their story.

The dialogue was engaging, sweet, sexy and fun. Stuart was snarky and kind and I was overwhelmed at the feelings that Marshall could convey through his stuttering words and gestures.

This was a very well done, fantastic story of two men who find what they've been missing and realize they can be more, together.


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Love of the Egoist by Nero Seal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A serious mind game was played with me here and I honestly loved every second.

This was a race of emotion, turmoil, angst, and an OMG No Fu#%ing Way ending that crushed me. Damn.

Brilliantly written, dark and twisted, highly entertaining, absolutely recommended.

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Broken by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emotionally healing and well written, this story sweeps you away and takes you on a journey of self discovery and love.

Jag has been on his own since he was 16. Now 20, he's made up a few rules to live by. Rules to keep him safe. Rules to keep him sane.

Michael is the owner of a pole dancing workout center by day, a gay night club by night. When a young, hot new dancer waltzes into his bar and asks for a job, he gets more than he bargained for.

Jag had such a painful past that traumatized him and made him fear intimacy, attachment, friendship, and finding a place to call home. His character was so deep and rigid, yet he somehow managed to wear his heart on his sleeve. He was an amazing character and I loved that he found himself and learned how to let go and heal.

Michael was truly everything. He gave and gave without taking and showed Jag what life could be like if he was willing to give up running. He was written so well, satisfyingly so.

I truly enjoyed their story. I would have liked a bit more information regarding the outcome of the letter home, and maybe a bit more of the friendships that were created with the other dancers. It felt a bit like Jag would have been more emotionally grounded with that piece as more than an afterthought.

Overall, I really loved reading Broken and truly felt involved in their story. A great read.

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

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Cowboy Seeks Husband by Leta Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't expect this story to absolutely consume me like it did. Whoa. Cowboy meets hipster. Who knew? It was freaking GOLD.

Walker lives on his parents ranch. His dad is getting older and weather issues have drained the savings so finances are tight. A new reality show offered $300K to Walker to become the first gay bachelor-type show in history. And he took it. But it isn't like anything he's ever experienced and all of the suitors are overwhelming.

Roan needs money. His mom is dying. His last chance is this cowboy bachelor show. If he can just make it a few weeks, he'll have enough to get his mom into a medical trial that could save her life. He just has to make sure to keep his feelings out of this. And it turns out it's harder than he thought.

I devoured the words here. Honestly, I really didn't expect this light-hearted story to impact me so much, but the writing was so great. The characters were so deep. The romance was so tender. I loved the dialogue. I loved the little accessory things like the fact that Roan wore glasses for fun. That Walker had a bit of a kinky side. That they didn't take life too seriously, but still cared so deeply.

Honestly, I could recommend everything about this story. Yes, the setup was a bit cheesy, but it was all in fun and the MC's really made this story so consuming and lovely. Go get it and read it and you'll be glad you did.

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

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Bitten By Fate by Annabelle Jacobs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

As the last book in this series, I think there was a lot at play with tying up loose ends and giving everyone their happy ending. And I'm pretty sure if you've read this series, you'll be thrilled at this finale.

Jason has been eyeing Daryl for a while now, but they've been on opposite sides, just recently merged into the same pack as betas. With all of the animosity from the merger, the packs have yet to find their groove together. The alphas have set up a two week pack bonding experience and have sent Jason and Daryl to assist.

Daryl has never wanted more than a fling. His parents' relationship ended viciously because of a bond and he's promised himself that he'll never let that happen to him. But what's the harm in a little playing around?

Jason was up front and honest in his feelings. Daryl was only fooling himself. It was a bond in the making and they both knew it. It was heart-breaking when Daryl made a decision, but Jason was so giving and loyal. It floored me how well he took the news and how much he was wiling to give up and risk for Daryl.

This was quite a love story and it was really inspiring. Annabelle Jacobs did a wonderful job finishing up her shifter series with this last tale. Such a great series.

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

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Black by Quin Perin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Meow."

I'd expected the deliciously dirty, but who knew these guys could be so sweet?

"If he only knew what he did to me. How he controlled the rhythm of my heart."

There was so much emotion in this story. Hurt/comfort is totally my cup of tea and this fed that thirst with an edge. Kitten play is new to me and holy freak did this story spotlight this kink in the very best way.

Tony was a wanderer. He fell into step in the life his father had wanted for him, but he wasn't made to be a lawyer. After traveling the world, his sister called him home and he went. And he found Dima in a small cafe in a small town living a dim life.

Dima had his fair share of pain and wasn't looking for more. Nothing with feelings involved. Purely physical was all he needed. Until Tony shined a light on him and suddenly he could see a life with more.

It wasn't hard to fall in love with Dima right away. He had snark and fight and passion. I loved the way he rationalized his feelings in his head and how utterly shameless he was. His character brought so much fun to the story and he was heart-breakingly perfect.

Tony couldn't have been more perfect for a man like Dima. He was honest and supportive and seriously... a man with that many tattoos, long hair AND a beard. Come on.

I was wowed and humbled by the story line. I cheered and laughed, and as much as I hate to admit, my throat did tighten up at the end. I absolutely loved how they just accidentally fell into a kink that neither had planned, but worked so perfectly.

This book had a ton of feelings, a ton of kink, a well thought out story, and a romance to swoon over. It's absolutely going to be one that I'll go back to and read over and over. Very well done.

*Galley copy generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review. To be cross posted closer to release. *

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Dirty Mind by Roe Horvat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one just really, really worked for me.

By day, Alex is a professor of writing. He's got a steady income, has good friends and a decent life at age 30. Oh, and he also is a successful writer of porn.

When he saves 18 year old Chris from being fondled by some seriously trashy guys in a bar, they start a friend/mentor/brother relationship that includes phone calls, emails and occasional visits.

When Chris gets accepted into college in Alex's hometown and they start seeing more and more of each other, it becomes obvious to Alex that his feelings have been shoved into a deep, dark corner and they come toppling out at the worst time.

The story gripped me in it's fist and just kept tightening it's hold. I couldn't stop reading, couldn't put it down until the end. There were so many times that I just really had to catch my breath, but then kept going. Roe Horvat has a way with making my insides gooey and I love/hate every second of it. I was burning during the entire story.

While the title and the whole 'porn writer' character sort of alludes to a descriptive, kinky, sex fueled story, this was not that. This was two people finding their way to each other and then finally getting their own love story.

So well done. I just can't say enough.

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With a Twist by K. Evan Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the first book in a new series by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn, this is also a spin-off of another series collaboratively written by the pair.

Will Martin is a gay NYU professor and writer who's been estranged from his family for a decade after coming out. When he receives a call that his father, the Senator, is ill and he's needed at home, he decides to take the summer off and get reacquainted with his family.

David Mori has looked up to his mentor, Senator Martin, since he first entered the senate race and has become very close to his family. When he meets Will for the first time, he can't help but feel the static charge between them. After getting to know each other, it's obvious they lay on opposites sides of the political aisle, but is it too far to cross?

This story was so smartly written. I was thoroughly impressed by the ability to cover so much in the way of politics and platforms and the prejudices that go along with them.

I loved David's character. He had so much compassion and was so genuine and affirming. He brought so much to this story. Will's character had to grow on me. At first he seemed like a self-righteous brat, but he humbled himself and I really felt the connection between him and David.

I loved the second chance that Will had with his father and the role that David played getting him there. Everything just flowed so well and the pacing kept me wanting more.

I can't wait to read more of this series!

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

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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/ *

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Racing into Love by Noah Steele
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was some pretty solid story building and writing.

Aiden has a full life. He's the owner of a bookstore and the best friend of Oliver, his roommate. He's had a traumatic experience that has left him unable to ride in cars so he's subjected to public transportation to get around. He's also really bad at dating. When he meets Derrek at the bookstore, something tells him to forget his boy troubles and give this a shot.

Derrek loves cars. He's been a professional racer for years and he's not looking to give it up for anything. But when his mind goes straight to thinking about Aiden constantly, he's considering maybe changing things up in the future.

For a first time author, I was blown away at the story. There was so much going on to keep me involved and wanting more. Yes, there was insta-love, but in a good way. They fell hard and fast, but there was also waiting and wanting and sloooooow burn. And then it was ON!

"We're going to devour every inch of each other until there's nothing left."

I loved both Aiden and Derrek. They were each so genuine and true to their characters. I felt the pull they had towards each other and their story was inspiring.

As much as I enjoyed the plot and the action, I felt like the ending was somewhat disassociated from the rest of the story. It just felt like what ended up happening to Aiden changed both of the MC's paths and I'm not sure I felt like it was for the better. It just seemed to come out of nowhere, instead of being something that was dreamed up before or spoken of previously.

Overall, this was an exciting, fast paced read with a burn and an epic love story complete with tons of feels and fun. Definitely recommended and highly entertaining.

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

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Love And Silence by Peter Styles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story. It had everything… slow burn, MC's with issues, angst. A very big win for Peter Styles.

Harrison is a singer/songwriter for a very popular band that's currently on its way to the top. When he's on stage, he's home. But tonight, the stage fights back.

When he wakes up in the hospital, his throat in pain, his chest bruised and broken, unable to speak, he feels his world is crashing in. And then he meets Luke, his nurse, who's deaf and never heard him sing.

Luke has fought hard to get to where he is. A little more and he'll be offered a position as a full time nurse at the hospital and will be able to live the life he's dreamed of. But when he meets Harrison, everything goes out the window. His career is at risk, as well as his heart.

From the start, the spark was there and it just burned harder throughout this story. I just got reeled in and couldn't put it down. An excellent read.


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Stranded by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m both exasperated and thrilled. I have such a love/hate relationship with this series. I feel like I’ve come to know the characters so well and it’s devastating every time there is a loss. And there are many.

But here I am, still wildly sucked in and broken hearted at having to wait for the next book in the series.

I’m getting antsy for the romance now. There was a bit more in this story now that they’ve returned to the United States, but it’s still not enough... Dammit I need it!

If you haven’t started this series, you NEED to. It’s emotionally exhausting and will leave you an utter wreck but somehow the writing is gripping enough that I’m happily waiting for more. And giving it all the stars!

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Power Play by Cara Dee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story.

Abel grew up with one constant in his life, Madigan. As his biological dad's best friend, Mads was there through his father's death, every birthday, his mother getting remarried, school events, etc. When Abel's mental illness reared it's ugly head, Mads was the one who calmed him.

Now, at 21, Abel realizes that his love for Mads had turned into more than a friendly, fatherly love. And when he confessed it by text a year ago, his relationship with Mads broke. They haven't spoken since, and Mads has missed a year of his life. So when Abel asks for help with his new lifestyle, Mads can either let him find someone else to mentor him, or finally give in to the feelings he's repressed this whole time.

I was sucked into their story from the Prologue. I loved how intense all of the family members were. There was just this tangible, pure respect, acknowledgement, love aura that surrounded them, which was a really rich part of the story. It was also very dark and real.

Each character was so vital to the story and their reactions and relationships with both Abel and Mads were so important. I just really loved the writing and how everything flowed and built. And the understanding that was between all of the characters.

Honestly, I have nothing but love for everything about this entire story. I'd absolutely recommend this read.

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