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/*

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The Accidental Baker by Clare London
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clare London has found a way to create a fairytale town with quaint shop owners and neighbors and blooming romance in a manner of just a few pages.

This short novella contains 4 separate stories, all revolving around some misplaced chocolate bunnies. Each tale has it's own meet cute and sweet little love story that will melt your heart.

My favorite was Jez and Eric. Eric has a bit of social anxiety/awkwardness/issues and he runs into Jez, his bedding and cardboard box sitting in the store's entry. They calm each other, tell jokes, laugh and find that life can give you good days with the bad.

I had so much fun reading these stories. A recommended sweet treat!

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

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The Nature of the Game by Amy Aislin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sports books are so fun to read, but a second chances hockey story is like winning a prize!

Told from dual POV's with alternating flashbacks and present, Amy Aislin created a deep, emotional trip through six years of pain and hurt and growth and regret.

Dan and Ash both discovered they were bi when their friendship turned into love. Something happened to shake the world they knew and six years later Dan shows up in Ash's life again.

I will admit, I was annoyed and confused at why Ash was adamant about not wanting an explanation for Dan's walking away. Looking back I can see that he wasn't ready to know, wasn't in a place where he could forgive or even listen, but it just went on and on.

I did really enjoy the back and forth, getting the full story of then and now... of how much they'd changed and grown. They were so good together. I felt their relationship in my bones. I was gripping my pillow just waiting for the moment that everything just clicked.

By the end, I was thrilled with the story, how everything played out, the love and support of the team and coaches and the HEA that was created. Very sweet second chance story!

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

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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/*

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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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Backstreets by Kat Cassidy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a second book in the series, I wouldn't recommend this as a standalone. That being said, you should absolutely pick up the first book if you haven't. This series is so full of action, suspense, thrills and romance.

We pick up a few months were we left off with Nik being the affectionate, sweet but dirty widower in love with the newly reformed bad boy Peter. But not everything is roses. Peter is having a hard time fitting into the home of Nik and his late wife and it's coming up on the anniversary of her death. With that tension between them, Nik's daughter is taken from school.

Since Peter is out of the game, they have to rely on Peter's sister and father to help them figure out which Family is involved in the abduction and then decide if there's still enough between them to make it work.

I really love Kat Cassidy's writing style. It seems effortless and fun, but is so fast paced and full of action. The characters are seemingly simple, yet are so capable of twisting your emotions on a dime. This is really well done and I'm excited for another book!

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

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Redeem by Christina Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This just really hit me hard. These boys were both so broken. Gah. Unbelievable story of love and hope and belonging.

Michael has a solid job, enough money to throw around, and a new-found proclivity for men. His last relationship was...unhealthy. But, he's taken the time to look at himself and realize if he doesn't do something, he's going to turn into his father.

Stewart is a barista. He's happy with where he is professionally, but his personal life is a mess. With repressed anxiety from his upbringing, his nightmares have returned, he's gone through a relationship crisis, but he's seeing a professional now. The meds are working. He's had less panic attacks, but he's not ready for anything serious. So, when a quickie in the bathroom on New Year's Eve won't leave his mind, he's surprised to see Michael show up again at his work.

From the start I was loving the fact that both Michael and Stewart were seen as the bad guys in past relationships. It's so difficult to pull a jerk into a new role as someone you want to see end up happy and Christina Lee pulls this off so well.

Both boys were so broken and working so hard to get better and I just loved how intuitive they both were at finding what the other one needed and just being there. There was so much honesty in this and love.

Christina Lee writes with so much emotion and just has a way at getting under your skin with the raw honesty of her characters and their dialogue and desires. I loved this story. I loved her interpretation and gift for hurt/comfort and couldn't recommend this book more.

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

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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/ *

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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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Gage by J.J. Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the second book in this series, I would not recommend reading this as a standalone. There is too much that happens in Wolff that is continued in this story.

We pick up where we left off with Wolff and Gage reigniting their relationship, but this time the story takes on more of a character background feel. When Gage starts receiving messages from home after 12 years without any contact he's not sure what to think. The story takes us through his relationship with his sister, his mother and his father.

Meanwhile, we get to know more about the friendship between Gage and Banner, as well as Wolff and Theo. And there's some interesting drama going on there!

I really enjoyed this book, but it felt like a bridge book to me... So much happened in the first story that this kind of evened out the relationships, divulged more information and got us all hot and heavy to learn more about Banner in the next installation.

Another great book, but I'm looking forward to the next!

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on 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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His Uptown Guy by Felice Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet, sweet story that had me feeling the feels.

Jesse has lived in the famous Dakota building across from Central Park since he was born. Now that he's an adult, he hasn't left the building in 5 years. Well, he hasn't left the apartment in 5 years. When his father was killed in 9/11 he was deeply affected and his life changed in many ways. But when he was mugged and stabbed, he never recovered. And losing his boyfriend at the same time didn't help.

But today he's feeling ok. He's going to make it to the garden and sit. And that's where he meets maintenance worker Dash. He almost passes out and Dash comes to his rescue and gives him the strength to fight off his demons and maybe slay some of Dash's as well.

I love a well written hurt/comfort and this totally gave me my fix. Jesse was such a cool, down to earth character and the agoraphobia was a very interesting issue for him to overcome. I loved how Dash knew exactly how slow to go and how honest he was with Jesse.

Both Jesse and Dash were totally different characters, but fit together so well. I could absolutely feel their connection and loved how family oriented they both were. They were a great match and I was so happy for how this ended.

I would definitely recommend this read. I blew threw it just waiting for the HEA I hoped was coming and it did not disappoint.

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

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Pisces Floors Taurus by Anyta Sunday
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you aren't familiar with Zane and Beckett, you MUST read Pisces Hooks Taurus. It was on my top 2018 reads and it's one you don't want to miss.

This short little HEA addition to that story was everything well wrapped and placed on a platter for us readers. This story begins with Zane and Becky finishing up their stint abroad and returning home. Zane is (no so) patiently waiting for two things to happen.

First, he wants Beckett to top him...for the first timenopressure! Secondly, he wants that proposal he was promised when they returned to the US.

Becky is just as charming and fun in this snippet as he was in PHT and Zane is his typical breezy self, with a wee bit of anxiety and it was adorable. I love these boys so much and love that Anyta Sunday gave us the HEA we were dying for.

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

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Little Harbour by Sophia Soames
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This was a hard one for me to read and rate. For the first quarter of the story, I absolutely loved it. Every word. There was so much greatness here...

Jens lost his wife a year ago. He's now the single parent of 4 children with a full time job as a professor and lecturer at the local college. His life has fallen apart, his kids have fallen apart, he's got no idea what he's doing.

Axel is a mid-wife and has started a blog online. When he gets an email intended for someone else, he notices that it's from Jens, the best friend he fell in love with and then lost 20 years ago. And he's been in love with him since. He takes a chance to meet him again and see if he can finally let him go.

This was a story about second chances and was written so poetically. I really was amazed at the writing in this. I fell in love within the first 15 minutes and was so invested in both Jens and Axel, but also the children. Each one was so dynamically engaging in the story and I literally felt like part of the family. I honestly can't say enough about the writing in this. It was just beautiful.

My only hesitation in giving this a full five stars was the length. The story was angst free. There were no issues or crossroads. It was blending Axel's life with a family of five and how to cope with work and friends and family and feelings. Once I got 2/3 of the way through, I was ready for the end. Yes, the writing was still stellar. Yes, everyone was still engaging and funny and the stories were epic, but it was so much without direction, I suppose.

It was all heart and I would have honestly given this 5 stars just for the writing and the story line alone. So many words of love and the dialogue just flowed seamlessly. I really loved so many exchanges.

"You looked like you needed a hug." Axel whispers in his ear.
"I did." Jens whispers back. "I needed you, and now everything is okay."

I totally recommend this author as I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the prose, and I know I'll be thinking of the Sommerfeldt family for a very long time.

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

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Out in the Offense by Lane Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another winner for Lane Hayes. I love how her MC's in the Out in College series are so very different with completely original backgrounds. Rory and Christian were the perfect additions.

Christian is the Quarterback for the Chilton college football team, but he's failing statistics. When his coach tells him he needs a tutor and offers to pay for Rory, Christian can't say no.

Rory is an out and proud bi man who's recently graduated from college and is looking at what to do next. He's got time on his hands so tutoring Christian seems like an easy addition to his plan. But soon his student turns into a distraction...

Rory was charming and funny and smart as hell. He was out and proud, but he'd been in the closet and knew what it was like living there. So when Christian is dodgy about PDA, Rory gets it. He was so patient and supportive. The story was told in the perspective of just Christian, but I'd love to have gotten inside Rory's head.

Christian was living his life playing defense instead of pushing for what he wanted. I enjoyed how determined he was, but the whole relationship with his roommates Max and Sky was so much drama. The lack of drama between Christian and Rory was gratifying, but the addition of the supporting casts struggles made me cringe at times.

Overall, this was a beautiful tale of love trumping all and was very well done. I loved the jokes and the inquisitive nature of Christian. I loved Rory and his contribution to making this story so uplifting and satisfying. This is definitely another must read addition to the series.

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



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Beautiful Dreamer by Christina Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great read! And all about families and close friends getting together for the holidays.

Garrett Coleman had a crush on his best friend's brother for most of his life. Sure, there were some awkward phases since Finn was a few years older, but he was Garrett's hero. Until something happened and they hadn't really spoken in 6 years. During which time, Garrett's mom battled the long road of cancer and recovery and finally beat it.

So, this was the first Christmas in 6 years that both families were getting together again at a cabin in the mountains to re-establish their holiday traditions.

Finn Sweeney still couldn't believe that he hadn't reached out to Garrett in all these years. He was hoping things wouldn't be awkward between them after all this time, but bringing a friend with benefits to this family reunion of sorts may not have been the best idea he'd ever had. Especially after seeing Garrett for the first time in years and realizing what he'd missed.

Things I loved:

*Garrett held a grudge, with good reason, and didn't forgive easily just because he had a crush
*Finn was willing to lay it all out there and put his heart on his sleeve, even asking for forgiveness
*The love and respect that the two families had for one another
*The gift exchange
*The slow burn and the anxiety over what would happen between Gar and Finn
*The sexy times, of course
*The final scene when Finn was leaving...omg I literally screamed in joy (which was mortifying for my family)

Things I didn't love:

*When it ended... because it was over.

Seriously, this is a great little heartfelt story, perfectly written with an epilogue, HEA and lots and lots of feelings. It's the perfect holiday romance.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on 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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Christmas Prince by R.J. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This book is one in a series of Christmas Angel stories. This story is set in the small country of Montaunoit where Prince Rafael serves as the custodian of his royal history. At an auction, his eyes meet those of Marc, who is the curator at a museum in England. Entirely smitten, the Prince writes up a business proposition to hire Marc as the curator of the Montuanoit special collection, thus moving him in to his home, granting him access to Marc.

Marc is all business. He's made a life for himself and he's worked hard for it. So, if taking this position will earn him a feather in his cap, then he's going to do it and do it well. But he's going to have to watch himself because he's got some feelings floating around when it comes to Rafael and he's hearing things... murmurs from his rooms that are pointing him in the direction of the Prince.

I loved how this story had a sloooooooooow burn. It was short, sweet and everything holiday, yet I still got that epic will they ever get togetherflutter. Rafael was entirely too charming, as you would expect, but not in a hollow way at all. He was the perfect gentleman, yet we still got glimpses of his lusty thoughts due to the dual POV's throughout the story.

I have to say, I was impressed at the royal family and their comfort with the community. It was refreshing to see how much they loved those around them and served them with excitement and it really helped with the character development of Rafael, being that he had everything he could want, but was so grounded.

Such a great holiday story. And not one to miss. This should be added to your holiday romance collection.

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

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His Cocky Cellist by Cole McCade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The seductive way that Cole McCade writes is just so captivating. I'm overly impressed with his ability to describe objects and make them dance off the page.

His Cocky Cellist is the second book in the series, but I honestly think it could be read as a stand alone. There was only one section in the beginning that mentioned Ash and and Brand and it wasn't detrimental to the story.

I'm not going to regurgitate the blurb here because while the story was entertaining on many fronts, its the writing that is so exquisite. The words just stand out and create such a beautiful masterpiece. It's just awesome. There was a fair amount of kink in this, but it was so well done and written in a way that it wasn't distasteful in the slightest.

When the story started, I didn't think I'd like Amani. He seemed like a snotty twenty year old who was tired of being taken advantage of, thereby not giving Vic the benefit of the doubt, in any way. The story seemed to mimic Pretty Woman in some aspects, which was fine, but then I laughed when Vic mentioned 'going all Richard Gere'.

The more I got into it, the more I loved both Amani and Vic and after some of the past was unraveled, it became obvious how selfless Vic was and how determined he was to try to make everyone happy. I really enjoyed getting to know Vic's character and would have loved a longer story, but was thrilled with the HEA.

Overall, this was a charming addition to the Undue Arrogance series and if you enjoyed the first book, you'll love this one.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
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Drawn to You by Jaclyn Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

What is better than a few tattoo artists by the beach making jokes and creating families? This book contained so much depth and magnitude. It was a pretty awesome read.

I loved both Jake and Eli. They are both tattoo artists at Inkubus, where Jake is also the owner. Eli seems to have it all... a big, loud, tight-knit family that is very close. But he's always wanted more from the repeated single nights he's had with Jake.

When Jake came out to his family, his parents basically wrote him off. All he had left was his brother, Kevin, his wife Maggie and their two boys, Nick and Dylan. Feeling like he was never good enough, he was afraid to give Eli anything more. But when an accident takes Kevin and Maggie, Jake's finding out that family is what you make it to be, and it's the most important thing there is.

I fell hard for Eli from the start. He was THAT brother who was the peacemaker and the one who tried so hard to make everyone happy. It was all he could do to put himself first and try to walk away from what he so badly wanted. I loved how fiercely he loved Jake and the boys and how much faith he had in them.

The change in Jake was written so well. It took a while to get there, but I enjoyed how much his staff became family and the elderly neighbors became family to him when he desperately needed that comfort. Family was the theme here and it definitely weaved its way through the story bringing a much needed HEA in it's rays.

The staff of Inkubus all have so much personality and so much strength I can't wait to continue reading this series. It's off to a brilliant start!

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

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