Save the Date by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tennant Rowe and Jared Madsen have a special place in my heart and for anyone else who has loved them like I have, this novella will make you very, very happy. It's the perfect end of an era.

Two men who are busy with sports and life aren't supposed to spend their time planning a wedding. Besides, it's what Trent does best. But Trent goes a little overboard and pretty soon picking out napkin edging becomes too much for our boys.

As a last hurrah to the series, we get to see the entire Rowe family involved in wedding planning and pre-wedding interviews. The team shows up for bachelor party shenanigans and it's great to see them all come together to support Ten and Mads, but also to get a glimpse into their craziness as well.

Things fall apart last minute, friends steal the grooms and force them to wear neon, someone gets engaged and there's a silver hockey puck cake. But it wouldn't be a Ten and Mads story if there wasn't romance, a new idea for the future, and strawberries in bed.

As much as I hate to say goodbye to this couple, without an end, this book wouldn't exist. It's well worth the read, as is the entire series.

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

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Nine Small Sips by V.L. Locey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had really enjoyed Tales of Bryant, the story of Isamu and Brian through the seasons, both living an changing and being together. So, I was extremely thrilled to be able to read their follow up story about their wedding.

Isamu and Brian are dealing with an overly obnoxious, loud and demanding wedding planner, Isamu's grandmother and her traditional values, work complications and last minute panic over missing photographers. But still, their love is as strong as it ever was and this short story packs a punch of romance, hot sexy times and the snark and humor that Isamu never fails to provide.

My only critique is that I felt like Brian's dominance and demeaning tone was highlighted in every conversation between he and Isamu. I felt like he was tearing him down and didn't really understand the reasoning behind it.

Clearly this couple is in love and it's always fun to get a glimpse of their HEA as an action packed, well written addition to their original story.

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

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Love is a Walk in the Park by V L Locey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sheer perfection. I laughed so many times at this story and it really made my life a bit better.

Duane has just broken up with his girlfriend, yet again, and this time she's taken everything BUT the dog. Which is fine, except he needs to be walked. A lot. When Duane is catcalled by a fiercely vocal, boisterous twink at the dog park his social awkwardness rears it's ugly head. But it gets him to notice and react.

Sullivan is a charming, loud, flighty, wildly fabulous twink with a flair for fashion and dancing. And one look at Duane and the hot pants are ON! Sully was an entire story on his own. His brilliant adjectives and diva personality had me spitting out my soda and wishing I had a real life Sully as my bff.

The two MC's together were a masterpiece. They balanced each other out perfectly and fully, each part of them working together to create a brilliant tour de force.

Every character involved was witty and fun, adding spice and whimsy to the scene. I loved Duane's roommate Ronan, who cared so much and felt like family. I loved the parents who came through in the end. I loved the dance/theater group who believed in and supported Sully through his horrifying encounter.

There were good times, bad times, fun times and sexy times and they all flowed so well. I was thoroughly impressed at this collaboration between VL Locey and her daughter Stephanie and hope to see more!

I absolutely recommend reading this fantastic story of love and overcoming life's obstacles together, hand in hand. You will fall in love, I promise.

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

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Scott by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had to read this in one sitting. HAD to. Gah.

Seriously, the Scott and Locey team has quickly become one of my favorites. I've grown so very fond of all of their books, but I love the hockey series and while this wasn't completely centered around the craziness of the rink, it was hockey-related. And there was a cameo made by Tennant Rowe, so....swoon.

Told in dual alternating POV's, Scott and Hayne's story was stunning. The juxtaposition of two very, very different characters just worked big time in this story. Hayne was small and lean, with a pretty face and beautiful curls. He was wary of most people, jocks in particular. Being around anyone who could potentially cause harm was a trigger. And yet. He had taken in Scott with open arms, his heart on his sleeve.

Scott had made mistakes. He was gripped with grief, in a place where he couldn't be reached and finally hit rock bottom. With the loss of almost everything, he found someone who could help him heal and rebuild. Someone who could have watched him suffer, but wouldn't.

So, my takeaway from this was pretty much OMG READ THIS BOOK. I fell in love with Hayne and his artsy prose from the start. My heart squeezed each time he winced in worry. If I could ever have a book best friend, it would be Hayne. He was epic.

Scott cradled his heart and made a home for it within his and I have to say, to write a big, husky, burly guy who can flick at gentle curls and have the patience and kindness that he did was awesome. These boys just totally worked so well and I am just sitting here in book hangover heaven.

Well done. All the stars. I want more!!!

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

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