Rules of the Game by TL Travis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kendall is a player. Working for the family business, he's looking for something...more. When his father hires an architect, Kendall is instructed to be the main contact.

Joe has spent his life building up his business and he's finally accepted a major contract. When he meets Kendall, he's instantly attracted, but he can't do anything about it. He needs this job.

Kendall doesn't take no for an answer, or at least, not when he knows it's not a firm no. And that's what's so epic about him. He knows what he wants and he goes after it.

Joe's reluctance fell away and he was so sweet and honest. They were a perfect match.

As a short novella, I felt like this packed a pretty full punch with a lovely couple and a perfect HEA.

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

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Here Comes Trouble by A.E. Via
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the third book in the Nothing Special series, this was engaging and entertaining, but not as full of action or suspense as the first two.

Mark Ruxsberg and Chris Green are the 'enforcers' on God and Day's team. They are the muscle and the heat and the ones in the field. They've been partners for years, but lately Mark has been having a rough go of things.

When his addict mother goes on a binge and Chris decides to start dating, he finds himself falling down a rabbit hole of solitude and alcohol. Oh, and he's caught feelings for his partner that won't go away.

Green can't understand what's going on with Ruxs or why he's acting so crazy lately, until one night he shows up at his door, the unmistakable look of lust in his eyes. He's wanted Ruxs for years, so he's finally getting the man of his dreams. But Mark is straight. And never been with a man. Not to mention his life is pretty close to rock bottom. Is he really looking to start something?

I was a tiny bit disappointed at the lack of action in this book. There was a lot of buildup from the start about a raid going down, but it was completely off page. Instead, this seemed to be centered more around Green and his relationship with Curtis, the 17 yr old kid that helped out around the precinct and sometimes stayed at Green's house.

While I totally enjoyed Green and Ruxs building a relationship and family around Curtis, I also found it odd that at the end we started getting into Curtis' POV. Especially since there isn't a book devoted to him.

This was still a wild and sexy ride...lots and lots of sexy times.

The narration by Aiden Snow was brilliant, as usual. There is just no one else that can pull of these big, brawny, cocky bad boys like he can.

Well worth the listen if you're into this series!

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

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Home Improvement by Tara Lain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

If a fluffy romance between a carpenter and a rock and roll god sounds like your brand of screws, this delightful story will hit the nail on the head.

Gabe Mason is a 33 yr old single gay man raising his 17 year old daughter. His ex-wife is still in the picture, just enough to threaten his ability to have a life without worrying about her taking him to court. He makes his own furniture in his spare time, but living in Oregon doesn't truly afford him an opportunity to get his business off the ground. Instead, he works a day job at the local home improvement warehouse.

Jerry Castor is a rock star by night, but really wants a new life in the light of day. When he buys a run down home and has no idea what he's doing, he heads to the local hardware store for help and runs into Gabe. Who just happens to be perfect.

This first half of the book grabbed me and held on for dear life. I loved it all and couldn't put the book down. The attraction between the two men was palpable and explosive. But there were secrets that Jerry was keeping and things took a turn.

This is where things started crumbling for me. It seemed like the shy, stuttering Jerry turned into a wholly different person that oozed sex appeal and charm, which seemed contrived. It almost seemed to go to extremes. At one point I felt like we had gotten to the 'I think I like him' stage, and then a few minutes later there were declarations of forever. It just felt unrealistic to me, unfortunately.

Ellie stole the book for me. As Gabe's 17 year old daughter, she was the glue that held everything together. The voice of reason. The adult. The shoulder to cry on. I loved her and was thrilled that she ended up being such a vital character in the story. She's worth the read, just as herself.

Overall, it was a cute spin on the rich/poor trope with lots of fluff and hyperbole.

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



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Rise from the Ashes by Noah Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This was very unlike any other shifter story I've read in the best way possible. Told in a single person POV, it was more than a romance between two characters. Yes, that played a huge role, but it was more about pack families, loyalty and friendship.

Adam Miller was content. He had an office job where he was respected, a pack that he loved, and alpha friend who guided him and plenty of freedom. It wasn't perfect, but he didn't want to rock the boat. He was next in line for alpha and his secrets could wait.

Joshua Wetmore walked into Adam's conference room and changed everything with a glance. His sweet omega side called to Adam and soon their connection sparked.

When Adam's alpha suddenly dies, the pack looks to him for comfort, guidance, and leadership, but most of all, revenge. They want blood and will stop at nothing to get it. Even if that means taking down Adam and his mate.

The overall theme of family and bonds was the main thread that wove this story. It was more than just Adam and Josh's relationship. There were so many elements involved with side characters and side stories that all interwove into an inspiring tale.

Noah Harris has a unique writing style that moves the reader with descriptive phrases and effortless flow. I can't wait to dive into more from this author.

The narration by Christopher Kauzlarich was impeccable. His voices were distinct for each character, adding emotion and depth to the story.

If paranormal/shifter romance is your thing, you'll absolutely love this audio version of Noah Harris' story. I'd definitely recommend giving it a listen.



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9 Willow Street by Nell Iris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delightful.

This charming little tale (pun intended) came out of nowhere and hit me hard in the sweet tooth. There wasn't a thing I didn't love about it.

When Hannes' grandmother died, he was bereft. Instead of mourning her loss, his family waged war because she left her house to him. He was the youngest of the family, the only one who wasn't a 'real' doctor. A year after her death, he finally moves into her house and finds a cute little bunny with black ears in his kitchen. He and the bunny get acquainted and start a peculiar friendship.

Mattis is a bunny shifter. He's been given away to be married, but he's long held a belief that fate has something else in store for him. When he runs from home, he finds himself drawn to Hannes. It gets even more interesting as they both feel a bond, but Hannes is human and Mattis is a shifter. Soon enough Mattis' mother shares some interesting history and choices have to be made that will affect both of their lives forever.

I ate up every single word of this short story. Hannes was so driven and sure and Mattis... he sounded angelic with his golden curls and cherubic face.

A fluffy, heartwearming, endearing story of finding your own way and believing in yourself. It's definitely going on my must read list.

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

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Owned by R. Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMFG this series is sooooo good. It takes you to depths you didn't know existed and sends you spiraling down to the depths of humanity. And then you just beg for more.

This story was the continuation of Khaz and Noah, but brought in characters from previous books. It's all starting to weave together to bring the reader (or listener) to a place of torment.

I love how much I feel pulled into the story. Jack Noble is flawless as the performer of this dark tale and I can't imagine hearing it through anyone else's deep, delicious voice.

I can't wait to start book 5!

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Survive and Conquer by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Andrew Grey writes, you know you are going to get a well planned, well executed romance with an HEA and this story provides it all.

Newton is in his 40's, has two adopted children, a bum foot and a social worker job he loves. When he needs an attorney for a client, his persistence pays off when Chase agrees to meet his client for dinner.

Chase, a family law attorney, has no time for dating. He's on the fast track to partner at his firm and he needs to get to where he can pick his own cases instead of having to represent the 'bad guys'.

With very little angst, this was purely about putting family first and finding the courage to trust after being burned in the past. Both MC's were sweet and took their time, but the longing was palpable.

This is the perfect story to warm your heart and give you all the feels!

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

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