Brains and Brawn MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Not going to lie, this made me cry. It wasn’t the ugly stuff this time, but more the oh sweet JoaBrains and Brawn MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Not going to lie, this made me cry. It wasn’t the ugly stuff this time, but more the oh sweet Joan Jett and all those Blackhearts this is better than any Hallmark!
We knew from book one, what was going to happen when book two began, so that was a bit of a recap, just this time told from the perspectives of Paul and Billy Brains (the drummer of Hush). Brains is the gel that holds his bandmates together, so when tragedy strikes, removing him from the equation, the band must move forward to finish the tour.
Paul, a Corpsmen in the US Navy has hit his 25th year and decided it is time to retire. At forty-two that still leaves him with plenty of time left to enjoy life with his son, sister, and her two kids. He has no idea when he gets into a verbal sparring match with Billy Brains over different drummers and their varying drumming styles that his life is staring down a different path than the one, he previously thought it would.
Unlike reading “Summer of Hush,” I did not have a soundtrack playing for me, because I do all my reading now with TTS. However, I always take notes now as I read, to help my memory issues. So, each time the book would mention a band or song in the story, I wasn’t familiar with, I would make a note. That way I could look them up on YT and have a good reference point.
I can’t say I loved “Brains and Brawn,” more than “Summer of Hush,” because that would be like saying I love moose tracks ice-cream better than fudge brownie. I love them equally but for different reasons. This is an age-gap romance that deals with both physical and mental illness. Topics of suicide, PTSD, loss of family, facing tragedy, not giving up, crossroads decisions, single-parent homes, special needs kids, and a few other themes are present. The greatest however is love. Love of family, friends, colleagues, strangers, etc... This is a story of hope and beyond the Rockstar Romance is a story/ series I think many would love escaping into.
Redesigning Max by Pat Henshaw MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review
This is the second book in the Foothills Pride series and my second read by Henshaw. Redesigning Max by Pat Henshaw MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review
This is the second book in the Foothills Pride series and my second read by Henshaw. I did not think I could enjoy characters better than I did in book one, however, color me impressed and in love with stoic Max and vivacious Freddie.
Typically, in stories where one MC is out and proud and the other is not, either through fear, confusion, or another circumstance there is quite a bit of angst going on between the MCs. That isn’t the case here, even if there is a moment or two of wondering if there “might be a set up going on,” with some of the jack-leg homophobes in town.
Once Freddie and Max get to know each other something akin to a soul-mate connection happens and beautiful happenstances occur again and again. These little and big moments made me so happy for both of the MCs, and I adored each time a person, a painting, a house, a memory, a story was shared and one or the other of them had a connection to that person, place, or thing. It was magical and made my soul smile. For anyone who has ever had this kind of friendship or relationship in your life, you will love this story. For anyone who has ever dreamed of having a relationship like this, it will give your heart hope.
I loved Max and Freddie and I hope to see them around really soon.
Paid to Kneel: The Delphic Agency Book One Review MMy Thoughts and Review:
After the last great depression, the world found itself in need of helping toPaid to Kneel: The Delphic Agency Book One Review MMy Thoughts and Review:
After the last great depression, the world found itself in need of helping to feed and clothe those who had survived. While the rich continued in their upward climb it became essential to put provisions in place to help those not on good footing to keep food on their tables and clothes on their backs.
Government agencies were set up to take care of food, and the oldest occupation on earth was finally legalized and handled by private entities. People who wanted to work as escorts and live-in companions for certain amounts of time could do so legally while earning enough income to support themselves and their loved ones.
In, “Paid to Kneel,” we find a young man, Richard, who has decided to go to work for the Delphic Agency so he can help get his aging father into a good care facility that specializes in Alzheimer’s. Realizing he will need to make more money Richard asks to be paired with someone who will pay more and is matched with Ash, a dominant in the BDSM lifestyle.
I enjoyed this tale and found myself fully engrossed after only a few pages; wanting to know how Ash would handle Richard’s initiation into the lifestyle. I read a post in a BDSM Chat room once, (I’m old, not dead ...more
All the Right Places: Short Stories Anthology MMy Thoughts and Review:
Welcome aboard Short Stories Star Ship Airlines: Before we embark on our journey All the Right Places: Short Stories Anthology MMy Thoughts and Review:
Welcome aboard Short Stories Star Ship Airlines: Before we embark on our journey through Wayne Goodman’s Universe, we have a few words from the ship’s Captain. Thank you for traveling with us, we hope you enjoy the journey.
“Welcome aboard, Everyone! This is Captain S. I will let you work out what the S stands for. It is my job to give you a few ground rules, while we are soaring through Goodman’s Universe, along with some of the things you can look forward to on our travels together.
So, sit down, strap in, shut up, and hold on it’s about to become party central in here. Try not to laugh, cry, or snicker, aloud as it could disturb other passengers or characters. Do not attempt to side seat drive the ship, and most importantly, try not to get too lost in the stories. It has been reported that individuals have found themselves lost in 1865 California working with rebels from the C.S.A.
We had one gal attempt to force her way onto Stag Station, even though it was made clear, women were not allowed. She kept to the shadows however and never made her presence known. Seems she was quite intrigued by some of the things that were going on in this lighthouse.
There was a gentleman affiliated with a huge IT conglomerate who was so blown away by the Manscape part of Goodman’s Universe he is trying to decide whether he should buy into the company or just become a client. And No, this is neither about shaving nor cologne, but you are kinda on the right track…Hahaha…No, no…you really aren’t. However, this is a wonderful “Awww…” sweet romance. ...more
Helen Juliet has become one of my favorite authors of 2020. She has a way of writing that is so light Rise and Shine Audiobook MMy Thoughts and Review:
Helen Juliet has become one of my favorite authors of 2020. She has a way of writing that is so light and fantastical that it feels like a fairy-tale, even when that is NOT her intent. In this delightful little novie, I was transported for a couple of hours to a lovely world that encompassed a knight (a bouncer at a bar) and prince in need of saving from a dragon (a guy who’d been roofied by his ex, while out for his birthday).
The characters are sweet, and while the backstory to get the reader up to speed is not one filled with unicorns and woodland sprites, we don’t mind. Sometimes all a reader needs are two characters with hearts in search of a kindred spirit, a fluffy side character to offer wet kisses and warm cuddles, lots of pizza, and of course gaming. The perfect love story to enjoy on a rainy afternoon.
Once again I had the pleasure of enjoying Kieran Flitton as the storyteller of this adorable novella. He always adds a little sweet with his spicy when narrating and that endears him all the more to me.
In His Court: Rosavia Royals Book Four ~by~ Max Rowan MMy Thoughts Confession and Review:
Confession first: It took me getting past the prologue and firIn His Court: Rosavia Royals Book Four ~by~ Max Rowan MMy Thoughts Confession and Review:
Confession first: It took me getting past the prologue and first chapter before I found my groove with Rowan's writing style. Once that happened, however, it was a great Action RoMMance.
While I’ve only listened to three of the five books in the series so far, "In His Court," was different from the others in that it dealt with spies, some intriguing suspense, and cloak and dagger themes. There were a couple of twists I didn't see coming and I was always high fiving the air (because I can't EVER seem to get my cat to humor me) over those.
My favorite however was the low angst, high octane, "I wanna throat punch you, and kiss you madly... I may need therapy," themes. This was a fun enemies to lovers (my fave trope these days) romance. These guys didn't FALL in love, they grew in love, over time. Learning from each other, all the faults first, getting the worst out of the way, and being tested time and again helped lay a strong foundation for what was important to them as individuals and a couple... If they didn't kill each other first. ...more
Barely Regal: Rosavia Royals Book Five ~by~ E. Davies MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Lawd how I love when a good series comes together. Although IBarely Regal: Rosavia Royals Book Five ~by~ E. Davies MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Lawd how I love when a good series comes together. Although I've not finished this one quite yet, (even though this is the third book I've listened to in this series ONLY because there are two remaining to be released to audio- more on that later) this is gearing up to be one of my favorite “Happy-Place” series since I started this beloved journey.
Our two MCs in Barely Regal belong in a class all by themselves. This age-gap, daddy/ boy slow-burn love story melted my heart and made my soul smile. Power exchange in these types of relationships is a heady thing and can make or break a person. This was almost the case for Captain Tom Pearce who serves as Valet to His Royal Brattiness, Ren, fifth in line to the throne of Rosavia.
When a Kingdom has an Heir and four spares, why shouldn't the youngest in line flirt, be the Jokester, push his Valet to the limits of any sane man with his all too skinny jeans and tight t-shirts, his flying innuendoes that cause dignitaries to blush and other such disparaging disruptions at royal functions?
Now he's finally reached adult status within the palace walls and his father, the king, deigns to tell him his lifelong career and job for the people of the kingdom is reduced to something menial and unrewarding. So, he responds in the only way a brat can by throwing a torrential tantrum. Thus, leaving his Valet, who has kept his inner daddy locked away too long, bursting at the seams to be set free.
The Bratty Prince and the Captain, oh MMy Sweet Baby Cheeses Captain was sooooo good. With chemistry, and friendship that has grown out of ten years of Captain Tom Pearce taking Care of Prince Ren, the slow burn off this one had me wishing for naughty things to happen long before they did. I must confess; however, the build-up of small teases and flirtations was so heady, I found myself love drunk from these two Men.
I found the background story of the Valet just sad enough you understood its validity in how it related to the overall arc. Often themes like this can take hard left turns down Angsty Avenue. However, Davies saves us from too much background gut-wrenching we need a fairytale cartoon to help balance us out again.
I also loved the new characters that were added. The figures of the older and younger woman who worked side by side with Ren added another layer to the buildup and pushing the story forward. They were a bit like the Fates, only not as "haggy" witch-like and more virgin/ crone. It was a cool concept whether it was planned that way or not.
Though part of a series, this one can be read on its own.
So much fun to read (listen to). This new to me narrator (Kieran Flitton) is quite good. At least my ears find his voice quite attractive... It makes for some REALLY good sMMexy time scenes. I'm unsure why the audiobooks were released in the order they were. I was out of the office that day. ...more
I stumbled upon Nell Iris during the Holidays this past year (2019). I can’t remember the details, only that Late Night Poetry MMy Thoughts and Review:
I stumbled upon Nell Iris during the Holidays this past year (2019). I can’t remember the details, only that I read an excerpt about a cutie redhead and nuts or something at a local market. The writing was very whimsical and had a timing to it the way music and poetry did. I knew I had to own this book and find out who this author was. I’ve yet to make it through my stack of TBR Iris books, but I own them and will get to them once the ARC train slows.
Late Night Poetry was so sweet and had me smiling in spots. I’ve had late night drunk messages sent to me with confessions of undying love. I’ve never had poetry quoted but I have been serenaded and even had songs dedicated over the radio. Embarrassing, and swoon-worthy…all a mixed bag of emotions really.
Sully and Lou had a great love. The only thing standing in their way was Lou’s fear and that damned closet door. Love was never the problem, but Sully needed to be with someone who wasn’t afraid of being “outed” and Lou needed Sully to be happy, so they broke up. Only Lou couldn’t seem to let Sully go, and so late at night when his thoughts spoke louder than a Pentecostal pastor during a hellfire sermon, he would call Sully. Beautiful love notes filled with poetic quotes flooded Sully’s answering machine and his heart.
The two men get their own poetic HEA, and this delightful Novie tattoos a smile on your soul. A very quaint piece of writing but also a heavy story of true love, its cost to a person, the sacrifices sometimes made, and the glorious worth it becomes if nurtured and treasured.
What’s in a Name is a sweet, quirky, rom-com that lets the reader escape the world for a couple of hours and What’s in a Name? MMy Thoughts and Review:
What’s in a Name is a sweet, quirky, rom-com that lets the reader escape the world for a couple of hours and live vicariously through a small coffee shop owner who is about to learn the inner workings of the small California town he lives in. All thanks to the hunky bear (no, this isn’t a shifter romance) who owns the local gay bar, Jimmy, the Barista frequents.
This was super cute, and a lot of fun to listen to, even through my TTS. I absolutely adored Stone, the bear, and loved how he was protective of Jimmy, without being patronizing or overbearing. These two guys had the perfect amount of chemistry and communicated as adults should.
**There was zero angst, and no explicit scenes, just a light-hearted feel good about humans again.
**Warnings: homophobia; general ex-asshats; teen assault (off-page)
Huntsman: Fox Hollow Zodiac Book One MMy Thoughts and Review: I’ve never met a Morgan Brice book I didn’t like and this one is no different. What is diHuntsman: Fox Hollow Zodiac Book One MMy Thoughts and Review: I’ve never met a Morgan Brice book I didn’t like and this one is no different. What is different, however, is while reading I kept thinking to myself, how fun it will be to get to know all these fascinating shifters in this little community better. In the other two Brice Series, I’ve read there is this sort of floating cast that weaves its way through all the Brice/ Martin worlds. In this one, however, it seemed to have a different vibe of tribe or family, found families, and roots.
I adore a good series and Brice has a way of writing characters that I love. The MCs in Huntsman, Liam, a fox shifter, and Russ, a wolf shifter, both need the other and Fate seems to know this. The two know who and what they are to each other but decide to just roll with things. There’s no rush and no pressure and the two become friends, each enjoying the other’s company. That is until a string of suspected arson events and a couple of missing shifters makes Liam, who’s new to the Fox Hollow community, begin to suspect he didn’t outrun what or I guess I should say, “Who,” was hunting him.
This has all the makings of one great series. So, if you love shifters (no mpreg), and other paranormal beings, found families, blood families, enjoy humor, spicy and sweet roMMance, and an ending that makes you smile with happiness, snag this! You will love it.
A quaint love story about three childhood best friends who have always had love, in its deepest and truest form for eaTogether MMy Thoughts and Review:
A quaint love story about three childhood best friends who have always had love, in its deepest and truest form for each other. One of those friends, Victor, has always felt just slightly on the cusp of their perfect ring of friendship and hopes moving home will change that, now they're older. Unfortunately, things never work the way you dream they will, or sometimes hope they might. Victor knows the feeling is true because of a shocking announcement upon his arrival.
El and En have loved Victor since he and his family transplanted to Georgia from Jamaica when the lads were young. El and En have also been in an exclusive relationship but have always hoped their gorgeous and most loved and trusted friend, Victor would one day consent to being the third to their committed relationship, fully making them whole. Unfortunately, the only chance they had was taken from them when Victor left Atlanta so soon after finally coming back after being gone away while in college.
Victor returns to Atlanta after another two years away, but will the three just repeat their past mistakes? Will someone finally take a chance?
As so often happens in life, unless we are willing to take chances, speak up, even at the risk of making fools of ourselves, or heartbreak we miss so many opportunities. Fear keeps us from getting that guy, or girl, or job, or house, or car, or simply a little peace and quiet. Instead, we remain silent and take nothing or just the crumbs from life's table. That happened in this little novie, and three precious souls missed out on so much. There is a lesson to be learned in these pages, even if this ends with a HEA.
Thank the goddess for one gorgeous "Amazonian" friend who refused to throw in the towel and did a little fighting for love on the throuple's behalf. As one of those gorgeous Amazonian Queens, I can relate that we are pretty fierce when it comes to friends, as well as being one-hundred percent amazing! ...more
**This could get a little spoilery regarding Book #1 and the relationship between the MCs. If you have NOT read BookLongshadow Mmy Thoughts and Review:
**This could get a little spoilery regarding Book #1 and the relationship between the MCs. If you have NOT read Book #1, read my review at your own discretion... or peril. ...more
Reign or Shine: Rosavia Royals Book #2 Audiobook Series MMy Thoughts and Review:
I feel like I've been waiting what feels like forever for the Rosavia RoReign or Shine: Rosavia Royals Book #2 Audiobook Series MMy Thoughts and Review:
I feel like I've been waiting what feels like forever for the Rosavia Royals to be released to audio. While the part of my brain that makes me cute and quirky in my old lady dragon ways was a little freaked we (and yes, I just referred to myself in 3rd person - that was my royal side) were starting with book #2 in the series. My "normal" brain discovered however there was really no need to worry.
Welch, in their typical class and style, brought to life a contemporary romance full of heart and soul. As a prince in the Rosavian Royal Family, Prince Cassander is given a two-week vacation from his siblings and responsibilities as second in line to the throne. While Prince Cass is looking forward to a break, he never expects to meet and fall for a gorgeous man so hard and fast his heart may also be in jeopardy of a different kind of break.
Matty loves his little family. So, with his niece having the chance of a lifetime to compete in an archery competition, and his older sister unable to attend because she is undergoing chemo, taking his niece to the competition is a no-brainer for Matty. While in the beautiful place, known for its unique roses, through fate and lost luggage, Matty meets a very helpful and handsome Rosavian.
This was such a charming tale, and I loved the chemistry between Cass and Matty. When the two of them were in a scene together, the entire secondary cast, and landscape seemed to drop off. Even though there was an antagonist that you would love to scratch the eyes out of; even they didn't have the power to detract from the beauty you could feel in the blossoming love between the MCs.
The narrator, Kieran Flitton, was new to me and their voice was captivating. Capturing both Matty's American accent and Cass' Rosavian (a slight mix of posh British and Danish - IMO) along with all the secondary characters which included other Americans, women, children, etc. with no two voices sounding the same. A big... A HUGE part of the chemistry between Matty and his Prince was in the narrator's ability to channel them and bring them to life off-page. Because of my disability, and getting 90% of my book reading in via audiobooks, I am a bit of a narrator snob, but I am definitely going to be adding Flitton to my "Watch" ...more
Even knowing what I was walking into when I began my "Innovation," journey, I still was left many times Innovation MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Even knowing what I was walking into when I began my "Innovation," journey, I still was left many times screaming (both figuratively and literally), "Noooo, not yet!" and "You can't end there!" and there were even a few, "What in the name of Jar-Jar was THAT? I gotta hear that again."
My hat is off to ALL the authors for the ability to write a story under 300 words. I don't know that I've ever even written a review under that. To me, that takes a skill I definitely lack. For any of you who stepped out for the first time to offer up a story, you too deserve applause. Some of my favorite authors are in this book, and they are the equivalent of Rock Stars to me. So, in my personal opinion, you are among some of the best SciFi/ Fantasy LGBTQ+ authors out there and that's something to be proud of.
Now, out of the dozens and dozens of stories I was able to narrow it down to a Dozen of my faves. This was no easy task! *Gulps... Here we go!
-124 Therapy Sean Ian O'Meidhir (296 Words) Nothing says, "healing," quite like sexual healing from an incubus and his partner. 4❤❤❤❤ (let me add if you haven't read his and his partner's books, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!)
-222 Basement Bargain Jeff Jacobson (298 Words) This was one that had me crying out for more. How much would you sacrifice for love? How much more important is your love than that of another? This one had me thinking all sorts of questions regarding selfish and selfless love. 5...more
From April 2019, until today I have loved this family of misfits and "strays." Toby Wise has created a worFates Final Chapter MMy Thoughts and Review:
From April 2019, until today I have loved this family of misfits and "strays." Toby Wise has created a world in the "Strays" series where individuals who are made to feel they don't belong in "normal" society can find home and family with others who share the same experiences in life. No matter how different we are as people, we still yearn for acceptance and love, even within.
While this series is about different shifters, I appreciated so very much how Wise incorporated different lifestyles and genders. For any cisgender individual who would like a better understanding of some of these topics, you can find it here. Toby Wise is an #ownvoices non-binary author and one of their characters (my favorite BTW) happens to be a non-binary unicorn. There are also bi characters, an intersex character, and an MMM throuple. Most of the mating couples are inter-species, which is another factor to consider, as is the M-preg (male pregnancy) aspect.
Because of so many diverse characters, quite a few have to deal with past and even present phobics from the outside. If it has to do with family, conquering your fears, believing mother fate loves you and finding true love Toby Wise put it in this sweet series.
For those who have been waiting for the final book, you won't be disappointed. Our grumpy female Alpha is gonna blow your socks off! You'll love the lil string of vignettes that lead to a long-awaited joining and the epilogue may or may not have made this old Dragon-lady misty-eyed.
Thank you Toby Wise, for sharing this beloved Family of Strays with us. Don't be a stranger.
Confession: I worried when the story began that I had finally found an MC created by Morton that would not fGideon MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Confession: I worried when the story began that I had finally found an MC created by Morton that would not find his way into my heart. I should know better than this by now, And I shall never be a "Doubting Thomas," again.
The worldwide heartthrob of screen and stage, Gideon, hides behind bottles, copious amounts of illegal substances, and closet doors. He's hidden his true nature so deep inside he could be mistaken for the hanger that his awards suit is hung on. Gideon's manager makes all troubles disappear with threats and NDAs, while Gideon continues to work, hide, and abuse himself. The routine decades old has wreaked havoc on the actor's body until he finds himself in need of a lifestyle change or in need of a wooden box.
Enter sharply tongued take no guff, Welshman Eli, who will be Gideon's nurse for a slow convalescing cruise. Eli is exactly who Gideon needs because even though Eli knows who Gideon is, he also knows just how much he needs Eli.
While I've not read Oz and Milo, as soon as I finished this, I bought the audiobooks. Why? Well, aside from Lily Morton's storytelling I will give you two words why... Joel Leslie! Gah, this man, I tell ya! I know I gush about him in every review I do of his, but you have to hear him, just once, to "get it." In this story alone he goes back and forth from a Welsh accent to a posh British Cornie accent, to South London, Irish, Scouse (I think was tossed in for good measure at one point), and it just kept going. You never had to wonder which character was speaking, because everyone was so different and unique. **sigh...
I am always blown away with all the accents, but that's only part of Joel's repertoire. The flow, and pacing with which he delivers the lines in the story are just as important so the listener audience doesn't become bored with the content delivery. Joel does all of this seamlessly, like a one-man orchestra. The end result is quite beautiful, often charming, and filled with delightful humor.
If Lily Morton were the Composer, then Joel Leslie is her Maestro. Together what they produce is masterpiece after masterpiece.
❤Sharonica-Logic❤
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Books:
2020
(202)
