When Noah turns in his latest screen play to his ex-wife/manger, the powers that be suggest he consult with a real PI to add some authenticity to his When Noah turns in his latest screen play to his ex-wife/manger, the powers that be suggest he consult with a real PI to add some authenticity to his script. Having just been cheated on and broken up with his boyfriend, he heads to Miami to escape the paparazzi.
Business is moving along smoothly, until Mac volunteers Drew to let Noah shadow him on the job for a few weeks. To say Drew isn't happy is the understatement of the century. He's even more unhappy when he finds himself attracted to Noah. Drew is looking for the real thing and isn't sure he wants the real thing to pass him by while he's busy with a casual fling. Noah can't commit to more than a casual fling.
Oh Boy!!! I hate doing this, and I know some of my friends may hate me after this, but here goes. After reading book one, Stay With Me, and LOVING it, well let's just say I was beyond excited when I saw this one was coming out. I couldn't wait to get it. I preordered it! I never preorder books. I might have even squealed a bit! I think the first mistake the author made was starting the story with Noah. Starting with an unknown character is fine, if both characters are unknown. But when you have a known and likable character like Drew, you should start there. Maybe this was to get to know Noah, but I think the book would have fared better had the author introduced us to Noah, at the same time he met Drew. It took forever for Drew and Noah to even meet, then even longer for their first real scene together. We learn a lot about Drew, and really this felt like his book. Noah had some POV's, but this was mostly told from Drew's POV, and this left Noah feeling much more like a secondary character. While I loved Drew, I never connected with Noah, and to be honest, I didn't find a whole lot of chemistry between the two.
This book was long and there was no action to keep you entertained. At times I felt the book would never end. The flow of the book was off. It was all over the place at times. It jumped from scene to scene with no rhyme or reason.
This book was NOT horrible. It had moments of brilliance and I loved the snarkyness and humor of the MC's. It just needed to be either a lot shorter or it needed action. The last 15% or so was probably the best of the book flow wise. I'm really torn with how to rate this book, because I did love parts of it.
I'll be perfectly honest and say, some of the best parts of this book involved Mac. He made it worth this long and tedious read. I really hope the author will consider a sequel to Mac and Jordan's story. Even though this book wasn't my greatest love, I like the authors humor and I'll definitely be looking for more in the future.
Please take my review with a grain of salt. I saw some rave reviews, but I just felt it needed something more.
Merged review:
When Noah turns in his latest screen play to his ex-wife/manger, the powers that be suggest he consult with a real PI to add some authenticity to his script. Having just been cheated on and broken up with his boyfriend, he heads to Miami to escape the paparazzi.
Business is moving along smoothly, until Mac volunteers Drew to let Noah shadow him on the job for a few weeks. To say Drew isn't happy is the understatement of the century. He's even more unhappy when he finds himself attracted to Noah. Drew is looking for the real thing and isn't sure he wants the real thing to pass him by while he's busy with a casual fling. Noah can't commit to more than a casual fling.
Oh Boy!!! I hate doing this, and I know some of my friends may hate me after this, but here goes. After reading book one, Stay With Me, and LOVING it, well let's just say I was beyond excited when I saw this one was coming out. I couldn't wait to get it. I preordered it! I never preorder books. I might have even squealed a bit! I think the first mistake the author made was starting the story with Noah. Starting with an unknown character is fine, if both characters are unknown. But when you have a known and likable character like Drew, you should start there. Maybe this was to get to know Noah, but I think the book would have fared better had the author introduced us to Noah, at the same time he met Drew. It took forever for Drew and Noah to even meet, then even longer for their first real scene together. We learn a lot about Drew, and really this felt like his book. Noah had some POV's, but this was mostly told from Drew's POV, and this left Noah feeling much more like a secondary character. While I loved Drew, I never connected with Noah, and to be honest, I didn't find a whole lot of chemistry between the two.
This book was long and there was no action to keep you entertained. At times I felt the book would never end. The flow of the book was off. It was all over the place at times. It jumped from scene to scene with no rhyme or reason.
This book was NOT horrible. It had moments of brilliance and I loved the snarkyness and humor of the MC's. It just needed to be either a lot shorter or it needed action. The last 15% or so was probably the best of the book flow wise. I'm really torn with how to rate this book, because I did love parts of it.
I'll be perfectly honest and say, some of the best parts of this book involved Mac. He made it worth this long and tedious read. I really hope the author will consider a sequel to Mac and Jordan's story. Even though this book wasn't my greatest love, I like the authors humor and I'll definitely be looking for more in the future.
Please take my review with a grain of salt. I saw some rave reviews, but I just felt it needed something more....more
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest reciew*
I really hate giving bad reviews, but I'm sorry 2.5 Stars
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest reciew*
I really hate giving bad reviews, but I'm sorry to say this one isn't going to be good. I loved the blurb, and couldn't wait to dig in. I love a good friends to lovers story. This story was smoking hot from the first scene, so I had really high hopes for a sweet and steamy story.
Ashton has been in love with Lance, his best friend since high school and his current roommate. Lance is an exotic dancer at a night club where they both work. Ashton also attends college and has another part time job working for one of his professors. Lance is a manwhore, and Ashton lives in a constant state of jealousy towards the other guys Lance so freely gives his body to.
As I said this book starts off smoking hot!! There is a chemistry between the main characters from the get go. You could feel it coming off the pages at you. Unfortunately, the author didn't take advantage of this. Ashton and Lance have two scenes together in this book. One at the very beginning, and one at the very end of the book. The rest of the book is filled with Lance and Ashton interacting with other secondary characters, or locked inside their own inner thoughts.
I could have lived with this and some of the other weird and slightly uncomfortable scenes in the book, and still given the book a higher rating, if not for the end. This book is chalk full of sex. Talk about sex. Thinking about sex. Imagining sex. Sexual acts between secondary characters. Yet, as soon as the main characters are going to finally relieve some of the sexual angst and frustration this book has caused me, the book abruptly ends. I was left holding my iPad, flipping pages and saying wtf?!?!
I was left really unsatisfied with the end of this book. It was too abrupt and left me unsatisfied and wanting to know what happened And I'm not just talking about the sex. What happens to Ashton and Lance as a couple. Some of this book was good, but I was left scratching my head at the end.
Merged review:
2.5 Stars
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest reciew*
I really hate giving bad reviews, but I'm sorry to say this one isn't going to be good. I loved the blurb, and couldn't wait to dig in. I love a good friends to lovers story. This story was smoking hot from the first scene, so I had really high hopes for a sweet and steamy story.
Ashton has been in love with Lance, his best friend since high school and his current roommate. Lance is an exotic dancer at a night club where they both work. Ashton also attends college and has another part time job working for one of his professors. Lance is a manwhore, and Ashton lives in a constant state of jealousy towards the other guys Lance so freely gives his body to.
As I said this book starts off smoking hot!! There is a chemistry between the main characters from the get go. You could feel it coming off the pages at you. Unfortunately, the author didn't take advantage of this. Ashton and Lance have two scenes together in this book. One at the very beginning, and one at the very end of the book. The rest of the book is filled with Lance and Ashton interacting with other secondary characters, or locked inside their own inner thoughts.
I could have lived with this and some of the other weird and slightly uncomfortable scenes in the book, and still given the book a higher rating, if not for the end. This book is chalk full of sex. Talk about sex. Thinking about sex. Imagining sex. Sexual acts between secondary characters. Yet, as soon as the main characters are going to finally relieve some of the sexual angst and frustration this book has caused me, the book abruptly ends. I was left holding my iPad, flipping pages and saying wtf?!?!
I was left really unsatisfied with the end of this book. It was too abrupt and left me unsatisfied and wanting to know what happened And I'm not just talking about the sex. What happens to Ashton and Lance as a couple. Some of this book was good, but I was left scratching my head at the end....more
While visiting Aaron at a magazine fashion shoot, Paul spots beautiful model Seth, who he finds staring back at him from across the room. Paul is draw While visiting Aaron at a magazine fashion shoot, Paul spots beautiful model Seth, who he finds staring back at him from across the room. Paul is drawn to the young man, and he and Seth meet again when they are set up on a coffee date by Aaron. This doesn't go so well. In fact it's probably the worst coffee date in the history of coffee dates, but they'll get their chance again.
I'll be honest, I LOVED Seth, and his character made this book a 5 star read for me. I wish the book had been in his POV. I would have loved to get into his head. He was so flaky and flighty, but sometimes you are just drawn to a character, and I was definitely drawn to Seth. He had a very interesting and intriguing backstory I would have loved to get a closer look at. Paul, well, I thought Paul was a snobby, British tosser. I didn't like him throughout most of the book. I found his character too prim and proper for my taste. I just wanted him to loosen up a little. Does the man not own a pair of jeans and a t-shirt for crying out loud?!?! But I felt for him. His story is one of privilege, yet neglect and mental abuse and anguish. While I didn't love Paul from the beginning, I loved the story. It was well written and captivating. It flowed well and moved at a good pace. The characters are well developed and I absolutely loved the growth they showed throughout the story.
The chemistry was good between the characters. The sexual tension palpable and the sex was beyond smoking hot!! On a side note, I read this book after I read "A Kind of Truth", which is a new series, and features Seth's friend, Rand's story in book one. While scenes with Rand were few and far between, I loved getting a peek at Rand (my favorite of all of Lane's characters), before he becomes an established character.
This was an enjoyable story, that I highly recommend!
Merged review:
While visiting Aaron at a magazine fashion shoot, Paul spots beautiful model Seth, who he finds staring back at him from across the room. Paul is drawn to the young man, and he and Seth meet again when they are set up on a coffee date by Aaron. This doesn't go so well. In fact it's probably the worst coffee date in the history of coffee dates, but they'll get their chance again.
I'll be honest, I LOVED Seth, and his character made this book a 5 star read for me. I wish the book had been in his POV. I would have loved to get into his head. He was so flaky and flighty, but sometimes you are just drawn to a character, and I was definitely drawn to Seth. He had a very interesting and intriguing backstory I would have loved to get a closer look at. Paul, well, I thought Paul was a snobby, British tosser. I didn't like him throughout most of the book. I found his character too prim and proper for my taste. I just wanted him to loosen up a little. Does the man not own a pair of jeans and a t-shirt for crying out loud?!?! But I felt for him. His story is one of privilege, yet neglect and mental abuse and anguish. While I didn't love Paul from the beginning, I loved the story. It was well written and captivating. It flowed well and moved at a good pace. The characters are well developed and I absolutely loved the growth they showed throughout the story.
The chemistry was good between the characters. The sexual tension palpable and the sex was beyond smoking hot!! On a side note, I read this book after I read "A Kind of Truth", which is a new series, and features Seth's friend, Rand's story in book one. While scenes with Rand were few and far between, I loved getting a peek at Rand (my favorite of all of Lane's characters), before he becomes an established character.
This was an enjoyable story, that I highly recommend!...more
**Please Note: This review was originally posted as part of the anthology "It Was Always You"**
5 + Stars
And they saved the best for last. I absolutel**Please Note: This review was originally posted as part of the anthology "It Was Always You"**
5 + Stars
And they saved the best for last. I absolutely loved Cal and Troy. I loved that the friendship was so genuine and the back and forth banter was funny and how best friends should be. This is probably one of the best friends to lovers I've ever read. The chemistry was undeniable and the sexual tension explosive. The sex was sweet, hot and filled with love.
If I had to pick just one story from this anthology to read, it would definitely be this one!! Highly recommended!!...more
*Copy provided by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Neil is a fresh transp*Copy provided by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Neil is a fresh transplant to Minneapolis from New York. As a hobby, he plays the card game Legendary Pairs. Looking for a new group of people to play with he makes his way into a local gaming store, where he meets Robin. Robin's goal is to become a professional LP player. Robin takes Neil to The Ogre's Den, a smaller gaming store where the more experienced players meet up to play and compete. Neil develops a crush on Robin. Now he just has to try to figure out if it's one sided or not.
This was such a sweet story. It was a quick and easy read that was paced well. Both the main characters were likable, although the story is told completely from Neil's POV, so I found Robin remained more of a mystery.
Neil and Robin shared a chemistry that was "legendary", sorry, I couldn't help myself. Haha. The story is well written, and although it focuses quite a bit on the game, and I've never played Legendary Pairs, I didn't find the gaming talk overwhelming.
This was an enjoyable and captivating low-angst read, packed with friendship, sweetness, passionate hot sex, and love, that left me satisfied, but wanting more Neil and Robin! Highly Recommended!!...more
*Copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Josh and*Copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Josh and Michael have lead very different lives. Josh grew up on the small New England island of Hartsbridge. He is the co-owner and manager of Bagel End, the family's bagel shop. He has a good relationship with his father, who is accepting of his bisexuality.
Michael on the other hand dropped out of college as soon as he turned 18 and joined the Air Force, much to the disapproval of his political figure father who had Michael's life planned out: Graduate from an Ivy League school and join the family law firm. He is also deeply in the closet where his family is concerned.
When Michael returns from the service a wounded veteran, he runs off to the family's vacation home on Hartsbrige, away from the spotlight of his father's political campaign. When he arrives on the island he stops at the Bagel End, and there he meets Josh.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters, OMG, I fell in love with both Josh and Michael, as well as Michael's service dog, Kaylee, but especially Josh. He was so sweet and caring. Always thinking of others needs before his own. I loved that he was so patient with Michael and how he tried to take care of him. This was such a sweet story and the chemistry between Josh snd Michael was undeniable. They just fit so well together.
This was a well-written story packed with hurt, healing, laughter and love!! Highly recommended!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a5 +++ Stars!!!
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
I LOVED this book. I absolutely love a good friends to lovers and this one was outstanding!! Once I started, I literally didn't stop until I was done. Ms. Walker drew me in from the first word and never let go. Not only did I not want to put the book down, I also didn't want it to end. I adored both Israel and Sam. They were both lovable characters. They fit together perfectly. I adored the natural easiness of their friendship and that friendship made them work that much better, once they finally moved on to being lovers. But be prepared, this was a slow burn. The UST was so thick you could cut it with a knife, but once it finally happens, it's explosive and electric. The author kept me sexually frustrated for quite some time, but once we get there, well, let's just say, she made all my waiting and squirming well worth it. These two men were beyond hot together. The chemistry between them was undeniable and it bled through onto the pages of this book. The sex was hot and passionate, yet loving and tender.
I not only loved the characters and their story, but the "switched" storyline was absolutely fascinating to read about. I can't imagine what my reaction would be if someone told me my parents really weren't my parents or my children weren't really my children. It has to be devastating. I loved the message in the story, that you don't have to share DNA to be family. This is so true. I have friends that I am closer to than my own family.
I don't have a whole lot more to say. Sometimes you read a book and you just don't have the words in you to do the book justice. This is the case for Switched. It was a captivating read, filled with heartbreak, sweetness, family, love and smoking hot sex. Go one click it, you won't regret it. Then again, I've never found a book yet from N.r. Walker that I've regretted. Highly recommended!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Ja*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Jase and Scott have been together in a committed relationship for 6 years. They work the same shifts at the fire station they are both employed at. Jase as a firefighter and Scott an EMT. Scott and Jase not only work together, but live together, as well. Everything is going great in their relationship until Jase's past comes back to haunt him. Jase is bi, and his ex-girlfriend shows up at the station with their daughter, Kerry, a daughter Jase wasn't even aware existed. Elsa has a serious drug problem, she dumps the little girl off on Jase and takes off. Can Jase and Scott's relationship survive instant parenthood?
This was an enjoyable read. Maybe not all that realistic, but still enjoyable. I thought Jase accepted paternity way too easily. He never really questioned it and that's something I would have liked to see. I also thought there was too much Kerry and not enough Jase and Scott at times. I felt she took over the story at times and I wanted her more in the background and less of the center of the story.
I loved Jase and Scott together. I thought they shared an amazing and undeniable chemistry. Their relationship, though not without its troubles, was sweet and loving. You could feel the love they shared coming off the pages at you. I loved Jase. I loved that he was so loving and caring. I know Scott felt like he didn't know where he fit in anymore after Kerry came along, but I loved that Jase tried to reassure him over and over how much he loved him. How much he meant to him. How much he needed and appreciated everything he did with and for Kerry. He tried desperately to make sure Scott knew just how important and loved he was. The sex: OMG, it was off the charts hot, passionate, loving and plentiful. I thought I was gonna have to give my iPad a cold shower at one point.
If Jase had questioned the paternity and Kerry had been a bit more in the background this would have been a 5 star read for me. Still, this was an enjoyable, somewhat sweet and syrupy, yet sexy read I'd definitely recommend!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
W*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
When Danny receives a job opportunity, he decides to leave the cold winter of Jackson, Michigan, and head for the bright lights, warmth and slot machines of Vegas, but his truck has other plans. It dies in the small quaint town of Rowley Bridge, Colorado. Almost broke, frozen and starving, he spots Mabel's Bakery and is drawn in by the promise of warmth and the smell of fresh baked goodies, but he is soon discovered by the owner, Merrick.
Even though Merrick isn't into Christmas, something about Danny draws him in. He offers Danny a job at the bakery over the holiday season and a place to stay, until his truck has been repaired and he can be on his way to Vegas and new life, but will either man be ready to let go when their time is up?
This was a short, sweet and sexy read. I loved not only the MC's, but the secondary characters, as well. As with all of Cate's books, it was well-written, nicely paced and kept me entertained and turning the pages. Because of the length of the book, it was sort of instalove, but it worked with Danny and Merrick. They had an undeniable chemistry and the sex was hot, yet passionate.
This was a very enjoyable little holiday read, I can't recommend enough!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Th*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
This wasn't a romance per se. The romance takes a definite back-seat in this story. This was mostly Anthony's story. Anthony is Aaron's youngest brother and after Aaron was attacked, their parents moved Anthony and their middle brother Allen into the basement, so they wouldn't be disturbed by Aaron's nightmares, but now both Aaron and Allen have left home and Anthony still remains alone in the basement. He feels isolated and ignored, but mostly unloved and unwanted. When he decides to meet up with an online gaming friend in Detroit, fate has other plans and leads him to Patrick's liquor store, and eventually Patrick's brother, Brendan.
Brendan is a recluse. An agoraphobic, who after witnessing the brutal murder of his father and the attempt on his own life during a robbery, can't bring himself to leave his home. When his brother brings Anthony over, it's not only instant attraction, but Bren also feels a peace with Anthony that he hasn't felt since the shooting, but are these two young men too damaged to make this romance work?
I absolutely loved Aaron and Spencer, but I'll be honest I haven't read Ben, because as good as it sounds, I just can't do BDSM. When I saw Anthony had been released I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. This was an amazing read that I just couldn't put down. Anthony and Brendan don't even meet for the first time until 40% into the book and usually, I'd be really upset with this, but JP had me so enthralled I didn't even notice. Anthony was such an interesting and intriguing character I couldn't get enough of his story. I loved seeing the layers peeled back and discovering what was beneath all that teenage broodiness. It also doesn't hurt that Ms. Barnaby is such a talented writer she could probably make the phone book an interesting read. I know that's not the correct analogy, but hey, it works!
These three MC's and yes, I say three, because although Brendan is Anthony's romantic interest in this story, Brendan's brother, Patrick, is also a huge part of this story, and a good portion of the book is told from his POV, these three are so complex and each is damaged in his own way, I just wanted to hug each and every one of them and tell them it would all be alright.
This story is well-written and captivating. From the moment I picked it up, it engaged me and held my attention. I loved watching these characters grow and change. I adored Anthony's snarkiness when he finally began to come out of his shell. And watching him make real friends was so heartwarming. I loved Patrick. He was the ultimate older brother not only to his brother Brendan, but to Anthony, as well. Brendan, well he was a different story. Honestly, I hated him on sight, but as he grew closer to Anthony and I got to know him better, I fell for him, too. There was an undeniable chemistry between Anthony and Bren. The sexual tension was off the charts and the sex was hot, yet passionate and loving, as well.
The mystery of the "Jay" storyline was well-written, but so sad. The ending was realistic. It's more of a HFN rather than a true HEA, but this is a 18 and 24 year old, so while it's happy, it makes no promises. I know JP Barnaby has her reasons for retiring, but she is such a gifted writer that when she puts her pen down, it really will be a great loss the literary world. I can't recommend this book, as well as Aaron and Spencer, enough. These are dark books with damaged characters, but in each book there's a light at the end of the tunnel waiting to lead them out of the sadness and into happiness....more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
A*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Alex has only wanted one thing his whole life, to be an Olympic gold medalist in men's singles figure skating. He works hard and won't let anyone get in the way of his goal. Not even the hot, Canadian pairs' skater, Matt. Besides, Alex thinks Matt has a cardboard personality, so there isn't a chance in hell they'll get together. But when tragedy strikes will Alex and Matt see a different side of each another?
I've always been a fan of figure skating. This book was well researched and informative. Keira managed to explain some things to me that I've never known/understood. Keira brought magic and romance to my iPad with her latest release. I absolutely loved this book, and was so heartbroken when I had to go put it down. Who needs to pay the bills when a book is this enthralling?! I adored Matt. I just wanted to hug and cuddle him. He was so sweet, caring and loving. Now Alex, I felt his determination and frustration, but that doesn't mean I didn't want to punch him in the face a few times!! He self-admittedly has no brain to mouth filter and I just wanted to scream at him to stfu, sometimes!
The chemistry and hotness between Alex and Matt was off the charts. The sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. The story is well written and paced well, as are all of Keira's books I've read. It's filled with emotion, hot sex, romance and love. I hope this isn't the end of Matt and Alex's story. I'd love to see more, but what I got left me feeling the warm and fuzzies!! Highly recommended!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requir4.5 Stars
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Stone is a straight, heavy metal singer that has had success in his career, but although he's had some long-term relationships, they've never quite worked out. After his last bad break-up, Stone's best friend, takes him to a party in Vegas where they play "Seven Minutes". You roll the dice and have to do what the dice says with the person whose name you draw. Stone draws the cross-dressing guy, Devon, that he's been eying all night. He and Devon have to kiss, and Stone has never kissed a guy before, although he can't deny his attraction to Devon. After Stone and Devon kiss they go their separate ways, but fate sometimes has a way of delivering you what/who you really want/need in life.
This was a really short read and I absolutely loved it. It was interesting and it captivated me from page one. I couldn't put it down and read most of it in one sitting until I could no longer keep my eyes open anymore. I promptly finished it as soon as I got home from work the next day.
I loved both Devon and Stone and the chemistry they shared was electric. Their kiss practically sent sparks flying out of my iPad, so I can only imagine how hot the sex would have been, had the author added some to the story. I'll be honest, this was a bit disappointing, but I know not all authors are comfortable with writing sex.
While the story is well-written and enjoyable, I walked away wanting more. I wanted to see more of how Stone and Devon's relationship progressed and where it went exactly. The author gives us a happy ending, but I was left craving more. Give me a few more chapters and this definitely would have been a 5-star read!! Still, very recommendable!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
C *Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Chance and Tucker meet when Tuck, a Kentucky transplant is transferred to station Eleven, in Oceanside, CA, as the newest firefighter/paramedic and also Chance's new partner. The attraction is instant, but they skate around it for a few weeks before they finally give in to the temptation.
I originally read these books, because Tory was about to release a collaboration with Chris Owen featuring Tor, Jake, Chance and Tucker. I had read Tor and Jake's stories, but I hadn't read Chance and Tucker, so I thought I should get to know them. I picked up book one and absolutely fell in love with these two characters. Chance and Tuck share an undeniable chemistry. They are one of my all time favorite couples. Some couples just touch you and are special even if you can't pinpoint why. For me, Chance and Tuck fall into that category.
Throughout the series Chance and Tuck face different trials and tribulations, demons and prejudices, but they always face them as you should: together. They get through it with their love still intact. Even if that love isn't always spoken, it's there in their actions and sometimes actions really do speak louder than words.
I loved this series. It's well written and jam packed with emotion and hot sex. The love Chance and Tuck feel for one another shines through on each and every page. I loved them so much that I'll be honest, I never finished the collaboration series. I read books one and two, but couldn't make myself go any further. I wanted Tuck and Chance to always be just the the two of them, not a foursome, so I'm happy to have been able to reread their story and get back to them as a couple. I can't recommend this series enough. Chance <3 Tuck forever!!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
W*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
When Andrew's boss decides he needs a bit of freshening up, he sends him to Posh Salon, where Drew meets Braeton, a hairstylist. It's instant attraction for both men, but they are polar opposites. Will this hinder their relationship or will those differences help balance it out?
This was a quick and easy read. It's pretty instalove without much angst and some smoking hot sex. The characters are both extremely likable and they fit well together.
The story is well-written and I LOVED the Bryan and Jase cameos!! Very recommendable!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement. *Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Dustin/Dusty and Blake meet at an Incubus concert in 2004. They hit it off immediately and soon establish a long distance relationship. While Dusty is in college in Colorado, Blake, two years his junior, is freshly out of high school with no real plans or direction, and is from a small hick town in Nebraska. A town filled with bigotry and hatred. A place where Blake has to hide who he is for fear of being attacked. We then fast forward two years ahead to 2006. Under threat from local good ole boys, Blake packs up his beat-up Toyota and heads to Colorado, hoping the man he loves will accept him.
This was a short and quick read, but frankly, while I did enjoy it and I absolutely loved Dusty and Blake, I didn't like that the story took place over a 12 year period. To me the story reminded me of a really long epilogue. I understand why the author wrote the story the way they did, to show the milestones throughout their relationship over the 12 year span of the story, but it all felt choppy and like when I was just starting to settle into a time period it moved forward a number of years. In my opinion if the author wanted to use this format to write the story, this should have either been a much longer book, or the earlier time frames should have been shorter and the present portion of the story longer.
Now for what I did like. As I said, I LOVED Dusty and Blake. They were such likable characters and their chemistry was off the charts. You could feel it coming off the pages at you. One of my favorite tropes is actually already established couples. I'm impatient and always ready to get past the meet and greet portion of the story and into the meat of it. While they do meet in the story, it's done right away and I loved that. Then we move to two years ahead quickly and they are now an established, although long-distance couple. The writing was good and the book enjoyable. I loved the secondary characters, but at times felt Holly, Dustin's bff, was too big a part of the story. While as I said, I did enjoy the story, I was left wanting more in the end. All in all this was a sweet story of two men who are brought together by fate, perhaps and make their relationship work. They love one another and that clearly shines through in the story. This is a story of friendship, love and family. Very recommendable!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Z *Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Zac just recently started working at Rainbow Fractures, a small charity focusing primarily on LGBT youth and education. Rudy has been working there for a couple of years now. Rudy has a crush on Zac, but Zac is very closed off and anti-social. Rudy is a bit shy and awkward, but after an after-work outing and copious amounts of liquid courage, he invites Zac home with him for the Christmas holidays.
I love knowing what to expect when I open a book by Jay. I know there will be sweet and lovable characters you can root for that share an amazing chemistry. Zac and Rudy were no exception. The story is a bit instalust/instalove, but it's detailed enough that it works and though the relationship moves fast it never felt rushed. The characters are well developed and we really get to know them. The story is well-written and I adored getting to see what a traditional English Christmas entails. I loved Rudy's family. They were amazing characters that added a depth to the story. They accepted Zac into their fold with no questions asked. By the end of the story I was almost as in love with Rudy's family as I was with Rudy and Zac.
This was a quick and easy holiday read. It moved along at a steady pace and kept me entertained and turning the pages. It's filled with a little heartbreak and angst, but also with laughter, family, friendship, some steamy sex and of course, plenty of love!! Pick it up, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommended!!...more
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
C *Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Chad has always had a crush on his sister's best friend, Raudel since he was in High School. Raudel left their small town for L.A. and college almost 9 years ago, but now Chad will not only have to face Raudel, but he'll be forced to share a room with him for the next week as they attend Chad's sister's wedding extravaganza.
Okay, I'll be perfectly honest. This is NOT a realistic story and even though they know one another it's still kinda instalovey, but if you can suspend reality for a few hours, then you'll want to pick up this sweet, romantic, sexy, hilarious and easy read. The story moves as lightning fast as Chad and Raudel's relationship, but it was very enjoyable and Chad's mom and sister and just the wedding antics in general kept me in stitches. Both Chad and Raudel had an undeniable chemistry and they were sweet and hott together!!
This was a well-written and delightful read, that I'd highly recommend!! ...more
**Copy provided by author/publisher via Divine Magazine in exchange for an honest review.**
Kellan is a music teacher at a local college. He also works**Copy provided by author/publisher via Divine Magazine in exchange for an honest review.**
Kellan is a music teacher at a local college. He also works as a musician at a bar. When the bar he plays at is sold to the Harvey brothers, Kellan meets the new owners and hits it off right away with Terrance, a retired NFL pro football player. They form an easy friendship, but what happens when the feelings begin to deepen into something stronger than friendship?
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet and easy read. The main characters were both extremely lovable and they fit together like a glove. The chemistry and connection they shared was undeniable and jumped off the pages at you. I loved how easy their friendship was and their progression to lovers seemed natural and realistic.
My only complaints were that while the story is well-written, the pace was choppy at times. It jumped from one scene to another sometimes without feeling like the previous scene was fully complete. And I think the book needed just a couple of more chapters to wrap it up. Still, this was a very delightful story, filled with friendship, sweetness, family and love. Highly recommended!!...more
**copy provided by author/publisher via Divine Magazine in exchange for an honest review**
After a trip to the grocery store, Carter suddenly 3.5 Stars
**copy provided by author/publisher via Divine Magazine in exchange for an honest review**
After a trip to the grocery store, Carter suddenly finds himself the owner of a new puppy. He's never had a pet before and is at a loss of what to do with his tiny new friend. When he takes her to the vet he meets Sandy a vet tech. Sandy thinks Carter is a little crazy, but cute as well. Neither Carter or Sandy have had much luck with love, but maybe Freckles was sent to bring them together.
This looked like such a cute story, and I couldn't wait to dig in. It started off so cute and Carter and the dog's antics were funny, but it quickly turned annoying. The dog became the center of the story and I just wanted to skim ahead and get to Carter and Sandy's portion of the story. The characters are well developed individually, but as a couple I was left wanting so much more. I wanted more page time with the two of them. I wanted more dialogue, so they got to know one another and I could get to know them as a couple.
The premise of the story was good, the characters had a good chemistry and it was an enjoyable read, but I just found the romance portion really lacking. I was left wanting so much more when I closed the book. Still, a recommendable read!! ...more
*this is not a standalone and should be read only after reading Looking At Forever (book 4 in the Rock Gods series)*
Ann **Book purchased by reviewer**
*this is not a standalone and should be read only after reading Looking At Forever (book 4 in the Rock Gods series)*
Ann was kind enough to surprise her readers with the release of Forever At Sunrise, a continuation of Wheland/Mick and Rooster/Sonny's story. This is going to be a short review, because I don't want to give spoilers away.
This was a sweet and hot story. Ann manages to recapture the chemistry and passion that Sonny and Mick shared in their original story, as well in the cameos they have made in other books. This book is filled with happiness, humor, family and love. It's well-written and paced well. Sonny and Mick fit so well together and I'm glad Ann decided to share more of their story with us.
As much as I loved the sweetness and special moments shared between Sonny and Mick, some of my favorite moments were when all the band members were together. Watching all the guys interact together, especially Jay, Coop, Sonny, Mick, Dante, Ashton and Alex broke up that sweetness and seriousness of the story with some amazing comic relief, especially Cooper, and I don't say this because I'm biased and Jay and Coop are my favorite couple! Cooper and Jason really did put a big smile on my face and Cooper's antics had me laughing out loud. (Ann what do I have to do to get more of Jay and Coop?! :D <3)
This was a quick and very enjoyable read, that I'd highly recommend!! ...more
Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie
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