Oliver is driven and committed, but also carries the weight of that commitment. Attempting to be the best and hanBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Oliver is driven and committed, but also carries the weight of that commitment. Attempting to be the best and handling the expectations of it, palpable. The loneliness of that was striking.
Until a trip home with Lennox changes things.
Lennox has had a crush on Oliver for a long time, but he barely exists to him. The trip home is either going to be amazing or painful.
The emotions and connection are undeniable and complex. It’s not a clear line to happy ever after for Oliver and Lennox. But it’s full of growth, and at moments breaks your heart, but their journey was necessary and beautiful. ...more
Jem Wendel gives us a lovely short story about two men who are used to people assuming what they would enjoy in bBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Jem Wendel gives us a lovely short story about two men who are used to people assuming what they would enjoy in bed based on their appearance, and even though they struggle with people doing that, they fall into the trap of doing the same.
But as they work together and find shared interests in their work, along with a love of old buildings, they realize they could possibly find exactly what they are looking for.
Think, gentle bear of a man, and kind and thoughtful lover of old buildings. ...more
Awww baby brother - always getting himself into mischief, drifting about and missing a tether to ‘home’.
I love the idea of a dragon being compelled to hoard particular items, unbeknownst to them. And Mack’s might be the sweetest of them all.
Mack has a penchant for getting into awkward situations, but accidentally becoming a mercenary for a Demon may be the stupidest and best decision ever.
Drax is the sweetest, kindest Demon to ever be. And he’s absolutely adorable as he tries to figure out Mack. But he also sets the bar for mates. Steady, strong, and ready to do anything for his mate.
Now that Mack has found a place he belongs and his person, who truly sees him and loves him, we get a cast of friends who are sure to delight in their own stories. ...more
I love a story about someone discovering themselves, understanding their sexuality, and finding love amongst it. Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I love a story about someone discovering themselves, understanding their sexuality, and finding love amongst it. And that happening for an over forty - priceless.
Jerryn and Bane are an adorable pair of BFFs who spend all their time together and are not so secretly in love with each other. But Jerryn’s concern over his sexuality has clouded their ability to truly see what could be.
This story is all about discovery and acceptance - it’s sweet and tender, and I’m here for every lovely minute of it.
It warmed my heart to finally get their story and witness their HEA. ...more
I love a second chance romance, and Dane broke my heart. Breaking his own heart all those years ago.
When fate (and some parental meddling) happen, they find themselves in each other's paths. And there’s no going back, no matter how much they might fight it.
Lennox is a pushy dude and completely relentless. But they were a lot of fun once they stopped bickering. And their connection was wonderful.
Things jumped pretty quickly at one point, but otherwise, I really enjoyed the pace and trajectory of their story. ...more
EM puts these boys through it. I mean, damn!! Oren and Wil have been through, seen and continue to experience somBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
EM puts these boys through it. I mean, damn!! Oren and Wil have been through, seen and continue to experience some things. But them finding their way through it, hand in hand, is everything!
Obviously, Oren’s accident and the aftermath are a large part of the story, but what strikes me most is the thread about self-acceptance and trusting in friendship. And though they play deep roles in their journeys, neither ‘save’ the other. Steady support and love are the foundations of their beautiful romance.
There are some great side characters, and though EM claims this is a standalone, I’m secretly hoping a couple of lawyers get their chance to burn up our pages one day. ...more
One of my favourite things is when a big guy who society makes feel uncomfortable in their own body finds the perBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
One of my favourite things is when a big guy who society makes feel uncomfortable in their own body finds the person who makes them feel perfect. Especially when that guy is also the most wonderful Daddy who has been pinning for a while now.
Swoon!
Seriously, Bull is the most wonderful human being ever. So kind, thoughtful, and patient. He’s also a wonderful boss, brother, and son. I love his relationship with his brother.
Enter Malcolm - a cutie who deserves a little love and care. I especially enjoy how he ‘fell’ into his attraction to men, or at least one man. And the way he blossomed under Bull’s care. Just lovely. But I also loved the way he cared for Bull, too.
Boden is a fiery man with a well-earned chip on his shoulder. Child of an NHL legacy, he has a crappy family who only see his disability and the expectations they had of him.
Aside from his best friends, all he cares about is getting into the paraprofessional league. So the new coach and one-night stand that he wasn’t able to forget is a complication he doesn’t need. And boy does he fight it!! He almost burns everything down in the process.
Until Hugo gives him an outlet. Until Hugo breaks down his defences. Until he starts to see Hugo as a person and not a symbol of all the things he’s railing against.
EM did an incredible job of capturing the complexities of emotions. The ability to be grateful and resentful at the same time. To love and hate. To be able to empathize and care, while also being able to be selfish. And it’s okay to feel them all, experience them all, it’s what makes humans beautiful.
Grief is a nasty business, and for Jesse, his response is to run away. Leaving Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
All up in my feels from this one!
Grief is a nasty business, and for Jesse, his response is to run away. Leaving home, his parents, and his best friend.
Parker has felt that loss for all those years. Left behind, and now trying to run his father's business after he died out of a sense of obligation.
When they run into each other again, 15 years later, they pick up their friendship easily. But there are still a lot of feelings to work through, and they tackle past and present together. Which is gorgeous. But darn, what a journey. Especially for Jesse, whose life since leaving has been big and also messy.
A stunning story.
I can also recommend the audiobook. Aaron Hokanson has a wonderful talent, and his calm, gorgeous cadence was perfect for this story. ...more
I love this series and the family that does whatever it takes to protect those in need.
I hurt a little for Noel in the last book when his twin found love. They were so close, and suddenly Nick had someone else to share his attention with.
Noel is sweet and funny. And tenacious. He’s also fiercely loyal and protective. In short, the perfect person for Phoenix. Calming and safe.
Phoenix has escaped a horrendous serial killer. One who is unravelling over his loss.
The once vibrant man has been broken, and geez, it’s heartbreaking. But he and Noel are so good together. I love how Noel helps him find his strength again.
Of course, the whole tight-knit family are incredible and a joy to be around. And I love watching the other characters develop and grow throughout the stories.
If the chips are down, I want these guys on my side....more
Lower angst than the previous ones - I enjoyed the premise of the story. A student is shadowing a hockey player tBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Lower angst than the previous ones - I enjoyed the premise of the story. A student is shadowing a hockey player to study his behaviour. There was no doubt it would fail from the first eye flutter.
It takes a lot of work to stay impartial with a subject you are spending so much time with. And two college guys who are attracted to one another are definitely not the best candidates to do that!
I didn’t connect with this one as much as the others, but it was a solid addition to the Westmount series. ...more
Who doesn’t love a stranded man who falls in love with the man in the nearby cabin who offers assistance?!?!
I mean it’s classic and swoony. And these two are a wonderful pair. Wren is a travel vlogger who breaks down outside Jordan's property. Owner of a local construction company who has turned to work to fill his time.
The romance that blooms while Wren waits for his vehicle to be fixed is sweet. And their future is bright. ...more
I don’t know if I never want this to end, or I need it to end immediately because I am STRESSED! But Book 3 gave Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I don’t know if I never want this to end, or I need it to end immediately because I am STRESSED! But Book 3 gave me a sense of things working out for our mafia families. But I’m still hanging by a thread, waiting to see how it all settles in the end.
As the two families continue to blur the lines, they are getting closer to finding the heads of their families.
Tensions were high in the previous books with relationships causing some strife, and though tensions are still there, it felt like they were also finding some peace.
But I have a feeling Abrianna and Leigh aren’t going to give us all sunshine and rainbows here on out! ...more
They say you never really know what someone is going through, and shouldn’t judge until you do - and that couldn’Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
They say you never really know what someone is going through, and shouldn’t judge until you do - and that couldn’t be more true for young Kade and Spencer. Their own pain coloured their experiences and views of the past - but I love that despite a bit of a rocky reunion, they both worked through their feelings, supporting one another, and finding a way to be brave together.
Kade’s young son is super sweet - and I’m always in awe of people who raise children! Especially single parents, not to mention those with complicated schedules like a Firefighter.
They are the loveliest of men who’ve become a pretty special family.
This is an MM re-telling of Dirty Dancing. If you love the movie, you will definitely enjoy this.
It’s a quick read that beautifully describes a summer camp, set in the UK, where these two men meet, and like the movie, ‘Baby’ steps in to help Johnny with the big performance. It’s easy to picture the scenes in your mind.
It’s a little forbidden and carries the same class tension as the original.
Overall, it’s a lot of fun and has a wonderful epilogue.