I have a serious love for dragons…especially grumpy ones.
This is an excellent audiobook. Michael Lesley is thoroughly engaging and brings it to life. I didn’t want it to stop.
Garrick and Tan are such wonderful characters.
Garrick is a reclusive dragon King and it’s such a compelling backstory that brought him to this point. I can’t imagine what he’s lived through.
And I love Tan, such a great heart who sees the good even before he understands Garrick.
The whole story is fascinating and as the story unfolds and more information is revealed you become obsessed with finding out how it ends. Because you will be ready to fight beside them for their happy ending. ...more
Garrett manages to write the most fascinating characters. Biker turned calligraphy artist?! Stunning.
A critical nurse who’s always on the move and an ex biker who nearly died in an accident and is a bit of a recluse (okay a lot of one!).
Tam reluctant takes on a lodger, Bhodi, and though he does his best to keep his distance, the world conspires to through them together. And slowly these two bruised souls come together in a heart-melting romance.
I love the combination of rough and real men set in the beauty of Christmas. ...more
I love a later in life, second chance at finding love, story.
Jesse and Martin are wonderful, warm men who have battered hearts. Martin has closed his heart after the death of his husband. He never wants to experience that loss again. Meanwhile, Jesse is still reeling from his cheating ex and their divorce.
But something between them sparks and makes them want to try again and find some healing in the process.
It was a lovely, quick read full of warmth and love. ...more
A debut novel by Oliver Takely is a solid start. I enjoyed the premise. Opposites attract, age gap, wealth disparBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
A debut novel by Oliver Takely is a solid start. I enjoyed the premise. Opposites attract, age gap, wealth disparity romance between Sebastian and Charlie.
After a night of passion, their lives are destined to collide, which is perfect because they can’t seem forget about each other.
It’s not an easy-going romance. They both have some serious issues that they need to work through to make it to a happy ending. It gives it a bit of a gritty feel.
It was a little slow, for me, at times, but all in all I enjoyed the writing and the character development and will definitely check out book two. ...more
An unconventional short story told through Ieuan about writing a diary about the beginning of his relationship with Elis.
They were childhood friends, An unconventional short story told through Ieuan about writing a diary about the beginning of his relationship with Elis.
They were childhood friends, who meet again after many years when their families do a joint vacation. Ieuan walks us through them getting reacquainted (which isn’t always smooth or kind). As they spend more and more time together they find themselves drawn together, unable to let go.
It was super interesting to witness Ieuan’s thoughts and understanding of both Elis and their relationship. He’s not always painted in the best light, but like a lot of us, perceptions and feelings are often clouded by our own insecurities.
All in all, a sweet and realistic story of young love, when two people are still learning a lot about themselves.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
Merged review:
An unconventional short story told through Ieuan about writing a diary about the beginning of his relationship with Elis.
They were childhood friends, who meet again after many years when their families do a joint vacation. Ieuan walks us through them getting reacquainted (which isn’t always smooth or kind). As they spend more and more time together they find themselves drawn together, unable to let go.
It was super interesting to witness Ieuan’s thoughts and understanding of both Elis and their relationship. He’s not always painted in the best light, but like a lot of us, perceptions and feelings are often clouded by our own insecurities.
All in all, a sweet and realistic story of young love, when two people are still learning a lot about themselves.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >...more
Up My Alley by Lee Blair, one story in the Love is All Vol 6 Anthology
A low/no-angst double sexual awakening between two BFFs/roommates.
Leo & Hudson make adorable best friends. Dating just makes them cuter and sexier!
Thanks to a not-so-subtle shove by a mutual friend, two recently divorced straight guys start to realize that their feelings towards one another may not be as platonic as they thought.
It’s a sweet story, with a tiktok famous cat, and two guys who are purr-fect for one another.
________
Over the Top is one of the stories in the Love Is All Anthology, and is part of the new series, Philadelphia Power. Book 1, Against the Rush, was wonderful, and we met Calder and Riggs there, but do not worry, it’s not necessary to have read it to enjoy this one.
They’ve known each other for a while now, and Riggs has been dressing Calder all season, but Calder’s been focusing on his rookie year. But now that the season is over…
It’s clear they both are interested in the other and in a risky move, Calder invites Riggs to make a weekend away at the awards ceremony to be their first date!
What comes next is a really adorable whirlwind date, with sweet and thoughtful outings, Calder talking up Riggs’ skills to anyone that will listen, and cute coupling.
Surrounded by the snarky (yet caring and loyal teammates) this makes for a really great short story.
Up My Alley by Lee Blair, one story in the Love is All Vol 6 Anthology
A low/no-angst double sexual awakening between two BFFs/roommates.
Leo & Hudson make adorable best friends. Dating just makes them cuter and sexier!
Thanks to a not-so-subtle shove by a mutual friend, two recently divorced straight guys start to realize that their feelings towards one another may not be as platonic as they thought.
It’s a sweet story, with a tiktok famous cat, and two guys who are purr-fect for one another.
________
Over the Top is one of the stories in the Love Is All Anthology, and is part of the new series, Philadelphia Power. Book 1, Against the Rush, was wonderful, and we met Calder and Riggs there, but do not worry, it’s not necessary to have read it to enjoy this one.
They’ve known each other for a while now, and Riggs has been dressing Calder all season, but Calder’s been focusing on his rookie year. But now that the season is over…
It’s clear they both are interested in the other and in a risky move, Calder invites Riggs to make a weekend away at the awards ceremony to be their first date!
What comes next is a really adorable whirlwind date, with sweet and thoughtful outings, Calder talking up Riggs’ skills to anyone that will listen, and cute coupling.
Surrounded by the snarky (yet caring and loyal teammates) this makes for a really great short story....more
What a great story. When things go awry, poor decisions are made, and a sweet romance is started, you get Deck thBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
What a great story. When things go awry, poor decisions are made, and a sweet romance is started, you get Deck the Hulls.
Adam accidentally kidnaps Elijah while ‘borrowing’ his boat to dispose of a body he didn’t kill. The poor guy really was trying to turn his life around, it was just harder than he thought.
But after meeting the boat captain hopped up on cold medicine and bossier than he looks, he falls hook line and sinker.
It’s such a fun story, and it keeps you guessing about how he’s going to get out of this mess, but Elijah sweeps us all off our feet, and they get their dreamy happy ever after. ...more
What starts as a tension-filled romance between two men who think they know each other, quickly becomes a heartfeBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
What starts as a tension-filled romance between two men who think they know each other, quickly becomes a heartfelt and gorgeous romance full of discovery and understanding.
Living under the legacy of famous grandparent musicians while also being musicians themselves isn’t easy, and dealing with the media who loves pitting them against each other sounds exhausting.
What’s more is discovering you might, possibly, be super attracted to them.
It was a great story, with a fantastic story line and plenty of emotion. I really enjoyed watching their growth as people and as a couple. ...more
Fun series and a fun premise. Monsters and Humans getting cozy at University.
In Dryad, Try Again we get a second chance romance between Kovi, a Dryad, and Tanner, a Human and the boy he knew and accidentally injured as a kid.
Despite Tanner’s fear of the forest and Kovi’s guilt over what happened, they develop a sweet re-friendship. And discover that those feelings they all those years ago are still bubbling below the surface. All with the help of some friends who have their backs.
There’s also a great theme of finding your passion and going after it. Even when it seems scary and definitely not the safe choice. ...more
I think Leslie is my author spirit - her writing style, sense of humour and cultural references all make me want Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I think Leslie is my author spirit - her writing style, sense of humour and cultural references all make me want to be her best friend!
I thoroughly enjoyed this Monster University tale with some folklore, sports, and a little bit of studying.
Brandon is among the first humans to be admitted to a historically monster-only university. He’s determined to befriend his new roommate, even if it’s a very emo Nokk who is not at all comfortable in his own skin.
Getting to know each other is perfectly awkwardly sweet. Steven (aka Nokk) is up in his head that he forgets to take care of himself and Brandon is sure he can win him over with his cheer and gifts.
The paranormal is a fun twist to the story, but it’s the care and support they show each other that really stands out. I want to wrap them both up in a hug.
I would love to see Leslie do more in the paranormal realm....more
Sometimes in life, you don’t get what you want, you get what you need. And in Home Game Storm and Emmett get exacBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Sometimes in life, you don’t get what you want, you get what you need. And in Home Game Storm and Emmett get exactly what they need - Each other.
They are very different from each other, but that means they get to see the world and life from a different perspective. Something they both need. Granted, they also drive each other insane and make a lot of assumptions about who the other person is.
I enjoy a story where I like both the characters, but also want to tell them they are both fools. Where their strengths are also their faults.
I loved Storm's ability to live life on his own terms I was also frustrated that it made him self-absorbed at times. And though Emmett’s heart was in the right place for his life’s purpose, it made him a little too single-minded. Together, they help the other shine....more
This is the fourth book in a series that follows an established couple. This book is an interesting one, on its oBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
This is the fourth book in a series that follows an established couple. This book is an interesting one, on its own it’s more romance-adjacent. Rod and Wyl discover the diary of a great-uncle that describes his life and the romance between both their great-uncles.
So most of the book is their story which was kind and sweet but ends tragically. But their legacy lives on and the Bonner - Sterling families are still intertwined through Rod and Wyl.
It would probably be better to have read what came before, I was missing the investment in their story and connection, but I do enjoy the premise of this book. ...more
I love me a broody angsty cowboy story. And you can’t get more angsty than Seth bearing the brunt of a whole townBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I love me a broody angsty cowboy story. And you can’t get more angsty than Seth bearing the brunt of a whole town turning against him after a tragedy and living the next decade in isolation. How heartbreaking to think of him struggling alone for so long. But he’s also a stubborn fool.
And don’t even get me started on Aiden. He screams lost and in need of strength and safety. And when you meet his mother you’ll understand why. What a miserable woman.
The history between them is long, and the journey back into each other’s lives is fraught with tension but also a number of necessary truths. And ultimately some beautiful healing.
A stunning story, layered and nuanced and hard-won. ...more
Brought together by the dance routines they are doing as banana ball players who get to play star-crossed lovers Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Brought together by the dance routines they are doing as banana ball players who get to play star-crossed lovers at the games. It helps they already had a crush on each other. They may play for opposing teams but that doesn’t stop them from playing together too.
This is a really nice story with two fun and kind guys. I enjoyed the narrative around Alan’s curmudgeonly grandfather who is also Ryan’s neighbour. Them jointly caring for and about the man really helped cement their relationship and made for some but also sweet moments.
We also get to see plenty of the rest of the teams to make us smile....more
Don’t have the money to travel to Paris, let Winnie and Alistair be your tour guides. Well, Winnie, AlBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Magnifique!
Don’t have the money to travel to Paris, let Winnie and Alistair be your tour guides. Well, Winnie, Alistair is just along for the ride like the rest of us.
Winnie Takes Paris is a fun rom-com between one man who’s in need of a new direction and another who needs reminding that there’s more to life than work.
Winnie is chaos and life, while Alistair is head in his work and forgets to eat kind of guy, who is way too nice to people who don’t deserve it.
It was a lovely story and a grand romance. ...more
Whistleport is a small town with a lot of heart and fight. With the ice rink in dire need of help, the town ralliBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Whistleport is a small town with a lot of heart and fight. With the ice rink in dire need of help, the town rallies to help fix it. Led by exes Brooks and Rory.
It’s a second-chance romance. They broke up when so that Brooks could follow his NHL dreams, but with his father ill, Brooks has come home to help out. And with Rory back in his life, they discover that they may still be meant to be.
I enjoyed the town and its residents and their spirit. The couple was lovely, though they real shining star was hockey captain Ziggy. He was a gem!
There were some niggles in the timeline and things that didn’t fully make sense that distracted from the story, but still, it was an enjoyable one. ...more
An estranged grandson, a dilapidated building, and sunshiny flower shop owner.
An unusual friendship is formed, and a bit of situationship that becomes harder to deny the longer it goes on. As their feelings grow for one another, so does Clay’s connection to the community and its people. Something it turns out he desperately needs.
It’s a cute, fun, and flirty story. This grumpy/sunshine duo. ...more
I’m completely in love with Dahalia’s cozy style of romance, and this paranormal mystery series is super adorableBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I’m completely in love with Dahalia’s cozy style of romance, and this paranormal mystery series is super adorable.
Set in a small town that acts as a kind of haven for rejected or ostracized people/supernatural.
Hyde and Teresa are pretty cute, especially now that they're dating, but they can’t seem to keep out of a mystery. Whether they like it or not, they keep getting pulled in.
It’s a great cast of characters, a variety of vampires, witches, druids and more, with small-town personalities. Where everyone knows everything that’s happened moments later, but will also have your back. Especially Hyde, the townfolk love them.
Can’t wait to see what else this cute couple gets embroiled in. ...more
Kerry and Keegan are like chocolate and peanut butter, absolutely made for each other.
We’ve all fallen for sweet Keegan who is braver than most and is carving out a beautiful life for himself. And that life includes Kerry. Kerry is a man who has dedicated his life to helping others but keeps his heart locked up after too much battering. And his life is taking a beating again at the moment.
Surrounded by loving friends and family who have strong connections and are loyal to their core, these two find their way to taking a leap together.
I anticipate a run on cue cards after reading this story (iykyk). So bloody cute! ...more
We’ve been waiting on Greer’s story for a VERY long time! The owner of the Portland PiratesBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
The one that got away.
We’ve been waiting on Greer’s story for a VERY long time! The owner of the Portland Pirates is the reason by this amazing found family has been created, but while they’ve all been finding love, his ‘one’ hates him.
Greer and Austin have always loved each other but they were over before they could start, a night they both regret has given way to 14 years. Austin won’t even let Greer explain.
Maybe some fake dating and forced proximity will help! Yes please!
Listen, they both deserve a happy ever after. They especially deserve someone to fight for them. And when they do, it’s all kinds of swoony and epic. It doesn’t hurt that there is a house in Costa Rica and a private jet to go along with it. Not to mention an amazing epilogue.
I’m hoping we see Austin’s brother get a happy ending, he definitely needs someone of his own.
Now, give me Dreamboat, that story is going to be hilarious. ...more