A sweet steamy camboy read. Storm needs a place to go and neurodivergent Gabriel needs a roommate that can put the toilet seat down. Their banter was so funny, their steamy moments were so good. My heart broke for both Storm and Gabriel. Gabriel deserves a better family. Storm just needs to be loved and taken care of. The 3rd act was so sad, I was so happy Gabriel and Storm finally got their HEA. It helped ease the ache of the 3rd act sadness.
I am a lover of all things Raquel Riley writes. She is a very dynamic author. This book was sometimes sour, mostly sweet sports novel. Then tension between Baylor and Casey was so good, that when they finally came together it was explosive. I loved ever interaction, the push/pull they had with each other. Casey's dog Rawlings was so freaking cute. If you're looking for something with low triggers, easy to read, with the right amount of spice, check this book out.
Tropes: • Coach x Umpire • Enemies to Lovers • One Night Stand • Bi-awakening • Cute doggo • HEA
Genre: M/M Romance Format: E-Book Series: Forbidden Goals #5 Prior reading is not required Check your triggers prior to reading. There are some heavy tGenre: M/M Romance Format: E-Book Series: Forbidden Goals #5 Prior reading is not required Check your triggers prior to reading. There are some heavy topics discussed and seen throughout the pages
Character Development: 4/5 • Cameron and Dom were dynamic characters. Both Cameron and Dom have something to prove to themselves. Finding each other in the madness was so beautiful.
Plot: 4/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. All the characters in this book felt real like they could be real characters in the real world. The book was a slow-burn romance however it was done well. I did not feel like I wanted to rush to the end for them to be together. I enjoyed the build up.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. Each MC's POV felt like an individual character, with their own emotions and thoughts.
Spice Level: 3/5 • The spice evolved naturally. Even though there was some serious pining when Dom and Cam finally came together it was explosive. Both touch starved and needy men.
Overall Rating: 4.75/5 • Cam and Dom were gritty, raw and emotional characters. I loved them both individually and together. The adoration that Dom holds for Cam is next level. Everyone deserves a Dom in their life as their own personal hype man. He was such a teddy bear, cinnamini MC and I here for every second of it. The way Becca described the scenes I felt like I was there watching Cam dance. I could see him through Dom's eyes. Also, I appreciate the Antoni and Ellis cameos from Choke Up. All in all this was a great additional to the Forbidden Goals series. ♥
All pre-order profits from Off Balance are being donated by the author to the Trevor Project with a matching donation going to the ACLU Foundation
Tropes: • Boxer x Ballet Dancer • Age Gap • Size difference • Bi-awakening • Brother's Stepson • Grumpy x Sunshine • Cinnamon roll MC • HEA
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Ant is definitely the underdog of this story. I didn't like him, and wanted to stew in my hatred for him. However, throughout the book, he became one of my favorite characters. Robbie was so endearing on his own, that I instantly loved him. Ant though, he worked for it. He grew so much throughout the pages and it was lovely to see.
Plot: 3.9/5 • The plot was well written. It is mostly Ant & Robbie finding their way to each other. There is definitely hockey mixed in as well, but it was not the main focus.
Writing Style: 3.9/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Jesse was able to capture both Ant & Robbie so well, I felt like I was in their heads.
Spice Level: 4/5 • *FAN SELF* Ant & Robbie, holy crap they were so delicious. Ant has a mouth of him and he definitely knows how to use it. Consent is important in books for me (as in real life) and there were just a few scenes that didn't do it for me. (view spoiler)[ Not discussing safe sex, and assuming someone is more experienced and therefore doesn't need the extra checks (hide spoiler)]
Overall Rating: 4.75/5 • I almost feel blindsided by this book and these characters. I honestly didn't expect to love them as much as I do. I spent the first half of the book, enjoying the tension, the hate. Then BAM, I was smacked in the face with the swoon, and I was here for it. Ant came out of his shell and I fell more in love with him as a person. He is the type of person, that you can count on, that no matter what, you know will be there for you. He is the type of guy you want in your corner. Then there's Robbie- he's nothing but chaotic, sunshiney goodness. He will lift you up, and light up your world when you need it most. The pairing of these two was top notch. The way Jesse developed their connection and love, I wouldn't have done it any other way. ...more
Genre: M/M Romance Format: E-Book Series: Unwell Duet Book #1 Check your triggers prior to reading. There are heavy topics discussed throughout.
CharaGenre: M/M Romance Format: E-Book Series: Unwell Duet Book #1 Check your triggers prior to reading. There are heavy topics discussed throughout.
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Easton, sweet summer baby. He is one of the most dynamic characters I have read this year. His struggles and traumas are real, raw and in your face. You can feel and sense his emotions. Add in lovable teddy bear Chase, who just wants to love him. Those two are meant for each other.
Plot: 4/5 • The plot was well written. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end. The story was mainly Easton healing. Trying to come to terms with what we thought was true vs reality.
Writing Style: 4/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. There was a decent sized side-cast but it was not overwhelming. I knew who everyone was and where they fit.
Spice Level: 3/5 • Chase and Easton are so good together. Their sweet chemistry and raw lust for each other was top notch.
Overall Rating: 5/5 • For most of the book I was either full blown sobbing or welling tears. It was an emotional roller coaster. The ending about ripped me apart. I still feel very raw. There have never been two men that deserve each other more. I cannot wait for the 2nd part to this book. As a debut book, this was outstanding. I can feel like book hangover already. ♥
If you are one that doesn't do well with cliffhangers, I would suggest waiting until the 2nd part is out before reading.
Tropes: • Brother's Best Friend • Hurt/Comfort • Anxiety/Depression Rep • Found Family • Books ends in Cliffhanger (no HFN or HEA)
My heart broke for Rowan throughout this book. Growing up with a homophobic father, and not wanting to lose the only parent you have wears on you. As with the first book (Red Zone) I felt the plot was a bit rushed. I wanted to know the characters more so I could connect with them better.
Tropes: • High School • Football • Grumpy/Sunshine • Found Family • HEA
This was my first book by Laura John. Monster was a very sweet gooey character. Finn was just as loveable. I enjoyed their insta-connection. All in all it was a good story, that made my heart melt.
Tropes: • Baseball x Femme Boy • College • Size Difference • Ace Rep • Family Trauma • HEA
Ugh, I am not sure what to say. I enjoy Cara Dee's books so much. The Game series is one of my favorites. I usually don't read books that end in cliffhangers unless the rest of the series is out. I am very impatient. However, I am not disappointed I read this. My heart broke for Alfie. Losing the only man he truly loved all because he was trying to be the person that he thought West wanted him to be. I absolutely cannot wait for part 2! Alfie deserves his redemption arc, he deserves to be happy. ♥
Tropes: • Mafia • Divorce • Single Dad • Pining • Ends in Cliffhanger (no HFN)
Genre: M/M Romance Format: E-Book Series: For Puck's Sake # 10 Prior reading is not required but is recommended to get the best feels from the side-casGenre: M/M Romance Format: E-Book Series: For Puck's Sake # 10 Prior reading is not required but is recommended to get the best feels from the side-cast
Character Development: 3.9/5 • Torin and Hugo are dynamic characters. Both try to figure themselves out and find a home in each other. Torin's anxiety was handled with care and was so relatable.
Plot: 3.9/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. All the characters in this book felt real like they could be real characters in the real world. This was a slow-burn romance; however, the slow-burn friendship made this romance even more real.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.
Spice Level: 1.5/5 • The spice evolved with the characters relationship. Looking at the tropes you know what to expect. There may not have been a lot of spice but the emotional intimacy was 10/10.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 • Torin was such a sweet soul, maybe a bit misunderstood due to his social anxieties. I wasn't sure I would enjoy Hugo because he wasn't my favorite character in Atty and Toby's book (Stick Lessons) but this was a redemption for me. Hugo was such a lovable cuddle bug for me. The care he had for Torin was so heartwarming. I loved this pairing. This is probably my 3rd favorite in the series.
Tropes: • Hockey Player x Mascot • Bi-awakening • Virgin MC • Social Anxiety Rep • Demisexual and demiromantic rep • Slow burn • HEA
Heartwarming Christmas goodness ♥ I am a sucker for the single dad trope. Add in childhood friends/acquaintances and I'm a goner. This was a very sweet, easy read about two high school friends turned enemies that meet 10+ years later on a snowy road. I loved the emotional development of Cam and Jake's relationship. Add in sweet baby Cora, to wrap the story up in a Christmas bow.
Tropes: • Single Dad • One Bed • Size Difference • HEA
Heartwarming Christmas goodness ♥ I am a sucker for the single dad trope. Add in childhood friends/acquaintances and I'm a goner. This was a very sweet, easy read about two high school friends turned enemies that meet 10+ years later on a snowy road. I loved the emotional development of Cam and Jake's relationship. Add in sweet baby Cora, to wrap the story up in a Christmas bow.
Tropes: • Single Dad • One Bed • Size Difference • HEA
I was excited to read Elton's story. In the first book, he was such a sweet man, who just wanted to love someone. Having Knox as his partner was a twist I honestly didn't see coming, after reading the Dirty Martini.
Knox and Elton were so filthy together and I loved every second of it. There were times I was frustrated with both of them and just wanted to scream at them to get their crap together. However, watching Knox's walls come down and just accept love was so bittersweet.
All in all, a good addition to the series. I really hope Cassius and Skylar get a book, and what's going on with Butch?
Tropes: • F-Buddies to Lovers • Grumpy/Sunshine • Dislike to Love • Ex's brother • HEA
Snowed In: An MM Romance Charity Anthology Genre: MM Romance Format: E-Book
The Room I Paid For by Crea Reitan ♥ Edries & Gabe ♥ • Billionaire x Soccer Snowed In: An MM Romance Charity Anthology Genre: MM Romance Format: E-Book
The Room I Paid For by Crea Reitan ♥ Edries & Gabe ♥ • Billionaire x Soccer Star • Age Gap (Almost 10 years) • First Person Dual POV Spice Level: 2/5 Overall Rating: 4/5 If you've read any of Crea's books, you will remember Gabe from Lucky Shot. This was a sweet, insta-connection, winter wonderland romance.
Texas Snow by Kelly Fox ♥ Rafferty & Jesse ♥ • Cop x Bad Guy • First Person Dual POV Spice Level: 3/5 Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Snowed in, in Central Texas with a hunky detective and tattooed bad guy. What more could you ask for?
Merry Scroogemas by Kiki Clark ♥ West & Ashley ♥ • Mountain Man x City Boy • Age Gap • First Person Dual POV Spice Level: 3/5 Overall Rating: 1.5/5 Car crash meet cute, snowed in with his savior. Very fast, sweet romance.
Snowdrifts & Secrets by A.M Johnson ♥ Gary & Shiloh ♥ • Best Friends to Lovers • First Person Dual POV Spice Level: 1.5/5 Overall Rating: 3/5 Best friend get over themselves and finally give into their temptations.
Christmas Pipe Dreams by Lark Taylor ♥ Rory & Owen ♥ • Miscommunication • Size difference • First Person Dual POV Spice Level: 1.5/5 Overall Rating: 3/5 Hunky handyman falls for cute barista.
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Oh, sweet baby doll Shilo. His growth throughout this book was so beautiful to read. Ryann, I will admit I wanted to throw him out of his penthouse window multiple times.... however, he was just as broken and deserving of love. As with Finding Delaware, I fell in love with the side-cast just as much as the MCs. I hope we get some Kansas and Carpenter content, maybe their own book? ...more
Ever since I read Milo and Everett's book (The Bear's Brave Omega) I was excited for Danny's happy ending. Meeting Knox initially I wasn't sure he could redeem himself, however I was wrong. His patients and care for Danny throughout was so freaking sweet. I absolutely loved them together. The town of Grizzly Ridge feels like it's right out of Hallmark. We got glimpse at Zander's mate and now I can't wait for book #3.
Tropes: • Shifter/Omegaverse • Wolf x Bear Shifters • Hurt/Comfort • Grumpy x Sunshine • HEA
Genre: M/M Romance Format: E-Book Series: Longwood U # 1
Prior reading is not required. However, to get the best feels from the side cast I would recomGenre: M/M Romance Format: E-Book Series: Longwood U # 1
Prior reading is not required. However, to get the best feels from the side cast I would recommend checking them out. • Dak's Parent's book - Starting Line (For Puck's Sake #2 - Standalone) • Sparrow's parents do not have a book but are side cast in - For Your Heart (For Your Love Book #2 - Meant to be read in order, start with For Your Time) • Ezlo's Parent's book - The Crease (For Puck's Sake Book #4 - Standalone)
Character Development: 4/5 • Sparrow and Dak were very well thought out characters. Sparrow stuck in his head of where he should and shouldn't be in life, and his hangs up on age felt very real. Dak being 5 years younger definitely put Sparrow in his place a few times with his emotional intelligence. Ezlo and Edin as side characters were just as impactful as Sparrow and Dak. I really enjoyed seeing Ezlo exuding on the greatness of his dad Max. Edin, his struggles were very real, and I could feel his pain throughout the pages.
Plot: 4/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. There was a little hockey sprinkled throughout which makes sense, seeing as Dak and Ezlo come from hockey royalty. Overall, it was about Sparrow and Dak growing individually and together.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.
Spice Level: 3/5 • Queen of Consent does it again. My favorite thing about Crea's spice is that it's so well written but 100% consensual even with something like "free-use". I never related to a character more than Dak.
Overall Rating: 5/5 • No matter what mindset I am in, I always know Crea's books will be like a warm hug when you need it most. She has a way of writing and making you feel safe, loved and like you matter. I was so excited to read the next-gen of the Creaverse and was not disappointed. Sparrow and Dak were great characters on their own. However, together the way they grew and realized that what they wanted they found in each other was so dang sweet. I honestly didn't want this one to end. She kept the cast small on this one, which I was a bit sad about because that's one of my favorite things about her writing is all of the cast. However, it didn't take away from what I know and love from Crea. By scaling back the cast, we got a better glimpse into Ezlo and Edin's lives. I have already fallen in love with them, and can't wait for their individual books. ♥
Tropes: • Bi-awakening • Friends with Benefits • Found Family • College Students • Kids of For Puck's Sake Cast • HEA
I really wanted to enjoy this one. I was hoping for Hallmark Winter Wonderland rom-com. However, it was missing the romance. Jamie and Landry couldn't get it together enough to be anything until near the very end of the story. I was just left wanting. It was just an okay read.
Tropes: • Fake Dating • Age Gap • Winter Wonderland • Slow burn • HEA
I don't normally read third person. I have a hard time picturing the scenes when it's in third person. However, I absolutely love the idea of parallel universes so I wanted to read this one. Zachy and Cameron were very sweet. I loved their friendship, and mourned the Cam, Zachy "knew" from his amnesia brain. It was just missing something for me to fully engage, and maybe it was because it was 3rd person. Overall, this was a sweet, best friend romance.
Tropes: • Hockey Players • Best Friend to Lovers • Amnesia • Parallel Universe • HEA
Genre: M/M Contemporary Dark Romance Format: E-Book Series: Vile House # 1
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS BEFORE READING This is darker than any of Nordika Night'Genre: M/M Contemporary Dark Romance Format: E-Book Series: Vile House # 1
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS BEFORE READING This is darker than any of Nordika Night's other books/series. Suspend reality, enjoy the town of Moros and the Vile Boys it holds.
Character Development: 4/5 • Krypt and Remiel... I am at a loss for what to say. Both broken, twisted, sick men in their own right. Their sicknesses call to each other and act as a healing balm. "In Sickness, We Find Health".
Plot: 5/5 • The plot was so well written. This was a story of two broken men, inside a larger story of the town of Moros. Each chapter felt like a gift that kept on giving.
Writing Style: 5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. There was a lot going on, and the book itself has a huge cast but I never felt overwhelmed. I found myself wanting more and more of each of the Vile Boys.
Spice Level: 3.5/5 • This is not a traditional romance. Again, I say check your triggers. BUT, when Krypt and Remiel were together, it was literally scorching the pages.
Overall Rating: 5/5 • This is an amazing first book in the Vile House series. I am giddy for the other 8 books. Krypt and Remiel are damaged goods, sick and twisted. However, together they are stronger, they make sense. Like I said before, this book was so much more than two men, this was an interconnected web of deception, dark secrets and madness.
Tropes: • Masked Men • Forced Proximity • Ownership • Power Imbalance • HEA but let's be real, neither of them are Prince Charming