New Release - Cost of Redemption - Hayden Hall

 I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Cost of Redemption by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story could have been a victim loving his abuser but that isn’t the way this story plays out. There are many layers to both men. Both men have been asking in unhealthy ways as a means to cope with their own internal feelings. Elio is full of self-loathing and takes that out on others. But Jaxon is also chasing demons in the form of trying to outrun his brother’s bad choices. Both are broken in different ways. I like the epilogue that lets you see the healing in store for both of them. This is a very powerful story.

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April 13 - 29, 2025

 

Little Boy Mine by Wendy Rathbone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the meet cute that starts the story. It was also funny that both get dragged there by their best friends. Their relationship builds gradually but it seems to work well for these two characters.

 

View all my reviews Step Daddy by Morticia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Step Daddy - Kit and Gareth - 5-37 - Kit is in trouble and seeks out his step brother. Gareth is a daddy and falls into that roll for Kit. They quickly develop into more. I love how Gareth is there to guide but still encourages Kit to make choices.

 

View all my reviews Diva Pop by Morticia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Diva Pop - Jett, Silas - 5-01 - What’s a diva to do. His band is a hot mess and now they have a new manager. Silas sees through Jet’s defenses. It takes work to over come the obstacles they face.

View all my reviews Pretty Puppy by Morticia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pretty Puppy - Lee, Ash - 4-17 - This is a wonderful second chance story. Ash was an impulsive kid who walked away from Lee. Years later both men have never gotten over each other. I like once the truth came out the work starts for a fresh start.

 

View all my reviews Charm Me by Beck Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ducan is the guy who doesn’t think he can have more. Bill is strong enough to go for what he wants. This is a quick story of two men deciding to try.

View all my reviews A Few Good Fish by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to see the growing relationship between Jackson and Ellery. They are both learning more about what each one has to offer. I love their interactions with Sonny and his crew. There is much action and danger of course to keep you on the edge of your seat.

View all my reviews Encouraging Little Everly by Meredith O'Reilly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute story of finding the right one for you. Everly has things that she must work through. Andrew and the rest of the Ranch family are there to give her the love and support she need to move on.

 
View all my reviews XOXO, Aster: A M/M Age Gap, Age Play Short Story by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a cute way to meet up. Both men have had to risk a bit to become part of the program. I love the way Aster and Charlie just mesh so well together.

 

View all my reviewsWanted: Tender Daddy by Sammi Cee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Archie and Hutch’s meet isn’t cute but it does give them a peek at each other. Archie’s whole family seem to be treating him like he can’t take care of himself. I loved how even though he is a great daddy he still understands that Archie should be seen as capable adult that he is.

 

View all my reviewsIn Wulf's Clothing by B.A. Tortuga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story opens with a very dramatic scene that sets the stage for the rest of the story. Trey aka Wulf is such a strong man who has built a wonderful life. But coming home is stirring up a lot of things from the past. Corey also has some tough choices to make. Loved all the the interactions between the characters.

 

View all my reviewsShowstopper by Regina Kyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the humor that you find in this story from start to finish. Both men have great whit and fun personalities. This story is a little bit of everything from long lost relatives to sport scandals. This story was a wonderful listen after a really hard day.

View all my reviewsMoving Maverick by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was interesting to watch Maverick work his way through all the feelings. Rabbit Island brings forth. I loved the connection from these two men who were friends as kids and now meeting as men. Finding out the whole story was a bittersweet. But the love of the Marion family just keeps stretching.

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March 31 - April 12, 2025

 

The Cowboy Contract by B.A. Tortuga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ryder is mad and decides to just hire a fake husband and be done. But his old friend Kase needs help and offers to help right back. I like how Kase decided he wanted all in from the very beginning. As a couple there isn’t much angst or a break-up/make-up. All the fun comes from deciding to open up to love not just with each other but to fill the whole house with love.

View all my reviews Best Served Cold by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was hard to put down. You are pulled into the world of Jackson and Annix from the beginning. Throughout the book you get glimpses of the past. There are several unexpected twists and turns. I love the powerful ending of this story.

 

View all my reviews Unforgettable by Marley Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reeve and Oz really fit even on a one night stand. The fake relationship gave the reader time to really learn more about both men. It was an interesting same but different scenario. There is of course some drama but I loved the ending of the story.

View all my reviews Born Daddy by Morticia Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In “Born Daddy” Rogan and Tate share the same connection of knowing a serial killer. Their relationship was different one being a long time friend and the other as a sub. Both are dealing with the issue of what did I miss. But they form a bond that quickly brings them together. They are trying to make a new life together. The is some drama with others of course that they must deal with.

View all my reviews His Middle by Morticia Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

n “His Middle” Noah is dealing with loss and trying to run a business he has had no training for.. Spencer rides to the rescue as he deals with his own feelings of losing his best friend. They both feel a pull that is not new to either of them. It was fun to see Spencer deal with his worries about Noah’s dad. And I like as Noah became more comfortable he really started to show his true self.

View all my reviews Painting Together a Family by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast paced love story. Dev and Bry are brought together over a shared misfortune. But they also feel an instant attraction. The kids are a fun addition to the story. Drama may be what starts the ball rolling but true feelings really develop.

 

View all my reviews Grounding Griffin by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was fun to see the way Sam and Griff meet at the bar. This misunderstanding is a good way to make a connection. As a reader we know there is the potential for one hiccup once the truth comes out so we are waiting for that. Of course the whole Marian Clan is ready to “help” out. I also loved the way everything works out in the end.

View all my reviews Perfect Ten by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how these characters are really very different from each other yet the have more in common than they realize. I also like the way their relationship grows even as both of them try to guard their hearts. It was wonderful to see Ten find a way to stay together yet still have their dreams. I also love the magic of love element as part of the island’s lore. The nicknames and the stories behind them also adds to the telling of the story.

View all my reviewsLove & Loyalty by Tere Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved Griffin’s character. He has so much trust and loyality to the people he cares about and doing the right thing. Jim is a hard nosed cop but things just seem to mesh with them. I really hated to see Griff deal with such betrayal. It was a long road to the finish but worth the journey.

 

View all my reviewsSnowed In: An MM Romance Charity Anthology by Kiki Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am reviewing as a collection not on each individual story. This was a great collection of holiday stories with the same troupe to bind them together. It is always fun to see a group of authors take the same theme and approach it from so many different ways. Of course there are plenty of other troupes thrown in for fun.

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March 24 - 30, 2025

 But first another ARC review: 

Edge of Temptation by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story does hav a real edge to it. It took me a while to finish it because these characters reminded me too much of a couple of children I’ve taught over the years that had been taken in by obligation not love and I worry about how their life will play out. Because of this I could see these characters one possible outcome.

But having finally finished the story…There is a punch and strength to the story. Two men navigating their pasts to find a way forward. Of making choices to protect and tell hard truths. I also appreciated the hope we find in the epilogue. It is a reminder that sometimes life is rough and moves you along but it is what you do with all of that which lets you write you own narrative and not someone else’s idea of you.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews The Wrangler and the Orphan by Jackie North
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love Brody’s story. Being there for someone else in need is a great way to work on your own healing. Kit is strong and resilient but he needs to learn to see that for himself. Brody’s backstory is very moving. And wow Quint is such a special human. Quint steps in when needed and backs off to give space. Even Stella as a background got her moment to help. Once again you feel the love that ranch family has for each other.

View all my reviews Twilight Out of Focus by Jyanome
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This manga is the story of high school love. There are feelings but Hisashi has a boyfriend but as things change as the boys work on making a film together. They open up to each other which starts something new.

 

View all my reviews The Right Way by May Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was glad to get this finally installment in this triology. Poor Bas has so much to figure out. Drew also has his secrets. I like the way that their relationship had been settled before things really explode. Things ended differently than I expected but it was a great way to finish things off.

 

View all my reviews How My Daddies Became Mates Vol. 1 by Mikkamita
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Akane and Shirosaki reminisce about how they first got together. They really had a rocky start. Sometimes you just have to trust your feelings.



View all my reviews Wanted: Understanding Daddy by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was interesting that Brett was getting tired of the way his life is going that his friend introduced him to the idea of being a “daddy”. Brett and Dylan have a past as children and it takes a while for them to deal with this. But those month are time for both men to be open to new possibilities. I also like see friends from previous books in this series and from The Takoda Outreach series which I loved as well.

View all my reviewsHate Me, but Let Me Stay Vol. 1 by Hijiki
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finding your fated mate doesn’t make things just magically work out. These two have much to work out. The kid was adorable and get element to the story.

 

View all my reviews Red Fish, Dead Fish by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jackson and Ellery have unfinished business personal and vocational. Jackson has some dark places to crawl out of and needs to fight to go forward. Of course the chase becomes both personal and brutal. But through the darkness there is love of family created or borrowed. There is the caring for another human being that just need a chance to try again and the encouragement to make the effort.

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March 13-23, 2025

 Dropout Dom - Jamie Samms - Freebie -

This freebie is an introduction to a new world. Eli and Aldi have thing in common, but… There is some unfinished business in Aldi’s life and Eli has a lot to learn.

Love at First Swipe by Andrew Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the unique way Darby and Reynaldo meet through the app and then in person. Darby has his challenges but he works hard to have the life he wants. Reynaldo offers great support without taking over. The wrap up of the story is very cute.

 

View all my reviews How to Catch a Rival by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While parts of this story are a bit far fetched it was still a fun story. I love how authentic Tom is. Wren has issues and worries about his family. The bake-off is fun. I was glad that everyone got their dream.



View all my reviews Fluff Me by R.A. Frick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marcus is so sure of what he doesn’t need that he can’e see what is in front of him. I really like despite Marcus' relationship ideas he still respects Sam as a person. Sam was so patient. The friends were great and the dogs were adorable.

 

View all my reviews Healing the Twin by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how both said they didn’t want a relationship at the beginning. You could see both men meet the needs the other has. I like the build up to the great conclusion to the book.

 

View all my reviews Hi Honey, I'm Homo!: Sitcoms, Specials, and the Queering of American Culture by Matt Baume
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My daughter recommended this book to me and I’m so glad she did. Since I was born in the early 60’s I saw a lot of the older shows discussed at the time and/or later whey they played in syndication. I really enjoyed reliving old memories. Just the mention of the Beverly story from All In the Family had the tears flowing from the memory. There is so much depth of information in this book. Now I want to find some old reruns to watch.

View all my reviews Road to a Cowboy by Amy Aislin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how we got to see both men feeling the attraction but both wanting to protect their friendship. I also like how neither man has to lose out on their dreams to be together. I like they bring out the best in each other.

 

View all my reviews The Sight of Home by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the way that Stone and Mason hit it off right from the start. mason always treated Stone as just a person. They work so well together.

View all my reviews How to Catch a Bodyguard by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

James and Connor were boys that last time they were really together. Best friends. There ended up being something that happened and Connor has built up some hate. But new circumstances put them back together. It was interesting to see them both deal with feelings and how understanding the truth can make all the difference.

View all my reviews Protecting the Nerd by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love the banter and back and forth between York and Quillon from the beginning. It was also interesting to see how much others care about York. This story does have some action scenes but its really about the way these two men develop their relationship with each other.

 

View all my reviews Got Me Merry by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love these two guys. They make a great addition to the Vet Shop Boys. I thought the little nod to the whole series when trying to name the mission to make Lawson like Christmas. Rudy was also such a sweet part of the story. The epilogue was great to see how the future turns out.

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February 16 - March 12, 2025

 Well Coastal Magic was so much fun and I was so excited to place 5th in the Reading Challenge.  Catching up on other books now until the new Reading Challenge starts on June 1.  

Unicorns Forever by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet little story. The competition is real. It was nice to visit O’Leary and see the gang.

 

View all my reviews Lube Job by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a bit of fun to get to Riggs and Sheps story. I also like how coming to really understand your sexuality can help you move forward. I also like how they are so honest with each other once they figure stuff out. It was also fun to see all the other guys.

View all my reviews Raven: Part Two by Piper Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this final installment in the series. I could see the pieces from the previous stories through the eyes of Renard and Sorin. The battle was so hard won. There will still be some work on all sides but it feels like the Drakes are finally moving in the right direction.

 

View all my reviews Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this fun graphic novel. Ben is at a crossroads in his life. He finds work that leads him in a whole new direction. Liam is very supportive through the whole process. Love the pig.



View all my reviews Limelight by E. Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tag has been living a quiet life with his bees and his mead. Caleb walks into a bar to pursue his dreams. They really hit it off. But all is not how it seems. The truth has a way of finding you out and then you need to work it out.

View all my reviews Str8 B8 by K.C. Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really like how down to earth both men were. You could see Tom struggle with both business and personal issues. I think Denny’s outlook on life while causing a bit of a muddle was helpful for Tom. It is a reminder that hard times call for hard decisions.

 

View all my reviews The Reclusive Mountain Man by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marsh has been the steady mountain man and Tel’s best friend. But Tal is ready to grow up and wants to express his feelings. This story is about finding love right under your nose.

 

View all my reviews The Guncle by Steven Rowley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book on a “Blind Date” table. This story was much different from what I was expecting when I read the blurb but in a wonderful way. While there is plenty of humor in the story there is also plenty of deep emotions. While Patrick is there for the kids they are also there for him and helping him change is own life. I really love the ending of this story.

View all my reviewsFaking Ever After by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I want to start with I loved Percy’s family. They added such a rich layer to the story. Throughout the story you can see Finn do his own self examination and grow as a person. Percy has a chance to embrace life and enjoy it to its fullest. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

View all my reviews Romancing My Submissive by Izaia Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book contains two stories. the first is Teasing Max which is a MM D/s story. I like the way Harrison and Max work. They create the relationship they want. The second story is Spoiling Cindy which is a MF age play story. Cindy has a lot of responsibilities and wants some little time to relax. Davis is at the right place at the right time to help out. This is a great start to a relationship.

View all my reviewsGot Me Going by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed they journey Tyler and Daly take together. They both have tough things to overcome. They just work well together. I love seeing them make a better life for themselves and Daly’s grandma.

 

View all my reviewsWait in the Truck by Aria Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has a harsh start but after that it is filled with sweetness. Jesse and Harris work to build a relationship taking their time. I love seeing how thing progress for them.

 

View all my reviewsJumping Jude by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was interesting to see the way Derek and Jude relationship develops. There is so much care and trust with these two men. I was surprised at how dramatic the last section of the story was. But it did have a great conclusion.

 

View all my reviewsFinding a Purple Unicorn by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is full of sweet sugar but frankly that was what I was in the mood for. There is drama with the ex but it wasn’t the main plot point. I wasn’t bothered by the BDSM scenes because that was how they met in the first place so it was a common interest. And frankly it is refreshing to see a child driven plot line that still lets the adults enjoy their own grown up fun. BDSM and families are not mutually exclusive.

View all my reviews A Kitten For Daddy: Pride Pet Play by Wendy Rathbone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is very much not looking but finding each other anyway. I enjoyed how Boston was so gentle and caring, going as slow as needed. I also liked the trust Kolly showed once he understood Boston’s character and motives. A sweet story of finding the perfect match.

 

View all my reviews Austin by Felice Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very short story that introduces another book. It drew me in and I look forward to listening to more.

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