Weeks 15-18, 2023

 

Kiss and Cry by Keira Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great story of the enemies to lovers. Of course the enemy is really only on one side. Henry had one small incident years ago that seems to have caused him to form a judgement against Theo. Theo's attitude to life doesn't seem to help. But the are forced together by circumstances and things move forward from there. I love the final chapter that gives a picture into the future for these two characters.

View all my reviews Sam's Little Girl by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story. I love the care that Sam has for Hope from the beginning. I also like how he tries to work out any misunderstandings. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

 

View all my reviews A Little Easter Escapade: A Holidays at Rawhide Ranch Story by Laylah Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the development of this triad relationship. Marcus has had feelings for Isla for a while. But for her things are new. They also both know that while they can be happy together they really want more. Enter Elliot who is dealing with some of his own stuff. This story is very gentle. There isn't much in the way shenanigans that is sometimes present in this series. There also wasn't a rush to take control. This was a very enjoyable love story.

View all my reviews The Captain's Little Girl by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is sweet story of Cricket finally getting her solider. It was great to see their relationship taking off. This was a great addition to the series. Listen to the audio version that was really well done.

 

View all my reviews Alpha's Temptation by Renee Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had gotten the paperback copy of this book at a book convention and it has been sitting on my shelf. I saw that the audio was available so I decided to finally give it a try. This one really surprised me with the level of suspense. This is a very dramatic story that has surprises from beginning to end. The audio is very well done.

 

View all my reviews Married to My Best Friend by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a fun troupe with best friends finding out they have gotten married. And from there things only get better for these two. I really enjoyed this short little story about finding love right under your nose.

 

View all my reviews Weighting for Love by Sam E. Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the fact that Talbot really wanted to make the changes for himself before he even went to the ranch. I think he really just needed something to give him a jump start. I also like the fact that even when he got home he continued to work on himself. While there are some are some elements that probably wouldn't happen in real life it is still an enjoyable with a great ending.

View all my reviews Return of the Chauffeur's Son by Tara Lain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the audio version and I realized that it was a retelling of the movie Sabrina. I love both the original with Humfrey Bogart and the remake with Harrison Ford. And as much as I loved those movies I like Dylan's real feelings seem like a nicer version of the big brother. This story has a great ending. I listened to the audio version and it was really well done.

View all my reviews Unbonded for You by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow this one is another wonderful story in the Nerds Who Knot series. I love both the MC. The both of so much that they have dealt with and in some ways are two sides of the same coin. I love the fact that Thomas makes decisions for himself. Sebastian also has some tough choices. I love the way their life ends up working out so well for them. I listened to the audio and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Ski Patrol by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun rom-com. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but I was able to enjoy this on it’s own. I like how BJ is working so hard to find someone special and almost misses it.

I listened to an audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Pick One by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teagan is a complete mess and John enters. While the story is a familiar troupe this story adds some new twists that makes it a lot of fun. While this story is short I enjoyed it.

I listened to an audio version and it was very enjoyable.

View all my reviews The Beast Beside Me by Beau Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one is hard to review because on one hand I really love the over arching story. But frankly this story was a bit more “on page” violent. You can almost feel the hate. I had picked up the paperback at a book convention based on the blurb. I ended up picking up the audio copy during a sale on Audible. So I give the book a 4.0. The voice on the narration seems to fit the mood of the story. BUT the audio copy starts out with a very dramatic chapter that takes place much later in the story which really throws things off. I have reported this to Audible and they say they will push this to their tech team.

View all my reviews Raising Lucy by Becca Jameson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story has a interesting vibe and my feeling on this story go back and forth between feeling like Roman is over reaching to understanding what was in his head. Of course understanding isn’t always agreeing with his methods. Also, his friends clearly know that he should approach things a bit differently but they don’t step in either. On the other hand Lucy does gives consent to participate in the activities once she is working for Roman although she doesn’t understand how she got there. Her anger when she discovers the truth is justified. I’m glad they were able to work things out but I think I would have made Roman work a bit more before I just forgave him.

I got the book as a give away at a book convention and picked up the audio as a way to mark this off my TBR pile. The only complaint on the narration is it seemed really slow and I had to bump it up to a faster speed.

View all my reviews Bigger Than Us by Jodi Payne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love plot of this story. Two men who on the surface seem to have nothing in common but a shared best friend. But they are forced to be together and of course feelings develop. I love how they find ways to encourage each other and help them do their best together.

 

View all my reviews Cattle Valley Box Set 6 by Carol Lynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have slowly been making my way through this series. All of the stories have been fun to read and I have enjoyed this series. The books in this collection have a variety of vibes from fun to those who have a more serious feel to them. I also love getting to see different peeks at Ryan, Rio, and Nate as their relationship continues to grow and change over time.

View all my reviews Red Velvet by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is very sweet. Milo and Riley have been attracted to each other but each had reason to not really pursue it. But an accident helps bring them together. Riley is able to explain her reluctance for Shibari and Milo is willing to set it aside but when she’s open to trying with him, Milo moves very slowly and checks in with her. Glad to see another happy couple.

View all my reviews Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I saw this book on a Scholastic Book add at the school I work and it looked interesting. I found it on Audible so I decided to give it a try. It is a rich story with strong characters. McKenna is facing a change a health challenge that she has been unwilling to truly accept for many reasons. As the story and the race progress she comes to better understand herself and her disability. I love the message that you learn to work with her limitations but they don’t have to hold you back. I enjoyed this story as an adult and I think it would be a great read for teens and preteens as well.

I picked up the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Anything You Want by Reese Morrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

James and Phillip are in a committed long term relationship but they both have some things they are worried about. But when they both talk to each other there really isn’t anything to worry about.

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Weeks 13-14, 2023

 

Daddy's Searching by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Belinda was upset at first that she didn't get her dream job but she did get a nice position. Pedro is excited by his new job with a great company but also wants to meet the person he was drawn to. There is a connection from the start and they fit each other well. There is also some lead up to the next book with a very dramatic moment near the end of the story.
I listened to audio version and it was well done.

View all my reviews Santa Bear by L. Luther
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun holiday story of finding the magic to make your life better. I love Jamie and grinchy ways. I also like the idea that both men were lonely In their own ways. They bring something special to each other.

View all my reviews Daddy's Protecting by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This install has a bit of different twist. We got the hint of what was to come at the end of the last book and it turned out very dramatic. Cynthia is a background character through all the stories and her story is wonderful with lots of drama. I love Dirk’s gentle caring. I listened to audio version and it was well done and enjoyable.\

View all my reviews Sailor Proof by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Derek and Arthur’s relationship progression. They go from making a point, to fake relationship, to it’s real and beyond. These two seem so unlikely on the surface that it makes the feelings even better. I love how they were able to work things out.
I listened to the audio version and it was a well done duet.

 

View all my reviews His Boy to Cuddle by Morticia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how this story goes from a just for now to something so much more. Tracey is so sweet and Jaxon has so much caring to give. I love how sweet these two are. This was a wonderful holiday story.

 

View all my reviews Some Bunny to Love by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way this story develops. August is such a caring guy. I love the reveal in this story. I’m so glad we get to hear about how things go for the side characters as well. Great start to a new series.

 

View all my reviews Rainbow Rodeo by B.A. Tortuga
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the premises that Dalton had feelings for a while but Tank was a good guy and didn't take the bait. But now time has passed and they are two grown men who can take their chances. There is lots of growing feelings and some dramatic moments. This story starts out feeling like it will be a light story but it takes a turn. The family is also wonderful. Great story.

 

View all my reviews Braving His Past by Patricia D. Eddy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is the acting out of just because you paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get you. These two men have a strange meet up. They seem like an unlikely pair that don't seem like relationship material because of the baggage they carry. Yet you can feel their connection. This story has some hard moments with violence and assault. I listened to the audio version that only amped up the tension. It was really no fun to reach a dramatic moment to go into work. This book had me on the edge of my seat.

View all my reviews Project Hero by Briar Prescott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a really sweet story. Andy thinks he needs a make over to catch the eye of long time friend. But of course plans don't always go the way you plan. Law needs Andy's help and is willing to help back. The rest is very much in the vein of a romcom as feelings get sorted out. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it quite a bit.

 

View all my reviews Shattered Dreams by Dakota Trace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is all about the feelings developing out of nowhere and to encompass three people. They have much to learn about each other that requires lots of communication and honesty. I love the strong feels of this story.

 

View all my reviews Daddy's Princess by Rory Reynolds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story with a great ending. But in the middle I was kind of worried that Estella was trading one person controlling her life for another. But Gage does let her choose her own path so it felt better by the end.

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Week 12

 

Dirty Daddies Pride by Eden Bradley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a great mix of stories. There is a wide variety to fit anyone's flavor.

 

View all my reviews A Ginger for Kinkmas by Chara Croft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the troupe of this story. It was fun to see Braxton reevaluate a lot about his life and how his "brother" fits into these changes. Flynn knows what he wants and when really necessary will stand up for himself. I also love Tate and what a good friend he really is. I really hope that someday we get to find out all about Tate and his future relationship.

 

View all my reviews Reading the Signs by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These are two men who have had their own struggles with who they are and how it fits into their careers. From the beginning they balance each other out and bring something positive. I like seeing the relationship develop. There are some tough moments in the book as they face things both together and separately and you can see their growth and strength in those moments.
I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed it.

View all my reviews The Lightkeeper's Love Affair by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very short but very sweet meet cute. The old one bed trope but done in a fun way. I also like this addition to the Mission City world.
I listened to the audio version and it was well done.

 

View all my reviews The List by B.L. Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how loving and caring Tommy is from the beginning of the story. His boss is also caring. Zane's story is so tragic as we find out what has happened. This is a sweet story. I also love the epilogue. I listened to the audio and it was well done.

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Weeks 7-11

 It's been a busy month.  Getting caught up on reviews. 

A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved the overall story and my rating is between 3.5 and 4 so I'm going with 4. I felt that the end of the story sort of jumped past things that felt like they were being set up through the rest of the book. We see Morrie seeking therapy but Scott says he is too. But we never get to see what he's concerned with. Does this have to do with his needing to have his space so neat? I think I would have felt more connected to Scott if we got a bit more of him and what he might be dealing with. But I was glad to see Morrie have the chance at a better life and I like how you see him working hard to improve himself.

View all my reviews My Only Reason by Leigh Lennon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. The first thing I did was create a Spotify playlist from the song the author listed in the front of the book. This story is such a sweet second change. There are so many fun moments between the two of them. I also love the wrap of this story. This was the first time I've read this author. I picked up the paperback at the Shameless Book Convention and I will definitely be reading more.
I picked up the audio version of the story and enjoyed the dual narration very much.

View all my reviews The Fall by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This two have a dramatic meet up and things seem to heat up. But there are some rough spots. Everett comes in not being happy about even being in town. There is also some mysteries to be solved. This helps bring Silas and Everett together. This is a great story of someone coming for a short stay and finding a reason to stay. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Omega from the Ocean by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is full of so many feels. There are big dramatic moments and sacrifices big and small as the tale unfolds. Jack yearns for a different life and Peter wants to hang on to what he is found. Their lives are also entwined with many other people and all play a part in the drama that occurs. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. I listened to the audio version and it did a good job of building the suspense.

View all my reviews My [Not So] Slutty Professor by D.K. Sutton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the reverse on the professor troupe where the student is the one with the experience and is leading his professor astray. Also, the fact that Reid and Maddie are nearly the same age. They also have great friends that have their back. It was fun to see the start and how they had to navigate carefully. I listened to the audio version and it was a fun listen.

View all my reviews Snuggleslut by Amy Bellows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evan is such a sweet guy trying to figure it out. Dimitri is a perfect match. I like how there could see there was a bond even though they felt like they had to sacrifice to hold on to other dreams. I also like the way Dimitri’s family helped them find a resolution to the problem. The love the way the story wraps up. This is a sweet story with low angst. I listened to the audio version and it was well done.

View all my reviews Kind Hearts at Christmas by Sue Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great collection of sweet holiday stories. Not all of them were my cup of tea but even those that weren’t my jam were still well written. I also like that most of the stories are romance there are a couple that really aren’t. This was a relaxing read and even though the holidays have passed I still enjoyed it very much.

 

View all my reviews Honeymoon for One by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ethan just wants to be married and to have the life his mother dreamed for him before her death. But things go sideways very quickly and he feels like everything is over. When he decides to go on his honeymoon alone his life take a turn for the better. I like how we see Clay treating him better than Ethan’s ex from the start. I also like how even though Clay is drawn to him we get to see his own internal struggles. I love the epilogue were everyone is having a wonderful life. I listened to the audio version and it was a great listen.

View all my reviews Santa's Little by Della Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the humor at the beginning of the story as Tannon realized the Christmas gig he has taken on. There is a draw to Rowan and it was great to see how patient he was and how he helped Tannon navigate something complete new. Their relationship was very sweet and they both got something really wonderful together.

 

View all my reviews A Little Pancake Day Party: A Holidays at Rawhide Ranch Story by Lucky Moon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is mostly a sweet story of princess who wants something different for herself and a strong man who can provide what she needs. But there were a couple of things that required a suspension of believe. One is her doctor’s prescription. Another was sometimes things that Zoe said didn’t seem like something a virgin would say even if she read a lot of romance books. Also, I couldn’t believe that Derek was kept in the dark and he allowed it when it could put the ranch and his employee at risk. Jaben is pretty solid guy but even then I think he takes things a bit fast when he knows Zoe had no real life experience in kink. I know that things move at a different pace in this series and I’ve enjoyed some stories better than others. This one fit well with the series overall and it does have a HEA.

View all my reviews Swept Away by Amy Bellows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is such a sweet cuddly story. I love the relationship Tru and Griff build together. It was great to see people not just accepting how their society says things have to be and are willing to create their own path to happiness. There are compromises on both sides but the relationship is the focus even when others give conflicting advise. Even when they don’t agree on something like fated mates they can understand that the how they got together isn’t as important as the why they want to be together. I just wanted to give them both a big hug. I hope we get to come back to this sweet little town and that other omega’s are going to break the mold and forge a new path for themselves.

View all my reviews The Gift of Believing by Abrianna Denae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this story and it's soft beginnings. We get to see two young men build first and friendship and then a romance. This story is short but packs in a lot of feelings. The epilogue really makes the story.

 

View all my reviews Lumberjack Under the Tree by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great second chance romance. These two really didn't get a chance when they were younger but now they have the chance to start over. I love how the book as a wrap up chapter at the end.



View all my reviews The Gift by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how these two men have started with a strong friendships. I love the fake relationship troupe. It is a time of change for Daniel and Julian is also growing a bit. I like how these two fit together. There are a couple of moments but they work things out and both come out better men.
I listened to the audio version and it was well done and enjoyable.

View all my reviews To Touch the Light by E.M. Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story has so much that the men have in their past which makes both of them reluctant to make a connection. But Mario really suddenly sees Viktor and the moment they have a moment things bloom quickly. There are so well together. I also love how effort Mario goes to make sure Vitya gets all that he needs. I really love the strong feelings that this story provokes.

View all my reviews The Two Stars Collision by Hayden Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story of two young men that seem very unlikely as a couple. They sort of fall into a fake relationship and then that's when the fun begins. They are working things out and dealing with other people's agenda. This story was fun to listen to.

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Week 6, 2023

 Getting this done on time.  But the next few weeks will be really busy so we'll see when things actually get posted after this.  

A Little Groundhog Day Gamble by Allie Belle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was a little bit disappointed we didn't get to see a groundhog inside Rawhide but the story was fun even without a naughty prank. I love the idea of old enemies having a second chance to do it again. I like that even though Darius wasn't really aware of what happened in the past he also took responsibility and apologized for his part. I'm glad that they were able to get past the past and start something new.

 

View all my reviews The Good Boy by Lisa Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how we got to see that Derek had his anger and upset about the situation at the beginning of the story. It really makes his change of heart seem like his feelings are very real. I also like how we get the chance to see Lane find his own strength. This story keeps you guessing about how things will turn out right until the end.
I listened to audio version and enjoyed it.

 

View all my reviews Galen's Redemption by Parker Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love the way that we see Galen grow and change throughout the story. I also like how he tried to make things right with people like his personal assistant that got fired. I also like that Robert gave him room to work through things in his own time. I also like that even though Robert is the "good guy" at the beginning we see that he is also human with some flaws of his own. This is a rich story and I enjoyed all the feels.
I listened to the audio version and I really enjoyed it.

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I also read a Christmas story from Ignite by Eloise East.  Even though I had read the story I still enjoy this Christmas short and will be checking out the series.  

Week 5 , 2023

 

A Brat for Kinkmas by J.P. Sayle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this story with mixed emotions. I loved the other two stories written by the same author in the world of Cuffd and I was looking forward to seeing the last friend get his story. BUT Mafia stories are usually not my jam. Also the first scene in the book is well brutal. But it was interesting to see Ziv examine his own ideas. I also like the way their interests really lined up. There are also some surprise that pop up in the story. Makes one wonder if Davidovic has his own story.

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

I love how the timing of the meeting is at just the right time for both men. Robert is finally starting to deal with his years old loss. Toby thinks he doesn't do relationships. But both of them are taken by surprise at the fit. This is the start of a new series and I can't wait for the rest of their stories.
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews A Little Christmas: Danny by Sue Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story explores the possibilities of a dark side of Daddy and Littles in a world where status is more important than the health and safety of a fellow human being no matter how they identify. Romeo seems to struggle himself with this dilemma but also limited by what Danny himself wanted to do. Things work out for them both in the end but there is still the hint of needing to be part of the in group. I give it 3.5 but rounded up to 4 because this story did fit in well with the whole series of Christmas stories.

View all my reviews A Little Christmas: Efren by Skyler Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At first you feel like why in the world would Efron just turn things over to his uncle since he's and adult but that is the nature of an abusive situation. It is what he has been conditioned to believe and been told that is what his father who he loved wanted. It was great to see Jackson tread so carefully and lead Efron toward seeing that there was alternatives to the way he was living. There is a very dramatic moment where the story takes the big turn and it was very exciting and tear provoking. This was a great story and love the way things turn out.

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