Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Week 6 Reviews

A Perfect Christmas (The Den; Wolf's Mate)A Perfect Christmas by Kiki Burrelli
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had already read the books in the series but I still enjoyed it and now I have more books to add to my wish list.

View all my reviews The Omega's Krampus ChristmasThe Omega's Krampus Christmas by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this story. There is so much caring and love in the story. I also love the way things work out for everyone. I love Thea who is such a wonderful little girl. This story is full of all the wonderful holiday feels. So even though it is now February I really enjoyed this Christmas love story.

View all my reviews Your Only Fan (A Proper Education #3)Your Only Fan by Rhys Everly


It was interesting to see Ezra going through figuring out feelings for two people. Isaac definitely add the advantage in this situation. I like their interaction right up until the end of the story. It was very fulfilling story.
I listened to audio version and it was very well done.

View all my reviews His Boy to Treasure (Naughty or Nice Season Two)His Boy to Treasure by Susan Hawke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very sweet story. This book doesn't really have sex in it. This was more about the slow build of the relationship between these two men. I like that they had met up in person and then on the app and they felt drawn to each other. It was great that the me up let them get it all together.

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Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Week 5 Reviews

Bound to Fight (The Blueridge Junction Boys #3)Bound to Fight by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful classic enemies to lover story with friends thrown in to make it work. I love the intensity between Kennedy and Cody. I like how they really committed once the decision was made. I also like the chance to see how this whole community really does respond well to all the BJ boys. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews One Call Away (Soulmates, #2)One Call Away by Felice Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story starts with lots of angst. Oren has so much that he is holding onto in his life. I love the preemies that it was to be a joke but it started him on the journey to self acceptance. Noah also has things he needs to face and I like how as much as Noah helped Oren, Oren was helping right back. I love how we got to see the families processed truths as well.
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews His Boy to Tease (Naughty or Nice Season Two)His Boy to Tease by J.P. Sayle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Smitty is such a wonderful man who has been hurting for a long time time. He sees Jesse and it wakens something in him but he needs to think things through. I love the role the friends play in getting them together. I like how you can see Smithy having to learn to care for his boy without being overbearing. Jesse is honest about his needs but also stands up for himself.

View all my reviews Saving the Omega's ChristmasSaving the Omega's Christmas by G.S. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such an interesting plot. Two men who's only connection is their ex's running off together. Dimitri has been managing on his own and has more hurt feelings toward Levi. But as these men spend time together their feelings just take off. I love the side story of building family each other. The epilogue was such a wonderful surprise. Wonderful holiday story.

View all my reviews A Nest for Eli (Alaskan Pebble Gifters, #6)A Nest for Eli by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is so much power in this story. It really focus on the couple but of course there is some interaction with the past characters. I love the strength of the bond between Eli and Maxium. Each brings out more from the other. I also love the way they are able to move forward as a couple and other positive changes for many.
I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed it.

View all my reviews Santa's Mr. ClausSanta's Mr. Claus by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is full of Christmas magic from a shifter is feels he is in over his head to Santa learning his job. And of course when these two come together there is love and a lots of great fun wrapped up in the magic of the season.

View all my reviews His Boy To Restore (Naughty or Nice Season Two)His Boy To Restore by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is story of two men who have their faults and weakness. I like how their relationship develops on two fronts and without realizing it. Each way their encounter each other actually reveals all the parts of themselves even when they think there are keeping secret. There is a crisis points that brings tears to the eyes. I really love how this story resolves itself. It also gives some really good lessons on how to view the mental health struggle of those who truly have OCD and aren't just perfectionists.

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Sunday, January 30, 2022

Week 4 - Reviews

His Boy to Hold (Naughty or Nice Season Two)His Boy to Hold by G.R. Lyons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the how as the reader we can see the irony in the story as they two men come together. I really love the relationship between these two. I also loved Everett's brother Laurie and hope some day he gets his own story. This was a wonderful story of two men meant to be together.

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I also read the Bonus Scene that is available at the end of the book and it was a wonderful wrap up to the story.  You see how well their new life together is working.  You can also see that things aren't going as well for the "bad guy".


Daddy ClausDaddy Claus by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the simple way that Donny and Grant get together. They just seem to be made for each other and are a good fit. Donavan knows himself and can take care of himself but yet having a Daddy makes his life so much more. Grant is a great and caring man and is ready to give Donny what he needs.

View all my reviews Gifted (Hammer Club Book 44)Gifted by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the fact you can see that both Brett and Tuck have been someone interested in the other person. I also love how Oliver steps in to make the meet up happen. These two are well suited for each other. This is a kinder, gentler couple but it fits them so well. This was a fun Christmas story. I happy to see the Hammer Club back and am very satisfied with the Hammer 2.0 reboot.

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Sunday, January 23, 2022

Week 3 - Reviews

Daddy's Little Christmas (Secret Santa Daddy)Daddy's Little Christmas by Della Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story about caring and attraction. Both Alaric and Bridge have been thinking about the other one and what a relationship could be like. Alaric has been caring for his boss all along. I really like the fun way things really come to a head with them. It was also kind of neat the big reveal happens about half was through the book so we get to see them develop as a couple. A fun story and a great addition to the Secret Santa collection.

View all my reviews The Medic’s Little GirlThe Medic’s Little Girl by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a sweet story of a little girl finding her special daddy. I love how River is able to make friends with the other littles in the story. I think Doniphan should have been a bit more patient at first as she was figuring things out but they do get it worked out. I love the happy story.
I listened to the audio version and it was a lot of fun.

View all my reviews A Daddy of the HeartA Daddy of the Heart by Dakota Trace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It had been so long since I preorder the book and finally got around to reading it that I completely forgot the plot of the story so the tragedy kind of took me my surprise. I love how Eli can be strong but that he still needs Williem's car. I also like how we get to see that Daddy's sometimes need care as well. This story is all about caring for your family and what the true meaning of family is. I also love the peek of Williem's parents they are so sweet and such a good example of how to have it all.

View all my reviews Finding ElliottFinding Elliott by R.J. Moray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The reason I gave this book a 3.0 rating instead of a 4.0 is because the ending implies where the relationships might be headed but personally as a reader I like it to be more clear exactly where everyone stands. I came to care about this guys and I'm not sure I am completely satisfied that everyone is getting everything they need. But the story is well written and draws you in with the need and pain.

View all my reviews A Cozy Little ChristmasA Cozy Little Christmas by Laylah Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how Cullen and Ivy are perfect for each other but neither one can see it. I loved Ivy and her gnomes. Cullen has such a caring streak. This was a fun a sweet holiday story.

View all my reviews Not Just For ChristmasNot Just For Christmas by J.J. Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The beginning of the story took a bit to get through as you go back between both men's back story but as they story moves forward you understand more why there is so much to their back story. The story really moves quickly once their stories intersect. I love the way these two fit together. This was a wonderful story of two men enhancing each other's life.

View all my reviews The Promise (Lost in New York, #2)The Promise by Felice Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is a wonderful second chance story. Both men are angry at the other and both have their reasons from their perspective of events. Of course it is never that simple and a lot of truths come to the surface. But they begin the journey of reconnecting with neither one has all the facts. I also like that even when truths come out both men are also willing to admit their own failings. It is also a story that examines the idea that the course of their lives could have been completely different and how they relate now would not have been the same if they hadn't had the years apart. I love the development of the characters and love their friends and family and what they add to the story.
I listened to audio version and it was very well done.

View all my reviews Mr. Naughty & Mr. Nice (Secret Santa Daddy)Mr. Naughty & Mr. Nice by Joe Satoria
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had mixed feeling on this story. I love the idea of the story. Someone finding two daddies so that all their needs can get met. Gram was a hoot and such a fun side character. But where things got a bit muddle was that individual Colby does some things that are a bit wrong and heavy handed but yet he seems to not be hugely ambitious. James seems like a very caring daddy yet isn't really very assertive when confronted by Colby's behavior. They make such a deal about Colby and James kind of having something but it didn't work out. So the idea that these two didn't work as a couple but with Layton helps to make it work for all of them. But again it seem to go very quickly from we have a problem with each other to all is wonderful. So overall it turns out with a HEA but it seem to be a bit bumpy to get there.

View all my reviews Waiting for Daddy ChristmasWaiting for Daddy Christmas by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how this story evolves. We see Noah's morning morning and as the story unfolds we are given different ideas about his grief and we understand more about why he wanted to be alone. I love they way Cruz connects with Noah and is willing to go the extra mile to make his stay special. These two are so cute together and makes a wonderful holiday story.

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Sunday, January 16, 2022

Week 2 Reviews

Another week of listening and reading. Real (Lost Red Wolves #2)Real by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is full of so much heart. It is an emotional read as you are pulled into both Buddy and H's past. There are both so caring and willing to sacrifice. I love the justice in the story that lets the characters still be their true selves. I love this story very much.
I listened to the audio version and it was very well done.

View all my reviews The Arrangement (Soulmates, #1)The Arrangement by Felice Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story has some feelings and both men think they have a reason for keeping most of themselves hidden away. I also like how neither man realized how strong they are and how much they have overcome. You also realize that both men are caring people. It seems natural that once both men relaxed their hold on their feelings that things would happen fast. I also loved getting to meet Carter's brother. A very heartening story.
Listened to the audio version and it was very well done.

View all my reviews The Best GiftThe Best Gift by Eli Easton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is so much pain for both Greg and Robbie in the grief they are dealing with. As a reader I think I clue about other connections there were but it was interesting to see how everything unfolded between these men. I also really appreciated the supporting cast of the story. They contributed a realness and sweetness to the story. I also love the final chapter that gives you a wrap up that is such a wonderful way to end the story.

View all my reviews Me Three (A Proper Education #2)Me Three by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just love Tru and I love the way their influence was a wonderful edition to Carter and Everette's life. It is a case that everyone wins. This story moves quickly but it still feels real. I also love the last chapter that really brings it all together.
I listened to the audio version it was well done and enjoyable.

View all my reviews Socks for an OtterSocks for an Otter by Posy Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love how this book tells a wonderful story and yet also lets you see the truth of being homeless and in need. It gives a face and a heart. The idea of sweep has always seemed wrong but to see it from the perspective of characters I have come to care about really brings home the unfairness. This is a book of course so HEA in lots of different ways which makes for a good read but doesn't leave you feeling like you understand that the reality is much more stark.

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Sunday, January 9, 2022

New Year Off with a Holiday Flair

 

The Geek Who Saved ChristmasThe Geek Who Saved Christmas by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love how this starts out as let me give you and hand. And then turns into so much more. Their relationship builds as they spend time together and it feels wonderful and natural. I also like that both men worried that the other one was just in it for the moment. I love the way this story turns out.

View all my reviews Fairy DaddyFairy Daddy by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this story and I'm glad I knew going in that there was another book coming out. This story focuses on the building relationship between Gray, Rev, and Chris. They are exploring their interests and each other. I like that there is hope at the end of the story that something may work out for these three.
I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Baby and the Panther (Shifter Rescue #2)Baby and the Panther by Victoria Sue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the idea that these two men know the truth but Marco is all about keeping everyone else safe. There is so much in this story and only part of it centers around the relationship to the main characters. In fact even their relationship is brought along by the things happening around them. There are some really tense moments in the story. It keep me on the edge of my seat until the end.
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews One Trick Pony (Clyde's Corner #3)One Trick Pony by Eli Easton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love all the feels in this story. I love how these two men in some ways seem to see themselves as less than and not worthy. But the beauty of the story is that each brings out the best in the other. I also like the fact that Henry is already in the business of reinventing himself before Micah or anyone else comes along. I also like the idea that towns people are real as in some of them want to see you as a better person and others will never change. I also love how the dramatic crisis isn't what brings them together it just enhances what was already starting.
I listened to the audio version and it was very well done.

View all my reviews The Christmas Oaks (Laurel Holidays #1)The Christmas Oaks by V.L. Locey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is full of strong emotions. You have the opportunity to think about the effects of both how rejection as a teen can effect a person and the invisible wounds of veterans. Both men connect in a large way but have to deal with the baggage they both brought to the cabin. I loved the ending it was wonderful and satisfying. It wasn't your usually light Christmas fall in love story but a story of recovering and the hard work it takes to move forward.

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Friday, December 31, 2021

2021 Reader Statistics

 Well I have decided to call a wrap on 2021.  Even if I finish up the book I am reading now I wouldn't get it log in until tomorrow anyway so here is a look at 2021 by the numbers.  

My real book totals never match up with my Good Read or Amazon numbers because Amazon only counts those books you got through them and Good Read doesn't count some of the freebies and things you might download through author links but I count them for my total.  I only count actually books so if it is a box set it only counts as one not the total books in the box set.  

So all together for both read and listened to is 278 books.  

Number of pages is 20, 823

Amount of time is 923 hours and 52 minutes.

I visited 18 states and 5 countries.  

I read books from 68 series.  

I am now working on my books read ornament.  Next year I will work on it through out the year so it won't be as big a project.  





So how does this compare with my 2020 totals.  

Total book count went up from 240 so I read or listened to 38 more books.  

My page count went down this year from 26,765 for almost 6000 fewer pages.  

But my listening time almost doubled from last years numbers of 559 hours and 35 minutes.  This is because I started listening to audio book during my morning walk which adds almost an hour a day.  

I visited few states this year with the 24 states last year but the number of countries remained the same.  

The number of series was about the same with 65 for 2020.  


So what are my reading plans for 2022.  Well I still have lots of Christmas books left to read so I will continue to push through those until MLK Day.  When I will mix them with the series and no holiday romances in my TBR pile.  

I figure most of my stats will remain pretty much the same as 2021 since work and things should all remain the same.  

Since I mostly read MM genre books I have decided to enter a few of the MM Good Reads groups annual challenges so Title, Author, Character Names, and the 50 states.  We'll see how I do.