Saints & Sinner Books 2: Fever by Devon McCormack

 

Saints & Sinners Book 2

ALEXEI

Before I came to St. Lawrence University, I didn't believe in magic.

Now I'm desperate to get my hands on a spell, even at the expense of lying to my friends.

It's not something I'm proud of, but I have my reasons.

Enter the charming, carefree Matteo Baros, who—unfortunately for both of us—becomes suspicious of me.

I expect him to rat me out.

Instead, maybe because he's such a stand-up guy, he offers to help me with a spell.

Not just any spell—a sex spell.

Not really something two straight guys can manage easily, but we find a way, and what should've been a nightmare turns into a feverish night of passion.

But there are consequences for our actions.

The spell ignites a sequence of events neither of us could have anticipated, and as the intensity of this fever between us mounts, we find ourselves caught in a war between rival covens, battling sinister forces from another realm that threaten to wreak havoc upon our world.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223662174-fever

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Alexei didn’t believe in magic before coming to St. Lawrence University, but that has changed once he sees things that can’t be explained. What’s more, he needs magic right now if he is going to find answers he is desperately seeking. So he agrees to spy for a group called the Saints to find out what another group, the Sinners, are up to. But months of this, spying on those he would call his friends, and things not adding up, he can’t help but wonder if he is on the wrong side. So when he tries to press for some sort of answers if the Saints will get him answers and comes back with nothing, well it’s time to take matters into his own hands. He just didn’t expect Matteo to be watching him so closely. Or for Matteo to be the one who cares enough to help him. Matteo has noticed something off with Alexei more and more lately and just when he thinks he has figured it out, turns out he is pretty wrong. And what he sees is Alexei needing some help and his protective instincts kick in. He won’t stand by and let Alexei get hurt. Even if it means performing sort of sex spell together to do it. But one night sparks a sequence of events they never saw coming. This bigger than anything and they’ll have to figure out who to trust. Add in the fact that their connection may be way more than friends. Something they never thought could happen with them. So much to unpack in this story! And it leaves us definitely wanting more after that crazy ending. I liked getting to know Matteo and Alexei as they find their way to the Sinners’ group. Things are coming together but we still are left with so many questions! I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Longwood U Book 4: Just for Christmas by Crea Reitan

Longwood U Book 4

It’s only temporary holiday magic

Brent

Life has taught me not to get attached to anyone because they’ll only let you down but I can’t stop myself from falling in love with my roommate and frat brother the moment we meet. It’s been three years and not only do I secretly pine for him, but now he’s also my very best friend. My first real friend.

Nothing can possibly go wrong when I agree to be his fake boyfriend for the holidays, right? I know I’m putting my heart on the line but it’ll just be a bit of hand-holding. My heart can survive that…

Rafe

I know my mother will get off my back about settling down if I bring home a partner so I recruit my best friend into becoming my fake boyfriend. It’ll be fun, easy, and a great holiday without all the subtle hints from my parents.

One kiss under the mistletoe changes everything and the childhood make believe suddenly morphs into so much more. There’s only one problem - this arrangement is only for Christmas and then we’re back to being only friends when we return to school.

I didn’t plan to fall in love with Brent Mitchell… I don’t know what to do now that he’s acting like I don’t exist.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240137042-just-for-christmas

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Brent is used to spending the holidays alone. Kicked out of his home when he was seventeen for being gay, he hasn’t seen his parents since. He had an elderly aunt who took him in, but she is now in assisted living. And he has an ex-uncle who he speaks to on occasion. So for Christmas, he expects to do what he always does. Stay at the dorms. But his roommate and best friend have other plans for him. Rafe never realized Brent’s family situation. He feels like an awful friend for now only seeing that Brent avoided the subject and for good reason, but he is going to make it up to Brent now. He’ll bring Brent home for Christmas to be spoiled and loved by his very big family. And before they leave Rafe comes up with a bit of a crazy idea. His mom has been especially pushy about settling down and no matter how much Rafe tells her no, she won’t hear him. So he asks Brent to he fake boyfriend for the holidays. For Brent, it’s a bit of torture. Having a crush on his best friend for a long time but never realizing that Rafe’s sexuality could swing his way. So how in the world can he keep his crush in line? And when Rafe kisses Brent for the first time, he never expects the wake up call it gives him about his best friend. These two are about to have an interesting holiday. Loved this story! I loved that Brent could finally get that full experience of what it was like to have a family around him. And it was extra special that it was a family of someone he cared about so much. I also just loved that they kind of woke up to realize what was in front of them all along. It made their love story so much sweeter to go from friends to more. Even though they were unsure if they pretending or not as the holiday went on. A really great story all around! Longwood U is proving to be a favorite of mine and I can’t wait to see who’s story is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Inheritance Games Book 0.5: The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Inheritance Games Book 0.5

Read her side of the story, then flip the book over to experience their love anew through his eyes in this novel that you can read backward or forward.

Hannah Rooney knows how to be invisible. At twenty, she keeps her head down and her eyes open, and so far, she’s managed to avoid being pulled into the dealings of her notorious criminal family. Hannah lives her life in countdown mode, biding her time in nursing school as she waits for her beloved sister, Kaylie, to turn eighteen so Hannah can get them both far, far away from Rockaway Watch and start a new life. 

Tobias Hawthorne II acts every inch the entitled heir that he is. As the only son of one of the country's richest men, there isn't a door that isn't open to him. Yet behind his razor sharp cheekbones and devil-may-care attitude, Toby is guarding a nest of deadly secrets and a fiery anger fierce enough to burn everything in his path.

Their lives collide in one tragic, stormy night, where an act of arson and nature leave Kaylie and two others dead and Toby just barely alive--with no memory of who he is. The fisherman who pulls him from the ocean enlists Hannah to help save the very person who she knows took away her sister. Fueled by her hatred, Hannah is determined to deny Toby's death wish by keeping him alive. He is the last person that she should ever develop feelings for, and she is the first thing he ever remembers seeing.

*Hannah’s side of the story was previously published as a novella in Games Untold.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228646235-the-same-backward-as-forward

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Toby and Hannah may not get a happily ever after with one another, but their love story is still worth telling. Read both sides of their love story in this latest addition to the Inheritance Games series! Hannah’s story we’ve already seen in Games Untold. We saw her pain and anger as she saved the boy who is part of the reason her sister is dead. She refuses to let him die and cares for him through the burns and the missing memories. All the while, they fall in love. And now we get Toby’s side. Toby who wakes to pain and agony and no memories. But he just sees her. The girl with eyes that hold everything he needs even though he doesn’t know it yet. And though he wants to give in to the pain and feel it no more, she won’t let him go. And in doing so, she makes him fall for her a little more each day. I loved reading his side of the story. We get a lot more about what was going on with him during that time and after and why some decisions to stay away were made. I will also say that I think this series should be read in publishing order. Toby’s story revealed some things that you will recognize after reading the later books, especially Glorious Rivals. Another great addition to this series that only makes it more interesting and puzzling. And I can’t wait to see where this series finally takes us as we come to the end.

Inheritance Games Book 6: Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Inheritance Games Book 6

Millions, hearts, and lives are on the line in this heart-stopping sequel to The Grandest Game by #1 bestselling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Seven players arrived on Hawthorne Island, each with their own secrets and motivations to win the Grandest Game. Millions are at stake, but so are hearts—and lives. The players now must race to win the game, solve myriad mysteries, and survive the twists and turns of Glorious Rivals. 

The stakes get higher, the game gets twistier, and everything heats up in this newest installment in the TikTok sensation Inheritance Games Saga.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216635092-glorious-rivals

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s amazing how with this series I pick up the latest book and then just don’t put it down. I have to read them in one sitting, no matter how long. We have returned to the Grandest Game and the stakes continue to get higher and higher. While we have a few player gone from the island, another, Gigi, has been kidnapped. Though no one seems to realize that just yet. The rest, Lyra, Grayson, Rohan, Savannah, and Brady continue to play. All have a reason to win and another reason to take someone out the running. The only one not looking to win is Grayson. And that’s because he is determined to keep Lyra safe. But turns out his family is still in danger and he needs some answers. Some from his brother who has been keeping quite a secret. In the story the game will finally end, but leave us with some big problems. As always, I love the puzzles in this series. It’s always fun to try to figure it out alongside the characters. Also, just when you get some answers to what is going on, a bunch of other things turn up that leave you with more questions. The series always keeps you on your toes, the characters are always interesting, and stakes just get higher. I can’t wait to see how everything finally ends! One more book to go and I think it’s going to be pretty insane. 

A Very Merry Anthology

 

My Review: 4/5 Stars

The Castle by Hannah McBride

This short holiday story was very cute! Kailah and Vane met when they were kids in foster care. Though they only got to know one another for a few months, they never forgot one another. Not even twenty years later when they are reunited. Stranded at Vane’s family hotel because of the snowstorm, they reconnect and realize that this connection between them could be so much more if they are brave enough to take it. A sweet holiday romance story! I ended up loving these two and wished it could have been a whole book! But their story was utterly very sweet and magical. A perfect way to celebrate the holidays!

Promises, Promises Book 0.5: Promised Adventure by Rye Cox

Promises, Promises Book 0.5

Wren is off on his next adventure, but a vehicle malfunction leaves him stranded outside the property of someone who might take him on the adventure of a lifetime.

This is a Promises, Promises short story prequel that takes place before the start of the series. You can obtain this short at no cost by signing up to Rye’s newsletter on release date.

This was previously published as part of A Safe Space Charity Anthology.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234813436-promised-adventure

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This was a fun short story prequel to the Promises, Promises series! We’ve seen Wren and Jordan in the series and knew they were together, but now we get to see how that happened! When Wren is on the way to his next adventure, his van breaks down leaving him stranded. Lucky for him, Jordan spots him on his way home and his house is very close. Jordan has been feeling like something is missing and just can’t put a name to what that is. Then he meets Wren and things are starting to make sense. Their connection is instant and they take a leap of faith to what will lead them to a happy ending. A short sweet story for you to enjoy before diving fully into this series!

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 3: Boyfriend Without Benefits by Riley Hart

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 3

Anthony

I’m the last single member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, and I have no plans to change that.

I’m fulfilled with my work at the club, dance classes, yoga, and the Exes. Plus, I’ve been extremely preoccupied with one Kason Maddox, the LA Rebels’ goalie. Let’s just say that since we’ve become friends, my eyes might drift in his general direction a little too much. But it’s only looking. And looking never harmed anyone…

Eventually, our texting sessions lead to dinners out and ending our nights watching our favorite shows. But when the paparazzi catch sight of us and the photos go viral, I suddenly find out I’ve had a boyfriend and didn’t know—a boyfriend without the benefits. And I’m thinking we should reconsider the benefits in this relationship if we are going to be in one.

Kason

So…I thought we were dating. Turns out, the guy I was dating had no idea that’s what we were doing. Friend-zoned without even knowing it. Cool. The equivalent of taking a puck to the face.

But due to an innocent little photo or two, now everyone thinks we’re together, so we have three 

1- Stop hanging out to silence the rumors.

2- Hang out as friends and ignore the gossip blogs.

3- Start dating—and both of us are aware of said dating this time.

I know which one I’m rooting for. And if I have to use a little dirty talk and some praise to shift things in my favor, I’m game.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231388288-boyfriend-without-benefits

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Anthony’s story has arrived! The last member of the Jilted Exes’ Club finally gets his happy ending and he more than deserves it. Anthony didn’t have an easy childhood. He learned the lesson early that those who are supposed to love you, leave you. So he’s done his best to keep his distance. And when he tried to open up, he was burned. So he’s done. Though he has to admit if it wasn’t for the lying and cheating Malcolm, he wouldn’t have met Hayes and Donovan. And those two have become his best friends. But even them he won’t tell all his secrets to. And he’s been busy anyway with work and dancing and then this new developing friendship with Kason Maddox. Anthony will admit, the goalie is super attractive but if it is between keeping his friendship intact or ruining if they ever hook up, he’ll stay friends. At least, that’s what he thinks. Meanwhile, Mads is crazy about Anthony. The more time they talk or spend together, the harder he falls. He has been loving to get to know him and finally asks Anthony out. He thinks everything is going great. They are casually dating and getting to know one another and Mads is sure he won’t scare Anthony away considering what the guy has been through. But then when pictures pop up of them together and announcing to the world they are boyfriends, turns out they were telling Anthony too. It takes Anthony a moment to put together that Mads and him… are boyfriends just without benefits. So what happens if they actually get to the benefits part? Turns out it’s the gateway to their happy ending. If Anthony is brave enough to take the first step. I adored these two! It was especially cute to see that they were definitely acting like they were dating but Anthony was clueless. But once they cleared it up, they were absolutely adorable together. I really loved getting to know both of these characters and watch them fall in love. It was a great way to end this series! Mads is so crazy about Anthony and I loved that he was determined to prove to Anthony just how much he cared. Swoon! So cute and you definitely don’t want to miss this!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.