Stonefire Dragons Universe Book 5: Protecting Seahaven by Jessie Donovan

 

Stonefire Dragons Universe Book 5

When Dr. Emily Davies is invited to visit Clan Seahaven in Scotland, she jumps at the chance to get away from Stonefire and her heartbreak at Trahern Lewis mating someone else. However, as soon as she arrives, their head of security starts barking orders and riling her up. Determined to ignore him, she focuses on her research. However, when she learns the dragon hunters have a bounty on her head, she has no choice but to pose as the irritating dragonman’s girlfriend for her protection. She moves in with him, and the more time they spend together, the more she sees a different side to him. Regardless, Emily is determined to protect her heart, no matter how much she wishes for someone to simply want her.

Cameron Alexander is protective of his clan, especially since they were banished from Clan Lochguard years ago for having human mates or parents. With his team on high alert because of recent dragon hunter sightings, the last thing he wants to do is protect an outsider. However, once he learns his enemy wants to kidnap her, he has no choice but to amp up security and pose as her pretend boyfriend. What he didn’t expect was to feel a pull toward her and want to win her for real.

As the two dance around each other, danger strikes and it’s up to Emily to rescue Cam. Will she be able to use her knowledge to save him? Or, will the dragon hunters win and steal the dragonman she wants a future with?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253723261-protecting-seahaven

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Emily gets an invitation to Clan Seahaven to continue her research to help dragons against the dragon hunters, she jumps at the chance. Partly because her research is everything to her, but another part is to run away. There was a time she had hoped her best friend had feelings for her became clear he did not when he mates someone else. She needs a little space. And she is quickly distracted when Seahaven’s head Protector is quick to rile her up. He sparks something in her she didn’t realize she was missing. But she won’t let his attitude stop her from doing her job. But when she learns that the dragon hunters have a bounty on her head, Cam is there to protect her. And it leads they to posing as a fake couple in order to protect her at all times. But it isn’t long until fake dating starts to feel so much more real. For Cam, he has been wary of human women given his past. And he isn’t looking for a mate. But being around Emily slowly chips away his former feelings. Because seeing who she is? How can he not develop feelings for a woman like her. But danger is still around the corner and he will do whatever it takes to protect Emily. Loved this story! These two were fun to watch them banter. Both have been hurt in the past and it was nice to see them heal together and find a partner in one another. It’s always fun being back in this world, and it was just another great addition to the universe as a whole!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Evergreen University Book 1: Blitz’d by Lee McCormick & RS McKenzie

 

Evergreen University Book 1

Zander

Kissing my rival shouldn’t have felt so good.

Finding out my girlfriend has been cheating on me for months makes me do something crazy: kiss my rival to make her jealous. I wasn’t supposed to like kissing Kerian Slade. He’s a psycho who demands things of me…things I shouldn’t want. But there’s something about Kerian that draws me in, and now that I’m caught in his web, he won’t let me go.

Kerian

The number one rule: don’t care about people.

Caring is a distraction, and emotions are messy… and messy is something I hate. Which is why I’m confused when the messiest player I’ve ever met—my rival—kisses me and turns my world on its head. Zander Braithe is sweet, emotional, and straight. That doesn’t stop him from coming back for more, and that doesn’t stop me from realizing I’ll burn the world down to make him mine.

Blitz'd is a dark themed MM romance between two rival football quarterbacks and a kiss that changes everything. It contains high heat, unexpected sweetness and a possessive quarterback that thinks stalking is a love language and a NFL hopeful that wants to love him despite his initial misgivings.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223399381-blitz-d

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Zander finds out his girlfriend has been cheating on him for months with one of his teammates right before their game against their rival school, he may do something a bit impulsive. Like kiss his biggest rival, the opposing quarterback. The kiss was just to make his now ex-girlfriend jealous. It wasn’t supposed to be the best kiss of his life. Or spark something in Kerian either. Because Kerian won’t let him go now. Now after that. And turns out, Zander doesn’t mind one bit. Kerian keeps everyone at a distance. But the moment Zander kisses him, he knows he is in trouble. And for someone like him, he can’t walk away that easily. Zander is his now and he won’t let him go. I really enjoyed this darker mm romance. I loved that Zander at first may have been confused to his reaction to Kerian but it doesn’t take him long to accept himself and realize that his feelings for Kerian are real. He puts his whole heart into it. And Kerian needs someone like that. And Kerian is definitely that bit of crazy, little violent, but super protective of those he calls his. And there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for Zander. A good story all around!

Storm Season Book 1: Don’t Fall by EM Lindsey

 

Storm Season Book 1

That’s it. My neighbor has to die. There’s no other way around it. The man must be killed—and I’ll even find a way to do it gently, but this cannot go on.

Okay, maybe I’m a bit dramatic, but living next to my brother’s best friend who decided to befriend crows who spend all week spreading garbage across my lawn is not I signed up for.

I wanted quiet.

I wanted peace.

I wanted to stop fantasizing about the gorgeous man I couldn’t stand.

Unfortunately for me, North is a big presence with an annoyingly sunny smile and a way of making life sound like it’s worth living. And as a widower who wants to spend the rest of my life wallowing, the last person I want around is one who makes me question my new life’s purpose.

But these feelings can’t be real, can they? I had my great love, and I lost him. So that’s supposed to be it for me.

Isn’t that the way things go?

I can’t seem to stay away from North, even when I know I should. And when he starts to make me feel like maybe there’s another happily ever after out there, I find that as cautious as I’ve taken each step, I’m on the verge of falling once more.

Don’t Fall is the first book in the small town, enemies to lovers, heavy yearning, MM romance series, Storm Season. It features a virgin EMT whose smile is hiding a lot of things, a disgruntled, grieving writer who just wants solid sleep and a good meal, neighborhood crows wreaking havoc, cooking lessons, hurt/comfort, and a toe-curling happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250603341-don-t-fall

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

North has spent most of his life trying to take care of his family. He has scars, physical and emotional, to show just how much he has been through. Working at the fire station was never his dream. But it gave him a steady career to take care of him mom and sisters after everything his stepdad put them through. And the guys at the station mean everything to him as well and he finds himself taking care of them when he can. But even he can admit he gets lonely. And the one guy who sparks something in him, is the same guy North keeps putting his foot in his mouth about. Leo. His best friend’s younger brother. Leo has his own set of trauma. Him and his husband were in a horrible accident six years ago that resulted in Leo’s husband’s death, and many physical damages to Leo as well. Especially when it involves his brain and he can get seizures. He thought moving into a house he liked near his brother would not only give him space but show he can be independent. Except when he learns North is his neighbor, he is anything but happy. Turns out, these two have quite the misunderstandings about one another. And what they think is hate is anything but. And when they finally talk and acknowledge the attraction brewing between them, well it might be the thing that both have been looking for all along. Absolutely loved this story! A great start to this series which included a bunch of characters I desperately want books for. I really loved getting to know North and Leo. Both have been through quite a lot. And while their traumas are different, they also do understand one another at the same time. It was sweet for them to finally get out of their own way and find the happiness they both more than deserve. Really can’t wait to see what book two brings us!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

False Start by Regina Kyle

 

When the race ends, the real heat begins.

Kip Carmichael knows exactly how this is supposed to do the job, keep it professional, don’t get attached. Especially not to someone like Hutch.

Tire gunner, menace, walking bad decision.

He’s grease-streaked hands and a crooked grin, the kind of guy who says whatever he wants and somehow gets away with it. The kind of guy Kip definitely doesn’t have time for.

Until a grounded flight and a spectacular run of bad luck strand them together somewhere in rural Germany with one run-down van, two beds (barely), and way too many hours to kill.

Somewhere between missed exits, questionable motels, and songs neither of them will admit to liking, the lines start to blur. What was supposed to be temporary starts to feel … not.

Which is a problem.

Because the paddock has eyes. Because Kip has rules. Because Hutch doesn’t do careful, and Kip doesn’t do this.

But the thing about bad decisions?

Sometimes they’re the only ones that feel right.

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Kip likes to be organized and know exactly what is coming next. Kind of has to be considering his job. So when him and Hutch get stuck together in a round of bad luck on their way to their next destination for work, well he is barely hanging on by a thread. Especially when Hutch is his opposite. Goes with the flow and easily adapts to every situation. And as much as Hutch may infuriate Kip…he is also very attracted to Hutch. Being in close quarters with one another gives them a chance to get to know one another more. And maybe, opposites really do attract. This was a cute novella set in the Faster world! I loved Kip and Hutch’s dynamic. They had great chemistry and banter. And despite being pretty different, they actually balanced one another really well. A fun story all around!

The Firm Book 3: Vigilant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

 

The Firm Book 3

As the eldest brother and leader of The Firm, I take my responsibilities very seriously. There’s nothing I won’t do to keep my family safe. Staying vigilant, always thinking ten steps ahead, and holding the pieces of my life together with steady hands. Control is everything, because if I loosen my grip for even a moment, the darkness I’ve buried inside will claw its way free.

Everything is stable. Predictable. Safe.

Until Neo.

He’s a distraction I can’t afford but a temptation I can’t seem to ignore. My darkness is drawn to him; it wants to be set free.

And as our enemies close in, Neo becomes the one variable I can’t control… and the one risk I find myself wanting to take. Because for the first time, surrendering to the dark doesn’t feel like weakness.

It feels a lot like love.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243961834-vigilant

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Wylder is the eldest brother. The one always in control. The one who suffered the most by their father’s hands because there was no one around to protect him. But he would do everything in his power to protect his brothers. But his control is tested when Neo walks into his life. Neo who loves to get under Wylder’s skin in every way possible. Who is looking to unleash the monster that lurks inside of Wylder, caged by sheer force of will. Wylder may say he hates Neo’s pranks and distractions, but then why doesn’t he put a firm stop to it? Why does he…look for Neo every chance he gets? For Neo, he has grown up with the idea that no one wants him and that everyone will leave him. Putting his heart on the line is never an option. But Wylder and his family make him want to take a chance. To have some hope that Wylder may stick around for him. They may start off a bit rocky, but it’s only a matter of time until something snaps between them. And it will be everything. I loved these two! You got hints of something happening in the last book and it is everything you would expect and more. So much chaos when Neo is involved. I love that he broke Wylder’s walls down one by one. That he was determined to unleash the monster inside of Wylder if it meant seeing the real him. Watching these two get to know one another and break down each other’s walls, was great. Watching them fall hard for one another, even better. I am absolutely loving this series! We got a hint of who is up next and gotta say I’m a bit surprised considering the obvious pairs, but I cannot wait to see what happens next!

The Firm Book 2: Deviant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

 

The Firm Book 2

In my defense, this is all Brad’s fault.

I had one very important job: kidnap Brad.

I’ve never kidnapped someone before but how hard could it be? Find Brad. Snatch Brad. Deliver Brad to the very scary people who hold my fate in their hands.

So when a handsome, flirty stranger at the bar drops his name, I think my luck has finally turned. No chase. No fight. The man practically throws himself in my trunk, smiling like it’s a treat to be taken, like he wants me to have him.

The only problem? “Brad,” the charming and slightly unhinged man I’ve been keeping hostage for days, may be the most dangerous man of all.

Now I’m knee-deep in a life of crime I never signed up for. Tangled up with a man I never meant to take—and definitely never meant to fall for. And I’m staring down the barrel of a gun for mistakes I never should’ve made.

Because everyone knows The Firm never forgives a debt… and they always collect in blood.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232378273-deviant

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ansel is not a criminal. Okay, well he is a hacker, but that is it! Until he takes the wrong job with some very bad people. And the only way for his life to be spared is if he kidnaps someone named Brad. Can’t be that hard, right? Well, that is until he does in fact kidnap someone who says his name is Brad…but that’s not exactly the truth. Cade was just out looking for a hook up and when he thinks he has one, Ansel surprises him by the trap he set. And instead of coming clean that his name is not Brad, he decides to see where this goes. Ansel is definitely the worst kidnapper ever. Cade would know. He’s done that and more considering he is part of The Firm, but for the first time in a very long time, something has grabbed his attention. Someone. Doesn’t happy with Cade, not with his brand of psychopathy. He is a product of his environment thanks to dear old dad. But now that Cade has found interest, he isn’t letting go. So he’ll go on this ride and see where it takes him. And the more time he spends with Ansel, the more he knows that Ansel is his. He just needs to be a bit patient and wait for Ansel to get on the same page. And even once the air is cleared on who is who, Cade knows he needs to protect Ansel. But Ansel won’t put Cade in harms way. Not when he knows the people he was tangled with, won’t let it go. Can they find their way out of this mess? Oh man, these two. Cade had me cracking up this whole book. He’s obsessive when it comes to Ansel, but only in the best ways. Knowing deep down that Ansel is it for him, there is nothing he won’t do to protect him and show him that this thing between them can be so much more. And it was equally fun to see how baffled Ansel was but bit by bit he warmed up, realizing that there is something very special about Cade. I really loved getting to know these two and seeing them fall hard for one another. Even with the danger that came with it. Also, with big hints of who the next couple would be, I am super excited to see how that story plays out! Really enjoying this series so far and I can’t wait for the next book!

The Firm Book 1: Covenant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

 

The Firm Book 1

The Firm can make any wish come true.

Money. A job promotion. Murder.

Whatever you desire can be yours—for a price.

The Firm has ruled St. Dismas for generations. To most, they’re just a myth.

But in truth, they are the last resort of the desperate.

I never understood why anyone would go to The Firm. There’s always a price to pay—a price you won’t discover until your request has been granted.

It was a path I swore I’d never walk.

Or so I thought.

When my brother is gravely injured, everything changes.

I have no choice but to go to The Firm.

I don’t know what they’ll ask of me, but I’ll give anything to save Jackson.

He has his whole life ahead of him, and I’ll make sure he gets to live it.

But when my price comes due, it’s nothing like I expected.

Not drug smuggling or murder. Not the darkness I braced myself for.

No, this is worse.

My price is to fulfill someone else’s request.

To give them what they asked for.

A marriage.

For anyone else, it may seem simple. But not for me.

Because the man I must marry is my worst enemy.

My rival.

The man I once trusted above all others—until he shattered that trust and threw it back in my face.

The idea of pretending to be Matthias’s doting husband for a year is my worst nightmare.

But I won’t do it for me.

I’ll do it for Jackson.

For my brother, I’ll pay the price.

Even if it means condemning myself.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230228134-covenant

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Wyatt thought he had the life he wanted. Until everything came crashing down around him. When his little brother gets into an accident and that leaves him gravelly injured, he knows he will do whatever it takes to make sure he is okay. So after a year of struggling and realizing that he needs help, he does the one thing he thought he would never do. He puts in a request at The Firm. The boogeymen of their town, they are mysterious and are known for answering pleas. But at a price. And for Wyatt, he never expected his price. To marry the man that shattered his trust years ago. For a year, he’ll have to be Matthias’s husband. But how can be look at Matthias with love when all he feels is anger? But being around Matthias reminds him of how they used to be before the day Matthias disappeared from his life. And Matthias claims that Wyatt doesn’t know the truth about what happened that day that ruined everything. Wyatt can’t decide if he wants the truth or not. But he knows one day he’ll have to learn it. In the meantime he is trying to figure out how he went from believing he is straight to being attracted to Matthias. Was he always attracted to guys? Or is it just his former best friend? There are a lot of secrets and answers Wyatt needs, but is he willing to find out and risk another broken heart? I really loved this story! Matthias and Wyatt have been through a lot. And you just wanted them to be happy and together after so many years apart. Especially when you learn the truth about Matthias and what happened in their past. These two have just been through so much. Their happy ending is one they have to fight for every day to get to the point where all cards are on the table and their past set to rest. The journey there is a great one! I’m definitely looking forward to the other books in this series!