Defy the Night Book 2: Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer

Defy the Night Book 2

New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer continues her electrifying series with more intrigue, romance, and heart-stopping adventure.

The kingdom of Kandala narrowly avoided catastrophe, but the embers of revolution still simmer. While King Harristan seeks a new way to lead, Tessa and Prince Corrick attempt to foster unity between rebels and royals.

But the consuls who control the Moonflower will not back down, and Corrick realizes he must find a new source for the lifesaving Elixir. When an emissary from the neighboring kingdom of Ostriary arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa and Corrick set out on an uncertain journey as they attempt to mend their own fractured relationship. This could be their only chance to keep the peace and bring relief to the people of Kandala, but danger strikes during the journey to Ostriary, and no one is who they claimed to be. . .

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60243154-defend-the-dawn

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Wow. People weren't kidding about that cliffhanger! That was pretty brutal! So another great book by Brigid Kemmerer! I loved Defy the Night so I was happy to hear there was a sequel. And after reading Defend the Dawn, there's gotta be another one after that! So much happened in this book. Lots of twists and turns. So the book picks up not too long after the last one. Corrick, Tessa, and Harristan are trying to make peace with the rebels and find a way to provide everyone with medicine. But it isn't as easy as one would think. The progress is slow. Not just for the rebels but for Tessa too. Even Harristan and Corrick are frustrated but they know that is just how things are. Nothing can be done so quickly. Then to make more matters more complicated, a man arrives from Ostriary claiming to mend the relationship between the two countries and it can help both countries in the end. Tessa and Corrick soon find themselves on a ship to the country. But their journey there is anything but simple. This story started a bit slow for me but it picked up halfway through. Tessa and Corrick are going through some ups and downs as they try to figure out their relationship. And with so much conflict and uncertainty, it's hard to figure out who to trust. When we aren't reading about Tessa and Corrick, we get a surprise point of view from someone back in Kandala. Loved that little twist to the story! But by the end of this book, things have blown up on the sea and on land, and I cannot wait to see how it all plays out. 

 

Shadow City: Dark Angel Book 3: Dark Prince by Jen L. Grey

Dark Angel Book 3

There's no escaping betrayal.

My life once centered around justice. As a trained warrior for the people of Shadow City, I never questioned what I was taught... until now.

My preordained mate and I are finally on the same side, with our list of enemies growing. All we have learned has changed our very foundation and put a target on both our backs.

A war that has been brewing for over a Millenium is on the horizon. One that could change the course of the Earth forever. It’s up to our friends to find a way to stop it... but Fate has a way of forcing her hand.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62023214-dark-prince

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finally got my hands on this one! And with the last cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to see how things turned out. So this story picks up immediately where the last one ended. Rosemary is cornered by her fellow angels and caught in possession with demon artifacts. Artifacts she found in her family home and knows that must have been planted there. Her only hope was to get them out before her mother was blamed. But she was too late. Now she takes the blame, knowing that it will cost her but her mother's position on the council is too important. Especially when the Princes of Hell are on their way and Azbogah has been up to no good. She'll have to wait until her friends, and her mate, Levi, come for her. However, Levi is currently in Hell on a rescue mission. Though the first thing he does in connect with Rosemary when he returns. Now it will be up to him to convince her that her best shot is to escape and not wait for her name to be cleared. Not with everything going on. Loved this one! Filled with action and so many truths have finally come to light. The story was go, go, go from page one! And with another cliffhanger at the end of this book, I can't wait to get my hands on the final book of Rosemary and Levi's story! You will not want to miss this one! All our characters have come so far and have grown so much. And there is a war on the horizon. One, that will take everything they've got to win. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Madigan Mountain Book 1: A Little Too Late by Sarina Bowen

Madigan Mountain Book 1

How to behave when the guy who broke your heart two thousand miles away turns up in your office:

One: Don’t drop your lucky coffee cup in shock, even though it’s been ten years.

Two: Don’t get defensive when he asks how you ended up working his family’s ski mountain… and why you kept it a secret.

Three: Give him the worst room in the resort. He deserves it for suddenly waltzing back in like he owns the place. (Which he kind of does.)

Four, five, six, seven, eight and nine: Do not kiss him in the hot tub.

Ten: Try to keep your heart intact after you break all of your rules.

Because Reed is leaving again. Hate can't turn back into love. And it’s a little too late…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60374786-a-little-too-late

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

A Sarina Bowen story is always a great story. And I love the start of this new series she is doing with two other authors! Reed and Ava's story will tug at your heartstrings as they two find their way back to one another after being apart for ten years. When they were in college the two met and fell in love. But after devastating news, Reed left, breaking both their hearts. Now, ten years later, Reed is shocked to find Ava working at his family ski resort. Fate isn't done with them yet. Ava has never been the same since Reed broke her heart. And when he comes back into her life, she is at war within herself to remain angry and also hold on to him once more. But she knows that they won't work. They live completely separate lives. And with Reed's father getting ready to sell the resort, more changes will occur. But there is something weird about the deal with these new buyers, and Reed won't seem to let it go. And soon Ava finds herself working with Reed to uncover the truth. Together, they'll be forced to face their past and perhaps change their futures. Loved their story. You can't help but cheer for Ava and Reed to be together. Their chemistry is fantastic and they clearly belong together. This story had a great cast of characters, a wonderful romance, and a great beginning to a series. I can't wait to read Reed's brothers' stories! You don't want to miss this latest book by Sarina!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Out Today! In Vino Veritas Books 5 & 6!

In Vino Veritas Book 5

WONDERLAND BY RACHEL EMBER

I left Vermont on the most painful day of my life and swore I’d never go back. Meadows Park–the shuttered amusement park that’s been in my family for generations–is the home of all my finest and worst memories. They all star Peter Landry–the best friend I ever had, and the only guy I’ve ever loved. 

But then my eccentric grandfather buried two million dollars on the property and couldn’t remember where. 

So I’m back, and asking Peter for help. He’s an Ivy League lawyer now. Still gorgeous, and able to gut me with a single smile. And I’m still a disappointment, living in the city and washing dishes to get by. As soon as we strike off down the first sunlit path, the Meadows Park magic begins to fill my heart with yearning, lust, and most dangerous of all—dreams.

I’m secretly relieved each time the day ends, leaving us empty-handed. I know it’s wrong—without that money, we could lose the park.

But if I find the treasure, I lose the guy.

Amazon: https://geni.us/Wonderland-amz

Audio: https://geni.us/Wonderland-audio

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/38Dd5gd

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Check Out My Review Here: https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2022/09/in-vino-veritas-book-5-wonderland-by.html

In Vino Veritas Book 6

DAUNTLESS BY VICTORIA DENAULT

He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, at the worst possible moment.

One and done. That’s always been my motto when it comes to guys, because I’m not about to pull someone else into the closet my parents have locked me inside. I’ve been waiting years to claim my inheritance and live the life I want to live–out, free, and oh yeah, rich. 

So why is the universe dropping the sexy farm boy with the lazy smile into my life right now? When Bowen Whitlock says he’ll join my band, and later my bed, I know one time won’t be enough. 

But loving Bowen is dangerous for me. And he has his own struggles, like keeping his family afloat and trying not to get fired from his job at Vino and Veritas. But he lives his life with an authenticity that gives me a tantalizing taste of living my truth.

My secret relationship with Bowen is everything, until someone betrays us in the worst possible way…

Amazon: https://geni.us/Dauntless-amz

Audio: https://geni.us/Dauntless-audio

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3yTyxbp

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Check Out My Review Here: https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2022/09/in-vino-veritas-book-6-dauntless-by.html

 

Black Dagger Brotherhood Prison Camp Book 3: The Viper by J.R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood Prison Camp Book 3

In this newest Prison Camp installment, #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward pens a heart-wrenching tale of love and betrayal in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world…

Framed for the grisly murder of his shellan, Kane is condemned to the notorious prison camp—unaware of the dark truth behind his arranged mating. Centuries later, when he is horribly burned while attempting to save others, he prays he’ll finally be reunited in the Fade with his mate…not knowing what revelations await him.

Nadya is a self-taught nurse who does what she can to ease the suffering of the prisoners. When Kane comes under her care, she cannot help but empathize with his condition for very personal reasons—and as the guards take him away one last time, she fears he is facing a terrible death.

After a daring rescue, Kane is offered a treatment that will change his very nature. Choosing life, for the time being, he goes back for the female who took such good care of him—but his duty to Nadya sets him on a collision course with his own past. When long-buried secrets are exposed, his self-destruction is inevitable…unless true love can save his soul.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60209477-the-viper

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Love being back in the BDB world. And this is probably my favorite of the prison camp books so far. Though that will change if the next book is who I want it to be about... but let's go over Kane's book! So if you've been following the series, you know Kane has been on the verge of death since the end of the first prison camp book when he sacrificed himself to save the Jackal and Nyx. But he has some stubborn friends. Especially Apex, who refuses to let him die and is working with Mayhem to get remain free after their escape. However, trouble is on their tail and their capture by the prison guards may be closer than they think. That is, until the tides turn in their favor once more. Bringing the familiar faces of Lucan and his mate. Along with some new ones. Like Callum! Wolven and cousin of Lucan. Love that guy. And now this is the part where I say Callum and Apex better be the next book because those two deserve their own story. Especially after what goes down in this one!! Now back to Kane, so when he is brought to the wolven, something strange goes down and Kane is changed forever. However, that transformation won't make him forget the female nurse who treated him back in the prison. He'll do whatever it takes to get her back. Lots of things going on that side of the story. Then there is the Brotherhood. Vishous is leading the charge of finding the prison camp. He's not giving up any time soon and he wants them found. Always love seeing everyone on that side. And we got to see Payne! Been a while since she has had some page time. We also had a small peek at Lassiter through V's eyes and for those who read the last BDB book, we know he is going through some stuff. Man, his book needs to come soon. Overall, I really loved this book! Great new characters and getting more details of others we've seen like Apex. We learn some interesting stuff about him and I definitely want to see that more. And of course after that Mayhem totally needs his own book. I adore this BDB world and the stories just get better and better. Looking forward to the next one!

Mad World Book 3: Mad Love by Hannah McBride

Mad World Book 3

I TRIED TO BE MADELAINE.

It started with a twin switch that was supposed to be temporary. It ended with me being locked up in an asylum, hidden from Ryan Cain, the man I love more than life. Vowing to avenge my sister's murder may have resulted in my captivity, but there's one truth that still remains:

I'LL ALWAYS BE MADISON.

We underestimated what my father was capable of, and now I'm on my own. Only I can put an end to this sadistic game before it costs me everything: my friends, my future, and Ryan.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT. I'M DONE BEING MAD; IT'S TIME TO GET EVEN.

Mad Love is the final book in the Mad World trilogy. It contains content that may be upsetting to some readers, so please read with caution.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60110822-mad-love

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Amazing end to this series! What a rollercoaster of a series for Maddie and Ryan. Now everything comes together in this final book and boy was it worth the wait. Especially after that crazy cliffhanger from the previous book. I couldn't wait to get my hands on Mad Love and it was worth the wait. The book picks up shortly after the last one ended. Ryan is waiting for his friends to get him the charges that arrested him dropped so he can find Maddie. He knows every minute he is held up is another minute wasted where he can get Maddie back. And the second he is free, he'll be going after Maddie and her father with everything he's got. Maddie, meanwhile, is stuck at the asylum her father put her in. Between the drugs and the corrupted doctors, she knows her only chance is to wait for Ryan and her friends to find her. She just has to survive long enough. 

This book is filled with twists and turns the entire way. Just when you think you have something figured out, it changes. So many secrets are revealed and questions are answered. I never knew what was going to happen next or where Maddie and Ryan would end up or how they would find each other again. And just when you think someone is safe, another thing happens. You are kept on your toes the entire time! Right until the very end. 

I absolutely loved this story. Maddie and Ryan have come so far in their relationship. Their love for one another is stronger than ever. And every challenge they face, brings them closer together. Then there is the rest of the crew. Every person in this story deserves their own book and story because every character is interesting in their own way. I loved all their dynamics. You don't want to miss this final book for Maddie and Ryan's arc. Cause yes, I'm hoping a few more characters get their own story! But prepare for lots of action, steamy romance, some tears, lots of laughs, and a story that will have you racing to get to the end to see how it all plays out. Hannah McBride is fantastic and I can't wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Out Today! In Vino Veritas Books 3 & 4!

In Vino Veritas Book 3

UNMANAGEABLE BY LESLIE MCADAM

I’ve never been romantic. Just ask my ex-wife.

Since she broke up with me, I get my needs met any time I want, without putting my heart on the line. Exactly how I like it.

But when she is called overseas and leaves me with our child, my bachelor lifestyle ends faster than you can say, “Daddy, I want a pony.”

I need help.

Problem is, help’s come in the form of an incredibly hot nanny.

My employee.

Who is much younger than me.

And also … a guy.

I watch Scott care for my kid and can’t help feeling like he clicks into place in her life.

When he looks at me, though …  I get an entirely different feeling. One that makes me long for things I can’t have.

Like him.

Unmanageable is a contemporary m/m age gap romance about a starry-eyed nanny who wants hot-air balloon rides and singing telegrams and a grumpy single dad who most definitely does not.

Amazon: https://geni.us/Unmanageable-amz

Audio: https://geni.us/Unmanageable-audio

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3wFKeQl

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Check Out My Review Here: https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2022/08/in-vino-veritas-book-3-unmanageable-by.html

In Vino Veritas Book 4

UNDERDOG BY L.A. WITT

Life in foster care wasn’t easy. Life after prison? Unforgiving. But I’m determined to stay out of trouble, and I’m gaining a foothold on the closest I’ve ever known to normal. 

Then, thanks to a pair of escape artist dogs from the sanctuary where I’ve found work, I cross paths with my boss’s neighbor, Ty Adams. He’s a horse trainer, and winter is his quiet season. It’s also the season when he gets restless and lonely—two things I know all about. He’s not interested in love or romance. I’m just happy someone’s interested in me at all, even if emotions are strictly forbidden.

When we’re not together, I’m thinking about him. When we are together… Well, I’m definitely thinking about what he does to me and what I want to do with him.

As we keep each other warm through the Vermont winter, this feels a lot more than physical. Somehow he soothes my pain, and I wonder if I’m touching something deep inside him too. But Ty won’t let himself love anyone. I never had a chance. And now, with my past closing in, I could lose the one man I hoped I could count on. The one I thought might be different. 

When his present and my history collide, is it too much to hope he’ll choose me?

CW: Sick horse and a minor accident involving a horse—no animal deaths or serious injuries/illnesses.

Amazon: https://geni.us/Underdog-amz

Audio: Coming soon!

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/38NjSDT

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Check Out My Review Here: https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2022/08/in-vino-veritas-book-4-underdog-by-la.html

 

Ryker Falls Book 7: We Belong Together by Lani Blake

Ryker Falls Book 7

He’s happy as a lone wolf

Firefighter Luke Trainer loves his family, but that was where he drew the line. He had no interest in opening himself up to the pain of loving anyone who doesn’t share his blood after the hell that was his childhood. Luke’s carefully controlled life seemed on track. That is, until Quinn Harper came home and wreaked havoc on his heart.

She’s beautiful, distant and wanted to be left alone, which suited him just fine. Then her father’s barn burns down, and a series of accidents suggest that something is off with the Harper family and he finds himself wanting to keep her safe.

Luke gets news that the mother who left when he was a child is dead. She leaves a younger brother that he and his brothers must step in and claim. The life that he’d carefully built for himself was imploding fast. But the one person he found himself turning to constantly was Quinn.

She’s got no time in her life for love

After joining the air force at eighteen, Quinn worked hard to become a fighter pilot, a goal she’s had since childhood. There was no time for boyfriends or fashion, or the things her old school friends had been doing. Dedication and focus was how she lived her life.

She hadn’t planned to go home to Ryker Falls. Her life was the air force, but when her father has an accident, she knows it’s time. Time to reassess what she’s realized. Quinn wanted a place to call home, and someone to share it with.

Finding the sexy Luke Trainer still there had been a surprise. The man had turned his life around, but like her, she knew beneath the surface there were demons. When they are continually thrown together, she realizes that in Luke she’s found something she never knew she was missing. Someone who understands her.

As their spark of attraction flares into a fully fledged inferno, Quinn and Luke are facing a scary, uncertain future. Will forgiveness allow them the chance to make things work? Or will the scars and danger of the past keep them apart forever?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61244452-we-belong-together

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Luke Trainer has finally met his match. The last of the Trainer brothers to fall in love and there is no one like Quinn. I was so happy to see Luke finally get a book! And I loved Quinn! Quinn returns home to check on her parents when her dad has one too many accidents lately. Quinn is a fighter pilot in the air force and pretty badass. She is the opposite of being the girly girl her mother always wanted and is still pushing for. Especially since her mother believes that is the only way Quinn will find a husband and give her grandchildren. Can't say I blame Quinn for not coming home often. But despite her pushy mother, she loves her family and likes the idea of coming closer to home. Then she sees Luke Trainer, someone she hasn't seen since she was a kid, and boy has he grown up. Their paths continue to cross while she is home and the chemistry between them is very much there. But things take an interesting turn when Luke and his brothers get some world changing news. Turns out, they have a young half brother from the mother that left them when they were kids. And he needs them now. Quinn becomes the rock Luke needs and soon he has come to realize that his feelings for her may be more than he expected. But with a lifetime of expecting people to leave him, can he open himself to her? Or will he let his fears overtake him? Loved their story! I thought these two were such a great match. And of course it is great to see everyone is Ryker Falls being their nosy selves and try to make these two realize the feelings they have for one another. Another great story to this series and I'm looking forward to the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Out Today! In Vino Veritas Books 1 & 2

 

In Vino Veritas Book 1

WILDFIRE BY GARRETT LEIGH

A gorgeous new sexual awakening romance with sizzling first times, snarky British banter, and off-the-charts chemistry. 

Life doesn’t always pan out as you expect. When it explodes in my face, literally, an old friend offers me a place to heal and a job renovating the kitchen of Burlington’s coolest wine bar.

V&V is a chill fest. Living above it should be a blast. But I’m not built to be a social butterfly. Not anymore. I’m a damaged man. 

And I’m not its target clientele.

At least, I think I’m not until I come face to face with the most beautiful human I’ve ever seen. Joss is the new chef and my roommate. He has hair like spun gold and it’s as pretty as the rest of him. Crystal blue eyes. Megawatt smile.

I can’t stop staring. Or thinking about him. He chases my nightmares away. And when he spots my crush a mile off, his solution to our chemical attraction blows my mind.

An experiment of sorts. Science. Is this sexual exploration or sex education?

Either way, Joss is only here for the summer. He’s leaving.

I can’t fall in love with him.

I can’t.

Shame my foolish heart never got the memo.

WILDFIRE is a heartfelt MM friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort romance in the True North world, with a brooding lumbersexual, a wild-hearted chef, sweet angst and all the Vermont food. Content warning: contains mentions of depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation, and PTSD recovery.

Amazon: https://geni.us/Wildfire-amz

Audio: https://geni.us/Wildfire-audio

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3lxlK6z

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Check Out My Review Here: https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2022/08/in-vino-veritas-book-1-wildfire-by.html 

In Vino Veritas Book 2

COUNTERPOINT BY J.E. BIRK

One playboy. One perfectionist. So many secrets. 

I’m considered the biggest playboy in Burlington, Vermont. The party boy. The guy who lives in the moment and makes decisions with no thought for the future. But people don’t know my past. They don’t know why I make the choices I do. Even my best friend doesn’t know the truth about me. Actually, there are a lot of things he doesn’t know…like the fact that I had a one night stand with his brother last year. 

Did I mean to hook up with Aaron? Um, no. Mistakes were made, okay? But unlike most of my mistakes, this one has lasting consequences. Aaron works at the law firm where circumstances are forcing me to be their errand boy. Now we see each other every day. Aaron’s such a nervous wreck he keeps tripping over the copy machine. I’m surprised he hasn’t ended up in traction yet. 

He and I are opposites in almost every way. He’s got a GPA higher than Mount Mansfield, and I’m barely going to graduate college. He grocery shops with a spreadsheet, and I’ve got YOLO tattooed on my body. But Aaron sees things in me that no one else does, and I see things in him he doesn’t see in himself. Before I know it, we’re sharing late-night office picnics, evenings out at the bar, and long, hot afternoons on my boat. I’m having the best summer of my life, but there’s no way this can end well. My bff will kill me if he ever finds out how thoroughly I’ve corrupted his brother…

Counterpoint is an opposites-attract forbidden romance featuring an incense-filled law firm, meddling friends, and angst and humor in (mostly) equal parts. It stars Jeremy Everett and Aaron Morin, who first appeared in the Vino and Veritas story Booklover, but Counterpoint is a standalone novel. 

Amazon: https://geni.us/Counterpoint-amz

Audio: https://geni.us/Counterpoint-audio

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3wET7uo

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Check Out My Review Here: https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2022/08/in-vino-veritas-book-2-counterpoint-by.html

Shadow City: Dark Angel Book 2: Demon Marked by Jen L. Grey

Dark Angel Book 2

Forgiveness isn't always an option. 

My preordained mate left me, heartbroken and alone. Not only am I feeling these strange emotions, but my world crumbles around me as corruption and attacks threaten to destroy Shadow City. 

The fury of Hell continues to grow as more of their plans unravel. When my mate reappears, I can’t help but fear it could be a ploy…once more. 

Whatever happens, I can't allow him to use me again, even if my heart screams for me to forgive him. Because my decisions don't only affect me… they could endanger the entire world.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61980334-demon-marked

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

After the previous book's cliffhanger, I was so happy to get my hands on a copy of this book! The story picks up where the last left off and Rosemary is not happy. She is both heartbroken and angry that Levi left for Hell without telling her his plans. She feels abandoned and hurt and so many other emotions she isn't used to feeling. She has no idea if he is coming back and if he does, she isn't sure if she would forgive him. When Levi does come back, he is on the brink of death. And though she is angry with him, it doesn't stop her from loving him. The two of them have a lot to work out in this story before they arrive on the same page and become true partners as mates. Meanwhile, so much is going on. They have the missing artifacts to locate before Rosemary's mother takes the hit. The Princes of Hells are after Levi and his father and want them dead. And the angels are on the brink of civil war that Azbogah has been slowly gathering support for. It is only a matter of time before everything blows up and war begins. Another great story and another tough cliffhanger! I can't wait to see where the next book takes us. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In Vino Veritas Book 6: Dauntless by Victoria Denault

In Vino Veritas Book 6

He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, at the worst possible moment.

One and done. That’s always been my motto when it comes to guys, because I’m not about to pull someone else into the closet my parents have locked me inside. I’ve been waiting years to claim my inheritance and live the life I want to live–out, free, and oh yeah, rich.

So why is the universe dropping the sexy farm boy with the lazy smile into my life right now? When Bowen Whitlock says he’ll join my band, and later my bed, I know one time won’t be enough.

But loving Bowen is dangerous for me. And he has his own struggles, like keeping his family afloat and trying not to get fired from his job at Vino and Veritas. But he lives his life with an authenticity that gives me a tantalizing taste of living my truth.

My secret relationship with Bowen is everything, until someone betrays us in the worst possible way…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61934974-dauntless

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

The final In Vino Veritas book! And I'm sad all over again that this series is once again done. But hey, maybe it won't be? I'm just send that wish out there and see what happens. Chase and Bowen's story was the perfect one to end the series with! So good! We've seen a bit of both of them in the last few books and now we get to see what happens when the two meet. Chase has never fully been out of the closet. His two closest friends know and he's had plenty of one night stands but his family, well he tried to tell them and it didn't exactly work out. His father insists it was a phase and reminds Chase that if he wants to receive his trust fund on his 28th birthday then he knows what that means. Chase doesn't care really care about money in that he wants to be rich so he can buy and do whatever he wants. He actually has real plans for the money to not only let him go back to school and get a degree he is passionate about, but he can use it to put to action some plans he has to really help his community. And with him being six months away from it, surely, he can keep his head down a little longer. Well, that is, until he meets Bowen. Bowen who saved their band when the drummer bailed at V&V and Bowen stepped in. Bowen who changes the rules Chase worked hard to keep for himself. Being with Bowen makes him want to risk it all. All Bowen wants is to support his siblings, whether it is on the farm or while his brother runs for mayor. Then he gets a chance to play music again and the sparks between him and Chase fly. However, he learns that Chase can't exactly advertise being in a relationship and immediately that brings back bad memories for Bowen. Does he really want history to repeat itself? But something is different with Chase and Bowen realizes that letting him go may be the worst mistake. I adored these two. I loved their chemistry and how their story built. They are both such great characters and you just want to cheer them on! You don't want to miss this final book in this series! It's been so fun to dive back into this world and see familiar characters while getting brand new ones. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

In Vino Veritas Book 5: Wonderland by Rachel Ember

In Vino Veritas Book 5

I left Vermont on the most painful day of my life and swore I’d never go back. Meadows Park–the shuttered amusement park that’s been in my family for generations–is the home of all my finest and worst memories. They all star Peter Landry–the best friend I ever had, and the only guy I’ve ever loved.

But then my eccentric grandfather buried two million dollars on the property and couldn’t remember where.

So I’m back, and asking Peter for help. He’s an Ivy League lawyer now. Still gorgeous, and able to gut me with a single smile. And I’m still a disappointment, living in the city and washing dishes to get by. As soon as we strike off down the first sunlit path, the Meadows Park magic begins to fill my heart with yearning, lust, and most dangerous of all—dreams.

I’m secretly relieved each time the day ends, leaving us empty-handed. I know it’s wrong—without that money, we could lose the park.

But if I find the treasure, I lose the guy.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61953453-wonderland

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Riley ran away from Vermont years ago on the most painful day of his life. He never expected to go back there. Nor did he expect to see Peter, his first love and probably the only one he ever truly loved. But when his grandfather needs his help, he can't say no. So he returns home to Meadow Parks, the closed small amusement park that has been in his family for generations and where he fell in love with Peter. His grandfather is in worse shape than he thought and not only that, but his grandfather admits to Riley that he buried the money he won in the lotto years ago and doesn't remember where it is. And when Riley sees Peter in town, he knows that Peter is the only one who can help him find the money. Peter isn't ready to see Riley again. Not after that awful day and the unanswered phone calls to Riley. But seeing Riley again, brings him back to those summers. And all his anger disappears the moment he sees him. And when Riley needs his help... well he can't say no. Together, they'll attempt this impossible treasure hunt and perhaps finally get the answers and closure they both desperately need. And perhaps realize that the love they shared isn't truly gone. Loved Riley and Peter! We met Peter in an earlier book where he had just come home and was figuring himself out. It was super nice to see him get his own story now. Riley and Peter's love story was just so good. The two of loved one another for so long and despite their separation, their love is still there and they have a chance to find their way back to one another again. Great story! And I'm on to the next and final book of this series!  

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.