Chronicles of Nick: Shadows of Fire Book 2: Last Christmas by Sherrilyn Kenyon

 

Chronicles of Nik, Shadows of Fire Book 2

The holiday season is always interesting when you live in a world with paranormal entities. As a Daeve demon, Caleb Malphas never really understood why humans wanted to celebrate anything.

Until the day a human saves his life.

Lilliana isn't just human, she's the one person capable of taming a vicious demon whose sole goal is to end the world and claim it for his masters. Caleb fights her at every turn, but in the end, he can't deny what she comes to mean to him. Vowing to never again battle for his demonic overlords, he lays down his sword to spend eternity in the human world.

But his enemies won't allow them to live in peace. They return with a vengeance to claim everything he's learned to care about.

It's an unforgivable act.

Centuries later as he joins Nick Gautier and their friends for a very special Christmas gathering, he finally learns the real meaning of giving ... and receives the best gift of his immortal life.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203053941-last-christmas?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ssVJzNQO1O&rank=1

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This story was such a surprise to see pop up! It’s a sweet novella that finally gives us more insight about Caleb and Lilliana. We get their story. How they met and how they fell in love and how their story ends but also how it doesn’t. There were some pretty nice surprises in this story, especially the ending. I always have loved this world and love getting new stories to dive back into. For those who love Caleb like I do, you definitely don’t want to miss this story! We finally get to see a nice piece of his past and understand him a lot better. We also finally get to see him actually happy. Can’t wait for more from this series!

The Bastard and the Heir by Eden Finley & Saxon James

 

DARCY

The death of my father not only rips out my heart but tears open my entire life.

His funeral brings the appearance of his bastard son, the byproduct of my father’s apparent misadventures. Wren Porter is a prickly, untrusting beef cake in an ill-fitting suit, and he looks so much more the part of a Ritcherson than I do.

Now it’s on me to teach him the family business while ignoring my attraction to the man the world thinks is my brother.

All it would take is one misstep for him to find out the secret my father literally took to his grave.

He’s not the bastard son.

I am.

Wren’s the true heir to the Ritcherson fortune, but I’ve fought my whole life for my place at the table. If anyone discovers the truth, I’ll lose everything.

I used to think the worst thing that could happen would be losing the company, but the closer I get to Wren, I realize the biggest thing on the line is my heart.

The Bastard and the Heir is a medium angst romance between two men who are absolutely, positively not related. The world just thinks they are.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199475827-the-bastard-and-the-heir

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Darcy has grown up knowing three things. One, he must learn the family business so that when the time comes he will be ready to take over for it when his father dies. Two, his father isn’t his father. And that the true heir to his father’s company is Wren Porter. And three, no one can know the truth. His “dad” and mom worked hard to bury the truth. Only they know and not even Darcy’s half brothers. But things are about to change. With Darcy’s dad dying, it brings Wren into the picture. Not that Wren wants to be there. But for his mother’s sake, he decides to get to know the family and the company that his father chose over him and his mom. What neither Darcy nor Wren expect is for the feelings and connection that spark between them. Darcy knows the truth but he knows nothing could ever happen. And as for Wren, the more time he spends with Darcy the more he realizes that Darcy is hiding something and with some other clues and his own feelings, he can’t help but wonder if perhaps the secret is that him and Darcy aren’t actual brothers. Once the truth is revealed between them, there is no holding back. But that still doesn’t solve their problems and the future they both want if things were only different. I loved this story and I loved Darcy and Wren! I couldn’t put it down. There are so many complications between the two and any chance of them finding a happily ever after, but the love that sparks between them is just so sweet and worth the fight the two of them will have to endure. Also fun to see other characters from previous books appear and of course see these two who made appearances in previous books, get their own story. Another great book by these authors! Can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stonefire Dragons Universe Book 4: Masked Dragon of Snowridge by Jessie Donovan

 

Stonefire Dragons Universe Book 4

Kaylee MacDonald has been yearning to find her own happy ending since moving to Scotland, but hasn't had any luck. So when she finds out about a masked event where dragon-shifters and humans can hook-up for the night, she decides to go and have some fun. What she didn't expect was for a dragonman to accept her strip poker challenge and then give her not only the best steamy encounter of her life, but a little surprise as well—one that will appear nine months later.

Dr. Maelon Perry doesn't do relationships. As a child, love destroyed his family and he vowed to never let that happen to him again. But his inner dragon has needs and so he visits a masked event to find a female to take to bed. What he didn't expect was to be drawn to a human female dancing on a chair. Both man and beast want her, and claim her for one night only. But she shows up three months later, his scent entwined with hers, meaning she carries his child. He has no desire to be a father, but agrees she should come to Snowridge until the child is born, so he can give her shots of his dragon blood. But he makes it clear that after the birth, she should leave.

As the pair gets to know each other, Kaylee finds a way past Maelon's barriers and they start to think they have a future together. But then someone targets Kaylee, putting her in danger. Will Kaylee survive and finally have a dragonman of her own? Or, will the danger force her to flee and destroy any chance she has with Maelon?

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Kaylee has always wanted to find her happy ending but so far she hasn’t found it. So when she hears about a masked event where dragon-shifters and humans can hook up for the night, she decides that maybe she just needs to have some fun for once and not worry about her happily ever just yet. And when her path crosses with a certain dragonman, she couldn’t have ever predicted the consequences of their night together. But a few months later, she is definitely pregnant and her body isn’t handling it all that well. Her best shot will be the blood of the father of her child. And fate brings him back in her path once more. Maelon Perry is not looking for his true mate or a future where the end result could very well lead to pain and heartbreak. He watched the death of his father destroy his mother and he never wants to face that. But then the woman he met those few months ago and can’t stop thinking about appears in his life again. And she’s pregnant. Now he finds himself trying to protect himself and her from the heartbreak that could be their future if he gives in to his feelings and finds out if she is his true mate. But between his dragon urging him and Kaylee herself. He stands no chance but to let down his walls and let her in. It won’t be easy but Kaylee may just be the one person who can make him change his mind about his future. Kaylee and Maelon were such a great match! They were opposite in so many ways but balanced one another super well. They needed one another to overcome so many fears they each had. Another great story in this world. Can’t wait for more as usual!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 3: Of Death & Darkness by Megan Montero

 

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 3

A woman marked by death.

A demon who would send her there himself.

A revolution that will change it all.

Death comes to us all… or so they say. But they never said that’s what I’d become… death. I’d spent my life taking care of everyone else besides myself. I finally let go for one night. One night of freedom. One night of fun. One night to dance my burdens away. But all it took was that one night for me to be thrown into a cruel fantasy world where only the strongest survived.

All I want is to go home and find my sister, the only person who means anything to me, but I’m trapped in this world where the demons use the elements like weapons. Except I don’t have any powers like them, none of the elements bend to my will. But what I do have is lethal and terrifying, people are dropping dead at my feet and I have no idea why or how. To make matters worse, this gift of mine lands me in the King’s dungeon and now the only way out is to enter the competition to be his Queen. 

I don’t want to be queen. I don’t even want to be here. But if I don’t compete in this deadly game for his hand then it’s back to the dungeon to rot. My only hope of escape lies in the hands of Lord Avalon. The bane of my existence and the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. He was the one who kidnapped me. He was the one who threw me into the dungeon in the first place. Yet now he was the one I had to convince to help me…and he loathes me with every fiber of his being. I’m no damsel in distress and with every vile word he speaks to me that hatred becomes more mutual. This fire between us is going to burn something to ashes, I just hope it’s not my heart.

Because it's death if I do and death if I don’t.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199041494-of-death-and-darkness

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Morgana’s story! Been waiting for her story since we’ve met her in book one and now it’s her turn. Like her sisters, Morgana is pulled into this new world but with not much of a happy greeting like Rhode and Saphira. She finds herself in the world of demons and is one herself. Her memory is gone like the other girls has been so far but she can handle herself. What she doesn’t understand is Avalon. His anger toward her is a fury she doesn’t understand and can’t imagine what she has done to him to make him act like this. And why does he call her Lily? And he serves the current demon king who has brought women in from their lands to compete to be his queen. Something Morgana will never let happen. She’ll escape before that. Avalon’s anger comes from what he believes the woman he loved did that sparked this war and the suffering of his people. But his love for her is still there after so long and he just wants to know what happened. Lucky for him, it feels like Morgana’s memory comes back quicker than her sisters’. And with it some terrible truths of the past but not without hope of them saving their future. Another interesting story in this world! It’s been fun exploring the different lands and those who reside in them. We get a little sneak peek of the next girl and I’m excited to see what happens in her story!

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 2: Of Dragons & Desire by GK DeRosa

 

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 2

A lost princess.

Two dragon princes fighting for her heart.

A love that will either destroy their kingdom or save them all.

Raised in a world where humans are oblivious to magic, I always thought I was ordinary. Until a breathtakingly handsome stranger pulled me into a world where creatures of unimaginable power reign, hidden from mortal eyes.

The whispers in my mind? They weren't madness. It was the voice of my inner beast. It turns out I’m not a human at all—I’m a dragon princess.

My infuriating captor claims it's my destiny to marry a prince, to become the savior of an ancient dragon race, and end a curse that's left them barren. But Draconia, the isle of dragons, is a maze of ruthless royal courts, treacherous lands, and dark secrets.

With each passing day, my heart is tossed in a tumultuous storm between two princes: the charming future king—my betrothed, and his mercurial brother, who ignites a fire that could raze the entire kingdom.

And I desperately need that inner fire because it's the key to surviving the deadly Imperia Trials. In this brutal contest, the last dragon standing will reign over our divided kingdom. Beyond love and duty, it's a battle for survival.

But how does one choose between heart and soul when both could mean certain death?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199041481-of-dragons-and-desire

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

In the second book of this series we follow the next girl who sacrificed herself to save their realm. Saphira starts her night out with her foster sisters, but soon finds herself swept away by a man who claims to be her protector and that she must return home. To Draconia. The island of dragon shifters. And turns out Saphira is a princess of one of the territories. One who supposedly has a betrothed and must marry him to save their race. No pressure there. Her memories are gone of this time, but her heart tells her more everyday. Like her connection to her protector who turns out to be the younger brother of the prince she is supposed to marry. The voice in her mind that made her think she was crazy at times is really her dragon who refuses to come out. And with so much turmoil between her people, she wants to find a way to help them and make things right. And to do that she’ll have to win the Imperia Trials. Winner becomes the ruler of the dragons. And only then can she bring peace they so desperately need. But she won’t be alone. Ryker, her protector and the one she can’t help but feel connected to, will be by her side. But with so many secrets of their past and present between them, can they survive what is coming for them? This world is only getting more interesting! I love dragons and dragon shifters, so this was definitely a fun one to read. Can’t wait to pick up book three!

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 1: Of Blood & Nightmares by Chandelle LaVaun

 

Forgotten Kingdoms Book 1

A woman with a haunted past.

A prince who was destroyed by it.

The fight for survival that could ruin everything they have left.

My life never truly felt like mine. It was like driving a rental car, mine on loan for now but never to belong to me. Never intended for me.

Now I knew why.

It was all a lie.

The moment that knight dragged me through The Veil into the realm of Terrea everything changed. This world is nothing like home, it’s like I’ve stepped into a fantasy and traveled back in time. The person I was and the life I lived are gone. Lost. That Veil is not reopening. I’m stuck here…Forever.

They insist I’m their lost vampire queen who has been brought back to make them whole again. But I don’t know how to rebuild a broken kingdom or why the vampires are dying. I don’t remember a past life or any sacrificial rituals they claim I did. I’m just an ER nurse from Los Angeles and I’m in way over my head. All I want is to get back to Earth and find my sister, the only person who ever meant anything to me.

Now the sacred Priestess demands I marry the heir to the throne and rule by his side. But Prince Varan is a cold, snarling, gorgeous nightmare who’d rather throw me into the pits of a volcano than even speak to me. No matter how cruel he is to me, I can’t help but be drawn to him. To need him. But trying to get through his walls might be harder than saving the kingdom from death.

In the end, Prince Varan will either kill me or break my heart into pieces…and I’m not sure which is worse.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199041485-of-blood-nightmares

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Rhodelia has had the same nightmare all her life. Walking down the aisle in an unfamiliar place to a man she does not know. It’s never made sense, but things are about to change. When she takes a much needed break from her job as an ER nurse, she travels with her sisters to Vegas to have some fun. But then next thing she knows someone is dragging her through some sort of portal and she is locked away from her sisters and in a brand new world. And everyone there is insisting that she is their long lost queen and that she had sacrificed herself to save them fifty years ago. Now she is reincarnated and brought back home to help them once again. As crazy as it all seems Rhodelia knows that where she is at is real. And even more real than being a vampire queen, is the vampire prince who seems to hate her for things she does not remember. But when they are crowned King and Queen, they must put aside their feelings and work together because their people are dying and they are the key to saving them. This is seriously a whole new world and so interesting! We are starting with the vampires but we get a sneak peek of what is to come in books two and three and that is dragons and demons. Plus! This series is about 8 women who sacrificed themselves to stop an evil and have all returned home after being reincarnated. We’ll get each of their stories and I can’t wait to see what adventures they will have. We’ve only gotten to see one kingdom and it was definitely an interesting one. I can’t wait to see what else comes!

The Elmwood Stories Book 3: Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes

 

Elmwood Stories Book 3

The hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic…

 

Court

 

Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what? 

 

This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup. 

 

Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more.

 

But you know, I like him. A lot. He’s funny and relentlessly upbeat. I’m a better person when I’m with him—the kind who volunteers to deck the halls and wrap garland on lampposts and—


Whoa. What’s happening here?

 

Ivan

 

I love the holidays! But running the coffee shop on my own during the busiest season of the year is going to be a challenge. And the sudden appearance of my former crush is all kinds of distracting. 


See, I spent my formative years mooning over Court Henderson, our high school’s hockey phenom, even though he was out of my league. Thankfully, I grew up and left the silly remnants of my youth behind. Or did I? 

 

Grown-up Court is full of surprises, and under his gruff yet extremely fine exterior, he’s a good soul with a huge heart. He’s charming, sweet, handsome, and— Uh-oh. 

 

My crush is back. Just in time for the holidays…

 

Holiday Crush is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a renewed ancient crush, some mistletoe latte art, and a little seasonal magic.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199904601-holiday-crush

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Court’s hockey career hasn’t exactly been going well lately. He hasn’t been playing well and he knows it. No matter how hard he tries, he just can’t find the groove but he’s sure he can get himself back on track. Too bad his coaches don’t believe so. Next thing he knows he is cut from the team and decides to return home to Elmwood to figure out what next. He isn’t ready to be done playing hockey yet. Especially not like this. So he’ll do what it takes to get himself back on track. What he never expects is the surprises Elmwood has in store for him. The biggest being Ivan. Ivan is happily surprised that his long time crush, Court, has returned to Elmwood. Though it’s been many years, so he’s sure that crush has died long ago. So he’ll focus on his coffee shop and the holiday season. But then he runs into Court (literally), and ends up spending a lot of time with him and then learns that Court is bi. And suddenly that crush is right on back. And the crazy part? Court is clearly crazy about Ivan as well. A holiday romance that will have you swooning and ready for all the holiday cheer! Court and Ivan were absolutely adorable. Ivan is nonstop and Court is there for it all. This was a fun holiday romance and I loved being back in Elmwood! You definitely won’t want to miss this story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Bridge Kingdom Series Book 4: The Endless War by Danielle L. Jensen

 

Bridge Kingdom Book 4

Newly crowned as king, Keris has watched powerless as his forbidden relationship with Zarrah is revealed. But when Zarrah is imprisoned by the Empress, Keris knows there is only one way to save to ally with the kingdom he nearly destroyed.

Imprisoned on the dreaded Devil's Island, Zarrah faces two prove her loyalty to the Empress who condemned her or die a traitor. Yet as she struggles to survive among violent prisoners, Zarrah uncovers a third a rebellion to overthrow tyranny entwined with a destiny she must fight to claim.

While the Empress plots a war with devastating consequences, Keris and Zarrah must find their way back to each other. Yet their greatest adversary is the fiery passion between them. Unless they overcome the bitterness of betrayal, their love will not be the bringer of peace but rather the fuel that turns the Endless War into an inferno.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/175404085-the-endless-war

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A great conclusion to Zarrah and Keris’s story, and now I cannot wait for the next part of this series that will follow Ahnna! Zarrah and Keris’s starcrossed love story continues and with the cliffhanger that was the previous book, things are never easy for these two. Zarrah is thrown on Devil’s Island. A prison for the worst of the worst. She’ll have to do everything she can to survive the horrors that await her. Even pushing through the hurt that Keris caused her before she was branded a traitor by her aunt. But she should never believe her aunt’s lies or Keris’s love for her. No. Because though he is king of Maridrina, his love for Zarrah is what truly controls him. And he will not leave her to her aunt’s fate. So he’ll recruit his sister and her husband of Ithicana to rescue Zarrah. A dangerous quest and a terrible time to leave his country. But, the future of peace that him and Zarrah shared could still be possible. If he can save her. If she can forgive him. But one step at a time. So much goes down in this book! Plenty of action and so many secrets revealed and so many twists and turns. It was such a ride and I couldn’t put this book down. This is one of my favorite series and it just keeps getting better. The book keeps you on your toes and gives you what I think is a very satisfying ending for Zarrah and Keris. Those two have fought hard for their people and for one another, they deserve a happy ending. It also leaves us with a tiny tease to expect yet another wild ride in the next two books that will follow Ahnna. Super excited for this series to continue! I’m definitely not ready to leave it yet. 

For Puck’s Sake Book 3: Lucky Shot by Crea Reitan

 

For Puck’s Sake Book 3

The entire game can be determined by a lucky shot.

PrettyInLace

Even a gay athlete has an appearance to uphold. There are a handful out in every sport and while every trashy magazine wants to get the scoop on what the gays are up to, looking for a scandal and a way to ruin us, every one of us is constantly on our best behavior. Acting a certain way; dressing a certain way; speaking a certain way.

If the world knew the real me, it’d shudder. Lace. Pearls. Dresses. Collars. All I want is to be someone’s pretty little doll that they dress up and tell me how pretty I am. I want to be loved for the real me; not the image I’m forced to show to the world just so I can keep my spot on the ice.

The only place I find that escape is in an online role playing game where I can be the sexy femme mage and get my flirt on. Find the man of my dreams.

And I do. He’s a big, hot druid ready to sweep me off my feet. Now if only I could find the courage to tell him who I am and trust that he won’t share it with the rest of the world. I’m not ready to end my career yet.

DemiDefenseKip

I’m known for my defensive plays. Aggressive. Precise. Quick. Strong. On the ice, I’m an icon that the world loves to put on a pedestal and worship. I’ve carefully cultivated everything about my public appearance to capitalize on my short career. Considering I’m a noted ‘queer athlete’ - a title that never strays too far from any article - I’m truly living a charmed life.

What the world doesn’t know is that it’s not just my sexuality that makes having a relationship in the spotlight difficult. It’s also because I’m demisexual. Finding someone interested in me and not my jersey or bank balance has proven especially challenging.

So how does someone with a recognizable face the world over find love? If you figure it out, let me know.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197701656-lucky-shot

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Lix and Noah have known one another for a few years now, but never have gone past pleasantries. Their paths rarely cross despite being both in the NHL. But the two of them are part of a group of players out in the professional sports that meet up every summer on a trip. Though they don’t spend much time together on the trip, they do get a peek at the other just a bit more than what they’ve ever done. However, unknown to them, they end up talking and getting to know one another way more in another way. Both are big fans of an online game and just by coincidence and chance, they meet on the game. This begins a real flirting and get to know another thing. They can be themselves and end up talking about anything and everything. Though they keep their names, faces, and personal details that could give away who they are to themselves. This actually really works for both of them when it comes to falling in love with one another. Lix is demisexual. He needs an emotional connection to really connect and be romantic with someone. Through online, he gets a chance to build that without the pressure. For Noah, he is known for his looks and he cannot stand the way around treats him and is constantly trying to touch or be with him for his physical looks alone. Meeting Lix online means that Lix is falling for Noah just how he is and not what he looks like. These two were just so sweet with one another. And I couldn’t wait until they figured out who the other was and just when they would finally meet face to face! Especially because they have run into one another after talking online too! It was only a matter of time. I really enjoyed their love story. And we were introduced to so many new characters, all of whom I would love a book about! We of course saw some familiar faces as well. I’m really enjoying this series and this is one you definitely don’t want to miss!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

All Roads Book 1: Always Mine by T. Ashleigh

 

All Roads Book 1

Paxton-

I had it all. An amazing boyfriend, a full-ride scholarship, and so close to achieving my NFL dream. The future was headed my way, like a perfect spiral, straight down the field.

Until I fumbled the ball.

Everything I cared about was ripped away, and now my life has turned into something I no longer recognize. When I’m forced to move back home, I find myself face-to-face with the reminder of my own self-destruction.

Wyatt Clayton.

He wants nothing to do with me and I don’t blame him. I irrevocably broke us, and he made it clear there's nothing I can do to change the past. But I've lost too much to add him to the pile, and I’ll do anything it takes to get him back.

I need him. He’s my rock, my true dream, my everything.

My Wyatt.

Wyatt-

I thought I was done feeling pain like this.

When Paxton left--turning his back on me and everything we'd shared--I shattered. It took years to put the jagged edges of myself back together, but I managed to create something whole, if not imperfect.

Then he came back, and the shaky foundation I was standing on crumbled.

Now I’m adrift, drowning in the memories, while choking on his presence. He says he wants me back in his life--but my heart won't survive another break.

I have to resist him, and my long-buried emotions, but it's starting to feel impossible. How can I stay strong when he’s the same boy I fell in love with.

My Paxton.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201826626-always-mine

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Paxton injures himself during his college football game, his mom convinces him to come home. The one place he has avoided the last three years. Because three years ago, he made the biggest mistake of his life, and he has no idea if it is something he could ever fix. He broke the heart of the one and only person he ever loved. He has a lot to make up for, but the moment he is back to face everything he knows that he has to fight to earn Wyatt back. Because this time, he isn’t letting him go. Wyatt shattered when Paxton broke his heart three years ago. They were inseparable as kids and they started dating in middle school the moment they realized that the feelings they had for one another was beyond best friends. You could not find two people who were meant to be together. Soul mates in every way, they were one another’s match. And even after three years, Wyatt still isn’t happy and is still trying to pull himself together. But seeing Paxton come home is both the worst and best thing to ever happen. Can he actually forgive him? And is it finally for closure or to restart something that could shatter him all over again? Ugh, these two!! They broke my heart. You could see just how perfect they are for one another and that they deserve to be together and happy. Their road to a second chance isn’t an easy one. There is a lot to unpack and figure out after being apart, but I adored these two and their story. Just so good. I can’t wait to see more from this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

LSU Book 2.5: Unwrapped by Becca Steele

LSU Book 2.5

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Becca Steele comes a new festive standalone M/M college romance.

Ryan Jackson. My best friend. We were inseparable until the day everything changed, when we were just eight years old. 

Ten years later, I tried to make things right between us before we went our separate ways.

I tried…but I made things worse.

I thought I’d never see him again, until I walked into his gym.

Four months have passed, but based on the looks he’s giving me, time isn’t a healer.

Too bad for him, I’m here to stay. I want him back in my life. 

And more than that, I want him to be mine. 

It’s Christmas. The one time of year when miracles can happen. Or so they say…

An early version of Unwrapped was previously published as a limited-time bonus newsletter short, titled Second Chance. This edition has been extensively revised and expanded. It is a festive spin-off from the LSU series, and can be read as a complete standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202966341-unwrapped

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Back in the LSU world with a sweet and short novella. Ryan and Sam were best friends as kids, but an accident drove them apart and they were too young to really know better and salvage their friendship. Years later, right before they go to uni, Sam tries to make amends… and may have made it worse. Now it’s four months later and it’s December. And fate has intervened when Sam ends up at the same gym Ryan is working at. He has another chance to make things right and is surprised when things turn out better than he could have ever imagined. Ryan and Sam get their second chance and it’s such a sweet holiday story as these two best friends reunite and end up with something so much sweeter. It was nice to have an LSU story to hold me over until the third one finally comes out. Hopefully these two will make some cameos the same way others from the series popped up into this one! 

Christmas Falls Book 9: Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

 

Christmas Falls Book 9

Joel McArthur thought he knew everyone in the small town of Christmas Falls. He’s been running Ginger’s Breads bakery for more than a decade, after all. But who is the mysterious runner who’s been passing by his shop every morning? Hayden Bradley’s post-college plans fell through, landing him in this stupid small town he can’t get out of fast enough. He hates Christmas and he’s tired of the endless holiday cheer. But as Hayden finds himself spending more and more time at Joel’s bakery, he’s forced to admit that he’s developed a taste for the ginger-molasses cookies and the handsome ginger-haired baker who makes them. Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193774766-scrooge-you

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s the end of the Christmas Falls series and it has been so fun! This was the perfect way to end the series and tying up the last few threads we’ve seen throughout the series as a whole. In this story, we follow Hayden and Joel. Hayden has moved in with his mom and stepdad at Christmas Falls after his new job fell through. Struggling to find a new one as a web designer and straight out of college, he is none too happy to be in Christmas Falls. Especially when he isn’t thrilled about the holiday season in general after losing his dad during this time of year. So for now he’ll keep job hunting and hope that it takes him far away. At least that’s what he thought he wanted. But after falling (literally) for Christmas Falls’ baker, well things may change just a bit. Joel has noticed the last few months the cute early morning runner who’s grumpy expression only makes him more intrigued. And when said runner slips outside his bakery, he finally gets a chance to meet him properly. Joel loves his life in Christmas Falls, but rarely takes time off work to enjoy himself. But after meeting Hayden, he realizes just how much of a workaholic he has become. Together, they’ll make one another realize of the opportunities that are right in front of them if they are willing to look. They may not know what could become of their future but they’ll take it day by day and fall in a little bit more in love with the other as they do so. Really loved this story! Hayden and Joel were adorable together. And they really balanced the other out. Supporting each other and realizing that for the right person, priorities could change without having to give up on other things. A really great story to wrap up this series. I’m sad it’s over but if you haven’t read the rest, you definitely should! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Falls Book 7: No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

 

Christmas Falls Book 7

I'm your cookie-cutter villain...

Or that's the role Christmas Falls has given me.

I'm here to help my grandfather fulfill the crazy amount of orders his toy shop is getting. The company I work for would love to take it off his hands. And I want to see Grandpa Nicholas enjoy a few years without having to work all day long.

When I arrive in Christmas Falls, not only is Gramps adamant about keeping the toy shop, but he has already hired an assistant enabler who can't stand the sight of me. Ezra, the real world Santa's Elf, an unbearable bubble of Christmas tradition, a walking, talking cinnamon roll, is as delusional as Grandpa Nick himself.

Suddenly, I'm the villain of this Christmas story. Ezra challenges every smart decision I make and thinks I'm here to steal Christmas from the town's kids.

Convincing Grandpa to sell the shop and fighting Ezra at every turn is more than one guy can do alone. But maybe I don't have to. A temporary truce with Ezra quickly turns into a passionate and disastrous wildfire that will melt this winter's snowfall if we don't resist the temptation.

We come from different I have a life waiting for me in New York and Ezra lives and breathes small town charms. We are destined to fall apart, but that's not stopping me from dreaming up ways to keep Ezra with me for another minute. Or hour. Or night.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193569324-no-elfing-way

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

James returns to Christmas Falls in the hopes of convincing his grandfather to sell his toy shop and retired. Despite the fact that James hopes to get a promotion if he he can convince his grandfather to sell, James is also actually worried about his grandfather and wants him to be able to retire comfortably. But his grandfather is stubborn and isn’t looking to sell what brings him so much joy. He loves his life in Christmas Falls and isn’t ready to stop just yet. And in his corner is his employee, Ezra. Ezra loves what he found in Christmas Falls. He’s happy and Grandpa Nicholas has shown him so much kindness. He genuinely loves working at the store. What he doesn’t love is Nicholas’s grandson coming and trying to convince Nicholas to do something he doesn’t want to do. He also doesn’t appreciate how good looking James is. Very not fair. Though, James sees Ezra the same way. These two start out a little rocky, but the chemistry between them is very real. Especially when they get to know one another. The more he spends times at the shop and with Ezra, the more James questions everything he thought he waned and his goals for coming back to Christmas Falls. But will it be enough in the end to change his mind? Another great story in this series! James and Ezra were kinda the grumpy and sunshine combo that worked wonderfully to balance the other out. But Ezra also was a good reminder to James to what it is like to be happy again. Definitely a great story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Falls Book 6: Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

Christmas Falls Book 6

 

I'm definitely on Santa's naughty list this year…

My agent calls me a PR nightmare, but I'm just trying to have some fun for the first time in my life. To clean up my supposed 'bad boy' image, I'm starring in a cheesy, live-action holiday rom-com set in Christmas Falls.

Ha, some punishment.

The head of the company producing the film is Hig Langton, my best friend's dad, aka my lifelong crush. The most kind-hearted and devastatingly handsome guy I’ve ever laid my eyes on. A sexy business man and mountain lumberjack rolled into one. He can jingle my bells any time.

But this year, I want Hig to stop seeing me as a kid… Or his son's best friend. I'm an adult, and it's time for Hig to start treating me like one. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

Clausing a Scene is low-angst holiday fun guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit. It's packed with tropey goodness my best friend's dad, age gap, snowed in, bi awakening, and first time.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193567834-clausing-a-scene

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

For a guy who grew up in the spotlight as a child actor, there is no one more down to Earth than Brant. He’s been good and never given any reason to cause trouble. But this year he tries to have a bit more fun. Experience things you’re supposed to do when you are young. Too bad anything he does just never seems worth it or fun in the end. He would much rather hang out with his best friend, Col, and… his best friend’s dad, Hig. Oh, and did he mention that he’s had a big crush on Hig for years? Probably good thing he is an actor. But things are about to change. First off, in misunderstandings and the paparazzi trying to stir up trouble, he’s gotten a label as a brat in the media and his agent is desperate to change that. So he finds himself being sent to Christmas Falls to shoot a cheesey live action holiday movie. And Christmas Falls brings him to Hig. And when Col’s flight gets delayed for a few days, well things are about to get very interesting. One thing leads to another and suddenly, all of Brant’s fantasies are coming true. But it has no chance of lasting, right? Hig’s view of Brant has definitely changed in the last few years. There is no doubt that twenty-five-year-old Brant is an adult. And when it’s revealed that Brant is into him… well all bets are off. It’s time for the both of them to give in to the feelings that are so clearly there. There are plenty of reasons why they wouldn’t work or should be together, but do they really matter when you find the one? This story was a lot of fun! Brant and Hig were actually a really great match for one another. Their dynamic was so natural and their chemistry was great. Another fun story in this series! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.