Games We Play Book 0.5: Two Truths and a Lyle by DJ Jamison

Games We Play Book 0.5

Two Truths and a...wait, what?!

What happens when drunken idiots, aka your friends, use a silly drinking game to sideswipe you and your BFF with the truth bomb that you’re actually in love with each other?

Truman: You impulsively kiss the best friend you’ve been in love with for ages…then wake up with a hangover—and regrets.

Lyle: You freak out because you’re not gay or bi, before realizing the kiss wasn’t *actually* bad. Then you begin to wonder…should we do it again?

Two Truths and a Lyle is a cute, low-angst M/M romance with two oblivious best friends who are perfect for one another, a town full of quirky residents who get in everyone’s business, and a sweet demisexual awakening.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75602900-two-truths-and-a-lyle

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

Truman has been in love with his best friend, Lyle, for a very long time. Too bad Lyle has never looked at him that way. As for Lyle, his best friend means everything to him. They had a future planned and he was shocked when Truman left for school. The year without him hurt him in ways he didn't want to admit. But summer is here and Truman is back and all he wants is to spend time with him. But apparently their friends see more than Truman and Lyle. Their friends are convinced that both are in love with the other and just need a little push for the two of them to admit that. Thus leads to two truths and a lie. And from that game the two of them may finally open their eyes to what has been there all along. And now that their eyes are open, what are they going to do about it? This was a cute little prequel to the series. A best friends who are oblivious to lovers and soul mates.

Cherry Tree Harbor Book 1: Runaway Love by Melanie Harlow

Cherry Tree Harbor Book 1

Yes, I’m a single dad who needs a nanny for the summer.

But hire the stranded runaway bride who shows up on my doorstep in a wedding gown with no references, no skills, and no experience?

No one is that desperate.

Except within twenty-four hours, down-on-her-luck Veronica Sutton manages to charm my kids, my family, and half the population of Cherry Tree Harbor into believing she’s perfect for the job.

And for me.

It’s not that I can’t see the appeal–those baby blue eyes? The endless legs? That mouth made for trouble? But I’ve got enough on my plate, raising two kids on my own and keeping the family business alive. I don’t have the time or the inclination to fall for an outspoken city girl.

So I should have kept my hands to myself.

Holding her in my arms was a big mistake. Even worse? Spending the night together. She ignites a possessive fire in me that I’m finding hard to snuff out.

But the most unforgivable? Growing attached to the sound of her laugh, the scent of her skin, and the way her body wraps around mine in the dark.

At the end of the summer, she’ll be gone.

And if I’m not careful, she might run away with my heart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123244793-runaway-love

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Melanie Harlow has been a go to author for me for a while now and she never disappoints! Her latest start to her new series, Cherry Tree Harbor, is going to be a great one. Runaway Love was such a fun book. Full of laughs, great characters, and a very swoon worthy romance, of course. She also never fails to capture you with that first chapter. So this story starts off with Veronica on her wedding day. And things have taken a pretty bad turn when she gets a text from her husband-to-be that was clearly not meant for her. One, he gets her name wrong and two, goes on about how they spent their night together and how he wants to do it again. That cheater is about to pay. I would almost feel bad for him if he wasn't such a... well, use your imagination on those creative insults. It's the wake up Veronica needed to realize that she never really loved him and that she was definitely not happy. She had lost her mom the year before, and in her grief her blinders were on. But no longer. Not marrying him may mean she has literally nothing to her name (again realizing just how much control he has taken for her in the past year and how dependent he made her of him) but nothing is better than misery with him. So she takes off in a bold and chaotic way, that trust me, you do not want spoiled! This leads her to Austin. Austin who has seven year old twins and is need of some help this summer with taking care of them since he has to work. And well Austin doesn't expect for a woman still in her wedding dress to appear at his door looking for a job. Things may not exactly start off great for the two of them, but eventually Austin gives Veronica a chance. A chance that will change both of them forever. This was just such a fun story. I couldn't put it down! Austin and Veronica are such opposites in so many ways, but they also just fit together as well. Especially when they let their guards down around one another. We also got to meet a bunch of other characters that I can't wait to get their books. Really loved this one and I cannot wait for the next one to come out!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tequila Kisses by T. Ashleigh

Ledger-

The mess that is my life started with one too many tequila shots.

Well, I guess you could say the disaster really started two years ago when I met Sterling Jacobson, my best friend’s older brother, for the first time. He’s off limits, someone I can never have. So why do I have to want him the most?

I really need to get him, and the night we shared out of my head. There’s no better way to do that than on a summer trip to Sicily with my best friend.

That was the plan until everything went sideways, leaving me stuck in one of the most romantic destinations in the world with the man I’m trying to get over. I can’t act on my desires again, no matter how badly I want to.

Sterling-

Even though Ledger is everything I’ve always wanted wrapped up in one tempting package, I kept myself at a distance and never acted on my emotions.

It was going well until one tequila-fueled night led to a drunken hook-up. It’s been weeks now, but I can’t seem to move past our night together. Not when it was only a small taste of what I’ve been craving for so long.

When I find out he’s going away to Italy for the summer, I’m relieved. As much as I don’t want him to go, I know it’s best for both of us to get some space.

But then my sister called, needing my help, and I had no choice but to board the next plane to Italy.

Now here I am, alone in Sicily with Ledger… what could possibly go wrong?

*Tequila Kisses is a low-angst, best friend's brother, MM Novel. It is recommended for an 18+ audience due to language and sexual situations.*

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

Ledger has had a bit of crush on his best friend's brother for a long time. But never wanted to jeopardize their friendship in case she would never approve. But after a night of one too many tequila shots and a hook up with said best friend's brother. Well things will never be the same. At least Ledger can escape to Sicily with Abby for the summer, right? Right? But Ledger isn't the only one with the crush. From the moment Sterling met Ledger, he knew there was something there with them. But like Ledger, wasn't willing to upset his sister and act on it. But the night they hook up, it changes everything. He doesn't want to let Ledger go. He wants a chance to get to know him better and prove that this connection between them exists and is strong. But kinda hard to do that when Ledger won't give him any signs. However, lucky for him, his chance to find out comes when Abby asks him to come to Sicily and spend time with Ledger when she finds out she was accepted to a program she applied to in Rome. They'll have a little over a week to finally be alone and maybe just maybe pick up where they left off. And perhaps finally explore the chemistry between them. Such a fun and cute story! So many hilarious moments with these two. And the romance was so great as well. I really adored this story and couldn't put it down!  

Stonefire Dragons Book 15: Taught by the Dragon by Jessie Donovan

Stonefire Dragons Book 15

A dragonwoman who doesn’t know how to shift, a single dad struggling after an injury, and a student/teacher relationship that turns into something more… After seven years as a prisoner in an illegal dragon research facility, Persephone “Percy” Smith is rescued by Clan Stonefire and sets foot inside a dragon clan for the first time, where everything she sees contradicts what she’s been told her whole life. To help her learn to be a dragon-shifter, she’s assigned a kind and sexy yet determined dragonman named Bronx Wells—as well as his fifteen-year-old daughter—to be her teachers. But she’s skeptical as hell about all their kindness, something she’s always viewed as a weakness. Growing up in an orphanage that forced dragon-shifter children to act like humans, as well as being sold at aged thirteen to the bloody awful research facility, she learned the hard way that thinking of others only ever got you hurt. To survive, she never, ever trusts anyone but herself. And yet, as Bronx and his daughter slowly teach Percy how to embrace her dragon and discover who she truly is, she wonders if maybe there are good people in the world. And soon she starts to feel things she's never felt before. Can Percy risk opening her fragile heart to Bronx? Or will she have to leave her first real home on Stonefire to protect herself?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123210371-taught-by-the-dragon

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It's always fun diving back into this world. And we are back on Stonefire which is always great! This story follows Percy and Bronx. Percy has had a tough life. She was left at an orphanage because her mother didn't want her. And was treated terribly for being half human and half dragonshifter. Worse, when her inner dragon appears, they sell her to an illegal dragon research facility that does the worst possible things you can think of to her. And after so long, she finally escapes with the help of Stonefire. But so much damage has been done. Like that fact that she hasn't heard her dragon since she was a child and that she trusts absolutely no one in any shape or form. But she is a survivor and one thing she wants more than anything is to get her dragon back and shift and fly for the first time. And to do that she will need some help. Bronx and his fifteen year old daughter, Violet, are asked to teach Percy about being dragonshifters. Bronx is known for helping others. And though a recent injury resulted in the loss of part of his leg, he pushes through to help when he can. And he wants to help Percy. What he doesn't expect is the pull he feels toward her. But whether or not she could be is true mate? Well, he'll only know if her dragon comes back. And even then, he knows the horrors she has been through. Who is to say she wants anything to do with having a mate. This story was so good and heart wrenching. Percy has been through a lot and even Bronx has had his share of tragedies with his late first mate. But together, they may just be able to heal one another. It's a slow burn that is worth the wait. And just another great addition to this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lionheart Academy Book 2: Omitting You by T. Ashleigh

Lionheart Academy Book 2

Rhys:

I’ve loved him since before I understood what love meant.

My best friend, my secret keeper, my defender.

The boy with the glasses and quiet temperament.

The guy with the sweetest smile, who has the dirtiest mouth.

The man who owns me. Mind, body, and soul.

I’m ready for the world to know that he’s mine. To love him out loud.

The problem? Winston isn’t ready. And I’m not sure he ever will be.

Loving Winston was never optional for me.

I want to be his everything, instead, I feel as though I’m disposable to him.

After all, how could I not be when I’m his dirty little secret?

Winston:

Being a Connley comes with certain expectations.

Go to school, take over the family business, marry a woman, and have two point five kids.

So, imagine how life would be if the prodigal son turned out gay?

I don’t want to cause a rift in my family. So instead, I grit my teeth and plaster on a fake smile to avoid dealing with the bullshit.

The problem? I’m completely, unbelievably, devastatingly in love with Rhys Evander.

I know I need to stop hiding. I need to own who I am.

It’s not fair to Rhys for me to keep him on the sidelines, yet fear keeps me paralyzed.

I just hope I have the guts to follow my heart before it’s too late.

Because losing Rhys is never going to be an option for me.

*Omitting You is the second book in The Lionheart Academy interconnecting series. It can be read as a standalone. It's a full length, new adult high school novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. It’s recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. Please read trigger warnings before proceeding.*

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122874808-omitting-you

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I am loving this series! Rhys and Winston's story was so good. This is a great best friends to lovers trope, and I couldn't put it down. Rhys and Winston have been inseparable since they were eight years old. It is no surprise that has the years pass by that their feelings for one another morph from best friends to something more. But neither know how the other truly feels and both are terrified of jeopardizing their friendship in any way. As they start the summer interning for their dads hotels, they finally have a moment that changes their relationship forever. Finally, these two are together and know how the other feels, but there are complications. The main one being Winston. He isn't ready to tell everyone about their relationship yet. Especially his family. He wants time to sort it out and figure out a way to tell everyone without everything changing around them. And Rhys understands and is patient. Until it starts to feel like maybe it just won't ever happen. These two are such a strong pair and it's heartbreaking to see them have to struggle to find the balance in their relationship and the secrets dragging them down. But in the end they'll have to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to be with one another. Loved this story! This has been such a fun series so far and I cannot wait for the next book! Have to know what is going on with that last pair and I definitely want to see more of all the couples we've seen so far in the eyes of someone else. 

 

Lionheart Academy Book 1: Betting You by T. Ashleigh

Lionheart Academy Book 1

Hudson:

I don't have repeats, I don’t do feelings, and I definitely don’t make commitments.

If you come to me expecting your knight in shining armor, be prepared for disappointment.

It’s my senior year, and I want to enjoy my last bit of freedom before following the path my father has mapped out for me.

Well, that was the plan until Ryan showed up and ruined everything.

Fun.

That's all it was supposed to be, a game—just a way to mess with the new kid.

Except, what started as a game quickly turned into me catching feelings.

And what’s worse, he may never forgive me once he finds out.

Ryan:

This year has been chock-full of bad moments and even worse decisions.

The first was when my mom told me she was getting married again.

The second was being shipped off to a boarding school in the middle of nowhere.

The third was thinking I could trust the fuckboys of Lionheart Academy.

But the worst of them all was the fourth.

I should have known better. I should have listened to my gut.

Rich boys don’t have hearts.

And Hudson Reginn is no exception.

*Betting You is the first book in The Lionheart Academy series. It's a full length, new adult high school novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. It’s recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. Please read trigger warnings before proceeding.*

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122873835-betting-you

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Let's be real. Nothing but chaos can come out of the bet trope. You know the person the bet is about is gonna find out and you know the other person is gonna fall hard. So why read this knowing how things will play out? Well, truth is you don't actually know just how everything goes down anyway. Which is why I always find myself picking the book up.  There are plenty of twists and turns to get you there, and this story had me hooked. First off, Hudson and Ryan are awesome characters. Immediately loved them and I couldn't wait to see how Ryan would be the one to make Mr. One Night Stand fall in love. So this book starts with Ryan being told by his mom that she fell in love again but this time it is different and she is gonna marry the guy. And unfortunately for Ryan that means he has to attend boarding school with the guy's son, Greg. Who doesn't exactly like him much. And though Greg has his own issues, he pushes his very loyal friends, and specifically Hudson, to do something kinda bad. Mess with Ryan. Make Ryan fall for Hudson and then break his heart. He may not be able to get back at his dad, but Ryan is his next target. His friends aren't good with this plan, including Hudson, but to help his best friend he caves. And immediately knows it was a mistake. Because the second he tries to get to know Ryan, he knows he is in trouble. They met for a moment before knowing one another and the sparks were definitely there. But now, they actually get to know one and it's game over when it comes to feelings. But Hudson has no idea how to come clean to either of them. To Ryan, to tell him that he may have pushed harder but fell in love anyway. And to Greg, to tell him he wanted out because he actually has feelings. And for Ryan, he knows that Hudson doesn't have a great rep when it comes to relationships, but he sees something in Hudson that makes him pause. And he takes the leap of faith. I actually loved this story. Like I said, Ryan and Hudson are great! I was rooting for them the whole way through, even when things blew up, because despite it all, those two are great together. We also had some great side characters, who I am looking forward to reading their stories as well. 

Ryker Falls Book 8: We Found Love by Lani Blake

Ryker Falls Book 8

Beauty and the tormented beast

Ford Winter, the oldest, and, according to his siblings, ugliest, is a man with carefully hidden secrets. Outwardly relaxed, laid back, and happy with life on his family’s ranch, Ford takes comfort in the daily rhythms of his life. Under the surface, however, he is battling with the demons of something he will never share with anyone.

Business takes him from his hometown, and when he finds a desperate woman standing outside his hotel room, clearly in pain, he does what he does best. Steps in to help her. What he doesn’t realize is that life as he knows it, from that moment, is about to change after their encounter.

Autumn Harris, the sweet new teacher in town, and woman he rescued, is a single mother and way too nice for the likes of him. He doesn’t want nice and sweet, or a relationship, because at night, when the door to his room is closed, often Ford’s life changes for the worst. Plagued with nightmares from an event that changed his life, he never wants anyone to see his demons. Especially Autumn.

Can their demons be tamed?

Autumn desperately needs a life change, both for herself and her son, Ritchie. So, when she reads about a teaching position in Ryker Falls, Colorado, she jumps at the chance. Finally, she can escape the man who had once held her heart. A man who thinks he can still be part of their lives, despite Autumn’s protests.

The Ryker Falls community welcome her and Ritchie, wrapping them in a secure blanket of love and support. After the hell that she’s come from, it’s like the best kind of dream come true. Right up until the day she walks into Ford Winter again. He’s the man who tenderly looked after her, the man who showed her such gentle kindness when she’d no one else to turn to. The tall, imposing rancher with the easy smile but shadowed eyes.

Autumn senses something is off with Ford. Something dark is plaguing him, his unspoken demons obvious in his manner and rejection. Autumn is both scared yet drawn to an inward struggle she well recognizes, but also knows her heart can never be truly his. Not when she has so much at stake to lose.

Can Ford and Autumn heal each other, or will the past that comes calling and stop them from finding a future together?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/128679172-we-found-love

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We have finally made it to the last Ryker Falls book! At least that is what it seems like seeing as all our favorite characters are finally in relationships. But in no way is it the end of that world. Not with these new characters and new town we are brought to. Plus the end note introducing a new book! But let's back up to Ford and Autumn. These two were such a great pair. Ford has kept a pretty big secret from his family for a long time. An incident back in college that scarred him in so many ways. But he kept it to himself because of what his family was going through at the time and felt it was up to him to protect them. But years later, he is still facing the aftermath with nightmares that leave him unable to sleep through the night. And now, his family are starting to realize that something is off and won't let up until he tells them the truth. And then he meets Autumn on a business trip and becomes her knight in shining armor. Not realizing that their paths would cross again so soon. And Ford starts to realize exactly how his siblings and friends have fallen in love so quick. For Autumn, she came to Ryker Falls with her young son to get away with her toxic ex. She has a job as a schoolteacher and is learning what it is like to be supported in this close knit community. And when she sees the man who helped her when she was ill, she can't help but feel a connection with him. Both will have a lot to face in terms of their pasts, good and bad, before they can truly find their way to one another. Loved their story! I couldn't put it down as per usual when it comes to these books. The characters are always fantastic and so different from one another. We had a lot of twists and turns in this story. Along with some great romance and action. I'm looking forward to the next book from Lani!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Playing for Keeps Book 2: False Start by Riley Hart & Neve Wilder

Playing for Keeps Book 2

If only my feelings were as fake as this "relationship" with my former teammate.

CULLEN: I’ve been the NFL’s “problem child” since my rookie year. If there’s trouble, I’ll find it.

But my biggest weakness has always been Houston McRae. We were secretly together in college before it blew up in our faces.

So, when I see him again years later, you’d think I’d know better than to end up in an airport bathroom stall tearing his clothes off.

To make matters worse, because of mistakes I’ve made, I find out afterward I’m being traded… to Denver.

Where Houston lives. Because of course.

I’m not taking responsibility for the two of us ending up in a fake relationship. That’s all on him, but I can’t pretend I won’t enjoy it. As long as I don’t let myself fall for him again, I’ll be fine, right?

HOUSTON: I lived, breathed, and slept football until an injury sidelined me for life. Now I’m solely focused on finding my place again… until Cullen Atwood walks back into my life and tempts me into an airport bathroom stall, where every ounce of passion for him I thought I’d buried returns with a vengeance.

Now he’s playing for the Rush…

And staying in my apartment.

And did I mention he’s also my fake boyfriend who makes it clear he still wants me every chance he gets?

I’ve got my future to think about, though, and we’re one wrong move from becoming a tabloid headline. I can’t afford to think of Cullen as anything more than a casual hook-up.

So why do I keep wishing this relationship was real?

False Start is a low angst, high-heat sports romance in the Playing for Keeps series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124926416-false-start

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Cullen and Houston first got together, they were young and in college working toward their dreams to play in the NFL. But at that time, coming out and playing professionally wasn't exactly easy or the thing to do. Instead of trying to make a go for it, they break one another hearts. Years have passed, and neither have truly gotten over the other. Not that either would admit it. And Cullen is becoming the problem child of the NFL. And his latest stunt changes everything. After running into Houston for the first time in a long time, it leads to a hook up and so many thoughts later. Head not in the game, Cullen makes a bad decision that leads to him being outed. Then traded. But perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, because he ends up in Denver. Right where Houston is. Houston is no longer playing in the NFL after an injury but he has stuck around near his team, his family, and his baby brother who is playing on his old team. When Cullen appears back in his life, he tries everything to stay away. But when the two of them are caught in a compromising position, and Cullen is getting hit with the blame, Houston blurts out they are in a relationship. Now they'll have to navigate a "fake" relationship that feels more and more real every day. This was definitely a fun fake relationship trope story! Cullen and Houston have great chemistry and banter. They were great together and you just want to shake them for being so silly and not realizing that the other was still in love with them and that they were meant to be and figure out a way to make it work. Even when their careers were leading in different directions. This has been a fun series so far and I'm hoping for more! 

Puckboys Book 4: Foolish Puckboy by Eden Finley & Saxon James

Puckboys Book 4

ALEKS

After my divorce, I’m ready to have fun, date around, and not get into anything serious. Then I meet Gabe Crosby, superhero firefighter and a disgrace to the Crosby name. He doesn’t even like hockey!

Yet, there’s a draw to him I can’t deny—something I haven’t felt since my teens. But that’s the problem. I have no idea what dating is like, let alone how to do it with another man. He makes me flakey and nervous, and I’ve never been that guy.

Gabe turns me inside out and upside down in the best possible ways. I only recently became single, but if I continue to chase after him, I might not stay that way for long.

GABE

When I meet Aleksander Emerson during an emergency call-out, there are three things that catch my attention: his sexy tattoos, his kind eyes, and his drunken offer to have my babies.

He’s new to Seattle and recently divorced, so I take him under my wing–and under my sheets. I’m showing him what the world of hookups is like, only those hookups turn into sleepovers and dates and public displays of jealousy.

Aleks is in his casual era, and I’m working my way toward settling down and starting a family. What the two of us have is fun, but not a good idea permanently.

Too bad Aleks has already set my life on fire.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63127516-foolish-puckboy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This was probably my favorite book of the Puckboys series. Right from the beginning you are pulled in by the humor. Absolutely hysterical beginning that carried out throughout the story. Gabe and Aleks chemistry is fantastic. When these two first meet, Aleks is hosting many of his hockey friends from the collective and no surprise whatsoever when Ezra takes things a bit too far in their shenanigans. Cue a tiny fire that is gone (though certainly left traces behind. RIP Dex's eyebrows) and two hunky firefighters who come to the rescue and walk in on the chaos. You can imagine exactly how that goes down. Drunk hockey players have a lot to say. Especially when Aleks sees Gabe and blurts out immediately how hot he is and how he wants to have his babies. This story had me in stitches. And Gabe only found this encounter hilarious. This starts the wonderful romance between Aleks and Gabe. Though it doesn't come easy at first. Aleks in newly divorced and realizing that getting back into the dating world isn't easy. And when he is around Gabe, it becomes a lot harder because he feels this strong connection to him. Lucky for him, Gabe is patient and more than willing to be the first man Aleks is with. The two will start a best dates war, have a ton of fun hooking up, and fall for each other with each passing day. Their story was just so sweet and so much fun, I couldn't put the story down. And of course we get to see so many other favorite characters. And the hints of future books and who they will involve. Really loving this series and I can't wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 21: Lassiter by J.R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 21

Destiny, duty and desire clash in this epic new novel in J. R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series…

Lassiter, the fallen angel, is too good at the savior business. In his new role overseeing the fates of all vampires, he’s influenced outcomes he shouldn’t have- so the Creator is calling him home. But the angel has a reason to stay in Caldwell. He’s bonded with a mysterious female who’s seemed to appear from out of nowhere… and has powers that defy all reason.

Rahvyn is well aware that she doesn’t belong in the present. And she never intended to stay, for her true place is in the past. Lassiter proves to be undeniable, however, and she lets herself fall for the angel- until a secret he’s been keeping comes out and she fears that for him, it’s not about love, but duty.

As the Omega’s son reestablishes the Lessening Society, and the Brotherhood must resume the deadly war- an unfathomable tragedy occurs. In the aftermath, Rahvyn has to decide whether to stay and help- or save herself from an immortal heartbreak she knows will crush her very soul…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61273788-lassiter

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A real rollercoaster this book was. I'm not even sure my shock over the ending is over, but this was a wild ride. Also lots of confusing feelings about how to actually feel with that ending. Lot of crazy in this book, so prepare for that wild ride. So Lassiter finally gets his story! Been waiting a long time for that to happen and it has finally arrived. When we catch up with Lassiter, he isn't as his best. Last book, we all know he made a huge sacrifice and it was one that isn't exactly easy to shake off. But he knows he needs to pull himself together. He may have lost a chance to be with his true love, but those he calls family will need him. But all isn't lost. Rahvyn returns and knows she can't fight the pull she has to Lassiter. She may be worried about how he will react to her past but she has to face him. They'll have a bit to sort out when it comes to finding their way back to one another. And if that wasn't enough we have a lot more going in the story. Eddie and Adrian have finally made an appearance!! And for those who read the Fallen Angels series, you know who they are. Then we have this Lash and Devina catastrophe happening. Lash is back and that means the war with the Omega and lessers will start again. So many elements mixing together. And when everything comes together... yeah, you won't be ready. Also lots of "oh no" moments in the book, but of course those are only teasing moments for the end that wants to break you. Seriously, that ending was wild. And I'm still trying to process certain portions of it and what it means for future books. I have lots of questions. And I don't think I'll truly know how I feel until I get those answers. If you've stuck around this long for this series, you're gonna wanna read this no matter what. This world is truly something and I'm amazingly still looking forward to where it goes.

Tennessee U Book 1.5: Loving Shane by Denver Shaw

Tennessee U Book 1.5

What can possibly go wrong after our happily ever after?

In a word?

Everything.

This should be that magnificent time in a new relationship where Shane and I are reveling in our love for one another.

But fate has other plans.

I fought the battle against my condition and won. Yet Shane continues to treat me like I’m made of glass. Even though we’ve been given the all-clear to get our groove on, he keeps putting it off.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123070701-loving-shane

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

In this short little story we follow Shane and West in the aftermath of their story and spending their first Christmas together! Their relationship is still new and they are still finding their way to balance after being in crisis and caretaker mode. But West is determined to give Shane a great Christmas. Especially since it is his first one without his mom. I loved this short novella follow up! It was nice to get just a bit more of their story. Especially one that wasn't long after the book ended. Don't wanna miss this story if you loved the first one!

Tennessee U Book 1: Saving West by Denver Shaw

Tennessee U Book 1

How far would you go to save someone?

I can't afford distractions.

I've been put on academic probation and I'm one mistake away from being expelled and losing everything I've worked so hard for.

All I want is to make my mother proud and honor her memory by getting my degree.

My plan this semester is to keep my head down, focus on my studies, and stay out of trouble.

But fate is fickle, and it seems like she has other plans when she suddenly dumps him at my feet.

Weston Perkins, the university's star football player.

He's the worst kind of distraction — beautiful and vicious, arrogant and hot as sin, troubled and vulnerable.

I can't bear to be around him, and yet, I can't seem to stay away.

But the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that there is something very wrong with West.

He's harboring a dark secret and desperately needs a friend.

I'm going to help him, even if he doesn't want it, and even if it means putting my future on the line.

Because some things in life are worth getting in trouble for.

Saving West is a slow-burn, emotional, hurt/comfort MM romance with moderate angst and a hard-earned HEA.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123068990-saving-west

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I loved this story! I couldn't put it down. I had to know how everything worked out. Shane hasn't had it easy. His mom passed away not too long ago and when he was accused of cheating on his SATs, no one believed him that it had to be a mistake. All universities denied him and if it wasn't his uncle being the dean at Tennessee U, he wouldn't be getting the education he desperately wants and worked so hard to get. Things only get harder when it seems that all the professors are watching him so closely that even going out ends up being a bad idea. He doesn't have much time to prove otherwise. It also doesn't help that after leaving a meeting with board, he finds himself being taken my campus security. Though in his defense he was actually doing a good deed but when you are in the wrong place at the wrong time and your face is posted as a troublemaker, Shane doesn't expect anything less. But his good deed was actually helping West. West who was unconscious under the bleachers and it wasn't because he was drunk. West has his own secrets. Like the big one where he is hiding his illness from just about everyone. And he is getting worse. Unlucky and yet pretty lucky for him, Shane keeps finding him at his worst and helping him. But West is very push and pull when it comes to Shane and he knows it. Part of him wants to explain to Shane what is happening but the other part of him doesn't want anything to change. It also doesn't help that West is attracted to Shane. The first man he could ever say that about. A bad illness, trying to keep up his grades, trying to make it to the NFL, and an identity crisis? Poor kid can't seem to find a minute to catch up. And for Shane, he can't help but be drawn to West over and over again. Even though he knows it could end it heartbreak. But the pull between these two are so clear. I loved the two of them! This book had it all. Great characters, a slow burn, emotional, hurt and comfort, your emotions are up and down as you watch these two fall in love and face impossible odds! Like I said this story pulled me right in.

 

Vancouver Orcas Book 1: Game Plan by Amy Aislin

Vancouver Orcas Book 1

As the new head coach of the Vancouver Orcas, Matt Shore has got his work cut out for him. Coming off a season where the Orcas came in last in the entire AHL, Matt’s job is to whip his new hockey team into shape for the oncoming season.

He doesn’t need any distractions, especially not one in the form of a tall, dark, and gorgeous antiques dealer.

Who’s also his ex—and his best player’s father.

Pierce Langley-Brown has a lot of regrets. The biggest? Leaving Matt behind two years ago when his son needed him. Now, with his son on Matt’s hockey team, there’s no avoiding the man who once owned his heart.

Not that Pierce wants to avoid him. And that heart? It still belongs to Matt.

But will Matt choose to keep it after all this time?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68405737-game-plan

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Two years ago, Matt watched Pierce walk out the door on their relationship without much of an explanation. Breaking his heart in the process. Now, after one of his hockey players gets sick on the ice, the player's father comes rushing in and reveals himself to be the same man who broke his heart. Pierce hit his breaking point two years earlier when his son was in a car accident. It was the final straw that had him running. Even if that meant leaving the love of his life. But in those two years, Pierce has gotten the help he needs to deal with his depression and get his life back on track. And with it comes to the move back home as he follows his son. And it leads him back to Matt. He knows things can't go back to the way they used to with Matt. However, he knows he owes an explanation and wants to make amends. And if he can somehow gain a second chance to win Matt's heart, he'll do whatever it takes. But it won't be easy. Matt may understand the reasons now, but winning back his trust is a whole other game. Add in the fact that a coach dating a player's father could be its own complication. They'll have to fight for one another if they want a second chance. This was a great second chance romance! Matt and Pierce were such a great couple and it was great to see the two of them find their way back to one another. It's clear that both have grown a lot in their time apart but that the love they had was super strong and that it would take a lot more to truly break it. Looks like we have some great other stories coming up in this series and I'm super excited for them to come out!

 

Bewitched Book 1: Bewitched by Laura Thalassa

Bewitched Book 1

From bestselling indie author and TikTok favorite Laura Thalassa comes a witch fantasy set in the world of the Bargainer series.

At age twenty, Selene Bowers desperately hopes to be accepted into Henbane Coven, an academy for young witches. Since one of the requirements for entry is to connect with her powers via a quest through the wilderness, Selene books a trip to South America. When a nefarious supernatural force tries to drag her plane from the sky, Selene’s magic awakens to save her life—at a cost. Using her powers devours her memories, one by one.

Worse, when Selene braves the jungle and discovers the source of the attack, she finds herself awakening an ancient evil, Memnon the Cursed, who mistakes Selene for his long-dead wife. The wife who betrayed him. Selene manages to escape and begin her studies at Henbane, but when Memnon turns up at the coven and witches are found dead across campus, Selene becomes entangled in a dangerous plot. Accused of the murders on the basis of her memory loss, Selene must rely on Memnon’s help for answers—and his plans for her will change everything.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65001557-bewitched

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

What a rollercoaster this one was! The whole time I was trying to figure out who I was rooting for because man so many ups and downs. This story was pretty wild and thankfully it isn't the last especially after that wild cliffhanger. Not even sure how I totally feel bout everything that went down but I know I wanna find out. So our story follows Selene and her magic is pretty rough. I do not envy this girl. For every time she uses her magic, a memory is taken away. Living like that cannot be easy. But despite the struggles Selene faces, she is determined to push through and make something for herself. And right now her goal is to get into Henbane Coven so she can work on her magic and be around other witches. But she has been struggling to get in. And in her latest try she is told that she needs to go on a quest and get a familiar. So she'll do it. But she never expects what comes next. A supernatural force brings her plane down in South America and she hears someone calling to her... Memnon the Cursed. And she may have released him. What's worse? Memnon is convinced Selene is his wife and that she betrayed him. And if that isn't complicated enough, she returns back to the US and gets into Henbane but then there are a series of murders going around. And with Selene's memory gaps, she is the main suspect. Poor girl can't catch a break. This story was pretty wild. I was hooked from beginning to end. I wanted to know more about Selene and her magic and how she could be Memnon's long ago wife. Reincarnation was my first guess but the big question was how? And if she was his wife, then why did she betray him and lock him away? Or did she even do that? Then Memnon himself was an enigma. To trust him or not? Could he be good? Bad? A bit of both? So much happening in this story and some many threads that overlap. Like I said, a crazy cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see where this series takes us.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu

This smoldering enemies-to-lovers novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu puts a superstar global phenomenon and a hotshot young spy on a collision course with danger – and Cupid’s arrow – in an electric new series perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Ally Carter.

Meet Winter Young – International pop sensation, with a voice like velvet and looks that could kill. His star power has smashed records, selling out stadiums from LA to London. His rabid fans would move heaven and earth for even a glimpse of him – just imagine what they’d do to become his latest fling.

Meet Sydney Cossette – Part of an elite covert ops group, Sydney joined their ranks as their youngest spy with plans to become the best agent they’ve ever had. An ice queen with moves as dangerous as her comebacks, Sydney picks up languages just as quickly as she breaks hearts. She's fiery, no-nonsense, and has zero time for romance – especially with a shameless flirt more used to serving sass than taking orders.

When a major crime boss gifts his daughter a private concert with Winter for her birthday, Sydney and Winter's lives suddenly collide. Tasked with infiltrating the crime organization’s inner circle, Sydney is assigned as Winter's bodyguard with Winter tapped to join her on the mission of a lifetime as a new spy recruit. Sydney may be the only person alive impervious to Winter's charms, but as their mission brings them closer, she’s forced to admit that there's more to Winter Young than just a handsome face . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61796738-stars-and-smoke

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Another great story by Marie Lu! No surprises there. Marie's latest world leads us to the lives of spies. Sydney is part of an elite cover ops group. When there is something that needs to be done and the government can't do it, they are called in. And in her latest mission she is required to go undercover as a bodyguard and work with an international pop start, Winter Young. Winter may have this famous life, but it's not all that it is cracked up to be. At moments, he wonders if there is something more he can be doing. And when he is recruited by Panacea, he is at first reluctant to be some sort of spy, but is soon convinced that he can help. Especially when they have information on the death of his brother. Sydney and Winter are an unlikely pairing. But both surprise the other in so many ways. Their chemistry is full of banter and snark that you can't help but love. Their mission is to infiltrate a crime organization's boss and get the proof to finally put him away. There will be plenty of twists and turns, and revelations that will keep you one your toes. As always in Marie's books, there is lots of action and romance, and a great story line. It took me a bit to get into the story but once I hit a point, I was hooked and couldn't put it down! Hoping to see more in this world. And definitely more of Winter and Sydney.