TMI by JE Birk, Rachel Ember, & Leslie McAdam

 

Two firefighters. One twink. Can an evil twin, a small-town holiday competition, and revealed secrets bring them together?

I returned to Vermont to write an article about Mayor Doug McEmbirk and his town’s battle to win their local Holiday-Off. Even before I knew him, I had a crush on him. Because have you seen the man? OMG. With his big biceps and easy charm, Doug’s straight out of my firefighter fantasies. But I wasn’t planning on my inconvenient attraction to his scowly, grumpy roommate, Zeke, who’s the identical twin of my high school bully. That’s… messy.

Life gets even messier when Zeke confesses to the entire town that he’s bisexual—and that he’s been in love with Doug for years. Problem is, Doug’s straight.

Or is he?

Now, I’m on a mission to bring these two hot men together. I volunteer my services as a love coach, because these burly guys can’t even kiss without my assistance. Except both men seem to be into me as well. This is one confusing holiday season.

Things only get more complicated when meddling newspaper editors and kidnapped cows become involved. Not to mention some accidental texts and eggnog-fueled confessions. Will Zeke, Doug, and I be able to navigate our newfound feelings? Or is this relationship as doomed as the Holiday-Off competition appears to be?

TMI is a holiday m/m/m romance that includes a grandma-chic house, lots of cheer, and many OTT fantasies. It stars Max, a journalist without a filter, Zeke, a grumbly Viking pirate, and Doug, a himbo mayor who makes excellent cinnamon rolls. Cameos from Sherbert and the guys from ILYBSM included. HEA guaranteed.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123229024-tmi

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

These three authors are an amazing combo to make a hilarious, holiday m/m/m romance. I could not put this story down and I laughed the whole way through! One of the best parts of this books were the group chats between our main characters, Zeke, Doug, and Max. The amount of accidentally sending the wrong text to their group had me in stitches. In this story we start with the familiar faces (if you read ILYBSM) that are Zeke and Doug. Best friends and firefighters, these two are inseparable. But Zeke has kept a pretty big secret from Doug. He’s bisexual and in love with Doug. But telling him and ruining their friendship? Too big a risk. For now. They’ll meet that missing piece of their puzzle when Max comes to town. Max is a freelance journalist who returns to Vermont to write an article about Doug, who is mayor, and the Holiday-Off competition between their rival town. Max has avoided coming home because of the bad memories of high school where he was bullied. And his biggest tormentor happens to have the face of his one of his new roommates: Zeke. Complicated. But with Doug, Zeke, and Max living together and getting to know one another, things are about to change for all of them. And that change can only occur with the three of them by one another’s sides. I adored this story! It was just a fun read. The romance between these three was so sweet. Zeke finally gets the courage to speak up, Doug is realizing what has been in front of him this whole time, and Max can’t help but develop feelings for the two of them as well. And of course, Zeke and Doug have feelings for Max as well. They know how special he is and the chemistry between the three of them is everything. I also loved the humor in this book! It is called TMI for a reason and it’s hilarious. Plus if you read ILYBSM, then you know there are some quirky animals that will of course make the page. Such a fun story! And I really hope these three authors work together for another holiday book next year!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unnatural Fate by JR Gray

 

My soul mate is my natural enemy.

Or close enough.

He’s a vampire and I’m a wolf.

Our kinds are at war. A centuries old blood war.

I can’t stay away from him. I hate him, but I want him.

Our love is a standoff. For every inch I take, he pushes a mile.

The world is against us. But I’m so tired of fighting the ties between us.

For every wolf that dies at the hands of a vampire, I feel more guilty.

Yet I go to him over and over and we use each other just enough until next time.

I can’t stop.

We both swear it’ll be the last time, but here we are again.

The cycle never ends.

But this time it has to.

I must either choose him and betray my people or walk away for good.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200275967-unnatural-fate

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Dominic and Vin have known their souls have been tied for a long time. Mates. But Dominic is a werewolf. Vin a daylighter, also known as a half-vampire. And with a war between the vampires and werewolves, being anything but enemies is a challenge. Doesn’t matter that Vin isn’t on the vampires’ side or that Vin is Dominic’s mate, something that is cherished beyond anything. They shouldn’t be together. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to. They fight what they mean to one another for years. Pushing and pulling, staying away but unable to stay for good. But the time has come for both to finally give in. The love they have for one another is stronger than anything. And with a prophecy hanging over Dominic’s head that tells him he will die soon, well, it’s time to stop fighting their pull and fight to be together. They finally let themselves be and with that a whole new set of challenges come. Like the fact there is something and someone killing werewolves without a trace. It is up to Dominic as alpha to find the culprit and protect his people. But Vin won’t let him do it alone. They’ll have to fight to be together but also prove they are stronger together. I really enjoyed this story! It was such an interesting set up in the sense that we don’t meet them at the beginning of their story, but at a point where they can no longer stay away from one another. The love is already there but there is so much more to learn about the other and it gives them a chance to grow and be closer. The supernatural elements were an interesting take on werewolves and vampires. I really enjoyed being in this world and to have Dominic and Vin lead the story. I just couldn’t put it down!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Falls Book 8: Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox

 

Christmas Falls Book 8

There is nothing more annoying than Christmas... I see the irony of being the owner of a Christmas tree farm and hating the very holiday that keeps my family business alive, but Christmas Falls takes this season way too seriously with their festive business names to the sheer merriment that envelops the entire town. I'm no grinch, but I can relate to one being surrounded by all this jubilance. It doesn't help when a new part-timer joins the tree farm and is the very embodiment of joy, starting from his name—Felix Joy. He's ten years younger than me, and I feel the age difference every second I interact with him. His enthusiasm exhausts me, yet I can't stay away, even if it means I have to deal with the ridiculous nickname he forces onto me. He's melting the fatigue of Christmas, but I'll never admit it. I'm ready for all the blinding lights to come down, for him to leave, and to finally get some peace and quiet. 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/193775191-ready-set-glow

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Felix has come to Christmas Falls in the hopes of a fresh start and maybe to even find love. But he doesn’t expect the cute guy he runs into at his new job to be his boss, Bruce. He can’t help the attraction that sparks between them and he knows pretty soon that he’s in trouble of falling for this gruff teddy bear. Bruce doesn’t expect the man who looks like an angel to be his new hire at the family tree farm. Their ten year age gap and the fact that he is his employee should be enough warning to stay away right? But it doesn’t take long for him to give in to the chemistry between them. Bruce hasn’t really done relationships before but even he can admit that there is something different about Felix. Something that is worth taking a chance on. If he is brave enough to take it. Lucky for him, Felix isn’t afraid to go after what he wants. And what he wants is a chance with Bruce. These two were so cute! Definitely a sunshine and grumpy pairing. They had such great chemistry and were so fun to read about. Really loving this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Daughter of the Pirate King Book 3: Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller

 

Daughter of the Pirate Queen Book 3

Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Mummy in Vengeance of the Pirate Queen , Tricia Levenseller's triumphant return to the Daughter of the Pirate King universe, which has sold nearly a million copies. This beautifully packaged adventure follows fan-favorite Sorinda and is a must read for anyone who loves fierce heroines and swoon-worthy romance.

You can’t be afraid of the dark when you’re the monster lurking in the shadows.

As an assassin working for the pirate queen, Sorinda is surprised when Alosa’s next task for her is not to kill a new target, but to captain a handpicked crew on a rescue mission. Unfortunately, her sailing master is Kearan. He may be the best helmsman the pirate queen has, but Sorinda finds him a real pain in the arse. Sadly, there are few places on a ship to hide from an attentive man.

As the crew of the Vengeance faces dangerous waters and deadly sea creatures, they accidentally awaken the King of the Undersea, a being who can control the dead. Their rescue mission quickly turns into a fight to save the world, but first, Sorinda must save herself from becoming an undead queen.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61484872-vengeance-of-the-pirate-queen

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Never been so glad to do a reread! It’s been so long since I read this series, I knew I was gonna need to reread the first two books before opening the latest one in this series. It was so nice to be back in this world! And I was so excited to be reminded how much I had wanted Sorinda and Kearan’s story at the end of book two. So I’m super glad to finally get their story. And it was so good! Sorinda is Pirate Queen Alosa’s assassin. She’s good at her job and likes to do it. Her past is painful and traumatic and she will do what she can to make up for the sins she believes she has committed. She will do good and protect those in her care. Used to the shadows, she is surprised when Alosa sends her on a rescue mission as the crew’s captain. She’ll have to step out of the shadows. And face the mystery that is Kearan. Kearan who has always seen her despite her wishing he wouldn’t. But they will have to work together on this rescue mission and face new creatures of the sea as well as something even more dangerous and no one has ever seen before. This story was just so good. Sorinda was such an interesting character. She was always this silent and deadly woman but now we had to see her in a new way. See her step up and face far worse challenges than killing. I also just loved her and Kearan. A slow burn that is worth the wait. They needed the time to truly see one another. Really great addition to this series and I really hope there will be more to come!

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

 

In this clever and swoonworthy YA debut from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, life's moving pieces bring rival chess players together in a match for the heart.

Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory's focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.

Nolan's loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What's even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory's victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can't help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist....

As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren't only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent...and infuriating...)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60683957-check-mate

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When it comes to chess, Mallory is extraordinary. But when she is 14 she stops playing and is determined not to do it again. Not when it lead to breaking her family apart. And now at 18, she declines her scholarships for college and is determined to stay home and support her mom and two sisters. Her mom has medical bills and her sisters are too young to help them out. So it’s up to Mallory. But when her friend pokes and pokes at her to attend a charity chess tournament, and reminds Mallory that she is leaving for college, Mallory gives in. One day won’t hurt right? But when she is put against Nolan Sawyer? The number one player in the world and beats him?? Well things get interesting. At first, she resits the offer to play chess and get paid for it, but circumstances force her hand. And when she begins to win serious money to support her family? She can’t resist. And also, there is a strong part of her that misses the game and her brain just can’t turn that off. And then there is Nolan. Mysterious Nolan who she can’t help feel drawn to and he feels the same about her. If she lets herself finally see it. This book was so good! There was so much to unpack with Mallory and even Nolan, just like all of Ali’s characters. And for one to be invested in chess games? Ali knows how to make it super interesting. I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down! This was Ali’s first YA book and I thought she did an excellent job. 

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare

 

In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill. 

Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He has been raised alongside the prince, trained in every aspect of combat and statecraft. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but Kel knows that his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible. 

Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls within the city, but Lin, a physician, ventures out to tend to the sick and dying of Castellane. Despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge. 

After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld. He offers them each what they want most; but as they descend into his world of intrigue and shadow, they discover a conspiracy of corruption that reaches from the darkest gutters of Castellane to the highest tower of its palaces. 

As long-kept secrets begin to unravel, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? Can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36679274-sword-catcher

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It’s so strange to read a Cassandra Clare book and it not be in the Shadowhunters world. That said, I will admit it took me a hot minute to get into this book. It’s a brand new fantasy world filled with so many different types of people, myths, and elements. But like any fantasy book, you gotta give that world building a chance. Once I hit a point I was pretty hooked to the story. The book follows two main point of view characters. Lin, a healer, who is looking to cure her best friend but is struggling to acquire the materials that may help her reach there. Being a woman and an Ashkar puts her at a serious disadvantage. Then there is Kel. Taken at a young age, he becomes the Sword Catcher. Which is basically the body double of the prince. Prince Conor and Kel were thrown together when they were young and have become as close as brothers. But it is Kel’s duty to shield the Prince from all harm. His guard and protector. The world they are in his full of politics and threats. And while Conor is the Prince their city, there is a king in the criminal underworld of Castellane. The Ragpicker King. Lin and Kel soon find themselves drawn into his world and it comes with quite the revelations. There is a lot going on in this book. Many threads and many different and interesting characters. I think it is definitely worth giving a shot if you are into fantasy and love Cassandra Clare’s writing. The ending alone has me wishing book two was already here!

Cherry Tree Harbor Book 3: Make-Believe Match by Melanie Harlow

 

Cherry Tree Harbor Book 3

Fall in love with my enemy? No way.

Marry him to save my family’s struggling ski resort? That’s a different story…

Getting hitched is the only way I can inherit Snowberry Lodge, and I’ll do anything to spare my childhood home from the wrecking ball–even wear Devlin Buckley’s ring on my finger.

Not that I’ll enjoy it.

Sure, he’s charming and handsome, and that no-last-names one night stand we shared ended with a fantastically big bang (I saw stars I hadn’t seen in six months, if you catch my drift).

But I’ll never trust him–he was working for the company trying to bulldoze my life.

Right up until the day he knocked on my door with an offer I couldn’t refuse.

Marry him, and he’ll help me restore my family’s crumbling resort to its former glory–and get revenge on his ex-boss in the process. Once our goals are achieved, we’ll go our separate ways.

It’s temporary. Strictly business. Purely for show.

Until I realize how much I like it when he says "my wife."

Once we’re sharing a last name–and a bed–our make-believe match starts to feel a little too real.

And if I’m not careful, I could lose everything… my home, my dreams, and my heart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199674778-make-believe-match

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Devlin and Lexi meet, sparks fly instantly between them. No denying that and the night they spend together is one neither will forget any time soon. But any feelings Lexi has changes the moment Devlin walks into her business meeting with her grandmother about their family ski lodge. Lexi is desperate to save it and Devlin is there to make a deal to sell it. He instantly becomes enemy number one… at least for now. Devlin has worked his butt off at his job and the moment he falters to close this deal, his boss is ready to shove him aside for the jerk that has been backstabbing Devlin for a while now. But Devlin has had enough. He quits and heads back to Lexi because now he has a plan. He’ll help Lexi save her family’s ski lodge and to do that, they have to get married. For Lexi to inherit, she has to be married. And she is desperate enough to do just that. But though these two start to play pretend with their marriage and make very real business deals and changes to fix the ski lodge, feelings are bound to come sooner or later. Lexi and Devlin have great chemistry. They balance one another so, so well. That to them, it’s so natural to be married. Something Devlin thought he would never want to do and Lexi always feels like she picks those who are bound to leave her. But together, they make a pretty real couple. But past hurts and fears are always on their minds. It will be up to them to decide if they are ready to make this something more. I really loved this story! It’s always great to see familiar characters, but I just really loved Lexi and Devlin. Like I said earlier, they had great chemistry and were awesome at balancing one another out. They found their person in one another. Such a fun series and I can’t wait for the next one!

Crimson Club Book 3: Best Served Cold by Willow Dixon

 

Crimson Club Book 3

When the guys at work dare me and the new guy to play a game of gay chicken, I figure I’ll get my first kiss and bragging rights for winning. What I don’t expect is for that game to awaken something in me. Something I’ve never felt before.

Something that makes me want more. Makes me want him.

I never back down from a challenge, but that doesn’t explain why being with Noah feels so good. Why I can’t stop thinking about him. Why he’s the only person who’s ever stirred even the slightest interest in me.

Why getting him off gets me off.

Watching Noah lose control is everything. So is knowing he can’t stay away from me, either.

Zane and Noah’s story is an animosity to lovers, double bi-awakening romance. You can expect public fun, tons of heat, lots of banter, and reluctant feels as these two impulsive and competitive guys realize that in some games, everyone’s a winner. It is the third book in the exciting new Crimson Club series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199134399-best-served-cold

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

What starts as a game of chicken turns into so much more for Zane and Noah. Both are never willing to back down from a challenge and that stubborn nature may have led them to the best thing that has ever happened to them. For the longest time, Zane thought he was ace. No one has ever sparked an attraction for him and he figured this was just who he was. But sometimes, you need to find the person. And for him that is Noah. He has no idea at first what these feelings are when he looks at Noah, when he banters with Noah, but little by little and with the help of his best friend and twin brother, River, he starts to get it. And maybe he is demi or maybe, like Zane thinks, it’s just simply Noah. And to him, that’s all that matters. For Noah, not many have ever sparked his interest. No one enough to one to be in a relationship and with his upbringing, you can’t blame him from not being able to figure out exactly who he is. But being with Zane is unlike anything he has ever felt. And he isn’t willing to let this go just yet. Both have a lot to work through, especially Noah who has struggled with his mental health and his past, but together, they can be one another’s safe place. I adored these two! They had such great chemistry. And they were just so sweet together, especially when they let their guard down for the other. You can’t help but root for the two of them as they fall in love and discover what it truly means to find the person who was meant for you. This series has just been so good so far. So many great characters, and I love seeing them all make an appearance! I can’t wait for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From Nothing Book 3: Knock Knock by Nordika Night

 

From Nothing Book 3

When life comes knocking, can they go from nothing to something?

After a lifetime of having each other’s backs, meddling in their brother’s lives, and keeping their families going, Nate and Xavi don’t know what to do with all this… freedom.

For the first time ever, they have no one to watch out for. Love and dreams come next on their big agenda, and they soon learn the connection they share goes far deeper than any normal friendship. But with a lifelong bestie bond on the line, flipping their dynamic comes with big risks… and big rewards.

Despite the outside pressure that comes with their age and moving into the next phase of life, Nate and Xavi will try to figure out how to go from nothing to something.

Together.

*Knock Knock is book 3 in the From Nothing series and should be read after Garron Park and Lot 62. It is Nate and Xavi’s story. MM contemporary romance, best friends to lovers.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200822272-knock-knock

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Nate and Xavi! Finally!! I adored Garron Park and Lot 62 and could not wait to get my hands on Knock Knock when I learned Nate and Xavi were getting a story. You couldn’t but love those two in the previous books and want to know more about them. You couldn’t but wonder why they were just friends and not more. Nate and Xavi have been best friends since they were kids. Even when their dads hated one another and their brothers couldn’t stand each other and were rivals (and spoiler alert, they are no longer that!), Xavi and Nate stuck by the other. They’ve gotten in and out trouble through the years and rarely fought about anything. Neither of their natures knew how to stay mad at the other and neither truly ever wanted to. They are each other’s ride or die. But things have been changing for them in the last year. No one seems to get them and they only truly understand one another. And feelings are changing to something else. Something new. But both are terrified to tell the other. Because their friendship means more to them than anything else. But at the same time, what if they do and it becomes something more? The missing piece to all their unanswered questions about their future and what they want? The moment these two decide to take a chance and change their friendship into something romantic, things are taken to a whole new level. I loved watching these two fumble their way through this new relationship and have fun every step of the way (at least after they got past the part of admitting they wanted more). It was chaotic and hilarious and wonderful and just so them. They are soulmates. Plain and simple. They were always going to be together in some shape or form. Their friendship is their entire lives in only the best way and they figure out how to make it even more special. More complete. More right. It’s a really beautiful thing. I loved watching them find their way with that but also find their way in what they want in life too. They support one another in every single thing and are only happy when the other is happy too. And they have so much to share with others in their community and family they made on their own. Loved, loved this story! This series is just so good. You don’t want to miss this latest one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Faster Series Book 3: Apex by Victoria Denault

 

Faster Series Book 3

Red flags only count on the track. 

My name is Gabriel Allard, and I’m the only heir to a billion-dollar fashion empire and a rookie with Mayflower Racing. I know what everyone thinks — that I don’t deserve to be in the driver’s seat. And worse, that I mistreat people because my father will bail me out and fix things. None of that is true, but I’ve never been able to sway public opinion, so I’ve stopped trying.

Dad hasn’t though. In an attempt to save my image and my seat on the race team, he hires me a boyfriend. Because the universe loves a good joke at my expense, he accidentally hires a guy I shared a scorching kiss with years ago. A guy who, instead of trying to use me like everyone else, ghosted me.

Axel Walsh is nothing like me. He’s levelheaded. Shy. Disinterested in motorsports. He wants to keep this professional. Since I love a challenge, I try to change his mind. The next thing I know we’re fake married, and Axel is in my bed. But is he really mine? It’s getting hard to tell the truth from the lies.

The public starts to buy my cleaned-up image, and I'm getting better results on the track, but privately I feel out of control. My life is on the line every time I strap into my race car, but I’ve never put my heart on the line, until him. I hope Axel and I can survive this publicity stunt and make it to the finish line without breaking each other’s hearts. Just like everything else in my life, the odds are against it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199293112-apex

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Gabriel is in need of some help. His reputation has taken a few hits when he is falsely accused of things he in no way did. And it doesn’t help when his seat on the race team came from his father paying his way in. Though his father really is a good guy and doing his best to help Gabriel. But Gabriel knows that he has to prove himself to be taken more seriously on the track. But after this latest issue, he doesn’t have much of a choice when his dad and their team decide to do some damage control. AKA hire a fake boyfriend for Gabriel to show that he is settled down and cleaning up his act. But little did they know that the guy they hired is one Gabriel kissed five years ago and then disappeared. Axel has some of his own damage control to get through. His ex used him and the job they worked at together, well his ex took a majority of their clients and destroyed the business Axel worked so hard to build on his own. So now he needs a job and chance to show that he is good at what he does. He just doesn’t expect the opportunity to come in the form of pretending to date Gabriel. Nor does he expect the chemistry between them to come back full blast. But he can keep things professional between them…right? These two were so fun! It was clear that these two needed to have a second chance at having something between them. Both have their own pasts and issues and deserve that break to find someone who truly gets them and isn’t out to hurt them. Really loved their story! This was such a fun series to read. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Falls Book 4: Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

 

Christmas Falls Book 4

Jeremiah—or Jem, as his friends like to call him—Knight is stuck at a crossroads. Injured and unsure if he’ll be spending another season on the football field, he returns home for the holidays, hoping to lick his wounds in private. Only to be roped into being the mascot and grand marshal of the annual Christmas Falls festival and parade. Murphy Miller isn’t looking for a boyfriend or a romance or even a knight in shining armor. His wood carving business requires plenty of attention, especially at the holidays, but when the town asks him to help with Jem, Murphy can’t say no. Even though he and Jem grew apart in high school, they’ve known each other their whole lives, and Murphy hopes, over endless cups of rum punch, too many strands of Christmas lights, and nights spent cuddled up together at the ice rink, they might become friends again. But unexpected attraction blooms into desire which explodes into passion. Even though Murphy doesn’t need Jem to fight his battles, maybe what they’ve both been searching for this whole time is a fairytale and some Christmas magic of their own. 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/193693043-silent-knight

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I was so looking forward to Jem’s book and it did not disappoint! After an injury that may cost him his football career, one that he was debating on ending but now the choice may be out of his hands, he returns home to Christmas Falls to lick his wounds. Though, he’ll be staying pretty busy when the town asks him to be the grand marshal for the festival season. And though Jem may want to continue being grumpy, he finds it kind of hard to do. Especially when he is reunited with his childhood best friend, Murphy. Murphy, who has hasn’t seen in a very long time and even starts flirting with him, not realizing who he was. But when he does, memories of their friendship coming rushing back and Jem starts to really think back and wonder why they drifted apart in high school. He needs answers, because being with Murphy again reminded him just how much he missed his best friend. And now that he is older and wiser, he starts to realize that maybe there were deeper feelings there all along and it’s time to figure them out. Murphy has always loved Jem. But he knew when they were teenagers that Jem wanted to leave town more than anything. So he did what he did best. He pushed Jem away and ran before he could let himself get hurt. Though he’ll admit that it still hurt to lose Jem. And now Jem is back and it becomes quite clear that all those feelings he buried long ago are coming back stronger than ever. But is it worth risking his heart if Jem will leave once the festival is over? Oh man, I adored these two. They were just the cutest. It was clear how much they meant to one another and they were just adorable in their interactions. You just wanna root for them until they finally realized that they were simply always meant to be. Another great story in this series! And of course I love all of Beth’s football players getting their books!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Faster Series Book 2: Close Quarters by Regina Kyle

 

Faster Series Book 2

I left racing for a reason.

But when team owner Jacques LaRue offers me a chance to try to make amends for my best friend’s accident, I find myself back on the circuit hand-holding rookie driver Grady Lewis. We’re miles apart, and not just in age. He’s the sunshine to my grump. The fresh-faced newcomer to my jaded veteran. The friendly free spirit to my solitary recluse.

And if I want to help the man who I put in a wheelchair fund his new charity, I’m stuck being Mr. Sunshine’s race engineer for the rest of the season. The voice in his ear on race days. The link between him and the rest of the team. Which means we’ll be practically joined at the hip.

Strangely, despite our differences, the relationship works, on and off the track. And it’s the off-track part that’s the problem. Sure, we’re hot for each other. I mean, who wouldn’t want Grady? The guy is seriously smoking, with his California surfer boy good looks. But hooking up isn’t just a terrible idea, it’s potential career suicide. For both of us.

And falling in love? Well, that would be a disaster of epic proportions. Every time he goes out on the track, his life is in my hands. The last time I was responsible for someone I cared about, he wound up paralyzed, and I almost drowned myself in a bottle of Jameson. My head is telling me there’s no way I can risk that happening again.

But it seems like my heart has other ideas.

Close Quarters is a contemporary mm sports romance about open-wheel race car drivers. It’s a grumpy-sunshine, age gap love story set against the glitzy backdrops of Monaco, Brazil, Mexico, Australia and more. Close Quarters is a stand-alone book in the Faster series, which also includes books by Leslie McAdam and Victoria Denault.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199819849-close-quarters

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ben has avoided Formula 1 ever since his best friend his best friend, Stefan, got into an accident on his watch and left him paralyzed. Feeling guilty that for what happened, he just can’t seem to look at the track the same without thinking of his best friend. Even though his friend has never blamed Ben for the accident at all. But when an opportunity arrives for Ben to take on rookie driver, Grady Lewis, Ben is sure there is nothing that can get him back on the track. At least until the team owner promises to help launch Stefan’s charity off the ground. And deep down, there is a part of Ben that misses the track. But he never expects the chemistry that sparks between him and Grady when they meet. One that will make things a whole lot complicated if they give into their feelings. Grady didn’t get along with the last guy who was his race engineer. But when Ben takes his place, Grady knows things will be different. He also knows that he is super attracted to Ben and is willing to take the risk to be with him. Even when no one knows he is gay. It won’t take long for these two to give into their feelings and it will be everything the other is looking for. But there is still a lot to figure out when it comes to being on and off the track for these two. Really loved this one! The grumpy and sunshine combination was great and I loved the banter with these two. Really fun story and I’m looking forward to the last book!

Twisted Fate Trilogy Book 3: Chosen Destiny by Jen L. Grey

 

Twisted Fate Trilogy Book 3

Fate has once again torn my world apart, leaving me shattered.

For years, I've lived with a cold void, clueless about my life before joining my childhood pack.

Just as the secrets of my past were about to be unveiled, tragedy struck.

The one person who held the key to unlocking my memories was taken from me, and with them, my fated mate, Bodey—leaving me exposed and fractured.

But in this darkness, an unexpected truth emerges.

The very act that was meant to weaken me has instead awakened a fierce strength.

A primal wolf, hidden deep within, surges forward, driven by a relentless desire to rescue Bodey and protect my people.

My resolve is unyielding—I will do whatever it takes to reclaim my mate and keep my people safe.

Even if it means walking into the jaws of danger.

The battle lines are drawn, and I'm ready to fight everyone that’s screwed me over.

Get this steamy and suspenseful forced proximity, touch her and unalive, broody male, fated mates, royal wolf shifter romance today!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199322809-chosen-destiny

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Picking up where the previous book left off, Callie and her friends are finishing up their latest fight against Queen Kel and dealing with Callie’s mate, Brodie, being kidnapped. Queen Kel has been ahead of them at every turn but Callie won’t rest until she gets her mate back by her side and defeats Kel once and for all. But she will need her mate and friends to do so. It won’t be easy. Not when she doesn’t know who is ally and who is foe. But one good thing that has happened is that she has her memories back. She knows exactly who she is and she is even more determined to protect her friends, family, and people. Lot of action in this one as we reach the end of this series. You definitely want to miss this epic conclusion. I really loved Callie and Brodie’s story. They were a great couple and we had a lot of great characters in this one as well. This has been a fun series and this was a very satisfying ending to their story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Colorado Bulldogs Book 2: Bad Pucking Influence by Michele Lenard

 

Colorado Bulldogs Book 2

I stop pucks flying at 100mph, but even I didn’t see this shot coming.

On the surface, I’ve got it all. I’m the starting goalie and Captain of the Colorado Bulldogs hockey team. I’ve got more money than I know what to do with. I can count an entire team of elite athletes as my friends. And according to the pundits, I’m an eligible bachelor. 

That's the image everyone sees, but it’s just a role I play. A part dictated by my career. I have to be just as perfect off the ice as I am on it since everything I do reflects on my team in some way or another. So, those questions I have about why I don’t crave sexual contact the way my teammates do–questions I’m afraid to ask with the world watching… I decided a long time ago it didn’t make sense to look for answers until after I retire.

Then I ran into him. 

Tripp is loud, obnoxious, and full of confidence. Some people find his sass off-putting, but not me. I find it intriguing, and I admire his ability to be himself, consequences be damned. Apparently, I also admire the way he looks, since my eyes seem to linger on him longer than they should, and when he sets his sights on me… 

Waiting for retirement to explore who I am seems like too big a sacrifice, so when Tripp offers to help me answer some of those questions about myself, I jump. 

I'm tired of pretending to be Mr. Perfect… Tripp and his playboy antics might be just the thing I need to figure out who I am outside of hockey. The only problem is, everyone–including our mutual friends–see him as a bad pucking influence.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199150376-bad-pucking-influence

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Tripp isn’t afraid to flirt and be himself. Especially when it comes to being around his best friend’s boyfriend’s hockey team. And there is one hockey player who catches Tripp’s attention the most. And after a year of pushing and poking to see if Noah can handle Tripp, Tripp is wondering if maybe he can. Noah is known as the leader of their NHL team. He’s the captain and it’s up to him to be an example. But when it comes down to it, Noah doesn’t really know who he is. Especially when it comes to having romantic relationships. He had hit a point where he decided to just focus on hockey. And after retirement, he’ll figure it out. But he meets Tripp and suddenly, all those feelings that he thought didn’t really exist start to slowly come forward. Maybe Tripp is the key to figuring this out. And deep down, Noah knows that it really is just Tripp and who he is. Someone Noah can be himself around and someone Noah wants to desperately know. If Tripp will let him in. What starts out as a friends with benefits turns into so much more with these two. I really enjoyed their story and how Noah could break down Tripp’s defenses bit by bit And how Tripp could be that person Noah could come to and just be himself around. Fun story for sure! 

For Puck’s Sake Book 2: Starting Line by Crea Reitan

 

For Puck’s Sake Book 2

Every game begins with a good starting line.

Ethan

I’ve been secretly married for eight years. Why is it a secret? Because having an open marriage splashed all over headlines isn’t a good look. We’d constantly be under the spotlight; our lives and relationships judged. That’s not the kind of hockey player I want to be known for. Especially because we play for different teams.

Although most of my relationships outside of my marriage are passing, I’ve been pining over my best friend and teammate for years. YEARS! Just as I decide that maybe it’s time to see where this leads, management throws an unexpected play in our faces.

It might be over before it begins and I’m not sure what to do about it.

Creed

Since the day I was swapped to Buffalo, I’ve been in love with Ethan Wilder. He’s an intense player, breaking records every year. But he’s also fun, sweet, thoughtful, and gorgeous. He’s everyone’s perfect dream.

When he tells me he wants to be more than friends, I almost jump him right there in the locker room. Things between us heat up quickly and I’ve never been happier. Everything is perfect.

Except our starting line. We’ve been through four right wingmen in the last three seasons but no matter who management brings on board, they just don’t gel with me and Ethan. Now they’ve thrown us a trick play that I’m not sure we’re going to be able to work around - on the ice or off.

It’s not just the starting line we need to worry about. In fact, this complication could put the entire team - and our new relationship - on ice.

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This is a LGBT+ (MMM) story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/164607182-starting-line

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Ethan has been secretly married to the love of his life, Jakob, for the last eight years. They have had an open marriage in their relationship and have kept their marriage a secret because of their careers as NHL players. This marriage has always worked for them because of their stellar communication and knowing that at the end of the day, their love is stronger than anything else. But Ethan has also fallen in love with his best friend Creed for the last few years. Something that Jakob has seen and supported and encouraged for Ethan to do something about. And Ethan finally believes that the time has finally come to see where this goes with Creed. Because Ethan has always known, the same way he knew with Jakob, that Creed is other love of his life. And that the three of them were always meant to be together. Creed has wondered over the last few years when Ethan would make his move. Creed has known about Jakob from the beginning. He is the only person that Ethan has told about Jakob. He’s had a few years to understand and get used to the idea. Now, they are finally starting their relationship. Just in time for to be thrown for a loop. When Jakob gets traded to their team, it’s a dream come true but also worrisome. The three of them can’t hide who they are to one another anymore. And the time they had planned to spend together the three of them is moved up. However, the moment these three are together, it’s like the puzzle is finally complete. Even for Creed who wondered how he would fit, he doesn’t expect the welcome that Jakob provides. And even Jakob himself is surprised by the feelings that come when he gets to be there with Creed. The three of them were always meant to be! Doesn’t mean challenges from the rest of the world won’t come. I really loved this story. It’s a very interesting dynamic of a poly relationship, but these three do it right. The love between them all is so strong, the chemistry is off the charts, there is no doubt these three our soulmates and they’ve been waiting for one another all this time. Really great story!