Frat Brats of Santa Barbara Book 1: The Fake Boyfriends Debacle by Hayden Hall

 

Frat Brats of Santa Barbara Book 1

We think we're fooling everyone with our fake relationship, but maybe we are the only fools around.

Caleb

Nobody ever looks past the mask I wear. Nobody bothers to scratch the surface. Not until I meet Jayden Harris, the adorably bossy scholarship student with a razor-sharp focus and an unbreakable determination to be the best of us all.

He says he doesn’t have time for dating. He says I’m just a player. Yet every chance we get, we orbit one another. If I could prove to him that I’m worth falling in love with, he might change his mind.

But asking him to be my fake boyfriend for a massive family gathering probably wasn’t my greatest idea. Dad is tearing us apart and my will to fight for control over my life is fading. My plan is ruined.

We’re a lost cause, but I just…can’t…let him go.

Jayden

It was just a one-time thing. And then a two-time thing. And a three-time thing… Before I know it, I’m in his fancy car, heading to the Wine Country for an extended weekend. My mission? Be the loving boyfriend you bring home to meet the parents.

I’m risking my scholarship and my future at the elite Highgate Academy for a charming stranger in need of a boyfriend. Why? I wish I could tell you. All I know is that Caleb’s funny, hot as hell, and has the most adorable secret ever.

But there’s more to him than I imagined. The wealth he enjoys traps him; his father controls him. And he thinks I’m the key to his freedom.

I’m doing my best to convince everyone that we’re a couple.

But maybe I’d be wise to remind myself that we are not.

The Fake Boyfriends Debacle is the first installment of the Frat Brats of Santa Barbara series. It features two strangers falling head over heels for each other, a big, crazy family, an elite private school bustling with hot, adventurous guys, steam to make you sweat, and a grand happy ending that’ll make you swoon. You know you want it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60800232-the-fake-boyfriends-debacle

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Jayden has worked really hard to get his scholarship to Highgate Academy. He will give himself one night before classes begin to have some fun before all his focus goes to studying and working. But he never expects to have feelings for Caleb after their night together. Or for Caleb to feel the same way. They’ll find for one another and Caleb will even show Jayden a secret he has been keeping from everyone. His father has a plan for him but the truth is, Caleb wants nothing to do with the business world his father is so set on him pursuing. He wants so much more and lately that includes Jayden. So when a weekend comes up for a family gathering, he asks Jayden to be his fake boyfriend. It’s step one of finding the courage to change his future. But at the same time, he hopes he can prove to Jayden that this thing between them can be anything but fake if they five it a chance. Jayden and Caleb were really sweet! They fit one another very well, letting themselves be who they really are. A great start to this series!

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

 

Circe goes YA in this unapologetically feminist retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology, a YA epic fantasy addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

All monsters and heroes have beginnings. This is mine.

Sixteen-year-old Manisha is no stranger to monsters—she’s been running from them for years, from beasts who roam the jungle to the King’s army, who forced her people, the naga, to scatter to the ends of the earth. You might think that the kingdom’s famed holy temples atop the floating mountains, where Manisha is now a priestess, would be safe—but you would be wrong.

Seventeen-year-old Pratyush is a famed slayer of monsters, one of the King’s most prized warriors and a frequent visitor to the floating temples. For every monster the slayer kills, years are added to his life. You might think such a powerful warrior could do whatever he wants, but true power lies with the King. Tired after years of fighting, Pratyush wants nothing more than a peaceful, respectable life.

When Pratyush and Manisha meet, each sees in the other the possibility to chart a new path. Unfortunately, the kingdom’s powerful have other plans. A temple visitor sexually assaults Manisha and pushes her off the mountain into a pit of vipers. A month later, the King sends Pratyush off to kill one last monster (a powerful nagin who has been turning men to stone) before he’ll consider granting his freedom.

Except Manisha doesn’t die, despite the hundreds of snake bites covering her body and the venom running through her veins. She rises from the pit more powerful than ever before, with heightened senses, armor-like skin, and blood that can turn people to stone. And Pratyush doesn’t know it, but the “monster” he’s been sent to kill is none other than the girl he wants to marry.

Alternating between Manisha’s and Pratyush’s perspectives, Sajni Patel weaves together lush language, high stakes, and page-turning suspense, demanding an answer to the question “What does it truly mean to be a monster?”

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/133206531-a-drop-of-venom

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A Drop of Venom is a nice blend of Greek and Indian Mythology. Manisha brings to life a whole new version of a Medusa retelling. Hitting tough subjects and even tougher scenes, the author handles it very well. The story follows Manisha and Pratyush. When she is young, her family and kind, the nagin, are in a war that is resulting in so much death. When a battle is done, her mom and sisters send Manisha to hide among the enemy until it is time to return home. For years she serves as a priestess. Until the day, she is sexually assaulted and left for dead. Instead, she rises and embraces a new part of her. One that will do whatever it takes to protect herself and other women in this man ruled world. Pratyush was born a slayer. And when his parents die at the hands of the monster, the king sweeps him for Prayush and his sister. Knowing what he is. He is trained to hone in his natural talents and fight monsters for the king. But he never forgets where he came from or why his parents hid away to begin with. And when he meets Manisha, he finally has a reason to stop and settle down. If only the king would let him. And when he is sent to kill the monster turning men to stone? He is not ready for what he finds. I really loved the blend of the mythologies in this story. I thought that was really well done. And I love Manisha finding her strength after facing such trauma. Despite the horror and struggles, she chooses to take another step forward every day. This is just the beginning of what I expect to be three books and I look forward to seeing what comes next. 

Arctic Titans of Northwood U Book 7: Coaching Prince Charming by Hayden Hall

 

Arctic Titans of Northwood U Book 7

He’s my first and only crush. He’s my new coach. Oh, and he was once my dad’s teammate and best friend.

I’ve been in love with Nate Partridge since I can remember. Under my mattress, there has always been a stack of magazine covers with his bare torso and a pearly smile. But that’s about the extent of it.

I can never have Nate Partridge. He is a straight guy and twenty years my senior. Neither of which is a dealbreaker for me, but he disagrees.

When a hockey accident forces him to retire, he takes the freshly vacant job of coaching the Arctic Titans. And my life takes an unexpected turn for the better.

Nate is the only person who has ever truly understood me. Where my father’s ambition dictates my every waking moment, Nate’s kindness and compassion make me feel like there’s more to life than hockey. Dad’s disregard for my passions makes Nate’s encouragement only sweeter.

And my crush reaches all new heights. Especially when I discover his deepest secret.

Nate Partridge is not straight.

But do I stand a chance? To him, I am nothing more than his old friend’s kid and a college freshman he’s in charge of training.

If I want Nate Partridge, it will take more than hope to make this real.

It’s time to shake things up in my life before I can make him mine.

Coaching Prince Charming is the seventh and final novel in the Arctic Titans of Northwood U series. It features an age gap, a forbidden relationship, a college hockey player falling for his coach, former best friend's son, and a search for a purpose in life at nineteen and at thirty-eight. This novel can be read on its own, but it's more enjoyable to read the entire series in the order of release.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211489495-coaching-prince-charming

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s the final book of the Arctic Titans of Northwood U! So sad it’s the final book, but it was a great one to go out on. Hockey is Nate Partridge’s life. And when an accident on the ice ends his NHL career before he can go out on his own terms, it breaks a part of him. He knows he was near the end of his career, but he was sure he had a bit more left in him. But the choice was taken for him and he stumbles a bit. At least until his nephew and his nephew’s boyfriend keep him from fully spiraling and he is asked to step in to coach the Titans. With no good reason to say no and missing hockey, he accepts for now. At least glad to be closer to his nephew. But doing so puts him in the path of Carter Prince. The son of a longtime friend of his from the NHL and who is about to threaten everything Nate has hidden in himself for a very long time. Carter has had a long time crush on Nate. And when he accidentally discovers Nate is gay, he can’t help the hope that builds in himself that wonders if there is a chance Nate could feel something for him. Carter has been pushed into hockey his whole life by his dad. And though he has the talent, the passion has died a bit more each day by the pressure and the fact that music is his true passion. One that he is amazingly good at. Decisions need to be made when it comes to Carter’s future. And when the chemistry between Carter and Nate ignites, it’s only a matter of time until they need to make their choices. These two were such a surprising couple! Despite their near 20 year age gap, they fit. Carter is such an older soul that his nineteen years. With the way he grew up, he is just very mature for his age and understands the world better than many think. And Nate just needs that reminder that at 38, he isn’t ancient. Carter makes him feel young again and even more, Nate and Carter see the truth in one another when it comes to exactly who they are. And if they want any chance of a future, they will need to fight for it. A great way to end this series! I loved this series so much and I’m sad to see it end. But it is definitely a favorite of mine! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Atlanta Lightning Book 2: The End Zone by Riley Hart

 

Atlanta Lightning Book 2

Jeremy

Seeing my best friend West, happy with his fiancé opened my eyes to things I’ve been missing in my own marriage. My divorce, which was amicable, followed. Strangely, at West’s wedding, I find myself confiding in Darren, the straight, confirmed bachelor and star quarterback of the Atlanta Lightning. Darren is a full-steam-ahead kind of guy, and one talk leads to hanging out, swapping phone numbers, and pranking West and Anson while they’re on their honeymoon. When I head back to California, I expect our chats to end, but I couldn’t be more wrong.

Darren

I still can’t say how it happened, how a random decision to strike up a conversation with Jeremy turned into…whatever this is. All I know is, months later, my days aren’t complete until we tell each other good night. Whether it’s on our calls or when he flies to Atlanta, we talk about everything, lying awake together half the night. Jeremy’s got me feeling…different. If it was just my newly discovered bisexuality, that’d be one thing. I’m not one to stress about being into a man for the first time. It’s the other stuff, the way he makes my pulse race and my heart swell, that’s throwing me for a loop.

I didn’t think I was made for relationships, thought something inside me was broken, but I want it all with him. Except, it feels like as soon as we make it past one obstacle, there’s an even bigger one waiting for us. We just have to keep our heads in the game and our eyes on the prize, to make it to the end zone, before one last tackle takes us down for good.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58431049-the-end-zone

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jeremy thought he was happy with his life and his marriage. But over the years, things have changed. Now he is divorced (though his ex still remains one of his closest friends) and he finds himself in the most unlikely of friendships with Darren, his best friend’s husband’s best friend and professional football player. When Darren and Jeremy meet at their best friends’ wedding, the spark between them surprises them both. They find it is so easy to talk one another and soon find themselves crossing paths and even pranking their best friends. And then they just keep in touch. Jeremy knows it may be a bad idea because he can’t help the feelings that are starting to form for Darren who is straight but at the same time…there is just something about Darren he isn’t ready to let go of just yet. Darren has always thought he wasn’t made for relationships. He just never thought he could feel that way toward someone. Hooking up with women was enough though lately he is realizing that he is getting a bit tired. And meeting Jeremy? Well, that sparks something inside him he didn’t realize was possible. And sure, feelings for a man might be new but Darren knows Jeremy is special. The connection they have is one he has never felt with someone before and he is gonna fight to hold on to it as long as he can. Because once he is in, he is all in. I loved these two! They go from friends to best friends to lovers and it was such a sweet journey for the two of them as they discover new things about themselves and what they want from their lives. While also falling in love. Such a fun and cute story!

Atlanta Lightning Book 1: The Endgame by Riley Hart

 

Atlanta Lightning Book 1

Weston 

When I left home, I swore I'd never hide anything about myself again. From college, to law school, to the United States Senate representing California, I've done it all as an out gay man. So, when I'm in DC and see a beautiful guy at the hotel bar, I don't hesitate to proposition him...right before he runs out on me, leaving his sunglasses behind like my very own Cinderfella. 

Anson 

I've always known I'm gay, but never acted on it. Pretending isn't easy, but it means I can keep playing football. No one has ever guessed my secret until the gorgeous man at a bar in DC. At least he doesn't know who I am--the best tight end in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Lightning. Though my identity doesn't stay a secret from him for long. 

Between texts and late-night phone calls, we get to know each other. West's the only person who knows all the parts of me, just like I know his. When he asks for one night together so he can show me what it's like to be with a man, I can't say no. But once isn't enough, and we keep sneaking around together--brief encounters, in California, Georgia, or DC, filled with passionate touches and whispered truths. 

I never thought I'd have love. West never thought he'd want it. Now we're all in with each other, but he still has time left in his Senate term. I have contract obligations to fulfill, and I'm closeted. We don't even live in the same state. The odds are stacked against us, but if there's one thing I know, it's how to win. He's the endgame in the biggest challenge of my life, the one I'm banking my future happiness on.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57481725-the-endgame

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Anson has spent his life hiding who he is from everyone. All he wants is to play professional football and take care of his family. Both things have always been his priority. But the weight of lying and pretending just keeps getting heavier and heavier. He’s so, so tired. And then he has dinner at a bar and meets Weston. And they spend hours talking and though Weston asks him for more, Anson immediately clams up and walks away shocked that someone could see past his mask. Soon, the two find one another again and talk and get to know one another. And though Anson still denies who he is and Weston assures him it’s okay and if he ever wants to talk, he is there, the connection between them just gets stronger. Until eventually, just talking isn’t enough. Being together isn’t easy aside from Anson not revealing to the world or even his mom and brother that he is gay, but the fact that Anson is a NFL player and Weston is a senator, scheduling time together is hard. But it’s only a matter of time until feelings they have one another is too strong to deny. I loved Anson’s journey. He is never easy on himself and you can see how much he struggles. But as he learns to fall in love, he begins to learn who he truly is and what he wants from his life. And Weston has spent his life being who he is, out and proud, but he also has been trying to show his father he is so much more in his work. But no matter how hard he works, his father still won’t accept him. These two were a great match and I loved getting to know them both and watch them fall in love! 

The Invisible Life off Addie LaRue by VE Schwab

 

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50623864-the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A single choice in desperation changes Addie’s life forever. She sends a prayer and is answered by a god of night. She has her freedom and immortality but at the price that everyone she meets will never remember her. She cannot make a mark on the world. Cursed to walk like she is a ghost throughout the world until she finally has had enough. But Addie will never give in to the god or Luc as she calls him. She will not surrender no matter how many times he asks. So through the centuries she will learn to navigate this world she is roaming until 300 years later she meets a boy who can actually remember her. But what is the cost? The story flips between the past and the present as we get Addie’s life story. Beautifully written, there are so many twists and turns to the story, it keeps you on your toes. Everything is a game and a riddle. A battle after battle with Addie and Luc in this war they have created. You can’t help but turn the page to see how their story ends. Addie is a fascinating character watching as she tries to leave her mark on the world in a way that circumvents her curse. And she has seen so much in 300 years. I really enjoyed this story and it definitely worth checking out!

Franklin U 2 Book 1: The Hookup Mix-Up by Riley Hart

 

Franklin U 2 Book 1

Perry

I moved to San Luco to get to know my brother, and so far, it’s been great. Working as a bartender at Shenanigans, a bar close to Franklin University, there are beautiful men and women everywhere. When a hot guy falls into my arms at a party, I’m down for some naughty fun. Until I realize he’s way too drunk for anything to happen. Thankfully, we agree to meet up the next day.

One near-kiss later, I discover Theo has no idea I’ve been hitting on him. He thinks we’re hanging out as buddies, and to my great regret, says he’s straight. How did I misread this situation when I thought he was giving me all the right signals?

Theo

Perry thinks I’m a nine…a nine! Sure, I’m not into dudes, but it’s flattering that someone as attractive as him thinks I’m hot. Despite the confusion, Perry and I click and agree to keep hanging out. The more time I spend with him, the more I realize there’s a part of myself I’ve been ignoring. One that’s super bi and wants Perry as more than a friend.

Trying to study with him makes things hard for me…below the belt. Unfortunately, his abandonment issues have him open to a fling and nothing more, while I’m catching feelings in a big way. Can I be satisfied with a hookup? Or should I find a way to convince him to take a chance on making this something real?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208927978-the-hookup-mix-up

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

After his girlfriend breaks up with him and tells him he doesn’t know who he is or what he wants to do with his life, Theo just wants a night to let loose and have some fun. Maybe his ex is right and he isn’t sure. It doesn’t help that there is a pressure that continues to build because he has trouble in school with his grades and learning and he doesn’t want to let his parents down after all the sacrifices they made to get him to college. But for one night, he’ll just have fun dancing on tables at the house party him and his roommates threw. That is until he falls and is caught by his own knight in shining armor. Perry didn’t expect to find this ray of sunshine and golden retriever of a hot guy fall right into his arms. But hey he will roll with it. And with the chemistry and sparks flying between them, he is definitely looking forward to a hook up. Though they don’t hook up that night, they do exchange numbers and hang out the next day. But it becomes very clear soon enough that while Perry thought he was with Theo for a hook up, Theo is there to hang out with a new friend. And Perry can’t resist the puppy eyes Theo gives him when he says he really wants to be just friends. Friends isn’t something Perry has much of but for Theo, he thinks he can do that. But it is very clear that these two connect in a way that is way beyond friendship. And for Theo who always believed he was straight is starting to realize when it comes to Perry, he feels anything but. And it’s only a matter of time before these two realize they can be so much more. I adored Theo and Perry! These two were just too stinking cute. Theo is literally the nickname Perry gives him when he is compared to a puppy. He has that energy and sweetness and genuineness that Perry can’t resist. All the walls Perry has built over the years to guard his heart and keep people from getting close, come tumbling down bit by bit with Theo. I loved their story and it was the perfect way to kick off the new year at Franklin U! Can’t wait to see more of this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Accidental Love Series Book 0.5: The Anti-Wingman by Saxon James

 

Accidental Love Book 0.5

The short story prequel to the Accidental Love series! 

Kai is a boyfriend magnet who just wants to head into his hookup era. Rylan is done with the hookup scene and is ready to settle down. When they meet on a dating app, Kai comes up with a plan: Rylan helps keep the boyfriends at bay, and Kai will find him the perfect man. 

Between smiley face nail polish, a delapidated house, and a cat named Kismet, they put their plan into action. Because what could possibily go wrong?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209306396-the-anti-wingman

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I don’t know why it took me so long to track this story down! I adore the Accidental Love series and I finally came across the prequel. This is the origin story of how Big Boned Bertha came to be! The story follows Kai and Rylan. When they meet on a dating app, Kai is trying to move away from dating to focus on hook ups. He’s always been in a relationship and they always move super fast. He meets someone, they connect, and next thing he knows he is moved in. And shortly after, the break up. He has to change it up. Meanwhile, Rylan is the opposite. Looking for a relationship and not the hook up. Yet, somehow he finds himself charmed by Kai to at least keep talking. And one thing leads to another and he is agreeing to kelp Kai remain single and in exchange Kai will help Rylan meet someone. These two were adorable. Especially when by the end of the story, they realize they kind of are dating. And it’s clear they do have a connection and both secretly want to date but are trying to keep to their agreement. A really adorable short story! 

Wife for Hire Agency Book 4: Reckless Love by Hannah McBride

 

Wife for Hire Agency Book 4

I’ve always been the good girl. The one who put her family above all else. But now my family is gone, and I’m alone. Penniless and on the verge of utter ruin, I make a reckless choice and decide to hand my fate over to an agency known as Wife for Hire.

It’s not like marrying a stranger can make my life any worse, right?

Wrong.

Because the man waiting for me at the end of the aisle is Warwick Forrester–the man who took everything from my family.

But the more I’m with Wick, the less he seems like a monster. He’s kind, caring, and more than a little obsessed with me in all the right ways.

Maybe this man isn’t my ruin. Maybe he’s my salvation.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210620972-reckless-love?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=2qbCk0xP64&rank=1

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Sia has just lost the last of her family and with no choice but to sell her grandfather’s legacy to pay off the debts left behind, she is truly penniless and alone. But her lawyer and friend of her grandfather mentions that she can access her trust fund early if she marries then she can save the charity that her mother had started years before. But with no relationship in sight and never really having been in one before, she doesn’t see how that is possible. Until his tells her about Wife For Hire. An elite agency for those of wealth to arrange marriages. With a high success rate for successful marriages and all safety concerns checked, this is Sia’s only option. But on the day of her wedding she never expects her new husband to be the man who bought her grandfather’s company. Warwick Forrester. She thinks she knows what to expect when she sees him but at every turn Wick proves to be anything but the monster she expected. Perhaps her future will be better than she expected. I adored Sia and Wick! This sweet novella was right up my alley and not gonna lie, I wish the story was longer just to see more of them together. Hannah never lets me down when it comes to her romance stories and characters and this story continues to prove it! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

IOU Series Book 5: Notorious by Leslie McAdam

 

IOU Book 5

Picking up your favorite adult film star at a bar in Vegas is a bad idea—especially when you wake up the next morning married to him. Ask me how I know.

Before I met Velvet the Cowboy, the public knew me as an innocuous guy who was running for office.

Now I’ve gone from boring to notorious in twenty-four hours.

The hot stranger’s ring on my finger puts a damper on my political ambitions, since his day job isn’t voter-friendly. An annulment is a no-go, and a quickie divorce would make me look unreliable.

In any case, when I find out Velvet’s dark plans, I know I can’t let him out of my sight. Which means I’m taking a gorgeous, 6’6”, slow-talking cowboy home with me to protect him from himself.

Being with him might light my career on fire. I’m just not expecting it to do the same to my heart.

Notorious is a stand-alone contemporary romance about Johnny Haskell, a cowboy turned adult star who stops to pet every good dog (and they’re all good dogs), and Kurt Delmont, a senatorial candidate who wants to save the world. It features recovery from a mental health crisis, healing from old wounds, and love that takes these two by surprise. This book contains sensitive themes; a detailed description of the contents is in the author’s note in the book preview. Happily ever after guaranteed.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208692718-notorious

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

You have never read a “drunk in Vegas, wake up married” story like this one. Leslie blew me away with this story. Please read her author’s note in the beginning and the trigger warnings before you read. This story goes deep into mental health and I thought Leslie handled it beautifully. Our story follows Kurt and Johnny! Who we have seen a bit of throughout the IOU series and who definitely deserve a happy ending after learning what these two have been through. Johnny’s story is heartbreaking. The night he receives a lifetime achievement award in his profession as an adult content star is the night he plans to rid himself of the world. With so much pain he has been through emotionally and not, it’s clear to see how he has gotten to that point and heartbreaking to see he believes everyone would be better off. But that night he meets Kurt. And though Kurt doesn’t realize in that moment, he stop Johnny from his plans. For that night at least. Because the next morning the two of them wake up very hungover and very much married. But Kurt sees what Johnny has in his hotel room and knows he can’t stand by and watch Johnny go through with it. They start an honesty game and Johnny finds himself actually being honest about it all. The two of them have a connection, that much is so clear. And though they are strangers, there is something about the other that starts a bit of trust. They start a healing journey together. And they get a chance to fall in love. Their love story is so sweet and it balances all the tough topics in this story. There is so many different pieces to this story, and I couldn’t put it down! I just thought Leslie did such a great job with it! These two characters were great to get to know and watch as they fell in love. Another great addition to this series for sure!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Campus Diaries Book 2: The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy

 

Campus Diaries Book 2

Diana Dixon has a lot going on this summer. She’s rehearsing for a ballroom dance competition, juggling two jobs, and dealing with an ex-boyfriend who can’t take the hint it’s over. Yet despite all that, she still has plenty of time and energy to tell Shane Lindley to screw off.

Shane just moved into her apartment building and seems dedicated to sleeping his way through her entire cheerleading squad. Sure, he’s a tall, gorgeous hockey player, but he’s messing with her turf. This calls for some ground rules: no parties in her apartment, leave her teammates alone, and—most importantly—leave her alone.

What Diana doesn’t realize is that Shane’s sick of hookups and tired of being on the rebound after his long-term girlfriend called it quits. He wants a relationship. And when his ex comes back into the picture, he pretends he has one to make her jealous…and who better to play the girlfriend role than his sassy new neighbor?

Despite Diana’s reluctance to break her rule, a fake relationship is the perfect solution for her own ex issues, and soon she can’t deny something is sizzling between her and Shane. Something hot and completely unexpected.

And it might just be getting a little too real.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200544094-the-dixon-rule

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Always love being back in this world! Now it’s Diana and Shane’s turn and these two were amazing! Shane and Diana have the best chemistry. With an enemies to lovers vibe, the banter between these two is priceless. Always expect a quick comeback and once these to get going, there is no stopping them. So Diana and Shane are about to be in the same space and Diana is definitely not looking forward to it. Shane is moving into her apartment building, right next door. And with that comes the Dixon rules. Will Shane follow them? Absolutely not. But this does give them plenty of opportunities to run into one another and in doing so, get to know one another. Which leads to the fake relationship. 

When Shane’s ex comes back in the picture and surprises him with a new boyfriend, Shane is quick to ask Diana for help. Shane hasn’t really gotten over his ex even though they have been broken up for over a year. And even though Shane has spent a lot of time hooking up after their break up to get over her, he can’t help the lingering feelings. And he can admit to himself that he is a relationship guy, despite many not believing him. Soon it’s Diana’s turn to need Shane as her new boyfriend but this time for a bit more of a serious matter. Diana’s ex won’t take the hint that they are done. She’s tried to be nice but when he turns to borderline stalker and aggressive, Diana doesn’t feel safe. She turns to Shane for help, though she won’t tell him the details. The two of them spend the summer pretending to be a couple to everyone but soon it becomes a friends with benefits situation. And we all know that with a bit more of time, feels are sure to be involved. 

I adored these two! Like I said, they have the best banter and chemistry. But they also balanced one another out so well. And when they get to know one another, they realize they have a lot in common and that they are willing to actually spend time together doing things the other person likes. It’s just a really well rounded story that has a bit of everything for everyone! And I cannot wait for the next one!

Cover Reveal! Twincerely Yours by Eden Finley

 

Cover Reveal & Giveaway:
Twincerely Yours
By Eden Finley

Cover Designer: Natasha Snow
Model: Ivan
Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Coming July 26th

Franklin University Series Season 2, Book 8

EMMETT

My twin brother and I have gotten ourselves into a lot of messes growing up. We would constantly switch places to escape consequences while protecting each other at every cost.

But sleeping with Ben’s professor is a whole new level of mess, because there’s something Jonah doesn’t know. He might have been Ben’s professor last semester, but the person he was lecturing wasn’t Ben. It was me.

JONAH

From the moment I meet Emmett, I know he looks familiar but I can’t pinpoint where from. It’s not until I see his twin brother in the quad that I put two and two together.

Dating the sibling of one of my ex-students isn’t a huge problem for me, but I can’t help thinking the twins are hiding something.

The more time I spend with Emmett, the more I fall for him, but as my insecurity grows, so does my worry that I’m being played.

When my heart and my gut tell me two different things, I don’t know which to trust. My gut tells me to cut and run, but my heart won’t let me. Even though I’ve been telling myself to hold back, it’s too late. I’m already in too deep.

Pre-Order Universal Link

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Check out the other books in the Series

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the next season of Franklin U & this cover reveal, we are giving away 2 advanced e-copies of Twincerely Yours!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57865/?

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About the Author:

Eden Finley writes MM and MMM romances and is most known for her stories about athletes.

Connect with Eden:
https://edenfinley.com/

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Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle

 

A steamy second-chance romance about a magical florist’s unexpected reunion with her high school sweetheart as she fake dates his soon-to-be stepbrother.

A small, magical town tucked away in rural Ohio, Moonville is the perfect place for flora fortunist Romina Tempest to expand her shop, where she uses the language of flowers to help the hopeful manifest their love lives. After giving up on her own big romance eleven years ago, at least she can bask in the promise of others’.

So, when the shop’s potential financier shares news of his wedding, Romina jumps on the opportunity to discuss buying the business. What better place to negotiate a deal than at a wedding, even if she has to fake-date her chaotic colleague Trevor to get an invitation? But all hell breaks loose when she discovers Trevor’s soon-to-be stepbrother is none other than Alex her high school sweetheart. Her greatest love. The boy who, eleven years ago, broke her heart, and who now thinks she and Trevor are dating. 

What starts as an innocent misunderstanding becomes a week-long fake dating scheme, as Romina resolves to make Alex pay for breaking her heart. The only issue? She can’t deny their still-burning connection. Caught between proving to Alex what he lost, and coming clean and risking her business, Romina must decide whether giving Alex another chance means going back on herself, or finally releasing her hold on the past.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194803816-old-flames-and-new-fortunes

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Sarah Hogle is one of my favorites when it comes to comedy and romance. I just end up in stitches when I read her books. Her characters are a delight. It’s such a nice blend of romance and laughs and magic. In this book, we follow Romina. When Romina and her chaotic friend and colleague, Trevor, go to meet Trevor’s dad in what they think is a business lunch (they need money to fix up their shop and get it ready for a big event), they accidentally end up fake dating. In a moment of getting Trevor’s cousin off his back, they tell her they are dating, never thinking it would go past that moment. But then they realize this “lunch” is actually a big family get together where Trevor’s dad announces his is getting married. And the bride? Romina’s first love, Alex’s mom. And cue Alex’s entrance. Romina and Alex had a once in a lifetime love. But miscommunication and circumstances forced them apart. And while both have tried to move on, neither truly have all these years later. It’s clear from the beginning that Alex doesn’t believe in Trevor and Romina’s romance and as she juggles to keep up the lie through the week to the wedding, all the feelings she thought were pushed down for Alex, come rushing back. And once the charade is over, will she be brave enough to take a chance on Alex once again? These two were sweet and hilarious. Their banter was just so rich. I laughed my whole way through their story. Through every twist and turn and all the witchy magic. Because of course there is some magic in this book and it just takes the story to a new level. Such a fun read! 

Calder Academy Book 1: Sweet Nightmare by Tracy Wolff

 

Calder Academy Book 1

The scariest school on earth

Is about to experience real fear…

Most schools are about being the best. This school? It’s about being the worst. Calder Academy is where the rogue paranormals go. The ones who break the rules or lose control. And when that happens for vamps, werewolves, witches, and dark fae? It gets pretty freaking scary.

I should know. Because I’m trapped here.

Look, every seventeen-year-old girl thinks their mom is a tyrant. But mine just happens to run Calder Academy, which paints a giant target on my back. The way I make it through these dark halls is by steering clear of the things―and kids―who go bump in the night.

Especially Jude Abernathy-Lee.

But when a freak storm hits our isolated island, I'm stuck without a backup plan. The power is gone. The lights are out. And our worst nightmares are suddenly real―and out for blood.

Now the only way to survive is to align myself with one evil to avoid the other.

And the only thing worse than the idea of getting close to Jude? Secretly loving every minute of it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203579059-sweet-nightmare

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Back in the Crave universe and it is so nice to be back! This is the sequel series to the six book Crave series. It takes place after that final book and is now following the story of some familiar faces and some brand new ones. If you haven’t read the Crave series, definitely do so! You will appreciate the world so much better and get the references to several characters in this book. But this story follows Clementine Calder at Calder Academy. Her mother and the rest of her aunts and uncles run the school. This supernatural school is different from Katmere. It holds the most dangerous of the supernaturals. One thing I loved about this book is that while we got a good dose of certain supernaturals in the Crave series, this one takes us to a whole new level and gives us so many more different kinds of people. Clementine’s story begins with some weird stuff going on with the magical creatures in the basement of the school to being put on a class assignment with the boy who broke her heart 3 years ago and still to this day won’t tell her what happened. The tension between Jude and Clementine is intense and underneath it all, you can definitely tell these two care for one another but while Clementine craves answers, Jude is stubborn in his need to protect her. But things are about to change when a hurricane is about to hit their school. Chaos erupts. And in the madness, it becomes a game of survival and a lot of harsh truths to be revealed. The action doesn’t stop! It definitely keeps you on your toes. I adored Clementine and Jude and their love story as they find their way to mend what was broken and come together again. I loved Remy and Izzy who appeared in Crave and who was supposed to start this new series originally, but their book will be later down the line. Until then, we get to see them from a new point of view. I also loved this new cast of characters and friend group that has formed. A lot goes down in this book. And while many questions are answered, there are a ton unanswered. And I cannot wait to find out what happens! This was a great way to reenter this world.

Hope’s Ridge Book 1: Fractured Hope by Kady Cordova

 

Hope’s Ridge Book 1

Can I really escape hell to find all I’ve ever longed for?

Bodhi

Finding yourself is hard. Finding someone you can truly trust is harder.

I’ve never known what it was like to have a true home or family, let alone real love.

After almost a year of planning, I finally escaped my abusive ex and ran as far away as I could with just the clothes on my back and a handful of cash. When I arrive in the quaint town of Hope’s Ridge, I’m ready to start over and reclaim my life.

When I painfully crash into Atticus’s life, something about him puts me at ease. I’ve never been one to trust, but now I’m in a situation where I have no choice. He might be what I’ve been longing for my whole life.

Atticus 

I love my tight-knit town, my big Greek family, and the life I’ve built. I have a successful garage with my brothers and love my job. I have it good, but every now and then I long for a connection. Someone to chase away the loneliness that’s been creeping in. As my brothers like to point out, I’m set in my ways and not one for flings, bar hopping, or one-night stands.

When a beautiful man stumbles into my life, I’m blown away. He’s skittish and afraid, but all I want to do is take care of him.

When Bodhi’s ex starts making threats, danger gets ever closer and threatens everything I hold dear. Can I keep Bodhi safe and prove to him he’s worthy of love? Or will he run and take my heart with him?

Fractured Hope is a small-town, hurt/comfort, age-gap MM Romance with a broken boy looking for a safe place, a lonely man longing to find his person, and a family full of love, mischief, and colorful characters ready to step in and protect each other no matter the costs.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212531550-fractured-hope

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Bodhi has spent the last year saving and planning his escape from his abusive ex. When he finally gets his moment, he slips into the night and runs as fast and as far as he can. Anything to escape the physical and emotional abuse he has been enduring for the last five years. Bodhi soon finds himself in Hope’s Ridge. Ready to start over and hopefully finally be safe. But a bit of a scare and a broken gutter, Bodhi finds himself in a bit of a situation with a broken foot in addition to his already fractured wrist and bruised ribs. Lucky for him, the person who startled him into this accident is the one who will save him in the end. Atticus. Atticus has always been a caretaker and a protector. And the moment he sees Bodhi those instincts come right to the surface. He definitely feels awful for causing Bodhi’s latest injuries but he refuses to leave his side and help him out. And when he gains Bodhi’s trust and his story, there is no getting rid of Atticus. He already felt a strong connection to Bodhi just at first sight but now, he will do what he can to care for Bodhi and show him he deserves all the love and care in the world. And for Bodhi, the fact that he feels safe with Atticus so soon? He never imagined and he isn’t ready to walk away just yet. But his ex is still out there and Bodhi knows he won’t rest until he can drag Bodhi back. I adored Atticus and Bodhi! These two were so sweet together. And I loved how protective Atticus was. These two definitely deserve to be happy and safe. And I loved Atticus’s family and brothers and definitely hope to see their stories as well! A great start to this series and I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.