Windsor Wyoming Book 2: Road to a Cowboy by Amy Aislin

 

Windsor Wyoming Book 2

Detour

Five years after the death of his spouse, Austin MacIsaac is ready to find love again—and he's got the perfect guy in his sexy cowboy of a best friend, Cal Anderson. If only he can convince Cal to detour out of the friend zone.

Road work ahead

Cal has been in love with Austin for longer than he can remember. The man has been his rock through the ups and downs of messy family drama. But shaking up their friendship for something more could lead them down a bumpy and unsafe road.

Merge

Amid a backdrop of the Wyoming mountains and under a summer sky, can Austin and Cal merge their lives into one and let the road to romance lead to happily ever after?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215190648-road-to-a-cowboy

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

It’s been five years since Austin lost his wife and even longer for how long he has been in love with his best friend, Cal. Yes, he was married for a short time but the love he had for her was different than what he felt for Cal. And what he learned from his wife who had encouraged him to love again when she passed is that time is precious and you never know what the future brings. So taking a risk he was never ready to make as a teenager is what he plans to do. He is gonna find a way to tell Cal his feelings. Cal has been in love with Austin for a long time. Their friendship is everything to him and he would never want to mess it up. But then Austin changes everything when he asks Cal out. Will this be the best thing for them or ruin it? But it’s Austin. And Cal has to believe that they will always have one another, no matter what. These two were just so sweet. Best friends to lovers is always a great trope. And for these two especially, it just worked. I loved also how it wasn’t easy at first when they tried a first date. Trying to change from friends to more could be hard, especially if you are trying too hard. But I loved how they figured it out because it was clear that these two were simply meant to be! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Windsor Wyoming Book 1: Home for a Cowboy by Amy Aislin

 

Windsor Wyoming Book 1

Las doesn’t date seasonal workers. Marco’s on a three-month contract.

Lassiter Windsor-March has been planning for his future for as long as he can remember and he knows exactly where that future lies: at his family’s ranch in Wyoming. What doesn’t lie in his future is a summer fling with one of the seasonal workers—they never stick around.

Even if one of those workers is the college crush he’s invited to work a summer job at the ranch.

Marco Terlizzese is as laissez-faire as Las isn’t. He might not know where he’ll be once his contract with Windsor Ranch is up, but he knows three months is plenty of time to get his long-time crush to agree to go out with him.

Amid a starry summer sky, their chemistry ignites as feelings deepen, forcing Las and Marco to decide where they truly belong.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215538981-home-for-a-cowboy

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Marco isn’t sure what he wants to do for his future. He has a good chance of playing professional hockey but truthfully, he really doesn’t want to. He graduated with a major he doesn’t intend to use but seeing as he was on a hockey scholarship, it wasn’t like he couldn’t pick nothing. But after graduating he finds himself with a summer job at a ranch after being offered the position by the guy he has been crushing on for years. Could something finally happen between him and Las? And could working at the ranch actually give him the future he has been searching for? Las has had his heart broken before. And he knows inviting Marco to work at his family ranch on a whim was probably a bad idea. And an even more bad idea is to start something with him. His heart belongs to this land. It’s where he wants to be. And he knows a future with someone can only happen if they love this place too and want to stay. And every day he spends with Marco, the more he can’t help falling for him. But what happens when Marco leaves at the end of the summer? These two will have to take a chance if they want to have any sort of future together. I really enjoyed Marco and Las’s story! I loved the setting and how these two just fit so well together and in Windsor. Their chemistry was undeniable and though it took some time, it was worth the wait for both of them when they finally admitted how they felt. Can’t wait to read book two!

Games We Play Book 7: Power Move by Susan Scott Shelley

 

Games We Play Book 7

Sage Murray has spent the last three years playing for the minor league Saint Paul Slash. He’s found a family in the teammates who share a home with him and they’ve helped him get a better handle on the anxiety he battles every day. Having the best season of his career, he hopes to receive a call up to the Minneapolis Metros and achieve his dream of playing in hockey’s top league. When a night out brings him face to face with Metros defenseman Rhys Farrell, their interaction spotlights their attraction, and Sage sees a side of Rhys that intrigues him to find out more.

Rhys Farrell has spent his career in the shadow of his Hall of Famer father. Winning the Cup would set him apart, and he wants more than anything to win it with teammates who embraced him during his lowest moments. But an injured shoulder has kept him from the lineup, his teammates are dropping like flies, and their shot at redemption from last season’s heartbreaking loss is fading. During a two-week stint with the Slash as he readies to return to the team, he’s captivated by Sage, and for the first time in years, he’s tempted to focus on more than just hockey.

The pair are continually drawn to each other. Rhys gives Sage the warmth and acceptance he craves, and Sage takes care of Rhys in ways he’s never experienced before. As the race to the playoffs heats up and sees them both in the Metros lineup, what happens on the ice collides with their relationship off of it. When the gloves come off, can love find its way in?

The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211859727-power-move

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Sparks fly the moment Sage and Rhys meet. When Sage and a few of his friends and teammates from the Slash minor hockey team are invited to hang out with a few players from the majors team, the Metros, Sage can’t help but be nervous. He deals with anxiety and is so lucky to have his friends by his side. They know how to calm him and have all the patience in the world for him. But meeting the guys Sage hopes to play with one day? And Rhys? The guy he’s most definitely attracted to? Something is bound to go wrong. Unlucky for him is when Sage spills a drink of Rhys but lucky for him, Rhys is charmed and feeling the connection with Sage too. He has the patience and isn’t going to run away. So they give themselves a chance to get to know one another and spend as much time as they can with their hockey schedules. And when Sage finds himself being called up more often than not? Well everything seems to be going well for everyone. But with so many injuries hitting the team, can it only be a matter of time before something bad happens? I loved these two! They were so adorable as they fell in love. I love the connection and understanding between them. You knew they were meant for one another as they were just able to be exactly who they were with one another. A sweet story! Definitely another favorite of mine in this series so far. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Games We Play Book 6: Breakaway by Taylor McNiff

 

Games We Play Book 6

ETHAN POPE

Hockey and secrets have been my life since I can remember.

I don’t know when the secrets got out of hand. Maybe when I stopped recognizing myself in the mirror. Maybe when I nearly lost hockey. Maybe when I almost died.

Now my secrets and I are trapped on a PHL team, biding time as I prove that I’m worthy of my original spot in the Big Show. I have it all under control - my secrets, my career, my depression. There’s no other option, really, because there’s a promise beneath all the secrets - a promise I refuse to break.

It’s easy enough to pretend I have it all handled until Hayden Wallace comes barreling into my life, determined to discover all of my secrets - and maybe force me to discover a few things of my own along the way (like since when are men HOT?)

My best bet is to avoid him. Should be easy enough, right?

HAYDEN WALLACE

I’ve been loyal to my best friend since I can remember.

Unfortunately, that loyalty is the reason I find myself stuck in freezing-cold Michigan, working with a bunch of hockey players. It’s a favor. I’ll be the athletic trainer for Ian’s team for one year while he figures something else out, then I’m out of here.

Sticking around doesn’t seem so bad once I meet Ethan Pope, the man at the root of the biggest mystery in the hockey world - the rookie who nearly lost it all for reasons he refuses to share. I can’t stop watching him, analyzing him… wanting him.

The more I get to know him, the more I worry. He might be trying to push me away, but I’m not going anywhere.

Two Stubborn Men, Too Many Secrets, and An Attraction Neither Can Ignore

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216778376-breakaway

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Definitely one of my favorites from this series so far! Hayden does his best friend a really big favor by coming up north to be the athletic trainer for his minor league hockey team. He’ll help the team the best he can after their last trainer was completely awful and then he’ll be on his way. But he can’t help but like the guys on the team and being near his friend. But the biggest thing he can’t resist? Ethan Pope. It is clear since day one that Ethan is hiding something. And the fact that he was supposed to be playing on the major hockey team but mysteriously disappeared during training camp and came back to be booted down is just the tip of the iceberg. Every time he tries to get to know Ethan a bit more and help him, he pulls away. But when the two of them find themselves spending more time together, the more feelings develop. Ethan has been hiding something for a long time. His depression. He feels like he can’t get help and he won’t reveal it. He’ll ride it out the best he can. But Hayden sees too much. And when Ethan figures out the feelings he has been having toward Hayden are attraction and even love? How can he fall for someone but keep such a thing away from them? But it’s getting harder and harder every day and it’s only a matter of time until all is revealed. I adored these two. My heart went to Ethan and everything he has been through and what he has been struggling with. And I love that Hayden just cares for him and wants to the best for him and he wants to help in any way he can. It’s clear how much these two love one another and it’s because of that they’ll get through all the hard stuff that is coming. Absolutely loved their story and their journey as they fight Ethan’s illness together. This had such a great set of characters and I wish there was more with all these guys!

Spencer Brothers Book 2.5: The Convenient Groom by Ana Ashley

 

Spencer Brothers Novellas Book 2

What should you do when the one who got away walks into your bar twelve years later?

The last time I saw Jax, I was dating his sister and figuring myself out.

Nowadays, I'm Mr. Flirty, but hookups are for people who don't run their own business.

Jax and I fall back into our easy friendship, but the covert looks and the flirting make me want more. And I think he does too.

One night in Vegas changes everything, and we can't even blame the alcohol because I remember every single second of the night.

They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But what happens when it chases you home?

The Convenient Groom is a stand-alone novella set in Ana Ashley’s new Spencer Brothers world. Expect lots of chemistry from two guys who have been in love forever, geeky bonding over a 90's toy and the biggest game of poker face in the history of romance.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216129993-the-convenient-groom

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jax can’t believe who he sees when he meets his friend, Noah, at a bar. Tanner. The guy he hasn’t seen in 12 years and the same guy he had a crush on but was devastated when his sister was dating him. But seeing him now and not only is he single but he’s gay? Could it be too good to be true? Tanner hasn’t admitted this but he realized a little too late that his feelings for Jax are what he should have been feeling for his sister. But when Jax left for the Army it was too late. But there they are. Both single and into men. Maybe things can change. As Jax and Tanner spend more time together, it is clear that there is a spark between them and it is only a matter of time until they act on it. But what they never expect is that a trip to Vegas to watch their friends get married would lead to them getting married themselves. Feelings are admitted but could this be more than friends with benefits? Or the beginning of something great? I loved these two! I was so excited to get their story when they first appeared in the previous book. Their story was sweet, plenty of romance, and lots of fun!

Summerville University Book 3: Some Strings Attached by Catherine Cloverdale

 

SVU Book 3

My best friend and I have a deal. One summer. One bed. One rule—no strings attached.

We’re complete opposites—he’s a brooding, sullen musician, I’m the frat boy football star. No matter how much he makes my heart race, it would never work. 

Not only are my feelings one-sided, but Dylan doesn’t fit my vision of a picture perfect future…or my family’s. 

But when a group trip to Europe starts with us sharing a room, there's things I can't ignore.

His pretty lips.

The yearning in his eyes.

The one bed we have to share.

I need to focus on my future and my family—but when he suggests a summer fling, lines are crossed. The deeper I go, the more I can't hide it anymore.

Summer is coming to an end…and our arrangement might have more than a few strings.

Some Strings Attached is a steamy college m/m romance and is the final book in the Summerville University series. Each can be read as a standalone, but is more fun when read in order. Guaranteed happy ending.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216806943-some-strings-attached

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Been wondering about Dylan and Brad since they first appeared in book one! It was clear these two best friends could be so much more. It was just a matter of when and how. When their friends decide to spend a chunk of summer break in Europe, Dylan and Brad easily agree. Dylan has no desire to stay home with his dad who has checked out since Dylan’s mom left them years ago and then Dylan’s older brother. Never to be heard from again. His dad barely acknowledges Dylan and he simply can’t take the silence. And for Brad, a little time away before he goes back to training for football sounds pretty good. Especially with Dylan and their friends. But the two of them soon realize that they are the only not couple on this trip. And it is getting harder for either of them to really mask the feelings they have. Brad has always known he was in love with Dylan, but he never wanted to hurt their friendship. Plus, he is stuck in his head that being together may be complicated and not what his family may expect of him. And Dylan is starting to realize that his best friend could be so much more to him. But would he want that too? You’ll be yelling at these guys to just talk and say what they really want! And even when they finally do, things aren’t so simple. You’ll have to be patient as they two work out their feelings and what they mean to one another but it is so worth it! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Darkmore Penitentiary Book 4: Wild Wolf by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Darkmore Penitentiary Book 4

 

Freedom never tasted so bitter.

A stolen love. A strangled curse. A heart of sin. And a fate touched in moonlight.

My men weave a tangled web around my soul, and I’ve formed a pack that will go to death and back for me.

The moon hangs low over my heart as the call of the endless sky draws me closer and I find myself lost in the abyss that was waiting for me out here.

Fate has left a bitter taste on my tongue, the haunting echoes of the past mocking me at every turn. But I’m not a pup anymore. And I won’t let another ten years pass without mending the rift in my heart.

Darkness draws near enough to devour me but I have forged a pack of wild creatures at my back and I won’t be pulled into the grip of despair.

I’ll find the stars in this endless night and force them to hear me howl.

I am Rosalie Oscura and I will claim my happy ending, even if I have to claw it from the hands of destiny itself.

This is the final instalment in the Darkmore Penitentiary series.

This series is set in the world of Solaria five years after Zodiac Academy and ten years after Dark Fae and book one was previously published as Darkmore Penitentiary. There is some character crossover but all series can be read independent of each other without spoilers. The female lead will end up with more than one love interest.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58757929-wild-wolf

********

My Review 5/5 Stars

Finally! The last book of the Darkmore Penitentiary series has arrived. It’s been a long and painful wait after that brutal cliffhanger from the previous book. With these authors, you know they are really good at bringing the pain before delivering a well deserved happy ending. And we most definitely get a satisfying ending to this series. Picking up where the last book left off, bad things have happened. Rosalie’s one goal coming to Darkmore was to get Roary out. And she failed. And now his fate is probably worse after what was done to him. But she won’t give up. She will not let him go. She will find him and she won’t be alone. Ethan and Sin are by her side. Their love for her stronger than ever. And then there is Mason. He may still be working through everything that has happened and what Rosalie is to him, but deep down he knows he is hers. And these guys together know that what they have won’t be complete until Roary is back. We get a lot of nice surprises in this one! Including some familiar faces pop up (named and unnamed) for those who have read all of books in this world so far. If you are like me, you will love those. I love how far Rosalie, Roary, Ethan, Sin, and Mason have come and their dynamics together. This was just a really solid end to this series. And I couldn’t put it down! It was definitely worth the long wait to get to this point. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Front Range University Book 2: Beautifully Devoted by Michele Lenard

Front Range University Book 2

Forgetting to knock changed everything.

Cam

When I was ten, I made a promise. One that I’m still honoring a decade later, even though it means hiding a part of myself from the most important person in my life.

My best friend, Jagger. 

And truthfully, burying that part of me is a small price to pay if it means nothing comes between us. I’m Jagger’s rock, the one stable thing in his life, and I’ve held that role for so long it’s now central to who I am. Which is why, after he sees something he shouldn’t and gets an idea that he wants my help with, I’m faced with the biggest decision of my life.

Saying yes could break me, but saying no could break us. I guess there isn’t really a choice, is there? 

Jagger

There I was, innocently letting myself into my teammate’s room to search for some protein powder, when I came across a different type of protein altogether.

I learned two things that day. Knock first, and straight guys might be missing out.

As usual when I have an epiphany, I turn to my best friend Cam for help, and learn another two things. Neither of us is as straight as I thought, and I’m not the only one who needs protecting. 

Hopefully I can be as strong for him as he’s been for me.

**Beautifully Devoted is a high-heat MM romance between two co-dependent best friends. It’s a medium angst story that includes hurt/comfort situations and a bi-awakening with lots of humor and spice. This is book two in a series of interconnected standalones.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215055301-beautifully-devoted

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Accidentally walking in on his roommates apparently was the wake up called Jagger needed to realize that he may be into guys. But then learning that his best friend since he was a kid has known he was bi for years and never said anything? Well, that’s another push that Jagger needed to realize that he may have feelings for his best friend, Cam. Cam and Jagger are inseparable. You will always find one with the other. Honestly, the way they are it is more of a surprise that they aren’t together. The moment Cam realized he was bi was the moment he knew that he had to be careful around Jagger because he knew that he had the potential to fall in love with his best friend. And what if that ruined everything? No. It was not something he wanted to risk. But Jagger admitting that he has been wondering lately what it is like to be with a guy? Cam can’t help the walls inside him slowly breaking, especially when Jagger looks to him. It’s inevitable that these two will reach for one another. But how long will it take for them to admit that the feelings they have go beyond best friends? To take a leap of faith and bring their friendship to the next level? I adored these two. So sweet and just clearly devoted to one another. They were always meant to be. It was just a matter of time and when they were ready to see exactly who they are to one another. I’m really loving this series and the all the characters! I am especially excited for the next book after that end of the book hint. I have a feeling we are going to get a great story there. Can’t wait for more!

Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews

 

It’s not easy serving the Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death…especially during the holidays; and especially when you’re out of eggnog and one of your pesky, freeloading mythic creatures has eaten your last cookie.

Roman would like nothing more than to be left alone, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard and begs for sanctuary, Roman takes him in. Now elite mercenaries are camped out on his property, combat mages are dousing the house with fire, and strange priests are unleashing arcane magic. They thought Roman was easy pickings, just a hermit in the woods, but they chose the wrong dark priest to annoy. For while Roman might be patient, he is the Black Volhv, filled with the love of his terrible god. For his adversaries, it's a fight to the death, but for him, it's just another day in the neighborhood.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211202747-sanctuary

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

If you are familiar with the world of Kate Daniels, you will recognize Roman! A beloved character throughout the series, I was thrilled to see him get his own book. In his story, Roman finds himself giving sanctuary to a young boy who is running from elite mercenaries. The mercenaries who then thought it was a great idea to attack his home and try to get the boy when Roman refused to give him up. Well, they are in for a rude awakening. For he is the Black Volhv and very powerful. As Roman protects the boy he will learn there is more to him than meets the eye. And everyone should be ready for the fight that is coming. Roman is definitely one of the best characters in this world. He is hilarious and sarcastic and so intriguing. I was glad to get to know him just a bit more in this story. It’s always fun diving back into this world with the different types of magic that comes across the pages. You never know what our heroes will face whenever someone comes to their doorstep. Another great book in this world!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Forget Me Not by Julie Soto

An ambitious wedding planner must work with her grumpy florist ex, whose heart she broke, on the most high-profile wedding of her career, in this spicy and emotional romance from popular fanfic author Julie Soto.

He loves me; he loves me not... 

Ama Torres loves being a wedding planner. But with a mother who has been married more times than you can count on your fingers, Ama has decided that marriage is not the route for her. But weddings? Weddings are amazing. As a small business owner, she knows how to match her clients with the perfect vendor to give them the wedding of their dreams. Well, almost perfect…

Elliot hates being a florist, most of the time. When his father left him the flower shop, he considered it a burden, but he’s stuck with it. Just like how he’s stuck with the way he proposed to Ama, his main collaborator and girlfriend (or was she?) two years ago. But flowers have grown on him, just like Ama did. And flowers can’t run off and never speak to him again, like Ama did. 

When Ama is hired to plan a celebrity wedding that will bring her business national exposure, there's a catch: Elliot is already contracted to design the flowers. Things are not helped by the two brides, who see the obvious chemistry between Ama and Elliot and are determined to set them up, not knowing their complicated history. Add in a meddling ex-boss, and a reality TV film crew documenting every step of the wedding prep, and Ama and Elliot's hearts are not only in jeopardy again, but this time, their livelihoods are too.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61618737-forget-me-not

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ama may not believe in marriage or commitment but she does believe in weddings. But what else can she expect when she has watched her mom go through sixteen marriages throughout her life. And this is how she finds herself becoming a wedding planner. A job she loves and she is really good at. She’s been working on her on business for a few years now and has landed a celebrity wedding that could make or break her career. But the catch? She has to work with her ex, the man behind the flower designs. As the story goes on we slip into the past in Elliot’s point of view as we watch how their love story began and how it ended. But working together, Ama knows will be the hardest part of this wedding. Because even though she never wanted a commitment, Elliot had a real chance of changing the rules for her. But back then, she was too scared. I couldn’t put this story down! I loved Ama and Elliot’s story even though it broke your heart to know they had broken up at one point, but they may just get their second chance now. Such a fun storyline, filled with laughter and romance, and some pretty great characters. Julie Soto is a new author for me, and I will definitely be checking out her next book!

Divorced Men’s Club Book 6: Forgotten Romance by Saxon James

 

Divorced Men’s Club Book 6

Davey

In a list of what’s most important to me, three things are right up there at the top. My kids, my husband Mack, and my career I’ve spent my life building. Unfortunately that career has me away from home more than I'd like, and when I refuse to walk away from it, my husband walks away from me instead.

Living together post-divorce makes sense for us, but it blurs the lines between what we were and what we have. Now that I’ve scored a big promotion and negotiated twelve long weeks at home, memories of our life together haunt me. They make me long for what we had. And now that Mack is moving on with someone else, I’m being faced with the cold truth. I should never have let Mack go, and now it might be too late to get him back.

Mack

Twelve weeks. It’s the longest Davey has been home since we had the kids, and all it does is remind me of everything I wish I still had. So I decide this is it. I have twelve weeks to remind Davey of everything he lost and hope like hell when I give him the choice between work and me again, that this time he chooses me.

None of my friends are on board with my plan, and the new guy in town is trying his hardest to win me over. But I can ignore cute notes slipped into my favorite books if it means getting back the man I’ll love forever.

All I need to do is remind him our life together was perfect.

Now if only our kids, our friends, and his work would get the memo …

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

I can’t believe we have reached the final book of this series! And we finally get Davey and Mack’s story. Their second chance romance is so sweet. Especially when we got a glimpse of them in the previous book and it was clear that these two loved one another despite being divorced. When they first got divorced the words suggesting it came from a very tired placed for Mack. He hoped Davey would fight for him and their family instead of his job. He never expected Davey to take it. Meanwhile, Davey thought it was truly what Mack wanted. But two years later, though they are officially divorced not much has changed. Davey still lives at home technically and his job still pulls him away weeks at a time. The truth is that these two love one another deeply but they still have no solutions on how they can make a future that works for them. But this year, Mack is determined to win Davey back when Davey announces he will be home for 3 months and the holidays. He wants to remind Davey of their love and the family they have created. But as he does, Mack begins to realize it was just as much his fault as Davey’s for when they split. Davey loves being home and loves Mack and his kids, and he really starts opening his eyes to what he has taken for granted. And when there is someone who isn’t him interested in Mack? Well, that’s the harsh reality that things could change if he doesn’t figure out what he wants for their future. What I loved about their story is that it truly isn’t so simple to why they can’t simply be together. They both have valid reasons for things they want to change and can’t, but this time, instead of keeping it all in, they slowly come to realize they have to talk and put in the work and look at other options. These two are just so sweet and I loved watching them fall in love all over again as they find their way back to one another. A great ending to this series! I’m so sad it’s over but it’s been great!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Maple Hills Book 3: Daydream by Hannah Grace

 

Maple Hills Book 3

When procrastination lands him in a difficult class with his least favorite professor, Henry Turner knows he’s going to have to work extra hard to survive his junior year of college. And now with his new role as ice hockey captain – which he didn’t even want – Henry absolutely cannot fail. Enter Halle Jacobs, a fellow junior who finds herself befriended by Henry when he accidentally crashes her book club.

Halle may not have the romantic pursuits of her favorite fictional leads, but she’s an academic superstar, and when she hears about Henry’s problems with his class reading material, she offers to help. But being a private tutor isn’t exactly ideal given her own studies, job and the novel she’s trying to write. New experiences are the key to beating her writer’s block, though, and Henry’s promising to be the one to give them to her.

They just need to stick to their rulebook. Oh, and not fall in love.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198647119-daydream

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finally Henry’s book! I’ve loved this series so far and all the characters we have met. And I couldn’t wait to get Henry’s story. And with that comes a new character, Halle, who I adored. So when Halle’s boyfriend tells her they should break up, Halle finds herself relieved. It confirms that she has never been in love with him and the fact that the way he has been acting toward her (always getting her to arrange her schedule for him, doing things for him, and pressuring for things she was not ready for), well it’s easy to be relieved it’s over. The only problem is that his parents are her parents’ closest friends, they’ve known each other a long time, and all his friends were hers. But not anymore. Halle has never had a chance to put herself first. She is always tackling things for other people, her family especially, and can’t even name a friend that wasn’t Will. So she is going to change things. She is going to start doing things for herself. Including writing the book she has always wanted and submitting it to a competition. And when she meets Henry, she really gets a chance to experience all the things she has missed out. Henry and Halle just get one another. Henry has been smitten with Halle since he first saw her and he has a bit of trouble understanding since he isn’t big on being social. He likes being able to step away when he can. His social interactions comes from his friends and hockey. And even that can be a lot. But his friends understand him pretty well. But this year isn’t going great for Henry when being captain is tough and taking a class where his brain can’t seem to find the right kind of focus to do well is hurting his grades. But Halle becomes that bright spot for him. Who gets him and can help in her own way. These two are so sweet as they become best friends and then into something more. They support one another and Henry is the first to tell her she needs to put herself first and learn to say no to others. She won’t lose them because she has boundaries. I loved watching these two grow together and become the best versions of themselves. Another great addition to this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gods of Hatherley Hall Book 2: Wicked Waters by Becca Steele

 

Gods of Hatherley Hall Book 2

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Becca Steele, comes an all-new standalone M/F academy romance.

Roman Cavendish. The bad boy of Hatherley Hall. Once we were friends. Once I thought I meant something more to him. Once I was the person who knew him best.

Until I left without an explanation, ruining everything between us.

Now, I’m back, but Roman is no longer the boy I once knew. He hates me, and he’s determined to make my life miserable.

Then one night alters everything between us, and I don’t know where to turn or who to trust.

Is Roman really my enemy? Or is he on my side?

One thing I know for sure. I’m about to find out what happens when you mess with one of the gods of Hatherley Hall.

Wicked Waters is the second book in the Gods of Hatherley Hall series, and is a standalone M/F new adult academy romance with enemies to lovers and second chance themes.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213737309-wicked-waters

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Besides his two best friends, no one has really understood Roman. Roman the troublemaker who is always one step away from being expelled. But then he meets Quinn. And they form a friendship and understanding. And when they finally admit they have feelings for one another and promise that after the summer when they are reunited for the next school year, they’ll be together. But then Quinn disappears. No contact. Nothing. And she doesn’t come back to school. For three years. Now Quinn is back and Roman wants answers. But getting those answers will be a lot harder than he thought. But what he does know? That his feelings for Quinn are still there and she feels them too. And despite the hot and cold between them and the anger and misunderstandings? He knows that she is his and he is hers. Quinn was taken away from Hatherley Hall when her parents blamed her grades and rebellious acts on Roman and others from the school. But now they’ve given her a chance to come back. But the main rule? Stay away from Roman. Or else they’ll do everything in their power to see him gone from Hatherley Hall for good. So she’ll steel her heart and do what she must to protect him and stay away. Easier said than done. And it’s only a matter of time when the truth is revealed and these two will have some choices to make about their future. But if that isn’t enough? Someone has it out for them. Can they find out who it is before something happens that neither have the power to fix? Loved being back at Hatherley Hall! We have such a great cast of characters here and I of course just love the Greek myth mixed in here. It’s such a fun combo. And I loved Quinn and Roman! It’s so clear these two are meant to be but they have a lot to overcome if they have any chance of being together. Another great story! And I can’t wait for the next one in this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Popped: A Charity Anthology by Various Authors

 

Pop your cherry with us and this brand new charity anthology. From best friends brother to random rugby hookup, college tutor to second chance love, Popped has thirteen first times you are going to want to devour!

With Stories 

T. Ashleigh

Addison Beck

Nicole Dykes

Becca Jackson

Loren Leigh

Sundae Leighton

Lily Mayne

Charlie Novak

Jodi Oliver

Cora Rose

Sebastian Sharpe

Lark Taylor

Willow Thomas

All proceeds go to The Trevor Project and MindOut

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212757161-popped

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Popped: A Charity Anthology is filled with short stories centered around firsts! Whether it is short story set in a known series, a brand new story, or just the beginning of a bigger story, there is something for anyone. Enjoy laughs, plenty of romance, all written by some pretty great authors. I personally was looking forward to T. Ashleigh because her short story was in the universe of a series I love by her. I also am a fan of Jodi Oliver and Addison Beck! But I was also introduced to new authors with this book, so I will definitely be looking into them as well. Anthologies are always great if you are looking for some quick stories to read and this one was definitely worth checking out!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.