Chronicles of the Avatar Book 5: The Reckoning of Roku by Randy Ribay

 

Chronicles of the Avatar Book 5

From National Book Award finalist Randy Ribay comes a gripping new chapter—starring Avatar Roku—in the New York Times bestselling Chronicles of the Avatar series, set in the world of Avatar: the Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.

A young Avatar Roku has only just commenced his training at the Southern Air Temple when his erstwhile friend, Prince Sozin, requests his aid in preventing the Earth Kingdom from claiming a remote Fire Nation island. Despite his inexperience, Avatar Roku slips away with the help of an irritating young Airbender named Gyatso. As the reluctant companions delve deeper into their wayward mission, they begin to realize that even greater threats lie ahead. Plagued by self-doubt but eager to prove himself, Roku fights for his life and the lives of others while ensuring that the hidden secret of the island doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

This searing fifth installment in the Chronicles of the Avatar series explores the beginning of Roku’s journey from privileged Fire Nation noble to the powerful but indecisive Avatar whose hesitancy may ultimately pave the way for the Hundred Year War.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197053065-the-reckoning-of-roku

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve really been enjoying this series! Avatar the Last Airbender is one of my all time favorite shows, and it has been fascinating to read books on past Avatars. Avatar Roku is one we are most familiar with when it comes to ATLA. We probably see him the most and learn the most about him. But! This story takes us back to the months following Roku learning he is the Avatar and is sent to the Southern Air Temple where he will begin his Avatar journey of mastering the elements. Though we know from the show he studied there and met Monk Gyatso, that was about it in the show. But now we get a bit more! Specifically, one of his first missions as the Avatar, the beginning of his friendship with Gyatso, and the early ambitions of Prince Sozin. So in this story, Roku is struggling with his airbending and his thinking of the Avatar. He is told my his airbending master that he must detach himself from the world and be someone of no nation. He has to let go of the idea of just being from the Fire Nation. Easier said than done especially when Roku left behind his best friend and the girl he has feelings for. Then he receives word that Sozin needs his help because the Earth Kingdom has moved on Fire Nation territory. At first he declines to get involved based on what his new teachings but when someone attacks him, he decides to sneak away. Though not without Gyatso! But once they reach this island, they learn not all is what it seems. So first off, I loved the backstory we got of Roku. So much I didn’t know! And it was fascinating. The same with Gyatso. These two shared a lot in common and it was so interesting to see these two bicker and go up against one another and challenge one another. It helped build their friendship. I also loved the small easter eggs that nod to so many things from Avatar the Last Airbender. Trust me, you’ll know when you see it! I also found Sozin fascinating to see what he was like early in life and the signs of who he will be become starting to form. Overall, I really enjoyed this story so much more than I thought I would and I can’t wait for the next one!

My Pucking Crush by Tori Chase

 

Protecting him is my duty, but falling for him could be my undoing.

I’ve spent five years burying my past, leaving behind the violence and bloodshed of my former life as a Bratva enforcer. Now, I’m just Luca—the quiet guy who keeps his head down, working security for a professional hockey team. I don’t get close to anyone, and I definitely don’t let anyone get close to me.

But then I’m assigned to protect Max Ryan, the team’s star defenseman, and everything changes.

He's my obsession. My crush.

Max is everything I shouldn’t want. Charismatic and stubborn, he’s got a knack for finding trouble, and now he’s got a target on his back. The last thing I need is to be drawn into his world, where old loyalties and deadly secrets collide with new, dangerous desires.

As much as I try to keep things professional, Max has a way of breaking through my defenses. But when a shadow from my past threatens to destroy him and everything I’ve built, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.

Even if it means confronting the darkness I thought I’d left behind—and risking everything, including my heart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204945874-my-pucking-crush

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Max’s life revolves around hockey. He is good at what he does and works so hard at it. All while crushing down a part of himself and the trauma he has endured. But when he is attacked, his coach assigns him a bodyguard. It was clear a rival team did this and with playoffs coming up, Max needs to be protected. But having a bodyguard is the last thing Max wants. Especially when he sees Luca and everything he has tried to hide about himself is threatened. Luca has had a long crush on Max since he started working for Stamford hockey’s security team. But with his past filled with running from the bratva and staying hidden in plain sight, he knows better than to pursue anything. Though he also believed Max was straight. But everything changes when he is assigned to guard Max. And with his past catching up with him, it’s hard to decipher what is coincidence and what is not. All the while, the more time they spend with one another, the harder they fall. They are protective of each other and their pasts don’t scare either away. But can they find a way to be together when all is said and done? This was such an interesting combo for me to read! The mafia? Hockey? Dark romance? What a whirlwind of a story! I couldn’t put it down. 

Austin Troopers Book 7: Roughing the Kicker by Michele Shriver

 

Austin Troopers Book 7

In the dazzling world of professional football, where Austin Troopers star kicker Ryeland Lenhart basks in the limelight of his mansion and supermodel fiancée, darkness lurks beneath the glamorous façade. Rye's life isn't the picture-perfect tale it seems; it's a twisted narrative he's desperate to conceal.

The son of Mexican immigrants, Cutter Hernandez has conquered the American dream, scoring a gig as an athletic trainer for the local pro football team. Yet hidden beneath his success is a secret—he's keeping his sexuality from his conservative Latina family, fearing their rejection.

When a routine injury unravels a web of deceit, Cutter confronts Rye, sparking a high-stakes game of truths and lies. As Rye grapples with his own conflicting desires for Cutter, he throws down the gauntlet, forcing Cutter to face the harsh reality of his own double life.

In a gripping tale of love, deceit, and self-discovery, Cutter must guide Rye out of the shadows of his toxic existence. Will Rye find the strength to break free, and can Cutter summon the courage to unmask his own truth?

Roughing the Kicker is a gay awakening, hurt/ comfort interracial MM sports romance and is part of the Austin Troopers shared world.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203557597-roughing-the-kicker

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My Review: 2/5 Stars

I hate to say it because I was really enjoying this series, but this had to be the most disappointing one. It was just kinda rough to get through. So our story surrounds Rye and Cutter. Rye is the kicker for the Troopers and has been dealing with a lot. His fiancée and him are no longer what they used to be and it doesn’t help that she seems to have a coke addiction and gets physical when she is high. It goes as far as actually injuring Rye a few times. Rye wants to help her but doesn’t know what to do besides keeping up with the charade that their home life is fine. But also throw in his new attraction to Cutter, one of the trainers for the Troopers. He is confused and lost on what to do. Meanwhile, Cutter has had a long time crush on Rye but knows nothing will come from it. But when he treats Rye for an injury, he begins to notice the signs that something is wrong in his personal life and that maybe Rye has an attraction to him. He wants to be a good friend though and help Rye when he can. But he can’t help but wonder if there could ever be a time that the two of them get together. The concept of this story was interesting to me but it was just severely underdeveloped and rushed in a lot of ways. I wanted to root for Rye and Cutter but it was hard to do so with how everything was turning out. I was just really disappointed with the story and the writing (also lot of typos in the book). The rest of the series had been great, but this last one kind of flopped. 

Falling For You: A Collection of Short Stories

 

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Hotter Than Ice by Hannah McBride

Was super excited to read this short story about Tyler and Ash! Been curious about what would happen between them since we met. In this short story, we have them stuck together in a snowy cabin. Feelings are admitted and they have a few days of just being together. But that ending! Oh my god. Seriously?? I have a lot of questions and a high demand for more! Can’t just leave us like that!

Front Range University Book 4: Beautifully Complicated by Michele Lenard

 

Front Range University Book 4

Timing is everything.

You know the guy everyone loves in a strictly platonic manner? The one that people think is nice and funny and smart, but not in a romantic way?

That’s me.

What’s worse, not even my formerly straight best friend and current roommate, who I’ve had a crush on for years, saw me as anything other than his buddy.

I blame myself, sort of. If I’d just been brave enough to tell him how I felt, maybe I’d have been the one to help him realize he liked men. That’s why I decided to be bold. To put myself out there if I was interested in someone. So when I found myself sitting next to a man whose life and career I greatly admire, I figured why not.

Kier Caldwell is a leader in the computer science field, and his work is the inspiration for my own professional aspirations. Plus, he’s gorgeous. Even more so in person than on his book cover. And despite being a decade older than me, we’re on the same wavelength. So much so that he invites me back to his room for the most incredible night of my life.

That’s all it was supposed to be. After all, he’s a famous author, and I’m a college student, not Cinderella.

But several months later, when I report to work as a research assistant for a new professor, I find myself face-to-face with the man whose bed I snuck out of so I wouldn’t have to say goodbye. And I learn he’s been searching for me the whole time.

Too bad we’re not in a Disney movie, because if my Prince Charming is also my boss, that means he’s strictly off limits.

**Beautifully Complicated is a high-heat, forbidden MM romance between a student and the professor he works for. It’s a medium angst one-night turned more love story with a bit of an age gap, a little humor, a lot of swooning, and spice. This is book four in a series of interconnected standalones.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221465762-beautifully-complicated

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finally it’s Aiden’s turn! The guy has been surrounded by couples and it is finally his turn to find his happy ending. Aiden has never admitted it to anyone, but he has had feelings for his best friend for a long time. But he never told him because his friend was sure he was straight and never showed signs of having feelings beyond friendship for Aiden. But then Bennet gets a boyfriend and Aiden can’t help but be hurt over it. For never taking a chance, for never speaking up. But then everything changes when he meets Kier. Kier who is at the top of his field and one Aiden working hard to join. But when they meet at a bar, Aiden decides he doesn’t want to know the professional version of Kier, he wants to real Kier. The connection between them is undeniable and they have one night that proves to be so much more. But Aiden leaves before either can suggest for more. Months later, Aiden finds himself in front of Kier who has come to the university to teach and Aiden was asked to be his research assistant. Kier has been thinking of Aiden for months and has been hoping to see him again but not like this. They know they can’t be more than professional with one another. But as each day passes, their restraint is tested a little bit more. Because the truth of it all is, they love one another and know that this thing between can be so much more. Loved these two! Aiden has finally met his perfect match. It’s so clear that these two understand one another in ways no one else can. It takes them a bit to give in to their feelings but the wait is well worth it! 

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 9: Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly

 

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 9

I made a promise to my best friend and I intend to keep it.

So what if our wedding planner—and my fiancée's childhood friend—happens to be the best man I’ve ever met?

With the bride-to-be away and everything going wrong a month before the big day, t's up to me and my wedding planner to save the day.

But with each passing day, I'm starting to second guess this marriage of convenience and fall deeper for Nova.

How can I go ahead with this wedding, when the promise of a happily ever after with the man of my dreams is finally within reach?

And how can I show Nova that despite everything, I want forever with him.

Christmas Falls: Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It's a multi-author M/M romance series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217228479-promise-yule-be-mine

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When it comes to love, Kody just can’t seem to find his person. And turns out, neither can his best friend, Jenna. So after having maybe a bit too much to drink, Jenna proposes (literally) that maybe they should save themselves the trouble of love and marry one another. Sure, they aren’t in love with one another. But hey, they are best friends. They want to have a family. They can do that together, right? Thus begins their terrible idea. But figures not too long after, love decides to find Kody…in the shape of Jenna’s childhood friend, Nova. Their wedding planner. Kody knows he is in trouble the moment he sees Nova. Never has he felt like this before. But he knows he can’t do anything about it. He made a promise to Jenna. He can’t just back out. And with his luck in love? How does he know that Nova won’t break his heart? Nova is in trouble. When he agreed to help an old friend out, he thought it would be great to help her plan her wedding and catch up. But from the beginning things seemed a bit strange with this wedding. Like how neither of them have plans yet plan to get married in a few short weeks? Or how unenthusiastic they seem to be. But Nova’s biggest problem? The moment he sees to groom it’s like lightning strikes. He can’t fall for the groom. He can’t! But why does it feel like maybe Kody is making him think the opposite? This story was insane! It was ridiculous and pretty funny and I just couldn’t take my eyes off the train wreck that you know was coming. It’s definitely one of those stories that you just have to find out what happens and see how it all plays out.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Inheritance Games Book 4.5: Games Untold by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

 

Inheritance Games Book 4.5

Romance, luxury, and secrets abound in this thrilling new collection that take readers deeper into the world of the #1 bestselling Inheritance Games series

There is nothing frivolous about the way a Hawthorne man loves.

An amnesiac playboy and the woman with every reason to hate him. A daredevil, his favorite heiress, and three nights in Prague. An unlikely pairing between a cowboy and a goth. Four brothers with an inescapable bond, strengthened by the family they chose, in a house of wonders that promises to always deliver one more secret.

Discover their stories of love and loss, power, puzzles, and life-and-death secrets in this mind-blowingly romantic collection that proves that when you love the way Hawthornes love, there is no going back.

This collection includes:

That Night in Prague (novella)

The Same Backward as Forward (novella)

The Cowboy and the Goth

Five Times Xander Tackled Someone (and One Time He Didn't)

One Hawthorne Night*

What Happens in the Treehouse*

$3CR3T $@NT@

Pain at the Right Gun

*previously published in limited release

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208209832-games-untold

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I probably say this every time I read a book by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, but she is just truly the master of puzzles and riddles and mystery. I love this series and it only gets more interesting with every new story. This book in particular was really great because we get a collection of stories that range all over the timeline of the series. From before it started to after it ended. Each one giving us more insight to these characters and getting some questions answered, while also having more questions. If you love the series so far, you don’t want to miss this one!

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 8: Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox

 

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 8

Living in a town named Christmas Falls with a name like Gray Frost, you'd think I loved Christmas. 

On the contrary, I'd rather get a root canal than participate in anything remotely festive. Yet here I am—running the regional airport for commuter airlines and rich guys who have nothing better to do than fly in for the season.

Just today, I picked a fight with a pilot—the wealthy and wickedly attractive Sunny Day. He's as irritatingly cheerful as his name would suggest, even when his plane breaks down. He's a little less bright when he realizes I have the only spare bed in town.

The only point in his favor is that he hates Christmas as much as I do. When I find out what stole his joy, though, I have to wonder if the town's charms can give him back the love he once had for the holiday.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217326903-frost-impressions

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Gray and Sunny don’t start off with the best first impression. Sunny flies into Christmas Falls with a little trouble with the plane he is piloting and Gray can immediately tell that Sunny hasn’t been a pilot for long. Luckily, all is well and safe. Their personalities are as opposite as their names but when Sunny’s accommodations fall through, Gray finds himself volunteering his home. And it becomes the start of something really sweet between them. As they get to know one another and mix in the chemistry sparking with them, it doesn’t take them long to realize that what is brewing between them could be something so real and perfect. They both balance one another out really well. And what I loved too was that Gray is known as this grumpy guy around Christmas Falls but he is someone with one of the biggest hearts. And when he learns the reasons Sunny isn’t so fond of Christmas, he wants to help Sunny find that spark again. Because no one like him, who makes a room glow with life, should be so sad around the holidays. Really, cute and short story! Just another great love story in Christmas Falls!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Guy Next Door by Devon McCormack

 

ZANE

Is it wrong that I watch him?

Leif Anderson seems like a friendly, kind, normal, boy-next-door type.

Unlike me.

His stalker, a creep who moved into the place next to his parents' house to keep an eye on him.

I'm not the bad guy, though.

I'm the one who will protect him.

The cops don't believe he's in danger.

Maybe they're right, and this is all in my messed-up head.

I've been wrong before.

And no matter how I justify this to myself, my motives aren't entirely pure.

It's impossible to watch a guy this hot walking around in those adorable beanies without getting a little turned on.

When he discovers my secret surveillance, I'm sure it's over.

No way he believes my reasons for watching him, but he doesn't report me for my crime.

He's curious about me in a way I don't expect from a straight guy.

Or as I quickly learn, maybe not so straight.

Before I know it, we're on a journey, exploring this wild, exciting part of Leif while I try to keep him safe from harm.

But the closer we get to one another, the more I wonder: what if it was all in my head?

What if no one's coming for him?

What if the real threat to Leif is me, the guy next door?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219387413-the-guy-next-door

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Zane’s brother has been missing for a while and he is convinced he knows the culprit. But when he tries to solve this case himself, all he does is make the police think the opposite. They can no longer believe him. And when Zane gets a clue that the culprit could have a new target, he is going to do his protect him and hope that maybe he can finally find his brother. Leif isn’t sure what to make of his new neighbor. But when there is a break in at his house and his neighbor is there to rescue him (though maybe doesn’t do it in a normal way), he can’t deny that something is going on. But he doesn’t dismiss Zane. He listens and in doing so, he comes to realize that as outlandish as some of this could be, he doesn’t think Zane is crazy. He’ll let Zane protect him. But the more time they spend together, the more the attraction between them sparks. Leif has never looked at a guy before, but there is something about Zane that has his attention. As the two of them figure out what happened to Zane’s brother, they’ll also have to watch their backs. I really liked this story! The suspense was great as you tried to figure out if Zane was right or if in his desperation he was looking into something that was no longer real. I also really liked the relationship between Zane and Leif and how it naturally developed between. How they met was anything but normal, but it worked for them. Really great story all around! Kept me on my toes the whole time!

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 1: Good Pucking Luck by Riley Hart

 

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 1

Hayes

Proposing to my first boyfriend at a hockey game wasn’t my smartest move. Not only does said boyfriend walk out on me, but the whole stupid thing goes viral, and it turns out the man I was dating has too many boyfriends to count. Internet fame has crowned me a member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, a name I’d do anything to escape.

One thing’s for I’m not making the same mistake again. No more boyfriends, just easy hookups. And I’ll start with this gorgeous catch in Seattle. The only problem…he’s a god in bed, and I’m an inexperienced mess.

Rylan

After a night with Hayes, I play some of the best games of my career. It’s meant to be a one-and-done deal, but when I find out he also lives in LA and doesn’t want anything serious, I see an opportunity.

Hayes wants experience. I want my good-luck charm to help me win the cup.

The media would go wild over a pro hockey player dating a member of the Jilted Exes’ Club—a distraction neither of us needs. We want this to stay simple. Easy. No strings, no falling in love.

Except I’m pretty sure I’ve already fallen. After all Hayes has been through, how do I get him to entrust his heart to someone who’s only ever been labeled a player on and off the ice?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218181422-good-pucking-luck

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s been months since Hayes experienced probably the most humiliating moment of his life. He proposed to his boyfriend in front of everyone at a hockey game just to not only be denied but learn immediately after that said boyfriend was hooking up other men as well. None of who knew about one another. And to add to that? It went crazy on social media and these guys were dubbed the Jilted Exes Club. And unfortunately Hayes is still feeling the aftermath. He was never confidant when it came to relationships and just people in general since he doesn’t really have friends, but his ex really made things worse. But Hayes is gonna change that. He is gonna go hook up with strangers and never have a relationship again. And when he meets Rylan and they have a mind blowing hook up, Hayes is feeling good. Until he realizes that Rylan is a professional hockey player. But it’s fine, they won’t see one another…until they do. Rylan can’t stop thinking about the guy he hooked up with in Seattle the night before he ended up playing the best game of his career. And when the next few games, he played terrible, his hockey superstitious self connects them. But maybe luck is on his side when they meet again. The chemistry is still there between them. The spark burning brighter. They make a deal. Hayes can be Rylan’s good luck charm and Hayes can find his confidence when it comes to hook ups. But as they break down the walls instead them, it’s only a matter of time until things start to change between them. I adored these two! They were such a fun couple. They had the best banter. I was constantly laughing at the two of them. I loved that Rylan was able to push Hayes’s buttons and get Hayes to open up to him and form a friendship that led to so much more. Hayes has always kept people at arm’s length yet he couldn’t help but let Rylan in. They helped and balanced one another out. I just loved how their relationship really built up to something more. Just a great story overall and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Extracurricular Activities Book 0.5: Test Me by Neve Wilder

 

Extracurricular Activities Book 0.5

Two polar opposites. One impossible physics class. A whole lotta attraction.

I have no sympathy for slackers like Josh Pickett, who think that just because they're athletes they can skate by and leave the academic heavy-lifting to nerds like me. And especially not slackers who've already left me hanging on a class project once before, forcing me to finish it solo. Any guesses who that might've been?

Nope. Not one ounce of sympathy.

So when I'm assigned to tutor him in physics, I tell him flat out I'm not gonna go easy on him.

I won't be swayed by his ridiculously sexy dimpled smile. Or the fact that he actually shows up for our sessions.

Him bringing me my favorite burger every time? Irrelevant.

note: This is a short story that was previously part of a promo giveaway and has been expanded to NOVELLA length. So it's still a shorter read, just with additional chapters and the inclusion of more of the EA guys.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221555004-test-me

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Logan is anything but pleased when he learns that he has to tutor Josh. The same Josh who bailed on their group project and Logan had to pick up the slack on. There is something about the athletes on campus who think they can get away without doing their work and it has only gotten under Logan’s skin. But, when Josh turns up super apologetic and feeding Logan his favorite burgers…well, it’s hard to stay completely mad at him. Especially when his apology is so sincere. But in forgiving him, Logan soon realizes that gives him permission to let his attraction to Josh turns into a full on crush. But there is no chance of Josh feeling the same…right? There is something about Logan that attracts him to Josh. Josh knows that he is bi but kinda started doubting that was true since he has yet to find a guy he is into. Well, being around and getting to know Logan, turns out he was just waiting for him. But can he find out if Logan will ever feel the same about him? These two were just really cute! And we get plenty of cameos from other characters from this series before their stories begin. This was definitely a fun prequel! 

A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan

 

New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan returns to the high-stakes, sweeping world of dragons, romance, and drama first evoked in her bestselling young adult Firelight series, in a brand-new epic adult romantasy series.

Dragons are extinct. Witches are outcast. Magic is dying.

But human lust for power is immortal.

Dragon fire no longer blisters the skies over Penterra, but inside the lavish palace, life is still perilous…especially for Tamsyn. Raised in the glittering court alongside the princesses, it's her duty to be punished for their misdeeds. Treated as part of the royal family but also as the lowliest servant, Tamsyn fits nowhere. Her only friend is Stig, Captain of the Guard...though sometimes she thinks he wants more than friendship.

When Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, descends on her home, Tamsyn’s world becomes even more dangerous. To save the pampered princesses from a fate worse than death, she is commanded to don a veil and marry the brutal warrior. She agrees to the deception even though it means leaving Stig, and the only life she’s ever known, behind.

The wedding night begins with unexpected passion—and ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. Rather than start a war, Fell accepts Tamsyn as his bride...but can he accept the dark secrets she harbors—secrets buried so deep even she doesn’t know they exist? For Tamsyn is more than a royal whipping girl, more than the false wife of a man who now sees her as his enemy. And when those secrets emerge, they will ignite a flame bright enough to burn the entire kingdom to the bone. 

Magic is not dead...it is only sleeping. And it will take one ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny to awaken it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205822553-a-fire-in-the-sky

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Tamsyn has been raised alongside the princesses of Penterra to the point where they consider themselves sisters, but she is not their sister. No. Her position for the royal family is to be their whipping girl. To teach the princesses discipline, Tamsyn is punished for their misdeeds. This is all she has ever known. But things are changing. When Fell, the lord of the Borderlands, arrives to report to the king, he asks for something in exchange for continuing to keep his land and theirs safe. He wants to marry a princess. His hope is that this arrangement will get him a seat at the table to actually make change and protect their people better. But the king and his advisors have other plans. They force Tamsyn to take the place of one of the princesses and succeed when they hide her face long enough for their marriage to be valid. Despite his anger at the deception, Fell decides he will accept Tamsyn but he won’t forget what happened. And together they set off back to his home. This is the beginning of so many changes. First off, loved Tamsyn and Fell. There is great chemistry between them and we are only just getting to know them and explore their connection in this story. There is of course lots of talk and magic and dragons and a few surprises that come our way before we reach that cliffhanger of an ending! I am definitely looking forward to exploring more of this world and seeing where this story takes us. 

Snowed In: An MM Romance Charity Anthology

 

Snowed In is an MM Romance Charity Anthology from some of your favorite authors!These Christmas-themed stories all feature the swoon-inducing trope of being snowed-in together! You can find new, exclusive novellas from Kiki Clark, Nora Phoenix, EM Lindsey, Nicole Dykes, Crea Reitan, A.M. Johnson, Dianna Roman, Cora Rose, Kelly Fox, and Lark Taylor!

All proceeds will be donated to Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE).

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214187834-snowed-in?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MfS5jMxwZo&rank=8

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Overall, this was a cute set of novellas that revolved around—you guessed it!—being snowed in together. And of course, around the holidays. A favorite trope of mine, where our main characters have no choice but to spend time together. Check out my reviews on each one!

If I Had a Chance by EM Lindsey - 4/5 Stars

This was a cute sweet story about two men who clearly have had a crush on one another for a while but neither had a chance to admit it. Well the time has come. When Adam’s best friend asks him to take over for him at a conference, Adam heads to his long time crush Magnus’s home to pick up his friend’s notes. But of course with a storm coming, Adam gets stuck there. And it’s time these two get to spend some time together and realize where the other stands.

The Room I Paid For by Crea Reitan - 5/5 Stars

I have been wondering about Gabe for a while! I remember him from For Puck’s Sake series and what was going on with him at that time and who he was spending it with. But now we get some answers. Gabe didn’t mean to but he fell for Roux even when Roux was never in a place for that to happen between them and made sure Gabe knew it. But Gabe couldn’t help but have a small part of him hoping that Roux would change his mind. He didn’t and even found where he was supposed to be. And Gabe has been trying to figure out how to get over this heartache. Though maybe going on a holiday with someone he wasn’t that interested in wasn’t a great start. Especially when he was stood up. So he’ll be spending his Christmas in a cabin, all alone, and in a snowstorm. Or so he thinks. When Edries arrives at his cabin, he doesn’t expect anyone else to be there. But now they are stuck together. And it turns out to be the best thing that has ever happened to either of them. A few days is enough to tell them exactly who they are, their hopes and dreams, and it may just be what both have been searching for all along. Loved this story a lot! Was glad to see Gabe get his happy ending. 

Mistle Foe by Cora Rose - 4/5 Stars

Wren doesn’t know what it is about Christian that gets to him. Is he too perfect and too innocent and would never look at Wren? Something about Christian drives him crazy but he is also insanely attracted to him as well. And now the two of them are stuck for a night in snowed in motel on their way to a wedding. Well, it’s time for them to face one another and Wren may just realize that Christian may actually feel something for him this whole time. 

Snowdrifts & Secrets by AM Johnson - 5/5 Stars

On the way to a convention in Portland, best friends, Gary and Shiloh, are driving through a bit of a blizzard. With the roads being bad, they end up missing a turn, and to make matters worse, they end up stuck on the side of the road. Their best plan is to wait it out a bit and hope someone finds them or they have to come up with a new plan. In doing so, this gives the two of them the courage to say what both have been keeping in for quite a while. The fact that they are in love with one another but have yet to say it. Super cute story! These two best friends are clearly crazy about one another, and they finally give themselves a chance to do something about it!

Texas Snow by Kelly Fox - 5/5 Stars

Rafferty’s job as a detective hasn’t been easy. And in the last year, a lot has changed. Now, he just wants to go to his cabin for Christmas and gather the strength he needs to possibly change his career. What he doesn’t expect is for Jesse, bloodied and in need of help, to appear at his doorstep. The same Jesse he put away the year before. Jesse never wanted the life he was born in and when he got put away and no one cared, he realized he had to make the change. He’ll give the cops the info he needs. But his father’s people won’t let that go. He barely escapes with his life and lands on Raff’s door. And in their bubble, they realize the attraction and connection between them is stronger. But will they survive? I really like this one! One of my favorites from this anthology. Loved their banter and their sweet moments.

Merry Scroogemas by Kiki Clark - 5/5 Stars

When West is sent by his terrible boss to meet a client at a resort in the mountains in bad weather, well he isn’t exactly happy. And he is definitely not happy when he gets into an accident. Lucky for him, Ashley hears the accident and comes running. And while he may not like people in his space and isn’t a fan of the holidays since his parents died, there is no way he’ll leave West out there alone. He takes him back to his cabin where they will end up snowed in for who knows how long. This is just the beginning of their story! After getting a nice beginning to what I think will be a great romance between them, we are promised a full length novel is coming! I will definitely be checking that out! 

Christmas Pipe Dreams by Lark Taylor - 5/5 Stars

Rory has had a huge crush on Owen for a long time now. But every time he is near him, he makes a fool of himself. He is clumsy and can’t string two words together. But when his pipes burst, Owen is the only one he can call for help. Hopefully he can actually not embarrass himself this time. Meanwhile, Owen has had a crush on Rory for a long time as well. But on their first encounter, he was so nervous he couldn’t look Rory in the eye and found trouble speaking. But now he has a chance to see Rory outside of work, maybe he’ll actually make Rory comfortable enough to talk to him. These two were so adorable. And if only they could actually talk to one another will they have realized that they could have become something so much more sooner! Very cute and sweet story. 

Winter Blues by Nicole Dykes - 5/5 Stars

Hunter has had a massive crush on his best friend’s brother, Simon, for a long time. But for some reason, Simon just seems to hate him. And when they get stuck together in a winter storm on their way to Simon’s parents, well it’s time to talk about some feelings. Simon isn’t a fan of Hunter but being stuck with him, he is starting to realize he misread a lot of things. The biggest that Hunter actually has feelings for him. And when he starts to look up on their encounters, his perspective begins to change. This one was really cute! Loved Hunter and Simon getting a chance to clear the air and realize that they could have something really special between them.

The Holidate Rescue by Dianna Roman - 4/5 Stars

Marshall can’t stand his coworker Ronnie. There is something about him that just keeps rubbing him wrong. But when the two of them are stuck together and need to keep warm, Marshall begins to see another side to Ronnie. And realizes that maybe he wasn’t reading Ronnie right in their interactions. And when Marshall needed a date to his family Christmas party, Ronnie shows up to help him. Giving him another side that Marshall hasn’t seen before. These two were cute as they got to actually got to know one another and finally see each other for who they are.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Miami Nights & Club Lights Book 2: Whiskey Sour by Addison Beck

 

Miami Nights & Club Lights Book 2

Knox

What do you do when the love of your life chooses someone else?

Easy, you find a nice rebound. If it just so happens to be his hot, dumb hunk of a brother, even better.

Elton Hill is everything wrong with people. He’s loud, annoying, way too intense, and pushes too hard. But he’s available and our secret friends-with-benefits relationship turns out to be exactly what I need.

When I start to see a different side of him, things change. Apparently, the intense, sensitive, flamingo-loving golden retriever is perfect for me, and I’m not willing to give him up.

Except, I’ve been keeping a secret that threatens to ruin the best thing that ever happened to me. I don’t know how long I can put off the inevitable, and I can only hope we’re strong enough to weather the aftermath of my mistake.

Whiskey Sour is dual-pov, friends-with-benefits, dislike-to-love romance. With lingering secrets, too many flamingos, and meddling coworkers, Whiskey Sour will leave you on the edge of your seat.

This is the second in a series of interconnected standalones featuring the workers of club XO as they try to find their HEAs.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218220725-whiskey-sour

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Knox has been in love with his best friend for a long time. They were also friends who hooked up and Knox hoped that one day, Everest would see that they were right for each other. But when Everest finds his soulmate, Knox is left with a broken heart. On top of that, he’s lonely. He doesn’t really have friends, his family is terrible to him, and he just rather protect himself when he can than let someone in. And so when an opportunity arises to have a rebound, just hook ups, nothing more, he decides it’s the best thing for him. But that person is Everest’s older brother, Elton. Elton can never seem to find his person. He comes off too strong when he starts immediately talking about the future and he can never seem to find someone on the same page as him. Now his best friend and his brother are in a very happy relationship and he is back to just being lonely. And when his brother suggests to just have some fun rather than find love for a bit, Elton can’t help but think of that drunken hook up with Knox. And how much he wants to do it again. The two of them begin this friends with benefits relationship, though if you ask Knox, they aren’t friends. But the more time they spend together, well things start to change bit by bit. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster with Knox and Elton! These guys are so different but they are also so great for one another. They balance one another out super well. And you just can’t help but feel for them once you get to know them. Their happy ending is well earned after they go through. And I just could not put this story down! Such great and complex characters, I loved reading their story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 7: No Business Like Snow Business by Lisa Henry & JA Rock

 

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 7

Harvey Novak loves living in Christmas Falls. He loves his job running the Festival Museum too, except when it means he has to deal with his ex, who’s putting together the town’s newest tourist brochures. There are a lot of things Harvey is willing to do for Christmas Falls, but playing nice with the guy who cheated on him isn’t one of them. When a real-life Christmas mystery falls into Harvey’s lap, it offers the perfect distraction. And the guy with the mystery is pretty distracting too.

Sterling van Ruyven has come to Christmas Falls to look for his long-lost uncle, and enlists Harvey’s help to track him down. It’s all business—if there’s an extra van Ruyven heir out there somewhere, Sterling needs to know about it. He isn’t expecting to actually enjoy spending time in this ridiculous Christmas-themed town with the cute guy from the museum.

Their fun flirtation turns into a holiday fling, but that’s all it can ever be. Harvey’s heart belongs in Christmas Falls, and Sterling hasn’t found his yet. But maybe Christmas is the time for miracles after all.

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Sterling has come to Christmas Falls to solve a mystery. No one in his family talks about his long lost uncle Freddy. But after the death of his grandfather, Sterling finds an old photograph of a young Freddy and a boy. The caption tells him Freddy was in Christmas Falls…two years after Sterling was told he disappeared. Sterling needs to know more about his uncle. They may have more in common than he imagined and there is something telling him he needs to find out what happened. This is how he meets Harvey, the cute guy who runs the Christmas Falls museum. They team up on this research project/mystery and in doing so, they may just fall in love. But is a future possible between them when Sterling is just here to solve a mystery? Will he actually stay? Harvey knows the chances are low, but the way he is starting to feel about Sterling, well, he may be willing to risk his heart. I really loved this story! It has this fun mystery element mixed with the romance story line. It was fun to see they do some sleuthing to find Freddy. With plenty of twists and turns, I couldn’t wait to see how this one ended!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.