Anyone But Me by JD Frost

 

𝑨𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑴𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝟏𝟖+ 𝑴𝑴 𝒃𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔.

Oakley Farrow is your typical high school senior. He stays up late cramming for finals. He has impossible deadlines to meet. He worries about his future as graduation lurks just around the corner.

He has to defend himself from his abusive uncle.

He has to keep his sister safe.

He has to survive the constant torture from his bully, Asher Brooks - the seemingly arrogant and cruel star quarterback.

Okay, so maybe not your 𝒕𝒚𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 high school senior.

But when things start to change - when Asher notices the bruises marring Oakley’s skin, the ones he didn’t put there, and that evil gleam in his eye morphs into one of concern - one thing is for certain: his life just got a whole lot more complicated.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213562638-anyone-but-me

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It’s been a rough year for Oakley. His parents died in a car accident and when him and his eight-year-old sister are sent to live with their uncle. Well, things get worse. His uncle is an abusive drunk with too much power as the chief of police in their town. All Oakley has to do is stay alive and make it to graduation to get his trust fund so he can get his sister and himself far away. But high school isn’t easy, especially when the guy he can’t take his eyes off of is also his bully. But turns out, maybe there is more to Asher than meets the eye. Especially when Asher realizes that someone hurt Oakley. It’s time for these two to face the real feelings underneath the hate. Asher and Oakley have been through a lot and though they may have started off rocky, they really were meant to be together. Through all the bad things they have gone through and are currently going through, they are finding a way to be there for the other. With so many twists and turns in this story, it seriously kept me on my toes! I had to make it to the end to see how these two could possibly find their happy ending. And it was definitely worth it!

Fallen Gargoyles MC Book 3: Rex by Willow Thomas

 

Fallen Gargoyles MC Book 3

Falling in love was not something I had planned

Rex

Watching my club brothers find their forever men has got me wanting something more than the odd hook up.

Love isn’t on the cards for me though. How could it be when the example I had growing up was an abusive asshole.

I’ve always thought that I could never love someone the way that they deserve.

But then I meet him.

Sweet, funny, lonely Ian.

I don’t care if I can’t love, I’ll learn.

Because he deserves the world.

And I am going to be the only one who gives it to him.

Ian is mine.

Ian

I am so freaking lonely.

All my family are gone, I don’t have any friends, and working from home means I don’t even have work colleagues.

Being painfully shy does not invite friendships easily.

I miss hugs.

Having not been touched by another human being in so long I do something a little bit impulsive.

Getting a tattoo just so someone will touch me isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but it quickly proves to be the best thing when I meet Rex.

Rex gives me more than just a tattoo. Pretty soon I am drawn into his world of bikers, parties, and a family I would give anything to be a part of.

I want to stay here. With Rex.

Now I just need to hope the beautiful man might see me as something other than a friend.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213030622-rex

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My Review: 3/5 Stars

I hate how these stories in this series are so short! These are so fun and adorable, and you can’t help but wish it was go on for just a bit longer. Rex and Ian are hit with love at first sight the moment they lock eyes. Rex has watched those in his found family fall in love recently and wishes that was in his future. But when Ian walks into his tattoo shop and ends up picking Rex’s brand for a tattoo? He knows he is in trouble. Ian has been alone for so long and moving to this new town feels like a fresh start. But making friends and meeting people is a bit harder than he realized. But when he walks past the tattoo shop, he decides to be spontaneous. And it works out perfectly for him when he sees Rex. Very cute and sweet short story. 

Portland Evergreens Book 2: Cold as Ice by Beth Bolden

 

Portland Evergreens Book 2

Malcolm’s all about checking off items in his Life Plan.

He’s made it to the first line on his hockey team, the Portland Evergreens. He’s made the Dean’s List the last four semesters. He’s right in line to graduate on time, and head to the pros. All steps on the ultimate goal of becoming the best front office guy in the NHL.

Elliott is the only fly in his ointment.

The younger, wilder forward parties every night, sleeping with everything with a pulse, and barely attending classes or practices.

It’s annoying, but Mal’s dealing with it, until their new coach insists Mal tutor Elliott to help him pass a class.

And until Elliott discovers Mal’s biggest secret: he’s been too busy checking off points on his life plan to get laid.

They’re fire and ice. Bad boy and virgin. They shouldn’t work at all. But the more time they spend together, on and off the ice, the more irresistible their chemistry becomes.

The more desperate Mal becomes for some of Elliott’s one-on-one tutoring—this time in bed.

But Elliott wants more than just sex. He wants to melt Mal’s icy cold shoulder and convince him there’s more to life—and love—than a plan.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215538443-cold-as-ice

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Elliot knew he was in trouble the moment he saw Malcolm. There was something about him that grabbed his attention and he just never could shake it. So much so that it ended up being a contributing factor to when he selected his university to play hockey at. But when the time came to turn up the charm and flirt with Malcolm, well, Elliot struck out. Apparently all his skills when it comes to flirting just went over Malcolm’s head and breaking down that icy exterior wouldn’t be easy. But a year later, they are gonna have to learn to work together being on the same line. And amazingly, they do, despite their different styles. But their bickering has remained. Elliot can’t help himself when it comes to pushing Malcolm’s buttons. And Malcolm being known for being pretty icy, seems to find his temper around Elliot. Malcolm never wanted to be another notch on Elliot’s bedpost. He thought he dodged a bullet when Elliot hit on him and he declined. Based on his past, Malcolm just can’t seem to get out of his head when it comes to guys. But things are changing lately. Especially when Coach needs Malcolm to tutor Elliot in statistics or risk Elliot getting kicked off the team. Malcolm didn’t want to be distracted by Elliot but being forced to interact more, he is beginning to see another side to Elliot. One that makes him want to let go just a bit. And for Elliot, he never stopped having feelings for Malcolm. Perhaps it is time to be vulnerable and show Malcolm all of him. I loved these guys! Their dynamic banter were great. They were opposites in so many ways, but they really did balance one another out. There was just so much more going on with both of them and it made them all the more interesting. And it was so much more satisfying when they finally got together and let themselves feel something so real. Another great addition to this series! And I’m so excited for the next two!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Accidental Love Book 5: Not Catching Love by Saxon James

 

Accidental Love Book 5

Xander

There’s something seriously wrong with me.

For once, I’m not talking about the health anxiety that randomly pops up and wreaks havoc on my life. I'm talking about, well, everything else.

All my roommates have found someone to love them, and it hurts to see the guys who used to have me at the center of their worlds pair off and grow up, especially when it’s a reminder of everything wrong with me. I’ve always had an issue with relationships. With forming a connection with people outside of Seven, but this is more.

Because I want to find my someone.

Except the one person my brain has latched onto is the one person I can never have. The one person who’s there to help me when my panic attacks get too much.

Nurse Derek. 

Derek

I should never have offered to treat Xander Moore.

And now here I am years later, my life on hold, while I wait day in and day out for the call that Xander needs me. It always comes, and I always answer, but I’m starting to dread those visits.

Lately, I’m looking at Xander in a way a medical professional should never look at their patient.

When Xander starts volunteering at the same nursing home that I do, I get to see a new side of him. The artistic, charismatic side that draws the residents in. I get glimpses of a man who’s so much more than his anxiety, and it does nothing to help my feelings for him.

When lines begin to blur, I have no choice but to stop treating him. That at least allows us to be friends. The only problem is, being friends isn’t enough for either of us.

It’s wrong, unethical, and unprofessional, but my heart won’t listen. It’s decided on Xander, and it doesn’t want to wait. Neither does Xander.

But if I want to keep my job, I have to resist.

I just wish he didn’t make that so difficult.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220173867-not-catching-love

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My Review: 5/5 Star

The final book of this series has finally arrived! Been waiting a long time for Xander’s book. Especially when Derek entered the series. Now we finally get to see them find their happily ever after. Though their journey isn’t an easy one. For the last few years, Derek has become the person Xander has gone too when his panic attacks hit and he feels like he is dying. And at first being his nurse was just exactly that. But Derek has come to admit to himself that he is starting to see Xander as more. He is starting to care. He wants to help Xander get better but he also wants to be so much more than that. But he can’t be the carer and the boyfriend. It’s not right. Something has got to give. Because the only way these two can have a future is if things change. Derek can’t be Xander’s nurse and Xander has to finally take the steps necessary to help himself get better. I really loved their journey. Their love was hard earned and patient and sweet and just so many other things. I couldn’t put there story down. This has been such a great series with so many interesting characters! I’m sad to see it end. But there was no better story than Xander and Derek’s to bring this series to a close. You definitely don’t want to miss this one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Van Doren Book 2: Noaz by Crea Reitan

 

Van Doren Book 2

Sometimes stars grant you wishes that come covered in blood.

I’ve wanted one thing for as long as I can remember - someone to love, a family, and a happily ever after. I finally found it with the least likely person across the street. Our life together has been dipped in espresso and given a massive jolt forward, but we couldn’t be happier. 

That is, until someone threatens that happiness and I’m forced to respond in order to protect my family that’s barely begun. I didn’t mean for this relationship to begin bathed in blood but I will do anything to protect the love I’ve waited decades for.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215623990-noaz

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Noaz has always wanted to find someone to love and start a family. It’s been the dream for a while now and they have been moving toward stepping away from their job to really settle down and do this. But finding someone who loves them for them is a little harder. Until Briar. Briar takes one look at Noaz and he knows that Noaz is who he has been waiting for. He knew as a kid he wanted someone to love and care for and have a family with. He’s dated in the past but no one seems to fit right. Not when they don’t understand the love he has for his friends who live with him. They are tighter than most friends and are his family. But Noaz. Noaz understands since their family is essentially the same. Together, they both find what they are finally looking for. It’s a dream come true and perhaps that is why they fear something is about to happen to their happily ever after. But once you are loved by a Van Doren, you gain a family willing to do anything for you and protect you. So when trouble finds them, Noaz and Briar have the best back up. I adored these two!! They were just the absolute sweetest and could not be more perfect for one another. Throw in the drama and vigilante-ness that are the Van Dorens and it just makes one hell of a combo for an interesting story. I couldn’t put this down and it just makes me more excited for more books to come out in this series. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spencer Brothers Book 3: The Best Man’s Secret by Ana Ashley

 

Spencer Brothers Book 3

They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.

But what if the someone else you're getting under is the exact person you've been trying to get over?

It's no secret that River has been pinning over his straight best friend, Adam.

With Adam's heart shredded to pieces when he's dumped on his wedding day, will River be the best man to put him back together?

The Best Man's Secret is the third novel in the Spencer Brothers trilogy.

Expect romance, heat, fun, and secrets that won't stay secret for too long.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210347879-the-best-man-s-secret

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s finally Adam and River’s story! Been waiting a while for these two. River has been in love with his best friend for a very long time. But he has watched Adam remain oblivious to his feelings, dating woman after woman until finally asking Victoria to marry him. No one particularly likes Victoria, but if she makes Adam happy, they’ll stand aside. And soon River will have to decide how to step back from his best friend to keep his heart from shattering even more. But everything changes when Victoria leaves Adam the morning of the wedding. So he’ll be there for his best friend like always. But something is changing in Adam and River can’t help but wonder if he can hope about a future for them. Adam can’t help but be hurt after being dumped on his wedding day, but as more time goes by the more he realizes that maybe getting married to Victoria would have been a mistake. Because suddenly, he is looking at his best friend in a way he never had before. And the little things over the years and the feelings he has always had for River are starting to come into perspective. Could he have always felt this way about his best friend and now only realize it? And the more he looks the more he realizes that something between them could be what he has been waiting for all along. I adored River and Adam. It was so clear early on in this series how much they mean to one another. River clearly loved Adam and Adam just needed his eyes open to see what was in front of him all along. They were just too cute! I loved this series! It’s been so fun and emotional and sweet. I’m looking forward to the next novella so I don’t have to say goodbye completely to this series just yet!

Offsides Book 4: From Coast to Coast by JJ Mulder

 

Offsides Book 4

NHL forward Remy Stone steps off the plane in Calgary a newly divorced man. While he doesn’t necessarily want to live in Canada, the trade offered a good excuse for a fresh start and he means to capitalize on it.

Defenseman Grayson Brody has played most of his career with Calgary, but has long fallen out of love with his team. After coming out, he has struggled with his teammates and management, and wishes he’d never done it at all. 

With the addition of Remy Stone shaking everything up—both on the ice and off—things start looking up for the first time in years. What starts as a friendship between them, turns into a casual, friends-with-benefits relationship.

Except a casual relationship with a teammate is fraught with complications; particularly when it starts to feel less casual to Grayson, and neither of them are sure what the future looks like for them.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217942282-from-coast-to-coast

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ever since Grayson came out to his hockey team, things have been bad. He had hoped that the friends/teammates he has been with for so long would be supportive. But it is clear that they are anything but. Except for a one or two who have stuck by his side. So Grayson has kept his head down and hoped that a trade for him is on the way. But he never expects his newest teammate to catch his attention. Remy is still reeling from his divorce. But the more he comes to terms with it, the more he realizes just how wrong it was. And that maybe he has never been in love before. He has been trying to figure out who he is and is realizing quick that maybe he is built different when it comes to love and attraction. But then he meets Grayson and they build a friendship. And suddenly things are starting to shift between them and Remy is realizing maybe this is what he has been waiting for. Maybe this is how things are supposed to feel when you are truly into someone. But with his past, can he really trust his feelings? I adored these two. Grayson deserves some happiness after all the bad he has put up. He is far from those who he considers his family and all he wants is to play hockey and not be treated terrible. And meeting Remy, he knows he has to guard his heart if Remy isn’t looking for a relationship but the connection between them feels too big and important to let go of. And I love that Grayson, even with his fears of relationship, still let himself feel something so big and give himself a chance to fight for it. These two were just so sweet and I loved seeing so many favorite characters from the previous books! Another great addition to this series for sure! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 3: The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

 

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 3

In the descent to the underworld, a bride of the sun must choose between the light of her redemption… or a dark love that defies the gods themselves

Mische lost everything when she was forcibly Turned into a vampire – her home, her humanity, and most devastating of all, the love of the sun god to whom she had devoted her life. Now, sentenced to death for murdering the vampire prince who Turned her, redemption feels impossible.

But when Mische is saved by Asar, the bastard prince of the House of Shadow with a past as brutal as his scars, she’s forced into a mission worse than execution: a journey to the underworld to resurrect the god of death himself.

Yet, Mische’s punishment may be the key to her salvation. In a secret meeting, her sun god commands her to help Asar in his mission, only to betray him… by killing the very death god she’ll help resurrect.

Mische and Asar must travel the treacherous path to the underworld, facing trials, beasts, and the vengeful ghosts of their pasts. Yet, most dangerous of all is the alluring call of the darkness – and her forbidden attraction to Asar, a burgeoning bond that risks invoking the wrath of gods.

As her betrayal looms, the underworld closes in and angry gods are growing restless. Mische will be forced to choose between the redemption of the sun or the damnation of the darkness.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210134467-the-songbird-the-heart-of-stone

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Mische never wanted to be a vampire. Turned against her will, she lost everything she wanted as an acolyte as the sun god. Her magic from him burns her but even that has left her recently. But her past is coming from her. After she killed the vampire prince responsible for turning her, his people have finally found her and are demanding her head. And just when her death approaches, she is saved. Asar is the bastard prince of the House of Shadows and he has been tasked by Nyaxia to resurrect the god of death. But he’ll need Mische’s help. Together they head to the underworld facing trials and monsters and so many ghosts of their pasts. But that’s not all. Mische’s sun god appears to her and orders her to complete this mission…just to kill the god of death for good. But the more she travels with Asar, the more conflicted she becomes. Because she is finally opening her eyes to the things she always feared to question. I loved getting to know more about Mische! I loved her in previous books, but there was just so much more to learn about her. And we were given just that. And then Asar! The scarred bastard prince has a lot more under the surface. I loved how these two slowly warmed up to one another and got to see past the masks they tend to wear. This story had me hooked and the ending was insane. I cannot wait to see what happens next with these two. Their actions have changed the world as they know it and I’m so curious to see how it all plays out!

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 2.5: Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent

 

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 2.5

Sylina has sacrificed everything for her goddess–her soul, her freedom, her eyes. Life in service to the Arachessen, a cult of the Goddess of Fate, has turned Sylina from orphaned street-rat to disciplined killer, determined to overthrow Glaea’s tyrannical king. But when a brutal vampire conqueror arrives on their shores, Sylina faces an even deadlier adversary. She’s tasked with a crucial mission: infiltrate his army, earn his trust… and kill him.

Atrius is a terrifying warrior carving an unstoppable path through Glaea. Yet when Sylina becomes his seer, she glimpses a dark and shocking past–and a side of him that reminds her far too much of parts of herself she’d rather forget. Sylina’s orders are clear. The conqueror cannot live. But as the blood spilled by Glaea’s tyrant king runs thicker, her connection with Atrius only grows stronger. A connection forbidden by her vows. A connection that could cost her everything. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123368729-slaying-the-vampire-conqueror

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Sylina has sacrificed a lot in her life for the goddess she follows. Life as part of the Arachessen has never been easy. And Sylina has been given her most difficult challenge yet. Kill the vampire conqueror who has arrived on their shores. Become his seer, earn his trust, then destroy him. Yet, things begin to change bit by bit the more she spends time with Atrius. For someone who is blind, she sees a lot. There is more to the story here. And he surprises her at every turn as he leads his army through Glaea. In the end, she’ll have to decide what is the right choice. Kill him or betray those who saved her? I really loved Sylina’s story! She was definitely a very interesting character. Her cult blinds themselves so that they may see better. The magic they possess is super interesting and add in being a seer? Even cooler. I loved seeing her really become who she was meant to be as the story progressed. She was taking parts of her self from her past and present and the more she learned to listen to her heart, the more she was able to figure out what was truly right and wrong. Then there is Atrius. Like Sylina, you are intrigued when you meet him. In previous books we learn a bit of the House of Blood and now we see them up close with Atrius and the people he leads. Him and Sylina are so similar. They are both warriors who just want to protect their people. Overall, I really loved this story! You definitely don’t want to miss this addition to this world. And I can’t wait to dive into the next one!

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 2: The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

 

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 2

From the New York Times bestselling author Carissa Broadbent, comes The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King, the gutting second installment of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, full of heartbreak, redemption, blood intrigue and heart-pounding action.

Love is a sacrifice at the altar of power.

In the wake of the Kejari, everything Oraya once thought to be true has been destroyed. A prisoner in her own kingdom, grieving the only family she ever had, and reeling from a gutting betrayal, she no longer even knows the truth of her own blood. She’s left only with one certainty: she cannot trust anyone, least of all Raihn.

Raihn’s own nobles are none too eager to accept a Turned king, especially one who was once a slave. And the House of Blood digs their claws into the kingdom, threatening to tear it apart from the inside.

When Raihn offers Oraya a secret alliance, taking the deal is her only chance at reclaiming her kingdom–and gaining her vengeance against the lover who betrayed her. But to do so, she’ll need to harness a devastating ancient power, intertwined with her father’s greatest secrets.

But with enemies closing in on all sides, nothing is as it seems. As she unravels her past and faces her future, Oraya finds herself forced to choose between the bloody reality of seizing power–and the devastating love that could be her downfall.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198902263-the-ashes-the-star-cursed-king

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Oraya is stuck between grief and heartbreak and anger after the end of Kerjari. Losing her father by the hands of the man she saved and fell in love with, she is now a prisoner in her own kingdom. But that isn’t enough. Because everything she thought she knew about herself was wrong. Her father is gone and any answers he had are gone with him. She is finding it hard to lift her head from her feelings and begin to take action. Raihn never planned for any of this to happen. A deal to save Oraya knowing he wouldn’t make it out alive, changed the moment she wished for him back. And all he wants is to see the fight in her to come back. His own heart breaks to see what his actions have caused. But bit by bit, Oraya begins to claw herself back for purpose. Even if it means aligning herself with Raihn once more. Because they will need one another to defeat the real enemy in their kingdom. A heartbreaking beginning to this story for sure! You could see how much it hurt both Oraya and Raihn after everything that happened. Their feelings for one another are so strong but breaks before they can truly begin. But that doesn’t mean it is gone. No, they are piecing it together bit by bit. Because no matter how angry and hurt Oraya is, deep down she knows she won’t hurt Raihn. And Raihn has done everything he can to protect her knowing it could lead to her hating him more. But I loved how these two clawed their way back to one another. The story only gets more interesting when secrets are revealed and new and old enemies make their moves. This series is just so good! And I’m so glad to have more to read and more that are on the way. A great conclusion to Oraya and Raihn’s story! At least for now! Because after everything that happened, anything could be in their future.

Cherry Ice by Addison Beck

 

Levi

I've never been anything special. I'm just your typical nerd, happy with myself, but inexperienced in every way. That is until the king of college football asks me out on a date and my clueless self has no idea what to do. So, I turn to the only person who's always been able to help me through anything. 

Mav is just like me. A nerd deep to the core. When faced with problems we don't understand, research is always the best option, right?

All it will take to win over my dream guy is Mav's help, some instructional videos, and a lot of cherry slushies. 

Mav

My best friend and I aren't exactly what you'd consider 'cool'. We like video games, studying, and doing well in school. That all changes when the most popular guy on campus asks Levi out on a date. Now he wants my help in making sure he's ready for his first time which means giving him mine too. 

What happens when first times lead me to having forever-eyes for my best friend? The same best friend who only sees me as a research partner?

But Levi has always been mine and I'm going to make sure he sees that. 

Cherry Ice is a 16k MM romance that was previously a part of the Popped Anthology. Stay tuned for two adorkable best friends trying to figure out their first times.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222662041-cherry-ice

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I originally read this novella when it was in the Popped Anthology and thought it was adorable! And I loved rereading it now and getting some bonus content after the story! This is just an adorable story about Levi and Mav. Two best friends who have no experience when it comes to dating. But when Levi is asked out by a popular football player, he suddenly becomes nervous about having zero experience. In order to get ready to have a first date, Levi asks Mav for his help. But for every first they have together, it just brings them even closer together. Opening their eyes to what has been between them all along. Such a cute best friends to lovers story! These guys were just adorable as they figured out how they truly felt about one another. And the bonus content was definitely worth it!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 1.5: Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

 

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 1.5

Six roses. Six vials of blood. Six visits to a vampire who could be her salvation… or her damnation.

Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.

Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood–the one hope for her town’s salvation.

But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire… and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123027751-six-scorched-roses

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Death has been by Lilith’s side since the moment she was born and has never strayed far from her. But now, Death comes for her whole town when their god cursed them with an illness. Lilith will not stand aside though. She has spent so much time on research and medicines to find a curse. And her latest idea maybe her craziest. She meets with Vale, a vampire who lives nearby, and makes a deal. His blood for six roses. But every encounter they have, draws them closer together in ways neither could have predicted. But time is running out. Can Lilith find the cure in time? Really loved Lilith and Vale’s story! They both have this thirst for knowledge and I loved how they eventually worked together. They also just understood one another in ways no one has truly gotten them. With a step always out the door to death, Lilith has never been able to form connections with anyone knowing she will be gone faster than any of them. But I loved how their relationship progressed. And these two were just so interesting of characters. I will definitely be excited to make cameos (which I’m hoping they do!) in upcoming books. I also just loved the little twists and turns the story had and just a very satisfying ending. Loving this series!

Cover Reveal!

NOT CATCHING LOVE

Accidental Love #5

by Saxon James

Cover & Excerpt Reveal

Release Date: January 30, 2025

Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs

Photo: Michelle Lancaster

Model: Andy

Genre: M/M Romance

Trope: Nurse x Artist, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, forbidden romance, slow burn, it's about time, found family

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Synopsis

Xander

There’s something seriously wrong with me.

For once, I’m not talking about the health anxiety that randomly pops up and wreaks havoc on my life. I'm talking about, well, everything else.

All my roommates have found someone to love them, and it hurts to see the guys who used to have me at the center of their worlds pair off and grow up, especially when it’s a reminder of everything wrong with me. I’ve always had an issue with relationships. With forming a connection with people outside of Seven, but this is more.

Because I want to find my someone.

Except the one person my brain has latched onto is the one person I can never have. The one person who’s there to help me when my panic attacks get too much.

Nurse Derek.

Derek

I should never have offered to treat Xander Moore.

And now here I am years later, my life on hold, while I wait day in and day out for the call that Xander needs me. It always comes, and I always answer, but I’m starting to dread those visits.

Lately, I’m looking at Xander in a way a medical professional should never look at their patient.

When Xander starts volunteering at the same nursing home that I do, I get to see a new side of him. The artistic, charismatic side that draws the residents in. I get glimpses of a man who’s so much more than his anxiety, and it does nothing to help my feelings for him.

When lines begin to blur, I have no choice but to stop treating him. That at least allows us to be friends. The only problem is, being friends isn’t enough for either of us.

It’s wrong, unethical, and unprofessional, but my heart won’t listen. It’s decided on Xander, and it doesn’t want to wait. Neither does Xander.

But if I want to keep my job, I have to resist.

I just wish he didn’t make that so difficult.

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Excerpt

I take his hands. “What are we doing?”

“Twist our swings together, then when we let go, we’ll go flying.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“Okay, grandpa.”

Fuck it. I’d wanted to be more fun and remember that age is only a number and here’s Xander helping me find that side of myself again. “Let’s go.”

We twist our swings together around and around and around, until the tension on the old chains gets so tight, I’m sure they’re going to snap. My feet barely reach the ground, and Xander’s definitely don’t. Our knees are crushed between each others’. Xander’s so close, he could lean in and bump our noses together.

“I’m ninety percent sure one of us is going to hurt ourselves,” I say.

He lifts a slight shoulder. “I’m not scared. I don’t think I’ve stopped hurting a day in my life.”

“That’s … Xander …”

His eyes are purple again. I haven’t seen the gray since the day I got home, and he watches me for a long moment. “It’s always so weird seeing people react to the things I say.”

“Why?”

“Because it means nothing to me. I don’t feel it. I don’t connect with it. But you do. That’s … so weird.”

“It’s called empathy.”

“I don’t know if I have that,” he whispers. “I know I’m supposed to.”

There he goes underestimating himself again. “How would you feel if Molly was sad?”

“Angry. I’d want to fix it.”

“Because you care about him.”

Xander nods. “Sometimes more than Seven.”

That’s surprising. “I thought Seven was everything to you.”

“He is. But Seven can look after himself. Molly’s … precious. Too breakable.”

“Molly seems like a very capable man, not that I know him well.”

Xander thinks for a long moment. “They’re mine, you know. Both of them.”

“I know.”

“And if anything happens between … I know I joke, but, like, us or … whoever. If I ever find someone who doesn’t get sick of me one day, they’ll be his as well.”

It’s like a knife to my fucking chest every time he says things like that. Sick of him? No one can get sick of Xander. I’ve seen the way his friends love him. The way the residents love him. How much Seven and Molly care. And I know how I feel about him as well.

My fingers find his cheek and fuck me it’s so soft. His eyes drift closed and my heart is beating out of my chest.

“Xander, I—”

Xander’s eyes snap open. “Now!” He lets go and flings away from me. The chains untangle in an aggressive twist that shoots me one way and yanks me the other. I nearly lose it backward off the seat and when I’m finally sure it’s stopped trying to murder me, I suck down a breath and look over at him.

Xander’s whole face is flushed bright.

“Never again.”

He cracks up laughing as I’m still trying to orient myself.

I’m never going to survive him.

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Pre-order Link

Amazon Universal ~ https://geni.us/NotCatchingLovePL

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Giveaway

One of Five eARC's for Not Catching Love

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ENTER HERE

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Other Titles Within this Series

THE HUSBAND HOAX

Accidental Love #1

PURCHASE

NOT DATING MATERIAL

Accidental Love #2

PURCHASE

THE REVENGE AGENDA

Accidental Love #3

PURCHASE

JUST BROMANTICALLY INVESTED

Accidental Love #4

PURCHASE

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About the Author

Saxon James unapologetically writes happy endings for LGBT+ characters.

While not writing, SM is a readaholic and Netflix addict who regularly lives on a sustainable diet of chocolate and coffee.

Member of SCBWI.

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