Ricochet by River Hale

 

Callum Hayes

The first time I witnessed death was my mother’s when I was eight years old. It devastated me. The second was at sixteen when I stumbled on my stepfather’s body after he was brutally murdered. That one screwed me up in a different way.

Since then, I’ve kept my shadows at bay, my secrets locked up tight. That is until Stone Wakefield joins my college hockey team.

Five years ago, he saw something I meant to take to my grave. He saw me weak, and I hate him for it. I have no choice but to keep hating him so he never sees past my mask again.

Stone Wakefield

Callum hates me, and he does nothing to hide it. While that makes it easy to get under his skin, it presents a problem on the ice. However, the bigger threat is my growing need to protect and possess him.

When I start to wonder if he’s just as obsessed with me as I am with him, I’m not sure if I can stay away. I know I should because I have secrets of my own.

But what if the darkness in both of us is the piece we’ve each been missing?

Callum Hayes is mine. He just doesn’t know it yet.

Ricochet is a standalone dark MM hockey romance with a guaranteed HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author's website.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218675179-ricochet

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This dark hockey mm romance knows how to keep you on your toes! Callum didn’t have it easy growing up. Not when his mom died and his stepdad decided hurting him was better than taking care of him. And when his stepdad was brutally murdered, well, Callum can’t help but feel relief. Sure, life was going to change again and these things will leave their scars but he can admit that seeing his stepdad’s death was more comfort than horror. But what does bother him is the fact that Stone saw the scars Callum bears. Callum doesn’t like his weakness shown but at least he is moving. Years later, though, Stone is back in his life when he transfers to Callum’s college to play hockey. They’ll be on the same team once more but it’s the last thing he wants. Because even after all this time, Stone can still see Callum’s mask. And that may scare him the most. There is some darkness in Stone and he knows it. A protective instinct that can be too much and a beast that is willing to cross so many lines. But over the years, he has figured out how to tame the beast and control any instincts. Maybe it’s not the best way, but in the end justice will be served. But seeing Callum again threatens the control he has over both of these strong instincts. Stone knows that Callum is meant to be his and vice versa. But can Callum handle all of him? This book was insane! Dark and gritty and there were some solid twists and turns here! I couldn’t put it down which naturally led me to finishing it in one sitting. These characters were so intriguing and complex. I had to know more. If you don’t mind the nitty gritty, then I definitely recommend this!

State Of Us Book 1: Finding Delaware by Bree Wiley

 

State of Us Book 1

𝘖𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥...

Taylor

Only two things matter to me in this shitty freestyle motocross and my best friend.

They’re my only escape from my father’s fists, but one slip in junior high almost changed everything. I confessed a secret to a beautiful boy, and I’ve been punishing him—and myself—ever since.

I can’t have Huckslee the way I want, so I take from him in the only way I can—with violence. When my mother wants back into my life, and I’m forced to move in with the object of my obsession, the lines between hate and desire begin to blur. I’m not sure we’ll survive each other.

Huckslee

High school is hell when your worst enemy knows your darkest secret.

To everyone else, I’m the perfect swim team captain, football running back, and the Bishop’s golden boy. But beneath the surface, I’m hiding desires only one person knows—my bully, my tormentor, my crush. And starting tomorrow, my new stepbrother.

Taylor has wielded my secret like a weapon for years, making my life a nightmare. Now, he’ll be living right down the hall. Each encounter with him cracks my facade a little more. How long can I wear this mask before it shatters completely?

Finding Delaware is a full-length enemies-to-lovers MM stepbrother romance containing themes and situations not intended for readers under the age of 18. Both characters are consenting adults. This story features two broken boys, found family, slowburn to spice and a guaranteed HEA.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217987466-finding-delaware

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

What an emotional rollercoaster! Wow. Huckslee and Taylor have been through it all. Neither have it easy. And they most definitely deserved their happily ever after. It was hard earned after everything they have been through. Their story starts in their final year of high school where Huckslee’s dad and Taylor’s mom get married. It’s awkward for both because their relationship drastically changed one day and Taylor and Huckslee became enemies. Taylor constantly bullying Huckslee and Huckslee fighting back. But beneath the surface, these two are hiding a lot. For Huckslee, it’s the anxiety that he is desperate to hide along with his sexuality that Taylor knows about. And for Taylor, it’s hiding the fact that his father beats him and his mother left long ago just to come back and decide to marry Huckslee’s dad and clearly still wants nothing to do with Taylor. Things between Huckslee and Taylor change though when Taylor finally admits to his attraction. But with how his father treats him? There is a reason he never could. Taylor and Huckslee become this toxic pair that just can’t communicate with one another when they really should. And eventually they hit some breaking points. The story at one point jumps a bit in time and a lot has changed but they are brought together once more. Now it’s up to them to finally open up about the past and either move on or say goodbye for good. God, these two break your heart. You just wanna shake them to tell them to talk but with everything going on in their lives, it is no wonder they wanted to hide the bad. I loved their journey to overcome the hard in their own lives and how through everything they were able to come back to one another and listen and forgive. Like I said, such an emotional story and I couldn’t put it down! What a cast of characters and I am definitely looking forward to the next book. 

Hockey Rules Book 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show by Portia Blake

 

Hockey Rules Book 2

People are always surprised I’m single, but it’s never bothered me. As a pro hockey player, I’d rather spend nights off watching Sebastian Archer host dating shows rather than hanging out at grimy sports bars to flirt with puck bunnies.

But when my teammate signs me up as the leading man on Seeking Mr. Christmas Edition, my quiet life disappears. Instead of cozy nights in, I’m parading around Boston on festive dates with gorgeous women I’m supposed to be falling for.

The only problem? The person I can’t stop thinking about is the show's charming, jock-despising, way too attractive host.

It’s impossible. I’m supposed to find a wife. We’re being watched by millions of people, including my team’s management.

And I’m straight. Obviously.

Probably.

Maybe not.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220353184-rule-2

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Seeking Mr. Right is Luke’s favorite show. He is a sucker for this reality show about finding true love. And the host Sebastian has definitely grabbed his attention. But he is shocked when he sees an announcement that he will be the next Mr. Right for the Christmas Special. He definitely didn’t apply…but his teammates did. For him. Now he has no choice but to participate. Not when everyone around him thinks it is a great idea and he fears getting everyone in trouble. But being around Sebastian is making him realize a lot about himself and feelings for Sebastian are getting more intense. Sebastian isn’t happy that Luke was picked. The younger brother of his high school bully? Pass. But Luke is so different from his brother. Sweet and kind and just way too good of a guy. Not to mention absolutely gorgeous. But no. Sebastian can’t have a crush on Luke. He won’t. But how can he not the more he gets to know him? These two are in deep trouble. Really enjoyed Luke and Sebastian’s story! These two were so sweet. Luke is this genuine nice guy. Especially for a hockey player. But it is so clear to literally everyone around him how he feels about Sebastian. Yet it takes him a bit to realize what it means. Adorable. And I loved watching Sebastian fall for Luke. There was just no way these two weren’t meant to be!

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

 

An orphan.

An outcast.

A prince.

And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hotheaded mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite.

Banished from her people for an unforgivable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who uses magic to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Martial Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But when a chance encounter leads to an unexpected attraction, Sirsha learns her mission might cost her far more than she's willing to give up. 

QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire and nephew of a venerated empress, but he’s loath to take the throne when his aunt steps down. As the son of a reviled emperor, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need. 

Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with power, treachery, love, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, on a journey that may cost them their lives―and their hearts. Literally.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206780522-heir

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s been a while since I’ve been in the Ember of the Ashes world. But reading this story reminded me just how much I loved this series! And now here we are back again. 20 years have passed since that series ended. But we see plenty of familiar faces and new faces as they embark on a whole new journey and problem arising. We have three point of view characters in this book. Quil, who you will remember from the previous series was just a baby. Well he is grown up and the heir to the Empire and the nephew of Empress Helene. But taking the throne isn’t exactly what he wants. Too bad he doesn’t have a say, and when his home is attacked, he will come to realize that defending his people is where he wants to be. Then we have Sirsha. A tracker with magic who finds herself hired to find a monster on the loose. A terrible monster who has been killing children throughout the lands. But she’ll realize that there a lot more to this monster than she first believed. And then there is Aiz who wants to help her people after all the terrible things they have been through and are currently going through. But she’ll find herself going down a dark path where sacrifices will have to be made. I’ll admit, it took me a hot minute to get back into this world and the story. But once you start getting to know these characters (for me, I loved Quil and Sirsha), then you’ll want to find out what happens to them. Especially when we get some crazy twists and turns. There hit a point in the story where I just couldn’t put it down! And after that ending? Well, I’ll need the sequel asap! If you loved the previous series, you are definitely going to like this one!

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 10: Mingle All the Way by Hayden Hall

 

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 10

When I go home for the holidays, Santa has a secret waiting for me...

I wandered far and wide in search of happiness, never finding what I sought. When I return to Christmas Falls to lick my wounds, the last thing I expect is for Santa to send me a golden-haired, blue-eyed man I once called my best friend—the friend who was taken away from me when we were kids.

Milo Montgomery is back in town, and he doesn’t wait for miracles to come to him. There’s a special sort of magic in the way he spreads joy throughout our town.

His chocolate shop might be struggling, but that can’t break his festive spirit. His optimism is contagious, and his cheerful mood makes me feel like I’m thirteen again, catching snowflakes on my tongue. As we walk down memory lane, recreating every Christmas Eve we spent together, our friendship becomes everything I've been missing.

Milo confesses I was his first and only love. But as a straight man, I can never love him the same way. Or can I? I'm beginning to question everything I thought I knew about myself. About the world.

Maybe happiness has nothing to do with a place. Maybe all it takes is the right person.

Christmas 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/217287032-mingle-all-the-way

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Milo lost his best friend when his family moved out of Christmas Falls. Eventually, Milo came back to the place that always carried his best memories, even if his best friend had left. He has his chocolate shop that he his working hard to make it a success and it’s enough. But then Christian comes home. It’s been fifteen years, yet when they see one another it is almost like no time has passed. The feelings Milo had for Christian are reawakened. Reminding him that he was in love with his best friend and that never went away. Not that Christian knows this. Christian was devastated when Milo moved away. And thought he let the years go by without reaching out because he was hurt by losing him, he finds himself back home in Christmas Falls in search of something that has been missing. Turns out seeing Milo was what he was missing. And when feelings are revealed, Christian feels like things are finally falling into place inside him. He is starting to realize a lot about himself. And one of the most important things is that Milo is with him. I loved watching these two really realize what their feelings were for one another. It was so clear that they were meant to be. That the love between them as kids was so much more than they realized back then. And even with the years that passed, they would always find their way back to one another. A great story to end this second of Christmas Falls! I really hope there will be more seasons to come!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Moody’s Grumpy Holiday by Lane Hayes

 

The geek, the cowboy, and a not-so-grumpy holiday…

Moody

Living in Christmas Town doesn’t make me a fan of the holidays. Quite the opposite. In fact, eleven months out of the year, I’m perfectly happy running my bookstore in peace and quiet. Of course, that changes in December when it’s mistletoe madness and mayhem. Ugh.

But this year, there’s a new cowboy in town and it’s not as easy to grumble about…anything. I admit, Hudson is handsome and hunky, but everyone knows I’m not myself till January, so he’ll have to buzz off and charm someone else.

Bah humbug. 

Hudson

Moving to California wasn’t in my plans. I could use the change of scenery, though, and the ranch is a good investment. That’s not a sneaky way of saying I’m hiding from my past…no siree. I’m following a new path to a new town, that’s all.

And so far, so good. Except…my attraction to the nerdy bookstore owner is throwing me off my game.

Look, I’m not interested in anything other than a casual hookup. But Moody is a mystery and I want to know more about the adorable geek with a sunny disposition who turns into a holiday grump every year.

For some reason, he feels like home away from home. December may be the last month of the year, but something tells me this is our beginning.

Moody’s Grumpy Holiday is an MM grumpy-sunshine, romantic comedy featuring an adorkable geek, a hunky cowboy, and a little seasonal humbug.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221061979-moody-s-grumpy-holiday

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Moody is sunshine every month of the year except December. And he has some pretty good reasons for it too. When he meets Hudson (before December) he is intrigued by this cowboy and they end up with one really great night. Knowing there is a chance Hudson will be back if his investment deal goes well, he warns him to avoid Moody in December but feel free to find him in January. Not that he thinks they can be anything more. Right? Hudson is in need of a change. And coming to this Christmas town proves to be more than he could have asked for. Especially after meeting Moody. For the first time in a long time, he is beginning to feel something more toward someone. His night with Moody was one he couldn’t forget and when he comes back in December, he is curious to what a Grinch Moody will look like. And he isn’t disappointed by the grumpiness. Though instead of being put off, he is determined to remind Moody that there was a time he liked this season. Because he knows that deep down this Grinch version isn’t the true Moody. Add in their attraction for one another? Well, things are about to be interesting for these two! This was a fun story! Moody was a hoot and I loved that Hudson just went with it. They were a great balance for one another and exactly what the other needed in the end. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Out Today!

How do I get him to entrust his heart to someone who’s only ever been labeled a player on and off the ice?

Good Pucking Luck, an all-new low angst, hookup arrangement, M/M hockey romance and the first book in The Jilted Exes’ Club from bestselling author Riley Hart 

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 sure: 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?

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://geni.us/GoodPuckingLuck

Add Good Pucking Luck to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/gplgr     

For more information about Riley Hart and her books, visit her website: 

https://www.rileyhartwrites.com

For Puck’s Sake Book 10: Neutral Zone Trap by Crea Reitan

 

For Puck’s Sake Book 10

I want something true.

Torin

Hiding behind my mascot mask has always worked in my favor. As someone with social anxiety and paralyzing shyness, the ability to be out in the world without being seen is the only way I’m able to function. It also means I can long for my crush from afar without him knowing.

I’m invisible inside my costume and try to go unseen otherwise. Except that Hugo always sees me because he’s such a sweet, kind, thoughtful man. Is it any surprise that I’m completely in love with him?

What starts out as an accidental anonymous text turns into a date but there’s just one problem. Hugo thinks he’s texting a girl. What happens when he finds out that’s not the case?

Hugo

When my closest friends all pair up, I’m left as the unpartnered ninth wheel, which becomes awkward and makes me feel out of place. That’s where my new friend, Torin, comes in.

The face behind the Surry the Seal is Torin Jonah. He’s so quiet and nice, I try to always make sure to say hi to him when I see him. It’s not hard to make sure someone knows that you see them.

We start hanging out all the time - having sleepovers, platonic cuddling, maybe a little throwback to teenage mutual jerking sessions in the shower amongst bros. When I tell him that I’ve been talking to this girl and I think I like her, suddenly I feel like I’m being unfaithful to him.

Now I’m not sure what to do. Date this girl or maybe see if Torin could possibly be interested in me and see what happens.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205467604-neutral-zone-trap

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s Hugo’s book! Hugo has watched his friends, one by one, find their person. And it’s really starting to hit him that he doesn’t have someone like that in his life. Someone to go home to, share a life with, cuddle, and just be himself with. He loves his friends. They are super important to him but he knows that they need time with their partners and being a third wheel just doesn’t make him feel great. But things start to change when he gets to know Torin. For years, Torin has watched Hugo from afar at work. Torin works as a mascot for the LA hockey team Hugo is on. And from day one, Hugo has always been kind to him. It was no wonder he formed a crush. But Torin’s severe social anxiety keeps him from doing a lot of things. But everything changes when him and Hugo strike a conversation that leads to them hanging out. And then they just keep hanging out and getting to know one another. His crush changes into something so much more and real. And for Hugo, things are starting to click to him in a way it never has before. Torin makes Hugo feel so many things. Could it be what he has been searching for? I adored these two! They were so, so sweet!! I loved their budding friendship and how it slowly shifted over time. They just understood one another so well and respected one another’s boundaries. No matter what they were. I loved seeing them fall in love and find everything they ever wanted in a partner. As always, we get peeks at what others in the series have been up to while also getting to know some newer faces! This series just has it all. I love the characters and their journeys. Just another great one added to this series and as usual, I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.