A Cowboy Holiday by Lane Hayes

 

The cowboy, the rancher, and a little holiday magic...

Tanner

I met the grumpiest man on the planet and I’m head over heels in lust. No joke. Oak Ridge Ranch’s new parttime vet slash ranch hand is a bear and he’s built like one too. If I were smart, I'd keep my distance.

In a twist, I’m not so smart.

But I can tell that under his hard as nails exterior, the cowboy is a gentle giant. Axel is a devoted single dad, a dedicated vet, and…I think he likes me. Or he wants me.

I can work with that.

There’s nothing wrong with a little holiday fun, is there?

Axel

I need this job at the ranch through December, then I’m out of here. I have a kid to think of and it’s time to settle old scores and build a new life for her.

But Tanner is making things complicated. He’s smart, intuitive, and charming, and—

Whoa! I’ve learned my lesson. This is temporary and I am not Tanner’s cowboy. 

I might be attracted to him, but I can handle it.

I hope.

Okay, fine. I may need some Christmas magic to get out of this with my heart in one piece. Wish me luck.

A Cowboy Holiday is an MM, bisexual romance featuring a single dad-cowboy-grump, a sweetheart of a rancher, and some holiday magic.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243682322-a-cowboy-holiday

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

The moment Tanner meets the handsome grumpy vet who would rather grunt than talk, he knows he is in trouble. Tanner is sunshine and friendly and has basically never met a stranger. And lately, he can’t stop thinking about Axel. Especially when he hires him to work on the ranch. And once Tanner breaks through Axel’s walls a bit, they realize that the attraction between them is very mutual. Just one catch. Axel plans to leave in just a few months. He has a job opportunity he feels he can’t pass up in order to give his daughter a more stable life. Tanner knows the deal but the more they get to know one another, the more he realizes that Axel may be just the one for him. Axel never planned to be a dad, but he loves his daughter more than anything and is going to do everything in his power to take care of her. He just never expected Tanner to come into his life. Tanner who can get him to talk about himself and just seems to get him. But Axel can’t stay. He has a plan. He can’t change it…right? This was such a sweet holiday romance! Plus a dash of grumpy and sunshine characters. I loved getting to know Tanner and Axel and watch them fall for one another despite knowing they shouldn’t. These two were the definition of knowing when you found your person and why others in the past didn’t work out. A perfect Christmas romance you don’t want to miss!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Game Changers Book 4: Common Goal by Rachel Reid

Game Changers Book 4

New York Admirals goalie Eric never thought his friends-with-benefits arrangement with much-younger Kyle would leave them both wanting more…

Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.

Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.

Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.

Everything they both want is within reach… They just have to be brave enough to grab it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220966619-common-goal

*********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Eric is reaching the end of his hockey career and isn’t sure exactly what to do next. But one thing he does know is that he has to get back out in the dating scene. He has been divorced a year now after years of the marriage being essentially over and there is a part of himself that he never got to explore. Dating men. But how to do that after being out of the dating world for so long and with men rather than women? He isn’t sure. Lucky for him, he has someone who is very willing to teach him. Kyle hasn’t had it easy in his love life. Dating the wrong men or crushing on very unavailable men (aka one of his friends who is now engaged). He knows he has to get over it. He just never expects it to turn into a friends with benefits situation with Eric who up until recently he thought was straight and married. The attraction between them is very strong. Even their friends can see that Eric and Kyle get along great and now these two know it can be so much more. But admitting that isn’t easy. Eric for one is very stuck on age. He feels he is too old for a lot of things (despite being only 41) and he worries Kyle is much to young for him at 25. His own insecurities about it are what is really keeping them apart to be anything more. So what will it finally take to make Eric realize that age is really just a number? Overall, I enjoyed their story. Eric just really needed to let go of this age thing because it was clear that these two fit together so well and you would have never known there was an age gap between them. As always I love the cameos from others in this series. And I’m looking forward to the next book!

Game Changers Book 3: Tough Guy by Rachel Reid

 

Game Changers Book 3

They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220966547-tough-guy

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Ryan is tired of his pretty crippling anxiety. He’s tired of constantly being traded. He’s really tired of fighting on the ice because that is what everyone expects of him because of his size. And if he is really honest with himself, he is pretty tired of hockey. But he can’t just simply quit the NHL. No, he’ll do what he has to and he’ll make the best of his new start with his new team in Toronto. But the last thing he expects is to run into Fabian. The boy he had a crush on growing up when he lived with Fabian and his family during a hockey season when he was a teenager. And now all these years later, turns out their chemistry is even stronger and this time they can actually do something about it. Fabian is a musician and if there is one thing he hates, it’s hockey. But when Ryan walks back into his life, lots of feelings come with it. And the more they spend time they spend together and learn about another, the harder it is to resist the connection between them. But it doesn’t make it easy for Fabian to watch Ryan do something it is clear he just doesn’t enjoy. But can he help Ryan realize there is more to his life than that? I was looking forward to Ryan’s story after seeing him in the previous book. I definitely wanted to learn more about him and was so glad he got a book! Overall, this was a great story and I loved getting cameos from other characters we’ve seen before! 

Scoring Chances Book 4: Delayed Penalty by Brigham Vaughn

Scoring Chances Book 4

The last thing Thad Racine needs is to fall for a guy playing for his brother's hockey team ...

As an ex-con, Thad’s had a rough life. Getting a job in the social media department of the Boston Harriers is his last-ditch effort at a fresh start.

He may not be raking in money like his previously estranged twin—the team’s GM—but he finally has a career he likes, a regular paycheck, and some stability. There’s only one if he screws around with anyone working for the Harriers, he’ll be fired.

The last thing he expects is to fall for Graham Pennington.

The golden boy. The high-scoring forward who’s a crucial part of the team. The assistant captain.

Oh yeah, and he’s straight.

Falling in love with his GM’s brother isn’t part of Graham’s five-year plan.

Graham knows what he find love and help lead his team to a Stanley Cup win.

So why do none of his relationships with women ever seem to work out?

After a totally unexpected but sizzling kiss with his friend Thad, he’s confused and a little conflicted. Has he been looking for love in all the wrong places?

Graham’s desire to be with Thad wars with his goal of helping the team find success. Despite Thad’s growing feelings, he’s terrified to risk his new career or the relationship he’s slowly rebuilding with his brother.

When the pressure from their secrets threatens their carefully laid plans, will they be ready to risk everything for love?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244434317-delayed-penalty

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been so excited for Thad’s story since we learned more about him and Gavin during Gavin’s book! Plus the little sneak peek we saw in the previous book about Thad and Graham. Now their story has arrived! Thad hasn’t had it easy in a long time, and when he comes to work for the social media team for the Harriers, he hopes not only to have a fresh start but to reconnect with his brother. But the beginning wasn’t easy and one person who noticed that especially? Graham. One of the guys on the team who held out a hand to Thad and soon they found themselves becoming friends. And it was great for a while. Until they kissed. Graham thought he had a plan he would follow but Thad has thrown it out the window. They spend the summer apart after that kiss but coming back Graham has realized a lot of things. And the most important? He wants to be with Thad. Thad has never had a serious relationship and didn’t realize it was something he could need or want until Graham. But he wants to try. For now, they’ll keep this blooming relationship between them as they figure out how to navigate the unfamiliar together, but there is no doubt what these two feel for one another. As long as they give themselves a chance to explore it. I really loved their story! I loved getting Thad’s point of view and really understanding what he went through and his complicated relationship with this brother. This was such a big step in his healing and he more than deserves some happiness, especially with Graham! Overall, another great book in this series. And with a few possible hints of future stories, I can’t wait to see who is next! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Game Changers Book 1: Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Game Changers Book 1

New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pre-game rituals very seriously. In this case, it’s not just a lucky smoothie he’s craving—it’s the man who made it.

Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So, when a smoothie made by juice bar barista Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic...and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, nevermind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors.

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career…like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220965585-game-changer

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

I’ve circled back to the beginning of the series at last! I now get to see where it all began. Scott has been hiding who he is for a very long time, and when he finds himself in a bit of a slump on the ice, he knows he needs to do something to get back in the groove of things. He just never expects that his good luck charm would be in the shape of a blueberry smoothie… and the cute guy who makes them. But like any hockey player, you can’t ignore when something works. So he goes back again and again…and it feels like maybe it isn’t the smoothie that is good luck but actually Kip. And soon Scott finds himself taking the biggest risk of all. A relationship with a man. One he feels deep down is worth the risk and what he has been waiting for all this time. But being in a secret relationship isn’t as easy as it sounds. Kip can’t believe that one, the cute guy who came into his workplace is into him, and two, that he is actually a famous hockey player! The more he gets to know Scott, the harder he falls. And being Scott’s secret? He knows Scott is worth it and that together they can figure it out. But the longer they are together and the deeper they fall for one another, Kip can’t help but start to feel the weight of the secret. Will it always be like this? I really loved going back to Scott’s story. I had skipped to Heated Rivalry and we knew Scott was a big influence near the end of that book. He changed it all for those who were scared. So to see how he got there, to see him fall in love and fight for their happiness was really sweet! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!

Vipers Book 2: Sweet Venom by Rina Kent

 

Vipers Book 2

From the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes a dangerously dark stalker hockey romance.

Can I outrun his merciless obsession?

I accidentally witnessed a brutal murder.

I froze, pretended I saw nothing, hoping I could leave it behind.

But my plan backfired, and my life spiraled downward.

Now, I’m the target of cold-blooded revenge.

Jude Callahan isn’t just a hockey god—he’s a devil no one dares to cross.

My existence disrupts his stardom, prestige, and possible serial killer career choice.

And he’s set out to make me pay for that moment of silence.

No matter how much I run or hide, he finds me, watching from the shadows.

Like a predator.

I thought he’d stop at the stalking.

Or even better, he’d kill me and finally end my misery.

But Jude has other plans.

He says I can’t die. I have to pay for my sins.

And just like that, he drags me into his depraved world, kicking and screaming.

This book can be read on its own but for better understanding of the world, it's recommended to read Beautiful Venom first.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234319647-sweet-venom

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s Violet and Jude’s turn and I’ve been curious since the previous book how their story goes. We know a good chunk from the previous book of what is going on with Violet, so now we finally see her side. Along with a lot more we didn’t know! Violet has a stalker. She tries to brush it off at first but when he finally makes himself known, he tells her she needs to remember what she did. Violet’s life has not been easy. Her mother basically hated her and her childhood was filled with trauma. Even now. She tries to make herself invisible to those around her. Never liking any sort of attention. Her trauma is deep enough that she can even be paralyzed in fear if she is put in certain positions. And when she learns that her stalker is Jude, everything clicks. Because she was a witness to Jude’s mother’s bloody murder. And she froze so badly, she couldn’t even pick up her phone to call for help. She knows her days are limited if Jude wants revenge. But why is he hesitating? Violet wasn’t the only one who did nothing for Jude’s mom. So Jude has been hunting them down one by one. But Violet makes him pause. She isn’t scared of death yet she can’t look him in the eye. She surprises him at every turn and his want to get rid of her just turns to him wanting her close. If you read the previous book, you know what Violet goes through next, and it turns out there is someone else who wants Violet dead. But who? I really loved getting to know Violet and Jude. They are opposites in a lot of ways, yet at the same time, they have way more in common than you may think. We had some pretty interesting twists and turns in this book. And I’m so excited to get my hands on the next one!

Game Changers Book 6: The Long Game by Rachel Reid

 

Game Changers Book 6

The sequel is finally here! Shane and Ilya’s story, first seen in Heated Rivalry, continues in this long-awaited hockey romance from Rachel Reid.

To the world they are rivals, but to each other they are everything.

Ten years. 

That’s how long Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov have been seeing each other. How long they’ve been keeping their relationship a secret. From friends, from family…from the league. If Shane wants to stay at the top of his game, what he and Ilya share has to remain secret. He loves Ilya, but what if going public ruins everything? 

Ilya is sick of secrets. Shane has gotten so good at hiding his feelings, sometimes Ilya questions if they even exist. The closeness, the intimacy, even the risk that would come with being open about their relationship…Ilya wants it all. 

It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love. 

It’s time to make a call. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220966428-the-long-game

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

I couldn’t read Heated Rivalry and then not jump to their sequel! Shane and Ilya’s story continues and while they are happy and together, they are still hiding from the world. Only a few people know the truth of their relationship. But it’s becoming harder and harder to remain a secret. Not because anyone is on to them. The world is pretty oblivious and they have done their jobs right, but because they are finding it hard not to show everyone what they mean for one another. At times they are reminded why they decided to keep the secret in the first place. There are so few people out in the league and there have definitely been some issues. What if they harm their future in hockey forever? But then they are reminded of some of the good for those who have. It’s only a matter of time until something snaps and decisions have to be made. In the meantime, they will continue to love one another and be there for one another no matter what. I really loved seeing more of these two! There was so much more story left to tell for them. We wanted to see their future secure and when everyone found out about them. I loved seeing these two fall hard for one another even after all these years together. They never wavered even when things got challenging. A great way to end their story and series! Now I have to go back and read everyone else’s stories! Because it definitely looks like we got some good ones!

Game Changers Book 2: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Game Changers Book 2

Nothing interferes with pro hockey star Shane Hollander’s game.

Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. Publicly, they’re enemies. Privately, they can’t stop touching each other. 

The smart thing to do? Walk away, once a few secret hookups turn into a struggle to keep their relationship out of the press. The truth could ruin them both. But for Shane and Ilya, secrecy is soon no longer an option…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220966494-heated-rivalry

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

I’m usually a reader who likes to read a series in order. But with the hype of this particular book having a show that literally just came out and a sequel book that is the last in the series… yeah, I’m going to be jumping around just a bit. I’ve been seeing this story blow up and I decided I must check it out before I watch the show! And it was actually pretty great. I loved a good mm hockey romance, and this didn’t disappoint. Shane and Ilya have known one another since their rookie year. And we see exactly how that has played out for about ten years. The media has put them as rivals on the ice. They’re the best and they continue to prove it every time they are on the ice. But off the ice? There is a tension between them. One they end up exploring and continue to do so for many years until finally… something finally changes. How can it not? It’s clear these two feel something for one another but with the world they are currently in, change doesn’t seem to be happening much. And being the first is pretty scary. But eventually, they may just be brave enough to take a leap of faith. I really loved getting to know these two! Their banter was a lot of fun and I loved seeing them vulnerable with one another. It took them so long to figure out who they were as people and who they were to one another and then what to do with that. But clearly they felt something strong if they couldn’t shake one another off after so many years. I can’t wait to see how their story continues in their next book. And I can’t wait to see them translated to a tv show! I have a feeling it’s gonna be great! I also can’t wait to read the rest of this series too!

Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

 

It starts with a class in an old movie theater.

Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.

With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222706197-alchemy-of-secrets

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Holland has always been in love with stories and magic. And after taking a class in college about local legends and myths, it’s only convinced her that magic is real. She’s even working on her thesis around this. The Professor of this special course tells these stories to her students with the condition they don’t tell anyone about it. And when Holland comes across a trail to one of those stories, she can’t help but follow it. This is how she meets the Watch Man. Who tells her that she will die at midnight the following day unless she finds a magical object called the Alchemical Heart. With the clock ticking, Holland races to find this heart and what it means. It leads her down the path of more magic than she can imagine. But with a few hiccups. Like two men rushing to her aid saying they’ve both been sent by her sister to protect her. It’s a battle of figuring out who to trust every time she meets someone on her path. Can she find what she is looking for in time? This was a really fun story! It’s this race against the clock as you try to figure the clues out with Holland. But also a game of tying to figure out who is actually on Holland’s side. Not gonna lie, I hit a point of wanting to shake her and tell her to trust no one cause it seems she may have been better off on her own! But we had some pretty interesting twists and turns and overall, I really enjoyed the story. And with the looks of a promise of a sequel, I’m very curious to see what story, and maybe even who’s story, could possibly be next. 

Saints & Sinner Books 2: Fever by Devon McCormack

 

Saints & Sinners Book 2

ALEXEI

Before I came to St. Lawrence University, I didn't believe in magic.

Now I'm desperate to get my hands on a spell, even at the expense of lying to my friends.

It's not something I'm proud of, but I have my reasons.

Enter the charming, carefree Matteo Baros, who—unfortunately for both of us—becomes suspicious of me.

I expect him to rat me out.

Instead, maybe because he's such a stand-up guy, he offers to help me with a spell.

Not just any spell—a sex spell.

Not really something two straight guys can manage easily, but we find a way, and what should've been a nightmare turns into a feverish night of passion.

But there are consequences for our actions.

The spell ignites a sequence of events neither of us could have anticipated, and as the intensity of this fever between us mounts, we find ourselves caught in a war between rival covens, battling sinister forces from another realm that threaten to wreak havoc upon our world.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223662174-fever

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Alexei didn’t believe in magic before coming to St. Lawrence University, but that has changed once he sees things that can’t be explained. What’s more, he needs magic right now if he is going to find answers he is desperately seeking. So he agrees to spy for a group called the Saints to find out what another group, the Sinners, are up to. But months of this, spying on those he would call his friends, and things not adding up, he can’t help but wonder if he is on the wrong side. So when he tries to press for some sort of answers if the Saints will get him answers and comes back with nothing, well it’s time to take matters into his own hands. He just didn’t expect Matteo to be watching him so closely. Or for Matteo to be the one who cares enough to help him. Matteo has noticed something off with Alexei more and more lately and just when he thinks he has figured it out, turns out he is pretty wrong. And what he sees is Alexei needing some help and his protective instincts kick in. He won’t stand by and let Alexei get hurt. Even if it means performing sort of sex spell together to do it. But one night sparks a sequence of events they never saw coming. This bigger than anything and they’ll have to figure out who to trust. Add in the fact that their connection may be way more than friends. Something they never thought could happen with them. So much to unpack in this story! And it leaves us definitely wanting more after that crazy ending. I liked getting to know Matteo and Alexei as they find their way to the Sinners’ group. Things are coming together but we still are left with so many questions! I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Longwood U Book 4: Just for Christmas by Crea Reitan

Longwood U Book 4

It’s only temporary holiday magic

Brent

Life has taught me not to get attached to anyone because they’ll only let you down but I can’t stop myself from falling in love with my roommate and frat brother the moment we meet. It’s been three years and not only do I secretly pine for him, but now he’s also my very best friend. My first real friend.

Nothing can possibly go wrong when I agree to be his fake boyfriend for the holidays, right? I know I’m putting my heart on the line but it’ll just be a bit of hand-holding. My heart can survive that…

Rafe

I know my mother will get off my back about settling down if I bring home a partner so I recruit my best friend into becoming my fake boyfriend. It’ll be fun, easy, and a great holiday without all the subtle hints from my parents.

One kiss under the mistletoe changes everything and the childhood make believe suddenly morphs into so much more. There’s only one problem - this arrangement is only for Christmas and then we’re back to being only friends when we return to school.

I didn’t plan to fall in love with Brent Mitchell… I don’t know what to do now that he’s acting like I don’t exist.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240137042-just-for-christmas

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Brent is used to spending the holidays alone. Kicked out of his home when he was seventeen for being gay, he hasn’t seen his parents since. He had an elderly aunt who took him in, but she is now in assisted living. And he has an ex-uncle who he speaks to on occasion. So for Christmas, he expects to do what he always does. Stay at the dorms. But his roommate and best friend have other plans for him. Rafe never realized Brent’s family situation. He feels like an awful friend for now only seeing that Brent avoided the subject and for good reason, but he is going to make it up to Brent now. He’ll bring Brent home for Christmas to be spoiled and loved by his very big family. And before they leave Rafe comes up with a bit of a crazy idea. His mom has been especially pushy about settling down and no matter how much Rafe tells her no, she won’t hear him. So he asks Brent to he fake boyfriend for the holidays. For Brent, it’s a bit of torture. Having a crush on his best friend for a long time but never realizing that Rafe’s sexuality could swing his way. So how in the world can he keep his crush in line? And when Rafe kisses Brent for the first time, he never expects the wake up call it gives him about his best friend. These two are about to have an interesting holiday. Loved this story! I loved that Brent could finally get that full experience of what it was like to have a family around him. And it was extra special that it was a family of someone he cared about so much. I also just loved that they kind of woke up to realize what was in front of them all along. It made their love story so much sweeter to go from friends to more. Even though they were unsure if they pretending or not as the holiday went on. A really great story all around! Longwood U is proving to be a favorite of mine and I can’t wait to see who’s story is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Inheritance Games Book 0.5: The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Inheritance Games Book 0.5

Read her side of the story, then flip the book over to experience their love anew through his eyes in this novel that you can read backward or forward.

Hannah Rooney knows how to be invisible. At twenty, she keeps her head down and her eyes open, and so far, she’s managed to avoid being pulled into the dealings of her notorious criminal family. Hannah lives her life in countdown mode, biding her time in nursing school as she waits for her beloved sister, Kaylie, to turn eighteen so Hannah can get them both far, far away from Rockaway Watch and start a new life. 

Tobias Hawthorne II acts every inch the entitled heir that he is. As the only son of one of the country's richest men, there isn't a door that isn't open to him. Yet behind his razor sharp cheekbones and devil-may-care attitude, Toby is guarding a nest of deadly secrets and a fiery anger fierce enough to burn everything in his path.

Their lives collide in one tragic, stormy night, where an act of arson and nature leave Kaylie and two others dead and Toby just barely alive--with no memory of who he is. The fisherman who pulls him from the ocean enlists Hannah to help save the very person who she knows took away her sister. Fueled by her hatred, Hannah is determined to deny Toby's death wish by keeping him alive. He is the last person that she should ever develop feelings for, and she is the first thing he ever remembers seeing.

*Hannah’s side of the story was previously published as a novella in Games Untold.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228646235-the-same-backward-as-forward

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Toby and Hannah may not get a happily ever after with one another, but their love story is still worth telling. Read both sides of their love story in this latest addition to the Inheritance Games series! Hannah’s story we’ve already seen in Games Untold. We saw her pain and anger as she saved the boy who is part of the reason her sister is dead. She refuses to let him die and cares for him through the burns and the missing memories. All the while, they fall in love. And now we get Toby’s side. Toby who wakes to pain and agony and no memories. But he just sees her. The girl with eyes that hold everything he needs even though he doesn’t know it yet. And though he wants to give in to the pain and feel it no more, she won’t let him go. And in doing so, she makes him fall for her a little more each day. I loved reading his side of the story. We get a lot more about what was going on with him during that time and after and why some decisions to stay away were made. I will also say that I think this series should be read in publishing order. Toby’s story revealed some things that you will recognize after reading the later books, especially Glorious Rivals. Another great addition to this series that only makes it more interesting and puzzling. And I can’t wait to see where this series finally takes us as we come to the end.

Inheritance Games Book 6: Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Inheritance Games Book 6

Millions, hearts, and lives are on the line in this heart-stopping sequel to The Grandest Game by #1 bestselling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Seven players arrived on Hawthorne Island, each with their own secrets and motivations to win the Grandest Game. Millions are at stake, but so are hearts—and lives. The players now must race to win the game, solve myriad mysteries, and survive the twists and turns of Glorious Rivals. 

The stakes get higher, the game gets twistier, and everything heats up in this newest installment in the TikTok sensation Inheritance Games Saga.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216635092-glorious-rivals

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s amazing how with this series I pick up the latest book and then just don’t put it down. I have to read them in one sitting, no matter how long. We have returned to the Grandest Game and the stakes continue to get higher and higher. While we have a few player gone from the island, another, Gigi, has been kidnapped. Though no one seems to realize that just yet. The rest, Lyra, Grayson, Rohan, Savannah, and Brady continue to play. All have a reason to win and another reason to take someone out the running. The only one not looking to win is Grayson. And that’s because he is determined to keep Lyra safe. But turns out his family is still in danger and he needs some answers. Some from his brother who has been keeping quite a secret. In the story the game will finally end, but leave us with some big problems. As always, I love the puzzles in this series. It’s always fun to try to figure it out alongside the characters. Also, just when you get some answers to what is going on, a bunch of other things turn up that leave you with more questions. The series always keeps you on your toes, the characters are always interesting, and stakes just get higher. I can’t wait to see how everything finally ends! One more book to go and I think it’s going to be pretty insane. 

A Very Merry Anthology

 

My Review: 4/5 Stars

The Castle by Hannah McBride

This short holiday story was very cute! Kailah and Vane met when they were kids in foster care. Though they only got to know one another for a few months, they never forgot one another. Not even twenty years later when they are reunited. Stranded at Vane’s family hotel because of the snowstorm, they reconnect and realize that this connection between them could be so much more if they are brave enough to take it. A sweet holiday romance story! I ended up loving these two and wished it could have been a whole book! But their story was utterly very sweet and magical. A perfect way to celebrate the holidays!

Promises, Promises Book 0.5: Promised Adventure by Rye Cox

Promises, Promises Book 0.5

Wren is off on his next adventure, but a vehicle malfunction leaves him stranded outside the property of someone who might take him on the adventure of a lifetime.

This is a Promises, Promises short story prequel that takes place before the start of the series. You can obtain this short at no cost by signing up to Rye’s newsletter on release date.

This was previously published as part of A Safe Space Charity Anthology.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234813436-promised-adventure

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

This was a fun short story prequel to the Promises, Promises series! We’ve seen Wren and Jordan in the series and knew they were together, but now we get to see how that happened! When Wren is on the way to his next adventure, his van breaks down leaving him stranded. Lucky for him, Jordan spots him on his way home and his house is very close. Jordan has been feeling like something is missing and just can’t put a name to what that is. Then he meets Wren and things are starting to make sense. Their connection is instant and they take a leap of faith to what will lead them to a happy ending. A short sweet story for you to enjoy before diving fully into this series!

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 3: Boyfriend Without Benefits by Riley Hart

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 3

Anthony

I’m the last single member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, and I have no plans to change that.

I’m fulfilled with my work at the club, dance classes, yoga, and the Exes. Plus, I’ve been extremely preoccupied with one Kason Maddox, the LA Rebels’ goalie. Let’s just say that since we’ve become friends, my eyes might drift in his general direction a little too much. But it’s only looking. And looking never harmed anyone…

Eventually, our texting sessions lead to dinners out and ending our nights watching our favorite shows. But when the paparazzi catch sight of us and the photos go viral, I suddenly find out I’ve had a boyfriend and didn’t know—a boyfriend without the benefits. And I’m thinking we should reconsider the benefits in this relationship if we are going to be in one.

Kason

So…I thought we were dating. Turns out, the guy I was dating had no idea that’s what we were doing. Friend-zoned without even knowing it. Cool. The equivalent of taking a puck to the face.

But due to an innocent little photo or two, now everyone thinks we’re together, so we have three 

1- Stop hanging out to silence the rumors.

2- Hang out as friends and ignore the gossip blogs.

3- Start dating—and both of us are aware of said dating this time.

I know which one I’m rooting for. And if I have to use a little dirty talk and some praise to shift things in my favor, I’m game.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231388288-boyfriend-without-benefits

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Anthony’s story has arrived! The last member of the Jilted Exes’ Club finally gets his happy ending and he more than deserves it. Anthony didn’t have an easy childhood. He learned the lesson early that those who are supposed to love you, leave you. So he’s done his best to keep his distance. And when he tried to open up, he was burned. So he’s done. Though he has to admit if it wasn’t for the lying and cheating Malcolm, he wouldn’t have met Hayes and Donovan. And those two have become his best friends. But even them he won’t tell all his secrets to. And he’s been busy anyway with work and dancing and then this new developing friendship with Kason Maddox. Anthony will admit, the goalie is super attractive but if it is between keeping his friendship intact or ruining if they ever hook up, he’ll stay friends. At least, that’s what he thinks. Meanwhile, Mads is crazy about Anthony. The more time they talk or spend together, the harder he falls. He has been loving to get to know him and finally asks Anthony out. He thinks everything is going great. They are casually dating and getting to know one another and Mads is sure he won’t scare Anthony away considering what the guy has been through. But then when pictures pop up of them together and announcing to the world they are boyfriends, turns out they were telling Anthony too. It takes Anthony a moment to put together that Mads and him… are boyfriends just without benefits. So what happens if they actually get to the benefits part? Turns out it’s the gateway to their happy ending. If Anthony is brave enough to take the first step. I adored these two! It was especially cute to see that they were definitely acting like they were dating but Anthony was clueless. But once they cleared it up, they were absolutely adorable together. I really loved getting to know both of these characters and watch them fall in love. It was a great way to end this series! Mads is so crazy about Anthony and I loved that he was determined to prove to Anthony just how much he cared. Swoon! So cute and you definitely don’t want to miss this!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.