Love in Maplewood Book 2: Love Me Like You Do by Rhys Everly

 

Love in Maplewood Book 2

It was all pretend... until it wasn’t.

I don’t have time for dating. I'm too busy making Maplewood my home after everything I've been through. But when my daughters decide I need a boyfriend, I do only thing a desperate single dad can do… I lie.

Enter professional dating expert, Jack Hayworth.

He's a cynic. He's emotionally unavailable and he doesn't believe in love. He's even got a club whose entire purpose is to sabotage the Season of Love festival. But he agrees to play along.

Turns out pretending to love Hayworth is way too easy. The real problem? Sleeping with him feels even easier. And once I get a taste, I can’t stop.

I swore I wouldn't fall. I swore I would keep this casual.

Too bad my heart doesn't listen.

Love Me Like It's Real is a low-angst spicy MM romance with a love cynic who loves a good time, a single trans dad who no longer believes in love, fake dating and two little girls determined to give their dad a happily-ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230113437-love-me-like-it-s-real

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Hayworth doesn’t believe in love. Not anymore. And after what happened to him, you can’t really blame him for his cynicism. And he isn’t afraid to show others the pitfalls of love and give those with heartbreak opportunities to express it. He’s got an Anti-Valentine’s Day club and is ready to sabotage Maplewood’s Season of Love festival. And when he meets Felix, sure he is intrigued by him. Definitely attracted and wouldn’t mind hooking up. But fall in love? No way. Nope. So…why is it he gets all these feelings when he is around him? Felix isn’t ready for any type of love. Not after what he went through with his ex. He just wants a safe place to raise his daughters and for them to be happy. But his daughters see more to their dad than he wants and are determined to find him a boyfriend. Which leads to a crazy idea. Fake dating the local cynic and hater of all love. Neither want love, so pretending in front of his daughters to date should be enough to fool them into thinking he is happy and they don’t have to worry about him. Right? But despite the surliness that is Hayworth and love, he makes Felix laugh. Together, they just have a good time and they click. It’s surprise to both of them when they finally admit what it is between them. This was a fun story! Hayworth’s anti love shenanigans are hysterical and I love that Felix goes along with it. For two people who don’t want to fall in love, they do so easily with one another. It was pretty adorable. This series is starting off great and I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rejected Fate Trilogy Book 3: Wicked Fate by Jen L. Grey

 

Rejected Fate Book 3

Fate broke me once—she won’t get a second chance.

A public rejection ignited a nightmare, but it also led me to Ryker, the ruthless, possessive wolf leader Fate truly chose for me. His promise won’t ever be broken, forged by merging our two souls.

Now the real enemy emerges from the shadows wearing a trusted face, causing the sting of betrayal to run deeper than my new found family has ever known.

With each sunrise, new secrets tighten around us until breathing itself feels like war.

Time is running out, and to save the wolves and witches, and the man willing to tear the world apart for me, I have to dig up the full truth—no matter the cost.

Because Fate always collects …and this war may demand everything we have left.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223059942-wicked-fate

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A great conclusion to this trilogy! Ember and Ryker’s story comes to an end. With the identity of those really behind the shadows, the betrayal cuts deep. Now, they have to figure out a way to stop their enemies for good. Filled with twists and turns, there are more secrets than we could have imagined! Like Ember. Turns out there is a type of magic in her that she had no idea about. And the one to the deliver the news is a big surprise! And with that delivery comes the truth to why everything has happened in the first place. We also get the truth about the true mate bonds for Ember. There were a lot of revelations in this story for sure! Filled with action and romance and lots of supernatural magic, this was a great way to end Ember and Ryker’s story. They have come so far and they deserve that well earned happy ending. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Duke Brothers Book 4: The Moment He Saw Her by Lani Blake

 

The Duke Brothers Book 4

When she arrives in town with a wedding dress in her trunk, you know there’s going to be trouble.

Ryder Duke’s life was exactly where he wanted it to be.

Then Libby Gulliver drove into his town.

The woman was a hot mess, and hiding from something, even if she told him different.

His first mistake was employing her, his second was letting her move in with him.

Libby was running from a life she’d realized she no longer wanted.

That stopped when she found Ryder Duke.

The big, hot cafe owner was the first person who actually saw her and listened to what she had to say.

The problem was, the more time she spent with him, the more she wanted to tell him the truth—and then it was too late.

Will her lies be the line he can’t cross to be with the woman who could be his future?

Lyntacky was like most small towns. It had its interfering locals and families who could trace their roots back hundreds of years. Where Lyntacky stood out from the rest was their love of Square Dancing and the Duke brothers. Both were trouble. Neither had plans for leaving.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218657548-the-moment-he-saw-her

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Love these small town romances by Lani Blake! She builds such fun places and characters. It was great to be back in Lyntacky! It’s Ryder Duke’s turn for a story and he finds himself falling for the last person he would ever expect. Libby has run from her old life. She leaves her wedding determined to get some space from her family and the man she was about to marry. She needs time to figure out what is next and wants to lay low as possible. Too bad for her because getting stranded in Lyntacky means the last thing you can do is lay low. She learns that everyone will know her name and the story she gives within hours of her arrival. And one of the most insane things about this town to her is the kindness. Like Ryder. He sees she needs help after her car breaks down and not only leads her to his coffee shop to regroup and feed her, but he gives her a job she desperately needs in that moment and, later, a place to stay. But she won’t rely on his kindness forever. Her pride and stubbornness to do things on her own for once is too strong. But she has yet to learn that stubbornness is a Duke speciality. Ryder knows the minute he helps Libby, the whole town will be conspiring to get them together. But he insists Libby isn’t his type. She clearly comes from a whole other world and she’s only passing through. She’ll move on the second she has a chance to. But the attraction between them is strong. And the more time they spend together, the more they like one another underneath the constant bickering. But Libby hasn’t been truthful and that could come back to hurt them in the long run. I really enjoyed Libby and Ryder’s story! They were pretty much opposites and though they both insisted there couldn’t and wouldn’t be anything between them, you could see how they wondered if that is completely true. Their love story is a slow burn that is worth the wait. Libby gets a chance to figure out who she is without her family influencing her and Ryder finds himself in his own way. And of course, expect lots of laughs and playful banter! Another great story to this series and we have one more Duke brother left to go to find his happy ending. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Braided Fate Book 1: Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Braided Fate Book 1

WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his kingdom is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that the royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his land flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how the blaze began.

PRINCESS. With war looming on the horizon, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she's deceiving him?

ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.

A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and falling in love with each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223338530-warrior-princess-assassin

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Brigid Kemmerer writes great fantasy series. So far she has written young adult series but this is her first time venturing in adult romantasy and she did such a great job! And it’s just the beginning of what I think is going to be a great series. Her writing and world building are fantastic as per usual. And her characters are complex and intriguing, you can’t pick a favorite. The story follows Jory, Ky, and Asher. Jory and Asher have been friends since they were children. But when they are teenagers, tragedy occurs and Jory loses Asher to a fate perhaps worse than death. Asher has done whatever he could to survive and eventually finds his way to the Hunter’s Guild aka a group of assassins. Through the years, Asher sneaks in to visit Jory when he can but knows nothing can happen between him and Jory. And with everything Asher has been through, it is clear to why he believes that. Princess Jory has been sheltered all her life and her one friend is Asher. Now with her father sick, her brother seeks to marry her off to the king of Incendar to form an alliance between them against the kingdom of Draegonis. But all she knows is the cruel stories about their king. And for King Ky, he is desperate to help his people and know this alliance is the only way. He’ll do what he must. But things get complicated very quickly. When Asher opens his next assignment, he finds Jory’s and Ky’s names on them. Someone out there is threatening this alliance and there is more going than it appears. 

What a whirlwind of twists and turns to this story! These poor characters want to trust one another but things just make it more difficult for them. It takes them a bit to get where they need to be. And the romance? So good! No love triangle (thank god). But we do have a poly relationship with these three. It’s clear from the beginning that Jory and Asher love one another but have never ever acted on it. And when they both encounter Ky sparks fly even more. And it’s surprises them all how much they all want one another. It’s a slow build of trust between the three of them considering what they are facing at every turn, but I loved the way they got to truly know one another. There is just such a great balance to them as well. The world building was super interesting and the magic that appears in this world. This is just the beginning of their story and I can’t wait to see where it goes! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Heartbreak Hockey Book 0.5: Nerd Jock Hockey by S. Legend

 

Heartbreak Hockey Book 0.5

Ari Meyer is the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen, and I hate him for it.

Jocks like Ari Meyer don’t go for geeky nobodies like me. When he bats his dreamy eyes in my direction, I assume that it’s a prank. His fellow hockey goons wouldn’t hesitate to pick on the glasses-wearing nerd behind the concession stand, why should I expect differently from him?

I want it, though. I want him so fricking badly.

Is it really so far-fetched to think that the Adonis on hockey skates might be into me?

Irrationality prevails, and I find myself falling right into his beefy, hockey-stick-wielding arms. But it’s not that I don’t recover from rejection or heartbreak well. I don’t recover from it. Like, at all. It’s a monumentally bad idea to let myself have this much hope. What little self-esteem I have might never recover if this goes sideways. I’ll turn into one of those crotchety old men who yells at people to get off his lawn, bitter and alone.

Someone please tell me how to say no.

A sweet novella-length story set in the Heartbreak Hockey Universe, several years before book one, featuring these

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/229474072-nerd-jock-hockey

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A super sweet novella that takes place a while before the start of the series. The book follows Ari and Cody! Cody has had a crush on Ari for a while but in his insecurities he believes there is no way someone like Ari would go for him. But when Ari asks him out on a date, Cody is super surprised and also wary. He can’t seem to believe that Ari is serious. Which Ari can see and Ari knows he will have to work hard to prove himself. There is something about Cody that has grabbed Ari’s attention and won’t shake. That Meyer gene of his knows when you find that person, you won’t let them go. So Ari will win Cody’s heart. He just has to prove himself and show Cody just how serious he is about him. These two were so cute! Loved getting to know them and see how they got together. Makes me wish this world and I’m excited for the next one to come out soon!

Lochguard Highland Dragons Book 11: The Dragon Recruit by Jessie Donovan

Lochguard Highland Dragons Book 11

This will be Iris Mahajan and Antony Holbrook's story, set on Lochguard. More detailed synopsis to come.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214486914-the-dragon-recruit

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s been a while since I’ve been in this world, but it’s always so much fun when a new one comes out! This story follows Iris and Antony who we have definitely seen a bit of in the last book or so. There was definitely chemistry sparking between them and it was only a matter of time until they got together. In this story Iris and Antony have to work together to find a group of missing dragonshifters. Antony works for a top secret organization for British Intelligence. He’s been doing his job for a long time and is very good at it. But he has lost a lot along the way, including the woman he once planned to marry. Letting someone in after losing her was the last thing he wanted to do. But Iris is a dragonwoman who knows how to take care of herself. And is quick to find a way in his heart. For Iris, she has been burned before by what she thought was love and since then has only buckled down more in her career as a Protector. She is strong and capable and often feels like she has to prove herself. But Antony looks at her and treats her as an equal. And bit by bit he works his way into her heart. I loved these two and their dynamic! Their banter was so fun and I loved that they viewed themselves as equals above everything. Never holding the other back. This was another fun addition to the series and there are just so many other characters left to explore still!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love in Maplewood Book 1: Winter Wishes and Coffee Kisses by Ana Ashley

 

Love in Maplewood Book 1

In the heart of Maplewood, love is just a wish—and a kiss—away.

An anonymous one-night stand was just what I needed before moving to Vermont, to open my very own coffee shop, Special Blend. 

Happy new year to me!

I've lost the only family I had. So when the locals welcome me with open arms and empty cups, I know Maplewood is truly home. 

But it’s my neighbor, Nate—the tall, rugged lumberjack-type next door—who really gets my heart racing.

Have we met somewhere before?

He’s a little grumpy, but that’s just froth on the cappuccino, right? My muffins, ice cream, and coffee can melt any heart, so I'm sure they'll work on him too.

As things heat up, strangers arrive with a revelation about my past– one that Nate seems to know, leaving me torn between my growing feelings for him and the fear of being hurt again.

With the Winter Wishes Festival in full flow, I must can I trust Nate to be the love I’ve wished for, or will this brew the end of us before we even begin?

With the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ residents in Vermont, Maplewood is a town where everyone belongs. And with festivals year round, there’s always something fun happening! This multi-author, low-angst queer series features ten standalone romances—each set against the backdrop of a different festival. Come for the celebrations, stay for the happily-ever-afters!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230413918-winter-wishes-and-coffee-kisses

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I love when authors team up to create a new town and fill it with different couples and love stories! Ana Ashley kicks off the series in a great way with Caspian and Nate’s story! Caspian has moved to Vermont to start a new adventure after losing his mom. Opening a coffee shop in her hometown feels like a great tribute to her. But before he settles in, he’ll start the new year with some fun. What he never expects though is that one night with a mysterious stranger would change him. Or that he would find him again. Nate can’t stop thinking about the man he met New Year’s Eve, but when Caspian moves in next door, bit by bit that man is forgotten and replaced with someone real. The connection between Caspian and Nate is electric. It’s clear they have chemistry and learning more about one another just feels right. But Nate has been burned before. And what if they start a relationship and break up? They’re neighbors, it’s a small town, it could make things complicated fast. But not getting to know and be with Caspian? Well, missing out on him feels worse. Caspian wasn’t planning on having a new relationship as he is starting over. But there is something about Nate that he can’t let go of. And maybe something familiar too… I loved Nate and Caspian’s story! Such a sweet and romantic story. It’s the perfect way to open this brand new series. I loved the town and characters and it just feels like a wonderful beginning to what I think will be a great series. It also connects to another series from Ana and now I will definitely have to go back and check those books out as well!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sins of the Banna Book 1: Savage by Erin Russell

 

Sins of the Banna Book 1

Everyone thinks the mafia is so glamorous. They make books and movies by the hundred and it's all suave guys in suits making deals in smoky backrooms over poker games.

Well, I'm the mafia prince of Oklahoma. There's no glitz or glamor here, and I hate every minute of it. But it's my birthright. Until war breaks out between my family and the Aryan Brotherhood, and I'm forced to go into hiding in a little Missouri town that's even more remote and redneck than my own.

The only upside is that I get to see my long-lost little stepbrother. I devoted my childhood to protecting him from my violent father, and it was the only thing that's every made me feel like a good person. Seeing him again makes me feel like maybe that good version of myself isn't as dead and buried as I thought. Maybe there's a chance to get him back, if I can scrape away all the numbness and callous around my heart that a lifetime of violence has built up.

Not to mention, he's... different. He was always a shy, scared little kid. Now he's still kind of little, but he's ten pounds of confidence in a five pound bag. And he has no problem telling the homophobic killers that I work with where to shove it if they don't like who he's become. I'm inspired, and I wish I could take a little bit of that confidence for myself.

I've spent my entire life rolling over and giving Dad whatever he wanted. Chipping away at my soul, one piece at a time. With Micah's help, maybe I can get it back. Even if his methods are the last thing I was expecting...

Savage is a Dark M/M Mafia Romance. It features explicit sexual content and is only suitable for readers 18+. It contains potentially triggering content, there is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book with details. It is Book 1 in the series Sins of the Banna, with takes place in the same universe as the Possum Hollow series. All books follow a different couple and can be read as standalones, ending with an HEA/HFN, but the series is better when read as a whole because several characters and storylines overlap.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216146757-savage

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My Review: 3.5/5 Stars

Set in the same world as the Possum Hollow books, Sav and Micah’s story takes place a little after book 2 and overlaps with book 3. We’ve seen both of these characters in that series and now it’s their turn! After an attempt on Sav’s life by a rival gang, his father and leader of the Banna, takes Sav to another base of their gang to protect him and hopefully save his life. Sav is taken to Micah. When they were kids, their parents were together until Micah’s mom left with him in the middle of the night and never returned. Now, twelve years later they are together again. Their feelings for one another just as strong as when they were kids. So there is no way Micah is going to let Sav die on his watch. And if Sav lets him, maybe he can get him away from his toxic father and the Banna for good. Sav has been trying to find a way out of the gang for a long time and just when he thinks he is finding his courage to say something, he is shot. Now he is back with Micah and he can’t regret it. He always hoped to find him again. But there is a lot standing in their way before either of them can find the happy ending together they both crave. It is clear the moment these two are reunited that there is something between them. It just changes the more they get to know their adult selves. They are both willing to do whatever to protect the other from those who want to hurt them and even themselves. It’s a hard journey for both of them but a well earned happy ending by the end.

Shatter Me: The New Republic Book 1: Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi

 

Shatter Me: The New Republic Book1 

Lose yourself in this exhilarating return to the #1 global bestselling Shatter Me universe, the first book in a new series set ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment.

James Anderson had a plan. Or half of one. All that matters is that he managed to do what his older brother, the famous Aaron Warner Anderson, never did: infiltrate Ark Island, the last refuge of The Reestablishment. In the past decade no outsider has breached the stronghold of the authoritarian regime, but James is in. In a prison cell, sure, but as far as James is concerned, a win is a win.

It’s been ten years since the fall of The Reestablishment. Ten years since the notorious duo — Juliette Ferrars and Aaron Warner Anderson — led a worldwide rebellion and established the New Republic of the West. But after a decade of unsettling quiet, The Reestablishment is ready to make a devastating move, and they have the perfect person for the job.

Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. She always has a plan. On Ark Island, where constant surveillance is packaged as security, even emotions must be experienced with caution. A trained assassin, her every movement is monitored by synthetic intelligence—and when she’s given an order to kill, she never hesitates.

Brimming with pulse-pounding action and torturous romance, Watch Me is an explosive journey through a dystopian landscape where enemies-to-lovers has never felt more impossible. Step into a beloved and breathtaking world that demands an answer to a desperate question—

Who are we when no one is watching?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216364822-watch-me

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It is surreal being back in this world after such a long time. The book takes place ten years after the last book. Our characters are grown up and taking the lead on this one is James Anderson. In the previous books, James was only 11 but now he is all grown up and is ready to prove to his family that he isn’t a little kid anymore. He knows how much they all sacrificed and are still fighting for this new world they made. And with one piece left of the Reestablishment still existing and creating problems, he wants to help. Which leads him to doing something pretty reckless. Like infiltrating Ark Island. None of them have been able to get on the island but James’s older brother has some theories about it. But that won’t stop James. It’s there he meets Rosabelle. Rosabelle is a trained assassin. It’s what her parents trained her for since she was a child. But for years it has been her taking care of her sick little sister. It’s the only true thing keeping her in line. Especially when her loyalty is constantly in question because they were never able to put her head online to their establishment. Basically her brain and body rejected whatever was needed to get her on a hive mind where everyone is connected and secrets don’t exist. With that happening, keeping her emotions in check has always been priority. Until James comes crashing into her life. He threatens everything she has built. This book was pretty crazy! You kind of want these two to find a way to trust one another, but there are so many plans on plans going on. They both know the other comes with an agenda and it makes it hard for either to figure out what is real or not. And this is just the beginning of what I think is gonna be a pretty crazy series. I loved seeing so many faces from the previous books and how they are grown up and what is going on with them now. I thought this was a great start to this next part of this world. The end was pretty nuts and I’m looking forward to seeing what James and Rosabelle will do next after everything that has happened so far!

Possum Hollow Book 3: Running Feral by Erin Russell

 

Possum Hollow Book 3

Tobias's life has seemed like a series of terrible decisions followed by even worse consequences. He thought the move to Possum Hollow would be the right thing to do. Get his problems away from his mom and sisters, while taking care of his sick grandmother. If he was putting himself more in danger, that was his own fault. It was still for the best. 

Instead, he's met a lot of surprising people and suddenly hope seems like something he could have again. After a lifetime of being trapped by the brutality of organized crime, is it really possible for him to get out?

Maybe if he could fall in love with the right person, for once, everything else could start turning around.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214959266-running-feral

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My Review: 3.5/5 Stars

Tobias’s life at the moment is anything but good. His desperation to earn money to help take care of his sick grandmother leads him to being trapped by the local organized crime in the area. And it would be one thing to run criminal jobs for them but it’s another when the person who brought him in abuses him in every way you can think of. And as much as he wishes he can escape, he knows he can’t. But the latest time it happens, he finds himself running to the one person who somehow makes him feel safe. Gunnar has watched from afar the abuse Tobias has suffered. But he knows, and is reminded constantly, that Tobias has to make the move and show he wants to leave. Gunnar can’t pull him out no matter how badly he wants to. And when Tobias shows up at his door looking like death, he knows he can’t let him go back. Tobias came to him for a reason and Gunnar will do whatever he can to help keep him safe. Tobias goes through a lot in this book and before. But we see him start to fight back bit by bit. It’s not perfect, he is a victim struggling to find a place to be safe and be free. But he finally has someone in his corner who wants to help him and fight for him too. And while Gunnar at first tries to fight the connection between them to protect Tobias, Tobias reminds him that he can make his own choices and Gunnar is the one he wants. Not my favorite of this series but it is still nice to see Tobias get his happy ending after everything he has been through. 

Possum Hollow Book 2: 68 Whiskey by Erin Russell

 

Possum Hollow Book 2

Tristan just wants to live out the rest of his life in peace in Possum Hollow. There’s a reason he ran to the middle of nowhere to escape his past. Ford didn’t even bother running from his own past, but a little peace and quiet is all he’s looking for, too. It’s a shame that when they first meet, sparks fly and all that peace threatens to burn itself down around them.

68 Whiskey is Book 2 in the Possum Hollow series but can be read as a standalone. It contains mature themes and explicit sexual content, and is not suitable for readers under 18.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205337825-68-whiskey

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Tristan and Ford both have pasts that haunt them to this day. When Ford was a kid, his mother was killed and he barely survived and was left without his voice. He goes to stay with his dad who didn’t know anything about him but loved him and took care of him the best he could until he unexpectedly passed. Ford has kept his dad’s legacy alive but taking care of his auto shop. Ford keeps to himself and clings to the quiet. That is until Tristan comes bursting into his life with nonstop chatter and shameless flirting. Tristan left Boston after losing his brother and to escape his mother. But the nightmares followed him. The only thing that keeps him sane is his job as an EMT. And then he meets Ford who instantly intrigues him. And though these two eventually given into the physical attraction between them, neither planned on it being more. Both believing they aren’t relationship people. But the more time together and helping one another through the crazy stuff that seems to find them. Well, caring for one another and be protective just builds between them and it’s only a matter of time until they will have acknowledge what they have. I really liked their story! We saw bits of them last book and I was curious to learn more about them. They weren’t a couple I would have at first put together, but seeing them on the same page, they are actually pretty great. I loved how they were able to see past one another’s walls and let themselves care about the other bit by bit. Really liking this series so far and I’m looking forward to more!

Available Now!

 

 

I’ve been kept away from my destiny as long as I’ve been alive.

 

 

The Penalty, an all-new emotional, brother’s best friend, MM hockey romance from bestselling authors Andi Jaxon and J.R. Gray is now available!

 

 

I’ve been kept away from my destiny as long as I’ve been alive.

 

I'm the bastard, banished from Manhattan, and forbidden from my dream of playing college hockey for the Gods because no one can find out about me.

 

But now Dad's dead and guess who's in the will? So my dream of playing for the Gods can finally come true, but I have to find my place in my half brother's shadow while dealing with my rival Teddy, who's been a thorn in my side since juniors.

 

He’s cocky, infuriating, and the biggest himbo I’ve ever met.

 

Half the time I think he hates me. But it all comes out after a drunken night and now I can’t get him out of my head.

 

Exile is over, and I’m here to make their lives a living hell.

 

 

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Twkp1m

Add The Penalty to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/tpajjggr   

 

Keep Reading for a look inside The Penalty!

 

The first time I lay eyes on my half-brothers is when I’m standing in the pouring rain at my father’s funeral while they lower him into the ground.

     

They have no idea who I am. What can I even say? Hi, I’m the half-brother you’ve never met, and our father kept secret all our lives? I bet they don’t want to know I exist.

     

What the fuck am I even doing here?

     

I asked myself that a hundred times on the way over.

     

My mother warned me that our way of life would come to an end if they ever found out. I wasn’t allowed to talk to them, or even acknowledge my father was my father. We never would have been able to afford to live in the city or my sports fees on her teacher’s salary alone. I shouldn’t even be here. I shouldn’t have crossed the fucking bridge and come to Manhattan, but I couldn’t stop myself. I needed closure as much as they did.

 

I made a two-and-a-half-hour commute to barely catch the priest’s words. He talked about the legacy my father left, his sons and their promise. But nothing about me. I guess that’s expected when you’re the bastard. A designation I had no choice in.

     

Is this all the closure I get? A half a glance, soaked through to the bone, as I stand far enough away to not get involved. I don’t want to be that guy or disrupt things for his widow. I wasn’t after causing a scandal, that’s not why I showed up here.

     

I’m about to leave but one of my brothers spots me. He stares in my direction with a sneer on his mouth. He’s the type of guy who spends more on a single shirt that I do on a month’s rent. But I still want to know them. I’ve always wanted to know them. Being an only child to a single mother is lonely. I’ve thought about messaging them so many times but now that they are about to find out I exist, all I feel is dread.

 

But it’s inevitable. They’ll find out about me in an hour when we’re all present for the reading of our father’s will. The call from his lawyer freaked me out. He said I was named in the will. I read online to know it’s probably only enough so I can’t contest it.

     

Which is fine.

     

 never wanted any of his money. I only want my mother taken care of, which won’t happen now. She’s already behind on bills since his death. I hope the money I do get will at least get her caught up and buy us time to figure things out. If I have to get a job, there’s no way I’m going to be able to keep playing hockey in the juniors, let alone work to help her and juggle college even if I get a full ride. And I need to play at least a couple of years of college hockey before I have even a hope of getting drafted.

 

I inch forward as the priest finishes his prayer. One of my brothers slips an arm around his mom. She’s crying and I can’t reconcile the two images of my father. How he was to my mother and how he must have been with his family. I hadn’t seen much of him, but what I had I didn’t like.

     

But I’m here, so what does that say about me?

     

What am I still doing here?

     

I should have left.

     

My brother leans over to whisper to someone while slipping their hands together. His husband? He’s wearing a ring. They look over at me again. I take a step back under their stare.

     

Why didn’t I bring a fucking umbrella.

     

I need to go. I can’t afford a cab and it’s going to take me an hour to get back to the lawyer’s office. I retreat and my brother’s eyes follow me all the way out of the cemetery.

 

For more information about Andi Jaxon and her books, visit her website:

https://www.andijaxon.com

 

For more information about J.R. Gray and his books, visit his website:

https://www.jrgraybooks.com