Adrenalin Book 2: Privileged by Michele Lenard

 

Adrenalin Book 2

I'm one bad decision away from losing everything.

Carter - I’m used to pressure. Used to privilege. What I’m not used to? Having the fate of an entire town resting on my shoulders, and my long dormant libido smacking me in the face mid-back rub.

That’s what happened on Monday morning, when my assistant sent in a masseuse—and in walked Sloan. With strong hands, soft eyes, and a very firm directive for me to undress... Let’s just say it relieved the tension, though not in the way I was expecting.

It should have been a one-time thing. A tension-reliever. A professional service.

Instead, it’s my undoing.

Because Sloan isn’t just anyone. He’s an employee. The one person I should never touch—especially with my father on the board that decides whether I sink or save the ski resort that keeps this small town alive.

And yet, every time I look at Sloan, every rule I’ve lived by starts to unravel.

I can fix the resort. I can fix my relationship with my father. But can I do it without destroying the one man who makes me feel like I’ve finally found home?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231425642-privileged

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

No one can get a read on the mysterious new owner of the ski resort. Carter keeps to himself and in doing so, everyone in town has formed some sort of negative opinion about him. But when Sloan’s job as a masseuse at the resort leads to his boss, Carter, being his client, he realizes there is a lot more to Carter than anyone realizes. That and the fact that there is a very strong attraction between them. But Sloan won’t break the rules and risk his job and reputation if he crosses the line. And even Carter knows that dating employee is asking for trouble. But the more they get to the know one another, the stronger their feelings are until eventually they find them crossing the line they would never risk. But for each other? For the chance that this pull between them is more than just attraction? Well, it may just be a risk they are willing to take. I loved how these two were very aware of their professional boundaries but gave themselves a chance to explore their connection. They took a risk for love and it was worth it in the end. There are still plenty of obstacles as they navigate this new relationship between them, but they definitely deserve their happy ending!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love in Maplewood Book 6: Pride by the Book by Jeff Adams

Love in Maplewood Book 6

 One small-town Pride festival. Two enemies forced to work together. An unexpected chance to find their happily ever after.

NHL star Ethan Gallagher faces his worst fear when he's named grand marshal of Maplewood's Pride festival: public speaking. The only thing more daunting? Working with Andre Thompson—the passionate librarian who made his high school years miserable.

Andre has planned every detail of the festival except for the undeniable attraction he feels toward the man he once considered a nemesis. As they navigate festival chaos, enemies become lovers and misconceptions transform into desire.

With careers pulling them in opposite directions and a small town eagerly watching their romance unfold, Ethan and Andre must decide if their summer flame can survive beyond the festival.

"Pride by the Book" delivers an enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance where second chances lead to steamy encounters, heartfelt connections, and the transformative power of being truly seen by another person.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230332753-pride-by-the-book

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Ethan is asked to be grand marshal of Maplewood’s Pride festival, he is both honored and nervous. Despite being an NHL star and used to eyes on him, public speaking and being the center of attention is not for him. His anxiety and severe dyslexia makes it hard for him meet the expectations of others. But he loves this town and has put a lot of time and dedication to it. He won’t let them down. Which means having to work with Andre. The guy in high school who Ethan could just never seem to please. Andre loves working at the library and leading the effort on the Pride festival. He is organized and likes things a certain way and puts everything he is into something. But when he hears that he will be working with Ethan, he isn’t thrilled. From what he remembers of Ethan, he never wanted to participate in things back in high school that wasn’t hockey. What if he doesn’t put any effort into this? But Andre doesn’t know the truth about Ethan’s struggles, will they both be willing to listen long enough to get to know the other? There is definitely an attraction between these two and I love how they were able to open up bit by bit with one another. Once they truly got to the know the other, they realized just how much in common they have and how wonderful the other person is. There will be challenges for them but if these two are willing to fight for one another then they’ll find their happy ending! I really enjoyed this latest book in this series and I’m looking forward to more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For Puck’s Sake Book 12: Red Lined by Crea Reitan

For Puck’s Sake Book 12

 Maybe you can order love online…

Julian

I’ve spent a short lifetime learning that what people say they want is rarely what they actually want. What I hope for is a relationship where both of us feel comfortable together. I think I finally find what I’m looking for in a mail order bride.

Then he shows up. While I’m surprised, it doesn’t take long for me to understand that he’s everything I need and all I’ve ever wanted. But then he’s gone and I’m not sure what to do.

Arush

I make a deal with my father: The next time I return home, it’ll be with my husband. Otherwise, he’ll arrange my marriage. I agree because I’m sure that the man in the profile is perfect. I embark on a journey that takes me half way around the world to fall in love. Things don’t go as I hoped at first. Falling in love takes more time than I planned.

But then my sister is in a car accident and my father summons me back to India. Julian… he just lets me go. Now I’m bound to accept the man my father chooses for me.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228642153-red-lined

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Julian has watched a lot of his close friends lately find the the love of their lives. Being traded so often and coming home to no one has really taken a toll on him over the years. Add in his sexuality of being asexual, it makes it harder for him to find the right partner. He doesn’t want to be lonely. He wants someone to come home to and make a life with. So when he comes across a way to find someone, he takes a chance. But it isn’t until Arush arrives from India does he realize that his mail order bride is actually a man. Guess he should have read more carefully, huh? But the thing is, he isn’t disappointed. Especially when he gets to know Arush. They are compatible in the most important of ways. Now Julian just has to figure how to navigate a meaningful relationship. All he knows, he doesn’t want to let go of Arush. Arush knew he wanted to find a husband to build a home with, but it hasn’t been easy. Like Julian, he has his own feelings and preferences when it comes to his sexuality and finding someone to complement that is difficult. Until he comes across Julian’s profile. Could he have found the perfect man? Maybe, except he can’t help by doubt it when he sees Julian’s surprised face. But the more they spend time together, the harder Arush falls and he can’t help but wonder, if this will work out. Because he isn’t ready to say goodbye to Julian. These two were so sweet! Their relationship took this slow and steady pace despite the fact that they found one another online with the intent to get married soon. It was sweet to watch them fall in love and despite both of them having some trouble with communication, they did alright in the end! I loved Arush’s supportive family and getting to see Julian’s friends. Such a fun story overall! And I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

War of Lost Hearts Book 0.5: Ashen Son by Carissa Broadbent

 

War of Lost Hearts Book 0.5

Maxantarius is a skilled magic Wielder and a military rising star. But in one terrible night, he has learned that glory is bloodier than he ever could have imagined. 

War has broken out, thrusting his family into the center of a savage conflict. In its wake, Max is chosen to compete for the title of Arch Commandant.

The title is all he has ever wanted. But the competition is merciless, and victory will mean fighting against the love of his life… all while he must navigate a war that threatens to destroy those he treasures most. 

As allies and enemies alike draw blades at his back, Max learns that no victor walks away with clean hands. 

It’s only a matter of how far he’s willing to go

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60354430-ashen-son

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This is a short story that follows Max way before book one begins. Max has started making his way up in the military and with an ambush in his own home, war is closer than he could have imagined. The story ends with the announcement of him and others being nominated for successor of the Arch Commandant. What I liked about this short story was seeing Max at a very different stage in his life and his family. It’s a small taste of what was going on before everything and who he was. One downside to this story is that is was the promise of part one of four and from what I can tell that was never finished. Still, it’s worth a read if you loved the series. I liked reading it last because it connects to a few things I didn’t learn about until the final book.

The War of Lost Hearts Book 3: Mother of Death & Dawn by Carissa Broadbent

The War of Lost Hearts Book 3

 Tell me, little butterfly, what would you do for love?

In the wake of a crushing defeat, Tisaanah and Maxatarius have been ripped apart. Tisaanah is desperate to rescue Max from his imprisonment, even as her people’s fight for freedom grows more treacherous. But within the walls of Ilyzath, Max’s mind is a shadow of what it once was… leaving his past a mystery and his future at the mercy of Ara’s new, ruthless queen.

Meanwhile, in the Fey lands, Aefe has been dragged back into this world by a king who vows to destroy civilizations in her name. But even as her past returns to claim her, her former self is a stranger.

Tisaanah, Max, and Aefe are thrust into the center of a cataclysm between the human and Fey worlds. The unique magic they share is key to either winning the war, or ending it. 

But that power demands sacrifice. Tisaanah may be forced to choose between love and duty. Max cannot forge his future without confronting his past. And Aefe must decide between reclaiming who she was, or embracing who she has become.

The choices they make will either reshape this world forever…or end it..

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58303345-mother-of-death-dawn

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I devoured this final book of this series. After the way the last one ended, I just had to find out what happens next. And the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. What a crazy way to end this series! Picking up shortly where the last book left off, things are a mess. Tisaanah is desperate to get Max out of prison and out of Nura’s corrupt plans. But she also has to finish fighting this rebellion she has started for her people. Max’s mind is fractured. He can’t remember a lot of things and is tortured for information and his power. And then there is Aefe. Brought back but confused on what she is and who she is and what to do next. There is a lot going on in this story. Just when something is done, another thing begins. The story came together beautifully. It was really satisfying to see how everything comes together and ends. Even with so many different sides, they were all fighting so hard for what they believed in and their people. Plenty of action, romance, and magic this world was so interesting to be in. I’m so sad it’s over and that the author had decided against a spin off she thought about! Definitely check out this series if you haven’t. It’s worth it to make it to this final epic book!

Dark Olympus Book 9: Tender Cruelty by Katee Robert

Dark Olympus Book 9

 I was his wife. His lover. His sworn enemy. The ice queen to Olympus’s most hated king.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Hera and Zeus.*

The barrier that’s protected Olympus for generations has fallen. The enemy’s breached the gates and the Thirteen are scrambling to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the city they’ve sworn to protect. At least they would be if they weren’t at each others’ throats instead.

Hera has no intention of letting her husband, Zeus, survive the oncoming storm. But despite the white-hot hatred burning between them, when Hera and Zeus are forced to work together, enmity crystalizes into something brighter. Hotter. Too powerful to deny or destroy.

Hera never bartered on falling in love with the man she married―the man she once swore to kill. But now, standing back-to-back in the ruins of Olympus, she may be forced to admit that she’s been wrong about Zeus all these years…and there may be something about their marriage worth saving if they can survive long enough to turn sworn enemies into something more.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209116174-tender-cruelty

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Zeus and Hera’s book has finally arrived! We’ve watched these two circle one another for a while now. Forced to marry and pitted against one another despite having the same goals in a way. But underneath all the so called hate is more emotion than either of them are truly willing to admit. However, the time has finally come for these two to admit what they feel for one another and lay their cards on the table. They finally get a chance to take off their masks and be Perseus and Callisto. The story picks up where the last one left off and now it’s Perseus and Callisto telling the story. Circe has arrived and is causing all sorts of chaos. She wants the Thirteen destroyed and is willing to go whatever lengths to do it. Hermes is still in the background playing on her own side. Perseus and Callisto both want to stop Circe but with her new threats, doing so is harder than ever. And now these two also have to face their feelings for one another. A true enemies to lovers story here. I’ve been looking forward to seeing exactly what the two of them are thinking and what they actually want for their futures. We are at the final stages of this storyline and the next book is going to be wild. I can’t wait to see how it all ends!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The War of Lost Hearts Book 2: Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent

The War of Lost Hearts Book 2

 No war can be fought with clean hands. Not even the ones waged for the right reasons. Not even the ones you win.

Tisaanah bargained away her own freedom to save those she left behind in slavery. Now, bound by her blood pact, she must fight the Orders’ war -- and Max is determined to protect her at all costs.

But when a betrayal tears apart Ara, Max and Tisaanah are pushed into an even bloodier conflict. Tisaanah must gamble with Reshaye’s power to claim an impossible victory. And Max, forced into leadership, must confront everything he hoped to forget: his past, and his own mysterious magic.

All the while, darker forces loom -- far darker, even, than the Orders’ secrets. 

As Tisaanah and Max are ensnared in a web of ancient magic and twisted secrets, one question remains: what are they willing to sacrifice for victory? For power? For love?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52617662-children-of-fallen-gods

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Tisaanah must fulfill her blood pact and fight a war on behalf of the Orders. Even if it means fighting for someone who she rather not. But she has no choice. Especially when Zeryth does something that ties even Max’s hands together. They will fight but they will do it their way. Meanwhile, we get a new point of view and story at the same time. We meet Aefe. A Fey who learns humans are here in Fey lands and killing all those in their path. She teams up with other Houses in a wary alliance in search of answers. But what she finds is nothing like she expects. At first, reading Aefe’s story confused me on the purpose and the tie in. But man, when you learn just exactly HOW her story ties in? Insane. Such a crazy twist. Everything comes together so smoothly by the end of this story. And leaves us with a pretty insane cliffhanger. The stakes just get higher and higher as the story goes along. Just when you think one battle is won, another starts. And we learn some new horrifying truth. All I know is that I gotta pick up the next book asap to see how this story ends!

Scoring Chances Book 2: Body Check by Brigham Vaughn

 

Scoring Chances Book 2

The last thing Gavin Racine needs is more heartbreak …

Following an ugly public divorce, all Gavin wants is a little stress relief in the bedroom and to put together a winning roster. Unfortunately, his busy and chaotic schedule as the Boston Harrier’s general manager and president of hockey operations means he cancels more hookups than not.

When Gavin reluctantly hires Dakota Crane as the team’s yoga and Pilates instructor, their first few meetings leave them annoyed … and intrigued.

With a struggling team to manage, a complicated relationship with his twin brother, and a secret from his past threatening to upend the success he’s fought so hard for, Gavin absolutely shouldn’t start something with his employee.

Personalities clash, sparks fly, and the chemistry is undeniable. But neither of them are looking for love.

Dakota’s been burned before and the last thing he wants is another messy relationship. Especially with his new boss.

Falling in love is nowhere on his agenda and nothing is worth putting his fresh start in Boston at risk.

But what if learning to work together is exactly what Gavin, Dakota, and the team needs?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223623558-body-check

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Gavin and Dakota are no strangers to heartbreak. For Gavin, he had a messy divorce and looked back to realize that his ex really didn’t love him the way Gavin thought he did. And after all that, plus his job just getting busier and busier, a relationship is the last thing he really needs. He needs someone who understands his demanding scheduling and is okay with it. For Dakota, a relationship is not on his mind at all. His ex did a number on him in many ways and the biggest at the moment was leaving Dakota with a mess of debt while he disappeared. No way is he ready to trust anyone with his heart again. Dakota and Gavin getting together for even just a physical relationship is the last thing you would expect from these two after their disaster of a first meeting. But little by little, they warm up to one another and start to get to know each other. And the attraction between them is certainly there, but to let it happen knowing they are coworkers? Well, it’s a risk they realize eventually they want to take. This starts the beginning of what ends up being a really wonderful relationship. The two have a long way to go when it comes to trust and their hearts, and it takes them a bit to realize they want more, but in the end so worth it! These two weren’t what I expected when I opened this book. I thought I had a pretty good idea of who they were when we first met them in the previous book, but I was wrong! And that was okay! I loved getting to know these characters and seeing their struggles. It made them so much more real. And though they clash a lot, they also balance one another at the same time. Lots of twists and turns in their story, but they get their well deserved happy ending! Can’t wait to see who’s story is next in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The War of Lost Hearts Book 1: Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent

 

The War of Lost Hearts Book 1

A former slave fighting for justice. A reclusive warrior who no longer believes it exists. And a dark magic that will entangle their fates.

Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.

Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders.

The Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future… or the downfall of them both.

But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders’ deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart.

Even if it means wielding death itself.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49826643-daughter-of-no-worlds

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This book was a delightful surprise! The story went in a direction I really did not see coming and it made it just that much more interesting. Our story follows Tisaanah. A slave who on the night she tries to buy her freedom, finds herself escaping within an inch of her life after killing her owner. But she arrives exactly where she wanted to be. The Orders. A powerful organization that wields magic and with powers of her own, she knows she needs to learn what she can and bring reinforcements back to her homeland. All she wants is to free her home and those who are slaves like her. This leads her to Max. Once part of the Order, he left years ago and for very good reasons. While he refuses to mentor Tisaanah and get her ready for the evaluation that she is desperate to pass to truly take another step toward her goal, he eventually bit by bit decides to help her. And once evaluation day comes? Well, like I said, the story takes a very interesting turn. This world is so different than any other. I adored getting to know Tisaanah and Max. Their stories are so raw and terrible and yet these are two survivors. They need one another in ways neither truly realized until they get to know one another. I loved watching their relationship grow as they become reluctant acquaintances to friends and then to something even more. A really great story all around with so much left to explore! I can’t wait to dive into the next few books!

Smithton Bears Book 1: One-Time Shot by Lane Hayes

Smithton Bears Book 1

 The jock, the geek, and the hockey project…

Jett

My pro hockey dreams are hanging by a thread. I need to have a great season and that means no partying, no distractions, no fun. The grad student pestering me for science-y help on his thesis is the definition of no fun, so…okay.

Pros and cons of agreeing to this 

Positive use of free time. (At least that’s what my agent says.)

Malcolm likes big words and his first language is math. He’s also bossy, clumsy, and he doesn’t know the first thing about hockey.

But he’s also cute and he’s got a great sense of humor and—oh no.

I cannot have a crush on the geek. No way. Not now.

Malcolm

Yes, I’m a serious student, but a hockey project is not serious. Who cares about big hunky hockey players zipping around a sheet of ice at warp speed? Not I.

According to my professor, however, the only way to attain the required data is to study the specimen in his natural habitat, AKA, the ice rink.

My thesis should lead to a bevy of job offers.

Jett. He’s impossible—too big, too handsome, too gruff and yet disarmingly charming and—

Okay, fine. I like the jock…a lot.

Lately, I find myself wondering if there’s such a thing as a one-time shot at forever.

One-Time Shot is a low-angst, geek-jock MM college hockey romance featuring a charismatic hockey star and an adorkable scientist.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228946912-one-time-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jett has been working his butt off to make his hockey dreams come true. But the start of senior year isn’t exactly going as he wants in terms of winning. He needs to get out of his head a bit. A little distraction to keep him from worrying and playing the game he worked so hard at. Who would have thought it meant saying yes to a science project. It wasn’t Malcolm’s idea to make his project based on hockey. What even his hockey? Malcolm honestly has no clue how the game works. But his mentor insists it can help his physics paper. So he tries to convince the best player on the team at Smithton to help him out. And after some light stalking, Jett agrees. Their deal is simple, Jett runs these experiments on the ice for Malcolm and Malcolm has to learn hockey from Jett. The two of them form an unlikely friendship while also developing big crushes on the other. And it’s only a matter of time until they finally do something about it. Really loved this story! Malcolm was this adorkable nerd and Jett was just this super sweet hockey guy. Opposites in a lot of ways but they actually had more in common than either realized. I loved their dynamic and the way they became friends and how it just built from there. Super cute! Can’t wait for more in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love in Maplewood Book 5: Can You Feel the Maple Tonight by Bix Barrow

Love in Maplewood Book 5

 Catching feelings for my friend with benefits? Surely there’s a song about that...

When my musical mentor asked me to help his old buddy put on a music festival in Vermont, I thought it’d be a nice break from my regular life. Not that my life has been regular lately. My twin left to go be an actor, and I’m not on tour for the first time since I was a kid. Working on a project like this is just what I needed.

But I’d barely arrived in Maplewood when I almost ran over a teenager, heard about a local cryptid, and got shouted at by a fanny-pack wearing, floppy-haired, thirty-something veterinarian named Finn. Who was adorable. When he wasn’t yelling, of course.

This being a small town, I keep running into Finn no matter how I try to avoid him. Only, as much as he rubs me the wrong way, I wouldn’t mind him rubbing me the right way if you know what I mean.

Turns out he feels the same, so we agree to stop bickering and start lick...er-ing. Whatever. You get my drift. It’s all just casual, friends-with-benefits fun, a physical release. And that’s all it can be, because I’m only in town until the festival is over. Then it’s back to my regular life.

But someone should’ve warned me that Finn’s actually sweet. He’s always doing thoughtful little things for me, and he’s so supportive of his teenager. How can I keep things casual in the face of all that? But it’s way too soon for either of us to be having “feelings”. Maybe I can find an excuse to stick around a little longer....

Can You Feel the Maple Tonight is a low-angst, small town contemporary MM romance with an age gap, a single parent, musical interludes, something strange in the woods, a giant tortoise, hats for every occasion, and a murder chicken.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230413991-can-you-feel-the-maple-tonight

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Drake doesn’t realize what he is getting into when he agrees to help run a music festival in Maplewood. He also doesn’t expect how exciting his arrival is including rescuing a teenager who was running out of the woods because he say the town’s cryptid! And he really doesn’t expect to meet the teen’s guardian, Finn, and have so much chemistry between them. You know, when they aren’t bickering. Maplewood is nothing like Drake expected and the longer he is around, the more he is tempted to stay. Especially when he starts hooking up with Finn and feelings start catching. But will Finn feel the same? Can Drake really stay in Maplewood? It’s been a while few months for Finn. When his best friends die unexpectedly he finds himself the parent of a teenager. Keeping Charlie safe and happy is all he wants. But then suddenly, he meets Drake. And what may start out as just a friends with benefits situation since Drake is only here for a short while turns into so much more when feelings start catching. But is the time right? I really enjoyed Drake and Finn’s story! Their banter was fun and the town’s shenanigans just get more hilarious! I loved how these two start to fall for one another. Another fun story in this series! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love in Maplewood Book 4: Bee-tween the Music by Chantal Mer

Love in Maplewood Book 4

After walking away from a career with the orchestra he’s played in for the last decade of his life, Dmitri Fairchild has spent a year figuring out his next steps. And he hasn’t come up with much. Burned out or midlife crisis, either way, he wants to find his love for music again.

Ever King returned to Maplewood ten years ago and hasn’t looked back. Between his apiary services, his shop, and playing his cello, the beekeeper is perfectly content. But his satisfying life feels a little less fulfilling when he meets the visiting violinist. The only problem, Ever doesn’t date tourists.

When Dmitri and Ever submit to their instant attraction, sparks fly. A fling may be what they both need to step outside of their comfort zones. As they explore new opportunities in life and in love, can they find a way to make music together and reignite lost passion?

Bee-tween the Music is a low-angst, small town, contemporary MM romance with instant attraction, a sexy violinist, a cello-playing beekeeper, and a town of nosey–um, I mean invested–neighbors.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230763721-bee-tween-the-music

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

After a terrible break up and leaving his career with an orchestra, Dmitri is figuring out what next. The break up may have been a blessing in disguise because his career was starting to take a toll on him. Losing his love of music isn’t something he ever wanted, but how could he not be tired by the pressure of it? Now, Dmitri finds himself in Maplewood and what started as staying just for a week to record an album with his friends, he finds himself staying longer and longer. And that is mostly thanks to Ever. The connection between Ever and Dmitri is instant. And though both have their own past bad relationships, they find themselves breaking their own rules for one another. Ever’s biggest fear now is the day Dmitri tells him he is leaving. Because how can he not when he has so many opportunities left for him? But Maplewood keeps surprising Dmitri in more ways than one. While he is falling hard and fast for Ever, he is also finding his love of music again. I adored Dmitri and Ever! They were this adorable insta-love couple who deserve all the love in the world. They deserve their happy ending. I loved getting to know these characters in this fun place! Another great book in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shifters Unbound Book 16: Stray Cat by Jennifer Ashley

Shifters Unbound Book 16

 The elusive mate bond … 

For Lindsay, a lynx Shifter, it’s always been Xav, but will he share the mate bond she's forming with him?

When Xav goes missing after one of his missions, Lindsay thrusts aside all doubts and focuses on one thing—finding Xav.

Xav has had the best times of his life in Lindsay’s presence, though she’s impetuous and wild, which makes him crazy with worry. He’s not sure the two of them can be serious about anything, especially something as important as their relationship.

When danger from one of Xav’s old enemies, as well as Shifters who insist Lindsay choose a mate, threatens to tear them apart, Xav and Lindsay must trust their instincts, grabbing onto the bond that makes them stronger together.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230935734-stray-cat

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Always fun being back in this world! And now we get Xav and Lindsey’s story. We’ve met both in the past but now we get to explore their relationship. These two have been circling one another for a long time. How they aren’t officially together baffles everyone. The two just can’t seem to admit to the other that they want to be together for good. For Lindsey, she wants what all shifters want. A mate bond. To her, what if she can’t form one with Xav? What if she does but he doesn’t because he is human? She knows how she feels about him but what if what he feels just isn’t as strong? For Xav, it’s kind of the same. He knows that that if he goes fully in and they don’t have this bond, that someone could show up and have one with Lindsey and she would be taken from him. Is it worth risking his heart? What these two fail to realize that in holding back, they are truly delaying any bond that could form. But lucky for them things are about to change and decisions need to be made if they are finally in or are ready to let one another go. When the two are pulled in to find a missing person, they’ll have to work together. But with all their missions, danger is just a step away. I really enjoyed Xav and Lindsey’s story! It was definitely a finally these two are getting it type of story. Lots of laugh, romance, and of course some great familiar faces. This world is always a blast to come back to and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Day River Dingoes Book 1: Jaded by Lex Easton

 

Day River Dingoes Book 1

Hockey prodigy Nat Taylor should’ve followed his father and brother to the NHL, but a dream-shattering mistake cost him his career. Now at thirty-five, he's desperate to give his teenage daughter a better life while struggling to hold onto his job as a Zamboni driver for the failing Day River Dingoes. But when a spicy meet-cute with the Dingoes’ new captain sparks something far hotter than friendship, Nat finds himself worrying about more than just his daughter’s college fund.

Captain Olli James has one goal—make it to the NHL. His rocky mental health has thrown his otherwise promising career into question, but saving the sinking Dingoes could be his ticket to the big leagues. However, a certain moody, broody bad-boi Zamboni driver might prove distracting … Especially when Nat turns out to be the secret star of a gritty underground league called the Ice Out—the town's favorite new hockey phenomenon.

It’s no wonder the locals prefer the illicit fight-club hockey over their home team. The Dingoes are a rotating door of players passing through on their way to something better. Olli’s no different. An outsider won’t save the Dingoes, or Nat’s livelihood. But maybe together, Nat and Olli can unite the town and the team—make the Dingoes matter again. It might give Olli a reason to stay and Nat a new dream worth fighting for.

JADED is a gritty MM hockey romance and the first book in the Day River Dingoes series. Expect slow burn, grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers, mental health rep, plenty of hurt/comfort, some funny banter, and lots of bonding over emo poetry and metal music.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231217815-jaded

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Nat Taylor is a hockey prodigy who should have followed his dad and brother’s footsteps to the NHL. But growing up with that weight on one’s shoulders isn’t easy. And it led to mistakes that eventually cost him any chance of a future like that. Now, many years later, all he wants is to give his teenager a chance to get out of their hometown and a better future than he ever had. Nat has been stuck in this limbo of figuring out his future. He holds on to hockey as close as he can because it’s part of him but he just can’t seem to figure out what to do. But when Olli James arrives in Day River as the new captain on the minor league team, things start to change. Olli has always wanted to make it to the NHL but battling anxiety and depression has always stirred up some issues on the ice when it came to some bad days. But being in Day River isn’t what he expected. And meeting Nat was definitely not on radar. Olli gets inspired to help this team more than ever. The community has long lost their belief in them and it’s time to change that. He has a lot of ideas and with Nat by his side, they may just pull it off. I loved Olli and Nat’s story! There was so much going on with these two, together and apart. And I loved that they were able to help one another in ways neither expected. They were able to build this friendship that turned into so much more. While also helping their community at the same time. A really great story overall and I can’t wait to see more from this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders

 

He was my beginning. And my never-ending.

Ellis

There’s a lot I’ve never told my best friend. The fact that I love him. That I miss him every day he’s gone. That, sometimes, I ache for him with a ferocity that leaves me breathless.

Lucky Buchanan tore into my life as a boy, wild and daring, my opposite in every way. He drew me in, stole my heart without trying. He hears me, even though I rarely speak a word. But I always knew this place wouldn’t be enough for my free-spirited friend. I knew he wasn’t mine to keep.

So why, when I finally try to get over him, does he sweep back into town? Why is he upset? Why is there tension between us for the first time in years?

I never saw a future where Lucky could be mine. But now, unless I want to lose my friend, I might not have a choice but to tell the truth. My heart belongs to him. It has from the start.

If only I knew how to hold onto a creature that’s meant to fly.

To Catch a Firefly is a standalone, childhood friends-to-lovers romance told in dual POV. There’s epic levels of pining, a neurodivergent MC with selective mutism, two friends who always come back to one another, glass hearts and romantic declarations, and a HEA beneath the night sky.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203499988-to-catch-a-firefly

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ellis and Lucky have been best friends and inseparable since the day Lucky moved in next door to Ellis. Unhappy to have moved in the first place, Lucky never wanted to be in their small town in Nebraska. But Ellis makes it worth it every single day. And while Ellis is quiet and has some trouble speaking his thoughts, Lucky is able to understand him in a way no one else does. Their bond is sweet and beautiful and they are everything the other wants. If only they had the courage to say so. For Ellis, he knew that Lucky wanted to see and explore the world. He has never been shy about it. And even when he realized his feelings for Lucky, he could never ask him to stay. And Ellis could never leave after learning his mom was sick. He always loved their town anyway. It’s home. And he’ll always be here for Lucky. He may not be able to tell him his true feelings but as long as Lucky still wants to be his friend and come home, he’ll be there. Lucky knew he always wanted to leave but he refuses to lose Ellis in the process. When Ellis pushes him to pursue his dreams, he goes with reluctance. But he stays in touch with Ellis through it all. And through the years it takes Lucky a while to realize that he is in love with Ellis but he believes Ellis doesn’t feel the same. And it only takes them a moment of courage to realize they could have everything they always wanted if they are brave enough to take that leap. I adored this story. I loved how their friendship slowly turned into so much more. They grew up together as their relationship grew as well. And only when they were ready did everything finally come together. Such a sweet, sweet story! I couldn’t put it down.