Tuesday, September 30, 2025

New York Gods Book 4: The Substitute by Andi Jaxon & JR Gray

New York Gods Book 4

Competing with my step-brother for my roommates attention makes me hate him so much more than I already do.

I saved his life the same night I burned mine to the ground and now the guy who’s haunted my dreams for months is my new roommate. This should be great except I met him on the worst night of his life and all he sees is that I’m a hockey player.

Only made worse when my cocky, confident, infuriating step-brother, Savage, decides to flirt with Tobi to get under my skin.

Jealousy eats at me when I see life coming back into Tobi’s eyes when he smiles at his phone.

Savage knows it too, pushing me into competing for Tobi until my head is so twisted I don’t know what or who I want anymore.

Now I have to see his pretty face at my door and on the ice.

I can’t have my dream and both of them. The media will eat me alive.

Right?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230466590-the-substitute

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

With the way the last book ended, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Tobi’s story. And it didn’t disappoint! Tobi has felt alone and invisible for a while. And it breaks him a bit when he finds out that his best friend, who he has feelings for, has been seeing his brother behind his back. He’s hurt and confused and feeling a lot. And it’s overwhelming to a really bad point. But someone stops him from doing something on his darkest day and months later that person shows up back into his life as his new roommate. Ambrose never thought he would see Tobi again and kicks himself for not getting his name or number. But what are the chances of him being his new roommate? Feels like fate. But this time Tobi doesn’t want much to do with him since he learns Ambrose is a hockey player. Doesn’t mean he’ll stop trying. Even when his stepbrother, Savage, starts hanging out with Tobi too. It’s a fight for Tobi’s affections between them. And as for Tobi, he can’t really choose between them. He starts having feelings for both. They all know about one another. They all know the stakes. Yet…the three of them can’t stay away from one another. I really liked this story! It’s clear that Tobi needs both Savage and Ambrose in his life. They care about him even when Tobi doesn’t know how to believe or handle that. And neither are letting go. It’s a MMM story with a slow build up for the the three of them to become more. But it’s an emotional journey as all three have things they have gone through. They work best together in more ways than one and I loved watching them fall in love and realize they finally found what they’ve been looking for. Another great story in this series and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, September 29, 2025

Vipers Book 1: Beautiful Venom by Rina Kent

 

Vipers Book 1

From New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes a sizzling dark hockey romance set in a new glamorous secret world.

In a den of vipers, revenge is the deadliest venom.

They shattered my world; now, I’ll bring down theirs.
The problem? I have virtually no way to trace the puppet master.
My only lead: The Vipers.
An elite college hockey team that rules the ice—and the shadows beyond it.
To infiltrate their secret society, I set my sights on their weakest link.
Kane Davenport.
The charismatic captain and the lone green flag in a nest of serpents.
But too late, I realize I’ve enticed the most venomous snake.
Kane’s friendly façade hides a predator more dangerous than I imagined.
He quickly unveils the monster lurking beneath the surface.
A monster who lured me in only to trap me in a lethal game with no escape.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221274930-beautiful-venom

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Dahlia only has one person in her life that matters to her. So when that person is harmed, she vows to find out what happened to her sister and why. When she learns that the person behind her sister’s attack is part of Vencor, she uses the biggest lead she has to find a way in: the Vipers. The elite college hockey team that has more than one member part of their society. She has nothing left to lose and willing to risk everything to make her plan a reality. And she sets her sights on Kane Davenport. She believes he is the lesser evil and least likely to harm her as she tries to find answers. Little does she know, he may be the worst of them all. A monster underneath his skin and one that Dahlia has provoked. She just doesn’t know it yet. Kane has spent years maintaining control. But Dahlia comes charging into his life and throws all his carefully laid out plans out the window. He thinks he can maintain control. He thinks he can wipe her from his system, but the more time they spend together, the deeper she gets under his skin until it’s too late. A wild ride for Dahlia and Kane. Another intense start to this new dark romance series where we definitely get so meet some interesting characters. Which I cannot wait for these next two books! This story had plenty of twists and turns and just when you figure one thing out, you learn something new. It’s intense and everything you expect from a Rina Kent book. I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes. 


Sunday, September 28, 2025

Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood


When a vampire slayer loses all his memories, the only person who can help him is the vampire he’s tried to kill for centuries in this unforgettable short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.


When Aethelthryth—“Ethel” to her modern-day Manhattan neighbors—finds her sworn nemesis Lazlo Enyedi with no memory of who or what they are, an ancient hunt becomes an unexpected chance at forbidden passion. He’s crashing on her couch, solving her sudoku puzzles, and looking at her like she’s his eternal flame (minus the whole bursting-into-ashes part). As his memories slowly return, Ethel realizes she might be in danger of losing more than just her head…

Ali Hazelwood’s Hot for Slayer is part of Scared Sexy, a deliciously dark collection of Halloween romance where things that go bump in the night might just steal your heart. These seductive stand-alone stories blend chills and heat in the perfect Halloween treat—each designed to be devoured in one sitting.


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ethel has been alive for a very long time. Turned into a vampire without her consent, she has done what she could do to make the best of it. Only hunting those who deserve it so she can survive. But with every vampire there is a vampire slayer. And Lazlo has been chasing her for centuries. But what happens when Lazlo shows up just to save her from another vampire and loses his memories in the process? Ethel has no idea what to do. And thew way Lazlo acts around her, telling her he may remember nothing but he knows how he feels about her? Yeah, her world just got turned upside down. And she can’t help but wonder what will change between them when he gets his memories back. I would have loved to read a whole book ont these two! The curse of a short story! But despite the story being short, I really enjoyed it. Ethel and Lazlo were super interesting and the chemistry between them was great. A great love story between a vampire and vampire slayer. This was a fun short story just in time for Halloween season.

Friday, September 26, 2025

A Nico DiAngelo Adventure Book 2: The Court of the Dead by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro

A Nico DiAngelo Adventure Book 2

New York Times #1 bestselling authors Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro collaborate again on a new adventure in which demigod Nico di Angelo teams up with his half-sister Hazel Levesque to protect . . . monsters?

A few months after returning from the depths of Tartarus, demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace agree to join Nico's half-sister Hazel Levesque at Camp Jupiter on the West Coast. She needs their help in managing a situation that the boys inadvertently brought about: the demigods showed the monsters of the Underworld that they have options; they don’t have to be evil. 

Now some of those monsters have taken up residence at Camp Jupiter to seek refuge. Nico and Will are on site, assisting Hazel when one by one monsters start disappearing from camp. A mysterious dark force is at work, and its plan is to punish all monsters for their past crimes. 

Things only get worse when Nico, Will, and Hazel learn that they’re all connected to it . . .


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This will never not be one of my favorite worlds. I love coming back to it time and time again. And I have been especially loving this new series that follows Nico and Will! Their latest adventure has arrived months after their trip to Tartarus. And they learn that that particular adventure has led to some interesting developments. Nico has definitely been on the restless side lately. Used to always having to fight and be ready for anything, it’s strange that nothing has happened in months. So when Hazel asks for him and Will’s help at Camp Jupiter, he has no hesitation in agreeing. Yet what they find there is the last thing he could have ever expected. Turns out the Minotar aka Asterion and other so called monsters are tired of being well “monsters.” They are learning they have a choice to do something else and wish to pursue that safely. And they find themselves asking for sanctuary in Camp Jupiter. But that change isn’t exactly easy. Demigods have been taught for generations to protect themselves and others from monsters. So inviting them into their home is a bit of a challenge to accept. However, Hazel is determined to make it so. And with the help of Nico and Will, she knows they can prove to everyone that things will work out. But when their new friends start to disappear, they realize something else is going on and they’ll all have to work together to stop this new dark force. I loved this book! Nico and Will are favorites of mine so of course I’ve been excited for another story about them. And I love that we get to go to Camp Jupiter to catch up with Hazel and Frank! Feels like it’s been a hot minute since we’ve been there. This was just another fun adventure, filled with humor, and so many more Greek myths. With powerful lessons to be learned as well. I adore this world and am always looking forward to the next one!

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Sins of the Father Book 2: Sweet Vengeance by Riley Hart

 

Sins of the Father Book 2

Cillian

I can’t figure out why I’m so intrigued by Ollie Gibson.

He’s nothing like me—soft where my world is hard, sweet and kind while I’ve grown up around violence.

But there’s a fire to him that sparks the one inside me, loyalty that calls to me, and bravery I respect even if it gets him in trouble.

When Ollie’s hurt and we don’t know if the men who attacked him will come back for more, I can’t stop myself from claiming him. There’s nothing I won’t do to protect him, even go behind his back for vengeance.

I crave him—both the sweetness and the fire, the innocence and the dirty boy he turns into under my touch.

I’ll kill for him, turn my world upside down for him, share my pain and secrets with him. Ollie helps me deal with it all—even the drama with my father.

It’s supposed to be temporary. I’m not supposed to want more, but I’m determined to keep him, and for a reason I can’t understand, Ollie wants me too.

The future lawyer and the criminal. The Good Samaritan and the killer. We’re living between two worlds, this place where vengeance can be sweet and our differences don’t matter. But we both know it can’t go on like this forever. If the violence of my world doesn’t tear us apart, one day Ollie will walk away…and I don’t know how to let myself lose him.

Content Warning: Sweet Vengeance contains discussion and grief over the loss of a parent, violence, darker themes, drug use, and morally gray characters with no redemption arc. This is still a Riley Hart romance though, so you can expect a happily ever after for our guys.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236605377-sweet-vengeance

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The day Cillian lost his mom, he lost his dad too. His father let his grief consume him to the point where he lost his connection to Cillian. But luckily Cillian still had his cousin, Tiernan, and his best friend, Rory, by his side. They are his family. One he will do anything to protect. But when Ollie, Dean’s (Tiernan’s boyfriend) roommate, is attacked, Cillian snaps. Ollie is his to protect. He may not understand what it is about that Ollie that intrigues him, but he will never let anyone else harm him. Though Ollie tries to fight against Cillian’s protective nature, he can’t help but be grateful to it too. He knows the rumors that Cillian and his family are in the mob. He knows he should stay away, but he feels that connection to Cillian too. And the more they spend time together, the more Ollie realizes the world isn’t black and white. And that sometimes love is stronger than anything I adored Ollie and Cillian. Ollie wasn’t afraid to stand up for himself against Cillian and his family. He knows they are dangerous but he doesn’t let them walk all over him. They respect him more for it. And Cillian needs someone like Ollie in his life. Someone who won’t walk away and let him be a safe place to land when things are hard and too much. They balanced one another out way more than either expected and loved one another just as fiercely even when they believed it may not be a good idea. This was another great story in this series. I loved getting to know these characters more and I’m definitely excited for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available Now!

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Wilde's End Book Cover

WILDE'S END

The Wilde Men #1

by Saxon James

Release Blitz

Release Date: September 25, 2025


Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs

Photo: Wander Aguiar Photography

Model: Liam F.


Genre: M/M Bi Awakening Romance Standalone

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, small town, city boy x wild man, grumpy x snarky, hate f*cking

Microtropes: I had no where else to go, scars reveal, bearded Cinderella moment, get out of my town


Synopsis


Hudson

Give me the smallest reason to make a bad decision, and I’ll jump in with both feet. Case in point: thinking that drunkenly buying an abandoned town with my brothers is a good idea.

As builders, we plan to renovate and flip the town, maybe turn it into something worth seeing, but the longer we’re here, the more things feel … off.

It’s not until a bearded mountain man breaks into my room in the middle of the night and threatens for us to get out of his town that I realize Wilde’s End isn’t as abandoned as we were told.

But there’s nothing waiting for me in the life I left behind, and in making his demands, Wilde has accidentally tapped into my competitive side.

Terrible decisions? Me?

Wilde can bring it on.


Wilde

I escaped to Wilde’s End twenty years ago, and since then I’ve dedicated my life to the town and the people who live there. Because if I focus on others, I don't have the time or energy to face everything I’ve been running from.

The Bellamy brothers coming to town is like three horsemen of the goddamn apocalypse. They leave destruction in their wake, and when the eldest, Hudson, ignores my very kind request to leave, it’s time to take things into my own hands. Protecting this town is all I know how to do.

But I’ve never faced someone like Hudson.

His stubbornness matches mine, and his attitude has an irritating way of worming under my skin. The more I push him, the harder he pushes back, until we’re locked in a game neither of us will walk away from.

With his smart mouth, bullheaded recklessness and those damn eyelashes I’m starting to question whether I can win this one.

But if I lose, this town isn’t the only thing on the line.


Add to your TBR List!

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Purchase Link

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


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About the Author

Saxon James unapologetically writes happy endings for LGBT+ characters.

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

Member of SCBWI.

Connect with Saxon

Website: https://saxonjamesauthor.com/

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Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Vermont Trailblazers Book 1: The Best Parts of Him by Amy Aislin

Vermont Trailblazers Book 1

Sometimes the sweetest victories happen off the ice.

Ryland Zervudachi lives for the game of hockey—and for the chance to build the kind of team unity that will carry the Columbus Pilots all the way back to the playoffs after last season’s crushing defeat. Off the ice, though, there’s one goal he hasn’t managed to score—the heart of Kyle Dabbs, the Vermont Trailblazers’ team captain and his long-time crush.
Kyle Dabbs has built a life centered on quiet strength. After a childhood scarred by his father’s verbal abuse, Dabbs pours his energy into his career on the ice and the book series he’s written to help kids like the boy he once was. He doesn’t need someone flashy, loud, and spotlight-loving like Ryland turning his world upside down.
But when an untimely appendectomy leaves Dabbs stuck at home, Ryland—recovering from an injury—shows up to help. Between late-night Scrabble competitions, pumpkin-carving mishaps, and long talks that peel back layers they’ve both kept hidden, Dabbs begins to see past Ryland’s bold exterior.
With chemistry sparking and walls crumbling, both men must decide if they’re ready to risk their hearts for something even better than a championship: love.


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ryland has had a crush on Dabbs for a long time. And now he wants to prove to Dabbs that they could be good together if given a chance. He isn’t the guy Dabbs thinks he is, and if he gets to know Ryland, he may just agree that they belong together. Dabbs thought he had a reason to keep Ryland at a distance. But when they spend time together, he realizes maybe he was wrong. And when Dabbs gets hit with an unexpected appendectomy and Ryland is injured from a game, Ryland shows up to help Dabbs as he recovers. Living together, even brief, gives the two of them to truly get to know one another. They don’t know a lot about the other until then and their chemistry really begins to show. And it’s only a matter of time until these two are finally on the same page. Loved these two! They were so adorable and sweet and just went together so well. They balanced one another so nicely. Encouraging one another and seeing them for who they truly are. Loved this story! And I can’t wait to get more books from this series. It was definitely a fun one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Punk as Puck Book 3: Absolutely Pucked by EM Lindsey

Punk as Puck Book 3


Sometimes the one-night stand you meet at a bar on the outskirts of town shows up at your house a month later to reveal he’s the one man you were never supposed to touch.

My friends are all I have, so I’d rather lose my other leg than do anything to hurt them. But how was I supposed to know the bearded stranger at the bar that night was the one person who hurt my best friend beyond repair?

I never would have known who Killian was if he hadn’t turned up at my door a month after our little tryst. But here he is, on my doorstep, with nowhere to go and a sob story that wounds my already bleeding heart.

I should turn him away, but I can’t. Killian makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

And he’s the first man to ever look at me like I’m a whole person and not just shattered pieces from a bad accident and a broken family.

How can I give that up?

My only job should be to protect my best friend, but the heart wants what the heart wants. All I can hope is that in the end, when truths are finally revealed, I won’t have lost the only people who love me for exactly who I am.

Absolutely Pucked is a forbidden relationship, found family, MM hockey romance in the Punk as Puck series, which is best enjoyed in order. It features a para-hockey player with a love of classic horror films, a chip on his shoulder, and a determination to be better than his family ever thought he would be, an estranged man with a past full of lies, sins to confess, who never believed he was worthy of a good man, a scraggly alley cat with high end taste, secret dates, making out in store rooms, playing amateur private eyes, the merits of forgiving not only others but yourself, and a steamy-sweet happily ever after.


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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This ended up being my favorite of the series. I was so curious to how we were gonna like a guy like Killian after meeting him in book 1 briefly and how much his twin brother has to say about him. But the story only proves that there is always two sides to every story. And we get to learn what happened in the past and what is going on with Killian now. And how Ford ends up being the one who is there for him. And how these two fell for one another. Ford has been watching his best friends, those who he consider his family, find the loves of their lives. He’ll admit he is lonely. And one night at a club, he meets someone who he just can’t seem to shake. But when the guy disappears the next day, he can’t help but be disappointed though he knew they could only have that night. So he can’t be more shocked when that guy comes back and now that he cleaned up his look, is his best friend’s twin brother. The same brother who he has heard for years about. But Killian isn’t exactly what Tucker described. And Ford realizes that maybe they don’t know the whole story and that what Killian telling him is true. Killian has had in rough. When he catches his wife cheating, she not only reveals her true colors about their present but about their past and how she played him and his brother both. And now she has made a sick game of terrorizing him and dragging her feet in this divorce. With everything going on he finds himself essentially homeless. No place to live, no money, and no way to move forward, he finds himself in his brother’s town. Wanting to speak to him but not wanting to ruin his brother’s happiness. Meeting Ford wasn’t part of the plan. But the kindness Ford showed him when they met was something he couldn’t shake. And even when they find out who they are to one another, he is even more surprised Ford let’s him stay. These two were so sweet to one another. I loved watching them fall hard for one another. I thought I wouldn’t like Killian, but I ended up really liking the guy. And Ford deserves happiness too and together the two of them are perfect for one another. I love a good redemption story and this definitely was that! This was a fun series and I’m glad we are getting a spin off with some other characters in this series! I definitely wasn’t ready to let go of this world just yet!

Monday, September 22, 2025

Deaf Hearts Book 0.5: The Deaf Chef by EM Lindsey

Deaf Hearts Book 0.5

Whoever convinced me to eat at the food truck on campus needs to be covered in honey and left out for the ants because the guy that runs it?

He’s a total asshole.

Granted, I might have pissed him off by overstepping my bounds, but I was trying to do him a favor. After all, he’s Deaf and I’m an interpreter here at the college so why wouldn’t I help out when he needs it?

Which, okay, maybe he didn’t ask for help, but I was distracted by his gorgeous smile and his biceps. Sue me.

It doesn’t take long for me to learn his name: Mellie.

Or what he likes to do for fun: work out at the gym.

But it does take a little patience and an incident with a vicious wasp for both of us to figure out that while we might come from different worlds, we have a lot of shared interests. Namely making out in the back of his truck.

And it also doesn’t take long for either of us to realize we definitely want more.

This story was originally published in the Delicious Charity Anthology, but now it's available for free download through Prolific Works.


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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This short novella follows Rhett and Mellie and opens this series up very nicely! So nicely, I wish I realized it was there and read it before book 1! It gives us a nice introduction to the characters and the world. Rhett is an interpreter at a college and can’t help but be interested in the chef at the new food truck. But getting off on the wrong foot isn’t what Rhett had in mind. Lucky for him Mellie is equally interested. Though it takes a minute for it to be willing to admit it. Having met them when I read book 1, it was nice to get more of their story on how they meet and ended up a couple. A very short and sweet novella that you don’t want to miss if you are interested in this series!

Deaf Hearts Book 1: Kiss-Fist by EM Lindsey & Cora Rose

 

Deaf Hearts Book 1

Whoever convinced me to join the gym needs to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Or, at the very least, suffer with a pillow hot on both sides every night, because this? This is terrible.

Running? No thank you.
Lifting? Who needs biceps anyway.

Now, I will say the eye-candy is nice. Especially my new personal trainer with the tattoos and dimples. But that’s all he can ever be: eye candy.

Because he’s fit and I’m not.
He’s gorgeous and I’m, well, me.
He’s hearing…and I’m Deaf.

For some people that might not be an issue, but for me, I have rules. And I’m a stubborn man who will not break them, not even for that sexy crooked smile that almost makes me forget my own name.

But I don’t date men who can’t speak my language, and while we can say plenty with our bodies, that’s where our communication ends.

Still, the longer I spend with him, the more I’m starting to realize there may be more to this relationship than frantic, feral office hook-ups. After all, he might be the first hearing person to learn sign for me. And he’s one of the first people I’ve ever known to make me feel worthy.

So maybe, just maybe, that’s worth a little compromise.

Kiss-Fist is the first book in the Deaf Hearts series and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. It's a spicy MM enemies to lovers rom-com featuring a grumpy professor, a sunshine gym-bro, and their swoon-worthy happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235441130-kiss-fist

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Robbie has one rule when it comes to his dating life. To date someone who is Deaf like himself. It’s much easier and less stressful to have that in common with your partner. But Robbie has to admit that his current hook up life has gotten very dull. It’s not what he wants anymore. So he needs to figure it out. In the meantime, he does force himself to finally go to the gym. And while it’s a major regret, at the same time it’s not. Because that’s where he meets Thom and everything changes. Thom is his trainer, who while is not a Deaf person, he does have the basics of ASL and is learning. And Robbie very much attracted to him and boy does that begin the breaking of all his dating rules. But how can he resist Thom? Sweetest man ever who is determined to learn for ASL for Robbie so they can communicate better. And by the way Thom is staring back at Robbie? Looks like he isn’t the only one interested. But can Robbie really break his rules for Thom? Will he actually prove to be different? Thom is smitten with Robbie the moment they meet. And while his ADHD and dyslexia proves to be a constant challenge in his life, he does have a knack for picking up languages quickly if he has the right tools to learn. And he is more determined than ever to learn ASL so he can talk to Robbie. And while he may waver in his confidence, he continues to fight for Robbie. Because deep down he knows that if given the chance, they can be something great. These two were very sweet! Robbie is definitely our grump to Thom’s sunshine personality. But I loved how smitten the two of them were with one another. It was clear that there was a connection between them that could lead to so much more if they were brave enough to try. We also met some interesting characters and I’m definitely excited to read more in this series!

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Promises Promises Book 3: Promised Secret by Rye Cox

 

Promises Promises Book 3


He stole my first kiss when he was ten, then my heart at fifteen.

My crush was destined to lead to nowhere when our parents announced they've been dating and plan on marrying.

Now they expect me to act like a family with the man I've been crushing on—my new stepbrother—and I can't imagine a worst hell. But for them, I'll do it. Even if every one of his smiles makes me fall in love a little more while also killing me inside.

It doesn't help that Clay is too nice for his own good. I mean, who kisses their stepbrother even if it is to comfort them? Much less offer up his body when I'm pretending to be depressed from a breakup I really couldn't have cared less about.

I know I'm taking advantage of his kindness, but how can I stop when it means I can possess him, even if it is for a short while? Maybe once I get him out of my system, I can finally put this stupid crush to rest. We can return to playing the happy family, and I won't have to disappoint my father or break our family apart. 

If only it’s that easy to stop loving someone...

Promised Secret is book 3 of the Promises, Promises series set in a small town with meddling neighbors and a tight community of friends and family. It can be read standalone but is better read in a series. This book features stepbrothers, pining, situationship-to-lovers, and adorable and super smart pet rats.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234012783-promised-secret

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

The moment Dan and Clay met as kids, they became best friends and never wanted to be without the other. But for Dan, he realized at fourteen that his feelings for Clay were beyond friends. He was in love with his best friend and was gathering the courage to tell him. Until their parents announced they had been secretly dating for a while and decided to get married. Dan’s heart broke realizing he was too late. Through the years, the two of them remained inseparable and while Dan thought he could move on, he never did. But lately, Dan has truly hit his limit on the pain of loving someone who doesn’t love him back. He has to move on. But doing so proves harder. Especially when Clay won’t let him go. Clay has never wanted to be without Dan. Dan is his person. His person to protect and care for and give him kisses when he is sad and… yeah Clay is starting to realize that feelings he has for Clay is anything but brotherly. Clay is starting to wake up to what Dan is to him but is it too late? What a rollercoaster! Poor Dan has been trying so hard to fight his feelings and Clay does not make it easy on him. I love that Clay was finally recognizing what his feelings for Dan were. He just needed that push to put the pieces together. It was so clear how much they loved one another and they just really needed to bring it out in the open.This has been a fun series so far and the way this one ended, it is clear who is up next and it’s definitely going to be a wild ride! I can’t wait!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Totally Pucked Book 3: Flagrant Foul by Jesse H. Reign

Totally Pucked Book 3

He’s my brother’s best friend. I’m the annoying kid who followed him everywhere. 

Now we’re playing for the same team.

Sev Delorean is an NHL D-man with an excess of swagger and stickhandling techniques that made him world famous. He’s the bane of my existence and my reason for living.

He's strictly off limits though. My brother has made that perfectly clear.

I can't have him, but I can obsess over him.


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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Teddy has been in love with Sev since he was a teen. His brother’s best friend has been in their lives so long and Teddy has always been by their side for the most part despite the four year age difference. And through the years what started as a crush turned into so much more. But nothing has happened. Nothing can happen because again, brother’s best friend. But playing on the same NHL hockey team has become torturous. Even more so when Sev insists on being Teddy’s new roommate. And one night, Teddy snaps. Enough is enough. He is going to show Sev why they would be good together. He’ll show him what he is missing. Sev has had feelings for Teddy for a few years now, but knows he can never do anything about it. Not when his best friend has made it so clear in more ways than one. Sev has always thought he knew how to read Teddy and how to respond to keep himself in check. But Teddy’s thrown away the rulebook, and suddenly, it becomes harder and harder every day to remember why he couldn’t cross the line. And it’s only a matter of time until something snaps. Oh man, these two. They really tug at your heart strings the more we get to know them. Their relationship is so much more complicated than it at first appears. Not when you learn the deeper meanings of what is going on with them. You just want them to be happy and together. I really enjoyed their story despite the emotional rollercoaster these two put me through! In the end, they more than deserved the happiness they get by being together. Another great addition to this series!


Friday, September 19, 2025

Love the Game Book 4: The Poster Boy by EM Denning

Love the Game Book 4

One goal to make a career.

One kiss to derail a life.

Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight.

Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after. Only, not everyone is pleased with the attention Marek is receiving, and he finds himself traded to a different team.

Separated from his home and his sister, Marek vows to handle the shots thrown at him. He throws himself into being the best goalie he can for the his new team, but no matter what he does, he can't earn the friendship of the hot and broody defenseman, Jay Brookbank.

One text message to turn it all upside down.

Marek might be out and proud, but Jay is not, and after seeing the fallout from Marek's grand reveal, he doesn't want to be. Unfortunately, he still has needs and unfortunately, the faceless torso on the other end of the hookup app turns out to be none other than Marek Myers.

One hookup to change everything.

All Marek wants is someone to accept him for who he is, and Jay needs someone who can put up with his bullshit. The two of them are perfect for each other, but there's one big problem—Jay doesn’t like Marek. Maddeningly, he can’t stop thinking about him.

He doesn’t want to see Marek again, but he can't stay away.

He’s absolutely not falling for Marek, and he’s definitely not willing to risk it all for him.

Right?

RIGHT?!

***

The Poster Boy is book four in a brand new sports shared world. Love the Game features books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.


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My Review: 4/5 Stars

One night out changes everything for Marek. Outed against his will, he does his best to roll with this new reality of being in the media’s spotlight. Instead of trying to hide, he’ll fake it and embrace it. Perhaps being out will help those younger kids be comfortable with who they are as they aim to play professional sports. But playing nice with the media backfires when his hockey team trades him not long after. Moving to a new team from his sister, his only family, is hard. Especially when he struggles with change. But he’ll put a smile on his face and try his best. What he doesn’t expect is for his new teammate, Jay, to take an instant dislike to Marek. Marek can tell immediately that whatever beef Jay has with him started way before they met. So what is his deal? Marek is everything Jay fears. Coming out without consent and having the media in your face. It drives Jay crazy that Marek makes it look so easy. And he just can’t get over his grumpiness about it. But when these two find an alternative to deal with their tension, neither are prepared the chemistry that sparks. They are falling for one another hard but with Marek being out and Jay not, can they even hope to have a future? I am really enjoying this series so far! Marek and Jay were definitely out sunshine and grumpy couple. It took a bit for them to really give one another a chance, but once they did, they were quite sweet. Definitely looking forward to more from this series!