Money Shot by Eden Finley & Saxon James

Finn

When my sister moves from Chicago to Edmonton to get married, I take the opportunity to follow her. My life has become a lonely existence, only ever having time for work. The closest thing I have to a relationship is a one-sided affair with Gunner–the hottest cam boy on the app Money Shot.

This move will be good. It will allow me to slow down and sort out my priorities. Maybe I’ll even have time for a real relationship with someone in person.

The problem with that is, the only person to catch my eye in Canada is the commitment-phobe best man. There’s something familiar in the way Curtis moves. In his smile. Every interaction we have convinces me I know him from somewhere. When it clicks, it takes way too long to admit that Curtis and my favorite cam boy might be the same person. What are the actual chances my dream man is about to be my sister’s new brother-in-law?

The last thing I want is for Curtis to think I’m a creep, so I decide to unsubscribe, only it’s harder than I thought it would be. Getting to know Curtis in real life, and Gunner online, has made things murky, and the smart choice is to cut things off and pretend like it never happened. 

But I never said I was smart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239149521-money-shot

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Finn’s sister moves to Edmonton to get married, Finn decides to take this opportunity to follow her there. He loves his sister and wouldn’t mind being closer to her and he also just needs a change. As he helps with the wedding plans though, he never imagines that the groom’s best friend would be the cam guy that Finn is obsessed with. Or the guy that his sister is trying desperately to set him up with. At first Finn can’t figure out why Curtis is so familiar. But there is no denying the attraction between them. One that Curtis reciprocates but who is also very against any relationship. But when Finn figures out who Curtis is, well it gets very challenging to figure out how to tell him that he knows. And lines get muddled when Finn messages Curtis under their fake names in what was an attempt to pull away but their connection shines just as greatly there. Talk about complicated! Curtis has been against relationships for a while. All his exes have hurt him one way or another so he refuses to go through it again. But sweet awkward and genuinely the nicest man ever, Finn, makes it very hard for Curtis to keep to his rules. And when things takes an interesting turn when identities are revealed… well Curtis will have to decide if keeping his walls up are truly worth it. Or risk losing Finn for good. A fun story filled with humor and mischief and a sweet love story! Finn was adorkable and you just can’t help cheering for him to win Curtis over. They both seriously deserve some happiness! I loved how these two connected so easily and yet getting them to a relationship was a challenge that was worth it by the end. Great story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Games We Play Season 2 Book 4: Against the Odds by

The Games We Play Season 2 Book 4

Callum

I've wanted to play pro hockey since I was nine years old. That's when my grandfather looked at an angry, hurting, orphaned kid and said, "A sport might be a good way for you to work some of that out." Sadly, in the Under-11s division, punching people wasn't part of the game, which is how I ended up a goalie, to keep me out of temptation's way. Well, plus I'm good at it.

Now I'm in the PHL, and have the second-best record (and yes, the most penalties) of any goalie in the league. I'm aiming for the NAPH and when I make it, I'm going to pay off my grandfather's mortgage and get the family store back out of debt. I'm not going to let anything derail me, not my high-school crush moving in next door, nor my least-favorite uncle showing up. But sometimes determination isn't enough to keep life going my way.

Zeke

I joined the Vancouver police department to honor my military dad after he passed and do good in the world. But a long stint undercover left its marks, and now suddenly I'm the guardian for my twelve-year-old half-brother. I'm rethinking everything about my life, and scrambling to fit a bereaved pre-teen into my shift work. Only help from my elderly neighbor, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and his hockey player grandson, Callum, lets me keep my head above water.

My attraction to Callum is a whole other problem. I'm trying hard not to let my appreciation for red hair and strong muscles and blunt honesty get out of control. Because Callum's gay but he's definitely not out and not looking for a relationship. We're just convenient. I'm not going to be the one to mess up his single-minded drive toward the top professional league. Until the day he comes to me, asking for help, and everything changes.

The Games We Play - Season 2 - is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239815295-against-the-odds?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=0Q4arQgvoY&rank=1

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Callum has one dream. To play in the NAPH. He has been working hard in the minors for the day he will finally get pulled up. He hopes it is soon and in the meantime he will keep proving himself by winning games and keeping up with the shutouts since he is the goalie. The pressure is on especially when he wants to help his grandfather out financially. He sacrificed a lot to raise Callum when his parents died and his grandfather is really all he has. Though when his high school crush moves back home to raise his half-brother, well, things get a little complicated. Especially since Callum isn’t out yet either in fear of what may happen to his career. Zeke’s life is turned upside down when his stepmom dies and he has to raise his half brother, Josiah. Thankfully he was left as the guardian in the will and won’t have to hand him off to his stepmom’s awful family. But raising a grieving teen isn’t easy. But getting to know Callum? That has definitely been a nice thing in the mix of the chaos. And it isn’t long until these two are hooking up and falling fast. But then Callum’s shady uncle is let out of prison and comes back causing a whole lot of trouble. Can Callum lean on Zeke for help? Or will he try to face his issues alone? I really enjoyed Callum and Zeke’s story! They balances one another well. This story had a lot of action that kept you on your toes as well as being fun and some great romance! And of course hockey! Looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bride Book 2: Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Bride Book 2

A Human hybrid and an Alpha Were claw against the bonds of fate in the highly anticipated companion novel to the New York Times bestselling Bride.

Serena Paris is orphaned, pack-less, and one of a kind. Coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to heal a centuries-long rift between species. Instead, it made her a target, prey to the ruthless political machinations between Weres, Vampyres, and Humans. With her enemies closing in on her, she has only one option left—if he’ll have her.

As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen Alexander commands obedience. His authority is so absolute, only a fool would threaten his mate. It doesn’t matter if Serena doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.

But power-hungry Vampyres and Weres are not the only threats chasing Serena. Sooner or later, her past is bound to catch up with her—and Koen might be the only thing standing between her and total annihilation…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228256271-mate

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I was beyond excited when I heard that Bride was getting a sequel about Serena and Koen and it has finally arrived! And it was so not disappointing in the least. For those who haven’t read Bride, definitely be sure to do so! There are definitely some spoilers and you will just understand the world a whole lot better. There was so much about Serena’s past we didn’t know by the end of the previous book. Where did she come from exactly and how is she half Were and Human? A lot has changed for Serena in a matter of months. In the hopes of creating more peace and pulling attention from anyone discovering another hybrid, she reveals herself to world…and finds herself as a target to more than one group. And if that isn’t enough, Serena has a secret that she has been keeping and one she is determined to hold on to tight for as long as she can. When she is attacked after isolating herself in a cabin in the woods, Koen has had enough. He brings her to his territory to keep her face and stop the threats once and for all. And oh did I mention? Serena is his mate. But that comes with a whole load of other complications. And getting their happy ending? A little tricker than you might imagine. I loved this book. It was such a fun read! I’ll admit, there were a few things I predicted early on but it didn’t keep me from enjoying the book any less. I loved Serena and Koen’s interactions. Their banter was hilarious and had me in stitches. And now you can truly understand how Serena and Misery are not just friends but sisters in every way but blood. A great book all around! I would love more stories in this world if it’s an option!

Toronto Thunder Book 1: Perfect Storm by Beth Bolden

 

Toronto Thunder Book 1

When the sexy little brother of Aidan’s best friend suggests a hookup pact, it's the perfect storm for a bi-awakening . . .

Toronto Thunder quarterback Aidan Flynn always believed he was straight, until his close friend and favorite wide receiver signs with a team across the country. Distance opens his eyes and unlocks a desire he can’t deny. Even if his feelings aren’t returned, Aidan still wants to learn more about this part of himself.

Frustrated and a little heartbroken, the last thing he expects is for his crappy mood to get called out by his best friend’s little brother. Or for Levi to offer, on one drunken night, a pact: if Aidan never gets together with his guy, Levi will show him everything he’s been missing—and wanting—in bed.

It’s a stupid promise, fueled by booze and heartbreak, and Aidan expects that Levi will never call him on it.

Except Levi does. He shows up at Aidan’s house in Toronto less than two months later, not only willing to fulfill his side of the pact, but now signed to the Thunder as Aidan’s new right tackle. Aidan assumes it’ll be easy to get rid of him, but Levi is charming and persistent, and he not only ends up living in Aidan’s house, but sleeping in Aidan’s bed.

It’s easy and fun and the best hookup Aidan’s ever had in his whole life. It’s so good, in fact, Aidan starts to experience feelings he believed were long gone, traded away with his friend. Maybe with Levi in his life, love isn’t such a lost cause, after all.

They’re great on the field and between the sheets. But when Aidan’s past returns, he must decide whether Levi also has a place in his heart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239049373-perfect-storm

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s finally Aidan’s story! And he isn’t the only Flynn that falls for a Banks. It’s taken Aidan a while to realize that he was in love with one of his best friends. And when he has the courage to tell him, he is let down gently. A bit heartbroken he gets much needed space from his friend so he can wallow a bit and try to move on. But he never imagines that Levi Banks, the youngest of the Banks, would be the person he was actually meant to be with. Levi makes a pact with Aidan that a year from now if they were both single, Levi will show him what being with a guy is like. But a kiss later changes a lot for Aidan. Never had he felt that connection before with someone. Before he can really decide what to do next, Levi is gone. But not for long. Because turns out Levi is traded to Aidan’s team and will be moving in with him. The more these two spend time together, the more feelings start to form for both of them. But admitting them? Risking their hearts? Well, that’s one risk they’ll have to take before it’s too late. I loved these two! It was really nice to get Aidan’s point of view and see he how hard he is trying and unsure of himself so much of the time. But with Levi, he feels safe and happy. He never expected Levi to be that person for him and he is falling fast and hard without really realizing it. And Levi is just so fun and sweet and caring. He stands by Aidan’s side and wants to do whatever for him because he sees exactly who Aidan is. They were such a great couple and I loved getting to know them and watch them fall hard for one another! A great start to this new series set in a such a fun world! I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Foster Bro Code Book 3: Control Freak by DJ Jamison

Foster Bro Code Book 3

I'm the bossy brother ...

Controlling the world around me is the only way I feel safe. Childhood abuse has left me scarred inside and out. But control makes me feel strong.

Unfortunately, I can’t control everything I want--including my body's panic response to touch. It’s hard to share affection with my brothers, much less anyone else. I’ve all but given up on a romantic relationship.

My only intimacy is with a camboy who can give me what I need without triggering my trauma. Shiloh is beautiful, warm, and sensitive. We're not just camboy and client; we're friends. It’s not everything I crave, but it’s more than I’ve ever had.

Then I find out he’s in trouble—and I can’t stand by and watch him get hurt. I bring him home, pushing my boundaries to protect him. But once he’s in my safe space, so close and inviting, my temptation wars with preservation.

Can I overcome my touch-aversion for a chance at real love—or will I just hurt us both?

Control Freak is Book 3 of Foster Bro Code, about a group of foster brothers who have made a pact to have each other's backs as they heal and find their way to love. TW for references to childhood abuse, lingering trauma and anxiety, and physical assault/violence on page.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235151723-control-freak

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Holden’s story has finally arrived! I’ve been beyond excited to get Holden’s story and it’s finally here! Holden is the older and bossy brother of the group. He is protective and wants to be there for his brothers no matter what and for anything. But doing so isn’t always easy when he has a touch aversion. Trauma from his childhood has left him unable to truly touch anyone without leading to a panic attack. Lately he has been trying to break it more with his brothers, but still it isn’t easy. And finding love and a physical connection with anyone? Impossible. Until he finds a new way to get some intimacy he needs. He meets Shiloh online, a camboy who has become a lot more to him than that. Especially when they tend to talk maybe more than have sex over video chat. So when Shiloh ends up in danger, Holden has no problem jumping in to help. Having Shiloh in his space is more than he could ever have imagined. And when the two of them slowly get closer physically, the more hope Holden has that maybe he can move past his trauma. And the more he gets to know Shiloh, the harder he falls for him. One bad relationship for Shiloh left him with some bad people demanding he give them money his ex owed them. And when things blow up too much, Shiloh is grateful that Holden gives him a place to hide and regroup. And he’ll admit that for a while now he has had a lot more feelings for Holden than he’ll admit. But being with him everyday? He is falling harder and harder, but will the past come ruin everything? I adored these two! I couldn’t wait for Holden to get his happy ending. The guy more than deserves it! I loved watching their relationship develop throughout this book. Holden’s trauma isn’t something that can magically go away so I loved watching them take it slow as they figured out what a future together could look like between them. Adored their story! And I can’t wait to see where the last brother, Bailey’s story takes us!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Adrenalin Book 4: Brave by Michele Lenard

Adrenalin Book 4

Blake – I never meant to hide who I am.

But in a small town where your well-meaning neighbors have no boundaries, I learned early on that keeping my private life private is just… easier.

Which is why, when a work trip takes me out of town and I find Jace, I let myself explore the spark between us.

Ditto with Kane.

Separately.

Obviously.

I know one-night stands aren’t supposed to make you feel seen, but that’s exactly what happens with Jace.

And Kane.

Either man could be more than a fling, if my life looked different.

But I’m not leaving the only home I’ve ever known, so “more” isn’t on the table.

…Until it is.

Fate decides to be messy and they both show up in my town—one right after the other—wanting to pick up where we left off.

What's more, it turns out they already know each other.

Intimately.

Now I’m juggling feelings for two—two—men, and trying to keep that a secret from one very small town that sees everything.

The math isn’t mathing.

But choosing feels just as wrong.

Then Jace says I don’t have to.

The easy road has never made me happy.

Maybe it’s time to be brave enough to choose the hard one.

Brave is a steamy, lighthearted MMM romance full of chaotic found-family vibes, small-town banter, swoony spice, and three men learning that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is fall in love.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241160221-brave

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Blake never really expected to find his person in his small town. And keeping his sexuality a secret was something he never really meant to do either. But small towns have a way with gossip and the last thing he wanted was anyone to talk about him. So his hookups are done in secret or not in town. So when a work trip leads him to not one by two hookups that feel like anything but, he can’t believe it. Or the fact that they show up in town one after another looking for more. Blake just decides to start a relationship with Jace when Kane arrives. And the biggest twist? Jace and Kane have hooked up in the past before. Fate has really come for them all. Because all of three of them feel the same way about one another. Like they are meant to be. And while Blake and Kane wonder how a relationship can work with three people, Jace is sure they can do it. But getting them all on the same page may be tricker than any of them expect. Another great story in this series! You can see the chemistry clear as day between these three. All three deserve happiness and deserve one another. And if given the chance, they can be exactly what they have been searching for and missing. I really enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the next one!

Duke Brothers Book 5: The Moment They Can Never Forgive by Lani Blake

 

Duke Brothers Book 5

She swore she’d never come back. He swore he’d never forgive her. They were both wrong.

Seven years ago, Leah Reynolds walked away from Lyntacky—and from Dan Duke—the night her world fell apart. Now she’s back, raising her nephew after her sister’s death, determined to keep her heart locked tight.

But Dan isn’t the boy she left behind. He’s the town’s deputy, the man who once broke her trust, and the only one who can keep her safe when danger comes looking. Wanting him again is a risk she can’t take… but resisting him may be impossible.

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/232399462-the-moment-they-can-never-forgive

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Dan’s story has finally arrived! Seven years ago Leah ran of out of town with her sister after her father’s arrest and her boyfriend being the one to make the arrest. Now, she has returned with her young nephew has his guardian since the passing of her sister only months before. Returning home isn’t easy. Not with the memories that come with it or the man she left behind. Seeing Dan again brings back all the pain of feeling betrayed but also that her feelings may not be completely gone like she wishes they were. And even when a part of her knows as she was older that he isn’t too blame, the feelings both good and bad are still there. But she is determined to make a life here for her nephew. Even if it means swallowing her pride when those of the town are determined to help her. Dan has never felt for anyone the way he feels for Leah. Even years later. And when she comes back, it is clear that her anger is still there. It’s better for them to move on. But that doesn’t stop his feelings from coming back. Not when he knows that they were always meant to be. They’ll need to hash out the past and sort through their feelings once more if there is a chance of a future for them. But is the past so easily erased? Really liked Dan and Leah’s story. This town is always fun to come back to and it was only a matter of time until the youngest Duke got his happy ending. The past between Dan and Leah is complicated but the love they had for one another is still there. And they could be happy if they give it a chance. Another great story in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stonefire Dragons Book 17: Claimed by the Dragon by Jessie Donovan

Stonefire Dragons Book 17

Soon after Grace Butler is rescued from a dragon hunter prison, she’s taken to Clan Stonefire for protection and given two choices—leave her babies with the dragon-shifters forever or mate a dragonman to stay. Unwilling to abandon her children, she accepts an unexpected proposal from Dr. Trahern Lewis. The Welsh dragonman is a bit aloof, rarely meets her eyes, and keeps mostly to himself. However, after talking with him and setting boundaries, she becomes his mate. But as she gets to know him, she foolishly wishes for more than a mating in name only.

Dr. Trahern Lewis likes his world ordered and relies on routine. However, for reasons he doesn’t fully understand, he offers to mate Grace and become an instant father. Despite his reservations, he starts to want more from the human female, especially as she helps him get along better with his dragon. However, before he realizes he wants a mate in truth, he’s called away for research and is soon fighting for his life.

Can Grace lure Trahern back from the brink? Or, will his thirst for knowledge and research take him away from her forever?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242248436-claimed-by-the-dragon

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We are on book 17 in this series! Which is just wild to me and that doesn't even count the several other clans that have stories too. We are many, many books in this universe and they still have me hooked. We learn something new in each one. And I loved the new things I learned here! This story is about Grace and Trahern. Grace was held captive for months by dragon hunters but was saved in time to give birth to twins. But that didn't erase the horrors she had to endure. But since she is human she has a decision to make. Give up her children or accept a very unexpected proposal from Trahern. She won't give them up, so she will mate with Trahern. But she never expects to fall for him along the way. Trahern knows he is different from other dragonshifters. His childhood was anything but good. It's turned him away from others and the ability not to be able to read other people or understand emotions very well. His relationship with his dragon has also never been strong due to a lot of reasons. But he won't abandon Grace. He wants to help. And along the way he will learn more about himself than he knew. And maybe find a way to achieve a happiness he never thought would be possible for himself. I adored this story! These characters are so different than what we've seen and we learn quite a lot more about dragonshifters. I was hooked and just so engrossed in Grace's and Tahren's backgrounds and wanted to learn more and hope these two realize what kind of love they could have together if they give it a chance. Another great book in this series! And as always I can't wait for more.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Peach State Fratbros Book 2: The Frathole by Devon McCormack

 

Peach State Fratbros Book 2

MARTY

Rule follower, goody-goody, Mr. Kills-Any-Fun-He-Can-Hunt-Down—call me whatever you want, but I won’t apologize for keeping our frat house safe.

Something that’s even more challenging this semester when we wind up housing members of our rival frat.

To keep this from becoming a complete catastrophe, I volunteer to room with Sigma Alpha’s Ryan Lorde.

Linebacker, player, and all-around troublemaker.

Ryan’s a cocky bastard who doesn’t think the rules apply to him, so it’s not long before his wild antics lead to him being placed on probation.

But just when I think we’re about to be free of the nuisance, he presents an appealing proposition—a peace offering to help me flirt with the girl I’m crushing on.

I’ve never had much talent in this department, and Ryan has the skills to get any girl he sets his sights on.

Maybe it’s a horrible idea, but it’s too tempting to resist.

What starts as flirting lessons leads to Ryan and I locking lips.

Now suddenly I realize exactly why he’s so popular with girls.

Even worse, I can’t get enough.

And before I know it, I’m in too deep with Sigma Alpha’s biggest frathole.

*This is the second book in the Peach State Fratbros series. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234676472-the-frathole

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The tension between Marty and Ryan only escalates when the two of them must share a room together in Marty’s frat house. Marty has always been the one to follow the rules and watch out for everyone. But Ryan tests him at every turn and Marty has had enough and enough of a stand to make Ryan be on his best behavior or he is kicked out of the house. Ryan knows he may be pushing his limits just a bit and he really doesn’t want to get kicked out. So he decides to play nice. In doing so, he decides he will help Marty when it comes to his flirting skills, something Marty isn’t too good at. But when one things leads to another, they find themselves unexpectedly hooking up themselves…and liking it. A lot. Especially with one another. Is it just because this is the first time either has hooked up with a guy? Or is it this tension between them finally revealed to what it actually is? Either way, they want to find out. And keeping their hands off one another gets harder with every passing day. And when they actually talk to one another and get to know the other rather than the assumptions they’ve always made? Well, these two are definitely in some trouble. I loved Marty and Ryan’s story! They really know how to drive one another nuts and I loved that they slowly began to realize what that actually meant for them. There was always something between them but neither really realized what it was and over time it just morphs into something more and more meaningful. You just want to shake them and make them realize that they had feelings for one another! A fun story overall as they two discover who they are and what they want. I am definitely looking forward to the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.