The Wilde Men Book 3: Lynx’s Ruin by Saxon James

 

The Wilde Men Book 3

Sasha

I'm prey. Weak little helpless prey. At least, that's what I let the wild men in Wilde's End think. I haven't trusted them one bit since I've been stranded here, and after Lynx tries to kill me, I know my instincts were correct.

At least until I'm forced to spend more time with the machete-wielding animal. He's got a past he won't talk about, and a protective streak that anyone else would find suffocating.

Anyone but me.

And when he extends that protection to me, it feels better than I expect it to.

I still want out of The End, but maybe I can have a little fun first.

Lynx

I'm a predator. When I was young, I promised myself that no one would ever get past my defenses again. People call me scary and unhinged, but they can think what they like so long as my town is safe.

The influx of outsiders to Wilde's End already had me on edge, and then in stumbles Sasha. A small, weak, walking tragedy. I have no idea how he's survived this long, but something about him calls to me. Everything from his pretty eyes to the way he bites back at me and fights battles he has no chance of winning.

I'd assumed he was prey.

But the more I push, the more I feel like I'm the one being hunted.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255455415-lynx-s-ruin

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Lynx hates outsiders. His job is to protect everyone in Wilde’s End. Yet somehow, people keep coming right on in. And the latest? Sasha. When Lynx looks at Sasha, all he sees is his vulnerabilities. The thought of someone not being able to protect themselves is something he cannot stand. So even though he wants Sasha gone, he also can’t let him get hurt. But being around Sasha is dangerous. Because he stirs feelings in Lynx he long buried. He can’t love anyone again. Not after all he lost. Is he really prepared to be destroyed all over again if something happens to Sasha? Especially when Sasha is being hunted by some pretty bad people? Sasha wants to leave. He just needs his car fixed. Yet, he finds himself drawn to Lynx the more and more they spend time together. He is seeing what Lynx never lets anyone else see. So even when the day comes and he can leave, will he be able to? I was definitely excited for these two, opposites in so many ways, I was looking forward to seeing just how Sasha breaks down Lynx’s defenses. There is a lot more to Sasha than people see and it was nice to see Lynx surprised at every turn. And when it comes down to it, these two really need one another and are good for one another. Really loving this series so far! And I’m so excited for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hockey Bros Book 2: Charlie by Beth Bolden

 

Hockey Bros Book 2

There’s nothing Charlie Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick.

When Avery’s traded to the Bandits mid-season, it should be the happiest day of Charlie’s life. Charlie loves having his big brother around again, but not everything is roses and sunshine.

Charlie’s best friend Max—and the guy he’s secretly been in love with since his rookie season—is suddenly challenged by the team, the media and the fans to step up and be better leadership material than the newest Barnes addition. Everyone’s tired of the Bandits losing and the big trade means that winning is no longer optional.

Being captain of the New York Bandits isn’t always easy, but Max Meier loves it. Loves the team and his teammates enough to give up his dreams of playing hockey in his native Germany.

But there’s nobody he loves more than Charlie Barnes. He never dreamt Charlie might return his feelings, until a leaked video makes it crystal clear Charlie feels the same.

It’s a challenge, navigating the intense politics of a hockey team, even without the big brother of your unrequited crush hovering over your shoulder.

This time, though, Max is determined to ace every test, score the goal, and win Charlie, once and for all.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251815679-charlie

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Reading the first book in this series, when it came to Max and Charlie your first thoughts are definitely, “Wait, what do you mean they’re not together?!” Makes zero sense when you see how those two are with one another on and off the ice. And we are finally getting some answers and a much deserved happily ever after for these two! Charlie clearly has feelings for his best friend, Max. And apparently, it was mutual. Three years ago, Max told Charlie how he felt, but Charlie lied through his teeth after being convinced that being with a teammate was a bad idea and that his priority should be hockey. So he broke both their hearts and they remained friends. But at the same time, Charlie may have been caught on video with his friends and brothers admitting how he really felt about Max. A video that he thought was long gone. Until now. Three years later, the video resurfaces and this time, Max sees it. He knows that Charlie lied. And this time, he isn’t going to let Charlie go without a fight. But can Charlie finally let himself be happy? To let go of what scares him the most? Guess you will have to find out! Oof! These two! Prepare for some angst kicking off this story while you try to rein in your feelings about shaking Charlie so he can see sense! Lucky for us, his brothers are on it. I adored these two and it is so clear how much they love one another and always have. The only surprising thing about their feelings coming out is that they haven’t been together all this time. Both have a lot going on and a lot to work through, but together? They can overcome anything. And I loved seeing them find their way to one another. Great, great story! And I’m pumped to see how Avery gets his own happy ending next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Redemption Road Book 3: Joyride by DJ Jamison

 

Redemption Road Book 3

They call me Joyride because it’s what got me sent to prison. But it only reminds me of all the pain I’ve caused…

Two days after my eighteenth birthday I stole my parents car and went joyriding. I was mad at my dad, freaked out about my sexuality, and hurt that my best friend was dating someone who wasn’t me. 

I was reckless. Driving too fast. Heedless of the rain. Crying.

The car spun out of control and crashed into another vehicle, changing the course of two lives forever.

Five years later, I’m out of prison and finally at peace with being gay. I’ve got a good group of guys at Redemption Road who are focused on moving forward. But I can’t. All I can see is Dakota Willis, the other driver, paralyzed because of my actions.

When I run into Kit, my hot hookup from Omaha—a physical therapist who seems interested—I think this might be my moment to look forward instead of back.

Then I discover he’s Dakota’s brother. It’s over before it started. But if I can’t be with him, I can at least face Dakota again. Tell her I’m sorry. Try to make amends. 

If Kit hates me, I deserve it. If he uses me for his pleasure, I’ll serve as long as he wants. I’ve hurt these people, and I should hurt too.

Even if I’m starting to love them…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253757389-joyride

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s finally Joey’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to his story for a while. Joey joined the Redemption Road program after being in prison for five years. Back when he was eighteen, he went out for a drive on a rainy day and ended up in an accident that paralyzed the driver in the car he hit. And because his parents called the cops to say that Joey stole their car to teach him a lesson, he ended up in jail. He knows he deserved it. His actions hurt someone and it’s something he has to live with everyday. What he never expected though was the man he hit it off with and hooked up with at a club outside of town, would be the brother of the woman he hurt. He knows he doesn’t deserve forgiveness. He’s not looking for it. He just wants to make some sort of amends to Dakota and now her brother, Kit. Kit was so happy to run into the guy he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about it. That is until he found out Joey was the man that hurt his sister. His sister may be willing to forgive Joey, especially as she gets to know him, but Kit isn’t sure he can do it. His heart disagrees. Because every day he sees Joey, the more he gets to know him and it’s telling him that Joey is a good man. But can he truly let go of the past? I loved their story!!! This was just so good. Joey had such a journey. Beyond trying to make amends, he really needed to learn to forgive himself a bit too. I loved that these two were able to get to know one another and work their way to a place that allowed them to truly fall for one another. This may be my favorite of the series so far! And I can’t wait for the next one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wood Hollow Stories Book 3: Mountain Man by Lane Hayes

 

Wood Hollow Stories Book 3

The police chief, the lumberjack, and a new start…

Reg

I don’t usually hand out tickets, but the new lumberjack isn’t barreling into town on my watch. We take law and order seriously in the Four Forest area. And yes, okay…I’m a little curious about the mountain man.

Waylon is funny, charming, cool, and confident, and like it or not, I’m attracted to him.

Reality check: I’m also a single dad juggling stressful family issues and a high-profile job. My schedule doesn’t leave much room for extracurricular activities.

But a temporary, no-strings fling? Yeah…that could be interesting.

Waylon

I should be irked about getting pulled over. I mean, c’mon. I wasn’t going that fast.

Thing is…I’ll take any excuse that puts me in the police chief’s orbit. Reg is a quintessential silver fox. Seriously. He’s also a good man, a great dad, and a cool human. I like him, and I love Wood Hollow, but at the end of my contract, I’m heading home. My family needs me.

In the meantime, there’s no crime against having some fun. And it’s not as if I’m gonna develop feelings, or—

Too late.

Mountain Man is an MM bisexual small-town romance featuring Wood Hollow’s silver fox police chief, the new lumberjack, and some single-dad shenanigans.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255290245-mountain-man

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Waylon has moved to Wood Hollow to take on a new job for the next eight months. Too bad he starts off by being pulled over by the chief of police. Though is it so bad when he’s really handsome? And despite what could have been a rocky start between them, it is anything but. The attraction between them is strong and when they give in to it, sparks ignite in ways neither saw coming. For Reg, he’s a divorced single dad juggling to take care of his kids, his job, and handling his dad’s dementia diagnosis. A real relationship isn’t in the cards and it hasn’t been for a while. So why does he find time to spend with Waylon? Why does it feel like coming home to him more often than not? They have a deadline. Waylon won’t be staying in Wood Hollow when his contract is done. Yet neither of their hearts got the memo. I loved Waylon and Reg’s story! These two are so insistent that they are friends and that what they have can only ever be just a hook up with a deadline. Yet, the more they get to know one another, the harder these two fall for each other. It’s clear they’ve never felt like this with anyone before. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story and when they finally get their happily ever after. Just a great story all around in the fun town of Wood Hollow!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Creepin U Season 2 Book 4: Anchored to You by Ashley Rayne

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 4

Beck

This year at Creepin U, I only have three priorities: get through my classes, play baseball, and work enough to make money for school. I don't have time for distractions, drama, and especially not hookups. Then I find out my new roommate is the one person I never expected to see again, and I know I'm screwed. After ghosting Talon last year, I told myself it was nothing more than a hookup. And it wasn't. I had too much going on back then, and I have even more going on now. But living with him makes forgetting impossible. We're sharing a small space, and the more time I spend with him, the more I want a second chance to prove I'm not the guy he thinks I am.

Talon

Getting ghosted hurts. But getting ghosted by the person who’s your new roommate is worse. But he doesn’t need to know that, so I lie. I tell him that night meant nothing and that I’ve moved on. But when he comes back asking for another night together, I can’t help but agree. No feelings, no expectations, only hooking up. But the more I try to prove to him and myself that it means nothing, the harder it is to ignore my feelings. Maybe the biggest mistake wasn’t hooking up again? Maybe it was believing that we could do it again without catching feelings.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252828524-anchored-to-you

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Last year, sparks flew between Beck and Talon and led to an amazing night together. But then reality hit Beck with just how hard the school year was going to be. Between classes and studying, baseball, and working, he had no time. And in the chaos he ended up ghosting Talon. Not cool. Beck felt terrible about it and still thinks of Talon despite them never running into one another on campus. But with the new school year, he is sure that once again, he’ll have time for nothing. But then he finds out who his new roommate it… Talon. And while it may be awkward at first, it also makes Beck wonder if he could have a second chance. Meanwhile, Talon was definitely hurt by Beck ignoring him. No one likes to be ghosted by someone they thought they had a connection with. Then fate brings them back together as roommates. Talon doesn’t want his heart to be smashed again. So he’ll do his best to act like their night together wasn’t anything special. And when Beck suggests they hook up again, Talon only has so much willpower. Especially when they get to know one another more. But can he risk his heart again if nothing has truly changed? This is a second chance story for Beck and Talon! There was definitely a connection between these two and I was glad to see they got another chance. Especially after learning that Beck wasn’t an actual jerk and knew he messed up. These two just really needed to be upfront and honest about how they felt! And it was so satisfying to see when they finally took a leap. Another great book in this series for sure!

 I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Desert Elite Hockey Book 3: Saving the Play by Christie Gordon

 

Desert Elite Hockey Book 3

I was supposed to protect my net—not fall for the defenseman who once left me behind.

Philippe

I trained all summer for this.

Fixed my smile. Cleaned up my English. Built my body, sharpened my game, and pushed every doubt aside.

This year, I’ll prove I belong in the NHL.

Then Jacob Buchey walks back into my locker room.

My old defenseman. My best friend. The man I kissed three years ago before he left Montreal and we disappeared from each other’s lives.

He’s supposed to protect my net, not wreck my focus.

But every familiar smile, every stolen touch, every heated glance drags me back to the one man I never really got over.

And when I see someone else wanting him, something in me snaps.

Because Jacob was almost mine once.

This time, I don’t know how to let him go.

Jacob

Arizona was supposed to be my fresh start.

A new team. A safer locker room. A chance to stop hiding who I am.

Then I see Philippe again.

Older. Stronger. Still the goalie who knew me better than anyone—and still the man I regret leaving behind.

I tell myself I came here for hockey.

But every road trip, every secret kiss, every moment alone with him proves that’s a lie.

Philly is fighting for his NHL dream.

I’m trying to survive the grief I buried after losing my father.

And whatever this is between us could cost more than either of us is ready to risk.

But when Philly looks at me like I’m the only man he wants to save…

I start believing our second chance might be worth everything.

Saving the Play is book 3 in the Desert Elite Hockey series. It features a determined goalie, the defenseman who never stopped wanting him, friends-to-lovers tension, second-chance longing, bisexual awakening, secret romance, teammates on the road, emotional healing, and an MM hockey romance where protecting the net is easy compared to protecting their hearts.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253633639-saving-the-play

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Philippe has worked hard all summer to prove to the Coyotes that he belongs on their team. He’s ready for the NHL, he just needs a chance. But then Jacob walks into their locker room. Jacob, his closest friend who kissed him three years ago before leaving Montreal. After that they never reached out to one another, afraid what the kiss meant. But with Jacob here, they are going to have to talk about it. Especially that he has Philippe questioning everything he feels for Jacob. Meanwhile, Jacob has regretted the way he left things with Philly. But in that time he has realized a lot about himself. And seeing Philly again? He also realizes how much he missed him and still has feelings for him. The two of them pick up their friendship with ease but now there is a new tension to it. And it’s only a matter of time before they realize that they are meant to be so much more than just friends. Another fun story in this series! It’s clear just how much these two mean to one another and they deserve a second chance to figure that out together. Looking forward to seeing who’s story is next.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Van Doren Book 11: Myro by Crea Reitan

 

Van Doren Book 11

Never get too comfortable or what you life might disappear.

For the past twenty years, the Van Doren Estate has been peaceful. Growing families, a thriving empire, a happy life. That all changes when a bus filled with our students from Van Doren Prep fails to return from a field trip. 

My wife, oldest son, youngest daughter, nieces, nephews, and several children we teach are on that bus. Last week, I'd have said I've already faced every fear imaginable. But when Voss’ computer program can’t locate them, terror like I've never experienced before sets in. 

For the first time in two decades, we’re racing a clock to save the lives that belong to us. Everything is on the line.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/258468361-myro

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I believe we reached the end of the Van Doren series! Well, at least for this generation’s stories. As we know the kids of these guys have their own books and that is on going. And what better way to end than with Myro and Jessica? We’ve seen this couple throughout the series. And instead of going back to the beginning of their story, we are jumping to the future. It’s a real slice of life story with of course an end that is strictly Van Doren when things go wrong and someone is in need of a rescue! But before that we get to see how Myro and Jessica’s lives have played out since they fell in love. We see their family and those they love families as well. Two decades have passed since the start of the series and I loved every minute of it. I especially loved that we got a Jessica and Myro story. We needed it after getting everyone else’s and I was curious to see their dynamic. It was very them and perfect. And I loved seeing everyone’s families and how much they have grown in more ways than one. Just an overall wonderful way to end this great series! And I can’t wait to read more of the next generation as they grow up!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Camp Half-Blood Book 1: The Wild Zone by Rick Riordan & Annabelle Oh

 

Camp Half-Blood Book 1

Ever wonder what goes on at Camp Half-Blood in between Percy Jackson’s legendary quests? Find out in the start of a new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rick Riordan and an all-star team of coauthors!

In book one, five newbie demigods dare to enter Camp Half-Blood’s forbidden Wild Zone, unleashing ancient curses, bloodthirsty monsters—and a fight to survive.

Katie Kim may be a newcomer to Camp Half-Blood, but even she knows they weren’t supposed to be running through the Wild Zone—the forest is off-limits to campers and staff. Why, then, did Clarisse, head counselor of the Ares cabin, take her and four other newbies there in the dark of night and tell them to race back to camp by morning?

Clarisse’s threat was scary enough, but when Katie’s half-brother Grant goes missing, his disappearance sparks the arrival of vicious monsters and a mysterious curse. It’s up to Katie and the three remaining newbies—the Wild Omada—to brave the Wild Zone again and uncover its dark and deadly secrets.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249084568-the-wild-zone

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s always so much fun returning to the World of Percy Jackson. And what was even more fun of when this story took place. I assumed it was going to be our latest in the timeline. But nope! It actually takes place between The Lightning Thief and Sea of Monsters. Time to find out exactly what was going on at camp during the school year after Percy returned home from his quest. This is just beginning of this series with some new characters. Leading us off is Katie Kim. After an Ares hazing goes wrong, Katie loses her friend in the Wild Zone, a very dangerous part of the forest that no one is supposed to enter. Katie and a few campers were taken there by Clarisse to escape from. But someone didn’t come back. Katie’s half-brother, another son of Ares, Grant. Katie is determined to find him. But turns out there is a lot about that section of the woods that no one knows about. And soon Grant isn’t the only one that eventually goes missing. This was such a fun story overall. And that ending! Definitely leaves us wanting to know more. We see so many familiar faces of characters we loved and lost later in the series, so it was fun to see them again. We get some new faces that I’m excited to learn more about. And it’s just interesting to see how things are going right before the war against Kronos truly blows up. It’s the early days of wondering what exactly is going to happen next. I’m definitely excited to see where this series takes us. 

The Empyrean Book 3.5: Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros

 

The Empyrean Book 3.5

Welcome to Threshing Day, the brutal, high-stakes trial where would-be riders at Basgiath War College fight to earn the bond of a dragon or die trying. Amid ruthless competition and dragon fire, these thirteen cadets must survive a battlefield where desperate rivals will do anything to gain an advantage and dragons decide one’s ultimate fate―and where a single choice can forge a rider…or destroy them.

Xaden Riorson, the powerful leader. Rhiannon Matthias, the clever friend. Dain Aetos, the dutiful rule-follower. Liam Mairi, the kindhearted protector. Ridoc Gamlyn, the jokester. Sawyer Henrick, the underdog. Garrick Tavis, the dependable aide. Imogen Cardulo, the impulsive fighter. Bodhi Durran, the second-in-command. Mira Sorrengail, the fearless rider. Brennan Sorrengail, the brilliant tactician. Aaric Graycastle, the restless royal. Sloane Mairi, the determined sister.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251172932-threshing-day

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Threshing Day has arrived! I’ve been beyond excited to read this collection of stories about so many of my favorite characters and the day they bonded to their dragons. Absolutely love it. There are stories with plenty of surprises as well as just plain typical when it comes to the riders and their dragons. And I loved each of their story. I loved getting to be in their heads to see what they were thinking and to hear their dragons speak for the first time. We get to see exactly why these matched with who they did and why they work so well together. It truly made me hope and wish that future books in this series will include more points of views from these characters. There is just so much story to tell. But I’m glad we got a book like this to see them now. It just made me all the more excited to for the next book to come out! You definitely don’t want to miss this story. 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 6: All Orc Nothing by Toby Wise

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 6

You’re formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as ‘Creepin U’. The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the love stories unfolding between classes. 

Thane feels like a fish out of water when he enters Creepin U. Most of his life has revolved around taking care of his younger siblings and now that he’s on his own, it hits him all at once that he’s a thirty year old who’s got a lot to catch up on. For one, it might be nice to finally experience his first kiss.

Maverick needs a break. When he’s offered the position of taking care of the campus medical center, Maverick jumps at the chance at a slower paced job. That’s where he sees Thane for the first time and sparks fly.

The two can’t seem to stop running into each other and what starts as mild intrigue, very quickly turns into something much deeper. Terrible parents, deadlines, jobs, and blood moons threaten to make them stumble but every twist and turn only serves to bring them closer together.

All of Thane’s focus is on taking care of his family while Maverick just wants to take care of Thane.

All Orc Nothing is part of the Creepin U: Season Two collab series. Inside you’ll find an overworked human doctor, an orc who’s busy taking care of everyone around him, insta-love, an age gap, first times, size difference, power dynamics, a sexy blood moon, a Halloween Ball, a supportive twin sister, two younger siblings who ‘ship it’, found family, and of course, a happily ever after!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252818850-all-orc-nothing

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Thane didn’t have a normal childhood. He basically became a parent at fifteen to his twin brothers because their parents were constantly fighting and never around. Now, fifteen years later, him and his own twin sister are heading to college for the first time. Thane constantly worries about his younger siblings but they want him to start his own life. Starting college older than everyone might feel strange, but everyone at Creelin U make him feel welcome. And then he meets Maverick. The man working at the campus medical center. Never has Thane felt like this about someone before. And though there might be a bit of an age gap between them, it doesn’t stop them from falling hard for one another. Because when you’ve found your person, it truly doesn’t matter. Maverick is tired. He took this job at Creelin U to give him a break from the ER. He just never expected to find love either. Thane is everything he wants in a partner. And the more they get to know one another, the more true it is. Adorable story! Thane is just the sweetest. He is always taking care of others, and it’s about time someone took care of him. Maverick was exactly what he needed and vice versa. Loving season two of Creepin U!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Creepin U Season 2 Book 2: First Kiss with a Mothman by CD Rachels

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 2

You’re formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the spicy male/male love stories unfolding between classes. ‘First Kiss with a Mothman’ is a monster romance. This spicy novel sings the tale of one grumpy mothman and a blind dude new to the university. Don’t read unless you enjoy first times, disability representation, musical moments, and dangerous twists. It’s part of the Creepin U: Season 2 collab series, and each book has a HEA.

I only want to keep my antennae down at college. That can’t happen while the distracting human boy has me hearing a new type of music.

Being the most well-known mothman in the country, I was never meant to live a normal life. My upbringing was far from average. I simply want to get my degree and start working.

But then I’m butting heads with a human dude, the only blind guy on campus. When we realize we have more in common than we thought, he asks to hang out. For some reason, he wants to be friends with a grumpy bug like me.

Still, I choose to befriend Arie. I find him more fascinating than I should. He’s a vulnerable human who ought to be more scared of the world than he is. He’s cheerful, optimistic, and way too endearing.

When his life is irrevocably changed before Halloween, I help him navigate this new identity. I need to be there for him as his friend, his confidante, and so much more.

Our lives are so different. Despite this, Arie is a flame I can’t stay away from. If we get together, will we fly into the sunset together? Or is our ballad a tragedy from the start?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252745486-first-kiss-with-a-mothman

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Mort came to college to escape from his childhood fame of being the mothboy. But even here, so many humans and monsters know his face. It’s hard to be the only mothman around. So keeping to himself is for the best. And for Arie, he came to school for some freedom. He’s human and blind and has a pet raven that is his guide. His mom is stifling and his cousin is essentially his mother’s spy. Is it so hard to get some independence? And then Mort and Arie meet and turns out they have a lot more in common than they think. While Arie’s crush on Mort becomes stronger, Mort still believes that he isn’t cut out for a relationship. But there is only so much he can do to keep his feelings shoved done. I loved these two! They were so sweet together. I loved how they formed this friendship that slowly turned into so much more. Mort is known for keeping to himself, but Arie really makes him step out of the shadows and be present. And for Arie, Mort gives him a chance to be himself and be so much more than his disability. This was just an overall fun story, with some pretty interesting twists as well! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Creepin U Season 2 Book 3: The Golden Receiver by Essie Sloane

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 4

Kieran

When I got recruited to transfer to Creelin University to play football, I thought this might be my chance. I would be the first human on the team. I would make campus history.

Okay, really, I just liked the full scholarship that came with it. It was a great way to escape the small town I lived in with my Pops my whole life and the not-so-great college I attended.

I didn't expect to feel like a fish out of water. I really didn't expect there to be a werewolf going after the same position as me.

How can I compete with a supernatural creature?

Evander

When Coach Shaw said we were getting a human on the football team, I was excited! Except the human in question is grumpy, surly, and I'm not sure he knows how to smile.

He also wants to be the number one wide receiver on the team, the same position I'm trying to get. I know I'm the better player, but he keeps distracting me.

He smells really good, you know?

I really need to stay focused, and not on the distractingly handsome grumpy human.

You’re formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the spicy male/male love stories unfolding between classes. ‘The Golden Receiver’ is a monster romance featuring a golden retriever werewolf and a black cat human. Expect rivals-to-lovers, football, and a himbo werewolf whose whole job is to play catch.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252462119-the-golden-receiver

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Kieran receives a full scholarship to play football at Creelin University, he can’t turn it down. He might be the only human on the team, but this is his chance to play professional football one day. But being on a team of monsters isn’t easy. He has to work even harder to prove he belongs there and can keep up. He also isn’t the most social person on the team. Making friends isn’t easy for him and he prefers to keep to himself. But no one seems to have told Evander that. Evander is determined to make friends with Kieran. There is something about Kieran that calls to him and while Kieran makes it very hard to be friends, Evander isn’t giving up. And it may be his determination that eventually gets Kieran to warm up to him. Especially after they kiss. And when others on the team threaten Kieran, Evander won’t let anyone hurt his human. This was a fun story! We definitely get some sunshine and grumpy vibes. And I love that Evander doesn’t give up on Kieran. Kieran may be a bit prickly, but he needs someone in his corner. And Evander really truly proves to be a great friend and more. It was fun to see Kieran fall for Evander bit by bit. And vice versa. Another great story in this series! And I’m looking forward to more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Empire of Sins Book 2: Deviant Need by L. Norell

 

Empire of Sins Book 2

Taken in by the Avrorin family as a child, Daniil has only ever had one safe place: Mikhail Avrorin.

For eight years, he’s wanted more, consumed by a one-sided crush triggered by a forbidden encounter in their teens. A crush so devastating, and buried so deep, he’s almost at a breaking point. When he tries to pull away, Mikhail pulls him in tighter, unwilling to let him go despite both wanting the impossible.

Over the years, they’ve become inseparable, codependent in ways that cross every line of what’s healthy. And they shouldn’t want each other the way they do. It’s forbidden. Wrong. But one kiss has the power to destroy every wall they’ve built.

When Daniil decides to search for his biological family, against the Avrorins’ wishes, Mikhail is the only one he trusts to help. But the truth runs deeper and darker than either of them expected, and some of it was never meant to be found.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/254107114-deviant-need

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Daniil and Mikhail have been inseparable since they were children. Daniil was brought to Mikhail’s family under pretty mysterious circumstances when he was two. Injured badly and unable to speak. It wasn’t until much later thanks to Mikhail that Daniil was able to speak words. And to this day, he can only do it for Mikhail. It was also as a teenager that Daniil realized that he was in love with Mikhail. Something he knew he would have to keep to himself forever for many reasons. Daniil is Mikhail’s person. They are super codependent and Mikhail just knows he can’t ever lose Daniil. But then Daniil has been acting strange lately. Trying to keep his distance, and Mikhail isn’t having it. Until it finally just clicks. What these feelings for Daniil are. And when they finally cross that line, there is no going back. Add into the fact that their family are mafia and their father is insane. And when Daniil decides it’s time to search for answers on where he came from, neither realize just how much trouble they are about to get in. Oh man, these two. They break your heart over and over, with what they have been through and continue to go through in this book. But they have each other. They truly are one another’s person. They’ve always been. So much goes down in this book and I definitely can’t wait for book 3 where we get some final answers to questions we’ve been asking since book 1. Really enjoying this series overall! And I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Van Doren Book 10: Jalon by Crea Reitan

 

Van Doren Book 10

I want him for selfish reasons.

I’ve spent the last thirty years building an empire for my family. I never want anyone I love to find themselves in the same position I was when my parents left: a failing company, an Estate in ruins, and my four brothers under seven for me to raise. 

The world sees a king - infallible, untouchable, and unshakable. Knowing how to control my features and wearing a suit like armor, no one can see the scars of the mistakes I’ve made nor do they know I’ve conducted all my relationships like business transactions. 

Right up until Levis Li turned my life inside out in the best possible way. Then the fool decides to use himself as live bait for a doctor killing his patients. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255745074-jalon

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s finally Jalon’s turn! This has been a long awaited story for the Van Dorens. We’ve known for a while who Jalon ends up with based on a few outside stories of the Van Doren series thanks to when those take place. But now we actually get to see how Jalon and Levis got together. Their story was happening for quite a bit, quietly, like those two tend to be. To everyone, Jalon is this untouchable king. Always there for his family, protective, and successful. And just so many other things. But when it comes to love and relationships, he’s never truly sought them out. Especially when his ex harmed his children. Something he still feels guilt for in not seeing it sooner. His children love him and have never truly blamed him. So then there is just this moment between Levis and Jalon and it is like something clicks. For both of them. What starts out as really these secret hook ups turns into so much more as time goes by. Levis had a plan for his life, but things change as you grow. Life changes. Levis never expected to fall for Jalon. That there could be a future together. And it’s a future they both more than deserve. I really loved these two. I was so excited to see just how they got together and how they fit. And after their story, it’s more than clear that these two could not be more perfect for one another. And with all Van Doren stories, on top of a romance, we get a pretty crazy side plot where the Van Dorens get to stop some pretty bad people. This time involving a hospital and one bad doctor. For those who love King Jalon, you will not be disappointed in his story! It’s well worth the long wait to get us here!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.