The Comebacks Book 3: King of the Crease by AJ Truman

 

The Comebacks Book 3

Hank's new teammate is a secret prince. Red, white, and royal WTF?!

Crown Prince Nicholas of Ardenia has everything—except the freedom to be himself. Trapped by tradition and suffocating expectations, he secretly longs for a simple life…one where he can make real friends, chase real passions, and maybe even fall in love. So when a diplomatic trip to the U.S. offers him a rare chance to slip away from his royal identity, he seizes it. Disguised as just another guy, he spends December in a cozy small town and signs on as the local beer league’s backup goalie.

Hank, the team’s main goalie, is a charming, big-hearted plumber still piecing together his confidence after a brutal divorce. He’s spent most of his life playing the comic relief, never the romantic lead—but something about the shy newcomer on the ice makes him wonder if he might deserve a happily ever after after all. As Hank teaches Nicholas the finer points of goaltending, their easy camaraderie deepens into crackling chemistry, with more than a few stolen moments under the mistletoe.

But Nicholas’s growing feelings come with a painful he can’t stay hidden forever. Will the crown cost him his shot at true love?

KING OF THE CREASE is a warm, funny, and swoony holiday MM romance featuring secret royalty, teammates-to-lovers magic, and lots of Christmas charm. It’s book 3 in the Comebacks series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245210105-king-of-the-crease

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Being the prince of a small country is not an easy life. Nick has spent his life following the rules and never truly being himself. He’s tired. He’s lonely. And he needs a desperate break. So when his friend Millie tells him to stay with her and her family for the holiday season, he finds himself agreeing. He’ll spend the next few weeks pretending to be normal. For once, he can just be Nick. He just never expects to fall in love. Hank is used to never being the main character of someone’s story. Always the comic relief. His divorce years ago may have been messy, but he is so past it and made sure to be the best dad he can be to his son. He is the sweetest guy and when he meets Nick, he doesn’t hesitate to invite him to play with his hockey team. The chemistry between them is insane from the moment they meet and it doesn’t take long for them act on it. But Nick knows it is only a matter of time until he must reveal the truth to Hank about who he is. He can only hope that Hank won’t hate him for it. These two were so adorable! They were perfect for one another. Being truly themselves with one another with zero regrets. Minus the hidden true identity of Nick, but for once Nick could be himself without hiding such important parts of himself for the sake of duty. This was sweet and funny and a perfect holiday romance!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 10: Cold Redemption by Nalini Singh

 

Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 10

Amara Aleine was born emotionless. A scientist with a piercing, cold intellect, the only person who matters to her is her identical twin. Some term her a psychopath. They might be right.

Pax Marshall is the epitome of Psy perfection. Raised by his ruthless grandfather, he was never permitted to be anything less. But Scarab Syndrome has ravaged his mind, until he’s now mere weeks away from total psychic collapse, insanity…and death. Any cure will come too late for him, but he is determined to spend his last weeks fighting for the rest of the afflicted.

Amara has never seen a mind as clean, as orderly, as beautiful, as Pax Marshall’s. Patient Zero. A twin just like her. And a man so cold-blooded that everyone warns her about him—when she is used to being the predator in the room.

As they work together in a hunt for the cure, Pax’s enemies deliver a violent strike. The choice Amara makes as Pax struggles to survive will have consequences far beyond anything Amara or Pax could have ever imagined.

This time, Amara might just have played herself…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249223254-cold-redemption

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Every time I pick up a new book in this series, I am reminded how much I absolutely love it and why it remains one of my favorites. We return to this world and it’s Amara’s story! I never imagined we would get Amara’s story. We met her in the early days of this series before Trinity and I gotta say what a change it has been. Amara has grown so much in this series and in this book specifically. I loved getting to know her and to see just how much she has changed. And for her to fall for Pax? Wow! I adored these two. So, we find Amara and Pax at the center of the Scarab issue. With Pax being Patient Zero. Pax knows he is running out of time. But his twin won’t give up on him. Not after they were finally reunited. And Pax won’t give up yet either but they need some major help. And who better to tackle the impossible task than Amara and her own twin? With Amara taking point, she is always up for a challenge. She just never imagined it becoming so personal. Pax understands her more than any, including her twin, has ever understood her. His mind is beautiful and she finds him interesting, when so little holds her attention. And after so much time around E’s and the work they have done with her? She may just be in a position to fall for someone. Not that she would call it that just yet. And for Pax, his connection to Amara is one he has never felt with anyone. And the more they work together, the more he feels. He won’t let go. Not yet. But can they solve this puzzle before his time is up? Loved it. We get so many familiar faces in this story. And like I said, I was so intrigued to see Amara get a book and it was absolutely perfect for her. Another amazing book in this series. And I cannot not wait to see what is coming next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pine Ridge Book 1: The Hitman’s Final Job by Ana Ashley

 

Pine Ridge Book 1

Have you ever met a hitman who dreams of having a veggie patch?

It's me. I'm the hitman.

It's the day before I retire from ten years of killing people for hire. Not only am I given one last job- wasn't that job in Budapest last month THE last job?- but then I find out I'm tasked with killing my best friend's dad.

Did I mention he's a total silver fox, the smartest man I've ever met and my all-time crush?

Yeah...life sucks.

Now I have to figure out who hired me so I can stop them. But keeping Vaughn safe while trying not to fall in love with him is a threat I didn't expect to face.

The Hitman's Final Job is a small-town romance featuring suspense, heat, and the sweetness of two men finding real love amongst danger. You can expect slow-burn tension, emotional depth, unexpected humor—including a surprisingly heated giant vegetable competition—and the kind of love that makes you want to stop running.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246493670-the-hitman-s-final-job

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So happy to be back in Pine Ridge! I’ve been looking forward to this new series and this first book didn’t disappoint! For the last ten years, Silas has been a hitman for a secret government agency. But ten years is a long time to take out some pretty bad people. He wants to be done. But he is forced to take one more job first. The problem? The hit is on his best friend’s father, Vaughn. Also the man that Silas has been secretly in love with for years now. But has never made a move for the fear of losing his best friend, Rowan. Silas knows Vaughn. He knows the work he does. And there is no way that Vaughn can be the bad guy in this scenario. And lucky for Silas, his partner listens to him when he says they need to learn more about who made this request. So in the meantime, Silas will have to follow Vaughn home to Pine Ridge to keep him safe. Vaughn is surprised to find Silas at his doorstep after crossing paths in Europe only a few days before. And when Silas says he would like to stay for several weeks, he has some mixed feelings. Happy but at the same time, he knows how hard it will be to be in Silas’s vicinity. Because Silas isn’t the only one with feelings. They may address the elephant in the room about their feelings and how they can’t cross any lines, but it’s only a matter of time before the pull between them becomes impossible to resist. Also, Vaughn has been keeping his own secrets. Ones where someone has been threatening him and his work. And it’s only a matter of time until all is revealed! I loved this story!! It was just so good. A great new town with awesome characters to explore. And I just adored Vaughn and Silas. They fit together in so many ways despite the little over ten years age gap between them. The age thing isn’t a big deal to them. Their biggest concern is Rowan and the fear of losing him. But they also are just clearly meant to be. A great way to kick off this series! And I’m so excited to see what happens in book two!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Assistant to the Villain Book 4: Adversary to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

 

Assistant to the Villain Book 4

HR Update: The position of “adversary to the villain” has been filled. Evie Sage does not recall applying.

Evie has always tried to be helpful, loyal, and only mildly involved in treason. But with a dangerous prophecy threatening the very magic of Rennedawn—not to mention the race to claim its necessary artifacts before King Benedict does—things are starting to feel…less like a career path and more like a serious problem.

The prophecy won’t stop pointing in Evie’s direction. The Villain’s magic keeps choosing her. And honestly, if you’re going to be accused of evil anyway, you might as well commit.

Unfortunately, the more Evie leans into her alleged villain era, the more her boss starts acting like the hero of a completely different story. Trystan is getting closer—closer than is wise, advisable, or even remotely professional—and looking at her like she’s already chosen a side. His.

Which is deeply inconvenient, because if Evie can’t save the kingdom’s magic, she might just become its greatest threat.

The hilarious fantasy romance series doesn't end at Adversary to the Villain! The thrilling conclusion to the series is coming soon!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220864544-adversary-to-the-villain

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Okay so I panicked and thought this was the final book in the series to which I was like HOW. That would be terrible! Finally saw it was NOT. So thank god for that LOL. Cause that changes my original thoughts. So a lot was revealed at the end of third book and everyone is dealing with those revelations in different ways. But despite all that, they still know they need to stop Benedict and fulfill the prophecy. More revelations, more twists and turns. And of course, as usual expect a lot of laughs with this group. Because the humor is definitely still there! And that ending? Again, for someone who thought that was the end, cue the panic! But it is not. So now I can look at it like well that is insane and I can’t wait to discover how they fix it LOL. Because I was definitely loving how this book and series was going.

Van Doren Book 9: Rhodes by Crea Reitan

 

Van Doren Book 9

Every high school has a bully who has gone unpunished.

Walking the halls of my high school after two decades reminds me why I’ve blocked those years from my memory. The walls hold secrets but perhaps none as potent as the woods behind the school where a life ended too soon.

I wasn’t able to make a difference then. But I’m not a frightened kid anymore. Bullies no longer scare me. It’s time to deliver long overdue consequences to those who have never been held accountable for their actions.

With my pack of wolf dogs and this blindingly bright fake boyfriend at my side, nothing can go wrong.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253672236-rhodes

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I first read Rhodes story in a Heart2Heart Anthology. I was so happy to revisit his story again, but this time it was longer and few changes. Worth to read again if you already saw it! Rhodes and Bennett and of course their pack of wolves are just the best. For those reading it for the first time. Here is what is going on: When Rhodes needs a date to get him through a weekend at his old private high school for a reunion, he turns to Heart2Heart. That’s where he meets Bennett. Bennett is a total surprise for Rhodes. They just fit together and the fact that Bennett is un-phased by the fact that Rhodes has several very large wolves that he has trained and keeps with him at all time? Even more wow. Bennett adores Rhodes and his wolves and is glad he can be there for Rhodes during a weekend that is clearly hard for him since his high school was not one he liked. And when their weekend is over, well, they’ll have to decide if they are ready to let one another go. If you know the VanDorens, you know what to expect with Rhodes when it’s time to get into a little mischief. And of course, righting some wrongs with some bad people. And while these two may be opposite in some ways, they are plenty a like in others. A great way to expand and give us more of these two! Loved it!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Isle of Kala Book 2: One Breath by Crea Reitan

 

Isle of Kala Book 2

Every note of longing tastes like Cash.

Falling in love with my best friend’s little brother is the biggest mistake I could possibly make. But Cash Ellis has hypnotized me since we were children. Every song I write is a love letter. A plea. Lamenting what can never be. 

As my best friend gets angrier and more unrecognizable with each setting sun, I find that I’m taking solace in Cash’s company. I shouldn’t. It’ll prove my undoing. It’s only a matter of time before my one-time best friend finds out.

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This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253671443-one-breath

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It is finally Cash and Onyx’s turn! We’ve seen hints of them plenty in this world, but we have yet to see how they got together. I was very excited for this one and it didn’t let me down. Onyx has had feelings for Cash for a long time. Cash is his muse when it comes to his song writing and he just has always cared for him. Probably even loved. But falling in love with his best friend’s brother? Not a good idea. Not when said best friend has changed a lot. Benson is no longer the guy he became friends with. He is toxic and angry and is always taking it out on those around him. Especially Cash. So Onyx has done what he can to protect Cash, even if that means not being with him the way he wants. He also just has a tiny bit of hope that his best friend is still in there. But things are about to change. Onyx finally gives in to his feelings for Cash and turns out, Cash has had some for a while as well. Cash has always liked Onyx but knows that nothing can happen. Not with Benson being the way he is now. Doesn’t stop them from shifting their friendship into more though. But it’s only a matter of time until things change again. But will they be together when it does? Crazy story! We got hints in the last book, but it was nice to get Onyx and Cash’s points of view. To see exactly how they’ve been feeling and going through. They come out of this story so much stronger once they realize just how much they love one another. So glad to see them get the happy ending they deserve! A great story all around!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Desert Elite Hockey Book 2: Power Play Clash by Christie Gordon

 

Desert Elite Hockey Book 2

Sharing a hotel room with the owner’s son is a mistake. Hooking up with him? Worse. Falling for him in secret? Game over.

Alex

As captain of an NHL team, I can’t afford distractions.

Not when the season is starting.

Not when everyone is counting on me.

And definitely not when the distraction is Julian Mercer—our owner’s spoiled, sharp-tongued son, who walks into the rink knowing nothing about hockey and somehow gets under my skin anyway.

He’s reckless, infuriating, too pretty for his own good… and impossible to stay away from.

He’s supposed to be off-limits.

Instead, he’s in my bed.

What starts as tension turns into late nights, stolen touches, and something I can’t shut off.

But I’m not out, and if his father finds out, I could lose everything I’ve worked for.

Including him.

Julian

I took this job to prove I’m more than Grant Mercer’s son.

I didn’t come here to embarrass myself in front of the team captain, or end up craving every heated glance, every secret touch, every stolen night with him.

He’s controlled, guarded, and impossible to read.

Until we’re alone.

Because behind closed doors, he gives me everything, except a future.

And the longer we stay in the shadows, the more I realize…

If Alex makes me choose between walking away and fighting for him, I won’t go down without a clash.

Power Play Clash is book 2 in the Desert Elite Hockey series. It features a closeted captain, the owner’s son, secret hookups, forced proximity, emotional tension, and a high-stakes MM romance where one choice could cost them everything.

Buy now and fall for the men who refuse to play it safe.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251403811-power-play-clash

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Alex has done what he can to bury his sexuality. His team may open considering the amount of them are in relationships with men, but for Alex it isn’t just his team he is worried about. It’s his family. But he also has the biggest distraction when it comes to his hockey career. He can worry about love and relationships later. That is, until he meets Julian Mercer. The GM’s son. He knows he is in trouble when he first meets Julian. But he is even more in trouble when he learns that Julian will be working with the team. Though, from what he can tell, Julian doesn’t have any hockey knowledge. And it soon becomes Alex’s responsibility to help him out when he can. Being near the guy that he can’t stop thinking bout though is its own challenge. Julian is clueless when it comes to hockey. But he is determined to make his dad proud and show he can learn. And he is even more determined to show Alex he has what it takes. Julian thought he closed his heart off long ago, so why does being around Alex feel so different? Their brains tell them they can’t be together, but try telling their hearts. A really enjoyed getting to know Alex and Julian. It was sweet to watch them go from sort of enemies to more as they got to know one another. They were exactly what the other needed. It was also nice to see some familiar faces as well! These guys always have one another’s backs and they proved it with Alex and Julian. Fun story all around, looking forward to the next one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

 

For Lewis and Wren, their first year of marriage is also their last. A few weeks after their wedding, Lewis receives a rare diagnosis. He will retain most of his consciousness, memories, and intellect, but his physical body will transform into that of a great white shark. As Lewis develops the features and impulses of one of the most predatory creatures in the ocean, his complicated artist's heart struggles to make peace with his unfulfilled dreams.

At first, Wren internally resists her husband's fate. Is there a way for them to be together after Lewis fully transforms? Then, a glimpse of Lewis's developing carnivorous nature activates long-repressed memories for Wren, whose story vacillates between her childhood living on a houseboat in Oklahoma, her time with a college ex-girlfriend, and her unusual friendship with a woman pregnant with twin birds. Woven throughout this daring novel is the story of Wren's mother, Angela, who becomes pregnant with Wren at fifteen in an abusive relationship amidst her parents' crumbling marriage. In the present, all of Wren's grief eventually collides, and she meets her fears with surrender, choosing to love fully, now.

An emotional exploration of motherhood, marriage, transformation, and letting go, Shark Heart is an unforgettable love story about mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, animals and people--all while examining what it truly means to be human.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62919375-shark-heart

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My Review: 3/5 Stars

First, the story behind me picking up this book. Pretty cover. Flips to the back, the most absurd back cover copy. Immediately shares with my new book group. Everyone is in to read it LOL. This is just as strange and unexpected as you can imagine. The pacing is quick and told through different types of styles, we find the story centered around Wren and Lewis. Newlyweds who discover shortly after that Lewis has a rare diagnosis. He is turning into a great white shark. The world is quite familiar with people turning into different animals, so the while shocking to the reader, it is only shocking to our characters when they unfortunately find out bout this mutation. Follow them as they try to figure out what to do and what comes next for their lives together and for when they will be forced apart. An interesting story all around for sure.  

Scoring Chances Book 6: Game Misconduct by Brigham Vaughn

 

Scoring Chances Book 6

The last thing Tanner Clayton needs is to fall in love with his rival ...  He loves playing defense for the Boston Harriers, hooking up with anyone he’d like, and hanging out with the boys.  Settle down? No way!  Especially not with Leif Rasmussen—the son of his assistant coach—who he loves to torment during games.  But the more time Tanner and Leif spend together at skills camps and tournaments, the harder the sparks fly on and off the ice.  As the top line center of the New York Rockets, Leif is desperate to live up to his superstar father’s legacy and hold the team together while his captain is out with a long-term injury.  Tanner is nothing but a distraction … and everything Leif refuses to admit he wants.  When the Harriers and the Rockets go head-to-head in the playoffs, there’s more than just the Cup on the line … There’s a chance at love.  TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNING: Realistic depictions of hockey player injuries, mild homophobia from secondary characters, and a side character threatening self-harm.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250719357-game-misconduct

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s Tanner and Leif’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to these two. They definitely give those enemies-to-lovers vibes. Tanner and Leif have known one another for ten years. And in those years, they’ve become rivals on the ice. Off the ice? Well, Tanner is determined to be friends and lately, more than that. The first time they hooked up was unforgettable and Tanner wants a repeat. And getting Leif to admit he wants is too is half the fun. Tanner drives Leif crazy and yet he always finds himself being pulled back to him. Neither want a real relationship. No chance, no way. But when they find themselves entering a more solid agreement about their hook ups, then talking more often than not… well, slowly things might be changing between them. Admitting it or even noticing it? Takes them a bit, but all bets are off the table when they realize just exactly how much they mean to one another. But how can they be anything on opposite teams? I adored these two! Tanner is wild and chaotic and overall sweet. He can get Leif to relax and have fun and destress. And for Leif, he never thinks Tanner is ever truly too much. He may feign annoyance, but he doesn’t ask Leif to be anyone but himself. I really loved watching these fall for one another. Oblivious and all in without in realizing it so. Their dynamic was a lot of fun with their banter. But I loved how much depth they both have and the things they deal with it. Just another great story in this series! And I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in this hockey world!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hockey Bros Book 1: Ethan by Beth Bolden

 

Hockey Bros Book 1

There’s nothing Ethan 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.

Starting his rookie season on the New York Bandits, Ethan’s finally going to get the chance to play with his brother Charlie. But while Charlie’s great—a fantastic roommate, a better teammate, and a damn good forward—it turns out the guy Ethan’s really interested in doesn’t have a last name of Barnes.

Hank Tucker’s been working his ass off for two years to make the Bandits opening roster as one of their starting defensemen. What he needs is determination, hard work and focus.

What he doesn’t need is a rookie forward with a famous last name, who, since the first time they met at development camp last year, has permanently moved into his thoughts with his rumpled curls and magnetic smiles and killer body. No matter how grumpy Hank is or how determined he is to shake him, Ethan’s sunshine ends up buried deep under Hank’s skin.

Hank’s always been sure he was straight. But Ethan tempts him and entices him and ultimately, makes himself so irresistible Hank’s got no shot at holding back.

Especially when it turns out that Ethan’s not just been working hard to make a spot on the Bandits’ roster but in Hank’s bed, too.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239774258-ethan

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

What a great start to this new series! Following three hockey brothers, Avery, Charlie, and Ethan, this first book of the series kicks off with the youngest Barnes brother: Ethan. Ethan may be the baby of their hockey family, but he is a great hockey player like his older siblings. And what better way to start his career off than by playing with Charlie’s team? The hope is one day all of them will play together, so starting off with one brother is pretty great. Scary but great. But even more scary? Meeting Hank Tucker. Because the moment Ethan meets Hank, he knows he is in trouble. Their connection is instant and natural and both come to realize that it’s the first time they have feelings for a guy. And they are more than okay with it. When they first meet, they find themselves keeping in touch even when they are on opposite ends of the coast. Ethan has another year at Portland U before they are ready to pull him up and Hank is spending another year at AHL. But it’s a year of getting to know one another and deciding can they be something? And even when they reunite, will they still be on the same team? Both hope so! Hank just needs to prove once and for all he deserves a spot on the roster. Absolutely loved this book! Such a great start to the series. I loved getting to know Ethan and Hank and watching them fall hard for one another. I loved their dynamic and how natural they fit together. They were just a great pair. And we got to see a lot of Avery and Charlie as well. I can’t wait for both their books. Especially Charlie after seeing him in this book and his best friend. It’s definitely gonna be a good one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Murder Hearts Book 1: Hunt Me by EM Lindsey & Cora Rose

 

Murder Hearts Book 1

Doing Deaf drag isn’t supposed to come with threats to my life, damn it. I’ve had a stalker before, and apparently—even after involving my friend from the FBI—he’s decided to come back and make my life hell.

But this time, however, a slightly terrifying stranger shows up to play hero.

He knocked my stalker on his ass and left me with blood smears on my jaw and a kiss on my lips so devastating, it threatened to rearrange my whole life. And then he disappeared into the shadows.

But just when I think I’ll never see him again, I find him haunting my steps everywhere I turn.

It’s not long before I realize hunting me might be his love language, and god help me, I think I’m into it. Especially when each time he catches me, he leaves me breathless and wanting more.

My stalker is still around, but being with Archie is worth whatever the unwelcome blast from my past wants to throw at me.

After all, having a boyfriend with a thing for knives, coffins, and funeral flowers is a great way to protect myself, and if his obsession and love for me isn’t enough to take my stalker down, my determination to get my happily ever after will.

Hunt Me is the first book in the morally grey rom-com series Murder Hearts. It’s a spicy, MM stalker-to-lover romance with forced proximity, coffins as a special interest, an Autistic MC, a Deaf Drag Queen who doesn’t have time for anyone’s BS, stalking as a love language, a set of lovable murder brothers, an unhinged cat café, and a steamy, swoony, happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252495943-hunt-me

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Denver isn’t a stranger to having a stalker. But that doesn’t mean he is happy that it is happening all over again. The feeling of someone following him is getting worse. And when he finally attacks…well lucky for Denver there is someone there to stop him. And while his new stalker escapes, Denver is stuck on the man who saved him. The man with gentle hands who then disappeared. Though not for long. Denver finds his hero and it may be the best thing that has ever happened to him. While Archie may appear scary, Denver only ever feels safe with him. Archie is protective and just as obsessed with Denver as Denver is with him. And Archie won’t rest until Denver’s stalker is caught. I loved these two! We got a peek at them before in another series and I’m so happy to see we are getting more books in this world. Archie and his two brothers are a mystery and a bit scary to those who don’t know them. They’ve got their secrets and pasts, but Denver knows that these men will protect him and anyone they care about by any means necessary. I really enjoyed getting to know Denver and Archie and watch them fall hard for one another. They were both super interesting characters who I absolutely adored! And we’ve met some new characters and I’m so excited for future books in this series. This was a great one to start it off!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Inheritance Games Book 7: The Gilded Blade by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

 

Inheritance Games Book 7

ALL GAMES MUST COME TO AN END.In the stunning finale to the global phenomenon of the Inheritance Games Saga (over 6 million copies sold!), discover danger, riches, romance--and the staggering answers to long-brewing mysteries.

All games must come to an end. In this series-shattering conclusion, everyone is a player, long-held secrets are unveiled, precious threads are unraveled, and impossible mysteries are solved. In the grandest of games, there is so much to win--money, love, power, revenge--but there is also everything to lose.

The truth will be revealed in #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes' most masterful puzzle yet.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239399508-the-gilded-blade

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

An amazing end to this series! It’s been a long journey but we have finally reached the end. And while part of me is sad to say goodbye to all these characters, I’m also happy to finally have answers! So the story picks up where the last book left off and if you aren’t caught up, well, beware the spoilers. Just no avoiding it at this point when it comes to what happened previously. Everyone is on the hunt for Avery who has gone missing. And though everyone is on their own mission for answers, everything comes back to the same place. While they may have different paths for answers, they’ll all have to come together to fit everything they learned together. It’s another book filled with puzzles and riddles and mysteries years old. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions too! And a satisfying ending after everything that has happened. Just a great series all around. Truly a favorite of mine and one that sucks you in each book as you try to figure out what happens. Plenty of twists and turns in this story as well! Though you wouldn’t expect anything else from this series. Again, a great end! You don’t want to miss this!

The Martian by Andy Weir

 

Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. 

Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there.

After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. 

Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first. 

But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills — and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit — he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18007564-the-martian

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Very late to the party reading this and even late to watching the movie. But after watching Project Hail Mary then reading the book, naturally I had to watch The Martian which led to of course reading the book. Great movies and great books! I really loved reading this story. Mark is part of Ares 3, a team sent to Mars. But under some pretty unfortunate circumstances, he is left behind when the crew thinks he is dead after getting swept away by a dust storm and having to evacuate without much time to look for him. But surprise! He survives. And now he has to figure out not only how to survive living on Mars but how he can get back home, if that is even possible. He knows a mission is coming up in a few years. He just has to make it that long and to their site. Mark was absolutely hysterical. I loved his sense of humor throughout the story. He has to come up with a million different things to survive and keep going, but at least he never loses that part of himself. The story is mostly told through his logs, but we also get some points of views from those on Earth once they figure out he is alive and even the Ares 3 crew. It will take the whole world working on the problem to bring him back along with some major luck and creative thinking. A fun story all around! 

Redemption Road Book 2: Hollywood by DJ Jamison

 

Redemption Road Book 2

Everyone calls me Hollywood because I look like a leading man, but I didn't expect the starring role of single father....

When my ex-girlfriend, Carrie, is injured in an accident, I take sole custody of my two-year-old daughter overnight. I've wanted to be Ruby's father for a long time, but my ex--and her family--haven't forgiven me for going to prison.

This is my chance to get to know Ruby and prove that I've changed. I leap at the chance, even though I've got no idea what I'm doing.

Thankfully, my former best friend Tex shows up and sticks by me. He's a natural with kids and instantly calms the panic setting in. One night of support turns into another and another. Bit by bit, Tex is moving into my life and making himself a second father to Ruby.

But he's bailed on me before. Three months ago, he ran from the feelings growing between us. He couldn't handle the idea of being bisexual.

Now he's here, plucking all of my heartstrings and making me love him all over again. Ruby is head over heels, too. He's everything I want in a partner. For me. For my daughter.

But will Tex return the love this time--or will he break both our hearts?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253755589-hollywood

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s Hollywood and Tex’s turn! And I’ve been looking forward to their story after we saw the tension between the two of them in the last book. When Tex left Hollywood three months ago, he was hurting in all kinds of ways. He lost his closest friend and someone he thought he could even be more than friends with. But Tex pushed him away and ran. But when Hollywood gets a call that his ex was in a bad car accident and he needs to take care of their daughter, he is shocked to find Tex is back. And he’s back for him. Being part of his daughter’s life is all Hollywood ever wanted and he is going to do everything he can to prove to his ex that he has changed and he can be there for Ruby. But he’ll need some help and he knows it. So he pushes his anger at Tex away. Because Hollywood isn’t the only one who has something to prove. Tex knows he messed up when he left. But he won’t make that mistake again. He wants to be there for Hollywood and for Ruby. He’ll show them that he isn’t going anywhere. Even when his dad makes it hard to shake the guilt of his past. I loved these two! So happy to see them get their happy ending. It was clear from the beginning just how much these two cared for one another and how they’ve been hurting since they’ve been apart. While the circumstances they are in aren’t great, it gives them another chance. A chance to reignite their friendship and take it to the level they both crave. Just another great story all around! And oh man, the hint at the next book looks really good. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.