The Duke Brothers Book 7: The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away by Lani Blake

 

The Duke Brothers Book 7

She thought she knew her story. He thought he was done being a hero. They were both wrong.

Finch McAllister entered the military at eighteen. It wasn’t just a career—it was his life. Now he was home, injured and grounded, facing a future he hadn’t chosen and wanting solitude to heal.

Lyntacky had other ideas. So did Nina Winters.

Nina built her life exactly the way she wanted it. A job she loved, friends she trusted, and zero complications. Then her mother’s memory faded, and the contents of a box changed everything she’d always believed. She wasn’t who she thought she was. And someone dangerous was hunting her.

Finch McAllister didn’t come home to be anyone’s hero. But when Nina Winters lands in danger, walking away isn’t an option.

Tropes: Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Small Town, Wounded Military MMC, Hidden Identity

Meet The McAllisters. Growing up as Lyntacky’s unofficial hippies, the McAllister kids mastered two things fast: loyalty and survival. They band together like pros, recycle like champions, and can whip up an herbal remedy for whatever mysterious rash you’ve picked up.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252112651-the-moment-he-couldn-t-walk-away-a-small-town-romantic-suspense

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finch had his life planned out. He always wanted to be in the military and planned to be there for a long time. But an accident changes everything. A year later, he is discharged and continuing to struggle with his continued concussion diagnosis. And now he has no idea what to do next. He’s back home in Lyntacky and while he wants to just wallow for a bit longer, his family and friends won’t let him get away with that. He’s a different man than he once was but not so different that the feelings he had for Nina went away. But can he actually have the future he once wanted when he doesn’t know what his future looks like anymore? Meanwhile, Nina is dealing with a lot. When she loses her mother, she is thrown for even more of a loop when a letter from her mother reveals the truth about her father. Turns out he wasn’t exactly a good guy and her mother has done everything in her power to protect Nina from him. And when there have been a few incidents lately, she can’t help but wonder if he is connected to it after all. But she’s not alone. Not with Finch who she’s had feelings for for a while or the rest of town where the locals are protective of one another. As always, I love coming back into this world! I’m reminded constantly that I wish I could live in this town! I loved getting to know Finch and Nina more in this story. These two were great for one another and they truly came together when they both needed one another most. As always with these stories, on top of a romance, we get a bit of a suspense. Great story all around! And I’m looking forward to the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cranham Kings Book 2: Callous Shot by Becca Steele

 

Cranham Kings Book 2

Daniel Hoyton has been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember. We play for rival hockey teams. We attend rival universities. Our families are on opposite sides of the law. 

I hate him, with his irritatingly smug smile, his arrogance, and his inability to take anything seriously.

I want to wipe that smile from his face with my fist.

…Or my mouth.

I can’t decide if I want to punch him or kiss him, and it’s beginning to be a problem. A problem with big consequences. Not only is he completely wrong for me, but his family and friends are under investigation…and my uncle is in charge of the operation. 

I know we’re going to crash and burn.

But I can’t seem to stay away from the flames.

Callous Shot is part of Cranham Kings, a college hockey romance series with darker themes. Each book can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244393276-callous-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Dan and Link have been at one another’s throats for a long time. Rivals on and off the ice, these two just can’t help but rile the other one up every chance they get. Add in the fact that their families are on opposite sides of the law, and it’s just a messy affair. But what happens when they find a new way to work out that tension? These two can tell one another they hate each other all they want, but deep down their feelings are anything but hate. But while those two are working out what exactly is going on between them, there are other things they have to worry about. Link’s father is threatening Link to find dirt on Dan’s criminal family or else face the consequences. Link hates his parents, but he would never jeopardize his uncle and young cousin. But what he is feeling for Dan? How can he find a way out of what feels like an impossible situation? Meanwhile, Dan is trying to figure out this latest issue his family and friends are facing, but something isn’t adding up quite right. Can they figure it out? Another great story in this series! I love a good enemies to lovers stories and Dan and Link were definitely a favorite of mine. Their banter and chemistry are so good. And they both are so deeply loyal and caring, especially to each other. The fight they have ahead of them is hard but one they can get through if they can do it together. Great story all around and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Rookie Diaries Book 1: Rookie Moves by Jodi Oliver

 

The Rookie Diaries Book 1

COLBY

For almost ten years, the world of hockey has had their eyes on me, watching my every move.

I’m projected to be the first overall pick in the NHL draft this summer, and have been nicknamed a franchise altering talent.

But with high praise comes a lot of pressure I can’t escape, and has resulted in me being a rookie in more ways than one.

The only problem is there’s only one person I feel safe with, and I'm pretty sure there are rules about not crushing on your teammate.

TYLER

Ever since I met Colby, I’ve kept an eye on him. No one should have to put up with the pressure the world has laid on his gorgeous shoulders and the defeated look in his beautiful eyes.

But you shouldn’t notice these things about your teammates.

So when Colby asks me to teach him everything I know in the bedroom because I’m the only one he feels safe with?

I should say no, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Colby McKay.

I should’ve known it wouldn’t be as simple as a friends with benefits arrangement.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246682522-rookie-moves

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Colby has had eyes on him in the hockey world since he was a kid. He’s beyond talented and there are high expectations when he reaches the NHL. And while everyone assumed he would go straight to the pros after high school, he declined so he could have at least one year in college before everything changes forever. And while it was a great decision in more ways than one, he still can’t escape the media. So he continues to keep his head down. But there were things he wanted to do in college and before the draft. A big on? Lose his virginity. And his best friend points out the perfect man for the job: Tyler. Colby’s teammate and someone actually feels safe with. When Colby asks Tyler to help him out, he never expected it to be sex related. Tyler’s always been attracted to Colby but he pushed it aside because they’re teammates. Yet, how can he say no? The chemistry between them is insane and the feelings they hoped would stay down, are doing the complete opposite. Their team is on their way to the Frozen Four, Colby is headed for the draft, and Tyler is about to graduate. Can there be a future between them? Loved this story! This is just the beginning for Tyler and Colby. And I’m happy to hear we get a follow up story. This didn’t end on a cliffhanger or anything. It truly was just the beginning of their relationship and the forever they hoped to have. Colby and Tyler were so sweet, in general and especially to each other. They were exactly what the other needed. Colby is navigating this scary world of pro hockey and Tyler is learning to stand up to his family and have the future he wants and deserves. I can’t wait to see what happens with these two next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Siren’s Point Book 3: On Dry Land by JJ Mulder

 

Siren’s Point Book 3

Dryden Roy’s desire for love died years ago when his marriage ended. He lost things he never thought he’d have to part with, and discovered aspects of himself that he hadn’t known were there. Above all, he learned a hard lesson about trust.

Spencer Davis likes to walk. In fact, it’s his job. A vlogger who lives on the road, carrying everything he owns on his back, he strolls into Siren’s Point looking for footage of lobster boats. What he finds instead is a lobsterman.

Dryden and Spencer are different in too many ways to number. In only one thing can they relate— their mistrust of each other and everyone else.

And yet, a chance meeting in the dark leads to time spent together in the light. Circumstance has them occupying the same space, and it’s only a matter of time before a bond begins to form over knots, lobstering, and the water. But trust is a hard thing to earn, and an even harder thing to give away.

As Dryden and Spencer become close, they discover that some scars are physical, some emotional, but all can heal.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253910836-on-dry-land

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Dryden was done with love when his marriage ended after finding out that his husband cheated on him. A lot. Consistently. So putting trust in anyone else? Might just be impossible. He’s made a new life for himself in Siren’s Point. He keeps everyone at a distance and he’s okay with it. Mostly. Even he will admit there is a part of him that is lonely and he misses having someone in his home. But to put his heart and trust out there again? Not happening. That is until Spencer. Spencer found himself just literally walking around the country after something changed his life and left him with almost nothing. He likes the adventures, he likes walking. But even he can admit that part of it can get scary and never knowing if he will find a safe place to rest is stressful. Trusting Dryden to give him a place to stay and not want anything in return seems impossible. Yet, a very small part of him does. At least enough to accept some help. The longer one another stay in each other’s orbit, the more they get to know one another deeply. They work. Against everything they may have thought otherwise. But will Spencer stay in one place? And can Dryden truly let him in? Such a great story! These two had such a great dynamic in more ways than one. I loved finally getting Dryden’s story and seeing what he was thinking and feeling. We’ve only ever seen him through the eyes of another. I loved watching these two build trust and friendship between them and that it led to so much more. Just another great story in Siren’s Point!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bridgeport Jetties The Call-Up Years Book 2: Hiding in the Outfield by Lizzie C. Koz

Bridgeport Jetties The Call-Up Years Book 2

 “No pressure either way,” I murmur. “Just opportunity. If you want it.”

I thought I was the one helping him. Giving him something.

How wrong I was.

FRANKIE

I’ve learned something interesting about myself over the years: I’m either the guy after the guy, there to help you recover from your latest romantic disaster, or I’m the guy you experiment with before you move on to find the person you really want.

I can’t blame them. I am awfully pretty.

And judging by the way my brother’s teammate watches me when he thinks no one’s looking, I’ve found myself another curious closeted man.

Well, Ollie-baby, lucky you. This Frankie fun-ride is at your service. Trust me, sweetness, I'll treat you so right. And the best part? It can stay our little secret.

Just don’t get attached.

Because like all rides, this one comes to an end.

I made the mistake once of believing I could have it all.

Never again.

JACKSON

My plan is simple: stay locked up tight until my baseball career is over.

I’m just another straight ballplayer in a straight world, keeping my head down. Because in my family, inside every locker room I’ve ever known—being gay isn’t an option.

Baseball is supposed to be enough. It has been.

Then Frankie Nebiolo walked in and offered me something I couldn’t resist.

A secret place to be myself in a way I’ve never risked before.

With him, I can finally breathe. I can finally want.

Except…the longer we're together, the more painful hiding becomes.

Now I'm starting to wonder if I'd trade everything for the chance to stop pretending.

Hiding in the Outfield is a steamy baseball romance between a touch-starved closeted athlete and a sultry gay man who hides behind his glitter and sass. Expect irresistible yearning, first-times and high-heat lessons, hurt/comfort that cuts deep, and a loud, loving found family that makes healing feel possible.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250641080-hiding-in-the-outfield

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Jackson has shoved who he truly is deep down the moment it was clear that his family would never approve. The need to hide himself away has been the thing he needed to survive. Even if it meant surrounding himself by some horrible people and even to go as far as pretending to act like them. Until it’s finally he just can’t do it anymore. Because the moment Jackson sees Frankie he knows he is in trouble. Even after they meet, he tries to keep a distance. He promises himself that one day he can be who he is just after his baseball career. But how can he not feel anything for Frankie? Pure sunshine and unashamedly out and proud of who he is. The moment they give in to the attraction between them, it is the beginning of Jackson finally being himself. And becoming the man he was always meant to be. Meanwhile, Frankie learned long ago that maybe he is never anyone’s happily ever after. Burned one too many times, he decides hook ups are enough for him. So why does he find himself basically becoming boyfriends with Jackson? Giving Jackson his safe space to explore this part of him that he was never allowed to do is one thing, but feelings? Totally different. But it’s too late. He is in just as much trouble as Jackson. There are a lot obstacles in their way, but maybe they have a chance of finding the love they have been always craved. I loved these two! I loved Jackson’s growth in this story. He truly had to act pretty terrible because the fear in him was so deep but between Frankie and the friends he was finally able to make when he actually acted like himself, he gets that supportive family he just never had. I loved seeing him grow into himself and find someone who loves him so deeply. And same for Frankie! He deserves all the love after everything he has been through. And no one cares more from him than Jackson. A great story all around! I cannot wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Creepin U Season 2 Book 1: Boy Meets Monster by Leslie McAdam

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 1

Matt: Only I could end up in a love triangle between two people.

Caleb: Your geometry has a certain logic, given our circumstances.

Caleb: Except it can’t be “only” you since you’re conveniently forgetting the second person in this triangle.

Matt: I am not. You’re unforgettable.

Matt: I see you preening over there.

Caleb: What can I say? When you look as good as I do—

Matt: Hush, huldrekall. And by the way, no one’s going to know what a huldrekall is.

Caleb: Some will.

Matt: But for those who don’t, do you think we should tell them?

Caleb: No. Let them find out by reading the book.

Matt: Are you also going to tell them how you made getting me in your bed the subject of an ill-advised bet with your frat brothers? Or are you going to keep that from them the way you kept it from me?

Caleb: How many times do I have to apologize?

Matt: Once more.

Caleb: I’m sorry, love of my life.

Matt: Apology accepted.

Caleb: Other Alpha Claw Omega business goes to the grave, though.

Matt: Except when it doesn’t. There was that time when you had to streak across campus. Tons of people saw.

Caleb: It wasn’t that many people.

Caleb: Besides, babes, if you want my tail, you just have to ask for it.

Matt: Are you going to tell them about the book?

Caleb: No. They have to read it for themselves.

Matt: At least give them a hint.

Caleb: Fine. They can read the list of tropes.

Matt: You’re so generous.

Caleb: Don’t give away my secret.

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. Book one, Boy Meets Monster is a stand-alone m/m romance. This spicy novel is about a rich, cocky frat boy and a nerdy teaching assistant who needs lessons in confidence. Read it if you love a monster who takes one look at a human and says, “That one. I want him.” And then he spends the rest of the book proving that he’s good enough for the human. It’s part of the Creepin U: Season 2 collab series, and each book has a HEA.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252774173-boy-meets-monster

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

After getting literally knocked down by a frat boy in their immature ways, Matt is done. Matt wants a different start to the school year and thanks to his friends, he may just get it. It’s time for Matt 2.0. A more confident version of himself while also actually trying to be himself. So when the frat boy who knocked him over and didn’t stop to apologize shows interest, Matt says no. But deep down he really wanted to say yes. Because despite their rough meeting, Matt kinda feels a connection to Caleb. But Caleb represents a lot of things he likes. Can he truly be different? Caleb wants Matt. He never felt this way before about someone. But Matt won’t give him the time of day. And after hearing reasons why… well, even Caleb can admit he gets it. But he wants to prove to Matt that he can be different. That there is a lot more to him that meets the eye. Can he do it? And that’s not all! We get a lot more to their story than this. Including a loose love triangle, messaging one another anonymously and much more. These two were clearly meant to be but! There is a lot of growing to be done. Especially for Caleb. He grows a lot in this story and it just makes him a better person in the end. And part of that is due to Matt making Caleb come to realize some important things. I really liked his growth. And Matt too. He found the confidence he was desperately trying to fake and standing up for himself. Knowing he deserves more than how he has been treated in the past. A fun story overall! And a great way to kick off this new season at Creepin U!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vermont Trailblazers Book 3: From A to Us by Amy Aislin

 

Vermont Trailblazers Book 3

Eli worked his butt off to earn a spot with the Vermont Trailblazers, and he has absolutely no intention of losing it. Unfortunately, his second NHL season has brought a sophomore slump, an endless parade of team obligations, and the possibility that enthusiasm might not be enough to keep his plates spinning—or keep him from being sent to the minors. So naturally, this is the perfect time for Nolan Madolora—his coach’s son, his sister’s ex, and the man Eli had an impossible crush on a decade ago—to walk back into his life.

Nolan knows a thing or two about not fitting in, which makes getting paid to figure out why the Trailblazers work so well together almost funny—he’s in Vermont to conduct a team culture audit and deliver an objective assessment. What he shouldn’t do is get involved with one of the players, especially when that man is Eli Parker: his ex’s little brother, ten years his junior, and all grown up in ways Nolan is trying very hard not to notice.

When Nolan and Eli stumble across an old set of unsent letters at the arena, amateur sleuthing gives them an excuse to spend more time together—and makes ignoring their growing attraction increasingly impossible to resist. Eli’s old crush has a chance of becoming something very real, while Nolan’s carefully maintained objectivity doesn’t stand a chance against the one person he never thought to look at twice. The closer they get—to the truth and to each other—the harder it becomes to remember all the reasons getting involved is a terrible idea.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250812018-from-a-to-us

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Eli has worked very hard for his spot on the Vermont Trailblazers. And despite that was his rookie season, he did well. But now, second year in and he is on what they are calling his sophomore slump. He has no idea what to do about it. Practices go well, but game time? Not so much. Then add in the fact that he feels like he can’t say no to every single media related thing people ask him to do. He’s drowning and doesn’t even know it. But the good thing in his life? Nolan. Ten years ago, Eli was a teenager and realized that the guy he had an instant crush on was his sister’s boyfriend. But it’s been a long time since they were a couple. And now Nolan is in Vermont working with the team. Eli wants to take his chance. Because ten years later, they are both older and wiser and there is definitely an attraction between them. Can he tell Nolan how he feels? Nolan never expected to suddenly catch feelings for the brother of a girl he dated long ago. He should feel weird about it, right? But being with Eli is anything but weird. It’s oh so easy. And when they stumble upon a mystery, they work together to solve it. And maybe this will be the thing to bring them together. Loved these two! Utterly adorable as they tried to navigate how the other felt about them and if they need to take that first step. And when they finally do, they just are clearly meant to be. Loved getting to know them and it was so fun trying to solve the mystery alongside them. Great series all around!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Out Today!

RELEASE TOUR - Monstrous Serpent by E.V. Olsen

Length: 90,000
Series: South Shore Serpents #1
Prior Reading: Prior reading NOT required
Genre: Dark, Sports, New Adult/College, Contemporary, Polyamory
Tropes:

- MMM
- Hockey Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Best Friends to Lovers
- Masked men
- Bi Awakening
- Pining
- touch him and die
- found family

Trigger/Content Warnings: Explicit sex scenes, dubcon, history of child abuse, history of abduction, murder, attempted murder, violence, mention of child murder, ptsd, severe injury, stalking, dog napping (but funny)
Designer: Sandra Maldo

https://getbook.at/SouthShoreSerpents1

I was never anyone's first choice. Until two monsters made me their only one.

One bad decision leads me into the woods and straight into the hands of two masked strangers who chase me through the dark, pin me down, and leave me questioning everything I thought I knew about myself.

Then I learn who they are.
Serpents.

And not just any Serpents, but six-foot-ten Hunter Kincaid and his other half, six-foot-eight Atlas Trembley.
Atlas gets under my skin like a splinter. He fights me, steals from me, and doesn't care that I want to kill him. He's counting on it.

Hunter doesn't speak. He takes. He decides. And he's decided on me.
They even call me Little Titan like I belong to them.

The worst part?
I want to belong to the two hockey players who fight over marshmallows and look at me like I'm the best thing that's ever happened to them.

But Hunter's past isn't done with him. And when it threatens to tear us apart, I learn exactly what kind of monsters my Serpents are.

AVAILABLE NOW

EXCERPT:

My eyes fall on the one person I never expected to see here, and I stop dead in my tracks. Maybe six cars away is one very familiar Titan.

Cody Jenkins.

The mouthy little shit who keeps coming back, no matter how many times I put him on his ass. Five ten, maybe, built low and compact, and stubborn enough to swing at me even though I've got ten inches and sixty pounds on him.

I like fighting him. There's something about the way he refuses to stay down that makes putting him there more fun than it should be. "Well, this night just got more interesting."

Hunter walks up beside me. “Why the fuck is he here?”

Good question. Jenkins doesn't have a mask on. Doesn't have an armband on either. His hands are shoved into the front pocket of his hoodie, and his head is swiveling like he's looking for someone specific, not looking to play.

He stalks past us, close enough that I could reach out and grab the back of his neck. His shoulders tense as he does, but he's too busy scanning the crowd to look twice.

Then his steps falter, body going rigid.

Can’t tell what he’s looking at since his back is to me, but he’s facing our captain, who’s surrounded by three women. I tilt my head, watching. “Does he know it’s Cap? Bet he’ll start shit if he figures it out. Kind of hope he does.”

Hunter doesn't respond. He's too locked in on Jenkins.

Everyone starts making their way to the designated areas, marking the start of the event. Those with green armbands move toward the tree line while the people with blue armbands gather at the traffic cones near the parking lot.

Hunter and I slip on our blue armbands and hang a few feet back from Jenkins. He doesn't move to either group. Just stands there, watching the crowd sort itself around him as if he unknowingly wandered into someone else's game.

I grin under my mask, bouncing on my toes. "He didn't sign up for this, and he definitely came looking for a fight."

Hunter grunts. "He found one."

Whatever tonight was supposed to be just got replaced by something else. The pining, the threesome I didn't want, the girl who's pretty like a painting—gone.

The Titan is on our turf . . . and this I know what to do with.

Jenkins checks his phone, then tucks it into his back pocket. He maneuvers through the pack, edging closer to our captain.

The first airhorn blares, and those wearing green armbands run into the woods.

I shake out my hands, muscles flexing, blood surging through my body. Under my mask, my lips are pulled into a wide grin. But it’s not friendly.

Hunter is still beside me. Poised. Locked in.

The second horn blares, and our group takes off. Jenkins is ahead of us, cutting through the pack with the same quick, aggressive stride he uses on the ice.

That’s right, you cocky little shit. Run. Because I’m coming to get you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

EV Olsen is an MM romance author who loves to write about Over The Top alpha males who are possessive and completely obsessed with their person or mate. Nothing will get in their way from claiming what's theirs. EV enjoys writing angsty or darkish type romances whether set in contemporary, PNR, or even post-apocalyptic worlds. 
https://www.instagram.com/evolsenbooks
http://www.facebook.com/evolsenbooks
https://www.evolsen.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@evolsenbooks

https://gayromancereviews.com/

#GayRomanceReviews #GRR #GRRTours #ReleaseTour #EVOlsen #MonstrousSerpent #SouthShoreSerpents #DarkReads #NewAdult #Polyamory #NewBooks #TBR #KindleUnlimitedRomance

Monstrous Heirs Book 1: Vengeful Monster by JR Gray

 

Monstrous Heirs Book 1

Is stalking just a one sided meet cute?

Ash Conrad throws his meticulously curated life plans out the window to attend an Ivy League. In a country he’s never been to, against family tradition, all in the hope of gaining entrance to an ancient and exclusive secret society.

The Legacy of Power isn’t just an elite secret society, it’s where the heirs of the criminal underworld play. Admittance would guarantee Ash access to the type of people who might help him save his brother.

But first he has to get through Rurik Locke.

Son of the world’s most notorious assassins, Rurik’s family founded Legacy. He’s a ruthless, violent enigma of a golden retriever—who’s not above a little stalking—and is utterly obsessed.

Ash needs his help, but Rurik’s chaos threatens every aspect of the careful structure he’s built to survive.

They’re about to find out the skeletons in their closets are a lot more intertwined than they realize, and Ash will have to let Rurik in to save them both.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255757551-vengeful-monster

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Astor is on a mission that sends him overseas to the States for college. He has to pass the trails to gain access to the school’s secret society. A very dangerous and elite society that contains the heirs of the criminal underworld. But there is nothing he wouldn’t do for this brother. So if his father tells him it is important to gain access to better protect his brother, then Astor will do it. That includes changing his name to Ash. He’ll have to fly under the radar the best he can so no one can track who his family is. But he never expected that someone from the society would take such an interest in him. Or that Ash would find that the attention…is not totally unwanted. The moment Rurik spies Ash, he’s all in. He wants him and there is nothing that will stop him from getting what he wants. Usually, when he gets obsessed it’s a quick passing. But Ash has him locked in more ways than one. He knows Ash is different for him. It’s just getting Ash to figure out that they are endgame. This psychopath golden retriever won’t be swayed from Ash, especially if Ash proves to be in danger. Protective instincts kicked in and turns out they both have some skeletons in their closet that need to be released. I loved this! Rurik is basically a sunshine like psychopath that as annoying as Ash first finds him…grows on you for sure. When he is in, he is all in. No one will be loved or safer than Ash with Rurik by his side. And for Ash, the poor guy has a lot going on and really doesn’t do anything for himself. He tries to resist Rurik at first but there is a part of him deep down that recognizes just how safe he is with Rurik. And that is all it takes for him to slowly bit by bit, let Rurik into his life. This is just a really interesting new world with some very interesting characters. I can’t wait to see who’s book is next! We also had some pretty good twists and turns as well. Just really loved this story overall and can’t wait tot see what comes next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In the Paddock Book 1: Champagne Problems by Hannah Grace

 

In the Paddock Book 1

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Icebreaker, a glamorous new romance between a Formula 1 driver and the woman he can’t forget.

Glamour, fast cars, and scandal.

Welcome to the paddock.

Ivy Miller has one rule: no more dating athletes. After one too many bad experiences, she’s done with ego, heartbreak, and damage control.

So, when she’s sent to work with Elysium’s Formula 1 team, she’s horrified to discover that their new driver is Saint Thompson – the man she nearly fell for a year ago, before scandal cost him his championship. The man who seems confident that they can pick up exactly where they left off.

Between late nights, playful banter, and undeniable chemistry, resisting Saint starts to feel impossible.

Ivy insists they can keep things casual. No feelings. No expectations. Just sex. But Saint isn’t interested in casual. He wants more. He wants the date they never had, and their reunion turns into a game neither of them is willing to lose.

Because Saint Thompson has his own rule to live by: second place is never an option. Not on the track, and especially not when it comes to Ivy Miller.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244318833-champagne-problems

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Ivy and Saint thought their moment to be something more slipped through their fingers before they had a chance to make it to their first date. Saint’s career was put in serious jeopardy after a scandal that had nothing to truly do with him but with those on his team and it resulted in losing his championship. And for Ivy, a health issue with her father that she swears is taking years off her life. The year was hard on both of them. Neither able to be there for the other truly, and missing one another more than anything, but unable to do something. But a second chance is coming. And this time, Saint won’t let her go. Saint has had feelings for Ivy for years and when his chance came, he lost it. He won’t let it happen again. Ivy needs to keep things professional. She doesn’t want to give ammo to those who already cause her issues. But being assigned to work on an F1 team that now has Saint on it? Well, she knows she is in trouble. Because he makes it hard for her to remember why she wants to keep her heart guarded. And he smashes every wall she has as he proves to her that he is the man that deserves her. Loved these two! And if you are a fan of the Maple Hills series, get ready to see a lot of familiar faces! This is a second chance romance you do not want to miss. These two have so much chemistry and it is clear that they belong with one another. Years of waiting for the right moment and they finally get their chance. For real this time. I loved getting to know them and watch them fall hard for one another. This is the beginning of what looks like is going to be a great new series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

New York Condors Hockey Book 1: Crease Collision by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Hardwood

 

New York Condors Hockey Book 1

Kai Mercer can read every shooter in the league. The only man he can’t read is guarding the opposite net.

As the starting goaltender for the New York Condors, Kai survives by controlling the chaos. He can anticipate a shot before it leaves the stick, but people are a different story. To calm a world that’s always too loud, Kai keeps his emotional armor locked tight. At least until an anonymous summer fling with a gentle stranger strips away all his defenses. He never even got a last name, but the quiet safety of those warm nights was exactly what he needed.

Until opening night of the season.

When Kai looks across the ice at the New Jersey Fury’s crease, his focus shatters. The goalie staring back at him is the same man who held him in the dark.

Oskar didn’t come to America to fall in love. He came to play hockey. But the unshakeable Swedish goaltender knows a rare shot when he sees one, and he has no intention of letting Kai disappear.

Every game pushes one of them closer to the championship they've spent their lives chasing, and further from the one person who feels like home.

Crease Collision is a high-stakes MM hockey romance featuring rival goaltenders, hookup-to-lovers, bisexual and neurodivergent representation, locker-room banter, high heat, and a guaranteed HEA. Crease Collision is the first book in the New York Condors Hockey series by the authors of the bestselling Buffalo Warriors Hockey and Bethesda Barracudas Hockey series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249608991-crease-collision

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Kai never imagined what should have been a one time hook up turning into so much more. The moment Kai and Oskar meet, sparks fly. They both feel it. They know they shouldn’t want more. Yet, why can’t they stay away? The time they spend together is filled with laughter and fun, and both avoiding saying what their jobs are in favor of being normal for a bit longer. Because the truth is, both of them are professional hockey goalies. On rival teams. And neither know it. Not until they play against one another for the first time. But by then, it’s too late. Feelings have caught. And while Kai has done so much to keep his heart guarded after having it ripped to shreds because he is different, it’s still no match for Oskar. And for Oskar, he may have come from Sweden to play hockey in America and knows he needs to focus, but he also knows that how he feels about Kai is worth fighting for. Worth seeing where it can go or else he will always regret it. Being together may not be the easiest with their schedules and team rivalries, but when they are together, that is all that matters. Loved these two! They were utterly so sweet and perfect for one another. Balancing one another out so nicely. It may take them a bit to find their footing, but when it comes down to it, they are brave enough to take the leap. A great start to this new series for sure!