Creepin U Season 2 Book 8: Operation: Ogre by Mars Quinn

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 8

We’re just friends. Nothing more.

Jaxon

My crush on the hot ogre goalie isn’t going anywhere, but my best friend and roommate, Christopher, is certain that he can help me and Aaron get together. Chris should know; he’s famous on campus for his hook-ups and dates. I’m hesitant about his plan, but I can never say no to Christopher. And then I will be with Aaron, and that’s what I want, right?

Christopher

Jaxon, my shy ogre best friend, needs my help to get Aaron, one of the most popular guys in school. I’ll help him, of course--I’d do anything for Jaxon--but I have no experience with romance besides fictional. So armed with romance books and a foolproof plan, I decide we’ll pretend to date each other to make Aaron jealous. It’s genius and will definitely work! Nothing is going to get in the way of my plan, not my annoying siblings, not my lack of dating experience, and definitely not this odd feeling I have when I see Aaron and Jaxon together.

You are formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as “Creepin U.” The only thing wilder than the monsters prowling around the campus are the spicy MM love stories unfolding between the classes. This is a stand-alone romance with an introverted ogre, his mandated extroverted human, friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and lots of feels. This book is intended for adult audiences only.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252781622-operation

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Returning to Creepin U and I’m so excited! I’m kicking this off with Jaxon and Chris! Chris and Jaxon have been inseparable since meeting at Creepin U. Best friends and roommates. When they return from their summer vacation to start the new semester, they are more than happy to see one another. Even with the amount of time they spent together over the summer. And when Jaxon admits to Chris he may like another ogre, Chris is ready to help! Though there are some mixed feelings about it. Chris has a reputation when it comes to romance but the truth is, he has no experience at all. He just can’t escape the lie that started way back in high school. And then there is the fact that there is something bothering him about Jaxon being into someone else. Jaxon may have said he he had a crush, but almost the moment Chris starts to help his crush notice him, Jaxon comes to the realization that the only person’s attention he truly wants is Chris’s. And the moment they kiss? It’s over for both of them. And while Jaxon knows he wants Chris forever, Chris fears losing his best friend. Can they put away their fears long enough to realize that the two of them together is everything they could have ever wanted? So sweet! I adored these two. Truly best friends to lovers. It was clear that these two were meant for one another. I actually love the little twists this took when it came to the fake dating tropes. And that Jaxon was quick to realize who his true feelings were for. A great way for me to kick off this new season of Creepin U! And I’m excited for so much more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

NY Rush Book 1: Rookie Attraction by Ava Olsen

 

NY Rush Book 1

Selwin

I planned on coming out in the NHL. I didn't plan on having to switch teams to survive it.

With the New York Rush, keeping my head down should be safe—until rookie defenseman Finn Baran shows up. Finn is talented, determined, impossible to ignore. Every late-night conversation and every stolen glance on the ice pulls me closer to a line I swore I'd never cross.

Falling for my teammate was never part of the playbook.

Finn

After going undrafted, I thought my hockey dreams were over. A last-minute tryout with the Rush gives me one more chance—and puts me face-to-face with Selwin Kirkland, a player I've admired for years.

Our chemistry is undeniable.

The timing couldn't be worse.

As friendship turns into something more, we have to decide if protecting our careers is worth losing the one thing we never saw coming: each other.

Rookie Attraction is a bi awakening, friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort MM hockey romance. Book 1 of the NY Rush series—where love doesn't play by hockey rules.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240635583-rookie-attraction

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Sel decided it was time to stop hiding who he was and announce he was bisexual, he never imagined just how bad the reactions could be. Especially from his own NHL team. The team he thought of as family. The moment he walks into the locker room, things are bad and escalate to the point where he knows he needs to leave or risk his safety. Being traded to the NY Rush has to be a new and fresh start. And luckily most of the team seems to be good with him. But even better is seeing a familiar face that he knows is definitely okay with him. Finn is beyond excited to be with the NY Rush and even more so when he learns that Sel was traded to the team. He has always admired Sel and after meeting him over the summer, he feels good that they can be friends. And even partners on the ice. But their friendship slowly turns into so much more as they get to know one another. And while Sel fears Finn’s future if they get involved, Finn is also someone who knows what he wants. So it’s only a matter of time until that pull between them will be too much to resist. Great start to this new series! Sel and Finn have great chemistry on and off the ice. They are really perfect for one another and balance each other out so well. Both of them have a lot going on in their lives, but they can lean on one another. I loved watching their friendship blossom to more. And I’m super excited for book two!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Darling Brothers Book 4: Painted in Wildflowers by Emmy Sanders

 

The Darling Brothers Book 4

I’ve always listened to my heart, and what it wants is him.

Remi

I can confidently say I never thought my crush on my best friend’s older brother would amount to anything.

Until Benson Harper returns to Darling, possibly to stay.

As the forty-two-year-old desperately searches for his sense of self, I begin falling for a man I never truly knew before now. One who’s kind, honest, and caring.

Amidst wildlife rehabilitation, explorations in mountain climbing, and the strained tensions with his brother, Benson works up the courage to tell his family he’s autistic. And I gain companionship that goes far beyond the eldest Harper brother shadowing me on the ranch.

I wasn’t prepared for love to bloom in the quiet days spent by Benson’s side.

Now, I’m not prepared to lose him.

Painted in Wildflowers is a brother’s-best-friend romance at a small-town ranch, with a twelve-year age gap, the cutest-ever sidekick, Deaf and autistic representation, and one very HEA. It’s book 4 in The Darling Brothers series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244335689-painted-in-wildflowers

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

The final Darling Brothers book has arrived! It’s Remi’s turn. And it was everything you could have wanted for his story and the finale of this series. Remi has had a crush on his best friend’s older brother since he was a teenager. Never did he expect anything to happen. Especially since Benson had left Darling years ago. But now that Benson is home and finds himself at the Darling Ranch more often than not, that long ago crush is surfacing. But what’s even better? It’s more real this time. Because now Remi is getting to know Benson and he is both not what he expected and probably exactly what he has been looking for. Can it be possible for Benson to have feelings for Remi too? Benson returns home after so long staying away and being anything but himself. He finally has a name for what he never understood about himself until now and it comes with much needed peace. Now, he just wants to work on finding out exactly who he is. He just never expected that Remi Darling would be the one to embrace Benson’s true self and love him for it. Benson has never felt safer than when he is with Remi. And maybe they are exactly what one another have been looking for all along. I loved these two. They were so sweet and beautiful and just utterly perfect for one another in every way. I loved how they found one another at the right time. I just absolutely loved their story and it couldn’t have been a sweeter end to the series. I will definitely miss these characters! Great finale and a great series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Legends & Fury Book 3: Yard Sale by EM Lindsey

 

Legends & Fury Book 3

“Would you rather be trapped in a cabin with your arch enemy, or not be allowed to shower for a hundred days?”

Problem number one: My arch enemy is the jackass reporter who keeps making up lies about me.

Problem number two: He’s also absurdly hot so the idea of being trapped in a cabin with him gives me ideas.

Problem number three: As much as he pisses me off, Aravind Gupta might actually be right about a few things: namely that my career in hockey is probably over.

A poorly timed check might have robbed me of being able to retire old and with nearly half of my original teeth, and Aravind was right there on the front lines to tell the world about it.

In a wild attempt to get away and figure out what comes next, I find him on my same ferry, heading out to a quiet island where I planned to do nothing but bed rot. 

Aravind has other ideas though, and he makes those known before we’re even off the boat.

And while it’s not like me to want to sleep with a man I can’t stand, somehow, he’s turned into the only bright light in the dark shadows my terrible family casts. 

I might not be used to believing in myself, but with Aravind’s quiet and gentle persistence, I’m starting to think that despite what I’ve always been taught, I deserve my happily ever after.

Yard Sale is the third and final book of the Legends and Fury trilogy, a spin-off of Punk as Puck. It’s a rivals to lovers romance featuring a tired, injured D-man with a crappy family who is failing to cope at life, a reluctant reporter with a thing for lace and silk who is doing his best to figure out who he is and what he wants, sandcastles, walks on the beach, making unique use of panties, the joys of too many aunties coming to visit, and a steamy, swoony happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252600533-yard-sale

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

The final book of this series has arrived! I’m really sad to see it end. This was such a great series. We end the series with Tiago and Aravind. And if you have read the previous book, you know these two don’t exact get along. Aravind tends to say exactly the wrong thing and is a sports reporter. So if you aren’t at your best, prepare for that bad report. And Tiago is having quite a time. Tiago has been slowly going blind for a long time now. And he knows that the day is coming sooner rather than later where his vision will be gone for good. But then to add to it all, he gets a very bad injury at his hockey game. Jeopardizing his career. This may just be the game that makes him retire. And of course, Aravind is there to write about it. Aravind hates his job. It’s not the type of writing he wanted and the fact that his cheating of an ex works in the same building as him does not help. He is counting the days until his contract is up. His last article will be on Tiago’s injury. He knows he hasn’t been his best around Tiago, but he is trying. And that comes soon when the two of them find themselves on a ferry together. And the chemistry between them ignites. All the tension finally releases in an unexpected way. And both of them realize…they want more. More of one another. So when Tiago needs a major buffer between his horrible family, Aravind is there to be the perfect boyfriend. And well, pretending is the last thing on their mind when everything feels realer and realer by the moment. Can they actually have a future together? These two definitely had some enemies to lovers vibe, but I loved when they actually communicated and were able to get past some things and realize that they are actually pretty perfect for one another. I loved watching them get to know one another better and falling hard for each other. Just a perfect way to end this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sinful Things Book 1: Craving Sin by Riley Hart

 

Sinful Things Book 1

Rian

As head of the O’Shea family, I don’t make mistakes.

I certainly don’t become obsessed with a guy. Stalk him. And then proceed to kidnap him to a secluded cabin when an attempt on my life is made.

But that’s exactly what I did.

While my family hunts down the men who tried to kill me, Doctor Preston Abbott is trapped with me, and I expect him to nurse me back to health before paying the ultimate sacrifice. Abbott…who is also the governor’s son.

Each day my interest in him grows. He cares for me, shares parts of his life with me, willingly gives his body to me and begs for more…even though he knows he’ll die by my hand.

I never thought I would want someone again this way, that I would crave another person the way I do Abbott. He’s too good for the violence of my world, and all the sinful things I revel in. I’m a monster but he’s mine until the end.

Mine to crave…mine to touch…mine to kill…

Craving Sin contains MCs dealing with grief, violence, darker themes, and morally gray characters with no redemption arc. This is still a Riley Hart romance, so you can expect a happily ever after for our guys.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252732477-craving-sin

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

A great start to this new series! This is a spin off to Sins of the Father. Now actually the stories of some of the dads we’ve seen in that series. The book starts with Rian. Rian is currently the head of the O’Shea family. He has been drowning in his grief for too long. He lost his wife nine years ago and left his son alone so Rian could deal with his own grief. He wasn’t the best father he could have been and he has been doing what he can to change it now. But he never expects to feel that love for someone again. Because that same instinct gut feeling when he met his wife? He feels it again. For a man. Abbott. A doctor and later he learns, the governor’s son. All Rian wants is to see Abbott again to see if it was a fluke. It wasn’t. And what makes matters worse? The two of them are shot at in the process. Rian gets hurts and essentially kidnaps Abbott to take care of him and maybe even to protect him. But he made a mistake. Dragging Abbott along is a death sentence. He can’t live knowing Rian and what Rian does. So what is he going to do? Oof! These two!! Absolutely loved them and their story. Despite the impossible situation they find themselves in, they still manage to fall so hard for one another. Abbott is exactly what Rian needs and vice versa. Abbott needs a family and someone who cares about him and there is no one better than Rian for that. They both deserve a lot of happiness after what they’ve been through in life. I just loved getting to know them. And their story is just the beginning of something big going down. There are other players on the board set out to hurt the O’Shea family. And I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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

********

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

********

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

********

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

********

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

********

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.

***

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

********

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

********

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

********

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

********

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.