In Vino Veritas Book 2: Counterpoint by J.E. Birk

In Vino Veritas Book 2

One playboy. One perfectionist. So many secrets.

I’m considered the biggest playboy in Burlington, Vermont. The party boy. The guy who lives in the moment and makes decisions with no thought for the future. But people don’t know my past. They don’t know why I make the choices I do. Even my best friend doesn’t know the truth about me. Actually, there are a lot of things he doesn’t know…like the fact that I had a one night stand with his brother last year.

Did I mean to hook up with Aaron? Um, no. Mistakes were made, okay? But unlike most of my mistakes, this one has lasting consequences. Aaron works at the law firm where circumstances are forcing me to be their errand boy. Now we see each other every day. Aaron’s such a nervous wreck he keeps tripping over the copy machine. I’m surprised he hasn’t ended up in traction yet.

He and I are opposites in almost every way. He’s got a GPA higher than Mount Mansfield, and I’m barely going to graduate college. He grocery shops with a spreadsheet, and I’ve got YOLO tattooed on my body. But Aaron sees things in me that no one else does, and I see things in him he doesn’t see in himself. Before I know it, we’re sharing late-night office picnics, evenings out at the bar, and long, hot afternoons on my boat. I’m having the best summer of my life, but there’s no way this can end well. My bff will kill me if he ever finds out how thoroughly I’ve corrupted his brother…

Counterpoint is an opposites-attract forbidden romance featuring an incense-filled law firm, meddling friends, and angst and humor in (mostly) equal parts. It stars Jeremy Everett and Aaron Morin, who first appeared in the Vino and Veritas story Booklover, but Counterpoint is a standalone novel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61955815-counterpoint

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Another great story added to the World of True North! We get to see lots of familiar faces in this one and even faces now who get their own story. This story follows Aaron and Jeremy. Who are connected to Birk's other book in this world, Booklover. Aaron and Jeremy have a bit of a complicated history. Over a year earlier they had a one night stand that both agreed to forget. Because not only is Jamie Aaron's brother but he is Jeremy's best friend. They both aren't sure how Jamie would take it and it is better to keep it quiet. However, their paths cross once more when Aaron has a summer job at a law firm but Jeremy is hired there as well as one of the assistants since he decided to stay in Vermont for the summer. Cue the awkwardness and the attraction that hasn't gone away completely. Both of these guys are complicated characters. Aaron is still feeling guilty about running from his family over a year ago and is doing his best to make up for it. Then add in his stress about finishing up law school and bombing a previous internship. Then there is Jeremy. Jeremy has a complicated relationship to his family that has hurt him to the point where he isn't sure of his future and never wants to look forward. Better to live in the moment. But when these two are reunited, their views start to slowly shift. It'll take a lot for both to change but together they may have a shot. I loved this story. You just want to hug both Aaron and Jeremy and tell them everything will be okay and that they both deserve the other! I couldn't put their story down. Plus we see some characters who are set to have their own books coming as well. Loved this! You definitely don't want to miss this one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

In Vino Veritas Book 1: Wildfire by Garrett Leigh

In Vinto Veritas Book 1

A gorgeous new sexual awakening romance with sizzling first times, snarky British banter, and off-the-charts chemistry. 

Life doesn’t always pan out as you expect. When it explodes in my face, literally, an old friend offers me a place to heal and a job renovating the kitchen of Burlington’s coolest wine bar.

V&V is a chill fest. Living above it should be a blast. But I’m not built to be a social butterfly. Not anymore. I’m a damaged man. 

And I’m not its target clientele.

At least, I think I’m not until I come face to face with the most beautiful human I’ve ever seen. Joss is the new chef and my roommate. He has hair like spun gold and it’s as pretty as the rest of him. Crystal blue eyes. Megawatt smile.

I can’t stop staring. Or thinking about him. He chases my nightmares away. And when he spots my crush a mile off, his solution to our chemical attraction blows my mind.

An experiment of sorts. Science. Is this sexual exploration or sex education?

Either way, Joss is only here for the summer. He’s leaving.

I can’t fall in love with him.

I can’t.

Shame my foolish heart never got the memo.

WILDFIRE is a heartfelt MM friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort romance in the True North world, with a brooding lumbersexual, a wild-hearted chef, sweet angst and all the Vermont food. Content warning: contains mentions of depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation, and PTSD recovery.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61400549-wildfire

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

So happy to be back in the World of True North! Specifically this fun series set at Vino & Veritas. We get to see some favorite characters return and get some pretty awesome new ones. Like our leading guys Kai and Joss. Kai has been in a funk. He is suffering from PTSD after experiencing something pretty traumatic at his last job. Lucky for him, his friend Tanner is there to help Kai keep afloat and be there for him while he sorts himself out and gets back on his feet. What he doesn't expect is for Tanner and Jax to hand him a new roommate. Joss is a longtime friend of Jax and comes to be the new chef at Vino & Veritas. Joss never stays in one place long since he always has an itch to be on the move along with being diagnosed with ADHD. He has long since accepted that there are things about himself he can't change and is happy to be who is he. Though, when he meets Kai, for the first time ever he wonders if he found a place to stay for good and someone to stay there for. What I absolutely loved about Kai and Joss is that both have these pretty big issues but instead of it hurting any chance of friendship between them, it just brings them together. Kai understands Joss way better than anyone ever has besides Jax. Kai has the patience to wait Joss out and figure out what he needs when his brain is going a mile a minute. He doesn't try to change Joss or fix him because he truly doesn't see anything wrong. Then Joss watches Kai and knows he is dealing with some pretty big stuff but makes himself available in whatever form he thinks Kai needs. Feeding him or sitting there and talking with him. He understands Kai just as well as Kai gets him. I loved their story and how these two guys can truly look past everything that makes them different and care about one another with no reservations. You don't want to miss this first book bringing us back to this world!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Return to Sanctuary by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Et. Al

Are you ready for a Return to Sanctuary? Enjoy Fourteen Original Fan Fiction tales set in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Hunterverse with a Foreword by Sherrilyn herself. This is volume II.

Over a century ago, the Peltier clan came to New Orleans and established one of the best-known Limanis in the world. Now out of the shadows of their past, the present, and the future, readers will be treated to a second anthology of stories written by fans of Sherri's as they dip their pens into the realms of the Dark-Hunters, Were-Hunters, and Dream-Hunters.

Join us for this exciting collaboration, with fourteen short stories set at Sanctuary that are sure to entertain!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60626137-return-to-sanctuary

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

So I have to start off and say I'm a little biased about my review since one of the stories, Follow the Thread, is actually mine and in the book. :) So let me begin by saying that writing this story was a ton of fun! My goal was to write a story that really fit in this world Sherrilyn Kenyon created. I wanted it to truly feel like it could have happened and fit with the other mythologies. I love Greek mythology and was sure to incorporate it and of course you gotta love dragons. Like I said, lots of fun to write and I hope other readers enjoy it too!

As for the other short stories, if you are a fan of the world, I think you will enjoy these writers' takes on what could happen in this world of Dark-Hunters where every kind of mythology has a place. It's definitely a nice placeholder as we wait for Sherrilyn to release her next book! See some characters we know and love written by others while getting some new characters to add something unique to the world. 

 

Hidden Legacy Series Book 6: Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews

Hidden Legacy Book 6

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews is back with the newest book in the exciting Hidden Legacy series—the thrilling conclusion to her trilogy featuring fierce and beautiful Prime magic user Catalina Baylor.

An escaped spider, the unexpected arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince, the senseless assassination of a powerful figure, a shocking attack on the supposedly invincible Warden of Texas, Catalina’s boss... And it’s only Monday.

Within hours, the fate of Houston—not to mention the House of Baylor—now rests on Catalina, who will have to harness her powers as never before. But even with her fellow Prime and fiancé Alessandro Sagredo by her side, she may not be able to expose who’s responsible before all hell really breaks loose.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59723757-ruby-fever

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

An epic conclusion to Catalina's series and story! So many questions were finally answered and I'm glad to say that I was right about some of my guesses. Everything comes to a close in this story. And I'm still praying that this isn't the end of that world. I still want Arabella to get some books! This is probably my favorite series/world from Ilona Andrews and I really hope it isn't the end. So in this story Catalina and Alessandro finally get their chance to end their fight with Arkan once and for all. But it isn't exactly easy. The book starts off with a punch when multiple things happen at once that cause way more problems than anyone could have wanted. Especially when one hits way to close to home. Now it is up to Catalina, Alessandro, and their family to finally end the madness. A lot goes down in this story and I don't want to give anything away. But like I said earlier, questions are finally answered. We get a lot more information when it comes to Catalina and her magic. More on Alessandro's family. More of everyone and what's going on with them. You basically don't want to miss this book. Lots of action in this one. And of course the relationship between Catalina and Alessandro only goes stronger. I loved this story and it could be my favorite of the series. I really hope this isn't the end of the series!

 

The League Book 12: Born of Blood by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The League Book 12

Jayne Erixour believes she knows everything about the universe. As a bounty hunter and assassin, she's seen the worst dregs of humanity and every sentient species ever spat out of a hell realm. To her, there is no truth outside of her blaster’s recoil and her resolve to let no one get too close.

Hadrian Scalera is on the run from the same brutal assassins who slaughtered every member of his family, both birth and foster. He has no refuge and no one he dares to call friend, as it will mean the end of them. He expects no mercy from anyone, until the day one assassin hesitates to pull the trigger.

An assassin’s code is simple: Kill or be killed. No prey, no pay. Every life has a price.

If Jayne doesn’t fulfill her contract and kill Hadrian, she’ll be the next target on the League’s menu. But as old enemies return to hunt them both, they quickly learn that neither will survive unless they can learn to trust each other. Yet things are never so simple and survival means only one of them can be left standing . . . 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36639659-born-of-blood

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Been waiting a long time to get the origin story of Jayne and Hadrian and it is finally here! This story takes us way back to the early days of so many characters we know and love. Before they were even close to being the people we know them as. Jayne and Hadrian are so young here. And their sweet short story is very typical of all involved. Jayne and Hadrian meet when she is sent out to bring him in. However, nothing quite adds up. The family claiming to want Hadrian are all dead except for Nero after their family and empire were wiped out. So who exactly is after Hadrian? And how does everything connect? Because we learn about a lot of family ties in this one along with how certain people know others and how their group in the future ties together. A lot starts here and I love it. Loved seeing familiar faces and we got some new ones who I am super curious about. I'm also curious to see if we get more of Jayne's family in the future books yet to come. They are pretty quiet in the series but not so much here. Would love to get everyone together. Jayne is always hysterical and bad ass. It's nice to see other sides of her and how she ended up with Hadrian. Hadrian has always been quiet in the series but getting his point of view and seeing how he got together with Jayne. Things make a lot more sense now. Loved those two characters and love this world. Can't wait until we get more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

London Calling Book 2: Husband Material by Alexis Hall

London Calling Book 2

Wanted:

One (very real) husband

Nowhere near perfect but desperately trying his best

In BOYFRIEND MATERIAL, Luc and Oliver met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disappointment and family and friends…and somehow figured out a way to make it work. Now it seems like everyone around them is getting married, and Luc’s feeling the social pressure to propose. But it’ll take more than four weddings, a funeral, and a bowl full of special curry to get these two from I don’t know what I’m doing to I do.

Good thing Oliver is such perfect HUSBAND MATERIAL.

This Summer 2022, you’re invited to the event(s) of the season.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59236649-husband-material

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

This sequel to Boyfriend Material was truly a great one! I forgot how great these characters were and it was fun being back in this world. Every character is an absolute joy and I was laughing my whole way through this story. I couldn't put it down. Luc and Oliver are back and it has been two years since we last saw them. Both are happier and are in a great place with their relationship. But as friends and those they know are tying the know, it makes them question what is next for their relationship. They've gone a lot of growing since they got together, but perhaps there is a still a lot more for them to work through if they are ready to take their relationship to the next level. Lots of fun this book. Like I said, I just kept laughing at their antics and this world has some of the best side characters. Each person has their own quirkiness. Plus, the story of Oliver and Luc's relationship growing and facing challenges about one another and about themselves was just so great and very real. No one is perfect and they certainly aren't. And it's nice to see them go through it together and fight to be together even when there are moments they wonder if they can make it through. Great story and I hear there will be more in this world! Can't wait to see! 

 

Dark Lords of London Book 3: Fae Witch's Vampire Guard by Jessie Donovan

Dark Lords of London Book 3

One second Reika Hashimoto is sitting on a bench in twenty-first century Vancouver and the next time she wakes up she's in nineteenth century London. Not only that, she's the fated bride of a half-vampire and half-shifter male who mostly communicates with grunts and glares. However, the more time she spends with him, the more she loves being able to make him smile and open up, and starts to wonder if he's her future.

Stone Riley has a dark past, one that has turned him into the growly, reserved head of security for a vampire's gaming hell. He doesn't allow anyone to get close to him if he can help it. But once a female from the future bloods him, he knows he has to claim her once to avoid going mad. She's annoyingly cheerful, and silly, and soon he finds he craves her like he's never craved another.

Just as they start to get to know each other and wonder if fate had been right to put them together, Reika's life is suddenly in danger. In a rush against the clock, Stone fights for the female he never had hoped for, ready to do whatever it takes to have her as his bride in truth.

Note: This is a steamy/spicy paranormal time-travel romance novella with a half-shifter/half-vampire hero of little words, a half-shifter/half-fae witch heroine from the future who doesn't cower at his glares, a little suspense, and plenty of smiles. This is most definitely not a fade to black book. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431648-fae-witch-s-vampire-guard

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

In this latest Dark Lords of London story, Yesenia has once again used her time traveling powers to find a fated mate for ones of the vampires in 1890 London. That turns out to be half fae witch, half shifter, Reika Hashimoto. Reika is from Vancouver 2003 and it quite surprised to find out that not only do time-wielding witches exist and is she is no longer in 2003 but she also has a fated mate: Stone Riley. Stone is our typical half vampire, half shifter growly male. He doesn't have much to say but he is the head of the vampire's security and takes his job as protector very seriously. His life hasn't been easy and he isn't so sure he deserves a fated mate, but he can't deny the pull he feels toward Reika. Together, they make a great pair! Reika isn't afraid to stand her ground and can coax and smile from Stone in a way no one else can. Their story was fun and sweet and another step toward building up this world and all the conflicts in 1890 London. You definitely don't want to miss this story as you dive into this new world!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.