Never Have I Ever Book 3: Never Have I Ever Had a Bromance with a Teammate by Willow Dixon

Never Have I Ever Book 3

How could one kiss change everything between me and my best friend?

Jax has been my best friend since the day we met. We not only share our passion for baseball, but we train together, play on the same team, hang out together, even sleep in the same bed half the time.

I feel safe with him, and he gets me like no one else. Yeah, he’s gay and I’m straight, but that doesn’t matter.

Until it does.

Until one stupid dare to kiss each other leads to the most amazing, epic kiss of my life.

Until I suddenly can’t stop thinking about him, about what he awakens in me.

Until all I want is him.

Our bromance evolves into something much deeper, something that neither of us can define. I explore new territory with him and discover sides of myself I never knew I had.

But with not only our future in baseball on the line but also our friendship, how can this thing between us ever be more than temporary? A bromance between besties doesn’t have to change anything, right?

Matt and Jax’s story is a best friends-to-lovers romance between teammates who discover that a bromance between besties is exactly what they’ve always wanted but never thought they could have. Expect lots of bff banter, some serious steam, and tons of sweetness as these two oblivious jocks navigate the line between boyfriends and bros. It is the third novel in the exciting Never Have I Ever series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77780342-never-have-i-ever

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It's Matt and Jax's turn and I have been definitely curious about these two best friends. Everyone can see that these guys are more than best friends and teammates. They were definitely made for one another. So what does it take for these two to cross that final line? Turns out a kiss on a dare. Jax has always been gay. He's out for the most part and doesn't really hide it. However, he knows if he wants to play professional baseball then he may have to hide who he is. As for Matt, he always believed he was straight but little signs here and there lately made him wonder if that was true. Especially after an unforgettable kiss with his best friend. Now he wonders if he was denying a piece of himself and wants to find out who he is truly is. The chemistry between Matt and Jax is off the charts. And when they cross the line of being more than friends, that chemistry is explosive. Both know that there may be a deadline to their fling but neither are ready to admit or let that go just yet. These two were such a blast. So in sync with one another, they are the perfect example of how great falling in love with your best friend can be. Really loved their story and I'm looking forward to Eli finally getting his story next!

 

Worthy: A Pride Anthology

Worthy: A Pride Anthology is a collection of original, brand-new short stories brought to you by thirteen incredible authors. Each story touches on the common theme of LGBTQ+ Acceptance. 

Participating Authors: Marie Ann, Ashley James, Ellis James, Nyla K, Riley Nash, Nicole Dykes, Harleigh Beck, Cora Rose, Jessie Walker, T. Ashleigh, Isabel Lucero, and Hayden Hall.

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Off Sides by Andi Jaxon

I loved this short story!! Takes place in the Darby U world. Which is where Hidden Scars takes place! This story follows Joey, the captain of the hockey team, and Nick, captain of the football team. And let me say I really want a whole book on them!! Nick and Joey meet at a gay bar/club and immediately sparks fly. A quick hook up and for Nick, he is hooked. He also realizes that Joey goes to Darby U and he can't help but wonder if he will run into him. Joey isn't exactly out and when it comes to relationships he finds it difficult to let go and be in the moment. But Nick changes everything for him. Is it just a one time thing? Or is their chemistry just that strong? And when Joey runs into him on campus, immediately he panics but realizes he can't stay away. Turns out these two really are made for one another and their story is just beginning. So seriously! Really want more for them. Loved the beginning of these two and the relationship they were going to try with one another. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Lost and Found by T. Ashleigh

Owen has been questioning sexuality since the incredible kiss with another man in college. But six years later and he still isn't sure who he is exactly. What he does know? The guy he hired for his assistant a while back is constantly on his mind. But Owen is Lance's boss. Bad idea to cross that line. Or is it. For Lance, crushing on your very likely straight boss is only a recipe for heartbreak. But then he learns that Owen may not be as straight as he thought. And one thing leads to another and... well, sparks are definitely flying between these two. Loved this short story about Owen and Lance! Such a fun couple with lots of laughing moments between them as they have a moment to connect and really fall in love. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Never Have I Ever Book 2: Never Have I Ever Submitted to My Enemy by Willow Dixon

Never Have I Ever Book 2

How could I not have realized the guy I’ve been chatting with online is the one person I hate?

Kai, the bad boy I broke my rules for. Who stomped all over my heart. Twice. He’s arrogant and annoying, and worse, he doesn’t even remember what he did to me.

He’s also my new presentation partner. I want nothing to do with him, but the more time we spend together, the more I realize he’s not the monster I’ve made him out to be. I want to keep hating him, but it’s hard when he’s made it his mission to get me to like him.

As if things weren’t messed up enough, enter MrWrong, the bossy as f*ck guy I’ve been chatting with online. Using an anonymous app was supposed to be an uncomplicated way to explore my more extreme interests. I didn’t count on meeting the only person who’s ever been able to give me not only what I want, but what I need.

I spent years denying my attraction to men to protect a broken heart. Now I have two guys I can’t stop thinking about.

F*ck my life.

Alex and Kai’s story is an enemies-to-lovers romance between classmates who discover they have more in common than they think. Expect lots of steamy, kinky conversations, and even hotter encounters when these classmates realize who they’ve been chatting with. It is the second novel in the exciting Never Have I Ever series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63103329-never-have-i-ever

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Alex has been struggling a bit more than normal. His best friend was lying to him about his relationship for weeks and in doing so drifting away from Alex. Though things have resolved, the hurt is still there. And for Alex it hits a little too close to home. He's always pushed aside and moved on from. Never feeling good enough. He feels he is too much and that people don't quite understand him. But things are about to change for Alex. When Alex gets paired up with Kai in class for a project, his guard immediately goes up. Kai may not remember meeting Alex but Alex sure does and the memories aren't great. But as he talks more and more with Kai, he starts to see a different side to him and the image he built up in his head isn't adding up with who he has to work with. And if that isn't enough, Alex has met someone online who he seems to connect with as well. And surprise, it's Kai! Though neither of them know it just yet. Meanwhile Kai is determined to get Alex to like him. He may not get why Alex seems to hate him but he won't give up on changing his mind. And he too is struggling with his feelings for this mysterious guy he met online. And when the two of them find out about the other, well things take a really interesting turn. Alex and Kai were such a great match and totally made for one another. They had great chemistry and this balance to them when it came to their relationship. Whether it was physical or emotional, they just worked. Nothing is ever easy for the two of them as they deal with their own stuff, but together, they have someone in each of their corners fighting for them. Really loved these two! And definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!

Never Have I Ever Book 1: Never Have I Ever: Punched My Roommate's V-Card by Willow Dixon

Never Have I Ever Book 1

Why can’t I stop thinking about my roommate after walking in on him “taking care of business?”

What should have been a humiliating experience for both of us ends up being the start of one of the best friendships I’ve ever had. Finn is smart, adorkable, and his shyness pushes all my buttons. The problem? My interest in him quickly shifts from friendship to something less than platonic. Feelings I’ve been pushing down for years bubble up to the surface, and I find myself unable to see him as just a friend, or keep my hands to myself.

When a night out leads to some extracurricular fun, Finn and I decide to have a no-strings-attached fling. He’s the perfect person to explore my bisexuality with, and our chemistry is off the charts. Finn might still have his V-Card, but he’s not inexperienced, and the more we’re together, the more we learn about ourselves.

Until it’s not enough.

I want him, and he wants me, but the idea of coming out terrifies me. Is Finn the person who can help me discover who I am? And can I get my head out of my a*s in time to prove to him I’m worth taking a chance on?

Beck and Finn’s story is a friends-to-lovers MM romance between roommates who discover that opposites really do attract. Expect super hot, slightly kinky encounters, a houseful of quirky college guys, and a ton of sweetness once this jock and nerd finally get on the same page. It is the first novel in the exciting new Never Have I Ever series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62974574-never-have-i-ever

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

After an awkward encounter involving roommates opening a closed bedroom, what should have been awkward interactions, actually sparked a friendship between Beck and Finn. It gave them a chance to get to know one another and from there things start slowly changing between them. Finn is a nerdy and shy guy who doesn't do well around big crowds and meeting new people. So trying to date becomes a bit of a challenge for him. But when he forms a friendship with his secret crush and roommate, Beck, who tries to coax Finn out his shell, it results in his crush only getting stronger. And for good reason. Turns out, Finn isn't as straight as he once believed. Finn has always had questions about his sexuality but never really pushed it. But his connection with Finn is so strong, he starts to ask himself these questions again and slowly realizes that he is in fact bisexual. The two of them begin a hook up relationship that is just between them. Finn would never push Beck to come out, especially when Beck isn't ashamed of their relationship, but is more trying to wrap his head around who he is after keeping it buried so long. These two are the absolute sweetest and they bring out different sides to one another the more they get to know the other. They are full of surprises and their story was such a fun one! Definitely looking forward to the rest of their roommates' stories. 

Games We Play Book 3.5: Mistle-Joe Kisses by DJ Jamison

Games We Play Book 3.5

Tis the season for Mistle-Joe kisses...

What happens when I step under the mistletoe with my co-worker at a holiday party? An idiotic, reckless mistake that could change everything.

Our sweet, chaste kiss quickly turns to fire. And when Joe offers himself up for the taking, I'm no longer strong enough to deny myself. At least, for one night.

It can't go any further. I've been down that road before--and mixing business and pleasure cost me everything. But the craving for him only gets stronger once I know how good we can be together.

Joe is sweet and considerate, and judging by the friendly overtures, he'd like more. But how can I trust my heart when it's led me astray before?

It's going to take a holiday festival, a drunk Santa, and a romantic carriage ride to make me see my grinchy heart has space to grow--a space just for Joe.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74373261-mistle-joe-kisses

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

In this Christmas novella set in the Games We Play series, we get Joe and Augustus's story. The two of them work for Darren at the auto shop and are absolutely the sweetest together! So a little different from the games that lead to everyone's love story, these two get caught under the mistletoe. And after eyeing one another at work countless times, the kiss between is the confirmation that their chemistry is off the charts. But nothing is ever that simple. Augustus has been burned badly in the past when it came to dating a coworker. And though this situation is completely different, it's hard to overcome a past hurt like his. But Joe isn't one to give up. He wants to show Augustus how much he cares about him and if Augustus truly feels nothing for him, he'll walk away. Even if it means breaking his own heart. The two of them have had rough pasts when it comes to love, but together they could heal their old wounds and find their perfect match. A fun short novella in this series, you definitely don't want to miss this one!

 

Games We Play Book 3: 7 Minutes in Kevin by DJ Jamison

Games We Play Book 3 

7 minutes in...holy heck, what have I done?!

What happens when I return early from a work trip to find my son throwing yet another party?

Annoyance. Exasperation. Temptation...

I'm tired, yearning for my bed, but I hadn't counted on the games my son and his friends play--or the one person who'd be waiting in my closet after everyone else is gone.

The guy who's been haunting my fantasies lately.

He's too beautiful. Too young. Too off-limits, being one of my son's best friends.

And...on his knees for me.

Oh god.

7 Minutes in Kevin is a son's best friend romance with a bi-curious dad, an androgynous beauty who challenges his understanding of himself, and a quirky small town full of watching eyes.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60890425-7-minutes-in-kevin

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It's been no secret in this series that Kevin has serious feelings for his friend's father, Garrett. But Kevin never imagined that Garrett would ever show interest in him and in doing so, he'll keep a big secret to protect those he cares about and himself. Another party game has led to another couple! This time leading to a hook up between Garrett and Kevin. Kevin has finally had a chance with this guy he has been basically in love with for a long time and now worries that Garrett will regret it. And Garrett has finally given himself permission to see Kevin as more than his son's friend. Yes, things are complicated. The age gap, the fact that Garrett hasn't been in a relationship with a man before, and just a number of things. But the most important thing is that these two care for one another more than anything. They'll have to navigate a complicated relationship and keep their feelings to themselves in fear of actually scaring the other away. Little do they truly realize just how much the other cares. This was another fun story in this series!

Divorced Men's Club Book 4: Employing Patience by Saxon James

Divorced Men's Club Book 4

Art

When it comes to regrets, I have none. My life is perfect. I own a bar, work hard, party harder, and smother my niblings in all the love they deserve. I don’t need to settle down, as much as my sister might want me to.

But then Joey Manning walks into my office and leaves me all but begging to give him a job … and wanting to give him so much more.

The self-professed straight man is in my head and while I know that I need to move on from him, my body isn’t getting that message. It doesn’t help that Joey is a grade A flirt who can banter with the best of them.

I’ve never had regrets. Not until Joey Manning.

Joey

The bills keep piling up and the pressure to get my sisters through college before we’re evicted is always on the back of my mind. Whoever said life was for living, clearly forgot that living’s expensive.

My default mode is stressed AF and working myself to the bone, and there’s only one person who gives me a break from all that.

Art de Almeida.

My boss.

The one man I shouldn’t flirt with, but I can’t seem to stop. I want to get under his skin. To leave him panting for me. Which wouldn’t be such a bad thing except that he thinks I’m straight, and I’ve never bothered to correct him.

I need this job.

But some days I worry that I need Art more.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63317894-employing-patience

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Been waiting for this story very patiently for this story! We've seen glimpses of Art and Joey and have been waiting for the day where Art finally gives in and admits he is very interested (and will actually doing something about it) in Art. We get their first meeting together where Joey is looking for a job. And we see lots of their flirting. For Art, he has no problem admitting he is attracted to Joey. But with Joey saying that he is straight, Art doesn't believe anything will happen. He knows Joey is simply a flirt and they may tease one another but Art won't make a move unless he knows it is more than a game for Joey. Instead, he'll sit on the sidelines and stew, while also trying very hard to move on. He's the guy for one night stands, he doesn't do relationships... right? For Joey, he's been working really hard to keep things at home afloat. He supports both his younger sisters, one who is in college and the other who is finishing up high school. He works hard (and even gets another job in addition to working at Art's bar( and barely has time for himself. And he is trying to finish a high school diploma that he never got to finish. It's tough when the bills keep piling up. Then add in the complication of Art. Joey is just as attracted to Art and loves the flirting game they play. He's never really identified himself as anything other than straight more because he's never been with a man and also, any time he has been attracted to a man, it never lasted long. The label of bisexual never felt right. But when it comes to Art? Things are very much different. And he wants to prove to Art that he is serious when it comes to wanting to be with him. And that maybe just maybe, Art wants to be with him too. Loved these two! I was looking forward to this story and it's been well worth the wait! Joey and Art have the best banter and are such a great pairing. You'll be cheering for these two to finally get together. Really looking forward to the next one in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.