The Loyal Boys Book 1: Cali Boy by

The Loyal Boys Book 1

Finn

One devastating night. One tragic accident.

I survived, but the boy I used to be didn’t.

And I’ve been on a downward spiral of anger and resentment ever since. That is until my father makes a selfish decision that changes the course of my life and my future.

It brings him into it.

Golden-haired surfer boy, Oliver Chase.

Sunshine personified, and my new stepbrother.

I want to hate him, but his shy smiles and endearing dimples have me questioning everything I thought I knew about myself. I definitely don’t deserve him and I’ll probably hurt him, but the ease with which he breaks down the walls surrounding my battered heart might not leave me with a choice.

Oliver

I don’t look back when Mom moves us from our sleepy California beach town to the wealthy suburbs of Chicago. I need a fresh start, to leave all the negativity and hate behind me, and I’m taking it.

But I wasn’t expecting the grumpy, brooding, hurt boy that bangs on my bedroom door. Nor was I expecting the toxic relationship he has with his dad, my mom’s new husband.

With mounting tensions at school and at home, I’m not sure how to feel about this fresh start anymore, but what I do know is that Finn’s tender touches and growly commands make me want him. And you should never lust after a straight boy… especially your new stepbrother.

Cali Boy is an 88,000 word M/M stepbrother romance. It is a standalone and you can expect grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, and steamy first times. This novel is intended for 18+ readers and touches on some sensitive subjects.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61432063-cali-boy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finn has been struggling ever since the car accident him and his mom got into and ended up taking her life. His father and him have a terrible relationship and Finn can't help but blame himself for the accident. Even though it wasn't his fault by a drunk driver's. And things are about to change once more when his father announces that he has remarried and that she and her son are moving in the next day. Talk about a bit of a shock. Finn wants to hate to hate Vivian and Oliver on principal but the moment he meets them. He knows he is in trouble. Despite loving California, Oliver is happy to leave it for a new start. After he friends turned on him after he told him he was gay, he has had enough of the bullying. Even if it means he is about to meet his stepfather and stepbrother. But as long as his mom is happy then he's happy. What he doesn't expect is for the pull he has toward Finn the moment they meet. He can see a certain sadness and hurt inside of Finn, but Finn only ever shows Oliver that he is protective and caring in everything he does. Oliver has never felt safer than when he is with Finn. The tension between them only gets stronger the more they get to know one another. And when their parents are away for their honeymoon, it won't take long for these two to embrace their feelings. Really loved this story! Finn and Oliver were such a great pair. Finn might be a bit broody and grumpy, but Oliver brings out a softer to side to him. A happier one after suffering for so long after losing his mom and essentially his dad. And Oliver gets to finally just be himself and feel safe for once. This was a great story all around with plenty of ups and downs and twists and turns. I couldn't put it down! Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. 

Kate Daniels Book 10.6: Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels Book 10.6

A new town, new friends, new challenges…. And a new heart-stopping adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Ilona Andrews. Kate, Curran, and Conlan may have left Atlanta for Wilmington, but the usual magic mayhem has also hitched a ride!

Kate and Curran have just settled into their new home and their 'low prolife,' when a local businessman approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. A mysterious evil has spawned in the nearby forest and is holding a defenseless town hostage. The ‘due date’ is rapidly approaching.

It’s exactly the kind of fight the Lennarts can’t resist, not for the prize the town offers, but for the people who will surely die if they ignore it. If they succeed, they’ll be rescuing an entire community and can build a strong new base for their family and the Wilmington Pack. If they fail...well, fail is a four-letter word.

Nothing comes without a price. Now Kate must decide if she has what it takes to pay it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/109554429-magic-claims

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Keeping a low profile has become harder and harder for Kate and Curran. And with this latest threat at their doorstep, they'll have decide how their future, and that of their son's, is going to look. But as they contemplate their choices, this new threat has them on their toes. Faced with something they have never dealt with before, they'll have to be smart if they want to survive. Their latest adventure calls them to a small town where an evil has taken the town and its people hostage for the last few years. Enough is enough, and when the the evil reminds the town of their deadline to sacrifice more people from their town, Kate and Curran will not let any more lives be thrown away. Really enjoying this stage of Kate and Curran's lives. They've really grown from the people we say back in book one. But they are still the characters we know and love to their core. Their son, Conlan, is a perfect mixture of the two of them and it's a blast when he makes an appearance. A lot of change is coming for these guys and we are being set up for quite an interesting future. One, I hope, we get to see. You don't want to miss the latest in the Kate Daniels world!

Blood and Ash Book 5: A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Blood and Ash Book 5

Only his memories can save her…

A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.

But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.

And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout revisits Poppy and Casteel’s epic love story in the next installment of the Blood and Ash series. But this time, Hawke gets to tell the tale.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63847274-a-soul-of-ash-and-blood

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This book was everything you could have wanted in a Casteel point of view story. Taking place shortly after the previous book, Casteel and Poppy are about to fight a battle they never have before. Instead of fighting an enemy they can they, their enemy is simply time. Time for Poppy to complete the final steps as she becomes the Primal of Life and Death. But there may be a very small catch of possibility as she rests in stasis. Advice given to Casteel? Talk to her. And what better way to remind Poppy of their story than to start at the beginning? It's time to find out exactly what was going on with Casteel during From Blood and Ash. 

We learn SO many things about him and others during this time. I loved going back and seeing how he was feeling, turns out Casteel had quite a lot of mixed feelings during this time. And not only that, he was (and honestly still is) dealing with his capture. We get to see how deep that runs. Casteel is complicated and your heart goes out to him more to realize just how far it goes. We get to see many scenes I'm sure everyone wanted to see in his point of view. And most importantly, we get to see how he fell in love with Poppy, even when he didn't know it himself. I also loved that we get to see things that made no sense to Casteel at the time but came together later. What I loved most about this story though was that we weren't completely in the past. If you read the sneak peek of the first 3 chapters, you know the story starts in present day. And that is sprinkled throughout. Which again explains why Jennifer said that this book is truly book 5 and makes sense to read at this point rather than right after FBAA. Those pieces were my favorite because we got a lot of new information (the end alone had me reeling!!) and we get to see some reflection from Casteel. Also some hints of information that we have yet to learn but are promised to come later!! (You'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you see it.) This was important to me because it kept the series going in an important way. 

I really adored this story and it was just another great addition to this series. I can't wait for the next ones coming and this world has only gotten more interesting and complex as the series goes on. You definitely do not want to miss this book!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Mike Bravo Ops Book 3: Atlas by Eden Finley

Mike Bravo Ops Book 3

ATLAS

Working undercover at a strip club is not my usual kind of job. If it weren’t a great opportunity to show the Mike Bravo team I can run my own op, I wouldn’t have agreed to it.

When my boss asks me to befriend the biggest gossip in the establishment, the person who knows everything, I’m even more reluctant. Because that happens to be one of the dancers. The only dancer to catch my attention in all the wrong ways.

I need to be professional or I will never prove I’m leadership material.

Only problem is, the guy with the stage name Lemon makes me want to be anything but professional.

LEMON

I’m sick of the new bartender throwing dirty looks my way. He’s as judgmental as he is hot, and let’s just say he’s really judgmental.

I don’t know why he’s working here if he looks down on us dancers so much. He could bartend at a regular club.

But when he saves me from a drunken customer getting too handsy, his attitude suddenly flips, and we find ourselves becoming … friends?

Underneath the judgment, it turns out Atlas is a total sweetheart.

Maybe more caring than anyone I’ve ever met.

I’ve never had a relationship before, but something tells me it could be way too easy to fall for the gentle giant.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122753551-atlas

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We get Lemon's story! And Atlas! For those who read Eden Finley's books, you know Lemon had shown up in one of the novellas, and I was one of those people who thought it would be pretty cool to see Lemon again. And we do! And he and Atlas are great for one another. Atlas is sent undercover at the strip club where Lemon works at. The team was hired by one of the owners to find out who was stealing money from it. And though Atlas has been there for a little while now, he is struggling to get a break in the case. He also can't keep his eyes away from Lemon. And when it's time to try and new angle to find the info he needs, Atlas finds himself really crossing paths with Lemon for the first time. This time they'll get to know one another and it proves Atlas's gut right when it comes to his feelings about Lemon. But it isn't long until things take a turn and now Atlas will do everything to keep Lemon safe. This was such a fun story! Lemon is loyal and fierce protector who goes out of his way to help others. But who really helps him? Turns out Atlas is that man and it will be up to Lemon to decide if he is ready to let them happen. These stories always have a few nice twists and turns that keep you on your ties. Plus some great action and a swoony romance. Another great one in this series and I hope there will be more!

 

The Empyrean Book 1: Fourth Wing by Rebecca

Empyrean Book 1

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Oh. My God. I've been seeing this book EVERYWHERE. Didn't get what the hype was about. My first thoughts were oh well that is a pretty cool cover and oh, do I spy a dragon?? Read the back cover copy and thought huh that is right up my alley. Fantasy, dragons, magic, romance. And after again seeing everywhere (and also seeing it sold out everywhere), I decided to read it. And again. Oh. My. God. I get the hype. I really, really do. And trust me you don't want to miss this!! An action packed adventure filled with magic and dragons and high stakes and dragons and a very hot enemies-to-lovers romance and again dragons!!! This had everything I could have wanted in a story and has to be the best fantasy I've read in a while. Definitely this year. So what is this story about? Not gonna spoil because trust me, you don't want this story spoiled. Especially with an ending like that, that has been demanding for book two right now. 

Our heroine, Violet, has been studying to join the scribes basically all her life. But her mother, the commanding general, has other ideas. Not child of hers will be a Scribe. Her husband was one before died, but she won't have her daughter. She rather risk another child than see Violet not follow in her steps. Violet hasn't had it easy. Her body is frailer than most people. She has dealt with it for a very long time and knows how to handle pain. And her mind more than makes up for her lack physical strength. So with no choice, she goes to the Riders Quadrant. Where students are trained to be warriors and will have to endure a series of tests and challenges that will lead them to claiming a dragon. Dragons in their world work side by side with humans and bond to only the strongest. They work together to protect their home against all threats. Violet will have to work extra hard and survive using her mind to stay alive. But she'll face challenges every where she turns. Every one has it out for the general's daughter but no one like Xaden, the son of the Great Betrayer and the strongest warrior this college has. When a rebellion broke out years ago, it was Xaden's father who led the charge and died for it. And Violet's mother who saw his death met out. Especially when he was the reason for her son's death. Violet and Xaden have every reason to hate one another... but that still doesn't stop the chemistry and attraction between them. 

There is so much going on in this story and saying too much will spoil. But there are so many neat threads going on. I love Violet and Xaden. They are awesome characters and their chemistry is through the roof. It's a slow burn enemies-to-lovers that is so worth the wait. We have some other great characters as well that include the dragons. Wait until you how the dragons and the bonds between their riders work. It is one of the coolest and most unique things I've seen in fantasy in a while. I love the whole set-up. We have some great plot twists and story threads going on. We get the whole package. I really cannot wait for book two after an ending like that. This has the promise to be a great series.

For Puck's Sake: Shiver by Crea Reitan

For Puck's Sake Book 1

A touch so intimate, a kiss so deep…

Egon Wolf is on a hockey scholarship but failing at everything else. Knowing he’s going to lose his ride if he doesn’t get his academic act together, he seeks out a tutor.

Rakesh Aahnu is a dual major and dangerous when bored. What he enjoys more than anything is the challenge of making straight men fall for him before walking away. Just because he can.

But both Egon and Rakesh are about to discover that life has a way of throwing you in the sin-bin when you least expect it.

And when faced with an unfamiliar play?

All you can do is shiver.

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

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157330648-shiver

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Egon Wolf is on a hockey scholarship and it's only a few weeks in the semester and he is already close to failing his classes. It's not like he isn't putting in the work. Egon works hard to maintain a very complex schedule consisting of training for hockey, classes, studying, and sleep. All in the hopes of maintaining that scholarship. But this semester is extra hard with the types of classes he is taking and the stress is starting to get to him. Lucky for him, his hockey coach cares about his players and wants to see them succeed. So he calls in a favor with his nephew who is a graduate student on campus. Rakesh Aahnu is a dual major, a TA, and smart as hell as he is working toward his masters. He has a busy schedule of his own but lately he has been in need of distraction. And his favorite kind is to give himself a particular sort of challenge. And that is to make straight men fall for him before walking away. He doesn't do relationships and he knows the men he chooses won't ever want anything more. So what's the harm? Well, when he agrees to tutor Egon, things are about to be complicated. Rake is committed to helping Egon pass his classes but he wonders if this gorgeous hockey player could ever be interested in him. But things get complicated for Rake quick when he realizes that there is just so much more to Egon and he actually cares about him. And for Egon he is about to learn about a side of himself that he didn't really know existed. This story took me by surprise in so many ways! Egon and Rake were such an interesting pair that balanced one another in so many different ways. There are definitely some ups and downs. Hurts and comforts. But you can't help but cheer for these two to find their way to one another and find a happy ending. Really liked this world and these characters and I can't wait for more of this series to come out!

The Marked Dragon Prince Book 2: Marked Dragon by Jen L. Grey

Marked Dragon Prince Book 2

I'm a pawn in this war between two princes... two brothers. One is obsessed with me. The other is my fated mate.

It's only a matter of time before I will be forced to walk down the aisle toward the wrong dragon prince.

To save my fated mate, Thorn, I allow his malicious brother to capture me.

I thought Thorn would be safe, but my newly betrothed had no intention of keeping his promise.

Now, not only has a future with my mate been stolen but my freedom as well.

Thorn's life hangs in the balance because of my terrible mistake.

I must find a way to save him...even if it costs me everything—including my life.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123271484-marked-dragon

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We are back with Everly and Thorn and things have taken quite a turn! Everly thought to sacrifice herself to save her sister, friend, and Thorn's parents. However, she should have known better than to trust Drake, the other prince who is cruel and nothing like Thorn. Now it will be up to Thorn to save his fated mate before Drake tries to force Everly to marry him. And Everly will have to be smart if she is going to get her sister and herself out of there in one piece. Loving this new world and characters. What I love about Jen's book is that she does a lot of different paranormal shifters, but finds a way to make a twist on the series every time. You never feel like you are reading the same thing. I love Everly and Thorn and their dynamic. She is learning to stand up for herself and is gaining the confidence to be who she is and protect those she loves. This story will have you on your toes and you better expect a shocking cliffhanger! Not that any of you will be surprised if you have read Jen's books before! Definitely looking forward to book three!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.