The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 2: The Marriage Policy by Riley Hart

The Jilted Exes’ Club Book 2

 

Donovan

What’s a little marriage of convenience between best friends?

I’ve always worked hard to keep the friendship line firmly in place when it comes to Eric. I’m gay, and he’s straight. We’re best friends and nothing more. But he’s my person, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him. Which is why when I find out he’s struggling financially and doesn’t have medical insurance, I blurt out six friendship-altering words: I want you to marry me.

Eric

Donovan’s my best friend, the most important person in my life… And he wants to marry me.

Okay, so maybe I haven’t made the best decisions lately. I took a job with no health insurance and no guaranteed money, which was working out fine, if not for the whole getting-injured-and-fired thing. But Donovan has come up with a solution. Marriage. Living together. There’s a small chance we’re a tad codependent, but I always want to be with him, so signing a marriage license shouldn’t really change much. Until the kissing starts…and the touching…and the exploring… And all I know is, I want more. So much more from my husband.

Playing pretend with Donovan is the realest thing I’ve ever felt, and though divorce was the ultimate plan, I’m not sure I want this to end.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221519023-the-marriage-policy

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Donovan and Eric have been best friends since they were children. It’s clear the moment we see them together on the page, that these two love one another very much. And it is even more clear that they are definitely blind to the fact that they are in love with one another as well. But things are about to change. When Eric breaks his ankle and a crumby job leaves him with no medical insurance, Donovan freaks out (for many past reasons when it comes to medical insurance) and tells Eric they should get married. Though unsure at first, it isn’t long until Eric agrees. Because Eric is his person. Why wouldn’t he want to marry him? And though they are insistent that no matter what they are still best friends and things won’t change. Well things taken an interesting and unexpected turn when they start to cross the line of friends to lovers. Donovan knew he was gay growing up and the moment he realized he knew he had to make sure he would never fall for his straight best friend. Why break his heart if nothing could ever happen? And for Eric, through the years he never felt like he found anyone to fall in love with and assumed it was just who he was. But in reality for these two, they just were always meant to be together. It was just getting them to realize it. This was such a sweet story for these two clueless boys! Their loyalty and devotion to one another is so strong and we get to see them slowly realize they can be so much more. It was also nice to see the other members of the Jilted exes’ club and how they were doing. I loved their friendship and I’m definitely excited to see the last member get his happy ending!

Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 9: Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 9

The hunt for a stealthy predator takes a damaged J-Psy to the heart of falcon territory in this new Psy-Changeling Trinity novel from New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh...

Justice-Psy Eleri Dias knows the end is near for her, her mind one step away from fatal psychic exposure. In the short time that remains, she is determined to atone for an act of omission that has haunted her for a long, cruel decade. But that decision not only means facing a powerful changeling wing leader, but also putting herself in the path of a serial killer.

Falcon wing leader Adam Garrett is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. After losing his parents as a teenager in a shocking act of malice, Adam has no forgiveness in him for the J-Psy who betrayed him, betrayed them, at the most painful moment of his life. But the evil that stalks his territory will allow him no respite, forcing him once more into contact with the J he has never been able to forget.

Everything that could've been between Eleri and Adam was lost years ago, a shimmering promise crushed. As they work to uncover a monster, the moment of reckoning looms ever closer. Soon, there may be no more time left for either atonement...or love...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220458595-atonement-sky

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The Psy-Changeling world is one of my favorite worlds to be in. Hands down. I love visiting this world and every time I read a new book, it makes me want to start the series all over again. It’s been a long while since we have had a J-Psy make an appearance and for the first time we have a falcon changeling! I adored Eleri and Adam’s story. It was heartbreaking and beautiful and just kept you on your toes the whole way through! Eleri and Adam have a history. Ten years ago, they met for the first and last time. And it was both a wonderful and tragic day. Because the moment they met, they knew deep down what they were to one another. But injustice drove them apart. Because Eleri was a J-Psy onsite as she watched Adam’s parents’ murderer get away with his crime. And Eleri was unable to speak up to stop it. Adam’s anger at her and at the injustice drove him away. And them apart. Going on to live very different lives. Now, Eleri has come to Adam’s home to make up for that past mistake before her time ends. As a J-Psy, they don’t live long. And Eleri doesn’t have much time. But if she can catch the serial killer living near Adam’s clan, at least it will be one good thing she does for him before her time is up. But she isn’t prepared for what seeing Adam again will do for her. Meanwhile, for Adam seeing Eleri again brings back the anger. But the more time they spend together, the more he realizes exactly what he let go ten years ago. And that she never deserved his hate. So they’ll work together to find this horrible person threatening those he loves and maybe, they can mend what was always meant to be theirs. Adored these two! The story went beyond just finding a serial killer but also in helping J-Psy. I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I hoped they would find a solution. Adore this series and as always I cannot wait for  more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

LSU Book 5: Matched by Becca Steele

LSU Book 5

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Becca Steele comes a new standalone M/M college romance.

I signed up for the LSU dating app for a bit of fun. Meet a girl, have a good time… You know the drill.

Or that was what was supposed to happen.

An error in the app’s code means that my blind date turns out to be a man.

Not just any man, either. Nate Glover. The hot, popular footballer who’s a serial dater. Oh, and he’s straight too.

So am I. I think.

We start hanging out as friends. He introduces me to his sister. She’s cute and just my type.

But why can’t I stop thinking about Nate?

And why does he keep looking at me like that?

Like he might be interested in something more than just friendship.

Maybe we were matched for a reason, after all.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222594614-matched

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Nate’s friend asks him to test out a new dating app he created for LSU students, he has no problem agreeing. Jonas’s app has some pretty neat features like being for LSU students and matching you to someone based on how you fill out the questions rather than relying on your physical appearance. But Nate never expects that his first date would be to Charlie. A guy. And to say Charlie is surprised too is an understatement. However, the two of them hit it off and even walk away becoming friends and Jonas’s promise to fix the kinks in the app. But when they are matched again?! Well, perhaps it’s a sign from the universe that maybe they are meant for one another. But the two of them realizing it? Well, it might just take them a bit. I loved Nate and Charlie’s story! These two had so much chemistry and I loved to see how they formed this easy friendship that slowly turned into so much more as they realized that the feelings they had for one another were beyond friendship. And sure we get some complications here and there but it made their story so much sweeter when they realized they couldn’t deny what was between them. Loved this story! It was a great way to end this series. (At least I’m pretty sure it’s the end!) I’m going to miss all these characters. But if you loved the series so far then this one won’t disappoint you!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blood of Lilith Book 1: Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair

Blood of Lilith Book 1

 The first in an all-new fantasy series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair. In this biting, feminist retelling of Lilith's story, Lilith will rise from the ashes of her former life to destroy the ancient power that stole everything she loves.

She is the beginning and the end.

She is peace and chaos.

She is terror knocking at the gates.

Estranged from her powerful family, Lilith Leviathan finds refuge in Nineveh, a district in the city of Eden devoted to sin. There, she uses her magic to steal for a living, attracting the attention of the five governing families as well as the church, which expects women to remain pious and silent. When Lilith comes into possession of a beautiful blade, she thinks all her worries are over…until her usual buyer dies while inspecting it.

Frantic, Lilith turns to the only man who can help Zahariev, head of the Zareth family and ruler of Nineveh. His currency is information, and his power is extortion, though he's always had a soft spot for Lilith. But when the dagger appears, he isn't sure he can protect her from what's to come.

Together, they embark on a mission to discover the true power running their world. As their lives intertwine, Lilith realizes Zahariev is more than just a friend, but their devotion to each other is a threat—to the truth, to the church, and to those who want to tear it all down.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218636205-terror-at-the-gates

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Oh man, this was so good!! I loved this author’s series about Persephone and Hades and while I read a few other books from her other series, they definitely didn’t grab me like her Greek myth one did. But then I heard about this one. Inspired by Lilith for a whole new urban fantasy series? And with the teasers he kept releasing, I was more than intrigued. And I’m so happy it lived up to the expectations I set because it was so good! We have an interesting new world with a whole bunch of interesting new characters. Our main characters Lilith and Zahariev are fantastic. Lilith lives in this world where the church and their mission has too much power as well as the men who rule each distract of their slice of the world. And even though Lilith’s family holds power and she has magical power, like women do in the high status part of society, it doesn’t matter. Expectations come down to being married off so someone else can use her power. So she runs to Zahariev and his territory. He lets her stay and keeps her safe, for the most part and against her wishes. But things soon change when Lilith comes across a magical dagger. Death follows, new creatures appear, and the dreams she keeps having get more confusing by the night. There is just so much more going on than anything Lilith could have imagined. And when tragedy strikes, she will do whatever she can to find out the true source of this horror. I loved this book. The world building was so interesting and I loved Lilith! She is such a great character who just gets stronger and stronger as the story goes. And I adored her relationship with Zahariev. I loved seeing it slowly turn into more as the story went on. It was clear there was something sparking between them and it was only a matter of time until something snapped. Their banter was great and I loved getting these one page snippets of his point of view. I would love just a whole book with his point of view to be honest. He respected and loved Lilith exactly as she was and didn’t seek to change her even when she drives him crazy. We also got a pretty crazy ending and I will be demanding the next book to come asap! I cannot wait to see where this story goes. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love in Maplewood Book 10: Don’t Clause a Scene by Lee Blair

 

Love in Maplewood Book 10

The world expects us to hate each other, but fate has other plans.

As a member of a Maplewood founding family, I’ve always known what I’m supposed to do with my life:

Take over Red’s, the diner that’s been in my family for generations.

Support the community, which usually means helping out with the town’s almost-monthly festivals.

Hate everything about, and everyone involved with, Sparky’s Diner.

For the most part, it’s been an easy destiny to fulfill, even if sometimes I wish for something else. Something more. Maybe that’s why I take a chance on Halloween with a costumed guy who shouldn’t look so good in a mullet wig.

I’m stunned when his costume comes off and I see the one man I can’t have anything to do with. The man who’s temporarily back in town and working at his family’s diner. The man I can’t get off my mind.

No worries. It’ll be easy to avoid Amos—I’ve been doing it my entire life. Except Amos and I are voluntold to plan an event for the big Christmas festival. Together.

When others on the planning committee say we couldn’t possibly pull it off, we decide to prove them wrong. It turns out stubbornness is just the beginning of a long list of things we have in common.

The more time we spend together, the more I realize my life is sweeter with Amos in it. I begin to wonder how deep this rivalry goes, how long Amos plans to stay in Maplewood, and what matters more: my destiny or my freedom.

Don’t Clause a Scene is a low-angst, small-town story about an introvert and extrovert finding a groove, secrets—so many secrets—and a well-meaning town that cares maybe a little too much.

With the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ residents in Vermont, Maplewood is a town where everyone belongs. And with festivals year round, there’s always something fun happening! This multi-author, low-angst queer series features ten standalone romances—each set against the backdrop of a different festival. Come for the celebrations, stay for the happily-ever-afters!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230418586-don-t-clause-a-scene

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The final book of Love in Maplewood has arrived! And it was probably one of my favorites of this series! Throughout the series, we have scene the famous rivalry between the diners Red’s and Sparky’s. It’s been a fun bit to see who was on each team or if they were lucky enough to remain neutral throughout. But what happens when the youngest generation of each diner falls in love? Well, things are about to get interesting! Mickey and Amos were taught young to never cross paths because their parents wouldn’t like it. But on Halloween they “meet” and hit it off. And just when they are acting on the attraction and connection that is clearly between them, they unmask and realize who each other is. Talk about awkward! Unsure on what to do, they end up avoiding each other a bit. Until they are asked to work together to host a Christmas Eve dinner for the town. And the more time they spend together, the more they realize Halloween was not a fluke. And that this connection between them is very much real. But how can they hope to have a relationship with their family histories shadowing them? Turns out there are secrets they are about to learn. Really, really loved their story! Amos and Mickey were absolutely perfect for one another and just so sweet. I loved getting to know them and watch them fall in love. It was the perfect story to close out the series! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Puckboys Book 9: Stubborn Puckboy by Eden Finley & Saxon James

 

Puckboys Book 9

Colby

Once upon a time, playing for the NHL was my dream. Then Radimir Novicov skated circles around me and made it clear I’d never be good enough. He was smart, talented, and worst of all–sexy. Every closeted guy knows that you don’t hit on your teammate, even if his gaze lingers longer than it should.

All it took was one drunken close call before our friendship was in tatters, he was called up to the NHL, and I was sent for further conditioning.

Playing in the NHL was off the table, so coaching became my new dream.

And seventeen years later, I’m finally heading to the big time.

Video coach. Pro level. The only downside?

It’s for Novi’s team.

Novi

Radimir Novicov is not scared of anything. I am one of the best. Future Hall of Famer. There are two years left on my contract and I will end my career on the highest high anyone did see.

Then I will slink into the shadows where no one will hear of me again.

Because while I’m playing professionally, I cannot come out and be myself. Not with my family still in Russia.

The plan has been set since I first moved to America, and I only have two years left to wait. It should be easy to focus on hockey.

Then Colby Kessinger walks back into my life. The teammate with the lopsided smiles and cocky attitude–the one who made my heart want things it can’t have.

Now two years feels like a lifetime.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230089014-stubborn-puckboy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It has been a very long time since Colby and Novi have seen one another. They were friends back when their hockey careers were just beginning, but one night caused a rift that never got to be mended after their careers continued in different directions. Now, seventeen years later, they are on the same team. Colby’s career has led him to coaching and this is the first step in a NHL coaching career. While Novi is entering the final few seasons left of his hockey playing career. All his life, Novi has kept who he was a secret. Being from Russia and being gay was not a good thing. He could not show any support to the LGBTQ community or else that could be used on the few family members he has left in Russia. He won’t take a chance on his own happiness if it means those he loves will be hurt. But with Colby back in his life, he is realizing just how lonely these years have been and just how tired he is as well. He missed his chance with Colby all those years ago. Is he truly going to miss it again? The more he is around Colby and even those of the Queer Collective, the more he starts to wonder if he wants to finally speak out before he retires. Colby never understood truly what happened that night with Novi, but he finally gets to clear the air. And in doing so, all those feelings come rushing back. But starting a relationship with Novi is a bad idea. Not just because for Novi’s reasons of hiding but even Colby’s career would be on the line as well. Is he ready to sacrifice his hard work for the possibility of a broken heart? Colby and Novi were just absolutely adorable and hilarious and just everything. I could not stop laughing with these two while also swooning at their second chance romance. I loved how they were able to find one another again and take that chance. The other best part of this book besides those two? The Queer Collective. OMG. This has to be the most chaotic I have ever seen them. And I was here for it! I could not stop laughing every time they were on the page. And with Ezra claiming Novi as his new bestie? Oh man, the Ezra shenanigans never ended. Great, great story overall! I loved being back in this world and I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Isle of Kala Book 1: The Way You Lie by Crea Reitan

 

Isle of Kala Book 1

Sometimes a happy ending comes with heartbreak. 

Falling in love with my father’s best friend wasn’t on my to-do list. Yes, he’s hot. Sure, I’ve been flirting with him since I was sixteen. Of course I’d be down for a little fun.

When Laiken begins returning my flirting, things get heated. It was supposed to be sexy fun and nothing more. We weren’t planning on making this a forever thing.

But falling in love isn’t a choice.

As it turns out, not everyone agrees and sometimes disapproval is loud, painful, and heartbreaking.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234179770-the-way-you-lie

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

In this universe of series from Crea, the Isle of Kala has been its own main character. We’ve visited the islands so many times and have met super interesting characters. And I’m so glad to see that these characters are getting their own books! We are kicking this off with Laiken and Elijah aka Lie. For those who are familiar with Crea’s books, you might remember them from a few books. Specifically from The Crease. Now we get to back up from that time to see how these two got together and what exactly happened. Laiken has been in Lie’s life since the day he was born. He is the son of Laiken’s best friend, Nathan. For a very long time, Laiken has only seen Lie as just that. His best friend’s child. But when Lie returns from college, suddenly Laiken sees him as someone completely new. An adult home and figuring out his life. It’s the first time Laiken realizes he is attracted to Lie and he knows he will never be able to do anything about it. It crosses so many lines. Meanwhile, Lie has flirted with Laiken since he was a teenager and realized he liked guys. He knew Laiken would never take it seriously, but lately he notices Laiken looking back at hime. And the moment these two cross the line and kiss, it’s all over for them. They know they can never be together for real or let Nathan know they dared be more. But before they know it, they are falling for one another. Hard. And it’s only a matter of time until everything is revealed. It was really great to get their story after getting pieces of it in other books. We know things blow up but watching these two fall in love is very sweet. They know what it will look like to others seeing them get together, but they both know the truth. This wasn’t planned nor was it ever a thing until now. We also get a piece of a few others like Cash and Onyx and that ending has me demanding for their book to come faster! Can’t wait to see what other stories get told!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.