Cash Me Outside Book 2: Thorned Heart by Eden Finley

Cash Me Outside Book 2

Being in love with a client sucks.

As Cash Me Outside’s band manager, I’ve been nothing but professional for years. But the lead guitarist tortures me daily just by breathing.

Sebastian Rose has no idea how I feel about him, and I intend to keep it that way.

I can’t break my rules. Seb doesn’t do serious, and I won’t risk my job for something temporary.

It takes a leaked nude, an overzealous stripper, and a group winter vacation to change everything.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56638815-thorned-heart

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My Review 5/5 Stars 

Thorne has been in love with Seb for a while now. But he has to constantly remind himself that he is Seb's band manager and crossing that line wouldn't be a good idea. Besides, Seb has made it clear he doesn't do relationships. Why risk his heart and tell Seb the truth? But things change when there is a leaked photo of Seb and Locke has never seen Seb so worn down before. Seb is tired. He feels violated and vulnerable after this latest stunt and leans on Locke who has always been there for him. Seb decides he wants a chance and maybe a real relationship. Too bad that thinking comes with a bad decision after. As the group heads to Montana for their Christmas break, things are about to change. It's time for everyone to wake up and see what is right in front of them and realize that feelings they may have buried or never acknowledged are about to surface. Really enjoyed Thorne and Seb's story! The two of them just work and it was great for them to wake up and realize how much they care for one another. This was a fun novella.

Cash Me Outside Book 1: Locked Heart by Eden Finley

Cash Me Outside Book 1

CASH

Ten years ago, I left my heart with a boy when I moved to LA to become a rock star.

We made a pact. If I ever performed at Death Valley Music Festival, he’d come see me play.

Now, after a decade of paying my dues, I’ve been booked as a headliner.

Only question is, will he show up or do I need to face the possibility of letting him go forever?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54972584-locked-heart

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ten years ago, Cash and Sherlock decided to break up since their lives were going in different directions. Cash was heading to LA to pursue his music career and Sherlock was heading to a great college. At eighteen, then knew it wasn't realistic to try and do long distance. Despite the fact that both of them loved each other so much. So they make a deal. Sherlock promises to reconnect with Cash the day he performs at Death Valley Music Festival. Until, they'll do their best to live their lives apart. Over the years, Cash had tried to find Sherlock but he disappeared on social media all together. And when Cash's band finally makes it to Death Valley, he can only hope that Sherlock shows up. Because one thing Cash knows is that he has never had a real relationship since Sherlock and deep down, he knew Sherlock and him were meant to be. As for Locke, being apart from Cash was hard. Harder than he expected. So he did the one thing he knew he had to do. Cut him out all together. So he changed his name to Locke and tried his best to live his life. A lot has changed in ten years and when he sees Cash has made it to Death Valley, he has to decide if it is worth taking the risk and seeing him again. These two were so sweet. Definitely soul mates and despite the years and distance between them, once they meet up again it's like nothing has changed. Loved this novella! 

Famous Book 4: Encore by Eden Finley

Famous Book 4

BLAKE

Never make a bet with Jordan Brooks. That’s how I’ve ended up here, doing a movie that risks my entire acting career.

Taking on a gay role when I’m straight is problematic in its own right, but when production gets put on hold, and a fabricated story breaks out in the media, Jordan and I have to go into hiding.

Our livelihoods are put on the line all because of an ill-timed photo and Jordan’s bitter ex-boyfriend.

Scandals, lies, and PR nightmares. Welcome to Hollywood.

JORDAN

Why am I always drawn to the straight ones? You’d think I’d learn my lesson, but when our movie is delayed, I repeat old patterns.

My plan to bury my hurt and anger toward my ex by “method acting” with Blake Monroe is foolish. But Blake is as irresistible as he is good-looking, and he settles into his role easier than I thought he would. In fact, he likes it a little too much.

There are too many PR problems hooking up with Blake for real would bring, especially when the media thinks he’s the reason my relationship fell apart. Yet, I can’t walk away from him, and it seems, he can’t walk away from me either.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58533894-encore

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It's finally Blake's turn for a story in this final book of the Famous series. Blake is last member of Eleven's group and he's followed a different path than the rest of group in terms of career. While the others stuck to music, Blake tried his bit at acting and learned that not only was he good but he actually enjoyed it. So this story follows the end of the last book where we saw Blake lose a bet with Jordan. Jordan is an actor and was looking to have Blake be his costar on a new mm rom com movie. Blake was wary of the roll seeing as he currently believes he is a straight man and worries that he won't represent a gay man correctly. But Jordan has faith in him. So on top of balancing Eleven's reunion and upcoming tour, Blake is ready to do whatever it takes to do this new acting job right. And Jordan is ready to help him get there. But complications arise. First, with Jordan's boyfriend who is the director. Who becomes an ex rather quickly when Jordan learns that he cheated on him. Blake whisks Jordan away for a bit with the rest of Eleven to give them all a break. But being together at Mason's home in Montana slowly changes things between them. For Blake, he is starting to realize he is developing more than friendship feelings towards Jordan. And while Jordan may think he is simply curious, Blake knows it is so much more and isn't afraid to show him. But for Jordan, his trust issues are a bit of a problem. He always finds himself falling for someone who thinks they are straight, helps them discover they aren't, but gets left behind when that person finds their forever partner. Jordan secretly hopes to be someone's choice for once. And he can't help but worry that Blake may do the same to him. And this time, it would hurt more than anything. The two of them have a lot to work through. Building trust, working with Jordan's ex who is sabotaging at every turn, and so much more. But I loved these two! They had such a sweet chemistry and were able to let their guard down with one another. There are always expectations in their line of work but when they are together they are willing to put their walls down. Plus, it was fun to see more of other members of Eleven and their partners as they work on reuniting and finally putting out their truths after so many years of being told to hide. A really nice and satisfying ending for this series and this group!

Famous Book 3: Fandom by Eden Finley

Famous Book 3

DENVER

Everyone remembers the night the boy band Eleven broke up. Hearts shattered around the world, including my own.

I made a mistake, and I’ve been avoiding bandmate Mason Nash ever since.

At first it was hard, but eighteen months ago, he made it easier by leaving Hollywood and disappearing.

When Eleven reunion talks start, I’m against it completely. I could really do with the publicity, but I don’t want to face Mason again. I’m sure he won’t want to see me either.

MASON

I don’t miss LA or anyone in it. Not even the guys from Eleven.

So, when they turn up on my doorstep talking about reunions, the last thing I want to do is hear them out.

I hold strong too. Until my eyes land on Denver Smith.

My ex-best friend.

Two and a half years ago, he ghosted me, and I still don’t know why.

I want answers—I miss him—but I don’t want to let him back into my life if there’s a chance he’ll walk away again.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57004820-fandom

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Denver and Mason have been hiding from one another since the night Eleven broke up. For Denver, he was running away after feeling rejected and heartbroken. And for Mason, he doesn't truly understand what happened with Denver but is hurt nonetheless when he disappears from his life. But after almost two years, their bandmate Harley has ideas to bring the group back together. One thing leads to another and Mason finds most of the group at his private home in Montana. And he is forced to face Denver. It's time to clear the air but what he learns is that Denver had real feelings for Mason back then and Mason isn't sure what he feels. But he knows he missed Denver more than anything. This eventually leads Mason back to LA and he finds himself being the one at the other's doorstep. As the two of them try and navigate their friendship once more, on top of making decisions about their future and even the future of Eleven, Mason begins to realize that maybe he has always had more than friends feelings for Denver but didn't realize it. He may not have figured out everything but he knows one thing. He won't walk away without finding out where this leads. And Denver is the same. Loved these two! This best friends to lovers story is so sweet and builds so naturally. Realizing how hurt they both were when they were apart makes them truly realize that their feelings go so much deeper than friendship. They are a great pair and have the ability to bring out the best in one another. One more story to go! It's Blake's turn. 

Famous Book 2: Spotlight by Eden Finley

Famous Book 2

RYDER

When I quit the biggest boy band on the planet, I was supposed to get my life back.

It’s not that I wanted to leave the spotlight. I felt like I had to for my daughter. Her picture shouldn’t be splashed all over the tabloids.

I thought I could do this parenting thing on my own, but it’s obvious I need help. I just didn’t expect to find it in the form of a gorgeous guy I meet by chance.

I can put my attraction aside for my daughter’s sake. I’ve put my whole life on hold for her.

If only he wasn’t so tempting.

LYRIC

Working as a nanny is my backup to my backup plan. My first plan is fame, but something always holds me back.

When I randomly run into Ryder Kennedy and end up becoming his daughter’s nanny, I figure it’ll be a short-term thing.

But then Ryder finds out I can sing. He wasn’t ready to give up music, and now he’s found a new way to have it: through me. He wants to produce my demo and make me a star.

He says I was born to be in the spotlight, but I think I was born to run from it.

It doesn’t help that each day I’m with him and his daughter, the deeper I fall into fantasies of being part of their family. And not just as the nanny.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54544949-spotlight

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ryder left the spotlight to give his younger daughter a chance at a normal childhood. But he is learning quickly that that is easier said than done. Paparazzi follow him and his daughter and it's getting harder to protect her. And after a long time Ryder is just too exhausted and almost ready to admit he may need some help. Then by chance he meets, Lyric. And next thing he knows, he is hiring Lyric to be his daughter's nanny. An equally terrible and brilliant idea according to Ryder. Because while Lyric is wonderful with his daughter, Ryder is also very attracted to Lyric. Their chemistry is great but blurring the lines of boss and employee gets tricky. Especially when Ryder hears Lyric sing for the first time. Now he wants to help Lyric go after his dream of being signed by a label. As for Lyric, he doesn't want Ryder's help in that department. He wants to go for his dream career on his own and as himself. He won't change who he is. For now, he'll look after his nephew and Ryder's daughter, and try very hard not to let his attraction to Ryder take over his brain or heart. But it's only a matter of time until these two give in to their feelings. And even when they do, there is still a lot for them overcome! But I loved these two and their story. They'll keep you laughing and you'll cheer them on for them to realize how much the other cares. Such a fun story and I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.

Dark Olympus Book 4: Radiant Sin by Katee Robert

Dark Olympus Book 4

There's nowhere more dangerous than Olympus...and no one more captivating than its golden god: Apollo. Keeper of secrets, master of his shining realm...and the only man I am powerless to deny.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Apollo and Cassandra that's as sinful as it is sweet.*

As a disgraced member of a fallen house, Cassandra Gataki has seen firsthand what comes from trusting the venomous Thirteen. But when the maddeningly gorgeous and kind Apollo asks her to go undercover as his plus-one at a week-long party hosted by a dangerous new power player...Cassandra reluctantly agrees to have his back.

On one condition: when it's all over, and Apollo has the ammunition he needs to protect Olympus, she and her sister will be allowed to leave. For good.

Apollo may be the city's official spymaster, but it's his ability to inspire others that keeps him at the top. Despite what the rest of Olympus says, there's no one he trusts more than Cassandra. Yet even as their fake relationship takes a wicked turn for the scaldingly hot, a very real danger surfaces... threatening not only Cassandra and Apollo, but the very heart of Olympus itself.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60478017-radiant-sin

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Apollo and Cassandra have had feelings for one another for five years. But there are just a tad too many obstacles in their way to actually admit that. First off, Apollo is Cassandra's boss. He never wants to make her feel like he is taking advantage of her and Cassandra never wants to cross the line and be that person who is dating the boss. Then there is the fact that Cassandra hates everything about the Thirteen when her parents were killed by them. And with Apollo now part of them, she just can't stand the thought of getting closer with that group. All Cassandra wants is to take her sister far, far away from here. And she may finally get her chance. Zeus recruits Apollo and Cassandra to work together to attend Minos's weeklong part. It's time the leaders of Olympus find out exactly what Minos and his family are up to. Cassandra will be rewarded with money and a way out of Olympus if she succeeds. Apollo may not like bringing danger to Cassandra, but part of him is glad to have her at his side. It's time for these two to sort out not only their feelings for one another but solve the mystery that is Minos. Really loved this story! Cassandra and Apollo are a great pair. Their romantic chemistry is fantastic and they just work super well as a team. Both are very intelligent and know they have a better chance of finding out Minos's motives together. They'll just have to survive the parties. Lot of mystery and intrigue and with an ending that will change Olympus once again. Definitely looking forward to the next story! 

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 11: The New Guy by Sarina Bowen

Brooklyn Bruisers Book 11

My name is Hudson Newgate, but my teammates call me New Guy.

That was my nickname in Chicago, too. And Vancouver. That’s what happens when you keep getting traded. Brooklyn is my last chance, especially after my poor performance last season.

But I can make this work. The new guy knows to keep his head down and shoot the puck. The new guy puts the game first.

What he doesn’t do is hook up with the other new guy—a hot athletic trainer who lives in my building. Gavin needs this job with my team. He’s a single dad with responsibilities.

We can’t be a couple. My arrogant agent–who’s also my father–will lose his mind if I’m dating a dude. And my team needs me to score goals, not whip up a media circus.

Too bad Gavin and I are terrible at resisting each other…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75649845-the-new-guy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I love the Brooklyn Bruisers series. Love Sarina's writing. Love the hockey. It's so much fun being back in this world. And we get Hudson's story! The first MM book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. And this was such a good one! So Hudson Newgate has a problem. No matter how hard he works at hockey, he always finds himself being traded. The nickname "New Guy" has yet to fade. All he wants is one contract that allows him to stay where he is and plant some roots. Find a life outside of hockey. But he never seems to catch a break or meet someone worth taking the risk. That is until he meets Gavin at a bar. The chemistry is instant and Hudson is ready to take a leap. That is until he realizes that Gavin is his neighbor. Which means that he works for the Brooklyn Bruisers. He has yet to come out to anyone, not for his lack of wanting, but with a dad who is his agent and the constant trading, he's never had a chance. And the last time he did, well it didn't go so well. Gavin is just as shocked to realize that the first man, since his husband died two years earlier, to make him have feelings is a hockey player he'll have to work with. Gavin hasn't had it easier. He lost his husband and has been raising their seven year old daughter on his own. He has a sister in Brooklyn who helps, but he has a monster of a mother-in-law who likes to make things difficult. Adding a relationship with someone he shouldn't probably isn't a good idea. But the sparks between Gavin and Hudson are impossible for either to ignore for long. They'll both have to take some risks if they want to find their happy endings. I loved their story! It was funny and sweet and heart wrenching. You just want to keep cheering them on to figure it all out and for the two of them to just catch a break. The Brooklyn team is also so much fun, so it's always a pleasure to see those guys on the page. But this was another great addition to this series. And as always, I'm looking forward to the next one. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.