Games We Play Book 2: Truth or Darren by DJ Jamison

Games We Play Book 2

Truth or...whoa, that's not the dare!

What happens when my big mouth writes a check it can't cash while taunting my ex's brother in a game of Truth or Dare? I end up with his tongue in my mouth. In my very straight, totally uninterested mouth.

While I don't feel anything.

Nothing at all.

In fact, I barely noticed.

So, why can't I stop thinking about it?

Truth or Darren features a troublemaker with good intentions, a guy who's none too impressed with his sister's ex, and an animosity that flares hotter than either of them could ever imagine--but which the townspeople of Granville, Nebraska, are all too happy to speculate about.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60771140-truth-or-darren

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars 

Truth or Dare takes an unexpected turn when Darren goes against his ex's brother, Linc. And he could never have expected the kiss between him and Linc would be one he can't get out of his head. Darren has dated his fair share of women. He's never thought to date a guy, but Linc isn't like anyone he has ever met. And for the first time, he wants to actually be in a relationship. If only he can prove to Linc that he is serious. Linc is having a hard start to his summer. His parents revealed that they are in some serious debt and can't afford to send Linc back to college for his final year. If Linc wants any chance of finishing his degree, he'll need to get a job. Lucky for him, he finds a job as a journalist for the town's local paper. And things take an even more interesting turn when he comes across Darren again after their kiss. Linc has always had a crush on Darren but with him dating his sister five years earlier, he knows that he is off limits. Yet he can't seem to stay away. Especially when he learns some truths about their past relationship. It's a summer of changes and finding yourself and finding love for Darren and Linc. And it was such a sweet story! These two were such a great pairing. They balanced one another so nicely and I couldn't put their story down.

The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro

Demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace must endure the terrors of Tartarus to rescue an old friend in this thrilling adventure co-written by New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan and award-winning author Mark Oshiro.

As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life–literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that’s been the case so far...

Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades’s realm. Nico’s dreams and Rachel Dare’s latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico’s mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And of course Will insists on coming with. But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to “leave something of equal value behind?”

Nico will have to face demons both internal and external as his relationship with Will is tested to the core in this standalone adventure featuring two of the most popular characters in the Percy Jackson saga.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63028719-the-sun-and-the-star

 ********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

I feel like I have been waiting a very long time for this book and it's finally here and I could not put it down until I finished. It was absolutely amazing!! Everything you could want in a Nico and Will story. Those two have become favorite characters of mine in this world and for them to have their own story was so awesome. They are such a great pair and of course the cutest of couples. And this quest they were on tested both of them in so many ways. So for months, Nico has been hearing a voice call to him from Tartarus. And he knows it is the Titan Bob and that he needs help. And it is finally the time to act. A prophecy is received and time has run out. He must go down to the most horrific place created. Again. (We also even get some memories of his first trip there!) But he won't be alone this time. No. His boyfriend, Will Solace, child of Apollo, isn't letting Nico out of his sight. And even though he is terrified of going to Tartarus, especially being a child of the sun god, he won't leave Nico alone. Where they go, they'll go together. Together, they'll get through anything. And boy, is that put to the test. Their journey is one of the most difficult ones of the series. There are highs and lows and they'll have to find a way to not only navigate Tartarus and free Bob, but they'll have to find a way home too. I adored this story and it is one you don't want to miss. We get some great origin stories of Will and Nico and how their relationship came to be. Something I really wanted to know! Those missing details are told and so much more came along with it. We get to know them a lot better as well and things they have faced. And we get to see them grow both together and as their own persons. Nico has faced so much throughout his life and he finally gets some closure on certain things. He truly has grown up throughout this series and that becomes so clear here. And we finally get a lot more insight to Will and who he is. This was just such a wonderful story, probably my favorite of this world. And I hope this won't be the last of their adventures! Though after this quest they faced, they definitely both deserve some down time. 

Games We Play Book 1: Never Have I Evan by DJ Jamison

Games We Play Book 1

Never Have I Ev... Wait, what was the question again?!

What happens when an ill-advised party game makes it obvious I've still got my V-card?

Embarrassment. A lot of embarrassment.

Especially when the sexy, older guy at the party who witnessed the whole thing turns out to be someone I have to see every week. Not to mention my best friend's cousin.

He's not only straight, but way out of my league.

It's going to be so awkward for both us.

Or awesome...if his protective nature and flirty attempts to teach me how to date lead to the kind of tutoring that lives in my fantasies. But how likely is that to happen? I'm not known as the sweet, naive one among for my friends for nothing.

I'm probably imagining those looks he throws my way. Probably projecting my own want onto his expression.

But...what if I'm not?

Never Have I Evan features an inexperienced, shy tech geek, an assistant football coach who oozes confidence, a town full of quirky, nosy residents, and sexual awakening and discovery themes!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60090628-never-have-i-evan

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars 

Evan isn't so good at flirting. And when he finally gives it a try not only is it a bust, the guy he hit on is not only straight but his best friend's cousin. Who is also the new assistant football coach at the high school. Embarrassing and awkward is just the beginning of how Evan is feeling. But lucky for him, Dawson is a pretty nice guy who genuinely likes Evan and is glad to get a chance to get to know him. Dawson has been having a rough few years. He lost his chance at a professional football career and the rest of his college career after an accident at a party that hurt him both physically and emotionally. Because even after he healed, the injury was bad enough that he could never risk playing again or face the possibility of one bad hit paralyzing. So he comes to Granville in hopes of a fresh start. What he doesn't expect is to start having feelings for Evan. He has never been interested in men before, so what is it about Evan that he is drawn to? At first, they spark a friendship despite Evan's embarrassment of flirting gone wrong and then it leads to Dawson wanting to help Evan overcome his shyness and improve his flirting skills. But Dawson doesn't expect what hanging out with Evan and getting to know him will do to him. And soon, their relationship takes a whole new turn. Evan knows Dawson can't promise him a relationship, not with the scars from Dawson's past hanging over him, but he isn't ready to give up on him either. These two were really sweet and such a great pair! They built up a friendship that little by little turned into more. And it was just a sweet romance for these two to slowly fall for one another. Lots of fun and sweet moments! I look forward to the next book.

Games We Play Book 0.5: Two Truths and a Lyle by DJ Jamison

Games We Play Book 0.5

Two Truths and a...wait, what?!

What happens when drunken idiots, aka your friends, use a silly drinking game to sideswipe you and your BFF with the truth bomb that you’re actually in love with each other?

Truman: You impulsively kiss the best friend you’ve been in love with for ages…then wake up with a hangover—and regrets.

Lyle: You freak out because you’re not gay or bi, before realizing the kiss wasn’t *actually* bad. Then you begin to wonder…should we do it again?

Two Truths and a Lyle is a cute, low-angst M/M romance with two oblivious best friends who are perfect for one another, a town full of quirky residents who get in everyone’s business, and a sweet demisexual awakening.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75602900-two-truths-and-a-lyle

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars 

Truman has been in love with his best friend, Lyle, for a very long time. Too bad Lyle has never looked at him that way. As for Lyle, his best friend means everything to him. They had a future planned and he was shocked when Truman left for school. The year without him hurt him in ways he didn't want to admit. But summer is here and Truman is back and all he wants is to spend time with him. But apparently their friends see more than Truman and Lyle. Their friends are convinced that both are in love with the other and just need a little push for the two of them to admit that. Thus leads to two truths and a lie. And from that game the two of them may finally open their eyes to what has been there all along. And now that their eyes are open, what are they going to do about it? This was a cute little prequel to the series. A best friends who are oblivious to lovers and soul mates.

Cherry Tree Harbor Book 1: Runaway Love by Melanie Harlow

Cherry Tree Harbor Book 1

Yes, I’m a single dad who needs a nanny for the summer.

But hire the stranded runaway bride who shows up on my doorstep in a wedding gown with no references, no skills, and no experience?

No one is that desperate.

Except within twenty-four hours, down-on-her-luck Veronica Sutton manages to charm my kids, my family, and half the population of Cherry Tree Harbor into believing she’s perfect for the job.

And for me.

It’s not that I can’t see the appeal–those baby blue eyes? The endless legs? That mouth made for trouble? But I’ve got enough on my plate, raising two kids on my own and keeping the family business alive. I don’t have the time or the inclination to fall for an outspoken city girl.

So I should have kept my hands to myself.

Holding her in my arms was a big mistake. Even worse? Spending the night together. She ignites a possessive fire in me that I’m finding hard to snuff out.

But the most unforgivable? Growing attached to the sound of her laugh, the scent of her skin, and the way her body wraps around mine in the dark.

At the end of the summer, she’ll be gone.

And if I’m not careful, she might run away with my heart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123244793-runaway-love

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Melanie Harlow has been a go to author for me for a while now and she never disappoints! Her latest start to her new series, Cherry Tree Harbor, is going to be a great one. Runaway Love was such a fun book. Full of laughs, great characters, and a very swoon worthy romance, of course. She also never fails to capture you with that first chapter. So this story starts off with Veronica on her wedding day. And things have taken a pretty bad turn when she gets a text from her husband-to-be that was clearly not meant for her. One, he gets her name wrong and two, goes on about how they spent their night together and how he wants to do it again. That cheater is about to pay. I would almost feel bad for him if he wasn't such a... well, use your imagination on those creative insults. It's the wake up Veronica needed to realize that she never really loved him and that she was definitely not happy. She had lost her mom the year before, and in her grief her blinders were on. But no longer. Not marrying him may mean she has literally nothing to her name (again realizing just how much control he has taken for her in the past year and how dependent he made her of him) but nothing is better than misery with him. So she takes off in a bold and chaotic way, that trust me, you do not want spoiled! This leads her to Austin. Austin who has seven year old twins and is need of some help this summer with taking care of them since he has to work. And well Austin doesn't expect for a woman still in her wedding dress to appear at his door looking for a job. Things may not exactly start off great for the two of them, but eventually Austin gives Veronica a chance. A chance that will change both of them forever. This was just such a fun story. I couldn't put it down! Austin and Veronica are such opposites in so many ways, but they also just fit together as well. Especially when they let their guards down around one another. We also got to meet a bunch of other characters that I can't wait to get their books. Really loved this one and I cannot wait for the next one to come out!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tequila Kisses by T. Ashleigh

Ledger-

The mess that is my life started with one too many tequila shots.

Well, I guess you could say the disaster really started two years ago when I met Sterling Jacobson, my best friend’s older brother, for the first time. He’s off limits, someone I can never have. So why do I have to want him the most?

I really need to get him, and the night we shared out of my head. There’s no better way to do that than on a summer trip to Sicily with my best friend.

That was the plan until everything went sideways, leaving me stuck in one of the most romantic destinations in the world with the man I’m trying to get over. I can’t act on my desires again, no matter how badly I want to.

Sterling-

Even though Ledger is everything I’ve always wanted wrapped up in one tempting package, I kept myself at a distance and never acted on my emotions.

It was going well until one tequila-fueled night led to a drunken hook-up. It’s been weeks now, but I can’t seem to move past our night together. Not when it was only a small taste of what I’ve been craving for so long.

When I find out he’s going away to Italy for the summer, I’m relieved. As much as I don’t want him to go, I know it’s best for both of us to get some space.

But then my sister called, needing my help, and I had no choice but to board the next plane to Italy.

Now here I am, alone in Sicily with Ledger… what could possibly go wrong?

*Tequila Kisses is a low-angst, best friend's brother, MM Novel. It is recommended for an 18+ audience due to language and sexual situations.*

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars 

Ledger has had a bit of crush on his best friend's brother for a long time. But never wanted to jeopardize their friendship in case she would never approve. But after a night of one too many tequila shots and a hook up with said best friend's brother. Well things will never be the same. At least Ledger can escape to Sicily with Abby for the summer, right? Right? But Ledger isn't the only one with the crush. From the moment Sterling met Ledger, he knew there was something there with them. But like Ledger, wasn't willing to upset his sister and act on it. But the night they hook up, it changes everything. He doesn't want to let Ledger go. He wants a chance to get to know him better and prove that this connection between them exists and is strong. But kinda hard to do that when Ledger won't give him any signs. However, lucky for him, his chance to find out comes when Abby asks him to come to Sicily and spend time with Ledger when she finds out she was accepted to a program she applied to in Rome. They'll have a little over a week to finally be alone and maybe just maybe pick up where they left off. And perhaps finally explore the chemistry between them. Such a fun and cute story! So many hilarious moments with these two. And the romance was so great as well. I really adored this story and couldn't put it down!  

Stonefire Dragons Book 15: Taught by the Dragon by Jessie Donovan

Stonefire Dragons Book 15

A dragonwoman who doesn’t know how to shift, a single dad struggling after an injury, and a student/teacher relationship that turns into something more… After seven years as a prisoner in an illegal dragon research facility, Persephone “Percy” Smith is rescued by Clan Stonefire and sets foot inside a dragon clan for the first time, where everything she sees contradicts what she’s been told her whole life. To help her learn to be a dragon-shifter, she’s assigned a kind and sexy yet determined dragonman named Bronx Wells—as well as his fifteen-year-old daughter—to be her teachers. But she’s skeptical as hell about all their kindness, something she’s always viewed as a weakness. Growing up in an orphanage that forced dragon-shifter children to act like humans, as well as being sold at aged thirteen to the bloody awful research facility, she learned the hard way that thinking of others only ever got you hurt. To survive, she never, ever trusts anyone but herself. And yet, as Bronx and his daughter slowly teach Percy how to embrace her dragon and discover who she truly is, she wonders if maybe there are good people in the world. And soon she starts to feel things she's never felt before. Can Percy risk opening her fragile heart to Bronx? Or will she have to leave her first real home on Stonefire to protect herself?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123210371-taught-by-the-dragon

*********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

It's always fun diving back into this world. And we are back on Stonefire which is always great! This story follows Percy and Bronx. Percy has had a tough life. She was left at an orphanage because her mother didn't want her. And was treated terribly for being half human and half dragonshifter. Worse, when her inner dragon appears, they sell her to an illegal dragon research facility that does the worst possible things you can think of to her. And after so long, she finally escapes with the help of Stonefire. But so much damage has been done. Like that fact that she hasn't heard her dragon since she was a child and that she trusts absolutely no one in any shape or form. But she is a survivor and one thing she wants more than anything is to get her dragon back and shift and fly for the first time. And to do that she will need some help. Bronx and his fifteen year old daughter, Violet, are asked to teach Percy about being dragonshifters. Bronx is known for helping others. And though a recent injury resulted in the loss of part of his leg, he pushes through to help when he can. And he wants to help Percy. What he doesn't expect is the pull he feels toward her. But whether or not she could be is true mate? Well, he'll only know if her dragon comes back. And even then, he knows the horrors she has been through. Who is to say she wants anything to do with having a mate. This story was so good and heart wrenching. Percy has been through a lot and even Bronx has had his share of tragedies with his late first mate. But together, they may just be able to heal one another. It's a slow burn that is worth the wait. And just another great addition to this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.