Crowns of Nyaxia Book 1: The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

 

Crowns of Nyaxia Book 1

Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.

Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.

But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60714999-the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Took me like a year to read this book, and I don’t know why I put it off for so long! Though, I have to say, it’s probably a good thing since that means more of the series came out and I won’t have to wait. When I heard about this book, I had a feeling I would really enjoy it. And I’m glad to be proven right! Oraya was found as a child by Vincent, the Nightborn vampire king. A human living among very dangerous vampires means of life of constantly looking over your shoulder and fighting tooth and nail to survive. And it becomes very clear that Vincent loves his adopted daughter and will not only protect her, but teach her to protect herself. And when the time comes for the legendary tournament of Kejari to begin, Oraya knows she must enter and win. But the tournament comes with many dangers and many surprises. And at one point she finds herself allied with Raihn. He becomes her greatest competition but as they spend time together, she is drawn to him in ways she can’t afford to feel. And it is clear how he starts to feel for her as well. But neither can afford to lose and this tournament will challenge them at every turn. It will taking everything they have to survive. It took me a hot minute to get into the story and world, but once I was in, I couldn’t put this story down. There is so much to Oraya and Raihn and the more I got to know them, the more I loved them together and apart. The end was insane with some pretty crazy twists and turns. I’m super excited to see where this series takes us!

LSU Book 4: Dared by Becca Steele

 

LSU Book 4

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

When I discovered that my online gaming friend was Leo Evans, a student from my university, I had no idea how much my life would change. 

On paper, we’re complete opposites. 

He’s a shy computing student and I’m an outgoing footballer. 

Yet there’s an undeniable connection between us. 

Despite our differences, he’s become my closest friend, and I'm on a mission to make him see himself the way I see him. 

So I’ve been daring him to do things to get him out of his comfort zone, to prove to himself that he’s capable of so much more than he thinks he is.

Then…Leo turns the tables on me.

He dares me to kiss him.

It’s supposed to be for practice. 

But then it happens again.

And again. 

It started with a dare.

It wasn’t supposed to turn into something more…

Dared is the fourth book in the LSU series. Each book can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217923095-dared

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This might be my favorite of the series! Finn and Leo are so cute! Leo has some major social anxiety. And he tries really hard to push past when he can. His major may be computing, but he has decided to minor in dance despite his anxiety. One place he really feels like himself is when he is playing a computer game with his online friend. But never could he have imagined that his online friend is closer than he thinks. Finn loves playing football at school but has come to really like being able to go home and play his online game with his new friend. And when circumstances lead to them getting to meet in person, everything changes for the better. Leo has never felt comfortable with anyone the way he is with Finn. So much so, that Finn has learned to read Leo so well. And they have this game of dares that helps Leo breakout of his comfort zone and give him the confidence he needs to try something new. And even when he feels like he messed up, Finn is there to assure him he is right by his side and he isn’t going anywhere. They’ve just become one another’s best friend. But those feelings shift bit by bit the more they spend time together. It was adorable how these two didn’t really realize that the way they were acting was way more than just two friends. But I loved that about them. They went by their own pace and slowly figured it out themselves. They were just so sweet together and I adored their friendship and relationship. Like I said, this was probably my favorite of the series so far!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ricochet by River Hale

 

Callum Hayes

The first time I witnessed death was my mother’s when I was eight years old. It devastated me. The second was at sixteen when I stumbled on my stepfather’s body after he was brutally murdered. That one screwed me up in a different way.

Since then, I’ve kept my shadows at bay, my secrets locked up tight. That is until Stone Wakefield joins my college hockey team.

Five years ago, he saw something I meant to take to my grave. He saw me weak, and I hate him for it. I have no choice but to keep hating him so he never sees past my mask again.

Stone Wakefield

Callum hates me, and he does nothing to hide it. While that makes it easy to get under his skin, it presents a problem on the ice. However, the bigger threat is my growing need to protect and possess him.

When I start to wonder if he’s just as obsessed with me as I am with him, I’m not sure if I can stay away. I know I should because I have secrets of my own.

But what if the darkness in both of us is the piece we’ve each been missing?

Callum Hayes is mine. He just doesn’t know it yet.

Ricochet is a standalone dark MM hockey romance with a guaranteed HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author's website.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218675179-ricochet

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This dark hockey mm romance knows how to keep you on your toes! Callum didn’t have it easy growing up. Not when his mom died and his stepdad decided hurting him was better than taking care of him. And when his stepdad was brutally murdered, well, Callum can’t help but feel relief. Sure, life was going to change again and these things will leave their scars but he can admit that seeing his stepdad’s death was more comfort than horror. But what does bother him is the fact that Stone saw the scars Callum bears. Callum doesn’t like his weakness shown but at least he is moving. Years later, though, Stone is back in his life when he transfers to Callum’s college to play hockey. They’ll be on the same team once more but it’s the last thing he wants. Because even after all this time, Stone can still see Callum’s mask. And that may scare him the most. There is some darkness in Stone and he knows it. A protective instinct that can be too much and a beast that is willing to cross so many lines. But over the years, he has figured out how to tame the beast and control any instincts. Maybe it’s not the best way, but in the end justice will be served. But seeing Callum again threatens the control he has over both of these strong instincts. Stone knows that Callum is meant to be his and vice versa. But can Callum handle all of him? This book was insane! Dark and gritty and there were some solid twists and turns here! I couldn’t put it down which naturally led me to finishing it in one sitting. These characters were so intriguing and complex. I had to know more. If you don’t mind the nitty gritty, then I definitely recommend this!

State Of Us Book 1: Finding Delaware by Bree Wiley

 

State of Us Book 1

𝘖𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥...

Taylor

Only two things matter to me in this shitty freestyle motocross and my best friend.

They’re my only escape from my father’s fists, but one slip in junior high almost changed everything. I confessed a secret to a beautiful boy, and I’ve been punishing him—and myself—ever since.

I can’t have Huckslee the way I want, so I take from him in the only way I can—with violence. When my mother wants back into my life, and I’m forced to move in with the object of my obsession, the lines between hate and desire begin to blur. I’m not sure we’ll survive each other.

Huckslee

High school is hell when your worst enemy knows your darkest secret.

To everyone else, I’m the perfect swim team captain, football running back, and the Bishop’s golden boy. But beneath the surface, I’m hiding desires only one person knows—my bully, my tormentor, my crush. And starting tomorrow, my new stepbrother.

Taylor has wielded my secret like a weapon for years, making my life a nightmare. Now, he’ll be living right down the hall. Each encounter with him cracks my facade a little more. How long can I wear this mask before it shatters completely?

Finding Delaware is a full-length enemies-to-lovers MM stepbrother romance containing themes and situations not intended for readers under the age of 18. Both characters are consenting adults. This story features two broken boys, found family, slowburn to spice and a guaranteed HEA.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217987466-finding-delaware

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

What an emotional rollercoaster! Wow. Huckslee and Taylor have been through it all. Neither have it easy. And they most definitely deserved their happily ever after. It was hard earned after everything they have been through. Their story starts in their final year of high school where Huckslee’s dad and Taylor’s mom get married. It’s awkward for both because their relationship drastically changed one day and Taylor and Huckslee became enemies. Taylor constantly bullying Huckslee and Huckslee fighting back. But beneath the surface, these two are hiding a lot. For Huckslee, it’s the anxiety that he is desperate to hide along with his sexuality that Taylor knows about. And for Taylor, it’s hiding the fact that his father beats him and his mother left long ago just to come back and decide to marry Huckslee’s dad and clearly still wants nothing to do with Taylor. Things between Huckslee and Taylor change though when Taylor finally admits to his attraction. But with how his father treats him? There is a reason he never could. Taylor and Huckslee become this toxic pair that just can’t communicate with one another when they really should. And eventually they hit some breaking points. The story at one point jumps a bit in time and a lot has changed but they are brought together once more. Now it’s up to them to finally open up about the past and either move on or say goodbye for good. God, these two break your heart. You just wanna shake them to tell them to talk but with everything going on in their lives, it is no wonder they wanted to hide the bad. I loved their journey to overcome the hard in their own lives and how through everything they were able to come back to one another and listen and forgive. Like I said, such an emotional story and I couldn’t put it down! What a cast of characters and I am definitely looking forward to the next book. 

Hockey Rules Book 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show by Portia Blake

 

Hockey Rules Book 2

People are always surprised I’m single, but it’s never bothered me. As a pro hockey player, I’d rather spend nights off watching Sebastian Archer host dating shows rather than hanging out at grimy sports bars to flirt with puck bunnies.

But when my teammate signs me up as the leading man on Seeking Mr. Christmas Edition, my quiet life disappears. Instead of cozy nights in, I’m parading around Boston on festive dates with gorgeous women I’m supposed to be falling for.

The only problem? The person I can’t stop thinking about is the show's charming, jock-despising, way too attractive host.

It’s impossible. I’m supposed to find a wife. We’re being watched by millions of people, including my team’s management.

And I’m straight. Obviously.

Probably.

Maybe not.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220353184-rule-2

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Seeking Mr. Right is Luke’s favorite show. He is a sucker for this reality show about finding true love. And the host Sebastian has definitely grabbed his attention. But he is shocked when he sees an announcement that he will be the next Mr. Right for the Christmas Special. He definitely didn’t apply…but his teammates did. For him. Now he has no choice but to participate. Not when everyone around him thinks it is a great idea and he fears getting everyone in trouble. But being around Sebastian is making him realize a lot about himself and feelings for Sebastian are getting more intense. Sebastian isn’t happy that Luke was picked. The younger brother of his high school bully? Pass. But Luke is so different from his brother. Sweet and kind and just way too good of a guy. Not to mention absolutely gorgeous. But no. Sebastian can’t have a crush on Luke. He won’t. But how can he not the more he gets to know him? These two are in deep trouble. Really enjoyed Luke and Sebastian’s story! These two were so sweet. Luke is this genuine nice guy. Especially for a hockey player. But it is so clear to literally everyone around him how he feels about Sebastian. Yet it takes him a bit to realize what it means. Adorable. And I loved watching Sebastian fall for Luke. There was just no way these two weren’t meant to be!

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

 

An orphan.

An outcast.

A prince.

And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hotheaded mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite.

Banished from her people for an unforgivable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who uses magic to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Martial Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But when a chance encounter leads to an unexpected attraction, Sirsha learns her mission might cost her far more than she's willing to give up. 

QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire and nephew of a venerated empress, but he’s loath to take the throne when his aunt steps down. As the son of a reviled emperor, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need. 

Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with power, treachery, love, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, on a journey that may cost them their lives―and their hearts. Literally.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206780522-heir

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s been a while since I’ve been in the Ember of the Ashes world. But reading this story reminded me just how much I loved this series! And now here we are back again. 20 years have passed since that series ended. But we see plenty of familiar faces and new faces as they embark on a whole new journey and problem arising. We have three point of view characters in this book. Quil, who you will remember from the previous series was just a baby. Well he is grown up and the heir to the Empire and the nephew of Empress Helene. But taking the throne isn’t exactly what he wants. Too bad he doesn’t have a say, and when his home is attacked, he will come to realize that defending his people is where he wants to be. Then we have Sirsha. A tracker with magic who finds herself hired to find a monster on the loose. A terrible monster who has been killing children throughout the lands. But she’ll realize that there a lot more to this monster than she first believed. And then there is Aiz who wants to help her people after all the terrible things they have been through and are currently going through. But she’ll find herself going down a dark path where sacrifices will have to be made. I’ll admit, it took me a hot minute to get back into this world and the story. But once you start getting to know these characters (for me, I loved Quil and Sirsha), then you’ll want to find out what happens to them. Especially when we get some crazy twists and turns. There hit a point in the story where I just couldn’t put it down! And after that ending? Well, I’ll need the sequel asap! If you loved the previous series, you are definitely going to like this one!

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 10: Mingle All the Way by Hayden Hall

 

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 10

When I go home for the holidays, Santa has a secret waiting for me...

I wandered far and wide in search of happiness, never finding what I sought. When I return to Christmas Falls to lick my wounds, the last thing I expect is for Santa to send me a golden-haired, blue-eyed man I once called my best friend—the friend who was taken away from me when we were kids.

Milo Montgomery is back in town, and he doesn’t wait for miracles to come to him. There’s a special sort of magic in the way he spreads joy throughout our town.

His chocolate shop might be struggling, but that can’t break his festive spirit. His optimism is contagious, and his cheerful mood makes me feel like I’m thirteen again, catching snowflakes on my tongue. As we walk down memory lane, recreating every Christmas Eve we spent together, our friendship becomes everything I've been missing.

Milo confesses I was his first and only love. But as a straight man, I can never love him the same way. Or can I? I'm beginning to question everything I thought I knew about myself. About the world.

Maybe happiness has nothing to do with a place. Maybe all it takes is the right person.

Christmas Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It's a multi-author M/M romance series

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217287032-mingle-all-the-way

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Milo lost his best friend when his family moved out of Christmas Falls. Eventually, Milo came back to the place that always carried his best memories, even if his best friend had left. He has his chocolate shop that he his working hard to make it a success and it’s enough. But then Christian comes home. It’s been fifteen years, yet when they see one another it is almost like no time has passed. The feelings Milo had for Christian are reawakened. Reminding him that he was in love with his best friend and that never went away. Not that Christian knows this. Christian was devastated when Milo moved away. And thought he let the years go by without reaching out because he was hurt by losing him, he finds himself back home in Christmas Falls in search of something that has been missing. Turns out seeing Milo was what he was missing. And when feelings are revealed, Christian feels like things are finally falling into place inside him. He is starting to realize a lot about himself. And one of the most important things is that Milo is with him. I loved watching these two really realize what their feelings were for one another. It was so clear that they were meant to be. That the love between them as kids was so much more than they realized back then. And even with the years that passed, they would always find their way back to one another. A great story to end this second of Christmas Falls! I really hope there will be more seasons to come!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.