SCU Hockey Book 4: One-Touch Pass by JJ Mulder

 

SCU Hockey Book 4

Nate meets a stranger at a party, and in the span of seventeen minutes, his life changes.

Marcos meets a stranger at a party and wonders if the universe is laughing at him. His life has become a seemingly endless stream of bad days. Everything is a struggle, from his friendship with Max, to the simple act of changing in the locker room after a baseball game. Stress and anxiety sit so heavy on his shoulders, he can barely function under the weight of it. Starting a relationship is the very last thing he wants or feels he deserves. Particularly when Nate— beautiful, gregarious, and kind Nate— could have anybody he wanted.

If there is one thing Marcos knows, it’s this: Nate deserves someone far better than him.

But despite his best efforts to keep him away, Nate persists. He knows what he wants. He wants Marcos. He wants to coax him out of his shell, take him horseback riding, and treat him right. Seventeen minutes isn’t enough for Nate and Marcos.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228566507-one-touch-pass

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Nate knows the moment he meets Marcos that he has found the person he was meant to be with. The fact that Marcos is a guy and he never dated or was even interested in a man, didn’t matter. There was something that drew Nate to Marcos and he is fully in to find out more about him. But doing so is harder than he could have imagined. Marcos’s stress and anxiety over the last year or so has only gotten worse when his best friend went through something horrible. And with Marcos feeling the weight of the guilt of not being there for his friend at the time has only made it worse. But even with Max is finally finding his footing again, Marcos is still terrified of something else happening. Add in the fact that one of his triggers is being touched, that has only gotten worse. But when he meets Nate he can’t help but admit that he feels a pull toward him as well. But how long will Nate really tolerate Marcos’s moments where he can’t stand the thought of someone touching him? But Nate is exactly what Marcos needs. He respects his boundaries and just wants to be near Marcos in any way he is willing to have him. I loved their dynamic and how they slowly got to know one another. Nate never gives up on Marcos, even when Marcos seemed likely to bolt. He knew to be patient because he just knew Marcos was the one for him. And I loved that Marcos fought to get better because he didn’t want to miss out on something that could be great. Do they still have good and bad days? Of course. But they fight for one another every single day. Great, great story! I absolutely adore this world and these characters. And I’m looking forward to the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Portland Evergreens Book 4: Breaking the Ice by Beth Bolden

Portland Evergreens Book 4

 Coach Gavin Blackburn has been through hell.

Three years ago, he was on top of the world, courted by the best teams in the NHL to coach their players.

His wife’s unexpected death destroyed him, and sent him running from hockey. He thought he’d left the sport behind forever, but when his ex-player shows up at his remote cabin, begging him to return to Portland University to coach the Evergreens again, he agrees.

The last thing Gavin expected was their mentor-student relationship to turn into something entirely different now that Zach is grown up. He certainly never expected to feel attraction again, or to feel it for a man. For Zach.

Or for Zach to want him back, with a passion Gavin couldn’t deny even if he wanted to.

He’s old, washed up, destroyed by old grief, and doesn’t believe he could be good for anyone, but maybe it’s own assumptions that need to be broken and re-made.

Maybe it’s Zach who needs to be the one who break him down and make him into something new. Give him something a wild, unexpected and unprecedented love affair.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215553117-breaking-the-ice

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It is finally Gavin and Zach’s turn! Throughout the series you can’t help but wonder if something is going on between these two. And we finally get an answer. Four years ago, Gavin lost his wife and hasn’t been the same since. He totally checked from the world in his grief and it didn’t look like he was coming up any time soon. Zach has always had feelings for Gavin but knew nothing would come from it. But years later and watching the man he admired rot away, he couldn’t do it anymore. So he brings him a job offer. And no one is more surprised than Zach when Gavin actually hears him and a week later calls him to accept. Add in the fact that Zach could have sworn the two of them had a moment when they met up. It’s going to be hard to keep his feelings to himself. But the more he spends time with Gavin as they begin coaching the Evergreens, the more he realizes that Gavin feels something for him too. But will he actually let himself move on and accept a new future? Oof these two! Zach knows exactly what it is like to fall for someone and never be able to move past it. He has a front row seat to his best friend going through it. He hopes he could have a happier ending with Gavin and for a moment he thought he might follow his best friend’s steps. But his patience really paid off. For Gavin, it’s just been this hard journey. But there is no denying Zach has woke something up inside him. He just has to decide if he is going to take that leap again. Adored these two. They worked so hard for their happiness and deserved every bit of it! Going to miss the Evergreens! But this series was definitely a favorite! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Devon Falls Book 3: Fanboy in the Falls by JE Birk

Devon Falls Book 3

 My two celebrity crushes might both be into me. What could be wrong with that? As it turns out: everything.

The world has thrown me a lot of challenges over the years, but I’ve always tried to stay positive. Life’s too short to dwell on the negative. Unfortunately, my situation just took a very complex I’m raising my little brother alone right now, but I’ve got to keep that a secret. If anyone finds out, I risk losing Lou.

My secret gets tough to keep when two international celebrities show up in our small town and start paying me all kinds of attention. I’ve got zero dating experience and plenty of reasons to stay away from them both, but keeping my distance isn’t going to be easy. First there’s Colin, the quiet and brooding former race car driver who seems uninterested in everyone and everything…except me. And then there’s Tom, the charming movie star, who flirts with me like it’s his job. Oh, and did I mention the two of them are best friends? Or that I think Tom might have some very deeply hidden feelings for Colin?

I’m definitely in over my head here. If I want to keep Lou safe, I know it’s best that I keep both men at arm’s length. So what do I do? I start renovating a hotel with them.

Oops. But I’m sure if I just stay positive, everything will work out fine. Right?

Right?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222634256-fanboy-in-the-falls

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been so excited for this story since we met these characters in the last book! Gabe, Colin, and Tom’s story was everything you would want for them! Gabe has many secrets. He has been doing his best to take care of his brother while his stepdad leaves for periods of time for work. Truthfully, Gabe is glad Dave is gone as much as he is because the man he used to be before Gabe’s mom died, isn’t the man he is today. He’s mean and hurtful and how he speaks to Gabe and Lou isn’t acceptable. Gabe fears for the day Dave is back and takes Lou from him. He’ll do whatever he can to protect his six-year-old brother. Even if it means he can’t be who he is and go for something he wants. And that something may be two famous men that may have feelings for him the way he does for them. Tom has always had feelings for his best friend Colin but Colin has never shown that he feels the same. So he keeps it inside along with a secret about what is going on with his acting career. But meeting Gabe changes a lot for Tom. He is getting feelings for him too. And for Colin, his sexuality has never been clear and dealing with the grief of losing his brother for so long hasn’t helped. But Gabe sparks something back to life for him. And in doing so he is starting to realize that he may have missed something that has been in front of him this whole time. I adored these three and their story! The connection between them is undeniable and when they finally go for what they want, it is everything. I laughed so much with these three, because how can you not when Gabe is on the page? The three of them together balance one another out and I loved it! Great, great story! This world has been so much fun and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Peach State Fratbros Book 1: Frat Around and Find Out by Devon McCormack

Peach State Fratbros Book 1

 LANCE

Ty Mother-effing-Lancaster.

The cocky, charismatic president of Sigma Alpha.

And most importantly, my frat rival.

I'm a fun, chill guy, but around Ty, all I can think about is winning.

Last year, his frat beat ours in the annual TaskFrat challenges, and even though I'm known for becoming Alpha Theta Mu's prez as a joke, I take my responsibility to my guys seriously.

I refuse to let those fratholes take us down again.

Unfortunately, the only thing bigger than Ty's inflated ego is his competitive spirit.

That should be a good enough reason for me to stay focused on defeating him, but soon, I discover there's a spark between us.

Not something a straight guy should be saying about his straight rival.

It's weird, confusing...and surprisingly hot.

I'm curious, and apparently, he is too.

Living the Greek life with my buddies, we're always joking about what happens when you frat around.

Now Ty and I are about to find out.

CW: Frat Around and Find Out is a low-angst, steamy romance, but the characters' backstories include grief over losing loved ones to cancer and dementia.

This is the first book in the Peach State Fratbros Series. Frat Around and Find Out can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223802529-frat-around-and-find-out

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Lance and Ty are presidents of their rival fraternities. The two frats love messing with the other in anyway possible and at the end of the day they walk away laughing and impressed how they one upped one another. Ty and Lance have always had some pretty interesting chemistry. They love to banter and give the other a hard time but lately something has been changing. It started the semester before when they were put in quite an interesting situation but now with the new school year starting, things are starting to change between them. Both were pretty sure they were straight so why is it when they see the other with someone, jealousy starts to appear? Why is there this sudden attraction that makes it hard for them to look away from one another? Well, they are about to give in to their curiosity. And once they do, there is no turning back for either of them. I really loved Lance and Ty’s dynamic. Despite being in rival frats, they respected one another. Nothing was ever mean between them. And when they noticed something was happening between them, they rolled with it. Not afraid to explore the connection and what it meant. And when they realized they could open up and be real with one another about things they’ve been through, it just made their relationship so much sweeter. We have a great cast of characters here and I’m excited to see how the rest of the series turns out!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Desert Ice Hockey Book 6: Icing the Play by Christie Gordon

Desert Ice Hockey Book 6

 Living with my high school crush is a bad play. Living with him while keeping my feelings on ice? Impossible.

Myles

Hockey is my dream.

But if I don’t make it to the NHL, I’ll be the family failure—especially with my little brother on his way.

Then Cooper struts back into my life. My high school crush.

The guy who made my chest ache with emotions I buried so deep, I wished they’d disappear.

He’s heading to the NFL and setting me up with his friend.

But my heart’s never raced for anyone the way it does him.

When he needs a place to live, I can’t say no.

Even if living with him might break me.

Cooper

I came to Arizona for football, not for Myles Cummings.

But the instant I see him again, I know my feelings back then weren’t just friendship.

And now? It’s stronger than ever.

There’s one big problem.

He doesn’t know I like guys, and my friend has his eye on Myles.

When Myles lets me move in, keeping my secret—and my hands off him—might be the hardest play of my life.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230109240-icing-the-play

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Myles is the last one in the squad that is still in school and the last one waiting for his contract to the NHL. The pressure is on and every day he kept but wonder if he is actually good enough to make it to the NHL. He’s also been keeping a secret from his family about being gay. With so much pressure, he just doesn’t know how they will react. And perhaps if he secures his contract it will be easier to tell them. And then out of nowhere Myles’s old high school crush arrives on campus. Myles never expected to see Cooper again. But Cooper transferred schools to play on the football team in the hopes of being drafted to the NFL. And suddenly that old crush comes roaring back. But will it matter? Cooper is straight, right? When Cooper sees Myles he suddenly realizes exactly what those old feelings he had way back when. And newly discovering he is bi? He can’t keep his eyes off of Myles. Just one problem. His friend is into Myles. He’ll do his best to stay out of his way but can both Myles and Cooper really ignore their feelings? A great end to this series with Myles finding his happy ending. I love how these two got a chance to get to know one another years later and see that they had this connection but not it is stronger than ever. It takes them a bit to get there, but once they do, there is no way to deny how well these two fit together. This has been a fun series and I’m sad to see it end! But looks like we still get to branch off and explore some other characters we’ve met!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love in Tuscany Anthology

 

Spend the summer in Italy for charity!

Everyone deserves a second chance, including wedding photographers. They may even catch a picture of a doctor finding his opposite, yet somehow perfect, match. Fall in love in Tuscany, before hitting the road on an adventure with a stranger. Football players, pining, and a couple holiday mishaps that leave only a single bed available; happy endings are guaranteed, and if you close your eyes, you just might feel the Italian sun on your face.

Love in Tuscany is a charity anthology available for a limited time, and features the novellas:

Just a Fling by Maya Jean

Snapshots by Hannah Henry

It’s Italy, Not Love by J.J. Mulder

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It’s Italy, Not Love by JJ Mulder

I’ve been loving JJ Mulder’s books so naturally I had to pick up this short story! And it was utterly adorable. When Roman decides to finally use some vacation days and go to a friend’s wedding in Italy, his boss changes his few days off to two weeks and encourages him to take an actual vacation. Little disgruntled about the idea of exploring Italy alone, he never expects to feel a connection with  the cute bartender at the wedding. Niilo has been traveling for a while and has loved it. And while he has been meaning to move on from Italy for a while now, something has kept him around. And when he meets Roman, he can’t help but wonder if he was the reason. They have dinner the next night after the wedding and when Roman shyly asks if Niilo would consider traveling with him for the next two weeks, Niilo jumps at the chance. Their time together is so sweet and short and by the end these two realize that what they feel for one can be forever! Absolutely adorable. The perfect combo of Italy and romance.

Silvercrest U Book 1: Wicked Games by Willow Dixon

Silvercrest U Book 1

 Killian

I hate obscure school rules. Especially the one that says siblings have to room together after a tragedy. Now I’m stuck sharing my dorm with my stepbrother, and I have no idea how either of us is going to make it to the end of the school year without offing the other.

Just as I’m getting used to having Felix around, someone else tries to off him, and now my cousins and I have to figure out who’s after him, and why. We might not like each other, but Felix is family, and that means he’s mine to protect.

Felix has always annoyed the hell out of me, but now he likes making me angry. And unlike most people, he isn’t afraid of me when I’m angry. There’s also something else between us. Something wild and addictive.

Something I’ve never felt before.

I’ve always known there’s more to my buttoned-up stepbrother than meets the eye, but it isn’t until we start a game of gay chicken that I realize just how similar we are.

He should know better than to start a game he can’t win, but if that’s what he wants, then game f*cking on, bro.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231514988-wicked-games

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Felix’s family life hasn’t exactly been easy. When he was a kid, his parents divorced and remarried. His dad got a new wife and had kids with her and forgot about Felix. And his mom married a rich and powerful man with a son of his own already. Felix was never really part of his dad’s new life and his mom never really cared much for Felix except for appearances. He was really on his own seeing as he kept far from his stepbrother. But things change his second year at Silvercrest U. When his dad and his new family die after a tragic accident, the school feels that Felix must dorm with his stepbrother, Killian, to help with the grief. Little do they know that they don’t exactly get along. But dorming together forces the two of them to actually take notice of the other. These is sparking connection between them. An attraction neither really expected. But things change drastically when someone tries to kill Felix. No one hurts Killian’s family. Even his stepbrother. He protects what is his. And Felix only becomes more and more his the more they spend time together and give in intense attraction. But can they find who is out to hurt Felix before it’s too late? Loved this new series by Willow Dixon! It is definitely a darker romance with plenty of suspense and action. We have a very interesting cast of characters and I can’t wait to see them in their own books. I loved Killian and Felix’s romance. It starts like a game for these two as they try to get under one another’s skin, but the protectiveness and possessive the two feel for one another only grows as they fall harder for one another. Great way to kick off this series and I cannot wait for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.