Radio Static is the first novel by this author and itās a terrific story. A murder mystery romance, it incorporates a number of elements that keep you involved in the many storylines the authorās weaving.
We have two families. One is a single gay dad and his 14 year old daughter. That Mercedes āMercyā Reed and Rae. He had her with his best friend, Tammy (now married) after a series of bad relationships seemed to mean that heād never be a father. Now Raeās his life along with his work. Now itās time to relax, and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The other one? Thatās Nova Charette and his teenage son, Cooper. Divorced although on friendly terms with his ex wife, itās the 16 yr old son he needs to establish a closer relationship with. A summer vacation at their cottages at Lake Lucent should be the thing to get reacquainted.
The perfect place or so each family thinks. Then they find they are living next to each otherā¦ a 16 year old boy and a 14 year old girl. Suddenly, two dads are finding their plans overturned and fighting their own attraction for each other, as well as two hot hormonal teens.
This part of the novel is really my favorite. The meeting of the families over the instant teenager magnet action that happens between their kids , so realistic and on point funny. It makes for just great reading. From the dads reactions, to their teenagers snarky put upon dialogue, and yes, the swimsuits that dadās just not really ready for, you get it. These are terrific fathers and parental role models. The issues they cover with both kids are one every parent should be on solid ground with their children. The doubts, the pride, love . Nicky James obviously gets what it feels like to be a parent. It flow through both characters!
To make matters increasingly interesting, Nova and Mercy? They find each other just as mutually attractive as their kids are finding each other. Awkward! Because, while Nova has always been open about his bisexuality, the one person whoās unaware? That would be his son, Cooper. One of the best scenes is the father coming out to his son here. Wonderful!
The romance is complicated by their kidās relationship, each manās past, the fact that Mercy is a single dad whoās developed tunnel vision with regard to his responsibilities and any other relationships just makes the fumbling and hesitation towards something they want believable.
The mystery and murders are fine . I liked the element of the voice over the crackling radio airway that grabs everyoneās attention with sparse details that lures them into a maze of mystery and murder in the small town.
That I almost immediately glommed onto who the villain of the story was because the author has strewn a lot of clues around which made this interesting to see how it would play out instead of anxious to see who the murderer was. Like this part but didnāt necessarily love it.
For me, what saved the mystery was the families part in it, especially at the end. That was thrilling and emotional. I was invested in Mercy and Nova as well as Rae and Cooper. I needed to see all home safe and sound. Happily and romantically.
At least the dads! And thatās what happened! Wonderful ending.
So Iām off to seek out another by this author. Iām highly recommending this to lovers of contemporary romance and murder mysteries. Enjoy.
Two single dads. Two headstrong teenagers. One dead body.
A cabin in the middle of nowhere, nature all around, peace and serenity. It was supposed to be a vacation to help Nova reconnect with his son. But he didnāt expect to fall for his neighbor in the cabin across the lake. He didnāt expect an erratic and unusual broadcast on a radio station no longer in existence. And he definitely didnāt expect a dead body in the water.
Mercy likes his mysteries to stay within the pages of his novels. When strange things start to happen at his summer cabin, he and his daughter team up with the man and his son on the other side of the lake to get to the bottom of it. A little amateur sleuthing wonāt hurt anyone, right?
Someone out there knows the truth. Who is the man on the radio? What does he know? Mercy and Nova are determined to solve the mystery, but are they willing to risk life and limb for answers? Because someone doesnāt want their secrets revealed.
**Radio Static is an MM romantic mystery involving two single dads in their midforties.**
Well, this just got way more fabulous and complicated!
Buried Mage immediately corrects the one issue I had with Gathering Mage, and thatās where the author had divided that section of his 2-part story. Heād gone past their arrival home and into new events when it made sense to stop at their arrival.
Buried Mage has at the beginning the Cliffs Notes versions of the preceding books to catch you up if you need a refresh and then we ( and those fantastic characters) all together, start at the moment when Sandy and Jason return from the Gathering, having come through stronger and with new powers due to the trials and events that occurred there.
Itās time for them to get caught up with everything and everyone who was left behind at the House. Itās a great way too , for the author to reacquaint the readers with all the characters who were missing for a story, except for a mention or two.
Now with one celebration, itās found family time , and we get to embrace our fondness for them and the quirky House as well . Plus we get to meet another Companion. Mr. Tubbles, Tylerās worn and torn older cat. Heās a real enigma.
But soon Jason and the House of Louisville are off and running as they, with Jason as the spark , start to experiment with new forms of combat, enhancing it with their own magic abilities , including runes they make, experimenting through techniques they picked up with glasswork. Great stuff here. This is so simplified because the book ās elements regarding this are fun, and complex. I enjoyed every bit . Those who want a boom and the magic wand does the trick?
Hmmm , no. This really isnāt the book or series for you. Why?
All this is described in fascinating, wildly imaginative details! The characters are excited about whatās happening, and weāre along with them every step of the way, as they fail and as they finally succeed.
Taggert has quite the imagination and itās full of humor. His grannies, his ass blasters, the miners and surfer dudes! Love each and every one! Plus the respect that Jason shows his creations. Iām hoping that really comes into play further down the series because thatās such a joyous element.
Naturally, the villains, Marius and Karl, that have been lurking the past novels come back horrifically here. They are some very nasty pieces of work .
No spoilers but again some incredible scenes, Jason goes through terrifying trials that shove him up into the growth he needs , essentially, to power up. But , wow, painful. Very gripping and so well written that it keeps us on the edge til itās over.
Truly, the synopsis just canāt do justice to what youāre going to find inside this story. Itās a bit like saying āoh, Moby Dick? Ah yeah, itās got a whale.ā
Buried Mage has at the least ā¦a magical sword that wants to be a vase, zombies students, evil villains, adorable cats, tiny Magical Grannies who suck up magic, a House that gives you a family and everything you wantā¦for a price. And so much more.
I will say we get a great conclusion to this 2-book mini arc and a very fun slide which will start the next 2 book arc (thatās the format the author seems to prefer).
This series, which has a fifth book coming, is addicting. Itās ever expanding universe, a growing cast of amazing people and beings who continue to develop personally and in their relationships.
Iām so sold!
That means Iām highly recommending the entire series to date, which should be read in the order they were written.
The Gathering only lasted for seven days, but it ended up being a lot more of an adventure than Jason had expected. Now itās time to head home, and Jason is excited to sleep in his own bed and hang out with John, Tyler, and Annabeth again.
Jason learned a lot, and heās eager to put that knowledge to use. If his ideas work, it could totally revolutionize how Sandy and the crew make charmsāallowing them to heal, train, and defend the House even better than before.
So when the rotten mages show up, Jason is still feeling confident in himself and his new knowledge.
He has a new shield. Heās fought for his life in the arena. His matrix is much denser than before.
Heās a warrior mage now and stronger than ever before.
An Iron Fist, third novel in Nazri Noorās Arcane Hearts series, gives us a greater sense of Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright ās growing relationship as well as each characterās individual growth.
Jackson continues to learn more about his heritage from hidden vids his deceased parents left within the familyās AI . Heās also growing more determined to rebuild the Hall of Makers, the one whoās explosion killed most artificers, including his folks, a task Xander is supporting him on.
But the deadly purple Chrysanthemysts and the chaos left behind is center here. Noor starts to enlarge the mythology and creates a another layer thatās beginning to encroach on the one our main characters inhabit.
Thereās mystery, exciting action, more of our found family, maybe even adding a member of two, but most importantly we get the revelation of whoās comingā¦The Who behind all the murders, the upheavals, and the chaos.
It sets up the next book and the biggest fight looming in the future.
Noor has a great arc with excellent characters with an extremely fascinating universe to explore.
Iām ready to dive into the next story and see where the author takes his characters and storylines.
In the meantime, Iām recommending this book. But read the series in the order they are written in order to better understand the progression of events and characters relationships.
Might and magic, fist and flame, to send evil back from where it came.
Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright delve into the mountain halls of the dvergar, the dwarven people of Norse myth known for their mining and metalwork. Seeking jewels and ore, they make a deadly discovery instead: a cluster of Chrysanthemysts. How did they grow underground? Where are they from? And who sent them?
The masters of the Black Marketās guilds grudgingly unite to stop the fatal flowers at their source. But digging deeper only reveals another conundrum: a legendary gemstone known as the Heart of Oberon. The fae havenāt walked the earth in forever. Why has the Heart resurfaced now?
And why is the gemstone whispering?
An Iron Fist is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, youāve come to the right place. Experience An Iron Fist today.
Anthologies/collections are a fantastic way to get to know new authors or rediscover writers you havenāt read for a while!
If anyone asks me to recommend one collection of contemporary stories? It would be this one! You have a great selection of writers who have never had their work in this charity anthology before, and the stories here are just incredible. Honestly 5 star reads! All together in one place to savor.
Not familiar with these authors? What a treat lies within. Most are on my Auto read-must have lists, but I added to mine as well here. Happy happy joy joy!
Plus all proceeds from the charity anthology go to benefit LGBTGIA + charities.
The overall Collection is always the H2H dating app, but this collection has the theme of #NeverHaveIEver for 14 Authors and their romance stories.
The H2H app users challenge themselves to do something outside of their comfort zones. And fall in love along the way.
I have listed all the stories and authors below. An extended version with a mini-review of each is on my website, scattered thoughts and rogue words dot com. Honestly, itās a tad long for here! But these stories deserve it. Heart eyes, folks!
Love it so much!
Stories and Authors:
1. Never Have I Ever Fallen In Love by Lucy Lennox
2. Never Have I Everā¦Cold Called A Strangerās Phone Number by A.M. Arthur
3. Never Have I Everā¦ Ridden A Bike by Alice Winters
4. Never Have I Everā¦ Dyed My Hair Flaming Red by Daryl Banner
5. Never Have I Everā¦worn That For Halloween by E.M.Lindsey
6. Never Have I Everā¦Sung In Public byJodi Payne
7. Never Have I Everā¦Gotten Lost by K. Webster
8. Never Have I Everā¦Taken A Vacation by Kate Hawthorne
9. Never Have I Everā¦Spent the Night With Blanche by Louisa Masters
10. Never Have I Everā¦Had A Makeover by Mia Monroe
11. Never Have I Everā¦Flown in A Airplane by Neve Wilder
12. Never Have I Everā¦Gone Skinny Dipping by Riley Hart
13. Never Have I Ever ā¦ Watched The Godfather by S.E. Harmon
14. Never Have I Everā¦ Kissed Someone On the Lips by Spencer Spears
15. Never Have I Everā¦Been On A Date by Tal Bauer
16. Never Have I Ever Fallen In Love by Lucy Lennox-part 2. The End
And now for my blog šā¦..
1. Heart2Heart by Lucy Lennox
Jonah , on behalf of his employer H2H, went off to Alaska,taking an adventure in a floatplane to create content for their latest event.
His taxi to the town, a tiny floatplane from Knockwood Aviation, flown by Pilot Pete Valentine started his adventure immediately. And so did my laughter. As Pete and Jonah go on many āneverhaveIEverā firsts for Jonah and his article, their attraction and feelings for each other grow.
The story is split in half,as it begins and ends the anthology.
Itās a fav of mine š itās also a prequel to Lennoxās next series focusing on Knockwood Aviation.
2. Never Have I Everā¦Cold Called A Strangerās Phone Number by A.M. Arthur
āFor A Good Time Callā¦ā says a note stashed in a library book. What Charlie finds is romance where he never thought heād find it, with the help of his jock roommate, Jasper.
Heartwarming, sweet, and lovely.
3 Never Have I Everā¦ Ridden A Bike by Alice Winters
Owen, the baker , writes ānever have I ever ridden a bikeā into the H2H app chat, and with those words , Alice Winters sends Owen, his roommate Lance, and their cat Thor the Destroyer off on a madcap afternoon of zany insanity, also includes bike riding lessons! Not surprisingly it ends happily and with declarations of love! Hilarious, sweet, and pure Winters!
4. Never Have I Everā¦ Dyed My Hair Flaming Red by Daryl Banner
Stagehand Zakary Tisdale wrote ānever have I ever dyed my hair a wild colorā on the H2H forum. Itās his birthday and heās naked in his bathroom , looking at himself in the mirror.
I wasnāt familiar with Daryl Banner but after reading this wonderful story Iām putting him on my list to seal out what else heās written. Because this is a little gem with lots of heart. One flaming red hair color changes everything, including the way he thinks about himself. Love it.
5. Never Have I Everā¦worn That For Halloween by E.M.Lindsey
Baker Domenico has loved his
best friend, Shiloh, since they were children. But heās been afraid to tell him until the H2H forum NeverHaveIEver persuaded him to post a comment about Halloween. Now heās committed to a couples costume. And everything is about to change.
Lindsey has written a beautiful, moving story, about deeply layered characters and their love for each other. Itās absolutely one of my favorites here.
6. Never Have I Everā¦Sung In Public byJodi Payne
Nathaniel Killineyās a dentist who admits on the H2H forum heās never sung in public.
Ethan Lowman is a high school theater/arts teacher and Nathaniel Killineyās crush when they were in the very same high school yearās ago.
Nathanielās comment on the H2H forum brings about a reunion thatās full of promise, for a romance as well as letting Nathaniel finally being able to sing in public. Very sweet.
7. Never Have I Everā¦Gotten Lost by K. Webster
āA single line āNever have I ever gotten completely and utterly lostā in the āMeet local friendsā thread in the H2H forum starts Hunter obsessing over this as if anyone could get lost in the age of almost instant GPS availability and map directions
Hunterās never been lost . So heās scanning quickly through the comments until he sees one from like minded Dallas Drew. Dallas aka Andrew, who claims to also never have gotten lost. Both are Americans that now live and work in Norway. Both also have elements to them that make that fact something thatās capable of drawing them together for a meetup.
Andrew, on the high functioning end of the ASD spectrum is lost in his life. Alone and missing his mother after her recent death, is going to try for an adventure. Something this meetup with Hunter represents. Hunter is feeling alone ,depressed, and his self image has taken a big hit due to his awful last relationships. Now heās reaching out for a change and a chance for someone and something more.
What follows is a wonderful, vulnerable, magical journey. I heart this story so much. Adding this author to my must have more of pile.
8. Never Have I Everā¦Taken A Vacation by Kate Hawthorne
Jermaine. Never have he ever taken a vacation. Raised by a struggling single parent, that wasnāt an option and his job as a flight attendant makes flying to other places something thatās just a stopover.
Milo, a travel blogger . For him, nearly every day was a vacation. One flight to New Orleans when they meet provides the sparks for changes they never expected.
Sexy, and unexpected!
9. Never Have I Everā¦Spent the Night With Blanche by Louisa Masters
H2H forum line Golden Girls prompts a user to sayā¦.Never Have I ever binge watched the Golden Girls.
Soon thereās a planned Golden Girls marathon at a coffee shop/ bookstore for everyone, especially the one whoās severely lacking in knowledge of the Blanche. Thatās Fin.
At the marathon, he meets several ppl , among them Clayton Hollingsworth Devereaux. Clay and Fin instantly hit it off.
10. Never Have I Everā¦Had A Makeover by Mia Monroe
Constantine needs a makeover. A company offers a professional event geared just for that very thing. There he meets a stylist named Deacon who sees a quiet, lovely teddy bear of a professor with self image issues. Con is just the man Deaconās been waiting for, and this makeover is the pathway to the start of a beautiful relationship.
A terrific story with relatable characters.
11. Never Have I Everā¦Flown in A Airplane by Neve Wilder
Beau , a musician, had never been on a airplane. Now he had to fly to a old friendās wedding in Venice, Italy. Beau mentions this fact on the H2H forum and gets a reply from UpRightPosition that he has to visit a certain restaurant in Venice while heās there and have a safe flight!
So itās so of fated that UpRightPosition turns out to be Jack, the hugely attractive flight attendant flying from Atlanta with him to Venice. That flight to Venice is the beginning of many firsts and a HEA.
A very sweet story.
12. Never Have I Everā¦Gone Skinny Dipping by Riley Hart
Mikey on the H2H message board: Never have I ever gone skinny dipping.
Shy, awkward, the one who never followed through Mikey. With a secret pen name. Who had a crush on someone heās only known online since he was 16. Itās been 2 years of steady chatting and every time itās been time to meet, Mikey has found excuses not to.
So it stopped. And that became Mikeyās biggest regret.
Now heās secretly writing erotic novels under another name when heās not being Mickey Boring, the librarian ( his real name) by day.
Time to change things up!
Ronan Winters runs the local coffee shop , Extra Shot, and runs a queer podcast Sex with Ronan.
Things are going to happen online personalities and real life collide, revelations occur and thereās a HEA waiting at the end.
Very well written and sweet romance.
13. Never Have I Ever ā¦ Watched The Godfather by S.E. Harmon
Ad: Looking for someone to go see to movies in the parks , Iāll bring the popcorn and snacks.
Ashton Westlake, lawyer, in Michigan, while things get smoothed over with the client he offended at his fatherās law offices. Loves baking.
His cousin puts the ad in the H2H message boards hoping to get company for Ashton as he watches movie classics, for the first time, in the park.
Levi, HistoryBuff24/7 , answers CoolLawDudes ad . Professor of American History, Late of a bad relationship. And also former teacher of Ashton!
Whoād had a very obvious crush on him.
Fifteen years difference in age, but equal in attraction. The reunion at the park sees a return of the sparks of attraction from so long ago.
What follows is an absolute delightful romance of two men finding their way back to each other at the exactly right stage in their lives, through movies, tv shows, and baked goods. Itās totally charming, and I was engaged from start to finish.
14. Never Have I Everā¦ Kissed Someone On the Lips by Spencer Spears
Westley: Never ever have I kissed someone on the lipsā¦
Thatās Wesleyās post on the H2H board. Heās shy, awkward, 20, and never been kissed.
Heās in DC for an internship , from Connecticut, sweating out the wonderful Dc summer (the author has our summer right). Living his Professorsā Washington DC row house , he finds himself hiding up on the roof deck, watching a neighborās party . Itās sad and pretty til a thief jumps out of their window with a haul of jewels, causing Westās world to upend in the strangest way possible.
Oh, Spencer Spears! What a fabulous tale that youāve written! I was with these two all the way! And I need more! I want to know if West called him! Give me that sequel!
A favorite!
15. Never Have I Everā¦Been On A Date by Tal Bauer
H2H board. Never have I ever been on a date
Cletus, heliopilot for a mission for Strickland, mngr for National Science Foundation for Antarctica. Responsible for 3k lives spread between 3 bases, now holding a bloody uniform as they lifted off.
Damien Bronson, Dino Doc to his students at the South Pole, came to Antarctica chasing his dream of proving his thesis right, that the bones of dinosaurs exist there. Heās also nurses a very big crush on pilot Cletus.
When their boss Dr. Strickland asks the men to find the body of the scientist that disappeared and whoās bloodied garment Cletus has now found, it sets off a series of events that could only have come from the fabulous Tal Bauer. Exciting, horrific, fast paced, and romantic, itās an A ticket ride the whole way. Outstanding!
And finally the last half of
16. Never Have I Ever Fallen In Love by Lucy Lennoxā¦ part 2
Jonah is flying around in a floatplane, trying first time adventures for his article for H2H , and Knockwood Aviation and the Valentines family, especially one in particular,Pete, Is keeping him busy.
Never Have I Ever Been To Alaskaā¦.
Now Jonah and Pete have been everywhere, theyāve spent time getting to know one another and Jonah has had time to make some life changing decisions.
Lucy Lennoxās story brought us a great new universe and engaging family, the Valentines. The Knockwood Aviation company, in all its elements, and all the Valentines are Lennoxās next series. This story is the absolutely perfect prequel to launch it.
Iām invested in these people and their romance, but also in the tiny town and itās citizens.
I canāt wait for more.
What an outstanding collection of authors and stories this is! You have a great selection of writers who have never had their work in this charity anthology before, and the stories here are just incredible.
Not familiar with these authors? What a treat lies within. Most are on my Auto read-must have lists, but I added to mine as well here.
And on top of fabulous romances, the proceeds go to support LGBTGIA + charities.
Win win!
Iām highly recommending this anthology. Grab it up before the next one comes out. Thatās the kinky oneš
Once upon a time, a bunch of authors wondered… what would happen if Heart2Heart, the dating and community app responsible for bringing together couples from all over the world, encouraged people to do something theyād never done before?
#NeverHaveIEver is trending on H2H, and fourteen authors whoāve never before appeared in a Heart2Heart anthology (and one whoās never left) have come together to show how funny, hot, and heartwarming it can be when H2H app users challenge themselves to do something outside of their comfort zones–from singing in public, to skinny dipping, to getting their first real kiss–while they manage to fall in love along the way.
As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!
The Hitmanās Guide to Righting Wrongs While Causing Mayhem is the fourth book in Alice Winters series about a retired hitman whoās now happily married and in business with his PI husband. Weāve followed their hilarious , zany, sometimes murder-filled lives, from the meeting at the infamous and now enshrined Fence all the way through their engagement and marriage.
I have adored every second of every bit of the time Iāve spent getting to know former hitman Leland and his now husband Jackson, chief of police, Henry, whoās basically stepped in as father figures for Leland, fellow former hitman Cassel, and his boyfriend cop , Jeremy, dogs Cayenne and Sarge, ā¦. I mean the cast of fantastic characters is huge! And they weave in and out of every story, regardless of what that particular bookās theme is. You can count on certain people and animals to be a part of the investigations and whatever shenanigans that ensues.
Lelandās ( and Casselās ) adolescence and twisted mentorship under Lucas has also been a constant dark thread in the series. Sometimes it manifests itself as Lelandās inability to connect in a ānormalā to established family celebrations or traditions. They physically make him hurt as something so warm and loving is so outside of his universe. Lucas manipulated him and all his āboysā in a utterly, cruel way. Hand picking abused, starved boys at their worst then narrowing their world down to Lucas, their kill, their training, and their next target. Those that didnāt live up to Lucasās standards, were āgone ā.
That past gets reflected through Lelandās actions and remarks through every story too. And Jackson is there supporting and helping Leland with the pain and growth.
I love that element.
This couple is hilarious, loving, but the substance is always present.
This was an especially complicated investigation. Of course, it starts with someone from Lelandās past coming for Leland and his special ātalentsā.
Naturally, the case goes sideways right from the start with bodies piling up, false identities, porn names, and the reappearance of the Sasquatch!
Itās fast moving, often over the top action, matched by equally snappy,snarky dialogue . Lots of shooting, and explosions!
Lucas makes several important appearances here. The deep damage done as he molded both as youth into assassins, damage thatās left both Leland and Cassel traumatized, is clear here. So is the influence he continues to have on both men even from prison.
This is the one major element that is only partially dealt with. Lucas has been THE major bad for the entire series, deservedly so. Heās a fully developed, multidimensional villain. Thereās a reason heās to be feared.
At one point Leland gets his moment of revelation about himself and his emotional growth. Itās allowing him to move forward.
However, and this is a huge however, this gigantic emotional step forward isnāt complete because the story doesnāt allow it to be. Unless thereās another book to come. Leland never goes to see Lucas to see if Lucas can still get to him.
Lucas and his part in Leland and Casselās lives needs a closure.
While heās still in prison pulling strings , no one is getting any. Leland , no matter what happened during that case, has been unable to face him without being traumatized. Cassel canāt face him at all.
The series needs to address that.
Plus Ava, that strong AF mother in law, who went through so much? You canāt tell me there arenāt some emotional fallout elements to come there. There should be. Because there always been some very truthful threads underneath the caustic comedy routine between Ava and Leland. We need to see what happens next.
So Iām hoping this isnāt the end of the series because while itās a terrific story, thereās still much important stuff left to bring to closure.
It should be clear how very much I love this universe and series. These people are so close to my heart. I want nothing less than the absolute best. Because the way Alice Winters wrote and created them? They are deserving of nothing less.
What a series! What a wonderful story! Iām highly recommending them all . And honestly waiting for the next.
The Hitmanās Guide series:
ā The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love #1
ā The Hitmanās Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes #2
ā The Hitmanās Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot #3
ā The Hitmanās Guide to Righting Wrongs While Causing Mayhem #4
Side Story:
šThe Former Assassinās Guide to Snagging a Reluctant Boyfriend
Growing up, I was taught that getting too close to someone would be my downfall. But Iāve proven that wrong now that Iām happily married to Jackson, the greatest man in the world. The issue is that mayhem always seems to find me (which is definitely not my fault), and this time, it comes in the form of a woman looking for her daughter. What starts as a simple missing persons case turns into so much more, forcing me to rely on my found family and others, including a muscley ābearā who will definitely not whisk away my husband with his irritatingly sexy accentāI mean, yes, Iām very focused on this caseā¦ Jackson, donāt look at me like that.
Jackson
While Leland is ācode potatoingā (whatever that means on his strange cheat sheet), Iām left questioning what heās gotten himself into this time. At least heās willing to let me assist him, even if heās still positive that I should just āsit prettyā and let him handle everything. But with the girl missing, he knows we need to work together to determine whose game weāre playing because not everything is as it seems. Of course, when one gets involved with Leland, nothing is ever simple. But maybe thatās just the way I like it.
Contains: speed walking up way too many stairs while holding pointy objects, feel-better cookies that didnāt turn out quite right, Spanish that definitely isnāt Spanish, and lots of long-suffering people being swept up in Lelandās shenanigans once more
Thick As Thieves is the Aster Valley finale and itās a wonderful story to bid the series goodbye with.
Best friends to lovers is a great trope and Lennox gives us two endearing characters who have known each all all their lives, being each otherās one to go to in all times.
Never is that more true or needed when Parker Ellisā wedding day is shattered. His bride dumps him as heās getting ready to say I do.
Julian Thick is there to pick up the pieces and Parker, after itās called off. Julian takes Parker to Aster Valley to his new cabin to recover but both men get far more then they anticipate when hidden feelings are revealed.
Julian has loved only Parker. But Julian has watched him for years with someone else who was female, thinking Parker was straight. That pain is buried deep within Julian now.
Thereās issues of trust, examinations of sexuality, friendship, and , of course, finally, declarations of love.
Other couples from the previous books make appearances here too.
Itās funny, genuine, romantic, and lovely.
Plus Lennox brings in characters from her next series Knockwood Aviation for us to get a glimpse of. Thereās two men I really want a romance for.
If youāve been a fan of this series like me, grab up this story and give it a happy send off.
If not, it can still be read as a standalone, itās just richer with a context.
I’ve been in love with my best friend since forever. Okay, fine. Like, kindergarten. It started out platonic, obviously, but then became… nope. Still platonic. The problem is that Parker Ellis has been straight since forever. And that makes it difficult to convince him the two of us are meant to be together.
And now there’s no point. All is lost. He’s gone and gotten engaged to his high-school sweetheart which means I have to grin and bear it while pretending to be the happy, supportive best man while he prepares to commit his life to a woman I can’t even fault. She’s great. We’ve all been friends forever. I know he’ll be happy with Erin, just not… just not as happy as he could be with me.
Parker:
I’ll admit. Sometimes I press the easy button. Like when Julian Thick had offered me half his sandwich back in grade school after noticing I didn’t have any food. Or when I’d needed a date to homecoming in tenth grade and Erin told me she was it. Or when I’d used the one thing that came easy to me, skiing, to get my college tuition paid for. Or when Erin had showed back up in my life six months ago and told it was time to marry and start a family…
But for the first time in my life I’m facing something that’s not at all easy. It’s my wedding weekend and I’ve just been left at the altar. Not only that, but when my best friend whisks me away to drown my sorrows in a snowy cabin in Aster Valley, I accidentally discover Julian’s been keeping secrets. Big secrets.
The kind of secrets that lead to hot experimental kisses in front of a blazing fire, tenative physical exploration in a way I’d never imagined before, and the kind of intimate, true confessions I’d never even dreamed of between me and the one person who’s always been my true home.
But after twenty-plus years of thinking of Jules as my friend without benefits, is it truly possible to change who we are to each other? There’s no easy button this time, but I’m willing to do the work. I only wonder if Julian is ready to trust I really mean it.
Thick as Thieves can be read on its own or enjoyed as part of the Aster Valley series.
Iām such a fan of urban fantasy and fell in love with the entire Magic Emporium multi-author series, which this story was a part of.
Now itās been re-edited, and the author added a chapter at the end to swing the characters and storylines into the next book.
So of course I needed to check it out.
All the wonderful elements remain intact. Two sons, from families that both despise and need each other , almost a urban fantasy Romeo and Jules, or in this case Jude tale.
Except one didnāt know he was a son of one of the battling families until his grandmother came looking for him.
Thatās Jude Cohen,awesome game coder, foster kid, and apparently a elf to his surprise (although it does explain the ears and purple eyes). Soon to be weaver of the Aether magic.
Another terrific character is Aggie, aka Agatha Cohen, his grandmother , partner to Roman. She jumpstarts our story by barging into Judeās life at a turning point.
Whoās Roman? Thatās Roman Meyers, heir to the Meyers family, the one who can access the Aether. Heās immediately, enormously attracted to Jude, even before they knew who or what they were to each other. And the rules .
Descendants of Cain and Abel, elves and monster Hunters. Oneās a weaver of Aether magic and the other the door to the Aether, magical threads of all life. A forever pairing, that comes with a rule . One can never love the other.
Some rules are made to be broken.
Lawless gives us complicated, damaged lineages of two powerful magical families. And monsters bent on entering the present dimension to destroy it all. Only the sons, their families stand in the way.
The plot is exciting. The characters well crafted, and some like Royal downright adorable. Iām definitely committed to finding out where Lawless is taking the storylines and their HFN romance next.
Thereās plenty of unanswered questions here about the dead or missing members from both families, especially now that the readers learn some of the huge āsecrets ā towards the end of the story.
Iām sure some of those will be forthcoming in Elven Game (Roman and Jude: Monster Hunters #2).
Thatās where Iām going next. Itās to be released March 31, 2022.
Until then, Iām recommending Elven Duty! Itās entertaining and terrific fantasy.
Life was normal. Until a woman appears and tells me Iām an elf and sheās my grandmother. Not quite what I expected after another day at the office.
Soon, Iām thrown into a world of duty, magic, and monsters.
And a family feud as old as time itself.
I would have run. I would have gone back to my old life. Or started a new one.
But when the man Iām supposed to hate turns out to be my elven soulmate the only thing I can do is fight for my right to love him. No matter what kind of monster gets in the way.
Notes:
Elven Duty is a gay urban fantasy romance with two star-crossed lovers, a ton of monsters hellbent on destroying this dimension and a secret ābabyā. This book has a Happy For Now ending with a tease of the next book in the series.
This book was previously part of the Magic Emporium multi-author series. The only changes made are the fixing of awry typos and the addition of the last chapter tease.
At the end of the fabulous Sinister in Savannah trilogy Walker let us know that she planned to write further stories in this universe. Specifically, oneās for some of our favorite secondary characters that deserved a HEA and full out storyline.
Mentioned were Kendall Blakemore, aka Sugar, who was Jonahās ex and renter. Kendall got his HEA in a marvelous novel, Bad at Love! Now a favorite of mine.
Next on Walkerās list was Jimmy Alsop. We met Jimmy as an aspiring, but insecure journalist just starting at the newspaper where grumpy investigative reporter Felix Franklin (Mr. Perfect #2) lives to write, report and occasionally terrorize those around him. Felix took him on as a intern, then put him into a sort of Felix boot camp to build up his self image and ability to become a better reporter. Yes, we fell into love with the sweet, blushing Jimmy there. And it carries over into his story here.
Invisible Strings is Jimmyās romance. By now, Jimmy has become a stronger reporter, bit more able to stand up for himself and his ideas then the younger Jimmy we originally were introduced to. Although it still helps to have Felix mentoring him as well as his backup.
Although older here, Jimmyās innocence and exuberance is so adorable yet never overdone. Walker feeds us the type of adolescence and family history that led into Jimmy becoming the type of sheltered person he is without being someone whoās totally withdrawn and shy.
The stories Jimmy is seeking to do for his newspaper is the perfect format for the author to show the characterās interactions with others. Whether itās someone whoās personality is fascinating or a person whoās situation seems troubling, itās Jimmyās humanity that the author gets to shine out in every occasion.
Nova, the astronomer, whoās mother is part of Jimmyās series of stories, is equally fascinating. Heās divorced, single dad, with issues heās dealing with, and a overwhelming attraction to a innocent journalist that is the last thing he expects or thinks he needs.
The invisible strings of the title are those that connect people whether we see them or feel them at first. Itās those strings that just keep pulling people back together, time after time.
Fate, starsā¦ whatever you might call it.
Or a list that someone makes up to get done over a two week time frame.
This is a wonderful love story, made better by those characters that surround the two men and support them with their love. Itās family, or co- workers, and friends. We get to know them all.
My only slight issue is with the drama at the end thatās a ācrisis ā element. That felt a tad forced given the two men, how well they communicated, and how easily it was resolved.
Overall, I adore Jimmy and Novaās romance. Such a winner!
I believe we have another story/ romance to come. A bartender? Following the pattern it should come or be tied to Pretty Poison #3, from the Sinister in Savannah series. Hmm maybe Iāll just have to reread those. Sigh!
Iām highly recommending this, Bad at Love and the original series. The author, obviously, as well. Enjoy!
Note: love that cover and the watercolor lighthouse at the top of every chapter! Beautiful.
Jimmy Alsop, a vivacious journalist, longs to trade his sheltered life for a summer of adventure but lacks the confidence to launch his stellar plan.
Lonely as the Moon
Nova Skye, an aloof scientist, wants to resuscitate his dead love life but hasnāt found the right man to kickstart his guarded heart. Eclipse of the HeartSparks fly when a chance encounter drops Jimmy and Nova into the same orbit. Though their approach to life and love couldnāt be more different, theyāre inexplicably drawn together as if connected by an invisible string.
With nothing to lose but their inhibitions, Jimmy and Nova embark on an epic adventure of discovery. Passions soar with the sultry Savannah temperatures, and soon, their carefree summer becomes something more profound and beautiful than either man bargained for. But are the ties that bind sturdy enough to withstand a lifetime, or will they fray after a season?
Invisible Strings is a standalone novel within the Sinister in Savannah universe. Jimmy was introduced in Mr. Perfect, but it is not necessary to read that book first. Invisible Strings is a contemporary romance, where the other Savannah books are romantic suspense. We have heat, humor, and heart, but there are no homicides in this book, yāall. Invisible Strings contains mature content and is intended for adults eighteen and older.
Love Me Again represents a new author and a new contemporary romance series for me, both Iām always on the lookout for.
It was the description that caught my attention. I love a second chance at love, lovers reunited romance! Plus this had the added attraction of one of the men with retrograde amnesia! So he didnāt even remember the one he loved and hurt!
Oh the anticipation.
Max Walker did a wonderful job creating the small town of Blue Creek, past home to returning detective Austin Romero, back to set up a branch of Stonewall Investigations there. Itās also home to his old secret high school boyfriend, Charlie Marsh. The one that broke Austinās heart and drove him away to find himself in NYC.
Now Blue Creek is about to become the stage for the homecoming drama when the men meet again after all these years.
Charlie is especially engaging as someone missing a huge chunk of his past. Walker makes us understand how frustrating this condition must be, how angry and hard it would be to continually be reminded that all around you are people who remember events and things about you that you cannot. This trait makes Charlie so vulnerable and easy to connect with.
Austin is someone whoās gone through so much after he left Blue Creek. He grew up and past the adolescence pain and heās put it behind him. That too rings true.
Thereās so much to really love here and invest in. Thatās the romance.
Thereās also a mystery and thatās an element where I have some issues.
Romance outstanding. Mystery? Hmmm. The villain is obvious. He might as well be twirling a mustache and wearing a shirt that says āI did the deedā. Austin is a seasoned investigator from NYC. Yet, here in Blue Creek, he doesnāt act like one. No backups, runs into danger, doesnāt check for the villain. Sigh.
So it takes a certain suspension of belief when it comes to the whole mystery element of the story. Thereās action, drama, and a happy ending!
This book also has a great pet store the Stonewall Investigations work above and a fantastic parrot character! I hope heās a permanent one!
Another detail?
I had no idea that the Stonewall Investigations series branches out to other cities with its series and couples. Good to know. As someone new to this universe, I would imagine the characters crossover between series. Iāll have to check out the others to see.
Iām definitely continuing onto the next in the series, Ride the Wreck. Thereās another couple and, of course, another investigation.
Iām recommending this for the love story. Itās an awwwww.
Trust me, Iāve tried. I ran away from the city and took a job as the lead detective back in my old home town of Blue Creek, New Hampshire. I expected to bump into past ghosts, but I never expected those ghosts to reopen old wounds.
The biggest ghost of them all: Charlie Marsh. The man who pushed me out of this town in the first place.
He was also the man who had stolen my heart when we were teens, and who now couldnāt even remember a single day we had spent together.
Which makes it exceptionally awkward when he becomes my first client.
CHARLIE MARSH:
An accident stole seven years of my memories, robbing me of experiences, lessons, people.
It robbed me of my first love. I couldnāt remember who Austin even was, much less when and where we shared our first kiss. So when I bumped into the most jaw-droppingly handsome man Iād ever seen, I had no idea we already shared an entire galaxyās worth of history between us.
Second chances arenāt always easy, and this one only gets more complicated after finding out that my āaccidentā wasnāt an accident at all, and it seems like someone wants to finish the job.
Good thing Iāve got a hot detectiveās number on speed-dial.
Code: Blue is the sequel to N.R. Walkerās first book about a band in its last stages of its life. Code: Red was itās last tour and the romance between its singer Maddox and his manager Roscoe.
Code:Blue , the last album, signals the turmoil thatās ongoing between the bandās label, the band members and the unhealthy physical and mental health conditions they now find themselves in after years of constant touring and stress.
Jeremy, the other band member thatās been a well defined character in Code: Red, gets his story and romance now. Jeremy is physically breaking down under a decadeās worth of abusing his body and not listening to doctors instructions. Heās a diabetic and his lack or inability to stay on target to the nutritional structure he needs to stay healthy has finally taken its toll. Heās a mess.
And no one knows the full extent of how bad itās gotten.
Jeremy is a wonderful character. Heās well developed, and his personality as well as his diabetes is worked into this story extremely well. We get to know him, his trust issues, and his confusion over his sexuality.
We āseeā him through the loving eyes of his security manager/guard, Steve Frost. The story is told from Steveās perspective. A issue I talk about below.
Steve is another terrific character. Older , with a painful history, that tbh, didnāt seem realistic to need to be hidden given its the music industry. Heās protection/security. That element seemed a bit contrived. I liked many aspects of Steveās personality but thereās also others that fell short given how long heās been in the business.
When the danger to Jeremy becomes clear, Steve does up Jeremyās security system. But then the couple , together and separately, proceeded to take chances , that I canāt see any professional security manager or team doing. Even with the emotional involvement.
You know the cameras, drones, media are looking at you everywhereā¦ yet they do things that make you smack your head.
So yes, I liked perhaps loved and got behind this coupleās romance. But it took an occasional suspension of belief in the professionalism here.
I had to wonder why I was having issues with both stories. I honestly like Code: Blue better then the first book.
And I think thereās several answers.
Sexual Identity: Let me tackle the sexuality aspect first. Why was the only choice Jeremy has when heās so confused about why heās now suddenly attracted to Steve is you are either straight or now youāre bisexual. What happened to being pansexual or omnisexual? Both made more sense here, but itās as though they didnāt exist on the sexual spectrum. That bothers me.
The Rock/Band/Theme:
This element needs several sections to deal with. First because both novels could be standalone stories, without any attempt to attach them to a band theme.
Itās that whole band theme is a one dimensional layer thatās just a element in name only, except for the songs written at the end of each story.
Why?
First, the books are about the band and itās musicians/rockstars. But both are told ,not from the perspective of any of them but from someone who, however close, is not a musician and not a band member. For me, thatās a odd choice to begin with. That loss of an intimate viewpoint from a heart of a story is never made up for.
These voices stay missing in other ways too.
You have five members. The author makes much of the bandās symbol and the fact that they are brothers that canāt be broken apart.
The two books? Atrous the band? Nonexistent except that we see their label, managers, fans, and talking about the tours, the promotional lineups. Them actually on stage? Nopes.
Whereās the band? Whereās the on stage synergy ? That electric, everything is jamming, loud, louder, the crowds out of its mind, sweating, rocking, mind blowing synergistic feeling that rock bands truly exhibit only out on the stage? I know writers who know how to pull that into their narrative when writing about musicians and bands.
The band members. Except for occasional appearances, the only defined members are Maddox and Jeremy. The other three? One dimensional characters, basically character sketches.
We get the band as itās ending. The last tourā¦we donāt actually get the tour. Just some written songs at the end. Plus they tell us itās the last tour.
Code: Blue, the definition and reason for that name comes much like the first novelās did, at the end of the story. It signaled the last album.
Ok . But we donāt get the guys putting together the album, the emotions, or anything at all of what it felt like to put a last album together. So why a band theme at all? Itās really missing in both books if you think about it.
These guys could be any celebrities and their manager/ security guard. Doesnāt change a thing.
Just seems like a half hearted effort.
Romances are fine. The main characters are nice, sweet, I especially liked the dog, but thereās not much foundation.
Thatās not like Walker .
Read it for the romance and if youāre a fan of this author.
Steve Frost had dreams of wearing the national championship belt in mixed martial arts, maybe even going pro, but instead, finds himself working as a security guard for the rich and famous in LA.
Quickly earning a reputation for his blunt and precise people management skills, he lands a position on the security team for an up-and-coming boyband, Atrous. Years later, heās head of security. He knows these boys, and with countless tours, flights, car trips, public events, concerts, heās closer to one band member in particular.
Jeremyās been a pillar for Atrous since day one, but even more so these last few months. Now the face of the band more than ever, heās also got himself the attention of a delusional stalker-fan.
When the fame and stress become too much, when Jeremyās health takes a hit, Steve becomes Jeremyās lifeline. But as Jeremy knows already, and as Steve is about to learn, not even the brightest star can shine forever.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 