I love BA Tortuga’s cowboy and kids stories. The warmth, the amazing feel of love and family comes flowing through every scene and situation the characters encounter.
Whether it’s one of awkwardness, anger, fear, humiliation ( families, remember), hilarity, pain, and love, the overwhelming atmosphere is that of people who deeply respect and love each other. No matter what the exact nature of their biological ties might be. It’s family at its finest.
When bull rider Seth Rodgers adopts the family of his best friend, Pistol McMann when he died of cancer, his life was forever changed. He became Uncle Seth , in fact, dad, to five kids, overnight. It’s a life he’s found he was made for and he loves more than life.
Seth. And everyone of those children are intricately crafted to feel as alive and realistic as they come. Seth, tiny, wiry, energetic, determined, is every inch the ex bull rider, now organized family man with ranches to run. You can see him, weary , napping in front of the tv so clearly.
And every kid, yep, you will know them too. Each with their fears, strengths, funny moments, and ability to see through the grownup fabrications that occasionally get thrown out there. Love each and every one.
Law McMann , ex Army, disabled vet trying to see where he’s got a future, is a character easy to connect with. As he’s trying to reconnect with civilian life, he’s also trying to find himself a spot back into a family he’s never really known.
This is an emotional story of loss, recovery, reconnection, family, and love.
And on every level, at every stage, the author brings those challenges and themes together with our characters in a heartwarming story that will leave you smiling and happy.
Yes, I throughly enjoyed this! And am recommending it.
Synopsis: When rodeo cowboy Seth’s best friend dies unexpectedly from cancer, he finds himself taking on a ranch and a bunch of his friend’s younger siblings, because they have nowhere else to turn. Seth loves those kids like they’re his own, and he settles in well to his new life, which is why he’s pretty wary when his buddy’s older brother finally makes it home from a long stint in the military.
Law knows he might get a chilly reception at his brother Pistol’s old ranch, even if the kids living there are his half-siblings. He didn’t make it to his brother’s funeral, after all, but to his credit, he was blown up trying to come home to do just that. He’s fighting injuries and insecurity, but when Seth welcomes him to the family ranch, Law knows he’s pretty much in love. Even if he thinks Seth was his brother’s lover. Can these two find a way to let their emotions out before tragedy strikes their family again?
One Bite With a Vsmpire introduces us to Noah Cage, a human who is one of the most fascinating characters of the Hidden Species series. Noah’s personality and character is one of unknown depths, continual growth, and unexpected revelation.
Honestly, even at the end of the series finale, I felt as though the life force and Louisa Masters wasn’t done with Noah yet.
He’s almost mesmerizing in his grumpiness, painful past of which we are never fully cognizant, and inability to fully trust.
His scary journey here to the CSG and the found family of species within the inner circle of the Lucifer is a white knuckle ride.
That it’s Andrew Turner, the 800 year old vampire, with a fondness for cake and snark who’s the being that’s the one at Noah’s side? Both a touch of perfection and source of poignancy.
For as irritation slides into lust and then something more, what’s continually highlighted is Noah’s humanity and short lifespan against Andrew’s great age and continued longevity.
And we watch as both Andrew and Noah each try to deal with this element of their relationship in their own way, unsuccessfully, however subtly.
Masters can, with just a few sentences, create a scene of such emotional fragility , containing both despair and hope, you will want to weep.
And she does it over and over again.
Book after book here in this series.
Then follow it up with one of equal hilarity.
Goddess love those hellhounds!
While I have focused on Noah here as a character, Andrew Turner , vampire, is just as complicated as his years would have made him. More of his background and history as it relates to other members of the inner circle comes out in another vastly important and emotional story. But much like Noah, Andrew has just as many depths and dimensions to him waiting for us to discover.
They are a truly great pair.
This story doesn’t so much end on a solid note so much as it gets ready to flow into the next book.
This is a ending you’re going to see until the finale as the huge investigation ramps up and the horror begins to unveil.
So yes run immediately to Hijinks With A Hellhound because you need to know what happens next and well, it’s Alistair. That’s reason enough.
Honestly Alistair became alive to me as did all the Hellhounds. I physically hurt over the fact they don’t exist. We really need Hellhounds in our lives. Especially Alistair.
At any rate. Noah’s journey which starts here is a compelling and emotional story. So is his romance with Andrew, full of snarky love, pain and surprise.
I’m highly recommending One Bite with A Vampire and the entire Hidden Species series.
They are must reading for me.
🔶Hidden Species series:
Demons Do It Better #1
One Bite with A Vampire #2
Hijinks With A Hellhound #3
Sorcerers Always Satisfy #4
🔶Sequel Series:
Here Be Dragons (happens immediately after the events of Hidden Species)
Dragon Ever After#1
Synopsis:Getting kidnapped was never part of my life plan. But being rescued opened up a whole world of crazy.
It’s not easy being the only human at the Community of Species Government—and especially not when you’re the rescue case. Two years ago, I was planning to go to college, have a wild time, then settle into a normal life. Instead, I was kidnapped, spent months being a test subject, was in hiding for nearly a year, and then found out that my whole existence is a science experiment conducted by the bad guys. It’s definitely time to reassess.
My rescuers at CSG have been awesome… mostly. They gave me a job, a home, and a support network. But the whole demons, vampires, shifters thing is not easy to get used to. Especially when one particular vampire makes me want to take up stake sharpening for a hobby. How can someone be over eight centuries old and have the maturity of a drunk frat boy?
The thing is, teenage mentality or not, Andrew is a fierce protector. With the bad guys still on the loose, I need someone like that on my side. Plus, did I mention that he’s not hard to look at? I could stare at him all day if only he never opened his mouth.
As we race to find my former captor before he can find me, life takes another twist and upends my world all over again. This time, though, I’m ready—after all, I’ve got an eight-hundred-year-old vampire at my back. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, finally, here I am! Back at the beginning of the Hidden Species series I’ve been meaning to return to after finding and diving into the first novel at the start of the sequel series (Dragon Ever After
That story and the introduction to all the amazing characters and existing universe (plus writing style of Masters’) had me hooked but good.
Still it took a while.
Now I’m gobbling up the Hidden Species books like bonbons.
Which works really well because they flow smoothly one into the next.
Louisa Masters actually sets up all the series, both of them, by presenting us with the complicated story of Sam Tiller, a man who will become the heart of the CSG , the center , and by that I mean the admin, of the Lucifer’s team , and the first to get his romance. He’s also setup here to slowly work himself into the center of our and all the hearts of this marvelous found family of various species.
Oh wait til you get to the Hellhounds!
In all that, the title may be a bit misleading because the demon in question is Gideon, a feared and formidable Investigator of the lucifer’s first team at CSG.
Ok the Lucifer? It’s a title, not a devil. Nope, nothing to do with religion. That’s just a bad rap from a pissed off bunch at the other end of a bargaining table. I’ll save it for the story.
At any rate. There’s a complicated relationship between Sam and Gideon that’s amazing to watch unfold, full of sexy dynamics and awesome UST.
However, it’s Sam’s journey here that is unexpected. Emotionally compelling, imaginative and action wise fantastic, and page after page, turns this into a tale of depth, pain, personal growth, humor, and love.
And yes horror. That’s a series thread, one of growing horror, you will see as a major mystery keeps looming ever larger over the group.
Honestly once you set out to read these books, just know you’re not going to want to stop until you’re finally done. Just have all the books lined up ready to go like I did and plow right through!
Then onto series 2!
Honestly what a great treat is in store for anyone who hasn’t discovered this author or series.
Great characters, amazing universe, wonderful writing, and humor to keep me in stitches while it had suspense that had me holding my breath! Love that! And this!
Synopsis:The truth is, I’m an admin assistant who applied for a job that sounded kind of interesting and ended up working for the Community of Species Government. I’m the only human in the office, and basically I ride herd on a team of rambunctious shifters and demons.
I also spend a lot of time avoiding Gideon Bailey, the demon I had a one-night stand with right before I took this job. He hates me, and I really want to avoid being murdered. But I’ve been offered a promotion that will mean working with him, so we’re both going to have to get over it.
Plus, people are going missing. Pregnant people. And the word is that someone is dabbling in genetic experimentation. Putting a stop to that is more important than the sexual tension Gideon and I have been ignoring… isn’t it?
🔶Hidden Species series:
Demons Do It Better #1
One Bite with A Vampire #2
Hijinks With A Hellhound #3
Sorcerers Always Satisfy #4
🔶Sequel Series:
Here Be Dragons (happens immediately after the events of Hidden Species)
Dragon Ever After#1
Cover note. Of all the covers in this series, this is the only one for me that missed the mark. For me that’s not Gideon, cold, aloof, forbidding, Rich Gideon in any way. Too bad. The rest are fabulous and spot on.
Author Meghan Maslow is a writer I only recently became familiar with but already she’s a must read and highly recommended one. I’m quickly gobbling up anything from her that I’ve not read yet. Which is how I came across this outstanding story.
The Demon’s in the Details
by Meghan Maslow was previously published in the Fables Retold Anthology, which I somehow missed.
Now rereleased as a stand-alone story, it’s fairytale storylines, outstanding characters and great location of Baltimore all combines into one fantasy to remember.
Honestly, basing this in Baltimore? Epic idea! From all the memorable historic locations in and around Baltimore that get used, beautifully I might add, in this story and plots, you have the author’s use of Raven shifters and a major character with the name of Poe.
Edgar Allen Poe , the author and poet is synonymous with Baltimore and he’s buried there. To locate a clan of Raven shifters there? Perfection! And have as one of its main characters a Raven shifter in need who’s also a theft? Genius!
The demon Tommy is such a well developed character and has so many well defined layers to his personality that it was marvelous watching the tiny reveals. Almost as fascinating and wonderful as it was watching the dance of attraction/passions play out between Poe and Tommy while all the other clan and territorial drama ignites around them.
Maslow doesn’t shortchange any character here, all get plenty of attention to detail and admirable depth to each. So much that we learn to anticipate and enjoy each one as we see them and their interactions with our couple. Whether it’s Carter or Kennedy or Lucy, one of the twins. It’s more, pls, of everyone, well, except Ethan. That stepfather was pure evil.
I really do need a sequel here. Need to know what happens to certain other characters and how the roost is doing. Even how a certain crow is enjoying his new digs….
Maslow made these beings come alive and Baltimore, it’s history and plain weirdness, never came across better.
What a grand story, what fantastic beings, how I love this!
And highly recommend it!
Synopsis:Can a sexy demon really spin straw into gold?
Poe Dupin, raven shifter and thief extraordinaire, is in trouble with a capital ‘T.’ Not only did he get his wing caught in the cookie jar during his latest heist, but his loser stepdad, the alpha, seems determined to run their roost into the ground. And Baltimore is many things, but forgiving is not on the list.
When his stepdad puts the roost in peril, Poe sees no choice but to bargain with Charm City’s only demon, Tommy Tittoti. Rumors are that Tommy eats the souls of those foolish enough to try. Three strikes and you’re out. But really, Poe wasn’t using his soul anyway. And if it saves his roost? Worth it.
Tommy isn’t what Poe expects. Demon—huge, horned, hairy, and scary, right? Nope. Blond, gorgeous, with a bubble butt, and a lilting drawl that beckons Poe to come play. Total hookup-app fantasy material. Even if he is a murder twink.
Poe’s no angel, but Tommy . . . well he’s more devil than demon. Yet, Poe just can’t seem to keep his feathers out of the fire. As one bargain turns into two, and then a third tragedy strikes the ravens, Poe finds himself falling for a guy who may very literally be the death of him. Or maybe the flames will burn them both.
The Demon’s in the Details is a fast-paced, roller coaster of a romance with a guaranteed HEA and lots of steam. Shenanigans include: a gold object that is definitely not a ring, a best friend who’s trigger-happy, and a demon who’s got a few surprises up his, uh, sleeve.
**Previously published in the Fables Retold Anthology. ~60,000 words. No new content has been added
I truly love Mary Calmes and consider her books comfort reads. Whether it’s the latest in her Torus series or Frog, I have an understanding of what characters I might meet, no matter the situation, and the outcome of the passionate romance the main couple falls into. Doesn’t matter if they’ve just met or have known each other for years.
There’s a remarkable amount of comfort to be derived from this knowledge and yes, love for her guys. We know a Mary Calmes man when we read one.
They’re often too perfect for their own good and everyone (mostly) in the novels loves them. Myself included.
However in More Than Life the standard themes I’m used to doesn’t run so smoothly here. Or at all really in parts.
Looking at some of the elements, those with “criminal aspects “ especially, if the reader takes all the events as they occur and runs out all the ramifications to their logical ends, how they do end here and how they should end are volumes apart.
And that bothers me.
Yes the romance is how one would expect and I like this part of the story. Morgan’s trauma from his time and abuse in prison is perhaps given too light a treatment but he’s going to therapy so ok great.
However, my biggest issues here is that ( spoilers) all those that acted criminally got off basically with no legal repercussions.
With physical assault and battery, especially an attack so vicious that it put its victim in the hospital for an extended stay, if the author writes such a huge element into their story and makes it a pivotal part of the main character’s story and history then there’s an equal responsibility to ensure that the person who inflicted that beating be held accountable. Indeed, as he is shown to be an even more morally bankrupt, devious person who’s likely to repeat his behavior of assault by his own words, for him to be totally let off without even a police report of any type filed against him and his father had me stunned.
For the perpetrators , even one in a novel, of such acts to be let off so lightly and with so little disregard for the future victims to follow is such a irresponsible act that I was just horrified. The character brutalized Hart and the beating he gave Hart scarred and hospitalized him but when he reappeared then then went about victimizing yet another.
All the while expressing his views on rape his father’s men carried out ( he wasn’t bothered by it FYI) and could see himself attacking more people. SMH.
But no , it doesn’t just stop with one person but others who’s behavior was equally outrageous, murderous, criminal, heinous, or just plain whacked here were , narratively ,story wise , let off the hook, to go live their lives elsewhere as well.
For me this felt utterly irresponsible for the sake of the one character of the main couple seemingly being seen as “great guy” about things. So chill and forgiving. Uh no.
Nope I call that being highly idiotic and masochistic and should all this be in RL, he surely would have been responsible for letting a predator get away without any records to follow him. Hart does not come off well in the good judgement department here. Morgan maybe, Hart…. Mary’s typical “golden boy”? No.
No this book has its own issues of judgement to solve.
Liked the romance though. Not sure it’s enough to overcome the other things I’d had problems with. Probably not.
Synopsis:
Hart Jarrett was only supposed to be passing through Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He wasn’t supposed to get involved, no emotional entanglements to tie him down. Setting down roots was never part of the plan, not until he opened himself up to love. Too bad the man he bet on bailed and left Hart holding the ranch. There were two choices after that: run away, or stay and build something real from nothing.
Nearly six years later, Hart has created a home and a life he never expected, with the help of his best friend and foreman, Morgan Brace. The ranch is thriving thanks to its loyal men and strong ties to the community. But there’s a snake in the garden, and it takes many forms. There’s a dead man on Hart’s property, a man he knows, and the questions are piling up. As if that weren’t enough, his ex has reappeared out of the blue, with plans to reclaim what he willingly gave.
And, to make matters worse, it appears Morgan is finally taking his dating life seriously.
Everything Hart has built is unraveling.
The life Hart wants doesn’t work without Morgan in it. Imagining a future without Morgan, him turning elsewhere for love and coming in second to someone else in Morgan’s heart—as well as his bed—is almost unbearable. So maybe, just maybe, the answer lies in Hart confessing that he loves Morgan more than life itself.
If Hart gambles and loses, will he even still want the life he’s worked so hard to build?
I quite adore this Regency series. After the last romance with the intense and highly intelligent Lord Christmas Gale and several murders at the center, I wasn’t sure what awaited me here with this couple.
Yes we were given glances of the pair in book 2 but I wasn’t quite prepared for the dry and funny opening here. Honestly, it reads like a Tale of Two Twits, albeit very well dressed and well bred ones.
But this is Rock and Henry , so the twits at hand who are about to make their debut and have their first Season , have a rivalry that starts to spiral immediately into a story of personal growth, a bit of sexy romping about, some madcap adventures and finally true love.
Yes our lovely boyish twits of fashion and the Tonne become young vulnerable and often poignant men who, after some introspection and advice, find the lives they’ve lead a bit lacking in kindness and decide on a new path, together. Happily.
It’s really a kind, sweet, story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Plus it sets up one I’ve been dying to read. That of Lord Soulden. That’s next up in A Sanctuary for Soulden.
This a just a remarkably great and romantic series, each story contains bits of the others and their characters who are truly noteworthy.
Read them in the order they are written for a simply splendid romantic Regency journey. I recommend all those releases to date.
Series – The Lords of Bucknall Club
A Husband for Hartwell #1
A Case for Christmas #2
A Rival for Rivingdon #3
A Sanctuary for Soulden #4. – coming soon
Synopsis.
He must marry well, to secure his fortune.
The Honourable Loftus Rivingdon is poised to make his debut into Society. He’s beautiful, charming, and quite the catch of the Season. If only he could find the right hat. With the zealous assistance of his doting mother, Loftus has one ambition only: to meet and marry a wealthy peer. And Loftus knows just the peer—the dauntingly handsome, infinitely fashionable Viscount Soulden. Good thing there’s nothing standing in his way.
He must also marry well, to secure his fortune.
The Honourable Morgan Notley is poised to make his debut into Society. He’s beautiful, charming, and quite the catch of the Season. And he has just found the perfect hat. With the zealous assistance of his doting mother, Morgan has one ambition only: to meet and marry a wealthy peer. And Morgan knows just the peer—the dauntingly handsome, infinitely fashionable Viscount Soulden. Good thing there’s nothing standing in his w—
Damn it all to hell.
Their ambitions collide.
When Loftus and Morgan both set their sights on Soulden, the rivalry of the Season begins. Their mutual hatred escalates into spite, sabotage, and scandal, as all of Society eagerly waits to see which diamond of the first water will prevail. Except the course of true loathing, just like true love, never did run smooth. The harder they try to destroy each other, the closer they come to uncovering each other’s deepest vulnerabilities—and the more difficult it becomes to deny the burning attraction between them.
A Rival for Rivingdon is the third book in the Lords of Bucknall Club series, where the Regency meets m/m romance. The Lords of Bucknall Club can be read in any order.
Resilient Heart is an expanded short story that appeared in an earlier released collection of stories. Here the author has added an additional 10k words to give her characters a closure to their romance.
I didn’t read the first version and love this author so I thought this was a new release and took it that way when reading it.
Albert takes on some very hard, emotionally traumatic themes in Resilient Heart. Very current and tragic ones that are still impacting families and the country today. That’s our disabled veterans, and their dire need for support and treatment. It’s just not from our current wars and engagements but also from Desert Storm and wars past. The effects of war don’t cease to exist because the war does, history has taught us that.
It’s a lesson I’m not sure we’ve learned.
These themes are woven through a years long relationship/romance between two soldiers. Mackie and Xander. It’s Xander who’s in need of support and treatment, not that he’s accepting it.
Xander’s life is shattered along with his NETCOM unit when a IED exploded under their truck, killing most, leaving Xander scarred and an amputee. You might say Xander stands in for that population of our disabled vets, angry, depressed, a victim of PTSD and with a body he no longer recognizes.
A two person POV narrative helps the reader get under Xander’s mindset all the times he’s struggling with his emotional and physical “battles” and losing. Xander’s not comprehending what is happening to him mentally or equipped to deal emotionally with his disability and ending his career with the Army.
Mackey is harder to connect with here for me because much of the information he’s withheld from Xander is also withheld from the reader. He’s back in Xander’s life, after totally realigning his career for Xander and Xander’s rehabilitation. This after years of apparently a friends with benefits only relationship. Nothing more.
Even with Mackie’s perspective, I’m not sure I didn’t agree with Xander most of the time here and think nope, no clarity. It’s a complete guilt trip for Mackie.
So when the truth does come out, and the climax of the story hits, it works against the romance for me in a way perhaps the author didn’t intend.
Mackie not only never gave Xander any options or opportunity to have any say but even after it’s out, Xander never completely “owns” his truth. Calls himself a coward but never tells Mackie the truth, his truth about those decisions. What he, Xander, would have done given the opportunity. Instead, he keeps it “hidden “. No clarity between them still.
Felt wrong, felt like an imbalance in this relationship. Just my opinion.
The event does get Xander into therapy and medication is realistic. It ends well for him.
Just an aside. Walter Reed or the Naval Medical Hospital as it both known here locally is 243 acres of clinics, doctors and specialists. It’s sits across the street from NIH, which I’m very familiar with. It too is a small city at its head is a certain Dr. Fauci. National Institute of Health is a small city of 300 acres of buildings, clinics, doctors and scientists. It’s not unusual to see uniforms walking between campuses and white jackets scurrying under the lights across 355 as workdays and worlds intertwine.
Albert certainly gets the area right.
However, Walter Reed has just 244 hospital beds available. The local area alone? Home to Fort Derrick , Andrews AFB, Ft McNair, Joint Base Ft Myer-Henderson, Ft Meade, Aberdeen, more than I can name off the top of my head. You have any idea how many military are deployed in and around this area? 244 beds? Do the RL disabled vets get the same type of experience as Xander? Immediate response to the need for assistance, for therapy, and support? Not really, most don’t.
I only wish it were so.
While I enjoyed the romance I’m not sure a short story can unpack all the aspects of the huge themes and emotional elements Albert was trying to deal with here and do them justice.
There was too much left to discuss in what Mackie had done , to them and their relationship as well as what the repercussions had meant going forward. That was sort of brushed off.
As was his depression and PTSD. That was taken care of far more easily then it often happens in RL. The reality I know of the VA and the disabled veterans clashes too much with the rosy picture painted here.
So yes, some lovely things and some things that seem less than realized. I think that’s due primarily to the length and not the author.
If you like Annabeth Albert, you might have already read this story and will enjoy the relationship epilogue.
Her Out of Uniform series are terrific and I’d look there for a great series to start.
Synopsis:
Originally released as part of the Unconditional Surrender bundle, now available as a stand-alone novella complete with BRAND-NEW 10,000 word short story/epilogue. When a wounded soldier is forced to accept help from his former best friend, both men discover the true strength of their entwined hearts.
Army IT specialist Xander keeps his emotions wired as tight as his NETCOM gear, but when he’s seriously injured by an IED, his whole life unravels. Running out of options, Xander must accept help from his ex-friend-with-benefits, Mackey. However, Xander’s had feelings for Mackey for years, and close quarters only complicates his emotions. Further, Xander doesn’t know which is worse: combating his inner demons or dealing with Mackey’s guilty kindnesses.
Mackey’s always kept his emotions close to his chest, but now he’s got a secret that could destroy his one chance with the man he cares far too much for. Both men will have to heal their wounded hearts to ensure a future together.
Entwined Future: In this new short story, Mackey has news that could change everything for him and Xander, but a visit from Xander’s family jeopardizes Mackey’s plans–and forces Xander to confront some harsh truths
Recently I’ve been reading books with older characters, in their 40’s and one aspect I’ve appreciated about these stories from various authors is the open and adult communication that flows between most of these characters.
Firefly Lane is a great example of this level of open communication. It exists not just among the primary characters but also throughout the community of the town of Harmony, whether it’s blunt questions or advice. It’s still on the open adult communication scale .
Hart’s themes for this story run the gamut from the ability to grow and change one’s outlook, no matter your age to the notion that finding your true home has no timetable. Even such basics as you aren’t your parents. There’s a multitude of storylines here. All unpacked with care and intelligence.
At the heart of the story is not a couple of men but more a intersecting triangles of families, all of equal importance to this story and beautifully crafted.
The first family that launches the novel and action is that of two siblings. Holden Barnett, pilot out of Atlanta, and his estranged younger sister, Marilee Young, and her teenage son Sean. The sister and son in deep need, living in Harmony, NC.
The second family, one that’s deeply established and well liked in town is that of Monroe “Roe” Covington of the huge Covington family, his teenage son Wyatt who he had with his best friend Lindsey. Roe is out gay man to all around him and has been since his teenage years, although his closeness to Lindsey has people thinking , wrongly, they still might get together.
The foundation Hart starts to lay down here for the series is solid. We feel a warm, layered community, full of interesting people, some busybodies, many far more intriguing and caring.
And as we see our way around Harmony and get to know the citizens, the past histories and real issues are coming to the surface within the two families.
It’s never just problems with Holden and Marilee and Sean. Because their heavy issues impact Roe, Wyatt, and Lindsey. All as we watch, we see parents/uncles weighing what effect their adult relationships will have on their sons as well as their sons/nephews relationships. Yes, people actually acting as responsible adults. Love it.
All the while, keeping the romance sexy, endearing, and vulnerable.
There’s also a back history of parental abuse ( mentioned , never seen) with Holden and Marilee’s folks as well as Sean’s father Adam, Marilee’s absent husband. That plays into much of the story here, and finally figures into the personal growth.
I found this to be a terrific story. So many layers, great characters and foundation Town to get acquainted with.
I can’t wait to the next in the series and eagerly look forward to seeing all these people and couples once more.
Synopsis: At forty-three, Holden Barnett is getting along just fine. His job as a pilot keeps him from getting restless, and he’s got a man who doesn’t want promises for the future. One phone call from his estranged sister changes everything. She needs his help, so Holden drops everything and heads to Harmony, a small town in Briar County, which represents everything he’s tried to avoid in life.
Monroe Covington is forty-five and happy. He loves his life—running his store, helping at his family’s farm, and spending his days with his best friend, Lindsey, and their son, Wyatt. Sure, half the town likes to forget he’s gay, and he’d love for the queer population to be bigger, but Roe makes do. He misses dating, relationships, and a man to hold at night, but at least he gets new eye candy when Holden, the brother of the woman who’s renting his cabin, shows up.
The attraction is instant, the friendship not far behind, but between Holden’s initial relationship status, family complications, and the two of them wanting different things, they’re a disaster waiting to happen…only it doesn’t feel that way, not with how much time they spend talking, laughing, and eventually, tumbling into bed, a field, or the back of a truck together. The closer they get, the more Holden realizes that just being fine isn’t enough, and Roe begins to see that his life isn’t as complete as he thought. Now, if they could only sort out the rest of it…
Firefly Lane is a small town, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers summer romance with no cheating, mature characters who talk out their problems, like to work with their hands, and have amazing chemistry. Did I mention they watch movies in the company of goats?
Here it is. The final story and the end of a series I really don’t want to say goodbye to. Hmmm perhaps the author will give me a path to potentially seeing them all again….
Anyway… back to Drilled . It’s that wonderful best friends to enemies to lovers story we all love to read.
What? That’s not a trope? Sure it is. If not perhaps it will be after this book.
Apollo Day, the scowling brooding hunk at the Four Bears Construction Company has always been a bit of a mystery man. While not above joining in ,albeit quietly at night, in the group’s company many pranks, and in the Friday night Wollsey’s get togethers, he still has managed to remain a bit of a unknown quantity.
Then the newest hire shows up and that threatens to shatter any calm Apollo has demonstrated and the new home he’s building within the company. Not that he’s admitting that.
The new guy? That’s forty year old construction builder Ridgeway “Ridge” Tanner. He’s recently returned to Wisconsin, a place he formerly called home. Still, he’s shocked to see standing in the office of the company that’s just hired him a man he hasn’t seen in 15 years. Behind them a shared past in which they were once so close no one knew the other better then themselves. Until he detonated everything in a single day and they both lost it all.
Mini explosions start the story off immediately as Apollo won’t tell Cole and the rest of the company why there’s bad history between Ridge and himself. Ridge won’t enlighten the crew either. But both are needed on a special jobsite as all the others now have partners/husbands, increasing responsibilities outside of work.
The special work order includes a month long restoration job at a summer camp that both Apollo and Ridge first think is a prank but is in fact an important and large scale camp renewal. At a remote location.
This is a perfect way for the reader and the men to connect/reconnect. Because at first nothing of their former history is mentioned. But the daily construction work and interaction starts bringing up old memories.
Again, the 2 man POV is an intimate format to share the thoughts and feelings of men not inclined to voice their pain and anger , especially of those struggling with their emotions and memories as these two are.
Stubbornness and silence, the need to escape rather then confront an issue, things that seems to be Apollo’s fallback measures. All in full force.Until Ridge’s efforts to make Apollo listen to him finally make the past and the events that broke them apart make sense.
It’s a fine line here between what should be revealed and spoilerville. It’s just not worth it because the central conflict is also a major part of the reveal and a revelation. So it will remain not a part of this review. I’ll just say the anticipation leading up doesn’t disappoint.
All the stories have had such different angles to them. Men needing to earn partners trust who have had been relationships, men overcoming their own mistakes and fears as well as assumptions about true love, men coming out of the closet late in life, age gap, a trans man completely at home in his body but a partner to be who’s not, but all those we’ve basically followed from meeting to HEA. Even Miller and Demetri’s childhood camp past was briefly mentioned but happy mostly , puking incident aside.
But this is the first story where the past severely impacts the men’s present. That their history has caused them both such deep emotional damage over the years becomes obvious. Especially in the stunted romantic areas. Neither has had a committed relationship, and neither has forgotten the other.
Nuehold brings the pain one pleasure of remembered past through so clearly here. It’s in the gestures, frustration that boils over, and the stress and strain of the enforced physical presence of each other. The reader feels it as much as Ridge and Apollo.
When all the secrets are revealed, it’s not the happiest of environment you’d expect. Because then all the What ifs come naturally into play , all the regrets, guilt, and what it all means now in their current lives.
That the reader wants them together is obvious. They are made for each other. But again there’s some very realistic hurdles to overcome here. Do they? Of course, this is the Four Bears Construction series so we and they get their HEA joyous ending!
All the men and their partners/husbands make a showing here. Of course. There’s humor, because this series is full of laughter. There’s animals. Cats this time.
And a HEA finale. No really a link to a story that sees all the couples a few years in the future all together at a birthday party. Simply wonderful way to tie it all up.
I had questions because Nuehold has created some memorable characters here that have lived and moved in and out of the lives of our couples. One has been Porter, a full on vet at the end of this story. Poor Porter, Watson’s bestie, went out on dates with a few of the guys and it never ended well for such a sweet man.
He ends up here swearing he’ll marry the next big, hunky bear carrying a box of abandoned bunnies he sees. Be still my heart. Pls give this man his bear and bunnies.
Plus through Demetri ,West and yes Ridge, we got familiar with Auggie (Dem’s neighbor) and Tallahassee (sometime date of two of the guys) from the Big Bull Mechanics Shop. Great news!
Next up from this author? Yup the Big Bull Mechanics series. Auggie is another great character as is Tallahassee. Can’t wait to see them again and maybe one will be Porter’s bunny man. I can always hope.
So while normally I’d be bereft at having to say goodbye to these amazing people and their joy-filled, sweet, heartwarming love stories, I’m looking forward to the next group of bears and hopefully a sighting or two from these books.
Honestly what a lighthearted, happy reads each one is. I’m sure I’ll be revisiting them at some time.
Because as Stoney would say…
“Nonsense makes the heart grow fonder.”
Nonsense, humor, sweetness, and so so much love.
My heart is so fond of these couples and books it feels huge.
Yes highly recommended. I think they should be read in order because it’s just more fun to see the progression that way.
So here’s the list:
Four Bears Construction series and their animals:
🔵Caulky #1: Cole and Ren’s bees
🔵Nailed #2: Stone and Dare: Rudy and Nard Dog
🔵Hardwood #3, Ev and Watson, Hedgehog
🔵Screwed #4 Ollie and Daniel: Monty the Python
🔵Stud #5, West and Sawyer: Huey, Luey, Duey, Darkwing
🔵Stripped #6, Miller and Dem,
Mars and at the end Shelldon, omg so adorable. Yes tortoises!
🔵Drilled #7 the finale. Apollo and Ridge, cat Log and family. I’ve been waiting to see a cat tbh.
🔵Goats Like Cake Too: Four Bears Construction Series Epilogue- free story linked on Drilled.
A month in a remote cabin with the last man I ever expected to see again? I can’t decide if I should punch him or drill him. It might end up being both.
After more than a decade, the last person I expected to see walk into the Four Bears Construction offices as a new hire was Ridge.
He was my first crush, and my first heartbreak when he started dating my sister. When he left her at the altar without so much as a note, I wrote him off for good.
No amount of excuses and explanations can erase what he did. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. But when we end up being sent to a remote campground alone to spend a month rebuilding the cabins, it’s too easy to remember why I fell for him in the first place.
I know the guys are all taking bets on how long it takes us to start playing with each other’s tools.
It’s going to be a long month.
*** Drilled is a forced proximity, best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, hilarious and steamy, final book in the Four Bears Construction series. It can be read as a stand alone but you won’t want to miss this whole hilarious and hot series. No bear shifters, only the other kind of burly, hairy bears
So I’m finished with the penultimate book, sigh, as as with all the others there are many great elements here, so much fun and great joy. Also unexpected little narrative gems that continue to leave me smiling, even now.
This is, like most of the books in the series, a low angst sexy, full of love and laughter novel. Yes, a main character has some social anxiety and low body imagery to overcome but it’s probably not the one character people are going to expect.
No it’s not Miller. Miller is completely at home in his body and identity as a trans man. He’s had a supportive family and a great therapist to help him through his transitional years and issues, both with his dimorphism and his ADHD. It’s the later that has Miller at the gym twice a day, working off the energy and allowing the chemistry in his body the outlet it needs for him to settle and focus.
Miller is funny, mature , and his outlook on the people around him gives us an additional window into the various personalities of the Four Bears Construction Company and their partners. He’s part of the family and also one they admire.
No, the adorable man with body issues and social anxiety brought on by years of men making him feel awful about himself and his perhaps rotund bear like shape is Dr. Demetri Rose. Lover of Ancient Rome, knitting, and his pet tortoise Mars. Dem’s exes have made Dem feel inferior about everything from his body image to the fact that he likes knitting to even the way he has sex. So now Dem has just retreated into his classroom and his house.
We immediately connect with Dem, the way he’s been bullied and hurt. He’s such a sweetheart and the reader wants him to go and find love. Now!
All it take to get these two started is a construction job at the university.
Miller’s meet/embarrassing moment with Demetri is both awfully funny and hands to the face just let me die now embarrassing. That it ends with Miller looking still embarrassed but also amazing is why I love this series so.
These men feel real, their romance dance dynamics genuine at every step and absolutely relatable. It’s gentle, at times humorous , moving, and downright sexy. How I love this couple!
From Dem and Miller’s frank discussions on the elements in their sex life going forward (both blunt and funny) to dancing in the rain magic, this book sings of moments of joy, laughter, and love.
It also has one of my favorite Stoneyisms. “Nonsense makes the heart grow fonder.” If you’ve read these stories, you know that apparently Stone grew up in a household where every well known saying doesn’t exactly come out the way everyone else knows it to be. His mother laying down the “log” to his father about somethings, the explanation behind each being the absolute best. She laying the foundation of her argument. I must say ,,,, um yep.
Another one “There’s more than one way to pet a cat.” Because skinning a cat is plain awful. Why would anyone do that. Why indeed.
So I’m with Stoney on most of them. And yes totally right. “Nonsense makes the heart grow fonder.” It definitely does,Stoney.
Yep, another must joy filled read. Another highly recommended romance. Love, love this book and series.
Btw? Adore Mars and his knitted cosies. And Shelldon too. Each story and couple have their own pets to accompany them on their journey to HEA. This time it’s tortoises to the rescue!
Special note here too. Demetri has a great neighbor, Auggie. A mechanic who was clearly crazy about the oblivious Dem. Auggie works for Big Bull Mechanics, a auto shop that’s competitive with Dare’s Auto. It’s equally full of gorgeous men. We get to meet a few here and in the next story. FYI won’t be the last we’ve seen of this group.
Synopsis: A ripped, transgender construction worker and a tweed-wearing, tortoise-shell-cozy-knitting, bear of a professor… Somebody’s getting stripped.
The last place I expected to run into my childhood camp crush was at the local university, looking all kinds of cute in a tweed jacket with a nervous blush. I’ve always had a bit of a thing for the nerdy professor type.
Demetri says he doesn’t date. I want to believe that it’s true and not that he’s not interested in a transgender man like me. If all he can offer me is friendship, I’m more than happy to take it.
Coy looks during sweaty workouts, rainy nights on his couch watching him knit shell cozies for his pet tortoise… I’m falling for him whether I want to or not.
Can I break down his walls and prove to him that he can trust me with his heart? And can I trust him with mine?
***Stripped is a swoony, steamy MM romance that is the 6th book in the Four Bears Construction Series. It can be read as a stand alone, but you won’t want to miss these bear’s antics. This series does not contain any shifters, only the OTHER kind of bears.
Four Bears Construction series:
🔵Caulky #1
🔵Nailed #2
🔵Hardwood #3
🔵Screwed #4
🔵Stud #5
🔵Stripped #6
🔵Drilled #7
🔵Goats Like Cake Too: Four Bears Construction Series Epilogue
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 