Category: LGBTQ Book Reviews

Review:  Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie #1) by Michele Notaro

Rating: 4 🌈

The first in a new series by Michele Notaro, Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie #1) was a terrific story, a little slow in the beginning but quickly picked up the pace for a dramatic ending. 

The author is just starting to build the setting and form the group of characters that will eventually become a found family so we don’t have much of a history or background on them.  Just the vague sketch of an idea for each. 

Individually, the characters are good, as a relationship, the two main characters don’t have a real believable connection. It’s either too quickly pulled together or something. But the storyline just doesn’t give them the right chemistry even when supplying them with a back history together. 

I think it’s a lack of overall world building and foundation versus the evil gnomes mystery that makes the story feel highly paced but without a feeling of depth. 

I look forward to seeing what the second book brings. 

Carry A Faerie:

  • Did It Have To Be Gnomes? #1
  • The Pushy Pixies Are Going Down (Hopefully) #2 – July 15,2025

Buy link

        Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Am I afraid of gnomes? 

Maaaaaaaybe.

Did I take on a huge gnome job anyway? I sure did.

Am I about to ask my crush for help? 

Well, I have to ask someone, right?

I get called out to a huge mansion with the biggest number of invading gnomes I’ve ever seen, and I’m not sure who to call to help. And I definitely need some help. 

So when Winter Montgomery just so happens to stop by, I know I have to ask him. I’ve been crushing on the handsome guy from afar for years, so now’s my chance to get close—and get some much needed support. 

As long as I don’t let him see just how much I hate gnomes—okay, I’m actually terrified of them, but he doesn’t need to know that… right?

Did It Really Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie Book 1) is a MM urban fantasy and the first book in Miles and Winter’s love story. Each book will have its own supernatural problem with a HFN ending for the couple, but there will be overarching plot themes throughout the series.

  • Publication date: July 31, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 296 pages
  • Book 1 of 2: Carry A Faerie

Review: Something to Prove (Smithton Bears Book 2) by Lane Hayes 

Rating: 4🌈

Something to Prove is another lovely sports college romance in Lane Hayes’ Smithton Bears series, a sequel to the heartwarming older hockey romance series I adore, The Elmwood Stories- Small Town stories.

Same area as Elmwood but focuses on college hockey and college atmosphere with its situations, mostly. I enjoyed the flow from the first novel into this book, the use of characters and that pivotal plot to make these characters have their own dramatic moments.

Ty and Walker are both very relatable and engaging characters. Ty especially has a well written and fleshed out family and foundation as well as hockey team that grounds him realistically. 

Walker has a background that makes him a more isolated person. A person who’s been raised by his uncle and his aunt, who don’t live locally, there isn’t much other than the occasional showing of a side character, Robin, to give him the full picture details that Ty has been crafted with.  What gives Walker life are the moments when he (and Ty) share while interacting for Walker’s show. Love the warmth and funny energy that Hayes brings to this. 

The ending is so satisfying and one that the reader can instantly picture. And the epilogue is a great way to see the couple in their lives, happily moving forward. 

Another terrific story in this ongoing series. A winner!

Cover Design by Reese Dante

Smithton Bears – Small-Town, College Hockey Series 

  • One-Time Shot
  • Something to Prove 
  • The Roommate Game – Coming November 2025 

The Elmwood Stories- Small Town/Hockey Series 

You, Again 

Next Season 

Holiday Crush 

Thin Ice 

Hot Shot 

Puck Love

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: Smithton Bears 

Blurb 

The hockey star, the influencer, and the deal of a lifetime. 

Ty

I’m going to the pros, baby! Deal made, contract signed. Now all I have to do is finish out my final season at Smithton and stay out of trouble. I like to have a good time, but don’t worry, I’ll behave.

What I won’t do is talk to that double-crossing influencer who’s been badgering me for an interview. No thanks.

I know Walker’s type—sweet as pie on the outside, a shark on the inside.

Get this…he wants to make a deal that sounds a lot like a bribe.

Not interested. No way.

But I am curious.

Walker

I’ve never worked so hard for an interview in my life. Ugh!

Look, I get that Ty doesn’t like me. As in…he won’t return my calls and avoids me like the plague on campus.

Too bad. I’m not giving up.

I don’t want to beg, but I’m willing to barter. Every man has his price—and something to prove.

Even Ty.

Something to Prove is a low-angst, geek-jock MM bisexual college hockey romance featuring a hockey star and the adorkable influencer who’s determined to win him over…

  • Publication date: July 29, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 224 pages
  • Book 2 of 3: Smithton Bears

Review: Operation Caldera: PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction (Operation Volcano Book 2) by Annabella Stone

Rating: 4.5🌈

Did I lose it over the turns in this book? Why yes I did.  Had zero clue Stone was going to take the series in this amazing direction.  I’m so excited and in for this series.

If you haven’t read this or are familiar here, author Annabella Stone is taking black ops, military top secret missions, explosive situations, alpha military training forces, fated mates, magic, outstanding use and twists on Irish mythology and lore. Legends come to life. I feel like I’m forgetting something. 

If that wasn’t enough. 

Stone packs her storytelling with a found family of a black ops unit called Volcano. Then starts expanding her characters and universe with Irish mythology and folding in magical powers and fated mates in a way that’s entirely different. It’s pulled together by the steel, strength , and love for the fight for doing the right thing, for loyalty, and brotherhood. 

Stone bridges the worlds between humanity and mythology and makes it powerful and believable in the men and their bonds. To the one they love and to the group they call brothers. 

It’s not without elements that had me asking for more exploration or explanation about some areas. Like what happened to the supernatural training that was supposed to happen. 

However, I’m betting it will be a part of the next book to come out next year. 

But here? The yes, explosive story begins with *Viper* Dare and his rescue of Archaeologist *Ward* Sutherland while on a secret mission with his unit.

It’s one wild and crazy thing after another. I absolutely won’t spoil the twists and surprises but Stone’s rich lush descriptions bring to life such incredible characters and scenes that you can hear the songs, smell the banquet, and take in the atmosphere that Viper and Hank are watching and are a part of. 

Great twists, outstanding characters, and action sequences, vividly captured details and beautiful use of magic and mythology. 

There’s an Irish dictionary for some of the words and phrases.  Loved that. 

I only wish I could zoom ahead for the next book’s release date.  

A fantastic book, grand series and one I’m highly excited to recommend. 

Cover Design By: Golden Czermak

Operation Volcano :

  • Operation Magma #1
  • Operation Caldera #2
  • Operation Fuego #3 – April 30,2026 (argh!) – Reaper’s story 

Buy link 

        Operation Caldera: PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction (Operation Volcano Book 2)

    

Blurb 

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒, 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒!

Navy SEAL Kelvin *Viper* Dare was born to be a frogman. He’s pretty much seen it all over his fifteen-year career, and nothing surprises him anymore. Nothing except an unexpected natural disaster, which sends his team’s latest mission to hell in a handbasket. Volcanic blasts were not even on his radar when he and his men deployed to search for the newest terrorist to dare bring war to US soil. Now he must figure out how the hell he can protect not only his team, but also the American they find deep in the cave system, which offers their only chance of survival.

Archaeologist Howard *Ward* Sutherland was supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime to study the ancient markings found at a cave entrance on an unnamed island in the Indian Ocean. The further into the cave he moves, the more of the witch symbols he deciphers, and the louder the island rumbles and shakes under his feet. He may not be able to see what is happening on the surface, but the sudden appearance of a Special Ops team, and its growly, bossy leader, tells him things are very, very wrong.

When an ancient power stirs and the veil between worlds cracks, they must choose between duty and destiny. Because some doors, once opened, demand more than loyalty—they demand your soul.

Magic, legends, and a brotherhood who’ve been waiting for their High King!

PNR/Special Forces/Military MM Fiction packed with Irish myths and legends, alpha heroes, raw emotion, fated mates, and more.

  • Publisher: Embers Romance LLC
  • Publication date: July 31, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 360 pages
  • Book 2 of 2: Operation Volcano

Review: Ghostly Bother (Ghostly Book 9) by E.M. Leya 

Rating: 3🌈

I’ve been a fan of the author and this paranormal series for some time now but Ghostly Bother, the ninth book in the series, didn’t hit as well as the rest of the stories.  The storyline, the main characters , the ghost of the plot, everything all came with some sort of flags or issues with the dynamics or functionality in the narrative that bothered me. 

One is the mayor Eden, a nasty woman, who took bribes, was a selfish person and, even in the afterlife is a personality bordering on oblivious selfish self interest and cruelty. Spoiler. She walks into the light after being a bad person in both the living and the afterlife.  Strike 1. 

Because she’s a huge player here in the story and has an enormous role in the next element that put up flags for me. 

That’s the relationship dynamic between Lance, who can interact with the ghosts, and Angus, his detective lover who can’t. But Angus, who has lived with his mother and her best friend, also a ghost, is familiar with ghosts and how they can impact the living. 

So does he (and author Leya) write into their relationship one of an established understanding and support when Lance is constantly harassed 24/7 by Eden, unable to find rest or do his job? No, instead of the dynamic that’s been built of steady work and love, it’s demolished by one act of lack of respect and understanding. This aspect of the story has little foundation based on the previous books and the relationship the author has been building. 

Nor does the quick resolution to this particular problem seem likely or believable. It just doesn’t make sense. 

Unfortunately, the book, plot, mystery does feel particularly well written or thought through.  It’s a miss for me. 

Hopefully the next book will see a return to the original series path. 

Cover Art by: Annabella Stone

GHOSTLY SERIES :

Ghostly Awakening 

Ghostly Findings 

Ghostly Envy 

Ghostly Claus 

Ghostly Target

Ghostly Hostage 

Ghostly Death 

Ghostly Dilemma 

Ghostly Bother 

Ghostly Force (coming soon) 

Ghostly Grandma (coming soon)

Buy link;

        Ghostly Bother

    

Blurb 

When the mayor of Fairway is killed, Angus finds himself thrust into a confusing case of bribery and corruption. While many in the city rejoice over the mayor’s death, the investigation is a nightmare for the police.

Lance wants to be supportive, but when the mayor’s ghost figures out Lance can see and hear her, she won’t leave him alone. Insisting they solve the case as soon as possible, she follows him around, bringing chaos to Lance’s usually simple life.

Feeling stress from every angle, both Angus and Lance struggle to handle everything going on without letting it affect their relationship. Everyone is working to close the case, but it isn’t easy when the victim refuses to share information that could lead to her killer.

Someone is hiding something, and it’s up to Angus and Lance to figure out exactly what that is.

  • Publisher: E.L. Publishing
  • Publication date: July 25, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 218 pages
  • Book 9 of 9: Ghostly

Review: Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them ( Fated Mates 4 )by AJ Sherwood 

Rating: 4.5🌈

I’ve really enjoyed this series and this might be my favorite one of them all. Watching Ian and vampire Andre navigate through their lives and journey to mates and HEA was funny, sweet and often moving. 

I honestly could have used more scenes of them together shopping for the kids of the home, or Andre using his favorite animated tv shows to teach French.  Or just the family dynamics when Ian got added, it was heartwarming and wonderful.

Unlike some of the other books, this is angst free, even while it does mention some of the worst events with the VSB that happened prior. 

Sherwood’s characters and abilities to craft a story and romance the reader can relate to are excellent and represented by the couple here. 

Another winner and one I’m recommending. 

Fated Mates:

Fated Mates and When to Keep Them #1

Fated Mates and How to Woo Them #2

Fated Mates and Where to Find Them #3

Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them #4

Cover by Katie Griffin

Buy link 

        Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them

    

Blurb 

After Ian Moore steps in to save resident playboy and vampire André Castor from a spiked drink, he expects life to go back to normal. Why, he doesn’t know, but that assumption seems reasonable, right?

Only André doesn’t want it to go back to normal. He’s found a cute, trustworthy human, which is an anomaly in his world. Can’t he just keep Ian?

Ian knows how this game ends, patiently waiting for the playboy to move on…so why is André proving him wrong? 

Tags:

Finally written in order, I treat canon like a buffet but in a gentle way, new ship here all aboard!, fated mates, vampires and humans, stubborn to lovers, sometimes vampires need to be rescued too, André is part cat, Ian has been adopted and has no idea what to do from here, marriage proposal, love at first sight, or at least Crippling Crush at First Sight, Fluff, so much fluff, I’m not even sorry, Casper the kitty, the VSB is on the eternal shitlist, playboy meets his match, Casper the Cat is a matchmaker, say no to drugs kids, unless the drug is love

  • Publication date: July 25, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 213 pages
  • Book 4 of 4: Fated Mates

Review:  Spellbound: An MM Paranormal Romance (Mages and Mates Book 5) by Andy Gallo

Rating: 4🌈

I’ve been fully invested in this series, following the Hollen mages as they found their mates along the mysterious path to saving the World and restoring the failing Great Ward. 

But in this last novel, something has been lost. I don’t know if it’s because it’s been a while since I’ve read the series or because there’s so much “information” packed into the narrative that it’s talky as opposed to action filled, but it’s coming across as a bit dense. 

We miss out on any real relationship building between mage Roderick Hollen and Phoenix Cinaed FionnLaoch because apparently they’ve known each other for decades, known they are fated mates but denied it by the Phoenix King. So when the book begins, they are an established couple but we get no chemistry and no real chance to understand the bond, unlike the other books. 

The characters are just not as relatable because Gallo has so much to accomplish with his story that, pulling off the series storyline, solving the mystery and resolving the issues with the villain and the Great Ward that fleshing out the main characters gets left behind. 

The dramatic climax at the end of the book is fantastic, and it’s absolutely the best thing of the story. Pulls together all the couples and the magic for a fabulous finish to the Ward and answers to the villain. 

The book should have ended there because the epilogue felt unnecessary, and anticlimactic. 

This was a highly entertaining and enjoyable series and that last battle went out with a fantastic bang!

If you enjoy fantasy fiction, here’s a series for you. 

Cover Art © 2025 Alex Corza Published by Gallorious Readers, LLC

Mages and Mates :

Break the Spell #1

It Spells Trouble #2

Under A Spell #3

Cast A Spell #4

Spellbound #5 – finale 

Buy link

        Spellbound: An MM Paranormal Romance (Mages and Mates Book 5)

    

Blurb:

Spellbound

Roderick Hollen met his mate forty years ago. As one half of the fifth guardian pair, Rod knows their destiny is tied to the Great Ward. If it failed before the new one was created, he and his mate will die creating the replacement. There’s just one problem, Ailpein, the phoenix king, has forbidden any phoenix from mating with a mage, and used his powerful magic to enforce his will. No mate bond means no new Great Ward.

Cinaed FionnLaoch burns with frustration at his grandfather’s refusal to lift the mating prohibition. He and Rod have honored his edict for forty years, but now the consequences reach far beyond them. The Earth’s increasingly urgent warnings tell him the Ward is failing, but he’s powerless to fix it unless his grandfather relents. But when King Ailpein vanishes without a trace, he takes with him any hope of lifting the spell.

James Blackstone has spent centuries plotting his revenge against the magical world that destroyed his demon-summoning ancestors. He’s abducted King Ailpein and plans to use the phoenix king’s life force to destroy the barrier separating Hell and Earth. Killing Ailpein will also prevent the new guardians from creating a new Great Ward.

Rod and Cinaed gather the other guardians and race to save Ailpein. But even if they find him, it might already be too late. Their love has survived four decades of separation, but if they don’t reach Ailpein in time, the only way to save the world will cost them their long delayed chance at happiness– and their lives.

Spellbound is a 75K word fated mates romance with lots of magic, sacrifice and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. This is book five of the Mages and Mates series and includes a meticulous plot to destroy the world, proof that love is more powerful than hate, and one very pissed off demon prince.

This is the final book in the series. Reading the first four books is recommended before reading Spellbound.

  • Publication date: July 25, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 276 pages
  • Book 5 of 5: Mages and Mates

Review:  High Stakes and Soulmates (Fanged Mistakes Book 3) by Alice Winters 

Rating: 3.75🌈

Honestly, as much as I was anticipating this book, I’m surprised at that I didn’t find it as enjoyable as I hoped it would be. 

The characters of Ezio, a vampire who’s been a outsized character in the previous novels, and Cyrus, the human detective who has been circling the inner group here and the object of Ezio’s desire, are both terrific in each way. 

I’ve loved how they both have figured into the weird dynamic between the main couple of Casimir and Julian, as well as dealing with their own personalities and quirks. 

But in their own story, certain aspects either have been completely changed or in one element, or say twist, overwhelmed the whole story. And for me, the twist just doesn’t work.

It was to convoluted, taking the series, story and character into unexpected territory and creating a “as told to” narrative that bogged down the action and flow of the whole story. 

At some parts, it was just page flipping time. 

The best part for me? That entire absolutely hilarious dog show scenes. I out right laughed and laughed. I’d recommend it just for those moments alone. Just fantastic writing and comedic humor. 

So for me, this was a mixed bag after loving the previous books in the series.  As I said, read it because of the series, the author, and some hilarious moments not to be missed. 

But what happened between Cyrus and Ezio? I couldn’t really get into it. 

Fanged Mistakes:

Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes #1

Dire Straits and Entwined Fates #2

High Stakes and Soulmates #3

Buy link

        High Stakes and Soulmates (Fanged Mistakes Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Ezio

One would think that being over two hundred years old would at least give me some skill at wooing the man of my dreams, though oddly, I seem to be fumbling around more than wooing.

But that’s alright, I will fumble my way right into Cyrus’s life if he lets me. After a rocky start, Cyrus is finally starting to open up to me as he realizes that vampires might not be all bad.

When Cyrus pulls me into a case, he discovers how much he needs me… and my werewolf friend disguised as a detection dog.

My past haunts my every step, but there’s nothing I want more than to leave my mistakes behind and focus on my future with the man I adore.

Cyrus

Death after death draws Ezio and me deeper into a mystery that is tearing through the city. My fear is that whoever is killing these people is toying with us, and I know I can’t figure it out alone.

Thankfully, Ezio is prepared to help me with anything I need (and then some), and he doesn’t come alone. He has Casimir (who is happy as long as Steve isn’t around), Julian (when he’s not naked), and Yorick (why is Yorick here?), who are determined to end this. But what we find is unlike anything we ever imagined.

Though it can’t possibly be worse than the delivery lady walking in on Julian naked again.

Ezio is ready to help me through it (the murder bit, not the Julian bit), if only I can leave my fears behind me long enough to accept the man I want more than anything.

  • Publication date: July 24, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 354 pages
  • Book 3 of 3: Fanged Mistakes

Review:  Accidental Bond (Damned Mercenaries Book 1) by Mika Nix

Rating: 3.25🌈

Accidental Bond , the first book in the Damned Mercenaries by Mika Nix, is a sequel to the fated mates dragon shifter series, Drake Security. 

I enjoyed that series very much, featuring the Drake family of dragons as they found their fated mates. 

One of the main characters here is related to that family, 

Mika Nix is the combined name of  authors of MM romance, K.M. Neuhold and Mia Monroe, takes a different approach with this series than that of an established close knit family of ancient dragons.  

Here it’s a boss mercenary demon who has obtained a group of mixed paranormal beings to work for him. They,  by contracts obtained by “consent “ , ill conceived bargains, or some other means, now are basically “owned” by the demon, and are forced into his bidding. He calls them his Pets. 

So yes, this immediately has elements that will not sit well with me. When I saw how this series was going, it was close to a DNF, but I did see it through. And there’s some nice things here. 

Mac, the irresponsible Dragon has appeared in the Drake Security series, where he had to be rescued from some very dangerous situations due to his lack of control and overall behavior.  Here, he’s finally getting some good development and growth. 

Too late but he’s on a journey to find his mate. And in one of the better aspects of the story, we find out what and the history behind Mac’s dragon hoard. 

Each of the “Pets” will have a story and find a mate. That’s clear.  

But there’s just enough here that are elements in my auto DNF lists, that I’m stopping. 

Glossing over being tricked into basically a forever servant clause. No. Sentient beings called pets. No. And while the authors have written demon Drax as some sort of cinnamon roll happy bunny, the other Pets/group members clearly have issues here with their roles. 

So I’m noping right out. Others will find it interesting and charming.  Check it out. 

Cover design: Natasha Snow

Drake Security Series (first series)

Damned Mercenaries -sequel series 

Accidental Bond #1

Buy link:

        Accidental Bond (Damned Mercenaries Book 1)

    

Blurb 

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but accidentally becoming a mercenary for a demon might be the biggest one yet…

My inner dragon has always been more like a devil on my shoulder, talking me into making bad decisions and creating chaos. I have a hoard full of demon artifacts, each one likely to cost me my life if the owners ever come after me.

I thought accidentally becoming a mercenary was the worst mistake I would make in a single day… until I inadvertently mated myself to a demon. It’s not my fault his mating ring was so pretty!

It’ll be fine… all I have to do is fulfill my contract, not do anything else to make things worse, and avoid falling for the surprisingly sweet, himbo demon who thinks I’m his mate. Should be easy… right?

  • Publication date: July 18, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 231 pages
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Book 1 of 1: Damned Mercenaries

Review:  Man Advantage by L.A. Witt

Rating: 3.75🌈

Man Advantage by L.A. Witt was a sweet trans m/m hockey romance from an author who writes excellent sports stories.  I did enjoy the second chance, friends reunited elements here as well as the twins who figure greatly in this story. 

The boys are well imagined children, believable at their ages and interactions with their parents and adults around them. 

And Witt’s hockey team and locker room dynamics are all real and grounded in the sports world and teamwork. Just a great example of Witt’s understanding of hockey and how a team’s character unique culture works. 

The romance was good and I enjoyed Cam’s and Trev’s relationship although some aspects of it, especially those that were a part of their resolution of their issues didn’t make sense to me.  And the way all the problems with Trev’s ex started getting smoothed over with one “clearing the air “ semi-fight? Way too easy for all the obstacles that were involved here. 

But it was made clear that therapy was needed and included for all of them, letting them move forward as a mixed family. Which was lovely. 

I enjoyed this, and while not a favorite of Witt’s hockey books, it’s entertaining and sweet. I’m recommending it for everyone who wants a good romance story. 

Cover Art by Lori Witt

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comMan Advantage – Kindle edition by Witt, L.A.. Romance Kindle eBooks …

Blurb 

Trev Allen and his ex-husband had an amicable joint custody arrangement. During the hockey season, his ex took the twins whenever Trev’s team was on the road. Easy peasy.

But now, just two weeks before training camp, Trev’s ex gives him an ultimatum—lock down reliable, full-time childcare for Trev’s custody weeks before the start of the season, or his ex is pursuing full custody.

Trev’s in a panic to keep his kids, but as luck would have it, an old friend—and old flame—is also in a jam.

Cam Wright’s ex didn’t just cheat, he kicked Cam out andgot him fired. Cam’s desperate and flailing… until he receives a message from a man he hasn’t seen in years. Now he has hope of getting back on his feet, not to mention reconnecting with his friend and first love.

Cam’s not prepared for how much Trev has glowed up. Trev is stunned by how kind time and a fitness career have been to Cam. The intense attraction is both instantaneous and hotter than ever; living together, it’s only a matter of time before passion ignites.

But Cam is depending on Trev for stability. Trev is depending on Cam to keep joint custody of his kids. Like it or not, they need each other.

Which means if they stop wanting each other, their lives could come unraveled.

Man Advantage is a 99,000-word standalone Trans M/M hockey romance.

  • Publisher: GallagherWitt Publishing LLC
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: July 16, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 361 pages

Review:  Cosmic Captain: An MM Alien Romance (Cosmic Romance 4) by Mars Quinn

Rating: 4.5🌈

Of the 4 released stories in Mars Quinn’s Cosmic Romance series, Cosmic Captain is the one that I feel is the darkest, longest in its exploration of the trauma of the having been kidnapped by an unknown and exploitive alien race, then repeatedly sold to various buyers, who then deeply abused them, emotionally, physically and mentally. 

Although Seth, and Teddy (friends and fellow kidnapped humans) have each had hugely different experiences, it’s Vince who has suffered some of the worst injuries and the longest, having been sold to a galactic brothel, the horrors of which have left him with unending nightmares and in terrible physical condition. 

Quinn wants to deal responsibly with Vince’s reactions to his rescue, his initial shock response, and his tough road to any kind of recovery from his traumatic experiences . And his loss of his hopes for his love for Seth. That’s a lot of work for him and this narrative to carry but it handles this dark load with sensitivity and thoughtful storytelling.

Linked to Vince is Prince Dontilvynsan , Captain of the starship that rescued him and one who can read people’s minds and emotions. His is also a story of a being who has been less accepted because of the gift of his inner fire.  How he and Vince start to support each other and communicate is a fascinating story. It’s so different from his brothers and their mates.

The last quarter or so of the book seems hurried or thrown together, without the solid character or narrative of the rest of the book.  The attacks and return rather than explore the meeting with the Crystal .

But it’s a terrific story and another discussion of how a unique couple finds it bond.

The trigger warnings are a necessity for the book and series. Please read prior to diving in. 

Cover Artist: Etheric Designs

Cosmic Romance:

Cosmic Husband #1

Cosmic Soul #2

Cosmic Castaway #3

Cosmic Captain #4

Buy link

        Cosmic Captain: An MM Alien Romance (Cosmic Romance 4)

    

Blurb 

Nowhere feels safe—except when I’m with you.

Vince

My life has been hell since I was abducted by aliens and sold to a brothel. When Prince Dontilvynsan purchases me, my life changes again. I refuse to believe I’m safe, even though he reunites me with my friends. But a slow trust begins to blossom as he comforts me through the near-constant nightmares plaguing me. As time passes, I wonder if I like Don’s gift—or just him? When I learn I can go back to Earth and forget everything, I have a tough choice. Stay with Don and my friends, or go home and have all that happened to me erased?

Dontilvynsan

I don’t know what about this small human calls to me like no other. His thoughts are always close to mine; I hear his fear and pain. I want to help him in any way possible, even if it means risking myself in the process. When Vince and I grow closer, the thought of him leaving guts me. Can I survive without him? Do I even want to?

This is a spicy stand-alone MM romance in the Cosmic Romance series. It’s an alien romance with a spiky human, a soft alien, overprotective brothers, hurt/comfort, and a happily ever after. This book is for adult audiences only and has explicit content. Content warning inside.

  • Publication date: July 14, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 465 pages
  • Book 4 of 4: Cosmic Romance