Review: Dreams and Reptiles (Foggy Basin Season 3) by R L Merrill

Rating: 3.75🌈

Dreams and Reptiles (Foggy Basin Season 3) by R L Merrill is a sweet contemporary small town romance. It’s one of a multi-author series now in its third called Foggy Basin, set in a California small town.

Dreams and Reptiles is an age gap, hurt/comfort, multicultural romance that includes characters who have been through many traumatizing experiences, including work place assault.

There’s a lot to like about this story. The characters are engaging. Francis, who has been through a traumatic experience with his work and his father, has bought a new home that will allow him to live his dream of a having artists retreat.

Next door is an older firefighter, Kendall, who runs a reptile sanctuary. Kendall’s a divorced father, who is trying to deal with his own family issues of a daughter in college, a demanding job and a sanctuary full of animals needing him.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters of Francis’s mother and aunt, and his cousin, Derek, the real estate agent who is soon to be involved in a throuple storyline in the next book.

Things that I would have liked to have seen more exploration here was the traumatic event that sent Francis to Foggy Basin and the aftermath with his father. That resolution was over in a couple of sentences. Plus the fact that the father continued to call Francis’ mother “his wife “ despite being divorced, that was a big flag here. Nothing about that aspect of the story felt particularly satisfying.

And to be honest, the entire relationship felt rushed between Francis, who was trying to set boundaries because of his trauma, and Kendall, who didn’t really deal well with his daughter’s return from college.

So, while the animals were adorable. The relationship between them sweet, I was left with a HFN and a timeline that sped forward without answering questions.

It’s was good reading. But not anything I’d revisit.

Foggy Basin Season Three (11 book series)

Keystrokes and Kittens by Gabbi Grey

Boss and Brat by Brina Brady

Silk and Honey by Kota Quinn

Fruit and Flash by R.A Frick

Dreams and Reptiles by R L Merrill

Flights and Sights by Riley Long

Bales and Brawn by Jem Wendal

Fibre and Ink by Jamie Sands

Herds and Hooves by B L Maxwell

Hammer and Hops by Lynn Michaels

Nicks and Cuts by TJ Nichols

Buy link

Part of: Foggy Basin Season Three (11 books)

Dreams and Reptiles: A Small Town MM Romance

Blurb

From the award-winning author of Under His Sheets and Once Upon a Goth Dog Solstice comes an age-gap, hurt/comfort romance between two men with bruised and battered hearts ready for a second chance at happiness in small-town California.

Francis

I refer to the events of the past year as My Demise, and now that I’ve received a significant settlement, I’m ready to move on with my life. While visiting the town of Foggy Basin for their Pride Festival, I fell in love with the vibe. Lots of folks move there to start over, so why shouldn’t I? My cousin Derek shows me a quirky property for sale just outside of town, and once I see it, inspiration hits. Why not create a retreat where folks can make their dreams a reality? I ignored mine for way too long, but not anymore, and if I happen to run into the hot firefighter I shared a kiss with at Pride, well, I’ll take it as a sign.

Kendall

My entire adult life, I’ve taken care of others, and now I’m ready to start the next phase of my journey in California. I’ve spent years learning about various species of reptiles, and it just so happens that Grandma left me the perfect place to build a sanctuary. Only, I soon discover that my passion project is a bit trickier than I thought it would be. My spirits lift, however, when the saucy young guy I met at Pride moves in next door to me. At first, I worry perhaps he’s one of those wealthy people who come to town and throw their money around, but when I learn the truth about his past, I’m determined to make him see just how deserving of love he is.

For Mature Readers due to sexual content, frisky aunties, reptilian escape artists, and meddling polyamorous firefighters.

Welcome to Foggy Basin. Nestled at the base of the foothills in Northern California, this small town is full of characters just waiting to tell you their story. Whether you’re just passing through or you decide to stay a while longer, you’ll always find a warm welcome from the townsfolk. From farmers and animal rescues to artists and small business owners. Foggy Basin has it all.

Celie Bay Publications LLC

Publication date

August 13, 2026

Accessibility

Learn more

Language

‎English

File size

4.8 MB

Screen Reader

Supported

Enhanced typesetting

Enabled

X-Ray

Not Enabled

Word Wise

Enabled

Print length

290 pages

Page Flip

Enabled

Part of series

Foggy Basin Season Three

Review: Sweet Something (Wood Hollow Stories Book 2) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 3.5🌈

Sweet Something is the second book in Lane Hayes’ Wood Hollow Stories, a contemporary romance novel set in a Vermont landscape of 4 small towns that are very close together and connected socially with each other.

Four Forest area of Vermont are : Wood Hollow, Elmwood, Pinecrest, and Fallbrook.

I loved This Guy and getting to know more about the community of Wood Hollow. But Sweet Something just doesn’t feel the same. It’s not as well executed or all the elements don’t add up to a warm hearted feel good story. Somehow it’s not realistic enough in the components that Hayes has written in to be a completely happy story.

Dexter the donut shop guy is very engaging. He’s outgoing, helps run and organizes the community flag football teams, and loves his adopted town. There is a side story about his dysfunctional family and controlling mother , a brain injury, ex wife, but it’s not well developed . So the scenes and resolution with his mother feel forced. Especially after so many years of pain and hard feelings between them.

Viggo the lumberjack is initially a character that is hard to connect with, especially after his aggressive angry introduction and interactions with Dexter. To be honest, that entire conversation and element would have had me with serious concerns about the entire situation with the surrogacy. She violated Dexter’s privacy rights. And sent an unknown man to scream and yell and threaten the person who will be the father of the baby. That’s never ok.

No matter how Hayes used this , it makes it seem as though surrogacy and the tight laws and regulations surrounding it are incredibly fluid. I would think if you were going to include such an important topic as surrogacy, you’d make sure every aspect of it was thoughtfully addressed. It never really felt like it was here. At least to me.

Anyway, I end up thinking about consequences, then other things like character dynamics, as well as other aspects of the story that don’t have a good flow. The entire Mother factor is another. She appears, often threatens, leaves. Epilogue. Everything is fine.

Plus his brain injury that’s mentioned, gives him headaches and forgotten again. Was there any lingering issues?

Anyway they all lived together HEA. It’s sweet and left me feeling less than satisfied.

Looking forward to the next one.

Cover Design by Sleepy Fox Studio

Four Forest towns of Vermont Universe – see note below

The Elmwood Stories (6 book series)- I love this series ❤️ it mentions the lumber mill and introduces the Four Forest towns. It’s hockey meets Vermont small town ❤️.

Wood Hollow Series:

This Guy #1

Sweet Something #2

Mountain Man #3 – Oct 12,2026

Four Forest area of Vermont are : Wood Hollow, Elmwood, Pinecrest, and Fallbrook. The Elmwood Stories ❤️ series is complete

Buy link

Book 2 of 3: Wood Hollow Stories

Blurb

The baker, the grumpy lumberjack, and a new dad journey…

Dexter

The donut business is booming in Wood Hollow, along with my flag football program. Now I’m ready to take on a new challenge—parenthood. See, I’ve always wanted to be a dad and it’s finally happening. Wood Hollow is the perfect place to raise a child. It’s quiet, safe, and the folks here are friendly.

One glaring exception is the grumpy lumberjack…who ends up being besties with my surrogate. What are the odds?

Yeah…this will be interesting.

Viggo

I’m a logger. I like wood. That’s it. Maybe that makes me a solitary person, but so what?

Unfortunately, I can’t ignore the handsome donut man’s new dad-to-be situation. Not when it concerns an old family friend.

Look, I don’t want to be involved, but I have no choice. And if that means I’ll have to step outside of my comfort zone and do people-y things to make sure Dexter is a going to be a good dad, so be it.

It doesn’t mean I like Dexter. He’s accidentally funny, kind of sweet, very hot, and—

Okay, fine.

Maybe I like him too much.

Sweet Something is an MM bisexual, grumpy/sunshine, small-town romance featuring Wood Hollow’s hottest baker and the grumpy lumberjack with a big heart.

July 21, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

286 pages

Book 2 of 3

Wood Hollow Stories

Review : Sex At A Funeral by K Sterling

Rating: 3.75🌈

K Sterling writes such an amazing spectrum of stories, from urban Gaelic mythology based fantasy series grounded in the mid-Atlantic states to contemporary paranormal ghost mysteries set In Bisbee, Arizona and everything in between.

That includes contemporary romances.

Sex At A Funeral is K Sterling’s latest contemporary story, a book about three young friends, two of whom are siblings, torn apart by events and secrets started at a funeral. One of a succession of funerals that impacted their lives in surprising ways.

Skylar and Sarina Sutton and their best friend, Mason Cartwright. Together for most of their lives growing up. Until a disastrous happening at their Uncle’s funeral drives Skylar apart from his friends and family.

It’s a very good idea to read K Sterling’s forward where the author talks her writing, explaining how close she is to the topic of autism and the character of Skylar. It’s explains why this character is so well written and has such depth throughout the book.

Skylar is easily the best personality here. Sarina, his sister who chose a lavender marriage and motherhood over her brother and Mason, a closeted gay best friend who went with his parent’s career path and “saving” Sarina, are less well developed.

Sarina more so than Mason. He just comes off as selfish and immature. Especially when he asks Skylar to become his “side piece” so he can remain Mayor and stay Sarina ‘s husband. Still keeping secrets.

I don’t think Sterling made the case that Mason was a healthy choice for Skylar at any point here. That Skylar was seeing a therapist about him, and was trying to make the correct choices by staying away? That feels positive. Not the way the book ends in order for everyone to have a forced HEA .

There’s many positive aspects of Sex At A Funeral by K Sterling , Skylar and his lesbian bestie in NYC? That’s the sequel we should be looking forward to.

If you are a fan of the author, pick it up.

Buy link

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/Sex-At-Funeral-K-Sterling-ebook/dp/

Blurb

Hooking up with his brother-in-law at a funeral isn’t the worst thing a Sutton has ever done.

Not by a long shot.

Skylar Sutton, a black sheep raised by WASP wolves, has avoided his hometown of Roseview, New York for most of his adult life. Autistic, caustic, and gay—the trifecta—Sky was shunned after a scandal.

Now, he’s been welcomed back after his debut novel became an international bestseller.

But Sky wants no part of the Roseview lifestyle and his nightmare family. Especially his sister, Sarina, and her husband, Mason Cartwright. Once upon a time, the three of them were inseparable. But a terrible secret shattered their friendship. Sky knows the picture-perfect life that Sarina and Mason have built is all a lie. Between the small-town gossip, his sister’s twisted marriage, and his adversarial relationship with his mother, Sky prefers to keep a distance.

A family tragedy is just about the only thing that will bring Sky back to Roseview. And, for reasons Sky would rather not unpack, he can’t resist his golden-retriever brother-in-law at family funerals.

Every encounter leaves Sky more confused and torn.

A lavender marriage, an unexpected pregnancy, scheming relatives, and heaps of family secrets. For Sky, home is where the heart breaks. But finally learning the truth—that he was never the problem and Mason isn’t a villain—might be worth the journey back.

Might.

Bawdy Books

Publication date

July 14, 2026

Accessibility

Learn more

Language

‎English

File size

1.8 MB

Screen Reader

Supported

Enhanced typesetting

Enabled

X-Ray

Not Enabled

Word Wise

Enabled

Print length

314 pages

Review: The Bull Rider and the Bookworm (Part of the Snow Creek Ranch Shared World) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 3.75🌈

The Bull Rider and the Bookworm by V.L. Locey is a lovely, very sweet contemporary cowboy romance. While it’s part of the Snow Creek Ranch series, it’s not necessary to have read any of these novels in order to understand and enjoy this book and characters.

I enjoyed reading about the characters of bookstore owner, Aubrey Lancombe and broken bull rider Hoyt Knox. Each one was delightfully engaging and interesting in their own right. Aubrey, especially, was a character I wish I could have gotten to know more about. His background, which is so fascinating, and the two animal companions, a cat and rooster, who I loved. This author did both of them so well, making Roberto, the Rooster, and the cat, Ruggerio, feel authentic.

Aubrey’s tiny cottage he’d just purchased , a grumpy handyman which we’d barely seen glimpses of and were getting to know, so many elements that we were intrigued by, and then the marvelous animals , they were all unfortunately forgotten somewhere later in the story. Disappeared. There was no room and that was both noteworthy and a shame.

Because it switched to Hoyt’s issues, his abusive dad and younger brother. And in a book of 199 pages, there was hardly any mention of the resolution of the issues that drove him away, whatever happened between his brother in the past, or anything else notable. It’s unfortunately glossed over. And these are important issues like parental responsibility, abuse, violence against children, alcohol abuse and other serious crimes or mistreatments/mental health issues.

Instead we’re superficially dealing with a sweet relationship and romantic partnership. Which is fine, but why load up on the other serious elements if they’re not going to be given the narrative exploration that they deserve. Just my opinion. Save that for a longer novel.

There’s a nice bit about a horse and ends with a HEA sort of finish.

Of course, in my head, I was thinking, who’s minding Aubrey’s store he just bought and opened. But again, that’s just me.

So I like the story but it left me wondering about far too many things, questions about the characters and storylines to feel satisfying.

Snow Creek Ranch (7 book series) by R.J. Scott and 6 other authors

Cover by L.C. Chase

Buy link

Part of: Snow Creek Ranch (7 books)

Blurb

Sometimes the wildest ride isn’t in the arena – it’s falling in love.

Bull rider Hoyt Knox has spent his life chasing applause, adrenaline, and the next eight-second ride. With his body starting to break down and sponsors pulling out, he finds himself facing a possible life change. Confused and hurting, he heads to Snow Creek Ranch to try his hand at something a little easier as he heals while trying to figure out what’s left for him besides a sore back and a fading spotlight.

Enter Aubrey Lancombe, a quiet, bookish man who’s just moved to Chance to escape the city life – and the loss of his beloved grandmother followed by a bad breakup – and finally open the bookstore of his dreams. Aubrey has always preferred words to people, quiet to chaos, and certainly has no time for cocky cowboys with something to prove.

When their worlds collide over a shared love of poetry they strike up a friendship that teeters on the edge of something else entirely. But Hoyt’s not out and Aubrey is scared to fall again. As his time at Snow Creek Ranch passes Hoyt must decide if he’s ready to hang up his spurs for good – or risk his heart on the bookworm who’s rewritten everything he thought he knew about love.

The Bull Rider and the Bookworm is a 58K opposites attract, age gap, gay MM contemporary western romance with a weary rodeo rider, a shy bookhound, a ranch that heals all manner of hurts, a gentleman rooster, a plethora of romantic poetry, and a shiny as a gold buckle happy ending.

Content Warning: This story has references to past sexual abuse, death of a parent, and suicidal thoughts.

date

July 8, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

199 pages

Part of series

Snow Creek Ranch

Review: Call Back :The Model Agency 3 by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Model Agency has been a favorite of mine because of its unique characters and wonderful relationships. Their journeys to HEA often set in gorgeous places when it’s not actually in the office of the agency itself.

Reuben Langley is a character we’ve met before. He’s had a tremendous impact on Pip and Olivier as their next door neighbor and friend in the south of France (French Fancy #2). And we caught glimpses of some of the early photographs of Xavier mentioned there.

Xavier Conway is also one of those characters who is notable from previous books and the author’s monthly blog. This due to Pip’s chatty humor and insightful commentary, focusing in on how Xavier’s insane social life and inability to stay on schedule is one of Pip’s greatest challenges. Especially when Pip becomes a model manager.

Yes, Pip will always be my favorite. Let’s get this out of the way. And, marvelously, we see lots of him here. He forever has the best lines.

Call Back is a great second chance at love story. We begin with present day and Xavier’s physical and emotional downward spiral. Too many parties, drugs and forms of self punishment have left him feeling empty. However ,he’s committed to a runway to walk with Dean and Mal.

And in the audience is Rueben, along with Olivier, Jonas and Pip.

It will end up being an emotional event that leads to a dramatic moment.

From present day and then backwards to the past where they first met, we see the circumstances where Rueben and Xavier came together and how disastrously they were parted.

Then the second chance they are given at Rueben’s house on the Isle of Mull in the Hebrides.

Those are wonderfully written and beautifully executed scenes on the island. A love note to the island and the people who live there. And the relationship that resets between them is grown realistically and with depth of detail.

Even Ibiza gets a golden opportunity to shine here as a romantic partner for the couple as a location. I did wonder what would happen to Rueben’s villa in the south of France but Morton had that figured out too. Perfect! Love it when there no drop in continuity.

If I had anything here that took me out of the book (trust an animal lover to obsess about it) , it’s concerning that Bernard, the IW. If Lily Morton had chosen any other breed I’d have been fine probably.

But she chose an Irish Wolfhound as a pet for Xavier, one that had been dumped on the island.

I’ve been lucky to have had three IWs in my lifetime. They aren’t often seen outside of those who’ve gotten theirs from breeders here in the USA, let alone being dumped. Maybe it’s different in the UK. However , IWs are sight hounds with pretty specific behaviors. And retrieving isn’t one of them. I’ll just say that Bernard acts exactly like a Golden Retriever or Lab in the book and nothing like an Irish Wolfhound. Ask me how I know.

That’s my say. Next time pls choose to make the dog a mutt or even a lab who loves its balls. Side eye.

Did I love the romance, so so much. It’s fabulous.

A definite recommendation!

Book cover design by Natasha Snow Designs

The Model Agency (3 book series to date)

The Sunny Side #1 (Dean and Jonas)

French Fancy #2 (Pip and Olivier Durand)❤️🫶

Call Back #3 (Rueben and Xavier)

Buy link

Book 3 of 3: The Model Agency

Blurb

Once upon a time, Reuben Langley broke Xavier Conway’s heart.

Five years later, Xavier has convinced himself that he’s over it. Now a famous supermodel, his life is filled with faraway locations, glamorous parties, even more glamorous men, and so much noise. And if his mind still drifts to the quiet and responsible war photographer he loved and lost, then no one else has to know.

Xavier’s living the dream until everything comes tumbling down around him, and when he hits absolute rock bottom, the person there to pick up the pieces is Reuben.

Reuben fell in love with Xavier the first moment he met him—a wild, sassy boy in a hotel bar. When he found out that he was his best friend’s son, it should have stopped him, but it didn’t.

That passionate affair came to a disastrous and painful end, and since then, Reuben’s had to be content with the tiny glimpses he’s had of Xavier over the years. But now, Xavier needs him, and Reuben isn’t going to turn away this time.

Set in London and the Inner Hebrides, this is a story of second chances and a constant, hopeful love.

This is the third book in the Model Agency series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Please see the disclaimer at the beginning of the book for content some readers may find triggering.

June 21, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

455 pages

Book 3 of 3

The Model Agency

Review: Blood Code: Mahu Investigation #14: A Cutting-Edge Crime Thriller of Tech, Genetics, and Betrayal (Mahu Investigations) by Neil S. Plakcy

Rating: 4.5🌈

I’ve reading Neil S. Plakcy’s Mahu series since the beginning, where the tag line, was simply “Surfing detective Kimo Kanapa’aka uncovers crimes in the shadowy parts of the Aloha State.”

Mahu, book 1, which has since been reprinted and retitled 18 times that I can find, was originally published in August 15, 2005, when I first read it.

What struck me then and is still now as applicable, is how great Plakcy is at pulling the reader deep into the Hawaiian island identity and culture. From the moment we meet Kimo Kanapa’aka, a police detective, and journey with him, the reader begins to hear the voices of the island. The colloquialisms, the gestures, and fluidity of the island sounds as Kimo interacts with everyone around him, be it family, friends, colleagues or those he’s arresting or investigating for cases.

Plakcy has an intimate connection with the people and places here, not just with the beaches and touristy areas but the back lots, off the track areas, and zones most aren’t familiar with.

And as a reader who’s followed Kimo’s journey through his struggles with coming out in the first book and with the rejection of the traditional law enforcement community through his real shaky history with firefighter Mike, to finding themselves finally a HFN partnership as a family, with an adopted troubled teenager and shared parenting of twins. That’s decades of realistic daily life struggles amidst law enforcement cases and firefighter duties. And in-law problems.

So here we are at Blood Code, book 14, Kimo and Mike are older, their children are older, and they are facing new challenges in their lives.

So too is Hawaii. The use of AI here within the storyline, the setting down of pros and cons with the Technological World (as relayed by a scientist here) and the views by those who have seen their work co-opted, is extremely current. And sure to stir up discussion.

The murder investigation is interesting, but I really loved being back in Kimo’s world again. The way the various people and races are portrayed, and the spiritually that’s woven into the land and the culture.

Can a reader come into this without having read the other books? Yes. But reading the other novels gives you such a rich history and foundation that I highly recommend it.

Just remember that although it says that book 1 was published in 2018, that the latest edition and doesn’t accurately reflect the time period it was written in. That would be 2005. Yes , it makes a difference.

Mahu Investigations (18 book series):

Mahu: Mahu Investigation #1: A Hawai‘i Crime Thriller of Identity, Murder, and Coming Out

Mahu Surfer #2

Mahu Fire #3

Mahu Vice #4

Mahu Blood #5

Zero Break #6

Natural Predators #7

Children of Noah #8

Ghost Ship #9

Deadly Labors #10

Soldier Down #11

Unruly Son #12

The Virgin Homicides #13

Blood Code #14

Accidental Contact #15

Mahu Investigations 1-3: 3 gay police procedural mysteries in Honolulu Book 16

Mahu 1-6: Six Full Gay Mystery Novels: Hawaiian Homicide with Aloha Flair (Mahu Investigations Book 17)

Buy link

Book 14 of 18: Mahu Investigations

Blurb

A cutting-edge startup. A dead founder. And secrets that shouldn’t have been coded.

When tech entrepreneur Noah Kim is found murdered outside his Honolulu office, homicide detective Kimo Kanapa’aka and his partner Ray Donne are called in to investigate.

Kim’s company, Kahola.ai, promised to transform medical care for Pacific Islanders—blending artificial intelligence with traditional knowledge.

Now someone wants that work buried.

As Kimo digs into the world of startups, research labs, and competing interests, he uncovers a network of ambition, secrecy, and ethical lines pushed too far. What began as innovation may have crossed into something far more dangerous.

And someone is willing to kill to keep it hidden.

At home, the pressure is just as intense. When fire investigator Mike Riccardi is injured on the job, Kimo is left juggling the investigation with caring for their twelve-year-old twins—forcing him to confront what it truly means to be a parent, and how far he’ll go to protect his family.

As the case spirals from high-tech labs to deeply rooted Hawaiian traditions—and into the volatile landscape of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park—Kimo realizes the truth could change more than one life.

If he survives long enough to uncover it.

Samwise Books

Publication date

June 2, 2025

Edition

1st

Language

‎English

Print length

280 pages

Book 14 of 18

Mahu Investigations

Review: Charming Puckboy (Puckboys Book 10) by Eden Finley & Saxon James

Rating: 4.5🌈

Charming Puckboy is the 10th and final book in the wonderful hockey romance Puckboys series by Eden Finley and Saxon James.

It’s been a long and fabulous series, full of great characters and an amazing variety of colorful, dramatic romances that involve NHL hockey players and their journey to find their HEA.

It’s often been framed around their paths to the NHL as well as exploring their sexuality and coming out. The Queer Collective, a group of gay hockey greats and their partners that engage with each character and couple here is equally amazing and important in the series for its role in gay inclusion in sports.

Lachie Kikishkin, the youngest of the Kiki brothers and Sam from the animal rescue shelter (think Connor and Parker’s story) are the characters we are familiar with and will end the series with their romantic journey.

It’s often an hilarious story, filled with misadventures with the Stanley Cup, zombie squirrels, the Queer Collective, and family angst when the younger Kiki brother is the only one not playing in Colorado but clearly wants to. Despite a huge chunk of money. And contract.

And Sam, who remembers Lachie, the Disney Princess, as someone who animals can’t resist. And reconnects with him over the break.

This last story is everything. Engaging, funny, sexy, filled with puppies and love and gorgeous men on ice. There’s the couples we love back in scenes to add support to a romantic relationship that’s adorable and sweet.

If it ends a bit too quickly, well, the readers would probably have it go on forever. This has a really special feeling about it and a happy end for all. At 10 books, that’s fabulous!

Highly recommended. A grand read!

Cover design by Story Styling

Cover Designs Image supplied by Wander Aguiar Model: Chase

Puckboys (10 book series):

Egotistical Puckboy #1

Irresponsible Puckboy #2

Shameless Puckboy #3

Foolish Puckboy #4

Clueless Puckboy #5

Bromantic Puckboy #6

Forbidden Puckboy #7

Possessive Puckboy #8

Stubborn Puckboy #9

Charming Puckboy #10

Buy link

Book 10 of 10: Puckboys

Blurb

LACHIE

It doesn’t matter that I was the number one draft pick in the NHL or that I’m projected to be the next great generational player, because none of it is enough to impress my childhood crush back in my hometown.

Sam used to mock me for being like a Disney Princess with my uncanny knack for finding animals in need. And being home in Colorado for the summer, I’m bound to run into him now that he runs the animal shelter where I used to volunteer. Where I used to try to get his attention every chance I had.

He never noticed me then, at least not in the way I wanted.

But if there’s one thing my time in the NHL has taught me, it’s how to fight for what I want.

SAM

It’s been a few years since I saw the Disney Princess volunteer, but when he brings in a stray cat, I almost can’t believe it’s the same guy.

Damn, has he changed.

Gone is the gangly, pimple-faced teen, and in his place is a man who’s grown up and bulked out. He used to follow me around, asking endless questions about animal care.

Now he’s back, but instead of asking about animals, he’s asking about me. About my life.

Flirting with me. And he’s good at it, too.

There’s something about Lachie that’s undeniably irresistible. I’m willing to give in to his charms, even knowing all he can offer is a summer fling.

Turns out, my Disney Princess grew up to be a real Prince Charming.

April 16, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

367 pages

Book 10 of 10

Puckboys

Review: Penny For Your Thoughts (Shadowy Solutions #5) by Nicky James

Rating: 4.75🌈

Penny For Your Thoughts is the fifth book in Nicky James fantastic series , Shadowy Solutions. It’s a series that quickly became a hit with me, surpassing the original series it’s connected with, that of Valor and Doyle. I feel parts of Valor and Doyle became repetitive, although Aslan is a huge hit with me.

But the complexity of the dynamic between Tallus Domingo and deeply damaged PI Diem Krause, each with a legacy of parental violence, family domestic abuse, and childhood trauma. But one who carries the deepest visible scars as well as the emotional traumatic memories. Ongoing pain and PTSD. That’s Diem, who has tremendous anger issues and anxieties as well as substance abuse problems.

Over the course of 5 novels, James has built up, albeit slowly and realistically, a hard won relationship between these two very different men. It’s been compelling to watch and read about as Diem fights with his demons, and both have to devise ways to make their lives work for themselves.

Even here, Diem has to make the decisions about his use of alcohol and cigarettes, even as his father and family life has the greatest impact on his life.

I’m not sure if James is finishing the series with the story or not. I would be happy if this was the finale.

It’s got a terrific storyline. All the crossover characters are here from Valor and Doyle in meaningful scenes. Aslan, Fox, Quaid, Costa and Kitty Lavender.

Then there’s Darcy Gingrick, Echo, and Baby the snake, that actually gives both Tallus and Diem as touching family, of sorts. Especially, Darcy, what an incredible element he turns out to be.

This is one of my favorites of the series. And if it’s the finale, I’m absolutely satisfied with how everyone is left at the end.

There’s an extra bonus story, The Baby Visit, linked at the end of the book. Don’t miss out on this one. Sweet bonus and intimate window into a favorite side character.

Highly recommended.

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow Designs

Same Universe:

Valor and Doyle (8 book series)

Shadowy Solutions (5 book series):

Skeletons in the Closet #1

Power of the Mind #2

Reading Between the Lines #3

A Breath of Life #4

Penny For Your Thoughts #5

Buy link

Book 5 of 5: Shadowy Solutions

Blurb

Diem never thought he would have a steady boyfriend and enough cases to keep his business in the green. He never thought his nana would live to be ninety-three.

Life is, dare he say, good?

He could do to drink less, and he still needs to quit smoking, but he’s getting there.

He’s happy.

In love.

If he could manage his stress, life might even turn out to be… great?

But then Tallus arranges dinner with his parents, where Diem faces questions about commitment and weddings and a weekend bonding trip with a stepfather he doesn’t know.

And a resident of Nana’s nursing home ends up involved in a twisted version of a grandparent scheme, so Diem agrees to investigate. The police clearly aren’t doing their job.

It’s all downhill from there.

The case somehow leads to Diem figuratively adopting the most obnoxious teenager imaginable. A boy whose troubled life reflects Diem’s past. A boy who is deeply entwined in a con far more complex than he realizes.

One misstep tips their hand. The hunter becomes the hunted. Diem and Tallus—and their unfortunate sidekick—are in a race against the clock, desperate to nail the person responsible before he skips the country… or seeks revenge.

So much for reducing stress.

Amidst the chaos, Diem finds himself bonding with his petulant rescue-teen. Diem is nobody’s role model, but the boy’s incessant questions open Diem’s mind and heart to things he never thought possible.

Things that make him think that maybe life could be… amazing.

*This is the fifth installment in the Shadowy Solution series. It is a same-couple mystery series with mental health rep, size difference, and a sassy vs surly dynamic. The series should be read in order for full enjoyment*

March 26, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

461 pages

Book 5 of 5

Shadowy Solutions

Review: This Guy (Wood Hollow Book 1) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5🌈

Lane Hayes has written narrative gold with her Vermont based Four Forest town’s universe, and I’m not talking maple syrup, although I won’t be surprised if this factors in eventually.

First off, there was the 6 book fabulous series, The Elmwood Stories, which was written about NHL hockey players who found themselves in the small town of Elmwood, where they found love, happiness and established a hockey base for kids and players for the summer. It built slowly but surely over 6 novels and we started meeting people outside of town, including those from Wood Hollow, and the mill.

Well, it’s Wood Hollow’s time! The town has begun its own restoration and become a great charming place to live, with the mill’s prosperity being a huge part of this.

Silas, a veteran NFL player who has come to the end of his career, is facing a difficult time in his life. Divorced, a career that has ended, and no idea how to go forward, the pressure sends him to his friend’s rental property in Wood Hollow, Vermont, for a break.

His next door neighbor is Cooper, who is a bisexual divorced father of two children, and the manager of the Wood Hollow lumber mill. Cooper is a hometown man, who loves his community and his family. And isn’t prepared for the handsome football player he rescues from a snowstorm.

This Guy is an excellent romance and start into a new series in this universe. The men are relatable, their struggles are written in a way that makes them feel real and understandable. The pressures each of them are facing, whether it’s Silas from his ex-wife’s new publicity with her own relationship or, perhaps even more realistic, Cooper’s personal struggles with his dynamics with his ex-wife and the way they both feel about their separation from their children.

Here’s what I find so well written by Hayes. There’s no demonizing of anyone’s ex’s here. Any potential for a traumatic event? It’s handled by communication, like adults, without involving the children. Thank you. Same goes for Silas and his ex wife. They remain friends and understand why they didn’t work out as marriage partners.

I know I shouldn’t have to point this out, but honestly, it’s rare enough that I see it in my stories that I point it out when I see it.

The children are beautifully animated and feel true to their ages. Adore them.

That dramatic moment? Fabulous! Heartwarming and perfect for the couple and as a family we have come to love.

I can’t wait for the next story to come out. I love this entire world that Hayes is creating!

Highly recommended!

Cover Design by Sleepy Fox Studio

Four Forest towns of Vermont Universe – see note below

The Elmwood Stories (6 book series)- I love this series ❤️ it mentions the lumber mill and introduces the Four Forest towns. It’s hockey meets Vermont small town ❤️.

Wood Hollow Series:

This Guy #1

Sweet Something #2 – TBR summer 2026

Four Forest area of Vermont are : Wood Hollow, Elmwood, Pinecrest, and Fallbrook. The Elmwood Stories ❤️ series is complete

Buy link

Book 1 of 1: Wood Hollow Stories

Blurb

The football star, the lumberjack, and a small-town love story…

Silas

Not to sound dramatic, but I can’t decide if I’m a hot mess, a has-been…or both.

There’s nothing quite like being in the spotlight at my lowest point. I could use a break from LA and my agent—just for a little while.

But Vermont in the middle of a blizzard? Probably not a great idea. However, the sexy lumberjack who lives next door is a sweet surprise. And so are his kids and the town.

I like this place. I could be happy here…at least till my new season begins.

Cooper

My time is split between work and fatherhood. That’s it. Boss and Dad. Maybe that’s why the football star is a breath of fresh air. Silas is funny, charismatic, and cool.

My kids love having a celebrity living next door. And me? I can’t remember the last time I felt quite so alive.

Yes, I’m well aware this isn’t going anywhere. Our worlds are just too different.

Too bad, ’cause this guy feels like the real thing.

This Guy is an MM bisexual, single dad, small-town romance featuring a football hero, a sexy lumberjack, and some neighbor-friendly shenanigans.

date

March 25, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

304 pages

Book 1 of 1

Wood Hollow Stories

Review: Relentlessly Vengeful Ghost (Mafia Bound Book 5) by K.M. Neuhold

Rating: 4.5🌈

I have the feeling the Neuhold is wrapping up the series with book 6, so Relentlessly Vengeful Ghost is the penultimate story to start bringing the main series plots to a close and get all the Moretti family brothers or those who are famiglia happily mated and the crime clan successfully going forward.

There’s many in this trope of Mafia crime family romance fiction, often it’s involving a fantasy or paranormal element. Here it’s straightforward and simple. It’s crime, their romantic partners are often those who have been greatly damaged by another criminal gang or person, and they are often as dangerous as the Moretti family member who comes to love them.

There’s a lot of fun, D/s relationships with most of the Moretti family being the sub in the dynamic. The author creates with each relationship, a great story, a heartfelt albeit intriguing dynamic, and always a fascinating plot that makes compelling reading.

Ghost, a young man who has “died” at the hands of the Sleepless Reaper gang, but was revived by doctors at the ER. Now, without memories of his former life, he’s vengeance and his mission is to annihilation of the gang that preyed on him and others.

Alessio is the Moretti who is thought of as easygoing, a bit too much maybe. But that’s a just a role he plays in an organization full of big, talented and extremely brutal players.

Then he encounters a thief in his penthouse and everything changes.

I loved this book. The twists. The way the characters show growth and the ability to make real decisions and progress as adults.

There are trigger warnings mentioned. Read them.

All my other favorite characters are in here, not to the extent I’d want but it’s not their book. It’s Ghost and Alessio’s. And it’s terrific.

Lots of dead bodies, bad memories, kinky sex, hot men, great dialogue, and those Moretti family . Including their partners.

Fabulous! Highly recommended. Read them as they are written. It helps to understand how they all come together.

Next up is Lorenzo Moretti, the head of the family. And the family. He’s left with a heartbreaking story here. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Cover Designer Natasha Snow

Mafia Bound (6 book series):

Deadly Little Sparrow #1❤️

Beautifully Savage Butterfly #2

Unhinged Little Angel #3 ❤️

Desperately Delicate Viper #4

Relentlessly Vengeful Ghost #5 ❤️

Devil in Armani #6 – Nov 6, 2026

Buy link

Book 5 of 6: Mafia Bound

Blurb

I didn’t know the house I broke into belonged to a mafioso, and now my revenge arc is a lot more complicated.

7 years ago, I died. Nameless, forgotten, left in a ditch after an overdose. I don’t know who saved me or why. God? Satan? A good Samaritan whose name I’ll never know? It doesn’t really matter.

I don’t know who I used to be. My name, my past, they were buried. But somehow, I’m still here.

I’m not the only one the Sleepless Reapers have used and abused, but I will be the last, if I have anything to say about it.

I don’t need the attention of a mafioso. Even if Alessio is fun to play with, and even more fun to make beg. But I don’t have time for his devotion or his pretty, breathless pleas.

I have a score to settle, and I can’t rest until every last Sleepless Reaper is six feet under.

Alessio makes me feel something other than hatred for the first time that I can remember. He makes me hope one day I might be more than a ghost driven by vengeance. He can’t pull me out of the darkness, but maybe we can keep each other company in the shadows until all our demons are exorcized.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: