Category: M/M Contemporary Fiction

Review: The Score (Charleston Condors #3) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 4.5 🌈

I may have become disillusioned with the RL game of football but not with Beth Bolden’s fantastic group of connected football series. They continue to keep me emotionally invested in each and every team and player.

The Charleston Condors are the third team and series represented in the group and The Score signals the penultimate storyline as this wonderful series comes to an end.

Carter Maxwell is a Condor that’s made indelible appearances in every book so far, usually because he’s happily hitting on the men in almost every scene he appears in. Not that anyone takes him seriously. Funny, handsome, a sexual hound, a “player” as they call it, and a star on the field. All very surface level things.

Now Bolden does her best job in bringing us a man in trouble. One filled with rage and long simmering resentment left by dysfunctional parenting that bordered on abuse, neglect, and internalized guilt that’s affecting his life on and off the field. Carter needs and finally asks for help.

And gets it. In several ways.

In an agent who works for him, one who hires a son and his mother to help Carter get his life together.

The son is Ian Parker. A well known LA sober coach whose goal is to become a professional agent like Alec, he’s hired by Alec to be a companion/coach for Carter. The whole steamy dynamic between Ian and Carter that began upon their initial encounter is fully realized. Bolden creates such heat between them immediately that you wonder how the rest of the story is going to unfold. Including the no sex part.

The other aspect I was unexpected and so well thought out was the therapist/therapy sessions with Carter and Moira, his therapist. Who is also Ian’s mother. Bolden’s work here is nuanced and thoughtful. Both on how these sessions provoke a discussion and how they affect the life of Carter because he’s open to the dialogue that’s happening.

And for all the situations that are also involved when two people are related and in the positions they have taken on in their respective lives. In other cases, this could have been a disaster. That was only marginally addressed.

Now to what Bolden’s spectacular at. That’s bringing the game of football alive on the page. Whether it’s team dynamics, inter team chemistry, game planning and then the all important explosive on the field action, it’s brilliantly described and vibrantly illustrated in the scenes. Those pigskins soar, every hit hurts.

Win or lose, this author carries us with her players and team with a passion.

And that’s why I’ll continue to read about football and her teams. Because she makes me continue to care.

A few quibbles. Ian’s career development wasn’t really explored towards the end. Did he really want the job? Was he a part of Alec’s team? Not sure what happened with that.

There’s a sense of HFN here as they are getting settled into their new roles as well as their relationship. And Carter’s ability to get a handle on his temper is new.

I’m looking forward to the finale story with Deacon and Mr C. And if there’s more football in Bolden’s future, writing wise.

I’m definitely recommending the Charleston Condors series as well as all of Bolden’s connected books. That includes The Score! It should be read in the order that the series is written for relationships and team development.

Charleston Condors:

✓ The Star #1

✓ The Game #2

✓ The Score #3

◦ The Play #4 – March 31, 2024

Bolden’s connected Football series in order they are written:

✓ The Riptide

✓ Miami Piranhas

✓ Charleston Condors

Buy Link:

The Score (Charleston Condors Book 3)

Blurb:

Carter Maxwell knows he’s a screwup. Four teams in three seasons tells the story, as much as he wishes it didn’t.

But finally, he’s landed in a good place, where he likes the team and the team actually likes him. Even the Condors’ current rebuilding mode suits him. There’s a new owner. New coach. New players. New rules.

But one rule hasn’t changed: don’t seduce your agent-appointed c*ckblocker.

Ian Parker agrees to live with Carter and keep him on the straight and narrow for one simple reason: Alec, the agent in charge of cleaning up Carter’s reputation, has promised him something Ian wants very, very badly.

Even more badly than Carter naked above him and below him and next to him.

A chance for Ian to become an agent.

But Ian didn’t take into account just how persuasive Carter is—or just how desperately he desires to be persuaded. Or how, while spending time with Carter, they’ll somehow stumble into a fake relationship that begins to feel all too real.

It doesn’t matter that Carter’s never fallen in love or that he’s never been in a real relationship. It doesn’t matter that Ian’s risking his future as an agent.

He’s determined to score the impossible and reform the bad boy—only after encouraging Carter to misbehave one last time. But this time, only with him.

Review: Got Me Feeling(Vet Shop Boys Book 8) by Casey Cox

Rating: 3.75🌈

Got Me Feeling is the series finale for the sexy, heartwarming series by Casey Cox about a group of veterinarians, their clinic, and each man’s journey to HEA.

I’ve adored this series, found each story fascinating, and the manner in which each vet found their happiness a joy to read. Cats, funny t-shirts, lube soaps, twins, bakers, piglets, weddings gone wrong, the author has taken us and these caring people on quite the path to love.

Their stories have been written so that we feel like we know them. They’ve been humorous, serious, often thoughtful, sometimes very painful in what the different individuals have gone through, but always ultimately loving and satisfying in the end.

I don’t know why but I expected more from a finale story than I got with Locky and Roman, but I wanted a wrap up book that had a relationship that left me feeling a little more comfortable and happy than the one that was written here.

Maybe it’s just the elements that Cox introduced into the storyline for Roman’s character that weren’t conducive to the type of character and personality traits that he was supposed to have within him. He literally stalked Locky in the story. And instead of communicating to his brother, or Locky, the fact that he’s “investigating” Locky’s shady ex husband, he’s keeping secrets. Letting Locky continue to feel vulnerable and insecure as he heads towards his divorce. The voice that keeps telling Roman he’s a thug is the one I started to agree with, and not the one that everyone else says is a person who is in recovery.

Those issues are waived away in the book as “ok” because well, Roman loves Locky, and was doing things in his best interest. Am I the only one who thinks that these are flags?

Had more time been taken to explore these aspects of the relationship, I might have been more inclined to think that they were realistic in the dynamic and partnership. But so much was glossed over here.

Roman was straight until Locky, then he’s bi? Locky sexual? Pan? Was never straight. I’m not a fan of the GFY but this is another aspect that wasn’t really given depth. I’m attracted to you, let’s have sex. Ok.

The kitten thing was cute. The ex husband was a dramatic hurdle that was almost nonexistent.

Then everyone had a party to celebrate. Series over.

It all felt so rushed. From the relationship to the storyline and all the elements in between. Nothing seems especially well developed or balanced with aspects of each character trait left feeling a bit unsettled or unfulfilled.

Never felt realistic. And I thought as a finale I should have come away feeling happier and with a better overall picture of the group at this stage of their lives.

So final thoughts. It was a nice story but wasn’t one I would have expected from a series finale. Vet Shop Boys is a sexy, warm-hearted series and I found the tales very entertaining. Read them and enjoy.

Vet Shop Boys series so far:

✓ Got Me Hoping #1

✓ Got Me Wishing #2

✓ Got Me Looking #3

✓ Got Me Thinking #4

✓ Got Me Going #5

✓ Got Me Merry #6

✓ Got Me Talking #7

✓ Got Me Feeling #8 – finale

Buy Link:

Got Me Feeling (Vet Shop Boys Book 8)

Blurb:

I’m a thug. I’ve done bad things. And I’m straight… So why can’t I get the sexy Aussie vet out of my head?

When I showed up on my brother’s doorstep three years ago, I’d hit rock bottom. Broke and homeless, with a miles-long trail of destruction in my wake.

Those days are behind me. I’m rebuilding my life. Staying focused. Disciplined. Busy. If I’m not working to pay back my debts, I’m helping out at my brother’s animal shelter. Whatever it takes to keep my impulses under control.

And then I meet Locky, the new Aussie vet. His husband cheated, kicked him out, and is threatening to turn their divorce nuclear.

My newfound control snaps. I have to help, even if the smart thing to do would be to stay away.

I definitely shouldn’t give Locky a place to stay.
Or offer to be his wingman…with benefits.
Or get involved in his messy divorce.

Too late.

I may be straight, but Locky’s triggered every possessive instinct I have. And that’s what makes this situation dangerous. Because I do very bad things to protect the people I care about.

I’ve worked hard to start over, so why has Locky got me feeling I’d be willing to blow it all up for him?

Got Me Feeling is book 8 in the Vet Shop Boys series and can be read as a stand-alone. Expect plenty of humor, found family, bi-awakening, forced proximity, a possessive thug who’s hiding a kitty-cute secret, and a heartwarming happily ever after!

Review: Body Count (Wayward Sons Book 1) by L Eveland

Rating: 4.5🌈

The blurb for the book is what drew my attention immediately. The subject matter and characters of L Eveland’s series are so dark and detailed in their histories that my mind made a swift connection to another author’s terrific books that offer up the same type of murderous psychopaths (Onley James’ Necessary Evils series).

I was so excited to see what Eveland did with this terrifying type of character and found family, and how given the same traits and motivations, what twists this author took their story.

It doesn’t take long to see the differences and similarities. When you are writing a psychopath realistically, there’s defining characteristics built into the personality. That includes an inability to understand love as a normal person would. None of the characters in this book, and I expect, the series, will fall within the category of normal human emotional development.

There’s a long list of trigger warnings at the beginning of this book and if a reader is even a tad squeamish, this isn’t the story and series for you. This is dark fiction about psychopaths killing people, and maybe eating them.

The family that forms the basis for the individuals is a very different and unique group of people. One, it’s a polycule, the likes of which I haven’t read about in a story before. Those strong men and women ,who have big backgrounds of their own, are people who the reader will get to know more about over the series. From them comes the adult children , natural and adopted, who will get their own stories. Their legal business? A funeral home.

Wayward Sons’ Body Count begins with adopted son, mortician River Laskin on the prowl in a sketchy dive bar at the edge of town. One of the book’s two pov’s, his voice is telling the reader of his need for violence but not the a clear target until he spies a group of men and a collared youth cowering at their feet. That’s our second main character, Theo of no last name.

Theo is a victim of child trafficking from a very early age, 5 years old. He’s been in the custody of the same trafficker since he was sold and his mental state is that of someone who has been broken down to the barest extent that even when River “frees” him, Theo finds he can’t cope with his new situation and world that’s open to him.

Nor can River bring the person he is have the empathy to help him but he does have the support system.

Eveland does a remarkable job getting into the headspace of both men as they navigate through the process of their relationship and Theo’s trauma. That it happens to include finding out that the murderous psychopath who rescued you is part of a larger group of people who exhibit a range of abnormal psychological disorders which are slowly revealed in the book. That’s in addition to the mafia family connections they rely on heavily.

I’m actually astonished that Body Count moves along so quickly and isn’t weighted down by the author getting dragged into clinical details about the different disorders the brothers have been diagnosed with. Whether it’s the triplets’ schizophrenia or Shepherd’s DID, multiple personality disorder, it’s folded into the narrative in such a way that it’s natural for Theo to hear it, and not a info dump. Eveland’s narrative flow is due to such great depth and writing choices in how these elements are handled.

Theo and River’s relationship is rife with trigger potential for readers, however much it makes sense within the dynamics that Eveland is framing out for the couple. Does Theo understand the concept of consent? Maybe, it’s a very gray area. Would River be able to let him go? Maybe not. So how free is he? There’s pain play involved here but it’s brought into the equation in a way that makes it easier to see how much trauma Theo is trying to process.

Towards the end I felt that Theo’s “recovery “ was more advanced than an actual traumatized person in this situation would be. Maybe not.

Theo became a member of a family of traumatized individuals who were able to support him and his unique relationship with River.

Eveland took a dark topic and even more twisted characters and is giving them a very interesting look in this series, complete with mushrooms with have a revolting starter. Word to the wise. Don’t eat anything with mushrooms from this family.

I’m so sorry that I have to wait until next Spring for the second installment in this series. I could have easily binged this had the books been written.

It’s an absolute recommendation. But only for those who want to read dark fiction and appreciate the more murderous of natures in the characters we read. The list of trigger warnings is at the beginning and it’s appropriately long. Read them first before making your decision. It includes torture, child sexual abuse, murder, and hints of cannibalism.

Wayward Sons:

✓ Body Count #1

◦ Skin Deep #2 – April 30,2024

Buy Link:

Body Count: A Dark MM Romance (Wayward Sons Book 1)

Blurb:

Death is his business, and I live to serve.

Theo

Mortician River Laskin is a monster, a narcissistic sociopath with blood on his hands, but he’s also my savior.

When he rescues me from a human trafficking ring, the last thing on my mind is vengeance. I need to pull my life together and figure out how to survive in a world where I don’t exist. Without someone to tell me what to do, I’m lost. River is all I have to cling to, the only thing that makes sense in this terrifying new world.

But he and his family of murderous psychopaths have other plans, mafia connections, and murder on their minds.

River Laskin

I knew from the moment I saw him that Theo was mine. Mine to protect, mine to break, mine to put back together again.

My favorite toy.

I will use every resource at my disposal to find the men who hurt him and make them pay, whether he wants me to or not. It’s not up to him.

I’ll burn every bridge, turn over every stone, dig up every body until I get what I want.

And what I want now is vengeance for Theo. The Devil himself couldn’t stop me. I dare him to try.

Body Count is the first novel in the Wayward Sons series, a series standalone of dark MM romances that follows the Laskin brothers as they battle their inner demons and find love.

Review: Clueless Puckboy (Puckboys, #5) by Eden Finley and Saxon James

Rating: 5🌈

When I’m not even at 15% and all I’ve done is laugh so hard I’m crying and my sides are in stitches, you bet I’m giving the book a 5 star rating. Clueless Puckboy is right. And probably my favorite novel to date out of a bunch of crazy hockey stories from this pair of authors.

Ayri Quinn is fighting an adductor injury and doesn’t want his team trainers to know he’s not as recovered as he says he is. Quinn is a character so adorable and funny that his issues, which aren’t humorous at all, have this reader snorting in laughter, because the authors have set up this situation and created him just so perfectly.

I love Quinn. He’s ferlect. That’s something you’ll get if you read the book btw. Stumbling over his words, blushing, intense, in his head , practically ferlect in every way.

The man watching Quinn and determined to help him before Quinn’s stubbornness in refusing help derails his career is one Vance Landon. Vance is one of the trainers with Quinn’s NHL team in Buffalo, NY and a great character foil for the younger man. A bit older, athletic , gay, and empathetic, Vance’s personality plays off Quinn’s endearing character in a manner that is made to have the reader fall for them both. As we do.

Starting from a basis of professional concern and knowledge, the switch to attraction and recognition of their mutual interest is natural and believable. It’s often awkward and funny too.

But James and Finley go the adult route, and that’s including a lot of discussion about what a relationship would mean for the team and their future in hockey. All that goes along with spectacular descriptions of a hockey season in play. Buffalo is fighting for the playoffs and Stanley Cup, and the authors make the race vivid in the on the ice physical scenes.

And of course, it’s not a great story if some, if not all, of the NHL Queer Collective make appearances in very memorable moments.

So, do I adore this story and couple? Absolutely. It and them made my day and night as I picked it up and read it through in one sitting. Filled with joy, a ton of laughter, and yes, some sexy moments, this is a favorite of mine.

Pick it up and see why it’s on my reread pile! Highly recommended!

Puckboys:

✓ Egotistical Puckboy #1

✓ Irresponsible Puckboy #2

✓ Shameless Puckboy #3

✓ Foolish Puckboy #4

✓ Clueless Puckboy #5

Buy Link :

Clueless Puckboy (Puckboys Book 5)

Blurb:

QUINN

Straining my groin is bad enough. It puts my hockey career, my future, but even worse, my dignity on the line.

Having to get massages in that area from Vance Landon, one of the team trainers, is mortifying.

It’s impossible to hide my feelings toward him. If my constant blushing and bumbling doesn’t give it away, my body does.

It’s getting to the point where I wonder if hockey is even worth the embarrassment.

Trying to avoid him only makes him seek me out more. He’s determined to rehab my injury, but all I want is for him to leave me alone.

Or fall for me.

One or the other.

VANCE

Ayri Quinn isn’t your typical jock … except for the fact he refuses to admit when he’s injured.

I’ve seen more than enough professional sportsmen lose the career they love due to injury, and I’m not having it happen again.

Especially not when the guy in question happens to be the sweetest, most awkward, innocent jock I’ve ever met.

When a night out leads to Quinn reinjuring himself, I create a care plan that keeps me hands on, literally. Unfortunately, working with him in close proximity brings all those feelings I’ve been trying to ignore to the surface.

I just need to get him better so he can be back on the ice and out of my bed.

Ah, my massage bed.

Because if this goes on any longer, I might mean my actual bed.

Ayri Quinn is impossible to resist.

Review: Dump and Chase (Watkins Glen Gladiators #3) by V. L. Locey

Rating: 4.5🌈

Dump and Chase is such a sweet, low angst romance, that it’s easy to overlook its beautiful moments and great qualities because it’s so smoothly written.

This is a wonderful story of a young d-man from the Watkins Glen Gladiators and the widowed assistant pastor and single father of a small congregation who find themselves in a relationship that’s leads towards a HEA. To be honest, I avoid any novels that have religious content . Not my thing. But here it comes as a profession as well as the man’s desire to serve his community. Locey’s portrait is that of a multidimensional person.

Gabriel Hansley is a single dad with a rambunctious young son, a widower who loved his wife, a overwhelmed assistant pastor trying to move his church forward and a lonely man who’s becomes attracted to a younger hockey player. Everything about Gabe makes him someone we’d like to meet and connect with.

Deandre Jones, defensive man for the Watkins Glen Gladiators, is another of Locey’s gems when it comes to her hockey players. Young, talented, smart, trying to make a name for himself yet stay true to the upright, mannered person he was raised to be by his mother and close knit family. By dialogue and background, Deandre comes together with crystal clarity. That includes the issues he has of commitment that stem from a father’s abandonment.

Dump and Chase layers in a series of serious issues and elements, gently taking an opportunity to inspect, address and then, if possible, resolve them with communication and kindness. It’s not just obstacles that arise between the main characters, although that’s often the case, but other things as well. Things get wider audience as all sorts of allies and friends are drawn together for dialogue and discussions about things that need a closer look.

Super angsty? Perhaps not. Grownup with a lovely optimistic voice of adult reason with its underlying sense of humor and self worth.

And while the adults are finding their way into a relationship, it’s framed around Gabe’s changing life at his small congregation and Deandre’s role at the Gladiators. Change is happening, it’s how each of them will be able to deal with it and decide what to do with the new paths that open up.

The supporting cast of characters is a joy. Whether it’s Gabe’s son or Deandre’s teammates, Deandre’s mother or the wealthy winemaker who’s been Gabe’s biggest supporter at the church for changes, they are engaging and people I’m sure we will be seeing more of in future stories.

Dump and Chase (Watkins Glen Gladiators #3) by V. L. Locey is an engaging sweet romance and one of my favorites to date. I highly recommend it.

Watkins Glen Gladiators:

✓ Between The Pipes #1

✓ Defending The House #2

✓ Dump and Chase #3

Buy Link:

Blurb:

Working side-by-side on a charity project might just prove to be the foundation of a new romance.

Deandre Jones is enjoying his single life quite nicely, thank you. He’s a defenseman on the Watkins Glen Gladiators, gets to travel, dates frequently, and isn’t tied down to anything other than his mom and brother back in the windy city. He has time to do the whole family and kids thing. Right now he’s happy to be footloose, even if his mother has different ideas. As the playoffs near his focus should be on hockey, but for some reason, he can’t seem to give the sport its due. Ever since he volunteered to help the incredibly handsome assistant pastor of a local church work on an addition to the parish, his attention seems to be locked on curly hair and bright blue eyes instead of breakaways and body checks.

Gabriel Hansley has quite the full plate. Not only is he the first openly out bisexual assistant pastor for a small but highly active parish, but he’s also got his son to tend to as well as his work at the church, which keeps him hopping all day long. And that’s a good thing as the nights alone are hard for the young widower. Just when he’s about to give up on finding a person to share his life with—chaotic as it can be—he finds himself hammering nails beside Deandre Jones. As they work side-by-side under the bright spring sun, he’s getting warmer under the collar with each shared smile and terrible carpentry pun.

Dump and Chase is a low-angst, slow burn, age gap queer hockey romance with a not-quite-as-confirmed-as-he-thought bachelor, a harried single father, plenty of nosy but well-meaning parishioners and teammates, tons of joyous song, and a harmonious happily ending.

Review: Find Me Worthy (Safe Harbor #3) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 3.75🌈

So close. Find Me Worthy was so close to being an absolutely 5-Star story when the author , imo, sabotaged it by adding on an epilogue that negatively changed my view about the book , it felt so unnecessary.

But first let’s look at what Albert does remarkably well, and that’s everything that goes on beforehand.

Safe Harbor has dealt with a central question of a dead file mystery case was solved when it turned out that the local popular mother of the community who went missing years ago had been murdered by a serial killer. Her body was discovered in the nearby body of water by former police officer, brought up by a recovery diver, and the crime along with the discovery was part of an investigation led by a popular crime podcast.

All that information is part of the series themes and an integral part of the men involved in the investigation and as victims of the original crime itself. Some were once close friends and now others have become, through the investigation, partners of these men who live in Safe Harbor.

The reader , through the descriptions and memories of the men, become part of their journey to resolve the mystery and work through their own issues as well. It’s been a moving, and sometimes tearful journey. Albert has done a spectacular job with the town, the professions of each person, in some cases their disabilities, and the traits that make each man a unique individual.

Now we get to the finale. There’s the two strong main characters. Sam Bookman, owner of Blessed Bean coffee shop, son of a pastor and a hearing impaired mother, a social worker who’s the heart of Safe Harbor.

Sam has always had a huge crush on older Worth Stapleton, whose mother was murdered by a serial killer and in whose family house Sam bought and now lives.

Worth always thought his father was guilty of his mother’s death and told him so before he died. He’s been absent from Safe Harbor for decades, until a business scandal cost him everything and his mother’s death was resolved. The Worth we meet is ill, highly depressed, with nothing but an incredibly expensive car to his name and an unexpected desire to return home.

Which he does. But that home is now owned by Sam, and that’s where the story begins. Where a man who’s lost everything ends back at his beginnings only to find that that house is now the beginnings of someone who has always been there for him.

It’s a haunting, emotional, fabulous moment. And , importantly, it includes a young sheltie who’s been abandoned and will become central to Worth’s recovery and journey into a new life. That’s Buttercup. Make note of this dog and his huge role as a support animal and loved companion.

As the men try to find a way to make this tenuous relationship they’ve begun work, sharing their past life experiences and new present struggles, we learn that depression has always been a part of Worth’s life but that he’s never really gotten the treatment and therapy that would have helped him cope with the trauma and stress that his life has offered up.

The raw pain, the guilt and trauma that he’s felt and carried is powerfully portrayed by Albert’s skillful handling of this man’s emotional issues. And having and transferring some of those feelings of being left behind by his family over into the abandonment of a dog by its owners is a realistic element, making Buttercup’s presence even more impactful.

Sam’s personality is no slouch against such a great character. He’s got so many qualities and outstanding personal traits here. Plus he’s got a fabulous Siamese cat to balance Buttercup. He’s got Blessed Bean with all its diversity in its workers, and its issues. The house and its renovations along with its memories. And the community which is constantly circling around him.

So I did have a few questions about things within the main storyline, things that I’m still thinking about:

Spoiler Alert 🚨:

1. When things were going financially wrong at the Bean (even with that expensive coffee machine) and the men were together, why was it never ever brought up for Worth to offer to sell his 6-figure “Ive made it” high priced car to help with the expenses? Nope, that millionaire buggy isn’t mentioned except that they ride in it a couple of times later on.

2. What happens to the severe coffee competition? A big brand buys next door to try and squeeze the local coffee shop out. Stuff ensues. But logically?? What happens? We don’t know. The author doesn’t tell us, and from the drama that’s written, it’s not enough to make any difference.

3. What’s Worth doing? Running the shop ? Financial advisor? What?

I have to admit it’s great seeing Holden and Cal, and Monroe and Knox. Their roles here are perfect and made me want to read their stories all over again.

The way Find Me Worthy ended, with that wedding. It was perfect , and most importantly, that emotional support dog, Buttercup, being a part of the celebration and ceremony? Made it everything I wanted to read .

So why am I so unhappy?

Because the author doesn’t stop there. She should have. But then we get an epilogue. With a different voice, a foster kid. Which, ok, but now issues. Because guess who’s been wiped completely away? No dog or cat. We have two young adults, and it’s two years later. But Albert has totally changed or forgotten that all important Buttercup or cat. Which would have been great in this scenario when all the people were gathering on this occasion. Kids and pets! But nope.

We don’t need animals if we got the kids? Or is this just another example of the missing animal character that the author drops without explanation? Because that’s a number one problem that has always bugged me so completely in a book. Make an animal an important factor in a character’s journey and personal growth, and then without a word, it disappears from the narrative.

Like Buttercup does here. So weird change of POV, missing important elements, and ,imo, unnecessary epilogue.

Either way, a complete fail.

Because now that’s all I’m thinking about. What happened to Buttercup. Not about the story or anything else. That missing dog.

It’s enough for me to want to kick this even further down another notch.

Most people will love this. Others? Skip the epilogue so you don’t fall down this narrative rabbit hole I have.

Just say no.

Safe Harbor:

✓ Bring Me Home #1

✓ Make Me Stay #2

✓ Find Me Worthy #3

Buy Link:

Find Me Worthy (Safe Harbor Book 3)

Blurb.

I thought I’d lost myself…

Until Sam found me. I’m back in Safe Harbor, where I haven’t belonged in over twenty years. I’m unsure how I ended up here, yet I’m certain Sam is the key to finally healing.

But it’s complicated.

Sam’s had a crush on me since we were younger. To me, however, he was always the annoying kid tagging along. Now he’s all grown-up and delightfully bossy—and sexy—as he encourages me to reclaim my health.

I enjoy pushing Sam’s buttons, but one button too many leads to a scorching kiss. Soon, we’re using Sam’s cushy bed for way more than sleeping. But I can’t imagine staying in Safe Harbor forever, and no way is Sam leaving.

Sam’s given me a place to stay, a job at his nonprofit coffee shop, and a sense of purpose when I had none. But can I give him my heart? And more importantly, can I overcome my past to make Safe Harbor my future?

FIND ME WORTHY is a hurt/comfort childhood crush-to-lovers MM romance. This unexpected roommate arrangement stars two mature heroes with a minor age gap, mental health representation, and plenty of first times and sexy discoveries for everyone. Deep feels, dual point-of-view, and big fluffy HEA guaranteed.

FIND ME WORTHY is book three and the thrilling conclusion to the Safe Harbor series from acclaimed author Annabeth Albert. This small historic Oregon town has a tight friend group, memorable secondary characters, quirky businesses, and long-held secrets. Each book stands alone with a fresh couple, but the background mystery of the town’s secrets ties the series together, making reading in order more fun!

Review: Like I Wanted (Heather Bay, #5) by Charlie Novak

Rating: 5🌈

From the moment I met this intriguing couple I wanted their story. Over the course of this wonderful series, we get just enough of each character as they’ve interacted with the core group of men that have formed the foundation of this series to get a great sense of what they look like and who they are.

There’s the tall, elegant goth owner of Winchester & Sons Funeral Directors, Laurence “Laurie” Winchester. He’s quiet but has a strong presence. Wears black but stylish clothing and with makeup to match. His best friend/closest companion of over 4 years is a someone who lives with him, works with him, doing the makeup on the clients, but also has interesting side businesses.

That’s Theo (he,they), small , beautifully femme, with painful abuse in his past, both from exes and from family rejection. His love of exotic taxidermy is as well known as his streaming gaming Twitch and MyFans porn channels. Both of which have helped him become more the person he is today. Brighter than the sun, loyal, a bit bratty and incredibly brave.

Of all the fascinating individuals Novak has created for the series, Theo and Laurie have to be both my favorites as well as the most compelling.

With Theo, there is a clear picture of past disturbing events in his life but the author is subtle about the details. We know the origins and the effects that they have on Theo, and that’s enough. Laurie, too, has some parental issues, but nothing on the level that Theo has been subjected to. While on the surface, they may have little in common, together they match.

I love the way Novak unsettles their established relationship with one statement by a friend that sets off a real exploration of who and what they really are to each other. This is helped by heartfelt discussions with members of their found family of friends. Each from the prior stories in the series who help bring clarity to their feelings about their relationship.

Japanese bondage rope play or shibari is a big element here and a excellently integrated one. Novak introduces it into the storyline and their dynamic slowly and then builds it as an important part of their relationship, letting us see how impactful it is to both men in their roles. Such a sexy, well written aspect of this romance and novel, one I loved.

Healing and reconnecting has always been a deeply rooted theme of this series. Whether it’s reconnecting with your roots and the land of the vivid world of Heather Bay or the inner world conflicts that the characters are dealing, Novak’s has them rediscovering their own unique identities and finding their own way to a future with a partner. Each through wonderful journeys we’ve been a part of.

So it’s no small surprise that a big chunk of Theo’s discarded past arrives in this finale. Read the book, enjoy every moment of this aspect of the story as I did.

All the characters gather round as well as several others from Theo’s MyFan channel. I really hope Novak has a plan for them down the line as they are such an enjoyable sexy group of men.

Heather Bay is going down as one of my favorite contemporary romance series, one that ended with a 5 star couple. I truly felt as though I knew this remarkable seaside town and its inhabitants. I’ll miss having more stories so it’s going on my to be reread list, long as it is.

That gorgeous cover is definitely delicious.

This series and this book are must reads! Check them out in the order they are written!

Heather Bay series :

✓ Like I Pictured #0.5

✓ Like I Promised #1

✓ Like I Wished #2

✓ Like I Needed #3

✓ Like I Pretended #4

✓ Like I Wanted #5 – series finale

Buy Link:

Like I Wanted (Heather Bay Book 5)

Blurb:

Roommates. Best friends. Boyfriends?

Theo and Laurie have been best friends for six years but despite doing everything together, they’ve never been anything more than best friends and roommates.

Then someone calls them boyfriends and upends their neat little world.

As the pair struggle to put a lid on their feelings, a random email from Theo’s brother throws him even further off balance and all Laurie can do is offer a niche form of stress relief. But Laurie’s support doesn’t stop at rope garters. Once the two of them fall into bed, it’s clear things will never be the same between them.

Now, Theo and Laurie must finally address the feelings they’ve tried to hide from and figure out if they really are just friends, or if there’s always been something more between them. Can they give each other everything they ever wanted?

Like I Wanted is a steamy best friends to lovers contemporary MM romance featuring a femme boy who loves zombie horror and weird taxidermy, a goth with a secret love of shibari, interfering adult entertainers, a vicar who takes no shit, and a quest for guinea pigs.

It is the fifth and final novel in the Heather Bay series and is best enjoyed as part of the series.

Please note that one of the MCs is involved in adult entertainment and chooses to remain working in the industry, with the full consent of his partner, once they’re in a relationship. For more information, please see the internal Author’s Note.

Review: Drive the Net (Delay of Game, #1) by Hannah Henry

Rating: 3🌈

Hockey romances are my jam so when I see a series by an author I’m not familiar with I’m sure to pick it up , starting with the first novel.

Drive the Net (Delay of Game, #1) by Hannah Henry Is that first book in Henry’s hockey’s romance series and it’s a sweet one. For readers looking for a quick, uncomplicated sweet romance with an adorable dog character, Drive the Net is that book. You don’t need to understand or especially like sports to enjoy this couple.

Which is part of the issue I have with this story. But let’s starts with positives.

The main characters are likable, cute together and the romance sweet

It’s extremely low angst

Well integrated dog character (yes, that’s important because so often it’s not a well done element)

It’s a HFN and quick sweet read

Issues:

The age gap (10 years) isn’t noticeable because of the personalities. Ryan Cosgrove at thirty two doesn’t come off often as much older than the twenty two Jackson Harper in their actions and dialogue. He should as a senior player but he doesn’t.

This age gap should bring up significant questions and discussions. For Ryan about his hockey longevity at his age and prospects about being traded. Same for Jackson if he does well. He’s at the beginning of his career and Ryan is starting towards the end. Is any of this discussed? No, granted they are in the beginning of the relationship but they are hockey players and things like that are foremost in every player’s mind.

Then there’s the entire aspect about Ryan being “closeted “ but suddenly he’s in a relationship with a teammate. There’s no discussion about that with the team, coach or PR staff, which is unrealistic. Even with the coaching staff being supportive. This element is ignored.

Jackson’s emotionally abusive relationship with his mother and dysfunctional one with his father.

This is a big part of his storyline until it’s dropped without further explanation. If an author wants to make a character have this sort of family history and include it into their narrative, then realistically they should carry through with it in a satisfying and meaningful manner. Abandoning it by saying Ryan told him not to take the calls, then nothing about this demanding parent who had no boundaries? Unrealistic and makes this aspect of his character seem like just another example of how not to write a storyline.

Then there’s the hockey. Most of it happens off the page. There’s no on ice excitement, no thrills, no adrenaline rush to be had. We’re told someone got a score or didn’t. This might as well as been any sport . Plus a reader new to hockey won’t understand anything about the sport here, what league this team is in, trading, and there’s no realistic team dynamics involved to give a better understanding of the game other than a bare minimum about a line coming together. For someone new what’s that even mean exactly? Give them an opportunity to see it. We get more dog action (love Lola btw) than we do hockey.

I’m going to check out the others to see if there’s a difference in how the sport is approached . The other books involve different teams in other states (from the descriptions ) so I don’t expect to see any carryover from novel to novel. Could be wrong.

I’ll see how far I get.

For readers looking for a quick , low angst , uncomplicated sweet romance that’s a HFN this just might fit the bill. Sometimes that’s all a reader may want. Not me but someone.

Delay of Game:

✓ Drive the Net #1

◦ Off-Ice Behavior #2

◦ Draft Bust #3

◦ Empty Netter #4

◦ Offensive Edge #5

◦ Home Ice Disadvantage #6

Buy Link:

Drive the Net (Delay of Game Book 1)

Blurb:

Jackson Harper had barely gotten his feet wet in the NHL before he was traded from LA to The Minnesota Northern Lights. It’s hard not to take it personally, but he is going to make the most of being the only out gay hockey player in Minnesota. He’s going to play so well that everyone is forced to talk about his hockey instead of his sexuality. Plus, if he focuses all of his effort on his game, he can ignore his freshly broken heart.

Ryan Cosgrove is thirty-two, which means he’s practically a geriatric hockey player. He won a cup a long time ago, and now all that’s left is his empty house, his golden retriever, Lola, the tail end of his hockey career, and the weight of loneliness as everyone in his life pairs off to start families. It’s hard to put effort into a personal life when you’re closeted, but since he’s the only vet on the team without a partner or kids, it’s obvious for Ryan to give Jackson his guest room for the season.

Their friendship is fast and easy, budding into a legendary bromance, if The Northern Lights’ social media is to be believed. Ryan is calm and steady, an anchor when Jackson needs one. Jackson’s magnetic personality pulls Ryan out of his shell. But despite the best of their intentions to keep their relationship friendly and professional, their feelings keep slipping into romantic territory.

Ryan has been down this road before. He can’t make the mistake of falling for a teammate again. Plus, Jackson is ten years younger than him. Jackson needs to focus on hockey, healing his recently broken heart, and doing even one thing his parents will be proud of him for. Getting into a relationship in the middle of the season with his liney and roommate is a recipe for disaster.

But despite all the best intentions, Jackson keeps finding himself in Ryan’s arms. Will their feelings blow up in their faces, or can they figure out a way to have a real relationship?

Drive the Net is a low-angst, age-gap, MM hockey romance.

Review: The Head Game (Relationship Goals #2) by Brigham Vaughn

Rating: 5🌈

The Head Game is the latest in Brigham Vaughn’s terrific hockey romance series. Centered in the AHL team, the Toronto Fisher Cats, we’ve already had an amazing story about the team’s captain and a former Olympic figure skating champion. Great characters, incredible elements, and real depth. Set the bar high for the next book.

But The Head Game easily rises to those same heights in some similar ways and some very different ones. The couple this time is referee August Manning and D-man Nico Arents. Arents is a figure from the first book, as is much of the team. The trope here is fake engagement/fiancé just as the first book’s was “woke up married “.

And Vaughn has shown , as she did in The Husband Game, that a popular, much read theme can feel fresh and exciting if given the right creative choices made in elements, layering, language,and chemistry .

The Head Game has all that in abundance.

Each book looks to start with a common trope, and featuring one of the characters with a deep personal issue that arises that needs to be addressed and resolved, together. And often the other person has a past history that brings a realistic perspective to the dynamic and their relationship.

Vaughn’s ability to bring the reader immediately into the lives of these men is remarkable. From August’s heartfelt pain over his ex marrying someone else to the excruciating minutes on the ice when Nico is hit, not once but twice, the reader feels every bit of those moments.

And don’t even get me started on those scenes with the doctor and Nico at the hospital. Bring tissues. Which brings us to the huge aspect of this story. That’s the brain tumor, surgery, and slow recovery that Nico undergoes here. It’s realistically portrayed, from the beginning headaches to the seizures to the frustrations that come with a body that’s slow to heal. I felt like I was going through it along with Auggie and Nico, it was so well done. But for some, it might be an element that might be too raw, you need to decide for yourself.

I loved how Charlie (The Husband Game) was included to talk about recovery (his story involved anorexia, as well as other aspects) and acceptance. A wonderful piece of work.

Plus we have the absolute heartbreak of one man’s loss of a career. That devastation is a part of this story I wasn’t expecting to feel as deeply or was so stunning an element. But it was an emotional part of this journey as was the physical part for Nico. Amazing execution on this author’s part.

So much of this novel is written so beautifully that it’s easy to read and overlook the smallest details. There’s the family members of Nico’s, described warmly and lovingly, August’s brother Julius, Nico’s pregnant friend Sky, and all the members of Toronto Fisher Cats. We are getting to know each of them in greater depth with each book as the author sets them up for the new romance to follow.

This series is turning into a comfort read for me. I love it when that happens. And when I can rec not one but two books so easily as I can hear? Perfect!

Stay tuned for The Waiting Game!

Relationship Goals:

✓ The Husband Game #1

✓ The Head Game #2

◦ The Waiting Game #3 – Feb 29, 2024

◦ The Home Game #4 – tbd

◦ The Blame Game #5 – tbd

Buy Link :

The Head Game: An M/M Hockey Romance (Relationship Goals Book 2)

Blurb:

Nico Arents Rushed to Hospital After In-Game Fall—Mystery Beau Revealed?

The Fisher Cats defenseman is conscious and in stable condition following a seizure that occurred during the recent game against Buffalo.

Updates indicate that while still hospitalized, he’s hopeful for a quick return to the ice.

The incident raises serious questions after referee August Manning was spotted in the same hospital shortly after Arents was admitted.

Recent rumors have swirled around Arents’ involvement with someone within the league. Could Manning be the mystery man?

A credible source claims the two are engaged. “He has been so doting! He’s barely left Nico’s side.”

Tongues are wagging as their off-ice involvement throws Manning’s on-ice impartiality into question.

How will the league react? Thus far, they have declined to comment but given the new Code of Conduct, there will be some tough questions to answer for these men to keep their romance and their careers.

TRIGGER WARNING: Contains non-graphic scenes involving brain surgery and discussions about brain tumors and cancer. HEA guaranteed but please reach out if you have further questions.

Review: Blitzed (Rules of Possession Book 3) by S.E. Harmon

Rating: 4.5🌈

From the sharp dialogue to the layered plotting and fabulous characters, I think this is my favorite of the series. I absolutely fell in love with each man Harmon created here, whether it is the warmhearted NFL tight end Andrew McAdams or the emotionally wounded Jesse Fox, who helps to run Rainbow Harbor for LGBTGIA youth. These men have such dimensions that they vividly come alive on these pages. We see them with their own issues, support systems, and emotional capacity to move forward with their relationship, even when it scares them.

And Harmon, with her excellent work, gives us scenes of intimacy, emotional trauma, family drama, great personal joy and humor as Andrew and Jesse work together to create a relationship as well as a family of two for themselves.

I was so invested in every part of this story. Whether it was the kids, teenagers of Rainbow Harbor , the McAdams family members or those of the Outlaws teams, or even the people like Joshua, who worked at Rainbow Harbor , an exceptional group of people. Honestly, I could see a series about them and the people who are working there and the kids who are part of it. It’s such an amazing, heartfelt element.

It’s also the only aspect of the story where I felt that we didn’t get closure. What happened to Harper? Im so into that teenager’s story. Forget about Trace King, give me Harper.

There’s some small things with editing but the fantastic narrative just connected me so much to these men and their journey that it just felt insignificant.

I could just use a bit more. Of them, of Rainbow Harbor, of those great boys.

Which is why I’m highly recommending this series and story. They do leave a wonderful impression.

Rules of Possession:

✓ The Blueprint #1

✓ A Deeper Blue #2

✓ Blitzed #3

Buy Link:

Blitzed (Rules of Possession Book 3)

Blurb:

NFL tight end Andrew McAdams isn’t thrilled to be sidelined with an injury. He’s even less thrilled about his legal troubles. Community service is the only thing standing between him and jail so…yeah. That’s a no-brainer. It’s not all bad news, though. He gets to work with Jesse Fox, who is as gorgeous as he is guarded. And there’s no rule saying he can’t do his hours and have a little fun. Right?

Wrong. Jesse may have to put up an athlete using his center as a “get out of jail free” card, but that’s where he draws the line. And who cares if Andrew is unexpectedly sweet and thoughtful? The people in Jesse’s life think he should get a life outside of charity work and find love. And maybe he will. But it won’t be with a playboy NFL player wearing an ankle monitor as an accessory. Besides, anyone who dated someone like that would be thrust into the public eye. Jesse has worked hard to become someone else—someone better—and he’s not about to dig up the past.

That’s just not a game he’s willing to play.

Too bad it’s not in Andrew’s nature to give up on something he wants. It may have started as simple attraction, but now it’s much more than that. He doesn’t just want Jesse for now…he wants Jesse for always.

And that’s not a game he’s willing to lose.