Category: M/M Contemporary Fiction

Review: Chance Encounter (The Elite ) by Luna David

Rating: 4.5🌈

Chance Encounter (The Elite ) by Luna David finishes out the multi-author series, The Elite, and does so smartly with a storyline that leans towards the dark side and characters that fit in nicely with a hellish city built on crime, sin, and murder.

We’re talking about that dark, sinister city of Old Defiance, where even the alleyways are paved smooth for ease of use for cars and trucks picking up or dumping trash, er bodies. And that most elegant of hotels, The Menagerie, home to unsavory club, The Anonymous, where the criminal members get a safe card even if they’re mortal enemies as well as a on call doctor.

It’s a fabulous theme and David dives right in with an ex-SEAL sniper turned assassin for hire, Tate McKenna, out on his latest assignment when a complication arises in the tiny form of Chance Forester.

I’ll stop here for a trigger warning. Chance Encounter has explicit scenes of domestic violence, father on son vicious beatings. It also contains scenes where memories of past childhood violence is revealed. If this is something that triggers you, then perhaps this isn’t a book for you.

That said, David has created in Chance a person who has crafted their own coping mechanisms over the years, a character so believable in his personality that he’s instantly beloved and connectable.

Another note is about the kink aspect. There’s a Daddy kink at play here, mild bdsm as both sides are new to this and neither one seems to want it to extend past the need to take control of the care of the other. Even if Daddy kink isn’t your thing, I believe you can still enjoy this romance. Very sexy and key to this couple’s relationship and romantic journey.

There’s several interesting elements that include family dynamics, family relationships , and characters which I wish the author (and book size) would have been able to explore further.

If this series had a combined plus and minus it would be that the greatest stories were both too short and left the reader wanting more of this fabulous theme and characters it inspired.

The series is done. My recommendations are marked below with a ❤️. It includes Chance Encounter. Happy Reading!

✅The Elite Multi-Author series (9 Books):

✓ Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters

✓ Leave No Trace by Michelle Frost and Sammi Cee

✓ Ace of Maids by K.L. Hiers (DNF)

✓ Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody❤️

✓ Liar’s Gambit by Kelly Fox❤️

✓ Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King ❤️

✓ Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox❤️

✓ Love for the Reaper by Charlie Cochet

✓ Chance Encounter by Luna David❤️

Buy link:

Chance Encounter (The Elite Book 1)

Description:

Tate isn’t a savior. And Chance doesn’t need to be saved. Turns out they’re both wrong.

For Tate McKenna, Navy SEAL sniper turned assassin, rescue missions are part of a past he prefers to forget. But the target in his scope isn’t supposed to be choking someone to death right before his eyes. Saving some kid isn’t part of the job and derails his meticulous plans. Disruptions to his schedule make Tate a grumpy bastard and unforeseen complications just piss him off.

To Chance Forester, being forced into a blacked out SUV isn’t much of a surprise. He figures this trip to see his father is just like all the others until the usual beatdown becomes attempted murder. Turns out, the secrets he thought he’d been keeping from his father, weren’t secrets at all and might end up getting him killed.

When the heat of Tate’s anger morphs into a desire to protect and care for Chance, will Chance allow himself to let his guard down? And will Tate be able to keep his boy safe like a good Daddy should while they’re on the run from those who may want them both permanently silenced?

Chance Encounter is a part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.

The complete series is:

•

• Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters

• Leave No Trace by Sammi Cee and Michelle Frost

• Ace of Maids by K.L. Hiers

• Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody

• Liar’s Gambit by Kelly Fox

• Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King

• Love for the Reaper by Charlie Cochet

• Chance Encounter by Luna David

Review: The Star (Charleston Condors Book 1) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 4.5🌈

Bolden extends her connected football series with the addition of the Charleston Condors, that reviled team that targeted the Miami Piranhas the last season to such an extent the NFL demanded their sale to a new owner who’s done a complete overhaul. That’s the point where we dive into this new team and series.

I love Bolden’s sport’s romances for any number of reasons. She has a in-depth, passionate knowledge of the sport she’s writing about that makes her players, the team, and the team dynamics she makes a huge part of her stories so realistic and compelling.

In The Star, we see a number of familiar characters or faces that are associated with characters in other series. Tight end Landry Banks comes from the legendary football Banks family that includes his brother, Logan (center for the Miami Piranhas). We have seen him before when the entire family came together for Logan in Miami. A huge, impressive figure, a Thor-like physicality combined with a strong, centered personality. He’s immediately likable and a person who the reader can relate to, odd as that sounds.

Bolden’s ability to get such a distinct looking person and make him relatable through his actions and innermost emotions is one of the greatest qualities of her stories. The other being able to get the reader into the locker room, or onto the field, in the middle of the action and plays, letting us feel the pressure, the excitement and adrenaline! During those scenes, it’s as though it’s actually happening and we’re caught up in it all!

Which brings us to the other main character and his complex relationship with his older brother who also happens to be Landry’s best friend. Rookie quarterback Riley Flynn also has major football connections, in this case it’s his bigger, older, more famous and still playing NFL quarterback brother, Aiden Riley. The golden boy who’s raised him and is now trying to control his life.

This entire situation and element is unexpected and well done. It’s tricky because, as stated Landry and Aiden went to college together, remaining best friends still. Now through a series of surprising events, Riley ends up as the quarterback of the Charleston Condors, something his brother is unhappy about.

In addition to the torturous brotherly relationship he lands in the middle of, Landry is undergoing an epiphany about his sexuality. The only “straight” brother of the Banks family isn’t actually so straight after all when faced with a grownup Riley .

Bolden’s storylines are beautifully woven together as personal attraction grows into something more along with a team that’s learning that it’s possible to overcome the past and for the Condors as a team and organization to come together and move forward as a new unified family.

The Star was a wonderful story and romance as well as a great start to a new series. I can’t wait for The Game to be released! I’m highly recommending this !

The Charleston Condors:

✓ The Star #1

◦ The Game #2 – Aug 31, 2023

Buy Link:

THE STAR

Description:

Tight end Landry Banks knows the score when he signs with the Charleston Condors in a rebuilding year.

New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.

But one rule hasn’t changed: Don’t hook up with your best friend’s little brother.

Rookie quarterback Riley Flynn knows what it takes to make it in the NFL. He’s in Charleston to prove himself—to the world and to his teammates, but mostly to his older brother, who’s never believed he could be a star.

The last thing he expects is for his brother’s best friend Landry to welcome him with open arms and an offer to become roommates.

Riley’s always believed Landry was straight—but the way Landry keeps checking him out leaves him suddenly unsure. And Landry’s hot looks certainly don’t help squash the crush he’s always had on his brother’s best friend.

Revisiting his teenage crush isn’t part of the plan. But as he and Landry fall into a rhythm of thrilling plays on the field and sizzling tension off it, there’s no denying their connection.

Riley isn’t willing to trade becoming the next big NFL superstar for love. But with a man like Landry Banks waiting to catch anything he throws at him, maybe he can have both.

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

✓ The Riptide

✓ Miami Piranhas

◦ Charleston Condors

Review: Pole Position (A Lights Out Novel) by Charlie Novak

Rating : 4🌈

“We win and lose together. “

-Sir Lewis Hamilton”

In this series about Formula 1 racing, each author takes one racing team, a driver or two on that team , the international races in the series , and the dramatic events that occur during that season. Major events, even conversations crossover between novels.

Like the other books, this story begins with a quote from a race driver that hints at theme the tale and romance will carry.

A long time couple is the focus and heart of Charlie Novak’s contribution to the Lights Out series about a Formula 1 racing season .

Dean Williams and Mateo Llorente are established Formula 1 drivers and a long time couple, although only their families and a few friends are aware of the later. This season a new element is being introduced to their relationship. For the first time, both men will be racing for the same team- Cadigan Racing. It’s the team where Mateo has been the established driver for several years, where he’s the son of a legendary driver and the hopes for a championship win.

Novak’s chosen a different format for her storyline that provides a intimate window into the next stage into this couple’s journey, both in terms of their careers and their relationship, as heavily intertwined as they now are. It’s divided by races, almost every race in each country on the way to the grand finale , then a space of nine years as they prepare their retirement announcement.

This narrative formula has positive and negative aspects to it when I look at the way overall book made me feel about the themes and the characters.

I liked it in terms of seeing how each race and the dynamics of that particular race started to change the way in which Dean and Mateo’s were thinking about their own races (each has a team for their own car), their personal dynamics , and the team’s leadership. Where they originally thought they could handle the challenges, each race, each new event piled into an ongoing highly publicized , intense team effort, is starting to get to them.

We’re in as the stress, the constant press, the media attention and wrongful coverage puts such pressure on them that’s it effecting their team as well as them personally.

This feels very realistic.

Another great twist? The team owner, the leadership and support staff? They are aware of the fact that their top drivers are in a long term relationship with each other. And they are supportive. I love that. Terrific characters here in these roles.

On the other side of this format, I found that having the book “chopped “ into so many little sections or narration stages in this journey of Dean and Mateo’s meant less time for us in getting some of the more interesting details in more depth. Elements like Dean’s toxic relationship with his father who we never get to meet and his mother who seems to have been an equally complex person, not quite protecting her son from his father. But we hear about them. They call , he’s nearby.

Another similar aspect is Mateo’s parents who we also know about, a legendary Spanish driver and a French supermodel who adore him and Dean. We hear all about their parties, their passion and personalities. But where are they here? They even visit a race but are “absent “ in the story. It’s people and elements like this that add warmth and a great deal of value to a story and help ground a couple in a realness. That’s sort of missing from this.

Charlie Novak’s style of writing, the choice of story format gives us a sense of how a season of racing for one team impacted the relationship of two drivers racing for the win for the same team. The ambition, the fears, the stress , the excitement and yes the anger and the passion.

What is missing is the depth of actual racing action and the thrill of each man as they crossed the line to win the podium. There’s no smell of oil, exhaust, or burning rubber. And there should be in a novel about men racing at the highest speeds at the top of their game.

The relationship and the challenges Dean and Mateo face and overcome in Pole Position is well worth the read. I just didn’t get as emotionally invested as I was prepared to even as I found myself enjoying the ride. On that note, I’m recommending it.

Buy Link:

Pole Position

Lights Out:

✓ Team Orders by RJ Scott

✓ Full Throttle by Lisa Henry

✓ Pole Position by Charlie Novak

◦ Scoring Points by HL Day 6/13

◦ Black Flagged by Emma Jaye 6/20

◦ Rookie Mistakes by Beth Laycock 6/27/2023

Description:

Pole position gives a driver the best chance at winning, but can there be a winner when a long-term relationship is on the line?

Mateo Llorente was born to be Formula 1 World Champion.

Charming, handsome, and incredibly talented, Mateo is everything a champion should be. Dean Williams has fought for his position in Formula 1 with everything he has, and dreams of podium finishes and championship trophies.

For the past three years, Mateo and Dean have kept their long-term relationship under wraps, but when they both find themselves driving for Cadigan Racing, they know things won’t stay simple for long.

Keeping their relationship a secret is one thing, but dealing with the demands of the season is another.

As both drivers rack up points and the media scrutiny puts them under pressure, cracks start to appear in Mateo and Dean’s relationship.

Can their love survive the intensity of Formula 1? Or will winning cost Dean and Mateo everything?

This M/M romance from Charlie Novak features a steamy long-term secret relationship between teammates, and is set in the high octane world of Formula 1 featuring fast cars, driving at the limit, spectacular crashes, heated rivalries, and of course, a HEA.

Each book in the Lights Out collection is a standalone story, and the books can be read in any order

Review: Outrun the Rain (The Storm Boys Series Book 1) by N.R. Walker

Rating: 5🌈

How I love Outrun the Rain by N.R. Walker, the first in her new series, The Storm Boys. It’s about two men we met in the prequel (Second Chance at First Love), one a storm chaser, and the other a scientist who studies lightning and storms, who’ve arrived at Kakadu National Park to do just that.

This book reminds me so much of the experience I had the first time reading Walker’s amazing Red Dirt Heart series! It’s in discovering the true layers to the characters, and exploring a richly detailed and diverse terrain that’s unique to Australia and foreign to me. The more I read, the deeper I was emotionally invested in the men, and this journey they were on together.

Walker is able to bring us inside the hearts and minds of each of these startling different individuals with such clarity and love.

To Jeremiah Overton, a fulminologist, lightning is not just a scientific subject matter but a powerful natural phenomenon that’s effectively changed the course of his life. This character is so complicated, so tightly packed up that his layers and history are only revealed through hard won bits of conversation that rewards both Tully Larsen and the reader.

Tully Larsen, the storm chaser , so at home here at Kakadu where he spent long days with his father, and now by himself, chasing storms, watching the wildness happen, is also a bit of an enigma. Until he lets himself open up equally to Jeremiah, each man fully being themselves with another person for the first time.

And the reader feels their emotions, the joy, hesitation, wildness, and love of the experiences they share on this amazing journey to capture data of major storms up close.

Of those storms and the natural dangers inherent within the territory they are located, like swift flooding and crocodiles , Walker has us believing in those too with realistic descriptions and a wealth of knowledge that translates so well into an emotional narrative.

Was I ready for them to head home? No more than they were.

Luckily, there’s two more books in this series. If they are like this one, then I can see The Storm Boys sliding next to Walker’s Red Dirt Heart series as must reads for me. It’s that great.

Where one is dry red desert, this has sheets of endless green, rain and lightning strikes that never seem to end. What amazing bookends!

Ones I’m highly recommending.

The Storm Boys:

✓ Outrun The Rain

◦ Into The Tempest – June 27, 2023

◦ Touch The Lightning-July 18, 2023

Second Chance at First Love: Prequel to The Storm Boys

Buy Link:

Outrun the Rain (The Storm Boys Series Book 1)

Description:

Tully Larson has loved tropical storms since he was a kid and spent his summers with his dad in the wilds of Kakadu National Park. He’s happiest outdoors, a rough and ready kind of guy who loves the power of Mother Nature and chasing the thrill of electrical storms every chance he gets.

Jeremiah Overton, a fulminologist from Melbourne, chases storms for a whole different reason. Lightning has shaped his entire life and he’s driven to study it, to understand it, so heading to Kakadu in the middle of the storm season is a logical thing to do. After all, the Top End is the lightning capital of Australia.

Tully wasn’t sure how a week at his remote bunker with an academic type would pan out. And Jeremiah didn’t expect much from the storm-chasing cowboy who volunteered to take him.

But both men know all too well that when opposites attract, lightning strikes.

Review: Rear Ended (Big Bull Mechanics Book 4) by K.M. Neuhold

Rating: 4🌈

Tattooed, sweet Auggie finally gets his HEA in Rear Ended after a failed crush on Dimitri, and a series of unfortunate dates. All it takes is for a new resident of their hometown to arrive to live with his younger brother when his life explodes on him in Chicago.

So in other words, a man with a lot going on, tons to figure out, and an uneasy future ahead.

That’s Henry, whose IT business has failed along with his expensive lifestyle. And, unfortunately , his perception of who he was equated with that outward projection of a successful businessman. Now Henry is lost. And staying at his younger brother’s house, fearful he’s a failure that will never recover.

Neuhold has written a low angst, sweet romance, between two older men, that includes an adorable pot bellied pig, Hamlet.

It contains mature conversations, complete with apologies for some idiotic, fearful behaviors, some lusty sex, and a lot of smooshy contented men getting into a new relationship.

It also brings in some new exciting people and introduces a new ink shop , Ink Slingers, who are also part of a motorcycle club, Skins Motorcycle Club, into this universe that includes an ever expanding group of connected series.

For me, I wanted to know more about Jay and his friends (Jaguar, Tex, Hero, Felix, Piston) than I did about the settled , sweet world of Auggie, Henry, and Hammie. Although the race episode was very funny.

Also can we please get Riggs and Shep together? I can’t wait for their relationship to start!

I enjoyed Rear Ended even if I think it didn’t have the chemistry or character development of the previous stories. It’s a lovely, sexy low angst romance. A perfect read for the early summer days!

And I think this town will be heating up soon enough with more hot inked men and motorcycles.

I’m recommending the book and the series!

Big Bull Mechanics:

✓ Crankshaft #1

✓ Stroker #2

✓ Stick Stift #3

✓ Rear Ended #4

Description:

Love is a highway, and Henry just got Rear Ended

I’ve spent my entire adult life working eighty hours a week, chasing money, security… success. When my recent start-up went under, leaving me with nothing to show for years of grinding myself down to the bone, I’m not sure who I am anymore. I never thought I’d be forty-eight with no money, living with my brother, trying to figure everything out from scratch. But, here we are…

All that chasing didn’t leave a lot of time for romance or relationships either. Unless you count the occasional hook-up to let off a little steam. Now I have all the free time in the world… but who would want a middle-aged failure anyway?

When one of my most recent hook-ups turns out to be my new coworker, I’m starting to think the universe is having a good laugh at my expense.

As if Auggie wasn’t tempting enough with all of the tattoos and his surprisingly sweet smile, now I’m spending all day watching him work. He’s covered in grease, with his overalls half zipped… is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?

He’s impossible to resist, but that doesn’t make the timing any better. Body work is one thing, but I’m determined to keep my heart out of it. If only Auggie would stop baking me cookies and touching me in ways that keep my engine running all night long. I think we’re going to need some coolant in here, because things are definitely heating up…

*** Rear Ended is book 4 in the Big Bull Mechanics series but can be read as a stand alone. It’s full of mechanic puns, hilarious and swoony banter, tons of heat, and two men falling in love in spite of their best efforts to keep things casual.

Buy Link:

Rear Ended (Big Bull Mechanics Book 4)

Review: Love for the Reaper (The Elite) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 3🌈

Love for the Reaper is Charlie Cochet’s much anticipated entry in the multi-author series The Elite, based around a sublimely complex and supremely criminal club called The Anonymous, in a dark, sinister city of Old Defiance.

The series setting and location is darkly fascinating, rich in the noir atmosphere and dangerous elements that allow all these authors to let their imaginations go wild where their characters and storylines are concerned.

Cochet’s take on this seamy underworld has plenty of interesting elements, one’s that early on showed so much depth and detail that’s been elevating the best of these stories.

Take her character Devlin “Dev” Espinosa. He’s not a Reaper , where did that come from ( not in his job description to kill anyone)?

Instead he’s a Ferryman. So much cooler. With his one of a kind, special “guaranteed to blend into the shadows “ black matte finish, 1969 Chevy Camaro, black grille and door handles, even the 18 inch wheels and rims were black. A chariot fit for the Ferryman.

Dev delivers the “dead” bodies he’s given to dump into his specially made trunk into a new life. Whether that a permanent death or new identity at a location, it’s not his to question. Just dump and leave. The Ferryman’s delivery is over.

He’s death on wheels, a black chariot wheeling through a city of Hell, enjoying the life he’s got, on smooth pavement paid for by murder and sin.

That’s a great character. So too is his partner. A woman who we don’t get nearly enough of, but who is his equal partner in wry wit and deadly experience.

Had Charlie made even the partner the other mc, things would have been better.

But things start to derail with the addition of what’s starting to be defined as the “cinnamon bun” character. Overly used too., including the phrase. The almost too sweet, innocent that ends up in a relationship, here because Remy Corbin has the survival instincts of a kumquat and works for a mobster boss without realizing it.

I think I could like Remy more if he was in another story, without the mob aspect, but here so much, imo, works against him as a character, and their relationship believability. “ oh look, I’m living in a Good Fellas set” Smh. Way too predictable.

These are short stories. Cochet doesn’t lay out, enough in her narrative, to accomplish the needed changes in character realignment, instant love, and development for us to believe that Dev is going to throw out the life he enjoys for Remy , who he’s instantly fallen in love with, who now instantly loves him back. Even though Remy has just come out of a bad situation. No, Dev threw out his history, indeed almost gotten himself killed in a maneuver guaranteed not to work.

It makes no sense, especially given that strong opening.

More sense narratively, if there’s no relationship, just a man, doing another job, and “ferrying “ an innocent out of town. That’s believable.

And then at the end Cochet throws in a whole new couple, including dub con, a conspiracy, a betrayal, and it all devolves into a whole lot of drama that has nothing to do with the original plot.

What was Cochet doing here?

The only reason this even maintains a 3 rating was that strong intro and some interesting elements. Otherwise, the manner in which the story explodes into new territory without any context or direction from the original narrative would have me issuing warning flags. Such as DNF.

Do i recommend? Not really. Read if you’re a Cochet fan or want to complete the series.

Buy Link:

Love for the Reaper (The Elite Book 1)

The Elite Multi-Author series (9 Books):

✓ Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters

✓ Leave No Trace by Michelle Frost and Sammi Cee

✓ Ace of Maids by K.L. Hiers (DNF)

✓ Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody❤️

✓ Liar’s Gambit by Kelly Fox❤️

✓ Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King ❤️

✓ Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox❤️

✓ Love for the Reaper by Charlie Cochet

◦ Chance Encounter by Luna David

Description:

Devlin “Dev” Espinosa lives in the shadows of the criminal underworld. As a Ferryman, his job is to safely transport “the dead” to their new lives, no questions asked. With no one to answer to, lots of cash, and access to The Anonymous–an exclusive club for the elite–Dev is loving life.

Until Remy Corbin gets into his car.

Remy is just a regular guy working a regular bartending job. At least, that’s what he thought before walking in on his boss taking someone out. Witnessing the assassination paints a target on Remy’s back, and when the bullets fly, he jumps into a stranger’s car.

Dev has no intention of getting involved in Remy’s problems, but something about the guy brings out protective instincts Dev didn’t know he had. Going against his better judgment, Dev vows to keep Remy alive.

Can wild nights fueled by danger and explosive passion lead to more? Or will the hitman on their tail cut their romance–and lives–short?

Love for the Reaper is a part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are

Review: Full Throttle (Lights Out, #2) by Lisa Henry

Rating: 4.25 🌈

“Being an F1 driver is a crazy job but not what everyone expects. My year consists of 20% driving and 80% media, marketing, and travel.

-Daniel Ricciardo”

Full Throttle by Lisa Henry is our second fast paced, passionate romance in the multi author series, Lights Out.

In this series about Formula 1 racing, each author takes one racing team, a driver or two on that team , the international races in the series , and the dramatic events that occur during that season. We see it impacting on the various races , season team standings, the emotional reverberations on each driver, as well as the relationships that arise between men on the circuit.

In Full Throttle, Henry’s focus is on Bradley Racing. Sir Andrew Bradley a former F1 champion, his sons , the oldest, Malcolm, the current F1 team champion, and Lennox, the introverted son whose been racing in F2, but now has been called up by his father to be the team’s F1 reserve driver. This is a huge honor as well as an earned achievement for young drivers, a spot that Lennox is well aware he’s not exactly achieved but being given as the son of the wealthy owner. It’s a place that should have gone to his F2 teammate, Renzo.

It’s a sore spot that other drivers, as the infamous Karl Nuemann keeps reminding him, and others, loudly and often. In scenes to be repeated throughout the series.

Henry has given us a very relatable character in Lennox. Lennox is a soft spoken, insecure man, one with a father whose disappointment and indifference to his hopes for his future plans make him withdraw into himself further. There’s no outlet for Lennox, no one to confide with, even on his own truths about his sexuality.

Until a fist fight with Karl and a dropped koala bring him to the attention of Team PR mastermind, Connor Blake.

Henry’s cast of well rounded characters expands with the addition of Connor Blake, a man from Melbourne, with a ex boss and family who want him back in Australia where he’s beginning to feel like he needs to be. Connor ‘s circle comes with the ever so delicious Arlo Paddington, CEO of Hipe, his ex boss who wants him back. Every conversation, every get together is a delight! Same goes for Alexis, the acerbic , perfectly put together director of communications of Bradley Racing, a master of the wry look . Connor is in control of each situation, changing the direction of the narrative to fit the team’s needs, and goals. But not without a heart and informative mind guiding him.

Henry has multiple themes in play here. The troubled Blake family dynamics , team hierarchy dynamics where resentment is building over Andrew’s eagerness to push Lennox forward over other better qualified drivers, and finally, Lennox’ s closeted status.

Because being gay isn’t acceptable if you’re a F1 driver, and, from Lennox’s perspective, that’s one more strike against him in his own family where he’s kept his sexuality a secret.

The slowly building relationship between Lennox and Connor is full of hurdles, and while there’s racing elements, they don’t feel as massive an element as they did in Scott’s novel, Team Orders.

This feels more relationship and personality driven, and while we focus on the team building aspects of Team Bradley, and all the communication/PR that goes into a successful business, I wish we had more track time too.

The quotes from actual drivers at the beginning of each story give us insight into how the author is angling the focus. Here it’s the stresses and frustration of the of 80 percent of the sport as it’s seen through the life of Lennox and Connor, the PR man who’s a magician at handling this aspect of F1 racing.

A bonus was the epilogue, it didn’t extend too far beyond the end of the season, all the characters were comfortably included here.

I really enjoyed Full Throttle by Lisa Henry. The characters, relationships, family dynamics, were all well defined and realistically balanced against the frustrations and challenges that comes with racing at the F1 level right now.

I’m definitely recommending this story and the one that came before. This is turning into a very exciting series!

Lights Out:

✓ Team Orders by RJ Scott

✓ Full Throttle by Lisa Henry

◦ Pole Position by Charlie Novak 6/6

◦ Scoring Points by HL Day 6/13

◦ Black Flagged by Emma Jaye 6/20

◦ Rookie Mistakes by Beth Laycock 6/27/2023

Buy link:

Full Throttle

Description:

When Lennox and Connor race full throttle into a secret relationship, can they navigate the track, or will they crash and burn?

Lennox Bradley is Formula 1 royalty. His father was an F1 champion, and so is his brother, so expectations are high for Lennox’s debut season. But when he suffers a koala-related PR disaster at the Australian Grand Prix, he’s thrust into the media spotlight. For an introvert like Lennox, it’s a nightmare.

Connor Blake doesn’t know the first thing about Formula 1, but as communications manager for Bradley Racing, it’s his job to manage the fallout for Lennox. Except Lennox isn’t anything like the arrogant, shallow guy he’s expecting, and it gets harder and harder to deny the magnetism between them. When Connor and Lennox both have to choose what it is they really want for themselves, is there any room for a future together?

This M/M romance from Lisa Henry features a secret relationship, two guys who are bad at admitting their feelings, pining, and is set in the high octane world of Formula 1 featuring fast cars, driving at the limit, spectacular crashes, heated rivalries, and of course, a HEA.

Each book in the Lights Out collection is a standalone story, and the books can be read in any order.

From R.J. Scott’s Team Orders:

Racing Pride🌈

“Racing Pride The F1 calendar takes place in some countries hostile to those identifying as queer, and teams have sponsors who might not support a queer driver. As of April 2023, there is no openly out F1 driver.”

“Racing Pride is a new initiative embracing all elements within motorsport, and actively promoting, and supporting LGBTQ + participants in order to create some desperately needed role models for aspiring LGBTQ + participants in motorsport.

Find out more here: racingpride.com.”

— Team Orders (Lights Out Book 1) by RJ Scott

Review: Team Orders (Lights Out, #1) by R. J. Scott

Rating: 4.75 🌈

“If you no longer go for a gap that exists, then you’re no longer a racing driver.

-Ayrton Senna”

I’m so used to R. J. Scott’s outstanding hockey romances, that I was surprised to see her jump into the world of Formula 1 racing and do it so immaculately.

Lights Out is a multi author series that focuses on one racing season. Each author takes one racing team, a driver or two on that team , the international races in the series , and the dramatic events that occur during that season. We see it impacting on the various races , season team standings, the emotional reverberations on each driver, as well as the relationships that arise between men on the circuit.

Even if you’re not a fan or motor head, the descriptions within this story of the adrenaline rush, the sheer amount of intensity, the desire, the passion,the planning and execution behind the drivers and the racing that Scott delivers here is incredible. She writes as though F1 has been circulating in her bloodstream for decades, motor oil replacing the platelets driving her systems. It’s that excellent.

So are her characters. Each well crafted character a driver at a different level in their careers. One, Noah Fournier, who, along with his teammate and best friend, Augusto Romero, is at the highest level of his team and aiming to take the podium this season for Deacon-Graaf Formula 1 Racing team. The other, Archie Harris , is just entering F1 as a reserve driver after winning the F2 championship. He’s just beginning his F1 journey.

There’s another aspect to the series and each character in these stories. That they are closeted by necessity, because of their passion for racing, and the fact that the companies and teams that are involved in the sport have sponsors and race in countries where any sexuality other than heterosexuality is not allowed. Some races are held in places where it’s punishable by jail or death. In reality there’s no out driver In Formula 1 today. So for any LGBTQIA+ driver, they must, for their career, stay silent and closeted about who they love if they want to race.

Scott layers that stress , indecision, inner turmoil and frustration, and fears into her characters personalities and emotions as they battle through the struggles of the team dynamics.

Outside of this structure, Noah is someone I’d would have perceived as an ill mannered, unlikable person at first. A bit of a jerk. However, put Noah within the tight constraints and emotional contexts of this sport, and he comes across as a man under unbelievable pressure. Someone who’s never been able to have a lover, or deep foundation other than his friend Augusto. And when that’s removed in the most frightening way, it makes Noah fragile, then angry.

Scott makes him relatable in all his various states of mind and heart.

Archie is just as complicated as Noah but in an opposite sense. He’s fighting for his right to be in F1, feeling a need to be his true self while realizing and being told by Noah, and others that to succeed, he’s to continue to hide, and concentrate on his driving, the team’s pursuit of the win being the goal, not his individual pursuit of the podium. His brilliance is being rewarded with orders to step aside.

It’s all extremely well plotted, richly told, exciting, and believable. The high speed action is intense, the racing breathtaking, the danger heart stopping, and the one excruciating accident on the track that will have you holding your breath is an event that is one mentioned in every book.

If I had a small quibble, it’s that it is tied up too quickly. There’s a final race, then an epilogue years later. I would have loved to have had more depth and exposition to that section of the story before the epilogue because of how fantastic the narrative was that came prior to it. It just doesn’t live up to its layered nature.

However, Team Orders (Lights Out, #1) by R. J. Scott is a fabulous novel. Scott takes the podium in her first season as a F1 writer and I’m highly impressed with the plot, the characters, and the depth of the world of F1 racing we become a part of.

I’m also impressed with her use of and ability to let her readers know that, like other sports, F1 racing, is trying to be more inclusive.

Please see below.

Racing Pride🌈

“Racing Pride The F1 calendar takes place in some countries hostile to those identifying as queer, and teams have sponsors who might not support a queer driver. As of April 2023, there is no openly out F1 driver.”

“Racing Pride is a new initiative embracing all elements within motorsport, and actively promoting, and supporting LGBTQ + participants in order to create some desperately needed role models for aspiring LGBTQ + participants in motorsport.

Find out more here: racingpride.com.”

— Team Orders (Lights Out Book 1) by RJ Scott

Lights Out:

✓ Team Orders by RJ Scott

✓ Full Throttle by Lisa Henry

◦ Pole Position by Charlie Novak 6/6

◦ Scoring Points by HL Day 6/13

◦ Black Flagged by Emma Jaye 6/20

◦ Rookie Mistakes by Beth Laycock 6/27/2023

Buy Link:

Team Orders (Lights Out Book 1)

When tragedy strikes and team orders are called for, will Archie and Noah’s love survive the fallout?

Noah is devastated when his best friend is badly hurt in a fiery crash, and shocked when the team’s rookie steps up to take Augusto’s place. Not only is Archie inexperienced on the track, but he’s a threat to Noah’s heart when giving in to lust and passion could only end badly. Caught in the chaos of Formula 1, and despite being terrified of losing everything, Noah falls for Archie one passionate but secret moment at a time.

In his rookie F1 season as Deacon-Graaf’s reserve driver, Archie is called up to cover for an injured driver. He’s determined to earn a permanent place in a team, but for now he’s thrilled that he’s driving alongside his idol, Noah. Falling for his teammate is as simple as breathing, but their romance threatens to expose them to a media frenzy, leaving Archie facing a stark choice — love or career.

This M/M romance from RJ Scott features teammates, a secret affair, hurt/comfort, and is set in the high octane world of Formula 1 featuring fast cars, driving at the limit, spectacular crashes, heated rivalries, and of course, a HEA.

Please note, ‘Team Orders’ contains details of a serious motorsport accident and subsequent fire.

Each book in the Lights Out collection is a standalone story, and the books can be read in any order.

Review: They Call Him Levity (Welcome Boulevard, #1) by Davidson King

Rating: 4🌈

I enjoyed They Call Him Levity (Welcome Boulevard, #1) by Davidson King. I thought King’s characters were all very well defined, given fully fleshed out personalities and lives.

It didn’t matter whether the character was crime boss Salvatore Grillo, or the professional beggars Levity, Clove and Muse with their poverty level lives and realistic low expectations for their future, or the endearing Jaquelyn, Sal’s on the spectrum younger step sister. Each one felt real, and grounded in a real life vision of the world.

The romance as it develops between Levity and Sal is sweet and feels genuine, despite the imbalance in their status and age. Somehow the author lessens that impact in their dynamic enough that it’s not the thing that matters.

Another positive is Sal’s relationship with his step sister, Jaquelyn. King wrote her as being a functioning on the spectrum individual but treated within her family as someone to be ashamed of because of her disability. We see Jaquelyn with her hobbies, her friends, as any 17 year old girl would have, even with a crush. The mistreatment here comes from a parent, which makes it also seem realistic, unfortunately.

My cons are with the aspect of Levity that deal with Sal’s father, Sal’s stepmother, their characters and that entire storyline.

While the others plot threads felt more full developed, the whole bit with the step mother came across as forced . She was already “hissing “ from the moment we met her. Everything else was perfectly transparent as to where the plot was headed next. It just needed more work.

The ending was lovely. And we get set up for Clove’s book to come.

If you like a sweet romance with a hint of gangster and suspense, Levity might be a good choice for you.

Welcome Boulevard:

✓ Levity #1

◦ Breathe My Name #2 – Clove’s story

Buy Link:

They Call Him Levity (Welcome Boulevard Book 1)

Description:

Levity works the streets of Welcome Boulevard, begging people for money. It keeps food in his belly, a leaky roof over his head, and he gets to do it with his best friend, Clove. No, it’s not the ideal life, but he does what he must to survive.

Salvatore Grillo is a man who is used to getting what he wants. He’s a loyal brother to his autistic sister, runs numerous business empires, and knows how to make people to bend to his will. It’s not often someone comes along and shakes things up. And then Levity smiles at him.

Levity’s idea to pull in more money draws Salvatore’s attention, and while being the focus of a crime boss should be terrifying, Levity is intrigued by the man. Not to mention, Sal is as gorgeous as he is powerful. The two gravitate toward one another and soon are wrapped up tightly in each other’s worlds. When enemies try to break through their doors and their lives, Salvatore has to do everything in his power to save not just himself but Levity too.

Not knowing who is behind all the chaos or when they will strike makes their happily ever after almost impossible. Time’s running out for Sal and Levity. Will they survive, or will their story end before it’s even begun?

Review: Bullets & Butterflies (The Elite) by Maz Maddox

Rating: 4.5🌈

One of the real delights of having a series written by multiple authors is that the reader can get a great depth in differences in the depiction of the central location , and variety in how the series theme is presented through the many different characters and plots.

In Bullets & Butterflies (The Elite) by Maz Maddox, we are transported into the inner workings of The Menagerie Hotel, home to unsavory club, The Anonymous , right in the heart of the city known as Old Defiance.

The reader has always been a guest at the club, along with whatever criminal character(s) that particular author has created for their storyline. But here , with Maddox, we go behind the doors, to the Hotel’s/club’s infirmary, where the assassins, thieves, wet-workers, and other nefarious members who need “patching up” come to get medical care.

Dr. Liam Bexley has been the doctor for The Anonymous’ clientele for years, trodding its blood red carpet and sticking by his rules of non engagement with his notorious patients.

Even the patient is the attractive and flirtatious hitman Francisco Delgado.

Maddox brings us into the seamier aspect , if that’s even possible, of an already dark and dangerous world with two jaded men, deeply seated within this environment. Liam’s constantly aware of his patients deadly professional side, as well as their often murderous skill sets. They end up on his table, needing everything from emergency surgery to simple stitches.

Liam’s such a complex man, wry, jaded, accepting of his status and lifestyle that includes healing criminals, yet somehow he manages to hide his own tender heart. I so enjoyed listening to his grumpy doctor’s interior monologue.

Francisco Delgado, or Cisco as he’s called, is a different character. Handsome, charismatic, he’s a member of the Courtesan Guild of assassins. The other group being The Sheath Guild.

Maddox builds a marvelous tale of intrigue, betrayal, suspense, murder and , a rising love among falling bodies.

If a have a quibble, it’s that I wanted to know more about each Guild, especially The Courtesan Guild, how it operates and the history behind it. And I wanted to know how each man came into each moment that they chose to be both a doctor at The Anonymous and an assassin .

Each story would be a remarkable story itself.

Together, Cisco and Liam make a sexy, darkly compelling couple. More of them pls.

I highly recommend their story and hope Maddox finds the time to explore their future together.

Buy Link:

Bullets & Butterflies (The Elite Book 1)

The Elite Multi-Author series (9 Books):

✓ Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters

✓ Leave No Trace by Michelle Frost and Sammi Cee

✓ Ace of Maids by K.L. Hiers (DNF)

✓ Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody❤️

✓ Liar’s Gambit by Kelly Fox❤️

✓ Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King ❤️

✓ Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox

◦ Love for the Reaper by Charlie Cochet

◦ Chance Encounter by Luna David

Description:

As the on-call doctor for a club that caters to assassins, Liam Bexley has learned to set some strict boundaries:

Never ask questions about their work.

Always stay professional.

And never, ever date a client.

Easy rules to follow, and ones that Liam takes very seriously. Being lonely and boring is a small price to pay to keep trained killers out of his personal life.

In one chance encounter with the handsome hitman Francisco Delgado, Liam’s routine and existence is completely altered.

Pulled into the insanity of rival assassin guilds and a high profile death, Liam is suddenly stuck eluding danger at every turn with a man he has no business fraternizing with.

Even if he is interesting.

And really hot.

And covered in tattoos.

Liam may have to rethink those boundaries…

Bullets & Butterflies is part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.