Category: M/M Fiction

Review: The Waiting Game: An M/M Hockey Romance (Relationship Goals Book 3) by Brigham Vaughn

Rating: 4🌈

“Fisher Cats’ Hale and Brewer Engaged: College Sweethearts or Fake Relationship?”

Faked engagement, best friends to lovers , bi-sexual awakening, hurt/comfort m/m hockey contemporary romance time! That’s a lot of tropes for a novel, and it’s not even close to covering the best elements that Vaughn includes in The Waiting Game.

This is the third in Brigham Vaughn’s Relationship Goals series, and I really enjoyed the two previous stories.

The Waiting Game has some great elements woven into its characters and narrative as well as some things I found a bit problematic.

Let’s dive into the positive aspects of this story first.

Korean Canadian history and culture that’s been used for the background and creation of Jonah Brewer , a Canadian Korean hockey player with a strong sense of community and a heartwarming grandmother who’s a great central figure in the novel. From the Korean food his grandmother, Jonah and Felix fix, to the house and gardens that mean home, the Korean culture is well established within the storyline.

Next is the story thread of Felix’s drunk driving, his temporary suspension from the team, and his ongoing treatment for alcoholism. Vaughn’s created in Felix a man still very much in the beginning stages of his recovery. This is Felix dealing with his sobriety and his alcoholism by going to his AA meetings, making those calls to his sponsor, Ismael, when he needs help, and generally within Felix’s storyline, making his journey as realistic as possible. His stress, fears, and doubts are all understandable.

Jonah too has some huge emotional baggage. His parents died in a plane crash when he was young and his life was uprooted from one culture to another. Loss upon loss. That deep seated fear of losing loved ones comes through, especially with his relationship with his remarkable Grandma Ji-min. The author’s making use of the three of them as the heart of this book is a great decision because as a family unit they are the best aspect of the story.

Now to the next part, the issues. It’s the romance that I feel wasn’t working as well. At least for about 20% of the book. From the 45 percent to about 65 percentage or over, where there’s almost no communication between them about what is happening between them, the book would have lost me except for Grandma Ji-min.

It was a great framework and friendship up to that point. Then fake engagement which was strange the way it was handled. Then more avoidance about talking. Then finally exploring new bisexuality and going forward at around 70 or so percent. When the romance felt grounded and believable.

There was, naturally, a several dramatic elements towards the end, and then moments to pull everything back together. That was terrific , and some of it was very moving.

But for me, that large passage of non communication almost derailed it. Which was a shame because, as I said, there’s so much that’s absolutely wonderful here.

The Waiting Game is a good book in the series, although not my favorite. I’m recommending it and it’s great to see diverse representations in hockey .

Great cover.

Relationship Goals:

✓ The Husband Game #1

✓ The Head Game #2

✓ The Waiting Game #3

◦ The Home Game #4 – June 2024

Buy link

The Waiting Game: An M/M Hockey Romance (Relationship Goals Book 3)

Blurb:

Fisher Cats’ Hale and Brewer Engaged: College Sweethearts or Fake Relationship?

On the eve of their first playoff game this post-season, the Toronto Fisher Cats organization sent out a press release announcing the engagement of their top D-pair.

The release insinuates the childhood friends may have been involved as far back as college and makes it clear the front office supports the relationship. “We are confident that such a longstanding relationship will be nothing but beneficial to Felix in his recovery.”

Reactions are mixed.

An anonymous inside source stated, “Legit? No way. This whole thing’s a PR stunt to soften the public’s perception of Hale.”

One fan commented, “Hale & Brewer have always been so adorable together! It’s great they finally feel comfortable being out about their relationship!”

While many fans are similarly supportive, others speculate that the announcement is tied to the Cats’ shaky play of late. “We all know they’re not gonna make it past the first round,” one fan stated. “It’s just an attempt to distract from how weak the team is.”

Adding fuel to the controversy, Hale shared an image of the players naked in bed together and captioned, “Pre-game nap with Jonah before we take on the Montreal Lynx. Go, Cats!”

PR stunt or happily engaged couple? Only time will tell.

TRIGGER WARNING: Frank discussion of alcoholism, past death of parents, and emotionally neglectful parents.

Review: How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu and Profit : Bone 2 (How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy Book 8) by A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 4.5🌈

Need a smile? A absolutely feel happy to the , well , bones , reading experience? Look no further than A. J. Sherwood’s latest serialized book, How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu and Profit : Bone 2 (How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy.

Now on chapter 8, the epic adventure is really about to start, especially since Tan, his necromancer brother Niran, and Devan, have accepted that their tiny charges, the powerful budding sorcerers-in-training, Lesia and Zi Rui, are coming with them.

That together, with a chatty sentient dragon skull, Steve, in search of his bone body. And barbarians everywhere! And it’s fabulous and funny! With fireballs.

And always over way too soon. But that’s the way of serialized fiction. It’s a quick, addictive tasty morsel that leaves you happy with the bite you had and wanting more. As this one does.

Bring on chapter 9!!!!

Love these covers.

💥How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy-6 books

💥How Tan Acquired an Apprentice

💥How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit

Bone

Buy Link

How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu and Profit : Bone 2 (How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy Book 8)

Blurb:

Ribs located! Penalty activated if you refuse. Proceed with quest? (YES) (no)

Devan: But the ribs are in the middle of a barbarian village.

Tan: Historically speaking, fireball would fix–

Niran: Charred bone. No.

Devan: Time to do this the hard way.

Tags: BoooOOOooones, trekking through barbarian lands to find dragon bones is not as fun as it sounds, they marrowly escape, yes all the bad bone puns, Niran can’t help himself, dragon ribs are big, Niran has more bones in his workshop than a collector, whole story is just mindless violence and fluff, and fireballs

• Publisher: (March 1, 2024)

• Publication date: March 1, 2024

• Print length: 58 pages

Review: Prince of Agony (Perilous Courts Book 6) by Tavia Lark

Rating: 4.5🌈

Prince of Agony ends Tavia Lark’s wonderful Perilous Courts fantasy series. It’s been a dark journey through several Kingdoms and different characters and couples to arrive at our final dark romance.

The Prince of Agony is House Dire’s Prince Kazia. It’s fitting that Lark is circling back to the beginning, Kingdom of Draskora , the Kingdom that produced the assassin Whisper (Prince and Assassin #1), has Scalestone the necessary mineral upon which their magic and the dragons cannot exist without.

Kazia has been an enigmatic peripheral character in the previous books that featured his family and Kingdom. But even in the smallest of scenes, Kazia, long purple hair, small stature, and with a bitter personality and conversation that matches that of the finest blade, took over.

He was a mysterious figure waiting to be revealed. Which Lark does in the most painful, dark way. This element contains on page parental physical abuse to the point of torture. So if this is a trigger, you will know that leading up should you want to read ahead.

It’s an important part of his life and character. And his treatment and the reason why he endures it , and circles back to another person and storyline. This was a great aspect of Prince of Agony and I can’t help but wish it had been explored further.

I thought that about so many different threads here that there easily could have been two more books in this series instead of this being the finale.

Lucien Vaire, and his own storyline was another one I both wanted more than what we had here. His well developed relationship and role in our understanding of Kazia’s tormented history is a remarkable part of this book. I wish we had more of his magical abilities than we do. To only bring them in at the dramatic climax is to shortchange his character. The other aspect which could have done more with, especially considering its powerful nature of bonding and the increased intensity to them as a unit, is the dragon herself. She is glorious. She’s a novel.

As it’s a finale book, all the couples from the previous books make their appearances. It’s good to see them together again and interacting with each other. Especially Whisper, who’s not only my favorite character but his storyline and book have remained my favorite of this series. His complicated, intense backstory with the Hounds , an infamous group of assassins, gets a resolution of sorts here as well.

I also have thought about that element of Whisper’s life as one of the greatest aspects and most compelling things that Lark created for the series. I only wish that it could have been explored more thoroughly. Even through its own series perhaps.

Prince of Agony (Perilous Courts Book 6) by Tavia Lark ties up most of the important storylines and gives all its characters a great ending. The Kingdoms are certainly better off than when we first encountered them.

I definitely enjoyed this series. I have my favorites and Prince of Agony gave it a good send off. It’s a definite must for fantasy lovers.

Perilous Courts:

Prince and Assassin #1

Prince in Disguise #2

Prince and Pawn #3)

Prince and Bodyguard #4)

Prince and Betrothed #5

Prince of Agony #6 – finale

Buy Link:

Prince of Agony (Perilous Courts Book 6)

Blurb:

The price of Kazia’s power is pain.

Prince Kazia Dire isn’t nice. Being nice lets people close. Letting people close risks revealing Kazia’s greatest secret—the power that condemns him to a lifetime of abuse.

Until opportunity appears in the form of a captive enemy mage.

Following a dragon across the border lands Lucien Vaire in chains, and matters only get worse from there. Lucien has hated House Dire since the last war. Now, he’s under the notorious brat prince’s direct control.

Yet beneath Kazia’s vicious mask, Lucien senses desperate vulnerability.

Painful experience has taught Kazia to fear mages. He needs to keep Lucien at a distance even as he uses Lucien’s talents. But that distance narrows with each careful kindness. Each accidental touch. Lucien acts more like a protector than a prisoner, and Kazia is tempted by the dangerous sweetness of trust.

But Lucien is still a mage, and Kazia is still broken. And Kazia’s cruel parents may still destroy them both.

Prince of Agony is a high fantasy gay romance, featuring captivity, hurt/comfort, and enemies hiding in a linen closet together. This is the final book in the Perilous Courts series, which is best enjoyed in order.

• Publisher: (February 28, 2024)

• Publication date: February 28, 2024

• Print length: 295 pages

Content Notes: This book includes captivity, coercive magic, physical abuse, and references to past child abuse. The abuse is not between the two protagonists. There’s also an age gap, but that’s really the least of their problems.

Review: The Revenge Agenda (Accidental Love Book 3) by Saxon James

Rating: 4.75🌈

I’m such a fan of Saxon James’ Accidental Love series. It’s centered around an old Victorian, Big Boned Bertha, and the found family of young men from disparate, often painful backgrounds that call her home.

Each roommate has slowly been finding their partner, either within the house or outside of it, experiencing and finding love with the support of their “adopted family”. It’s been great and certainly different paths for each one.

Now it’s Rush’s turn. Rush who was the first to move into Bertha, Rush who was the first of Aggie’s boys, the woman who stood in for family for Rush, and then the others. Rush who’s ADHD and how he approaches it is so much a part of both his personality and the storyline.

James’ has written a lengthy Authors note about writing sensitively about a neurodivergent character with diagnosed ADHD and Rush’s approach to medication and ADHD. I think James has done a wonderful job with Rush, especially as an individual making his own choices. Rush always comes across as a believable person, coping, messy, sexy, brave, confident, confused,all the feelings and fears. We connect with him and invest in him. Rush is amazing.

Hunter, the ex-fiancé whose world,along with Rush’s, is crushed in one night. He is a man of layers. James exceeds my expectations with Hunter. He could have been so easily a formula character. But instead, Hunter is one of a man whose personality opens up, revealing depths of vulnerability, acceptance , and generosity. As their relationship develops, the true nature of Hunter’s character that James has created starts to evolve, weaving powerfully into his and their storyline. I love him and them.

My only quibbles go back to the beginning. Whereas James has a long explanatory note about writing neurodivergent characters, there’s exactly a four word note on triggers connected to a SA and violence. That’s about a on-page event concerning a main character.

I think enough readers will see it coming so they can, if they choose, skip over this part of the story. It’s short but emotionally, realistically played out. Should an author say more about a plot point in a story when it involves a trigger? This is a question that’s very relevant and in discussion.

The Revenge Agenda (Accidental Love Book 3) by Saxon James is a fantastic read. It’s got compelling characters, an engaging story, and a satisfying ending. Big Bones Bertha has given us another great romance.

We still have another novel to come.

I’m highly recommending this and the series. Please do read the notes. It’s something I recommend no matter what the author’s subject, but in this case it’s about one of the characters and TWs.

Accidental Love series:

✓ The Husband Hoax #1

✓ Not Dating Material #2

✓ The Revenge Agenda #3

Buy Link:

The Revenge Agenda (Accidental Love Book 3)

Blurb

Rush

When I show up to surprise my boyfriend in a barely-there festive outfit, I’m expecting him to be alone.

Not hosting family.

His fiancé’s family.

Down one boyfriend and up a lot of embarrassment, I flee with my tail between my legs. The broken heart will fade. My humiliation, not so much, but my saving grace is the fact that I never have to see either of them ever, ever again.

Until I walk into work and come face to face with my new boss.

Hunter

I never, in a million years, would have guessed the man hiding under his desk at work would be the one person I hoped to never see again.

My ex-fiancé’s side piece.

Apparently I can’t fire the guy because of personal issues, so I try to play nice, which is a whole lot harder to do when I find out my ex is still texting Rush. The same ex I haven’t heard from since I walked out on his begging.

Rush tells me he didn’t know about me. He tells me there were others. He also tells me our ex still wants him and so, we come up with a plan. To show him what it feels like when you want someone who doesn’t want you back.

All we need is a camera. His number. And one shared kiss.

Revenge has never been sweeter.

• Publisher: May Books (February 28, 2024)

• Publication date: February 28, 2024

• Print length: 284 pages

Review: Falling For Raine: MM Age-Gap Romance by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Lane Hayes has written an absolutely engaging, tug at your heart romance with Falling For Raine. It’s all age gap, opposites attract relationship with a grumbling, closed off older(and very wealthy) man whose life is utterly shattered, by choice, by a sunny, brave hearted, extroverted younger man.

And yes, it’s a popular trope but Hayes takes it and makes it her own with great characterizations, wonderful locations, and a fast paced plot. But it’s really that Hayes gives the reader a sense of the real emotion that’s occurring here, a feel for the real intimacy and chemistry happening between the men so we get the tug they’re unable to resist.

And that starts immediately. So sexy and funny. Raine, the younger American, and Graham, the older British businessmen, just run the gamut of emotions here throughout the book and it’s wonderful to be a part of. Hilarious, heart stopping sensual, poignant, heartbreaking memories, and back to slapstick comedy. It’s a fabulous rollercoaster of romance between two men we will come to care about greatly.

What others might disagree with but I thought was very reasonable and business based, was the storyline with the person who is considered the “villain”. There was major character growth and moving forward instead of an unrealistic narrative ending. I appreciate that .

There’s some areas I wish the author had explored more fully. That of Julia’s character and her own elements here. I do have a small hope for this couple to get a couple of sequels shorts. One for a wedding! Viva, Wedding! And one for them to visit Raine’s friends in WeHo. Graham in WeHo would be hilariously wonderful and oddly fitting.

Falling For Raine: MM Age-Gap Romance by Lane Hayes is a romantic journey I loved being on from beginning to the end of this book, and the start of something wonderful for Raine and Graham. I truly hope to see them both again.

Until then I’m highly recommending this to all lovers of contemporary romance and if you’re not a fan of Lane Hayes, this book is going to make you one.

Buy Link:

Falling For Raine: MM Age-Gap Romance9Kindle Edition$0.00or $4.99 to buy

Blurb:

The gentleman, the hot mess, and a little British adventure…

Raine

Moving to London is scary and daunting, but I desperately need this new job–and a redo. Okay, so I may have oversold my qualifications. That shouldn’t be a big deal, though. I mean, being an assistant’s assistant seems easy enough, and I’m a fast learner.

Except…I’m already in over my head with spreadsheets, new pronunciations, and temperamental appliances. And just as I’m mentally preparing to face going home early, the big boss offers me an opportunity I can’t refuse. And I definitely should because Graham Horsham is an infuriating, complicated grumpy bear with a razor-sharp tongue, a wickedly dry sense of humor, and…I like him far too much.

Help!

Graham

I’ve been bamboozled. I’m not quite sure how I ended up with an assistant who spills coffee daily, wears wrinkled shirts, and chatters nonstop. He can’t stay, but I don’t want him to go either. That isn’t like me.

And the timing couldn’t be worse. The Horsham Group is about to close one of our biggest deals ever, and I won’t jeopardize it. This one is personal.

Yet so is Raine.

He’s a breath of fresh air—silly, impetuous, lighthearted, good-natured, and…quite lovely. I like him more than I want to admit.

But not to worry…I will not, under any circumstances, fall for Raine.

Falling for Raine is an MM, age-gap romance featuring a British gentleman, a desperate but adorable American, and a UK adventure!

• Publisher: (February 27, 2024)

• Publication date: February 27, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 1192 KB

• Print length: 219 pages

Review: Miracle (Single Dads Book 7) by R.J. Scott

Rating: 3.5🌈

Miracle marks the end of R.J. Scott’s Single Dad’s series, a group of loosely related stories about single fathers and their journey to a romantic relationship and family life.

This finale novel is definitely more of a standalone story than some of the books earlier on in this series. Then those books were adhering to the series theme, see below:

“Introducing the single dads of La Jolla, and the first responders they fall in love with.

From surrogacy to adoption and everything in between, this series of books follows the highs and lows of being a single father.

For these men finding love might seem impossible but sometimes it’s as easy as meeting the doctor next door, finding the firefighter who makes you feel beautiful, or learning that a cop can be trusted to keep you safe.”

But that’s been left behind by Listen Book 5 as the main characters have other professions as careers and different types of issues to work through.

There’s several main themes or narrative components to Miracle, only two of which are well developed. The main characters, Jax and Arlo work together in Jax’s construction business. Both are secretly in love with each other but are unable to approach each other about their feelings, even though they’ve known each other for a long period of time.

Jax has a complicated past. He’s adopted (great adopted family) but he’s a twin and has hunted for that twin since he found out about his existence. Arlo has raised his siblings since the unexpected death of his parents, giving up his own dreams to help them grow up and achieve their own.

Those are two great storylines by themselves. And Scott’s narrative dives deep to explore the emotional layers that exist within a person who is still dealing with issues of grief, loss, frustration over the past, and acknowledging that the change of dreams for oneself that happens when you devote your own life to your family. This is where the book and characters feel grounded and believable. Each man and their respective families feel real.

The pathway to a romantic relationship is a tad frustrating for me as I value communication highly, especially between adults and adults who have a long history with each other, in the books I’m reading. When there’s excessive dithering of the “tell him you care, he doesn’t care, yes , he does “ variety, then it’s hard to go forward.

Luckily, Scott throws in a third element here to push the reader through. That’s the appearance of Zach’s baby , Jax’s missing twin brother little boy. The little baby is adorable and he’s the glue that pulls the main characters together and, honestly, the story as a whole. But he’s also part of the story’s issues. Or his father is.

Because the entire “Zach is the father” aspect of the story is just a mere mention here and there. A throwaway line or two, along with the mysterious Kai, his partner. What we do know is that they leave the baby’s status legally in a shaky state. It never stated who is the actual guardian, who has rights to this child. Zach pops in, and out. The baby calls Arlo and Jax papa and Daddy both as they are his stable home figures but also as Zach wants his enemies to think they are his parents. It’s never said that they are now legally so because Jax couldn’t go on record about how he got him.

This entire thread is just needs more context, or thought, or something. And it leaves me feeling as though it was intentionally vaguely written because the author has a new series out and Zack and Kai’s story is book 3. So this narrative was left with holes to lead towards that one. A formula I can do without.

To wrap up, Miracle (Single Dads Book 7) by R.J. Scott has some good heartwarming elements to it as the finale book. The main characters get a lovely romance that includes a baby and meshing of two families. However, there’s an odd other aspect to this with a mysterious twin brother and his partner that really doesn’t work. It feels exactly what it is, a preview for a new series and story to come instead of a well developed part of this book.

Single Dads:

Single #1

Today #2

Promise #3

Always #4

Listen #5

Pride #6

Miracle #7 – finale

Buy link

Miracle (Single Dads Book 7)

Blurb:

An abandoned baby, a poignant note from his long-lost twin, and unexpectedly, Jax’s world is turned upside down.

Despite being adopted by a loving family when he was a child, Jax feels part of his life is missing, and driven by dreams of his brother being in danger, Jax is consumed by his search for his biological twin. Shocked to find a surprise delivery on his doorstep, Jax discovers that not only is he an uncle, but apparently, he’s a legal guardian to baby Charlie. He calls on the unwavering support of his friends and family to solve the mystery surrounding the new arrival, but also finds help from an unexpected source — Arlo, the enigmatic bear of a man who works for him.

Arlo is no stranger to caring. When his parents passed, he dropped out of college to care for his siblings, working construction to pay the bills. With his brothers grown and having left home, it’s Arlo’s turn to live, but when the next stage of his life means owning up to his love for Jax, he can’t find the words to be honest about how he feels. The problem for Arlo is that he’s been in unrequited love with his boss for three years and can’t bear to not be part of his life. Is it too much to wish for a miracle to make Jax fall for him too?

• Publisher: Love Lane Books Ltd; 1st edition (December 22, 2023)

• Publication date: December 22, 2023

• Print length: 302 pages

Zack and Kai’s book (#3) is found in the new series,

Review: Midnight Riff: The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 by Lynn Michaels

Rating: 2.75🌈

Midnight Riff (great title) is another story in the multi author collection, The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023. Written by Lynn Michaels, it’s a follow up to a book published in 2022, Midnight Reunion-Road to Rocktoberfest 2022. I’m not sure if reading that would have helped understanding the characters or dynamics in play here, but for me, something more than what was written was needed to make this work.

Primarily, the main issue is the character of Wolf and his troubled romance with the lawyer Harrison. That’s the drama that the story opens up with.

For me to stay invested in a book and whatever themes the author has planned for their characters, I have to like or at least find in them something worth exploring. A big flag is a main character whose personality is that of a narcissistic personality, or one that borders on it. Especially if the author asks us to commit to him as a main character and not as a protagonist.

But as with Wolf, the rockstar we meet. It’s immediately clear, he’s a clueless , self involved personality. One, that admittedly, isn’t interested in what’s going on emotionally or even, at the most superficial level, in what happened with the man , Harrison, who’s is/was a relationship with him.

He acts like a child while telling everyone he’s finally acting like an adult. And continues with this behavior for chapters.

Moreover , when the author’s narrative involves him putting the blame on the other person or persons , the lack of introspection is astonishing. The use of personality traits such as these in a main character, especially when it’s not seen as being avoidance tactics, or other self absorbed behaviors, and then include a another main character with a lackluster personality that feels just sad.

“I couldn’t believe it. I stood there staring at the hotel door, unable to internalize what happened. Sure, Harrison had complained before, but he’d never left. Why would he do that?”

— Midnight Riff: The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 by Lynn Michaels

That’s Wolf. The rockstar with not a thought about the person he’s been having an affair with, not a clue as to how that person has been feeling. Or even who that man really is. Wolf’s not certain if he cares to make an effort. Even as he whines about Harrison being it for him.

That’s the story and relationship. It’s all Wolf , indecisive, self involved, all the time. While Harrison keeps coming back for more punishment in the form of “do you know what you want, is it me?” Sort of stuff. And he’s supposed to be a great lawyer. Not believable.

I couldn’t actually finish. Came close though. But this type of character, relationship, and plot just isn’t something I wish to invest my time in.

Perhaps it’s something someone else might, someone who read and liked the previous book. I’ll leave that up to you.

The Road to Rocktoberfest-12 books

✓ Rocking Karma by Kage Harper

◦ Axe to Grind by Gabbi Grey

◦ Key Change by Ari McKay

◦ More Than October by Blake Allwood

◦ Faded Dreams by BL Maxwell

✓ Midnight Riff by Lynn Michaels

◦ Damaged Saints by Layla Dorine

✓ Music & Dreams by JP Sayles

◦ Seltzer’s Taylor: Embrace the Fear book 3 by TL Travis

◦ Loose Strings by Christie Gordon

◦ Killer Notes by CJ Barlowe

Buy Link

Midnight Riff: The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023

Blurb:

Rocktoberfest 2023 was coming, bringing either romance or chaos to Midnight Hunt

Wolf thought everything was going fine with the sexy entertainment lawyer, Harrison. Just because he used to date his bandmate didn’t mean they couldn’t rock it out. But Harrison seemed to be tired of all his hijinks.

Harrison wanted a serious relationship, and he thought Wolf could be ‘the one’ but something wasn’t working, and chasing his man across the country and back was wearing him out.

Get ready for a rockstar rendezvous romance! It’s a back-and-forth will they/won’t they filled with music and a killer rock festival!

Midnight Riff is a follow-up to Midnight Reunion, The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022.

Midnight Riff is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage next? Hot rockstars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for. Kick back, load up your kindle and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!

• Publisher: Blue Eyed Dreams, LLC (October 24, 2023)

• Publication date: October 24, 2023

• Print length: 176 pages

Review: Scene Queen (The Court Book 2) by Charlie Novak

Rating: 4.5🌈

Eva Nessence

“If they ever put me on trial for murder, the temptation to burst into a rendition of ‘The Cell Block Tango’ from Chicago would be impossible to resist.”

So begins the wonderful Scene Queen , the second book in The Court series by Charlie Novak, about a fabulous group of drag queens.

Scene Queen is Eva Nessence, goth drag queen: she/ her in drag, he/ him out of it. In fact he’s Evan, overworked paramedic, babysitter to his sister’s kids, and generally stressed out over trying to make all the areas of his life work.

Novak’s Evan has so many layers to his personality, all of them making him vulnerable, emotionally relatable, and a character that the reader can invest in. He grows so strong through his relationships in this book, not just with the one he starts with his neighbor, Rhys, but also with his other queens. It’s a great journey to go along with.

Rhys, marathoner, pole dance instructor, with a twin brother who he’s always been attached to, until his brother found love. Now he’s lonely, a bit lost, and, with the complex nature of character Novak gifted him with, looking for trouble next door.

I admit it took a chapter or two for me to realize what the author was doing and really commit to the type of journey these men were going to take. But the author invited us into their heads and the emotional connections they were making with each other, and I was hooked.

Add to Evan and Rhys’ evolving (and very sexual) relationship, there’s the wonderful dynamics of the different queens of the Court and how they support Eva and her man. It’s sassy, warm-hearted realness served up in high heels and glam.

I love this book and its entire cast of characters. Somehow I missed the first and will grab it up while waiting for Baby Queen to be released. I’m highly recommending you read this and do the same.

The Court:

◦ Drama Queen #1

✓ Scene Queen #2

◦ Baby Queen #3 – May 23,2024

Buy link

Scene Queen (The Court)

blurb

Note to self: just because he’s hot and funny doesn’t change the fact he’s annoying AF.

Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn’t on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste.

It was only supposed to be a one time thing, but now Rhys seems determined to charm his way into my world. And when he gets his nose broken at a rock concert, I’m the one who comes to his rescue.

But there’s no time in my life for a relationship. Juggling drag, a paramedic career, and helping with my sister’s kids has already pushed me close to burnout, and I’m walking a fine line between survival and exhaustion.

I’ve always been the one helping everyone else and I can’t remember the last time I put myself first.

Maybe it’s time to cause a scene and go after the thing I really want: a chance with the sparkling man next door who has terrible taste in music.

• Notes:

• Publisher: (February 22, 2024)

• Publication date: February 22, 2024

• Print length: 289 pages

Review: Ghostly Hostage (Ghostly Book 6) by E M Laya

Rating: 4.5🌈

Ghostly Hostage is an excellent example of a series can continue to grow and expand its universe and make narrative choices that are both exciting and challenging.

In Ghostly Hostage, our main couple has just finished their much needed vacation abroad a cruise. They’ve also decided to move into Lance’s house together. All big plans and steps forward in their relationship.

But immediately they and this story is plunged into a hostage situation.

Usually it’s Homicide Detective Angus whose life is placed in jeopardy. But here, instead, it’s the morgue with all its employees we’ve gotten to know and become fond of who are in eminent danger.

Laya makes the situation even more complicated by placing at its center a case and the people holding them at gunpoint, people we will understand and empathize with. It’s a horrible situation but at its heart is something far worse. A dead child who may have been murdered.

The author switches the perspective back and forth between the increasingly tense hostage situation and those outside the morgue hoping for answers, amplifying the suspense and the anxiety scene by scene. Even as the emotional component is realistically raised by those inside and out, with people crumbling under the stress, Laya remembers this is a police procedural that includes stalling by the hospital, warrants, and long hours of believable research. Even when there’s ghosts involved.

And there’s plenty of ghosts involved here. Including new ones. They flow seamlessly into the investigation in increasingly familiar but complex ways. And it adds to the paranormal aspect of this series by involving new characters in this world.

The crime, criminal, and ending was one I really appreciated. Although it’s a ghostly tale, the author treats it in a factual, grounded in reality manner that elevates the story.

I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I’m highly recommending this book and the entire series.

Ghostly series:

✓ Ghostly Awakening #1

✓ Ghostly Findings #2

✓ Ghostly Envy #3

✓ Ghostly Claus #4

✓ Ghostly Target #5

✓ Ghostly Hostage #6

◦ Ghostly Death #7-tbd

Buy Link:

Ghostly Hostage

Blurb:

Back from vacation, Lance is ready to dive back into work—that is, until the morgue employees are taken hostage on his first day back. Held at gunpoint was not how he thought he’d spend his day. With their lives on the line, Lance and the others have no choice but to follow orders and perform the autopsy that’s been demanded.

Angus never dreamed he’d be the one worrying about Lance being killed. He was the one with the dangerous job, not Lance. With the only information he can get coming from the ghosts, Angus and his mother try to sort through the evidence and do everything they can to keep Lance and the others alive.

As the case unfolds, Angus faces twists and turns he never saw coming, and as the truth is exposed, he prays the vacation he just enjoyed with Lance won’t be the last one they ever share.

• Publisher: E.L. Publishing (February 20, 2024)

• Publication date: February 20, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 425 KB

Review: Music & Dreams: MM Rockstar Romance by J.P. Sayles

Rating: 3.75🌈

Music & Dreams by J.P. Sayles is another entertaining story in multi-author The Road to Rocktoberfest collection.

This time the band, Grambo, is a lesser element in the narrative, than the development of the relationship between the two main characters. That would be lead singer and single dad, Lorcan Swain, and the tutor, Rogan Hanlon , he’s employed to teach his 7 year old daughter,Amy.

Rogan or Ro was born with a cleft palate and harelip, both of which have since been surgically repaired. But the consequences of growing up with these impairments and the bullying that came with it, Rogan has self esteem issues and fears of hospitals.

Sayles does a terrific job with the characterizations when it comes to Rogan’s issues with his past and emotional distress over his scars. I think most readers will find him very relatable. Add in his dynamic with the daughter and he’s a lovely person.

What doesn’t work or isn’t as well layered into his personality is the music. It’s supposed to be a major part of his life and his storyline. But even as a hidden talent, it’s development is a superficial aspect of Rogan’s story. We don’t know about his guitar, songwriting or singing until after the halfway point. And even then, it feels more like a light afterthought than a well defined one.

What does work is the way the three of them, Lorcan, Ro, and the daughter come together as a family. Then comes the band and an out of nowhere drama that feels false.

But the family and romance elements are heartwarming and truly lovely. If the rockstar part feels like an afterthought, well, that’s ok.

It’s still a good contemporary romance.

The Road to Rocktoberfest-12 books

✓ Rocking Karma by Kage Harper

◦ Axe to Grind by Gabbi Grey

◦ Key Change by Ari McKay

◦ More Than October by Blake Allwood

◦ Faded Dreams by BL Maxwell

◦ Midnight Riff by Lynn Michaels

◦ Damaged Saints by Layla Dorine

✓ Music & Dreams by JP Sayles

◦ Seltzer’s Taylor: Embrace the Fear book 3 by TL Travis

◦ Loose Strings by Christie Gordon

◦ Killer Notes by CJ Barlowe

Buy Link

Music & Dreams: MM Rockstar Romance

Blurb:

Can one man’s dreams help him reach another man’s heart?

Lorcan Swain has the world at his feet. Apart from his music and his daughter, Amy, there is no room in his life for anything or anyone else—until an accident makes him see what has been right in front of him all this time: Rogan.

Rogan Hanlon is passionate about two things—music, and his boss, Lorcan, lead singer of Grambo. A birth defect forces him to keep both passions hidden and his heart protected.

Who would want a disfigured man?

Once Lorcan sets his heart on something, he goes all out to get it. The two weapons in his arsenal to help him achieve his goal are Amy and his music. And if that means using them both on the biggest stage at Rocktoberfest to prove how he feels?

Bring. It. On

Music & Dreama is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage next? Hot rockstars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for. Kick back, load up your kindle and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!

• Publication date: October 31, 2023

• Print length: 227 pages