Category: M/M Romance

Review: The Ruby Tooth by Ofelia Gränd

Rating: 4🌈

One of these days by Ofelia Gränd is going to surprise me and deliver a full length novel and I won’t know what to do. I’ll be overwhelmed and overjoyed, of course, but still. Someone will have to pick me off the floor first.

Until then, I’ll settle for these short tales of whimsical romance or whatever she decides to call them. Her mind is a decidedly different and wonderful place.

Here it has created a bar on an unknown world, The Ruby Tooth, a place where all the species can have a drink and mix, but under the most rigid rules that only the doorkeepers understand.

How I love how weirdly quirky Grand’s imagination is. The Ruby Tooth is divided into two bars, a good side and those that belong on the bad side. The veritas, the doorkeepers, with their intense glaze that see into the soul, say left or right, good or bad. And that’s where the beings go for their side of the bar, unable to switch for the night. The veritas give no clues or rationale for their actions, just the words. Left or Right.

Which is all the more intriguing when two widely different beings, one human (I’m assuming) and one a werewolf bounty hunter, each end up on the wrong side of the bar. Thats approximately where the author’s short story begins.

But it’s full of boundless possibilities, wild elements , fanciful ideas, and great characters. Honestly, why is Ilya Lewis the only one in an Elf costume and why does that bring immediate dislike? I need to know!

And don’t get me started on his friend who ends up with two bear shifters. Nope.

But even better is the new fated mate’s romance that’s a “take it slow” road romance. What a great change of pace.

There’s even more going on. Fast paced action, heart stopping fights, and a happy ending. All well done in 45 pages.

Sigh. I need a full length book so badly!

Read this quirky, imaginative paranormal romance and enjoy!

I highly recommend this author in all her flights of narrative fancy.

Buy link

JMS Books :: Amazon :: books2read.com/TheRubyTooth 

Blurb

Ilya Lewis is gonna kill his best friend Vera. She not only persuaded him off his couch and into the creepiest nightclub in the city, she also didn’t show. When Ilya learns the bar is split into two halves, and he’s been let into the wrong side, it doesn’t make things any better. Once the doorman determines which half to let you into, he won’t let you into the other.

Ulric Moon hates the Ruby Tooth. But as a bounty hunter, he must go where the trails lead him, and tonight it’s landed him in the worst nightclub in the universe. All he wants is to catch the vampire he’s hunting, but despite trying to convince the veritas doorman examining his soul that he needs to be let into the good side of the club, he’s shown to the bad. As if that wasn’t enough, his destined mate somehow manages to sneak into the bad side where he doesn’t belong.Ilya finds a way to the other side of the bar, but one look at the patrons there has him regretting ever leaving his apartment. When he tries to leave, a scary-looking man who does nothing but growl follows him.

Ulric knows he’s freaking Ilya out, but Ilya has inadvertently caught the interest of the vampire Ulric is hunting, and he has to protect him. How will Ulric keep Ilya safe when he doesn’t believe Ulric is a bounty hunter? And how do you tell someone they’re your mate when they don’t believe you’re a werewolf?

Details

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• Publisher: JMS Books LLC (December 25, 2021)

• Publication date: December 25, 2021

• Print length: 48 pages

Review: Rogue (Jericho’s Boys, #2) by Onley James

Ratings: 5🌈

When it comes fiction that’s categorized as vigilante justice thrillers or found family psychopathic vigilantes, author Onley James’ books are at the top of the list. They are there because of the depth of characterization, the complexity of their storylines, the inclusion of therapy when possible, and that the damage and trauma dealt out is met, if possible, by an equally powerful or more violent ending for those monsters involved. It’s dark fiction for a reason.

It starts with the seven dark fantastic books of the Necessary Evils series and then leads here to Jericho’s Boys, now on its second successful novel.

Jericho, married to Atticus Mulvaney, who became an adopted guardian to a group of troubled teenagers, now young men. They were a part of Jericho’s story in Necessary Evils and the subsequent books.

Paladin was Arseny Lebedev and Ever’s story. Rogue belongs to Levi Akira, a familiar character, and Shiloh

Mizrahi, who becomes the new addition to the growing found family of Jericho and Atticus.

As with each book, James reveals the deep emotional landscape of Levi Akira in every aspect of his personality and history. From his tortured childhood to his current deeply dysfunctional dynamic with his homeless, alcoholic mother, the author’s treatment of Levi is an raw painful , constantly evolving portrayal of a young man who’s never been able to express his complex feelings about himself and what he has been and continues to go through internally.

Add to that, James has created a new monstrous family comprised of a sadistic middle brother, and two other brothers each with their own unique sets of traits and issues. None of which I’ll mention because they are an integral part of the story. But all are so well crafted, cruelly real in one way, and heartbreakingly raw in another. As to the oldest? I’m hoping we get so much more of him.

It starts with a small surprising situation. And then continues to escalate until eventually the Mulvaney’s are involved as well,as they should be. After all, it’s one big family.

The epilogue is very satisfying because it’s HFN, as it could be given their ages and length of time together. They are a work in progress. Luckily we will see them again in the next book and whatever action the Mulvaney family gets involved with.

I’m highly anticipating both. And recommending Rogue (Jericho’s Boys, #2) by Onley James as a must read. But that’s including Necessary Evils as the foundation series.

Jericho’s Boys:

✓ Paladin #1

✓ Rogue #2

◦ Bard #3 – tbd

*Necessary Evils (7 book series) – this is the foundation series for Jericho’s Boys. Many ,if not all , of the couples and characters from this series play important roles in Jericho’s Boy books. So it helps to have read the books first.

Buy Link:

Rogue (Jericho’s Boys Book 2)

Blurb:

Levi Akira’s existence is far from ideal. His mother’s addiction consumes their lives, his academic standing is crumbling, and the convenience store he works at is a constant target for ruthless robberies. But amidst the chaos, Levi finds solace in only three things: his tight-knit group of friends, protecting his neighborhood as one of Jericho’s Boys, and streaming his favorite video game, where he assumes the role of Rogue—a hero who will break the rules for the greater good.

Shiloh Mizrahi’s hope has all but dwindled. With one brother unjustly imprisoned, and the other a sadistic puppeteer, he endures daily torment at the hands of the latter. And his latest demand? Get close to Levi at any cost.

In the midst of another ordinary night shift, Levi’s world is upended when a captivating and terrified stranger appears, brandishing a weapon and claiming he has been forced to kill Levi by his own brother. Levi, torn between self-preservation and an instinctive aversion to harming the vulnerable boy, takes a bold leap—he kisses him. And then, just like that, the boy disappears into the night, leaving Levi haunted by his memory.

Driven by an unshakeable connection, Levi’s path crosses with Shiloh’s once more, igniting a passionate bond that refuses to be extinguished. However, Shiloh harbors a labyrinth of secrets, torn between loyalty and desire. With his brother’s freedom dangling in the balance, can Levi and Shiloh navigate the treacherous path to be together, or will Levi forever remain a hero confined to the online realm?

• Publisher: (February 29, 2024)

• Publication date: February 29, 2024

• Print length: 364 pages

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: 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: Contested Crown (The Empty Throne Trilogy #2) by Kai Butler

Rating: 4.75🌈

Contested Crown, the second novel in The Empty Throne Trilogy, hits so many high marks. It easily overcomes the usual second book syndrome in a series, by ramping up the multiple storylines Butler has already established in the first book. The author does a great job introducing new characters whose meaning and connections to the men on the run are clouded by the new dark mysteries forming. Some of these new storylines include elements that are of a wildly magical nature while others are deeply rooted within the supernatural drug-related crime world.

It picks up right after the shocking events of Exiled Heir, with mage Cade and werewolf Miles on the run after Cade , Prince of House Bartlett, was betrayed by those closest to him m, stealing his throne and his heritage. But Miles, whose real name is Miles Castillo, is also a dethroned Prince in hiding from the very man he’s on the run with.

Butler’s narrative explores this tangled relationship that’s full of potential conflict between two cruelly connected pasts , pasts with dangerous secrets . The author’s dramatic choice to make the suspenseful , angst filled , hunted run the driving force behind the story is a fantastic narrative springboard.

Emotionally, the forced intimacy, their continued dependency under these circumstances, the constant peril, and the growing affection/attachment towards each other that this trip is allowing them to feel, it’s everything the reader wants and the author’s storytelling is beautifully achieving. It packs a darkly magical, sexual punch.

Butler’s writing simultaneously moves into new areas here with Cade and Miles, especially with regard to their magic, the use of tattoos, and the return of a old friend. The new creativity here giving their world more depth and diversity in its magical history as well as using it in the current criminal scene.

There’s so many great twists and shocks here, ones to delight and horrify. This is a book once you get started it’s impossible to put down.

That ending especially is a killer.

Now everything is in place for the dramatic events and tumultuous times to come in Ascendant King. That can’t be here quickly enough.

One last note, Contested Crown, as magnificent as it is, is definitely a bridge novel. It doesn’t exist without the first book . Nor the one to come. As a reader you must have read that first book, and have the knowledge to go along with it to understand and appreciate the events and stories that happen here.

I’m highly recommending you read both because both are outstanding.

The Empty Throne Trilogy:

✓ Exiled Heir #1

✓ Contested Crown #2

◦ Ascendant King #3 – June 17,2024

Buy Link:

Contested Crown (The Empty Throne Trilogy)

Blurb:

I can’t give him up, even if it costs me my life…

Miles and Cade are on the run. Without money, protection, or allies they have only each other to rely on as they flee the most powerful mage house in the country. Unfortunately, the outside world is even more dangerous than the lion’s den they just escaped from.

No matter how right it feels to have the mage prince relying on him, Miles knows the closer they get to each other the more dangerous it is for both of them.

A new mage house is Cade’s only chance to survive the magical war he started. With House Morrison exclusively interested in Cade, Miles will be left out in the cold. And can he stay with Cade when every moment together risks revealing Miles’s deepest secret?

• Publisher: (February 26, 2024)

• Publication date: February 26, 2024

• Print length: 468 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