Lily Morton is a go to author for me. Her stories are full of humor, believable situations, and emotional, relationships that have the ability to have you laughing and sniffing, sometimes at the same time.
Thereās often one particular element I can find, not even a major one, that will have me wanting to sink down into a comfy chair somewhere close by, and become a part of this aspect of that storyline.
For Rule Breaker, itās Dylan Mitchellās family and farm. The kitchen especially with its ancient wooden table, full of marks from all the years of the family life itās seen. You want to sink into their family and ask to join in, stay for a while, become part of the warmth, and believable loving family dynamics that Morton has given us, and Dylan. I could enjoy an entire story with this family! I didnāt get nearly enough time with them.
The romance between Dylan and his boss, Gabe Foster, suffered because, unlike other books, their relationship felt somewhat toxic to me. A fact that even Gabe would admit to.
Gabe Foster is an emotionally damaged man. His past and adolescence haunted by parents and an event thatās slowly revealed in the story. That childhood trauma has caused him to withdraw behind high walls, and to choose a life of noncommitment with his sex partners, guarding his privacy as well as anything truly personal from those around him. He is, by his own words, cold and selfish.
Dylan is the very antithesis of Gabe. Outgoing, funny, gregarious, he draws people to him simply by being interested in them, and everything around him. Heās open, vulnerable, and giving.
Dylan is the pov for 90 percent of the story and , for me, thatās a mistake. In order for Gabe to be likable or at least someone we can understand, we need to see beyond his unfortunate words and mean spirited actions. With the extremely relatable and adorable Dylan as our narrator, we hear the warnings from others about Gabe, and see the toxic behavior Gabe is exhibiting, and want to shout ārunā.
Itās not until we start to get Gabeās perspective, (at 90% ) , then given his damaging back history, that Gabe becomes someone whoās not a total cad, but perhaps a person in need of therapy and something more.
A note here, given the nightmares and his severe trauma, Iām not sure why his friend Henry never tried getting Gabe into some sort of therapy. Thatās a question for me here for Morton.
The last ten percent of the story is captivating. They make a wonderful, charming couple. I needed more of this. Less of what came before or more of Gabeās viewpoint.
I liked this ending. Loved the family and actually looking forward to Judeās story. Thereās some terrific stuff here. But thereās also some things that left me puzzled.
Lily Morton characters are realistic and the situations believable. Otherwise, why would I be picking at them? But itās the romance Iām thinking about. Itās not my favorite of hers. She has some that are my absolute must rereads!
If youāre a Lily Morton fan, pick it up and tell me what you think!
Dylan has worked for Gabe for two years. Two long years of sarcastic comments. Two long years of insults, and having to redo the coffee pot four times in the mornings to meet his exacting standards.
Not surprisingly he has devoted a lot of time to increasingly inventive ways to murder Gabe. From stabbing him with a cake fork, to garrotting him with his expensive tie, Dylan has thought of everything.
However, a chance encounter opens his eyes to the attraction that has always lain between them, concealed by the layers of antipathy. There are only two problems – Gabe is still a bastard, and he makes wedding planners look like hardened pessimists.
But what happens when Dylan starts to see the real Gabe? What happens when he starts to fall in love with the warm, wary man that he sees glimpses of as the days pass?
Because Gabe is still the same commitment shy, cold man that heās always been, or is he? Has Dylan had the same effect on Gabe, and has his solid gold rule of no commitment finally been broken? With his heart taken Dylan desperately needs to know, but will he get hurt trying to find the answers?
From the author of āThe Summer of Usā comes another scorchingly hot romantic comedy, showing what happens between two men when rules get broken.
This is the first book in the Mixed Messages series but it can be read as a standalone.
Style for Love is A.J. Sherwoodās terrific first book in her new series, Gay 4 Renovations. Located in small town (real place) Plymouth, Michigan, with its Victorians, Tudors, Craftsmen, and other equally charming houses in need of renovating by their owners, the queer business owners , all friends, have their business lives full while seeking their HEA.
Thereās Gage, architect and structural engineer. Cohen, their contractor. Riggs, the ultimate in CEO office managerās and Asher.
First up is Asher, Interior designer of Gay 4 Renovations. Asher, has a toxic family thatās not accepting of his sexuality and a found family that includes everyone at his business as well as Zar, the childhood best friend, a police officer, whoās always been his biggest supporter and protector.
Both Asher and Zar have never had relationships that have worked out, each otherās friendship is their only long commitment theyāve been able to have.
Sherwoodās Style for Love is a wonderful best friends to lovers, contemporary romance. One where the entire town knows what theyāve been oblivious to for yearsā¦they were made for each other.
Itās also a sexual awakening story for Zar who, because of unexpected circumstances, becomes aware of his best friend in a way thatās surprising. This is handled in a great and touching manner. I mean Zar, his sister Adah, and Gage, talking through his thoughts and feelings on the revelations that had come about.
Sherwood doesnāt forget about the impact on Asher that this change would bring. The communication and support from his circle of friends that allows Asher to work through his issues is just one more lovely aspect of this story.
I happen to adore Thai and Korean BL stories and happily so do the characters here! Whether itās Asher and Riggs, or Ami and Shaunice ( two more people who work at Gay 4 Renovations) fan girling over certain actors or storylines in well known BL series, I was there with them! And wanting to add my suggestions as well!
I also lost my heart to BFG , the mastiff mix. I adore him so much. You had me at giant dog! Yes, you did!
Thereās a toxic family element. They are frustrating because they seem so realistic in their own phobic behavior and attitudes. Itās painful and sad.
The town itself is real. Yes, I looked it up. Itās seems as cute and lovely as Sherwood makes it out to be. Then I remember Michigan. Cold , and oh no. My desire to move is gone. Iām just going to visit in these stories.
But ,I do have a smidge of a issue here. While this has been labeled a GFY (a term I always have issues with) , Zar is open to all aspects of sexuality. He examines their relationship and realizes theyāve never been in a friendship thatās conforms to the norm for just best friends, and heās never been exactly straight. What label isnāt clear nor should it matter. Heās never been straight. Whether itās Pansexual or something else.
Thatās not a gay for you. Sry , small peevish moment over.
Style for Love is a romance I absolutely adore. Itās the characters, the setting, the storylines, and the wonderful ending. I really sank into this universe. I expect you will do the same.
Now I need the next in the series. Thatās Structure for Love. Hmmm, who could that be?
His dream boyfriend: Park Bo Gum ā not check. Sadly.
Straight as a board, childhood bff Zar: check
Zar becoming his boyfriend: cheāwait, what?!
Tags:
Oh look a contemporary romance, GFY, Best friends to lovers, Dumbasses to lovers, not so much slowburn as two idiots standing around on fire, emotional baggage check, HGTV meets BL, family of choice, Asher needs a better family, Zarās will adopt him, healthy choice making (and some impulsive ones), no angst here only cuddles, best friends giving The Talk, yes that one, Gage hates -coughlovescough- them, tropey tropes a lot, yaoi fangirls as co-workers leads to interesting situations, and sexy photoshoots, best supporting character goes to the dog, small town, Asher and Zar are so obvious there is a bet riding on them, Zar uses handcuffs for not sexy reasons, at least the first time, only one sledgehammer was sacrificed in the making of this book
Principles of Spookology is an excellent story , and I expect itās the perfect bridge between the first story where Rain Christiansen, FBI profiler, is a man undergoing huge changes in his life when we meet him. And the final book .
The first? Rain quit his job, went home to Miami . He was denying his ability as a bridge between life and death to help the ghosts heās seen since early adolescence achieve peace and move forward. Here? Now heās actually accepting or at least understands he needs some guidance or training of his abilities. Plus the stability in reconnecting with his family and lover has given him the support and strength to work with his paranormal talents.
This story is as much a bridge showing the growing depth and strengthening relationships that Rain is pulling around him in his return to Miami and home as it is the unusual missing persons/murder cold cases his department is working on.
The cases themselves have a way of reinforcing the growing talents of Rain as well as revealing weird information and aspects of the paranormal world that Rain was clueless about.
The author mixes everything together, the romance, the murdered characters who are now ghosts, the poignancy of their cases, the oddball humor and love of the Christianson family, with the structure of law enforcement investigations and death.
Itās fascinating, gripping, and a read you canāt put down. Well written, terrific characters, marvelous plots!
And itās all leading up to a horrifying case involving a mass murderer on death row, who is asking for Rain to visit him in the last story,Book 3, Spooky Business.
I canāt wait to see how Harmon ties up all the plot threads, brings true acceptance to Rain , his relationship, and a modicum of respect for his Paranormal unit .
Iām moving swiftly on!
Iām highly recommending both preceding stories of this spooky trilogy! Love a romance with a ghostly aspect? Hereās a series you must put on your TBR list!
Rain Christiansen, former FBI agent and current cold case detective, is starting to think it’s the hardest job he’s ever hadāand the most important. He’s determined to accept all the changes in his formerly well-ordered life, but that means embracing a whole lot of weird. There’s no instruction manual for meshing his work with his medium duties, and he’s painfully aware that he’s flubbing the job. So are the ghosts, who are becoming increasingly impatient. And stronger.
To complicate matters, he’s not sure what these spooktacular developments mean for his relationship. It certainly seems like Daniel McKenna, his partner in work and life, is in it for the long haul. But Rain can’t help but wonder how long that patience will last…and what he’ll do if Danny decides the intrusive ghosts are just too much.
Rain thought accepting his supernatural gifts would be the solution to his troubles. But he’s starting to realize his problems are just getting started.
I have had author S.E. Harmon on my auto buy for a while now but somehow I missed this spectacular 3-book paranormal series ! Iām rectifying that now and just finished the marvelous P.S. I Spook You.
Itās the first story in Harmonās The Spectral Files trilogy about a FBI profiler who can communicate with ghosts (heās a bridge from living to the dead), the Detective heās loves, and the cases they are involved in.
P.S. I Spook You lays down the complicated history of and between both men.
Rain Christiansen, FBI profiler, left the man he loved, his family, and hometown of Brickell Bay, Florida behind when he thought he was going crazy, seeing ghosts, ghosts who were talking to him. So he ranā¦all the way to NYC. A new job, drugs, and a doctor who said it was something to be cured.
Detective Daniel McKenna, cold case cop who was left behind with no idea why the man he loved up and ran to NYC.
Harmon details two damaged, haunted men who still are deeply in love with each other. She gives us a remarkable hippy family for Rain thatās a delight and one for Daniel thatās slowly revealed over the course of the book.
But itās the amazing cold case of a missing girl that reunites them that really makes this story soar. Harmonās ghosts are so poignant, from the smallest details in their expressions to the changes that happen as memories return. Harmonās ghosts become tangible and real. Paranormal beings that need help , and Rain is so slow to accept the role heās obviously been given.
This is a incredible element and Iām heavily invested in how Rain is going to grow into a role thatās heās so new and unprepared for.
That goes for his partner and their relationship. Harmonās characters react very humanly. Denial, the avoidance, then communication. Yet you can see the future areas where this ātalentā of Rainās is is quickly becoming a issue between them.
I was so hooked on the characters and storylines I was reading into the early hours. Then started on the next before I just had to stop. These people just got to me.
If you havenāt read this trilogy already? Itās an absolute must. Outstanding plots, fantastic characters and well developed relationships. Itās all here.
Ok I have Principles of Spookology to finish and then itās onto Spooky Business. I canāt wait. Read all three in the order they are written to understand the plot and characters progression and development.
SSA Rain Christiansen used to be the agency’s golden boy. It just takes one moment of weakness, one slight, tiny, itty-bitty paranormal sighting, and all of a sudden, he’s the agency’s embarrassment. His boss gives him one last chance to redeem himself – go down to Brickell Bay, play nice with the local police, and leave the ghost sightings behind. Rain is determined to do exactly that, even if it kills him.
Cold-case Detective Daniel McKenna’s latest investigation is going nowhere fast. Five years earlier, high school student Amy Greene went missing after leaving her part-time job and was never seen again. Daniel is glad to finally have the FBI help his department requested, even if it does come in the form of his ex.
It doesn’t help that Rain is pretty sure he’s falling in love with Danny all over again – if he ever stopped. Add to that the frustration of seeing ghosts at every turn while he works a case that’s stalled in its tracks, and Rain is starting to wonder if second chances and happy endings are just for fairy tales.
Monroe makes us love these men , understand their past histories and the deep relationship theyāve developed. We also get to know Judeās tattoo shop and the people that work there. They will also have stories to come. So will some of the people who work at the bakery with Briar. Both groups gather together when itās time to school Jude in gay culture before he and Briar go to the wedding.
The scenes give us warmth, found family, and genuine love between the people there as well as hilarity and hijinks! From the interactions, we see a new emerging relationship between Briar and Jude that is even more interesting and intimate.
Judeās mental and emotional progression from straight to bisexual is more one of awareness of his pasts thoughts and feelings. And adjusting his vision of himself as he learned more about himself and his own sexuality. It feels like a journey someone would take whoās just finding out their sexuality might be more fluid then they had previously thought.
The book rings out with joy . Of a happy relationship, of two friends who have discovered they are also deeply in love.
Marry Me is sweet, endearing, and sexy. I love the characters and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Each book is very different. So Iāll need to check in to see whatās next.
Meanwhile, if youāre looking for low angst, sweet romance, this is the one for you! Iām recommending it!
With three months before the big day, my friends rally to make sure we come across as authentic as possible. Jude takes to the lessons better than any of us anticipated. Especially the kissing.
Now the fake engagement is starting to feel kind of real.
Radio Static is the first novel by this author and itās a terrific story. A murder mystery romance, it incorporates a number of elements that keep you involved in the many storylines the authorās weaving.
We have two families. One is a single gay dad and his 14 year old daughter. That Mercedes āMercyā Reed and Rae. He had her with his best friend, Tammy (now married) after a series of bad relationships seemed to mean that heād never be a father. Now Raeās his life along with his work. Now itās time to relax, and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The other one? Thatās Nova Charette and his teenage son, Cooper. Divorced although on friendly terms with his ex wife, itās the 16 yr old son he needs to establish a closer relationship with. A summer vacation at their cottages at Lake Lucent should be the thing to get reacquainted.
The perfect place or so each family thinks. Then they find they are living next to each otherā¦ a 16 year old boy and a 14 year old girl. Suddenly, two dads are finding their plans overturned and fighting their own attraction for each other, as well as two hot hormonal teens.
This part of the novel is really my favorite. The meeting of the families over the instant teenager magnet action that happens between their kids , so realistic and on point funny. It makes for just great reading. From the dads reactions, to their teenagers snarky put upon dialogue, and yes, the swimsuits that dadās just not really ready for, you get it. These are terrific fathers and parental role models. The issues they cover with both kids are one every parent should be on solid ground with their children. The doubts, the pride, love . Nicky James obviously gets what it feels like to be a parent. It flow through both characters!
To make matters increasingly interesting, Nova and Mercy? They find each other just as mutually attractive as their kids are finding each other. Awkward! Because, while Nova has always been open about his bisexuality, the one person whoās unaware? That would be his son, Cooper. One of the best scenes is the father coming out to his son here. Wonderful!
The romance is complicated by their kidās relationship, each manās past, the fact that Mercy is a single dad whoās developed tunnel vision with regard to his responsibilities and any other relationships just makes the fumbling and hesitation towards something they want believable.
The mystery and murders are fine . I liked the element of the voice over the crackling radio airway that grabs everyoneās attention with sparse details that lures them into a maze of mystery and murder in the small town.
That I almost immediately glommed onto who the villain of the story was because the author has strewn a lot of clues around which made this interesting to see how it would play out instead of anxious to see who the murderer was. Like this part but didnāt necessarily love it.
For me, what saved the mystery was the families part in it, especially at the end. That was thrilling and emotional. I was invested in Mercy and Nova as well as Rae and Cooper. I needed to see all home safe and sound. Happily and romantically.
At least the dads! And thatās what happened! Wonderful ending.
So Iām off to seek out another by this author. Iām highly recommending this to lovers of contemporary romance and murder mysteries. Enjoy.
Two single dads. Two headstrong teenagers. One dead body.
A cabin in the middle of nowhere, nature all around, peace and serenity. It was supposed to be a vacation to help Nova reconnect with his son. But he didnāt expect to fall for his neighbor in the cabin across the lake. He didnāt expect an erratic and unusual broadcast on a radio station no longer in existence. And he definitely didnāt expect a dead body in the water.
Mercy likes his mysteries to stay within the pages of his novels. When strange things start to happen at his summer cabin, he and his daughter team up with the man and his son on the other side of the lake to get to the bottom of it. A little amateur sleuthing wonāt hurt anyone, right?
Someone out there knows the truth. Who is the man on the radio? What does he know? Mercy and Nova are determined to solve the mystery, but are they willing to risk life and limb for answers? Because someone doesnāt want their secrets revealed.
**Radio Static is an MM romantic mystery involving two single dads in their midforties.**
Well, this just got way more fabulous and complicated!
Buried Mage immediately corrects the one issue I had with Gathering Mage, and thatās where the author had divided that section of his 2-part story. Heād gone past their arrival home and into new events when it made sense to stop at their arrival.
Buried Mage has at the beginning the Cliffs Notes versions of the preceding books to catch you up if you need a refresh and then we ( and those fantastic characters) all together, start at the moment when Sandy and Jason return from the Gathering, having come through stronger and with new powers due to the trials and events that occurred there.
Itās time for them to get caught up with everything and everyone who was left behind at the House. Itās a great way too , for the author to reacquaint the readers with all the characters who were missing for a story, except for a mention or two.
Now with one celebration, itās found family time , and we get to embrace our fondness for them and the quirky House as well . Plus we get to meet another Companion. Mr. Tubbles, Tylerās worn and torn older cat. Heās a real enigma.
But soon Jason and the House of Louisville are off and running as they, with Jason as the spark , start to experiment with new forms of combat, enhancing it with their own magic abilities , including runes they make, experimenting through techniques they picked up with glasswork. Great stuff here. This is so simplified because the book ās elements regarding this are fun, and complex. I enjoyed every bit . Those who want a boom and the magic wand does the trick?
Hmmm , no. This really isnāt the book or series for you. Why?
All this is described in fascinating, wildly imaginative details! The characters are excited about whatās happening, and weāre along with them every step of the way, as they fail and as they finally succeed.
Taggert has quite the imagination and itās full of humor. His grannies, his ass blasters, the miners and surfer dudes! Love each and every one! Plus the respect that Jason shows his creations. Iām hoping that really comes into play further down the series because thatās such a joyous element.
Naturally, the villains, Marius and Karl, that have been lurking the past novels come back horrifically here. They are some very nasty pieces of work .
No spoilers but again some incredible scenes, Jason goes through terrifying trials that shove him up into the growth he needs , essentially, to power up. But , wow, painful. Very gripping and so well written that it keeps us on the edge til itās over.
Truly, the synopsis just canāt do justice to what youāre going to find inside this story. Itās a bit like saying āoh, Moby Dick? Ah yeah, itās got a whale.ā
Buried Mage has at the least ā¦a magical sword that wants to be a vase, zombies students, evil villains, adorable cats, tiny Magical Grannies who suck up magic, a House that gives you a family and everything you wantā¦for a price. And so much more.
I will say we get a great conclusion to this 2-book mini arc and a very fun slide which will start the next 2 book arc (thatās the format the author seems to prefer).
This series, which has a fifth book coming, is addicting. Itās ever expanding universe, a growing cast of amazing people and beings who continue to develop personally and in their relationships.
Iām so sold!
That means Iām highly recommending the entire series to date, which should be read in the order they were written.
The Gathering only lasted for seven days, but it ended up being a lot more of an adventure than Jason had expected. Now itās time to head home, and Jason is excited to sleep in his own bed and hang out with John, Tyler, and Annabeth again.
Jason learned a lot, and heās eager to put that knowledge to use. If his ideas work, it could totally revolutionize how Sandy and the crew make charmsāallowing them to heal, train, and defend the House even better than before.
So when the rotten mages show up, Jason is still feeling confident in himself and his new knowledge.
He has a new shield. Heās fought for his life in the arena. His matrix is much denser than before.
Heās a warrior mage now and stronger than ever before.
An Iron Fist, third novel in Nazri Noorās Arcane Hearts series, gives us a greater sense of Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright ās growing relationship as well as each characterās individual growth.
Jackson continues to learn more about his heritage from hidden vids his deceased parents left within the familyās AI . Heās also growing more determined to rebuild the Hall of Makers, the one whoās explosion killed most artificers, including his folks, a task Xander is supporting him on.
But the deadly purple Chrysanthemysts and the chaos left behind is center here. Noor starts to enlarge the mythology and creates a another layer thatās beginning to encroach on the one our main characters inhabit.
Thereās mystery, exciting action, more of our found family, maybe even adding a member of two, but most importantly we get the revelation of whoās comingā¦The Who behind all the murders, the upheavals, and the chaos.
It sets up the next book and the biggest fight looming in the future.
Noor has a great arc with excellent characters with an extremely fascinating universe to explore.
Iām ready to dive into the next story and see where the author takes his characters and storylines.
In the meantime, Iām recommending this book. But read the series in the order they are written in order to better understand the progression of events and characters relationships.
Might and magic, fist and flame, to send evil back from where it came.
Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright delve into the mountain halls of the dvergar, the dwarven people of Norse myth known for their mining and metalwork. Seeking jewels and ore, they make a deadly discovery instead: a cluster of Chrysanthemysts. How did they grow underground? Where are they from? And who sent them?
The masters of the Black Marketās guilds grudgingly unite to stop the fatal flowers at their source. But digging deeper only reveals another conundrum: a legendary gemstone known as the Heart of Oberon. The fae havenāt walked the earth in forever. Why has the Heart resurfaced now?
And why is the gemstone whispering?
An Iron Fist is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, youāve come to the right place. Experience An Iron Fist today.
Anthologies/collections are a fantastic way to get to know new authors or rediscover writers you havenāt read for a while!
If anyone asks me to recommend one collection of contemporary stories? It would be this one! You have a great selection of writers who have never had their work in this charity anthology before, and the stories here are just incredible. Honestly 5 star reads! All together in one place to savor.
Not familiar with these authors? What a treat lies within. Most are on my Auto read-must have lists, but I added to mine as well here. Happy happy joy joy!
Plus all proceeds from the charity anthology go to benefit LGBTGIA + charities.
The overall Collection is always the H2H dating app, but this collection has the theme of #NeverHaveIEver for 14 Authors and their romance stories.
The H2H app users challenge themselves to do something outside of their comfort zones. And fall in love along the way.
I have listed all the stories and authors below. An extended version with a mini-review of each is on my website, scattered thoughts and rogue words dot com. Honestly, itās a tad long for here! But these stories deserve it. Heart eyes, folks!
Love it so much!
Stories and Authors:
1. Never Have I Ever Fallen In Love by Lucy Lennox
2. Never Have I Everā¦Cold Called A Strangerās Phone Number by A.M. Arthur
3. Never Have I Everā¦ Ridden A Bike by Alice Winters
4. Never Have I Everā¦ Dyed My Hair Flaming Red by Daryl Banner
5. Never Have I Everā¦worn That For Halloween by E.M.Lindsey
6. Never Have I Everā¦Sung In Public byJodi Payne
7. Never Have I Everā¦Gotten Lost by K. Webster
8. Never Have I Everā¦Taken A Vacation by Kate Hawthorne
9. Never Have I Everā¦Spent the Night With Blanche by Louisa Masters
10. Never Have I Everā¦Had A Makeover by Mia Monroe
11. Never Have I Everā¦Flown in A Airplane by Neve Wilder
12. Never Have I Everā¦Gone Skinny Dipping by Riley Hart
13. Never Have I Ever ā¦ Watched The Godfather by S.E. Harmon
14. Never Have I Everā¦ Kissed Someone On the Lips by Spencer Spears
15. Never Have I Everā¦Been On A Date by Tal Bauer
16. Never Have I Ever Fallen In Love by Lucy Lennox-part 2. The End
And now for my blog šā¦..
1. Heart2Heart by Lucy Lennox
Jonah , on behalf of his employer H2H, went off to Alaska,taking an adventure in a floatplane to create content for their latest event.
His taxi to the town, a tiny floatplane from Knockwood Aviation, flown by Pilot Pete Valentine started his adventure immediately. And so did my laughter. As Pete and Jonah go on many āneverhaveIEverā firsts for Jonah and his article, their attraction and feelings for each other grow.
The story is split in half,as it begins and ends the anthology.
Itās a fav of mine š itās also a prequel to Lennoxās next series focusing on Knockwood Aviation.
2. Never Have I Everā¦Cold Called A Strangerās Phone Number by A.M. Arthur
āFor A Good Time Callā¦ā says a note stashed in a library book. What Charlie finds is romance where he never thought heād find it, with the help of his jock roommate, Jasper.
Heartwarming, sweet, and lovely.
3 Never Have I Everā¦ Ridden A Bike by Alice Winters
Owen, the baker , writes ānever have I ever ridden a bikeā into the H2H app chat, and with those words , Alice Winters sends Owen, his roommate Lance, and their cat Thor the Destroyer off on a madcap afternoon of zany insanity, also includes bike riding lessons! Not surprisingly it ends happily and with declarations of love! Hilarious, sweet, and pure Winters!
4. Never Have I Everā¦ Dyed My Hair Flaming Red by Daryl Banner
Stagehand Zakary Tisdale wrote ānever have I ever dyed my hair a wild colorā on the H2H forum. Itās his birthday and heās naked in his bathroom , looking at himself in the mirror.
I wasnāt familiar with Daryl Banner but after reading this wonderful story Iām putting him on my list to seal out what else heās written. Because this is a little gem with lots of heart. One flaming red hair color changes everything, including the way he thinks about himself. Love it.
5. Never Have I Everā¦worn That For Halloween by E.M.Lindsey
Baker Domenico has loved his
best friend, Shiloh, since they were children. But heās been afraid to tell him until the H2H forum NeverHaveIEver persuaded him to post a comment about Halloween. Now heās committed to a couples costume. And everything is about to change.
Lindsey has written a beautiful, moving story, about deeply layered characters and their love for each other. Itās absolutely one of my favorites here.
6. Never Have I Everā¦Sung In Public byJodi Payne
Nathaniel Killineyās a dentist who admits on the H2H forum heās never sung in public.
Ethan Lowman is a high school theater/arts teacher and Nathaniel Killineyās crush when they were in the very same high school yearās ago.
Nathanielās comment on the H2H forum brings about a reunion thatās full of promise, for a romance as well as letting Nathaniel finally being able to sing in public. Very sweet.
7. Never Have I Everā¦Gotten Lost by K. Webster
āA single line āNever have I ever gotten completely and utterly lostā in the āMeet local friendsā thread in the H2H forum starts Hunter obsessing over this as if anyone could get lost in the age of almost instant GPS availability and map directions
Hunterās never been lost . So heās scanning quickly through the comments until he sees one from like minded Dallas Drew. Dallas aka Andrew, who claims to also never have gotten lost. Both are Americans that now live and work in Norway. Both also have elements to them that make that fact something thatās capable of drawing them together for a meetup.
Andrew, on the high functioning end of the ASD spectrum is lost in his life. Alone and missing his mother after her recent death, is going to try for an adventure. Something this meetup with Hunter represents. Hunter is feeling alone ,depressed, and his self image has taken a big hit due to his awful last relationships. Now heās reaching out for a change and a chance for someone and something more.
What follows is a wonderful, vulnerable, magical journey. I heart this story so much. Adding this author to my must have more of pile.
8. Never Have I Everā¦Taken A Vacation by Kate Hawthorne
Jermaine. Never have he ever taken a vacation. Raised by a struggling single parent, that wasnāt an option and his job as a flight attendant makes flying to other places something thatās just a stopover.
Milo, a travel blogger . For him, nearly every day was a vacation. One flight to New Orleans when they meet provides the sparks for changes they never expected.
Sexy, and unexpected!
9. Never Have I Everā¦Spent the Night With Blanche by Louisa Masters
H2H forum line Golden Girls prompts a user to sayā¦.Never Have I ever binge watched the Golden Girls.
Soon thereās a planned Golden Girls marathon at a coffee shop/ bookstore for everyone, especially the one whoās severely lacking in knowledge of the Blanche. Thatās Fin.
At the marathon, he meets several ppl , among them Clayton Hollingsworth Devereaux. Clay and Fin instantly hit it off.
10. Never Have I Everā¦Had A Makeover by Mia Monroe
Constantine needs a makeover. A company offers a professional event geared just for that very thing. There he meets a stylist named Deacon who sees a quiet, lovely teddy bear of a professor with self image issues. Con is just the man Deaconās been waiting for, and this makeover is the pathway to the start of a beautiful relationship.
A terrific story with relatable characters.
11. Never Have I Everā¦Flown in A Airplane by Neve Wilder
Beau , a musician, had never been on a airplane. Now he had to fly to a old friendās wedding in Venice, Italy. Beau mentions this fact on the H2H forum and gets a reply from UpRightPosition that he has to visit a certain restaurant in Venice while heās there and have a safe flight!
So itās so of fated that UpRightPosition turns out to be Jack, the hugely attractive flight attendant flying from Atlanta with him to Venice. That flight to Venice is the beginning of many firsts and a HEA.
A very sweet story.
12. Never Have I Everā¦Gone Skinny Dipping by Riley Hart
Mikey on the H2H message board: Never have I ever gone skinny dipping.
Shy, awkward, the one who never followed through Mikey. With a secret pen name. Who had a crush on someone heās only known online since he was 16. Itās been 2 years of steady chatting and every time itās been time to meet, Mikey has found excuses not to.
So it stopped. And that became Mikeyās biggest regret.
Now heās secretly writing erotic novels under another name when heās not being Mickey Boring, the librarian ( his real name) by day.
Time to change things up!
Ronan Winters runs the local coffee shop , Extra Shot, and runs a queer podcast Sex with Ronan.
Things are going to happen online personalities and real life collide, revelations occur and thereās a HEA waiting at the end.
Very well written and sweet romance.
13. Never Have I Ever ā¦ Watched The Godfather by S.E. Harmon
Ad: Looking for someone to go see to movies in the parks , Iāll bring the popcorn and snacks.
Ashton Westlake, lawyer, in Michigan, while things get smoothed over with the client he offended at his fatherās law offices. Loves baking.
His cousin puts the ad in the H2H message boards hoping to get company for Ashton as he watches movie classics, for the first time, in the park.
Levi, HistoryBuff24/7 , answers CoolLawDudes ad . Professor of American History, Late of a bad relationship. And also former teacher of Ashton!
Whoād had a very obvious crush on him.
Fifteen years difference in age, but equal in attraction. The reunion at the park sees a return of the sparks of attraction from so long ago.
What follows is an absolute delightful romance of two men finding their way back to each other at the exactly right stage in their lives, through movies, tv shows, and baked goods. Itās totally charming, and I was engaged from start to finish.
14. Never Have I Everā¦ Kissed Someone On the Lips by Spencer Spears
Westley: Never ever have I kissed someone on the lipsā¦
Thatās Wesleyās post on the H2H board. Heās shy, awkward, 20, and never been kissed.
Heās in DC for an internship , from Connecticut, sweating out the wonderful Dc summer (the author has our summer right). Living his Professorsā Washington DC row house , he finds himself hiding up on the roof deck, watching a neighborās party . Itās sad and pretty til a thief jumps out of their window with a haul of jewels, causing Westās world to upend in the strangest way possible.
Oh, Spencer Spears! What a fabulous tale that youāve written! I was with these two all the way! And I need more! I want to know if West called him! Give me that sequel!
A favorite!
15. Never Have I Everā¦Been On A Date by Tal Bauer
H2H board. Never have I ever been on a date
Cletus, heliopilot for a mission for Strickland, mngr for National Science Foundation for Antarctica. Responsible for 3k lives spread between 3 bases, now holding a bloody uniform as they lifted off.
Damien Bronson, Dino Doc to his students at the South Pole, came to Antarctica chasing his dream of proving his thesis right, that the bones of dinosaurs exist there. Heās also nurses a very big crush on pilot Cletus.
When their boss Dr. Strickland asks the men to find the body of the scientist that disappeared and whoās bloodied garment Cletus has now found, it sets off a series of events that could only have come from the fabulous Tal Bauer. Exciting, horrific, fast paced, and romantic, itās an A ticket ride the whole way. Outstanding!
And finally the last half of
16. Never Have I Ever Fallen In Love by Lucy Lennoxā¦ part 2
Jonah is flying around in a floatplane, trying first time adventures for his article for H2H , and Knockwood Aviation and the Valentines family, especially one in particular,Pete, Is keeping him busy.
Never Have I Ever Been To Alaskaā¦.
Now Jonah and Pete have been everywhere, theyāve spent time getting to know one another and Jonah has had time to make some life changing decisions.
Lucy Lennoxās story brought us a great new universe and engaging family, the Valentines. The Knockwood Aviation company, in all its elements, and all the Valentines are Lennoxās next series. This story is the absolutely perfect prequel to launch it.
Iām invested in these people and their romance, but also in the tiny town and itās citizens.
I canāt wait for more.
What an outstanding collection of authors and stories this is! You have a great selection of writers who have never had their work in this charity anthology before, and the stories here are just incredible.
Not familiar with these authors? What a treat lies within. Most are on my Auto read-must have lists, but I added to mine as well here.
And on top of fabulous romances, the proceeds go to support LGBTGIA + charities.
Win win!
Iām highly recommending this anthology. Grab it up before the next one comes out. Thatās the kinky oneš
Once upon a time, a bunch of authors wondered… what would happen if Heart2Heart, the dating and community app responsible for bringing together couples from all over the world, encouraged people to do something theyād never done before?
#NeverHaveIEver is trending on H2H, and fourteen authors whoāve never before appeared in a Heart2Heart anthology (and one whoās never left) have come together to show how funny, hot, and heartwarming it can be when H2H app users challenge themselves to do something outside of their comfort zones–from singing in public, to skinny dipping, to getting their first real kiss–while they manage to fall in love along the way.
As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!
The Hitmanās Guide to Righting Wrongs While Causing Mayhem is the fourth book in Alice Winters series about a retired hitman whoās now happily married and in business with his PI husband. Weāve followed their hilarious , zany, sometimes murder-filled lives, from the meeting at the infamous and now enshrined Fence all the way through their engagement and marriage.
I have adored every second of every bit of the time Iāve spent getting to know former hitman Leland and his now husband Jackson, chief of police, Henry, whoās basically stepped in as father figures for Leland, fellow former hitman Cassel, and his boyfriend cop , Jeremy, dogs Cayenne and Sarge, ā¦. I mean the cast of fantastic characters is huge! And they weave in and out of every story, regardless of what that particular bookās theme is. You can count on certain people and animals to be a part of the investigations and whatever shenanigans that ensues.
Lelandās ( and Casselās ) adolescence and twisted mentorship under Lucas has also been a constant dark thread in the series. Sometimes it manifests itself as Lelandās inability to connect in a ānormalā to established family celebrations or traditions. They physically make him hurt as something so warm and loving is so outside of his universe. Lucas manipulated him and all his āboysā in a utterly, cruel way. Hand picking abused, starved boys at their worst then narrowing their world down to Lucas, their kill, their training, and their next target. Those that didnāt live up to Lucasās standards, were āgone ā.
That past gets reflected through Lelandās actions and remarks through every story too. And Jackson is there supporting and helping Leland with the pain and growth.
I love that element.
This couple is hilarious, loving, but the substance is always present.
This was an especially complicated investigation. Of course, it starts with someone from Lelandās past coming for Leland and his special ātalentsā.
Naturally, the case goes sideways right from the start with bodies piling up, false identities, porn names, and the reappearance of the Sasquatch!
Itās fast moving, often over the top action, matched by equally snappy,snarky dialogue . Lots of shooting, and explosions!
Lucas makes several important appearances here. The deep damage done as he molded both as youth into assassins, damage thatās left both Leland and Cassel traumatized, is clear here. So is the influence he continues to have on both men even from prison.
This is the one major element that is only partially dealt with. Lucas has been THE major bad for the entire series, deservedly so. Heās a fully developed, multidimensional villain. Thereās a reason heās to be feared.
At one point Leland gets his moment of revelation about himself and his emotional growth. Itās allowing him to move forward.
However, and this is a huge however, this gigantic emotional step forward isnāt complete because the story doesnāt allow it to be. Unless thereās another book to come. Leland never goes to see Lucas to see if Lucas can still get to him.
Lucas and his part in Leland and Casselās lives needs a closure.
While heās still in prison pulling strings , no one is getting any. Leland , no matter what happened during that case, has been unable to face him without being traumatized. Cassel canāt face him at all.
The series needs to address that.
Plus Ava, that strong AF mother in law, who went through so much? You canāt tell me there arenāt some emotional fallout elements to come there. There should be. Because there always been some very truthful threads underneath the caustic comedy routine between Ava and Leland. We need to see what happens next.
So Iām hoping this isnāt the end of the series because while itās a terrific story, thereās still much important stuff left to bring to closure.
It should be clear how very much I love this universe and series. These people are so close to my heart. I want nothing less than the absolute best. Because the way Alice Winters wrote and created them? They are deserving of nothing less.
What a series! What a wonderful story! Iām highly recommending them all . And honestly waiting for the next.
The Hitmanās Guide series:
ā The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love #1
ā The Hitmanās Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes #2
ā The Hitmanās Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot #3
ā The Hitmanās Guide to Righting Wrongs While Causing Mayhem #4
Side Story:
šThe Former Assassinās Guide to Snagging a Reluctant Boyfriend
Growing up, I was taught that getting too close to someone would be my downfall. But Iāve proven that wrong now that Iām happily married to Jackson, the greatest man in the world. The issue is that mayhem always seems to find me (which is definitely not my fault), and this time, it comes in the form of a woman looking for her daughter. What starts as a simple missing persons case turns into so much more, forcing me to rely on my found family and others, including a muscley ābearā who will definitely not whisk away my husband with his irritatingly sexy accentāI mean, yes, Iām very focused on this caseā¦ Jackson, donāt look at me like that.
Jackson
While Leland is ācode potatoingā (whatever that means on his strange cheat sheet), Iām left questioning what heās gotten himself into this time. At least heās willing to let me assist him, even if heās still positive that I should just āsit prettyā and let him handle everything. But with the girl missing, he knows we need to work together to determine whose game weāre playing because not everything is as it seems. Of course, when one gets involved with Leland, nothing is ever simple. But maybe thatās just the way I like it.
Contains: speed walking up way too many stairs while holding pointy objects, feel-better cookies that didnāt turn out quite right, Spanish that definitely isnāt Spanish, and lots of long-suffering people being swept up in Lelandās shenanigans once more
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 