Review: Trash and Treasure (A Fox Hollow novella) by Morgan Brice

Rating: 3.75🌈

Trash and Treasure is a sweet shifter romance by a author I really like. I’m most familiar with Morgan Brice’s interconnected paranormal series which I throughly enjoy and, tbh, am a bit behind on.

But when I saw a shifter story written by Brice, it was an immediate draw. Plus it’s main couple was a raccoon and opossum. That “fated mate” pairing just appealed to me.

They are, as each states, not from the sought after or glamour categories of shifter species. True.

Plus they aren’t the predator/prey hookups that, as a biologist, often has me cringing more than a bit. Nopes, opossums and raccoons occupy the same habitats, same niche …nocturnal. It makes more sense then some other shifter couples so mentally I’m already there.

Brice gives each a poignant backstory without going into too much tragedy. I’m not familiar with this universe but the nature of Fox Hollow as a shiftertown for shifters needing a safe haven is easily and quickly established .

Mico Foley, raccoon-shifter, trash truck driver, and found object artist, is a terrific character. From his treehouse which “acts” as his tree cavity, to his engaging personality, Mico feels larger than this novella allows his story to be.

The same goes for the gentle , baker Jack Hargrave. A possum shifter, who’s a genius in the kitchen, with an enthusiastic outlook, and shy demeanor, Jack is the perfect counterpart to Milo’s outgoing charm, and natural intelligence. Each radiates some of their shifter animals in their “human “ stages, a wonderful element.

There’s a beginning courtship, that swings way too quickly to fated mates and true love. Mostly due to the shortness of the novella.

It ends with after a traumatic event, with them happily together.

This is a sweet tale.

For me, the promise these characters hold within themselves and their relationship, it cries out for a longer book and a more densely plotted journey towards a HEA. But that’s me.

Want a Morgan Brice tale? A sweet shifter romance? Trash and Treasure (A Fox Hollow novella) by Morgan Brice is the thing for you.

https://www.goodreads.com › showTrash and Treasure (Fox Hollow Zodiac #3.5) by Morgan Brice – Goodreads

A lonely raccoon shifter. A hopeful possum shifter. Awesome donuts–and true love.

Raccoon-shifter Mico Foley drives a garbage truck in Fox Hollow, a job that keeps a roof over his head while he pursues his true passion—creating art with found objects. He fears he might never find a mate—until he falls hard for the sexy new baker in town. But will a hottie like that fall for a guy like him?

Possum-shifter Jack Hargrave is the new night baker at Bare Necessities Cafe, his big opportunity to do what he loves most—creating irresistible confections. He didn’t move to Fox Hollow to find a mate, but the handsome truck driver who empties the cafe’s dumpster has stolen his heart. Could a hunk like him still care when he finds out Jack’s secret?

Trash and Treasure is an MM shifter romance with a flirty baker, a brooding artist, hurt/comfort, unusual art, a fancy tree house, found family, fated mates and seductive donuts.

Review: The Fairy Shop by Tara Lain

Rating: 3 🌈

I debated over the rating on this one. A lot. Liked the storyline. The main and one secondary character were charming. Overall holiday message was lovely.

But.

This is a short story that also deals as major elements childhood trauma stemming from domestic violence, where a small child is witness to her drunken mother being beaten (off page) by a large abusive boyfriend. More than once. To the point the father removed her ,got custody, and now the child has nightmares and serious issues with large men in her vicinity.

This child needs therapy. But beyond that. The story develops nicely. Father meets huge stranger. Immediately attracted for both. No intro to daughter for obvious reason. But daughter and father find just the most incredible tiny shop selling handcrafted wands, unicorns etc. This part of the story is excellent. Even the person running the shop , amazing.

The story runs it’s course, including a traumatic event. That’s where I have a issue. Big issue.

Because, spoiler alert. The abusive boyfriend is involved in what is clearly a crime. He’s been involved in domestic violence in the past. So the solution here is :

A. Let him walk free out the door with a drunk/drugged out mother , call him a Uber too , don’t worry about that poor driver.

B. Call the cops, charge him with assault, let him get a criminal record so when it happens again the victim has a support.

What should a responsible author do? Yes, it’s fiction but shouldn’t we start showing that actions have consequences in the stories?

What do you think happened?

One guess, it wasn’t B. Because, hey, it’s Christmas, and even drunks and domestic abusers need to just be sent off. Uh no. Wrong message sent.

One last thing. You leave your child with a caregiver to go out for the evening. The door is busted in by an drunken perhaps drugged out ex of the person you are sitting for, and their abusive boyfriend. You know she doesn’t have custody and are aware of the violence in the past. What do you do? Child is screaming.

A. Call the police.

B. Call the father.

Yup. B. That story just made every wrong choice, not for the child safety but father’s consideration. SMH.

Spoiled this story.

Maybe this hit me wrong. Maybe I’m tired of violence and it not being reported or responsibly handled. But this? Could have been better. Given that the child’s trauma was a major element here.

Read it and decide for yourself. Or not if any of this is a trigger for you.

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Fairy Shop by Tara Lain – Goodreads

A single dad who needs love. A child who needs courage.
Sounds like a job for a fairy.

When Nate Hawthorne meets Asher Dane, the huge, tattooed hunk embodies Nate’s dreams – and his daughter’s nightmares. Delly’s terrified of big men.

Then Nate and Delly find The Fairy Shop, a mysterious store where a unique proprietress sends Delly in search of the wand that will make her brave.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, love and courage meet under the influence of a most unusual fairy and Nate and Delly’s lives change forever.

THE FAIRY SHOP is a single dad, opposites attract, small town, MM holiday romance—wrapped in the magic of love.

Why I Don’t Review Dreamspinner Press Titles! or It’s My Book Party and I Read who I Want To!🎉🎈🙌

For anyone else left wondering. Or not familiar with the appalling situation with this publisher, and the authors she’s left unpaid for years, and the aftermath of that.

Yes, it’s still going on. Shockingly, writers are still there and there’s a call out for new authors. 😱

If anyone sees a DSP author still currently published there getting new reviews on my site, pls let me know. I try to research where the books I’m reading are published, so hopefully that won’t occur.

For more information on the current status, check out the article below.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/82199-dreamspinner-press-restructures-as-authors-cry-foul.html

Review: Purrfect Harmony (Blackhaven Manor #1) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4🌈

Somehow I missed both this author and her supernatural romance series , Blackhaven Manor. I’m rectifying that now.

Each story is a quick satisfying read if the first is any indication.

Blackhaven Manor is an enormous castle-like structure settled on an equally humongous wooded estate . Think ginormous 5 star hotel that’s comprised of Otherly niches , each suitable for a certain supernatural species, be it Vampire, Fae, type of were shifter, or anything else in the Other spectrum. And run by a meddling Dragon family.

It’s human concierge is Kol Livingston. Kol is one of the few humans on staff and the first to get his romance. He’s fresh from a bad breakup and currently swearing off any new relationships.

That’s when famous singer and infamous bad boy cheetah shifter, Remington Raines, arrives at Blackhaven Manor . He’s set to perform at the fabulous annual Festival held at the manor, a event so exclusive that it’s sold out far in advance.

Steele’s story is a fated mates romance with a hint of suspense to it. The author crafts her characters with an eye towards detail. Then, with a narrative smack, quickly nails the powerful impact a mate call has on a shifter and the couple.

It makes the fated mate a very believable element. Which I think was made more impressive given the shorter length of the book.

There’s a mystery and suspense aspect to the story that is something I both like and yet wish was given more time to develop. What we have is terrific but could have been so outstanding with a bit more “seasoning buildup“.

There are more characters I hope will will get to know better in the future novels. This universe has the potential for some very dramatic storylines and romances. I look forward to books.

I’m definitely recommending you start your journey here.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

◦ Night and Fae #2

◦ Dragon It Out #3

◦ Grin and Bear it #4

◦ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showPurrfect Harmony (Blackhaven Manor #1) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Kol Livingston believes in the so-called fairy tales, the clichés—love at first sight, soul mates, and happily-ever-afters. He wants it all, but after a series of failed relationships, he’s beginning to think he’ll never meet Prince Charming. He loves his job at Blackhaven Manor, but with all the gorgeous paranormals strutting around the hotel, why would anyone choose him?

When cheetah shifter and infamous bad boy, Remington Raines, is asked to perform for the Heritage Festival at Blackhaven Manor, he can’t say no. Literally. Still, an all-expenses-paid vacation from tour buses and screaming fans might be just what he needs. Falling for the quirky concierge with big, brown eyes and a smile that melts him, however, wasn’t part of the plan. He’s used to people—men, women, supernatural and human—throwing themselves at him, but Kol doesn’t care about his fame or his money. He’s been hurt, and he’s not about to give his heart to just anyone.Image is everything, but if Remington wants to win over this jaded human, he’ll have to dig deep and show Kol the man behind the reputation.

Review: Got Me Thinking (Vet Shop Boys #4) by Casey Cox

Rating: 4.5🌈

Got Me Thinking, fourth book in Casey Cox’s terrific Vet Shop Boys series, is a very sweet,low angst, contemporary romance.

Chase Higgins is the vet who’s life has just had a complete life upheaval, after a long period of stress, and a inability to conceive children in a dying marriage. It was finally coming to the realization that he needs to live his truth, even if it hurts people close to him. That means telling his wife he’s gay, divorcing, and starting to live as a gay man. In his 30’s.

Fisher West is a single dad of twin girls. Recently relocated back to his hometown of Brookhaven, Virginia, to raise his girls, get his life settled after a heartbreaking dissolution of a relationship.

Each man has undergone enormous changes in their lives, made mental decisions as to any new romances, and new goals at home. Whether it’s small pigs as pets, houses to redo, or just getting reestablished in a community.

Cox gives us two wonderful, relatable men, puts each into situations the reader will connect to, then starts to push them together in the most delightful way.

As Chase figures out what being a “ out” gay man means , and Fisher helps just by being his friend, the warmth and joy of their growing relationship rises off the page. Whether it’s through interactions with all the kids, animals, Saturday dinners, or many conversations, all very realistic and funny and , thankfully, adult, it’s all so smoothly done, that I’m all in without realizing it.

I’m full all in love with the men, the idea of a combined family, the way they actually talk through the issues bothering them. That alone was masterful because it was so thoughtful and yes, grownup. It lacks drama, and I appreciate that. Sometimes, being a grownup, if there’s respect and intelligence, as well as the idea you communicate your thoughts and issues, that’s a great element in a romance and relationship.

The epilogue shows that they had obstacles to overcome but it’s such a marvelous chapter and we see how the family and men went on. Happy and very much in love.

Got Me Thinking (Vet Shop Boys #4) by Casey Cox is a wonderful contemporary romance, with a man who starts to live his truth and finds love, family, and a happy future. It’s a warm-hearted, loving book that will leave you smiling. What’s better then that?

I’m highly recommending this and this gentle series.

Vet Shop Boys series so far:

Got Me Hoping #1

Got Me Wishing #2

✓ Got Me Looking #3

✓ Got Me Thinking #4

◦ Got Me Going #5 TBR

◦ Got Me Merry #6 TBR date TBD

https://www.goodreads.com › showGot Me Hoping (Vet Shop Boys, #1) by Casey Cox – Goodreads

Synopsis:

He’s a single dad ready to start dating again. I’m newly divorced and new to…well, everything. This is going to be a disaster… Isn’t it?

When my marriage ends, I decide to buy a run-down house and get a drove of piglets. My friends think I’m having a breakdown, when really, all I’m doing is the one thing I’ve avoided my whole life––figuring out who I am.

One thing I’m quickly learning is that life loves nothing more than to throw you a curveball when you least expect it.

Take Fischer West. From the moment we serendipitously collide on a midnight stroll, he ignites something within me. We have a connection. I want to explore it, even though the timing is all wrong.

There’s no way either one of us is ready for a relationship, so why has Fischer got me thinking it might just work?

Review: Nothing Ordinary (A Hit and Run story) by E.M. Lindsey

Rating: 3.5🌈

I’m not sure exactly where the author intends Nothing Ordinary to fall in their series, except as a prequel perhaps.

It was originally written as a series, then re-edited, new material added, and now re-released just as the first book in the series was arriving. So it acts as a informative lead-in for Pietro’s story. Much of Pietro’s history and his relationship with his brother is relayed here. So if you loved that book like I did, it’s worth it for that alone.

But this is Gabe and Ezra’s story. So the events run almost concurrently to those in Switch – Hitter (Hit and Run #1) . Many scenes will seem familiar if you’ve read the other book.

Gabe, the older brother who, due to a car accident, lost his career in the Major Leagues, his marriage, his self esteem. He’s now a private school high school volleyball coach, angry, and alone. Not a happy man.

Ezra Mandel , the new culinary teacher is many things:

A culinary genius.
A first-time teacher.
An anxious mess.

He looks the same age as his students and has a deep case of social anxiety, made worse by an

abusive ex. None of those elements make him think his experience as a teacher in high school is going to go well.

It doesn’t. He runs into Gabe in the teachers lounge on his first day who yells at him to get out, thinking Ezra’s a student. It goes downhill quickly from there.

This story of opposites attract, enemies to lovers has a lot of promise. Each man has problematic areas to their character. Gabe is dealing with issues of self esteem, anger, loss of career, and even sibling jealousy/envy. He feels he’s never good enough. Anger is his fall back emotion.

Ezra is full of anxiety, a people pleaser who can’t tolerate loud voices, especially those raised in rage. His low self esteem pounded into him by an abusive ex who enjoyed hurting him. A culinary genius who can’t stand the pressure of the kitchen.

These are all complicated elements and needs it’s equal in storytelling. While Lindsey did a good job dealing with Ezra’s anxiety (therapy, communication, meds) and Gabe’s issues of career loss, low esteem, and envy, I not sure Gabe’s elements got addressed enough. Of all three characters who had emotional issues, (Ezra, Pietro, Gabriel) , Gabe is the only person not seeing a therapist. I kept thinking anger management classes were the least he needed. If you have to continually excuse a teacher’s behavior because he’s “complicated’?

Flags , people, flags.

Which brings me to a couple of major concerns or issues I have here. And spoilers territory ! I like these characters. I do. I find them sympathetic, mostly.

Continuity.

Lindsey has both Pietro and Gabe use their celebrity influence as MLB players, past and present, to make important local changes. Include a trans player on a team against the Administration’s wishes, push rulings, whatever. They use what they’re are , rich and well known, to make changes. Over and over. They are local boys made great. Point made.

Even if Gabe feels like a has been, he’s not.

If Lindsey had just explored all the ramifications of these two polar opposites getting together, it would have made for a fascinating story.

But there’s another ugly element thrown in. One of an attempted sexual assault. It happens, it’s over. And other then a very minimal amount of mentions to the aftermath. Done. Yes, Therapy. Yes. Fired. Yada. Yada. But basically , that’s it for such a serious topic.

To my mind, if you’re going to introduce such a sensitive and horrific situation, (it happens on the page, but is swiftly dealt with), then I think there’s an obligation to make this section as relevant and responsible as possible. Gabe and Pietro have the influence to have this person arrested, he’s a sexual predator, who’s been in a high school.

But there’s no follow through here. On any aspect really of this situation.

It’s pretty much glosses over considering the gravity and scope of the scene.

I just didn’t get it. The story flies quickly to the end, and Gabe and Ezra’s HEA.

I didn’t read the serial so I have no idea which sections were added and what’s original. But if the assault scenes were added afterwards, it makes sense, because they don’t feel as thoughtfully written as Ezra’s anxiety or Gabe’s relationship with Pietro.

So it’s worth reading if you want to read the entire Hit and Run series and want all the background. This is great for that.

Read it for Ezra, and yes Gabe. I’m sure we will be seeing them again later on in the series, not just in Pietro’s story, which I highly recommend.

Hit and Run series:

✓ Nothing Ordinary #0

✓ Switch-Hitter #1

◦ Line Drive #2 – out July 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showNothing Ordinary (Hit and Run #0) by E.M. Lindsey | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Ezra Mandel is many things:

A culinary genius.
A first-time teacher.
An anxious mess.

And helplessly attracted to the rudest, most grumpy man he has ever had the misfortune of meeting.

Ezra knows his first semester ever teaching at a private school is going to be a disaster. What he doesn’t expect is to get into a rivalry with the volleyball coach who can’t stand him. But the more he gets to know Gabriel Bassani, the more he starts to realize his pain is a lot deeper than the surface of his skin.

And Gabriel is a complicated man. He’s lived in the shadow of his MLB star brother for most of his life, his past marriage was a disaster, and he’s long-since stopped believing in love. But Ezra—persistent, beautiful, irritating Ezra—is the kind of man who refuses to give up, and Gabriel isn’t sure if he wants to beg him to stop, or beg him to keep going.

Whatever they have isn’t ordinary, but then again, ordinary isn’t something either of them has ever wanted.

This book features a low-angst, slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with a nervous sunshine culinary professor in his first year of teaching, a grumpy ex MLB player with a chip on his shoulder the size of Wrigley Field, a gaggle of students who enjoy making bets on the teacher’s lives, and a happily ever after that just might feel like a world record breaking home run.

Nothing Ordinary is a previously released serial novel in the Hit and Run series, now with 15,000 words of revised and additional content.

Review: The Stable Boy by Megan Derr

Rating: 3.75 🌈

The Stable Boy is a short, sweet fantasy romance from my must have author, Megan Derr.

A tale of curses, betrayal, and princely love, The Stable Boy is a lovely story about Diggory, a Prince who’s betrayed by his bodyguard on his way to his wedding to Prince Adalwin. Diggory is stabbed, cursed, and left for dead as his bodyguard switches identities and proceeds to the palace in his place.

The story tells how Diggory regains his identity and fiancé by becoming his Stable Boy while working to undo the curse and get his HEA.

It’s simple, satisfying, and quick. A sweet fantasy Bon Bon for lovers of romance and happy endings!

Happy reading!

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Stable Boy by Megan Derr – Goodreads

On a journey to meet his fiancé and begin wedding preparations, Prince Diggory is betrayed by his bodyguard, who intends to steal Diggory’s life. Left for dead in a river, the last thing Diggory expects is to live.

But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.

Review: Deal Maker (Mixed Messages #2) by Lily Morton

Rating: 5 🌈

I know I’m in for a grand time when I haven’t even gotten through the first page and I’m laughing at the verbal antics and eagerly anticipating the author’s next steps.

Morton starts off each book with pertinent and moving quotes. Here it then goes a bit further.

Each chapter begins with a hilarious letter to a fan, “reportedly “, from movie star Asa Jacobs, 44, single father to the adorable Billy, age 5.

How they come about is part of this marvelous romance between two men who have sworn off relationships because of the pain, disappointment, and history behind them.

That’s such a simplified version of Deal Maker. This is a story where you’re be laughing at the oh so real…yes I recognize that…antics of Billy the 5 year old or giggling in anticipation at the stuff Jude is no doubt planning because of, nope. Read the story.

Jude Bailey is a masterpiece of a character along with Asa Jacobs. Morton writes complicated people so beautifully.

Jude’s model gorgeous exterior hides a razor sharp wit, a kind heart, and a fierce loyalty towards those he loves. His history is revealed slowly, in texts, phone conversations, and eventually an emotional exhale of history that brought him to his career and situation.

Asa Jacobs is a older huge man. Big physically, capable of an enormous range of emotions, chillingly cold to rage, to a man who deeply loves his son. Also someone carrying immense pain from a past relationship .

His household consists of equally unique characters whose personalities will become as memorable as those of the main characters.

There’s so many downright hilarious scenes here , also characters like Dean that honestly deserve their own gloriously Dim award. He’s magnificent in his own way. And I’ll just say it. Hamster! Love it!

Also deeply moving scenes that dig deep to show our mens fear, doubt, growing love, and resolve to protect those they care about the most.

The Jude’s parents and the entire Devon section was intimate and inviting. It felt like family.

This is one of those stories where at the end you’ll find that your face hurts from smiling so hard and your heart feels so warm. You feel that great!

It’s on my comfort read list now.

I’m highly recommending Deal Maker (Mixed Messages #2) by Lily Morton. It’s plain romance magic!

Mixed Messages:

✓ Rule Breaker #1

◦ Goodbye, Fletcher #1.2

◦ Jude’s Intervention #1.3

◦ Scrambled Eggs and Lemsip #1.5

◦ The Valentine Do-Over #1.7

✓ Deal Maker #2

◦ Risk Taker #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showDeal Maker (Mixed Messages, #2) by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Available in Kindle and paperback formats

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

Also available in Audiobook format

AMAZON

AUDIBLE US

AUDIBLE UK

AUDIBLE DE

AUDIBLE FR

Synopsis:

Sometimes your mouth makes deals that your heart can’t honour.

Jude is a highly successful model, but a very reluctant one. His life is full of casual hook-ups with pretty men in glamorous locations, but it’s still empty. However, circumstances decreed a long time ago that this was his path, so he’s resolutely stayed on it and accepted his fate with good grace. He made a deal with himself and his hook-ups. Get in, get out and no ties with anyone.

However, an accident at home one night leads to him making a new deal and accepting the offer of help from an unlikely source. It leads to an unexpected summer of falling in love with a larger than life man and his child.

But by the end of the summer his reasons for not staying are still valid. Will he turn away? Can he?

Asa is a talented actor who has spent time away from the scene to look after his son. But now he’s back, and the last thing he needs are complications from the gorgeous man who is staying with him. Scarred from too many betrayals, he has no intention of forming a lasting tie with anyone. However, he can’t resist the beautiful man with secrets, and to his horror he develops feelings.

But a deal’s a deal and they said it was just for the summer. What can Asa do with a man who has forever in his eyes and goodbye on his lips?

This is the second book in the Mixed Messages series but it can be read as a standalone.

Review: A Velvet Glove (Arcane Hearts #4) by Nazri Noor

Rating: 4.75🌈

Such an outstanding series. Each story sees a increase in danger to the world our heroes live in from the Fae, the originators of the purple poison crystals that started off the series arc with some strange deaths.

But it’s not from the Fae alone that our characters and their deep relationship seem to face new obstacles and trials. Everywhere they turn, there’s daunting challenges to the path forward they are trying to tread.

For Jackson Pryde , it’s the gods and goddesses who have invited/told him to come to a meeting about his identity as a prism. It’s a element that’s still in development as to what it will eventually mean to Jackson’s life and relationship.

It’s a overlaying thread while Jackson deals with trying to rebuild the artificers’ guild, get approval for the plans (a fantastic section that includes Lore and a new character), and get ready to attend a gathering with Xander at Greyhaven, the magical school he was told he was never good enough for.

Nazri Noor has packed a couple of books worth of themes into one here and , while jammed full, it still flows smoothly. It’s incredibly suspenseful, full of so many emotionally laden issues for our main characters that we and them might be unpacking for the next book or three.

Idol/hero worship, adolescent expectations and the pain when reality mades life feel less important, doubts and insecurities. All while fighting a growing enemy bent on complete destruction.

New fascinating characters. Old enemies , the Fae, of Irish lore. Definitely not any friendly to humans, but capable of extraordinary cruelty.

Lore is exhibiting new growth and personality. I love him.

Noor gives us hints of enormous peril, loss, and just the hope of happiness. Have no idea where this is going but I’m on for the whole ride.

Just amazing stories but read them in the order they are written so you can understand the relationships and arc development.

I’m highly recommending them all.

Arcane Hearts series:

✓ A Touch of Fever #1

✓ A Stroke of Brilliance #2

✓ An Iron Fist #3

✓ A Velvet Glove #4

◦ Hand of Glory #5

https://www.goodreads.com › seriesArcane Hearts Series by Nazri Noor – Goodreads

Jackson Pryde is too cool for school.

In the middle of shearing talking sheep, Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright are visited by Hecate and Freyja, queens of magical might within their pantheons. The goddesses have summoned Jackson for a meeting among immortals, a convocation of entities who wish to study the strange nature of his prismatic powers.

Jackson’s busy enough already. Work is underway for the rebuilding of the artificers’ guild. Rumors abound that his childhood hero is searching for a suitable assistant. And a chance assignment sees the boys visiting the heart of where their bitter rivalry truly began: the elite academy of Grayhaven.

Good thing a visit to Xander’s alma mater won’t unearth old grudges and ancient insecurities.

Right?

A Velvet Glove is an 85,000-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, you’ve come to the right place. Experience A Velvet Glove today.

Review: Hot Wings (The Hot Cannolis #2) by Eli Easton and Tara Lain

Rating: 5 🌈

Hot is right. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this story since the author’s announced it was Donny’s story with a newly transferred gay fire pilot.

Donato “Donny” Cannoli is a mess of a man, something of a norm actually for the men of the enormous Italian family where the ideals of manhood run adjacent to those of toxic masculinity. Where they , actually everyone, are expected to go into careers of service, dangerous service. Firefighters, law enforcement…nothing less. Marry, produce another generation to do the exact same, and carry on the Cannoli name and reputation.

No matter the personal cost.

Hot Seat, Mike’s story was a dramatic representation of exactly how high that cost could be when the stress and denial became too great.

And it caused an emotional, heartbreaking,sea change in attitude in Donny. Prior to the shattering event towards the end of that story, Donny , like his older brother, Gabe, was a homophobic machismo sneering bully. But afterwards?

A changed man who had his brother’s back and started standing up for Mike and against those uttering homophobic slurs.

That’s where we find him now. A man who’s foundation has been shaken, the cracks appearing… when out and proud Dell Murphy arrives , to further the job of disassembling the man Donny always thought himself to be.

Lain and Easton do an absolutely superlative job here with Donny’s emotionally profound and painful journey, with himself and Dell, to his truth. He’s bisexual, he’s never going to fit within his father’s ideals, and he’s got a new better future if he’s brave enough to accept it and himself.

It’s a path you’re on with Donny that’s at times raw, sexually hot, and heartwarming, and also so deeply complicated that you just hurt for him as he unravels all those familial issues that have him trussed up so tightly in old ideals that have never fit him.

Dell Murphy has his complications. All just as well executed and emotional. And like Donny’s, they stem from family. His issues with his father has driven home certain areas of behavior and trust that Donny’s triggering. He’s also the one who’s the security for his Mam and sister , Gala. Those characters too are just amazing.

There’s so many great elements here. Dell is a realistic pilot and the research into the plane, flying, fire intensity…. It’s all here. And it makes for some incredibly high suspense action. Awesome co- pilot too.

The truth is this book is so fantastic I could babble on about all the great things the authors have put into this story that enrich the storylines and support the characters growing relationship, but why not just pick it up and read it? It’s fabulous!

I will say you should read Hot Seat first to get an indication of the events that happened previously and how far Donny’s characters has changed.

I’m highly recommending this and the series to date.

Now an interesting note on the next two stories. Due to unexpected complications (author Tara Alain’s surgery and recovery), Lain and Easton aren’t co-writing the next books. Instead each will write a single novel.

I’m wondering how that will effect the sort of edgy balance they’ve achieved here in the series to date between raw , deeply emotional issues each character has had to process and overcome and the romantic relationship element. It’s been a delicate maneuver. In Mike’s novel, it was really more about his journey towards self acceptance, and then it was his romance.

Here in Hot Wings, I thought it was equally important. Beautifully crafted.

Now to see how and who is next.

The Hot Cannolis series:

◦ Fireman’s Carry (The Hot Cannolis #0.5) by Eli Easton

✓ Hot Seat #1

✓ Hot Wings #2

◦ Hot Pursuit #3 by Eli Easton date TBD

◦ Hot Lips #4 by Tara Lain, date TBD

https://www.goodreads.com › showHot Wings (The Hot Cannolis #2) by Eli Easton – Goodreads

Synopsis:

The alpha meets his match.

Most macho of all the super-alpha Canali brothers and proud of it, Donny’s famous for his gorgeous face, his firefighter prowess, and for going through girls his family doesn’t approve of as fast as he changes jeans.

Donny’s biggest hero is his fire captain dad, until his life gets saved from the skies by fire pilot Dell Murphy.

Dell’s certain about most things. He’s been proud to be gay since he was ten, handled a helicopter in Afghanistan like it was part of his body, and can fly a fire bomber in the worst conflagration. And he’s absolutely certain that Donny Canali belongs to him.
Dell also knows how to show a lover he’s in charge.

Donny’s shocked to discover how much he’s turned on by dominant Dell, but Donny’s not gay. He’s not. He can’t be. It would break his father’s heart.

Leaving Dell will break Donny’s.

HOT WINGS is a battle of the alphas, hot firefighters, two crazy families, dominant lover, HEA romance with a helping of laughter and even more feels.