Review: Off the Clock (Mount Hope Book 2) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 4🌈

“What happens when a group of forty-something first responders come together to support their recently widowed best friend? The result is the MOUNT HOPE series”

That’s the overall theme for the stories grouped under this Mount Hope series and it’s an emotional, heartwarming concept. It hits home on so many levels, especially when Albert adds in her own familiar, well written elements. Readers of her many series aren’t surprised by returning military or veterans characters that carry their own issues, foster care children with special histories, or just threads that are layered with mental health, commitment issues and recognition of bi-sexuality. In other words, a lot of subjects areas are part of character’s development and histories.

Albert writes all that with amazing sensitivity and awareness. Especially veterans who have served overseas and returned home with internalized trauma, PTSD, or other mental health issues.

In Off the Clock, the veteran is freshly retired Army Ranger Tony Capo, 42, recovering from his injuries, returning home to Mount Hope to figure out his next step forward. In his case, he’s opted to hire on as a firefighter for the Mount Hope Fire Department. It’s a job he has wanted since he was a child and where he has old friends. But he’s also starting over as a much older man with younger colleagues, with all that encompasses mentally and emotionally.

One of those is Caleb, a young firefighter who appeared in the first book. Congenial, somewhat clumsy, he’s recently been named guardian of his troubled teenage brother. That brother has brought him an entire set of new issues to face as well as the new hire, Tony, he’s training.

Albert’s book is an age gap, mental health, multiple issues storyline. There’s much I admire about this book. It’s begins with the characters. Each are well written, beautifully defined, by their respective histories, their life experiences, and their personalities. They are believable and flawed.

The relationship dynamics between Tony and Caleb are among my favorite and least favorite things about the story. Their ability to communicate about each other’s feelings, their experiences with emotionally charged situations that have left each traumatized, whether it’s fires, missions, or childhood damage brought about by parental loss. Loss by death in Caleb’s family or in Tony’s case by his parents drug addiction and abandonment. As Albert powerfully describes it, “matching wounded kid emotions “ bonds them but is also keeping them from being together.

Tony and Caleb’s friendship and the surrounding support from friends and community is the best part about the narrative for me. My issues are with the romance. That part where Albert has two grown men hiding a sexual/romantic connection (one the town easily guesses at and is gossiping about) but that causes Caleb great emotional distress. Tony’s fears about being openly bisexual which directly pushes any relationship between them back into the closet does harm in multiple ways. Yes, the author repairs this to a degree when Tony works through his own personal issues, but it’s striking that even when they are in a committed relationship, it’s Caleb who has insecurities about where he stands with Tony. That shows an inequality that should have been understood by Tony given their backgrounds.

It’s a miss by the author and an unsatisfactory note for the romance and storyline.

The next novel in this series is yet another age gap, mental health issues storyline and I wish that Albert had used the promise found in the series arc to at least give us some more depth and variety among this interesting group of older men. A romantic story between men of the same age would be a great addition.

Off the Clock (Mount Hope Book 2) by Annabeth Albert is a good book, a nice addition to the series with some heartfelt moments and lovely characters.

Mount Hope series:

✓ Up All Night #1

✓ Off The Clock #2

◦ On The Edge #3 – Oct 31, 2024

Buy link

Off the Clock (Mount Hope Book 2)

Blurb:

Starting over after retiring as an Army Ranger shouldn’t be this hard…

For twenty years, I traveled the world as a special operations warrior. Newly retired at forty-two, I’m back in my hometown of Mount Hope, pursuing a second career as a small-town firefighter. My meddling sisters and best friends all have opinions about my life, but the only person who seems to truly understand me is Caleb, the younger firefighter tasked with my training.

After a lifetime of denying my attraction to other men, Caleb reminds me of everything I’ve missed out on. I’ve never even kissed a guy.

Until now.

Until Caleb.

Until I push our growing friendship to the next level. While sneaking around like a pair of teens, trying not to get caught by our coworkers, friends, and family, our sexy connection leads us to some…interesting places.

And it turns out that I like taking risks. I’ve never wanted a relationship, and neither of us should be fooling around with a coworker, but we keep courting danger.

The more time I spend with Caleb off and on the clock, the more I like him and the less certain I am about everything else in my life. The one thing I know for sure is that I can’t afford to lose this intense bond we share. Can we find our way from super secret to super real before the clock runs down on this fling?

OFF THE CLOCK features two coworkers with an age gap finding out that opposites really do attract and that first impressions aren’t always accurate. All the big emotions, small-town feels, and hot romance readers expect from this acclaimed author. While certain subplot threads continue throughout the series, each guaranteed happily ever after stands alone!

• Publisher: (July 25, 2024)

• Publication date: July 25, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 266 pages

Review: Thin Ice: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 4) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5🌈

Thin Ice sees us back in Elmwood, one of my favorite places located in a fabulous heartwarming contemporary romance series. It’s a place I can’t get enough of.

This time Lane is serving up a delicious romantic treat of age gap, fresh starts, and two great characters of incredible depth and heart. Plus hockey of course!

Bryson is the older man, father to a AHL hockey player headed to the big leagues. Lane has given Bryson surprising depths and a backstory, one I’ll leave to the book. But it makes Bryson well rounded, funny, stressing, uncertain. In other words, immediately connectable. Especially in regard to his role and relationship to his son, Jake.

Smitty is absolutely his partner in every way. Sometimes there’s an inequality in an age gap romance but here Lane gives us two men who find contentment, peace, total freedom to communicate and be themselves. We laugh, quietly watch as they question this new relationship as it develops, and it’s feels real and meaningful.

Elmwood operates as another character in itself. The places, atmosphere, school , people who are now familiar to the readers, and deeply a part of the series and story.

I wish the ending was a bit longer but then I feel that at every Elmwood story, wanting to linger on.

I absolutely recommend Thin Ice and the entire series. Read them in order. There’s another one coming to my delight!

And yes, the hockey is spot on, whether it’s on the pro level or high school. Love it.

The Elmwood Stories-Small Town/ Hockey Series :

✓ You, Again #1

✓ Next Season #2

✓ Holiday Crush #3

✓ Thin Ice #4

◦ Hot Shot #5 – Summer 2024

Buy Link

Thin Ice: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 4)

Blurb

The hunky dad, the hockey coach, and a new start…

Bryson

Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Hey, I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small-town living, but I haven’t had a date in years. That’s fine—my son is and always has been my number one focus.

Except now he’s grown and gone. And it’s lonely.

Okay, yes, the new hockey coach is hot and single, but he’s off-limits. Smitty’s trouble with a capital T, and his baggage might outweigh mine. Besides, we said nothing would happen after “that” night. It was a one-time, never to be repeated deal.

At least…that’s what I thought.

Smitty

Am I sad about retiring from pro hockey? Honestly, no. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in pain. I need a rest and I could use a distraction from unwelcome memories at home. Stat.

So…Elmwood.

Look, we all know I won’t last a whole season of coaching high school kids, but stepping in till they find a better candidate is a good temporary plan. And Bryson’s here.

There’s something about the hot dad with the sunny smile and bad dad jokes that makes me feel alive again. I’m not in the market for forever—been there, done that. Look, I’ve taken risks for my sport, but I’m not giving my heart away again. I know thin ice when I see it.

Or do I?

Thin Ice is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small-town romance featuring a silver fox dad, the new hockey coach, and a fresh start on solid ground.

• Publication date: May 14, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 270 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: Chef Under Cover (Sizzle in the Kitchen Book 5) by M.J. O’Shea

Rating: 3.25🌈

With Chef Under Cover, I’ve returned to Montpelier, Vermont, home of the Hearth & Oak restaurant, Chefs Baldwin Powell and company, and easy contemporary romances. M.J. O’Shea’s Sizzle in the Kitchen series now total five books with a finale story to come.

It’s been a while since I’ve read this series, my favorite one still stands as the first one of the series, Chef in the Wild. For me, the stories that followed undermined the strengths of that original story and couple. So I never really quite reconnected again as I once had.

Chef Under Cover is much like reading a standalone novel in a series that’s more now about a location, the Hearth & Oak and a passion for food. And that’s fine.

This is a sweet story about a young man who knows he’s heading in the wrong direction career wise because of a physical talent and the support he finds to make the changes to be happy. And he comes out.

There’s a slight age gap , an implied parental homophobia, and a small amount of drama for the romance between the college football star/would be pastry chef and the physical therapist who’s treating him for shoulder pain.

Except for a rough patch in the beginning when Will and Sean meet, and assumptions ran up against sparks, this is a sweet, somewhat low angst romance. Any issues that Will is having with his parents, primarily his mother (it’s implied she’s homophobic), it occurs off page.

That’s probably my least favorite element here. Any issues, any real problems, and consequently, any resolutions (all of which have had real impact on Will, his college life and career choices) are “handled” off page. The reader is told Will had discussions with his parents, coach whoever. That includes coming out to them. A huge moment in someone’s life.

All those scenes are “as told to” in small succinct sentences. It’s emotionally unsatisfying to read if you’re trying to connect to the characters. And writing like this, choices about the narrative and characters make it harder for the reader to invest in their story. Keeping it superficial and sweet means the reader’s emotions stay on that level too.

As mine was. Sweet story. Cute couple .

If you want a sweet contemporary romance with low-ish angst, a quick low demand read, Chef Under Cover (Sizzle in the Kitchen Book 5) by M.J. O’Shea is a story for you. It’s not necessary to read any of the other books in the series to understand this one. It works as a standalone.

Sizzle in the Kitchen Book:

✓ Chef in the Wild #1

✓ Chef vs Chef #2

✓ Chef on Top #3

◦ Chef in Love #4

✓ Chef Under Cover #5

◦ Chef On Fire #6 – tbd

Buy Link:

Chef Under Cover (Sizzle in the Kitchen Book 5)

Blurb:

He played like a champion but dreamed of the sweet life…

Sean had never treated a famous person before. Not until the golden boy Will Harrington, star college quarterback and soon to be NFL legend, came in with an injured shoulder and hundreds of people’s hopes and dreams on his back.

Will never wanted to be a star quarterback. As unlikely as it sounds, it just kind of… happened. Now he’s stuck in the middle of a whole world he doesn’t fit into, surrounded by people who don’t actually know him.

Will would have never guessed that meeting one gorgeous physical therapist with a sarcastic mouth and a quirky group of small-town friends would help him become who he’s always wanted to be…a chef.

• Publication date: January 30, 2024

• Print length: 161 pages

Review: The Nanny with The Nice List (Nannies of New York Book 5) by K. Sterling

Rating: 4🌈

I have been waiting for Gavin Selby’s story since he made his appearance with his best friend in Briarwood Terrace, the old townhouse in Manhattan where he lives with Reid Marshall,owner of the nanny agency of the series.

Gavin’s quiet intensity, stately dress , and determined demeanor as well as hidden history just made even his briefest appearances objects of curiosity. The reader really wanted to know more about him. And the character Dash’s obvious crush on him, another ongoing thread, from book to book.

So I was prepared for an emotional and revelatory journey for the reader and Dash into Gavin’s past and the present. I expected the author’s usual excellent job of bringing Gavin’s entire story into the narrative forefront here so we could understand why he is the way he is. The trauma and damage he has endured to become the man who has allowed himself to become smaller inside, fearful, and alone. Boxed in emotionally by his father and events.

Sterling has been so outstanding at this in the past, but here, whether it is the nature of the situation or the holidays, we feel distanced from the causes of Gavin’s problems and past life. Even the threats, potential threats to his current life , are ephemeral, never feeling anywhere near substantial.

I think that’s because Gavin’s past, his father, any interactions he might have or had with him are on a “as told to” basis. That puts this entire situation and part of the story on a different perspective, one without any real immediate impact or emotional connection.

That’s unlike the evolving romance and relationship building up between himself and Dash. That’s sweet and sexy and vulnerable. It’s lovely watching these two grow and Gavin dare to love, especially at Christmas.

But it throws off the balance of the story because the other half is the secrets/ongoing conflicts with Gavin’s father. Which is done off page or through other sources or people. That’s taking away the power and the build up from this aspect of the plot.

At one point, I was just getting frustrated, thinking about how little was at the center core of all that secrecy. Especially when there’s all those powerful friends at hand.

So yes, sweet, sexy, loving romantic story but the entire plot itself was not a great success. A good one but not great. The romance and holiday season aspect was a delight. But the parts that centered around Gavin’s character and background didn’t really work. His past history, his family trauma, his father were all too distanced narratively from his storyline to make the impression that the story wants them to have.

Read it because the series is wonderful and you want Gavin’s story. And because it sets up the next and what is possibly the last of the series, Reid Marshall’s romance, One Night With The Nanny.

Nannies of New York :

✓ The Last Nanny In Manhattan #1

✓ Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny #2

✓ The Handy Nanny #3

✓ The Enchanting Nanny #4

✓ The Nanny with The Nice List #5

◦ One Night With The Nanny #6 – May 16, 2024

Buy Link:

The Nanny With The Nice List: Nannies of New York Book 5

Blurb:

This Christmas, Dash Griffin finally gets his man.

The library needs a new Santa to read stories to its littlest patrons and Dash has lots of friends who would be perfect. But instead of asking any of them, he sets his sights on quiet, uptight Gavin Selby. Dash has known for some time that the cranky accountant is the one for him. When he uncovers Gavin’s secret, Dash sees his chance to prove just how right they are for each other. Not only will Gavin become the library’s new Santa, but Dash is on a mission to deliver the brightest, most romantic Christmas ever.

Gavin has done everything in his power to protect his friends and paid a dear price. But he was happy to toe the line as long as everyone else got their happily ever after. Now, the price for Dash’s silence is pumpkin spice lattes and walks in Central Park. Gavin is happy to endure the holiday markets and wear a Santa costume if it means Dash will keep his secret. But can Gavin keep his most dangerous secret to himself? Or, will Dash finally discover that all Gavin wants for Christmas is him?

The Nanny with the Nice List is book 5 in the Nannies of New York series. It’s a sweet and steamy MM romance with lots of pining, a grumpy/sunshine pair, 10 year age gap and a sexual awakening. Plus, all the wonderful found family vibes that lovers of the Nannies in New York series know to expect.

*Paperback includes additional illustrations, playlists, bonus chapters, and more!

Review: Dump and Chase (Watkins Glen Gladiators #3) by V. L. Locey

Rating: 4.5🌈

Dump and Chase is such a sweet, low angst romance, that it’s easy to overlook its beautiful moments and great qualities because it’s so smoothly written.

This is a wonderful story of a young d-man from the Watkins Glen Gladiators and the widowed assistant pastor and single father of a small congregation who find themselves in a relationship that’s leads towards a HEA. To be honest, I avoid any novels that have religious content . Not my thing. But here it comes as a profession as well as the man’s desire to serve his community. Locey’s portrait is that of a multidimensional person.

Gabriel Hansley is a single dad with a rambunctious young son, a widower who loved his wife, a overwhelmed assistant pastor trying to move his church forward and a lonely man who’s becomes attracted to a younger hockey player. Everything about Gabe makes him someone we’d like to meet and connect with.

Deandre Jones, defensive man for the Watkins Glen Gladiators, is another of Locey’s gems when it comes to her hockey players. Young, talented, smart, trying to make a name for himself yet stay true to the upright, mannered person he was raised to be by his mother and close knit family. By dialogue and background, Deandre comes together with crystal clarity. That includes the issues he has of commitment that stem from a father’s abandonment.

Dump and Chase layers in a series of serious issues and elements, gently taking an opportunity to inspect, address and then, if possible, resolve them with communication and kindness. It’s not just obstacles that arise between the main characters, although that’s often the case, but other things as well. Things get wider audience as all sorts of allies and friends are drawn together for dialogue and discussions about things that need a closer look.

Super angsty? Perhaps not. Grownup with a lovely optimistic voice of adult reason with its underlying sense of humor and self worth.

And while the adults are finding their way into a relationship, it’s framed around Gabe’s changing life at his small congregation and Deandre’s role at the Gladiators. Change is happening, it’s how each of them will be able to deal with it and decide what to do with the new paths that open up.

The supporting cast of characters is a joy. Whether it’s Gabe’s son or Deandre’s teammates, Deandre’s mother or the wealthy winemaker who’s been Gabe’s biggest supporter at the church for changes, they are engaging and people I’m sure we will be seeing more of in future stories.

Dump and Chase (Watkins Glen Gladiators #3) by V. L. Locey is an engaging sweet romance and one of my favorites to date. I highly recommend it.

Watkins Glen Gladiators:

✓ Between The Pipes #1

✓ Defending The House #2

✓ Dump and Chase #3

Buy Link:

Blurb:

Working side-by-side on a charity project might just prove to be the foundation of a new romance.

Deandre Jones is enjoying his single life quite nicely, thank you. He’s a defenseman on the Watkins Glen Gladiators, gets to travel, dates frequently, and isn’t tied down to anything other than his mom and brother back in the windy city. He has time to do the whole family and kids thing. Right now he’s happy to be footloose, even if his mother has different ideas. As the playoffs near his focus should be on hockey, but for some reason, he can’t seem to give the sport its due. Ever since he volunteered to help the incredibly handsome assistant pastor of a local church work on an addition to the parish, his attention seems to be locked on curly hair and bright blue eyes instead of breakaways and body checks.

Gabriel Hansley has quite the full plate. Not only is he the first openly out bisexual assistant pastor for a small but highly active parish, but he’s also got his son to tend to as well as his work at the church, which keeps him hopping all day long. And that’s a good thing as the nights alone are hard for the young widower. Just when he’s about to give up on finding a person to share his life with—chaotic as it can be—he finds himself hammering nails beside Deandre Jones. As they work side-by-side under the bright spring sun, he’s getting warmer under the collar with each shared smile and terrible carpentry pun.

Dump and Chase is a low-angst, slow burn, age gap queer hockey romance with a not-quite-as-confirmed-as-he-thought bachelor, a harried single father, plenty of nosy but well-meaning parishioners and teammates, tons of joyous song, and a harmonious happily ending.

Review: The Orc and the Manny (Monsters Hollow, #1) by Chloe Archer

Rating: 4.75🌈

Well, isn’t Monsters Hollow turning out to be the perfect place to be! After 3 stories (one in a charity anthology), I’m finding myself more and more enchanted with this paranormal world that Chloe Archer is creating and filling with fated mates pairings and their adventures in romance.

Already familiar the subject matter and anticipating this story, it’s even better than expected. It was hinted at in The Bogeyman and the Schoolteacher, and we get to see both those terrific characters again here in their respective roles.

Well known interspecies historian, orc Targan Wildethorne has recently become the guardian of his sister’s two young children under tragic circumstances. A confirmed batchelor with no experience with youngsters, he’s now faced with a household in turmoil, deadlines to meet, and everyone, including himself, struggling with grief over the grievous of his sister, their mother.

Archer dumps the reader into a house where chaos rules, emotions are high, and a great tragedy is still being dealt with. It’s vividly depicted and it feels so real, no matter that the kids are orcs, their pet an out of control Hellhound, and that one child is furiously chasing another with a mini ax. It’s the out of control situation that makes it recognizable. And that’s where we meet the second main and extraordinary person, the manny.

In Max MacLeod, Archer has created a truly memorable human being. Honestly, Max is hard to describe in one sentence. He’s so vibrant and that includes his amazing colorful clothes choices. He’s wildly enthusiastic about his profession and deeply knowledgeable. That means he comes across like a fabulous male femme Mary Poppins, complete with a bag full of everything he and each situation needs. But there’s more. It’s in his background as a foster child from Chicago that comes through with a fierceness born out of a tough adolescent that gives him depth that continues to surprise us.

This also includes Princess Peach, an older rescue Chihuahua whose wardrobe often matches Max’s and the kids’ three-headed Hellhound named Waffles.

Between the wonderful chemistry that the author builds between Max, Targan, and the kids as a family and the suspense in the drama element of the story, this is a book I couldn’t put down. Entertaining, highly imaginative, and just sexy as can be, this was a couple and family I loved and wanted more of.

There’s a gargoyle uncle who runs a security agency and a best friend that’s a popular romance novelist. They have important roles here and are next up for a story.

Archer also leaves us with a few questions that I believe are important in the series overall thread. Either way, I know that this won’t be the last we see of the family and I can’t wait for our next adventure together.

I highly recommend The Orc and the Manny (Monsters Hollow, #1) by Chloe Archer. It’s got fabulous characters, a great story, and an ever expanding universe I want to spend more time in. Check out the stories below.

Monsters Hollow:

✓ The Bogeyman and the Schoolteacher # 0.1 (prequel)

✓ The Demon and the Librarian (Fated Mates Charity Anthology)

✓ The Orc and the Manny #1

◦ The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer #2 – Aug 2, 2024

Buy Link:

The Orc and the Manny: A Cozy M/M Monster Romance (Monsters Hollow Book 1)

Blurb:

Welcome to Monsters Hollow, where love knows no bounds—even in a town full of monsters!

Targan Wildethorne

A confirmed bachelor, and a historian by training, I haven’t the faintest clue how to care for twin orclings when I unexpectedly become their guardian. I’d love to retreat into the comforting sanctuary of my study, surrounded by my books and papers, but first I need to hire someone to help me with the children. Someone who can teach me the ropes of this new role.

Thank the Light for the All-Species Specialized Employment Services! In my most dire hour of need, they find the perfect nanny—ahem, manny—to help me look after my young wards. Now I can finally get back to writing my history of orc folklore for a few hours a day.

Or so I thought.

Instead I find the captivating new man in my home far too distracting. Max is so much more than I had expected. I’ve never fallen for a human before, but I can’t get him out of my mind. Could he ever feel the same about an orc? Humans are usually too intimidated by our large size and outer appearance. Can Max look past my green skin and tusks to see a man with a heart that yearns for him? And if he does, when he learns the truth about the children will the danger on the horizon send him running?

Max MacLeod

Working with kids is totally my jam and I’m damn good at what I do. Just call me Maxy Frickin’ Poppins! When a new job prospect comes my way, I’m intrigued. A chance to move to Mystic Hollow (aka Monsters Hollow) to be a well-paid manny for two adorable orclings? Talk about a dream position. Sold! But when I lock eyes with the seriously sexy orc who’s their guardian—and my new de facto boss—for the first time, I’m a goner. Big, muscular, and green all over–he’s giving me full-on Hulk meets stern professor vibes—and I like it.

As I get to know him, over meals with the kids during the day and soft-spoken conversations about history at night, I soon realize there’s so much more to Targan than the gorgeous orc who keeps starring in all my naughtiest dreams. He’s quite possibly the kindest, gentlest man I’ve ever met. And he accepts and appreciates every part of me and my flamboyant, full-figured fabulousness. I just want to feed and take care of him—and find out if he’s so deliciously big everywhere. Before I know it, I’m dreaming of being part of a forever family with him and his adorable twins. But an unexpected threat looms in the shadows that could threaten the safety of us all…

The Orc and the Manny is a (94k words) cozy small town M/M monster romance featuring a Hulkalicious silver fox orc professor who’s better with books than kids, a flamboyant human manny with ALL the skills (think Nathan Lane in The Birdcage meets Mary Poppins), an age gap, a size difference, a three-headed hellhound and a feisty rescue Chihuahua, two adorable orcling twins, and copious amounts of orc…joy!

Review: Drive the Net (Delay of Game, #1) by Hannah Henry

Rating: 3🌈

Hockey romances are my jam so when I see a series by an author I’m not familiar with I’m sure to pick it up , starting with the first novel.

Drive the Net (Delay of Game, #1) by Hannah Henry Is that first book in Henry’s hockey’s romance series and it’s a sweet one. For readers looking for a quick, uncomplicated sweet romance with an adorable dog character, Drive the Net is that book. You don’t need to understand or especially like sports to enjoy this couple.

Which is part of the issue I have with this story. But let’s starts with positives.

The main characters are likable, cute together and the romance sweet

It’s extremely low angst

Well integrated dog character (yes, that’s important because so often it’s not a well done element)

It’s a HFN and quick sweet read

Issues:

The age gap (10 years) isn’t noticeable because of the personalities. Ryan Cosgrove at thirty two doesn’t come off often as much older than the twenty two Jackson Harper in their actions and dialogue. He should as a senior player but he doesn’t.

This age gap should bring up significant questions and discussions. For Ryan about his hockey longevity at his age and prospects about being traded. Same for Jackson if he does well. He’s at the beginning of his career and Ryan is starting towards the end. Is any of this discussed? No, granted they are in the beginning of the relationship but they are hockey players and things like that are foremost in every player’s mind.

Then there’s the entire aspect about Ryan being “closeted “ but suddenly he’s in a relationship with a teammate. There’s no discussion about that with the team, coach or PR staff, which is unrealistic. Even with the coaching staff being supportive. This element is ignored.

Jackson’s emotionally abusive relationship with his mother and dysfunctional one with his father.

This is a big part of his storyline until it’s dropped without further explanation. If an author wants to make a character have this sort of family history and include it into their narrative, then realistically they should carry through with it in a satisfying and meaningful manner. Abandoning it by saying Ryan told him not to take the calls, then nothing about this demanding parent who had no boundaries? Unrealistic and makes this aspect of his character seem like just another example of how not to write a storyline.

Then there’s the hockey. Most of it happens off the page. There’s no on ice excitement, no thrills, no adrenaline rush to be had. We’re told someone got a score or didn’t. This might as well as been any sport . Plus a reader new to hockey won’t understand anything about the sport here, what league this team is in, trading, and there’s no realistic team dynamics involved to give a better understanding of the game other than a bare minimum about a line coming together. For someone new what’s that even mean exactly? Give them an opportunity to see it. We get more dog action (love Lola btw) than we do hockey.

I’m going to check out the others to see if there’s a difference in how the sport is approached . The other books involve different teams in other states (from the descriptions ) so I don’t expect to see any carryover from novel to novel. Could be wrong.

I’ll see how far I get.

For readers looking for a quick , low angst , uncomplicated sweet romance that’s a HFN this just might fit the bill. Sometimes that’s all a reader may want. Not me but someone.

Delay of Game:

✓ Drive the Net #1

◦ Off-Ice Behavior #2

◦ Draft Bust #3

◦ Empty Netter #4

◦ Offensive Edge #5

◦ Home Ice Disadvantage #6

Buy Link:

Drive the Net (Delay of Game Book 1)

Blurb:

Jackson Harper had barely gotten his feet wet in the NHL before he was traded from LA to The Minnesota Northern Lights. It’s hard not to take it personally, but he is going to make the most of being the only out gay hockey player in Minnesota. He’s going to play so well that everyone is forced to talk about his hockey instead of his sexuality. Plus, if he focuses all of his effort on his game, he can ignore his freshly broken heart.

Ryan Cosgrove is thirty-two, which means he’s practically a geriatric hockey player. He won a cup a long time ago, and now all that’s left is his empty house, his golden retriever, Lola, the tail end of his hockey career, and the weight of loneliness as everyone in his life pairs off to start families. It’s hard to put effort into a personal life when you’re closeted, but since he’s the only vet on the team without a partner or kids, it’s obvious for Ryan to give Jackson his guest room for the season.

Their friendship is fast and easy, budding into a legendary bromance, if The Northern Lights’ social media is to be believed. Ryan is calm and steady, an anchor when Jackson needs one. Jackson’s magnetic personality pulls Ryan out of his shell. But despite the best of their intentions to keep their relationship friendly and professional, their feelings keep slipping into romantic territory.

Ryan has been down this road before. He can’t make the mistake of falling for a teammate again. Plus, Jackson is ten years younger than him. Jackson needs to focus on hockey, healing his recently broken heart, and doing even one thing his parents will be proud of him for. Getting into a relationship in the middle of the season with his liney and roommate is a recipe for disaster.

But despite all the best intentions, Jackson keeps finding himself in Ryan’s arms. Will their feelings blow up in their faces, or can they figure out a way to have a real relationship?

Drive the Net is a low-angst, age-gap, MM hockey romance.

Review: Dealing Him In (The Kings: Royal Flush Book 1) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 4.5🌈

Dealing Him In is the start of a new Kings universe series by Charlie Cochet and it’s a terrific one. So easy to dive into the high action and sexy romance between retiring Fire Chief Valentino “Val” Serrano and Kings bodyguard Santos “Saint” Cavallero that my time with the book just slid merrily by.

There’s age gap, bi-sexual awakening ,a mystery, bombs, adrenaline rush, and real chemistry between two men so this romance really ignites and makes me feel as though this relationship has a firm grounding to it.

While you don’t have to be familiar with the other series and characters, it certainly makes it easier when they appear to support Val and Saint in their tentative romance and baby steps toward a HEA, and through the entire events that will occur during the storyline.

There’s plenty of drama to be found here, and various types of support needed.

Each man has realistic doubts about the relationship, the age gap and barriers raised due to personal issues and their own struggles. Cochet did a balanced job in creating a healthy relationship with the men, and advice from friends that carefully helped them understand the stumbling blocks they had raised between each other.

Have to admit I loved the use of the Malinois, but that’s on me. I’m such a sucker for dogs , especially when they’re used appropriately as the author does here with Chip.

Wonderful work all the way up to and through that adrenaline rush of an ending! Fabulous first book of a new series and addition to the Kings Security universe.

Now to wait on the release of book two next year!

Until then I’m highly recommending Dealing Him In (The Kings: Royal Flush Book 1) by Charlie Cochet !

The Kings: Royal Flush:

Dealing Him In #1

Calling His Bluff #2 – Aug 6, 2024

Buy Link :

Dealing Him In (The Kings: Royal Flush Book 1)

Blurb:

Play with fire, and you’ll get burned.

Santos “Saint” Cavallero had his life all figured out when he married his high school sweetheart, joined the Navy, and became a SEAL. After years of being deployed, Saint comes home for good, only to discover his wife has fallen for another man. Now divorced and a bodyguard for Four Kings Security, Saint loves his job and his found family. His dating life? A hot mess, until the spark of an unexpected attraction strikes him like lightning, leaving Saint confused. Why is he feeling hot and bothered over the ruggedly handsome Fire Chief?

After twenty years of service, Valentino “Val” Serrano is passing his fire ax on to the next Fire Chief. His retirement starts off with a bang, literally. Val is saved by the young, hot bodyguard he’s been dreaming of for longer than he cares to admit, but Saint is straight, isn’t he?

Val and Saint get roped into working on Val’s tavern, but Val is determined not to let Saint get under his skin. He’s been here before, and he’s not about to risk his heart, no matter how hot and flirty Saint is. When a killer sets his sights on Val and puts everyone he cares about in harm’s way, there’s suddenly more at risk than their hearts. If Val and Saint don’t stop the killer, their whole world could burn to the ground, and the possibility of a future together will go up in smoke.

FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE

STANDALONES

Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts-Standalone (Spencer and Quinn. Quinn is Ace and Lucky’s cousin.) Can be read any time before In the Cards.

FOUR KINGS SECURITY

🔹Love in Spades-Book 1 (Ace and Colton)

🔹Ante Up-Book 1.5 (Seth and Kit)

Free short story

🔹Be Still My Heart-Book 2 (Red and Laz)

🔹Join the Club-Book 3 (Lucky and Mason)

🔹Diamond in the Rough-Book 4 (King and Leo)

🔹In the Cards-Book 4.5 (Spencer and Quinn’s wedding.)

FOUR KINGS SECURITY BOXED SET

Boxed Set includes all 4 main Four Kings Security novels: Love in Spades, Be Still My Heart, Join the Club, and Diamond in the Rough.

BLACK OPS: OPERATION ORION’S BELT

🔹Kept in the Dark-Book 1 (Standalone series can be read anytime)

THE KINGS: WILD CARDS

🔹Stacking the Deck-Book 1 (Jack and Fitz).

🔹Raising the Ante-Book 2 (Frank and Joshua)

🔹Sleight of Hand-Book 3 (Joker and Gio)

THE KINGS: WILD CARDS BOXED SET Boxed Set includes all 3 main The Kings: Wild Cards books: Stacking the Deck, Raising the Ante, Sleight of Hand, and bonus story In the Cards.

RUNAWAY GROOMS SERIES

🔹Aisle Be There

🔹To Have and Witthold

THE KINGS: ROYAL FLUSH

🔹Dealing Him In

🔹Calling His Bluff”

Review: Bad Boys (Hot Off The Ice Book 7) by A. E. Wasp

Rating: 4🌈

I’ve enjoyed A. E. Wasp’s hockey romance series, Hot Off The Ice, since the first book debuted back on June 29, 2017. That was the lovely City Boy, about farmer Dakota and closeted NHL player Bryce Lowery.

Now at book 7, with 2 more novels planned, the series continues with the Seattle Thunder going strong and a new troubled arrival from Las Vegas coming for a second and perhaps only last chance to make it in the NHL.

Bad Boys is a hurt/comfort, age gap redemption love story. And when it works great when it stays on the main couple’s relationship, and Noah’s journey to a more well adjusted, healthy adult who can then carry that new understanding over into his career. Those things make Bad Boys a terrific read.

There’s many aspects to Bad Boys that A.E. Wasp does so well narratively speaking. Her characters are so well done, layered with their own unique personalities and combined with elements that speak to their passions and strengths. If they’re hockey players, we see the difference in physicality between them and other people. We get great team dynamics and a depth of understanding about the game. For characteristics, if they’re cooks, business peoples or whatever, Wasp has given each the right amount of detail that they can standout and still be able to be believable and alive. This will add to the richness of the story and hurt it when certain people drop out of sight.

The relationship between Adam and Noah is engaging and wonderful to be a part of. It’s funny, serious, sexy , and real. While there is an age gap, it’s not mentioned or discussed much here, in the relationship or elsewhere. I only found that odd when it was brought up that Adam had played with Noah’s father, however, no mention of either man’s age at the time (Adam or Noah’s dad), although it was said Noah was very young at the time.

Wasp brings therapy into the storyline as a means to get healthy and understand what is driving certain aspects of a person’s behaviors. And how to counteract these behaviors through therapy. It’s a great tool for both men and the league. It was wonderful seeing it here.

Team dynamics, Noah’s redemption within the team and himself is real and fully worth the book. You can see him struggling with his toxic relationship with his father, it’s ramifications, and his mental awareness that allows him to move forward. All amazing elements here.

Same goes for Adam’s grief over his failed marriage and hidden secrets about his dead husband. That actually needed more page time for Adam to finish that chapter of his life. But the author is speeding towards the finish line.

Which brings me to what is still bothering me about this story.

Usually it’s a case of the disappearing animal character that has me so irritated. But here it’s a father, island, and a married couple. Read on but there’s spoilers ahead.

Elements that weren’t allowed to come to fruition or were dropped completely. ⛔️ Spoiler Alert ⛔️

1. Noah Braterman’s toxic father and his relationship with him. The last mention of this man was that the coach was fielding his insistent nasty phone calls, informing Noah the man was coming across as unhinged. Not a single word or sentence afterwards was given over to this man or large section of Noah’s redemptive storyline where he dealing with the toxicity of an adolescence and adulthood under this man. It’s an emotional matter not dealt with, and I can’t understand that. It’s not logical not to include at least some semblance of closure.

2. Then in a connected storyline thread, there’s the unexpected, startling way that the island and mansion were made to disappear from Adam’s life. Towards the end, Dev , the BIL, arranges for a Japanese firm to buy both the island and mansion. Deal done, and a major narrative element is dealt with and vanishes. Just a few sentences and buhbye. Goodbye to all the important scenes, places, whales, the boat, everything. Which brings us to big number 3.

3. Guess who else disappeared with the mansion and island not to be mentioned again. The all important, ever heartwarming fabulous strong women characters who live on the island too. The ones who have been Adam’s support system for years and who the readers get to know and love almost as completely as everyone else in this book. That’s Annie or Ms Potts and her ceramic artist wife, Tracy. They live on the caretaker’s cottage on the island and are a big part of not only Adam’s life, past and present, but become part of Noah’s as well. After parting with Adam in an emotional scene to tell him to, basically, go get his man, they disappear. Not a word about these important people is written again in this book. No goodbye’s, nothing. Not even a vague statement of missing them.

“You’re moving off the island?” Paul asked.

“Yep. It’s sold. House and island together.””

— Bad Boys (Hot Off the Ice Book 7) by A. E. Wasp

A.E. Wasp writes in her author’s notes that it took her years to finish this book. If that’s the case, then I would have expected that the issues that popped up and have stayed with me to the detriment of the overall polished product and satisfaction I derived from Bad Boys to have been resolved.

I wonder about these issues. In the epilogue, the happy couple talk about inviting people over to their new place. Guess who’s not included in that list? Yup, the women who held Adam together.

If I was Wasp’s editor, that would have been on my list for things easily inserted that would have been expected and made readers happy.

So it turned out that Bad Boys is a good book but not a great one. I’m interested in seeing what the next two books will be about. And if some of the things that are a bit flawed here can get corrected in books to come.

I’m recommending this as a good hockey romance, part of a terrific series, and one that fans of this author won’t want to miss.

Off The Ice Series:

✓ City Boy #1

✓ Country Boy #2

✓ Skater Boy #3

✓ Boy Toys #4

✓ Boy Next Door #5

✓ Boys of Summer #6

✓ Bad Boys #7

Buy link:

Bad Boys (Hot Off the Ice Book 7)

Blurb:

Behave or be benched.

Noah Braterman’s hotheaded attitude may cost him his NHL career before it truly begins. After alienating his current teammates, coaches, fans, and the press, Noah gets a second chance to prove his worth when he’s traded to the Seattle Thunder with one ultimatum—lose the attitude or lose his spot on the team.

Enter Adam Labatt, former NHL player, and Noah’s last, best Vegas fling.

After his own rocky past in the show, Adam turned himself around and is now being asked by his old mentor to help Noah learn to play well with others. Living in isolation on his private island and still guilt-ridden over the way his marriage ended, how can Adam possibly mentor anyone? But the man he shared an unexpectedly intimate passionate night with is worth fighting for, even if he has to fight Noah himself.

Forced into close quarters, the walls they’ve erected to protect themselves crumble as they share their hopes, dreams, and fears.

Fate brought them together. Now it’s up to them to find the courage to face the world unafraid. If they do, they just might create a future better than they could have imagined that night in Vegas under the desert stars.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: