Review: Barbarian (Jericho’s Boys Book 3) by Onley James

Rating: 4.75🌈

I honestly don’t know any authors who do this trope and type of character and dark psychotic romance as well as Onley James. Each one has its own unique take on the dark side of these characters , insights into their damaged psyches, horrifying backgrounds, and whatever maybe their stabilizing influences. Or who.

Having been through Jericho and Atticus’ aka Freckles fantastic romance (and don’t think this won’t be sending me back to reread their story, because it will), I have absolutely loved these novels about Jericho’s found family of lost boys.

Each story flows from the last, a narrative smooth transition as all the boys, now young adults, live together or in close proximity. They’ve also become part of the larger Mulvaney family when Jericho married Atticus.

The Mulvaney family, its many members make multiple appearances here, but Jericho’s boys remain the main story. Here it’s Nico Michaels, his years under mother’s negligence and abuse as child, which have left him scarred emotionally and physically for relationships. It’s also Malachi Mizrahi, gender fluid, neurodivergent, and psychotic. Older brother to Shiloh, and someone who has been a constant companion to Nico since they met.

These two are among my favorites. How they slowly redefine their relationship. One discovering that he’s not been aware of the reality of that relationship, the other letting the layers of the emotional connections they share adjust in their own recognizable patterns. It’s wonderful writing. It’s realistic, tough, funny, dark, and raw. Between two young men who have been through monstrous events and had heinous experiences.

The crimes and mystery is fascinating. It brings a whole new element and energy into this universe with the Chinese Triad community. As with the Mulvaney family, the Chinese Triad organization has as a diverse group of characters, just as intriguing. I hope they will continue to pop up in future stories.

There’s a kinky sexual aspect to their relationship, one that’s more developed towards the end. This element is slowly built up into their story and makes sense. And will continue forward as part of the next book as they grow and help another one of their own journey into their own relationship.

I adore this book and couple. The series has me wanting to reread the original books and start this over again.

If dark fiction and romantic love along these lines are your thing, then these books aren’t to be missed. Highly recommended.

The seven dark fantastic books of the Necessary Evils series are the foundation which then leads here to Jericho’s Boys. They aren’t to be missed.

Jericho’s Boys :

Paladin #1 (Arsen and Ever)

Rogue #2 (Levi and Shiloh)

Barbarian #3 (Nico and Mal)

Ranger #4 – March 2026

Buy link

Barbarian (Jericho’s Boys Book 3)

Blurb

Nico Michaels pretends to be carefree, avoiding anything serious, especially relationships; his chaotic past has taught him that love only complicates things. He’s content with one-night stands and his close-knit group of friends, including his roommate, Malachi Mizrahi.

Neurodivergent and gender-fluid, Malachi wakes up each morning with a whole new personality, but one thing remains constant: his love for Nico. They clicked perfectly from day one, sharing a love of everything from anime to nature documentaries. They even share a bed. Platonically, of course.

One night, the lines blur when they share a kiss, but before things can go further, a desperate call from one of Mal’s dance students throws them into a missing person’s case that leaves them with more questions than answers. To complicate matters, Mal reveals he’s been quietly orchestrating Nico’s whole life without him even noticing. Nico is shaken to his core, his perception of their relationship shattered.

As they navigate the perilous world of a vicious Chinese triad, their bond deepens, and Nico begins to see that Malachi is not only the perfect friend, but the perfect man to fulfill all his needs. Together, they must face their past and survive their present if they want any chance of a happy ending in their future.

Barbarian is a friends-to-lovers, dark romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features a masochistic vigilante with ADHD and a video game addiction and his sadistic and controlling best friend who worships the ground he walks on. As with any Onley book, you’ll find dark humor, steamy sexy times, and gratuitous violence, but only against people who totally deserve it. This is book 3 in the Jericho’s Boys series. Each book follows a different couple.

Publication date: January 21, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 459 pages

Check out the new release “Resurrecting My Magic“ by Timoteo Tong (tour and excerpt from Other Worlds Ink Tours)

Timoteo Tong has a new MM paranormal fantasy romance out, Magicals Alliance book two: Resurrecting My Magic.

Book one, “Magic, Monsters and Me” is available for just 99¢ January 6th-12th!

In the thrilling sequel to “Magic, Monsters and Me,” Elijah Delomary forges new abilities with new mentors, seeks to reunify with Austin, and faces the terrible truth behind losing his powers. As war rages between Devlina and Zid’dra, Elijah and his family are drawn into the conflict.

Zid’dra grows stronger and brings Elijah to the precipice of destruction. Faced with a terrifying revelation, Elijah is pushed to protect his family, Austin, and the very fabric of existence. The weight of these challenges tests Elijah’s strength, forcing him to confront the darkest forces while proving the unwavering strength of his love to Austin.

As the evil plan comes to light, Elijah forges new abilities with new mentors, seeks to reunify with Austin, and faces the terrible truth behind losing his powers. As war rages between Devlina and Zid’dra, Elijah and his family are drawn into the conflict. Zid’dra grows stronger and brings Elijah to the precipice of destruction. Will he survive? Can he trust himself to do the right thing? Will he believe that love can conquer darkness and save the world?

Warnings: homophobia, racism, bullying, fat phobia, LGBT slurs, fade to black sex

About the Series:

The Magicals’ Alliance series revolves around the influential Delomary family, known for their massive corporation, philanthropy, and charity work. But unbeknownst to the public, they’re also the secret defenders against dark forces, facing off against monsters like Vampires and Werewolves in an age-old battle between good and evil. “Magic, Monsters and Me” is the thrilling first installment in this epic saga. Join them in their mission to protect humanity from perilous extinction.

Universal Buy Link

Get Book One Now For Just 99¢

Giveaway

Timoteo is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47322/

Excerpt

“One night, I sat in the window seat in my room, watching the rain falling outside my window, when I heard a cry for help.

“Someone help me!”

I glanced at the clock: 3:00 AM. I padded to the door, peering outside to the long hallway stretching from Aunt Christine’s suite on one end to Mom’s on the other. The darkness was punctuated every few feet from the dim chandeliers overhead. Silence. The house and everyone in it were asleep except me. I returned to the window.

“Help!” a voice shouted, weaker this time.

“Shit,” I complained. I returned to my room, walked over to the closet, then jammed my feet in my running shoes and headed downstairs. I grabbed my raincoat from the front hall closet and stepped outside.

Where was security? They usually patrolled the grounds at night. Maybe there was a shift change. Rain thundered down on the roof of the veranda and on the brick walkway winding down the front lawn to the main gates. I stepped onto the stairs and into the rain. I hurried to the wrought iron fence separating our property from the street. I paused, noticing a strange pink light illuminating the jacaranda trees lining the street. I turned to see where it was coming from. I gasped. The house glowed with a fluorescent pink light from the runes Mom had recently cast over the house in the Jotomoarlo Sangrancto. The ancient characters appeared as if projected on the house moving up along the façade and disappearing on the mansard roof.

“Please, help little old me!” a voice called. I looked back at the house. The house was actively fighting some evil force itself. I turned and made my way to the empty street. A half block away, I spotted a figure, shrouded in shadows between the streetlights, waving to me.

“Help! Monsters!”

“I can help you!” I called, patting my pajama pockets for my PlasmX. Puxhàredo! I left it on the dresser in my closet. I stretched out my arm and raised my hand on the off chance my PlasmX would levitate out of my room and into my hands. Nothing happened. Crap. Máurso had drilled it in my head to never be without my PlasmX. And I had forgotten that rule already. I grumbled. Okay, I would just use my fists and body to battle any monster. My Xem Sen Ou improved every week. I was a walking weapon, I told myself.

I closed in on the figure.

“Come and help me.”

The stench of ashes and sulfur wafted into my nose. I gagged. Okay, a chain smoker needed my help. Mom had drilled it into my head to never smoke.

“You want yellow teeth? Wrinkles when you’re eighteen? Smell like cigarettes?”

“No?”

“Good, don’t smoke, ever!”

I could do this. I paused in front of a shadowy figure.

“Elijah Delomary, Bane of the Gloom, here to help..uh..ma’am, sir, they?”

The figure reached up to their hood with their hands, only the skin was blistered and black and oozing. My eyes widened, seeing rotting flesh on their arms. I stopped in my tracks. I began to back away.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you remember me?” A raspy voice called as the hood fell off the head of the figure. The face of an old woman with wrinkled skin and washed-out blue eyes peered at me. Fungus crusted half the woman’s face.

“Come here, honey. It’s me, your great-great aunt Mady!”

I turned and began to run. That couldn’t be Aunt Mady. She had died when I was eight years old at the ripe old age of 102. My foot hit a rut in the sidewalk, sending me tumbling forward. I crashed onto the lawn of my friend Letitia’s house. I sprawled on my back, rain beating down on my face. My heart lodged in my throat. I wanted to cry out for help. I wanted to run, but for some reason, every muscle in my body was paralyzed. I heard the sound of Aunt Mady’s walker clacking on the sidewalk.

“Come and give me a hug, honey!”

I closed my eyes. I should have woken Barn, called Sunny. Security. No, I— Stop, Elijah. You didn’t know any better. You meant well. The path to hell is lined with good intentions. No, stop. Stop. Stop beating yourself up.

The clacking stopped. Aunt Mady, or whoever she was, stood over me. I was helpless. Thunder rumbled. Our twelfth atmospheric river of the rainy season. The vernal equinox passed weeks ago. Springtime. It never rained this much in Southern California. Something was wrong, someone was trying to drown the land of milk and honey. Drown La La Land and wash California into the sea.

Wheezing filled the air. I pressed my eyes closed as a hand reached for me. A vision bloomed in my head. Two pinpoints of red light that grew and grew and grew filled my mind.

“You proved yourself quite capable,” the voice said. “I was hoping you’d run yourself ragged, trying to prove to yourself you’re not some piece of crap like your father. I hoped to watch you collapse and die. You didn’t. Then I was sure you would give up. You surprised me. So now I am here to destroy you, so Devlina is weakened, and I can grow stronger!”

Author Bio

Timoteo Tong’s imagination has always run wild, growing up in Burbank, CA, dreaming of battling vampires, werewolves, and witches in a Victorian mansion. Inspired by literary giants like L. Frank Baum, CS Lewis, and JRR Tolkien, he wrote his first book at eight, featuring his stuffed cocker spaniel marrying a playful duck. Now living in San Francisco with his husband, Timoteo surrounds himself with plants and books, enjoying cheese pizza, donuts, and long naps. He balances his creative pursuits with a healthy lifestyle, working out regularly. Timoteo dreams of flying one day and aims to enchant readers with his storytelling, just as his favorite authors did for him.

Author Website: https://www.magicalsalliance.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/timoteo.tong

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timoteoktong/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34837913.Timoteo_Tong

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Timoteo-Tong/author/B0C7JVD1H7

Review: Striking a Chord at Randy’s (A Diner Day’s story) by K.C. Carmine

Rating: 3.75🌈

K. C. Carmine’s contemporary romance is a sexy sweet best friends to lovers romance with a twist. In a series that is centered around a Diner that is a safe haven for the LGBT community, the stories are themed on the same storylines and characters. Here Charlie, who transitioned once his family moved, is reunited with his best friend from childhood, Trent, who’s just arrived in town.

Carmine’s story has a number of big elements and emotional moments to explore. It’s been ten years since Charlie and Trent have seen each other, and the growth for each person in that time has been tremendous. Especially for Charlie. Then there’s Trent who’s recognizing that his sexuality is more fluid, pansexual than strictly drawn to one gender. There’s more. From a reunion of old friends who’ve had enormous changes in their lives to an intimate sexual relationship and love life, including a mixed everyday interactions.

It all occurs without too much introspection, drama , and time span. For all the terrific characters, great aspects of the story, and even the relationship, for me, that it all came together so fast felt unreal.

It was like watching a sweet romance unfold but I never felt a connection because, imo, they were never grounded or believable. To have that would have needed more depth, layers, and time for the years apart and the growth they’ve undergone to be fully understood and explored between them.

Enjoy the story for the sweet sexy moments and romance the author intends.

Great cover!

Cover design by Cormar Covers

Diner Days series -11 books:

🔷Written at Randy’s by Katherine McIntyre

🔷Final Boy at Randy’s by Loren Leigh

🔷Cramming at Randy’s by Alex Silver

🔷Temptation at Randy’s by Emily Alter

🔷Hitched at Randy’s by A. E. Madsen

🔷Gaming at Randy’s by Duckie Mack

🔷Striking a Chord at Randy’s by K. C. Carmine

🔷Composed at Randy’s by Zile Elliven❤️

🔷Roleplay at Randy’s by Rikki Leighton

🔷Finding Home at Randy’s by Abrianna Denae

🔷Aftercare at Randy’s by R.A. Frick

Buy link

Striking a Chord at Randy’s

Blurb

Can a rocker fall for a gym bunny? Nah, no way. But what if the big, muscly guy looks sad? Well…

Moving out of his hometown gives Trent the freedom to shape his life the way he wants, out of his brother’s shadow. Running into his childhood friend is not what he expected, but exactly what he needed. Amidst the chaos of new discoveries, his closeness to Charlie unlocks his heart and mind.

With supportive family and friends, Charlie lives as his true self. His past comes stumbling into his life in the shape of a muscled, cute-as-a-cupcake guy who shakes the foundation of the walls around Charlie’s heart.

The new feelings threaten to jeopardize their friendship after they just got it back.

A story of a rekindled friendship, a bi-awkening, opposites attract, and trans joy.

A standalone MM book (with a trans man) from multi-author, shared world Diner Days series.

Striking a Chord at Randy’s is a low angst M/M opposites attract romance between a trans male music lover and a lost boy about to have an awakening.

Multi-author series info: Love beyond the binary: serving up low angst trans romances at Randy’s Diner.

Publisher: Blindfold Press (October 3, 2024)
Publication date: October 3, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 188 pages

Transgender romance

— Striking a Chord at Randy’s by K.C. Carmine

Review: Newly Tied (Marshals Book 7) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.5🌈

I have loved this series for a long time and was so happy to see another story and couple added to this expanding law enforcement community and universe. According to the author, this is just the beginning of the journey for Del and Lang in terms of books which is appropriate because the beginning of their partnership and romantic relationship is exactly what Calmes delivers here.

We enter as relocated Texan, Delroy “Del” McCabe, begins a new chapter of his life. Del’s in Chicago as one of a group of law enforcement officers on probation as they hoping for the permanent assignment as US federal Marshals. They’re on probation and training under the office of Sam Kage, the deputy chief of the Northern District of Illinois, basically head of all the Marshals in the area.

Another member of that group is a local Chicago officer, Langston “Lang” Ross, a man whose family and roots run deep and whose connection with Del is instantly apparent and solid.

Calmes delivers an emotional journey of friendship, and emotional connection as Del and Lang go from action packed case to case, exploring their own experiences as relationships as regards to their careers and each other.

Of course, other Marshals and their partners and families are also involved in this journey and story, a wonderful aspect of the series and Calmes’ writing that sees crossover characters.

Other elements of the story include Lang’s discovery of his bisexuality or pansexuality because of his love for Del. Del’s recognition and acceptance of the need for therapy for the parental abuse he suffered during his childhood, and Lang’s support for his own PTSD issues. It’s sensitively written and folded realistically into their characters and storylines.

I love Calmes’ novels and her characters tend to be heroes. Right now I needed to read this. And I definitely want to read more about this couple and their relationship going forward.

Highly recommended.

Marshals series to date:

🔹All Kinds Of Tied Down #1

🔹Fit To Be Tied #2

🔹Tied Up In Knots #3

🔹Twisted and Tied #4 – Miro Jones and Ian Doyle (1 through 4)

🔹Balanced and Tied #5 – Eli Kohn and Celso Harrington, ballet dancer

🔹Tied Over #6 – Josiah Redeker and Bodhi Callahan

🔹Newly Tied #7 – Delroy “Del” McCabe and Langston “Lang” Ross

Covers by Reese Dante

Buy link

Newly Tied (Marshals Book 7)

Blurb

For the last six months, Deputy US Marshal Delroy McCabe has been secretly pining for his partner, Langston Ross. He’s kept his desires to himself because he wants to do a good job and prove himself at work. More importantly, if Lang were to find out his true feelings, maybe the person he cares for the most might walk away.

Between the understanding and support Lang gives him, as well as time with his family, Del can’t afford to slip up. But then, why does his partner and best friend care who Del sleeps with? Why, if given a choice, would Lang prefer to do anything with him? Maybe Del’s been missing something important, and perhaps Lang’s not the only one who’s not seeing what’s right in front of him.

Because sometimes the strongest ties are the ones that bind our hearts.

Publication date: November 4, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 246 pages

Review: Just Bromantically Invested (Accidental Love, #4) by Saxon James

Rating: 3.5🌈

Saxon James Accidental Love series is drawing to an end, with the penultimate book, Just Bromantically Invested. As one by one the “lost boys” of Big Bertha are finding their partners and HEA, it’s time for Madden and Penn to get their own story.

Madden, with his free wheeling approach to life, aversion to clothes, and large heart, has been a challenging character for me to connect with. For some reason I just haven’t found him as interesting as the others. This book does help give Madden the depth of character and background into why the nudity is so important to him that’s been lacking.

James’ narrative has a number of other elements to bring to the table. It’s got a best friends to lovers relationship with one of them discovering that he’s not exactly straight but bisexual. I’m not sure the author makes the full argument for this quick turnaround on Penn’s behalf. They may have been friends but based on the behavior seen Penn’s clueless mostly so it feels more importantly based on the needs of the plot line. They work together fluidly as friends, lovers not so much.

But probably because the romance needs more exploration as the other aspects of their lives and struggles that need so much clarification. That house dynamics is a mess, Madden’s inability to separate himself from the others to see a separate role for others is an issue that continues past that ending. And has an impact on the rest of the characters, especially Penn.

I do love the support and communication that finally comes when Madden is able to convey what he needs going forward, including explaining why being naked is so important as a major part of that.

Penn , anxiety prone and introvert that he is, however, is the one that is repeatedly given the reduced role here. In Madden’s head, Penn comes in after his relationships with his found brothers/family members of Big Bertha. Even at the end, that feeling that Penn is not as much of an embedded player in Madden’s life as he is in Penn’s seems clear.

So it left me tentatively connected to both and actually feeling irritated by the continuing drama with Xander, who’s still refusing help. Xander has the last book and that’s the wrap. Should be interesting.

I enjoyed the earlier stories better than I have the recent ones . I look forward to seeing how James closes out the series.

Accidental Love:

The Husband Hoax #1
Not Dating Material #2
The Revenge Agenda #3
Just Bromantically Invested #4
Not Catching Love #5 – Jan 30,2025

Buy link

Just Bromantically Invested (Accidental Love Book 4)

Blurb

Madden

My best friend is uptight, gorgeous, the greatest person I know … and I might be a smidge in love with him. Just a small amount. Barely worth the mention.

Which is a stupid choice on my part when the guy is straight.

Starting a landscaping company with him was the perfect mix of doing what I love and an excuse to spend time with him, only it hasn’t completely taken off yet and now he’s telling me he’s lonely.

Lonely.

Apparently having one friend in your life isn’t enough.

So I’m determined to help him find love. With someone other than me. Maybe if I can pull that off, it’ll mean my heart will finally get the message and move on.

Or finish breaking into a hundred pieces.

Same thing, right?

Penn

Being besties with an overenthusiastic, gold-hearted, nudist of a man is a challenge sometimes. Madden makes everything sunshine when he’s around.

The problem is that he hasn’t been around as much lately. We work together, sure, but he’s got his roommates and I have … no one. Just him. So I feel the distance acutely.

My one reassurance is that we have work tying us together, but when an old client calls with a proposition for us, it feels like our once solid friendship is unraveling fast.

He wants Madden to help him open a nudist resort, and if Madden’s doing that, he won’t be working with me.

I’m trying not to panic over the thought of losing him, which is a typical, common best friend reaction. Nothing out of the ordinary.

And neither is the way my body has been reacting to him lately.

Everything is totally, completely normal between us.

While there’s still an us at all.

Publisher: May Books (October 17, 2024)
Publication date: October 17, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 268 pages

Review: Forbidden Puckboy (Puckboys Book 7) by Saxon James and Eden Finley

Rating: 5🌈

Forbidden Puckboy is exactly why I love this series so. It contains all the elements that makes this series so special and the couple’s journey a story I’m so excited to be a part of.

Saxon James and Eden Finley included everything that I adore about hockey romance and this series in Forbidden Puckboy. It has all the Collective (the LGBTQIA NHL hockey franchise players group we’ve gotten to know), it’s got great hockey humor and one the ice scenes that shows the authors love and knowledge of the game. The book has, near and dear to my heart, communication within the characters about their relationship, introspection about their own experiences and behaviors, and well defined character development.

Love this!

There’s also no immediate happy ending or solution for the characters and couple. They, instead have to work, realistically, to keep the relationship going, given their careers.

Everything about the book, even the quick timeline, makes sense while being sexy, realistic, compelling, and true.

I adored Easton and Knox but older brother Conner too who was such a well written character, with layers that slowly revealed themselves.

Kudos to the authors on an outstanding performance in a long held series. Great job all around.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.

Puckboys:

Egotistical Puckboy #1
Irresponsible Puckboy #2
Shameless Puckboy #3
Foolish Puckboy #4
Clueless Puckboy #5
Bromantic Puckboy #6
Forbidden Puckboy #7
Possessive Puckboy #8 – March 27,2025

Buy link

Forbidden Puckboy (Puckboys Book 7)

Blurb

Easton

You know what’s the worst feeling in the world? Being in love with someone since you were twelve years old, knowing they only see you as a little brother type.

Not even becoming an NHL star has made him realize I’m all grown up now.

All of that changes when I ask my brother’s best friend to ref a charity match and we spend an entire week in each other’s pocket.

Being close to him is torture, but for the first time since my adolescent crush started, I begin to feel hope. I swear Knox looks at me the same way I look at him. Or so I think. When I throw myself at him and get utterly rejected, I never want to see him again.

Yet, shaking him is impossible, because he and Connor are always around, and my older brother is suffocatingly protective. Every time I look at Knox, I’m reminded of how he turned me down.

Can’t I just die of embarrassment in peace?

Knox

The Kiki brothers are legendary in the NHL world. Thick as thieves, unstoppable on the ice, and the kind of family nothing can come between. Or so I thought.

For the last ten years, I’ve successfully hidden my feelings for the middle Kiki brother. Easton is snarky, determined, and the prettiest guy I’ve met. Ever since we stumbled across each other on a gay dating app and shared our secrets, I’ve felt a connection to him that I haven’t had with anything else.

But Connor is my best friend and when it comes to his little brothers, “protective” doesn’t cover it. I’m determined to take my feelings for Easton to the grave, but after a week in close proximity to him, my willpower is ready to break.

All it takes is one charity hockey match, a drunken night out, and a forbidden kiss for me to know that Easton Kikishkin is it for me.

And unless I want to lose Connor, Easton will never be mine.

Publisher: Sadenverse Books (September 19, 2024)
Publication date: September 19, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 274 pages

Review: Bound To His Oath (Mafia Mayhem – The Italian Connection, #1) by Aja Foxx

Rating: 3.5🌈

I was looking for something quick and different from the fantasy/paranormal fiction I’d been reading, so I grabbed up Bound To His Oath (Mafia Mayhem – The Italian Connection, #1) by Aja Foxx.

It was enjoyable, definitely a quick read, and tons of characters as well as various other elements as Foxx is setting up the universe for the series.

After reading the story, it seems we will be following the romances of several mafia bosses and their respective partners, ones we meet already “coupled up” here at the end.

But it’s Nico and Luca’s story that comes first. It’s a young love, established from childhood, that’s been crushed by one man’s ambitiously cruel parents. The background is revealed by the characters as events play out.

I’m not sure how logical or even plausible some of these events are given the publication date is August 24 , 2024. A big deal is made of gay marriage being legal in Canada (with the couple fleeing to the border) at a time it’s perfectly legal in the USA. Also, Luca,as a juvenile, was falsely imprisoned and his criminally connected family were not informed/involved or retaliated. That element is not explained enough here.

The couple and their relationship is very romantic. The beginning, the rescue, sweeping Nico literally off his feet into a plane and away to a new home. That they’re reunited after years apart but seemingly just fine felt too “Cinderfella” , but in line with the rest of the book.

Of course, there’s much more to it. A villainous family, a loving Italian mafia family and fabulous villa, a veritable chest of superficially crafted characters and plots lines lay within.

It’s enjoyable without having to be invested in the plot or characters. There’s just not enough depth or discernible growth written into the relationship or events to make the characters actions feel realistic. Entertaining? Certainly. And that’s how I took it.

One of the couple’s met here and who played important roles towards the end are the focus of the next book. It tells the tale of they got together. I expect that’s the format for each couple seen as an established pair here.

Foxx also has an arc mystery plot and that’s interesting enough for me to continue reading the series.

Buy link

Bound To His Oath (Mafia Mayhem – The Italian Connection)

Blurb

“Do you honestly think I’d let you marry someone else? You’ve been mine since I took your first kiss. I was just giving you time to grow up.”

~ Nico ~

I was five years old the day we met, twelve when I figured out that I was going to love him for the rest of my life. When I turned sixteen, he gave me my first kiss…and then my world ended. I never believed the things people had said about him. He was not the bad boy everyone seemed to think he was. I’d seen his heart and it was pure gold. I just wish I’d had a chance to keep it before they took him away from me.

~ Luca ~

I was ten years old the day we met. By the time I was twelve I knew that I was going to love him for the rest of my life. When he turned sixteen, I gave him his first kiss…and then my world was ripped apart. I wasn’t the bad boy everyone seemed to think I was, but I refused to show anyone my heart except him, and they had taken him away from me.

Warning: Gay erotic romance. The material in this book contains explicit sexual content that is intended for mature audiences only. All characters involved are adults capable of consent, are over the age of eighteen, and are willing participants.

Publication date: August 24, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 170 pages

Review: Demon Hunter (The Collective Book 2) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 3🌈

Demon Hunter and this series so far has been a semi-winner for me. The characters that have been carried over from Ghostly Guardians have been a mixed bag as some have shown little development in character, while others have shown significant growth through their respective relationships and roles in the series and arc storylines.

That continues here with main characters still showing antagonism towards higher demons like Marc, a fascinating higher being who’s has been and continues to be portrayed as being supportive of them and their family. Marc is not only the reason why this group has successfully taken down their collective enemies but also as a bonded mate to one of their own. But despite this, since the finale, the hostile behavior of several members has not changed towards him, despite the events and ongoing conflicts within the Collective.

It makes little sense for the group and serves to reinforce a certain stagnation of their personalities.

Matt and Dylan are in a relationship, one that they are hiding from their friends and family members. The reasons for, given the situation and circumstances of this group and the Collective will seem not particularly well thought out. Masters has a traumatic event occurring that impacts Matt, then Dylan and their group as an unseen threat to everyone is identified.

The aspect of this book that’s interesting and important for future stories is the thread about the threat/enemy uncovered and how it’s handled . Especially in what it represents in terms of loose ends and the challenges going forward. I really like the other higher demon as well as my favorite couple of Marc and Ian. They are heavily involved in this book and plot thread.

Less engaging for me is the issues I have with Matt and Dylan’s relationship dynamics. The constant lack of communication between them, the avoidance of major confrontation with each other over intimate matters, and in general, their refusal to acknowledge issues that might impact their own lives as well as endanger others around them.

That would be one thing if the author utilized this aspect of their relationship with regard to the storyline and made it easier for them to understand and move forward, but instead it’s Marc who is the most influential factor here. It sort of happens, but it takes the entire plot and that’s entirely too long for this reader.

Marc remaining the most epic and entertaining character of the series and group. I look forward to seeing more of him, his relationship and dialogue. And more higher demons.

Ghostly Guardians:

Spirited Situation #1
Vortex Conundrum #2
Conduit Crisis #3
Gateway Catastrophe #4 -finale

The Collective, sequel series:

Higher Demon #1
Demon Hunter #2

Buy link

Demon Hunter (The Collective Book 2)

Blurb

What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?

Before that night, there wasn’t much in my life I could complain about. I hunt rogue demons for a living, which is the coolest thing ever, and my brothers are the best. Sure, there was that thing with our parents betraying humanity, and okay, I wasn’t thrilled when my brother-bestie hooked up with a demon, but everything else was amazing.

Except that Dylan, the person I love more than anything, wanted to keep our relationship secret.

I got it; I really did. He’s lost all his family, and he was afraid if my family adopted him, he might lose them too. It’s not like we’ve got the world’s safest jobs. I was sure he’d change his mind eventually.

That decision was taken from him one awful night. Now, everyone knows, but Dylan’s more worried about the people trying to kill me. Unidentified and vicious; that’s all we know. Oh, and they hacked The Collective’s server.

How does a demon hunter fight a virtual threat? He doesn’t… that’s his kickass techie boyfriend’s job. Dylan will find these people, and then we’ll deal with them.

Even if there is more going on than we know about.

Publication date: August 29, 2024
Language: English
File size: 2748 KB
Print length: 253 pages

Review: Something Borrowed (Confetti Hitched Book 2) by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.5🌈

I love it when I can giggle or laugh out loud when reading a book. It happens often when I’m thoroughly invested in one of Lily Morton’s contemporary romances. And it occurs again, right from the beginning, in Something Borrowed, the second in this author’s marvelous Confetti Hitched series.

That delicious, bubbly feeling engages when we meet the irrepressible wedding planner, Rafferty. That initial heart stopping, hilarious run to a wedding had me in tears, scenes so memorable, in and out of the story, I’m still in awe of Morton’s ability to write such visually comedic moments that also deliver great storytelling and multi-dimensional characters.

That’s pretty much how the author continues through this journey of a forever romance between two childhood friends. It’s hilarious, yet poignantly realistic with its emotional elements of Rafferty Kendrick’s dysfunctional childhood parenting, and Stan’s rapidly deteriorating vision. Morton’s especially close relationship to this topic is known to her followers but she also talks about it in a note at the end of the book. It’s just one more reason why this element and part of Stan’s character rings with such authenticity.

The focal point of this friends to lovers romance is Rafferty’s inability to commit to his romantic for Stan over his fear that he is just like his parents in their inability to make a relationship work . Alongside that runs Stan’s own personal fear of ruining their friendship by not asking Rafferty for more than the one they have.

I’ll admit an inability to communicate with each other isn’t an ideal element in a story but the surrounding threads and characters make it understandable, if not exactly what I wanted. But the scintillating dialogue, warmhearted humor, and believable relationships here overwhelmingly reinforce that the men here love each other and belong together.

Even Bennett the cad, as I often referred to him in my mind, couldn’t derail that. That bit with the promise didn’t come out as entirely plausible but needed as a dramatic push for Rafferty to move things forward.

And then it was lovely. And full of laughter and I was reminded how much I adore these characters and the writing of Lily Morton.

It’s a delightful story for lovers of contemporary romance and fans of this author. A definite win!

Confetti Hitched:

✓ Confetti Hearts #1

✓ Something Borrowed #2

Buy link

Something Borrowed

Blurb

Stan has never let his blindness hold him back, but he’s beginning to realise his love life is keeping him from moving forward.

He can’t remember a time when he wasn’t in love with his best friend. Rafferty is everything to him—his partner in crime, his confidante, and the person who understands him best. But Rafferty is incapable of reciprocating Stan’s feelings.

As a successful wedding planner, Rafferty is passionately committed to helping newlyweds begin their happily-ever-afters, but after a rootless childhood he’s equally determined not to seek his own. How can he trust in love and marriage when so many of his brides and grooms are repeat customers?

Stan is the glue that keeps the pieces of Rafferty’s life together, and as such Rafferty has always kept Stan safely in the friend box where he can’t lose him. However, lately that conviction has wavered and now Rafferty is bursting with complicated feelings for his best friend. The timing couldn’t be worse because Rafferty has realised he’s in love with Stan just as Stan is moving on.

Review: A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magic Accounts 4.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories) by Michele Notaro

Rating: 4.75🌈

A Heart To Revitalize Me is the penultimate book in Michele Notaro’s fantastic dark fantasy series, The Magi Accounts. In between the main novels, Notaro has been writing companion stories, narrative side journeys through different characters lives or scenarios from the series . Each companion piece has been so distinct. One looks back on previous happenings, but seen from another important character’s perspective, giving the reader insights into those horrifying moments from his POV. Others take ongoing events of the current timeline and revolve around developing certain characters relationships further.

That happens here in A Heart To Revitalize Me, where mage Logan and tiger shifter, Haiden, finally get their story and the romance the readers have been waiting for.

In this dark, torturous dystopian world that Notaro has been creating, not even a long awaited journey to first love is going to happen without the harsh realities of that world crashing into the sweetness and light of love discovered.

And that’s both the horror and the beauty of this series (and story). The author has crafted characters we have grown to love, watched them develop and change, moving through the trauma and grief of their lives as they age and became family, some bonded mates.

Logan and Haiden have been two of the younger members of the Ono-Nai tribe, each has been through unbelievably torturous, traumatic and tragic experiences. Especially Logan, as a compound-raised mage.

Notaro frames out their path to a new romantic relationship , giving it all the gestures and scenes that make it utterly sweet, realistically halting and funny, perfect for their age and yet taking into account, their horrifying backgrounds.

However, we can never forget that there’s something larger looming ahead. All around the , Ono-Nai tribe home, and everywhere in the country, the violence against non-humans is escalating. New attacks from the Rift are rising as well. Everyone is under siege, from humans and aliens alike.

Horrors lie just outside the gate or even doorway.

A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magic Accounts 4.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories) by Michele Notaro reminds the reader that there is darkness next to the light. For every high, there is a deep lower point awaiting. This is a roller coaster of emotions and a great read.

But the hints the author has left behind are very clear that perhaps the darkest elements are yet to come in the finale.

See you all there.

All the stories, see the lists below, are highly recommended. But they must be read in the order they were written.

The Magi Accounts:

✓ The Scars That Bind Us #1

✓ The Shackles That Hold Us #2

✓ A Purpose That Restores Us #3

✓ A Ruse To Unchain Us #4

◦ Only Unity Will Spare Us #5 – Series Finale on Sept. 20, 2024

The Magi Accounts Companion stories:

✓ Our Hearts That Tie Us: The Magi Accounts Prequel

✓ A Kiss To Revive Me: The Magi Accounts 1.5

✓ A Date to Impress Him: The Magi Accounts 2.5

✓ A Holiday to Sustain Us: A Magi Accounts Holiday

✓ An Embrace To Hearten Me: The Magi Accounts 3.5

✓ A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magi Accounts 4.5

Buy Link:

A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magic Accounts 4.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories)

Blurb:

Lately my straight best friend has been very… handsy, which is killing me because I’ve been in love with the idiot for years.

I love my best friend, I always have, but I never wanted him to realize just how much. He’s never seemed to notice before, but since he broke up with his girlfriend, he’s been really clingy. Like way more than I’ve ever seen.

I love it. And it’s killing me.

What I really want is all those cuddles and sweet touches to mean more than they do. I have to keep reminding my heart that everything Haiden is doing is platonic, even if it feels like it isn’t. Unfortunately for me, my stupid heart doesn’t stop hoping for more.

A Heart To Revitalize Me is a MM urban fantasy romance companion novel meant to be read AFTER A Ruse To Unchain Us (The Magi Accounts 4). This is Logan and Haiden’s story and takes place between books 4 and 5 of the main series. It’s the last Magi Accounts Companion Stories novel and is meant to be read as part of the series, not by itself, although the love story is resolved in this book.

The Magi Accounts Companion stories:

✓ Our Hearts That Tie Us: The Magi Accounts Prequel

✓ A Kiss To Revive Me: The Magi Accounts 1.5

✓ A Date to Impress Him: The Magi Accounts 2.5

✓ A Holiday to Sustain Us: A Magi Accounts Holiday

✓ An Embrace To Hearten Me: The Magi Accounts 3.5

✓ A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magi Accounts 4.5

The Magi Accounts:

✓ The Scars That Bind Us #1

✓ The Shackles That Hold Us #2

✓ A Purpose That Restores Us #3

✓ A Ruse To Unchain Us #4

◦ Only Unity Will Spare Us #5 – Series Finale on Sept. 20, 2024

• Publisher: (December 27, 2023)

• Publication date: December 27, 2023

• Print length: 308 pages

Trigger Warning:

Violence, gore, mentions of past abuse, mentions of past sexual assault (nothing on-page).

— A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magi Accounts 4.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories) by Michele Notaro

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