Tag: friends to lovers

Review: We Only Kiss At Christmas (Con Riley’s Christmas Collection) by Con Riley

Rating: 5 🌈

Con Riley regularly makes me cry at Christmas. Actually at Riley’s Christmas Collection stories. This year’s new edition to the series was a great sodden Kleenex wads worth of heartwarming moments and absolutely stunning moments of love and family.

Riley’s shared universe, between London and Cornwall, never disappoints in bringing us closer together with the characters and investing us deeply into their lives and journey.

Flatmates Sebastian Street (that heartbreaking name) and his best friend, Patrick, are heading into the holidays, a season fraught with emotional minefields. Their flat is freezing, they have one roommate less to help with the bills, and a stressful scene is upon them.

That’s the moment we open up the story. Emotions are high, exams are coming, rent is due. And while we have met Seb and Pat before, the intimacy is new. The hopes and fears is real.

Seb especially is so raw in his prickly voice that I could feel him emerging off the page, all past pain, and anger and rage against those who have hurt him and others. And made him afraid to have hope. And Pat, so gentle and mindful and patient. Pat is as believable as Seb however opposite of him he is emotionally.

Riley has done such a beautiful job with not only the characters but their backgrounds, weaving in the various interpersonal dynamics to the storyline unfolding throughout to become a richer emotional tapestry for all involved. From Seb to Patrick to Patrick’s family to Jack, a young man who has his own journey ahead, and the readers, who have been heavily invested into this story from the beginning.

This is what I think of when I look forward to my Christmas stories. It encapsulates all that good will, warmth, and love that stays with you after the book is over.

And it’s the reason I’m highly recommending not just this but all of Con Riley’s Christmas Collection. Enjoy!

Outstanding cover art .

Con Riley’s Christmas Collection:

✓ His Last Christmas In London #1

✓ We Only Kiss At Christmas #2

◦ His Until Christmas- Nov 12, 2024

Buy Link:

We Only Kiss at Christmas (Con Riley’s Christmas Collection)

Blurb:

Prepare for another snow-dusted, super-romantic and heart-clenching holiday gay romance from Con Riley.


All Sebastian Street wants for Christmas is justice. Oh, and some privacy to kiss his flatmate.

Heat shouldn’t sizzle between best friends like it does between me and Patrick. He’s my flatmate, not my boyfriend, a gym-bro powered by peace, love, and understanding. In comparison, I’m a yappy terrier fuelled by rage and sugary baked goods.

Expect a third flatmate to understand our opposites-attract dynamic?

No.

This could be our last December together. Our first alone in this flat.

I can’t share it. Or Patrick.

Not when we only kiss at Christmas.


Perfect for fans of friends to lovers and found families, visit London and Cornwall in We Only Kiss at Christmas, or double your festive enjoyment with His Last Christmas in London, the first standalone romance in this shared-world series.

Review: Fourth Point of Contact: The Warden and the General (Legends of Lobe den Herren #1) by A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 5🌈

I don’t know how I missed this one when it first came out but I’ve read it now and what a fantastic story.

The first of a duology for this couple, Sherwood’s is a tale of two soldiers from different countries who became everything to each other over the course of a war. At the end , they then have to find a way back together outside of established relationships roles from wartime. This is a simply amazing epic that encompasses a number of countries, tenuous post war political realities, cultural differences and conflicts, found families, and sexual awakenings.

And the reader is able to intimately explore all those elements through the experiences of the characters in the story, Shiirei General Sho Renjimantoro and Aart General Arman Brahms.

Sherwood chooses to open the novel with a prologue, which captures the moment at the end of a long devastating war that Ren agrees to leave his country of Shiirei behind to follow General and best friend Arman Brahms to his home and country. It’s a highly emotional scene, full of drama and history about the men and their lives.

Ren, who’s always been open about his sexuality, has never accepted for it in his own country. But within his own company of soldiers and that of Arman, he’s been able to be open about his preference for the company of men. That freedom and deep connection with Arman is forefront in his decision for leaving for Aart as well as the fact his Emperor can no longer employ his army.

Arman is more a subtle character than Ren. Ren’s voice is more prevalent here both as a character and for the reader as the main POV. Arman is a man of few words, Ren being his interpreter in the relationship for others, and often the talkative one in their dynamic.

Sherwood uses Arman’s language to convey his love for others and ease in their presence. It’s extremely effective and becomes even an integral aspect of his personality in the second book, Zone of Action.

But here it’s Arman’s journey to understanding his relationship with Ren, its evolving stages from deep friendship to deepest romantic love. Sherwood makes it believable without us being in on all the emotional mental work Arman goes through. It works because of the discussions had between Ren and Arman about his feelings for Ren, and that realness comes through beautifully.

Sherwood lays in the background and foundation for Aart’s reigning family and the other governing bodies to make plans that the war they just fought and won won’t be repeated.

There’s political intrigue, assaults, assassination attempts, and more. All woven into the story of the evolution of the deep relationship between Ren and Arman.

I couldn’t put this down. Fourth Point of Contact: The Warden and the General (Legends of Lobe den Herren #1) by A. J. Sherwood turned into a favorite of mine.

I highly recommend it to all readers of this genre and fans of this author if you haven’t discovered it already. It’s an absolute gem.

Legends of Lobe den Herren :

✓ Fourth Point of Contact: The Warden and the General #1

✓ Zone of Action #2

Buy Link:

Fourth Point of Contact (Legends of Lobe den Herren Book 1)

Blurb:

Ren’s fantasy wishlist includes:

A sexy lover (preferably of the male variety)

Peace inside of the palace

Possibly an onsen

His best friend never deployed again, and always beside him

It does not include:

Assassins inside of his palace

Far too many conspiracies

Being proposed to while hungover. In bed. By his straight best friend.

Arman Brahms falling in love with him is a fantasy Ren’s buried for over six years, so to have it come true seems unreal. He has questions. All the questions. Mainly because Arman is bad at using his words.

But the most important question?

Is the fantasy worth risking everything?

Tags:

Friends to lovers, GFY, Arman is the king of demisexual, Arman is absolutely done with this nonsense and lets people know it, no fainting damsels here, proposing is difficult, indecent proposal, Arman uses words, not too many, that’s what Ren is for, Ren’s up to rule twenty-five, Arman’s still violating three, five, and sixteen, too many potential conspiracies, too many assassination attempts, Ren would like less assassins please and thank you, being warden to a palace is not as much fun as it looks, Fourth Point of Contact doesn’t mean what you think, don’t mix alcohol with a teenage princess, accidental princess corruption, royal meddlers, fantasy world but no magic

Review: Like I Wished (Heather Bay, #2) by Charlie Novak

Rating: 4.5🌈

Like I Wished, the second in Charlie Novak’s wonderful Heather Bay series, is a friends to lovers, sexual awakening love story. Although the blurb states it can be read as a standalone, that’s really not the case. The foundation for this story and the men’s relationship starts there in book one.

We meet the close knit group of men that live and work in and around the historic seaside village of Heather Bay in that book. It’s in that first story we see the beginnings of the attraction in the sweet relationship that exists between teacher Noah and former football player/baker Spencer. Spencer is the older brother of Alex, Noah’s best friend and roommate. As such, he’s always been a bit on the edge of the circle of childhood friends due to his age and the fact he went off to pursue his dreams as a professional club player.

Novak treats Spencer genuinely sweetly here as a character. Whereas other authors would write him as the somewhat dim golden retriever in his inability to make connections between his past crushes on men due to their physicality and his current revelation about his sexuality, Novak uses his friends and Noah to help guide him through the process of understanding his own sexuality and self awareness. It’s just a little bit slower connections with Spencer, a man with a huge heart and sweet personality . I love the depth of his character, the pain of the loss of his passion of the game and the joy he’s feeling for baking. He has depth, not a lack of intelligence.

Same goes for Noah, a teacher who loves his students, the science he teaches, and has learned to love his body. There’s wonderful body positivity in his storyline, someone who’s been bullied for his own less than perfect body to someone who’s accepted himself and who is happy with what he’s doing. Noah has crushed on Spencer for a long while but always thought he was straight.

The author creates a very believable narrative for both men that begins a change in perspective for both of them. Then follows that through with the ripples of what that means for the members of their found family.

Not an element is forgotten, or storyline is lost. Just lovely. And sexy as Spencer discovers exactly why he’s been so enamored of the male form all these years. Gently funny, adorable, and extremely sexy as Noah and Spencer find love together.

Novak also starts to set up new characters for stories to come. Will the farmer overwhelmed with his single farm life, snarky younger brother of Spencer’s, Alex, with walls a plenty. Great people needing their HEA. Can’t wait for their romances.

But don’t believe the blurbs, not standalones. Read them in the order they are written for the characters relationships and events as they develop.

I’m highly recommending this and the series.

Heather Bay series :

✓ Like I Promised #1

✓ Like I Wished #2

◦ Like I Needed #3

◦ Like I Pretended #4

◦ Like I Wanted #5 – Sept 28,2023

Buy Link:

Like I Wished (Heather Bay Book 2)

Blurb:

Dreaming about my best friend’s brother is one thing, him actually falling for me is another.

Baking cupcakes for the science department bake-off shouldn’t strike fear into the heart of chemistry teacher Noah, but his previous record hasn’t exactly been glowing. In an attempt to stave off another year in last place, Noah turns to the one man who might be able to help him: his best friend’s older brother, Spencer.

Noah’s had a crush on the vibrant and sporty footballer turned baker for years, but the chances of anything happening between them are slim to none. Spencer is caring, funny, gorgeous… and totally straight.

Spencer has never thought about dating men before, but after watching Noah lick buttercream off a whisk he’s suddenly realising he’s not as straight as previously thought.

Revelations about his sexuality are one thing, but his footballing past being dragged into the present is another and Spencer isn’t sure which is more stressful. But he’s sure about one thing: he wants Noah in his life. Now all they have to do is figure out how to make their wishes come true.

Like I Wished is a hot and heart-warming best friend’s brother contemporary MM romance featuring adorable ghost cupcakes, a bisexual awakening over baking, gate-crashed first dates, gym-bro besties, and lots of hot chocolate.

It is book two in the Heather Bay series and while it can be read as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed as part of the series

Review: A World Away (Learning to Breathe #1) by Carole Cummings and Andy Gallo

Rating: 4.5🌈

I was immediately intrigued to hear about a new series being launched by two authors I respected. That’s the marvelous Carole Cummings and Andy Gallo and their Learning to Breathe series.

The series revolves around two young men, who’ve grown up together, in a world at war. I wish the authors would establish more of the current universe structure the characters inhabit but a huge part of the story and future books is parallel worlds, so I’m imagine comparisons will be added continuously, filling in more of this world’s foundational knowledge.

What we do know it’s a total East/West global war and it’s got the potential to annihilate everyone. The West is searching for a new way to get the upper hand in the fight, magical users are the key to the success and there’s a national conscript that tests all the children for their magical potential, read war usage.

Into all this , Cummings and Gallo have created two families and two sons who share several shattering events and one horrific experience.

Nathan Duffy and Cam Almenara have been together since the arcane magic camp Nathan attended , run by Cam’s father, a military man teaching and testing children for their arcane skills. It was a drunk driving accident that cemented their relationship and lives in a certain dynamic until another momentous magical event shatters status quo to change their lives and those around them.

It’s hard to discuss all the details and complex story threads here that Cummings and Gallo weave into their book and relationship. Military secrets, war machine intelligence, science fiction elements, parallel worlds, personal choices, guilt and love. It’s looked at on multiple levels, through varying perspectives. That of father to son, friends to friends, potential lovers to those that are already loved.

It’s done through some great writing, suspense filled scenes, scary scenarios, and some heart wrenching moments. Both Cam and Nathan are especially well defined, and show depth and emotional growth as the story develops. There’s so much past emotion and heartache, along with guilt and unacknowledged love between the two of them that they need to deal with.

While I felt the story had a slow start, it steadily gets stronger, more intense and action oriented as the narrative evolves. By the time we reach the climactic stage point, it’s full blown chaos, and craziness!

I love it.

Now that one element is settled, the authors set the couple and stage for the next adventure in the book to be released. I’m eager to read it.

I’m highly recommending this story. It’s beautifully written, great characters, and a complicated plot will keep you invested from start to finish.

Learning to Breathe:

✓ A World Away #1

◦ A World Apart #2 – Oct 10,2023

Buy Link:

A World Away: An MM Urban Fantasy Romance (Learning to Breathe Book 1)

Description:

Nathan Duffy knows how to keep things locked down so tight even he doesn’t know they’re there. Like his childhood trauma over the near-catastrophe he almost caused when his power manifested. His adolescent resentment over the near fatal injury he still hasn’t really accepted. His futile not-so-platonic love for his best friend Cam. And that one pivotal moment when the love and the power had merged to save Cam from the accident that left Nathan unable to walk. Nathan figures losing the use of his legs was a fair exchange for Cam’s life. He just can’t ever let Cam know why.

For Cam Almenara, life has been an ongoing cycle of questioning reality. What if his mother hadn’t died when he was ten? What if that drunk driver hadn’t almost killed him and Nathan? What if Nathan’s powers hadn’t protected Cam at the cost of Nathan’s ability to walk? What if Nathan had never convinced himself that Cam’s feelings for him are nothing more than attachment and survivor’s guilt? And what if Cam can never convince Nathan otherwise?

When Nathan is suddenly stricken by seizure like nightmares, his power slips its leash—again. Fearful his rogue abilities will hurt—or worse, kill—Cam, Nathan comes to the conclusion that it’s him or Cam. Nathan knows who he’ll choose.

Trouble is, so does Cam. And he’s just as willing as Nathan is to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the best friend he loves… and prove they belong together.

Check Out the latest Release from M. D. Grimm! A Priest, A Plague, and A Prophecy!

A Priest, a Plague and a Prophecy - M.D. Grimm

M.D. Grimm has a new MM fantasy romance out (ace, bi, demi): A Priest, a Plague, and a Prophecy. And there’s a giveaway.

“Orcs are the answer but what is the question?”

Elias is a priest at the Temple of the Divine Sibyl. When he becomes lost in the woods after his brother’s hunting party abandons him, it’s just his luck that he’d stumble upon an angry orc caught in a trap. Unable to stomach the suffering of others, Elias throws self-preservation to the wind and frees the orc. Then Gurrkk—that’s a name?—ends up leading him to safety.

Gurrkk finds himself rather smitten by the sweet, awkward human. He’s always been fascinated with his people’s sworn enemy, and now he has a life debt to fulfill to maintain his honor.

Hiding an orc among the temple’s crypts wouldn’t have been Elias’s first choice but Gurrkk is stubborn about leaving. As they learn each other’s languages and spend more time together, Elias realizes they’ve become friends… and maybe more. And when the dying sibyl gives her last prophecy, Elias knows it wasn’t chance that brought them together, it was the gods.

But why?

This is a sweet, ace romance, so no sexy times, but plenty of snuggles and cuddles!

Universal Buy Links | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Giveaway

M.D. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Excerpt

A Priest, a Plague and a Prophecy meme - M.D. Grimm

Elias closed his eyes and clasped his hands under his chin, sending a fervent prayer to the gods, asking for a sign. Any sign that would lead him home. Seconds passed. Minutes. He cracked open one eye to look around. Seeing nothing, he glared and set his fists on his hips.

So much for divine intervention.

“I’m one of your priests, and you don’t give me the time of day,” he mumbled as he set off down the left-hand path.

He was hungry again.

Even as he was contemplating the pros and cons of eating one of his last apples, he stumbled around a thick tree before halting in shock.

An orc sat on the ground, his greenish-gold skin glistening with sweat and his coal-black eyes glaring with menace. He was almost bald, except for a spiky strip of green hair running from his forehead to the back of his skull. The lack of hair accentuated his large ears that moved independently of each other. Two pronounced fangs jutted up from his lower jaw, which was square and blunt, and more sharp teeth showed when he growled.

Elias stayed frozen, taking in the long black tunic cinched at the waist by a gold cord. The short sleeves were trimmed with gold thread, baring muscled arms. The stately garb struck Elias, making him wonder as to the status of the orc. Did they have hierarchy as humans did? The tunic ended around his knees, leaving the rest of his muscled legs bare. Also, this orc wasn’t of monstrous size, so he couldn’t be of the mountain variety. He was certainly taller and broader than Elias, but also leaner, corded with muscle, like that big cat Elias had spotted earlier. And his face was… not horrible. Brutish and sharp but not hideous or even ugly. Those illustrators of tomes really set out to depict orcs as the most horrific creatures ever to grace the earth.

The urge to run made his palms grow damp and his breath to quicken. Not that he could run for more than a few steps before wheezing because he was so damn out of shape, and why the hell didn’t he train with his brother? I’m going to die, I’m going to die….

Then his gaze traveled down to the reason the orc was sitting on the ground and not eating his face. Vicious steel jaws had the orc by the ankle, piercing deeply into his flesh. The jaws were attached to a chain that was buried into to the earth. The fact the orc hadn’t freed himself meant this was one of the trick jaws. One specifically made for capturing orcs. The scoured earth around the chain proved that the orc had tried to dig himself free but clearly hadn’t succeeded. His ankle was a mess of torn flesh and caked blood, and only then did Elias notice the buzz of flies.

How long had he been sitting there, in pain? In fear?

Sympathy rose with anger not far behind. Elias and the orc stared at each other, and Elias found himself stepping closer without consciously deciding his actions. The orc growled deeper, eyes narrowed in warning. Elias stopped again, wondering what he was doing. This was an orc! The enemy! The beasts that kept trying to take their lands. Attius’s tirades whirled through his mind even as the battle songs about marauding orcs jangled in his memory.

He’d never joined in. He’d never had anything personal against orcs. He never thought one way or another about them. Fighting them wasn’t a part of his world. Most of his life had been spent ensconced in the Temple of the Divine Sibyl, which was safely behind fortified stone walls and separated from the general populace of the city.

He was sheltered and he knew it. To see such ugly pain in another living creature struck him to the core. That was one of the reasons he didn’t eat meat. He couldn’t reconcile killing just to feed himself when there were plenty of other things to consume if he simply looked.

At that moment, this orc was no different than any other wild animal caught in a trap. And would he let such a creature die so horribly? No, he would not.

Taking a deep breath, and with more courage than he would profess to have, Elias crouched before slowly pushing off his pack. He kept his eyes on the orc and opened the top flap before tilting it to show the orc that it only held medicines, plant samples, parchment, and ink.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said gently. “Can you understand me?”

The orc made no indication either way. He continued to growl and glare.

“I want to help you.” Elias took the one weapon he had, a long dagger, and showed the orc the blade before tossing it away. The orc stopped growling and blinked in apparent surprise. Elias shuffled closer on his knees, keeping his demeanor as non-threatening as possible. He almost snorted—as if a soft priest like him could be threatening. He kept speaking in low tones as he would to a frightened animal. He kept his pack held out in front of him, hoping the harmless items would convince the orc he wasn’t a hunter.

The orc’s large nostrils flared, and he squinted into the bag. He must have smelled the remaining apples, the plant samples, and the few healing ointments Elias carried with him everywhere. Elias set the bag within easy reach of the orc just in case he wanted to investigate. Then he took a good look at the steel jaws and winced.

The orc didn’t wear shoes, his sturdy, rough feet tough enough not to need them. His nails were more like claws, almost identical to those on his fingers. The trap would have been covered, and he’d stepped directly onto the triggering mechanism. The blades had barely missed his foot to cut into his ankle, probably scraping against the bones and tendons.

Elias took a moment to fight nausea.

“Damn. Once I free your leg it’s going to bleed profusely. I have to wrap it fast and tight.” He glanced up and met the orc’s eyes. Grim determination stared back at him and Elias blinked. “You do understand me.”

Author Bio

M.D. Grimm logo

M.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!).

Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.

Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.

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

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001710645622

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4574220.M_D_Grimm

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.D.-Grimm/e/B00I0KZMY6/

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Review: To The Moon and Back by N.R. Walker

Rating: 4.5 🌈

To The Moon and Back is N.R. Walker ‘s latest contemporary romance and it’s a must read for everyone who’s a fan of this author and wonderful low angst relationship stories.

Located in Sydney, Australia, it brings together two men at loose tethers. One, Toby Barlow, a professional nanny, has recently returned home after a stint in the UK. His last job he cut short due to the clients/family he had contracted with. Now he’s home and looking for a new job and finds it in a single father who has been left with a baby, overwhelmed, unable to work or sleep or cope.

That’s Gideon Ellery. Who had his ex leave when Gideon adopted his son, Benson. Now Gideon is overwhelmed by his work, his life and trying to be the best father possible without knowing what he is doing. Enter Toby Barlow!

This is a slow burn, day by day, melding of a family unit. By burnt toast, by sickness, walking in the park, baby steps and food, tv shows, and everything familiar and ordinary. The things that really matters. Walker creates a warm, happy and believable atmosphere of two men and a baby falling into love and a family.

And we fall right along with them.

There’s a big Italian family on one side I wish we’d seen more of. Great friends on another and surprise visitors from a fabulous novel of Walker’s at the end every fan will adore.

The drama, such as it is, is real and low key. And the ending lovely and leaves us wanting to see a sequel or holiday story for this family in the future.

If you’re a fan of contemporary romance and N. R. Walker, grab this up. It’s just a lovely read that will make you happy and leave you wanting more!

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Moon-B…To the Moon and Back – Kindle edition by Walker, N.R.. Literature & Fiction …

Description:

Gideon Ellery had the perfect life. Nice house, great job, and a long-time boyfriend. Weeks after adopting his nephew, his boyfriend splits, leaving Gideon a single father to a newborn. Overwhelmed, sleep deprived, and unsure how to navigate fatherhood, he’s asked to return to the office. He’s overwhelmed and at his breaking point.

Toby Barlow is back in Sydney after three years of studying, travelling, and nannying in the UK. He needs work and a place to live, and the perfect solution drops in his lap. After all, caring for a sweet baby in a beautiful home owned by a gorgeous single man isn’t exactly terrible.

Gideon isn’t too keen to share his life with a stranger, but his need for help is too great. Sunshiny Toby isn’t prepared for a grumpy Gideon or his utterly adorable son, Benson. Or how easily he slots into their lives. And Gideon’s not prepared for how much he needs Toby.

Or how much he wants him.

Neither is prepared for the complications of falling in love.

Review: The Solstice Kings by Kim Fielding

Rating: 3.25🌈

I was excited to see a book by Kim Fielding published by Tin Box Press, which meant I would be able to read and review it. Unfortunately, this fantasy tale is a bit of a mixed bag.

There’s so many potentially interesting elements here, ranging from the main character’s adopted family and it’s magical “castle” ancestral home to the lore that Fielding’s narrative inhabits so well.

But the issues start immediately with the main characters. One, Miles Thorsen, adopted son of the strange Nordic Thorsens, is not particularly likable. From the beginning he’s a bit self centered, passive, and the minute he arrives home, rude and disrespectful. So, not someone I really wanted to spend time with.

The next was Remy. Fielding made such a odd choice here regarding an aspect of his character . It’s hard to tell you all what my issues are with him without major spoilers but it’s so not in keeping with the idea and mythology that Fielding is building here to mix into her climatic point at the end. Not that we hadn’t already guessed by then. It had been telegraphed heavily by so many bluntly written clues. You are left wondering how and why he fits into this exactly . Why this form? Why not something Scandinavian? From Odin’s mythology? Just doesn’t add up.

True Fielding’s mixed Paranormal beings, beliefs, and myths before to a successful storyline but here it’s just weird. Off putting.

The story winds up as a HEA but we are left asking questions, or at least I was. Just too many holes and ill fitting narrative pieces for this to fill like the Fielding story gems I look forward too and love.

Read it if you’re a fan of the author.

Amazon

Description:

Miles Thorsen’s adopted family is… unusual. But that’s not why he fled after graduating from college. Now, after ten years of restless wandering, he returns home for the winter holiday celebration. The solstice is a time of change, and perhaps it’s time for Miles to face who he is, who he loves… and who he’ll become.

Review: Foxed by Jay Hogan

Rating: 3🌈

Foxed, Fuddled, Swallowed a Hare, and Other Words for “Drunk”.

Right from the title, Jay Hogan’s new release and I just couldn’t connect.

For me, foxed always has meant drunk. Hogan goes with a different definition.

FOXED: To be thrown into a state of uncertainty-flustered, bamboozled, bewildered, puzzled, vexed.

That’s how I felt about the book. As if the author and I were in different places here. Same place but different perspectives.

I normally enjoy Hogan’s work and was eagerly waiting on this novel with its older couple, the Wellington location, and some of the elements I’d heard of. But my disappointment with the characters and detachment started immediately.

Jed Marshall is discussing Harrison Ford with Nash Collingwood over lunch. During the conversation about his Star Wars movies gets dismissed because it’s just “sh**ty SciFi”.

Trust me, the book almost went down there.

But the really problematic issues, and they are many in my opinion, have to do with his character, and his family.

While Nash Collingwood is a well rounded, and layered personality with depth to his character, Jed feels almost ephemeral.

His family is homophobic, intrusive, controlling, and unable to respect boundaries. He’s unable to set boundaries, communicate, and stand up for himself. He’s in his fifties. He’s basically got the t-shirt that reads doormat.

He’s a bisexual man who’s hidden that part of himself from everyone but his ex-wife. When given the chance to tell his friends and family repeatedly that he’s in a new relationship, he lies about it. Setting up a dramatic explosion of emotions to come.

I’m left to feel bad for Nash who’s put his heart out there, after a bad experience,into the hands of a man who teeters between running away from any reasonable expectation of commitment because of his fears and his own inability to handle his family.

The ending, which was rushed a week timeline wise after the emotional explosions went off, felt simplified and unrealistic.

In all, this just wasn’t the book or couple for me. From my perspective, Jed was never someone I was going to respect so I felt disconnected from his story. The characters and the relationship was not realistic in its resolution.

I’m sure others won’t see it this way and have a different viewpoint on their romance.

But for me I’m setting my sights on the next Hogan release.

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Foxed-J…Foxed – Kindle edition by Hogan, Jay . Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks …

https://www.amazon.com › Foxed-J…Foxed – Hogan, Jay: Books

FOXED: To be thrown into a state of uncertainty-flustered, bamboozled, bewildered, puzzled, vexed.

AKA, me. Jed Marshall. 55-year-old successful classic car mechanic; divorced, mostly closeted, and whose wholly inexperienced bisexuality has suddenly awakened after one smouldering look and said, ‘Damn, who’s the hottie?’ Or words to that effect.

Cue, Nash Collingwood. 53-year-old scarily smart high school principal; out, gay, confident, and sexy as hell. He’s also my daughter’s boss. So, not complicated at all, right? Nash could ignite a bonfire with a single sultry look, comes fully accessorised with a charm offensive Churchill would be proud of, an easy-going flattery that thrills my heart far too effortlessly, and an impressive track record with men many decades my junior.

In short, Nash is everything I’m not, and everything I’ve avoided for roughly my entire life. He’s the hot rod to my sensible family car, that is if you like your family cars with a few dents, creaky suspension, unexpected backfires, and a dodgy stick.

The last thing I need is a relationship-especially with a man. I buried that pipe dream a long time ago and a little loneliness is a small price to pay. The festive season and long summer vacation are on our doorstep. I’m finally getting things right with my family who mean everything to me, and I don’t want to mess that up.

But Nash doesn’t care about my awkward inexperience, or clumsy excuses, or any of my insecurities. Nash only sees me. He wants me. For the first time in years, I feel alive and sexy and a whole lot more than just a good father and grandfather.

I should walk away, but the closer Nash and I become, the more he fills my grey world with colour, and the promise of a second chance at love I never thought possible.

Review: Just Say When by Aimee Nicole Walker

Rating: 4.5🌈

I have been waiting for Chief Mendoza’s story since Walker started her teasers and hints throughout all the rest of the Savannah series about Mendoza’s attraction to his longtime friend, Sheriff Abraham Beecham.

Chief Mendoza’s been a rock solid presence at the Savannah PD , a favored , strong personality that’s as much a part of the family and lives of all the main characters we love . He is a central figure in the foundation of this ongoing series universe.

No surprise that Beecham started to work his way up and into the same role , via his relationship with Mendoza and that of Sgt. Royce Locke (of the partnership in every way of Locke and Key).

Just Say When finally pulls back the curtains on their long relationship, their friendship, and the passion for each other that’s finally gone from hidden to unrestrained.

I love that Mendoza’s back history includes a great mixed modern family dynamics. His combined family includes his teenage son, Alex, who he shares with his ex. In a totally appreciated departure from the norm in other stories, his ex wife , a well rounded character, is still very much a friend. Also in law enforcement, she’s strong, great at her job , smart and loving, has a terrific marriage with her husband. Their family includes Mendoza and Uncle Abe Beecham, who’s known everyone for years.

This quartet of personalities and relationships drives the multiple storylines forward with a narrative heft that includes compelling acceptance of sexuality, bigotry within a family framework, and a healthy modern mixed family culture.

Walker’s characters flow through a mystery and dramatic setup that’s got its own twists to satisfy any reader.

I love her Savannah universe and all the characters and stories that have come out of it. Just Say When is simply one more in that rich line of storytelling that you will never tire of and always be sorry to leave.

I’m highly recommending it and all the books around it.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showJust Say When by Aimee Nicole Walker

Description:

Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesn’t kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.

Abe and Lio’s thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.

Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesn’t engage in situations he can’t control. They’ve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.

But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?

Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the author’s Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Stuck With You (A Snowed Inn Romance) by Meredith Russell

Rating: 3🌈

Stuck With You is another story in the Snowed Inn romance collection of books by various authors that features a mountain resort called The Retreat, a avalanche that temporarily seals off the resort , and a group of people there for multiple events who find their HEA.

Stuck With You is a best friends to lovers trope that’s a sweet holiday romance. It’s a quick read with characters that aren’t memorable and a storyline that’s all too familiar.

The characters never seemed to have any chemistry with each other, and the dialogue (inner and outer) felt awkward and too young for the age group.

For myself, it was a nice romance but definitely not close to being a layered narrative with terrific storytelling .

Fan of this author? I’m sure this is on your TBR list. All others decide for yourselves.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showStuck With You by Meredith Russell

Description:

Brodie loves Gabriel. Gabriel loves Brodie. So why is it so difficult for them to be honest with each other?

Brodie Lewis has been in love with Gabriel, his best friend, for years. The problem? It’s an impossible love. After all, they’re practically family.

With his dad working long hours to make ends meet, Brodie had been lonely growing up, until the day a boy from his neighborhood invited him over for dinner. The boy’s house had been so different to his own, filled with people and warmth, and Brodie would be forever grateful for how the Conley family treated him as one of their own.

When feelings beyond friendship stirred in Brodie, he’d tried to ignore them. Gabriel and his family were everything to him. How could he ever confess? And so, looking to move on from his first love, Brodie attends the speed dating night at The Retreat Hotel. It was a good plan, if only Gabriel wasn’t the one to offer him a ride to the venue.

Gabriel Conley only wants Brodie to be happy, which is why he’s willing to lock away his feelings yet again and drive Brodie through the snow to the dating event. Brodie smiles the most when surrounded by Gabriel’s family, and Gabriel never wants to ruin that with a selfish love confession. So instead, he’ll stay at Brodie’s side as a friend.

When an avalanche cuts the hotel off from the outside world, and Gabriel and Brodie find themselves stuck together and closer than ever, it’s time for some truths to be revealed.

Can the oblivious childhood friends finally understand each other’s feelings, and confess their love for each other?

All the books in the Snowed Inn collection are standalone stories and can be read in any order.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Snowed Inn story Collection:

All the books can be read as standalones and in any order and all are available to buy or pre-order

• RJ Scott – Stop the Wedding – https://books2read.com/StopTheWedding

• H.L Day – Five Night Stand – https://books2read.com/FiveNightStandHL

• V.L. Locey – Checking it Twice – https://books2read.com/CheckingItTwiceVL

• LC Chase – Breakfast Included – https://books2read.com/BreakfastIncludedLCC

• Xenia Melzer – The Real Kaimana – https://books2read.com/RealKaimanaXM

• Meredith Russell – Stuck With You- https://books2read.com/StuckWithYouMR

• Eli Easton – A Changeling Christmas – https://books2read.com/ChangelingChristmasE