Tag: LGBTGIA contemporary romance

Review: Dario: Wicked Legacies by Victoria Sue

Rating: 3.75🌈

Victoria Sue’s mafia boss romance was a good read. It was exciting, had many fast paced moments, thrilling scenes, and good characters.

And had the book been longer or tweaked so that the time frame let the main characters have more time to develop their relationship, this would have been a much better story.

Everything that surrounds the romantic aspect of the story is interesting and could easily be even more fully explored in additional stories. The multiple storylines that Sue has created are really intriguing, as are the five Mafia factions that go along with them. They are factor into the main narrative as well as the subplots that make the book so compelling.

But the romantic story itself between mob boss Dario and reluctant husband, Alessandro, feels as contrived as the marriage. Too instant love for me. Especially given the short timeline here. It doesn’t work. Dario is all killing Alessandro one minute and loving him the next. For Alessandro, it’s all I love him but won’t communicate with him.

I understand that last. For me, the relationship needs more time to grow before these feelings feel realistic.

So while the story is still very exciting, a terrific mob takeover tale of revenge and retribution, the romantic aspect leaves something that could have been better developed.

I enjoyed it and if this is your jam, you might too.

Buy link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Dario-…Dario – Wicked Legacies – Kindle edition by Sue, Victoria. Literature & Fiction …

Blurb:

Dangerous secrets will get you killed. Sometimes it might even be me that’s pulling the trigger.

Dario

I’m hours away from finally inheriting my father’s legacy. All I need to do is dodge the Russians and the Irish, and put a wedding band on my fiancée. Until the moment I find out my father’s best-friend and fiancée’s papa ordered the hit that had taken out my parents eighteen years ago.

And my fiancée will step over my dead body as she walks back down the aisle and marry into the Irish Mob. The ones that have promised my future father-in-law he will have everything that is rightfully mine.

Not happening.

Even if I have to light the night sky with the fires of revenge and retribution.

I just need to get married first.

Then miracle of miracles, I find out my traitorous fiancée has a half-brother. An illegitimate one, but one that still fulfills the terms of my father’s will, so the territory rightfull becomes mine.

I just have to convince the brother of that.

A twenty-year-old innocent that has been a near slave all his life? Piece of cake.

Or is it?

• Publication date: January 11, 2024

• Print length: 235 pages

Review: Taking the Body (Watkins Glen Gladiators #4) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 4.75🌈

Taking The Body just became my favorite of this series . I laughed so hard so much of the time when reading it, mostly due to the outrageous family tales related to various people by the main character, hockey player, Phil Greco. He’s such an entertaining and highly engaging person. Irish/Italian from Queens, New York, once he appears on the page, he’s got the reader’s total attention.

Locey must have had such an incredible time writing this man and his unique voice. He had me in stitches but he was also such a believable person, grounded in family and a recognizable location such as Flushing.

Frenchman Henri Gaudion, of Gaudion Winery, and his wonderful found family of staff, that includes his butler, Barnaby, is a well defined character and great match for gregarious Phil. His character is also a very poignant person. Locey has created in Henri such a relatable person and backstory. Henri’s background is one of loss, constant inter-family fighting over the winery and his sexuality, and finally, the ways in which Henri has isolated himself due to the fears caused by his illness and approaching blindness. His emotional walls are those of fear and experience.

Watching Phil moving through that previously ordered and quiet existence as seen and heard through both men’s perspectives is such a joy and utter blissful experience.

And that Locey wove The Nanny and Fran Drescher into this? Priceless!

The only thing that keeps the story from a total 5 rating is that the ending came about rather quickly. It feels too abrupt. Had that been extended to go into a little longer explanation of the situation, and not leaving that other renter hanging, then this would have been a 5+ story.

As it is, Taking the Body (Watkins Glen Gladiators #4) by V.L. Locey is my favorite of a lovely series. I hope to see more of this couple in the stories to come.

Watkins Glen Gladiators:

✓ Between The Pipes #1

✓ Defending The House #2

✓ Dump and Chase #3

✓ Taking The Body #4

Buy Link:

One’s from Flushing, New York, the other from Ambroise, France. Worlds, wit, and passions are about to collide!

Phil Greco is that player that every opponent and their fanbase hates but secretly wishes played for their team. Greck is a mouthy guy, high-spirited, and able to tweak nerves with relative ease. Having grown up with a large family he’d learned early that you had to fight for what you wanted. This is how a short, undrafted guy from Flushing made it as far as he had. It had taken no small amount of bull&*#*, grit, and plenty of wit. Generally that wit and grit was enough to get him on the top of the pileup but that’s not the case with Henri Gaudion, owner of Gaudion Winery. Ever since they’d met sparks have flown, and for the life of him, Phil cannot understand what it is about the suave, well-dressed, handsome French vintner that makes him so edgy. They have nothing in common aside from a love of Watkins Glen, so why does he keep finding himself so drawn to the lean man with the rapier wit? Sure, he was pretty, and did keep him on his toes, but Phil’s not the kind of fella to be drawn to such a fancy pants rich boy. How stupid would it be to think that a hoodlum like him could ever catch a man like Henri? Not that he wanted to catch the stuck-up winemaker…

Henri Gaudion has no time for shenanigans or those who engage in them, especially boorish braggarts on skates. Yes, he enjoys the game of hockey and having the Gladiators hockey team and the local gentry at his chalet overlooking Seneca Lake every Sunday for brunch, but that’s solely for keeping up appearances. Since the death of his father, he has devoted his life to ensuring the lands bequeathed to him produce the finest wines and champagne in the Finger Lakes district. Henri is a lonely, heartbroken man when the blinds are drawn and the erudite mask is dropped. He also has no room in his life for rowdy little men with bright smiles, cheeky winks, and heavily accented, fanciful tales about his large Italian family back in, of all places, Flushing. The pull that he’s feeling for Phil Greco must be some sort of glitch, or perhaps he’s been spending too much time in the tasting rooms. Whatever the reason, he is not about to let his attraction to Phil grow. It would be impossible for two such incompatible men to fall in love. Wouldn’t it?

Taking the Body is a low-angst, opposites attract queer hockey romance with a mouthy hockey player, a refined vintner, a whole lot of forced proximity, on-ice action, evenings spent sipping wine, a nosy butler, even nosier teammates, a large loving family, and a perfectly aged happy ending.

• Publication date: January 5, 2024

• Print length: 193 pages

Review: Lube Job (Big Bull Mechanics #5) by K.M. Nuehold

Rating: 4.5🌈

Ever since Riggs, the small, prickly, large engine mechanic arrived in at Big Bull Mechanics, it’s been fun to imagine how and who Nuehold will pair him up with.

Turns out it’s Shep, the gorgeous extroverted, sexy mechanic, with the sexual appendage that’s either haunted or so addictive that Shep doesn’t do anything but one night stands . Because the people he sleeps with become a little crazed when he doesn’t want them around afterwards. Like stalking him and vandalize his precious automobile.

It’s a magnificent golden retriever slut and tiny assassin chihuahua sort of hookup with many complications and motorcycles and a garage full of found family mechanics.

What adds depth to this is Rigg’s assumption that he’s “broken “ inside because of his failed past relationships. The reason for this assumption is a revelation that comes from an unexpected source. Shep. Their slowly growing friendship changes each man gradually but profoundly.

Nuehold also creates a fabulous crow character that adds a wonderful sense of who Riggs is outside of the shop, a softer layer that isn’t always seen.

A strong thread here turns out that one of the characters is aromantic. This is a rarely seen character trait in romance novels and Nuehold does a great job in introducing the character to a sexual identity he wasn’t aware of, then letting him understand how finally, by applying it to himself, he could see himself and his actions in a different perspective. A life changing one.

The relationship between Shep and Rigg’s feels believable and halting in its growth, including Rigg’s and Shep’s personal issues to deal with.

The secondary threads and all the couples that made appearances were well done and never felt superfluous to the storylines.

There are some single characters who had important roles here but I’m not sure if they are going to get any stories going onward. I hope so.

Lube Job (Big Bull Mechanics #5) by K.M. Nuehold is another excellent book in this series, a definite recommendation.

Big Bull Mechanics:

✓ Crankshaft #1

✓ Stroker #2

✓ Gear Shift #3

✓ Rear Ended #4

✓ Lube Job #5

Buy Link:

Lube Job (Big Bull Mechanics Book 5)

Blurb:

The only thing bigger than Riggs’ attitude is his tool… And only one of those problems can be solved with more lube…

There’s no tragic backstory or closet stuffed full of skeletons from relationships’ past. I’ve just never been very good at the “very special episode” sh*t. If you’re looking for a shoulder to cry on, may I suggest a therapist?

Casual fun with my emotionally stunted, overgrown frat boy roommate slash co-worker should be perfect, right? Shep seems to be just as allergic to commitment as I am to emotions, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need our stroker rods serviced, if you catch my drift.

Now if he’ll just stop looking at me with those dopey puppy dog eyes while I’m elbow deep in a diesel engine, and making my stomach flip with that smile of his, that would be great…

• Publisher: (November 3, 2023)

• Publication date: November 3, 2023

• Print length: 278 pages

Review: Rebel Without a Claus (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 4) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 3.25🌈

Rebel Without a Claus is the finale to Charlie Cochet’s The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas series. It’s a sweet short read that quickly recaps the preceding stories, telling the reader what happened to the other couples from the perspective of Leo, who has got secret plans of his own for his love and beloved fiancé, Ward Kingston.

What those plans are were revealed at the end of book three, so it’s no big secret here that it’s a wedding. But much of the story is Leo running around, getting Christopher, aka Winterhaven’s town’s Mayor and Santa, to help him organize this and make it happen. All while keeping King in the dark about the wedding.

I wish Cochet’s story had more details about Christopher and his wife, as they are both very “Mr and Mrs. Claus” but that’s not carried out fully.

It’s sweet, romantic and very much in the holiday spirit. I enjoyed it .

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night #1

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

✓ Home for the Howlidays #3

✓ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Rebel without a Claus (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 4)

Blurb:

Life for Leopold de Loughrey is anything but ordinary. His meticulous and logical mind is both a gift and a curse, especially when it comes to finding a heartfelt present for his beloved fiancé, Ward Kingston. As Christmas and their first milestone anniversary draw near, Leo is eager to find the ideal gift that will perfectly capture their deep love and devotion.

When Colton surprises their family with an unforgettable Christmas vacation to Winterhaven, the possibilities that await in this enchanting holiday town stir Leo’s imagination, and with a few keystrokes, he discovers the town’s mayor—a man who remarkably resembles Santa Claus himself.

Join Leo, King, and their Four Kings Security family as they embark on a shenanigan-fueled adventure filled with unyielding determination and boundless love to rescue the holiday season for Winterhaven, where Santa Claus may just hold the key to delivering the perfect Christmas.

• Publication date: December 20, 2023

• Print length: 91 pages

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

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 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: 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

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So

✓ Home for the Howlidays

✓ Rebel Without a Claus

Review: Family First: A Railers Christmas Novella (Harrisburg Railers Series Book 13) by R. J. Scott and V. L. Locey

Rating: 4.5🌈

Family First feels like the final chapter in the Harrisburg Railers series, at least for the original characters and teammates. The teammates have found their own journeys to HEA, with partners and families, some no longer playing.

One of the series favorites has been Russian goalie Stanislav “Stan” Lyamin. Stan of the Elvis obsession, his cat, speaking to his pipes, and eventual love of and marriage to teammate, Erik Gunnarsson (Poke Check). We watch them grow, stumble, laugh, form a family that includes Erik’s son, kids from Russia, Stan’s Mama, his sister and more. It’s been a fabulous and heartwarming experience and a joyful journey.

Now, both men are older, their children growing up. Their bodies are now more prone to the effects of age and the stress that their profession brings on them. Stan suffers a debilitating hit on the ice, the ramifications of which go beyond the physical impact of major injuries and a year off the ice.

Scott and Locey have always been able to get the mindset of a hockey player, no matter where they are in their career, newly acquired, a journeyman, or a star player with unbelievable skills or the ability to pull a team together. To be the head or the heart of the team.

Stan is one of those.

So when he’s sidelined by injuries, surgery, and age, the author’s skillfully show the readers just how much a sea change in his mental and emotional state this is.

For the reader who has followed the series, this isn’t the character we come to love and care for, and that’s makes it even more realistic.

As Erik and Stan are having their issues, their son, Noah, is suddenly diagnosed with a lifelong illness. This changes everything.

Scott and Locey take this serious element of a child and parents, who overnight, have their lives forever altered, and they handle this in a very responsible and sensitive manner. It feels medically well researched yet any details and medical care flows smoothly through the narrative.

Erik too has his own personal decisions to make and follow through with, and those are important for the family and his relationship with Stan. It’s just different and harder for the authors to give Erik’s story as much time as the other threads. There’s not enough page time, and Stan and Noah have the more dramatic moments.

If I have a small quibble, it’s with the Epilogue. I understand why the authors chose to do the timeline they did. However, for me, by moving it ahead so many years, you have effectively eliminated that challenges, growth and change that Stan and Erik (and Noah) had to deal with. It’s a narrative Cliffs Notes. And I don’t find those completely satisfying as they shortchange the characters and readers on so many levels. What does it do? Sets Noah up for his book which is up next.

So I found the ending expedient and sort of satisfying.

I think I could have used more of how the household, all the family members, not just Stan, Erik, and Noah, moved forward with all the changes in their lives after that last scene when Stan retires. And before the epilogue.

Oh well. Family First: A Railers Christmas Novella (Harrisburg Railers Series Book 13) by R. J. Scott and V. L. Locey is one I’m recommending to all fans of the series and their authors. It’s a lovely book and way to bid goodbye to two of the original team of the Railers.

Harrisburg Railers:

✓ Changing Lines #1

✓ First Season #2

✓ Deep Edge #3

✓ Poke Check #4

✓ Last Defense #5

✓ Goal Line #6

✓ Neutral Zone #7

✓ Hat Trick #8

✓ Save The Date #9

✓ Baby Makes Three #10

✓ Rivals #11

✓ Perfect Gifts #12

✓ Family First #13

Buy Link:

Family First: A Railers Christmas Novella (Harrisburg Railers Series Book 13)

Blurb:

An injury threatens to end Stan’s career. Will he choose to fight for his beloved hockey, or put his family first?

Few goalies are as dedicated as Stan Lyamin, known for his resilience on the ice, talking to his pipes, and his love of Elvis. Add in his adoration of his family and his life has been filled with all the things that bring him joy. However, after a heart-wrenching game ends with a disastrous hip injury, Stan faces the most challenging obstacle of his career: surgery, an extensive recovery, and the looming threat of retirement. It’s now that he has to decide which path to take: the one that will lead him back to the game he adores or the one that will see his jersey lifted to the rafters.

Erik and Stan, once invincible with the Railers, have always skated through life’s challenges hand in hand. Their love story, cemented by a shared passion for hockey and the joy of raising their children, has been their shield against the world. But when their son Noah’s life is changed forever by a medical diagnosis, this forever love is put to the test. Erik turns to his husband for support, but Stan is consumed with guilt, overwhelmed by decisions, and retreats into himself when his family needs him the most.

• Publisher: Love Lane Books Ltd; 1st edition (December 8, 2023)

• Publication date: December 8, 2023

• Print length: 116 pages

Review: Home for the Howlidays (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 3) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 3.5 🌈

Home for the Howlidays, third in Cochet’s A Treemendous Christmas series, centers around the couple of Giovanni Galanos and Sacha “Joker” Wilder. Gio, his service dog, Cookie, a Golden Retriever, and Sacha, his boyfriend , and his military trained dog, Chip, a Belgium Malinois.

The month-long Christmas vacation stay at Winterhaven, has turned into a working vacation where the found family of The Four King Security agency and their significant others, The Boyfriend Collective, have been scrambling to get the town back together for its traditional Christmas celebration.

While the title may have a reader thinking that the book is dog centric, it’s more about the relationship between the Four Kings Sacha “Joker” Wilder and his extremely wealthy boyfriend, Giovanni Galanos. Each man has a different canine companion. For Gio, it’s his service dog, Cookie, a necessity after the ordeal he suffered from recent events. For Joker, it’s his working ex military partner, a Belgian Malinois named Chip. But the focus here is on their relationship and the issues that are threatening to pull them apart.

It’s Joker’s insecurity about Gio’s wealth and former globetrotting lifestyle. And Gio’s inability to see that he’s too wrapped up in his own job to notice that Joker is having trouble.

I liked the story but somehow it didn’t come together as smoothly as the other two installments. The development of the issues and the resolution was a little too disjointed, broken up by dramatic scenes that involved other characters, and the resolution was too quickly over for such complex emotional issues. All of the topics, the equality, the jealousy, the time management, the illness management, even their past history damage, and their own barriers to matrimony, to have those as storylines and attempt to give them depth and the detailed resolution they deserve , is a lot to expect of 94 pages. Especially with other characters and their story threads involved too.

So I found this an enjoyable read and a lovely addition to the series but not my favorite so far. Now onto a very exciting story next! The finale!

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night #1

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

✓ Home for the Howlidays #3

◦ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Home for the Howlidays (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 3)

Blurb:

Giovanni Galanos’s life took a dramatic turn after a terrifying ordeal and a newfound health condition led him home. Leaving behind his globetrotting adventures in favor of a more grounded existence, Gio finds solace in the arms of his love, Sacha “Joker” Wilder, a complex and captivating man who held Gio’s heart from the moment they first spoke. Together, along with their furry companions—Cookie, Gio’s service dog, and Chip, Sacha’s mischievous Belgian Malinois—his unconventional family forges a bond stronger than any hardship life can throw their way.

As the air teems with holiday cheer, Winterhaven unveils itself in all its enchanting glory. But a mishap has Sacha grumpier than usual. Amidst the joyous chaos that surrounds them, can the town’s holiday magic reignite Sacha’s Christmas spirit?

Join Gio and Sacha, along with their merry band of former Green Berets and their partners, as they navigate misadventures and heartwarming moments in Winterhaven, where true love and the transformative power of Christmas await.

• Publisher: (December 10, 2023)

• Publication date: December 10, 2023

• Print length: 94 pages

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

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 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: 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

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So

✓ Home for the Howlidays

◦ Rebel Without a Claus

Review: The Christmas Collection: Three Heartwarming MM Holiday Romance Novels by Garrett Leigh

Rating: 4🌈

Garrett Leigh offers up three Christmas stories in this collection, all of which have ties to her other series which are linked or shared within the novellas. They are, in the order they are used within this collection:

Angels In The City

Hometown Christmas

Christmas Mountain

Some I liked more than the others but all were warmhearted, holiday romances that I enjoyed.

Angels In The City: This was a great way to start the collection. Sacha Antonov, a “fixer” brought in to help a company on the same floor as the one run by Jonah, they have a meet cute moment in a stuck elevator just before Jonah’s expected appearance at his parents biggest holiday party/event they throw for everyone of note.

A impulsive invitation, and equally surprising acceptance later , and there’s a jump start to a relationship between two people of widely different backgrounds but shares interests and growing attraction.

I really liked the characters and storylines, even without the ties to the cousin Alexei from Rebel Kings MC series which I don’t think I have read.

Hometown Christmas. Rami and Fen. One a chef struggling with his Greek food cart in the market and the other a ex military soldier with PTSD running a shelter and trying to find his way out of his own trauma. Well done , but it’s hard to go into the depths of such heavy issues in such a small length of page space. The shelter isn’t a real place on paper, we don’t have a feel for the work there or the people that need it . That element, as important as it is, just isn’t well defined. The couple is lovely though.

Christmas Mountain. This is the longest of the three stories and the one I wavered over the most.

While I eventually ended up liking Yani , I did a lot of head smacking over how , he was written initially. I get the overwhelming stress but the shear idiocy of the beginning of the story was something that made it hard to get any connection to him. His constant need to flee a situation before having any discussion, or conversation with others, again, this aspect of his personality was a huge factor in almost disliking him. I couldn’t understand the author’s need towards his character and path.

But eventually, halfway or more, things got better. But that first half was hard going for this reader.

It might not be for others. They might find themselves relating to him. I did like the ending. Thought the drama and explanation for how Gavin Ritchie was his own hero a little underwhelming. I got little sense of what really happened.

Overall, a lovely warmhearted holiday collection. A definite recommendation.

Lovely cover.

Buy Link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Christm…Three Heartwarming MM Holiday Romance Novels by Garrett Leigh

Blurb:

!! Dive in to the heartwarming world of MM holiday romances with Garrett Leigh’s THREE bestselling novels, complete with EXCLUSIVE bonus content for all THREE books !!

Angels In The City

Jonah & Sacha. A fake relationship with a stranger, an office romance filled with doughnuts and white knights, and an addictive arrangement that fast evolves into a deeper connection neither man can give up. Don’t miss the exclusive bonus epilogue featuring Alexei from the Rebel Kings MC series!

Christmas Mountain

Rami & Fen. The single dad probation officer caring for his dead brother’s baby. The wounded gentle giant with the biggest softest heart. Get ready for a heartwarming holiday story you’ll cherish forever, along with an exclusive bonus epilogue featuring Embry from the Rebel Kings MC series!

Hometown Christmas

Yani and Gavin’s friendship takes a festive turn as they venture from friends to lovers this Christmas. Fleeing a painful breakup in London, Yani finds himself drawn to brooding Army VET Gavin Ritchie. They’re not looking for love. This is a no strings arrangement. But love finds them all the same. Dig into this sweet and steamy holiday romance, plus enjoy an exclusive bonus epilogue featuring Nat, Marc, & Jamie from the Between Ghosts universe.

“Must read books for any MM romance fan. Don’t miss out on the love, laughter, and holiday magic Garrett Leigh has gifted us with these wonderful boys.”

Review: Sleigh It Ain’t So (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 2) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Sleigh It Ain’t So, the second short story in Cochet’s A Treemendous Christmas series, is focusing primarily on a favorite character of mine, Fitz Harlow. Fitz, one of the Boyfriend Collective, is a fabulous character, along with his standard poodle, Duchess, who goes everywhere with him and his boyfriend, Jack, one of the Four Kings Security Agency. It’s their relationship and Jack’s reaction to the traumatic events that’s still effecting their lives that has everyone concerned.

This is a short tale that still pursues that overall arc themes of saving the town of Winterhaven and its famous Christmas celebration, but Cochet is beautifully threading through multiple storylines, like Fitz and Jack’s , to both highlight the couple and still illustrate how much they love each other and fit that into the overall plot and town’s character.

It’s the couple that Fitz was working on bringing together, the various buildings that need repairing, the Christmas lights and townspeople with their own stories and holiday names. Cochet is merrily weaving it all together into a single story and overall narrative that satisfies our need for romance and a sleigh full of the Christmas spirit. With adorable dogs even.

And it looks like they might be the main stars of the next installment, Home for the Howlidays! I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and this was just another great story in a small package.

I’m highly recommending it.

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night #1

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

◦ Home for the Howlidays #3

◦ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Sleigh It Ain’t So (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 2)

Blurb:

Fitz Harlow has the idyllic life he always dreamed of. With the fashion industry a distant memory, he now revels in the joy of running his own salon. In addition to his flourishing career, Fitz has found the love of his life, Jack, and inherited a colorful family of former Green Berets and their loving partners. And who could forget his adorable poodle princess, Duchess? But life isn’t all sprinkles and gingerbread. As Jack becomes consumed by his work, cracks appear in their fairy-tale love story.

When their family is whisked away to the charming town of Winterhaven for the holiday season, Fitz eagerly embraces the festive merriment. Amidst the delightful matchmaking chaos and mischievous antics, can the enchantment of Christmas in Winterhaven work its magic to help Fitz and Jack rediscover the spark that first ignited their love?

• Publication date: December 5, 2023

• Print length: 96 pages

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

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 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: 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

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So

◦ Home for the Howlidays

◦ Rebel Without a Claus

Review: Holiday Crush: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 3) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5🌈

And it’s back to Elmwood, one of my favorite places to visit for charm and romance. Now it’s Ivan, of Rise and Grind coffee shop and the questionable latte art, and Court Henderson’s, late of a minor Charleston hockey league team, time for love and HEA.

Court’s come home after being cut from his minor league team. He’s a year away from his intended retirement date and he’s got no idea what he’s doing going forward. Lane Hayes is so excellent in getting into the muddled mindset of someone like Court, a player who has only known hockey, but hasn’t been able to leverage his talent to make the NHL so no one is calling now he’s been cut.

Ivan, co-owner of Rise and Grind, has had an 11 year old crush on the town’s golden boy, one that started in kindergarten.

Ivan, all clothed in black and shiny with Christmas spirit, is such a beautiful character. Vulnerable, introverted, yet brave enough to accept who he is and embrace his own style and identity. Hayes portrays him so vividly that his personality becomes an integral part of the town and force for those around him.

Court’s confusion and indecisiveness are believable, especially when he’s talking about his future and lack of planning to Ivan. When they’re slowly reconnecting and discovering how much they like each other’s company, it’s such a wonderful journey to share.

There are other side storylines that give depth and insight into the lives of the characters and Elmswood. These elements are just as interesting and often emotionally important as the main ones they support.

I really wanted a little piece of that Mighty Mites on ice practice chaos. So cute!

This is a heartwarming story, a holiday hockey romance full of the Christmas spirit and HEA joy. It’s one that I’m happy to recommend as well as the entire series. Can’t wait for the next one to come.

The Elmwood Stories:

✓ You, Again #1

✓ Next Season #2

✓ Holiday Crush #3

◦ Thin Ice #4 – tbd 2024

Buy Link:

Holiday Crush: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 3)

Blurb:

The hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic…

Court

Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what?

This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup.

Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more.

But you know, I like him. A lot. He’s funny and relentlessly upbeat. I’m a better person when I’m with him—the kind who volunteers to deck the halls and wrap garland on lampposts and—

Whoa. What’s happening here?

Ivan

I love the holidays! But running the coffee shop on my own during the busiest season of the year is going to be a challenge. And the sudden appearance of my former crush is all kinds of distracting.

See, I spent my formative years mooning over Court Henderson, our high school’s hockey phenom, even though he was out of my league. Thankfully, I grew up and left the silly remnants of my youth behind. Or did I?

Grown-up Court is full of surprises, and under his gruff yet extremely fine exterior, he’s a good soul with a huge heart. He’s charming, sweet, handsome, and— Uh-oh.

My crush is back. Just in time for the holidays…

Holiday Crush is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a renewed ancient crush, some mistletoe latte art, and a little seasonal magic.

• Publication date: December 10, 2023

• Print length: 190 pages

Review: Not So Silent Night (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 1) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 4.5🌈

It took me a while to remember who all the couples were in Charlie Cochet’s Not So Silent Night, the first part of her The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas series. But once I jumped into the chaos that’s the found family of the Four Kings Security family and their partners/

husbands known as the Boyfriend Collective, including three dogs, it all quickly came back together. I soon remembered how much I enjoyed the couples and this wild, action packed romantic universe Cochet has created around them.

It’s Christmas and from the perspective of billionaire Colton as he surveys his home he shares with husband Ace, as the group tries to pull together the perfect holiday decorations. It’s obvious that something extra special is needed as it’s just not happening as he’d hoped.

It’s a quickly booked month long holiday to the perfect Christmas getaway, Winterhaven. Which means nothing will go off as anticipated to the delight of the reader and amazement of everyone else involved.

Winterhaven is a Christmas town in need of some miracles, some of which can be supplied by the newly arrived Four Kings security group and the Boyfriend Collective who set out to make things happy and bright!

This is a joyful and sexy read, full of the Christmas spirit, for Colton and Ace, and the other couples joining in the help each other and the town celebrate Christmas. It’s got dogs romping through snow, matchmaking, snappy dialogue, and sexy moments between couples. Just everything we need and love about the series.

I’m hurrying over to the next one to see how the rescue is going. This is a definite recommendation for fans of the series and holiday reading.

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night #1

◦ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

◦ Home for the Howlidays #3

◦ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Not So Silent Night (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 1)

Blurb:

Escape to a Winter Wonderland with CEO and billionaire Colton Connolly as he embarks on a shenanigan-filled journey in search of the idyllic white Christmas he’s always craved. Inspired by the enchantment of his favorite holiday movies, Colton surprises his beloved husband and their found family with a trip to the captivating mountain town of Winterhaven.

However, beneath the twinkling lights, unexpected trouble awaits. A miscommunication leaves the town in dire straits, threatening to steal away the magic of Christmas. Determined to save the day, Colton rallies his family, ready to overcome any obstacle and ensure that Christmas in Winterhaven is nothing short of perfect.

Join Colton, Ace, and the Four Kings Security family as they embark on a quest to rescue Winterhaven from its frosty woes. Will they succeed in delivering the most unforgettable Christmas imaginable, or will this charming town lose its cherished festivities forever?

* This holiday series is a spin-off from the Four Kings Security Universe. It’s recommended that you read the Four Kings Security series, as well as The Kings: Wild Cards series before reading this series as these are established characters who have previously had their own books. The shenanigans begin with Love in Spades, Four Kings Security, Book 1 (Colton and Ace’s book).

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

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 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: 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

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So

◦ Home for the Howlidays

◦ Rebel Without a Claus