Tag: LGBTGIA contemporary romance

Review: Fairy Cakes in Winter by Lane Hayes

Rating: 5🌈

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.”—Albert Camus Scott”

With that quote, Lane Hayes leads us into a heartwarming, absolutely engaging tale about two men who meet on a turbulent life changing airplane ride to London.

I fell so in love with this story from the moment I met them as they tried to get settled into their seats next to each other and prepared for their journey to London. Hayes effortlessly captures the essence of the intimacy of the closeness of the seats, the emotional experience it becomes as they get deeper in conversation and farther along into the flight.

There’s 39 year old Scott O’Brien, a baker originally from Seattle who now lives and works full time in the UK. Bearded, bearish, and quiet , Scott is a portrait of a man who has withdrawn into himself and intends to stay there. Too bad his seat companion is 29 year old Theodore Belden, an accountant from San Francisco on his way to visit his mother.

Theo is vibrant, a gift of verbiage and positivity. He’s also absolutely adorable in a Theo way. He’s also afraid of flying.

From this point the story flows visibly gathering layers and bits of each man’s past as they’re being pushed and pulled together into a incredible romantic journey that includes fairy cakes and side trips to Bath’s historic sites.

This was funny, sexy, romantic, and had me researching fairy cakes! It’s also now one of my favorite Lane Hayes story. Theo and Scott are such a fabulous couple.

If you are a fan of romance, grab this up! It’s a joy to read! I’m highly recommending it.

Buy link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Fairy-C…Fairy Cakes in Winter: An M/M Age-Gap, Grumpy/Sunshine Romance

Description:

A grumpy baker, a quirky ad man, and a recipe for forever…

Scott

So this cute guy sits next to me on the plane and proceeds to talk my ear off for hours. Not good. I don’t like talking and I don’t like strangers. But Theo’s sweet, smart, and sexy—the perfect distraction from business woes and personal worries.

Okay, things get overly friendly, but we’re adults who know the score. I’m too old, he’s too nice, and we live on different continents.

Then, out of the blue, he shows up at my bakery with that pretty smile and a list of wacky marketing ideas—like how to make fairy cakes a thing.

I don’t like fairy cakes.


But I do like Theo, so…maybe?

Theo

The new me takes risks. The new me is brave and confident. The new me flirts with hunky, imposing bears on planes while traveling to a foreign country.

It’s going well, thank you.

However, my plans to sight-see, drink tea, and eat my weight in biscuits every day are derailed when I realize there might be a way to help Scott and prove a few things to myself.

Don’t worry. I won’t fall for the grumpy baker. No way. He’s complicated and broody and—

Uh oh…it might be too late. Help!

Fairy Cakes in Winter is a bisexual, age-gap, grumpy/sunshine MM romance featuring a sexy baker, a sunny tourist, and a few dozen fairy cakes.

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: Roommate (Vino and Veritas) by Sarina Bowen

Rating: 4.75🌈

I can always count on the Vino and Veritas series to bring me a new engaging contemporary novel to dive into, this time by Sarina Bowen.

Vino and Veritas (now on its second series) is written by a revolving selection of authors and the novels are loosely based in and around Burlington, Vermont and the unique gay bookstore and bar, Vino and Veritas.

Roommate takes us back to the nearby home of the widespread Shipley family, of the famous Shipley cider, in Colebury, Vermont. Bowen has written about the Shipley clan before but it’s not necessary to know anything about those stories to get involved in the lives of the people you’re going to meet here.

It’s a hallmark of this series that the authors, including Bowen, deliver a thoughtful and layered storyline when developing their romance. So each man is depicted as dealing with a multitude of issues that are deeply embedded in his life history and need to be resolved in some manner in order for each to move forward with their own lives and as a couple.

I can’t begin to tell you how much this approach to her storytelling I appreciate. It involves some serious issues with each man, including parental rejection due to sexuality, a termination of a relationship because of a closeted partner, deeply rooted family secrets, insecurities and fear of the loss of identity.

That’s such a realistic heavy burden that Bowen lays upon the shoulders of her main characters yet she weaves a great amount of love and laughter into them as well through shared experiences and food.

I loved how well crafted all the characters are here. From the main characters of Roderick and Kieran Shipley, to the amazing women who own the bakery, to the stress-filled, close mouthed farming Shipley family of Kieran so full of secrets. Every single one was as real as day. You could feel the anguish, the pain, and the tension.

The flow of the narrative is believable, as is the decisions each man makes along the way. Small steps toward a larger growth.

Overall a fabulous romance, a great job of storytelling and characters I hope to see again in future novels.

One thing.

I’m so sorry I didn’t have a bunch of great pretzels, or bagels, or babka to knosh on while reading this because, frankly, reading what Roderick was baking had me drooling. So take this as a hint and stock up before you start.

I’m highly recommending this. And check out the other books in the two series while you’re at it.

Vino and Veritas:

Roommate by Sarina Bowen

Featherbed by Annabeth Albert

Headstrong by Eden Finley

Heartscape by Garrett Leigh

Aftermath by LA Witt

Undercover by Eliot Grayson

Booklover by JE Birk

Flipcup by Kim Hartfield (F/F)

Unguarded by Jay Hogan

Buy Link :

Roommate (Vino and Veritas)

Description:

Wanted: One roommate to share a 3-bedroom house, split the rent, and ideally not be the guy I can’t stop thinking about.


I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed. 


Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything.
 
Seeking: a room to rent in town. I’m tidy, have no pets, and I will feed you homemade bread. 


I should probably add: Gay AF, and has no filter. It’s no wonder my new landlord is so wary of me. 


A smarter man would ignore those hot glances from Kieran Shipley. The broody lumberjack wants more from me than another homemade pretzel, but if I push my luck, I’ll end up back on the street.


Too bad I’ve never been smart with my heart… 

Vino and Veritas (19 books)

by Sarina Bowen And various authors

Review: Playing Deep (Miami Piranhas Book 5) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 4.75🌈

A finale book is a hard one to read and I imagine, extremely hard for the author to write. For a reader, especially a fan of the series, expectations are high to see how the writer can send off the characters and close down the arc in a way which satisfies us and makes sense.

Much the same as it must be for the author who’s been writing and creating these characters and their stories over a period of time. If it’s a series like the Miami Piranhas, where we had an entire NFL football team and a whole bunch of couples, well that makes the finale that more challenging.

So I liked that Bolden chose to make her two last characters and couple in this series , men at crossroads in their lives, whether they realized it at the time. Men with doubts and thinking about their own life choices. On and around a team that’s newly reformed and establishing themselves and their own identity in the NFL. It’s looking like a a fresh start or beginning will happen but there’s to be a ending first.

So logical and well planned. While the story didn’t go into detail about some elements, it brought full circle so many aspects of this series (as as as another), that it led me back into the other series to begin again.

The character of prickly journalist Julian Anderson, who has quite the journey of emotional growth and professional development, is one I got. He is layered with the believable qualities of someone who’s experienced deep loss and abandonment, and now has the barriers to show for it.

His chemistry and relationship with Kenyon Ellis is real, emotionally fraught with issues and the tough facts of each person’s profession and painful history.

Kenyon Ellis. What an incredible man and character. Bolden shows her deep love and understanding of this sport in Ellis. His love for his team, his divided attention, his guilt, everything that preying on his mind and heart at this time of his life and career. He’s painfully, beautifully real in every aspect of his personality and my favorite character.

All the others from the team make impressive supporting roles here to come together as a team and as friends.

No spoilers this time. Just a white knuckle ride and a highly entertaining and deeply thoughtful show, that ends as it should.

I’d give a trophy for them and this. And I hope to maybe see them again someday. You never know in a Bolden book .

Yes, I’m highly recommending this and the series.

Miami Piranhas series:

🔹Playing For Keeps #1

🔹Playing The Player #2

🔹Playing By The Rules #3

🔹Winning The Season #4

🔷Playing Deep #5 – Series Finale

Buy Link:

Playing Deep (Miami Piranhas Book 5)

Description:

Kenyon Ellis knows getting involved with Julian Anderson is an enormous mistake—but from the very first night, he finds him annoying, intriguing and ultimately, irresistible.

One, Kenyon is a player, and Julian is a reporter, so hooking up with him, no matter how spectacular the nights are, is a terrible idea.

Two, he’s falling for him, even if Julian continues to be prickly and impossible. But every time Julian’s walls shift, Kenyon sees the real man behind the attitude, and he only wants more.

Three, between the Piranhas and the charity work he’s committed to, Kenyon really doesn’t have the time for a relationship—but a relationship with Julian turns out to be exactly what he wants.

Maybe even exactly what he needs.

But when Julian starts calling out his performance on the field, the last thing Kenyon expects is to feel betrayed. But is it betrayal? Or does Julian simply see something in Kenyon he’s lost along the way?

The answer leads him not only to love, but to the biggest crossroads of his life.

The fifth and final Miami Piranhas book.

Review: Prince of Lies by Lucy Lennox

Rating: 4🌈

I’m really all over the place with Lucy Lennox’s newest book Prince of Lies. The premise concerned me because I’m not a fan of relationships that start with deception. Unless you’re a spy, member of a law enforcement agency, or assassin where lying is actually in their job description , then I’m a fan of people who have adult realistic relationships in contemporary romance.

So it took me a while to get into the story with Rowe Prince lying his way through the beginning pages, even chapters, but eventually this character’s engaging personality won me over. It helps that Rowe is absolutely horrible at deception and the situations he gets himself into or bumbles about in are hilarious.

With the terrific Sebastian Dayne as Prince’s foil , we marvel as the real life comedy of the absurd plays out over corporate intrigue and painful past betrayals.

With Bast as “straight” man, pretending to be the PA to imaginary Sterling Chase’s that Rowe Prince is cluelessly trying to be, whether it’s high society social circles or upper echelons of the business elite, Rowe is a wildly windmilling dreamer trying to maintain his balance and the façade he’s taken on. It’s a white knuckle ride that’s filled with suspense, humor, and more than a bit of pathos.

I was completely entranced by the dance Lennox created for her characters as they romanced, figured out the truth in their identities and how they were supposed to be able to move forward with life together if certain issues weren’t resolved.

Their story and romance was supported by a fascinating crew of characters. Silas, Kenji , Zane, Dev, Landry on Bast’s side. Joey, the Burrito Bandito bestie on Rowe’s. The author writing fun stories or traumatic experiences for each to make the reader want to know more.

So adorable characters with a wonderful supporting cast within a engaging storyline.

I did laugh a lot and liked the relationship. So it’s all a win for me. I’m recommending it.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showPrince of Lies by Lucy Lennox

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Prince-…Prince of Lies – Kindle edition by Lennox, Lucy. Romance …

Description:

Rowe Prince is a lying liar who windmills into my life in full color, claiming to be Sterling Chase, a quirky, eccentric billionaire… and founder of the company I created.

Two can play at the lying game, though, and I’m not about to let some burrito-delivering, floppy-haired virgin from Indiana best me at a game I was born to play.

So I do him one better and pretend to be Sterling Chase’s new assistant. I’ll teach him a lesson that will hopefully wind us both up in bed… with nothing but the truth between us.

But it turns out his shameless lies are enchanting… unintentionally hilarious… and make it all too easy to forget the truth…

Until I learn that this cutie’s intent is to defraud the company I’ve spent years building. I have to choose: risk the company or say goodbye to the man I’m falling for. A guy who just might be…

The Prince of Lies

Review: 2 Dead Fish Named Kevin by L. A. Witt

Rating: 4🌈

2 Dead Fish Named Kevin by L. A. Witt is a short sweet contemporary holiday romance. It’s built around the idea of a zoo that , as a holiday fundraiser, sells different zoo food for their animal exhibits with the people being able to name the food (fish, crickets, etc) before whatever animals are given them to eat!

Here Witt creates a entertaining situation with two men who each name a fish Kevin after a toxic ex for the Bears to eat. In a highly amusing way, and with help from the zookeeper, they discover it’s not just a name they have in common.

From there we follow as the men get to know each other and share their stories about their experiences with the ex and hopes for the future. All while visiting various animal exhibits at the zoo.

It’s charming, realistic, and engaging.

I liked the men, I enjoyed the relationship they were building , and that there was no immediate instant love but a recognition of like and wanting to see where it goes. Very believable and grounded.

And that made the epilogue that much sweeter.

I’m definitely recommending the very adorable 2 Dead Fish Named Kevin by L. A. Witt. It’s not just for Valentine’s Day but for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › show2 Dead Fish Named Kevin by L.A. Witt

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › 2-Dead-…2 Dead Fish Named Kevin – Kindle edition by Witt, L.A.. Romance …

Description:

“Help raise money to improve our habitat! For a small donation, we’ll name a fish after your ex and feed it to the bears on Valentine’s Day!”

For Garrett Mitchell, who just found out his butthead of an ex-boyfriend cheated on him, that donation is money well spent.

And Tristan Waverly was just unceremoniously dumped by a man who is absolutely worthy of being tossed to hungry bears, so he’s more than happy to buy a fish.

As the bears chow down, though, everyone’s wondering the same thing—is it a coincidence, or are both fish named after the same guy?

There’s only one way to find out.

But when Garrett and Tristan come face to face, suddenly the last man either wants to think about is Kevin.

2 Dead Fish Named Kevin is a light, fluffy, and short Valentine’s Day romance (22,500 words)

Review: The Husband Hoax (Accidental Love Book 1) by Saxon James

Rating: 5🌈

I’m absolutely besotted with the characters of Saxon James’ new series, Accidental Love. A group of LGBTGIA men who’ve formed a found family based on a shared history of familial rejection due to their sexuality and adolescent trauma.

They live together in a gorgeous restored Victorian called Big Boned Bertha. An elderly fabulous next door neighbor adopts “Bertha’s Boys”, becomes their Aunt Agatha, and the family, along with a grumpy cat, is complete.

Each person in the family will be getting their own romantic relationship here I’m sure as they are a fascinating group of individuals. From Rush the clothes designer and Madden, tiny blue haired artist Xander and tattooed Seven who met in foster care, gorgeous Gabe who’s loves to help people , and finally Christian Kilpatrick.

This is Christian Kilpatrick’s story. His and that of Emile Cromwell, one of the heirs to the C.W. Cromwell Shipping Company. Christian’s been invited to his cousin’s Jesse’s wedding after recently reconnecting with her. He’s been abandoned by his family since they kicked him out over his sexuality. Now he’s desperate enough to rent a plus one as a “successful boyfriend’ for the event.

Christian is such a endearing character. From his insecurities and fears over facing his rich, homophobic family who threw him away to the fumbling mannerisms that his fears bring out, Christian is that relatable person we understand and connect to.

Emile is the same. In an extremely sad situation, grieving the loss of the one person, his grandfather Pa, who essentially raised and loved him, he’s got to contend with a controlling family he’s rarely seen and a iron bound will that stipulates he must be married in order to receive a huge share of his inheritance.

They meet over disastrous conditions and the story and our love for them takes flight.

James creates such an emotional layered journey for these men, together with the rest of Bertha’s Boys, towards a HEA, that I found myself smiling throughout the entire story. I was so invested in their happiness that read right through until I was done. From Emile’s sister Elle to Auntie Agatha, from blue-haired Xander to the protective Seven, each person’s personality resonates with the reader to the point we want to spend more time with each of them.

I loved the ending. While I was so sad to see it all end , I’m excited for the next one in the series.

With it’s wonderful characters, engaging storyline, and emotional journey, The Husband Hoax elevates a well known trope into a delightful romance, one I’m highly recommending.

Accidental Love series:

🔷The Husband Hoax #1

🔷Not Dating Material #2

Buy Link:

The Husband Hoax

Description:

Christian

Being invited to my cousin’s wedding really shouldn’t be a big deal except, oh yeah, I haven’t seen my family for a decade.

My parents turned their backs on me and I’ve done everything since to become successful and show them what they lost. Only, it’s kinda hard to be a success when you’re a walking trainwreck.

So I’m going to fake it. Hire a guy with an online presence so impressive they’ll be desperate to welcome me back into the elitist fold, and roll into the wedding with the kind of confidence I’ve never felt a day in my life.

The plan’s a knockout.

Until my fake date cancels minutes before the ceremony.

Émile

One letter from my dearly departed grandfather, and suddenly I’m on a husband hunt.

He’s reworked his entire will so I’m set to inherit far more than I’m entitled to, and all because he’s asked me to use that money for “good.”

In order to get that inheritance, though, there’s one stipulation: marriage.

Even with his request, I’m tempted to stick to my original plan of getting as far from my wretched family as possible, and letting them fight it out.

But then I run into a tall drink of scattered mess outside of a wedding who’s in desperate need of a date, and the pieces click into place.

I help him, he helps me.

Marriage, money, then go our separate ways.

Easy.

Now all I have to do is stop myself from actually falling for the guy.

Review: Starting Again at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton Book 5) by Rebecca Cohen

Rating: 5🌈

I’m so delighted that Rebecca Cohen continues to add to her amazing Crofton series, both past and present. With each new release, I seem to find myself loving the new book and with it, the latest couple it’s centered around.

In this case, half of which we’ve already met before. That’s Robin Flint, friend of Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, and a future Viscount Whetford in his own right. He’s been in a hidden relationship and he’s done. Robin is so relatable on multiple levels. He’s had a some truly bad judgments he’s made in his past, but you can understand why he made them when you get the reasons and the emotions of the situation at the moment. He’s just so human, even with his upbringing and financial portfolio. He’s been hurt and he’s so unsure about himself.

Then there’s DI Simon MacLove. Recently divorced, and relocated to the area, Simon has his share of damage done to him by his ex. Bruised, insecure about what he brought to the partnership, Simon’s in recovery as well . He’s a wonderful mixture of competent law enforcement, compassionate and understanding man who’s attracted to Robin, and questioning adult with a damaged relationship in the past.

These men are so wonderful to read about as they maneuver through the tricky course of their current lives and their painful pasts to head to their HEA. That it includes a murder, a mystery, several scary sisters on both sides, and their friends makes this a journey of depth, full of discussion, discovery, laughter, hot sex, and lots of love.

Plus Ben and Ashley are never far from center with their own issues and thoughtfully worked through resolutions. Much to our delight.

This is probably one of my favorites in this series. I absolutely adored every single second I spent inside Crofton and nearby locations. It’s really an addiction by now.

I’ve listed all the books by era below. I’m highly recommending them all. They must be read in order to understand all the characters, their personalities and relationships as well as events that are referenced to.

The writing is crisp, plotting superb, and the characters are always full of life and energy! Just amazing.

“The Crofton Universe :

The Crofton Chronicles–Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart):

🔷The Actor and the Earl #1

🔷Duty to the Crown #2

🔷Forever Hold His Peace #3

Available as a Complete Series Boxset

Plus:

“The Love and the Anger “

Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart)–Sebastian/ Anthony 10 years together

The Earls of Crofton–Historical: (Different eras–can be read as individual standalone novels): Anthony, Earl of Crofton (Early Stuart) James, Earl of Crofton (Restoration) Charles, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

The Modern Crofton–Contemporary: 🔷Saving Crofton Hall #1

🔷Making History at Crofton Hall #2

🔷Below Stairs at Crofton Hall #3

🔷Getting Married at Crofton Hall #4

🔷Starting Again at Crofton Hall #5

Standalones in the Crofton Universe “Much Ado About Lady Macbeth”Note: Sebastian Hewel is a minor character

Starting Again at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton)

Description:

After making a decision that will change his life forever, Robin Flint arrives at Crofton Hall, looking for a place to recover and start again. Love is not enough to continue living a lie.

An unexpected meeting where sparks fly was meant to be a one off, but Simon MacLove is just too wonderful to cast aside. But since Robin hadn’t intended to continue things, Robin didn’t tell Simon, a local police officer, that he was a millionaire trust fund baby and the future Viscount Whetford. Robin has a lot of baggage, but so does Simon, and whether they can carry it together and is very much up in the air, especially as Robin’s now ex-boyfriend, movie star Dorian Marsten, hasn’t accepted things are truly over between them.

Meanwhile, Ben and Ashley are still enjoying their post-honeymoon bliss, and have decided to work on the next generation of Redbourns. Only it’s not so easy when neither of them have the necessary biological equipment, meaning the road to them becoming parents isn’t going to be straightforward.

This is the fifth Modern Crofton novel. Each story features a new couple falling in love at Crofton Hall, with the continuing life and love of Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, and the man of his dreams, Ashley (was Niven now Redbourn).

Review: Final Lover (Exit Strategy #3) by Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4.75🌈

Final Lover while only being the third book in the series really puts the finishing touches on the romance of Justin Mallory and Gabriel Prescott. Now semi-retired and living in the high security house of their dreams in Colorado with their two cats and two German Shepherds, things should be easy.

But with the damaged pasts, high adrenaline needs for excitement or just something to keep a unusually intense mind occupied, both men are wondering what’s next for them. How do they get a HEA? Is it even possible?

A slide into a case involving a targeted man and young son on the run, an old acquaintance of Gabriel’s, and a mystery that will form the basis of the next book and relationship, Forbidden Lover #4. That’s an entirely new couple and dynamic.

Drake does such an excellent job creating a believable portrait of an established relationship that’s still got issues to solve, factors that each person must consider and communicate to their partner. Even among the assassins/mercenaries, whatever the job title they have at the moment. It’s still a fully developed adult relationship, with the requisite trust and commitment issues. And Drake brings that to their table every time.

The mystery, the new assassin Kai, the vulnerable father and son, even the GSDs and Norwegian Forest cats, are fantastic characters and support elements.

This is wonderful entertainment and a fast paced story to dive into and devour.

As is the series.

The next two books find Justin and Gabriel acting in secondary roles so enjoy them in their Final Lover fashion!

I’m highly recommending it.

The series should be read in the order that they were written to understand the character development and events that happened.

Exit Strategy series:

✓ Deadly Lover: Special Edition #1

✓ Vengeful Lover #2

✓ Final Lover #3

✓ Forbidden Lover #4

✓ Accidental Lover #5

Buy Link:

Final Lover (Exit Strategy Book 3)

Description:

Two assassins meet, don’t kill each other, and fall in love.

It’s happily ever after, right?

Not so fast.

Reformed mercenaries Justin Mallory and Gabriel Prescott have taken the big leap of living together. They’re even working together.

But “one last job” has them taking a falsely accused man and his young son into their home for safe keeping.

While dodging bullets and fellow hitmen out for the $27 million bounty, Justin and his G Love realize that falling in love was the easy part. Building a life together might be more than they bargained for.

Join Justin and Gabriel for their final adventure as they protect an innocent man and uncover the missing piece to their forever.

Review: Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny: Nannies of New York Book 2 by K. Sterling

Rating: 5🌈

Nannies of New York is such an excellent series and it’s just on book two.

Resplendent with the vivacious feel and 24 hour vibe of New York City, this series moves from uptown to downtown with the nannies and their families, with their broken hearts to the children and men who need mending.

I adore them so.

Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny is a special kind of story. The nanny who in question is Riley Fitzgerald. With a terrible history of getting his heart broken (he calls it the curse), he’s a great person with a huge love for family and children, a former theater nerd with a way with families and organization.

Giles Ashby is the author’s heart and soul here. As related in the Forward, Giles’ anxiety and panic disorder, his mental illness, therapy and drug treatment all are derived directly from the author’s own experiences. It shows. Both the sensitive and believable manner in how Giles has lived his entire life and how he now lives, with therapy, with his son, in relation to others. It’s a masterpiece of a character. In fact , the author’s depiction of the character’s issues and his issues with interpersonal relationships carries directly over into the equally compelling character of Riley.

Riley is a strong character who works so well within the relationship dynamics. Not only in understanding the swampy emotional nature of their past misunderstandings as young children (yes they have a history) but in navigating through the new tangled one that includes a highly intelligent young boy who’s so amazing. Again, Milo is an endearing young man and realistic person in his own right. Milo, who has his own issues, has needs that Riley has to be aware of and take care of as well as a man Riley is now beginning to see through new eyes.

This story has so many aspects to it that I admire. A unique and strong family for the Ashbys which includes not only the ex-wife who’s a constant loving presence for son and ex-husband, but also his ex-SIL and her son. There’s an enormous support system and family here that’s amazing to meet and get connected with.

The city as usual works as a glorious support characters and foundation as this romance unfolds, with the other nannies acting as Riley’s mentors and emotional advisers.

The characters are incredibly well written, the storylines superbly executed, and the ending a well crafted HEA. It will leave you feeling happy and satisfied.

So yes, if you’re a lover of contemporary romance, this is a series you should definitely check out!

Read them in the order they are written.

Nannies of New York series:

🔷The Last Nanny In Manhattan #1

🔷Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny #2

🔷The Handy Nanny #3 – April 27,2023

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Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny: Nannies of New York Book 2

Description:

Sometimes, a simple field trip to the planetarium can be an act of bravery. In Giles Ashby’s case, it could also be a second chance with his lifelong crush.

Unbearably awkward and strangled by his anxiety disorder, Giles used surly snarls and abrupt remarks to keep everyone at a distance. As a result and surprising no one, he finds himself divorced and overwhelmed by the demands of parenting nine-year-old Milo —a shy, awkward clone of his father. Not wanting Milo to struggle through life the way he has, Giles enlists the help of Reid Marshall’s new nanny agency.

Of all the nannies in Manhattan… Reid had to send Giles’s childhood crush, Riley Fitzgerald. Still smitten and as flustered as he was in middle school, Giles bungles every encounter with the “new” nanny. But sweet, clever, outgoing Riley is exactly what Milo needs.

Riley thinks he knows what he’s getting into when he accepts a position working for his childhood nemesis, but Milo steals his heart the moment they meet. And “Giles the Jerk” isn’t as bad as Riley remembers. Or maybe Giles was never really all that bad… Riley finds himself swooning as Giles faces his fears in order to help Milo survive the fourth grade and win the science fair.

But can Riley really trust his heart, when all his past relationships have been cursed? Could this time be any different?