Tag: LGBTGIA contemporary romance

Review: Making History at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton #2) by Rebecca Cohen

Rating: 4.75 🌈

I fell in love with Crofton Hall when I started reading Rebecca Cohen’s historical romance series, The Crofton Chronicles. That featured Anthony, the 1st Earl of Crofton and the man who would forever hold his heart, the Elizabethan actor Sebastian Hewel. Those three books followed the incredible story of the twin Hewel siblings, a engagement that went weirdly, wonderfully awry, and then how two men thwarted the monarchy, the laws and the ton to stay together for their remaining days. All under disguises and slights of hand. Fantastic reading and a grand romance.

The first in the new series, Saving Crofton Hall, I read when it was written in 2014. Again. I loved being back in Crofton and watching the descendants of Anthony start to discover some of the secrets the Hall had kept hidden all these years.

Then nothing. The series was forgotten.

But now the author is writing this series once more and it’s amazing to return not only to Crofton Hall in the present but also to the fabulous love story of Anthony and Sebastian as their love letters and true romance is revealed to the present day occupants and people of Crofton Hall. And many more.

In every book we get two couples. The main couple of Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, and Ashley Niven, Events Manager at Crofton Hall, continues as their relationship deepens, moves past more obstacles that bring up Ashley’s sense of inferiority and inequality. How that’s worked out through their personalities and with help is real, a little painful and loving.

They are the series couple.

After them each book has its own couple to feature. Here’s its historian, Dara Callaghan, and TV producer, Nathan Lorimer. Both brought to Crofton Hall because of the TV series to be filmed there about the mystery of a extra casket in the ancient family vault and the identity of the person inside.

Dara gets hired to sort through what’s essentially rooms or buildings worth of history that Crofton Hall has stored within herself, including the letters and documents about the relationships of Anthony and Sebastian. Between Nathan and Dara, Ben and Ashley, and others the hidden story of a lifetime unfolds.

So does slowly a romance between Dara and Nathan. I have always loved Cohen’s ability to create such incredible characters that resonate so within the story. Nathan who’s grieving still the loss of his husband and trying to figure out how to move forward into another relationship. And Dara, the Irish romantic, who wants a real relationship, a man with a gentle heart, obsessed with history.

Great characters with stumbling blocks to a romance but friends all around who are there to lend a ear or bit of guidance to get both on the path to a working relationship.

It’s such a pleasure to read. It’s sexy, fun, with smart, dialogue. Everything just flies together so beautifully.

I highly recommend this series and the historical romance series that preceded it. I love the characters, the relationship dynamics, and the entwining threads of loves, lives, and families.

Read them in the order they are written for a grand and entertaining time!

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh – Black Jazz Design

Modern Crofton

Book #1 – Saving Crofton Hall – Buy Here

Book #2 – Making History at Crofton Hall – Buy Here

Modern Crofton series:

🔹Saving Crofton Hall #1 (orig released 2014

🔹Making History at Crofton Hall

🔹Below Stairs at Crofton Hall

🔹Getting Married at Crofton Hall – TBR September 2022

A spin-off from The Crofton Chronicles-historic romance series

🔹The Actor and The Earl #1

🔹Duty to the Crown #2

🔹Forever Hold His Peace #3

Making History at Crofton Hall – Goodreads

Crofton Hall is buzzing with anticipation for the filming of the Secret Histories TV special about a scandalous affair that has been hidden for over four hundred years.

The hall’s new historian, Dara Callaghan, is drawn not just by the hall’s rich history but to TV producer, Nathan Lorimer. Nathan is finally ready to start dating again, several years after the death of his husband. There’s something about Dara, a quietly spoken Irishman, and the romance that surrounds Crofton Hall, that makes him want to take a chance.

Meanwhile, Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, is trying to persuade his boyfriend Ashley Niven that he’d like to don doublet and hose and play Sebastian to his Anthony. But Ashley’s not having any of it… until someone else agrees to the take the part of the 1st Earl of Crofton’s lover.


This is the second Modern Crofton novel, featuring Benjamin Redbourn, the 16th Earl of Crofton and descendant of Anthony Redbourn, 1st Earl of Crofton from my historical series, The Crofton Chronicles. While designed to be read as a standalone, events that lead to this novel follow chronologically from Saving Crofton Hall.

Trigger warnings: discussion of grief and dealing with bereavement

Review: Wicked Flame (Chicago Heat #2) by Ella Frank

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Wicked Flame, the second half of the Chicago Heat series, literally picks up almost a sentence after the end of Wicked Heat. The flow between the two books is close to seamless, making it ideal for a binge read.

As the relationship progresses between Ryan and Jameson, so does the deeply buried emotional issues become even more apparent. Ones Jameson realizes he needs to look at and deal with in order to move forward.

The elements are heavy ones. And Frank takes care when having her characters move through these sensitive areas with realistic feelings and believable behavior. When Jameson finally has that all important discussion with his sister about her addiction, it’s done for the right reasons and at the right time.

And all the scenes with Ryan’s family and the competitive curling? Warm-hearted fun that you could see contributing as a new element in Jameson’s life. Acceptance and joy.

Everything here, emotionally, kept moving the men forward. It’s sexy, wonderful, beautiful, and romantic.

Especially that last scene. Be still my heart!

Treat yourself to a fabulous two book series! Chicago Heat’s Wicked Heat and this, Wicked Flame!

Both wonderful romances you’re sure to enjoy!

Chicago Heat:

🔹Wicked Heat #1

🔹Wicked Flame #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showChicago Heat #2 – Wicked Flame – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jameson
Life is hard. I learned that at an early age growing up on the South Side of Chicago. I accepted it, even came to expect it. With a sister who was a constant source of worry, and a track record of losing anyone even remotely close to me, trouble seemed to follow me no matter where I turned.

Some people were born lucky. I was just born.

That’s what I used to believe, anyway, until GQ. The gorgeous guy in the fancy clothes who for some reason decided to look twice at me. He gave me a place to call my own, a space to feel safe, and he made me believe in the impossible—that love was more than just a four-letter word.

Ryan
Life is unexpected. I learned that just recently when I walked into a bar on the South Side and found the love of my life—Jameson Clarke.

He’s everything I’ve always wanted, and yet somehow even better than I imagined. He’s brave, brash, protective of those he loves, and under all that bravado is a vulnerability that calls to my very soul.

Jameson’s a storm cloud, but he thinks I’m the sun. If that’s true, then I’m determined to break through the shadows of his past and steal his heart the way he’s stolen mine.

Wicked Flame is book two in Ryan Carrigan & Jameson Clarke’s story and should be read after Wicked Heat.

Review: Wicked Heat (Chicago Heat #1) by Ella Frank

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Wicked Heat is the first book of a two story series, Chicago Heat. It’s fantastic and, luckily, with both novels released, the reader is able to read one story after the other as I did.

Combined, they tell the story of the stumbling path to romance, love, and a lasting relationship between PA Ryan Carrigan and troubled CFD firefighter Jameson Clarke.

Both characters are perfectly defined by the author. Ryan by his job as a personal assistant to a popular cable network anchor, his family, and his personality that was formed by his upbringing. We immediately like him, then learn to adore him.

Jameson Clarke’s background is darker, layered in abandonment, drugs, the foster system, and the pain of loss. His is a story that’s slowly revealed as he begins to trust the relationship he’s building with Ryan.

How they meet, how they find each other, and all the many issues that arise between them are humorous, realistic, painful, emotional, and, especially sad when you consider how much gentrification is going on today.

It’s interesting that some of the characters from Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine’s Dare To Try series make appearances here, either by mention or by actually being a part of the story. Nice to see them again.

But the heart here is the developing relationship between Ryan and Jameson. It’s a great beginning. And it ends at midway with so much promise.

So do yourself a favor, pick both up if you love contemporary romances, and read on for the rest of their HEA.

I’m highly recommending both.

Chicago Heat:

🔹Wicked Heat #1

🔹Wicked Flame #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showWicked Heat (Chicago Heat, #1) by Ella Frank – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Ryan

Kind, caring, and protective. Those are the three qualities I’m looking for when it comes to my dream man. In a city as big as Chicago, you wouldn’t think he would be that hard to find, right?

Wrong.

Sure, my boss found a super-sexy detective and my best friend fell madly in love with the most eligible bachelor around. But the only person I’ve met recently is a broody bad boy who saved me at a sketchy pub.

He’s grumpy, rude, and honestly, not that likeable at all. Hardly my “dream” guy.

So why can’t I stop thinking about him?

Jameson

I don’t do friendships. I don’t do relationships either. The very last thing I’m looking for in life is to fall in love and live happily ever after.

So saving some rich guy from losing his wallet is the last thing I want to do on a Friday night. Especially when he looks like someone who just stepped off the cover of GQ.

Fate seems to have other ideas, though, and every time I turn around, he’s there.

A wicked heat simmers between us, threatening to ignite, and though I’ve been trained to put out the flames, I can’t help but think: What’s the worst that could happen if I let this desire burn out of control?

Wicked Heat is book 1 of 2 in Ryan Carrigan & Jameson Clarke’s story.

Review: Puck Drills & Quick Thrill (CU Hockey #5) by Eden Findlay and Saxon James

Rating: 4.5 🌈

I looked for this story after reading these authors’ new series , Puckboy. There ,some events and secondary characters that were referenced in Egotistical Puckboy , drew from this story.

Westly Dalton , who was the NHL player roommate and bestie of D-man Ezra Palaszczuk, is the man who left his career to raise his younger siblings after the death of his parents. Ezra makes an appearance here. Something that’s mentioned in his book.

So with all these crossovers, I needed West’s story. And his romance with math Professor Jasper Eckstein, who also pops up in the Puckboy novels.

Puck Drills & Quick Thrills is the fifth and last book in the CU Hockey series but I didn’t find my lack of reading any of the prior novels a issue.

Probably because the main characters aren’t college students but people who’ve had that experience and now are on campus to teach . For West, he’s back as an assistant Hockey Coach. And Jasper’s an unpopular math professor.

Eden Findlay and Saxon James make both characters very believable, both in their careers and in their current personal situations. For West, the painful reality of losing his dream of playing NHL hockey, of returning home to essentially shoulder the stressful responsibilities of a parent for five kids of various ages still in mourning. Ones he’s unprepared for. That’s realistically conveyed here as West feels overwhelmed, drowning in emotional issues, and a college age brother who resents him.

The personalities are just so well crafted.

Add to that volatile mixture is a Professor who dislikes athletes (with good reasons).

Jasper Eckstein is a man who’s history is full of instances of bullying, including one so horrific that it left permanent damage.

The culprits? Athletes.

This story is as much about letting go of the past, self acceptance, assumptions, as it is about two men so clearly in need of one another to find a way out of their past to a new future and family.

I really enjoyed the dynamics at play here. The barriers each man raised, the fear, and the courage it took for them to go forward.

The younger brother remains a bit of a hockey playing jerk. But as I expect him to show up in the Puckboy series, he’ll probably redeem himself there.

I’m highly recommending Puck Drills & Quick Thrill (CU Hockey #5) by Eden Findlay and Saxon James. It works as a integral part of both the CU Hockey series and Puckboy series. Or as a standalone.

I’m not going to read the others just yet. Too many on my TBR pile. But hockey romances! I’ll get to them. Because these authors write terrific characters, creating great stories, and leave me satisfied with the ending.

As Arnold would say “I’ll be back”.

I’ve put the list of the series below.

CU Hockey

🔹Power Plays #1

🔹Face Offs #2

🔹Goal Lines #3

🔹Line Mates #4

🔹Puck Drills & Quick Thrills #5

https://www.goodreads.com › showCU Hockey #5 – Puck Drills & Quick Thrills – Goodreads

WESTLY

The fall from NHL superstar to domestic disaster was swift and painful. When I became the legal guardian of my five younger siblings, I had no idea what I was doing.

One year later, I’m still lost.

Coaching CU’s hockey team might be the only thing I’m excelling at. But when our star forward is failing math, I have to do what it takes to keep him on the team. Even if it’s going head-to-head with Jasper Eckstein.

One minute I’m confronting the notorious hockey-hating professor, and the next I’m agreeing to be his date to his twenty-year high school reunion.

I don’t know how that happened.


JASPER

My rules are simple. I don’t give extra credit. Ever. No matter how entitled jocks think they are, I refuse to give them special treatment.

It’s not because I hate them. It’s not because a hockey player broke my nose in high school.

It’s fair.

But when Westly Dalton bursts into my office like a hurricane, all my principles fly out the window.

Suddenly I’m giving extra credit.

And I have a date to my reunion.

After one explosive night together, I want more, but his home life is a mess, and I don’t want to get in the way. If all we can have is quick thrills, I’m okay with that.

It’s not like I could ever fall for a jock.

Review: Temporary Partner (Valor and Doyle #1) by Nicky James

Rating: 4.75 🌈

Temporary Partner by Nicky James is an excellent law enforcement mystery that’s has elements of a romance to it. It’s the first of a two part series, Valor and Doyle, featuring Ontario detectives from different departments, often units that see each other as departmental rivals.

Quaid Valor is a Detective with the MPU, that’s missing persons. He’s following the career path of his recently retired father, a decorated detective from the same unit. The tight-knit Valor family of two is a knot of familial love, ingrained police laws and regulations, and a sadness that’s explained as the storylines enlarge.

Quaid himself is full of complications, lonely, burdened, consumed by job and family. He’s undeniably an incredible character.

Aslan Doyle is his counterpart. A excellent detective but in Homicides. Both men queer and out at work but Aslan’s ,bi , very casual outlook on sexuality as opposed to Quaid’s , who’s gay, ongoing issues with his ex make them diametrically opposed. Especially when Aslan’s attitude carries over into work.

They’ve worked together before, successfully professionally. Privately? That harder.

But a shortage of personal , a heartbreaking case with a tight time frame to close it, and a order from their superiors brings them together.

James creates a truly puzzling, heartbreaking case. That of a stolen infant, then proceeds to build a huge investigation around it, with a ticking clock. There’s superb and tedious leg work, lines of questioning that appears to have no results, more data to analyze, small victories that fade, and a fantastic, mesmerizing relationship that’s trying to establish itself between two prickly, damaged men who have trust issues.

The POV alternate’s between Quaid and Aslan, often as the men despair, feel they have it, only to realize, they need another direction. It all feels raw, anxious, heartbreaking, and painful.

Even the ending, when it arrives, is not without, some realistic elements, that have you really looking at everything that’s happened here. There’s no HFN even. But there’s a solution to this case. It’s solved.

It’s up to the reader as to how you think about it.

As to Aslan and Quaid? Book 2 , Elusive Relations, is due out July 25, 2022.

I’m eagerly awaiting their return and the new case that will surely bring them back together again.

This is a wonderful story. If you love mysteries, law enforcement tales, with the promise of a romance, grab this right up.

Outstanding characters, fantastic storylines, and a realistic ending.

Love it.

Valor and Doyle:

🔹Department Rivals: A Valor and Doyle Prequel #0.5

🔹Temporary Partner #1

🔹Elusive Relations #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showTemporary Partner (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #1) by Nicky James – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Can two rivals work together to solve a case?

When an infant is taken from his carriage in broad daylight, missing persons detective, Quaid Valor, must race against the clock to find the child and bring him safely home to his family. Unfortunately, Quaid’s partner isn’t available, and his team is spread thin. Begrudgingly, Quaid must accept the help from his rival, homicide detective Aslan Doyle, if he wants to get the job done.


Aslan is Quaid’s opposite in every way. He’s bold, outspoken, arrogant, and the office playboy. And much to Quaid’s chagrin, Aslan seems to have set his sights on Quaid as his next conquest.


Quaid doesn’t have time to deal with Aslan’s flirty behavior when he’s trying to solve a case and juggle his cheating ex’s incessant interruptions.
It doesn’t matter how attractive Aslan is or the undeniable chemistry they seem to have. Getting involved with Aslan would be a huge mistake.
But as tension with the case builds, Quaid keeps forgetting he’s supposed to hate this new partner. Maybe Aslan is exactly the kind of distraction he needs.
Temporarily at least.
Right?

**Temporary Partner is the first in the Valor and Doyle Mysteries. Please view any trigger warnings by using the Look Inside feature**

Review: So Into You (The PI Guys #2) by S.E. Harmon

Rating 4.5🌈

So Into You (The PI Guys #2) by S.E. Harmon is a book I enjoyed far better than the one preceding it. That one, Stay With Me, had so many flags for me I thought I was at a heavily contested football play at 4th and down at NFL Sunday.

The relationship here between PI Drew Rodriguez and Screenwriter Noah Ashley is more balanced and, frankly, nuanced.

Both have issues with their childhoods, mostly stemming from one of their parents. The traumatic wounds drive their behaviors and determine their relationships. How they maneuver through and around these emotionally laden issues and barriers each has erected (in one case, the barrier is sitting himself in a chair in the living having arrived unannounced), is wonderful to read and a pleasure to be connected to.

Drew and Noah argue over the expected trust issues, work timorously towards something real, and it feels believable. The men work as a couple and as friends.

The cases they investigate are mundane, boring, sad, and, occasionally scary.

Drew’s home life mirrors just how quickly complicated things get and how they get handled. With resigned frustration that also feels as real as it comes.

The first couple makes appearances here but honestly I hardly noticed them. The real people, the ones putting in the work were right in front of me. And I was loving every bit of time I was spending with them.

So Into You (The PI Guys #2) by S.E. Harmon is a terrific realistic contemporary romance. It has people with damaged childhoods, working through their issues, and moving forward to have healthy relationships and hopefully a HEA.

I really loved them. I’m highly recommending this story. Check it out!

PI Guys series:

🔹Stay With Me 1

🔹So Into You #2

So Into You (The PI Guys, #2) by S.E. Harmon – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Screenwriter Noah Ashley has a few four-letter words for his agent when she suggests he improve his script by shadowing a PI. Still, because he’s an artist dedicated to his craft and she knows where the bodies are buried, he agrees. Then he spends a little time with the gorgeous PI, and suddenly it seems like a really good plan. The PI doesn’t seem to entirely love the idea, but Noah has never been afraid to go after what he wants.

PI Drew Rodriguez is used to people depending on him. He’s the classic rock for his family. Responsible. Dependable. The classic rock would never succumb to the borderline sleazy temptation of friends with benefits, no matter how sexy that temptation is. Drew is looking for something enduring.

Despite Drew’s misgivings, it’s not long before they’ve got all the requisites for friends with benefits going. Friendly, good conversation? Check. Fun times in and out of bed? Check. Hot, electrolyte-sapping sex? Double check. Falling in love? Yeah. About that….

Review: Stay With Me (The PI Guys #1) by S.E. Harmon

Rating: 2.75🌈

Originally published in April of 2014, Stay With Me (The PI Guys #1) by S.E. Harmon immediately dates itself with continuing references to popular technologies (Walkmans,DVDs), on trend brands, Mom vehicles of the day (Dodge Caravans), and new leading edge wearables like head sets, iTouch and Nanos. Every sentence is a pull back into a framework of cultural references that makes one pause enough to consider the source, and maybe the need for a Google moment.

Kevin McCallister and Home Alone?

I know, I know. 😱

How this constant immersion in a dated timeframe affects a reader might depend on their age. Some will feel nostalgic, others mildly irritated, others confused by the ongoing usages of elements they simply aren’t familiar with or don’t understand.

Authors beware the need to appear plugged in or knowledgeable by the overuse of trendy or highly popular technology in your stories. In a few years or more? They and your story are obsolete. Or at best rendered Recent Historic Contemporary Fiction.

Next. Relationship issues with the main characters.

As you can tell this was a problematic book for me. A surprise as I very much like their newer series.

Private investigator Mackenzie Williams has a history of bad relationships. The last one was a “straight “ lawyer he was in love with, they were saving to move in together, even had a dog. Yet no one outside of his family, knew they were together. Mac, a outwardly gay man , was in the closet when he was around the man he was supposed to move in with. Until that man proposed to another lawyer, a female one.

Mac Williams comes off as a emotionally torn individual ,who in relationships, becomes a doormat.

It’s not especially enjoyable to read about someone who tells himself not to fall instantly for a straight guy again, does so, then proceeds to make all the same errors one shouldn’t make in that situation. With a client too.

Jordan Channing is one flag after another. Engaged to a woman who’s also a good friend. Also believes himself to be straight. Charming. Becomes attracted to Mac. Eventually decides he needs a experiment to see if he’s gay. With someone who’s told him not to come after him until he’s figured things out. So there no respect of established boundaries. He’s also sees himself as the arbitrator of what is happening in their relationship.

I won’t go into using someone to figure out if you’re on the Spectrum or not. Nor do I think people should be rushed into figuring out their sexuality.

My issues with the character of Jordan is that he repeatedly lies to Mac about different situations and issues. Gets discovered in those lies, gets angry, then makes Mac feel hugely guilty because he’s discovered Jordan’s lies .

“But I did it because I knew you’d be upset…”

Flag!

Is this a couple and relationship I’m supposed to get behind?

There is so much more. The supposedly ex fiancé not aware of Mac, Jordan not acknowledging him , that he even had a right to a key. I could go on and on. As I said flags. A boatload of flags.

The relationships Harmon’s written in their latest series don’t seem to have any of these issues. Maybe it was 2014 . I don’t know. But, honestly, whether it was then or now, those things are aspects of a relationship that should be addressed.

I’m going to read the second book in this series to see if it’s the author’s take on this couple and characters or the entire series.

I’m confused as to why someone would write such a relationship. Or one that comes across as such to me.

Maybe I’m the only person seeing issues here.

Add that couple, that relationship, to a story full of old brands, past it’s time technology, and names rarely heard anymore, and it’s no wonder that the smallest issue stood out amongst all of that.

Yes, there’s a happy ending. If you enjoy this couple, then you’ll be pleased by the satisfying manner in which the author leaves them.

Overall, the story moves quickly, with only a few places where it seems to slow for emotional issues to resolve.

I hesitated over the rating. It’s well written but I think the issues for me made it less than enjoyable.

The PI Guys series:

Stay With Me 1

So Into You #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showStay with Me (The PI Guys, #1) by S.E. Harmon – Goodreads

The PI Guys: Book One

Private investigator Mackenzie Williams’s newest client is everything he’s looking for in a guy—charming, beautiful, intelligent, and successful. There’s only one itty bitty problem—the guy’s not exactly gay. In fact, Jordan Channing is looking for a PI to follow his fiancée. The smart thing would be to thank Jordan for his time, turn Mr. Perfect away (don’t let the door hit you on the rump, thank you very much), and forget he exists.

Of course, Mackenzie has never been accused of doing the smart thing. Being a smart aleck is more his MO. Relationships aren’t up his alley, never have been. So why’s he so inexplicably drawn to his new client?

Jordan has always been the high achiever, a man who lives in a focused, controlled, and carefully constructed manner. But for the first time in his life, he has to admit the impossible—another man is getting his engine running on all cylinders. Despite Jordan’s denial, it’s not long before he can no longer resist the strong undercurrents pulling them together. Now Jordan must decide if he can go against everything he’s ever known to have the only love he’s ever wanted.

Review: Tending Tyler (Lone Star #1) by Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga

Rating: 4🌈

Tending Tyler is another of Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga’s incredibly sweet contemporary cozy cowboy romances. The beginning of the Lone Star series , that’s Texas, ranches, and cowboys, with the addition of cute kids.

Truly you can’t go wrong with those elements and these writers.

Payne and Tortuga have the local lingua and food of the heart down pat, as well as the expected community musts (WallyWorld anyone). Their affection and cellular knowledge of the people and regional landscape add such a richness to this and each story that you know immediately who authored them.

There’s other aspects too. The instant love factor that needs a firm grounding to make us believe in it and the relationship. As well as the ability to write children, of multiple age groups, realistically.

The character of Tyler McKeehan, a NYC bartender who’s had a lifetime of loss and just undergone another heartbreaking one, is a portrait of lonely vulnerability and stasis.

The recent death of his best friend has him moving in place, from the flow at the gay bar he works at to the overtime that fills his schedule. The tragedy behind Will’s death is part of the storyline I feel was underutilized by the authors.

It’s a connection shared by the other main character, rancher Matthew Whitehead. The cowboy had come to NYC for the book fair and ends up with not only boxes of books, but meeting Tyler with whom he shares an immediate bond.

And more , as his sister underwent much the same devastating loss.

With such a strong, emotional topic to help bind the men together, I’m not sure why this thread was dropped altogether. For me, it would have been a deeper journey , full of familial ties, a shared history, and growth.

Instead, for dramatic impact, we had another less developed idea. One that came, hit, then was just as quickly resolved, without much explanation or background.

A shame, because the romance. The welcoming of Tyler by the girls into ranch life, however, overwhelming, was lovely and adorable. Tyler and Matt worked without too much effort as a delightful couple that readers of contemporary romance, and lovers of cowboys, will slide into.

Payne and Tortuga bring along a cast of other fabulous characters to support the love story of Tyler and Matt. These people always make each book so much stronger.

I’m recommending Tending Tyler (Lone Star #1) by Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga . Another captivating cozy cowboy romance from these wonderful authors!

Lone Star series:

🔹Tending Tyler #1

🔹Roped In #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showTending Tyler (Lone Star #1) by Jodi Payne – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Bartender Tyler McKeehan feels like his whole life is on hold. All he does is work and sleep because he doesn’t know how to move on with his day to day after the shocking loss of his best friend. When he meets Matt at Les’s Bar where he works in New York, though, he thinks he might have found someone who can nudge him out of his rut. The cowboy seems to live on fast forward, but at the same time this kind, generous man makes Tyler feel wanted and safe.

Ranch owner Matthew Whitehead is just in New York for a visit. But when he runs into Tyler at Les’s Bar, he knows right away that Tyler is special. Matt’s family thinks he makes snap decisions, and they worry about him, but he knows what he wants, and even after just a few days he’s willing to fight to keep Tyler in his life. When Matt has to head back to Texas, he asks Tyler to come visit him and meet his kids. Soon.

Tyler doesn’t know if he can pick up and go to Texas, but he misses Matt’s affection and calming presence, so when life gets overwhelming, he makes the call. Between Matt’s huge, boisterous family, his children, his busy ranch, and the vast differences between New York City and Texas, Tyler wonders every day if he should go back to his old life. Matt is determined to keep Tyler right where he is, but can they overcome the odds against them and make a new life together?

Review: Egotistical Puckboy (Puckboy #1) by Eden Finley and Saxon James

Rating: 4.75🌈

As the hockey teams are making their run for the Stanley Cup in real life, I had just finished one hockey series and was in need of another when this got my attention.

Egotistical Puckboy, the first in Eden Finley and Saxon James’ Puckboy series about hockey players getting their HEA. Needless to say, I’m in.

I so enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance about two egotistical fantastic NHL hockey players. The long time feud, fueled by misconceptions about each other, including one’s sexuality, is so well written.

The bigger than life personalities of both D-man Ezra Palaszczuk and winger Anton Hayes, huge egos to match their vast athletic talents on the ice, it’s all there on the page for the reader to love, cackle at, and ,yes, swoon over, as they warily stumble their way into a relationship and romance.

Authors Finley and James are careful that, when crafting this novel , all the important elements are brought in so it feels believable and a world we should want to invest ourselves into.

The games! The way the men fly across the ice, bodies moving, puck flashing, it’s pure awesomeness. It’s hockey! You can see these games and ,when or lose (they do both), you feel the emotional impact with them.

The men themselves are layered, their pasts, their passions, their pain.

Ezra Palaszczuk is someone who appears one dimensional, on purpose, but only as a barrier to hide the damage done by negligent , borderline abusive parents and the toll it continues to take on him.

Anton Hayes has his own personal issues to work through and it’s his relationship with Ez that allows him the different perspective to start on a new path and journey.

This story has so many great aspects to it. It’s a dynamic hockey book. It’s a sexy romance. It’s a thoughtful conversation about gay athletes in a major sport (see fabulous The Queer Collective element), what it means for queer youth to have representation. It’s also about knowing yourself well enough that you’re finally comfortable and feel safe to come out .

Like I said. There’s so much to Egotistical Puckboy (Puckboy #1) by Eden Finley and Saxon James. I love this. And I’m highly recommending it.

There’s a second story out. I’m onto that next.

It’s hockey season. Enjoy!

Puckboy series:

Egotistical Puckboy #1

Irresponsible Puckboy #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showEgotistical Puckboy – Goodreads

Synopsis:

EZRA

Partying, dudes, and hockey. What more could a gay NHL player want?

If it weren’t for Anton Hayes, my life would be perfect.

Not that he affects my life in any way. At all. That would imply I care what the winger from Philly thinks of me.

Which I don’t.

Not even a one-night stand with him can thaw his misplaced animosity toward me.

He says I’m the one with the ego, but he can talk. He rivals me for most egotistical puck boy in the league.

I hate him as much as he hates me. Even if I crave a repeat.

ANTON

When it comes to hockey, I’m all about the game.

I’ve worked for years to be one of the best in the league, and l’ve done it without splashing my orientation all over the tabloids.

My hockey image is one I’ve carefully cultivated, and after one night with Ezra Palaszczuk, I risk it all.

He’s cocky, obnoxious, and has an ego bigger than Massachusetts. And okay, maybe he’s the sexiest man I’ve ever known.

We’ll never get along. Not when we sleep together. Not even when my possessive streak awakens.

That doesn’t stop us from falling into bed together over and over again.

Review: The Long Game (Game Changers #6) by Rachel Reid

Rating: 4🌈

It almost hurt to write this review because it wasn’t the one I was really expecting to write. I have loved this series since Rachel Reid began it. And a diehard fan of Shane and Ilya since they premiered in Heated Rivalry, a favorite novel among many here.

So like so many readers and fans of both author and Game Changer , I’ve been eagerly anticipating the series finale and the novel which would bring some closure to the 11 years long closeted romance of Shane and Ilya.

What I didn’t expect was that I felt the first 25 percent of the book, perhaps more , was such a slog, that I came close to putting it down completely.

The characters I had connected with were missing. Chemistry gone. Shane was the one I had the most issues with. Self involved, complaining, non communicative. Other than sex, I couldn’t see what Ilya saw in him. The relationship and dynamics from Heated Rivalry had dimmed and the sparks doused.

I couldn’t believe this was it.

It wasn’t until the halfway mark, when dramatically the narrative picked up, and their relationship became energized once more that I was invested in their lives, romance, and the story.

There had been serious elements introduced. Depression, family history, suicide. But it was one-sided narratively speaking. And it served to only connect us to Ilya and his shaky emotional status. Leaving Shane in a removed story bubble, away from the relationship and the feelings connecting us to Ilya.

The emotional ties only reached back out after the story was halfway through.

Then we got safely back on established familiar relationship ground. One we recognized from Heated Rivalry, but with personal growth accounted for.

Shame it took that long because the remainder of the story was excellent. It wove plot threads from Role Model into the storyline here, making terrific use of those characters and elements.

Reid also found the missing humor, to intersperse with the serious issues of LGBTQIA+ athletes acceptance in sports, outing, and, the stress of being a pro athlete on relationships.

The last section of The Long Game was everything I’d hoped for and wanted for this couple. It turned into the perfect way to send them off.

I just wish it had happened sooner. That the book was a complete Gordie Howe Hat Trick instead of a one goal win.

But I’ll take it. I’m sorry to see the series end. Just as I am to see the end of every hockey season.

I’ll look forward to the next Rachel Reid with the same enthusiasm as the start of the new season and run for the Stanley Cup as well.

If you’re a lover of hockey romance, contemporary romance, and the works of Rachel Reid, this series is for you. I’m highly recommending it.

Game Changers
Book 1: Game Changer
Book 2: Heated Rivalry
Book 3: Tough Guy
Book 4: Common Goal
Book 5: Role Model
Book 6: The Long Game

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Long Game (Game Changers, #6) by Rachel Reid – Goodreads

Synopsis:

The sequel is finally here! Shane and Ilya’s story, first seen in Heated Rivalry, continues in this long-awaited hockey romance from Rachel Reid.

“Everything you could want from this magnetic couple! A passionate, sexy, emotional sequel that grips your heart! Shane and Ilya forever!” —#1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely, author of Hopelessly Bromantic

To the world they are rivals, but to each other they are everything.

Ten years.

That’s how long Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov have been seeing each other. How long they’ve been keeping their relationship a secret. From friends, from family…from the league. If Shane wants to stay at the top of his game, what he and Ilya share has to remain secret. He loves Ilya, but what if going public ruins everything?

Ilya is sick of secrets. Shane has gotten so good at hiding his feelings, sometimes Ilya questions if they even exist. The closeness, the intimacy, even the risk that would come with being open about their relationship…Ilya wants it all.

It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love.

It’s time to make a call.