Tag: LGBTQIA Contemporary Romance

Review: Chef in the Wild (Sizzle in the Kitchen #1) by M.J. O’Shea

Rating: 3.5🌈

Chef in the Wild by M.J. O’Shea has a number of good elements going for it as a contemporary romance. The first of a series, Sizzle in the Kitchen, it’s center is a recently fired celebrity chef trying to climb his way out of burnout and a stressed out talented food truck chef fighting for his family’s approval. All taking place in the expensive, highly competitive location of Manhattan, NYC.

I really like the character of Chef Baldwin Powell. Recently fired from the restaurant he raised up to culinary fame and Michelin 2 stars, he’s a depressed man scrambling to find himself and his passion again. While O’Shea doesn’t dwell on this time in any depth, it’s not just a light matter either. It’s enough to give Peter Baldwin Powell dimension. He needs a new path back to his love of food and cooking.

And he finds it on a stroll and a food truck owner who’s been enticing him with delicious aromas and the offers of fantastic wraps.

Food trucks are a marvelously current element. Every city has its share of fabulous trucks and outstanding food. Even in my small town here there’s a Food Truck Thursday with just great offerings.

Shout out to Boombas Kitchen Food Truck and The Corned Beef King food truck should you ever be in Olney,Md!

So the next character, Murphy Haynes, is the chef of That’s A Wrap food truck. Murphy is younger, a talented chef from a rich family that doesn’t value his life choices.

So many issues stemming from that sentence. He’s a good character with that one personality defect, doesn’t communicate well, that usually keep me from connecting with him.

That plus his need to run away instead of talking through any issues that arise between them as a couple.

When they are together, cooking or , well, eating, Baldwin and Murphy are a cute couple. But at the first hint of a problem or a discussion, Murphy shuts Baldwin down. Won’t come home with him when asked. Doesn’t want to listen to any plans. Won’t explain his feelings to Baldwin. And then essentially runs away. More than once.

Murphy has understandable issues but is a character/personality with a inability to communicate.

So this becomes essentially a one sided relationship. One lacks maturity, and his continuing inability to talk about his issues ends up hurting himself and the relationship.

As well as my need to connect with this character too. This type of behavior in a character or relationship is one almost guaranteed to remove my continued in a storyline.

Especially ,since the fight and run response is big with Murphy . Then a enormous repeat of said actions with an immediate reconciliation. Boom done.

For me, that relationship was appearing a tad toxic. Murphy was ghosting Baldwin then showed up, after majorly running away for a lengthy amount of time.

Hmm. This scenario just didn’t work for me. Talk about a forced happy ending.

Only the town of Montpelier, Baldwin, and the cooking kept this rating from sinking.

There’s four books in the series. I will continue on at least to the next story.

If you like books about chefs, contemporary romance, give this a try and see what you think.

Sizzling in the Kitchen:

✓ Chef in the Wild #1

◦ Chef Vs Chef #2

◦ Chef On Top #3

◦ Chef In Love #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showChef in the Wild (Sizzling in the Kitchen #1) by M.J. O’Shea | Goodreads

He would’ve never guessed he was one perfect burrito away from falling in love…

Chef Baldwin Powell has everything he could ever want.

Until he doesn’t.

Fancy parties, celebrities, magazine write-ups, his own little empire of stainless steel and fire – he thought all of it was forever. It only takes one awful meeting for everything he’s worked for to be yanked out from underneath him. And one fateful meeting with the owner of food truck, of all things, to realize maybe what he thought he wanted isn’t what he needs after all.

They’re opposites in nearly every way – On paper it should be a disaster. But life and love in the wilds of Manhattan rarely work out the way anyone expects.

———-

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

Review: Rogue (A Mike Bravo Ops #2) by Eden Finley

Rating: 4.5🌈

Eden Finley’s done it again with another wildly entertaining and suspenseful black ops novel! This time, it’s Rogue, the second book in the Mike Bravo Ops series about a black ops security firm made up of LGBTGIA ex military.

While Rogue has some similarities to the first book , like the couple already knows each other, it also differs largely in topic and tone.

First, Travis West is the owner of the now well and highly established Mike Bravo Ops security company. He’s a millionaire plus, not just one of the company. Although he did meet Dylan Rodriguez years earlier.

But he’s secure and a man of substance. A ex military leader who’s seen the best and the absolute worst the service has offered. And has the scars and experience to prove it.

Dylan Rodriguez, a DEA agent, is someone we met in Iris. He’s younger, idealistic in the best, most believable way. He’s not naive, but someone with a code of ethics he’s trying to follow.

Their interactions are often hostile, entertaining, frustrating (for Dylan), and a cat and mouse game the DEA agent never seems to exactly understand.

Once they get together, they are engaging, supportive, and sexy. The communication that’s ongoing between them about their philosophical differences in their careers, black versus gray areas seems realistic. Especially considering the situation.

Finley’s threads gets complicated, wonderfully so, as this becomes a espionage/murder/law enforcement mystery as well as a romance entanglement.

With everyone not knowing who exactly they can trust.

Talk about high octane action! Especially as Dylan “ Rogue “ Rodriguez starts to figure out exactly who and what Trav West and his family of black ops stand for and can do at any given moment.

Most of the family as we’ve come to think of them are here. Atlas, Ghost, Angel, Domino, Zeus, and of course, my favorites Iris, Saint, and even Princess Smooshy Face. Say yes to that trio!

There were some issues here that were inconsistent with the first book and characterizations laid down there.

Atlas is given a job he’s absolutely uncomfortable with and yet Trav makes him go. That’s inconsistent with the observations and standards put down in the other story.

Trav himself didn’t always seem like the man we met in Iris. However, I’ll chalk that up to love on the run and a relationship under fire.

I’m hoping that Atlas will get the next book and we will see a family book for our favorite trio, Iris, Saint, and Princess Smooshy Face. They cry out for a sequel.

I’m recommending this and the series! Happy reading!

Check out the series below!

Mike Bravo Ops series:

✓ Iris #1

✓ Rogue #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showRogue (Mike Bravo Ops #2) by Eden Finley – Goodreads

Synopsis:

TRAV

I remember the first time I met Dylan Rodriguez. It was one sweaty encounter I’ll never forget.

The second time we met, he arrested me. I can still see the hot scowl on his beautiful face as he slapped handcuffs on me and realized I was … me.

Dylan’s main goal in life is to forget he ever met me. My goal is to make him mine.

Turns out, I’m better at this game than he is.


DYLAN

When my law enforcement career falls to pieces in front of my own eyes, I don’t know who I can trust.

I have nowhere to go. No one to turn to.

Asking Trav for help is a last resort, but I’m desperate.

If he can’t get me out of this mess, I may as well turn myself over to the guys hunting me down.

I’m not sure which will be more difficult: protecting my life or my heart.

Because when it comes to love, my heart wants what my brain doesn’t. It wants Travis West.

———-

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

Review: Iris (A Mike Bravo Ops #1) by Eden Finley

Rating: 4.5🌈

Eden Finley delivers such a wonderfully entertaining story in Iris, a Mike Bravo Ops story! Just what I needed.

Iris, real name Isaac Griffin, but his irrepressible, often over the top personality in the Army got him the nickname “Iris-I require intense supervision” . It’s a name that’s stuck even at his new job at Mike Bravo Ops, a security firm made up of ex military who also happen to be LGBTGIA.

The company and people have appeared in another of Finley’s series but this is the first time I’ve read about them. It’s instant crush time.

The romance is between two men who already have history. So the attraction that arises as well as feelings is counted for by their past. I enjoyed that aspect of their relationship and romance. It’s often so hard to buy into a instant love story but a romance that’s got a firm foundation of a history between the main characters? Yes, please.

And this one aspect is one that has an air of believability about it because of the various issues that stood between them. DADT, family expectations, personal history, and each man’s stance on being queer. That’s a heavy load in that era. This is framed out concisely and as a story thread that will be used to grow their relationship.

Another is the type of work the Mike Bravo Ops Security teams do and how it brings Iris and Brock “Saint” Harlow back together.

Brock “Saint” Harlow is the opposite of Iris. The perfectionist, the CO’s ideal man. Therefore his nickname, “Saint”. He’s the Army’s Golden Boy in every way. Until one mission.

That’s the one which will reunite Iris and Saint, after years apart.

It will also allow Finley’s plot to deepen into those areas that add depth and dimension to a storyline. In this case , it’s a character dealing with the intense aftermath of a mission gone traumatically wrong, casualties, PTSD , and memory loss.

It’s something we have a window into from his perspective.

That he’s not “automatically “ healed is a welcome element here. That it’s a ongoing condition he’s actively dealing with is a fact that’s mentioned well into the next novel . And it’s a substantial factor in making these characters and relationships grounded in reality.

All these things could be easily overlooked in a story that’s full of snarky , fast paced dialogue, things that go boom, lots of crazy action, and sexy times!

They could but just when you think the “heart” has been suppressed by sarcasm and bullets, it comes rushing back to remind you . It’s still about love.

With a fabulously names GSD called Princess Smooshey Face added to make you thoroughly over the moon with them and everything at the end.

Yes, indeed. I really needed this . And I’m running immediately to review Rogue, which I’ve already read. Loved that too.

So I’m highly recommending this series to all fans of hot hunky men , and one woman, of action. Who also show depth and dimension amidst laughter and pain and things that go boom!

Check out the series below!

Mike Bravo Ops series:

✓ Iris #1

✓ Rogue #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showIris (Mike Bravo Ops, #1) by Eden Finley – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Mike Bravo. Knights in shining … camo.

Iris

I live for adrenaline. The thrill of the chase. And because I work for Mike Bravo, a private black-ops firm, it’s my job to go into dangerous situations.

But when we’re called in to extract a military team from a hostile situation, the thrill is so much better. Because one of those men happen to be the golden boy from my basic training days.

Brock “Saint” Harlow was a walking Captain America in the flesh. The perfect soldier.

Now my boss wants to recruit him, and I can’t wait to rub it in his face that he was rescued by me. The class clown.

I’m not called Iris “I require intense supervision” for nothing.


Saint

Military life is all I’ve known since I was born. I was raised to be a soldier.

But when a top-secret mission fails, I find myself suddenly discharged with nowhere to go.

Mike Bravo saved my life, and they want me to join them, but there’s one small problem.

Isaac “Iris” Griffin.

He’s as irresistibly snarky as he always was, only there’s a big difference this time. I’m no longer closeted or scared to live my truth. And the truth is, I’ve always wanted him.

It’s against Mike Bravo’s rules to fraternize with other team members, and I always follow orders.

But something tells me Iris might be worth the insubordination.

———-

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

Review: Strut (Style #2) by Jay Hogan

Rating: 4.5🌈:

Style, the high fashion series from Jay Hogan, has as its core elements high fashion, those that work within the industry ,whether it’s designers, models, photographers, fashion bloggers, and, sexual assault.

I’ve finished Strut and Flare, and each of the main characters of those storylines has been the victim of a sexual assault, past as part of the storyline.

I mention this immediately for several reasons. One to let readers know if this would be a potential trigger for them. Another reason that using sexual assault as a element in storylines has become so prevalent that the majority of the last ten recently released books I read used it as part of their plot.

For me that’s a disturbing trend. Whether the author does well by the subject matter, as Hogan does here, or as a disposable element, poorly executed and one dimensional as I’ve seen so often lately.

In Strut it highlights an entire industry’s lack of care towards its models, the very real dangers a young person faces through big contracts, unscrupulous business practices, and a unthinking fashion industry that’s allowed certain practices to go forward until recently. The new rules and #Metoo movement has forced some significant progress .

Hogan’s storylines has handled this, the ramifications of sexual assault, respectfully and with regard to the reality of the situation. I liked the characters, ones we met previously in Flare and very much committed to their relationship.

Alec, the model we met in Flare who modeled for Rhys’ show in Auckland, has now relocated to the powerhouse high fashion world of New York City. He’s in debt but rising up in reputation as a runway model. He’s reunited with Hunter, the extremely talented, well known fashion photographer who’s best friends with Rhys and Kip. Hunter, Alec’s former crush was something that didn’t go well.

They are terrific characters. Alec is especially endearing. Hunter is a bit older and a player, until Alec. Both layered personalities with great chemistry, enough that you can understand them as a couple.

And it’s that foundation that gets them through the trauma that happens to Alec. It’s believable and highly realistic.

Hogan includes all the responsible choices in the aftermath, communication, reporting, therapy. Action to aid recovery, and bravery to aid others.

While I was thinking about the story and manner in which Jay Hogan wrote it, I couldn’t help but remember those other books that used SA in a way that borders on glibness. Quite the contrast to the pain, humiliation ,and trauma Alec feels here. Hogan includes the waves of emotion that wash over friends, family, and Hunter as they deal with their own personal feelings while trying to support Alec.

It’s very believable, which for some people might make it extremely hard to read. Please do not ignore the trigger warnings.

Jay Hogan has written a lovely romance that involves a major sexual assault element, one Hogan handles with responsibility and realism.

I’m recommending the story on the basis of the great characters and writing.

But I hope that the next book focuses on fashion and romance, and the young queer scene in Auckland. And not another sexual assault plot line.

When did this become so common in our stories that it’s a trope itself?

Something to think about.

Style series:

🔹Flare #1

🔹Strut #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showStrut (Style, #2) by Jay Hogan – Goodreads

Synopsis:

New Zealand farm boy turns New York fashion model.


Fairy tale? Maybe. But it hasn’t been easy. A year in this crazy city, working my tail off just to survive in a ruthless industry where sex sells and boundaries are too readily crossed.

A year and a reassuring ocean away from Hunter Donovan—a sexy, humiliating mistake that I’m not about to repeat. Distance is good. Distance is safe.

But now Hunter is back. In New York. In my life. In all those treacherous feelings that haven’t gone anywhere. But when my world suddenly crashes and I have to piece myself back together and fight for my career, will Hunter be there when I need him? Will we have what it takes to make it through this, together?

Note: This book contains themes of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

———-

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

Review: Boyfriend Goals by Riley Hart

Rating: 4.75🌈

I was looking for a contemporary romance to read after finishing a urban fantasy, and picked up Boyfriend Goals by Riley Hart.

What a utter pleasure this was to read! Low angst, a plot driven by fully realized characters in situations that allows them to grow, finding home and true love in a totally relatable,real way.

I went to sleep thinking about Milo and Gideon, their happy life together, friends and family. And they are still with me now.

Hart’s decision to have Milo be neurodivergent is a great one although it might spark some confusion or controversy. Milo is a wonderful character, who’s neurodivergence has effected his life since birth. It’s how he handles it now that will speak to the reader and Gideon.

As I understand it, neurodivergence “now refers to any structured, consistent way that brains work differently for a group of people than they do for the majority of others.”The sources I referenced many different types of neurodivergence, including Autism, which is referred to a couple of times here.

I’m not in touch with the author so I’ve no idea what Milo’s character framework was when planning this story. Whatever it is works! Milo feels so believable and alive for me. His interactions with Gideon, and the others in the community are credible. Whether it’s a new one on one situation or one that’s got Milo in a very stressful place, Hart’s writing is so terrific that it easily conveys that’s this a real life event for him.

Gideon too is a beautifully layered person. His dynamics within his family and how it’s worked through emotionally is heartwarming and heartfelt. Insecurities have no age limit and that’s especially true here.

Hart could have made Milo’s mother more one dimensional instead we get a moving relationship, fundamentally strong with two people who love each other. Again, such a great element among many.

By the end of the story, I was absolutely in love with Milo and Gideon, their combined stores, INK & INK, their new lives together and their community. What a wonderful life!

What a grand story! And one I’m highly recommending!

https://www.goodreads.com › showBoyfriend Goals by Riley Hart – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Milo
Unusual. Quirky. Different. I’ve heard it all. I’ve accepted I’m not for everyone. Maybe not anyone.

When I find out I inherited a bookstore and apartment on a small East Coast island, I jump at the chance for a new life.

Turns out, I’ve also inherited a sexy, tattooed guy who not only rents the space next to my store for his tattoo parlor but my apartment too.

Did I mention he’s really hot?

And surprisingly sweet?

Gideon
I wasn’t looking for a roommate, but it’s not like I can stay at Milo’s place while he’s banished to a hotel.

Our unlikely friendship is instant. According to Milo, we’re bestie goals.

And if he doesn’t wear pants at home, who am I to complain?

Milo’s not like anyone I’ve ever known. I like laughing and flirting with him. He’s adorably honest, eager, and sexier than he realizes.

Now I just have to figure out how to convince him that maybe it’s time for an upgrade from bestie to boyfriend goals.

———-

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

Review: Roommate Arrangement (Divorced Men’s Club #1) by Saxon James

Rating: 4.25🌈

Roommate Arrangement (Divorced Mens Club #1) by Saxon James was a lovely contemporary romance. The first in a new series revolving around a group of newly divorced men, James manages to set the foundation by introducing the group, grounding them in a interesting small hometown who’s abandoned penitentiary now serves as a tourist attraction, and a useful location for scenes to the characters themselves.

The first couple we meet begins with a man who’s returning to his hometown after a devastating discovery that his husband has been cheating on him for years. Now in the process of getting a divorce, he’s fleeing home to his friends and a place to recover.

That’s Payne Walker. Feeling lost, without a job, home, and until the apartment is sold, little savings. While his brother and family are acting as his support and cushion, we , through James’ lovely writing , empathize with Payne as he returns to Kilborough.

Waiting there, at the Kilborough Brewery , a town draw, are Griffin, Art de Almeida, owner of the brewery and startup of the DMC (Divorced Mens Club) and Orson. Plus Marty, Payne’s brother. The kil bro group of their adolescence years.

On the outskirts is Beau, Marty’s best friend and a successful fantasy writer. Beau has always harbored a deep crush on Payne when they were growing up. But his own social awkwardness and younger age always made him feel him unable to say anything.

Beau’s a terrific character. A socially awkward person, who’s passion for writing and own innate nature makes for a messy and lonely home life. When writing, he’s buried in his characters and plots, unaware of time passing. When blocked and unable to move forward, everything grinds to a halt, again forgotten.

When Marty suggests Payne as a roommate to help Payne get some needed breathing room from Marty’s overcrowded house, it looks to be a great way for both men to temporarily solve some problems.

James’s plot of a slow forming friendship that also turns into a romance is so charming. From a blanket fortress to a walk through the famous penitentiary, the men start to move towards something real and substantial.

There’s not a lot of deep angst after the beginning. But more a thoughtful removal of obstacles and a heartwarming romance that’s sure to engage you.

As this is just the beginning of the DMC series, it’s such an enjoyable start that I’m looking forward to the rest of the stories.

Need a new contemporary romance to read? Here’s one I’m recommending!

Divorced Men’s Club :

🔹Making Him Mine #0.5

🔹Roommate Arrangement #1

🔹Platonic Rulebook #2

🔹Budding Attraction #3 – Nov 23, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showRoommate Arrangement (Divorced Men’s Club, #1) by Saxon James – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Payne:

In search of: room to rent.

Must ignore the patheticness of a forty-year-old roommate.

Preferably dirt cheap as funds are tight (nonexistent).

There’s nothing sadder than moving back to my hometown newly divorced, homeless, and lost for what my next move is.

When my little brother’s best friend offers me a place to stay in exchange for menial duties, I swallow my pride and jump at the offer.

I need this.

I also need Beau to wear a shirt. And ditch the gray sweatpants. And not leave his door ajar when he’s in compromising positions …

Beau:

In search of: roommate.

Must be non smoker and non douchebag.

Room payment to be made in meal planning, repairs, and dumb jokes.

Since my career took off, I barely have time to breathe, let alone keep my life in order. I’m naturally chaotic, make terrible decisions, and scare off potential dates with my “weirdness”.

So when Payne gets back into town and needs somewhere to stay, I offer him my spare room with one condition: while he’s staying with me, I need him to help me become date-able.

And while he does that, I can focus on my other plan: ignoring that Payne is the only man I’ve ever wanted to date.

———-

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

Review: Hot Pursuit ( The Hot Cannolis #3) by Eli Easton

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Hot Pursuit is the third in The Hot Cannolis series being written by Eli Easton and Tara Lain about a large Italian family made up primarily of firefighters, with a few law enforcement officers scattered throughout.

It’s been about their sexual awakening and how that’s been handled within a highly machismo, heteronormative (and Catholic) family structure. What struggles the family has had to adapt to their son’s newly acknowledged sexuality and their new partners.

It’s had to include the fire department, which ever one the characters works for, as well as that close knit group our characters work within, into the main character’s struggles to define himself and come to terms with their identity as queer men. It’s not always been a easy journey as the Fire Departments are a bastion of straight, white, male hierarchy and to be anything other is often a tough lonely path.

Both authors have included the continuing bigotry and exclusion the out Canalis face in their jobs despite the fact that they were highly regarded for their “firefighter lineage “ and superb abilities before coming out. It makes for a believable story.

Due to illnesses, the authors split the last two stories.

Easton takes up Det. Rick Canali’s story. He’s the uncle to the characters we’ve meet so far and only recently admitted (in Hot Wings), to the two members of the family that he’s gay. It’s not anything new. Almost forty, he’s always known he was gay, but his family’s well known (at that time) bigotry, kept him silent.

A confirmed “batchelor” to the family, Rick’s recent partner has retired. His new one, John Rivera, is out and threatening his determination to stay in the closet.

Rick has always been such a quiet, strong character in the previous books. A bit of a mystery. So it’s a real pleasure to see this character get to show all the depths of his personality. From the love of his family to all aspects of his professional persona.

John Rivera is the troubled new person. So happy to finally get his Detective’s badge but he’s also got a very brutal history following him.

For those people for which domestic violence and/or gaslighting is trigger, just be warned as this is a major element here.

John is a wonderful, engaging character. His story and background just further pulls you into a connection with him, and helps understand his situation more fully.

While Rick and John try to determine the boundaries of their relationship, and learn to trust one another, they are also in the middle of a investigation.

Easton does a terrific job with unfolding the investigation while maintaining the tension between Rick and John. Everything and everyone is so tightly strung you don’t know what is going to pop first.

There’s plenty of charming , heartwarming scenes with the huge Canali family as well as frightening moments that occur within the investigation.

I hugely enjoyed myself and this novel. Rick and Tony rank right up there among my favorite Canali couples.

I believe there’s just one more left to go. Hot Lips from Tara Lain. No release date as yet.

I’m highly recommending Hot Pursuit and The Hot Cannolis series.

The Hot Cannolis series:

◦ Fireman’s Carry (The Hot Cannolis #0.5) by Eli Easton

✓ Hot Seat #1

✓ Hot Wings #2

✓ Hot Pursuit #3 by Eli Easton

◦ Hot Lips #4 by Tara Lain, date TBD

https://www.goodreads.com › showHot Pursuit (The Hot Cannolis #3) by Eli Easton | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Solving the case will be tricky. But keeping their hands off each other will be impossible.

Detective Rick Canali’s life is perfect the way it is. He loves his job with the Chico, CA police. He can get casual sex whenever he wants it, and for family vibes, he has his brother Angelo’s large family of hotheaded firefighters. He’s happy being a “perpetual bachelor.” But when he’s partnered up with a too-attractive newbie detective, all the neat boxes in his life threaten to collapse. Because the one thing this detective never saw coming—falling in love.

John Rivera always wanted to be a detective. He’s determined to succeed despite his ex trying to make his life hell and his new partner—the gorgeous Rick Canali—making it clear he’s not wanted. As a former foster care kid, he’s used to fighting his own battles and depending on no one.

When a firefighter dies under suspicious circumstances, Rick and John’s new partnership is tested. It turns out, they’re a pretty good team. But can they crack the case while dancing around their mutual attraction, dodging John’s ex, and trying to keep the Canali firefighters safe from a potential killer in the Cal Fire ranks?

HOT PURSUIT is a murder mystery wrapped in a romance with a big scoop of suspense, hurt-comfort, evil ex, and more Canali family feels.

EBOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

———-

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

Review: Rookie Move (Playing For Keeps #1) by Riley Hart & Neve Wilder

Rating: 4.5 🌈

I’m such a sucker for stories like this one. Sports romance, younger hot, super talented brother that ends up on the same team as brother’s friend. Who he’s had a crush on.

Doesn’t matter the sports.

This time it’s the NFL and a Denver team with a hot Quarterback, Warner Ramsey, who’s hiding his sexuality, his best friend & teammate,Houston, who’s the only person who knows his secrets. And Houston’s younger brother, Garrett, a talented player himself, who finds out he’s bisexual on the eve of his high school graduation at a professional player’s party.

It’s easy to see from the marvelous humor, great dialogue, and just plain out fantastic scenes, from high on the field action to sexy bedroom, that the authors loved writing this.

It’s both a romp and delicious romance. There’s plenty of heart, from Ramsay’s issues with his father to Garrett’s wrestling with wanting not to always be the McRae coming after his brother’s accomplishments.

Even the locker room problems and arguments are handled with moments of realness and believability.

Ramsey and Garrett are just chemical greatness. You love reading about them. Whether they are making things happen on the field or off, they are a captivating couple.

Hart and Wilder have a fabulous start to the series with these two. I’m highly recommending Rookie Move (Playing For Keeps #1) by Riley Hart & Neve Wilder .

And keeping my eyes peeled for the next in the series!

Playing For Keeps:

Rookie Move #1

https://www.goodreads.com › showRookie Move (Playing for Keeps, #1) by Neve Wilder – Goodreads

Falling for a teammate who also happens to be your brother’s best friend? Total rookie move.

McRAE: I’ve had a crush on my brother’s best friend since the moment I laid eyes on him four years ago.

Warner Ramsey is 225 pounds of pure hotness, a media darling, and one of the best NFL quarterbacks in the league.

Hell, he’s the reason I figured out I’m solidly bi.

It was easy to keep my crush under control when I was in college. Now, we play for the same team, and every time he talks smack, I want to shut him up. With my mouth.

But I’ve got other things I should be focusing on, like dominating my rookie year with the Denver Rush and finally stepping out of my brother’s shadow.

Besides, Ramsey’s straight.

RAMSEY: I’ve never tapped into my bisexuality—never told anyone except my best friend that I’m bi. All I want is to play football and not draw media attention like my dad, who got ousted from the league.

Garrett McRae is my biggest temptation. He’s gotten under my skin for years.

I’m supposed to be looking out for him, not thinking about getting him naked.

And definitely not the kiss we shared.

That I somehow instigated.

It was stupid, and not like me, but God, it was hot.

We’re teammates, with million-dollar contracts on the line. And yet…is a little experimentation really so bad?

Rookie Move is a low-angst, high-heat sports romance in the Playing for Keeps series.

———-

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

Review: The Kite by N.R. Walker

Rating: 4 🌈

With The Kite, N.R. Walker dips her hand into the ever popular trope of the warring/competing top assassins who, for whatever reason, have to work together in order to survive.

Their relationship goes from enemies who admire each other’s skills to friendship then love as they fight for survival. It’s a great trope. And it works for so many reasons. Whether it’s in the movies, being streamed through a series, or through the various novels I’ve read recently.

There’s action, suspense, two hot highly skilled people at the height of their careers , in this case men. Gorgeous, of course. Each damaged by their pasts, albeit in different ways.

It’s how each author takes this trope and puts their spin on it that interests me.

Walker’s assassin are hit men for the government, instead of being private contractors. Well, one is. Taking on assignments that eliminates the “bad guy”. He thinks he’s being the good guy.

Tim “Harry” Harrigan, a truly giant of a man, works for the Australian government. Not that he’s been home for a while. For years he’s been the sniper called on to take out high level targets. Make a hit, move on.

But now he’s getting tired, not slow, but the lifestyle is wearing on him. Harry’s weary frame of mind coupled with setting up a hit gives the reader a good idea of his personality at the moment.

Especially when it looks that Harry is now the hunted instead of the hunter.

The assassin to come to Harry’s aid is Asher Garin. Asher is a hitman for hire, top in his field. The reason he’s there is because they are both targets on everyone’s list now.

The exciting way they are brought together, the high action and swift acknowledgment of each other under extraordinary circumstances is so much fun to read.

Their personalities are less defined, very much the Grumpy/Sweet tag that’s employed. The layers come later as the men flee from one destination to another, trusting each other, and the real reason behind their names on a kill list gets revealed. It’s betrayal, greed, and , double crosses.

The story moves rapidly. The sex is of the angry/hot type, and the dynamics between Harry and Asher go from slow to incendiary, dislike to love.

There’s more to this, including another main-ish character that’s an enigma for most of the story. Totally charming, however. We could have done with more of him in his “Charlie” voice stage.

Overall, I found this entertaining and a quick romance/adventure read. Walker’s characters never actually came across as heartless professional assassins. So making Henry a ex-soldier who believes he’s acting for the benefit of his government helps in her character creation. Same goes for Asher. It’s never laid out exactly what he does and who he kills for. Just he has a talent for languages and a very damaged childhood. So he too doesn’t feel like a hitman for hire. Are they killing people? Yes, but those are the bad guys. That’s expected.

I believed in the men, if not exactly their professed careers as it were.

One other odd element. Walker throws in a reoccurring dream (twice) from Asher, a weirdness who’s reappearance at the end is just so out of the type of story this was supposed to be that’s it’s immediately noticeable. It almost had a narrative whiplash effect. A spiritual woowoo, yes, we were always supposed to be together thing. What? In a killers find love action story? This paranormal aspect doesn’t happen anytime except this once so why do it at all?

It’s like Walker couldn’t help herself, was writing a whole other book. That was a SMH moment here. Took me right out of the story.

So, elements like those aside. The Kite has a satisfying ending for the criminal and a heartwarming HEA for the couple.

If anyone could make them disappear, Four could.

And if Walker wanted to make them all reappear for a sequel, well , that works too.

If you’re a fan of this author and a lover of this type of storylines, here’s a book for you.

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Kite by N.R. Walker – Goodreads

Description:

Ex-Australian Specialist Response Group leader, Tim “Harry” Harrigan, has been running covert ops for almost a decade. A lone wolf, he’s single-handedly taken down terrorists and national security threats, or so he thinks. He’s been in the game far too long, and when he sees a familiar threat, he knows his time is up.

Asher Garin is a dangerous man. A man without loyalty, a man without a nationality, without a country, without a home. He’s also a mercenary for hire to the highest bidder. His next job is a face he recognises, and after a tip-off, he learns he too is a marked man.

It’s a different game now, and Harry and Asher have a better chance at surviving if they stick together. But it’s not just the game or the rules that have changed. The stakes have too.

Because on their own, they had nothing to lose. Together, they do.

———-

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

Review: Crankshaft (Big Bull Mechanics #1) by K. M. Nuehold

Rating: 4.5🌈

I have been looking forward to this new release since the author’s announcement at the end of The Four Bears Construction series. That’s where we met the men of Big Bull Mechanics Shop, the other automotive shop in town, other than Dare’s, husband to Stone, one of the Four Bears.

Steele’s the owner of Big Bull Mechanics and half of the two POV narrative. He’s weighed down by the responsibilities of small business ownership, it’s long hours and his own feelings making it hard on relationships . Plus, the fact he’s always tasked with bailing out a 40 ish irresponsible younger brother.

His companion, his Husky puppy, Denali.

Dr. Porter Grant, Veterinarian, is our other perspective. He’s a character from Four Bears Construction series. There a intern , now he’s graduated and a Licensed Vet with his own clinic . But Porter is also someone suffering from overwhelming issues hitting him. First time vet, beginning small time business owner, no social life. And a big corporation wanting to buy his clinic or threatening to put his small veterinary clinic out of operation. That’s so much to handle on his own.

Nuehold makes us understand and completely relate to both men and the circumstances they find themselves in.

A one night stand that turns into awkward, clumsy meetings afterwards? Yup. Dates that don’t go as planned because one or both are just too exhausted to mentally or even physically show up? Yes. Nuehold gives us, and her wonderful characters, a firm foundation in every day reality. Steele’s late? He’s also covered in the appropriate grease and grime associated with working in a busy garage. Porter’s on call with animal emergencies that sound exactly right for the season. Lost dogs found overheated from running around in the hot summer day.

Love this that both men are defined so perfectly by their personalities and refined by their love of their jobs.

Even their romance, halting as it is as they work their way through layers of responsibilities into a relationship, is worked out in believable steps, one small barrier crossed at a time. Even their sexual relationship, when they actually have time to have it, is extremely hot!

I found myself absolutely connecting to this couple, and their romance.

Plus each comes with a host of friends that can be considered found family. For Porter, he’s adding a new one that I’m sure will have a story later on. Steele’s friends and brother’s books will follow as well. They are a interesting and wonderful bunch.

I’m looking forward to each and everyone getting their HEA!

Start here . It’s one I’m highly recommending.

Big Bull Mechanics series:

🔹Crankshaft #1

https://www.goodreads.com › showCrankshaft (Big Bull Mechanics #1) by K.M. Neuhold – Goodreads

Synopsis:

I don’t have time for a relationship, not even with the adorably dorky vet I can’t seem to stop bumping into… *sigh * pass the oil and lube

Between running a garage full of beefed up, gear head mechanics and bailing my idiot brother out of trouble every other week, the last thing I have time for is a relationship.

I’ve tried it too many times, and the ridiculous reasons I always find to end it have become a running joke around the garage. But I’ve learned my lesson. No. More. Boyfriends.

I don’t care how many times Porter falls asleep drunk in my bed or how cute he looks covered in oil smears while I teach him how to fix up the vintage car he has rusting away in his garage, I’m not going to fall for him.

Even if I did, what do a mechanic and a veterinarian have in common anyway?

It’s better if we’re only friends… friends who occasionally fiddle with each other’s crankshafts…

🔹Connected to The Four Bears Construction Company series.