Review: Second Song: Second Chance School by Con Riley

Rating: 5🌈

“This book is set in a small, British independent school specialising in trauma-informed teaching.”

Second Song sees a return to beloved place and school from Riley’s heartwarming Learning to Love series, one of my absolute favorites of contemporary fiction. That’s the Glenn Harber School near Porthperrin, Cornwall.

As the quote indicates above, it’s a very special school, full of talented and passionate teachers and students who have their own heartfelt stories to share.

Into this amazing environment, Riley sets up the first in another series, Second Chance School, and the beginning book, Second Song, about Rowan Bryn, a hopeful music teacher, who’s traumatized past has caused him to lose his ability to sing in front of others. It’s also about Liam Sexton, ex forces Army Royal Engineers, injured by an explosion on tour that left him with a hearing disorder.

A school in need of temporary teaching help and a crumbling library in need of demolition brings both men to the Glenn Harber School, second chances to rebuild their lives, and gain a new love and community that will help them overcome their past trauma.

Some of my favorite characters are present here from the Learning to Love books. There’s the ever wonderful Charles Heppel-Eaves who always arrives surrounded by glitter and an aura of love, Dom Dymond and his child, Maisie, and Luke, naturally. And so many other standouts throughout this incredibly moving novel, like Teo, little brave Hadi, Noah and his lamb who started it all.

But it’s Rowan and Liam in their own tenuous brave journeys towards dealing with their past trauma and their own new relationship that captures our hearts and engages us totally in this story.

Riley writes with such sensitivity and compassion about the stages of grief and understanding that it takes for Rowan and Liam to go through in order to overcome their own fears and pain in order to be able to heal and support each other as they too deal with their trauma.

The men are real and what they have undergone feels raw and believable. So do all the events as they occur to get them through to a moving and loving ending.

I can’t help but hope we get more tales where Matt, Blake, Neck Brace and the rest of Liam’s Royal Engineers family get their own stories and HEA. If they too are located near Porthperrin and this school, then I’d be a happy reader indeed.

Second Song: Second Chance School by Con Riley is a highly recommended book, as is the connected series, Learning to Love. Put all on your must read list!

Second Chance School:

✓ Second Song #1

◦ Second Shot #2 – April 30,2025

Buy link

Second Song: Second Chance School

Blurb:

Second Song (Second Chance School #1)

Page-turning heat and hurt-comfort start on a Cornish cliffside and end at a school where not only students heal from past pain.

Do first times count if you forget them?

Rowan: I once lost a national singing contest. My consolation prize? A night I can’t remember and the tattoo on my bare bottom going viral. Six years later, I’m ready to rise like a phoenix from those shameful public ashes even if my singing days are over. Training as a music teacher is the second chance I need to prove I can be trusted to help children with their own trauma.

I can’t get distracted by falling for the wounded hero who saved me on my first day in Cornwall.

Liam: Blast damage forced me to leave the Army, and guilt keeps me running from those I hurt in the process. I don’t intend to fall for a pretty stranger trapped on a cliffside, but something about Rowan makes me crave more than our one heated night together, especially when he responds like I’m the first man to ever touch his heart or body.

If he wants a second chance here in Cornwall, I’ll stay and fight until he gets one.

Featuring a musician too bruised to sing and the soldier ready to battle for him, Second Song starts the Second Chance School series. Expect found family, a spectrum of diverse characters, and a HEA fit for angsty heroes.

This spin-off shared-world series aligns with the much-adored Learning to Love series. No prior knowledge is necessary to enjoy this standalone full-length novel.

• Publisher: Figment Ink (May 8, 2024)

• Publication date: May 8, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 314 pages

Artist: Natasha Snow

Review: Transparent Is a Color (A Subparheroes Novel) by Kaje Harper

Rating: 4🌈

“Peregrine Crawford stared in horror at the box sitting on top of his delivery cart. That’s a bomb.”

I’m a fan of Kage Harper’s work. This author manages to take a “ordinary” person’s, or someone who has been categorized as “sub par”, approach to an extraordinary set of circumstances and make it and him relatable.

That’s Perry whose super powers are anything but. Perry can make things change colors but not indefinitely. Yellow rug to blue. Until the color fades. He has one more talent but it doesn’t always work and takes a lot of power and practice. So Perry hasn’t told anyone about it. That makes him a disappointment to his mother, especially as his only job he can hold is in a mailroom.

Perry is that easy to connect with character. One whose life changes when he does the right thing and meets Sergeant Deckard of the Nova City Bomb Squad and his canine patrol partner, Nix.

Harper combines an investigation into a serial bomber with a sweet developing relationship between Perry and Deckard. The super hero organization, SPAM, isn’t much of a element here but does appear largely as a smaller thread.

This is a good take on the theme and a sweet couple.

Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:

🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt

🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp 5/30/2024

🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper

🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land

🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple 6/6/2024

🔷An Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke 6/13/2024

🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton 7/25/2024

🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms 7/30/2024

🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024

🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024

🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024

🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024

🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024

🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024

Buy link

Transparent Is a Color

Blurb

Perry’s mother told him he’d develop the superpower of flight, like his grandfather. She even named him Peregrine, so folks would call him “The Falcon.” Spoiler— they don’t. Because when he did come into his power, all he got was the ability to change colors. Not even himself, like some kind of Chameleon Man, but the color of objects. He can de-pukify the shade of his bedroom curtains, turn a bully’s sweatshirt pink, or even turn a red traffic light green. (Not a good idea.) He hasn’t told anyone except his disappointed mom about his power. What would they call him? The Interior Decorator?

Back in high school, under stress, he did convince his power that transparent was just another color. Now that ability’s sometimes fun in an illicit way. Then one morning, in the mailroom at work, he turns a cardboard box transparent and sees a bomb inside. And Perry’s ordinary life explodes.

Sergeant Deckard of the Nova City Bomb Squad never thought much about superheroes, or supervillains for that matter. He has plenty of work with ordinary humans and their explosives. Until he and his bomb-sniffing dog, Nix, get called to a possible-explosives situation in a highrise mailroom. The guy who reported the bomb is a nerdy twink in dark-framed glasses who pushes all of Deck’s buttons. When he finds out the young man has a weird superpower and may be the target of a villain, every protective instinct comes into play.

Deckard’s goal is to keep his job, his dog, Nova City, and Perry intact. His libido can just sit down, shut up, and take a number. But as their attraction gets hotter and the villain closes in, their future might be blown apart before it even has a chance to start.

Transparent Is a Color is a part of the multi-author Subpar Superheroes MM romance series.

(Content warning for abduction, parental emotional abuse)

• Publication date: May 23, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 271 pages

Buy link

Transparent Is a Color

Blurb

Transparent Is a Color is a part of the multi-author Subpar Superheroes MM romance series.

(Content warning for abduction, parental emotional abuse)

• Publication date: May 23, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 271 pages

Review: Impossible Things (A Subparheroes Novel) by Alexis Land

Rating: 4.5🌈

“As I sprinted up Telegraph Hill with about two dozen overly enthusiastic raccoons in hot pursuit, I muttered, “Not again.”

So opens Impossible Things by Alexa Land and our introduction to Anderson “Andy” Chen, our appealing subpar hero.

This is the second in the Subpar Heroes multi author series that I’ve read and each has taken a different approach to this decidedly engaging theme. I absolutely adore Impossible Things by Alexa Land .

Land’s story acknowledges the existence of SPAM, Special Processing and Management of superheroes or just about anyone with paranormal abilities. And that’s where we meet Andy , a librarian who has landed a “upper mobility “ job in heading the Archives for SPAM. We meet his mom and her girlfriend (with their powers and backgrounds), his bestie and her issues. He’s a great character, fully established in his culture, layered in personality and his own baggage. Land has left him room to develop and that’s exactly what Andy does. He blooms throughout this story.

Next comes Samaritan “Sam” Miller, a man of many talents who is a new hire at SPAM, and who gets assigned to help Andy wade through the mess down in Archives. Sam is another character who is multi dimensional and grows as the story and their relationship develops. They are both perfect for each other.

After a rough start connecting with each other, a mysterious file and some research send the pair of them on a mission that’s helping them bond, revealing to the reader and each other so much about their lives and opening themselves up to new possibilities for themselves and a romantic relationship.

This journey is so exciting and well plotted. We get villains, family involvement, new friends (Arden), more mysteries, action-packed sequences, and a sweet romance.

I don’t think I’ve read much by Land but this will see me seeking out this author’s catalog.

I’m highly recommending Impossible Things (A Subparheroes Novel) by Alexis Land. Engaging couple, well written story and wonderful cast of supporting characters. Lovely!

Love this cover too!

Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:

🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt

🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp 5/30/2024

🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper

🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land

🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple 6/6/2024

🔷An Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke 6/13/2024

🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton 7/25/2024

🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms 7/30/2024

🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024

🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024

🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024

🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024

🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024

🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024

Buy Link:

Impossible Things (Subparheroes)

Blurb:

I chose to be a librarian for a reason. All I want is a quiet life, surrounded by books. But when I stumble across a scientist’s journal that could have dire consequences for superheroes everywhere, my whole world gets knocked off its axis.

Suddenly, bad guys are closing in, and I find myself on the run with my coworker Sam–a big, loud ex-jock with more conspiracy theories than common sense. He says he’ll keep me safe, but how? I’m the one with a superpower, even if it’s total crap.

To complicate matters, there’s an undeniable spark of attraction between us. We don’t need the distraction, not when we’re running for our lives. But it’s hard to resist temptation when we’re stuck with each other day after day. And I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to Sam than meets the eye…

Do Sam and I have what it takes to stay ahead of a supervillain, protect each other, and keep the information we possess out of the wrong hands? It seems impossible. But maybe we’ll end up surprising ourselves–and each other.

Impossible Things is a part of the multi-author Subparheroes MM romance series.

• Publisher: (May 16, 2024)

• Publication date: May 16, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 196 pages

Review: Teas’d (Evergreen Council) by Vin George

Rating: 5🌈

If you’re a fan of author Vin George’s Evergreen Council series, then this novella is the thing for you. Teas’d is a warm-hearted glimpse into the daily lives of Charley, the half vampire/half fae adorable being from Fang’d (Evergreen Council Book 1) and his vampire father, Dalziel. Naturally, this sees Luc, Charlie ‘s bond-mate werewolf, as an important part of his life and household as well.

This novella is a perfect illustration of how to bring a sense of loving family and deep understanding of each other’s differences to life in a meaningful but short narrative. Especially when its characters and universe are all from prior books.

The reader doesn’t have to have read those stories in order to understand these characters, their unique personalities, their histories, and the warmth and loving synergy between them all. George’s dialogue and fantastic storytelling has done an excellent job, laid all the groundwork, and now let’s the reader enjoy and become involved in the story itself.

And what a joyful, and emotional journey it becomes. A father/son moment, a learning experience full of humor and poignancy, quixotic and sweet.

This is a group of characters and a universe I can’t get enough of . It’s also one I highly recommend.

Check them all out today.

Evergreen Council:

Fang’d #1

Claw’d #2

Teas’d #3

Buy link

https://www.amazon.com/Teasd-Evergreen-Council-Vin-George-ebook/dp/B0D48FCNQ2?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Blurb

Don’t play games with a vampire unless you’re prepared to lose.

Playing pranks on his three-hundred-year-old vampire sire wasn’t Charley’s brightest idea. Now Dalziel has set him a task.
Charley is stuck with a night’s worth of brain-twisting clues and his own company until he solves them all. Not even Luc can help!
Charley wants to win, but can he ever really lose? His mate is waiting for him regardless, ready to rock his world.

An Evergreen Council novella, pitting a preoccupied father against his chaotic son, with smiles, curses, and insights into both men’s lives when the biggest adventure is living well.

• Publisher: Little Storm Press (May 25, 2024)

• Publication date: May 25, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 53 pages

Review: Tournament Mage (Fledgling God Book 5) by Michael Taggert

Rating: 5 🌈

It’s been since February 27, 2022 when I read the fabulously horrifying book Buried Mage, fourth in Michael Taggert’s wildly imaginative, densely packed and beautifully detailed fantasy series, Fledgling God.

So seeing that Taggert had finally released another book in the series is a great joy and, one that takes a bit to remember all that has happened in the previous novels as it’s been a while .

This is a series I think might be worth waiting for all the books to be published and then binge reading them all together . You might be absolutely book drunk at the end but you’ve had the most amazing experience and it’s been a journey you will remember.

Individually, each book stops and starts right after the other has ended. Taggert’s picking up his narrative as though there’s been no interruption. Such as having to write another book!

Honestly, I seem to overlook things here that otherwise would normally make me narratively have issues with the story simply because the of the incredible ideas, the wildly wackadoodle flights of imagination that are the hallmarks of this author and series.

Every character. Including the House of House Louisville has a uniquely fascinating personality. One that continues to grow and deepen throughout the series in surprising ways. It’s not just about the characters. It’s magical charms and crystals, Marks and soul creations like tiny Miners and Surfers, and more importantly, each type of being that two of the mages, Jason and Annabeth, encounter here or create, vividly come to life on the page and mean something special to the reader. It’s a uniquely beautiful and powerful cast of characters that , from bugs to crystals to enslaved mages, they draw the reader inside the story and whatever small sections they inhabit.

This time the focus is primarily narrowed down to Jason and Annabeth, although we do get some new information about the other three members of the House. They have to enter a contest and what a contest it is . The book ends before the contest is finished. It’s simply epic. A giant quest, a RPG with real teams and on a planet where things can kill your team. Sort of.

I can’t begin to explain what this is about. And normally I’d say that Taggert has too much laid in his story that slows down his narrative . But I can’t. Every crazy, zany, over-the-top scene this author has thought of and written, and I’m talking Tim Gunn narrating a male fashion show for Jason type of insanity, and I’m totally committed. I’m 100 percent invested.

And he does this over and over. And it works. Wild side trips here and there, junkets to vaults, it’s just so fun or personal and imaginative while sticking with the same theme and emotions. It keeps the reader connected and fascinated and thrilled with everything that is happening.

Then, boom . We need to wait for the next one to come. Sigh. Which I will.

Taggert does a small book by book recap at the beginning but it’s not even close to what happened. So do think about what type of reader you are and the experience you want to get into here.

Either way, these books are a must read.

Love the cover.

Fledgling God:

Misfit Mage #1

Melee Mage #2

Gathering Mage #3

Buried Mage #4

Tournament Mage #5

Buy link:

Tournament Mage: Fledgling God: book 5

Blurb:

After all of their adventures, the crew of House Louisville was ready to sit back and take it easy. But a surprise visitor informed them they owed millions of pearls to the Bank.

He was willing to take them all as indentured servants for the Bank and let them work decades to pay off their debt. That would mean splitting up the House, though, and nobody was willing to let that happen.

To save the House, and to stay together, Jason and Annabeth find themselves in a tournament they must win. Because one thing is for sure, the Bank doesn’t play around!

• Publication date: May 18, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 940 pages

Review: Enchanting Exposition (Demon Magic Book 4) by Alice Winters

Rating: 5🌈

“The scream that explodes from within Menace would put a dying banshee to shame.”

So begins Enchanting Exposition, book four in Alice Winters’ marvelous fantasy romance series.

If this is the last in the Demon Magic series, then I’m going to be sad because I absolutely love this universe. But I’ll also be very satisfied because of the way Winters has left the all characters, ok maybe most, happily settled in their lives. All after a wildly terrifying, exhilarating, and emotional adventure that brings the original Geoff narrative to a close.

Geoff, the fiendish mage whose diabolical plans is at the very heart of so much misery and death, will be the basis for much of the story here. The author weaves in all the many painful backgrounds of the characters , established beings and new characters, so that this series arc can finally end. It’s powerful, imaginative, certainly has the hallmarks of the Winters’ take with humor and terror intermixed, along with a great deal of romance and love. Not just between Havoc and Miles. That’s front and center, and totally entertaining.

What else is outright hilarious? Menace and his reactions to Cottontuff. More , love this.

And Marco. Somehow, Marco (my beauty is my contribution) and Lachlan’s developing relationship is everything this book. Along with Evan, Etienne, Dyame combo, even Nicco. Not sure who else I’ve left out, someone I’m sure. Everyone showed up and it was absolutely scarily splendid!

We get a great new character and I’d really love to see more of him . There’s an interesting dynamic we’re left with that needs to be explored.

Miles and Havoc? Happy! So so happy.

Enchanting Exposition (Demon Magic Book 4) by Alice Winters is a must read and fabulous book. It’s a definite recommend in a series I deeply enjoyed. Read them all!

Demon Magic

✓ Happy Endings #1

✓ Familiar Beginnings #2

✓ Malicious Midpoint #3

✓ Enchanting Exposition #4

Buy link

Enchanting Exposition (Demon Magic Book 4)

Blurb

Maybe it wasn’t my best idea to draw dark magic into myself to save a friend… but it’s definitely not my worst (don’t ask Havoc what that was). The first thing on our list of “Save Miles from the Dark Magic That Might Be Making Him Do Ridiculous Things” is to destroy the ominous book that’s snagging my attention. But what I don’t expect is to be dragged into the book filled with dark mysteries that leaves me with more questions… and a lack of pants.

But it’s nothing that Havoc and I can’t handle. The two of us have proven that our relationship is strong enough that we can face anything life throws at us, so I think we can handle a measly book… maybe… I mean, so far it may look like we’re not winning, but that’s just because it’d be boring if heroes won immediately.

And it’s not like we have to fight this battle alone, especially with an awe-inspiring dragon familiar who is forced to face his greatest adversary (a common housecat), a narcissistic angel who comes with a sword that compliments every cut made, a centaur who always manages to look like he’s on the set of a cologne commercial, and… Etienne (whatever he is).

With the demon I love by my side and my found family, we’re going to stop this darkness before it spreads. But doing so might unveil some things we never expected.

• Publication date: May 21, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 317 pages

Review: Baby Queen (The Court Book 3) by Charlie Novak

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Court, a series, a drag family ,and fabulous old theatre that’s the home to all three, has just gotten even better with the latest addition of it’s new novel and group of characters. It’s definitely my favorite to date in so many ways.

Novak’s main characters come from the opposite ends of the Drag Queen story. One is a recognized star! Barbie Summers, a winner of Drag Stars UK but due to some criminal management and her own naivety has had to return home full of debt and heartbreak. The other? A baby Queen, without a name or anything but a vague idea about her identity, needing guidance and the support to find her own way.

That’s the Queens. And we will get all the others who work, laugh, and snark as family at The Court. Eva Nessence, Bubblegum Galaxy, Moxxie Toxxic, the Twins, I love them all.

But there’s also who these people are when they aren’t in drag. And the chapters designate them as such. Barbie/Anthony and Colin/? have ex boyfriends who have left them with emotional scars, poor body imagery, and so much doubt about themselves and their self worth. That’s the journey that’s woven through their stories as both struggle with finding an identity as a Queen (Colin), renewed faith for her profession (Barbie), and a layered great loving relationship between them.

It’s got pole dancing, Queens, PhD’s in jizz, so much laughter and tears and love. What a great story to read.

Novak introduces quite a few new fascinating characters, seen only in glimpses. But it’s enough for me to want to know more about them. So much more.

It was fun seeing characters from the Heather Bay series (Like I Pretended) make appearances in a couple of ways here. Might have to reread the book again.

And Novak is going to give the readers another connected series,

Lincoln Knights Rugby Club, when Mason and Ryan (Legs ) get their HEA in The Tighthead.

Then hopefully it’s back to more Queens.

I highly recommend this series and book. It’s such a joyous read. And a grand group of characters to watch get their HEA.

The Court:

✅Drama Queen #1

✅Scene Queen #2

✅Baby Queen #3

Connected series:

Heather Bay series – 6 books

Lincoln Knights Rugby Club:

The Tighthead – coming soon

Buy link

Baby Queen (The Court Book 3)

Blurb

Note to self: falling for the new queen you’re mentoring will only lead to trouble.

Being broke, single, and homeless after winning the UK’s biggest drag show wasn’t how my life was supposed to go. I’m meant to be the one with everything, but thanks to an unscrupulous tour company I’ve got nothing but my image and a mountain of debt.

Moving back home with my mum and taking the first gig I’m offered in a local drag panto is supposed to help me get back on my feet, but meeting Colin tangles me up more than ever.

Colin desperately wants to start doing drag and suddenly I’m helping a baby queen find her feet while falling head over heels for the man behind the lashes.

We all know mixing these power dynamics is a recipe for trouble, but my life is already a mess. Will falling for Colin really spell disaster or is he the only thing keeping me upright in my seven-inch heels?

• Publication date: May 23, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 288 pages

Review: The Men from Echo Creek by N. R. Walker

Rating: 3.5🌈

The Men from Echo Creek is the latest release by N. R. Walker, a historical romance that takes place in the Snowy Mountain region of Australia in 1882.

Even with its historical timeline, there’s aspects of the book very reminiscent of my favorite movie, The Man from Snowy River. The location, the horses and expert riding on unbelievable terrain, brumbies, a romantic story, and adversity with a neighbor/rancher.

Here it is 19 year old Albie Bramwell whose father has just died, leaving Albie the owner of an extremely large alpine farm and having to run and manage it without his father’s help and direction.

It’s not going well until a stranger, Percy Collins, appears in town looking for a job. Percy finds a job, and in Albie someone who needs him and then finds that he’s stumbled into a place that’s home.

That’s the framework of the story. And it’s a good one. The characters are interesting, including the two other men who live on the farm with them. That’s Robert, a recovering alcoholic, and the farm manager, Des, a man with a leg injury that’s continuing to bother him.

Two women will come later. There’s also a town, Alpine Falls, and the Stricklands, the power family of the area.

While Walker lays down multiple storylines and potential dramatic scenarios, only some of the scenes here really have the power to connect with the reader and leap off the page. Much of this has to do with the land and the horses, all of which Walker has proven she has the ability to make vivid and compelling. When all four men are chasing the mob across the land, you are with them. It’s thrilling. Whenever Albie and Percy, or Des and Percy take the horses and head out , the descriptions of the mountains and scrub, the cold and mists are real .

Other scenes too bring home Albie’s youth and desperate situations in town. Those are some of the best moments of interactions for raw emotions.

But the romance between Albie and Percy? I don’t know why but I was never quite invested. Liked them both but their relationship never felt like it had any chemistry. Friends yes. But more? Not really. And we never really got to know Albie’s story or anything about his father . Not sure why there’s no foundation for much of any character here but the lack of one makes these characters seem less filled out.

And so much of the rest of the story feels flat or rushed. The women move in and they are just forgotten, except for a sentence or two here and there. Backgrounds for Des and Robert are never supplied even though they are major characters . And the whole element where Strickland went from the bad guy to , well, if not good, maybe grayish guy. Then he’s done with. After a big build up.

It’s too many dropped plot points for me. Just things that don’t fit or make sense with the story.

So it’s enjoyable but not my favorite NR Walker book. Need cowboys from this author? Read her Red Dirt Heart series. That’s a reread for me.

Great cover by Reese Dante

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Men-E…The Men From Echo Creek eBook : Walker, N.R.: Kindle Store

Blurb

In the winter of 1882, a boy from the mountains has to prove himself a man.

~*~

When Albie Bramwell’s father died, he was left with two thousand hectares of mountain to farm, and little help to run it. Abandoned by all but two of his workers, the whole town of Alpine Falls called him too young to run the farm alone.

Young, yes. At just nineteen, he was determined to prove them wrong. Even if it killed him.

In search of a new life, Percy Collins found himself in a small mountain town where he ran into a man not much older than himself and scored a job at Echo Creek. A property full of misfits, or so the townsfolk had called it. But what Percy found was a home.

What Albie found was something he never thought possible. A man to love, and a man to share his dreams.

But times were tough, the winter harsh, and money scarce. Albie and Percy would need to do more than prove themselves worthy. They’d need to not only prove themselves better than anyone else. They’d need to prove it twice.

• Publisher: BlueHeart Press (May 17, 2024)

• Publication date: May 17, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 400 pages

Review: One Night With The Nanny (Nannies of New York Book 6) by K. Sterling

Rating: 5🌈

Nannies of New York is one of my favorite contemporary series. It’s been a memorable journey for a found family of Manhattan nannies who find themselves first in a position to help a family heal and thrive, then love finds them, placing them directly within the heart of the family they have come to love.

Each story has been framed out by elements of psychological drama, historical stories of love and tragedy, trauma and losses. And each new emotional venture turns into something marvelous, full of joy, laughter, often moving scenes as well as hot, sexual moments. All guaranteed to make these characters feel vivid, deeply realized and loved by the reader.

Never more so than in the story of Reid Marshall, co-founder, along with Gavin, his non sexual soulmate, of The Marshall Agency, the exclusive LGBTQIA nanny company at the heart of the series.

In the last book, we saw a hidden side of Reid’s life where his need to keep his sexual lifestyle secret, which he’s turned into a one night a week affair. It’s complete with its own clothes and accessories, and limited to certain bars. But things immediately go awry when a distraught older royal with family problems gets added into the mix.

Maximilian, Margrave of Hessen, who has two daughters he is desperate to connect with. Max is so unique in the cast of characters we have come to know but it turns out he’s perfect. Watching him yearn for his daughter’s understanding and love is painful and heartbreaking. Getting it is heartfelt and so amazing.

And the relationship between Max and Reid that slowly built and with great emotional work is truly everything. It’s funny, wrenching, incredibly sexy, and thought provoking.

A sticking point for Reid is his deep love and commitment to Gavin, his platonic soulmate, and their family that’s gathered around them. He finds it difficult to believe that anyone would want to be an equal partner with him in this situation. It’s never given a name. Gavin has a sexual relationship and loving partner in Dash who accepts that Reid will always be a part of their relationship. Polyamory? What’s in a name. It’s not given one here, just that they are all a unit. Such a great well written aspect of this book and series.

Also their sexual relationship and preferences which are very D/s and beautifully layered into their own stories and personalities but into their romance as it develops.

Sterling hits one high narrative note after another. I laughed, shook my head at the antics and confusion displayed by the characters, maybe cried at certain moments, and fanned myself at certain scenes. But always I was deeply engaged and emotional involved with everyone here. Each and everyone.

I was wondering if this was the end of the nannies. But another interesting development showed up, a character who has been popping up here and there. Apparently he’s next!

This is a series I’m thrilled to recommend. But do read them in order. It’s a fabulous journey and watching them find love, learning about the Marshall family, and all the wonderful people and dynamics is a joy to revisit.

Especially the romance of The King of Nannies and the Prince! So fantastic!

Nannies of New York :

✓ The Last Nanny In Manhattan #1

✓ Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny #2

✓ The Handy Nanny #3

✓ The Enchanting Nanny #4

✓ The Nanny with The Nice List #5

✓ One Night With The Nanny #6

Buy Link:

One Night With The Nanny: Nannies of New York Book 6

Blurb

Once upon a glitzy Manhattan night, a nanny finds himself in a royal mess.

The Marshall Agency may have begun on a whim, but it’s no accident that it’s considered the best in Manhattan. Everything goes exactly as planned because Reid Marshall only does things one way: his way.

Reid’s content with the life he has built with his platonic soulmate, Gavin, but knows his friends and family would be shocked at what he gets up to off the clock.

Maximilian, Margrave of Hessen, knows a thing or two about living a lie. Desperate to mend his relationship with his daughters, Max turns to the Marshall Agency’s headstrong founder for help. Only to find they have already met.

Max wants more than one night with the nanny and intends to win the fiercely independent younger man’s heart. Can Reid resist, or will he too succumb to love and live happily ever after?

One Night with the Nanny is Book 6 of the Nannies of New York series. It’s a fairytale rom-com with a twist, featuring fake dating, found family, a one-night stand that turns into more, and a struggling single dad who happens to be a Prince.

• Publisher: Bawdy Books (May 16, 2024)

• Publication date: May 16, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 318 pages

Review: Temperance (Damned Connections Book 3) by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.75🌈

Damned Connections is the sequel series to the original Reckless Damn Series about the rebelling four sons of Lucifer, finding their mates ,and the war with their father. It’s an excellent series.

But I’m finding that Damned Connections is even better, imo. It’s still got the original characters but now we’re focusing on the aftermath and the characters on the edge of their group. And the ones affected by the war. It’s an extraordinary journey.

Now it’s Toby and Blaise’s time for their stories to be told and Taylor has outdone herself with a narrative of incredible emotional depth and intelligence .

Taylor has incorporated the elements of BDSM and D/s in such a way that readers who don’t read this type of thing or think that they don’t understand it will find themselves absolutely absorbed into this relationship. It’s a Dom/ sub relationship that works through each other’s needs and desires as well as those aspects of play that they don’t want to include. It’s clearly discussed as adults and spanking is the top discipline here.

But Blaise is fighting for his life in that his guilt is literally driven him down. The emotional tension and despair attached to him is real and extremely intense.

Toby isn’t the bartender vampire he’s seemed in the previous books and the revelations of his true nature are astonishing.

The exploration of Blaise’s past and the journey between them drew me in like no other. It was 3 am before I realized I was still reading. And often sobbing.

The only reason this didn’t get a 5 star rating is because there was so much “as told to” sections as the author had to fill in the reader with different details about certain aspects of a couple’s story from a book and timeline pertinent to this story.

Temperance (Damned Connections Book 3) runs in the same time period as some of the other books so it’s necessary for Taylor to pinpoint exactly where in the timeline this is happening . Especially if you haven’t read the other books.

But it drags the narrative down in a way and changes the perspective in some cases.

So yes, a fantastic story and incredibly compelling plot that’s one of my favorites. Probably be a reread.

I’m absolutely loving this series and recommend reading it in the original as well as this.

Reckless Damn Series – first series

✓ Devil’s Mark #1

✓ Devil May Care #2

✓ Deal with the Devil #3

✓ Luck of the Devil #4

Damned Connections – sequel

✓ Patience #1

✓ Justice #2

✓ Temperance #3

◦ Humility #4 – Oct 31,2024

Hopeless Blessed – Seraphim sequel series

◦ Conflicted #1 -Sept 5,2024

Buy link

Temperance (Damned Connections Book 3)

Blurb

A fire mage who believes he’s broken. A vampire who believes he can fix him. A contract that’s going to change everything.

Blaise

I’ve never been good at doing the right thing.

A series of bad choices have left my life in tatters. Everyone is telling me to move on, but how can I? What I did was unforgivable, even if some believe otherwise. My whole world imploded the night I left a human dying on a classroom floor.

I don’t deserve anything good in my life, I know that. But I’m desperate for peace. Just a few moments where I can escape from everything I’ve done.

When Toby offers me a solution that promises just that, I jump at it. I never imagined having a Dom, but with Toby in that role?

Nothing has ever felt so right.

Problem is, this isn’t a relationship, it’s a contract. A temporary one.

Which means I need to guard my heart and stop myself from falling for this enigmatic vampire.

Like I said, I’ve never been good at doing the right thing.

Toby

I never learn.

Every time I see a needy sub, I can’t stop myself from offering my help. Every time, I forget that it’s a contract and fall too hard and too fast.

I’m the one who fixes them, never the one they choose to spend eternity with. That’s the way it always goes.

When Blaise bursts into my life, I already know how it’s going to end. I can’t stop myself from wanting to help him, but this man has the capacity to break me in entirely new ways. Maybe if I keep the boundaries strict between us, I can walk away at the end without another scar on my heart.

Like I said, I never learn.

Temperance is the third book in the Damned Connections series. Featuring a needy sub and a Dom who’s trying to avoid heartbreak, this spicy MM PNR romance will pull at your heartstrings. Although this series can be read as a standalone, it’s better enjoyed in order. Each book follows a different couple and has a guaranteed HEA.

• Publisher: Lark Taylor (May 16, 2024)

• Publication date: May 16, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 422 pages

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