Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review: The Stubborn Apprentice (13 Kingdoms #2) by H.L. Day

Rating: 5🌈

I’m so enamored of this series. From that rich, gorgeous cover to the layered, incredibly fantastical story and characters, the 13 Kingdoms has grabbed at my heart and imagination.

From its great beginning, The Reluctant Companion, where Day lays the foundation for the series and introduces us to the main characters, Jack Shaw and Sebastian Beau.

Talk about opposites! The prickly, argumentative Jack, with his roots in a large loving farm hold family versus the vain, glorious and secretive Sebastian, with magical abilities and ex boyfriend’s who pop out at every corner. Sebastian , who’s speech is suspiciously posh with martial skills too good to be true.

We came to love them both even as they formed first an affection, then something deeper, though neither would admit it, through their various adventures together.

Now, they are off again, as we left them at the end of the last story. They’ve been hired to find a religious relic for a goodly reward (something Sebastian is always up for), and the chance they might find Jack’s missing sister.

The search for the relic and their adventures they journey through to seek it out are so fascinating and well crafted.

Of course, they stumble across more of Sebastian’s near endless list of ex-lovers, to various degrees entertainment and emotional issues from all. The journeys also produces or perhaps forces the couple to talk further about their relationship. Jack wants a clarity about Sebastian’s past that’s not been given.

The reader, of course, has more than a reasonable amount of idea of Sebastian’s identity then Jack. This isn’t going to go well, given Sebastian’s personality. Oh the anticipation! And the relationship they’ve been building!

The plot, or plots, full of action, trolls, orcs, enemies, mysteries, exes, magical characters, is just one swift-moving, ingeniously crafted tale . Full of memorable secondary characters that support our heroes so well that everything and everyone becomes a rich, breathing fantasy tapestry!

I need that third novel now! Because this one ends, as I knew it eventually would, on a bit of a heartbreaker.

I’m highly recommending this series and this story. But they must be read in the order they are written for plot and character development.

If you’re a lover of fantasy, and magical characters and romance, don’t pass this series by!

Aren’t those covers amazing?

13 Kingdoms series:

✓ The Reluctant Companion #1

✓ The Stubborn Apprentice #2

◦ The Wandering Prince #3 – 2/28/2023

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Stubborn Accomplice (13 Kingdoms, #2) by H.L. Day | Goodreads

Synopsis:

A missing artifact. A kingdom of secrets. Two men versus a multitude of magical beasts.

Jack and Sebastian are on the move once more. This time, to the frozen mountains of Askophai in search of a kingdom’s missing artifact. The journey alone would be perilous enough, but how are they supposed to find something that no one can describe? And what does the mysterious man who can make himself invisible have to do with any of it?

Jack has enough of Sebastian’s secrets to deal with, without taking on a whole kingdom’s. He and Sebastian might be together, but Jack still has his doubts about their long-term future. Assuming they have one that is, given Sebastian’s penchant for walking them headlong into danger at every opportunity.

One thing’s for certain, they’re going to need an awful lot of luck to succeed in this mission and return home safely.

The Stubborn Accomplice is an 85k sequel that features trolls, magical knights, an unwanted orc suitor, a wizard only too familiar to one of the main characters, and two men who really need to get better at talking about their feelings. If you enjoyed The Reluctant Companion buckle up for more banter, magic, and adventures in the continuation of the 13 kingdoms series.

———-

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

Review: Kaleidoscope Sunsets (A Color of Love Novella) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 4🌈

Mega sports agent Arn Toras has been a minor staple of multiple stories, popping in to give advice, stand by his athletes, or be a fierce advocate for them when they or anything they might represent is attacked.

His appearances haven’t been long but Arn has always made a huge impact on every scene he’s in.

So it’s lovely that Locey decided to give such a strong and important character his own story.

Long known to be heterosexual and work obsessed, Arn has to undergo some major changes here in order for this story and a romance to be believable.

And in most aspects, it does.

Locey successfully builds onto a personality we are already familiar with. We meet Arn anew. Already incredibly powerful and successful, Arn is not slowing down. But his body , his lifestyle, and frankly his age, are trying too, along with his doctor.

We see a Arn who’s not trying to look to introspectively at the life he’s living, or more truthfully, not living. He’s let work preside over friends, and what family he’s got left. And it’s taking a role on his health.

Arn is realistic and someone we can relate to.

There’s always one more thing that needs to be done before you get to set down. If ever.

That one more thing is signing the next Hockey God, Anders Viklund, a young Swedish hockey player from a small fishing village. Arn is determined his agency will be the one to sign him.

That brings us to the next outstanding element of this story. Kullaka, Sweden. That’s the fishing village and hometown of the Viklund family.

I’m not sure if there’s a real village that Kullaka is a stand in for , but surely there must be. For this small charming place sings with life! From the quays with its bobbing fishing boats, to the castle at the top of the mountain, it’s Eel Festival, and the abbey, it’s a breathing, salty, laughter filled small town you are dying to walk or peddle through.

That includes the small B & B run by Mrs Maja, full of cats and clocks, Arn is forced to stay in as there’s a Eel Festival going on. A stay that becomes part of a life changing visit. This tiny house, full of ticking clocks, cats, and a merry wonderful woman is such a great element here. I loved it!

It’s just a starting point for a beginning of sea changes in Arn’s life. How he views himself and his life.

I would be close to saying I loved this story but the only aspect I’m hesitant about is the romance. Which is sort of a big issue.

Everyone and everything else here is outstanding. Foundation, characters, Arn, his personality and need for a change. Yes!

But the person who’s at the heart of that change? That for me is the weakest link here.

Anders Viklund is all young, blue eyes, gorgeous, sexy, competent hockey player. He loves his dad. He’s gay. He’s nice and kind.

Why don’t I feel like he’s got layers to him?

I never felt like there was a character there that would have had enough substance to have induced the sort of change that was pulled from Arn.

Maybe a “oh know, I think I’m bi” revelation. That would be realistic here. And yes it happens. Immediately. Get that. But the rest?

Anders’ father, Lucas, he was a solid, powerful figure and one that made a significant contribution and impact. More so than his son, in my opinion.

Locey writes beautifully. So many great secondary characters and the magnificent Arn. Along with the entire village of Kullaka.

I just wish Anders had been as good as the rest or as deserving.

A Color of Love is a wonderful series and this is one more terrific installment! Check it out! I’m recommending it.

Review : Camera Shy by E.J. Russell

Rating: 4.5🌈

E.J. Russell has returned to contemporary romance after a two year absence with Camera Shy and its a marvelously entertaining story.

Told from the perspectives of both protagonists, we get a remarkable journey . Starting from a stressed filled professional boss/employee relationship between the arrogant, driven Ari Dimitriou, host of his own talk show, and his overworked, highly competent and engaged PA, Dustin Fremont. The men and the way they relate to each other undergoes a stress-laden journey. From a oblivious boss and overcommitted employee role, to another one that shows a state of emotional reflection happening within two lives , men under going personal growth and the recognition of what’s truly important for their future lives and happiness.

Dustin believes in Ari’s passion for LGBTGIA causes and drive to expose those that have caused the community and it’s Allie’s enormous harm. But Dustin also has a past that has damaged him greatly, and a corrosive adolescent and history that continues to haunt him. Not that Ari is aware of any of that.

Ari is obsessed with winning, especially against a man he’s sure is a adversary. And that dangerous tunnel vision combined with a tv interview with the man goes south quickly for the arrogant Ari.

Russell uses this setup to frame out the fake fiancé trope and turn it into a journey of self revelation and love amidst LGBTGIA wedding planners and tv producers.

It works on many levels, it engages the reader by allowing Russell to create some fabulous characters and put them into scenes both funny, moving , and ultimately serious enough to induce the need self reflection and emotional growth to make their new relationship work and feel believable.

I laughed and enjoyed so many elements about Camera Shy but mostly I hoped it wouldn’t be another 2 years before Russell wrote another contemporary romance as marvelous as this!

Highly recommended!

Amazon US

Amazon Universal

Synopsis:

Never assume…

…that your uber competent personal assistant will get it when you announce your (fake) engagement to him during a live on-air interview with your archnemesis.

Never waver…

…from your plan to punish your arrogant celebrity boss for his presumption by turning your (fake) wedding into a reality competition for event planners.

Never admit…

…that the feelings blossoming between the two of you through seven (fake) engagement celebrations, six (fake) bachelor parties, five (fake) wedding party luncheons, and four (fake) rehearsal dinners are about as (real) you can get.

Camera Shy is a boss/employee, fake-engagement, right-in-front-of-your-nose romantic comedy featuring a former child model-turned-PA who is so done with cameras, a cocky LGBTQ activist/talk show host who does not lose, more scarves than midwinter in Boston, and banter. So. Much. Banter.

Review: About Last Night by Aimee Nicole Walker

Rating: 5🌈

There’s something so soothing and wonderful about reading a contemporary romance that’s about an emotionally healthy, adult relationship.

About Last Night by Aimee Nicole Walker is a perfect example of that. The novel, one who’s characters are part of the author’s Savannah, Georgia universe (Sinister in Savannah, Sawyer and Royce series), are people we’ve met and become extremely fond of through prior stories.

Detective Christopher “Topher” Carnegie, who’s previous relationships haven’t been a success, has slowly become aware he’s attracted on many levels to a man his family has all but adopted. One he considers a close friend.

That’s Julian Fine, clothing designer (he of the corsets Sawyer loves), and best friend to Harper, one of Topher’s sisters.

This joyous journey begins at their first meeting and moves through the passage of time as Julian and the Carnegie family becomes a wonderful, heartwarming unit that stabilizes Julian’s life and anchors both men to each other.

It’s low angst and includes a bisexual awakening that’s mature, and realistically portrayed. There’s support from friends and family for them, adult communication, as well as a sexy, fun, loving exploration as they realize they are willing to take the next step towards everything they both want.

I laughed, sighed, and throughly love this couple and their path to romance.

I believe you will too.

You don’t have to have read the other series and books to read this one but it certainly gives the reader a richness in terms of foundation and universe if you have.

Plus I adore those stories.

And highly recommend this and all of those! Excellently written, outstanding characters, and a beautifully crafted storyline. Sink into it and this couple’s journey to HEA and enjoy!

https://www.goodreads.com › showAbout Last Night by Aimee Nicole Walker – Goodreads

Synopsis:

The bicurious cop and his sharp-dressed man…

Detective Christopher “Topher” Carnegie is unlucky in love. He either tries too hard, doesn’t try hard enough, or hasn’t found the right person yet. But recently, he’s started seeing Julian Fine, his sister’s best friend, in a new light. If there’s one thing a fabulous tailor knows, it’s how to take a person’s measure. Julian recognizes a straight man when he sees one, but that doesn’t stop him from falling head over heels for the unattainable man.

Just a few short days and one shared bed…

When a white lie backs Julian into a corner, Topher steps in to save the day. He’s worked plenty of undercover assignments before, but pretending to be Julian’s boyfriend during a family wedding might be his most dangerous mission yet. Julian challenges everything Christopher knows about himself, and soon, reaching for each other feels as natural as breathing. But can their newfound feelings survive the real-world challenges they face? There’s only one way to find out.

About Last Night is a low-angst standalone romance within the author’s Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is intended for adults.

———-

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

Connected series- same universe and characters:

🔹Sinister in Savannah

🔹Sawyer and Royce: 2 series

Separate Novels-same universe

🔹About Last Night

🔹Just Say When – December 20, 2022

Review: Wildfire (In Vino Veritas) by Garrett Leigh

Rating: 4.75🌈

Wildlfire by Garrett Leigh, sees a return of the In Vino Veritas series, one written by multiple authors about a connecting bookstore and wine bar in Burlington,Vermont.

Many of the characters there originate from the earlier V & V series, so honestly for newcomers, it’s a win win with two terrific series to lock into.

Garrett Leigh’s Wildfire is a wonderful romance and contemporary love story on many levels. The depth of Leigh’s characters and the complexity of both man’s history leads the reader into their stories and wanting so much for each of them.

The novel begins with Kai Fletcher, leader of a Search and Rescue team returning home after a long night that suddenly becomes a nightmare. It’s a shattering start.

Told from alternating pov, we go forward and find the how the ramifications of that night have changed Kai and his life. Haunted, his PSTD curtailing his life and abilities to get outside his memories.

Garrett Leigh writes this damaged character so believably. Kai comes to life in these pages and his pain is visceral.

Called in as the new chef of Vino is Joss. He’s a friend of Jax’s (Heartscape (Vino and Veritas) from the UK. Joss is another man who comes with his own complicated personal history and unusual issues. Joss diagnosed with ADHD and non-verbal Tourette’s syndrome. But later in his life so his early adolescence was marred by bullying, acting out , and troubling behavior. That plus a detrimental home life set a pattern for Joss in terms of seeing himself in a certain manner and inability to settle.

Again, Joss is a absolutely fantastic character. Believable, endearing, fierce, and lost.

The manner in which Leigh weaves their relationship, Kai’s sexual awakening, the growth each must move through in order for a love and a future to work together is so amazing.

It’s in the dialogues, the scenes, the characters we have come to know, and the landscape of Burlington itself.

Wildfire is a fantastic story and this is one couple to remember.

I’m so happy to see this series get a second run. I’m looking forward to every book and new additions to the V&A family!

I’m highly recommending Wildfire.

If you’re curious, I’ve listed not only this series but the original as well. You can read one, 5 , or like me , all. That’s what so lovely about it.

Happy Reading!

In Vino Veritas series 2:

✓ Wildfire #1 – Garrett Leigh

◦ Counterpoint #2 – JE Birk

◦ Unmanageable #3 – Leslie McAdam

◦ Underdog #4 – LA Witt

◦ Wonderland #5 – Rachel Ember

◦ Dauntless #6 – Victoria DeNault

The first series:

Vino and Veritas #1:

🔵Featherbed (Vino and Veritas 1) by Annabeth Albert

🔵Heartscape #2 by Garrett Leigh

🔵Headstrong #3 by Eden Finley

🔵Undercover #4 by Eliot Grayson

🔵Aftermath #5 by LA Witt

🔵Booklover #6 by JE Birk

🔵Flipcup #7 by Kim Hartfield f/f

🔵Hideaway #8 by Rachel Lacey f/f

🔵Turnabout #9 by Laurel Greer

🔵Unguarded #10 by Jay Hogan

🔵Insatiable #11 by Rhys Everly

🔵Daybreak #12 by Kate Hawthorne

🔵Heartsong #13 by AE Wasp

🔵Stronghold #14 by Ana Ashley

🔵Limelight #15 by E Davis

🔵Unforgettable #16 by Marley Valentine

🔵Showstopper #17 by Regina Kyle

🔵Undone #18 by Leslie McAdams

https://www.goodreads.com › showWildfire (In Vino Veritas, #1) by Garrett Leigh | Goodreads

Synopsis:

A gorgeous new sexual awakening romance with sizzling first times, snarky British banter, and off-the-charts chemistry.

Life doesn’t always pan out as you expect. When it explodes in my face, literally, an old friend offers me a place to heal and a job renovating the kitchen of Burlington’s coolest wine bar.

V&V is a chill fest. Living above it should be a blast. But I’m not built to be a social butterfly. Not anymore. I’m a damaged man.

And I’m not its target clientele.

At least, I think I’m not until I come face to face with the most beautiful human I’ve ever seen. Joss is the new chef and my roommate. He has hair like spun gold and it’s as pretty as the rest of him. Crystal blue eyes. Megawatt smile.

I can’t stop staring. Or thinking about him. He chases my nightmares away. And when he spots my crush a mile off, his solution to our chemical attraction blows my mind.

An experiment of sorts. Science. Is this sexual exploration or sex education?

Either way, Joss is only here for the summer. He’s leaving.

I can’t fall in love with him.

I can’t.

Shame my foolish heart never got the memo.

———-

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

WILDFIRE is a heartfelt MM friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort romance in the True North world, with a brooding lumbersexual, a wild-hearted chef, sweet angst and all the Vermont food. Content warning: contains mentions of depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation, and PTSD recovery.

Review: The Skeleton Under The Stairs (Beyond the Veil #3) by K.M. Avery

Rating: 4.5 🌈

The Skeleton Under The Stairs is the third book in the Beyond the Veil series and the one that wraps up Ward and Mason’s section of the series.

And while it’s a much better story then the previous one, The Boy in the Locked Room #2, it still leaves so many elements, minor to major, dangling within this couple’s story thread that I find it hard to think it successfully finalizes their part in the series arc.

The main couple consists of Ward Campion, medium via the magical ability granting Arcanavirus, who now has new magical abilities that point to him being a warlock. That new power, plus the recent combination of his business with Lost Lineage Foundation, which helps those find their deceased family, and their upcoming marriage, has him overly stressed about finances and insecurities.

His partner, Mason Manning, ex professor, historian, witch , orc, also has his problems. His very young nephew is a death witch and just coming into his powers. The only people who can reasonably help him are Mason and the overly stressed Edward.

I do like how Avery doesn’t play down Ward’s feelings about taking on a child with terrifying unstable powers into their home when he also feels that he needs Mason’s time and care too. He’s still very vulnerable, the trial for his assault coming up. And then there’s new murders to investigate.

You feel every bit as overwhelmed as Ward does.. He’s a bit ashamed that he’s reluctant to take on a child who needs them, but that’s wholly human.

More so because that child, Jackson, is beautifully characterized and real. His cries for help are heart wrenching.

The shadow magical organization, Antiquus Ordo Arcanum , that’s behind so many horrors, returns in a terrifying mystery that’s the title theme.

We get new fascinating ghosts, new magical powers, and elements as viewed and used by multiple characters. It’s another well done section.

The relationship between Mason and Ward continues to strengthen as each becomes more aware of each other’s issues, theirs feelings that hurt and help the bond they have grow. Avery, thankfully, toned down the number of sex scenes to allow page time for the couple to work through important issues as they came up when certain events triggered them.

There’s a wonderful dramatic climax but it’s hindered by a lack of foundation laid for the final events, that some pivotal elements and key players were allowed to just fade away, while others curiously stayed. As well as the fact that the criminals /company weren’t exactly dissolved but disbanded.

There are other small threads left dangling too. Jackson ‘s power. Ward’s power , the strange tingling in his back. I could go on about elements brought up and either discarded or forgotten.

It just seems as though there’s another book in Ward and Mason’s story needed to finish their story off.

Especially since the fourth book is Detective Hart’s.

So this is a wonderful book but not a great one. There’s many terrific elements, especially the Arcanavirus that changes people but that aspect too is delegated to the background other than people wearing masks in order not to catch it . It’s a shame because that’s a fascinating concept that got sidelined after the first book.

I’ll recommend it , with reservations about the second story. This is the best of the three. If you enjoy paranormal stories, check it out.

I’ll be picking up Hart’s story when it rolls out.

Beyond The Veil series:

✓ The Ghost in the Hall #1

✓ The Boy in the Locked Room #2

✓ The Skeleton Under the Stairs #3

◦ The Dog in the Alley (Beyond the Veil Book 4) – Oct 27, 2022 Detective Hart’s story

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Skeleton Under the Stairs (Beyond the Veil #3) by K.M. Avery | Goodreads

Synopsis:

There was a poltergeist on the stairs.

And she wasn’t the only one.

The house was full of restless spirits—all of them killed by the Antiquus Ordo Arcanum, a secret society that didn’t seem to care much for the welfare of either the living or the dead. And Mason and I—along with Hart and Sylvia—are right in the middle of it.

Again.

If that weren’t enough, Mason’s nephew, Jackson, is starting to have nightmares, and when you’re from a family of witches, that can only mean one thing—your power is growing, and you’ve also just become a threat to your own family. In our case, that means Jackson has to come live with us so that Mason can help him learn to control his power, which means that my home life is just about as chaotic—and dangerous—as my work life. Let me tell you, I’m getting pretty sick of hospitals and bandages and sleepless nights.

Oh, and I think I might be a warlock.

Things are going from chaos to worse, and somehow we still have to plan a wedding. And we haven’t so much as picked out the cake.

HEA M/M Paranormal Romance

Book Three in the Beyond the Veil Series

The final book in Mason & Ward’s story

Book One: The Ghost in the Hall

Book Two: The Boy in the Locked Room

———-

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

Review: The Barkeep and The Bookseller (Campo Royale #3) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 4.75 🌈

V.L. Locey’s Campo Royale series is truly a favorite of mine. With every new storyline and couple, it goes into new territory and new relationship dynamics while still playing within the universe Locey has created for the series and characters. That’s the fabulous drag club, the Campo Royale and the Queen Mother, Sitka!

It’s time for Corduroy “Cord” Lopez, the pink haired, adorable, bartender of the Campo Royale, to find love and happiness. He’s been a staple in the other books, and now gets his own romance.

We delve into his personal history to see the stress and tight circumstances under which he’s living in order to provide a stable, happy life for his daughter. A joyful girl, diagnosed with Mosaic Down syndrome, she’s his everything.

Locey’s descriptions and excellent writing brings the characters and father/daughter loving relationship realistically to life. She’s all kid, peanut butter smears , meltdowns, hugs, and all. I love this family unit, including the grandmothers.

Jagger Collins is another terrific character, a haunted man coming off the trauma of an abusive ex husband and the mental breakdown it caused. He’s still in recovery, using the support of a wonderful therapist and friends and his brother to help move forward.

Locey’s portrait of a shattered man in recovery, one learning to trust in himself again, is gentle, and moving. There’s no flashbacks, nothing to act as triggers I think, however, Jagger does remember , verbally, the attack the ended the marriage and put him in the hospital.

Watching Jagger and Cord become close, then take the fragile steps to become lovers, then a family, is so heartwarming and wonderful. It’s moments with Jagger’s scottie who farts …a lot. Or the scenes with Paloma, Cord’s daughter, a heart stealer, who takes a liking to both Jagger and his dog!

I could definitely do with another story to see where they go from the HFN that the note they end on here.

It’s realistic and so great. I definitely want more.

Luckily I believe we will see more of them like we do the others in the new stories to come. I can’t wait!

I’m highly recommending The Barkeep and The Bookseller (Campo Royale #3) by V.L. Locey .

Campo Royale series:

✓ The Viking and the Drag Queen #1

✓ The Batchelor and the Cherry #2

✓ The Barkeep and The Bookseller #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Barkeep and the Bookseller (Campo Royale #3) by V.L. Locey – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Can two men move past their shattered dreams and create a new future together?

Corduroy Lopez is a hard-working man. He has to be. There really is no alternative. He’s a single father with a beautiful, special needs daughter to support. His mother and grandmother help when they can, but he’s a proud pan man who is determined to make it on his own. When his daughter is accepted into a prestigious developmental education preschool, Cord needs cash and he needs it yesterday. One night, offhandedly, the cute owner of the new bookstore in town mentions wanting to start a drag story hour, Cord leaps at the chance. He’s done drag before. Once. Performing on stage at the Campo hadn’t really been his thing but donning a wig and dress to sing children’s songs while strumming a ukulele should be a much more enjoyable experience. Also, the bookshop owner is adorable, newly single, and spending a great deal of time sitting at Cord’s bar sipping virgin piña coladas after the bookstore closes.

Jagger Collins never meant to end up here. He’d been a happily married man with a swanky job in a Philadelphia bank just two years ago. Then the bottom fell out of his life. His marriage combusted, his job quickly followed, and he found himself with only his dog Hamish, his brother, and half the cash from the home he thought he would be starting a family in. Taking the advice of his elder sibling to heart, he left the big city and bought a small brick building in downtown Wilmington. Trading in ties for tomes, Jagger is now embracing the simpler things in life. Reading, biking, knitting, and admiring the lithe bartender at the Campo Royale. Cord is ticking all the right boxes in a big way, but Jagger’s not sure if he’s ready to put his heart on the line again.

The Barkeep and the Bookseller is a single father guy next door gay romance that features a hard-working dad, a learning-to-love again bookdealer, a precocious preschooler, high heels, a loving family, flashy floral fashions, and a ukulele rich happy-ever-after.

Review: Shifter for Brains (Supernatural Affairs #2) by F.N. Manning

Rating: 4.5 🌈

I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Werewolf’s Heart which set the universe and ongoing horrific mystery arc for the series. But the second story really succeeds in pulling me fully into the drama and group of characters Manning introduces us to by way of the younger brother of the head of the Supernatural Affairs agency.

We met Chase Slate in his brother’s story, and got a brief impression of a young man who avoids relationships and permanence as well as having an air of irresponsibility about him despite being a agent himself.

That superficial layer is pulled back to reveal a man/shifter with deeper dimensions to his personality. It comes about when he crosses path with Lucas Milton, a man on the run, but from what exactly?

Lucas Milton is a terrific character. Scared, terrified that what he’s afraid of isn’t real, that it’s his mind breaking down, Lucas is a portrait of exhaustion, stress, and fear.

Manning starts to weave a story with many twists from their meeting point. It will include the overall mystery arc that hasn’t been completely solved yet, another one regarding Lucas’s fears, and still yet another. The last being a real surprise and sets up the next book.

I thought this was a great couple, the relationship and their storyline was well plotted, and kept me totally captivated until the end. Plus it was wonderful seeing everyone from the first story together as well.

The ongoing mystery and serious dangers everyone still faces from the mages and kidnapped shifters is still unresolved. I look forward to seeing how this expands further in the next book.

I’m definitely recommending this series and story to all lovers of paranormal romance.

Supernatural Affairs series:

✓ The Werewolf’s Heart #1

✓ Shifter for Brains #2

◦ Crazy Like a Fox #3 – Dec 3, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showShifter for Brains by F.N. Manning – Goodreads

Two heads are better than one. What about two hearts?

Lucas Milton is usually good with numbers, but nothing is adding up quite right after a nasty car accident five months ago. Paranoid and afraid he’s in danger, the formerly brainy man is surely nuts… until a strange incident involving a fireball nearly leaves him extra crispy.

When Chase Slate finds a troubled beauty and smells another shifter on the scene, he’s sure there’s a supernatural cause for Lucas’s problems. So the detective investigates… even though he’s supposed to be busy with another case. He may not always play by the rules, but the werewolf does care about protecting others. And he might care about protecting Lucas more than he should.

When their fateful meeting leads to a case of mistaken identity, a greedy mage sets his sights on Lucas. As both men struggle to fight their growing attraction, they’ll need to keep their wits about them. Because a secret in Lucas’s past might make him valuable in his own right, and there’s a predator who will stop at nothing to claim him.

Can Lucas and Chase put their heads together and follow their hearts to find happiness, or will being outsmarted turn deadly in Shifter for Brains?

This is the second book in the Supernatural Affairs series of explicit M/M paranormal romance novels that follows the agents of the Ashvale Department of Supernatural Affairs. While familiar characters from the first novel will reappear, this story revolves around Chase and Lucas.

———-

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

Review: Playing Games ( Franklin U #1) by Riley Hart

Rating: 4 🌈

Playing Games is a wonderful enemies to lovers romance from Riley Hart. It’s the first in a multi-author series called Franklin U that can be read in any order, the only main factor is the campus all the characters live on and the college they attend.

I enjoyed the layered approach Hart takes here to both the characters, their differences in social status and histories, as well as how often even the harshest of arguments and familial divides worked their way out in areas of grey, adult relationship style instead of stark black/white divisiveness.

That same narrative outlook was applied to Braxton Walker, who’s tough upbringing and history is one he’s working hard to rise above. Despite his rough appearance, he’s set goals to achieve.

Tyson Langley is his opposite. Rich, sliding through his studies, a star on the college LaCrosse team, he represents everything Brax is fighting hard for and yet Ty seems to appreciate none of it.

The characters are well defined. And when a believable crisis causes Ty to seek a job that brings him into Brax’s orbit, the enforced intimacy that breaks down each other’s walls has a realistic feeling to it.

The romance happens a tad fast but the groundwork is laid for it and a relationship. It does work.

I ended up really enjoying their story and the characters. They each make a couple of “guest” appearances in other books in this series.

If you’re a lover of contemporary romance, add this sweet book to your list!

Franklin U series:

✓ Playing Games #1 – Riley Hart

✓ The Dating Disaster #2 – Saxon James

✓ Mr. Romance #3 – Louise Masters

◦ Bet You #4 – Neve Wilder

◦ The Glow Up #5 – A.M. Johnson

◦ The Learning Curve #6 – N.R. Walker

◦ Making Waves #7 – Christina Lee

◦ Football Royalty #8 – Eden Finley

https://www.goodreads.com › showPlaying Games (Franklin U #1) by Riley Hart | Goodreads

Brax

Tyson Langley thinks the king in Franklin University Kings is in reference to him. Star lacrosse player and God’s gift to the female and male population, there’s nothing the spoiled jock can’t have.

It’s impossible for us to be in the same room without talking crap to each other. But I also have a secret… As much as I despise Ty, I want him too. I revel in our banter and in never knowing what he’ll say next.

I’ve spent too much time on the wrong side of the law for someone like Ty, though, and if I want to make it through college and escape my past, he’s a distraction I don’t need.

Ty

Braxton Walker needs to learn to lighten up. If you search brooding online, his name pops up. He’s the bad boy with a leather jacket and a scowl. We couldn’t be more different.

Finding ways to annoy him is like the longest foreplay session of my life. And when we end up working together, it gets harder to deny how hot he makes me.

What’s a little hooking up between enemies?

We weren’t supposed to become friends or share secrets. We weren’t supposed to understand each other and all the complicated stuff we’re going through.

I’m used to playing games, only the more time I spend with Brax, the less it feels like playing around and the more it becomes something real.

**

This series takes place across a calendar year. The books have been released in chronological order but are all stand alones and can be consumed in whichever order you choose.

———-

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

Review: The Sunny Side (The Model Agency #1) by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.75 🌈

I’m such a fan of this author and The Sunny Side is a fantastic example of why her contemporary romances continue to resonate with so many readers, book after book, series after series.

Supermodel Dean Jacobs has appeared in the author’s newsletter serial and pops up in other stories (Deal Maker for one). That cover is a perfect match for the character it’s portraying, a rare occurrence!

However, it’s the internal Dean, the one that’s kind, fighting a life long insecurity issue bourn of bad parenting, later in life diagnosed with dyslexia, now newly sober,coming off years of being stoned, he’s stressed and struggling.

Jonas Durand is a highly successful, focused owner of the modeling agency that handles some of the most famous models in the world. After wresting control of the company from his mother and restructuring it into the respected firm it is today, he’s had just one known passion, the business.

But a lesser known one is Dean Jacobs. Just as Jonas has been Dean’s.

Morton weaves a tale of love and romance so skillfully as Dean’s struggles catches Jonas’ attention, and it’s to Jonas that Dean instinctively turns to for safety and sanctuary.

Their personalities matching and adjusting each to the other, through warm hearted dialogue, scenes filled full of laughter and raw emotion, whether it’s just them or with Jonas’ daughter, Ruby Tuesday, and Henry, the dog.

Morton shows us the slow building of a couple, then a family, every skittish step each man takes forward.

There’s a moment of crisis of course. And as bad as it feels, it’s also very believable and real. Painful, hurtful, and real.

Morton makes us believe in these men, stumbling with them towards love and happiness. And when it comes to a close, we aren’t ready to end.

Which brings me to a note. I originally gave this a 5. Then, Morton herself said there was a addendum short showing what happens to Dean and Jonas afterwards.

So I read it.

I laughed so hard I cried. Then I cried because it was perfect!

That short was THE perfect ending!

It needs to be in the book.

Lily Morton, if you’re listening, books get edited all the time. Just sayin.

I’m definitely recommending The Sunny Side by Lily Morton. It’s fantastic, and probably a reread for many!

The Model Agency:

◦ The Sunny Side #1

Available in Kindle Format

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

AMAZON FR

Synopsis:

Jonas Durand is successful, rich, and controlled. He owns a prestigious modelling agency and has the world at his fingertips, but a turbulent childhood has taught him to be focused and never deviate from a plan. 

Dean Jacobs threatens that stance. He’s one of the world’s most sought-after supermodels, but he’s also laidback and lighthearted and free in a way that Jonas has never quite managed. 

Dean has always been interested in Jonas and has never made any secret of his admiration, but from the beginning, Jonas put him in a neat little box labelled, “Don’t touch,” turned the key, and never looked back. 

However, the universe seems determined to thwart Jonas’s plans. Over the course of one hot summer, the two men come together, and Jonas’s well-ordered life becomes something a whole lot wilder. 

Moving from the glamorous worlds of London and Paris Fashion Weeks to the sleepy South of France, Jonas finds himself liberating partridges, chasing his supermodel, and falling in love. 

From bestselling author Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy set in the fast-paced and snarky world of modelling. This is the first book in the Model Agency series.