Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review: Mist and Marrow (Breaking Tradition #2) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.75🌈

It’s been a while since I read the first installment in this series about Omegas and their search for HEA.

Finding a HEA is a extremely difficult situation, given the fact that in both books 1 and 2, Omegas are basically property, with little to no rights as a being , within their own species laws and human legal system as well.

First they belong to their fathers, then to whoever their fathers sell them to, regardless of gender and age. It’s a contract between father and whatever Alpha he sells them to. To do whatever they like with.

Linden Van Doren, a omega we met in the first story, had been sexually abused by his father and those his father had sold him to for years before being rescued by the Cyan Alpha of the previous book and his mate.

Much of that abuse is recounted here, in conversations held with his therapist and others. It’s those conversations that account for the trigger warning at the beginning of the novel. It’s warranted. While it happens off page, some of it occurs while he’s just a child and it’s brutal and raw hearing it. So if this is a trigger for you, please think about if you can read these scenes or if this is a story for you.

This is not one of the established Calmes “golden boy type“ character we could expect here. While Linny certainly has golden hair , he’s a wolf who’s lead such a traumatic life that he’s more a wounded soul than anything else. The omega charismatic personality is clear as is the need to establish a home but Linden is also a fighter in ways subtle and witty. I adored him.

Wade Massey, homicide detective and partner to the omega of the first book, is a very neat character. He’s got all the characteristics of a wolf alpha while being a human detective. It’s a mystery that has its answers at the end, although hints are sprinkled throughout the story.

Calmes has included a horrific mystery, with a investigation that will have Lindsey and Wade on a dangerous journey to find the villain behind it.

Calmes has a smoothly flowing, well written supernatural mystery romance that has some very raw and brutal elements to it. I think it is far darker and better than it’s predecessor, Muscle and Bone.

I wonder what the final book will bring to this trilogy. Can’t wait to find out.

I’m highly recommending Mist and Marrow.

Breaking Tradition trilogy:

🔹Muscle and Bone #1

🔹Mist and Marrow #2

🔹TBA#3

https://www.goodreads.com › showMist and Marrow (Breaking Tradition #2) by Mary Calmes – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Trigger Warning: Discussions of repeated sexual abuse of a main character, including when he was a minor. No abuse occurs on page

Linden Van Doren is in a strange position. He’s an emancipated omega holding down two jobs, so he should be out from under anyone’s thumb but in reality, there are still weird lupine rules to follow. For instance, if an alpha wants to court him, he’s not allowed to say no. If that same alpha asks for his hand in bonding, however, as there’s no contract that anyone holds but him, he can certainly say no to that. And would. He trusts no alpha to keep their word even though they’re the only ones who could make his dreams come true. It’s all very confusing and a bit ridiculous but until all omegas are free to do whatever they want with their lives, his odd circumstances are the norm. He’s also doing his very small part to help others—and that just became a problem.

Wade Massey is a homicide detective with the Chicago PD. He’s partners with Avery Davenport, which puts him in close, continual contact with Avery’s friend, Linden Van Doren. Wade isn’t sure what it is about Linden that drives him nuts. And annoying the hell out of the stunning omega should make Wade want to stay away from him. The problem is, he can’t seem to do that. Besides, Linden needs a keeper. Wade has never actually met anyone who needs someone looking out for them more and really, no one but Wade can be trusted to do it and keep their hands off the tantalizing man.

When the FBI comes knocking because omegas have gone missing, Wade finds out that Linden has been far more active in the fight to help other omegas than he imagined. When both men are drafted to help, they are suddenly thrown together in a situation where, for once, neither of them can walk away. Wade’s been great at making excuses and Linny’s been fantastic about hiding his feelings. None of that works anymore.

Linden knows he wants Wade—he knew the night the possessive human carried him out of hell—but loving someone who can never return his feelings is stupid and Linden’s finished with that. Wade’s never been attracted to a man before and perhaps it’s not desire or lust, but simply his protective instincts gone wild. If neither of them can be brave, there’s no hope for the future. But perhaps just winnowing through the mist of confusion down to the marrow where the truth lies will set them both free.

Review: Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.25🌈

I’m on a journey to read all of Macy Blake’s series in the Champions universe as I sort of backed into it from the latest series written. I wanted to get a full foundation and a better understanding of all the characters and their interlocking relationships.

I meant to start at the beginning but Hellhounds! I can’t resist a Hellhound story, doesn’t matter the author. So here I am. At the start of the Hellhound Champions series.

Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) by Macy Blake is a terrific story. I was immediately pulled into this universe and the characters situations.

This is mid-range the overall multi series arc, so I had an idea of where I was in the interconnected universe timeframe.

We first get a feel for the bar, employees, and Meshaq, the alpha Hellhound, who runs it as a safe haven for unknowing humans and supernaturals alike, as long as all abide by his rules. He’s been slowly gathering a small pack of odd beings who needed sanctuary and found it with his walls and protection. All under the guidance of his Goddess.

Then a hunted human , Drew Metcalf, arrives to change everything.

Blake does a great job of creating sympathetic characters, especially Drew, who draw us to them. But it’s not just Drew. But Cody, Walt, and others there who are vulnerable in different aspects that will make us care for them too. This pack , a special found family, that will continue to grow, quickly establishes a place in a reader’s heart.

Surrounding them is Shaq and the other Hellhounds. Those are equally strong and fascinating. Introduced in the previous novels, which are still on my TBR list, some will be getting their mates in this series. Shaq is a strong personality. His romance with Drew is sweet and sexy , as well as falling into the fated mate category.

There’s a few suspenseful elements here to the storyline and some questions about their relationship as they are really the first of the mated couples to appear. So much of the history of what they are to each other , and to the pack is lost.

I get the idea that may change in the future stories.

I was entertained and enjoyed this story. I’m quickly onto the next! As my journey continues, I’m recommending this book and the series I’ve read to date.

Happy reading!

Hellhound Champions series:

1. Hell on Earth – Hellhound Champions, Book 1

2. Hell To Pay – Hellhound Champions, Book 2

3. Give Him Hell – Hellhound Champions, Book 3

https://www.goodreads.com › showHell on Earth (Hellhound Champions, #1) by Macy Blake – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hell Hath No Fury…

Protector. Boogeyman. Hellhound. Meshaq has been called it all. As alpha of the hellhounds, his goddess has tasked him with protecting the secrets of the supernatural world. He’s the police of other creatures and the enforcer of the goddess’s rules. If his duty leaves him lonely and longing for a mate and a larger pack, well, the goddess knows the secrets of his heart and she will grant them if it is her will.

Drew Metcalf is a man on the run. When he finds himself in a biker bar surrounded by leather wearing giants, he thinks he’s a goner. But there’s something different about the man slinging drinks. He makes Drew feel safe, something he hasn’t felt in a long time.

When Drew and Shaq’s worlds collide, a different kind of magic happens. Shaq doesn’t understand why he’s so drawn to the human whose life is shrouded in mystery and danger. What Shaq does know is that Drew needs his protection. Magical forces are at work, beginning a battle that will require all of Shaq’s skill as the goddess’s champion. With a terrifying threat looming, Shaq and Drew are in danger of losing more than their hearts.

❤️Chosen Universe Multi-series Reading Order:

1. Sweet Nothings- Prequel
– The Chosen One

2. The Trouble With Love
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 1

3. Santa Trouble
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 2

4. All or Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 1

5. Nothing Ventured
– The Chosen One, Book 2

6. Hell on Earth
– Hellhound Champions, Book 1

7. Double or Nothing

8. Next to Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 3

9. Hell To Pay
– Hellhound Champions, Book 2

10. Give Him Hell
– Hellhound Champions, Book 3

11. Nothing Gained
– The Chosen One, Book 4

12. Stop at Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 5

13. Sweet Spot

14. All Kidding Aside
– Magical Mates, Book 1

15. Stop Kidding Around
– Magical Mates, Book 2

16. Hell Breaks Loose
– Hellhound Champions, Book 4

17. Logan
– Chosen Champions, Book 1

18. Gideon
– Chosen Champions, Book 2

19. Jamal
– Chosen Champions

20. Cosmo and the King

21. Aleron
– Chosen Champions, Book 3

Review: Short Stack (a short story collection) by Lily Morton

Rating: 5🌈

If you’re a fan of Lily Morton, especially her Mixed Messages and Finding Home series, this is must reading.

These short stories follow those couples at various stages of their lives and relationships, from the stage after the wedding is over to a marriage proposal we always hoped to read about.

None of these scenes appeared in those stories, cut for various reasons or written for her fans later on. They are now gathered together by couple, and it makes for some very amazing and very rewarding stories.

For myself, it changed my thoughts on a couple and story. That would be Rule Breaker, Dylan and Gabe’s story. Told primarily from Dylan’s pov, It was the romance and relationship I least connected with. The reason was the character of Gabe. For me, without his perspective, he came across as selfish, cold, and his actions often cruel, especially towards Dylan. Who repeatedly took him back.

That missing pov is here. Gabe, his emotional state, and his background, everything that would have made him an emotionally accessible character is here in scenes that never made it into that story. To its detriment, in my opinion. Because after reading this, I look at that novel totally differently.

For the rest of the couples and books? Short Stack just enriches our involvement with them and their relationships. Where we always wanted to know what happened next? This is our answer to that question, and it gives us a often realistic, and emotional satisfying one.

Not read one of the stories? This might make you hold off, stop at a couple. Go get their book. Read it. Then come back for their shorts.

Win on every level.

I got this for my Kindle but I just might need it in a copy for my bookshelf.

I’m recommending it that hard for lovers of these series, this author, and those readers to come.

Short Stack by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Synopsis:

What happens after the happy ending?

Drawn together for the first time, this is a collection of Lily’s short stories about the much-loved men from her Mixed Messages and Finding Home series. Follow them through awkward marriage proposals, birthdays, a fraught babysitting job, and a very drunken Eurovision Song Contest party.

It includes stories previously written for her website and readers’ group, along with deleted scenes and four brand new and exclusive short stories – Bad Valentine, Marrying Jude, Babysitting Billy, and House Hunting.

Mixed Messages:

Rule Breaker #1

Deal Maker #2

Risk Taker#3

Finding Home:

Oz #1

Milo #2

Gideon #3

Review: Yours, Everlasting: A Gay Fairytale (Enchanted Folklore) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 4.5

I was overjoyed to return to Beth Bolden’s Enchanted Folklore universe once again with her new release, Yours, Everlasting: A Gay Fairytale.

A main character, Evander, is very familiar to those of us who read and love Yours, Forever After. That fantasy fairytale, the romance adventure of Prince Graham , aka Gray, of Ardglass and Prince Emory of Fontaine, bossy unicorn, on a mission to reclaim their kingdoms.

A fabulous book and romance.

There we met a mysterious father figure, Ekvard, who sees Prince Graham to safety. And a unicorn. And other fellows.

Everyone and everything comes full circle here in Yours, Everlasting. We learn about a squabbling pantheon of Guardians, a essential mission, and meet once again our princes, now married Kings of a united people.

Evander is a prickly sort of personality. Not the one I remember but then the story starts hundreds of years prior to my initial introduction. He’s every bit a demi-god. Arrogant, stubborn, impulsive, and hot tempered at first. Luckily, he will , due to circumstances, slowly exhibit personal growth and understanding about himself and others. And be the person who cares deeply about those around him.

Otherwise, I’m not sure we could take an entire story of him.

Marcos is fabulous to start with. I adore him. Sexy, swings a mad sword. Has the patience of the ages. Really. How he just hadn’t just up and given Evander a clue during their thousands of years together is a wonder.

The story has magical events, battles, excitement, angst, more than a few surprises, some sexy scenes, and a very happy ending. For all.

Just as the fairytales I prefer should.

Bolden’s Enchanted Folklore series are seriously awesome. Magical, romantic, well written, and beautifully crafted.

I’m highly recommending them both. Read them together, one after the other.

Enchanted Folklore:

Yours, Forever After #1

Yours, Everlasting #2

PREORDER on amazon

ADD TO GOODREADS

Evrard . . .Rhys . . .Evander . . .

Evander has gone by many names in the last thousand years. He’s lived almost as many lives, using his immortality and his unique shapeshifting abilities to become anyone and anything.

He’s sacrificed lifetimes in his effort to eradicate the malevolent magic threatening all humankind. He’s ready for a well-deserved rest. But the past never stays buried, and he discovers that it’s been watching him . . .

Marcos, the Guardian of War, has waited, he’s observed, he’s admired, and he’s yearned. But now it’s time for him to step into the light and let Evander see him for who he truly is. An ally, not a foe. Maybe even a lover.

But fate is fickle, destinies aren’t set in stone, and as much as Marcos hopes Evander might be his, it will be the fight of his life to not only win Evander’s heart, but to defeat the evil that once again raises its sinister head.

Yours, Everlasting is a fast-paced, action adventure-packed story about two immortals, and includes shapeshifting, magical swords, flying fire balls, far too much pining, a healthy dose of sarcasm, and an emotional HEA.

Review: Got Me Thinking (Vet Shop Boys #4) by Casey Cox

Rating: 4.5🌈

Got Me Thinking, fourth book in Casey Cox’s terrific Vet Shop Boys series, is a very sweet,low angst, contemporary romance.

Chase Higgins is the vet who’s life has just had a complete life upheaval, after a long period of stress, and a inability to conceive children in a dying marriage. It was finally coming to the realization that he needs to live his truth, even if it hurts people close to him. That means telling his wife he’s gay, divorcing, and starting to live as a gay man. In his 30’s.

Fisher West is a single dad of twin girls. Recently relocated back to his hometown of Brookhaven, Virginia, to raise his girls, get his life settled after a heartbreaking dissolution of a relationship.

Each man has undergone enormous changes in their lives, made mental decisions as to any new romances, and new goals at home. Whether it’s small pigs as pets, houses to redo, or just getting reestablished in a community.

Cox gives us two wonderful, relatable men, puts each into situations the reader will connect to, then starts to push them together in the most delightful way.

As Chase figures out what being a “ out” gay man means , and Fisher helps just by being his friend, the warmth and joy of their growing relationship rises off the page. Whether it’s through interactions with all the kids, animals, Saturday dinners, or many conversations, all very realistic and funny and , thankfully, adult, it’s all so smoothly done, that I’m all in without realizing it.

I’m full all in love with the men, the idea of a combined family, the way they actually talk through the issues bothering them. That alone was masterful because it was so thoughtful and yes, grownup. It lacks drama, and I appreciate that. Sometimes, being a grownup, if there’s respect and intelligence, as well as the idea you communicate your thoughts and issues, that’s a great element in a romance and relationship.

The epilogue shows that they had obstacles to overcome but it’s such a marvelous chapter and we see how the family and men went on. Happy and very much in love.

Got Me Thinking (Vet Shop Boys #4) by Casey Cox is a wonderful contemporary romance, with a man who starts to live his truth and finds love, family, and a happy future. It’s a warm-hearted, loving book that will leave you smiling. What’s better then that?

I’m highly recommending this and this gentle series.

Vet Shop Boys series so far:

✓ Got Me Hoping #1

✓ Got Me Wishing #2

✓ Got Me Looking #3

✓ Got Me Thinking #4

◦ Got Me Going #5 TBR

◦ Got Me Merry #6 TBR date TBD

https://www.goodreads.com › showGot Me Hoping (Vet Shop Boys, #1) by Casey Cox – Goodreads

Synopsis:

He’s a single dad ready to start dating again. I’m newly divorced and new to…well, everything. This is going to be a disaster… Isn’t it?

When my marriage ends, I decide to buy a run-down house and get a drove of piglets. My friends think I’m having a breakdown, when really, all I’m doing is the one thing I’ve avoided my whole life––figuring out who I am.

One thing I’m quickly learning is that life loves nothing more than to throw you a curveball when you least expect it.

Take Fischer West. From the moment we serendipitously collide on a midnight stroll, he ignites something within me. We have a connection. I want to explore it, even though the timing is all wrong.

There’s no way either one of us is ready for a relationship, so why has Fischer got me thinking it might just work?

Review: The Stable Boy by Megan Derr

Rating: 3.75 🌈

The Stable Boy is a short, sweet fantasy romance from my must have author, Megan Derr.

A tale of curses, betrayal, and princely love, The Stable Boy is a lovely story about Diggory, a Prince who’s betrayed by his bodyguard on his way to his wedding to Prince Adalwin. Diggory is stabbed, cursed, and left for dead as his bodyguard switches identities and proceeds to the palace in his place.

The story tells how Diggory regains his identity and fiancé by becoming his Stable Boy while working to undo the curse and get his HEA.

It’s simple, satisfying, and quick. A sweet fantasy Bon Bon for lovers of romance and happy endings!

Happy reading!

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Stable Boy by Megan Derr – Goodreads

On a journey to meet his fiancé and begin wedding preparations, Prince Diggory is betrayed by his bodyguard, who intends to steal Diggory’s life. Left for dead in a river, the last thing Diggory expects is to live.

But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.

Review: Deal Maker (Mixed Messages #2) by Lily Morton

Rating: 5 🌈

I know I’m in for a grand time when I haven’t even gotten through the first page and I’m laughing at the verbal antics and eagerly anticipating the author’s next steps.

Morton starts off each book with pertinent and moving quotes. Here it then goes a bit further.

Each chapter begins with a hilarious letter to a fan, “reportedly “, from movie star Asa Jacobs, 44, single father to the adorable Billy, age 5.

How they come about is part of this marvelous romance between two men who have sworn off relationships because of the pain, disappointment, and history behind them.

That’s such a simplified version of Deal Maker. This is a story where you’re be laughing at the oh so real…yes I recognize that…antics of Billy the 5 year old or giggling in anticipation at the stuff Jude is no doubt planning because of, nope. Read the story.

Jude Bailey is a masterpiece of a character along with Asa Jacobs. Morton writes complicated people so beautifully.

Jude’s model gorgeous exterior hides a razor sharp wit, a kind heart, and a fierce loyalty towards those he loves. His history is revealed slowly, in texts, phone conversations, and eventually an emotional exhale of history that brought him to his career and situation.

Asa Jacobs is a older huge man. Big physically, capable of an enormous range of emotions, chillingly cold to rage, to a man who deeply loves his son. Also someone carrying immense pain from a past relationship .

His household consists of equally unique characters whose personalities will become as memorable as those of the main characters.

There’s so many downright hilarious scenes here , also characters like Dean that honestly deserve their own gloriously Dim award. He’s magnificent in his own way. And I’ll just say it. Hamster! Love it!

Also deeply moving scenes that dig deep to show our mens fear, doubt, growing love, and resolve to protect those they care about the most.

The Jude’s parents and the entire Devon section was intimate and inviting. It felt like family.

This is one of those stories where at the end you’ll find that your face hurts from smiling so hard and your heart feels so warm. You feel that great!

It’s on my comfort read list now.

I’m highly recommending Deal Maker (Mixed Messages #2) by Lily Morton. It’s plain romance magic!

Mixed Messages:

✓ Rule Breaker #1

◦ Goodbye, Fletcher #1.2

◦ Jude’s Intervention #1.3

◦ Scrambled Eggs and Lemsip #1.5

◦ The Valentine Do-Over #1.7

✓ Deal Maker #2

◦ Risk Taker #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showDeal Maker (Mixed Messages, #2) by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Available in Kindle and paperback formats

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

Also available in Audiobook format

AMAZON

AUDIBLE US

AUDIBLE UK

AUDIBLE DE

AUDIBLE FR

Synopsis:

Sometimes your mouth makes deals that your heart can’t honour.

Jude is a highly successful model, but a very reluctant one. His life is full of casual hook-ups with pretty men in glamorous locations, but it’s still empty. However, circumstances decreed a long time ago that this was his path, so he’s resolutely stayed on it and accepted his fate with good grace. He made a deal with himself and his hook-ups. Get in, get out and no ties with anyone.

However, an accident at home one night leads to him making a new deal and accepting the offer of help from an unlikely source. It leads to an unexpected summer of falling in love with a larger than life man and his child.

But by the end of the summer his reasons for not staying are still valid. Will he turn away? Can he?

Asa is a talented actor who has spent time away from the scene to look after his son. But now he’s back, and the last thing he needs are complications from the gorgeous man who is staying with him. Scarred from too many betrayals, he has no intention of forming a lasting tie with anyone. However, he can’t resist the beautiful man with secrets, and to his horror he develops feelings.

But a deal’s a deal and they said it was just for the summer. What can Asa do with a man who has forever in his eyes and goodbye on his lips?

This is the second book in the Mixed Messages series but it can be read as a standalone.

Review: A Velvet Glove (Arcane Hearts #4) by Nazri Noor

Rating: 4.75🌈

Such an outstanding series. Each story sees a increase in danger to the world our heroes live in from the Fae, the originators of the purple poison crystals that started off the series arc with some strange deaths.

But it’s not from the Fae alone that our characters and their deep relationship seem to face new obstacles and trials. Everywhere they turn, there’s daunting challenges to the path forward they are trying to tread.

For Jackson Pryde , it’s the gods and goddesses who have invited/told him to come to a meeting about his identity as a prism. It’s a element that’s still in development as to what it will eventually mean to Jackson’s life and relationship.

It’s a overlaying thread while Jackson deals with trying to rebuild the artificers’ guild, get approval for the plans (a fantastic section that includes Lore and a new character), and get ready to attend a gathering with Xander at Greyhaven, the magical school he was told he was never good enough for.

Nazri Noor has packed a couple of books worth of themes into one here and , while jammed full, it still flows smoothly. It’s incredibly suspenseful, full of so many emotionally laden issues for our main characters that we and them might be unpacking for the next book or three.

Idol/hero worship, adolescent expectations and the pain when reality mades life feel less important, doubts and insecurities. All while fighting a growing enemy bent on complete destruction.

New fascinating characters. Old enemies , the Fae, of Irish lore. Definitely not any friendly to humans, but capable of extraordinary cruelty.

Lore is exhibiting new growth and personality. I love him.

Noor gives us hints of enormous peril, loss, and just the hope of happiness. Have no idea where this is going but I’m on for the whole ride.

Just amazing stories but read them in the order they are written so you can understand the relationships and arc development.

I’m highly recommending them all.

Arcane Hearts series:

✓ A Touch of Fever #1

✓ A Stroke of Brilliance #2

✓ An Iron Fist #3

✓ A Velvet Glove #4

◦ Hand of Glory #5

https://www.goodreads.com › seriesArcane Hearts Series by Nazri Noor – Goodreads

Jackson Pryde is too cool for school.

In the middle of shearing talking sheep, Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright are visited by Hecate and Freyja, queens of magical might within their pantheons. The goddesses have summoned Jackson for a meeting among immortals, a convocation of entities who wish to study the strange nature of his prismatic powers.

Jackson’s busy enough already. Work is underway for the rebuilding of the artificers’ guild. Rumors abound that his childhood hero is searching for a suitable assistant. And a chance assignment sees the boys visiting the heart of where their bitter rivalry truly began: the elite academy of Grayhaven.

Good thing a visit to Xander’s alma mater won’t unearth old grudges and ancient insecurities.

Right?

A Velvet Glove is an 85,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, you’ve come to the right place. Experience A Velvet Glove today.

Review: Sink or Swim (Shore Leave #2) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 4.5🌈

We meet Calder Euler in Sailor Proof, the first book in this series, and he wasn’t exactly a sympathetic character. Nor did he come across as anything but one dimensional. He wasn’t exactly someone who’s story I looked forward to.

However, Sink or Swim totally changed my perspective on Calder. Albert takes a bare outline of a man and fleshes him out into a individual who we get to know deeply and connect with once we understand the history and events that drove him into person he appears in Sailor Proof.

That man is now at a point where he’s starting to question his goals in life, his career and his path forward. It happens to coincide with his meeting Dr. Felix Sigurd. Newly, bitterly divorced, with two children he’s a guardian for, and still trying to figure his way through his life when a mixup finds himself, the kids , and Calder , all together snowed in at a cabin.

Albert starts a very complicated relationship process from this beginning. The foundation that each man is standing on is firm of character but each man’s past has built a crumbly mound upon it that needs to be reconciled and resolved between them before they can move forward together and as a family.

The two pov format works so smoothly and well to help define both characters and assist the reader in understanding the difficulties each man faces in their lives, as well as the realistic obstacles they face in their relationship.

For Calder, it’s not just perceiving where that uber competitive attitude came from, but how emotionally he’s able to finally acknowledge it, and let it go. Importantly , its also the research and military career knowledge that’s Albert’s done that’s goes into Calder’s decisions that makes this so believable. The Euler family just comes off as military unit, at every level.

I can’t forget the fantastic children here too. Both girls, so very different, each with opposite emotional reactions to a new man in their and their Uncle’s lives. They are so believable and a little heartbreaking. It’s the outgoing, exuberant Charlotte, ready to climb mountains and brave new realities, with a outlook that remembers love as well as loss. It’s the retiring Madeleine, who needs to be shown a path is safe before she takes a step, her reticence bourn of grief and instability. She’s not yet ready for change. For change hasn’t meant anything good. Both girls are children we can believe in, connect to, and love totally. And in turn, they bring us closer to both men and their relationship.

I don’t know if Annabeth Albert is done with the Eulers. I hope not. They are quite the family. I’d love to see this series continue, along with the Eulers, so we can see more of these couples in future stories. And at the annual Euler camp!

I’m recommending both stories. Read them in the order they are written. It’s very interesting, especially for characters development and relationships.

Happy Reading!

Shore Leave
Book 1: Sailor Proof
Book 2: Sink or Swim

https://www.goodreads.com › showSink or Swim (Shore Leave #2) by Annabeth Albert – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Winning and losing are subject to sexy interpretation…

Navy chief Calder Euler loves to win big. His latest score? A remote mountain cabin. Checking it out is supposed to be a quick trip, but Calder’s luck abruptly turns when a freak injury and a freakier snowstorm leave him stranded.

Oh, and the cabin isn’t empty. A silver fox caring for two young girls claims that the property is his, but Calder’s paperwork says otherwise.

Felix Sigurd is on a losing streak, and his ex-husband risking the cabin in a reckless bet is only the latest in a series of misfortunes. He’ll tolerate the handsome stranger for a couple nights–even care for his injuries—but that’s it.

Calder doesn’t know a damn thing about kids, but making pancakes for Felix’s girls is a surprising delight. Trapped in the cabin, the four of them slip easily into the rhythms of a family. But when the ice melts, they’ll have to decide if a future together is in the cards.

Carina Adores is home to romantic love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.

Review: Hot Wings (The Hot Cannolis #2) by Eli Easton and Tara Lain

Rating: 5 🌈

Hot is right. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this story since the author’s announced it was Donny’s story with a newly transferred gay fire pilot.

Donato “Donny” Cannoli is a mess of a man, something of a norm actually for the men of the enormous Italian family where the ideals of manhood run adjacent to those of toxic masculinity. Where they , actually everyone, are expected to go into careers of service, dangerous service. Firefighters, law enforcement…nothing less. Marry, produce another generation to do the exact same, and carry on the Cannoli name and reputation.

No matter the personal cost.

Hot Seat, Mike’s story was a dramatic representation of exactly how high that cost could be when the stress and denial became too great.

And it caused an emotional, heartbreaking,sea change in attitude in Donny. Prior to the shattering event towards the end of that story, Donny , like his older brother, Gabe, was a homophobic machismo sneering bully. But afterwards?

A changed man who had his brother’s back and started standing up for Mike and against those uttering homophobic slurs.

That’s where we find him now. A man who’s foundation has been shaken, the cracks appearing… when out and proud Dell Murphy arrives , to further the job of disassembling the man Donny always thought himself to be.

Lain and Easton do an absolutely superlative job here with Donny’s emotionally profound and painful journey, with himself and Dell, to his truth. He’s bisexual, he’s never going to fit within his father’s ideals, and he’s got a new better future if he’s brave enough to accept it and himself.

It’s a path you’re on with Donny that’s at times raw, sexually hot, and heartwarming, and also so deeply complicated that you just hurt for him as he unravels all those familial issues that have him trussed up so tightly in old ideals that have never fit him.

Dell Murphy has his complications. All just as well executed and emotional. And like Donny’s, they stem from family. His issues with his father has driven home certain areas of behavior and trust that Donny’s triggering. He’s also the one who’s the security for his Mam and sister , Gala. Those characters too are just amazing.

There’s so many great elements here. Dell is a realistic pilot and the research into the plane, flying, fire intensity…. It’s all here. And it makes for some incredibly high suspense action. Awesome co- pilot too.

The truth is this book is so fantastic I could babble on about all the great things the authors have put into this story that enrich the storylines and support the characters growing relationship, but why not just pick it up and read it? It’s fabulous!

I will say you should read Hot Seat first to get an indication of the events that happened previously and how far Donny’s characters has changed.

I’m highly recommending this and the series to date.

Now an interesting note on the next two stories. Due to unexpected complications (author Tara Alain’s surgery and recovery), Lain and Easton aren’t co-writing the next books. Instead each will write a single novel.

I’m wondering how that will effect the sort of edgy balance they’ve achieved here in the series to date between raw , deeply emotional issues each character has had to process and overcome and the romantic relationship element. It’s been a delicate maneuver. In Mike’s novel, it was really more about his journey towards self acceptance, and then it was his romance.

Here in Hot Wings, I thought it was equally important. Beautifully crafted.

Now to see how and who is next.

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 date TBD

◦ Hot Lips #4 by Tara Lain, date TBD

https://www.goodreads.com › showHot Wings (The Hot Cannolis #2) by Eli Easton – Goodreads

Synopsis:

The alpha meets his match.

Most macho of all the super-alpha Canali brothers and proud of it, Donny’s famous for his gorgeous face, his firefighter prowess, and for going through girls his family doesn’t approve of as fast as he changes jeans.

Donny’s biggest hero is his fire captain dad, until his life gets saved from the skies by fire pilot Dell Murphy.

Dell’s certain about most things. He’s been proud to be gay since he was ten, handled a helicopter in Afghanistan like it was part of his body, and can fly a fire bomber in the worst conflagration. And he’s absolutely certain that Donny Canali belongs to him.
Dell also knows how to show a lover he’s in charge.

Donny’s shocked to discover how much he’s turned on by dominant Dell, but Donny’s not gay. He’s not. He can’t be. It would break his father’s heart.

Leaving Dell will break Donny’s.

HOT WINGS is a battle of the alphas, hot firefighters, two crazy families, dominant lover, HEA romance with a helping of laughter and even more feels.