Book of the Week Poll
Welcome to the Love Bytes Book of the Week Poll!
Here are the books which achieved a 4.5 or 5.0 review last week from our reviewers.
As a reminder, the top two books from each week’s poll will roll into our Book of the Month poll at month’s end. Happy Voting!
Please scroll to the very bottom for the voting section.
POLL SCHEDULE:
This poll will remain open until at least 6PM, Amsterdam time next Friday. The actual closing time will vary depending on blog staff schedules…
Ledgers and Rent Boys (Ore 5, Book 2) by Meraki P. Lyhne
Reviewed by Dan
TITLE: Ledgers and Rent Boys
SERIES: Ore 5 Book 2
AUTHOR: Meraki P. Lyhne
PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
LENGTH:
RELEASE DATE:
BLURB:
Juggling a new relationship and running a business based on an illusion of being sexually available is not the easiest balance.
Overcoming their differences and discovering new sides of each other, Ethan and Ryder are trying their hands on this new thing called a relationship. Ethan’s insecurities and focus on putting Ryder’s business first are contradicting Ryder’s need to shout his love from the rooftops.
But that’s the personal side of things. The business is in trouble too since Ethan’s keen eye caught flaws in Black Ryder’s books and exposed the previous accountant stealing from the storage. The heaps of messy ledgers are keeping Ethan busy while Ryder’s business is being invaded by pimps. To top off the new couple’s problems, a rentboy named Hayden dances his way to the front of Black Ryder’s stage with enough trouble in his wake to claim all of Ryder’s attention.
Bits & Bones (The Undead Canadian 1.5 & 2.5) by T. Strange
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Bits & Bones
SERIES: The Undead Canadian 1.5 & 2.5
AUTHOR: T. Strange
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 108 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 7, 2018
BLURB:
Four short stories from the world of the Undead Canadian series, including two previously unpublished works!
Exchange of Power – Magic has its rules: necromancers control zombies, not the other way around. But rules are made to be broken, and when Kit realizes he can command Edward, he intends to take full advantage of this new-found power. The opportunity to unsettle Bone in the process just makes it that much sweeter.
Bone – Bone knew Edward was a necromancer the moment he set foot in Bone’s mortuary. Edward never stood a chance.
The Adventures of Boo the Zombie Cat – Edward has hardly spent a night away from his cat, Boo, since before he was in preschool. Not even death could separate them—Edward resurrected Boo as his first zombie when he was five years old. Now, Boo has gone missing, and the cat isn’t in any of his usual haunts.
The Jenkins Place – After losing his wife and the use of his legs in a car accident, Jim Robinson and his daughter Sarah move to an acreage outside Kingston, Ontario, to make a fresh start. Jim isn’t looking to fall in love, but the house’s former resident might be able to cure his broken heart.
The Medium by Bonnie Dee
Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: The Medium 
AUTHOR: Bonnie Dee
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 197 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2018
BLURB:
Cast out of his family for being a freak, psychic Justin Crump helps others find peace by using his ability. When he’s called upon to release a distressed soul from a haunted house, a child’s angry spirit
draws him into a dark mystery. Equally intriguing is the skeptical homeowner, Albert, a man who has buried his sexuality deeper than the grave.
Albert Henderson humors his mother’s wishes by inviting the medium for a visit. While he doubts Justin’s gifts, he can’t deny one truth: the man stirs desire in him that Albert has spent a lifetime denying.
Slowly, the walls of his proper life crumble. And when Justin proposes some emotion-free experimentation, neither imagines it might lead to love…and danger.
After learning the terrifying truth about the deceased child’s persecutor, the two men pursue a perpetrator of great evil. When they coax a confession from their quarry, the vengeful spirit unleashes power
nearly beyond control. To free the earthbound ghost from the past that holds it shackled, Justin must risk his own soul. And Albert must find the courage to break free of the chains of doubt that will deny him and
Justin the future of which they once only dreamed.
This Time Around (Road to Blissville #4) by Aimee Nicole Walker
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: This Time Around
SERIES: Road to Blissville #4
AUTHOR: Aimee Nicole Walker
PUBLISHER: Chasing Rainbows Press
LENGTH: 218 Pages
RELEASEDATE: May 3, 2018
BLURB:
At the café Milo Miracle co-owns with his twin sister, coffee and pastries are served up along with his unique blend of sass and snark. Milo knows that small-town life often means that every day is the same as the one before, and excitement can only be found in the gossip that travels faster than the speed of light. When the dark-haired Adonis who broke his heart returns home after a twelve-year absence, Milo unhappily finds himself at the center of Blissville’s favorite pastime.
Andy Mason was practically a kid when he left home to pursue big-league ambitions, but the man who returns to Blissville is humbled by shattered dreams and secrets he’s not ready to share with Milo. Andy’s no stranger to grit and determination, and he’ll need both to win back Milo’s cynical heart.
Strong wills clash with stubborn hearts, triggering combustible passion once Andy starts renovations at the café. Milo would like to keep Andy’s hands busy doing something other than construction. Andy would like to suggest what Milo can do with his wicked tongue besides trade barbs with him. Neither man is willing to budge until they get a little shove from an outside force. Will Andy and Milo learn that trust is a two-way street, or will this time around end as disastrous as the first?
This time around is a witty, sexy, and endearing love story about two men who learn how to balance push and pull, both in and out of the bedroom. It is the fourth book in the Road to Blissville series but can be read as a standalone book. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults eighteen and over.
Midnight Musicals and Coffee Ice Cream by Layla Dorine
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Midnight Musicals and Coffee Ice Cream
AUTHOR: Layla Dorine
PUBLISHER: Encompass Ink
LENGTH: 319 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2018
BLURB:
Takashi never imagined that a simple call to an escort service would result in meeting Zander. What started out as a date to the winter gala at his office, morphed into a series of paid dates that offer him several unique opportunities to get to know the handsome, enigmatic escort.
Zander hates feeling like an ornament. After four years he’s ready for a new occupation. Unfortunately, he isn’t skilled enough for any job that would pay him the money he needs to make to support himself and his family. So, he stays with Mateo’s agency and keeps on taking clients, refusing to call them dates because that’s too personal.
Until Takashi.
Now their both trying to make the best of the brief moments they have together, blurring the lines more and more with every passing night. Takashi wants more, Zander wants to give it to him, but only after he gets the rest of his life worked out. Only problem is, he has no idea how.
The Wanderer (Chronicles of the Riftlands #1) by Rowan McAllister
Reviewed by Chris
TITLE: The Wanderer
SERIES: Chronicles of the Riftlands #1
AUTHOR: Rowan McAllister
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 200 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2018
BLURB:
After centuries of traveling the continent of Kita and fighting the extradimensional monsters known as Riftspawn, mage Lyuc is tired and ready to back away from the concerns of humanity.
But the world isn’t done with him yet.
While traveling with a merchant caravan, Lyuc encounters Yan, an Unnamed, the lowest caste in society. Though Yan has nothing but his determination and spirit, he reminds Lyuc what passion and desire feel like. While wild magic, a snarky, shapeshifting, genderfluid companion, and the plots of men and monsters seem determined to keep Lyuc from laying down his burden, only Yan’s inimitable spirit tempts him to hang on for another lifetime or so.
All Yan wants is to earn the sponsorship of a guild so he can rise above his station, claim a place in society, and build the family he never had.
After hundreds of years of self-imposed penance, all Lyuc wants is Yan.
If they can survive prejudice, bandits, mercenaries, monsters, and nature itself, they might both get their wish… and maybe even their happily ever after.
The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever (Dreamspun Desires, #60) by Andrew Grey
Reviewed by Tammy
TITLE: The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever 
SERIES: Dreamspun Desires, #60
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 194 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 19, 2018
BLURB:
How can heartbreak turn into happily ever after?
Tommy Gordon is all set for happily ever after—until heartbreak strikes when his husband-to-be leaves him at the altar. In a bid for distraction, his best friend, Grayson Phillips, suggests he takes advantage of the luxury honeymoon anyway! But the last thing Tommy wants is to go alone, so he invites Grayson and his son, Petey, along.
Beautiful Bonaire lends itself to romance, and along with close quarters, relaxing on the water, and a matchmaking kid, Tommy and Grayson soon find themselves closer than ever… and considering more, much to Grayson’s delight. But before they can plan the best honeymoon ever, dark clouds descend in the form of Tommy’s ex and a sting from paradise that could ruin everything.
Demon Familiar (Wanted #1) by Bellora Quinn & Sadie Rose Bermingham
Reviewed by Tori (Vicki)
TITLE: Demon Familiar
SERIES: Wanted #1
AUTHOR: Bellora Quinn & Sadie Rose Bermingham
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 244 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 19th, 2018
BLURB:
Sometimes when you don’t know what you want, life gives you what you need.
When Neil Markovic witnesses the murder of his mother by Bone Men his world is thrown into turmoil. On the run from the assassins that killed her, his sorcerer father and the police, Neil finds help in the form of a tall half fae alchemist named Malachai. Mal seems more accepting than most of Neil’s demon bloodline, but curiously immune to his charms.
Malachai Valentine, disgraced scion of a noble Leprechaun clan, back in the Old Country, is happy living as an anonymous scrap dealer. Using his talent for alchemy to make fuel and potions, most days he doesn’t even think of his ruinous past. When a scared young man with a fancy car crashes into his life, at first, Mal thinks he can do without the hassle. But as Neil begins to get under his skin, Mal starts to reassess his hopes and ambitions.
Harassed by megalomaniac fae and stalked by sorcerous killers at every turn, Malachai and Neil must fight to be free, and to find what they both truly wanted.
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, murder and non-consensual sex.
A Tender Curiosity by Charlie Cochet
Reviewed by Jess
TITLE: A Tender Curiosity: A Collection of Three Short Stories 
AUTHOR: Charlie Cochet
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 90 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2018
BLURB:
Take a journey into the past and meet the men who laughed, lived, and loved in a bygone era. This collection includes three short but sweet tales of infatuation, adventure, humor, and even a dash of the paranormal.
When Love Walked In
Private investigator Bruce Shannon’s cases of missing persons and infidelity don’t inspire warm feelings around Valentine’s Day. Luckily Bruce is quite happy with only his cat for companionship—until handsome Jace Scarret wanders off the street and into Bruce’s life.
In His Corner
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Jessie “the Demon” Dalton needs a cornerman, and Eli jumps at the chance, hoping for answers about why Jessie broke his heart years ago. It soon becomes clear that Jessie needs Eli in his corner—and in his life. Now all Eli has to do is convince Jessie.
Believe Me, Beloved
Robert Bradley dreams of singing on the radio, and when he attends the masked ball of handsome station owner Gabriel Chase, Robert has no idea his dream is about to take an unexpected paranormal turn.
Soul of Discretion by Susan Mac Nicol & M. Tasia
Reviewed by Donna
TITLE: Soul of Discretion
AUTHOR: Susan Mac Nicol & M. Tasia
PUBLISHER: Boroughs Publishing
LENGTH: 181 Pages
RELEASE DATE: April 29, 2018
BLURB:
CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET
Simon Bridgeworth believes in loyalty, and keeping things in-house. When he discovers his best friend, who has been running the Canadian division of Simon’s tech empire, has been skimming millions from the company, Simon flies to Toronto to get to the bottom of the theft and learns his friend has been murdered. Devastated and at a loose end, Simon knows there’s no way the company’s problems can be kept under wraps now. Imagine his surprise when he learns the Mountie investigating the murder is the first repeat Simon has allowed himself in years.
Sergeant Nick Cooper is a proud member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He’s served his country in the military, and now he’s protecting the citizenry of Toronto. But devotion to duty is no longer enough. On a whim, Nick hooks up with Aristocrat69 on crUIzer, and what started as one night of incredible sex turns into an attraction neither man can ignore. When a grisly mob murder sends Nick to the Breakforce corporation, he is shocked to discover his lover is none other than its CEO. When Simon’s life is threatened, ethical lines blur as Nick does anything to keep him safe – no cost is too high for the man who has become Nick’s everything.
A Lethal Love (Stonewall Investigations #2) by Max Walker
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: A Lethal Love
SERIES: Stonewall Investigations #2
AUTHOR: Max Walker
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 238 Pages
RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2018
BLURB:
Alejandro Santos is a sharp as nails detective who’s been struck with a spell of boring cases. He’s left unstimulated and unhappy. That is until Griffin walks in through the doors of Stonewall Investigations and suddenly everything changes.
Griffin Banks is the son of a tech mogul and, from the outside in, appears to have everything set. But Griffin’s battling intense demons of his own. Things get exponentially worse when he wakes up from a drug and alcohol-fueled blackout to find his friend in his living room. His dead friend. Someone murdered her and left him behind.
Griffin’s case is exactly what Alejandro was looking for, and Alejandro happened to be exactly whom Griffin was looking for.
When powerful sparks begin to fly between the two, both men will be faced with new challenges. They’ll be tested in ways neither would have ever seen coming. Griffin and Alejandro will need to navigate a winding, treacherous road on their journey to finding happiness together.
_______________
A Lethal Love is the second book in the Stonewall Investigations series. It can be read as a standalone and is a full-length, steamy gay romantic suspense novel.
The Wulf Chronicles (WulfChron Book 1) by Wulf Francu Godgluck
Reviewed by Dan
TITLE: The Wulf Chronicles
SERIES: WulfChron Book 1
AUTHOR: Wulf Francu Godgluck
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 273 Pages
RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2018
BLURB:
What if werewolves were real?
What if one of them was different?
What if you were a defective werewolf?
This is not the story of how one night I got bitten and my life changed. Nor is it the story of how I went on a savage killing spree that left me tormented with guilt and dread the next morning.
No.
This is the story of a boy, a boy who’s spent his life running from the shadows of monsters. A boy who never understood why the world hated him with so much odium. Why his mother would throw away her only life to protect his. Why he was never allowed to have friends. Why he never had the childhood every child should. Why he was never allowed to cherish happiness.
This is the story of a boy becoming himself, embracing his vulnerability and learning to accept and love.
This is a story about a werewolf, trying to find the answers to why he was born defective.
And maybe that’s the very reason I become the main course on the menu.
This time around was the absolute best book I’ve read lately. Road to Blissville is an awesome series and we are all waiting for the next one!!