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…
Eight Nights in December by Keira Andrews
![Eight Nights in December: Gay Holiday Romance by [Andrews, Keira]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510aPgz3mjL.jpg)
Reviewed by Cinnamon
TITLE: Eight Nights in December
AUTHOR: Keira Andrews
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 89 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 7th, 2017
BLURB:
A GEEK. A VIRGIN. ONE SEXY HOLIDAY.
Orphaned Lucas figures spending the holidays with his obnoxious roommate’s family in New York City is better than staying alone on campus upstate. He ends up sharing a room again, this time with his roommate’s brother, Nate. Geeky photographer Nate isn’t at all what Lucas expects. In fact, he’s incredibly sexy–especially when he invites Lucas into his darkroom…
They hide their attraction during Hanukkah celebrations, but behind closed doors, Lucas and Nate can’t keep their hands (or mouths) off each other. Nate’s only looking for a bit of holiday fun, and amazing sex with a hot virgin definitely fits the bill. Yet as the candles burn,
Nate and Lucas begin to realize eight nights will never be enough. Read More »
The Puzzle Box by CC Bridges
Reviewed by Donna
TITLE: The Puzzle Box
SERIES: 2017 Dreamspinner Advent Calendar – Stocking Stuffers
AUTHOR: CC Bridges
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 36 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2017
BLURB:
Elementary school art teacher Cole Peters is expecting a lonely Christmas this year while his longtime boyfriend, James Carducci, is on deployment with the Army. However, a box from James contains puzzles that lead Cole on a scavenger hunt through the greatest moments of their relationship. Together with his best friend Liz, Cole works his way through each clue.
The final puzzle could lead Cole to a gift beyond his wildest expectations. Read More »
Hope Is the Thing with Feathers by Brandon Witt
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Hope Is the Thing with Feathers
SERIES: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily | Stocking Stuffers
AUTHOR: Brandon Witt
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 48 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2017
BLURB:
Fifty-six-year-old Samuel Phillips is all alone on his small farm in the Ozarks, with nothing but a menagerie of chickens, pheasants, turkeys, and other birds as company—which is just the way he likes it. In fact, if Samuel had his way, he’d tear down his neighbor’s house so his solitude could be absolute. One day Faloola, his favorite turkey, escapes, forcing Samuel to make the trek next door. When Raymond Webber—sixty-seven—answers the door as naked as the day he was born, Samuel doesn’t know whether he’s more annoyed… or attracted. The two men are opposites in every way—Samuel is serious, while Raymond believes in free love and herbal relaxation. The weeks leading up to Christmas are rocky to say the least, but some holiday spirit might help them get past their differences…. Read More »
A Time to Keep by Morgan Cheshire
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: A Time to Keep
AUTHOR: Morgan Cheshire
PUBLISHER: Manifold Press
LENGTH: 280 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2017
BLURB:
It’s 1909, and on leaving the workhouse young lovers Ben and Matthew must find their places in the world. Luck brings jobs and somewhere to live, but their security is short-lived when England begins to prepare for war. Ben can’t wait to go to France and fight for his country, and it isn’t long before Matthew receives the news he’s dreaded. Ineligible for military service Matthew must stay at home, his life disintegrating – until, years later, the arrival of a stranger helps him learn to live for the future again. Read More »
Second Place (Matchmakers #3) by G.R. Lyons
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Second Place
SERIES: Matchmakers #3
AUTHOR: G.R. Lyons
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 306 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 24, 2016
BLURB:
*Also available as part of Matchmakers: A Shifting Isles Trilogy (ISBN 978-1534740860)***
Danny Berringer lives up to the name of his nightclub. Ever since he cheated on Bryan, the love of his life, he’s been making up for it by helping others find love. He even matched up Bryan with Eric Grant, except Bryan’s perfect marriage seems to have fallen apart, and Danny is dying to know why. He doesn’t get couples wrong. Ever.
Bryan Landry had his heart broken by Danny, then had it put back together by Eric, but he can’t have Eric anymore, and it’s all his fault. He spends his nights at Matchmakers having random tricks and trying to avoid Danny, but the meddlesome matchmaker won’t leave him be.
Thrown together through guilt, death, and temptation, Bryan denies his feelings while Danny clings to dreams of Bryan’s forgiveness. Will Danny always lose, or can he win second place in Bryan’s heart? Read More »
Second Drafts (Matchmakers #2) by G.R. Lyons
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Second Drafts
SERIES: Matchmakers #2
AUTHOR: G.R. Lyons
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 316 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 24, 2016
BLURB:
Novelist Shain Ahren is committed to only one thing: himself. Living alone and having an endless string of one-night stands, Shain’s carefully crafted routine ensures no one will ever control him again. But one trick he met at Matchmakers, years ago, he can’t get out of his head.
Painter Elliden Crawford yearns to be controlled. Born with an extreme chemical imbalance, Elliden struggles to keep the fits at bay so he won’t be a danger to others. Only once in his life did Elliden ever truly feel safe, just one night when he met a stranger at Matchmakers.
When Matchmakers brings them together again, Elliden finally gets what he needs, while Shain’s world is thrown into complete disarray. Will Shain ever relinquish control, or will they be fated to remain a discarded first draft? Read More »
Getting His Man (Dreamspun Desires # 48) by B.G. Thomas
Reviewed by Kimberley
TITLE: Getting His Man
SERIES: Dreamspun Desires # 48
AUTHOR: B.G. Thomas
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 189 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 15, 2017
BLURB:
A love story worthy of an old movie… with a new twist.
Artie needs a hero, a man like those he’s always revered in Golden Age films. His drug-dealing jerk of a roommate got him arrested, and since his savior isn’t likely to sweep in and save the day, Artie calls a bail bondsman.
August has always imagined himself a hero from a black-and-white movie, but he’s never found a man willing to let him play that role—at least not until he gets the call from Artie.
Both of their dreams might come true, but not before August must use his skills as a bounty hunter as well as a bondsman. Artie is on the run for his life, and August must protect him and help him clear his name. Only then can they both finally get their man. Read More »
Broken Pieces (Broken #1) By Deja Black
Reviewed by Roberta
TITLE: Broken Pieces
SERIES: Broken #1
AUTHOR: Deja Black
PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
LENGTH: 321 pages
Release Date: December 8, 2017
BLURB:
Remi Devereaux is a Louisiana born detective working murder cases in Louisville, Kentucky. While shopping for game-day with the guys, he spots the most amazing person he has ever seen. Peter is a man Remi wants with his whole being, a man he just can’t let go.
Peter Romanoff is a photographer who possesses the spirit of two creatures. Two beings that are slowly tearing him apart. He needs a Supruga, a mate, to help give him balance. When he meets Remi, there is a magnetic pull he can’t deny.
The next in line to lead a powerful coven, Peter is hunted, and the people he knows and loves are being killed. It will take Remi’s love and Peter’s skills to combat the enemy after them. Can Remi be the balance Peter needs before the coven destroys them both? Read More »
Out For the Holidays: An Out Novella by Cara Dee
Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Out For the Holidays: An Out Novella
AUTHOR: Cara Dee
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 150 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 12th, 2017
BLURB:
I’m not saying Henry jinxed us when he chose to send out two hundred holiday cards stating we were going to have a blissful Christmas at home…
Before we knew it, our peace and quiet went out the window, and we were headed to Mexico for a photo shoot my agent had neglected to tell me about. Of course, we had to deal with the man who didn’t want us to be together, and then we ended up back in LA, and we had to figure out what was going on with my brother, and, and… Okay, deep breaths. FYI, Philadelphia is nowhere near our home in northern Washington. Additionally, I wonder how Viagra really works, and what’s it gonna take to get a proposal around here?
Honestly. I’m not saying Henry jinxed us, but I’m writing the damn card next year. Read more
Wild Trail by A. M. Arthur
Reviewed by Cinnamon
TITLE: Wild Trail
SERIES: Clean Slate Ranch series Book #1
AUTHOR: A. M. Arthur
PUBLISHER: Carina Press
LENGTH: 384 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 11, 2017
BLURB:
Welcome to Clean Slate Ranch: home of tight jeans, cowboy boots, and rough trails. For some men, it’s a fantasy come true.
Mack Garrett loves the rolling hills surrounding his Northern California dude ranch. Leading vacationers on horse trails with his two best friends is enough – romance is definitely not in the cards. When a sexy tourist shows up at Clean Slate, he’s as far from Mack’s type as can be. So why is the handsome city slicker so far under his skin in less than a day?
Roughing it in the middle of nowhere isn’t anywhere near Wes Bentley’s idea of fun. Then he lays eyes on the gruffest, hottest papa bear he’s ever seen. But Mack is as hard to pin down as he looks – distant, sharp-tongued, and in desperate need of a shave. Until a campout gone wrong strands both men in the mountains with nothing to do but get to know each other.
Mack intends to keep his closely guarded heart out of Wes’ very talented hands. But for a seven-day cowboy, Wes is packing some long-term possibility. The cold country air can do wonders for bringing bodies together – but it will take more than that to bridge the distance between two men whose lives are worlds apart. Read More »
Saint and the Sinner (Wilde Love #4) by Sam Burns
Reviewed by Chris
TITLE: Saint and the Sinner
SERIES: Wilde Love #4
AUTHOR: Sam Burns
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 219 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 9, 2017
BLURB:
Owen Quinn has been trailing after his brother’s best friend since he was a kid, but what everyone took as admiration has always been love. For years, he’s had to keep his distance because the object of his affection has always been taken. Now with his father sick and the career he’s been planning since he was in high school circling the drain, the one person who’s there for him is the man he loves, but can’t have.
Mickey Martin is practically a member of the Quinn family. He grew up sneaking sips of sacramental wine in the church storage room with Keegan, looking after Owen, and since he was fifteen, working for Brendan. When his mom passed away, they were right there by his side. He owes the Quinns everything, but now his love for the youngest Quinn might cost him all that he holds dear. Read More »
An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2) by K.C. Wells and Parker Williams
REVIEWED by Jen B.
TITLE: An Unlocked Mind
SERIES: Secrets #2
AUTHORS: K.C. Wells and Parker Williams
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 316 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 11, 2017
BLURB:
Rob Daniels is determined to prove to himself that his brother Alex got it wrong. Alex believes he found love through BDSM; Rob is certain that’s not possible. He even makes several visits to a London club to prove his point. But when he attends the grand opening of Secrets, Rob gets a shock, one that has him fleeing, vowing never to return—until he does… and runs into the brick wall that is Dom Vic Prentiss. As first meetings go, theirs is a disaster.
The more time he spends around Rob, the more convinced Vic becomes of two things—one, something is eating away at Rob, and two, he’s looking for something. Every instinct tells Vic to help him, but trying to unlock the secrets hidden in Rob’s mind requires a key. All Vic has to do is find it. Because maybe then he’ll get to see the real Rob, the man who’s scared to let go…. Read More »
Fire and Flint (Carlisle Deputies, #1) by Andrew Grey
Reviewed by Tammy
TITLE: Fire and Flint
SERIES: Carlisle Deputies, #1
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 200 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 8, 2017
BLURB:
Jordan Erichsohn suspects something is rotten about his boss, Judge Crawford. Unfortunately, he has nowhere to turn and doubts anyone will believe his claims – least of all the handsome deputy, Pierre Ravelle, who has been assigned to protect the judge after he received threatening letters. The judge has a long reach, and if he finds out Jordan’s turned on him, he might impede Jordan adopting his son, Jeremiah.
When Jordan can no longer stay silent, he gathers his courage and tells Pierre what he knows. To his surprise and relief, Pierre believes him, and Jordan finds an ally… and maybe more. Pierre vows to do what it takes to protect Jordan and Jeremiah and see justice done. He’s willing to fight for the man he’s growing to love and the family he’s starting to think of as his own. But Crawford is a powerful and dangerous enemy, and he’s not above ripping apart everything Jordan and Pierre are trying to build to save himself… Read More »
Homemade from the Heart by Bru Baker
Reviewed by Louisa
TITLE: Homemade from the heart
SERIES: 2017 Dreamspinner Advent Calendar- Stocking Stuffers
AUTHOR: Bru Baker
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 55 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2017
BLURB:
Craft store owner Grant has always been a sucker for a pretty face, and that goes double for a pretty face with an adorable sidekick. When seven-year-old Aubrey has her heart set on taking Grant’s already-full holiday craft series, he caves and gives up his one day off a week so she (and her hot guardian, Josh) can take private lessons. Their flirting ramps up week after week, and even though Josh isn’t with Aubrey’s mother, Grant can’t be sure the man isn’t straight. Maybe he’s just being friendly. And Josh, who most definitely is not straight, is afraid of being the creepy guy hitting on the teacher.
Frustrated by their stubbornness and cluelessness, Aubrey takes matters into her own hands. She decides the best gift to give Josh is something homemade and from the heart—a boyfriend they’ll both love. Read More »
The Holly Groweth Green by Amy Rae Durreson
Reviewed by Sarina
TITLE: The Holly Groweth Green
SERIES: 2017 Dreamspinner Advent Calendar- Stocking Stuffers
AUTHOR: Amy Rae Durreson
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 62 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2017
BLURB:
When wounded doctor Laurence Payne is stranded in the snowy English countryside on Christmas Eve, 1946, he is surprised to stumble upon Mistle Cottage and its mysterious inhabitant. Avery claims to be an Elizabethan wizard, and Laurence struggles to explain away the atmosphere of the cottage as mere coincidence and trickery. He spends a magical twelve days of Christmas celebrating with Avery, but then wakes to find his lover has vanished and the cottage has fallen to ruin overnight.
Laurence’s investigations lead him to the story of an ancient fairy curse—Avery is doomed to spend only Christmas Eve to Twelfth Night in human form until he finds true love. Laurence sets out to give Avery the greatest gift of all—his heart and with it the chance to live for more than the fleeting winter weeks he’s been sentenced to. Read More »
Safety Protocols for Human Holidays: A Holiday to Remember by Angel Martinez
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: Safety Protocols for Human Holidays
SERIES: A Holiday to Remember
AUTHOR: Angel Martinez
PUBLISHER: Mischief Corner Books
LENGTH: 55 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2017
BLURB:
As a security officer on an interspecies ship, Growlan Raskli’s experienced in heading off species-specific aberrant behaviors in order to keep the peace. But when her captain asks her to find out what’s bothering their sole human crew member, Raskli’s out of her depths. She hardly knows anything about humans and she’s not a psych doctor.
Something’s definitely upset Human Jen, something to do with human holidays. The more time Raskli spends studying humans and interacting with the intriguing Human Jen, the more personal the assignment becomes. Determined to lift the dark cloud from Human Jen, Raskli will do whatever it takes—within safe parameters, of course. Read More »