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…
Alpha’s Sacrifice (Irresistible Omegas #1) by Nora Phoenix
Reviewed by Becca and Kat
TITLE: Alpha’s Sacrifice
SERIES: Irresistible Omegas #1
AUTHOR: Nora Phoenix
PUBLISHER: self-published
RELEASE DATE: April 13, 2018
BLURB:
an MMMM Mpreg Gay Romance
Four men, brought together by fate, connected in more powerful ways than they’d ever imagined.
Lidon, the powerful alpha-cop, determined to never trust another partner—until he helps a vulnerable omega through his heat and connects with him in a way that leaves him reeling.
Enar, the alpha-doctor who dedicates his life to serving omegas who need his help. He works himself to the bone, anything to drown out his inner voices that scream at him he’s not a real alpha.
Palani, the sassy beta reporter who will do anything to save his omega lover and childhood friend, even if it means watching another man claim him.
Vieno, the omega who suffers from a medical condition that requires an alpha’s help. It was supposed to be sex, but his attraction to the alpha goes much deeper. But how can he betray his soulmate and lover Palani like this?
When Vieno’s freedom is endangered, he needs Lidon to save him. The alpha steps up, but the consequences of his choice are more far-reaching than anyone of them had foreseen.
Four men try to figure out what they are to each other amidst political unrest, investigations into corruption and fraud, a medical issue that is far bigger and more sinister than it seemed at first, and old legends that are turning out to be real.
Alpha’s Sacrifice is an MMMM mpreg gay romance and the first book in the Irresistible Omegas series. It is not a stand-alone and ends on a cliffhanger. Please note the triggers warnings in the front of the book. Read More »
Bearest of Them All (Bear Brothers mpreg #4) by Kiki Burrelli
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Bearest of Them All
SERIES: Bear Brothers mpreg #4
AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 175 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2018
BLURB:
Will a spontaneous hook up in a bathroom with a bad boy change Jack’s life?
Jack is used to being the odd man out. In a family of retired and active military, Jack was always just a little too small and gentle. A little too gay. His life doesn’t improve when his one friend, his grandfather, passes and leaves Jack with his entire inheritance. Jack’s family is pissed, but their grandfather’s land and money doesn’t come without stipulations. He has to develop the land into a campground–obeying his grandfather’s final wishes–or lose it all to the state. It’s no surprise to Jack when the foreman he hired calls on day one with a problem. The problem? Wild bears.
Can two misfits find love?
Alpha shifter Gideon has been away from his brothers and bear pack for a long time. While his other brothers went on missions securing resources for the pack, Gideon had the unpleasant task of cleaning up their tracks and making sure the skeletons of their past remained hidden. As the youngest, most volatile of the bear brothers, he always gets the crap jobs. When he finally finishes and gets to go home, some idiot is trying to tear their forest down. Gideon heads into town to blow off some steam, and the sexy stranger at the end of the bar looks like he’s had almost as bad of a day as Gideon.
Is it the family you are born with or the family you choose that makes a difference?
A few stolen moments in a bathroom is all it takes for Gideon to realize, Jack is his mate. His bear wants him more than anything but, claiming Jack would be an unkindness. Especially when all the people who ever cared for Gideon in the past wound up hurt or hating him. He’ll protect Jack, but he won’t claim him. That is, until Jack’s ex-fiance appears claiming he still loves Jack. Gideon must decide to make Jack his or lose him forever. Read More »
Guns n’ Boys: Gilded Agony (Book 7) by K.A. Merikan
Reviewed by Dan
TITLE: Guns n’ Boys: Gilded Agony
SERIES: Guns n’ Boys – Book 7
AUTHOR: K.A. Merikan
PUBLISHER: Acerbi & Villani Ltd.
LENGTH: 257 Pages
RELEASE DATE: March 24, 2018
BLURB:
This series needs to be read in order.
“We are two halves of the same rotten apple.”
Deep in the Amazonian jungle, there is a mansion with a rose garden and a hen house where juicy tomatoes are the perfect shade of red, and marble countertops glisten. Inside, where even the shadows don’t reach, something is rotting, and the perfect facade can only hold the stench for so long.
Domenico promised his husband that he would keep him safe, keep him away from the bloodshed and the brutal world of cartel violence. But when a guest arrives to help retrieve a stolen transport of guns, something sinister sneaks into his home, something more dangerous than his enemies. Or has it been there all along, and he just hasn’t noticed?
Seth’s life is what others dream of. Endless leisure time filled with cocktails, a kitchen stocked with anything he wishes for, and a private pool in the sunshine. What’s missing is the man he shares it with, the man he fell in love with. If being cut off from the mafia business was what he wanted, then why is it so painfully lonely in paradise?
Desperate to be the supportive husband Domenico needs, Seth buries his rage, his violent urges, and the anger that simmers inside of him. But he can only hide in plain sight for so long, and when a guest invites him to play with fire, one misstep, one wrong move, could burn their safe haven to the ground. .Read More
Beholden by Kris T. Bethke
Reviewed by Sarina
TITLE: Beholden
AUTHOR: Kris T. Bethke
PUBLISHER: JMS Books
LENGTH: 124 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2018
BLURB:
Julian Thomas made the unpopular decision to become Beholden and focus his magic only on scrying. Because of it, he’s the best at his job and the top scryer for the Department of Extranormal and Magical Affairs. Which why Investigations Agent Wes Caldwell goes right to Julian for help locating a missing person.
When Wes needs to use his magic to boost Julian’s, they find a magical resonance between them that quickly leads to more. Julian doesn’t want to move too fast, but Wes knows Julian is it for him. He’s fine with waiting, as long as Julian stays close as they work through it.
But then Julian falls ill, and it’s clear there’s a magical reason. Wes will stop at nothing to find out what’s plaguing Julian, and when they realize just how deep the plot goes, they have more questions than answers. Magic is increasing in the world, and no one can figure out why. Julian and Wes have found love, but will it be enough to get them through what’s to come? Read More »
Rule of Thirds by Aidan Wayne
Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Rule of Thirds
AUTHOR: Aidan Wayne
PUBLISHER: DSP Publication
LENGTH: 166 Pages
RELEASE DATE: April 1st, 2018
BLURB:
A traumatic past doesn’t have to mean not having a future.
When Jason Diovardi, military elite, is removed from active duty after failing too many psych evals, he has only one goal in mind: get back into the field. It’s all he knows and all he thinks he’s good for, which is why he grudgingly accepts two live-in AI Companions to help him begin to recover from his severe PTSD. Chase and Shade are a matched pair, and Jason hopes they’ll keep each other distracted enough to leave him alone so he can go through the motions and be cleared for fieldwork.
Jason doesn’t expect to actually get better, and the progress he makes with his patient and caring Companions sneaks up on him—and so do unexpected feelings between the three of them. Now Jason might even be able to admit to being happy. But has he healed enough to allow himself to accept what Chase and Shade are offering?
Hope. Love. A reason to live. ..Read More »
Lost Souls Found (Requiem Inc. #2) by Kris T. Bethke
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: Lost Souls Found
SERIES: Dreamspun Beyond #18, Requiem Inc. #2
AUTHOR: Kris T. Bethke
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 212 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 17, 2018
BLURB:
A Requiem Inc. Story
Dying is all in a day’s work. Love is more dangerous.
Ghostwalker Sam Jones has been half in love with Michael King since he started working at Requiem Inc. But Michael is his boss and a Guardian, to boot. Sam thinks they could make it work anyway, but Michael uses his position and his age to keep Sam at arm’s length.
When Sam continues to volunteer for the most dangerous cases, Michael has to intervene. He tells himself he’s just doing his job, but he’s always seen Sam as more than another operative, and he can’t bear the thought of not taking his chance. The connection between them has been strong from the beginning, and Michael’s telepathy adds unexpected depth and an edge to their new romance, but working together while they try to build their relationship might be the hardest part of their job if they don’t make some sacrifices. .Read More »
The Obstruction of Emma Goldsworthy (Get Out #3) by Sean Kennedy
Reviewed by Jess
TITLE: The Obstruction of Emma Goldsworthy
SERIES: Get Out #3
AUTHOR: Sean Kennedy
PUBLISHER: Harmony Ink Press
LENGTH: 200 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 17, 2018
BLURB:
It’s hard to live in Micah Johnson’s shadow, but Emma Goldsworthy is determined to make it out from under there. Emma’s studying hockey and trying to find her way at the Australian Institute of Sport, but it’s hard to keep her spirits up when her ex—who dumped Emma so she could remain in the closet—returns from an exchange program with a new American girlfriend in tow. Emma doesn’t want her ex back, but she can’t seem to convince everyone else that they’re over. Plus, there’s another girl Emma can’t stop thinking about, even though she only saw her once… while in costume. There was chemistry, but Emma doesn’t know her name, or even what she looks like. .Read More »
Campus Life by T. C. Orton
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Campus Life
AUTHOR: T.C. Orton
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 412 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 22, 2018
BLURB:
A choose your own adventure for adults!
Young, dumb, and full of… You get the picture.
Welcome to Mentis University, your name is Joseph Smith and you’ve been unremarkable all your life. No – really, you’ve been absolutely, unequivocally, insert-smart-word-here mundane since the day the doctor slapped your ass and you let out a sigh. HOWEVER, you did manage to achieve one thing this year – you transferred to a better college. Bravo! (Mentis University has been rated number 2 on Top 10 worst colleges to attend for the last seven years… Guess where you were before this)
Since no one else from your hometown of – insert rural American town here – managed to claw their way out of mediocrity, you decided there was no point in hiding anymore. And thus, at an energetic twenty-one years old, you’re now an openly gay man. Congratulations.
Of course, there’s not much point in being openly gay if there are no gays to be in your opening. So, after spending a few days getting accustomed to your new life, you flopped onto your single bed, closed your eyes, and prayed to the lord… (And you’re still waiting for the day Cher tweets you back)
“Please,” you begged. “Guide me to a man who will treat me right… or pound me like a piece of veal.”
Luckily for you, someone was listening…
Dear Reader
You will assume the role of Joe Smith (first-person, present tense) and guide him through his final year of college. Don’t worry, you won’t be expected to do anything as absurd as learn mathematics, but you will, on occasion, be provided with choices that will impact the outcome of the story. Read More »
Squared Away (Out of Uniform #5) by Annabeth Albert
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Squared Away 
SERIES: Out of Uniform #5
AUTHOR: Annabeth Albert
PUBLISHER: Carina Press
RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2018
LENGTH: 352 pages
BLURB:
In the wake of tragedy, SEAL Mark Whitley rushed stateside to act as guardian to his sister’s three young children. But a conflicting will could give custody to someone else—someone Mark remembers as a too young, too hot, wild party boy. Even after six years, Mark can’t shake the memory of his close encounter with Isaiah James, or face up to what it says about his own sexuality.
Isaiah’s totally over the crush that made him proposition Mark all those years ago. In fact, he’s done with crushing on the wrong men altogether. For now, he’s throwing himself into proving he’s the best person to care for his cousin’s kids. But there’s no denying there’s something sexy about a big, tough military man with a baby in his arms.
As the legal details get sorted out, their long-buried attraction resurfaces, leading to intimate evenings after the kids are tucked in. A forever future is within reach for all of them, if only Mark can find the courage he needs to trust Isaiah with his secrets—and his heart. Read More
Magic and Mayhem (Corent City Tales Book 2) by Hannah Walker
Reviewed by Dan
TITLE: Magic and Mayhem
SERIES: Corent City Tales Book 2
AUTHOR: Hannah Walker
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 294 Pages
RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2018
BLURB:
Life in Corent is exciting and challenging. As one of the main paranormal communities you never know what might be around the corner.
Matt’s life has always been peaceful. He splits his time between helping at his mama’s shop, and spending time with family, friends, and his coven. Yet, when his magic becomes increasingly unstable, he finds himself shunned and cast away as people fear what is happening to him.
Feeling lost and alone, and his magic becoming ever more erratic, Matt’s thoughts turn inward as he tries to work out just who he is and what being a mage means to him.
Matt draws strength from his best friend Charlie, and the powerful tiger shifter family, the Vaughn’s.
Frequent visits from Tyler, and messages from a mystery man, provide the only break from the melancholy he feels like he’s drowning in. Yet, even that complicates his life further, as he struggles with growing emotions toward both of them.
When unexpected events bring radical changes to Matt’s life, the news shocks him and those closest to him. Yet, as scary as everything is, it helps him see who is truly a friend and who is a foe, and that it isn’t always blood that means family.
No one knows what these changes mean, leaving Matt to weave his way through the knowledge and find what his true path is meant to be. Finding the strength to stand for himself, but also allowing those around him to support him, he comes to find that there is so much more to him than he thought possible, and that love can come from unexpected places.
Just when he didn’t think life could get any darker, light comes, showing him that his future holds more than he ever imagined. .Read More »
Rhoades-Undeniable (Man Up #2) by Felice Stevens
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Rhoades-Undeniable
SERIES: Man Up
AUTHOR: Felice Stevens
PUBLISHER: self-published
RELEASE DATE: April 17, 2018
BLURB:
Rhoades.
Loneliness. The pain doesn’t simply go away with time. It’s been years, and they tell me I need to move on. But I can’t.
Blame and regret are my constant companions. Until I see him in the spotlight and everything changes. Night after night, I watch him dance. Thinking about him.
What he’d feel like.
What he’d taste like.
And now that I know, I want him even more.
And maybe…just maybe, he might want me too.
But not yet.
Not before he knows he’s more than a pretty face. Not before he knows what he means to me. I need him by my side.
The two of us.
Together.
Austin
Why can’t I forget him? His hands touching me. His mouth on mine. Kissing me. Rendering me mindless.
Breathless.
Every night I lay awake burning for him. Dreaming. Thinking. Needing him.
No—I don’t. I don’t need anyone.
I lie.
I want him.
I want more. I am more. He’s seen that, and now here I stand with my dream on the horizon. All I need to do is take that first step. Trust him.
Trust myself.
Rhoades begins where Austin, the prequel story left off. Read More »