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…
Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane
REVIEWED by Jay V.
TITLE: Christmas Kitsch 
AUTHOR: Amy Lane
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press, 2nd Edition
LENGTH: 220 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 7, 2018
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Sometimes the best Christmas gift is knowing what you really want.
Rusty Baker is a rich, entitled, oblivious jock, and he might have stayed that way if he hadn’t become friends with out-and-proud Oliver Campbell from the wrong side of the tracks. When Oliver kisses him goodbye before Rusty leaves for college, Rusty is forced to rethink everything he knows about himself.
But nothing can help Rusty survive a semester at Stanford, and he returns home for Thanksgiving break clinging to the one thing he knows to be true: Oliver is the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
Rusty’s parents disagree, and Rusty finds himself homeless for the holidays. But with Oliver’s love and the help of Oliver’s amazing family, Rusty realizes that failing college doesn’t mean he can’t pass real life with flying rainbow colors.
Micah’s Promise (Delta Force: Team Panther, Book 4) by Annabella Stone
Reviewed by Roberta
TITLE: Micah’s Promise
SERIES: Delta Force-Team Panther Book 4
AUTHOR: Annabella Stone
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 281 pages
RELEASE DATE: Augustus 18, 2018
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Micah Kennedy has lived with PTSD for years. He is an expert at hiding his struggles behind the quick wit and snark that is very much a part of his makeup. His need to keep a promise to a dying comrade feeds his nightmares and invades his dreams—until that promise brings him military K-9 Delta.
Hawk McKinnon has spent most of his life kicking trouble’s ass in every hotspot around the globe. Now his sniper hasn’t returned from a CIA sanctioned mission in Pakistan and all bets are off. When Hawk comes calling looking for help, Micah doesn’t hesitate and jumps at the chance to repay a debt. A mission that will set him on a path to the one thing he never knew he was looking for: love!
Creed Erikson cursed the betrayal that caused his capture and vowed vengeance on those responsible. He knew Hawk was coming for him—he never doubted it for a second—but Micah Kennedy and Delta? They threw him for a loop.
Can Micah embrace his destiny, believe in the strengths of the bond of the triad that the fates have created or will he refuse to believe that he too deserves a happily ever after?
Micah’s Promise is part of the Delta Force – Team Panther Series. While it can be read as a standalone… to ensure maximum enjoyment, it is best read in series order.
Foxes by Suki Fleet
REVIEWED by Jen B.
TITLE: Foxes
AUTHOR: Suki Fleet
PUBLISHER: Stars and Ink Press
LENGTH: 501 Pages
RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2018
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When Dashiel’s body is found dumped on an East London wasteland, his best friend Danny sets out to find the killer. But Danny finds interaction difficult and must keep his world small in order to survive. By day he lives in an abandoned swimming pool and fixes electrical devices to trade for supplies, but by night, alone, he hunts sharks a reckless search for dangerous men who prey on the vulnerable.
A chance meeting with an American boy selling himself on the streets throws this lonely existence into disarray. Micky is troubled, fragile, and Danny feels a desperate need to protect him. Though from what, he doesn’t know. As Danny discovers more about Micky, he realises that what Micky needs saving from is the one thing Danny has no idea how to fight.
To save Micky, Danny must risk expanding his world and face something that scares him more than any shark ever could: trusting he will be accepted for who he is. If a freezing winter on the streets, a sadistic doctor, and three thousand miles don’t tear them apart first, that is.
he Law of Miracles (sequel to A Christmas Promise) by K.C. Wells
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: The Law of Miracles
SERIES: sequel to A Christmas Promise
AUTHOR: K.C. Wells
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 312 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 25, 2018
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Joshua Trant is doing his best to support his son Micah and Micah’s partner Greg as they approach the trial of Greg’s attackers. This was never going to be easy, especially as Greg wants them prosecuted for a hate crime, but County Attorney Alexander Rycliffe assures them he’ll do his utmost to make sure the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Joshua hopes that whatever the outcome, Greg will be happy. What he’s finding more difficult to deal with, is the way he’s feeling about Alex. Joshua has loved two people in his life – Hayden and Rachel – and lost them both. The chance of him being lucky a third time is so slim, the thought doesn’t even cross his mind, until Love – and his kids – give him a push in the right direction…
Alex knows what it is to have loved and lost, and he thinks he’s done with men. Then Joshua Trant walks into his life. Alex soon learns there’s more to Joshua than just a handsome face, and the men finally have what both of them need – a friend. But as the months go by, it becomes obvious to everyone concerned that their friendship has the potential to develop into something deeper – if they let it.
One man who thinks he’s had his chance at love.
One man who has to let go of a past betrayal and learn to trust again.
And both are about to be shown Christmas is indeed a time of miracles. All you have to do is believe…
The Deafening Silence (The Yakuza Path #4) by Amy Tasukada
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: The Deafening Silence
SERIES: The Yakusa Path #4
AUTHOR: Amy Tasukada
PUBLISHER: Macarons & Tea Publishing
LENGTH: 228 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2018
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An unproven alliance. A broken promise. A mafia boss must shed blood to secure peace…
Nao Murata is on the verge of brokering peace between his syndicate and the rival Mafufgumi mob. To seal the deal, he’ll need to pick up Russian prostitutes to appease his newest ally. When the exchange goes sour, both sides draw blades and Nao has no choice but to care for a blood-soaked enemy. If the man doesn’t make it through the night, Nao and his crew will pay with their lives.
Outnumbered and stranded in enemy territory, Nao is forced to fight his way out before the Mafufgumi Godfather takes the deal off the table. As his wounded enemy’s heartbeat slows, Nao must act fast or condemn his syndicate to a brutal war.
The Yakuza Path: The Deafening Silence is the third book in a series of Japanese mafia thrillers. If you like twisty action, authentic settings, and a touch of gay romance, then you’ll love Amy Tasukada’s pulse-pounding series.
Purrfect Holiday (2018 Advent Calendar – Warmest Wishes) by Jana Denardo
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Purrfect Holiday
SERIES: Warmest Wishes – 2018 Advent Calendar
AUTHOR: Jana Denardo
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 46 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2018
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Tony Gatti had his life planned: get his veterinarian license and go to work with his dad and uncle. Soon after achieving his goals, he learned the shadows and blurriness in his vision went beyond needing glasses. Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic mutation with no cure. With his sight almost gone, he moves into his grandmother’s St. Augustine, Florida, home with his guide dog, Raven, to start life over. Nonna Concetta thinks she knows the perfect job for him. Her vet is looking for someone to destress the cats at a local rescue.
Javier didn’t plan to hire a cute former veterinarian to fill the role of cat cuddler, but Tony couldn’t be more perfect. Worried his attraction is inappropriate and knowing the holiday season always depresses him, Javier wonders if he should ask Tony out, or if he’d just be spreading the gloom to someone who already has enough of his own. But if he takes the plunge, could it turn out to be the best holiday ever?
Sunshine in a Dragon’s Heart by Jaime Samms
Reviewed by Cindy
TITLE: Sunshine in a Dragon’s Heart
AUTHOR: Jaime Samms
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 243 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 4, 2018
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When Sunny retires to the northern Ontario wilderness to mourn his parents’ deaths, he’s hoping the change of scenery will afford him some peace and quiet.
His hopes are soon spectacularly dashed.
In self-imposed exile, dragon Emile runs across the Fold between his dimension and Sunny’s—and right into Sunny’s arms. Centuries out of touch with human culture, bright, beautiful Emile incinerates any hope Sunny had for an ordinary existence. With dryads and water sprites coming to life all around them, Sunny can’t deny the magic Emile brings to his life—or his heart. But that same magic leads the unrelenting dragon who would keep Emile captive right to them. To save his love, Sunny will have to reach deep and find some magic of his own.
All That Has Flown Beyond (Natural Magic #2) by Marina Vivancos
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: All That Has Flown Beyond
SERIES: Natural Magic #2
AUTHOR: Marina Vivancos
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 404 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 3, 2018
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Kaiyo’s bloodline has been part of the Garrow pack for generations. He has been destined to be shaman, to anchor the werewolves to the land, and lend aid with the force of his Ousía. When Kaiyo is fourteen, however, an attacking group kills all of the adults in the pack, leaving young Ahmik, only fifteen, as leader.
Their worries don’t end there.
Smelling blood in the water, enemies hunt the decimated pack from all sides. Kaiyo grows increasingly reckless in his desperation to defend his pack, to finally grow into his shaman powers, and to protect Ahmik: the boy he loves.
In the end, Kaiyo loses his pack anyway.
Packless, landless, Kaiyo drifts. For ten years, he fights to remake himself into the shaman, and the man, he was meant to become. One phone call from his old pack, though, and he is forced to return.
Something is killing children and Kaiyo is the only one strong enough to stop it.
Kaiyo never thought his journey would take him back to his old land, his old pack, and to Ahmik. Forced to face his past, and the wounded love that still aches for Ahmik, Kaiyo will be tested like never before.
Content Warning: This story contains themes of depression and associated thoughts and behaviours. However, as always, it focuses on recovery and strength.
This book takes place in the Natural Magic world but can be read as a standalone.
The Onyx Dragon’s Accidental Mate (The Jeweled King’s Curse #4) by Kiki Burrelli
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: The Onyx Dragon’s Accidental Mate
SERIES: The Jeweled King’s Curse #4
AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 127 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 22, 2018
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The one man he wants, is the only man he can’t have.
Azra, known as the Shadow King to both his enemies and his allies, needs a mate. Onyx dragon law dictates that a King with an heir may not be overthrown, important if Azra wants any chance of winning the war against the three neighboring dragon tribes. He knows who he wishes he could mate with, the too young, too sweet, too naive Elby. Azra refuses to listen to his inner dragon’s insistence that Elby is his fated mate. He’ll simply have to choose another. He decides to hold a masquerade ball with the express purpose of finding a mate to make an heir with.
Despite being forbidden from attending the ball, Elby sneaks in, impressed with himself for disobeying the formidable King and for succeeding on getting inside and snagging a mask before anyone spots him. The King has acted as Elby’s guardian for his entire life, saving Elby from the cruel ways of their people, but also sheltering him from the entire world. He’s excited to have a wild night, and over the moon when the King dances with him, singling him out over all the others.
When the lights are out, true love finds a way.
After a passionate night neither of them will forget, the masks are removed and both are shocked. Azra can’t believe after all his attempts to keep Elby at bay, he’d still managed to single out and impregnate the one man who was meant to be off limits. His concern for Elby’s health is nearly shadowed by his fear that Elby may be so much more than he seems.
The onyx dragons live surrounded by darkness, their ways are violent and living among them is a daily battle, but they all fear one thing above all else. The return of the Dark One, a mythical being that is said to return only to wreak havoc, mayhem, and destruction. They say he chooses a vessel, consuming the unlucky creature from the inside. Azra would love to continue to believe that the Dark One is just a fairytale, except, he sees the changes in his sweet mate.
Azra must delve into legends and find out how to save his mate, before the neighboring tribes attack and before Avia, an ancient enemy, unveils her final plan to destroy them all.
The Chosen One (Books 1-3) by Macy Blake
Reviewed by Dan
This is a Series Review of The Chosen One Series (Books 1 – 3)
AUTHOR: Macy Blake
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
TITLE: All or Nothing
LENGTH: 220 Pages
RELEASE DATE: July 24, 2018
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Sawyer Smith is preparing to take on the world, and with his graduate degree only days away, he’s hoping to convince his gorgeous best friend and neighbor to come along for the ride. There’s only one problem; Draco has a secret, a big scaly secret, and it’s about to change Sawyer’s life forever.
When three mysterious men move into the new mansion across the street, Sawyer is plunged into a fantastical world he never knew existed, one filled with creatures of legend. Discovering the truth about Draco and his role as guardian of The Chosen One is only the tip of the paranormal iceberg.
Being drawn to this strange new world is challenging enough, but then Sawyer finds himself attracted to all The Chosen One’s guardians. Giving into his desire comes with incredible risks. Once the chosen one is found, Sawyer will return to his human life, without the guardians, without Draco.
As danger mounts, Sawyer must choose between guarding his heart from the men he grows closer to by the day, or give in and risk losing it all
TITLE: Nothing Ventured
LENGTH: 242 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 19, 2018
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Sawyer Smith is woefully unprepared for the dangers that come with being part of the supernatural world. As a magical null, he is human and vulnerable, even with the powerful, sexy guardians who have claimed him as their own. When a simple visit turns deadly, Sawyer’s mates take action and whisk him away to the clan of rich and powerful griffins.
As a griffin, Eduard Eastaughffe is considered supernatural royalty, but even with all his wealth and power, his duty as a guardian must come before all else. If he can convince his clan to support his newfound mates and not judge the fact they include a dragon, a vampire, a mage, and–Goddess forbid–a human, the rest of the clans may fall in line without much of a fight.
Danger lurks in close quarters and a new guardian is revealed. If Sawyer hopes to discover the ancient enemy hunting the Chosen One, he must survive the newest tests facing him. Because at the end of the day, when you’re a human among magical creatures, it’s nothing ventured… nothing gained
TITLE: Sweet Nothings
LENGTH: 230 Pages
RELEASE DATE: September 28, 2018
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Sam Baker couldn’t be more normal. He’s a teacher at the local middle school and the most exciting part of his day is dealing with a classroom full of hormonal preteens. His life takes a turn for the weird one stormy night when he finds a small boy on his doorstep. A boy who growls, flashes unnaturally blue eyes, demands for Sam to call the alpha– whatever that is– and gives Sam the one name he wishes he could forget: Vaughn Jerrick.
Vaughn Jerrick is the alpha to a pack of wolf shifters and a doctor to the supernatural world. After sharing a steamy one-night stand with Sam years ago, Vaughn couldn’t consider the possibility of a future with the man, no matter how much he wanted him. Bringing a human into his world is against the rules, but one phone call changes everything, and Vaughn finds himself face-to-face with the man who could give him everything he’s ever wanted.
Rescuing one small child turns into saving six from a dark and uncertain fate, and although Sam doesn’t understand the world he’s been forced into, he would never turn his back on children in need, even if it means confronting his past with Vaughn.
As Vaughn and Sam join forces to protect the children put into their care, the future they’ve both dreamed of is within their reach, but first they need to survive the sinister force looking to rip away everything they’ve come to hold dear.
Christmas Homecoming (The Christmas Angel) by L.A. Witt
REVIEWED by Jen B.
TITLE: Christmas Homecoming
SERIES: The Christmas Angel
AUTHOR: L.A. Witt
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 79 Pages
RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2018
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August 1939. Roger Miller and Jack O’Brien have been close since childhood. By the time they realize there’s more between them than friendship, Jack is leaving their sleepy Iowa town for college. But they console themselves knowing he’ll be home for Christmas. Right?
It is Christmas before they see each other again, but that Christmas comes six years and a world war later. Aged, beaten, and shaken by combat, they’re not the boys they were back then, but their feelings for each other are stronger than ever.
Neither know the words to say everything they’ve carried since that peacetime summer kiss, though. Even as they stand in the same room, there’s a thousand miles between them.
But maybe that’s some distance the little angel in Roger’s rucksack can cross.
The Christmas Angel series books are standalones and can be read in any order.