Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: 2018 Top Ten Gay Romance
AUTHOR: Addison Albright, Laura Bailo, Kris T. Bethke, Sarah Hadley Brook, Nell Iris, Shawn Lane, K.L. Noone, Deirdre O’Dare, J.M. Snyder, and J.D. Walker
PUBLISHER: JMS Books LLC
LENGTH: 326 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2018
BLURB:
2018 Top Ten Gay Romance brings together the best-selling short stories published by JMS Books that year.
From first love to true love, from submission to sensual, from heat to sweet and everything in between, the couples in these stories are sure to keep you turning the pages as you fall in love with them.
With stories by Addison Albright, Laura Bailo, Kris T. Bethke, Sarah Hadley Brook, Nell Iris, Shawn Lane, K.L. Noone, Deirdre O’Dare, J.M. Snyder, and J.D. Walker, this head-over-heels collection goes beyond bedtime reading. Whether happily ever after or happy for now, there’s an ending for everyone in here!
Contains the stories:
* The Contingency Plan by Addison Albright
* No Rulebook for Flirting by Laura Bailo
* Hero Worship by Kris T. Bethke
* Motorcycle Man by Sarah Hadley Brook
* Unexpected Christmas by Nell Iris
* Hitting It Big by Shawn Lane
* Leather and Tea by K.L. Noone
* Doggone Love by Deirdre O’Dare
* Commanding Officer Thomas by J.M. Snyder
* No Snarkasm in Love by J.D. Walker
REVIEW:
A great collection of stories. An eclectic mix of love, laughter and tears.
OVERALL RATING: 
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TITLE: The Contingency Plan
SERIES: Plan #1
AUTHOR: Addison Albright
LENGTH: 30 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2018
BLURB:
A sheltered prince. A sudden death. An unexpected choice. How will Prince Marcelo react to discovering he’s The Contingency Plan?
For eighteen years, there has been peace between Sheburat and the kingdom of Zioneven. The untimely death of a princess throws the marriage arrangement—the final phase to complete the terms of the treaty—into disarray, and the contingency plan is put into motion. Now the Crown Prince of Zioneven gets to make his own choice from among the princess’s younger siblings.
As a rare royal son in the matriarchal sovereignty of Sheburat, Prince Marcelo grew up knowing he would never marry. Never. Royal sons did not marry. Period. Except, Prince Efren isn’t from Sheburat, and he has other plans.
REVIEW:
Not a bad short story. I know with being a short story you can’t often get a huge amount of…stuff lol. Not a lot of angst. Some because of a family death, but overall a happy story.
With Marcello’s sister dying, he figured his next youngest sister would be marrying. But Prince Efren didn’t want a sister. He wanted Marcelo. And after a brief ceremony for his sister’s funeral and one for their marriage, they were wed. And going to a land where same sex marriage was accepted. To a place where the rulers knew they were to serve as well as lead. A whole new world for Marcelo.
A happily ever after short.
RATING: 
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TITLE: No Rulebook for Flirting
AUTHOR: Laura Bailo
LENGTH: 48 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 10, 2018
BLURB:
When Gabriel goes to the annual gaming convention, planning to play as many games as he can during the next three days, he doesn’t expect to be glared to death in the parking lot by a really cute guy. So when the same guy joins the game Gabriel is playing, Gabriel is determined to make him smile, even if it takes some awkward flirting.
When Aitor makes it inside the convention center after someone steals his parking spot, he doesn’t expect to be so attracted to the man he decided to hate just a few minutes earlier. But as he gets to know Gabriel through gaming and flirting, he just can’t look away.
The game of flirting has no rulebook, but for Gabriel and Aitor, it may just have two winners after all.
REVIEW:
What a charming book. Two gamers who meet under comical circumstances but start a relationship and fall in love with what they have in common.
Gabriel was used to getting the eye for his shirts at the gaming conventions and he didn’t care. He did it in support of his niece, who was trans. Honestly, he was interested in the person and not the gender himself. When he steals a parking space from Aitor, who looks like a kid, he wasn’t expecting to see him again. When Aitor sits by him in a game, he can’t help but flirt. And when Aitor sees Gabriel’s shirt, it makes things a whole lot easier. Aitor being trans himself. Over the next three days of the convention, they get to know each other in and out of the bedroom and it’s amazing for them. Flirting brought a whole new life for them.
A sweet and romantic story. Just an easiness about it. Which is how it should be. Two people with common interests and a chemistry that is beautiful.
RATING:
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TITLE: Hero Worship
AUTHOR: Kris T. Bethke
LENGTH: 36 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2018
BLURB:
Paramedic Alex Sullivan has always thought Matthew Carter was attractive. But there are reasons why Alex knows he shouldn’t get involved with the younger man. Taking Matt in as a housemate seems like a recipe for disaster.
To Alex’s surprise, Matt not only proves to be the perfect roommate, he also makes no effort to hide his attraction to Alex. Matt knows what he wants. Can Alex be the hero Matt already thinks he is?
REVIEW:
I’m loving these stories. Matt and Alex are just adorable. Despite what Matt may think.
Alex has always been enamored of Matt, but for Alex at first, he was a bit young. Now it seems like he just had a case of hero worship. Especially since Alex saved Matt’s life at his best friend’s wedding. When Matt comes to speak to Alex, Alex wishes he could just kiss the man stupid but all Matt wanted to do was thank Alex for saving him. When Matt strongly suggests in moving in with Alex to take Carrie’s place, more or less, since she moved out, Alex is unsure but let’s Matt move in anyway. The move is seamless. They work well together with no problems. Except on Alex’s days off. Matt makes himself scarce until Alex cons him into running with him. More and more they fall into a relationship, Alex kind of oblivious. Now if Matt can make it more of one, it will be better.
I understand how Alex feels to a point. He doesn’t want to be someone’s hero and then when the novelty wears off, end up being dumped and alone. And that’s how he felt with Matt. But Matt more than proves him wrong. Alex had to overcome a few things and learn that Matt was in it for the Long haul and it turned into a very beautiful thing. I also love Alex’s best friend Carrie. She’s a hoot. I almost wish there was more to this story. Like an afterword or something. See how they are later. It was really good
RATING:
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TITLE: Motorcycle Man
AUTHOR: Sarah Hadley Brook
LENGTH: 41 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2018
BLURB:
Motorcycle shop owner Ben Makowski offers a three-day class for new riders. When he finds out one of his students doesn’t even like motorcycles, he’s irritated but drawn to the man at the same time. Though he can clearly see the new student is dealing with something difficult, Ben sets out to get to know what that might be and if he can help in any way.
Writer Angus Winter’s publisher has insisted he learn about motorcycles for an upcoming book, which is the last thing he wants to do. His fear of motorcycles stems from a tragedy in his past. But something about his sexy new teacher makes him want to open up to the man. Can Angus trust Ben with the burden he’s carried for so long?
REVIEW:
Ohhhh my heart. The feels. I cried so hard. Seriously ugly cry. This book was so sweet and so heartbreaking, but so beautiful. I just loved it.
Angus doesn’t want to do this class but he needs to for this book he’s writing. Meeting Been is an unexpected surprise as he’s struck dumb from looking at the man. But he can’t get past his past to be really be here. After two classes Ben is really worried, and catches up to him. The overwhelming need to tell Ben everything hits him, but once he starts, he gets scared. Ben chases him down and Angus finally tells him. But now he’s terrified Ben will judge him and hate him for what he says.
Angus. My heart. This sweet, sweet man holding on to all that pain. He’s such a doll. And Ben being all that Angus seems to need, giving Angus someone to lean on. It’s a beautiful story. One of grief and heartbreak, but of freedom and forgiveness, to a point. Of love and support. I just loved it so much.
RATING: 
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TITLE: Unexpected Christmas
AUTHOR: Nell Iris
LENGTH: 50 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 16, 2017
BLURB:
All alone, caught in a blizzard—without a coat—on Christmas Day. Would you accept a ride from a huge guy looking like a serial killer?
Daniel Erickson stormed out of his family celebration after choking on his turkey served with a side of bigotry. Utterly miserable, he reluctantly lets himself be charmed by the hulk of a man and gets into his car…hoping he won’t be ax murdered.
Axel Wilson—Ax for short, unfortunately—is a sweetheart. Really. He may be badass-looking but his heart melts into goo at the mere mention of his four-year-old niece. Surely, he’s not dangerous?
Thrown together by family drama, they spend the evening getting to know each other. Axel is nothing like Daniel expected. But it doesn’t matter that he loves poetry, is gentle and patient—and hot!—Daniel is absolutely not falling in love at first sight. There’s no such thing.
Right…?
REVIEW:
I read this sometime last year. I didn’t even read need to read it again to know my opinion of this book has not changed. It’s still such a good book. And my other review of it is on the blog.
RATING:
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TITLE: Hitting it Big
AUTHOR: Shawn Lane
LENGTH: 23 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2018
BLURB:
Six years ago, Billy Grant had a night he never forgot losing his virginity to the jock of his dreams, Mitch Crestfield. But Billy fled afterward, not wanting to hear Mitch’s regrets.
Now Mitch has hit it big, winning the lottery, and Billy finds himself invited to Mitch’s celebration. When Mitch suggests another night of passion, Billy can’t seem to resist. But Mitch has something more than one night in mind.
REVIEW:
Not a bad second chances story. And a short to remind people, communication is really key.
Billy is still torn up over Mitch. That one night six years ago, will never leave his mind. And going to the celebratory party for Mitch winning the lotto is that last place he wants to be. But he promised his brother. Seeing Mitch all over again, brings it all back, and he can’t resist when Mitch wants to bring him home again. But Billy doesn’t know if it’s a good idea. Mitch convinces him, and Billy almost runs out after again, but Mitch catches him. And both find out miscommunication causes missed opportunities.
This is one of those stories I wish there was more to. Like it was a full length novel. It’s a good short, don’t get me wrong, but I wish there was more to it. Mitch and Billy seem like such good guys who let circumstances get the better of them. Instead of talking, they missed out on 6 years and so much could have happened. But it’s good to see there was a happy ending. Or an HFN.
RATING: 
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TITLE: Leather and Tea
AUTHOR: K.L. Noone
LENGTH: 28 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2018
BLURB:
Some nights, American secret agent Ben Smith just wants to come home to his husband. He misses that English accent and smile and, of course, Simon on his knees. He wants his perfect submissive at his feet, so the world and his mission can fall away.
Some nights, romance writer Simon Ashley misses his dashing American other half. Tea is nice, but it can’t pin him down in bed and make him beg, reminding him he’s loved and belongs to someone. He wants to forget everything and everyone he’s left behind, and just belong to Ben.
Tonight they both get what they want when Ben comes home early. tea is very nice … but so is leather.
REVIEW:
Damn this story was amazing! It was almost like reading a love letter. It was so poignant and beautiful.
Ben had been gone on another ‘mission’. He comes home to find his beautiful English husband asleep on the comfy couch, clutching the first collar Been gave him. With the other evidence around the room, and that, he knew something was up with his husband. Waking him, home to celebrate being home early and the good news he had, he realizes his husband needs him in other ways. Simon needed him to take away his worries and fears. And Ben during all this, is reminded how much he loves this man and how blessed he is that Simon is his.
I almost wish I could have Been after this. Or be Simon. Whew. When you start reading this, Ben sees Simon asleep. And he’s sitting by Simon look at him, reflecting on their past and their now and future. And when he’s thinking, it really feels like he’s writing a love letter to Simon. His thoughts are so descriptively beautiful. Each word, each thought more than the last. Even they way he care for Simon when he wakes him. Every single thing is all about Simon and it’s just……damn.
Just absolutely amazing.
RATING:
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TITLE: Doggone Love
SERIES: Canine Cupid’s #1
AUTHOR: Dierdre O’Dare
LENGTH: 38 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 14, 2018
BLURB:
Solitary rancher Damon Carhart expects to spend the rest of his life alone. Then an injury to a beloved stock dog sends him to the nearest veterinary clinic for help. His crusty old veterinarian friend is away and in his place is a young doctor in whom Damon initially has no faith. Once he entrusts his canine friend to Eric Vann’s care, everything begins to change. And once desire gets a bite on him, what can he do but go along for the wild ride?
Eric Vann has loved animals all his life, following in an uncle’s footsteps to become a veterinarian. He knows if he ever finds a soul mate it will be another male. When Damon comes in, fierce in defense of his favorite dog, Eric is immediately captivated. Can he overcome the other man’s instinctive resistance to the powerful attraction that begins almost at once?
REVIEW:
I was not crazy about this one at all. I was good with Damon being straight and then learning he’s really not. I was good with he and Eric getting together. They seemed like they’d be sweet together. I was not, however, good with HOW they got together. Basically, his housekeeper’s granddaughter came over after being kicked out of her home, wears skimpy clothing, serves these two dinner and pretty much whores herself out for a place to stay. And they ended up in a three-way. The three-way wouldn’t have even bothered me, but the grandmother was like right downstairs and it was just all wrong. All wrong.
RATING: 
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TITLE: Commanding Officer Thomas
AUTHOR: J.M. Snyder
RELEASE DATE: March 21, 2018
BLURB:
Lieutenant Lee Mallory spends his time off duty playing video games. There isn’t much else to do while stationed on the USS Nova out in deep space.
Unfortunately, a run in with his commanding officer, Jonan Thomas, strips him — and everyone else onboard — of their gaming privileges.
Thomas has had it in for Lee from day one, when they got off on the wrong foot. Now, banned from using the game server in the rec room, Lee sneaks online in his quarters after hours, looking to play.
That’s where he meets a fellow gamer onboard who’s interested in a different kind of game. As much as Lee wants to hook up, though, he can’t afford to get into any more trouble.
Can Lee take command — in the game and in the bedroom — without further aggravating his CO?
REVIEW:
This is another story I have reviewed before. To see my other review, it’s already on the blog. My opinion has not changed. I still think this is a very sexy story with smoking chemistry. Good story.
RATING:
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TITLE: No Snarkasm in Love
AUTHOR: J.D. Walker
LENGTH: 20 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2018
BLURB:
Nye Havers is in his forties and has given up on love. Life hasn’t done him any favors, and his acerbic nature has just gotten worse over time. He rides a bicycle to work, gets splashed by cars in the rain, and is constantly in trouble because he can’t resist being a smart mouth.
He is the co-owner of a small courier service that has sadly become his life. But there is one surprisingly bright spot in his world, even if Nye feels he doesn’t have a chance in hell of getting the guy.
The guy, Donal Soames, is a client. He and Nye encounter each other on occasion, but when Nye is his usual snappish self, he ruins everything. Nye has to learn to curb his snarky behavior and catch a clue, because the love he’s been looking for might just get away.
REVIEW:
I seriously snorted my tea reading this story. So funny with the quips. Nye is definitely snarky and I love it so much. But it wasn’t just funny, it was intimate and romantic. It was incredibly sweet and awkward a bit with two distinct personalities trying to find their way.
Nye says what thinks no matter what. He has that no filter thing going on. The problem is the one person he doesn’t want to be that way with, kind of brought it out in him when he didn’t mean to. Nye has crushed on Donal for a while, but felt really out of his league. And the last ‘entanglement’ they had, left Nye saying something kind of mean. He left a message and apologized, but hadn’t heard from Donal really since. Until one day, he came in and asked for a date. Shocked, Nye accepted and they started to get to know one another. Taking a chance on each other even though they were scared.
Oh how I love Nye lol. I can appreciate where he comes from though. He is who he is and it’s not always easy to deal with. When he gets to know Donal a bit, he understands why Donal is the way he is. It doesn’t make them bad people. Just different. And I love that they wanted to try with each other in spite of those differences. They both needed someone to love them, flaws and all, and they seem perfect for each other. These two are a pair I wish I could read more of. It wouldn’t necessarily be an easy relationship, but it would be worth it.
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Thank you for loving Angus and Ben from Motorcycle Man! I keep wanting to go back and write a follow-up because I enjoyed their journey so much.
i will definitely read it if you do. i loved them so much!
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