Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: How to Heal

SERIES: LOVESTRONG #5

AUTHOR: Susan Hawke

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 277 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2019

BLURB:

Take one former bully, unable to forgive himself for the sins of his past…

Clark Danvers is a wild twenty-one year old who’s trying to prove he’s an adult. With a two-year degree in hand, he manages the family car dealership and seemingly parties by night. Given the amount of times he’s been pulled over for speeding by Deputy Rick Matthews, public opinion seems to be right. But what people don’t see are the scars he carries both inside and out. Scars from a past he can’t run away from and will never be able to atone for, no matter how many times he beats himself over it.

Add one no-nonsense cop who longs to be a Daddy for the right boy… 

Jericho “Rick” Matthews never expects the bratty kid who gets on his last nerve to pull at his heartstrings. When he finds Clark battered and fighting for his life in a motel room, Rick’s Daddy mode is instantly engaged. Before he can think of anything else, he must first comfort this hurting boy.

To equal a pair of men who might just be what the other needs. 

The two men who thought they couldn’t stand each other are drawn together after a date gone wrong. While Rick tenderly cares for Clark, he decides what this brat needs is a Daddy… someone to help him break free from the past and embrace the promise of many happy tomorrows.

This is the fifth book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance full of all the sweet feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.

Note: Possible trigger warning for mentions of self-harm and a scene involving a man who’s consented to having himself tied up. What he didn’t agree to was being left that way for an entire weekend. This highly emotional scene is the catalyst to evoke “Daddy’s” protective mode in a tale filled with themes of hurt and comfort and the struggle of overcoming a difficult past.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: House Hunt

SERIES: The Power of Zero #3

AUTHOR: Jackie Keswick

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 302 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 30, 2016

BLURB:

Jack Horwood hates owing favors. But when a simple day out to treat Gareth to the best oysters in England leads to a discovery of drugs and counterfeit money—things that neither Jack nor Gareth have the jurisdiction to handle—he has to call in help. Help that doesn’t come cheap, and that forces him to do something he promised himself he’d never do again—walk away from Gareth and the family he’s starting to make for himself.
Three months undercover is a long time. After missing Gareth’s birthday, Jack is determined not to miss their first anniversary. But coming home and being home are two very different things. So when he is asked to assist with a corporate espionage investigation, Jack can’t say no, despite knowing it will impact his already straining relationship.
Except, of course, he’s walking into a trap…

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Hop On

SERIES: Welcome to Morningwood Omegaverse #5

AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 158 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2019

BLURB:

An overweight omega puts his life in the hands of a battered and bruised alpha…

Captain Aries did not escape his last mission unscathed. His work with the Elite Force is always dangerous—it’s not easy protecting an entire town of trusting shifters from outside threats—but Aries blames himself for the danger he put his team in. To make certain that will never happen again, he decides to resign after one last mission: to protect a VIP named Arthur on his way to Morningwood. Aries failed as a Captain, he won’t fail as a bodyguard.
Arthur has lived his life alone and on the run. Hiding from his sadistic twin, Arthur keeps a low profile. Overweight and afraid, he cloaks himself in clothes and never engages with shifters, despite being one himself. His evil brother taught him that shifters only bring danger. But when a ruggedly handsome Captain from Morningwood shows up at his house to escort him to the shifter community, for the first time, Arthur wants to believe he could be safe.
Arthur isn’t just concerned with himself though. He has his adopted daughter, Harlow, to care for. At two, she should be years away from her first shift, which makes her ability to spontaneously turn into a tiny bunny strange. Not to mention the troubles it causes around bath time.
Aries is drawn to Arthur from the first moment, but who would want a battered alpha like him? He has no right to put a claim on Arthur. Aries knows the single father is perfect just the way he is and deserves perfection in return. But when a rival alpha approaches Arthur and offers him the safe life he craves, will Aries stand back and watch his future family be whisked away?

Hop On: Welcome to Morningwood Book Five is a full-length omegaverse romance with equal parts heart, angst, humor, and steam. It can be read as a standalone or in order and has a definite, you don’t gotta worry ‘bout it HEA.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Thirst for You

SERIES: Beyond the Cove #2

AUTHOR: Jaclyn Quinn

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 258 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2019

BLURB:

What happens when thirst becomes an obsession that can’t be quenched?

Forty-year-old Zachariah Taylor prides himself on being the overprotective older brother of seven. He owns a successful bar, Zach’s Bar and Grill, in the quiet town of Riverside Falls and loves the life he’s built for himself. But as his siblings move on and find their forever partners in life, he’s starting to feel less and less needed—not to mention old. Suddenly, he’s finding it even harder to ignore the younger man who has pursued him for years, but the twelve years separating them is something Zach can’t seem to overlook.
Twenty-eight-year-old Drew Belford has been in love with the stubborn Zach Taylor for seven years. Sure, he was a kid when they’d first met, but what Zach is determined to ignore is the man Drew has become. Drew, however, is just as strong-minded and refuses to let Zach use their age difference as an excuse to disregard the attraction burning between them. He doesn’t need an overprotective older brother—he needs Zach.
When Drew begins to get unsettling messages from an unknown person, Zach feels helpless in a way he’s never felt before. How can he protect Drew from someone he can’t find? The thought of anyone hurting Drew unleashes years’ worth of pent-up desire Zach has had for the younger man. Is his thirst for Drew enough to protect him from the danger lurking in the shadows, or will the threat of the unknown be enough to dowse the spark of love between them—and silence Drew forever.

Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Anthony, Earl of Crofton

AUTHOR: Rebecca Cohen

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 240 pages

RELEASE DATE:  April 24, 2019

BLURB:

A tale set in Stuart England, where the king’s life depends on his most loyal of subjects.

Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, delights in his reputation as a charming rogue. Life is never quiet at the court of King James I, especially with his good friend and secret lover, Sebastian Hewel, by his side. As an actor with the celebrated King’s Men, Sebastian has his own admirers, but neither man has eyes for anyone else.
When a plot against His Majesty is uncovered it threatens Anthony and Sebastian’s charmed lives, and they are dragged into the political intrigue and the race to save the king from danger. Fear that a traitor is linked to the King’s Men leaves Sebastian and Anthony with no choice but to stage a very public dissolution of their friendship, so Anthony can be free to be the patron of a new rising actor, and Sebastian can be the prodigy of another noble.
It is a dangerous game they are playing to expose the plotters and still find a way to meet in secret, as Anthony is adamant that they will not sacrifice the love they have fought so hard to win. They will do whatever it takes to protect the king’s life, and their commitment to each other.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Demon or Angel

SERIES: Age of Exilum #1

AUTHOR: Lynn Michaels

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 219 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 22, 2019

BLURB:

WAR IS COMING… the angels of Osestra and the demons of Exilum are preparing for the final battle to be played out in Manna, the human realm, and one young man is caught in the middle.
Vern Swain may be the key to everything.Vern is a country boy dreaming of seeing his name up in lights. He runs away to become a star. His journey is just beginning, but it takes him in unusual directions…right in the path of his guardian demon.
Teague, son of Xaphan is a demon of Exilum charged with ruining Vern’s life, but he just can’t do it. He’s confronted by his family, and forced to choose sides.
War is coming, but who’s fighting for Manna?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Burden

SERIES: Love, Unexpected #2

AUTHOR: K.C. Wells

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 194 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 23, 2019

BLURB:

They never knew what hit them.

A hooker with a heart, falling for a Vice cop? This is no Hollywood movie, and if they want a happily ever after, it’s not going to be easy.
Detective Randy Michaels is back with Vice, working to help NYC crack down on its prostitution problem. When he suspects Jesse Bryant of soliciting, Randy is torn between duty and his knowledge of what put Jesse on the streets. Jesse is clearly struggling, and he isn’t the only one. Recent events have forced Randy to question his sexuality, and a shocking encounter with Jesse plunges him into a crisis of conscience.
Jesse didn’t think his life could get any worse. His family cut all support, his education is on hold, and he’s surviving the only way he knows—selling himself on the streets. Of all the people who could have offered him a helping hand, why did it have to be Randy?
Two men carrying their own personal burdens: How long will it take them to realize that what they really need is each other?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Time Lost

SERIES: Out of Time #2

AUTHOR: C.B Lewis

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 384 pages

RELEASE DATE: July 29, 2016

BLURB:

What began with a dead intruder and a missing scientist quickly becomes the most perplexing case of Detective Inspector Jacob Ofori’s career. Nothing about it makes sense, from the incredibly advanced technology found on the intruder to the scientist’s mysterious workplace, the Temporal Research Institute. Jacob’s gut tells him the TRI is hiding something, and the questions keep piling up: Who would abduct Sanders? What is the strange gate in his basement laboratory? How does it connect to similar gates in the TRI?
TRI engineer Kit Rafferty only wanted one night with the sexy older policeman, but Kit’s mouth tends to run away with him when he gets excited, and nothing gets him more excited than cutting-edge tech—like the intruder’s cybernetic eye. Suddenly Kit is pulled into the investigation—and into a relationship that could jeopardize both of their lives. Kit hates lying to Jacob, but he cannot reveal what really goes on at the TRI—time travel. Faced with time-jumping criminals but unable to share that knowledge with Jacob, Kit turns to a man who knows time travel firsthand: Janos Nagy.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Nice ‘n’ Rosy

SERIES: Cedar Falls #3

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: Siren-Bookstrand Inc

LENGTH: 116 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 28, 2015

BLURB:

Welcome to Cedar Falls, a small North Carolina town nestled amongst the Smokey Mountains. Jesse Grant was a proud, flamboyant gay man who wasn’t afraid to wear makeup and heels. Not about to change for anyone, not even if that meant he’d been in more than a few fights over the years. Parker Flemming wasn’t sure what to think of Jesse when he walks toward him. Dressed in Daisy Dukes, pink tank top, with matching flip flops, Jesse looked like a dream come true.Too bad Parker had to give up his dream of finding a man like Jesse to settle down with since moving back in with his homophobic mother after his father died. Jesse had always been a “love them and leave them” kind of guy, until he meets Parker, who has his heart racing with just one look. Confused when Parker runs the other way, Jesse isn’t deterred. After all, isn’t the chase half the fun?

TITLE: Lube Master

SERIES: Cedar Falls #4

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: Siren-Bookstrand Inc

LENGTH: 114 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2015

BLURB:

Welcome to Cedar Falls, a small North Carolina town nestled amongst the Smokey Mountains. Ryder Monroe came to Cedar Falls to save the dying town. On his way there, his life spiraled out of control when delays and unruly passengers cause him to be late. He expected Aidan, the man in charge of hiring him, to be there to greet him, but instead found a man he didn’t know, Tag Kendrick. It was clear to Tag Ryder was having some sort of meltdown. After the day the man had, Tag couldn’t blame the guy. His instinct was to take control and put the sexy little man over his knee, but he wasn’t sure Ryder would appreciate his dominating ways. They learn just how perfectly they fit together as Ryder submits to Tag’s control. But when the mayor tries to undermine their budding relationship, will they be able to find their happily ever after, or will Ryder be forced to leave town?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Ghost Writer

AUTHOR: David Connor & E.F. Mulder

PUBLISHER: JMS Books, LLC

LENGTH: 155 pages

RELEASE DATE: October, 20, 2018

BLURB:

After a reenactment weekend, Goose Tucker inadvertently brings home Civil War soldier Jefferson Eaves’ diary and is shocked to discover Jefferson’s spirit has come along, too.
Through the diary, Jefferson tells Goose about his true love, Calvin, who was a former slave who fought for the Union. With no record of Calvin’s death or service found, Goose figures Jefferson might not want to cross over until Calvin receives due recognition.
Jefferson also speaks of an acorn planted as a sign of commitment to their future. When reenactment leader Patrick O’Hanlon calls looking for the diary, he tells Goose about his plans to return down south to protest the chopping down of an old oak tree. Is this the tree that grew from Calvin and Jefferson’s acorn?
Goose, with Jefferson in tow, decides to go with Patrick to find out. What happens between the four men once there is a lesson in healing and love.

Reviewed by Jay V.

TITLE: Starting from Zero

SERIES: Starting from #1

AUTHOR: Lane Hayes

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 241 Pages

RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2019

BLURB:

Justin Cuevas is going through a rough patch. A broken relationship, a scandal, and the demise of his band have shaken the aspiring rock star’s confidence. Working two jobs and sleeping on his friend’s sofa isn’t ideal, but Justin isn’t ready to give up yet. With a little luck, he’s hoping to re-launch his music career in LA with his new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused, and not get distracted by his past…or the sexy songwriter he can’t get out of his head.

Gray Robertson has written dozens of hits and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s never met anyone like Justin. The younger man is fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. Other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a passion for music, the two men have nothing in common. Or do they? Justin knows the out-of-the-blue challenge to write a quintessential love song is a huge opportunity. And it’s the ultimate test for someone who’s doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When sparks fly, Justin and Gray realize they have a shot something special if they start from zero together. Maybe even love

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: His Kindred Spirit

SERIES: States of Love

AUTHOR: Sloan Johnson

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 148 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2019

BLURB:

Dane has built his life around not relying on anyone but himself. When he travels from New York City to North Carolina at the request of his estranged, incarcerated father, he learns truths he’d rather not know… along with inheriting a share in his grandfather’s inn. But the place comes with complications, including a man he will have to walk away from—but can’t help falling for.
Brook has only known romance through notes left in a mailbox at the end of the beach. When he’s tasked with showing his boss’s gorgeous nephew what makes Sunset Beach and Bird Island special, he’s compelled to take Dane to his favorite place.
Dane never wanted the inn, but when it’s threatened, he steps up to defend it… and keep the man he’s coming to love by his side and in his life. But first they’ll have to clean up Dane’s uncle’s mess.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Omega Revealed

SERIES: Omega Re #2

AUTHOR: Tanya Chris

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 108 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 18, 2018

BLURB:

Gage is a typical omega—submissive, domestic, eager-to-please … horny. But he wasn’t born with all the right equipment or the right smell. Living as a beta wolf is too painful, so he’s been hiding out in the human world. Then his sister turns up on his doorstep running from an unwanted claiming, and Gage is forced into Northern Pack territory to seek asylum.
Ryker’s a typical alpha—dominant, wild, protective … horny. But living in Northern Pack territory has taught him that omegas shouldn’t be forced into traditional roles, so he’s been making do with porn and fantasy, not wanting to be that alpha. Ryker isn’t sure why Gage triggers all his protective instincts, but he knows Gage needs him, and Gage is exactly the omega he’s been looking for.
When Ryker meets Gage, the attraction is instantaneous, but it can only be temporary. Ryker was built to live in wolf territory and that’s the one thing Gage will never do. As soon as he gets his sister settled, he’ll flee the Northern Pack and the alpha he’s always dreamed of belonging to. Unless love, with a little help from science, can find another way …

Omega Revealed is a M/M shapeshifter non-MPREG alpha/omega novella.

Content warning: body dysphoria

Reviewed by Jess

TITLE: The Doctor’s Secret

SERIES: Copper Point Medical #1

AUTHOR: Heidi Cullinan

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 337 pages

RELEASE DATE:  April 23, 2019

BLURB:

The brilliant but brooding new doctor encounters Copper Point’s sunny nurse-next-door… and nothing can stand in the way of this romance.

Dr. Hong-Wei Wu has come to Copper Point, Wisconsin, after the pressures of a high-powered residency burned him out of his career before he started. Ashamed of letting his family down after all they’ve done for him, he plans to live a quiet life as a simple surgeon in this tiny northern town. His plans, however, don’t include his outgoing, kind, and attractive surgical nurse, Simon Lane.

Simon wasn’t ready for the new surgeon to be a handsome charmer who keeps asking him for help getting settled and who woos him with amazing Taiwanese dishes. There’s no question—Dr. Wu is flirting with him, and Simon is flirting back. The problem is, St. Ann’s has a strict no-dating policy between staff, which means their romance is off the table… unless they bend the rules.

But a romance that keeps them—literally—in the closet can’t lead to happy ever after. Simon doesn’t want to stay a secret, and Hong-Wei doesn’t want to keep himself removed from life, not anymore. To secure their happiness, they’ll have to change the administration’s mind. But what other secrets will they uncover along the way, about Copper Point… and about each other?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Snowed In: Goose and Patrick

SERIES: Snowed In & sequel to Ghost Writer

AUTHOR: David Connor & E.F. Mulder

PUBLISHER: JMS Books LLC

LENGTH: 119 pages

RELEASE DATE: January 20, 2019

BLURB:

Sequel to Ghost Writer

As Goose continues to obsess about the spirits of Jefferson and Calvin, the Civil War soldiers he helped cross over, he also tries to heal from his own past in order to build a relationship with Patrick, the man he’s recently met in the flesh.
Snowed in at the huge box store where he works, Goose is happy when Patrick turns up and gets trapped there with him. Using the store as their toy box, they enjoy a night of childish games and sexy adult fun that helps them bond. Goose and Patrick also take another trip back in time, or possibly somewhere more ethereal, to discover if Jefferson and Calvin found their happily ever after.
Can each pair — one from this century and one in the past — help each other explore their budding relationships and fall in love?