Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Badge of Loyalty

SERIES: County Durham Quad #1

AUTHOR: Jude Tresswell

PUBLISHER: Rowanvale Books Ltd

LENGTH: 188 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 28, 2018 

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Warning: Strong Adult Content

Mike Angells is an openly gay CID inspector based in North East England. There are three men in his life: Raith Balan, Phil Roberts and Ross Whitburn. Mike is particularly close to Ross.

Following a routine but significant investigation into thefts of farm machinery, Mike investigates the suspicious death of a footballer. The suspect’s father threatens to expose a crime Ross committed many years earlier, unless Mike withholds evidence that would incriminate his son. Mike must choose which badge he is loyal to–the one he was given when he joined the Force or the tattoo he wears that symbolises polyamory. His decision leads to a brutal conclusion when two men who bear grudges, an ex-con and Balan’s ex-lover, combine to exact revenge.

Interspersed with Mike’s story are comments made by Raith, Phil and Ross about Mike, each other, and the nature of their polyamorous relationship. It works for them, but, as Phil explains, they work at it.

Neither full-on erotica nor hard-boiled crime, and with many light moments, this is a story about love, hatred, and the price which is paid for loyalty.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Rise

SERIES: Men of Hidden Creek season 4 #5

AUTHOR: J. Hayden Bailey

PUBLISHER: self-published

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2019 

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“You’re the sweetest thing at the Fair.”

After leaving the military, Todd Hudson has avoided putting down roots, living with his best friends in Hidden Creek. Entering the Summer Fair baking contest sounds like a sweet time. The cute guy he takes home the night before the competition runs away, but he hasn’t seen the last of him.

Charlie Deacon never puts himself first—in bed, at work, or in life. His rescue dog, Geri, is his only company at home. Pressured to enter the baking contest, he doesn’t expect to find the hunk he regrets ditching. The competition forbids fraternizing, but their bubbling feelings are rising to the surface.

Charlie and Todd couldn’t be more opposite, and they fit together like chocolate and caramel… but they only have a week together. When Charlie’s bullying father and Todd’s career call, can they make it work when the Fair packs up for the year?

Welcome to Hidden Creek, Texas, where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after. Every Men of Hidden Creek novel can be read on its own, but keep an eye out for familiar faces around town! This book contains a naughty half-Daschund, a giant fairground prize teddy bear, and kisses hotter than fresh-baked cupcakes.

REVIEWED by Anna Lynn

TITLE: The Ballerino and the Biker

AUTHOR: Rebecca James

SERIES: The Hedonist #1

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 186 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2018

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Most of his young life, Morgan Wentworth has dreamed of becoming a principal dancer in a prestigious corps de ballet. After years studying the art in Milan, Morgan comes home to New York City to apprentice with the Manhattan Ballet Company only to be hit by the unexpected death of his older brother, Jake. The grieving dancer learns his life is threatened by a dangerous rival motorcycle gang and that pierced, tattooed, HOT biker Zeke Ivers has been assigned by Jake’s MC to guard him. Saddled with the constant presence of the infuriating man, Morgan juggles the demands of an exhausting dance schedule as well as his new responsibilities as CEO of his family’s multi-million-dollar company. He never expects to develop an attraction for the straight, obnoxious biker, but that’s exactly what happens.

Estranged from an abusive family, Zeke Ivers has lived at the Sentinel’s club house and worked on cars since he was a teen. When fellow club member Jake Wentworth and a rival club president’s girl are killed on Jake’s bike, the Sentinel’s president delegates the protection of Jake’s little brother, Morgan, to Zeke. Zeke would do anything for the club that pulled him off the streets, but Morgan’s a ballet dancer, for Christ’s sake, as well as annoying as hell. Still, Zeke finds himself inexplicably drawn to the young man. The more attracted Zeke becomes to Morgan, the more the biker is forced to examine his sexuality and decide whether two people from opposite sides of the tracks could possibly have a future together, or if Zeke should do what is fast becoming too painful to consider: let Morgan go.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: A Crown of Iron & Silver

SERIES: Soulbound #3

AUTHOR: Hailey Turner

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 379 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2019

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Never promise a life that isn’t yours to give.

New York City is decked out for the holidays, and Special Agent Patrick Collins is looking forward to a reunion with his old team when he gets assigned a new case. A human child is missing, and the changeling left in her place causes a prominent witch family to demand justice from the fae.

Meanwhile, continued harassment from the New York City god pack forces Jonothon de Vere to formally establish his own with Patrick. Doing so will mean a civil war within the werecreature community—a war they risk losing from the start without alliances. Making bargains with the fae is never wise, but Patrick and Jono have nothing to lose when a fae lord comes asking for their help.

The Summer Lady has been kidnapped from the Seelie Court, and if they can find her, Patrick and Jono will cement an alliance with the fae. But the clues to her disappearance are found in Tír na nÓg, and the Otherworld has never been kind to mortals.

Venturing past the veil, Patrick and Jono risk losing territory, time, and their very lives while searching for answers. Because the Queen of Air and Darkness knows they are coming—and the ruler of the Unseelie Court has an offer for them they can’t possibly refuse.

A Crown of Iron & Silver is a 107k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending. It is a direct sequel to All Souls Near & Nigh. Reading the prior books in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Stained Hearts

SERIES: Links in the Chain #3

AUTHOR: Parker Williams

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 194 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2019

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Can two hearts stained by past pain find healing together?

Tom Kotke held his husband of twenty-five years on the day he died and spent nearly a year adrift. Determined to force Tom back into the world, his family takes him to the Park View Diner, where he meets young stained-glass artist Aiden Dawson. For a brief moment, Tom doesn’t think about his deceased husband—a terrifying prospect.

Slowly, Aiden draws Tom out of his shell and helps him feel alive once more. But Tom isn’t the only one who has suffered. Aiden fears no one sees beyond his wheelchair. Even if Tom can convince him he’s different, they’ll still have to overcome their age difference and a secret that could destroy their future together.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Finally

SERIES: Hamilton’s Heroes #2

AUTHOR: Annabella Michaels

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 172 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 9, 2019

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Between his time in the Marines and the years he’s spent working at Hamilton Security, there’s not much that takes Greg Wright by surprise anymore. That is until he gets assigned to guard a promising new candidate in the upcoming election; a man from Greg’s past and the one person he’d hoped to never see again.

Christopher Brooks has made a name for himself as an honest, hardworking, and fair man. As a candidate in the election for Governor of Illinois, his positive views on minority rights, especially those in the LGBTQ community have gained him considerable support as well as the attention of some of the more radical groups. When he begins receiving threats, warning him to drop out of the race, he concedes to the need for a bodyguard. That is, until he comes face to face with the man hired to protect him. The only person he’d ever given his heart to and the same man who shattered it.

Forced to spend nearly every minute together, the two men must find a way to get along and put their past hurts aside, but as the election heats up, so do things between the two men. Will they be able to put their past differences aside in order to keep Christopher safe and will they finally be able to find a peaceful resolution?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Beneath the Surface

SERIES: Druid’s Curse #5

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 189 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 5, 2019

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His whole life Hrafn had been ridiculed for his inability to always understand things. He was slower than others when it came to comprehending the world around him, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want what everyone else did – love. Yet, he was sure that would never happen for him, for who could ever learn to love someone like him?

With a knock on the door, Teagan’s world had been changed. Unsure how life could be so cruel and take his family from him, Teagan struggled to find meaning in his life. Searching for his ancestry led him to the place where the origins of his family tree began. If he’d known his being there would bring hell upon earth to that small town, he never would have come. Then again, if he hadn’t, he never would have met his fate.

Hrafn and Teagan must find a way to break down the barriers of their past so they can see what is Beneath the Surface if they hope to find their eternal love.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: The Victorian

SERIES: Lavender Shores (Book #9)

AUTHOR: Rosalind Abel

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 336 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 17, 2018

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Sexy bartender Seth Marino is the epitome of the allure and sophistication for which the town of Lavender Shores is known. For twenty years, Seth has found contentment and happiness as co-owner of the Blue Blossom Bed-and-Breakfast. Seth’s kind heart, good looks, and humor charm both locals and tourists—except the one person who despises him.

Charley Perez began building the life of his dreams a few years before Seth moved to town. Just as his hard work was about to pay off, Charley saw his hopes for building a restaurant worthy of his abuela’s recipes slip through his fingers when Seth arrived. Sure, maybe Charley has a temper, perhaps he should smile more, but does the whole world have to lay out the red carpet for the slutty bartender while never giving Charley a break?

When Lavender Shores welcomes a star-studded food-and-wine celebration, Seth and Charley are forced to work together, leading to an explosion of anger and passion. Both men find the heat and fire of hatred morphing into an irresistible attraction. But even as Seth sees a different side of Charley, the hurt and anger of the past simmer below the surface, threatening the future. And a lifetime of struggle isn’t easy for Charley, who must find the courage to show his true self in seeking help and reaching for his dreams.

(Contains Lavender Shores maps and family trees.)

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Teach Me to Touch You

SERIES: Teach Me #1

AUTHOR: Joshua Landon

PUBLISHER: self- published

LENGTH: 100 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 23, 2018

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Austin’s father deserts his young family, leaving Austin and his sister to struggle with poverty and neglect at home and bullying at school. When Austin’s first girlfriend kisses him in high school, he suffers a PTSD flashback to childhood abuse and scares his girlfriend away.

A Marine at eighteen, Austin returns home after four years with his PTSD aggravated by nightmares of war. He fears he’ll never have a sex life because he cannot tolerate human touch.

Daniel, a psychiatric technician with a speciality in PTSD, helps Austin readjust to civilian life. Over months of work together, trust grows between them along with an attraction they hide from each other, knowing Austin is straight and Daniel is gay.

A gifted healer, Daniel believes a sexual relationship between them could harm Austin since he’s Daniel’s client, though Austin is anxious to learn to touch again. But when their visits are scheduled to end, and separation looms, both men must deeply examine their concerns and untangle their desires for the future.

(Note: This book contains material that may be disturbing to some readers, including strong language, child sexual abuse, and consensual gay sexual situations. It is recommended for adult readers.)

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Shipping Our Loves

SERIES: Valentine’s Inc. Cruises #8

AUTHOR: Sammi Cee

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 98 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 5, 2019

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Davis ~ Life hasn’t been the same since Conrad and I lost our boyfriend Eric in a tragic accident. We’ve started looking for a third again, but the men we’ve met are wanting a one-time experience. It’s all just fun to them, but this is our lifestyle, and we want another man to love.

Conrad ~ I’m missing our man more than words can say, but that isn’t the only problem. I’d never told my family I was in a triad, so when they came to the funeral and treated Davis like a close friend, without knowing the depth of his sorrow, it gutted me. He deserves better than that. As hopeful as I am we’ll meet someone on this cruise, I’m not sure I’m ready to live honestly.

Shane ~ When my friends convince me to splurge and treat myself for a college graduation present, I wasn’t sure a singles cruise was the way to go. What are the chances that the only two men I’m interested in now that I’m here are looking for a third, or that one of them is my best friend’s older brother? But maybe a few days of living the fantasy won’t hurt anyone.

Fun in the sun is easy, but what happens when three men go back to real life? Lucky for Conrad and Shane, Davis has his eye on the prize and he’s not backing down.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Between the Sheets

SERIES: Cedar Falls #23

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: Siren-Bookstrand Inc

LENGTH: 130 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 8, 2017

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The biggest election Cedar Falls has ever had has arrived. What better way to cover it than starting a newspaper? Jonathan Grier never would’ve considered taking the job if he hadn’t been humiliated and banned from every other publication. Had he known just how insane the town really was, he might have decided to work in retail instead.

Drex Kershaw had been part of a military special forces unit until an injury ended his career. Determined to make a new life for himself, he discovered Jonathan, who needed him more than anyone he’d saved in the past. But if Drex had any hope of finding happiness with Jonathan, he may just have to paddle the snarky cynicism right out of him.

Warning: The election of the century, or at least for another four years, has finally arrived. Will Jesse win, or will he end up throwing the biggest temper tantrum of his life?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Empire of Light

SERIES: Voyance #1

AUTHOR: Alex Harrow

PUBLISHER: Ninestar Press

LENGTH: 350 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 25, 2019

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Damian Nettoyer is the Empire’s go-to gun. He kills whoever they want him to kill. In exchange, he and his rag-tag gang of crooks get to live, and Damian’s psychokinetic partner and lover, Aris, isn’t issued a one-way ticket to an Empire-sanctioned lobotomy.

Then Damian’s latest mark, a suave revolutionary named Raeyn, kicks his ass and demands his help. The first item on the new agenda: take out Damian’s old boss—or Raeyn will take out Damian’s crew.

To protect his friends and save his own skin, Damian teams up with Raeyn to make his revolution work. As the revolution gains traction, Damian gets way too close to Raeyn, torn between the need to shoot him one moment and kiss him the next. But Aris slips further away from Damian, and as Aris’ control over his powers crumbles, the Watch catches on.

With the Empire, Damian had two policies: shoot first and don’t ask questions. But to save the guy he loves, he’ll set the world on fire.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Bitter Heat

SERIES: Heat of Love #3

AUTHOR: Leta Blake

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 325 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 12, 2019

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A pregnant omega trapped in a desperate situation, an unattached alpha with a lot to prove, and an unexpected fall into love that could save them both.

Kerry Monkburn is contracted to a violent alpha in prison for brutal crimes. Now pregnant with the alpha’s child, he lives high in the mountains, far above the city that once lured him in with promises of a better life. Enduring bitterness and fear, Kerry flirts with putting an end to his life of darkness, but fate intervenes.

Janus Heelies has made mistakes in the past. In an effort to redeem himself, integrity has become the watchword for his future. Training as a nurse under the only doctor willing to take him on, Janus is resolute in his intentions: he will live cleanly in the mountains and avoid all inappropriate affairs. But he doesn’t anticipate the pull that Kerry exercises on his heart and mind.

As the question of Kerry’s future health and safety comes to an explosive head, only the intervention of fate will see these desperate men through to a happy ending.

This gay romance novel by Leta Blake is the third in the Heat of Love universe which began with Slow Heat. It’s 111,000 words, with a strong happy ending and a critically-acclaimed, non-shifter Omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, mpreg, heat, and knotting. Content warning for a violent and oppressive society regarding reproductive rights.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Ship Off

SERIES: Valentine’s Inc. Cruises #9

AUTHOR: Michelle Frost

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 90 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2019

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Ben – Free spirit. Nomad. Drifter. Those are the labels my family always threw at me. I’ve been on my own and on the road—nothing but me and my motorcycle—for a long time now and that’s the way I like it. When an old friend badgers me into going on a singles cruise, I moan and groan through the whole thing until I find myself in the middle of perfect blue water, getting to know the most beautiful—and uptight man—I’ve ever met.

Silas – My twin sister, Simone, is pure evil. Why else would she force a mandatory vacation from our co-owned bakery on me? While I don’t agree that I’m too high-strung, I will admit that my anxiety does sometimes get the best of me. But a singles cruise? I don’t want or have time for a relationship despite what she might think. I give in and go on the cruise, not expecting anything except plenty of sunshine and all the cocktails my drink package will allow, when the perfect stranger settles into the seat next to me and takes my breath away. The only problem? We couldn’t be more opposite if we tried.

Ship Off is a stand-alone novella of approximately 30,000 words. It features an exciting time at sea, a terrible Hawaiian shirt collection, and two completely opposite men who couldn’t be more perfect for each other. HEA guaranteed.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Pulling Strings

AUTHOR: Andrew Grey

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 194 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2019

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A high-stakes case of industrial espionage ties them together, but before they can pursue their attraction, they must find out who’s pulling the strings.

Devon Donaldson doesn’t know how a folio of stolen corporate secrets found its way into his bag, and certainly can’t think of anyone who’d want to frame him. The trouble is, he has to convince Powers McPherson.

Devon’s firm hired Powers to investigate the theft of a new banking system, and so far Devon is his only lead. While Powers’s gut tells him Devon is innocent, he has no intention of letting Devon out of his sight… for more than one reason. Working together to get Devon’s life back leads to feelings far beyond cooperation. But before they can act on them, they need to find the group of thieves intent on ruining Devon’s reputation.