Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Mating the Enemy

SERIES: Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven #1

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 133 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 23, 2019

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Siberian Tiger shifter, Aleksi Rykov, is amused to watch the enemy chasing one of their own, Psy Seth Tilton, until he realizes it’s his mate. Rescuing his mate isn’t difficult for the powerful Alpha but keeping his mate safe from the war raging between their races may be more difficult.

Seth is taking a chance running to the one man he knows can keep him safe, Aleksi. Seth knows the Psy’s secrets and the Psy will do anything to get him back but with Aleksi’s help, Seth can help turn the tide of the war and uncover the horrible truth. The question is, will Aleksi be willing to help the enemy?

Both sides are against their mating and doing their best to tear the two apart but Aleksi and Seth are determined to stay together against all odds. Can Aleksi and Seth manage to find happiness by Mating the Enemy?

PLEASE NOTE: This is a revised and re-edited version of the original publication. The main storyline has not changed and there are no significant rewrites.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Give Up the Ghost

SERIES: Not Dead Yet #2

AUTHOR: Jenn Burke

PUBLISHER: Carina Press

LENGTH: 256 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 3, 2019

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The bigger they are, the harder they maul.

Immortal not-ghost Wes Cooper and his vampire partner, Hudson Rojas, have it all—rewarding private investigation work, great friends and, most important, a love that’s endured. But ever since Wes sent a demon screaming back to the beyond, his abilities have grown overpowering and overwhelming. He’s hiding the fact that he’s losing control the best he can, but it’s hard to keep anything a secret for long when your partner’s a former cop…and especially when your partner’s a former cop who wants to move in together.

When all hell literally breaks loose in Toronto and superstrength ghosts are unleashed on Wes and his friends, he and Hudson are thrown into a case unlike any they’ve seen before. To save the city, Wes needs to harness his new power…and find some answers. But when he gets them, the solution to fix it all could mean losing everything.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Hear Me

SERIES: Finding Free #3

AUTHOR: A.M. Arthur

PUBLISHER: Briggs-King Books

LENGTH: 323 pages

RELEASE DATE: January 6, 2020

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On the run from the mate who poisoned and nearly killed him, omega Khory Landry finds unexpected support from a lawyer with influential friends. The entire Danvers clan promises to keep Khory safe and help him press charges—especially eldest son Aeron.

After screwing up big time as a teenager, alpha Aeron Danvers has a plan: finish university, attend the constabulary academy, and become a decorated constable. His plans don’t include feelings for a pregnant omega mated to a dangerous con man. Khory has enough stress without worrying about Aeron’s unexpected feelings for him. The friendship Khory offers has to be enough.

While his lawyer fights Khory’s legal battles, Aeron and Khory fight their blossoming attraction to each other. When Khory’s mate shows up and tries to force him home, Aeron will have to step up or risk losing Khory for good.

A slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance, HEAR ME is the third book in the “Finding Free” omegaverse series, which is a spin-off of the fan-favorite “Breaking Free” series. This is an original universe featuring mpreg, A/B/O dynamics, heats, knotting and an alpha-dominated society that is starting to see advances in omega rights. Content warnings for dark themes apply.

An Omegaverse Story.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Beau’s Redemption

SERIES: My Brother’s Keeper Collection #2

AUTHOR: Royal Blue

PUBLISHER: Perceptive Illusions Publishing, Inc. Blue Perception

LENGTH: 333 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 12, 2019

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Award-winning, Bestselling author Blue Saffire writing gay romance as Royal Blue

Beau’s Redemption

My Brother’s Keeper Series: Book Two

My past is riding my back. I can still hear them chanting my name— Beau James, Beau James. I’m not the Beau James Dalton everyone rooted for. The man I love lost his life at my hands. I don’t deserve redemption after what I’ve done. I certainly don’t belong in a boxing ring. I left my heart in that ring that night. At least, I thought I did.

I can’t live my life like this. I’m a Marine. I was built to survive and conquer. Still, I know I’m not the same Angel. That last tour took the biggest chunk out of me and I’m fighting every day just to keep my head above water. My twin brother has offered me a chance to catch my breath at the gym he works for. I’ve been staying my nights there. Well, that’s until his boss, Beau, walks in and finds me in the shower after hours.

We both need a lifeline. Interesting enough an unexpected special little someone maybe just what we both need to heal enough to move on. Or will PTSD get the best of us all?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: The Accidental Baker

AUTHOR: Clare London

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 60 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 20, 2019

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Donnie Watson’s baking disasters are legendary, but this Easter, his mismatched chocolate eggs bring accidental but astonishing results to four downhearted gay men. The chocolate sweets spill onto the pavement of a small parade of local shops—and go on a matchmaking tour like no other! From a bankrupt and betrayed baker, to a homeless but hopeful man, to a conceited bar owner in need of a reality check, and finally to the hapless but caring Donnie himself.

After all, Love means you can have chocolate too!

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  No Place Like Home

AUTHOR:  Annabelle Jacobs

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

RELEASE DATE:  November 26, 2019

LENGTH:  218 pages

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Will Oliver get the gift he’s hoping for this Christmas?

Oliver Walker’s Christmas is shaping up to be a quiet one. That is until hunky neighbour Ed Middleton moves in next door.

Attraction is instant, but Ed is only there temporarily and neither wants to start something with an expiration date.

As the festive season approaches, holiday cheer wraps around them, and giving in to temptation is inevitable. But Ed is still set on moving in the new year—a fresh start, miles away from those he’s closest to.

If Oliver doesn’t want to lose his heart, he’ll have to show Ed that home is wherever he wants it to be, and love is possible no matter what.

No Place Like Home is a heartwarming story of love between neighbours, family and friends, about adorable rescue cats, and remembering that sometimes the very thing you’re looking for is right under your nose.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Fake Boyfriend Breakaways

SERIES: Fake Boyfriend #2.5, 3.5, 4.5

AUTHOR: Eden Finley

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 2822 kb

RELEASE DATE: September 26, 2019

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Breakaways is a collection of short stories from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend universe. They all feature side characters from the series but do not contain fake boyfriend tropes.

Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5)

Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups. One night of drunken sex makes them question their whole friendship and what they’ve had right in front of them all along.

Best read after Trick Play in the Fake Boyfriend universe.

It’s Complicated (Fake Boyfriend 3.5)

Max has been in love with his childhood best friend, Ash, for years. The reason he has kept it a secret is because Ash also happens to be Max’s brother’s ex-boyfriend. Complicated doesn’t begin to explain their relationship.

Best read after Deke in the Fake Boyfriend universe.

Winning You (Fake Boyfriend 4.5)

(Previously published in Heart2Heart volume 2. This story has been extended from the original and re-edited.)

Marty and Luce win a blind date through a charity raffle. Marty is young and vibrant. Luce is older and a little bit bitter. In one night, they manage to change the course of each other’s lives.

This is a prequel of Hat Trick in the Fake Boyfriend universe.

Reviewed by Dan

TITLE: The Fall

SERIES: Love in O’Leary – Book 1

AUTHOR: May Archer

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 306 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  September 24, 2018

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“I was in free fall the moment we met, and I just keep falling.”

Small town police officer Silas Sloane knows every resident of O’Leary, New York. He’s earned the love and respect of its citizens, though living under the small-town microscope grates on him. But though he’s good at his job, there’s one thing he’s not good at: commitments… Until Everett.

Widower Everett Maior, O’Leary’s newest citizen, came to the small town kicking and screaming. He never wanted to become primary caretaker for his grandfather and has no interest in living the provincial life. Snarky and superstitious, he’s proficient at keeping people at a distance… Until he lays eyes on Silas.

Strange disappearances are plaguing O’Leary, though, even as Silas and Everett find their growing attraction undeniable. Can they find their way to a future together, even as ghosts from the past threaten to tear them apart?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Silent Heart

SERIES: Search and Rescue #2, Dreamspun Desires #96

AUTHOR: Amy Lane

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 220 pages

RELEASE DATE: January 7, 2020

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Dog wrangler Preston Echo has been in love with his brother’s best friend, copilot, and business partner since high school—and Damien Ward knew it. As Preston grew into a stunning, hard-willed man, Damien began to dream of Preston too.

Then Damien almost died in a helicopter crash. While his physical wounds are slowly healing, the blows to his self-confidence and goodwill are almost worse. His body is broken and he’s afraid to fly—how can Preston love him now?

When Preston’s brother goes on a search-and-rescue mission and disappears in an earthquake zone in Mexico, Preston and Damien are thrown together in an effort to find him and bring him back. Preston’s merciless honesty—and relentless passion—may leverage Damien into his bed, but can Damien overcome his fears to allow himself to stay there?

Reviewed by Jess

TITLE: Shots on Goal

SERIES: Stick Side #3

AUTHOR: Amy Aislin

PUBLISHER: Self-published

LENGTH: 317 pages

RELEASE DATE:  January 7, 2020

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Recently traded to the newly formed Vermont Trailblazers, professional hockey player Roman Kinsey needs to focus on helping the team win games and filling the stands, not on the blond, bespectacled part-timer who works at the library he volunteers at. He knows all too well that outing himself equals heartache and ridicule…or worse.

Cody Evans, psych major and grad school hopeful, notices everything and thinks too much. But he doesn’t know what to think when he sees Roman reading to kids. The rugged hockey player just doesn’t look like the type. But it stirs something in him, something he’s never felt before.

When the library is threatened with closure, Cody enlists Roman’s help. As they get to know each other better…much, much better…they realize that they have more in common than books. But Roman’s keeping a big part of himself from his team, and giving in to his feelings for Cody might be more than he’s willing to risk.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Rules to Obey

SERIES: Davey’s Rules #5

AUTHOR: Susan Hawke

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 223 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 12, 2019

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Davey’s Rule #83: Daddy will encourage his boy to be the best he can be and be supportive of his boy’s career choices.

Marcus Alves has waited most of his adult life to find the perfect match. A sweetheart who will love cuddles, need a Daddy to help him thrive, and most importantly… be the type of boy that might want to use the binky that Marcus keeps hidden in his pocket. Now in his forties, he’s refusing to give up on his dream—or the unused playroom that’s waiting for someone to enjoy.

Jeff Robustelli has had a rough life. Growing up in a commune with absent parents was hard for a rule-following straitlaced guy with a genius IQ. When the uncle who saved him died, Jeff did what he does best—buried his head in the sand and pretended life wasn’t changing. Working in a Daddy club has shown him what he really wants, but Jeff is too afraid to take a chance on something new.

When Jeff has a sudden need for a fake fiancé, he strikes a deal with the older man who always seems to be there when his world is crumbling and makes him feel safe. In exchange, he agrees to a fake Daddy/boy experiment designed to let him try out being little without any pressure.

While Marcus and Jeff navigate their “deal” and the unexpected new feelings that begin to emerge, Marcus also must help the younger man through a series of life changes that put him on the road to being the adult he’s been too afraid to be. When everything in Jeff’s life is in turmoil, Marcus is his one stability. But can Jeff trust his own heart when nothing else in his life is making sense anymore?

This is the fifth book in a series about not-so-perfect Daddies, adorable “boys,” and one sassy brat with an insane list of rules. Grab your fan and tissues because this series comes with both a high heat advisory and all the squishy feels you’d want from a Susan Hawke book.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: The Dichotomy of Angels

AUTHOR: N.R. Walker

PUBLISHER: Blue Heart Press

LENGTH: 327 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 25, 2019

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Nathaniel and Chasan are no ordinary angels.

Destiny chose them to be twin flames, fated mates. But Nathaniel has avoided Chasan for nearly a thousand years.

When sent to Earth on a mission to live and work together, Nathaniel comes face-to-face with his destiny. Short-tempered, petulant, and grumpy, he hates the idea of being fated to anyone and has chosen an existence of isolation rather than spending time with the calm, kind, and serene Chasan. But now he has no choice.

One is fire, the other is air; a true dichotomy of angels. Together they will be ignited, or they will be extinguished. This assignment will seal their fate either way.

Reviewed by Anabela.m

TITLE: Swipe

AUTHOR: TA Moore

SERIES: Stories from Plenty, California #1

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 226 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 31, 2019

BLURB:

As one of the top trauma surgeons in Plenty’s ER, Dr. Taggart Hayes knows how to fix broken things—fractured legs, ruptured spleens, allergies, and traumatic brain injuries. He can put them back together good as new.

A broken heart, though? That’s a bit trickier. Especially when it’s his own.

When Tag swipes on the photo of the hot man in the dating app, he just wants a distraction from the wreck that used to be his life. A one-night stand with a safely inappropriate stranger, no names, no feelings, and no complications.

But the headless photo on the app belongs to a man who isn’t so easy to forget the next day… or the next week. And it becomes increasingly clear that Bass is neither safe nor uncomplicated. Drawn into the dark, criminal underworld his lover inhabits, Tag has to decide if the cure for his broken heart is worse than the disease.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Blue Umbrella Sky

AUTHOR: Rick R. Reed

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 190 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 19, 2019

BLURB:

Milt Grabaur has left his life, home, and teaching career in Ohio to start anew. The Summer Winds trailer park in Palm Springs, butted up against the San Jacinto mountain range, seems the perfect place to forget the pain of nursing his beloved husband through Alzheimer’s and seeing him off on his final passage.

Billy Blue is a sexy California surfer type who once dreamed of being a singer but now works at Trader Joe’s and lives in his own trailer at Summer Winds. He’s focused on recovery from the alcoholism that put his dreams on hold.

When his new neighbor moves in, Billy falls for the gray-eyed man. His sadness and loneliness awaken something Billy’s never felt before—real love.

When a summer storm and flash flood jeopardize Milt’s home, Billy comes to the rescue, hoping the two men might get better acquainted… and maybe begin a new romance.

But Milt’s devotion to his late husband is strong, and he worries that acting on his attraction will be a betrayal.

Can they lay down their baggage and find out how redemptive love can be?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Waited So Long

AUTHOR: J.M. Dabney

PUBLISHER: Hostile Whispers Press LLC

LENGTH: 115 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 18, 2019

BLURB:

What happens when your best friend’s son comes home and he’s all grown up?

Devon Hoffman has a secret. He’s wanted a Daddy all his own, but when you’re pushing fifty, you’re completely over the hill. Newly divorced and trying to be single again after an almost thirty-year relationship, he’s lost and needs someone to ground him. Except he’s anxious and his depression intensifies until Bern returns after leaving the service and the younger man suddenly takes interest. Can he let his guard down and risk losing his best friend or should he do whatever is needed to keep his secret safe?