Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Shatter

SERIES: Omega Assassin’s Club #4

AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 196 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 28, 2019

BLURB:

A ruthless omega with a chip on his shoulder meets the alpha patient enough to show him love.

Nolan found solace as an agent in the Omega Assassins Club. The only place he ever felt accepted, it is his home and the other operatives in his pack are his family. He knows he’s messed up, everyone in his pack is in their own way, but Nolan’s past refuses to let him think about the future.

Without his pack knowing, Nolan moonlights in a kink house where the rich and powerful pay him large amounts to tell them they were worthless. He doesn’t have to touch them, not if he doesn’t want to, and on the plus side, he gets to see alphas for what they truly are, spineless.

But when one of his clients is dead before Nolan can walk into the room and the police rush in, he knows he’s been set up. Too bad the detective assigned to his case is the only alpha Nolan ever opened his heart to. The same man who had set Nolan’s life into the tailspin that ended with him begging to be let into the OAC.

Detective Benjamin Barlow never forgot the omega who got away. Nolan had dug a hole in his heart that still festered, but the self-possessed omega he sees now is nothing like the shy, grateful boy of his memories. Nolan’s loathing for him tells Benjamin there’s more to the omega’s story than he’s letting on.

It’s clear someone is after Nolan, and after a second attempt at his life, Benjamin puts his foot down. His omega will stay with him, in his home, maybe then they can find out what tore them apart all those years ago.But will he be able to accept the truth?

Shatter is the fourth book in the Omega Assassins Club. It is packed with action but with the same spice, humor, and heart. A swoon-worthy HEA is guaranteed! Other books in the Omega Assassins Club include:

Fervor

Quench

Behemoth

Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: We Still Live

AUTHOR: Sara Dobie Bauer

PUBLISHER: NineStar Press

LENGTH: 233 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2019

BLURB:

Running from a scandal that ruined his life, Isaac Twain accepts a teaching position at Hambden University where, three months prior, Professor John Conlon stopped a campus nightmare by stepping in front of an active shooter.

When John and Isaac become faculty advisors for the school’s literary magazine, their professional relationship evolves. Despite the strict code of conduct forbidding faculty fraternization, they delve into a secret affair—until Simon arrives.

Isaac’s violent ex threatens not only their careers, but also John’s life. His PTSD triggered, John must come to terms with that bloody day on College Green while Isaac must accept the heartbreak his secrets have wrought.

***WE STILL LIVE is a standalone M/M friends-to-lovers romance featuring detailed adult content, graphic violence, hurt/comfort, and mental illness.***

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Cash

SERIES: Sons of Destruction #3

AUTHOR: Noelle Smith

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 334 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 29, 2019

BLURB:

Sabastian “Cash” Cook always thought he’d settle down with a nice woman and have a few kids. But, he also has a different side to him that had been dormant since early high school. That is until Chance Peterson comes into his life.

Cash, the secretary for the Sons of Destruction Motorcycle Club and the owner of Destruction Ink is looking for his mate and a new tattoo artist. Not realizing they are one in the same man. Tall, dark, and covered from head to toe in tattoos, Cash for some reason, has intimidated every applicant who’s walked through his door. He doesn’t understand why; he’s kind, quiet, and does his job well. But, for some reason, people don’t want to work for him. Maybe fate has something better in mind for Cash. After spending four years with the wrong person, Cash has watched members of the club, meet their mates and fall in love while wondering if, and when, he might get his turn — not knowing that the answer is heading his way.

Chance is a twenty-one-year-old who’s had a hard life, in a short amount of time. He lived with a tyrant for a father and a mother who never defended him, then was kicked out at eighteen for being gay. When he moved in with Ian, he didn’t know the hell he was walking into and is abused by someone he loved. Chance has endured it for as long as he could. With help from his best friend, Chance leaves and never looks back. Going to an abuse shelter, they help him escape Florida and into the hands of the Sons of Destruction Helpline. Chance makes it out and doesn’t look back. But Florida and certain people don’t want to let him go.

Chance and Cash meet at the new center, the Sons of Destruction are trying to get started, and it’s an instant attraction for Cash and Chance. Cash finds his mate, and Chance finds his freedom. Join the guys of the SOD for another ride, but this time it’s Cash at the front of the line.

This book has over 87,000 words. There are talks of abuse and murder-suicide, so please read with caution. Sons of Destruction: Cash has a smart-talking Harley, sexy times, dirty t-shirts, and a HEA, like all the previous members of the pack.

Happy Reading and Enjoy.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Making Rules

SERIES: Davey’s Rules #6

AUTHOR: Susan Hawke

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 64 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 20, 2020

BLURB:

Davey’s Rule #53: Daddy shouldn’t be afraid to let his boy top.

Before Davey came to work at Daddy’s Lap and began that crazy list of rules, his future bestie, Sammy, was already living happily ever after with his own Daddy-dom. From the moment they met over a gas pump to the day they were legally able to wed, leather Daddy Raphael Robustelli adored his linebacker-sized boy. This is their love story, as seen through a series of six short vignettes. Witness the moment they met, see the first time Davey came to the club, and so much more. This is a short 20k volume, filled with emotion and backstory for the entire series.

NOTE: This is not a full-length book and does not contain a new couple. This can be read as a standalone but will be most enjoyed by those who have read the series.

This is the sixth 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: My Past, Your Future

SERIES: Deerbourne Inn #1

AUTHOR: Gabbi Grey

PUBLISHER: The Wild Rose Press

LENGTH: 101 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 24, 2020

BLURB: 

Callum MacLaren, a professor from Scotland, visits Willow Springs, Vermont during the Winter Solstice to study and explore the rich history of St. Joseph’s Cemetery. His encounter with a sexy soldier in a tattered Civil War uniform is a captivating puzzle, and the more he learns, the deeper his attraction.

A hundred and fifty years ago, Elijah Freeman was killed during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner and woke up in Willow Springs, the only home he’d known. Alone, he roams the town, unable to leave or interact with a single soul until an intriguing Scot addresses him. Even stranger, the man can see him, hear him, and touch him–a sizzling caress that leaves Elijah aching for more.

But will Elijah return to his ghostly form when the magic of the solstice fades, or is Callum’s love enough to keep him in the land of the living? 

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Claiming Marcus

SERIES:  Lords of Discord #1

AUTHOR:  Jocelynn Drake

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH: 350 pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 31, 2019

BLURB:

Vampires slaughtered my family.

No one believed me until I met some new friends, who promised to help me get justice.

But nothing prepared me for Marcus Varik.

Tall, dark, and mind-numbingly sexy.

But he’s also shy, protective, and adorably eccentric.

Oh God, I should have never agreed to betray him.

Hopefully, it’s not too late to fix my mistake before I lose more people I love.

Claiming Marcus is the first book in an MM paranormal romance series that has vampires, betrayal, annoying brothers, music, heartbreak, hope, sexy times, and a raven named Ozzie.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Jesse

SERIES: Boys of Brighton #4

AUTHOR: M. Tasia

PUBLISHER: Boroughs Publishing Group

LENGTH: 122 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 2, 2017

BLURB:

Welcome back to Brighton, Texas. Where any man can find home.

HEATING UP

Royce Evans has worked as a paramedic in Brighton since graduating college. After the accident, though, his life seemed over. His husband died. Then he met Jesse. Handsome, brave, loving—the short-order cook is everything Royce desires. Everything he’d thought forever gone. Now Jesse’s tan, muscled body has brought him back to life, and nothing is going to shut that down. Not his own fears of heartbreak. Not Jesse’s past, or the fact that he ran from it. And definitely not Jesse’s crazy violent family, the Redemption Squad.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Taken by His Warrior

SERIES: Wolves in the Fae Court #3

AUTHOR: Marie Medina

PUBLISHER: Evernight Publishing

LENGTH: 106 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2019

BLURB:

Asmund knows he’s put off marriage too long. With his two closest friends happily mated to members of the wolf pack, he allows himself to be talked into hosting a ball to find himself a wife. He’s spent too many years waiting for the perfect person to simply fall into his lap.

But just days before the ball, a wolf shifter with a hint of ancient fae blood messes up all his plans. Vadik says the king is his mate, and Asmund knows that shifters are never wrong. But Asmund needs heirs, which the Beta wolf can’t give him, so he knows he must stay strong and convince Vadik to walk away, despite their attraction. The hardest part proves to be convincing himself that this man, who seems to fulfill every fantasy he’s ever had, isn’t right for him.

Reviewed by Danielle

TITLE: Danger Zone

SERIES: The Elite #1

AUTHOR: Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine

PUBLISHER: Self Published

RELEASE DATE: February 27, 2020

LENGTH: 184 Pages

BLURB:

They train to serve their country.
They strive to be the best.
But only a select few can be…
The Elite

* * *

MATEO MORGAN
CALL SIGN: SOLO

Reckless, arrogant, and bold, Solo is as known in the U.S. Navy for his bad-boy reputation as he is for his skills as a fighter pilot. It’s a surprise to his peers, then, when he’s chosen to train and compete at the most prestigious naval aviation academy in the world.

MISSION RULES:
1.Kick everyone’s ass.
2.Do whatever it takes to win.
3.Do your best to distract the competition.
4.Especially when that competition is a gorgeous blue-eyed perfectionist who makes your blood run hot.

* * *

GRANT HUGHES
CALL SIGN: PANTHER

Disciplined, smart, and confident, Panther can’t afford not to play by the rules. As the son of a top Navy commander, all eyes are on him, and being anything less than number one is unacceptable.

MISSION RULES:
1.Keep it safe in the air.
2.Prove you’re more than Commander Hughes’s son.
3.No distractions. Stay focused.
4.Don’t fall for your competition—especially not the rebellious heartbreaker with lips made for sinning.

In the heat of the hot California sun, tempers flare and desires ignite as Solo and Panther try to resist their attraction while fighting to be number one.
With passion this intense, the question remains:
Who’s gonna come out on top?

Danger Zone is book one of The Elite series and is not a standalone. Book two, Need for Speed, will release 3.27.20, followed by the final book, Classified, on 4.27.20.

Reviewed by Cheryl

TITLE: For What it’s Worth

SERIES: #lovehim #5

AUTHOR: S.M. James                         

PUBLISHER: May Books

LENGTH: 380 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 27, 2020

BLURB:

Rory García is terrible at making choices.

Dating Micah has been the best decision Rory’s ever made. Micah calms his wild side by bringing Rory back down to earth. They’re perfect for each other.
But when Rory’s Australian crush randomly shows up to stay with him, Rory’s torn between the boyfriend he maybe loves, and the guy he thought he was over.

Micah Holtz is the most loyal boyfriend in history.

Since the day Micah first saw Rory, he fell hard. There’s never been a moment where Micah’s doubted his feelings and when they finally start to date, Micah plans to hold on with both hands.
But then Justin arrives from Australia and Micah finds his single-minded attention starting to slip…

Justin Anderson has a plan for everything.

Showing up on Rory’s doorstep is the most adventurous thing Justin’s ever done. He’s lowkey sick with nerves, but knowing Rory’s there makes it all worth it. Until he finds out Rory has a boyfriend. Which was never part of the plan.

Suddenly Justin’s back to his usual game of second guessing everything, including Rory’s flirting and Micah’s lingering looks.

When Micah’s childhood haunt is set to be torn down, the three of them join forces to try to save the historic building. But will the teamwork add cracks to an already unstable friendship, or bring them closer than they ever imagined?

Reviewed by Jess

TITLE: Interregnum

SERIES: The Line of Succession #3

AUTHOR: Harry F. Rey

PUBLISHER: Deep Desires Press

LENGTH: 187 pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 3, 2019

BLURB:

Chaos rules an empty throne.

The Queen remains steadfastly in a coma. James is adjusting to his life as prince regent, helped by new eye-candy Samuel, while Andrew faces up to the reality of working for the opposition—James’ twin sister Alexandra. Andrew and James now find themselves on opposite sides of the war of succession.

With Alexandra’s bombshell article due to shock the monarchy to its core, she must seek out political allies to take the throne while keeping her restless husband Faisal in check. But the establishment is fighting back, and they’ll use even the most diabolical means to ensure James will produce an heir.

The powerful forces behind Operation Rex face a greater threat—Lizzie’s plans to expose the monarchy’s deadliest secrets to the world. Her pact with the IRA may finally avenge her parents’ murder… and truly enthrone a reign of chaos during this interregnum.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Discovering Destiny

SERIES: Familiar Magick #1

AUTHOR: Abigail Kade

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 126 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 21, 2020

BLURB:

Who would believe that pretending to be your next door neighbor’s boyfriend for a simple family dinner would change so many lives forever? As two witches from two very different families learn how their destinies are intertwined, they realize they may be the only hope for their kind to survive what’s coming for them all.

Atherton Blackwood

Once upon a time, I was the heir to my family’s seat on the High Council of Witches. After one horrific night, the Council was no more and all the families went into hiding. The likelihood I would ever find my mo shíorghrá, my soul mate, was gone. But by fate or luck, I’ve finally found my other half. Tobias Wyvern was destined to be mine, but we’re discovering that’s not all destiny has in store for us. I need to find out if our future will be our own, or if it will be determined by a prophecy that was written before either of us were born. I’ll do whatever I have to do, go wherever I have to go to find a way for us to be together. Even if it means going home.

Tobias Wyvern

I invited my next door neighbor, Arthur, to a family dinner to get them off my back, but what I’m finding out is that my whole life has been a lie. I was always told we were the only witches left in the world, but that’s because my family was too frightened to tell me the truth. They signed a contract when I was a child, but had no intention of following through. The Wyverns and the Blackwoods would never be united if they could prevent it. Things happened and they were able to disappear, but now Atherton Blackwood is here to claim me, and I’m ready to be claimed. However, claiming me now has consequences far beyond a vow to each other. By coming together, we’ll set into motion a destiny neither one of us could ever have predicted.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Cedarwood Manny

SERIES: Cedarwood Pride #6

AUTHOR: Megan Slayer

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

LENGTH: 161 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 25, 2020

BLURB:

Two men collide at a coffee shop…sparks fly along with the java.

Dr. Adrien Ellet loves his dental practice in Cedarwood. He prides himself on being one-half of the most inclusive office in town. Where he’s an expert in the dental field, he’s not so hot as a father. He knows his relationship with his four-year-old son, Kyle, isn’t great and his nanny, Kelsi, is moving on. What’s a guy to do when he needs a little guidance and could use a hot man in his life?

He goes to the coffee shop.

Nathan Gordon loves children and his career as a manny. But he’s lonely. Being a manny means spending his time with children, not going to clubs or partying. Good thing he’s happy to be a homebody. When he runs into the coffee shop for a quick latte, he meets the man of his dreams—who also happens to be the head of the family he wants to manny for. What’s a guy to do when he’s hired to care for the children, yet he’s attracted to the father, the dentist from the coffee shop?

Can these two make it to forever or will the passion between them fizzle before they get started?

Reader advisory: This book contains references to inadequate parenting, suicide threats, homophobia and homophobic harassment.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Testing the Waters

SERIES:  Shelby Beach #2

AUTHOR:  Skylar M. Cates

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  240 pages

RELEASE DATE:  February 12, 2020

BLURB:

What if the right person could change everything?

Random hookups, saying “yes” to whatever, Zane thinks adulting should be easy. His childhood was a hard enough mess. After a health scare, however, Zane reevaluates his life and starts anew. When Zane meets Jordan, everything he secretly desires is finally in front of him. But Jordan Shelby’s family practically owns the town of Shelby Beach. Why would Jordan take a guy like Zane seriously?

Jordan only wants swimming lessons, so hiring Zane might have been a huge mistake. Even if Jordan resists Zane for now, the mere sight of the beautiful trainer fills him with yearning. Swimming isn’t Jordan’s only anxiety. Being nonbinary, Jordan’s dating life—hell, his life in general—isn’t always clear. Can he really trust Zane with his body? His heart?

Testing the Waters is a romance with a gender-fluid MC, a hurt/comfort trope, and a guaranteed happy ending.

Although it is in the Shelby Beach series, Testing the Waters can be read as a standalone. Note: Please look inside the copyright page for mentions of potential triggers.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Beyond Justice

SERIES: The Asylum Fight Club #2

AUTHOR: Tibby Armstrong & Bianca Sommerland

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 3550 kb

RELEASE DATE: December 24, 2019

BLURB:

Raised and trained by The Asylum Fight Club’s most infamous owner, Reed Dane is almost untouchable. Might sound dope, but there are disadvantages to his ‘privileged’ status. His guardian’s reputation makes a serious relationship impossible—turns out the club’s members are addicted to breathing—and the one man Reed truly wants sees him only as a stray his former lover brought home.

An endless string of one-night stands lacks the intimacy Reed craves, but at least edgy post-fight hookups distract him from what he’ll never have. Until he takes a wrecking ball to the walls that set him apart.

Curtis Smith is a lot of things—MMA fighter, club owner…son of a drug lord—but one thing he’s not is prepared to face temptation exploding past his carefully built boundaries. Reed is forbidden, to him most of all, but resisting what they both want becomes impossible with the sub challenging him at every turn. And with his past threatening everything The Asylum has been built to protect, Curtis can’t afford to be addicted to Reed’s brand of candy coated sin.

He can’t deny himself one taste before his stolen time runs out. Because when it does, all that will be left behind for Reed is a memory…

And his heart.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Taking the Bait

SERIES: Royal Merman #1

AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 120 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 24, 2019

BLURB:

Passions run high when divorced, single-father, Marcus, falls for Jake, a young gay man with a mysterious secret.

At forty-seven, Marcus believes he is done with self-discovery. Then he meets Jake and his protective instincts go haywire. Jake’s life hasn’t been easy and he’s struggled to make ends meet. Marcus quickly realizes his affections for Jake are unlike any he’s ever felt—especially toward another man—and he’s not about to let this feeling, or Jake, slip through his fingers.

Jake has no idea why someone as perfect and hot as Marcus would be interested in him. Perhaps his life is finally turning around. At least, that is what he thinks until he wakes up in the middle of the night with an uncontrollable urge to walk into the Pacific Ocean. Jake discovers he’s a merman. And not just any, but a prince. His father tells him he is to rule under the sea but also forbids him from ever going back to land, threatening to kill any who discovers his secret.

Forbidden from seeing each other, Jake’s concern is in keeping Marcus safe. Except, neither of them knew to protect Jake from the reproductive possibilities that transforming into a merman provided. As a human, he hadn’t worried about becoming pregnant and besides, there were more pressing concerns, like how the father Jake never knew he had wanted to kill the boyfriend Jake never thought he’d find.

Marcus knows Jake is keeping something from him. He also knows Jake thinks he’s doing it for his protection. But, Marcus has already taken the bait. He’s hooked. And there isn’t an ocean deep enough to keep him from the man he loves.

Taking the Bait is a fun, steamy gay romance. It features themes of male pregnancy, dad jokes, and ocean puns, as well as a May/December romance that will make you swoon. There is no lifeguard on duty, but with these sexy mermen, you won’t need one.