Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Not My Spook

SERIES: Spy vs. Spook #2

AUTHOR: Tinnean

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 311 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 22, 2020

BLURB:

Quinton Mann, a highly ranked CIA officer, is used to being called the Ice Man. He’s astounded to discover himself in a relationship with Mark Vincent, not because Vincent is a man, but because he’s a top-rated WBIS agent. There they are though, for a total of five glorious days. But when Mark uses the excuse of going to Massachusetts for his mother’s funeral to end their relationship, Quinn’s not buying it.

No one screws with Mark Vincent. Even Mark doesn’t screw with himself. Once he realizes how close he’s allowed Quinton Mann to get to him, he does what any self-respecting spy would do—he makes tracks out of there. But Quinn does something no one else ever has—he comes after Mark. Maybe this relationship thing with a spook isn’t such a bad idea.

Meanwhile, something strange is going on in the intelligence community worldwide. It takes Quinn’s disappearance while investigating a rogue antiterrorism organization that results in Mark making up his mind. Quinn may be a spook, but he’s Mark’s spook, dammit—and once he gets Quinn home, he intends to keep him. He knows without a doubt he’ll find Quinn. The question is, will he find Quinn in time?

Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Long Shadow

SERIES: Hamarsson & Dempsey #2

AUTHOR: Elle Keaton

PUBLISHER: Dirty Dog Press

RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2020

LENGTH: 260 Pages

BLURB:

Niall’s never known anything but betrayal. All Mat wants is Niall’s heart. What will it take for him to coax Niall in from the cold?

Mat’s connection with Niall is tenuous; one step forward, two steps back. Since that night on the beach Niall’s been avoiding Mat like a bad case of the flu–which, ironically, most of his deputies have come down with. What will it take for Niall to truly believe Mat wants him for who he is?

Mat’s overworked, Niall’s unnerved, and then things really go sideways.

Will a killer destroy everything before Niall realizes they are stronger together than apart?

Long Shadow is a dual POV about a broody introvert and a somewhat patient Sheriff. Mat’s going to have to prove to Niall he’s the man for him. The Hamarsson and Dempsey series follows the same couple as they find their way to their happily ever after.

Reviewed by Cindy

TITLE: Wonderland City

AUTHOR: Rhys Ford

PUBLISHER: DSP Publications

LENGTH: 101 Pages

RELEASE DATE: April 28, 2020

BLURB:

When Xander Spade went through the Looking Glass, he wasn’t looking for salvation. He’d been running from the devil who took his soul, only to fall prey to the greatest monster in Wonderland City, the Queen of Hearts. Years later, the Queen is dead and Xander has a chance to go through the Looking Glass and back home where he belongs.

Xander’s devil wants him to find a little girl who escaped into Wonderland City, before her presence brings down an apocalypse of uncontrollable chaos to the already mad world. Along with Jean Michel, the former Knave of Hearts, Xander now is in a race against time to find the missing child before all Hell breaks loose and he loses his chance to go home.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Incursion

SERIES: God Jars Saga #9

AUTHOR: Devon Vesper

PUBLISHER: Magelight Press

LENGTH: 215 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2020

BLURB:

It has all come down to this…

The final battles are upon him. Every decision, every step Valis has taken has led him to this moment. All the heartache, pain, and training have driven him halfway across the continent to rescue his father and the final god jar.

Valis and his friends rush toward their destiny, bound together in their quest. But avoiding dangers on their journey taxes Valis’s magical abilities and stamina, forcing him to continue draining everything he can from their enemies. And as they reach their destination, Valis’s worries about his reserves only grow.

The priests in the enemy monastery are more powerful than any Valis has dealt with before. They are even able to separate him from his husband. Their Sovereign Priest, Kaphir, is an enigma, and learning his secrets leaves Valis with more questions than answers. The only thing that is certain is that if Valis fails now, the entire world will pay an unthinkable price.

This is the final book in the God Jars Saga. It is complete, and includes a bonus chapter at the end.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  The Layover

AUTHOR:  Roe Horvat

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  134 pages

RELEASE DATE:  January 22, 2020

BLURB:

Eight years ago, Ondro Smrek fled Slovakia and the bigotry that drove his first lover to take his own life. The demons proved impossible to outrun, though, and now, desperate for somewhere to belong, Ondro is returning to start over. During a layover in Basel, Switzerland, he meets Jamie, an American living in Scotland who is as brilliant as he is beautiful.

Jaded Ondro never would have guessed he could fall in love during a brief layover—until now. When he is put in a position to offer Jamie comfort without hope of recompense, Ondro doesn’t hesitate. Soon, he catches a glimpse of the home he longs for. But with their separation looming, confessing his feelings would only lead to pain and humiliation. Life has taught Ondro not to hope, but then, he never believed in love at first sight either….

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Forever

SERIES:  Always & Forever #2

AUTHOR:  Kindle Alexander

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

RELEASE DATE:  April 6, 2020

LENGTH:  449 pages

BLURB:

Dr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most—the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life.

For Tech Sergeant Landon Russo, determination isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Joining the US Air Force allows him to prove his worth, and he takes the values of integrity, service and excellence to heart in every decision he makes. Until on one fateful night, in celebration of a much-deserved promotion, a simple misstep sends his life flying into a tailspin.

As both men fight to regain control of their lives, they’ll soon discover fate rules. Will they ignore the signs and risk everything or will they take a chance and trust their destiny to be together…forever?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Picking Cherries

SERIES: Welcome to Morningwood #9

AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 157 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 25, 2020

BLURB:

Shy and unsure, what Shiloh needs is a steady hand to guide him.

Shiloh Formes has lived his young adult life in fear of turning into his brother. Seamus couldn’t make the right choice if it bit him in the bottom. But Shiloh didn’t graduate high school early to spend his life partying like his brother. Shiloh plans on dedicating his life to his academic passion and he knows just the professor to help him get started.

Secret billionaire and respected professor, Beckett Crawford has everything but a mate to love.

Blind since birth, Beckett is an alpha who knows what it’s like to have to work twice as hard as his peers. He understands Shiloh’s passion but the student asks him for a favor Beckett simply cannot grant. But Shiloh doesn’t leave without making an impression on Beckett, and soon, he can’t stop thinking about the student who should be so clearly off-limits.

Shiloh needs to be careful. He can’t afford to fall into the same downward spiral that dragged down his brother. Even if Shiloh has fallen hard for his teacher, nothing can come of it. But when an old enemy threatens Shiloh, it’s Beckett who rushes to protect him. It’s Beckett who offers Shiloh the key to unlocking his academic future, and it is Beckett who cares for Shiloh like he’s the most precious thing in the world. But with as many reasons Shiloh has for why they should be together, there are just as many threatening to tear them apart.

Picking Cherries is the ninth novel in the Welcome to Morningwood Series. It may absolutely be read as a standalone and features an age/gap, student/professor, omegaverse romance with a dash of domestic discipline (lite) to keep it spicy.

Other books included in the Welcome to Morningwood Series:

Gingerbred Lessons

Ball Drop

Sweet Meat

Sack of Gold

Hop On

Red, White & Blew

Pumpkin Cream Pie

Love Nest

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: For Your Entertainment

SERIES: Songs of Love #2

AUTHOR: M.J. Calabrese

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 109 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 20, 2020

BLURB:

The life of rock star, Dorian Gray and his lover, award winning film director Scott Newland, has been filled with highs and lows. Their love has transcended drug addiction and insecurities, but will it survive another’s revenge against Dorian?

Lead singer Dorian Gray, whose real life as David Niewitski is far different from his stage persona, Dorian is sensual, brazen and bold. Tall and handsome, he commands the stage. David has the voice of an angel and with his band, Absinthe, he reaches the top, but his personal life is a roller coaster of drug addiction, insecurities and a long-term relationship he fights to hold onto.

Scott Newland, award winning film director, has known David since they were children. They became lovers in their teens and eventually marry. He loves his husband, but tries to protect David’s deaf mother and loving father from their son’s self-destructive personality. David’s head strong personality, drug addiction, and his need to control places them all in danger.

This story shows the progression of these two men from friends to lovers and a backstage look at what a rock star faces onstage and off. As David would say, “My Name is Dorian Gray and I’m here For Your Entertainment.”

PLEASE NOTE: There is description of drug use and abuse. If these are triggers for you, please skip this one!

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Head on Collision

SERIES: Hart Medical Center #4

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 110 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2020

BLURB:

In an Alpha dominated world, Oslo Hall had to fight for his right to make a living for himself. It wasn’t always easy, but since he’d grown up with parents who had to work multiple jobs to put food on the table, he was used to working hard. But that left little time for things like love. Oh, he’d tried. He’d even gotten married, but it wasn’t until the divorce that he realized, he’d never been in love with his husband. Too bad he hadn’t discovered that until after he’d gotten pregnant.

Bradford Radcliff had spent his entire career fighting for the rights of Omegas in family court. He was proud of the work he’s done. But it wasn’t until he met Oslo Hall, who might lose his unborn child if the Alpha father decided to demand custody, that Bradford realized just how important it was to win. The thought of Oslo having to give up his own child was more than Bradford could bear, especially since somewhere along the way he’d fallen in love with both Oslo and his unborn child.

If only that were all that was against them, they might stand a chance. But the Hart’s Medical Center stalker has targeted Oslo and the threats had them both terrified, especially when Shale decides he’s going to try and catch the stalker using Oslo as bait.

Warning: Graphic threats made by a stalker.

PLEASE NOTE: Although each book focuses on a different couple, and they all have HEAs, this series is better enjoyed when read in order! Join us in trying to figure out who the stalker is!

Reviewed by Kimberley

TITLE: Working Stiffs (A M/M Vampire Romance Charity Anthology)

AUTHOR(S): Tanya Chris, Lyra Evans, HL Day, K.Evan Coles, Roberta Bablanski, et al.. 

PUBLISHER: Self Published

RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020

LENGTH: 487 pages 

BLURB:

Not all vampires are idly rich. Some of them have day jobs. Er, night jobs.

In a world struggling to come to grips with the existence of vampires, where reactions range from excitement to fear to determined disbelief, these vampires are just trying to make ends meet. Some of them do mundane work—like waiting tables or driving a cab. Others have more prestigious careers in medicine and crime prevention. But what all their jobs have in common is people. Unpredictable, interesting, frustrating, hostile, helpless, tasty people.

Whether they’re pouring drinks, answering phones, hacking into a computer system, or serving up the perfect food/wine pairing, these working stiffs are too busy to fall in love. Or are they?

This International Workers Day, celebrate by sinking your teeth into thirteen awesome stories about vampires at work. Because even the undead have to earn a living. Proceeds benefit the WHO’s Covid-19 Response Fund.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Spring Strings

AUTHOR:  Lily Morton

PUBLISHER:  Self Published

LENGTH:  97 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 1, 2020

BLURB:

Malachi Booth is a supermodel. The last place he expects to find himself is on a run-down farm in Cornwall, but a bad bout of bronchitis means that he’s stuck there.

Cadan Landry’s farm has been in his family for hundreds of years but that doesn’t make it any easier to make ends meet. As a consequence, Cadan could be called grumpy. Most men would consider a supermodel collapsing at their feet while dressed in a skimpy pair of briefs to be a sign of good fortune. Cadan just resents the fact that the young man is taking up space in his cow field.

These two men are from different worlds, but can they ever meet in the middle?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Houseboat on the Nile

SERIES: Spy vs. Spook #1

AUTHOR: Tinnean

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 390 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 25, 2019

BLURB:

Quinton Mann is CIA through and through. Mark Vincent is WBIS for life. There is no way they could end up as anything other than adversaries–and yet, Quinn takes Mark out to dinner on his birthday–the one no one is supposed to know about–and gives him one hell of a present in the restaurant’s restroom. Mark, not to be outdone, has decided to escalate this game, because it has to be a game, right? There’s no way it can be anything else.

But as the game continues, as Quinn shows up to a WBIS funeral, as a friend of Mark’s penetrates the CIA computer network to get information on Quinn, as Mark breaks into Quinn’s house and gives Quinn a very interesting encounter, both Quinn and Mark realize that this is becoming the most real thing in their lives.

Can they find a way to do their jobs and keep this surprising, intriguing connection?

REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE: Variable Onset

AUTHOR: Layla Reyne

PUBLISHER: Carina Press

LENGTH: 243 Pages

RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2020

BLURB:

To catch a killer, a special agent and his former student will need to get close—to their target, and each other. Layla Reyne returns with a stand-alone romantic mystery.

When the serial killer known as Dr. Fear seemingly reemerges after a cooling-off period, Special Agent Lincoln Monroe wants on the case. He knows his research on the calculating criminal, who targets couples and uses their worst fears to kill them, could prove invaluable. But nothing can prepare Lincoln for the agent waiting for him in Apex, Virginia: a brash and cocky former student. Carter Warren is everything Lincoln is not, and somehow everything he wants. And they’ll be going undercover. As newlyweds.

For Carter, seeing Lincoln again—and flustered to boot—pokes his raging bear of a crush something fierce. He thinks posing as lovers will provide the perfect bait for Dr. Fear. But pretending to be married forces them to confront fears of their own…like giving in to the very real chemistry between them.

With evidence pointing to the possibility of a copycat killer, Lincoln and Carter will have to race to separate truth from fiction. But when another couple goes missing, finding the killer will test every ounce of their training, skills and the strength of their bond like never before.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: Out in Spring

AUTHOR: Lane Hayes

SERIES: Out in College #6

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 111 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2020

BLURB:

The jock, the nerd, and a little spring fever…

Ned-

I don’t understand hockey at all. Or any sport. Attending a team party with my best friend might be a mistake. As an out and proud geek, I admit that hanging out with a bunch of jocks and their admirers isn’t my idea of fun, but getting kidnapped by a sexy hockey player who claims to have a crush on me is definitely a highlight. And finding out that Logan St. James is bisexual makes everything more interesting.

Logan-

Keeping my big bi secret hasn’t been easy. I have a couple of months of college left and one more game to play. I’m determined to make the most of it and spend as much time as possible with the sexy guy I’ve had a crush on since freshman year. I don’t want this to be over. There must be a way to come out in spring.

Reviewed by Danielle

TITLE: Cowboy’s Law

AUTHOR: BA Tortuga

PUBLISHER: Turtlehat Creatives

LENGTH: 242 Pages

RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2020

BLURB:

When rodeo cowboy Seth’s best friend dies unexpectedly from cancer, he finds himself taking on a ranch and a bunch of his friend’s younger siblings, because they have nowhere else to turn. Seth loves those kids like they’re his own, and he settles in well to his new life, which is why he’s pretty wary when his buddy’s older brother finally makes it home from a long stint in the military.

Law knows he might get a chilly reception at his brother Pistol’s old ranch, even if the kids living there are his half-siblings. He didn’t make it to his brother’s funeral, after all, but to his credit, he was blown up trying to come home to do just that. He’s fighting injuries and insecurity, but when Seth welcomes him to the family ranch, Law knows he’s pretty much in love. Even if he thinks Seth was his brother’s lover. Can these two find a way to let their emotions out before tragedy strikes their family again?

TITLE: The Ghost in the Water

SERIES: Samuel Dexter #2

AUTHOR: Faith Gibson

PUBLISHER: Bramblerose Press

RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2018

LENGTH: 284 pages

BLURB:

A Marine who can’t remember. A detective who wants him to forget. It’ll take them both to catch a serial killer.

As Samuel Dexter struggles to get past the explosion that changed his life, his relationship with his boyfriend, Orlando, is tested. Learning the ropes as both a PI and medium, Sam’s skills are put to the test when he and his mentor search for a missing young woman with mental issues.

In Orlando Shaw’s years as a detective, he’s never come up against a serial killer. Until now. The killer is smart, leaving only the most elusive clues behind. As the killer continues to evade capture, Orlando turns to the one person who has connections beyond his reach – his lover, Sam.

While Sam and Orlando navigate the rough waters of their relationship, their professional lives intersect, and they must work together before the killer strikes again.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Second Act

AUTHOR:  Alexa Land

SERIES:  His Chance

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH: 2587 KB

RELEASE DATE:  May 5, 2020

BLURB:

After pursuing my big break in Hollywood for more than a decade, I’ve
finally landed the role of a lifetime. The only downside–it happened
just as sweet, gorgeous Lorenzo and I were taking the first tentative
steps from friendship to so much more. Our brand-new relationship barely
had a chance to get off the ground, and now the pressures of my
new-found success are coming at us from every angle.

Can I really have it all? Or will chasing fame and fortune end up
costing me the man of my dreams?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Spring Forward

SERIES: Superbia Springs #1

AUTHOR: Rachel Kane

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 293 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2020

BLURB:

A heartbroken single dad. A handyman with a past full of secrets.

And the small town that would change them forever.

It should’ve been a dream come true for Liam, inheriting the oldmansion named Superbia  Springs. It helped him meet Mason, the handyman who kept the town running. Mason is sweet, generous, and good with his hands. (If only he’d use those hands on Liam…) But

Mason has a secret, and the old house has a secret, and the whole town seems full of secrets.

Mason knows he can’t fall for Liam, no matter how the man makes him burn with passion. Gay single dads are off limits when you’re stuck in the closet. Liam hates secrets, and after hearing what happened to Liam’s father and his ex, Mason desperately wants to give him his heart…and his whole story. But how can he tell Liam what’s really keeping him in the closet, when it could destroy people’s lives?

Liam knows he should pack up his bags and his baby and head straight back for his home in the city…but something about Superbia draws him back inexorably. Maybe it’s the town itself. Maybe it’s the mansion, with all its mysteries. Or maybe it’s because he can’t get Mason out of his mind, out of his dreams, out of his heart.

Can the irresistible desire the two men feel for each other overcome the small-town grudges, feuds and scandals that threaten to keep them apart?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Can’t Let Go

SERIES: Songs of Love #1

AUTHOR: M.J. Calabrese

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 122 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 11, 2020

BLURB:

When Heywood Miller and Dylan Greig meet, it’s not under the best of circumstances. Two boys become lifelong friends and slowly discover that their love for each other is deeper than they thought. Told in first person through the eyes of Heywood, their relationship over the years is a rocky one at times, but in the end the two of them discover that, just like the song, they Can’t Let Go.

PLEASE NOTE: There is cheating in this story, but the MCs do end up with their HEA!