Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Barely Regal

SERIES: Rosavia Royals #5

AUTHOR: E. Davies

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 272 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020

BLURB:

A bratty boy prince needs: a firm but fair Daddy.

Prince Renford is a royal brat. Nineteen and last in line for the throne, Wren hates his made-up job: Commander of Roses. Good thing his long-time valet has a firm hand—if only Wren could tempt him to break all palace protocol and use it.

Thom Pierce is sixteen years older. Old enough to know he should ignore his prince’s less-than-subtle flirtation. He’s been burned by a higher-ranked boy before. His job and reputation are at stake if the palace catches a scandal unfolding under their noses.

Wren needs the part of Thom that he’s kept locked away for years. If the young prince wants to be taken as seriously as his older brothers, he has to grow up fast. Thom’s rules could help Wren become the man Thom knows he can be in time for the Royal Ball… or they could attract the very attention that forces them apart forever.

Welcome to the tiny European country of Rosavia, where roses ramble over alpine slopes and princes fall for the men of their dreams. Every Rosavia Royals book happens simultaneously, so books can be read on their own, or in any order… but keep an eye out for familiar faces around the palace!

Reviewed by Cheryl K

TITLE: Ride the Lightning

SERIES: Sinister in Savannah #1

AUTHOR: Aimee Nicole Walker

PUBLISHER: Chasing Rainbows Press

LENGTH: 274 Pages

RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2020

BLURB:

Truth seeker. Promise keeper. Guarded heart.

By day, Jonah St. John is a criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. By night, he produces Sinister in Savannah, an investigative podcast, with his two best friends. Jonah’s life revolves around three principles: a man’s word is his oath, friendships are priceless gifts, and love is for other people.

When the Sinister in Savannah team delves into the thirty-eight-year-old murder of a drag queen, they quickly discover that the story doesn’t end with the alleged killer’s confession in 1995. Continuing the investigation could have fatal consequences for Jonah and everyone he holds dear, including his irresistible intern.

To love is to lose: a lesson Jonah has learned the hard way. For a decade, he has embraced solitude as his penance for a past mistake. Then came Avery Bradford, a man whose warmth and sunshine infuses Jonah’s battered soul and challenges his resistance. Over the past eight months, Jonah has soared closer and closer to Avery’s flame until the thing he’s feared the most becomes the one he can’t live without.

The chill of danger merges with the heat of desire, forming a deadly superstorm. Will Jonah seek shelter or ride the lightning?

Sinister in Savannah series is a fictional podcast exploring the city’s most nefarious crimes with Southern-fried snark. The books explore friendship, love, loss, and the irrepressible human spirit. Ride the Lightning is book one of three. While each book is written about a different couple, the series should be read in order. Sinister in Savannah is an LGBT romantic suspense series with mature language and sexual content intended for adults eighteen and older.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: In His Court

SERIES: Rosavia Royals #4

AUTHOR: Max Rowan

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 287 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020

BLURB:

A spy prince needs: a man who sees through his disguise.

Prince Benedict is not what he seems. His image as a lazy playboy is carefully constructed to hide the truth. Trained since childhood to become Rosavia’s top spy, he spends his life in disguise—and danger—to protect his country. Nobody sees the loneliness in his heart.

Felix Wright is a genius with four degrees, no real-world experience, and a top-secret job… and he’s never even been kissed. A lifetime of being alienated for his most valuable assets has left him reluctant to trust the charming prince who thrusts him into fieldwork for the very first time.

When the Crown Jewels are stolen two weeks before the royal ball, it’s their job to save the country’s reputation. Benedict helps Felix believe in himself, while Felix slowly coaxes the real prince out of hiding. But can they find the jewels and rescue the most priceless treasures of all: each other?

Welcome to the tiny European country of Rosavia, where roses ramble over alpine slopes and princes fall for the men of their dreams. Every Rosavia Royals book happens simultaneously, so books can be read on their own, or in any order… but keep an eye out for familiar faces around the palace!

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Thrown Together

SERIES: Rosavia Royals #3

AUTHOR: Zoe Dawn

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 298 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020

BLURB:

A pining prince needs: a second chance at love.

Prince Julius has only ever wanted one man. Raised alongside Prince Dante of Thedes, the two were inseparable until their unspoken mutual attraction ignited into a single passionate encounter. Convinced that it ruined their friendship, Julius retreated to his duties in Rosavia, where he daydreams of another chance to win Dante’s heart.

After four years apart, fate brings Prince Julius back to Thedes. He offers Dante a coveted invitation: return to the Rosavian palace for ten days, and be his plus-one to the Royal Ball of the century. Before long, they realize one night of passion wasn’t enough, and they can’t imagine losing each other again.

As the clock ticks down to the ball, Julius catches wind of Dante’s family meddling, and he must decide if their feelings are real or if they’ve both been played. Were they always meant for each other, or is it all an illusion that will melt away at midnight?

Welcome to the tiny European country of Rosavia, where roses ramble over alpine slopes and princes fall for the men of their dreams. Every Rosavia Royals book happens simultaneously, so books can be read on their own, or in any order… but keep an eye out for familiar faces around the palace!

Reviewed by Donna

TITLE: Two for Joy

SERIES: Magpie Rhyme #2

AUTHOR: Louise Collins

PUBLISHER: Evernight Publishing

LENGTH: 230 Pages

RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2020

BLURB:

Locked up in a maximum-security prison, Romeo’s highlight each week is a visit from Chad. Despite his friends, colleagues, and therapist all telling Chad to stop, he can’t, and he becomes the only joy in Romeo’s boring, bleak life.
More than his need to kill, he needs Chad to live, but a Copycat killer has other ideas.
At first flattered, Romeo relishes the new killer’s triumphs, but as he countdown his victims, Romeo realizes the danger Chad’s in, not only from the killer, but from his colleagues, and even more alarmingly, himself.
Romeo must do something drastic to reunite the Monster and the Magpie, but the Copycat is closing in on Chad fast, and he’s intent on doing the one thing Romeo couldn’t, concluding his countdown, and claiming number one…

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Reign or Shine

SERIES: Rosavia Royals #2

AUTHOR: H.J. Welch

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 307 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020

BLURB:

A secret prince needs: a lost tourist to save.

Prince Cassander is on vacation from his overdeveloped sense of duty. While hiding out as simply ‘Cas’ in the Rosavian capital, he rescues a gorgeous, distressed American tourist. Matty has no idea that Cas is second in line to the throne. And with only two weeks together to explore the sparks between them, he doesn’t need to ever find out.

New Yorker Matty Doyle is a fish out of water, taking care of his niece and mending his broken heart. When Cas rescues him, the handsome stranger coaxes Matty out of his shell and he throws caution to the wind. Nobody knows him here. Would it hurt to live a little for once?

But a prince can’t stay secret in his own country for long. Cas would give anything to protect Matty from reality, but how can this fantasy together continue when they belong in different worlds?

Welcome to the tiny European country of Rosavia, where roses ramble over alpine slopes and princes fall for the men of their dreams. Every Rosavia Royals book happens simultaneously, so books can be read on their own, or in any order… but keep an eye out for familiar faces around the palace!

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Better Have Heart

SERIES:  Harrison Campus

AUTHORS:  Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday

LENGTH:  257 pages

RELEASE DATE:  July 1, 2020

BLURB:

They hate everything about each other, so why do they harmonize so well?

Isaiah Nettles wants a chance. A chance to help his family.

The prestigious Gage Scholarship will secure his future. He needs this. The competition might be hot, but Darren Gage is a golden child. No way will Isaiah let an entitled rich kid be handed the award.

But what if Darren is more than an entitled rich kid?

Darren Gage wants to be seen. Seen as more than just his name.

The Gage Scholarship will let him shine. He needs this. Sure, Isaiah is insanely sexy—and right to stand up for himself—but he is the competition. No way will Darren let just anyone take his legacy.

But what if Isaiah isn’t just anyone?

“Better Have Heart” is an enemies to lovers, slow burn M/M romance with a HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite attract, rich-boy poor-boy novel can be read as a standalone. 

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: The Prophecy

SERIES: The Aztec Alphas #2

AUTHOR: F.R. D’Angelo

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 241 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2019

BLURB:

Azkin, by mating Zain he has activated the first part of the prophecy. Azkin accepts he is, the Aztec wolf now learning to wield the magic bestowed upon him by the other world. The gift to give life and to take it away— will this prove too much for him?

Zain, now the Aztec wolf protector through his mating with Azkin, also carries the Aztec wolf gene. While the sex is hot, they are newly mated, and the Aztecs have no time to celebrate. They’re on a timeline and must take down the Theta Pack, in order to bring mates to their Omegas, by building a pack worthy of the Aztec name.

Azkin believes he is the weakest link. Can Zain convince him, his strength comes in other ways?

With the first rescue of the Beta Omegas the next section of the Prophecy must be activated, in order to keep Azkins parents with him. Azkin must take down the Theta pack and kill their alpha, and send him to the Aztec prisons, in the other world.

Meanwhile the Alpha protection Squad has now found their home, with the Aztec pack. With the ancestors on their side, the protectors must try to navigate the Aztec wolf through the next stage of the rescues, while trying to keep him alive long enough to liberate the Theta pack.

Dante believes he is untouchable as he doesn’t believe in the prophecies told around the campfire as a pup. Alpha of the Theta pack has ruled with an iron fist for many years. Killing Theta born alphas, selling Omegas, starving his pack and treating them not as the noble shifters they are by imprisoning many.

Will this be his undoing as he finally goes head to head with the Aztec wolf and the Alpha protection squad?

Trigger warnings. Miscarriage scene. Male on male hot shifter sex.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Gus

SERIES: Bar 28 #1

AUTHOR: J.J. Harper

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 103 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 30, 2020

BLURB:

Take one hot nerd

Add a sexy bar owner

For a one-night stand

All Gus wants is a night out and a hot hook-up before he starts his final year of university.

Max has always been a player. One look at the sexy guy with the black guyliner and he’s found his bed partner for the night.

What neither of them expected is the deep connection. Gus runs from his feelings. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. When Max wakes up and finds his bed empty, he’s disappointed, more than he thought possible.

Then Gus turns up as the newest bartender at Bar 28, the bar Max owns with his brother. Max isn’t going to let Gus get away from him again.

Can you really trust your instincts and believe you’ve found the one person you’re meant to be with?

Gus Bar 28 is a sweet and sexy gay romance, filled with tender moments and heartbreaking emotions.

Reviewed by Cheryl

TITLE: Two Princes

SERIES: When We Were Young #1

AUTHOR: Maggie Blackbird

PUBLISHER: eXtasy

LENGTH: 203 pages

RELEASE DATE:  June 19, 2020

BLURB:

Billy Redsky, a rebellious punk who loves art and nature, is saddled with a welfare-leeching, alcoholic mother and criminal older brother who are the joke of their Ojibway community. Sick and tired of being perceived as a loser, Billy deals drugs for his older brother to earn quick money. He hopes if he buys a dirt bike, he’ll finally impress the chief’s popular and aloof son, René Oshawee.

When the two are forced to serve detention together, a friendship begins to bloom, but much to Billy’s frustration, René keeps putting him on ice. To make his biggest dream come true if he finally wants to call René his own, Billy must make a huge decision that could cost him everything.

REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE: Drifter

AUTHOR: Eden Winters

PUBLISHER: Rocky Ridge Books

LENGTH: 296 Pages

RELEASE DATE: July 6, 2020

BLURB:

Some legends never die.

Killian Desmond met his end in the fiery crash that killed his band, or so the newspapers say. Now a nameless drifter, he plays one pick-up gig after another in a haze of pain and regret, moving on the minute someone says, “You sound like that guy from Trickster.”

Getting outed cost Mike Rose his musical family. A bassist without a band, he’ll play any kind of music to earn a paycheck, but Trickster’s music provides light during the darkest moments of his life.

A chance meeting brings together two lost souls who spark enough heat to set their guitars on fire. Their chemistry, both onstage and off, feels like something written in the words of a song and gives them courage to face life again.

But to seize their future, they have to confront their past.

Every damned, ugly inch of it.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE: Hardwood

SERIES:  Four Bears Construction #3

AUTHOR:  K.M. Neuhold

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

RELEASE DATE:  July 1, 2020

LENGTH:  206 pages

BLURB:

I’ve spent forty-four years of my life telling the world I’m a carpet man. Is it too late to admit to myself and everyone else that deep down I’m really all about the Hardwood?

It took me over thirty-five years to admit to myself that I’m gay, another seven to find the courage to say it out loud to anyone else, and exactly thirty seconds to develop a massive crush on my daughter’s music teacher. It’s really not my fault, have you even seen those cute bowties he wears?

After everything it’s taken to get here, am I going to work up the nerve to come out to my ex-wife and my best friends? Am I ready to shake up my comfortable, simple life and take a chance on Watson? Or am I going to throw a wrench in my own chance for happily ever after?

REVIEWED by Jay V.

TITLE: Honeymoon Sweet

AUTHOR: Allison Temple

SERIES: Out & About #2

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 235 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 11, 2020

BLURB:

Doug is a cheese pizza kind of guy. A honeymoon cruise around the Caribbean is the most adventurous thing he’s ever done. Going on that honeymoon alone is unthinkable, but here he is, with a luxury suite and a broken heart.

Tripp is a hopeless romantic. He’s in a sinking relationship that’s been taking on water for months. He’d throw in the towel if he had one, but he’s naked and locked out of his room.

No one should be on a cruise alone, and Tripp has a simple solution: he and Doug will pretend to be husbands and enjoy everything a week of sea and sun has to offer. But as the days and nights heat up, can a cheese pizza kind of guy be brave enough to give love a second chance?

Reviewed by Danielle

TITLE: Clashing Hearts: An enemies to lovers, gay romance novel

SERIES: A Hometown Jasper Novel #1

AUTHORS: Nicky James

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 271 Pages

RELEASE DATE: July 2, 2020

BLURB:

EASTON

There is nothing I hate more than when some big-city outsider stirs trouble in my peaceful little town. When Mr. Arrogance himself waltzes in and thinks he can slap a price tag on my land, he doesn’t know what he has coming. I’m not just a hick cowboy who’s going to bend to his good looks and charmless personality. No, sir.

I don’t care how smart he looks in his fancy suits, all he cares about is money.

I just wish I’d known who he was before I kissed him.

LACHLAN

The last thing I wanted was to get stuck in a small town with a plethora of quirky people. If the stubborn cowboy doesn’t see sense soon, I don’t know what I’ll do. Failure is not an option. I was sent to make a deal, and I’m not leaving until it’s done.

I don’t care how hot he looks in his low hanging denim, boots, and hat, he wouldn’t see a good opportunity if it smacked him in the face.
I just wish I could get the taste of him off my tongue.

City and country collide in this enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, low-angst MM romance novel.