Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Blood Oath

SERIES: Legacy of the Assassins #1

AUTHOR: A.T. Brennan

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 193 pages

RELEASE DATE: July 29, 2020

BLURB:

A witch, a human, and a werewolf. Three men connected by love, but two of them have never met, until now.

After losing his family and coven six years ago, Felix was finally happy again. He has a job he‘s good at, two boyfriends who love him, friends, and a place to call home. That is, until a mysterious stranger brings a job into the Assassins Guild where he and his lover, Ryder, work.

On paper the job is simple, take out the sorcerer who heads the most powerful dark magic church in the country. But magic is never simple, and Ryder and Felix enlist the help of a ragtag group of unlikely heroes, including Felix’s other boyfriend Luka, to complete the job before time runs out.

Will Luka and Ryder see what Felix has always suspected? And more importantly, will they be able to accept it, and each other?

*Blood Oath is Book 1 in the Legacy of the Assassins series. It is not a standalone and ends in a soft cliffhanger. The story within the book concludes at the end, however, the bigger story continues in Books 2 and 3, which will be available for preorder soon. This book is an urban fantasy/paranormal m/m romance story. It contains a polyamorous relationship and no cheating.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Wild Warrior

SERIES:  Weavers Circle #2

AUTHOR:  Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

RELEASE DATE:  August 7, 2020

LENGTH:  353 pages

BLURB:

Baer Manning

What happens when Baer spills his big secret about monsters and magic to a total stranger?

Chaos.

In Baer’s defense, he really thought Wiley was a lost brother.

This case of mistaken identity forces the cute artist to stay at the plantation house for his own protection while they search for a way to take down a witch.

Wiley Stuart

He never should have gotten in Baer’s Jeep.

But in Wiley’s defense, Baer is really sexy. And funny. And so sweet. And did he mention sexy?

All his life he’d dreamed of superheroes and a life of action. He just never expected to find himself swept up into a world filled with monsters and goddesses.

Wiley will do anything to stay with this magical band of brothers and help them with their fight. He just wished he could be Baer’s soul mate.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Run Free

AUTHOR: Colette Davison

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 69,401 words

RELEASE DATE: August 4, 2020

BLURB:

They believe they only need each other, until they collide with their soul mate.

Jax is an omega, Hugo is human, and their love is forbidden. They’ve spent the last seven years on the streets, relying on no one but each other.

When they collide with Dominic, they realise something has always been missing. Jax is keen to get to know the alpha, but Hugo resists the mate-call, worrying that, as a human, there will be no room for him.

The only way they can be free to love each other is to escape the UK, but will Dominic leave his life behind to find home with two younger men?

Run Free is an alternate universe MMM shifter novel, with fated mates, knotting, mpreg, an age-gap relationship, and a happy ending.

Reviewed by Taylin

This is a Series Review of the Lovesick series (Books 1 – 2)

AUTHOR:  Amanda Meuwissen

PUBLISHER:  Self Published

SERIES REVIEW:

The Lovesick series contains two lengthy novels told in the third person from multiple viewpoints. Neither are standalone novels and are available to buy.

The main characters are Danny and Cho. Both are elementals but one solves crimes for a living, the other commits them. Danny’s power involves lightening, Cho’s – ice. They are surrounded by a cast of family, friends, and other elementals. They all get involved in a tale of good vs evil and some grey areas in between. There’s also a hefty dose of relationship issues throughout the series.

Book one, Lovesick Gods, deals with much of the world-building, introducing the characters and their backgrounds. Dramas, both physical and emotional, emphasize the workings, highs, and lows of a superhero’s world. They include depression, revenge, loving someone you shouldn’t, and an evil man, hellbent on fame. Family dynamics also come into play. Primarily though, the story deals with a superhero, Zeus and the events that positively and negatively affect his depression while trying to live up to the manacle of superhero.

Book two, Lovesick Titans is where all the arcs conclude and is so much more than this one sentence. The story starts where Lovesick Gods finishes. The world and its characters are is already set up, the big bad is getting more devious, and teams must come together if he is to be defeated. Of course, things must get worse before they can get better. But Lovesick Titans contains all the action, support, and emotion that I hoped to encounter.

Overall, I loved the series. It gave me everything I look for in a good story. I fell for the characters, hoped for them, cried with them, and my heart got a workout. My personal preference championed book two over one. Mainly because I knew the world, and I knew I’d witness the final outcomes. So, if you are looking for that involved read, then this series could be for you.

 Reviewed by Kimberley

TITLE: Blood Kiss

SERIES: My Vampire and I # 10

AUTHOR(S): JP Bowie

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2020

LENGTH:  106 pages

BLURB:

What’s a guy to do when the right man for him is…a vampire?

Years ago, Daniel Farrow, then only eighteen years old, had a crush on his bright-eyed, blond-haired co-worker Roger Folsom, but Roger disappeared without a trace. Daniel’s never forgotten Roger and is delighted when he’s given a chance to meet him again.

Although the reunion is a little strained, Daniel is introduced to handsome Leon de Castillo, a man with whom he feels an instant, if slightly mystifying, bond, which only intensifies the more time he spends with the older, elegant Leon.

After spending the night with Leon, Daniel is accosted by a neighbor, Morris, who warns Daniel that Leon is not what he appears to be. Daniel ignores his creepy neighbor, but when Leon’s unbelievable secret is revealed, Daniel sees his future with Leon crumble to dust.

Because a relationship between a human and an immortal could never work, could it?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Fate

SERIES: Malthusia #1

AUTHOR: Emma Jaye

PUBLISHER: Purindoor Publications

LENGTH: 410 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 14, 2020

BLURB:

The Three Faced God should have chosen my Fate, should have molded me according to the needs of my fellow Malthusians, but some assume they are above even God. I should have been at least a beta, hopefully an alpha, but never this.

They thought changing my body would change my soul, that I’d be a compliant omega while they used and experimented on me. Others die, others submit, and say its their Fate. I know different. A malthusian caused this, one of my own kind. They think they’ve won, but I’ll win, simply by living another second, another day. But can I survive alone?

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Sometimes There’s Stars

AUTHOR:  Suki Fleet

PUBLISHER:  Stars and Ink Press

LENGTH:  250 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 14, 2020

BLURB:

One lost soul graffiti artist. The sweetest boy ever. Will they save each other or go down in flames?

Echo is a brilliant artist but he’s not a good bet. He’s running from a suspended sentence and trying to pay off a debt that’s about to cripple him, literally. When he gets involved with a drug gang, his life goes from bad to worse. Until he meets Peri.

Peri is like sunshine. He’s innocence and good things—he’s home. Spending time with Peri is saving Echo’s life in so many ways. Peri teaches him sign language, teaches him the important things in life don’t always need words to express them. And more than that, Peri shows him how even the most broken heart can heal.

But Echo is trouble and he wants to save Peri from getting hurt. If only falling in love wasn’t so bloody impossible to stop.

If you like lost boys being found and love redeeming even the most hopeless of situations, you’ll love Sometimes There’s Stars.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Molten

SERIES: Rules of Summer Collection #5

AUTHOR: Pelaam

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

LENGTH: 59 pages

RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2020

BLURB:

When it comes to fun in the sun, Steve and Jeff are burning hot.

Steve Anderson is a sommelier and the owner of a successful restaurant, although he prefers to keep that titbit to himself and a select circle of close friends. His orthopaedic surgeon husband Jeff is equally successful in his chosen profession. However, they play as hard as they work, and not only is Jeff a beloved husband, but he’s also a precious sub.

When they’re invited to a summer barbeque aboard a friend’s yacht, they don’t hesitate to accept. The theme is ‘a life on the ocean wave’, but Steve has very particular ideas about costumes…and the kind of fun they’ll have. For the couple, a pirate captain and his naïve captive will take on a whole new dimension for playing out a scene.

However, when someone tries to come between the Dom and his sub, they quickly learn their mistake, leaving Steve to show Jeff just who he belongs to.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Finding Forever in Cedarwood

SERIES: Cedarwood Pride #9

AUTHOR: Megan Slayer

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

LENGTH: 119 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 30, 2020

BLURB:

A celebrity can’t hide forever in a small town—not when love enters the picture.

Liam Blackwell’s career is in a slump and he needs a boost fast. What’s a celebrity to do when he needs experience in a small town? Go to Cedarwood. There are just three requirements—research the town, learn the script and don’t get romantically involved, because Liam hasn’t come out. No sweat, until a meeting in the center of town throws the plan all out of whack.

Stone McCartney lives for his job rescuing animals and finding them forever homes. He’s not looking for love, but when he sees Liam, he can’t help wanting to make a connection.

Can the budding relationship survive the ghosts from Stone’s past? Or will Liam and Stone part ways?

Reader advisory: This book contains a stalker, a shooting, and references to cruelty to animals.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: A New Beginning

SERIES: Cascade City #1

AUTHOR: Rebecca James

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 237 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2020

BLURB:

Starting all over again isn’t easy, especially for pack alpha River. With his small band of followers and his half-human, half-omega mate by his side, he’s left everything he knows for the wilderness. Tragedy brings the group to Cascade City, where rogue werewolves and humans both pose a threat to the pack. River isn’t sure he can trust the humans anymore, and telling which rogues are dangerous and which are not is a difficult task. Foremost on the pack alpha’s mind is getting those in his charge to safety and after that rebuilding their pack. Beneath River’s worries lies an uncomfortable feeling that something isn’t quite right with the pack’s omegas.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Grounded

AUTHOR:  Teodora Kostova

SERIES:  Cookies

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  300 pages

RELEASE DATE:  January 17, 2019

BLURB:

A chance encounter.
A passionate night.
An intense connection.

When medical student Shane Sanford and RAF pilot Greg Becker meet the air between them sizzles with mutual attraction. There’s nothing holding them back as they give in to their desire. But once their paths lead them into a different direction, neither of them can forget the intense connection they’d shared.
When fate brings them together again a year later, they have a choice to make: try and make a long-distance relationship work or let this be a one-night stand again.With war, tragedy and fear standing in their way, can Shane and Greg overcome the challenges life keeps throwing their way?
Is their bond strong enough to survive?
Is love enough?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Trust No Alpha

SERIES: The Omega Misfits #1

AUTHOR: Wendy Rathbone

PUBLISHER: Eye Scry

LENGTH: 145 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 12, 2020

BLURB:

It’s a world gone mad. The Alphas are out of control.

When you discover you’re not who you thought you were, the nightmare begins.

KRIS

At age eighteen, life as he knows it is over for Kris. A secret to his nature he was not aware of has been revealed.

Now, kept as a prisoner in a locked room in the mansion of his wealthy father, Kris is at the mercy of Alpha laws and Alpha domination.

Things take a turn for the worse when his own litter mate threatens him, and his father starts behaving strangely around him.

Escape is his only hope. But where can he go in a world that allows him no rights?

THORNE

Marked as a dangerous Alpha, and living a secluded life alone and unloved, Thorne still grieves for the mate whose death he feels responsible for.

Years have passed, and he refuses to even try to function in normal society.

One day he discovers a young man on his property, disheveled, desperate, and scared. He acts like a runaway Omega, but he doesn’t smell like one.

What is this boy? And why does Thorne feel an immediate need to protect him? To bond him? To make him his?

A non-shifter, Omegaverse love story of rescue, first time, fertility issues and an HEA. Standalone read. 65,500 words. (While Omegas are birth-fathers in this universe, there is no on-page mpreg in this book.)

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Born for Leaving

SERIES:   New England State of Mind #1

AUTHOR:  Jude Munro

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  238 pages

RELEASE DATE:  July 2,  2020

BLURB:

“A Match Made in a Want Ad”
When they say be careful what you wish for, do you pay attention?
Neither did Oliver Tunstead.

Oliver wishes for nothing more than to get his mind off his crappy bartending job, pile of debt big enough to swallow him whole, and playboy ex-boyfriend/boss who refuses to back off. Too bad distractions, like the hot little convertible he has his eye on, cost megabucks. And Oliver is flat broke. Renting the spare bedroom in his rundown beachfront cottage is his only option to pick up the cash he needs–a risky proposition, as Oliver is the polar opposite of a people-person. When he responds to a bizarre ad in the Waterfront Gazette seeking summer housing, he gets more than he bargained for. But Oliver can cope… After all, how much harm can a single quirky tenant do to his tightly guarded life in three short months?

Where Oliver is a loner by design, urban cowboy Bodie is a loner by necessity. A family dispute long ago dropkicked him onto the path of a lifelong wanderer. This changes when Bodie moves into the tiny beachfront cottage and starts working the door at Oliver’s bar.

Despite Oliver and Bodie’s nearly paralyzing instinct to avoid commitment, they fall into a wary romance. And to their surprise, life as a couple is sweetly satisfying; that is, until their jealous boss devises a cruel plan to destroy the tentative bond they’ve built. True to form, Bodie hits the road, leaving Oliver to lick his wounds alone.

Can these wounded souls defy their urge to flee and fight for love?

**Trigger Warning: discussion of childhood sexual molestation of adult character, graphic physical violence, off-page coerced sexual relationship