Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Friends

SERIES: White House Men #1

AUTHOR: Nora Phoenix

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 353 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2020

BLURB:

Coulson is straight. So why was he checking Seth out?

Seth is an out and proud Secret Service agent. When he’s asked to assist the FBI on the investigation into the presidential assassination, he meets FBI agent Coulson.

Coulson is straight, or so he says. Seth has no reason to doubt that, not even when they become close friends.

Until he finds himself checking Coulson out a little too closely—especially certain over-sized body parts—and Coulson doing the same to him. For someone who’s straight, Coulson shows a lot of interest in Seth’s dating life, his preferences, and his hook ups. Could it be that he’s not so straight after all?

Meanwhile, every discovery they make in the investigation leads to even more questions. Who killed the president and how did they manage to pull it off? And more importantly: are they done killing…or will more attacks follow?

Friends is an intimate friends-to-lovers romance that begins with a slow burn beautiful friendship but ends in high steam and the happiest of endings. It’s the second book in the White House Men series, a romantic suspense gay romance series set in the White House. Think The West Wing but gay and with less politics. Each book has a new love story with a happily ever after, but the suspense plot ends on a cliffhanger and will be continued in the rest of the series, so the series needs to be read in order. Friends has 95k words. Strong TW for detailed description of terrorist attack.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Finding Trust

SERIES:  Finding Series #2

AUTHOR:  Sloane Kennedy

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

RELEASE DATE:  July 24, 2015

LENGTH:  148 Pages

BLURB:

He wanted a new beginning. What he got was a glimpse of a life he could never have…

Widower Dane Winters just wanted a new beginning for himself and his six month old daughter after his estranged husband’s cold-blooded murder and moving to a small town in Southwest Montana seemed like a good place to start. But he never expected a favor for a friend to turn into a deadly encounter that puts him on a collision course with a mysterious stranger passing through town.

Former FBI agent Jaxon Reid stopped in Dare, Montana to right a wrong, not get caught up in the life of an uptight, country vet with a holier-than-thou attitude. But he soon finds himself drawn to the quiet, insecure single father who’s trying to leave behind a life of pain and heartbreak.

Dane can’t deny his attraction to Jax, but he knows that pursuing a relationship with the gorgeous, younger man will only end in heartbreak and turn him into someone he swore he would never be again. But when danger looms, he’s forced to accept Jax into his life and home, along with the emotional vulnerability that being around Jax brings to the surface.

As their connection deepens, can Dane find the trust Jax needs from him in order to build a life together or will he let his past destroy his one chance at a real future?

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: No Good Mitchell

AUTHORS: Riley Hart & Devon McCormack

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 226 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2020

BLURB:

BRODY

A night on the town after a long workweek at my family’s distillery should include shots and dancing–not a hot kiss with a handsome stranger. I’m straight…at least, that’s what I figured until I find myself locking lips with a sexy city boy. Now all my circuits are going haywire, and the spark that ignites between us makes me even more curious.

Unfortunately, I kissed the one man who’s off-limits: Cohen Mitchell–the sole surviving heir to the Mitchell Creek distillery, a rival neighbor my family has feuded with for nearly a hundred years. Until he arrived in town, no one knew there were any Mitchells left. But the business-savvy city slicker has taken an interest in his legacy. Nothing means more to me than my family, so whether I like it or not, I have to keep my hands off the sexy, green-eyed beauty who Big Daddy has not-so-affectionately dubbed that “No Good Mitchell.” Problem is: my hands have other plans…

COHEN

I never expected to inherit a distillery from a father I had never known. That’s how I find myself in a tiny Georgia town where everyone knows a family history I’ve been kept in the dark about. The townsfolk all have a different story about my ancestors, with two things in common: illegal activity and Mitchell vs O’Ralley forever.

Maybe I shouldn’t like Brody O’Ralley, but I didn’t grow up with this stupid family feud. I enjoy touching him, kissing him and–oops–I’m falling for the man with sweet Southern charm and a big heart. Between the O’Ralley patriarch hating me, getting the Mitchell Creek distillery off the ground, and working through my own family issues, I know I should stay away from Brody.

But I won’t, and staying away is not what he wants either. I crave all the time with my country boy as I can get, even if it’s breaking the rules. After all, I am a No Good Mitchell.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  One Time Only

AUTHOR:  Lauren Blakely

PUBLISHER:  Hot Men Books

LENGTH:  406 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 18, 2020

BLURB:

Ever hear the story about the bodyguard who falls for the rock star?
Yeah, it never ends well.
Each day I remind myself that it’s my job to protect Stone. And nowhere in the job description does it say  should lust after the charismatic, charming man.
Especially since we’re opposites.
But every night I spend with him the dangerous, off-limits attraction grows more intense. Until one night in a limo when we combust. One time only will have to be enough. One scorching, forbidden night. Because the mistakes from the past are chasing me. And if I give in again, I’ll lose everything. But sometimes you grab hold of the desire. And other times, the desire takes hold of you.
No matter the cost.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Gingerbread Mistletoe

SERIES:  Lighthouse Bay #2

AUTHOR:  Amy Aislin

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  199 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 17, 2020

BLURB:

The last thing Jeff wants is to spend time with the man who totaled his car—the one he spent years restoring with his late father. But if he wants to resurrect his childhood town’s annual outdoor hockey tournament, he’s got no choice.

The last thing Mika wants is to work with the guy who took off right after the accident, without ensuring he was okay. And working together on organizing Jeff’s proposed tournament sounds like a complete nightmare. He’s got enough on his plate after surviving cancer.

Sparks fly as they’re forced to work together, but is that enough for them to set their differences aside and pull off the tournament in only two weeks? Or will they prove to be immune to the magic of Christmas?

Reviewed by True

TITLE: Secret’s Hold

AUTHOR: L.M. Somerton

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

LENGTH: 70 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 17, 2020

BLURB:

Hiding in plain sight is a risky business—in more ways than one.

Jamie is hiding from the past and sacrificing a lot to do so. After witnessing a murder, he’s on the run from powerful enemies. Taking a job at a rough leather bar, Spikes, is a way to survive off-grid.

Bubba is the bouncer at Spikes who takes a personal interest in protecting Jamie’s very cute behind, but when Jamie runs from the club in panic straight into the path of a van, there’s nothing Bubba can do.

Amnesia puts Jamie at risk, but his returning memories are even more dangerous. Desperate to protect his friends, he puts his life on the line for Bubba—the only person he can rely on to save his neck.

Reader advisory: This book contains a scene of attempted rape. There are also scenes involving abduction, violence, and the forcible administration of drugs.

Reviewed by Sammy

TITLE: The Last One to Let You Down

AUTHOR: K.L. Hiers

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 390 pgs.

RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2020

BLURB:

Thomas Hill is a lonely embalmer who’s in some big trouble – his ex-boyfriend has
been forcing him to illegally sell dangerous chemicals with no signs of stopping, and Tom
doesn’t know what to do. His situation gets even more complicated when Cypress Holmes, a smoking hot local florist, walks in on Tom making a deal. Cypress agrees to keep quiet, but his
silence comes at a price.

Dinner and watching movies together is a strange price to pay, but Tom loves spending time with Cypress. As they grow closer and feelings begin to blossom, they discover that Tom’s ex-boyfriend might be into more than just drugs – he might also be a murderer.

Author’s Note: This book includes intense sexual scenes, rough spankings, and depictions of death and embalming as they relate to the funeral industry. If this material offends or may upset you, please don’t read this book.

REVIEWED by Jay V.

TITLE: Starting From Somewhere

AUTHOR: Lane Hayes

SERIES: Starting From #4

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH:  129 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 20, 2020

BLURB:

The guitarist and the geek…

Bobby J-

What can I say? I’m a man of many tastes. I know what I like, and I’m not afraid to go for it. And I like the adorable geek from the bar. A lot. He’s smart and sassy…and he doesn’t seem to know or care that I’m in a hot up-and-coming band. However, I just found out he’s the new intern at Scratch Records. Uh-oh, this could get tricky.

Cody-

Confession…I’ve flubbed my mission. My quest is to research cool things and interesting people before I start my job as aerospace analyst—not fall for a rock star. My internship won’t last long if I can’t control this infatuation. Bobby J might look like a bear, but he’s fun and sweet and…oh boy, I think I’m in over my head. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. After all, you’ve got to start somewhere.

REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE: We Have Till Dawn

AUTHOR: Cara Dee

PUBLISHER: Cara Dee

LENGTH: 204 Pages

RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2020

BLURB:

It wasn’t like he’d never done this before…

Nicky Fender retired from sex work two years ago and never looked back. Then an offer he can’t refuse comes his way, and he agrees to one last exclusive arrangement. Good money and an apartment in Manhattan? He’d be a fool to turn that down.

The deal is dusk till dawn for two months. But once he meets Gideon—an older, quirky, autistic, filthy, uncertain businessman who wants to explore his sexuality—Nicky wishes sunrise would never come.

REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE: Maximum Commitment

SERIES: Sin City #13

AUTHOR: Tricia Owens

PUBLISHER: Tricia Owens

LENGTH: 169 Pages

RELEASE DATE: August 29, 2020

BLURB:

Happily ever after doesn’t come easily as Max and Ethan discover while their families struggle to put together the ultimate wedding ceremony for them. The momentous event is meant to bring the Pooles and Winters together, but it seems to be doing the exact opposite as both sides fight for what they want. It’s a distraction while Ethan handles a troublesome client and Max battles ingrained suspicion about his parents. Though joining together in wedded bless seems destined to be as tricky as their initial romance was, Max and Ethan are determined to get it right.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Watch Me

AUTHOR: Sloane Kennedy

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 315 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 8, 2020

BLURB:

Nikolai
My rules when it comes to my job in personal protection are pretty simple:

1. Protect the client’s life, not their feelings.
2. Don’t put hands on a client unless you’re getting them out of harm’s way.
3. For God’s sake, don’t do something stupid like fall in love.

Twenty-four hours after meeting Jude Archer, rules 1 and 2 are already out the window.

Thankfully there’s no chance of falling for the callous businessman who cares more about his next deal than he does his own safety.

Jude may have managed to make fools of all the guys his wealthy boss and rumored lover has hired to watch him, but he’s playing in the big leagues now. The son of a bitch might not value his life, but I’m pretty fond of mine.
Time to teach the clueless Jude Archer a few hard lessons…

Jude
My rules for success aren’t for everyone, but they should be.

1. Work hard.
2. When you’re on the verge of giving up, work harder. Life owes you nothing. You have to take what you want.
3. For God’s sake, don’t do something stupid like get distracted by feelings.

With just weeks between me and the closing of the deal that will give me everything I want, I don’t have time to worry about a supposed stalker who hasn’t had the balls to do anything more than send a few threatening letters to my wealthy boss.

Sure, I sent a few so-called bodyguards packing. Even if I thought I was in serious danger, I can’t have someone watching me 24/7. My life works the way it does for a reason and no one, not even the gorgeous Russian ex-soldier who thinks he can scare me into submission, is going to change that.

Nikolai Falkov thinks he has something to teach me? Yeah, good luck with that.