Book of the Week Poll
Welcome to the Love Bytes Book of the Week Poll!
Here are the books which achieved a 4.5 or 5.0 review last week from our reviewers.
As a reminder, the top two books from each week’s poll will roll into our Book of the Month poll at month’s end. Happy Voting!
Please scroll to the very bottom for the voting section.
POLL SCHEDULE:
This poll will remain open until at least 6PM, Amsterdam time next Friday. The actual closing time will vary depending on blog staff schedules…
Tic-Tac-Mistletoe by N.R. Walker
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Tic-Tac-Mistletoe
AUTHOR: N.R. Walker
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 203 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 27, 2020
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Hamish Kenneally is moving from Australia to the US for a fresh start, beginning with Christmas at his sister’s place in Idaho. When a snowstorm diverts his plane to Montana and leaves him stranded two days before Christmas, he hires a car and drives right into a blizzard.
Ren Brooks has always called Hartbridge, Montana, and his family hardware store, home. After a few failed attempts at love, he’s resigned to being single forever—after all, no guy wants to stay in his sleepy little town for long. And after his dad’s passing earlier in the year, Ren’s Christmas is looking bleak. But when a car runs off the road in front of his property, Ren pulls the driver out and takes him home to get out of the cold.
With the storm and the holidays leaving Hamish with nowhere else to go, Ren kindly offers a place to stay. Hamish is certain he’s crashed right into a Hallmark Christmas movie, despite more car delays and road closures and the prospect of not seeing his sister for Christmas. And with help from Hamish, Ren is beginning to feel a little Christmas cheer.
These two unlikely strangers have more in common than they first realise, and after two days of Christmas decorations, cookies, and non-stop conversation, it looks like Christmas might be saved after all.
Finding Peace (Finding #3) by Sloane Kennedy
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Finding Peace
SERIES: Finding Series #3
AUTHOR: Sloane Kennedy
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
RELEASE DATE: December 28, 2015
LENGTH: 186 pages
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“I knew it would be like this…like finding something I didn’t know was missing.” –Luke
Author Gray Hawthorne has it all and he’s on the verge of having even more. His bestselling detective novels are being turned into a movie series that will make him a household name and he’s rubbing a lot more than just elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Money, fame and good looks mean an endless supply of men, both groupies and celebrities alike, which suits Gray just fine. He’s smart enough to know that his 5 minutes in the spotlight will be just that and he plans to enjoy every moment. Until he gets the devastating news that threatens to steal everything away…
Army Ranger Luke Monroe lives and breathes the military. They’re the family he never had and a life without his brothers-in-arms is unfathomable. But the ultimate betrayal has Luke on the run and a twist of fate leads him to the small town of Dare, Montana to seek help from the foster brother who saved him once before. Only the brother he’s searching for isn’t the man he finds and he has no choice but to keep running. Until an encounter on the side of the road with a stranger changes everything.
The last thing Gray wants when he seeks refuge at his cabin in the secluded Montana mountains is company but a run-in with the mysterious and very straight Luke has Gray offering the damaged soldier a place to regroup. And since a physical relationship isn’t even on the table, Gray finds himself enjoying something he hasn’t had in a long time…a real friend.
But what happens when friendship just isn’t enough? When a man who’s only been with women begins to crave more?
With one man running from his past and the other running from his future, will finding each other be enough to bring them peace?
When We Were Sea and Stars (Italian Romance #1) by Elen Chase
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: When We Were Sea and Stars
AUTHOR: Elen Chase
SERIES: Italian Romance #1
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 201 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 7, 2020
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Under the summer sun, in a small seaside town in South Italy, nineteen-year-old James meets the man of his dreams.
Roberto is gorgeous, fun, sweet… and very taken. James has no delusions about their friendship; he knows love couldn’t possibly happen to him.
Roberto is full of doubts about his relationship. He knows something is missing in his life and he’s not expecting to find that something in James, his new American neighbor.
But if something were to happen, only the sea, the sand and the stars can know.
Outlaw (Wolves of Royal Paynes #4) by Kiki Burrelli
Reviewed by Donna
TITLE: Outlaw
SERIES: Wolves of Royal Paynes #4
AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 282 Pages
RELEASE DATE: November 10, 2020
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Diesel didn’t only lose his pack in the hellfire explosion that turned the people he loved into ash, he lost his future omega as well. The only human among them, Quinlan had joined their pack as a child and through the years Diesel was his constant companion, protector, and best friend. Because of the difference in their ages, Diesel insisted they waited until Quinlan was a little older, until the gap between their years didn’t matter quite so much before he claimed Quinlan truly.
He never got the chance.
Now, Diesel has watched his pack mates find their omegas knowing he’ll never have what his brothers have. He’ll never hold his omega, never kiss or tease him just to see the blush color his cheeks. He had his treasure, and failed to protect him. Quinlan was everything that was good in the world and trying to live without him is like trying to live without a heart. But Diesel is still an alpha, still partly responsible for the fragile—yet flourishing—pack that has assembled around them, despite the alpha team’s best efforts to cling to the past and care only about revenge.
When an old face becomes a new enemy, Diesel and his alpha team are once again racing to save everything they hold dear. Betrayed by someone they’d once called leader, the Royal Paynes pack has never been in more danger. Portal wants nephilim blood to open a gate to hell and there won’t be puppies and kittens waiting on the other side. Before the pack can figure out how to hold hell back, the alphas must deal with the traitor once and for all—and face the terrifying weapon he possesses. A weapon that has the power to change everything.
Good vs. evil. Heaven vs. hell. Diesel already failed to save his pack once, and now, he’s expected to save the world?
Merry Cherry Christmas by Keira Andrews
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Merry Cherry Christmas
AUTHOR: Keira Andrews
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 222 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2020
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A nice boy gets naughty…
Redheaded freshman Jeremy “Cherry” Rourke is certainly living up to his childhood nickname, although still being inexperienced is the least of his concerns. After coming out, his parents barely talk to him. He hasn’t made any friends at university. Worst of all, he’s about to spend Christmas completely alone in an empty dorm.
Jeremy clearly needs a fairy godfather, so football captain Max Pimenta takes him under his wing to help him find his dating groove. But Jeremy’s wound way too tight. He’s too vulnerable. Max can’t trust some random guy with him. He needs to take care of Jeremy himself and introduce him to no-pressure exploration. It’s not about romance or feelings—he’s just doing the kid a favor.
Max is definitely not falling for this lonely, beautiful boy. No way.
And it’s not like he can leave Jeremy all alone for the holidays. He’ll bring him home to his family’s maple syrup farm—strictly as friends since his parents have rules. No more fooling around. No more eager, breathless fun. No more making Jeremy shiver and blush with suggestive whispers in his ear. No more sweeter-than-sugar kisses. All nice. No more naughty.
But Jeremy’s sleeping right across the hall, and Max wants him for himself. The twelve days of Christmas will last an eternity if they don’t break the rules.
Shhh. No one has to know…
A Short Essay on Love by Pat Henshaw
Reviewed by True
TITLE: A Short Essay on Love
AUTHOR: Pat Henshaw
PUBLISHER: JMS Books LLC
LENGTH: 49 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2020
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English writing tutor Steve Smith only has two more semesters to graduate from Vermillion College in California. Then he hopes to get a top-paying job writing copy for a tech firm. Until he reaches his self-fulfilled dreams, however, he’s working his way through school without borrowing from his successful Chinese-American parents.
Vermillion football star Jason Woodard, on the other hand, grew up in a state-run home and is struggling to make his athletic scholarship and all that goes with it mesh with his academic requirements. He too is about to finish but, having put off first year English composition, has to rely on the writing lab where Steve works for help with an essay about love. Since Jase says he’s never encountered love, he can’t figure out how to write his essay.
As they talk about love, they discover two things: falling in love is easier than talking about it and nobody in the school’s athletic program wants two guys to fall in love.
When the abuse of athletes across the country comes to light, Steve realizes Jase too has been abused and needs more help than a tutor can give.
Witch Under Wraps (Mythmatched #2) by E.J. Russell
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Witch Under Wraps
SERIES: Mythmatched #2
AUTHOR: E.J. Russell
PUBLISHER: Riptide Publishing
LENGTH: 229 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2020
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When supernatural secrets collide, it’ll take more than coffee to brew the perfect love.
When Ky Hernández bonded with his familiar, Zuri, his life changed forever. Their connection turned him into a practicing witch and led him to his calling as a medimagical professional. However, it totally tanked his love life—what guy would settle for eternal second place behind a parrot? So Ky keeps his witchy nature under wraps and sticks to hookups with humans, which can never go anywhere. But the mouthwatering barista at the coffee shop next door makes him thirst for more than a caffeine fix.
The charms Ewan Jones uses to appear human are inconvenient, disorienting, and . . . necessary. Ewan and his siblings are achubyddion, metaphysical healers whose powers are coveted by unscrupulous supernatural beings. And let’s face it: all supes are unscrupulous, given the right incentive. He’s grateful for the protections that hide his little family, and for the barista job that keeps them housed and fed. He’s just so lonely. And his regular, Ky, the super-hot, commitment-averse EMT, seems like the perfect candidate for a one-night shot at intimacy. After all, humans are no threat.
It takes a clumsy coffee shop intern, a mysterious werewolf epidemic, and one snarky parrot to unravel their pasts—and give them a chance at a future.
Strawberry Kisses by Charlie Novak
Reviewed by True
TITLE: Strawberry Kisses
AUTHOR: Charlie Novak
PUBLISHER: Self-Publishing
LENGTH: 268 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 12, 2020
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Patrick’s To Do List:
1. Tell family I’m gay
2. Make giant cake for anniversary party
3. Convince Connor to be my fake boyfriend for the weekend
4. Try to keep my hands off Connor
5. Make sure Connor doesn’t find out I’ve been in love with him for the last three years
Connor’s Steps for Success:
1. Perfect pole routine for Chrome Stars
2. Continue search for perfect music
3. Survive weekend with Patrick’s family without mauling him while sharing a bed
4. Prevent feelings from exploding like a glitter bomb
5. Make sure Patrick doesn’t find out I’ve been in love with him forever
Strawberry Kisses is a 78,000 word standalone, contemporary MM romance featuring a sweet pastry chef, sassy pole dancer, a nosy but loving family, fabulous make-up, fluffy feels, and copious amounts of cake.
Blind Warrior (The Weavers Circle #3) by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Blind Warrior
SERIES: The Weavers Circle #3
AUTHOR: Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 333 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 20, 2020
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Grey Ackles
The Soul Weaver feels useless.
A burden endangering his brothers.
The last battle with the pestilents cost Grey his sight and powers.
Now he’s dependent on his vision rehabilitation therapist Cort to learn how to function on a daily basis.
But as he grows closer to Cort, Grey is left wanting his powers back for a new reason—how will he ever know if the man he’s falling for is actually his soul mate?
Cort Newton
There is some really weird stuff going on at that house.
Spell books, guns, and a giraffe in the backyard?
But no matter how strange it gets, Cort is not going to leave the grumpy writer.
Adjusting to sudden blindness is hard for everyone, but Grey clearly has deeper reason for needing his vision back at any cost. Cort just wished Grey would confide in him.
Even with Grey’s secrets, Cort has never been drawn to a man like he is with Grey and he will do anything to keep this man safe.
Sons of Rome by Karrie Roman
Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Sons of Rome
AUTHOR: Karrie Roman
PUBLISHER: NineStar Press
RELEASE DATE: October 28, 2019
LENGTH: 293 pages
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9CE Germania
Battle weary and fearless Centurion Drusus Tuscus has only three more years in the Roman Legions and then he can return home to the mother and young brother he was forced to leave behind seventeen summers ago. Drusus has suffered much during his years in the Legions: defeats, fallen comrades, and excruciating wounds, but this time the stakes are so much higher. As he prepares to lead his warriors from the safety of their winter base, across the Rhine into the wilds of Germania, he awaits the arrival of new recruits to bolster his century. With these men he will face the ferocious barbarian tribes, many still chafing under the yoke of Roman subjugation.
When his friend and Optio returns with the new men, two faces in the crowd change everything for Drusus. His brother, long lost to him and now a man, stands before him and he brings with him a friend, a man named Caius. A man who stirs the long dead fires of Drusus’s heart. Two men, neither of whom Drusus is willing to lose to a barbarian blade.
As the campaign begins, whispers of betrayal and rebellion stoke a fear in Drusus, especially as his arrogant commander refuses to take heed of the warnings. As catastrophe stalks their footsteps Drusus must balance his duty to Rome with his love for Caius. He will give everything he has to save his beloved brother, and Caius, the man who has stolen his heart.
Two lives that mean more to Drusus than his own.
Rueberry Orchard (Beyond the Realm: Remember #1) by Michele Notaro
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Rueberry Orchard
SERIES: Beyond the Realm: Remember #1
AUTHOR: Michele Notaro
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 310 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 6, 2020
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“There’s no time. Remember Rueberry Orchard.”
A beautiful man in strange clothing starts invading my dreams, and even though I know he isn’t real, the dreams—mind-links, according to him—are so vivid it’s hard to imagine this man doesn’t exist. After a few of these nightly visits, I start looking forward to meeting him and listening to his smooth voice as he tries to convince me to go to Rueberry Orchard.
To my surprise, the place really exists, but I know it would be crazy to go there when it’s ten hours away… right?
When the visits don’t stop, some deep desire inside me knows I have to listen to this dream man, even if it’s absolutely insane. I follow his instructions to Rueberry Orchard, and nothing in this world could’ve prepared me for what I find. Or for the wild adventure I’m about to embark on.
Rueberry Orchard is the first book in the multi-author series, Beyond the Realm: Remember. Each book is set in its own world and can be read as a standalone novel. Join eight authors on eight very different, romantic, and magical stories as each one writes their own take on the same concept.
Painted Lace by K.M. Neuhold
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Painted Lace
AUTHOR: K.M. Neuhold
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 146 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 09, 2020
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Austin never realized he was painting his life with shades of gray, until Keaton came along and injected a rainbow of color.
Keaton is a tornado of chaos and paint, which turns out to be more exciting than I ever would’ve imagined. I love my organized, predictable life…or at least I thought I did. But what started as a casual hookup is slowly becoming so much more, and I find myself loving the beautiful mess more than I expected.
Can two people so different really make it work once feelings get involved?
Carlos (Gates of Heaven #6) by M. Tasia
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Carlos
SERIES: Gates of Heaven #6
AUTHOR: M. Tasia
PUBLISHER: Boroughs Publishing Group
LENGTH: 154 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 29, 2020
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ART IMITATES LIFE
Seven feet tall, Carlos Fernandez is a famous artist who’s been in self-imposed exile. His size, and the scar around his neck from a garrote attempt, has him looking so scary people stare, make rude remarks, or challenge him to fights.
He decides to move to LA to live near his brother at whose wedding he meets Clay Everett, an LAPD officer with hyper-protective instincts.
What starts as a shaky friendship turns into something more. Carlos works at coming out of his shell and Clay is surprised to learn he has the capacity to love deeply.
The Beginning (Starting Over #5) by Matthew J. Metzger
Reviewed by Sammy
TITLE: The Beginning
SERIES: Starting Over #5
AUTHOR: Matthew J. Metzger
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 230 pgs.
RELEASE DATE: November 3, 2020
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Is this the end of the road, or the start of a whole new journey?
Aled’s had enough. His family is hundreds of miles away from him, his job is pointless and the feeling that he’s missing out on his own life has grown too big. But how can he call time on Yorkshire when it’s the place that Gabriel calls home?
Chris doesn’t know what to do. Inheriting property in the childhood village where he felt such a freak growing up wasn’t what he wanted, and he didn’t expect to miss Aled and Gabriel as much as he has since returning to Somerset. He’s out of place yet again, but doesn’t know where to call home.
When Aled is offered a job in Cornwall, Gabriel senses an opportunity to fix Aled’s misery, shed Chris’ unhappy history and bring their entire relationship under one roof. It will be the biggest gamble Gabriel’s ever taken on them…but this time, it doesn’t feel like taking a risk.
They’re starting over at the beginning, and there’s nothing left to fear.
Reader advisory: This book contains expressions of homophobia and transphobia from multiple characters. There are scenes of rough sex, BDSM and RACK.
Rhone’s Rebel (The Road to Rocktoberfest #5) by TL Travis
Reviewed by Racheal
TITLE: Rhone’s Rebel
SERIES: The Road to Rocktoberfest #5
AUTHOR: TL Travis
PUBLISHER: Sapphire Publishing
LENGTH: 182 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 16, 2020
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Rhone Horne, drummer for the band Embrace the Fear, bleeds rock ‘n roll. Being the son of legendary drummer Sage Horne, the first time Rhone picked up his father’s old drumsticks, he knew he was destined to follow in his footsteps. But filling such big shoes would not come easily.
Ely Pearcy, made a promise to himself on his eighteenth birthday that he would never again hide who he was. His love of lace, silk, and six-inch heels got him banned from his childhood home the day he graduated high school. Alone and penniless, Ely sought solace in a local LGBTQA+ shelter amongst his peers.
Rhone’s Rebel is the 5th book in the multi-author Road To Rocktoberfest series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not stay and enjoy the whole show? If you like scorching tales of hot rock stars and the men who love them, then you’ll adore the untamed musicians of Rocktoberfest!
Rhone’s Rebel takes place between Derek’s Destiny, book 2 and Jaxson’s Nemesis, book 3 of the Maiden Voyage series.
My Jingle Bell Heart (Elves After Dark #7) by Sam E. Kraemer
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: My Jingle Bell Heart
SERIES: Elves After Dark
AUTHOR: Sam E. Kraemer
PUBLISHER: Kaye Klub Publishing
LENGTH: 90 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 20, 2020
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Jingle Bell
I was an elf, but not a good one. I was too tall. My ears weren’t pointy enough. I couldn’t make toys. Basically, I was a failure.
I grew up with Nic and Holly—Santa and Mrs. Clause—and I suppose they had a soft spot for me. After being kicked out of every creative department at Santa Claus, Inc., Int’l., I was sent to the Special Case Unit. I was assigned a family going through a crisis—charged with bringing comfort and cheer to a special little girl who needed all of it she could get.
I didn’t expect to meet a wonderful human man appeared to have the weight of the world on his broad shoulders, and I certainly didn’t expect I’d want to help him carry it. The case was difficult, but I was dedicated. I definitely didn’t anticipate falling in love along the way, though.
Trick McNichol
Going into the holiday season with a sick daughter was as heartbreaking as it sounded. My little girl, Danielle, had been diagnosed with a dangerous disease, and the treatment was doubly as harsh. In my world, there were no silver linings—until Jinson Bell, a nursing assistant, walked into Dani’s room and gave her something to smile about. He also gave me friendship as I faced my worst fears. He was kind, adorable, much younger than me, and he had a sweet tooth like none I’d ever seen.
He knew what we needed before we needed it, and it was easy to fall in love with him. It wasn’t the best timing in the world, but he was there when I needed someone to lean on. When he laughed, it was like bells were ringing, and while I wasn’t sure how I’d do it—he was only at the hospital temporarily for training—I had to find a way to make him mine.
Fire and Onyx (Carlisle Deputies #5) by Andrew Grey
Reviewed by Tammy
TITLE: Fire and Onyx
SERIES: Carlisle Deputies, Book 5
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 202 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 14, 2020
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Undercover sheriff’s deputy Evan Whittaker is close to infiltrating a vicious local gang. He just needs to find an opening. Instead, he finds Wes Douglas, a web designer who is raising his irresponsible brother’s son. Wes agrees to help with a stakeout, but he pays the price when his home is destroyed in a shootout.
Evan’s always been a loner, but when he invites Wes into his home, living together feels right, and the two men only grow closer as they adapt to each other’s lives and rhythms. A future as a family looks brighter by the day, but all of that could collapse when Wes’s brother—and his connection to the drug dealers—crashes into the life they’re carefully building.