Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Finding Hope

SERIES:  Finding Series #5

AUTHOR:  Sloane Kennedy

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  308 pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 2, 2017

BLURB:

At 19, Beck Barretti is living two lives. To his family, he’s a young man trying to find his way after years of battling a mental illness that nearly cost him everything. But to the rest of the world he’s just another privileged kid with problems. The truth doesn’t even lie somewhere in between because Beck’s entire life is actually about keeping secrets.

From the people he loves.

From the ones he doesn’t.

From himself.

Spending a summer in Dare, Montana with family friends isn’t about starting fresh – it’s about escaping the crippling darkness that threatens to consume him.

Until one encounter that was supposed to mean nothing ends up changing everything…

Quinn Donovan had the life he’d always dreamed of until a brutal act of violence ripped it all away. Even though he’s found a new future working at the CB Bar Ranch in Dare, Montana, he’s not interested in trying to get back what he once had. All he wants is a quiet life that includes a job that’s worth getting up for each morning and hanging out with his best friend, a black and white Paint stallion named Koda.

But nothing prepares him for the strange twist of fate that brings not one, but two men into his life…

Brody Wilder is done hiding in the closet. As the son of a political scion, he’s spent his entire life hiding the truth about who he is just so he could inherit a legacy he never wanted. But those days are behind him and he’s starting a new life in rural Montana where he’s saving lives as a paramedic and building a successful construction business that would surely horrify his old-money, society-loving family.

After years of denying himself, he’s taking advantage of his newfound freedom by indulging in random, meaningless sexual encounters that are about pleasure, not emotion.

So no one is more surprised than him when one night in the back room of a sordid gay club leads to something more…

Can three men who came together by chance find the hope they need to build a future with each other, or will they end up letting their fears tear them apart?

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Up Close and Personal

SERIES:  Auckland Med #3

AUTHOR:  Jay Hogan

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  395 pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 22, 2020

BLURB:

DETECTIVE MARK KNIGHT has a serious problem—one that comes in the form of Auckland Med’s brand-new forensic pathologist. Six feet of delicious blond-haired, scary smart, stern and disapproving hotness—DR EDWARD R NEWTON.

The man is miles out of Mark’s league; completely opposite in almost every way, and shockingly immune to Mark’s flirtations. Mark should just let him go. But the alluring doctor has taken residence in Mark’s brain and is messing with his life’s plan—in particular Mark’s determination to skirt attachments and all the self-absorbed drama that goes with them.

Mark has spent two years watching his friends drop like flies to the white picket virus, only to suddenly find himself hankering for a hammer and some white paint. Edward, however, doesn’t want a bar of Mark’s roguish charm.

But it’s not like Mark can avoid the sexy pathologist—death brings them together on a regular basis. So when a string of murders threatens both their lives and sends them into hiding, something has to give.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Breath

SERIES:  Scales ‘N’ Spells

AUTHOR:  AJ Sherwood, Jocelynn Drake

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  435 pages

RELEASE DATE:  December 3, 2020

BLURB:

A Mage’s List for Freedom:

1.  Escape his evil, controlling clan.
   2.    Get a job.
   3.    Work magic on HIS terms.
   4.    Avoid all dragons.

Tori was doing great until sexy dragon Baldewin interfered.

Between the little gifts, constant protection, and the steadfast confidence from the overgrown lizard, Tori wonders if maybe that last step needs revising. He has no chance to consider it.

Not before trouble called Jaeggi REALLY hits. Now he’s on the road trip from hell to the one place he’d never thought would be a safe haven. A clan of dragons.

Assuming they make it, that is.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: Beautiful and Terrible Things

AUTHOR:  Riley Hart

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  240 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 30, 2020

BLURB:

We were six years old when I fell in love with Gage Beaumont.

We were seventeen when he realized he felt the same.

His dad was the town troublemaker, and I was the son of a cop. We couldn’t have been more different, yet we were best friends, had each other’s backs, and kept each other’s secrets. What you are, I am, we always said.

Then one night irrevocably changed our lives forever.

It’s ten years before I see Gage again, and instantly I can tell he’s not the same boy I fell in love with. We’re both haunted and hardened by the memory of that night—of everything we did and saw.

Yet as much as we’ve changed, the connection between us lingers. Our history is so devastatingly complicated that it’s difficult to allow ourselves happiness. With every touch, every laugh, every moment we take back, the more signs I see of the old Gage resurfacing. Little by little, I’m becoming the Joey he remembers too.

But it’s never that easy. If we truly want to heal, we have to find strength not only in each other, but in ourselves. Life is filled with beautiful and terrible things, and this time, we’ll do whatever it takes to hold on to the good, and to each other.

Warning: While this is a story about friendship, found family, and two men epically in love, it also deals with difficult themes: childhood physical and verbal abuse, some violence, depression, and anxiety.

Reviewed by True

TITLE: Santa Bear

AUTHOR: L. Luther

PUBLISHER: Self-Publishing

LENGTH: 93 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 8, 2020

BLURB:

Jamie Grinch

I absolutely despise Christmas. It’s loud and bright and just too much. I’ve been trying for years to put a stop to it, but like the failure my dad always said I was, I can’t seem to pull it off. This year though, I have the perfect plan. Then Santa Bear himself makes it his mission to compel me to fall in love with the disgusting holiday.

Christmas might not be the only thing that steals my heart this season.

Nicolas ‘Santa’ Claus

As long as I’ve been doing my job, Jamie has been one step behind me, trying to tear it all down. He’s destructive, angry, and so fucking adorable. He’s got a past—don’t we all?—and I’m determined to break down the icy walls around his heart and show him what Christmas is all about.

I didn’t plan on him teaching me about true love along the way.

Reviewed by Anabela.m

TITLE: The Captain’s Snowbound Christmas

SERIES: A Captivating Captains Story

AUTHOR:  Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

RELEASE DATE: December 22, 2020

LENGTH: 81 pages

BLURB:

Will Reuben be unwrapping a captain this Christmas?

Reuben’s a makeup artist who’s much in demand in the business, from making the beautiful even more gorgeous, to creating an alluring love-scene glow. All of his Christmas wishes come true at once when he’s hired to work on the set of his favorite TV show. And not only that, but on the swoony Christopher Manners.

Bunny is lusted after by millions as the brooding hero of television’s Captain Firth adventures. His manly swash and handsome buckle have earned him a legion of fans and when he strides onto the screen and commands, “draw your sword, sir”, it’s time to get down to business.

When Reuben and Bunny’s first date turns into a disaster, it looks as though the show’s over before it’s begun, but a blizzard, a mysterious bearded man in a red coat and a hot winter night combine to give them a second chance.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  A Taste of Christmas

AUTHOR:  Jaclyn Quinn

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  156 pages

RELEASE DATE:  December 20, 2020

BLURB:

Mitch Jensen has just missed the most important interview of his career. An outrageous suggestion to meet Everett Remington at his family’s home in upstate New York irrevocably changes Mitch’s life. The idea is crazy, right? The last place he belongs is in the family home of the famous chef, but if he wants to meet his deadline and convince his boss he’s right for the online column, At Home With…, he really has no other options.

Delayed snow plows, a treacherous covered bridge, and Mitch’s boss finding out he’s snowed in with the Remingtons, creates the perfect storm. When the gorgeous chef invites Mitch to stay for Christmas and document their family traditions for next year’s printed holiday issue, Mitch finds himself in a very unknown place. For one week, he allows himself to experience something he’s never had:

A taste of a real Christmas—and a taste of the sexy man who makes Mitch realize how amazing this time of year can be.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Fast, Free and Flying

SERIES: County Durham Quad #6

AUTHOR: Jude Tresswell

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 159 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2020

BLURB:

Drones lie at the heart of this mystery facing Mike, Ross, Raith and Phil, four men who live together in North East England.

A spate of art-related burglaries and a series of horrific kidnaps have occurred. The freedom of the quad, and that of Nick, their special friend, is threatened by involvement in both cases. They are suspected of one and Mike is a victim of the other. The officer in charge is the quad’s old enemy, Detective Chief Inspector Fortune. Should the quad set aside their distrust and tell him what they know?

Meanwhile, Nick has issues of his own to consider. Compromises are needed, but how many?

This is the sixth tale in the County Durham Quad series. Background is included to aid new readers.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:   Resolutions for an Arbitrary Holiday

AUTHOR:  Nell Iris

PUBLISHER:  JMS Books

RELEASE DATE:  December 30, 2020

LENGTH:  68 pages

BLURB:

Two strangers, a twisted ankle, an ancient stone ship, and a New Year’s Eve they’ll never forget.

Petter sneaks out of the New Year’s party he didn’t want to go to and treks to an old burial site he’s dying to see. Alone. Without telling anyone on a freezing December night. Without cell service … a huge problem when he twists his ankle.

Someone passes by Isak’s house on the path leading to the stone ship. When the person never returns, Isak worries and sets off to investigate. What he finds is Petter, a pack of sparklers, and an instant connection.

Under a starry sky, they learn they have a lot in common. Will the attraction burn hot and fizzle out like the fireworks going off over their heads when they return to the real world? Or will it deepen, grow, and turn into something real? Something everlasting like the stone ship?

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Hold Fast

AUTHOR: Sebastian Nothwell

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 295 pages

RELEASE DATE: July 31, 2018

BLURB:

As Evelyn becomes the perfect gentleman, Morgan becomes the perfect captain. It is down to Morgan to take command, down to Evelyn to hold fast, and down to both to navigate their own treacherous sea.

Thirteen years ago, Evelyn Winthrop fled England to go a-whaling. But now that his father is dead, Evelyn must become a proper baronet to save the estate from his wastrel brother. He grudgingly accepts help from estate agent Morgan Turner, who is eager to carry out the late baronet’s wishes. While repressed Morgan teaches rough-edged Evelyn to fit into high society, Evelyn seduces his closeted agent into embracing his true nature.

Just when it all seems like smooth sailing, a mutual acquaintance returns make waves. Painful secrets from Morgan’s past threaten his relationship—and the entire Winthrop estate along with it. In the midst of dysfunction, drama, and duels, Morgan must learn to trust again and disclose his harrowing past. Otherwise, Evelyn may abandon the estate and follow the siren song back to the sea.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Teddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love

AUTHOR:  Kim Fielding

PUBLISHER:  Carina Adores

LENGTH:  320 pages

RELEASE DATE:   December 29, 2020

BLURB:

“A fizzy, fun, and full-of-heart romcom.” —Booklist

Some people search their whole lives to find love. He just wants to avoid it.

Teddy Spenser spends his days selling design ideas to higher-ups, living or dying on each new pitch. Stodgy engineer types like Romeo Blue, his nemesis—if you can call someone who barely talks to you a nemesis—are a necessary evil. A cute necessary evil.

Working together is bad enough, but when their boss puts them both on a new high-stakes project, “working together” suddenly means:

• sitting uncomfortably close on the same plane
• staying in the same hotel room—with only one bed
• spending every waking minute together.

Turns out Mr. Starched Shirt has some hidden depths, and it’s getting harder to ignore the spark Teddy feels with every brush of their hands, with every knowing glance. He might not have been looking for this connection with Romeo, but will he ever be ready to let him go?

Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Ranger: A Standalone MM Romance

AUTHOR:  Nora Phoenix, K.M. Neuhold

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  226 pages

RELEASE DATE:  December 26, 2020

BLURB:

I’ve been living under storm clouds since my honorable discharge, but Julian’s the sun.

I’ve tried everything to deal with my PTSD from yoga to sunning my butthole, but nothing seemed to help.

So when my brother suggests a service dog, I figure I don’t have anything to lose. The last thing I expect is for the dog to come with a cheerful, quirky trainer I can’t get out of my head…

I’m too screwed up for love, but a chance to explore a side of myself I didn’t realize existed until recently is too good to pass up.

But the more I get to know Julian, the more I start to think I might not be beyond saving after all…

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Pros & Cons of Betrayal

SERIES: Pro & Cons #4

AUTHOR: A.E. Wasp

PUBLISHER: Kelpie Press

LENGTH: 383 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 23, 2020

BLURB:

FIVE JOBS. FIVE CHANCES FOR REDEMPTION.

One thing’s for sure: these men are no angels.

Ready or not, it’s time for job #4, and this time, it’s personal.

My name is Carson Grieves. I’m a con artist with a trunk full of disguises and more layers than an onion. Anything I’ve ever told you about my life was probably a lie.

Fifteen years ago, my world crumbled. Charlie Bingham saved my life, and now from beyond the grave the bastard is making me do the one thing I swore I would never do.

Go home.

To do the job, I’m going to have to exhume the corpses of my past betrayals to take down a corrupt businessman and make peace with the only boy I ever loved. The boy whose life I ruined. But the boy is a man now and though he’s blind he still sees the real me like no one ever has.

Maybe Charlie is right and I can have a second chance at love. But even if we do find forgiveness for mistakes we both made in the past, will he ever forgive me for the worse betrayal to come?