Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Strawberries for Dessert

SERIES:  Coda #4

AUTHOR:  Marie Sexton

PUBLISHER:  Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH:  244 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 6, 2010

BLURB: 

When Jonathan Kechter agrees to a blind date with Cole Fenton, he expects nothing more than dinner and a one-night stand… but he gets more than he bargained for in Cole. Cole is arrogant, flamboyant, and definitely not Jon’s type. Still, when Cole suggests an arrangement of getting together for casual sex whenever they’re both in town, Jon readily agrees.

Their arrangement may be casual, but Jonathan soon learns that when it comes to Cole Fenton, nothing is easy. Between Cole’s fear of intimacy and his wandering lifestyle, Jonathan wonders if their relationship may be doomed from the start—but the more Cole pushes him away, the more determined Jon is to make it work.

Reviewed by Sadonna and True

TITLE: The Art of Living

AUTHOR: Abrianna Denae

PUBLISHER: self-published

RELEASE DATE: June 10, 2021

LENGTH: 145 pages

BLURB:

Robert Harper has spent the past seventeen years living for his son. He doesn’t know who he is if he’s not being a caregiver and protector all rolled into one.

Niall Ross is finally ready to make a life of his own. After years spent making sure his younger brother had everything he needed, it’s time for Niall to discover who he is.

All it takes is one glance across a crowded meeting room for the men to feel a connection, but Robert is terrified his life is too complicated for the other man. Luckily, Niall has patience in abundance. With a little help from Robert’s meddling family, the two begin a tentative relationship.

Just as they’re finding their footing, all of Robert’s worst fears come to life and he falters under the pressure. Niall takes the challenge to show Robert that he’s a safe place to lean on, but when his own life begins to unravel, he places his heart in Robert’s hands. When two independent men are forced to trust each other will the love win out, or will vulnerability and fear cause them to lose the best thing they didn’t even know they had.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Care

SERIES: White House Men #5

AUTHOR: Nora Phoenix

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 295 Pages

RELEASE DATE: June 08, 2021

BLURB:

Kenn wants Warrick to be his teacher, his boyfriend…and his Daddy

Being the president’s son was never something Kenn wanted, but it’s the reality nonetheless. Home from college with nothing to do, he’s elated when his father hires a tutor to prepare him for law school.

Professor Warrick Duvall is kind, smart, and he has time for Kenn when no one else does. When the unthinkable happens and Kenn’s world is rocked to his core, it’s Warrick who is there for him, and the friendship with him is the only thing that keeps Kenn going. Warrick takes care of him, helping him find his footing again, and they grow even closer.

When others start to notice and warn him, it’s time for Kenn to be honest with himself and with others about who he is and what he wants. But how will his father react when he learns Kenn doesn’t want Warrick to be merely his teacher and his boyfriend…but his Daddy?

Care is a slow burn MM gay romance with an age gap and daddy kink (no age play), featuring a Daddy who doesn’t know he’s a Daddy and a needy boy who soaks up all Daddy’s care. It’s the fifth book in the White House Men series, a continuing MM romantic suspense series set in the White House that needs to be read in order. Care ends with a happily ever after, but the suspense plot ends on a cliffhanger and will be continued in the rest of the series.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Finding Ky

SERIES: Custos Securities (Book #4)

AUTHOR: Luna David

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 2550 KN

RELEASE DATE: May 30, 2021

BLURB:

Partners in every sense of the word, Sawyer and Jackson have been a unit since they were young teenagers. Growing up together in the same foster home, they learned they could depend only on each other. But when Kyler—a boy barely half their age—arrived heartbroken and scared, the young men took him under their wings, vowing to take care of him and protect him.

But then an unimaginable nightmare tears their world apart, separating Sawyer and Jackson from Kyler. Doing their best to keep their vow, even after disaster struck, Sawyer and Jackson try to ensure Kyler is safe as he grows up without them.

Kyler always thought running from his past was his only option, until his past catches up with him in the form of Sawyer and Jackson. He finally realizes, maybe the only way forward is to go back to the past. But in doing so, the three of them find themselves embroiled in a family vendetta that spans decades, threatening to upend their world once again. Will Sawyer and Jackson finally be able to fulfill their promise to keep Kyler safe— while proving they accept and love him for who he is—or will the odds always be stacked against them? 

Reviewed by Stephen K

TITLE: The Mayor of Oak Street

AUTHOR: Vincent Traughber Meis

PUBLISHER: Ninestar Press, LLC

LENGTH: 374 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2021

BLURB:

In the 1960s, Midwestern boy and Boy Scout, Nathan delivers newspapers and mows lawns. Nathan uses his cover to move about yards and sneak into the homes of his neighbors, uncovering their secrets.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Catching Kellan

SERIES:  Keeping Him #2

AUTHOR:  Amy Aislin

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  268 pages

RELEASE DATE:  June 9, 2021

BLURB:

Brant Harkrader is done living by other peoples’ rules. He may not know exactly what he wants out of life, but he’s perfectly happy letting that question figure itself out while starting a new job as a tour guide.

Too bad the one thing he does want—his sister’s BFF—only sees him as a little brother.

Or so he thinks…

Kellan Shelby-Briggs has never shied away from going after what he wants. And what he wants is the important contract that will put his brand new company on the map—and Brant.

Too bad Kellan’s career keeps yanking him away just as things heat up between them.

Now that Brant is back in town—up close and personal in Kell’s living space—can they finally get the timing right to go after the love that has eluded them both for too long?

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  All Fired Up

SERIES:  Ashes & Dust #1

AUTHOR:  Jenn Burke

PUBLISHER:  Carina

LENGTH:  256 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 18, 2021

BLURB:  

Once bitten. Twice burned. Forever bonded.

Don’t miss this riveting and romantic spin-off series from Jenn Burke, author of Not Dead Yet.

Paranormals are dying. All over the city, with no explanation and only one thing in common: their magic is missing.

Vampire and private investigator Evan Fournier isn’t supposed to be taking on paranormal cases, but when the murderer hits close to home, he agrees to look into it. The last thing he expects is to become a target himself—and then to become irrevocably bonded to the man who just tried to kill him.

With his memory gone and his soul bonded to a stranger, former firefighter Colin Zhang wants to be anywhere else. He doesn’t have a damn clue why he just tried to kill Evan, and he didn’t even know about magic until just now. The sooner he can get back to his real life, the better.

But every time either of them tries to leave, pure agony stops them short. Forced to work with Evan or suffer the consequences, Colin must excavate the secrets buried in his missing memories while battling two rising threats: the conspiracy behind the murder, and his mutual attraction to the bond mate he never wanted.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Hunter Moon

SERIES: Wolf Moon Rising Book 3

AUTHOR: Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes

PUBLISHER: Self-published

LENGTH: 345 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 10, 2021

BLURB:

The prodigal alpha returns from the navy to a whole new sea of trouble…

Aspen Grove left his pack to ensure its future, and his own. After ten years in the navy, his father is dead, his brother is pack alpha, and he’s ready to return. But does the pack he turned his back on still have a place for him so many years later?

Brook Morgan has seen the dark side of alpha wolves—their violence, their brutality, their greed. He has only taken the first small steps toward recovery when Aspen Grove, the alpha who stole his heart then abandoned it ten years ago, returns to Grovetown. Thank the moon he can lose himself in video games and put the only alpha he’d ever wanted out of mind for good.

After abandoning his rightful place in the Grove pack, Aspen is struggling to find where he fits in, but when the feral wolves who tormented Brook return looking for more trouble, he has to protect his home, and his mate, or risk losing them both forever.

Hunter Moon is a second-chance, childhood sweethearts romantic wolfish romp featuring one misplaced navy alpha, a mechanic who’s better with cars and video games than with people, and enough apple butter to soothe all woes, in a non-mpreg ABO world.

Please be aware of the content warnings on the copyright page of this book, as this story deals with trauma and recovery.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: The Ghost in the Emerald Cabin

SERIES: RIPP: Researchers in Paranormal Phenomenon prequel

AUTHOR: Sammi Cee & Michele Notaro

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 3745 kb

RELEASE DATE: May 26, 2021

BLURB:

Wanna check out early? Blame the ghost. Get your money back? Sure, ghost. Imagine your best friend naked? Yeah, ghost—no, wait a minute.

When my best friend, Tate, called a few years ago to ask me to help him run the Narrow Peaks Ski Resort, I jumped at the chance. Skiing is one of the things I’m most passionate about—that and pretending not to notice how hot Tate is. This is my dream job, but never in a million years did I think I’d be fielding demands from guests trying to check out early because they claim their cabin is haunted. I can’t deny how creepy some of their stories are, though.

Even while being spooked every time I turn around, I can’t seem to keep my eyes off of Tate. The guy that put me in the friend zone years ago. Kill me now.

When the two men end up sharing a cabin together, will they finally take a chance on each other? Or will the dangers inside break them for good?

The Ghost in the Emerald Cabin is a prequel in the RIPP (Researchers In Paranormal Phenomenon) series. It’s a 21K word standalone MM romance novella with creepy fun, two guys who are completely clueless, icky ski hats, a spooktastic cabin, snowballs, and don’t forget there might be a ghost!

Intended for audiences 18 years and older.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Brother-in-Law Material 

AUTHOR:  Crystal Lacy

PUBLISHER:  self-published

LENGTH:  200 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 29, 2021

BLURB:

Can his sister’s fake boyfriend become his real one?

When Kendall O’Hara catches his boyfriend cheating, he runs to his sister–the only person he can rely on in the city. But she’s on a business trip, so Kendall finds himself temporary roomies with her super hot and equally kind live-in boyfriend.

Luke Hale’s family has made him so jaded regarding relationships that he’s had no problem pretending to be his best friend’s boyfriend. It’s never been a problem, until her sweet, adorable brother arrives.

Kendall’s passion for his food channel is contagious and his openness and vulnerability are intoxicating. They both know the other should be off-limits, but spending time together–cooking, talking, laughing–is so easy and wonderful. Their attraction is undeniable and once Kendall learns that Luke is actually available, all bets are off.

Sizzling chemistry quickly gives way to real feelings. But Kendall’s stay is temporary. Can their friends with benefits arrangement blossom into a forever love or will they both wind up alone again?

Brother-in-Law Material is a 55,000-word M/M romance including the following tropes: fake boyfriend, temporary roommates, friends with benefits, best friend’s brother.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Mute Witness

AUTHOR: Rick R. Reed

PUBLISHER: Ninestar Press

LENGTH: 349 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 9, 2020

BLURB:

Sean and Austin have the perfect life. Their new relationship is only made more joyous by weekend visits from Sean’s eight-year-old son, Jason.

And then their perfect world shatters.

Jason is missing.

When the boy turns up days later, he has been horribly abused and has lost the power to speak. Small town minds turn to the boy’s gay father and his lover as the likely culprits. Sean and Austin struggle to maintain their relationship amid the innuendo and the very real threat that Sean will, at the very least, lose the son he loves. Meanwhile, the real villain is much closer to home, intent on ensuring the boy’s muteness is permanent.

Reviewed by Danielle

TITLE: Love Match

AUTHOR: Keira Andrews

PUBLISHER: KA Books; 2nd edition

LENGTH: 204 Pages

RELEASE DATE: May 20, 2021

BLURB:

Secret romance changes the rules of the game.

Luke’s never falling in love again.

All that matters now is winning. He’s one of the best tennis players in the world. He has titles and endorsements and fans. He doesn’t need love. Especially since he’s sure he’ll lose everything if he comes out.

Then rookie Jesse walks into the locker room.

Jesse, with his youthful optimism and sweet smile. His alluring innocence.

If Luke gives in to temptation, how long will Jesse be content as secret lovers? Can two pro tennis players find love without losing their careers—and their hearts?

Love Match by Keira Andrews is a steamy gay romance featuring an age gap, the grumpy/sunshine trope, and of course a happy ending.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: Radio Static

AUTHOR: Nicky James

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 319 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2021

BLURB:

Two single dads.

Two head-strong teenagers.

One dead body.

It was supposed to be a vacation to help Nova reconnect with his son. A cabin in the middle of nowhere, nature all around, peace and serenity. What he didn’t expect was to fall for his neighbor in the cabin across the lake. He didn’t expect an erratic and unusual broadcast on a radio station no longer in existence.N or did he expect a dead body in the water.

Something is happening in the small town of Drysdale.

Mercy likes his mysteries to stay within the pages of his novels. When strange things start to happen at his summer cabin, he and his daughter team up with the man and his son on the other side of the lake to get to the bottom of it. A little amateur sleuthing won’t hurt anyone, right?

Someone out there knows the truth. Who is the man on the radio? What does he know?

Mercy and Nova are determined to find out, but are they willing to risk life and limb for answers? Because someone in Drysdale doesn’t want their secrets revealed.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Messy Love

SERIES:  Stumbling into Love #3

AUTHOR:  Riley Hart

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  342 pages

RELEASE DATE:  June 8, 2021

BLURB:

Danny
I’m not a guy who’s looking for a serious relationship. I love the chase, and the one time I thought I wanted more, the guy bailed. When my buddy Will mentions his recently out, older brother is looking for a place to stay, I offer the spare room in my apartment. It’s clear Jonathan’s past did a number on him, and he’s locked up tight. I make it my mission to show him how to have a little fun. What I don’t expect is to start to like him…or get jealous when he goes on a date…and hooking up with him is a terrible idea…right?

Jonathan
When Dad caught me kissing a boy as a teenager, he made it clear such behavior was unacceptable, and I’ve been messed up about it ever since. I’m over thirty, yet from Danny’s viewpoint, I’m a baby gay, which should be more annoying than it is. He’s got me playing on a queer baseball team, making friends, and wanting things I never thought I’d want, like pursuing my art—and him. I definitely want him.

Problem is, I can’t get rid of the unwanted voices in my head, my relationship with most of my family is a disaster, and every time Danny touches me, I come apart, finding myself wanting more. Danny doesn’t do relationships, he’s my brother’s friend, and I have a slew of hang-ups. All of this makes things…messy.

So then why can’t we keep our hands off each other? Why is he taking me on dates and looking at me like we could have more? To get there, we’ll need to put our pasts away for good, and have a lot of trust, not just in ourselves, but each other.

Reviewed by Stephen K.

TITLE: Beauty and the Bro

SERIES: Playing it Straight #1

AUTHOR: Norah Belle

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 222 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  June 7^th  , 2021

BLURB:

Ghosted by his long-term girlfriend, Dylan needs a roommate, and this Riley chick seems like the perfect candidate. If only Riley hadn’t turned out to be a guy. A guy who is so obviously gay.

Done with his ex-boyfriend’s jealousy, Riley is looking for a fresh start. But when his new roommate proves to be less tolerant than Riley had hoped, he finds himself slipping into old patterns. It doesn’t help that the guy is a bit of a man-child either.

Neither is the obvious choice for the other, yet somewhere along the line of navigating their toxic exes, movie nights, and reviving Riley’s old dream of running a makeup channel, sparks begin to fly.

But can this thing they have exist beyond the four walls of Dylan’s condo?

Beauty and the Bro is book one in the Playing It Straight series. Each book follows a couple on their journey to their happily ever after.