Book of the Week Poll
Welcome to the Love Bytes Book of the Week Poll!
Here are the books which achieved a 4.25 and up 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…
Scoring With Him (Men of Summer #1) by Lauren Blakely
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Scoring With Him
SERIES: Men of Summer #1
AUTHOR: Lauren Blakely
PUBLISHER: Hot Men Books
LENGTH:
RELEASE DATE: July 9, 2021
BLURB:
Falling for the rookie wasn’t part of the plan. As a pro athlete, I have one unbreakable rule when it comes to men — Don’t date another baseball player. Good thing I haven’t been tempted once in four years in the majors. Until the day a rising star walks into my locker room. Outgoing, affable, and sexy-as-sin, Grant has confidence and talent for miles. He seems to get me too, maybe because we each have our fair share of secrets and scars — ones we’ll both fight to protect.
But, I’ve got far too much trouble in my past to want to bring any into my present. All the more reason to resist the kind of dirty deeds his lips and eyes promise. Even after I plant a scorching, hot kiss on the rookie one night after a game. Even after he sends me the world’s sexiest selfie.
But when Grant reveals his biggest secret, I’m so damn ready to rip up the rulebook. Turns out he’s a virgin and he wants me to help him get around all the bases. The only rule? Don’t fall in love with him as we go.
Scoring with Him is book one in the utterly addictive Men of Summer series. This romance between two professional athletes spans five epic years and continues in Winning With Him.
Fire and Ice (Death and Destruction #10) by Patricia Logan
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Fire and Ice
SERIES: Death and Destruction (book 10)
AUTHOR: Patricia Logan
PUBLISHER: Westburg Publishing Corp.
LENGTH: 317 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 19, 2021
BLURB:
Thayne Wolfe and Jarrett Evans are a happily married gay couple living their American dream. Their new house, two rambunctious ferrets, and a job they love, make them feel complete. As they walk into work at the ATF the week before Christmas, they’re greeted by friends from the FBI. The idea of a joint case sounds good but when they learn the whole group is being sent out of town, Thayne and Jarrett’s Christmas plans with family is put on ice.
There’s been a suspicious avalanche on Mount Shasta, an extinct volcano in northern California. When Jarrett learns that one of two people with any expertise in ATF explosive avalanche training happens to be none other than his husband, he hopes they’re in for a week of frigid fun.
Tapped for the job as avalanche expert based on training he received over ten years before, Thayne isn’t so thrilled. When he learns that his cheating ex-boyfriend will be joining their team, he predicts nothing but trouble.
Jarrett isn’t looking forward to making a case for a bomber when they can’t even find evidence of a bomb. There are a few things that bother him… a dead park ranger, Thayne’s handsy ex, and couple of runaway reindeers. He’s prepared though… Jarrett’s always prepared. Armed with snow gear, guns, and lederhosen, the pair are about to face a case as illusive and blinding as a snowstorm.
You Are Cordially Invited (Auckland Med #5) by Jay Hogan
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: You Are Cordially Invited
SERIES: Auckland Med #5
AUTHOR: Jay Hogan
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 255 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 17, 2021
BLURB:
There’s a wedding in the air at Auckland Med, but Reuben wonders if they’ll survive the stress long enough to say, ‘I do’. Cam is directing the entire operation with his combat eyeliner in place, whilst the wedding party is doing its best to ignore him. The pressure is mounting and the cracks are beginning to show.
There’s a bachelor party to survive.
The paparazzi to outrun.
A wedding outfit to confirm.
A rugby game to win.
A jerk of a father to cope with.
A stunning opportunity to consider.
A relationship to untangle.
And a shocking event that could derail everything.
With the universe conspiring against them, Reuben and Cam will have to summon every scrap of belief they have in each other to make it to their vows.
Cold Moon (Wolf Moon Rising Book 4) by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Cold Moon
SERIES: Wolf Moon Rising Book 4
AUTHOR: Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 225 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 8, 2021
BLURB:
An alpha torn apart, his heart stitched back together by the gentle hands of one sweet doctor’s assistant…
Dante Reid has never fit in with his pack of feral, dangerous alphas. He hates his own nature, and his monster of a father makes him question his very DNA. When the Reids leave him bleeding out at the edge of Grove pack lands, it’s their sweater-wearing leader who saves Dante’s life, but in the bright eyes of Doctor Grove’s assistant, Skye, he sees hope for his future, and a place he wishes he could belong.
For all his life, Skye Johnson has been treated like he’s made of china. As the only omega in the Grove pack with a chronic case of the mysterious Condition, his pack is fiercely protective of him. When a strange new alpha arrives in the clinic, the pack circles to keep him safe, but Skye can see more in Dante Reid than his name. And for once, it seems like an alpha might see Skye clearly too, for all that he has to offer and not for his chronic illness.
The condition has already torn apart Skye and Dante’s childhoods, but now the source of that threat rears its head, and wants to take what little they have left. Can they stop the Sterling Corporation and its master before it’s too late?
Cold Moon is a hurt-comfort werewolfy romance with one sad packless alpha searching for himself and a place to belong, one sick omega who’s even more sick of being underestimated, and all the breakfast sandwiches two wolves can eat, even if they are (blech) healthy, in a non-mpreg ABO world.
Penumbra by Dan Ackerman
Reviewed by Donna
TITLE: Penumbra
AUTHOR: Dan Ackerman
PUBLISHER: Supposed Crimes
LENGTH: 376 Pages
RELEASE DATE: April 1st, 2021
BLURB:
Arden inherited Eden, a space station floating over a dying planet. He also inherited an oppressive class system, worker shortages, and an entitled ruling class that refuses to make concessions. Rhys, a worker who’s earned Arden’s trust, helps him make unpopular changes to keep Eden alive.
Arden’s reputation as a shallow and formula-addled leader leaves his friends and foes skeptical of his leadership. Rhys gains power and is met with resistance from the ruling class. But without intervention, Eden’s labor shortages may lead to the end of the station, and Terra One, within Arden’s lifetime.
True Blue (Prosper Woods Chronicles #2) by Patricia Logan
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: True Blue
SERIES: Prosper Woods Chronicles (Book 2)
AUTHOR: Patricia Logan
PUBLISHER: Westburg Publishing Corp.
LENGTH: 230 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 2, 2021
BLURB:
Vincent and Sheriff Romeo are my chance to find peace at last. I’ve been waiting for someone to notice I’m gone for a long time. Until the vampire showed up, I wasn’t sure anyone could help. All I want to do is move on to the next step… and I really need to rest.
Vincent and Romeo, you’re my only hope.
Strange things are happening in Prosper Woods, California. Ever since moving here, my life has turned upside down. Some things have been amazing, like falling head over heels for Vincent Lasco, a gorgeous vampire. Other things have been weirder than I could ever imagine. I’ve learned a truth about myself, and it came as a massive shock. Most of the town residents have quirks of their own. Let’s just say, nothing is boring about this bizarre place.
Supernaturals flourish here!
Sheriff, Romeo Harmon makes me happier than I’ve ever been. He’s kind, funny, and honest to the core, just the kind of man I used to be, centuries ago. I have a new lease on my long life. Things could go on just the way they are but there’s something I’ve been asked do before that happens. I need to help Romeo find a sweet little boy and finally lay him to rest.
Who knew ghosts could have broken hearts?
An ancient rival? A gay unicorn? A crusty old witch who should be in diapers? The dumbest progeny anyone could ever have? Shifters who come in herds? What has my life become but a millennium of crap. My only hope is to get what I came for and do away with my enemies.
I must prevail this time.
True Mate (Prosper Woods Chronicles #1) by Patricia Logan
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: True Mate
SERIES: Prosper Woods Chronicles #1
AUTHOR: Patricia Logan
PUBLISHER: Westburg Publishing Corp
LENGTH: 202 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2021
BLURB:
True Mate is the first book in the Prosper Woods Chronicles but don’t miss True Knight, the incredible prequel to the series!
When I moved to Prosper Woods, California a couple of weeks ago, I’d had big plans for a quiet life. Let’s just say, things haven’t exactly turned out the way I expected they would. For one thing, as new sheriff, I hadn’t planned on investigating a murder the day after my arrival. For another thing, no one told me supernatural creatures existed. I didn’t believe it at first, but when Vincent Lasco suddenly smiled at me with a mouth full of fangs, things got interesting.
Quiet small town life indeed!
The moment I decided to take Sheriff Romeo Harmon home for a roll in the sheets, I knew hiding my true nature was a huge mistake. Then again, things never turn out the way I expect. The simple life of anonymity I’d hoped to have in Prosper Woods has blown up in my face in the most poetic and spectacular way. Not only that, the guy isn’t even aware that he has secrets of his own. How a guy could have lived all his life not knowing what he was, seems nearly impossible but in his case, I know it’s true.
Supernaturals are everywhere!
The town of Prosper Woods has a couple of new residents who at first glance, seem very unsuited for small town life. Before long though, I realized they were right for the town… probably the only right thing about this weird place. Surprisingly, they fit right in.
Things are about to get interesting!
Subtle Blood (Will Darling Adventures #3) by KJ Charles
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Subtle Blood 
SERIES: Will Darling Adventures #3
AUTHOR: K.J. Charles
PUBLISHER: KJC Books
LENGTH: 242 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2021
BLURB:
Will Darling is all right. His business is doing well, and so is his illicit relationship with Kim Secretan–disgraced aristocrat, ex-spy, amateur book-dealer. It’s starting to feel like he’s got his life under control.
And then a brutal murder in a gentleman’s club plunges them back into the shadow world of crime, deception, and the power of privilege. Worse, it brings them up against Kim’s noble, hostile family, and his upper-class life where Will can never belong.
With old and new enemies against them, and secrets on every side, Will and Kim have to fight for each other harder than ever—or be torn apart for good.
A 1920s m/m romance trilogy in the spirit of Golden Age pulp fiction.
Stripped (Four Bear Construction #6) by K.M. Neuhold
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Stripped
SERIES: Four Bears Construction #6
AUTHOR: K.M. Neuhold
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 171 Pages
RELEASE DATE: July 2, 2021
BLURB:
A ripped, transgender construction worker and a tweed-wearing, tortoise-shell-cozy-knitting, bear of a professor… Somebody’s getting stripped.
The last place I expected to run into my childhood camp crush was at the local university, looking all kinds of cute in a tweed jacket with a nervous blush. I’ve always had a bit of a thing for the nerdy professor type.
Demetri says he doesn’t date. I want to believe that it’s true and not that he’s not interested in a transgender man like me. If all he can offer me is friendship, I’m more than happy to take it.
Coy looks during sweaty workouts, rainy nights on his couch watching him knit shell cozies for his pet tortoise… I’m falling for him whether I want to or not.
Can I break down his walls and prove to him that he can trust me with his heart? And can I trust him with mine?
True Knight (Prosper Woods Chronicles 0.5) by Patricia Logan
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: True Knight
SERIES: Prosper Woods Chronicles (Book #0.5)
AUTHOR: Patricia Logan
PUBLISHER: Westburg Publishing Corp.
LENGTH: 134 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 23, 2021
BLURB:
My name is Romeo Harmon and I’m the new sheriff of Prosper Woods, a small California town smack dab in the middle of the sequoia forest. People around here tell me the town hasn’t changed a whole hell of a lot since power lines and telephones were installed. It’s a quaint place with a movie theater that shows the old classics, a saloon with a decent choice of beer, a general store with a grumpy old coot behind the till, a gas station with a pimply young mechanic, and a bed and breakfast that attracts tourists and vacation money.
I think I’m gonna like it here.
My name is Vincent Lasco. I’ve searched a long time to find a new place to settle down. Because of what I am, I need to pull up stakes and start over every twenty years or so—before people realize that I don’t age anymore. Prosper Woods has everything a man like me could ever want. Though there aren’t many humans, it doesn’t really matter. I’m so old, I don’t need to eat very often and there’s no reason to expose myself to the locals whom I hope to call friends some day.
I think I’m gonna like it here.
There’s newcomers in town. Prosper Woods is a nice place as long as you’re passing through. I wonder how long these folks will stay once they find out what’s really going on here. Somehow…
I don’t think they’re gonna like it here.
(True Knight is the prequel to the Prosper Woods Chronicles and includes an excerpt from True Mate, the first book in the new series)
Sun, Sea and Small-Town Secrets by S.J. Coles
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Sun, Sea and Small-Town Secrets
AUTHOR: S.J. Coles
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 193 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 6, 2021
BLURB:
Small towns are full of secrets, some harder to keep than most.
Sebastian Conway is a professional psychologist and accomplished criminal profiler, but when one of his patients is sentenced to life in prison for a crime she didn’t commit, he simply cannot let it go. His borderline obsessive behaviour has embarrassed his boss and lover, Gerrard Wilson, and the relationship has come to a bitter end.
Seb has now grudgingly taken Gerrard’s advice and come to the small coastal town of Ruéier in the South of France to get some distance and clear his head—but he cannot sit by and do nothing.
He has started writing a book he believes will address the failings in the case, but when he gets swept up in a local investigation into suspected drug trafficking, which is led by the enigmatic and strangely enticing Antoine Damboise, the book—and Seb’s intentions to avoid active criminal cases—take a back seat.
He knows it’s a bad idea to get involved, but he can’t seem to help himself. And when it seems Damboise is tempted to make their relationship more than professional, Seb finds it easier than ever to ignore his better judgment. But when a local drug dealer is murdered and Seb is implicated, everything gets a whole lot more complicated.
Can the two men set aside their personal feelings long enough to figure out what’s really going on before Seb ends up in prison? Or worse…
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of murder and drug use.
His Best Friend’s Brother Boxed Set (His Best Friend’s Brother #1-5) by R. Cayden
Reviewed by Stephen K.
TITLE: His Best Friend’s Brother Boxed Set
SERIES: (His Best Friend’s Brother #1-5)
AUTHOR: R. Cayden
PUBLISHER: Independent
LENGTH: 767 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 28 , 2021
BLURB:
His Best Friend’s Brother, the Complete Series!
This box set includes all five previously published books in the M/M romance series His Best Friend’s Brother. The steamy, low-angst series features sweetheart men, temptation that sizzles, opposites-attract sparks, and satisfying HEAs.
Falling for the Geek: My high school crush, my older brother’s best friend. Now Cass is back to crash my summer alone.
Forbidden Friend: At work, at home—my best friend’s twin brother is everywhere I look, tempting me.
The Geek Next Door: He’s always been there, whether I realized it or not…
Shared Secrets: My brother’s two best friends, and an HEA worth fighting for.
Falling for Trouble: Steamy trouble with my best friend’s long-lost brother.
Exploring Daddy (Love in LA Book 2) by Mia Monroe
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Exploring Daddy
SERIES: Love in LA Book 2
AUTHOR: Mia Monroe
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 206 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2021
BLURB:
I’ve never had a Daddy. Can he teach me how to be the perfect boy?
I have three problems.
No job
No direction
No clue what I’m doing next.
Following my best friend to LA is the only thing that makes sense. I’ll start a new life, figure out a career, and learn how to be an adult. Meeting Matteo is intimidating but exciting. I know he wants a boy. I also know I’m far from what he’s looking for. How can I go to him when I don’t even know how to balance a bank account? I’m determined to stand on my own two feet before letting a Daddy take over my life.
As usual, life has other plans for me, and I find myself needing the one thing I tried to avoid. I can’t imagine what the gorgeous, older man could want with me, but I’m done fighting. I have a lot to learn about life and love, but exploring Daddy is turning out to be one of my better decisions. If he thinks I can be the perfect boy for him, maybe I can.
Exploring Daddy is a delicious Daddy/boy romance with a pining Daddy ready for a special boy, a stubborn young man fighting his own wishes, exploring new ground, and learning that sometimes asking for help is the bravest thing you can do. It is book 2 in the Love in LA series featuring doting Daddies and sweet boys finding love in Los Angeles.
Out of Character (True Colors #2) by Annabeth Albert
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Out of Character
SERIES: True Colors #2
AUTHOR: Annabeth Albert
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Casablanca
LENGTH: 329 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 6, 2021
BLURB:
Jasper Quigley is tired of being everyone’s favorite sidekick. He wants to become the hero of his own life, but that’s not going to happen if he agrees to help out his former best friend turned king of the jocks, Milo Lionetti. High school was miserable enough, thanks, and Jasper has no interest in dredging up painful memories of his old secret crush.
But Milo’s got nowhere else to go. His life is spiraling out of control and he’s looking to turn things back around. Step one? Replace the rare Odyssey cards he lost in an idiotic bet. Step two? Tell his ex-best-friend exactly how he feels—how he’s always felt.
Jasper may be reluctant to reopen old wounds, but he never could resist Milo. There’s a catch, though: if Milo wants his help, he’s going to have to pitch in to make the upcoming children’s hospital charity ball the best ever. But as the two don cosplay for the kids and hunt for rare cards, nostalgia for their lost friendship may turn into something even more lasting…
Center Court (Order of Play #1) by Brooke Edwards
REVIEWED BY Danielle
TITLE: Center Court
SERIES: Order of Play #1
AUTHOR: Brooke Edwards
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 245 Pages
RELEASE DATE: July 3, 2021
BLURB:
The world of men’s professional tennis has been ruled by the same six men for more than a decade. There have been a handful of shock upsets and victories snatched by underdogs, but they’re few and far between. Now, the next generation are done being denied and have come knocking.
When the time comes, Soren Norgaard knows that the world expects him to lead the charge and take his place at the top of his sport. He’s focused and lethal on the court, until he isn’t. Sometimes the past, no matter how comfortable and familiar, doesn’t fit anymore and needs to be left behind. Soren’s past doesn’t want to let him go, but his future is coming fast whether he’s ready or not.
Elias Engström has been in love with Soren for as long as he has known him. The race for titles, for glory and their day in the spotlight has always been less all-consuming because he knows that there is an entire life stretching out when he leaves the court for the last time. A life that, for the first time, might include Soren in the way Elias wants him. Everything he wants is within reach, if Elias is willing to fight for it.
Bennet, Pride Before the Fall (Love, Austen #3) by Anyta Sunday
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Bennet, Pride Before the Fall
SERIES: Love, Austen #3
AUTHOR: Anyta Sunday
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 239 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 30, 2021
BLURB:
“I want someone to want me for who I am. No changing my appearance or philosophies or principles. I need a partner to be proud of me—in public and beyond—and proud of themselves.”
“Think you’ll find it?”
Bennet had always dreamed of love. Of finding his Mr. Right.
Hell, he’d even settle for Mr. Righteous.
Who he won’t fall for, not ever? Mr. Downright Pride-less.