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…
End of the Line (Rail Riders #1) by Nicky James
Reviewed by Jen and Valerie
TITLE: End of the Line
SERIES: Rail Riders #1
AUTHOR: Nicky James
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 277 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2021
BLURB:
When a boy who has everything meets a boy who has nothing, life will never be the same again.
Leopold Van Eschen is in big trouble. All the money in the world won’t save him from what he’s done. On the run, desperate to get away, Leo finds himself seeking help from a bunch of vagabonds he meets in a railyard.
Leo has no idea his whole world is about to change.
Killian has been homeless and living on the fly for nine years. The closest thing he has to family is a group of fellow freight-hoppers. With the wind at his back and the whole world stretched out before him, he’s happy. It’s not an easy life, but you can’t put a price on freedom.
A chance run-in with a wealthy stranger turns Killian’s world upside down. Leo’s cute and desperate to get away. Without knowing a thing about him, Killian and his friends help Leo escape the city.
It doesn’t take long before Killian realizes the boy he’s slowly falling for has dark secrets.
Who is Leo running from? What happened to make Leo want to give up a life of wealth to live the life of a vagabond instead?
**End of the Line is the first book in a queer romance series. It’s a story of two men from vastly different worlds who fall in love while on a journey of self-discovery. It’s a story of friendship and found family. No cliffhangers. 100% HEA**
Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco (The Fantastic Fluke Book 3) by Sam Burns
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco
SERIES: The Fantastic Fluke Book 3
AUTHOR: Sam Burns
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 188 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 5, 2021
BLURB:
When an earthquake shakes up Sage’s night, his instinct is to forget about it. They live in California—quakes happen. But this one sends the consciousness that lives in the ley lines running to him in fear, so he and his gunslinger boyfriend set out to investigate. What they uncover is a century-old plot to destroy not only the ley lines, but the city of Junction itself.
Now, they’re in a race against an unknown adversary who wants to annihilate everything they love, and the only man with the answers is Sage’s long-dead Uncle Jonathon. Good thing they only have to read his journals, not deal with the insufferable jerk in person.
Between a heist to steal a magic artifact, Uncle Jonathon’s bigoted ramblings, and one surprise after another from his allies, can Sage find what he needs to save Junction?
Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco is third in its series, so if you haven’t read a Fluke book before, you should definitely start with book one, The Fantastic Fluke. The Faultline Fiasco is a 65k word novel that follows the continuing adventures of Sage, Fluke, Gideon, and their whole family, as they try to save the world. Or at least Southern California.
Hope on the Rocks (Rainbow Cove #4) by Annabeth Albert
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Hope on the Rocks
SERIES: Rainbow Cove (Book #4)
AUTHOR: Annabeth Albert
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 2814 KB
RELEASE DATE: August 5, 2021
BLURB:
One too many…
Doctor Quinn Strauss is beloved by his small-town patients. He almost never drinks, especially not alone on a weeknight. But he’s heartbroken over an unexpected reminder of exactly how much his bad breakup has cost him. And the sexy ginger bartender keeps making him special drinks that go down a little too easy.
Take a drunk doc home…
Bartender Adam Ringer can tell when someone’s hurting, and the heroic local doctor is practically radiating pain. Adam’s a natural caretaker and can’t help but spring to Quinn’s rescue. And when the drunk and rambling Quinn reveals a mutual sexy interest, Adam’s other instincts are intrigued. He can’t wait for Quinn to sober up.
All mixed up…
When Adam offers Quinn a chance to explore secret desires he’s long repressed, Quinn finds himself saying yes to a summer fling with the younger Daddy bear. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan, but amid all their steamy encounters and intimate exchanges, a deep, emotional bond is forged. Summer is nearly over. Real life pressures are mounting. Can they grow enough to find a way to forever?
Hope on the Rocks is a brand-new, full-length Rainbow Cove novel featuring a younger Daddy and a doctor convinced he’s too old to follow his secret desires. Contains a lot of sexy exploration, opposites attract, loads of feels, and a guaranteed happy ending. No age play or cliffhangers!
Lumber Jacked (Rainbow Cove #3) by Annabeth Albert
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Lumber Jacked
SERIES: Rainbow Cove (Book 3)
AUTHOR: Annabeth Alberts
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 93 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 17, 2019
BLURB:
When a case of mistaken identity leads to a sexy proposition involving rope, a hot lumberjack Dom and a much younger newbie sub get more than they bargained for.
Makeup vlogger Cam isn’t looking for love, but when real-life lumberjack Johnny arrives on his doorstep, he decides to take a chance on exploring long-held desires for the first time.
Johnny also isn’t looking for a permanent connection, but he’s intrigued by the glam and sexy Cam in more ways than one. The more they spend time together, the more each man comes to care for the other, both in and out of the bedroom.
In order to have a real future together, however, each will need to learn to trust in the good thing they’ve found and believe in the power of love.
Contains mild BDSM elements between two enthusiastically consenting men, plenty of smoking hot sexy times, sweet feels, and a guaranteed low-angst happy ending. Part of the Rainbow Cove universe, but stands alone. Newly revised with a brand-new 7,000 word steamy extended epilogue!
Boystown Season 11 (Boystown #11) by Jake Biondi
Reviewed by Kimberley
TITLE: Boystown Season 11
SERIES: Boystown #11
AUTHOR(S): Jake Biondi
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 277 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2021
BLURB: In the aftermath of the Season Ten cliffhangers, Boystown residents come together to the mourn the deaths of three loved ones. As the living cope with lives lost, a killer remains on the loose and continues a sinister plan to bring down the entire Mancini family.
Arriving home in Chicago, Brianna Mancini works to bring together two generations of her splintered family. At the same time, Jesse Morgan makes plans to build a future with Logan Pryce, who may have his eyes on another man, and Theo Baxter’s obsession with Cole O’Brien takes a twisted turn.
Powerful and sexy, Senator Scott Jamison has a sordid secret that the Ciancios intend to exploit while Hope Ciancio works to make sure their own family secret remains forever buried. Meanwhile, Marisa Ciancio and Christopher Kramer fear for their lives as they endure captivity in Bulgaria.
Tempers rage, dangers grow, and plans unravel as Brianna’s Christmas gala approaches. It’s sure to be the social event of the year…because someone’s about to die.
There’s no place like BOYSTOWN!
Never Underestimate an Omega by Eden Winters
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Never Underestimate an Omega
AUTHOR: Eden Winters
PUBLISHER: Rocky Ridge Books
LENGTH: 3608 KB
RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2021
BLURB:
An alpha leader must have an alpha mate, but Gray wants only one man.
And that man is an omega.
Wolf shifter Gray Collins returns to his home pack to avenge his father’s murder, never expecting to take on the role of leader. Gray is a loner with no desire to tackle the politics of being Pack Alpha. Worse yet, he falls for the man he’s come to depend on—omega Logan Richardson.
According to pack lore, omegas are inferior, nothing more than lowly servants. Or are they? Logan is far too cunning, fierce, and bold to be a low-ranking wolf. While he keeps his head down in public, when they’re alone, Logan stands toe-to-toe with Gray like no one else dares. Mutual respect grows into friendship, friendship into a white-hot desire neither can fight.
Despite the law and the odds, the two wolves form a tentative bond. Together they lead the pack through strife and threats, all while keeping a secret—a secret that could get them both killed, and plunge the pack back into the savage dark ages.
The entire Lycan world is on the brink of a hard-won lesson: Never underestimate the relentless force of an omega.
Pride (Wolves of Resurrection Road #1) by Kiki Burrelli
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Pride
SERIES: Wolves of Resurrection Road #1
AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 298 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 24, 2021
BLURB:
Torn apart by a curse…
Dominion, won’t let his second chance go to waste. He lost his soulmate once and now Dominion is determined to keep Pani safe and far from danger, no matter what needs to die to make that happen.
A love unrequited…
Pani has spent his entire existence pining for his mate’s touch. The years without Dominion were hard, but Pani got through them with the hope that one day, his warrior would return.
Forced into combat…
Dominion would let the world burn if it meant protecting Pani, but the ones responsible for breaking their curse will put it back together if the soulmates refuse to fight the insidious evil threatening to enslave every human—and shifter—on earth.
The soulmates need the power of their pack to save humanity from the demons trying to bring hell to the human realm. And when a mission goes awry, and Pani loses all memory of his mate, Dominion will have to discover why Pani loved him in the first place if he wants a chance at making his mate fall in love with him a second time.
Can a love that was once instant be earned?
Pride is the first book in the Wolves of Resurrection Road series. It is an action-packed, swelteringly hot, surprise mpreg romance that introduces a world of mystery, mayhem, and magic.
Series in the Wolves of World
Wolves of Walker County
Wolves of Royal Paynes
Demon of Royal Paynes
To Target the Heart (A Tale of Two Princes #1) by Aldrea Alien
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: To Target the Heart
SERIES: A Tale of Two Princes
AUTHOR: Aldrea Alien
PUBLISHER: Thardrandian Publications
LENGTH: 552 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 15, 2020
BLURB:
How can he win with the odds stacked against him?
Prince Hamish has no interest in fulfilling his duty of marrying. Not to a woman, at least. That doesn’t stop his mother, Queen Fiona, from presenting him with every eligible noblewoman that enters their castle. He’s certain it’ll be no different with the representative of the Udynea Empire.
So when they do arrive, Hamish is relieved the imperial prince, Darshan, is not the woman everyone expected. Until the man kisses him and Hamish is confronted by the very emotions he has been forced to conceal or be punished for. Emotions he is eager to explore.
But the kiss proves to be a little too public and leads his mother to take drastic measures to ensure Hamish adheres to her family vision. The contest of arms will force Hamish to make a choice: give up his happiness for convention’s sake or send the kingdom spiralling into civil war for the right to love his own way.
*This book contains violence, attempted suicide and explicit adult themes.**This book is a standalone*
Landing Levi (Shore Thing Book 2) by Jaclyn Quinn
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Landing Levi
SERIES: Shore Thing Book 2
AUTHOR: Jaclyn Quinn
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 228 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 26, 2021
BLURB:
Sage Rafferty
I’ve wanted Levi ever since my friend Cole introduced us. When Levi moved to my hometown of Coral Pointe Inlet, I thought I finally had a chance to land the sexy, misunderstood man. After months of trying, though, it’s clear he doesn’t want me the way I want him. Putting some space between us is the only way to reclaim some of my dignity. I’ll suffer through as many bad dates as it takes to get over the oblivious man. It’s time to face the facts: He’s never going to notice me when he’s too busy looking at someone else.
Levi Hansen
The life I have in Coral Pointe Inlet is one I never dreamed possible, but watching one of my best friends fall in love has me questioning everything I thought I wanted. When my friends try to convince me that Sage—the sexy owner of Bluefin—has feelings for me, they have to be out of their minds, right? So, how the hell do I end up volunteering to help the man—and manage to make a complete fool of myself in the process? The answer is staring me right in the face, but is it too late to admit I’ve been completely Saged?
***This book picks up after the last chapter of Convincing Cole, before the epilogue. It may be read as a standalone, but it’s suggested the books be read in order as shenanigans between these five best friends begins from the start of the series.
Dare You (Dare to Try #1) by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
Reviewed by Danielle
TITLE: Dare You
SERIES: Dare to Try #1
AUTHOR: Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 3920Kb
RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2021
BLURB:
From Ella Frank’s Prime Time series and Brooke Blaine’s South Haven series comes an explosive spin-off of both worlds.
Sebastian “Bash” Vogel, the magnetic, cross-dressing CEO of AnaVoge, has long been a lone island when it comes to his personal life. Self-assured and playful, he’s never left wanting for suitors—but Bash isn’t looking for something permanent. He’s more than fulfilled with his company and his closest friends, and no one is going to shake up the status quo.
That is, until he’s thrown over the shoulder of one of Chicago’s finest and hauled out of a burning building.
Kieran Bailey, a sexy, hardworking lieutenant at Station 73, has been reaping the rewards of being crowned the city’s hottest fireman, which his crew never lets him forget. So many ladies, so little time. So when he rescues the latest damsel in distress, no one is more shocked than him to realize he’s played prince charming to another…prince.
But Bash isn’t like anyone Kieran has ever met, and soon his world is turned upside down as he becomes more intrigued by the enigmatic man that he can’t stay away from.
They’re from two different worlds. This could never work. But what if…they dared to try?
Dare You is book one of the Dare to Try trilogy, which must be read in order. Prior reading is not required, but is always a fantastic idea for maximum enjoyment.
Winning With Him (Men of Summer #2) by Lauren Blakely
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Winning With Him
SERIES: Men of Summer #2
AUTHOR: Lauren Blakely
PUBLISHER: Hot Men Books
LENGTH: 314 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2021
BLURB:
Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit.
I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I’m about to fail at it again. The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I’ve got to resist.
A guy who’s asking me to make the toughest choice ever.
But how do I become the man I want to be…with him or without him?
Trouble is, I can’t seem to get Declan out of my head, even if I stand to lose everything I’ve worked for my entire life…
Winning with Him is book two in the utterly addictive Men of Summer series, and should be read following Scoring With Him. This romance between two professional athletes spans five epic years.
The Prince and the Ice King (Gemstone Kingdoms #1) by Amanda Meuwissen
Reviewed by True
TITLE: The Prince and the Ice King
SERIES: Gemstone Kingdoms #1
AUTHOR: Amanda Meuwissen
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 308 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2021
BLURB:
Every Winter Solstice, the Emerald Kingdom sends the dreaded Ice King a sacrifice—a corrupt soul, a criminal, a deviant, or someone touched by magic. Prince Reardon has always loathed this tradition, partly because he dreams of love with another man instead of a future queen.
Then Reardon’s best friend is discovered as a witch and sent to the Frozen Kingdom as tribute.
Reardon sets out to rescue him, willing to battle and kill the Ice King if that’s what it takes. But nothing could prepare him for what he finds in the Frozen Kingdom—a cursed land filled with magic… and a camaraderie Reardon has never known. Over this strange, warm community presides the enigmatic Ice King himself, a man his subjects call Jack. A man with skin made of ice, whose very touch can stop a beating heart.
A man Reardon finds himself inexplicably drawn to.
Jack doesn’t trust Reardon. But when Reardon begins spending long days with him, vowing to prove himself and break the curse, Jack begins to hope. Can love and forgiveness melt the ice around Jack’s heart?
One Trick Pony (Clyde’s Corner #3) by Eli Easton
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: One Trick Pony
SERIES: Clyde’s Corner
AUTHOR: Eli Easton
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 258 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2021
BLURB:
Forgiving yourself is the first step toward finding true love.
Henry Atkins is determined to turn around his no-good, sorry life and prove to the residents of Clyde’s Corner that he’s not the town bad boy anymore. If going to church every Sunday with the Ladies Society is what it takes to polish his reputation, he’s all in. But when every secret fantasy in his head walks into the stables at Muddy River Ranch, the straight and narrow path he’s on takes a wild detour. It never felt so good to be so bad.
Micah has been one of the biggest porn stars in the world for five years, but he’s burned out. His body won’t cooperate to film even one more scene. A month’s vacation with his old friend Ben in Montana is just what his jaded heart needs. He wants rest, fresh air, and to not be recognized by a living soul. He sure as hell isn’t looking for a fling, and he wants nothing to do with Henry, the fanboy who works at Ben’s ranch.
The two men are both seeking a fresh start, an escape from the demons of their past. Fly fishing lessons on the river uncover the surprising number of things they have in common and forms a heartfelt bond that might save their weary souls. Only Micah’s past isn’t through with him yet.
Dear Mr. Brody (For Him #3) by A.M. Johnson
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Dear Mr. Brody
SERIES: For Him #3
AUTHOR: A.M. Johnson
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 287 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 5, 2021
BLURB:
Parker,
I never meant for any of this to happen, to fall for you. It doesn’t matter that we’re both adults, or how much we want this to work. The college policy is clear. I can’t see a way around this without one of us getting hurt. If I would’ve known who you were when we met online, I would have never pursued a relationship. I’m new to all of this, and besides my daughter, getting to know you has been the best thing to ever happen to me. But I can’t make you hide again. I won’t. It’s not fair to either of us.
Deepest regrets, Donovan
**
Dear Mr. Brody,
You’re right, we are adults. I’m twenty-four years old, and I think I can decide for myself what’s best for me. If this is about you losing your job, I’ll walk away. But if this is you trying to protect me, then you’re an idiot. I want you. I care about you. My past isn’t an issue. What we’re doing… it isn’t the same thing. If we have to hide, so be it. I’m not ready to let you go.
Your Lost Boy, Parker