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**

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.

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! 

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!

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!

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.

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

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*

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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