Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Undone

SERIES: Vino & Veritas Book #18

AUTHOR:  Leslie McAdam

PUBLISHER: Heart Eyes Press

LENGTH:  280 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 12, 2021

BLURB:

My new roommate has the worst taste in men.

I mean, Murph’s special. He’s funny and flamboyant and full of life.

While I’m straight, even I can tell these guys aren’t good enough for him.

I had to yell at one date, toss another one out the door, and throw a beer in another’s face.

Kind of embarrassing, really. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.

I ask my sister what’s wrong with me and she says I’m jealous.

Jealous? Please. Me?

Come on.

Only thing is, I hate the thought of Murph kissing any guy. Ever.

Except, maybe … me?

Undone is a contemporary m/m romance about a dreamy insurance agent that might not be as straight as he thinks, an adorable bartender who adds sparkle wherever he goes, and maybe one or two jokes about swords.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Accidental Lover

SERIES:  Exit Strategy

AUTHOR:  Jocelynn Drake

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  229 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  July 9, 2021

BLURB:

Rule No. 1 of being an assassin: Don’t sleep with your mark.

Eh. Alexei has never been big on rules.

It’s not his fault Soren is too sexy for words.

And it’s not like he knew Soren was the cat burglar he’d been hired to kill.

But as they dodge other assassins, the CIA, and even the Russians to keep Soren alive and a stolen hard drive out of their hands, Alexei might be in even greater danger of breaking Rule No. 2.

Never fall for your mark.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Logan

SERIES: Chosen Champions #1

AUTHOR: Macy Blake

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 286 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2021

BLURB:

Logan Moore is a leader without a pack…

And after the rejection he faced from his last pack, he’s not sure he wants one. But when a mysterious benefactor he nicknames The Oracle offers Logan the chance to use his military expertise to lead a group of misfit shifters to protect the creatures of the magical realm, Logan’s wolf won’t allow him to say no.

Bailey Cairn is a man without a protector…

And for the entirety of his very human life, he hasn’t needed one. But when his friend is attacked at a bar, sweet, caretaker Bailey is drawn into a world he hadn’t known existed. A world full of secrets, and magic. A world full of danger… and gorgeous, protective Logan.

But if Bailey and Logan want to break the chains of the past, they’ll have to learn to trust each other and themselves, and start to believe in things that are bigger than they are…

That magic exists.

That packs are about more than blood ties.

That sometimes true love is a matter of fate.

And that heroes aren’t made…they’re Chosen.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: The Quarterback

SERIES:  The Team Book 2

AUTHOR: Tal Bauer

PUBLISHER: Self-published

LENGTH: 314 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 7, 2021

BLURB:

A slow burn, friends to lovers, bi awakening, age gap MM romance.

Falling for his friend’s straight dad might be the worst mistake Colton Hall has ever made.

Colton’s best friend is gay. He’s not: he’s never been attracted to men. So why the hell is he fantasizing about his friend’s dad? Besides, Nick Swanscott is straight. A devoted father and the best man Colton’s ever known. He deserves more than to be the object of Colton’s crush.

The NFL is waiting for Colton, but he decides to stick it out for his senior year in college before joining the league, a decision that proves disastrous when an injury tears him from the game. In the blink of an eye, Colton goes from being a top draft pick to potentially never playing football again.

But Nick is there through his recovery. He takes care of Colton every day and shows him a future that might hold something more than being a superstar quarterback. Maybe Colton’s life isn’t over.

And Colton’s crush explodes: full-on, head over heels, hopelessly falling in love.

He’s so screwed. He’s got to get these feelings under control. All those dreams of kissing Nick can never become reality. And there’s no way Nick could ever love him back.

Right?

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  When We Were Fire on Fire

SERIES:  Italian Romance #2

AUTHOR:  Elen Chase

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  193 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 7, 2021

BLURB:

Francesco doesn’t believe in second chances. Five years after an awful breakup, he’s determined to focus on his career and not let anything or anyone distract him from his goals. When his unpredictable ex suddenly comes back into his life, his brain knows he shouldn’t hope for a change, but his heart doesn’t want to listen.

Eric’s feelings have never wavered. Francesco is, and will always be, the love of his life. But love is not everything in a relationship, and Eric is painfully aware that even though he could be the person Francesco wants, he may not be the one he needs.

The festive atmosphere of Milan during Christmas time brings the two men together in a story about self-hate and self-love, and learning to trust again. Can you give your love to another, when you can’t even forgive or love yourself?

Content Warning:
This story includes mentions of suicide, abuse, and eating disorders.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE: Operation Meet Cute

SERIES:  Operation HEA #1

AUTHOR:  K.M. Neuhold

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  295 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 2, 2021

BLURB:

Harlow is on a single-minded mission: meet the man of his dreams by any meet-cute necessary.

All my life, I’ve dreamed of one thing: the perfect movie moment. I want a man and his boombox outside my window; I want kissing in the rain; I want a romantic hero who will take my breath away.

Switching mail with my cute neighbor didn’t work. Swapping coffee with a hottie at the coffee shop just got the poor barista yelled at. And bus guy? Total bust. I’m starting to wonder if Hollywood got the whole meet-cute thing wrong. Sacrilege, I know.

Is it possible the perfect leading man has been living in the apartment above me the entire time, playing the role of my best friend?

Things are about to get very interesting…

***Operation: Meet-cute is a swoony, steamy, best friends to lovers, friends with benefits turned more, laugh out loud story with low angst and plenty of heat.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Becoming Daddy

SERIES:  Love in LA Book 3

AUTHOR:  Mia Monroe

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  212 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 13, 2021

BLURB: 

I knew nothing about love until they came along to teach me. 

My life is all about three things.

Helping people in need

Loyalty to my friends

Surviving by any means.

My life has always been about the hustle. That’s what it’s like when you grow up on the tough streets of LA. I learned early on to rely on myself but always look out for the little guy. I guess it’s my instinct or something. My new friends pulled me out of a bad situation and into a world I’ve never experienced. I’m slowly finding my way on the straight and narrow path, but watching all my friends find love makes me realize what I’m still missing.

When a couple invites me into their lives, I’m confused. Why would these two gorgeous men want me? They’re determined to convince me it’s real. The more time we spend together, the more I wonder if I’m a boy at heart. But when things come to a head, maybe Becoming Daddy is what my men really need from me.

Becoming Daddy is an MMM book featuring a former bad boy with a heart of gold trying to find his footing, a loving couple who knows exactly what they want, and three men discovering much more about themselves than they expected. It is book 3 in the Love in LA series featuring doting Daddies and sweet boys finding love in Los Angeles.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Twisted Pretty Things

SERIES:  Shadows of London #1

AUTHOR:  Arian Nash

PUBLISHER:  Crazy Ace Publishing

LENGTH:  330 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 5, 2021

BLURB:

Something wicked is moving in the shadows of London…

In the underground world of glitzy illegal auctions, fast cars, and stolen magical artifacts, John “Dom” Domenici knows he’s out of his depth. But he needs the job at Kempthorne & Co like he needs to breathe. The alternative—going back to the organized crime gangs of London’s East End—is unthinkable.

So when Alexander Kempthorne, boss of Kempthorne & Co Artifact Retrieval Agency, wants him on a special case to track down an illegal artifact dealer, Dom can’t say no.

It shouldn’t matter that Kempthorne’s world is full of deadly secrets. It shouldn’t matter that the billionaire is sexy as sin, and it really shouldn’t matter how there’s an American agent stalking Dom, an American who knows more than he should about Dom’s case, including the real reason Alexander Kempthorne hired Dom.

The only thing that really matters to Dom is solving the case and finding the artifact dealer. Because there are worse things in London than a conflicted billionaire and a trigger-happy American. Something wicked is stalking London’s streets, and if Dom doesn’t stop it, its shadows will rise and consume them all.

***

Twisted Pretty Things is the first book in the all-new Shadows of London MM urban fantasy series. Action, mystery, and MM romance combine in this fast-paced adventure from the author who brought you the award-winning Silk & Steel series and the best-selling Prince’s Assassin series. Coming August 2021.

Triggering content: mention of past mental and physical abuse.

Please note the Shadows of London series is set in London and the characters are all British (so is the author). Although the series has been edited in US English for the larger US market, to include US spelling and grammar, many English slang words and spelling remain as part of the character of the work.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  The Red Zone

SERIES:  The Riptide Book 3

AUTHOR:  Beth Bolden

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH: 406 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 11, 2021

BLURB:

Spencer’s deep in the Red Zone and it’s time to even the score.

Nine years ago Spencer Evans became the first player out of the closet to be drafted into the NFL. Everyone believed he had aspirations to change the world but all Spencer ever wanted to do was play football for a team that accepted him wholeheartedly. But they never would, and Spencer began to conceal all the parts that made him different.

When a terrible injury forces him to re-evaluate his life and his choices, he realizes there’s only one man who can help him.

The very first gay sports agent, Alec Mitchell has given his life and his career to making queer athletes’ dreams come true. He can’t help but think of Spencer as the one who got away—professionally and personally.

Alec thought he’d buried his desperate longing for Spencer ages ago but it turns out it was just lying dormant, waiting for the right spark. When he begs Alec to take him on as a client, everything they’ve been burying for years surfaces once again.

With Alec’s help, Spencer can change everything about his life he’s come to hate. An extraordinary future—and an undeniably extraordinary man—are waiting for him. The play has been called. All he has to do is catch the ball and score.

Reviewed by Jen B.

TITLE: Role Model

SERIES: Game Changers #5

AUTHOR: Rachel Reid

PUBLISHER:  Carina Press

LENGTH: 284 Pages

RELEASE DATE: August 10, 2021

BLURB:

“Rachel Reid crafted a story of true heart, beauty, heat, and glorious, hard-won redemption! I loved both heroes and their journey to love was a gorgeous one to watch!” – Lauren Blakely, #1 NYT Bestselling author of Scoring With Him

The highly anticipated fifth novel in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series sees a grumpy professional hockey player meet his match in an out-and-proud social media manager…

The hits just keep coming for Troy Barrett. Traded to the worst team in the league would be bad enough, but coming on the heels of a messy breakup and a recent scandal… Troy just wants to play hockey and be left alone. He doesn’t want to be in the news anymore, and he definitely doesn’t want to “work on his online presence” with the team’s peppy social media manager.

Harris Drover can tell standoffish Troy isn’t happy about the trade—anyone could tell, frankly, as he doesn’t exactly hide it well—but Harris doesn’t give up on people easily. Even when he’s developing a crush he’s sure is one-sided. And when he sees Troy’s smile finally crack through his grumpy exterior, well… That’s a man Harris couldn’t turn his back on if he wanted to.

Suddenly, Troy’s move to the new team feels like an opportunity—for Troy to embrace his true self, and for both men to surrender to their growing attraction. But indulging in each other behind closed doors is one thing, and for Troy, being in a public relationship with Harris will mean facing off with his fears, once and for all.

Game Changers

Book 1: Game Changer
Book 2: Heated Rivalry
Book 3: Tough Guy
Book 4: Common Goal
Book 5: Role Model

Reviewed by Cheryl

TITLE: Burn That Bridge

AUTHOR: J.R. Gray

PUBLISHER: Gray Books

LENGTH: 284 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 29, 2021

BLURB:

Turns out trading a spot on the cheerleading squad for a fresh fade and all-new pronouns was more of a recipe for disaster than happiness. Coming out as trans in rural Alabama, where football rules and cheer is life, might have been the worst way to start my senior year.

There are no safety nets for people like me in places like this.

But sometimes, hope shows itself in the most unexpected places. New friends help us survive —and maybe— thrive. But falling for Sebastian was not part of the plan.

Embracing my identity put my happiness at odds with my safety. I’m terrified. Terrified to be me. Terrified to be happy. Terrified to love him.

Welcome to senior year.

Try to make it out alive.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Unforgettable

SERIES:  Vinos and Veritas #14

AUTHOR:  Marley Valentine

PUBLISHER:  Heart Eyes Press

LENGTH:  208 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 12, 2021

BLURB:

One night with Reeve Hale wasn’t enough. I knew it when I kissed him, I knew it when I slept with him, and I was certain of it when I walked out of his motel room the very next day.

So when the shy, gorgeous man is introduced as our newest employee at Vino and Veritas, I can’t help but conjure up all the ridiculous ways to convince him to repeat that unforgettable night. Like asking him to be my fake boyfriend at my sister’s upcoming wedding.

Only, I didn’t expect him to say yes.

Playing pretend shouldn’t feel this real. Especially when Reeve is planning on leaving Vermont after the summer.

We agreed to one night. We negotiated a fake relationship. But I’m the one who broke our terms. I wasn’t supposed to fall in love and he was never supposed to be so unforgettable.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  To Poison a Prince

SERIES:  A Tale of Two Princes #2

AUTHOR:  Aldrea Alien

PUBLISHER:  Thardrandian Publications

LENGTH:  732 pages

RELEASE DATE:  July 31, 2021

BLURB:

Someone is out to murder his husband and he might just be the reason they succeed.

Imperial Crown Prince Darshan knew his journey home wasn’t going to be the modest one he hoped for, especially not after eloping with Hamish, a former prince—and now exile—of Tirglas.
When he thwarts a clumsy attempt on his husband’s life during a soirée hosted by his long-standing rival and half-sister, he figures the worst is behind them.
Yet, the threat of death continues to shadow them across the empire. Someone is intent on making the rumours of his husband’s demise a reality, someone who can erase the memory of their very presence from people’s minds.
Darshan must discover who is behind the attempts before they succeed. But who can he trust when the culprit is capable of slipping by the most vigilant of guards?

Don’t miss the next step in Hamish and Darshan’s story of mystery, magic, romance and more!

*This book contains violence, gore and explicit adult themes.*

Reviewed by True

TITLE: Godsend

AUTHOR: Elvira Bell

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

LENGTH: 154 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 10, 2021

BLURB:

Ari and Vidar are Viking warriors and blood brothers. Will handsome thrall Elric break their bond…or make it even stronger?

When young Saxon Elric is sold to Norse slave traders, he thinks that his life is over. He is brought across the sea to the settlement of the Norsemen and becomes the chief’s thrall, and neither the chief nor the warriors are lenient with him. Two of the warriors are different, though—Ari and Vidar. Elric senses that their bond goes beyond mere friendship, and wishes that he himself had someone who would care for him.

Ari and Vidar have been lovers for years, but they have to sneak away whenever they want to be together. Vidar is next in line to be leader, as the chief’s nephew, but he’s shy and insecure and only feels at home on the battlefield. Ari looks different than the other warriors, since his mother was of foreign descent, and he’s had to learn how to stand up for himself.

The two of them are blood brothers, linked together forever, but even though they are lovers they can’t go against the taboo that prohibits free men from being passive during sex. Ari feels that something is lacking, and Elric’s arrival gives him an idea—what if they invited Elric to join them in bed? The thought excites him, and Elric himself seems eager to please.

The only question is how Ari is supposed to get Vidar to agree to letting another man into their relationship…

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Tango

SERIES: Carousal Lounge (Book 1)

AUTHOR: Sammi Cee

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 107 pages

RELEASE DATE: July 31, 2021

BLURB:

What you see is all you get…

Reign Bailey rules the stage as one of the main exotic dancers at Carousal Lounge Gentlemen’s Club. After several life-altering experiences, he’ll never allow himself to need anyone again—especially an alpha.

When Sully, the head bouncer at the club, decides to make Reign his business, will the indifferent omega open his heart or will he reject what fate has in store?

In Sammi Cee’s brand new mpreg shifter world, you can expect super-sexy omegas dancing, bossy alphas growling, cute babies aplenty, and a found family who never lets go. 

Reviewed by True

TITLE: His Protective Alpha

SERIES: Seven Corners Shifters #1

AUTHOR: Ava Beringer

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 113 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 27, 2021

BLURB:

The last thing I wanted was to run from my past- right into my fated mate.

Omega wolf Rashad Hall is running. He needs a safe place to start over, and the last thing he wants is an alpha. When he steps into Seven Corners and immediately scents “mate,” he fights his most basic impulse to seek out his one true love, Bronx Bolder, the lead alpha who has to grant permission to stay on his territory. Instead Rashad trespasses, courting disaster, but he’s irresistibly drawn the strong, tempting, in-control alpha. Rashad can’t let go of his fears. What happens when he can’t stay away from Bronx, either?

Alpha wolf Bronx Bolder can’t find an omega strong enough to stand by his side, and he’s tired of looking. When he discovers omega wolf Rashad started a small successful business on his territory, Bronx starts out feeling irked but soon comes to admire Rashad’s fighting spirit. When he realizes they’re fated mates, it’s easy to fall in love- and into bed- with the alluring, mysterious omega. Rashad pulls Bronx close, then pushes him away. Rashad’s keeping a lot of secrets, including the result of their tryst- a pregnancy. When Rashad’s past comes back to bite him, can Bronx protect him and the new life in his womb?

What’s Rashad running from? How will his past come back to haunt him? Can Bronx help his fated mate overcome his fears for a chance at true love?

This is the first book in the Seven Corner Shifters series. This book has a HEA and contains occasional strong language, MPREG, and hot, spicy grownup stuff. The omegas are heating up and the alphas are very knotty boys. Get a FREE short story when you join the newsletter family!