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…
A Springful of Winters by Dawn Sister
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: A Springful of Winters
AUTHOR: Dawn Sister
PUBLISHER: Beaten Track Publishing
LENGTH: 120 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2018
BLURB:
Kit is a bit socially awkward. In fact, the rules of social encounters are mostly a bit of a mystery to him, but he gets by, with lots of lists and contingency plans. He doesn’t have any plans in place for when he first meets Stephan, however, and he keeps bumping into the man in the most embarrassing situations. The trouble is, Stephan keeps turning up in unexpected places, arousing suspicion that this gorgeous man might just have some contingency plans of his own where Kit is concerned.
Tangled Warriors (The Weavers Circle) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Tangled Warriors
SERIES: The Weavers Circle
AUTHOR: Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 345 Pages
RELEASE DATE: September 24, 2021
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Lucien Cummings
The pestilents are trying to kill him.
He’s pretty sure the Water Weaver wants to kill him as well.
But after two months of fighting an attraction for a man who couldn’t possibly be his mate, Lucien cracks when he’s pulled into an impulsive threesome with Calder and a sexy man they picked up in a bar.
That night was earth shattering.
And now he needs to figure out how to keep both men safe and his.
Calder Saito
Calder doesn’t want to fight his attraction for the Fire Weaver any longer, but they can’t really be soul mates, right?
And what about Gio? The sexy man gives him such a feeling of completeness and peace.
Could one man really have two soul mates?
Gio Russo
Can’t he just have them both?
Grind (Carousal Lounge #3) by Sammi Cee
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Grind
SERIES: Carousal Lounge #3
AUTHOR: Sammi Cee
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 135 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 30, 2021
BLURB:
That omega needs a spanking.
Cloud’s life is in turmoil, but why remains a mystery to his friends. Partying and his favorite moonshine only give him a night’s worth of relief, but to him it’s better than nothing.
Marco has no patience for an omega who doesn’t appreciate having so many people in his corner, but when his boss asks him to guard Cloud’s hot little body, he averts his eyes, pulls up his big boy pants, and does his job.
When Cloud considers what was almost a night of tragedy his fault, the repercussions are shocking. Can fated mates who both believe the goddess is punishing them ever find a HEA with their other half?
Continue the journey in Sammi Cee’s new mpreg shifter world with an omega getting blackout drunk, hate sex a-plenty, the same omega steaming up the stage with his new look—stilettos and makeup—back to back births, and besties who won’t let their friends run away from the best thing that’s ever happened to them.
Moon Spell (Fated #2) by Christina Lee
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Moon Spell
SERIES: Fated #2
AUTHOR: Christina Lee
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 258 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2021
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Werewolves only exist in fairy tales…at least, that’s what most townspeople in Lunar’s Reach believe. Unless you’re a powerful healer who concocts a potion to help a fledgling shifter remain human during the full moon.
It works to Bellamy’s benefit since he’s been in hiding at Moon Flower from Ashwood, his beloved, who betrayed him two years before. But now that violet fever is sweeping through Etria and Bellamy has fallen deathly ill, not even the madam from the apothecary can heal him.
Ashwood believes only he—his fated mate—can save Bellamy from the sickness. Unfortunately, he’s right. But Bellamy cannot bear being in his presence nor suppress the longing he still feels for the man. Despite their history, Ashwood still owns his heart, and soon it becomes clear that someone from their past presents a danger to them both.
Perhaps Bellamy could use Ashwood to exact his own revenge before dooming him to eternal loneliness without his mate. Except, that plan would require allowing Ashwood to touch him again, and Bellamy isn’t certain he can resist being cast under his spell. Not when Ashwood feels so perfect—and so right.
Please note: Moon Spell is set in an imaginary world reminiscent of our nineteenth century, with some fantastical elements, such as potions and fated mates, and without explicit rules. Reading Moon Flower, the first book in the series, is highly recommended, as some of the plot elements and characterizations wouldn’t otherwise make sense.
TW: Discussions and depictions of assault, as well as a background representation that some might find unconventional.
Got Me Wishing (Vet Shop Boys #2) by Casey Cox
Reviewed by True
TITLE: Got Me Wishing
SERIES: Vet Shop Boys #2
AUTHOR: Casey Cox
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 241 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2021
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A half-birthday + a second chance = one true love? As. If.
Who needs a man when I’ve got cuddly kittens?
No one’s ever wanted me once they discover my secret. I guess that’s why I’ve thrown myself into my work as a veterinarian, as well as become the proud paw-rent to my eight cat rescues. I’ve even managed to convince myself I’m purr-fectly happy being single.
So when Bishop, a handsome stranger, strikes up a conversation, I don’t expect it to lead to anything else. There’s no way a guy wanting to start over is interested in love. So why has Bishop got me wishing for something more?
The Devoted Alpha (West Coast Alphas #3) by Susi Hawke
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: The Devoted Alpha
SERIES: West Coast Wolves #3
AUTHOR: Susi Hawke
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 270 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 24, 2021
BLURB:
An awkward, traumatized omega and a patient alpha determined to court him properly… fate has a way of righting old wrongs.
Stolen from his mother’s arms and reported stillborn at birth, Tom spent nearly twenty-one years in structured captivity with other stolen omegas. His brothers. A dozen omegas, each with a secret superpower, who now must learn a whole new skill—how to thrive in a modern world.
Not every brother emerged from their past unscathed, and Tom had the worst of it. His key to survival was a healthy respect for rules. Now that he’s free, he’s still a little bit obsessive and a whole lot compulsive. He’s got anxiety, fear of change… and a list of plans for his future.
None of which involved finding a fated mate.
But if they had? His plans definitely wouldn’t have been to meet his dream alpha while smelling of afterbirth and the blood of an enemy killed in defense of his pregnant brother—the same brother whose child he then had to deliver… post-shift and naked.
If he’d been planning, if he’d made a list and checked it twice, Tom never could’ve designed an alpha more perfectly devoted than the delicious one fate put in front of him during one of the craziest days of his life… an alpha so patient, he insists on courting the skittish omega.
The West Coast Wolves is an mpreg series about five alphas. A small pack of bikers who spent years riding the highways and helping those in need until fate gave them each a pack to lead. This 85k full-length novel is Nick’s story. Prepare yourself for a romantic courtship, a perfect first kiss, and more feels and giggles than you can handle. But then again, this is a Susi Hawke book so what else can you expect?
Possible triggers for child abduction, trafficking both past and present, and haunting memories of past abuse that included both humiliation and the non-penetrative molestation of a teenager by a person in authority.
Follow the Stars by Gwen Martin
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Follow the Stars
AUTHOR: Gwen Martin
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 270 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 28, 2021
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Can the Stars Make Two Friends Lovers or Break them Apart Forever?
When Noah loses his best friend Rory to cystic fibrosis, he feels lost without her unconditional love and support.
Ezra—the one who understands his grief—suggests they embark on something they’ve been planning for years: a road trip along the Eastern Seaboard. But Ezra has a secret no one knows—he’s been in love Noah for years.
Ezra fears he won’t be able to hold back his feelings as they fulfill Rory’s biggest dream on her bucket list. Noah worries the connection he has with Ezra’s lost without Rory to guide them together. But through their grief, the question remains: If you follow your heart, can you find love as bright as the stars?
The Flight: metaphysical realism (Between Two Doors #1) by Adira August
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: The Flight
SERIES: Between Two Doors #1
AUTHOR: Adira August
PUBLISHER: Red Deer
LENGTH: 380 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2021
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IN A LAST BID TO SURVIVE, THE VOID RAVAGES THE EARTH WITH DEVASTATION AND DEATH. BUT WE NEVER FIGHT ALONE.
In the bleakest of times, Eternity sends a Flight — those some call guardian angels, saints, guides — to gather together an unlikely group of spiritual warriors:
- An ex-cop almost broken by the brutal deaths of innocents.
- An Olympic champion, ripped from competition
- An orphaned teen, whose father died on death row.
- And an unassuming woman, sharing her psychic gift without fame or fanfare, who will be thrust into the center of the maelstrom, destined to lead this team of courageous misfits.
The Foundation team will battle the Void in a partnership with Eternity, knowing only the Light can stop it, only the Light can heal us….
…and only we can bring the Light.
____________________
“Come heaven or earth, come life here or life hereafter,
ours is a world lived entirely between two doors.”
Life Between Heaven and Earth
George Anderson and Andrew Barone
The “Between Two Doors” series is metaphysical realism: METAPHYSICS: refers to the ultimate nature of existence, reality, and experience not bound to any theological doctrine or dogma.
▼▼▼▼▼
The Flight is book One in the “Between Two Doors” series featuring Hunter Dane, Camden Snow and other characters from the RiverHart universe. Hunting Asher Gamble — an edited version of Psychic Men from the “Hunt&Cam4Ever” series — is a prequel to The Flight. It is not necessary to read the prequel, but it does give depth to this book.
Like all Adira August books, Flight is fiction based on reality. You’ll find references in the Appendix as you do in most AA books. Book Two, ONSLAUGHT: Angels & Madmen is in progress.
The Devil’s Necromancer (Hellbound #1) by Alexa Piper
Reviewed by True
TITLE: The Devil’s Necromancer
SERIES: Hellbound #1
AUTHOR: Alexa Piper
PUBLISHER: Changeling Press LLC
LENGTH: 171 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 8, 2021
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Lionel, a necromancer and consultant for the Brunswick Police Department, wants nothing to do with immortals. Specifically, he wants nothing to do with Lucifer, who shows up on his doorstep one day with a ridiculous proposal. Lucifer, also known as the Devil, wants Lionel to be his pretend boyfriend. Except the pretend part is something the Devil doesn’t really seem to care for.
Lucifer has read enough romance novels to know that a good dose of forced proximity might be just the thing to get the stubborn necromancer he desires into his bed. The Devil’s plans are soon complicated when Lionel proves more uncooperative and oblivious to love than Lucifer could ever anticipate.
While the Devil wants to claim Lionel, all Lionel wants is to get away from Lucifer. Meanwhile, magic users are being murdered in the city. Lionel cannot escape the implications of those murders for long, and the case soon takes a different turn. Will Lionel be able to escape the Devil’s thrall, or will the necromancer fall for the immortal seducer?
Publisher’s Note: The Devil’s Necromancer contains scenes involving dubious consent that some readers may find offensive.
Hunting Asher Gamble (Between Two Doors Prequel) by Adira August
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: The Hunting Asher Gamble
SERIES: Between Two Doors
AUTHOR: Adira August
PUBLISHER: Red Deer
LENGTH: 201 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2021
BLURB:
FOR 20 YEARS THE GOVERNMENT RESEARCHED PSYCHIC ABILITY. THEY SPENT THE NEXT 20 TRYING TO CONVINCE US THERE WAS NO SUCH THING.
Now, due to the secret experiments of a courageous scientist and the evidence of a 14-year-old psychic medium, the truth is about to explode across social media,
That cannot be allowed.
Detective Lieutenant Hunter Dane and his Unit disagree.
Pick Me (Sunday Brothers #1) by May Archer
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Pick Me
SERIES: Sunday Brothers #1
AUTHOR: May Archer
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 316 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2021
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The job at Sunday Orchard was supposed to be temporary.
A chance to gain some work experience. To have some fun. To get away from my overprotective brothers. To maybe, possibly encounter some lumberjacks in their natural habitat before moving on to the dream career that awaited me in the city.
I had not expected to be welcomed into a family of gorgeous and weirdly efficient lumberjack-types myself. Or to find a purpose in the tiny Vermont town whose claim to fame seemed to be apple-based products and copious amounts of charm.
And I most definitely hadn’t expected to fall for Knox Sunday, my grumpy, burly, fifteen-years-older, reluctant roommate, with his infuriating lectures, his hot-as-fire body, his superior attitude, his snarky humor, and his stealth cuddles.
Now I find myself making excuses to delay my big dreams… just for a little while.
But Knox has unfulfilled dreams of his own. A career he walked away from. A big city life in Boston he left behind when he returned to his hometown to help his family. He claims he’s not looking for anything permanent, and I’ve never been one to put down roots.
My big life is waiting for me somewhere other than Little Pippin Hollow. So why does it feel like I’ve finally found the home of my heart?
And how can I get Knox Sunday to… pick me?
Idolatry (Reagalos #2) by Rebecca Cohen
Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Idolatry
SERIES: Reagalos #2
AUTHOR: Rebecca Cohen
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 269 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2021
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Lornyc is good at keeping secrets, because secrets can get you killed.
Lornyc thought it was bad enough that the Cerulean Cult had made him a living god, but now they’ve set loose an entity that is tearing through the dimensions with the potential to cause chaos. He wouldn’t have thought it his problem but the guardians of the multiverse, the Valen, have decided otherwise.
Along with Methian and his own Valen Caveer Guards, Lornyc faces a race through multiple alternative realities if he doesn’t want to be extinguished.
Previously published, this second edition has been edited and reworked for release.
By The Red Moonlight by Amanda Meuwissen
Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: By The Red Moonlight
SERIES: Moonlight Prophecies #1
AUTHOR: Amanda Meuwissen
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 221 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2021
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Alpha werewolf, crime boss, and secret Seer Bashir Bain is neck-deep in negotiating a marriage of convenience with a neighboring alpha when a tense situation goes from bad to worse. A job applicant at one of Bash’s businesses—a guy who was supposed to be a simple ex-cop, ex-con tattoo artist—suddenly turns up undead.
A rogue newborn vampire would have been a big wrench in Bash’s plans even without his attraction to the man. After all, new vampires are under their sire’s control, and Ethan Lambert doesn’t even know who turned him. When Bash spares his life, he opens himself up for mutiny, a broken engagement, and an unexpected—and risky—relationship.
Ethan just wants a fresh start after being released from prison. Before he can get it, he’ll need to turn private investigator to find out who sired him and what he wants. And he’d better do it quick, because the moon is full, and according to Bash’s prophecy, life and death hang in the balance.
Making a Mark (The Triskelion Series Book 2) by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Making a Mark
SERIES: The Triskelion Series Book 2
AUTHOR: Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga
PUBLISHER: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
LENGTH: 315 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2021
BLURB:
When Troy and Saul became lovers, they worried about a lot of things. There was their age gap, their younger Dom-older sub relationship, and Troy’s health, which was made worse by job stress. They managed all that and more with a deep commitment, and with a lot of help from Troy’s longtime best friends, fellow Dom and sub couple Carter and Geoff.
In fact, Saul seems to be what all three of the other men need to see what’s been there all along, and to provide the balance they need to deepen their relationship in a very meaningful way. They’ve already made their marks on each other’s hearts. Now it’s time to start living the life they’ve all been dreaming of.
Nothing is ever perfect or easy, though, and they all have to shift their perceptions. Geoff has to come to terms with his need for submission and desire to dominate Troy, and Carter must redefine the two most important relationships in his life. Troy struggles to understand why Geoff and Carter want this with him now, after years of watching from the outside. And Saul has to create a whole new definition of family. Can they all break the rules again and become something more special than they can even imagine?
To Not Fall for My Doc (The Simple Rules #1) by Gianni Holmes
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: To Not Fall for My Doc
SERIES: The Simple Rules #1
AUTHOR: Gianni Holmes
PUBLISHER: Coco Nutz Publishing
LENGTH: 231 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 29, 2021
BLURB:
Doctor or Daddy? There’s no way Dr. Greer can be both.
He’s my patient.
He’s off-limits.
He’s a twenty-one-year-old young man who’s battled with Hodgkin lymphoma throughout adolescence. Given two years of complete remission, Austin Villiers should be out there living his best life. Instead, he walks the wings of the cancer treatment center, spreading hope and smiles.
My patients’ lives aren’t the only ones he touches. His presence reminds me why I chose this path years ago. But, I have feelings for this boy that goes against everything I believe in. He doesn’t make it easy when he reveals his virgin heart belongs to me.
It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted to be called Daddy. Austin brings back all those protective tendencies. But, how can I break the simplest rule of being a medical practitioner by dating a patient?
The Simple Rules To Not Fall For My Doc is a low angst, light daddy kink, forbidden romance between an oncologist and a patient in complete remission. The books in this series can be read out of order.