Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: The Bewitched Alpha

SERIES: West Coast Alphas #5

AUTHOR: Susi Hawke 

PUBLISHER: self published

LENGTH: 158 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 30, 2021

BLURB:

A determined omega of great talent and an even greater mission… An easy-going alpha with a rootless pack… Some matches are truly fated.

Zeke Steele wishes he had time to enjoy the moment when he catches the scent of his true mate, but who has time for that? He sure as heck doesn’t. Not when he has a twin brother whose life is hanging in the balance if Zeke can’t find him in time.

Their father wouldn’t listen to the rumors of traffickers working in the California territory. Dangerous as it may be, Zeke’s actually considering trying to meet with the Territory Chief. Maybe he’ll listen? One thing is for sure, Zeke needs help.

Maybe he should’ve asked for assistance from his fated mate instead of stealing his Harley. Nah… If there’s one thing Zeke knows, it’s that alphas can’t be trusted. Especially pretty ones with big, sparkly eyes who give pro-level kisses.

But what if his mate’s different? The big lug did ride a Harley, after all. And bikers often knew other bikers. People who’d willing to fight the jerks who were holding his twin captive. It was risky, but Zeke’s almost desperate enough to try. Almost.

Before anything happens, Zeke has a test. First, his mate needs to find him and retrieve the stolen bike. If he can pull off moves like that, Zeke might be willing to consider rethinking this whole fated mate thing and accept his assistance. Maybe.

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 full-length novel is Tucker’s story. Prepare yourself for fierce omegas looking to rewrite archaic pack laws, an alpha who will do anything for his mate, and too many laughs for a book where a lot of bad men die. But then again, this is a Susi Hawke book, so what else can you expect?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: A Death in Bloomsbury

SERIES: Simon Sampson Mysteries #1

AUTHOR: David C. Dawson

PUBLISHER: Park Creek Publishing

LENGTH: 271 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 10, 2021

BLURB:

Everyone has secrets… but some are fatal.

1932, London. Late one December night Simon Sampson stumbles across the body of a woman in an alleyway. Her death is linked to a plot by right-wing extremists to assassinate the King on Christmas Day. Simon resolves to do his patriotic duty and unmask the traitors.

But Simon Sampson lives a double life. Not only is he a highly respected BBC radio announcer, but he’s also a man who loves men, and as such must live a secret life. His investigation risks revealing his other life and with that imprisonment under Britain’s draconian homophobic laws of the time. He faces a stark choice: his loyalty to the King or his freedom.

This is the first in a new series from award-winning author David C. Dawson. A richly atmospheric novel set in the shadowy world of 1930s London, where secrets are commonplace, and no one is quite who they seem.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Frat Wars: King of Thieves

SERIES:  Frat Wars #1

AUTHOR:  Saxon James

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  273 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 8, 2021

BLURB:

We’re basically Romeo and Juliet. But dudes. And without all the dying.

Chad

Being VP of Sigma Beta Psi is wild. I get all the benefits of being in charge with hardly any of the responsibility.
Parties, pranks, and frat politics—college life has never been sweeter.
Until I meet Bailey Prince.
He has the face of a goddamn angel. I don’t know where he came from or why I’m so obsessed.
But I do know he’s a Kappa.
And our houses have a rivalry that’s written into legend.

Bailey

At Rho Kappa Tau, I’m a legacy.
It’s a lot of pressure, but I’ve always been responsible, never had that rebellious need to rock the boat, and I like it that way.
But after a party at Sigma—the jock frat—I meet Chad Doomsen, and for the first time in my life I want to step outside my square.
Our houses have always had a rivalry, but some of the guys seem to hate Chad specifically, and I don’t know why.
He’s surprisingly sweet and kind. At least to me.
I need to stay away. A relationship with Chad would be betraying the very legacy that brought me here.
But I can’t help myself. And it seems, neither can he.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: New Hope

AUTHOR: Annabella Michaels

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 209 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 25, 2021

BLURB:

What do a city cop who’s never been with a man and an out-and-proud, small-town doctor have in common? Besides being single dads, more than they know.

A year after divorcing his wife, Ford Scott leaves his job with the NYPD and moves to a small town in Rhode Island, hoping to get a fresh start for himself and his daughter, Ellie. Having been burned by love in the past, the last thing he expects is to feel so drawn to the sexy doctor in town. Especially when that doctor is a man, awakening desires Ford had long ago pushed aside.

Dr. River Adams is happy with his life. Being the favorite pediatrician in the small town where he lives and a father to his little girl, Hannah, is incredibly fulfilling. Still, he can’t help wishing he had someone to share it all with.

When Ellie and Hannah become friends, the two dads find themselves spending a lot of time together, forging a friendship of their own. But what starts out as nothing more than simple companionship, soon turns into heated looks, lingering touches, and mind-melting sexual tension. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but as they grow closer, Ford begins to worry that one more big change might prove to be too much for Ellie.
Can River convince Ford to trust what is happening between them, allowing new hope to heal Ford and Ellie’s damaged hearts?

Reviewed by True

TITLE: Giovanni

SERIES: Prequel to Master’s Schiavo

AUTHOR: Laura Lascarso

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 262 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 7, 2021

BLURB:

Giovanni needs a man to rule him. Valentin has met his match.

Valentin Fortuna is a man who prides himself on his restraint and self-control. As the head of the Aponte family business and mentor to his late Don’s troubled grandson, Valentin takes his guardianship responsibilities very seriously. So, when the young man he’s been entrusted to keep safe is retraumatized at a house party, Valentin immediately steps in and installs Giovanni in his penthouse in Brooklyn to monitor his recovery. There Valentin provides him the structure and discipline Giovanni craves, as well as a strict set of rules to maintain his vulnerable sense of self.

But Giovanni wants more. He wants the pleasure and the pain only Valentin can administer, to ascend to godlike heights of passion and rid himself of the voices that plague his every waking minute. The demons are loud, but Valentin’s voice is louder, and their chemistry is as addictive as it is potent.

GIOVANNI is an introspective romance centered around a D/s dynamic. This work contains several references to past sexual abuse and trauma. Trigger warnings for addiction, suicide attempt, and self-harm. This book is meant for entertainment purposes only, not as a guide to safe, sane, and consensual BDSM practices.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Embers

SERIES:  Scales ‘N’ Spells #5

AUTHOR:  Jocelynn Drake, AJ Sherwood

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  414 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  September 10, 2021

BLURB:

Once upon a time, there was a stunningly gorgeous mage named Nikki.

They were trapped by evil, horrible Jaeggi mages for ten long years until they were rescued by the brave dragon named Gunter.

The grumpy red knight swept in, carrying them off to a fair castle, where they lived happily ever after.

That’s how the story’s supposed to go, anyway. Nikki would really like to have that fairytale ending, please and thank you.

It’s too bad Gunter is oblivious and the Jaeggi are interfering. Nikki may just have to cook up some explosions to help both situations along, because they’re determined to get their happily ever after.

Is there a magic how-to guide on things that go boom?

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Stubborn Boys 

SERIES:  Perfect Boys #3

AUTHOR:  K.M. Neuhold

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  253 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 12, 2021

BLURB:

Alden has always liked a challenge, and what could be more difficult than not one, but two stubborn boys?

Five years ago the military returned me home short one leg with scars covering one side of my body. I learned to live with it, I built a new life for myself, and I found a way to love the new body I was given… there’s just one thing I can’t accept.

I have no right to want someone as vibrant and beautiful as Nolan, not when a very vital part of my anatomy doesn’t want to work anymore. What use would a man like that be to him?

Alden can’t seem to stop meddling between the two of us, and I hate to admit it, but there’s something about him that manages to fix what’s broken in me.

Has anyone else ever developed a Daddy kink after getting blown to smithereens, or is it just me?

More importantly, are the three of us going to be able to find a way to fit together?

Reviewed by Danielle

TITLE: Cold Cases and Second Chances

AUTHOR: J.M. Dabney

PUBLISHER: Hostile Whispers Press, LLC

LENGTH: 285 Pages

RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2021

BLURB:

Life and Death sometimes made you believe in second chances

Robert

One thing I was sure of in my life was I’d never start over after my marriage of thirty years ended. Yet when our kids formed lives of their own, we’d grown apart. I’d signed the papers and tried to move on. My work as a Homicide Detective became my life. It left me with no time to think, but I couldn’t exist for my job alone. All that changed when they assigned Remy Bosley as my new partner. He was too good to be true, but in a short time, he became my friend—maybe something more.

Remy

For twenty-eight years, I’d worked to leave my past behind. Although, when the horrors shaped you into the person you were, there was no escape. Being a cop for me was making sure no one else turned out like me. My partner, Robert Kauffman, made it clear how far I’d shoved my dreams down. I was too old and damaged for fairy tales, yet that’s exactly what I wanted. In a few short years, his family became mine, and I couldn’t lose that no matter how much I wanted more than friends. When he was in danger, I did what needed to be done, and nothing was ever the same.

When a serial killer makes Remy’s old turf his hunting ground, how far will he go to protect the innocent?

(TW: Mentions of childhood sexual, physical, and mental abuses. Passive Suicidal Ideation, self-harm, and mental illness. These are off-page, but there are detailed flashbacks and conversations of said acts. Yet if these are triggering for you, please feel free not to read the story. Your self-care and mental health are more important. Thank you.)

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  To Take a Quiet Breath

SERIES:  Rossingley #3

AUTHOR:  Fearne Hill

PUBLISHER:  NineStar Press

LENGTH:  270 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 9, 2021

BLURB:  

This isn’t a romance about chiseled, lantern-jawed college kids boasting V-cut abs. There are no marathon steamy sex sessions, not without having at least one nebulizer on standby anyway.

Marcel Giresse, the thirty-six-year-old Director of Finance at the French Ministry of Justice, is happy to leave all that nonsense to his oldest friend Lucien, the sixteenth Earl of Rossingley. In fact, Marcel is too short of breath and too set in his nerdy ways to ever think about sex at all. Which is a shame because the prisoner serving a sentence for murderer that he’s just interviewed is smart, intriguing, and hot as hell.

Guillaume Guilbaud is approaching forty and has wasted his best years rotting in a prison cell. The only interesting thing that has happened to him since his best friend Reuben was released is taking part in a series of interviews with a disarming and charismatic civil servant named Marcel. As if that friendship could ever materialize into anything, especially as he feels so ill-prepared for his imminent life on the outside.

But after a chance meeting at Rossingley, Guillaume finds himself renting Marcel’s annex and desperately falling for his sweet, chronically ill landlord. Which is crazy, because Marcel is celibate, posh, clever, and fundamentally out of Guillaume’s league. Furthermore, Marcel also has far too many interfering friends and concerned relatives determined to ensure he doesn’t become any more attached to the mysterious ex-con he’s shyly let into his life.

To Take A Quiet Breath is a slow-burn romance because Marcel is too breathless for a romance at any other speed. It’s about two men finding that love can quietly creep up on you no matter how many obstacles are thrown in its path and discovering that as long as an inhaler is readily at hand, anyone can swing from the chandeliers.

Reviewed by Valerie and Kat

TITLE:  The Geek Who Saved Christmas

AUTHOR:  Annabeth Albert

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  266 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 9, 2021

BLURB:

His grumpy neighbor needs some holiday sunshine…

Gideon Holiday is the perfect neighbor. Need a cup of sugar? Spare folding chair? Extra batteries? He’s always ready to help. And he’s waited years for his hot, grumpy, silver fox neighbor, Paul, to need him. For anything. But this December, Gideon would be happy if he could just get the Scrooge-like Paul on board with the neighborhood holiday lights fundraiser.

Paul Frost has no intention of decking his halls or blazing any Yule logs. Even if his spunky bowtie-clad neighbor does look perfect for unwrapping, Paul would prefer to hide away until December is done. But when his beloved younger brother announces an unexpected visit, Paul needs all the trimmings for a festive homecoming—and fast.

Luckily, Gideon is there with a color-coded plan to save Christmas. Soon Paul’s hanging lights, trimming trees, and rolling out cookies. And steaming up his new flannel sheets with Gideon. How did that happen?

It’ll take some winter magic to preserve their happiness and keep these rival neighbors together longer than one holiday season.

The Geek Who Saved Christmas is a low-angst m/m holiday romance with a guaranteed happy ending. This grumpy/sunshine, neighbors-to-lovers, found family tale features two heroes in their forties figuring out that maybe their sexily-ever-after was right next door the whole time. It stands alone and is not connected to any of the author’s other universes. However, it does contain a heaping helping of the same emotions and steamy moments readers have come to expect!

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  The Wrangler and the Orphan

SERIES:  Farthingdale Ranch Book 4

AUTHOR:  Jackie North

PUBLISHER:  Blue Rain Press

LENGTH:  340 pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 26, 2021

BLURB:

“Some scars run soul-deep. Some scars only love can heal.”

Brody is the wrangler at Farthingdale Ranch. He knows a lot about horses, but not a whole lot about people.

He is so broken, he cannot imagine anyone would want to love him. Then along comes Kit, a young man in need of shelter, searching for a forever home.

In Kit, Brody sees the scared young man he used to be. In caring for Kit, Brody is in over his head.

But as Brody makes room in his heart for Kit, both their lives begin to change.

A gay m/m cowboy romance with hurt/comfort, rescue, age gap, fish out of water, opposites attract, midnight rendezvous. A little sweet, a little steamy, with a guaranteed HEA.

Reviewed by True

TITLE: What if?

SERIES: Lost and Found #2

AUTHOR: Barbara Elsborg

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 311 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2021

BLURB:

When 16-year-old Crispin stumbles across Kennedy’s Emporium, he’s transported into a magical world of the impossible. Unicorns, snow globes where the snow never stops falling, bubbles that never pop, paper fireworks that explode and refill, and most magical of all—Garrett Kennedy, youngest son of the owner, who makes Crispin’s heart leap in new and exciting ways. Crispin promises he’ll never forget Garrett, but when he loses Garrett’s gift of a jewelled bee, he also loses his memories of the time he spent with him.

Eight years later, the bee is returned to Crispin, along with memories of Garrett and his amazing world. But how can any of what Crispin now recalls be possible?
And yet…

What if it wasn’t a dream?
What if Kennedy’s Emporium exists?
What if magic is real?
What if Garrett’s been waiting, wondering why Crispin never came back?

And what if Crispin takes a chance on the best thing that’s ever happened to him, assuming he can find Kennedy’s Emporium again?

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Christmas Mountain

AUTHOR:  Garrett Leigh

PUBLISHER:  Fox Love Press

LENGTH:  236 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 9, 2021

BLURB:

The probation officer caring for his dead brother’s baby. The wounded gentle giant with the biggest softest heart.

Rami: Sweet Fen Hawthorne is my favourite thing about working in the prison. His broad shoulders and sunny grin. His twinkly flirtation. And he likes me as much as I like him. More seems inevitable until life happens.

One day I’m there, then I’m not, and second chances don’t really happen when your car breaks down halfway up a snowy mountain, do they? Besides, I don’t remember flirting with a bearded lumbersexual, only dreaming about one.

Fen: Do dreams come true?

Christmas Mountain is my home. But it’s the one place on earth I never imagined seeing Rami Stone again, and now I’m snowed in with him. Trapped, with only a roaring fire for company, and it’s a fantasy come true. The air is thick with more than snow and the eighteen months we’ve been apart fades away.
As the snow clears, though, so does the haze. Rami says he comes with baggage. But so do I, and I’m here for the heavy lifting.

I’m here for forever.

REVIEWED by Jay V.

TITLE: A Mage’s Guide to Human Familiars

AUTHOR: AJ Sherwood

SERIES: R’iyah Family Archives #1

PUBLISHER: Self Published

RELEASE DATE: November 5, 2021

BLURB:

One mage, Bel Adams – needs a familiar, gun shy about being rejected by one again.

One familiar, Nico di Rossi – Army Ranger, needs a change of pace and a new purpose in life.

Plus one familiar, Garen Adan – Secret Service, needs his ex-lover Nico back.

One second chance – all for the taking.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Dark Fate

SERIES:  Flame Born Book 2

AUTHOR: Kat Silver

PUBLISHER: Self-published

RELEASE DATE: November 12, 2021

LENGTH: 413 pages

BLURB: 

“And if I am a monster? Will you want me then?”

Ten days after the battle at Blackriver, Michael struggles with new forbidden desires, with his rampant Flame, and a deepening relationship with the taciturn werewolf, Commander Gabriel Flanagan.

Feeling responsible for their loss, Michael longs to rescue the students stolen by the manipulative vampire prince, Alexei Vasiliev. But the High Council refuses to free Michael from his chains. They fear the Whisperer — the half-breed who decimated an entire company of soldiers and came back from the dead. Yet, Michael still yearns for a future among the Guardians. For a place beside his Finnish, silver-eyed giant. For a home within the crazy supernatural world he’s now bound to.

But does Michael still have a future? He’s a descendent of the Warlock — from a bloodline that produces only monsters. If discovered, not even his protective lover can save him from certain execution. He may not want to.

Dark Fate is the second book in the Flame Born series. This MM urban fantasy/paranormal romance is action packed, featuring steaming hot scenes, a hunk of an alpha love interest, a chocolate-scented snarky vampire prince, a clever best friend who can kill a man with her little finger, and one too many shady characters to count. There is content some readers may find distressing. Meant for mature audiences only. See inside for trigger warnings on both books.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: More Than Enough

AUTHOR: B. Harmony

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 248 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2021

BLURB:

Can one vulnerable heart heal another?

Eric. 
Cresting the hill of middle-age, I find myself single. Again.
I think it’s time I give up being little and the hope of finding my one true Daddy.
A final hurrah at the local club, fulfilling a promise to my friend, and then I’ll move on with my life.
Locking eyes with the handsome man across the room sends my head spinning.
Is it possible my dream Daddy is real after all?

Sawyer. 
A life-changing injury marks the end of my military career.
I never expected it would also send littles running scared.
Looks like my time as a Daddy might be over.
Being dragged to the local club only reminds me of the past and a future I may never have.
Until I see a little who challenges everything I know.
He’s adorable, but can he accept me as I am and look past what’s missing?

More Than Enough is an MM age-play romance featuring an older little and a younger Daddy. Together, they navigate the pain of inadequacy and discover the strength of love.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Faces

AUTHOR:  A.M. Rose

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH: 192 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 10, 2021

BLURB:

He drew a thousand faces, but none of them were his…

His whole life, the one thing Dorian wanted more than anything else, was to know who his soulmate was. But while he can find everyone else’s soulmate, he can’t do the same for himself.
Resigned to a life of solitude, he spends his days giving people the key to their happiness, borrowing their joy and basking in the beauty of their love. It’s enough…

Until he meets Hayden.

Hayden, who is everything Dorian had ever dreamed of.
Hayden, who cares for Dorian the same way Dorian cares for him.
Hayden, who doesn’t believe in soulmates.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Taken by Chance

SERIES: The Goode Life Book 4

AUTHOR: Isla Olsen

PUBLISHER: Moonwalker Press

LENGTH: 158 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2021

BLURB: 

There are certain rules of friendship that are pretty much written in stone:

1. Don’t hit on your buddy’s girl
2. Back your buddy up when he gets into a bar fight
3. Bail your buddy out when he gets hauled in by the sheriff for ‘requisitioning’ a pair of goats

Helping your buddy’s kid brother lose his virginity?…yeah, that’s not on the list. 

It starts as a simple favor. Now that he’s home from college, my best friend’s brother Tucker needs a place to stay and I happen to have a spare room.

Then it becomes a confession. Tucker tells me he’s a virgin. And he’s on a mission to swipe that V card once and for all.

Ultimately, it turns into a challenge. While Tucker searches for the perfect guy to pop his cherry, I find myself growing more and more agitated with the situation.

I know why, of course. He’s my best friend’s brother, a kid I’ve watched grow up; it’s perfectly normal for me to want to protect him from all the assholes and users targeting him via his way-too-many dating apps.

It has nothing to do with the strange way my stomach seems to flip at the sight of his smile, or that the sound of his voice somehow makes me tingly all over. Or that I can’t seem to stop thinking about what it would be like to run my hands over his body.

Nothing at all…

Come visit Finchley, CA, where the sun’s always shining, the locals are always gossiping, and you won’t walk two steps without bumping into a member of the Goode family. If you’re lucky, you might find gold; or, even better…true love.