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…
THIRDS Volume Three: Books 7-10 (The THIRDS Collection, Book 3) by Charlie Cochet
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: THIRDS Volume Three: Books 7—10
SERIES: The THIRDS Collection Book 3
AUTHOR: Charlie Cochet
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 984 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 17, 2022
BLURB:
Welcome to the THIRDS Universe! THIRDS Volume Three includes the following four books:
Smoke & Mirrors
Life for Dexter J. Daley has never been easy, but he’s always found a way to pick himself back up with a smile on his face. Taken from his home, and the arms of his boyfriend and THIRDS partner, Sloane Brodie, Dex finds himself in a situation as mysterious and lethal as the Therian interrogating him. Dex learns what he’s secretly believed all along: his parents’ death wasn’t an accident.
Discovering the whole truth about John and Gina Daley’s homicide sets off a series of events that will change Dex and Sloane’s lives forever. As buried secrets rise to the surface and new truths are revealed, Dex and Sloane’s love for each other is put to the test, with more than their relationship on the line. If traversing the waters of murder and secret government agencies wasn’t enough, something inexplicable has been happening to Dex—and nothing will ever be the same.
Thick & Thin
In a matter of days, Dex has been kidnapped, tortured, killed, revived, become half-Therian, offered the chance to become a spy, and accepted a proposal to marry his jaguar Therian boyfriend, Sloane Brodie. It’s been a lot to take in, and although Dex is still trying to wrap his head around everything that’s happened, he knows he has to move forward. After the events of Smoke & Mirrors, Dex and Sloane find themselves in one of the most frightening situations of all: revealing the truth to their Destructive Delta family. When the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same, and it’s up to Dex to prove that in the face of change, the one thing that will always remain the same is family.
Darkest Hour Before Dawn
THIRDS Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs and Chief Medical Examiner Hudson Colbourn are as much in love now as they were nearly seven years ago when a tragic event on the job destroyed their relationship. The two drift together only to be pulled apart time and time again. When Hudson draws the interest of dangerous enemies, both within and outside the organization, Seb wants nothing more than to protect the man who still means everything to him.
As life-and-death events, an uncertain future, and startling truths draw Hudson and Seb to each other yet again, they must make a choice: trust their love and take strength from what they share, or lose what matters most… for good this time.
Tried & True
When THIRDS agent Dexter J. Daley met Team Leader Sloane Brodie, he couldn’t have imagined how slamming into his new partner—literally—would shake both their worlds. Now four years later, they’ve faced dangers, fought battles both personal and professional… and fallen deeply in love. Now their big moment is finally in sight, and they’re ready to stand up together and make it official. Unfortunately, as the countdown to their big day begins, an enemy declares war on the THIRDS….
With their family in danger, Dex and Sloane are put to the test on how far into darkness they’ll walk to save those they love. As secrets are unearthed, a deadly betrayal is revealed, and Dex and Sloane must call on their Destructive Delta family for one last hurrah to put an end to the secret organization responsible for so much devastation.
Dex and Sloane will have plenty of bullets to dodge on the way to the altar, but with happiness within their grasp, they are determined to get there come hell or high water….
Up In Arms by Kindle Alexander
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Up In Arms
AUTHOR: Kindle Alexandeer
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2022
LENGTH: 223 Pages
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Reed Kensington, self-made millionaire, ruthless attorney, and handsome playboy has the perfect
life…just ask him. Which is why he’s surprised when a chance encounter at his baby brother’s
wedding makes him cross-exam his plans for his future.
Trevor West loves his friends and his life in the military as a special ops team member. Though he longs to find a special someone, he refuses to jeopardize his career on something as elusive as love. Until he meets Reed, and the desires running through him threaten his hard-fought self-control.
When a dangerous mission blows their world apart, Reed doesn’t let anything stop him from jumping in. But can he convince Trevor that they belong together…that he deserves a chance at love?
Spirited Situation (Ghostly Guardians #1) by Louisa Masters
REVIEWED by Jay V.
TITLE: Spirited Situation
AUTHOR: Louisa Masters
SERIES: Ghostly Guardians #1
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 239 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 17, 2022
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When you can talk to ghosts, things are bound to get spirited.
The ghosts have been there since before I can remember. When I was a kid, they doted on me, but as I got older, they got more demanding. I’ve spent my whole life seeing and talking to dead people and trying to pretend I’m not, because the living just don’t understand. Nobody wants to be around the freak who claims to see ghosts.
Until I go to Mannix Estate.
Once a private country home, then a posh hotel, it was closed after a suspicious incident but is now an immersive historic experience. It’s also haunted AF, and everyone knows it. Finally, I’ve found a place to work and live where I can be useful. Where I’m actually wanted.
There are only two problems: I spent a hot, sweaty, satisfying night with Ewan the blacksmith before I knew we’d have to work together. Everyone knows sex with colleagues is a bad idea, right? Even if he’s the world’s most ripped cinnamon roll.
Plus, the ghosts are keeping secrets. There’s something going on that’s not normal, even for a haunted estate. And I suspect that when the truth comes out, I’m the one who’ll have to deal with it… and it won’t be good.
THIRDS Volume Two: Books 4-6 (The THIRDS Collection, Book 2) by Charlie Cochet
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: THIRDS Volume Two: Books 4-6
SERIES: The THIRDS Collection Book 2
AUTHOR: Charlie Cochet
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 805 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 3, 2022
BLURB:
Welcome to the THIRDS Universe! THIRDS Volume Two includes the three following books:
Rise & Fall
After an attack by the Coalition leaves THIRDS Team Leader Sloane Brodie critically injured, agent Dexter J. Daley swears to make Beck Hogan pay for what he’s done. But Dex’s plans for retribution are short-lived. With Ash still on leave with his own injuries, Sloane in the hospital, and Destructive Delta in the Coalition’s crosshairs, Lieutenant Sparks isn’t taking any chances. Dex’s team is pulled from the case, with the investigation handed to Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs. Dex refuses to stand by while another team goes after Hogan, and decides to put his old HPF detective skills to work to find Hogan before Theta Destructive, no matter the cost.
With a lengthy and painful recovery ahead of him, the last thing Sloane needs is his partner out scouring the city, especially when the lies—however well intentioned—begin to spiral out of control. Sloane is all too familiar with the desire to retaliate, but some things are more important, like the man who’s pledged to stand beside him. As Dex starts down a dark path, it’s up to Sloane to show him what’s at stake, and finally put a name to what’s in his heart.
Against the Grain
As the fiercest Defense Agent at the THIRDS, Destructive Delta’s Ash Keeler is foul-mouthed and foul-tempered. But his hard-lined approach always yields results, evident by his recent infiltration of the Coalition. Thanks to Ash’s skills and the help of his team, they finally put an end to the murdering extremist group for good, though not before Ash takes a bullet to save teammate Cael Maddock. As a result, Ash’s secrets start to surface, and he can no longer ignore what’s in his heart.
Cael Maddock is no stranger to heartache. As a Recon Agent for Destructive Delta, he has successfully maneuvered through the urban jungle that is New York City, picking up his own scars along the way. Yet nothing he’s ever faced has been more of a challenge than the heart of Ash Keeler, his supposedly straight teammate. Being in love isn’t the only danger he and Ash face as wounds reopen and new secrets emerge, forcing them to question old loyalties.
Catch a Tiger by the Tail
Calvin Summers and Ethan Hobbs have been best friends since childhood, but somewhere along the line, their friendship evolved into something more. With the Therian Youth Center bombing, Calvin realizes just how short life can be and no longer keeps his feelings for his best friend a secret. Unfortunately, change is difficult for Ethan; most days he does well to deal with his selective mutism and social anxiety. Calvin’s confession adds a new struggle for Ethan, one he fears might cost him the friendship that’s been his whole world for as long as he can remember.
As partners and Defense Agents at the THIRDS, being on Destructive Delta is tough at the best of times, but between call-outs and life-threatening situations, Calvin and Ethan not only face traversing the challenges of their job, but also working toward a future as more than friends.
The Driver (The Long Con Adventures #3) by Amy Lane
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: The Driver
SERIES: The Long Con #3
AUTHOR: Amy Lane
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 373 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 15, 2022
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Hell-raiser, getaway driver, and occasional knight in tarnished armor Chuck Calder has never had any illusions about being a serious boyfriend. He may not be a good guy, but at least as part of Josh Salinger’s crew of upscale thieves and cons, he can feel good about his job.
Right now, his job is Lucius Broadstone.
Lucius is a blueblood with a brutal past. He uses his fortune and contacts to help people trying to escape abuse, but someone is doing everything they can to stop him. He needs the kind of help only the Salingers can provide. Besides, he hasn’t forgotten the last time he and Chuck Calder collided. The team’s good ol’ boy and good luck charm is a blue-collar handful, but he is genuinely kind. He takes Lucius’s mission seriously, and Lucius has never had that before. In spite of Chuck’s reluctance to admit he’s a nice guy, Lucius wants to know him better.
Chuck’s a guaranteed good time, and Lucius is a forever guy. Can Chuck come to terms with his past and embrace the future Lucius is offering? Or is Good Luck Chuck destined to be driving off into the sunset alone forever?
Security Detail (An AusTex Novel) by BA Tortuga
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Security Detail
SERIES: An AusTex Novel (Book 2)
AUTHOR: BA Tortuga
PUBLISHER: Turtlehat Creatives
LENGTH: 218 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 15, 2022
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Security experts Dez and Ryan teamed up to form a business after they worked together on the kidnapping of a friend’s daughter. Australian Dez and former Marine Ryan have amazing chemistry together, and for one amazing night they acted on it. But then Des got cold feet, and the two of them have never connected again in that way.
Ryan thinks Dez just isn’t that into him. Dez doesn’t want to mess up his friendship with Ryan over something that may or may not ever come to pass. In the midst of all this frustration, they also have to deal with a security crisis with their respective best friends, Holden and Lachlan. When they have to band together to get their friends back, Ryan and Dez are reminded why they work so well together. But can they solve their own problems, and find their way back to each other, as well as save the day?
Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster (Moonrise Academy: Academy Shifters Book 1) by Wendy Rathbone
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster
SERIES: Moonrise Academy: Academy Shifters (Book 1)
AUTHOR: Wendy Rathbone
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 258 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 7, 2022
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An omega student who cannot control his heats. An alpha headmaster with a secret.
At Moonrise Academy, a private college for wolf shifters, it is Headmaster Julian Tett’s job to ensure the safety of his students. When one student manifests a condition called souperomega, he takes a special interest in the case.
Toby’s rare disorder causes him to have out of control heats. When the dreamy headmaster half the students have a crush on shows his protective side, both realize something more is happening between them.
Sparks fly, but there’s a problem. Teacher/student fraternization is against school policy. If they allow nature to take its course, Julian could be fired and Toby could face expulsion. Added to that, Toby contends with unwanted attention from another student, which puts him in possible danger.
MM romance, wolf shifter omegaverse, student/teacher, rescue, age gap, hurt/comfort, super-heats, fated mates, mpreg, HEA.
Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Oak King Holly King
AUTHOR: Sebastian Nothwell
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 521 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2022
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Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King – a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands.
Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart.
As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory – Oak King or Holly King.
Falling for the Pet Doctor by Crystal Lacy
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Falling for the Pet Doctor
AUTHOR: Crystal Lacy
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 172 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 17, 2022
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When his estranged mother passes away, struggling artist Felix Lu is saddled with a middle-aged parrot after he returns to his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii to put her affairs in order. Out of his depth and dealing poorly with grief, Felix turns to compassionate veterinarian Tyler for comfort.
Losing the love of his life in an accident has made Tyler Hayworth afraid to risk his heart again. When Felix walks into his life, Tyler tries his best to steer clear of temptation–but lowers his guard when he realizes Felix is only looking for a temporary fix for his loneliness.
Felix is going back to the mainland soon. They can both take what they need from each other without compromising their hearts, right?
An emotional romance featuring a singing African grey parrot, lots of cats and dogs, and a sweet, well-deserved happily-ever-after. This 44,000 word novella was originally published under Radish Fiction under the name Finding Home. It has been revised and edited for re-publication here.
To Whom it May Concern (For Him #3.5) by A.M. Johnson
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: To Whom it May Concern
SERIES: For Him #3.5
AUTHOR: A.M. Johnson
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 101 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 17, 2022
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To whom it may concern,
I can’t be sure what you’re into, that being said, if you like sexy and sweet romance with a whole lot of quirk, keep reading…
Ever since Clay Saxon’s parents passed away a year ago, he’s been stuck in a rut, running their business, and suffering from the worst writer’s block ever. But when Syrus Albie, aka yellow sweater guy, (you’ll see) walks into The End Book Store, Clay’s mundane little world turns to sunshine.
I don’t want to ruin it, but I can definitely say, when an introverted as hell narrator finally meets his favorite author and crush, all of his usual protocols go up in flames.
Set in the For Him World, this standalone is the perfect introduction or addition to this steamy MM collection.
Sincerely yours, A.M. JOHNSON
Oblivious by Colette Davison
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Oblivious
AUTHOR: Colette Davison
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 174 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2022
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Isn’t it obvious we’re just best friends?
Adrian is my best friend. We live together, hang out, and he’s the best cake taste tester I could want.
Hugs are the norm, along with cuddles while watching horror films. I need someone to protect me during the scary bits, so why not Adrian? He’s almost a foot taller than me, so he makes a good armchair too.
Life is exactly the way I like it until Adrian’s sister drops a bombshell that leaves me questioning everything I think I know about myself and my straight best friend.
Can one kiss change everything? I’m about to find out.
Oblivious is an M/M best friends to lovers novella. It’s a light and fluffy love story, with a double bi-sexual awakening, a little bit of heat and no angst. None. Zip. Nadda. There’s meddling family members and two sweet best friends who are totally oblivious about how much they really care for each other. Oh, and cakes. There’s lots of cakes.
Uncovered by Noja Lina
Reviewed by True
TITLE: Uncovered
AUTHOR: Noja Lina
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 126 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 15, 2022
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People keep themselves covered in many ways. But, sometimes, it’s not possible—and someone’s looking.
Jake postpones buying curtains for his new apartment. At one point, he notices that a man from the building across keeps watching him every morning. Jake then confronts the guy, whom he considers a stalker.
Thomas is not actually a stalker and is put off by Jake’s aggressive tendencies. Even so, they continue interacting and a bond starts forming. Jake develops romantic interest in Thomas but refuses to admit it and struggles with getting them to be closer. Along the way, he discovers that Thomas hates aggression because he had dealt with domestic violence in his past.
They both need to overcome their respective fears and change. Will they succeed—or fail and fall apart?
Reader advisory: This book contains discussion of stalking, mention of suicide, descriptions of physical, emotional and metal abuse, and discussion of a main character’s history of abuse.
Baby and the Billionaire (Shifter Rescue #3) by Victoria Sue
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Baby and the Billionaire
SERIES: Shifter Rescue Book 3
AUTHOR: Victoria Sue
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 220 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 31, 2022
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Zeke has always had the strength to fight for what he loves. But this time will he have the strength to walk away?
The shifter pack call him a human alpha, but Zeke Coleman knows he’ll never be one of them. Not really. And he hasn’t let it bother him in years, not until he meets a beautiful, damaged omega Darriel—and falls hard for the second time in his life.
After years of abuse, it takes a long time for Darriel to trust again, especially a human. But Zeke’s hang-ups about age and his place among shifters keep them apart, and Darriel forces himself to move on for the sake of his children. No matter how much he loves Zeke, Darriel refuses to risk another alpha who won’t love him back the way deserves.
But when Zeke is kidnapped and tortured by a panther clan, they can’t stay away from each other any longer. The problem is, everyone in Zeke’s life is in danger now, and he’s the only one who knows what’s going on. Even telling Darriel the truth could get him killed.
And he might be nothing more than a weak human, but Zeke will fight to the death before letting shifters hurt someone else he loves.
Sometimes it’s not about being an alpha in his body. It’s about being an alpha in his soul.
Bells and Whistles (The Playground #2) by Olivia Joy
Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Bells and Whistles
SERIES: The Playground (Book 2)
AUTHOR: Olivia Joy
PUBLISHER: Tygerseye Publishing
LENGTH: 159 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 15, 2022
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Winston Young stumbles upon the Playground bookstore while looking for a birthday gift for a friend, and running into a lovely and unusual employee there makes it feel like fate. Mickey’s flamboyant dress and shy smile make him a delightful mix of elfish and vulnerable, and despite a bad relationship with a young man in the past, Winston thinks Mickey might be the boy he needs.
Mickey Jordan is used to living in a big warehouse with a bunch of artists and not very much privacy. When Winston takes him home, he knows he could get used to the kind of care Winston offers, but he’s determined to pay his own way.
Winston is still trying to find a middle ground for them when the dangerous side of Mickey’s bohemian lifestyle catches up with him. After a frantic search for Mickey and a few days in the hospital, Winston decides it’s time to make Mickey his, to be his Daddy and keep him safe, and he’s determined to make Mickey understand what Winston believes he needs. Can the free spirit and the older man find the balance they need to make a life together?
Ties That Bind (Arizona #3) by Romeo Preminger
Reviewed by True
TITLE: Ties That Bind
SERIES: Arizona #3
AUTHOR: Romeo Preminger
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 288 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 16, 2022
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After graduating from Columbia, with plans to start a writing career in New York City, Arizona is called back to bayou country by tragic news. His youngest brother Douglas is dead. The circumstances are unthinkable, and Arizona is pulled back into the struggles of a family he left behind.
While back in Louisiana, he’s also faced by his boyhood love, Preston Montclair, and Gaston Bondurant, Arizona’s secret, wealthy father whose growing public profile creates new problems for the two of them. Arizona could go back to New York, live the life he’d planned, and not have to worry about small town problems and small-minded people. But the ties that bind are strong and have him questioning where and who he’s supposed to be.
The Devil You Know (Witchbane #6) by Morgan Brice
Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: The Devil You Know
SERIES: Witchbane #6
AUTHOR: Morgan Brice
PUBLISHER: Darkwind Press
LENGTH: 218 Pages
RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2022
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Seth and Evan met “on the job” when Evan was the intended sacrifice of a dark coven, and Seth came to the rescue. Now, they’ve teamed up to stop a century of ritual murders and get justice for Seth’s brother Jesse and the other victims.
Seth and Evan have a plan to stop the next witch disciple, plus new allies and magic. But this time, the warlock knows they’re coming, and he has plans of his own. When Seth disappears and is trapped in a spell that gives him his heart’s desire, can he free himself in time to help Evan?
And when Evan’s younger brother shows up unexpectedly, can Evan trust Parker to have his back? It all comes down to trusting the devil you know!
The Devil You Know is a thrill-packed urban fantasy MM paranormal romance with plenty of supernatural suspense, hurt/comfort, hot sex, found family, and dark magic and features an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the feels.
Witchbane Book 6