Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Blood Magic

SERIES: Serial Investigation #9

AUTHOR: Rhiannon D’Averc

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 183 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2021

BLURB:

A psychic prediction of death…
… That ends up coming true.

Ram and Will aren’t exactly believers in the occult. When a medium comes to them and claims to have heard rumours of death from the other side, they laugh her out of the door. But when her prediction comes true, they have to consider that something more serious might be going on here.

A missing person case turns out to be more complex than they could have imagined, and with the lines between life and death becoming blurred, they both have to confront their own feelings about what happened to them in Paris. The fears, the doubts, and the worry for Capitaine Varon haven’t gone away – and every hint of danger is enough to make Ram want to wrap Will in unwanted cotton wool. That doesn’t help when they’re sucked deep into the turmoil of national politics, and the seedy underbelly of big business.

With a trip home for Christmas impending, and the invitation to the mysterious Black Dragon still looming, Ram has a lot on his mind. But with Harry and Alex both having their own reasons for staying quiet, Will has to find a way to keep him steady on his own. What’s awaiting them will make them wonder – and rattle some of their core beliefs to their foundation.

Reviewed by True

TITLE: Got Me Thinking

SERIES: Vet Shop Boys #4

AUTHOR: Casey Cox

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 253 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2022

BLURB:

He’s a single dad ready to start dating again. I’m newly divorced and new to…well, everything. This is going to be a disaster… Isn’t it?

When my marriage ends, I decide to buy a run-down house and get a drove of piglets. My friends think I’m having a breakdown, when really, all I’m doing is the one thing I’ve avoided my whole life––figuring out who I am.

One thing I’m quickly learning is that life loves nothing more than to throw you a curveball when you least expect it.

Take Fischer West. From the moment we serendipitously collide on a midnight stroll, he ignites something within me. We have a connection. I want to explore it, even though the timing is all wrong.

There’s no way either one of us is ready for a relationship, so why has Fischer got me thinking it might just work?

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Uprising

SERIES:  Rebellion #3

AUTHOR:  Annabelle Jacobs

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  258 pages

RELEASE DATE:  April 7, 2022

BLURB: 

Isaac had lost Michael once. He wouldn’t survive a second time…

Michael

Five years ago, he became the alpha of the most influential London pack. Responsible for monitoring and suppressing the human resistance, also known as the Candidate Evacuation Group.
A group he’d secretly founded.
Now exposed and on the run, labelled a traitor by his peers, he finds refuge in the home of the man he left behind. The only man he’s ever loved.
For Michael, that love burns as bright as it always has, but they’ve been apart a long time. He can’t expect Isaac to still feel the same.
But he can hope.

Isaac

When Michael left for London after the war, he took Isaac’s heart with him, promising to return when the time was right. But that took longer than either of them expected.
Now he’s back, with the whole of the Shifter Alliance Party out for his blood. But being together is hard. Long-buried feelings bubble to the surface, and rekindling an old romance is low on the list of priorities—they have a rebellion to fight.
Isaac will protect Michael with his life.
Always.
But trusting him with his heart again isn’t nearly as easy.

Uprising is an angsty MM paranormal romance with second chances, suspense, and all the feels.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Novel Affair

SERIES:  NY Nights #1

AUTHOR:  Ava Olsen

PUBLISHER:  Evernight Publishing

LENGTH:  215 pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 16, 2022

BLURB:

It started as a novel affair…

Ryker Desoumas is a science-fiction novelist living in New York City. A former crime reporter with a secret trauma, he prefers to work—and live—alone.

Wes Stewart is a celebrity author from Toronto. After years of writing self-help books, he’s looking for something exciting to rekindle his passion for the craft.

When Ryker’s publisher pitches a collaboration between the two men, Wes is all for it. Ryker, on the other hand, resists and fears that Wes will turn his quiet world upside down. But Wes is sexy and charismatic, and Ryker can’t help being drawn to him. A tentative professional partnership becomes something much more personal.

But Wes has been burned by love in the past, and Ryker isn’t sure he’s ready to let someone into his heart. Will they find happiness together?

…it could be the love of a lifetime.

Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Definitely Deacon

SERIES: Belong To Me #2

AUTHOR: Vawn Cassidy

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 282 Pages

RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022

BLURB:

An emotional and humour filled roller-coaster ride through a sleepy little Cornish Bay.

Jesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché. He’s been in love with his best friend forever, but when he starts pulling away and goes radio silent on him for six months, Jesse begins to wonder if their friendship is finally over.

Deacon James lives his life at two speeds, a hundred miles an hour and stop. He’s spent the last decade traveling the world, winning races, partying with the most beautiful men and women, and living life on his terms, a life which was pretty close to perfect… with just one caveat… he’s never quite been able to get over the boy he left behind. His best friend Jesse has always made him yearn for something he’s too afraid to face and cutting him out of his life seemed like the only answer.

But things are never that simple. When Deacon wakes from an accident in Italy with Jesse asleep in the hospital chair beside him, he discovers Jesse’s been keeping secrets of his own.
At a crossroads in their life, they’re faced with a choice, build something deeper and stronger from the ashes, or let words unsaid and secrets tear them apart forever.

From author Wendy Saunders writing as Vawn Cassidy comes this second chance, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort with a HEA.

Reviewed by Cheryl

TITLE: Second Go-Round

AUTHOR: Andrew Grey

LENGTH: 229 pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 15 2022

BLURB:

Former world champion bronco rider Dustin and rancher Marshall have been life partners for more than twenty years, and time has taken its toll. Their sex life is as dusty as the rodeo ring. Somehow their marriage hasn’t turned out how they planned.

But when a new family moves in up the road with two young boys, one very sick, Dustin and Marshall realize how deep their ruts are and that there might be hope to break them. After all, where they’re from, the most important part of being a man is helping those who need it.

A new common purpose helps break down the deep routines they’ve fallen into and makes them realize the life they’ve been living has left them both cold and hollow. Spending time with the kids—teaching them how to be cowboys—reignites something they thought lost long ago. But twenty years is a lot of time to make up for. Can they find their way back to each other, or are the ruts they’ve created worn too deep?

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: You & Me

AUTHOR: Tal Bauer

PUBLISHER: Self-published

LENGTH: 382 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 30, 2022

BLURB: 

A single dads, friends-to-lovers, bi awakening MM Romance.

We’re a puzzle made of two pieces.

Landon Larsen is the envy of all the dads in Last Waters, Texas. He’s cool, confident, and put together. He and his son—the high school’s all-star quarterback—have the perfect father-son relationship. He’s such a Super Dad, it’s almost sickening.

I’m not cool, or confident, and my relationship with my son couldn’t be worse. He’s barely speaking to me, and a year after my wife died, we’re both clinging to the wreckage of our family.

Landon’s son and mine are best friends and—of course—Landon is the football Team Dad. And though I know nothing about football, Landon convinces me to volunteer to be closer to my son. Volunteering might give him and me a chance to rebuild what’s broken between us. Now I’m spending all my free time with the team—and with Landon—and the more we’re together, the deeper our friendship grows. My son is opening up, too, little by little. I think I’m getting him back.

There’s just one giant problem.

I’m head over heels for Landon.

I’ve never been attracted to men in my life… until him. Landon draws me in without even trying, and the harder I fight this, the deeper I fall.

Crushing on my son’s best friend’s father must be my biggest parenting failure ever, but I can’t get enough of Landon. Falling for him puts each fragile moment I’ve rebuilt with my son at risk. What would he think if he knew I craved his best friend’s dad? I’m playing with fire, but I can’t turn off these feelings Landon has unlocked inside of me.

Of course, a guy like Landon could never fall for someone like me. It’s pointless to even imagine we could be something together.

So why did I just kiss him?

***

You & Me is a single dads, friends-to-lovers, bi awakening MM romance, full of dads and their exasperating teenage sons, high school sports shenanigans, and #FoundFamily. Come for the epic love, stay for the forever feels.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Sailor Boy

SERIES: All American Boy

AUTHOR: Kris Jacen

PUBLISHER: Three Hearts

LENGTH: 114 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 7, 2022

BLURB:

All American Boy Series

Jeremy Riley fell in love with sailing when he was a troubled teen and sent away to camp for the summer. Now he’s sailing for a living. Getting a bachelors in vessel operations was the best thing that he could’ve done. Most of the year, he’s on the ship helping with hands-on education for the New England Maritime Academy.

The bright spot in Kendall Winters’ life is his daughter, three-year-old Savannah. How his sister had deserted Savy when she was diagnosed with cancer and needed her the most boggled his mind. Her loss was his gain — and there was no way he was ever giving Savy back to her. Now if he could find someone to share Savy’s highs and lows with, that would be amazing.

A summer trip to the Tall Ship Festival to get away from his parents and let Savy explore ‘boats’ seems like the best idea. Sun and sea for him and Savy sounded perfect to him. Add in a gorgeous sailor with eyes that sparked with mirth? Sign him up.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  An Affair for Aumont

SERIES:  The Lords of Bucknall Club #5

AUTHORS:  J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:   248 pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 22, 2022

BLURB:

All he wants is the love he lost.

Four years ago, Louis-Charles Aumont, the Marquis de Montespan, chose duty over the man he loved. And then the man he loved chose death in service to England. Now, after finally cutting ties with his king, Aumont is living in a slum in Seven Dials–and intending to die there too. But when Bow Street Runner George Darling shows up at his door with a strange proposition, Aumont is intrigued by the prospect of something–anything–that might make him feel alive again. Or at least provide the funds he needs to drink himself to death.

All he wants is the love he couldn’t have.

George Darling joined the Bow Street officers out of a belief in order. He accepts no bribes, indulges in no vices, and tries very hard not to dream above his station. If only Lord Christmas Gale hadn’t put that last one to such a test. Now that turning his thoughts from Lord Christmas only lands them instead on the handsome Frenchman with whom he recently crossed paths, Darling is more determined than ever to keep his head down and focus on his duty–until a knock on his door sends his life into disarray. Teddy Honeyfield, a former companion of Lord Christmas’s, is in need of a temporary bodyguard. Darling would never pass as the sort of gentleman Teddy requires…but he knows someone who might.

Neither wants to take a chance on a love that can never be.

When Aumont and Darling join forces to help Teddy, they’re not expecting to risk their hearts as well as their lives. Darling’s striking looks remind Aumont quite painfully of the man he’s lost, and Aumont’s title reminds Darling he has no right to desire a nobleman. But the rising threat soon drives them to flee with Teddy to the country–a journey that puts them face-to-face with their pasts while showing them a chance for happiness is within reach, if only they’re courageous enough to grab it.

An Affair for Aumont is the fifth book in The Lords of Bucknall Club series, where the Regency meets m/m romance. The Lords of Bucknall Club books can be read as standalones but are best enjoyed in order.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Rearranged

SERIES: Do-Over (Book 1)

AUTHOR: E.M. Denning

PUBLISHER: Paper Gold Publishing

LENGTH: 215 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 6, 2022

BLURB:

Rowan McAllister is an obedient son. He went to the schools his parents wanted. He walked the path they set him on with no complaints. Then he even agreed to marry the son of a long time family friend. When he marries a complete stranger after his bachelor party in Las Vegas, it’s the craziest, yet somehow also the sanest thing he’s ever done. But if he’s finally taking charge of his life, why does he feel so out of control?

Sid Wallace is literally the red-headed stepchild. Marrying a stranger is the latest in a long list of rebellions Sid has staged. Right from that first night, being with Rowan feels as if it’s more than a rebellion. Staying married to the handsome stranger isn’t a hardship for Sid, but Rowan’s parents are adamant that he needs to annul his marriage to Sid.

Everything Rowan does is for his family. Everything Sid does is despite his. Rowan is used to toeing the line and Sid is used to crossing it. How can two men who are so different fall in love so fast and can they make a marriage work when it happened on a whim?

Reviewed by True

TITLE: The Star Gods’ Slave

SERIES: Of Gods And Men #2

AUTHOR: A.T. Lander

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

LENGTH: 120 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 5, 2022

BLURB:

Twin gods, one man, and a secret desire…

Lucius, a handsome and bookish Roman sailor, knows his fate is sealed when he’s captured by pirates and sold as a slave. Yet his new master is far more than he seems and brings Lucius into a world unlike any he could’ve imagined.

The Gemini twins—the roguish Castor and the kindly Pollux—might seem as different as night and day, but they’re a match in gorgeous looks and dominant mastery. Kept apart by fate, the brothers both find their attention drawn to a single, mortal man—Lucius.

Free of his chains and the shackles of custom, Lucius can finally submit to his desire and embrace true love. Yet there are secrets in the star gods’ realm, an ancient darkness with the power to tear them all apart.

Can Lucius save his rescuers from a thousand-year-old nightmare or will three hearts be left broken forever?

Reader advisory: This book contains mentions of slavery, references to death and kidnap.

Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Incandescent

AUTHOR:  Christina Lee

PUBLISHER:   Self-Published

LENGTH:  298 pages

RELEASE DATE:   April 4, 2022

BLURB:

Delaney Roberts and Marcus Worthy-Davis have quite a few things in common. Both blue-collar workers in their forties, they’ve experienced the tragic loss of their wives and meet through their monthly grief group. Their connection is immediate, their friendship solidifying over texts and barstool confessions, neither feeling quite so lonely in the other’s presence.

When Marcus reveals to the group that he’s considering dating, it shakes Delaney to his core. He’s nowhere near ready, not when he feels on unstable ground with his teenage son and has vowed not to uproot his life again. Even if it means pushing his own needs aside. Even if Marcus’s announcement stirs something else inside Delaney, something he’s kept at bay for twenty years, and he suddenly sees their more tender moments in a different light.

The first time Marcus holds Delaney during a particularly rough night, the ache in Marcus’s chest, the one he tries hard to ignore, only intensifies. And when their slow-burning friendship sparks into a blazing fire, they finally indulge in each other to satisfy their needs. Marcus knows the arrangement is only temporary, but he feels a rightness with Delaney he can’t easily explain.

Soon enough, their longing becomes difficult to ignore. But love after loss is terrifying, the familiarity with pain and despair too close to the surface. To fan the flames of their connection, they’ll not only need to make room in their hearts but also take an enormous leap of faith.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Ice Devils

AUTHOR:  Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood

PUBLISHER:  Wainscott Press

LENGTH:  247 pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 25, 2022

BLURB:

Skating the line between love and hate.

When winger Blake Conti signs with the national champion Bethesda Barracudas, he isn’t looking to get involved with anyone. Still bruised from an old relationship, his focus is on playing hockey. But when one of his new teammates turns out to be the hottest man he’s ever met, Blake wonders if he should reconsider his aversion to romance.

Mark Sakamoto—Sako—one of the Barracudas’ rising young stars, is immediately smitten with Blake. Deeply closeted because he fears revealing his sexuality to his family, Sako resists his attraction by using scorn and insults to push Blake away. Hurt by Sako’s behavior, Blake reacts in kind, and the two men are soon at war.

Just as their fighting threatens to disrupt the team, the unexpected happens, and Sako and Blake bond over a silly prank. Their newfound camaraderie soon develops into a relationship, and the men become inseparable. With “ice in public, heat in private” as their motto, they keep things secret, but as they fall for each other, Sako knows he has to tell his family the truth. He dreads their reaction, but it’s the only way he and Blake can live happily ever after.

Ice Devils is a low-angst, enemies-to-lovers romance featuring scorching athletes, light-hearted comedy, riveting hockey, sweet-steamy romance, and a beautiful HEA.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Green Eyed Boy

SERIES: All American Boy

AUTHOR: BL Maxwell

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 135 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 6, 2022

BLURB:

After quitting his job, Billie Watts hits all the food festivals he can as he drives across the country. When he finally reaches Stoney Brook, Maine, he’s excited to find he’s there just in time to try one of the lobster rolls he’s heard so much about. The bright neon yellow food truck with a giant red lobster on top looks like the perfect place to try it.

Lance Karl is as ready as he can be for the start of the three-day Tall Ships Festival and hopes to sell enough lobster rolls out of his food truck to make a good start towards owning a restaurant. The day begins cold and misty, and a text from his nephew saying he can’t help him is not the perfect start he’d hoped for.

When a green-eyed stranger interrupts his frantic morning, Lance doesn’t realize meeting Billie will not only change his day, but maybe even the rest of his life. Two strangers, drawn together over their work ethic, and sealing the deal over delicious lobster rolls. They could just be the perfect match. A small-town MM Vacation romance.