Review: Radical Hearts by Ali Ryecart 3 of 5 stars

Radical Hearts by Ali Ryecart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lee, a former undercover cop turned security consultant, is drawn to Dominic, the barista fighting to save a beloved LGBTQ venue. Their connection grows just as a suspicious “supporter” joins the campaign, triggering Lee’s instincts. Danger escalates fast — someone is using the venue fight as cover — pushing Lee and Dominic into a race to expose the truth and survive. Two very different men, rising stakes, and a hard‑won HEA.

I struggled with this story, even though the suspense and danger at the end were dramatic and well written. The middle section lost my interest, and I felt the book could have been shorter without losing any impact. I did love Dominic, and my heart went out to him — especially after his father’s reaction to his sexuality and the fallout that followed. The threats surrounding both men felt very real, and the final confrontation was intense, emotional, and easy to feel and understand. A mixed reading experience for me, but the ending delivered strong emotion and a powerful conclusion. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note that this book was previously published under the name of A E Ryecart. The cover and description may have changed, but the book title and contents remain the same as before.

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Review: Santa's Special Helper by M.A. Innes 3 of 5 stars

Santa's Special Helper by M.A. Innes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rhett ends up playing Santa at the Bound & Controlled holiday party, and his night gets a lot more interesting thanks to Stirling, the cheeky elf assigned to help him. Stirling didn’t expect the role either, but teasing Santa quickly becomes his favourite part of the evening. When he finally steps out of his comfort zone, everything between them shifts — and Christmas is changed for good.

A sweet, light story with a fun holiday twist. Rhett and Stirling playing Santa and his mischievous elf at the kink‑club Christmas party was genuinely charming, and I loved how their playful dynamic slowly shifted into something more thoughtful. The way the story explored their changing relationship beyond the party added a lovely emotional touch. A warm, easy read that leaves you smiling. This was an MM story with mature content and BDSM-like dynamics including D/s and DDLB.

** Please note Santa’s Special Helper was originally titled Daddy’s Special Helper in the 2024 Daddy’s Naughty List Anthology. No material changes have been made to the original story.

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Review: Laken's longing: Divergent Omegaverse by J.P. Sayle 4 of 5 stars

Laken's longing: Divergent Omegaverse by J.P. Sayle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laken wants a quiet, work‑focused life, but everything changes when Isley, a mischievous sugar‑glider shifter, claims him. A mysterious delivery drags Laken’s forgotten past into the present, forcing him to face old dangers and trust the people around him. As secrets come to light — including his adoptive parents knowing more than he expected — Laken finally lets himself reach for what he wants: Isley. Now he just has to learn how to date… with a little help from his brother.

I loved this story, especially the dynamic between Laken, so closed off and burdened by his past, and Isley, his mischievous sugar‑glider shifter PA who refuses to wait for the humans to catch up. Their connection is undeniable from the start, and the mix of danger from Laken’s resurfacing past and the sweetness of their growing bond made the whole book feel rich with emotion and feeling. Isley’s sugar glider absolutely stole my heart — cheeky, naughty, and determined to claim Laken no matter how complicated the situation was. The drama, the affection, and the slow opening of Laken’s guarded world all worked beautifully. I adore this series, and while Laken and Isley do get their happy ending together, the mischievous sugar glider ensures the book finishes on a cliffhanger… one that definitely left me eager for more. This was an MM story with mature content and set in the omegaverse.

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Review: Koa's Caring Daddy by A.W. Scott 3 of 5 stars

Koa's Caring Daddy by A.W. Scott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Koa is a hopeless romantic still searching for his perfect match. As a co‑owner of Club Delight, he’s had short‑lived connections with Daddies who back away once they learn what he does. Then Roman arrives to run the Monday Mixers — kind, attentive, and exactly what Koa wants, yet technically off limits. Wanting him is easy. Staying away might not be possible.

A sweet short story that’s easy to enjoy and guaranteed to make you smile. Koa and Roman’s instant attraction at the club is warm and charming, and I loved that their connection included ordinary couple moments like staying over — it made their relationship feel grounded and real. There are emotions and feelings woven throughout, though the short length means they aren’t explored in depth. Still, the story delivers a gentle, feel‑good vibe that’s perfect if you’re looking for something light, cosy, and romantic. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Chase by Raleigh Ruebins 5 of 5 stars

Chase by Raleigh Ruebins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chase and Logan’s bond starts on a rooftop in a moment of crisis, pulling them into an intense, boundary‑blurring connection. Chase is hurting and impulsive, and Logan — chaotic, touch‑hungry, and newly fascinated — can’t stay away. What begins as curiosity quickly becomes possessive and addictive, leaving them tangled in emotion neither expected.

I loved the intensity of this story and the way Chase and Logan were drawn to each other with an almost obsessive pull. Chase especially stood out to me with his tough past, his mental‑health struggles, and the raw vulnerability beneath all that impulsiveness made him incredibly compelling. I also appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from showing the dark side of social media, and how one careless comment or post can spiral into real‑world consequences. Logan was harder for me to love. Some of his choices felt confusing, and the way he struggled to say certain things made parts of their relationship feel uneven. But the sheer amount of emotion and feeling running through the story kept me hooked. It’s messy, intense, and deeply human and that’s exactly what drew me in. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: His Needy Mate by A.W. Scott 3 of 5 stars

His Needy Mate by A.W. Scott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Archer, a human who’s always been told he feels too much, flees his old life and ends up in San Noctis—where he’s attacked in the woods and left for dead. Romilly, the dragon‑shifter King who has waited decades for his fated mate, finds him. Their bond locks into place instantly, and Romilly vows to show Archer he was never “too needy”—just waiting for the man destined to cherish him.

A sweet fated‑mates romance with a fun supernatural twist, this story was simply lovely to read. I adored how gently Archer was cared for from the very beginning — not just by Romilly, but by his entire family, who offered him unconditional love without hesitation. The emotions were clear, warm, and easy to connect with, making the whole journey feel comforting and joyful. It’s exactly the kind of story that leaves you smiling. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

** Please note this book is an AU edition of A.W. Scott’s Bellport world, reimagined with a royal shifter family and the mates Fate binds to them. 

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Review: Bratva's Mercy by Gianni Holmes 3 of 5 stars

Bratva's Mercy by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sergei can’t stop watching Leo, the grieving man whose husband was murdered only weeks ago — a murder Sergei helped hide. He knows Leo should see him as a monster, yet he aches for the moment Leo finally lets him in. When that happens, Sergei gives him everything, even as others insist Leo is only using him. Real or not, Sergei is already lost. Leo is his.

I enjoyed this story, but I didn’t quite love it. Sergei was the highlight for me — the way he loved, protected, and cared for Leo was genuinely moving. But Leo himself was harder to connect with. For most of the book, it felt like he was using Sergei, whether for revenge over his husband’s death or simply for sex, and that made their relationship difficult to fully invest in. As the story unfolded, it became clear that Leo’s marriage hadn’t been good, which made his need for revenge feel pointless and dangerously self‑destructive. I wanted to love this book, but I struggled with those choices and the emotional imbalance between them. I’m really hoping the next book gives Sergei the kindness and clarity he deserves and offers a more balanced conclusion to their story. This was an MM story with mature content.

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