Review: The Spare Affair by Ella Frank by Brooke Blaine 3 of 5 stars

The Spare Affair by Ella Frank by Brooke Blaine

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Prince Gabriel Valemont and Prince Alejandro of Solterra—the ex of Gabriel's twin brother—turn their sharp rivalry into a flirtatious game under a strict "no falling in love" rule. As their competitive banter escalates into stolen kisses and hidden moments, both royals struggle to keep the game from turning into genuine romance.

This was a story with some really wonderful elements, though it ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the bright side, I really enjoyed the sharp humour at the start, though some of Alejandro’s more childish behaviour eventually wore thin and started to grate on my nerves, causing it to lose my attention in the middle. There were also some wonderfully unexpected, grounded moments that showed a more vulnerable human side—I especially loved the scenes involving the arts program with the children. A lot of the genuine emotions and feelings between the main characters were heavily suppressed for most of the book, keeping their true connection locked away until much later. Fortunately, an impactful push from their family members at the end finally forced both men to realise what they stood to lose. A fun concept with some great highlights, even if the execution was a bit uneven. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Needing Him by Sara Hurst 4 of 5 stars

Needing Him by Sara Hurst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After two years of relentless training, Alex is weeks away from becoming a Navy SEAL when a forbidden night with a stranger shatters his controlled life. Walking away from Daniel was easy, but forgetting him wasn't. Daniel is a half-closeted CIA operative trained to suppress desires that could destroy him, so he is stunned when Xander—the man who vanished from his bed—reappears under the name Alex as part of the SEAL team he is embedded with. As they navigate briefings, dangerous missions, and clandestine hookups where every touch risks exposure, Alex and Daniel are forced to choose between the careers they sacrificed everything for and the fragile, unexpected bond they've built with each other.

This was such an intense, gripping read. I loved all the high-stakes drama and danger as Alex and Daniel worked alongside each other on active Navy SEAL team deployments. The passion between them was completely off the charts—starting out as a purely physical connection before deep, undeniable feelings inevitably got involved. Set against the heavy, tense backdrop of the post-9/11 era, the story brilliantly captures the raw emotions and anxieties that the historical moment evoked. I especially loved the moments where Daniel's thoughtful colleague tried to give them pockets of time together amid the chaos. Throughout the book, the emotional push-and-pull is fantastic; even as Xander desperately tried to suppress his feelings to hide them, the deep connection between them bled through every page. Everything is exceptionally well-written, making it so easy to feel and understand their internal struggles. Just a heads-up that this book is part one and ends on a major cliffhanger, but the journey to get there is completely worth it! This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: In Your Light by N.R. Walker 4 of 5 stars

In Your Light by N.R. Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hadeom, who has long found purpose in the darkness believing he was doing right, finds himself losing his way as the world and humanity change around him. Fyn, a sunny and peaceful faun yearning for excitement, love, and a mysterious tall, dark, and handsome stranger lodging at his camp, sets his sights on Hadeom. As Hadeom heals and recovers his true form, his hidden identity is revealed, convincing him that Fyn deserves better than his shadows. However, when human threats endanger Tenebrae Cove, Hadeom must confront his past while Fyn fights for him, proving that Fyn is the one who can ultimately lead him out of the darkness and into the light.

This was such a deeply emotional and atmospheric story! I loved following Hadeom as he wrestled heavily with his past actions and guilt, trying to find his way back to himself. On the other side, Fyn was such a wonderful protagonist, dealing with his overbearing brother while nursing an intense, sweet yearning to get closer to the mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome stranger lodging by the river. The community aspect was an absolute highlight for me. The residents of Tenebrae Cove were so supportive, stepping up to give Fyn sanctuary, and I loved the intriguing ties connecting one of the locals straight back to Hadeom's past. The emotional payoff at the end was fantastic, wrapping everything up with so much heart. I am seriously hoping we get to see more of these residents in future books—especially the godlets, who look like they are going to be absolute bundles of fun! If you love a grumbly-dark-one-meets-sunshine romance with fantasy depths and great found-family vibes, this is a must-read. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Under His Protection by Andrew Grey 3 of 5 stars

Under His Protection by Andrew Grey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eddie, a former Hollywood actor turned Olympia police officer, rushes to help an old friend and unexpectedly comes face-to-face with Marty—the man he left behind to pursue fame and his biggest regret. Marty, an accountant who recently discovered he is working for a money laundering front, calls Eddie's old number for help, getting a protector and the chance for a second chance. When the situation rapidly escalates from money laundering to murder with Marty as a potential witness, the danger mounts alongside their rekindled passion. Eddie is determined to keep Marty safe, but catching the killer will push their renewed relationship to the absolute limit.

This was only the length of a short story but it was also full of emotions and feelings throughout as Eddie got a second chance with Marty. I did find Marty very whiney with his constant comments about having to find a new job and I did wonder why he needed protection considering that he saved himself and Eddie was unconscious in his garage. I was glad that there was a happy ending and that we got a little more insight into the lives of Brian, Kerry and the boys. I loved that Marty insisted that they were very gentle talking to one of his colleagues who had some intellectual challenges although I did wonder about the ethics of their chat with her and the evidence that she provided. A nice happily ever after at the end. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Best Bad Decision by Shaw Montgomery 4 of 5 stars

The Best Bad Decision by Shaw Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Casimir, a fabulous and unapologetically dramatic neighbour who admits to making bad decisions with fascinating men, finds himself confused when his strait-laced and seemingly straight neighbour asks for a favour. Atlee, living a quiet life that has somehow descended into insanity because of an ex who refuses to leave him alone, decides that politeness has failed and turns to the most dramatic man he knows—his favourite nosy neighbour—to help get the crazy ex off his back under the guise of fake dating.

This was such an absolute blast to read! If you love a good fake-dating trope that naturally transforms into something very real and sweet, this book hits all the right notes. The premise kicks off when strait-laced Atlee ropes his wonderfully dramatic, fabulous neighbour Casimir into fake dating to get an unhinged ex-wife and his parents off his back. Things get even crazier, but Casimir's sharp instincts eventually help Atlee unpack the underlying reasons behind all the family chaos. One of my favourite elements was the unique, comforting way Casimir found to completely switch off Atlee's busy mind and take away his worries, even if just for a little while. Beyond the romance, the supporting cast of neighbourhood characters is wonderfully unhinged—seriously, the neighbours take being nosy to an absolute extreme! Packed with laugh-out-loud moments that had me giggling out loud several times, as well as plenty of clear, well-written emotions and feelings throughout, it's a hilarious, heartwarming, and thoroughly entertaining read. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

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Review: Having His Back by Andrew Grey 4 of 5 stars

Having His Back by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Child psychologist Kerry Sutherland's life is upended when a phone call reveals his sister is gone and his two traumatized nephews need him. Rushing to Olympia, he finds the boys in shock and police everywhere, but a bright spot emerges in Brian, the dedicated detective handling the case who awakens Kerry's heart. Brian never expected to fall for someone at a crime scene, but Kerry and the boys quickly get under his skin despite his professional boundaries. With Kerry focused on the boys and Brian prioritizing the investigation, the two men must combine forces to uncover what happened, help the family heal, and stop a lingering threat before time runs out.

This was such an intensely emotional story right from the very first page, when Kerry receives that devastating phone call telling him his sister is gone and his young nephews need him. Watching Kerry step up while dealing with his own grief, and seeing the heartbreaking reality of the boys asking for their mom and holding onto painful secrets they struggled to voice, completely stole my heart. Alongside the family tragedy, the book weaves in a high-stakes mystery as Kerry and lead detective Brian work together to find the killer. I loved watching Kerry and Brian slowly explore a relationship amidst the chaos, balancing professional boundaries with a very real, tender connection. It is a deeply moving journey filled with raw feelings throughout, ultimately leading to a well-earned, heartwarming happy ending that will leave you smiling. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Abbott's Lost Spoon by Della Cain by Kaytea Kat 3 of 5 stars

Abbott's Lost Spoon by Della Cain by Kaytea Kat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Reluctant to attend a chaotic little party at the kink club Chained, Abbott goes anyway for the ice cream—and meets Soren, a captivating shop owner radiating total "daddy" energy. When Abbott accidentally loses his favourite personal spoon after the event, he breaks down in tears, longing for a daddy to comfort him.

This was such a sweet, heartwarming story that is guaranteed to leave you smiling from ear to ear. One of my absolute favourite things about this book was how Abbott and Soren approached their dynamic. Instead of diving straight into the kink, they actually started out by going on normal, traditional dates first. It was wonderful to see them take that extra time to ensure they were truly compatible on a personal level before introducing the Daddy/little aspects. Packed with raw, genuine emotions and feelings throughout, it’s a deeply tender and comforting read that hits all the right notes. If you are looking for a low-angst, feel-good romance with plenty of sweet moments. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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