Review: Dagger Daddy by Zack Wish 3 of 5 stars

Dagger Daddy: An Age Gap Russian Mafia Romance by Zack Wish

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Landon, a 23‑year‑old law student from a powerful crime family, is kidnapped by Ivan Zorin — a lethal Bratva assassin known for his skill with knives and his cold precision. Ivan’s orders are to keep Landon alive for ransom, but their dynamic shifts quickly once Landon discovers he enjoys Ivan’s strict control and the intense chemistry between them. As desire mixes with danger, Landon begins to trust the man who should be his enemy. But when Landon’s father refuses to pay the ransom, Ivan is forced to choose between loyalty to the Bratva and the man he’s come to care for, leaving Landon’s life hanging in the balance.

There’s a strong, magnetic connection between Landon and Ivan from the start, and I liked how that bond deepened as Landon began leaning into his “little” tendencies — first as a way to manipulate Ivan, and then as something far more genuine. Their dynamic grows into more than danger and desire; it becomes emotional, too, even if the story leans toward instalove at times. The tension of their situation keeps things moving, but the ending felt very abrupt and almost like an about‑face, which was a bit disappointing after such a charged buildup. Still, the chemistry, the shifting power between them, and the emotional undercurrents from both men made it an engaging read. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Breaking the Mold by Kate Hawthorne 4 of 5 stars

Breaking the Mold by Kate Hawthorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riggs, a widowed tattoo artist still healing from the loss of his husband, isn’t looking for love when nineteen‑year‑old Smith faints during his first tattoo. But their unexpected spark only grows stronger when they cross paths again at a kink club, revealing a chemistry neither can ignore. Smith, long overshadowed by his overprotective brothers, finally starts pursuing what he wants — including Riggs. As their relationship deepens, they must navigate age differences, lingering grief, and the return of someone from Riggs’s past who threatens their fragile new happiness. Both men are broken in different ways, but together they might have a chance at a future they never imagined.

This was a really enjoyable story with an undeniable pull between Riggs and Smith — the kind of chemistry that feels immediate yet grounded in the way their kinks and desires align so naturally. Their dynamic fits together beautifully, giving their relationship a sense of inevitability. I especially loved how open‑hearted Smith was, not just in exploring what he wanted with Riggs, but in accepting the lingering presence of Riggs’s late husband with such maturity and compassion. It added a lovely emotional depth to their connection. There are plenty of feelings running through this book — from both men and from the people who matter to them — and those emotional layers make their journey even more satisfying. A heartfelt, passionate read with characters who feel genuinely worth rooting for. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

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Review: First by K.C. Wells 4 of 5 stars

First: An Age-Gap MM First-Time Romance by K.C. Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tommy, a nineteen‑year‑old fresh out of small‑town Georgia, hopes Athens will give him the freedom to finally be himself. But his first visit to a gay bar leaves him overwhelmed — until Mike, the experienced bartender with a complicated past, notices him. Their instant connection forces both men to confront what they really want: Tommy searching for his identity, and Mike finally ready to stop performing and reach for something real.

This was a tender, emotional story built around the undeniable connection between Tommy and Mike — something far deeper than simple attraction or sex. From the moment they meet, there’s a sense that they see something real in each other, even if neither is quite ready for it. I especially loved how Tommy found a second family through his roommate Ben. Ben’s mum, Caroline, was wonderfully protective and warm, and her acceptance gave Tommy the safety he’d never had before. Those scenes added so much heart to the story. The emotions between Tommy and Mike are vivid and sincere, though their feelings do spark a little quickly and don’t always reach the depth I hoped for. Still, their bond feels meaningful, and the story carries a lovely mix of vulnerability, longing, and quiet courage as they figure out what they could be together. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Geek and the Artist by Sarah Jayne 4 of 5 stars

The Geek and the Artist by Sarah Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet, chaotic opposites‑attract MM college romcom about Luca, an anxious, hyper-organised genius, and Del, a golden‑retriever‑hearted artist who keeps literally crashing into him. Their accidental run‑ins turn into friendship, then something deeper, as Del coaxes Luca out of his shell and Luca grounds Del’s whirlwind energy. With meddling friends, plenty of laughs, and a false accusation that threatens what they’re building, the story blends humour, heart, and found‑family warmth as two very different guys discover they fit together perfectly.

A funny, heartfelt, and unexpectedly emotional read.  Luca and Del start with the sweetest, gentlest spark—awkward run‑ins, shy smiles, and two complete opposites slowly learning how to fit into each other’s worlds. Their relationship grows with such warmth and patience that when the false accusation hits, it genuinely hurts. The heartbreak is real, and watching them navigate that moment made their connection feel even deeper. The Geek Squad absolutely stole the show for me. They’re chaotic, hilarious, and loyal in the most endearing, slightly meddling way. Their support adds so much heart to the story and makes the world feel wonderfully lived‑in. Between the humour, the big emotions, and the tender way these two men fall for each other, this book delivers all the feels. I’m already excited for the next instalment in the series. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please read the trigger warning and be kind to yourself.

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Review: His Forbidden Alliance by Silvia Violet 4 of 5 stars

His Forbidden Alliance by Silvia Violet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rafe, a mafia heir desperate to prove himself, catches charming grifter Zach cheating in his casino—but instead of kicking him out, he’s drawn to him. Their dangerous attraction deepens just as a vengeful Russian enemy closes in. When Zach saves Rafe’s life and reveals he’s actually an undercover agent, they’re forced into a secret alliance where desire and betrayal collide. Loving Zach could destroy Rafe, but walking away might destroy him even faster.

A gripping, high‑stakes romance packed with danger, loyalty, and heart.  

Rafe and Zach’s connection is forged in chaos—cheating, secrets, mafia politics, and life‑or‑death threats—and somehow only grows stronger the more impossible it becomes. The drama is constant, the danger feels real, and every choice they make puts them both at risk. But beneath all the tension and betrayal is a surprisingly tender love story between two men who shouldn’t trust each other and can’t stay away. What really stands out is the emotional depth—not just from Rafe and Zach, but from the people orbiting their world. Every relationship feels charged, every moment carries weight, and the romance hits with intensity because of everything they’re fighting against. A dramatic, dangerous, and deeply emotional read that delivers both adrenaline and heart. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Protecting His Life by Elouise East 5 of 5 stars

Protecting His Life by Elouise East

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brett has spent his life trying to escape his father’s criminal legacy while protecting the people who rely on him. As someone begins targeting his team, he fears he has nothing left to give — especially when it comes to the feelings he’s been denying for Felix, his loyal right‑hand man. Felix has secretly loved Brett from the start, even though he believes his own violent past makes him unworthy. When danger forces them apart, he’s left clinging to memories and what‑ifs. When one of their own is taken, the Royal Bodyguards will stop at nothing to get them back in this friends‑to‑lovers romance filled with secrets, danger, and longing.

This instalment really highlights the deep love and friendship between Brett and Felix — two men who’ve worked side by side for years, building a bond that was always more than professional. It finally feels like the right moment for them to step into what they’ve both wanted, and watching that shift from loyalty to love is incredibly satisfying. The ongoing mystery of who’s targeting the Royal Bodyguards adds strong momentum, especially once Felix is forcibly removed from the board. The tension spikes, and the plot drives toward a dramatic, emotional conclusion. Brett’s complicated family dynamics add even more depth, giving the story layers of suspense and vulnerability. I loved the passion between Brett and Felix, and the sheer intensity of the emotions running through not just the two of them, but the entire team around them. It’s a story full of loyalty, longing, and the kind of connection that refuses to break, no matter the danger. This was an MM story with mature content and BDSM-like D/s dynamics.

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Review: Bodean by Aja Foxx 4 of 5 stars

Bodean by Aja Foxx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bodean returns home after an abusive relationship, finally ready to explore his long‑held feelings for Josiah — the dominant, steady mechanic he’s secretly wanted for years. Josiah has always wanted Bodean too, and when he shows up needing help, it feels like the perfect moment for them to finally come together. But their growing bond is threatened when Bodean’s dangerous ex arrives, trying to pull him back into old patterns. With support from the McKenzie clan, Bodean and Josiah stand united against the threat, fighting for safety, love, and a future built on trust.

This story is full of emotion, and the pull between Bodean and Josiah feels absolutely inevitable — like now was finally the right moment for them to stop running from what they’d always needed in each other. Their connection has a quiet intensity, built on trust, longing, and the sense that they fit together in ways neither had ever found before. I especially loved how Josiah was able to quiet the noise in Bodean’s head — the doubts, the fear, the instinct to run — and give him the steadiness he’d been craving for years. Josiah’s calm strength didn’t just anchor Bodean; it also helped the entire McKenzie clan reconnect with him, which added a lovely layer of family healing to the romance. There are a lot of emotions and complicated feelings woven throughout the story, and watching these two finally choose each other made the journey worth it. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

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