Review: Shadow Lord by S. Rodman 5 of 5 stars

Shadow Lord by S. Rodman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bunny's move to the city takes a wild turn when he gets a job at a coffee shop run by a witch and a shadow prince, and somehow ends up with a terrifying, silent shadow man from the Shadow Realm named Dark stalking his every move. Despite being a brooding monster with fathomless amber eyes, Dark is surprisingly sweet, considerate, and attentive to Bunny's annoyingly cheerful personality—making Bunny want to claim him for himself. Before they can figure out their unusual bond, however, they have to deal with a small complication: saving the world from a looming doomsday prophecy.

I absolutely loved this story! It features such a wonderfully crazy found family at the coffee shop, perfectly contrasted with an even crazier cult that Bunny grew up in. I also loved the developing relationship between Bunny and Dark; it's a wonderfully satisfying slow burn that completely delivers on the deep, genuine love growing between them both. Packed with high stakes, drama, and danger as they face down an end-of-the-world prophecy, I loved seeing how they reacted to it all. The story is brimming with raw emotions and feelings throughout that are so easy to connect with and feel right alongside the characters. A fantastic, wildly entertaining read. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Tempt by Cora Rose by E.M. Lindsey 3 of 5 stars

Tempt by Cora Rose by E.M. Lindsey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When otherworldly portals open, humanity discovers the monsters from Erethar aren't here to conquer, but need something specific from humans to survive. Sidelined for being Deaf, Luca crosses paths with a high-ranking monster named Eissa in Las Vegas. After becoming targeted by an anti-monster faction, Luca is forced to take sanctuary on Erethar as Eissa's contracted companion. Amidst the danger, Luca strives to win the heart of the scarred, complex monster and turn their transactional arrangement into something permanent.

While I was excited to dive into this next instalment, I must admit it wasn't quite as enjoyable as the previous books in the series. I found myself getting quite frustrated with the poor communication between the main characters and their tendency to keep secrets from each other, which dragged the tension down a bit. However, there were still some great highlights! I really enjoyed the much deeper and clearer explanation of what a mate bond means in their culture, especially between a monster and a human. It was also wonderful to see a deaf main character included so prominently, and I especially loved seeing Eissa learn sign language so he could properly communicate with Luca. Alongside the romance, the plot delves into politics and rebellions on both sides—though mostly on the monster side—and explores the heavy effects of that unrest on them. There are plenty of emotions, thoughts, and feelings throughout that are easy to connect with and understand, even when the characters' choices felt a little irrational at times. A mixed bag, but still an interesting expansion of the world. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: The Good Fight by Andrew Grey 4 of 5 stars

The Good Fight by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overwhelmed IT business owner Jerry Lincoln hires John Black Raven, a newcomer striving to win custody of his late sister's children from a corrupt foster care system. As Jerry and John's professional partnership develops into a romance, Jerry helps John navigate legal red tape and bureaucratic obstacles so they can bring the children home and build a future together.

This was a compelling story that blends a blooming office romance with a heavy, real-world battle. Set against the backdrop of Jerry's IT consultancy, it was lovely watching the relationship develop between him and John, alongside the heartwarming effort to rescue John's niece and nephew. I really enjoyed the romantic connection and all the interactions with their friends, family, and the children—those tender moments brought so much warmth to the book. However, I did find the fight against systemic prejudice and the deeply corrupt Child Services department a bit overwhelming and heavy at times. Packed with raw emotions and intense feelings throughout, it’s a powerful read that really highlights both love and resilience. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Soothing Little Sylmen by A.W. Scott 4 of 5 stars

Soothing Little Sylmen by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Musician Gael visits Rawhide Ranch and unexpectedly finds his match in Sylmen, a shy young man who has spent his life hidden away at Anders Ranch. Though an instant and deep connection sparks between them, their opposing worlds (Gael's life on tour versus Sylmen's deep roots at home) threaten to keep them apart unless they find the courage to bridge the distance.

I absolutely loved this story! Sylmen was such a sweet character—non-verbal, shy, and gently curious about exploring what being a little meant to him. Gael was wonderfully patient and gentle with Sylmen, so determined to support him and help him navigate that side of himself at his own pace. It was also so heartwarming to see the strong support system around Sylmen, with everyone looking out for him and ensuring Gael treated him with the utmost care and respect. A sweet, heartwarming story that will definitely make you smile. This was an MM story with mature content and a BSDM-like DDLB dynamic.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Ash and his Dragon by Victoria Sue 5 of 5 stars

Ash and his Dragon by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Guarded Colorado Dragons forward Ash Thorne keeps everyone at a strict distance, especially his charismatic teammate Max Renaud. Max is a lifebound dragon whose emotional power previously destroyed someone he loved, leaving him terrified of hurting anyone else. Despite Max's past trauma and Ash's ironclad walls, an irresistible pull draws them together, forcing them to choose between a separation that will destroy Max and a closeness that risks destroying them both.

I absolutely loved this story! The narrative brilliantly balances two deeply personal problems, one for Ash and one for Max, that become increasingly problematic as the story unfolds, especially as the emotional weight begins to impact their performance on the ice. It is packed with brilliant danger and drama surrounding both men, balanced with deeply moving moments of raw emotion and feelings that are genuinely intense at times. I also loved seeing the fantastic support system built around them, with the other players and their partners stepping up to stand by their side when they needed it most. Written in a way that makes everything effortless to read, feel, and understand, this was another magnificent, heart-wrenching read. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Dante and his Dragon by Victoria Sue 4 of 5 stars

Dante and his Dragon by Victoria Sue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rising hockey star Dante Russo finds his world shattered when he is unexpectedly traded and smeared by false rumours, betrayed by the teammate and secret lover who wanted him out of the picture. Seeking redemption with the Colorado Dragons, Dante clashes with his off-limits head coach, Theron Kincaid. Theron is an ancient dragon shifter plagued by past guilt after a human died as a result of knowing dragon secrets. When Theron's inner dragon instantly recognizes Dante as his true mate, the terrified coach actively pushes him away, desperate to prevent history from repeating itself and risking the life of the man he is forbidden to love.

This was such an intense, dramatic story packed with high-stakes danger both on and off the ice. Dante is clearly such a gifted player, and it was lovely seeing how Theron’s one-to-one coaching helped him truly shine to his full potential. Even when toxic lies and nasty rumours from his previous team followed him, Dante let his incredible skills on the ice speak for themselves, planting the first real seeds of doubt in everyone's minds. Alongside the sports drama, Theron’s internal battle with his past demons was deeply moving, especially as a sinister new evil emerges that threatens them both. Filled with rich emotions and feelings throughout that are wonderfully easy to feel and understand, this was a thrilling, deeply romantic addition to the series.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Fireman's Carry by Andrew Grey 4 of 5 stars

Fireman's Carry by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Firefighter Jordan rescues a traumatised boy named Benny and reconnects with Duane, the childhood friend he never forgot. As they help Benny rebuild his life, old feelings reignite, giving them a second chance at love while facing an uncertain future.

This was such an emotional story from beginning to end. Jordan is juggling so much as he tries to help Benny through an unimaginable situation while also reconnecting with Duane and exploring the feelings they never truly left behind. Benny completely stole my heart. His love for his late parents, the loss he carries, and the rejection he faces from surviving family members made for some truly heartbreaking moments. At the same time, the care, support, and love that grew around him were incredibly heartwarming to watch. A touching, feel-good story filled with emotion, healing, second chances, and a well-deserved happy ending. Definitely a book that will make you smile. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon