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

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

After corrupt physicians blame paediatric nurse Cinder Adair for a tragic death in the ER to cover up their own mistakes, Cinder finds himself blacklisted and forced to take a job as a medical assistant for the Colorado Dragons hockey team just to hide. There, he crosses paths with Taranis Rees, a veteran goaltender whose career is winding down and who hides a powerful dragon he keeps tightly controlled. As Cinder's hidden past and a dangerous hospital cover-up catch up to him, Taranis steps in as a fiercely protective mate, forcing both broken souls to stop running from their pasts and fight for a future together.

This was such a deeply moving and highly emotional story as both men bravely coped with heavy, lingering trauma from their pasts. Because of that, it was so lovely to see how naturally they cared for and calmed each other whenever the weight became too much. I especially loved the fascinating insights into what ice dragons can do when they feel threatened or intensely emotional - I truly cannot imagine surviving the bone-chillingly cold air radiating around Taranis! On top of the magical elements, the ice hockey match descriptions were wonderfully clear, brilliantly highlighting the raw danger and fast-paced drama players face on the ice, particularly goalkeepers. The story also weaves in sinister, shadowy elements that do their absolute best to manipulate both men, keeping the mystery genuinely tense and threatening throughout. Written in a style that makes everything effortless to read, feel, and understand, this was a deeply romantic read. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Immortal Bonds by A.W. Scott 4 of 5 stars

Immortal Bonds by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A centuries-old dragon called Thalric, hiding behind a confident public persona, finds comfort only in an anonymous online relationship. Meanwhile, a reclusive vampire who keeps the world at a distance relies on his online connection as a rare source of trust and companionship. When Fate brings them together in person, both must let down their carefully built walls and discover whether their unlikely bond was always meant to be.

This was such a sweet and heartwarming story. I loved watching Creighton and Thalric finally meet the person they'd been falling in love with online and work through their fears until they accepted that their connection was real. Their journey felt genuine, and it was wonderful to see them learn to trust each other enough to lower their masks and reveal their true selves. Creighton was absolutely adorable, and I loved seeing him treated like the precious person he always deserved to be. Thalric was equally lovable, especially in the scenes where he entertained the Littles in his family with little displays of dragon magic that brought so much joy and laughter. Full of emotions, tenderness, and personal growth, this story balanced sweet romantic moments with deeper feelings of vulnerability and trust. It left me smiling and eager to spend more time in this world. This was an MM story with mature content and with a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Wanderer by Jax Stuart 4 of 5 stars

Wanderer by Jax Stuart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riley escapes to Greyhaven, a sanctuary for supernaturals, hoping to break a curse and escape his abusive warlock stepfather. There, he finds a mate in Gareth, one of the town's protectors. As their bond grows, they must fight to break the curse and save Greyhaven from a looming threat.

This was such an enjoyable paranormal romance set in the hidden supernatural town of Greyhaven, a sanctuary protected by its residents. Riley had suffered so much at the hands of his stepfather, and the curse forcing him to keep moving felt like one cruel blow after another. My heart ached for him throughout the story. Gareth was a wonderful hero, both strong and gentle, and it was heartbreaking to see how the curse affected their potential relationship as mates. I especially loved that they took the time to truly get to know each other and build a solid connection before committing to something that could not be undone. The story was packed with emotion, and every feeling felt genuine and easy to connect with. Alongside the romance, there was plenty of danger and drama as threats to both Greyhaven and Riley had to be confronted. A fantastic start to the series, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note this book was previously released as Cursed at Christmas; Wanderer is the first book in the Greyhaven series. It has been completely reworked with more than 15k in additional content. Some names and plot details have been changed.

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

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

Desperate and homeless, Phoenix targets a hockey player for blackmail, only to discover his mark is Cole Armstrong - a bound dragon shifter whose cruel father holds him under tight control. As an undeniable bond sparks between them, Phoenix transforms from a mere risk into Cole's ultimate weapon to break free.

This was such a dramatic and gripping story, largely driven by Cole’s truly evil father and his relentless attempts to control every aspect of his son's life. Phoenix starts out desperate, and I found it a bit frustrating when his misguided loyalty led him to hold onto secrets even when he had plenty of opportunities to finally tell the truth. Despite that, the emotional core of the book really shines. I especially loved the creative way the paranormal shifter elements were blended directly into the psychological and magical control Cole's father held over him. It was packed with rich emotions and feelings throughout that are wonderfully clear and easy to understand, it was a fantastic, high-stakes read. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Lincoln by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Lincoln by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Desperate to escape her abusive past, Floria Michelson flees for her life with a single goal: disappear and never trust a man again. When Lincoln Chester brings her to the Haven—a sanctuary for rescued animals and broken people—she unexpectedly finds safety, purpose, and a steadfast man who refuses to give up on her. As Floria fights for her future alongside a supportive rescue crew, a dedicated lawyer, and Lincoln, her past catches up to her in a violent showdown at the sanctuary. It's a gripping tale of found family, hard-won trust, and healing love.

Right from the very start of this story, there is an immediate sense of mystery and a heavy suggestion of danger and drama that builds brilliantly as the narrative unfolds. I loved how the emotional core grew right alongside the suspense, with plenty of touching moments and feelings building around the animals and people at the Haven, as well as between Floria and Lincoln. The escalating danger and drama definitely caught my attention and kept me hooked from beginning to end. Written in a style that is wonderfully easy to read and understand, this is a deeply heartwarming and gripping story of survival and healing. This was an MF story with just a little mature content.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: Hero in Waiting by Andrew Grey 4 of 5 stars

Hero in Waiting by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Former Marine Wells Barnaby is completely unaware that a dangerous enemy from his past is closing in on him, his sister, and his young niece. When Miller Washington (Wells's former military comrade and the man who once got away, learns of the threat) he rushes to their side. As the two men are forced into close quarters to protect Wells's family, their long-suppressed attraction blazes back to life, forcing them to fight off a relentless enemy while navigating a high-stakes second chance at love.

This novella strikes a wonderful balance, blending high-stakes danger with so much tenderness and emotion - not just between the two men, but also in the sweet, loving bond Wells shares with his sister and his five-year-old niece. I especially loved seeing two Marine veterans be so careful, attentive, and protective of their family. The threat driving the plot stems directly from their past actions while serving their country, which leads to a suitably dramatic and gripping conclusion. Written with a clear and accessible style, the emotions and feelings are wonderfully easy to connect with throughout. A fantastic, heartwarming read. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: My One Obsession by Casey Cox 5 of 5 stars

My One Obsession by Casey Cox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A chance encounter and a simple favour were supposed to end the moment Vadim walked away, but being spotted puts the fiercely independent, refreshingly clueless Preston Miller in mortal danger. Forced to keep the adorable, chaotic outsider safe even as Preston fights him every step of the way, Vadim finds his carefully guarded walls crumbling. Used to a solitary, emotionless life in the underworld, the possessive mafia protector quickly realises he isn't just falling, he is entirely obsessed with the man who has become his only soft spot.

I absolutely loved this story! Preston is such a fantastic character - he is fiercely determined and independent, sometimes even to the detriment of his own health. That fierce independence sets up a brilliant push-and-pull dynamic between them, as Vadim goes completely over the top with his possessive protectiveness while Preston digs his heels in to prove he can take care of himself. It is genuinely fun to watch! I also have to give a special mention to Preston’s friend and housemate, Ellie, who was absolutely hilarious with his own fierce protectiveness over Preston. Their emotional journey is wonderful, full of great angst, deep thoughts, and shifting feelings as they transition from being totally irritated by each other to falling deeply in love. Best of all, I loved seeing Vadim step up and figure out how to support Preston without crushing his spirit when his health problems threatened his independence. This was an MM story with mature content.

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