Review: Spectrum & Smoke by R.J. Scott by V.L. Locey 5 of 5 stars

Spectrum & Smoke by R.J. Scott by V.L. Locey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chip, a routine‑driven hockey player who relies on his assistance dog, is shaken when a fire destroys his gym — and even more by Dane Rourke, the firefighter who rescues him. Dane never meant to get attached, but cupcakes, hockey games, and quiet evenings turn their unexpected connection into a slow burn neither of them planned for — or knows how to stop.

I loved how thoughtfully this story portrayed Chip — the authors gave him such strength, clarity, and sweetness without ever reducing him to his neurodivergence. He was capable, adorable, and deeply human. And Dane’s care and respect for him made their connection feel genuinely tender; every interaction showed how much Dane valued Chip’s boundaries and needs. The danger and drama — both on the ice and off — were written with real sensitivity, making the tension easy to feel and understand without ever overwhelming the emotional heart of the story. A beautifully crafted romance full of care, respect, and heartfelt moments. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: The Single Dad by Raleigh Ruebins 3 of 5 stars

The Single Dad by Raleigh Ruebins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cam is a newly single dad trying to stick to strict rules about no dating, but he breaks them the moment he meets Luke — a sensitive, tattooed military vet who starts helping him rebuild both his house and his life. While Cam chats online with someone who feels like home — someone he hopes might be Luke — both men carry heavy baggage and promise nothing serious… even as their connection grows anyway.

This was a very sweet, low‑angst story, and the gentle tone made it easy to read — though I did find that, over time, the pacing slipped into something a bit tedious and repetitive. Cam’s caution around involving his kids was thoughtful and responsible, but it stretched on longer than needed, especially since the children were bright enough to understand their own feelings. I loved the contrast between Cam’s softness and Luke’s quiet steadiness, and their connection had a warm, comforting feel. The ending, while happy, felt a little disjointed, not quite the solid HEA I expected, but still satisfying in its own gentle way. A sweet story with heart, family, and plenty of feelings — even if it doesn’t fully stick the landing. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Mate Matched: Xavier & Brady by Jax Stuart 3 of 5 stars

Mate Matched: Xavier & Brady by Jax Stuart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Brady joins Mate Match hoping to move on from his failed situationship with Xavier, even though being a recessive, likely infertile omega makes finding a partner harder. Xavier, realising too late what he lost, signs up too — determined to be matched with Brady again and win back the heart he broke.

I really enjoyed the way this story centred on the connection between Brady and Xavier, a bond that was clearly strong even before everything fell apart. Xavier’s determination to win Brady back gave the romance a heartfelt second‑chance feel, and it was easy to see how much he regretted losing him. I’ll admit that Brady’s refusal to let Xavier in again became a little tedious after a while, especially since he kept going on Mate Match dates and almost seemed to expect Xavier to swoop in and rescue him. Their mutual decision to use Mate Match felt a bit cavalier, but it did add an interesting twist as they both hoped to be matched again. Despite the bumps, the story delivered a sweet, satisfying happily ever after, full of emotions, lingering feelings, and the sense that some connections really are worth fighting for. This was an MM story with mature content and set in the omegaverse with MPREG.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Hell & High Water by Charlie Cochet 4 of 5 stars

Hell & High Water by Charlie Cochet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dex Daley’s life blows up after his testimony sends his partner to prison, leaving him isolated and under scrutiny. Instead of being fired, he’s pulled into THIRDS and partnered with the guarded jaguar Therian Sloane Brodie. As they investigate a string of activist murders, Dex must prove himself to a tight team that doesn’t want him — and to a partner who’s just as tough to win over as the case is to solve.

The humour in this story was a real highlight — Dex’s constant jokes and his total inability to stay serious added so much charm, especially next to Sloane, who was stern, guarded, and definitely not welcoming at first. Their dynamic had that great opposites‑attract feel, and beneath all the clashes, it was clear they genuinely cared for each other. The plot delivered plenty of mystery, danger, and drama as they worked through the case and the growing threat around them. Watching them slowly learn to trust each other made the action even more engaging. A fun mix of humour, intensity, and emotional connection — exactly the kind of partnership that keeps you turning the pages. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Joel by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Joel by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Joel, a military veteran, is drawn into danger when a body is found near the Haven. Chelsea, recovering from her mother’s imprisonment, witnesses something terrifying and becomes an essential ally. As she and Joel grow closer, they uncover a deadly plot led by Tiger, a former sniper. Just when the threat seems over, new secrets surface, keeping everyone on edge.

This story delivered plenty of danger and drama as Joel and Chelsea worked together to uncover the truth behind the dead body and the chilling involvement of Tiger, the sniper lurking in the shadows. I loved how the investigation forced them to rely on each other — that steady build of trust, understanding, and partnership made the foundation of their relationship feel so natural and strong. The tension rose beautifully, all leading to a grand, satisfying finish with a final confrontation that tied everything together. The writing was clear and engaging, making the emotions, stakes, and twists easy to read, feel, and understand. A gripping mix of suspense and connection. This was an MF story with a little mature content at the very end.

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

Buy from Amazon

Review: Soft: A Bellport Romance by A.W. Scott 5 of 5 stars

Soft: A Bellport Romance by A.W. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grizzly is the dependable sports agent everyone leans on, but privately he’s exhausted and longing to embrace his Little side. Paxton Wells, a top baseball draft pick with a natural Daddy energy, walks in to sign a contract and instantly recognises the boy he’s been waiting for. A professional meeting becomes the start of a deeply personal connection.

I really loved this story, especially the age difference and the size contrast between Paxton and Grizzly — Paxton being the younger, elite athlete with that big, capable presence made their dynamic feel both tender and powerful. What stood out most was how naturally Paxton handled Grizzly’s disability, immediately looking for ways to support him without making it a big issue. His maturity shone through, and it clearly came from the way he was raised. The book is full of family, both real and beautifully found, and it highlights how love often grows strongest in the places where you’re truly seen and accepted. There were so many emotions and feelings throughout, and plenty of moments that made me smile. A warm, heartfelt story about care, connection, and finding the people who choose you. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

Buy from Amazon

Review: The Vet's Christmas Familiar by T.J. Nichols 3 of 5 stars

The Vet's Christmas Familiar by T.J. Nichols
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kit is shot down on Christmas Eve while flying in hawk form and ends up badly injured and unable to shift back. He’s taken to Errol Hart, a lonely vet who can usually talk to animals — just not this strangely intelligent hawk. As Kit heals, he grows attached to Errol and fears what will happen when he reveals he’s actually human… and wants something more than rescue.

What I really enjoyed in this story was the connection between Kit and Errol — a bond that didn’t need a mate mark or familiar magic to make it real. They just had to trust that their attraction was genuine on its own, and I loved watching them reach that point together. They worked side by side, accepting help when they needed it, which made their growing relationship feel grounded and earned. The emotional weight was strong throughout, especially with Kit’s devastating loss and everything he was trying to survive. Errol’s ability to talk to animals added such warmth and charm, and the way the animals helped him was one of my favourite parts. A story full of feelings, healing, and a connection that was always meant to be. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon