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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Review: Wanting Him by Sara Hurst 4 of 5 stars

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

Carson, a Navy SEAL who repressed his sexuality for his career, finds his buried feelings resurfacing when his first crush, Roman, reenters his life. Roman, a struggling single dad carrying deep emotional trauma from his past, feels a powerful spark with Carson but is terrified to risk his heart and his daughter's stability.

This was a deeply emotional and high-stakes story. I loved how it explored the heavy psychological toll Carson faced while trying to cope with the strict limitations of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"—balancing what he could say and do with the constant fear of losing his military career. Meanwhile, Roman also navigated the complexities of DADT alongside the pressure of protecting his sweet, talkative, and utterly charming daughter, Margot, who delightfully quickened the pace of welcoming Carson into their lives. There was plenty of danger and high-octane drama here, with Carson out on harrowing Navy SEAL missions that kept me on the edge of my seat. On the emotional side, the found-family elements were an absolute highlight. Seeing Carson's SEAL team rally around him with total support—alongside Roman's wonderful mother supporting him—made for some truly heartwarming moments. Best of all, the story culminates in the long-awaited repeal of DADT, finally allowing them to be openly and proudly together. Packed with raw, genuine feelings from start to finish. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: A Daddy to Love by Wendy Rathbone 3 of 5 stars

A Daddy to Love by Wendy Rathbone

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kairo, a reclusive young heir wary of people using him for his money, becomes captivated by a popular man he meets at a bar. Truce, at 34, has plenty of friends and experience with everything from kink to vanilla, but has never found true, lasting love. When their paths cross, both men must take a leap of faith to find the deep connection they've been missing.

This was a sweet Daddy/little romance, but it definitely had a few elements that didn't entirely work for me. On the plus side, the dynamic between Kairo and Truce has some very tender and endearing moments. However, there were a few narrative hurdles. Truce supposedly had plenty of experience with various kinks, yet he seemed oddly clueless about how to actually handle a little—though he somehow magically acquired all the right knowledge shortly after their relationship started. I also found it a bit too convenient and surprising how easily Kairo took to, and instantly liked, impact play without much prior buildup. Additionally, I struggled a bit with how intensely secretive Kairo was about his life, and how endlessly tolerant Truce was of it for so long before pushing back. If you love sweet age-gap/Daddy dynamics and don't mind a few convenient plot beats, it's an enjoyable read, but it fell a little short for me compared to other books in the genre. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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