Review: Affogato by E.M. Lindsey 4 of 5 stars

Affogato by E.M. Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caleb’s thriving Deaf‑owned café can’t distract him from the disaster of his love life, especially after his ex cheats, dumps him in public, and turns him into a viral humiliation. Bitter and closed off, he convinces himself he doesn’t deserve anything good—least of all Bodhi, the anxious, sweet new hire he’s been unfairly cold toward from day one. Bodhi, though, has his own quiet strength and a past that explains far more than Caleb realises. As they grow closer, he shows Caleb a gentler kind of love: one without conditions, pressure, or expectations. Their connection becomes a chance for Caleb to heal and believe in a real happily ever after.

The story is packed with emotion from the opening chapter to the final page, and both Caleb and Bodhi bring a depth that makes their journey feel incredibly real. Caleb is still reeling from a humiliating public breakup, trying to rebuild his confidence while navigating the unexpected pull he feels toward Bodhi. At the same time, Bodhi is struggling with his limited ASL, past trauma, and the challenges of being autistic in a world that often misunderstands him. Their connection grows through small moments of trust, care, and vulnerability, and the way Caleb supports Bodhi — gently, patiently, and with genuine respect — gives the romance a beautiful tenderness. The story also offers meaningful insight into Deaf culture and the everyday realities Deaf people face, adding richness to the emotional arc. The feelings between them are vivid and easy to understand, making their slow, heartfelt bond one of the most compelling parts of the book. It’s a love story full of warmth, healing, and the kind of emotional honesty that lingers. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Counterpoint by Declan Rhodes 5 of 5 stars

Counterpoint by Declan Rhodes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A powerful New Orleans conductor receives a handwritten funeral march warning that someone from his past wants him dead. Dominic St. Clair hires protection, bringing former Army Ranger Thiago into his music‑filled home — and into constant friction with Luca, Dominic’s fiercely loyal assistant. As threats escalate into break‑ins and near‑attacks, Thiago and Luca are forced into close proximity, uncovering a decades‑old grudge while fighting an inconvenient attraction. Everything builds toward Dominic’s final concert, where the attacker plans a public reckoning, and Thiago and Luca must trust each other if they hope to save him — and risk choosing a future together.

I loved this story. The pull between Luca and Thiago is undeniable from the moment they’re forced into each other’s orbit, and that simmering tension threads beautifully through the entire story. Their connection feels raw and real, shaped by two very different lives but drawn together by the same fierce need to protect Dominic as danger closes in. The suspense is wonderfully handled, each new threat tightening the atmosphere and guiding me toward the truth behind the plot without ever giving too much away. The emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones — grief, loyalty, fear, longing, and hope all collide in ways that feel deeply human and skillfully written. What stood out most was how their growing bond is woven into the unfolding mystery rather than overshadowing it. The tenderness between them, the guarded vulnerability, and the slow shift from distrust to something much deeper made their relationship feel fully earned. I loved how eccentric Dominic was and yet he was very capable of love and affection for those important to him. A gripping blend of tension, emotion, and connection that kept me invested in both the danger and the love story at its heart. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Lost in Indigo by V.L. Locey 4 of 5 stars

Lost in Indigo by V.L. Locey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After a career-ending injury sidelines hockey captain Mathieu at the peak of his success, he retreats home consumed by anger and loss. When Indigo, a gentle and supportive botany student, comes to care for him, an unexpected connection forms—helping Mathieu heal and discover that losing his path might lead to something better.

This was such an emotional read, centering on Mathieu at a major crossroads—not just with his hockey career after his injury, but also with his sexuality and sense of self. Watching him struggle felt raw and real, especially as his lies pile up until they cost him the one person who truly mattered, leaving him with nothing. The pull between Mathieu and Indigo is undeniable, full of intensity and vulnerability that makes every moment between them feel significant. Their connection is deeply emotional, and I loved how much heart the story brought to their journey. That said, Mathieu’s repeated mixed signals could be frustrating at times. The contrast between him defending Indigo in one moment—like standing up against disrespect—and then turning around to suppress Indigo’s individuality and deny their relationship made his actions feel conflicting. Still, those flaws added to the realism of his character and the weight of his growth. A messy, heartfelt story filled with big emotions and a powerful connection. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Cover Up by E.M. Lindsey 4 of 5 stars

Cover Up by E.M. Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Felix is pining for his next-door neighbour, Deimos, but his face blindness makes him think no one would want a relationship with him. When Felix has to go to his grammy’s funeral, Deimos offers to pose as his fake boyfriend—yet the “pretend” quickly turns real.

This story is all about an undeniable pull between two damaged men who fall for each other—despite both believing they don’t deserve love. Watching them slowly let someone in (and learn to trust it) was heartbreaking and beautiful. They don’t just find each other, they grow through the pain, and finally realise that being together is what matters most. Packed with lots of emotions and feelings, it’s a deeply satisfying love story about healing, hope, and second chances. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Eight by Paulina Ian-Kane 5 of 5 stars

Eight by Paulina Ian-Kane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sully keeps dreaming of a masked man, and the dreams awaken unexpected sexual fantasies. He’s then saved in real life by Ezra—new to his family—who turns out to be connected to a dangerous killer named Nine. Despite family distrust and his own unresolved past, Ezra’s intense dominance pulls Sully in as Nine escalates the threat, leaving them unsure whether they’ll survive or ever get a happy ending.

This story is packed with danger, drama, and raw emotion—and I especially loved Eight’s obsession with Sully, which is his version of love. There’s an undeniable pull between them that feels intense, inevitable, and impossible to ignore. The plot keeps the tension high while pulling in all the numbered men and their partners, making the whole series feel connected and alive. I also really enjoyed the twists and turns that built toward the end, and the way the story wraps up with a satisfying ending that feels right for the series. A highly addictive read with plenty of heat, suspense, and heart. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please take note of the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself.

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Review: Hal's Lost Unicorn by Della Cain by Kaytea Kat 3 of 5 stars

Hal's Lost Unicorn by Della Cain by Kaytea Kat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hal has a rough start in a new town when he gets stranded in the rain with a flat tire and no way to call for help. A kind stranger named August stops and helps him, and in an emotional moment, Hal opens up about everything going wrong in his life. Wanting to repay him, Hal secretly gives him his treasured unicorn bracelet. The next day at work, Hal is shocked to discover August is his boss—and still has the bracelet—hinting their connection might not be over just yet.

This was such a sweet, feel-good read! Watching Hal stumble into meeting August—who turns out to be the Daddy of his dreams—was absolutely adorable. Their relationship is full of warmth and tenderness, and it’s clear they’re perfect for each other in every way, whether Hal is feeling little or big. The dynamic between them just works so naturally, making their connection even more heart-melting. A cute novella that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling by the end. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Heavy Hand by E.M. Lindsey 4 of 5 stars

Heavy Hand by E.M. Lindsey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Max isn’t pathetic—he just tends to get emotionally attached when someone shows him attention. After a one-night stand with Jeremiah, who seems different from his past hookups, Max is left with only a note the next morning. When they unexpectedly reconnect—since Jeremiah owns a nearby restaurant—Max finds himself drawn to him despite Jeremiah’s clear reluctance to pursue a relationship. For the first time, Max feels something worth fighting for in this friends-with-benefits romance filled with humour, chaos, and heartfelt moments.

This story completely won me over with the undeniable pull between Max and Jeremiah—it’s magnetic, complicated, and impossible to ignore. Even when they try to keep things casual, the connection between them feels deeper than either is ready to admit. What really stood out was how both characters carry their own demons, yet somehow find strength in facing them together. Their journey isn’t easy, but it feels real and earned, making their growth as individuals and as a pair incredibly satisfying. There are a lot of big emotions packed into this book, but they’re handled with care and authenticity, never feeling overwhelming or forced. It’s a heartfelt, messy, and ultimately hopeful romance that lingers long after the last page. This was an MM story with mature content.

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