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.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Through the Flames by Andrew Grey 4 of 5 stars

Through the Flames by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Kyle Wilson's construction business is targeted by an arsonist, the firefighter who rescues him turns out to be Hayden Walters—the high school classmate Kyle used to bully. After an awkward reconciliation, Hayden moves in with Kyle to protect him from the ongoing threat, and their forced proximity quickly sparks a romance. Now, they must track down the dangerous arsonist before time runs out.

This was such an engaging and suspenseful read. I loved the whodunit mystery surrounding the serial fires, especially the way the suspense built as all the obvious candidates were slowly crossed off the list. The actual identity of the arsonist turned out to be a total surprise; I found myself surprisingly feeling sorry for them, even while being frustrated that they resorted to arson instead of just having a conversation! At the heart of the mystery is a classic enemies-to-friends-to-lovers arc. Kyle and Hayden have a deeply painful history, with Kyle having been Hayden's high school bully. It was lovely watching them sit down to talk, allowing Hayden to finally understand the underlying reasons behind Kyle's difficult childhood behaviour. My only small criticism is that the transition of their relationship into a physical one felt a bit abrupt, missing some of the usual passionate depth this author is known for. However, everything else made up for it—especially how they eventually come together to form a cosy family complete with a dog. Packed with clear, well-written emotions and feelings from start to finish, it's a wonderful journey of healing and second chances. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Saving Him by Sara Hurst 4 of 5 stars

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

Set against the backdrop of the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Navy SEAL Brock recounts his secret, eight-year friends-with-benefits relationship with his teammate and best friend, Adam DuBois. While Adam has only treated it as physical, Brock has secretly fallen completely in love with him. Their hidden dynamic is blown wide open when Adam is captured on a mission. Desperate to bring the man he loves home alive, Brock is willing to risk everything—including exposing their forbidden romance and his own career—to rescue him.

This was such an intense and dramatic story, packed with all the high-stakes danger you would expect from a Navy SEAL romance. I really appreciated how the book tackled the heavy emotional weight of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, showing just how difficult and restrictive it was to hide your truth while serving. The plot shifts into even higher gear when Adam becomes a POW, which ended up being a powerful turning point for their relationship. Being forced into that terrifying situation actually gave Adam the necessary space and clarity to truly understand and confront his feelings for Brock. One of my favourite aspects was seeing how the rest of the team and their allies already knew about them and rallied together to show total support. The story is overflowing with raw, clear, and easy-to-understand emotions from start to finish. My only minor struggle was with the frequent switching back and forth between the past and present timelines—even though they were clearly marked with date headers, it sometimes pulled me out of the immediate flow of the narrative. Still, it is a deeply moving, thrilling, and romantic read.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Ethan's Dazzling Daddies by A.W. Scott 3 of 5 stars

Ethan's Dazzling Daddies: An MMM Romance by A.W. Scott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story follows Ethan, an overworked employee who quits his job after reaching burnout. At Club Delight, he reconnects with his boss, Ash, who wants more than a professional relationship, while also growing closer to Jacob, a man he has long admired. As the three men spend time together, they explore an unexpected connection and build a supportive found family.

This short story packed an incredible amount of emotion into a small space. Ethan's exhaustion and frustration were easy to feel as Ash continually pushed him beyond his limits at work, making the emotional tension impossible to ignore. In contrast, Jacob's quiet care, especially through the special meals he made for Ethan, added a comforting and heartfelt touch that I loved. What stood out most was the emotional journey between the characters. Watching Ash finally recognise the harm he'd caused and genuinely beg for forgiveness was deeply satisfying. The feelings throughout the story were intense, clear, and easy to connect with, making this a fast but emotionally powerful read. The result was that Little Ethan ended up with two doting Daddies. This was an MMM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

Buy from Amazon

Review: To Serve by Andrew Grey 4 of 5 stars

To Serve by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marty Waters, a computer support specialist and local history enthusiast, volunteers his research and tech skills to help investigate a missing boy. Although K-9 officer Grant Webster is initially sceptical of Marty's involvement, he soon realises Marty's knowledge is key to uncovering a kidnapper's pattern. As they work together with Grant's police dog, Dexter, to stop a series of child abductions, a powerful attraction develops between them. However, with children's lives at stake, they must focus on the case and trust each other if they're to catch the kidnapper in time.

This was an emotional, suspense-filled story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The danger and drama never let up as Grant and Marty worked tirelessly to decode clues, track a kidnapper, and find the missing children before it was too late. The investigation was tense and engaging, with each discovery raising the stakes even higher. What I loved most was the balance between the gripping mystery and the growing relationship between Grant and Marty. In the midst of fear, uncertainty, and long hours on the case, they stole precious moments together and slowly built the kind of family and future they had both been longing for. Their connection felt genuine and heartfelt, adding warmth to an otherwise intense story. A wonderful blend of suspense, romance, and emotion, this book delivers plenty of feelings while keeping the reader invested in both the case and the characters' journey. This was an MM story with mature content,

Buy from Amazon

Review: Enchanted by Lark Taylor 5 of 5 stars

Enchanted by Lark Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After saving the life of his fated mate, Ethan, Remi discovers that Ethan already has a boyfriend. As they become friends, Remi uncovers Ethan's painful past, a hidden illness, and a dangerous threat that could take Ethan away before they ever get a chance at love.

This was such an emotional and engaging read. I loved the initial joy of Remi finally finding his fated mate, Ethan, after searching for so long, only for that happiness to be overshadowed by the desperate need to save Ethan's life. The heartbreak only deepened when Remi discovered that Ethan was already in a committed relationship. My heart really went out to Remi. Choosing to remain Ethan's friend so he could keep some kind of connection with his mate must have been absolute torture, yet it showed just how selfless and caring he was. As the story unfolded and the danger surrounding Ethan became clear, it was wonderful to see Remi's friends and allies rally together to protect him. The plot was packed with danger, suspense, and drama as the threat against Ethan escalated, but what stood out most was the emotional depth. The characters' feelings felt genuine and easy to connect with, making every setback, fear, hope, and triumph hit that much harder. A compelling mix of fated mates, found family, action, and heartfelt emotion that kept me invested from beginning to end. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Trinket in the Thyme by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Trinket in the Thyme by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Doreen investigates a break‑in that leads to the suspicious death of Roger Bennington, uncovering lost jewellery and long‑buried family secrets. Despite promising Mack she’d stay out of police business, she teams up with her quirky grandmother, rebellious seniors, and her animal companions to track down a cunning killer. Sometimes the most dangerous secrets are closest to home.

A great mystery from start to finish, this story pulls you straight into the investigation surrounding Roger’s untimely death and the surprising link to the jewellery Doreen discovers in a thyme bush. As always, the residents of the care home jump in to “help,” and Doreen’s loyal animal companions stay right at the centre, protecting her as she follows each clue. Even though Doreen promised Mack she’d stay out of the official case, she clearly couldn’t resist diving in — and thank goodness, because the twists and turns make for a gripping read. A wonderfully engaging mystery that takes you along with Doreen every step of the way. This was an MF story.

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

Buy from Amazon