Review: Portrait of a Killer by K.A Merikan 3 of 5 stars

Portrait of a Killer by K.A. Merikan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Victor has spent years hating the reclusive artist Sevastyan, convinced the man is a fraud whose self‑portraits are too beautiful to be real. After one exhibition destroys Victor’s career, his anger festers into obsession, filling his sketchbooks with violent fantasies. Determined to expose Sevastyan, Victor breaks into his home — only to discover the artist is nothing like he expected. Sevastyan is powerful, amused, and fully aware of Victor’s fixation. Instead of being the hunter, Victor becomes the one trapped, as Sevastyan claims him as a captive muse and makes it clear that Victor will not be leaving.

This is a very dark romance with several uncomfortable themes, so it’s definitely one to approach with care. The story centres on a twisted, shifting obsession — first Victor’s fixation on Sevastyan, and then the far more intense, consuming obsession Sevastyan develops for Victor. Their dynamic is unsettling, messy, and often disturbing, and some of the behaviours and language push into depraved territory. Despite that, I found myself invested. The tension between them, the psychological push‑and‑pull, and the way their obsession reshapes itself kept me turning the pages. It’s a well‑written story that leans fully into its darkness, and while it won’t be for everyone, it delivers exactly the kind of intense, chaotic emotion it promises. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself **

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Review: His Impossible Elf Mate by Jax Stuart 4 of 5 stars

His Impossible Elf Mate by Jax Stuart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tearlach, an elf searching for answers about the beta sickness and the elven fertility crisis, unexpectedly finds Axel — a man who feels like part of his soul. Axel is slowly recovering from the sickness, and Tearlach’s presence brings him comfort, but new revelations shake Axel’s long‑held dreams. As hidden truths emerge and the stakes rise for both elves and shifters, the two must decide whether their love is worth the sacrifices they may have to make to stay together.

This story had such an undeniable connection between Tearlach and Axel, even as they each battled their own struggles. Their bond felt powerful from the start, and I loved how their families stood firmly behind them both — that support made every challenge feel a little less overwhelming. And with the favour of the goddess on their side, it was hard not to believe they were meant to succeed. The raw emotions running through the book were beautifully written, and the growing strength between elves and shifters added a richness to the worldbuilding. I really enjoyed this instalment and the way love, loyalty, and hope wove through every part of their journey. This was an MM story with mature content and set in the omegaverse with MPREG.

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Review: The Perfect Blend by MJ Booth 3 of 5 stars

The Perfect Blend by M.J. Booth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Orion has been on his own since seventeen, exhausted but determined to stay independent. His new job at the coffee shop gives him just enough stability to keep going. Garrett, a Daddy nearing forty and longing for real connection, recognises Orion as the man he went home with weeks earlier and is instantly drawn to him. Orion’s walls are high, but Garrett is patient — and his frequent visits to Shade Grown Coffee make it clear he’s hoping Orion will eventually let him in.

This was such a sweet, gentle story, and Garrett was absolutely perfect for Orion. I loved how supportive and careful he was with him — never pushing, never judging, and especially never making Orion feel embarrassed about his finances or living situation. That level of respect made their relationship feel safe and genuinely nurturing. They settled into their dynamic as naturally as they settled into their kink, with clear communication and a softness that made their connection easy to root for. The whole book was simple to read and understand, with a warm tone that let the emotions shine through. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Under His Rule by Davidson King 5 of 5 stars

Under His Rule by Davidson King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Prince Julian Davaros is adored as the heir to the Lamdera Islands, but secretly he’s a serial killer known only to his family and bodyguard. When Wynn Carter visits the islands for his thirtieth birthday, he unexpectedly catches Julian’s interest — not as a victim, but as someone Julian wants to claim. Wynn is swept into a glamorous, intoxicating romance, unaware of the darkness beneath it. But when someone targets him to expose Julian’s secrets, the prince’s violent nature erupts. As their lives spiral into chaos, Wynn learns the truth, and Julian must choose between giving everything up… or eliminating the man he’s become obsessed with.

This was a wonderfully dark and compelling story, built around Julian’s obsessive fixation on Wynn — an obsession so intense he even altered the itinerary of a royal tour just to stay close to him. Their connection was unsettling at times but also strangely intimate, especially in the way they helped steady each other. I loved how Julian could calm Wynn’s ADHD‑scattered mind, helping him feel focused instead of clumsy, while Wynn grounded Julian enough to quiet his violent urges or at least limit the damage. The writing made their thoughts and emotions incredibly easy to feel, pulling me right into their twisted, magnetic dynamic. The supporting cast was fantastic too, adding humour, tension, and depth, and I’d love to know more about the rest of the royal family. A dark, addictive read with a pair of characters who shouldn’t work together but absolutely do. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: His Bonded Omega Mate by Jax Stuart 3 of 5 stars

His Bonded Omega Mate by Jax Stuart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Roan hopes for a fresh start in Sweetwater, but staying behind during the beta sickness puts him in danger — and leads him to his fated mate, Hiroshi, who is already emotionally bonded to two betas and wants Roan to join them. Hiroshi is desperate to find his mate before being forced into a dangerous arranged marriage, and Roan seems willing to try their unconventional bond. But when all four attempt to bond, unexpected consequences arise that could change shifter kind forever. This instalment is darker, with more violence and discussions of coerced consent.

This instalment really leans into the unconventional dynamic between fated mates and bonded mates, and I found that part of the story fascinating. Roan was the absolute standout for me — he tried so hard to give everyone what they needed, even when his efforts weren’t appreciated or acknowledged nearly enough. His patience, strength, and willingness to shoulder the emotional weight made him feel like the true hero of the book. Hiroshi, on the other hand, often came across as selfish and spoilt, and there were several moments where I genuinely wished Roan had told him no. Tate’s behaviour didn’t help either, which made some parts harder to enjoy. Large sections of the story focused on the betas and the lingering effects of their illness, and I actually liked how that tied into the wider plot. The kidnappings, political manoeuvring, and shifting alliances added tension and kept things moving. Overall, it was an engaging read with plenty of drama, emotion, and layered relationships — but my struggles with Hiroshi and Tate meant I had to mark it down a bit. This was an MM but sometimes MMM or MMMM story with mature content and set in the omegaverse with MPREG.

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Review: Sullied by Lee Colgin 3 of 5 stars

Sullied: MM Paranormal Romance by Lee Colgin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr. Rupert Martin works in a secret lab creating hybrid vampires, something he regrets once he learns the truth. When Sullivan — Specimen 19 — escapes, injured and moments from sunrise, he turns to the only person who ever showed him kindness. Ru takes him in, and as they run from the lab’s reach, danger grows alongside an unexpected attraction. Together, they must decide whether they can destroy the very place that created Sully before it destroys them.

I really liked the way Ru and Sully’s connection began with simple kindness — Ru treating Sully as a person who deserved care rather than a lab specimen. That early respect made their bond feel genuine, and Sully’s childlike delight at every new experience was one of the most charming parts of the story. I did find their shift from patient and caretaker to lovers a little strange at times, and honestly, Sully often seemed to have a stronger emotional connection with Zoe. Still, the story had plenty of feelings throughout, most of them carried beautifully by Sully, who really became the heart of the book. An enjoyable, emotional read with a unique dynamic and a memorable pairing. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: A Tall Order by M.J. Booth 3 of 5 stars

A Tall Order by M.J. Booth

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Austin is still grieving the loss of his Daddy and has spent years burying his Little side under work. Remington, his Daddy’s best friend, keeps checking in, worried about how much Austin is suppressing. After three years, a visit to the coffee shop finally breaks Austin’s façade, and one night of comfort turns into a whole weekend — leaving them both unsure whether they can return to being just friends or if something deeper has begun.

I really enjoyed the connection between Remington and Austin, especially the way Remington was so determined to help Austin live as his true self again after years of grief and suppression. Their communication was a highlight for me — both men were clear, honest, and intentional about making sure they were compatible not just as Daddy and little, but as partners building a real relationship. I also liked how the story balanced emotional healing with everyday life, though I do wish we’d gotten an update on the coffee shop. There was a moment where it seemed like Trevor wasn’t meeting the owner’s expectations, but it never came up again. Overall, this was an easy, heartfelt read with big emotions and feelings that were simple to understand and feel right along with the characters. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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