Review: Undone in the Underbrush by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

Undone in the Underbrush by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Doreen and Mack barely make it home from Vancouver before a new murder case pulls them back in. It’s supposed to be Mack’s case alone, but when the victim is linked to a determined Rosemoor grandmother who insists on Doreen’s involvement, she jumps in with her loyal animal crew. Together, they uncover local criminals, a hidden crime boss, and twists no one expects — including one that shocks everyone.

This mystery stands out because the case isn’t one of Doreen’s usual historic puzzles — it’s current, dangerous, and far more tangled than expected. I loved how well Doreen and Mack worked together here, openly sharing information and functioning as a real team. The web of connections leading to more dangerous people gave the story a slightly different tone, but in a way that kept things fresh and engaging. Of course, Doreen’s loyal animal crew is right there beside her, offering support, chaos, and charm in all the best ways. It’s an enjoyable mystery that lets you solve the clues right alongside Doreen, making the whole experience easy to follow, fun to feel, and very satisfying.

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

Buy from Amazon

Review: Just in Time by Charity Parkerson 5 of 5 stars

Just in Time by Charity Parkerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

German has spent years guarding celebrities and staying detached, but Blaze — a young, magnetic star — gets under his skin in a way no one else has. Blaze can have anything he wants, yet he keeps gravitating toward German, trying to charm a smile out of him every time they meet. As their paths keep crossing, both men realise there’s something between them they can’t ignore, even if neither is sure they deserve it.

The undeniable connection between German and Blaze shines through the whole story — they orbit each other from the start, and it’s so clear they’re meant to end up together. I especially loved how they recognised the deeper issue within Blaze’s family and were perfectly placed to help resolve it for everyone involved. There’s so much love woven through their journey, and the Christmas moments were warm, sweet, and genuinely smile‑inducing. The story is full of big emotions and clear, heartfelt feelings, all easy to understand and easy to feel right alongside them. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon

Review: My Guide Dog is a Wolf Shifter by Roxie Ray 2 of 5 stars

My Guide Dog is a Wolf Shifter by Roxie Ray
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Jason goes into hiding by taking on the absurd plan of posing as a guide dog, while Violet is trying to rebuild her independence after losing her sight. She agrees to a trial with the oversized “dog” named Jason — only to meet Human Jason, her new cooking instructor, soon after. As lessons, errands, and unexpected chemistry pull them closer, Violet’s world expands again, and Jason’s safe hiding place becomes something far more complicated. Neither of them planned on feelings, but “temporary” doesn’t stay temporary for long.

The title alone was enough to tempt me into reading this, but I ended up feeling a bit disappointed because so much of the story simply didn’t make sense. I kept wondering how Jason managed to have a mobile phone while supposedly hiding as a guide dog, and why Violet suddenly lost touch with important people only for them to reappear later without explanation. I did like the ending — it was sweet and satisfying — just not the confusing path the story took to get there. This was an MF story.

Buy from Amazon

Review: The General's Mate by C.W. Gray 4 of 5 stars

The General's Mate by C.W. Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leti and Hack are newly mated, but instead of settling in peacefully, they’re thrown into danger and responsibility. Leti’s research into Dr. Morrick’s artifact reveals a threat that could endanger the entire galaxy, while Hack returns to Charybdis Station only to face new duties and a looming war with the Concord. As everything escalates around them, the two must rely on each other and learn to stand together, because far more than their happiness is at stake.

This continuation of Leti and Hack’s story is packed with changes, chaos, and rising danger as the situation with the Concords intensifies and the mystery of the artifact grows even more alarming. Amid all the upheaval, the book still finds room for tender moments, especially through Leti’s endless capacity to give love — one of the most touching parts of the story. There’s plenty of danger, drama, affection, and warmth, creating a balance that kept the story engaging from start to finish. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book, which I’m sure will be just as enjoyable (and just as delightfully cheesy). This was an MM story with mature content and set in the omegaverse with MPREG.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Kane by Zack Wish 3 of 5 stars

Kane: An Age Gap Russian Mafia Forbidden Dark Romance by Zack Wish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kane, raised to kill rather than lead, is forced to take over his family after his brothers die. William, a young PhD student and Little, lives a quiet academic life until a chance encounter with Kane pulls him into danger and desire. Their connection escalates fast, and when fate traps William deeper in Kane’s world, walking away stops being an option.

The connection between Kane and William is undeniable, even though it comes at the worst possible time for Kane and is genuinely dangerous for William. That tension gives the story energy, but it also highlights some gaps. This book has a clear focus on spanking, yet there’s no discussion of limits or boundaries, which made parts of their dynamic feel unbalanced. I also missed the softer, nurturing side of being a Little — something William only really experienced when he was with other Littles rather than with Kane himself. The plot is engaging and the characters compelling, but the romance would have felt stronger with more affection, communication, and emotional care woven into their dynamic. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Decker by Aja Foxx 3 of 5 stars

Decker by Aja Foxx
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jasper flees the city to escape harassment from Gerald Hughs and hides with his grandfather, but the danger follows him. Decker returns home after his own grandfather urges him to protect Jasper, a vulnerable omega being targeted by bullies and a predatory suitor. Decker brings Jasper to safety at Black Butte Ranch, where they grow close and begin healing together. But Gerald refuses to let go and tracks Jasper to Montana, convinced Jasper belongs to him. As the threat escalates, Jasper must face his past while Decker prepares for a final showdown. When Gerald makes his last attempt to reclaim him, Decker stands firm, proving that love — and the community around them — is stronger than fear.

I enjoyed this story, but I was surprised — and honestly a bit disappointed — that there was no real mention of love between Jasper and Decker. Jasper’s situation was impossible, and it took the entire Black Butte Ranch community and their allies to keep him safe, which added great tension and heart to the plot. What felt less convincing was how quickly Jasper and Decker’s relationship shifted from protector to lover to something seemingly permanent. The speed of that progression, without much shown in the way of love or affection, made the romance feel a little unbalanced. Still, the story was well written, easy to follow, and full of emotion and danger. I enjoyed the journey — I just wished the romance had been given more space to truly grow. This was an MM story with mature content and set in the omegaverse with MPREG.

Buy from Amazon

Review: Shelter by Reese Knightley 5 of 5 stars

Shelter by Reese Knightley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sage is a lone, efficient assassin who never lets anyone close — until Law Steel, the one man who refuses to back off. When bodies start dropping, Sage recognises the threat from his past, and this time it’s targeting the few people he cares about. Law won’t walk away, staying beside him as the danger closes in. With the enemy tightening its grip, the only thing they can hold onto — and the only real way out — is each other.

This instalment delivered plenty of danger and drama, with the threats against Sage (YA tech specialist) and Law (Genesis 2nd in command) escalating until more of their team and the other related teams had to step in. I loved watching how, through all of it, Sage realised again and again that Law truly had his back — and how quickly they became necessary to each other. For all their strength and sharp edges, there were real emotions, feelings, and flashes of passion woven through the chaos, giving their relationship depth alongside the action. The balance between intensity and vulnerability worked well, and the writing stayed clear, engaging, and easy to follow from start to finish. This was an MM story with mature content.

Buy from Amazon