Review: Bound To His Oath by Aja Foxx 5 of 5 stars

Bound To His Oath by Aja Foxx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nico was five years old the day he met Luca, twelve when he figured out that he was going to love him for the rest of my life. When he turned sixteen, Luca gave him his first kiss and then his world ended. He never believed the things people had said about him. He was not the bad boy everyone seemed to think he was. Nico had seen his heart and it was pure gold even if they took him away. Luca was ten years old the day they met. By the time he was twelve he knew that he was going to love him for the rest of his life. When he turned sixteen, he gave him his first kiss and then his world was ripped apart. Luca wasn't the bad boy everyone seemed to think he was, but he'd refused to show anyone his heart except him, and they had taken him away.I

I loved this story of the two men who were connected and destined to love each other and the evil parents who tried to keep them apart. I was thrilled that they were able to be together and that Nico's evil parents got their comeuppance. Easy to read, feel and understand this was an emotional story with heartbreak and joy. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Learning to Grow by M.A. Innes 4 of 5 stars

Learning to Grow by M.A. Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With emotions running high and logic running low, it'll take being Olive Garden special to remind three adorable cuties just how incredible their future will be.

I love the dynamic between these three men and the strange role that Joel's parents seem to play in their relationship. Lots of emotions and feelings as they started to think about the future they can have together. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MMM story with mature content and BDSM-like D/s and DDLB dynamics.

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Review: Bad Cupcakes by Pepper North by Paige Michaels 3 of 5 stars

 

Bad Cupcakes by Pepper North by Paige Michaels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Everyone should be bad every once in a while, shouldn't they? Gather a group of Littles, and who knows what will happen? Enjoy the beloved characters of the Little Cakes series as they indulge in a much-needed break from following all the rules, and treat yourself to this sweet and naughty update on each couple's decadent journey to happily-ever-after.

This was a fun look at the littles and I loved their viewpoint on the treatment of bad cupcakes. Lots of naughiness and punishments in this sweet visit with the littles and their Daddies from the series. Easy to read, feel and understand. These were BDSM-like DDLG relationships with mature content.

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Review: Omega Served by Aria Grace by Lorelei M. Hart 4 of 5 stars

Omega Served by Aria Grace by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alpha Ike is gun shy after the ordeal he recently went through with a money-grubbing omega who lied about carrying his child. Now he doesn't trust any omegas and would rather stay celibate than to risk being used again. Until he walks into The Fallen Nut on a busy night and makes a terrible decision. He hooks up with a cute omega who smells better than anyone he's ever met before. Phil is trying to have a low-key evening when he literally walks right into Ike, a sexy alpha who steals his table right from under his nose. But Phil is tired of being pushed around by alpha-holes so he slides right into the chair next to Ike and shares the table with him. If it had ended there, things might have been okay. But it didn't. And a quick hookup in the bathroom begins a cycle of events neither man ever saw coming.

This was a strange story considering Ike's omega aversion. I did think that Phil had let Ike use him which I thought was cruel. I loved that finally they had sorted everything out. Easy to read,feel and understand. This was an MM story set against the omegaverse with mature content any MPREG.

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Review: Heat Seeking Alpha by Aria Grace 4 of 5 stars

Heat Seeking Alpha by Aria Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carson is an alpha with a certain type. He likes omegas in heat. It's not an unusual fetish, but it's definitely an expensive one. Since finding unmated omegas in heat is practically impossible without a little help, he has to pay for his pleasure. Willy is a bit of a late bloomer. At nineteen, he's only recently lost his virginity and still isn't sure what all the fuss over sex is about. So when he gets an offer to force a heat for one of Omega For Hire's best customers, he doesn't think much of it. Just because he's never been in heat before shouldn't make any difference in how he handles this client. And at first it doesn't. But when one night leads to three, they both know something more than paid fun is happening between them.

This was an interesting story with a young and inexperienced omega and an alpha who had always believed his medical professionals but medicine knows nothing about fated mates. I loved their relationship which was a little strange until the dependency was more understood. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story set in the omegaverse with mature content and MPREG.

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Review: Alpha's Fake Omega by Aria Grace 4 of 5 stars

Alpha's Fake Omega by Aria Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alpha North is the heir to a booming family business. He was due to take control of the company on his thirtieth birthday in six months, but his grandfather has added another stipulation to the deal. North can't take over until he's put down roots and started a family. As an alpha in the prime of his life, North isn't interested in "settling down" and instead hatches a plan to get his hands on the company while avoiding his grandfather's restrictions. Dante has worked at Omega for Hire as an escort for a while now. People usually hire him for short term gigs, mostly as arm candy to parties and dinners. When he gets an offer to be North's live-in boyfriend for the next six months, he's hesitant to take the offer and bail on all of his regular clients. But the money is too good to turn down and the idea of living in the lap of luxury until North's birthday sounds like a dream. But an unexpected heat and some misplaced suppressants might just turn this temporary situation into a permanent one.

I loved that both North and his grandfather both thought that they were both being clever but it made them as bad as each other. Dante was lovely and far more sensitive than he appeared. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story set in the Omegaverse with mature content and MPREG.

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Review: Omega on Tap by Aria Grace by Lorelei M. Hart 4 of 5 stars

Omega on Tap by Aria Grace by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mitch opened The Fallen Nut as a safe haven for alphas and omegas to meet up. Keeping omegas safe was a priority for him and his brother Justin after their younger brother was killed ten years earlier. As one of the hottest bars in Oak Grove, The Fallen Nut was the pinnacle of success for local craft brewers. Kaden didn't know much about brewing beer, but he committed to helping out his brother with his craft beer: Tapped. When Tapped was named as a finalist in the quarterly contest at The Fallen Nut to get keg space, Kaden was happy for his brother. At least until realizing Ike would be out of town for the event and Kaden would have to take charge of promoting Tapped and getting enough votes to win. When Mitch saw Kaden, he had to have him. They had a quick encounter and both men went their separate ways. But once wasn't enough for either of them. And when their paths crossed again, their connection was stronger than ever and undeniable.

This was a nice story where two fated mates met at a time that was not so convenient but the main thing is that they met. Lots of passion for these two men. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story set in the Omegaverse with mature content and MPREG.

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Review: The Idiot by Dianna Roman 3 of 5 stars

The Idiot by Dianna Roman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Murphy Malone loves his orchard, his mother, and his dog. Life is great until he can't stop thinking about what he's missing - someone to share it all with. When he realises that his love for his best friend, Jesse Carver, runs deeper than the bonds of friendship, it just makes things worse. The problem is that Jesse Carver is the straightest man he's ever known. Only time and distance can ease the ache, but what do you do when your loyal best friend follows you to the gay singles cruise you fled to in an attempt to escape your feelings?

This was amusing in places but was often farcical and therefore hard to believe. I loved their friendship which put them in a good place for the future. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Beyond Time by Lee McCormick 4 of 5 stars

Beyond Time by Lee McCormick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seth always thought his world would begin and end with Jayce Walker. When a sleep study offers them life-changing money, they jump at the opportunity. There’s only one problem: he doesn't have insomnia. Bluffing his way in is easy, but getting there and losing everything that’s ever mattered is a nightmare he can’t escape. Jayce is gone. His only ally is a voice in his head named Clay, who insists the body walking around — the one he's known and loved his entire life — belongs to a man named Kade, and he only wants one thing. To kill him. Most people don’t get second chances, but Kade did. Brought back to life by a power-hungry company, he has one thought - he wants revenge. But the man he's chasing isn’t Clay. His name is Seth, and all my years of being a heartless, psychopathic killer never prepared me for the way his wide eyes make me feel. I don’t know how to deal with the emotions still knocking around in my chest that used to belong to someone named Jayce. He now wants to make Seth his.

This was a very different kind of story but I did like the concept of potentially two people in the same head struggling for dominance. I like to think that they had some kind of HEA even if it was not something considered normal. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Gideon by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Gideon by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gideon immediately returned to the Coronado base at the call for help. After hearing the issues facing him, he dove right in, knowing that he could bury the pain of his past broken relationship the same as he always had. The fact that they’d lived here in this city years ago didn’t make it harder. Pearl broke up their relationship years ago, only to realise almost immediately that she’d made a major mistake. She quickly returned to Coronado, only to find that Gideon had shipped out overseas. Now still working at the same place as before, Pearl sees him in the stairwell, and the shock hits her hard, both with hope and dread. When she returns home that evening to something completely unbelievable happening before her eyes, Gideon is the first person she turns to. Gideon doesn’t know how Pearl ends in the middle of his case, but she is, and she’s not moving any time soon. Now if only he could trust that she would stay this time

I enjoyed this story with the mixture of the treat to Pearl, the clues for the case about who shot Mason and why plus the mess of the relationship between Gideon and Pearl. I loved Pearl who was feisty and actually made some very acute observations which I thought showed the men up. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MF story with a little mature content at the end.

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

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Review: You Again by Dianna Roman 4 of 5 stars

You Again by Dianna Roman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brokenhearted and love-scorn, Johnny finds himself forced back into the dating pool by his overbearing mother and meddling best friend. Is it fate, interference, or a dating app glitch that keeps pairing him with his complete opposite, a handsome brick mason with a smile that makes bad decisions worthwhile? Aiden is seemingly perfect inside and out, Johnny is a realist. There's no way that they go together. If only he could convince his libido and the determined brick mason that he's not on the market, he could get back to his safe, solitary life. Aiden wants more than just being a pretty face and a night of fun after years of fumbling through encounters that never went deeper than the surface. When he meets Johnny, something behind the skittish photographer's snarky facade speaks to his wanton heart. There has to be a reason they keep crashing into each other in more ways than one. Maybe attraction isn't supposed to make sense and love, even less.

I loved this book which at times made me laugh out loud. It reminded me in places of "A Comedy of Errors" as so much had gone wrong. I really wanted to meet Johnny's ex to make him pay for the hurt he had caused. Easy to read, feel and understand, This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back by Cyd Sidney 3 of 5 stars

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back by Cyd Sidney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Joshua should be applying for grad school. Or looking for a job. Anything to get out of my awful rut. But instead, he's obsessing about the dancer he hooked up with at the ballet studio. Who would have thought a gig playing the piano would lead to the hottest sex of his life? Before we got down to it, he thinks he promised to help out on a dance concert Brandon's producing. He was in such a lust haze he barely remembers. He'd better text soon. I wonder if he's still interested in seeing me in a *very* unprofessional capacity. Brandon can barely focus on the upcoming dance concert or his move to New York. He's thinking about that cute pianist instead. Did he tell him that he's moving? Things happened so fast between them he can't remember. He's never had an experience like that where he was totally unravelled by a stranger. If he wasn't about to move across the country, he would definitely want to go another round. But he's leaving, so no more hot domination games with Joshua. He's got to keep things professional and not fixate on the way his elegant fingers moved across his body.

I enjoyed this story but did find it a bit confusing at times due to the complication caused by Brandon's imminent move and their bad communication. It all felt a bit mixed up. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Say Uncle by Raquel Riley 3 of 5 stars

Say Uncle by Raquel Riley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sam's sister’s stepson needed a swift kick in the rear and she thought he was the perfect man for the job even though he's no brat tamer, so being saddled with one wasn't his idea of a good time, but he can see the appeal when his less-than-conventional methods prove fruitful. To Matt, Sam is an egotistical, cocky, rude, impatient jerk. He’s also Matt's boss for the summer and he’s hot AF. He’s supposed to be teaching Matt a lesson about becoming a man and respecting authority, but his methods probably aren't what his parents had in mind.

This was a story of how Sam tamed Matt as well as introduce and include him to their unique relationship dynamic. I did like the emphasis on how sensitive Nicky was which taught Matt to think before speaking. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM+MM story with mature content.

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Review: Fey Conquest by S. Rodman 5 of 5 stars

Fey Conquest by S. Rodman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Prince Rhydian Y Mabinogi. As beautiful as he is cruel. The man of his dreams, and of his nightmares. Jamie was just a normal human man. Now he is his pet. He will never see Jamie as his equal, as his partner. He should hate him, should try to escape, should loathe the things he does to him every night. But as he comes to know the twisted politics of this cruel and violent fey court he dragged him into. He can't help suspect there is far more to Rhydian than meets the eye. He thinks under his icy armour, one thing is true. He needs Jamie.

I loved this story with the Fey Prince who took a human pet and discovered that humans were far kinder than the members of the fey court. I loved their relationship and the way that over time Rhydian was very kind or indulgent with Jamie making his life more comfortable. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content. 

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Review: The Fating by Dianna Roman 3 of 5 stars

The Fating by Dianna Roman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cole had one last job. The bounty of a lifetime. It wasn't supposed to end with him on a slave planet and his entire crew dead. So, when the chance to escape presented itself, he took it. When Grantham, crowned prince of Ditali, tried giving him some schpiel about how the universe has chosen them to be together, as in together ‘together’, he shot that theory down as he is not even into males.Except now he says he’s dying. Dying in the sense that because one handsome bounty hunter rejected their so-called ‘fating’, he’s literally wasting away before Cole's eyes.

I think that I was supposed to find this funnier than I did. As it was I just found Cole irritating. I finished it but the humour missed me. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Xavier by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Xavier by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Xavier’s application was accepted, but his friend’s wasn’t, Xavier struggled with success. Even his arrival at Hathaway is bittersweet, knowing his friend has been rushed back to the hospital. Tilly, a patient coordinator at Hathaway House, witnesses Xavier’s arrival, her heart-tugging at his obvious sense of guilt. Even with Xavier’s stomach barely holding down food and his mind and soul emotionally struggling without his buddy, she knows Xavier has what it takes to make a great recovery here - if he focuses on his own life. Hathaway is about progress, as Xavier’s about to find out with friends and without.

I enjoyed this story as Tilly struggled to help Xavier see that he deserved to use this chance to recover and look after just himself. Lots of deep discussions as Xavier made some mistakes before he fixed them and moved forward again. Easy to read and feel this was an MF story with a little mature content at the end.

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

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Review: Count Felford's Vessel by S. Rodman 4 of 5 stars

Count Felford's Vessel by S. Rodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Count Felford is young, handsome. Progressive. Everything Luci could hope for in a husband. Yet they had a seven year engagement and still he feels hated. Instead, it seems he's destined for an unhappy marriage. Imagine how much worse it will be if he discovers his secrets? The fact he likes to wear dresses and lingerie is bad enough, but his other secret? That one could change their world forever.

I enjoyed this story but felt it missed a little more after they had found a more affectionate relationship between them. The ending was very dramatic and unfortunate for the world. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: In the Eye of the Beholder by Dianna Roman 3 of 5 stars

In the Eye of the Beholder by Dianna Roman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Daniel Ellis trusts no one and love, even less. His longstanding commitment to self-reliance backfires when a series of events finds an unlikely saviour offering him assistance at every turn. How can the aggravating widower who’s sat at the end of his bar the past few years be his knight in shining armour? Reluctantly taking a job as Eric Jordan’s assistant becomes more than just a means of safe haven. Working for his aloof bar patron broadens Daniel’s perspectives, threatening to tear down every wall he’s built around his heart as he begins to learn more about a man he’s always purposely ignored. All Daniel wanted was to hide from the trouble that’s following him, not have the rest of his world turned upside down by the wealthy older man who ends up being nothing he expected and everything he didn't realise he might need.

This was a nice story but it lost my total interest thanks to the hot and cold from them both. I did like Eric but he did come across as very lonely. I did love the facts about his late wife but found her treatment by her family odd especially after her death. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman 5 of 5 stars

Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Harper Reid has no money and nowhere to go, but he can't spend one more day under the same roof as his abusive boyfriend. Desperate to start fresh, he takes on a special case through the caregiver agency that contracts him. The client has fired everyone else, but this job includes lodging, so Harper will find a way to make it work until he's back on his feet. High-flying, eccentric Riley Davenport has lost his sight, effectively clipping the vivacious man's wings. Learning to navigate in darkness is difficult enough without being treated like a house plant by his girlfriend, parents, and friends. The last thing he needs is another pushy caregiver, hovering over him, curtailing the last of his freedom. But Harper Reid is different - very different. Nervous, quiet, reserved. It's almost like Harper has secrets and is the one who needs to be taught how to live again. And why does he smell like sugar cookies? Men aren't supposed to smell delicious.

I adored this story with the two broken men who needed to learn that the world was a good place and that they could mend their broken lives. Harper was a sweetheart who needed to heal while trying to teach Riley how to cope with a world in darkness. Riley was a character who was mostly frustrated. I loved their relationship and the way that they couldn't keep their hands off each other. It was great that Riley gave Harper the space to sort himself out. Lots of emotions in this story which was easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please read the trigger warnings

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Review: The Butler's Vessel by S. Rodman 4 of 5 stars

The Butler's Vessel by S. Rodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Barny's butler is calm, confident, capable and he wants him to take charge of him..But he calls Barny master, because he is about to come of age and become Earl Rocester. A vessel with a title how absurd. But there is no one else to take it. He is clumsy and brash and bold. Prone to making an utter fool of himself. He's too much and nobody wants that. It means the only offers of marriage he'll receive are from men willing to overlook his flaws for the sake of my title. That was before the incident. He got far too drunk and lost his purity when his magic was freed. His butler hid the evidence with dark magic, but now he needs regular intimacy with a mage to empty me before everyone discovers my shameful secret. It is a good thing his butler is so obliging.

This was a nice twist on the standard vessel story. I loved Jeeves who tried to stay emotionless but in the end he just couldn't. Barny was a sweetheart and it was easy to feel for him and be invested in his life and future. I loved the ending and hope we meet them both later in the series. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Prince's Vessel by S. Rodman 4 of 5 stars

The Prince's Vessel by S. Rodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Prince Wilhelm is in London for King Charles’s coronation and Jem is provided as hospitality, along with the champagne and the penthouse suite, it’s just another night. Jem is the disgraced younger brother of Duke Sothbridge. Ostracized from society since he was a teenager. Considered good enough for only one thing - being used for his body and magic by mages. He is a prince, not Prince Charming, and Jem is nobody's Cinderella. Fairy tales are just that, tales. One night won’t change everything. When Jem walks into the room, Will is blown away. He is utterly gorgeous, and his magic sings to Will's like no other ever has. He is also as feisty as hell. He has never been more smitten. That night will changes everything.

I loved this story the Will who was determined to have Jem no matter who or what stood in his way. I loved that finally Jem was treated with respect considering that he should never have been ostracized in the first place. Easy to read, feel and understand there is plenty of danger and drama too. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Duke Sothbridge's Vessel by S. Rodman 3 of 5 stars

Duke Sothbridge's Vessel by S. Rodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Colby Witherington lives in 2023 and lives in a world of lords & ladies, balls & arranged marriages. It’s all very regency, except men marry men & magic is involved. Colby is twenty-one and still unwed. Vessels are always married to a mage on their eighteenth birthday. It’s tradition. One he wants to take part in. He longs to surrender his body and his magic to a mage. A trap goes wrong and Duke Sothbridge who is forced to propose to him. Evil, cruel Duke Southbridge who ravished Lord Garrington’s vessel on a balcony and fought a duel over it.

This was a good story with lots of drama and angst as they both came to terms with their marriage and the politics around them. There were times when I just wanted to hug Colby. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Best Wrong Thing by Colette Davison 4 of 5 stars

Best Wrong Thing by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What do you do when your dad tells you he’s married the woman he had an affair with? Go out and get drunk. The cute guy behind the bar chats him up. One thing leads to another, and they end up in bed together, only for him to discover he’s the last person on earth he should be fooling around with. The more time he spend with Archer, the deeper he falls for him. When everyone around us will judge us for being together, can he be brave enough to admit he’s the best wrong thing to ever happen to him?I

This was a sweet story of love and how when sometimes you find the right person then you have to go for it no matter what some people might say. I loved their relationship and the support that they got from their mothers. Lots of passion and angst in this story which was easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: His Gentle Omega by Raiven Matthews 4 of 5 stars

His Gentle Omega by Raiven Matthews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shay Pierce escaped with his young son from an abusive relationship, with the plan to get to the safety of his estranged brother and mending their rift. He never imagined he would find his fated mate at the worst possible time in his life. His priorities had to be rebuilding his life and breaking the mate bond that had been an epic mistake plus keeping his son safe, and putting all his broken pieces back together.  Bennett Maxwell found his fated mate in the bruised and battered Alpha lying in the Emergency Room but one look into Shay’s haunted eyes and he knew he and his adorable son were his future. Giving him the space he asked for was the hardest thing he had ever done, especially with him being his new next-door neighbour. He promised to give him the time he needed to heal, even if it meant keeping his pregnancy from him. But when his ex finds him, he’ll fight for what is his.

I loved this story with an abused Shay who did everything that he could to protect his son Lucas from his father. The in-laws were unbelievable in their blindness and tolerance of what was happening. There is some powerful writing at times and you will cry when you feel everything for Shay, Lucas and Bennett. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please read the trigger warnings

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Review: A Family of His Own by Rheland Richmond 5 of 5 stars

A Family of His Own by Rheland Richmond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Former Navy SEAL Xavier Thierry knows he is good at his job to protect the client. You do the job but never get too close—that’s his motto. When the friend he owes for saving his life asks for a favour, he doesn't hesitate to say yes, no questions asked. But babysitting some pampered brat is nowhere on his to-do list. Until he first lays eyes on him… Cris. And he’s nothing like Xav expected. He wasn't sure when this man stopped being a job, but the rules blur once Cris ends up in his arms. How can Xavier let him go when he’s the only one who chases away the darkness? Cris Whitcomb thought he finally found his happily ever after. But the fairytale soon became a nightmare, one that left him with only one choice - to push away those he loves to protect them. His chosen family refuses to be pushed away. Their solution, call in someone trusted to watch over and protect him - Xavier. But what happens when your future walks in on the worst day of your life? Maybe sometimes you have to go through the bad to get the best.

This was a very emotional story and you will cry when you feel everything that Cris has gone through. I loved the combination of Cris and Xav plus the excitement of their family enlargement. Their families were a little crazy but also very supportive too. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

 ** Please read the trigger warnings

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Review: The Bodyguard's Vessel by S. Rodman 4 of.5 stars

The Bodyguard's Vessel by S. Rodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Some would say Lord Eban du Fray was a spoiled brat. Born into the British nobility and married to a lord, he has never had to work a day in his life. Instead he drinks, parties and sleeps around. Much to his husband’s disgust. But Eban is a vessel, a person who grows and absorbs magic within them, and his husband is a mage. As with all mages and vessels, his husband takes his body, to take his magic. This arrangement, combined with Eban’s dazzling beauty, ensured that Eban’s husband tolerated his bad behaviour. Alpha wolf shifter Bastion is happy to be paid a ton of money to keep a spoiled brat in line. Keep him safe. Stop him sleeping around. Make him behave. Easy money. He doesn’t expect to uncover something far darker, or that beneath Eban’s dazzling exterior is a soul that shines far brighter. But he can’t let himself fall in love. Eban is married to a powerful, dangerous man who is not going to let him go. Falling in love with Eban will only lead to tragedy and heartbreak. Bastion must resist, must stay strong. Or will he sacrifice everything for the man who is carelessly stealing his heart?

This story showed an aspect of the vessel system which was incredibly cruel and that Eban was doing whatever he could to stay sane. Eban's husband also was keen to whore him out when it suited him which directly flew against his insistence to stop him from sleeping around. I was pleased at the end with the way that the story ended. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: His Instant Family by Rheland Richmond 4 of 5 stars

His Instant Family by Rheland Richmond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ever since his wife died leaving him a single father of three, Dr. Michael Ashworth has thrown himself into his work. But it's come at a cost. Though he's now one of the best in his field, he's missing something. When he meets shy Teo, suddenly, he realizes what he's been missing, and he's shocked to discover it's a man. When word of his new interest in the smart, shy, and very male novelist starts to spread. Michael's rebellious teenager and bigoted in-laws threaten the happy future that's finally in his grasp. Can Michael have it all or will he have to give up the man he loves, to keep his family together?

I enjoyed this story with Michael realising that he was very attracted to a man after a long time grieving his late wife and then shy Teo getting used to an instant family with one very rebellious member. Teo's family (real and found) were great fun! I loved the confrontation and the way it was handled. We all need Teo's Mum in our corner! Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Simon Says... Die by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Simon Says... Die by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Kate Morgan arrives at a broken-down house, supposedly the site of a suspicious death, only to receive a screaming warning from Simon not to enter the building. Turns out, she had been given the wrong address but does find a dead body at the corrected address. As Kate sorts out whether she has a Black Widow in her most recent case, Simon tries to help a homeless man, who ends up in the morgue which is now one of Kate’s newest files because that poor man’s body had been found in the broken-down house. That’s nothing compared to what else she finds on the premises. Kate’s investigations into these deaths confirm the two properties have connections, including linking Simon to the haunted history of the broken-down house. When yet another homeless man is found dead at the broken-down house, Kate struggles to sort out the different threads, before the next man is killed and this one might not be homeless.

Another complicated case for Kate with many threads and a link to a very old cold case. I loved the way that Simon and Kate were kind to the homeless which showed their personalities. Another sad case which referred back to a lot of bad history for one family but at least was solved and the living criminals were brought to justice. I hope Kate moves in properly with Simon in the next book. Easy to read, feel and understand.

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

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Review: Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders 3 of 5 stars

Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Best friends. Unrequited love. A story that spans decades. At twelve, Easton was Wyatt's best friend. At sixteen, he became his crush. And now, at thirty-four, he’s the man Wyatt's still pining after. But Easton is straight, and all the cattle in Texas won’t change the fact that he’ll never look at Wyatt the way he sees him. He want someone who can love him back and he won’t be able to find that while he's hung up on his best friend. It’s time to find a way to say goodbye. Easton always knew he was a little bit different than everybody else. When kids his age were hooking up, all he wanted to do was sit on the ranch with Wyatt and plot out their future. He didn’t need anyone else. When Wyatt leaves Plum Valley, he takes a piece of Easton with him. When he returns at the moment Easton needs him most, he helps him to heal and feel whole again. They have a good life now best friends still after all these years. So when he happens to catch his friend down on his knees in the barn, he doesn't understand why, all of a sudden, he's thinking things he shouldn’t be. Now, he can’t stop wondering and wanting. But would taking that chance with Wyatt risk the best thing in his life?

I enjoyed this story of the best friends through the years although I did want to shake them at times. There were emotions and feelings but they were quite high-level and so I would have preferred them at a deeper level. Easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Earl Hathbury's Vessel by S. Rodman 4 of 5 stars

Earl Hathbury's Vessel by S. Rodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After years of cruelty, how do you learn to trust? To love? On Charlie's eighteenth birthday, they gave him to a mage. From that day onwards, every seven days for four long years, he took his body to take his magic. Until someone stole me away and gave me to Archie. The Earl of Hathbury, Archie is kind, yet giving him his body, and magic is daunting to Charlie. But it is his duty and a necessity. As a vessel, he needs a mage to regularly empty him or he could die. Archie is understanding and gentle, and it’s not long before he falls for him and his duty more of a pleasure. Archie also seems to enjoy their time together more than is proper, and he is hopeful. But can he trust him? Is he safe and can he ever be truly free?

I enjoyed this story which started in the previous book. Archie and Calie seemed to both be quiet and shy which made them them the perfect match. As always there are misunderstandings and confusion but once they were sorted out it was great to see them both so happy. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: A Family for Keeps by Rheland Richmond 5 of 5 stars

A Family for Keeps by Rheland Richmond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After being thrust into unexpected fatherhood four years ago by the tragic loss of his sister, Tristan discovers the baby he's fallen for was accidentally switched at birth. As soon as he meets the father of the other child, he realises parenthood wasn't the only surprise Fate had in store for him. Nathaniel is everything Tristan always wanted in a partner, but how could he even hope to have a chance with someone under these tragic circumstances? While Nathaniel is fighting for his daughter's life, Tris discovers a deep need to fight for both of them—for all of them. Because they're a family now, like it or not, and Tris is determined to do whatever it takes to convince Nathaniel that together, they are a family for keeps.

I really enjoyed this story with the two men who were thrust together because of tragic circumstances but compromised, worked together and found that they were a perfect match. The ill daughter that only one could save was a nice touch and I liked that Tris's found family were fully involved and included in a lot of the story. Easy to read, feel and understand, you will have a few tears in places. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Slay Ride by Davidson King 4 of 5 stars

Slay Ride by Davidson King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and friends to gather around the tree and fill their hearts with love. Unfortunately, there are some people who don’t deserve happiness during the holidays. Mason keeps to himself. His best friend, JJ, is the only one he chooses to be close to, plus his job keeps him busy. Excitement isn't something he needs or wants in his life. One night, that all changes when he’s cornered, and his life is threatened. His saviours turn out to be just as dangerous, and the mysteries surrounding them soon flip Mason’s world upside down. Gabe and his brothers spend their lives making sure those who deserve death get what’s coming to them. The one person they never see coming is Mason. What for them should have been a simple rescue turns into even more chaos than they ever thought possible. Enter the Saint brothers’ dark and twisted world on a slay ride that will have you on the edge of your seat, swooning for the bad boys, and trying to survive the fall of revenge.

I enjoyed this dark story which had love, family and removing corrupt officials on the way. I loved the friendship between Mason and JJ as well as the relationship between Gabe and Mason. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note this was originally a short story that was part of the Christmas Anthology O Deadly Night Vol 1. It has since been expanded to a full-length novel. 

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Review: Lord Garrington's Vessel by S. Rodman 4 of 5 stars

Lord Garrington's Vessel by S. Rodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 2022. Magic isn't supposed to be real. Arranged marriages aren't supposed to exist.

How are gay arranged marriages for magic a thing? Fen grew up alone in boarding schools. Never met any of his family. At his graduation, his older brother turns up to take him home. Except Fen discovers he is the result of a shameful affair and not related to Lord Garrington at all. Yet, for appearance’s sake, everyone must continue to believe they are brothers. To make matters worse, an indiscretion reveals that Fen is a vessel. Someone who grows magic but cannot wield it. Magic can only escape his body and not kill him by regularly submitting his body to a mage. Hence the crazy arranged marriage idea. It's a shame the only mage he wants is his arrogant and obnoxious fake brother. Lord Xander Garrington, like all British nobility, is secretly a mage. He was only supposed to pay the boy off, but Fen was outrageously pretty. Then he turns out to be a vessel. The opportunity is too great to miss. He needs to pretend Fen is his brother and sell his stepmother’s bastard to the highest bidder. Securing the best possible match to advance the family’s fortunes. If only Xander's emotions would obey. He is supposed to sell his fake brother, not fall for him.

I enjoyed this story which was a good introduction to the world that this series is set in.  I felt so sorry for Fen and as a little sad that he seemed to settle for Xander although I guess his options were limited. I was thrilled when he helped the other vessel although it hinted at something which was never mentioned again. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Tattooed Soul by Elamy Pride 3 of 5 stars

Tattooed Soul by Elamy Pride
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carter believes in soulmates and can feel it in his bones as Roman Hilson is the other half of his soul. Roman just got out of prison after serving a fifteen-year sentence for a crime he didn’t even commit. When the past crashes into his present and threatens his future, he has to learn to trust his family - blood and found - to help him clear his name once and for all.

I enjoyed this story but it was a bit strange that they were together on a feeling and kindness. The camaraderie between the team/friends around the tattoo parlour was heartening. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: We Could Do This Tonight by Emerson Beckett 4 of 5 stars

We Could Do This Tonight by Emerson Beckett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three years ago, Ben walked into Alejandro's Portland bar and stole his heart with one look. It didn't matter that he's 21 years older than him. All he wants is Alejandro. Benjamin’s beautiful smile and endless charm attract everyone he meets, including my 20-year-old daughter, Anna. No one knows about all the things they have done together. He's made sure to keep it from her. When someone attacks the bar via social media, it’s all he can take. So, which does he choose? Anna’s happiness? Or a life with Ben? Ben knew he loved Alejandro Sanchez the moment our eyes met across the bar. There was something about the single dad and bar owner that I couldn’t get enough of. After three long years, he’s finally okay with us. But when he refuses to tell Anna about us, Ben takes matters into his own hands. He’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep him in his life, even if it means accepting a date with Anna.

This was a good story but I did become annoyed with Alejandro's pathetic behaviour around making a public an full commitment to Ben. Ben was a saint to wait that long. I did love the rose conversations with Preston which made me laugh. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: We Could Do This Forever by Emerson Beckett 5 of 5 stars

We Could Do This Forever by Emerson Beckett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Preston James did things to Nick Reed. Things that left him wanting more of him and his dirty mouth, even though he knew better. Things that made his heart race. Things that made him come to realise there was more to his boss’s best friend than met the eye.

I loved this story as the two men flirted with each other and Nick and Preston fell more and more in love with each other. Yes they had a few communication issues and a really big argument but it was clear that they belonged together. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Knight by Charity Parkerson 4 of 5 stars

Knight by Charity Parkerson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It started when an adorable pink-haired sprite slipped into Knight’s life. Before that moment, Knight hadn't realised how much a person could love their best friend. Unfortunately, that friendship has him knee deep in the world of crime. Even more unfortunate for him, this predicament has Knight incapable of staying away from the most dangerous man he’s ever met - Royal. It might mean his downfall. Royal had his emotions stripped from him years ago. He’s been trained to do one thing: kill. For now, he’s doing what needs to be done to survive. That means living with a family who thinks he can be redeemed. That ship sailed a long time ago. But now there’s this ridiculously hot art teacher who’s in over his head and Royal can’t stop thinking about him. Several times he’s considered killing him so he can move on, except he can't. That’s never happened to him. It’s a puzzle Royal has to solve before the clock runs out and Knight learns the truth.

I love this series. It is dark and yet when these damaged men love someone they do it completely and obsessively. The story of Knight and Royal was a very enjoyable story. The addition of Cannon was fun and added colour to the story. Easy to read feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Leo, My Partner by R.S. McKenzie 4 of 5 stars

Leo, My Partner by R.S. McKenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leo doesn't experience emotions like others do. When he sees Tyshawn, that changes. One look and he knows he’s his. It doesn't matter that he's never been with a man before. When Ty catches Leo working his second job, he has to decide if he wants to stay with him. Leo has to convince him that he's willing to do anything for him including slaying some of his demons. Owning his own bakery is Ty's dream. When a friend pushes him to contact the owner of Ray’s Beanery for a tasting to display his baked goods at his coffee shop, Ty jumps at the opportunity. The sexy coffee shop owner he meets is as unexpected as is his instant feelings of desire for him. That is, until he walks in on him covered in blood while he’s  working. Is Ty capable of it too?

This was a dark story merged with a passionate love story. I enjoyed the chemistry between them and their discussions on events. It was well written and easy to feel and understand. As dark as it was it actually made me smile and I was pleased when the rapist was killed. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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