Review: Candy Hearts Volume 3 by A.D. Ellis by B.A. Tortuga by Becca Seymour by E.M. Denning 4 of 5 stars

Candy Hearts Volume 3 by A.D. Ellis by B.A. Tortuga by Becca Seymour by E.M. Denning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Valentine’s‑themed LGBTQIA2S+ anthology offering twenty‑one low‑angst queer romances, each built around bad first impressions that blossom into sweet, satisfying happily‑ever‑afters. Candy Hearts, Volume 3 delivers warm, red‑hot novellas full of charm, humour, and feel‑good connection. It’s available for a limited time, and all proceeds support Rainbow Railroad, making it both a delightful read and a contribution to a meaningful cause.

This anthology is full of charm, and I really enjoyed how many of the stories leaned into humour while still delivering a guaranteed happy ending. The low‑angst tone makes it an easy, uplifting read, and the variety of “meet‑ugly” setups kept things fun from story to story. Because each piece is a novella, the character development is naturally limited, and I often found myself wishing a few of the couples had more space to grow. Several stories had such engaging setups and chemistry that I genuinely hope the authors expand them into longer works. Overall, it’s a sweet, feel‑good collection with plenty of warmth, laughs, and satisfying conclusions — perfect for dipping into when you want something light and happy. I particularly enjoyed the stories by A.D. Ellis, BA Tortuga, Becca Seymour and E.M. Denning. These were MM stories with mature content.

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Review: Snacks & Jockstraps by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Snacks & Jockstraps by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Casey Joe, the grumpy and foul‑mouthed Riggs family patriarch, is convinced his recent health scare means his best days are behind him. He’s determined to keep his walls high and his past buried — until Bryce, a small‑town boy returning home after years of lonely big‑city living, unexpectedly shakes up his world. Bryce is searching for belonging, and Casey is trying to convince himself he doesn’t deserve anything good. Their rocky first encounters slowly shift into an unexpected partnership as they begin living and working together. Casey starts healing with Bryce at his side, and Bryce rediscovers happiness through the grounding presence of Casey Joe. What begins as reluctant companionship turns into something deeper, proving that love has a way of showing up exactly when — and with exactly who — you least expect.

I enjoyed this story which showed that its never too late to start over, fall in love, or choose a different path. I loved that Casey’s sarcasm and Bryce’s gentle teasing weren't just banter but emotional shields and that love grows in the quiet spaces not just the dramatic ones. Lots of emotions and feelings were in this emotional story. This was an MM story with mature content. 

** Please read the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself.

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Review: A Sugar Pine Christmas by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

A Sugar Pine Christmas by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mattie Blackwell returns to Sugar Pine hoping to heal old wounds, revive his art career, and finally settle down. What he doesn’t expect is to reconnect with Sam Benton—the man he once left behind. Sam’s life is unconventional but grounded, juggling web design and raising his nephew Toby. Though content, he quietly wonders if there’s more waiting for him beyond the daily routine. When Mattie and Sam cross paths again, it’s clear the timing that once failed them may finally be right. 

I really enjoyed this novella which was a a cozy, second-chance holiday romance about rediscovering love, embracing change, and finding home in the most unexpected places. I loved their sensitivity of Toby and his needs even though he played matchmaker between them both too. Plenty of emotions and feelings in this story as they reconnected. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Cake & Cocktails by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Cake & Cocktails by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a heartfelt and steamy romance about finding love and healing in unexpected places. Henry, a grumpy yet caring bar owner, lives a content but solitary life in Haven Grove. When Jack, a young baker fleeing a troubled past, arrives in town, Henry feels compelled to help him rebuild his life. However, their growing connection begins to spark more than just friendship. As Jack finds solace in the town and Henry’s kindness, the two must navigate their individual scars and uncertainties to create their own recipe for happiness and love. It's a story of acceptance, hope, and the pursuit of a forever family.

I loved this story which started with kindness by Henry towards Jack which later turned into love. I loved the family dynamic that Jack was included in after he moved in with Henry. I loved the concept of cake and cocktails. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: A Touch of Christmas Magic by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

A Touch of Christmas Magic by A.D. Ellis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kai has been in love with his best friend for as long as he can remember. He’s well aware he can’t act on those feelings, so he keeps himself relatively happy going on dates, running a successful business, and supporting the guy he’s known since he was five years old. Colby ran from Peppermint Hollow years ago. Trying to escape the demons of his childhood drove him straight into the arms of drama and chaos. The only good thing to come from the years he’s been away is his daughter. When Kai encourages Colby to come home, both men get sucker punched with feelings they’ve convinced themselves they can’t have. With a little help from their tight circle of friends and family, heads are removed from backsides and the two men grasp onto their very own love of a lifetime. Just when the couple is settling in to celebrate their first Christmas together with their infant daughter, the past comes knocking. Together, Kai and Colby know they can take on anything, but they aren’t going to turn down a little luck and a touch of Christmas magic to get them through the storm.

I loved this story of the two best friends who had loved each other in secret for years and the sweet girl who made them into a family. Their neighbours/friends were really supportive and not above a little push in the right direction. Lots of emotions and feelings for them both to navigate. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Peaches & Cream by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Peaches & Cream by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hudson’s past left him with some baggage, but he’s happy in the small town of Haven Grove with his family and a variety of jobs to keep him busy. Not willing to touch a relationship with a ten-foot pole, Hudson sticks to quick, easy hookups. Lance left his hometown eight years ago to take care of unavoidable responsibilities. He’s back home now and he knows himself a lot better than when he left. Hookups aren’t his thing, but sometimes a guy has to do what he has to do. Hudson and Lance have a long history together as Lance is Hudson's father's best friend. Can they overcome the messy obstacles and look forward to a long future together as well? Or will they be forced to give up on the unexpected spark between them and stick with being just friends?

I enjoyed this story of the relationship and the people around them who were either for or against them. In the end, there was no way to deny their love and they got their shot at the HEA that they both deserved. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Easy to read, feel and understand this was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Fairest of All: A Fallen Fairytales Dark MM Romance by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Fairest of All: A Fallen Fairytales Dark MM Romance by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zane DeWitt has had a traumatic past and has had to endure hardship on top of hardship while displaying selflessness, resilience and sheer determination. He is a sweet, damaged beauty with a heart of gold. Now he is free it is time for revenge and reclaiming the family's good name. Holter Todd is a tough, detached bounty hunter who does not stay in the same place for long, is for hire for tasks that many find unsavoury and can sometimes cross the line of morality. He is hired to kill Zane but switches focus away from him to the more deserving target. What happens next leads the two men on a twisting path toward healing and retribution. With the help of their found family, they find their happily ever after along the way.

** Please make note of the content warning at the beginning of the book.

This was a story all about evil and how love can rise above it and move on to a normal life. The writing was good and I could feel empathy for Zane and how awful his life was (we are spared graphic examples although we are told some of what happened to him). Todd kept saying he was leaving until he stopped because leaving Zane was too awful to contemplate anymore. The found family were wonderful and had a very welcoming and kind nature after initial investigations. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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

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Review: The Heart of St. Nick by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

The Heart of St. Nick by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cheery and generous, Hayden Green keeps himself busy in a small railroad town in the hills of the Midwest helping others. He wishes for a tall, dark and handsome man to sweep him off his feet but that is unlikely in such a small town. Ck=losed off to emotions and connections, Gannon Snow has returned to his late grandfather's beloved holiday town to sell the old man's house and store which he inherited. He has a business to run and no time for feelings. To his annoyance, he gets caught up in nostalgia for his childhood and is mesmerised by a holiday helper. Hayden and Gannon shared an instant connection but Gannon isn't staying and Hayden isn't keen on a broken heart. However, maybe with holiday magic (even if Gannon is not a believer), the men find themselves in the middle of a small-town Christmas romance.

This was a really sweet story which will pull at the heartstrings as Gannon is forced to confront his feelings, his past and his future as they spend time together learning more about each other, themselves and Gannon's grandfather. I loved the holiday magic and the way it intervened as well as Gannon's assistant who was creative with her interventions. A sweet story with lots of analysis of emotions, thoughts and feelings. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Once Upon a Christmas House by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Once Upon a Christmas House by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ivyrson (Ivy) is a scrooge when it comes to the holidays but the chance of winning enough money to do up his house (known as the Christmas House) is a large enough incentive for him to take part in a holiday-themed reality game on TV, Emory has crushed on his older brother's best friend for years and the chance to help Ivy and he doesn't hesitate. Living together and pretending to be a couple means getting to know each other on a new level, the question is can they continue the viewing audience that their fake relationship deserves to win? Or will Ivy and Emory get swept up in the holiday magic and find themselves falling in love for real?

This was a sweet story with grumpy Ivy and cheery Emory and a conversion to a reason to love the holidays. I liked Emory and his constant optimism as well as his determination to introduce Ivy to Holiday decorations slowly over time. They were the perfect couple they just needed Ivy to work out his issues around their relationship and that Emory was his best friend's little brother. Easy to read, feel and understand. I loved the snow globe. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Heatwave by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Heatwave by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Avery Kirk is back in his small hometown working in his dream career as a dietician and is happy with his beloved grandma close by. Grant Nelson finds himself away from his big city life searching for a grandfather he never knew existed until very recently. His life is facing major disruption as this musician is facing a career-changing move but he is not ready to admit defeat. A record-breaking heatwave, a small wet dog, and long-lost love reunited bring Avery and Grant together. At first, their temporary situation is easy and casual. When feelings get involved, everything changes and decisions become more difficult. Neither man expected to find love, but fate seems to have different plans.

This was a really sweet story around a heatwave, a cute puppy that keeps appearing and fairies. I loved the grandma and grandpa and the story that connects them as well as the way the attraction between Avery and Grant grew over the story. This was an emotional story that was so very sad when Grant went back. I liked the practical ways that Avery suggested so that he could help Grant. I loved the ending with the grandma and grandpa although I wasn't so happy with Avery and Grant as I didn't feel that the commitment was quite enough between them. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Two Weeks in Paradise by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Two Weeks in Paradise by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ben Stephens would rather be making furniture but is determined to cope with 2 weeks at a tropical paradise because he adores his daughter and she is going there to get married. Reggie Ward works in the theatre and suffers from anxiety but for his son's wedding, he will travel to paradise for two weeks even if he has to cope with dull and uncultured Ben. Reggie and Ben definitely get off on the wrong foot but realise that they are not as bad as the other thought and have a deep connection and fiery desire. So they spend their days adventuring and their nights exploring steamy kinks. When they go home can they face their lonely existence or will everything continue?

I enjoyed this story with Ben's previous abusive past, Reggie's happy but not perfect past and their forced proximity due to the accommodation situation on the island. I did love their relationship and the easy way they had for talking to each other and how well their kinks fit together. I adored the twist near the end which I hadn't seen coming. This was easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM book with mature content and some exhibitionism.

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Review: Take Me Home by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Take Me Home by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marc Kingsley lives and works in the big city for the family business. When he has a medical issue he is banished for several months to a tiny country town to recover. Jordan Moore lives on his farm growing vegetables and rearing chickens for their eggs. When his best friend's grandson comes to town his life gets torn upside down. Can Marc and Jordan find a brief, shared happiness even when they’ve accepted they’ll eventually have to walk away? Or will both men end up nursing broken hearts?

I really enjoyed this story with the losing battle over keeping apart from each other, the attempt at a long-distance relationship and then the rethinking of what home really was. I loved their relationship which if you separated their vigorous sex life was still a solid relationship with mutual respect and clear communication. I loved the ending. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Let Love Win by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Let Love Win by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Skyler Byrd lost time with his family when he was in a toxic and abusive relationship and so when he reaches the breaking point he is homeless and in desperate need of his brother's help. Donovan Badger is living his dream with his best friend Charlie when his younger brother turns up and he is immediately drawn to him which goes way past their past friendship and definitely against Charlie's wishes. Will Skyler and Van allow themselves to be kept apart? Or will they embrace what they’ve found with each other and let love win?

I enjoyed this story with the devoted Van who is determined to do whatever it takes to support Skylar who is trying to get back to a more normal life where he can move past his previous abuse. I enjoyed the way that their emotions were analysed and discussed even if they were not always so honest with Charlie. The fantasy section was definitely hot and definitely showed how much Van loved Skylar. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Let Love In by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Let Love In by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keegan Greer needs a safe place to live so he can finish school and so moves into his father's bests friend's house. Jake Oakley is happy to give Keegan and safe and comfortable home but having him there awakens a long-buried secret he is not sure he is ready to face. Will the unexpected spark between them be snuffed out before it gets the chance to burn? Or will Keegan and Jake find a way to stoke the fire and let love in?

I enjoyed this story with the fun-loving Keegan and Professor Jake who were both working from home while learning to live in the same house while getting to know each other. I loved the sparks that flew between them that was never going to be possible to resist. I loved their easy relationship and that they were able to (after some discussion) recognise that they were both adults. Easy to read and understand. This MM story contains mature content.

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Review: On Cravenwood Block: The Complete Box Set by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

On Cravenwood Block: The Complete Box Set by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great value boxset of the entire series.

Jett & Leighton - 4*

Jett is considered intimidating, aloof and a loner and has just opened his own tattoo shop on Cravenwood Block which is a dream come true for him. Then a determined ray of sunshine with a smile to light up the room walks into his shop and turns his world upside down. Barista Leighton knows better than to get involved with a straight guy again however the moment he lays eyes on the new tattoo artist on the block he can't help the instant pull to him. Jett realises that he has a lot to learn about himself and realises he likes a lot about the man he uncovers

I really enjoyed this book with the story about Jett meeting whirlwind Leighton and how over time he managed to fall for him and how their relationship developed in stages. There were times when I really wanted to hug them both and there were times when I just wanted to shake them too! Easy to read, feel and understand I was lost in the world with them. There is mature MM content in this bisexual awakening, roommates to lovers story.

Ollie & Bash - 4*

Music director Ollie doesn't hold back as he has no filter and so drives right in and propositions the sexy older man he sees in the Crawnwood diner and isn't deterred when he gets shot down. Then he remembers he needs to think about tomorrow and the new boss he will get at work and focuses on that. School manager Sebastian is in a hole and so takes the job at Cravenwood Block as a stepping stone to getting up and out of the hole he is in but has no plans to stick around. If he could find a place to live and get started on working through this temporary obstacle can start to feel more confident. Ollie and Bash don't have any business getting involved by fate have a different plan as too many things bring them back together again showing that they have much more in common than their messy pasts.

I enjoyed this story with the older Bash who is very uptight and restrained and the younger Ollie who is just delightful with his total lack of filter and exuberant nature. They truly were opposites and yet they were also made for each other as together they created a balance. I loved the way that Bash's elderly relative helped Ollie to break down some of the barriers that were stopping him from involvement and commitment. It was easy to read, feel and understand so I was fully engaged with and behind the characters. This MM story contains mature content in a steamy, opposites attract roommates to lovers age-gap romance.

Julian & Shaw - 4*

Apartment manager Julian has great friends, a close family and a job he loves although his love life has been lacklustre and while not actively looking he won't pass up a potential if it happens. Shaw has singlehandedly pulled himself up from his traumatic past and is ready for the next step. As soon as he arrives on Cravenwood Block he knows everything is going to change for the better. Julian's world shifts when he spots his own angel on earth and although Shaw is used to looking after himself he is not going to turn down the protective support Julian is offering. Shaw has a threat from the past but with Julian's help, he faces it and moves forward to replace ugly memories with happy ones.

I really enjoyed this story with the steady and comforting Julian and the strong and determined Shaw who wanted to move on from his past and build a new life and a new future somewhere else with a much happier focus. I liked that Julian tried to offer support and not mix it with pleasure although, in the end, they morphed into something together that transformed into love. I just wanted to hug Shaw. Easy to read, feel and understand. This MM story contains mature content in a steamy roommate-to-lovers age-gap romance.

Lucas & Dean - 4*

Lucas would follow his childhood best friend Dean anywhere and so he is now the bartender on Cravenwood Block, living in a great place and his great friends but then he realises that he has fallen for Dean (but is keeping it hidden to make sure he doesn't lose his best friend). Doctor Dean worked hard and got the job he always wanted, his best friend by his side, a great place to live and some good friends. Finding the right girl to settle down with seems impossible but he will not let that task or his overbearing parents dampen his happiness. An unexpected kiss rocks both men to the core and leads them on a journey of self-discovery where they will have to decide between their nearly thirty-year friendship and a chance at true love. Can the men keep their friendship intact while allowing themselves to fall in love?

I enjoyed this story with the tortured Lucas who was totally in love with his best friend Dean but tried his hardest to hide it and support him even though it was not always easy. I loved the confrontations with Dean's family and that eventually, he was able to confront them and make it clear that it was his life and he would live it his way with whoever he wanted in it. This was easy to read, feel and understand and when they finally were together and admitted that they were in love with each other I just wanted to celebrate with them. This MM story has mature content and contains a steamy best-friends-to-lovers storyline between a bisexual bartender and a straight doctor who realises just how much he enjoys kissing his best friend and is not as straight as he thought.

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Review: Forever Better Together by A.D. Ellis 3 of 5 stars

Forever Better Together by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Griffin can't imagine his life without Quincy but also can't ignore their sexual attraction. When Quincy offers a contract between them to determine if the sexual tension is worth jeopardising their friendship he finds himself helpless to say no. Will they lose everything they’ve found in each other, or will they seize the opportunity to turn their friendship into something even better?

This was definitely an emotional story which will pull you into their world and lives. I loved the striptease and the sexual tension between them was sometimes off the charts. I did find some of their discussions to be a little uncomfortable but was so happy that their loved ones were so supportive. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Perfect Timing by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Perfect Timing by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Resigned to being alone, Charlie moves to small-town Briarton with plans to live his quiet life as a writer. But a coffee mi x-up brings him face-to-face with Nixon. Nixon is grateful for a new job in a new town. He’s ready to leave the past behind and settle down. He’s not actively looking but he can’t deny the instant connection he has with his newest patient’s nephew Charlie.

I really enjoyed this story with the two men who had an instant connection and then attraction (cheered on by the older residents around them). I loved that Charlie was demisexual and that Nix was prepared to wait for him to take the next step in their relationship. This was well written and it was easy to understand and feel the emotions of them both. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Perfect Blend by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

The Perfect Blend by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Justin plans to put his business and baking skills to good use by owning the small-town coffee shop near where his grandfather lives. Morgan knows that his move to Briarton was the right one for him and then a case of mistaken identity lands him in the middle of young and handsome Justin's completely unexpected plan. Morgan should just say no, but something deep inside urges him to take a chance. Will Justin and Morgan complete the terms of their unconventional deal? Or will they finally admit there’s more between them than they first realized?

This started off slowly with a marriage of convenience but over time it definitely adapted into something so much more. I thought they made an adorable couple and I was thrilled when they started to think of everything being a permanent state. I loved the ending and I loved the way that they both handled an ex-boyfriend and Justin's family. Easy to read, feel and understand I liked the way that emotions were a key part of this story. This is a MM story with mature content.

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Review: Bryan & Jase by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Bryan & Jase by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jase Rafferty hid his sexual curiosity as he grew up but when he met gay Bryan Keating their overseas deployments allowed them to forge a solid friendship. The sexual attraction cannot be denied but after one lust-filled week, they have to go their separate ways. After several years Jase accepts the longing in his heart and body but when fear and hatred threaten to tear them apartJase has to make a tough decision that he is not sure he can Bryan can overcome - can they weather the storm or say goodbye forever?

I enjoyed this story with the two military men who are firm friends who become so much more and then pressure parts them more than once before they are together again only to be forced apart again. I loved the addition of Greyson and the way that he was theirs but could also be used to push them apart. I loved the way that we were exposed to their thoughts, fears and emotions at the stages of their stories and that definitely made me feel invested in their relationship and their future. Easy to read, feel and understand. Contains MM mature content which includes a bisexual awakening.

** Please note that this book was originally published in 2016 under the same title. The story, blurb, and cover have been revised and updated.

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Review: Hearts Aflame by A.D. Ellis 4 of 5 stars

Hearts Aflame by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paediatric Nurse Gabe Sterling has heavy baggage from his past but is moving into the apartment above the motorbike workshop and so is around when his work schedule allows. Danny "Mrder" Murdoch works as a mechanic in the workshop and has some of his own baggage from his upbringing. The two strike up a friendship which soon becomes friends with benefits arrangement but never thought that love might be the endgame.

I loved this story with Gabe finding himself an actual family and a wider chosen family who soon became central to his life. I loved that he had a connection with Chase's aunt as a volunteer and that pulled his chosen family even more into his world. I liked the homophobic colleague storyline and how that was handled which on the face of it appeared wrong but was actually the right way to handle it. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is a steamy MM romance with a younger nurse with an affinity for silk and lace and an older mechanic with a tough reputation who is not so immune to a man in silk and lace where friends become lovers and opposites attract.

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