Review: The Royal in Room 3 by Gianni Holmes 3 of 5 stars

The Royal in Room 3 by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jude works at Halo House, offering stability to boys who need it, but everything changes when Soren arrives — soft, sheltered, and secretly a deposed crown prince. Despite being an ex‑convict, Jude forms an intense bond with him, creating a scandal neither could survive. A prince and a felon shouldn’t fit, but Jude can’t walk away once he’s in too deep.

I liked this book and the way it introduced the Halo House concept run by Phoenix, with Jude stepping in to help the boys who end up there. Soren felt incredibly naive and clueless about almost everything, which sometimes made me wonder whether what grew between him and Jude was truly love or more a mix of dependence and gratitude. I really felt for Jude — he had no idea who Soren really was and handled Soren’s inexperience with a lot of patience and tolerance. There were emotions and feelings throughout, but I often questioned how genuine or grounded they were, given the imbalance between them. Still, it was an interesting start to the Halo House world, and I’m curious to see how the series develops from here. This was an MM story with mature content with a BDSM-like Daddy/boy dynamic.

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Review: Bratva's Mercy by Gianni Holmes 3 of 5 stars

Bratva's Mercy by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sergei can’t stop watching Leo, the grieving man whose husband was murdered only weeks ago — a murder Sergei helped hide. He knows Leo should see him as a monster, yet he aches for the moment Leo finally lets him in. When that happens, Sergei gives him everything, even as others insist Leo is only using him. Real or not, Sergei is already lost. Leo is his.

I enjoyed this story, but I didn’t quite love it. Sergei was the highlight for me — the way he loved, protected, and cared for Leo was genuinely moving. But Leo himself was harder to connect with. For most of the book, it felt like he was using Sergei, whether for revenge over his husband’s death or simply for sex, and that made their relationship difficult to fully invest in. As the story unfolded, it became clear that Leo’s marriage hadn’t been good, which made his need for revenge feel pointless and dangerously self‑destructive. I wanted to love this book, but I struggled with those choices and the emotional imbalance between them. I’m really hoping the next book gives Sergei the kindness and clarity he deserves and offers a more balanced conclusion to their story. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Nursing the Alpha by Gianni Holmes 3 of 5 stars

Nursing the Alpha by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a summary of a story about a man named Flynn who agrees to a contract to provide milk for a family. The arrangement is supposed to be anonymous, but Flynn discovers the person buying his milk is someone he knows, a man named Seth. He learns that Seth has been secretly manipulating him and that the contract was a ruse. Seth doesn't just want his milk—he wants Flynn himself. 

I wanted to like this story and although I did enjoy the start and end I found the larger section in the centre to be just too much. I did read the content warnings at the start of the story but the primal play was a bit too much when merged with a sudden heat. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content set in the omegaverse with MPREG and male lactation.

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Review: Bratva's Vow by Gianni Holmes 5 of 5 stars

Bratva's Vow by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wren thought his internship would be a stepping stone—until it became a whirlwind summer fling with Maxim Morozov, a man as magnetic as he is dangerous. What began as passion quickly spirals into possession when Wren discovers Maxim isn’t just wealthy and powerful—he’s Bratva, and he doesn’t let go of what he claims. Now trapped in Maxim’s fortress-like home, Wren is surrounded by bodyguards, secrets, and a love that feels more like captivity. As betrayal and violence close in, Wren must confront the truth: he’s fallen for a monster who would burn the world to keep him.

I loved this dark story of twisted devotion, power, and the terrifying beauty of being wanted too much. There was a rapid descent from romance into obsession in this story. Both men and the passion between them were just electric and they were totally unable to resist each other. Many secrets, lies and emotions as they navigated the world of danger, drama and betrayal. This was an MM story with mature content.

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

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Review: Bratva's Intern by Gianni Holmes 4 of 5 stars

Bratva's Intern by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maxim Morozof is known as a businessman, but his empire was built through ruthless means rather than legitimate strategy, fueled by his father's disapproval. His carefully constructed world is disrupted by the arrival of Wren, a shy and seemingly unremarkable intern. However, Wren proves anything but ordinary when he bravely steps in front of a blade meant for Maxim. Following this, Wren becomes Maxim's constant companion, desperate for his approval. Maxim manipulates this need, praising Wren to make him bolder and more possessive. Though Maxim tells himself he can maintain distance, an unseen enemy is after him, and Wren's growing curiosity threatens to expose Maxim's dangerous truth. Despite knowing he should push Wren away to protect him from his violent world, Maxim finds he cannot. He has finally found something - Wren - worth risking everything for and refuses to let him go.

I loved this story with the passionate yet clumsy Wren with his determination to stand up for what he feels is right. This story contains a lot of emotions and feelings as they embark on their relationship. I loved some of the side characters like the bodyguards and Nash's flatmate. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Bloom: Part Two by Gianni Holmes 4 of 5 stars

Bloom: Part Two by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bloom is truth. Logan's entire existence is a lie. Together they're an impossible equation with no solution. Logan thought he could outrun his past, bury it in the life he built as a surgeon. But the moment he fell for Bloom, everything unravelled. Now his face is everywhere, and they're coming for him. He should run, but Bloom is his weakness, his obsession. Staying puts him in danger. Leaving will destroy him. How does he choose between the man he loves and the life he can’t escape? Is it selfish to ask Bloom to leave his family behind and go on the run?

This was a story full of emotions, feelings, danger and drama. I love these two men who are obsessed with each other and belong together no matter where they are. There were lots of big emotions and feelings in this story. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note that you need to read part one first.

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Review: Class Act by Sage Abbott 3 of 5 stars

Class Act by Sage Abbott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Abe Cooper is a triple threat to Emery as he's his best friend's father, is the football coach at his high school and he's a married man. However, his marriage is on the rocks and he could lose his job for the way he looks at me. Emery could lose his only friend in the world. He knows that he shouldn't flirt with him but all the cons don't outweigh how he feels when he's with him. When Emery's home situation gets worse, Abe is there for him. But what they do under his roof when everyone's asleep makes him feel guilty. Now his daughter, his closest friend, knows her Dad is stepping outside his marriage and she's hellbent on finding out who it is. How long can we keep it a secret and how dare we be happy together when it might hurt the ones we love?

This was a nice story although I did find the plot a bit strange when everything came out and everyone appeared to move on from everything. I also found it hard to believe that the school didn't have some involvement and didn't do something to Abe's employment.  Easy to read and understand, this was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Bloom: Part One by Gianni Holmes 5 of 5 stars

Bloom: Part One by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dr. Logan Collier is a trauma surgeon and has a peaceful and ordered life. Then a young, feral goth biker called Bloom enters his life and starts leaving him creepy gifts. But Bloom does have a lot of scars on his body only partially hidden by tattoos which makes Lucas want to protect him. When a security threat forces the hospital into lockdown, Bloom’s feral nature takes over. He doesn’t care how many die as long as Logan makes it out alive. Bloom is Logan's, scars, chaos, and all.

I adored this story. Bloom is such a tortured soul which is all down to his cruel start in life and I found the explanations of that and his emotions and feelings brought him to life for me. Logan has his own secrets and he tries to keep Bloom away but in the end, he wears Logan down until they become an item. Their relationship was unorthodox but Logan did treat Bloom with care and respect as much as he could. The threat at the hospital was dramatic but Bloom did his best to live up to Logan's standards which was great to see. I was gutted when this book finished and can't wait for the next one now. Easy to read, there were loads of feelings and emotions in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Gunner by Gianni Holmes 4 of 5 stars

Gunner by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gunner is the president of the Blood Hounds MC and police chief Ben Witter has always been a thorn in his side looking for anything to arrest him for and take the club apart. But they have a painful shared history that fuels their animosity and hatred as they both loved the same man who was unable to choose between them. When they need to work together on a dangerous case their mutual hatred turns to an explosive heat that is proof that the line between love and hate is very fine and before they know it love is all that they feel. As the investigation in the case proceeds it becomes more and more dangerous and works up to an explosive conclusion.

This book was worth the wait and had a great mixture of the dangerous case and the relationship between the two men. The case was wide-ranging in terms of the people involved and was shocking in terms of the crimes that were being committed. There was a lot of dissecting of their shared history as well as their emotions as they worked through anything they felt for the man they shared as well as what they felt for each other. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please take note of the trigger warnings.

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Review: To Not Marry My Enemy by Gianni Holmes 2 of 5 stars

To Not Marry My Enemy by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Ford needs to marry someone and when his fiancee disappears three days before the wedding he needs a quick replacement. He knows who can replace her - the person who persuaded her to run - River. As soon as River met Ford he knew they would be enemies as he loathed every gorgeous and pretentious inch of him. Determined to make Ford suffer and want a divorce, and so he is as difficult as he can be. However, the plan backfires when he sleeps with Ford things that a turn he least expected and maybe a divorce is the last thing he wants.

This was just a weird and strange story. Ford was entitled and very closed off and River was just like a spoiled child having a tantrum. I just didn't like either of them for most of the story as it was all a bit ridiculous. Easy to read. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: To Not Date My Best Friend by Gianni Holmes 4 of 5 stars

To Not Date My Best Friend by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Years ago Baz met Andy when he was snapping a photo of him in the name of street photography and Baz was upset. Andy lent him his jacket to keep him warm. So they became best friends and Baz buried his crush on Andy. When Andy did a photography assignment in the Middle East it all went wrong and he returned home with mental scars. When Andy returned he found himself in therapy, a marriage which is over, a wife who has moved on hands that did not want to hold a camera. Baz tries to move from being a stylist to a journalist at the magazine he works at and enlists Andy's help with a column. Andy just needs to prove to him that moving from best friends to lovers makes sense when Baz is determined to prove the opposite.

This was an emotional story about love and how that can help to heal. Poor Andy had PTSD which was understandable after what he went through. I found it strange that Andy was best friends with Baz but did not share the details of his ordeal in the Middle East with him until their relationship had changed. A lot of emotions and feelings are discussed in this story although not at a very detailed level. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: To Not Fall for My Doc by Gianni Holmes 3 of 5 stars

To Not Fall for My Doc by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Twenty-one-year-old Austin Villiers battled with Hodgkin lymphoma throughout adolescence and has been in complete remission for two years. Dr Greer is the oncologist who treated him and only sees him for occasional checkups. However, Austin walks the wings of the cancer treatment centre where Dr Greer works, spreading hope and smiles. Both are attracted to each other but Dr Greer will not cross that line when he is his patient even though he wants to be his Daddy. This is not made easy when Austin reveals his virgin heart belongs to Dr Greer but can he break the simplest rule of being a medical practitioner by dating a patient?

This was a sweet story showing that love comes when you least expect it to and that you can try hard not to break the rules but sometimes it will still appear broken to others. I loved their relationship and that Austin knew who he wanted and was not going to take no for an answer. I did feel that the introduction for him to Daddy Kink was far too brief and wondered if the colleague who made comments about the conference was the one to inform them. So lacking in depth and detail in places. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Love in Slow M'Ocean by Gianni Holmes 4 of 5 stars

Love in Slow M'Ocean by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Peter was eight Jeff was married to his mother and became his step-father but then they were divorced. Peter turns up years later in distress and Jeff takes him in. When Jeff agreed to be Peter's Daddy sex was off the table. But after two years Jeff decides to find Peter a Daddy to a list of criteria so he can have sex and move on with his life. Only a few men from the Cuffd app who will be on a kinky cruise meet his expectations. Now all Peter has to do is choose which of these men will take him away from Jeff. Peter is determined - the only Daddy he wants and needs is Jeff. So he determines to prove to Jeff once and for all that he is the man/Daddy for him.

This was a strange story with a bizarre premise that Jeff would search for a new Daddy for Peter even though he loved him dearly. Peter was a loveable brat even though he was definitely spoiled. I loved the care that Jeff took with Peter and the way that he explained everything. I did find the list at the end a little bizarre and not really needed in the story. There was a fair amount of focus on the emotions of both of the men although I thought Jeff was in denial about his own emotions at times. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content in a BSDM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: The Matchmakers: A True Colors Charity Anthology by Gianni Holmes by Colette Davison 4 of 5 stars

The Matchmakers: A True Colors Charity Anthology by Gianni Holmes by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great value anthology of short stories around the theme of matchmaking as in all of these instalove style stories someone played matchmaker.

Bachelor Number One by Isla Olsen - 4* Sutton is a gay football player who is not out of the closet yet. To raise funds for a charity his last straight appearance is to be the bachelor on a reality show and date a number of women. This goes wrong when he falls for Blair the host of the programme. Lots of attraction and spice.

Ewe and Me by Collette Davison - 4* Country vet Robyn is new and works for farmer George's sister. She sets them up using a couple of ruses so that they have a date. Grumpy/sunshine with some passion too.

The Perfect Match by EM Denning - 3* Cody is in love with his best friend Justin. Justin wants Cody to be a matchmaker for him to find his love so he sets up a fake date and so when the guy doesn't show Cody takes him out instead. A sweet best friends-to-lovers story.

Always the Matchmaker by Ashlynn Mills - 3* Julian is a fake boyfriend hired by Emmett's brother for a wedding but he meets the man of his dreams and he just happens to be Emmett. They do have to come clean as there are confused people around them.

Three Lost Now Found by Michelle Dare - 4* Danny (Diesel) and Hale (Sierra) are strippers in Untouchable. Although they love each other they are not sexually compatible so stay in the friend zone. Simon is attracted to them both and so the matchmaker in this story arranges for them to date so they can become a throuple.

Getting It Right by RS McKenzie - 3* Hudson is new to town and set up by a co-worker with her best friend Callum. I found this story a little strange but did enjoy it.

Strike a Match by T.H. Compton - 4* Richard owns a bowling alley and steps in last minute for his friend when one person doesn't show to a matchmaking event. Artist Leo and Richard hit is off even though they have an age gap. A nice story.

Game Set Match by B. Harmony - 5* Bates and Ansen are college roommates who can't see that they are perfect together. Their roommates set them up and finally, it becomes clear to them that they are each other's perfect match. A sweet friends-to-lovers story.

If the Trap Fits by Gianna Holmes 5* Troy and Maddix are lovers but Maddix wants to keep it quiet. roy was bullied badly by Maddix's friends in high school and Maddix did not stop it but instead became his main bully. Years later Maddix is different and wants to apologise and have a second chance. This was a sweet story that will make you cry at times. Definitely a great example of this author's writing.

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Review: Daddy's Adorable Assassin by Gianni Holmes 4 of 5 stars

Daddy's Adorable Assassin by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Hunter has been working for what feels like his entire career hunting a faceless criminal who has been killing people for ten years including Hunter's late wife (he also wants to find her body). When he is caught Hunter is conflicted about what to do with him as Cosmo is nothing like they expected as he has soft hair, a slender frame and innocent dark eyes. He is shut down in little space and keeps asking for his Daddy. The FBI wants Hunter to step in and become his Daddy so that he trusts him but that means he is condemned to love the adorable assassin. and now he will do anything to keep him from being locked up behind bars.

Wow - this was definitely a dark story and Cosmo and Hunter ended up being quite psychotic and doing crazy things to each other. So beware and accept that not everyone will like this book and that there are some depraved kinks involved in their explosive relationship. I loved Cosmo who was just adorable and I could see that he was very much a product of his circumstances. Hunter was weird as he seemed to do a 180 on his own values and beliefs. Don't get me started on Agent Knight - he was just nasty. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB relationship with diapers and dollification.

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Review: Daddy's Stepstalker by Gianni Holmes 4 of 5 stars

Daddy's Stepstalker by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shaw has been Ari's Daddy since he won him a stuffie at a carnival booth and didn't change when he married Ari's mother and became his stepfather. Shaw sees Ari as innocent but he is definitely not innocent and he has been stalking, fantasising about and killing for Shaw. Will Shaw still think of Ari as his little angel when he finds out he's rotten to the core?

I liked this rather dark story of a younger man obsessed with a kind older man who eventually became his stepfather. Ari was certainly determined and his real parents were just a piece of work (especially his father). There were some very dark moments and Shaw definitely changed to become a darker character as he got more and more involved with Ari. You must read the trigger warnings as this is darker than many who read this type of book. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

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Review: Tackle by Gianni Holmes 5 of 5 stars

Tackle by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sully hoped that the truce with the Grimaldo's would mean some peace for them all especially as he has ended his contract as a mafia hitman but he finds himself involved in the mafia much more. His life appears to be spiralling out of control with nothing making sense but throughout everything, his need to protect his kitten remains something to be done at any cost. Kit knows from his own near-death experiences that he was born to survive and to love a hitman called Sullivan Matthews. He is determined to not be anyone's victim ever again but people think his heart is too soft, but he will do anything to protect the man he loves.

I loved this book which was the last one in the series and it didn't disappoint. There was danger, drama, revelations, betrayal, love and lots of steam all women into a story that will keep your attention throughout. Kit was as adorable as ever and Sully was definitely becoming more relaxed which was well deserved. I loved that SUlly supported the growth and development that Kit went through in this book which was important to their joint future. Their found family were wonderful and I hope they spawn their own series. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content There is violence in this story.

Tackle is the third book in A Hitman’s Bait series. This series must be read in order. Please read the content warnings in the author's note.

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Review: Tyrant by Gianni Holmes 5 of 5 stars

Tyrant by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yaro is the head of the Russian mob and is known as a Tyrant. After all, he killed his cheating wife and her lover (who was my best friend) and then buried them in the same grave. Then the rumour is that I stole their love child who was my little boy for the first two years of his life while I thought he was his. They also say he locked him up on an estate on his own and he went mad talking to imaginary friends. In actual fact, Yaro paid for a couple to care for him and educate him until he had to go there and find him. He prefers to be called Daisy and he is beautiful. The other rumour is that he sleeps in Yaro's bed with him in place of his late wife. Not everything is true.

I loved this story which started so very dark with the betrayal, the sending of little Chase away and the conditions he lived with. Yaro was famous for his poor temper and yet he did try hard to be what Daisy needed and eventually Daisy did learn to become the person who could not only calm him down but also to call him out on his foolishness. I loved their relationship and the way it was so passionate and fiery while Yaro did his best to give Daisy everything that he needed. This was easy to read, feel their thoughts and emotions and empathise with the characters (mostly Daisy but also Yaro who became quite human). This is a MM story with mature content and some violence.

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Review: Be Mine, Twisted Valentine by Gianni Holmes 5 of 5 stars

Be Mine, Twisted Valentine by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fifteen years ago Teddy helped to put his abductor behind bars and was using a hypnotherapist to put the memories behind a closed box. But now sadist Duncan Whittaker is out on parole and it has all rushed back into his life. So he goes to confront him intending to kill him but he realises that Duncan was the only man to make him feel desire after isolating him to be grateful for his presence and once again he is about to ruin Teddy's life and he can do nothing to stop him because he doesn't want to.

I loved this story which was so dark but so addictive. I loved the way that what started with pure revenge had morphed into something else which was a twisted form of love and dependence. I loved the twists in Teddy's life while Duncan was serving the 15 years and how it all came down like a pack of cards when he came out. It was easy to read, feel and understand this and I was completely addicted to the story (and by the end just needed Duncan and Teddy to be together). This is an MM story with mature content. Please read the trigger warnings.

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Review: Bay by Gianni Holmes 4 of 5 stars

Bay by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gerald had been a politician, a husband and a father but he never counted he could become a biker who is half his age's plaything. His political campaigns were often about getting rid of the bikers in his own town as everywhere they went they breed crudeness, chaos, and carnage. But then his son fell in love with not one, but two of them so he has to interact with them. Then Bay backs him into a wall, kisses him senselessly, and makes it clear what he wants to do to him. As Bay teaches Gerald how to tap into his desires and how a man who is volatile and obscene can be equally protective and affectionate. Then Gerald's ex-wife tries to ruin his life in prison involving him in a corruption that is much higher in their society than he realised but Bay is the man he leans on.

I loved this story with the mature man who is buffeted by his ex-wife, the scandal he was dragged into, his stepson's private life and then Bay who is determined and very clear to him of what he wants and what he will do to him. The intrigue around the missing babies and the high-level corruption was great and kept me reading this book faster and faster to find out what happened. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is a MM story with elements of a bi-awakening.

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