Review: Off Key by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

Off Key by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jayd Rollins has spent years loving Rafe Goodman — his former best friend and the muse behind his music — but while Jayd was chasing his dreams and coming out, Rafe married Jayd’s sister. Their marriage is over now, yet Jayd believes Rafe doesn’t feel the same. A cross‑country road trip brings them back together, revealing secrets that suggest their story might not be finished. To have the future he’s always wanted, Jayd must finally be honest and find the courage to write a new song for them both.

The undeniable connection between Jayd and Rafe is the absolute heart of this story, and it drives every emotional beat. Their bond feels deep, complicated, and impossible to ignore, making it the true core of the narrative. It’s also very much a tale of secrets — how they shape people, how they hurt, and how they ripple through the lives of loved ones. A couple of times the story lost me, but I’m glad I kept going because I was able to settle back into it and reconnect with their journey. A heartfelt, imperfect, emotionally rich read. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Unicorns Forever by May Archer 3 of 5 stars

Unicorns Forever by May Archer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ever wondered what happened when Mason (from Off Plan, Whispering Key #1) brings his boyfriend Fenn home to meet Micah and Constantine (from The Secret, O'Leary #3) for the first time? It becomes clear pretty quickly that some things--like true love, the spirit of competition, and epic quantities of rainbow glitter--are meant to last forever.

This novella was an absolute fun read, especially with the hilarious obsession with unicorns and glitter that kept popping up everywhere. I loved that each couple had their own individual moments, giving space for their dynamics to shine, while the joint scenes brought all four of them together in the best, most chaotic way. It’s light, playful, and full of sparkle — a perfect little crossover treat for fans of both pairs. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note that this was very short bonus story, which was previously available as part of a giveaway. No new content has been added. It also makes the most sense to read this story after you've read The Secret and Off Plan.

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Review: The Light by May Archer 3 of 5 stars

The Light by May Archer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mark can’t forget Fran Goode, the man who walked away with his heart four years ago. On the eve of a blizzard, he drives to Fran’s remote cabin to finally learn whether their old spark has died… or has been quietly burning for them all along.

This was a sweet novella built around the deep connection Mark and Fran Goode clearly formed years ago, and I liked that Mark finally took the step to seek closure — or maybe something more. It was a bit bizarre that neither of them managed to stay in touch, but I was still glad to see them reconnect and face what was left between them. There were emotions throughout, though the short length meant they stayed fairly quick and surface‑level rather than deeply explored. Still, it was an easy, heartfelt read about revisiting old love and deciding whether that spark is worth chasing again. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Castle by May Archer 3 of 5 stars

The Castle by May Archer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dare has spent years watching his best friend Brian chase fairy‑tale love and get his heart broken, always being the one to pick up the pieces. What Brian doesn’t see is that while he’s been dreaming of princes and happily‑ever‑afters, Dare has been dreaming of him — the man right beside him all along.

This was a sweet novella, centred on Dare doing everything he could to support his best friend while quietly dreading what might come next. His fear and tenderness were easy to feel, even when the emotional tension stretched a bit too long for the story’s length. The tortured phase lingered more than I expected, but the book itself was easy to read and understand, with clear emotions and a gentle flow. A heartfelt short read about loyalty, longing, and the hope that standing by someone might finally lead to something more. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The World by May Archer 3 of 5 stars

The World by May Archer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ethan thinks he has nothing in common with Taika Parata — a wealthy, globe‑trotting entrepreneur who seems like a total jerk. Ethan’s own dreams of a nomadic life never got him farther than Boston, so Taika feels like the opposite of everything he is. But when fate pushes them together, both men start to challenge their assumptions, gaining a new understanding of the world… and of each other. 

I loved the undeniable connection between Ethan and Taika and the way Ethan quietly but completely shook Taika’s world was such a joy to read. Their relationship felt easy and natural, full of warmth and gentle humour, and I especially liked how Ethan gave Taika a new perspective on his life despite their very different backgrounds. It’s an enjoyable, emotional short story with a sweet bond at its centre, perfect for readers who love watching two men discover they fit together far better than they ever expected. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note that this story was first available as part of Volume 2 of the Heart2Heart charity anthology. 

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Review: The Note by May Archer 3 of 5 stars

The Note by May Archer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tyler found his soulmate back in high school when his neighbor Alex wrote him a love note promising him “always.” Eight years later, that promise has shattered — because Tyler is now planning Alex’s dream Valentine’s Day wedding, and Alex isn’t marrying him. A bittersweet setup about first love, soulmates, and the heartbreak of watching the person you thought was your forever choose someone else.

This novella was a bit silly, really — especially the way the love note was never properly discussed or its author revealed, despite how important it was to Tyler. That gap made the central premise harder to fully buy into. Still, the story was packed with emotions and feelings, and Tyler’s heartbreak and longing came through clearly. It’s an easy, dramatic read with plenty of sentiment, even if the plot doesn’t always hold together. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Night by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

The Night by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gideon had one perfect night in Vegas with Liam McKnight — then woke up alone, heartbroken, and staring at Liam’s abandoned wedding ring. Now a grumpy firefighter who wants nothing to do with O’Leary’s Christmas cheer, he’s stunned when Liam suddenly returns with a child. Old sparks flare fast, and as the town meddles and the holidays close in, it becomes clear that what happened in Vegas isn’t over. Gideon just has to decide whether he can risk his heart — and a second chance — with the man who once broke it.

This story had a wonderfully emotional core, built on tragic circumstances that created the misunderstanding and stubbornness keeping Gideon and Liam apart. Once they finally reunited, the whole town of O’Leary rallied around them, determined to push them toward clearing the air and actually talking — and it worked beautifully. I loved the Christmas atmosphere, from the lights and carols to the random Santas popping up everywhere, which added so much charm. There were plenty of feelings and emotional moments, and the tea party was an absolute delight. A heartfelt second‑chance romance wrapped in small‑town warmth and holiday magic. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Fire by May Archer 3 of 5 stars

The Fire by May Archer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Parker returns to O’Leary after ten years, only to find his dream falling apart — especially when Jameson Burke, his former best friend and first love, treats him like the enemy. When his new bar burns down and a blizzard traps them together, one intense night proves their old spark never really faded, leaving Parker imagining a future where they finally rebuild something together.

I really wanted to love this story, but the length worked against it. The constant needling and poor communication between Parker and Jameson stopped being fun tension and just became frustrating. It dragged on so much that I almost didn’t finish — but I’d already invested the time, so I pushed through. I did enjoy the pep talks from their friends, though I found it odd how everything had to be spelled out in such painstaking detail, as if the characters couldn’t connect the dots themselves. In the end, the story had heart, but the pacing and repetitive miscommunication made it harder to enjoy than I’d hoped. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Secret by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

The Secret by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Micah hires Constantine — his family’s rival and a cocky trouble‑maker — thinking it’s a good deed, not a temptation. But having him in his shop and in his space quickly turns into something he can’t ignore. Constantine, trying to rebuild his life after years of mistakes, takes the job even though Micah is the last man he should want. He tells himself Micah is his boss, not his boyfriend… but the pull between them keeps getting stronger. Two supposed enemies, one undeniable attraction, and no real chance of resisting it.

What really carried this story was the undeniable connection between Micah and Constantine — a bond strong enough to push through their messy history and the communication issues that kept tripping them up, both with each other and with their families. Their feelings were always clear, even when their words weren’t. I did struggle with how difficult it was for Constantine to talk to his mother about anything personal. Given how close he and Micah were becoming, that level of secrecy made things feel a bit one‑sided at times. I loved that everything ultimately worked out, though I was left wondering how things ended for certain people and businesses caught in the crossfire. Still, the story delivered plenty of emotion and feeling, with both men learning to open up despite their pasts. A heartfelt, complicated romance built on chemistry, conflict, and the slow work of learning to communicate. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Gift by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

The Gift by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Daniel arrives in O’Leary wanting a simple, complication‑free life, trusting no one except his unexpected best friend, Julian. Julian, who’s spent his whole life keeping his head down, finds comfort in Daniel too until one slip leads the whole town to believe they’re a couple. Suddenly Daniel, very straight and very not‑his‑lover, becomes his fake boyfriend. Now the two best friends have to navigate a pretend relationship that feels increasingly real.

The undeniable connection between Daniel and Julian shines from the start — a friendship that slips into a fake relationship and then quietly, inevitably becomes something real. Their shift from “just friends” to something deeper felt natural and full of warmth. Julian’s quirky charm and animal facts were an absolute delight, adding humour and heart. Daniel, on the other hand, was harder to understand. His extreme secrecy about his past made their friendship feel one‑sided at times, even though the emotional payoff eventually landed. I also loved the side drama with Julian’s younger brother and Sam, which added extra tension and sweetness without overshadowing the main romance. The story is full of emotions and feelings, especially Daniel’s confusion as he realises his sexuality is far more fluid than he believed. A tender, messy, heartfelt journey from friendship to love. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Fall by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

The Fall by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Silas Sloane, a small‑town cop who avoids commitments, meets Everett Maior, a guarded widower dragged reluctantly into O’Leary. Their attraction is instant, even as Everett tries to keep his distance. But with strange disappearances unsettling the town and old ghosts resurfacing, the two men must navigate danger and their growing connection to see if a future together is possible.

I loved the undeniable connection between Silas and Everett — neither of them wanted a relationship, yet they still fell for each other despite all their reluctance and good intentions. Watching them slowly give in to what was already there made their romance feel even more satisfying. The mystery of the missing people added great tension, and I really enjoyed how everything came together in the end. It gave the story a strong sense of momentum alongside all the emotion. There were plenty of feelings throughout, from vulnerability to longing to quiet moments of trust. And Hen (Everett’s grandfather) absolutely stole the show for me. Their banter was sharp, funny, and full of heart, adding warmth to even the darker moments. A lovely blend of mystery, emotion, and reluctant romance. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Hot Axe by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

Hot Axe by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ames has been secretly in love with his best friend Robbie for years, even though Robbie is straight, engaged, and completely off‑limits. Everyone in their small town sees them as a pair, but Ames has always kept his feelings buried deep. After a dangerous fire and an injury, a heavily medicated Ames accidentally confesses everything — and suddenly Robbie is the one caring for him, staying close, and blurring every line between friendship and something more. As unexpected sparks start to fly, Ames struggles to protect their lifelong bond, terrified that believing in something real could cost him the person he loves most.

This story was packed with danger, drama, and a whole lot of emotion. The connection between Ames and Robbie was so strong that it felt inevitable they’d end up together — they just needed the chaos of the fire to finally shake Robbie into realising what had been in his heart all along. Watching their lifelong bond shift into something deeper was incredibly satisfying, especially with all the tension and feelings swirling around them. Every moment was well described and easy to feel, from the high‑stakes rescue to the quieter, more vulnerable scenes afterward. A heartfelt, emotional read that kept me fully invested. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Right Way by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

The Right Way by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sebastian “Bas” Seaver is a brilliant but obsessive man consumed by his need for revenge against Alexei Stornovich, the mob boss responsible for murdering his fiancée and parents. His fixation threatens to destroy everything he has left. Drew McMann, his lifelong best friend, has always relied on control to survive — through family tragedy, through betrayal, and through years of hiding his love for Bas. When a reckless, drunken kiss exposes the truth Drew has buried for decades, their carefully balanced friendship begins to crack. As Alexei’s threats close in on them and their circle of friends, Bas and Drew are forced to depend on each other more than ever. But with danger escalating and long‑held secrets rising to the surface, they must confront their feelings and accept that the only path forward — the only “right way” — is the one where they choose each other.

What really stood out to me in this book was the sheer depth of love between Bas and Drew — a love that had been there for years, just waiting for the two of them to finally stop fighting it. Their bond has always been intense, but watching them shift from friendship into something deeper felt incredibly natural. They didn’t need to reinvent themselves, only adjust the shape of their relationship and finally explore the feelings they’d both been carrying for so long. I loved how passionate they were — about their work, their loyalty, their need to protect the people they care about, and especially about each other. Even with danger closing in and emotions running high, that passion is what anchors them. It’s a story about two men who have always been each other’s home, finally allowing themselves to claim it. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Long Way by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

The Long Way by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Damon’s life is in ruins after being falsely blamed for the Seaver plane crash, and he’s determined to expose the real culprit — Senator Emmett Shaw. Cain, the senator’s polished and tightly controlled son, is hiding dangerous family secrets of his own. When Damon’s pursuit of justice goes wrong, Cain unexpectedly saves him, and the two men join forces to uncover the truth. As danger closes in and the road ahead grows more treacherous, they’re forced to rely on each other — and the one thing they can’t escape is the growing connection between them.

I loved this story with the pull between Damon and Cain that was impossible to ignore — it simmered beneath every moment they shared, even as danger closed in from all sides. Their lives were both shaped by relentless drama and high‑stakes threats, yet somehow they still fall for each other with a kind of inevitability that felt both tender and explosive. What made their connection so compelling is how it grew right in the middle of chaos: Damon fighting to reclaim his life, Cain trying to break free from the shadows of his father, and both of them constantly looking over their shoulders. Despite all of that, or maybe because of it, their bond becomes the one steady thing they can hold on to. It’s a gripping, emotional journey where love refuses to be pushed aside, no matter how dangerous the road becomes. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Easy Way by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

The Easy Way by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cam’s life collapses after his parents’ fatal plane crash, leaving him responsible for the family company and his unstable brother, Sebastian. FBI agent Cort, searching for his missing foster brother and convinced Sebastian is to blame, infiltrates Seaver Tech for answers. What begins as a revenge mission and a one‑night deception turns into a powerful, unexpected connection between Cam and Cort. As secrets surface and loyalties clash, their growing love becomes either the thing that saves them or the force that tears everything apart.

I loved that Cam and Cort’s connection hits with real intensity — two men driven by different wounds but ultimately chasing the same truth, the same justice, and eventually the same love. I loved how their shared determination pulled them together even when loyalty, grief, and danger threatened to tear them apart. The drama surrounding the plane crash that killed Cam’s parents adds gripping tension, especially as its ties to Cort’s missing brother slowly unravel. The stakes feel high, the danger constant, and the emotional payoff strong. Their bond grows in the middle of all that chaos, and watching them choose each other despite everything makes the story incredibly satisfying. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: On the Run by May Archer 1 of 5 stars

On the Run by May Archer

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Toby heads to Whispering Key to hide from a scandal and keep his identity as advice columnist Aunt Hagatha secret. His plan unravels when he meets Beale Goodman — a huge, gentle, utterly wholesome man who rescues feral cats and ends up rescuing Toby too. Beale agrees to pose as his fake soulmate, but the act quickly feels real, especially with the island community embracing them as a couple. As Tony starts to realise he’s finally found something worth staying for, his old secrets threaten to catch up with him.

This one just didn’t work for me. The story felt far too chaotic, and the humour — which should have been a highlight — quickly tipped into irritating rather than charming. I kept hoping it would settle into the same enjoyable rhythm as the first book in the series, but it never quite found that balance. Instead of feeling fun and warm, the constant noise and over‑the‑top antics drowned out the romance and left me more frustrated than entertained. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Off Plan by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

Off Plan by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mason Bloom arrives on Whispering Key expecting a career boost, not a romantic upheaval. The resort he’s meant to work at is crumbling, the locals are eccentric, and the island is full of wild stories — none of which were in his carefully crafted five‑step plan. Then he meets Fenn Reardon: gorgeous, maddening, and very much a man. Fenn pushes every button Mason has, turning his orderly life into chaos while making him feel more alive than he ever has. As their chemistry intensifies — beach kisses, stolen moments, and a growing desire Mason can’t ignore — he starts questioning his sexuality and his future. Falling for Fenn wasn’t part of the plan, but Mason begins to realise that happiness might come from letting go of the plan altogether.

I loved this story that thrives on the unexpected, undeniable connection between Mason and Fenn — a spark that hit long before Mason was willing to admit it. Their chemistry feels immediate and electric, the kind that sneaks up on you and refuses to be ignored, no matter how carefully Mason had planned his life. What gave the book its emotional weight is Mason’s growing dilemma: stay on Whispering Key with the man who makes him feel more alive than he ever has, or walk away to protect the future he thought he wanted. His internal tug‑of‑war is heartfelt and believable, especially as the island — and Fenn — begin to feel like home in ways he never anticipated. This was a charming, funny, and surprisingly moving romance about letting go of the plan and choosing the life — and the person — who makes your world bigger. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Kiss My Axe by May Archer 4 of 5 stars

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Kiss My Axe by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Griffin’s PR disaster sends him fleeing Manhattan to a quirky Vermont town, where he ends up living in a fairy‑tale treehouse he inherited. His plan is to hide out and regroup — until he clashes with his grumpy, ridiculously attractive lumberjack neighbour, Beckett “the Axe” Axford, who insists the surrounding forest belongs to him. What starts as a battle of wills turns into flirtation, pickle‑festival chaos, and late‑night kisses in the woods. As their rivalry heats up, so does their chemistry, and Griffin finds himself fighting just as hard for his heart as he is for his inheritance.

I loved that this romance leans hard into that deliciously thin line between love and hate, and the connection between these two men absolutely crackles. Every clash, every challenge, every stubborn stand‑off only highlighted how fiercely drawn they are to each other. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start — sharp, heated, and impossible to ignore. What makes the story shine is how quickly their rivalry turned into something deeper. Beneath all the sniping and tension was a bond that felt inevitable, as if fighting each other was just their way of circling what they really wanted. Watching them shift from enemies to something far more intimate was both fun and deeply satisfying. A lively, heat‑filled read that proved sometimes the strongest love stories start with a spark of irritation and a whole lot of stubbornness. This was an MM story with mature content.

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