Review: Quit Playing Games with My Heart by Merry Farmer 3 of 5 stars

Quit Playing Games with My Heart by Merry Farmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Brian falls hard for Sam — his best friend’s older brother and his boss — just as Common Grounds is struggling to survive construction and lost customers. His idea for a games night might save the café…and gives him a chance to get closer to Sam. Sam has lived by strict rules for years, but Brian’s pitch — and his feelings — make those rules harder to follow. Their attraction grows as they fight to save the café, unsure whether it’s the start of love or the end of Common Grounds.

This was a sweet, emotional story set against the backdrop of Common Grounds struggling through the construction next door. I loved how Brian came up with the idea of games nights, and how working with Sam to make them happen finally gave the two of them space to stop pining and start truly seeing each other. But beneath the sweetness, there was tension too — something wasn’t quite right, and Sam needed to prove he trusted Brian, that nothing about Brian’s past or fears would change what was growing between them. That moment of trust added a lovely emotional depth to the story. A gentle, heartfelt read with just enough emotion to leave you warm. This was an MM story.

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Review: Change of Plans by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Change of Plans by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Diccon finally gets a chance with Theo, the buttoned‑up architect he’s been crushing on — thanks to a disastrously wrong coffee order. Their connection sparks quickly, but there’s a catch: Theo is behind the construction project that might shut down Diccon’s family café. As feelings grow, both men have to navigate the tension between their budding romance and the threat to everything Diccon loves.

I loved the undeniable connection between Diccon and Theo, especially how strong it felt even though their relationship had barely begun when the new construction project threatened to come between them. The tension of wanting each other while facing something that could tear their worlds apart made every moment feel meaningful. I really appreciated that they found a solution to Diccon’s worries, allowing them to move forward together instead of letting fear or circumstance pull them apart. The emotions and feelings throughout were clear, heartfelt, and easy to understand, making their journey feel warm, real, and deeply satisfying. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Sugared by Merry Farmer 3 of 5 stars

Sugared by Merry Farmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Leland, eager to prove himself in the Hawthorne House kitchen, takes in Ean — his former best friend’s younger brother — after finding him homeless and kicked out for being gay. With nothing but a lottery ticket and a lot of hope, Ean throws himself into helping Leland pull off an extravagant Valentine’s Day feast, and the two slowly build something warm and promising in this low‑angst, sweet rescue romance filled with cake and new beginnings.

I enjoyed this sweet novella that proved that sometimes all it takes is one chance meeting to change everything. Leland and Ean’s story is short, gentle, and full of warmth, showing how a single moment of kindness can open the door to a whole new life. The low‑angst vibe works beautifully here, and watching these two slowly find comfort, stability, and affection in each other’s company made the quick read feel genuinely satisfying. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note that this novella originally appeared in the Candy Hearts: Volume 2 - Wrong Number Valentine's Day anthology.

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Review: Blown by Merry Farmer 2 of 5 stars

Blown by Merry Farmer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Rafe Hawthorne is a talented but commitment‑averse glassblower who knows he needs help if he wants to rise to the top of his field. Unfortunately, the one person with the skills and connections to get him there is also the man who nearly ruined his career: his old rival, Jake Mathers. Jake, meanwhile, has built his reputation on a carefully maintained web of lies. The only truths he’s certain of are his desire to move to the UK and his long‑buried feelings for Rafe. When his façade finally collapses, he turns to the one person who could save him — and proposes a fake engagement that might benefit them both. As their rivalry turns into partnership and their fake relationship starts feeling dangerously real, the two men must decide whether they can turn all the lies between them into something true.

I went into this one hoping for a satisfying rivals‑to‑lovers arc, but the story never quite delivered on the emotional potential between Rafe and Jake. The sheer number of lies Jake was juggling — and the fallout from them — overwhelmed the romance, making it hard to root for the relationship. On top of that, Rafe’s constant anger and resentment toward Jake took up so much space that their connection never had room to breathe. There was a real chance for these two to build something meaningful, but the layers of deception and conflict kept pulling the focus away from the love story. In the end, the tension overshadowed the tenderness, leaving the romance feeling more frustrating than fulfilling. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Forged by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Forged by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nick Turner is a quiet widower trying to raise two young children while juggling his blacksmithing career and a major sculpture deadline. Overwhelmed and still deep in mourning, he doesn’t expect help to arrive in the form of Baxter Hawthorne — the family’s so‑called black sheep and an accountant among artists. When Bax steps in to support Nick and his kids, their easy friendship begins to shift into something warmer. Nick, who always assumed he was straight, finds himself questioning everything as sparks grow between them. With the meddling Hawthorne clan cheering them on, one unexpected night might be the start of a bond strong enough to bring healing, family, and new love into Nick’s life.

I really enjoyed this tender, low‑angst romance that shines because both Nick and Bax are juggling far more than their growing feelings for each other. Nick was navigating the shock of his bi‑awakening while also dealing with his straightlaced, meddling mother, who has very firm ideas about how his life should look. His journey toward understanding himself — and standing his ground — adds real emotional depth. Bax, meanwhile, brings his own complications. Between fending off the pushy advances of a former coven member and wrestling with his long‑standing self‑doubt, he’s not entirely convinced he deserves the happiness Nick offers. Watching him slowly let himself believe in something good is incredibly satisfying. Together, they balance each other beautifully: Nick finding confidence in who he’s becoming, and Bax discovering he’s worthy of love and can handle a single parent with twin toddlers. A warm, heartfelt friends‑to‑lovers story with just enough chaos from the Hawthorne clan to keep things lively. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Decorated by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Decorated by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alfie wants a quiet, uncomplicated Christmas while running his RAF unit’s charity drive at the Hawthorne Arts Centre — but that plan derails the moment Blaine Hawthorne bursts into his life. Blaine is hiding out after a spectacular business disaster, convinced his ex‑partner is out for revenge, and the last thing he expects is to get tangled up with a grumpy Christmas‑hater. Their fling grows as Blaine tries to make Alfie love the holidays and Alfie pushes Blaine to face his mess. The real question is whether their spark will fade once the decorations come down, or if this Christmas might be the start of something lasting.

I loved this story with Blaine’s delightful chaos and Alfie’s steady, grounded presence that makes them an unexpectedly perfect match. Blaine storms into every scene like a glitter‑covered hurricane, while Alfie brings the calm, practical steadiness of someone who’s spent years holding everything together. Watching these two energies collide — and then slowly click into place — is half the joy of the story. Their dynamic proves that sometimes the best relationships grow from contrast: Blaine needs someone who won’t flinch at his whirlwind, and Alfie needs someone who can shake him out of his rigid control. Together, they balanced each other beautifully, turning a holiday fling into something warmer, deeper, and full of promise. This was a charming, festive romance where chaos meets calm and somehow creates the perfect fit. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Painted by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Painted by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rhys Hawthorne is lost in grief and creative burnout when Early Stevens — a vulnerable, searching member of his family’s staff — becomes the one person he can’t stay away from. Early is trying to rebuild their life after being rejected by their parents, and falling for Rhys feels both dangerous and inevitable. A teasing misunderstanding pushes their simmering tension into something far more intimate, and one night changes everything. With desire turning into something deeper, both Rhys and Early must decide whether breaking the rules is worth the chance at love.

I loved this story that beautifully captured the magnetic pull between Rhys and Early — two people carrying very different kinds of grief that nonetheless draw them together with quiet inevitability. Rhys was still shattered by the loss of his sister, while Early is grieving parents who can’t accept their true self. Their pain runs parallel, creating a connection that feels both fragile and deeply powerful. What makes their relationship so compelling is how they recognised pieces of their own hurt in each other. The tenderness that grows between them isn’t simple or convenient, but it’s honest, healing, and impossible to ignore. As their bond deepens, it becomes clear that love isn’t just something they want — it’s something they need in order to move forward. This was a gentle, emotional, and beautifully intimate story about two wounded souls finding solace, understanding, and hope in each other. I loved the Rhys painting Early scene. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Thrown by Merry Farmer 3 of 5 stars

Thrown by Merry Farmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Robbie Hawthorne is desperate to save his family home, but the only person who can help is Toby Tilman — a grumpy, rough‑edged guy he can’t stand. Their mutual dislike simmers until a forced road trip and a shared bed push them into dangerously close territory. As sparks replace sniping, they realise they might have more in common than they ever expected. And when Toby ends up needing Robbie just as much as Robbie needs him, their hate‑to‑heat dynamic becomes something far more complicated.

I enjoyed this enemies‑to‑lovers romance that definitely delivers on the sparks — Robbie and Toby have chemistry from the moment they collide, and their banter crackles with tension. The road trip, the forced proximity, and the slow shift from irritation to attraction all hit the right notes. That said, the constant sniping between them sometimes drags the story down. What starts as fun, sharp‑edged banter eventually becomes repetitive enough to dull the momentum. When the plot leans too heavily on their bickering, it loses some of the charm that their chemistry initially promised. Still, once the walls finally crack and the heat takes over, their connection shines. A story with great potential and strong sparks — just occasionally weighed down by too much back‑and‑forth. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Designed by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Designed by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ryan, a burned‑out fashion designer, returns home to rebuild his career and unexpectedly finds inspiration in Graeme, the gentle gardener recovering from heartbreak. Their connection is immediate, but everything shifts when Graeme’s work uncovers ruins on the estate and Arthur — a bold, flirtatious archaeologist — arrives on the scene. Art’s charm pulls both men in, turning a simple spark into a surprising, tender triangle. As Ryan and Graeme chase life‑changing opportunities, Art becomes the glue holding them together, willing to risk his own career to help the men he’s come to care for. A playful, steamy throuple romance full of chemistry, found family, and three men learning that choosing each other might be the key to all their dreams.

I loved this throuple romance which was overflowing with warmth, chemistry, and genuine devotion. Ryan, Graeme, and Art may come from completely different worlds, but the love that grows between them feels effortless and deeply earned. What really stands out is how wholeheartedly they supported one another’s dreams — Ryan finding inspiration again, Graeme rebuilding his confidence and business, and Art risking his own career to make sure the men he loves succeed. Their relationship wasn’t just about passion; it was about partnership. Each man brings something the others need, and together they create a space where ambition, creativity, and vulnerability can thrive. It’s a joyful, tender story about choosing love in all its forms and lifting each other up along the way. This was an MMM story with mature content.

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Review: Composed by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Composed by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Childhood best friends Nally and Jude have always been inseparable, but adulthood—and Nally’s sudden rise to fame as a film composer—pushes their bond into new, confusing territory. Nally turns to Jude for support as fame overwhelms him, while Jude struggles with growing feelings he’s terrified to act on after being hurt before. When an obsessive fan begins stalking Nally, Jude steps in to protect him. The danger forces them to confront the feelings they’ve both been avoiding, leaving them to discover whether this crisis will finally bring them together or tear their lifelong friendship apart.

I loved this story, which was a beautifully tender friends‑to‑lovers romance about two boys who grew up side by side and somehow never realised they were each other’s missing piece. Nally’s sudden rise to fame throws him into a world he’s completely unprepared for, and watching him unravel under the weight of attention is heartbreaking. The only person he trusts enough to lean on is Jude—the best friend who has always been his anchor, his safe place, his constant. Their bond is so natural and deep that you can feel the shift the moment it starts becoming something more, even if they’re the last ones to see it. Jude’s struggle hit me hardest. He’s confident online, adored by thousands, yet terrified of losing the one person who matters most. His fear of repeating past heartbreak makes every stolen glance and almost‑confession ache. You can feel how much he loves Nally long before he admits it. And then the stalker plot arrives—not sensationalised, but raw and frightening—and suddenly their feelings aren’t something they can ignore. Jude’s protectiveness, Nally’s vulnerability, the way they cling to each other when the world becomes too much… it’s emotional in the best way. This is a story about growing up together, falling in love slowly, and finally choosing each other when it matters most. Soft, heartfelt, and full of quiet devotion. A gorgeous read for anyone who loves friendships that deepen into something life‑changing. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Star Stakes by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Star Stakes by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Casper, a shy historian who feels invisible, meets rising film star Sawyer, whose sudden fame brings intense scrutiny about his sexuality. Despite the chaos of celebrity life and Sawyer’s worries about being “enough” due to his borderline ace identity, the two form a tender connection. As they navigate media pressure, public expectations, and their own insecurities, they fight to build a relationship defined by authenticity, understanding, and love on their own terms.

I loved this story that challenged rigid expectations of what queer love “should” look like and their romance bridged extremes — Casper learnt to be seen, Sawyer learnt to be known. I also loved that Casper lives in his head: History, research, and analysis are his comfort zones whereas Sawyer lives in the moment: Acting, improvisation, emotional instinct, but, their connection blended thoughtfulness with spontaneity, showing how opposites can create balance. I did enjoy reading a book where the characters were on the demisexual/asexual spectrum and found a way to make their relationship work showing that a true connection is built through mutual understanding, not external approval. They really were perfect for each other. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Chef Charades by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Chef Charades by Merry Farmer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Walt Severance, a London chef reeling from the failure to earn a Michelin star, retreats to rural Dorset to recover from heartbreak and burnout. There, he crosses paths with Kit Courrier, a sheep farmer struggling to keep his land afloat. What begins as Walt offering his hands for farm work quickly becomes something deeper — a chance for both men to heal and rediscover purpose. Kit, a dom with a strong sense of responsibility, sees in Walt not only a partner but someone he can guide through anxiety and help rebuild. Yet their budding connection faces obstacles: Kit’s farm is in financial peril, Walt doubts his ability to give more than temporary comfort, and their compatibility in the bedroom is uncertain. As they navigate shenanigans with sheep, a hostile neighbour’s takeover attempt, and even the discovery of a dungeon in the basement, Walt and Kit realise that their solution may lie in collaboration — blending passion, trust, and creativity. With the Brotherhood’s legacy as backdrop, their story becomes one of second chances, unconventional intimacy, and finding love where it’s least expected.

I loved this story with the two men risking everything to rebuild their lives, discovering that love, trust, and collaboration can turn shattered dreams into new beginnings. I liked how the farm became a healing ground, contrasting the high‑pressure glamour of London with the simplicity of rural life. I also loved that home was not just a physical space but the emotional stability found in their partnership. I loved that at its heart this story was about men learning that redemption and belonging come not from perfection, but from collaboration, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace unconventional intimacy. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

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Review: Footballer Follies by Merry Farmer 3 of 5 stars

Footballer Follies by Merry Farmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ellis Dixon may be a glamorous supermodel, but beneath the surface he carries guilt and regret for the mistakes of his past — especially the way he bullied Raeburn Kauffman in school. When fate throws them back together, Ellis sees a chance at redemption. Rae, now a rising football star adored by fans of the Ealing Eels, still bears the scars of Ellis’s cruelty. Yet as Ellis works to support him through the challenges of fame, Rae begins to remember the crush he once had on the boy who hurt him. Their reunion forces both men to confront old wounds, blurred lines between fake and real feelings, and the possibility that second chances can heal — or reopen — broken hearts.

I loved this story about whether forgiveness and love can grow from the ashes of past cruelty, and if redemption can truly rewrite history. Both men wrestled with the divide between how the world sees them and who they truly are. I liked that vulnerability was the key to healing — but it required courage to risk being hurt again. I did find some parts of the story were mostly a farce which became silly at times. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Professor Problems by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Professor Problems by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jamie never expected to find the perfect dom during a wild weekend getaway, but his connection with Aled — a newbie dom — is unlike anything he’s experienced before. What begins as play sparks a deep longing in Jamie to build something real beyond the scene. For Aled, the BDSM world was meant to be a coping mechanism after family tragedy, not the place to meet someone who makes him feel whole. But when he discovers that Jamie is his university advisor, their bond becomes complicated by professional boundaries, family obligations, and ethical dilemmas. As Aled struggles to balance his devotion to his broken family with his growing feelings for Jamie, both men must confront jealousy, past wounds, and the weight of responsibility. Their journey unfolds against the backdrop of The Brotherhood — a centuries-old organization — as they wrestle with whether love, trust, and fantasy can survive real-world pressures.

I loved this story about two men navigating desire, duty, and love — discovering whether their bond can withstand the weight of family, ethics, and the realities beyond fantasy. I also loved the story showed that trust and transparency are as vital outside the scene as within it and that it also explored how love can coexist with responsibility, and whether choosing one means sacrificing the other. The two men were perfect for each other and Jamie was perfect for Aled's family. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

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Review: Billionaire Breakdowns by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Billionaire Breakdowns by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oakley Manfred, a billionaire accustomed to wealth and glamour, sees his charmed life shatter after a devastating crash leaves him with a spinal cord injury. Consumed by anger and grief over all he’s lost, he clashes with Will Shepherd, the cocky physical therapist assigned to his case. Will, still reeling from the collapse of his own career, resents being handed Oakley as a patient. Yet as their sessions unfold, Will begins to see past Oakley’s prickly defenses to the vulnerable man beneath. Slowly, sparks of attraction ignite amid the tension, and their professional relationship transforms into something deeper. Through setbacks, breakthroughs, and growing affection, Oakley and Will discover that healing isn’t just physical — it’s emotional. Together, they learn that love may be the most powerful cure of all.

This was an emotional story about two wounded men finding strength, hope, and passion in each other — turning pain into the possibility of love. Oakley was once defined by wealth, glamour, and freedom, his spinal injury striped away the identity he built around charm and success. His journey with Will forced him to confront who he is without the glitter, opening space for a more authentic self. The story asked whether identity is rooted in external success or in the capacity to love and endure. At its heart, this story is about two men whose brokenness mirrors each other’s, discovering that healing is not just about recovery, but about love reshaping identity, purpose, and hope. There were a lot of emotions and feelings in this story which were easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Nanny Negotiations by Merry Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Nanny Negotiations by Merry Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After a bitter divorce, single father Heath Manfred seeks help from the Brotherhood to find a nanny for his young daughter. To his surprise, the candidate is Aubrey — a charming man who assumes the role is live-in, and Heath reluctantly agrees. As Aubrey settles into their home, his warmth and devotion to both Heath and little Eugenie spark unexpected feelings in Heath, hinting that his attraction to men wasn’t just a phase from his university days. Despite Aubrey’s troubled past and the “nanny code” against falling for an employer, the growing bond between them deepens into love. But when Heath’s difficult ex resurfaces, their relationship faces serious challenges. With the Brotherhood’s support, Heath and Aubrey must decide if their differences can withstand the storm.

I enjoyed this story, which celebrated second chances, the rediscovery of identity, and the transformative power of love and family. It suggested that even in the face of past mistakes, social divides, and external conflict, authentic connection can create healing and belonging. Heath embodied the “grumpy” archetype — guarded, wounded, and cautious, and Aubrey brings “sunshine” — warmth, optimism, and joy, even after hardship. Their contrasting personalities explored how opposites can complement each other, creating balance and growth in relationships. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Ruby Dragon Prince by M.M. Farmer 3 of 5 stars

The Ruby Dragon Prince by M.M. Farmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tovey and his brothers, captive omega princes, live under their cruel father’s rule, forced into unwanted arrangements to secure power. Desperate for freedom, they discover a secret passage leading to a dazzling world beyond their prison. At a grand springtime ball, Tovey catches the eye of Rufus, a jeweled dragon alpha prince. Rufus is instantly drawn to him, determined to claim him as his own. But Tovey’s escape comes with lingering dangers, and Rufus must face the forces that threaten his omega prince if they are to have any chance at a future together.

This was an enjoyable story but struggled to make much sense with Rufus and his behaviour. I did have empathy for the omega brothers and their plight but did find their defiance of their father odd as they had so recently been frightened of him. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Wrong Omega by M.M. Farmer 3 of 5 stars

The Wrong Omega by M.M. Farmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tybolt Martin has been an ESA for 10 years but when he finds his incoherent omega client in distress he needs to act. Then it becomes clear that it is not who he thought it was. But Winslow Grant is everything he didn't know that he was missing. Winslow was trying to keep the shambles of his life together by keeping a roof over his brother and himself but the arrival of his first-ever heat completely knocks the stuffing out of him. Ty is his hero, his champion and his alpha…but how can he ever be anything but an albatross around his neck?

This was an ok story but a bit of a disappointment after the previous story in the series. I found Winslow to be very tiresome with the way he put his brother above his alpha which was very wrong and his obsession with his inferiority was definitely wearing. Easy to read and understand although I don't think I got the feeling very well considering my annoyance at Winslow. This is an MM story with mature content and a BSDM-like D/s relationship set in the omegaverse.

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Review: How to Train Your Alpha by M.M. Farmer 4 of 5 stars

How to Train Your Alpha by M.M. Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alpha Jesse Armstrong wasn't looking forward to wasting a weekend at Bangers & Mash observing Emergency Support Alpha training when he had zero interest in becoming one. When Omega Phillip Mash walked into take the class Jesse's alpha senses went nuts. Phillip had time before his heat started to teach the class but when Jesse walks through the door it started his heat off. When they get stuck nature takes over and Phillip turns into a pile of slick he has no choice but to give Jesse a crash course in taking an omega through heat although it is not going to be easy as he is out of his mind with need.

I enjoyed this story with their reactions to each other, Phillip's denial even though he is the teacher and how his parents had to point it all out to him. I was fascinated to hear all of the bits of detail around the process from the training course and the training that Phillip had to give to Jesse. It was easy to read and understand. This is an MM story with lots of mature content. This is set in the Omegaverse where mpreg is possible although not in this story.

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Review: Blind Match by M.M. Farmer 4 of 5 stars

Blind Match by M.M. Farmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

They went through the Perfect Match Agency and have matched almost 94% and so when Luke decides to concentrate on finding a mate and not the family's yacht business he is thrilled to meet his match omega Emerson Carter and instantly knew he was the only man for him. But there is a surprise that was not listed on his profile. As soon as Luke touches Emerson he goes into heat and so they go onto the ocean as their first date. But then they are caught in a storm at sea and end up with a little more adventure than they bargained for. Can they prevent the other forces from tearing them apart when they land?

I enjoyed this story which was carefully told making sure that it accurately reflected life for a well-adjusted blind person. I enjoyed the gentle (and sometimes unsubtle) ways that stereotypes were tackled and rebuffed. Emerson was fearless and that made him the perfect omega for his alpha. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content in an omegaverse setting with a form of instalove and mpreg.

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