Review: Nash by Nora Phoenix by E.M. Lindsey 4 of 5 stars

Nash by Nora Phoenix by E.M. Lindsey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nash is feeling lonely after his former military housemates move out, leaving only Forest — his friend’s younger brother, who’s grown into someone impossible for Nash not to notice. Forest is sweet, sassy, and far too tempting, but Nash believes he’s too old and too damaged to deserve someone so good. When Forest falls seriously ill, Nash becomes the only person he’ll let close. Determined to protect him, Nash even agrees to a marriage of convenience so Forest can have health insurance. But as their fake marriage deepens into something real, Nash struggles with his feelings and fears. Forest may need his care, but Nash has to find the courage to admit he needs Forest just as much.

I loved this story which was a beautifully emotional journey between two men who never expected to need each other as deeply as they do. Nash’s quiet loneliness and Forest’s vulnerability create a tender, slow‑building connection that feels both intimate and inevitable. What begins as care and protection — a marriage of convenience born from fear and compassion — slowly transforms into something far more powerful. The heart of the book lies in the way these two men love: Nash with his steady devotion and aching self‑doubt, Forest with his fierce loyalty and surprising strength. Their relationship grows through small moments of trust, shared fears, and the dawning realisation that they’re each other’s safe place. It’s emotional, heartfelt, and full of the kind of love that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Trust: A Mafia Doms Novel by Adara Wolf by R. Phoenix 4 of 5 stars

Trust: A Mafia Doms Novel by Adara Wolf by R. Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Micah, a struggling musician trapped in an abusive relationship, is coerced by his partner into seducing Ilya Zima, a notorious Russian mafia boss, to secure his partner’s career. What begins as a dangerous mission shifts when Micah discovers that Ilya is unexpectedly gentle, attentive, and deeply moved by his music. As Micah spends more time with him, he begins to fall in love, longing for Ilya to rescue him from his cycle of violence and despair.

I loved this story, which was not just a romance — it was a meditation on vulnerability, the paradox of power, and the possibility of finding healing in unexpected places. I loved that Micah’s abusive relationship with Adam, who used coercion, violence, and manipulation, leaving him trapped in a cycle of fear and dependency, whereas, by contrast, mafia boss Ilya embodied gentleness and care, offering Micah a glimpse of what intimacy could feel like when rooted in respect. The story juxtaposes brutality with tenderness, asking whether healing can come from the most unexpected places. I liked that the story doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of abuse, grounding the romance in real emotional stakes. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

** Please read the content warnings.

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Review: Celebrating the Season by Nora Phoenix 3 of 5 stars

Celebrating the Season by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Boaz never expected to be attracted to Santa Claus—but when a sexy, older Santa (Ellery) shows up at his dad’s bachelor party, everything changes. Despite the beard, sleigh, and twenty-year age gap, Boaz is instantly smitten. Luckily, Ellery is just as interested, and their holiday fling quickly turns into something deeper. As snow falls and sparks fly, Boaz begins to wonder if their connection can survive beyond the festive glow. Is their romance just Christmas magic, or something real enough to last?

This was a sweet Christmas novella set in the Forestville Silver Foxes world. I liked that everything might have started as a sexual attraction, but then it developed into intimacy and real feelings between them. I loved Ellery's speech when he realised that he had made a mistake, but I did wonder how Boaz would survive that remotely without the internet. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Winning the Dad by Nora Phoenix 3 of 5 stars

Winning the Dad by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jack never expected much from his trip to Vegas—just a few days to celebrate his son’s wedding. But a chance encounter at the blackjack table with Sawyer, a charming, handsome man his own age, flips everything upside down. Sparks fly, and one night turns into something deeper. Then comes the twist: Jack and Sawyer aren’t just guests at the same wedding—they’re about to become in-laws. Their sons are marrying each other. Now, Jack and Sawyer must navigate their unexpected romance while supporting their sons’ big day, proving that love can surprise you at any age—and in the most unexpected places.

This was a sweet novella which was a story of late-in-life discovery, sizzling chemistry, and the joy of finding love when you least expect it. I loved the way that they met and the croupier Tim was funny so I hope he gets a book. Plenty of emotions and feelings as they got to grips with their relationship and the complication of the connection between them both via their sons. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Befriending the Bear by Nora Phoenix 5 of 5 stars

Befriending the Bear by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After three decades battling wildfires, Fraser is forced into retirement and relocates to Forestville, unsure of who he is without his career. Then he meets Calloway—a beautiful, guarded man carrying emotional scars of his own. Fraser sees a kindred spirit and feels an instant pull, but Calloway’s walls are high and his trust hard-won. Determined to be more than just a friend, Fraser sets out to prove that love can be just as steady and brave as any fire line. But falling for Calloway is no controlled burn—it’s a leap into the unknown, and Fraser’s doing it without a parachute.

I loved this story of second chances, emotional courage, and the kind of love that’s worth every risk. Calloway was so broken and had such high walls that I just wanted to hug him and tell him that everything would be alright. Fraser was so patient and this book was full of passion, emotions and feelings. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Drag You Down by Adara Wolf by R. Phoenix 5 of 5 stars

Drag You Down by Adara Wolf by R. Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Levi is innocent, sheltered, and desperate to escape the gaze of Gabriel—a man who feels more like a devil than a savior. Gabriel is relentless, haunting Levi’s every step, claiming him with kisses that taste of sin and promises that blur the line between protection and possession. To Gabriel, Levi is purity incarnate—a lamb he longs to corrupt and cherish. Beneath his charm lies a violent devotion: he kills without remorse, but only those who threaten Levi’s fragile world. As their bond deepens into something dangerous and consuming, Levi must decide whether Gabriel is his salvation… or the darkness he can’t resist.

I loved this dark story of obsession wrapped in velvet and blood. The story was darkly seductive and emotionally intense. There were plenty of twists and turns in this story as Gabriel investigated the man who controlled the community that Levi lived in. Very strong emotions and feelings from both men as they struggled with the implications of Gabriel's obsession with Levi. This was an MM story with mature content.

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

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Review: Tameron by Nora Phoenix by E.M. Lindsey 4 of 5 stars

Tameron by Nora Phoenix by E.M. Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tameron is grappling with the overwhelming effects of losing his hearing—physically taxing, yes, but the emotional isolation is far worse. He feels adrift, disconnected from everyone around him. Enter Dayton, an older and unexpectedly understanding firefighter who seems to appear in all corners of Tameron’s life… and increasingly, in his thoughts. What begins as wary tolerance slowly morphs into genuine friendship—until Tameron realizes friendship might no longer be enough. Coming to terms with his bisexuality feels natural; falling for Dayton, of all people, does not. But love isn’t always about logic, and Dayton might just be the one person who truly sees him.

I loved this story which gave a great level of detail of Tameron's conflicted emotions and how that affected his relationships as well as himself. There was a good level of information on the politics around deaf people and their families.There were times when I wasn't sure if I wanted to shake or hug Tameron. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Bean by E.M. Lindsey by Nora Phoenix 4 of 5 stars

Bean by Nora Phoenix by E.M. Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bean, adjusting to life after a medical discharge from the Army, struggles with memory loss and rediscovering himself. When he unknowingly hits on Jarek—a man he’s already hooked up with—twice, Jarek is initially offended but soon amused. Their casual arrangement sparks intense chemistry, but while Bean wants freedom to explore, Jarek is looking for something permanent. As their connection deepens, Bean wonders if casual is enough—or if he’s ready to admit that he might want forever, too.

I loved this story with Bean struggling with his new normal using coping techniques to supplement his poor memory. Jarek was such a kind man and they really were perfect for each other. I thought that Bean's traumatic brain injury was well written and sensitively handled. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Creek by Nora Phoenix by E.M. Lindsey 5 of 5 stars

Creek by Nora Phoenix by E.M. Lindsey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Creek struggles to adjust to civilian life after losing his leg, finding comfort in his veteran housemates while grappling with deeper wounds. The last thing he needs is an identity crisis—until Heath, an annoyingly optimistic surfer in his physical therapy sessions, starts making him rethink everything. Despite his frustration, Heath challenges Creek in ways he never expected, helping him rediscover courage and face truths he’s avoided for too long.

I loved this story with Creek struggling with his disability and how that affected his relationship with Heath. Their relationship was explosive and full of passion as they got used to the new normal. The men Creek lived with were great too. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Gambler's Conceit by Adara Wolf by R. Phoenix 2 of 5 stars

Gambler's Conceit by Adara Wolf by R. Phoenix
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Seven is a fugitive on the run who makes a risky mistake by crossing paths with Caleb Spade, a powerful casino owner and mob boss in Calamity City. Trapped in his world, they navigate dangerous dynamics with Caleb's enforcer, Vortex, and the volatile Havoc. Using seduction as a survival strategy, he stakes everything on his body while fiercely guarding his heart, determined to avoid a return to a life of abuse and desperation.

I struggled with this story at times as it needed more story and less of the sexual content as it kept losing my attention. I'm not sure if I want to read the next book in the series. This was an MMMM story with mature content.

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Review: Marrying the Guide by Nora Phoenix 3 of 5 stars

Marrying the Guide by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Howell messed around with some guys while in college, but he hasn’t been attracted to a man since. Until he meets Onno, a sweet Dutch man visiting Forestville. They’re the same age, and he’s so easy to talk to. Plus, Howell loves his sense of humour. He would be so easy to fall for. The problem? He’s going back home to the Netherlands in three weeks. But not if Howell can help it.

This was a sweet little novella based in Forestville but it was a bit instalove and I'm not quite sure that I felt the reason as to why they fell for each other quite as quickly as they did. There wasn't a lot of romance and I wished that there was more. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Comforting the Grump by Nora Phoenix 5 of 5 stars

Comforting the Grump by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marnin's life is simple: he works hard and plays hard, with anyone willing. He's not discriminatory. And then he goes home alone. Until his body decides to stop cooperating. Nothing is stirring anymore, and it scares him to death. While navigating this issue, support comes from an unlikely source. Ennio, his best friend’s little brother, is sweet and sassy but also stubborn in his decision to be there for me. He’s the vibrant glittery sunshine to his grumpy black heart. He doesn’t need him, of course, but he can’t deny it’s nice to have him around to comfort him. He has his own challenges to deal with, and somehow, they become friends. With excellent benefits. But he's not the right man for him. He's too old, too dark, too set in his ways, Right?

I loved this story with the two men who provided support for each other. I loved the sensitive way that sexual dysfunction and historic child abuse were handled as part of the story. Both men were brave for each other. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Rescuing the Writer by Nora Phoenix 2 of 5 stars

Rescuing the Writer by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Melbourne is a walking disaster, so he's not surprised when his RV catches fire outside the cute town of Forestville. What is surprising is the hot deputy sheriff who comes to his rescue and invites him to stay with him. Waylon is fifteen years Melbourne's junior, but he’s disciplined, organized, and put together. Who knew competence could be so arousing? But when he discover Waylon is a gay virgin, he may just be able to teach him a thing or two.

This was a sweet short story of how opposites attract when a man with ADHD is perfect for someone who is very tidy and organised. The introduction to sex was a bit clunky and not as sensitive as it could have been. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Protecting the Nerd by Nora Phoenix 4 of 5 stars

Protecting the Nerd by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

York is smart, but is also awkward and somewhat socially inept - forever doomed to live in the shadow of his dead brother. His job as research engineer is amazing, though, and recently, he's managed to make some friends in his hometown of Forestville. But when the wrong people show too much interest in his latest invention, his boss wants him protected. Despite his fierce protests, he ends up back in Forestville. With a bodyguard who poses as his boyfriend. Quillon is nothing like he had expected. He’s his opposite, but they connect in ways that he never saw coming, and for the first time, he doesn't feel alone. He takes care of York like no one ever has. Oh, and he’s also extremely hot, which is fascinating because York always thought he was straight. Apparently not. But is this just a temporary thing or could it be forever?

This was a sweet story with York at the centre. Being back home there were a lot of emotions and feelings related to the death of his brother Essex and his treatment of York when he was younger. The relationship between Quillion and York was sweet and full of emotions and passion. There was also drama and danger from the threat against York. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content. 

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Review: Healing the Twin by Nora Phoenix 3 of 5 stars

Healing the Twin by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

They were at the top. Tomás and Tiago Banner, the most famous twins in the world. The sexiest men alive. His whole identity was rooted in being the older brother, in taking care of his twin, in being a model. Until Tiago fell in love and left Tomás on his own. Now he's lost, drifting without an anchor. Hurting. To remain close to his twin, he stayed in Forestville, the small town they grew up in. He's got friends here, old ones and new. Like Fir, the adorable redhead who had a crush on him in high school. They reconnected, and he finds himself sharing things with Fir he's never told anyone else. When the budding friendship between them becomes more, he's shocked. Fir is not the type for a fling, and Tomás knows nothing else. Their lives couldn’t be further apart. Tomás is a celebrity, an eternal bachelor who’s always played the field. Fir is the local doctor, a single dad still grieving his deceased husband. He needs more than Tomás could ever give him. He has a choice to make. Can he become the man Fir deserves He's never wanted anything more.

This was a sweet story as Tomás struggled with the separation from the co-dependence with his twin and the loneliness that followed. Fir was still grieving his husband but was also lonely. It was great to see these two men go from hooking-up to something far deeper. Lots of emotions and feelings were worked through. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Awakening the Sheriff by Nora Phoenix 3 of 5 stars

Awakening the Sheriff by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Auden had always wanted simple things. Become the local sheriff like his dad. Get married and have kids. Build a life in Forestville. At forty-eight, he's single and co-parenting his two daughters with his ex-wife. His chances of meeting someone new in my small town are slim. When a new high school teacher moves into town, he recognises a kindred spirit. Keaton’s his age and a single dad too, and they hit it off, becoming friends. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow.  When Auden realises that their friendship has become something more, it’s the biggest shock of his life. He's never been attracted to men, but he can’t deny his feelings for Keaton. But Keaton and his sons struggle to feel at home in Forestville, and Auden can’t ever see himself leaving, so what does that mean for them?

I enjoyed this story but it was a little hard going sometimes as I lost focus on the story. I think it needed to gel together better. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Renovating the Model by Nora Phoenix 3 of 5 stars

Renovating the Model by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Everyone knows Tiago's face but no one knows the real him. All people see when they look at him is a beautiful man, a supermodel, half of the world’s most famous twins. No one sees the man underneath. When he returns to Forestville, the small town he grew up in, for his high school reunion, he impulsively decided to stay.nHe's now the proud owner of a house, an absolute fixer-upper. Never mind that he has two left hands. Thank god for Cas, the local contractor, who agrees to help him out. They come from completely different worlds and are almost twenty years apart, yet we somehow connect. Cas sees him, the real him. They hook up, then become friends with benefits (courtesy of a snowstorm) and then a fake relationship (long story). But when fake becomes real and pretending turns into feelings he can’t deny, he's left wondering if what they have stands a chance.

This was a sweet story of how a tired supermodel went home and found somewhere and someone to settle down with. The story was a bit high level and I felt that there could have been more discussion about their thoughts and feelings. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Dragon's Surprise by Nora Phoenix 4 of 5 stars

Dragon's Surprise by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Delton is convinced Adar is his mate until Adar's mate Oliver shows up. The second Adar sees the sweet, fragile omega, he knows he’s found his fated mate - in fact, everyone knows because Adar won’t leave Oliver’s side, protecting him 24/7. But he’s patient, willing to wait until Oliver has healed. Oliver doesn’t question his connection with Adar, but things aren’t as easy as they seem. Adar has needs Oliver can never satisfy—but Delton can. But why would the beta offer to help Adar find the release he needs through impact play? When Oliver discovers Delton’s feelings for Adar, he’s determined to play matchmaker. But matches can lead to a fire and with no one to control it, who will get burned?

This was an emotional book and I was so desperately sad for Delton as it mostly felt like he was being tortured even though it was not deliberately. Adar needs to pull his head out of his backside in the next book in the series as well as Oliver making some serious attempts to build bridges as I think they dodged a bullet there - Delton was well within his rights to leave. The Dragon Council meeting was interesting and I felt that it went as well as it could have but it was a great shame when Erwan and Rhene had to travel back home separately. The ending was a major cliffhanger and I am now dying to find out how that is resolved. A lot of emotions and feelings in this book. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MMM story with mature content.

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Review: Dragon's Stand by Nora Phoenix 4 of 5 stars

Dragon's Stand by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Omega Dragon Fallon never wanted a fated mate but now he has two that happen to be his two roommates - beta Duer and pregnant omega Yitro. When Duer announces he thinks they’re fated mates, Fallon is furious. He doesn’t want fated mates. He wants to be able to make his own choices. It’s hard for him to deny the truth so, the three of them develop a close bond. But Yitro is about to give birth, Duer is troubled by his past, and Fallon is getting impatient. And then their enemies show up, and it’s time to take a stand.

This was a story mostly about the feelings and emotions of fated mates and how that could fit into a world where Fallon was trying to recover from the constant abuse and lack of consent with his previous clan. I completely understood his frustration and even anger that his choice had been taken away just at a time when he was getting it back. Fallon when he was determined to protect the pack was magnificent. Easy to read, feel and understand you will be with Fallon and understand his emotions clearly. This was an MMM story with mature content.

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Review: Nicked: Nordin by Nora Phoenix 5 of 5 stars

Nicked: Nordin by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nordin thinks of himself as a modern-day Robin Hood, redistributing the wealth from those who don’t deserve it to those who do. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and it makes good use of his talents and gifts. However, not everyone has that view, including FBI agent Tavin Donley. Tavin and Nordin met ages ago and from day one, were unable to keep their hands off each other. Now that Tavin is with the FBI, that’s a problem. He should arrest Nordin, like, yesterday, except he doesn’t. And worse, they can’t stay away from each other, risking their careers. When a fire burns that hot, someone will get burned.

I loved this story with the two men who started with a hookup which developed into friendship and later love. They tried several times to break apart but just couldn't. I loved the way that they were able to find a way to compromise and save Nordin from jail as well as Tavin from serious implications from his job. Nordin's father's experience with the FBI was a great lesson and helped him to seek professional help when needed. Lots of emotions and feelings in this final story in the series (which is very sad as I loved these four brothers and their stories). Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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