Alice Archer became one of my very favorite authors after her extraordinary first book 'Everyday History'. I completely adored that story! I am in theAlice Archer became one of my very favorite authors after her extraordinary first book 'Everyday History'. I completely adored that story! I am in the minority for 'The Infinite Onion' but nevertheless I did enjoy the lovely story of two damaged characters, Grant and Oliver. Their love story is sweet and verrrrra sexy but the journey there is definitely a slow-burn one.
I enjoyed the beautiful Pacific Northwest setting of Vashon Island but several things kept this from being a more enjoyable read for me. I was confused by the number of young people hanging out with the main protagonists (we are constantly reminded that they are "tweens") as well as Grant's sexuality. He was previously in a hetero marriage - was he bisexual? I needed more discussion of his attraction to Oliver.
Alice Archer is a wonderful writer, and this is certainly an enjoyable, slow-burn adult romance. The onion metaphor is perfect for the relationship between Grant and Oliver, and since reading is subjective, you should definitely give this one a try!
With thanks to A Novel Take PR for an advanced review copy of the book....more
"But this boy had smooth olive skin, hair darker than his, and those amazing eyes. Then he smiled and Caspian was lost. Not just 3.5 - 4 Stars
"But this boy had smooth olive skin, hair darker than his, and those amazing eyes. Then he smiled and Caspian was lost. Not just lost but lost forever. Something inside him opened up, burst into life and the breath caught in his throat. This is the boy I want."
I ADORE Barbara Elsborg's writing. She takes her time building characters and relationships and always makes me feel very invested in each story she writes. While I liked this story a lot, it was not a top favorite of mine but many readers absolutely loved it. So if YA m/m romance is your jam, then definitely give this one a try.
Told over the course of ten years, this book introduces us to Zed and Caspian, two boys from very different families. Zed suffers at the hands of an abusive father and is deeply closeted due to his family's Muslim faith. Caspian is from a privileged background but also has a very turbulent relationship with his father.
The two boys' lives take very different paths when a horrible twist of fate drives them apart. While Zed begins to thrive after his abusive childhood, Caspian suffers through years in jail. These two suffer enough for several lifetimes but yet they still yearn for each other and for what could be.
"He’d been seventeen years old when he’d suffered the worst betrayal of his life. He’d never let that happen again. He’d rebuild his life and be who he wanted to be."
This is a an epic, very emotional tale, with current events woven into the story with perfect dramatic effect. I loved the supporting cast of characters, and the beautiful, heartfelt message of Zed and Caspian's love story.
"This is our story. We can make it whatever we want it to be.”
”It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born.”
Such a beautiful and poignantly written story! The stunning prose an”It is in the blue mist of youth that the legends of our whole life are born.”
Such a beautiful and poignantly written story! The stunning prose and vivid characters captivated me. I fell in love with Caleb and Jamie.
I absolutely adore coming of age stories and The Silver Cord stands out as one of the best. The story traces the deep love between Caleb and Jamie, who first meet as children while at summer Bible camp. Their strict Christian faith is very much at the core of who they are and makes their passion all the more bittersweet.
”Once, back at my family’s church, a preacher had spoken about David and Jonathan. “They didn’t have a wrong kind of love,” he had said. Those words had struck me: A wrong kind of love. Later, I had asked my dad what the preacher meant and Dad had described “the sin of homosexuality.”
Caleb and Jamie live for the summers where they can be together again. They both suffer from tremendous guilt over their relationship and take great pains to hide their feelings from everyone.
”At last, I understood how the other teens on staff felt: The sweating palms, the difficulty keeping my eyes off him, weighing every word. I no longer knew how to behave normally; I couldn’t remember what normal looked like. I couldn’t wait to be alone with him. Nothing else mattered.”
These two belonged together! They deserved each other and it was both heartbreaking and thrilling watching their relationship unfold. As they grew into young men, they were both forced to conform to their families’ expectations and wishes.
Told from Caleb’s point of view, this story broke my heart over and over again. Why couldn’t Caleb and Jamie be together? Why did their families turn their love for each other into something to be ashamed of?
”Wanting him and being unable to do anything about it was like burning alive, but inside, where nobody could see. And I was supposed to smile and act normal, to go day after day in that state, for the rest of my life.”
This book is a companion novel to The Silver Cage, but can be read on its own. I never thought I would feel so much emotion about this book but I loved it every bit as much as the author’s first book. Caleb’s life was shaped by these events and by Jamie and he would never be the same. This story is simply unforgettable!
”Living had paused when he exited my life. The times without him were a story not even worth writing. Now the reel started once more.”
”Love is a cage two people build around themselves.”
Passionate, sexy, thought-provoking, heartbreaking...this book was an emotional roller coaster”Love is a cage two people build around themselves.”
Passionate, sexy, thought-provoking, heartbreaking...this book was an emotional roller coaster. Absolutely one of my favorite books so far this year.
Caleb is a reclusive Colorado author, and Michael is sent to interview the mysterious Cal for a new article for a high-profile literary publication.
At first glance, they could not be more different. Cal is from a conservative, wealthy family, handsome, and a devout Christian. Michael is more of a bohemian, has a live-in girlfriend and has a second life as an online gamer.
”I dressed in dark jeans and a black sweater to suit my mood. Some mornings, when I got my coffee and dove into writing, I almost felt good. The act of writing produced a forgetfulness that carried me along, out of my life, into a current of imagination. That day, though, I had to wait for the journalist, I had to think about my dream, and Beth’s call and comments trapped me in misery. I couldn’t help but consider my career, and a terrible sense of futility surged through me, rage scraping at its edges.”
Cal is introspective and highly repressed. He is gay but disputes that label. He is not out to his family and suffers terribly from guilt. Yet his faith is what sustains him and what he trusts in with all his heart.
”I pictured Heaven as a field where I would wake one day, warm in the tall grass, and see a man seated at a distance. He would have his back to me and he would be looking out at the landscape. I would come awake slowly, into perfect happiness, and, when I was ready, I would stand up and go to him. I would spend the rest of forever in that summer country.”
Michael and Caleb fall into the most delicious romantic relationship, and while Michael struggles to understand Caleb’s deep religious beliefs, Cal see things in absolute terms.
”I didn’t go to church on Sunday. It wouldn’t have been appropriate. I knew what I was going to do with Michael, and whenever I know I’m going to sin, I do it anyway and I pretend God doesn’t exist.”
My heart broke for Cal even as I was thrilled by his gorgeous romance with Michael. Why couldn’t Cal accept himself and their love? His book made me think about how important it is to be accepting of one’s true self and how utterly damaging prejudice and false judgment can be.
”He was a foreign creature to me, both in his easy emotionality and simple acceptance of our intimacy. For me, it was torture—to want his male body, to feel desire stirring in mine—like a slow, painful, undefeatable cancer.”
I am not articulate enough to express my emotions about this book. The story had a profound effect on me. An astute reader will realize who this author is (one of my cherished favorites, by the way) and I fervently hope that this story is 100% fiction. Because if it’s non-fiction I don’t think I could recover from this story.
”Cal lived in his silver cage, though his heart had outgrown it years ago.”
I can’t recommend this book highly enough! It captivated me from start to finish. I can’t stop thinking about Cal and Michael. ‘The Silver Cage’ is a must-read!
”Without a little sin in my life, I would have died a long time ago.”...more
Who is this Alice Archer and what has she done with my heart? My feeble attempt at a review of this glorious book will not do it justice. 'Everyday HiWho is this Alice Archer and what has she done with my heart? My feeble attempt at a review of this glorious book will not do it justice. 'Everyday History' is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching and gorgeous romances I have ever read!! The characters and the words will stay with me for a long, long time.
“Oh, God. He’s teaching me. He knew what this would do to me.”
Ruben is a student of the brilliant history professor Henry. Not knowing whether the other one is intreated or not, these two dance around each other for months. But their attraction is undeniable and breathtaking. Alice Archer has a gift for words and it was delicious watching Henry and Ruben watch each other.
"Those looks Ruben gives me reunite me with an old feeling of wanting something I can’t have. Of really wanting something I really can’t have. Will certainly never have. An exquisitely sad feeling that has always resided behind my sternum, even when I’ve managed to ignore it."
There is an age difference here so Henry and Ruben decide right from the start that no matter what happens, they will break it off because they are simply not meant for each other. Henry wants a family and commitment, and Ruben is young and wants to play the field so to speak. He thinks that he is not ready to give Henry what he wants, so why bother prolonging the inevitable?
"Certain he’ll outgrow his infatuation, I remain professional, watch the calendar, counting on time to save me. Inside myself doors close. Locks click. I turn away. Close my eyes. Try not to see. But sunlight finds a way. As Ruben grows to fully inhabit his curious desire… I wake up."
These two are so obviously, painfully in love and right for each other that I wanted to reach into the story and yell at them!! All of the wasted time!! All the heartbreak could have been avoided. This book unfolded into one of the most readable and passionate stories I've read in a long time. Henry is experienced yet acutely lonely; Ruben is young and curious yet knows who and what he wants.
"He wants to do it right, his exploration of the new world that’s captured his attention. But even more than wanting to do it right, he wants to do it right now. The sparkle of him blinds me. After deliberately, greedily touching me all over with his hands and his mouth, he stops trying to learn and allows himself to fall down the well of desire. I’m already there."
The inevitable break-up broke MY heart! Henry was firm in his belief that Ruben needed to experience the world and Ruben was sure that he was not ready to commit to Henry. But soon Ruben saw that his life was really just a series of if not empty relationships, loveless relationships.
"With an adjustment for gender, he renews his old policy—sex, please, hold the love—as his new policy."
Henry becomes a famous writer and must travel the country promoting his stories of everyday histories. These brilliant and emotional stories-within-a-story really sealed the deal for me with Alice Archer. I am rambling on and you really must experience this book on your own. It is simply breathtaking! The characters are loving and supportive and multidimensional and the settings are perfect. The themes of family, belonging, acceptance and love are so important and so timely. I was crying my eyes out at the end!! The plot twist was stunning and passionate and honest and just EVERYTHING.
Please read this book. You will be a better person for it! Alice Archer's words are LIFE.
Favorite quote:
"Pressure and warmth front and back. Legs pinned. Henry’s arms around him for the first time ever. Nothing said. Nothing thought. Nothing seen except hard wind in trees swaying like underwater creatures in a complex tide.
Henry bends his head to whisper into Ruben’s ear, “I’m not waiting any longer.”
Suanne Laqueur's writing is simply sublime! This delicious collection of deleted scenes, thoughts and notes is a fantastic companion to the Venery SerSuanne Laqueur's writing is simply sublime! This delicious collection of deleted scenes, thoughts and notes is a fantastic companion to the Venery Series. This is not a standalone but is a totally hot, sexxxxy and yummy companion to the series. Lagniappe, if you will.
Stef and Jav are front and center but other characters make an appearance, too. This author writes some of the best M/M romance I have ever read and I would love to see more from her!! But you can enjoy the beauty of Jav and Stef right now:
Jav was never more aware of the role loneliness played in his life than when he slept with Stef. Literally slept. Sometimes with Stef curled against his back, sometimes with Stef’s shoulder blades against his chest. Sometimes with nothing more than his little toe touching Stef’s calf under the covers. But always that extra physical presence in constant contact through the night. After decades of sleeping solo, it ought to have been weird. A disruption of routine. Jav loved it. Christ, this is what it’s like.
Suanne Laqueur is an expert wordsmith and everything she writes is pure gold. Scenes in this book literally made my heart skip a beat! And I LOVED the author's thoughts and notes. This book is perfect for fans like me who are obsessed with this author and her stories. If you need more after finishing the fantastic 'An Exaltation of Larks' and 'A Charm of Finches', then you must read 'Tales from Cushman Row.' All the feels are guaranteed.
Stef rested his mouth against Jav’s wet hair. He looked out beyond the plain of his bed and slowly shook his head at the universe. This cannot be real. This cannot be happening. As usual, the universe shrugged back at him with a smile. Yet here we are.
"He was so addictive. Like candy. Or drugs. One taste of him had me fiending and my heart beating out of my chest."
OH YES!!! I loved this fun and "He was so addictive. Like candy. Or drugs. One taste of him had me fiending and my heart beating out of my chest."
OH YES!!! I loved this fun and spicy slow-burn sports romance!! 'Illegal Contact' has the perfect mix of romance and heat. Any sports-romance lover will adore this story!!
Football superstar Gavin Brawley of the New York Barons has major anger issues. A tough guy who grew up in the foster system, he is caught on video assaulting a man and as a result, is put on six months of house arrest. What is was really doing was protecting his friend but Gavin will take his punishment even though it means he is suspending from playing football, the only thing that saved him from a life of total despair.
Most fans think Gavin is a total asshole. And he does little to nothing to dispel the public's opinion of him. In reality, he is a deeply closeted bisexual who has just a few close friends in his inner circle. He trusts no one outside his tight-knit circle. But because Gavin is a prisoner in his own home (a stunning mansion in the Hamptons), he is forced by his long-time manager to hire a PA to shop for him, cook his meals and run his errands. But Gavin is dead-set against this idea because he really doesn't like most people and he just wants to be left alone.
"I was a multimillionaire and a famous athlete, and yet people still treated me like a dirt-poor street kid from Newark. Some things never changed."
Noah Monroe is in desperate need of a job. His last one ended badly and his father was just laid off. His student loans are looming over his head. He knows absolutely zero about football but that adds to his charm. And so he has no idea who Gavin Brawley is either. He is completely clueless but must find a job as soon as possible. He is out of options and will take any job, even if it is way outside his chosen field of social work.
"Was that the celebrity I’d be servicing? Bad choice of words. Was that the celebrity I’d be . . . personally assisting? I wasn’t too clear on what this job would even entail. I’d just been told to send my résumé and cover letter to Joe’s receptionist."
Of course Noah and Gavin cannot stand each other at first! Gavin is a total jerk to Noah.
“The man I hired has worked for movie stars, Gavin. He understands discretion.”
“I don’t give a shit if he understands quantum physics. He’s more likely to land on the moon than set foot in this ridiculous mansion.”
I adore an enemies-to-lovers story. Gavin and Noah could not be more different. Gavin tries to shut Noah out of his life but he has to admit, Noah begins to do an amazing job as his PA. Noah begins to answer the huge amount of fan mail that has been accumulating and starts a social media presence for Gavin. So the fans actually begin to like Gavin Brawley. Gavin is wildly attracted to Noah but as a closeted bisexual, he feels that coming out would ruin his football career. Santino Hassell does a fantastic job of building their relationship from intense dislike, to friendship, to sweet, sweet romance. I could not put this story down! The sex scenes are CRAZY hot. Even when Noah and Gavin were breaking my heart, I just knew these two had to have a HEA. And boy, did they ever.
I finished with my hands in his hair and our lips crushed together. It was an orgasm worthy of Olympic medals, but what really stopped my heart was the sound of my name in his lust-soaked voice. We were both in trouble.
When Gavin finally begins to trust Noah, it is a beautiful thing. The banter, the sexy flirting, the touches of humor - it all worked for me. There is a second book planned in this series for Gavin's friend and teammate Simeon and let me just say that it sounds all kinds of awesome. I already miss these guys!!
Gavin cocked a brow. “If you think I’m going to try to spare your delicate baby eyes, I suggest you readjust your expectations. FYI—after showering, I air dry.”...more
I absolutely LOVE Lilah Pace and will read ANYTHING she writes! So I was thrilled to be able to read her M/M romance, His Royal Secre 4.5 Stars!!
I absolutely LOVE Lilah Pace and will read ANYTHING she writes! So I was thrilled to be able to read her M/M romance, His Royal Secret. James and Ben’s story drew me in from the first page and I was completely blown away by their story.
James is the future King of England. He is devoted to the Royal protocol and has always lived his life in the public eye. He only knows a life of personal butlers, security teams and duty to the Throne. There’s only one little issue: he is a deeply closeted gay man.. He has only had a handful of relationships in his life and they usually ended badly. He lives a very lonely and isolated life, despite his public “fiancee”, Lady Cassandra, who is actually is best friend and has always kept his secret.
Ben is a smart, sexy journalist who is very comfortable with his sexuality. He is gorgeous and James finds himself hoping against hope that Ben could love someone like him - after all, James keeps his private life a secret, is a member of the Royal family, and will always have to adhere to strict protocols. His whole life has been mapped out for him.
These two did meet under a pretense but once they got that out of the way, James realized that he really liked Ben, besides being insanely attracted to him. Ben is a worldwide traveler and adventurer and has always been too busy with his career to ever stay with one man for too long - especially after a disastrous first relationship. But he sees that James is a wonderful, sensitive and caring man and perfect for Ben.
“I didn’t lie to you to get a story. At least, not after the first few minutes.”
“Then why?”
After a moment’s pause, Ben said, very slowly, “Because I hoped I could get you into bed.”
I absolutely loved the detailed descriptions of Royal life! You could see how it could stifle someone from the outside, who had never grown up within the British monarchy. James is frightened that it will all scare Ben away. Plus, they are seeing other in secret. James is also deathly afraid that once the media grabs the story, that they will completely destroy Ben.
James has a very tragic family history and a sister who has deep-seated emotional issues. James is totally devoted to her and will do anything to protect her from public scrutiny. But if he is “exposed,” then he fears Indigo’s stability may be threatened.
I fell in love with with James and Ben! As always, Lilah Pace’s writing is superb. There is no uneccesary drama here, just a beautiful story of two souls falling in love but unsure of whether they can ever have a future together. The book ends rather suddenly BUT James and Ben’s story continues in His Royal Favorite, which is out now!
“You belong to me. Maybe the public and the press own the part of you that’s THE PRINCE, but not THE MAN. You’re mine, and I won’t let anything take you away.”
(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
What would you do if your whole life was planned out for you from birth? That is what James is faced with in this conclusion to His 4.5 - 5 Stars!
What would you do if your whole life was planned out for you from birth? That is what James is faced with in this conclusion to His Royal Secret. James has decided to come out publicly and face the British public and the Church of England. If he has to give up the throne for Ben, he is ready to do so.
His Royal Favorite is an absolutely riveting story, filled with emotion, passion and sexy, tender moments. The detail is perfect, and I loved being immersed in the world of a British royal family. James and Ben must face not only his family, but the public and the threat of Ben losing his career when James decides to come out. But seeing how Ben has lived his life honestly makes him realize that he must stop living a lie. He alway cannot bear the thought that Lady Cassandra, his best friend, would have given up her life for him in a sham marriage.
There are actually lots of funny moments in this book and I adored the author’s sense of humor! The gay club, Ben’s interactions with the Queen and the headlines when Ben is named as James’s boyfriend are all priceless. But both James and Ben realize that their whole lives will change soon and especially Ben, who will never, ever regain his privacy again.
"Freedom would be you coming here all alone, cruising the room, picking up any one of the countless guys in here who're already hard just thinking about you. . .”
"No. Not without you. Being without you wasn't freedom. Loving you is what sets me free."
The dual POV’s work perfectly in this book. The sexy factor is off the charts but it is the beautiful, emotional connection between James and Ben that makes this such a great story. I held my breath near the end of the book out of fear for where this story was going, but the magnificent Epilogue absolutely took my breath away.
His Royal Favorite is a mature, passionate and sexy story about love and family and and sacrifice and living your best life. Every character felt real, and there were no real villains in this story. This book is a richly detailed and extremely satisfying romance. The peek inside a fictional British royal family was completely fascinating. All in all, I LOVED this series and can’t wait for what Lilah Pace writes next!
"I don't believe in the idea of a king, no. But I've come to believe in the king you could be."
(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
JESSE'S DINER is another sweetly sexy, romantic and swoon-y story from one of my favorite authors! Cardeno C. is my go-to author when I want a feel-goJESSE'S DINER is another sweetly sexy, romantic and swoon-y story from one of my favorite authors! Cardeno C. is my go-to author when I want a feel-good, sweet but very sexy romance. Jesse's Diner fits the bill and although it is a novella in the Hope series, you don't need to have read book #1 first to become involved in the story of Steve and Tanner.
Steve has become a widower at the ripe "old" age of 39 (although for me, that is young!) He and his partner had adopted Mike, whose best friend Tanner runs a diner in town.
Tanner has always had a crush on the older Steve, but never acted on it. Now that Steve is single, Tanner is afraid to make a move. For one, he is a virgin, and the other reason being that Steve is still in mourning for his partner Jesse. Tanner is also extremely shy and has no idea how to go about flirting or showing his interest in Steve.
There is a bit of tension in this book with a reveal that comes early on in the book. It is dealt with sensitively and with care by the author.
The humor in this book comes from Tanner's innocence and huge crush on Steve, who obviously has tons more experience sexually than Tanner, but Steve has never really dated either. This story is just a sexy, romantic story with a happy ending, just like all of CC's books. This novella will give you a few hours of pure pleasure and escapism, and isn't that what reading romance is all about? Another definite recommend from me for this sweet, passionate novella!
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Favorite quotes:
"I want to try something," he whispered as he skimmed his fingers down my back. "Tell me if it's too much."
"I'm a twenty-two-year-old virgin lying on the sex god I've had a crush on since I was sixteen. There is no 'too much' in this scenario." ...more
DON’T JUDGE is the first book I have read by A.E. Via and it is spectacular! Two Alphas together in a fabulously dirty romance? Yes, pl4.5 Stars!!
DON’T JUDGE is the first book I have read by A.E. Via and it is spectacular! Two Alphas together in a fabulously dirty romance? Yes, please! I peeked at some of the reviews for this book and noted that early copies from Amazon had some editing issues. Rest assured, all of that has been corrected.
I have not read the other books in this series and DON’T JUDGE can absolutely be read as a standalone. I actually enjoyed the police-procedure talk because there is plenty of HAWT male-on-male action in this book. The scenes between Judge and Michaels are absolutely some of the steamiest M/M scenes I have EVER read – I mean, this author can really heat up the pages! I loved how Judge thought he was too old for the sexy, younger Austin Michaels, while Michaels, in turn, thought Judge was straight.
He chanced a look at Michaels and was shocked to see him slouched and confident riding with him. He had a dark pair of aviator shades on, staring out the window with one hand propped on the door. It was almost as if he didn’t know he was hot. And damnit if that wasn’t sexy in itself.
There is a fast-paced story here and the sexy times built nicely to a fantastic relationship. While there was no Insta-love, there was an instant attraction between these two stunning, sexy men:
It was the thick, silky, straight black hair the spanned across that broad chest that had Michaels’ mouth watering. Turn and look away, turn and look away. There was no way a guy like Judge was gay. If those dark eyes popped open and caught him gawking, then he was going to have a whole other set of problems.
A.E. Via’s books are new to me and I adored this one. The banter and passion between Judge and Michaels is sexy, intense and very readable. And did I mention the sex is off the charts? I loved how Judge doubted himself, and almost ruined his chances with Michaels. But there was no false or forced drama here, just real emotions between two very real men.
This was the man of Judge’s dreams, but he was fighting it all the way. He wouldn’t put himself back out there. Partners left you or they died on you; one or the other; but either way, you were left behind, devastated. Judge was too old to do devastated.
I absolutely loved DON’T JUDGE and am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
(ARC provided in return for an honest review.) ...more
HIM is a totally sexy story mixed with the perfect amount of sweet, passionate romance. Wes and Jamie are absolutely delicious4.5 SMOKING Hot Stars!!
HIM is a totally sexy story mixed with the perfect amount of sweet, passionate romance. Wes and Jamie are absolutely delicious together. Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy have become two of my favorite authors!!
I read a fair amount of M/M romance books, so I approached HIM with a wary eye. Would it have enough steam for me? Would the two heroes only dance around their attraction for each other, but never really get down to business? Would the dialogue be witty enough to hold my pathetically short attention span?
The answer to all these questions is a resounding YES!!
Because I adored Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series and loved Sarina Bowen’s The Shameless Hour, I was thrilled to be able to read their collaboration together. And once I started reading HIM, I literally could NOT put this book down! Jamie Canning and Ryan ‘Wes’ Wesley were perfectly real characters to me and the writing style so seamless, that I could not tell which author wrote which chapter, scene or verse. Even if you’re new to the M/M genre, I highly recommend this book for the witty banter, sexy times and catchy plot. Two hot hockey players? Yes please!!
Jamie and Wes were childhood friends who lost touch after a youthful incident that caused an unfortunate miscommunication. Lo and behold, they run into each other years later and both realize that they have been the “missing link” in each other’s lives. But does Jamie just want to be friends with Wes? Set among the world of college hockey, HIM delivers the perfect amount of hot, dirty, sweet emotion as both Wes and Jamie learn to come to terms with their true feelings. Wes has always loved Jamie and finds it difficult to keep their relationship platonic.
“As I watch Jamie Canning stop another dizzying slap shot. As I admire the grace and deadly precision with which he moves.
My weakness is him.”
I absolutely LOVED how the authors wrote a seamless story that perfectly illustrated the difficulties that gay sports players must face. Wes and Jamie were perfectly suited for each other, even if Jamie at first was reluctant to admit his true feelings for Wes. And Wes, on the other hand, is a total commitment-phone, never allowing anyone to get too close, and hopping from meaningless encounter to another.
“The fact that he’d been the first guy I ever loved and the one who made me face some terrifying things about myself…well, all that will go unsaid.”
HIM is a feel-good sports romance that happens to feature two fabulously sexy male protagonists. It is perfect for die-hard readers of M/M romance as well as for readers who are new to the genre. I adored this book and hope that Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy collaborate on many more books in the future!
(I received an ARC in return for an honest review.)...more
Ella Frank has written another sexy, gripping and character-driven book with TRUST! Are you new to the M/M genre? Then I highly recomme4.5 Stars!!
Ella Frank has written another sexy, gripping and character-driven book with TRUST! Are you new to the M/M genre? Then I highly recommend this series because the story is really about two people loving each other and fighting the same battles with family, work and external forces as everyone else. Oh, and there’s some super-steamy sexy times to thrill you as well!!
Logan and Tate have both changed and grown in this fantastic series.
“His motto of “try, take, and top” had changed. Oh, he’d tried Tate all right, and they’d both done a helluva lot of taking, but for once in his life, Logan didn’t feel the desire to win. He didn’t need to come out on top. What he wanted was Tate’s trust—his absolute trust.”
Logan and Tate have made great strides in their relationship but Tate is still holding back. He and Logan are in love, yes, but is that always enough to sustain a long, happy and healthy relationship? Ella Tate’s wonderful writing style kept the story flowing until the end, and there are some dramatic surprises in store for our gorgeous heroes which kept my heart racing until the very end!
Once the calm after the storm had settled, Logan moved up his body, and Tate wrapped his arms around him. As they both lay there, in the silence of the room, neither one of them said a word— because, really, there was nothing to add to such perfection.
I highly recommend this series to all fans of contemporary romance. The story is enthralling and the characters memorable. And I absolutely adored the wonderful and satisfying ending for the sexy Logan and Tate.
“No,” Logan finally said, and Tate felt his heart sink. “I’ll never see you that way again. Because before this, I didn’t know you were essential for me to feel alive.”
I don't think there's been a book by Cardeno C. that I have not loved. Home Again is another sexy and sweet story where family is first, the characterI don't think there's been a book by Cardeno C. that I have not loved. Home Again is another sexy and sweet story where family is first, the characters get their HEA, and the sex is SMOKING hot. This book is told is a series of flashbacks which alternate with present day, focusing on Noah and Clark, who first meet when they are teenagers. I love how this author spotlights the importance of friends who accept you, but also being true to yourself. There is some angst in this book but you just know the main characters will work everything out. The story is clever and the alternating POV's are refreshing. Oh and of course, the chemistry between Noah and Clark is off-the-charts hot and the sex scenes are absolutely amazing. Loved the twist at the end! This is a standalone although it is part of a series. If you are looking for sexy-sweet M/M romance, then Cardeno C. is your go-to author and you will love Home Again.
This is a fun, loving, sexy and very satisfying M/M read from Susan Mac Nicol. Gideon is a famous chef but ironically lost his sense of taste and smelThis is a fun, loving, sexy and very satisfying M/M read from Susan Mac Nicol. Gideon is a famous chef but ironically lost his sense of taste and smell after a traumatic event and finds himself angry and explosive at most everyone around him. His restaurant is thriving but he is still traumatized by recurring nightmares and anxiety.
Enter Eddie, a young chef who is instantly attracted to his boss Gideon but finds the gruff facade and the fact that he is the boss very off-putting. Will the two of them be able to fight through the barriers that stand in their way? I loved reading the sexy banter between all of the characters in this book and especially with Eddie's very colorful and funny friends. I also loved the reading about the sights and sounds on London.
This book is filled with very British references which I loved. It is a very steamy, passionate, very sexy and humorous story with a very happy ending for both of our heroes. It is a very sweet and loving book, and I absolutely enjoyed every minute! All in all, highly recommended for all readers of M/M romance who would like a little something on the lighter side.
(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)...more
I loved my first book by these authors! Verrrry hot and sexy story with just the right touch of humor. Loved the fast-paced, crisp writing.
"Our faI loved my first book by these authors! Verrrry hot and sexy story with just the right touch of humor. Loved the fast-paced, crisp writing.
"Our fame burns. And burns. None of us need to stoke the flames for it to stay lit. And me—fame is my friend and foe. It’s a part of me. A tangible thing that lives inside of me. This is the only life I’ve ever lived. It’s the only life I know."
This is an witty and very hot story about Maximoff, who was born famous and whose family commands paparazzi attention wherever they go. He has learned to deal with the fame, and his family all have bodyguards assigned to them. Enter Farrow Keane, a member of the family's security detail, who is now assigned to protect Maximoff and who has been the object of Maximoff's crush for years.
"I can’t exactly pretend that this twenty-seven-year-old tattooed guy is some random barnacle that attached itself to my ship. He’s my fucking co-captain right now. And I’m not thrilled."
Although many characters from previous books make appearances here, this book can absolutely stand on its own. I have never read any books by these authors (I KNOW!!! I AM GOING TO READ 'ADDICTED TO YOU' ASAP!!) I really enjoyed the humor and the pop culture references and the chemistry between the two main characters is absolutely off-the-charts SMOKING hot.
“If I’m not the hero, what am I?” Maximoff is waiting for me to call him a villain. In his comic books, that’s the dichotomy. Heroes versus villains. He’s very far from one. I press my lips to his jaw, his neck, and against his ear, I whisper, “You’re a prince who wants to be a knight.”
I was very intrigued by Maximoff's parents Lily and Loren Hale but honestly was not a huge fan of the plot twist near the end of this book. With that said, I ADORED the ending, and I am off to read the very first book so that I can get more of this duo's writing!
"We’re like lightning and thunder, inherently different but alike enough to share the same sky."...more
Ann Lister’s books have been on my TBR list forever. I was so excited to read LOOKING AT FOREVER and although it is part of a se4.5 HOT ROCKER STARS!!
Ann Lister’s books have been on my TBR list forever. I was so excited to read LOOKING AT FOREVER and although it is part of a series, it is most definitely a standalone. However, I will definitely go back and read her other books! I fell in love with Rooster and Wheland and I want to read more about the other members of the band.
I absolutely loved this story, it has the perfect balance of off-the-charts steam (I mean, it is HOT!!) and engaging writing. The characters are completely appealing, I connect with both Rooster and Whelend from the beginning, and I am a sucker for rock star books. Add the M/M factor and this book was a total winner for me. The emotional AND physical connection between the two characters is incredible and real and their scenes together are scorching hot.
If you are looking for an addictive MM/M read with two very open, vulnerable but very masculine characters, then Looking At Forever is the book for you. Happy reading!
(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)...more
✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦
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Books:
contemporary-m-m-romance
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