I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story starts out in 1975 in Wales. Jamie and Michael are teeI was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story starts out in 1975 in Wales. Jamie and Michael are teens in high school when they first meet. Michael is bullied and has issues with low self-esteem while Jamie is outgoing, but they become best friends soon after meeting. Music is their bond. They form the band called Pax Cymerica. Their friendship grows and they form feelings for each other. They never seem to get it together though and there is a lot of angst between the two, and I mean a ton of angst. There are also people intentionally trying to keep the apart, mainly their band manager. At times I did find it almost frustrating, their coming together (almost) and then falling apart. This book is full of constant heartbreak. But I loved it. I wanted so desperately for them to be together. And you do have to remember that this is the mid-seventies when it wasn’t acceptable to be gay, and they are young. This is a very slow angsty burn full of lots of heavy feels. Each chapter starts with song lyrics that are beautiful. Their lyrics are kind of how they deal with their feelings for each other. It’s a very well written story and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys angst and lots of feels in their stories. The secondary characters are also interesting and add a lot to the story. This one does end a bit abruptly with a bit of a cliff hanger. The second book is available so I would recommend having the sequel handy. You’ll want to start it right away.
Merged review:
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story starts out in 1975 in Wales. Jamie and Michael are teens in high school when they first meet. Michael is bullied and has issues with low self-esteem while Jamie is outgoing, but they become best friends soon after meeting. Music is their bond. They form the band called Pax Cymerica. Their friendship grows and they form feelings for each other. They never seem to get it together though and there is a lot of angst between the two, and I mean a ton of angst. There are also people intentionally trying to keep the apart, mainly their band manager. At times I did find it almost frustrating, their coming together (almost) and then falling apart. This book is full of constant heartbreak. But I loved it. I wanted so desperately for them to be together. And you do have to remember that this is the mid-seventies when it wasn’t acceptable to be gay, and they are young. This is a very slow angsty burn full of lots of heavy feels. Each chapter starts with song lyrics that are beautiful. Their lyrics are kind of how they deal with their feelings for each other. It’s a very well written story and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys angst and lots of feels in their stories. The secondary characters are also interesting and add a lot to the story. This one does end a bit abruptly with a bit of a cliff hanger. The second book is available so I would recommend having the sequel handy. You’ll want to start it right away....more
Rafferty, or Raff, as Nick calls him, has been the best friend of Nick for the past four years. He's straight, and recently divorced after ending a faRafferty, or Raff, as Nick calls him, has been the best friend of Nick for the past four years. He's straight, and recently divorced after ending a fairly loveless marriage. He's been having a tough time dealing with feelings he's having for Nick. Feelings that he doesn't understand, because he's supposed to be straight, so why is he having these erotic dreams and desires for his best friend?
Nick is a gay cop, but no one, not even his best friend Raff knows about this. Things went bad at his last precinct so he's gone to great pains to make sure no one knows about him. But he's in love with Raff and has been since they met. They "clicked" from day one and have spent all their time together since then, doing everything together, including going boating on Raff's boat.
Things come to a head one weekend on Raff's boat when unexpected events bring their feelings for each out in the open and they can't help but act on them. Then comes the angst. Raff, being straight, has a very hard time dealing with his new feelings and the new dynamics of his relationship with Nick so instead of dealing with it, he hides from Nick and his feelings.
I absolutely loved this book. I'm going to place it on my favorites shelf. It's a combination of all my favorites, GFY, cops, with lots of angst. I gave it 5 stars. It was written very well. My only complaint, if you could call it a complaint, maybe more of a, "I wish the author had done more of this" would be if we could have gotten more of Raff's perspective during the time that he was so emotionally distraught. We knew was Nick was thinking so it would have been nice to know more of what Raff's perspective was. The story would have been a bit more fulfilling that way. But regardless, in the end, we got a sweet HEA and the sex was HOT! What a great story to get wrapped up in. Not too long, or too heavy, just sweet, and sexy with lots of angst that gives stories so much feeling. I loved it!
Merged review:
Rafferty, or Raff, as Nick calls him, has been the best friend of Nick for the past four years. He's straight, and recently divorced after ending a fairly loveless marriage. He's been having a tough time dealing with feelings he's having for Nick. Feelings that he doesn't understand, because he's supposed to be straight, so why is he having these erotic dreams and desires for his best friend?
Nick is a gay cop, but no one, not even his best friend Raff knows about this. Things went bad at his last precinct so he's gone to great pains to make sure no one knows about him. But he's in love with Raff and has been since they met. They "clicked" from day one and have spent all their time together since then, doing everything together, including going boating on Raff's boat.
Things come to a head one weekend on Raff's boat when unexpected events bring their feelings for each out in the open and they can't help but act on them. Then comes the angst. Raff, being straight, has a very hard time dealing with his new feelings and the new dynamics of his relationship with Nick so instead of dealing with it, he hides from Nick and his feelings.
I absolutely loved this book. I'm going to place it on my favorites shelf. It's a combination of all my favorites, GFY, cops, with lots of angst. I gave it 5 stars. It was written very well. My only complaint, if you could call it a complaint, maybe more of a, "I wish the author had done more of this" would be if we could have gotten more of Raff's perspective during the time that he was so emotionally distraught. We knew was Nick was thinking so it would have been nice to know more of what Raff's perspective was. The story would have been a bit more fulfilling that way. But regardless, in the end, we got a sweet HEA and the sex was HOT! What a great story to get wrapped up in. Not too long, or too heavy, just sweet, and sexy with lots of angst that gives stories so much feeling. I loved it!...more
This was a very sweet and heart breaking story. It was a short one though. Both Talker and Brian are very loveable. There was a lot of miscommunicatioThis was a very sweet and heart breaking story. It was a short one though. Both Talker and Brian are very loveable. There was a lot of miscommunication in the beginning in that when Brian would actually say what he wanted, Talker would hear it, but not take it for it's true meaning. So that really brought about a lot of angst in the book, which I love. I really loved seeing their relationship develop, all the things that they did for each other that they didn't realize. Looking forward to the next book.
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This was a very sweet and heart breaking story. It was a short one though. Both Talker and Brian are very loveable. There was a lot of miscommunication in the beginning in that when Brian would actually say what he wanted, Talker would hear it, but not take it for it's true meaning. So that really brought about a lot of angst in the book, which I love. I really loved seeing their relationship develop, all the things that they did for each other that they didn't realize. Looking forward to the next book....more
This is the first book in the series but the last one that I read. I really enjoyed it though. I like stokes of unrequited love and plenty of angst. IThis is the first book in the series but the last one that I read. I really enjoyed it though. I like stokes of unrequited love and plenty of angst. I like the long drawn out bit where you want to squeeze the characters head off because they can't see what's right in front of them before they finally do. It gets your heart beating... atleast mine, and this one certainly did. And if your're looking for HOT & STEAMY this is certainly one for you. It's even got some very soft touches of BDSM, but only very slight, almost that I would almost hesitate to use the term. I enjoyed seeing the pull and tug of the relationship as it slowly unfolded and Cam finally dropped his "jerk" exterior and realized that he loved Noah all along. I thought he redeemed himself rather well even if other reviewers didn't think so. Great book! Steamy read! 5 stars!
Merged review:
This is the first book in the series but the last one that I read. I really enjoyed it though. I like stokes of unrequited love and plenty of angst. I like the long drawn out bit where you want to squeeze the characters head off because they can't see what's right in front of them before they finally do. It gets your heart beating... atleast mine, and this one certainly did. And if your're looking for HOT & STEAMY this is certainly one for you. It's even got some very soft touches of BDSM, but only very slight, almost that I would almost hesitate to use the term. I enjoyed seeing the pull and tug of the relationship as it slowly unfolded and Cam finally dropped his "jerk" exterior and realized that he loved Noah all along. I thought he redeemed himself rather well even if other reviewers didn't think so. Great book! Steamy read! 5 stars!...more
Fin has a lot of family issues that make him an angry, nasty person. He's a hard character to like. I don't excuse his behavior, but I can understand Fin has a lot of family issues that make him an angry, nasty person. He's a hard character to like. I don't excuse his behavior, but I can understand the source of it. So I don't hate him. West is the object of his secret obsession and his anger. West has been in love with his high school football rival since he first laid eyes on him, but he's never understood what he's done to make Fin make him hate him the way he does. The hate intensifies when they end up in close quarters in college. A terrible incident seems to shake up Fin's cold resolve and little by little he is able to overcome his fear and self-hatred. West, having been able to see the good guy who was there all along, helps Fin work through his issues, and we end up with a very sweet happy ending.
Fin starts out as a very unlikable character. But I don't think it's fair to toss the book because of how nasty he was to West, and all of his friends, for much of the first part. He was unloved and unwanted and in a lot of pain because of it. The way he protected himself was to push everyone away so no one else could hurt him. And being gay was the worst thing he could ever imagine, because what little nugget of attention his parents gave him would be gone completely, along with their financial support. And being a gay football player would certainly end him. Despite all that he can't stay away from West, and West sees something good in him. West is openly gay and understanding. He gets him some help from a friend and Fin is finally able to slowly open up. It's a story of overcoming self-hatred, of dealing with homophobia, of personal growth, and of finding the one person who stands with you no matter what.
If you like enemies to lovers stories that have a lot of baggage, where there is a lot of emotion and personal growth before the relationship finally blossoms, this is a good one for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Harper is Jay's boss. They've worked together for nearly a year fighting the sexual tension that has been building between them. They know they can't Harper is Jay's boss. They've worked together for nearly a year fighting the sexual tension that has been building between them. They know they can't have a relationship because of their working relationship. But heated kisses during a Christmas party along with a nose conversation with a well-meaning and loving but overbearing mom creates a complicated situation for Harper. Now he has to show up for Christmas with "his new boyfriend". Jay agrees to it. He'd be crazy not to! It's a chance to have what he's been dying for for nearly a year, Harper's boyfriend. Jay is immediately welcomed into the family. Harper's worry is how will he be able to break his family's heart when he tells him it's all fake. The real problem is how is he going to convince himself it's fake.
Great story! It's short enough to read in one sitting. It's a Christmas story without being "Christmasy". The other characters in the story really build the story up and make it a hit. ...more
This is the fifth book in the Delphic Agency series and the last one for now until the next one is written. Hopefully? This one features Christian De This is the fifth book in the Delphic Agency series and the last one for now until the next one is written. Hopefully? This one features Christian De Olio, head of the Delphic Security Team, and Michael Bond, director of the Delphic Agency. They had a brief relationship fifteen years ago until Michael left to go explore the world. During that time, Christian joined the military and came back to be head of security at Delphic. When Michael finally returns to take up his position as the director, neither seems ready to face the other, or what they once seem to have. But they are forced to work together to bring down an underground, illegal, BDSM ring in their town. It's not just that it's competing with them, but the ring isn't true BDSM like Delphic, where consent is the number one rule. Christian and Michael must train as a Dominant and submissive pair to go in as a couple to infiltrate the ring. This brings back all of their memories and old feelings that they have to deal with before the real work can begin. Both men are terribly flawed, but they are able to work through their issues with some creative kinks and some help from a co-worker to get themselves back to where they want to be. And they deal with the slimy owner of the illegal BDSM ring while they are at it.
This one seems much darker than the two previous books. I think that's because of the other illegal BDSM ring they are having to deal with and what they see and deal with there. It's just as much of a joy to read as the other books in the series though. I love the examination of the flawed relationship and seeing how they deal with their issues and work through them to come out better men on the other side. Great writing and good world building. I highly recommend it to those who love BDSM.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Paid to Be Shared is the third book in the Delphic Agency series, but it's the first book I've read of the series. I absolutely loved it! I quickly rePaid to Be Shared is the third book in the Delphic Agency series, but it's the first book I've read of the series. I absolutely loved it! I quickly read the fourth and fifth books immediately following and now need to get the first and second books. This is a fantastic series if you love BDSM stories.
Griffin and Ivo are Does who come to the agency in need of a sub to help with their marriage. They are in love with each other, but they have kinks that the other can't satisfy and want a sub who can satisfy both. Birch is the perfect sub for them. He's experienced and when he reads their file, his heart goes out to them and he wants to help them. Cashel "Cash" Gregory is Director of Organizational Psychology and responsible for placing Birch in their care. He takes his job very seriously and has reservations at first but allows it. When the three men meet, they have an immediate connection. Birch sees exactly what both men need, not only what they need in their kinks, but he can see what he needs to do to bring them closer together and make them understand each other better. The problem is that both Doms are stubborn and refuse to see it for themselves. This does bring about the drama or issue in the story and we get to see it clearly because the author gives us the POV from all three men, which I loved. There is lots of steaming hot sex but nothing gratuitous. It's clear the author knows a lot about BDSM and much is explained in a way that isn't preachy or like a text book. It's an emotional story between loving men who happen to have kinks they like to satisfy. Very well written and highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
I've really enjoyed this series. You really need to have read the books before it to get the full enjoyment though because there are references to preI've really enjoyed this series. You really need to have read the books before it to get the full enjoyment though because there are references to previous characters. And to understand the world building for this universe, you get most of that in the earlier books. There is loads of angst here but it pays out in the end with a very happy ending.
Kerry goes to live with his pater at his boarding house to get through his unwanted pregnancy that was brutally forced on him by his imprisoned mate. Jannis, who we know well from previous books was a huge playboy has decided to become a doctor and change his playboy reputation. He wants to settle down now and become respected. He's grown a lot since we first met him. He and Kerry are drawn to each other, but because of the brutality that Kerry has survived with his mate, he is scared to get close to Jannis. And well, he's still mated and his in-laws are creating all kinds of problems for him. Kerry is very broken, but Jannis still has all his charm and they slowly form a friendship. As Kerry watches Jannis doctor the people in the community and spends more time with him, he sees what a wonderful and kind man he is. Although Kerry doesn't see a way for them to ever be happy, we get the twist we are hoping for and a really nice HEA. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator does a great job. I'd recommend the audiobook, but at the very least, this is a good choice if you've read the previous books. ...more
I'm giving the book a 4. I listened to it on audio and I wouldn't recommend it. The narration wasn't very good. I really liked the characters and the I'm giving the book a 4. I listened to it on audio and I wouldn't recommend it. The narration wasn't very good. I really liked the characters and the struggles they had were believable. I found the book to be enjoyable and was glad to find that there are more in the series. I'll be reading those, emphasis on "reading" if the same narrator is used throughout. ...more
Andy is a physics geek, and Law is the assistant hockey coach. Law needs a tutor for a group of his players who are failing physics. Their initial encAndy is a physics geek, and Law is the assistant hockey coach. Law needs a tutor for a group of his players who are failing physics. Their initial encounter gets off to a rough start, but Law is persistent. Aside from needing Andy's help, he's drawn to his quick wit. They soon become friends and the chemistry between them is obvious. Andy wants his best friend, Falcon, to see him as more than a friend, so Law agrees to help Andy polish himself to get his attention. As time goes on Andy and Law grow much closer and become best friends and they begin falling for each other despite their deal to keep things casual. It seems Law is going to end up with a broken heart. Things are settled between Andy and Falcon in a really sweet way, and we get our happy ending.
I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end. The MCs are lovable and make the perfect pair. The story is predictable in that it's the geek helping the jock trope, but the story is well written. It's angsty but not overly so, and it pays out in the end. Although we get a nice epilogue showing them a bit older, I'd love to see another store with these two. But that's just me being greedy. I would definitely recommend this one to others....more
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fifth book in the Out in College serieThis book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fifth book in the Out in College series. We saw Sky in the fourth book, and this book features his story. Sky is an in-the-closet baseball player who gets a job a Colby's dad's accounting firm. They are not friends at the start. At least Colby can't stand Sky, even if he's straight but thinks Sky's hot. Sky seems to enjoy getting under Colby's skin. Colby's dream is to play hokey in the NHL, and when he has to leave his father's firm, he's furious to discover the new intern he has to train is none other than Sky.Colby may think he hates Sky, but the chemistry between them is electric from the moment they meet. That energy turns into friendship that turns into much more. Both of them have a good backstory that serves to make the solid characters. As always, relationships in the closet can only go so far. A sweet grand gesture solves that problem in the end and our MCs get their HEA.
This was another fantastic installment to what has become a favorite series of mine. I enjoy getting to see glimpses of previous characters who often pop up briefly in each book. Each book sets up the next very nicely. As soon as I finish a book I look forward to the next book. I highly recommend this book as well as starting at the first and reading the entire series. ...more
This is one of those books that I got angry at people for disturbing me because I wanted to just sit and read the whole thing without being bothered. This is one of those books that I got angry at people for disturbing me because I wanted to just sit and read the whole thing without being bothered. It was sooo good! I read it in one sitting other than the times I was bothered. The characters are eighteen, so nothing squicky. I adored them. They've been best friends since childhood but one big mistake ended it all for quite a bit of time until one night brings them back together. One is gay and has been in love with the other for a long time. The other keeps saying he's straight but we all know what it means when one doth protest too much. So starts the beginning of a new and different kind of friendship. The real source of their problems are two major a-hole of fathers they have who also once were best friends but whom do everything they can to make them miserable. They persevere and we get a great story with lots of good feels and a great happy ending. This definitely goes on my favorites shelf and is one I'll be reading again and highly recommend! I listened to it on audible and the narration is fantastic, read by two narrators speaking for both MCs. The story is told in both MCs POVs, which is great because you get both of their sides of the story so it has a lot of depth. ...more
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