I’m going to agree with everyone else who loved this.
Realistic. Hardcore. Compelling.
This is where a cop story is done right, when you want pla4 Stars
I’m going to agree with everyone else who loved this.
Realistic. Hardcore. Compelling.
This is where a cop story is done right, when you want plausible and it’s delivered.
Take one jaded detective who’s always been on the right side of justice, one who has been met with corruption and roadblocks over and over and goes about taking down a criminal drug ring that goes all the way to the top by any way possible. If that means brushing against, and sometimes stepping over the line to justify the means, then so be it.
Drop in a newly promoted rookie to be his partner, one who’s been not so secretly tasked to “spy” on him by Internal Affairs, and you’ve got quite the sticky situation.
Not surprisingly, these two don’t hit it off at all, but when things get dangerous and more informants end up dead, the pressure to bring down the bad guys reaches a breaking point and they can’t afford to not trust each other.
No eye rolling here. I applaud the gritty seriousness of not only their working relationship but each of these men have their own personal problems that present plenty of other challenges to their complicated dynamic. Add some really well done UST and smexy, a very nice age gap, and a delicious enemies to lovers set up, and this was oh so satisfying especially when these two give into their unwanted but too hard to resist desires. Mmmmmmm.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo, this fact should only make you want to read this more!! Go now! Don’t wait! I for one, look forward to what’s next in store for these guys!!...more
This short just reminded me how much I truly enjoy the Wayward Prince and their motley crew.
Taking place after Machine Metal Magic, it simply shows what I love about this series and that is the fucking fantastic group dynamic that now incorporates newest members Jaime and Rylan.
Adventure, suspense, feels, fun, and smex PLUS it’s in fucking space!!! What more could you ask for? Exactly!!...more
If you like sci-fi, space adventure, and bounty hunters, then this quirky, sexy, “series” featuring4 Stars
Oh man, this was just such a fantastic ride!
If you like sci-fi, space adventure, and bounty hunters, then this quirky, sexy, “series” featuring top alpha ex-military Osiris, and his AI boyfriend Bill, who keeps him on the straight and narrow - well mostly - then this should fit all the requirements!
Such good ole fun, this made me shake my head, giggle, and smile. These shorts from Land have been such a treat especially if one has KU. I can only hope we see more of this mismatched duo who are obviously the perfect partners in all their (MIS)adventures! ...more
I’m happy to say that this really picked up some momentum!
Jesse and Sean volunteer to enter the land of the fae to get a priceless item needed 4 Stars
I’m happy to say that this really picked up some momentum!
Jesse and Sean volunteer to enter the land of the fae to get a priceless item needed to protect their fair town and they of course, encounter lots of challenges and obstacles.
Finally, we get a well fleshed out picture of Sean in his and Jesse’s last book as a couple, and I truly felt the love between these two and thankfully, it was swoony and sexy! Yes!
Obviously, I enjoyed this, and it probably ranks #2 out of the 8 books so far. We get a lot of answers, a wonderful relationship progression, and a higher than average conflict/action/resolution. It just remains to be seen if this group of supernatural paranormal friends and family can bring the necessary satisfactory smackdown in the finale. Fingers crossed!...more
3 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann! Super simple. Super sweet. Super short.
Assumptions can definitely get one in a tight spot, and this was no diff3 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann! Super simple. Super sweet. Super short.
Assumptions can definitely get one in a tight spot, and this was no different for Finn when hot guy Conner, mistakes him for the macho type when really, he’s soooo not that.
Ensue a little pursuing and flirting, and Finn and Conner hit if off quick! Equally quick is when the omission of truth can quickly spiral out of control. Good thing Finn and Conner have more in common than they know which can mend quite a lot.
Look no further for a feel good holiday story!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Poor Brent. He just wants to do his job with minimal holiday fuss, but when the boss decrees that the annual 3.5 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Poor Brent. He just wants to do his job with minimal holiday fuss, but when the boss decrees that the annual ugly sweater requirement be changed to swants (sweater turned into pants), it’s Brent’s worst nightmare come true.
What’s a 6’8” guy to do when he desperately always wants to stay under the radar? Fortuitously, Brent runs into Jonathan, theatre costume maker guru, and he can’t believe his luck when the cute guy offers his help.
This totally appealed due to having an awkward geeky MC, and gentle giant Brent, fits that bill perfectly as he tries to push through his fears.
Good thing finally joining in the holiday camaraderie opens Brent’s eyes to so much more at work, and bonus points for scoring great catch Jonathan in the romance department!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
When your boyfriend is a super advanced artificial intelligence, it’s only fortunate that he doesn’t fall susceptible to the sex pollen of th3.5 Stars
When your boyfriend is a super advanced artificial intelligence, it’s only fortunate that he doesn’t fall susceptible to the sex pollen of the plant you’re trying to procure for a very lucrative job.
What should’ve been easy, quickly spirals out of control in all the good ways for bounty hunter Osiris, and his ever resilient partner Bill.
So so fun. I love this duo and want more shenanigans and crazy adventures!
Slight enemies, Dover and Landry seem to step on each other’s toes over and over as the4 Hearts! - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Oh this was a good one!
Slight enemies, Dover and Landry seem to step on each other’s toes over and over as they cross paths repeatedly within their small artsy renaissance community. Landry desperately wants to make an impression, and Dover just wants to avoid intimacy all together.
It’s awkward and tentative with a one step forward with two steps back progression. Dover and Landry just can’t seem to connect and they fight with each other and themselves over whether or not they should pursue or just back off.
What I really enjoyed about this is that the MC’s are not cookie cutter stereotypes of the grumpy antisocial nerd vs the charismatic extroverted player. These two have layers, and I was constantly pleasantly surprised to see them slowly revealed in ways I didn’t expect.
Overall, impressive writing with natural realistic progression, this really was one of those rare holiday shorts that never felt rushed nor left out anything crucial (except the erotic details - darn!). Regardless, a hard earned, well deserved happy ending where a bit of perseverance and a willingness to take a chance pays off in all the ways!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Understated with dashes of quirk, I appreciated this nice holiday short!
Noah is a lot grumpy and perhaps that3.5 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Understated with dashes of quirk, I appreciated this nice holiday short!
Noah is a lot grumpy and perhaps that’s due to his experience in the military. Now that he’s home and owns a yarn shop, such a pleasant environment has not lessened his gruff side much. Despite the many unwelcoming signals Noah thinks he’s putting out, customer Finley is completely oblivious as he desperately begs Noah for help in teaching him to knit.
Surprisingly, Noah is unable to say no to Finley, and a nice slow burn starts as these two get to know each other under the excuse of being teacher and student. Finley is super earnest and happy go lucky - his infectious cheer inevitably rubbing off on Noah. Both wish things would progress further, but there’s just one teeny tiny misunderstanding.
Again, sweet and heartwarming as Noah comes out of his shell for all the right reasons, guaranteeing that he and Finley get a fabulous holiday together!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Bonus points for favorite trope of falling for your best friend's brother!!
As per the blurb, Kyle has been in l3 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Bonus points for favorite trope of falling for your best friend's brother!!
As per the blurb, Kyle has been in love with James for as long as he can remember, but he knows that he would never survive being a fleeting hookup. When a night of dancing makes Kyle realize he needs to distance himself from James and the potential messy situation, James too, has his own revelation.
What ensues is a bit of sappy wooing but it was enjoyable sappy wooing. Beware again the out of nowhere random BDSM element dropped in the bedroom (perhaps along with the homemaking theme, a little bondage was also a possible option for advent authors this year) but I digress.
Again, this features a beloved trope, warm family vibes, and an inevitable cuddly HEA!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
I’m not an expert in manga by any means, but I can see how this story has hopefully made some strides in breaking some barriers towards accepta4 Stars
I’m not an expert in manga by any means, but I can see how this story has hopefully made some strides in breaking some barriers towards acceptance, not only in Japan but everywhere.
Yaichi is confronted with his dead brother Ryoji’s truth in the form of Ryoji’s big Canadian widower Mike, who shows up hoping to go down memory lane and connect with Ryoji’s family whom he’s never met. Though Yaichi never rejected his twin, he wasn’t as accepting either and his natural inclination to ignore or avoid is brought down as he learns and slowly changes his preconceived notions and bigotry through his daughter Kana’s innocence and unwavering acceptance.
The manga’s simplicity points out issues plainly, hitting the mark with precision, both painful and poignant....more
I’ve read every single one of Poe’s advent stories and I’ve yet to be disappointed. This was a total wi4 Holiday Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
I’ve read every single one of Poe’s advent stories and I’ve yet to be disappointed. This was a total win!
Understated and sweet, this starts with Declan - older, so so shy, and unable to make a move on his secret crush Shoto.
Cue some awkwardness and a back and forth slow burn that ended with a really wonderful HEA for these two - and just in time for the holidays!
Poe definitely has that rare talent for shorts. This is one advent that will warm you up and keep you cozy through the cold wintery days, leaving you wanting more but not at all dissatisfied!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Another easy going advent that features a gentle giant and a friends to lovers trope.
As per the blurb, Butch an3 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Another easy going advent that features a gentle giant and a friends to lovers trope.
As per the blurb, Butch and Jimmy have been friends for forever, and Butch has finally resigned himself that things will never progress further than that and hence, he needs to just move on and make some long term plans without his BFF.
Beware that this is all in Butch’s voice, and the author made it a point over and over how not educated he is and hence, his grammar threw me off at first. Admittedly, Butch’s low self esteem bummed me out, and I didn’t want that to be the main thing holding him back. Not surprisingly, he and Jimmy do get their happy ending, though I would’ve appreciated Jimmy’s POV to better understand his actions and feelings.
Regardless, I always give a lot of leeway with holiday reads and in the end, Butch and Jimmy’s happiness is what counts!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Avery is a professor who is an expert in paranormal lore in and around New Orleans, so much so that he's wri3.5 Stars
The blurb really does say it all.
Avery is a professor who is an expert in paranormal lore in and around New Orleans, so much so that he's written a book and teaches a class on it, but he knows that these sorts of phenomena are truly not real. Or are they?
One night, Avery’s life turns upside down when he and his friends are invited to a strange and secret bar and like all supernatural love stories go, he’s inexplicably and powerfully drawn to a mysterious gorgeous stranger that he just cannot resist. Of course, it goes both ways!
Tyson is definitely different and not just in his amazing appeal. He’s obviously hiding secrets and has many worrisome habits that all indicate to the impossible. Even though Tyson seems like a dream come true, is Avery really ready to know the truth behind all his unexplainable and concerning ways??
As always, love will prevail, and despite Tyson having an annoying awful adversary, this is a Beyond book after all, so no worries.
Enjoyable and well written as expected from an O’Shea story, but be aware that the personal and external conflicts are simple, including their resolution. Overall, easy breezy, with a very nice slow burn romance, this was a good addition to the Beyond line!...more
Take a gentle giant, a shy one at that, who’s devastated by his parent’s lack of acceptance when he comes out. 3 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Take a gentle giant, a shy one at that, who’s devastated by his parent’s lack of acceptance when he comes out. Toss in some good luck and said giant is able to crash on his crush’s couch until he gets his bearings.
So yes, Chad’s crush Joy, comes to his rescue allowing Chad to stay at his place till he gets his bearings. Only thing is, Chad’s besotted, and he can’t help but hope and wish that Joy would feel the same.
Mix this with the holiday spirit, and Chad’s feelings have only one direction to travel and that’s to grow deeper and deeper for Joy. He can only dream and wish that Joy would feel the same. What’s a guy to do?
Again, another easy holiday read, but beware a mean bestie, a preference towards some D/s that seemed incongruent, and the use of one of my most hated endearments. However, this was saved by two great MC’s that were just so darn likeable! Pssst…. the smexy smex didn’t hurt one bit either! Just saying.
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out the blog for more advent reviews!...more
Eli has been pining for his bestie Lincoln, since college, but as usual, the 3.5 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Oh this went down nice and easy!
Eli has been pining for his bestie Lincoln, since college, but as usual, the typical reasons for not making a move always stems from the fear that it'll ruin the friendship.
When Eli can’t say no to Lincoln’s request to help him find a boyfriend before Christmas by sprucing up his online dating page, there’s all sorts of inner turmoil.
This really does the trope of friends to lovers just right, with a bit of cluelessness, a lot of UST, with the added bonus of a virgin (though admittedly, the smexy progression rubbed me wrong). Despite that one snafu, this still left me with a smile on my face!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out the blog for more advent reviews!...more
If you’re itching to read about a mature couple for the holidays, look no further!
What I enjoy most about Chris3 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
If you’re itching to read about a mature couple for the holidays, look no further!
What I enjoy most about Christmas stories is the whimsical way that they can make anything happen through the magic of the holidays.
Lee has been searching for a man he only briefly knew during the Vietnam War. Though their time together was seriously short, it was impactful enough for both men to use those memories to get them through some very very difficult life situations. When Lee finally finds Karol, he hopes he can rekindle what they had so many years ago.
The feel good feels overcome what any quibbles one may have about the set up and progression, and the old saying “love is the only thing that matters” rings true for these two men who finally get their well deserved ending that really is just the beginning!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review