This is not your normal cry your eyes out and hope you have enough tissues to get through it Amy Lane story. While there is a slight bit of drama, theThis is not your normal cry your eyes out and hope you have enough tissues to get through it Amy Lane story. While there is a slight bit of drama, there is no real angst in this book. It is simply a sweet love story between two men who are polar opposites who manage to find common ground and make it work.
This is not your normal cry your eyes out and hope you have enough tissues to get through it Amy Lane story. While there is a slight bit of drama, there is no real angst in this book. It is simply a sweet love story between two men who are polar opposites who manage to find common ground and make it work.
I think it's common knowledge that I'm a huge fan of Zathyn Priest. He wrote the first story I ever read in the genre (One of Those Days) and4.5 Stars
I think it's common knowledge that I'm a huge fan of Zathyn Priest. He wrote the first story I ever read in the genre (One of Those Days) and another of his is my all-time favorite book in the genre. To say I was excited about a new release would be an understatement. He did not disappoint with Inside His Reflection. This story, while a romance, delves into some serious issues. The author wrote all of them brilliantly. The love story is still there, but it doesn't take center. What does are a couple of characters who have a long way to go before they're able to find any type of real happiness in the world.
This is a very emotional story throughout. While I got teary almost from the first page, I also found myself smiling quite a bit.
I think it's common knowledge that I'm a huge fan of Zathyn Priest. He wrote the first story I ever read in the genre (One of Those Days) and another of his is my all-time favorite book in the genre. To say I was excited about a new release would be an understatement. He did not disappoint with Inside His Reflection. This story, while a romance, delves into some serious issues. The author wrote all of them brilliantly. The love story is still there, but it doesn't take center. What does are a couple of characters who have a long way to go before they're able to find any type of real happiness in the world.
This is a very emotional story throughout. While I got teary almost from the first page, I also found myself smiling quite a bit.
What a sexy book. I found this by accident after reading the book before this one in an anthology. My genre of choice is M/M so I was eager t4.5 stars
What a sexy book. I found this by accident after reading the book before this one in an anthology. My genre of choice is M/M so I was eager to jump into Ian and Jeff's story. I really enjoyed it.
The story is great. The characters are perfect for each other. The sex was hot as hell (lots and lots of exhibitionism). The secondary characters were amazing.
What a sexy book. I found this by accident after reading the book before this one in an anthology. My genre of choice is M/M so I was eager to jump into Ian and Jeff's story. I really enjoyed it.
The story is great. The characters are perfect for each other. The sex was hot as hell (lots and lots of exhibitionism). The secondary characters were amazing.
This is a sweet yet humorous story. The one-liners had me laughing out loud more than once. Initially I wasn't sure if Isaac deserved a secon4.5 stars
This is a sweet yet humorous story. The one-liners had me laughing out loud more than once. Initially I wasn't sure if Isaac deserved a second chance but as the story played out I found myself rooting for him. The characters are charming. The sex is hot as hell. The ending is perfect. A very good read.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Merged review:
4.5 stars
This is a sweet yet humorous story. The one-liners had me laughing out loud more than once. Initially I wasn't sure if Isaac deserved a second chance but as the story played out I found myself rooting for him. The characters are charming. The sex is hot as hell. The ending is perfect. A very good read.
This is a very unique story. Seven years earlier, Jase woke up on a park bench with no knowledge of how he got there or of even who he was. T4.5 stars
This is a very unique story. Seven years earlier, Jase woke up on a park bench with no knowledge of how he got there or of even who he was. The only hint was a tattoo of the number 40 on his arm. He finds out later that he has special abilities and in order to regain his memories he must save 40 people using those abilities.
Lucas works for Child Protective Services and goes to a home to retrieve a child, Macy, who witnessed the murder of her parents. Macy is the 40th person that Jase must save. Working together, Jase and Lucas must protect Macy from those who try persistently to harm her. When she is kidnapped, they are in a race against time to find the little girl and those who murdered her parents.
This is a very unique book with very unique characters. While I would have liked to have gotten a couple of answers in regards to why certain things happened, this did not detract from my love of the story as a whole. The resolution shocked me... in a good way. I can honestly say I did not see that coming.
Overall, an excellent book. I highly recommend it.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Carina Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Merged review:
4.5 stars
This is a very unique story. Seven years earlier, Jase woke up on a park bench with no knowledge of how he got there or of even who he was. The only hint was a tattoo of the number 40 on his arm. He finds out later that he has special abilities and in order to regain his memories he must save 40 people using those abilities.
Lucas works for Child Protective Services and goes to a home to retrieve a child, Macy, who witnessed the murder of her parents. Macy is the 40th person that Jase must save. Working together, Jase and Lucas must protect Macy from those who try persistently to harm her. When she is kidnapped, they are in a race against time to find the little girl and those who murdered her parents.
This is a very unique book with very unique characters. While I would have liked to have gotten a couple of answers in regards to why certain things happened, this did not detract from my love of the story as a whole. The resolution shocked me... in a good way. I can honestly say I did not see that coming.
Overall, an excellent book. I highly recommend it.
What a unique story. This is totally unlike anything I've read before because of the characters involved. Each is different but in a special way. ThisWhat a unique story. This is totally unlike anything I've read before because of the characters involved. Each is different but in a special way. This made the story so much more enjoyable for me because it was not more of the same.
Carter has Tourette's. He moves from Los Angeles to a small California town to escape the big city... mainly crowds. He is able to control his tics to an extent but they are still a very big part of his life. Ethan is his new neighbor.
Ethan suffered a severe brain injury ten years prior. This injury changed everything about him... his personality and his way of life as a whole. While he doesn't need constant care or to be told how to do every simple thing, he does have limitations. He's a very happy man who makes friends wherever he goes and he is loved by all who meet him. Unlike Carter who would prefer to hide away from the world because of his Tourette's.
Carter and Ethan meet and an unusual friendship develops. Ethan makes it clear almost immediately that he wants much more but Carter is hesitant because of bad past relationships. The friendship continues to grow until one day Carter can no longer deny that what he is feeling for Ethan is something special, something real. The road to their happiness is rife with issues from Ethan's past that rear their ugly heads. Lies are exposed and familial relationships are strained. There is intense depression (though not so overwhelming to the story that it drags on). There is hiding away from the world. There is also forgiveness and true love.
The secondary characters are all interesting, some more than others. There is Elliott, Ethan's 15 year old brother. Elliott is a typical teenage boy and is written as such. But he is also a huge protector of Ethan. There are a couple of times in the book when his being a "typical teenager" bugged me but I got over it. Having raised three boys myself, I took a step back and tried to remember those lovely days of boys and hormones. :) Then there are Ethan's parents who are absolutely wonderful. They immediately accept Carter and the relationship that is developing between him and their son. Not only accept it but embrace it. The only problem I had with perhaps the entire book is one instance when Elliott did something that was downright cruel and his parents brushed it off like it was nothing. I am not a hard-nosed parent but I do feel that there are consequences for bad behavior and I did not believe there were any in this case. Aside from that, Elliott adores Ethan and protects him in all ways possible, even if it means trying to push Carter away in order to do so. He comes across as angry and bitter at times but only because of his worry and his love for his big brother. He does not want to see him used or hurt.
Overall, this is a very good book. As I said, it is quite unique and it was refreshing to read about characters who aren't the cookie-cutter variety that is seen in so many books these days. Watching Carter and Ethan find their way to a happily ever after was a true pleasure to watch. This was my first by this author. I am now very eager to read more.
What a unique story. This is totally unlike anything I've read before because of the characters involved. Each is different but in a special way. This made the story so much more enjoyable for me because it was not more of the same.
Carter has Tourette's. He moves from Los Angeles to a small California town to escape the big city... mainly crowds. He is able to control his tics to an extent but they are still a very big part of his life. Ethan is his new neighbor.
Ethan suffered a severe brain injury ten years prior. This injury changed everything about him... his personality and his way of life as a whole. While he doesn't need constant care or to be told how to do every simple thing, he does have limitations. He's a very happy man who makes friends wherever he goes and he is loved by all who meet him. Unlike Carter who would prefer to hide away from the world because of his Tourette's.
Carter and Ethan meet and an unusual friendship develops. Ethan makes it clear almost immediately that he wants much more but Carter is hesitant because of bad past relationships. The friendship continues to grow until one day Carter can no longer deny that what he is feeling for Ethan is something special, something real. The road to their happiness is rife with issues from Ethan's past that rear their ugly heads. Lies are exposed and familial relationships are strained. There is intense depression (though not so overwhelming to the story that it drags on). There is hiding away from the world. There is also forgiveness and true love.
The secondary characters are all interesting, some more than others. There is Elliott, Ethan's 15 year old brother. Elliott is a typical teenage boy and is written as such. But he is also a huge protector of Ethan. There are a couple of times in the book when his being a "typical teenager" bugged me but I got over it. Having raised three boys myself, I took a step back and tried to remember those lovely days of boys and hormones. :) Then there are Ethan's parents who are absolutely wonderful. They immediately accept Carter and the relationship that is developing between him and their son. Not only accept it but embrace it. The only problem I had with perhaps the entire book is one instance when Elliott did something that was downright cruel and his parents brushed it off like it was nothing. I am not a hard-nosed parent but I do feel that there are consequences for bad behavior and I did not believe there were any in this case. Aside from that, Elliott adores Ethan and protects him in all ways possible, even if it means trying to push Carter away in order to do so. He comes across as angry and bitter at times but only because of his worry and his love for his big brother. He does not want to see him used or hurt.
Overall, this is a very good book. As I said, it is quite unique and it was refreshing to read about characters who aren't the cookie-cutter variety that is seen in so many books these days. Watching Carter and Ethan find their way to a happily ever after was a true pleasure to watch. This was my first by this author. I am now very eager to read more.
This is a beautiful love story between two men who were born to be enemies but find love instead. It's friends-to-lovers and the-one-who-got-away. ThiThis is a beautiful love story between two men who were born to be enemies but find love instead. It's friends-to-lovers and the-one-who-got-away. This would have been an easy, solid 5-star read for me had there not been editing issues (misspelled words) throughout and had specific things not been left unresolved. Otherwise, an excellent read.
This is a beautiful love story between two men who were born to be enemies but find love instead. It's friends-to-lovers and the-one-who-got-away. This would have been an easy, solid 5-star read for me had there not been editing issues (misspelled words) throughout and had specific things not been left unresolved. Otherwise, an excellent read.
This was the classic nerd/jock story. There's the nerd, the closeted jock, the cheerleader who married the jock, and a homophobic jerk. Fast3.5 stars.
This was the classic nerd/jock story. There's the nerd, the closeted jock, the cheerleader who married the jock, and a homophobic jerk. Fast forward 15 years to high school reunion time. The nerd is no longer a nerd. The jock, no longer closeted, is now divorced from the cheerleader, and oh so eager to get to know the nerd now that he's grown. The homophobic jerk, who's still trying to live in his glory days, causes a scene with the nerd at the class reunion and gets put in his place. The nerd and jock go on to live happily ever after.
Well, not quite, but close enough. :)
I like Kevin and Clay and I really did enjoy watching them reconnect as adults. I just felt that it needed a few more pages added so it wouldn't seem like there was so much crammed into such a short story. I also wish there would've been more alone time between the two. Otherwise, a nice read.
This was the classic nerd/jock story. There's the nerd, the closeted jock, the cheerleader who married the jock, and a homophobic jerk. Fast forward 15 years to high school reunion time. The nerd is no longer a nerd. The jock, no longer closeted, is now divorced from the cheerleader, and oh so eager to get to know the nerd now that he's grown. The homophobic jerk, who's still trying to live in his glory days, causes a scene with the nerd at the class reunion and gets put in his place. The nerd and jock go on to live happily ever after.
Well, not quite, but close enough. :)
I like Kevin and Clay and I really did enjoy watching them reconnect as adults. I just felt that it needed a few more pages added so it wouldn't seem like there was so much crammed into such a short story. I also wish there would've been more alone time between the two. Otherwise, a nice read.
Full review with major spoilers, right down to the resolution of the story being explained can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews. Seriously, Full review with major spoilers, right down to the resolution of the story being explained can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews. Seriously, do not click the review link unless you want the entire book spoiled for you.
Merged review:
Full review with major spoilers, right down to the resolution of the story being explained can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews. Seriously, do not click the review link unless you want the entire book spoiled for you....more
Asa Beck is contemplating what led him to where he is today – on a mountaintop awaiting the sunrise that could end his lonely existence once and for aAsa Beck is contemplating what led him to where he is today – on a mountaintop awaiting the sunrise that could end his lonely existence once and for all. The question is this… does he allow the sun to turn him to dust? Or does he continue as he has for the past two centuries?
The reader doesn’t know until the very end, so I hope other reviewers don’t give it away.
This is classic Rick R. Reed. The story is short, but a lot is said in those few pages.
This is a sweet love story. There's an age gap, opposites attract, and first times. There's also some MAJOR insta-love happening. I think Mason and HeThis is a sweet love story. There's an age gap, opposites attract, and first times. There's also some MAJOR insta-love happening. I think Mason and Heaven went from meeting on a plane to declaring their love in 3 or 4 days? Even so, I didn't mind that too much.
I only had a couple of niggles with the story, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of higher.
This book isn't for everybody. Jonathan's kind of a jerk early on, and Hayden's all over the place.
I loved their story.
There’s some serious insta-lovThis book isn't for everybody. Jonathan's kind of a jerk early on, and Hayden's all over the place.
I loved their story.
There’s some serious insta-love happening here, but it was okay, in my opinion. A lot happens in those few days they’re stuck in the cabin. I was perfectly fine with it being so fast. I never, not one time, felt that Hayden was a rebound fling for Jonathan after his divorce. I felt that he was finally being allowed to be himself, not who the whole world expected him to be. It was sweet to watch as it played out.
There were a couple of things that bugged me about the parents and how certain things played out. I was able to overlook those things because I loved Jonathan and Hayden together.
Well, that was frustrating. It started out good. Unfortunately, the author chose to drag Ivy’s issues out until almost the end of the book. 2.5 stars.
Well, that was frustrating. It started out good. Unfortunately, the author chose to drag Ivy’s issues out until almost the end of the book. By the time they were resolved, there weren’t enough pages left to give him and Emory a chance to live as a real couple instead of a fake one. There’s an epilogue that takes place the following Christmas, but by the time I got there, I was over Ivy. Throughout the book, I felt that Emory could do better. I hate that because it could’ve been a really good book for me.
I hate rating books low, and I'm obviously the minority if other ratings are to go by, but I despise rush, rush endings, and that's exactly what I got with this book.
I enjoyed this, but I felt that a few things weren't resolved.
(view spoiler)[The first time Avi is left alone at Edward’s house (Edward went shopping)I enjoyed this, but I felt that a few things weren't resolved.
(view spoiler)[The first time Avi is left alone at Edward’s house (Edward went shopping), a man shows up at the door. Avi only opens it because the man had called out ‘Delivery’ or something like that. The man, whose name was Royce Spencer, was a slimeball. He forced himself inside the house, drank a bunch of Edward’s whiskey, while trying to force himself on Avi. Thankfully, Avi manages to get away, but he still could’ve froze to death while hiding as he waited on Edward to find him.
This guy obviously knew Edward because he kept referring to him as Eddy. But how did he know him? Why would he just appear on his doorstep demanding to get inside? He said he was a Dom, but where did he come from? Maybe he was a character in another of the author’s books? Even so, I was not happy with the lack of resolution with him. It’s like it happened and that was that. Sure, Avi was checked out by a doctor (a neighbor of Edward’s) but as for the Royce guy? Nada. No police. No anything. Had it just been a scare, I’d get it, but this guy tried to force himself on poor Avi. He should’ve been arrested.
Another thing that I felt was just forgotten was the landlord who punched Edward. I get that Avi was terrified – of both the landlord and the creepy Dom – but to just let both go? I wasn’t happy with all that.
I also felt that Edward’s constant British lingo explanations, his tax jokes, and his going on and on about his age got extremely tiring. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, this is a nice and sweet story by an author I’ve enjoyed many times over the years. Buttons: A Daddy for Christmas is a super slow burn for both men. While it’s definitely a Daddy slash little book, it wasn’t as heavy on that as most Daddy and little books I’ve read. I’d like to see these guys a little down the road. I’m also curious about the club. I’ll have to stalk the author’s books to see if they’re from another book/series that’s already been published.
Full review - with the spoilers I listed above - can be found at -
It just clicked that I'd not published this review when I finished the book a few days ago.
I've been eager to read Bailey's sto4.5 stars, rounded up.
It just clicked that I'd not published this review when I finished the book a few days ago.
I've been eager to read Bailey's story since he was introduced in His Christmas Conundrum, that I absolutely loved. With the exception of a few minor issues, I wasn't disappointed.
Bailey's had a rough life. The only child of a ridiculously wealthy family with political aspirations, he's been forced to play the game. He had to be the dutiful son who pretended to be part of a happy family both privately and publicly.
His parents were horrible, though that's too nice of a word to describe them.
Another person making Bailey's life miserable is his former professor, Kelvin Page. It was bad enough when he was Kelvin's student a couple of years before, but now he's the man's PA. To be blunt, the professor is a total ass, constantly calling Bailey out for silly reasons. Kelvin doesn't really hate Bailey - far from it, actually - but he feels like he has to be mean or Bailey might see how he really feels.
The only way to describe Kelvin when it comes to Bailey is obsessed. From the first meeting two years prior, he's wanted Bailey with every fiber of his being. No, not just wanted Bailey, he wants to be Bailey's Daddy. Only he has no clue if Bailey is even into kink, much less a Daddy/little relationship.
Spoiler alert - he is.
The way things come together for these guys is cute, if more than a little rushed. I've noticed that about this author's books.... everything comes together quickly, sometimes too quickly.
Even so, I really enjoyed the book. The only reason I'm not giving it a full 5 stars is because of that rushed thing I just mentioned, and a couple of other minor issues.
I absolutely loved these guys together. I loved watching Trevor come to terms with his sexuality, and how Milo was right there to guide him. I loved MI absolutely loved these guys together. I loved watching Trevor come to terms with his sexuality, and how Milo was right there to guide him. I loved Milo’s dominance and protectiveness. I loved how he never really made it a secret what he felt for Trevor, even if things seemed to be moving fast. Really, they do move super fast, but it totally works.
And, lastly, I love how Trevor's ex was dealt with once and for all.
I guess some readers might say this is a gay-for-you book, but I’m going to go with a bi-awakening because it was pretty obvious that Trevor had been bi-curious for quite some time.
This is a great book that kept me interested from the first page to the last. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author. I was kept smiling throughout all of this one.
This is my favorite Christmas story so far this year.
The only way to describe what Edwin and Adam have is super sweet. Adam is the perfect Daddy, and Edwin is the perfect boy. While4.5 stars, rounded up.
The only way to describe what Edwin and Adam have is super sweet. Adam is the perfect Daddy, and Edwin is the perfect boy. While a lot of the age play is on page, it’s not overkill. The author allows the two men to get to know each other in all aspects of their lives, not just the kink part. I think what I liked most is that the Daddy/boy part of their relationship wasn’t 24/7. I’ve read a lot of those types of books, and I’m not knocking them in any way. I just don’t think the insta-lust/love/Daddy slash boy thing would’ve worked as well with Edwin and Adam had it been a constant part of their overall relationship.
The sex scenes, while hot, were also sweet. You really can’t not love Adam. He was absolutely perfect, and Edwin was a total sweetheart.
A very entertaining read by an author I never fail to enjoy.
I never felt Clark and Nate together. I LOVE substantial age gaps in books, but not if there’s no chemistry between the couple. When thThis was okay.
I never felt Clark and Nate together. I LOVE substantial age gaps in books, but not if there’s no chemistry between the couple. When they were together, even sexually, I felt… nothing. Okay, that’s not true. I felt like they were taking too many chances if they were so concerned about being caught.
The entire book I was waiting on the other shoe to drop, for Sammy to find out. That took so much away from the story for me.
Nate is a very immature twenty. With Clark, I felt like Nate was nothing more than a rebound fling that wouldn’t last long-term. There were almost no conversations where the two guys got to know each other outside of sex. They’d say they needed to talk but end up not doing it. They literally only knew the bare minimum. Nowhere in the book does Clark even tell Nate why he and Jessica divorced or anything else. I admit to skimming over some of the sex scenes, something I never do. I guess I was so frustrated over it being JUST sex with these two when they were supposed to be getting to know each other as people, not just sex buddies.
With the other books in the series, I’ve liked the secondary characters – parents, siblings, nieces/nephews. Not in this one. I like the guys from the other books but that’s about it. Anna, though not as bad as she could’ve been, was a bit of a busybody. Carmen, her daughter, was just a brat. Sammy was okay, I suppose, but not much of his personality was shown in the book.
Overall, the book was okay, as I said. And, again, I never felt these guys together, and the constant waiting on Sammy to find out the truth went on way too long and definitely took away from the story for me.
I liked Juniper and Alec together. Juniper is this big guy, and Alec is much smaller. I think what I enjoyed most about this bookThis is a cute story.
I liked Juniper and Alec together. Juniper is this big guy, and Alec is much smaller. I think what I enjoyed most about this book is the power exchange between the two. With Juniper’s size and his being the older of the two, he doesn’t exactly come across as the submissive type. But he is. And then there’s Alec, who has some serious hot Daddy vibes going. It worked.
I loved Juniper’s family, especially his younger brother and niece. I also loved catching up with the other mall elves. And I can’t forget Len, Juniper’s bastard ex. He was your classic story villain who got his in the end.
I liked how everything came together with Juniper and Alec, though I did find parts to be cheesy and a little silly. Even so, I enjoyed the story. I don’t think I’ve read this author before. I’ll be checking out more of their books.
This story is just too cute. It's way over the top, and Shae came across as SO immature throughout the entire book, but I still enjoyed the heck out oThis story is just too cute. It's way over the top, and Shae came across as SO immature throughout the entire book, but I still enjoyed the heck out of it.
There's nothing about Trace I didn't love. He has a sweet Daddy vibe going.
I liked all the secondary characters - the other mall elves, both Trace and Shae's families. I'm looking forward to reading the others in the series.
Overall, this is a really fun story by an author I’d never read before. I should also note that if you’re looking for the series order on Goodreads, don’t bother. I couldn’t find the books anywhere together except on the ‘also enjoyed’ part of the book pages. They’re listed correctly on Amazon.
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