Griffin Barrett is ex-military and a recovering alcoholic mourning the loss of his best friend and a series of bad decisionI would rate this 4.5 stars
Griffin Barrett is ex-military and a recovering alcoholic mourning the loss of his best friend and a series of bad decisions. Griff's dream is to have his own little cabin in the middle of nowhere. The only thing keeping him from being a lone mountain man is helping with his family's wilderness adventures business. When his uncle's surgery means he has to be the tour guide for a group booked for photography, he is way out of his comfort zone having to deal with the customers on a 10 day trip. His mother and uncle seem determined to use this as an excuse to meddle: make Griff be more social, more involved in the family business, and more involved in life in general. But Griff is using the isolation and routine to help manage his demons.
One of said customers is River Vale, a former supermodel and now travel writer. Known as a foodie and "professional nomad," he doesn't have or want a home. Or is that true? It seems he's been on the run from one place to another since his mother died. It becomes clear right away he has an eating disorder but he's not quite the pampered, spoiled model Griff was expecting. Griff's antisocial behavor intrigues River, who is used to everyone liking him and doesn't know what to make of Griff's attitude. The author does a good job of setting up a dynamic where both of them are off balance during their interactions.
There is an instant opposites attract dynamic. It soon becomes apparent they both have enough baggage for an airport, and more in common than either would have thought. The seduction of a reluctant Griff is strangely fun to witness. River is enticing. What is supposed to be a casual fling gets complicated. The love scenes are meant to further the characters' intimacy and it's great to see that they match the personality of the characters--the scenes are about them, not just to tantalize the reader. Yes, they are still hot.
Unused to letting people know him, Griff gets attached to the one man he has finally let in. River starts to get attached to the one man who seems to actually take care of him. It's easier to be the best you, when you are in an environment you can control. The best part of the book comes when Griff visits River in Vancouver and meets his friends; it really highlights all of the challenges they will face if they are going to be a couple. I still would have liked to see more interactions with both families and friends (even flashbacks), which would have added more depth.
One of things that often frustrates me in books is where a miscommunication about something not that important is the plot device that keeps the MCs apart just a little longer. This book is a perfect example of how to use the fear everyone has that if someone really gets to know you, warts and all, they won't like you. The author gets into the psychology of the characters to show their vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms. But what helps these characters in survival mode, often doesn't benefit them the rest of the time. There is no overnight fix, just the slow working out of things over time and actually talking about the difficult things. In the end, they are sweet building their life together and planning for new adventures.
Merged review:
I would rate this 4.5 stars
Griffin Barrett is ex-military and a recovering alcoholic mourning the loss of his best friend and a series of bad decisions. Griff's dream is to have his own little cabin in the middle of nowhere. The only thing keeping him from being a lone mountain man is helping with his family's wilderness adventures business. When his uncle's surgery means he has to be the tour guide for a group booked for photography, he is way out of his comfort zone having to deal with the customers on a 10 day trip. His mother and uncle seem determined to use this as an excuse to meddle: make Griff be more social, more involved in the family business, and more involved in life in general. But Griff is using the isolation and routine to help manage his demons.
One of said customers is River Vale, a former supermodel and now travel writer. Known as a foodie and "professional nomad," he doesn't have or want a home. Or is that true? It seems he's been on the run from one place to another since his mother died. It becomes clear right away he has an eating disorder but he's not quite the pampered, spoiled model Griff was expecting. Griff's antisocial behavor intrigues River, who is used to everyone liking him and doesn't know what to make of Griff's attitude. The author does a good job of setting up a dynamic where both of them are off balance during their interactions.
There is an instant opposites attract dynamic. It soon becomes apparent they both have enough baggage for an airport, and more in common than either would have thought. The seduction of a reluctant Griff is strangely fun to witness. River is enticing. What is supposed to be a casual fling gets complicated. The love scenes are meant to further the characters' intimacy and it's great to see that they match the personality of the characters--the scenes are about them, not just to tantalize the reader. Yes, they are still hot.
Unused to letting people know him, Griff gets attached to the one man he has finally let in. River starts to get attached to the one man who seems to actually take care of him. It's easier to be the best you, when you are in an environment you can control. The best part of the book comes when Griff visits River in Vancouver and meets his friends; it really highlights all of the challenges they will face if they are going to be a couple. I still would have liked to see more interactions with both families and friends (even flashbacks), which would have added more depth.
One of things that often frustrates me in books is where a miscommunication about something not that important is the plot device that keeps the MCs apart just a little longer. This book is a perfect example of how to use the fear everyone has that if someone really gets to know you, warts and all, they won't like you. The author gets into the psychology of the characters to show their vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms. But what helps these characters in survival mode, often doesn't benefit them the rest of the time. There is no overnight fix, just the slow working out of things over time and actually talking about the difficult things. In the end, they are sweet building their life together and planning for new adventures....more
This is the last book in the Out of Uniform series, but this will read fine as a standalone. Canaan is studying to be a gerI would rate this 4 stars.
This is the last book in the Out of Uniform series, but this will read fine as a standalone. Canaan is studying to be a geriatric nurse and working at a smoothie place by the base. When his friends and former band members pressure him to bring someone on their camping trip since everyone is coupled up, he invites his SEAL crush Renzo. The thing is, the plot is not that complicated. As always with Annabeth Albert, it's the attention to detail and the skill put into making the audience care about her characters that elevates the book. They are both real, awkward, and honest--to a point as they both guard their hearts. Their interactions show how they fit together in both mundane and extreme circumstances. Seeing them deal with the outside pressure of others while they are on uneven footing was interesting, but the novel takes off when they get seperated from the group in a camping adventure gone wrong. The forced proximity and emergency bring them closer.
You have to admire Canaan for taking a chance and putting himself out there. He never lies to Renzo about who he is, his past, or what he wants. He usually instigates some pretty frank sex talk. I agree completely: if you can't talk about it, you probably shouldn't be doing it. The love scenes are steamy and sweet as they work out what works for them. Renzo took longer for me to know with all of his layers, and compartmentalizing. It's not that Renzo can't feel sexual attraction without an emotional connection, he just doesn't want to. He's also had some negative sexual encounters that gave him some hang-ups.
I think the strong ties that both guys have to their family ultimately help them to realize they could have those ties to each other if they take the chance. Relationships are work and compromise. With Renzo being away for long periods of time for military service, the commitment and trust have to be there. This is a good addition to the series, which I have really enjoyed. I would recommend them all, but my favorites are At Attention and Wheels Up.
Merged review:
I would rate this 4 stars.
This is the last book in the Out of Uniform series, but this will read fine as a standalone. Canaan is studying to be a geriatric nurse and working at a smoothie place by the base. When his friends and former band members pressure him to bring someone on their camping trip since everyone is coupled up, he invites his SEAL crush Renzo. The thing is, the plot is not that complicated. As always with Annabeth Albert, it's the attention to detail and the skill put into making the audience care about her characters that elevates the book. They are both real, awkward, and honest--to a point as they both guard their hearts. Their interactions show how they fit together in both mundane and extreme circumstances. Seeing them deal with the outside pressure of others while they are on uneven footing was interesting, but the novel takes off when they get seperated from the group in a camping adventure gone wrong. The forced proximity and emergency bring them closer.
You have to admire Canaan for taking a chance and putting himself out there. He never lies to Renzo about who he is, his past, or what he wants. He usually instigates some pretty frank sex talk. I agree completely: if you can't talk about it, you probably shouldn't be doing it. The love scenes are steamy and sweet as they work out what works for them. Renzo took longer for me to know with all of his layers, and compartmentalizing. It's not that Renzo can't feel sexual attraction without an emotional connection, he just doesn't want to. He's also had some negative sexual encounters that gave him some hang-ups.
I think the strong ties that both guys have to their family ultimately help them to realize they could have those ties to each other if they take the chance. Relationships are work and compromise. With Renzo being away for long periods of time for military service, the commitment and trust have to be there. This is a good addition to the series, which I have really enjoyed. I would recommend them all, but my favorites are At Attention and Wheels Up....more
Darcy is a part time fake boyfriend to fund other things he is passionate about. It is not an escort service, that still I would rate this 3.25 stars.
Darcy is a part time fake boyfriend to fund other things he is passionate about. It is not an escort service, that still sounds a lot like an escort service with a bit of valet thrown in. Abby is a scientist who spends all her time in a lab. When circumstances seem to force her into bringing a date to a wedding, sparks fly--between Darcy and Abby's brother Adrian.
The plot is thin, relying on manufactured angst due to a cousin. Abby and Adrian act like the reason Abby hires Darcy is a big secret, until it's not. Once the set-up is finished and this gets going, about 30% in, it starts to be more fun. They all have to get through a week of wedding activities without getting caught in this web of lies. The conflict, that wasn't, wraps up abruptly. There are moments of attraction between Darcy and Adrian where I felt a few sparks, but then Adrian has a self pleasuring scene was just didn't do it for me. When the wedding is over, it's time for Adrian and Darcy to get to know each other when Darcy is off the job.
Darcy is thoughtful and solid. Adrian is a bit insecure, yet somehow still trusting. Finally together, I thought they would burn up the sheets, and they do. I just didn't find myself emotionally invested or that hot and bothered. Four months later, they have to come clean to Adrian and Abby's parents if they are going to be together. Yet, there is never a moment when the parents learn about what Darcy does for a living. That is not dealt with at all. The epilogue has the happily ever after people expect.
Merged review:
I would rate this 3.25 stars.
Darcy is a part time fake boyfriend to fund other things he is passionate about. It is not an escort service, that still sounds a lot like an escort service with a bit of valet thrown in. Abby is a scientist who spends all her time in a lab. When circumstances seem to force her into bringing a date to a wedding, sparks fly--between Darcy and Abby's brother Adrian.
The plot is thin, relying on manufactured angst due to a cousin. Abby and Adrian act like the reason Abby hires Darcy is a big secret, until it's not. Once the set-up is finished and this gets going, about 30% in, it starts to be more fun. They all have to get through a week of wedding activities without getting caught in this web of lies. The conflict, that wasn't, wraps up abruptly. There are moments of attraction between Darcy and Adrian where I felt a few sparks, but then Adrian has a self pleasuring scene was just didn't do it for me. When the wedding is over, it's time for Adrian and Darcy to get to know each other when Darcy is off the job.
Darcy is thoughtful and solid. Adrian is a bit insecure, yet somehow still trusting. Finally together, I thought they would burn up the sheets, and they do. I just didn't find myself emotionally invested or that hot and bothered. Four months later, they have to come clean to Adrian and Abby's parents if they are going to be together. Yet, there is never a moment when the parents learn about what Darcy does for a living. That is not dealt with at all. The epilogue has the happily ever after people expect....more
This is a charity anthology, so I tend to think of the stories as a thank you for donating money. All aI would rate this whole collection 3.75 stars.
This is a charity anthology, so I tend to think of the stories as a thank you for donating money. All anthologies are a mixed bag and people will like different stories than I do, but here are a few of my favorites from this collection. There is a variety of combinations (M/M, F/F, M/M/F, M/F) with bisexual, trans, and ace represented. They all contemporary except for the one historical, paranormal romance. The foreword by Roan Parrish is quite eloquent.
R.L. Merrill, Pinups and Puppies (F/F, 4 stars) This is told from the first person POV of Marianne, who is struggling with grief and reintegration after her retirement from the Air Force. She owns a vintage plane and volunteers to transport dogs to help shelters who find them homes. That's how she meets Dinah, who co-owns the shelter. They both seem to have great support systems filled with family and friends. With great chemistry, their lives and interests slot nicely together, making them a cute couple.
Susan Scott, Shelley Sugar Crush (Bliss Bakery Series) (M/M, 4.5 stars) Jack, a horror novelist gets to know a baker, Gabriel when he joins a softball team to help his friend Shane This has an opposites attract trope with great sexual tension and friends as extended family. This is about fitting into someone's life and making room for them to fit into yours--giving each other a safe space and carving out shared time, while still having their own interests. Also, not letting fear or the past get in the way of the future.
Xio Axelrod When Frankie Meets Johnny (M/M, 4.25 stars) DJ meets contractor/teacher in this hurt/comfort tale with an age gap. This story is what you make it. I highly recommend listening to all the songs that he plays for a hell of a good time. If an artist is mentioned, but not a song, pick one that has a title that fits the scene. I would have rated this higher, but I couldn't tell if this was Johnny's first time with a man or he was demisexual? There is certainly a misunderstanding I think could have been handled better, but the story is charming.
Merged review:
I would rate this whole collection 3.75 stars.
This is a charity anthology, so I tend to think of the stories as a thank you for donating money. All anthologies are a mixed bag and people will like different stories than I do, but here are a few of my favorites from this collection. There is a variety of combinations (M/M, F/F, M/M/F, M/F) with bisexual, trans, and ace represented. They all contemporary except for the one historical, paranormal romance. The foreword by Roan Parrish is quite eloquent.
R.L. Merrill, Pinups and Puppies (F/F, 4 stars) This is told from the first person POV of Marianne, who is struggling with grief and reintegration after her retirement from the Air Force. She owns a vintage plane and volunteers to transport dogs to help shelters who find them homes. That's how she meets Dinah, who co-owns the shelter. They both seem to have great support systems filled with family and friends. With great chemistry, their lives and interests slot nicely together, making them a cute couple.
Susan Scott, Shelley Sugar Crush (Bliss Bakery Series) (M/M, 4.5 stars) Jack, a horror novelist gets to know a baker, Gabriel when he joins a softball team to help his friend Shane This has an opposites attract trope with great sexual tension and friends as extended family. This is about fitting into someone's life and making room for them to fit into yours--giving each other a safe space and carving out shared time, while still having their own interests. Also, not letting fear or the past get in the way of the future.
Xio Axelrod When Frankie Meets Johnny (M/M, 4.25 stars) DJ meets contractor/teacher in this hurt/comfort tale with an age gap. This story is what you make it. I highly recommend listening to all the songs that he plays for a hell of a good time. If an artist is mentioned, but not a song, pick one that has a title that fits the scene. I would have rated this higher, but I couldn't tell if this was Johnny's first time with a man or he was demisexual? There is certainly a misunderstanding I think could have been handled better, but the story is charming....more
Written in the first person POV of Jack, this is a portrayal of a lonely Asian man in a small rural mostly Caucasian townI would rate this 3.5 stars.
Written in the first person POV of Jack, this is a portrayal of a lonely Asian man in a small rural mostly Caucasian town, coming to grips with being bisexual, and all the issues facing new adults. We get to know his best friend Lucas, through his eyes. The dialogue is minimal, as this author's style is narrative. They have built camaraderie working together at a grocery store, but increasingly Jack feels more. Not just an attraction, but a need to take care of Lucas or be the person he leans on. Because he doesn't want to lose the friendship, he fights his impulses. Then, because of the circumstances, he doesn't feel it's appropriate to bring up. Jack is one of the good guys, maybe too good, who is a bit defensive about it. The story is him having all of these feelings for the first time: being in love, dealing with grief and death, and making important decisions for himself. Really, they are already in the most important relationship they each have and they ignore it until they can't anymore. I'm glad this happens after the power dynamics shift. The other main character of Mrs. Collins is a foil to help give them a combined focus and show who they both are--why they are a good match. Overall, I liked this story. ...more
You might have already read it when it was in the Warlords, Witches & Wolves anthology. While it takes place in the FamiI would rate this 3.25 stars.
You might have already read it when it was in the Warlords, Witches & Wolves anthology. While it takes place in the Familiar Mates world, it could be read on it's own. Bailey is not in the best situation when he mets his mate Kass. His Gran is involved in some shady business. He doesn't know anything about other shifters or the Council. The best part of the book is actually the trapped, desperation Bailey conveys, which seems more real than the other emotions named. Since most of the book takes place through their mate bond as they are separated by geography, the romance is a tough sell. While an interesting idea, I feel like the premise could have worked better than it did. Rather than their physical intimacy when they are finally alone becoming the glue that holds this story together, for me it was another thing that didn't help move the romance forward in a way that made me emotionally connect with the characters. The happy ending is there, I'm just not sure they've spent enough time together to have earned it. ...more
The reader is thrown right into the action, but everything is explained, so you could read this even if you haven't read tI would rate this 3.5 stars.
The reader is thrown right into the action, but everything is explained, so you could read this even if you haven't read the rest of the series. However, I think it'd be clearer if you at least read book five first, as this continues a bit of that story with Sam as a reoccurring character. Each book has it's own couple that are mates, with a small side of intrigue. I want way more detail about the Coven; this just isn't enough world-building for me to feel emotionally invested in the outcome of what has become the overarching storyline. I really like this author, so I usually find something of interest to me in either the world or the psychology of the characters.
The view of different types of shifters continues to widen away from just wolves. Rhys is a siren who is kidnapped, and meets Chase, a hippo shifter, during his undercover operation for the Coven. While it's an interesting set-up, this is a tough sell. Rhys spends most of the book in unpleasant circumstances, while Chase has his hands figuratively tied behind his back. Sam's continued bias against witchcraft leaves an aftertaste, but I have yet to find anything pleasant about the Coven anyway. I don't know how to talk about a plot twist without spoilers (look away), but I don't think being transgender should be a plot twist. There is foreshadowing, so it's not a surprise, but a knowledge the reader has. The real issue is that it's 80% of the way into this before they really get to spend any time together and they are still running for their lives. They don't know each other. Besides being a match in the bedroom and Chase being a decent guy about Rhys's identity...they have nothing in common that I can see. Chase seems at home with the violence, while Rhys is not, but this just gets swept aside. So far, things in this world can't be resolved without violence, so I'm not sure where this will leave their relationship. It's the epilogue that brings a feeling of warmth, a HFN for the couple, while hinting at the battle to come in some future story....more
There are plenty of books with fated mates where everything is perfect: they meet, fall in love and just surrender to it,I would rate this 4.25 stars.
There are plenty of books with fated mates where everything is perfect: they meet, fall in love and just surrender to it, blissfully happy forever. This is not that book. Here, the author has chosen to explore the angsty ideas of marital and magical problems within a bonded pair. In the world building, this makes perfect sense as the reader knows there is some bad blood between shifters and witches, who have historically tried to exploit shifters to add to their own magical powers. What would it be like to find out your fated mate was not a nice person, someone who would hurt you? Don't worry, because this is not that book either. Mark is a very likeable guy, if somewhat work-centered and self-absorbed. Without being too explicit or in your face with it, this book is about choice and consent. If we think about the implications of mate bonds and fated mates...it's kind of rapey. As Sam becomes overwhelmed and withdrawns from their bond, relationship, and marriage, Mark is left trying to figure out how everything has gone wrong. Add in a possible serial killer as both of their cases dovetail together, and the tension is ratcheted even higher.
Even though this is part of a series, there is enough of a recap that you could read this on its own; I just always still feel like I missed something. I don't know how much of Sam's mental health was shown being affected by previous cases, how much more world-building there is, or how much the secondary characters are further explored; I doubt there is very much because for all its angst, this was an easy read. There could have been more done with couple's counseling here, but it's good to see Sam start down a healing path even if this ends up feeling uneven to me because Mark has to make all the sacrifices for the relationship to work. Some might say that's fine because of the inherent power imbalance. I know many will empathize with Sam's mental health issues. Yet Mark is the more likeable character for me because when he figures out what is wrong, he fixes it. He doesn't run away from his problems, nor blame them all on Sam or his father; rather he takes responsibility for what he can. The conclusion was more HFN rather than HEA, a journey, not an ending for this couple. Then there is the murder investigation which is not finished at all, so be warned: but I enjoyed their story and would read more in this world. ...more
I like unique, so this book is a breath of fresh air. It's told in vignette style from the first person POV of one part oI would rate this 4.5 stars.
I like unique, so this book is a breath of fresh air. It's told in vignette style from the first person POV of one part of a couple, whose names we never learn. Nothing happens here: the plot is man meets man, they are both attracted to each other and embark on a lust fueled tumultuous ride with an expiration date. But as we know, when you give someone that level of trust and intimacy, feelings get involved even if you don't want them to. These are pivotal scenes of their relationship, but they exist in a bubble, not just because of Coronavirus, but because friends are mentioned but never met, work is done, but not important. The focus is how this man becomes his whole world; it is psychological, not narrative, world-building of the mind, not the environment. There are a lot of sexually explicit scenes, so I wouldn't recommend reading it all in one go, but rather sip it and let it breathe. Though they do titillate, they are just a natural part of the relationship that quickly turns serious due to the level of jealousy and possessiveness along with the power games they play. I found all of this hot and interesting, but I didn't feel the heart of it until about 80% in. Although this all takes place in one summer, it feels like longer because it's everything one has to give to another. ...more
A romantic comedy about online dating featuring mature male leads, this is in turns funny and sad. Starting out with a badI would rate this 3.5 stars.
A romantic comedy about online dating featuring mature male leads, this is in turns funny and sad. Starting out with a bad first date that didn't show Dan in the best light was an interesting choice. Dan is still getting over his divorce, hung up on his best friend Trevor, and trying this online dating thing. It is not going well until he connects with Robin, who has his own hangups. Dan is at that place when all his defenses are down, when he gives up trying to be impressive, witty, or prove he's clever and is honest instead. Robin brings out the best in Dan by making him look at things in a different light while Trevor seems to just confuse him. The author has given us three flawed, interesting characters, but that doesn't quite translate as a love triangle even though they all deserve each other. I did like exploring through Dan's POV that moment in life when he has to decide what he wants and be brave enough to reach for it. I don't think the epilogue added anything to the story except the idea that whoever Dan chose, they are in it together. Overall, I enjoyed this short story even though I was more mentally engaged than emotionally. ...more
Since these short stories are woven in between events in the Power of Zero series, it works best if you have already read I would give this 3.5 stars.
Since these short stories are woven in between events in the Power of Zero series, it works best if you have already read all four books first. The author provides a timeline so you can read the stories in chronological order with the books if you wish. Nothing happens here--this is a deeper dive into the daily lives of these characters with the net result of making the sum of their parts greater. A few of the stories are from Gareth's POV; some are from Jack's POV. Obviously, it is loosely centered around the idea of dating and romance with an established couple. Once Nico and Daniel get involved, things get more complicated on that front. From small touching family moments, to over the top romantic gestures, this is a low-angst way to spend some time with fan favorite characters. ...more
Grant is so unhappy being a worker drone in Seattle, he burns his whole life down six months after his divorce. His defenI would rate this 4.5 stars.
Grant is so unhappy being a worker drone in Seattle, he burns his whole life down six months after his divorce. His defenses are so high, the only one he seems to lower them for is his nephew Kai. When he ends up camping rough on Vashon Island to try and figure out his life, he meets an artist named Oliver who challenges him. Sparks fly as Oliver likes irritating Grant with a strange arrangement meant to get him back on his feet. Oliver has demons of his own and stripping Grant bare exposes his own defense mechanisms. Both of them will need to battle their own and each other's walls if they are to have a chance at living happily ever after.
Grant ignores unpleasant realities. Yet, he has a big heart for those who accept him as he is instead of trying to change him. The tweens (his nephew Kai and his friends Jill, Clover, Penelope, and Abelino) are there as the catalysts to show who he is behind his anger, fear, and desperation to find himself for himself, instead of always bending to fit the will of others. Some might say, where are their parents? But, I grew up on an island and ran wild for hours, all day and night in the summer and no one knew where I was or who I was with, so this made me think of my own adventures. How wonderful they have someone to treat them like the individual people they are. One of Grant's lessons is that sometimes order and boundaries are needed, that their are times they are appropriate and should be respected; another is that if the rules he lives by don't serve him, it's time to make up new rules.
Oliver flouts the idea that you can't help people who don't want to be helped. I'm glad Oliver had a come to Jesus moment about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, but it didn't make him more likeable for me at that moment. With his artistic nature, his fantasies often overcome or overwrite his reality...but people who are lonely or traumatized often live in their head. His circle (Talia, Clementine, Freddy) is only people who will respect his boundaries and not expect more from him. Freddie, Oliver's friend with benefits for seventeen years, is a deceptively complex look into Oliver's world as he has ordered it. I liked Oliver the most when his art therapy ends up saving him from his avoidance techniques.
Being creatives, this is a wild ride with characters that explore the absurdity of their inner worlds. Memories, nostalgia, how the past shapes our reality, and thus the present, is what is battled here. This is what it looks like when people take a self inventory. So many stories focus on violence or sexual abuse as the only thing that wounds people; you will not find that here. Having said that, I was not enamored with the stalking for love trope. In the end, these two wounded men fit like puzzle pieces--their strengths and weaknesses merging to create a stronger whole. My mind was a swirl of grief and enchantment, painted with vivid art and inner imagery. The ending left me touched, breathless, and happy knowing in all the world Grant and Oliver found the one special person who gets them, crazy and all. ...more
Do yourself a favor and don't read this unless you have read the following series by Amy Lane first: Johnnies, Racing FoI would rate this 3.75 stars.
Do yourself a favor and don't read this unless you have read the following series by Amy Lane first: Johnnies, Racing For The Sun, and Fish Out of Water. You could read this first, or out of order, and enjoy the romance between the main characters Henry and Lance, but the main events of the novel come at you sideways via the fifth book in the Fish Out of Water series; you would have to keep track of two different names for a plethora of characters from the Johnnies series, since each has their real name and their porn star name. The true emotional payoff will come for the faithful fans who will enjoy all the series being woven together and already know all the side characters in this.
Henry is finally at rock bottom when he goes to visit his brother Davy (aka Dex), a former porn model, in Sacramento with his husband Carlos (Kane). After nine years in the Army he flounders with what to do now that he has been discharged. His brother sets him up at a flophouse used by a stable of young guys who work for Johnnies. His tragic story is layered into the book as he tries to avoid thinking or talking about it unless he has to. He acts as a "den mother" for Cotton, Randy, Zeppelin, Fisher, Billy, and Curtis along with Lance. As a resident finishing his internship at the hospital, Lance still does the occasional porn scene to pay off his student loans. As the oldest in the house, and the same age as Henry, it's inevitable they are drawn together. Right when I started to get everyone straight, and Lance and Henry are forming a bond, there's a murder, which drags the P.I. Jackson Rivers and lawyer Ellery Cramer, among others, from the Fish Out Of Water series into it.
Maybe the absolute worst time for a relationship, might be the best time. As Henry navigates his abusive relationship from the past eleven years or so, he doesn't even know how broken he is. This makes his journey from internalized homophobic abuse victim to over the top hero at the end, without any counseling, a bit unbelievable for me. Lance is the stable presence here, not because he doesn't have issues of his own, but because he knows what they are and seeks treatment both for himself and to inspire the other Johnnies in the house. To me, Lance is the real hero. Then, there is what I wanted to happen versus what I could realistically expect to happen based on the story so far; having something be emotionally satisfying doesn't make it a realistic conclusion. What saves this for me are the genuine moments of intimacy and connection Amy Lane is known for invoking in her writing. I will probably read everything again, catch up on the few books I missed, and read this last.
This is the second book in a trilogy that shares a story arc, thus should be read in order. As such, it's difficult to reviI would rate this 4 stars.
This is the second book in a trilogy that shares a story arc, thus should be read in order. As such, it's difficult to review without spoilers. The first book builds a relationship between Chris, a famous horror writer, and a local police Captain, Sawyer. They start to share their lives together whilst navigating strange graffiti, a domestic violence case, and the gruesome discovery of several human remains. Sawyer's best friend Drew comes back to town after his missing brother Casey is identified as one of the bodies. But ten years in the military has changed him; Drew is no longer that teenaged boy that left. Rumor blamed Drew for Casey's disappearance, but frankly, everyone's a suspect, except Drew. Logan, a cop introduced in the first book as ex-military, has made Lancaster Falls his home after he was discharged from the Army. This story focuses on his part in working on the strange graffiti, Casey's last days before his disappearance, and trying to help a veteran with PTSD, Adam Gray. As a landowner near where the bodies were found, and related by marriage to one of the two dynastic families in town, Adam is one part of this small town puzzle.
Being inside Drew's and Logan's POV makes this book completely different in tone to the first book. Drew, tortured by whatifs and PTSD, is determined to find out what happened to Casey. As he goes around town asking questions, he's like a kid hitting a bee hive with his stick, stirring up trouble to see what pops out. Logan is a more steady presence; as the outsider who moved there, he is unburdened with a lifetime of memories of the deceased. As Drew starts to pull him off balance, all Logan's cases start to dovetail together. Drew is at turns seductive and bratty, vulnerable and angry, which creates a sort of enemies to lovers vibe. The attraction between them didn't seem as natural at the beginning, but that may be because Drew is desperately grabbing at anything to hold back grief and memories. He's confused about his past, future, and present all at the same time...which is why I think their romance is less stable than I would like.
The pacing also feels like marching relentlessly towards a conclusion. At the end of this you will know who, but not all the whos, and why, but not all the whys. I don't know why I did this to myself because I hate cliffhangers. The first book was excellent, but it focused more on character development and the romance; this book, I think the romance suffered a little as the actual case was ratcheted up to the forefront. Of the three best friends, Sawyer and Drew have been paired off leaving Josh for book three. So far, I feel like I know some of the secondary characters better than Josh. The FBI will come to investigate the remains found in book one, so expect new characters for book three, although the reader should know all the essential players on the board at this point. While some of the resolution for this relied on someone cracking under pressure, there has been plenty of foreshadowing for where this is going to go, so I have very high hopes for the next book. ...more
Gabriel has become a recluse, grieving the loss of his wife Jenny and his son Michael. The only one keeping him alive is hiI would rate this 4 stars.
Gabriel has become a recluse, grieving the loss of his wife Jenny and his son Michael. The only one keeping him alive is his brother-in-law and neighbor Toby and Toby's husband Damien. But Toby has been enabling Gabriel as helping him staves off his own grief. When Gabriel's obsession with searching the sea finds an injured man in a boat, his life is jumpstarted in ways he never saw coming. With the man who becomes Sam having amnesia due to a head injury and emotional trauma, are his nightmares of someone trying to murder him true? As Sam and Gabriel become close during the forced proximity, they may be building castles in the sand that have an expiration date when real life floods in to their intimate bubble.
An alternating POV between Sam and Gabriel is used to good effect; I got to know and like both characters well. Gabriel has changed nothing in the house since his family died, he's made no effort to move forward in his grieving process. Having someone in his home who doesn't know anything about him or his family makes him confront what he has been avoiding, his home has become a shrine to them down to the mug that was his wife's favorite. Sam has terrifying nightmares and flashbacks of people trying to murder him; little facts and bits of his life come back to him over a few days. Gabriel is his savior and safety in his world gone mad. The attraction is there, but the timing isn't right, until it is. Both of them are experiencing fear, loss, and grief that helps them grow together. Toby, as the local doctor, grabs at the chance to support Gabriel by playing instigator and matchmaker. A well written category romance, this could have gone into great territory if the emergency that pulled the community together was a chance to really explore the others living there, but they are mostly just names with enough care from Gabriel's POV to tug at the heartstrings without the work of making them more three dimensional. I did love the English seaside as a character that while beautiful, adds complex moods, both good and bad, to the tale.
Of course, there is that pesky attempted murder thing to deal with. By the time Sam is recognized from a news report for a missing person, the story is already emotionally satisfying. Is five days long enough to fall in love? I vote yes for a HFN, a promise to try to confront how to blend their radically different lives together after senseless loss. Much of this is down to good, believable dialogue. The angst is broken up by moments of genuine care for others and humor. For me, this was a lovely way to spend three hours. ...more
This is book five in the series, but I've not read the previous four and had no issues reading it as a standalone. This oI would rate this 3.75 stars.
This is book five in the series, but I've not read the previous four and had no issues reading it as a standalone. This one focuses on Donovan, an alpha from Southern Pack who comes to Northern Pack territory as a bounty hunter for a runaway omega named Carmen. When he arrives, Judge Tarek refuses to give him an extradition order. His stay, while trying to convince Carmen to voluntarily return to her family, shows him how restrictive the wolf caste system is. As he acknowledges his forbidden desire for another alpha, he has an affair with Tarek that is rapidly becoming something else. Can he confront the difference between what he's been taught his whole life, and the reality he is faced with?
Since this is about Donovan's character development, the POV stays with him. The politics snuck up on me, although I don't know why; the correlation with patriarchy and gender roles is obvious. In this world, omegas are treated differently in each region as is the legality of same sex and mixed caste unions. Central and Western Pack are mentioned, but don't play a role. Here's where some more in depth world-building would have made this really shine for me. Maybe that's unfair because perhaps it was already done in previous books, but with this writing style, I doubt the previous books were markedly more detailed. Ditto the secondary characters in this book who have had their own books: they are all likeable and move the story forward, but not much is learned about them here. So reading the previous books might have given me a greater emotional attachment to them. However, it's cleverly written because you can read them all in order for the overarching political story, or you can just read the ones you want if that couple strikes your fancy without missing much.
The sex scenes are steamy and well written. While this world has heats and knotting, there was no mpreg. The development of Tarek and Donovan's relationship is fast--a matter of days. While cute, I would have liked more connection outside of the sex. In the end, did me wanting more detail about everything affect my enjoyment of this book? Nope. This is a new to me author and I really loved the writing style. As a fun, easy to read, steamy, paranormal erotic romance, this is a great choice when you want to be entertained for a few hours and have some food for thought (it's okay to be who you are), without a lot of angst. I will read this author again.
Sheriff Quoitrel meets Omega Daisy whilst he is renovating the old bordello in North Leland into a new bordello. This is wheI would rate this 4 stars.
Sheriff Quoitrel meets Omega Daisy whilst he is renovating the old bordello in North Leland into a new bordello. This is where North Leland's progressive values about omegas having autonomy over their own bodies comes into conflict with their paternalistic or moralistic view towards sex workers. Ideas like: protection versus control, support instead of saving someone, and that sometimes you have to fight, actually fight, for what you believe in--are explored here. Many people support something in theory, but standing behind that in actuality may be entirely different. Since this is the final book in the series the overarching storyline of succession is finally answered. Although having previous knowledge of some of the characters might make one more invested, there is no reason why this couldn't be read as a standalone.
I liked Quoitrel and Daisy, singularly and together. Quoitrel learns about himself and his own sexuality while adapting his view of what a relationship is. Daisy is still a sex worker, so if you think him that doing his job is cheating, this is not the book for you. They find the relationship that is right for them, filled with mutual respect. Good communication is key to a relationship like this, so I do wish I could have seen more of it. There is some violence as the political situation gets sorted, but the other five books have been building up to this. One of the things I like in the whole series is that the characters are both human and wolf; they hunt and use their teeth and claws, yet the best of them don't allow their humanity to be overcome by animal instinct, nor use it as an excuse for bad behavior. That's really what the series is about: striving to be the best version of themselves for equality and equity for all. With steamy sex scenes, heartfelt moments of caring and loss, and striving for a better tomorrows for their citizens, this book is very entertaining. ...more
Fortis and Keesh have their own complicated history of dancing around their attraction for each other for five years, eachI would rate this 3.5 stars.
Fortis and Keesh have their own complicated history of dancing around their attraction for each other for five years, each for his own reasons. As an alpha and a beta, they have a certain dynamic they maintain. When Prince Angel asks them to escort an omega named Owen back to his home in Western Pack, they agree. Owen has been treated badly by Prince Devin, who has canceled their mating. With an alpha's ability to command compliance and an omega's pheromones, both need Keesh's beta abilities as a peacemaker to make their travel go smoothly, especially when Owen goes into heat.
This goes exactly where it says it will, there aren't many surprises. Except for what is needed for each scene, there also isn't much world-building. Neither does this move the overarching storyline forward much. If you have not read the first three books, you would still have no problem following this story. I'm not sure how Owen is so sweet, having been raised in a political household and trained for court life. Still, it's nice to see him learn to be more independent. Much of the book has that feeling of being in a bubble as the three travel through the forest. Even when they detour to Central Pack territory to stop at Keesh's hometown of Hybernia, the only other character to stand out is Keesh's mom. The book is at its best as the three men work out their hurt feelings when jealousies arise. They are all willing to step aside for each other to be happy, as they all struggle with how to make a triad work. There isn't any need; they just have to open their minds to it. Mainly, there are sweet, cute, and adorable moments in this, broken up by hot sex scenes and pining. Read this when you want fluffy, steamy goodness to enjoy without being too taxing. ...more
With a cleverly built science fiction spin, what appears to be a blue collar/white collar meet cute becomes much more when PI would rate this 4 stars.
With a cleverly built science fiction spin, what appears to be a blue collar/white collar meet cute becomes much more when Pierre is vulnerable and Dar switches the power dynamics to make this intriguing story soar. The writing style is different and quirky, always the way to my heart. Kudos to the author for making me care about these two people in such a truncated amount of time. Rather than focusing on sex, this focuses on a heartfelt connection of equals. If the connection is based on truth, people being who they really are without artifice, I believe that can happen in a short amount of time. I enjoyed this short story about people who are a good match, are lucky the timing is right, and save each other....more
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