The Nightmare Before KissMas by Sara Raasch Royals and Romance series #1. Paranormal, fantasy magic M-M romance. Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to love ChrThe Nightmare Before KissMas by Sara Raasch Royals and Romance series #1. Paranormal, fantasy magic M-M romance. Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to love Christmas. It’s his heritage. Being forced to marry Iris, the Easter Princess, to cover up getting caught making out with a beautiful man has made Cole unsettled. Neither Cole nor Iris want the marriage and now Hex, the Prince of Halloween, challenges Coal in the fake marriage contract. Poor Iris. Hex doesn’t really want her either. He wants Cole. It’s a public relations nightmare. But Santa is holding the reins and it’s going to be up to the next generation to figure out the holiday mixing.
Terror by Moonlight by Hank Edwards Critter Catchers series #1. Horror, M-M romance. Cody Bower and Demetrius Singleton have been friends for twenty thTerror by Moonlight by Hank Edwards Critter Catchers series #1. Horror, M-M romance. Cody Bower and Demetrius Singleton have been friends for twenty three years. They are opposites in many things but they’ve paired together and created a business called Animal Control with Heart. Their very first call is to get a raccoon out of a house but as they sit in a mock blind in a tree, their client and the raccoon is killed. Detective Lori believes they didn’t kill their client, but she does believe they know more than they believe. All evidence points to a wolf. A big one. Parson’s Hollow will never be the same.
Parson’s Hollow, Parson’s Pines, Parson’s Police Station, Parson’s Hollow Herald, Parson’s Creek, Parson’s Woods, and Hollow Leg for the bar. Kinda funny.
As the police investigation continues, Cody and Demmy talk with family and friends and and realize their business model is exactly what’s needed to save the town from the crazed wolf that is stalking and killing the local residents. They also realize there relationship may be more than just friends. The beginning of the Critter Catchers business reveals there is a dark side to their small town. It will be interesting to see where this series goes. Clearly the relationship, but I’m curious to see what the next creature will be....more
Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim Contemporary M-M romance. Diverse, own voices, closed door. Rex Araneta was a performer from a young age. Singing, dancingKaraoke Queen by Dominic Lim Contemporary M-M romance. Diverse, own voices, closed door. Rex Araneta was a performer from a young age. Singing, dancing, make-up and dressing up. Finding all the colors and variations of women’s clothing was a revelation but male family members convinced Rex it was a passion to be hidden at the back of the closet. Now, as an adult, Rex finds his college sweetheart working at a karaoke bar close to work. The bars is a bit run down and needs a boost and before he even realizes what he saying, Rex is volunteering to bring in friends, and make a drag Queen event a regular thing at the bar. Or rather, his alter ego, Regina Moon Dee will perform. Rex is a little rusty but he’s got good friends and plenty of support from his mother, sister, and friends. Including Paola who will help Rex in any way possible. Rex starts off trying to impress the old boyfriend, but it soon turns more introspective as Rex realizes the dressing and performing is for himself and something he needs.
Self analysis and self awareness can be painful and difficult. It’s included in this story and caused a few tears for me but the angst was actually relatively low. The budding romance was low key and the ultimately happy was included for the full cast which made it quite touching. An entertaining and uplifting coming out (drag queen performing) romance.
Hers for the Weekend by Helena Greer Cardigan’s Christmasland series #3. Contemporary sapphic romance. Fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a standHers for the Weekend by Helena Greer Cardigan’s Christmasland series #3. Contemporary sapphic romance. Fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series since couples from the previous books are secondary characters in this book. No-nonsense lawyer Tara Sloane Chadwick has been invited to her ex’s wedding. At Carrigan’s Christmasland. It’s not just a polite invite. They want her to attend. In a moment of panic, she commits to attending but tells them she’s bringing her new girlfriend. Now she just needs to find one. Holly Delaney is a waitress and baker and is being pressure to go home to Iowa for Christmas where her family is as well as her ex-wife. When Tara asks Holly to be her fake plus one at holiday wedding at Carrigan’s Christmasland, she jumps on the excuse to not go home. Plus, she’s got a major crush on Tara so it’s the perfect opportunity to have a fun fling and then walk away. A perfect setup in her mind. Tara and Holly agree to a temporary arrangement but feelings soon get in the way as well of their jobs and lifestyles. They will have to decide if they stick to the breakup plan or take a chance on more.
Both women have a past that’s getting in their way of a future. It will take their friends and a lot of self analysis to move forward. Neither wants to change their life. Plenty of angst, more sizzling steam between all the couples, and lots of cutesy Jewish Christmasland and wedding traditions. Reconnect took too long on the calendar IMO but I know the in depth heart searching couldn’t have been easy. It was fun to have the previous characters integrated into this story which I assume is the last in the series. Holiday romance. Holiday magic.
I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram Contemporary diverse M-M romance. Alternating POV. At thirty-seven, Farzan Alavi thinks his love life is a I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram Contemporary diverse M-M romance. Alternating POV. At thirty-seven, Farzan Alavi thinks his love life is a disaster after his most recent heartbreak. There are times he thinks his whole life is messed up and going nowhere. He’s not particularly happy being a substitute teacher but what are his options? When his two besties aren’t available for a night out, Farzan goes alone to the new restaurant and gets a table for one. He’s surprised by the flirting by the hot sommelier but he’s free and single and goes with it. David Curtis is told that a famous and influential food critic is at the restaurant and he offers up a supreme bottle of wine. The two flirt through dinner and more. It’s only the next morning, both David and Farzan realize the error but they’ve had a great night and laugh it off. When Farzan inherits his family’s bistro, he knows just the person to call to help improve the wine list and make the restaurant a destination. But their fun can only be short term. David is moving to Los Angeles. And even though they both start falling in love, their future doesn’t appear to be together.
The Engineer by C S Poe Magic & Steam series #1. Historical Steampunk M-M romance novella. 1881. Special Agent Gillian Hamilton is sent to Shallow GraveThe Engineer by C S Poe Magic & Steam series #1. Historical Steampunk M-M romance novella. 1881. Special Agent Gillian Hamilton is sent to Shallow Grave, Arizona to find and arrest the man responsible for blowing up half of Baltimore. As an agent for the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, Gillian has gone after some of the worst criminals. He didn’t expect to run into one of the county’s most infamous outlaw’s while there and that Gunner, the Deadly, is also after the Tinkerer. They decide to work together in this job only, to stop the Tinkerer from taking control of the town’s silver mines. Even though they are on opposite sides of the law, the more time they spend together, the more they come to respect and understand each other. And maybe actual like and lust too, but they can’t expect more, can they?
A steamy opposite attracts dilemma when magic and machinations are par for the world. The steampunk world setup is intriguing and I look forward to more of this series. ...more
Heroes Across Time by Jackie North Love Across Time series 1.5. Sequel to Heroes for Ghosts and should be read in order. M-M romance. Closed door novelHeroes Across Time by Jackie North Love Across Time series 1.5. Sequel to Heroes for Ghosts and should be read in order. M-M romance. Closed door novella. Stanley and Devon have traveled to current time in Harlin, Colorado and Stanley is learning about the world in modern day while Devon finishes his college degree. It’s Christmas and Devon wants to celebrate with a small tree and presents. Stanley knows hunger. He knows what it’s like to go without. He’d rather be frugal and skip presents and save the extra money. Stanley has a darkness in himself and often thinks of the friends he left behind. Stanley was glad to make the sacrifice he did for his friends but he wonders about what happened to them. Holidays can be difficult but Devon will do what he can to make sure that Stanley is happy.
Spoilers for the first book so that should be read first. Stanley made a sacrifice of himself to save his friends. It brought him to Devon in current day. But what of all his friends? Devon takes the time to research all of the troop and show Stanley that what he did, allowed all the others to live long, happy, and productive lives. It’s tear inducing and touching. It’s was a selfless act and there were great rewards for everyone remaining. A miracle. A lot to believe here. Regardless, it’s a beautiful thought or wish for the holidays.
This could easily have been a long epilogue in the first book rather than a separate recap. My rating is more for the feel good feelings. I don’t think this can stand alone without reading the prior story. ...more
The Third Daughter by Adrienne Tooley Betrayal Prophecies series #1. YA fantasy. Slow burn romance. A prophecy rules the citizens of Velle. It’s said tThe Third Daughter by Adrienne Tooley Betrayal Prophecies series #1. YA fantasy. Slow burn romance. A prophecy rules the citizens of Velle. It’s said the third daughter of the third daughter will be the New Maiden all powerful ruler. Eloise, the eldest of the current ruler feels cheated from the crown when the prophecy child is born. Elodie also wants to protect the child, her sister, and finds a way to put her to sleep for years. Sabine didn’t mean for the treatment to be for years. It was a mistake. Sabine and Elodie work together and discover there is more to the prophecy.
I’ve never been a fan of political manipulation. While this may start out that way, there is a lot below the surface that is positive and well meaning. This is not a betrayal of family but rather protective. Besides the nasty father, of course. Much of the plot twists and story is wrapped up in this first of series, with the exception of the additional detail from the prophecy at the end, so it will be interesting to see what direction the series may go. ...more
Just Playing House by Farah Heron Contemporary romance. Second chance, Asian voice. BRCA gene story background. Alternating POV between hero and heroinJust Playing House by Farah Heron Contemporary romance. Second chance, Asian voice. BRCA gene story background. Alternating POV between hero and heroine. Marley Kamal is a luxury fashion sales associate at a high end store. She is cool under pressure and can handle the most difficult of customers. Marley is hired to style a new and upcoming Hollywood actor that she must keep confidential. She is surprised to find he’s a former friend from high school and her former prom date. Back in high school, Marley and Nikhail become more than friends but with a family illness and future plans, they both decided to go their own way. Now, years later, the sizzle, between them is still alive and passion flairs. But Marley makes their night conditional to just the one time. She has surgery in her future and she doesn’t want to worry about a relationship at the same time. They can still work together for both their careers and keep it professional. But can they?
A romance. With a lot of underlying issues of cancer, past and potential. Marley is so brave to schedule surgery ahead of an 90% chance of getting cancer with the BRCA gene. And to not cave and put it off for weeks because her boss tells her she needs to…wow. I don’t know that I could have withstood that pressure. To be fair, my work has never been that high pressure or competitive. And can we admit to swooning over Nikhail as he helped her after surgery? Yes. So hot. He was there with medications, support, food, and strength. And she wasn’t alone.
A lot of layered and complicated characters which are things I don’t usually notice, each with their own internal story which isn’t detailed until wrapping up.
Lots of eating and mentioning of cultural meals including rotli and daal, and biryani and more. Several characters that loved to cook or bake. Made me want to order in delivery!
Powerful romance and positivity against cancer. Yes drama. But at the core is a wonderful caring friendship and romance.
Passions in Death by J D Robb In Death series #59. Futuristic police procedural. Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is awakened by a phone call from dispatPassions in Death by J D Robb In Death series #59. Futuristic police procedural. Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is awakened by a phone call from dispatch about a murder at the Down and Dirty club. A bride has been killed in one of the private rooms at a pre-wedding girls’ night party. Roarke goes with Eve to the bar, knowing she’s had her own history of assault in those private rooms. But Eve will have to put that aside now as she works the current case where no one saw anything helpful and the bar has no cameras to pull from.
The Best Man’s Problems by Sera Taino The Navarros series #2. Contemporary M-M romance. Harlequin Special Edition. Culturally diverse. Can be read as aThe Best Man’s Problems by Sera Taino The Navarros series #2. Contemporary M-M romance. Harlequin Special Edition. Culturally diverse. Can be read as a stand-alone but the couple meets in the prior book. Rafael Navarro is asked to handle best man duties for his sister’s wedding. But not alone. Etienne Galois and Rafael are supposed to work together but there is a shared kiss and history they need to get past to be able to find common ground.
Etienne is a photographer and tends to live life on the go. Rafael is a planner and organizer so the two are almost opposites in many things. Both are from immigrant families (Puerto Rico and Haiti) and have had tragedies in their pasts to overcome which shaped who they are today. More importantly, their shared chemistry hasn’t gone away and with a push from family, they work together and learn to appreciate those differences.
Find the Jinn by Maz Maddox Wilde Contracts series #1. Fantasy, paranormal M-M romance. Trilogy. Romantic erotica. Dallas Wilde is used to taking contrFind the Jinn by Maz Maddox Wilde Contracts series #1. Fantasy, paranormal M-M romance. Trilogy. Romantic erotica. Dallas Wilde is used to taking contracts killing vampires, necromancers and whatever else needs killing. The only companion in his life is his fish named Kevin. When Dallas kills a necromancer, he finds himself in a precarious position. Now he’s a necromancer and he has a vampire in thrall. How could that happen? Dallas still needs to pay his rent, and since Kevin won’t help, Dallas needs to track down and kill the Jinn that got him in this mess. While lusting after his client. What a mess.
Ridiculous and steamy hot. Loved Kevin and his expressions. Looking forward to learning more about Dallas, Kevin and where this could possibly go. ...more
Trouble by Lex Croucher Historical romance. Diverse LGBTQ+. Emily Laurence will do whatever she must to keep her mother and sister fed and housed. When Trouble by Lex Croucher Historical romance. Diverse LGBTQ+. Emily Laurence will do whatever she must to keep her mother and sister fed and housed. When Amy falls ill and can’t accept the governess job she was hired for, Emily decides to impersonate her sister to earn a few months wages. True, she doesn’t like children, and has no clue how to teach them anything, but she can fake it for a few months. Meanwhile, she’ll scope out the house and steal a few trinkets to sell and see if there are other options to earn a few coins while she’s there. What could possibly go wrong? A little spying, a missing broach, children spending the day reading….its all on a days work.
Remedial Magic by Melissa Marr A Course in Magic series #1. Mandatory adult magic school. LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance. Cliffhanger. Multiple POV. Multiple rRemedial Magic by Melissa Marr A Course in Magic series #1. Mandatory adult magic school. LGBTQ+ Fantasy romance. Cliffhanger. Multiple POV. Multiple relationships. Prospero is a powerful witch from the magical land of Crenshaw. She believes in a prophecy that has an uninitiated witch as a the key in saving their homeland. Prospero takes steps to ensure that powers are awakened. Three new witches arrive in Crenshaw and must learn the rules of their new situations.
How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly Love & Other Disasters series #3. Contemporary sapphic sports romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as pHow You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly Love & Other Disasters series #3. Contemporary sapphic sports romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. The couple from the previous book are secondary characters in this book. Julie Parker coaches a high school basketball team. She has a new student with enough attitude for the whole team. When the new foster parent shows up to support the teen, Julie knows it’s the perfect time to fill the open slot of assistant coach. Julie is a little star stuck by Elle Cochrane as a former WNBA player. As the two work together, sparks fly and soon practice turns to game on.
Depth of characters here include depression, self-labeling, imposter syndrome, adult friendships, and migraines, all of which are over and above being a foster parent of a teen. I loved the level of communication between these women. Open, heartfelt and not afraid to touch the difficult topics.
Beneath This Mask by Victoria Sue Enhanced World series #3. M-M paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series or atBeneath This Mask by Victoria Sue Enhanced World series #3. M-M paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series or at least aware of the specific world building. Gael Peterson is a member of the FBI’s exclusive H.E.R.O. team but continues to hide his enhanced abilities from his new regular human partner, Jake. The two partners are sent to a hospital to help a non speaking enhanced child. Gael and Jake grow closer as they try to prevent the child from ending up in a juvenile delinquent facility. The H.E.R.O. program gets a lot of hate and threats from the outside and a killer is now focused on Gael. It’s up Jake to figure out where the threat is coming from.
Scenes between Gael and the child are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Scenes between Gael and Jake go from tentative to steamy. Scenes in the last quarter of the book are a bit grizzly and ugly. Don’t give up. It’s a beautiful romance in the end with two very caring men that deserve the world. ...more
Any Duke in a Storm by Amalie Howard Daring Dukes series #4. Historical romance, own voices. Can be read as a stand-alone. Famed spy, Lady Lisbeth MedfAny Duke in a Storm by Amalie Howard Daring Dukes series #4. Historical romance, own voices. Can be read as a stand-alone. Famed spy, Lady Lisbeth Medford is in disguise as a notorious pirate captain, Bonnie Bess. Her mission is to capture the Prince of Smugglers. After quickly leaving Tobago in the British West Indies, she finds her quartermaster has hired a new sailing master. And he’s entirely too confident. Raphael Saint, the Duc de Viel, has plenty of sailing experience but it’s usually as Captain of his own ships. Family treachery has Saint escaping prison and boarding the first ship leaving Tobago to try find proof of his uncle’s lies. Finding a female captain that can shoot and fight with precision and skill isn’t necessarily a surprise as her reputation has to have some truth behind it. It’s the passion and caring he sees behind the mask that has him intrigued and more than a little enamored. Bess and Saint find a common goal and it’s drawing them together as neither expected.
Excerpts I had to highlight: Captain, smuggler, spy or temptress? “Unlike Bonnie Bess who was made of blades and thorns, Lisbeth seemed to be made of melody and moonlight.”
Duke, pirate or hero? “Honestly, why don’t all the novels say that being a hero is exhausting? Being a villain is so much easier. No damsel, no demands, no precious virtue to be ruined, no waking up at ungodly hours, and being plied within incessant questions.”
Absorbing and intricate storytelling. This story will leave you breathless. Between the danger on the seas, the pirates, the family betrayals, the heroes trying to do better, and the undeniable passions, it’s a wild ride of adventure.
Be sure to read the Author Notes at the end of the book. The research and details are impressive and tell the background of many of the characters and how they apply in the story and in real life. I also love the intelligence within the writing. I highlighted a half a dozen words such as “jocund” that were new to me.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. ...more
The Guncle by Steven Rowley Fiction. When his brother commits himself to 90 days in an addition rehab facility after his wife dies, Patrick takes on thThe Guncle by Steven Rowley Fiction. When his brother commits himself to 90 days in an addition rehab facility after his wife dies, Patrick takes on the care of niece and nephew Maisie and Grant. Patrick is not prepared to be the sole parent to the nine and six year old children but he will share his philosophy and home in Palm Springs. Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP) rules are put into place such as “wear what you want”. Patrick is forced to re-examine is own lack of living and loving as well as his career that has been put on hold. He’s not loving his “best life” and he has to wonder why it’s gone on so long.
I started this thinking it was comedy because of the cartoon cover, but while it had a few comedic moments with the children and new foster parent Patrick, the story was more dealing with loss and death and recovery. There are a lot of emotional revisits with Patrick recalling his lost love, with celebrating their mother’s birthday with cake and wishes on candles, and discussions on the existence of heaven. Patrick’s last few years have been focused on “the only way to survive was to disengage” which simply won’t work with the children around. There are lighter moments too with the children such as their dressing the same for a party but each with their own individual flair.
Emotional healing and finding the will to move forward from loss and grief. ...more
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings Contemporary sapphic romance. Opal Devlin likes to do things for people. Even when she can’t afford it herself. Winning tLate Bloomer by Mazey Eddings Contemporary sapphic romance. Opal Devlin likes to do things for people. Even when she can’t afford it herself. Winning the lottery is a surprise bonus she never expected. She also didn’t expect friends to immediately expect a handout. Opal takes the money and buys a farm, thinking she can finally make her art into a business. But when she gets there, she finds that the farm is still actively growing flowers and Pepper didn’t know her mother had sold the property out from under her. Opal and Pepper agree to coexist on the farm while they both make decisions on their future.
Lots of life planning, some angst, a bit of loving, and quite a few flower arrangements and metaphorical flower analogies.
12 Kittens for Christmas by Amy Lane Contemporary M-M holiday romance. Killian Thornton loves Sacramento. The neighborhood, his friendships, his workpl12 Kittens for Christmas by Amy Lane Contemporary M-M holiday romance. Killian Thornton loves Sacramento. The neighborhood, his friendships, his workplace. His last relationship was a while ago and he’s a little lonely but he’s ok with that. When Lewis gets locked out of his brother’s apartment for the night, Killian offers his couch. When two kittens are suddenly part of the overnight stay, Killian is able to adapt and welcome the commotion and company. Vet visits turns two kittens into four and Killian and Lewis are outnumbered. Working together leads to a relationship and then more cats. It’s chaos of the best kind for Killian, who is no longer lonely at Christmas.
An adorable multitude of kittens, two men looking for a relationships and a small group of friends that have the right contacts to help. It’s bustling, sexy and sentimental. A holiday love story of made family. ...more
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