Awww... All the cuteness. Tennet wants to expand their family, this had been hinted at in the prior #9 Harrisburg Railers short story. Here, Jared agrAwww... All the cuteness. Tennet wants to expand their family, this had been hinted at in the prior #9 Harrisburg Railers short story. Here, Jared agrees on a surrogate with the help of Ten's mom. I freaking love characters, and especially all the crazy and fun times with Tennet's and Jared's blood and extended families. Brothers and parents and sons abound along with the entire Railers team we've come to love. There's all the angst of new parents without the actually pregnancy. Lucky men.
This book was received from the authors in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
Awww... All the cuteness. Tennet wants to expand their family, this had been hinted at in the prior #9 Harrisburg Railers short story. Here, Jared agrees on a surrogate with the help of Ten's mom. I freaking love characters, and especially all the crazy and fun times with Tennet's and Jared's blood and extended families. Brothers and parents and sons abound along with the entire Railers team we've come to love. There's all the angst of new parents without the actually pregnancy. Lucky men.
This book was received from the authors in return for an honest review....more
An ARC was received free from the publisher in return for an honest review.
I love Robin Hood. While I do little archery now, for many years it consumeAn ARC was received free from the publisher in return for an honest review.
I love Robin Hood. While I do little archery now, for many years it consumed a lot of my time. And the time period… sigh. Just drop me there anytime, so when opportunity landed for me to read book two of NB Dixon’s Outlaw’s Legacy Series, I gave a big Yes! to the publisher.
Four years has past (since book one ended), and an attempt on his life finally drives Robin and Will to return to England. He returns to find his enemy, Guy of Gisborne, ensconced as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John in control of the throne and his people, the townsfolk of Locksley and elsewhere taxed to almost starvation. Rather quickly, Robin becomes a wolf’s head, an outlaw, and the champion of the poor country people. Again, Robin good deeds go noticed, by the wrong people (view spoiler)[and others suffer for his kindness (hide spoiler)].
The Lady Marian takes the center stage spotlight in Knight of Sherwood, with her eye on Robin as her savior. God, I could not loathe a character more. Which, in respect to the the author, is a pretty big deal to me. Marian was crafted in such a way as it made me cringe whenever a scene occurred with her in it.
Again, the historical aspects were spot on, minus the issues in a few scenes with the descriptive language (few and far between that they were). The fight scenes were fantastic, and I enjoyed the camaraderie and occasional animosity among the band of outlaws. I sighed in sweetness, grew angry at conniving scoundrels, felt sadness at the loss of friends… but at the end, oh the horror of the cliffhanger, because the story must go on, and I’m forced to wait anxiously for the author’s next installment.
Merged review:
An ARC was received free from the publisher in return for an honest review.
I love Robin Hood. While I do little archery now, for many years it consumed a lot of my time. And the time period… sigh. Just drop me there anytime, so when opportunity landed for me to read book two of NB Dixon’s Outlaw’s Legacy Series, I gave a big Yes! to the publisher.
Four years has past (since book one ended), and an attempt on his life finally drives Robin and Will to return to England. He returns to find his enemy, Guy of Gisborne, ensconced as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John in control of the throne and his people, the townsfolk of Locksley and elsewhere taxed to almost starvation. Rather quickly, Robin becomes a wolf’s head, an outlaw, and the champion of the poor country people. Again, Robin good deeds go noticed, by the wrong people (view spoiler)[and others suffer for his kindness (hide spoiler)].
The Lady Marian takes the center stage spotlight in Knight of Sherwood, with her eye on Robin as her savior. God, I could not loathe a character more. Which, in respect to the the author, is a pretty big deal to me. Marian was crafted in such a way as it made me cringe whenever a scene occurred with her in it.
Again, the historical aspects were spot on, minus the issues in a few scenes with the descriptive language (few and far between that they were). The fight scenes were fantastic, and I enjoyed the camaraderie and occasional animosity among the band of outlaws. I sighed in sweetness, grew angry at conniving scoundrels, felt sadness at the loss of friends… but at the end, oh the horror of the cliffhanger, because the story must go on, and I’m forced to wait anxiously for the author’s next installment....more
Let me start by saying I have adored all the prior books in this series and the other book by Ms. Ember, so I was thrown for a loop when I opened thisLet me start by saying I have adored all the prior books in this series and the other book by Ms. Ember, so I was thrown for a loop when I opened this one to find it was set in the historical 197o's midwestern United States. It's been rare for me to find a book set between the 20-70's that I've enjoyed, so unfortunately I started Burning Season with a chip on my shoulder. Determined to stick it out because I have loved all the other books I've read... on I carried, and I am very glad I did.
19-year-old Dylan Chase is a rancher on his family's farm with dreams of landing the prize money riding broncs in the local rodeos. There are also those dreams of finding a man to relieve him of his virginity. With one wish fulfilled, then two, he's feeling great until his dreams collide in dramatic fashion.
It didn't take long for me to settle in and enjoy Burning Season. I grew to like Dylan and Bo, and Dylan's best friend more than I expected, but alas, I still have my personal prejudices. I much prefer ancient European historicals versus the USA, which probably caused me to continue to feel that chip like a brick on my shoulder.
Merged review:
Let me start by saying I have adored all the prior books in this series and the other book by Ms. Ember, so I was thrown for a loop when I opened this one to find it was set in the historical 197o's midwestern United States. It's been rare for me to find a book set between the 20-70's that I've enjoyed, so unfortunately I started Burning Season with a chip on my shoulder. Determined to stick it out because I have loved all the other books I've read... on I carried, and I am very glad I did.
19-year-old Dylan Chase is a rancher on his family's farm with dreams of landing the prize money riding broncs in the local rodeos. There are also those dreams of finding a man to relieve him of his virginity. With one wish fulfilled, then two, he's feeling great until his dreams collide in dramatic fashion.
It didn't take long for me to settle in and enjoy Burning Season. I grew to like Dylan and Bo, and Dylan's best friend more than I expected, but alas, I still have my personal prejudices. I much prefer ancient European historicals versus the USA, which probably caused me to continue to feel that chip like a brick on my shoulder....more
This book was provided free by the author in return for an honest review.
Well, what can I say? I'm a sucker for military men falling in love. Give meThis book was provided free by the author in return for an honest review.
Well, what can I say? I'm a sucker for military men falling in love. Give me beautiful, give me respectful, give me heartfelt, brave, and just a bit nervous and I'm all over that.
Apollo Floros is still living with the ghost of husband, even as he tries to survive holding down a military career while raising twin preschool girls. Thank God for mom until a planned trip takes her away for the summer. Enter Dylan, youngest brother of Apollo's best friend, Dustin.
Dylan is a bold 22 year old, who has harboured a crush on Apollo since he was 15. Seven years, he waited, crushed when Apollo married, devastated for him when Apollo’s husband dies. But now, his chance has arrived, and he plans on taking a chance with his heart.
The two men play off each other beautifully. The banter, dialogue, and snarky thoughts had me laughing at many points throughout the story, and there were so many wonderful analogies that caught my eye and made me stop, reread and appreciate the subtlety.
This had all the makings of a sweet, romantic tale, but personal demons and unresolved grief rear their ugly heads. The ending is a bit cliché, but it was unexpected, and oh, so sweet. Do yourself a favor, and take the time to indulge in these lovely men.
Merged review:
This book was provided free by the author in return for an honest review.
Well, what can I say? I'm a sucker for military men falling in love. Give me beautiful, give me respectful, give me heartfelt, brave, and just a bit nervous and I'm all over that.
Apollo Floros is still living with the ghost of husband, even as he tries to survive holding down a military career while raising twin preschool girls. Thank God for mom until a planned trip takes her away for the summer. Enter Dylan, youngest brother of Apollo's best friend, Dustin.
Dylan is a bold 22 year old, who has harboured a crush on Apollo since he was 15. Seven years, he waited, crushed when Apollo married, devastated for him when Apollo’s husband dies. But now, his chance has arrived, and he plans on taking a chance with his heart.
The two men play off each other beautifully. The banter, dialogue, and snarky thoughts had me laughing at many points throughout the story, and there were so many wonderful analogies that caught my eye and made me stop, reread and appreciate the subtlety.
This had all the makings of a sweet, romantic tale, but personal demons and unresolved grief rear their ugly heads. The ending is a bit cliché, but it was unexpected, and oh, so sweet. Do yourself a favor, and take the time to indulge in these lovely men....more
A beautifully written account of a young man coming of age. Donn is 17, a junior, and is gay. Written in journal form we see his life unfold...from a A beautifully written account of a young man coming of age. Donn is 17, a junior, and is gay. Written in journal form we see his life unfold...from a new boyfriend, coming out to his parents, to the establishment of the Acceptance Project, a club to fight discrimination in all its forms. But such as high school is...one has to face the big hurdles: lack of parental support, peer pressure, right-wing bible-toting conservatives. And then there are his friends and supporters. There is no flowery speech here, just "honest" feelings that probably most of us experienced at some point in our lives. Maybe high school, maybe college, maybe even later with our first job. Discrimination is alive and well, and we should all adopt the Acceptance Project's mission statement for, at its most basic, it is The Golden Rule.
Merged review:
A beautifully written account of a young man coming of age. Donn is 17, a junior, and is gay. Written in journal form we see his life unfold...from a new boyfriend, coming out to his parents, to the establishment of the Acceptance Project, a club to fight discrimination in all its forms. But such as high school is...one has to face the big hurdles: lack of parental support, peer pressure, right-wing bible-toting conservatives. And then there are his friends and supporters. There is no flowery speech here, just "honest" feelings that probably most of us experienced at some point in our lives. Maybe high school, maybe college, maybe even later with our first job. Discrimination is alive and well, and we should all adopt the Acceptance Project's mission statement for, at its most basic, it is The Golden Rule....more
Top Shelf is the story between Xander, defenseman for the Boston Rebels hockey team under the captaincy of Brady Rowe, and Mason, little brother to XaTop Shelf is the story between Xander, defenseman for the Boston Rebels hockey team under the captaincy of Brady Rowe, and Mason, little brother to Xander's best friend Eli, also a member of the hockey team. This is essentially a friends-to-lovers/my best friend's brother trope. The two men have known each other almost all their lives. Heck, Xander and Eli used to pick on Mason when he was a little kid. When Xander is forced to come out as bi when he is blackmailed by a one night stand, his announcement shocks both Eli and Mason. Especially Mason, who has crushed on Xander since he was a teenager.
A birthday trip for Xander's 30th to Aruba finds the two men pushed together and finally opening up. Of course, things aren't smooth sailing. They still have to face the rest of the team and their friends, all while Mason is attempting to start a new business with his best friend Becca.
I enjoyed Xander's snarkiness the most, you could hear the New England Punk Kid come through in his voice. His snark often had me laughing out loud. He was definitely the funnier of the two main characters. Eli (best friend/older brother) was poised as a sounding board for both MCs, which was a pleasant reprieve from characters being all up in their heads.
Overall, this was an enjoyable break away from the Railers and Raptors, but I enjoyed hearing their names mentioned and revisiting with Ten and his brothers.
An ARC was received from the author in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
Top Shelf is the story between Xander, defenseman for the Boston Rebels hockey team under the captaincy of Brady Rowe, and Mason, little brother to Xander's best friend Eli, also a member of the hockey team. This is essentially a friends-to-lovers/my best friend's brother trope. The two men have known each other almost all their lives. Heck, Xander and Eli used to pick on Mason when he was a little kid. When Xander is forced to come out as bi when he is blackmailed by a one night stand, his announcement shocks both Eli and Mason. Especially Mason, who has crushed on Xander since he was a teenager.
A birthday trip for Xander's 30th to Aruba finds the two men pushed together and finally opening up. Of course, things aren't smooth sailing. They still have to face the rest of the team and their friends, all while Mason is attempting to start a new business with his best friend Becca.
I enjoyed Xander's snarkiness the most, you could hear the New England Punk Kid come through in his voice. His snark often had me laughing out loud. He was definitely the funnier of the two main characters. Eli (best friend/older brother) was poised as a sounding board for both MCs, which was a pleasant reprieve from characters being all up in their heads.
Overall, this was an enjoyable break away from the Railers and Raptors, but I enjoyed hearing their names mentioned and revisiting with Ten and his brothers.
An ARC was received from the author in return for an honest review....more
This book was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program.
An excellent near futuristic rendering of EnglaThis book was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program.
An excellent near futuristic rendering of England, circa 2040. There’s gas shortages, robot service workers, and a hops plague that makes beer an adventure. Life hasn’t totally changed, there’s still public transportation, poverty and filthy bars.
The storyline moved quickly, but not so much that it felt rushed. While bot Jo-E falls quickly once his circuits reboot, it's clear strong affection on human Fane's part...believable without going overboard. Always excellent: insta-lust, but not love. Those things have to grow.
Strangely, I even liked the depiction of the evil nemeses, Professor Samuel and his henchman, Drewe. (view spoiler)[ Although having recently gorged on BBC's Sherlock, I couldn't help but picture Sherlock's brother grotesquely fat in the dream sequence. LOL. (hide spoiler)]
The few scenes of intimacy were well done (view spoiler)[and I loved the spark of orgasm. (hide spoiler)] I enjoyed the ending as much as the whole story. Book also contained a small glossary of British terms used throughout the story, it was nice, but not needed, as the author did a wonderful job of making the “definition” fairly clear in her writing.
Merged review:
This book was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program.
An excellent near futuristic rendering of England, circa 2040. There’s gas shortages, robot service workers, and a hops plague that makes beer an adventure. Life hasn’t totally changed, there’s still public transportation, poverty and filthy bars.
The storyline moved quickly, but not so much that it felt rushed. While bot Jo-E falls quickly once his circuits reboot, it's clear strong affection on human Fane's part...believable without going overboard. Always excellent: insta-lust, but not love. Those things have to grow.
Strangely, I even liked the depiction of the evil nemeses, Professor Samuel and his henchman, Drewe. (view spoiler)[ Although having recently gorged on BBC's Sherlock, I couldn't help but picture Sherlock's brother grotesquely fat in the dream sequence. LOL. (hide spoiler)]
The few scenes of intimacy were well done (view spoiler)[and I loved the spark of orgasm. (hide spoiler)] I enjoyed the ending as much as the whole story. Book also contained a small glossary of British terms used throughout the story, it was nice, but not needed, as the author did a wonderful job of making the “definition” fairly clear in her writing....more
Having read and loved the Power of Zero series and following Ms.Keswick's daily tales of Jack, Gareth, and the boys during the Covid lockdown of 2020,Having read and loved the Power of Zero series and following Ms.Keswick's daily tales of Jack, Gareth, and the boys during the Covid lockdown of 2020, I jumped at the chance to ARC this new book. Now I admit I'm a little out-of-date (and missed reading Dating Games), but this was a wonderful way to reconnect with the family I'd so missed.
Three short-story mysteries encompass this book, each so different it was an absolute pleasure. I loved seeing some of the side characters and learning new bits of the main characters' backstories (Mouse Hunt), how a cat becomes the newest family member (Bagpuss), and recalling the canals of London that I'd seen on a visit many years ago (Grand Union). Each story wove vivid descriptions and OMG the food!! I'm pretty sure my tummy rumbled several times.
This collection is best read after meeting everyone in the Power of Zero. Enjoy... and thank you, Ms. Keswick, for bringing these men back into our lives.
A solid **** Master Zane’s Boys was, to me, worlds above the last few books I've read by this author. The characters are more developed and the dialoguA solid **** Master Zane’s Boys was, to me, worlds above the last few books I've read by this author. The characters are more developed and the dialogue was way more believable. What was missing (for me) was accents. The book takes place in Boston yet there wasn't “Wicked” to be found. I did like the reference to the Red Sox as they are my favorite baseball team, but football and hockey are also a part of the culture of the city, regardless of sexual identity. Thus I would have liked a touch more setting development, but that's a personal preference.
As usual with this author's style there are lots of hints and talk about past abuse, but the MCs seem to be doing alright dealing with it mentally and physically. I didn't get a lot of "feels" when they did discuss their past experiences, but I also know I’m not the most empathic person. The crying scenes didn't crush my chest or make me verklempt. Not a whole lot was said or mentioned about Ty's POC, which… okay, but also…
Liam, who we originally met as a cute as a button kid in The world According to Liam series is now all grown up and ready to start his professional hoLiam, who we originally met as a cute as a button kid in The world According to Liam series is now all grown up and ready to start his professional hockey career with the Watkins Glen Gladiators, a feeder minor league team for the Raptors (the hometown faves!). While attending a pro racing event, Liam meets the significantly older driver, Tarcy, and wow! do those engines start revving. These two are flying fast, but when the brakes come on, there's no stopping the inevitable crash.
Not sure you could call this a standalone because you really need to have prior context of the World According to Liam books (I'd read the first two and the holiday story. There are at least 4 books in the series.) The author also recommends you read the free prologue 'Top Prospect' which I was glad I did. The link for the free short story is given in the book. It was nice to revisit the prior characters and to meet a whole set of new ones. Enjoyed the hockey playing practices, the games, and the races, and of course all the times in between....more
A whirlwind of a romance when two men who had only played online decide to take their first forays into in-person with a masquerade ball in Boston. EtA whirlwind of a romance when two men who had only played online decide to take their first forays into in-person with a masquerade ball in Boston. Ethan, a blockbuster actor (with a penchant for crying), arrives in disguise. Lyon, a lobster fisherman from Maine, arrives just as he is. Two opposites yet as Daddy and Boy they fit. My biggest disappointment is that the blurb makes it seem like the big reveal is a long way off, yet it happens rather quickly. There was also at least one weird inconsistency where once the men have gone their separate ways, Ethan complains that Lyon won't like him for who he is, but Lyon already knows... But... the story is a quick, fun holiday read with some nice smexy times. It's definitely a happy and merry Christmas to Daddy Lyon and Little Ethan....more
![Unacceptable Risk [includes Unsettled Interlude] (Hidden Wolves, #1-1.5)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1612150065l/56887049._SY75_.jpg)
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