I don’t read a lot of YA, but if they were all like this, I totally would. Not Not Normal was a touching and upliBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I don’t read a lot of YA, but if they were all like this, I totally would. Not Not Normal was a touching and uplifting story that anyone who wasn’t ‘normal’ in school could relate to. Finding the tribe of people, friends or lovers, that appreciate you just the way you are.
Jordan and Nathan are both pretty special guys and they make each other's lives so much bigger and more interesting, while also supporting each other, in the ways they can, through the big emotions and frustrations they are experiencing in their lives.
It was such a warm and rich read, and I love the ease in which you could connect with the characters. ...more
I love a slow burn and you can’t get slower than Diem!! But he doesn’t stand a chance with Tallus. That guy is a Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I love a slow burn and you can’t get slower than Diem!! But he doesn’t stand a chance with Tallus. That guy is a force of nature.
This pair is amusing. Tallus talks so much he forgets to listen, and Diem struggles to speak with anything other than single words. And you might wonder why Tallus shows Diem any interest, the man has more problems than most, but you can see what he sees. A man deserving of love and care.
Their not-partnership solving cases is beyond chaotic and wild. Especially when it involves possible mind control. Okay probably not mind control. Maybe mind control-ish. Definitely something hinky.
Poor Diem - he had no idea how much Tallus would upend his life, but I don’t think he really minds in the end!
The Audiobook performed by Nick J. Russo really brings these two to life. You get all of Diem’s grunts and Tallus’ liveliness in all its glory.
I’m fully invested in this series following private detective Declan Hunt and his assistant Charlie Watts as theyBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I’m fully invested in this series following private detective Declan Hunt and his assistant Charlie Watts as they get to know each other and figure out their feelings while solving some mysteries.
One of the fun things about a series following a couple is getting to see them develop, grow, and navigate life. And these two are really great guys.
Declan has had a slew of life experiences that have led him to becoming a PI with a focus on helping the LGBT community. It’s made him cautious in his relationships. Charlie is a much more open person and is excited to have found something he’s passionate about. They are perfect for each other. True compliments in personality and skills.
Together they work to solve a mystery based in a Bates-like house in rural Alberta, where it turns out the victim has no shortage of enemies!
Along the way we get a classic ‘there’s only one-bed’ night stay, a precocious young man who’s eager to solve the case, lots of secrets, and of course, two men who finally start to figure things out between themselves.
It’s a highly entertaining story. I can’t wait to see where their relationship takes them and what cases they find themselves sleuthing....more
First of all, I love mountain/lumberjack/wilderness settings. They also always involve smaBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Lovely, lovely, lovely.
First of all, I love mountain/lumberjack/wilderness settings. They also always involve small towns, which is also a fav of mine. So we already knew we were going to be off to a great start. With bonus points for this being set in Canada (it makes my maple syrup-loving heart happy).
Leaf is our ruggedly handsome lodge owner, who was tragically widowed seven years earlier. Since then he’s just been trudging along, keeping the lodge running, but not doing much else.
Enter Sasha. A city boy through and through, in need of an escape and a reset. He may have been a highly successful model, but it came at a cost, and he needs to figure out what’s next and take back control of his life.
A month off the beaten path seems like an excellent idea. As long as he doesn’t get eaten by a bear.
The attraction between them is sweet, and Sasha’s kind but also slightly naive nature opens Leaf up to want to help him and spend time with him.
It’s a wonderful story of learning to love and trust again, full of wonderful moments and shared experiences. Simple pleasures and heartfelt connections. There are also some really fantastic side characters that I’m really looking forward to seeing more of. ...more
Nicky James absolutely rocks the suspense romance genre. Her ability to capture the psychology of the characters Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Nicky James absolutely rocks the suspense romance genre. Her ability to capture the psychology of the characters is incredible.
Charlie is a fascinating character. A survivor of horrendous things when he was a child, he lives with the aftermath through anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, PTSD…you name it. You equally want to wrap him and never let anything hurt him again or build him up to be able to conquer all his fears. But Nicky also gives us an understanding of how hard it can be to interact with him.
Takoda. Takoda is a lot. This angry young man carries the weight of a world that is rarely cheering him on. He’ll make you cringe and you’ll probably want to yell at him, but as you get to know him, you will become invested in him finding happiness and some peace. Beneath his brash exterior is a heart of gold.
The story itself will have you o the edge of your seat.
PS. Nick J. Russo is fantastic in this. He really seems to understand both of these men....more
Did you know that I don’t really care for sports, I read a lot of sports romances because they are entertaining, I mean hot athleticWowed and in love!
Did you know that I don’t really care for sports, I read a lot of sports romances because they are entertaining, I mean hot athletic guys are always going to be enjoyable, and there are often amusing teammates, and I enjoy all the bits around the sports part, but the actual playing of a sport is usually…meh. But this, this had me on the edge of my seat. I felt like I was on the ice, like I had been a hockey lover my whole life (no, not ALL Canadians love Hockey, LOL) but this made me one.
The whole story was so exquisitely written; their story, their meeting, the hockey, the teammates, it was all so captivating, heartfelt, and exciting. I loved this French Canadian and Texan duo. They were both so vibrant, and sweet, and light-hearted. And their connection was magical.
Gravity had me truly captivated. It had some drama, some angst, and some tears, but it always felt hopeful and beautiful. I would gladly read this again. And maybe again after that.
Special shoutout to the peppering of Quebecois! I loved it, I loved the Canadian setting. I live about 1 ½ hour outside of Montreal, the way Tal writes it feels like he must have lived there, grown up there, it was wonderful. ...more
A very touching story about love, loss, and second chances.
Christmas is marred by the loss of a long-lost brother and the discovery that Stanley is noA very touching story about love, loss, and second chances.
Christmas is marred by the loss of a long-lost brother and the discovery that Stanley is now the guardian of a nephew he knew nothing about. The 8-year-old comes with a very protective and loving counselor. And Stanley and Justin can’t deny that they aren’t just attached to young Angus. Suddenly the possibility of them all becoming a family is very real.
Not without fears and tension that all these changes bring. And there’s an ex that Stanley needs to make amends with. And the fact that his life is in Vancouver, not Mission City. Not to mention that Justin doesn’t have a say in any of the decisions, he only knows what the heart wants. They just need to take the leap and trust in the beautiful thing they are building, even if it’s quick.
This was a lovely story that very tenderly handles grieving and the power of finding the people who love you and build a family with you. It’s an insta-love story but those early days really forged a bond and made it feel less sudden.
< ARC provided by Booksprout and this is my honest review > ...more
Back to where it all began for the Queer Collective as they turn the NHL on it’s head with each coming out.
It was so great to get Noah and Simon’s story. I’ve met them in the other books and loved them from those glimpses, but it’s so much better to have it in full.
They went to college together, but the timing was never right for them to give their feelings a chance. But damn if the connection wasn’t as strong as it ever was when they had a chance to meet on the Snow Train.
Noah’s been on the injured list, and he’s hoping to get back on the ice soon. Simon is opening a gallery. One lives in Toronto, the other in Michigan. None of those things are easy to overcome while also trying to build a relationship, but these two are determined to make it work, even when it seems impossible.
I loved both of these guys. Simon with his calm and steadiness, and Noah, a relentless optimist and large personality. Such good people, good friends, and even better partners.
Now make this an audiobook narrated by James Edward Jones you’ve got an even better experience. I loved his take on the two men, and the extensive cast of friends, family, and teammates. ...more