On the face of it, this a really sweet summer love story, with a hint of something unknown.
A shy guy becomes a regular at the fish & chip shop Joe works at. And though Joe is normally pretty carefree about sex and relationships, something about Steven calls to him in a different way.
They build something sweet and tender, but it’s also clear that Steven is holding on to something. And when that comes to light…it’ll break your heart.
Thankfully their connection is strong enough to overcome it all and find their happy ending.
It’s a really nice romantic story that makes you feel all sorts of emotions and definitely takes you on a journey. ...more
I love a cozy queer story and Mandrake Manor gives us cozy, quaint, paranormal vibes with a side of mystery and tBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I love a cozy queer story and Mandrake Manor gives us cozy, quaint, paranormal vibes with a side of mystery and trouble.
It’s about three best friends who move into Mandrake Manor when they are all in need of a change and Mathias inherits it in mysterious circumstances, with some strange requirements.
And things just keep getting stranger once they move in. Not to mention one very demanding HOA.
As mysteries are revealed and the magic of the community is revealed, love also starts to bloom.
It was a fun story and the audiobook was well done by narrator Kirt Graves (which was to be expected - he’s a talent). I found it a little difficult to follow all the characters, as it’s not focused on just one relationship as is traditional, but that’s more an issue with my ADHD! I really liked the idea of the story being ensemble. ...more
Short but packed full of sexual tension, love and delicious primal play.
The last time Griffin and Tracy were working together, Griffin was in a bad place and kept Tracy at a distance. He also did know that the tempting man was kinky. And not just kinky - ticks every box perfectly for him!
What transpires is an awkward, tense and flirty reunion that quickly turns hot! Like capital H-O-T. Their love, care, and respect for each other just makes it hotter. Not to mention the wild ride that is their play.
Larchdown Valley is a small quaint village with some devoted residents and a serious side of drama!
Josh stumbles into town and gets swept up by its people. Knowing he shouldn’t stay is one thing, actually leaving is another. Especially once he finds himself helping Alex at his coffee shop.
They develop a really great friendship over coffee and pasties. Where both of them find a fresh lease on life and a chance to truly dream. They are pretty sweet in the quiet moments.
There is some external drama that keeps things interesting and highlights the closeness and strength of this village. Once the village has adopted you, they will do just about anything to help. ...more
This is the fourth book in a series that follows an established couple. This book is an interesting one, on its oBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
This is the fourth book in a series that follows an established couple. This book is an interesting one, on its own it’s more romance-adjacent. Rod and Wyl discover the diary of a great-uncle that describes his life and the romance between both their great-uncles.
So most of the book is their story which was kind and sweet but ends tragically. But their legacy lives on and the Bonner - Sterling families are still intertwined through Rod and Wyl.
It would probably be better to have read what came before, I was missing the investment in their story and connection, but I do enjoy the premise of this book. ...more
I love me a broody angsty cowboy story. And you can’t get more angsty than Seth bearing the brunt of a whole townBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I love me a broody angsty cowboy story. And you can’t get more angsty than Seth bearing the brunt of a whole town turning against him after a tragedy and living the next decade in isolation. How heartbreaking to think of him struggling alone for so long. But he’s also a stubborn fool.
And don’t even get me started on Aiden. He screams lost and in need of strength and safety. And when you meet his mother you’ll understand why. What a miserable woman.
The history between them is long, and the journey back into each other’s lives is fraught with tension but also a number of necessary truths. And ultimately some beautiful healing.
A stunning story, layered and nuanced and hard-won. ...more
This has everything I love about a quaint small-town romance!
A lovely town that will go above and beyond for one of its own. An out of towner who fits right in. A guy with a dream, but struggling to figure out quite what it is. And really great kid.
Simon and Jason were both really likeable guys. Kind, down-to-earth, and pretty sweet. They are also pretty hot together. That first encounter…damn!
I also really loved the superhero, comic book, comicon narrative. I loved how it highlighted its ability to breach the gap between children and parents; as an entryway to reading, or in this case, bringing a community together. And even if it isn’t your thing, it was super relatable.
Seriously, this one of those warm and cozy stories also made you blush a little! ...more
Everyone’s favourite dad - Ethan. The man is quiet and steady and has so much love for his sons. No forced expectBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Everyone’s favourite dad - Ethan. The man is quiet and steady and has so much love for his sons. No forced expectations that they work with him at the dinner, no freakouts over them wearing makeup, or dating men (or two men). He’s Sunday breakfasts and campfires in the backyard.
It’s no wonder he and Mickey were drawn to each other. Two men in need of someone to love and love them. Someone just their own.
Mickey’s story is heartbreaking, but you never doubted how safe he was now that he found his way to Ethan. And I loved how Ethan supported him even when that meant giving Mickey the space to do things on his own.
There’s a quiet deep peace to this story, full of love and tenderness, and beautiful hope. ...more
A cute second-chance small-town romance. With all the sweetness and tension of two best friends who fell out yearBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
A cute second-chance small-town romance. With all the sweetness and tension of two best friends who fell out years ago. Now unable to avoid each other in such a small town, and with Elijah running for election, it may be a chance to heal old wounds. Especially once they realize their bond and affection are just as strong as they once were.
There’s plenty of other lovely town folk and one douche, as well as a very touching narrative involving William’s father.
A quick cosy read perfect for the start of pumpkin spice season! ...more
Whistleport is a small town with a lot of heart and fight. With the ice rink in dire need of help, the town ralliBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Whistleport is a small town with a lot of heart and fight. With the ice rink in dire need of help, the town rallies to help fix it. Led by exes Brooks and Rory.
It’s a second-chance romance. They broke up when so that Brooks could follow his NHL dreams, but with his father ill, Brooks has come home to help out. And with Rory back in his life, they discover that they may still be meant to be.
I enjoyed the town and its residents and their spirit. The couple was lovely, though they real shining star was hockey captain Ziggy. He was a gem!
There were some niggles in the timeline and things that didn’t fully make sense that distracted from the story, but still, it was an enjoyable one. ...more
Nicole writes about small towns that feel real - small and insular - but they are ultimately full of hope. She alBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Nicole writes about small towns that feel real - small and insular - but they are ultimately full of hope. She also writes what I refer to as angst adjacent - where you’re constantly on edge for things to go wrong, and though they are emotional, they never really reach full-blown angst. I like it - it pulls me in without completely destroying me.
Colt and Dallas do however bring the drama! Especially Colt who I was ready to give a piece of my mind at first. How dare he!!
But then he gets to know Dallas who you just want to wrap up in a blanket and love him. And I’m so glad Colt saw that too. Dallas needs protecting. Carrying guilt over his sexuality, fearing his parents, and feeling like he destroyed his old coach’s life…he’s a bit of a mess. If it wasn’t for his best friend Benny… and now Colt, he’d been completely alone.
And it’s a bit of a second chance for Colt. Having run away from his small town with small minds he gets to do it again, full of love and family.
Red Zone is a sweet start to our rival town of Big Bend getting its own series. ...more
This audiobook was recommended to me over and over again (see what I did there?!?!?). And it didn’t disappoint.
It was a gorgeous opus that gives us an age-gap romance that kind of makes you feel like you’re in a dream state. Imre and Luca are so full of emotion and compassion. Even Luca’s, at times, frustrating immaturity was beautifully done and rather endearing. A bit impetuous, but thoughtful and caring too.
Imre is solid comfort. A salt-of-the-earth type that makes you feel safe immediately. It’s easy to see why Luca the boy and Luca the man had a crush on him. I was thrilled for this man to find someone to fill his solitary life.
The life they built is special.
And the narration is superb. I recently discovered Philip Alces and I find him utterly captivating. ...more
I love this second chance series. Hurt/comfort at its finest, set in a gorgeous valley that like its characters iBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
I love this second chance series. Hurt/comfort at its finest, set in a gorgeous valley that like its characters is both rugged and beautiful.
There’s a delicious push and pull between Bede, an ex-drug dealer unsure if wants to be there and Galen, the cowboy who wants nothing to do with criminals. But they are both proven wrong in their assumptions and instead find fulfillment in the work and friendship between them.
Galen finally finds some peace and joy since his father died, as well as someone willing to share his burdens. Bede finds a home and love he didn’t think possible.
There are lots of great moments between the two, from funny to intense to tender, and they were all perfect....more
What a great premise for a series. A group of BFF’s, all 40 years old, needing change in their lives come togetheBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
What a great premise for a series. A group of BFF’s, all 40 years old, needing change in their lives come together to buy a bar and start fresh. They are wonderfully diverse so we know there will be lots of great books.
Book one gives us the group’s leader and the one who is adamant against love and relationships. Then Salem walks through the door and he can’t think of much else!
These two are sweet and possessive, and it’s a lot of fun watching them try and fight what everyone else knows. They are perfect together.
Truthfully, this story (and I’m betting series) is utterly charming. They all have some much charisma, but I have to admit, I really love it when a man who denies wanting romance falls hard. ...more
Denny - melt my heart. An insanely talented hockey player who suffers from anxiety. His home of Elmwood acts as aBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Denny - melt my heart. An insanely talented hockey player who suffers from anxiety. His home of Elmwood acts as a touchstone.
Hank - A swoony cowboy with a good soul, who is feeling a little lost in a community that doesn’t like him, doing a job he never really wanted.
Both struggle to live for themselves.
A cheeky proposition leads to a secret friend’s-with-benefits that ultimately turns into a romance for the ages. One that will win your heart that same way Hank won over the Four Forests. It’s a wonderful story with plenty of worries, tender moments, lots of laughs, and a chance to discover themselves.
“You be the hotshot. I’ll be your compass, your home for as long as you want me sweetheart”...more
Oh my gosh, I adore York. Our straight-talking nerd is a gem. He’s generally misunderstood but he’s brilliant so Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Oh my gosh, I adore York. Our straight-talking nerd is a gem. He’s generally misunderstood but he’s brilliant so he throws himself into his work, people be damned.
We’ve learned of York’s past, including his complicated relationship with his family in previous books, and that boy deserved so much better, from everyone. I would burn down the world for him to find love.
Needless to say, he’s not thrilled to need a bodyguard, or babysitter as he sees him. But he was not prepared for Quillon.
Quillon is a lovely person, and he sees York. Truly sees him.
The progression of their relationship is absolutely lovely, and I love the acceptance and community they both find.
This story warmed heart, possibly my favourite. ...more
This is a high-energy, happy, lovey story set in a small town full of quirky characters and storylines.
Clarry is a super sweet ice cream shop owner in love with his BFF, River, who has finally rolled back into town after leaving the Marines. Their reunion is a little rocky. Clarry is struggling with his feelings, and River is struggling with what’s next in life.
As time and interactions go by, they find their way to the same page. Helped along by friends, family, and the town bully!
A fun and lighthearted story that still touches on some heartfelt themes, but mostly makes you smile at the antics and love....more
We all love Annabeth’s military men, personally, my favs are the ones entering a second act in life. Throw in a sBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
We all love Annabeth’s military men, personally, my favs are the ones entering a second act in life. Throw in a small town and some awesome friends and I’ll always be satisfied.
Caleb and Tony have a fling that’s not a fling, but they insist is a fling, with lots of introspection, pining and growth.
Despite their age gap and different life experiences, they also have some deep similarities that allow them to find a connection beyond their steamy compatibility. It made for a beautiful basis for something great. But first, they need to work through their baggage. Something they each give the other the strength to do. ...more
If you’re a DJ Jamison fan, you’ll love that this has a connection with the Rom-Com Reboot series she also has goBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
If you’re a DJ Jamison fan, you’ll love that this has a connection with the Rom-Com Reboot series she also has going. Skyler’s friend group is featured in it.
We also met Skyler in book one, the young man who came to Fletcher’s rescue. So now we finally get to know him better, and the reason for his arrival in town. He’s quite a nice man, a little lost and a bit beaten down, he needs time to reclaim himself.
Two things help with that. The resort project, and his pretend boyfriend Brooks.
Brooks is a bit grumpy and guards his heart fiercely. Afraid of being left behind, he’s slow to open up but Skyler is just the man to help with that.
"Our eyes met, and time seemed to stop, hanging there indefinitely, waiting for us to acknowledge the truth that remained unsaid.
This was so much more than a hookup."
Once the drama is laid to rest, these two are stronger than ever! ...more
Ashley James is a talented writer and can make you feel all the emotions right from the first page. And this forbBlog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Ashley James is a talented writer and can make you feel all the emotions right from the first page. And this forbidden dad’s best friend age-gap romance does just that. The kind of story that keeps you guessing about how they’ll possibly find their way to each other.
It took me a moment to warm up to Colt, he’s a bit immature and brash, and I don’t love it when someone enjoys making someone else uncomfortable. Even if it’s because of some intense chemistry. But of course, you love him anyway, and you especially love him with William. They really are a wonderful couple.
I’m not sure I’m emotionally ready for the next book, I just know it’s going to make me cry, but I’m here for it....more
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