For a sport (hockey) MM romance, which are usually on the lighter side, this hit me in the feels much more than anticipated. The writing was 4.5 stars
For a sport (hockey) MM romance, which are usually on the lighter side, this hit me in the feels much more than anticipated. The writing was emotional, and the s3x scenes were intense & intimate. I don’t usually enjoy enemies-to-lovers, but this was perfectly paced for the transition in the relationship to feel natural.
4.75 stars. Well this was completely unexpected. Utterly flawed me. I thought it would be basically a re-telling of the story from the first book in t4.75 stars. Well this was completely unexpected. Utterly flawed me. I thought it would be basically a re-telling of the story from the first book in the duet, “Unrequited”, but from West’s perspective. Wasn’t I wrong!
This really is a book for anyone who’s experienced unrequited love. Especially the type that has gone for years. And if you have (ahem… yes I’m talkinThis really is a book for anyone who’s experienced unrequited love. Especially the type that has gone for years. And if you have (ahem… yes I’m talking from personal experience…), this is the book for you.
Yes, it’s erotica. Yes, it’s the most explicit MM romance book I think that has been published (and I read A LOT) But it’s so much more than erotica andYes, it’s erotica. Yes, it’s the most explicit MM romance book I think that has been published (and I read A LOT) But it’s so much more than erotica and it’s NOT SMUT. There is a storyline, and the development of a beautiful relationship between Tad & Scott, as Tad’s eye’s are opened through Scott’s sensitive encouragement of his bisexual awakening.
The s3x is minutely detailed, and with foreplay & orgasm control m, as well as a variety of kinks heavily featured, this is super spicy. But the emotional connection between Scott & Tad makes this the perfect package....more
E.M.Lindsey is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. You can always rely on finding a story that features an incredibly diverse cast,4.5 stars
E.M.Lindsey is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. You can always rely on finding a story that features an incredibly diverse cast, an MC with a disability that is represented authentically, and a love story that initially seems like it has no chance of succeeding but eventually is perfection.
Phobia brings together 12 authors, both MM and MF romance, with many authors you’ve probably heard of, and others that you’ll want to4.5 stars overall
Phobia brings together 12 authors, both MM and MF romance, with many authors you’ve probably heard of, and others that you’ll want to seek out their other books. My 5 fave stories (all MM) were:
As anyone knows who follows me, I’m a massive fan of Jessie & her writing. She has, yet again, given us a gift with this book. I think she’s one of thAs anyone knows who follows me, I’m a massive fan of Jessie & her writing. She has, yet again, given us a gift with this book. I think she’s one of the most exciting & talented new authors of the last couple of years.
4.25 stars Love me a poly book, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Sexy, sweet best friends who find Trouble (that’s his name AND his nature), with lots 4.25 stars Love me a poly book, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Sexy, sweet best friends who find Trouble (that’s his name AND his nature), with lots of sexy times ensuing. I like how the relationship between the three of them developed in a sweet & sensitive way. Extra points for a hot AF DP scene…...more
This is going to be one of my fave ever Tal Bauer books. Between the time in Cancun, that reminds you of every heartstopping holiday romance you’ve haThis is going to be one of my fave ever Tal Bauer books. Between the time in Cancun, that reminds you of every heartstopping holiday romance you’ve had, to the small town Texas close community vibes with people who know & support you, to the glamour of New York City high society living, this really has something for everyone.
This is the last book in the spectacular “Water, Air, Earth, Fire” series, and it’s just as brilliant as all the others. I’m a sucker for a redemptionThis is the last book in the spectacular “Water, Air, Earth, Fire” series, and it’s just as brilliant as all the others. I’m a sucker for a redemption story, and this sees the redemption of not one but two MCs from previous books in the series (Alek and Colson), & the introduction of another intriguing character, Benji, who you’ll definitely love. It’s a story of three damaged souls finding each other, and the inevitability of a relationship between all of them. While they all acknowledge they can't resist each other sexually, they're also realistic about the hidden parts of themselves that impact their long-term chances of staying together. Polyamory is another of my fave reads in queer romance, and this is one of the best I’ve read yet. The balance in the relationship between the three is perfect. They revel in their love for each other equally, & the qualities of each of them complements what the others need. And I PARTICULARLY love that the stigma around poly relationships isn’t a focus - it's easy to use this as a drama point, but this story is so much more profound than this.
For those of us who have a terrible memory, I appreciated how well the first 3 chapters introduced us to each of the MCs, giving us a little teaser of some mysteries about them, on top of orienting us to the story in relation to past events from the start of the series. They are complex characters, with depth that makes you really empathise with them, which of course leads to tears. So many times, my heart was breaking for Alek, being painted a villain by association, and believing it in himself, while also struggling with his sexuality & the realisation that he has denied himself for so long. Similarly, Benji has this childlike, impulsive innocence that's also mixed with this sassy vamp at times, but he's so love-starved & self-critical. Benji gives us lots of laughs, but also surprises us with a terribly sad back-story at times.
But of all of them, Colson is the most complex. His character arc is brilliant - from a deeply unlikeable, judgemental man who actively repels any connection to people, to this caring, protective guy who will do anything for his men. Even as we dislike his behaviour initially, we see a man who has this depth of misery, a self-loathing because of past mistakes, and when his ordered, controlled world is rocked by these boys, he falls for them despite all his efforts.
Lastly, I gotta talk about the heat…JFC Riley, you're really bringing the heat with this one!! A delicious first(ish) kiss between Alex and Benji, the art & science of BJs in a HOT AF scene between the three in a pool change room, Colson and Benji coaching Alex through his first sexual experiences with guys…cold shower alert!!
Loved seeing Victor from the first book, and Gray from the second, as well as mentions of many of the other MCs from the series. Could not have asked for more from a conclusion to a stellar series.
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Threads, StoryGraph, Facebook & Bookbub, all under the same name! I gratefully received an advance copy and this is my honest review....more
Oh boy, there has never been a more appropriate title, because this hurt like a MF. I’ve sobbed my eyes out for half an hour since finishing this. WatOh boy, there has never been a more appropriate title, because this hurt like a MF. I’ve sobbed my eyes out for half an hour since finishing this. Watching the development over years of an intense, intimate friendship between Jake & Roe makes you fall in love with these guys, and you become especially invested in them being together after a bisexual awakening for both of them.
We get hints early on that Roe’s feelings for Jake are deeper than friends (the book is entirely written in first person from Jake’s perspective), but Jake struggles with religious indoctrination & internalised homophobia. Content warnings here - the internal dialogue, flashbacks & anxiety related to these are painful to read. Roe is aware of this, and tries to help Jake heal, but Jake isn’t mentally ready to do this. The blurring of the line between friendship & romantic connection becomes more pronounced the longer the boys are together, initiated by both of them at different times, but they value their friendship so much that both are scared to question it. Which leads to the awfully sad ending. So there’s no HEA, but there is another book THANK GOD.
The relationship is written on the background of their careers, as joint travel & food documentarians & podcasters, and this is both fascinating & hilarious. They travel the world together, and while this is captivating, it’s the quiet, intimate moments of them sharing their lives that really pulls you in. You become so very invested in seeing these two together as true partners, when they have everything else they need with each other apart from mutual romantic love. That HEA that they both deserve.
And for those who don’t like cheating, no matter how much you know these two should be together, you might want to skip this…
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, StoryGraph, Facebook, & Bookbub, all under the same name!...more
A heavy-hitter that slams you in the feels with angst, but makes you fall in love with & become very invested in seeing a happily-ever-after for the MA heavy-hitter that slams you in the feels with angst, but makes you fall in love with & become very invested in seeing a happily-ever-after for the MC Peter ...more
4.75 stars. This beautiful, emotional story hit all the right notes for me, and I read it in one sitting. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favourite tro4.75 stars. This beautiful, emotional story hit all the right notes for me, and I read it in one sitting. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and Sutton & Jasper’s connection was so powerful that it deeply affected me.
Two firefighters, best friends, one needs money so goes into porn, convinces the other to join him. Neither know that they lust after each other. “WorTwo firefighters, best friends, one needs money so goes into porn, convinces the other to join him. Neither know that they lust after each other. “Working” together producing porn makes each realise their attraction. Feelings get involved at the end.
This is unquestionably smutty, erotic fiction. The author is obviously male, as the language of anatomy is “meat” & “beer can” & “drilling”….you get the idea. But it’s so VERY hot (appropriately) & explicit & they’re vers which there just isn’t enough of.
So…. AHEM… I’ve read it a few times. I don’t read it for the spectacular writing or the enticing plot lines… and neither will you....more