GAH! I love this series so much. It's refreshingly different, with vivid characters and action so unbelievable that it's absolutely believable, if thaGAH! I love this series so much. It's refreshingly different, with vivid characters and action so unbelievable that it's absolutely believable, if that makes any sense.
Each installment builds on the previous one, so they can't be read as standalones. This is very much a serial, and I am here for every wacky, over-the-top bit of it. Even if I were not fortunate enough to get an advance copy from the author, i would pay good money for these books because they're so entertaining.
Just when I think Zodiac aka Zee, is my absolute favorite character, Daddy Fancy Fangs aka Reynard does something endearing, or Adam the "human" reveals more of himself and his heart, and I swoon for them, too. They're a motley crew, but they fit together so well.
Then there's the entire cast! Pixies and gargoyles and Tom Collins the "AI" bartender - all hit just the right notes.
This series is one of my all-time favorites and Best Play is the perfect way to end it. Short, but not too short. Sweet but not too sweet.
I love the This series is one of my all-time favorites and Best Play is the perfect way to end it. Short, but not too short. Sweet but not too sweet.
I love the ensemble cast that brings together so many beloved characters from previous books. I love the way Layla Reyne weaves a case into Marsh and Levi's wedding story. I love David. Full stop. I need him to have his own story.
I'm going to have to schedule a reread of Layla's Whiskeyverse, Fog City, What We May Be, and Perfect Play series start to finish. I just love the way she combines action and adventure with heat and romance. ...more
All the stars for this stellar addition to the Rebel Kings series. I took my time reading it because I didn't want to leave this world.
Viktor and RanAll the stars for this stellar addition to the Rebel Kings series. I took my time reading it because I didn't want to leave this world.
Viktor and Ranger's story sits just slightly behind Reluctant Renegade as my favorites of the series, though that's a bit like saying it's my second-favorite type of chocolate. I love them all, but Ranger and Viktor shredded my heart before healing it again.
Divine Heart is also a bit darker than the other books, more in line with what is expected of motorcycle club books. Heed the warnings in the beginning, because there is on-page drug use and extensive discussion of addiction and recovery.
If you've read the series, the chance of you being on the fence about reading this book is next to nil, but in case you are, I'm shouting at you to do it. You will not regret it.
If you have not read the series, you could possibly start here, but there are some spoilery bits because of the ensemble cast, and there are parts that would make you wonder where that bit started. If you decide to start at the beginning with Devil's Dance, please note that these books are highly addictive and you very well may not want to ever stop reading them.
I think Lily Morton is really hitting her stride with writing paranormal - suspense -thrillers. The first two books in the Black and Blue series were I think Lily Morton is really hitting her stride with writing paranormal - suspense -thrillers. The first two books in the Black and Blue series were excellent, as was The Sceptic, but Something Wicked takes it up a notch. Those readers who spook easily may want to start reading in broad daylight.
Lily also balances the relationship and plot with ease, giving just enough romantic interaction between Blue and Levi to be sweet, but not so much that I am ready to move on from them.
As always with Lily's books, I can clearly see the setting. I've never visited York, but with her descriptions, it's easy to visualize, and provides the perfect backdrop for this story.
If you have not read the series and are considering starting here, I'd recommend at least reading The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings first. You don't really have to have read the Quiet House, as there are only a few references to what happened in it, but it's an excellent book, so I do recommend it.
Books like this one are why Lily remains solidly on my all-time favorites list, and is one of the handful of authors for whom I don't need a cover, blurb, or sample to read her work. (That said, Natasha Snow did her usual spectacular job on the cover.)
Nicky James did right by Valor and Doyle in this poignant, emotional, and funny book.
Mind you, I'm not a huge fan of weddings in books. Any book, notNicky James did right by Valor and Doyle in this poignant, emotional, and funny book.
Mind you, I'm not a huge fan of weddings in books. Any book, not just MM romance, so as much as I love Valor and Doyle, as much as I wanted Quaid to get the fairy tale wedding he's dreamed of, I was a bit skeptical whether a whole book - 377 pages, by Amazon's count - devoted to the wedding would hold my attention.
It did, y'all. It more than held my attention, it had me grabbing for the tissues over and over again even before they got to the actual wedding. This book is a testament to the depth of the characters Nicky James created and the relationships they forged. For me, Torin and Ruiz again stole just about every scene they were in and I can't wait to hear Nick J Russo perform them.
There's no mystery to be solved, no melodramatic rehash of previous cases, just a solid story about two men who, on paper, seem like the farthest thing from a good fit, but who simply fit together so well that reading about them making arrangements for their wedding was thoroughly entertaining.
Obviously, this book is not a standalone. You need to have read at least some of the books in the series before reading it. But if you're a fan of the series and were on the fence about reading a Valor and Doyle book that isn't about a case, I'm here to tell you to do it.
Edited to add audio review: Nicky James knew we fans of Valor and Doyle would be all in, and I definitely am. A swoony, truly romantic book brought to life by Nick J Russo, who has done an incredible job of building the characters, including the ensemble cast, to the point where I imagined him narrating as I read the ebook book. it was even better than I anticipated. Torin and Ruiz steal every scene they're in, as does Barnabus. 10 stars!
I've been waiting for this book since these three characters started pulling toward each other, and it did not disappoint. It's everything I hoped it I've been waiting for this book since these three characters started pulling toward each other, and it did not disappoint. It's everything I hoped it would be and more.
I know some will be tempted to skip it because it's got that pesky F in with the MM, but those who do are only cheating themselves out of so much Rebel Kings content that I would urge them to reconsider. It's not just any F, it's ORLA, ffs, who's as bold and fierce as any of the brothers, yet completely her own woman.
Plus, there's plenty of MM content, Orla makes sure of that. Nash and Locke fit together beautifully, with an tenderness that I should have expected but somehow didn't. The three of them together are incendiary, spontaneously combustible, yet sweet, too. Orla and Nash's history. Locke's story. Garrett Leigh has created a world where I could easily sit in a corner and watch everyone for days at a time.
There is a cliffhanger ending, so if you're not good with them, you may want to wait until Eternally Blessed comes out, if you can manage it. I couldn't wait and almost sprained my finger clicking to request the arc, even knowing going in that it would likely end with my heart outside my body, still beating, suspended until the next book.
Which it is. I was up until nearly 3 am on a work night because I couldn't put it down.
I think Riley Hart and Neve Wilder have hit their stride as cowriters with Illegal Contact. In my opinion, it's the best of the series. I loved the fiI think Riley Hart and Neve Wilder have hit their stride as cowriters with Illegal Contact. In my opinion, it's the best of the series. I loved the first two books, but Illegal Contact has just a little something more that endears it to me.
I fell head-over-heels for Malik Tucker and his big heart. Don't get me wrong, I love Patrick Whitt's cocky vulnerability, too, and seeing the Baby G, Rams, Houston and the rest was a lot of fun. But Malik's kindness and keen intellect touched me throughout the whole book.
Trying to hide their relationship doesn't end well and choices have to be made. Thankfully, Riley and Neve manage to avoid manufactured melodrama and the HEA is all the sweeter for not having suffered through a bout of eyeroll-inducing miscommunication.
As you'd expect, there's plenty of steam, but there's also plenty of tenderness that melted my heart. I love these two men together and hope to see at least a little more from them in the future.
The Valor and Doyle series has become one of my all-time favorites. I typically lose interest in books about the same couple after the first two, but The Valor and Doyle series has become one of my all-time favorites. I typically lose interest in books about the same couple after the first two, but because Nicky James has skillfully woven mystery and suspense into each book, I am able to enjoy the development of Quaid and Aslan's relationship.
Disrupted Engagement is very much NOT a standalone, and it's not the best place to start with the series. While the serial killer mystery is new and wraps up within the timeline of this book, the relationship situation and issues carry over from previous books.
It opens with Aslan being sent to a town about four hours away for a case involving what is probably a serial killer. I don't think it's particularly spoilery for me to say that after the first couple of chapters, especially after Aslan leaves, I found myself thinking how desperately Quaid needs therapy. Intense, ongoing therapy. I remained concerned for him throughout much of the story, and I'm hoping that his mental state will be addressed in a future book. Like maybe the next one. That would be good.
And to be fair, I was concerned about Aslan, because all of a sudden he seemed to have no idea how his boyfriend's brain works. I cannot wait to listen to the audio of this because Nick J Russo's Torin and Ruiz steal the show every time and this book showcases them so well I almost wish they weren't straight so they could have their own books. But I digress.
Nicky did her usual stellar job of keeping me on the edge of my seat with the mystery, and while I did figure out whodunnit earlier than I normally do, watching Aslan figure it out was entertaining enough that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As you might have inferred, the book does end with the mystery wrapped up. It also ends on a HFN with Valor and Doyle, and with me being impatient for the next book.
If you haven't read this series, go back to the beginning and start there. You'll be glad you did. If you have been following the series and are trying to decide whether to read this installment or not, I recommend it despite my aforementioned reservations. I ended up loving it, and still loving Aslan and Quaid.
I enjoyed Cloud Ten. I adored Cloud Nine - Tristan is one of my all-time favorite characters anywhere, anyIf I could give this book 10 stars I would.
I enjoyed Cloud Ten. I adored Cloud Nine - Tristan is one of my all-time favorite characters anywhere, anytime. Cloud White, though, touched me deeply.
First - please note that if you're a reader who requires your MCs to be together from the beginning, this book is not for you. If you're looking for fluffy, instalove, insta-lust, or anything along those lines - not that there's anything wrong with them - you won's find them here.
You will find a beautiful romance written with compassion for all the characters, even the abusive asshole with whom Mungo connected after having been rejected by Milo. However, please be sure to read the warnings because it does get intense.
As a survivor of emotional, mental, and physical domestic abuse, I can confidently say that Fearne Hill perfectly captured both sides of this insidious scourge. From the isolation to the gradual, intentional undermining of self-confidence to the feeling one deserved whatever happened, and that if we could just do or say or be the right thing, the abuser wouldn't strike out. Those who have not been through it often can't comprehend how otherwise intelligent people can remain in such situations. Those of us who have, completely understand.
And don't even get me started on the issue of weight.
At any rate, there was enough sharp, dry British humor...er, humour...in this book to keep it from completely shredding me, plenty of heat given the setting, and seeing Frankie and Lysander, Tristan and Dom, and even Darren and Maddie again felt like visiting old friends.
You could read it as a standalone but I really don't recommend it. Don't cheat yourself like that.
Now Simon needs a story. You'll have to read the book to find out who that is.
Merged review:
If I could give this book 10 stars I would.
I enjoyed Cloud Ten. I adored Cloud Nine - Tristan is one of my all-time favorite characters anywhere, anytime. Cloud White, though, touched me deeply.
First - please note that if you're a reader who requires your MCs to be together from the beginning, this book is not for you. If you're looking for fluffy, instalove, insta-lust, or anything along those lines - not that there's anything wrong with them - you won's find them here.
You will find a beautiful romance written with compassion for all the characters, even the abusive asshole with whom Mungo connected after having been rejected by Milo. However, please be sure to read the warnings because it does get intense.
As a survivor of emotional, mental, and physical domestic abuse, I can confidently say that Fearne Hill perfectly captured both sides of this insidious scourge. From the isolation to the gradual, intentional undermining of self-confidence to the feeling one deserved whatever happened, and that if we could just do or say or be the right thing, the abuser wouldn't strike out. Those who have not been through it often can't comprehend how otherwise intelligent people can remain in such situations. Those of us who have, completely understand.
And don't even get me started on the issue of weight.
At any rate, there was enough sharp, dry British humor...er, humour...in this book to keep it from completely shredding me, plenty of heat given the setting, and seeing Frankie and Lysander, Tristan and Dom, and even Darren and Maddie again felt like visiting old friends.
You could read it as a standalone but I really don't recommend it. Don't cheat yourself like that.
Now Simon needs a story. You'll have to read the book to find out who that is....more
I think Anti-Hero is the perfect conclusion to the Wild Hearts Ranch series, striking the right balance between the serious business of Ant recoveringI think Anti-Hero is the perfect conclusion to the Wild Hearts Ranch series, striking the right balance between the serious business of Ant recovering from abuse and reclaiming his power, his and Erik's relationship developing into a full-blown (no pun intended) romance, and the visitors from other books.
As usual, there's plenty of snark and banter, enough heat to melt your e-reader, and a satisfying happy ending. This really can't, in my opinion, be read as a standalone.
You need to have read the other books in the series, and probably even some in the Mobsters and Billionaires series to fully appreciate this one. The good news is that they're all amazing. ...more
I had to wait a couple of days after finishing this book so I didn't gush like a fire hydrant over how amazing it is. Not sure it helped much, becauseI had to wait a couple of days after finishing this book so I didn't gush like a fire hydrant over how amazing it is. Not sure it helped much, because I'm here to tell you, this book is AMAZING. If you have read the series thus far and are wondering whether Garrett Leigh can top the last book the answer, in my opinion, is a resounding YES. No shade on Rubi and River, Mateo and Embry, or Cam, Saint, and Alexei, because I love them all so much - but to me, Folk and Decoy are another level, y'all.
In general, I'm not a huge fan of motorcycle club stories - I gave up on Sons of Anarchy after the Henry Rollins season - but Garrett worked magic and I fell in love from the first chapter of the first book. To be clear, these are not mafiosos on motorcycles, they are found family who just want to live their lives in peace. They're not morally ambiguous, they're good people who are trying to break the cycle (no pun intended) of suffering that accompanies the kinds of "products" MCs typically deal with.
In Reluctant Renegade, the single father, Decoy, whose ex - wife is emotionally and verbally abusive to him, is paired with with Folk, who is a former marine and SBS (essentially the British version of a Navy SEAL) The unlikely pair have chemistry for days, striking sparks through through the whole book as the overarching plot that involves the club rachets up the tension until the satisfying conclusion. The plot for the club isn't quite wrapped up yet, but Folk and Decoy have their HEA.
I can't wait for Unholy Trinity with Locke, Nash, and Orla, and there are a few side characters who will hopefully get their chance in the sun, too.
Fair warning for U.S. readers who are new to Garrett's work - she's British. The books are set in the UK. They are written in British English with a wide array of regional slang. I advise reading on the Kindle app so you can look up terms on the web, rather than just the dictionary and Wikipedia the Kindle devices (at least my Oasis) are limited to.
I received an advance copy from Gay Romance Reviews, and I'm ever so grateful. ...more
When I finished Grumpy Bear, the first book in this series, I immediately jumped on the computer and blurted out a rave review, and while I didn't do When I finished Grumpy Bear, the first book in this series, I immediately jumped on the computer and blurted out a rave review, and while I didn't do that for Muscle Cub, I feel the same level of adoration for it as I do for the first book and the novellas.
The world Slade James created at Bear Camp has become a place where I visualize other authors' characters visiting, and his own characters interacting with them. Reading Muscle Cub was, in some ways, like going back to a place I've been before.
The romance between youngish Austin, the titular muscle cub, and Paul, the middle-aged author who's combating impotence on several levels, burned hot, but sweet, and as body-positive and performance-affirming as I've ever read.
Jesse is struggling. In his personal life, his professional life, just in general. He visits Bear Camp for the first time, and Austin, the hot young guy who's been a Bear Camp butterfly, helps him heal. This book is funny, but also realistic and emotional in places. Fun, but with an underlying layer of realism that touched my heart.
I highly recommend everything by Slade James. ...more
I was fortunate enough to get an early copy of this gem and I simply loved it. I'm a huge fan of Kelly Fox's work: her conversational writing style, hI was fortunate enough to get an early copy of this gem and I simply loved it. I'm a huge fan of Kelly Fox's work: her conversational writing style, her humor, which is sometimes of the gallows variety, her vivid, sympathetic, and loveable characters, and her body-positive, super-steamy sex scenes. I feel like I know these people...her characters have become a part of my life.
In Savior Complex, she kicks things up another notch in the Wild Heart Ranch series, where the cast fights against the human traffickers. Somehow, despite the themes of the book, it manages to be tender, hopeful, and yes, romantic.
Please note there are some scenes of graphic violence on-page, though those who are on the receiving end definitely deserve much worse. The over-arching story doesn't overshadow the romance between Javier and Levy, though, and they are scorching hot together.
You could try reading this book as a standalone, but I think that since it picks up at the end of the previous book, you'd do better to at least read the first two of the Wild Heart Ranch series, though there are appearances by fan favorites from the Wrecked: Guardians and Billionaires + Mobsters series, along with the Rebel Sky series. I'd recommend reading everything the author has written in order of publication for maximum enjoyment, but even if you don't take that path, you'll probably end up reading them all at some point because they're just that good.
I cannot WAIT for the next book, because Ant and Erik have been dancing around each other since they met in Sworn Enemy.
By the way, I think Savior Complex is even better than Sworn Enemy. If you know, you know. ...more
Noah and Toby are precious together, and their story made me sigh and swoon a little.
It was so good to be back at Rossingley and Île de Ré! I missed Noah and Toby are precious together, and their story made me sigh and swoon a little.
It was so good to be back at Rossingley and Île de Ré! I missed the ensemble cast that Fearne Hill has created, and loved being back with them. That may sound like they overshadowed the MCs of this book, but they didn't, it's just me being a fangirl.
This book is filled with blood family and found family, unconditional love and acceptance, and a slow-burn romance that's both sweet and sexy. Noah and Toby each have their own baggage, and watching them unpack it and build a relationship together is immensely satisfying.
This book could possibly be read as a standalone, but seriously, don't do that to yourself. Start at the beginning and savor every page of the journey here. ...more
Lark Taylor has done it again. The first book in this series hooked me, the second reeled me in, and this third one has me obsessed with the world thaLark Taylor has done it again. The first book in this series hooked me, the second reeled me in, and this third one has me obsessed with the world that she's created.
As much as I loved Oscar and Bailey from books 1 and 2, something about River just does it for me. Maybe it's because he's also a supe. Maybe because he's every bit as protective as Lucifer's sons are, I don't know but I love this paring.
This book is NOT a standalone. You need to go back to book one and savor every bit of those first two before you pick this one up - and fair warning, don't do that at bedtime unless you can sleep in the next day. These guys are sweet, sexy, frustrating, delightful, and SO much fun. I cannot wait for the next book! ...more
This book is obviously not a standalone. If you've read the other books in the series, this review isn't for you, because you're already downloading tThis book is obviously not a standalone. If you've read the other books in the series, this review isn't for you, because you're already downloading the book. I'm confident of that. If the first books didn't land with you, you wouldn't be reading this.
No, this review is for those who haven't started the series and are wondering if it's all that - it is, in fact, all that and then some. I've loved every page of every book of this series. They've made me laugh, cry, and fall head-over-heels in love with each character.
I'm still not going to go out of my way to pick up other motorcycle club books, but the Rebel Kings have me ready to patch in. Garrett Leigh manages to maintain the ensemble cast of the Rebel Kings without the other characters taking over the story, which is no easy feat given how charismatic those characters are.
Rubi and River each have more than their fair share of baggage, but they fit together perfectly. There's plenty of heat, but even more heart. I loved every word of their slow-burn, surprisingly tender love story.
I highly recommend the series, as well as the author's Patreon....more
Wow. Just...wow. This book starts off at a lope and quickly breaks into a gallop and I could not put it down from the time I opened it until the time Wow. Just...wow. This book starts off at a lope and quickly breaks into a gallop and I could not put it down from the time I opened it until the time I kept pawing at the edge of my Kindle hoping for more. I literally did not get up until I finished the book at about 4:30 am.
This is NOT a standalone. You need to read all the books in the series in order, which is a GIFT, I tell you, a GIFT, to have that many amazing pages of Valor and Doyle to read. If you're a fan, you already know. If you haven't read them yet, get to getting, because these guys are addictive.
You won't find fluff here, either. It's a police procedural mystery-suspense-thriller involving a homicide detective and a missing persons detective, so there's content that is not pretty. There's nothing gratuitous, though. Every ugly thing serves a purpose.
Nicky James is at the top of her game as she ratchets up the suspense while weaving Aslan and Quaid's developing relationship through the story. She brings the heat, too, and I don't mean that as slang for the police.
I'm grateful she writes quickly and the next book is out in April, because I need more of these two asap.
Oh...and don't forget to have tissues at hand. It's not a tear-jerker all the way through but when it hits, it hits hard. ...more
More of Lily Morton's men. What else need be said, really?
It's lovely that Lily's gathered up all these bits and bobs and put them together was some More of Lily Morton's men. What else need be said, really?
It's lovely that Lily's gathered up all these bits and bobs and put them together was some fresh new shorts just for this anthology. It's everything I love about Lily's work, just in bite-sized bits and across many of her characters.
If you're a fan of Lily, it's a must-read. If you've not yet read her work, start with The Summer of Us and work your way through in order of publication. By the time you get to Short Stack 2, you'll understand what I mean. ...more
Oh. My. God. I'm such a mess now! I knew this would be a good book, but I figured it would be on the level with Saint's Song.
Spoiler alert: it's not.
FOh. My. God. I'm such a mess now! I knew this would be a good book, but I figured it would be on the level with Saint's Song.
Spoiler alert: it's not.
Forgive Me Father had - for me anyway - the impact of Devil's Dance + Saint's Song to at least the third power. AT LEAST.
It has the swoony satisfaction of seeing Cam, Saint, and Alexi together, plus the soul-deep longing of Mateo and Embry for each other. We're not talking mere pining here. We're talking phantom limb syndrome level yearning. Their romance is one for the ages.
While this book is gritty and raw, and the characters are rough around the edges, Garrett's writing combines those elements into poetry. For example, from Embry, "But Orla knew as well as I did that love was noise and pain and joy, and none of it came easy."
And pretty much everyone has a secret. Many of those secrets are revealed by the end of this book, and it does end in a HEA for Mats and Em, but there's plenty more Rebel Kings story left to tell and I am here for every word of it. There are content and trigger warnings, so please heed them. Also, this is not a series to read out of order. I'm posting my review right away so you'll have plenty of time to read the first two before this one releases. You may even do like I did and join Garrett's Patreon to get more stories from this phenomenal world.
Finally, for my fellow US readers: this book is set in the UK and uses British English and slang. Most of it makes sense in context, but if you run into any true mysteries, I recommend using the Kindle app for your phone and using the "Search Web" function from there, since Kindle (at least my Oasis) only pulls from Wikipedia and the dictionary, and some things are not in either place.
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