Monday, December 31, 2018

2018 Yearly Recap

Every year I try and make a sort of a summary of my reads. There are always so many great books I would rather recommend them all than try and pick and choose especially since I would probably tend to mention books I've read recently to ones I've read at the beginning of the year.. so down bellow I'll be listing ALL the books I consider SUPERB reads which means rated 5 / 4½ stars. There were 81 books in total (out of the total of 125 books) - 65 books rated 5★ & 16 books rated 4½★.

This year I had a few authors I was going through their book list. My top read author (with 21 books!) was Charlie Cochet. Also FINALLY finished Mary Calmes (13 books) and Amy Lane (9 books) as well as Mariana Zapata and Suki Fleet (8 books each). I wanted to finish Cari Z.'s booklist as well but sadly I didn't manage ALL of them.. (yet I DID read 13 books) - still have a few I'm  planning on reading at the beginning of 2019.


Contemporary Romance - 41/60
First in Line - Annabeth Albert (♂♂)
Status Update (#gaymers, #1) - Annabeth Albert (♂♂)
Holiday Escape (#gaymers, #2.5) - Annabeth Albert (♂♂)
Connection Error (#gaymers, #3) - Annabeth Albert (♂♂)
Love Connection (#gaymers, #3.5) - Annabeth Albert (♂♂)
Sleepover - Serena Bell (♂♀)
Speakeasy (True North, #5) - Sarina Bowen (♂♀)
Brooklynaire (Brooklyn Bruisers, #4) - Sarina Bowen (♂♀)
Tribute Act - Joanna Chambers (♂♂)
Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Center of Gravity - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Finding Mr. Wrong - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Forgive and Forget - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Light up the Dark - Suki Fleet (♂♂)
A Fool and His Manny (The Mannies, #4)- Amy Lane (♂♂)
Crocus (Bonfires, #2) - Amy Lane (♂♂)
Regret Me Not - Amy Lane (♂♂)
Beautiful Dreamer - Christina Lee (♂♂)
Love me Louder - Christina Lee (♂♂)
Reclaim (Under My Skin, #3) - Christina Lee (♂♂)
First Light (Heartsville, #2)- Christina Lee & Felice Stevens (♂♂)
Ever After - Christina Lee & Riley Hart (♂♂)
Off Sunlight and Stardust - Christina Lee & Riley Hart (♂♂)
Lucky - Garrett Leigh (♂♂)
Soul to Keep (Rented Hearts, #2) - Garrett Leigh (♂♂)
Whisper (Skins, #2) - Garrett Leigh (♂♂)
Fragments of Ash (A Modern Fairytale, #7)- Katy Regnery (♂♀)
Fighting Irish (The Summerhaven Trio, #1) - Katy Regnery (♂♀)
Smiling Irish (The Summerhaven Trio, #2) - Katy Regnery (♂♀)
Loving Irish (The Summerhaven Trio, #3) - Katy Regnery (♂♀)
Catching Irish (The Summerhaven Trio, #4) - Katy Regnery (♂♀)
500 Kisses - Anyta Sunday (♂♂)
The Douglas Fir - Anyta Sunday (♂♂)
Handle with Care - Cari Z. (♂♂)
Worth a Shot - Cari Z. (♀♀)
Under Locke - Mariana Zapata (♂♀)
Kulti - Mariana Zapata (♂♀)
Wait for It - Mariana Zapata (♂♀)
Dear Aaron - Mariana Zapata (♂♀)
From Lukov with Love - Mariana Zapata (♂♀)
Luna and the Lie - Mariana Zapata (♂♀)

PNR 19/32
His ConsortMary Calmes (♂♂)
Old Loyalty, New Love (L'ange, #1) - Mary Calmes (♂♂)
Fighting Instinct (L'ange, #2) - Mary Calmes (♂♂)
Love and Payne (THIRDS Universe) - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
The Perfect Valentine's Day (A little Bite of Love, #1.5) - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Healing Hunter's Heart (A little Bite of Love, #2) - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
The Soldati Prince (Soldati Hearts, #1) - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts, #2) - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Between the Devil and the Pacific Blue - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Love in RetrogradeCharlie Cochet (Sci-Fi Romance) (♂♂)
Shades of Wicked (Night Rebel, #1) - Jeaniene Frost (urban Fantasy) (♂♀)
A Blinded Mind - Cari Z. (♂♂)
Off the Beaten PathCari Z. (♂♂)
Panopolis (#1-#3) - Cari Z. (♂♂)
Shadows and Light - Cari Z. (♂♂)
TempestCari Z. (♂♂)
The Train - Cari Z. (♂♂)

New/Young Adult - 10/14
The AccidentalsSarina Bowen (♂♀)
Studly Period (The Ivy Years, #5.5) - Sarina Bowen (♂♀)
Falling - Suki Fleet (♂♂)
The Glass House - Suki Fleet (♂♂)
Te Quiero - Suki Fleet (♂♂)
This is not a Love Story - Suki Fleet (♂♂)
Wildflowers - Suki Fleet (♂♂)
(in)visibleAnyta Sunday (♂♂)
rock - Anyta Sunday (♂♂)
A Date for Hannah - Katy Regnery (as Callie Henry) (♂♀)

Romantic Suspense - 7/11
All kinds of Tied Down (Marshals, #1) - Mary Calmes (♂♂)
Fit to be Tied  (Marshals, #2) - Mary Calmes (♂♂)
Twisted and Tied (Marshals, #4) - Mary Calmes (♂♂)
Love in Spades (Four Kings Security, #1) - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Join the Club (Four Kings Security, #3) - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
Blue Blooded (Lord and Lady Hetheridge, #5) - Emma Jameson (♂♀)
Christmas in Camelot (Camelot West Virginia Season #1) by Emma Jameson & Cyn Mackley (♂♀)

Historical Romance - 4/6
Mr. Winterbourne's Christmans (Winterbourne, #2) - Joanna Chambers (♂♂)
A Tender Curiosity - Charlie Cochet (♂♂)
The Bells of Times Square - Amy Lane (♂♂)
Bird Meets Cage - Anyta Sunday (♂♂)

Christmas in Camelot (Camelot West Virginia Season #1, Episode #1) by Emma Jameson & Cyn Mackley

This was a nice and sweet surprise release. It's just the "first chapter" in a serialized series by two authors - one I've very familiar with and enjoyed reading - Emma Jameson and new to me Cyn Mackley. I'm not sure when the next one will be published but I DO know I'll grab it and read it ASAP. It was rather short but we already got to meet quite a lot of the people of Camelot and a hint of what's in store for us.

Colonel Merle Emery has recently retired, and after traveling the world he realizes it's time to settle down and not just anywhere but in the small and almost forgotten town of Camelot in the big castle over on the mountain. He has money he recently made and he has his vision of what's his future is going to be. His objective is convincing Misty Avalon, the owner of the castle, to actually sell it to him since she is having some regrets about even posting her family's home for sale.

Sunday, December 30, 2018

His Consort (House of Maedoc, #1) by Mary Calmes

This book was so fun and engaging! I was hooked right from the start! I loved Jason. He was truly a great guy so it's no wonder he makes friends whenever he goes, even without realizing he has a very special and unique power over a species he didn't even know existed - Vampyrs!

When Jason Thorpe helps rescue a "kid" while on a carpentering job in Washington he doesn't know the effect it's going to have on his life. But that situation and everything that happened there made him take the right decision for his own life and that's starting a new in New Orleans in a place that was gifted to him by his best friend after his passing. Yet once he was there, just looking at the place he finds the best partner and friend in Ode. Together with her family she envelopes Jason's life with warmth and love, though she hopes he will have more of that in a partner but Jason is quite reluctant.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Tempest by Cari Z.

There is so much I have to say about this book I truly don't know where to start. This book was AMAZING, the arc of it, Colm's story was heart breaking heart warming, difficult to read at times, hopeless! hopeful! but also at the very end peaceful. Life certainly took a lot from both Colm and Nichol but they DID manage to find their own kind of Happily Ever After. Perfect is a relative concept really.

When Colm Weathercliff's father dies he realizes it's time to leave the only place he has called home. Though he is reluctant he knows that's the best time and hopefully he can find and build a new place with his stepmothers' family in the big city of Caithmor. After a colorful and interesting journey to get there he is happy to find friendship and love in a new home - The Cove - the Inn Megg (his stepmother's aunt) runs with a bit of help from her grandson Nichol Searunner.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Shadows and Light by Cari Z.

I'll admit I had my doubts about this one.. I don't usually read BDSM, and this one sounded like one through the synopsis. But it's Cari so I HAD to give it a go and I'm SO glad I did. It was different, and though the relationship between our two MCs was very defined as the book starts - an apprentice and his master, as the book progressed and things change between them and all around them their relationship changes as well. It was BEAUTIFUL seeing Rafael grow and evolve, becoming a man who has a life to live for.

The whole story is told from Rafael's POV. He lives in a city controlled by "High Ones" who used to be regular men before they drank from a magical substance (the blood of Erran) and became more than just immortal - also very powerful with enhanced abilities. As a little boy he was selected to be the apprentice of  Xian a very known and appreciated Assassin. He hoped to please his master and be turned by him to be a High One as well, but he mostly wanted to warship Xian. He was obsessed with him, enamored with him. He wanted to be by his side no matter what. But when the test came he failed and was thrown to the lower city to fend for himself. For the first time in his life he was left master-less, all alone without the one man who meant the world to him. 

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Luna and the Lie by Mariana Zapata

Another OUTSTANDING book by Mariana. If you're into "slow burn" and even if you aren't I HIGHLY recommend you give this one (or any other book by Mariana) a go. As with her other books we only get the feminine side of the story with SUCH a beautiful buildup, both of the relationship as  well as personal growth as this book takes a few months and that's without counting the time both MC have known each other before our starting point.

Luna Allen had a difficult life growing up. It's more than she was just "unwanted" by her family, she was neglected and abused. Now ten years later she is in a totally different place and she has her own 2 hands and 10 fingers to thank for. Yeah, she had help from friends who were SO much more than her family ever was but still she managed to build a life for herself as well as take care of her three younger sisters. It wasn't easy, but she has done well. Lily, the youngest, will  be following her older sisters' footsteps and getting into college. Well, Luna didn't have time for studies, but she made sure her siblings did. She found her calling in CCC a repair garage where she paints cars. It doesn't sound glamorous, but she is good at her job, she actually enjoys her work and (almost) all the people she works with, especially Mr. Cooper the owner who has become the father she could have only wished for.

Friday, December 14, 2018

The Train (The Train, #1) by Cari Z.

Calling this short novella cute is kinda strange considering the mystery and murder happening on this train in only a 3 days ride, yet when I closed my kindle with a smile at the very end, that's what I thought. I LOVED it, really enjoyed it though I have to say I DID struggle with the language at first (English isn't my mother tongue and I don't have a lot of experience with Steampunk).

Anton Seiber is a student of thaumaturgy (basically magic), on his way to the University of Zurich to continue his studies. It's IMPERATIVE that he arrives on time for his internship but it doesn't seem likely since his destined train was just switched to a royal ride of one of the Emperor's cousins on his way to get married. Not sure what to do he knows he HAS to be on this train no matter what so with a strange kind of occurrence he finds himself impersonating one of the guests.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

A Blinded Mind by Cari Z.

While I'm not a fan of Dystopia, I AM a fan of Cari which is why I gave this one a go and I'm REALLY happy I did. This novel was kinda scary I have to say! It had a different feel than my usual reads with how desperate both our MCs are though we mostly follow Jonathan and his journey from childhood to adulthood, as he was growing up in a special facility due to his enormous psychic ability. I loved that through the gloom of this HORRIBLE place and everything Jonathan had to go through, there is always the hope of Jonathan reunited with his lover Sam. It was really special the way Sam was always THERE with Jonathan even when he clearly wasn't. 

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Soothsayer by Cari Z.

Honestly I don't know how to rate or review this book. I have this feeling of "what did I just read now" and I'm really unsure about it all. I'm not even sure I got what happened in the end, or what it really MEANS. For me, it didn't feel like a closed (enough) ending. But it might just be me not understanding what the hell happened in this one..

Cillian Kelly has the power of seeing the fate of people when he looks into their eyes. It's not as fun as you'd think. First he doesn't know HIS fate, he only knows the fate of others and second the fates of horrible people tend to stay with him and trouble his dreams. His life have been a total mess being kidnapped a few times and people trying to "acquire" him for his "services".

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Off the Beaten Path by Cari Z.

This book was SO beautiful. It was tender and sweet, not at all what I would expect from a werewolf themed book, not to mention an alpha who is actually a TRUE alpha, not just a jack**s who likes bossing everyone around. I enjoyed the characters, the progression of the story and the romance (which was pretty sweet and slow going - no instalove!). I'm so pumped Cari will be releasing another book in this world sometimes in the beginning of 2019!

Ward Johannsen world changed the minute he heard his 4 years old baby girl Ava has shifted into a wolf. In the world Cari built for us this means she is to shipped to a pack somewhere and so Ward's part as her parent is over. This is NOT something Ward was going to accept, government decision or not! Ava have been all of his life since she was born and he isn't going to give her up! With a help from a dear dear friend he finds the pack she was assigned to but now comes the hard part - getting the pack to accept him in it. Once he is there leaving (alive..) isn't an option but staying means being cut out from the world he knew and living with a grumpy alpha, his human sister and her husband - they might be nice to him, the alpha - not really..

Beautiful Dreamer (So This is Christmas #1) [Garrett & Rory] by Christina Lee

ADORABLE! This novella was so sweet! I LOVED IT! First, before the romance, I really enjoyed the holiday vibes and nostalgia around it. I don't celebrate Christmas but I loved the whole feeling of this novella. I was a bit like Kate (Rory's girlfriend) getting to know these two families and their traditions, ones they perfected over a lifetime of friendship between them. They might have been apart for the past 6 years but it made no difference once they got together again for the holidays. 

Garrett Coleman and Rory Sweeney have been best friends since they were little, as their mothers are best friends it worked wonderfully. They spend their days playing and having fun together, at times with Rory's older brother Finn. Growing up Garrett idolized Finn and even before he realized he was gay, he was simply fascinated with the guy. His self assurance, charisma, good looks. Yet everything fell apart after his mother was diagnosed with cancer.  Feeling like his whole world was shattered he went partying where he shouldn't have and the guy who came to his rescue - and total embarrassment - was Finn. Being drunk only made thins worse. Ever since then he made his best to ignore Finn. It wasn't difficult. Being in college and helping his family as much as he can during his mother's recovery made it hard to look beyond his personal bubble. Yet now, 6 years later, he is driving to the one place he knows he won't be able to ignore Finn - their family cabin where they spent so many Christmases together.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Where There's a Will (Panopolis #3) [Craig & Ari] by Cari Z.

Outstanding! This wasn't what I expected in the best possible way.. First I was sure the last installment, like the previous two, would be of Edward and Raul taking over the city and while they are both constant in this book it's actually all about "Freight Train" or as he preferred to be called - Craig Haney - the name he was born with and doesn't define just one aspect of his life...

Being a Hero isn't easy. It's not just a job, it's what people expect you to be 24/7 and while Craig is ALL about saving lives and doing the right thing, sometimes all he wan'ts to do, all he wants to be, it a regular Joe. Being surrounded by a force field means he is out of reach from life at all times. He can't eat unless it's with a special straw with a concoction GenCorp has manufactured especially for him. It isn't tasty but he can't taste if anyway.. But what he misses the most is being touched. Even a simple caress. Being appreciated and SEEN not as just a Hero but a person.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Where There's Fire (Panopolis #2) [Edward & Raul] by Cari Z.

What a rush! Edward Dinges was just a regular guy yet getting outed as The Mad Bombardier's accomplice changed everything. He might have been experimented on for a few minutes, but it was enough to make him a Super or rather a Villain. We start this novella with Edward planning his first "job" breaking into the bank he used to work for - It's time he shows Raul his worth.

Yet things don't go as plan, not in the bank and not when Raul isn't the one to rescue him. Turns out someone captured Raul Tremblay and he plans on using Edward's "Reverse Empath" abilities to do his bidding before (or maybe if..) he hands him back. Though Edward SEEMS to be very complaint with Maggot - the big Villain boss! - his mind is always working on his possible next step (same as Raul - plan for the worst, hope for the best!).

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Where There's Smoke (Panopolis #1) [Edward & Raul] by Cari Z.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from this one but if I have to sum it up in one word it will oddly enough be - COOL! Though this was quite short I feel we got to know our sole POV Edward Dinges quite well and there is FAR more to get to know him in the next two installment which I have NO CLUE how it's going to evolve for both him and his lover.

The city of Panopolis is special. It's special because it has Super Heroes Marvel can only envy as well as Villains galore. That's what drew Edward into the city actually though it took time until he met his first Villain AND Hero both the same day as The Mad Bombardier broke into the bank Edward works at and Freight Train came to the rescue. Yet Edward somehow finds himself helping not the Hero but the Villain. He didn't expect himself to even act when he was so stressed, yet he did and when the thank you flowers came with an offer for a meeting he couldn't be more surprised.

Friday, November 30, 2018

First In Line by Annabeth Albert

This short novella was THE sweetest thing ever! I LOVED it! and I SO wish we'll get more of Ethaniel and Nesto though the HFN we get was somehow enough for me.

Ethaniel Rhodes is new in Cathia College, it's his first day and he has a few more firsts on his list. Growing up in a small town with VERY conservative parents, going to a college 1500 miles away with a full scholarship means he can actually never look back. It's a great feeling but also a very difficult one. I was heart broken for Ethaniel and how miserable his life have been.

Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas (Winterbourne, #2) [Lysander & Adam] by Joanna Chambers

Such a SWEET novella. I enjoyed seeing Lysander and Adam again, this time as a couple though they are both unsure of the seriousness of their relationship. Yet when they are both invited to Lysander's home estate it's the perfect time to not only ponder their current situation but to think of the future.

When Lysander's sister was married to Adam's brother it was no secret it was all about the money, Adam's money.. His brother Simon got the "title" while Lysander's family got the money his father needed after gambling away his own.. They had an agreement but as Lysander and Adam see the way the estate hasn't been renovated they realize there's another reason Adam was invited.. Lysander's father was obnoxious. He wanted everyone to do his bidding so he can keep on being irresponsible with his money and be paid off by other men. Adam saw through him but what he didn't predict was Lysander's reaction.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Crossroads (Skins #4) [Angelo & Dylan] by Garrett Leigh

This short novella is a closure to the series, though it contains the POVs of Angelo and Dylan all three couples are enjoying the holidays together at Joe's (and Harry's) Farm. The feeling is more settled, certainly for Joe and Harry but also with Rhys and Jevon. Angelo and Dylan needs to find a way to make their relationship work. Staying at the farm doing physiotherapy with Harry and in general living there makes a HUGE difference on his health and so he needs to find a way to talk to Dylan and explain it to him, hoping Dylan can make a future with him somewhere near the farm..

Dylan already realized Angelo's future is entwined with his and this is NOT something that is going to change, even if he sees the great influence the farm has on Angelo's health and it's underline meaning. So it's up to him to find a way to make a life there. With a bit of help from the guys he does find a way which suits him well and will enable them to chose their own path together.

Monday, November 26, 2018

First Light (Heartsville #2) [Aubrey & Oliver] by Christina Lee & Felice Stevens

PERFECTION. I"ll write a review though I think I can sum it up in two words MUST READ, or in three words GRAB IT NOW. I knew this book is going to be awesome not only because I trust Christina, but also because I loved "Last Call", the previous book in this series, together with Felice. It was different, yet the most important things stayed the same - wonderful writing, beautiful and tender story, and characters who are here not only to get their HEA but to evolve and grow in the process. It was almost a "slow burn" in the way the friendship between Aubrey and Oliver progressed and I loved it to pieces. So let's make a deal, okay? Scroll down, order it, then come back here and I'll tell you my thoughts in more than 2 or 3 words.

Are you back yet? you're here? Great! Let's start at the beginning...

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Join the Club (Four Kings Security #3) [Lucky & Mason] by Charlie Cochet

Getting back with the kings! I was so excited about this book, and frankly after finishing and getting the little snippet of the next one, I'm even MORE excited (AND it's releasing next month). This series is a mix of romance, suspense and A LOT of family/brotherhood shenanigans. What more can anyone ask? We've already met both Mason and Lucky so it was all about seeing how these two can stop being stupid suborn bastards and start ACTING on what they want.

Eduardo "Lucky" Alejandro Morales is one of the "Kings", he is Ace's cousin and have been in his shadow ever since he came to the state in his teens. Living in Ace's shadow was never truly a problem though he always wished he would be taken more seriously and people SEE HIM for who he is, not just the hot headed one. Though he IS also that hehe. It was actually a surprise to Mason as well when he saw Lucky on a daily basis and saw how much more he actually is, and with sexual tension burning everything around them it easily became so much more.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Friendly Fire by Cari Z.

While I did enjoy this book I feel like it was somehow "half cooked". I would have loved seeing both men open up more, especially Lennox who stayed a closed book in front of Elliot. We only know about his past though small glimpses. The relationship buildup, even if wasn't lengthy time-wise felt very genuine. I could see how these two fell for one another even if no words of emotions are truly spoken between them. Which is a bit of my problem, I wanted MORE of them as a couple, mostly opening up.

Elliot McKenzie made mistakes and he has paid for then, now he is the CEO of a company who gives second chances for everyone who is willing. Not everyone believes he is genuinely a good guy now, but for him - HIS truth is what's important. He wishes his family, his sister mostly, would look at him and see who he has become but mostly he is quite content with life. Yet when strange occurrences - some bizarre others life threatening are circling around him his right hand - Serena - brings Lennox, a family member for help, she has NO IDEA what's this meeting will bring to everyone's lives, mostly Elliot and Lennox.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Sleepover by Serena Bell

Two single parents living next door.. yon can guess where this one is going... yet it's so much MORE than that. To quote Sawyer "We did everything backwards - Crazy monkey sex first, foreplay later, getting to know each other third". See 2 months ago before Sawyer moved to the house next to Elle, they met in a bar. Elle was two weeks after finalizing her divorce, in a need of getting back to who she was before the whole mess with her ex, and Sawyer, as usual was looking for a "relief" from the constant ache of losing his wife 2 years prior. He offers a night without a repeat and up until Elle it worked fine. Yet seeing her again, with a plate full of cookies as a good neighbor should, makes him for ONCE question his resolve.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Holding Court by Cardeno C.

Short and sweet but also extremely HOT. Esav Walters is quite shocked to find a painting of himself, 10 years younger, at a new bar in town his friends dragged him to. He remembers the night he spent with Court Swanson so very clearly. It was amazing to say the least yet they were at a different time in life and a relationship wasn't an option.

Shades of Wicked (Night Rebel #1) by Jeaniene Frost

It started in the summer of 2014 (at least for me..) when I found Cat and Bones. It used to be my absolute favorite UF series, yet then came the spin-off "Night Prince" of Vlad and I fell in love even harder. Putting Ian against Vlad isn't a fair game.. So I'll just say I LOVED this book. It was AWESOME. Can't believe how much I missed all these characters.. Jeaniene made us wait a whole year and a half since the last installment of Vlad and Leila's story and though it was a long wait it was totally worth it!

I'll just say that if you haven't read any of the "Night Huntress" books YOU TOTALLY SHOULD, but actually it's not a must.. you'll just get to know many of the characters in advance.. and there are naturally a few spoilers.. up to you. Chronologically speaking this book continues right after the end of "Into the Fire", the 4th and last installment of the "Night Prince" where Ian made a bargain he shouldn't have and now it seems he has very short time to live before his soul goes to the Demon he bargained it for - Dagon yet he didn't see Veritas coming.. NOT AT ALL.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Fireworks (True North #6) [Benito & Skye] by Sarina Bowen

 We've met Benito a bit, mostly in Zara's book and I was curious to who will capture his big heart. Turns out, she already did YEARS ago on the one year Skye spent living in the trailer park Benito and his family used to live in. It wasn't the most beautiful time of their lives and yet it was because together things WERE different, there was a sort of unspoken hope that sadly disappeared when Skye left town without a word..

Benito Rossi is on a mission and he plans on delivering it ASAP, though he is all about the job - catching a drug dealer who messes around with his drugs making them more lethal then they suppose to be - it's actually personal on so many levels.. When he was growing up, his family had a tormentor - the cop living in the trailer park with them. He made Zara's life such a living hell they had to move her to another place and their lives weren't easy with so many times the police were on their case when they really shouldn't... It got even worse on the last year of school when Skye and her mother moved in with said cop.. He was horrible to Skye, she was frankly TERRIFIED of him and for good reasons.. So now when Benito is the cop and he has his sights on FINALLY arresting Jimmy Gage.

Friday, October 19, 2018

Innocence by Suki Fleet

It's hard for me to actually write it but it's my truth so I gotta - I didn't like this book AT ALL. It was all over the place with Christopher running around in circles, in his head but also in real life. It FELT like the YA I stay clear of and frankly I don't get what a 29 years old guy would find in someone 10 years younger. Their whole relationship was BEYOND strange. Not to mention with the book finished I still don't think I know anything about Malachi besides he's a mechanic who loves to play and sing music (there's also a dark secret, but it's a spoiler-free-zone here so I'll let you figure it out..).

This is Christopher Grey's story for sure. We follow him around as he tries to find a place in this world he can call his own. He have been living with his dad and younger brother on a boat all of his life. When he was 5 years old, the 3 years old Jay got burned by accident which consequent in their mother leaving for good. Doesn't sound like the exemplary mother, does she? and their father isn't that much better even if he have been taking care of them since then. it's not black and white I guess.. he is who he is, and he's doing what he thinks is the right thing even if his reasoning aren't the best.  Jay is the focus of Christopher's life, he would do right around anything for him, he is his number one priority even if the one thing he craves - finding their mother - is not something Christopher is mad about. He doesn't feel there's a point and also where to start?

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Handle with Care by Cari Z.

 This was such a sweet novel! I LOVED it! I read it almost in one sitting. Aaron and Tyler where simply adorable together. There's this one sentence I read and then re-read - "I could have had this sooner, couldn't I?" and I thought to myself this is IT. This was everything falling into place for both of them. They have known each other for 10 years, most of that time as best friends and now they are ready to take the next step for them to become a couple. 

Aaron McCoy had a difficult life growing up. Yet while he ended up in the system his little brother Zach, the one he tried his best to care for while his mother had other things (and addictions) in mind, found a great home. Aaron was too resentful to appreciate what he could have had with the same family so he somehow drifted away from Zach not knowing how to gap the distance between them.. Yet a few years later, almost at 18, he found himself the best home in the Howards family. The two older siblings in the family were already out of the house so all he had was the 16 years old Tyler. It took them time to form a friendship - not for lack of want from Tyler's side, but once it stuck both knew they won't ever let go. So while They grew up, found themselves in life, college, work, in the end, whenever both needed someone it was obvious who they'll turn to. 


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Wildflowers by Suki Fleet

We learn to appreciate what we truly want only when it's practically gone - and then what? What do we do when we realized we made a HUGE mistake and now time is running short? How do we love without the fear of losing? Losing the one we love and ourselves. Xavi doesn't know and neither do I. This was a sweet yet sad story about waiting a bit too long to appreciate love.

It's quite a short novella but I think what we can take from it is LIVE. Live in the now and say what we want to say. Sitting in silence the way Xavi and Sam did for most of their time together only cost both of them pain. They've met 4 years ago when they lived in the same commune. Sam was already living there though hated by most of the others and when Xavi came with his boyfriend. It was an open relationship but it was still hard for Xavi to act upon his growing emotions towards the sweet Sam. It's more than attraction between them, what they share together means more to Xavi than he can deal with when he already has a boyfriend he is suppose to be in love with. Which is part of the reason they leave (not surprisingly their relationship doesn't last long after).

Monday, October 15, 2018

Te quiero (Falling for You #1) [Ally & Levi] by Suki Fleet

This short novella was THE SWEETEST THING! I've read Suki referred to this one as the fluffiest novella she have ever written - and it is! But that's a good thing! :) Ally and Levi's story was warm and fuzzy even if Ally wasn't at his best. It was a chance for a HEA when things were looking down which actually made this short novella so much more than just two guys learning they share and want more than each of them realized.

Ally is devastated. His ex posted a bunch of NAKED photos of him on multiple porn sites. What would he do now? It's more than feeling naked it's being abused as well. Since his laptop crashed last week he sits in the physics lab hoping he can somehow make the photos go away but though he wrote the sites, they haven't gotten back to him and to top it all Levi just came into the lab asking what he's doing there (since he left the department a while back). Not knowing what to do he antagonizes Levi before he simply disappears leaving behind a short unfinished love letter in Spanish (Ally's mother tongue).

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Three Fates by Mary Calmes, Amy Lane & Andrew Grey

The legends talk about three sisters, The Fates, they are immortal being spinning the wheels of fate. Sometimes, they take interest in some of the Fates they "create". Like they decided to help Cheyenne a bit so he can find his true love, though sometimes like with Cassidy and Raza they needed more than a little pursuading. With Lief and Hacon I'm not even sure what they THOUGHT would happen but they were willing to give it a chance and through it a love story was formed.

I liked the idea behind the Anthology, but the novellas didn't really work for me. They were all nice but somehow lacking, each for it's own reason. The first two were shorter (I'd guess round 80 pages each, together getting to the middle of the book) with the last one giving us a much more developed story (taking the whole other half of the book).

Friday, October 12, 2018

Wild Summer (Love Story Universe, #1.5) [Crash & Summer] by Suki Fleet

I enjoyed this book though it felt very different from the previous one. For once I wished this story would have been a little bit MORE, mostly more of Christopher (Crash) and Summer as they first met. I wished they had more time together, it would have been easier for me to understand the hold they had on each other for the 4 years they were apart.

We've met Crash in the previous installment and when we start this one it's already about a year (I would guess) after Romeo and Julian found their place in Cornwall. Though Romeo chose to have a different life than Crash did when arriving at the same foster home, they become fast friends and now Crash is spending the time with both of them trying to deal with what seeing Summer again, 4 years after their downfall, have done to him.

This Is Not a Love Story (Love Story Universe, #1) [Romeo & Julian] by Suki Fleet

The tears haven't even dried yet but I feel somehow I have to write my feelings now before my mundane life snatches the storm of emotions I have right now. This book was so heart breakingly beautiful. It was a HORRIBLE ride of cold, wet and heartless London with kids who should have had a home and yet they don't. On their own, trying to live with barely hope they can survive the next night. This is not a love story, yet it is. Romeo and Julian means the WORLD to one another, but the world needs to give them a break so they can actually build a life together. One that promises more than hungry, sick, penniless roaming the streets.

The whole story is told from Romeo Danilov's POV. He is 15 years old, living on the street after being left by his mother. He has nothing and no one until Julian Lavelle jumps to his rescue from tugs who enjoyed tormenting a mute who can't even scream for help. From that moment Romeo and Julian become almost inseparable. Yet there is very little they can actually DO to survive which is why Julian keeps selling his body to buy them food and a little shelter from the cold. They have a friend in the owner of a cafe - Cassey. She helps as best as she can, but she too has her limits. They also have Gem - Julian's friend but she too has her own problems to deal with. They can barely make it, truly, but together they find little glimpses of light mostly in each other.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Light Up the Dark by Suki Fleet

Though the title offers to light up the dark, it offers us SO MUCH darkness to endure before hand. Nicky's story is more than heart breaking. Maybe because he isn't the only one and the horror of everything keeps unfolding and becoming even more terrifying with every detail unraveling. I could feel the darkness swallowing Nicky but as Cai (and also Soph and Loz) started to become a permanent part of Nicky's life things started to shift little by little until they banished the darkness and offered him ever lasting light. His past will always be a part of him, and I'll expect him to be in therapy for YEARS but with them by his side he more than have a chance for true happiness.

The story starts with the night that changed Nicky's life from a careless guy who loved dancing to a little mouse living in a house with a strange man who promised to keep him safe. Yet he somehow also kept Nicky inside, afraid to even open the door. Staying in the shadows of this neglected house in the middle of nowhere. After two weeks of being all along after he founds his keeper dead, his only resolve is to make a little bit of the darkness disappear. He won't venture outside but he can pay for someone to take down the over grown vegetation and offer a bit of light into his eternal darkness. He didn't expect Cai - hard working yet knowing nothing about gardening.. 

Monday, October 8, 2018

Ante Up (Four Kings Security #2.5) [Seth & Kit] by Charlie Cochet

This was short and sweet :) It's light and sexy. Seth and Kit have been working at "Sapphire Sands" an exclusive gay club (owned by Frank whom we met in the 1st installment in the series). As per Frank's rules, workers aren't allowed to have relationships with each other so Seth working the bar watching Kit move his body seductively on the small stage in front of his eyes everyday isn't easy..

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Familiar Angel by Amy Lane

This book just isn't working for me and honestly it's pretty difficult for me to say exactly WHY. The story feels a bit "fogy", a lot of missing pieces confusing facts concerning the world building. Not to mention our hero, as well as his two best friends turned somewhat siblings are all CAT shifters. I don't like cats - AT ALL - so them being sort of the main heroes isn't really that appealing to me, not to mention they behave like FAR more than your regular house cats (which they are). I'm not sure if it's the magic abilities they have or some other enhancement but I REALLY have a hard time imagining some of the scenes with cats being SO brutal they can take a man down or a wild boar. No. Nope. No way.

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Timing (Timing #1) [Stefan & Rand] by Mary Calmes

I guess I have rather high expectations where Mary is concerned as I've read and enjoyed most of her books, so I'm really sad this book didn't work out for me. Our MC and sole POV Stefan Joss was BEYOND perfect in a way which felt totally unbelievable so while I was trying to accept that's the way he is, came his romantic partner in this book and I was just not feeling it. I didn't like Rand Holloway or care for him in any way. He ran too hot and too cold.

Stefan Joss came to Texas to attend his best friend's wedding Charlotte Holloway. He is thrilled to see her and her soon to be husband but less happy to see her brother - Rand - who have always been mean and degrading towards him (and her at times..). Yet he is the bride's older brother, naturally he attends her wedding.. Stefan and Rand would just have to find a way to get along even if they hadn't in the past.. especially with Rand asking for a truce. Yet ever since asking that he has been coming on to Stefan. I guess it wasn't obvious for him at first but for me it felt like it and it totally felt off and wrong, especially how bossy he was towards Stefan. It might be his character but it didn't fit Stefan or the situation between them.

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

While it took me a while to warm up to Jasmine, once I did - I LOVED her. Though I loved Ivan even more. I SO wish we could have gotten his POV and not only hers. There is so much more to him than meets the eye. He is SUCH a great guy. Even though Jasmine THOUGHT she knew him for the past 14 years, she really hadn't AT ALL. She is up for a surprise.. one that will change her life forever. It's another wonderful slow burn novel by Mariana, It's the last book she published and with it, I've finished her book list. All I can say is I can't WAIT for her next one.

Jasmine Santos - the name rings a bell? If you've read "Dear Aaron" - that's it! Jasmine is Ruby's younger sister, the one she have been loving and dreading and also sawing beautiful costumes for her ice skating competitions. We've already met this tenacious young woman who sees mostly one thing - her passion for Ice Skating. It's what she have been doing since she was 3 years old and if it's up to her she would never stop even if at 26 she has little to no victories to show her name and for the last year - no partner to work with. But if there is one thing to know about Jasmine is - she NEVER quits! The other is beware of annoying her - you will get KICKED! and if not - then PUNCHED in the face. Jasmine doesn't take bullshit from anyone!

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Falling Suki Fleet

Another beautifully written book by Suki. Like the previous one, it's not a light read AT ALL. It deals with difficult issues of mental health yet it does it in a very tender sweet way. Being inside Josh's head (our only POV) wasn't easy with how cloudy his life and mind is, but I think it's a crucial experience to us as readers to understand his world. What he is going through and WHY it's so difficult for him. He is the sweetest guy, loving and warm even if he looked and at times behaves like the opposite. He is just not sure how to express what he is feeling or know how to manage all these confusing emotions. Angus is a good example. Everything about him speaks and screams to Josh, but he is afraid of acting upon it and being swallowed and overwhelmed by his feelings for him.

After dealing with depression for years, and being hospitalized for it as well, Josh finds his place in a small apartment forming a brave and sweet friendship with his neighbor Eleanor. Eleanor brought him out of his shell, taught him how to manage life and became a close friend throughout years of solitude. He has his job in a shoe store, but his life is mostly about being alone in his apartment.  When Eleanor's 18 years old son Angus comes to stay with her things start to change. Eleanor might have helped Josh with his fears yet she has her own demons. She is dealing with Agoraphobia and Anxiety disorder which are crippling her and it's only getting worse. They are also affecting her son Angus who isn't sure how to deal with her symptoms.

The Glass House by Suki Fleet

This one was extremely RAW and heart breaking and yet it had so much hope beneath and above each line. Sasha had a pretty awful life and he might be getting a sort of a break the past 9 months living with his sister Corrine, but it's not that simple for neither of them to connect and understand what each need in general and especially from one another. The sunshine in this book was without a doubt Thomas. One not very bright day he appeared on Sasha's side and it seemed he is going to stay even if Sasha has no idea why.

This short book is all about friendship and love, compassion, understanding. The very basics every one of us needs to survive. Without Thomas, Sasha felt he had nothing at all. He could forget himself sculpting beautiful statues made of broken glass but once his work is done he has nothing in his life but emptiness and pain. He might be 17 years old but he felt 100. Weary of life and disappointments, feeling there is no hope for anything better for him not now and not in the future.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

rock by Anyta Sunday

OUTSTANDING. This book took me on such a heart breaking ride I was SO not expecting. It's a story about two boys and their journey to friendship, acceptance and love and while we start with two teenagers we have the privilege of seeing them grow into men who are brave enough to follow their hearts.

There's a sentence I snatched from this book which for me sums up so much of it - "Broken home, broken rules". It's such an innocent sentence yet it somehow enables Cooper and Jace and us as well, to accept what happened between them. Though I know a lot of people won't like this turf, I URGE you to give it the right chance because as the many tears I've shed in this book clearly showed - IT'S SO WORTH IT!

Friday, September 28, 2018

Hour of Darkness (Hunter Legacy #2) [Cain & Marina] by Lara Adrian

I gotta say I was quite disappointed with this one. First, I didn't like the hero, almost right from the start, and second the story line and the whole interaction felt predicted, you know this pattern and you've read it in too many PNR books. I don't read as many PNR as I used to these days, mostly stick to Contemporary so many that's part of my problem. Big-ass-bad-Vampire, moody, arrogant, killing-machine, alpha, aggressive, over-protective, knows what's best for the heroine. You've met "him" SO MANY TIMES, especially with being hurt in the past so doesn't want to get near the female to protect his heart. I wish this was somehow different but it was SO Predictable I was just bored when I wasn't annoyed with his over bearing behavior.


Tuesday, September 25, 2018

A Few Good Fish (Fish Out of Water #3) by Amy Lane

This book just wasn't for me.. The first chapter started with a different couple as a sort of "introduction" and I just hated it. In the next chapter we got back to Jackson and Ellery I wasn't pleased either. I think that's the exact moment I realized just HOW damaged Jackson is. There IS such a thing as too damaged. It doesn't make the character more appealing, it just makes you realize why therapy was invented and why there are times when it's a good thing to have and there are other times when it's CRUCIAL for a man's future, if he wants to have one that is.. Which is why after just these two chapters I had to take a three week break before I could continue reading the book right to the end.

There's a lot of action in this one though there are also a bit of time of Jackson and Ellery trying to make the best they can from their time together. Ellery is truly doing his best to take care of Jackson but as I've just said, sometimes therapy is needed.. Sadly this book didn't promote it, it promoted religious help which is nice and all for believers but it doesn't change one's reality or perspective about THEMSELVES. If there is, or isn't a higher power - I'll leave this debate for others. What I WILL say is believing doesn't change your reality, your fears and insecurities. "Dumping" your emotions on a rabi or a priest is similar to therapy in the exact same way it helps to talk to a friend - it won't HEAL you, it won't make a CHANGE in you but it will make you feel better probably... Which is why it's USELESS for HEALING.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

(In)visible by Anyta Sunday

When you find the person that can see you, you don't let go. ~sigh~ I really need my next book to be a lighter read.. this book was beautiful and yet it was soul crashing at how sad it was, mostly for Rune but also so much for Scott. I didn't know what to expect with this one. The synopsis was pretty strange and the book started with two teenagers. I REALLY didn't know if this is going to be a very strange kind of YA, yet it wasn't. It was mostly heart breaking and sweet mixed together. I had tears in my eyes a few times. These two SO needed a break and a REAL chance of being together. Happy.

On the summer before Scott turned 14 years old he watched a kid save his dog. He didn't know the significance of this act, for him, for the 15 years old boy who was trying to end his life and most of all for the two of them.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Fragments of Ash (A Modern Fairytale #7) [Ash & Julian] by Katy Regnery

Beautiful though not an easy read at all! For the first few chapters my stomach was cramping from Ash's life situation. The lack of love and safety she had to endure for most of her life and the HORRIFIC future her stepfather has in mind for her. I ACHED for her. She was so young and naive and yet she was much more mature than she seems. This book suppose to be a retelling of Cinderella and while there ARE a lot of similarities it's so very unique. Also love the beautiful connections between Cinder(ella) and Ash(ley).

Ashley Ellis has been living under her mother's shadow all of her life, only for more than just appearances most of everyone thinks Ash is the younger sister of Tigin the supermodel. When Teagan Ellis was 15 years old she got pregnant, her parents where so ashamed they preferred to have the baby as "their" mostly to shelter themselves from criticism, yet they didn't want anything to do with the baby. When Teagan is discovered and becomes the famous "Tigin" she takes her daughter away to her awful yet glamorous world. Teagan in hectic and all over the place, she isn't exactly motherly material and as she starts using drugs it even worsen their situation. Teagan stops getting jobs and when an opportunity to marry the VERY rich (and much older) Mosier Raumann she accepts not realizing the HUGE mistake she is making in this bargain.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Of Sunlight and Stardust by Christina Lee & Riley Hart

Heart warming and heart breaking all together. With every sweet moment we have of Tanner and Cole we have a heart breaking moment between Tom and Charlie entwined together. Though they never met these two couples share so much together. I loved this book SO MUCH. I read most of it in one sitting with a constant clench in my stomach. I thought I knew how Tom and Charlie's story ended but in a way I totally didn't. Thank you Christina and Riley for this beautiful book 💝

If I got you all confused let's start with the present before we delve into the past..

Tanner Rowe's life was shattered a year ago when he lost his beloved wife Emma. Reluctantly he does at least a part of what she asked him and buys this house with a burned down barn. She never stepped foot in the house (or the barn) but while on vocation when they kept seeing it all she wanted to do was claim it as their own. Now that she is gone and he is a shadow of the man he was by her side he finally does her bidding and buys it. But renovating it isn't something he is up to. He mostly stays at the house by his own. Not interacting with anyone around him. When he meets Cole he sees a kindred spirit though he doesn't even know how and why. He finds himself offering him a place to stay in turn of fixing the barn.

Finding Mr. Wrong by Charlie Cochet

I loved the way Charlie can make the sweetest and endearing love story and still pack it up with action galore (mostly near the end). It's not your regular Contemporary it has it's own punch of adrenalin which leaves you not only waiting for the HEA but for the big reveal of the villain as well. While Matthew and Jax had their own issues as a couple, there are still more matters of life and death for them deal with before they can truly reclaim their HEA.

Matthew Hart and Jax Foster have been best friends since they were 10 years old. At 15 they already knew they were in love yet that same year Jax disappeared leaving a broken hearted Matthew. It's been 20 years and now, wanting to find his own "Mr. Right" his best friend conspires with his father to find him the one who took his heart all these years ago. He might not be "Mr. Right" considering the life Matthew is leading but truthfully, once he falls right back into Jax's hands he doesn't care about any of that. He just wants to keep him by his side.

Friday, September 14, 2018

Forgive and Forget by Charlie Cochet

This book was PERFECT! I loved it SO much. I'm so happy I had the time to delve into it and just sit up to read the WHOLE thing in one go. Joe and Tom ~sigh~ so sweet and endearing together. The setting, the feel of this one was so beautifully crafted. I couldn't have asked for more.

Joe Applin lives a simple yet busy life. He has his shop where he sells the best pies anyone have even tasted with coffee on the side in the small hole-in-the-wall shop. By his side he has his good friend Bea who might seem a bit crazy but she is mostly crazy about Joe and their two little helpers Donnie and Elsie. They work together everyday and couldn't have asked for a better loving environment even when Bea starts whacking them for reasons of her own. His business is quite successful and he is content. He might not have anyone special in his life but what he has is enough and besides trusting another guy is not something he feels ready to do..

Lucky (Lucky, #1) [Lucky & Dom] by Garrett Leigh

Beautiful yet SO heart breaking. Sometimes I feel there is something somewhat masochistic about reading Garrett's books. I mean, she leaves you RAW with emotions, torn out from the inside for AN ENTIRE BOOK before she finally delivers her beautifully crafted HEA. This book is no different. Our two MCs, both for his own reasons, is at his lowest. Both living a life they hate, isolated and ashamed. Yet they are a Grindr meeting away from changing all that. It's going to take time. A LOT of it, and yet when they are both honest about what they want, what makes them happy and content, grabbing one another and never letting go becomes a necessity.

I don't bother reading synopsis of books by authors I absolutely adore and as Garrett is RIGHT THERE on my list, I actually read it after I started, just to see where this one is headed. Yet I'm not sure I agree with the description. I think everything that happened between the couple was ALREADY tipping the scale. Also we should give Lucky a break, he is a lot stronger and capable than he gets credit for.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Healing Hunter's Heart (A Little Bite of Love #2) [Hunter & Ari] by Charlie Cochet

This series is a great mix of romance, fun and adventure/action, I guess it's something to look forward to in all Charlie's PNR :) I loved both our MCs Hunter and Ari and enjoyed seeing all the characters from the previous book. It had all the right elements - an endearing couple who long to be together but is kept apart by an evil bitch (pun intended ;)) and a great cast of family and friends who'll do their best to help. Yet it wasn't all about Hunter and Ari it was about ALL of them claiming the life they should be living, loving openly and honestly whomever their heart chose. 

We start with a bit of a round up with what happened in the previous book with a glimpse to the past of how Ari and Hunter met before we jump back to the present in which Ari is living with his hateful mother Skyrah being practically her prisoner and Hunter and his family and friends living in another town as the new Daegan clan with Trip as their Alpha. I liked that Charlie added in the beginning the full cast of characters and who they are with their relationship to one another. Since I just finished the first one I took my time to read it closely and I gotta say I wish I had it in the first one as well. Charlie wrote in her website she is planning on re-releasing and extending the first installment so I hope it includes this part which REALLY helps to understand everything that is going on.