Goodbye, September!

September was long as hell. August was forever ago. October has been soon for eons. 

2025 Resolutions:
     (1) Don't stop reading
            (b) Complete Monthly Reading Challenge(s)
     (2) Make memories
     (3) Share love of books/reading
     (4) Be kinder to myself

(1) Book's Read This Month: 31 (might get one more in there before midnight though).

    (b) Monthly Reading Challenge(s): Shape = Elephant. Got some A-Z stuff recorded. Some ARCs. Got a some of Beat The Backlog done.

(2) September Memories: Babysat two of my favorite girls. My sister's birthday and my best friend's birthday. Finally got an eye-exam, new glasses incoming. Book Fair season started. Lots of organizing.

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 32.

(4) Lots of organizing, which I love, but there was also a lot of physical labor in doing so. My body is still sore, and my mind is playing catch up with my physical fatigue. Lots of stressful days, trying to figure out how to handle it all in a healthy way. Another small reading slump, though that could be aligned with the physical and mental fatigue. Lots of fun things in play for October!

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

Any exciting October reads? Any existing 2025 reads?
Anything I should check out?

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyeseptember #hellooctober #hello2025 #dontstopreading #makememories #shareloveofbooks #shareloveofreading #bekindertomyself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

His Prize (Omega's After Dark: Omega Auction #1)

Here's MM Farmer's newst series, Omegas After Dark: Omega Auction, which is a spin-off from her Omega's After Dark series. This is "His Prize."

["Welcome to the Dark Fantasies Club’s Omega Auction, where it’s all fun and games until someone loses their heart….

Darby
People could have died because of me. That’s why when I was asked by the Dark Fantasies Club to be part of the beta test for their Omega Auction idea, I jumped at it. I want to be sold to the highest alpha Dom bidder. The more he can punish me for my mistakes the better…
I wasn’t supposed to end up with someone ten years younger than me who could rip my soul open.

Keiran
The way I like to play in my private time is about as far away from my job as a high school soccer coach as is possible to get. But when I end up “winning” Darby, it doesn’t take me long to see how much he’s hurting. I know how to deal with people who think they’ve let the team down, but Darby is so much more than just that…
The last thing I expected was to fall hard for a man who wants me to punish him."]

I loooove these stories. They’re so real and so fluffy while being so freaking dirty. It’s beautiful balance that only MM could achieve.

These two didn’t understand each other at first, but they were instantly something more than just a trail. They were fated for each other in sooo many ways. I loved their dynamic. 

I can’t wait for the rest of this series! 

Trigger Warnings: guilt, trauma, and more.

#arcs #arcteammember
#hisprize #mmfarmer #omegasafterdark #omegasafterdarkseries #omegasafterdarkomegaacution #omegasafterdarkomegaacutionseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Enzo (Amato Family #2)

Here's Abrianna Denae's "Enzo." Its the second book in her The Amato Family series, a spin-off series of her All's Fair universe.

["As a bodyguard to the Mafia heir, Enzo Vargas has given the Amato Family everything for over twenty years. An ordinary day on the job has Enzo proving he took his vows seriously, putting his dedication, his loyalty, and his life into question.

After the attack on the Family costs him his leg, everything spins out of control, as Enzo is forced to reconcile the person he was with his new circumstance, and learn the true meaning of strength, or lose the only thing in his life that’s ever mattered…

As a nurse for the Amato Family, Kail Marino has seen it all. His family has served the Mafia Organization for generations, making him no stranger to bloodshed and violence, but when tragedy strikes close to home, it calls everything he ever believed into question.

Kail is assigned as Enzo’s primary caregiver during his recovery, which turns their already chaotic life together further upside down. Suddenly, the quiet and private relationship they’ve enjoyed for years outside the Family is thrust into the spotlight. Can they survive the extra scrutiny while at their most vulnerable? Or will the peaceful life they’ve built crumble under the weight of loss and sacrifice…"]

There was a lot of overlap in this book from Doc's book as well as from the Alls Fair series. But I was still pleasantly surprised with a lot of things. It was fun to see things from Enzo's POV that we previously saw from someone else's. It was also fun to see the romance aspect in here that previously wasn't.

This was all a lot of pressure and trauma for their relationship, but through it all, it made them stronger, individually and together. They're closer and more in love than ever before.

Still waiting for some of these other body guards to get their HEA...

Trigger Warnings: violence, traumatic injury, disability rep, depression, limb loss, caregiver fatigue, and more.

#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arcs #arcteammember
#doc #enzo #theamatofamily #theamatofamilyseries #abriannadenae #allsfair #allsfairseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science: Secrets of the Purple Pearl

Here's my much anticipated "The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science: Secrets of the Purple Pearl." Written by Kate McKinnon...sort of. ;) This Millicent Quibb book is technically by G. Edwina Candlestick (and "as told by" by Kate).

["It’s summertime in Antiquarium and everyone has flocked to the majestic lakeside Purple Pearl Hotel, including the nefarious group of evil mad scientists, the Krenetics Research Association. They haven’t given up on resurrecting their fearsome leader, Talon Sharktüth, and now, they’re hot on the trail of the legendary Purple Pearl, a source of power that is rumored to be lost at the bottom of Kagloopy Lake. All they need to do now is find a mysterious creature called a Shrimpmaid, boil the lake (and everything in it) away, and pluck up the pearl!

But Millicent, Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee are onto them, and they are determined to stop the KRA, even though they are now full pariahs in Antiquarium society. While Millicent and the gang work together to prevent the second coming of Talon Sharktüth, they discover more secrets than they bargained for– including where they came from, and who they truly are...

It's a mad science summer vacation they'll never forget!"]

I loved this book as much as the first. It was just as quirky and weird and fun and science-y. It was about sticking out when everyone is telling you to fit in. It's about research and found family and self-exploration. It's about science (mad science) and kindness and saving the world. 

This series is fabulous and beautiful, and I really do thing everyone needs to read it. It's glorious!

#themillicentquibbschoolofetiquetteforyoungladiesofmadscience #secretsofthepurplepearl #gedwinagandlestick #katemckinnon #childrensbooks #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Price of Victory (Saints of Westmont U #5)

Here's Hayden Hall's "Price of Victory." It's the fifth novel in his new Saints of Westmont U series.

["He was my forbidden enemy. My darkest temptation. And the one person who could destroy everything I've built.

Rhett
Some rivalries run deeper than blood. Ours runs deeper than hate.
Aiden Whitmore was never supposed to be on my team. Not after what his family did to mine.
Not after the hostile takeover that nearly destroyed us.
But he's here, skating circles around my defenses with that cocky smirk and those green eyes that see straight through me.
I should stay away. I should remember why I hate him.
Instead, I'm thinking about his hands on my skin and the way he looked at me in that library.
Enemies. Teammates. Obsessions.
This isn't just about hockey anymore. And I'm about to lose the only game that matters.

Aiden
He wants me gone. I want him on his knees.
Rhett Morrison thinks he's better than me. More honorable, more deserving, more everything.
He doesn't know about the pressure crushing me from all sides. And he doesn’t want to bend.
But he will.
I see the way he watches me in the locker room.
I know how his body responds when I pin him against the wall.
He can hate my name all he wants. By the time I'm done with him, he'll be moaning it."]

I love how a book starts off seeming as though it's opposite attract, but the more the characters get to know each other, they're not all that different. A mutual want of something of their own, a mutual hate of the pressures and expectations placed on them, a mutual obsession with each other (a hate and announce grown over the years suddenly turned to love so deep). Shocker, when they let the animosity go, they talk and talk and talk and get to know each other, and when they know each other, it's anything but opposites (but there is a toooon of attraction). 

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#edgeoftemptation #costofredemption #rulesofplay #depthsofdesire #priceofvictory #haydenhall #thesaintsofwestmontu #thesaintsofwestmontuseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Flagrant Foul (Totally Pucked #3)

Here's Jesse H Reign's latest novel "The Flagrant Foul." It's the third novel in the Totally Pucked series. 

["He’s my brother’s best friend. I’m the annoying kid who followed him everywhere.

Now we’re playing for the same team.

Sev Delorean is an NHL D-man with an excess of swagger and stickhandling techniques that made him world famous. He’s the bane of my existence and my reason for living.

He's strictly off limits though. My brother has made that perfectly clear.

I can't have him, but I can obsess over him."]

This one was a rollercoaster of emotions. Ones I fell for and felt so deeply each and every time. Anger, frustration, adoration, desperation, depression, acceptance (well that just sounds like a list of steps in the grief process). It was harsh and beautiful.

And these two? They were beautiful. It was angsty as hell, and I cried quite a few times, but it was glorious. 

The timeline of this novel also paralleled the timelines of both book one and book two, which was really cool. 

Trigger Warnings: alcoholic parent, off-page domestic abuse, depression, homophobia, bullying (that's resolved with violence), and more. 

#poetryonice #thelegendnextdoor #flagrantfoul #totallypucked #jessehreign #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

September's Book Shape Challenge 2025

Here's September's Book Shape Challenge! A floppy little elephant in honor of National Elephant Appreciation Day.

Last year, I went with holiday-themed (mostly) book shape challenges; this year, I'm thinking animals (which is less--and yet more--of a challenge (we'll see how it goes)).

(I picked all of these books at random, based off the color of their cover; not based on: whether I read them or not--most of which I haven't, sense why they were closest).

#reading #readingchallenge #readingdare #bookdare #bookchallenge #alphabetchallenge #beatthebacklog #monthlythemes #monthlychallenge #bookshape #bookshapechallenges #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Full Tilt (Love the Game)

Here's Becca Seymour's "Full Tilt." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Love The Game. 

["Camden Crawford knows how to take a hit.

As the thirty-something captain of the Exeter Seagulls, he’s built a career on strength, silence, and shielding his emotions as ruthlessly as he does his teammates. But when an injury rocks his team—and a series of frustrating media storms threaten to unravel his legacy—Cam finds himself one mistake away from losing everything he’s worked for. The last thing he needs is a distraction.

Enter Brent sunshine in tattooed skin, newly settled in Exeter, and a little too perceptive for Cam’s comfort.

Brent came to England chasing purpose. What he didn’t expect was a brooding rugby player with eyes like winter and walls like stone. But the chemistry? Immediate. Irresistible. And very, very mutual. Brent isn’t afraid to get under Camden’s skin—and he’s definitely not afraid to stay there.

When a one-time tattoo consult turns into stolen kisses, slow mornings, and a summer of something that feels a lot like more, both men are forced to face the Falling for each other wasn’t in the game plan. And neither is what happens when the spotlight turns on their relationship.

With mounting pressure, cross-continental tours, and past insecurities clawing their way to the surface, Camden has to decide if love is a risk he’s finally ready to take. And Brent? He’s ready to prove that he’s not just a distraction—he’s the reason to stay."]

I love how interconnected this series is. And how we finally got confirmation the queer group chat is called Love the Game. And how we're working through people in the chat getting their HEAs. This is also (so far) one of the books that is connected to an author's universe that I've read (or at least remember reading).

These two were adorable. They healed each other, and they helped each other grow. It was a lot about trust and patience and communication. It was about learning to live again and learning to love. It was getting out of your comfort zone and letting happiness in. 

Also, I'm obsessed with Cosmo. Was before this book. Am so much more after. Can't wait for his book!!

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#fulltilt #beccaseymour #theposterboy #barnburner #offsideplay #newrules #puckshots #topshelf #playwithme #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Poster Boy (Love the Game)

Here's EM Denning's "The Poster Boy." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Love The Game. 

["One goal to make a career.
One kiss to derail a life.

Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight.

Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after. Only, not everyone is pleased with the attention Marek is receiving, and he finds himself traded to a different team.

Separated from his home and his sister, Marek vows to handle the shots thrown at him. He throws himself into being the best goalie he can for the his new team, but no matter what he does, he can't earn the friendship of the hot and broody defenseman, Jay Brookbank.

One text message to turn it all upside down.

Marek might be out and proud, but Jay is not, and after seeing the fallout from Marek's grand reveal, he doesn't want to be. Unfortunately, he still has needs and unfortunately, the faceless torso on the other end of the hookup app turns out to be none other than Marek Myers.

One hookup to change everything.

All Marek wants is someone to accept him for who he is, and Jay needs someone who can put up with his bullshit. The two of them are perfect for each other, but there's one big problem—Jay doesn’t like Marek. Maddeningly, he can’t stop thinking about him.

He doesn’t want to see Marek again, but he can't stay away.

He’s absolutely not falling for Marek, and he’s definitely not willing to risk it all for him.

Right?

RIGHT?!"]

This one was a lot amgstier than the others in this series so far. Lots of hurt/comfort minus the comfort. Lots of anxiety and stress and hate and self-hate. Marek was drowning in the responsibility of being a poster boy and the feeling of being too much, of being unwanted. Jay was drowning in his feelings of anger and jealousy of a life he would never have. They were both so lonely that it was consuming them. 

But the moment they let go, they found themselves. They found each other. They found love. It wasn’t easy going, but they made it work. 

#theposterboy #emdenning #barnburner #offsideplay #newrules #fulltilt #puckshots #topshelf #playwithme #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Barn Burner (Love the Game)

Here's Jodi Oliver's "Barn Burner." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Love The Game. 

["I’ve ridden a Zamboni, but never a cowboy…

Missing out on my first Stanley Cup has left me more torn up than I expected. It was in my sights. So close, I could almost touch it.
With my brother back in England, I’m facing nothing but an empty house and my thoughts, and there’s only two ways to soothe my mind:
The ice and nature.
But when I pack up my car and head out into the Alberta wilderness, my bad luck lands me in the reluctant hands of a grumpy cowboy with a perpetual scowl.
I shouldn’t get involved with Jesse.
His life is the ranch, whereas my life is hockey.
So why do I allow myself to fall for him so hard?
And why do I keep my real identity a secret?
I live for barn burners, but this is one I might not survive."]

Safety, like home, can be both a person and a place. Brayden found both on accident. Jesse was everything, just as Brayden was everything to Jesse. Their lust was immediate, and their love was fast, but that doesn't mean it wasn't real. It was deep and beautiful. 

Plus the fact that this was a hockey romance AND a cowboy romance. Yes, yes, and all of the yes. It was possessive and romantic and spicy and sassy and beautiful. It was sunsets and long walks and horses and stolen kisses. Found family and fated love as soup for the soul. 

#barnburner #jodioliver #offsideplay #newrules  #theposterboy #fulltilt #puckshots #topshelf #playwithme #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Offside Play (Love the Game)

Here's Becca Steele's "Offside Play." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Love The Game. 

["When my Premier League season comes to an abrupt end thanks to an injury and subsequent transfer to another team, I decide to surprise my brother by flying out to Canada to catch him in the NHL playoffs.

I never planned on sleeping with a man for the first time on my very first day in Calgary. A man who turns out to be my brother’s grumpy, antisocial teammate.

I never planned for it to happen again.
And again.

We’re professional athletes. His life is in Canada and mine is in the UK.
I know there’s no future for us. So why can’t I make myself stay away from him?"]

The lust was instant. As was the love. The HEA was a little rocky, some pond-jumping and compromising and some serious declarations. 

But the angst was real. The closer they got together, the more they fell in love, the less they communicated about their future together. It was a ticking end date that neither of them wanted. Cue the dramatic instances and even more dramatic “I love you”s.

A great start to a great series, of that I’m sure. 

#offsideplay #beccasteele #newrules #barnburner #theposterboy #fulltilt #puckshots #topshelf #playwithme #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Only You

Here's Nicole Dyke's "Only You." It's technically a standalone, but it's also technically the second book to "Only Temporary" series/duology.

["Tatum
My best friend is settled. He met the love of his life and was granted guardianship of his younger siblings. I’ve had the goal to help him for what seems like forever, and now that things are good for him, I should feel complete, right?
But there’s always been a piece missing for me. Has been for a long time.
Something I don’t think I can ever fix.
And then suddenly, that part of my past shows back up in my life. He should hate me. I hate me. But that’s the thing about Remy . . .
He’s far too good for this world, and I’m once again terrified I’ll break him.
Because that’s what I do.

Remy
I want to forget about my past. It’s my life’s goal.
I’m not that weak little boy trapped in foster care anymore. I’m stronger now. I’m the principal at a major school in the Kansas City area. I’ve grown into the man I knew I could be.
I don’t talk about the past. I refuse to.
But then it’s shoved into my face, and I can’t look away. I can’t walk away like he did all those years ago.
Sometimes I despise this stubborn streak inside me. I should stay away. He has.
But there’s this pull there—even after all these years.
I can put on a show for everyone else, but when he’s around, I start to crack.
Why can’t I be strong when I’m around him?
Tatum. The only one who sees right through me."]

This novel was a beautiful continuation of two lives who reconnected in "Only Temporary." These two souls were finally reconnected after so long, their lives so different, their hearts still reaching for each other. They were instant best friends again and the lovers part came just as quickly, with some trust and communication.

It was beautiful to see this family continue to grow and thrive, handle their current hurdles and overcome their past traumas. They're strong, but stronger together.

Trigger Warnings: brief mention of child abuse and neglect, substance abuse mentions, and more.

#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arc #arcteammember
#onlytemporary #onlyyou #nicoledykes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Kiss-Fist (Deaf Hearts #1)

Here's Cora Rose and EM Lindsey's "Kiss-Fist." It's the first novel in their new Deaf Hearts series.

["Whoever convinced me to join the gym needs to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Or, at the very least, suffer with a pillow hot on both sides every night, because this? This is terrible.

Running? No thank you.
Lifting? Who needs biceps anyway.

Now, I will say the eye-candy is nice. Especially my new personal trainer with the tattoos and dimples. But that’s all he can ever be: eye candy.

Because he’s fit and I’m not.
He’s gorgeous and I’m, well, me.
He’s hearing…and I’m Deaf.
For some people that might not be an issue, but for me, I have rules. And I’m a stubborn man who will not break them, not even for that sexy crooked smile that almost makes me forget my own name.

But I don’t date men who can’t speak my language, and while we can say plenty with our bodies, that’s where our communication ends.

Still, the longer I spend with him, the more I’m starting to realize there may be more to this relationship than frantic, feral office hook-ups. After all, he might be the first hearing person to learn sign for me. And he’s one of the first people I’ve ever known to make me feel worthy.

So maybe, just maybe, that’s worth a little compromise."]

These two were adorable as hell. The mutual pining. The mutual chemistry. The mutual I'm-not-good-enough-for-him. They both tried hard to make this work, and it took work. There was miscommunication and jealous ex's and accidental mistakes. But there was also instant-lust and easy love and fast friends and supportive found family. 

One of the couples was featured in a previously released anthology. If you haven't read "The Deaf Chef," you should soon. It was fun and flirty, and they're in this novel quite a bit (though you don't need to read that novella to read this story).

This book (and the novella) were great foundations for a seemingly fabulous series. I can't wait for more.

#thedeafchef #kissfist #ily #emlindsey #corarose #deafhearts #deafhearttsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Confession (Constantine Brothers #2)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Rina Saint's "Confession." It's the second novel in her Constantine Brothers series.

["I’ve been keeping secrets from my boss. I have to. Because how the hell do you tell a straight man that you’ve been in love with him for years?

If he found out, everything would collapse, and I’ve worked so hard to hold my life together, all these pieces that I don’t deserve: a home, a position, trust. But it’s only getting harder because he keeps watching me, keeps touching me—and I can’t handle it.

I try to tell myself that it’s in my head, but it’s not. Something’s changed between us, and I don’t understand. I don’t know what to do, and I’m terrified that I’m going to do something really, really stupid.

I just have to lock down. I’m good at that. I’ve been doing it for years. I don’t need anything. I swear I don’t. But then he touches me again, unnecessarily, like he’s trying to figure something out, and everything I tell myself I don’t need, everything I can’t have anyway, feels very much like everything I can’t live without."]

D: The push and the pull. The pining. The angst. The sexual tension. The compatibility and the chemistry!! D: These two were utterly perfect for each other. Too bad it took Vitali two years, a gun-shot wound (not his), and a fight in an alley to figure it out. And a teeny, tiny mob war. No big deal.

Trigger Warnings: depression, passive suicidal tendency, torture (not of main characters), and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#posession #confession #rinasaint #constantinebrothers #constantinebrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Prince Material (Prince Pact #2)

Here's Nora Phoenix's "Prince Material." It's the second novel in her Prince Pact series.

["Can I have both—the title and the guy?

After a scandal, starting college in Massachusetts is my fresh start. With an ocean between me and the palace in The Netherlands, this is the chance to be just Floris instead of the first openly gay prince in Europe.

College life in America appeals to me…including my roommate, Orson. He’s cute as a bug in an adorkable way, but also serious and focused, his head permanently in a book. But behind his glasses, there is a sparkle in his gorgeous eyes, and I want to get to know him.

When I manage to break through his walls, we discover we have more in common than we thought, and we become friends. I’m convinced that’s all there could ever be, but when an emergency brings us closer, the chemistry between us heats up.

But I’m a prince with all the expectations my position brings, and he’s determined to realize his own dreams, so where does that leave us? He knows my real identity, but we’re from such different worlds.

Can I really have it all? The royal life and the boy next door?"]

Another beautiful addition. I love how soft these books are. Yes, they talk about real-life problems and real-life struggles, but the romance itself is so warm and fuzzy. It's not too angsty, there's not third-act-breakup, and they fall in love so organically. 

They also make each other better. Orson helps Floris focus and figure out 'regular life,' and Floris helps Orson relax and find real passion. They became better people for each other. They communicated so well and were honest with each other. They proved that real love, real relationships are like.

#netgalley #arcs #arcteammember
#theprinceandtheplayer #princematerial #noraphoenix #princepact #princepactseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bittersweet Revenge (Sins of the Father #1)

Here's Riley Hart's "Bittersweet Revenge." It's the first novel in the new Sins of the Father series. 

["Dean
I’ve been stalking Tiernan O’Shea online for years.

After Sloan O’Shea killed my dad, my mom and I spent years in hiding, moving from state to state, changing our names, never drawing attention to ourselves, hoping to never be found.

I’ve fed off nothing but vengeance ever since.

Tiernan O’Shea is exactly like his father—arrogant, rich, ruthless.

The plan is Get accepted to Ashford U. Get close to Tiernan. Get him to trust me. And then, when he brings me home to his father, I’ll take my revenge on Sloan O’Shea.

What I don’t expect is discovering the secret side of Tiernan, the parts he doesn’t show the rest of the world. He’s as beautiful as he is brutal—deadly, yes, but he’s also the kind of man who would do anything for those he loves. We’re alike in ways I never imagined. And when he touches me, kisses me…it makes me feel like I matter.

I’ve spent my whole life hoping to even the score, but now my revenge will be bittersweet because it’ll make me lose the only man I’ve ever loved."]

The enemies to lovers in this one was utterly perfect! The angst, the mutual pull, the I-hate-him-but-there's-something-about-him, the why-him, the sexual tension, the everyone-sees-it-but-me. It was intoxicating. It was addicting. Dean and Tiernan would agree.

The hurt/comfort was just as intriguing, as well as cruel. They made my chest ache. The trust between them and the lack of trust, the secrets. It was so much. It was everything. But it was also me sobbing. Knowing destruction was emanate, knowing heartbreak and death were inevitable? It's a beautiful pull of yes-give-me-more and not-don't-let-that-happen-to-these-broken-boys.

Trigger Warnings: limited physical child abuse, physical abuse, attempt by a side character to roofie another character, discussion of this side character having assaulted someone in the past, and more.

#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#bittersweetrevnege #sweetrevenege #rileyhart #sinsofthefather #sinsofthefather #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Daddy's Muse (Bloody Desires)

Here's E Baileu's "Daddy's Muse." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["Colby Willis is used to being invisible, except when cruel laughter follows him through the halls of his college dorm, when bruises bloom beneath his sleeves, when loneliness sharpens into something unbearable. Anxious, broke, and barely surviving his first semester, Colby is one failed exam away from losing everything.

Bodin Dahlström wasn’t supposed to notice the trembling boy on the steps. He was there to kill someone else. But something about Colby—his shyness, his softness, his silence, the way his eyes hold too much sadness—roots Bodin in place. Fascinates him. Consumes him.

Colby requires a gentle touch and kind words–something that Bodin’s never been good at. He knows that if Colby finds out who he is–what he does–he’ll lose him. But Bodin deeply desires to show his fragile lille prinsen the beauty he inspires.

As Colby grows closer to the beautiful Norwegian man he keeps running into, he becomes the target of a terrifying stalker. A necklace of teeth on his pillow, a crow’s heart tucked into his coat pocket, symbols carved in chalk beneath his bed. Bodin becomes his safe place, offering Colby boundless affection and care like he’s never received before.

And when he asks Colby to call him Pappa, to belong to him in every way, Colby doesn’t hesitate."]

One of the listed tropes (for your entertainment, because it entertained the hell out of me): "'like Cinderella, but the Prince is a serial killer Viking'". If I hadn't already been sold because of the rest of the series, that did it.

Also, this is the second book I’ve read that tied Norse/Norwegian history to Appalachia…not sure if that’s a coincidence or a real-life piece of history I didn’t know about. Either way, I’m here for it. 

Also, there’s dynamic was less than healthy, but it was also really adorable. Colby tells readers that his favorite animal is bunnies, and then a few chapters later, Boden calls Coldy ‘my bunny’ in his head, and I melted and giggled and died a little. 

Trigger Warnings: bullying, homophobia, stalking, psychological manipulation, serial murder, religious delusions pertaining to heathenry, graphic ritual sacrifice, poverty and food insecurity, child neglect/homeless/drug-addicted parents, drugging, and more.

#daddysobsession #ebaileu #theloveobsession #darknesstemptme #bleedforyou #drawntodeath #thesehallowedbones #dragyoudown #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

These Hallowed Bones (Bloody Desires)

Here's L Eveland's "These Hallowed Bones." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["He saw the monster in me and called it beautiful.

Micah Salt destroys every painting he creates, desperate to silence the darkness whispering beneath his skin. The same darkness that made him sit beside his mother's corpse for three days, finding art in her decay.

The church called it sin. Therapy called it trauma. But Professor Ezra Bishop calls it potential.

Ezra doesn't want to fix Micah. He wants to refine him. A renowned artist with secrets bloodier than his brushstrokes, Ezra offers Micah something no one else ever worship without salvation.

In the quiet shadows of his studio, Ezra teaches Micah that bones make pigment, that death is a canvas, and that monsters deserve to be seen. He doesn't just want a lover. He wants a devotee. A masterpiece shaped by blood, devotion, and shared hunger.

As lessons blur into rituals and touch into worship, Micah realizes he isn't just learning technique. He's being transformed. But when the student begins to evolve beyond his teacher's design, their intoxicating bond starts to unravel.

What they create together could destroy them both. Or it could be their salvation."]

This book was also very introspective, very poetic in its talk of morality and vulnerability. But the conversations were dual in talking about art and talking about self, all the while creating a bond between the two annnd discussing inner darkness. Plus they used this conversations to flirt. Really multitasking there. ;) 

I wasn’t sure for a while if Ezra was stalking and manipulating (transforming) Micah so he could be his next victim or if he could be his future partner. I’m not sure if Ezra knew, to be honest. But they fell together into a void of devotion and darkness, and they fell in love. They completed each other, in their own twisted and artsy ways.

Trigger Warnings: graphic murder, dismemberment, and manipulation; detailed surgical procedures on living and dead individuals; extensive descriptions of blood and other bodily fluids; removal and preservation of body parts; torture and amputation; power imbalance; psychological manipulation and grooming; kidnapping and captivity; non-con drugging; stalking; religious trauma including conversion therapy and exorcism; childhood emotional and verbal abuse and neglect; references to maternal suicide witnessed by a child; isolation and control tactics by authority figures; mental illnesses, dissociation; intrusive thoughts; self-harm; discussion of psychiatric hospitalization; religious desecration and blasphemy; body horror elements; references to cannibalistic behavior; and more.

#thesehallowedbones #leveland #dragyoudown #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #drawntodeath #bleedforyou #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Love Obsession (Bloody Desires)

Here's Ki Brightly's "The Love Obsession." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["Searching for Safety
Keaton “Moose” Burnett has lived most of his life in a rundown trailer park with his mom and little sister, trying to make ends meet. The big man wants to find a good guy, but he has come to terms with the fact that he’ll always be alone. Keaton took a chance on a man once and his cruel words still live rent free in his head. Meeting Zayn Westmoreland changes the direction of his life in a heartbeat.

Deadly Games
Zayn Westmoreland hunts down drug dealers. It’s his mission to find and take out the worst men. He always makes sure he has a trail to follow, so he gets his victims to give him the name of his next target—and he’s been given Keaton’s name. But he realizes with Keaton, love might be the way to get close to him. Zayn craves hearing “I love you,” but Keaton is a challenge. He’s careful, closed off, and hurt. Zayn begins to question his info.

Falling Hard
Zayn doesn’t expect to fall in love. What’s his next move? Keaton enjoys Zayn’s persistence and how good it makes him feel, but Keaton needs to decide if Zayn is worth the risk when he has a little sister to think about. What happens when Keaton finds out Zayn has murder on his mind?"]

Gotta say, Zayn fell hard and he fell fast. As soon as he realized that Keaton was innocent, he was all in. And who better to take care of you when your whole life suddenly implodes? 

Keaton transformed through this book many times. He was able to let go of his frustration and his anger and let his walls down. He allowed love and trust into his life and was all the better for it. 

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, past mental abuse, death, destruction, drugs, parental death, and more.

#theloveobsession #kibrightly #darknesstemptme #bleedforyou #drawntodeath #thesehallowedbones #dragyoudown #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Not That Guy

Here's Felice Steven's latest "Not That Guy."

["Not him.
Not that guy, Weston Lively.
The one I've hated since law school.
The man who gets by on good looks, a fat bank account, and a powerful, political father.
Our more-than-just-a-kiss one drunken night changes nothing between us.
We’re both still straight.
And we still hate each other.
It doesn’t matter that we work for the same law firm.
We’ve put what happened behind us.
Except....oops.
It might’ve happened again.
And again.
Hmm.
Maybe we don’t really hate each other anymore.
But there’s a bigger roadblock in our way.
Weston’s evil father.
The two of us together could ruin his chance at becoming President.
Especially with the press digging into my past and haunting our every move.
Then his father makes Weston a terrible offer he might not be able to refuse.
It would mean breaking us apart.
And breaking our hearts.
It was easier when I hated him.
Now I can’t imagine walking away.
How did the man I once hated with a fiery passion become the one who now sets my soul on fire?"]

I picked this one next on my list, because I thought it was make me cry (I was craving a good book-cry). But I was surprised how relatively angst-less it was….after they got their heads out of their asses and stopped being stubborn. They took their feelings out on each other on purpose, which wasn’t healthy in any sense. But they eventually figured it out. Eventually.

With help from some friends…and some assholes…and some lovely cliches. 

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, foster system, asshole parents, parental death, cheating (not MCs), violence, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#notthatguy #felicestevens #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Dark Fairy Tales: Weird, Wicked Stories From Around The World

One of the recent audiobooks I listened to was: "Dark Fairy Tales: Weird, Wicked Stories From Around The World." The book itself debuts on Tuesday. This was written by Viktor Wynd. 

["Master storyteller Viktor Wynd is back with a gloriously grim collection of wickedly entertaining tales from around the world, guaranteed to tickle the darker side of the imagination.

Viktor Wynd has always gravitated towards the weirder corners of folklore. On his extensive travels, he has amassed a trove of stories that refuse to play nice - filled with risque twists, grotesque details, and endings that are surprisingly happy, though not always in the way one might expect. Having entertained audiences around the world with these tales, he has now written down some of his favorites in a book as beautifully produced as it is macarbre. The stories were collected in Wales, Ireland, Arabia, Germany, Norway, Papua New Guinea, and Borneo, and include the adventures of a one-eyed troll; the feckless Paddy O'Dwyer; a changeling child; a girl who thinks she can outwit a witch; the doomed Sinbad the Traveler; shapeshifters; and a baby-eating pig. Each chapter begins with Wynd's personal account of how he came to learn these stories. Arresting and intricate illustrations by Transylvanian artist Luciana Nedelea perfectly balance the charming and grotesque. The book also includes a guide to the art of learning and recounting fairy tales. With foil accents and stenciled edges, this volume feels like a forbidden artifact plucked from a dusty cabinet of curiosities."]

This book was wonderful. It was filled with old stories and new stories (new to me). It was dark and delightful. It was bizarre and beautiful. It's the original endings to so many of the Disney-fied stories we grew up watching. I highly recommend. 

#darkfairytales #weirdwickedstoriesfromaroundtheworld #darkfairytalesweirdwickedstoriesfromaroundtheworld #viktorwynd #fairytales #fairytalerettlings #books #audiobooks #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

How To Trust a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #4)

AHHH! Here's Shannon Mae's latest book, "How to Trust a Hellhound," which is the fourth book in her newest series Hellhounds of Paradise Falls (which is a spin-off series from Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures).

["Wilder
Angels, demons, hellhounds, Nephilim, and a whole host of other non-mortals—my pack of adopted hellhound sons sure knows how to pick a place. And yet somehow, the most interesting one of all is the sad, quiet human who’s become friends with the pack. Helping people heal and learn to trust is a specialty of mine, but I don’t see Josh as someone to adopt—my hellhound sees him as a mate. The problem? Josh doesn’t believe in anything supernatural. Plus, there’s the vicious and oddly hard to track ex-boyfriend, the meddling but strangely helpful sheriff, the delicate side project I’m working on, and the immortal evil rich guy running around. As I said, my boys sure know how to pick a town.

Josh
I’m the boring one. No imagination. No fun. In control. My ex-boyfriend taught me how to let loose and explore things, but then he changed… or maybe I just realized who he truly was. I want someone who cares for me, not someone who controls me, but I don’t think Rick will let me go easily. Everyone is willing to help, though, including the handsome dad of my best friend’s boyfriend. My inappropriate feelings for him aren’t helping matters, though. Not to mention that the more I hang out with everyone, the more my writer friend's supernatural stories suddenly don't seem so far-fetched. Something is strange about Paradise Falls, and I can’t help but think that Wilder is more involved than he lets on."]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["It’s always the quiet ones (wink, wink); Josh doesn’t believe in hellhounds, but they believe in him; Wilder is just the hellhound to give Josh all the comfort and healing he needs; Helene is the best therapist for someone who’s been wronged; the entire pack gets involved (of course) and chaos ensues; abusive ex-boyfriends always get what’s coming to them; there’s torture and death (but only of really bad people); hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them."]

I...just...love this series so much. I love this whole town/universe so much. It's silly and wild, but it's sweet and wonderful. It's filled with kind men who just want to get HEAs with their fated mates. It's gloroius.

Wilder and Josh were glorious as fuuuck. Wilder was strong and supportive but like a little puppy in love. Josh needed someone to leave on so he could find his confidence again. They made each other better. Their romance was slow at the beginning, respecting boundaries and trauma and whatnot, but when they let the chemistry between them run wild, they fell hard and fast.

I've said this before, and I'll say this again, but I can't wait for the rest of these precious as fuck hellhounds get their HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: discussions of trauma, discussion of past trauma including violence and abuse, abusive relationship, death, kidnapping, and more.

#howtoflirtwithahellhound #howtohackahellhound #howtotameahellhound #howtotrustahellhound #hellhoundsinparadisefalls #hellhoundsinparadisefallsseries #shannonmae #demonicdisastersandafterlifeadventures #demonicdisastersandafterlifeadventuresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Barbarian's Claim (Not-So-Savage Barbarians #4)

TBR, who? ARCS, what? Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "The Barbarian's Claim." It's the fourth official novel in her Not-So-Savage Barbarians series.

["I’ve been alone most of my life. No family, no home. No one would care if I disappeared. I wouldn’t survive another year on my own. In a desperate attempt to survive, I volunteered as tribute to the barbarians after hearing they now accepted males. At least if I died, I would have done something good by sparing someone else. But it wasn’t at all what I was expecting. And when my protector abandons me for being unable to speak, I’m left floundering again until someone else steps up to take his place. He’s dangerous and scarred, and people give him a wide berth, but he offers me something I haven’t had since I was a child. Safety. I’d be a fool to walk away now."]

Another FABULOUS addition to an amazing series. I don't remember Matthew from Simon's book, but I do remember Einar. Matthew reminded me a lot of Patrick (and Finn), all broken and lonely and just wanting a place of his own. Luckily, stubbornness or not, Einar was there to give him protection, a friend, cuddles, and a home. They were adorable as hell, even if they pissed off a few people (they'll get what's coming to them--in the form of Einar's knife or fate giving them their own mate).

Trigger Warnings: dubious consent, threats of and violence against the MC, attempted assault, and more.

#theunexpectedbarbarian #thebarbarianstribute #savedbyabarbarian #seduingabarbarian #thebarbariansclaim #thephysiciansbarbarian #thebarbarianprince #notsosavagebarbarians #notsosavagedbarbariansseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Darkness Tempt Me (Bloody Desires)

Here's Emmy LaRoux's "Darkness Tempt Me." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["Three years ago, I escaped an abusive relationship, left town, and took my brother with me. I never looked back. After landing my dream job as an assistant to a high-powered CEO, life couldn’t get any better.

I know I shouldn’t flirt with my sexy-as-sin boss, but while everyone sees someone cold and calculating, I see Mavik Blackwood, the man with an intense stare that ignites my soul.

He's intoxicating. An addiction I can't seem to get enough of. And every time he denies the fiery passion that simmers between us, it fuels my obsession. He makes me feel safe, appreciated, and protected. He makes me feel seen, and I want to return the favor. Working for Mavik means I know everything about him. I see him.

Only the truth is, I don’t see everything. Until one night, I do. I see something so horrifying that I should run the other way. I can’t let history repeat itself.

Instead, I’m questioning good versus evil. My sanity and morals are being tested as I’m drawn into a world of forbidden desires. Mavik says we would never work because I’m the light while his soul is pure black, but it’s too late. I’m drawn to this dangerous, beautiful man and the darkness within."]

This book was fabulous! It was the perfect combination of dark and sweet, of possessive and protective, of mutual pining and angst. It walked that torturous line of just-kiss-already and just-tell-him-already. It was glorious. 

These two were one of my favorite couples in this series. And I have to definitely add Emmy to my author-to-binge list. 

And I kinda love that I figured out the plot twist before it happened. Go me! :D

Trigger Warnings: mentions and brief memories of physical and sexual abuse, bruises on a side character from an abusive relationship, kidnapping, murder, anxiety and panic attacks, stalking, and more.

#darknesstemptme #emmylaroux #bleedforyou #drawntodeath #thesehallowedbones #dragyoudown #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Murder & Mayhem (Bloody Desires)

Here's Jacey Davis "Murder & Mayhem." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["I’ve been killing since I was fifteen, and I’ve never looked back.

First, it was to protect my foster brothers.

Later, it was to rid the world of the scum that managed to avoid justice.

The rest of my world was a mundane grey scale of nothingness as I tried to blend in. I only felt alive with the feel of my victim’s pulse slowing under my hand.

Then I met Jamie.

Everything about him called to me.

The terror and determination behind his sage green eyes. The snarky attitude that he used to hide the brokenness inside him.

He wasn’t meant for the darkness of this world. But he wouldn’t back down, fighting through his fear, fighting for his brother with everything he had.

I knew I should walk away. Entangling myself with Jamie would only bring attention to me and my brothers, which we didn’t need.

It was too late for that. The consequences meant nothing to me if it meant keeping Jamie by my side and safe."]

This book was as beautiful as it was heartbreaking. It was easily one of the best in this series..even if I cried quite a lot.

Dominic and Jamie were meant to be. They were perfect for each other. But trauma and fighting your demons (literally...not the demons but fighting you past) and chasing said demons around the city who have your baby brother? All the while fighting your mind and your heart? It was a lot for both of them.

This book had a HEA but it was a rocky way there.

Trigger Warnings: murder, left, torture, kidnapping (off-page), trafficking (off-page), trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, nightmares, self-harm, low self-worth, physical and sexual abuse of minors (off-page), cptsd, drug od and murder using drugs, inpatient psychiatric treatment mentions, and more.

#murderandmayhem #jaceydavis #bleedforyou #drawntodeath #thesehallowedbones #dragyoudown #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bleed For You (Bloody Desires)

Here's Megs Pritchard "Bleed For You." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["Jinx knew exactly who and what he was, and he liked it. He’d made his decision, walked a path not many would understand and sang his favorite music as he worked his second job. His preferred job.

His boy, Craig knew nothing of this part of his life and Jinx made sure to keep it that way. He knew exactly how Craig would react if he found out.

He had the best of both worlds. Blood and guts and torture then a boy to please and take care off.
What could possibly go wrong?"]

I wasn't too sure of this one for a while. It seemed to need flushed out more and worked over again with an editor, but it grew on me.

Just like Jinx grew on me. I understood where his hesitation was coming from, but watching him constantly keep Craig at arm's length was hard. They deserved to be together, as themselves, with no walls or secrets; it took some time to get there (and some serious miscommunication), but I'm glad they did.

Trigger Warnings: stalking, kidnapping, violence, murder, torture, and more.

#bleedforyou #megsprichard #drawntodeath #thesehallowedbones #dragyoudown #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Drawn to Death (Bloody Desires)

Here's Charlotte Brice's "Drawn to Death." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["Talon is a hitman who doesn’t leave loose ends, until one of his kills appears online in a haunting, perfect sketch. The artist, Quell, couldn’t have seen it happen… unless he saw it through Talon’s eyes.

Ordered to eliminate the threat, Talon closes in. But Quell isn’t just a witness. He’s a recluse who dreams of murders before they happen, drawing each one in chilling detail. Every picture he posts risks exposing Talon’s work; and every new sketch pulls them into a dangerous connection neither man understands.

Talon should silence him. Instead, he starts watching. Waiting. Testing the limits of fear and trust. Quell should be terrified. Instead, he begins answering back through his art.

In the tense space between predator and prey, the line between obsession and survival begins to blur. And once they truly see each other, neither will be able to look away."]

This book was less twisted sense of possessive and more dark and beautiful poetry. They understood each other on a deep level before they even met in person. It was like Quell’s visions, fate. It was a calmness of finding a person, a safe place to rest your heart. It was choosing to stay as easily as breathing but choosing self-sacrifice as hard as holding your breath. It was heartbreaking, and yet, it was healing. Their HEA wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

Trigger Warnings: graphic violence, murder and aftermath, kidnapping and forced confinement, psychological manipulation, power imbalance, threats of harm, death, trauma, mental health struggles, and more.

#drawntodeath #charlottebrice #thesehallowedbones #dragyoudown #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #bleedforyou #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Drag You Down (Bloody Desires)

Here's Adara Wolf and R Phoenix's "Drag You Down." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["I met the Devil.
Gabriel is tall, handsome, and has eyes so deep I could drown in them.
And for some reason, he's decided to claim me. No matter where I go, he follows me. No matter how hard I try to hide, he's watching.
And no matter how much I want to forget, I keep tasting his lips on mine.
The coppery taste of Sin.

***

I met a Lamb.
Pure, innocent, sheltered Levi. He says he doesn't want me, but he tempts me with his gaze, with his lips, with his adorable little mewls.
And he bleeds so beautifully for me.
My boy.
I'll protect him from the evils of the world, the evils that keep him trapped and cowed. I'll show him that there is nothing sinful about what we do together.
I only kill the ones who deserve it.
And anyone who hurts him?
I'll make them suffer so much, they'll beg to be released into hell."]

Demon in disguise or avenging angel? Why not both? Gabriel is soooo both. He brought blood and death and sin into Levi’s life, but he also saved his life, saved his soul, saved his heart. He brought Levi out of the darkness and showed him the corruption masked as devotion he was taught. And Levi brought light and meaning into Gabriel’s life.

They’ve both been traumatized by religion, but they found support and healing in each other. And lots of beautiful debauched religious metaphors. 

Trigger Warnings: stalking, murder, fictional religious cult, trauma, abuse by an authority figure, religious themes, gore, and more.

#dragyoudown #adarawolf #rpheonix #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #thesehallowedbones #drawntodeath #bleedforyou #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Resist Me Not (Bloody Desires)

Here's Amanda Meuwissen's "Resist Me Not." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["Be a good parent.
Be a good partner.
And you can pretend I don’t exist.

Trey Fisher is like any refined gentleman. Well-dressed, well-groomed, with a steady job that brings him all around the country for travel writing about interesting hot spots, and he even calls his mother weekly.

He also murders the abusive filth of the world if they happen to cross his path.

During one such venture, spotting a fight in progress, Trey comes to the rescue of a handsome young doctor about to be assaulted by his ex, and his carefully constructed life spirals into beautiful turmoil. No one has ever captured and kept Trey’s attention quite like Walker, and experiencing these new feelings becomes an addiction he refuses to let get away.

Walker Hammond is like any doctor about to start his fellowship. Deep into studying, practically without a social life, and wishing he had never gotten involved with his latest ex, Curtis.

He also never thought he’d fall for the serial killer who murders Curtis in cold blood.

During the last several weeks of his vacation between completing his residency and starting his fellowship, Walker meets and quickly falls for charismatic Trey, after Trey saves him from ending up worse than the scar Curtis leaves on his cheek. But when Walker discovers Trey’s true profession, fear paralyzes him, and he has to decide if the pleasant ways Trey makes him feel are enough to keep dancing with the devil."]

This book really puts the readers at the crux of the morality of grey characters in dark romances. Does it make you a good person (or a bad person) to eliminate the bad people of the world? Walker was so unsure for so long. He wanted the world to be black and white, but he knew, deep down, that it never was. 

These two were adorable as hell. They loved and supported each other. Though, I think the moral arguments overshadowed the romance plot a bit.

Trigger Warnings: serial killer MC, subject matter appropriate violence and blood, depictions of panic attacks, asthmatic representation, child death (from natural causes, off-page), sex next to a dead body, and more.

#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#resistmenot #amandameuwissen #minetokeep #lookmyway #dragyoudown #thesehallowedbones #drawntodeath #bleedforyou #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Mine To Keep (Bloody Desires)

Here's RS McKenzie's "Mine To Keep." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["Being a hitman isn’t easy, but it pays the bills. I’m in and out before my mark even knows I’m there. I’m the best in the business and I’m in high demand.

Until I botch a job that should have been effortless.

I take a month off to get my head back in the game, then I’m sent on a mission overseas. While at the airport, I meet two of the most beautiful boys I’ve ever met in my life. They’re perfect: sweet, soft and fragile.

The perfect boys for their daddy.

Will I be able to keep them safe when my demons are at my doorstep? Or will I have to let them go, doomed to live my life alone and in the dark?"]

This book had such higher stakes. More than the secret-killer-thing. Stakes that not only put Knox in danger but the two things he just found and desperately wants to keep, the two things that reminded him that life was worth fighting for.

I love that this series so far is the boys saving their daddies. It's refreshing and a take that I never anticipated. It's beautiful. 

And these three were beautiful. It was trusting and falling in love and finding yourself and wanting happiness. It was spicy and communicating and friendship turning to more. 

Trigger Warnings: extreme violence, murders/hits(some of innocents, sorry), suicide of side character(in the past, not very detailed), mentions of sexual assault (not on page), kidnapping of side character (mentioned, not on page), sex trafficking of side character (mentioned, not on page), cheating (done to one MC by an ex, not either of the other MCs), and more.

#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#minetokeep #rsmckenzie #lookmyway #dragyoudown #thesehallowedbones #resistmenot #drawntodeath #bleedforyou #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Beg For Death (Bloody Desires)

Here's Brea Alepou and Skyler Snow's "Beg For Death." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["Ezra knows the taste of betrayal.

The man he once loved is the reason he went to prison for three long years. He thought he could trust him, could tell him anything. But when Jasper found out he was a killer? Everything changed.

Now Ezra's back and he's ready for revenge. He could just go after his ex but no, he wants him to suffer.

What better way to do that than to kidnap Jasper's son? Felix is a golden boy, smart, succeeding. And Ezra is going to destroy him just to watch Jasper burn.

But what should have been simple soon gets complicated. Felix is more of a disaster than anything else. Helpless, struggling Ezra can't help but to make Felix his, permanently and to be the daddy he so desperately needs."]

This one was a more on the darker side of the dark romance. Ezra was soft, but in his own, harsh ways. Though Felix didn't exactly want him soft, he wanted him dark and harsh and mean; he wanted Ezra to be himself. Ezra helped Felix, but I think Felix helped Ezra more. Ezra was able to heal from his past betrayals and find himself again, all the while finding a new lease on life and being happy, in his own grouchy way.

Felix was not how I expected. His bratty side really complimented Ezra though, and Ezra was obsessed with his little troublemaker. 

Trigger Warnings: gore, blood, death, mental health, suicidal ideation, torutre, anxiety disorder, depression, violence, past parental neglect, kidnapping, Stockholm syndrome, fat phobia (side character), manipulation, and more.

#begfordeath #breaalepou #skylersnow #resistmenot #minetokeep #lookmyway #dragyoudown #thesehallowedbones #drawntodeath #bleedforyou #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Look My Way (Bloody Desires)

Here's Ashlynn Mill's "Look My Way." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Bloody Desires. 

["I'm not a good person and never once have I pretended to be. I'm a monster who hunts other monsters. I make people's nightmares go away by passing them to the ones who truly deserve to experience them. I thought it was all I needed to be fulfilled—all I needed to keep going. Then he looked my way and I never needed anything more. He was meant to be mine and I was meant to be what no one else could be for him. He saved my life and I'll do whatever it takes to help him live his—even if people closest to him have to die first."]

This book was so freaking fluffy for a dark romance, and I'm here for it. Don't get me wrong, Zavier wasn't a good guy, but he was willing to give Liam anything and everything. He built his confidence back up, he build his self-control back up, he build his smiles back up. He gave Liam his life back while giving him the world. It was uplifting and supportive and beautiful. 

Trigger Warnings: murder, gruesome on-page death, torture of bad guy, CNC, stalking, verbal abuse from one MC's ex, cheating (not between MCs), no safe words, consensual drugging, MS struggles, gaslighting, and more.

#lookmyway #ashlynnmills #begfordeath #resistmenot #minetokeep #dragyoudown #thesehallowedbones #drawntodeath #bleedforyou #darknesstemptme #begfordeath #murderandmayhem #theloveobsession #daddysmuse #whilehesleeps #bloodydesires #bloodydesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks