The Alpha and His King (Kincaid Pack #1)

Here's Kiki Clark's "The Alpha and His King." It's the first novel for her Kincaid Pack series.

["When Kai flies out of a shed, swinging a rake, Rick’s life flips upside down.

As alpha, Rick’s dedication to his pack has never wavered—until Kai. The pull he feels toward the younger man is more than a simple distraction, but Rick won’t let himself lose focus. Not while a hidden enemy is drawing near.

Moving in with the grumpy alpha who saved him is a big change for Kai, and it isn’t long before he begins to ache for something he can’t have. As a half-human shifter responsible for his three younger siblings, he knows he can never be Rick’s mate.

Pushing aside their doubts and insecurities, they grow closer. But when the pack’s enemies strike, bringing their fears to fruition, Rick and Kai have to decide if they’re willing to risk it all to be together."]

Talk about hurt comfort. And a fucking slow burn. But this slow burn was beautifully done. We were given bits and pieces of fluff and trust all the while getting perfectly placed hints of future conversations and points of romantic plot. 

Did I want them to get together sooner? Of course. Did I want there to be more communication? Obviously. Did I except them to make me cry that much? Hell. No. 

There was just enough plot solved to make us feel (temporally) satisfied, but there was still so much left I finished, forcing you to read more. 

Kiki literally ended the book with a “Dun dun dunnnn.” I’m not sure if I’m impressed or upset. Then again, that plot twist did deserve a “ Dun dun dunnnn.”

Trigger warnings: physically and mentally neglected and abused as children, domestic violence, off-page parental death, and more.

#anewpackfornewyear #thealphaandhisking #thesecondandhisbonded #thedeputyandhisenforcer #hishunterandhismates #theenforcerandhisheart #thewitchandhisdoctor #themobstersmate #kincaidpack #kincaidpackseries #kikiclark #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

A New Pack for New Year (Kincaid Pack #0.5)

Here's Kiki Clark's "A New Pack for New Year." It's the prequel novella for her Kincaid Pack series.

["Injured and terrified, Victor runs for his life and right into the arms of the last person he expected to find: his true mate.

Living in a pack who viewed imperfections as weaknesses that needed to be eliminated, Victor is lucky to escape alive. He’s heard of the Kincaid Pack’s strong but fair alpha, but he has trouble truly believing he won’t be targeted once more if his shameful secret is discovered.

When Cole meets a young man with fear in his eyes and pain in his scent, he recognizes him as his mate on sight. His excitement is short-lived, however, when they find out Victor’s life is still in danger from what his old pack did to him.

After a lifetime of being abandoned by others, Victor has an important decision to make: Will he choose to trust the mate fate gave him?
Or will he run again?"]

This book was fabulous! It had the utter perfection of instant-feels of that fate mates that I looove in paranormal romances. It was romantic and utterly adorable. It shocked both of them, but it brought both of them sooo much comfort and safety. 

Though, the epilogue insinuates that safety isn't exactly on the top of things in this series, as if officially starts in the next installment. That's okay, that's why we have fated mates and found family. 

Trigger warnings: toxic and abusive parents, violence, attempted murder, and more.

#anewpackfornewyear #thealphaandhisking #thesecondandhisbonded #thedeputyandhisenforcer #hishunterandhismates #theenforcerandhisheart #thewitchandhisdoctor #themobstersmate #kincaidpack #kincaidpackseries #kikiclark #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Boyfriend Without Benefits (The Jilted Exes' Club #3)

Here's Riley Hart's latest novel "Boyfriend Without Benefits." It's the second in Riley's new series, The Jilted Exes' Club.

["Anthony
I’m the last single member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, and I have no plans to change that.
I’m fulfilled with my work at the club, dance classes, yoga, and the Exes. Plus, I’ve been extremely preoccupied with one Kason Maddox, the LA Rebels’ goalie. Let’s just say that since we’ve become friends, my eyes might drift in his general direction a little too much. But it’s only looking. And looking never harmed anyone…
Eventually, our texting sessions lead to dinners out and ending our nights watching our favorite shows. But when the paparazzi catch sight of us and the photos go viral, I suddenly find out I’ve had a boyfriend and didn’t know—a boyfriend without the benefits. And I’m thinking we should reconsider the benefits in this relationship if we are going to be in one.

Kason
So…I thought we were dating. Turns out, the guy I was dating had no idea that’s what we were doing. Friend-zoned without even knowing it. Cool. The equivalent of taking a puck to the face.
But due to an innocent little photo or two, now everyone thinks we’re together, so we have three
1- Stop hanging out to silence the rumors.
2- Hang out as friends and ignore the gossip blogs.
3- Start dating—and both of us are aware of said dating this time.
I know which one I’m rooting for. And if I have to use a little dirty talk and some praise to shift things in my favor, I’m game."]

To be honest, if anyone were to fall into this not-used-as-often-as-it-should-be-trope, it would be these two. Having read them dating/not-dating, I can see where the confusion started. They were super flirty and friendly and fun and feisty with each other. There was cuddles and accidental sleepovers and cheek kisses (and *swoon* forehead kisses). Ant didn't want his growing feelings to make Kason feel bad or regret their friendship; Kason didn't want to pressure Ant into anything too fast. 

Then again, their feelings were growing and growing, and it was more and more obvious as time went on that they were dating (even if Ant didn't completely catch on).

And when they caught on? The chemistry exploded, feelings grew so fast. It was hard to ignore (though Ant tried his best).

This relationship was all about trust and comfort and kindness and support. It was adorable and uplifting and utterly perfect for both of them.

A great ending for a great series!

Trigger warnings: parental death, parental neglect, minor (past) bullying, paparazzi being paparazzi, feelings of self-doubt, panic attacks, and more. 

#goodpuckingluck #themarriagepolicy #boyfriendwithoutbenefits #thejiltedexesclub #thejiltedexesclubseries #rileyhart #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Obsession

Who doesn't need some spooky (and book throwing) in your life? Here's Natasha Preston's "The Obsession." 

["Are you really home alone?

Sixteen-year-old Connie has been dragged into the world of vlogging - her mum Lou's vlog is hugely popular, enough to bring in money for a new house, expensive lifestyle . . . and a lot of criticism.

While Lou and Connie's older sister Isla are touring colleges, Connie stays home alone, where she becomes increasingly paranoid about comments on the vlog. Plus someone is turning up at her school and following her on her way home.

Then Connie's best friend is attacked - the third teenage girl attacked in five weeks - and suspicion turns to Connie. Connie doesn't know who she can trust any more and goes on the run. But will the killer - whoever they are - catch up with her?"]

Let's just start off our review with the dedication itself. "For everyone whose guilty pleasure is spending far too much time watching YouTube videos when you should be productive. I publish books every year while doing this. Carry on, you're fine." Books. BookS. I feel less bad about my constant doomscrolling.

I thought I knew who it was...and then that person was killed a few pages later. And then I had a few other ideas, but they were all rolled out. There was the briefest of moments when I suspected the culprate, but it just...at the time it didn't...I have a headache. The person I did suspect...didn't help their case at the end there.

Speaking of the end. I just...I...I knooooow Natasha is infamous for her last-page/last-moment plot twists, but I wasn't at all prepared for that this twist was. Not at all. It...my heart is still beating fast. I flipped back and forth so many times just to double-check that there wasn't anything I was missing.

This wasn't my favvvvorite of Natasha's but it was still excellent. One of the things I love about YA thrillers/mysteries is that the constant moodiness and angst of teens enhances the drama and trust (or lack there of) in the plot. It's annoying, but it's real. 

#theobsession #natashapreston #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bruised (Wrecked & Wrong #1)

Here's Ally Avery's "Bruised." It's the first novel in her newest series, Wrecked & Wrong.

["I thought this summer would be all lazy mornings, late-night gaming, and zero drama at my best friend’s house.
Then his ex-con big brother comes home on parole.
I’m told to stay away from him.
I’m told he’s dangerous.
That he’ll only bring me pain.
I like a little danger in my life, though. I like a little pain, too, and from the moment he lays eyes on me, it’s clear he’ll give me both.
Maybe everyone is right about him.
Maybe his heart is as black as his fists are bloody.
But I don’t know if I can stay away. And I don’t know if he’ll let me."]

My. Fucking. Goddddd. 

This book was fabulous. It was just the right amount of wicked without being a full-blown dark romance. It was dirty and spicy and forbidden and secrets galore. But it was also cute nicknames and sneaky fluff and after-fun cuddles and quick kisses. 

Did they communicate? Nope. Did I cry? Yup. 

It was glorious. All instant chemistry and mutual lust and making needs. It was fate blowing in on a summer storm. I'm obsessed (then again, Ally Avery is good at that).

Trigger Warnings: mild dub-con, mentions of past assault, discussions of absent step-parent, and more. 

#bruised #wreckedandwrong #wreckedandwrongseries #allyavery #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Snowy Skies and Puppy Eyes (Back to Belleville #2)

Here's Fae Quin's "Snowy Skies and Puppy Eyes." It's the second novel in her Back to Belleville series.

["One secret Santa. Two lonely hearts. And a Christmas spent tearing down walls to let love in.

Jason Harker: I’ll admit it—I can be a little nosy. When you live alone in a town as small and close-knit as Belleville, other people’s stories have a way of filling the quiet. So when I find newcomer, Joe Milton, in the alley behind my store, cradling a bird like it might break his heart to let go, I make it my mission to befriend the enigmatic man. Only problem? Now the whole town thinks I’ve got a thing for Joe. Me? With a crush? On a man? No. That’s… definitely not happening. Probably. Maybe. But the more I try to prove to everyone that Joe and I are just friends, the more this surly, adorable man starts feeling like the best Christmas present I never asked for.

Joe Milton: Moving to a new town to start an apple farm? Ambitious. Trying to renovate a crumbling house by myself before my family arrives for Christmas? Possibly delusional. And just when I’m about to lose all hope and sanity, a secret Santa steps in to save me. But it’s his so-called elf helper who really catches me off guard. Jason Harker is kind, charming, and makes my heart race faster than my impending renovation deadline. This new friendship and the swirl of confusing feelings make me wonder if this Christmas might mend more than just this old house."]

Trigger Warnings: familial discord, parental neglect (past during childhood), and more.

#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#snowyskiesandpuppyeyes #cloudywithachanceofbaddecisions #backtobelleville #backtobellevilleseries #faequin #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Possession (Leather & Chrome #4)

Here's Kiki Clark's Leather & Chrome series. The fourth and final novel is "Possession."

["Being the boss has left no room for things like love and family in Tomas’s life. He tells himself he doesn’t mind, that the work he and his MC do is more important than his cold bed at night.

He almost has himself convinced.

But as tensions heat up between the MC and the community, a pair of boys in need of affection and a firm hand disrupt his orderly days and leave him aching to possess them at night.

Mason is sweetness and obedience, his dark eyes begging for things Tomas has only fantasized about. But Vinnie’s submission is wrapped in a hard outer shell he’ll need to carefully crack open to uncover the good boy underneath.

It isn’t just Tomas’s heart on the line—it’s the legacy of the Devil’s Hands.

And he’s not willing to trade one for the other.

His boys are everything he’s ever wanted, and the club’s work is something he’s not willing to sacrifice to appease hateful bystanders.

It’s time for a reminder of just who the hell they’re dealing with."]

This book was all about the hurt/comfort. Between Mason and Vinnie, which made sense and it was about time (after everything), but it still hurt to read. They were both so scared and hurt that they were pushing each other away. Good thing Tomas had plenty of experience dealing with rowdy men and sassy boys.

They worked well together, all three of them. They meshed all of together as well as three separate couples. They brought the best out of each other, the bravest out in each other. They made each other happier, which at the end of the day, is what really counts.  

I canNOT wait for more of these books!

Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, aftermath of violence, homophobia, parental death, wrongful arrest, police intimidation, and more.

#reckless #temptation #joyful #yearning #possession #owned #surrender #awaken #crave #kikiclark #leatherandchrome #leatherandchromeseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks