Possessive Puckboy (Puckboys #8)

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 Saxon James and Eden Finley "Possessive Puckboy." Its the eighth novel in their Puckboys series.

["Connor
Finding out those closest to me don’t see me as the great guy I think I am not only kicks me in the gut, it makes me question everything.
Until that happened, I didn’t think I had many regrets in my life. Now, I have nothing but regrets. And when my NHL team is bought out, and the new owner makes his presence known, my existential crisis kicks up a notch. Because he might be my biggest regret of all.
Parker Duchene.
I made his life a living hell in high school, and now he’s inserting himself into my career to repay the favor.
With everything in my personal life already on the line, I can’t risk hockey too. I need to figure out a way to play nice with the new owner.

Parker
I bought Colorado’s NHL team to honor my late father. I did. Only reason.
Emotionally playing with one of my many high school tormentors is a nice bonus though.
Connor Kikishkin may be the one who made me the target for years of name-calling, but I’ve always wondered if my hatred for him bordered too much on the obsessive side to truly be classified as hate.
Infatuation is probably the right word for it.
Now his whole life is in my hands, and I can’t wait to see him beg for my mercy. Seeing Mr. Popular find his humility will definitely ease the grief from losing my dad … right? Because right now, that’s all I have, and I need to hold on to it so I don’t crumble."]

Wooow. Was I right about the angst? High as fuck. Was it worth it? Of course it was! These two were perfect for each other...when they finally got out of their own ways (put their past (and egos) aside).

Parker wanted, deep down, someone to care about him, someone to obsess about him. Connor was trying to figure out how to take his personality and "fix it" so he could fit better into his family's/friends' lives; little did he know, that his personality fix Parker's perfectly. Connor could be possessive as hell with Parker, and Parker would just melt.

Connor wanted, deep down, someone to see him, someone to accept him and all of his personality quirks. Parker was trying to figure out how to take his past and move on, so he could live life without the baggage of hate and bitterness weighing him down; little did he know, that his past was closer to his future than he ever imagined. Parker could be as nerdy and as needy (and as ew-people-no) as he wanted, and Connor could fill that cuddly/possessive hole perfectly (and, spoiler alert, Connor would just melt for Parker, too).

Together, these two were snarky and adorable as hell. Honestly. Parker didn't care when Connor got all caveman. And Connor loved how much Parker was obsessed with him.

THE QUEER COLLECTIVE!! I would read the heeellllll out of a random short story that just featured some insane-ness that they got up to one weekend (or week).

Trigger Warnings: past bullying, power imbalance in a relationship (I guess..technically, even these two never really considered the power imbalance between them a thing), hockey related violence, and more

#forewordpr #arc #arcteammember
#egotisticalpuckboy #irresponsiblepuckboy #shamelesspuckboy #foolishpuckboy #cluelesspuckboy #bromanticpuckboy #forbiddenpuckboy #possessivepuckboy #saxonjames #edenfinley #puckboys #puckboysseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Adopt a Vampire

When you have too many books to choose from, naturally, you pick a novella that just came out today. Here's AJ Sherwood's "Adopt a Vampire."

["Newly turned vampire Jesse Hunt has been spotted by two werewolves! Should

-Run
-Fight
-Ask for noms

Barrett Walker, alpha of the local pack, has two options upon meeting the starving but sweet Jesse! Should

-Hand him over to the local vampire clan
-Adopt him

Barrett’s in favor of adoption but can adoption include smexy bite bite times too?"]

And the official tags (because they're the freaking best): ["Who’s on ship building duty this time?, Coconut water is banned, eating shouldn’t be this complicated, Jesse(dot)exe is constantly crashing, werewolves court differently than vampires, who knew, Unholy Trifecta crossover, Ross crossover, Cinnamon rolls deserve all the love, Hacker besties, Full moon shenanigans, Found family for the win, Pillow gifts make me squeeee"]

How the hell is everything that AJ writes so fucking awesome!? And soooo crack-y!?!? The short-stories especially. So unique and fun and off-the wall lore (grounded in popular lore). Quirky characters and unpredictable plot and the inevitable romance/HEA.

And I looooved Barrett and Jesse. They were adorable and snarky and meant to be. They had just a meet...awkward. Then a meet-cute. Then a meet-almost-death (don't worry, like Barrett would like Jesse die). And the inevitable family interference (you thought I'd say romance/HEA again, didn't you? ;) ). 

Also, looooove all of the crossovers from Ross and clan!! Miss them!! And I had thought I read the Unholy Trifecta series, especially meeting them again in here, but apparently I didn’t (and while reading I kept seeing them, but maybe I had mentally fused the characters from the Villainy series (also kiss they hell out for them) with these characters).

Various quotes I highlighted (because they're amusing as hell, and you need a good laugh, too):
*"Honey bunches of nope" -Jesse
*"It's like that t-shirt. You have to show me the candy first, then I get into the van. I'm not stupid." -Jesse
*"I'll pencil that in. How does never sound?" -Barrett
*”Being in the sun too long is ouchy.” -Jesse 

#adoptavampire #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Devlish (Park Avenue Kings #2)

Here's Ella Frank's and Brooke Blaine's "Devlish." It's the second novel in their latest series: Park Avenue Kings (which is a spin-off of their Park Avenue Princes series).

["Who are we? Nobody really knows. We’re the seven most powerful heirs to empires, ruling Manhattan from our thrones on Park Avenue. By day, we’re the elite, untouchable, and more connected than you could ever imagine. By night, we revel in the darkness of our secrets, pulling strings that make the city bow to our whims.
Ruthless.
Dangerous.
We’re the Park Avenue Kings.
In this city of power and desire, where the line between love and obsession blurs, nothing is off-limits—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

***

In a world where everything is within his grasp, love is the only thing that’s ever eluded him.

Lucien Vale is temptation incarnate. Devilishly charming, wickedly confident, and sinfully sexy, he rules Manhattan’s most elite clubs, indulging the city’s darkest desires with a knowing smirk and a whisper of seduction. He’s built an empire, played the game to perfection, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when it serves the greater good.

But love? That’s always been just out of reach.

Then he sees Kai Daniels—a man too raw, too vulnerable, and too damn captivating to ignore—being used by someone who doesn’t deserve him. And Lucien doesn’t hesitate. He steps in, knowing full well that some things aren’t meant to be owned. 

But Kai’s past isn’t ready to let him go. His tormentor is powerful, relentless, and determined to make them both pay. As the stakes rise, Lucien is forced to become the man he’s kept buried—the one who doesn’t just play the game but makes sure his enemies never play again.

Now, with danger closing in and their connection burning hotter than ever, Lucien and Kai must decide if they’re willing to risk everything for a love that was never part of the plan."]

I love how these powerful as fuck men fall to their knees when they meet their soul mates. They're so fucking powerful and rich and influential, but they'd throw it all away for their men. Well, maybe that's a bit dramatic. Can you imagine any of these Kings without their money and penthouses and wardrobes? They would throw a shit ton of their power and money and influence to make the world better, safer, and happier for their men. 

And Lucien was no different. He knew, the very moment he laid eyes on Kai, that he'd do reckless things to make him better, safer, happier. And that was from across a crowed (sex-fueled) room. Up close, looking into his eyes, getting to know him, learning his secrets, collecting his dreams? Lucien would do anything for Kai. Anything.

And Kai slowly but surely learned that. Right after he learned how safe Lucien was. And how content he felt around him. And how happy life could get with the right person, the right circumstances. And Lucien, while unexpected, is all of those rights.

As are Lucien and Kai together. Much to the amusement of every single King. Suddenly not so much hate on the love/romance front from them.

Quote of the Day: "What a cute little king he makes." Lucien about Kai.

Trigger Warnings: lack of safe word (not between MCs), sex/human trafficking (not between MCs), stalking (not between MCs--none of the trigger warnings are between MCs), kidnapping, violence, and more.

#forewordprandmarketing #arcs #arcteammember
#savage #unholy #immoral #ruthless #merciless #devilish #parkavenueprinces #parkavenueprincesseries #parkavenuekings #parkavenuekingsseries #ellafrank #brookeblaine #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Lustful Nights (Peaches #1)

Here's Ashley Rayne's latest: "Lustful Nights." It's the first novel in her Peaches series

["Lennox
A string of bad boyfriends has me questioning my taste in men. They’re either jealous of my job as a dancer at a strip club, or they use it as an opportunity to try hooking up with my friends. It also doesn’t help that my big brother is the definition of overprotective, meaning nobody is ever good enough for me.
When I notice his best friend—his very straight, very good-looking best friend—at the club where I work more than once, I wonder if maybe he’s not as out of my reach as I once thought he was.

Jensen
My life is pretty simple, which is totally fine with me. I work remotely, spend time with my best friend, Nick, and ride my motorcycle. I’ve had a few girlfriends here and there, but nobody recently, and definitely not anyone serious.
When my boss has his bachelor party at a local all-male strip club, I know I have to make an appearance. Then I notice a fit body attached to a familiar face. I wasn’t expecting to see my best friend’s brother dancing onstage, but I also wasn’t prepared for the feelings watching him perform brought out in me. But even if I wanted to explore anything with Lennox, am I willing to risk my years-long friendship for him?"]

I love how little angst Ashley's novels have. Don't get me wrong, angst pushing the book forward really well (and who doesn't love all of the trope-y feels that come with angst), but sometimes it's nice to have a emotion-easy read.

Not to mention the brother's-best-friend trope in this one! Looooove that cliche. It's cheesy and awkward at times, but it's adorable and sweet and utterly perfect for Lennox and Jensen. Or should I saw Lennox and Jensen are utterly perfect for each other.

I loooooved all of the potential for other books that here hinted at in this novel, too. SO many possibly couples and storylines!!

#gayromancereviews #booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#lustfulnights #seductivenights #peaches #peachesseries #ashleyrayne #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Goodbye, March!

March was just as long as February, if not longer. But at the same time, I can't believe we already finished three whole months of 2025. We had another winter, another false spring, another winter, and possibly real spring (?).

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: 42 (might get one more in there before midnight though).

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

(2) March Memories: My cousin got married this month. My best friend turned 30. I had a few really good meals out. I babysat once. I got a cold twice. I purchased concert tickets to two shows in the Jonas Brothers upcoming tour. I got to got to an author's launch party for her new book.

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 35.

(4) More sun in March. More sad days in March. But it was a good balance. Discovering new foods (or old ones I didn't previously like but like now) was fun. As was some feelings of being a badass (go me). Still haven't been I still haven't been kinder to myself physically; maybe eventually it'l happen. Loooots of work shifts and long days. But I also do remember laughing a lot. And, at the author event, I learned a new phrase that I want to embrace: joyful chaos. 

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyemarch #helloapril #hello2025 #dontstopreading #makememories #shareloveofbooks #shareloveofreading #bekindertomyself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Demon Bodyguard

Here's Alex J Adams's "The Demon Bodyguard." It's technically not part of a series, but it's best read after "The Demon Undertaker."

["A fateful assignment leads to one fated mate!

Zeke
My brother, Mal, might have been happy to bury the bodies and reap the souls, but it wasn't for me.
I was bored, looking for my next adventure when by chance, I heard about a job paying ONE MILLION F*CKING EUROS. I'd have been stupid to turn it down.
Only now, I'm sitting on my motorbike in rainy London, being paid to spy on a man I think is my mate.
Me with a mate? That's a joke. I'm a player, a Romeo, a lover. I don't have time for that.
But I guess now I'm putting love before wealth, and bang goes my one million Euros.
Because someone wants him gone and I can't have that. Revenge will be sweet, of that I have no doubt.
No one crosses a demon and gets away with it.

Rory
I'd do anything to protect my daughter, including moving from Italy to London to protect her from her grandfather, a man I loathe with a passion.
I couldn't let him take Carlotta from me. Mia would never have forgiven me. Mia, my dead wife and love of my life.
But who's spying on me? He thinks I can't see him, He thinks he's invisible.
Newsflash!
I see him, I feel him, I need him.
When trouble comes calling, he's my knight in shining armour riding in on a black Ducati.
The pull I feel is undeniable, though, and I'll not deny him or me.
It's time to put the past behind me and consider my future with the dark-haired, leather-clad demon with the yellow eyes."]

Oh Zeke, you silly demon. Thinking you can outrun or outsmart fate. Or just ignore it. Suuuure. Good thing that demon of his isn't letting him off quite so easily. Neither is Carlotta.

It's a shame that Carlotta getting hurt and her nonno being an asshole is what brought Zeke and Rory together. And Carlotta losing her mother. However, if none of that happened, Zeke and Rory would haven't gotten together (and Zeke wouldn't be eating his words on true love and settling down).

I liked how this novel was a little longer. It gave these two more time to get to know each other as individuals before the inevitable mated thing happened. They slowly fell in love (and you could see it happening), and the journey was beautiful. And the switch from "I'll be a widower forever" (okay, Jason was a lot more adamant about that than Rory) to "I'm so in love and it's never been like this before" was a lot more seamless and less dramatic.

Trigger Warnings: death of a loved one, mild violence, and more.

#booksirens #arcs #arcteammember
#thedemonundertaker #thedemonbodyguard #alexjadams #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Demon Undertaker

Here's Alex J Adams's "The Demon Undertaker." It's part of a multi-author series, Possessive Love.

["Perfect Shores Funeral Parlour: Where we bury the bodies and reap the SOULS!

Mal
Perfect Shores Funeral Parlour, the family business; we bury the bodies and reap the souls, it’s what we do.
“Be nice to the humans, Mal.” My father insists. “Humans are our business.”
I don’t do humans. I don’t like humans. They’re tedious, but I'm cold and unfeeling. They mean nothing to me.
But then he walks in; sad eyes, sallow skin, a man grieving for his lost love. It’s all I can do not to hide him away and take care of him.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. He wasn’t supposed to happen; now I don’t know how to handle these feelings.
Doesn’t he know I’m a demon, not a lover?

Jason
“It’s time to move on, Jase.” Kristine’s words ring in my ears as I enter Perfect Shores Funeral Parlour, but that isn’t what I have in mind.
You see, I’ve heard of a man that can bring him back from the dead and I’ll do anything to hold him in my arms again. Kieran was my world until his ended.
But then there he is. Tall, dark and brooding, but he’s not the one I’m here to see. He’s not the one that can bring Kieran back to me.
Something about him, though. I can’t explain how he brings a long-forgotten smile to my face, how my stone-cold heart beats a little faster.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. He wasn’t supposed to happen.
But he’s a demon, not my dead lover."]

I wanted to give Jason a big hug, and I wanted to give Mal a big shake. But that didn't last long (the shake--the hug lasted through the whole novel). They finally figured out their chemistry, their zing. Mal's bluntness helped, as did Smokey the dog. I'd say Zeke helped, but he's a hot mess (who's ready to get his comeuppance in the form of his own HEA).

These two were fucking adorable though. It was rocky at first..and in the middle. But they--wait for it--communicated and figured it out. Their romance was fast, faster if not for Mal not loving humans and Jason grieving his lost husband. But the connection these two had? The undeniable fate? The love and commitment? It was beautiful.

Trigger Warnings: death of a loved one, a terminal illness, and more.

#thedemonundertaker #thedemonbodyguard #alexjadams #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks