Goodbye, March!

March 2021 was almost as long as March 2020, and that's saying something.

2021 Resolutions:

     (1) Write [almost] every day

     (2) Don't stop reading

     (3) Complete something (e.g. a manuscript)

     (4) Share love of books/writing
     (5) Be kinder to myself

(1) I didn't write much in March...at all...but you'll see why below.

Originally, I thought I would do what I did in (2), read my heart out in March so I could write my heart out in April. Not feeling that as much right now. :/ 

(2) Books read this month: 40 (and there might be another one or two added before midnight). Yeah, you read that right. 40. I went a little crazy this month. Sure, sure, like at least five of those were short stories or novellas, but those so count, okay?

It started as a cure to my over-working brain at night (curse having a creative mind--it never. stops. thinking). And it worked. Until it didn't. Now I just... *sigh* Yeah.

(3) Still waiting.... 

(4) Posts this month (including this one): 41 (and there might be another one or two added before midnight).

(5) ... nothing to say here ... I thought there would be...but there's not.

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

Any exciting April reads?
Anything I should check out?

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyefmarch #helloapril #goodbye2020 #hello2021 #keeplearning #writeeveryday #dontstopreading #completesomething #getprofessional #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hot Ride

Lucy Lennox's short story: "Hot Ride"...

["When phone-sex operator Azrael gets into Travis's Uber, the driver profile claims Travis is deaf. Thank goodness, right? Otherwise, the guy would hear Az's dirty talk which would be all kinds of humiliating considering Az is actually a virgin who doesn't even know if he's doing phone job properly.

But Travis isn't deaf. He's standing in for someone else and hears every single word of Az's raunchy call. So when they're randomly set up on a blind date together, the sparks fly from the very first moment they meet. What follows is a steamy connection in which Azrael and Travis realize they have more in common than they originally thought despite Az's strict family and Travis's ten year age difference."]

I feel like it could have been longer. But mostly because I'm used to reading full-length novels with full-length levels of plot (the whole triangle shebang) and character development and crazy amounts of fluff and steam.

Well, this one did have fluff and steam all right... but it felt short because it was originally a short story published in the Heart2Heart Charity Anthology , Vol. 1 (under a different title).

Either way, it was cute and fun and flirty and full of first times and nasty family members and happily ever afters.

#hotride #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Inn Love

Lucy Lennox's short story: "Inn Love"...

["Attention Ghost Lovers! Prime opportunity to own this historic bed and breakfast in Pine Hollow, Maine, for a spooky low price. Must be comfortable with the mystical and at home with haunted spirits. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you.) Previous buyers haven’t lasted the night— will you be the one to tame the teeming shadows of this lovely Victorian mansion?

Will Ryan and Davis survive the ghosts of the Maberly sisters to win a shot at owning this historic inn? Or do they have a ghost of a chance at finding something else entirely? When things go bump in the night at this inn, it might just be the headboard..."]

Okay, I really, really loved this story. Like a LOT. 

I wanted it to be soooo muuuuuch longer. I wanted to stay in the space and get to know the haunted inn and spend more time with the ghost sisters and feel Davis and Ryan fall in(n) love more deeply.

The ghostly sisters were FABULOUS. They were just like the (fun/good) ghosts in #HauntedMansion. SO good. Their involvement and dialogue was just soooo great and so accurate for being meddling and bickering sisters. 

Not to mention the instant attraction and steaming connection between Ryan and Davis. They were so gone for each other before they even fell into bed that first night (spoiler alert, by bad). Too bad one sister really wants them together and one really, really doesn't. 

READ THIS ONE. 

#innlove #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Writing Post

Why you gotta call me out like that, y'all?? 

#writing #writerproblems #wip #cantsleep #insomniac #insomiaproblems #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

NautiCal (Forever Wilde #8)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy).

Forever Wilde Book Eight: "NautiCal"...

["I didn’t mean to stow away on the yacht, I swear.

My first mistake was going home with the jerk at the bar, but in my defense, Prescott said he owned the Worthington—ninety feet of sleek, yachty perfection—and if I could get the chief mate’s job, I’d have an excuse to stay on board and keep avoiding my family and my future.

How was I supposed to know he was the owner’s cheating, gold-digging almost brother-in-law, or that I’d end up stuffed in a closet when the ship left the harbor?

When the real owner finds me and offers me a different job—being his fake boyfriend on a cruise through the British Virgin Islands to tempt Prescott to reveal his cheating ways—that’s when I make my second mistake: I agree.

Turns out, Jonathan Worthington isn’t just a billionaire, he’s funny and generous and a little bit of a control freak. He’s also six feet of sleek, gorgeous silver fox perfection, and suddenly, it’s not just his yacht I’m lusting over.

Worth thinks I’m way too young and flighty for anything more serious than spending the week in his bed… but if you believe we won’t fall in love before the cruise is over, I have a yacht in the Caribbean to sell you."]

God the fluff and the spark and the #BelowDeck vibes in this book. I mean, I want something to cuddle that makes me feel safe too (minus the whole locked naked in the closet of a grand yacht kinda thing). The amount of money that Worth has compared to the amount of money that Cal doesn't have? It was interested to say the least.

THEN the parallels to #PrettyWoman scattered everywhere. Yes, please. ;)

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

King Me (Forever Wilde #7)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy).

Forever Wilde Book Seven: "King Me"...

["Falcon: Three years ago I arrived at the scene of an art heist to find Kingston Wilde tied to a radiator, claiming to be an innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was only later I learned he was actually, the elusive art thief I’d been tracking for years. And I was the one who’d let him sweet-talk his way out of my grasp. Ever since, I’ve made it my mission to get my hands on him again, and this time I don’t plan on letting go.

Unfortunately, fate has other plans. A priceless artifact has gone missing, and King is the only one who can help recover it. I thought nothing could be worse than being forced to work with the egotistical SOB, but I was wrong. Falling for the charming art thief in the middle of an operation is way, way worse. 

King: The key to being a good art thief is knowing when to call it quits. After one close call too many, I decide that time is now and head home to Hobie, Texas, intending to hang up my lock picks for good. Unfortunately, the FBI has other plans. Agent Dirk Falcon approaches me with an offer I can’t refuse: full immunity for my past crimes in exchange for helping him with one last job.

The catch? The job involves stealing from the very man who taught me everything I know. The same man who double-crossed me years ago. Pulling this off means trusting Falcon and his team, but how do I trust the sexy agent when he’s staked his career on taking me down?"]

This book was like a sexier, queer-er version of the Oceans Twelve movie (the one where Brad Pitt's character falls for Catherine Zeda-Jones's character--the whole criminal vs cop thing)..
But BETTER. Much better. With that glamorous and historical art scene mixed with the stealth and sleekness of the FBI.

Using humor to hide secrets and flirting to cover up feelings. And there are a lot of feelings. And a fuck ton of secrets.

AND THE ENDING (the non-epilogue one--though that one was cute too)! God!! It was just as satisfying as any heist novel (#TheSixOfCrows) or movie (#OceansEight).

Also, like the first line of this book if FUCKING GLORIOUS! ["Never pick a fight with your boyfriend when you're in the middle of stealing a Van Gogh"] Like FUCK, I immediately needed to know more.

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Wilde Love (Forever Wilde #6)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy).

Forever Wilde Book Six: "Wilde Love"...

["Weston “Major” Marian:
After running away at the age of seventeen, I found a home in the Army. It wasn’t long before my fellow soldiers became family, giving purpose to my time in Vietnam.

But everything changes when Doc Wilde joins my medevac crew. A night alone in the jungle after a helicopter crash forces us to rely on each other for survival, the secrets we share cementing a bond between us deeper than any I’ve ever known.

Doc begins to play a starring role in my late night fantasies even though he can never be anything more than a friend, a brother-in-arms. He’s straight, with family back in Texas, and I could kiss my career goodbye if anyone in the Army discovered my secret.

When our tours finally end, and we go our separate ways, Doc heads home to his perfect family while I continue to serve. I thought that was the end of our story. Turns out I was wrong.

Liam “Doc” Wilde:
When I wind up on the front lines in Vietnam young and afraid, it’s Major Marian who comes to my rescue. He’s tough, brave, and quiet, and he vows to keep me safe. He’s the only reason I make it home alive.

For some, a friendship like ours might have ended once we left the jungle behind, but life without Major Marian isn’t an option. Over time, our connection continues to grow. It’s no surprise when, years later, an unexpected illness turns my life upside down, he’s the first person I turn to for help.
And, as always, he drops everything to rescue me.

I soon realize that at every step of my life, Major has been there, by my side, putting me first. All this time he’s been standing in the sidelines, waiting patiently to hand over his heart into my safekeeping.

Even though I never imagined building a future with another man, seeing Major in this new light is a revelation. And suddenly I can’t imagine my life any other way."]

The story that started it all: Weston and Liam, Marian and Wilde, Grandpa and Doc

HOLY FUCKING SHIRT-BALLS!! THIS BOOK!

This book was beautiful and authentic and just plain ruined me. It was so viscerally honest and fluffy and angsty and GOD! I wanted to read it again as soon as I finished it. Even just the Nam stuff and the pre-relationship stuff because OH MY GOD! It's just so obvious and ... I can't. I just can't.

It was a little rough reading some of the war stuff (war movies really get to me emotionally, especially Vietnam and WWI/II stuff), but it wasn't super graphic. Yes, there was gun-fire and explosions and death (lots of death), but it wasn't anything too harsh (watching Grey's Anatomy is harder than reading this). 

READ THIS FUCKING BOOK, Y'ALL (but I mean, you really, really, really need to start at the beginning and to start at the beginning, you really need to read the #MadeMarian series first so...do that, m'kay?)

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

His Saint (Forever Wilde #5)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy).

Forever Wilde Book Five: "His Saint"...

["Augie:
I don't need anyone's protection. I'm fine. But to appease my sister after a home invasion, I agree to take self-defense lessons. They just so happen to be with a big, muscled former navy SEAL who may or may not be everything I've always daydreamed about but never thought I could have.

And he's dead-set on looking out for me even when things in my life suddenly get complicated. Between the increasing threats against me and pressure from my wealthy family to be someone I'm not, I'm having a hard time keeping it together. As I begin to fall apart, I lose faith I'll ever meet anyone who'll want a mess like me--much less meeting someone strong and capable like Saint Wilde.

The more time I spend with him, however, the more I realize he's not as put together as he seems. And I begin to wonder... while Saint's busy looking after everyone else, who's looking after him?

Saint:
After my big fat mouth gets me in trouble with a high-profile client, my boss takes away the bodyguard gig and sends me back to my hometown to give one of society's elites a few lessons at a local gym. Babysitting an antiques nerd is hardly my idea of a good time, but as soon the attractive, petite man walks into the workout center, I nearly trip over my own feet.

He's effing adorable.

And absolutely scared to death.

He won't tell me what's spooked him, but I won't rest until I find a way to take the fear out of his gorgeous eyes. Even if defending Augie means I have to stop protecting my own heart."]

Like the arson mystery in "Wilde Fire", there's a dangerous thriller subplot in this novel as well: who is stalking/targeting/robbing Augie? How much of Augie will they take with them?
And how short is Saint's patience when it comes to keeping his new client at arms's length?
Because Saint wants nothing more than to protect the shit out of Augie. But will Augie even let him?

Okay, so apparently, I'm just asking questions instead of giving you my review now? :/ 

Either way, this book was just another amazing addition in the Forever Wilde series. I mean, who wouldn't want a beautiful and historic farmhouse on the outskirts of a small town, a sexy as fuck man ready to protect you against the world, and an entire town ready to back you up (though they just might be in it for your cute cat)?

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Flirt (Forever Wilde #4.5)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy).

Forever Wilde Book Four 1/2: "Flirt"...

["Sassy-mouthed Stevie Devore has always had a crush on the local fire chief. Gorgeous silver fox, Evan Paige, is way out of Stevie's league, however, not to mention the chief has always been a ladies' man, but when Stevie turns twenty-one, he decides he's tired of only daydreaming about Evan. He wants a real taste of that sugar daddy, even if it means turning the flirt factor up a notch or ten to make it happen."]

Which town member deserves love more besides Stevie?
I mean, sure, he's the town flirt. But when it comes down to it, they mean nothing to him. Okay, so not nothing. He becomes friends with pretty much everyone (and vice versa). But they're not who he wants, who he has feelings for.

And, spoiler alert, the feelings as mutual as fuck. ;)

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hudson's Luck (Forever Wilde #4)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy).

Forever Wilde Book Four: "Hudson's Luck"...

["Hudson:

Don't ever accidentally propose to your girlfriend. In front of her family. Especially if her dad is your boss. Because when you make it clear you've made a mistake, he's likely to send you out of the country to get you as far away from his broken-hearted daughter as possible. It happened to me. Now I'm stuck in Ireland trying to redeem myself so I can get promoted and have the life I've planned for: successful career, loving wife and kids, a comfortable, financially-secure home life in Texas.

But all of that seems to evaporate the moment I walk into the historic pub and see the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Only, he's not a woman.

Charlie Murray is most definitely a man—the kind of man who causes me to take a second look for the first time in my life. And a third look, and fourth. I can't help but want to get to know him better... to get close to him, touch him, maybe even kiss him. But I'm straight. Or so I've always thought. Even if I'm not, how in the world could a feisty Irishman ever fit into the safe, predictable life I've always planned for?

Charlie:

Don't ever accidentally fall for the straight guy. Especially when he's trying to pry your family's business right out from under you. I should know. Because when Hudson Wilde walks into my family's pub and begins babbling so adorably, I can't help but fall just a little bit in love. But I'm looking for Forever Man, and the sexy American is certainly not him. He's so confused about what he wants, even choosing something from the dinner menu throws him into a fuddle. But those eyes... how can I resist?

So maybe I’ll give in. One steamy night before he heads home and I go back to life at the pub. We'll never see each other again.

Until, of course, his business deal sends me to Hobie, Texas, right into the middle of Hudson's steady life, more gay Wildes than can fit on a dance floor, and an ex-girlfriend who may or may not be content remaining an ex. But the more time I spend with Hudson, the more I think he might be my Forever Man after all. And I may be his. Is it possible we could both be so lucky?"]

Who wouldn't want to go on a trip to Ireland (even if it was a business trip)? And stay within walking distance of the Cliffs of Insanity (from the Princess Bride)? And fall...madly in love...on accident...with a guy (even though you--Husdon--say you're totally and completely straight)?

This book also includes an amazing cameo from none other than Aunt Tilly herself (though the character who meets here doesn't know that she's Aunt Tilly--let alone that she might or might not be long lost family).

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Wilde Fire (Forever Wilde #3)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy).

Forever Wilde Book Three: "Forever Wilde"...

["Otto:

Seth Walker was my first love and I always swore he’d be my last. Even after he moved away our senior year in high school, we vowed to reunite after graduation. But when he suddenly broke things off without explanation and crushed my heart, it was my turn to run.

After a decade in the navy, I’ve finally come home ready to move on with my life as Hobie’s newest firefighter. Unfortunately, the minute I set eyes on the new sheriff in town, I know I’m screwed. Hobie’s top cop is none other than Seth Walker.

Turns out, he’s come home too. And hell if he doesn’t have a lot of explaining to do.

Walker:

I thought I was doing the right thing when I walked away from Otto Wilde ten years ago without an explanation. I was wrong. I also thought I could come back home without having to face my past mistakes. I was wrong about that too.

What I’m not wrong about: The fact that my heart catches fire every time I set eyes on the sexy man. The fact that I can’t imagine my life without him. The fact that things are still just as complicated now as they were then. And the fact that I have a lot of work ahead of me if I expect to win him back.

Just when things start heating up between us again, a serial arsonist strikes and suspicion falls close to home. I already lost Otto to a secret long ago but I’ll be damned if I let another threaten to send our future up in smoke.

Because Otto Wilde is mine, and I don't plan on ever letting him go again."]

What's better than a good friends-to-lovers story? One that's also a enemies-to-lovers story. ;)

Okay, so spoiler alert. That enemies-to-lovers trope doesn't last long. Not really. 

But the angst level in this one??? High. As. Fuck.
Honestly, I was only half-breathing while I read this one.

And all of the chapters start with love letters between the two (sent and unsent). MAJOR heart-eyes from me.

Sure they're love story isn't exactly as easy as they expected it to be. As easy as anyway expected it to be. It's actually a rough as rocking road. But they're so fucking gone for each other, it's worth it.

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Felix and The Prince (Forever Wilde #2)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy).

Forever Wilde Book Two: "Felix and The Prince"...

["Felix

Things I expect to find at Gadleigh Castle:
- Rare stained glass, the subject of my dissertation.
- Peace and quiet, to finish said dissertation.
- An escape from the paparazzi swarming around my starlet mother’s latest blockbuster release.

Things I don’t expect to find:
- A hidden door leading to a secret room.
- The most gorgeous man I’ve ever set eyes on.
- Love.

Lio

Things I know are expected of me in life:
- One day soon I will become the King of Liorland.
- I will marry a nice woman who will become queen.
- I will provide heirs to my family’s monarchy.

Reasons that might be difficult
- I’m gay.
- I’m falling in love with Felix Wilde.
- He has no idea I’m royal.

Let's just say, Felix gets royally screwed in the very best way."]

I told myself the reason for reading through this book so quickly was research. Research for the Queer Cinderella book I'm writing (or ignoring for a month while I read my brain away)...

I also read it so quickly because the small cinderella trope in here was so cute. As well as their softness and possessiveness for each other. And the fact that everyone around them knew they were in love before they knew it (well before Lio knew it--Felix had a strong idea).

The whole glass-making stuff in here was beautifully described. Then again, I only know what I know about glass making from that Netflix series ("Blown Away")--you should watch it (before or after you read this--but the point it, you should read this).

And okay, I did help with a few things for my latest writing project. But let's be real, I won't be able to focus on that until I finish the Forever Wilde series.

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Facing West (Forever Wilde #1)

In a connected universe with Lucy Lennox's Made Marian series, is the Forever Wilde series (also by Lucy). Starting off with Nico, a side-character in several Marian novels (but made his first appearance in #GroundingGriffin)--as well as mentioned in a passing comment I remember Aunt Tilly making about a long-lost brother (who I believe is one of the patriarchs in Forever Wilde).

Forever Wilde Book One: "Facing West"...

["Nico:

I left my family and tiny Texas hometown fifteen years ago to escape small-town gossips and to give my mom and sister the chance at a better life. But when a phone call from an attorney back home informs me that my sister passed away, leaving me custody of her newborn baby, I’m shocked out of the steady life I’ve built for myself running a tattoo shop in San Francisco.

The thing is: I don’t do babies. And I don’t do small towns. Or commitment. And I especially don’t do family. My plan is to go back to Hobie just long enough to sign adoption papers, giving my niece the kind of stable, loving family I could never provide.

But the moment I meet my niece in the arms of Weston Wilde, my sister’s best friend and the town’s handsome doctor, my plans begin to change. Because suddenly, I see a different future. One with the very thing I thought I never deserved: a family. If only I can convince West that I’m not the same good-for-nothing kid ready to bolt when things get tough.

Weston:

There’s one thing I know for sure about Nico Salerno: he was a good-for-nothing as a kid and judging by the purple-haired, tattoo’d punk who shows up at his sister’s funeral, he hasn’t changed. There’s no way I’m letting him take custody of my best friend’s baby.

But the more time I spend around him, the more I realize that his rough exterior is just a shell and that beneath all the tattoos is a scared, insecure man searching for a place to belong. And pretty soon I know exactly where he belongs: in my bed and by my side.

The problem is, he abandoned his family once before, how do I know that if we become a family he won’t do it again?"]

I started this book before I started the Made Marian series. I saw the "warning" in the beginning about how they're connected and ignored it (for a whole prologue and two additional paragraphs). Then I realized that I probably should heed the warning and read about the Marians first (as they made appearances in Facing West, at least Griff does).

THIS. BOOK. THOUGH.
I mean, talk about opposites attract. They fight like crazy the second the meet. Then they...do other things like crazy too. ;)

The connection between these two was steamy. And the thing that brought them together? A perfect little pink bundle of baby (and the death of a loved one, but like who's focusing on that right now?).

Besides, what's hotter than a sexy small-town doctors holding a baby? A tatted-up "punk" with purple hair and a huge heart...holding a baby. Or the two of them holding each other. that too. ;)

#facingwest #felixandtheprince #wildefire #hudsonsluck #flirt #hissaint #wildelove #kingme #nautical #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Delivering Dante (Made Marian #6)

I want to be a part of this fucking family!!!
Sorry, I guess I need to back up a bit...

The Made Marian Series by Lucy Lennox. It's a series of M/M novels that are all connected by the Marian Family. Each book gives another Marian brother a forever love. And god, I could barely get enough.

The sixth book is called "Delivering Dante"

["AJ: I know Dante’s story better than anyone. After all, I was the one who rescued him from his homophobic, abusive father eight years ago. Since then, I’ve kept my distance, but when I run into him at the Marian House gala and he doesn’t recognize me, I can’t resist the incredible, sensitive man he’s become.

I would do anything to protect Dante Marian, but what if his past keeps me from being part of his future?

Dante: Every new relationship has obstacles, it just turns out that ours involves my bumbling inexperience (ugh), an octogenarian naughty toy party (don’t ask), and being on the run in an RV with Aunt Tilly (it involves the Secret Service— no really, don’t ask).

When my biological father takes his homophobic views on a national platform, the only way to stand up for what I believe in is to claim my past and confront him. So now it’s time to decide: do I put the past behind me and walk away from AJ for good or face my biggest fear and fight for what’s mine?"]

I was looking forward to this book the most while reading the series. Only because Dante just stuck with me. Something about him just...I wanted to know more. And I wanted to protect the shit out of him (luckily, AJ does that for me/us).

There are a LOT of fucking trigger warnings for this one, y'all; be prepared: violence, domestic abuse, a convoluted sense of power in a small town, conversion camps, blackmail, homelessness, drugs, pedophilia/rape, prostitution, panic attacks, kidnapping, lying, and probably a few more.

There are a few more Made Marian books after this one. A slightly ill-aligned novel with brand-new characters that (from a few other reviews) are just kind of tossed into the Marian universe. A collection of novellas based off side-characters spurned by the Marian boys getting true love by getting it themselves. And an anthology of short stories, lullabyies, beyond happily ever after, etc from the main Marian characters and beyond. I haven't read them yet (I might in the future and I might not; we'll see what happens).

#borrowingblue #tamingteddy #jumpingjude #groundinggriffin #movingmaverick #deliveringdante #averymarianchristmas #mademarianshorts #mademarianmixtapes #mademarian #mademarianseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Moving Maverick (Made Marian #5)

I want to be a part of this fucking family!!!
Sorry, I guess I need to back up a bit...

The Made Marian Series by Lucy Lennox. It's a series of M/M novels that are all connected by the Marian Family. Each book gives another Marian brother a forever love. And god, I could barely get enough.

The fifth book is called "Moving Maverick"

["“Do you remember what you promised?”

Maverick: I haven't been back to Rabbit Island, South Carolina, since my parents died and my grandmother, Mimi, rejected me. I'm only returning now to attend her funeral and sell an estate I never wanted. But the moment I step foot on the island and fall into Beau’s arms, I realize it might not be so easy to say goodbye after all.

Beau Talmadge was always the boy next door, but now he’s no longer a kid. The man is hot as hell and pushes all my buttons in the very best way. I'm supposed to leave in a week. Sell everything, close the door on my past, and walk away forever. So why am I letting myself fall for someone who lives thousands of miles away? And how the hell am I going to break it off when it's time to go?

“That I’d come back.”

Beau: It took one short summer to fall in love with Maverick Mitchell and fifteen long years to forget him when he left. I’d never expected to see him again, but when he shows up at Mimi’s funeral looking lost and lonely I can’t resist doing anything I can to comfort him. Falling into bed with Maverick is easy and the nights we spend together are as hot and steamy as a South Carolina thunderstorm.

I know it's not smart. I know it's not what he planned. But dammit, Mav belongs in my arms, in my bed, and in my life. So how the hell do I get him to stay?

“Took you long enough.”

Fair warning: Moving Maverick is a 73k word gay romance novel featuring sweet tea vodka, fancy salt and pepper shakers, guys catching crabs (not that kind), Aunt Tilly with a knife, "]

And a gun... Yeah. Aunt Tilly, Granny, and Irene with a fucking gun. You heard me right.

I loved this book. One of my favorites in the series. But I read it soooo fuuuucking faaaast to get to Aunt Tilly. Worth it.

And the one-that-got-away, long-lost-love, best-friends-forever kind of romance that this book centered around?? Fucking glorious! So fucking amazing. I fucking LOVED it. They were one of my favorite couples.

In addition to the total lack of toxic masculinity when it comes to showing emotions? God, I loved it.

Spoiler Alert/Trigger Warning, though I saw it coming, a animal does pass away in this book (from old age, if that helps).

#borrowingblue #tamingteddy #jumpingjude #groundinggriffin #movingmaverick #deliveringdante #averymarianchristmas #mademarianshorts #mademarianmixtapes #mademarian #mademarianseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Grounding Griffin (Made Marian Series #4)

I want to be a part of this fucking family!!!
Sorry, I guess I need to back up a bit...

The Made Marian Series by Lucy Lennox. It's a series of M/M novels that are all connected by the Marian Family. Each book gives another Marian brother a forever love. And god, I could barely get enough.
The forth book is called "Grounding Griffin"

["Griff: I learned early on that the easiest way to avoid a broken heart is to always be the first out the door. Caring about anyone or anything is asking to be disappointed, which is why I avoid relationships and chase freelance gigs — ghost writing restaurant reviews and penning articles about the efficacy of cheesy pick up lines — instead of chasing my dreams.

Besides, dreams don’t come true for people like me. And no one, not even the sexy-as-hell bartender at the club can convince me otherwise. Because I’m never risking my heart again.

Sam: As a bartender I’ve watched a million pick-up artists work their magic, but none as talented as Griffin Marian. He’s a flirt, a good time. Hooking up with him was supposed to be just a fling. I wasn’t supposed to care abut his fractured past or his buried dreams. I have my own future to worry about, especially after that stupid food critic scuttled my hopes of finally opening my own restaurant.

But, the more time I spend with Griff, the more I’m beginning to realize that my plans mean nothing without him. If only I can convince him to give us a chance to follow our dreams together.

Fair warning: this book includes flirty sweetness, detailed descriptions of man parts touching, and the dirtiest thing to come out of Aunt Tilly's mouth yet."]

I typically wouldn't have included that last part...however, the promise of more Aunt Tilly was more than I could resist. She is, honestly, one of my favorite fucking characters of all time. Honestly. I couldn't get enough of her. I desperately read through chapters and chapters to get to here. And the "dirtiest thing yet"? It could have been any number of things. :'''D She kills me. I want to based a future character off of her someday.

#borrowingblue #tamingteddy #jumpingjude #groundinggriffin #movingmaverick #deliveringdante #averymarianchristmas #mademarianshorts #mademarianmixtapes #mademarian #mademarianseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Jumping Jude (Made Marian Series #3)

I want to be a part of this fucking family!!!
Sorry, I guess I need to back up a bit...

The Made Marian Series by Lucy Lennox. It's a series of M/M novels that are all connected by the Marian Family. Each book gives another Marian brother a forever love. And god, I could barely get enough.
The third book is called "Jumping Jude"

["Jude: Reaching the top of the country music charts brings out the crazy, and there’s no one crazier than my ex. Unfortunately, his threats to out me are escalating. Enter the bodyguard of my dreams.

I’d probably chafe under his constant presence if his attention to my body wasn’t so… ah… thorough. Now I have to worry about outing myself to millions of fans if I can’t keep my hands off him in public.

Derek: Now I’m an ex-Marine turned babysitter. If I have to hear Jude sing his mega-hit Bluebells one more time, I might murder him myself, and after 6 years in special ops, I know my way around a weapon. Unfortunately, so does he. Except his arsenal includes washboard abs and a killer set of pipes.

I’ve faced guns, knives, explosives and yet it’s Jude Marian who may end up bringing me to my knees."]

Another day, another book playing off of the Whitney Houston/Kevin Costner "Body Guard" trope... and yet, it's still completely unique and beautiful and ... holy wow.

And the way that Lucy hinted (heavily if you ask me) at this pairing in the first novel is just...amazing. She almost flawlessly did this with all of the books in her series. Hinted at who was next or who might be matched up with who in the future and YUM.

These titles though! If you're like me, you read the title of a book when you start it and don't really think twice about it..ever.. But these titles, they're fucking fabulous when you realize how fucking accurate they are. Every. Single. One. The beautiful irony.

#borrowingblue #tamingteddy #jumpingjude #groundinggriffin #movingmaverick #deliveringdante #averymarianchristmas #mademarianshorts #mademarianmixtapes #mademarian #mademarianseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Taming Teddy (Made Marian Series #2)

I want to be a part of this fucking family!!! 
Sorry, I guess I need to back up a bit...

The Made Marian Series by Lucy Lennox. It's a series of M/M novels that are all connected by the Marian Family. Each book gives another Marian brother a forever love. And god, I could barely get enough.
The second book is called "Taming Teddy"

["Teddy: If there’s one thing I don’t do, it’s commitment. You don’t become an award-winning photographer by staying in one place. I’m always on the road, looking for the next shot, the next award, the next hot body. Which is how I end up on Dr. James Marian’s front porch in the middle-of-nowhere Alaska. He’s known as the Wildlife Whisperer, and I want to photograph him in action. He’s reluctant at first, but I can be persuasive.

Soon enough I have him in bed saying yes over and over and over again, but my ability to shoot and scoot is frozen by a Denali snowstorm.

Jamie: I always thought of myself as the marrying type. Until I got left at the altar. Now I have a new motto: never commit and never fall in love. So when a cocky nature photographer decides I’m the key to his next masterpiece, it seems like the perfect arrangement: the hotshot’s only in town for a brief assignment and then he’ll be gone. No commitment, no strings, and no chance of getting my heart broken again.

There’s just one problem: I think I’m falling in love. Now I’m afraid that maybe I’m the marrying type after all. And he definitely is not."]

And after this, I found myself wanting to go to Alaska. *Sigh* Even in the middle of winter, even though i hate snow and hate being cold and hate the lack of sun. I'd do it though, to find my own man.

These two were idiots. Hopefully fucking idiots. They both loved each other. They both wanted each other. They both were too chicken-shit to say anything about it until it was (almost) too late.

And talk about frequent flyer miles. I mean, seriously.

#borrowingblue #tamingteddy #jumpingjude #groundinggriffin #movingmaverick #deliveringdante #averymarianchristmas #mademarianshorts #mademarianmixtapes #mademarian #mademarianseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Borrowing Blue (Made Marian Series #1)

I want to be a part of this fucking family!!! 

Sorry, I guess I need to back up a bit...

The Made Marian Series by Lucy Lennox. It's a series of M/M novels that are all connected by the Marian Family. Each book gives another Marian brother a forever love. And god, I could barely get enough.
The first book is called "Borrowing Blue"

["Blue: When my ex walks into the resort bar with his new husband on his arm, I want nothing more than to prove to him that I've moved on. Thankfully, the sexy stranger sitting next to me is more than willing to share a few kisses in the name of revenge. It gets even better when those scorching kisses turn into a night of fiery passion.

The only problem? Turns out the stranger's brother is marrying my sister later this week.

Tristan: I have one rule: no messing with the guests at my vineyard resort. Of course the one exception I make turns out to be the brother of the woman my brother's about to marry. Now we're stuck together for a week of wedding activities, and there's no avoiding the heat burning between us.

So fine, we make a deal: one week. One week to enjoy each other's bodies and get it out of our system. Once the bride and groom say I do and we become family, it'll all be over between us. Right?"]

GOD! This book was the perfect introduction to the series. You get one (almost) easy love story surrounded by another and a whole hell of a lot of people utterly dedicated to each other...

...and a few cursing grannies (which, by the way, just like *chef's kiss* the best part in each novel--they just get dirtier and dirtier and it's fucking glorious).

Also, I like wine, but it's not my go-to drink, but after reading this novel, I wanted to go on a vineyard tour in napa with the characters from "Parent Trap" (even Meredith). 

#borrowingblue #tamingteddy #jumpingjude #groundinggriffin #movingmaverick #deliveringdante #averymarianchristmas #mademarianshorts #mademarianmixtapes #mademarian #mademarianseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Dating Game

And novellas to the rescue when you're too tired to read a full-length novel, but you still wanted to fall in love with people falling in love.

This next post goes out to Rebecca Norinne and her book, "The Dating Game":

["When I told my brother I’d do anything to save our dad's restaurant, I should have been more specific. What I’d meant was I’d auction off a couple of old jerseys, not go on a reality dating show in the hopes of boosting business until he could finally retire.

But since I know a thing or two about taking one for the team, I suit up, hop on a plane, and head to a mansion in L.A. where I’ll spend the next eight weeks.

Thankfully, it’s not as bad as I feared. After all, there are worse things in life than spending time with a smart, beautiful woman. And some of the guys I’m competing against are pretty cool, too—when we aren’t trying to outdo one another for her affections.

Only, in a surprise twist absolutely no one saw coming, she’s not the person I’m falling for. The suave, confidant man who sleeps across the hall, however? That’s a whole different story"]

I wish it was as easy falling in love as books make it out to be. 

And figuring out your shit...

Self-depreciating moment over; moving on. These two were just as cute and fluffy and smitten as you'd expect.

And the "poor girl" stuck in the middle?? Don't you worry your ass about her. She'll be just fine. ;)

After I obsessively read the rest of #LucyLennox's books (posts to come in at you in crazy waves), I'll be sure to hit up the rest of Rebecca's and update you on those as well. ;)

#thdatinggame #rebeccanorinne #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

BTW: By The Way (After Oscar Series #3)

 You know that movie where the female sleeps with the main male protagonist, and then, the very next person she dates ends up being her Happily Ever After? I think it's called "Good Luck, Chuck"?? 

Well the After Oscar series by sister duos Molly Maddox and Lucy Lennox is a version of that. Oscar is a mysterious and quirky character who knows and/or has previously dated at least one of the main characters in each of the series' novels. And sometime after they break up (Oscar is the "always a bridesmaid never a bride" type of character), they meet their One True Love.

The third book in this new series is "BTW: By The Way"...

["James:

My assignment is simple: go to the Cape and seal the real estate deal for my most important client. No problem. I’m good at my job, I know how to close a sale, and this time won’t be any different.

Until I meet Sawyer, the sexy young bartender I accidentally kiss in the broom closet. Turns out, he’s one of the owners I’m here to negotiate with.

Okay, so that complicates things. As does the fact that he doesn’t want to sell. Or that we can’t keep our hands off each other despite being on opposite sides. And most of all… that I might be falling for him even though I know better. I’ve made the mistake of falling for a younger man before and I won’t do it again.

Sawyer:

For me, family is everything, and nothing represents ours more than the Sea Sprite, the motel that’s been in my family for eighty years. Sure, others (*cough*James*cough*) may describe it as rundown or derelict or in desperate need of a wrecking ball. But I call it our legacy.

I’ve got plans -- big plans to renovate the motel back to its vintage glory. The only thing standing in my way is James Allen, the fancy-schmancy lawyer from New York with his adorable smile, jaw-dropping assets, and his client’s millions of dollars.

James seems hellbent on destroying my future. But maybe there’s a way for us to build a new one together... "]

This world reminded me of the small-town-ness of like the Poconos but with a fun and light-hearted feel of Bethany Beach. Either way, I want to visit.

I also cried a lot during this book. I say that a lot, and I mean it (I cry a lot, it happens). This book was soooo cute and soooo good. And dare there be men in this world (fictional or otherwise) that can be so soft and caring and self-sacrificing. 

#irl #inreallife #lol #laughoutloud #btw #bytheway #brb #berightback #hea #happilyeverafter #mollymaddox #lucylennox #afteroscar #afteroscarseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks