Goodbye, May!

May...you were a rollercoaster. A lot of self-doubt, a lot of imposter syndrome. But a lot of hope and dreaming and support.

2024 Resolutions:

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

(1) Books read this month: 36 (might get one more in there before midnight though).
    (b) Monthly Reading Challenge(s): Shape = Flower. Got some A-Z stuff recorded. Tried to catch up on the backlogs. 

(2) May Memories: I tried some new things. I put myself out there a few times. I didn't give up. I took my grandma to the local conservatory for Mother's Day. Took my mom to a locally-owned (as opposed to city-owned) zoo. I babysat once. Got together with old-old coworkers. I met up with my best friend for a coffee-shop work-date. I got a new tattoo. I got some really good advice from strangers (shocker).

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 28.

(4)  Days were okay. Evenings were rough. Nights were hard. But I finally found more of a system that helps me flow and succeed a little better, so we're going with it.

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

Any exciting June reads?
Anything I should check out?

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyemay #hellojune #hello2024 #keeplearning #dontstopreading #monthlyreadingchallenge #makememories #shareloveofbooks #bekindertoself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Burn After Writing

Trying to do a few things for myself, to better myself, to better my mental health. Sharon Jones's "Burn After Writing" is definitely helping.

["Burn After Writing is an interactive book that invites you to face life's big questions - all on your favourite subject: Yourself.

In a society where we 'share' everything, Burn After Writing goes against the grain and politely asks you to 'share' nothing."]

Lots of lists (if you know me, you know I love my lists). Thinking about what I want, what I need, what needs cut, what needs to change. How I can be better to myself, better to others. How I can cultivate something brighter, something healthier.

I felt like some of it was repetitive, but that won't necessarily stop me from redoing it in a few years from now.

#burnafterwriting #sharonjones #journal #selfhelpbook #selfhelpjournal #journalling #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Totally Geeked (Love in Play #2)

Apparently, I SUCK at reading books that came out within the last 6 months, but I can read books that came out within the last 6 hours. Here's Becca Jackson's "Totally Geeked." It's the second book in her Love in Play series.

My best friend isn't sold on the brother's-best-friend romance trope, but I gotta say, it's in my top three tropes/cliches of all time. :D "'If you want my input,' I say up to the sky as if I'm talking to the universe itself. 'Arlo is exactly the kind of guy I need.' If only he wasn't my best friend's brother."

["Harrison’s love life is a parade of fun, flirty encounters thanks to every dating app you can imagine, but nothing sticks. Finally, sick of the endless cycle of Friday night hookups, he hits uninstall on the apps and challenges the universe to show him that he deserves someone better.

What he didn’t expect was the universe throwing him a curveball in the form of his best friend’s younger brother. Despite being best friends with Gordon for years, he’s never actually met his siblings and even half-joked they didn’t exist.

But there they are, at a party at Gordon’s place, and one brother, Arlo, is seriously hard to ignore. He’s nothing like Gordon. Quiet, adorable, and totally off-limits… which sucks. But when Harrison spots an opportunity to help him steady his nerves on his children’s book tour, he jumps at the chance to get to know him better, because spending time with him feels like the most right thing he’s done in forever.

The more time they spend together, the less Harrison can imagine being with anyone else. But going after what he wants means betraying his best friend. Can he find the courage to catch life’s most unexpected of pitches?"]

Gotta be honest here, I KNOW Harrison was probably highlighted a lot in "Totally Ducked," but I can't quite place him in my memory, which is really fucking sad, because I'm obsessed with him! D: His sweetness, his excitement, his pet names, his teasing, his banter, his talking to the universe, his protectiveness of Arlo, his Arlo. D: God, I can't!!

And Arlo fucking DESERVED all the perfect that is Harrison. Being all cute and shy and nerdy and adorable and clumsy and coming out of his shelf (because of Harrison) and getting more confident (because of Harrison) and learning to love himself (because of Harrison) and genuinely living his dream (because of himself). 

#totallyblitzed #totallyducked #totallygeeked #totallyopposed #loveinplay #loveinplaysseries #beccajackson #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King

I'm in the process of adding my blog/IG posts onto Goodreads, and I learned that there was a sequel to Daniel Haack's (author) and Stevie Lewis's (illustrator) "Prince & Knight." This one is called "Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King."

["Have you heard the thrilling tale
of the prince and his dear knight?
Their love for one another
inspired everyone in sight.

Our brave and dashing heroes, the prince and the knight, are happily married and their kingdom is prospering, but soon, a fog of darkness that blocks the sun spreads across their land. They get word that the cause of this is a dark and mysterious Shadow King, and they rush off to find and stop him, but encounter many obstacles along the way. Will they be able to restore the light to their kingdom?"]

The book was, under the surface No, there wasn't a subtle thing about it. This book was about acceptance of being who you are (even if its not who you're "supposed to be") and loving who you love (even if its not "the norm"). 

"Like the colors of the rainbow, I'm glad we're not the same."

It was beautiful!! I wish it were longer (but maybe there will be a third book?). But the fact that this book (and the original) even exists is something that I didn't think was possible ten years ago (and DEFINITELY wasn't possible 30 years ago). Our world is shit (let's me honest), but there are moments and pieces of it that are glorious and need to be shared (like this book).

They also wrote a sapphic book called "Maiden & Princess" that I need to get to buying/reading. 

#princeandknight #princeandknighttaleoftheshadowking #taleoftheshadowking #danielhaack #stevielewis #childrensstory #picturebooks #lgbtrepresentation #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

You've Got Male (Rom-Com Reboot #2)

Here's D.J. Jamison's "You've Got Male." It's the second novel in their new Rom-Com Reboot series.

["My friends are all about the romance. Me? I've got other things to worry about.

Carrying on my uncle's little record store--his legacy--means everything to me.

Too bad a big entertainment store is opening across the street. The owner, Chase Fox, is too friendly, too smooth--too annoying. He knows I'm straight, and his competition besides, and still he flirts with me.

My only comfort is the new friend I met on the SeattleLife site. We never exchanged real names, and I don't know if they're a guy or a girl, but there's a freedom in that. I can say anything to them without holding back.

But as time goes on, I get more curious. And more confused.

Could my online pal be more than a friend? Even if they're not a woman?

And why are Chase's flirty smiles suddenly giving me flutters and making me wish for the impossible--that my business rival and my closest online friend might actually be the same guy.

A guy meant to be mine."]

Quote of the day (Chase // Austin) "'Because you love me. You said so, and you can't take it back.' // I sputtered a laugh. 'I'm not going to take it back.'"

My heart went out to Austin; it did. But in all honesty, I was obsessed with Chase. He meant well and did everything he could do make things better between them and the community (aka the farthest thing from the villain Austin tried to make him). 

But in the end, like all good books, they fall in love and had the cutest of (found family plus doggo) HEAs. :D 

#sexlessinseattle #youvegotmale #legallybrawn #romcomreboot #romcomrebootseries #djjamison #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Taming a Demon (Dallying with Demons #2)

I was recently introduced to Amy Padilla and her Dallying with Demons series. The second book is "Taming a Demon."

["Tyler is cursed. Not in the joking, having a bad week kind of day. He can’t seem to get through one day without injuring himself. He lost his job, his apartment, is camping out on his sister’s couch, and things just seem to be getting worse. So when a hot AF demon comes to his rescue, he jumps at the chance for a distraction. After all, what’s a better distraction from a bad day than sex?

Felix doesn’t trust humans. Not after what happened. But when his best friend drops him for his new boyfriend, he’s in desperate need of a distraction. And the clumsy human who can’t catch a break is a fun distraction. As long as he doesn’t get too close, what could go wrong?

But when they both realize that the curse is more than just a joke, they have to figure out how to get rid of it before Tyler gets hurt. Or hurts someone else. Because, you know, they wanted things to be hot between the sheets, but they weren’t exactly looking to light the thing on fire. Especially with them in it."]

And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["don’t trust Tyler with fragile objects, curses, frat boys and demons, what could go wrong, trust issues, sexy times outside, caught in the act, stairs are dangerous, miscommunication, literal fire, it was an accident, witches mean business, Athena is sassy like always, confrontations, prank war, who thought this was a good idea?, sometimes sex should be fun, even pranksters deserve love."]

You know that kinda guy who pretends to be happy all the time? Who's the joking/funny friend in the group? Who's never serious? Who's the kinda frat/dude bro type? That's BOTH Felix and Tyler. I highlighted "there's two of them" multiple times while reading (it was great!).

They became fast friends (best friends), even before they succumbed to the lust between them. And when they started down the spicy path? They were sooo gone on each other. So gone :D 

And what's hotter than a supernatural being protecting their mate in the face of death? No fucking much.

Trigger Warnings: a non-consensual kiss, threats of assault, trigger happy police officers, and more.

#datingademon #tamingademon #claimingademon #lovingademon #savingademon #dallyingwithdemons #dallyingwithdemonsseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Dating a Demon (Dallying with Demons #1)

I was recently introduced to Amy Padilla and her Dallying with Demons series. The first book is "Dating a Demon."

["Brandon had gone his whole life without experiencing the kind of connection that he’d always wanted. So when his best friend offers to set him up on a blind date, he decides it can’t hurt to try. He never expected Callum. He’s bigger, taller, and more dominant, and exactly what Brandon had always hoped for. He's also a demon.

Callum didn’t usually date humans. It was a rule he and his friends had followed since the integration. But one night with Brandon wasn’t enough for him. And there’s more to their connection than what happens in bed. Something he’d only ever heard about, and never dreamed would be his.

But when the outside world starts poking at their budding relationship, they both need to decide if the feelings stirring in their chest are worth the fight. Or if this was always meant to be one night."]

And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["shy giants, Sexy Demons, Brandon finally isn’t the biggest guy in the room, experimenting, flirting, pet names, Brandon gets to be the little spoon, mates, sassy oracles know too much, jealous best friends, brothers are annoying, Callum makes them regret it, cuddles, sixty nines, adorable fluff, a little bloodshed, and lots of spice."]

How can a book be this cute and adorable be as spicy as it was?!?! D:  Holy hell, this book was fantastic. 

Neither of them wanted something serious, and yet, here we are. Neither of them were sure about crossing species' lines, and yet, here we are. Neither of them wanted out of the honeymoon bubble, and yet, here we are. 

I would have looooved to have lingered more on the mates things, learned more about how that works and what that entails and what it all means, but overall, this book was a homerun in my opinion. A great debut for Amy!!

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, species-phobia, assault, violence, and more

#datingademon #tamingademon #claimingademon #lovingademon #savingademon #dallyingwithdemons #dallyingwithdemonsseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Domesticated Beast (Time Served #3)

Here's Only James's "Domesticated Beast." It's the third and final book in her Time Served series (which is an Elite Protection Services spin-off series).

["JAVIER DE LA FUENTE is a criminal, an ex-con with a long line of offenses, atoning for his sins by rescuing abused animals and advocating for child victims. But that doesn’t mean he’s a saint. Javier learned years ago that what’s right and what’s legal aren’t always the same thing.

BOWIE BAKER is a ballet dancer, a soloist doing his best to get ahead in his LA dance company. Until an opportunity turns his life into a nightmare that Bowie can’t seem to escape. He’s never been a victim and he’s not about to start now, even if that means storming the police station full of righteous fury and facing down a room of armed detectives.

One look at Bowie and Javier is all in, calling in favors just for an opportunity to see him again. To make him feel safe. Bowie knows Javier isn’t a good guy, but he’s had enough of the good guys and maybe Javier is the kind of bad he needs.

When an attempt to make Bowie feel safe again only thrusts him further into danger, Javier has to decide whether he’s willing to risk his freedom, and maybe even his life, to keep Bowie in his arms for good."]

This world sucks. I mean, THIS world, Javier's/Bowie's world technically is fiction, but you know what I mean. People are horrible. People do terrible things to good people. It's not fair. Bowie didn't deserve that. BUT Javier made sure that his angel's abuser made amends (and then...let's just say he made sure of other things ;) ).

Poor Javier, though. He didn't stand a chance against Bowie. He was head over heals, heart eyes and everything from the moment Bowie stormed screaming into the police station (a very appropriate "meet-cute"). Bowie took some convincing (but not a lot, Javier might not have the puppy eyes down, but he's a force to be reckoned with in his own ways).

Together, they were unstoppable (like many (all of) the couples in Onley's books). Just this side of psychotic but capable of so much love and devotion.  

Trigger Warnings: references to a recent off page sexual assault and its aftermath, re-victimizing, stalking, and more 

#endangeredspecies #dangerousbreed #domesticatedbeast #timeserved #timeservedseries #eliteprotectionservices #eliteprotectionservicesseries #onleyjames #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Dangerous Breed (Time Served #2)

Here's Only James's "Dangerous Breed." It's the second book in her Time Served series (which is an Elite Protection Services spin-off series).

["PREACHER GRAVES made a fatal error in judgment when he was just sixteen years old, and it cost him twenty years. Now, he plans to live out his days in quiet isolation. For six months, he’s done just that. Until a favor for a friend finds him rescuing a twelve-year-old boy from a ruthless biker gang, putting him face to face with the boy’s beautiful and very damaged older brother, Memphis.

MEMPHIS CAMDEN suffered an unspeakable childhood, culminating in an act that left him disfigured, inside and out. When he could, he ran, leaving his past behind, including a baby brother he thought was safe. For a time, Memphis is content living and working in an LA flower shop. He’s put thoughts of love aside, unable to trust anybody enough to let them see all of him. But a phone call changes everything.

Preacher assumes his protective detail will end when Memphis arrives, but one look and he can’t bring himself to leave. Memphis is terrified of his abuser, but he’s fiercely protective of the brother he barely knows, and now, Preacher feels the same way for Memphis.

But protecting the Camden brothers is going to take more than just Preacher. Their father is the head of the vicious biker gang that chained up one son and maimed another, and he’s decided they need to be silenced. Memphis is battling a past that’s come back to haunt him and the irresistible draw Preacher seems to have over him, but each time he gets close, Memphis pulls away. Can Preacher keep Memphis safe and convince him that he can trust him with his body and his heart?"]

There’s so much to say about this book that I don’t even know where to start. There’s the fluff and the found family. But there’s the trauma and the terror. There’s the falling in love and the falling in trust and falling into a life you always wanted but didn’t think you could have. There’s so many appearances from the Elite series (#TwinkTraumaSquad) and a pair of dogs so fucking sweet and loyal and badass. 

Trigger Warnings: brief mentions of extreme past child abuse, a vague reference to dog fighting, homophobia, assault, hospitalization, and more.

#endangeredspecies #dangerousbreed #domesticatedbeast #timeserved #timeservedseries #eliteprotectionservices #eliteprotectionservicesseries #onleyjames #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

May's Book Shape Challenge

Here's Mays Book Shape Challenge! Last month was a raindrop, so to complete the phrase, May is a cute flower. Aprils showers bring... May flowers!

(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

Endangered Species (Time Served #1)

Here's Only James's "Endangered Species." It's the first book in her Time Served series (which is an Elite Protection Services spin-off series).

I was seriously wondering why Elite Protection Services ended without our sweet and sassy tech-master Wester getting his HEA, until I actually read the first blurb in this newer series. Oh you poor summer child Web, I have a feeling you're really in for it in this one.

["After spending his formative years in an abusive home, NICHOLAS WEBSTER has made a pretty good life for himself. He has friends, a lucrative job with Elite Protection Services, and a side gig that lets him help out those escaping the same abusive home situation he left behind. But no matter how many people he helps, he can’t escape the guilt over the one person he didn’t—his step-brother, Cyrus.

CYRUS WHITAKER has spent the last twenty years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, put there by the very person he vowed to protect. On the inside, he’s made strides to better himself so he can have a future on the outside. But just when he thinks there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, he receives a new cellmate—the boy who put him away all those years ago.

In trying to make things right, Webster has triggered a series of events that will ruin both their lives, or worse, end them. Somebody has framed him and sent him to a prison where they hope Cy’s need to get even will get rid of Webster for good. But they don’t know Cyrus or the bond they shared. A bond they still share. But can Webster figure out who’s doing this to them and why before Cyrus is forced to choose between hurting the one person he loves or spending his life in a cage?"]

You know sometimes (most of the time), you feel the feelings characters are while you're reading. I was panic breathing during a good 60% of this book. It went from fear panic to anger panic. 

But I was so caught up in the drama and the dedication and the love. I partially KNEW how Cy was going to react when he saw Web again, but Holy. Shit. it was still so *heart eyes* and *butterflies* and *fangirl squeals*. I'm obsessed with them. I mean, step-brothers trope is a hard yes for me, but these two? Holy Spice, Holy Fluff, Holy Possessive.  

Only Onley could make something so...This. I can't even... Her books are so brutally beautiful but toxic/traumatic; it's a whole mood (and I'm Here for it). 

Trigger Warnings: references to past physical and sexual abuse, threats of sexual assault, on-page physical violence, rigged criminal justice system, dirty cops, and more

#endangeredspecies #dangerousbreed #domesticatedbeast #timeserved #timeservedseries #eliteprotectionservices #eliteprotectionservicesseries #onleyjames #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sainted

Not sure where my reading journey is taking me at the moment. Either way, here is Jesse H. Reign's "Sainted." 

["Falling for my kidnapper is a terrible idea.

He’s a bad man and I don’t mean trash like your ex. I mean seriously bad. I mean dangerous. You can tell just by looking at him; black eyes, a menacing scowl, and a nose that’s been badly broken in the past.

He is my arch nemesis. My mortal enemy. My singular obsession.

I was afraid of him when we met. He took me against will and kept me chained to a bed. Me, Damon Alexander Beckett of BeckIT fame and fortune. Well, the joke’s on him because I’m going to make it my life’s mission to destroy him. But first, I have to survive being his captive. He’s here all the time. Watching me. His heavy male presence never more than five feet away, dark, glinting eyes tracking down my body.

When he propositions me indecently, I am shocked and outraged. As I should be. Seriously, the audacity of him is unreal.

It’s obvious I should say no. It goes without saying. Any sane person would laugh in his face.

So why am I sinking to my knees?"]

I'm OBSESSED with this book! Like, holy shit, it had NO RIGHTS being as good as it was. I could gush for a while about it, but maybe I'll just give you some quote. ;)

"'Thought you couldn't stand me. Why'd you go and kill for me?' // 'I can't stand you. That's why I did it. If anyone's going to kill you, it's going to be me.' // I'm stunned into silence. It is just me, or was the the most goddammned romantic thing you've ever heard?"

"Someone who looks straight into the eyes on a monster without flinching and seems to say, 'I see your monster and I raise him a demon.'"

There were more quote, but I don't want to flood you with them. THESE were all DURING the kidnapping (yes, during). AFTER it? It was like a Mulvaney book (all stalking and red flags and toxic shit that is somehow romantic and sweet).

#sainted #jessehreign #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Testing the Goalie (Green Springs University #2)

Sorta trying to catch up on a few books from my short list TBR piles. Here's Laura John's latest series: Green Springs University. The second novel is "Testing the Goalie."

["It’s my last year as a GSU Koala, and I’ve worked hard to become the hotshot goalie our fans know and love. I could go pro, but that’s never been my end goal. I want to be a doctor, and I’m determined to get there.

I give hockey and school my all, which hasn’t left much time for relationships. Not that I want one, since people always leave - a lesson I learned the hard way.

Despite my past, part of me is over quick hookups and the endless string of one night stands I’ve been entertaining for the past few years. Of course, it would help if I could stop dreaming about my summer fling. The man who had me calling him “Daddy” as if it was second nature. Who opened my eyes to things I had no idea I would love.

That’s easier said than done when I see him again, in the last place I expect: as the newest professor at GSU.

Even though I'm not in any of his classes, he thinks I’m off-limits. Will I be able to convince him that a friends-with-benefits arrangement is just what we need to meet our mutual desires? If I do, what happens then?"]

These two went from "it can't happen" to "it's only physical" to...well, I'm sure you can guess. ;) 

From the very beginning, they were playing a losing game if they really thought there wasn't going to be a HEA in the cards for them. I mean, they were perfect for each other. They both wanted the same things in life and in love (even if they didn't know it at the start). 

This series has so many characters that I want to get HEAs. Each new book just has more people! 

Trigger Warnings: PTSD, darker side of the foster care system, and more.

#schoolingthequarterback #testingthegoalie #teasingthewinger #laurajohn #greenspringsuniveristy #greenspringsuniversityseries #gsu #gsuseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Triple Trouble (The Situationship #2)

Not sure where my reading journey is taking me at the moment. Either way, here is Jesse H. Reign's "Triple Trouble." It's the second book in her The Situationship series (I read the first book, "The Step Bro Situation," a while ago).

["Two dude-bros, one beautiful femme boy, and a game of gay chicken that goes badly awry…

It’s fair to say my best friend Mat and I are looking for trouble when we head out for a wild night on the town, and boy, do we find it. We find it in the form of Trouble, a guy with long, silky black hair, doe eyes, and thick, fleshy lips. Sweat glitters down his spine and he moves like there’s music in his soul. Every eye in the place in on him. He’s magnetic. The second we see him, we want him. We both do.

Suddenly, the fact we thought we were straight doesn’t seem all that important.

Trouble turns our lives upside down. He makes us do things we’ve never done. He makes us want things we’ve never wanted either.

He makes me look at Mat in way that’s brand new, too.

Everything is changing. Nothing is as it was.

There’s only one thing that’s certain anymore - Mat and I both want to get into Trouble."] 

I'm not sure why I didn't read this novel after I read the first one (maybe this one wasn't out yet), but everyone in here (as well as everyone in this series) was mentioned in "Work: Strictly Professional", and I neeeeded to know how their HEA happened. 

My. God. This book was sooooo freaking good! There was so much fluff and love and support and care. But there was also so much steam and spice and hotness, like holy fuck! D: 

I looooved them. LOVED them. I couldn't get enough of them. 

Mat was all in, head over heels, from the very beginning; no regrets. Will tried to hold his feelings back when he was hit with all of Trouble (and all of Mat), but he didn't last too long. Trouble? He held out pretty damn long, with the feelings he showed to Mat and Will and the feelings he let himself feel. But he was also fighting a losing battle. HEAs win ever time. 

#thestepbrosituation #tripletrouble #thedaddyarrangement #thesituationship #thesituationshipseries #jessehreign #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Work: Strictly Professional (Bad Decisions #2)

More scrambling to pick what to read (and not reading something off any of my many, many TBR lists). Here's Jesse H. Reign's "Work: Strictly Professional." It's the second book in her Bad Decisions series.

["“Not to worry, I’ll compensate you for your time and your…skill.”

My boss is a walking red flag. He’s bolshy and rude. Impossible to please. A big, broody man with dark eyes that carry an unmistakable message – I am not manageable.

Seriously, he’s the worst.

If it’s not bad enough that he’s a nightmare in the office, he’s all but ordering me to be his date to his son’s wedding. He says it’s called ‘winning a divorce.’

I try telling him that’s not a real thing but it falls on deaf ears.

Not only that, he appears to be in the throes of a major personal awakening and is determined that I’m the man to guide him through it. Normally, I’m all for going above and beyond in the name of being a star performer at work, but the services he requires are becoming increasingly indecent.

See what I mean? Red flags galore. So many red flags I can’t count them all.

I might as well be playing a game of red flag bingo at this point.

Just my luck, when it comes to Derek MacAvoy…I see a red flag and instantly want to date it."]

This book was a smidge weird at first, having JUST read the book about Derek's son (and, as a reader, being reminded of how Miller and Ryan got together JUST the same way Wyn and Derek got together), BUT I persevered. ;) 

I looooooved them. LOVED them! They were so just D: Sweet and feisty and soft and spicy and fought each other at every angle all the while falling harder each moment. It was glorious and dangerous and BEAUTIFUL.

#rentpaidinfull #workstrictlyprofessional #jessehreign #baddecisions #baddecisionsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Rent: Paid in Full (Bad Decisions #1)

More scrambling to pick what to read (and not reading something off any of my many, many TBR lists). Here's Jesse H. Reign's "Rent: Pain in Full." Its the first book in her Bad Decisions series.

["“You have something I want. Something I’ll happily buy…or rent.”

As if my life doesn’t suck enough already, my insufferable new roommate, Miller MacAvoy, seems determined to make things weird. He watches me all the time, grinning at me like a beautiful idiot, eyes boring holes into me every time I turn my back on him.

It’s the last thing I need. Things haven’t been going well. College isn’t working out at all like I’d hoped. I’m drowning in debt, waiting tables every shift I can get, and falling behind on my studies.

Something’s got to give.

I can’t go on like this much longer.

Miller, being the out-of-touch rich boy he is, keeps offering to throw cash my way. Obviously, I’d rather die than accept charity from him.

Still, he watches and waits. Insisting again and again that I have something he wants to buy. It’s insane. I have nothing of value to sell. Absolutely nothing. My phone screen is cracked and my truck could easily be mistaken for scrap.

Wait.

No!

Surely not.

He can’t possibly be thinking that.

Can he?"]

Ryan (blurb POV) is a little biased, to be perfectly honest. Yes, Miller is a bit of a dude-bro, and yes, he's rich as fuck, and yes, he might have had a fuck-boy past, but he's actually very nice. Granted, Ryan is biased from past bullying traumas.

Ryan is a lot like April Ludgate from Parks and Rec, and Miller is a lot like Andy Dwyer. Ryan was very angry and closed off and unwilling to do most things, until he met and fell in love with Miller. Miller was very playful and immature and didn't take life very seriously, until he met and fell in love with Ryan. They both became better people when they got together (though "got together" is different to both of them; Ryan was in denial for the loooongest time (Miller was sold from the first day, pun not intended)).

Trigger Warnings: anxiety, off-page bullying, and more.

#rentpaidinfull #workstrictlyprofessional #jessehreign #baddecisions #baddecisionsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Blurred Lines (Darby U Hockey Boys #2)

When there's far too many books to pick from, what do you do? Naturally, panic and read nothing while you debate (with yourself) on what to read for a week or so. I finally decided on "Blurred Lines" by Andi Jaxon. It's the second novel in her Darby U Hockey Boys series.

["I’ve been in love with my best friend for years.
The problem?
He thinks I’m straight.
And now that I share a dorm with him, his insistent need to cuddle -and lack of clothes- are blurring the careful lines I’ve drawn.
I'm struggling to keep my defenses up.
I love him but I’m afraid.
Afraid I’m not enough to make him stay.
Afraid he’ll rip my heart out.
Afraid he won’t love me back.
But I see a side of him no one else does.
In the security of our room, he lets his mask fall.
Lets me hold him.
Something lurks in the dark recesses of his mind that keeps him from going all in.
He’s just as hesitant about this as I am, but I don’t understand why.

Can I convince him to let me love him the way he deserves…
or will he take my heart and run away with it?"]

These two!!! D: I love them! They're soft and sweet, but rough and feisty. They're cuddling one minute and anxiety fighting the next. 

There was physical touch as a love language, food as a love language, crazy impulsive decisions as a love language. There was possession and declarations and protective streaks a mile long. 

There was also anxious thoughts turned toxic, because Trauma, so get your tissues ready for that one. Like the last book in this series, the trauma and the trigger warnings start off fast and heavy (you've been warned).

Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, car accident, death of a parent, abandonment of a parent, bullying, assault, anxiety, depression, and more.

#hiddenscars #blurredlines #offsides #darbyuhockeyboys #darbyuhockeyboysseries #andijaxon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hidden Scars (Darby U Hockey Boys #1)

When there's far too many books to pick from, what do you do? Naturally, panic and read nothing while you debate (with yourself) on what to read for a week or so. I finally decided on "Hidden Scars" by Andi Jaxon. It's the first novel in her Darby U Hockey Boys series.

["Charles Preston Carmichael is the most infuriating man I’ve ever met.
I want to sock the golden boy of college hockey right in the mouth.
He enjoys telling me everything I’m messing up. Publicly.
And since he’s my roommate for the next year, I can’t avoid him.

Yet there’s something about him that makes me watch him.
Something dark.
A secret I want to uncover.

When he returns from a weekend away, broken and haunted, I can’t keep my distance anymore.
He needs someone and I’ll be damned if it’s not me.
Soon my life no longer revolves around hockey, but the nightmares he’s living with.
Desperately I want to save him but I can’t, not yet. The timing has to be just right.

Can I watch him destroy himself as he tries to hold tight to the things that matter or will I be the final hit in the destruction of his life?"]

This book DESTROYED me. It was a crying, sobbing, emotional mess. This book is so sweet and so dark and so soft and so toxic and so fucking messed up, but I looooooved it. It was glorious in all of its trigger warnings and making me cry (post book hangover) while watching The Office. 

And the trigger warnings start off STRONG, like first page of the prologue graphic violence and abuse (physical and psychological). You think you're prepared, but I'm going to tell you right fucking now: you're now. Like Preston has all the demons and all the reasons to hate everyone and to shut himself down and to never let anyone close. Too fucking bad Jermey just (accidentally) plows straight through those walls (which helped Preston, having someone in his corner, but also made the thoughts of self hate from ptsd stronger).

Part of me hopes the next book is easier on my emotions, but the other part of me is saying "bring it."

Trigger Warnings: anxiety, hospitalization, critical talk about diets/food, physical abuse, psychological abuse, suicide (on page but not graphic), and more.

#hiddenscars #blurredlines #offsides #darbyuhockeyboys #darbyuhockeyboysseries #andijaxon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Dad Next Door (Crimson Club #5)

Attempting to get to my backlog of favorite authors and their newest releases... Here's Willow Dixon's "Dad Next Door." It's the fifth novel in her Crimson Club series.

["Moving into my first house is step one in starting my new life. Next is setting up my contracting business. I’m so focused on my future that a relationship is the last thing on my mind.

Then I meet Tristan, the single dad next door. He might be my total opposite, but we click in a way I’ve never experienced, and he quickly becomes one of my closest friends.

After attending a wedding as his fake date to make his ex, and his ex’s new boyfriend, jealous, I can’t deny that things between us have changed. I always thought I was straight, but being with Tristan doesn’t just feel good, it feels right.

Having a fling with my neighbor might be a recipe for disaster, but it could also be exactly what we both need to finally move on from our pasts."]

These two were sooooooo soft for each other! D: It was so flipping cute and perfect! They deserved it, thought! They both had their own anxieties and trust-issues and traumas (big and small--still traumas, no matter the size), and they were sooo understanding and communicative with each other through the whole relationship. 

I LOOOOVED them.

I can't wait for Jett's story!! :D

Also, I think I've been reading too many mysteries and dark romances, because I excepted a loooooot more drama, but the whole thing was relatively angst-free (which was also a relief).

Trigger Warnings: discussions of a past emotionally abusive relationship/marriage and more.

#stepbrotherdearest #fakerswithbenefits #bestservedcold #leftonread #dadnextdoor #theirwickedways #crimsonclub #crimsonclubseries #willowdixon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Left on Read (Crimson Club #4)

Attempting to get to my backlog of favorite authors and their newest releases... Here's Willow Dixon's "Left on Read." It's the fourth novel in her Crimson Club series.

["Using a dating app to find someone willing to sell their tools for cheap might be unconventional, but it wasn't like I was having any luck finding my person on them. I'm about to give up on my search for love, and tools, when Hayden messages me.

Not only is my stolen-tool problem solved, but it turns out he’s a great guy, and we quickly become friends. But the more time we spend together, the more I notice something between us.

Something that doesn’t just feel like friendship.

Something that makes me want more. Makes me want him.

Watching Hayden lose control is everything. So is knowing he can’t stay away from me, either."]

There was so much unneeded anxiety in this book. I mean, Zane slapped them both over their faces with reality, and it STILL took them forever to talk! Fucking men.

ANYway, I LOOOOOVED River. I was obsessed with him. Even his quirks and insecurities were admirable and adorable. CLEALY, Hayden agrees. ;) Honestly though, they both had their own pasts and traumas and self-hates, but together (and with the help from their friends), they worked through it and learned that they're beautiful in their own way.

I was all set up (spoiler ahead--minor) for a third-act-break-up, but luckily, it didn't happen (or I would have SOBBED).

Trigger Warnings: neglectful and emotionally detached parents, mentions of past death of parents, mention of financially abusive extensive family, mentions of past bullying, mentions of an emotionally abusive ex, and more.

#stepbrotherdearest #fakerswithbenefits #bestservedcold #leftonread #dadnextdoor #theirwickedways #crimsonclub #crimsonclubseries #willowdixon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Suddenly A Murder

I thiiiiiiink I stumbled across Lauren Muńoz's "Suddenly A Murder" at target (not a targeted add this time--just lack of control at a store instead).

["Seven friends throw a 1920s-themed party, where it's all pretend--until one of them is murdered. One of Us Is Lying meets Knives Out in this killer locked-room mystery.

Someone brought a knife to the party.

To celebrate the end of high school, Izzy Morales joins her ride-or-die Kassidy and five friends on a 1920s-themed getaway at the glamorous Ashwood Manor. There, Izzy and her friends party in vintage dresses and expensive diamonds--until Kassidy's boyfriend turns up dead.

Murdered, investigators declare when they arrive at the scene, and now every party guest is a suspect. There's the girlfriend, in love. The other girl, in despair. The old friend, forlorn. The new friend, distressed. The brooding enigma. And then, there's Izzy--the girl who brought the knife.

To find the killer, everyone must undergo a grueling interrogation, all while locked in an estate where, suddenly, the greatest luxury is innocence."]

I enjoyed how this book flashed from the present to the past (again, trickling through everyone's POV--giving us readers incite on exactly why everyone at the party had motive and means to murder Blaine (he was kinda an asshole (though, he didn't deserve to die))). I mean, I even suspected Izzy, our narrator (she IS the one who brought the knife).

I managed to catch the ONE inconsistency (there might have been more). I threw my book, ran around the house, and told my mom "I figured out who did it! It was REDACTED!" Which, honestly makes sense. 

Though, gonna be honest here, I was not 100% sold on the Why. Yes, it was legit, and yes, people have murdered for less, and YES it was horrible and disgusting and just blegh (ONE of the many reasons Blaine sucks (though, this one wasn't all his fault)). But it just...I don't know. The novel deflated a bit for me after that. 

Though x2, there were some nice plot twists in there (family, friends, romance, acceptance, disregarding people's biases, going for your dreams).

#suddenlyamurder #laurenmunoz #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography

The Amazing Alpha Tau Pledge Project (Alpha Tau #3)

Here is Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey's "The Amazing Alpha Tau Pledge Project." It's the second in their Alpha Tau series.

["Briar Pendelton is new to Lassiter, and he’s determined to get into Alpha Tau, even if that means lying about already having passed his LSAT and doing stupid pledge stunts like dressing as a sorority girl. Besides, he’s always looked killer in a skirt.

Casey Hill has been pledge master of Alpha Tau for two years. Keeping a bunch of pledges in line is a bit like herding cats, but Casey’s got it down to a fine art.

When Briar sashays into their fraternity with eyeliner, attitude, and legs for miles, Casey is thrown for a loop—in the best possible way. Except what happens when Briar literally can’t make the grade?

Uh oh."] 

Briar is one of my favorite kind of characters: feisty, sassy, not afraid to stand up for others, looks hot in fem, manages to be both dom and sub, has secrets, soft for exactly one person, described multiple times as a angry kitten/feral animal. (One of my OTP's, in my head, is this character--my best friend has the exact opposite opinion of the same character)

Casey was sooooo fucking weak for him. Which I LOVE even more. Fan-girl swoooooning over here.

And when Casey saw Briar in that skirt? The exact quote (including Briar's BFF slash protectee): "'Jesus, Briar,' Charlie said, snapping me out of my fantasies. 'You look amazing!' He spoke in a tone usually reserved for church. // Okay, then. Good to know I wasn't the only one having a religious experience."

Except, all of Briar's secrets are giving me angina, so there's that. 

Trigger Warnings: all sorts of homophobia, bullying, anti-fem-boy-ness (not sure if that qualifies as homophobia or transphobia or just plain dick-behavior), and more.

#brojobs #theamzingalphatauboyfriendproject #themazingalphatauselfimprovementproject #theamazingalphataupledgeproject #theamazingalphatauromeoandjulietproject #alphatau #alphatauseries #lassiteruniversity #lassiteruniversityseries #lisahenry #sarahhoney #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Not So Casual

Trying (and mostly failing) at catching up on recent releases. Here's Ashley Rayne's "Not So Casual."

["What happens when the lines between boss and employee get blurred?

Alexander
From the moment he stepped into my office, there was something different about Elias Bowen. Something that always drew me in and made me want to know more, to drop the walls I’d spent years building. After seeing a different side to Elias, we both have to figure out where our feelings lie. The problem? He’s my assistant.

Elias
From the second I walked into his office, I wanted him. Alexander Hayes. He’s a man who can get everyone he wants, and all I want is him. After an embarrassing night, I throw caution to the wind and push the boundaries of our friendship to see if we could be more. The problem? He’s my boss."]

Ashley prefaced this novella as something that was short, sweet, low-angst, and mostly plot-less (iykyk). This book was beautiful. I've been meaning to read it for weeks, and if I would have known it was low-angst and only 1.5 hours long, I would have totally done it sooner.

It was low-angst, but I still teared up. Elias was a beautiful soul, totally in love with Alexander (who was totally in love with Elias, just didn't know it). There was ALMOST a miscommunication, but gladly, that (loved and hated) trope was not used her (spoiler alert).

This book also (which I LOVE when authors do) hinted at Ashley's previous books and her future books (love. that.).

#notsocasual #ashleyrayne #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

Another one of the books I've been meaning to read for so freaking long (okay, like a month). Holly Jackson's "The Reappearance of Rachel Price."

["A new true-crime fueled mystery thriller about a girl determined to uncover the shocking truth about her missing mother while filming a documentary on the unsolved case.

Lights. Camera. Lies.

18-year-old Bel has lived her whole life in the shadow of her mom’s mysterious disappearance. Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness, but she has no memory of it. Rachel is gone, long presumed dead, and Bel wishes everyone would just move on.

But the case is dragged up from the past when the Price family agree to a true crime documentary. Bel can’t wait for filming to end, for life to go back to normal. And then the impossible happens. Rachel Price reappears, and life will never be normal again.

Rachel has an unbelievable story about what happened to her. Unbelievable, because Bel isn’t sure it’s real. If Rachel is lying, then where has she been all this time? And – could she be dangerous? With the cameras still rolling, Bel must uncover the truth about her mother, and find out why Rachel Price really came back from the dead . . ."]

One of the things I love/hate about mysteries/thrillers is the fact that you can't fucking trust anyone. I'm suspicious of literally everyone. Breathe at me the wrong way, and I'll suspect you. Be too nice, and I'll suspect you. Act too guilty, and I'll suspect you, doubt my self, suspect them again, question my own sanity, have a mental breakdown, and then suspect you again. Not even the narrator is safe (I read a book before that the narrator didn't even know he/she was the killer the whole time--that was a mind-fuck).

Holly Jackson is a master at this craft. Yes, there were a few times it was sluggish, but all novels have those moments (Holly even joked about it 45-pages in "Rachel got into bed, making eye contact with the book waiting for her on the top of her nightstand. The plot hasn't really got going yet--a lot of backstory--but something exciting was going to happen soon. It had to: the title promised it."

Another amazing quote: "'To the most fucked-up family in America. Cheers!'" Which was page, maybe 120, and Bel didn't even know how right that phrase would be. 

#thereappearanceofrachelprice  #hollyjackson #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography

Inferno (Drake Security #4)

So many TBRs and so little time (and these authors just keep releasing shit, like my reading life (and life life) isn't already stressful enough). Here's Mika Nix's "Inferno," the fourth book in the Drake Security series.

["I know I should keep my hands off of Montrose. But the one thing dragons and demons have in common is how much we love to play with fire.

My youngest brother has always had a knack for getting himself into trouble, but this time he’s stolen from the wrong demon and it might just be the last mistake he ever makes.

I have no reason to trust Montrose, but my dragon does anyway. There's something about the vibrant, sassy incubus that calls to me, no matter how hard I try to resist.

Saving my brother's scales should be top priority, but this inferno between Montrose and I just keeps heating up.

If fate put him in my path, can I trust that we'll make it to the other side of this disaster together? There's only one way to find out…"]

These poor fools. They were just so.... Tino said once that he was a himbo, but like bruuuuuuh, you just watched 3 of your brothers fall in love with their fated mates. And you reeeaaalllllly didn't think THAT was why you're emotions were so tangled over Montrose and your dragon was so obsessed with the demon?!?! Everyone fucking else knew. Everyone, but Montrose himself, because he was an idiot about it, too.

BUT they were halfway to being bonded before they realized their stupidity (one point to Dempsey (and Lake) for no longer putting up with their BS). There was so much love and trust and fluff and protectiveness and possessiveness and caring between them (not to mention the lust, the pure (literal) fire between them). 

I fucking can't with this series. It's too many emotions to handle for one person (hence why the author is really two people). I want the next book NOW (mainly because I deduce that it will be Lord's, and with his luck, he'll fall in love with the dragon hunter or something ;) ).

#hothead #smolder #wildfire #inferno #drakesecurity #drakesecurityseries #mikanix #kmneuhold #miamonroe #paranormal #books #queerbooks #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Death at Morning House

While browsing #NetGalley, there's always a book or two that you request even though you KNOW you will get rejected, because What If. Well, what fucking if!?! I was accepted to read an ARC of Maureen Johnson's "Death at Morning House." YAY!

["The fire wasn’t Marlowe Wexler’s fault. Dates should be hot, but not hot enough to warrant literal firefighters. Akilah, the girl Marlowe has been in love with for years, will never go out with her again. No one dates an accidental arsonist.

With her house-sitting career up in flames, it seems the universe owes Marlowe a new summer job, and that’s how she ends up at Morning House, a mansion built on an island in the 1920s and abandoned shortly thereafter. It’s easy enough, giving tours. Low risk of fire. High chance of getting bored talking about stained glass and nut cutlets and Prohibition.

Oh, and the deaths. Did anyone mention the deaths?

Maybe this job isn’t such a gift after all. Morning House has a horrific secret that’s been buried for decades, and now the person who brought her here is missing.

All it takes is one clue to set off a catastrophic chain of events. One small detail, just like a spark, could burn it all down—if someone doesn’t bury Marlowe first."]

My ARC didn't come with a map, it being an ARC and all, but I was still a little sad (I'll survive).

But I did LOVE how the book had 2-3 chapters from Marlowe's POV, and then it switched over to the Ralston Family POV (the original owners of the Morning House), taking turns through the individual family members to show us readers that the Ralston Family wasn't as perfect as the prologue (a Life magazine article) insinuates. It was brilliant (and it added that second layer suspense through a second mystery).

It took me a while to get through this book, NOT because it wasn't good (it was GREAT), but because life and stress and other books debuting (and my lack of impulse control) and whatnot getting in the way. The hook for this book did take a bit to catch you though, so many that was it as well.

But when it did hook you!?! Holy. Fucking. Shit. So much murder and secrets and treasure and "accidents" and wow. Just wooooow. The moment everything started to come together? I don't think I breathed for the last like 2 hours of this book.

Everyone needs to buy this thing when it comes out on August 6, 2024. Ev. Ery. One.

#deathatmorninghouse #maureenjohnson #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Satisfying (Elite Protection Services #4.5)

Not sure WHAT I'm really in the mood to read, but I suppose crossing something off an older TBR list is better than nothing? Here is Onley James's "Satisfying." It's the fifth and final addition (a novella) in her Elite Protection Services series.

[""Do you want to help me put the ho in holiday?"

That’s the line a drunken Jacob Shaw utters to the hottest Santa he’s ever seen. It’s also the only thing he remembers of the night that led to him waking up half naked in a revealing elf costume next to an equally half-naked Santa.

Killian Connolly is a loner. Even with his tight-knit work family, he tends to stick to the fringe of the group. So, when he wakes up next to a tiny, furious half-dressed elf, who accuses him of taking his virginity and cheating on a spouse he doesn’t have, Connolly is both bewitched and confused.

A snow-storm, a marriage neither remember, and an attraction too powerful to resist all lead to the hottest, sweetest, twenty-four hours of both of their lives. Can a drunken mistake between a virgin and a two-time divorcee be the happily-ever-after neither saw coming?"]

This Elite Protection Services novella was almost trauma-less! It's a Christmas miracle! 

Connolly and Jacob were cute and sweet and spicy and snarky and just perfect! I loved them! I'm glad Connolly got rainroaded with a HEA; he never seemed like he fit in anywhere, always on the sidelines. And I'm glad Jacob was chucked into a HEA; cults and childhood trauma suck. Coincidentally, they shared this HEA. ;)

Trigger Warnings: references the past death of a child, mentions of cult shit, and more.

#intoxicating #captivating #exasperating #infuriating #satisfying #eliteprotectionservices #eliteprotectionservicesseries #onleyjames #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Infuriating (Elite Protection Services #4)

Not sure WHAT I'm really in the mood to read, but I suppose crossing something off an older TBR list is better than nothing? Here is Onley James's "Infuriating." It's the fourth novel in her Elite Protection Services series.

["What he fears is love.

JACKSON AVERY has everything in life, except somebody to share it with. But as the owner of one of the largest private security forces in the country, he’s got plenty to keep him busy until he finds ‘the one.’ After spending the last year dealing with the fallout of his best security agents falling for their clients, the last thing Jackson expects is to take one look at feisty camboy, Dayton Daniels, and almost instantly know that he’s it for him.

DAYTON DANIELS has been on his own since he was just fourteen years old. He’s spent his entire life scraping by, doing whatever’s necessary to survive. A severe learning disability has left Day unable to read and forced him to find creative ways to make a living. Camming allows him to earn money while keeping his clients at a distance, and Day has grown used to keeping everybody at a distance...until he witnesses a murder and Jackson Avery walks into his life.

Guarding Day is supposed to be a favor, a simple off the books job until they find out who killed a prominent attorney, but Jackson quickly realizes there is nothing simple about Day. He’s beautiful, smart, surprising, and Jackson is all in merely ten minutes after they meet. But Day, he can’t imagine a man like Jackson wanting to spend his life with somebody like him, and he is determined to do anything to send Jackson running in the opposite direction, no matter how much it hurts.

When Day starts receiving threatening emails, Jackson enlists his team to hunt down the killer. Day doesn’t want to spend the rest of his life living in fear, but every day he’s with Jackson, he falls a little harder, forming cracks in the walls he’s worked so hard to build up around himself. Can Jackson solve a murder and find a way past Day’s defenses to convince him there is such a thing as love at first sight and that everybody deserves a happily ever after, even him?"]

Like, how can each MC in this series get progressively more traumatized? How can their lives get worse than the last book (objectively speaking--seriously trauma isn't comparable)? Holy. Shit.

I mean, the blurb wasn't wrong. Jackson all but said "yes, sir, I'll take that one" (about, and I QUOTE, "that twinky ball of rage"). And Day tried his fucking damned to make Jackson run (the things he did/said in front of Jackson's mother, wow). 

BUT you can only run from fate so far and so hard, because fate doesn't care about your feelings or your trauma or your stalker. No, fate says "you're in love, you twisted fuckers". And then its so. That and the twisted family at Elite Protection Services makes sure you get your happily ever after (with a large side of intrusive but loving found family members).

Trigger Warnings: stalking, past childhood emotional abuse, past childhood sexual trauma, on-page violence, assault, attempted rape, and more.

#intoxicating #captivating #exasperating #infuriating #satisfying #eliteprotectionservices #eliteprotectionservicesseries #onleyjames #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks