Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Hello, 2025!


2025...let's be kind.


For this year's resolutions, I didn't change a thing. I liked my routines (for the most part) last year, and I want to focus on these same things this year.


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


What are your 2025 resolutions?


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

Goodbye, 2024!


This year was...rough. Then again, I told 2024 to bring it...
It was a roller coast of good and bad and worse and almost the worst and good again. It was a year of growth and learning for sure. I learned a lot about myself, what I need, what I want, what I still need to figure out. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows; it was a lot of tears and self-doubt and general anxiety 90% of the year. But it's all looking up (hopefully... NO, it is).

Positives: Lots of looking into and completing self-care. Lots of good family memories. Visited my sister (and will be again in a few days). I quit my job (negative: it took me a while to find a new one, but now, positive: I'm happy and comfortable where I am). Lots of babysitting and cleaning for my grandma (lots of memories and little bursts of cash). My dad retired (he deserved it). My sister visited for week. I got a new job at an indie bookstore. 

Negatives: Lots of anxiety breathing, lots of imposter syndrome, lots of self-hatred. Lots of being sick (thought it got better as the year went on). We had to put our perfect dog Charlie to sleep (and still no new dog 10 months later). I quit my job and was unemployed for a while, and now I have zero savings. A second visit to my sister was cancelled because hurricanes. 


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 year: 555 (might get one more in there before midnight though).
    (b) Reading Challenge(s): Monthly Book Shape Challenges. Recorded everything on an A-X spreadsheet. ARCs. Beat The Backlog done (go me!).

(2) 2024 Memories: See above Positive/Negatives as well as below. But overall: lots of anxiety, lots of books, lots of little adventures and moments of strength and cocoa (loooots of cocoa). And I turned 30 this year. 

(3) Posts this year (including this one (and the next few)): 370.

(4) Be kinder to myself: For a lot of the year, my anxiety and depression wasn't very good. I didn't know how to handle it, and stress from losing my dog and my job just compounded on it. I wasn't kind to myself until the many breakdowns just kept coming and coming and I reached a breaking point. But it also showed me who and where my support systems laid and how strong I really am. Changes weren't as swift or as successful as I had hoped/dreamed, but I'm still a firm believer in everything happens when its supposed to happen (even if it sucks at the moment). As things in my life got better (and worse and then better), I realized that I really, really needed that mental break (still need it to be perfectly honest). Healing takes time, and its far from linear. But I think I'm finally in a place mentally were I can start to find more of myself and more of my future. It also took me a while (and many, many, MANY reminders) that sometimes relaxing can be doing nothing; that doing nothing is okay. 2024 was the year of mental health, maybe 2025 can be the year of physical health?


Anyone still holding onto their resolutions from last year?
What are your resolutions for this year?

Any existing 2025 reads?
Anything I should check out?


#newyearsresolutions #goodbye2024 #hello2025 #keeplearning #dontstopreading #monthlyreadingchallenge #makememories #shareloveofbooks #bekindertoself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Goodbye, December!


December was another month that took forever to go through but disappeared in the blink of an eye. It was Thanksgiving and the next week was Christmas... It was a lot, but it could have been worse.


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: 50 (might get one more in there before midnight though).
    (b) Monthly Reading Challenge(s): Shape = Snowflake. Got some A-Z stuff recorded. Some serious ARCs. Got a LOOOT of Beat The Backlog done (go me!).

(2) December Memories: Christmas with my family. Christmas Eve with my neighbors. A few good calls in with my sister. Lots of books read. Another book edited for someone. A couple babysitting gigs. Cleaning for my grandma a few times. Food, baked goodies, hot cocoa (lots of money spent on baked goods...and presents--at least I can start saving up again now). Looking forward to a bunch of exciting things in January (and 2025).

(3) Posts this month (including this one (and the next few)): 37.

(4) For another month in a row: there's a fine line between treating oneself and over indulging; I'm not sure if any adult as figured that line out yet, but here's to continue toeing it. BUT some good baked goods, looooots of naps, soooooo much hot cocoa. I could have done worse this month. BUT x2, my mental health has been stable (except for that week when I had my period, COVID, and some not-so-fun seasonal depression).


Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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


#newyearsresolutions #goodbyedecember #hellojanuary #hello2024 #goodbye2024 #hello2025 #keeplearning #dontstopreading #monthlyreadingchallenge #makememories #shareloveofbooks #bekindertoself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Friday, December 27, 2024

Their Alpha (Omegas After Dark #4)


It feels like its been FOREVER since the last Omega's After Dark book came out, but MM Farmer's been busy. ANYway, here's the fourth novel in her series: "Their Alpha."

["The only thing more powerful than love is instinct, especially when three are involved…

Artemis
Taking two omegas through heat—with the omegas firmly in charge—sounds like my idea of a great time. I love the idea of role-playing a little captivity and being milked like a cow for my playmates. But there are much more to Fletcher and Gideon than meets the eye. The more I fall in love with them, the more I worry that I’m a danger to them.

Gideon
I’m terrified of alphas. Mostly because one in particular still thinks he has a claim on me. But biology dictates that I have one now and then…and I really want babies. I love Fletcher with my whole heart, but he’s also an omega and can only give me so much. Could Artemis be the solution to our problem, or is he the beginning of so many more problems?

Fletcher
I should have been born an alpha. My heart is alpha, but my body and its needs are all omega. Which is why bringing Artemis into my and Fletcher’s life was the best and worst idea ever. Biologically, he gets the job done and fulfills all of our darkest fantasies. But as we play, I’ve been starting to like him a little too much.
I can’t afford to fall for someone other than my omega husband, especially not an alpha with some questionable connections. Can Artemis and I keep Gideon safe from his past, or will the bond we’re forming ruin everything?"]

This one was an emotionally rollercoaster. Wanting but not wanting. Needing but not trusting. Trusting but not knowing. Knowing but not understanding. All three of them were just thrown into a new situation, without any explanation, and expected to just keep living life. Except! Add in an old abusive stalker and even more Feelings.

I looooove how this one called back to one of MM's previous books. It was perfect and horrible all at once (perfect because same universe--horrible because cult).

I can't wait for the rest of the series (though I'm okay with waiting after MM said she had plans for a new series!!)!!

Trigger Warnings: stalking, blackmail, threats, harassment, violence, toxic views on gender/omega roles, and more.

#gayromancereviews #arcs #arcteammember
#hishunter #hiscaptor #hismaster #theiralpha #mmfarmer #omegasafterdark #omegasafterdarkseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Remarkable Lover (Sweet Southern #3)


Here's another ARC that I waited until the last minute to read...oops. Here's Maya Jean's "The Remarkable Lover." It's the third novel in her Sweet Southern series.

["Jackson
Dreams collapse in the blink of an eye; I know that better than anyone after losing my career as an athlete. Now I spend my days giving people pleasure for pay and playing with stocks. Most of my friends have settled in Clay Springs, Florida. A sleepy little town that moves slower than molasses. Call it boredom or infatuation with the redhead who scowls at me every time I smile his way, but I think there’s also something special for me in Clay Springs. If only Harper would let me show him.

Harper
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that most people suck. Not in the fun way either. All my cousins are settling down with their boyfriends, and I’ve got my service dog and a brain disorder. Cool. When Jackson shows interest in me, I figure it has to be a joke. But the big guy wants to be my friend. Then he wants to date me. And now … well, now I’m in too deep, and it’s only a matter of time until he leaves. After all, I’m always too much or too little, never just enough."]

These two!! D: They were utterly perfect. Harper is a punk (as Jackson so tactfully pointed out), and Jackson is a protector. They both want love and comfort and a place that's JUST there's. They want a love like their best friends found. They want something remarkable. 

Harper was...a bit of a feral cat, pushing back and hissing at every sign of love and care. But Jackson was his perfect golden retriever counterpart, always positive, always there, never giving up. It took a while for Harper to realize how he felt (and to trust how Jackson felt)...whereas Jackson, upon their third (?) interaction, told himself that he was going to marry Harper one day (lovesick fool ;) ). 

AND Honey was the bestest of doggos!

I can't wait for the next book!!

Trigger Warnings: off-page seizure, brief mention of past bullying, helicopter parenting, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#thehusbandexperience #theformerfakeboyfriend #theremarkablelover #thelongrefrain #mayajean #sweetsouthern #sweetsouthernseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Burned (Drake Security #5)


I have (temporarily) caught up on the read-asap-arcs so...why not read something that's debuted from one of my favorite series in the last couple of weeks? Here's Mika Nix's "Burned." It's the fifth and final boook in their Drake Security series. 

["Of all the creatures I could have accidentally mate bonded with, did it have to be a dragon slayer?

I never let my dragon take control. Never. Distraught after the death of a friend, I made a mistake…

Finding a beautiful, broken viking on the verge of death in the middle of a forest, all of my instincts screamed at me to save him. My dragon wouldn’t have it any other way. For two-thousand years I’ve saved my mating fire, waiting for fate to bring me true, binding love. But with this stranger only a breath away from the afterlife, I didn’t have a choice.

I can’t really be mated to a dragon slayer, can I? There has to be a way to break this bond before his brothers come looking for him or mine realize what I’ve done.

The only problem is, the more time I spend with the captivating, big hearted man, the more I think that fate might have had a hand in things after all…

Is he feeling it too, or am I about to get burned?"]

Can I just say that I LOVE the fact that when Lord sleeps, he snores! Not only that, but he breathes little puff of smoke!! D: I can't!! That's far too adorable. And, and, AND how he calls Alrick "my viking"!?!?! AND "my treasure"!?!?!??!?!?! I'm dead; I've swooned too hard.

The fact that Lord has cookie cutters in his hoard is just...so fucking vulnerable and soft and sweet (and perfect for Alrick).

Speaking of Alrick, he's sooooooo freaking perfect for Lord. He's also very protective and likes to take care of people and has never let himself be vulnerable. He's living a life he doesn't love, seeking a place to call his own.

I wonder what Mika will bring us next??? Mac (will might never learn his lesson)?

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

Och, Ness! (Wet 'n' Wild #1)


Here's "Och, Ness!" by Eryn Hawk. It's the first book in her Wet 'n' Wild series. Because who needs to get ahead of ARCs when you can cross things off one of your many (sooooo many) TBR lists. 

["Grayson Cole is stuck: stuck with writer’s block, stuck with no love life, and stuck in a place he no longer feels is home. In an effort to free himself—and discover the mysterious reason he’s so drawn to his mother’s hometown—Gray travels to Scotland, hoping that the wild, beautiful scenery will relight his lost spark.

Upon arrival at a picturesque Loch-side village, Gray quickly realises that the scenery isn’t the only beautiful thing the Highlands has to offer. Hamish Macleod, the fiery young Scotsman who runs the local museum is refreshingly blunt and as sarcastic as they come, and Gray refuses to ignore their instant chemistry . . . even if the lad is an avid believer in the Loch Ness Monster.

They indulge in a no-strings holiday fling, but a series of increasingly vivid dreams—and some life-changing late night encounters—have Gray questioning everything he thought he knew about Loch Ness and its mythical beastie. He's forced to admit that Hamish was right about the creature’s existence, but it turns out, the lad is hiding an even bigger secret, and when Gray finds out the truth, he’s in for a wild ride.

In more ways than one."]

This book was adorable as hell. Grayson is a hot fucking mess (and a little...not gullible but not 100% clueless, somewhere in the middle). Hamish was adorable (but also had hot mess vibes). They connected right away, on many levels. It took some time, though, for all of the..secrets to reveal themselves.

I can't wait until the next one!

#ochness #wetnwild #wetnwildseries #erynhawk #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Flooded


I meant to read this AGES ago, but here we are, constantly late to the party. Here's Kayla Halleur's "Flooded."

["Today is not Jacob's day... Tomorrows not looking great either.

First, he wakes up to what feels like Niagara Falls landing on his face. As a result, he's lost access to his room for the foreseeable future, making him basically homeless. It looks like the lump couch in his frat house's living room is going to be his new home. Which is...not ideal.

Good thing his best friend Drew is there to offer his room as accommadation.

The only problem? Jacob's been in love with Drew since they were teenagers, and Drew has no idea (and Jacob is positive the feelings are not mutual).

It'll be fine. He can handle it. He's been hiding his love for his best friend for years. What's a few more weeks?

And hey, at least he won't have to sleep in Drew's bed, right?

RIGHT?"]

Don't you LOVE best friends to lovers?! All of the pining and trust and the feels (Feels). This novella has JUST the right amount of angst and the PERFECT amount of steam. It was glorious and adorable!!

Trigger Warnings: discussion of depression and more.

#flooded #kaylahalleur #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Heat Transfer (Brannon Boys #1)


Here's "Heat Transfer." The very first novel in Katherine McIntyre's brand new series, Brannon Boys.

["Cor’s crush on the straight boy in sword fighting class has been unrequited, but with one crossed sword, that’s all about to change…

Cor
From the second I showed up for sword fighting class, Felix grabbed my attention. Yet not only was he straight, but he also had a girlfriend. However, the more we hang, the more I can’t help but hang on his every word, every look. And when he ends up newly single, I can’t stop my hopes from running rampant.

Felix
I’ve been accused of talking about my best friend Cor too much, but when my client mistakes us for boyfriends and invites us to the historical gala of our dreams…well, it’s time to ask him to be my fake date. Except fake dating Cor doesn’t just feel natural, it feels better than most relationships I’ve been in. And when my curiosity for more takes the wheel, we end up exploring everything.
We’re circling each other, just like we do in a sword fighting match, however, this isn’t just skill or reputation on the line. Far too fast, it becomes clear that I love him, and if he doesn’t feel the same, I won’t just be disarmed—losing him would deliver the finishing blow."]

Don't you love fake dating tropes? PLUS friends to lovers?!?! ANNND turning some cliches on their head???!!!Yes, please.

These two were adorable as fuck and entertaining as hell. Cor was already head over heels for Felix, but it didn't really help his feelings when Felix's friendly flirty turned more steamy. Felix was weirdly obsessed with Cor since they became friends, but a breakup plus a funny clothing mishap has his eyes open to soooo much more.

I can't wait for the rest of this series (and the rest of the Brannon brothers to get their chaotic HEAs).

#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#heattransfer #bondstrength #brannonboys #brannonboysseries #katherinemcintyre #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

You Spin Me 'Round


Here's Felice Steven's latest holiday romcom "You Spin Me 'Round."

["Forget the jelly doughnuts. Hanukkah's about to get spicy....

Benji Roth couldn't be happier. His bakery in the small town of Serenity, Pennsylvania is thriving, and he doesn’t even mind being the only Jewish person in town. Except when his cousin, Issac, comes to visit, of course. Everyone is friendly—well, almost everyone. Gorgeous Gil Navarro, the owner of the spice shop across the street, comes in every morning for a muffin but barely looks at him and never says a word.

Benji’s parents worry about him being alone, so Benji reassures them—he’s serious with his boyfriend, and they’re in love. One little problem; the boyfriend doesn’t exist. But it’s no big deal; a little white lie never hurt anyone. Besides, it makes them happy and takes the pressure off him. They’ll never know.

Then a Thanksgiving storm finds him and Gil stranded together and having dinner with strangers. Even stranger is the kiss they share later that night. And the next morning.

Gil is funny and charming and in the weeks following, Benji is falling head over heels with a real, potential love. Now his parents are pressuring him to come home for Hanukkah, but he’s hoping to spend the holidays with Gil.

Cue the parents showing up unexpectedly at his front door. And wanting very much to meet the boyfriend he’s been with for almost a year. Whose name is not Gil.

Uh-oh."]

This story seemed a little fast paced and not as smooth at it could have been, BUT it was all about second chances, taking chances. It was about love and trust and following your heart. They were sweeeeeet as hell and totally fit together. 

Felice always writes amazing holiday romances, and this one didn't disappoint. 

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

Monday, December 23, 2024

The Christmas Curse


Here's Avery Cockburn's "The Christmas Curse."

["Martin Gibson is cursed. Ever since a childhood clash with a Christmas elf, the holiday has brought bad luck to Martin and his nearest and dearest. In a desperate attempt to avoid the Curse, he leaves his beloved Scotland and travels to America for a Christmas utterly alone.

Anthony Bello is adrift. Fired from his job as a TV weatherman, he’s returned to West Virginia to be caretaker for his family’s vacation rental properties. When a hot Scot with an unlucky—and unlikely—story checks into one of the tiny homes he oversees, Anthony is more than smitten. Now he has a thrilling new project: help Martin break the Curse for good.

Will a wild winter storm let Martin and Anthony’s attraction build into something real, or will it trigger the most cursed Christmas yet? And when Martin’s transatlantic escape is over, can they bear to walk away with nothing but memories?"]

Contrary to what I assumed, the Christmas elf was not a real elf (or fae), but a part-time, minimum-wage mall Christmas elf. Which is less magical but more hilarious. 

These two were instant love. They just had a connection and an understanding. They were each looking (even if unconsciously) for a new start, a new direction. Enter holiday romance. There was a whole Hallmark-y scene and everything (and a ton of meddling family).

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#thechristmascurse #averycockburn #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Saturday, December 21, 2024

December Book Shape Challange

Here's December's Book Shape Challenge! A happy snowflake for Winter Solstice!! Happy Holidays all around!!



(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


Friday, December 20, 2024

I'm Not Your Pet (Extra! Extraterrestrial #2)


Well...I waited until the last minute with an ARC again...my bad? Here's Fae Quin's "I'm Not Your Pet." Its the second novel a multi-author series called Extra! Extraterrestrial. 

["With the way things are going, alien abduction doesn’t sound all that terrible.

Hugo
I’m not saying I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the three years I’ve spent in captivity on a pleasure planet, shaking my money-maker for intergalactic patrons… but, I mean, it hasn’t been all bad. The jelly donuts were a perk. And granted, I didn’t really know what I was signing up for when I agreed to be purchased by the sexy pink shark-man, but things seem to be looking up. Even though we don’t speak each other’s languages, he seems pretty nice—if his sharp-toothed smiles and gentle touches are anything to go by. If only I could get my hands on a translator device so I could ask him what exactly his intentions are. I truly hope I’m not just a pet!

Roark
The moment I set eyes on my fluffy-haired, spotted, little huu-man, sitting so sad in his glass prison, I knew I needed to free him, to make him mine. To rid him of this godawful planet and show him a life outside of gilded cages. But as captain of a space voyager, my missions are dangerous and it will be difficult to keep my small mate safe. He’s so full of life and excitement and curiosity, but he’s also fragile and soft. He must be protected at all costs. And no matter how badly my hearts ache to claim him, I worry if maybe a life with me would just be a different sort of prison."]

Again with the communication thing...and the cultural differences thing...and the self doubt thing. A lot of things (emotional turmoil--major plot points) could have been avoided. However (!), proving that love is boundless and not conformed to language/culture/species is a strong point (and the communication thing is an overall trope to the series so..).

These two, unlike the first novel, were smitten and in like from the very beginning. There were a few bumps, but they figured it out (and it brought them closer together). They communicated the best the could and got to know each other. They fell in love probably before lust (don’t get me wrong, lust was definitely there).

I was THIS close to crying, but I made it out okay.

Also, here to big pink shark daddies ;) 

Trigger Warnings: Abduction, slavery (before), sexual Slavery (before), space strip clubs/pleasure houses, peeking inside underwear while sleeping (consensual..mostly), prostitution, humans treated as property, human auctions, nonconsensual body mods (side character), human experimentation (side character), magical medicine, childhood parental neglect, violence/murder, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#yourenotmykind #erynhawk #imnotyourpet #faequin #extraextraterrestial #extraextraterrestialseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

You're Not My King (Extra! Extraterrestrial #1)


Well...I waited until the last minute with an ARC again...my bad? Here's Eryn Hawk's "You're Not My King." Its the first novel a multi-author series called Extra! Extraterrestrial. 

["Reuben Carter
Throwing myself in front of my estranged sister didn’t win me any brownie points. It did, however, grant me one alien abduction and a cozy cell on an actual-freaking-spaceship, where I’m being poked and prepped for relocation to some backwater trading planet, then sold to the highest bidder—how’s that for a hero’s reward?
My escape plans hit a snag when Vo’ak, the hot and arrogant lizard king, buys me the second I land. There’s no denying our serious chemistry, but I gotta get back to the familiarity of Earth, where free will kinda exists and I’m no one's pet. However, chasing the comfort of old memories starts feeling like an unnecessary fixation, and I must decide what “home” really means before making any more stupid mistakes.

Vo'ak
As Great Leader of U'suhk, I am bound by duty to protect my kind and territory. The traitorous Northern Clan—a thorn in my side—forces me closer to war each day, but now, with the honor of a mate-bond stirring in my soul, there is an unexpected shift in my attention that cannot be resisted.
My tiny, fragile Roo-bin is a delight and, though lamenting a woeful past, must be claimed. However, his aversion to obedience and ignorance of our customs means protecting him proves a near-impossible task. If I cannot make the sweet, stubborn creature understand the dangers we face, even my plentiful strength and skill may not be enough to keep him safe."]

This book was a rollercoaster. A well planned one. If these two had a way to communicate better, a loooot of what happened, wouldn't have happened (but this planet is a tech-free area, fancy translator implant). If Vo'ak understood Reuben's past and current feelings/traumas (just like if Reuben understand Vo'ak's culture and intentions), a lot of stuff would have been prevented. But angst-free wasn't this book.

It was angst-filled as well as chalked full of hurt-comfort. And steam. Soooooooo much steam.

These two loved each other, they just couldn't understand each other (literally). It took a while for a trust to grow (and the bond to be more than just lust). When it did, oh boy. Things were heart-eyes and happily ever afters (mostly).

Trigger Warnings: alien abduction, forced marriage/bonding, dub-con, brief sexual assault (not by MCs), mention of rape/non-con (not between MCs), slavery, humans treated as property, human auctions, several physical assault (not between MCs), past domestic abuse (not between MCs), poisoning, kidnapping, death, brief mention of animal sacrifice, dismembering, abusive ex, past forced body-modification, near-death experiences, panic attacks, past drug addiction, trauma, ptsd, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#yourenotmykind #erynhawk #imnotyourpet #faequin #extraextraterrestial #extraextraterrestialseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Gratification in Gluttony (Passing Through Cafe #2)


Well...I waited until the last minute with an ARC again...my bad? Here's Nik Knight's "Gratification in Gluttony." Its the second novel in their Passing Through Cafe series. 

["When Jude entered The Passing Through Cafe, Toni thought he’d be nothing more than a fun night, a challenge to win, a fixation to satisfy; Toni didn’t expect Jude to be exactly what he never knew he was looking for.

As the rightful heir to the Maryno family dynasty, Toni grew up with clear expectations of who he was supposed to be, and more importantly, who he wasn’t. Growing up a constant disappointment isn’t a childhood experience he recommends, but he’s come a long way from the little boy who could never measure up to his family’s toxic standards. At twenty-nine, he’s finally proud of the man he’s built himself into, and while the routine of his life is simple and, sure, sometimes lonely, he’s content.

Or so he thought.

Enter Jude, a human from across the veil, who ignites something in him that he’s never allowed himself to indulge, and Toni can’t wait to burn. While the spark of attraction is instantaneous, he knows it’s going to take more than a romp in the hay to win the human over. So Toni quickly sets to work, proving to Jude that home can be found in the most unexpected places, that chosen family is always worth fighting for, and that their love is far from small."]

Oh the crack and utter chaos and mayhem and quirk of these characters. The first chapter was craaaaazy as fuck, but also familiar and endearing (if you knew this cast of found family, you'd understand). 

Toni was soooooo gone on Jude from the moment he laid eyes on him. It didn't take Jude all that much longer, to be perfectly honest. But Jude did resist for a loooong while, creating a sort of hurt-comfort anxiety thing that broke my heart (and Toni's a bit) while also fueling Toni's hope (and mine). But when Jude let himself be vulnerable and accept his feelings for Toni?! Perfection.

Soooooo much fluff. There was so much giving of comfort and confidence. I mean seriously, this group of neurodivergent misfits are the most supportive people.

And okay, I can see how, from Toni's POV, the things he (mostly accidentally) said in the first book came across less playful and more asshole-y. He (usually) means well (the wellest in the world (that's Gem coming through)). 

I need Gem's HEA now. He's a hot fucking mess, but he's soooooo adorable about it! D: And Rusty?! I don't know what to say about Rusty besides "And Rusty?!"; if you knew him and his antics/history/feelings, it would be enough (though Gem would have a lot more to say on the subject).

Trigger Warnings: nonconsensual drugging of drinks (not between MCs), mention of previous sex work, toxic family dynamics, gaslighting, manipulation, family rejection based on bigotry, homophobia, transphobia, classism, speciesism, bigotry, FtM trans rep and associated discussion, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#passingthroughpurgatory #gratificationingluttony #nikknight #passingthroughcafe #passingthroughcafeseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

The Trouble with Trying to Bag a Blood Witch (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees #5)


I have NOT been good at keeping up with my top author's latest releases...for a while. It's hard keeping up when you just keep adding more authors to the list and keep adding more ARCs to your other list and have to work for a living (boo). Anywho, here's Jennifer Cody's "
The Trouble with Trying to Bag a Blood Witch." It's the fifth novel in her Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series.

["Elijah:
Imagine coming home from an extended stay in a foreign country to find a letter from a house sitter you didn’t hire warning you to get a protection order against your ex and informing you that you’re a terrible plant dad.

I mean, I am a terrible plant dad, and I probably should get a protection order against Stalker Steve, but that letter isn’t the weirdest thing to happen to me today. I think the teleporting alien baby who’s decided to make me their perch probably takes the prize for Weirdest Thing in Elijah Penn’s Life.

Fortunately, the baby’s parents hired a bounty hunter to bring me and my new buddy back. Unfortunately, Darcy Hellspinner might be the sexiest man I’ve ever met in real life, and if it isn’t clear from the fact I call my ex Stalker Steve, I have terrible taste in men. I have the sneaking suspicion that Darcy’s going to be my next big mistake, but that’s ok—I’m probably going to be his too.

The Trouble With Trying to Bag a Blood Witch is a 87k paranormal romance with a little bit of sci-fi mixed in, two MCs who think this is just an extended hook up, and a baby alien with impeccable timing. The Foxily family is growing again. It’s Darcy’s turn to bring in a mate, but he’s lodging an official complaint because this isn’t what he signed up for."]

If you love Romily, you'll be as equally obsessed with Elijah. He's curious and gives zero fucks. He's friendly and kind to everyone, even the people mysteriously lined up to kill him.

Darcy was intrigued by Elijah's "zero fucks" and pulled in by his whit, resilience, and ass (yeeaaah). He kept saying that he didn't want a mate (just like he said he didn't want to be a Foxily), but then, he's partly through the book and he goes "you and I are as inevitable as the sunrise." Swooooon. 

There was a lot in this book. It covered quite a few species and invasions and attacks and lures. I probably shouldn't have binged it (I have a headache now), but here we are. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, loss, and more. 

#thetroublewithtryingtodateamurderer #foxrecruitsamuteboyandfallsinlove #thetroublewithtryingtosaveanassassin #thetroublewithtryingtoloveahellion #thetroublewithtryingtohookaharbinger #thetroublewithtryingtobagabloodwitch #theadvetnturesofsterlingjones #sidequest #jennifercody #murderspreesandmutedecrees #murderspreesandmutedecreesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Where Fools Have Tread


I have NOT been good at keeping up with my top author's latest releases...for a while. It's hard keeping up when you just keep adding more authors to the list and keep adding more ARCs to your other list and have to work for a living (boo). Anywho, here's Jennifer Cody's "
Where Fools Have Tread." It's set within the Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series, but its also a part of the multi-author series Tales From The Tarot.

["Dec:
I’ve never really had much in the way of direction in my life, until I walk into an eerie shop where a strange man charges me more than I should pay for a tarot reading of one card. Next thing I know, I’m graduating school to be a domestic servant and find myself employed by someone else’s weird uncle in the strangest mansion. Everyone is great even if they’re all a little… off. Except Thoren. He’s a thorn in my side, and I hate how he treats me like it’s my job to clean up every little thing he drops on the floor. (My ass is not what he’s looking at because… what?)

Thoren:
I’ve known since I was eight the path I would take in life. Protecting the world from itself has always been my calling, and I do a damn good job of it. So what if I take my pleasure wherever I can find it? I’ve earned every second of my leisure with the hours, days, and weeks of work I put in on every assignment. If I happen to find pleasure in teasing the new butler… well, Dec seems to like it just as much as I do, no matter how often he tries to hide in the cleaning closet. (I wonder if he has a maid costume because… yum.)

Where Fools Have Tread is an MM paranormal romance with a human butler who finds his calling serving a household full of paranormal protectors and a gargoyle with resting bitch face who takes delight in teasing him."]

What utter crack! I loooove all of the new characters and lure and possibilities! So many HEAs in progress (and soooo many quirks to find mates for). 

And so many silly paranormal fighting fate. Because Thoren was not pleased to discover that he had a mate..at first. After he got to know Dec (rhymes with Reese), he wasn’t sharing.

And neither was Dec. He didn’t have hopes and dreams for the future, just a place to be, and he found a family, a mate, and a home. 

PLUS all of the references to Darcy and his future…I’d say poor Darcy, but he secretly wants a mate so…

Trigger Warnings: lost, grief, self-harm, disability, self-doubt, and more.

#thetroublewithtryingtodateamurderer #foxrecruitsamuteboyandfallsinlove #thetroublewithtryingtosaveanassassin #thetroublewithtryingtoloveahellion #thetroublewithtryingtohookaharbinger #wherefoolsahvetread #thetroublewithtryingtobagabloodwitch #theadvetnturesofsterlingjones #sidequest #talesfromthetarot #talesfromthetarotseries #jennifercody #murderspreesandmutedecrees #murderspreesandmutedecreesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

The Trouble with Trying to Hook a Harbinger (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees #4)


I have NOT been good at keeping up with my top author's latest releases...for a while. It's hard keeping up when you just keep adding more authors to the list and keep adding more ARCs to your other list and have to work for a living (boo). Anywho, here's Jennifer Cody's "
The Trouble with Trying to Hook a Harbinger." It's the fourth novel in her Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series.

["Romily:
Welcome back to Will-They-Won’t-They? The Engagement: The Foxily Edition. That’s the name of the show that I’m planning to pitch to a producer that’s based on my life. Will Fox ever give me a ring? Who knows! I don’t, and I don’t think Fox does either. If the rock currently sitting not-on-my-finger is any indication, we might be doomed.

In the meantime, let me introduce to you my new best friend: a cherub. (Are we surprised by this turn of events? No. I flipping love cherubs.) Akile Aristide walks into my life, declares that I’m his bestie, and then flips the world on its three way axis. What’s a Harbinger to do except announce, “Incoming!” and hope everyone’s buckled in?

The Trouble with Trying to Hook a Harbinger is a 60k MM Paranormal Romedy with a Harbinger who gets to change his title to The Chosen One, a slightly manic Reaper who’s out for a little blood, and the family that they’re building one adoption at a time."]

There was DEFINITELY some catch up when I jumped back into this series. It's pure crack, but like with all good crack, it's slightly unhinged. I had to go re-read blurbs and covers to remember who was who, who was in love with who, and who was "related"/related to who. Few things stood out though: still soooo fucking obsessed with Romily. 

And if you're ever feeling bad about yourself, think of Romily. He never thinks bad about himself, because he knows he's a survivor, a treasure, and perfect just the way he is. And he won't let anyone (even someone who kidnapped him) think poorly of themselves either. 

And can we go back to the crack?! This book!!!??? D: I can't! It's funny and ridiculous and wholesome and unhinged and heartwarming. And how we got all of the summaries and backtracking, the whole meta-ness of it all, here. for. it. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, parent-cide, one moment of anti-trans bullshit, and more.

#thetroublewithtryingtodateamurderer #foxrecruitsamuteboyandfallsinlove #thetroublewithtryingtosaveanassassin #thetroublewithtryingtoloveahellion #thetroublewithtryingtohookaharbinger #thetroublewithtryingtobagabloodwitch #theadvetnturesofsterlingjones #sidequest #jennifercody #murderspreesandmutedecrees #murderspreesandmutedecreesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Monday, December 16, 2024

Protecting Mr. Fine (the Billionaire Brotherhood #4)


I have NOT been good at keeping up with my top author's latest releases...for a while. It's hard keeping up when you just keep adding more authors to the list and keep adding more ARCs to your other list and have to work for a living (boo). Anywho, here's Lucy Lennox's "Protecting Mr. Fine." It's the forth novel in her Billionaire Brotherhood series.

["I’m a lucky man and I know it. 

Kids from backwoods Georgia don’t land scholarships to Yale, but I did, and striking it rich–like, billions of dollars rich–with my best friends after graduation should have used up my luck for a lifetime. 

But luck struck again when I followed my passion into music. My career exploded, and now I get to travel the world, performing for thousands of raving fans every night. 

When you get this lucky, you don’t get to want more, and you definitely don’t get to complain about the little things. My family, my crew, and my label are counting on me and I refuse to let them down. I pretend I’m fine, totally fine, Mr. freaking Fine… even when someone starts targeting me with a strange series of threats. 

The only one who sees beneath the pretense is my gorgeous, strictly-professional bodyguard. Ryan keeps me safe and calm. He holds me when I’m terrified. 

But even Ryan doesn’t see everything. He doesn’t know I want him. That I crave him. The man who keeps me together has no idea how much I want him to take me apart. 

And I’ll never tell. Because there’s no way someone as strong and confident as Ryan could have feelings for someone as chaotic as me. 

Nobody’s that lucky… not even Mr. Fine."]

I gotta say, I was not a fan of the anxiety that this book induced. From the stalker to the will-they-won't-they to the required paperwork. It was a lot. I should have taken a break, but I was afraid that if I took a break, the anxiety would be worse; if I kept reading, the HEA would come sooner (alone with all of the happy little bows to all of the naughty little anxieties).

These two. My freaking god. Idiots. They're idiots. But they finally figured it out. Slowly. And then all at once. BUT, they did have Jude Marian give them a few tips on how to make a star/bodyguard relationship work ;) I looooove me some Marian drama (and there was).

Speaking of drama...Landry and Kenji neeeeeeeeed to get their shit together, too. Like, at this point, everyone knows they're fucking/did fuck/want to fuck, but for some reason, they aren't living their best HEA. I was suspecting Landry, but not I'm thinking Kenji is holding back.

#princeoflies #marryingmrmajestic #inheritingmissfortune #protectingmrfine #findinglordlandry #thebillionairebrotherhood #thebillionairebrotherhoodseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Inheriting Miss Fortune (the Billionaire Brotherhood #3)


I have NOT been good at keeping up with my top author's latest releases...for a while. It's hard keeping up when you just keep adding more authors to the list and keep adding more ARCs to your other list and have to work for a living (boo). Anywho, here's Lucy Lennox's "Inheriting Miss Fortune." It's the third novel in her Billionaire Brotherhood series.

["I was a man without a family… or so I thought.

I came to tiny Majestic, Wyoming, to escape misfortune: the loss of my brother; my parents’ blame for it; the billion-dollar secret that caused it all.

I find peace in my horses, in my friends, in quiet nights alone… and sometimes in remembering a scorching-hot one-night-stand from two years ago.

But everything changes when Tully Bowman, the man behind that unforgettable encounter, turns up in Majestic bringing me the daughter I’ve inherited (along with her multi-million-dollar trust fund).

Just like that, my peace becomes chaos, my quiet nights are filled with little Lellie’s cries for “Daddy,” and the heat between Tully and me becomes more than just a memory.

Because it seems Tully’s planning to stick around… at least until I prove I’m a “suitable father” and not the fortune-hunter Lellie’s grandparents think I am. And the longer we spend together–the more he challenges and provokes me, comforts and calms me–the harder it is to remember why I ever thought one night would be enough.

I’m a bad bet for fatherhood, but if I choose to keep Lellie and raise her as my own, it won’t be for her money. It will be because this precious girl and the man who brought her to me might be the fresh start and new family my heart has been looking for.

And because the best thing that ever happened to me might just be… Inheriting Miss Fortune."]

Dev needed therapy. Needs therapy. Because my dude couldn't see what literally everyone in his life saw, but he was blinded by grief and past parental verbal abuse/blame. At least Lellie (and Tully) helped him heal.

These two fell in love right from the start and that start was two years ago. Why else would they be thinking (at the same time), upon reuniting, about hugs and kisses and declarations? It took them a while to figure it out, but when they did, it was steam everywhere.

And then, as they fall in love for real, they realize how perfect their little family of three is. Which only made everything that Lellie's grandparents pulled even more aggravating and downright horrible. 

#princeoflies #marryingmrmajestic #inheritingmissfortune #protectingmrfine #findinglordlandry #thebillionairebrotherhood #thebillionairebrotherhoodseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Marrying Mr. Majestic (the Billionaire Brotherhood #2)


I have NOT been good at keeping up with my top author's latest releases...for a while. It's hard keeping up when you just keep adding more authors to the list and keep adding more ARCs to your other list and have to work for a living (boo). Anywho, here's Lucy Lennox's "Marrying Mr. Majestic." It's the second novel in her Billionaire Brotherhood series.

["I’ve made myself into many things over the years. A Yale graduate. A brilliant corporate strategist. A city boy. And, though no one outside my inner circle knows it, a billionaire.

One thing I never expected to be? Accidentally married to a straight, small-town cowboy named Waylon, the pride and joy of… *checks notes*... Majestic, Wyoming.

Sadly, what happens in Vegas does not, in fact, stay in Vegas, and before I know it, I’m trying to track my erstwhile husband down, divorce papers in hand and thrift store clothes on my back, desperately hoping the stranger I married won’t realize he’s suddenly entitled to a lot more than that shiny gold ring on his finger.

Unfortunately, Way has other plans.

His town is counting on him as mayor to bring the lucrative AdventureSmash wilderness race to Majestic, and he refuses to sign my papers until the deal is done… which means me and my second-hand blue jeans will be hanging around a lot longer than I’d imagined, pretending our one-night whatever-it-was was a love match for the ages.

As it turns out, Majestic is more charming than I’d expected, and Way… is not entirely without charms himself. It also turns out he’s, ahem, not as straight as he thought he was.

Before I know it, dusty boots feel more comfortable than my shiny wingtips, coffee at the Love Muffin tastes better than Starbucks, and being the First Husband of Majestic starts to seem as important as any corporate merger I’ve ever negotiated.

But for a man with secrets to keep and a whole life waiting for him back in Manhattan, the only thing worse than Marrying Mr. Majestic… would be falling in love with him for real"]

This book! D: These two were utterly smitten and in lust from the get-go. And even the morning after, hung-over to hell and panicking, they missed each other. Annnnd, when they meet back up, start getting to know each other, they fall in like (and then love) pretty damn quickly. It's obvious to everyone (well, almost everyone), that they're prefect for each other. 

It's been a while since I read something more than just a happy, Hallmark-y movie. I was gutted by the plot twists and the plot twists' twists. I didn't cry, you did.

And Dev, poor, sweet Dev.

#princeoflies #marryingmrmajestic #inheritingmissfortune #protectingmrfine #findinglordlandry #thebillionairebrotherhood #thebillionairebrotherhoodseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Friday, December 13, 2024

Mingle All The Way (Christmas Falls: Season Two #10)


AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Hayden Hall's "Mingle All The Way."

["When I go home for the holidays, Santa has a secret waiting for me...

I wandered far and wide in search of happiness, never finding what I sought. When I return to Christmas Falls to lick my wounds, the last thing I expect is for Santa to send me a golden-haired, blue-eyed man I once called my best friend—the friend who was taken away from me when we were kids.

Milo Montgomery is back in town, and he doesn’t wait for miracles to come to him. There’s a special sort of magic in the way he spreads joy throughout our town.

His chocolate shop might be struggling, but that can’t break his festive spirit. His optimism is contagious, and his cheerful mood makes me feel like I’m thirteen again, catching snowflakes on my tongue. As we walk down memory lane, recreating every Christmas Eve we spent together, our friendship becomes everything I've been missing.

Milo confesses I was his first and only love. But as a straight man, I can never love him the same way. Or can I? I'm beginning to question everything I thought I knew about myself. About the world.

Maybe happiness has nothing to do with a place. Maybe all it takes is the right person."]

These two were heartbreaking and poetic and beautiful (so a Hayden classic). There was so much longing, for love, for friendship, for a place to call home. There was so much self-sacrificing and self-made-magic. 

And just magic. Christmas magic, community magic, paying it forward magic. But that's Christmas Falls for you (and our infamous Secret Santa ;) ).

I'm so glad these two finally figured it out. Life (I'm told) is so much happier and simplier when you have your person, even if everything else is going to shit. And love born from a friendship like theirs? Perfection.

#minglealltheway #haydenhall #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Aisle Be The Groom (Bristlecone Springs #1)


I might regret continuing putting off my ARCs until closer to their due date...but at least I'm getting things crossed off my (many) TBR list(s). Here's Sage Abbott's "Aisle Be The Groom." It's the first novel in her latest series, Bristlecone Springs.

["I always dreamed of a perfect wedding. But when my fiancé jets off to the Caribbean, leaving me stranded on a Colorado ranch to plan everything alone, that dream crumbles.

Then his father, Gray, steps in to help. But with every moment we spend together, something shifts. Gray makes me feel wanted, desired, and sexy—the way every big boy dreams of feeling.

The pull between us is undeniable. But can I cancel my wedding to my fiancé when the one I've fallen for is his father?

My affair with Gray might be forbidden, but my heart is ready to risk it all."]

Warning: there is some cheating in this, BUT (and here's be justifying cheating (in the sake of a fictional novel where our MCs get a HEA)) Ozzie's fiancé is a piece of shit, and Gray's marriage is open and practically nonexistent. And these two belong together.

Gray shows Ozzie everything wrong with his relationship/almost-marriage without even trying, just simply existing and being himself. Being a kind-hearted, caring gentleman shows Ozzie how horrible his sham of a boyfriend is. And helps Ozzie fall in love with Gray (and Bristlecone Springs).

And Ozzie reminds Gray what happiness is, what passion is, what dreaming and hoping and loving is. Gray is content, for once in his life, all the while he's internally battling his son (who he was hoping to finally connect with) and Ozzie (who just might be the love of his life).

I'm OBSESSED with this town. I want more of it. I want background on some of it. I want more drama and spice and HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: cheating, fat shaming, bullying, and more.

#aislebethegroom #marrymemaybe #bristleconesprings #bristleconespringsseries #sageabbott #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Moody's Grumpy Holiday


And the Christmas ARCs have started!!! Here's Lane Hayes's "Moody's Grumpy Holiday."

["The geek, the cowboy, and a not-so-grumpy holiday…

Moody
Living in Christmas Town hasn’t made me a fan of the holidays. Quite the opposite. In fact, eleven months of the year, I’m perfectly happy running my bookstore in peace and quiet. Of course, that changes in December when it’s mistletoe madness and mayhem. Ugh.
But this year, there’s a new cowboy in town and it’s not as easy to grumble about…anything. I admit, Hudson is handsome and hunky, but everyone knows I’m not myself till January, so he’ll have to buzz off and charm someone else.
Bah humbug. 

Hudson
Moving to California wasn’t in my plans. I could use the change of scenery, though, and the Oak Ridge Ranch is a good investment. That’s not a sneaky way of saying I’m hiding from my past—no siree. I’m following a new path to a new town, that’s all.
So far, so good. Except…my attraction to the nerdy bookstore owner is throwing me off my game.
Look, I’m not interested in anything other than a casual hookup. But Moody is a mystery, and I want to know more about the adorable geek with a sunny disposition who turns into a holiday grump every year.
For some reason, he feels like home away from home. December may be the last month of the year, but something tells me this is our beginning."]

These two were adorable as hell. I loved how they just kinda clicked. How they were instantly in lust with each other and instantly taken by something they couldn't place. And months later, in amongst the chaos of Christmas, it was still there. Hudson was enamored by Moody's grumpiness, and Moody was intrigued that his glum didn't push Hudson away. 

Neither "were looking for more than friendship", which is how it always goes, because sooner than they anticipated, they were head-over-heels. 

There were parts of this that just...read awkwardly. At first, I didn't super like Moody; he was more robotic than geeky. And the switch from his "sunshine" self to his "grumpy" self wasn't all that drastic, except for some sassy crabbiness and understandable trauma-induced hate surrounding Christmas. 

But that fluff? That steam? Here. For. It. 

#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#moodysgrumpyholiday #lanehayes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Promise Yule Be Mine (Christmas Falls: Season Two #9)


AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Rhys Everly's "Promise Yule Be Mine."

["I made a promise to my best friend and I intend to keep it.

So what if our wedding planner—and my fiancée's childhood friend—happens to be the best man I’ve ever met?

With the bride-to-be away and everything going wrong a month before the big day, t's up to me and my wedding planner to save the day.

But with each passing day, I'm starting to second guess this marriage of convenience and fall deeper for Nova.

How can I go ahead with this wedding, when the promise of a happily ever after with the man of my dreams is finally within reach?

And how can I show Nova that despite everything, I want forever with him."]

These two were hopeless. They each knew how they felt, Jenna knew how they felt, half of the town knew how they felt. But they were too stuck to their morals, as weak and/or fake as they were, to do anything about the growing and growing feelings.

And did those feelings grow. Nova said something like "but this isn't a Hallmark movie," and that silly man couldn't have been more wrong. It's Christmas Falls after all. ;) Christmas magic and true love are in the air (and the water (and the food (it's everywhere))).

I already want a third season of this. There's still SO many townsfolk that need their HEA. 

#promiseyulbemine #rhyseverly #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Monday, December 9, 2024

Frost Impressions (Christmas Falls: Season Two #8)


AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Kelly Fox's "Frost Impressions."

["Living in a town named Christmas Falls with a name like Gray Frost, you'd think I loved Christmas.

On the contrary, I'd rather get a root canal than participate in anything remotely festive. Yet here I am—running the regional airport for commuter airlines and rich guys who have nothing better to do than fly in for the season.

Just today, I picked a fight with a pilot—the wealthy and wickedly attractive Sunny Day. He's as irritatingly cheerful as his name would suggest, even when his plane breaks down. He's a little less bright when he realizes I have the only spare bed in town.

The only point in his favor is that he hates Christmas as much as I do. When I find out what stole his joy, though, I have to wonder if the town's charms can give him back the love he once had for the holiday."]

I was OBSESSED with the description of Gray a few books ago when they talked about how his corner of the diner was all painted with rain clouds and hues of gray. Obsessed. I don’t know what it is about secretly soft grumps, but I’m always here for to.

And Sunny was the perfect opposites-attract for our Gray. And he saw Gray, just like Gary saw the real Sunny. They protected each other in so many ways. They brought joy back into each others lives. 

I think this is quite possibly my favorite couple this season. Their love was so bright (and their banter so fucking sharp). 

#frostimpressions #kellyfox #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

No Business Like Snow Business (Christmas Falls: Season Two #7)


AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Lisa Henry and JA Rock's "No Business Like Snow Business."

["Harvey Novak loves living in Christmas Falls. He loves his job running the Festival Museum too, except when it means he has to deal with his ex, who’s putting together the town’s newest tourist brochures. There are a lot of things Harvey is willing to do for Christmas Falls, but playing nice with the guy who cheated on him isn’t one of them. When a real-life Christmas mystery falls into Harvey’s lap, it offers the perfect distraction. And the guy with the mystery is pretty distracting too.

Sterling van Ruyven has come to Christmas Falls to look for his long-lost uncle, and enlists Harvey’s help to track him down. It’s all business—if there’s an extra van Ruyven heir out there somewhere, Sterling needs to know about it. He isn’t expecting to actually enjoy spending time in this ridiculous Christmas-themed town with the cute guy from the museum.

Their fun flirtation turns into a holiday fling, but that’s all it can ever be. Harvey’s heart belongs in Christmas Falls, and Sterling hasn’t found his yet. But maybe Christmas is the time for miracles after all."]

Okay, this mystery was not "who's the Secret Santa," but these two went in all OnlyMurdersInTheBuilding style and I loooooove that for them. Cute little dorks (both instantly and utterly smitten with the other).

Christmas Falls never ceases it's magic. The magic of friends, family, found family, community, togetherness, second chances, hot cocoa, warm cookies, love (allll the love--all the queer love). Being able to be yourself, to see yourself for the first time. Being with and around other people being/seeing themselves (and happy). Knowing that love and light can be the answer to soooo many questions, that being happy is a choice in of itself. 

Sweet and swoony and perfectly Christmas Falls. 

#nobusinesslikesnowbusiness #lisahenry #jarock #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Christmas Beau (Christmas Falls: Season Two #6)


AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Amy Aislin's "Christmas Beau."

["Hank Beaufort's life is a mess.

Oh, he looks like he has it all together, but the reality is that he's freshly retired from an unimpressive minor hockey career, and the ink is barely dry on his equally unimpressive second divorce. Now he's the hockey director at the community center in a small town that treats Christmas like Santa Claus is real, and he's not sure his new career is any more impressive than the last. As the new guy in town, he'd be lonely as hell if it weren't for his dogs.

The one spot of brightness?

Scott Jersey, the adorably awkward single dad who brings his son to practice every week.

Hank's not interested in a new relationship so soon after the disaster of the last one, but when doggy play dates lead to real dates, will he be able to set aside his reservations to be someone's Christmas beau after all?"]

Hockey Hunk Hank and Sweet Single-Dad Scott. Gaaaah, these two were all of the adorable. So much awkwardness and stuttering and blushing and general cuteness (mostly, okay all, from Scott--but Hank was a goner for it, so it worked).

I loooooved how they had neighboring tables at the craft show. Hank selling homemade dog treats, Scott selling hand-sewn baby blankets. God, they're crafty dorks who belong together. I love it. 

It took Hank a bit to get over his past and accept his feelings for Scott (and some miscommunication thrown in there--and some meddling from family/the town--and literally no brain-to-mouth filter on Scott's part (but again, Hank thought it was endearing)), but they figured it out and made it work. 

#christmasbeau #amyaislin #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Under The Mistle-Foe (Christmas Falls: Season Two #5)


AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Rye Cox's "Under The Mistle-Foe."

["Under the mistletoe with my enemy? What else can we do but kiss?

A family emergency brings me back to Christmas Falls after running away from the loss of my mother six years ago. Not much has changed, and I don't know if that's a good thing or bad, especially when it seems my high school enemy hasn't gotten over his habit of circling around me.

Jett is everything I'm not, so full of confidence like he's never done a single thing wrong in his life. He vibrates life, and I have to admit his presence distracts me from being back in Christmas Falls. What I didn't expect is for him to take all my attention.

He'd gotten under my skin back then and he's only dug in deeper since, and I can't let anyone find out how much I love that fact. Now if only he'd stop stealing my heart with his crookedly perfect smiles..."]

We saw how these two ended up together (or at least finally let themselves accept their feelings--*cough* Remy *cough*) in a previous book, but that's what I love about multi-author series. We get all of the romance, all of the small-town magic, and all of the interconnected time-lines. Not to mention a double checked HEA. ;)

These two were adorable as hell, though. Jett was smitten and half-in-love from the very beginning (he just didn't quite know how to handle his feelings in high school..at all), just waiting for Remy to notice him. When Remy did notice him? Oh boy.

Remy took a while to figure out what he wanted in life, in love, in Christmas Falls, but when he finally figured it out? Heart-eyes and steam all around. And knowing looks from all of the town (and Jett's new kitties). 

#underthemistlefoe #ryecox #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Saturday, December 7, 2024

12 Dates of Christmas (Christmas Falls: Season Two #3)


AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Brigham Vaughn "12 Dates of Christmas."

["Leo Fenner needs a Christmas miracle …

Charmed by the small town, and weary the big city dating scene, Leo moved to Christmas Falls in hopes of finding love like his college friend, Hayden.

Nick Morgan had the love of his life and lost her, but is determined to help others find their happily ever after with his matchmaking service.

His website needs work though, and Leo is just the man for the job.

The web developer signs up for Nick’s matchmaking service to get a feel for what the process is like, all while secretly hoping it’ll bring him the love of his dreams.

But as Nick and Leo work together, the sparks between them are impossible to ignore.

Too bad there’s a few little problems.

For one, Nick’s never fallen for a man before. And, oh yeah—those dates he’s planning for Leo? They’re supposed to be with other guys …"]

Another Christmas Falls novel, another couple the town sees/understands before the couple does (or should I say before Nick does). I love the cliche of it all. 

And the cliche of a matchmaker falling for his client. It's perfect. Add in all of the Christmas charm, horrible dates with other people, past grief/trauma, and sooooo many gooey baked goods? Call Hallmark, this one is ready.

I loved this two. They were perfectly smitten with each other right from the start. Of course, their romance didn't go quite as smoothly or easily as their initial friendship. But that's what we have meddling friends and kitschy Christmas events for. ;)

#12datesofchristmas #brighamvaughn #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Friday, December 6, 2024

Flake It Til You Make It (Christmas Falls: Seasons Two #2)


AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Beth Bolden's "Flake It Til You Make It."

["It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas . . .

When Rocco Moretti gets the chance to buy a coffee shop in a small Illinois town, it feels like a miracle. And in true Christmas Falls tradition, Jolly Java is a holiday-flavored one.

He sets up shop and starts experimenting with recipes. The only problem? His changes go over like a piece of coal on Christmas morning. Instead of serving up cups of holiday cheer, he's getting a solid "bah humbug" vibe from the town.

He needs another miracle, stat.

Enter Deputy Mayor Taylor Hall.

Taylor wants the mayor's job when she retires, but his holiday dream is melting because he doesn't have a family to win over the voters. The mayor told him even a boyfriend would help.

The only problem? Taylor doesn't have one.

But Rocco needs the town's acceptance, and what better way than dating the deputy mayor? Faking it till they make it will be a means to an end. That's all.

But sharing the holiday season wins over more than the town's hearts. With each date, each mistletoe kiss, and every steamy night in front of the fire, it wins over theirs as well.

Come Christmas morning, there's really only one miracle Rocco wants under his tree.

For the love they've been faking to become real."]

This one was a little angst-y, but the pure adorableness of it all made it better. These two were a little stupid to think that their already-their feelings wouldn't grow and grow while they "fake dated." But the fluff and the steam and the town's support were perfect.

And the constant use of their in-case-feelings-happen safe-word. Goodness flipping gracious. So many feelings, sooooo many uses of their safe word. ;) But it brought them together, and without it, who knows where they'd be.

Plus all of the cookies and meddling friends and all of the references to a series I haven't read yet (but reeeeeaaaaally want to right now).

#flakeittilyoumakeit #bethbolden #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

The Incubus's Assistant (Charmed Away Temp Agency #1)


My GOD. Amy Padilla utterly blew me away with her newest book. "The Incubus's Assistant" is the first novel in her latest series, Charmed Away Temp Agency. 

["When Avery showed up for his temp job on Monday morning, he’d had certain expectations in mind. He was not expecting to end up bent over his new boss’s desk. It was an innocent mistake, and he’s determined to move on, but the experience left him breathless and more than a little curious. So when his new boss is left without a feeder, he volunteers to help. After all, that’s what any good assistant would do. Right?

Ozen made foolish decisions when he was hungry. He is grateful that his new assistant is so forgiving. But when he finds himself starving after his new feeder throws a temper tantrum and refuses to show up, he has no choice but to ask his assistant for help. After all, he had yet to meet an assistant who was so professional. Surely they could get through a feeder contract without any issues. Right?"]

And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["happy accidents, virgin MMC, hungry incubus, Ozen is grumpy when he’s hungry, Avery is happy to be a snack, contracts should be taken seriously, petulant feeders will get their comeuppance, who knew you could order your perfect mate?, Avery is inexperienced, Ozen is a good teacher, mixing business with pleasure isn’t such a bad idea, CEOs make busy bosses, it’s just a crush, not, maybe contracts are meant to be broken, guaranteed HEA."]

This book was quick to the spice but slow burn to the romance (normally, not something I'm suuuuuper into, because it also guarantees high angst (which this had in spades), but I don't know, I was hooked here). 

These two were dynamic. They had sooooo much chemistry, and it was anything but professional pretty damn quickly. Everyone thought so...except Ozen (though, he was deeeeeeeep in denial for SO freaking long). They broke all of their rules.

Speaking of rules. I LOVE how Amy added numbered rules to the beginning of each Avery led chapter. It really added into the whole Employee Handbook shtick. It also helped foreshadow the upcoming chapter, because more often than not, that rule was about to be broken. 

"Rule 1: Never fall in love with your incubus." 

Trigger Warnings: species-ism, inter-office bullying, degradation (and not the fun, sexy, consensual kind), threats, and more. 

#theincubssassistant #charmedaway #charmedawayseries #charmedawaytempagency #charmedawaytempagencyseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Emery (Unexpected #3)

Catching up on a series you started a while ago counts as Beat the Backlog and TBRs (it does). Here's Cora Rose's "Emery."...