Goodbye, March!

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

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

(1) Book's Read This Month: 42 (might get one more in there before midnight though).

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

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

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

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

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

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

The Demon Bodyguard

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

["A fateful assignment leads to one fated mate!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Demon Undertaker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Castle Swimmer: Volume 2

When I saw an ARC of "Castle Swimmer: Volume 2" by Wendy Martin on Netgalley, I neeeeeded it! And lucky me, I was granted one a few weeks later.

["Two mermen reject their destinies and embark on a raucous adventure as big and unpredictable as the ocean itself—and a romance that nobody could have predicted—in the stunning second installment of the hit Webtoon series Castle Swimmer.

The sharks want Kappa dead, and time is running out for Prince Siren to save him. Queen Susca knows Siren doesn’t have the courage to kill Kappa, and for the sake of the kingdom, she’s willing to do the deed herself. As tensions run high, neighboring queens pay the sharks a visit to offer an alliance, and while they might just be the means of escape the two mermen have been looking for, it’s unclear if they can be trusted.

Siren will do anything to get Kappa to safety—even if it means never seeing him again, and even if all Kappa wants is to stay by his side. Yet escaping the queen’s spear will take all of Siren and Kappa’s courage and cunning, and there’s no guarantee they’ll both make it out alive."]

Siren and Kappa are still my absolute favorite! They are adorable and in-like and sooo lost in life. But the second volume of "Castle Swimmer" showed the power of saying "no", of finding who you are as a person (what your beliefs are), and standing up for yourself. It's about the weight of responsibility, of putting so much of that responsibility on a child (and just being okay with it--I'm looking at you, too, Harry Potter).

A lot of people stood up for what they believed in. A lot of people explored new beliefs. A lot of people were changed by seeing others stand up for their beliefs. 

And yet...this one ended on an almost-cliffhanger. Not as bad as Volume 1, but still not a completed HEA. Here I go to Webtoon.

#netgalley #arc #arcteammember
#castleswimmer #castleswimmerseries #wendymartin #graphicnovel #queergraphicnovel #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Payback Girls

SO many ARCs and just not enough time. Then again, I knew that before I requested this one. Here's Alex Travis's "The Payback Girls."

["His first mistake was underestimating them.

Senior year is going to be perfect. Meghan won't settle for anything less. She's already crushing her classes and dating the star of the basketball team. Nate's friends have been less than welcoming, but it's never easy being one of the only Black kids at a mostly white prep school. Still, Meghan did not expect the scene at pep rally.

Robin and Bria dated Nate too. are dating him. He never broke up with them, and Meghan is furious.

When Nate is found bloodied and unconscious in the locker room after the big game, suddenly the three teens are prime suspects—and a tenuous alliance may be the only way to clear their names. Except Meghan doesn't remember everything that happened that night, and she's starting to have feelings for one of the exes. One thing is for the more clues they uncover, the more Meghan, Bria, and Robin each look responsible…"]

I read this blurb, and I needed it. "John Tucker Must Die" (if you haven't watched this 2006 movie, you're missing out), but John Tucker ends up almost dead. Plus some queerness sprinkled in there. I was sold.

LOVED the female rage in this. Revel in your anger. Don't let people push you around and make you a victim. You own your agency, and if they threaten to take it from you, push back. These girls did just that. It was powerful as fuck. Especially adding in the race aspect. 

Just as powerful was the female friendship in this one. Thought it was rocky most of the novel, they stuck together. Meghan's sisters on the other hand? Loyal as fuck, perfect representation of female empowerment and support. 

Oh, you want to know about the crime? Because it's a mystery. Makes sense. The suspects list only got longer and longer, the details more convoluted and confusing. People would clear themselves, only to reappear as suspects a few chapters laters. We all suspected the three girls a few times, at least I did. I even suspected the actual culprit a few times (go, me). 

#thepaybackgirls #alextravis #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Party

I've been meaning to get to this book for a WHILE. Here's Natasha Preston's "The Party." 

["Are you invited?
In the heart of the English countryside, a group of teenagers gather at a remote castle for a weekend of fun and games. But when the first of them dies, the party takes a deadly turn. As the body count rises, the remaining guests must race against time to uncover the killer’s identity before they become the next victim."]

Greeeaaat. Who doesn't love getting the creeps and utter paranoia in chapter two of a novel? It wasn't the smartest idea to start this novel before bed last night, that's for sure.

There were definite "And Then There Were None" vibes, too. All invited to an old place. A sudden and strong as storm. Stranded in old place. Each character being killed off one-by-one. Secrets. Possible budding romances. More secrets. Hidden passageways/rooms. Lying. Secrets. Everyone dead but one.

Just wow.

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

The Ruby Dragon Prince (Omega Fairy Tales #1)

Here's MM Farmer's latest: "The Ruby Dragon Prince." It's the first novel in her Omega Fairy Tales series

["Once upon a time, in an enchanted kingdom of captive omega princes and jeweled dragon alpha princes….

Tovey
Even though my brothers and I are of royal blood, our lives have been made miserable by our father the king. He has locked us in the castle and gives our heats to wicked nobles to secure their loyalty and their gold or ogres of his choosing. It is a life of sadness and desperation that I would do anything to escape.
Until a secret passage is discovered in our bedroom that takes us to a glittering world of magic and desire…

Rufus
I knew that the clever, beautiful omega that stumbled into that springtime ball was destined to be mine from the moment I saw him. We danced, we flirted, then he foolishly tried to leave. How could I not pursue him to win him back and make him mine in every way?
But my sweet omega prince has a greater evil pursuing him, and if I truly want to keep him, I might fight his demons for him and win."]

Holy. Shit! This book was fabulous! It was a little dark and a lot fluffy. There was so much world building and possibility and characterization and just AH! There was so much love and found family (well, brother's sticking strong) and magic. There was so much beauty in a world in where evil tries to stamp out all joy.

But these brothers wouldn't allow their father to take their joy away. Take their love away. Take their dedication away. They stood strong with each other, with hope of a better future, with the joy of dancing. They all have a vision for their future, and today, Tovey's came true.

I can't wait for the rest of the princes to get their HEA..and for the evil king to get his karma.

#gayromancereviews #arcs #arcteammember
#therubydragonprince #thegolddragonprince #mmfarmer #omegafairytales #omegafairytalesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Edge of Temptation (The Saints of Westmont U #1)

Here's Hayden Hall's "Flirting With Fire." It's the first novel in his new Saints of Westmont U series.

["He was my first sin. My first love. And he’s about to ruin me all over again.

Easton
Some men ruin you slowly. Others break you all at once.
Jace was never supposed to be in my life again. Not after what he did. Not after they took him away.
But he’s here, standing in my doorway with a smirk that makes my pulse trip and my gut clench.
He needs a place to stay. I should slam the door in his face.
Instead, I let him in.
Enemies. Exiles. Rivals. Lovers?
This isn’t a love story. This is a disaster waiting to happen.
And I can’t wait for the impact.

Jace
He wants me gone. I want him begging. Let’s see who wins.
Easton never knew what to do with me.
He wanted to fight me. He wanted to kiss me.
Now that I’m back, he’s still pretending he can resist.
Cute.
But I know him too well. I know the way his breathing changes when I get close.
I know how his body reacts before his brain can catch up.
I know exactly how to break him.
And I will."]

Wow. Just wow.

There was so much love and sooo much hate in this book. It was a precarious line that these two danced along. And that was before the finally succumbed to the inevitable chemistry between them. Their history, their traumas, tries to define them even after they thought they had moved in from them. But the past can’t be locked in a closet and forgotten about. Their past forced them to look at it, talk about it, and think about a future with their past as part of them. It was dark and emotional and beautiful. 

Not sure how I feel about Kyle being in more of the series though. He seems pretty fucking irredeemable to me. Spoiler alert? :/ 

Trigger Warnings: estranged foster brothers, homophobia, internalized homophobia, on-page violence, mentions of parental abuse, violence, mentions of drug use, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#edgeoftemptation #costofredemption #haydenhall #thesaintsofwestmontu #thesaintsofwestmontuseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Doug: A Tale of Vampires, Maidens, And Stolen Candelabras

Here's a little treat from Shannon Mae (email exclusive): "Doug: A Tale of Vampires, Maidens, And Stolen Candelabras.”

["Doug
I have a problem—and it isn’t just being a vampire named Doug. Maidens keep winding up at my castle, freaking out when they find out I’m a vampire, and stealing my candelabras. Really, it’s enough to give a vamp a complex. Not to mention the fortune I’m spending on replacing the candelabras. Luckily, the nearby home store keeps them in stock. They also happen to employ a very cute cashier named Vlad, who ends up stopping by my castle. Now if I can only hide my fangs long enough to avoid him running off screaming into the night with my new candelabra.

Vlad
My mother was a fan of the supernatural (hence the name Vlad), but I don’t believe the customer when he mutters about being a vampire (because what vampire is named Doug?). Imagine my surprise when I find out he really does live in a castle. Doug is a pretty extraordinary guy, and we have way more in common than I expected. Not only that, but things definitely seem a little fairy-tale-like, including how fast I’m falling for the cute guy who I just met. (And are those actually fangs in his mouth?)"]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["Doug is tired of screaming maidens and stolen candelabras; Mrs. Butters is a meddlesome creature; Vlad really knows how to go with the flow, even if that means rocking a pink bathrobe; knitting and crocheting are art forms; flappy sky puppies are adorable."]

Of course these two were adorable as hell. And of course this book had a very crack-y feel to it. It’s Shannon Mae. What else would you expect? 

Inside jokes and sweet moments and fated mates and mysterious beings of unknown magical origin (which happens fairly often in Shannon’s universe).

This ficlet was perfection! Exactly what I needed after a long day.

#doug #dougataleofvampiresmaidensandstolencandelabras #ataleofvampiresmaidensandstolencandelabras #shannonmae #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Nothing Bad Happens Here

I only found out about this book a month ago, but I feel like I've been waiting forever to get my copy! Here's Rachel Ekstorm Courage's debut myster: "Nothing Bad Happens Here."

["A carefree New England vacation is just what sixteen-year-old Lucia needs to chase her sadness away. At least, according to her mom, who whisks them away for the summer with her ridiculously wealthy new boyfriend. Nothing bad happens in Nantucket, a charming island with cobblestone streets and million-dollar cottages.

But when Lucia stumbles upon the body of a teenage girl on a beach, the discovery reopens old wounds from her past. With the dead girl's identity a mystery, Lucia takes it upon herself to investigate and crosses paths with Selah and her pack of devil-may-care besties. The three girls are beautiful, chaotic, and a little wild—and they help Lucia forget her crushing sense of grief and loneliness. But as Lucia becomes a part of their shimmering world, she begins to suspect that there are dark secrets hidden in this quiet enclave, and that uncovering them may be the key to solving the dead girl’s murder. Not everything on this island is what it seems…"]

This book was utterly fabulous! There were twists and turns, all at the right (and wrong--in a good way?) spots. There were people to love and people to hate. There were a few, well-done predictable moments, but they only led you to the unpredictable moments. I mean seriously? Quite a few moments blew me away, and then, looking back, you can see where Rachel weaved it through the story.

I loved Lucia. She had been through so much, but it didn't stop her from being fierce. It didn't stop her from trying and trying. Even if everyone else was pushing her down. 

And I loooooved all of the Pittsburgh references!! Squirrel Hill, Kennywood, Mrs T’s pierogies. Love!! 

#nothingbadhappenshere #rachelekstormcourage #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Accidental Dragon Baby (Babies for Broken Dads #1)

Here is Anna Wineheart's latest: "The Accidental Dragon Baby." It's the first novel in her new series, Babies for Broken Dads (which is a spin-off series from her Closet Baby Chronicles series...which is also a spin-off series).

["Ivo's in hiding... from a handsome stranger who knocked him up with a dragon baby.

With one eye blind and a face full of scars, Ivo knows he's no one's first choice for a mate. That's okay. He has an adorable baby girl, and a group of loyal friends. It's just... Sometimes, he really wants to be held.

Then he gets a chance at intimacy—a quick tryst with a stranger, with a wall between them to keep his face hidden.

Except an accident happens. He's now burping smoke, his belly warm with a dragon pregnancy.

The dragon, Ace, is desperate to find him. But will Ace stick around when he discovers just how many scars Ivo wears on his body?"]

And to think this all started with 'Date Night'...oh, you silly dragon. Well date night plus a...meet-cute (of sorts).

These two were adorable as hell. All of these couples are somehow soooo fucking soft and fluffy and protective, but at the same time, they manage to be so spicy. It's a perfect balance. Add in the crack-ness of this world in general (Dick Mems, the butlers, the friendships, the found families, the text threads) is fabulous and addicting and utterly perfect. And I love, even after soooo long and so many books, there's new shifters and new lore and new love stories (and new butler brothers--there's sooooo many of them).

I can't wait for the rest of this series!!

Trigger Warnings: past animal abuse (brief mention, none on-page), past kidnapping, and more.

#theaccidentaldragonbaby #demonbassbabyload #babiesforbrokendads #babiesforbrokendadsseries #annawineheart #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Long Refrain (Sweet Southern #4)

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

["Benji
I’m the sunshine one. The one that no one ever worries about. The one who makes everyone laugh. The one who keeps his crap together. But one night with a rockstar threatens to unravel all my carefully built defenses. Nolan pushes all my buttons, transforming me into someone I’ve never been before. After a few nights as his escort, he whisks me away on his world tour to promote his new album. And with each passing day, I grow more worried for us, unsure if either of us will survive the tour.

Nolan
Rags to riches. I’m living the dream. A rockstar adored by the masses, but no one knows that every time I step on stage, it almost kills me. All that keeps me alive these days are my stolen trysts with Benji, a hired lover. Bringing him on tour with me was both the smartest and dumbest decision I’ve ever made. He keeps me grounded and gives me hope, and it’ll be a miracle if we both come out alive."]

Before we had even a cover for this book, I wanted it desperately. I wanted Benji and his HEA, no matter how uneasy his friends were over his relationship with Nolan. Now that we have the book itself, including the blurb (and the trigger warnings), I was very apprehensive. 

"Golden retriever piece of shit" was somehow said with so much (albeit reluctant) fondness. As was "goddamn puppy." "My thunder" broke my heart. As did: "I'm ruining him. His eyse are so troubled. The sunshine is bleeding out of him and it's because of me." But then it got better, ever so slowly. 

These two were perfect for each other. They made each other better, mostly. They completed each other like only darkness and sunshine can. But it was far from easy. Nolan was broken (almost) beyond repair, and he saw no other option than being broken. Benji loved being sunshine and happiness, but being with Nolan woke something up inside of him that he didn't know existed, something he didn't know he needed.

Also, with all of Nolan's prickly edges and dark corners, he never protested when Benji called him "angel."

Love doesn’t cure mental illness but knowing you have someone in your corner can make you want to fight back to the light again. And these two were a great example of that.

Fair warning: do yourself a favor and check out eh triggers blow. The depression and anxiety was so fucking joke, sent me into a bit of a tizzy. Read safely. 

Trigger Warnings: rough sex (biting/slapping/marking), suicidal ideation, self-hate, CNC, on-page suicide attempt (NOT GRAPHIC), past abuse in the foster care system (not sexual abuse), death of a grandparent, attempted suicide of a parent, parents with addiction, parental abandonment, disassociation as a coping mechanism, past self-harm, depression, and more.

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

How To Rescue Your Surprise Baby (Closet Baby Chronicles #8)

Here's Anna Wineheart's "How To Rescue Your Surprise Baby." Its the eighth book in her Closet Baby Chronicles (and all of it is pure freaking crack).

["Surprise baby. Frenemies on a rescue mission. Alpha/Alpha, alpha-preg.

Telos has a secret he's taking to his grave. Instead of the small, vulnerable men he's supposed to want, he can't stop thinking about a certain broad-shouldered shifter in his alpha friend group.

The man he's on a rescue mission with.

Of course, Mav hates his guts.

Mav scoffs at Telos' dinosaur forms; he doesn't catch on when Telos flirts with him. He's annoying and aggravating, and he's totally Telos' type.

F*ck his life, right?

When an old hookup calls Telos to tell him he's a dad, and that his new baby has just been kidnapped, everything gets more complicated.

Why is Mav looking at him strangely? Why is Mav offering to help with the baby? It doesn't make any sense. Telos is just falling deeper in love with him. And his heart is going to shatter by the end of this."]

We’ve been waiting for these two for sooooo long! And apparently, so had their friends . ;) 

It was beautiful watching them finally connect, for Telos to finally get his HEA, for Mav to finally realize his feelings for his friend. It was dinosaur heaven! And some seriously hot spice. 

Not to mention all of the butler brothers. And the past couples. And allllll of the future couples.

Trigger Warnings: premeditated kidnapping, rescue of several babies and men who have been kidnaped, alpha fighting for dominance, and more. 

#howtohideyourdragonbaby #howtohideyourwolfcub #howtohideyourvampirekid #howtohideyourstolenbaby #howtohideyourmermaidchild #howtohideyourphoenixbaby #howtohideyourangelkid #howtorescueyoursurprisebaby #closetbabychronicles #closetbabychroinclesseries #annawineheart #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Prince and The Player (Prince Pact #1)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Nora Phoenix's "The Prince and The Player." It's the first novella in her Prince Pact series.

["I’m determined to win over the one guy who hates me…but I never expected to fall for him

Being a prince may seem like a fairytale, but to me, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. That’s why I’m excited when I get permission from my uncle—the king of Norway—to go undercover as a student at an American college for a year. And I’m even more ecstatic to be selected for their football team. Soccer, I mean. The only problem? Farron, the team captain, dislikes me on sight. Determined to win him over, I start a charm offensive, but nothing works. He only hates me more.

Until the animosity comes to an explosive release…and we end up kissing each other. How did that happen when neither of us has ever been attracted to a guy before? Farron wants to let it run its course and get it out of our system, but I doubt that’ll work. I’m falling for him hard, but he has no idea who I really am. I fear that if he finds out, he’ll never speak to me again…"]

Ha! I love that Tore has "one year off" to himself, plans to go to the States for a year abroad, and picks Ohio, of all places. Ohio. I mean, I guess if you're trying to be incognito, Ohio is a good place to pick.

It's also a good place to pick if you want to find yourself a grumpy soccer captain with a strong sense of family. And your very own not-a-prince prince charming. Though, it took Farron a while to go from grump to charming. ;)

These two were adorable and utterly smitten for each other, even if they got off on the wrong foot, even though they were from different backgrounds, even though they made me cry a time or two. They were sweet and soft for each other, and totally completely in love. 

This one felt a little different, compared to Nora's other works. But I'm not complaining. I loved it! And I can't wait for the other prince's to get their own HEAs.

#netgalley #arcs #arcteammember
#theprinceandtheplayer #noraphoenix #princepact #princepactseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Possession (Constantine Brothers #1)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Rina Saint's "Possession." It's the first novel in her Constantine Brothers series.

["I’m a beast pacing around my cage waiting for the next fight. It’s all I have, those brief moments of rage and destruction. It’s a sort of freedom. Then I go back into the cold, dark emptiness.

That’s why I don’t speak anymore. What’s the point? I stopped being human a long time ago. I’ve given up on anything but that cycle of violence and isolation—until they throw him into my cage. They expect me to kill him as soon as he gets me through my injuries. That’s what I usually do. People thrown in with me make so much noise with their begging that I have to kill them to shut them up. But Lucas is different. He’s quiet. Lost. He intrigues me.

So I don’t kill him. I claim him instead.

At first, my handlers are happy. They think he makes it easier to manage me. Control the beast by controlling its possession. Beasts are simple like that.

What they don’t realize is that he’s waking up the man I used to be—and that man is a hell of a lot more dangerous than the beast."]

This book was...wow. It was intense as hell, but also? It was dark perfection. There was so much hopelessness, but they this connection appeared between the two of them, and suddenly, a tiny window opened. The newfound hope was beautiful and glorious and possessive as hell, but it also made their circumstances all the more bleak.

Things got worse...and then better. There should have been some serrrious therapy going on but maybe one day. For now, they got each other.

And possibly more books in the series? 

Trigger Warnings: dub-con, violence, torture/brutality, captivity, trafficking, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#posession #rinasaint #constantinebrothers #constantinebrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Balance (Oakley's Crew #2)

STILL overwhelmed by the sheer number of TBRs. So still not start something completely random aka, slowly crossing another author off my to-binge list. Here's Nicole Dykes's "Balance." It's the second book in her Oakley's Crew series, which is a spin-off of her Kensley Panthers series.

["Archie
My favorite principle in landscaping and in life is balance.
In any situation, that’s my goal—to find that perfect balance. And I’m good at it too.
That is until I met Cane.
Now, nothing makes sense, and everything is off balance. I’m not sure what to make of this and how to make it work.
I’ve never felt like this before, and I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. All I know is I want to find a way.

Cane
I knew I wasn’t happy before I met Archie. But after? It became pretty apparent I wasn’t.
Blatantly so.
How am I supposed to go back now? Especially since he showed back up in my life at just the wrong time—or right, depending on how you look at it.
I don’t even know if I can convince him to forgive me. And I don’t know what I want.
All I know is I’ve never felt more secure in who I am than when I’m around him."]

I’m really not sure how a book could be so fluffy and so angsty. But it was! And it was perfect! 

Archie and Cane had instant chemistry, love at first sight, you’re-it kinda magic. Too bad they didn’t see each other for a few months after that one night. 

Being together was easy. In the physical sense. The emotional sense? It took some harsh realities and harder looks, some deep introspections and baggage reviewing. 

But they finally (finally) made it work. With their little farm animal babies. 

Trigger Warnings: typical small town homophobia and more.

#simplicity #balance #oakleyscrew #oakleyscrewseries #kensleypanthers #kensleypantersseries #nicoledykes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Painting Him Mine

TBR, who? ARCS, what?
Here's Ariella Zoelle's latest: "Painting Him Mine."

["Love at first sight is rare, but finding it on some spare change? That’s a new kind of meet-cute. But will a whirlwind romance lead to true love?

A $10 bill defaced with a van Gogh portrait catches my eye right after the barista gives me my change. It’s bold, it’s brilliant…and it’s got a phone number scrawled underneath. What am I supposed to do—not text it?

That’s how I meet Ezra, a wildly talented artist with zero shame and a knack for turning our flirty conversation filthy before I’ve even had my second cup of coffee.

Our getting-to-know you texts quickly turn into the kind that wouldn’t pass the “show your grandma” test. By our first dinner date, it already feels like we've known each other forever. And when an impromptu art lesson in his studio turns into a hands-on exploration of the human form, I realize I'm falling for more than just his artistic talent.

Ezra’s fearless, creative, impossibly charming, and being with him feels like chasing the best kind of chaos. Is falling this fast reckless? Probably. But when it’s real, why slow down?"]

Another amazing hit from Ariella! The angst, was usual, was nonexistent and the chemistry was high. 

These two clicked sooo well! They knew from the moment they met that it was something special. I mean, on what other first day are you going to propose, if it’s not fate (who apparently loves cakes)? 

#painthimmine #ariellazoelle #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Barbarian's Tribute (Not-So-Savage Barbarians #1)

TBR, who? ARCS, what?
Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "The Barbarian's Tribute." It's the first official novel in her Not-So-Savage Barbarians series.

["Every year, a woman from each town is chosen as a tribute to the barbarian clans to keep the peace, never to be seen or heard from again. The rumors about the barbarian clans were horrific. It was a sentence worse than death. I never thought they’d choose me. But when my brother betrays me by telling my father about my interest in men, he decides to throw me to the wolves to spare our family the shame. Making me the first male tribute."]

This book was utterly amazing! The world building was unique and beautiful and sooo unlike you'd assume based on the title and blurb (it reminded me of Fae Quinn's "You're Not My Prince." The Barbarian's are far better people and more understanding and more accepting than the townspeople. 

Finn and Rath were perfect for each other. They were soft and sweet and protective and possessive and all of the green-flagged things. They were smitten and in love. And utterly supported by the clan (because in what world are "barbarians" better than "normal people"--the romance world)

I can't wait for the rest of the series!!

Trigger Warnings: dubious consent, threats of and violence against MC, attempted assault, and more.

#theunexpectedbarbarian #thebarbarianstribute #saedbyabarbarian #seduingabarbarian #thebarbariansclaim #thephysiciansbarbarian #thebarbarianprince #notsosavagebarbarians #notsosavagedbarbariansseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

March's Book Shape Challenge 2025

Here's March's Book Shape Challenge! A silly, cereal-loving leprechaun.

Last year, I went with holiday-themed (mostly) book shape challenges; this year, I'm thinking animals (which is less--and yet more--of a challenge (we'll see how it goes)). And okay, a leprechaun isn't an animal, but I had a really hard time picking an animal to represent March.

(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

Hell's Most Incompetent Demon

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Silvana Falcon's "Hell's Most Incompetent Demon."

["Hell's most incompetent demon meets Earth's most hopeless romantic.

All Ethan wanted was someone who could help him find love—or at least someone to pop his cherry. A spell from an odd book he found at the library promised him a wish from Cupid. Sure, some of the ingredients weren't easy to get, but he could improvise. Was there really that much difference between dried laurel leaves and coriander?

He never meant to summon a demon.

Malphas hasn't been to Earth in a hundred years, not since he accidentally created a massively successful support group for gamblers and saved hundreds of souls from damnation. As punishment, he's stuck in Hell's archives filing dusty prophecies because his boss is convinced he's incapable of being properly evil.

When Ethan's summoning yanks him topside, he sees his chance to prove himself. He'll make a deal with the human—and collect that blindingly bright soul.

All he has to do is to help Ethan get together with his crush.

What could possibly go wrong?"]

This book was adorable!! It felt like pure crack, but it was just soooo cute! These two were smitten but ignored it (Ethan already had a crust. And Mal wasn't meant for such a pure soul, a soul he planned to take). The only major angst (between them--there was some outside-influence-angst) was the will-they-won't-they (or, since its a romance with a HEA, the best kind, the when-will-they).

I loved how soft Mal was for Ethan--and humans in general. He was a demon sure, but he loved humanity and helping people (and sugary coffee and The Great British Bake-Off). And I love how soft Ethan was for Mal--and romance books. He just wanted to be happy and read his favorite tropes and find his own HEA. 

Quote of the Day, which happen in the very first chapter, on the very first page (Ethan): "Did Ethan feel a tiny bit self-conscious about reading a smut-scene at work? He had in the beginning. Then he'd found this perfect spot to hid away during his lunch break, between the religious section and the occult part of the library."

#booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#hellsmostincompetentdemon #theworldswimpiestvampire #supernaturalsuckers #supernaturalsuckersseries #silvanafalcon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

An Offer From A Gentlemen (Bridgertons #3)

I haven't read any of the Bridgerton books (by Julia Quinn) yet, even though I've seen all three seasons on Netflix. When I saw the latest trailer, I was suddenly compelled to read at least "An Offer From A Gentlemen," because I am a SUCKER for a Cinderella retelling (suuuuucker). So I guess, here we are.

["Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?"]

This book was REALLY good! I was honestly shocked on how good it was! Which I shouldn't have been, it being so popular and the series being turned into a show. But it was SO good!!

It was an easy read. For some reason, I thought it would be more Victorian-language-y, but aside from the occasional diction change, it was modern. And the chapters just read so smoothly. And I was constantly compelled to keep reading. 

Not to mention the actual plot, and the actual couple, and the actual perfection of a family that is the Bridgertons. Who aren't perfect, but they're perfectly imperfect.

Now I REALLY can't wait for the fourth season...maybe I should add the rest of the books to my TBR..

#anofferfromagentlmen #thedukeandi #theviscountwholovedme #romancingmrbridgerton #tosirphillipwithlove #whenhewaswicked #itshiskiss #onthewaytothewedding #violetinbloom #juliaquinn #bridgertons #bridgertonsseries #books #romacne #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

I Killed Zoe Spanos

I've been meaning to get to this book for a WHILE. My coworker loooves it and talks about it frequently. Here's Kit Frick's "I Killed Zoe Spanos." 

["This gripping thriller follows two teens whose lives become inextricably linked when one confesses to murder and the other becomes determined to uncover the real truth no matter the cost.

What happened to Zoe won't stay buried...

When Anna Cicconi arrives to the small Hamptons village of Herron Mills for a summer nanny gig, she has high hopes for a fresh start. What she finds instead is a community on edge after the disappearance of Zoe Spanos, a local girl who has been missing since New Year's Eve. Anna bears an eerie resemblance to Zoe, and her mere presence in town stirs up still-raw feelings about the unsolved case. As Anna delves deeper into the mystery, stepping further and further into Zoe's life, she becomes increasingly convinced that she and Zoe are connected--and that she knows what happened to her.

Two months later, Zoe's body is found in a nearby lake, and Anna is charged with manslaughter. But Anna's confession is riddled with holes, and Martina Green, teen host of the Missing Zoe podcast, isn't satisfied. Did Anna really kill Zoe? And if not, can Martina's podcast uncover the truth?"]

The opening chapter (a "Now" chapter) is all Anna's confession. And if you know anything about true crime (podcasts, TV dramas, etc), you'd know that Anna's confession was slightly coerced and, if given a good lawyer, inadmisible in court. That opening really propels you straight into the story, wanting to know how she got here. It doesn't help that the second (and third) chapter are "Then" chapters. 

I liked the flip-flopping between the Then and Now chapters. I liked the variations between general prose-style writing and podcast transcriptions. I also liked how the book alternated between Anna's POV (mostly Anna's) and Martina's. It kept the novel fresh and exciting.

Not to mention the murder/thriller aspect. Because, while Anna might not have murdered Zoe (then again, did she?), SOMETHING happened that night, something triggered Anna to have those flashbacks, something gave her such a guilty conscious that she confessed to murdering someone she never met in a town she'd never been to.

Trigger Warnings: under-age drinking, drug-use, murder (I'd say duh, but that would be rude), violence, and more.

#ikilledzoespanos #kitfrick #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sunflower (The Agency #1)

Here's Kayla Halleur's "Sunflower." It's the first book in her series, The Agency.

["Meeting Callum for the first time while being crushed under a hundred pounds of sunflowers was somewhat awkward.

Seeing him flee to the other side of the country because of what he saw in my head was downright humiliating.

I can’t help but feel like my dad should have told me ahead of time that his girlfriend and her son had psychic abilities.

Four long years later and he’s back to watch our parents finally get married, and I’m still wondering what on earth he saw in my head that day.

I never thought going on a blind date would eventually bring the answers I was looking for…

Or that it would completely turn my life upside down…"]

And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["Gratuitous use of sunflowers; really, they’re everywhere if you know where to look; Irish Gaelic as a love language; Callum thrives on being annoyingly mysterious; Joey doesn’t believe in psychics; oh wait, yes, he does; Joey steals some clothing, but really, it’s better this way; oh, look, Callum is being mysterious again; a simple blind date that doesn’t turn out quite so blind or quite so simple; the world is so much bigger than what Joey believes; saucy times are saucy; over-enthusiastic family and friends that only have the best of intentions, they swear; antagonist is a nasty piece of work and deserves everything coming his way; Callum is a really good multi-tasker, especially when he’s driving; Joey is unnerved by everything and simply prays that he doesn’t end up in a fiery automobile accident, please and thank you; Greek myths re-told and re-imagined; Joey finds himself in all sorts of trouble; Callum doesn’t like that, not one bit; Joey is sassy when cornered; Callum finds Joey adorable when he’s not himself; their parents do something unexpected and it’s Callum’s turn to be incredibly unnerved by the turn of events; no, seriously, he’s convinced this will spell everyone’s impending doom"]

This story was adorable as hell! I looooved the meet-cute turned meet-ugly. I loved the pet names. I loved their relationship (...after they were allowed to have one). I loved the mythology and lore that was built upon real "history"/history. I loved the secrecy of it all. 

I loved Callum and Joey. They were utterly perfect for each other. I loved how fast they grew together, how quickly it progressed into something more, how sure they both were..especially when everything else was falling apart around them (and they didn't know who to trust).

We still don't know who to (fully) trust. This book ended with a series cliffhanger (you've been warned--but these two got their HEA).

Trigger Warnings: On-page (not between MCs): coercive behavior, dangerous driving, graphic physical and verbal assault and violence (including an interrogation scene), homophobia, cheating, severe allergies and related EpiPen usage, stalking; Off-page (brief mentions in passing): children rescued from a cult (prior to the start of the story), deaths/Murders of adults and children (one baby during the plot of the story, and one seven-year-old via myth re-telling), eugenics (via myth re-telling), home invasion (prior to the start of the story), planned arranged child marriages (via myth re-telling)

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#sunflower #theagency #theagencyseries #kaylahalleur #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Somewhere Beyond The Sea (Valleywood)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's MM Farmer's "Somewhere Beyond the Sea." It's part of a multi-author series, Valleywood.

["Do you ever just feel drawn to a certain place with no explanation why?

Zack
I have no idea why I dropped everything in my life to move to Valleywood so I could pursue…stand-up comedy? Really? Me? A mousey little omega who would rather fall off a bridge than have people stare at him?
Funny thing about that whole falling off a bridge thing, because that’s exactly what happened. I fell off a bridge and straight into the arms of…a merman?

Lucas
I wanted to be where the people were, especially since the people were staging an original musical version of The Little Mermaid with an open casting call. Was I allowed to leave home for Valleywood so that I could audition? Heck no! Did I go anyhow? Yep.
Whether I get the lead or not, disobedience is immediately worth it when a funny little omega fell from the sky and into my life. Zack thinks I rescued him from a watery grave. When my family finds out where I am and why, he might just be the one rescuing me!"]

This story was adorable as hell!!

There was so much fluff and care! There was just the right about of spice. There was SOO much world building and lore and utter perfection of mashed-up gods/creatures. I loved all of the unique phrases and specialized idioms. 

Not to mention all of the theatre drama and Little Mermaid action!!

And now, I have to add the rest of this series to my TBR list...oops. 

#booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#somewherebeyondthesea #merryfarmer #mmfarmer #valleywood #valleywoodseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hidden Intentions (Quick Bites #3)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Gen Blackwell's "Hidden Intentions." It's the third novella in her Quick Bites series.

["Professor Parker is fucking hot.
The moment I saw him, I knew he was mine.
Mine to obsess over. Mine to fantasize about.
Mine to unravel until that high-and-mighty moral shell of his shatters.
He doesn’t know I’ve uncovered his dirty little secret, but I have, and I know the truth . . .
He wants me too.
But I’m his student, and he’s my teacher. It’s forbidden. Unethical. Impossible.
Or so he thinks.
The impossibility only makes it more exciting.
Rules mean nothing to me. When I want something, I take it.
And I want him."]

This novella started off a little awkward. But it quickly turned into so much more. Was it mostly spice? Sure. Was it still so fluffy and perfect and puzzle-pieces-clicking-together? Hell yes. 

This series is so short and sweet, a definite "easy" read for between longer novels. 

#booksirens #arcs #arcteammember
#hiddenfeelings #hiddenconfessions #hiddenintentions #quickbites #quickbitesseries #genblackwell #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Castle Swimmer: Volume 1

I started "Castle Swimmer: Volume 1" by Wendy Martin a whiiillleee ago. I had left it with only a few chapters left (or so I thought--I had left it with one chapter left).

["In the gorgeous first installment of the hit Webtoon series Castle Swimmer, two young mermen reject their destinies and embark on an epic adventure full of romance and danger, featuring exclusive bonus material.

From the moment Kappa tumbles into existence on the ocean floor, his life’s purpose is already decided for him: He is the Beacon, a light to all sea creatures, and destined to fulfill their many prophesies. In high demand and under immense pressure, Kappa quickly realizes that fame and glory are small compensation for a life of predetermined self-sacrifice.

Unable to resist the call of destiny due to a magical yellow cord that appears from his chest and pulls him inexorably to any sea creatures he swims by, Kappa ultimately finds himself drawn to the Shark kingdom, where he is immediately imprisoned. The Sharks’ prophecy states that the curse maiming their people will only be lifted once their prince, Siren, kills the Beacon. But when Prince Siren decides to defy fate and help Kappa escape, Kappa realizes that there might be more to life than fulfilling endless prophesies, leading to a raucous adventure as big and unpredictable as the ocean itself—and a romance that nobody could have predicted."]

This book was glorious! It gave some Road To El Dorado vibes (the animated one) with the theories of saviors and apocalypses and "all-knowing" gods. 

But it was queer and mermaids (ish) and SO much better!

Except...it left on a (minor) cliffhanger. Good thing the second volume is coming out soon (and that it's available (all of it--and probably more) for free on #Webtoon).

#castleswimmer #castleswimmerseries #wendymartin #graphicnovel #queergraphicnovel #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Flirting with Fire (Charming Butte #1)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Sue Brown and Morticia Knight's "Flirting With Fire." It's the first novel in their Charming Butte series.

["A smokin’ hot firefighter. A handsome, lonely rancher. Can these frenemies turn a cosmic misunderstanding into undying love?

Dex
It was supposed to be my typical peaceful morning horse ride followed by a clandestine cruller, cup of Joe at the Flying Saucer, and the day-in-day-out routine of ranching. Instead, my world explodes like an alien abduction gone wrong when my high school crush has the nerve to cross my path. Too bad he’s even hotter than he was when he broke my heart ten years ago.

Meyer
I dropped everything in Chicago to start over as assistant fire chief in my hometown of Charming Butte. Of all the people to run into when my old Chevy breaks down is the one guy who inexplicably hates me. Now, I get to make my triumphant return to town on the back of his horse. But with my arms wrapped around his solid frame, I wonder if I can make him forget our past in favor of a future together."]

Oh, the joys of enemies to lovers. And the fact that they were both so openly hostile BECAUSE the other was openly hostile "first"? Men.

Not to mention that they were each other's first crush? Add in all of those teenage hormones and some miscommunication? 

Plus all of the small town drama, gossip, and best-place/worst-place to eat/drink/go stuff?! Yes!!

As I'm gushing about all of the tropes and cliches, I just want everyone to know that this book was still soooo unique and adorable and utterly perfect (minus that miscommunication bs--then again, it added to the perfect amount of angst and undeniable heat). 

Trigger Warnings: off-page past death of parent, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#flirtingwithfire #suebrown #morticiaknight #charmingbutte #charmingbutteseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Always Watching (Always #1)

I feel like I've been very good lately, crossing things off my TBR ARCs list. So...here's a well-deserved reward/break. Here's Lee McCormick and RS McKenzie's "Always Watching." It's the first novel in their Always series.

["ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀ ꜱᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴀ ᴄᴀᴍʙᴏʏ ɪꜱ ʜɪꜱ?

Ranen
My life has become a nightmare. A stalker intent on having me permeates my waking moments. Gifts and threatening messages greet me at every turn. Every cam session is filled with the fear of them watching me in my most intimate moments. One day, my stalker takes it a step further than words and attacks me in my home. Just when I think I won’t make it, a stranger with a blue-green stare saves me from my fate.

North
I wanted him before I knew his name, and he’s belonged to me since the first time I touched him. When a crazed fan attacks him, there’s only one solution. I move in with Ranen to keep him safe. Now I need to navigate finding his stalker while keeping my murderous habits in check. All I want is Ranen. I just have to figure out how to make him mine."]

Literally, how are dark romances so fucking fluffy and sweet?!?! I need to know. Because this book, these two, they were adorable as hell. Yes, there was a stalker and violence and secrets, sure, whatever, BUT there was so much protectiveness and possessiveness and dedication and LOVE. 

I just fucking loved these two. They were perfect for each other, utterly ready to put everything (everything) on the line for the other. They completed each other, complimented each other.

And don't get me wrong, just because this book was fluffy as hell (I think? I might need evaluated), it doesn't mean this book wasn't also spicy as hell. Because wooow.

I need the next book now, please (and the third one---there is a third one, right?)

Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, torture, physical assault, mentions of dementia, stalking, blood place, on-page panic attacks, internet stalking/threats

#alwayswatching #alwayswaiting #always #alwaysseries #rsmckenzie #leemccormick #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

While We're Here

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Penelope Bosco's "While We're Here."

["Francisco
After my bad breakup, I’m focused on making my best friend's happily ever after come true, starting with her dream wedding. Nothing will distract me. Not my own loneliness, not my upcoming solo trip to Italy, and definitely not my best friend's hot older brother, no matter how sexy and confident he is. But in a moment of weakness, I ask Kit to come on my trip. And suddenly, I’m spending two weeks with the man I promised my friend I wouldn't get involved with. I have to make sure I guard my heart so it doesn't get broken again. But that's easier said than done when Kit seems so perfect for me.

Kit
I have a reputation of a successful, well put-together man that I’m desperate to maintain, especially after I lose my job and my life falls apart. I have the perfect opportunity to get things back on track at my sister’s wedding. I can be there for my sister, and even better, I get to meet her gorgeous, sweet best friend. No matter what he asks for, the answer is going to be yes. Going on the trip? No problem. Casual vacation fling? Hell yeah. But coming clean about my lies, or committing to more after the trip? That I’m not so sure about."]

Holy. Fuck. I'm obsessed with these two. Obsessed!

It was love at first sight. The instant chemistry was insane. Everyone felt it (even if not everyone was happy about it). Half of Italy saw it, saw the truth between Kit and Francisco before they were ready to admit it to themselves. They both had it bad, but they both had their own reservations and their own baggage holding them back.

Luckily, this is a romance, so a HEA is guaranteed. ;) 

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#whilewerehere #penelopebosco #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hooked On You (EMS Station 1 #1)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's K. Evan Coles's "Hooked On You." It's the first novel in the series, EMS Station 1.

["What’s a straight guy to do when he falls for his new friend?

Paramedic Connor Devlin is a stressed-out tower of a man. Hoping knitting will help him unwind, he visits a local craft shop, where he’s overwhelmed by the yarn selection but more so by his feelings for shop owner Judah.

Judah Bissel is tired of falling for unavailable men. He can’t help his crush on Connor, though, or wanting to get closer to the big, gentle bear. And that just might spell trouble because pining for straight guys is not Judah’s style.

As a blizzard pummels the city, the men hunker down together to wait out the storm. When the spark between them ignites, will the revelation that Connor feels more than friendship for Judah bring them together or tear them apart?"]

I requested the first book in the series, thinking I'd read it asap; then, if I liked it, I could request the second book as well...I did not read the first one asap (so the second one was already over-requested and therefore gone)...so here we are, adding the series (and quite possibly this author) to my TBR list. Like it needs another thing on there.

Then again! This book was adorable as hell. There was light angst (light-ish...I did cry). And soooo many lovely tropes and cliches and cuteness. Meet-cute. Size-different. Grumpy (ish) versus sunshine. Falling for the straight guy versus queer-awakening. Snowed in aka forced proximity. All of the blood family versus small found family.

These two were just utterly perfect for each other. They knew it (well...I took Connor a hot minute (or more than a hot minute), but he knew deep down), everyone around them knew it, we know it. It was inevitable or fate or serendipity; who cares about the minor details (that's how utterly Them they were).

Yeah, going to add the second book (Color You In) to my TBR.

Trigger Warnings: mild homophobia, internalized homophobia, and more. 

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#hookedonyou #coloryouin #kevancoles #emsstation1 #emsstation1series #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bad Idea (Brooklyn Kings #1)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Felice Steven's latest novel "Bad Idea." It's the first novel in her new series, Brooklyn Kings.

["Losing your job to the boss's new wife. That's bad luck.
Hooking up with a stranger to forget about it?
Seems like a good idea.
Finding out your new boss is that one-night stand?
There’s that bad luck again.
Except you both agree to put it behind you.
That’s a great idea.

Until you slip and hook up again—not the best idea.
Catching feelings for the boss? Not the smartest idea.
Falling in love with your boss?
Now that’s a really bad idea…"]

Going in, this is sooooo not how I saw these two going, interacting, being in general. But it was the most pleasant of surprises. 

I looooved them. They were so perfect for each other. They supported each other, communicated with each other. They were soft for each other, in the most romantic of ways, but stood up for each other, in all of the ways.

It wasn't easy, but they had each other...and roses.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#badidea #brooklynkings #brooklynkingsseries #felicestevens #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Simplicity (Oakley's Crew #1)

STILL overwhelmed by the sheer number of TBRs. So still not start something completely random aka, slowly crossing another author off my to-binge list. Here's Nicole Dykes's "Simplicity." It's the first book in her Oakley's Crew series, which is a spin-off of her Kensley Panthers series.

["Walker
There are several principles of landscaping, but my favorite has always been simplicity.
I’m a go with the flow and keep it simple kind of guy. Always have been. Always will be.
It’s how I do my job and how I live my life.
Of course, as luck would have it, it only takes one job and one indescribably hot stranger to change everything for me.
Because one thing Dutton Collins is not . . . simple.

Dutton
I should have sold the house. I shouldn’t be here in the middle of nowhere Kansas.
My grandmother didn’t care for me when she was alive, something she made sure I knew. So now I’m struggling to understand why she’d leave me her home and all her possessions when she died.
I miss the city and was heading back home, ready to give up, when Walker Murphy barreled into my life and complicated the hell out of it.
How am I supposed to leave this all behind when he’s showed me the beauty in the simple life?"]

This book had a different all-around vibe than the other books of Nicole's I've read so far. It was faaar less angsty, less trigger warning, less dramatic. It was...simple.

They were two available people who know who they were and what they wanted. And they went for it. They became friends, rather quickly, and then fell in love. Walker helped Dutton fall in love with every day life, and Dutton helped Walker fall more into himself, more into his town.

They were adorable as hell, for one. And seeing Oakley and Travis all happy and shit?! Yes! I want all of the rest of the books..now. Please?

Trigger Warnings: brief mentions of homophobia, homophobia grandparent, and more.

#simplicity #balance #oakleyscrew #oakleyscrewseries #kensleypanthers #kensleypantersseries #nicoledykes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hail Mary (Big Bend Bears #2)

STILL overwhelmed by the sheer number of TBRs. So still not start something completely random aka, slowly crossing another author off my to-binge list. Here's Nicole Dykes's "Hail Mary." It's the second book in her Big Bend Bears series, which is a spin-off of her Kensley Panthers series.

["Benny
Big Bend is my home. I love it here. I love everything about it.
It’s my senior year, and I’m determined to have the best one yet. Of course, that’s when life gets confusing.
I think I may have a little bit of a crush on my nemesis.
Something I never saw coming.
I just hope I can find a way to make him give me a chance because being together would make not only this year great, but this life of ours—absolutely epic.

Rowan
Benjamin McBride is the bane of my existence. He simply won’t quit—he never does.
He’s too happy. Too confident. Too unafraid.
I can’t let him get to me.
He thinks we could be epic together, that us in a relationship would be some saving grace—a Hail Mary—a way to make this year and our lives the best they can be.
But I’m not destined for happiness.
I have to make him understand . . .
It’s never going to happen."]

I had a feeling these two would get their own book, their own HEA. The sunshine and the grump. The I-don't-care-what-they-think-about-me and the I-have-to-care-what-they-think-about-me. Opposites attract plus rivals to lovers. It's small town magic and star crossed fate. Of course they get their own book.

I looooved Benny in the previous book, and was (naturally) unsure of Rowan. This book made me fall in love with Rowan--and want to protect him from everything. Luckily, Benny felt the same.

I love how much emotion these books contain. There's so much love and warmth and protectiveness. But there's so much angst and internalized Feels. It's complicated and dramatic, but it's real.

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, alcoholism, small town and smaller thoughts, sports based homophobic 'jokes', and more.

#redzone #hailmary #falsestart #bigbendbears #bigbendbearsseries #kensleypanthers #kensleypantersseries #nicoledykes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Red Zone (Big Bend Bears #1)

STILL overwhelmed by the sheer number of TBRs. So still not start something completely random aka, slowly crossing another author off my to-binge list. Here's Nicole Dykes's "Red Zone." It's the first book in her Big Bend Bears series, which is a spin-off of her Kensley Panthers series.

["Dallas Boone
Welcome to Big Bend—my nightmare and my home, all in one.
I don’t fit in here. I don’t fit in anywhere. I’ve made so many mistakes. Over and over.
Two of those mistakes haunt me. One being responsible for a friend losing his job and reputation in this town.
And two, well, that one is even worse.
I ruined so many lives with one stupid decision I barely even remember.
And now I’m going to pay for it.

Colt Howe
Kensley. A place I never wanted to be again.
But I had to come back home. My sister Chloe needs me, which is more important than escaping the town I grew up in.
I’m here for two reasons and two reasons my sister and my nephew.
I’ll make sure my nephew has a better life than I had. That his father is there for him, whether he wants to be or not.
That’s my promise.
I was so damn close to getting out of this town for good. Right in that red zone, I could see the goal, but then I got hit with a force I never saw coming.
And that changed everything."]

This one was heavy, and that’s saying something compared to the heaviness of the original series. 

But Dallas only ever needed someone to see him, love him, help him with his confidence. And Colt was all too happy to volunteer (and attempt to fight some people—but he managed to refrain). 

I love the cameos from Kensley Panthers—and seeing the rivalry from this side of town. 

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, internalized homophobia, talk of a conversion camp, small town and smaller thoughts, sports based homophobic 'jokes', and more.

#redzone #hailmary #falsestart #bigbendbears #bigbendbearsseries #kensleypanthers #kensleypantersseries #nicoledykes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Fated Mate Bandit (Trash Pandas #2)

Here's Amy Bellows's new series, Trash Pandas. The second book is "The Fated Mate Bandit."

["I fell in love with Silver in the third grade. He was my first everything. First best friend, first crush, first kiss. When he chose me out of all the omegas chasing after him, I felt like the luckiest guy in the world.

But fate had other plans.

Just after graduation, I met Daryl. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was my fated mate. I tried to hide my disappointment. My heart still belonged to Silver, even though I was destined for someone else.

I did my very best to be a good mate to Daryl. Even when he hurt me, I forgave him and kept trying to make things work. It wasn’t until I got pregnant that I realized I couldn’t stay any longer.

Showing up on Silver’s doorstep isn’t the world’s best plan. He might turn me away. But I have nowhere else to go."]

These two!! D: They were so cute and perfect and adorable and meant to be. Fate wasn't kind to them, or wasn't entirely fair to them, but Fate did bring them back together and gave them forever. Forever plus a new little family.

I love how quirky and crazy this family is. They are soo unique and silly and protective. They didn't have everything growing up, but they had each other. They had love and support and knowledge that they were loved.

I still canNOT wait for the rest of this series. There are sooooo many brothers who need their HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: off-page alcoholism, past off-page domestic abuse as a child, off-page domestic abuse of a pregnant person, and more.

#themaybymurdererwhoknockedmeup #thefatedmatebandit #amybellows #trashpandas #trashpandasseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks