Goodbye, April!

April was...intense. Lots of change, lots of insanity, lots of stress. Lots of sun, lots of books, lots of cocoa. 

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

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

(2) April Memories: I went to Peter Pan with my grandma and my aunt. I babysat. I had a few doctor's appointments. I got my car inspected. Easter dinner with family. I ordered the Simon Snow Dazzling box (yay!!). There was a crazy intense storm last night that caused a lot of damage. My best friend had her first baby last night. Work was chaotic and stressful, but there were also quite a few days were I felt like a boss bitch, so you win some you struggle some.

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

(4)  I feel like I lost some weight; I don't weigh myself, but I can sense it (and some of my pants feel a little looser). There were a lot of sunny days. A lot of happy days. A few I-don't-want-to-leave-the-house days. Lots of laughs, a few tears. Overall, not a bad month. 

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

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

Dean (Unexpected #9)

Here's Cora Rose's "Dean." It's the ninth and bonus-final novel in her Unexpected series.

["The path to self-acceptance has always felt like an uphill battle for me. It’s hard not to feel that way when the most important people in my life decided long ago they can’t accept me as I am, that they don’t want a gay son, a feminine son, a boy who likes pretty things.

And caring for myself from a young age has come with a lot of hardships, but finding myself bruised, homeless, and sleeping in my car just about tops the list.

Fortunately, the person I least expect offers to take me in and share his home with me.

My boss, Dean, may be twenty years older and have a son my age, but he’s still the sexiest man I’ve ever met. (Mechanics, amiright?) He’s also incredibly sweet and thoughtful and apparently quite protective of me. He may even be a bit possessive…

But best of all, he genuinely seems to like and accept me just as I am.

The only problem is, Dean is straight. And living with my very hot, very straight boss just might be the thing that kills me."]

We know that this ends with a HEA after reading Ben (just as we know Ben gets his HEA with is Cash and Ford), but that doesn't make this story any less anxiety-inducing and angsty...or sweet as hell.

It was perfect!! 

Cameos: Whit (being protective as hell (over Caleb)), Bane (being Bane and less than subtle about it ("a trunk...for...things that aren't dead bodies. I totally don't kill people in my free time. That would be crazy."), Beau with bff Coop (both being supportive as hell (by getting Avery drunk), Luke (being very Van Beek), Lex (and his cameras), Anthony and Tatum (pre-romance and filled with angst and sexual tension), and soooo many more.

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, homophobia, violence, Bane and the Costellos, blackmail, stalking, and more. 

#whit #sem #emery #luke #lex #colin #diablo #ben #dean #unexpected #unexpectedseries #unexpectedlytwistedseries #corarose #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Top Secret

Crossing off a book that should be on my TBR but might not actually be counts as TBR (and beat the backlog), right? Here's Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy's "Top Secret."

["LobsterShorts, 21. Jock. Secretly a science geek. Hot AF.
So. Here goes. For her birthday, my girlfriend wants…a threesome.
Then you’ve come to the right hookup app.
Have you done this sort of thing before? With another guy?
All the time. I’m an equal opportunity player. You?
[crickets!]

SinnerThree, 21. Finance major. Secretly a male dancer. Hot AF. Well, I’m down if you are. My life is kind of a mess right now. School, work, family stress. Oh, and I live next door to the most annoying dude in the world. I need the distraction. Are you sure you want this?
I might want it a little more than I’m willing to admit.
Hey, nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries...
Tell that to my control-freak father. Anyway. What if this threesome is awkward?
Then it’s awkward. It’s not like we’ll ever have to see each other again. Right? Just promise you won’t fall in love with me.
Now wouldn’t that be life-changing..."]

Another bittersweet romance. There was so much fluff and romance and friendship. And there was so much angst and self-hate and general conflict. It was a fine line of falling in love and finding yourself.

Keaton (LobsterShorts) was a secret science nerd in search for something of his own. A jock, a golden retriever, a frat bro, a rich guy with barely any obligations.
Luke (SinnerThree) was a guy from the "wrong side of town" with money problems, family problems, and frat problems. He wanted a place for himself, some peace. A secret stripper, a black cat, a guy just trying to keep his head above water.

Of course they fell in love. It was slow and slightly tragic in the "this will end in flames and heartbreak" kinda way. 

Trigger Warnings: frat hazing, homophobia, mild internalized homophobia, toxic parents, toxic siblings, blackmail, and more.

#topsecret #ellekennedy #sarinabowen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Cost of Redemption (Saints of Westmont U #2)

Here's Hayden Hall's "Cost of Redemption." It's the Second novel in his new Saints of Westmont U series.

["He was my forbidden craving. My biggest regret. And now, he’s my only weakness.

Elio
Some mistakes you bury. Others crawl under your skin and never let go.
Jaxon Mercer was supposed to be my past. The stolen kiss. The fist that followed. The silence after.
But now? He’s here—cocky, dangerous, and looking at me like he already knows how this ends.
I should shut him out. I should forget the way he used to make me feel.
But when he’s this close, breathing is hard enough, let alone thinking straight.
Enemies. Ex-best friends. Rivals. Obsessions.
I don’t know what we are anymore.
But I know I want him.

Jaxon
He’s scared to want me. I want him desperate.
Elio Castelli pretends he has it all under control.
I know the desperate way he kissed me two years ago. I know the fear in his eyes when he shoved me away.
And now that I’m standing in front of him again, I know one thing for sure—he’s still mine, whether he admits it or not.
I’m done playing it safe. I’m done waiting.
I’ll have him.
Even if I have to break him first."]

This book was bitter sweet. It was filled with friendship and a feeling of rightness so strong, you feel it deep in your bones. But it was also filled with fear and loneliness so deep, so isolating. Their love story was something to be jealous of, and yet, a looming dread hung around it, around them. Fear and self-doubt broke their hearts (they broke their own hearts). But being brave and having people behind you, supporting you through all of your shit, can help you face anything.

I canNOT wait for the next book! Patrick and his nerd!!

Trigger Warnings: toxic love, internalized homophobia, homophobia, mentions of drug use, physical violence, and more.

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

Double Shifting (Boston Otters #1))

Once again, I'm overwhelmed in life and in TBR...so here's a book that I randomly found while scrolling IG. "Double Shifting," by Michaela Grey, is the first novel in the Boston Otters series.

["Winger Rory O’Brien’s been in love with his center, Dima Lebedev, for almost as long as they’ve been playing hockey together. Dima made it clear from the beginning that he wasn’t interested in a romantic relationship with him, but Rory still cherishes what they have.

When Dima is knocked into the boards by a dirty hit and temporarily loses his memory, Rory’s frantic to stay by his side. But a careless word strikes a misunderstanding that spreads like wildfire, and now everyone thinks they’re married.

Including Dima.

Rory’s not sure how to untangle the web he accidentally wove. He’s also not sure he wants to, now that he’s learned just how sweet Dima’s kisses are, but he knows he must if he wants to keep Dima’s respect once his memory returns.

But their general manager has his own agenda for presenting them as a couple, and now Rory and Dima have to convince the world they’re in love. That part’s easy. The hard part will be keeping Dima from figuring out the truth in Rory’s heart."]

Mutual pining + amnesia + secret relationship + keeping up a secret about the secret relationship + queer-awakening...sooo not stressful, sooo not overwhelming. Then again, it was angsty, but on the low side. Really. The empathy-related concussion symptoms were more painful than the relationship-angst. 

Thought it wasn’t angst-less. I did cry. Twice. But it wasn’t a sob, so that’s a plus! 

These two were fucking adorable!! All allergic to communication and telling the truth. But so deeply and irreversibly in love.

And the supportive as fuck hockey team. I love that about hockey romances, how supportive the team is and how it’s own big family (of nerdy jocks). 

I want more stories from this team (and this author). 

#doubleshifting #bostonotters #michaelagrey #tierneyrose #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Pretty Black (Pretty Broken #5)

I haven't wanted to read these two last books in the Pretty Broken series for a while because of the trigger warnings and the angst and fucking dick-head manager Alexander (fuck him), but I'm in a dark romance era right now and a crossing books off my TBR lists era, and I'm trying to stick to it. J.R. Gray, the fabulous and the fabulously cruel (I always cry) wrote this series. The fifth and final book is titled "Pretty Black."

I've always wanted the best for Iris, but Iris is also the most broken of all the men in this series. By himself, by his past, by his manager, by his friends. He needs so much love.

["Iris Black

There are moments in music when the crowd becomes part of the song and we all lose ourselves to the energy. I wanted to drown myself in the music. It became my escape and my savior.
I thought success was what I wanted, but it only intensified my misery. Fame is a monster, and it ate me alive. I tried it all to get out of my head: sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I’m living the dream, but it only numbs the pain.
Caspian came into my life like a storm, and I knew he’d leave the same way.
We were two vessels made to fit. Chemistry woven in creation.
There’s no escape, there’s no surrender.
His Pretty Black forever.
But he broke me and I don’t know how to forgive him.
Is it foolish to do it all again?
To find our way back to the place it all began.
I’ve mourned his leaving so many times, I don’t have it in me to do it again."]

This title!! We found out in the previous book that Caspian called Iris "my pretty Black" and just...add that to the maaany reasons I (quite violently) sobbed through most of this novel.

And sobbed I did. During a lot of this. Most of this. My throat hurt. My tissue pile is insane. I'm all congested. Because these poor boys and that asshole Alexander. 

This book was about happiness and redemption. But it was also about the very, very thin line between things (like love and hate): therapy versus imprisonment; feeling something, anything versus self-destruction; hate versus self-preservation. About walking that fine line, being thrown over it versus diving head first over it. It's emotional and poetic and devastating.  

I forced myself to take breaks so I could breathe and calm down. And not strain my eyes (I was reading sooo fast). And even though we knew the band would win in the end, it wasn't an easy read (as if any of this series was easy to read).

Also, totttttally off topic, not sure if it's the last name or just...something, but Iris Rose Black reminds me of Sirius and Regulus. A lot. Which makes/made me cry more.

Trigger Warnings: alcohol/alcoholism, major descriptions of depression, talk of involuntary treatment, drug use, talk of suicide, suicide, assault, domestic abuse, domestic abuse isn't always physical, blackmail, lying, gaslighting, manipulation, and more

#prettyobsessed #prettytoxic #prettywreck #prettyfucked #prettyblack #prettybroken #prettybrokenseries #jrgray #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Pretty Fucked (Pretty Broken #4)

I haven't wanted to read these two last books in the Pretty Broken series for a while because of the trigger warnings and the angst and fucking dick-head manager Alexander (fuck him), but I'm in a dark romance era right now and a crossing books off my TBR lists era, and I'm trying to stick to it. J.R. Gray, the fabulous and the fabulously cruel (I always cry) wrote this series. The next book (the forth) is titled "Pretty F*cked."

Summary of the series: each book is about a different member of the band. Each band member has their own trauma and demons, but each gets a HEA. Or HFN, because their band manager is a twat waffle who is fucking them over, feeding their additions, and fueling nonsense inter-band drama for his own gain. They're all trying to get rid of him, but contracts and lawyers and money and trigger warnings (and a whole lot of swear words from me).

["Caspian Locke

I don’t think we even begin to understand love until we’ve lost the one we thought we’d spend the rest of our life with.
I don’t think we begin to understand ourselves until we realize that it’s most likely our fault.
And I don’t think we begin to understand life until we understand it comes in so many shades of gray.
You can be a good person and still do irrevocable harm.
Life is messy, so fucking messy.
I hate it.
Or maybe I hate myself.
I thought for a long time I hated him.
But I can’t hate Iris.
No matter how much he hurts, I still carry this little fucking wish in the depths of my soul that one day he’ll forgive me and admit he still loves me.
Part of life is living with the burden of what I’ve done and waiting for a day that will never come.
This is that life.
And we all come out Pretty F*cked."]

And the prologue already had me on edge, broken and fucked just like the rest of the band, the rest of these poor boys who only wanted to make music, magic. Instead, the fame and the power-hungry fame-mongers ruined it (almost) beyond repair. And waiting for the moment in the plot where the prologue would appear? Fuuuuuck, it was horrible. And when it did happen, I was shaking and sobbing, half ruined, even though we already read those words, even though we already knew the outcome. It was so much harder to read the second time.

Much of this was harder to read the second time. Because this book spanned 4+ years. It was Caspian and Iris falling in and out of love, falling in and out of fate, falling in and out of trust. It was reliving most of the rest of this series, from different POVs. It was trauma and PTSD from different viewpoints. It was Pretty Broken on all levels of broken.

And my favorite broken boy (Iris...duh) was the most broken of all. And still continues to be. AND there's still a whole book left in the series... Here's to more crying.

Trigger Warnings (as a series): alcohol/alcoholism, major descriptions of depression, talk of involuntary treatment, drug use, talk of suicide, suicidal ideation, assault, domestic abuse, domestic abuse isn't always physical, blackmail, lying, gaslighting, manipulation, and more

#prettyobsessed #prettytoxic #prettywreck #prettyfucked #prettyblack #prettybroken #prettybrokenseries #jrgray #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Pride or Die

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 CL Montblanc's "Pride or Die."

["It’s kind of hard to graduate high school when you’re the prime suspect in an attempted murder.

Seventeen-year-old Eleanora Finkel just wants to finish her senior year and get the hell out of Texas. But when her club meeting inconveniently coincides with an attack on the school’s head cheerleader, she and her friends find themselves in the hot seat.

In order to clear their names and ensure the survival of their club for future queer teens, they’ll have to track down the real culprit themselves. But Eleanora is far from a professional detective; she’s riddled with anxiety, annoyingly attracted to the case’s cute victim, and her trusty crochet hook feels insufficient for fighting off a murderer. Can this ragtag group of unlikely sleuths find their way out of an entire freaking murder mystery before one of them is next?"]

This book got off to a fast start. Victim in chapter one fast. And each of the following chapters left on a (minor) cliffhanger, leaving you wanting more and more. Not to mention the likable as hell characters and their fight for space in a world who wants them shut away. There are so many stakes and so many iconic moments.  

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, transphobia, bullying, violence, creepy white men, and more.  

#netgalley #arcs #arcteammember
#prideordie #clmontblanc #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Only Temporary

Here's Nicole Dyke's "Only Temporary." Yet another book by Nicole that talks about really, real stuff, no matter how hard is it (and yet another book that made me sob).

["Kellan
She’s gone. And I don’t care. At least that’s what I tell myself, but she also left me with a really big mess to clean up. My siblings hate me. As they should. I may be twenty-four, but no part of me feels up to the task of taking care of my four younger siblings. I barely have my life under control, but it doesn’t matter now. I have temporary custody, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it’s not only permanent, but also the best thing for these kids.

Phillip
I haven’t been a social worker long, but I already know, without a doubt, this case has the ability to break me. Four minors left with their oldest brother—a brother still fighting with addiction and so much bitterness, it’s stifling. But I won’t give up on them like the rest of society. No matter what, I’m going to find a way to make sure this arrangement isn’t merely temporary—I just need to make sure I don’t lose my head or my heart in the process."]

Kellan was living with sooo much guilt. Some of it could maybe be (maaayyybbbe) justifiable, but he didn't leave his family for the hell of it. He left to get himself clean, to better himself, to eventually get his siblings safe and together. They certainly didn't make it easy on him...which made them fighting for him back all the sweeter (oh, spoiler alert...maybe...I mean, it's a guaranteed HEA; you had to know that was going to happen).

Just like we knew that, no matter the trouble and the drama and the waiting (or not waiting), Kellan and Phillip would end up in love and together. Even though they gave me constant angina. I barely breathed through half of this book, always on edge that the other shoe would drop, that they would get caught, that the kids would freak out, that the kids would be taken. 

Also, I want a Tatum HEA now. Really bad. 

I did reeeaaally love the "it's only temporary" mantra. If something bad is happening, if you're in a horrible mood, if life seems impossible: it's only temporary. 

Trigger Warnings (nothing on-page): addiction, drug use, child endangerment, child abuse, and more.

#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arc #arcteammember
#onlytemporary #nicoledykes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Cold Front (Michigan U Hockey #1)

Here's Denver Shaw's "Cold Front." It's the first novel in his newest series, Michigan U Hockey.

["I never questioned who I was. Until him.

Niall
I don’t do complicated. As captain of Michigan U’s hockey team, my focus is on the game, not on the charming transfer student who landed in my apartment and upended my routine. Eli shouldn’t get under my skin, but he does—with his easy smiles, his late-night cooking, and the way he looks at me like I’m something more than just a hockey player.
I kissed him once. I shouldn’t have. But for one reckless moment, I let myself want. Now he’s looking at me like he’s waiting for something—something I don’t know how to give.
Because wanting Eli is dangerous. And letting him in? That might be the biggest risk of all.

Eli
A fresh start—that’s what Michigan U was supposed to be. A clean break from my past, from the toxic relationship that made me forget who I was. I wasn’t looking for complications, but then I met grumpy, brooding, and frustratingly closed-off. He barely speaks to me, yet somehow, I can’t stop thinking about him.
Then he kissed me. And for a moment, I thought maybe—just maybe—there was something real between us. But now he’s acting like it never happened, and I’m stuck wondering if I was just a mistake.
I should let it go. I should move on. But the more I get to know Niall, the more I realize those walls aren’t just for keeping people out—they’re for keeping himself safe. And damn it, I think I want to be the one to break them down."]

There were a few Pride and Prejudice hand-flex moments near the beginning, and I swooned (so did Eli). And then I cried (so did Eli...and Niall). 

These two were both running from a past they never dared have repeated. Nothing they did, but trauma runs deep. And protecting your heart is a base instinct at that point.

But, when Niall and Eli let their walls down and welcomed in friendship (and more), they were able to feel more than they ever expected. 

Trigger Warnings: off-page death of parents, mental health struggles, academic burnout, bi-phobia, toxic ex, and more.

#booksprout #booksirens #indieauthorcreative #arc #arcteammember
#coldfront #denvershaw #michiganuhockey #michiganuhockeyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Getting It Twisted (Unforgivable Needs #1)

Annnnd, here's a break from my regularly scheduled ARCs/TBRs programming with a new book from an add I saw last night... Here's Ally Avery's "Getting It Twisted." It's the first book in the Unforgivable Needs series.

["He wasn’t just my best friend.

He was arrogant. Tormented. Reckless.

I shouldn’t have wanted him, but I did. I still want him.

Now, five years after a drunken mistake of a night, he’s back.

And something has changed. Dark under-eye circles mar his pretty face, and his mouth no longer smirks as readily as before.

I should know better than to trust him with my heart again, but I can’t forget how he breathed life into me back when we were kids. His darkness merged with mine and became something else.

Something brighter.

We clicked together like two jagged, leftover puzzle pieces.

My best friend. My partner in crime. My ride-or-die.

As he spirals further into self-destruction, I need to find a way to protect him from his harrowing past.

Before it breaks us both."]

God fuck, this was a hard read. They were both dealing with so many mental health struggles and horrible family members and past traumas. Plus their own pasts, their own codependency. Daniel was in love with his best friend then, and almost completely ruined when Nathan left. Nathan was already ruined before him and Daniel took that drunken plunge, but after? Whatever is worse than ruined, that was Nathan, all bundled up in sarcastic barbs and self-depreciating jokes.

Fixing them, their friendship, their romantic relationship, wasn't easy. At. All. It was hard for both of them, drudging up old emotions and even older traumas. It sucked. I cried. I feel like shit now. But at least these two got their HEA.

Trigger Warnings: depression, mental health struggles, mentions of suicide and suicidal ideations, self-harm and self-destruction, past sexual assault/rape, coercion into sexual intercourse without protection, homophobic slurs, mentions of voluntary and involuntary drug you, drug overdose of a secondary character, death of a family member, codependency, child abuse, neglect, child sexual abuse, and more.

#gettingittwisted #breakingyouopen #unforgivableneeds #unforgivableneedsseries #allyavery #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Breaking You Open (Unforgivable Needs #2)

Annnnd, here's a break from my regularly scheduled ARCs/TBRs programming with a new book from an add I saw last night... Here's Ally Avery's "Breaking You Open." It's technically the second book in the Unforgivable Needs series.

["Sparrow
He’s the one I need.
When a smoking hot older biker saves me from a miserable night, I know I can call him home. But my dream soon turns into a nightmare when he kicks me out.
Next thing I know, the past I’ve fought to escape comes back to haunt me. But I know where I can take refuge.
If he’ll have me.

Louis
I’m not the one he needs.
And he’s not mine to take.
Too young. Too frail. Too broken.
But he insists he needs me, and who am I to refuse when a cute boy with pouty lips and haunted eyes shows up on my doorstep?
His demons are hot on his heels, and he counts on me for protection. But how can I protect him, if I can’t even protect him from myself?"]

These two were broken, and yet, they managed to heal each other....slowly. It wasn't an easy journey, but it was a well-earned HEA.

But be forewarned, this is a dark romance. There are a lot of trigger warnings and a lot of wow-he-needs-therapy moments. Love (nor sex) can heal past traumas, but sometimes, having someone with similar traumas (or matching traumas) helps a little bit, too.

Trigger Warnings: on-page sexual assault/rape (not between MCs), physical and psychological abuse, bullying, drug and alcohol use, fatal drug overdose of secondary character, homophobic slurs, violence, mild gore, torture of secondary character, mutilation of secondary character, fat shaming between secondary characters, and more.

#gettingittwisted #breakingyouopen #unforgivableneeds #unforgivableneedsseries #allyavery #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Dino Whisperer (The Dino Uprising #2)

What's more important? Reading something on your TBR list, finish the (one of many) book you just started, or binge read the latest D.K. Sutton book? OBVIOUSLY, its DK Sutton. Here's "The Dino Whisperer." It is the second book in a new trilogy by DK, The Dino Uprising.

["Can I tame the beast?

Tate Goodman is sweet in a bumbling adorkable way, but something dangerous lurks inside him. Something desperate to get out.

This is my specialty. I’m a sixty-five-million-year-old Troodon shifter known as The Dino Whisperer, and Tate is my latest assignment. I’ve been alone for eons, and I no longer believe in love or happily ever after. So why am I distracted by Tate’s soulful brown eyes and shy smiles? And don’t get me started on those thick thighs. I want him to manhandle me. To unleash his beast so we can play. But others have wounded Tate and taken advantage of his sweet nature. Something I would never do.

We’ve barely started our training when a sassy pirate whisks us away to the lair of a dino crime-boss-wannabe. Tate has something he wants. Something that could change the dinosaur world forever."]

It's been a while since I read the first novel in this series, and I gotta say, I'm not sure how much I remember after all of the dinosaur secrets came out and the government attacked them and they ran off into the sunset together. I remember liking Tate and Austyn and Rad and Walter (...not sure I remember Mr. Jacobs).

And then the first few chapters made me question why I remember liking Walter....thank's for that pirate-dino. And then again a few times. And a few times more. Spoiler alert, by the way. But that fucking pirate ended up being just a charming (and smarmy) as I remember. 

Quote of the Day (Tate): "Aus, it feels like too soon and a million years too late, but...I love you." D: Because they're billions of years old. And fated mates. 

And (yes, back to Walter), I really hope the next book his is HEA.

The novella ended on a series cliffhanger (or sorts) but a HEA for this couple.

#grr #arc #arceteammember
#thebonedoctor #thedinowhisperer #thelostrelics #dksutton #hotnightinthebigeasy #hotnightinthebigeasyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

A Past Too Broken

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 "A Past Too Broken" by Abrianna Denae. It's the first novel in her Bloodstained Love series.

["The holiday season means nothing to Zayid Moran, except running the risk of freezing whenever he's on the job. An accomplished sniper, he spends his days either lying in wait for his mark, or on the couch with his cat.

When a job goes wrong and someone steals his target from under his nose, Zayid finds himself trapped in a game of cat and mouse that he never asked for. Too bad his opponent doesn't care what Zayid thinks.

Minato Walsh has spent too long planning out his rightful revenge. He never intended on taunting Zayid, but the assassin is too easy to rile. He's also the first person to ever get under Minato’s skin.

As their game heats up and the sparks between them begin to ignite, the horrors of Minato’s past catch up to him—leaving him shattered once more.

With survival on the line, the rules of the game have changed, leaving Zayid and Minato to decide if they're ready to stop resisting their connection, and instead, start fighting for each other."]

This was...almost sweet. Which is saying a lot. It was a dark romance. Heavy on the dark (the two MCs being assassins and all) and the dark (yes, I said it again--note the trigger warnings) and a little light on the romance. But it was about a slow burn and building trust and overcoming your demons.

And a few of our previous Abrianna characters were briefly mentioned, which was a fun surprise. 

Trigger Warnings: murder, discussion of child abuse, discussion of spousal abuse, discussion of perceived suicide, stalking, kidnapping, drugging, torture, and more.

#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arc #arcteammember
#apasttoobroken #abriannadenae #bloodstainedlove #bloodstainedloveseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

April's Book Shape Challenge 2025

Here's April's Book Shape Challenge! A cute and fluffy bunny.

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)).

(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

Off Limits (Legacy Mechanics #4)

Here's Willow Dixon's "Off Limits." Its the fourth novel in her new Legacy Mechanics series (which is tied into her Crimson Club series).

["Asa
For eight years I’ve lived in the shadow of my golden child stepbrother. Dex is everything our parents want in a son, and I’m the weirdo who can’t seem to get his life together.
After getting renovicted from my apartment, I’m forced to ask Dex for help. He agrees to let me stay with him while I find a new place, but neither of us is happy about it. Then I accidentally discover that my perfect stepbrother has an online side gig, and I learn how lucrative it can be.Working together is supposed to be a way to make some extra cash, but it’s impossible to keep things in the business zone when I start to realize that maybe Dex is just as misunderstood and lonely as me.

Dex
The only downside to moving home after college is that I can’t avoid my stepbrother anymore. Asa is one of the most aggravating people I’ve ever met, and he’s spent the last eight years letting me know exactly what he thinks of me.
After agreeing to let him stay with me so he doesn’t end up homeless, he accidentally finds out about my online job. No one else knows my secret, but instead of using it against me, he suggests we work together as a solution to his money problems and my desire to get him out of my apartment as quickly as possible.
I already know this is going to be messy, but I’m not prepared for how difficult it is to keep our arrangement impersonal. And the more I learn about my closed-off stepbrother, the more I realize that maybe we aren’t so different after all."]

These two! D: They wrecked me in the best possible ways. They were both so happy on the outside. On the inside, they were broken and lonely and seeking friendship/family/a place to call home. Neither realized the other was hurting. Neither realized the other never stopped thinking about that one night, all those year ago, where they crossed the line the first time.

Stepbrothers romance is such a cliche. So is golden retriever meets black cat. So is jock versus emo. So it golden boy versus family disappointment. Except it's all soooo freaking perfect! Especially together. Especially these two.

The feels? The mutual pining! The angst!? The cuddles?!?! D: 

Trigger Warnings: neglectful and emotionally abusive parents, discussions of past eating disorder, implied homophobia, and more.

#forewordpr #arc #arcteammember
#flippingthescript #itscomplicated #inplainsight #offlimits #legacymechanics #legacymechanicsseries #crimsonclub #crimsonclubseries #willowdixon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Diamond Dragon Prince (Omega Fairy Tales #3)

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

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

Leo
I should have been born an alpha. I am strong, courageous, and desperate to do whatever it takes to defend the people of my father’s kingdom from his tyranny. But as an omega, I’m barred from wearing the crown.
But when I meet my dragon prince fated mate, everything changes. Suddenly, I have the power to take action and the magic of a dragon to help me in my quest. But I also have an unquenchable heat and a need to follow my omega nature, and when the inevitable happens, it shatters the foundation of who I believe myself to be.

Diamant
I have always taken my privileged dragon life for granted. My dragon kinsmen have always teased me for leading a life of luxury as a first-rate magical rake. And then I met my fiery, dedicated, omega mate.
I am ready to give up my life to follow my fierce omega’s lead, but liberating villagers and attempting to overthrow a king is harder than even I thought it would be. And then there’s the egg…."]

I loooved these two! I loved how they flipped the stereotypes, too! Leo was brave and bold, a fighter through and through. Diamant loved his life of luxury and relaxation. Leo gave Diamant something to fight for, a passion to fuel his life. Diamant gave Leo support to be himself (not to shrink back into his "omega place in society"), loving him for who he was and not what he could be.

They fought for their lives, for Leo's kingdom. It was beautiful and funny and magical (both literally and metaphorically). 

I loved seeing our previous couples and some more of our future couples. I canNOT wait for the rest of our princes (the omega ones) to get their HEA (so I guess the dragon ones, too ;) ).

#arcs #arcteammember
#therubydragonprince #thegolddragonprince #thediamonddragonprince #thesapphiredragonprince #thesilverdragonprince #theemeralddragonprince # #mmfarmer #omegafairytales #omegafairytalesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Wolf's Wounded Omega (Grizzly Ridge #2)

There are too many choices (too many TBRs (too many TBR lists), too many ARCs (too many ARC lists), too many new books (too many new book lists). I've made soooo many choices today. So...I choose to go off script (yes, again) and read a book that randomly poped up on my phone last night. Here's AJ Cane's "The Wolf's Wounded Omega." It's the second novel in the Grizzly Ridge series.

["Wolf shifter Knox is thrilled to find his fated mate…until the sassy omega rejects him.

Danny tried the relationship thing, and it ended violently. He has no desire to let another alpha close enough to hurt him…especially not an intimidating stranger like Knox.

Knox has never been called patient. He's grumpy and stubborn, and he's afraid he'll inadvertently push Danny further away.

But when a rogue wolf pack threatens the omegas of Grizzly Ridge, Danny must trust Knox if he wants to escape with his life—and heart—intact."]

DANNY!!

I love how slow burn and yet romantic this story was. It was protective in all of the best ways, possessive without being toxic, and learning to trust again as you fall in love. It was beautiful.

I, quite frankly, really, really like this series. I can't wait for the next one!!

Trigger Warnings: abusive ex, parental abuse, violence, PTSD, kidnapping, drugging, stalking, and more. 

#thebearsbraveomega #thewolfswoundedomega #grizzlyridge #grizzlyridgeseries #ajcane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Watching Him

Here's a perfectly little novella to get you through your day: Jacey Davis's "Watching Him."

["I panicked when I saw the photos. Ran. It wasn’t because I learned that my stepfather, the only dad I’ve known, had been watching me, taking videos and pictures of me. It was because I liked it. I wanted it. Which scared me more than anything else.

My attempt to flee didn’t last long, and before I knew it, I was alone on an abandoned road with a dead phone and a broken down car. I was screwed. 

When a car finally passed, I took the chance to get help. Though help came in the form of the very person I had been avoiding. My stepfather, Rey. Maybe that was a sign that I should just stop running."]

A quick and dirty read. What more could you want? Oh, yes, a HEA. Don't worry, this novella has alllll of that and more.

I love this little story and the people in it. It was, honestly, a really delightful read, something to tie me over between ARCs/TBRs/work shifts. Now I need to not drop all of those adult-things and binge more of Jacey's work..

Trigger Warnings: borderline-dub-con, stalking (which ended with a HEA), and more.

#watchinghim #jaceydavis #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Bear's Brave Omega (Grizzly Ridge #1)

There are too many choices (too many TBRs (too many TBR lists), too many ARCs (too many ARC lists), too many new books (too many new book lists). I've made soooo many choices today. So...I choose to go off script (yes, again) and read a book that randomly poped up on my phone last night. Here's AJ Cane's "The Bear's Brave Omega." It's the first novel in the Grizzly Ridge series.

["Bear shifter Everett has found his fated mate, but he'll have to defeat another alpha to keep him.

When Milo’s date sprouts fangs and tries to bite him, he flees into the nearby forest and ends up lost. The gorgeous man who rescues him seems too good to be true… until Milo discovers his secret.

Everett knows the human omega is his fated mate, but the last thing Milo needs is another alpha shifter trying to claim him so soon after his traumatic experience.

Unfortunately, Milo’s date from hell is determined to mate with him—willing or not—and Everett will have to fight tooth and claw to protect their love."]

I wanted angst but not too many trigger warnings. I wanted possession but not too much darkness. I wanted someone non-contemporary but not too out of my comfort zone. This book was a perfect combination of all of that and so much more (another series and author to binge might make those choices above seem more stressful, but it's a new goal..which is somehow different to my anxiety so..).

These two were fucking adorable. Everett was protective but understanding. He was possessive but let Milo lead. Milo was unsure of everyone and everything. Until he met Everett and his large (and generous and loud and caring) family, he never had anyone care about him (in all of the ways). They gave each other something that they've been craving in life, if they knew it or not.

Everett found love and foundation. Milo found comfort and a reason to dream.

Their love wasn't easy, but they figured it out (with all of the help from Everett's meddling family).

Trigger Warnings: attempted assault, attempted kidnapping, side character with abusive-ex background (off page), discrimination, and more.

#thebearsbraveomega #thewolfswoundedomega #grizzlyridge #grizzlyridgeseries #ajcane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Saved by a Barbarian (Not-So-Savage Barbarians #2)

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

["I should’ve known better than to trust my childhood bully. I was too soft-hearted for my own good. Thanks to another one of his cruel tricks, I end up on the run through a monster-filled forest to avoid the noose. When I’m found by the local barbarian clan, I figure I’m done for. I’m injured, exhausted, and have no hope of fighting back. But the barbarian who rescues me from certain death isn’t what I thought he would be. And maybe the fear I had for them was misplaced. Maybe the only thing I should be afraid of is falling for someone I can’t keep."]

Rath told Verus to move slow, as if not jump into this connection and his want of a bond-mate too fast. This sweet as fuck barbarian took it literally. He moved about the tent slowly, dramatically and comedically slowly. It's okay, Patrick found it endearing. 

These two were adorable as hell. There was a tentative connection there and then it grew and grew. Patrick was able to become himself; this clan gave him love, friends, family, a place to be himself, a place to have and live out his dreams. And Rath was more than willing to do anything to keep his bond-mate smiling.

Plus we got soooo much more of Rath and Finn, and I might have squealed. 

I'm still so obsessed with this series and these barbarians. I love how sweet and caring and soft they are. They can be possessive and abrasive (unknowingly) and a little over-the-top, but they're all about consent and safety and family. I neeeed more of these books, like now.

Trigger Warnings: dub-con, threats of and violence against MC, attempted assault, ignoring withdrawal of consent (not between MCs), bullying (past and present--later of which is on page), fat-shaming, and more.

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

The Penalty (New York Gods #3)

Here's Andi Jaxon's "The Penalty." It's the third novel in her New York Gods series.

["I’ve been kept away from my destiny as long as I’ve been alive.

I'm the bastard, banished from Manhattan, and forbidden from my dream of playing college hockey for the Gods because no one can find out about me.

But now Dad's dead and guess who's in the will? So my dream of playing for the Gods can finally come true, but I have to find my place in my half brother's shadow while dealing with my rival Teddy, who's been a thorn in my side since juniors.

He’s cocky, infuriating, and the biggest himbo I’ve ever met.

Half the time I think he hates me. But it all comes out after a drunken night and now I can’t get him out of my head.

Exile is over, and I’m here to make their lives a living hell."]

At first, I totally didn't remember if the previous book ended with Owen and Oliver finding out about Rhys. Then I read the first chapter, and I started to remember that plot twist...then I questioned my sanity in general. 

Speaking of sanity, I fucking looooove Teddy. He's a giant, adorable golden-retriever himbo goalie. It's a lot (he's a lot), but he's so genuine and kind and lost. He takes everything seriously and has no sarcasm-detector and is just gullible as hell. He’s Joey Tribbiani’s “it’s a moo point” to the fucking extreme. He's a little frustrating at times (headache inducing), but I'm fucking obsessed with him. 

...So is Rhys. Not that he doesn’t have tons of other stressful shit on his plate at the moment, why nooot fall for his best friend's brother? 

I love this this series blended into the new Gods Versus Monsters series, even if keeping everyone straight was a mind fuck (and knowing that there was a good year+ and other plot points we have seen yet that tooo place between “No Pucks” and “The Penalty.”

BUT, the cross over got us lots of hockey and queer love and future couples. There were also sooooo many “fucking goalies” moments! I’m obsessed!!

In this half of the universe, Owen and Colin are still my favorite though. 

Trigger Warnings: suicide, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, medication doses, misunderstanding/confusion about sex/safe sex, parental infidelity, family conflict due to will/affair child, underage drinking, and more. JR apologized twice about the "awful Gen-Z" texting; take that however you will (it did suck, though).

#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arc #arcteammember
#onguard #theretreat #thepenalty #thesubstitue #newyorkgods #newyorkgodsseries #jrgray #andijaxon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

His Enforcer (Unexpected Twisted #3)

AHH! Here's Cora Rose's "His Enforcer." It's the third novel in her Unexpectedly Twisted series.

["Working for a notorious mob boss like Anthony Costello for fifteen years has taught me a thing or two about dangerous men. I myself have been chiseled and beaten into someone to be reckoned with. And I’ve even come to relish in the pain, to crave it. But no one gets under my skin quite like Luca Rossi, Anthony’s right-hand man. I hate him more than words can express, I always have. He torments me and toys with me, just a plaything in his twisted and cruel game of control, until I’m feral with rage and barely able to contain myself.

But when a series of unidentified bodies begin showing up on our property and it becomes clear someone is trying to take the Costello family down, Luca and I are teamed up to solve the mystery. And working up close and personal with this man has me realizing that there’s no one in the world quite as dangerous to me as him. Because the real reason I hate Luca so much, and maybe even the reason why I hate myself, is because he’ll never really want me."]

Fuuuuuck. These two were difficult. Difficult to each other, to themselves, to their trauma journey, to me. Their angst and games made me accchhhe. It was a love story, but it wasn't an easy road.

But it was somehow beautiful. Beautiful in its angst, beautiful in its shared trauma, beautiful in the reluctant (and then all-in) HEA.

I canNOT wait for Bane's book! I wanted it the moment I met that adorable psycho. Teddy also need shis HEA. And Carter. And...well, most of the bodyguards.

And honestly, I really want a book with the twins. They're weird and dark, and I'm obsessed.  

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, death, drug use, drug overdose, dub-con, childhood trauma, and more.

#thesilencer #hisprince #hisenforcer # #unexpected #unexpectedseries #unexpectedlytwistedseries #corarose #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bond Strength (Brannon Boys #2)

Here's "Bond Strength." The second novel in Katherine McIntyre's brand new series, Brannon Boys. I'm so exited to get back into this family of crazy and chaotic brothers!!

["Declan’s avoided Noah since high school. Noah’s pined for Declan just as long. However, one power outage will illuminate everything keeping them in the dark…

Declan
I can’t stand Noah Langston. Ever since my former best friend and I drifted in high school, I’ve kept my distance. I’m content sticking to my cycle—the day job, my inventions, and a string of failed dates. Well, maybe not content, but my routine is adequate. Yet recently, Noah’s appearing everywhere. At the same bars, parties, and the latest…to repair my house.

Noah
There’s only one man I’ve ever wanted more with, and he wants nothing to do with me. Even if he did though, he’s straight, and I’m tugged in so many directions I’m splitting at the seams. While I don’t know what caused the rift between me and Declan, when I get assigned on a masonry job at his house, I’m not passing up the chance to get back in his life—however I can.
And when one monster of a storm leaves me stranded at Declan’s house, I discover irrevocable truths. One: Declan never realized I was flirting all these years. Two: Declan’s not as straight as he thought. When those truths come to light, the potential that emerges could either change my life or completely destroy me."]

What is it about autistic nerdy boys who are in love with their jock-y best friends but don't know it until the jock-y best friend admits he's been in love with the autistic nerdy one since high school that's so fucking endearing?! And vice versa; because the jock-y boy being in love with this nerdy best friend is just ad fucking adorable. These two especially.

As readers, we saw all of the signs from chapter one that Declan had/has feelings for Noah, he just didn't know how to interpret the skin tingles and warm feelings in his chest and the electric touches. He just saw Noah as his best friend, the one he's closest two, the one he can talk to about anything, the one who doesn't get annoyed about his in-depth talks about blackholes or terraforming on Mars. It was a beautiful use of dramatic irony. 

I loooooved these two! They were utterly perfect together, they just had to get on that communication first. It was beautiful and epic and spicy as hell.

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

Thirsty

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 Lucy Lehane "Thirsty." This book debuts in October 2025.

["Charlie needs to revamp his career. Writing advice columns was hard enough before the whole internet was dying to know how to date the undead – but Charlie’s as human as they come. And he has no idea how to answer the messages flooding his inbox, like My Workplace Slack Is Haunted; Should I Cross Dimensions For a Fling? and How Exactly Do You Smash A…

When a chance nocturnal meeting at a local coffee shop sees him reuniting with Lorenzo – a vampire with an axe to grind – Charlie thinks he’s found his ticket to immortal career success. But Lorenzo has plans of his to get revenge on Charlie for separating Lorenzo from the love of his life years ago. When Lorenzo draws Charlie into his world of monsters and mayhem, he finds new friends and old souls that span centuries of existence, yet are somehow just as lost as the two of them. But as Charlie and Lorenzo grow unexpectedly closer, the secrets they dwell under might just crush them.

Can their love survive demons and drama? And which will prove deadlier… bloodlust or betrayal?"]

This book was inspired by the TV show "What We Do In The Shadows," and honestly, I see it. The supernatural community, the sense of eternal dread, the queer longing. 

Though, these two did make me cry. A few times. They both have their baggage and their secrets. But they fell into a romance so suddenly that it was so fucking easy to fall from tentative-friendship to lovers. And not just lovers but the kind of romantic relationship that everyone strives for: constant smiles, talking about anything and everything, communication through looks alone. 

And with all of that baggage and secrets, comes accidental outing and third-act break ups and taking sides and me crying while the characters are sobbing and not eating and D: 

This book was fucking fabulous. It wasn't overly spicy. It had a great amount of angst, especially in the beginning. The sheer amount of lore from all different kinds of supernatural groups was fascinating, seeing the "original" facts and the new-look facts.

#netgalley #arcs #arcteammember
#thirsty #lucylehane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

No Pucks (Gods Versus Monsters #1)

One of the many (maaannny) books on my Recent TBRs. Here's JR Gray "No Pucks." It's the first book in the Gods Versus Monsters series.

["Finding out the guy I hooked up with is on my team isn’t the way I saw my first week of coaching going.

My name is Anthony Hawke, and I used to be a rising star in the NHL until someone purposefully tore my ACL, ending my career. I went from the top of my life to nothing in a matter of months.

I take a coaching job a thousand miles away as a fresh start, only to ruin it before I start.

Three months ago, I met him in a bar. Sexy and funny and built like a God—no names, just the best night of my life.

I never thought I’d see him again, but jokes on me, he’s a freshman on my team. Not only is he an insufferable playboy, but his father is the one who ruined my career.

I can’t lose this coaching job by sleeping with a player, but he won’t let it go. And if his father finds out, forget working anywhere in hockey again."]

This book was fucking fabulous! It was dirty and naughty and full of secrets and traumas. But it was also filled with fluff and found family and new trusts and true love. And hockey. God, who doesn't love a fabulous hockey romance.

And JR writes them (and the trauma the hockey players wield) sooo fucking well. The hockey is intense and the characters are fucking unhinged. But they managed to puck themselves up and find a place to be themselves (with their team and their HEA).

One of the best love declarations I’ve seen in a while (Anthony/Logan): “’That’s not fair.’ // ‘I am a petty bitch.’ // ‘I love you.’” Grumpy, meet sassy.

Quote of the day (that isn’t from a MC, shockingly): “Stop being sensible. You’re a goalie for Christ’s sake.” Yesss!

Trigger Warnings: parental infidelity, parental divorce, verbally abusive parents, forced confinement at a boarding school for a side character, alcohol and drug use by minors, chronic pain, blackmail, and more. 

#nopucks #twoguysonepuck #apuckbetweenfriends #jrgray #godsversusmonsters #godsversusmonstersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Faking Ever After

Here's Hayden Hall latest novel: "Faking Ever After."

["This trip to Greece was supposed to be simple—play the part of the perfect boyfriend, soak up the sun, and help my best friend’s billionaire boss survive his family’s relentless questions.

I thought he would only be my ticket out of New York and away from the man whose dangerous secrets I stole.

But nothing about Percy Davenport is simple. He’s a genius with a yacht and a private jet but can’t handle turbulence or, apparently, telling his mother no. When I agreed to be his fake date for his parents’ wedding anniversary, I didn’t realize I’d also be signing up for two weeks of shared beds, whispered secrets, and way too many stolen glances.

Percy’s handsome, brilliant, and shy enough to be completely charming, and pretending to love him feels far too real. Falling for him wasn’t part of the deal, but neither was learning he’s been burned by people too many times to trust easily—especially if you’re a stranger carrying a pocket full of secrets.

Pretending to love Percy should have been easy. The hard part? Stopping myself from falling for real."]

Each author has their own thing. Hayden’s? Beautifully written poetry-like prose and a story that is both wonderful and devastating.

These two were turned pessimistic by life. Neither of them had much trust in hope or love. Of course, that’s what the universe threw them together and put them on a gorgeous Greek island for two weeks of falling in love and hoping that the tentative trust they build it enough.

I don’t know what it is about Hayden’s book, but venue though there’s always a HEA, I’m left still a little sad at the end (maybe that’s just the reality of life and its unfairness that is woven into the stories). 

#fakingeverafter #haydenhall #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Gold Dragon Prince (Omega Fairy Tales #2)

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

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

Selle
I have always been the most curious of my brothers and a bit of a bookworm. So when we were introduced to the magical world, I wanted to find out as much as I could about all of it in any way I could. That way included sneaking away from where I was supposed to be and into the heart of the dragons’ castle, where I was definitely not supposed to be. Everything around me was just so exciting and interesting…
…until I was caught by the most beautiful alpha I’ve ever seen…
…who happens to be a gold dragon.

Gildur
I never stopped to consider that I had a fated mate let alone to go looking for him. My work on behalf of my mother, the queen, has always been my main focus. Keeping evil in check in our magical kingdom and stopping it from spreading to other worlds has always been my passion…until a clever, headstrong, irresistible omega waltzed into my life.
But now my fated mate is in danger from the evil forces I have been fighting against. Can I continue to put my kingdom first when my mate is in trouble or will love be my undoing?"]

MY GOD! I freaking LOVE this series and these princes and these dragons and the lore and the love and the eggs!! They're all so freaking adorable and perfect and angsty as hell.

I LOVE how each book (so far) ended with the King asking where the main-character-omega-prince went, only for his brothers to "not know who main-character-omega-prince." And this book started the same way. I love how protected they are of each other, no matter the danger their father threatens or how horrible their lives have been thus far.

And these dragons! They're far from perfect and that's...honestly, kinda perfect. They're flawed alpha heroes, but they would drop anything and everything for their mate (and his brothers)

I can't wait for the rest!!

#arcs #arcteammember
#therubydragonprince #thegolddragonprince #thediamonddragonprince #thesapphiredragonprince #thesilverdragonprince #theemeralddragonprince # #mmfarmer #omegafairytales #omegafairytalesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Unhinged Little Angel (Mafia Bound #3)

Here's "Unhinged Little Angel" by K.M. Neudhol. It's the the second novel in her Mafia Bound series. 

["Forcing Salvatore Moretti to marry me at gunpoint isn’t the craziest thing I've ever done...

I hate being desperate, being scared. It's a filthy, helpless feeling. I'd much rather be enraged, violent… unhinged.

Salvatore watches me dance and calls me Angioletto, his little angel. He doesn't know the demons that haunt me. He's too blinded by my beauty to see the blood on my hands. Then again, he's a mafia capo, so maybe the blood wouldn't bother him anyway.

My past is like fire licking at my heels, ready to consume me. But Sal won't let that happen, he’ll protect me. He has to.

I learned a long time ago not to trust anyone but myself. It's dangerous the way he manages to unravel all of my defenses and turn me from a guarded Dom into the submissive brat I've never felt safe enough to be. It's terrifying the way I'm starting to crave him.

I wasn't sure I would live long enough to worry about this marriage starting to feel real, but this well-dressed mafioso might just manage to save my life after all. We can argue about divorce once the threat is neutralized I suppose. And in the meantime, he is my husband, I might as well enjoy the perks…"]

Another book we've been waiting for forever! AHH! I'm utterly fucking obsessed with this series and these couples! I love dark romances, and when KM said she was branching out a bit, I knew we were in for a treat.

Holy. Shit. These two! Salvatore was in love with Dante from the first moment he met him, from the way he light up while dancing to the rage in his eyes (who said that mafiosos weren't romantic), but he wouldn't rush things (he waiting oh so patiently for his little angel to come to him). Dante probably could have also loved Salvatore at first sight, if he wasn't so busy fighting his own demons and protecting himself from everyone; but when things go worse for him, when the demons from his past came charging back, he knew he couldn't turn to Salvatore (and deep down, he knew it wasn't just because Sal is a Moretti).

Dante tried sooo hard to stay strong and keep his walls up and protect himself (from falling for Sal), but their love was inevitable. Their chemistry was undeniable, so when they got married and let the sparks fly, it was a matter of time before HEA took over.

Quote of the Day (Salatore): "But that's the beauty of marrying a monster. He can rest, and I can scar all of his other nightmares away."

Quote of the Day (Dante): "He'll fight any monsters I need him to, and he'll love all of the beautiful, terrifying dark parts of me for the rest of our lives."

Trigger Warnings: violence and murder (of bad guys), drugging, kidnapping, pedophiles, and more.

#deadlylitlesparrow #beautifullysavagebutterfly #unhingedlittleangel #desperatelydelicateviper #mafiabound #mafiaboundseries #kmneuhold #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

False Start (Big Bend Bears #3)

Here's Nicole Dykes's "False Start." It's the third book in her Big Bend Bears series, which is a spin-off of her Kensley Panthers series.

["Vaughn Montgomery
High school is almost over, and I’m more than ready.
Not because I don’t love Big Bend and everything here. Actually, I’m going to miss it quite a bit, but I’ll have my best friend by my side.
With Austin, I’ll always be okay.

Austin Pierce
I’m keeping some pretty big secrets from my best friend.
Secrets I’m not sure how much longer I can hold onto. Secrets that’ll likely destroy our friendship.
Because he thinks we’re going to college together—but I just can’t do it. I can’t spend any more time with this lie.
Big Bend may have been my beginning, but it never felt quite right. Something was always off—truly, I think it was my false start.
Now it’s time to live my life with nothing but the truth."]

HOW does Nicole manage to make a book sooo fucking sweet and yet make me cry multiple times? Because she does it to me in every. single. one. of her books. All of them are fluffy as hell but make me tear up (or full-on sob) more than once.

And these two? I don't care how many times she (or anyone else) writes a best-friends-to-lovers story, because they're each so different and unique and beautiful. AND I love how 90% of the time (especially in this universe) the 'not-so-straight' bestie is a golden retriever jock (sometimes a bit of a himbo) who didn't realize how utterly in love he was with his best friend (who had been in love with him first for forever) until the secret gets screamed in his face. Then he's all in.

Back to these two: I looove Vaughn and Austin. We've been waiting for them to fall in love (or at least Vaughn to realize it) for sooo long. Having it, even if I cried, was amazing. I loved watching their story play out, even if it wasn't fast (or necessarily easy). 

And once again, I'm obsessed with all of the cross-overs and cameos from other books in the Big Bend/Kensley/Oakley's Crew universe (the short story I just read also had not-so-subtle hints to this gay-Kansas universe). Obsessed.

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

Working For The Summer

Here's Nicole Dykes's latest short story: "Working For The Summer."

["Blake

It’s summer again on campus, and I’m supposed to hire two newbies to get us through the season. All I’m looking for is someone who knows what they’re doing and who can follow directions. Should be easy. I like to keep things simple. But when I decide to hire Clayton, it turns out to be anything but simple. Clayton I need a job for the summer, and I’ve decided not to go back home to Kensley. I’ve worked summers for my older brother’s friend at his landscaping business and had fun, so I think I can handle working on the college campus landscaping crew. But what I never saw coming was falling for my incredibly hot boss. I guess summer just got a little more interesting."]

AH! This was soooo cute! I love how smitten Blake was with Clayton right away, from that very first say of summer. He was stuck on his eyes, particularly, but he was sucked in. Then again, so was Blake. ;)

But it's that such a wonderful cliche? Like (and possibly love) at first sight? Other cliches in this wonderful story: boss/employee, roommates, nerd/jock (sorta), summer romance.

This story was short and sweet (and spicy). It was a perfect read for in between ARCs/TRBs.

Trigger Warnings: mild bi-phobia and more.

#workingforthesummer #nicoledykes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Possessive Puckboy (Puckboys #8)

I was doing SOOO good at not requesting too many ARCs and getting overwhelmed and reading them at the very last minute..and here we are. Here's Saxon James and Eden Finley "Possessive Puckboy." Its the eighth novel in their Puckboys series.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adopt a Vampire

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

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

-Run
-Fight
-Ask for noms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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