Goodbye, July!

What is with this year and all of the months being decades long? July took foooorever. June was eons ago. Not sure if its the heat or the chaoticness of this summer, but wow. August...be kind?

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

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

(2) July Memories: My sister was in town for a few days. I got to see my friends. I got to see my one friend's baby for the second time. My mom/family had a party to celebrate her retirement. Lots of days staying up too late, lots of days sleeping in, lots of days of naps. Looots of work, lots of chaos, lots of planning and learning new things. A weekend by myself with a self-date, which included bubble tea. Sooo many books.

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 42.

(4) Ehh. Some days were great, some where okay, but there wasn't many bad days. A few days were I got overstimulated and angry, but I (for the most part) didn't let myself lash out. There were a lot of days where I didn't sleep very well. Some days were I didn't eat a ton, or ate too much. And this insufferable heat hasn't helped, but fall is coming..eventually.

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

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

Ricochet

Here is River Hales's "Ricochet."

["Callum Hayes
The first time I witnessed death was my mother’s when I was eight years old. It devastated me. The second was at sixteen when I stumbled on my stepfather’s body after he was brutally murdered. That one screwed me up in a different way.
Since then, I’ve kept my shadows at bay, my secrets locked up tight. That is until Stone Wakefield joins my college hockey team.
Five years ago, he saw something I meant to take to my grave. He saw me weak, and I hate him for it. I have no choice but to keep hating him so he never sees past my mask again.

Stone Wakefield
Callum hates me, and he does nothing to hide it. While that makes it easy to get under his skin, it presents a problem on the ice. However, the bigger threat is my growing need to protect and possess him.
When I start to wonder if he’s just as obsessed with me as I am with him, I’m not sure if I can stay away. I know I should because I have secrets of my own.
But what if the darkness in both of us is the piece we’ve each been missing?
Callum Hayes is mine. He just doesn’t know it yet."]

Yes. All of the yes. A hockey, dark romance? Enemies (ish) to lovers? Trauma meeting traumatic? Death meeting dying? Crazy matching crazy? Again I said, all of the yes.

These two were utterly made for each other, it just took Cal a bit to figure it out. Stone knew almost right away though. And speaking of Stone, he's type of psycho was refreshing; all of the possessive and obsessive and touch-him-and-die plus all of the feels and sorry's and tears. It was adorable (yes, I just called a killer adorable--I've done it before, I'll do it again.).

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder (serial killer), blood and gore, grief and trauma, childhood abuse and childhood sexual assault (not on-page), PTSD, panic attack, nightmares, brief suicidal ideation, mild violence between MCs, repressed memories, choking, blood play, and more.

#ricochet #riverhale #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Far From Camelot (Far From #2)

Here is River Hales's "Far From Camelot." It is the second novel in the Far From series.

["Merlin
The Kingdom of Camelot did not fall with the death of King Arthur. But I did. I fled to another world because I couldn’t face the shame of my failure, of letting Mordred le Fay kill his own father. Even now, after a thousand years, I hate him.
When he shows back up in my life after all this time, that hatred is rekindled. He thinks my hatred equals obsession, but he’s wrong.
Then one premonition brings me to my knees, and I think he might’ve been right all along.

Mordred
I murdered my own father, but I have no regrets. If I regret anything, it’s letting my witch of a mother steal the throne of Camelot when it was meant to be mine. But can I even regret that when it’s what brought me to Merlin?
He may have misplaced his magic, but I’ll help him find it again. His passionate hatred is what I thrive on. His rough touch, his eager submission.
I don’t want to let him go, but I know I have to. It’s Merlin’s destiny to return to Camelot."]

I wasn't sure about this one. Though I'm a firm shipper of Arthur + Merlin. But the Mordred + Merlin vibes in here? I can see it (after I all but forced the images of the BBC Merlin actors out of my head).

The darkness, the evil-appeal, the magical connection (literally and figuratively). I wasn’t prepared for the constantly changing power dynamic, and honestly, it made the entire book. The two of them taking turns being soft and submissive and then angry and dominating was sooo perfect; it made so much sense for them as people and them as a couple. 

Trigger Warnings: murder of a parent (on-page), assault, violence, battle, more murder, grief and trauma, cruel parents, dubious consent during a panic attack, choking, light blood play, light BDSM, pain play, snakes (yup), and more.

#farfromneverland #farfromcamelot #farfromsherwoodforest #farfrom #farfromseries #riverhale #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Far From Neverland (Far From #1)

Here is River Hales's "Far From Neverland." It is the first novel in the Far From series. It is a dark, queer, fairy tale retelling of Peter Pan!

["Peter Pan left Neverland and grew up. Now I want him back.

It’s been fourteen years since he left, since Neverland’s star died out, since a blanket of frost fell over the island. Despite the Jolly Roger being anchored in a layer of ice, I’m not yet willing to give up this perfect, Peter Panless Neverland.

Well, it’s not completely perfect. A threat looms here, a shadow devouring the island. I don’t want Pan back, but he’s the only one who can stop it. However, when I find him, there are two problems.

One, Peter Pan has no memory of who he really is.

Two, I can’t seem to resist him.

Making him remember isn’t going to be easy, and not just because I hate him like sin, just like all the sinful thoughts he inspires. I can’t allow him to distract me. The fate of Neverland hangs in the balance.

The old Peter Pan has died, and a new one’s risen from his ashes. He’s a star—Neverland’s sun—and I don’t care if I get burned."]

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

Yes. All of the yes. This book was glorious and dark and fun and flirty and fighty and angsty and cute and rooted in canon (and cannon--sorry for the bad pun..but also not sorry). Peter Pan being all melty but sassy for Hook. Hook being all soft and protective for Peter Pan. 

Hook's black heart growing because of Peter. Hook saving Peter's life. Hook calling Peter "Little Star." *swoon* I need a moment. 

This was everything I wanted and sooo much more. It was practically perfect in every way (oh, wrong movie ;) ).

Trigger Warnings: assault, violence, grief and trauma, choking, knife (hook) play, light blood play, fear play, pain play, dubious consent, references to kidnapping and murder, and more.

#farfromneverland #farfromcamelot #farfromsherwoodforest #farfrom #farfromseries #riverhale #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sick Bargain (Vile House #1)

Another day, another dark romance. Here's Nordika Night's "Sick Bargain." It's the first novel in the Vile House series.

["Am I running from death… or racing towards it?

Remiel Sauder has reached his breaking point. With no other choice, he leads his lifelong tormentor to Vile House, hoping to scare him off and increase his chances of survival. Vile House is well known, but he’s about to learn how deep their secrets and mysteries are rooted in the town’s history. No one enters Vile House without making a bargain, and Remiel is about to hand his life over to the devil he’s forced upon.

The Vile Boy in the purple mask.

Kyrpt never intended to take the bargain. He’s never taken one before. But when Remiel steps foot in the hall, he claims it immediately. Drawn to Remiel’s fear, Krypt agrees to the terms of the bargain and takes the local boy as his own, liking the way the tainted man brings his deepest monsters to life, rattling their chains. Little does he know that the curse haunting Remiel is about to haunt him, too, tying their lives together in a way neither of them bargained for.

Remiel thrives in fear. Krypt relishes in creating it.

They’re a match made in Moros and their downfall is their uprising. Because in sickness, these two find their health."]

I wasn't sure about this book. I kept waffling on it, especially when I saw the trigger warnings. But, honestly, it was worth it. And the characters were honest about the triggers while they were happening, they didn't shy away from it or call it something else. Be warned, this is a near-pitch-black dark romance.

This town fascinated me. It was dark and dangerous and filled with cults and corruption and crime. There was a hint of supernatural and magic that elevated the darkness and twisty-ness. Because of this town and it's general aura, the science feels mad and almost like a fantasy. It's a hell on earth, with more demons than "normals." 

And Remiel + Krypt? Fuck. There's something about dark romances that's so beautifully twisted and gloriously triggering. It's somehow comforting? That makes sense (it does). And these two? They're somehow made for each other, and it's somehow romantic (it is).

And here I am, wanting the rest of the Vile Boys to get their HEA...however sick it is.

Trigger Warnings: non-con, dub-con, SA, lack of consent, rape, knife play, blood play, stalking, violence, murder, brainwashing, mind-control, drugging, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and more.

#sickbargain #fragilefacade #vilehouse #vilehouseseries #nordikanight #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Twister

Here's Kayla Halleur's "Twister."

["Now that I’ve graduated college, I’m expected to join the family accounting business even though I hate everything to do with finance.
What’s not expected? Getting stuck in a small town on my way home after a tornado nearly destroys my Jeep, or the lonely single dad and his adorable pre-teen daughter who offer their spare room for my stay.
Sometimes the most unexpected things can lead to the best life decisions.

Marshall
I’ve put off going home after graduating as long as I can, but there’s no excuses left. My cubicle-filled future is here whether I like it or not.
Until I drive into a huge, terrifying tornado, that is.
Now I’m stuck in a small town while I wait for my Jeep to get fixed. Thankfully, the adorable young girl who survived the twister with me talks her dad into offering me one of their spare rooms, so I don’t have to waste money at the local motel or contend with the gossipy motel owner.
Maybe I should’ve declined the offer, but there’s something about her dad that makes me think he’s desperate for another adult to talk to.
I’m only in town for the week, but that’ll be plenty of time to give him a reprieve from his hectic, but lonely, life. If only he didn’t turn out to be everything I was looking for….

Daniel
My pre-teen daughter is convinced that I’m sad and lonely, and that my life would be infinitely better with someone to share it with. Even if that was something I wanted to explore, my farm takes up too much time and energy to consider a night out.
Meeting someone new isn’t on my radar at all, until a gorgeous guy literally falls at my feet in his effort to escape the twister that sideswipes the local gas station.
Less than an hour later, my daughter invites him to stay with us while he’s stuck in town.
Maybe I should’ve said no, but there’s something about him that makes me want to help and protect him.I’ll admit that I find myself wildly attracted to him. If only he wasn’t so much younger than me…."]

And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["Daniel doesn’t want to be out and about when there’s a tornado warning in place, but needs must; Marshall plays chicken with a twister; everyone’s lucky that the local gas station has a storm shelter when a twister touches down; Marshall’ s Jeep wasn’t so lucky, and now he’s stuck in town; Rose tells Marshall he’ll be staying with her and her dad, much to her dad’s amusement; anything to avoid the small town gossips; Rose is a budding match-maker and is not at all subtle about it; Daniel is convinced Marshall is too young for him; Marshall vehemently disagrees; a game of Twister goes off the rails; the release of some long-held emotions; small town residents are quirky AF; honestly, so is Marshall’s mom; just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy doing it; pets are the best judges of characters; ex-husbands and their partners, oh my; Rose drops some truth bombs; kindness comes in all shapes and sizes; weather events are nasty; help comes from unexpected places."]

Another fucking hit from Kayla. This book was soft and fluffy and sweet and beautiful and healing and hopeful and wholesome and D: It was just everything. All of it. It was found family and fate and cat-distribution-system and natural disasters as matchmakers (also matchmakers: preteens, dogs, cats, grumpy townsfolk, ex-husbands, soon-to-be-grandmas).

Natural disasters also almost fucking ruined me. I probably would have cried, sobbed, if I was breathing. Which I wasn't, breathing that is. Sometimes, when shit hits the fan, you sob, sometimes you just don't breathe. Then again, there was somehow sooo many fluffy and sweet moments during the shit-hitting-the-fan moments. That helped.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I loooove how seamlessly Kayla weaves all of her stories together. They're all interconnected somehow. It should be cliche and cringe, but it's not! It's sweet and fun!

Trigger Warnings: domestic violence of a side character, traumatic foster/adoption experience by a side character, both MCs caught in tornado, hospital visits, homophobia, narcissistic behavior, and more.

#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#twister #kaylahalleur #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Matched (LUS #5)

Here's Becca Steele's "Matched." It's the fifth book in her LSU series.

["I signed up for the LSU dating app for a bit of fun. Meet a girl, have a good time… You know the drill.

Or that was what was supposed to happen.
An error in the app’s code means that my blind date turns out to be a man.
Not just any man, either. Nate Glover. The hot, popular footballer who’s a serial dater. Oh, and he’s straight too.
So am I. I think.

We start hanging out as friends. He introduces me to his sister. She’s cute and just my type.
But why can’t I stop thinking about Nate?
And why does he keep looking at me like that?
Like he might be interested in something more than just friendship.

Maybe we were matched for a reason, after all."]

Holy. Fuck.

These two were adorable as hell. The pining and the gay panic and the queer disaster of it all? The angst? Yes to all of it. So much yes.

They were so smitten from the moment they laid eyes on each other. Heteronormativity naturally interfered, as did best friends and sisters. But they kept coming back to each other like magnets. It was adorable as hell.

There could have been much more angst, a few moments of miscommunication, and a third-act-break-up, but there wasn't! I didn't cry once. It was glorious.

#collided #blindsided #sidelined #unwrapped #ignited #tempted #dared #matched #lsu #lsuseries #beccasteele #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Emerald Dragon Prince (Omega Fairy Tales #6)

Here's MM Farmer's latest: "The Emerald Dragon Prince." It's the sixth and final novel in her Omega Fairy Tales series.

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

Rumi
I’ve always considered myself the leader of my brothers. It’s been my responsibility to keep them safe from our father’s evil intentions. But now that they’ve all found their fated mates, it’s time that I reveal my biggest secret—that I’ve known my fated mate, my dragon alpha, longer than I’ve let on, and that our first meeting produced more than anyone knows.
But with the war against my father starting, time is running out, and now my life might be in danger…

Emmerich
I’ve waited a year to fully claim my omega mate, but I cannot wait any longer. The war to right the wrongs of the cruel world must end, and it must end in victory.
But everything is turned on its head when an unexpected chapter of my past shows up in the thick of things…wielding more power than anyone could have imagined. Will my past follies prevent Rumi and I from finding happiness? Will the dark sorcerer Nazeing spell the defeat of everything good and right in the world?"]

These two!! D: We've been waiting for these two get their HEA, their entire story, since the very first chapters in the very first book of this series. And, let me tell you, it was worth the wait.

Also worth the wait was: King Freslik’s demise, King Osric rise to power, finding out who the dark sorcerer was helping the evil king, Queen Gia giving sooo many truths, our lovely human princes finding out something about themselves, the truth behind their Papa's true love, some previous eggs getting hatched, and HEAs all around.

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

Fated Mates and How To Seduce Them (Fated Mates #3)

Here's AJ Sherwoods "Fated Mates and How To Seduce Them." It's the third book in her Fated Mates series.

["After Ian Moore steps in to save resident playboy and vampire André Castor from a spiked drink, he expects life to go back to normal. Why, he doesn’t know, but that assumption seems reasonable, right?

Only André doesn’t want it to go back to normal. He’s found a cute, trustworthy human, which is an anomaly in his world. Can’t he just keep Ian?

Ian knows how this game ends, patiently waiting for the playboy to move on…so why is André proving him wrong?"]

And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["Finally written in order, I treat canon like a buffet but in a gentle way, new ship here all aboard!, fated mates, vampires and humans, stubborn to lovers, sometimes vampires need to be rescued too, André is part cat, Ian has been adopted and has no idea what to do from here, marriage proposal, love at first sight, or at least Crippling Crush at First Sight, Fluff, so much fluff, I’m not even sorry, Casper the kitty, the VSB is on the eternal shitlist, playboy meets his match, Casper the Cat is a matchmaker, say no to drugs kids, unless the drug is love."

Crack. Every freaking time I read one of AJ’s books, I forget wonderful and off-the-walls they are. Fluffy, flirty crack. The sheer amount of highlights I did in this book is insane. 

All of the fluff and love and sweetness and devotion. Yes I realize those are all kinda synonyms, but if you don't understand why that's perfect for André (and Ian), then you need to reread this book. These two were so soft and flirty with each other, all the time, even when Ian was being stubborn. It was adorable as hell. 

Not to mention all of the found family-ness of it all. Ian's family bing André's family now, and André's family being Ian's family now. It was just...wholesome and perfect.

Trigger Warnings: attempted-drink-spiking, classism, slight-bullying, lack of self-esteem, all that is the American foster care system, and more.

#fatedmatesandwhentokeepthem #fatedmatesandwheretofindthem #fatedmatesandhowtowoothem #fatedmatesandhowtoseducethem #fatedmates #fatedmatesseries #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Pit Stop

Here's Cora Rose's latest novel: "Pit Stop."

["The summer before my senior year of college was supposed to be lose my virginity, avoid all unnecessary drama, and keep my mind focused on my future career far away from this small town.

Easy enough.

Too bad my newly emerged omega instincts have other plans and my first heat cycle hits me like a freight train with no brakes and zero respect for timing.

What was supposed to be a one-time, anonymous hookup behind a glory hole has turned into a slick mess of heat haze, bad decisions, and way too much cuddling. Because the cocky, dirty-talking alpha on the other side of the wall? Yeah, that turns out to be Maverick—my brother’s best friend and the last person on Earth I should be moaning for.

And when the heat pheromones finally subside, will Maverick want to pretend it never happened, the way any sane person would after crossing the line with their best friend’s nerdy little brother? Or will he try to stake his alpha claim on me and ruin my future plans?

Either way, I’m in big trouble.

And possibly in heat again…"]

I swear I read this book before. Well, the first quarter of it. It was sooo familiar. But who really knows.

This book though? It was fucking amazing! The balance of pining and angst was glorious. Even if I full-on sobbed during a portion of it.

This book was adorable and sweet with a little forbidden-romance and fated mates and soft alphas and sassy omegas and lots of fresh-cut melon. I loved it!

#pitstop #corarose #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hide & Seek (Silvercrest U #2)

Here's the latest from Willow Dixon: "Hide & Seek." It's the second novel in her new series, Silvercrest U.

["Jax
It was supposed to be an easy keep an eye on Myles until I’m sure he’s not a threat to us, then forget he exists and go back to living my life.

But there’s something different about him. Something that speaks to my dark side and turns an easy job into an obsession. I want things from him I’ve never wanted before, and the more I watch him, the more I’m sure he wants them too.

He just doesn’t want to want them.

Myles might have started out as a job, but he’s the only person who’s ever made me feel anything, and once I set my sights on him, I'll do whatever it takes to make him mine.

Ready or not, here I come."]

I looove the "my stalker makes me feel safe" vibes. It was adorable and concerning and just so Myles. I wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and protect him. 

This book was almost entirely different than the first one, and yet it worked. It all worked. It was perfectly dark. The stalker was similar to other books I read, but it was also so uniquely it's own.

I loved these two. Myles and Jax just worked. Their romance was quick, but all of the hot, stalker, primal play lead up was extended over several weeks. They built up to something IRL, something long lasting.

I canNOT wait for the next one!! I wonder if it'll be Jace or Xav..

Trigger Warnings: violence, threats, blackmail, stalking, attempted murder, kidnapping, really horrible and depraved deep fakes (not on page, but of children in a sexual nature), and more.

#arc #arcteammember #forewordpr
#wickedgames #hideandseek #silvercrestu #silvercrestuseries #willowdixon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Immoral (Park Avenue Kings #3)

Here's Ella Frank's and Brooke Blaine's "Immoral." It's the third novel in their latest series: Park Avenue Kings (which is a spin-off of their Park Avenue Princes series).

["Who are we? Nobody really knows. We’re the seven most powerful heirs to empires, ruling Manhattan from our thrones on Park Avenue. By day, we’re the elite, untouchable, and more connected than you could ever imagine. By night, we revel in the darkness of our secrets, pulling strings that make the city bow to our whims.
Ruthless.
Dangerous.
We’re the Park Avenue Kings.
In this city of power and desire, where the line between love and obsession blurs, nothing is off-limits—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

***

He was sent in to seduce a monster. He didn’t expect to fall for the man beneath.

Benoit Olivier has always played the part—charming, cunning, and impossible to pin down. As one of the Park Avenue Kings, he’s used to being the watcher, the flirt, the wild card. But when the Kings need eyes on a powerful new arms dealer with a dangerous reputation, Benoit steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight—as a performer in Dimitri Stavros’s exclusive world.

Dimitri is lethal, calculating, and entirely unprepared for the distraction Benoit presents. Drawn to the dancer’s allure, he offers him a place at his side, unaware that every flirtation, every glance, is a calculated move in a game Benoit was sent to win.

But the deeper Benoit is pulled into Dimitri’s world of wealth, weapons, and whispered threats, the more dangerous the assignment becomes. Because Dimitri doesn’t forgive betrayal—and if he discovers Benoit’s true purpose, it won’t just be hearts that shatter.

Now, with time running out and his feelings blurring the line between performance and reality, Benoit must make a choice: complete the mission… or protect the man he was never supposed to love."]

I wanted this book desperately when the blurb came out. Desperately. I kept checking Foreword PR's website to see when the ARC was available to download. When I got the BookFunnel notification that I received the ARC,  I was in the middle of a book; so I told myself, as soon as this is done, screw everything else, I'm reading "Immoral." And yet...I hadn't picked it up. Even though I was/am in a dark romance kick. I just...I knew these two would make me cry, and I wasn't ready.

And make me cry they did.

But this push-and-pull, secrets and masks and deception was worth it. Because they something more important and secret societies and international weapons dealing. They found chemistry that was off the charts, flirty and foreplay, someone who can handle your darkness and you light. They found something they were willing to be vulnerable for, something they were willing to trust in, something they were willing to hurt for, even if for a little while.

Who new our silly, slutty-cape-wearing Benoit would be so soft? I was not prepared for that. And yet, I'm here for it.

Trigger Warnings: violence, weapon trafficking, blackmail, murder, and more.

#forewordprandmarketing #arcs #arcteammember
#savage #unholy #immoral #ruthless #merciless #devilish #parkavenueprinces #parkavenueprincesseries #parkavenuekings #parkavenuekingsseries #ellafrank #brookeblaine #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Don't Say You're Sorry (Hawthorne University #2)

Here's Bethany Winters's "Don't Say You're Sorry." It's the second novel in her Hawthorne University series.

["I didn't know if I'd ever see him again.

Adam Kane. My best friend, stepbrother... and the guy I fell for when I was eighteen.

Three and a half years ago, Adam had a choice to make.

Spoiler alert—he didn't choose me.

He left me after our high school graduation and took my heart with him.

Now he's back, living with me and my teammates, and the real kicker? He wants to be friends again. Brothers. He wants things to go back to the way they were before. Before he broke me.

Before he broke us.

My happy-go-lucky facade is slipping, and the person I keep caged beneath the surface is starting to become visible through the cracks.

I shouldn't be allowing him back into my life. It's too risky. But I can't push him away. Consequences be damned, I find myself doing the opposite, unable to resist taking everything I've ever wanted.

I've waited long enough. Now that he's within reach, I'm not letting him get away a second time.

I'm making him mine again.

And I'll do whatever it takes to keep him."]

This book was almost as achingly beautiful and devastating as the first. Almost. But I still had heart palpitations and anxiety, and I still cried, a lot. It was still heartbreaking and horrible and unfair. It was still fate being kind, and fate (and people) being horrible. It was still filled with secrets and regrets. It was still filled with sorrow and loneliness. 

But when they finally put aside their mistakes and miseries, they (slowly and not all at once and not without more bumps in their way) found themselves back to happy. It was beautiful, watching them fall back in love, watching them get back to that place of ultimate friendship, watching them tell the world and it's hesitations to fuck off. 

Just like the first book, I knew this one would wreck me in the best of ways. It's something about second-chance romances with mutual-heartbreak and mutual-pining (while set in a dark-romance-esque light) that's just so hard to resist, even when you know you'll cry; I guess the sun-coming-out-through-the-clouds HEA is worth it.

We got some more brat-taming and HEA-gooey-ness from Xavi and Nate, but we also got some serious drama and mysteries from teh past from Carter and Axel...which we have to wait until the next book for.

Trigger Warnings: mentions of addiction, mentions of parental death, violence (between MCs), mentions of child abuse, and more.

#likeyouhateme #dontsayyouresorry #bethanywinters #hawthorneuniversity #hawthorneuniversityseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Call It Desire (One For All #1)

Here's Maya Jean's "Call It Desire." It's the first novel in her new One For All U series.

["Dante
Life is a constant repeat of classes, missions, and ensuring my brothers-in-arms don’t get blood on their clothes and bring it home for me to clean up. For the past few years, I’ve been part of a crew that takes from the bad guys and returns it to the good. It’s an unknown, thankless job, though. But when I catch sight of a dazed, platinum blond twink during one almost-blown-to-shreds mission, life takes an instant turn. Reid might not know it yet, but he’s mine, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him.

Reid
If I chase danger enough, maybe danger will do me in. That’s been the motto since my parent’s death a few years ago. Drugs. Alcohol. Random men in clubs. Until a tall drink of water named Dante enters my life and tries to call all the shots. Fat chance I’ll let him. But for some reason, I can’t help but fall to pieces for Dante. Hopefully, he’ll put me back together. Well, if he doesn’t get me killed first."]

I did not necessarily see Maya Jean as a dark romance writer...and yet, I'm here for it. Especially these two, this dynamic. They were hot like oil and fire, and their chemistry was just as hot. It was electric. They completed each other in some many ways, their traumas and their desires meshing into a perfect relationship (somehow). 

I canNOT wait for the rest of these men to find their HEA. We, for the most part (unless there’s a twist or two), know how the future couples will be, but we have to wait for them. Plus the overall plot tying the men and the series together. I always say this, but it’s giving slightly Mulvaney vibes (in the vigilante avengers vibe—and the obsessive as hell, imprinting on others way).

Trigger Warnings: on-page murder, kidnapping, torture, past drug-use & self-harm, past death of parents, mutual stalking, survivor's guilt, vomiting, panic attack, claustrophobia, and more. 

#callitdesire #onemoretouch #oneforall #mayajean #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Daddy Arrangement (The Situationship #3)

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

["Someone once told me I give Daddy Issues a bad name. I laughed at the time, but since I found myself living with my dad’s best friend, Stuart Wiseman, it doesn’t feel all that funny anymore.

Living with him is a nightmare. He’s super pedantic about everything. He took one look at me and decided I need help with adulting, and he seems absolutely positive he’s the man for the job. He’s hellbent on improving me, scolding me about this and correcting me on that.

Obviously I don’t take it lying down, I give as good as I get.

Things come to a head one night and I find myself staring down the barrel of a thick, angry index finger pointed close to my face.

“You’re playing with fire, Boy, and you’re headed for leather.”

Every schema I’ve ever used to make sense of the world implodes.

I’m furious. I hate it. Fully hate it. Hate every single thing about it.

Except that I don’t - and that makes it worse. Way worse. Some stupid part of me loves it. Some even stupider part craves it.

Lucky for me, Stuart knows a Daddy’s boy when he sees one. He offers to discipline and take care of me, to do the hard parts of adulting for me until I get back on my feet. Obviously, it isn’t a relationship. He’s literally old enough to be my father. So no, it’s not a relationship. Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s an arrangement…A Daddy Arrangement.

And that’s all it will ever be.

Right?"] 

This one kept getting the backburner for some reason, and it didn't deserve it. This book was glorious. It was soft and sweet but it was filled with all kinds of emotions from sad to pining to angst to the horrible, wonderful, life-changing moment you realize you've fallen in love.

It was a lot of communication (or lack thereof) and desires and smoothies and dogs on couches and fights over placemats. There were sooo many placemats, but like the people-MC, the placemats had a redemption arc and a storyline all of their own. It was honestly sooo simple but so beautiful. 

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

Accidental Bond (Damned Mercenaries #1)

Here's Mika Nix's latest book "Accidental Bond." It's the first novel in their Damned Mercenaries series, which is a spin-off of their Drake Security series. 

["I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but accidentally becoming a mercenary for a demon might be the biggest one yet…

My inner dragon has always been more like a devil on my shoulder, talking me into making bad decisions and creating chaos. I have a hoard full of demon artifacts, each one likely to cost me my life if the owners ever come after me.

I thought accidentally becoming a mercenary was the worst mistake I would make in a single day… until I inadvertently mated myself to a demon. It’s not my fault his mating ring was so pretty!

It’ll be fine… all I have to do is fulfill my contract, not do anything else to make things worse, and avoid falling for the surprisingly sweet, himbo demon who thinks I’m his mate. Should be easy… right?"]

Oh, Mac. Poor, sweet, gets-himself-into-trouble-too-often Mac. You got yourself into something here alright. Good thing your new mate is here to help (and all of his friends/found-family).

This series has SOO much potential. Sooo many new characters and backstories and future HEAs. I canNOT wait for more. And the teaser we got for the next one? Yesss. Here for it. Here for sooner rather than later, hopefully. 

I think the only thing missing (spoiler alert) was a family reunion at the end where Mac's brothers got to see him settled, mated, and happy.

#accidentalbond #damnedmercenaries #damnedmercenariesseries #drakesecurity #drakesecurityseries #mikanix #kmneuhold #miamonroe #paranormal #books #queerbooks #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Codebreaker

SO many ARCs and just not enough time. Here's Jay Martel "Codebreaker."

["Mia Hayes has peaceful plans for the summer—find a part-time job at a coffee shop and work on her application for Harvard. Those plans are shattered one night when government agents arrive unannounced at her home seeking something they believe her father has taken. When the dust settles, her mother is dead and her father is gone, a fugitive on the run.

Three weeks later, and still reeling from her father’s betrayal, Mia spends her seventeenth birthday at a protest in the heart of D.C., where she meets Logan, a rebellious and charming hacker. Just as she’s enjoying her first happy moment since the night her world exploded, a voicemail from her father arrives to upend everything she believed about her family, her past, and what really happened that night three weeks ago. Even more, the voicemail hides another encoded message inside which, once Mia solves it, sets her and Logan off on a mission from her sleepy suburb straight into the heart of the federal government.

With the same agents now hot on their trail, Mia and Logan must navigate their way through American history’s most iconic sites and uncover its most well-hidden secrets to reveal the truth about her family and stop a deadly attack."]

Da Vinci Code meets National Treasure meets Indiana Jones meets Only Murders in the Building meets Murdle. So a lot of puzzles and history and government agents and secrets and murder. And puzzles. 

Soooooo many puzzles This book gave you moments where you could pause your book, take out a notebook, and solve the ciphers right alongside Mia. It was interesting as hell. I went from solving cyphers to taking notes about the multiple Lincoln assassination conspiracies. 

Also, throughout this book, Mia's parents talk about the different countries they got to and how the people there have power, how the people there want change, about how the people there are going to make it happen. It's all very thrilling, all very rooted in history, and all very hopeful (in a world of government idiots, unfairness on soooo many levels, and utter hopelessness).

Trigger Warnings: gun violence, death, parental death, grief, and more.

#netgalley #arc #arcteammember
#codebreaker #jaymartel #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Not Quite Dead Yet

Here's Holy Jackson's "Not Quite Dead Yet."

["In seven days Jet Mason will be dead.

Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old, she’s still waiting for her life to begin. I’ll do it later, she always says. She has time.

Until Halloween night, when Jet is violently attacked by an unseen intruder.

She suffers a catastrophic head injury. The doctor is certain that within a week, the injury will trigger a deadly aneurysm.

Jet has never thought of herself as having enemies. But now she looks at everyone in a new light: her family, her former best friend turned sister-in-law, her ex-boyfriend.

She has at most seven days, and as her condition deteriorates she has only her childhood friend Billy for help. But nevertheless, she’s absolutely determined to finally finish something:

Jet is going to solve her own murder."]

I'll be honest with you. I read the first chapter of this, absolutely hated Jet, and put it down for a few weeks. I knew, from a craft standpoint, that hating Jet was probably a choice on the author's part, that we would eventually grow to love her as she made her redemption arc, which would only make her eventual death more painful. Granted, she didn't turn into a saint overnight. But she grew as a person and she grew on me.

After I got past the first chapter, I couldn't put this book down. The web kept tangling and weaving and coming together only to spiral off in several directions. You get a suspect, clear then, find two more in it's place. You get a motive and find even more suspects, even more motives, even more times of opportunity. So many secrets, so many lies, so many "oh I didn't tell you"s and "it's not important"s. It all just kept going and going and going until...

Until thunderclaps after thunderclaps of pain, waves and waves of tears and grief. This was one of the hardest endings to a book I've read in a while, and like "Call Me By Your Name", you saw the ending coming (doesn't make it easier).

This is arguably, Holy's best book to date. You HAVE to read it. 

Trigger Warnings: dark humor, violence, medial emergencies, medical decisions, murder, death, and more.

#arc #arcteammember #netgalley
#notequitedeadyet #hollyjackson #thriller #murdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Depths of Desire (Saints of Westmont U #4)

Here's Hayden Hall's "Depths of Desire." It's the fourth novel in his new Saints of Westmont U series. Also...I guess there was a cover mix-up somewhere. The picture I took for the last book is the cover for this book so...who knows.

["He was my secret crush. My one-night escape. And the mistake I can’t stop wanting.

Lennox
Some guys flirt for fun. I fall too fast.
Oliver Hayworth was my childhood crush, the golden boy who never looked back.
So when I offered him a ride home for the holidays, I didn’t expect a blizzard. Or the cabin. Or the night that would ruin me for anyone else.
Now we’re back at Westmont U, and he’s acting like it never happened. Like I don’t exist. Like he didn’t whisper my name all night long.
But I see through him. I see the pressure, the fear, and the fire he tries to bury under medals and ambition.
And I want him anyway, even if it breaks me.

Oliver
He wants something real. I don’t have that to give.
Lennox Ellery is every dangerous thing I’ve tried to avoid. He’s warm, open, and impossible to ignore.
I told myself it was a mistake. Just one night. A slip in focus.
But I can’t stop thinking about him. About the way he looked at me like I was more than a swimmer chasing gold.
I’ve spent my whole life sacrificing everything for one dream.
I never planned for him.
And now that he’s in my head, in my bed, and in my heart, I don’t know how to let him go."]

I forgot how devastating and beautifully poetic Hayden's work is. And this book was certainly a reminder of that. They wanted each other, needed each other desperately. It was a quick fall into desperation. It threatened everything they both had build, everything they both were fighting for. But love isn't rational, and it doesn't care about timelines or future plans. It comes in like a blizzard, takes over until all you can see is right in front of you, and then leaves you stranded in a different-looking world.

Love could have ruined everything, could have stolen everything. Except love made these two stronger, braver, happier. It made them better athletes, better men. 

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

Seductive Nights (Peaches #2)

Here's Ashley Rayne's latest: "Seductive Nights." It's the second novel in her Peaches series.

["Jonas
Five years ago, after I lost my husband, I barricaded my heart, not strong enough to let another person get close to it. When our sweet but clumsy bartender, Preston, needs somewhere to stay, I offer him my spare bedroom. We’re friends, nothing more. Now, though, the more time I spend with my new roommate, the more he tears down the walls I’ve built. He’s bubbly and sassy, drawing me in from the first broken glass.
I want to let him in, but I can’t…
Right?

Preston
My friends tried to warn me my ex was bad news, but it’s not until I catch him with our next-door neighbor that I truly see it for myself. Being cheated on sucks, sure, but being cheated on and realizing you have nowhere to live is even worse. Luckily, Peaches’ head of security, Jonas, has a place for me. With him. Sure, it starts off innocently enough, but one night, some green lace and a pole change everything.
It’s just a bit of fun. I won’t fall for my roommate…
Will I?"]

Ohhh, now I remember Preston and Jonas from the first books. They had so much chemistry and potential then, let alone now. 

These two were adorable as hell. They helped each other grow, helped each other heal, helped each other find happiness again. They pushed each other to try new things, to slowly get out of their comfort zones. Of course, doing so helped them get closer and closer (emotionally--at this point they were already pretty damn close physically ;) ) until they were falling head over heals.

Again, I canNOT wait for the rest of this series. We got soo many teasers for future couples, and I want them now. 

Trigger Warnings: off-page death of a spouse, cheating, and more.

#gayromancereviews #booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#lustfulnights #seductivenights #peaches #peachesseries #ashleyrayne #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Whatever Happened To...? A BBC Radio Comedy of Ultimate Sequels

One of the recent audiobooks I listened to was: "Whatever Happened To...? A BBC Radio Comedy of Ultimate Sequels." This was written by Adrian Mourby. 

["Have you ever wondered what became of the protagonists from your favourite childhood stories? Well, wonder no more: in these hilarious mockumentaries, the astonishing afterlives of some of the most famous figures in fiction are revealed...

The scourge of smugglers and the stalwart of the Famous Five, George, reflects on her life - and divulges the fate of the rest of the adventurous gang; Cinderella's siblings The Ugly Sisters speak out, giving their versions of what happened after the ball; Doctor Who's granddaughter Susan discloses the real story of her travels in time and space; and The Big Bad Wolf gives a perfectly plausible explanation for his behaviour towards the Three Little Pigs and Red Riding Hood's granny.

We also follow the fortunes of Billy Bunter's beastly form master Horace Henry Samuel Quelch, angelic aristocrat Little Lord Fauntleroy, Popeye, Pinocchio, Mowgli, Postman Pat, The Seven Dwarves and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Their fates may surprise and even shock you - but they're sure to make you laugh."]

I loved this. I didn't 100% every character. But it was still hilarious. There were multiple actors playing multiple parts, each having their own voice and personality. The episodes went into pre-stories, stories, and post-stories. They interviewed so many people in these character's lives. It retold and turned these classic fairy tales on their heads. It was glorious. 

If you like audiobooks or fairytales or accents, you need to check this out!!

#whateverhappenedto #abbcradiocomedyofultimatesequels #adrianmourby #fairytales #fairytalerettlings #books #audiobooks #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

False Start (Brooklyn Kings #3)

Here's "False Start" by Felice Stevens. It's the third novel in her Brooklyn Kings series.

["A private club.
Anonymous.
No names and masks on.

He catches my eye and we meet every week.
I fall hard and fast each time we’re together.
And now…I’m in love.
Silly, right? I mean, I don’t even know what he looks like.

Then I discover he’s superstar college quarterback Patrick “Trick” Sloane. On his way to playing professional football. I’ll never be anything but his dirty little secret.

So I leave without saying good-bye.

Ten years later, Patrick is the quarterback of the Brooklyn Kings with a wild reputation as a ladies’ man, and I’m his new personal assistant.

Patrick doesn’t know I was once his lover, but I’ve never forgotten him. To complicate matters, in spite of my best efforts to keep things strictly business, we’ve become friends.

Then one night, our past catches up with our present, and old love is new again.

Patrick isn’t willing to give up football…or me.
I don’t want him to risk everything he’s worked his whole life for.
I can wait.

But Patrick makes a bold decision that will change everything.
It could either be the end of us…or a beautiful beginning."]

Fallon!! I was obsessed with him during the last book. He was smart and sassy and fierce and suuuuch a great friend. I'm glas he's finally getting this HEA. Even if it took years and years...and some heart break and mistaken identity and secrets and desires and wow, then I'm crying.

And even though I cried (a few times) this story was about acceptance and being happy and found family and taking chances and saying those three words that change everything. 

It was adorable and perfect. 

Trigger Warnings: sports based homophobia and more.

#grr #arc #arcteammember
#badidea #endgame #falsestart #felicestevens #brooklynkings #brooklynkingsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Sin Bin

Here's Willow Thomas's "The Sin Bin." It was previously published in Popped: A Charity Anthology and has no new content. It is available from #BookFunnel via Willow's FB page.

["This free short story features a nervy virgin and a grumpy rugby player that will have you laughing your cute arse off."]

My GOD was that cute! So many little moments and details that made this short story sing. It was funny and punny and awkward and adorkable. It was spicy and surprising. It was just…wow. Looot packed into so little pages. HERE for it!!

#thesinbin #willowthomas #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

No Good (Hitters MC #2)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again), and I'm working through the Mayhem Universe (including authors as such as Skylar Snow and Brea Alepoú). This universe includes the Mafia Daddies series, the Vitale Brothers series (which I've read), The Hitters MC series, and a few standalones (which were actually part of different multi-author series). Here's Skylar Snow's and Brea Alepoú's "No Good." It's the second book in the Hitters MC series.

["Money. Power. Fame.

Secrets.

My life is perfectly etched out for me, written in the stars. I’m the son of a man of god. A man that commands a flock who will not be embarrassed by the likes of me. I am a Son of the Sun, a man with morals and values.

A man who doesn’t know who he is.

When I meet Angel, I don’t expect a finger shoved into my chest and a punch to the gut. Just like that I’m into him. He’s supposed to be my dirty little secret, a friend with benefits that I can hide from the world.

And then he becomes so much more.

I was meant for the path of light, but the darkness never looked so sweet. Angel might be my undoing, but I can’t let my feisty, determined, headstrong biker go. It’s time for me to find my own path.

Even if it breaks me."]

Oh wow. The hurt-comfort in this book was real. Really real. The angst. My anxiety. Them confused. Me crying. Broken hearts all around.

Speaking of broken. These two were just two soft boys who got their trust and their hearts broken far too many times. Together, they were able to come together, comfort each other, and eventually heal.

Plus some teasing, some twin-drama, a bunny, and some Vilate intervention. 

Trigger Warnings: religious trauma, conversion camps, homophobia, childhood neglect and abuse, ptsd, cults, murder, torture, and more.

#badhabits #nogood #hittersmc #hittersmcseries #ruthlessdaddies #ruthelessdaddiesseries #skylarsnow #breaalepou #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #vitalebrothers #vitalebrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bad Habits (Hitters MC #1)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again), and I'm working through the Mayhem Universe (including authors as such as Skylar Snow and Brea Alepoú). This universe includes the Mafia Daddies series, the Vitale Brothers series (which I've read), The Hitters MC series, and a few standalones (which were actually part of different multi-author series). Here's Skylar Snow's and Brea Alepoú's "Bad Habits." It's the first novel in the Hitters MC series. This was originally "Trouble" under the Ruthless Daddies 2 series.

["Being the right hand man to Benito Vitale isn’t always fun. From doing his dirty work, to being shoved into the trunk of a car by his husband, I’m just doing my best to survive. So, when I discover the thief that broke into our warehouse is in fact his cousin and I’m forced to babysit, of course crap hits the fan.

Caleb is everything I shouldn’t want. He doesn’t fit into my world. A biker with a heart of gold, who needs that nonsense?

But for some reason, I’m drawn to him. I’m obsessed with him. Whether he’s smiling or calling me Daddy, it makes me weak. Even when it’s time to let him go, I don’t want to. Caleb is mine. I will do whatever it takes to keep him.

Forever."]

Fuck me. I haven’t cried like that in a long time. Wow. Thanks, guys, sooo much. (It was semi therapeutic, but it still sucked.)

Caleb was not at all what I excepted. I know Tony from reading the Vitale Brothers series, and I knew at one point he found a partner for himself. But Caleb was a bratty, sassy surprise. 

As was clingy, needy, possessive as fuuuuuck Tony. 

Gotta saw, Harlow and Benito are still my favorites. ;) 

Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, violence, PTSD, manipulation, dub-con, toxic relationship, and more.

#badhabits #nogood #hittersmc #hittersmcseries #ruthlessdaddies #ruthelessdaddiesseries #skylarsnow #breaalepou #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #vitalebrothers #vitalebrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Problems (Ruthless Daddies 2)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again), and I'm working through the Mayhem Universe (including authors as such as Skylar Snow and Brea Alepoú). This universe includes the Mafia Daddies series, the Vitale Brothers series (which I've read), The Hitters MC series, and a few standalones (which were actually part of different multi-author series). Here's Skylar Snow's and Brea Alepoú's "Problems." It's part of the (multi-author) Ruthless Daddies 2 series.

["Finnian Jack O’ Brien is off limits. To me, to Ronan, to Cian. None of us should want the boy with big bright eyes and a sassy tongue that we’re forced to protect.

Too bad we do.

Ronan denies it. Cian taunts him. I try to ignore his existence. Deep down I know that he needs a firm hand on his soft ass. But why do I want to be the one to give it to him?

He’s the boss's son, forbidden damn fruit, but everytime I see Jack I want to take what’s mine. Turns out so do Cian and Ronan. We’ll do whatever it takes to protect our boy. Even if we have to slaughter everyone who gets in our way.

Jack belongs to us ."]

Oh wow. Wow oh wow. This book...just a handful of chapters in, and it's dynamic as hell. It's sweet and spicy. Each man is so different as a mafia solider, as a man, as a lover, and as a daddy. Each so different in the different aspects of their lives, but so different with Jack. And Jack?! He has three times as many facets as his daddies. He's utterly perfect for each of them and each of their personalities/wants, just as they're each perfect for him.

I loooved the Vitale references and the meet-cutes with Elio and his boys. Ridiculously adorable, honestly.

Also, I think it should be noted that under the list of tropes in this book (right under the list of trigger warnings) was, and I quote, "a lot of fucking kink bitch idk." Approved. ;)

Trigger Warnings: mafia themed violence, murder, torture, and more.

#problems #ruthlessdaddies #ruthelessdaddiesseries #skylarsnow #breaalepou #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #vitalebrothers #vitalebrothersseries #hittersmc #hittersmcseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Negotiation Tactics (Billionaire Temptations #1)

Another day, another ARC. Here's Aria Clark and JF Miev's "Negotiation Tactics." It's the first novel in their new series, Billionaire Temptations.

["JOSH
My first case as the new head of a labor union just had to be the hotel empire, Devon Holidays. And the worst part? The man I hooked up with a month ago is the CEO-to-be.
And as if that and the explosive sex we had isn’t enough, the union’s demands are turned down because of him. Ugh.
But I’m not one to give up, so when an opportunity to attend a fancy Gala pops up, I grab it with both hands. My plan is simple—use any means necessary to find dirt on Alistair Devon and force him to pressure his empire into accepting the union’s terms.
The only problem? I can’t find anything of use, and that charming asshole won’t hear me out unless I agree to go out for lunch with him.

ALISTAIR
Hooking up with the union rep trying to take down your company sucks. I had no idea who the sassy brat was when I decided he was mine for the night, but mistakes happen. I just need to get over him.
Except that I can’t. He’s stubborn and righteous, ready to kick my ass despite who I am. He challenges me at every turn and even ambushes me at my succession event.
Color me impressed.
He’s trouble. I shouldn’t get involved with him any further, but it’s impossible to resist the way he makes me want to put him in his place. So I decide to play with him for a bit, just until I get bored. There’s just one issue with that—I didn’t expect to enjoy Josh’s company as much as his body."]

These two were sooo similar. They both had big shoes to fill, big expectations to reach, big parents to please. Of course, depending on the family, said parent responds to life's stresses, set-backs, and small victories..better than others. Just as one might put helping people and falling in love in similar winning columns, whereas others have differing values on those victories. 

Because falling in love, finding someone who makes you happy and makes you want to be a better person, just a victory, a win. It's something to be happy about and to celebrate. And Alistair and Joshua made each other happy, made each other better. Even if it was...a lot to comprehend during all of life's other dramas. So of course they had each other's back during said dramas. 

And of course someone (*cough* Alistair *cough*) made sure that he would have his crush in his life more and more while he figured out his big feelings. Surprise lunch dates, ice cream kisses, chocolate fountains, birthday parties for pet snakes. You know, the usual. ;)

And of course someone (*cough Joshua *cough*) fucking swooned.

Okay, so it wasn't all that simply. I cried, you cried, we all cried. But you get it.

Trigger Warnings: recent health scares, capitalism capitalizing, and more.

#booksirens #booksprouts #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#negotiationtactics #billionairetemptations #billionairetemptationsseries #jfmiev #ariaclark #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Be Mine, Cruel Valentine's (Corrupt Cupid)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again), and I'm working through the Mayhem Universe (including authors as such as Skylar Snow and Brea Alepoú). This universe includes the Mafia Daddies series, the Vitale Brothers series (which I've read), The Hitters MC series, and a few standalones (which were actually part of different multi-author series). Here's Brea Alepoú's "Be Mine, Cruel Valentines." It's part of the (multi-author) Corrupt Cupid series.

["I’ve been tormented by three a-holes my whole life; Theon, Foxyn, and Leyton. From sticking me in lockers to giving me wedgies to stripping me naked and laughing while I try to run home these three have done it all. For years, I hated them and their cruel games. I’m their senior, I shouldn’t let them push me around. But at some point the pain turned to pleasure and I…liked it. Their wicked glances, their devilish grins, their endless teasing. A few well placed words and I’m a wet, squirming mess. Now? I can’t get enough of them. I don’t want to share them with anyone else. They will be mine. My cruel Valentines."]

A bully, why-choose romance. Wow. This was fucked up but also fluffy as hell. It was depraved and desperate. It was universes colliding and second chances. And gotta say, when Brea said her inspiration for this novella was the quote “stop bullying me or I’ll cum” makes soooo much sense. 

These four were unconventional and a little psychotic and a lot insane. But…it worked for them. Eventually. After some communication and a favor from someone’s mafia uncle (heeeey, Elio!). 

Trigger Warnings: torture, toxic relationship, violence, abuse, bully (heavy), and more.

#beminecruelvalentines #corruptcupid #corruptcupidseries #skylarsnow #breaalepou #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #vitalebrothers #vitalebrothersseries #hittersmc #hittersmcseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Be Mine, Bloody Valentine (Corrupt Cupid)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again), and I'm working through the Mayhem Universe (including authors as such as Skylar Snow and Brea Alepoú). This universe includes the Mafia Daddies series, the Vitale Brothers series (which I've read), The Hitters MC series, and a few standalones (which were actually part of different multi-author series). Here's Skyler Snow's "Be Mine, Bloody Valentine." It's part of the (multi-author) Corrupt Cupid series. ((this MIIIGHT not officially be a part of the Mayhem Universe, but here we are.))

["He left me.

Alec Sanborne abandoned me when I was nothing but a scared teenager. He deserted me in a house with a monster. Now, he’s prancing around NYU as a professor, pretending he’s normal.

But my step-brother is far from normal. I know all of his dirty little secrets, the ones he tries so carefully to hide. I plan to expose him, to strip everything away that he loves until he has nothing but me.

One look and I can see the love and desire in his eyes. He says he wants nothing to do with me, that I can’t be in his class. But how could I abandon the man I’ve fantasized about all these years?

Alec Sanborne is mine. My bloody valentine."]

I wasn't sure about this one. The animosity was high. The hate (haaate) was real. The plot was...vague. 

But this book ended up being about redemption, about battling your demons, about saying good-fucking-bye to your past and creating your own future. It was about fighting for what you want, what you believe in, and what you deserve. It was about second chances and first loves and some serious kinks. 

Trigger Warnings: blood play, knife play, murder, death, torture, past mentions of SA, dub-con, past mentions of abuse, loss of a parent, mention of drugs, and more.

#beminebloodyvalentines  #corruptcupid #corruptcupidseries #skylarsnow #breaalepou #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #vitalebrothers #vitalebrothersseries #hittersmc #hittersmcseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Savage (Ruthless Daddies)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again), and I'm working through the Mayhem Universe (including authors as such as Skylar Snow and Brea Alepoú). This universe includes the Mafia Daddies series, the Vitale Brothers series (which I've read), The Hitters MC series, and a few standalones (which were actually part of different multi-author series). Here's Brea Alepoú's "Savage." It's part of the (multi-author) Ruthless Daddies series. 

["Blood, Sweat, and Tears.

There is nothing in life more satisfying than seeing someone desperately clinging to life as their final moment ticks away. At least that’s how I’ve lived my life until now.

As the crow of the Laureati family, it’s my job to clean up their messes. I’ve always stayed focused and have never had a weakness that my enemies could exploit. It’s what makes me effective.

But now I have three.

My angel, my rabbit, and my troublemaker.

The right thing to do is to send them packing. But I’ve never been a good man or a selfless one.

They are my boys and I will end anyone who dares to take them away."]

Holy. Shit. What a meet-cute. Well, is it a meet-cute if it’s in a seedy strip club with a four-way-insta-lust and heavy, heavy heat less than an hour after meeting? Either way, their first meeting (well, the first time Dar, Calvin, and Sayge met Elio) was also instant chemistry and that feeling of meeting your soul mate(s), knowing This was right, This was your future, no matter how crazy or fast it sounded. 

These four were...fabulous. Utterly wholesome in the depravity. 

Though, I’m not entirely sure how it fits into the rest of this story/timeline. Then again, I read the Vitale Brothers so long ago, not sure how they tied into the Bianchi Family either. Maybe there’s a subtle mentioning of each other or maybe they just coexist in the same theoretical universe. Which ever way, I’m here for it. 

Trigger Warnings: past child neglect, past child abuse, mention of PTSD, slight mind break, homophobia, offensive slurs, violence, torture, on-page self-harm, death, mention of drugs, death of an animal in the form of a memory, and more.

#savage #ruthlessdaddies #ruthelessdaddiesseries #skylarsnow #breaalepou #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #vitalebrothers #vitalebrothersseries #hittersmc #hittersmcseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Watch Me Daddy (Mafia Daddies #3)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again). Here's Skylar Snow's "Watch Me Daddy." It's the third novel in her Mafia Daddies series.

["I can’t stop obsessing over my Daddy.

Tall, deadly, cold. While other people call him a robot, I know the truth. Underneath that big bad mafia exterior is a man that I want to call my own. The only problem? He doesn’t see me as more than a toy. Oh and he’s straight. But…

He’s mine.

Whenever I look at Riccardo Bianchi I see DADDY in big, bold letters. Too bad he keeps me at arm’s length. Maybe it’s for the best because there are things about me that Riccardo doesn’t know. Dark things.

Life starts going to hell and he needs me more than ever. Even if Riccardo doesn’t know it, I’ll protect him with my life.

And I’ll slaughter anyone who gets in my way."]

These two…could have communicated better. It should have saved a lot of angst and a lot of loneliness. And inadequate feelings. They would have quickly found how alike they are so many different levels. Oh well, here’s to mutual pining and the general feeling of impending doom. 

Though after they talked it out, they…brought the psychotic out in each other…in a fight-then-fuck situation similar to Ama and Six…which would piss Ric the fuck off if he ever heard that comparison. Though he would be happy to note that him and Arie are as sickeningly in love and devoted to each other as his brother(s). And here’s to Arie getting along with Six a little too well (and Ro).  

Trigger Warnings: violence, torture, depression, anxiety, blood, mentions of SA, attempted SA, abuse, and more.

#breakmedaddy #fightmedaddy #watchmedaddy #obeymedaddy #corruptmedaddy #skylarsnow #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Cold (Ruthless Daddies)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again), and I'm working through the Mayhem Universe (including authors as such as Skylar Snow and Brea Alepoú). This universe includes the Mafia Daddies series, the Vitale Brothers series (which I've read), The Hitters MC series, and a few standalones (which were actually part of different multi-author series). Here's Skylar Snow's "Cold." It's part of the (multi-author) Ruthless Daddies series.

["I never asked to be anyone's savior.

The only thing I intend to do with the rest of my life is to fulfill my promise to the family. Take care of them, support them, and keep the Bianchi's where they belong. On top. I would do anything for my famiglia. But now Amadeo is asking for too much.

Protect Romare Ashford with your life.

Those are his exact words before he leaves me with a twenty-two year old boy. One that's too clingy, too needy, too upbeat. Romare has seen the ugliest underbelly of Atlanta, so why does he still smile as if he doesn't have a care in the world? When my life becomes stuffed animals, binkies, and forced cuddles I'm already in over my head.

But Romare has secrets of his own. Secrets that just might burn my world to the ground..."]

Another mass/mess (you pick which) of contradictions for a Bianchi man to tangle/tame (again, you pick which). Soft and sweet but easy to react. He just wanted to be safe and loved, but he had so many triggers and so much baggage. He wanted to just...be, but he was given a task that had the potential to ruin all of his newfound happiness/safety (both of them this time).

Safe basic thing for Vito. He wanted forgiveness and family. He wanted something to life for again. He couldn't make the same mistakes of his past, but that's what Romare was starting to look like to him. 

They talked it out (and...other things ;) ) anf come to a very loving and very sweet mutual understanding: they were in love with each other, made for each other, and no one was going to ruin that for them. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, past mental and physical abuse, past child abduction, torture, brain-washing, and more.

#cold #ruthlessdaddies #ruthelessdaddiesseries #skylarsnow #breaalepou #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #vitalebrothers #vitalebrothersseries #hittersmc #hittersmcseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Fight Me Daddy (Mafia Daddies #2)

I'm in a dark-romance-era (yes, again). Here's Skylar Snow's "Fight Me Daddy." It's the second novel in her Mafia Daddies series.

["I hate the mafia.

Mountains of debt that never go away, strange men in suits with guns, whispered threats in the backroom. That's what my life has become. I told my father to never get tangled up with the Bianchi's, but he would do anything to save the gym his grandfather started. I thought I could handle it.

Until my father takes off.

Now I'm stuck with his debt and Gabriele. The a-hole says I belong to him now until I've worked off every cent. If I want to keep my beloved family gym I have no choice but to obey. But as Gabriele Bianchi's demands keep growing I realize I'm becoming the one thing I hate. I refuse to back down to this man and become his obedient little pet.

But this is one fight I'm not sure I can win."]

This two were so different than Ama/Six. They were just as insane, just as toxic, just as utterly and completely in love with each other. It was a beautiful mix of dark, dangerous, and dangerous. It was soft and protective. It was fluffy and obsessive. It was dynamic all around. 

They wanted the other to be vulnerable, but they were unwilling to be vulnerable themselves. They wanted to be told secrets, but they didn't want to share secrets. They wanted everything, but they were hesitate to give everything. They wanted to be wanted, to be loved, to be taken care of, but they desperately didn't want to be left broken and lonely again. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, torture, implied trafficking, dub-con, and more.

#breakmedaddy #fightmedaddy #watchmedaddy #obeymedaddy #corruptmedaddy #skylarsnow #mafiadaddies #mafiadaddiesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks