Goodbye, August!

The beginning of this month seemed sooo far away. August was eons long. It felt like September was incoming forever.

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

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

(2) August Memories: I hung out with my best friends for a whole afternoon where we ate breakfast together, gossiped, and got bubble tea. I clean my grandma's again. I went to a huge vendor fair with my mom and our family friend, where we got lots of fun things, ate even more, and walked for hours. I got a promotion at work. I got lots of great reads in.

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 41.

(4) There were a few days that were...rough. A few wonderful days. A few days that were lonelier and sadder than usual. A few sunny and happy and laughter-filled days. Going through a small reading slump the last few days, though.

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

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

Rescuing Dr. Marian (Made Marian Legacy #1)

Here's Lucy Lennox's "Rescuing Dr. Marian." It's the first in her Made Marian Legacy series, which is a spin-off series from her Made Marian series and her Billionaire Brother series, and this book is set in the same area as her Aster Valley series (the first and the last are also connected to her Forever Wilde series).

["One kiss changed everything.
As sheriff, I’m the guy people call for help.
But when my solo Hawaii trip gets hijacked by my clingy ex, suddenly I’m the one who needs saving.

My unlikely rescuer?
A gorgeous stranger who plants one breathtaking, reckless kiss on me in the middle of a crowded bar—sending my ex packing… and stealing my carefully guarded heart.

Tommy Marian kissed me like he knew me.
Like he wanted me.
Like I was his.
Like he was mine.

But he’s not.

He’s a straight, ambitious city doctor—here in paradise for his own damn wedding.
And I’m going home alone, as usual.

Six months later, I land a dream search and rescue gig in Legacy, Montana.
One summer. A break from my coupled-up friends. Zero distractions.

Except guess who’s freshly single… and bunking in my tiny cabin? The biggest distraction of my life.

Tommy Marian is still beautiful, still infuriating, and still everything I can’t want.
He says what happens in Legacy stays in Legacy.
I say I’m not even tempted.
At least one of us is lying.

Because when Tommy disappears on the mountain, I realize I’d burn the world to get him back…
And maybe this time, I won’t let him go."]

Communication. If only they communicated. At Hawaii, in the beginning of Montana, in the beginning of their 'it's only a summer fling,' about their dreams and desires, about their feelings, about what they want from life and from each other. Or I don't know, not flying off the handle and asking for more information/context; instead of throwing a fit and breaking your own heart, why not just make a phone call? Men!

But these men. D: I'll forgive them. They were so soft and sweet and slightly broken but wanting sooo much from each other and from life. They wanted so much of the same things but did they talk about it? Nope. Instead we go cold and quite or almost get killed or do something entirely stupid (or option D, all of the above).

Really, though. They were perfect. It was wonderfully seeing Foster out of Majestic and getting his own life and his own HEA. It was wonderful seeing so many Marians again, all grown up with grandkids of their own on the way (and Aunt Tilly and her squad!!! I'm dead. I need more of them; always. She's a living legend and can never die--never, Lucy.).

#recusingdrmarian #burningforalexander #mademarianlegacy #mademarianlegacyseries #mademarian #mademarianseries #thebillionairebrotherhood #thebillionairebrotherhoodseries # #astervalley #astervalleyseries #foreverwilde #foreverwildeseries #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Finding Lord Landry (Billionaire Brotherhood #5)

Here's Lucy Lennox's "Finding Lord Landry." It's the fifth and final novel in her Billionaire Brotherhood series.

["When a secret enemies-with-benefits situation turns into the world’s most public fake marriage…

The world knows me as Landry Davis, supermodel. A beautiful face and killer abs that have spawned a hundred fantasies.

To my friends, I’m simply Landry, the snarkiest (read: most fun) member of our billionaire brotherhood.

But to Kenji Toma, the gorgeous and oh-so-capable personal assistant I’ve been in love with for years, I’m “effing Landry,” the charming slacker who disappears for weeks only to resurface in trouble. His favorite enemy-with benefits. A man he refuses to fall in love with (though I’ve tried) and also can’t resist managing (a fact I’m not too proud to take advantage of).

What none of them know is that I have another title–in fact, a whole other life. One I was born into. One that comes with sprawling estates, a coronet, and a metric ton of familial and political expectations. A life I’ve kept secret for way too long… and hope to keep secret for just a little while longer.

At least until I learn Kenji is in danger.

When all my money and fame can’t save the man I love, I don’t hesitate to use long-hidden political power to whisk him to safety, even though it means outing myself as Viscount Hawling, the elusive heir to the Davencourt earldom…

And pretending the man who loves to hate me is actually my doting husband."]

This book constantly wrecked me. Little by little. At least at the end of most chapters, if not in the middle, too. The angst and the mutual pining and the tension and the feeeeelings. Fuccckkk. I teared up and full-on-cried so many times. 

Of course these two had to be the most complicated, of course they did. In love for years but fighting it soooo hard and soooo long. 

But that made the love and the devotion and the HEA all that much better. It was hard earned and well-kept.

Not to mention the sheeeeer amount of support they recieved from their blood family and their found family.

Not to mention (x2) our poor Foster falling in love with Dr. Tommy MARIAN!! :D D: I'm both excited as hell and scared for my anxiety (Tommy apparently is going to give us--and Foster--another angst-filled love story).

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

Last Thrall of Asgard (Lovers of the Gods #2)

Here's Amanda Meuwissen's "Last Thrall of Asgard." It's a second in her Lovers of the Gods series.

["Oli is not happy with his lot in life as a thrall, a slave to the noble family he has served since birth. If he believed in the old gods, he would curse them to their faces that a thrall is the most he could ever be. Few even worship the gods anymore, yet Oli is tasked with tending to their altar at the foot of the oldest tree in the nearby wood—where he is happy to defile it whenever the noble family’s son wants him on his knees.

After his most recent tryst, however, he learns how real the gods are.

Whisked away by the trickster god, Loki, in exchange for his freedom from life as a thrall, Oli is to apply his sensuous skills to appease the male gods still in mourning after Ragnarök. The time of the old gods is over, but as penance for the role he played, Loki employs Oli’s help to usher in the next chapter of the gods’ existence with a bang.

Most alluring of all, however, might be Loki himself—the one god playing hard to get."]

I fucking love Loki. Even though he's all...Loki about pretty much everything. There's something about him that's always intrigued me. The depths of his emotions and the reasons he does things, it always seems so opposite of what everyone expects from him. He’s the god of chaos (amount other things) but that doesn’t make him evil (near exact quote from Oli).

This story was less chaotic than the first one, then again Oli is less chaotic than Aikos so, there's that. But it still had the same helping-the-gods-heal goal. This one was a little more love, too (well, love for and acceptance for Oli).

I didn't know/don't know the Norse gods as well as I do the Greek ones, but this book was arguably more enjoyable.

Trigger Warnings: dubious consent due to power imbalance, unintentional poisoning, and more

#grr #arc #arcteammember
#lastcourtesanoflympus #apolloscourtesan #lastthrallofasgard #loversofthegods #loversofthegodsseries #amandameuwissen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Apollo's Courtesan (Lovers of the Gods #1.5)

Here's Amanda Meuwissen's "Apollo's Courtesan." It's a novella in her Lovers of the Gods series.

["Dax was always second best among the acolytes of Aphrodite, destined to remain in the shadow of his friend and rival, Aikos, when the time came for them to ascend as courtesans. But while Aikos sought freedom to serve many and no one through his favored tenet of their goddess—desire—Dax seeks another domain.

Love.

The god Apollo is broken and lonely after countless loses of mortal lovers, thinking his heart beyond repair. Or he did, until Aikos led him to a prophecy of a possibly mended future.

Where Aikos indulged in divine desires, Dax and Apollo choose courtship. Can they beat the odds against them of attaining love between mortal and god, or will the pasts that haunt them define their forever after?"]

I was surprised at how soft and warm this book was after the dramatics of the first one. Then again, that’s Dax and Aikos for you, both sweet but polar opposites.

I’ve always loved the tales of Apollo and hate that he never had a love that wasn’t doomed. This fictional tale of a HEA for him was beautiful.

#lastcourtesanoflympus #apolloscourtesan #lastthrallofasgard #loversofthegods #loversofthegodsseries #amandameuwissen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Last Courtesan of Olympus (Lovers of the Gods #1)

Here's Amanda Meuwissen's "Last Courtesan of Olympus." It's a first in her Lovers of the Gods series.

["Aikos is the best at what he does, the most skilled and coveted acolyte of Aphrodite, and he knows it, but when his beauty and allure attracts the attention of the gods themselves, his ascension to courtesan takes a turn he never expected.

Straight to Olympus.

Given by Zeus as a gift to eight of the male Greek gods, Aikos must please each of them and decide between them who he will serve, without earning himself a tragic end. Can he choose when the one tenet of Aphrodite’s temple he knows the least—love, in all its forms—is the one he most needs to understand now?"]

I wasn't too sure about the writing style of this for a while. It was flowery and dramatic as hell. But after a little bit, it grew on me. I think it was a stylistic choice to match the time and setting.

Aikos was fabulous, to which no one is surprised. He managed to please each and every god he visited, while making sure he wasn't smitted in the process AND making the experience catered and perfect for each of them. He used his knowledge of them, their histories, and their personalities make them feel seen. It wasn't entirely altruistic of Aikos, but he still left them all feeling smitten; watching these all-powerful gods go from 'you can't possibly please me' to 'please, please, please pick me, please' was honestly, adorable. 

Trigger Warnings: mentions of physical disability and chronic pain, consensual and non-con drug use, knife play, whipping, and more.

#lastcourtesanoflympus #apolloscourtesan #lastthrallofasgard #loversofthegods #loversofthegodsseries #amandameuwissen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Office Bet (King Sports #2)

Here's Eden Finley's "The Office Bet." It's the second novel in her new series, King Sports.

["Fox
There are only three things in life I’m passionate about: my family, sports, and hating Archer Holloway.
He’s the most prolific associate at the firm and out earns everyone at our level. Plus, he’s annoyingly good-looking and is somehow able to charm everyone. Everyone except me.
His athlete roster might be impressive, but his tactics for signing clients can be questionable at best.
So, when the chance arises to stealthily pitch to someone he’s gunning for, I don’t hesitate.
Two can play at this game.

Archer
I don’t understand why Lincoln Fox hates me. Okay, so maybe I signed a few athletes he was pursuing, but that’s not personal. It’s business.
I really do think he’d come to like me if he got to know me. He won’t give me the time of day though. He never has. Which is a shame because Fox is the most attractive man I’ve ever met.
The more he argues with me, the more everyone around us thinks there’s a spark between us. The office pool is over two thousand dollars now, but they’re backing the wrong horse. No one will win this bet because the chance of us hooking up are less than zero. Fox will never see me as anything more than an over-competitive jerk. What a waste of money. "]

I'm not sure what Damon King did in this life, or a previous one, to attract this amount of crazy into his life. This poor man had many a series with him involved at the center of one drama or the other (always fixing it, mind you). 

Crazy definitely defines Archer (okay, and Fox). And definitely the two of them together. But they fit each other so well, and into this universe (and the crazy world that Damon King thrives in..even if he complains (a lot) about it).

 They egged each other on and supported each other on equal levels. It was adorable (in a pulling-a-kids-hair-on-the-playground kinda way) and totally heartwarming (who doesn't love hearing they're doing a great job). It was soft and warm, but it was spicy as well, too. They went from enemies to tentative friends to lovers in less than a week, even though they were enemies for four plus years; Fox heard about that bet, got drunk, got mouthy, and Archer was too weak to do anything but get on his knees (literally and figuratively) and worship him.  

Also, utterly obsessssssed with the sheeeeer amount of cameos in this book. From all of Eden's books (solo-writes and co-authors), from all different series and eras. 

Trigger Warnings: Asher Dalton (not really, but if you know him from Eden's previous books...then, really ("eat shit and die" will always be my favorite)), toxic masculinity in sports, toxic as fuck parents, 

#forewordprandmarketing #arcs #arcteammember
#rival #thebackupplan #theofficebet #kingsports #kingsportsseries #edenfinley #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bloom and Burn (Billionaire Temptations #2)

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

["RYAN
I’m finally, and officially, the owner of the Blooming Orchid, Estacada’s best flower shop. But my mom? Let’s say she’s not ready to hand over the reins yet, so my dream of transforming the Orchid into a garden center has to be put on hold.
Enter Jack Keller, the sexy-as-hell ex-bully who’s now a billionaire. He’s back in town and he wants me to relocate the Orchid, so he can build a medical facility to treat paralysis.
Should I help him? He’s hot, he’s funny and he genuinely wants to make a difference. Moving the shop never crossed my mind, but a more central location will benefit the business. The only problem is mom. She won’t like this, but then again, maybe it’s time I set my foot down and rebelled a little.

JACK
My sister and I found the perfect spot for the medical facility we want to build—an old brick building in our childhood town. I just need to buy out the three owners first.
Two agree. As for the last one… The cute florist isn’t the one whose name is on the deed. But he agrees to help me if I help him. As we put together a data-driven plan, sparks fly. Ryan is sweet, flirty and awesome, yet his parents hate me for more than my billionaire status.
That’s fine. I’m a real charmer in person. I just wish I didn’t have to find out from them that my lovely florist has been hiding a secret from me."]

I love that these two were angst-free. It was love (and lust) at first sight. Instant chemistry, instant holy-shit-this-is-everything. 

Not to mention Ryan's instant friendship with Emily.

The only angst was Ryan's parents. Which, honestly probably ment well, or thought they did; but they were toxic as fuck. It was unfortunate. With Ryan just wanting to go for his dreams, with Ryan falling in love with a great guy, with Jack just wanting to do something to better lives like his sister's. 

But this love story was beautiful. It was filled with flirty and dorky-ness and quite honestly horrible dirty talk. They laughed so much. They loved so hard. They supported each other relentlessly. 

Plus some cameos from the previous book.

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, bullies, car accident in result of a drunk driver, and more.

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

Bratva's Vow (Bratva's Undoing #2)

Here's Gianni Holmes's "Bratva's Vow." It's the second novel in her her Bratva's Undoing series.

["Monsters don’t let go of the ones they love.
They'll hunt you. They'll abduct you. They'll chain you to them.

It starts as an internship.
Becomes a summer fling.
Then it twists, from the happiest moment of my life into something dark.

Maxim Morozov is not just powerful.
Not just rich. Not just ruthless.
He's Bratva.

By the time his lies unravel, it’s too late.
He's already marked me as his.

Now I’m locked in his tower, trapped behind security gates, watched by bodyguards, loved too fiercely by a man who would destroy everything to keep me.

We have to face betrayal, bloodshed, and heartbreak.

But if I’ve learned anything, it’s this,
You don’t walk away from the devil.
Not when he’s decided you’re his."]

The first book was all comfort, and this one was all hurt. Sure, the first had some secrets and hurt, and this book had some softness and comfort, but it was shockingly different in vibes. It was painful and horrible, and I sobbed, but it was gloriously done. 

I didn't think I've ever feel so much sympathy for Maxim, after knowingly keeping so much from Wren. And yet, my chest ached for him. For Wren? I cried and cried. Then again, there was no really grrreeeaaat way to break the news to him (and Gianni chose one of the worst ways of breaking the news).

These two broken each other almost to the point beyond ruin and then stitched themselves back together again. They were stronger than before, trusted more than before, loved more than before. That also means they had a lot more to loose than before, which as we all predicted, someone tried to take advantage of. 

This is why I love dark romances so much (one of the reasons). It's filled with emotional torture and lots of tears, but the love is worth it. It makes everything feel so much brighter.

Trigger Warnings: power imbalances, violence and references to organized crime, threats, manipulation, morally gray behavior, homophobia, and more.

#bratvasintern #bratvasvow #bratvasmercy #bratvasundoing #bratvasundoingseries #gianniholmes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Pretty Mess

Here's Lily Morton's latest: "Pretty Mess." 

["Kiss him, sleep with him, but don’t ever fall in love with him.

The first time Wes Archer steps into Jack of Clubs, an exclusive London pleasure club, he’s completely confident he can heed the tried-and-true advice about becoming an escort. Wes gives himself away for free with casual hookups all the time. Why not make some cash doing what he already loves? And cash is something he desperately needs. His brother’s gambling addiction has taken their family’s home, saddled Wes with insurmountable debts, and compromised his chances for finishing his degree.

Accepting an offer to spend a few hours of fun with a rich bloke will be a simple business transaction, right?

Wrong.

Wes’s first client is Cormac Reilly. The handsome billionaire is grumpy, funny, and commanding in a way that unlocks desires Wes never knew he had. Cormac is icily determined to keep their arrangement strictly business, but that doesn’t stop Wes from finding him fascinating.

As their one-night contract becomes something much more, Wes can’t deny he’s falling for his client. He knows he’s flouting all the rules, but breaking down Cormac’s barriers is an irresistible challenge, and his reward might be the best prize of all — love."]

Wes somehow manages to be adorable as hell, totally endearing in every chaotic way aaannnddd a disastrous foot-in-mouth, second-hand-embarrassment-filled hot mess. We're all wondering what Cormac saw in him initially, including Cormac (especially Julian--speaking of Julian, he (and Fox?) better fucking get his own book). 

Lily Morton is so fucking good at the "falling in love but not talking about it" trope. Add in all of the hurt-comfort, the sweetness, the spiciness, the secrets coming to light and almost ruining everything? God, I cried a lot in this book. But I knew I would; at 20% in, I knew this book was wreck me.

And it was a glorious and beautiful wreck. A pretty mess.

Trigger Warnings: on-page sexual assault, violence, discussion of childhood trauma, side-character with gambling addiction, and more.

#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#prettymess #lilymorton #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Little Red Riding Hood (The GriMM Tales)

Here's TJ Rose's "Little Red Riding Hood." It's a novel the new multi-author series, The GriMM Tales.

["Getting eaten by a wolf wasn't exactly what Red had in mind when he finally escaped the palace walls.

Abandoned as a babe and raised in The Queen's court, Red has always been an outsider, with his mismatched eyes and sharp tongue keeping most at arm's length. When he ventures towards the Dark Forest on an important quest to save his kingdom from the grips of a cruel famine, the last thing he needs is a massive grey wolf stalking him. A wolf who makes it clear that Red looks like a very tasty snack.

Wilhelm ‘Wim’ Hoffmann is dangerous, infuriating, and absolutely not to be trusted—no matter how his deep voice makes Red’s traitorous heart stutter. If only Wim wasn't devastatingly handsome, if only he didn’t cook up such sumptuous meals and use his superior body heat to keep Red warm at night… Then Red might remember that wolves aren't supposed to be trusted, especially ones with secrets as dark as the forest itself.

But Red knows better than to fall for a wild creature's charms... Right?

Surviving these treacherous woods—where slave traders and bandits lurk around every corner—will require more than just an uneasy alliance. As their bond deepens with each shared danger, Red begins to wonder if being devoured by a big bad wolf might not be so bad after all..."]

Tell you were aren't entirely too intrigued by the idea of Little Red meeting his perfect match in the 'big bad wolf?' That it isn't a dark romance perfect in the remaking? That the plot lines and nicknames and cliches aren't endless?

I mean, if you don't believe me, then you won't positively swoon (or giggle manically) over: "'Oh wolf,' Red whispered against Wim’s ear, voice trembling with a mix of desire and shyness he couldn’t quite hide, 'what a big cock you have.' // Wim’s answering growl vibrated through Red’s entire body. 'All the better to fuck you with, sweetheart.'"

Then you get the soft, puppy, protective side of Wim with: "'All's fair in love and tickle fights, sweetheart.'" And talk about the sweetheart thing!?! D: I'm dead. It started off as a sarcastic thing, but it quickly turned fond and adorable as hell.

Okay, but for real, this book was fabulous! It was hurt-comfort and enemies to lovers and only one bed and dated mates and secrets galore. It made me laugh and cry, quite a few times. I just…wow. 

To be honest, I hadn't necessarily planned on reading all of this series. But now I want to. Except, I only signed up for two of the eight ARCs, so the waiting begins.

Trigger Warnings: brief references to suicidal thoughts, poor self-esteem, mild gore, and more.

#arc #arcteammember
#littleredridinghood #tjrose #thegrimmtales #thegrimmtalesseries #zel #hanselandgrehardt #theelvesandtheshoemaker #cinder #thefrogprince #rumpelstilzchen #snowwhiteandthesevenlittleminers #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

August's Book Shape Challenge 2025

Here's August's Book Shape Challenge! A fiesty little lion in honor of one the Leos in your life.

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 Daddy (Daddies of Briar Creek #1)

Here's Denver Shaw's "Off-Limits Daddy." It's the first novel in his newest series, Daddies of Briar Creek.

["The only thing more dangerous than fire is falling for your best friend’s little brother.

Ari’s a little lost, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he knows exactly what he a Daddy. And his favorite pastime? Getting under the skin of Briar Creek's favorite firefighter, Reid Morgan.

Reid is his brother’s best friend. Divorced. Fourteen years older. And frustratingly off-limits.

Everyone calls Reid Daddy behind his back. Ari just wants the chance to whisper it in his ear.

An accidental fire, a lot of lingering looks, and one explosive Fourth of July later, Reid’s about to learn that the boy he swore not to touch? He’s already in his bed, his head and his heart."]

SOO much pinning! The mutual angst?! It all felt like torture in the making, slow and sweet torture. It was glorious.

Communication would have helped a smidge. Then again, if they both communicated their needs and desires, there wouldn’t have been much plot. And now we’re back to the slow and sweet angst. It was like summer itself, hot and oppressive but somehow new and refreshing. Add into that trying new things and being vulnerable and a whole town of matchmakers (and a naughty cinnamon roll—the dessert kind). 

And when they finally came together…holy. fuck. It was everything. 

The feeling of being lost and misunderstood and behind in life? Fuuuuuck me, that was…wow. I… moving on.

Trigger Warnings: emotional repression and internalized shame, past abandonment by a parent, mild concussion and on-page fall/injury, and more.

#booksirens #booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arc #arcteammember
#offlimitdaddy #denvershaw #daddiesofbriarcreek #daddiesofbriarcreekseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Under Your Skin

Annnnnd, here's another dark romance: "Under Your Skin" by Lee McCormick.

["You’re the only one who can get under my skin.

Levi
Trapped in nightmares from my past, the only comfort I find is in gifts from the man who killed my mother’s killer—presents wrapped in a body bag and delivered to the morgue for me to examine.
From the first time I saw his mark, I knew I had to keep my Killer safe, had to keep his work a secret for me and me alone. Every body is a love letter, and I’m the only one who can read them.

Jonah
When I accidentally leave evidence behind during a kill, I have to go to the morgue to rectify my mistake. I didn’t expect to find a young mortician admiring my work. Relishing in it. Studying it.
Covering it up.
I have no idea why someone would want to hide my crimes, but I’m determined to find out. What I discover is a man named Levi—a man obsessed with the idea of who he thinks I am.
A man who threatens to change my entire world."]

I...I freaking love dark romances. And this one was slow burn and hurt/comfort and spicy as hell. The push and pull, the possessiveness, the utter shock of Feelings, the secrets. It was glorious. 

There was so many side characters with so much background and goals. You never knew who to trust. Especially with all of the corruption in this town. Plus all of the affairs. Blaming things on animal attacks or old age or general teen drama. 

Though, in a sea of treachery and unknown, we all knew to trust Jonah (and Levi). They've both proved to us, and each other, that they'd do anything to protect the other. What's a little murder between couples? It's bonding material.

Trigger Warnings: ptsd, anxiety, violence, mild dubcon, blood play, knife play, breath play, graphic descriptions of injury/death/suicide, car accident/animals attacks/death via old age, parental death, murder, mentions of necrophilia, mentions of drugging/sa, mentions of torture, and more.

#underyourskin #leemccormic #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Blokes Down Under: an Aussie Novella Collection

Here is Louisa Master's "Blokes Down Under." It's an Aussie novella collection. While Swept Under and Diving In Deep are not currently available individually, they have been in the past. There is no new content.

["No one goes down under like an Aussie bloke…
From the tropics to the cities, the bush to the suburbs, experience romance in Australia with this MM novella collection.

After the Blaze ~ Charlie’s content to love his best friend from afar… until bushfires sweep the region and he realizes some risks are worth taking.

One Golden Night ~ Fin never would have guessed a Golden Girls marathon could lead to a hot and dirty weekend… and more.

Out of the Office ~ When Duncan butts heads with stubborn colleague Paul, the only solution is to take things out of the office.

Swept Under ~ Diving into the waves is the perfect way for Alex to cool off... until he gets tangled up with sexy surfer Dylan.

Diving In Deep ~ Cameron comes to Australia to broaden his horizons, but never did he dream that would include two sweet, sexy men."]

The last of Louisa's standalone novellas. It took me longer to get through these than I wanted, but apparently I needed a nap.

These stories were adorable as they were awkward. It was fun watching so many different couples fall in love and fall in lust. Some were friends first, some were strangers. Some had instant chemistry and acted on it, some took a bit to work up the courage. But the ringing theme: HEA (and a HFN). Being happy, making love your priority, friendships and family of all kinds being supportive as hell. I love me a dark romance, but sometimes, you just need a low-angst (or angst-free), easy-read romance to make your weekend. 

#blokesdownunder #anaussienovellacollection #blokesdownunderanaussienovellacollection #aftertheblaze #onegoldennight #outoftheoffice #sweptunder #divingindeep #louisamasters #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Fake It 'Til You Make It

Here is Louisa Master's "Fake It 'Til You Make It."

["When Sci-Fi Geek lands Sophisticated and Sexy, fan fiction dreams can come true.

Tech billionaire Michael Jones has always been a stereotypical geek at heart. Shy, socially uninterested, and crazy for Star Wars, he’s spent years creating a mask that helped him become the rags-to-riches phenomenon of the century.

There’s just one person who can crack the façade. One person who turns him into an incoherent, bumbling mess: James Jennings.

The sophisticated older brother of Michael’s best friend, James has been the centre of Michael’s fantasies from the moment they met. But those dreams can never come true, because why would a suave, successful, wealthy businessman want someone who’s just faking his way through life?"]

I loooove best-friend's-brother! And this one didn't disappoint. Clumsy geek meets obsessed-with-clumsy-geek. Possible set-up by best friend/brother. Talking for hours. First dates. Last first dates. Talking about geeky things for hours. Chemistry that keeps growing and blossoming. 

Basically a relationship years in the waiting, years in the making. They were adorable! 

#fakeittilyoumakeit #louisamasters #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Oh Hell, All Ye Shoppers

Here is Louisa Master's "Oh Hell, All Ye Shoppers." This novella was originally published in 2017. Some scenes have been revamped and an epilogue has been added.

["Ethan Hall plans to fill Saturday, December 23, with junk food and bad TV, a day just for him amid the holiday chaos… until his baby sister calls and begs him to go collect a present for her. At the biggest shopping center in Australia. On the busiest shopping day of the year. Hell no. Right?

Ethan’s soft heart gets the best of him. He battles through the parking lot, and in the main shopping concourse, he’s trampled, elbowed, and bombarded with terrible holiday music. Then he enters hell itself, a specialty store aimed at women… where he meets Ty. They bond in a sea of estrogen and manic shoppers, fighting together to attain freedom, only to find they’re not quite ready go their separate ways."]

Another adorable Christmas kismet story. They nearly met sooo many times, but maybe fate said it wasn't quite their moment yet. Until the hell that is holiday shopping. At least they made it out alive...and in love.

#ohellallyeshoppers #louisamasters #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Holigay Hookup

Here is Louisa Master's "The Holigay Hookup."

["The hot guy at my new job is my nephew’s boyfriend’s uncle… and I just insulted his whole family…

Transferring to the California office is a great opportunity for me, and it gives me the chance to spend more time with my nephew, Liam. There’s no way to lose in this situation—especially when I meet Jim, who works in my office, is super-hot, and seems interested.

Except, for reasons I can’t explain, I might have complained about having to spend Thanksgiving with Liam’s boyfriend’s family, who are mega rich. I wasn’t expecting to turn up and discover that Jim’s nephew is dating mine… and that the family I called snobs is his.

Now I have to find a way to apologize and convince Jim to keep my secret. There’s no way I’ll risk damaging Liam’s relationship. Too bad there’s no chance he’ll still be interested in me… right?"]

This was an adorable holiday romance. Just the right amount of family and friends and new love. Instnat chemistry. Office party drama. Trying new things. 

Plus some cameos from our Franklin U boys Charlie and Liam from "Mr. Romance."

#theholigayhookup #louisamasters #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Pebble (Elemental Men #5)

Here is Louisa Master's "Pebble." It's the fifth book in her Elemental Men series.

["“Most days, I’m invisible.”

My whole life, I’ve been overlooked and unappreciated, until I no longer wanted anyone to notice me. Not until George. He’s been a true friend to me, and nothing could ever change things between us. Even if I want them to.

I’m too shy to risk my friendship with George by asking for more… and he doesn’t want that anyway. Does he?"]

Finally!! George’s HEA! Highly anticipated by all and well won for Pebbles and Clay. 

I love best friends to lovers, and like the culmination of the series, this couple was worth the wait. They were perfect. Even if this whole drama would have been resolved years ago if they just communicated their feelings. 

I know this series is fiction, but like many well-written books, it’s uplifting and inspiring. Our world isn’t perfect. The planet is fucked up. In some ways, it’s a looot better than it was a decade ago, but in others, it’s so much worse. And this series highlighted that really well. It also showed readers to never give up. Though, no one knew what political shit would happen in the US, effecting the entire planet, in 2025; so here’s to hope.

#aether #aqua #flame #zephyr #pebble #louisamasters #elementalmen #elementalmenseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Zephyr (Elemental Men #4)

Here is Louisa Master's "Zephyr." It's the fourth book in her Elemental Men series.

["“I think I might be in love with you.”

That’s the third thing my new boss said to me, right after introducing himself and complimenting my name. I’ve worked in the corporate world long enough to know that’s not normal workplace behavior. Worse, I think I feel the same way.

I don’t believe in love at first sight, but this guy makes me feel like I’m walking on air."]

Zephyr reminds me a lot of Aqua...then again, he does get all of the good gossip from the wind so of course he’s never paying attention. And first paragraph into Storm’s POV? “I’m a gossip king!” Match made. 

That meet-cute!!!???!!! I expected it to be cringe, but it was the most adorable thing ever!! Even if most of the rest of the family disagreed. 

I love how this series and this family has evolved so far. It’s beautiful and encouraging and inspiring. 

#aether #aqua #flame #zephyr #pebble #louisamasters #elementalmen #elementalmenseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Flame (Elemental Men #3)

Here is Louisa Master's "Flame." It's the third book in her Elemental Men series.

["“I didn’t actually accuse the guy of being an arsonist.”

My job is to put out fires, so the people who set them on purpose make me mad. There’s one arsonist we’ve been after for years, but finding him is harder than you’d think. So when I see the same sexy redhead hanging out at fire after fire, what am I to think except that he might be our guy?

He sure does like playing with fire… just not the way I thought."]

A firefighter falls for the element/the embodiment of fire itself. I love the dynamics of this series and the you need X to complete anti-X for a well-balanced world and a well-balanced life; it's a whole new way to interpret opposites-attract, and I love it.

And nothing like your kid brother egging you on (kindly but with sass encouraging) into hooking up with the man fate created to be yours.

And then there's George Pebble, who wants his own HEA soooo badly, and we're making him wait until the end of the novella-mini-series. 

#aether #aqua #flame #zephyr #pebble #louisamasters #elementalmen #elementalmenseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Aqua (Elemental Men #2)

Here is Louisa Master's "Aqua." It's the second book in her Elemental Men series.

["“I might be hallucinating or have a brain tumor.”

How else am I supposed to explain the super-hot blue-haired man in a flamingo-printed swimsuit who appeared beside me while I was scuba diving? He could be a merman, but that doesn’t make me sound sane.

Or I might need to reexamine what sanity means and prepare for my life to turn upside down."]

I love how, in Perry's words, "unique" (and in mine: an utter himbo) Aqua is even after living on Earth again for years. At least Aether had an excuse. Aqua is just...Aqua. Our little water-obsessed, surfer-brained, friends-with-fish-and-turtles mermaid (not-a-mermaid).

So of course he has a HEA with a scientist. Which might mean a HEA for humanity? 

These two were adorable as hell. As hard as River fought against what they were telling him, against logic, he caved pretty fast and pretty hard to pretty Aqua and the water/ocean in general. I love that for them.

#aether #aqua #flame #zephyr #pebble #louisamasters #elementalmen #elementalmenseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Aether (Elemental Men #1)

Here is Louisa Master's "Aether." It's the first book in her Elemental Men series. It was first published in the Fated Mates charity anthology (no changes have been made), which is where I originally read it (but since I remember none of, I reread it).

["“We’re mates, Perry.”

This morning a meth lab fell through my kitchen ceiling, I lost my job, and my car broke down, officially making today the worst day of my life. The last thing I need to deal with is a naked, green-haired man with a loose grip on reality.

Or is it just that reality isn’t what I think it is?"]

It took me a whillllle to remember this book. As I read it, tiny bits and pieces came back to me, but I was constantly surprised by things.

I remembered the lightning and the tree. I remembered the ode-to-sweatpants. I remembered the slang. I remembered the house and the bros (and the alcohol).

But now, I can read all of the elements getting their HEA...or you know....not, depending on how 'fixing Earth/people' goes.

Also...loooooved the subtle reference to Here Be Dragons.

#aether #aqua #flame #zephyr #pebble #louisamasters #elementalmen #elementalmenseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Zachary (Demons-In-Law #3)

Here is Louisa Master's "Zachary." It's the third novel in her Demons-In-Law series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["A dragon with endless secrets meets a demon with nothing to hide…

I’m the easygoing one. The fun one. The rare member of my family who gets along with anyone. Except there’s a chance I may have got off on the wrong foot with our new dragon liaison, Ronan. In my defense, he rubs everyone the wrong way. The only thing he’s got going for him is his looks… if the miserable frown weren’t there to mar them. But he seems to be trying harder to connect, and I guess I should do the same. Even if his arrival here was the beginning of all my problems.

When I cross the line and guilt compels me to apologize, I get my first glimpse of a different Ronan. Someone who enjoys baking, thinks glitter is amazing, and wants people to like him. Someone I could be friends with. And when that frown disappears? I want more than just friendship.

But there’s something going on with him, something he’s been carrying for a long time. He’s been hurt before, and the secrets he’s keeping are the kind that eat you inside. How can we take things to the next step if he can’t be open with me?

It’s only when he steps up to make all my dreams come true that I realize some secrets need to stay that way… and that loving Ronan means accepting him for who he really is."]

I was very not prepared for this to be enemies to lovers when it was previewed in the last book. It hurt my heart (mostly to see kind and good-natured Zac be a dick to our traumatized (and clearly still Healing) Ronan). Though Zac had his reasons for being in a horrible mood, just maybe not so much on taking it out on others. 

But they healed together. They wanted ot make the other smile and laugh so much so that they healed themselves. They faced their fears, they got help from friends (and enemies), and they took chances. They were so adorable! 

Also, this book made me tear up a looot. A lot a lot. And full-on-cry a few times. All of the trauma and moments of grief. All of the kindness and moments of open support. All of love and moments of pure happiness. Ronan deserves all of it and more (oh, and Zac, too).

Trigger Warnings: anxiety, self-loathing, guilt, ptsd, past-torture, violence, past-brainwashing, trauma, family trying to help but it coming out toxic, and more

#reunion #asher #micah #zachary #louisamasters #demonsinlaw #demonsinlawseries #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Micah (Demons-In-Law #2)

Here is Louisa Master's "Micah." It's the second novel in her Demons-In-Law series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["Wanted: Demon assistant for incubus genius. Personal services required…

Nobody ever expected to find a secret cave protected by a giant puzzle door in the mountains near our village. Even more surprising was the knowledge that it’s been there for thousands of years and was created by a dragon. I’m not the only one who’s dying to find out what’s inside.

It’s no hardship to assist the puzzle expert who’s coming to solve the door. That thing is an incredible feat of engineering, and the man who’ll solve it is bound to be intelligent and interesting. But from the moment I meet Camden Torrence, I’m forced to reassess… everything.

He’s intelligent and interesting, sure. But he’s also scattered. Clumsy. And I want to bury my face in his mop of curls and stay there forever.

A relationship wasn’t on my agenda, no matter what my matchmaking family wants. But as the weeks go by and we get closer to discovering what the secret treasure is, Cam becomes an integral, undeniable part of my life. How can I not fall for a man who, despite past hurts, is the living embodiment of sunshine in our snow-laden village?

I never thought the love of my life would turn out to be an adorable, absent-minded incubus, but now I can’t imagine existing without him. The challenge? Convincing him to stay even after the puzzle is solved."]

Why am I weeeaaak for soft-hearted, curly-haired boys? It makes it better (or worse) if they're clumsy and/or broken... Bonus points for them being paired with slightly-grumpy, too-serious-for-his-own-good, tall-dark-and-handsome, muscle-y men?

Plus puzzles and cuddles and hellhounds (and demons--and dragons) as matchmakers. And sadly, a few trigger warnings.

Trigger Warnings: stalker, threats, toxic family members, attempted assault, technically it was kidnapping legally speaking, and then the very literal term of kidnapping, and more.

#reunion #asher #micah #zachary #louisamasters #demonsinlaw #demonsinlawseries #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Asher (Demons-In-Law #1)

Here is Louisa Master's "Asher." It's the first novel in her Demons-In-Law series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["When your imaginary boyfriend turns up in your hometown, marriage is the only option.

I’m not anti-relationship, but my life is good right now, and love is not a priority. Too bad my grandmother disagrees. People say she’s scary, and sure, some of her enemies went missing under mysterious circumstances, but she loves me and wants the best for me… which, right now, is marriage. The matchmaking is a lot, and she’s not letting up. What’s a demon to do except invent a long-distance boyfriend?

That backfires hard when the one-night stand I based my fake boyfriend on arrives in our tiny village. Garrett’s here to help our cut-off town assimilate with the rest of the Community of Species. He’s not expecting to find he has a boyfriend he knew nothing about.

It doesn’t take me long to convince him to agree to my new plan. I need the matchmaking to stop; he needs our insular little community to accept and trust him. The perfect solution: marriage. A business agreement with a time limit.

Just business.

Until he demands more. A sexy, nerdy hellhound in my bed isn’t a deal breaker.

But as we get closer to our end date, it gets harder for me to imagine life without him. And when my little cousin goes missing, it’s Garrett who saves the day… and reveals secrets the village didn’t know we had."]

These two!! D: I can't. They were perfect! Lust at first sight. Smitten at second (okay so panic and frustration and acceptance at second, but you get my point). Love at third. 

Almost everyone could have told you that Garrett and Asher were in love, for real in love. It took them a bittttt longer to catch on, which always makes the marriage-of-connivence plot all the more juicy. And, juuuust when you think they'll catch on to the depth of their feelings, it flies right over their head. It was adorable. 

As was watching stoic Garrett turn into a cute, puppy-eyed, professor-version of Alistair AND watching serious as fuck, demons-don't-reallly-smile Asher continuously cave to Garrett's smiles. The two of them were (are) so serious, but they're so soft for each other and for their love for each other. It was perfect!

It was also really fun watching the cousins (Asher's cousin = Gideon; Garrett's cousin = Alistair) fight it out like the good-ol'-days. Looooved that for us. 

#reunion #asher #micah #zachary #louisamasters #demonsinlaw #demonsinlawseries #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Reunion (Demons-In-Law #0.5)

Here is Louisa Master's "Reunion." It's the opening novella/prequel to her Demons-In-Law series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["I love Gideon. But do I have to love his family too?

My sexy, scary demon and I have been together for nine years, and we’ve been through a lot. Kidnappings, evil megalomaniacs wanting to take over the world, rediscovering elves and dragons… nearly facing the end of our existence. Nobody can say we haven’t gone through these trials and come out stronger, our relationship more solid than ever.

Now I have to meet his whole family—and most scarily, his grandmother—and I think this is the challenge that might end us… because there’s every chance she’ll murder me and no one will ever find my body.

But there’s something weird about this little town in the middle of the Swiss Alps… and I’m not just talking about the fact that Gideon’s terrifying grandmother is playing matchmaker with his three attractive unattached cousins. Why is everyone here a demon? We’re all part of the community of species, so where are the other species?

One thing’s for sure… there’s more going on in the demon town of Hortplatz than meets the eye."]

Oh how I adore Sam and Gideon! They’re adorable and still so utterly perfect for each there nine years later…which, in their world, is next to nothing.

I love Sam’s friendship with Alastair. I love the relationships we saw with Gideon’s cousins. And I love how these two managed to find trouble in the middle fo the Alps.

#reunion #asher #micah #zachary #louisamasters #demonsinlaw #demonsinlawseries #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Conspiracy of Dragons (Here Be Dragons #4)

Not sure where my reading process is going now...I'm just along for the ride. Here is Louisa Master's "Conspiracy of Dragons." It's the third novel in her Here Be Dragons series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["There’s only one person I trust…

It’s no secret that I’m hard to handle. People get annoyed by me. Sometimes they’re amused, but not for long. It’s not easy to deal with a paranoid conspiracy theorist, and I stretch everyone’s patience.

Everyone except Wil. He was there at the beginning, when I left my old life behind, and he’s stuck with me since. He’s been my friend when no one else wanted to. Patiently taught me how to fit in. He’s the one person I know I can rely on.

He’s the only man I can see myself ever being with. The only man I would want to spend eternity with.

But when my past rears its ugly head and the stuff of my nightmares rises from the dead, the hope of a happy future rapidly fades. I need him more than ever, but I can’t risk him. I can’t let anyone use him against me.

Torture doesn’t have to be physical to hurt. And I’m not going to let myself be hurt again."]

I...I feel as though I need to apologize for how I laughed at Steffen in the previous books. His trauma manifested into paranoia, and we took it as the humor it was at the time. Now that we know his story? I feel as though he could have been a looooot more paranoid, and it still would have been completely justified.

At least he had Wil. The entire time, he had Wil. Steffen has his cruches and his ways to get through the day (the hour, the minute). He was happy. But after this book? He's almost a different person. He allowed himself to get closer to his found-family, he allowed himself to make new friends, he allowed himself to take chances and trust.

This book was a glorious ending to the series. 

Trigger Warnings: paranoia, anxiety, ptsd, torture, violence, brainwashing, trauma, and more.

#howtodateadragon #dragoneverafter #theprofessorsdragon #thedragonexperiment #conspiracyofdragons #louisamasters #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Vampire's Receptionist (Charmed Away Temp Agency #4)

Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "The Vampire's Receptionist." It's the fourth novel in Charmed Away Temp Agency series. 

["Kian was born between two worlds. Half fae, half green witch, accepted by neither. He was used to being an outcast. A big believer in fate, when he's offered a reference to work at a temp agency, he takes it without hesitation. And find a job he absolutely loves. Who'd have thought being a temp would be so fun? His newest contract takes him to Spellbound, where he notices his new boss struggling to function. Old EMT habits kick in, and he offers his assistance with a blood donation. He's done it a dozen times. Nothing could go wrong. Right?Dorian thought transferring to the medical innovations division would be an interesting challenge. He'd forgotten just how exhausting it was to get an entire division on track. Too busy to worry about self-care, he waits a little too long between feedings and just barely stops himself from attacking a temp. When said temp offers him a blood donation, he can't very well refuse. It was only supposed to be one time. Surely that would be okay. Right?"]

And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["Coffee is life, Dorian says so, Kian likes to cause mischief, Something is wrong with Dorian, Kian has a special reaction to blood donations, Dorian helps him out, Dorian is not old as dirt, thank you very much, Don't mess with the car, Never challenge a druid, Some things are better than coffee, guaranteed HEA"]

These two did not have a great first impression. Or second one. Or third one. Granted, it wasn't a meet-ugly, it was just one thing after the other after the other. It was almost humorous in the way the universe kept shoving them together, only for them to bounce back off of each other. The correct puzzle pieces, the wrong angle (for a bit).

When they figured out that angle (not that angle, get your minds out of the gutter), it was much simpler. Mostly (nothing in this series is ever an easy HEA, it's well-earned and well-written, but it's rarely ever simple).

They were adorable as hell though! And I looooved all of the cameos from previous mated couples/throuples (and hints at future ones?)!!

#theincubssassistant #thedragonsaide #theshapeshifterssecretary #thevampiresreceptionist #thetelephathstemp #charmedaway #charmedawayseries #charmedawaytempagency #charmedawaytempagencyseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Stubborn Puckboy (Puckboys #9)

Here's Saxon James and Eden Finley "Stubborn Puckboy." Its the ninth novel in their Puckboys series.

["Colby
Once upon a time, playing for the NHL was my dream. Then Radimir Novicov skated circles around me and made it clear I’d never be good enough. He was smart, talented, and worst of all–sexy. Every closeted guy knows that you don’t hit on your teammate, even if his gaze lingers longer than it should.
All it took was one drunken close call before our friendship was in tatters, he was called up to the NHL, and I was sent for further conditioning.
Playing in the NHL was off the table, so coaching became my new dream.
And seventeen years later, I’m finally heading to the big time.
Video coach. Pro level. The only downside?
It’s for Novi’s team.

Novi
Radimir Novicov is not scared of anything. I am one of the best. Future Hall of Famer. There are two years left on my contract and I will end my career on the highest high anyone did see.
Then I will slink into the shadows where no one will hear of me again.
Because while I’m playing professionally, I cannot come out and be myself. Not with my family still in Russia.
The plan has been set since I first moved to America, and I only have two years left to wait. It should be easy to focus on hockey.
Then Colby Kessinger walks back into my life. The teammate with the lopsided smiles and cocky attitude–the one who made my heart want things it can’t have.
Now two years feels like a lifetime."]

This one took me a while to get to, and once again, I regret waiting. It also took me a while to read, but I think I was just savoring it. Because this book (this series) deserves to have its time, to take its time.

The banter! The flirting!! The friendship!!! D: End me now.

No actually, let's go back and remember and re-read all of the times Novi pretends he doesn't speak English. Best long-con ever.

I loved them. End of story. I loved them sooo much. I'm obsessed with so many couples from this series, but these two were perfect. So much love, so much caring, so much Russian-pouts.

And Polish pouts. There was a loooot of Ezra in here (and Oskar). I can't. I just love them all so much! D: 

The SHEER amount of highlights and rereads I did during that chaotic as fuck (think chaos and then triple it) epilogue with the Queer Collective (remember everything they've ever done while all together and triple it)??? That was...a lot. It was a lot from all sides. And it was glooooorious (then triple it)!!!

Trigger Warnings: toxic masculinity, homophobia, Russia, reporters being stereotypical reporters just wanting the sound-bite/story, and more.

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

The Dragon Experiment (Here Be Dragons #3)

Not sure where my reading process is going now...I'm just along for the ride. Here is Louisa Master's "The Dragon Experiment." It's the third novel in her Here Be Dragons series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["Who knew sleeping around could save the entire species?

I'm a simple dragon. Give me knowledge, give me research, give me rings for my hoard, and give me athletic men who want to get sweaty between the sheets . . . or anywhere else. Those things make me happy. Other things . . . well, who cares about those?

Turns out, I should have cared. Or at least paid attention. Because I somehow signed up for a scientific study run by a shy, nerdy sorcerer with the body of a god. And the study just happens to be about my favorite form of exercise.

It doesn't take long for me to know I want to do more than science with Rhys. I've never been the kind of dragon to mix feelings with fun, but Rhys could be the one person who meets all my needs, even if he won't wear a ring on every finger.

But when his research becomes more important than any of us could have imagined, our relationship enters a new phase. Now it's up to me to show Rhys how much he's worth . . . both to me and to the future of his species."]

These dragons just keep getting more and more...eccentric. Fabian goes from documenting thousands of years of history to asking the origins of the missionary position to researching Welsh history to becoming obsessed with Rhys. And this all started because he say a ring, and his dragon said 'mine' so loudly that Fabian didn't hear that the ring was magic. He's a genius one moment and completely gullible the next (maybe gullible isn't 100% the right word...highly distracted by anything and everything in a way that could either come across as adorable or unhinged).

Rhys is a man of science so of course Fabian confusing the fuck out of him. But Rhys also found him endearing as hell. He was smitten right from the beginning, knew that he could fall in love with this dragon so easily (and get his heart broken just as easily).

#howtodateadragon #dragoneverafter #theprofessorsdragon #thedragonexperiment #conspiracyofdragons #louisamasters #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Professor's Dragon (Here Be Dragons #2)

Not sure where my reading process is going now...I'm just along for the ride. Here is Louisa Master's "The Professor's Dragon." It's the second novel in her Here Be Dragons series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["It was love at first sight… with my professor. What’s a dragon to do?

For two years, I’ve been pining over Professor Sarris. I knew the moment I saw him that we were meant for each other, but it’s not to be. For one thing, I was his student, and he’s the most ethical man I know. For another, he has no idea I’m actually a four-thousand-year-old dragon from another dimension.

When my people fled to Earth to avoid extinction, I vowed to clean up my life and stop acting like a fledgling. It’s bad enough that nobody takes me seriously… sure, maybe I used to be flighty and irresponsible and caused a few interspecies incidents, but that’s all in the past. I have big plans for the future, and this college gig is the first step in proving myself. I’m not endangering this fresh start for anyone.

But then my professor and I wind up at the same party, and suddenly it seems he’s not completely out of reach. Except I’m still the adorable flirt nobody wants to rely on, and convincing him we should be together while proving I’m a changed dragon is a monumental task.

Good thing I’m up for the challenge."]

Oh Dustin, you sweet summer child.

Watching his falling-in-love-from-afar ass actually get to know Rob and fall-in-love-for-real was beautiful. Watching Rob go from absolutely-never-he's-a-student to shit-I'm-in-trouble to it'll-be-easy-to-fall-for-him in a span of hours was hilarious. And fate intervening. 

It was all just so much fun! But if dragons are involved, of course it is. And loud and chaotic and full of giggles and TimTams apparently. 

I love how this series gives us clear indications of whose story is coming up and a sort-of-plot-line. I can't wait for Fabian to get his ass handed to him (and the probably-cursed ring off...duh).

#howtodateadragon #dragoneverafter #theprofessorsdragon #thedragonexperiment #conspiracyofdragons #louisamasters #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Dragon Ever After (Here Be Dragons #1)

Not sure where my reading process is going now...I'm just along for the ride. Here is Louisa Master's "Dragon Ever After." It's the first novel in her Here Be Dragons series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["Note to self: You can’t teach an old dragon new tricks… he likes to invent his own.

After half a century of chaos, my retirement from leading the Community of Species Government has been bliss. No more hellhounds playing pranks. No more snippy demons demanding my attention. No more cajoling money from the wealthy to support the community. Just peace while I avoid my overbearing father and try to work out what my next steps will be.

Although… maybe three years of peace is enough. It might even be starting to get… boring. In fact, an adolescent dragon crash-landing on my landlord’s shed is just the kind of excitement I need—especially when he brings his species leader to my door.

Brandt. Wing leader of all dragons, suave, sexy, and… slightly unhinged. It doesn’t take much for him to convince me to give up my solitude and spend some time getting to know him. It’s hard to care about the future when I’ve got a dragon of my own to “play” with. Naked dragon rides for the win, right?

But Brandt’s the leader of his people, on call for them all the time, and I’ve left that part of my life behind me. Plus my father insists I should fulfil my duty to the family by getting a nine-to-five job and “marrying well.” That’s not what I want, but riding herd on a group of beings who fly, breathe fire, and could literally crush me beneath their feet would be a huge challenge, especially since Brandt’s kind of loose with rules.

It all comes down to how much I want my very own dragon ever after."]

These two! They were adorable and perfect! Percy is so confident and put together and organized..until he sees or thinks about Brandt, then he's a blushing, stuttering mess. Brandt is so playful and silly and dramatic...until Percy looks at him, then he's all smooth and confident. It was adorable to watch their relationship grow.

And to see two communities continue to come together. Because they're meddling, match-making fiends, and because of the blossoming love.

I can't wait for more of these dragons to find their HEAs..and get themselves into trouble along the way.

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, past death of an adult child, and more.

#howtodateadragon #dragoneverafter #theprofessorsdragon #thedragonexperiment #conspiracyofdragons #louisamasters #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

How To Date a Dragon (Here Be Dragons #0.5)

Not sure where my reading process is going now...I'm just along for the ride. Here is Louisa Master's "How To Date a Dragon." It's the prequel novel in her Here Be Dragons series, which is a Hidden Species spin-off

["Tip #1 for dealing with dragons: be prepared for anything

My whole life, I thought dragons were majestic, wise, and fearsome creatures. Not to mention fictional. It’s been less than a year since that last belief was debunked. Dragons are real, they’re now living among us, and I’m the lucky realtor who gets to sell a house to their leader. I just have to impress his representative first. No problem—I’m a professional.

Except the dragon rep turns out to be the guy I hooked up with last night, and he’s fast disproving everything I believed about dragons. Unless “wise” actually means “addicted to glitter” and “majestic” is a euphemism for “overgrown frat boy.”

Hagen might actually be the most annoying person I’ve ever met, yet I can’t resist going on a date with him. One thing’s for sure, someone needs to write me a how-to guide for dating a dragon… glitter not included."]

I did not expect Hagen to be so adorable. A bit of a frat boy lacking impulse control, a love of glitter, and flirting with everyone he meets? Yes. But soft for the right person, making any of his dreams come true, and coming up with terms like pre-love and pre-boyfriend while blushing? I was blindsided. So was Jaid. Oh poor Jaid. Taken with Hagen's looks and your chemistry together, smitten with his use of wet wipes and planning over-the-top-but-utterly-perfect dates. 

#howtodateadragon #dragoneverafter #theprofessorsdragon #thedragonexperiment #conspiracyofdragons #louisamasters #herebedragons #herebedragonsseries #hiddenspecies #hiddenspeciesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks