Goodbye, November!

November flew past. It was JUST Halloween, and now it's almost Christmas. And 2026 is closer than I'm ready for...

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

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

(2) November Memories: Another Jonas Brother concert. Another year older. Two fun hang outs with friends. Wicked: For Good. Tons of work, tons of catch up and learning/teaching myself. This month was a busy one, but I guess, looking back now, it was work busy.

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 36.

(4) This month wasn't horrible. I worked a looot, so I was exhausted a looot and napped a lot. To Do lists were my friends. There were a few days were I just didn't want to, lots of Sunday Blues feelings, lots of smaller moments of depression, lots of "but my bed is my favorite place." But overall, there was lots of laughter, lots of hot cocoa.

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

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

Reckless (Leather & Chrome #1)

This is technically on my TBR so...it counts as accomplishign something and not just jumping into a random-ass targeted ad...right? Here's Kiki Clark's Leather & Chrome series. The first novel is "Reckless."

["Ride hard. Love harder. Live recklessly.

Tank is done with his old life. All it's brought him is trouble and misery in the form of a four-year prison term. Though he did find one good thing while behind bars: Charles "CJ" Crane, pen pal extraordinaire.

After months of exchanging increasingly personal letters, Tank knows exactly where he's headed as soon as the prison gates open. CJ doesn't know he's coming, and he's not sure what he'll say when he gets there, but he knows one thing for certain.

The promises he and his boy made to each other in their letters may have been reckless, but he's willing to risk everything he’s got on finding out if what they have could be real."]

This book wasn't a dark romance persay but it wasn't your "average" contemporary romance. It was a fine line of morally gray meets only-happens-in-the-movies meets kink-happy meets HEA. It was beautiful. 

I love how they fell in love through handwritten letters. Which we got to read! As they fell in love IRL, the letters grew deeper and more meaningful. Their connection was instant and powerful and glorious. 

I really like this MC. They’re inclusive and kind and protective. And so many are in need of a HEA.

Trigger Warnings: homophobia/homophobic language, threats of sexual assault, violence, incarceration, and more.

#reckless #temptation #joyful #yearning #possession #kikiclark #leatherandchrome #leatherandchromeseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Two Guys, One Puck (Gods Versus Monsters Hockey #2)

Here's JR Gray "Two Guys, One Puck." It's the second book in the Gods Versus Monsters Hockey series.

["A fist fight shouldn’t be flirting.

I’m so close to the NHL draft and the dream I’ve worked towards my entire life and he’s made it his mission to ruin it all. Ktytor is the super star enforcer for our biggest rivals the Massachusetts Monsters. He has a counter for every move I make like he’s inside my head.

He’s cocky, infuriating, and knows just how to get under my skin. His torments finally push me over the edge so when he suggests we finish our on-ice fight outside after the game, I gladly accept

What I didn’t expect was our trading blows to end in us making out.

I’ve never even considered being with a guy before and now I have to pretend to hate him while sneaking around and navigating our public rivalry.

We’re at each other’s throats and it only makes him hotter."]

I wasn’t sure about how their feelings were playing out for a while. It was more hurt than comfort, more ‘this means nothing,’ more internalized stuff. It was a lot of denial even when we saw the signs, even when others saw the signs, even when they saw the signs. It was frustrating.

Then boom! They finally realized what was going on just under the surface, and it was far too late to do anything about it. Actions spoke louder than words, words went from teasing to real. The pet names!?! D: End me.

Quote of the Date (Aunt Emily // Ronan): "'You're on the top ten hockey rivals of all times?' // 'Number three? We can do better than that...'"

Not sure if it gave me “Heated Rivalry” vibes, because the tv adaption just dropped or…

Trigger Warnings: parent illness, parent hospitalization with MS, parent in war zone, parental death discussed, war in Ukraine, air raids, bombings, hockey-related violence, financial struggles, possibility of skipping meals due to loss of wages, wartime inflation, college athletes' exploitation, general trauma, starts of panic attack, internalized biphobia, staying closeted as a means of protection, and more.

#nopucks #twoguysonepuck #apuckbetweenfriends #puckaroundandfindout #jrgray #godsversusmonstershockey #godsversusmonstershockeyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Cabins Cows Critics (Beaker Brothers Ranch #2)

Here's Becca Jackson's "Cabins Cows Critics." It's the second novel in her latest series, Beaker Brothers Ranch.

["Welcome to Beaker Brothers Ranch. Part dairy farm, part animal sanctuary, and currently home to one runaway heir hiding behind a herd of miniature cows.

Connor keeps things running smoothly in the Cuddle Cove, a cozy corner of the ranch where guests come to unwind, snuggle up, and fall in love with his herd of miniature highlands. Around here, he’s known as the quiet cowboy with a steady smile and hands that never stop working.

But under all that calm is a secret he’s spent years hiding. He was once the heir to an enormous fortune; until he came out and ran away.

Now, with news that his grandfather has died and the world is searching for the missing Richmont heir, Connor has a plan; keep his head down through the big Christmas Experience at Beaker Brothers Ranch, and then disappear again.

But then Hayden arrives; warm, curious, and impossible to ignore. Suddenly the lonely ranch nights are filled with laughter, late-night talks, and a spark Connor didn’t expect.

Staying invisible now feels like the hardest thing in the world, because for the first time in years, Connor finally knows how it feels to be seen."]

Another adorably sweet romance by Becca.

I love that this series is adorable and kind and all about found family and safety and new beginnings. But there's also just the right amount of angst. It's enough to get you addicted and get your heart rate going, but it's not enough for the Anxiety to get wound up. 

Connor was sunshine and cuddles in a blonde-bottle. He wants happiness and minis. He wasn't expecting romance or a forever place. Then again, neither was Hayden, who thought he hated all things country and dirty. Then again (x2) Beaker Brothers Ranch is a haven for everyone.

Plus that teaser chapter for the next book!?! D: I neeeeed it now. 

#homehearthoovse #cabinscowcritics #stablesspurssuits #beakerbrothersranch #beakerbrothersranchseries #beccajackson #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

November's Book Shape Challenge 2025

Here's November's Book Shape Challenge! A slinky, sneaky jaguar in honor of International Jaguar Day.

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

Totally Played (Love in Play #5)

Here's Becca Jackson's "Totally Played." Its the fifth novel in her Love in Play series. 

["Meet Calvin Parks, the sweetest guy to ever set foot on a banana ball field.

CALVIN
I was just supposed to be a body double, a stand-in to save my twin brother Tony’s dating app rating after two no-shows, and a raging flu.
One quick drink, some polite small talk, and out.
Simple, right?
As a shortstop, I’m used to quick thinking, but even I’m surprised by how quickly I gave up the whole ruse. One smile from this guy and I’m spilling my guts.
I buy him dinner to make up for the switch up, and with the pressure off, what started as a fake out turns into a genuine good time. We bond over baseball, battle it out for the king of the claw machines, and somehow end up on Tim’s rooftop wrangling wayward kittens with the guys.
It's the best bro-date I’ve ever had.
Except I forgot one thing: coming clean to Tony. And when he reschedules his date with Ashley like we planned, I start feeling way too territorial for a straight man.
Why do I feel like I just gave up a grand slam... and I’m the idiot who pitched it?"]

I needed a low-angst, sweet as fuck, simple romance. Granted, it wasn't entirely free of angst and there were lots of spicy moments and it wasn't 100% simple, but this book was a glorious break from my dark romances. 

Their connection and chemistry was instant. Their friendship was easy. Their romantic connection was there from the start, even if our sweet Calvin didn't understand everything at frist. 

Clavin and Ash were perfect together. Even all of their quirks and idiosyncrasies matched. They made each other happier and supported each other in everything, even if they were both constantly traveling. But they made it work. They made it work with butterflies and cute texts and giant Snickers bars.

#totallyblitzed #totallyducked #totallygeeked #totallyopposed #totallyfanatic #totallyplayed #loveinplay #loveinplaysseries #beccajackson #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

At Your Mercy (Twisted Desires #4)

This is E. Baileu's "At Your Mercy." It's the fourth and final novel in their Twisted Desires series.

["Ronan Craig was trained to be a weapon—beautiful, ruthless, and lethal. At twenty-nine, he’s perfected the art of seduction, using his body to lure countless men to their deaths. His latest mark should’ve been easy, or so his handler said. But Wesley Cohen isn’t like the others. One short night, and suddenly, Ro finds that he isn’t in control anymore. Wesley is.

When he meets Ro, Wes sees a dangerously pretty assassin whom he intends to teach precisely what it means to kneel at the feet of an older, stronger man.

Their twisted game of cat and mouse quickly becomes something darker, hotter, and far more dangerous than either expected. For every moment of heat, there’s the reminder: one of them was sent to kill the other.

And when desire turns into obsession, someone will end up on their knees—for mercy, or for blood."]

Another dark romance I was waiting for, another book I held off on because of the angst. This one was cliched in the assassin meets target kinda way, but it stood it's own in all other ways. It was dangerous and addicted and tragic and beautiful. It was uplifting and freeing and obsessive. It was spicy and devastating. It was everything.

This story in general didn't go as I thought it would. It was more devastating than I had ever imagined. Ro had gone through soooo much, some of which he's only processing now. It almost broke Wes, just seeing pictures of things, let alone knowing the exact details. But Ro is a fighter, a survivor, and he deserves every good thing Wes spoils him with and more. 

Trigger Warnings: suicidal ideation, trauma, depression, victim of human trafficking and abuse, murder, torture, kidnapping, gun play, dub-con, and more.

#underyourcare #yourstobreak #chasingafteryou #atyourmercy #ebaileu #twisteddesires #twisteddesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Your Hate, My Claim (the Kozlov Bodyguards #3)

Here's Syn Blackrose's "Your Hate, My Claim." It's the third novel in the Kozlov Bodyguards series (a Kozlov Brothers spin-off).

["Simon
I HATE Carlos Silva.
He’s arrogant, bossy and does everything he can to get under my skin whenever he’s around me.
But, it appears I’m about to find out that the line between love and hate fades after a while.
However, that’s not the only problem. What do you do when your past stops you from being you?
Will I survive when the past and present collide?

Carlos
I love how he hates me.
Simon. My Simon.
My new hobby is to rile him up. His feistiness makes my body feel alive. But his stubbornness needs taming.
I just need to deal with some family issues first.
Then…
It’s time to claim him—my little lion."]

Another book I wanted desperately for so long and then avoided because of the perceived angst. I was right about the angst. And the hate. And the rehashing all of their previous spats to up the angst and the hate. The hate was strong in this one. Not just the hate Simon feels for Carlos, the hate Simon feels for himself. It was rough and hard to read, but Carlos was there to pick him up.

Annnd then it got worse. And worse. And worse. And I was sobbing and Simon was sobbing and we were all sobbing, okay? It was bad.

Luckily, no matter how bad it gets, these men fight back harder and pull their HEA back from the clutches of truly evil men.

Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, homophobia/homophobic language, mental torment, graphic trauma of a MC, brief mention of a suicide in the past, physical abuse, violence, and more.

#ourbloodourpain #myhungeryoursoul #yourhatemyclaim #synblackrose #kozlovbodyguards #kozlovbodyguardsseries #kozlovbrothers #kozlovbrothersseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Deadly Ally (The Hitman and The Heir #2)

Here's Elamy Pride's "Deadly Ally" is fucking amazing. It's the second and final in their series, The Hitman and The Heir.

["When convenience meets reality, can love prevail?

Gabriel has spilled the truth, revealing to Dante the shocking betrayal of his trusted uncle. Yet, lurking beneath his noble revelation, is Gabriel's ultimate desire - to avenge the death of his father. The uncle just a decoy for his deadly plot. But will it be enough?

Dante, on the other hand, is filled with unstoppable fury. The uncle, a once cherished family member, has cruelly marked him for death and now vengeance is all he seeks. They both have hidden agendas. They both want revenge. Will they remain enemies or become deadly allies?"]

These two need shaken again. They had just (sort of) found some equal footing (equal-enough) and started letting down their walls (well, some of their walls) and talked (they did talk--sharing secrets started this downfall) when shit hit the fan. They stopped meshing, stopped trusting. The hurt came back ten-fold in their hurt-comfort dynamic. The secrets piled up again. The talking slowed. The sex didn't stop; they're still great at that, their chemistry is still fantastic as fuck, but everything else seemed to fall off the rails. 

And they just kept falling off the rails. It built and built until it exploded in more confessions (good and bad) and more decisions fueled by emotion and revenge.

Love confessions almost happened but guns did instead. Spoiler alert? 

I can’t wait for the next one. This cliff hanger was worse. At least the first novel energy HFN. This one ended with me crying. Definitely a spoiler alert. 

Trigger Warnings: non-con moments, violence, murder, use of a weapon to cause harm, car accident resulting in serious injuries, kidnapping, ends in a cliffhanger, and more.

#fatalattendant #deadlyally #lethalattraction#thehitmanandtheheir #elamypride #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sweet Vengeance (Sins of the Father #2)

Here's Riley Hart's "Sweet Vengeance." It's the second novel in the new Sins of the Father series. 

["Cillian

I can’t figure out why I’m so intrigued by Ollie Gibson.

He’s nothing like me—soft where my world is hard, sweet and kind while I’ve grown up around violence.

But there’s a fire to him that sparks the one inside me, loyalty that calls to me, and bravery I respect even if it gets him in trouble.

When Ollie’s hurt and we don’t know if the men who attacked him will come back for more, I can’t stop myself from claiming him. There’s nothing I won’t do to protect him, even go behind his back for vengeance.

I crave him—both the sweetness and the fire, the innocence and the dirty boy he turns into under my touch.

I’ll kill for him, turn my world upside down for him, share my pain and secrets with him. Ollie helps me deal with it all—even the drama with my father.

It’s supposed to be temporary. I’m not supposed to want more, but I’m determined to keep him, and for a reason I can’t understand, Ollie wants me too.

The future lawyer and the criminal. The Good Samaritan and the killer. We’re living between two worlds, this place where vengeance can be sweet and our differences don’t matter. But we both know it can’t go on like this forever. If the violence of my world doesn’t tear us apart, one day Ollie will walk away…and I don’t know how to let myself lose him."]

I waited for these two for soooo long! And then I avoided them for a while. I didn't want the angst. Turns out, the angst was perfect. There was push and pull, hurt-comfort, enemies to lovers. The stress and the secrets added to the drama. But it all also added to the sexual tension.

Their friendship grew with their feelings. Even if the feelings didn't make sense to them for a while. It wasn't exactly like Tiernan and Dean, but it wasn't soft either. It was dangerous and intoxicating and addicting and beautiful.

And honestly Rory made it so much better. Now to wait forever for his HEA...

Trigger Warnings: discussion and grief over the loss of a parent, violence, drug use, and more.

#bittersweetrevnege #sweetrevenege #sweetobsession #rileyhart #sinsofthefather #sinsofthefather #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

A Bloody Merry Christmas (the Naughty List)

Here's MD Gregory's "A Bloody Merry Christmas." It's part of the multi-author series The Naughty List.

["Who doesn’t want to be saved by a knight in shining armor, even if it’s splattered with blood?

A Homeless Man’s Desperate Escape
Ezra Hunter hates Christmas. It’s full of lies and fake families. The closer it gets to the holidays, the angrier he becomes. Getting into a fight with three frat bullies wasn’t in any of his plans, but they’re delighted to torment a homeless person, and he becomes their target. They chase him into a stranger’s backyard, and he’s saved by the homeowner in the most violent way possible. But Samael is anything but aggressive when it comes to Ezra.

A Murdering Scientist Grows a Soft Spot
Samael Morris kills bad people. He’s spent his life taking out the scum in the world, the first victim being his abusive father, who stole Sam’s voice from him. He’s careful, precise, and secretive. Until Ezra. The homeless man’s arrival is sudden and he starts a fire inside Sam that he’s never felt before. He wants to slay Ezra’s demons, even if it means breaking his rules.

Learning Their Love Language
As Ezra and Sam grow closer, they open up to each other. Ezra doesn’t know ASL, but he makes it his mission to learn so he can communicate with the man who saved him. Sam experiences desire for someone else for the first time. Together, they navigate a new world and fall in love in the process, but will they be each other’s downfall?"]

This book was about exactly what I thought it would and also surprisingly different than I had imagined. It was dark and murder-y and 'mine' and far more romantic than it had the right to be. But it was also a lot softer, less bloody, less possessive, and more family-oriented (found family) than I had imagined. 

It was a beautiful balance of sweet and spicy. There was that instant connect, that instant feeling of rightness, and that instant "wow, he's adorable as hell". I loved it all!

Trigger Warnings: bullying, past child abuse, serial killer, murder, abusive family, and more.

#abloodymerrychristmas #mdgregory #stalkingaroundthechristmastree #murderunderthemistletoe #thesilentnightstalker #deckthehallswithbloodanddesire #acorpseforchristmas #mistletoemischiefandmurder #christmasmafaiprince #thenaughtylist #thenaughtylistseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Far From Sherwood Forest (Far From #3)

Here is River Hales's "Far From Sherwood Forest." It is the third and final novel in the Far From series.

["Robin
My time as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest was meant to end the day I chose to lay down the hood. Instead, it was ripped away from me as Little John and I were hurled into an unfamiliar world. Together, we adapted and built new lives.
Five years later, the past finds me again. Henry, the Sheriff I once fought and then abandoned, is back, and his hatred burns even hotter than before.
Beneath it, I feel the spark of something more dangerous. The fire between us was once rivalry. Now, it’s desire. I can’t fight it, so I guess I’ll let it burn me alive.

Henry
For years, I hunted Robin Hood. He was a thief and my obsession, the thorn in my side. Then the world shifted beneath us, and I was alone. No crown to serve. No purpose. That loneliness hollowed me out until nothing remained, not even the Sheriff.
After five years, hatred should have been enough. Revenge should have been sweet. But with every taste of his defiance, his smile, the way he dares me without fear, it all starts to feel like a lie.
Hatred drove me to find him. Desire lured me deeper. I don’t know which one will destroy me first."]

TBRs, ARCs, and life prevented me from reading this the day it came out. And now, after finally reading it, I gotta say, I'm even more upset with myself. 

This dynamic was similar to “Far From Neverland”, where one cannot exist without the other. And where one has to team up with the other to save the day (spoiler alert?). 

They were mean but not always on purpose. They were careful and vulnerable and loving, always on purpose. Though it took them a while to bridge that gap. 

Trigger Warnings: violence between MCs, gun violence, kidnapping, deaths of family members and a past romantic partner, murder, grief, abandonment, religious trauma, self-harm (self-flagellation), past suicidal ideation, death of a pet, and more.

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

Burning for Alexander (Made Marian Legacy #2)

Here's Lucy Lennox's "Burning for Alexander." It's the second book 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).

["But now all I see is Alex Marian.
The bane of my existence. Firebug. Reckless bar owner. Walking disaster.

It doesn’t matter that he’s the sexiest man alive. Or charming. Or kind.

He’s entitled, spoiled, rich, naive—everything I hate.

He’s also young and untouched—not that it’s any of my business.

The townspeople say he’s the sunshine to my grump.
What they don’t know is that worrying about him keeps me up at night.

He's the match, and I'm the gasoline—and the way he looks at me says he knows exactly what kind of fire we'd make together.

But Alex Marian might just be worth the burn."]

Welp, these two made me cry. A lot. Thanks for that, Lucy.

But these two, my fucking god. These two were perfect for each other. The will-they-won't-they was a perfect balance and so freaking amazing. The hurt-comfort was beautifully torturous. Trying to figure out how their timeline meshed with "Hashtag Holidate" was equally as amusing as it was tragic. Cue me crying some more. 

And that ending?! Fuck. Me. Can we get Jett's book tomorrow? Yesterday??

Trigger warnings: fire, fucked up foster system, horrible people in power (not Judd), near-death accidents, and more

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

Hashtag Holidate

Here's Lucy's Lennox's latest "Hashtag Holidate."

["I came to Legacy, Montana, to sell a fantasy—twelve Insta-ready #Holidates of Christmas. One career-making brand deal. Zero drama.

Then my videographer bailed, and in walked Maddox Sullivan.

Grumpy. Gorgeous. Growly. A mountain man with zero chill and even less tolerance for influencers like me. He agrees to film my content—off-camera only—but when my first date cancels, guess who ends up in front of the lens?

Cue the fireworks.

Our chemistry is instant. My followers are obsessed. #TeamMaddrian starts trending. Suddenly, all my dates are mysteriously dropping out, and Maddox is reluctantly starring in every single holidate—sleigh rides, snowball fights, cocoa by the fire, kisses under the mistletoe.

And I… I’m starting to forget this was ever supposed to be pretend.

Because every time Maddox looks at me, I feel something real. Something lasting. Something terrifying.

I came here for curated content. Now I’m dreaming of a life I never thought I wanted—with a man I never saw coming.

But am I falling for the picture-perfect holiday fantasy? Or could this be the start of my real-life happily ever after?"]

The hurt comfort in this was real. The back and forth understanding versus judgement. The uncalled for attitude versus the moments of connection. It was rough, but the chemistry made it sooo much better. It was fun and flirty and easy. It was hot and silly and utterly fucked supported by everyone in town. Found family was strong in this one (then again, it's a Marian-supported/rebuilt town).

I loved these two, even if they made me want to cry a few times. I also loooved the continued hints at the next Made Marian Legacy book. ;)

Trigger Warnings: parental death, parental neglect, and more.

#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#hashtagholidate #lucylennox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

His Gift (Omegas After Dark: Omega Auction #3)

Here's MM Farmer's newst series, Omegas After Dark: Omega Auction, which is a spin-off from her Omega's After Dark series. This is "His Gift."

["The greatest gift of all is the freedom to embrace your darker side…

Shawn
It’s not easy being the golden boy alpha son in a wealthy, high society family. I am passionate about running the philanthropic arm of Wythe Industries, and the annual Christmas Eve supper to benefit families in need is my favorite event of the year. But when my friends and owners of the Dark Fantasies Club give me a place in the omega auction, I can’t resist the need to feed my darker curiosities.
There’s only one problem. I have no idea what I’m doing.

Enzo
It’s been a tough year. So tough that I’m considering drastic measures just so I don’t have to think or be responsible for myself anymore. The omega auction event is a trial run for me of what it might be like to sell myself for real.
And then I end up paired with total newbie alpha Shawn. Topping from the bottom? I can do that. Losing my heart to the gorgeous alpha as he explores a side of himself he’s never wanted to face before? I can also do that. Accidentally landing a job helping him to plan his family company’s Christmas Eve supper? Didn’t see that one coming, but I’m down for it.
Being pulled into Shawn’s family drama? Maybe I can help bring the Wythe family together in time for Christmas. And who knows? I might end up as one of them, too."]

Another FABULOUS book in this fabulous series! There were layers upon layers, tons of found family, a lot of horrible family, fated moments, fated mates, falling in love. There was Christmas magic and believing in humanity again. There was snowflakes and presents of all kinds. 

Also, I want more of Walt...he deserves a HEA.. ;)

Trigger Warnings: toxic family, parental illness and death, stalker, human/sex trafficking, attempted assault, and more.

#arcs #arcteammember
#hisprize #hisreward #hisgift #mmfarmer #omegasafterdark #omegasafterdarkseries #omegasafterdarkomegaacution #omegasafterdarkomegaacutionseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Guarded by His Alpha Wolf (Babies for Broken Dads #4)

Here is Anna Wineheart's latest: "Guarded by His Alpha Wolf." It's the fourth novel in her new series, Babies for Broken Dads (which is a spin-off series from her Closet Baby Chronicles series...which is also a spin-off series).

["The most unlikely Wolf alpha & Rabbit omega
As a rabbit shifter, Killian has two 1) his sharp hearing, and 2) his stamina.
Not that it's any use outside of the bedroom.
Especially when his secret past catches up to On his way home from an ice cream run, snipers try to take him down.
For his baby girl's sake, Killian has to flee.

Crush longs for a family of his own. His friends have been finding mates, leaving his inner wolf howling with envy.
One day, he bumps into a terrified man begging him for help.
The man smells like prey.
The man smells like everything Crush has ever wanted.
The moment Crush has Killian in his arms, all his instincts scream one Protect."]

I loved this book. They fell in love (and lust) soooo fast, it was so intimate and fate-y and perfect. You keep forgetting they juuust met. The drama and the danger escalate so fast, but so does the affection and the feelings. And then you forget that they juuust met again. Because that's how hard and deep they fell for each other, how perfect they were for each other. 

I'm not sure if Crush's pack (and little brother) will continue to add more books to this series or not, but I'm here for it. 

Trigger Warnings: past kidnapping/captivity, past torture briefly described (including attempts at suffocation), coerced murder, past burn injury, violence, and more.

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

Alpha Dragon Mating Contract (Babies for Broken Dads #3)

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

["Dear I accidentally broke into a restaurant.
Gazelle shifter Walren didn't mean to break into a closed restaurant. It just happened. Except all the food is locked away, and he's having trouble feeding himself.
Thing is, he's supposed to be alone. With his baby.
Except there's someone else in here.
Someone that smells like an alpha, and a predator. That someone also smells very, very good.
With his heat approaching, Walren knows he needs to get out of here, and fast. And it all goes smoothly, until he crashes into a solid, muscular chest.
It turns out that the restaurant's owner is a very handsome man. Raptor offers Walren a He'll provide Walren with food and protection, and in exchange, Walren gives Raptor his body, and his next born child.
Walren isn't willing to give up any baby of his. So, all he has to do is not get pregnant.
Sounds easy enough, right?"]

I swear these get more and more unhinged the further we get into the universe. Unhinged but in the most glorious of ways. Fun and insane crack. So much fluff and so much spice. It's a perfect balance of meet-weirds and fated-mates. 

They were perfect for each other, even if they had secrets and doubts. Fate brought them together again and again, but love kept them coming back because they wanted too.

Plus all of the hints to the next two (three!) books in the series. ;)

Trigger Warnings: past domestic violence (plus a dream about domestic violence), ableist language, violence, mentions of past kidnapping, discussion of body parts for sale, brief mention of forced prostitution as a threat, and more.

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

The Bear's Broken Omega (Grizzly Ridge #3)

Here's AJ Cane's "The Bear's Broken Omega." It's the third novel in the Grizzly Ridge series.

["Zander never expected to find his fated mate, let alone be rejected by the broken omega.

Reid has been kidnapped, mated against his will, and forced to use his magic to help capture and imprison other omegas. Then, when his captor is killed, he's stuck grieving for a mate he hated with every part of his soul… and pregnant with his baby.

Bear shifter Zander has his hands full as town sheriff, but his world realigns when he scents his fated mate during a battle with their clan's enemies. Suddenly, all that matters is convincing one skittish warlock to trust him—something that seems impossible.

When demons from Reid's past come calling, Zander will do whatever it takes to protect his mate, even if the little warlock will never accept him as his alpha."]

I wasn't sure how this was going to go, having met Reid in the previous book and seeing his on-the-surface emotions. But underneath? There was sooo much more.

This book was a sloooow burn, which I usually don't love, but we were given lots of little nuggets of vulnerability and fluff so I felt decently sustained. 

Plus all of the previews to future book and the future of this series!!?? We got easily two more couples--and a possible third. I'm sooo flipping excited for all of this!!

Trigger Warnings: mention of previous sexual assault, being held captive, human trafficking, violence, horrible parents, and more.

#grr #gayromancereview #booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#thebearsbraveomega #thewolfswoundedomega #thebearsbrokenomega #grizzlyridge #grizzlyridgeseries #ajcane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

ILY (Deaf Hearts #2)

Here's Cora Rose and EM Lindsey's "ILY." It's the first novel in their new Deaf Hearts series.

["Whoever convinced me that quitting my job as an interpreter to take over my dead aunt’s farm should be covered in honey and left for the ants.

Oh wait…that was me.

I was burnt out and ready for a change, but I didn’t expect what came with it.

An orchard full of fruit I’m allergic to.
A bunch of farm equipment I don’t know how to use.
And a vindictive, vicious groundhog who has made it his life’s mission to drive me to the brink of madness.

But in my quest to find a permanent solution for Michael, I’ve also acquired something else I didn’t expect: a stalker.

I should be more concerned that the man offering to sell me TNT has followed me home, but Thorne is the most gorgeous thing I have ever laid eyes on, and we communicate well.

With our hands in ASL, yeah, but also with our lips, tongues, hips…and other parts of the body.

It’s also increasingly obvious that Thorne is much more than a stalker. With my focus on trying to stop Michael from using his little paws to dig my grave, though, it’s hard to worry about his secrets.

But skeletons never stay buried for long, and when everything comes to light, I can’t help but wonder if Thorne is the best thing that will ever happen to me, or the worst."]

God, I love Leaf. I was obsessed with him, his "muchness", and his..thing with Michael from the previous book. Of course, our crazy and. beautiful Leaf got caught up in an FBI investigation. Granted, he didn't help himself in a few of the situation. But Thorne, sometimes when someone says it's a groundhog, it's a fucking groundhog. Then again, Thorne's paranoia brought these two together (we're NOT giving Michael that win). And these two (not Michael) deserve to be together.

They were sweet and perfect. There was so much kindness and compassion. So much "I'll care for you" and "let me care for you." There was so much trust and mutual insanity. Of course things got a little unhinged for a while (not their fault...though we miiiight have to give Michael that win :| ). But we got through it (they...they got through it).

Trigger Warnings: ableism, ableist language, audism, past deaths from a serial killer, and more.

#thedeafchef #kissfist #ily #pah #emlindsey #corarose #deafhearts #deafhearttsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Ruthless Titan (North Shore Titans #5)

Here's E.V. Olsen's latest series North Short Titans. The fifth novel in this series is "Ruthless Titan."

["I never imagined the ruthless Titan would choose me as his rebellion, or that I’d become his shield.

Hockey was supposed to be my ticket to stability, earning me a scholarship for an education I could never have afforded on my own. Until Connor Walsh, the ruthless star of the Crestwood hockey team and my captain, corners me with an ultimatum that changes everything.

Marry him, or watch my scholarship—and my entire future—disappear.

It's blackmail, pure and simple. A calculated move in whatever twisted game he's playing with his equally ruthless father. And I'm just a pawn he's willing to sacrifice.

Now I'm trapped in their war, shielding the one person who should be my enemy and learning all over again that safety is just another thing people like me don’t get.

I keep telling myself to hold back, that getting close only leads to hurt. But every day I spend with Connor pulls me in a little more.

And falling for my husband is worse than anything the ruthless titan can threaten me with.

Because love—family—well, they never last."]

I've been WAITING for this one for soooooooo long. And the teasers we've been getting haven't helped the need. And when I tell you the wait was worth it? Holy. Shit. I'm constantly thrown by how good these book are, how unique they can be. Fucking beautiful.

I loved these two. They were sooo damanged, but so needy. They wanted a place of their own, they wanted love, but life had proved to them over and over again that wanting these things were painful. There was some hurt/comfort, some miscommunication, some serious jealousy. But their was growth and vulnerability and touch-him-and-die and love confessions.

And that bonus epilogue? The teaser for the next season, for more bratty complicated subs with more savage, over the top alpha-holes??? Yes, please. Sooner rather than later, maybe?

Trigger Warnings: mentions of filicide, parricide, reference to child abuse, MC physically and emotionally abused by parents on page, MC with survivor’s guilt, MC with an SA background, conversation about the SA incident, MC with scars, MC with trauma response, dubcon, drugging, kidnapping, violence, parental death prior to start of the story, classism, forced marriage, blackmail, murder, manipulation, and more.

#booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#savagetitan #brutaltitan #unhingedtitan #forbiddentitan #ruthlesstitan #northshoretitans #northshoretitansseries #evolsen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Moonlit Nights & Northern Lights (Killigrew Street Case Files #2)

Here's TJ Rose's "Moonlit Nights & Northern Lights." It's the first novel in the Killigrew Street Case Files series.

["How to survive fake dating your telepathic arch nemesis during an undercover mission in Scotland:
1. Don't think horrible thoughts about him in case he's listening in. The creep.
2. Ensure Freddy the zombie ferret doesn't bite him. Much.
3. Try not to call him Detective Dickface (unless he really deserves it).
4. Don't let him find out you're catching feelings for him.

Rory
Imagine my surprise when my missing ex-boyfriend's phone pings back to life in the one place I swore I'd never set foot in again: home. Home to the pack I left years ago, where I’d learned I’d never be enough.
I'm probably mad for agreeing to go—after all, the pack gathering I've been invited to is definitely a trap—but even more crazily, I'm being sent with a man who hates my guts. The detective who threw me into a cell during a full moon, condemning me to an agony that I still have nightmares over.
It doesn’t help that he's hotter than hell. Thankfully, he's straight, otherwise the way he looks at me sometimes might put ideas in my head… If I were ever able to forgive him, of course.

Theodore
He's loud. He's infuriating. He thinks it's okay to insult me to my face.
So why have I agreed to partner up with Rory Thorne to investigate missing shifters?
And even worse, why have I agreed to pretend to be his boyfriend?!
Being a telepath means I've always kept the world at arm's length. I don't have time for tiny wolves with chaotic energy and ridiculous hair and eyes that taunt me with their enigmatic colour—an ocean-forest riddle that distracts me more than I care to admit.
Can the two of us pull off our undercover mission? Possibly, if we don't kill each other first...
Or, even worse, kiss."]

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Trigger Warnings: mild gore, main character physically and emotionally abused as a child, poor self-esteem, past mentions of racism experienced by one of the main characters, on page anxiety attacks, PTSD (side character and main character), and more.

#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#bitemarksandbrokenhearts #moonlitnightsandnorthernlights #glitchedfatesandstolenmates #tjrose #killigrewstreetcasefiles #killigrewstreetcasefilesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Lucky Ones (Unpredictable #2)

Here's Felice Steven's latest "The Lucky Ones." It's the second book in her Unpredictable series. 

["I’m never lucky
As a foster kid I bounced from home to home.
My tattoo parlor is my only safe space.
My days are spent making art and my nights are lonely, even when I’m not alone.
Then I meet him.
Bailey Marks.
The man who won’t stop talking and making me laugh. Making me want to see him again and again. But I don’t belong in his suit-and-tie world.

I’m never lucky.
I lost my father, and my so-called mother sees me as a bank account. I spend my time bailing my sister out of trouble, but she’s all I’ve got.
Except my law practice, which is the only thing that’s totally mine.
I tell too many jokes to hide how lonely I am, and I have way too many one-night stands.
I just want someone to love.
Then I meet him.
Keston Harris.
The gorgeous loner who’s closed off his emotions, with walls higher than the Empire State building. One kiss from him, and I’m a goner.

We’re two lonely hearts, unlucky in life and love, failed by people who should’ve been there for us.
What we do know is, the world feels better when we’re together, and life seems easier now that we have each other.

Trust issues? We’ve got a million of them.
Yet we keep turning to each other when life gets tough.
But it’s nothing serious.
Maybe if we say it often enough, we’ll believe it.

And maybe…just maybe, we’ll finally be one of the lucky ones."]

There was SO much hurt/comfort in this thing. Both Bailey and Keston judged and assumed and didn't communicate. There was so much "I really like him" and "but my trauma". There was so much angst and anxiety and me not breathing. 

But they were both so supportive and beautiful and kind when they let it happen. When they finally started being honest and let themselves realize how they feel and what it means, they were perfect together. Their jagged edges matched, their caring sides meshed. 

Trigger Warnings: broken foster care system, parental abandonment, parental death, death of a partner, abuse, many talks about 9/11 survivors and aftermath, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#notthatguy #theluckyones #unpredictable #unpredictableseries #felicestevens #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Mistletoe & Mayhem (Charmed Away Temp Agency)

Here's Amy Padilla's "Mistletoe & Mayhem." It is a series of vignettes in her Charmed Away Temp Agency series. 

["The Charmed Away crew is home for the holidays! This series of vignettes gives you a glimpse into how our favorite couples celebrate the holidays, and the chaos that ensues along the way!"]

I loved this. I loved seeing all of these couples still so happy and still so in love. I was obsessed with seeing them grow and continue to devote their lives to their loves. It was the perfect sprinkling of more plus some holiday magic (and real magic), a perfect diversion from real life. 

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

Fight or Flight (Silvercrest U #3)

Here's the latest from Willow Dixon: "Fight or Flight." It's the third novel in her new series, Silvercrest U.

["Jace

I live my life by two simple I do what I want, and f*ck anyone who gets in my way. I also never back down from a challenge, and Shane is the ultimate challenge.

I mess with him because it’s fun, and because fighting with him is one of the few times I feel anything at all. He’s the only person who’s ever stirred any real interest in me, and after three years as rivals, it’s obvious that he’s not as straight as he thinks he is.

He wants me, he just doesn’t want to want me.

Then we’re forced to work together to steal some blackmail files from a rival frat, and the more time we spend together, the more our fights become our own brand of foreplay. Watching him lose control is the ultimate rush, so is knowing that I’m the only one who gets to see him like that.

Now I don’t just want him, I’ve claimed him, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make him mine."]

All of my TBRs/ARCs at the moment are all enemies-to-lovers. I wasn't sure how I felt about that. But this, these two? Wooow.

I loved how we got to know these two at different paces. Jace was (is) a psychopath, but he had depth and a full-range of emotions; we got to experience them as Shane was getting to know Jace. Shane was harder to understand and see at first, but he had so many walls up after all that trauma; as he let his guard go and let Jace in, we got to know him more through Jace. It was beautiful. 

Plus the relationship and the plot? The feelings and the possessiveness?? Yes and yes. All of the yes.

The first one is still my favorite, but I'm quite partial to the stepbrothers trope. ;)

I can't wait for Xave's book!

Trigger Warnings: fighting, mild cnc, implied dubcon, mild knife play, previous deaths, fire, blackmail, and more.

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

Paint Me Love (Billionaire Temptations #3)

Another day, another ARC. Here's Aria Clark and JF Miev's "Paint Me Love." It's the third novel in their new series, Billionaire Temptations. *advertised as not a rom-com; their love is messier and more chaotic.

["DEREK
Money, status, prestige… I have it all. And next, I’m opening a gallery. It’s just the current fad for billionaires like me.
Until it isn’t, because the man I met on a dating app is one of the artists chosen to paint a mural for the gallery’s grand opening.
He was meant to be a fling, a way for me to pass the time. But the moment I see his mural, I’m done for. It speaks to me, it strips me bare, it touches my soul.
I should’ve never mixed business and pleasure. But it’s too late now. I want that artist and I’m going to do everything in my power to have him, even if he’s not supposed to be mine.

DANIEL
I’m Daniel. Twenty-three. Struggling artist.
At least until the Mystery Guy I met on a dating app convinces me to enter a prestige art competition. Everything changes when I win it and land myself a golden opportunity along with some cash.
But there is a catch—the man who owns the gallery is none other than my online crush… who’s also one of Seattle’s tech billionaires. He and I are not meant to be. I should accept that. Our worlds are way too different, and the worst part is that he’s not single.
This is a disaster waiting to happen. But one glance at the real man hiding under all the pretense is enough to seal my fate, even if I know I’ll regret it."]

Gotta say, right off the bat, before I event started the book, I didn't looooove the fact that both MCs' names started with the letter D. I, like many people, read rather fast and names don't always sink in. Somehow, I made it through. Their personalities and prose were distinct enough that it worked. 

This story was different than JF's other books. It was darker but not a full-on dark romance. It did feel a lot more chaotic, but it still had that feeling of connection and warmth.

Trigger Warnings: some toxic behavior, mid angst, lying, cheating (not between the MCs), morally grey MC, and more.

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

Direct Nailing (Brannon Boys #3)

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

["Rory’s not supposed to hook up with his piercing clients. He’s definitely not supposed to go after his coworker’s dad…

Rory
When an older hottie comes into the tattoo shop asking for a Prince Albert, I can’t help but flirt. I’ve been on the anti-commitment train forever, but I’m always down to hook up. Except, this guy happens to not only be straight and newly divorced but also my coworker/bestie’s…dad. So, avoid at all costs, right?

Wyatt
Getting divorced only made me realize just how few friends I have. And maybe in a pathetic attempt at socialization, I ask my piercer to grab a drink with me after my session. But he makes me laugh, and he’s so animated and full of life that I want to hang out with him more.
Then I start noticing things I shouldn’t…like how those flickers of interest feel an awful lot like attraction. Same with that desire to be around him all the time too. And then the jealousy kicks in, and before I know it, I’m falling for Rory Brannon.
However, even if he was interested in more, there’s one major problem. He’s my daughter’s friend, and that makes him off-limits…no matter how badly I want him."]

I loved this book, this couple. I've loved this whole series and this entire family, but these two were especially cute. 

There was a lot of mutual healing and laughter. There was friendship and trying new things. There was a lot of vulnerability and trust. It was adorable, even if I teared up a few times.

I loved how from their meet-cute, they became instant friends and then instantly more. 

Also, totally forgot how angst-less this series is (how angst-less Katherine is), could have saved myself a little anxiety. 

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

Snow White and the Seven Little Miners (GriMM Tales)

Here's Kit Barrie's "Snow White and the Seven Little Miners." It's a novel the new multi-author series, The GriMM Tales.

["Once upon a time, a beautiful prince met seven little men.

Obsessed with beauty and perfection, The Evil Queen did not anticipate the day that her only son would become fairer than she. Desperate to save himself, Prince Makellos flees into the woods. Luck brings him to the house of seven little men exiled to work in the mines, digging gems for The Queen. Makellos finds that they need him as much as he needs them, and love blossoms in the little hideaway.

But the jealous Queen will stop at nothing to kill the son who has grown to outshine her. Will the seven little men be able to protect the prince they’ve become so fond of, or will evil triumph at last? Will everyone in Falchovari finally get their Happily Ever After?"]

This novel was handled with care and precision. It discussed several little people topics, through the centuries and present, while being patience and kindness. During which the Queen was the Evil Queen and everyone in the series (including this eight men) got their HEAs (all of which we saw, even in passing, in this book). And of course the MC with the biggest heart of all got the biggest HEA of all. 

Quote of the Day: "'I always say, your heart never runs out of space. It just grows bigger to take it all in.'" Sappy but true (and fitting for our dear Snow).

This story was about second chances and first loves and being kind and having courage and choosing happiness and banding together and cottage-core day dreams. It was beautiful and sad, but it was restorative and filled with redemption. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful series. 

Trigger Warnings: fairytale-style deaths, attempted murder (knife and strangulation), poisoning, talk of women and children being killed, famine, non-graphic hunting of animals, emotional abuse by a parent, off-page loss of family and friends, and more.

#snowwhiteandthesevenlittleminers #kitbarrie #thegrimmtales #thegrimmtalesseries  #littleredridinghood #zel #hanselandgerhart #theelvesandtheshoemaker #cinder #thefrogprince #rumpelstilzchen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Play With Me (Love The Game)

Here's Cora Rose's "Play With Me." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Love The Game. 

["Colton Cavanaugh. I can’t stand him. Entitled and smug, he takes whatever he wants—praise, people, things that aren’t his to claim. And the worst part? Everyone still worships him. His impressive footwork on the soccer pitch. That cocky smile. The charm he wears like armor. But I see through it. I know his game on and off the field.

And I refuse to be his next move.

But the more we face off—the tension growing thick between us—the more I start to unravel. A wink, a shove, a smirk from him and I’m buzzing, like a live wire ready to snap. My body reacts to him in a way I’ve never felt before. It’s messy, confusing, and impossible to ignore.

I’m not gay. Never wanted a guy—until Colton.

I just wanted back what he took from me… so why does it feel like I could give him everything?"]

I love books that are instant enemies to lovers. When the chemistry is so high and the attraction is fire. When they’re constantly together but “it’s only sex” until *shocked face* Feelings are there and strong and undeniable.

That was the first 50% of the novel. Then came the drama, which did not disappoint (not that it would with Cora). I was left confused and crying half the time and giggling the other half.

Luckily, karma drop-kicked everyone who deserved it and blessed everyone else. 

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, abusive parents, violence, murder, attempted murder, and more.

#playwithme #corarose #topshelf #fulltilt #theposterboy #barnburner #offsideplay #newrules #puckshots #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

One More Touch (One For All #2)

Here's Maya Jean's "One More Touch." It's the second novel in her new One For All series.

["Parker
Everything is falling into place. My brothers-in-arms and I are taking down bad guys, and I get extra side missions from our benefactor that scratch my constant itch to avenge those who have been wronged. But what I don’t expect is for Mason, Reid’s older brother, to throw a massive wrench in one of my missions. He’s there, he’s everywhere, and I don’t know what it means when my heart thumps dangerously at the sight of him. I want to keep Mason safe, even if it means I take the fall for his crimes. 

Mason
I’m not going to ever let anyone hurt Reid, not again, not after the death of our parents. Does that mean I have to commit a crime that sends my anxiety spiraling in a way it never has before? Absolutely. But when my crime derails not just my life, but Parker’s, and the other boys’, nothing is as easy as it seems. Parker is going to protect me at all costs, and suddenly I’m willing to do the same. We might all go down, but we’ll go down together, even as we begin to unravel the secret that is their mysterious benefactor, Robin. "]

This story was fabulous. Just as glorious and unhinged and not-what-it-seems hot-mess of a good time that the first novel was. And the third novel? It's credibility and mental health is rapidly decreasing as we speak (even though it's not even finished yet).

These two were adorable. We all knew they were obsessed with each other, going to eventually make it to a HEA. The timeline of that in this novel was adorable. Side-line looks and secret feelings suddenly shift into full-on-love and perfection. They helped each other love, heal, and grow...as other things descended into madness. 

Trigger Warnings:  murder, blood, gun violence, mentions of sex trafficking, mentions of bad guys being sexual predators to underage women, obsessive compulsive disorder that severely limits a characters life, anxiety spiral due to being triggered, obsessive cleaning, spiraling thoughts, fear of germs and being touched (contamination fear), childhood cancer and mentions of past treatments and hospitalizations, arrest of a major character, injury to a major character, past parental death, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#callitdesire #onemoretouch #oneforall #mayajean #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Christmas Mafia Prince (Murder and Mistletoe #4)

And the Christmas ARCs have started!!! Here's K.A. Merikan's "Christmas Mafia Prince." It's the fourth book in their Murder and Mistletoe series.

["Christmas break in Aspen. Married to a mafia hitman who hunts people for sport.

Damen
All I want is to join my family for their annual Christmas hunt. But no, because that’s apparently only for married men. Like I need a ring on my finger to shoot a man in the back.
Oh, yes, the tradition is hunting people. We keep some enemies alive and let them think they can escape. It’s just a bit of festive fun, really, so it infuriates me that I, their best hitman, can't take part.
If my homophobic father thinks I’ll marry a woman to qualify, he’s delusional. This year, I’m coming home with a husband. And the perfect disaster of a man literally falls into my lap.
Green hair, tattoos, piercings, ripped jeans, and kohl-rimmed eyes. He’s loud, drinks too much, and has no manners.
My father will hate him.

Killian
My type? Hot, toxic, and guaranteed to ruin my life. I’ve been cheated on, stalked, blackmailed, and I am so done. When my latest ex corners me at a bar with his signature mix of lies and threats, I ask a hot guy in a sharp suit to pretend he’s my boyfriend.
He agrees, but asks me to be his fake husband at his family Christmas in return.
Free booze, a vacation in Aspen, and drama? Where do I sign up?
Only it turns out he’s a mafioso, his family hunts people for sport, and if I don’t play my cards right, I might end up on their trophy wall.
To survive the holidays, I just need to make sure I don’t fall for my rich, gorgeous, and psycho fake husband. Easy-peasy.
Have I mentioned he’s a millionaire, speaks French and f*cks like a demon?"]

This story was literally so perfect. It was beautifully multilayered. There was love at first sight, fated love, match made in hell, found family. There was a delicious mix of devotion and control, of defiance and submission. There was secrets and spice. There was mystery. There was Cinderella meets mafia. 

It was glorious. You need to read this!

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, and more.

#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#alliwantforchristmasisrevenge #hohohomocidalmaniac #festivefugitive #christmasmafiaprince #murderandmistletoe #murderandmistletoeseries #kamerikan #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology: Volume 8

Here's the latest volume (eighth) of the Heart2Heart Charity Anthology (who's proceeds "will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!").

["Once upon a time, a bunch of authors wondered… could Heart2Heart, the dating and community app trusted by queer singles around the world, help find the perfect temporary Plus One?

Whether it’s to protect your ‘assets’ at a fundraising gala, attend an ex’s wedding, share a tantric yoga class, walk the dog, or stand by your side at a funeral, sometimes you just need the right person at the right time, and H2H is here to help make it happen.

As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!"]

I haven't read the entirity of either anthology, instead choosing to focus on the authors I've read in the past; when I have time (ha!), I hope to go back and read the rest of the short stories from these anthologies! I read 90% of this book, including: "Date with the Dogcle," "Mistakenly Yours," "The Hazard and The Hitman," "Light Me Up," "To Break the Ice," "Scoring a Sweet Thing," and "Telling the Bees."

Favorite Story:

Favorite Relationship:

I Want More Of:

Notable Mentions: 

#heart2heart #heart2heartanthology  #heart2heartacharityanthology #heart2heartacharityanthologyvolumeseight #volumeeight #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Chasing After You (Twisted Desires #3)

I was (I really was) going to work on a few ARCs and/or TBRs...but then I saw this book (the first one) was on a Pillow Princess mm list and...well...here we are. This is E. Baileu's "Chasing After You." It's the third novel in their Twisted Desires series.

["Josh Antley vanished the night everything went wrong.

At eighteen, with blood on his hands and a promise to never return, he ran from the Halbrooke estate, leaving behind the life he’d built with his adoptive family.

Dorian Halbrooke has never stopped looking for him.

Dorian’s life changed the day Josh was brought into his cold, curated world. He was the only warmth Dorian ever knew. His protector. His person. Eight years after the worst night of his life, Dorian is no longer the fragile child Josh left behind. He’s grown, relentless, and willing to burn down the world to find the only man who’s ever dared to run from him.

And this time, he has no plans on ever letting him go."]

This was was advertised as "less dark" than the other two. And in most ways, it was. There was less non-con and less unethical/illegal activities that were supposed to be romantic. But it wasn't a rom-com. It was still filled with triggers and kinks and slightly unhinged behavior. 

They were both so cute. Looking at the prologue, you wouldn't necessarily see Dorian as he is today. But he was always a good mimic and great at letting people perceive him as they needed to. Knowing they both did so much, sacrificed so much, longed so much for each other. Knowing they thought about each other constantly. Knowing that all of the pain and lies and suffering would eventually lead to a HEA.

Trigger Warnings: child neglect, abuse, and maltreatment of MCs by parental figures; homophobic comments and actions direction at MCs by parental figures; depictions and discussion of how American child welfare system sucks and the unethical adoption of an MC leading to forced labor; stalking of MC by another MC; drugging of MC by another MC; dubcon and one noncon scene; arson; depictions of anxiety, panic attacks, and self-esteem issues; and more.

#underyourcare #yourstobreak #chasingafteryou #atyourmercy #ebaileu #twisteddesires #twisteddesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Yours to Break (Twisted Desires #2)

I was (I really was) going to work on a few ARCs and/or TBRs...but then I saw this book (the first one) was on a Pillow Princess mm list and...well...here we are. This is E. Baileu's "Yours to Break." It's the second novel in their Twisted Desires series.

["Oliver Lucchetti never expected to be managing his grandmother’s antique store—alone—at age 23. He finds solace in his quiet life. Coffee shop visits and sleepovers with his best friend are the most exciting activities of his week. When his peaceful routine is upended by the Cohen brothers, he resents them, wanting nothing to do with them. By the time he realizes that Hayes and Hudson are much more dangerous than he thought, it may be too late to escape with his mind intact.

Hayes and Hudson Cohen have always shared everything—secrets, sins, and the thrill of control. The moment they see Oliver, they can’t resist the temptation to break him. As they weave an intricate web of seduction, deceit, and terror, Oliver finds himself trapped in a nightmare of desire turned deadly."]

The moment I realized the next book in this series (this book) was going to be Oliver and the--psychic--twins. I was giddy. Who doesn't love that level of dark romance?

I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did. It was as hectic and chaotic and borderline insane (no, just regular insane) as I expected. But there were a lot of softer sides and sweeter moments than I had expected. 

Trigger Warnings: dubcon and noncon; transphobic comments and actions aimed towards a transgender MC; homophobic comments; discussion of parents abandoning a MC as a minor; discussion of the past death of a MC's loved on; discussion of sexual abuse of a SC; discussion of mental disorders PTSD, borderline personality, psychopathology, depression; physical assault of a SC resulting in injuries, drugging of a MC; kidnapping and confinement of a MC; graphic violence resulting in the deaths of SCs; non consensual kinks; unhealthy power dynamics; stalking and harassment; breif mention of suicidal ideation; MC being held at gunpoint; mindbreak HEA; and more.

#underyourcare #yourstobreak #chasingafteryou #atyourmercy #ebaileu #twisteddesires #twisteddesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Under Your Care (Twisted Desires #1)

I was (I really was) going to work on a few ARCs and/or TBRs...but then I saw this book (the first one) was on a Pillow Princess mm list and...well...here we are. This is E. Baileu's "Under Your Care." It's the first novel in their Twisted Desires series.

["Lane Bennett has struggled for years due to his childhood trauma. He's tired of feeling broken beyond repair. When Lane's mother begs him to go back to therapy, he doesn't have high hopes. Therapy has never worked for him before, that is until he meets Dr. Cohen.

Greyson Cohen spends his days listening to the mundane issues of his patients. While it's a monotonous life, he doesn't realize something's missing in it until he sets his sights on his new patient, Lane.

Lane refuses to act on his attraction towards his new therapist, excusing their increasingly inappropriate interactions as Dr. Cohen's unique style of therapy. Lane is more than happy to ignore the red flags if it means feeling the affection he so desperately craves."]

This book was glorious. It wasn't ethical by any means, but they worked. It was love at first site and instant connection and my jagged edges match yours. It was strangely all very adorable (minus the drugging and murder and murder twins (no, they don't know the Mulvaney family)).

Quote of the Day (Lane): "Why was this kidnapping so wholesome?"

I don't thiiiiink I'll like the twin's book as much as this one, but there's only one way to find out. ;)

Trigger Warnings: power imbalance; unethical practices with client; discussion of sexual abuse of a MC as a minor; discussion of mental disorders/conditions including PTSD, borderline personality disorder, dark empathy, psychopathology; attempted SA on a MC; physical assault of a MC resulting in injuries; dub con; drugging of a MC; kidnapping and confinement of a SC and MC; graphic violence; death; brif mention of sex trafficking; discussion of intimacy issues; unhealthy kink usage; brief mention of suicidal ideation; and more.

#underyourcare #yourstobreak #chasingafteryou #atyourmercy #ebaileu #twisteddesires #twisteddesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Addicted to His Scent

Temporarily caught up with ARCs should be catching up on TBRs nooot reading a book I saw on a targeted-add today... Anywho, here's Lyra Moreau's "Addicted to His Scent."

["Adrain, an Omega who accidentally stumbled into the real world, had endured two days and nights of gnawing hunger and sleepless torment—until the familiar, scorching heat of his rut hit without warning. In this strange realm where "suppressants" were unheard of, he clung to his last shred of strength, forced to beg a total stranger to help him survive this potentially fatal rut.

Marcus, a billionaire who plotted every move with cold calculation, saw the world only through the lens of profit and gain. To him, the disheveled Adrain was nothing but a spy sent by his father—cheap, frivolous, and utterly shameless. When Adrain, trembling, told him he was pregnant, Marcus dismissed it as a absurd lie, convinced Adrain would fabricate anything to cling to him. With a ruthless, icy rejection, he crushed Adrain’s last glimmer of hope, sending him plummeting into the abyss of despair.

Yet all his carefully crafted calm shattered the moment he caught sight of Adrain under another man. In that instant, Marcus could no longer hide behind his mask of indifference—every pretense dissolved, and the raw, unbridled longing he’d denied for so long finally broke free."]

This book was a rollercoaster. It was all over the place for a whole, then consistent, then a little chaotic again. Some things were over dramatic and some things weren’t as fleshed out as they could have been.

BUT these two were adorable. Their story was hard, their HEA harder. But it was beautiful. Redemption and trust and fate and love and destiny. Fighting of love and realizing you’re wrong and trying again. It was a little rough but it was adorable.

#addictedtohisscent #lyramoreau #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks