The Alpha and His King (Kincaid Pack #1)

Here's Kiki Clark's "The Alpha and His King." It's the first novel for her Kincaid Pack series.

["When Kai flies out of a shed, swinging a rake, Rick’s life flips upside down.

As alpha, Rick’s dedication to his pack has never wavered—until Kai. The pull he feels toward the younger man is more than a simple distraction, but Rick won’t let himself lose focus. Not while a hidden enemy is drawing near.

Moving in with the grumpy alpha who saved him is a big change for Kai, and it isn’t long before he begins to ache for something he can’t have. As a half-human shifter responsible for his three younger siblings, he knows he can never be Rick’s mate.

Pushing aside their doubts and insecurities, they grow closer. But when the pack’s enemies strike, bringing their fears to fruition, Rick and Kai have to decide if they’re willing to risk it all to be together."]

Talk about hurt comfort. And a fucking slow burn. But this slow burn was beautifully done. We were given bits and pieces of fluff and trust all the while getting perfectly placed hints of future conversations and points of romantic plot. 

Did I want them to get together sooner? Of course. Did I want there to be more communication? Obviously. Did I except them to make me cry that much? Hell. No. 

There was just enough plot solved to make us feel (temporally) satisfied, but there was still so much left I finished, forcing you to read more. 

Kiki literally ended the book with a “Dun dun dunnnn.” I’m not sure if I’m impressed or upset. Then again, that plot twist did deserve a “ Dun dun dunnnn.”

Trigger warnings: physically and mentally neglected and abused as children, domestic violence, off-page parental death, and more.

#anewpackfornewyear #thealphaandhisking #thesecondandhisbonded #thedeputyandhisenforcer #hishunterandhismates #theenforcerandhisheart #thewitchandhisdoctor #themobstersmate #kincaidpack #kincaidpackseries #kikiclark #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

A New Pack for New Year (Kincaid Pack #0.5)

Here's Kiki Clark's "A New Pack for New Year." It's the prequel novella for her Kincaid Pack series.

["Injured and terrified, Victor runs for his life and right into the arms of the last person he expected to find: his true mate.

Living in a pack who viewed imperfections as weaknesses that needed to be eliminated, Victor is lucky to escape alive. He’s heard of the Kincaid Pack’s strong but fair alpha, but he has trouble truly believing he won’t be targeted once more if his shameful secret is discovered.

When Cole meets a young man with fear in his eyes and pain in his scent, he recognizes him as his mate on sight. His excitement is short-lived, however, when they find out Victor’s life is still in danger from what his old pack did to him.

After a lifetime of being abandoned by others, Victor has an important decision to make: Will he choose to trust the mate fate gave him?
Or will he run again?"]

This book was fabulous! It had the utter perfection of instant-feels of that fate mates that I looove in paranormal romances. It was romantic and utterly adorable. It shocked both of them, but it brought both of them sooo much comfort and safety. 

Though, the epilogue insinuates that safety isn't exactly on the top of things in this series, as if officially starts in the next installment. That's okay, that's why we have fated mates and found family. 

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

#anewpackfornewyear #thealphaandhisking #thesecondandhisbonded #thedeputyandhisenforcer #hishunterandhismates #theenforcerandhisheart #thewitchandhisdoctor #themobstersmate #kincaidpack #kincaidpackseries #kikiclark #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Boyfriend Without Benefits (The Jilted Exes' Club #3)

Here's Riley Hart's latest novel "Boyfriend Without Benefits." It's the second in Riley's new series, The Jilted Exes' Club.

["Anthony
I’m the last single member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, and I have no plans to change that.
I’m fulfilled with my work at the club, dance classes, yoga, and the Exes. Plus, I’ve been extremely preoccupied with one Kason Maddox, the LA Rebels’ goalie. Let’s just say that since we’ve become friends, my eyes might drift in his general direction a little too much. But it’s only looking. And looking never harmed anyone…
Eventually, our texting sessions lead to dinners out and ending our nights watching our favorite shows. But when the paparazzi catch sight of us and the photos go viral, I suddenly find out I’ve had a boyfriend and didn’t know—a boyfriend without the benefits. And I’m thinking we should reconsider the benefits in this relationship if we are going to be in one.

Kason
So…I thought we were dating. Turns out, the guy I was dating had no idea that’s what we were doing. Friend-zoned without even knowing it. Cool. The equivalent of taking a puck to the face.
But due to an innocent little photo or two, now everyone thinks we’re together, so we have three
1- Stop hanging out to silence the rumors.
2- Hang out as friends and ignore the gossip blogs.
3- Start dating—and both of us are aware of said dating this time.
I know which one I’m rooting for. And if I have to use a little dirty talk and some praise to shift things in my favor, I’m game."]

To be honest, if anyone were to fall into this not-used-as-often-as-it-should-be-trope, it would be these two. Having read them dating/not-dating, I can see where the confusion started. They were super flirty and friendly and fun and feisty with each other. There was cuddles and accidental sleepovers and cheek kisses (and *swoon* forehead kisses). Ant didn't want his growing feelings to make Kason feel bad or regret their friendship; Kason didn't want to pressure Ant into anything too fast. 

Then again, their feelings were growing and growing, and it was more and more obvious as time went on that they were dating (even if Ant didn't completely catch on).

And when they caught on? The chemistry exploded, feelings grew so fast. It was hard to ignore (though Ant tried his best).

This relationship was all about trust and comfort and kindness and support. It was adorable and uplifting and utterly perfect for both of them.

A great ending for a great series!

Trigger warnings: parental death, parental neglect, minor (past) bullying, paparazzi being paparazzi, feelings of self-doubt, panic attacks, and more. 

#goodpuckingluck #themarriagepolicy #boyfriendwithoutbenefits #thejiltedexesclub #thejiltedexesclubseries #rileyhart #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Obsession

Who doesn't need some spooky (and book throwing) in your life? Here's Natasha Preston's "The Obsession." 

["Are you really home alone?

Sixteen-year-old Connie has been dragged into the world of vlogging - her mum Lou's vlog is hugely popular, enough to bring in money for a new house, expensive lifestyle . . . and a lot of criticism.

While Lou and Connie's older sister Isla are touring colleges, Connie stays home alone, where she becomes increasingly paranoid about comments on the vlog. Plus someone is turning up at her school and following her on her way home.

Then Connie's best friend is attacked - the third teenage girl attacked in five weeks - and suspicion turns to Connie. Connie doesn't know who she can trust any more and goes on the run. But will the killer - whoever they are - catch up with her?"]

Let's just start off our review with the dedication itself. "For everyone whose guilty pleasure is spending far too much time watching YouTube videos when you should be productive. I publish books every year while doing this. Carry on, you're fine." Books. BookS. I feel less bad about my constant doomscrolling.

I thought I knew who it was...and then that person was killed a few pages later. And then I had a few other ideas, but they were all rolled out. There was the briefest of moments when I suspected the culprate, but it just...at the time it didn't...I have a headache. The person I did suspect...didn't help their case at the end there.

Speaking of the end. I just...I...I knooooow Natasha is infamous for her last-page/last-moment plot twists, but I wasn't at all prepared for that this twist was. Not at all. It...my heart is still beating fast. I flipped back and forth so many times just to double-check that there wasn't anything I was missing.

This wasn't my favvvvorite of Natasha's but it was still excellent. One of the things I love about YA thrillers/mysteries is that the constant moodiness and angst of teens enhances the drama and trust (or lack there of) in the plot. It's annoying, but it's real. 

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

Bruised (Wrecked & Wrong #1)

Here's Ally Avery's "Bruised." It's the first novel in her newest series, Wrecked & Wrong.

["I thought this summer would be all lazy mornings, late-night gaming, and zero drama at my best friend’s house.
Then his ex-con big brother comes home on parole.
I’m told to stay away from him.
I’m told he’s dangerous.
That he’ll only bring me pain.
I like a little danger in my life, though. I like a little pain, too, and from the moment he lays eyes on me, it’s clear he’ll give me both.
Maybe everyone is right about him.
Maybe his heart is as black as his fists are bloody.
But I don’t know if I can stay away. And I don’t know if he’ll let me."]

My. Fucking. Goddddd. 

This book was fabulous. It was just the right amount of wicked without being a full-blown dark romance. It was dirty and spicy and forbidden and secrets galore. But it was also cute nicknames and sneaky fluff and after-fun cuddles and quick kisses. 

Did they communicate? Nope. Did I cry? Yup. 

It was glorious. All instant chemistry and mutual lust and making needs. It was fate blowing in on a summer storm. I'm obsessed (then again, Ally Avery is good at that).

Trigger Warnings: mild dub-con, mentions of past assault, discussions of absent step-parent, and more. 

#bruised #wreckedandwrong #wreckedandwrongseries #allyavery #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Snowy Skies and Puppy Eyes (Back to Belleville #2)

Here's Fae Quin's "Snowy Skies and Puppy Eyes." It's the second novel in her Back to Belleville series.

["One secret Santa. Two lonely hearts. And a Christmas spent tearing down walls to let love in.

Jason Harker: I’ll admit it—I can be a little nosy. When you live alone in a town as small and close-knit as Belleville, other people’s stories have a way of filling the quiet. So when I find newcomer, Joe Milton, in the alley behind my store, cradling a bird like it might break his heart to let go, I make it my mission to befriend the enigmatic man. Only problem? Now the whole town thinks I’ve got a thing for Joe. Me? With a crush? On a man? No. That’s… definitely not happening. Probably. Maybe. But the more I try to prove to everyone that Joe and I are just friends, the more this surly, adorable man starts feeling like the best Christmas present I never asked for.

Joe Milton: Moving to a new town to start an apple farm? Ambitious. Trying to renovate a crumbling house by myself before my family arrives for Christmas? Possibly delusional. And just when I’m about to lose all hope and sanity, a secret Santa steps in to save me. But it’s his so-called elf helper who really catches me off guard. Jason Harker is kind, charming, and makes my heart race faster than my impending renovation deadline. This new friendship and the swirl of confusing feelings make me wonder if this Christmas might mend more than just this old house."]

Trigger Warnings: familial discord, parental neglect (past during childhood), and more.

#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#snowyskiesandpuppyeyes #cloudywithachanceofbaddecisions #backtobelleville #backtobellevilleseries #faequin #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Possession (Leather & Chrome #4)

Here's Kiki Clark's Leather & Chrome series. The fourth and final novel is "Possession."

["Being the boss has left no room for things like love and family in Tomas’s life. He tells himself he doesn’t mind, that the work he and his MC do is more important than his cold bed at night.

He almost has himself convinced.

But as tensions heat up between the MC and the community, a pair of boys in need of affection and a firm hand disrupt his orderly days and leave him aching to possess them at night.

Mason is sweetness and obedience, his dark eyes begging for things Tomas has only fantasized about. But Vinnie’s submission is wrapped in a hard outer shell he’ll need to carefully crack open to uncover the good boy underneath.

It isn’t just Tomas’s heart on the line—it’s the legacy of the Devil’s Hands.

And he’s not willing to trade one for the other.

His boys are everything he’s ever wanted, and the club’s work is something he’s not willing to sacrifice to appease hateful bystanders.

It’s time for a reminder of just who the hell they’re dealing with."]

This book was all about the hurt/comfort. Between Mason and Vinnie, which made sense and it was about time (after everything), but it still hurt to read. They were both so scared and hurt that they were pushing each other away. Good thing Tomas had plenty of experience dealing with rowdy men and sassy boys.

They worked well together, all three of them. They meshed all of together as well as three separate couples. They brought the best out of each other, the bravest out in each other. They made each other happier, which at the end of the day, is what really counts.  

I canNOT wait for more of these books!

Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, aftermath of violence, homophobia, parental death, wrongful arrest, police intimidation, and more.

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

The Silent Night Stalker (the Naughty List)

Here's Courtney W Dixon "The Silent Night Stalker." It's part of the multi-author series The Naughty List.

["There’s a serial killer in our midst.

They call him ‘The Silent-Night Stalker.’ Every Christmas Eve, he chooses one person to kill. He leaves behind no trace of himself, so the cops have no leads.

And now he’s chosen me.

It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m the serial killer’s next target. While I grieve the loss of my best friend, the Stalker breaks into my home and tries to kill me. He thinks he can subdue me... however, he’s not the only criminal under this roof.

But this man isn’t who I expect him to be. He’s no hardened killer. He’s definitely unhinged, but he’s also meek and desperate to be controlled. How does someone like him become a killer? And what does it make me when I understand him and give in to him, dominating him in ways he’s never experienced?"]

Oh, Constantine. He deserved soooo much and got so little from his life. He was sweet and caring and just wanted people to be happy and pain-free. Even if his...methods...weren't so legal.

At least he had Enzo. Who also deserved soooo much but was also burned by so many. He wanted to be happy and make art and live life his way. 

Together, they made quite an unorthidox pair. Who made each other feel so incredibly seen and loved. They made each other's lives brighter and fuller. They gave each other the best of Christmas presents and the best of HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: graphic on-page child abuse, murder, serial killing, anxiety and panic attacks, abuse, betrayal, holiday depression, drugging victims, stalking, PTSD flashbacks, religious themes, and more.

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

Owned (Leather & Chrome)

Here's Kiki Clark's Leather & Chrome series. "Owned" is found through Kiki's website and the novella is download-able via #BookFunnel.

["Dive into the fun and sexy world of Kiki Clark's Leather & Chrome series! ​

When the executive chef where Tony works has one meltdown too many, he decides to take matters—and the tiny terror's gorgeous ass—into his own hands. ​

​​This spicy short story includes a sub in desperate need of a firm hand, a Dom more than willing to give him one, figging during a spanking, bondage with light Shibari, and a motorcycle club that always shows up for one another"]

This story was short and sweet (and spicy).

It featured Tony (one of the boys we met in the beginning of the series, all grown up and patching into the MC himself) and Roman (a kind buy sassy short king who's desperately looking for a place of his own). Together, they made waves and found their own happily ever after.

Trigger Warnings: witnessing aftermath of domestic violence as a child involving his mom, sc with unlabeled alcoholism, loss of a parent when younger, and more.

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

Yearning (Leather & Chrome #3)

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 third novel is "Yearning."

["Ride hard. Love harder. Yearn for more.

Houston has a secret. One he hasn’t even shared with his motorcycle club. One that involves rope and dominance and pretty little subs kneeling at his feet.

And he’s fine with that. Prefers it, really. It keeps his life nice and orderly.

But the night Kenneth dropped into his life changed everything. Entranced, he watched the sweet nurse stitch up one of his brothers—and then slip away. Even after he’s gone, his shy eyes full of desperate yearning continue to haunt him.

Houston has an idea of what the boy needs. And he thinks he’s just the Dom to give it to him.

Besides, what good is a carefully compartmentalized life when he could have Kenneth instead?"]

All of these books are uplifting and supportive as fuck, but there's something about this one that's just more so. It's so many kind words and caring actions and moments of softness that's so healing. Kenneth needs to hear so much of it, but it also heals Houston, saying those things to his man (and hearing them back).

But I do love how easy and fast all of these couples fall in love. It has that air of fate to it that's just beautiful. Kenneth and Houston were love at first sight, even if it took them both some miscommunication tropes and feelings of inadequacy to get to the falling-in-love-in-one-night moment (which was swoon worthy).

Not sure how I feel about the hints of Knuckles and Zachary, but we have to wait for that one (according to Kiki's website, Knuckles's HEA (along with Viper's and Marv's) are works in progress). Up next: Tomas (who, just remember, much like Six, asked for it ;) ).

Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, discussion of death of a child while on shift at the hospital, violence, past emotionally abusive/manipulative relationship, and more.

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

Temptation (Leather & Chrome #2)

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 second novel is "Temptation."

["Ride hard. Love harder. Give in to temptation.

Living a hard life has turned Six into a hard man. One who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to keep his club, or those they protect, safe.

He’s ready for more though. More than one night with hookups who don’t see anything other than his club patch. He’s ready to use his hands to caress and discipline a boy of his own. But the night he meets Ollie, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to have him, even if it’s only for a single night.

Nothing goes to plan and the boy ends up under his protection. Untouchable.

Tempting.

And if he thought Ollie was gorgeous in his tight jeans, he’s absolutely breathtaking in his skirts.

Six has to have him.

He may never be good enough for a boy as dazzlingly perfect as Ollie, but he’ll never let him go. He’s the only one who can give him exactly what he needs.

A home."]

Oh Six, you did ask for it. 

Ollie and Six were perfect for each other, even if their real-life HEA wasn't exactly how they had envisioned it, even if it wasn't entirely "perfect." They matched each other's crazies, kept each other on their toes. They helped each other grow and become better, stronger, happier people. 

They also continued to grow the found family they have at the MC. More friends, more besties, more brothers, more future HEA.

Trigger Warnings: violence, domestic violence, and more.

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

Murder Under the Mistletoe (the Naughty List)

Here's RS McKenzie and Lee McCormick's "Murder Under the Mistletoe." It's part of the multi-author series The Naughty List.

["Streeter
A jackass and a twink walk into a general store. Which one pisses off the psychopath? Which one brings out my true nature?
When I moved to Devil’s Point, I wanted to leave my old life behind, become someone new. But it seems like my old life isn’t done with me yet. A customer dances on my last nerve and a song I despise pushes me over the edge. I’m out for blood. Their blood. What I get in return is so much more. I sate my bloodlust, and get a hummingbird for my troubles.

Remington
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little infatuated with someone when they save your life, right? Never mind that Streeter saved me by killing a room full of people. I’m willing to ignore that he’s a psychopath.
Especially since it feels so good when he touches me. When—for the first time in my life—I feel like someone actually sees me. I’m just not sure if he sees me as something temporary to keep him warm, or if he wants to keep me after the snowstorm ends."]

This book was quick and messy and dangerous and sweet as fuck. It was one nightmare after another after another, holding onto hope that you'll survive, only to fall in love on the way. It was awesome.

Dark and twisty and sassy and fluffy. Lots of possession, lots of marking, lots of dirty talk and declarations (naughty and nice ones).

Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, emotional and physical abuse, attempted sexual assault, self-deprecating thoughts/self-worth issues, on-page anxiety attacks, violence, maiming, stabby stabbing, hiding bodies, and more.

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