Oracles Always Win (Willow Lake Supernaturals #3)

Here's "Oracles Always Win" by Lori Ames. It's the third novel in her Willow Lake Supernaturals series. 

["Jake believes he is absolutely and completely ordinary… But what if he isn’t?

Jake is absolutely, completely ordinary, even if he has a weird painting affliction. Painting is relaxing, right? It helps. It’s a form of art therapy. Even if his is the sub-conscious kind of painting. The middle-of-the-night, paint-while-you-sleep kind. The kind that makes him puke every single time it happens.

Okay. So, maybe that’s not exactly normal.

But when the sexy but imaginary guy with horns, who his weird painterly alter-ego has been fixated on for the last year, suddenly shows up in town with horns and all, Jake doesn’t know what to think. Especially when the not-so-imaginary guy claims he’s a demon and that Jake’s an oracle of all things. That’s when Jake begins to suspect his life is never going to be the same again.

After all, he mentioned the horns, right?"]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["MM Paranormal Romance with Fated Mates! A demon in search of a home, an oracle unknowingly in need of a tether, the talking cat is a messy eater, oracles know things, oracles shouldn’t paint in public in only their underwear, the wolves in the hills are still jerks, a formerly human guy keeps asking crazy questions, who knew horns and wings could be sexy, and… just how many supernatural beings will be drawn to this one little town?"]

Two tortured souls with people watching over them, waiting for them to snap. Of course they fall in love.

These two not only brought two found families together, they united (reunited) the town, they brought more hope back into a growing-hopeless landscape, they brought love and magic into the air.

They fell in love quickly, as all the other couples did. Mother Magic didn't tease them too hard, blessed them with a HEA. This book had the same general make-up and formula as the rest of the series, but so far, nothing has felt generic or formulaic or repetitive. It's all been very unique and beautiful. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, bombing of a character's home, injuries, vomit, patricide prior to start of book, threats or murder, mention of trafficking of supernatural people (not MCs), concerns about mental health, and more.

#ravensneverfall #hellhoundsneverlie #wolvesalwaysbite #oraclesalwayswin #catsneverfly #alphasneverhide #loriames #willowlakesupernaturals #willowlakesupernaturalsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Wolves Always Bite (Willow Lake Supernaturals #2)

Here's "Wolves Always Bite" by Lori Ames. It's the second novel in her Willow Lake Supernaturals series. 

["What’s a simple human to do when he discovers supernatural beings are real?
Ask many, many, many questions and take lots of notes, of course.

Jeremy had always wanted to befriend mythical creatures, play with forbidden magic, and meet his fated mate. Okay, okay. He knew the difference between fiction and real life, he was an author after all… Or he would be if he ever got to The End on one of his stories. So, he knew his desire to live inside a fantasy romance novel was a touch unrealistic but where was the joy in living a life that was boring and predictable and overwhelmingly blah?

At least that’s what he thought until a hot AF werewolf saved him from his freaky boss and turned his whole life upside down. And his boss? She wasn’t the weird old lady he thought she was, but how could he have guessed she was a grumpy goblin with a reputation for selling black-market magical artifacts? Now, Jeremy is determined to know everything about the supernatural world and Adrian, his swoon-worthy werewolf hero, is willing to answer all his questions, even when they make the big guy blush.

But when his former goblin boss kidnaps his cat to convince Jeremy to return the items she thinks he stole, things get serious fast. Now in between plotting his next MM romance and seducing the beautiful werewolf (and not just for research purposes), he needs to stage a cat rescue. Life is definitely not boring now."]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["Jeremy has sooo many questions, Adrian tries to answer them even when they make him blush, no cats were hurt in the writing of this book, his best friend is a lying liar who lies, his book bag is his weapon of choice, don't touch the demon's dimples, supernaturals have magical everything, small towns aren't so bad especially when they are full of supes"]

I was a fan of Jeremy from Ash's book, through their text messages. But I turned into a FAN within a couple chapters on his own book. His stream of consciousness and randomness and kindness were genuine and hilarious and beautiful. Adrian handled all of Jeremy with grace, admiration, and fondness. They were perfect for each other.

Plus a whole new band of misfits and found family for more HEAs!?!?

Trigger Warnings: violence, car accident caused by bad guys, magical bomb, trafficking of supernatural people (not MCs), abduction of pet, threats to safety of family and pets, threats of murder, violent death of parents prior to start of book, and more.

#ravensneverfall #hellhoundsneverlie #wolvesalwaysbite #oraclesalwayswin #catsneverfly #alphasneverhide #loriames #willowlakesupernaturals #willowlakesupernaturalsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

All An Act

Here's "All An Act" by Leslie McAdam.

["Lachlan Doyle’s biggest problem seems to be which girl to invite to prom. Everyone thinks the golden boy of Royce High, captain of the football team and senior class president, has a charmed life.

Everyone except me.

To me, he’s the sad-eyed boy next door. All my life, I’ve overheard what goes on at his house and wished I could save him from it. I know that underneath Lachlan’s smiling, flirty exterior is a very broken human being.

One who has to fake interest in cheerleaders and so desperately wants to escape his horrible home life that he auditions for the school play just to be out of the house in the offseason. He’d rather spend hours rehearsing with the weird drama kids than deal with his family.

Except Lachlan didn’t know when he accepted the lead role that he’d have to kiss a guy—me—in front of the entire audience. And he didn’t know that I’ve had a crush on him forever. Although he might be suspicious, given what we get up to when no one else is around.

Regardless, there’s no chance we’d ever be together for real. The only time the popular jock and the emo goth make sense as a couple is when we’re both acting like someone else."]

TO BE UPDATED SOON

#arc #advancedreadercopy #arcteammember
#allanact #lesliemcadam #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

April's Book Shape Challenge 2026

2026 Book Shape Challenges... Last year, I went with an animal-theme. This year, I'm thinking zodiac constellations (which is less--and yet more--of a challenge (we'll see how it goes)).

Here's March's Book Shape Challenge! Ares!!

#reading #readingchallenge #readingdare #bookdare #bookchallenge #alphabetchallenge #beatthebacklog #monthlythemes #monthlychallenge #bookshape #bookshapechallenges #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Ravens Never Fall (Willow Lake Supernaturals #0.5)

Here's "Ravens Never Fall" by Lori Ames. It's the prequel novel in her Willow Lake Supernaturals series. 

["Oak thought he’d finally found a place to belong, but he didn’t find home until he met Mercer…

Mercer

I’ve always wanted to leave Willow Lake, but since my parents got sick and need my help to keep our family business going, I’m stuck here. This little town might seem nice, but with several local wolf shifters around, who would love nothing more than to drive the rest of us supernatural beings out of town, it isn’t exactly a magical Mayberry.

Everything gets worse when the wolf pack alpha and his mate unexpectedly die, especially when the tragic accident may not have been an accident at all.

This should be the perfect time to convince my parents we should all leave town, right?

There is only one problem with that, and his name is Oak. The big, gentle wolf shifter saves my life when I fall from the sky and into his arms, and now I’m questioning everything I thought I wanted.

But with some members of his wolf pack out to get us, will we survive long enough to find out if we could be mates?"]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["MM paranormal romance, fated mates, magic, Mercer loves shiny things, Oak loves Mercer, big insecure wolf shifter, small impulsive raven shifter, so much sparkle, hurt / comfort, finding home, sparkly nipple piercings, sometimes dreams change, sometimes dreams come true."]

I read the first book before I read the prequel, so many things had been spoiled already for me. But still, this book was beautiful. There was angst, but there was still also that immediate feeling of I-want-more-of-him, of-this. It was magical.

This book also set up a nice foundation for the series (as did the first novel). We saw many of the future MCs, ten-ish years before the series started and their stories started. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, magical bomb, threats of sexual violence, attempted abduction, attempted murder, patricide and matricide off-page, threat of fratricide, gunshot wounds, bullying, and more.

#ravensneverfall #hellhoundsneverlie #wolvesalwaysbite #oraclesalwayswin #catsneverfly #alphasneverhide #loriames #willowlakesupernaturals #willowlakesupernaturalsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hellhounds Never Lie (Willow Lake Supernaturals #1)

Here's "Hellhounds Never Lie" by Lori Ames. It's the first novel in her Willow Lake Supernaturals series. 

["A mage without magic. A hellhound without a home. A greedy wolf pack in the hills.

Ash is technically a fire mage, but he can’t do much. Turning his bedroom lights on and off without having to get out of bed isn’t exactly awe inspiring, not when anyone with the right gadget could clap and do the same thing.

Worse, sometimes he senses something bigger and brighter lurking under his skin, and it feels so familiar he knows it has to be his magic, but then he burps or sneezes, and the feeling passes. So it’s probably just allergies… or gas.

Yeah… Not exactly brimming with magical oomph. Not anymore.

It sucks.

But things start to change when he finds Dillon, a hellhound, being chased through the woods by an angry wolf pack. He is instantly smitten and it’s like something inside him unlocks. What’s even crazier is Dillon seems to think Ash still has magic… and now Ash isn’t sure what to believe.

What he does know is he’ll do what needs to be done to protect his friends and the little supernatural town of Willow Lake from the dirtbag wolves in the hills. Even with his magic on the fritz he can help, right? And, with Dillon at his side, what could possibly go wrong?"]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["a hellhound looking for a home, a fire mage without magic, a talking cat, a small town full of supernatural beings, size difference (BIG hellhound, small mage), fated mates, Ash has scars inside and out, Dillon wants to hurt people who hurt Ash, Ash is always cold (hello, big fluffy pink sweaters even in summer), and a curious human BFF who knows nothing about supes but has a very active imagination."]

YESss! This book was everything! A village of found family, everyone so different and so kind all coming together for peace and happiness, creating their own little pack in a tiny, quirky town. It was warm and welcoming from the very first page. There was also just sooo much history there, you felt it seep between the lines. 

Not to mention the instant connection between these two. They both felt it deep in their bones--that rightness, that safety, that protectiveness and possession--even if they didn't realize what it was at first. Their chemistry only grew as they grew closer together, as they got to know each other, as their broken pieces matched. 

I have a feeling I will be flipping obsessed with this town/series very, very soon.

Trigger Warnings: bullying, mention of murder, attempted murder, violence, hospitalization, gun wound, past partner abuse, past parental abandonment, and more.

#ravensneverlie #hellhoundsneverlie #wolvesalwaysbite #oraclesalwayswin #catsneverfly #alphasneverhide #loriames #willowlakesupernaturals #willowlakesupernaturalsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Losing My Rejection (Shifter Grove Rogue Wolves #2)

Here's Blake R Wolfe's "Losing My Rejection." It's the second novel in his Shifter Grove Rogue Wolves series. 

["I’m not into men, but my new werewolf boss is growing on me in ways I can’t deny. Can I come to terms with my attraction and win him back after I rejected him?

Josh
As a new rogue werewolf, Shifter Grove is my only option for sanctuary. The moment I step inside that small town, a complete stranger calls me his mate. I’m not into men or weirdos, so I send him packing. I need to get my life back together and get out of this nowhere town. So when the hotel owner gets me a job at a local bakery, I accept without question.
As soon as I open the bakery door, I see him, the wolf whom I rejected. He’s the owner of the bakery and my new boss. I need the job, but I’m wary. However, as we start to bond over our love of food, a strange attraction begins to develop, leaving me utterly confused.

Andy
The moment I see him, I know he’s my mate. Tall, handsome, and an Alpha to boot. I can’t help the words that slip out of my mouth. It’s no surprise he rejects me on the spot, and I know I’ll never see him again.
But when that wolf turns out to be my new baker, I can hardly contain my excitement. The way he oozes passion when he talks about cooking has me hooked. Josh is everything I want in a mate. The only problem is he’s straight. But I can’t seem to give up on him, even though I know it’s hopeless."]

Okay but like...what Andy said wasn't all thhhaaat offensive. It was blunt (and gay), but wasn't offensive. Though, in his defense, his life had just exploded (again) and he was experiencing some serious bi-panic (and internalized homophobia). 

These two were adorable though. All of the patience and kindness and secret fluff and cooking as a love language (I’m hungry now). 

I love how the Mate moments are instant, but the couples in this series take their time falling in love. Granted, the other shtick is the instant rejection, so we have to build back up to the HEA. 

I was thinking series feels a little lesser to me, like it was missing something or just overall very dramatic. But I’m coming off another dark romance binge, so I think I’m just used to everything bad all of the time and solving our problems with grunts and violence.  

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, homophobia, some internalized homophobia, mention of past parental death, 

#becauseyourejectedme #losingmyrejection #semirejectedlife #rejectmebabyonemoretime #thatsthewayrejectiongoes #shiftergroveroguewolves #shiftergroveroguewolvesseries #blakerwolfe #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Because You Rejected Me (Shifter Grove Rogue Wolves #1)

Here's Blake R Wolfe's "Because You Rejected Me." It's the first novel in his Shifter Grove Rogue Wolves series. 

["Homeless and nursing a broken heart, I rejected my mate the first time he spoke to me. A hunky alpha werewolf in a cowboy hat is my fantasy come to life. But is it too late to reel him back in?

Matt
I was kicked out of my pack and my home after I told the alpha's son I loved him. He broke my heart and told everyone my secret. Now I'm a rogue wolf with nowhere to go. That is, until I hear rumors of a rogue wolf hotel in a small town up north. It's a place where wolves like me can go to get back on their feet, and I need all the help I can get.
However, the moment I arrive, some douchebag in a cowboy hat calls me his mate. I lay into him, calling him every name under the sun and telling him he was the last person I'd ever be with. When he stalks away with his tail between his legs, I'm sure I've seen the last of him.
But then I end up being forced to work on his farm to earn my keep.

Ace
I've been in the small town of Shifter Grove since I was seventeen, and despite a rocky start, it’s been a peaceful life thus far. However, the day Matt rolls into town, that peace is shattered. The moment I see him, my heart begins to pound, and I blurt out "mate" before I can stop myself.
He tears me a new one, and honestly, I don't blame him. But I can't stop thinking about those perfect lips of his or the way those shorts hug his body. For the first time in my life, I want to share my heart with someone and I'm pretty sure he hates me.
However, when Matt is sent to work on my farm by the hotel owner, I realize that this might be my second chance to prove myself."]

These two were adorable! It was flirty and fun, it was sassy and sweet, it was love and little moments of magic (literal and figurative). There was some angst, but it was all justifiable and not necessarily entirely between the two of them. 

A town filled with found family and friends and utter support from every corner. A hotel owner and "foster dad" with a heart of gold and a penchant for meddling. I can't wait for more!

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, homophobia, stalking, mild violence, and more.

#becauseyourejectedme #losingmyrejection #semirejectedlife #rejectmebabyonemoretime #thatsthewayrejectiongoes #shiftergroveroguewolves #shiftergroveroguewolvesseries #blakerwolfe #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Always the Villain (Vitale Brothers #6)

Here's Brea Alepoú and Skyler Snow's "Always the Villain." It's the sixth and final novel in their Vitale Brother's series. 

["Cesare Vitale

Man. Myth. Legend.

Or at least that’s how the world views me.

They’re not wrong; I would give anything to take back my throne. To have power again. Even if it means breaking all of my already weak familial ties.

Until I meet the one man that makes me pause.

Raphael is everything I have never wanted to admit I crave. Someone who sees the monster and still wants me just the same. But there's more to Raphael than meets the eye. Can he be trusted?

In the midst of Vitale chaos I’m forced to ask myself something I’ve never doubted before. What's more important?

Power? Or love?"]

I waited sooooo long for this book to come out. Counted the days. Then it was here, and I just...couldn't. I wasn't ready for the eventual betrayal and hurt and tears. I wasn't ready for the heartbreak and confusion and violence. It took me a while to get there.

These two were...a lot. Tense and non-trusting and hurt/comfort around every corner. There was pining and cruel words and angst and hidden fluff. It was all so beautifully torturous. It was just..so much. It was a struggle, and I did cry a lot, but in the end, almost too late, everything ended more than well. 

Still, Benito and Harlow will always be my favorite. These two were a close second. 

Trigger Warnings: gore, blood, violence, torture, death, light stalking, dub-con, manipulation, death of a parent, past child abuse, trauma, homophobic remarks, and more.

#takemeapart #paidinfull #sayido #neversaynever #mafiabreakin #enditall #alwaysthevillain #vitalebrothers #vitalebrothersseries #breaalepoú #skylersnow #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Duskborn (Widdershins Supernatural Academy #4)

Here's "Duskborn" by Blake R Wolfe. It's the fourth novel in his Widdershins Supernatural Academy series. 

["A forgotten witch. A dark elf prince. A bond written in the stars… and a love forbidden by the crown.

I was born into destiny—the Twilight prince with white hair and violet skin, heir to a kingdom that never lets me forget who I am. At Widdershins Academy, I’ve tasted magic, sports, friendships that let me pretend I’m just another student. But as my senior year comes to an end, so does my time.

The crown is waiting. So is the bride chosen for me. A woman I’ll never love. Because I don’t love women—I never have.

And then Ash Vale appears.

A quiet witch from a family so low they’re barely remembered, with eyes like sapphires and magic he doesn’t even realize is extraordinary. He shouldn’t matter. He shouldn’t even exist in my world. But the first time we touched, I knew—he’s the one I called to me years ago with a forbidden childhood love spell, the one fate promised would be mine.

He’s everything I want. Everything I can’t have.

Loving him means betraying my family, my kingdom, and the crown itself. But I’m not sure I can let him go. Not this time.

Witches like me aren’t meant to be noticed. I came to Widdershins to build a future out of scraps, to prove I could belong despite my tarnished family’s name. I never expected him.

Silver—a dark elf, popular, beautiful, carved from another world. He should be nothing but a reminder of the gulf between us. But when his gaze lingers on me, when his hand brushes mine, the truth is undeniable.

We’re bound.

I don’t know how. I don’t know why. But my magic flares for him, my soul reaching like it’s been waiting all along. And that terrifies me. Because Silver belongs to the Twilight Realm, to a throne that will never accept someone like me.

Giving in means daring to love the impossible. But walking away feels like tearing my own heart in half."]

I love how devastatingly adorable this series is. Each book is all so unique while maintaining the same general awe of fated mates, the same adorable sense of falling in love, the same you're-more-powerful-than-you-know magic. Not to mention all of the the-world-will-end-because-of-you, Council needs called drama. 

These two were adorable. You could just see them falling in love from that first meeting and hating that they haven’t met on campus before this, all of the little moments and the big moments, all of the silly teasing from friends, all of the deep talks. All of the self-sacrificing. 

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, discrimination, violence, torture, and more.

#hexmate #faeheart #beastkin #duskborn #undertow #nightbound #evergreen #hearatflame #blakerwolfe #widdershinssupernaturalacademy #widdershinssupernaturalacademyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Judas (Sacriligious Love #2)

Here's E Baileu's "The Judas." It's the second novel in the Sacriligious Love duology.

["The day the Covenant falls, Elior’s world shatters. Torn from the only life he’s ever known, he watches as the FBI raids the compound, his father’s voice thundering over the chaos—condemning him as sinful, as a whore, as Judas the Betrayer.

For the first time, Elior is free.
So why does it feel like a nightmare?

Outside the compound walls, everything is different. Elior finds himself drowning in a world that doesn’t feel like his own. Everything is too loud, too bright, and too confusing. His only constant is Jace, his Daddy.

Jace who lied to him. Jace who betrayed him. Jace who held him and comforted him.

Nothing makes sense anymore."]

I wasn't quite ready to read this one after I finished "The Idol." There was a loooot of feelings of betrayal and abandonment and isolation and desperation and loss that I just wasn't ready for. 

These two were just as cute as the first book. Just as dedicated and protective. Just as sweet and spicy. They were so in love, just trying to make it through more troubles and trials (literally and figuratively). 

Dark and unethical and awkward at times, over the top and totally possessive. Baileu's books are always a great read when you want something not to logical. 

Trigger Warnings: religious themes, cult dynamics, distorted interpretations of faith, manipulation through faith, harmful uses of doctrine, involuntary inpatient hospitalization resulting in food avoidance/weight loss/trauma-induced bed wetting/depression, MC with sensory needs, noncon and dubcon, psychopath, unhealthy power dynamics, and more.

#theidol #thejudas #sacriligiouslove #sacriligiousloveseries #ebaileu #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Fox Down (Forsaken Mountains #3)

Here's "Fox Down" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the third novel the Forsaken Mountains series.

["John Lennon was right about what a waste of time planning is.

One day, I’m innocently exchanging notes with an intriguing stranger, and the next, I find myself recovering from a near-death experience in a mixed shifter crew surrounded by vicious alphas.

As a gamma fox wounded and healing in the presence of such powerful shifters, I should be wetting myself, but the kindness of one scarred, stoic bear shifter changes everything.

Big—a perfect name to describe his massive, intimidating build—cares for me, protects me, becomes my friend. But the scorching hot attraction that fills my head with dirty images and thoughts that we could be more…are terrifying.

Not only because I’m pretty sure he’s as straight as an arrow and sees me as nothing but an adorable, defenseless puppy. But I can’t afford distractions.

I need to stick to my plan. If only it were that easy…"]

God, I loved so much of this book. The unique look on fated mates, how there are stages, how magical it all is. Beautiful. Plus how Jamie was just kinda...oblivious to it all was adorable and worked really well. 

They both could have worked on their communication some, talking about their feelings and their future plans and the whole core mate thing. But their feelings were so deep and so real, and their protectiveness was everything. 

I loooved the entire cast, all so different and broken in their own ways. I hope there's more MM in the future. 

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, violence, toxic parents, parental abuse, misogyny, mentions of human trafficking, and more.  

#foxdown #forsakenmountains #forsakenmountainsseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sin (Salvation #1)

Here's "Sin" by Remi Varlow. This is the first novel the Salvation series.

["Sin

My preacher father named me Sin because he claimed I was born bad.

He must be right. There's not a rule I won't break. A line I won't cross. A person I won't hurt to make him pay for what he did to my mother.

Until My father remarries and Cassidy comes into my life. He's beautiful. He's good. He's innocent. All I want is to protect him from everyone else but me.

Despite how wrong it is I want to be the one to teach Cassidy, how to sin."]

The hurt/comfort was real, but Cassidy eventually saw through it (and kept seeing through it). Then again, Sin was bad at hurting Cassidy when he was so protective of him. 

These two were adorable, even as they held themselves back.

Their only real obstacle was Sin's horrible father (and Sin's walls). 

I can't wait to read Mercer's book!

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, religious bigotry, use of firearms, murder, mentions of parental mental and physical abuse, and more.

#sin #saint #salvation #salvationseries #remivarlow #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Pragma (Mafia Babes #2)

Here's "Pragma" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the second novel her Mafia Babes series.

["He comes first.

Akira Hebikawa, the heir of the strongest ruling Yakuza family. Unhinged, impulsive, belligerent, careless. A continuous pain in the butt for his bodyguard and right hand. Me.

We couldn’t be more different. We’re opposites who got together to fight against a common enemy, then never parted. He took me in out of curiosity and boredom, and with nowhere else to go and no one else to turn to, I followed him.

It was hardly love at first sight. I can’t pinpoint when these inconvenient feelings started to develop. Nevertheless they did, and slowly grew with time. Years to be precise. I quickly learned to push them down where no one could see. Not even myself.

Now out of the blue, the big boss orders Akira to get married, digging an even deeper grave for my ever-growing affection. I never had a chance, though. I’m a gaijin—an outsider—and I always will be. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been part of the family, how obedient or loyal I am.

But Akira? He’s a Yakuza prince. A straight prince, with a future already planned and paved for him. Or so I thought. Because suddenly he wants to experiment…with me. How can I say no to that when I’ve been dying to have him under me? Skin to skin, breath to breath.

But each suitable marriage candidate he meets makes my heart ache, my desperation grow, and my inner fight rage. On top of that, danger is lurking. Old and new enemies are closing in from all sides, just as someone from my past comes back into my life without warning.

One false move, and I could lose everything. But don’t I need to actually have something to lose it? Have him?"]

Akira really tried to out-brat all of the other brats Paulina wrote previously. Plus he had swords. Swords, sass, sexual prowess. River tried to resist him, he had for sooo long, but Aki didn't really give him a choice. Then again, Riv was so head-over-heals obsessed and in love that having that 'choice' taken from him was a blessing (and a curse).

Plus a Clover cameo!!! God, I fucking love that guy!!!

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, on-page reference to past child kidnapping, references to drug use/paraphernalia, one-page description of injuries, descriptions of past child abuse, torture, knife play, no established safe word, and more.

#petrichor #pragma #apricity #mafiababes #mafiababesseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Petrichor (Mafia Babes #1)

Here's "Petrichor" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the first novel her Mafia Babes series.

["The Family comes first.

I’ve been part of the Leone family since Don Massimo took me in when I was a boy.

Now I sit beside his son, il capo, Don Sebastiano. Being a mobster is all I know and want.
Even when betrayal comes knocking at my door.

A teasing smile, the most striking cloud-gray eyes, an androgynous body wrapped in lingerie and a belly chain around his narrow hips. Can a man be pretty? I must be drunker than I thought to wonder such a thing.

Fly.

That’s what another man calls him before a whiskey bottle is smashed on his head. My tailored Italian suit is ruined, and Fly owes me now. When he proposes a way to repay his debt, I decide to go along with it even though my misanthropic nature protests vigorously.

I feel a sense of deep irritation when he acts unbothered by my menacing threats. Getting information from him before getting rid of him was my goal, but the urge to keep him close grows stronger, as does the desire to have another peek at those scraps of lace he likes to wear underneath his clothes.

Nevertheless, I won’t make the same mistake twice, because I’m Marco “the Knuckle” Moretti. And if he’s working for another family, nothing and no one will stop me from unleashing my vendetta upon him."]

Talk about hurt/comfort. I almost cried (and did cry) sooo many times. It was a crazy ride of protection and pushing-away. But Fly stuck out.

When the walls were down and the Feelings were out, these two were adorable as hell. Fluffy and possessive, spicy and sassy. Fate intervened to bring them together, but they kept themselves there, they fought for each other.

And it all ended on a cliffhanger that I’m not entirely sure we’ll see resolved. At least not until near the end of this one…big feelings about that tbh. 

Plus a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Lori cameo?!?! Yes, all of the naughty yes. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, gun use, reference to a child kidnapping, drug use/paraphernalia, injuries from off-page assault, descriptions of past child abuse, CNC, on-page assault, and more.

#petrichor #pragma #apricity #mafiababes #mafiababesseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Portrait of a Killer

Here's "Portrait of a Killer" by KA Merikan.

["“You’ve got no idea what I’m capable of, pretty thing.” --Victor -Sevastyan is the most beautiful man I have ever seen.

He is also a fraud. No one who looks like the man in his self-portraits would ever choose to live as a recluse. It simply makes no sense.

And I will expose his lies. Because Sevastyan ruined my life with a single exhibition.

Over the years, my loathing has turned into poison coursing through my veins and helped fill my sketchbooks with violent fantasies fixated on one man, who doesn’t even know I exist.

Well, he’ll find out when I break into his home and prove to the world his beauty isn’t real, humiliating him once and for all.

What I don’t expect is that Sevastyan is ready for me. Amused, unafraid, the monster behind the masterpieces traps me before I get to fire a single bullet.

He sees me for the obsessive little freak I am and tells me I’ll never leave. That I will be his toy, his muse, his entertainment, his distraction from years of isolation.

I thought I was the danger.

I was so, so wrong."]

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Trigger Warnings: violence, abduction, Stockholm syndrome, and more.

#arcs #arcteammember #grr #gayromancereviews
#portraitofakiller #kamerikan #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Eight (Angels of Wrath #6)

Here's "Eight" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the sixth and final novel her Angels of Wrath series.

["Sully Carver

A man in a mask keeps appearing in my dreams. Sounds like the beginning of a psychological thriller. And while I thought I left all the drama in my dark past, and have since focused on moving on, the truth is, those dreams have awakened a side of me I didn’t know existed—a kinky side. And soon, my diary entries are filled with sexy fantasies.

My brain implodes when, one night, I’m saved by a real man in a white mask. And that man turns out to be Ezra—the latest addition to the family.

My intelligence is above average, but even I never would’ve guessed he wanted me badly enough to stalk me. After all, we’ve barely spoken since we met.

I should be horrified and wary, simply because most of my family doesn’t trust him. The reason behind it isn't his psychopathy—that’s kind of a family trait. Nor his job—assassination is not very far from vigilante justice. The problem is his reluctance to share his past and his ties with the murderous maniac, Nine, who is after us all.

But Ezra’s stoicism and the intensity and dominance he exudes send an electric thrill down my spine every single time. I can’t resist. I have zero experience in how to…proceed. But it looks like he knows exactly how to make my hot desires come true.

In the midst of all the new excitement, I’m still fighting with my past demons, while Nine is upping her dangerous game. Will we get through this battle unscathed? I can’t seem to foresee a happy ending.

Not for all of the Angels of Wrath."]

These two were sooo sweet. For the more unhinged psychopath of the family, Ezra was perfect for Sully. He wanted him to be happy and safe, smiling and unhurt (he event kept correcting him for needlessly apologizing al the time). And Sully needed someone strong, protective, slightly (or not so slightly) bossy, and utterly supportive in every single way. Maybe that last one was more deserves than needs.

These two were perfect...even if it took Ollie and Rag some time to see it. Everyone else shipped them (to the extreme...like everything they do...including all of the bets). 

A really, really cute and fun ending to a fabulous series. A little cheesy, but also just like...perfect.

I wonder if Ezra's other friends will be in any future novels... Maybe with the trouble trio. 

Trigger Warnings: stalking with breaking and entering, on-page graphic violence, murder, torture, gore, on-page reference to past child kidnapping and torture, descriptions of past child abuse, on-page assault, blood play, no established safe word, and more.

#one #six #three #five #seven+four #eight #happykrampusxmas #themeetnotcute #angelsofwrath #angelsofwrathseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Seven + Four (Angels of Wrath #5)

Here's "Seven + Four" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the fifth novel her Angels of Wrath series.

["Sariel Bear-Stone

I can’t remember a time without feeling his presence nearby. All of my memories are entwined with his. Precious, bittersweet moments spent with him.

Him.
Uriel Mahoe.
My foster brother.
My protector.
My first and never-ending crush.

Unrequited love is misery in disguise, especially when the recipient can’t ever feel the same, not when he’s a sociopath.

Still, I thought I knew everything about him. Until…I didn’t.

For that reason and for the first time in my life, I’ve distanced myself from him, tried to move on, which turned out to be more difficult than I anticipated.

First, all my dates crushed and burned. Then a rat infestation and a dangerous stalker forced me into his overprotective, controlling arms once again.
But I’m not the naive, innocent person he believes me to be.
There’s something I need. Something dark that I crave. Desperately. Something he doesn’t seem able to give me.

Or is he?

All of my other brothers have found their significant others. Now it’s my turn.
But is Uri meant to be mine, or are we destined to die side by side before we find out?

***

Uriel Mahoe

My Sari.
My Baby Blue.
Mine."]

Oh wow. Talk about a fucking idiot. Uriel could have had Sari all of the way, years ago, if only he talked to him. If only he communicated what his obsession and protection meant, fully and completely with zero gray areas. But no, he had to be obtuse (and play it on the sociopathology). In turn, he made Sari doubt himself and cry, and then I cried. 

Oh, my Sari. Adorable baby who did indeed need protection. But he also needed the agency he was asking for. He took it and more...granted, that came after some crying and multiple kidnapping attempts.

Leave us on a cliffhanger. Then again, I offically found out there will be a spin-off series with the triplets so, there's that. 

Trigger Warnings: descriptions of past childhood trauma and abuse, chronic illness of SC, characters with mental disorders, stalking, accidental ingestion of a narcotic/consumption of alcohol, violence, torture, death, murder, references to off-page/past sexual assault and rape, references to off-page kidnapping/drugging/rape of unknown subject, one-page kidnapping/assault/attempted sexual assault, dub-con, gun play, and more.

#one #six #three #five #seven+four #eight #happykrampusxmas #themeetnotcute #angelsofwrath #angelsofwrathseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Happy Krampus Xmas & The Meet Not Cute (Angels of Wrath #4.5)

Here's "Happy Krampus Xmas & The Meet Not Cute" by Paulina Ian-Kane. These are two novellas her Angels of Wrath series.

["-Happy Krampus Xmas
Happy Krampus Day!
Krampus who? Santa’s evil brother, duh.
The horned demon sort of cursed me, and I need to find a way to appease him.
Otherwise, I won’t be able to proceed with my donor initiation: blood, torture, death, screams—not in that order.
All I need is to follow my three-step groveling plan.
What could go wrong?
A cussing Santa, a house on fire, donors’ accidental deaths, groping spiders, a possessed hen, and pair of bloody itchy, furry shorts.
Xmas holidays suck, and not in the fun way…

***

-The Meet Not Cute
Falling on a jock’s lap was definitely not part of my plan.
I’m turning my life around, studying hard and going my own way, when a meet not in the least cute puts me on TJ’s path.
Big.
Bigger.
A mountain of a football jock with brown, puppy eyes that unnerve me as much as they suck me in.
We have nothing in common. Not a thing.
But it seems he can’t stay away from me. So why not experiment with his new found bi-sexuality? I’m all for it.
I mean, his athletic, gigantic body is what wet dreams are made of—everything must be proportionate.
Please. Please. Please. Let it be proportionate.
I've been a...good-ish boy.
When I start to catch feelings, my self-preservation kicks in, urging me to turn and leave.
Hard to do that, though, when TJ’s massive body blocks all exits."]

Happy Krampus Xmas:
All Lori, all the time. Being extra Lori during the holidays. Makes sense to be honest. So does his costumes and pettiness and hen...getting possessed? Sure, why the hell not. Weirder things have happened to this family.

The Meet Not Cute:
Two hot messes becoming hotter messes. Plus some general angst and miscommunication and perceived things. Kindness and sass and Krampus magic. Plus Lori intervening and family intervention. These two were adorable as hell, and I'm sooo glad that Spencer got a well-earned future and well-deserved HEA.

Trigger Warnings: demonic evocation, attempt at child kidnapping, mentions of child prostitution, pedophiles and organ trafficking, death, torture, references to drugs and prostitution, references to homophobia and homophobic language, physical assault, discussion regarding alcoholism, fear of abandonment, mentions of living on the streets, bad foster family experience, and more.

#one #six #three #five #seven+four #eight #happykrampusxmas #themeetnotcute #angelsofwrath #angelsofwrathseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Five (Angels of Wrath #4)

Here's "Five" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the fourth novel her Angels of Wrath series.

["Lori Boone has always been unapologetically and shamelessly himself.

Petite, with soft curls and plump lips, he’s often underestimated. Until he parts those lips and the sassiness comes out.

He thrives in uncomfortable situations and plots petty revenge in his free time. Facts that don’t change even when he starts working for a prestigious law firm and under Gabriel Reed, his best friend’s brother-in-law.

“Tailored three-piece suits, perfectly styled blond hair, demanding presence, and cold stare.
My boss.
Ugh.

Well, he’s my boss’s boss’s boss, so I don’t see him much. But when we do cross paths . . . nothing.
He barely acknowledges me despite my repeated attempts to get under his skin. I’m head-turning gorgeous, catching his sharp, silver eyes shouldn’t be this hard.
I don’t hide my deep dislike for him, and my outrageous antics should get me fired, but they barely illicit a reaction.

Everything changes after I stalk him—it has become a hobby of sorts—and end up drugged, desperate, and in need of rescue, only to be saved and more by...Gabe!
I know. Bonkers, right?
Even more if you add to the mix my tendency toward sexsomnia and his multiplicity, things that set our worlds on fire.

I always thought I’d never settle for one man. More than one? Too crowded.
But what if two men share one body?
They might be exactly what I need.”"]

We've been waiting for this couple for...what seems like far too long. And it was a slow burn. Granted, it started off with a bang, but then it slowed down (sure, sure, for trauma reasons and kindness and awkwardness--and lack of communication). And then miscommunication (or more lack of communication?). 

It's a good thing that life with these Angels is fast-paced, leaving no room for too much separation. Just a whole bunch of mysterious people, potential killers, long lost somethings...

And love. So much love and dedication and possession (and confusion over the obsession) and ownership and rightness and spice and family and protection. And teasing chemistry from all sides (looking at you Sari and Uri...you're angst-filled HEA is coming). 

Trigger Warnings: mentions of date rape drugs, one MC is dosed with the drug, dub-con, discussion and imagery regarding euthanasia, talking about experimentation and torture of children, secondary character in a coma, suspicion of poisoning, multiplicity and DID, torture, gore, small reference to homophobia, and more.

#one #six #three #five #seven+four #eight #happykrampusxmas #themeetnotcute #angelsofwrath #angelsofwrathseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Three (Angels of Wrath #3)

Here's "Three" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the third novel her Angels of Wrath series.

["Hunter Penn

One hellish moment. One painful decision. And everything radically changed.

Years later, I’ve adjusted to my new life as a P.I. when a long-bearded, red-headed guy walks into an alley. The same dark alley where I’m having a talk with the armed men who were following me. The encounter is brief and bloody and ends with him winking at me as he drives away.

My curiosity—and some tailing—brings us together again...or so I thought. He wants to work with me, and despite my lack of trust in the rest of the human population, I recognize his impressive skills and need his help to find out who’s been trying to kill me.

He calls me Grizzly, Papa Bear, Yogi. His incessant flirting, impish disposition, and sexy triple-dimpled smile drive me mad. Until I force him to his knees—and what a sight that is.

Who’d have guessed I am into men in lingerie?

But when he unexpectedly asks for my help, I discover a new side to him, and finally, I know what he is.

Mine.
Mine.
Mine.

I don’t care if he thinks he’s broken. Who isn’t?

I don’t care about his family’s side business. I have a damn big skeleton hanging in my closet.

I don’t even care if my days are numbered. He makes it worth every single moment.

The only thing that matters is being near him.

Protecting him.

Showing him who he belongs to."]

This one was another that started off fast and strong and sure. And spicy. These Angels know how to really get their story going, whether their new life partner is ready or not.

And Hunter wasn't quite so ready. But Rami changed his tune rather easily to be honest. Didn't take all that much.

I love how this family just comes together. They didn't have an easy childhood and many (all) of them are broken in their own ways, but they really get the drop-everything-for-family rule. It shouldn't be as adorable as it is. 

If we keep getting more found family members, I'm going to need more books with more HEAs...

Trigger Warnings: murder, children abuse and rape, drug addiction, talking about experimentation and torture on children, torture, gore, small references to homophobia and prison, 

#one #six #three #five #seven+four #eight #happykrampusxmas #themeetnotcute #angelsofwrath #angelsofwrathseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Six (Angels of Wrath #2)

Here's "Six" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the second novel her Angels of Wrath series.

["Oliver “Ollie” Truman

My purpose in life has always been one: protect my little brother. And the only way to do that is doing what my dirtbag of a father says—easier said than done—save enough money to grab our bag packs and leave those miserable days behind us. There’s no harm in having a little fun in the meantime though, is there? And the growling beast who flattens his opponents with a single punch looks like a perfectly hot diversion to me.

The crowd calls him Hulk. Dark intense eyes, large hands, scarred back, huge rocky pecks, thick porn arms and tree trunk thighs. And If the bulge in his pants is not a mirage a very proportionat-ed…appendage.

He growls, I snort. He rejects me, I stalk him. He threatens me, I kiss him. He orders me around, I…that depends, are we in or out of bed?

His broody, rough behavior dares me to get closer, and his crude, hard words turn me on like nothing ever before. My sassy mouth has got me in trouble more times that I can count but he seems to have found a very delicious way to shut me up.

What to do when I discover his protective side? His possessiveness? The secrets? The rage and destruction?

Can two broken souls find their missing pieces among the dark, bloody, jagged ones?"]

Oh these two were fucking something. Hot and cold, push and pull, but without all of the hurt/comfort. It was flirty and fun and spicy and sweet. There was sass and magnetism. There was destruction and destiny. It was just...beautiful.

Even if there was more angst than...well, actually, there was a perfect amount of angst. Only one (maybe two?) moments of miscommunication stupidity. It kept the book going at an amazing pace, nothing felt slow or stalled. It was just all around amazing.

And more brothers falling in love, whether they want it or not. 

Trigger Warnings: physical abuse, imagery regarding abuse, drugs, addiction, talking about experimentation and torture on children, torture, blood, gore, small reference to homophobia, and more.

#one #six #three #five #seven+four #eight #happykrampusxmas #themeetnotcute #angelsofwrath #angelsofwrathseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

One (Angels of Wrath #1)

Here's "One" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the first novel her Angels of Wrath series.

["Michael Caldwell —medical examiner, odd, blood obsessed. His new life in Chicago consists of performing autopsies and eating chips while watching old detective series.

Until…

“He’s suddenly standing in front of me. Leather jacket, washed-out jeans, jet black hair.
His deep, green eyes are so intense on me I can barely breathe.
It’s in his crooked smile, bold flirting and confident—borderline conceited—behavior that I get lost.
The fact that he protects me five minutes later during an attempted robbery only reinforces my crazy-instant attraction toward him, though.

But there are shadows hiding in his gaze. And his apathetic yet possessive attitude confuses me.
Makes me care.
Makes me crave.

But then secrets come out and my life turns into a thriller movie.
Now I’m left wondering how this all started. And when the answer comes, I know I can never go back to my uneventful life. Would I even want to?
Would I be able to leave him?

‘Never again’, he whispers.”"]

I was fucking addicted to this book from chapter two/three (I needed one of each POV). It was fucking fabulous. Hilarious and cute and that moment and feeling of fate. It was perfect. 

Plus all of Raph's brother's being shocked and/or mocking him for falling in love. It was giving Adam Mulvaney falling for Noah vibes. And I was sooo here for it!!

They were disgustingly in love, totally dedicated to each other, co-dependent and toxic, possessive in so many ways, trusting each other in sooo many ways oh so fast. It was dangerous and beautiful. They were dangerous and beautiful. A perfect match.

Not sure how the rest of these brother will handle falling in love...here for the ride though. This family?! Fucking in love. 

Trigger Warnings: death, hint of body autopsy, violence, torture, blood play, gore, talk of self-harming, killing and experimenting on children, and more.

#one #six #three #five #seven+four #happykrampusxmas #themeetnotcute #angelsofwrath #angelsofwrathseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Paradox (A New Paradigm #1)

Here's "Paradox" by JJ Asher. This is the forst novel in the A New Paradigm series.

["I know now, for certain, that I've made a deal with The Devil. I'm just not sure yet if I've sold him my soul as well.

Jintae—nineteen, desperate, and done letting his parents script his life. His brilliant escape plan? Drop out of college and vanish into the wilderness, hiding in the off-grid cabin of his brother’s best friend until the storm blows over.

The problem? That best friend is running too.

Eden—thirty-four, newly single, and in no mood for company. Especially not the perfectionist teenager with too many brains, and too little sense, that's always gotten under his skin.

He craves solitude.

Abandonment has hollowed him. Heartbreak has left him bitter and violent. So when Jintae shows up uninvited, he throws him out—until the kid begs. He offers himself up as a live-in servant, and Eden agrees… On brutal terms.

But what started as punishment soon turns into something Eden can't name. Jintae challenges him, haunts him, tempts him. Under the fury is heat. And under the insults is a pull neither of them can outrun.

Snow traps them. Secrets rot between them. And the boy Eden swore to stay away from becomes the one thing he can't stop craving."]

These two...fuuuuck me, these two. They were dangerous and horrible and sweet and pining and angsty and mean and kind and just...a lot. They were a lot. The hurt/comfort was real. The back and forth was rough. The utter denial was painful. But the eventually fall? Sooo worth it.

This felt more than a bully-romance. The bullying was a lot and borderline (or not so borderline) not okay. Maybe it was the life-and-death situation and full-on abuse. Or the probably undiagnosed personality disorder. 

But when they fell? They fell hard. They fell fast. They fell deep, pulling each other in more and more, revealing more and more secrets, opening up to each other more and more. Even if reality wasn't too kind to them, they were to each other. 

Trigger Warnings: off-page cheating, gaslighting, physical violence, mentions of emotional and psychical parental abandonment, non-con, and more.

#paradox #anewparadigm #anewparadigmseries #jjasher #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Bro Arrangement (Best Bros Forever #3)

Here's Charli Meadows's "The Bro Arrangement." It's the third novel in her Best Bros Forever series.

["Tate
Keep it casual, keep it fun, and most importantly, no strings attached. These are the rules I’ve lived by when it comes to hooking up, and let’s just say straight boys are my specialty. If I’m nothing more than an experiment, then there’s no chance I’ll get hurt.
The next curious boy to fall into my bed is none other than Spencer Hayes, finance bro and my best friend’s roommate. There’s no denying our chemistry is off the charts, and the constant flirting has felt like a year-long edging. It was seriously overdue. But one time isn’t enough, so we make an arrangement. Follow my rules this summer, and nothing is off-limits as long as we both consent.
If things get too intense and emotions become involved, I’m ready to jump ship because no one’s breaking through the walls surrounding my heart. I don’t do serious. Ever.

Spencer
My path in life has been paved for me, with no room for detours. Go to college, get a degree in finance, and follow in my dad’s footsteps with a boring office job, wife, and kids. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy crunching numbers, but I’ve always had bigger plans for myself than the family accounting firm. And I’ve always been curious about what it’s like to be with a man. I’ve just never taken it that far. Until Tate Sinclair. With his blond curls, painted nails, and that sexy, smart mouth.
Tension has been building between us for months, and when we finally give in and go back to my place after a wild party, it’s truly explosive.
I knew hooking up with Tate would be risky, but I didn’t know it would flip my world upside down and leave me craving more than just a physical connection. The more nonchalant he acts, the deeper the wound in my chest becomes, until I have no choice but to tell him how I feel. I’ve completely fallen for him, and I want more than some shallow arrangement. I want his heart and soul."]

I needed something softer and kinder (fighting some serious cold here). This was utterly perfect. There was just enough angst to get you through the story (though, Tate made me want to take away his glitter), but it was filled with fluff and perfect chemistry.

I'm not sure if this is the end of the series or if there's more. But this book was fabulous and a delightful end of the last two books at the very least.

Trigger Warnings: mild violence and fighting, toxic past relationships, confronting past traumas, divorce, and more.

#thebropact #thebrodate #thebroarrangement #bestbrosforever #bestbrosforeverseries #charlimeadows #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

A Puck Between Friends (Gods Versus Monsters Hockey #3)

Here's JR Gray "A Puck Between Friends." It's the third book in the Gods Versus Monsters Hockey series.

["When my best friend offers to come as my date to my sister’s wedding to get back at my sister for breaking his heart, I agree thinking it will be hilarious. What I didn’t consider was that I’ve been in love with him half my life, and all the consequences of us fake dating.

My family demands I bring my new boyfriend to her shower first, and things only go downhill from there. My sister is marrying the goalie from our rival team who immediately is up in arms about us dating.

Fair, but I don’t have time to dwell on it as things quickly get weird with my best friend. Wolfe is straight, it shouldn’t be weird right? It’s fake after all. But I’m so wrong. He kisses me like I’ve never been kissed before, and then we both realize we have to keep this up for months until the wedding.

Between the unexpected sexual tension, hockey, and the secrets we are keeping. I don’t know how we’re going to get through the season."]

The I'm-in-love-with-my-best-friend hurt/comfort trope hits hard. Just as hard as the himbo-who-loves-his-best-friend-but-doesn't-know-it. 

But these two?! They were worth all of the hurt/comfort and awkwardness and lack of communication. They were worth the toxic family and nosey teammates. They were worth it, because all of the fluff and sweetness and feeling of home and deep chemistry. 

Trigger Warnings: alcohol used to cope, panic attack, anxiety surrounding medial providers, hate crime mentioned, homophobic family, sports-based homophboia, hi-erasure, parental abuse hinted, parental physical abuse mentioned, no contact with a neglectful parent, contact with an abusive parent under duress, mention of MC kicked out as teen, neglect is ignored by non-custodial parent, discussion of physical abuse from parent's intimate partner, mentions of CPS used as a threat, mention of bulling by sibling, death of abuser, parent stalking and keeping tabs on adult child, past cheating ex-gf, on-ice injury, abuse of power, police abusing their power, and more.

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

Reckless Little Game (Crimson College #3)

Continuing on a TBR/Beat-The-Backlog kick (and ignoring my ARCs kick). Here's "Reckless Little Game" by Raleigh Reubins. It's the third novel in the Crimson College series. 

["My frat enemy pulled me deep into reckless obsession.

Weston’s the perfect college golden boy.

The rule follower ‘Frat Dad’ of Onyx Society.

I call him the campus sheriff, because his rigid, lawful attitude gets deep under my skin.

But on the night we collide, Wes surprises me… and I like it far too much.

I see him on his knees for me and I crave more.

He says I’m chaotic.

Dark and violent, just because it’s fun.

But I watch as he breaks all of his rules for me, one by one.

He’s never slept with a man, and I’m a lone wolf...

But this twisted thing between us is quickly becoming a need.

But now I’m playing for two sides.

My frat has me gathering info on Wes, as our societies reignite a war that should have died years ago.

Violence erupts, and my loyalties should belong elsewhere.

But Wes is opening up to me. Giving me all of him, still needy for more.

And I will recklessly protect what’s mine."]

These men just keep getting softer and more gone for each other as the series continues. These two? Highest of enemies in the previous book. Just one chapter in, they're already taunting each other and getting up to spicy, secret things with each other (using pet names...but mockingly?). 

Another instant 'what's this' and 'why am I feeling this with you.' It was utter possession and obsession with a thiccckkk layer of denial.

Gotten be honest, I canNOT wait for the next one (stepbrother trope for the win).

Trigger Warnings: violence, drug use in secondary character, past abuse and self-harm, references to trauma involving parental neglect and abuse, past death of a family member, and more.

#darklittlegame #possessivelittlegame #recklesslittlegame #forbiddenlittlegame #raleighruebins #crimsoncollege #crimsoncollegeseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Possessive Little Game (Crimson College #2)

Continuing on a TBR/Beat-The-Backlog kick (and ignoring my ARCs kick). Here's "Possessive Little Game" by Raleigh Reubins. It's the second novel in the Crimson College series. 

["My secret? My online camboy obsession just joined my college society.

Niko is tattooed, troubled, and hot as fire in videos, but in person his ego is everything I despise.

We clash into violent sparks when I confront him about his private account.

That’s how I strike a dangerous deal with

You’ll be my fake boyfriend for the holidays, and I’ll keep your wicked little secret.

The problem? Niko is unhinged, demanding, white-hot chaos… and I’ve never done anything with another man.

Now I’m letting him touch me.

Film me.

He’s pure liquid fire, and I’m drawn deeper into his flame.

The worst part? Someone from his past keeps trying to hurt me for it.

Attacking me. Trying to destroy us both.

The more Niko is forced to protect me, the more I feel like I actually do belong to him.

Fake becomes far too real, and both of us are bound to pay the price for this twisted game."]

These two were more painful than the first book. The pining was strong and more clear, the might-as-well-enjoy-this-while-I-can was stronger, the I'm-going-to-get-my-heart-broken vibes were stronger. The hurt/comfort was a little softer. The odds me crying were much, much stronger. 

But they were also sweeter and more gentle and more dedicated and more possessive and more obsessive. Which made the not communicating thing feel worse. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, main character being drugged with ecstasy, past abuse, past self-harm, stalking, references to trauma involving parental neglect and abuse, past death of a family member, and more.

#darklittlegame #possessivelittlegame #recklesslittlegame #forbiddenlittlegame #raleighruebins #crimsoncollege #crimsoncollegeseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Dark Little Game (Crimson College #1)

Continuing on a TBR/Beat-The-Backlog kick (and ignoring my ARCs kick). Here's "Dark Little Game" by Raleigh Reubins. It's the first novel in the Crimson College series. 

["I’m pulled too deep into a monster’s web.

Hunter Knox shouldn’t be at my college.

My best friend’s brother is unhinged. Dark. Violent.

And now he’s in our secret society frat, forced to share my room.

I only kiss him on the first night to get revenge, because Hunter doesn’t usually kiss men, and I don’t usually kiss psychopaths.

But the spark that flares between us becomes a forbidden game we play.

Hunter starts to follow me around like a stalker.

Becoming a little too obsessed with me.

We share an all-consuming secret that his brother can’t find out. And when I’m attacked, Hunter snaps into chaos, hell-bent on protecting me like I’m his possession.

Onyx Society is a fraternity that shouldn’t have to play by college rules, but someone from the outside is targeting us.

Targeting me.

Now nothing is safe. My best friendship, my sanity, and my heart.

Lines blur between desire and control… and I start to think I might want him to win this brutal game."]

To be honest, after I started this book, I wasn't so sure. It seemed perfectly cliched based on the blurb; it was much less cliched in the actual book. It threw me, only because I went in with a certain mindset. But the fact that it wasn't cliched was refreshing. 

They were both hit-first-ask-questions-later, they were both slightly (or not so slightly) broken, they were both jealous of the other, they both hated each other, they were both pining, they were both in utter denial. It was frustrating that they didn't communicate, but their subtle (or not so subtle) dedication to each other was, quite frankly, adorable. 

Trigger Warnings: protection in the form of stalking, violence, sadism, sedation of a main character, past abuse, references to past trauma involving parental abuse, references to past death of a family member, and more.

#darklittlegame #possessivelittlegame #recklesslittlegame #forbiddenlittlegame #raleighruebins #crimsoncollege #crimsoncollegeseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks