Goodbye, May!

May was looong as hell. It was never ending. One crazy moment after another, not to mention the weather not knowing what was going on (same, though, same).

2026 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: 53 (though, I might squeeze one more in before midnight).

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

(2) May Memories: Lots and lots of books. Some actual time off. My best friend's baby turned one. The book fair season finally ended for the summer.

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 47.

(4) Not too bad overall. I didn't eat the best, but I didn't eat the worse. There were a lot of Sunday-Blues moments and a lot of late-night saddies, but most of the month was I-got-this and I'm-a-baddie, so...

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

Any exciting June reads? Any existing 2026 reads?
Anything I should check out?

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyemay #hellojune #hello2026 #dontstopreading #makememories #shareloveofbooks #shareloveofreading #bekindertomyself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Open Liner (Alchemy Ink #1)

Here's "Open Liner" by Katherine McIntyre. Its the first books in her Alchemy Ink series, which is in the same universe as the Brannon Boys series and the Hot Under the Collar series

["The firefighter who saves August from a kitchen grease fire happens to be hot, single…and his ex-girlfriend’s brother.

August
When Serena dumps me, I barely have time to process before a sexy firefighter busts into my kitchen. Mostly because of the grease fire, but damn, he snags my attention at once. Then I find out he’s Serena’s brother. And the hits keep coming, because my parents drop the news that they’re moving down South. I’m about to be utterly alone, and I’m tempted to move too.

Drake
I’m in a rut. Work is fine, but I’m just floating through it. Meanwhile, my siblings are out there changing the world. So when the fire chief asks me to come up with a new idea for our charity event, I jump in feet-first with a charity concert. Of course, the one person who can help me is the gorgeous tattoo artist my sister used to date.
Turns out, we get along too well. So well that I can’t stop thinking about him naked. So well that I want to spend every spare second with him.
Except he’s not looking to stay, and I can’t hurt my sister by crossing that line."]

My fuck these two were cute. All of the chemistry and the similar interests and the meet-cute. It was all a little awkward but their connection pushed through. It was also healing, both of them finding the perfect partner for them, that person seeing them, zero judgement. 

Not to mention the generally low angst. I’ve been reading a lot of angst lately, and I didn’t know I needed a break until now. 

CanNOT wait for the next one!! 

#arc #advancedreadercopy #arcteammember
#inkcaps #openliner #strokefrequency #katherinemcintyre #alchemyink #alchemyinkseries #brannonboys #brannonboysseries #hotundertehcollar #hotunderthecollarseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Accidentally Living With The Captain (Chicago Awakenings #3)

Here's Lexi Amber's "Accidentally Living With The Captain." It's the third novel in her Chicago Awakenings series.

["Hudson
I thought I was living the dream—captain of my NHL team, married to a model, planning to finally become a dad—the last thing I was expecting was to be served divorce papers.
All the plans I’d been making, all the ideas of what our family would look like, gone, just like that.
Thank God for Adrian, he always knows what to do. My ex kicked me out and Adrian offered to let me stay in his spare room while I figure out what comes next. My future hasn’t felt this uncertain since I entered the draft, but with Adrian offering to help, I feel like I can breathe again, like the unknown might not be the worst thing after all.

Adrian
Living with the perfect man is a cruel and unusual sort of torture.
Hudson walks around half-naked all the time, showing off his perfect hockey body, it’s obscene. And then there’s the teasing. It isn’t new, but I'd assumed he would stop now that we’re roommates and there’s no one else around. He hasn’t.
He’s straight, and I don’t know how much more platonic flirting my little gay heart can take.
I know that our time together is limited. Hudson wants to be a dad more than anything, and he deserves the family he’s always wanted, the future he’d dreamed of. I know that future won’t include me, and I want Hudson to be happy. Even if that means giving up our time together, helping him move on.
He was never mine, so why does the thought of saying goodbye feel like it might break me?
I’m screwed."]

That was a rollercoaster of all of the ways. It was sweet and soft, but it was also piney as helll. There was so much romance angst and waiting for the right moment and everyone else knowing what they feel before they did.  

I loved how they fell in love slowly but also so quickly. It was inevitable but it was on purpose. They were perfect for each other, right from the very first page. 

I wouldn't say no to a fourth book in the series...

Trigger Warnings: sudden divorce, discussion of a parent having a major disabling stroke, mention of being a souse to someone who needs full-time care, discussion of off-page past neglect/emotional abuse from parents for being queer, mention of being homeless 18yo teen, pregnancy/birth complications, and more.

#accidentallyjoininghiscult #accidentallyfallingformybestfriend #accidentallylivingwiththecaptain #chicagoawakenings #chicagoawakeningsseries #lexiamber #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hat Trick (Punk as Puck #5) (Legends and Fury #2)

Here's EM Lindsey's "Hat Trick." It's the fifth novel in her Punk as Puck series (and also the second novel in the Legends and Fury series?).

["“For five million dollars, would you send a relative to jail?”
"Bud, I would pay five million dollars to send a few there."

Problem number one: Almost everything the world thinks they know about me is a lie.
Problem number two: Two people know the truth.
Problem number three: One of those two is a stalker and he's having a blast using that information against me to get his way.

The good news is, the second person who knows the truth about who I am seems pretty dedicated to taking my stalker down.

The bad news is, it’s NHL goalie Vanya Maximov, and he and I had a one night stand that I can’t stop thinking about. And while Vanya might be walking sunshine so bright he can make even my blind ass see light, we have no business being together.

I’m a mess, and while Vanya is everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner, he deserves better than me.

If only he was willing to listen to reason. If only he was less stubborn and able to give up on a lost cause.

But with his ability to give me exactly what I want—a little pain with my pleasure—and his refusal to treat me like I’m fragile, something dangerous starts happening.

I’m beginning to think that maybe—just maybe—he’s right, and I am worth everything he sees."]

Annnd I forgot how broken all of this boys are and how much it hurts to read about them struggling. Micah was hurting in so many ways and hiding it from everyone. And everyone (for a while at least) believed in his lies and believed he was fine (no one is fine when they say they're fine). He damn well had me tearing up during the entire novel.

But Vanya was a balm for all of it. He was kind and patient and perfect, which of course made Micah even more weary. As did the “pretty little goalie” nickname, that made me swoon haaarrrd. 

Trigger Warnings: ableism, on-page injury and resulting hospital stay, past and current narcissistic parenting, on-page descriptions of having a parent with Alzheimer's, stalking, bullying, threats, mentions of past sexual assault, on-page panic attacks, and more

#zeropucks #puckedup #absolutelypucked #stickaround #hattrick #emlindsey #punkaspuck #punkaspuckseries #legendsandfury #legendsandfuryseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Blood Runs Cold (Marchesi Loan Sharks #3)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Blood Runs Cold." It's the third novel in the Marchesi Loan Sharks series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["My life turned upside down when I uncovered my bosses’ criminal activities and needed protection. Instead of the type of safehouse I expected. I was sent to a historic townhouse to live with Dom, a scarred former assassin who rarely talks and wishes I wasn't there. The only upside, he’s a hot AF silver fox.

He’s also straight and old enough to be my father, but since I don’t have anything else to do while I wait to testify, I might as well see if I can melt the ice he’s encased himself in. I long to find out how much heat lies underneath.

Dom has no end of secrets. I soon learn the woman who is out to get me is after him as well. With our lives on the line, and Dom not so straight after all, we both give into our need for comfort. Is there any chance Dom will open up to more, or will his heart remain closed off even if his body is mine?"]

Whelp, Dom didn't stand a chance. Not a single one. 

These two did so much for each other. They build each other up again and again, they supported each other, they loved each other (even if a certain Marchesi was constantly in denial). 

I loved the little cameos we got from the rest of the Marchesi family.

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, stalking, attempted murder, assault, and more.

#hotblooded #bloodmoney #bloodonice #bloodrunscold #marchesiloansharksseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesifamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sinful Nights (Peaches #3)

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

["Cole
Oak and I have been best friends since we were five years old, and roommates since we moved out on our own. I live for our movie-night cuddles and seeing his face in the crowd at Peaches while I’m dancing onstage. None of his girlfriends has ever really understood our relationship, and while he’s always chosen me, I know that one day he’ll find the woman who accepts our dynamic, and I’ll lose what we have.
I’ve never really felt the desire to be with someone, and hooking up feels like a chore. Oakley and I both identify as straight, and we don’t really understand why everyone thinks we’re something more than we are.
So why, when it’s suggested to try kissing my best friend, do I feel butterflies?

Oakley
When yet another relationship bites the dust, I decide to stop worrying about girlfriends and focus on my best friend. Watching Cole onstage from where I sit in my booth every night is the highlight of my week, but then again, everything with him is the best.
Eventually, I’m sure I’ll find someone who gets what Cole and I mean to each other, but until then, it’s game nights and nighttime cuddles with him when I can’t sleep.
I’ve never looked at Cole romantically… until the night he tells me he thinks we should try kissing. How didn’t I know how incredible my best friend tastes?"]

These two were adorable as hell! There was virtually zero angst (just in the beginning with yet another girlfriend who doesn't understand Cole's and Oak's relationship). This was all fluff and sweetness and kindness and friendship to all of the extremes. Okay, there was a good deal of spice and oh-that's-why possessiveness/obsessiveness. 

Not to mention all of the cameos from previous couples...and new ones. ;)

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

Blood On Ice (Marchesi Loan Sharks #2)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Blood On Ice." It's the second novel in the Marchesi Loan Sharks series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["Who knew a hockey game could change your life?

The first time I saw Zeke on the ice, I knew he was mine.

My brother said I was stalking Zeke, but I like to think of it as showing my appreciation. I pretended it was just a game, something to keep me occupied since my family didn't really need me.

The way Zeke searched the stands for me when he thought I wasn’t watching let me know he wanted me too, even if he wasn’t ready to admit it. One day he'd give in. That was inevitable.

He comes to me, needing a loan. The year he spent in Vegas wasn't kind to him, and he's in deep debt. He doesn't like the terms I offer and tries to walk away.

I'll never let that happen. He's in danger, and no one is going to hurt him. Not on my watch.

I knew I could make him surrender to me, but the more time I spend with him, the more I find myself revealing things I've never told anyone. Money problems I can easily fix, and I make a damn good bodyguard, but is it possible we might heal each other? Is it possible for two wounded men to fall in love?"]

Here's Mr "I'm so not doing exactly what my brother did" doing exactly what his brother did. And Mr "it's not going to work out nearly as well as it did with my brother" working out nearly as well as it did for his brother. This man fell fast and he fell hard. 

Then again, so did Zeke..after he accepted a few things about himself and about Vito. They were sooo similar in so many ways, and it healed each other (just like Val and Liam). 

I was hoping this series would give us HEAs for Muffin and Six…but maybe that’ll be a future project (or maybe newer just doomed to be side characters).

I also love how we got to see Dom relax some more. He’s still pretty damn cold-hearted, but he’s not quiiiite as closed-off and pessimistic. He’s accepting that love can exist, and he wants his sons to have that kind of happiness. So maybe when he falls in love next, it won’t be too much of a fight... 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, parental death, past homelessness, gambling issues/addiction, threats and blackmail, and more.

#hotblooded #bloodmoney #bloodonice #bloodrunscold #marchesiloansharksseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesifamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Blood Money (Marchesi Loan Sharks #1)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Blood Money." It's the first novel in the Marchesi Loan Sharks series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["Liam
I was drowning in debt and my sister needed help, so I made a terrible choice. I borrowed money from the infamous Marchesi family, knowing I had no way to pay them back.
Did I think I could evade them?
Did I think I’d win the lottery?
No, I didn’t think at all. I just acted.
Now, a killer is at my door, a man known for his ruthlessness, his persistence, and the way he can bring a man to his knees – for business or pleasure.
I’ve got to find a way to pay him back, and the only thing I own free and clear is my body.

Valentino
My job is extracting money from delinquent clients. If they can’t pay with cash, they pay with pain.
The next client on my list is Liam, but when I show up at his house ready to take his money or break him, I find a desperate young man who intrigues me so much I consider other options.
When he offers himself as payment, I long to torment him in ways we’ll both enjoy, but clients are off limits, and only fools break Marchesi family rules.
I might just let him make a fool of me."]

Now HERE’S the angst and hurt-comfort I needed! Yess! Make me cry. Thank you!

These two were dangerous. They had so many person demons and they weren't good with trust and they didn't believe in luck. Until they crash landed into each other's lives. Until fate didn't give them a choice. Until Val didn't give Liam a choice.

This whole universe is mafia romance, and most of them would be classified as a dark romance, but this one truly felt dark. It was dangerous and daring, it was nearly hopeless. But they made it work (good think Lucien is a sucker for true love).

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, parental death, medical debts, blackmail, stalking, attempted SA, homelessness, and more. 

#hotblooded #bloodmoney #bloodonice #bloodrunscold #marchesiloansharksseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesifamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hot Blooded (Marchesi Loan Sharks #0.5)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Hot Blooded." It's the prequel/introduction novella in the Marchesi Loan Sharks series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["I thought I’d be spending a long, boring summer as the virtual prisoner of my mafioso father.

Instead, a series of bad choices left me staring down Tony Trevisani, the man who’d given me the best night of my life.

He was the only man I’d ever wanted to keep until I’d learned he was one of my father’s enemies. Utterly forbidden.

And now here he was, back in my life when I was at my lowest.

He looked ready to kill me–or ravage me.

Which would it be?

Would I survive the night? Would my heart?"]

There were parts of this that I loved and parts that...make Lucien seem like a true villain (it was slightly clarified/rectified). 

Tony (not the monkey) was definitely a shot-first-as-questions-later kinda guy. And seeing how many of those men work for Lucien...he deserves his own island. 

But I did think Tony (not the monkey) and Elio were adorable! Crazy as hell, but adorable. ;)

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, mentions of attempted SA, mentions of being drugged, and more.

#hotblooded #bloodmoney #bloodonice #bloodrunscold #marchesiloansharksseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesifamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Reprobate (Texas Safehouse #5)

Here's Silvia Violet's "The Reprobate." It's the fifth and final novel in the Texas Safehouse series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["People call me a reprobate. I’m known for my humor, my arrogance, and my inability to follow rules.

My boss sends me on a mission to protect the cold-as-ice billionaire I love to hate. I plan to push all the man’s buttons.

He’s as irritating—and as hot— as he’s always been. I expected to want him. What I didn’t expect was for my heart to get involved.

There are things no one told me about the mission, and our enemies are closing in fast. We have nowhere to go, but my friend’s ranch turned safehouse.

Neither of us was made for relationships, but the longer we’re together, the harder it is to deny the way he makes my heart ache for more. I’ve been living on the run, dodging bullets and my past. Can I stay put and give myself a chance at love?"]

These two…were not what I expected at all. Yes, they butted heads a looot, especially in the beginning. They were sooo similar: lone wolf, hiding behind a facade, tragic backstory, control oriented. But somehow they fit together perfectly. 

What a great ending to a fabulous series!

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, PTSD, and more. 

#therenegade #thereaper #therogue #therecluse #thereprobate #texassafehouse #texassafehouseseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Recluse (Texas Safehouse #4)

Here's Silvia Violet's "The Recluse." It's the fourth novel in the Texas Safehouse series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["The days I spent as a prisoner of war haunt my dreams most nights. I’m doing my best to move from one day to the next, but nothing feels pleasurable anymore—until I find Carlo Marchesi sneaking around my cabin.

Carlo is a mobster. He’s supposed to be under guard. But when he suggests a wicked way to pay for a night in my house, I can’t say no, and I can’t hold back the real me, the dangerous man I never thought I’d be again.

Being with Carlo feels more real than anything has in ages, but he has a life back in Boston, and neither of us are a good bet for a relationship.

When Carlo’s enemies come for him, will love be enough to hold us together and help us survive to build a life together?"]

Whelp, I wasn't entirely prepared for that.

I didn't anticipate the lack of angst and hurt/comfort. Especially after realizing that Carlo was the other MC. I excepted someone softer for Blade than a spoiled mob prince, but Carlo was so much more than that (and absolutely everything Blade needed). I also didn't anticipate crying. So...thanks for that. 

I loooved these two. They healed in each and helped each other grow after their pasts tried to tear them down. 

LOVED the Angel and Devil moments (and okay, Lucien).

Of course Fox is last. I'm sure he'll get smacked right over the head with love, so hard that he won't know what happened. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, abusive parents, PTSD, blackmail, and more. 

#therenegade #thereaper #therogue #therecluse #thereprobate #texassafehouse #texassafehouseseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Rogue (Texas Safehouse #3)

Here's Silvia Violet's "The Rogue." It's the third novel in the Texas Safehouse series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["Rogue can charm the pants off anyone, but can he catch a man who might as well be a ghost?

Eight seconds on a bull was never as scary as falling for a man who might disappear any second. I might have left the rodeo to work my brother’s ranch, but I never lost my taste for danger… and I’ve never met anyone more dangerous than Special Agent Ghost.

My overprotective brothers warned me away from him, but I’ve never been one to take good advice. When Ghost and I came together, it was explosive… and also healing.

We both have secrets, and neither of us ever thought we’d find comfort like we have in each other’s arms, but he doesn’t know how to stick around, and I’ve never learned how to let someone love me.

Unsure how long the fire between us will burn, we keep our relationship hidden until the day when an enemy’s bullet shatters the hidden world we’ve created. Now we’ll both have to make a choice: to keep hiding our true selves or put our cards on the table and fight for the future we want… together."]

Well, I knew these two would make me cry. Though, I was wrong about the amount of angst and hurt-comfort. These two were somehow the sweetest of all of the couples so far. Maybe it was the fact that they didn't fight their connection, their chemistry. They just fought how deeply their feelings were.

I loved how perfectly they matched each other. They were adorable and fluffy and spicy and protective (sooo protective). 

I really liked seeing more of Jacob and Rogue's friendship. That was perfect.

As was all of the glimpses of Blade. CanNOT wait for his HEA.

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, abusive parents, injuries requiring a hospital stay, and more. 

#therenegade #thereaper #therogue #therecluse #thereprobate #texassafehouse #texassafehouseseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Reaper (Texas Safehouse #2)

Here's Silvia Violet's "The Reaper." It's the second novel in the Texas Safehouse series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["A Marine. An assassin. A fine line between love and hate.

I’ve seen too much death as a Marine and the son of a mafia boss’s lackey. I finally have a chance to do what I’ve always raise horses. My brother’s ranch is also a safehouse for men the police would never protect.

TJ, our first client, is a hot AF mafia assassin who doesn’t take no for an answer. He’s the last man on earth I want to desire, and the only one I long for.

My self-control grows thinner each day until I give into TJ’s demands, baring myself to him in more ways than one. TJ isn’t the man I thought he was, and I can’t fight what I feel for him, but the danger that sent him to the ranch is growing and sooner or later, he’ll go back to his family.

Do I fight for him or accept that we were never meant to be?"]

We watched this two dance around each other (well TJ did most of the flirting..Rhys fought their connection at every turn) the entire first novel, and in my opinion, they spent way too long doing the same in this one. Not to mention the hurt-comfort, wasn't okay with all of that bs. Then again, TJ has a thiiick skin, so he didn't take most of what Rhys said to heart.

It was all hate hate hate until it really really wasn't. And then I almost cried. And then I did cry.

Plus all of the Ghost/Rogue stuff! D: They'll make me cry for sure.

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

#therenegade #thereaper #therogue #therecluse #thereprobate #texassafehouse #texassafehouseseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Renegade (Texas Safehouse #1)

Here's Silvia Violet's "The Renegade." It's the first novel in the Texas Safehouse series, which is within the Marchesi Family universe. 

["I followed my gut and defied orders.

I'd do it again even though I was left with a stain on my record and no where to go until an old friend pulled me back into the world of organized crime.

Now I spend my days doing two things I love, raising horses and protecting people. Just like before, my life is filled with danger, bad men, and their badder enemies.

I didn't think I had time for anything else. Then a scared young man came to me for help."]

Oh Grant, you really should have listened to X when he told you that Jacob was "trouble."' That boy knocked you head over boots faster than you denied there was anything between you. And telling yourself that you'd keep your hands off of him? Suuure.

Jacob was trouble but trouble that Grant needed. And honestly, the entire ranch. He showed them that their can be more in life and loss, that there can be something to look forward to, that they each deserve love and kindness. 

I knew this series would be good, but I might have under estimated how good. I mean, mafia cowboys?! Yes, fucking please. All of the incoming HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, abusive parents, abusive ex, stalking, and more. 

#therenegade #thereaper #therogue #therecluse #thereprobate #texassafehouse #texassafehouseseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Xavier (Vigilance #4)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Xavier." It's the fourth and final novel in the Vigilance series, which is a part of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). 

["I thought I was straight.

I thought protecting my identity mattered more than anything besides family.

Then Emilio came to me for protection.

It's my fault he’s in danger, and no one is going to touch him.

No one besides me."]

What a fabulous ending to a fabulous series. The big, bad boss finally fell in love and succumbed to being human, just like the rest of his team. His heart overtook his logic, his protectiveness overtook sense. They were perfect for each other. 

Not to mention all of the other Vigilance cameos, and Marchesi cameos, and Theriot cameos (Tony!!!).

Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, sex trafficking, human/child trafficking, threats/blackmail, mentions of death of parents, mention of foster care system, and more.

#misdeeds #giogrgio #niall #leo #xavier #vigilance #vigilanceseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Leo (Vigilance #3)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Leo." It's the third novel in the Vigilance series, which is a part of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). 

["I used to be CIA. Now I'm a tattoo artist and a vigilante.

When a new hire at my shop gets too curious about my less-than-legal activities, he needs all the protection I can give him.

He wants a lot more. More than I should be willing to give. And yet, the longer I keep him close for his own safety... the more I want him in my bed."]

Okay, but Ezra had no rights to be as adorable as he was. Leo stood zero chances. 

I love how hard both of them tried to fight their connection, how hard the mutual pining was, how hard they were already falling. It was fluffy and spicy and protective and obsessive. It was new friends and old risks. It was found family and baked goods and Christmas magic. 

Now off to see exactly how "straight" X is... ;)

Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, sex trafficking, human/child trafficking, threats/blackmail, and more. 

#misdeeds #giogrgio #niall #leo #xavier #vigilance #vigilanceseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Niall (Vigilance #2)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Niall." It's the second novel in the Vigilance series, which is a part of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). 

["There’s a fine line between hate and desire.

I used to be FBI. Now I’m on the opposite side of the law, part of an underground organization with lots more freedom to give the bad guys what they deserve.

When I meet Marcus, it’s hate at first sight. Only my intense sense of duty keeps me from revolting when my assignment to stop a depraved crime ring leads to me pretending to be Marcus’s lover.

It’s not easy to stay angry with him day after day when he’s the only person I can trust. Too much time spent in close proximity has me giving into desire for him, then wondering if Marcus might be the man who can thaw my icy heart."]

Oh Marcus…I’m actually really glad you’re getting HEA, after everything in the Marchesi Family series. And after meeting Niall in the previous book, of course his love story was going to be chaotic as fuck. And of course Marcus is a cat person. 

God, that line between love and hate really in that thin. They were hate fucking in the first few chapters. Falling in love not too long after that. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, sex trafficking, human/child trafficking, ptsd, abuse, and more. 

#misdeeds #giogrgio #niall #leo #xavier #vigilance #vigilanceseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Giorgio (Vigilance #1)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Giorgio." It's the first novel in the Vigilance series, which is a part of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). 

["I’m a sniper. A trained operator. A bodyguard. A member of the elite private security force known as Vigilance.

When my boss’s son acquires a stalker, of course I’m the one he calls to keep the guy safe. Mr. X’s one rule? Keep my hands to myself.

Not a problem.

At least, not until I meet Lane Porter.

He’s gorgeous. Flamboyant. Fascinating. He makes me want things I can’t have. He stretches my self-control to the limit… and then breaks it.

As the threat to Lane intensifies, we’re forced to hide out in a remote, one-bedroom cabin with danger stalking us from all sides, but suddenly keeping the boss’s son safe isn’t enough.

My new mission is to make Lane mine."]

Hot fucking damn. These two were hooot. They ignited that undeniable chemistry in the most spicy and protective meet-cutes ever. 

It was all very fast, but it was beautiful. They push each others buttons all the time, but it was also exactly what the other needed. 

I looove all of the new people we’ve met, and I canNOT wait for everyone to get their HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, stalking, mentions of human trafficking, 

#misdeeds #giogrgio #niall #leo #xavier #vigilance #vigilanceseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Mob Boss (Marchesi Family)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Mob Boss." It's a companion novel in the Marchesi Family series, which is the start of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). This short story is available through #ProlificWorks via Silvia's website. 

["I let Vinnie seduce me. I was an easy mark. I would have granted him anything, but I didn't know who he was. I didn't know I was setting a man up for death. But even now I still want him, and he has no intention of letting me go."]

This was a perfectly adorable little story (with all of the appropriate violence, over-the-top protectiveness, and mafia-like obsession/ownership) for Vinnie (and Tom). It takes place after Lucien's story and in the middle of Angelo's story.

I hope (when I finally get to it/them) we get to see more of the men loyal to the Marchesi's get their HEAs in the Marchesi Loan Sharks series. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, mentions of child/human trafficking, and more.

#lucien #angelo #devil #adevilishchristmas #mobboss #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

A Devilish Christmas (Marchesi Family #3.5)

Here's Silvia Violet's "A Devilish Christmas." It's the next novel in the Marchesi Family series, which is the start of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). 

["Devil, my beast of a man, seduces me into eloping, then kidnaps me for a honeymoon in Christmastown, Vermont.

A lot of men would be furious. I simply planned revenge involving handcuffs.

My annoyance doesn’t last long. Devil rents my dream cottage and manages to draw me out of my Scrooge-like ways. But I’ve been keeping a secret, and it follows me all the way to Christmastown.

Can Devil and I enjoy each other, find our Christmas spirit, and keep ourselves safe from a vicious killer?"]

Of course Devil would use the term "lumbersexual" and mean it (and think it would appropriately help him blend in to a Hallmark Christmas village). Then again, he also didn't think to give Joe an option for marriage (just engagement) or their honeymoon so... Then again (x2), this big bad scary mafia man is a sucker for all things Christmas (and his husband) and all of his plotting was well-meaning...

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, stalking, and more. 

#lucien #angelo #devil #adevilishchristmas #mobboss #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Devil (Marchesi Family #3)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Devil." It's the third novel in the Marchesi Family series, which is the start of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). 

["Devil is a mobster with a dangerous secret...

There's a cop who hates him.

A cop he caught and released.

A cop he can't get out of his mind after the one forbidden night they shared."]

Fucking Devil. Of cooouuurse he falls for a cop. A cop who thinks (knows) the illegal shit you get up to. 

I'm not the biggest fan of mafia/cop romances; I can't always handle that level of angst in this kinda of forbidden romance. The MCs are also usually both very..broken. It's painful. This one was painful. But it was also worth it. 

So worth it. There wasn’t nearly as much angst as I had thought. There wasn’t so much protectiveness and confused obsession and pure fluffy feelings. They were so fucking devoted and so fucking gone for each other. 

Honestly, these two were my favorite couple in this series. I’m sooo glad they have their own novella.  

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, gun play, mentions of human trafficking, SC with past domestic violence, and more.

#lucien #angelo #devil #adevilishchristmas #mobboss #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Angelo (Marchesi Family #2)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Angelo." It's the second novel in the Marchesi Family series, which is the start of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). 

["Cameron didn’t realize how much he loved his grandparents’ bakery until Angelo Marchesi, a man he’s hated since high school, threatened to take it away.

But Cameron owes Angelo a debt.

A debt he can’t pay…

Unless he accepts Angelo’s indecent proposal and risks finding out how thin the line between love and hate really is."]

I struggled whether or not to put "past bullying" as a trigger for this because...it was almost just poorly disguised flirting. Cameron didn't think so, hence the trigger anyway, but Angelo didn't necessarily mean to come across as an ass (just as Cameron didn't mean to come across as stuck-up).

Though, it's hard to communication when you're baking (and eating) so many delicious creations. 

These two were also a struggle. They fell fast into bed but didn't allow themselves to really think about how fast they were falling in love until it was too late to go back. It was spicy and kinky, but it was also fluffy and protective. 

Devil's book...is going to be a rollercoaster from hell. I'm almost sure of it. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, stalking, past bullying..ish, and more.

#lucien #angelo #devil #adevilishchristmas #mobboss #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Lucien (Marchesi Family #1)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Lucien." It's the first novel in the Marchesi Family series, which is the start of the Marchesi Family universe (in which I'm apparently reading in whatever order I want). 

["I never imagined the protector I longed for would be a mob boss who demanded complete control.

I shouldn’t have gone to Lucien’s office.

Once I looked into his eyes, I couldn’t leave.

He commanded me to kneel.

Beg.

Obey.

I couldn’t help myself.

One taste, and I craved more.

Lucien vowed to protect me from his enemies…

But who’s going to protect my heart from him."]

This was...harsher than the other books in the universe I've read so far. A lot darker. A lot less..overly and outwardly fluffy. It was still sweet in it's own ways, but Lucien was nothing like Remington. This family was nothing like the Theriots (apart from the whole mafia thing).

I still appreciated this book though. The darkness was still so very tempting. The possession and obsession and protection was still so very strong. The falling-in-love timeline was similar but slightly slower, at least admitting said falling-in-love. 

It will be interesting (that's for damn sure) watching Angelo and Devil fall in love. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, gun use, torture, kidnapping, mentions of domestic abuse between SCs, brief mention of child/human trafficking, and more.

#lucien #angelo #devil #adevilishchristmas #mobboss #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #themarchesufamilyuniverse #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Ambrose (The Theriot Family #5)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Ambrose." It's the fifth and final novel in the Theriot Family series...which incidentally a spin-off series from the Marchesi Family series (and after that is the Vigilance series) (I'll catch up eventually). 

["I thought I was the one straight Theriot cousin...
But I was wrong.

Because when Sheriff Eric Winston demanded my help in ridding his territory of pure evil, I couldn’t say no.

The man’s infuriating—a clean-cut do-gooder—and my family’s never exactly been friends with the law.
But I couldn’t deny I owed the man a favor…
And I can’t deny the things he makes me feel either.

I want to protect him. To kiss him. To possess him.
To save him from the enemy that threatens to take him away from me.
To break down every obstacle that could keep us apart…
Even the ones in my own mind.

Because I thought I was the one Theriot cousin who could never fall in love…
But I might have been wrong about that, too."]

Well..that was both sweeter and more dramatic than I had anticipated. I knew it would be tense and filled with personal and emotional baggage. Neither of these men had an easy life. The way the collided (and then just full-on went with it) was glorious. 

Looove that we got to offically meet Gerald. And the additional Tony cameos (fucking love that monkey).

CanNOT wait to continue this universe...even if I plan to continue to read the serieses in whatever order I want. ;)

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, mentions of past blackmail, PTSD, and more.

#remington #corbin #lancelot #dax #ambrose #thetheriotfamily #thetheriotfamilyseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #vigilance #vigilanceseries #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Dax (The Theriot Family #4)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Dax." It's the fourth novel in the Theriot Family series...which incidentally a spin-off series from the Marchesi Family series (and after that is the Vigilance series) (I'll catch up eventually). 

["Travis is my friend's little brother.

I'm supposed to keep him safe. To be a man he can trust. But I haven't seen him in years.

When he turns up hurt and needing a place to stay, protection is only one of the things I want to offer him.

Because Travis isn’t a kid anymore. He’s all grown up now. And the way he looks at me tells me he feels the heat rising between us.

He deserves a lot better than me — a man who can walk with him in the light, instead of pulling him down into the darkness. But every instinct in my body is screaming at me to hold him close…

And there’s no way I’m letting him go."]

This is one of the books with the longest timelines. Then again, these Theriot boys don't take all that long to fall in love in the first place. Most of the main brothers averaged one week, max; Dax took a month, maybe two, to fully come to terms with his feelings and embrace them (as seen in below quote). 

Dax: "To make things even worse, my cousin Lancelot had jumped on the fall-in-love-with-someone-completely-unsuited-for-you bandwagon like his brothers." ....like you're not already there, my guy?

These two were adorable! Best friends little brother meets childhood friends meets second chance meets kismet. Loved watching them succumb to their true feelings, all the while dodging bullets and brothers. And a very gossipy Corbin.  

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, past drug use, past abusive ex, and more.

#remington #corbin #lancelot #dax #ambrose #thetheriotfamily #thetheriotfamilyseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #vigilance #vigilanceseries #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Lancelot (The Theriot Family #3)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Lancelot." It's the third novel in the Theriot Family series...which incidentally a spin-off series from the Marchesi Family series (and after that is the Vigilance series) (I'll catch up eventually). 

["Men like me don't spend a lot of time at the library, so I've never had a reason to suspect cardigan-wearing, uptight librarians would push all my buttons.

Then I met Julian.

I wanted to hate him. He's my opposite in every way. I'm impulsive, and there's no rule I won't break. Persnickety Julian follows every rule.

But when I make demands and he stands his ground, I know he will be mine.

To win him over, I'll have to do the impossible, prove that occasionally, I can be reserved and restrained."]

Of course impulsive, party-boy, pet-monkey-carrying Lance falls for straight-laced, rules-following, librarian Julian. Of course neither man is exactly what he seems. Of course Tony full-heartedly approves. 

Oh. My. God. This was better than I thought it would be. These two were perfect. And they didn't make me cry, unless many of their other family members thus far. They were sweet and spicy, a perfect balance of scholar and play boy. 

Not to mention the Henri cameos (and Beau cameos). Plus all of the Tony love!

I also love how fast-paced these books are. I'm rarely in a slow-burn book; I don't always have the patience for them. Silvia's books, at least thus far, are far from slow-burn. They're fire and smoke. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, mentions of parental death, and more.

#remington #corbin #lancelot #dax #ambrose #thetheriotfamily #thetheriotfamilyseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #vigilance #vigilanceseries #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Corbin (The Theriot Family #2)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Corbin." It's the second novel in the Theriot Family series...which incidentally a spin-off series from the Marchesi Family series (and after that is the Vigilance series) (I'll catch up eventually). 

["A bratty mobster and the man who wants to take him in hand

Everyone says I need discipline, but no one's willing to give it to me until I meet my match.

I can't stand the arrogant man who refuses to cower at the mention of my family's name.

But my hate isn't strong enough to keep me from wanting everything his hungry look promises."]

Oh Corbin. We truly hadn't gotten a good view point of how bratty and whiny he was from Remi's book. Granted, a lot of his pouting was justified, but as Beau pointed out, who's going to take a pouting mobster seriously? Besides Beau. ;) 

These two were adorable. They helped each other grow: Corbin got a backbone, Beau got a soft-side. It was all just very...fluffy for a dark romance. It was sweet and spicy, it was dangerous and daring, it was a whirlwind in the middle of so many other things going on.

I really like how, with this series, we get a sneak-peak of the next book/couple in the epilogue of the current book. What a way to make me keep reading. Not that reading Lance's book is going to be a hardship (I canNOT wait for more Tony).

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, past addiction of a SC, and more.

#remington #corbin #lancelot #dax #ambrose #thetheriotfamily #thetheriotfamilyseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #vigilance #vigilanceseries #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Remington (The Theriot Family #1)

Here's Silvia Violet's "Remington." It's the first novel in the Theriot Family series.

["A mobster rescued me, and I rescued him right back.

I should never have approached Remington's car. I knew he was dangerous, but he needed help and I was sure he could pay well for it.

When he offers me an astronomical sum to stay with him for two weeks, I can't say no. Even then, I know when our time is up, I'll wish we had forever.

Remington cares for me like no man ever has, and I can’t help falling for him. But how could a crime boss be my Prince Charming or give me the fairytale happily ever after I’ve always dreamed of?"]

This book was fabulous. It was tense and filled with mutual pining and angst, but it was also all about fluff and sweetness and protection and obsession. It was found family and fairy tales in strange places. 

I loved Henri. He was perfect and utterly perfect for Remi. Remi...needed a slap upside the head once or twice, but he got there. He was just as perfect for Henri, too. They supported each other, listened to each other, gave each other grace and kindness in a cruel world. 

Whelp, this is another spin-off series. Really reading this backwards. Oh well. Guess I’ll be off to read the Marchesi Family next series..and then the Vigilance series. I’ll figure my way through this universe eventually. ;) And after u do catch up, there’s a dark mafia cowboy series waiting for me (in. this. same. universe!). ;))

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, mentions of extortion, mentions of parental death, torture, and more. 

#remington #corbin #lancelot #dax #ambrose #thetheriotfamily #thetheriotfamilyseries #themarchesifamily #themarchesufamilyseries #vigilance #vigilanceseries #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Forbidden Little Game (Crimson College #4)

Here's "Forbidden Little Game" by Raleigh Reubins. It's the fourth novel in the Crimson College series. 

["Sharing a college campus with my infuriating stepbrother should be easy.
Until he crosses a line with me, and we’re pulled into a twisted, chaotic game.

Noah is straight. Preppy. Rich as sin. Everything I’m not.
When I catch my stepbrother rifling through my belongings like a stalker, it sparks something inside me I can’t shake.
Let the frat boy stalk me a little. I’m going to stalk him right back.
One night, the mutual hatred sparks between us. We collide, and he gets a taste of me he can’t quit.

What we’re doing is bad. Wrong. …Completely consuming.
But I witness something I shouldn’t one night when Noah is attacked by a violent man.
When a stranger lays a hand on my new obsession, I explode.

Protecting him is my salvation.
Now we’ve crossed a line forever, and there’s no chance I’m losing this game.

No one can hurt him. Mafia ties run deep in Onyx Society, and we’ve stepped on the wrong rival’s shoes.
Noah is broken. Vulnerable. I see the sea of emotion behind his perfect exterior.
He claims he still despises me, even when we’re close. But with his life under threat, I risk everything to defend what’s mine.

When he says I’m crazy, I say:
I am. And you are, too.

Because I know we’ll both do whatever it takes to win this forbidden game."]

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Trigger Warnings:

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

His Forbidden Alliance (Forbidden Mafia #3)

Here's Silvia Violet's "His Forbidden Alliance." It's the third novel in the Forbidden Mafia series, a Theriot Family series spin-off.

["When I catch Zach cheating at my family’s casino, I should have him thrown out. Instead, I’m drawn to his sexy smile, his reckless confidence, and the way he looks at me like I’m more than another mafia heir playing at power. When he offers to turn his skills to my advantage, I break all the rules and let him stay.

I’ve spent years trying to prove I’m more than the spoiled playboy my family expects. With a Russian trafficker seeking revenge on us, I need control—not temptation. But Zach awakens desires I’ve buried for too long. Risk. Danger. Submission.

The closer we get, the harder it is to ignore the truth: Zach isn’t just a grifter. When he saves my life and exposes himself as a government agent, our alliance becomes a deadly secret. He needs me to complete his mission. I need him to survive my world—and to finally claim my place in it.

For Zach, I may be just another mark—a role he’s played a dozen times before. He’s a master at faking attraction for the sake of the mission, but even when I learn he’s questioning everything he thought he knew about himself, I can’t walk away.

Protecting him could destroy me. Falling for him already has.

In a world of blood, power, and betrayal, loving the wrong man might be the most dangerous gamble of all."]

Oh Rafe, of course you chose the most forbidden, most dangerous of ways to fall in love. 

This story was just as sweet and spicy and unhinged as the rest of the series. It was protective and confusion and obsession and denial. It was fluff and pushing away and devotion and breaking rules. 

Now let's go read that OG series...

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, gun shot wounds, drugging, human trafficking, and more.

#hisforbiddenobsession #hisforbiddenprofessor #hisforbiddenalliance #forbiddenmafia #forbiddenmafiaseries #thetheriotfamily #thetheriotfamilyseries #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

His Forbidden Professor (Forbidden Mafia #2)

Here's Silvia Violet's "His Forbidden Professor." It's the second novel in the Forbidden Mafia series, a Theriot Family series spin-off.

["A professor with mafia ties. A frat boy. A twisted destiny.

He walks in late on the first day of class. A frat boy with an attitude.

He tries to charm me with a smile, but he’s acting.

There are layers underneath his facade. and I want to peel them back, but he’s my student.

Forbidden.

I’m already a criminal. Still, I won’t risk my career? Will I?

Then I find out he’s in danger. He comes to me for help, and I can’t resist him.

I will save him, and if I’m willing to open my heart, he might save me too."]

I kinda like how this book takes place alongside the first one. We got some overlapping scenes from different POVs and more drama underneath the surface than we originally realized (and some "if it makes you happy" speeches that are now a little hypocritical). 

These two were somehow more angsty. There was a lot more self-punishment (*cough* Dante *cough*) and a lot more pining. There was somehow also more honesty...and more heartache. It was an overall harsher clash of emotions than the first book.

But they were just as sweet and devoted to each other.

Now here's to Rafe...getting into so much more trouble than his brothers...so much more.

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, gun shot wounds, drugging, human trafficking, and more

#hisforbiddenobsession #hisforbiddenprofessor #hisforbiddenalliance #forbiddenmafia #forbiddenmafiaseries #thetheriotfamily #thetheriotfamilyseries #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

His Forbidden Obsession (Forbidden Mafia #1)

Here's Silvia Violet's "His Forbidden Obsession." It's the first novel in the Forbidden Mafia series.

["From the moment I see Lorenzo, I want him. He’s dangerous, part of the infamous Theriot family who runs the New Orleans crime scene.

I have no doubt he’d enjoy destroying me. He hates my father almost as much as I do.

The danger I’m in at home frightens me, but when Lorenzo sends shivers down my spine, it turns me on. He becomes my fantasy, the man I long for, the one who might save me.

My father tries to sell me to the highest bidder, but I escape. I have no one to run to except Lorenzo.

He agrees to protect me… for a price.

I’m more than willing to pay with my body, but when my heart gets involved, I no longer know if I’ll survive my time with him."]

Ohhh was this book good. There was just the right amount of angst to get the plot going and for that smidge of will-they-won't-they (and do-I-deserve-him). There was so much protection and obsession and possession and fluff and spice and found family. 

Their love was forbidden, but the strongest obstacles were...well, Niko's dad and Renzo's cousin (who, spoiler alert, didn't win). 

This is also apparently a spin-off series...so after I binge the rest of this one (the rest of Renzo's brothers), I guess I'll be off to read about Remington and his brothers/cousins. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, human trafficking, abuse, mentions of SA and murder of children, and more.

#hisforbiddenobsession #hisforbiddenprofessor #hisforbiddenalliance #forbiddenmafia #forbiddenmafiaseries #thetheriotfamily #thetheriotfamilyseries #silviaviolet #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

In Too Deep (Tenebrea Cove #2)

Here's NR Walker's "In Too Deep." It's the second novel in the Tenebrea Cove series.

["Fraser Gorman finds comfort in unrequited love. It’s predictable, safely distant, and forever unobtainable. Zero risk, all the feels. That’s how he’s lived for years. But then the object of his affection plucks at those feelings, pulling at threads that threaten to unravel everything, and Fray has nowhere left to turn but straight into the truth.

Tobin Tiller is broken. Has been for as long as he can remember. He keeps himself distant, building his carefully constructed walls against the rejection he knows is coming. But when he recognises the signs of the bond and who his mate is, he tries to resist. After all, rejecting the bond before Fray can reject him is what he does best.

But the threat of Lusca makes it all inevitable because that’s how fate plays the game. And the men of Tenebrae Cove are about to learn that fate will always win, regardless of their best intentions, and regardless of the rules. Changes are coming, revelations will be made, and the truth is something else entirely.

Fray and Tobin are in too deep for this to play out any other way."]

The first few chapters were angsty hell. Not gonna lie. It was rough, from both of them. 

Until they got shoved into the water to figure out their shit. Literally. Then it was all heart-eyes and matching (ish) tattoos and love declarations.

Until more shit hit the fan. Not necessarily between them. Spoiler alert. The whole consortium got slapped with drama. 

Not sure if I like that aaallllll of it was in one book instead of multiple (or a companion novella)to be perfectly honest. But it was written really well. And we do have at least one more book in the series. Maybe? 

But I loved these two. Actually all of everyone in the town. They all deceased the happiness and sass and found family and home that they found at Tenebrea and with their fated mates. 

#underthesurface #intoodeep #tenebreacove #tenebreacoveseries #nrwalker #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

How Lucky Am I

Here's Christian Watson's "How Lucky Am I." Subtitle: "the inspiring and uplifting new book featuring Instagram sensation Mr Skelly" (on Instagram at 1924us).

["In this poignant, affirming, and beautifully illustrated journey, social media sensation Mr Skelly explores the ups and downs of existence and discovers the makings of a meaningful life.

"How lucky am I, to have lost what I wanted, to find what I deserved"

Join beloved Mr Skelly, a gentle skeleton wandering across lush landscapes and treacherous terrains, through times of joy, loss, grief and love, to find his family and – ultimately – a safe home.

Along the way, he discovers life lessons which help us remember what to hold onto and what to let go of, to realize how lucky we all are, because this beautifully fragile present moment is truly all we have.

Mr Skelly invites you to shift your lens, make peace with what you can’t control, appreciate what can’t be seen, and live your life to the utmost of your ability.

How Lucky Am I is a simple reminder that, in the end, we're all made of the same bones. With gentle words and hand-painted imagery, this book hopes to shine a softer light on what's often overlooked - and maybe, in doing so, help us remember what truly matters."]

I have never seen or heard of Mr Skelly before, but now I'm fucking hooked, addicted, obsessed. He's fun and sweet but inspirational. 

It's all nature and reclaimed spaces. All motivational quotes without being in-you-face about it. It's knowing when to move on and knowing when to push the course. It's being okay with not being okay. It's finding luck in the lucky but also in the mundane. 

I might need to find one of these posts for my next phone background. And follow Christian/1924us/Mr Skelly on IG. 

#howluckyami #christianwatson #mrskelly #1924us #selfhelp #inspirational #motivational #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

A Den Mate For Dylan (Foxwood Hollow #1)

Here's "A Den Mate For Dylan" by Emory Winters. It's the first book in her Foxwood Hollow series.

["Welcome to Foxwood Hollow. In a world of fox shifters sits a small, quaint town where everyone knows your business. Often stifling, always safe, and forever a place to call home.

Dylan
Axel is the love of my life; he just doesn’t know it yet.
Ten out of ten do not recommend spending your formative years pining after an alpha who’s your brother’s best friend. But alas, here we are.
My only solution is to leave Foxwood Hollow and start afresh. So what do I do when I have no choice but to return home, only to realise all of those years and miles haven’t doused the flame?

Axel
He’s your best friend’s little brother. He’s your best friend’s little brother.
It was a mantra I’d repeated to myself for years, ever since my brain had shifted from omega smells good to omega smells like mine.
I’m happy for Dylan when he leaves Foxwood Hollow to chase his dreams. I always knew he was destined for a life larger than this little town can offer him. But I feel his absence like a gaping chasm, and the silence that follows has my alpha instincts going into overdrive.
When Dylan finally comes home, a lot has changed. But the soul-deep longing is as present as ever.
Can I really let him slip through my fingers again?"]

I wasn't too sure about how the POVs were broken up..at first. Then I was sooo fucking sold. The way the POVs were set increased the pining and the angst and the neeeed to keep reading and reading until they finally talked their shit out and got together. It was such a simply use of skill, but it worked on sooo many levels to increase other emotions/plot.

These two were perfect. It was adorable and angst, it was sassy and spicy, it was possessive and protective. 

It slowed just a tiny bit after they finally got together, but we then got to see them get to know each other, for real, we got to see them work together for a future, we got to see hints of the next book.

Trigger Warnings: mention of parental death and more.

#adenmatefordylan #adaddyforcooper #foxwoodhollow #foxwoodhollowseries #emorywinters #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Owning Jett (Made Marian Legacy #3)

Here's Lucy Lennox's "Owning Jett." It's the third 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).

["Two weeks. One villa. A dangerous game of seduction and lies.

My job is simple: get close, get the intel, get out.

Then Locke Maris walks into my op.

He’s cold. Controlled. Heir to a billion-dollar shipping fortune. And so aggressively straight he doesn’t even look at me twice…

Until he does.

Locke makes me an offer: play his assistant by day, be his secret lover by night, at a house party where the world’s elite will gather to sip champagne, enjoy the Italian sun… and play a dangerous game called Paxis. 

In this ancient variation of chess, humans are pawns and each coded move could start or stop wars. I should report this to my agency immediately. Walk away clean.

But I can’t walk away.

Because in the privacy of his suite, the moves Locke makes are just as dangerous, the words he murmurs in my ear as devastating, and the growing devotion I feel as destructive as any global war.

At the end of this, I’ll have to disappear like I always do.
I don’t get to want things that could ruin my cover—or my career.

But Locke Maris is ruthless about protecting what’s his, and as far as he’s concerned he owns me.

When everything falls apart, I’ll find out exactly how far he’ll go to keep me."]

End me. End me right fucking now. That was perfect. And devastating. It was sweet and agonizing. It was so many secrets and being so fucking vulnerable. So much kismet and so much now’s-not-the-time. 

I was constantly on edge with the angst and the pining and the not-complete-truths. It was a roller coaster of emotions everywhere (Locke was his won fucking theme park of emotions).

But it was soooo worth it!!!

Also…now do the Marians (and the Wildes) get them selves (and their siblings—and now their offspring and cousins) into sooo many situations. With so many different people from all walks of life? Yes, it’s a fictional world, but wow (good for them, honestly).

Also x2, only slightly upset that the exact scene from the previous book teasing this book wasn’t in this book. I’ve been dreaming of that scene for months (more so while reading this).

Trigger Warnings: life or death situations and more. 

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

Match Made in Hell (In The Spotlight)

Here's RS McKenzie's "Match Made in Hell." It's a novel in the multi-author series, In The Spotlight.

["Lights. Cameras. Murder.

Life as a model is pretty sweet—dating the most beautiful men and women in the world, traveling anywhere I want on a whim and getting paid to look good. But I crave something more, something I can’t name.

Then I see him.

Or rather, I see him work.

And I know he’s mine. I’ll do whatever I need to do to prove it to him."]

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder/gore, discussion of domestic violence, violence against a side character as a child (off page, in the past), and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#matchmadeinhell #rsmckenzie #inthespotlight #inthespotlightseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Accidentally Falling For My Best Friend (Chicago Awakenings #2)

Here's Lexi Amber's "Accidentally Falling For My Best Friend." It's the second novel in her Chicago Awakenings series.

["Parker
Oakley has been my best friend since we were eight. We live together, work together, our lives are completely intertwined. His past girlfriends never understood how close we are, but Oak says the right girl wouldn’t be threatened.
I’m not so sure.
Now we’re both dating a pair of best friends who seem to get it. The four of us click instantly, and for once, everything feels… easy.
But then a dare leads to a kiss, and suddenly, nothing feels easy at all.

Oakley
Dating best friends? Genius idea. Parker and I finally found girls who don’t question how inseparable we are. I thought I’d found the one, until a silly game flipped everything on its head.
Because when I kissed Parker, it didn’t feel like a joke. It felt like something I’ve been waiting for without even realizing it.
Now I’m questioning everything…my feelings, my past, and most of all, what Parker really means to me.
Maybe the person I’ve been searching for has been by my side all along"]

Well, this thing was filllllled with angst. So much mutual pining and miscommunication and general bi-disaster-ness. But also the sweetness of crushes blooming over decades of friendship, love turning from one kind of all-consuming to another. 

These two were adorable--even if they were aggravating in their assumptions. Watching them fall in love was priceless, as was their love declarations (and multiple epilogues). 

I love this little universe with this supportive as fuck family, and I canNOT wait for Adrian's book!

Trigger Warnings: chronic illness, medical emergencies and hospital stays, death of a parent in a road accident with a drunk driver, homophobic/racist background character, risk of being cut-off for being queer for secondary character, and more.

#accidentallyjoininghiscult #accidentallyfallingformybestfriend #accidentallylivingwiththecaptain #chicagoawakenings #chicagoawakeningsseries #lexiamber #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks