Distraction (Mobsters + Billionaires #4)

Here's "Distraction" by Kelly Fox. It's the fourth and final novel in the Mobsters + Billionaires series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["Look, no one's ever accused me of being sane, y'know? So when I say that I am crazy over this RICO agent, know that I mean business.

Sure, I'm responsible for getting him fired from the job he's wanted his whole life, but his grandfather just died and left him 13.1 billion dollars. Dude deserves a break, is all I'm saying. And yeah, I'm a violent mobster with a savior complex, but that shouldn't get in the way of our epic love story.

Besides, a little gunplay in the bedroom is good for the soul."]

God FUCK, I love Hop. He’s quirky and silly and kind and he cares soooo much. He doesn’t understand most social norms, but he tries sooo hard. He just wants to be happy and for his family to be safe. Sometimes that last part overrides the little social norms he understands, which, who’s to argue with him on that (Liam…though Hop really wore him down).

And Liam? Fuuuuck. When he fell, he fffeeellllll. Suddenly, everything was about and for Hop. It was just so fucking adorable. 

Trigger Warnings: death of a loved one and associated grief, mentions of sex trafficking, violence, murder, threats, toxic parents, claustrophobia, past childhood abuse/neglect, and more.

#extradition #protection #attraction #distraction #mobsterandbillionaires #mobsterandbillionairesseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Double Dared (The Boys of Elmwood U #2)

Here's Hayden Hall's "Double Dared." It's the second novel in his new series, The Boys of Elmwood U.

["I'm not the kind of guy who turns down a dare. This is a lifestyle choice. I have committed to it fully, proudly, and without a single second thought.

So when Greg pointed across the bar at a man reading poetry alone in a black turtleneck and said "get him to agree to a date," I was halfway out of the booth before the sentence finished.

Enter film student, built like an athlete, reads like a scholar, and has clearly never once left the house without putting on a fashion show for strangers. He saw through my opening line before I finished delivering it. He said yes to the date before I could ask. He also had his own agenda entirely.

His ex had moved on faster than he was prepared for. I needed a dare to brag about. So we struck a three weeks of convincing, mutually beneficial fake dating. His ex would reconsider. My fraternity brothers would think the dare had backfired so spectacularly that I was, apparently, in love with a man.

Easy.

Except when his hand settled on the small of my back in a crowded market and my brain went somewhere it had no business going. Except when he leaned in close to say something and I forgot what language was. Except when I caught myself watching his mouth and had to physically relocate my eyes.

I never met a dare I couldn't handle. I just never expected one to handle me right back."]

TO BE UPDATED SOON

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#extracredit #theboysofelmwoodu #theboysofelmwooduseries #haydenhall #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Attraction (Mobsters + Billionaires #3)

Here's "Attraction" by Kelly Fox. It's the third novel in the Mobsters + Billionaires series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["I run a high-end escort service. And I'm in love with a virgin. It doesn't make any sense, this attraction between us. I'm a violent Mafia Don, and Ford is a nervous, perfectly bow-tied, sexily bespectacled money nerd.

But he's had my heart the first night I laid eyes on him, and while he keeps me at arm's length, he's never left my orbit. He's as bound to me as I am to him.

Hell, I'm becoming a better man because of him.

I'll be as patient as I need to be to win him over. The one thing I'm not willing to do, however, is let the man who put the fear in his eyes get away with it.

I don't care how powerful or wealthy he is—I will tear down the world to make Ford feel safe enough to love me."]

YES. All of the yes!

These two might have danced around each other for longer than we wanted, longer than their friends wanted, but the fall wasn't angsty or too piney. It was sweet and safe. It was friendship with some flirting. It was slow dancing and building trust. It was kind with just a hint of more. 

Ford being all sweet and nerdy and incredibly smart. And Luca going all badass while being sooo incredibly adorable (the gentleman mobster). 

Hehe, now off to Hopper. ;) At least Liam is already soft for our sociopath. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, threats, toxic parents, on-page description of attempted sexual assault, talk of human/sex trafficking, and more.

#extradition #protection #attraction #distraction #mobsterandbillionaires #mobsterandbillionairesseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

June'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 June's Book Shape Challenge! Gemini!!

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

The Weekend Boyfriend (Rent-A-Boyfriend #1)

Here's MM Farmer's newest series, Rent-A-Boyfriend. This is "The Weekend Boyfriend."

["They agreed to play pretend. Nobody warned them how good they'd be at it.

When Javier shows up at billionaire Desmond White's office dressed as a glittery Cupid to sing an embarrassing telegram from Desmond's ex, he expects an awkward job and a quick exit. What he doesn't expect is to end up in Desmond's car, then at his side at a concert, then somehow in his bed on Valentine's Day, playing at being a couple who've been together for years. It's a very good game. A little too good.

Desmond has spent months extricating himself from a toxic ex who knows exactly where all the bodies are buried, both professionally and personally. The last thing he needs is to catch real feelings for a charming, gorgeous man whose business is falling apart around him, and who would walk away in an instant if he ever learned the truth about Desmond's past. So they make a deal: weekends only. Sundays they can pretend to be deeply, happily in love. Mondays, they're on their own.

But between a vindictive ex with a grudge, a crumbling talent agency, a high-stakes ethics scandal, and a stolen afternoon at Kew Gardens that neither of them can stop thinking about, the line between the performance and the real thing is getting dangerously blurry. Because Javier has never felt more like himself than when he's pretending. And Desmond is starting to suspect the only thing worth keeping in his life is the one thing he agreed to give back every Sunday night."]

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Trigger Warnings:

#arcs #arcteammember
#theweekendboyfriend #alikelystory #rentaboyfriend #merryfarmer #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Wanting My Husband (Love Without Labels)

Here's "Wanting My Husband" by Lexi Amber and Bec Benson. Its a novel in their Love Without Labels universe/series.

["John
I’ve never met anyone who bothers me more than Chad Sinclair.
He’s always smiling, always happy – excited about life in a way I truly cannot comprehend. A spoiled city guy who acts like he’s never heard the word no before.
I can’t believe I drunkenly married him in Vegas.
Or that he showed up at my farmhouse, ready to give up his whole life to play happy husbands with me in the middle of nowhere.
Chad might have convinced himself we’re meant to be, but I gave up on that kind of future a long time ago.

Chad
I’ve always believed things work out for me – and getting my husband to admit he wants me is no exception.
John Sullivan might be grumpy, closed-off, and determined to pretend this means nothing, but he still chose me. He married me. He said I do, and I’m not ready to let that go just because he’s pretending he is.
He can say there’s no way we can work, but I’m stubborn enough to stay and keep proving him wrong."]

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Trigger Warnings:

#forewordpr #arc #arcteammember
#therealityofwantinghim #therealityofwantingmybully #wantinghim #therealityofwantingthem #lovewithoutlines #lovewithoutlinesseries #becbenson #lexiamber #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Protection (Mobsters + Billionaires #2)

Here's "Protection" by Kelly Fox. It's the second novel in the Mobsters + Billionaires series, which is within the Wrecked universe. Technically, I'm supposed to read the first Wild Heart Ranch book next/before this, according to Kelly's website but...I couldn't help myself.

["I wait for the signal at crosswalks. I pay my taxes on time. And, despite my association with a certain Mafia family, I run a clean business providing security for Manhattan's wealthy elite.

I don't break the law.

Dr. Madhuban Laghari—Mads—is my newest protectee and my biggest problem. He fights his security protocols at every turn and makes me question all of my carefully crafted rules. Especially the one about not falling for the world's most adorable billionaire.

Every time we go back and forth, I fall a little harder.

More dangerous than our sexy banter is the fact that the threats against him are starting to escalate.

He doesn't want to face the reality that he's got a stalker tracking his every move, not to mention the Russian government trying to steal his technology. The closer we get, the more I know I'll do anything to protect him.

If his enemies dare to put a hand on my billionaire, they'll discover how Mafia I can get."]

These two were equal parts adorable and painful. It was fluffy and sweet and protective (sooo protective) and slightly obsessive. But it was also mutual pining and angst and doing-the-right-thing. All of their friends and family were supportive as hell, pushing them together after they almost fell apart.

Not to mention everyone gathering (literally sooo many people) to protect Mads. Luca and his friends, Charlie and his friends, Anders and his friends--plus a few extra people thrown in there for good measure.

I don't know if Hopper being besties with Anders is good and hilarious on all fronts or a danger to everyone's sanity. Mostly the first one...until we got to the Arms-Knives-Guns part. *shudder* Though loooved seeing the Guardians guys!

Trigger Warnings: stalking, violence, murder, threats, toxic parents, kidnapping, and more.

#extradition #protection #attraction #distraction #mobsterandbillionaires #mobsterandbillionairesseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Extradition (Mobsters + Billionaires #1)

Here's "Extradition" by Kelly Fox. It's the first novel in the Mobsters + Billionaires series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["Fun fact: You can take the man out of the Mafia and put him in a fancy Manhattan high-rise, but that man’s always gonna have a little bit of mobster in him. Which probably explains why I told off my arrogant billionaire CEO, Rand Wolfe, in front of the entire company.

After our little exchange goes viral, I’m left with the choice of letting my father’s men toss Wolfe’s disrespectful ass into the Hudson or helping him escape. Long story short, I’m hiding out in the billionaire’s penthouse with my father’s extradition order hanging over my head.

Only…Wolfe’s nothing like I thought he’d be. This wealthy, powerful man is actually interested in what I have to say, and his alpha-hole façade falls apart completely when we’re alone.

God, he comes alive under my hands.

With other families getting involved and my father’s threats looming in the background, am I mob enough to save the man I’m falling for?"]

Turns out, this one was on my list for a while. Not sure if I skipped it because of the whole interconnected-universe thing or the perceived angst. Mistake. Big. 

This book had angst, but not nearly as much as I had though. It was beautiful and caring all while being loud. It was happiness and comfort and breaking our of your cage and finding your place. It was instant chemistry and perfectly aligned spice and kismet, even if that original meet-cute was...less cute and more ugly.

I canNOT wait for more from this series!

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, threats, toxic parents, and more.

#extradition #protection #attraction #distraction #mobsterandbillionaires #mobsterandbillionairesseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Unwrapping Christmas (Rebel Sky Ranch #4.75)

Here's "Unwrapping Christmas" by Kelly Fox. It's the next novel in the Rebel Sky Ranch series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["College isn't working out, and I'm still trying to figure out what comes next.

I suppose volunteering for the local Christmas Cleanup is better than staring at the four walls of my house all day long, even if I don't know what the heck I'm doing. Here's hoping the locals don't mind my gothy Christmas elf attire.

While I was hoping the volunteer work would help me to discover something about myself, I wasn't expecting to unwrap a whole new...dynamic. At least not until Junior, a tall-strapping cowboy, shows me what I've been missing."]

Tanner is the lovely guy who helped Jason and Patrick in the last book. Sooo glad he now gets his own HEA. With Junior, one of the three children who were “forced” to work at Rebel Sky in book two.

And they were utterly perfect for each other. So soft and understanding, but so sassy and spicy. It was a perfect mix, just like they were. 

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, toxic parent, and more. 

#goodnight #sparrow #navarro #warwick #thesherifstroublemaker #unwrappingchristmas #rebelskyranch #rebelskyranchseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Sheriff's Troublemaker (Rebel Sky Ranches #4.5)

Here's "The Sheriff's Troublemaker" by Kelly Fox. It's the next novel in the Rebel Sky Ranch series, which is within the Wrecked universe. This piece originated in the Dirty Daddies anthology but has since been expanded. 

["Jason Jennings is gonna be the death of me, I swear. I'm the acting sheriff of this small Texas town, and he's gotten himself arrested—on purpose—at least three times now. Worse, he knows I'm a Daddy and isn't exactly subtle about wanting to be my boy, despite our twenty-year age difference.

I'd love to put him over my knee, but it's an election year, and a dangerous last-minute challenger could set the entire county back if I lose. The vote is way too close for the town to suddenly find out that I'm gay and dating the young man I've been putting in handcuffs for the better part of a year.

Still... he's working so hard to put his life back together, I can only imagine how he'd bloom under my support and direction.

When Jason's world begins to fall apart, so does my resolve. How can I abandon my boy when he needs me the most?"]

First thoughts after reading the blurb (after reading the first book): I mean like...yay for the redemption arc? Secondary thoughts (after reading the third and forth books): Jason grew on me. He made mistakes, and he was a brat, but…sometimes we act out because we don’t know how to ask for help. 

Minor complaint: there was a lot of rehashing plot points that happened in previous points in the series. Granted, that might have been for the sake of the anthology, but it didn't help me, someone who just read the other books in the series, keep my reading momentum going.

BUT these two were utterly adorable--even if they were both troublemakers. They helped each other becoming who they were meant to be. They held and healed each other in so many ways. 

Trigger Warnings: off-page attempted suicide, homophobia, toxic parents, and more. 

#goodnight #sparrow #navarro #warwick #thesherifstroublemaker #unwrappingchristmas #rebelskyranch #rebelskyranchseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Warwick (Rebel Sky Ranch #4)

Here's "Warwick" by Kelly Fox. It's the fourth novel in the Rebel Sky Ranch series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["I understand that sleeping with the boss is a bad idea.

To be fair, I was already sleeping with my co-worker.

And yeah, we all live in the same bunkhouse on a ranch in the middle of the Central Texas Hill Country, but we’re professionals. We can handle it.
Besides, I’ve made it pretty darn clear that I am in no way a relationship guy.

Am I trying to hide a mountain of pain after losing the unrequited love of my life? Sure…but we don’t say that part out loud.

I’m just trying to figure out who gave Joaquin and Colt permission to go off and start something on their own. I thought our boss / co-worker arrangement was pretty good, especially after that impromptu three-way.

But now they’re excluding me.
It almost feels like they’re trying to make me jealous. Not that I’m jealous, or whatever.

Besides, I could never love someone as much as I loved Renée. There isn’t a single person in the world who could take her place...
Huh.
Is it possible that I need two people to show me how to love again?"]

I wasn’t too sure if this one for a bit. I wasn’t feeling murder-less angst. I wanted some life-or-death stakes. This grew on me though. 

This one was beautiful. It was troublesome, but it was also so kind-hearted. And the trouble all came out of a place of love. These three were perfect for each other, and they completed each other like nothing else, no body else.

I also loooved seeing Sam/Trip get an additional HEA and more hints at the next few pieces in this universe. 

Trigger Warnings: death of a loved one and associated grief, brief mention of family violence, SCs struggling with sobriety/depression/suicidal thoughts, and more. 

#goodnight #sparrow #navarro #warwick #thesherifstroublemaker #unwrappingchristmas #rebelskyranch #rebelskyranchseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Navarro (Rebel Sky Ranch #3)

Here's "Navarro" by Kelly Fox. It's the third novel in the Rebel Sky Ranch series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["My late wife made a bet with me: if I marry her brother, I have to take his last name.

“That's the rule. You marry two Navarros, you become one of us.”

Renée always did have a sense of humor—even as she was dying—but I’ll never love anyone the way I loved her. Falling for my brother-in-law? Psh. Desi’s almost twenty years younger than me and far too pretty.

Besides, my son would never forgive me.

Still, it's getting harder and harder to deny our chemistry with every encounter. I just want to pretend that none of this is happening.

God, what if I can’t keep pretending?
The worst kept secret at Rebel Sky Ranch is that I’m deeply, tragically in love with Wyatt Goodnight.

Not only is he my late sister’s husband, but he may have changed my diapers once upon a time. And his son, my best friend, hates the fact that I’m in love with his father.

Complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it.

There are times when I think I’m the only person who sees the real Wyatt. The man who sacrificed everything for my sister, who moved heaven and earth to try to save her. The man who wants a life beyond the ranch.

But he denies us, ignores his own feelings, and pretends that his hands don’t know the exact weight and measure of me.

What if he never sees how good we could be together?"]

Let me see if I got this right, Wy: Desi is cute and perfect and deserves the world, but he'll always be that gangly child, but you get jealous when he's with other men, but you don't feel that way for him (though, in your humble opinion, he doesn't have a crush on you anymore). Did I sum that up well? No wonder Dez is getting whiplash. 

Wow, this book made me cry. A lot. Like a lot a lot. It was devastating, but it was also beautiful and kind and healing. 

I have a feeling the next book will make me cry, too…

Trigger Warnings: death of a loved one and associated grief, off-page attempted suicide, mentions of homophobia, and more. 

#goodnight #sparrow #navarro #warwick #thesherifstroublemaker #unwrappingchristmas #rebelskyranch #rebelskyranchseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Sparrow (Rebel Sky Ranch #2)

Here's "Sparrow" by Kelly Fox. It's the second novel in the Rebel Sky Ranch series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["I like horses better than most people. After years of supporting our local equine rescue, it’s safe to say that I have a certified hate-on for the rodeo. So why is Luke McCall, injured rodeo diva, in my training paddock?
I feel bad that he was outed by the media, and I get the need to regroup out of the spotlight. I might even be willing to admit that he’s a little more vulnerable than his Rodeo King persona would suggest.
But, seriously—why does he have to recover in my bunkhouse?

I thought volunteering at a queer-friendly horse ranch was a stroke of brilliance—I’d get to hang out with horses while rebuilding strength and mobility after my injury. Win-win, right? Wrong.
Rebel Sky’s gorgeous foreman hates my guts on sight, even if he is willing to protect me from the bigots who just want a shot at the fallen cowboy.
What would it take to get him to see that I’m a good man with a soft heart and a helpful little rope kink?"]

We’ll talk about rumors adding fuel to the hurt-comfort fire. Then again, for a chill guy like Sparrow, he was anything but chill to Luke. 

Luke was a gem. A stubborn gem. But a gem. He was lighthearted and optimistic and so kind to everyone and everything. He got a little sassy sometimes, but it was always warranted. 

LOVED the Anders and Odd moments (glad to know that everyone on teh ranch is learning not to "trust" Anders when he gets unhinged).

SOOO looking forward to all of the other couples we got teased about in this one. 

Trigger Warnings: mentions of animals being hurt/put down, domestic violence, toxic ex, homophobia, toxic parents, homophobia, death of a loved one and associated grief, and more. 

#goodnight #sparrow #navarro #warwick #thesherifstroublemaker #unwrappingchristmas #rebelskyranch #rebelskyranchseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Goodnight (Rebel Sky Ranch #1)

Here's "Goodnight" by Kelly Fox. It's the first novel in the Rebel Sky Ranch series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["Trip
I was born and raised on Rebel Sky Ranch. In the long, terrible year since my mother’s death, meeting Sam is the one bright spot. He reminds me of the horses we rescue. Scarred, skittish, and…strong. Beautiful . He’s a bit of a hat-stealer, and, truth be told, I’m a little leery of his chosen profession. The things he does in front of a camera... Well, it makes me blush just thinkin' about it. But if that scar on his face is any indication, he could use somebody at his back. I aim to be that person. And yeah, some of my parts get confused by the fact that he’s all delicate and sparkly, but that’s not important. Even if the good hand lotion has somehow made it into the tack room. I just hope he knows that he’ll always be safe with me.

Sam
I’m a cam boy who officially identifies as Wrangler-sexual. It’s entirely the fault of Trip Goodnight, the strapping cowboy at the ranch next door. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s going to be the father of my two-point-five children. We’re an unlikely pairing, what with him being a straight cowboy and me being a gay sex worker, but those, darling, are mere details. When he saves me from a literal nest of rattlesnakes, it’s nothing if not true love. I’m aiming for a spring wedding. While it’s true that I haven’t been able to let a man touch me since I was attacked last year, and there’s no telling what my father might do if he manages to find me, I’m not letting any of that stop me. In fact, I’ve stolen Trip’s cowboy hat and used it in one of my videos, so I’m already well on my way to making him mine. Besides, he’s the first man outside of my found family who’s made me feel safe. Protected. That’s gotta count for something...right?"]

I spent sooo much of this book smiling like an idiot. These two were just sooo cute and fluffy! It was all fan-girl-kicking on my end. Well...almost all. There was a good bit of angst and triggers, but mostly from outside sources (mostly). The sheer amount of times that Sam mentally planned their wedding? Glorious. (And the one time Trip did? Fucking. Swoon.)

There are soooo many possibilities for future HEAs (and shenanigans) with all of these new characters/cowboys. Not to mention all of the Bash family cameos (oh Anders, you fuckhead--I didn't like you at first; now I'm obsessed). 

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, homophobia, mentions of conversion therapy, death of a loved one and associated griefg, past experience with really bad bad guys, past assault, past attempted SA, and more. 

#goodnight #sparrow #navarro #warwick #thesherifstroublemaker #unwrappingchristmas #rebelskyranch #rebelskyranchseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Deep Impact (Wrecked: Guardians #4)

Well, here's to reading another universe (series of series) in whatever order I want to. Here's "Deep Impact" by Kelly Fox. It's the fourth and final novel in the Wrecked: Guardians series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["DeShaun and I have been locked in a mutual imaginary affair since the day we met.
So many close calls, drunken flirtations, exchanged glances…and then his unfailing sense of duty would kick in. He has always outranked me and was never going to cross that line.
Even though we’re no longer in the service, he insists he’s not good enough for me. And sure, he’s still the boss…of our highly illegal mercenary organization. But that’s not the only thing holding him back. He’s scarred and in pain and believes his physical limitations should deter me.
What he doesn’t seem to get is that I would sacrifice a limb for him. Major organs. My entire heart.
If he thinks he can push me away for good, he doesn’t know Odd Bash.

Odd, the quiet man with the strange name, believes he can love me as I am. I will never let him do that to himself.
The bad guys never take a break, and every time he's in danger I lose another night of sleep. Fall apart a little more.
Physically, let’s just say my knee isn’t the only problem. There’s an experimental surgery, but…I’m not going through that again.
In a perfect world, no one would ever know the extent of my injuries or the toll it has taken on my mind. Odd insists he loves me without reservation, but he doesn’t understand the reality of my life.
And I love him way too much to ever put him through that."]

Kinda glad these two didn't make me cry nearly as much as I thought they would. That's a plus. 

They could have pulled their heads out of their asses faster...but then we wouldn't have a book. And this book was perfect. They fell in love and healed each other (and healed themselves). They found their own HEAs and found a HEA for the entire Guardians team.

Kinda upset there's not official Wimberley series. I wanted some super, secrets, slightly supernatural secrets. And the Wonder Twins.  Well, I guess I can read the Wildlings series, see what all of these crazies' children are up to. 

Trigger Warnings: combat injuries, violence, murder, all sorts of bad guys, and more. 

#hardtarget #fullcontact #mostwanted #deepimpact #wreckedguardians #wreckedguardiansseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Most Wanted (Wrecked: Guardians #3)

Well, here's to reading another universe (series of series) in whatever order I want to. Here's "Most Wanted" by Kelly Fox. It's the third novel in the Wrecked: Guardians series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["Thane: Letting him go was the biggest mistake of my life. Giving me a second chance might be the biggest mistake of his.
I’d spent a year as Ronan’s friend-with-benefits, convincing myself that he could never feel the way I felt.
I was floored when those three little words flew out of his mouth.
So, I ran. And have regretted that decision every day for the last five years.
Now fate has led him back to me and to the Guardians, the merry band of mercenaries who have become my family.
Our last several missions have gone sideways, and Ronan is convinced that he needs to go back into the field to understand what our team is dealing with.
He’s putting himself in harm's way and we can’t keep our hands off each other.
God help me if anything happens to him.

Ronan: I can't think of anything more dangerous than giving my heart to a man who's already destroyed it.
Then again, I might not have much say in the matter.
My life’s been upended, and the only place that’s safe is with Thane and the Guardians.
It doesn't take us long to figure out that our passion burns just as hot as it always did.
Undeniable. Unstoppable.
I can't keep my hands off him, but I can't go back to being his friend with benefits.
And I have no clue how to trust him.
Thing is...if we could learn to trust each other, I might actually have something to offer this team of morally flexible do-gooders."]

Oh so not only a friends-to-lovers but a second-chance romance (because someone was an idiot). With lots of big feelings and an increasingly large pool of found family willing to go above and beyond to help (while being nosey as fuck).

I looooved these two. Loved them!! Not sure I’m ready to cry over DB and Odd yet thought.

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, violence, murder, all sorts of bad guys, and more. 

#hardtarget #fullcontact #mostwanted #deepimpact #wreckedguardians #wreckedguardiansseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Full Contact (Wrecked: Guardians #2)

Well, here's to reading another universe (series of series) in whatever order I want to. Here's "Full Contact" by Kelly Fox. It's the second novel in the Wrecked: Guardians series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["Omar: If that joker doesn’t stop annoying me, I’m going to give that mouth of his something better to do.
The first time I saw Anders F***ing Bash, he was shirtless, armed, and simultaneously the most beautiful and frustrating man I’ve ever met.
He has not gotten any uglier. Or any less frustrating. And today I finally took a swing at him.
Our boss thinks a simple op in East Texas is exactly the thing we need to mend our relationship and restore the team dynamic.
I think two men are driving to the Pineywoods and only one is coming back.

Anders: Look y’all—sane isn’t really where I shine.
Does it make sense to mess with the Guardians’ new hired gun every chance I get? No. Does it mean I’m going to stop? Also no.
Honestly, there’s nothing more fun than irritating a sexy grump who can’t stand how pretty I am.
That said...the more I get to know him, the more I realize how much he's hiding behind those walls of his. And this little road trip is the perfect opportunity to thoroughly explore the real Omar.
I just hope I haven’t pushed him too far this time."]

Oh Anders, you lovable, idiotic goofball. You took your crush and teasing...with so much enthusiasm, but you also took it too far. It's a damn good thing that Omar is a forgiving (overly forgiving) and kind person (who happens to like you back just as much).

Watching these two go from jokes and awkward, slightly hostile moments, to falling in love in the manner of hours was beautiful. Adorable. I loved these two, even if the perceived angst gave me some serious hesitation. 

Now off to more Guardians falling in love. 

Trigger Warnings: grief, loss of a loved one, violence, murder, all sorts of bad guys, PTSD, and more. 

#hardtarget #fullcontact #mostwanted #deepimpact #wreckedguardians #wreckedguardiansseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Candy (Wrecked #3.5)

Well, here's to reading another universe (series of series) in whatever order I want to. Here's "Candy" by Kelly Fox. A novella in the Wrecked series. 

["I'm an atheist gym rat falling for a faithful man with a sweet tooth, and I can't help myself.

When my gym buddies said I'd be stringing up Christmas lights with Caleb, they failed to mention how adorable he is. After spending the day taking him to my favorite candy shop, making the gym shine with Christmas cheer, and showing him exactly how fun a locker room can be, it's my inexperienced new friend who's turning my world upside down.

I might not be a believer, but I'm starting to believe in the magic of Christmas."]

This was literally one of the sweetest things ever. There was still some of that patented Kelly Fox angst and armed forces drama, but it was lower than her full-lengthed titles. 

All of the found family and new friendships and new discoveries and old wounds healed. All of the fluff and sweetness.

Trigger Warnings: religious homophobia, and more. 

#sanctuary #surrender #crash #covert #shameless #candy #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Shameless (Wrecked #3)

Well, here's to reading another universe (series of series) in whatever order I want to. Here's "Shameless" by Kelly Fox. It's first novel in the Wrecked series. 

["Two things I know for sure:
1. Cheerleading absolutely prepared me to become a US Navy SEAL
2. Heath Treadway hates my guts

Let’s just say that this beautiful bear’s hatred for me involves a high school nickname and possibly a limerick. #badtwink

Now, he's back in my life. And all I wanna do is show him that I’ve changed.

My attempts so far have ended in hospitalization, second-degree burns, and a destroyed towel rack. To be fair, I blame that last one on the hate sex.

Worse than all of that? I’ve started to catch feelings, and if he finds out about the military op that forever changed me, it might be game over.

I mean… can he forgive me if I can’t even forgive myself?"]

Whelp, this one made me cry. A lot. Again, very therapeutic. Also very rude. 

The topics were hard, the past was rough, and the falling in love bit wasn’t much better. It happened slowly and everyone saw it coming, but it happened so painfully and Roly cried (and I sobbed). But the gym/pizza family got stronger, Heath and his family got bigger. It was adorable as it was healing. 

Now back to the Guardians series. After the Wrecked novella. 

Trigger Warnings: combat injuries, PTSD, flashbacks of wartime violence and torture, mentions of past bullying, and more. 

#sanctuary #surrender #crash #covert #shameless #candy #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Surrender (Wrecked #2)

Well, here's to reading another universe (series of series) in whatever order I want to. Here's "Surrender" by Kelly Fox. It's first novel in the Wrecked series. 

["Dark cloud, meet seven-foot wall of sunshine.

We’ve been friends for almost a year, we both volunteer at my brother-in-law’s gym for combat vets, and the chemistry between us is undeniable. So, getting together should be a no brainer, right?

Yeah, not so much.

Pairing up the joyful refugee NBA hero with me - the grumpy wanna-be artist who cracks jokes about being waterboarded - has got to be the mother of all bad ideas.

An even worse idea? Let’s add a splash of kink to the mix."]

This one was harder emotionally then the last one. On a whole different level. It was more raw and less relatable but it hurt more? I don't know how to describe it.

We watched these two fall for each other already, watching them accept that and welcome it was a whole new wonder. 

Trigger Warnings: combat injuries, PTSD, flashbacks of wartime violence and torture, recovering alcoholic, and more. 

#sanctuary #surrender #crash #covert #shameless #candy #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Shameless (Wrecked #1)

Well, here's to reading another universe (series of series) in whatever order I want to. Here's "Wrecked" by Kelly Fox. It's first novel in the Wrecked series. 

["What's the first rule of running a gym for combat vets?

Enjoy the scorching hot scenery, but get your kicks somewhere else.

Never mind that my cousin-slash-business partner ignores that rule every chance he gets. I don't ignore it. Ever. And frankly, between Grindr and living in one of the gayest cities in America, it's not exactly a hardship.

Hell, it's so easy, I can do it on one leg.

That is, until a pair of blue eyes swimming with vulnerability shows up at my door, looking for a job. He's too skinny, too mouthy, and way too young for the likes of me, but he pings that protector instinct in me, hard.

I want to fix whatever put that lost look in his eyes, but to manage that, I'd have to do the one thing I said I'd never do.

Break my own rules."]

Well fuck me. The hurt/comfort in this one (as well as half of Elijah's life) made me constantly tear up. Constantly. So thanks for that. Not to mention the several (several) times I full-on cried—though that felt really therapeutic so..

These two we’re all kinds of crazy for each other right from the very beginning, even if they wanted to deny it, even if they were emotionally ready for it yet. Weren’t ready for it after it happened already and secrets came screaming out and I was crying again. But they figured it out m (with some help from Roly).

Trigger Warnings: combat injuries, limb loss, PTSD, homophobia, transphobia, toxic parents, serious financial distress, homelessness, loss of a loved one and associated grief, and more. 

#sanctuary #surrender #crash #covert #shameless #candy #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Secrets and Lies (Silvercrest U #5)

Here's the latest from Willow Dixon: "Secrets and Lies." It's the fifth novel in her new series, Silvercrest U.

["Anthony

Three years ago, I hooked up with one of my frat brothers during a house challenge, and between the darkness and the masks we were wearing, I had no idea it was West until after it was over. And what was supposed to be nothing more than a chance to have a little fun and indulge in some of my darker desires ends up being so much more.

I don’t understand the pull between us, but West feels like mine, and even though he does his best to hide it, I know he wants me too.

After accidentally catching his fiancée cheating on him, I send West an anonymous text asking if he wants to know the truth. That text sparks a conversation, then another, and before I know it, West is telling me his deepest, darkest secrets, even though he has no idea who I am.

Then he issues me a challenge I can’t resist, and my prize is I get to do whatever I want to him. I already know West is into the same things I am, but I had no idea just how compatible we really are. Or how much we both like it when I wear a mask.

At the same time all of this is going on, West and I are paired up to work on a project together, and it’s then I realize that what I feel for him goes beyond anything I ever thought possible. I don’t just want him, I need him. And now that I’ve claimed him, I’m never letting him go.

West is mine until I decide he isn’t, and I dare anyone to try and come between us because I promise it won’t end well for them."]

YES. All of the yes. Always all of the yes. I love this series, and I'm obsessed that we've not fully gone to another house to get more unhinged HEAs. All the while trying to still solve one of those original problems.  

West and Ant were perfect for each other. Utterly perfect in so many ways. 

We didn't get nearly as much crazy from Ant's brothers/friends as I would have liked, but we have HEAs for them coming quickly.

Trigger Warnings: mind games, cheating (not by or between MCs), dubcon, blackmail, threats, mentions of potential mild homophobia, toxic parents, and more.

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

Hard Target (Wrecked: Guardians #1)

Well, here's to reading another universe (series of series) in whatever order I want to. Here's "Hard Target" by Kelly Fox. It's the first novel in the Wrecked: Guardians series, which is within the Wrecked universe. 

["Everett: There are a ton of reasons why falling for my tiny, adorkable best friend is a terrible idea—starting with the body in my trunk.
I have other reasons—he still mourns his late husband, I’m way older, he’s a foot shorter, my tattoo shop is a front, he’s an assistant professor at UT.
Still, I can’t help but think we’d be perfect for each other if I didn’t kill people (very, very bad people) for a living.

Rafi: How the f*ck did I not realize how hot my best friend is? Yeah, grief, or whatever, but were my eyes not working?
Silver fox, check. Tattooed hotness, check. Cuddles with me on Monday nights while we watch Australian melodramas, check. Says he’s not a good person but totally is, check.
New goal: Get Everett to stop looking at me like a grieving widower and start seeing me as someone he’d like to pin against the wall.
Now if I only knew what was behind the door marked Portal to Nowhere…"]

These two were adorable as hell! Both down sooo bad for each other. The mutual pining. The angst. The feelings of inadequacy. Everett's desire to hold back. Rafi's desire to...update his wardrobe. An entire team of friends turned found-family to support them in everything (literally, everything).

I canNOT wait for the rest of the team to get their HEAs. I'll eventually go back to read the OG series in this universe, gotta see some of those SCs get their HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: grief, loss of a loved one, stalking, violence, murder, injuries resulting in a hospital stay, all sorts of bad guys, and more. 

#hardtarget #fullcontact #mostwanted #deepimpact #wreckedguardians #wreckedguardiansseries #wrecked #wreckedseries #wreckeduniverse #kellyfox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Betrothed in Fury

Here's Devon McCormack's "Betrothed in Fury." 

["LOGAN

Charming. Sexy as sin. Out of his damn mind.

That sums up Killian Lorde, one of the most powerful crime bosses in Fury’s underworld.

Since his father passed, he’s stepped into his role as head of the family business.

A role which I, the golden boy of the Wilde clan, more than understand. Forced by birth into a life of corruption and moral bankruptcy, I exist for one to protect my family at all costs.

Only this time, the price is my freedom.

Unbeknownst to me, to maintain my family’s alliance with the Lordes, I’ve been betrothed to Killian.

I’ve always known him to be a bastard, but this arrangement brings out the worst in him.

He’s a monster. Pure, unfettered evil.

He doesn’t just want to marry me. He wants to control and possess me, and when his curiosity becomes obsession, we struggle for power as he demands the one thing I can’t give him.

My complete and total surrender."]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["Dark MM Romance, grumpy/psycho-sunshine, mob-bosses-to-lovers, morally gray men, frighteningly possessive MC, “Oh, what did that contract say?” arranged marriage, bi-awakening, touch-him-and-die (like, tied up in a sack, thrown into a lake, and left for dead), anything-for-the-family vibes, torture-as-foreplay (just mob bosses doing what they love), “Did I say you could have mashed potatoes?” (iykyk)"

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Trigger Warnings:

#booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#betrothedinjury #devonmccormack #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Swifts: A Garden of Vipers

AHHHH!!! D: :D Here's Beth Lincoln's "The Swifts: A Garden of Vipers."

["In the depths of winter, Shenanigan Swift and her family are summoned to America, where Daisy’s brother, Dandelion DeMille, is in danger.

Racing to DeMille family home – a 72-storey greenhouse in the heart of New York City – Shenanigan is too late to stop a murder. But it’s Dandelion’s Uncle Charlie who has fallen victim to a mystery assassin.

As a snowstorm rages outside, Shenanigan, Felicity, Phenomena and Erf must uncover both motive and means. But when every room is packed with poisonous plants and deadly creatures, how will they ever uncover what really happened in The Greenhouse?"]

Another family with perfectly fitting, if not too-on-the-nose names. I'm still obsessed. It shouldn't work. In any other book, calling the family chef Cook, would be too cliched and immediately nixed. But in this world, where a florist family in which every member is named after flora? It's perfection!

And the characterization itself! You never know who to trust! You hate this person, and they turn out to be good; you love this person, and they hurt you; you don’t know about this person, and they surprise you in the best of ways. It’s lovely and skilled and frustrating as hell. 

Glad to know that Shenanigan is still having her existential crisis in book three. Nothing like not knowing who you are and what you’re meant to do being sooo relatable across so many generations. 

#theswifts #theswiftstheseries #theswiftsadictionaryofscoundrels #adictionaryofscoundrels #theswiftsagalleryofrogues #agalleryofrogues #theswiftsagardenofvipers #agardenofvipers #bethlincoln #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooksv

The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science: The Jungle of Carabanana

AHHHH!!! D: :D Here's "The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science: The Jungle of Carabanana." Written by Kate McKinnon...sort of. ;) This Millicent Quibb book is technically by G. Edwina Candlestick (and "as told by" by Kate).

["The Porch sisters are going on a trip– this time, to the beautiful almost-French city of ParisToo.

Between baguettes, berets, and one very big bug– what could go wrong?

Everything, of course. You see, there’s just one problem with it’s where the evil KRA is planning to execute their most dastardly plan yet!

It’s up to Gertrude, Eugenia, Dee-Dee, and their dear mentor Millicent Quibb, to stop those nefarious mad scientists from taking over the world. Though coming up with a plan is easier said than done when danger– like a tree that throws coconuts, a suspicious pile of sausage, or a glaring aunt– lurks around every corner.

If Millicent Quibb and the sisters Porch are going to defeat the KRA once and for all, they’ll need to uncover long buried secrets (including some that might just change everything…) and tap into the world of mad science like they never have before.

At any and all costs, the KRA MUST! BE! STOPPED!"]

YES! YESSS! I'm obsessed with these books. They're fabulous and funny. They're silly and serious with all the right amount of (mad) science. All of the made-up words and general weirdness and sisterhood. It's all a mesh-mash of odd perfection. Not to mention the sheer amount of times one literally lols. 

I still want more Lavinia-Steve…

#themillicentquibbschoolofetiquetteforyoungladiesofmadscience #secretsofthepurplepearl #thejungleofcarabanana #gedwinagandlestick #katemckinnon #childrensbooks #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Barbarian's Musician (Savagely Sweet #3)

Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "The Barbarian's Musician." It's the third novel in her Savagely Sweet series, which is a Not-So-Savage Barbarian's spin-off.

["After the gronnok attack, my life was never the same. I was left scarred, ashamed, and certain I would spend the rest of my days alone.

Then Henry arrived.

Blind since childhood, he somehow sees me more clearly than anyone ever has. Where others flinch, Henry offers kindness. His music seems to be the only thing that puts my heart at ease and allows me to finally rest.

But Henry was never meant to stay.

His life is already complicated enough without the hardship and uncertainty of our nomadic lifestyle. If I want any chance of keeping him, I’ll have to convince him that it’s possible for him to build a life here with me and with the clan. Because if I fail, I won’t just lose Henry. I’ll be left to face the darkness alone."]

Oh. My. Goddess.

This book was somehow even sweeter than the rest. Which is saying something. These two were so utterly devoted to each other. They were so alike in so many ways. They both felt isolated and unwanted, unloved. But they saw something in each other that was so strong and powerful and beautiful. They saw love and hope and a future. It was...beautiful.

Plus all of the accommodations just being...life? An all of the found family, continuing to grow and grow? And Simon being Simon? I'm obsessed with all of it. 

#barbariansheart #escapingtothebarbarians #thebarbariansmusician #savagelysweet #savagelysweetseries #notsosavagebarbarians #notsosavagedbarbariansseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks