Goodbye, August!

August was...a rollercoaster. And I'm telling myself it's all for the best. 

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: 48 (a lot of novellas) (though, I might squeeze one more in before midnight).

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

(2) August Memories: Dinner with my best friend, then dinner with both of my best friends. Sooo much work (10-14 hours worth of work in 7-8 hours--for two+ weeks). Visited my sister, dog-sat for my sister, and helped my sister prep for a cross-country move (yes, another one). Then my job and I...broke up; it was sudden and it sucked and it wasn't my choice and I was angry and soo upset. So here's to trying to find some new passion.

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 45.

(4) My depression this month really got a go. I was a little low at the beginning of the month, but the end of the month was really bad. I struggled with sadness and fatigue and body aches. It lasted (the really bad parts) for at least a week; it's gotten a little better. But the existential crisis is back. As is the pure hatred of capitalist societies, especially the state of our society. I wasn't eating, then I wasn't eating well. The future is unknown and that's terrifying, but I'm trying to take it a day at a time. I keep telling myself that all of the change recently is a blessing in disguise. 

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyeaugust #helloseptember #hello2026 #dontstopreading #makememories #shareloveofbooks #shareloveofreading #bekindertomyself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Glow (Legends)

Here's Morgan Brice's "Glow." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Legends ("where National Parks hold secrets—and monsters steal hearts").

["Let your light shine.

When Dan, the Dover Demon, is pursued by bounty hunters, he seeks sanctuary in Fox Hollow in the Adirondack Forest. An attractive park ranger becomes his protector, and sparks fly between them. But the bounty hunter hasn't given up, and an even more dangerous threat has emerged from the deepest caverns, one that will take all the magic and courage they can muster."]

I reeeaaally liked that Dan's daemon other half (Wally) was his own person. He had thoughts and feelings separate to Dan's. It was cute and unique. 

As were these two. Instant connection, barely any relationship angst, complimenting paranormal "powers." They were both protective of each other without being over the top or over baring. They communicated with each other constantly and honestly. If it weren't for the bounty hunters (or the "dragon"), they would have had suuuch an each story. Then again, easy doesn't have stakes, and no stakes equals no plot.

Fox Hollow in general was really interesting! I would not say no to reading more of the universe. All of the different shifts, the found family, the safe-haven. 

Trigger Warnings: stalking/hunting, violence, virtual/one-line bullying, and more. 

#glow #morganbrice #bootilious #blade #starlight #maneater #beast #legends #legendsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Maneater (Legends)

Here's MM Wilde's "Maneater." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Legends ("where National Parks hold secrets—and monsters steal hearts").

["Darien
As much fun as it is making two dollars above minimum wage, I’ve always dreamed of a career as an herbalist. Now that I’ve broken up with my girlfriend, it seems like the perfect time to trade the go-go-go culture of LA for the peace of the great outdoors. But once I arrive in the Ozarks, communing with nature takes on a whole new meaning.

Rex
It’s spring once again, and the Monster Network chat is alive with preparations for our yearly summer solstice bash. Sure, it’s great seeing all my buddies—except they’ll have someone by their side and I’ll be traveling solo. Romance is overrated, right? At least I have all my adorable forest friends to keep me company.
I’ve never considered getting involved with a human, because seriously, how many of them have ‘ISO a giant hairy bear with horns’ on their dating profile? However, when Darien’s life is threatened, I have no choice but to reveal my true form and out myself as an Ozark Howler.
Is it possible that a human is my forever guy after all?"]

This book was entirely too sweet. There were a few minor angsty parts (if you can call that angst), but it was basically love at first sight...with a few bumps in the trail. They both wanted the same things in life: nature, quite, protection for flora and fauna. They were both a little (or not so little) lonely and dreamed of something more. Fate (and a mountain lion) stepped in and gave them everything HEA and more.

#maneater #mmwilde #bootilious #blade #starlight #glow #beast #legends #legendsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Starlight (Legends)

Here's TJ Nichols's "Starlight." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Legends ("where National Parks hold secrets—and monsters steal hearts").

["A little stalking never hurt anyone…

Or at least that’s what Akai told himself every time he checked on the human building the cabin deep in the woods. Before that, the man had camped there alone. Akai wants to believe that he’s only making sure the human doesn’t injure himself and die alone the same way his sister did. But it’s more than that, even though he doesn’t know what to do about it. Monsters aren’t supposed to reveal themselves to humans, and he’d already done that once before and narrowly avoided trouble.

For months, Cole Denny has felt like he’s being watched. Sometimes, he’ll find things near his cabin that shouldn’t be there. Yet he’s never seen evidence of another person.

Until one night, under a meteor shower, he sees something in the shadows. At first, it looks like a man. Then a wolf. Then something else entirely. Cole is always armed at the cabin, but he doesn’t want to hurt it, so he fires two warning shots into the air.

Wolves should not grow wings.

Now the creature lies at his feet—bleeding and broken--and Cole is dragged back to the worst night of his life when he lay dying on the road with the same red eyes staring down at him."]

Whelp, talk about a meet-ugly. Times two. Some (Cole) would call that bad luck. Some (Akai's sister--therefore, eventually, him) would think their fates are intertwined. 

The tropes list Akai as an "overly dramatic mothman." Which...fits. But it meshed well with Cole's search for something new, something exciting. Akai helped Cole escape. Cole helped ground Akai. They helped each other escape that growing chasm of lonliness. 

Trigger Warnings: on-page car accident, on-page allusions to death/murder of not-so-loved family members, past death/murder of a loved one, gun injury, and more.

#starlight #tjnichols #bootilious #blade #maneater #glow #beast #legends #legendsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Blade (Legends)

Here's Shaw Montgomery's "Blade." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Legends ("where National Parks hold secrets—and monsters steal hearts").

["Hunting The Beast of Bladenboro was supposed to be foolproof. It wasn’t a sentient creature I could have coffee with or chat with online. It wasn’t running an online jewelry store or complaining about how humans ruin the national parks. It wasn’t even on the list for the Solstice Festival.

It should’ve been a real monster I could save people from.

It wasn’t.

Somehow I had the worst luck of any monster hunter ever…and getting trapped in my own net was just the start. Things might be improving, though, as long as I can count finding my murder kitty, saving my mate from being trapped forever, and falling in love…yeah…things might be improving. Fingers crossed."]

Ha, I thought Henley would be a little more…less sunshine-y and kind and utterly too adorable for his own good. From the blurb, I somehow got a totally different vibe for who Henley is. So I hesitated reading this one; though in reality, I spent much of this book fan-girl giggling and feet-kicking. Who goes from fearing your own life to adopting a cryptid in less than five minutes? Henley. Then again, Blade was gone for his mate even after (see second chapter). 

After...the initial mystery was solved, the plot pacing dropped a little, which makes sense. But their bond and planning their future kept it steady enough. These two were adorable as fuuuck. 

Trigger Warnings: magic spells gone wrong, toxic family members, bad humans, bad witches, and more.

#blade #shawmontgomery #bootilious #starlight #maneater #glow #beast #legends #legendsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

The To-Do List (Liberty Heights U #2)

Here's "The To-Do List" by Chase Moorcox. Its the second books in her Liberty Heights U series.

["Felix Messer’s life has always revolved around his childhood best friend, Jacob. So when Jacob announces he won’t move in with Felix because he isn’t ‘housetrained,’ the solution is obvious: Felix will learn how to be the perfect roommate before they move out of their college dorms.
What’s a little cooking and cleaning if he gets to live with the guy he’s been in love with since they were kids?
But he’s not the only one trying to change. Jacob has a List. A List that offers Felix everything he’s ever wanted… almost.

-

Jacob Branson is the same uptight, inexperienced guy he’s been since high school. But he has a List to change that: a List that involves his best friend Felix taking his virginity. Among other things.
The List is meant to make a whole new Jacob. But sleeping with Felix doesn’t make anything new. It only reveals something that Jacob has been repressing for a long time…"]

Oof, I was right. The hurt/comfort in this was real. It was the kind of hurt/comfort where the one mc doesn't know they're hurting the other mc. Jacob didn't know the things he said (and didn't say) were slowly breaking Felix and that hurts more than your standard hurt/comfort. One: obliviousness is only cute sometimes. Two: you don't realize you're hurting your best friend. Three: it's hard to comfort someone if you don't know you're hurting them. The annngggssst!

These two made me cry. My chest was tight during so much of this novel (see above described angst). But I was also smiling like an idiot..so often. They were adorable together: the care, the concern, the barely hidden possession, the fluff, the history, the s.p.i.c.e. Their relationship was easy (minus the angst--and the lack of communication), their friendship (almost) bleeding seamlessly into more. 

I wonder if we're ever getting a Jack (or David) story eventually?

Trigger Warnings: over controlling parents, and more.

#thedoover #thetodolist #chasemoorcox #libertyheightsu #libertyheightsuseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Do-Over (Liberty Heights U #1)

Here's "The Do-Over" by Chase Moorcox. Its the first books in her Liberty Heights U series.

["For snarky loner Shane Tuner, the best part of going to college is getting as far away from his small-minded hometown as possible. So when his creative writing TA assigns him to tutor Nate, the infuriatingly handsome jock who used to pick on him in high school, Shane lets everybody know just how much he isn’t going to do that.

Reformed jock Nate Whitterman vows to win him over, no matter how many scowls Shane aims at him. He wants to make up for high school, and besides, he’s weirdly excited to spend more time with the mysterious, alluring boy he used to stare at for reasons he still doesn’t understand.

Everything becomes clear when he discovers a note Shane didn’t mean to leave behind. A note that reveals that Shane does miss some things about high school… like Nate holding him down."]

I wasn't sure about this for the first few chapters. The characters (particularly our Shane) felt a little too juvenile. But the novel really started to flourish and mature as I kept reading. The hurt/comfort went from a little cringe to so achingly sweet and angsty. The mutual pining?! The spice?! It was alll so perfect. 

The miscommunication trope, as always, was frustrating. But it...kinda worked for them. It kept the tension up (and the hurt/comfort). The sweetness also sustained the plot nicely.

So HERE for Felix's HEA...even if it's also probably a lot of angst and mutual pining.

Trigger Warnings: past bullying, depictions of migraines, and more. 

#thedoover #thetodolist #chasemoorcox #libertyheightsu #libertyheightsuseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Stroke Frequency (Alchemy Ink #2)

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

["One wild convention with a hottie cosplayer turns into Caspian’s worst nightmare—marriage.

Caspian
The point of this Vegas Comic Con trip is to unwind, enjoy myself, and steer clear of commitments—especially anything serious. A deadbeat dad and divorce debt sealed my opinion on marriage early on. So when I meet a gorgeous-as-hell cosplayer at the bar who’s on the same light-and-easy wavelength as me, my trip’s about to get even better.

Levi
One blackout drunk night in Vegas should’ve been just that, but when I get home, I find out…I accidentally got married. A quick search nets me the discovery that not only is the guy I met in Vegas on the East Coast like me…but he lives less than an hour away.
When I surprise him at work, we both agree that getting a divorce is first thing on the agenda. Should be easy, right?
However, between flaky lawyer hurdles, accidental Mom meetings, and a fake-real?-husband drop-in at my shitty sister’s baby shower, I end up falling head over heels in love with him.
Yet Caspian’s terrified of remaining married, and I’m terrified of what happens when this ends."]

The instant chemistry, the easy flirting, the honest friendship, the utter fluff? Absolute. Perfection. 

The banter was top fucking tier. These two could just talk and flirt and connect on a level that was so easy for them. It was adorable and honestly made me feel a little jealous (and lonely). 

I needed something sweet and fun and with very little angst. This book was a perfect balm for...life. I looove this series (this universe), and I canNOT wait for more! Hopefully Owen is next!

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, sexism, and more.

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

Zero Chill for the Vampire King (Not Quite Dead #2)

Here's JF Miev's "Zero Chill for the Vampire King." It's the second novel in the Not Quite Dead series. 

["ISIDORO
I took the wrong vampire.
Julian Corvath wasn’t supposed to be part of my war, but now he’s my only leverage. The son of my greatest enemy. The key to finding a vampire who could destroy my claim to the throne.
Keeping him close is dangerous. Letting him go is not an option.
So I make a choice that binds us together in the worst possible way—one that should be nothing more than a strategy.
A marriage.
Julian is sharp-tongued, defiant, and far too tempting. Every moment at his side chips away at my control. Every glance lingers too long. But I have no choice when the truth about his father comes out and threatens to upturn a lot more than my own life.
Julian is a complication I can’t allow. A mistake I should have already corrected.
But I’m starting to want him anyway.

JULIAN
Getting kidnapped sucks.
Getting kidnapped by a dangerously powerful, morally gray vampire king? Worse.
Isidoro Altamirano thinks he’s in control. To him, I’m just a means to an end.
He’s so wrong.
If he wants my cooperation, he plays by my rules. And once he agrees, I hold him to it. But the longer we’re bound together—forced into trust and proximity—the harder it becomes to remember why I should hate him.
Because beneath the ruthless king is something else. Something real. Something dangerously easy to fall for. And when his attention turns possessive and I become the thing he refuses to lose, I should want out.
But I’m not sure I do anymore."]

I've been putting this ARC off for a while. I'm not really sure why. Maybe because the first book set suuuch a high standard? Maybe because I haven't been in the mood for this level of enemies-to-lovers? Who knows. I do know that I regret waiting. This book was sooo good!

The mutual pining took me out. It was addictive and alluring and dangerous and oh so wrong (at least that's what they told themselves). The butterflies, the need to be close to each other, the kissing being oh so explosive, the pining...you'd think there was more to their relationship than simply falling in love. Definite fated vibes. 

Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, death, mild gore, blood (they're vampires), and more.

#unholybaddecisions #zerochillforthevampireking #notquitedead #notquitedeadseries #jfmiev #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hollow (Mayhem Manuscripts Season Two: Cryptids)

Here's MN Bennet's "Hollow." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Mayhem Manuscripts Season Two: Cryptids.

["Jack lives his life on social media, cosplaying as the cryptid local legend. Sure, he is an actual monster, but that detail doesn’t really matter when he’s focused on trending posts. All is going well in Jack’s life until a group of hunters show up, intent on taking the famed monster’s head as a trophy.

Dimitri has been trapped by hunters for years, forced to use his abilities so their organization can track down other cryptids. When he encounters Jack, he learns that not all monsters are made the same way. Jack easily removes the threat at his doorstep, and Dimitri gains a chance at freedom.

Jack introduces Dimitri to the world and the many wonders he’s missed out on during his captivity. Dimitri follows Jack’s lead as he explores this new era. But the hunter’s organization doesn’t take their loss lightly, and they set out to reclaim Dimitri and behead Jack. These monsters will have to trust their hearts and each other if they want to put an end to this threat."]

Okay, but Astaroth stole my heart from his first telepathic commands, evil little arch-demon of Hell commanding mere morals for belly rubs. :')

This one too me a smidge to get into only really because of the world building. My brain takes a while to grasp world building, but when these two started finally (also not a slow-burn girly) connected? Oh boy, I was gone. 

The fluff, the sweetness, the friendship, the vulnerability. A lot less darkness than I had anticipated (and a lot less angst). I’ll take adorable blushing monsters falling in love any day. 

Trigger Warnings: trauma, torture, a little casual slaughter, depression, anxiety, threats, bullying, death, off-page family loss, light gore, extreme acts of fluffiness, and more. 

#hollow #mnbennett #pareidolia #feral #paligenesis #tenebrous #golden #hush #leech #mortis #noctis #solivagant #solais #marked #mayhemmanuscripts #mayhemmanuscriptsseasontwo #mayhemmanuscriptscryptids #mayhemmanuscriptsseasontwocryptids #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Slick Trip

Here's "Slick Trip" by Lucy Castle.

["19-year-old Cooper has a plan: drive Grandpa's car from Illinois to California and earn some cash. Then Jon—his brother's best friend and Cooper's archenemy—is assigned as his unwilling babysitter. Cooper is livid. Yeah, he used to have a crush on Jon, but that was before Jon did something unforgivable.

Jon knows exactly why keeping his distance from Cooper matters. One reckless decision a year ago proved that some lines should never be crossed. Especially not with Cooper, the one person Jon would walk through fire for. He promised Cooper's family to keep him safe, but if anyone is a danger to Cooper, it's Jon himself.

When biology intervenes and things get heated, will Jon and Cooper finally admit how they really feel?"]

I've been WAITING for this book to come out for months! Social media adds are sooo teasing. And it was worth the wait.

These two were adorable and totally aggravating. They relied heavily on the miscommunication trope, but they eventually did start talking...after some hurt. But after the hurt always come the comfort. And the entire family going "fucking finally" (spoiler alert?). Overall, the only angst was the miscommunication (and haters).

I loved how this universe held a lot of the "traditional" A/O/B lure, but it also created it's own. It was familiar but refreshing.

Quote of the Day (Jon/Cooper): "'I haven't said anything about undying devotion.' // He threw the blanket away, looking indignant. 'Undying devotion is the bare minimum for a relationship with me.'"

Okay QotD Part 2 (Jon/Cooper): "'If I draw a line, are you going to respect it?' // 'No, but I"ll admire it while I step over it'."

I canNOT wait for Jack and Oliver's story!!

Trigger Warnings: religious extremism, prejudice, hate-motivated violence, foster care system, past physical and verbal abuse, on-page violence, and more.

#slicktrip #lucycastle #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Rope Me Down

Here's "Rope Me Down" by N Slater.

["I’ve spent eight months fighting my attraction to my boyfriend’s father, Boone, but when my boyfriend leaves me on the side of the road, all bets are off.

Especially when Boone rescues me, takes me back to the ranch, and shows me exactly what it means to fall apart.

And then he gives me a fantasy—two weeks with him and the three sons who live at the ranch.

A way to completely and utterly fall apart as they give me every filthy, tender thing I’ve been too starved to ask for.

Fourteen days of pure bliss.

We haven’t even truly started, and I don’t want it to end."]

Sometimes you need a happy, cheery contemporary romance to help heal. And sometimes you need something a little dark with a lot of fluff and some serious taboo (not too taboo--Zon still carries it).

I loved the unending communication and checking in. It was open and honest and totally...normal. It was so non-normal for Ash that it seemed abnormal. It was all kinds of sweet and adorable while being filthy and flirty. Four consent kings. 

This book was honestly fabulous. A little different and not conventional, but it was perfect. It did the healing I needed and more. It did the healing Ash needed (and more). 

Trigger Warnings: emotional and psychological abuse from former partner, manipulation, gaslighting, abandonment, physical violence, dubcon, self-worth struggles, recovery from emotional abuse, one scene involving drug driving and a hit and run, physical altercation, and more.

#ropemedown #nslater #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Monstrous Serpent (South Shore Serpents #1)

Here's E.V. Olsen's latest series: South Shore Serpents (a spin-off of the North Short Titans series). The first novel in this series is "Monstrous Serpent."

["I was never anyone's first choice. Until two monsters made me their only one.

One bad decision leads me into the woods and straight into the hands of two masked strangers who chase me through the dark, pin me down, and leave me questioning everything I thought I knew about myself.

Then I learn who they are.

Serpents.

And not just any Serpents, but six-foot-ten Hunter Kincaid and his other half, six-foot-eight Atlas Trembley.

Atlas gets under my skin like a splinter. He fights me, steals from me, and doesn't care that I want to kill him. He's counting on it.

Hunter doesn't speak. He takes. He decides. And he's decided on me.

They even call me Little Titan like I belong to them.

The worst part?

I want to belong to the two hockey players who fight over marshmallows and look at me like I'm the best thing that's ever happened to them.

But Hunter's past isn't done with him. And when it threatens to tear us apart, I learn exactly what kind of monsters my Serpents are."]

These three were hot fucking messes. All of the baggage, all of the pining, none of the communication. Not to mention the (on-purpose and on-accident) hurt/comfort, the rivalry, the baggage (sooo much baggage). At least Blue (*cough* Mr. Smooshy *cough*) was there to bring them all together. 

One complaint: There were so many uses of last names and first names (between these three) that I got a little confused a few times. Then again, that could just be me and my lack of ability to remember names. I do wish I was able to retain past MC names and relationships, because this plot seemed to take place over some of that plot (and future book plot?), and I was lost (I took it with stride).

I canNOT wait for more from this team. More unhinged behavior. More over-the-top HEAs. 

Trigger Warnings: off-page physical and emotional abuse by parents, scars, trauma responses, parental death prior to start of story, murder, graphic child abuse references, mention of serial murder of children, kidnapping, reference to human trafficking, violence, stalking, dubcon, ableism by tertiary character, severe injuries to MC, and more. 

#booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#monstrousserpent #wickedseroent #southshoreserpents #southshoreserpentsseries #northshoretitans #northshoretitansseries #evolsen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Royal in Room 3 (Halo House #1)

Here's Gianni Holmes's "The Royal in Room 3." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Halo House ("a shared world that follows vulnerable boys finding shelter, chosen family, and protective Daddies who are ready to love them exactly as they are").

["A fallen Crown Prince.
A convicted criminal.
A scandal neither of us can survive.

I don’t do love. I do caregiving.

Halo House sends me boys who need structure, protection, and someone to teach them how to survive. The arrangement is always simple, always temporary, and never personal.

Until Soren occupies Room 3.

He’s soft, spoiled, and helpless in ways that don’t make sense—until I learn the truth.

The boy who calls me Daddy is the deposed Crown Prince of a European kingdom.

And I’m the ex-convict who should know better than to touch him.

A prince and a felon would be scandal enough. But Soren isn’t just any prince, and I’m not the kind of man a royal family welcomes into the palace.

I should walk away before the world discovers us.

But I’m already in too deep, and letting him go is no longer an option."]

This book was reeeaaallllllllly good. It sucked me in right away. Soren was perfect. He was kind and sweet and oh so lost and hurting, and he made me cry (a lot). He deserved the world, but people kept betraying his trust. 

Luckily he found the Halo House and a sense of self and a group of friends and a support system and love. So much endless love. 

And I usually don’t love the overly happy epilogues, especially the ones that take place ten years later, but this epilogue was perfect. It was the right amount of extra information and HEA cheese and easy laughter without anything behind over the top. 

I cannot wait for the rest of this series. 

Trigger Warnings: mention of death of siblings, parental rejection, homophobia, racism, police profiling, incarceration, wrongful drug-related accusations, forced exile from one's home country, homelessness, SC with scarring as a result of physical abuse, and more. 

#theroyalinroom3 #gianniholmes #theliarinroom5 #thestarinroom7 #thegoalieinroom1 #halohouse #halohouseseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Starting a New Life (Cedarwood Pack #2)

YESSS. I've been waaaiiiting for the second book in this series for two years. Literally. Here is Ray Celar's "Starting a New Life." Its the second novel in her latest series: Cedarwood Pack.

["Would you rather keep running from an entire pack of wolves or let just one into your life—and your heart? 

Nix
My coven betrayed me. Even worse, they tried to sell me to a wolf pack to become their slave.
After five months on the run and constantly feeling the pack’s metaphorical breath on the back of my neck, I can’t do it anymore.
Hiding in the Cedarwood Pack’s territory was supposed to be a brief stop. Staying here is risky. What if they find and enslave me? If I stay, it’s just a matter of time until I’m discovered, but I don’t think I have it in me to keep running.
Will I lose my freedom after all, or is the Alpha my chance for a fresh start?

Gray
Weird things are happening in my territory, and my wolf and I don’t like it. First, the barrier started suddenly getting stronger even though it shouldn’t be able to do that, and now stuff is going missing. We’re a pack, a family. Family doesn’t steal from one another, yet it keeps happening.
So when I discover a strange mage on my territory who’s apparently been here for months, I snap.
Throwing him in a cell might be the biggest mistake of my life. I didn’t recognize the mate bond in time, and now he’s terrified of me and my wolf. I have no idea how to make him see that I’d never harm him.
Will helping him free other mages show him who I really am, or have I lost my chance for good?"]

The hurt comfort on this one was sooo strong. The angst was intense. The feels were everywhere. I cried for the first...many chapters. These two had me aching. All of the pining but the hurt and the fear and the anger and the misunderstandings were stronger. I wanted to shake them (Levi wanted to shake them).

When they started to trust each other, when they started getting closer (physically and emotionally), it was perfect. Together, they were adorable and powerful and a long time coming. They stood by each other, supported each other, defended each other. They made each other (and the pack) stronger. 

I can't wait for the next book. I just hope it's not another two full years. *fingers crossed* 

Trigger Warnings: mentions of slavery, graphic descriptions of violence, murder (of bad guys), mentions of past child abuse, and more. 

#enteringanewworld #startinganewlife #writinganewchapter #cedarwoodpack #cedarwoodpackseries #raycelar #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Ruined (Wrecked & Wrong #2)

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

["He was once the man who tucked me into bed, kissed my mom goodnight, and promised to keep us safe.
But when he walked out of my mom’s life, he walked out of mine, too.
He disappeared. Ruined everything we had.
Then, through a chance encounter you might call fate, we meet again.
He’s back in town, and he says he wants to make up for the time we lost. Take care of me again, like he used to.
I want that, but I also want him in a different way than when I was younger.
It’s dirty.
Wrong.
Inappropriate as hell.
But I crave it more than I crave my next breath.
Even if it’s wrong.
Even if he’ll leave me ruined."]

Well, I picked this book because I thought there were be less angst in here than the other books on my TBR-short-list. And this book made me cry anyway. a lot. 

There was relationship angst. There was family angst. There was what-is-my-life angst. There was past emotional trauma angst. There was...a lot of angst. Overall, it was all minor by themselves, and maybe they only felt big all combined because my life is a hot mess at the moment, but it was not the easy book I was looking for. 

Don't get me wrong. This book was glorious. And on a "normal" day, the angst would have been just right. These two had a push/pull and hurt/comfort that was painfully beautiful. Their old dynamic came back to them so easily, but with some new relationship upgrades.  

Overall, this was an easy read (yes, I realize that I say that after talking about how angsty it was for me). The chapters ended with a smidge of clarity but just enough plot to put you forward and want more. Their relationship, while inconvenient and not easy for their family to accept, was simple. Their love story...a little rocky, but filled with so much communication and genuine care. 

I want more of the twins. Nico and Luca were a lot, but they were amazing friends. I can't wait for them to get their forbidden HEAs. And Hunter, mysterious fucker.  

Trigger Warnings: past parental abandonment/rejection, family conflict and disapproval, past parental infidelity, and more.

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

August'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 August's Book Shape Challenge! Leo!!

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

Between Two Barbarians (Savagely Sweet #4)

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

["My father thought he was punishing me by sending me to stay with the barbarians for a period of time. He said it was to better understand them so that we could care for them properly. To me, it sounded like a great deal of fun. I didn’t expect to be swayed by one of them, much less by two. I wanted to enjoy my life, not be tied down. But the two barbarians who wanted me weren’t so easily deterred. And they were willing to fight each other for the honor of keeping me. What were the chances that I could have them both?"]

Yes. All of the yes.

This was sassy and sweet. It was soft protection and over-eager rivals tripping over themselves to please the newcomer. It was finding comfort and home. It was found families interacting with other found families and finally finding friendship. 

It was soo much fluff, disguised as...well it wasn't disguised at all. Jamal was spoiled rotten by his barbarians--but exactly zero people minded. 

I just love this series SO much. I love how adorable these barbarians are for their pets, their family, their bond mates. It's nothing savage, whatsoever, but they can be, if their pets/family/bond mates are in danger, perceived or otherwise. 

Who's going to be knocked off their feet with a HEA next?

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

Love You To Death (Hotter Than Hell #10)

Here's Callie Colby's "Love You To Death." It's the tenth book in her Hotter Than Hell series. I'm reading them out of order; they're not connected anyway.

["I choked on a pretzel and died for two minutes. Now I have a demon stalker who treats me like a toddler with a death wish.

Technically, I’m supposed to be in the afterlife. But thanks to a zealous paramedic and a very sturdy ribcage, I was ripped back to the land of the living right after my soul was stamped for export.

Rax, the demon assigned to escort me to Hell, is not happy about the paperwork error.

Since he can’t return empty-handed without getting demoted to "latrine duty," he’s decided to stick to me like glue until I kick the bucket again. He’s moved into my apartment, where he spends his time aggressively baby-proofing my furniture, hissing at jaywalkers, and slapping fast food out of my hand because "cholesterol is a slow killer."

It’s annoying. It’s suffocating. It’s also… confusingly hot.

Because when Rax isn’t wrapping me in bubble wrap, he’s looking at me with hungry, ancient eyes. He’s obsessed with my heartbeat, constantly checking my pulse with hands that linger a little too long and wander a little too low.

He’s waiting for me to die. But with the way he’s touching me, I’m starting to think he’s finding plenty of reasons to keep me alive."]

When you need something a little out there, a little silly, but with soooo much heart, this series is a pretty damn place to start.

This one had some angst, but like most of the series, it was outside of their relationship (stress about the relationship sure, but not between the main couple). I love how they all seem fated, on certain levels, each new couple is ground breaking. 

And these two were adorable. Oliver with his lack luster life and apparent inability to keep himself safe. Rax with his important work record and utter fascination (turned need) to keep Oliver safe and alive (and happy). 

#summoningmrwrong #summoningmrwrongormrright #hisinfernalpurr #exorciseme #devilwearsnada #blueballingthedemon #mydemonmyhandyman #swipeupforsin #turnmeon #passthegravy #loveyoutodeath #calliecolby #hotterthanhell #hotterthanhellseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Breakneck (Dragons of Ardaine #4)

Here's Roe Horvat's "Breakneck." It's the fourth novel in her Dragons of Ardaine series.

["When two alpha dragons fall, everything burns—especially the rules keeping them apart.

Terrance I have a spotless record—years in private security and zero screwups—until I’m hired to protect him .

As a wildly popular actor and stuntman, Lothair is used to hiding his dragon-shifter skills in plain sight. But he’s also arrogant, treats danger as foreplay, and can’t keep it in his pants for more than five minutes. To him, I’m just a shiny new toy.

And no, I’m not attracted to my obnoxious client from hell. That would be inappropriate and unprofessional. Besides, we’re both alphas, so… no. Absolutely not.

Except Lothair has decided to test my limits in every possible way.

Lothair I don’t want a babysitter. Wherever I go, I am the most dangerous thing in the room. But as my career takes off, my unsuspecting human manager hires a bodyguard to shield me from random weirdos and overeager fans.

Lucky for me, Terry is another dragon, adorably straitlaced and just stuck-up enough for me to push his buttons. Turns out, making him unravel might be the best stunt I’ve ever pulled."]

I looove how different each book in this series is. There's a very similar formula, but it's not formulaic. It's all very unique and fun. Especially this one. At least the previous alphas new what was happening to them when they met their fate mates; these two were in their own little just-till-Monday lust-turning-into-more love bubble, not even realizing all of the weird and new things that were happening was fate. 

They encouraged each other in the best of ways: be braver and be bolder, be safer and be smarter. They helped each other grow. They gave each other a safe place to be themselves, to explore their futures. 

Trigger Warnings: memory of death of a parent, sex work, mild physical violence, kidnapping, blackmail, vehicular assault, use of a gun, and more. 

#skydive #levity #freefall #breakneck #dragonsofardaine #dragonsofardaineseries #roehorvat #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Freefall (Dragons of Ardaine #3)

Here's Roe Horvat's "Freefall." It's the third novel in her Dragons of Ardaine series.

["When his parents try to coerce him into a marriage with an obnoxious, snobbish alpha, Ansel escapes to his granddad’s off-grid cabin. There he can gather the courage to make some tough decisions. After an unusually stormy night, Ansel ventures out to investigate the damage, and finds…a dragon. An actual, live dragon that crashed into the forest. Ansel fully expects to become the beast’s breakfast. Instead, the creature politely greets him before transforming into a naked man and inviting himself over for tea.

At almost forty, Pascal would like to think he’s not reckless anymore. But when he goes flying without checking the weather first, and crashes during a storm, dislocates a shoulder, sprains a wing, and lets a human omega see him in dragon form, he realizes he’s made a colossal mess. To top it off, his dragon-side decides that the little omega must be his mate. A nineteen-year-old sophomore! It’s pure luck that Ansel doesn’t study at the college where Pascal teaches, or he wouldn’t be allowed to even look at him.

A young dragon mate before his first heat is a fragile being, and Pascal needs to tread carefully. Overbearing parents and an evil ex are going to be the least of his problems."]

I realllllly liked this one. It was slower burn (as slow burn as you can get with fate mates and all of feels (and pheromones)). They got to know each other and trust each other before they even kissed. Sure, it was all still very, very fast, but they based their growing romantic relationship on a real friendship. 

Their relationship had zero angst, except for Pascal being oh so careful and oh so sweet. Their real drama was outside sources. Sources in which Pascal and Ansel shut down real fast (by themselves and with their ever-growing found family).

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, toxic and predatory 'fiancés,' attempted kidnapping, and more.

#skydive #levity #freefall #breakneck #dragonsofardaine #dragonsofardaineseries #roehorvat #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Levirty (Dragons of Ardaine #2)

Here's Roe Horvat's "Levity." It's the second novel in her Dragons of Ardaine series.

["What’s the point of staying alive when you can’t live?

Half-naked in the arms of an angry, domineering alpha, Leo negotiates the limits for what’s shaping up to be his hottest encounter ever. After months of hiding in fear, he’s giving in to his desires, and it feels glorious. Except things go horribly wrong, and not only do his ex’s goons attack him, but now he’s being kidnapped by what appears to be a mythical creature. Or maybe he’s gone insane. Because dragons don’t exist, do they?

Davidson has finally found him. The one. His mate is gorgeous, tastes like heaven, and outright asks for a spanking. He’s also in acute danger, and Davidson must rescue him in dragon form, talons out. No wonder Leo is terrified of him. After their awful first night together, Davidson is determined to make things right and protect Leo with all his might."]

This book was a little darker than the first one. In plot and in spice. Then again, neither of them were complaining (about the spice--they were complaining about the plot).

These two were both such hot messes. Their love story wasn’t as easy as Lawrence and Ernest, but those two didn’t hold anything back, or have a strong dislike for themselves, or have a rough understanding of relationships, or trauma/baggage. But they made it work (after Lawrence told them to just freaking talk). 

I loved the Lawerence cameos. And Manny! 

Trigger Warnings: traumatic experiences of abuse by ex, sex work, drug use, and more. 

#skydive #levity #freefall #breakneck #dragonsofardaine #dragonsofardaineseries #roehorvat #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Skydive (Dragons of Ardaine #1)

Here's Roe Horvat's "Skydive." It's the first novel in her Dragons of Ardaine series.

["On New Year’s Eve, Lawrie meets a deadly attractive, loaded alpha who’s brilliant in bed and nice to boot. Pity Ernest travels so much and doesn’t do relationships. Lawrie can at least enjoy one wild weekend. Except now it’s the morning after, and things get weird. Very weird. Lawrie’s body has changed overnight, warranting the freakout of a lifetime.

Ernest has been looking for his true mate since the eager age of twenty-one. After fifteen years, he’s reconciled himself to restless traveling and hook-ups. The most recent one is a real treat—a certain Lawrence Winchester, a young omega with a sharp wit and an unusually intense scent. The thought of a mate doesn’t even enter Ernest’s head as he drifts through the night in a lusty haze. The morning brings life-altering revelations. Lawrie is the one—the signs are unmistakable. Now how to break it to him gently that he’s stuck with Ernest for the rest of his life and that Ernest is, um, a slightly different species…"]

This was adorable as hell! These two had just a fun meet cute, and the chemistry at their first full meeting was off the charts. And what’s more fun then the one-night-stand situation one might and the oh-fuck-we’re-bonded next morning? 

It wasn’t all blue skies and smiles, but they communicated and worked thinks out as issues popped up.

This universe was a unique take on dragon mates and omegaverse. It was fun and refreshing. And I can’t wait for more! 

Trigger Warnings: off-page and past death of a parent, workplace harassment by SC, near-death experience, and more. 

#skydive #levity #freefall #breakneck #dragonsofardaine #dragonsofardaineseries #roehorvat #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Gutter Mind (Sex & Mayhem #12)

Here's KA Merikan's "Gutter Mind." It's the twelfth novel in her Sex & Mayhem series, which are all interconnected standalones, mostly. I was craving a novel with a betting plot (sooo goooooo), and this one popped up on a Reddit thread. Both of those are reasons why I'm reading the ninth book first.

["— Face of an angel. Mind in the gutter.---

Mike. Macho Biker. Scarred. Will never love again.
Arden. Femme boy. Jaded. Will never succumb to lust again.

Mike is always on the lookout for a fresh fling, and there are more than enough chicks for a stud like him at the Smoke Valley MC clubhouse. But the pretty little thing he spots at the gas station turns out to be a boy, and that triggers all sorts of confusion.
Mike loves a challenge, so when he’s given the cold shoulder, his predator senses are set aflame! Straight or not, Mike makes a bet with his cousin and won’t settle for anything other than a total seduction of Arden.

Arden has bigger fish to fry than some biker’s petty insecurities. His last relationship has left him jaded and hurt, so he will never again succumb to the charms of a bad boy. Especially since Mike isn’t just hot, he’s freaking irresistible. Older, dangerous, and cocky, Mike will be Arden’s downfall if he isn’t careful.
But when a monster from Arden’s past reaches out his claws, the only deterrent Arden can think of is claiming Mike is his new boyfriend. So now he’s stuck in a fake relationship with a straight guy.

For Mike, what starts as a game turns out to be an awakening he’d never expected. The ice prince in lace is actually hot as hellfire, with a gutter mind to match Mike’s, and all of a sudden, his scarred heart is not as safe as he’d thought it was."]

These two had instant chemistry, instant lust. But they both held back. Mike wanted Arden, he wanted Arden in all of the physical possible ways, but he pushed all of the realness and feelings away. Arden wanted Mike, but he was trying to do better and be stronger and not get into his feels or into trouble. But the connection between them pulsed and grew as their friendship grew. 

A fake relationship benefited both of them. They both could claim (and get) safety from the situation. It also gave them an excuse to grow that friendship, a true friendship in which a true, real, right relationship could grow from. 

Not to mention the danger around them or the spice between them. Spice and fluff galore. (Soooo much spice).

Trigger Warnings: violence, mentions of past abuse, mentions of past rape, mild homophobia, mild internalized homophobia, kidnapping, and more.

#roadofnoreturn #thedevilsride #nomatterwhat #hotbutpsycho #lokisnewjob #onesteptooclose #hisfavoritecolorisblood #heartripper #straightasawheel #guttermind #guardianangelinleather #sexandmayhem #sexandmayhemseries #kamerikan #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Turned By The Bully (Only One Room #3)

Here's Evan Barnes's "Turned By The Bully." It's the third novella in the Only One Room series, which are all novellas surrounding shared dorm rooms.

["I thought I knew who I was. Then my personal bully became my roommate.

Zachary Kovac is a god of muscle and rage, and for years, his favorite pastime has been making my life hell.

Now, there’s nowhere to run from his relentless taunts or the dark, obsessive way his eyes follow me across our tiny dorm room.

I should be terrified. I’m supposed to hate him. I should be running.

But with every heated confrontation, the line between hate and something else begins to blur.

His anger feels like a cover for a primal hunger, and my body is starting to burn with a need I can’t explain.

He wants to prove he has complete power over me, and the most terrifying part is… I’m starting to want him to succeed."]

A deliciously dark and hidden fluff romance. A true enemies to lovers. A touch (or more) of confusion over your feelings, your bully's feelings, your body's reactions to all of the feelings. Other people realizing his true feelings for you before you do.

This was the last of Evan's books that I had to read. I hope he comes out with more soon!

Trigger Warnings: bullying, and more.

#thejockssecretobsession #studyincravingmybestfriendsbigone #turnedbythebully #evanbarnes #onlyoneroom #onlyoneroomseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Study in Craving My Best Friends Big One (Only One Room #2)

Here's Evan Barnes's "Study in Craving My Best Friends Big One." It's the second novella in the Only One Room series, which are all novellas surrounding shared dorm rooms.

["My best friend Steve–all muscle and classic jock charm–is finally my roommate. I figured living together would be easy. No surprises, no drama. We know everything about each other.

I was wrong.

On the very first night, everything changes.

First, a glimpse of him that I can’t unsee. My God, he has the biggest package imaginable.

Then, a quiet, loaded comment from him that flips a switch inside me: “Guys can do everything faster and better when it comes to having a really good time.”

What the hell does he mean?

And more importantly, why is the straightest guy I know suddenly looking at me with an intensity that feels like pure craving?"]

Another very sweet novella/short story. It had barely any angst, just best friends...getting closer. And do I love best friends to lovers romance (another top five trope). These two were adorable. Total opposites attract, loud and muscle-y jock meets total nerd who thinks of everything in terms of computer programing and the scientific process. Of course they're fire friend cheimstry ignited when they let more into their relationship. 

#thejockssecretobsession #studyincravingmybestfriendsbigone #turnedbythebully #evanbarnes #onlyoneroom #onlyoneroomseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Jock's Secret Obsession (Only One Room #1)

Here's Evan Barnes's "The Jock's Secret Obsession." It's the second novella in the Only One Room series, which are all novellas surrounding shared dorm rooms.

["For two years, my grumpy roommate was a wall of muscle and silence.

Darren Stenbeck, the college’s hockey god, barely knew I existed. I was the friendly, talkative and one hundred percent straight nerd who lived on the other side of the room.

Then I found his sketchbook.

The secret he’d been keeping wasn’t just his incredible talent. It was a filthy, detailed fantasy–with me on my knees, at the center of it all.

Now, a leaky ceiling has forced us into a single bed.

He’s spent two years looking at me with those icy eyes, but his art showed me how he really sees me. And the most terrifying part?

That drawing didn’t just expose his secret desires. It awakened my own."]

I love how soft Darren was...and yet he was still the stereotypical grumpy athlete, closed off and a little cold. He was so obsessed with his roommate, drawing pictures, protecting him, over-the-top jealous. It's just a dichotomy, and it might be a little toxic, but it's addicting. 

Another couple I could have read even more of. Nothing felt as if it was missing, nothing was too fast. I just wanted more.

#thejockssecretobsession #studyincravingmybestfriendsbigone #turnedbythebully #evanbarnes #onlyoneroom #onlyoneroomseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

His To Ruin (Years Between Us #2)

Here's Evan Barnes's "His To Ruin." It's the second novella in the Years Between Us series, which are all novellas surrounding age-gaps.

["He said I was too innocent. He was wrong.

He’s connected to my family and I’m supposed to be off-limits for him. But he’s watching me like a predator.

Rylan says I’m too naive for a place like Verdict, a decadent club where the only rule is that there are no rules. He thinks he needs to protect me. But his protection feels more like a possession.

When he drags me into a dark, private room to teach me a lesson, I expect a lecture.

Instead, his touch becomes a different kind of education. He shatters my world, awakening a raw, desperate need I never knew I had… a need only for him.

I walked into this club thinking I was straight.

Now, I’m on my knees, and he’s just getting started. He’s not just breaking the rules"]

There's something that's just extra (delicious, exciting, dangerous) about a brothers-best-friend trope. It's cliched, but it's never enough (I will literally never get enough of this trope--top five favorites). And this one was just as exhilarating and forbidden as you'd expecct.

Especially considering the setting. And how naive Theo really was (I mean, baby, it's clearly a sex club--at least on many of the floors). But he had Rylan there to take care of him...and take care of him. ;)

Oddly enough, with this brothers-best-friend book, I wasn't feeling as though I was missing something eevn though we didn't see the brother/best-friend confrontation. Maybe because this novella was more of a short story?

Trigger Warnings: dub-con, bullying-ish, and more.

#tamedbyhisbestfriendsdad #historuin #evanbarnes #yearsbetweenus #yearsbetweenusseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Tamed By His Best Friend's Dad (Years Between Us #1)

Here's Evan Barnes's "Tamed By His Best Friend's Dad." It's the first novella in the Years Between Us series, which are all novellas surrounding age-gaps.

["I was straight. Until I met my best friend’s father.

My summer was supposed to be about beer, soccer, and girls at my best friend’s ridiculously luxurious mansion.

Then his father showed up.

Gavin Horton was a predator with dark eyes that promised things I’d never dared to imagine.

My first mistake was opening my mouth. A stupid, crude joke at a barbecue was all it took to get his attention.

My second mistake was thinking my best friend’s father didn’t hear me. He saw my cocky, straight-guy bravado as a personal invitation.

From that moment on, he made it his personal mission to teach me a lesson in humility. He was determined to take my words and make me eat them, proving my witty mouth was good for more than just talking back. He didn’t seduce me with sweet words. He cornered me. He challenged me.

Under his intense pressure, I found myself breaking.

I was falling for my best friend’s father, and he wasn’t just seducing me… he was claiming me."]

This one was completely different. Age-gap certainly helped. As did the narrator being more of a jock-y, frat-ish bro, trying to fit in and impress his friends. 

I wasn't as impressed by that character as much to be perfectly honest. It could be the internalized homophobia (not a fan of that trope typically). Could be the brat vibes he was giving off. Sure he wanted attention and didn't know how to get it, sure he was struggling with his own identity, but it just didn't feel as..something as the other narrators. 

Still a fun story though. The back and forth dynamic, the pull of their chemistry, their (probably not so secret) clandestine meetings. 

Trigger Warnings: internalized homophobia, and more.

#tamedbyhisbestfriendsdad #historuin #evanbarnes #yearsbetweenus #yearsbetweenusseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

One Bed With The Bully (Side By Side Tonight #2)

Here's Evan Barnes's "One Bed With The Bully." It's the second novella in the Side By Side Tonight series, which are all novellas surrounding travel mishaps.

["What’s worse than being trapped in a motel room with your bully?

Being trapped in a motel room with your bully… and only one bed.

I thought I knew what to expect—his usual insults and mocking smirks.

I never expected the raw hunger in his eyes when he looks at me, or the way his hands seem to know just how to break me down.

The tension between us is so thick you can taste it, and after he catches me in my most private moment, all bets are off.

He knows I want something I shouldn’t, and he’s not going to let me run from it."]

Romance Pro Tip--How to end an argument on a high (and win..?): kiss your enemy. And it rarely, if ever, works (to end/win the argument...to get the HEA? Yes.) 

I love how all of Evan's work is very, very similar, and yet none of it is repetitive. It still all feels very fresh and unique. A few new facts here and a few tweaks of characteristics/settings here--bam! new book. And just to prove my point, I'm going to (continue to) binge Evan's entire backlog. 

Trigger Warnings: mentions of bullying, and more.

#claimedbythejockwhilecamping #onebedwiththebully #evanbarnes #sidebysidetonight #sidebysidetonightseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Claimed By The Jock While Camping (Side By Side Tonight #1)

Here's Evan Barnes's "Claimed By The Jock While Camping." It's the first novella in the Side By Side Tonight series, which are all novellas surrounding travel mishaps.

["I had come on that trip to find peace. Instead, I had found a possessive football star who had decided I was his.

He was a celebrity athlete, a walking mountain of muscle and arrogance who had looked at me like I was a problem he wanted to solve with his body.

And now, he was sleeping inches away from me in a tent so small I could feel the heat of his obsession.

He had told me he was protecting me from the dangers lurking in the dark. He had lied.

The only predator in those woods had been him.

He had put his hands on me in the dark, vowing to teach me everything my straight, anxious body had secretly craved. All he wanted was to break me down, build me back up, and own every single piece."]

This one was more hot/cold than hurt/comfort. And they felt more mature. It wasn't that college-aged-kids being dramatic and running from the feelings and the hurt; it was more of an indifference kind of lack-of-communication. 

These two were somehow softer. Maybe it was the lack of bully stereotype. Maybe it was the only-one-bed, nighttime danger aspect. Maybe it was because they weren't classmates, just friends of friends, so the connection felt more pure. Maybe it was that the "villain" really didn't feel like it could be Payton (and something just went bang outside--yay). I don't know. I just know that I enjoyed it. 

Trigger Warnings: anxiety, threats, stalking, and more.

#claimedbythejockwhilecamping #onebedwiththebully #evanbarnes #sidebysidetonight #sidebysidetonightseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Puck Me, Valentine (Seasonal Firsts #3)

Here's Evan Barnes's "Puck Me, Valentine." It's the third novella in the Seasonal Firsts series, which are all novellas surrounded around seasonal celebrations.

["As the star of the hockey team, Devlin Bower has spent years treating me like an annoying shadow. I’m the "sunshine nerd" who would rather save a turtle than go to a party. And he’s the "ice king" with a heart of stone and eyes only for the pro leagues.

I’m used to being overlooked.

I’m not used to being targeted by a sick Valentine’s Day prank that paints me in the most graphic, humiliating light.

And I’m definitely not prepared for Devlin to pin me against my dorm room door in the middle of a thunderstorm, his dark eyes burning as he demands to know why I sent him a note detailing every filthy thing I want to do to him.

The problem? I didn’t send it.

The bigger problem? Now that Devlin has a taste of me, he isn’t letting go.

He claims he’s "taking responsibility" for my safety.

But behind closed doors, his protection feels a lot like possession.

Between the heated confrontations and the rainy nights that changed everything, I’m discovering that this "barbarian" athlete isn’t just guarding my skin—he’s starving for it.

As the shadow on campus closes in and the mystery of the letters deepens, I’m caught in a different kind of trap.

The threat in the shadows is terrifying, but there’s a god in my bed who is far more dangerous. One wants to ruin my reputation, but the other wants to consume me whole."]

Hurt/comfort should also be called fluff/confusion. They're both a whiplashing of sweetness and being utterly lost. Being possessive and overly protective and utterly precious one moment and then being cold and cruel and cryptic the next. Poor Val. Then again, he got a bold love declaration, a grand gesture, and barbarian willing to face literal storms for him (and his turtle).

I like how these books aren't to drawn out. They're short and could be longer, but there's no lingering around the HEA. Though, I do wish there was a bit more on the mysterious letter senders and Sasha finding out about these two. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, threats, stalking, bullying, and more.

#brutalcrush #thejockwhostolethenerdschristmas #puckmevalentine #evanbarnes #seasonalfirsts #seasonalfirstsnovellas #seasonalfirstsseries #seasonalfirstsnovellasseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Jock Who Stole The Nerd's Christmas (Seasonal Firsts #2)

Here's Evan Barnes's "The Jock Who Stole The Nerd's Christmas." It's the second novella in the Seasonal Firsts series, which are all novellas surrounded around seasonal celebrations.

["All I wanted was one perfect Christmas. Instead, I got the King of the Ice.

Planning Ashford College’s Christmas party is my one chance to reclaim the holiday joy my family forgot long ago. Twinkling lights, hot chocolate, an ice rink... I had it all planned out.

Then he got involved.

Raiden Blackwell is a scarred, six-foot-three enforcer on the hockey team.

We should be invisible to each other. Instead, he's made my life a misery of shoulder checks and mocking smiles.

But when I snap and challenge him in front of the entire college, the game changes.

Now he's my partner in organizing the party he seemed determined to ruin. And he was supposed to mock my festive spirit.

Instead, he's cornering me everywhere, turning our arguments into breathless, stolen moments in the dark. And when a saboteur begins to tear my plans apart, my sworn enemy is the only one who seems to know how to fight back.

Is he the monster who wants to steal my Christmas, or the dark protector sent to save it?

With every stolen touch and furious kiss, I'm less and less sure. This holiday season, I'm finding out that the greatest danger and the greatest desire come wrapped in a package I never expected."]

Listen, I know bully-romances are toxic. I know that romanticizing bullying and mistreatment of others is horrible. But it's up there in the dark romance sub-genre that's just so oddly satisfying. I don't know if it's the redemption arc or the possessive/obsessive thing or the "I'm the only one who hurts you" trope. It's just all so satisfying.  

And this one had a little hurt/comfort. Some moments of sweetness followed by disbelief (of the fluff, of deserving the fluff, of the real intentions of the fluff). It was a little chaotic, but it was still that obsessive and protective emotional thriller. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, threats, stalking, bullying, kidnapping, and more.

#brutalcrush #thejockwhostolethenerdschristmas #puckmevalentine #evanbarnes #seasonalfirsts #seasonalfirstsnovellas #seasonalfirstsseries #seasonalfirstsnovellasseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Brutal Crush (Seasonal Firsts #1)

Here's Evan Barnes's "Brutal Crush." It's the first novella in the Seasonal Firsts series, which are all novellas surrounded around seasonal celebrations.

["I tutor the hockey captain I hate.

Zane Ivarsson is a monster on the ice and a nightmare in the library.

He’s everything I’m not: privileged, powerful, and cruel. But there’s a darkness in his eyes I recognize, a possessive fire that ignites a terrifying pull deep inside me.

But he isn't the only monster in my life.

Someone else is watching. Someone who leaves obsessive gifts at my door. Someone who calls me his “little bee.”

Someone whose threatening notes seem fixated on my interactions with Zane, praising me with a dark craving that makes my skin crawl.

My stalker’s final Stay away from the Sigma Halloween Party.

So, of course, I go.

But on a night where every predator wears a mask, I walk straight into a trap. The party is a hunt, and I’m the prize.

Suddenly, the only one intent on protecting me is the man I should fear the most.

He says he’ll keep me safe in the dark. But what happens when the monster wants to keep you all for himself?"]

Well that was just fabulous. I knew it would be a little trope-t, but I didn’t feel cliched or overly done. It was a beautiful balance of dark and stalkery plus fluff and hidden sweetness. It was obsessive and protective and secretive and a bully romance and a horrible Halloween hunt with some backstabbing hockey players. 

I think we all knew that the stalker and Zane (the bully) were the same person, but there was a few fantastic red herring clues to make you second guess.

Trigger Warnings: violence, threats, stalking, bullying, and more.

#brutalcrush #thejockwhostolethenerdschristmas #puckmevalentine #evanbarnes #seasonalfirsts #seasonalfirstsnovellas #seasonalfirstsseries #seasonalfirstsnovellasseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Ravage (Thistle & Fang #1)

Here's Marra Moore and Risa Cruise's "Ravage." It's the first novel in their Thistle & Fang series. 

["If we mate him, he’ll die.

When alpha wolf shifters Nathan and Kato discover a wounded omega on their territory, they expect a problem they can solve, not one that could destroy them.

The omega Casper refuses to talk about his past, but he’s even more determined not to endanger the two alphas who saved him. As days pass and bonds deepen, though, the secrets between them become harder to keep.

And then Cas is thrown into a powerful, unnatural heat, driving every unmated alpha in the pack into rut, including Nathan and Kato. The instinct to claim him is overwhelming, but the danger is worse: if they breed him, he’ll die.

With instincts spiraling out of control and a threat lurking at the periphery, can the trio survive the call of a mate bond and save themselves—and the pack—from certain destruction?"]

The triggers and the authors' brief guide into this omegaverse gave a few minor plot points away. BUT it also really helped. Some of the plot points could have been too vague without this, potentially making this universe too confusing. In my opinion (ever humble as it is), it was just the right amount of info for readers to grab onto and make their own inferences, getting readers along to the point where the plot connects the dots officially. 

These three were instant chemistry with all kinds of sweet and spice. But they were also delightfully sassy and angsty. It was enough hurt/comfort and mystery and trauma to keep us on the edge of our seat.  Tropes were used, but nothing was cliched. 

This book was painful but beautiful. That sense of rightness and fate, even with all of the personal “wrongness” each character struggled with. They each fit into their little pack like jagged puzzle pieces. They were so perfect for each other and in utter love (quite honestly, it was so beautiful that if left me feeling lonely).

Even with all of the triggers and angst, I canNOT wait for the next novel! 

Trigger Warnings: kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment, murder, violence and gore, medical malpractice, medical and body horror, death, sexual trauma, dub-con, dangerous and unwanted potential pregnancy, pregnany-related trauma, forced drugging, forced designation change via surgery, alcoholism and smoking, mention of dead animals, and more. 

#ravage #thistleandfang #thistleandfangseries #risacruise #marramoore #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Space Daddy and a Boy Called Twink

Here's Devon McCormack "Space Daddy and a Boy Called Twink."

["He's got that out-of-this-world, alien baggage.

TWINK

Until recently, I figured I was a pretty average twink whose biggest problems were being a terrible barista and having a cheater jerk for an ex.

Enter hulky, sexy, oh-so-scruffy Daddy.

He's quirky and calls me Twink like that's my name.

That should have been a clue something was off, but I guess my friends are right about my broken picker because turns out, he's not even human. He's a parasitic, shapeshifting, tentacled alien from another planet.

If that's not bad enough, he's got baggage. Out-of-this-world, alien baggage.

He crash-landed on Earth after escaping his ex, Sheila, a Vorcon—whatever that is—who used him for breeding drones.

This should be more than enough drama to keep me away, but despite a brief alien abduction, he's actually really thoughtful, kind...and even the whole tentacle thing seems pretty hot.

But my new sexy extraterrestrial Daddy has a mission to get back to, and unfortunately for both of us, Sheila isn't exactly out of the picture..."]

This story was adorable! The meet cute, the morning after, all of the awkward in betweens. I wasn’t sure about how Daddy atomically didn’t know everything, but it was also refreshing, as with most alien romances, the MC usually is already fully aware. It made things a little more complicated and a little more fun. 

These two were perfect for each other. So much sweetness and fluff, so much easy chemistry, so much spice. The trust was off the charts. And Shelia was the perfect villain. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, stalking, toxic exes, and more. 

#spacedaddyandaboycalledtwink #devonmccormack #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks