Goodbye, October!

October was...a lot. It was a lot of good and a lot of stress and a lot of sleep, but overall, it definitely fell on the positive side of months. 

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

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

(2) October Memories: I started working at the daycare again; all of the cuddles and Abba's and germs. But I'm back with some of the people and family that I loved and missed. The touch-starved-ness is healing. Trunk or Treat at the school plus a Halloween party. The Jonas Brother's concert! God, that was amazing. I was third row. The pictures didn't even do anywhere near the justice of my view and the show. I sweeeaaar I made eye-contact with Nick (and my stomach fell through my butt).

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 37.

(4) Lots of cuddles from toddlers, which I missed. But also lots of germs and stress, which I didn't miss. A lot of naps and weird sleeps and weirder dreams. But I'm happy. Have had a few moments of the Sunday Blues, but nothing too blue overall depression wise. Getting "exercise" at work, and my body feels it (god, does my body feel it). Eating...okay. Not great but not totally horrible. 

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyeoctober #hellonovember #hello2026 #dontstopreading #makememories #shareloveofbooks #shareloveofreading #bekindertomyself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Lonely Dragon Upstairs (Omegas of Moonridge Place #2)

I'm avoiding...everything while my mood-reading has been everywhere and nowhere. Here is Lorelei M Hart and Colbie Dunbar's "The Lonely Dragon Upstairs." It's the second novel in their Omegas of Moonridge Place series. 

["The alpha upstairs is tall, dark, handsome… and terrifying.

My roommates are horrible. They’re loud, messy, and inconsiderate. I tell myself it’s manageable, if it means saving money for my own place. But when they threaten to rehome my bunny when I’m at work, if I don’t pay their missing rent, staying here is no longer an option.

I sit down with a realtor, and luck is on my side. A new listing pops up with everything I’m looking for at a price I can afford. I can’t apply fast enough.

Move-in day has me second-guessing my life choices. The place has a weird vibe, and it feels like they don’t want me here, especially the hottie from upstairs. He turns and walks the other way every time we cross paths. I’m sure he hates me.

That is until one night when I’m out with friends. I notice my neighbor in the corner nursing a beer, but don’t go over. Why should I? He hates me. Or does he?

When an alpha starts getting handsy, my neighbor grabs him by the arm, and I hear a crack as my rescuer says, “Hands off what’s mine.” WTF?"]

"Jon did it again." He sure as fuck did. I'd say poor Jon, but people keep meeting their fated mates and falling in love, so it isn't all that bad (not to mention that Jon means all the kindness in the world). 

This was sooo achingly sweet with just the right amount of you're-such-an-idiot angst. It was adorable and hesitant and fluffy and possessive and communicative and protective. It was a found family still waiting with the door open and an empty seat. It was more than old rules from people who didn't care enough when it mattered. It was pets making friends and non-stereotypical hoards and found family (it does need repeating).

I want MORE!

#thesinglefatherupstairs #thelonelydragonupstairs #theomegasofmoonridgeplace #theomegasofmoonridgeplaceseries #colbiedunbar #loreleimhart #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Single Father Upstairs (Omegas of Moonridge Place #1)

I'm avoiding...everything while my mood-reading has been everywhere and nowhere. Here is Lorelei M Hart and Colbie Dunbar's "The Single Father Upstairs." It's the first novel in their Omegas of Moonridge Place series. 

["The alpha upstairs is tall, dark, and handsome. He’s also a widowed single father. I should stay away. I can’t.

Moving to a new city is expensive. I know that, but when places started asking for first month’s rent, last month’s rent, a deposit, and a pet fee, my hopes of an apartment of my own vanish. I’m about to sign a sublease with five strangers when I get a call from my real estate agent. They found the perfect place and well within budget. I sign sight unseen.

I arrive expecting it to be falling apart or in a sketchy neighborhood. It’s neither, but the residents are rude.

Some sniff me and turn up their noses.

Others refuse to say hi.

A few even go out of their way to avoid me.

The only person nice to me is an eight year old girl who absolutely adores my cat Rosey. When her father comes looking for her, it’s love at first sight except that only exists in fairy tales, but the sexy alpha checks off every box. Too bad he can’t get away from me fast enough."]

This was SO good! Just a little crazy and silly and off-the-wall. Just enough angst to have a successful plot. Great amount of fluff and adorable-ness and sweet moments. Fabulous amount of inner-animal and fated moments and spice. 

Quick, easy read with fun characters. What more could you possibly want?

#thesinglefatherupstairs #thelonelydragonupstairs #theomegasofmoonridgeplace #theomegasofmoonridgeplaceseries #colbiedunbar #loreleimhart #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Emerson

Here's Kat Marowe's "Emerson."

["Emerson Bennet has a perfectly reasonable approach to uncomfortable situations and avoid them forever.

But when his oldest brother looks at him with sad eyes and asks for a favor, Emery can't bring himself to say no. Even though that favor is helping a man Emery has spent years avoiding.

For good reason.

Several, actually.

Dillon Montgomery clearly does not feel the same way because he likes to bring it up. He also likes to press all of Emery's buttons, get under his skin, and make him forget why he needs to keep pretending Dillon Does Not Exist.

Dillon is a single dad with a business and very little free time. He shouldn't be playing games with his best friend’s younger brother, but...he never was good at telling Emery no.

One completely reasonable arrangement.

Emery has delusions and rules.

Dillon has hope and patience.

Both of them are running out."]

The banter!! D: God, that was some great banter. The sass, the chemistry, the mutual pining. It was angsty but with so much sweetness (don't forget the sass). 

I didn't expect the hurt/comfort (as minor as it was) to come from Emerson's side (spoiler alert). Though, as it turns out, Dillon started the hurt/comfort. And that added to the angst. As did neither of them communicating their honest wants and true feelings. 

Even with the angst and the hurt/comfort, I did not expect to cry. Thanks for that.

This can be a standalone but it can also be the start of a series. I wouldn't complain for more Bennet chaos. 

#emerson #katmarowe #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Feeder Legacy (The Vampire Dominion #1)

Here is Louisa Masters's "The Feeder Legacy." It's the first novel in The Vampire Dominion series.

["When the family secret is a history of being lunch…

I don’t have the best track record when it comes to jobs. Since finishing uni, I’ve been drifting from hospo to retail and back again, searching for something that will hold my interest and leaving a trail of irritated wanker bosses behind me.

When I once again find myself unemployed, my long-lost cousin steps in with a fantastic opportunity. Turns out, when my parents decided to walk away from the family, they left a generational business as well, and there’s a job waiting for me if I want it.

The catch? Vampires are real, and they’ll pay to drink my blood.

The Barale family sets the gold-star standard for vampire feeders, and the mere mention of my name gets me a job with a salary and benefits beyond my wildest dreams. In return, I need to move into a vampire’s house and offer him my wrist twice a day. Simple.

Except my new community—including my vampire, Tristan—doesn’t know that I’m clueless about their world, and it’s more complicated and dangerous than I thought. I’ve got to keep my head down and mouth shut while I learn the basics. How hard can it be?

After all, I’m a legacy."]

I mean, we gotta fault Cat a little a little (or more than a little) for not preparing Adam at all. Like at all, at all. Or advocated for a 24-hour processing period for him somehow? Anything really. No, she just pushed him right threw the fire and into the deep end. And as he learned more about this world (as we learned more about it), it just kept getting worse. His parents were somehow more chill about it than I thought they would be.

At first, I was upset that we didn't see Tristan's POV, but after a while, it really upped the drama. That was a beautiful choice, even if I wished to see Tristan simp over Adam (or mentally throttle him), because I refuse to accept that Tristan isn’t far more gone for Adam than Adam is for Tristan. 

At the halfway point, I kinda figured this would have ended like it did, but that doesn’t mean I’m happy about it. Can we get book two now, please? February is too far. 

Trigger Warnings: threats, violence, torture, murder, and more.

#thefeederlegacy #thefeederdefence #louisamasters #thevampiredominion #thevampiredominionseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

His Cruel Exception (Ruthless Camorra Heirs #1)

Here's "His Cruel Exception" by MA DeVant. This is the first novel the Ruthless Camorra Heirs series.

["I was in the wrong place at the wrong time when I caught the attention of a notorious mafia heir.

I’ll do anything to pay off the debt hanging over my head, including becoming a stripper.

But then Antonio Scalera buys the club, and the only job he offers me is to be his tutor.

He’s a ruthless prince, and the last man I should work for if I want to keep my peace of mind.

He gives me no choice anyway, because once he decides I belong to him, there’s no escaping him.

He controls everything about me including my schedule, life, and even my body.

When his enemies realize they can get to him through me, I do the only thing I can think of to protect him.

I run.

But there’s one thing I forget about Antonio Scalera.

He never lets go of what’s his."]

God-fucking-damnit, that was addictive as fuck. It was a perfect mess of obsessed but not sure why, of spice and not-so-hidden fluff, of hurt/comfort. They were utterly fucking perfection. Well except for Antonio being utterly unable to communicated, let alone understand his feelings. Poor Alex didn't know what you said and did equaled what you felt, even if the rest of the Scarlera cousins saw it immediately. 

Not nearly as angsty or tear-ridden as I thought it was going to be (spoiler alert), but that was a nice surprise.

I canNOT wait for the rest of the cousins to get their messy af HEA. Literally going to be soo messy and perfect.

Trigger Warnings: non-con/dub-con, kidnapping, murder, violence, gun violence, stalking, panic attacks, neglectful/abusive parent, off-page death of a parent, parent with chronic illness, and more. 

#hiscruelexception #hissinfulattraction #ruthlesscamorraheirs #ruthlesscamorraheirsseries #madevant #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Little Fangs (Daddy's Little Sins)

Here's Joe Satoria's "Little Fangs." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Daddy's Little Sins.

["He was too afraid to bite, until a mountain man taught him how. Micah Swain has tiny fangs, a fearful heart, and a coven who cast him out to die… without a single stuffed teddy to his name. After 60 years of being a vampire, of living in the shadows, in secrets, he was ready to give up.

Lumberjack, Harlan Cartwright lives in the forest of Willow’s End, in a cabin he built and filled with boxes he hadn’t unpacked in many years. His struggle with love left him alone, until he discovers something… or someone hiding out in his woodshed.

Given shelter, safety, and stuffies; the kind of care he’d never known, Micah is torn, and learning to trust a human may be the hardest bite of all.

And when Micah’s instincts demand a bite, will it destroy their fragile bond or become the sweetest promise either of them has ever made?"]

Micah is sooo precious. He deserves the absolute world (and Harlan and Misty will make sure he gets it). God, he was adorable. So sweet and kind and made friends with sooo many...wild animals. 

Harlan was his perfect partner. Strong, protective, soft. 

They were utterly all too much and beautiful and perfect for each other. I looved them. 

I also want more of this town. It has allll of the potential. 

Trigger Warnings: talk of murder, attempted murder, trauma being treated badly by family, violence, threats, assault, and more. 

#littlefangs #joesatoria #midnightbitesandmoonlightkisses #immortalbonds #glamourandlovebites #allwellneverhave #lazilyeverafter #houseofdeceit #hisburglarboy #mapetitebouchee #daddyslitlesins #daddyslittlesinsseries  #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Cinders (Fairest of Them All #1)

I have sooo many ARCs due right now; so naturally, I'm avoiding them. Here is Harper B Cole, Trisha Linde, and Colbie Dunbar's "Cinders." It's the first novel in their Fairest of Them All series (a spin-off-ish series/in the same universe as the Once Upon an MM Romance series). It's a Cinderella retelling. 

["One night. One lie. One chance at love.

Tiago is just your regular joe omega. He’s still living at his stepfather's home, buried under mounds of student debt, and he finds himself without a shovel to dig his way out. He’s beyond exhausted working his minimum-wage job under the pretense that he’ll work his way up the corporate ladder, except—the company belongs to his stepfather. Somehow this means Tiago is the company gofer. When nobody else wants to travel to the middle of nowhere for a business deal, Tiago gets saddled with it. He should hate it… he should dread it… but instead, it might just be his first taste of freedom. He hopes it won’t be the last.

A wolf named Hemingway? Sounds like the punchline of a joke, which is exactly what Hem feels like some days. He’s too alpha to be submissive, too young to be taken seriously, and all of the elders keep pushing him to mate, hoping it’ll help calm his restless spirit. But no matter how much they push, Hem can’t bring himself to settle down. He can’t help but feel like… there’s someone special out there, just waiting to be found. But after one blisteringly hot encounter with the omega of his dreams, he has to face the cold reality that he never thought to consider—what if his mate doesn’t want to be found?"]

A little Cinderella-y but nothing match or match or overly cliched. The evil steps were there and the basically an indentured servant thing was there and the karma biting the steps in the ass was there. The one night of magic and falling in love was there. But there wasn’t a missing shoe or fairy godmother (Tiago saved himself, damnit) or little mice. 

There was just love and friendship and found family and Hem’s wolf going a little feral and a new community to embrace. These two were just soooo cute. I loved them and this open communication and cuddliness and how they jumped into their relationship with two feet. I’m a suuucker for fated mates, too, which helped. 

Trigger Warnings: death of a parent, financial abuse, and more. 

#cinders #red #seared #rebel #slumber #justright #harperbcole #trishalinde #colbiedunbar #fairestofthemall #fairestofthemallseries #onceuponanMMromance #onceuponanMMromanceseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Dragon's Temporary Manny (Paranormal Au Pair Agency #3)

Here is Colbie Dunbar's "The Dragon's Temporary Manny." It's the third novel in the Paranormal Au Pair Agency series.

["My bag’s always packed, but nobody warned me I’d want to unpack it.

I take work with an expiry date for six weeks or three months, then I'm gone while it’s still fun. So a temporary manny gig for a single dad and his triplet daughters should've been easy with a clean exit.

But the girls are always pulling tricks, they talk about dragons like they’re in the room with us, and they never take off their charm bracelets. Their father is the most gorgeous man I've ever met, but he keeps his distance even when I catch him looking.

Somewhere between bedtime stories and the almost kisses, I stop watching the exits. And wanting to stay scares me far more than whatever this family's hiding."]

Sooo cute! I can’t get enough of this series. It’s so wholesome and healing all with the childlike wonder and excitement and antics. There’s enough angst to keep going but nothing to cause a reader anxiety. The mate situation is so cute snd fun and romantic. 

#thedragonsreluctantmanny #thedragonsaccidentalmanny #thedragonstemporarymanny #thedragonsrunawaymanny #colbiedunbar #paranormalaupairagency #paranormalaupairagencyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Odd Man Out (Once Upon an MM Romance #4)

I have sooo many ARCs due right now; so naturally, I'm avoiding them. Here is Trisha Linde and Colbie Dunbar's "Odd Man Out." It's the fourth novel in their Once Upon an MM Romance series. It's an Ugly Duckling retelling. 

["They say beauty only runs skin deep… but what if no one bothers to look beneath the surface?

Omega Joel has always been a bit of an odd duck. A square peg, an eccentric… a misfit. He doesn’t fit into his mother’s perfect new family, he doesn’t fit in with the preppy rich kids at school, and as he gets older and heads off for college, he knows with certainty that he doesn’t fit into anyone’s idea of a love interest. Not that it matters anyway, because no alpha will ever compare to his best friend, Toban. Toban has always been there for him, is the only person who feels right—which means that he is strictly off-limits. Nothing in the world can make Joel jeopardize that friendship. It’s just not worth the risk.

Alpha Toban is a good friend… and he reminds himself of this daily. Friends watch out for each other, they protect each other, and they most certainly do not fall in love. Toban has been in love with Joel pretty much since the first moment he laid eyes on him, but he knows that he’ll never be good enough for the smart and sexy omega. When they get to college, he finds the new dating pool is more like an ocean, and if he’s not careful, Joel could easily drown. Fending off the omega’s potential suitors quickly becomes a full-time job. One run-in with a handsy bully could spoil their friendship for good… or maybe it could lead them to an even more promising future."]

I wasn't too sure about these two at first, to be honest. The MCs were much younger than the rest of the MCs in the series. I did't know how I felt about two college guys having a baby. The fairy tale retelling didn't fell as flushed out as the rest of the series (Joel was the odd man out in his family, but not to Toban). But I was pleasantly surprised. 

Best friends to lover, with an interlude with jealousy and possessiveness. That was lovely. Angsty and spicy and adorable and sassy. Supported by all of their friends and the family who actually mattered. 

Not to mention that adorable as hell epilogue! 

Trigger Warnings: bullying, mentions of domestic abuse, child abuse, violence, and more. 

#badapple #sweetandsour #burningbridges #oddmanout #chasingeverafter #trishalinde #colbiedunbar #onceuponanMMromance #onceuponanMMromanceseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Burning Bridges (Once Upon an MM Romance #3)

I have sooo many ARCs due right now; so naturally, I'm avoiding them. Here is Trisha Linde and Colbie Dunbar's "Burning Bridges." It's the third novel in their Once Upon an MM Romance series. It's a Billy Goats Gruff retelling. 

["This gruff alpha has burned all his bridges… until he meets an omega who has him wanting to rebuild.

Alpha Cole wants nothing more than to be left alone in peace and quiet. Too bad there’s a huge new condo development going up in his backyard. If it were just a bit of hammering, he could live with that, but it doesn’t stop there. Oh no, it just keeps getting worse. Now they want his land, too. Well, you can forget it. His grandfather built this house with his own two hands, and there is no chance they’re going to tramp all over his land. No way!

Omega William is the youngest and the smallest of his foster brothers, but that doesn’t stop him from dreaming big. Together, he and his two siblings have started their own business, and they have just landed themselves a huge contract to build a new complex. It’s a dream come true! If only it weren’t for that house smack dab in the middle of the lot. No one seems to be able to convince the homeowner to sell, but maybe if William can get him to see some sense, maybe make him an offer he can’t refuse…"]

I loooved how the first two brothers went to try to intimidate Col, but failed epically. And then said "wait until you see the next guy." Very Billy Goats Gruff. 

Their love was fast and fierce, and then that stupid and silly and well-he'll-contact-me-first miscommunication trope hit. Spoiler alert.

I loooved all of the brotherly banter. 

And now that I know there’s a spin-off series of sorts by these authors, and one more, with even more fairy tale retellings, my ARCs will have to wait even longer. 

Trigger Warnings: death of a loved one, grief, mentions of foster care, and more. 

#badapple #sweetandsour #burningbridges #oddmanout #chasingeverafter #trishalinde #colbiedunbar #onceuponanMMromance #onceuponanMMromanceseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Sweet and Sour (Once Upon an MM Romance #2)

I have sooo many ARCs due right now; so naturally, I'm avoiding them. Here is Trisha Linde and Colbie Dunbar's "Sweet & Sour." It's the second novel in their Once Upon an MM Romance series. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling. 

["Happily Ever Afters are overrated. Cake is far more satisfying.

Omega Bellamy knows better than anyone how food can heal the heart and soothe the soul. Since the death of his omega father, working in their family’s diner has been the only thing to bring him any kind of solace. Deep down, though, he knows that there has to be more to life than these worn floors and the handful of regular customers. Unfortunately, with the hospital bills piling up, and deadlines looming, it looks like his future may already be decided.

As a restaurant chain mogul, alpha Larkin is surrounded by everything he could ever possibly want… except his heart’s desire. Money and fame mean nothing without someone to share it with, but greed and arrogance are hard habits to break, and he’s convinced that no omega will ever be able to see past his flaws.

Larkin is in the process of buying out the local competition when he overhears Bellamy and his alpha father talking about their emotional burden. Struck by a sudden case of guilty conscience, he proposes a solution that could benefit them all. He will help them get back on their feet in exchange for Bellamy working in Larkin’s new restaurant. The alpha needs help with new recipes. And because he knows Bellamy would never fall for him, he figures seeing the omega every day is the closest he’ll get to a relationship. But he wouldn’t say no to more."]

This Gaston was definitely an ass. The staff at Larkin's restaurant secretly loved him even when he was slightly terrifying. Not to mention the push and pull between Larkin and Bellamy, the hurt/comfort, the will-they-won't-they, the romance that finally explodes right before they're separated. It was all very on-point to the original story.

SO good!

Trigger Warnings: loss of a loved one, cancer, arson, and more. 

#badapple #sweetandsour #burningbridges #oddmanout #chasingeverafter #trishalinde #colbiedunbar #onceuponanMMromance #onceuponanMMromanceseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Bad Apple (Once Upon an MM Romance #1)

I have sooo many ARCs due right now; so naturally, I'm avoiding them. Here is Trisha Linde and Colbie Dunbar's "Bad Apple." It's the first novel in their Once Upon an MM Romance series. It's a Snow White retelling. 

["There’s no such thing as fairytales—until there’s a happily ever after.

When mob boss Nico Drakos dies, his son, omega Zane, knows the time is ripe for change. Just because all the mob’s business dealings have always been illegal, that doesn’t mean they need to stay that way. Zane is well-loved by everyone, and the council is ready to follow him wherever he might lead them. Time to put his business degree to work! The only person that stands in his way is his father’s second-in-command, Donovan Morelli.

Alpha Blaze was practically raised by the mob, groomed and trained to follow orders, no matter how dark. But, seething with jealousy, Donovan gives Blaze a command. One he can’t refuse. While Blaze keeps a wary eye on Zane, he falls under the omega’s spell. Then the alpha does the unthinkable. He defies his order.

Zane needs a safe place to hole up, but he doesn’t give a damn about his surroundings because the alpha everyone considers a bad apple lights a fire in his heart, one Zane is powerless to extinguish. With a memorable cast of supporting characters, this classic fairytale gets a modern mpreg twist.

And while there is no once upon a time, they do live happily ever after."]

What, in any other book, would have been a meet cute was so much more here. Yes, it was cute, but it was also Blaze fumbling over his job while making assumptions about Zane’s naivety and so not falling in love at first sight. And it was Zane being sunshiney while being suspicious about Blaze’s intentions and so not falling in love at first sight. 

Add in a hunter failing to hunt, seven quirky as fuck protectors, and a surprise pregnancy. This was an insanely adorable and spicy and perfect fairy tale retelling. 

Trigger Warnings: death of a loved one, threats, violence, injuries, and more.

#badapple #sweetandsour #burningbridges #oddmanout #chasingeverafter #trishalinde #colbiedunbar #onceuponanMMromance #onceuponanMMromanceseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

Shadow Lord (Shadowmen #3)

Here's S Rodman's "Shadow Lord." It's the third novel in the Shadowmen series.

["I have a crush on my shadow.

Ok, he's not actually my shadow, he's a shadow man from the Shadow Realm.

But he follows me around like he's attached to me. Wherever I turn he's there, watching me from a shadowy corner with those fathomless amber eyes.

He's silent, looming, brooding and terrifying.

Me? I'm annoyingly cheerful, apparently.

So having a being called Dark decide to stalk me is, you know. Ironic.

Not that I mind, because for a literal monster, he’s kinda sweet. Considerate. Extremely attentive.

All in all, moving to the city really has been wilder than I thought. I work in a coffee shop where the owner is engaged to a shadow prince and my manager is a witch, and that's how I met my shadow.

Although he isn't actually mine.

But I think I want him to be.

There’s just the small matter of saving the world from a doomsday prophecy to deal with first."]

BUNNY! Our sweet summer sunshine! Always soo positive and happy. 

This went from cute and protective and adorable and soft mutual pining and everything watching, waiting for the inevitable to happy. Then the angst came. That was mean. I cried. I had to take several breaks. Because what if Bunny started crying? Fucking Felix would cry (and then the apocalypse really would start). 

Plus three more books in the series coming soon!?!? Yes, please. 

Trigger Warnings: bullying, classism, deadnaming, sleep disorders, themes around being unable to become pregnant, relationship breakdown, blood, mild injury, cult/commune, war themes and violence, war causing separation, friends and lovers on opposing sides of a war, natural disasters, and more. 

#shadowprince #shadowking #shadowlord #suchawtich #shadowmen #shadowmenseries #srodman #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Dragon's Accidental Manny (Paranormal Au Pair Agency #2)

Here is Colbie Dunbar's "The Dragon's Accidental Manny." It's the second novel in the Paranormal Au Pair Agency series.

["I knocked on the wrong door and walked into a job.

When a live-in position lands in my lap, I don’t ask questions. Not about the wrong house I’m living in and not about the gorgeous man who handed me a home. And definitely not about his three kids who are warm to the touch, talk of flying and never take off their leather bracelets.

Somewhere between bedtime stories and the way he looks at me, I’m falling for the children and losing my head over the man who hired me."]

Just as adorable and patient as the previous book. It was fun and silly and healing for all of them. It has the same basic formula as the previous book, but it was still very unique. 

Honestly, this was a perfect little fluff story with very little angst that helped me get more reading done and without me have to focus too too hard to commit to anything too too long. Exactly what I needed. 

I can’t wait for more!! 

#thedragonsreluctantmanny #thedragonsaccidentalmanny #thedragonstemporarymanny #thedragonsrunawaymanny #colbiedunbar #paranormalaupairagency #paranormalaupairagencyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

The Dragon's Reluctant Manny (Paranormal Au Pair Agency #1)

Here is Colbie Dunbar's "The Dragon's Reluctant Manny." It's the first novel in the Paranormal Au Pair Agency series.

["He signed an NDA but he didn't sign up for this.

When my funding falls through, I take a live-in manny position that comes with a paycheck I can't ignore and three kids I'd been warned were “spirited.”

The kids are sweet, but they are hot to the touch, they make strange comments about fire, and the scorch marks around the house don't add up. My new boss is the most intoxicating man I've ever met, which would be fine if he kept his distance.

I lose track of where the job ends and something else begins between bedtime stories with three kids climbing all over me and a kiss from my boss in a dark hallway. Every day I stay, I fall harder for him and his kids, and I'm starting to wonder if I'll still want the truth when I finally get it."]

Swooon. 

Fate mates and instant chemistry? Yesss. Easy acceptance by the kids and the kids meddling a bit in the relationship? Adorable. 

Gods this really was just all kinds of wholesome and sweet and just a little spicy (well a lot of you include the pepper garden—or the fires). 

#thedragonsreluctantmanny #thedragonsaccidentalmanny #thedragonstemporarymanny #thedragonsrunawaymanny #colbiedunbar #paranormalaupairagency #paranormalaupairagencyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks 

The Secret Omega's Secret Baby (Babies for Broken Dads #8)

Here is Anna Wineheart's latest: "The Secret Omega's Secret Baby." It's the eigth novel in her series, Babies for Broken Dads (which is a spin-off series from her Closet Baby Chronicles series...which is also a spin-off series).

["Uriel has two
Secret #1: Even though he looks like an alpha, he’s actually an omega.
Secret #2: His baby’s other dad... is his enemy. And the alpha, Bruiser, has no idea that Cassie is his daughter.
It’s for the best.

When a rescue mission turns complicated and Bruiser is the only one left with Uriel and his baby, he starts to notice things about Cassie that seem... off. Things that remind him of himself.
Like the color of her eyes. The weird birthmark on her belly.
Uriel’s an alpha who wants nothing to do with Bruiser, so... What the heck is going on?"]

These two are sooo perfect! The banter, the chemistry, the group chats (goD, the group chats!!!). It was everything we wanted and SO much more!! 

This: “I have a baby,” Uriel said exasperatedly. “Whose do you think it is?” Followed by this: “More?” Thiago said slyly. “Bruiser, you dog.” Because what are friends for? ;) 

Not to be outshined by this gem: “‘You know I love you, right?’ // Bruiser stilled, his eyes growing wide with delight and pleasure. ‘Yes. Even though you’ve never said it in so many words before.’ // ‘Well, there you have it.’”

I canNOT wait for the next series!!

Trigger Warnings: gender dysphoria, past human experimentation, violence, and more. 

#theaccidentaldragonbaby #demonbassbabyload #alphadragonsmatingcontract #guardedbyhisalphawolf #alphabossbabyservice #alphabossbabyservice #alphadragonstealsamate #thepregnantwolfomeganextdoor #thesecretomegassecretbaby #babiesforbrokendads #babiesforbrokendadsseries #annawineheart #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Masked Deception

Here's Ashley Reyes's "Masked Deception."

["Kai Everett
When I went to that Halloween party, I thought I was hooking up with Andrew, a guy from my school. I chose him to take my virginity. But when the mask came off after, there stood my smug stepbrother...the one I ran away from years ago.

Carter Wraith
Kai stole from my family, and I tracked him down for revenge. I'd do whatever it takes to get the information I needed from him, but once I get a taste of him again, I'm not sure it'll ever be enough. As the night went on, he told me I was wrong about the past and that I would regret my decision, but could I trust the man who broke me six years ago?"]

Dark and twisty. Possessive and obsessive. Toxic love and toxic actions. But still somehow very fluffy and oddly sweet. If branding your true love (with and without hai Vincent) is sweet. Or committing murder to be with him (and committing murder to avenge him). 

“‘I did something extraordinary in my past life to deserve you.'"

Trigger Warnings: dubcon, mentions of child SA, child abuse, murder, violence, knife and blood play, self-harm, panic attack, stalking, drugging, and more. 

#maskeddeception #ashleyreyes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Anchored To You (Creepin U: Season Two)

Here's Ashley Rayne's "Anchored To You." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Creepin U: Season Two.

["Beck
This year at Creepin U, I only have three priorities: get through my classes, play baseball, and work enough to make money for school. I don't have time for distractions, drama, and especially not hookups. Then I find out my new roommate is the one person I never expected to see again, and I know I'm screwed. After ghosting Talon last year, I told myself it was nothing more than a hookup. And it wasn't. I had too much going on back then, and I have even more going on now. But living with him makes forgetting impossible. We're sharing a small space, and the more time I spend with him, the more I want a second chance to prove I'm not the guy he thinks I am.

Talon
Getting ghosted hurts. But getting ghosted by the person who’s your new roommate is worse. But he doesn’t need to know that, so I lie. I tell him that night meant nothing and that I’ve moved on. But when he comes back asking for another night together, I can’t help but agree. No feelings, no expectations, only hooking up. But the more I try to prove to him and myself that it means nothing, the harder it is to ignore my feelings. Maybe the biggest mistake wasn’t hooking up again? Maybe it was believing that we could do it again without catching feelings."]

This book was really sweet! There were some cringe moments and awkward moments and moments you wanted to scream through the book to just “talk to each other,” but they were so adorable. There was fluff and innocence. Not to mention all of the amazing chemistry.

This universe is really interesting. I’ll have to check out the rest of these books soon!  

#anchoredtoyou #ahsleyrayne #firstkisswithamothman #boymeetsmonster #shadowsandstone #thegoldenreceiver #mysoultokeep #allorcnothing #operationogre #creepinu #creepinuseries #creepinguseasontwo #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Magpie (Forbidden Desires #5)

Here's "Magpie" by Virginia Kelly and Piper Scott. This is the fifth novel their Forbidden Desires series (and the second in the spin-off stories). I'm reading this one next instead of the next one next (fight me).

["Reynard Drake, solitary cybersecurity expert and curator of the Drake family fortune, would rather be chucked in the midden than forced to bed an omega, but as the selected Amethyst candidate for the mating experiment, he has no other choice. Resigned to his unhappy fate, he takes solace in the fact that one thing will never change—his virtual rival, Magpie, will always be there to keep him on his toes, even if he has been strangely absent from the internet lately…

Diamond Disgrace Misha Vasiliev has a secret. By day he learns what it takes to warm a dragon’s bed, but at night he’s Magpie, renowned hacker and dark web service provider who steals from dragons in his spare time. His favorite target? Reynard Drake, whom he's only ever seen in pictures, but whom Misha wants more than anyone else.

And now, with a faceless threat closing in on his cloister, quite possibly the only one capable of saving his life."]

The years of digital lead up? The totally-them meet-cute? How they had only ever wanted each other? Adorable. They knew they were fated before they even met, they loved each other before they were even in the same country. They had to prove it to people, but prove it they did. 

D: why do these baby dragons bonding with their pets make me so emotional. “Zakhar sat politely with his tail tucked around his legs and meowed. Well, meowed as best as a reptile could. One day Reynard would have to break the news to him that he was a dragon and not a cat, but today was not that day.”

#clutch #bond #mate #swallow #magpie #finch #peregrine #raven #ravenpartone #ravenparttwo #forbiddendesires #forbiddendesiresseries #piperscott #virginiakelly #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Finch (Forbidden Desires #6)

Here's "Finch" by Virginia Kelly and Piper Scott. This is the sixth novel their Forbidden Desires series (and the third in the spin-off stories). I'm reading this one next instead of the next one next (fight me).

["Hugh Drake, the most whimsical member of the Drake family, wants a clutch badly… and despite his sanctioned period to reproduce nearing its end, he just might get his wish. New information has emerged that suggests Disgraces are dragons and able to bear eggs. All that’s left to do is find one Hugh can tolerate, and who better to help him find his perfect match than his steadfast and faithful secretary, Finch?

If only Finch were a Disgrace, but alas. Some things simply aren’t meant to be.

Sensible and straightforward Finch has served as Hugh Drake’s secretary for over a decade, and secretly loved him for just as long. Hugh is the light of his life, but he’s also entirely too gullible, which is why Finch refuses to believe his claim that Disgraces are dragons. They’re not. Finch would know, since he is one. But that little fact will have to stay a secret, because Finch would rather his love go unnoticed than be the one who breaks his dragon’s heart when he fails to produce a clutch."]

The pining! Finch you adorable man! You put up with your unseeing dragon for so long. I mean seriously, he was basically (and literally) courting you for yeeeaaars. He couldn’t even listen to his dragon properly. 

Oh but when Hugh finally figured it out? When Finch stopped letting his imposter-syndrome rule? They were soooo cute! Even that little debacle in England (which brought some closure and even more family into their lives). 

Easily one of the most romantic lines I’ve read in a long time: “I had the sheets made to match your eyes, you know.”

#clutch #bond #mate #swallow #magpie #finch #peregrine #raven #ravenpartone #ravenparttwo #forbiddendesires #forbiddendesiresseries #piperscott #virginiakelly #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Swallow (Forbidden Desires #4)

Here's "Swallow" by Virginia Kelly and Piper Scott. This is the fourth novel their Forbidden Desires series (and the first in the spin-off stories).

["Grimbold Drake, influential patriarch of the Drake family, revels in his solitary life of order—a life which is thrown into chaos when his son pays him an unexpected visit, bringing with him a broken but gorgeous young man more than a millennium Grimbold’s junior. A man Grimbold instantly finds himself yearning to fix, to protect, and to claim.

Meek, subservient, and eager to please, Wally Brand doesn’t doubt the tales he’s been told of the cruel and deceitful Amethyst clan, so when he’s forcibly taken from his home and entrusted to Grimbold Drake—the most powerful Amethyst dragon of all—he knows he won’t be long for this world. Only there’s a gleam in Grimbold’s eyes when he looks Wally’s way and a tenderness to his touch that Wally can’t understand.

All he knows is one thing: whether Grimbold means him harm or not, if he can be good to his dragon captor, maybe, just maybe, he’ll get out of this mess alive."]

Whelp, it looks like Grimbold is getting his redemption arc (he wasn't horrible in the last book, not like the previous two). And damn him, he's actually a secret softy (well, more like his children being fucking awesome people and changing the world helped Grimbold change his).

These two were SO freaking cute! Patient and kind and soo sassy (Wally, which was a beautiful transformation). Both of their transformations were utterly perfect. As was Beatrice. And the redemption of Wally's given name. 

#clutch #bond #mate #swallow #magpie #finch #peregrine #raven #ravenpartone #ravenparttwo #forbiddendesires #forbiddendesiresseries #piperscott #virginiakelly #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Mate (Forbidden Desires #3)

Here's "Mate" by Virginia Kelly and Piper Scott. This is the third novel their Forbidden Desires series.

["Spitfire Disgrace Matthieu Boudreaux has one wish: to age out of the Pedigree he despises, then destroy it. With one year left before he achieves the first step of his goal, Matthieu finally has some hope for an independent future… until a surly Amethyst dragon by the name of Geoffrey Drake and his entourage show up at Matthieu’s cloister and inform him he’s been selected to be part of an ‘experiment.’

Geoffrey Drake, proud and stuffy legal counsel for the Amethyst clan, has been charged with ruining his own life. His mission? Deliver a potential mate to the son of the Amethyst clan’s most despised enemy—and the man he’s loved in secret for the last hundred years—Topaz dragon Ian Brand. Refusal is impossible. Dragons don’t consort with dragons, and should Geoffrey decline, he risks exposing them both.

Ian Brand, charming black sheep of the Topaz clan, is trapped between his forbidden love for an Amethyst dragon centuries his senior and his duty to his family. Chosen by his unhinged father to be the Topaz candidate for the mating experiment, Ian is faced with a terrible choice: run away with the man he loves and face the deadly consequences, or accept his fate with a broken heart.

But dragon magic, as Matthieu, Geoffrey, and Ian soon discover, works in mysterious ways. When an unforeseeable circumstance draws them all together and puts their futures at risk, they have no choice but to set their differences aside and work together to prove a new, startling truth…

What the dragon world knows about mates has been wrong all along, and it will be up to the three of them to prove it."]

Immediate thoughts after reading the blurb: Stupid G-Daddy Drake is going to haaate this (good). And I hope he suffers for it (and Ian's father, too--why the hell not). And maybe Matthieu gets some comeuppance?  

Secondary thoughts: Matthieu should get his degree, damnit! Ian's father should die, a really horrible death. Geoffrey's dad better fucking surprise us with his redemption arc soon, or he'll have to die as well. Intermixed with sooo many happy, glittery explosions that is Harry being Harry.

These three felt more slow burn than the other two couples so far. Even if, timeline wise, it wasn't all that much longer. But there was a lot more angst between the three of them (not to mention how the rest of the dragon world will take it all) before their shared loves exploded.

Granted, as readers, we knew that the bond would grow between the three of them and that Matthieu's heat would be shared between the three of them and that Matthieu would produce a clutch and just how perfect that clutch would mirror their relationship. And I think, as a reader, knowing there would be HEAs in all of those places, I didn't take their pessimism seriously (and was subsequently annoyed by it). But that's a me thing, not a reflection of the novel itself. 

I looove that each of these little families have some off-the-walls, not common pet(s). Obsessed. 

#clutch #bond #mate #swallow #magpie #finch #peregrine #raven #ravenpartone #ravenparttwo #forbiddendesires #forbiddendesiresseries #piperscott #virginiakelly #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bond (Forbidden Desires #2)

Here's "Bond" by Virginia Kelly and Piper Scott. This is the second novel their Forbidden Desires series.

["Adorably naive and shockingly brilliant Harrison Lessardi only needs two things in life: his pet iguana, Steve, and his undying love of science. That is until he witnesses his best friend lay eggs, and a third must-have strolls into his apartment—the sardonic and mischievous Everard Drake.

Everard Drake, celebrated doctor of the tremendously wealthy Drake family, has one goal in mind when he arrives at the scene of his youngest brother’s latest disaster: incinerate Harrison Lessardi. Unfortunately for Everard, the moment he spots Harry, incineration becomes an impossibility—he must have the gorgeous beta as his own, even if it means holding him captive on his estate.

But something else lurks behind Everard’s interest in Harry—something that tugs at Everard’s soul in impossible ways, and that will send Everard and Harry down a rabbit hole of discovery that will change the world as they know it.

An alpha and a beta can’t share a bond.

Can they?"]

Harry was adorable and innocent and kind and curious and a little much in the previous book. In this one, he's just sooo fucking perfect. He's still too curious for his own good, but he's soo genuine and sweet. He thanked Everard for the kidnapping. He didn't even know for sure that he wouldn't be eaten, but he still said it was the best day of his life (and said that if he was eaten by a dragon, it would be the best possible way to die).

Of course, Everard didn't know what to do with him. He was exasperated constantly, but he was also intrigued and grew very fond very quickly. Ev really fucking grew on me. Damn him. 

This was a rollercoaster of fate doing it's hardest to make the impossible possible, bringing mates together against all biologies. I like how we saw fate doing...fate things between Harry and Ev, but we also go to see some of the unanswered little questions from Nate and Alistair's that's-odd mating and subsequent babies. What unprecedented "fun" things do the rest of the brothers have to look forward to? 

Thought Harry's "theory"? Makes soooo much sense. If some people weren't bigots, someone would have connected these dots much sooner. 

And if you think you saw me tearing up at the end, that was you, not me. 

#clutch #bond #mate #swallow #magpie #finch #peregrine #raven #ravenpartone #ravenparttwo #forbiddendesires #forbiddendesiresseries #piperscott #virginiakelly #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Clutch (Forbidden Desires #1)

Here's "Clutch" by Virginia Kelly and Piper Scott. This is the first novel their Forbidden Desires series.

["Bookish, snarky, and fiercely independent Nate Boudreaux leads a solitary life. Between teaching classes at the university and working toward his PhD, he doesn’t need a partner to occupy his time, and he certainly doesn’t need a man like Alistair Drake complicating his future.

Alistair Drake, black sheep of the tremendously wealthy Drake family, is more interested in adding another notch to his bedpost than another zero to his bank account. When a Grindr message brings him to Nate’s doorstep, then straight to his bed, he has no reason to believe that what they share will be more than a simple hookup, until, three months later, a tug on his soul informs him otherwise.

For the Drake family has a secret—one that will force Nate and Alistair together as much as it will demand that they be torn apart. One that Alistair and his brothers have carried all their lives… and one that Alistair and Nate’s future children will carry, too.

Bound to each other by the three precious impossibilities, Nate and Alistair have no choice—no matter the consequence, they will fight for their forbidden clutch."]

I need something a little less trauma-y and a little less gives-my-depression-a-downward-spiral-y. Not to mention that fated mates and shifters are always a nice bandage. ;)

Some thoughts as they came: Good chemistry, though they bicker a lot; could turn into something more flirty and fun. Could have broken down the doors before the eggs came. Gotta love a BFF that's willing to go all Tangled up on a bitch. Everard is not making a good first impression, though love his nicknames. Maybe Nat and Alistair do need hit over the head with a step-by-step how to conversation. Alistair is a conundrum of knowledge, sometimes a genius and sometimes Amelia Bedelia. Alistair had some pretty damn good nicknames, too. Oh, Harry. Shit isn’t even close to hitting the fan yet, but the council can go eat dirt. Did I mention Nate’s nicknames? I’m not sure we’ve yet met a Drake I do like. Bronze bastards. Okay Ev isn’t horrible, or any of the brothers. Babies!!! I hope Harry’s book (with Everard, duh) is next. 

#clutch #bond #mate #swallow #magpie #finch #peregrine #raven #ravenpartone #ravenparttwo #forbiddendesires #forbiddendesiresseries #piperscott #virginiakelly #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Step In The Zone (Heart of a Viper #1)

Here's "Step In The Zone" by Blane Bellamy. This is the first novel the Heart of a Viper series.

["Rafael
I knew the way to my awful dad's demise was through his wife and stepson, but I had to be subtle about it. I couldn't just unleash an all-out assault on them. I needed to be low-key, or I would wind up in military school with no hockey. At first, I thought I'd target Jill. Stalk the weaker prey. I could tell she was one fry short of a Happy Meal at the wedding—it would be easy, but buttoned-up little Cody would be a far greater challenge. I could sink my teeth into that. Into him. When I caught my Golden Boy stepbrother checking me out one night, I knew he was mine. This would be so much better than just beating the hell out of him. It would be subtle. Secretive. He wouldn't go running to mommy and stepdaddy, and this would truly destroy the family. Stepbrothers together? One breaking the other's heart? Oh, it was just too good. I'd never used my sexual prowess to dominate another dude before. The idea of it invigorated me.

Cody
Am I gay? Am I bi? He's my stepbrother! It didn't matter if I was gay or bi or pan or an alien from another galaxy. The topic of my sexuality shouldn't have been anywhere near Rafael. The only thought that should have plagued my mind around Rafael was how best to avoid him. Everything about him made my insides twist into painful knots. Just uttering his name made my throat dry and clog with anxiety. I'd waited years for a typical, predictable life, and Rafael possessed the predictability of a rabid raccoon. The sexual collision between the two of us led me to question everything about myself. I went from being a hockey-playing straight-A student to his "good boy" overnight. My brain turned into a tempest of questions. No. This couldn't happen. I needed to hate Rafael again. I could do this. I could resist him…right?"]

The I'll-make-him-fall-for-me-and-then-I'll-break-his-heart is somehow so similar to the date-them-for-the-bet trope. They both hurt soo good. 

The entire thing was painful. Yes, there was comfort with the hurt, all of the confused fluff and then purposeful adorableness. But the traumas (and the constant pushing people away). God, I tried a lot. There was one point, closer to the HEA and healing side of the plot, where I didn’t know if I was crying tears or happy. Holy shit. 

Maybe Asher’s will be a littttttle less painful? 

Trigger Warnings: discussions of family trauma, depression, survivors guilt, past death of a loved one, portrayals of substance use disorder, references to suicidal ideation, near death experiences, and more. 

#stepinthezone #breaktheice #heartofaviper #heartofaviperseries #blanebellamy #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

October'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 October's Book Shape Challenge! Libra!!

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

The Barbarian Guide (Savagely Sweet #5)

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

["I never thought I’d meet my best friend while rescuing townsfolk from Eldara. Bram was quiet, shy, and it took time for him to warm up to me. But now, a year later, I look forward to our visits. He lives in Talqara, not far from the settlement and our visits are too far and few between for me.

On my most recent visit, Bram surprised me with a gift for the clan. A gift that could give us an independence we’d lost after moving to our new home. The clan leaders of the settlement asked him to share his gift with all the clans. As the clan leaders were deciding who would escort him, I volunteered.

I didn’t expect the attention he received from other clan brothers would incense me the way it did. For the first time in my life, I wanted something more. I wanted to claim the sweet man who’d ensnared my heart."]

I loved how sweet these two were! They were great friends, so innately conformable with each other, easy to talk to, instant trust. Going on a physical journey helped them go on an emotional one. Their romantic relationship was just as easy and just as innate as their frienship. It just flowed.

There was very, very little angst. Some minor not-necessarily-miscommunication but we-haven't-talked-about-after-and-I'm-afraid-to-bring-it-up (mixed with the-future-is-scary). Not to mention the whole Nadia thing (kkknnneeewww I remembered her from somewhere). 

So many barbarians, so many weird and difficult and fun situations, so many HEAs. I can't wait to see where we go next in this series/universe.

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

Silent Damage (The Bad Boys of Belmont #2)

Here's "Silent Damage" by Blane Bellamy. This is the second novel The Bad Boys of Belmont series.

["Jason
My whole life people hurt me, but no one as much as Gabe.
He was supposed to be my best friend.
My everything.
His mom wrecked my home, and Gabe broke my heart.
I had every intention of never seeing Gabe again, but when my mom kicked me out, I had nowhere to go except back to Belmont.
Alone in a trailer with Gabe…my now stepbrother.
Now he’s back in my life, and he won’t talk to anyone.
Except me.
And that shouldn’t make my chest tighten the way it does.
Everything about him lights a fire low in my stomach that’s impossible to ignore.
But I can’t let him back in.
I'll join the HellCats, make the money I need, and get out.
I’m done drying people’s tears.
Nobody ever dried mine.

Gabe
I haven’t spoken since the night it happened. The night that changed my life forever.
In less than a month, I lost my best friend, my dad, and then my mom.
I won’t speak.
Because I don’t deserve to speak.
I don’t deserve to take up space in this world.
Nothing matters except for waiting for my mom to come home so I can hold her again.
Then he came back.
Jason
He was everything to me, but he despises me now.
He acts like he can’t stand me, but I catch those longing glances—the way he licks his lips when I’m close.
I want Jason to wreck me.
I don’t care how much he hates me, just as long as his hands are on me.
But the deeper Jason falls into the HellCats, the more dangerous loving him becomes.
I hate that he’s doing it.
But I’ll accept it.
For him."]

Well there wasn't anything sweet about this one (at least for a while--at least out loud). The hurt-hurt was strrrooong (that would be hurt/comfort without the comfort--unless you count fleeting, meaningful looks). Them came the comfort, sprinkled with some small hurts. All the while Jason is trying to join a gang Gabe knows for a fact could be a death sentence. 

And then I took a break because I figured, based on the first novel (and a gut feeling), one of these two (or both) were going to make me cry. I was right. I sobbed. Sad tears (so many sad tears) and then happy tears. 

I honestly canNOT wait for Tobias's story. God, I can see the angst now. Ohh, or Mac; he might have a fun HEA in there somewhere. 

Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, physical violence, traumatic injury, self-imposed mutism, murder, use of a fire arm, traumatic childhood experiences, and more.

#revvedup #silentdamage #thebadboysofbelmont #thebadboysofbelmontseries #blanebellamy #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Revved Up (The Bad Boys of Belmont #1)

Here's "Revved Up" by Blane Bellamy. This is the first novel The Bad Boys of Belmont series.

["Felix (21 years old)
My father is the Mayor of Belmont, and if he finds out I’m working at a diner in the rough part of town, he’ll have me committed. He’d rather I hide in my bedroom than stoop so low as to be a server.
Well, I’d rather be a server than a lying, two-faced politician.
This is so much more than just a job; it’s the first step on the road to independence—discovering who I am, rather than what others want me to be. Plus, I have another mission to accomplish.
I want Torren.
Talking to Torren felt wonderful. Effortless. We bantered—I made him laugh. He has a nice laugh.
Then, he turned into such a jerk...
And I loved it.
I dreamt of him—his strong, calloused hands wrapped around my throat. Do I have a fear fetish, or is it the combination of attraction mixed with the carnal intensity of his anger?
The human mind is wild.
Something clicked on inside me when we started fighting. The fog of despair I’ve lived in since Mother died lifted, and I felt alive again. My body thrummed with adrenaline. Blood rushed through my veins, and I was more aroused than I’ve been in ages.
I don’t want to lose that feeling

Torren (25 years old)
I stare at the blood dripping down my finger, remembering the jubilation I felt when I ended those sick perverts. That moment marked the beginning of my descent into darkness. I let the wicked rage that consumed me morph into something violent and wrong, and I’ve been trying to keep it locked up ever since.
I never wanted to be violent. I never wanted to be a criminal.
I left the Hellcats to end all of that!
All I ever wanted was a family—to be loved.
Instead, the Kays broke my heart and turned me into this. That’s what happens when you put your heart on the line. I thought I’d succeeded in leaving it all behind me.
Until I saw him.
He made me feel those same urges again.
Felix Hargrove doesn’t know it, but he’s in danger. Something inside me isn’t right, and I don’t want him anywhere near it.
I wish I could have him, but I can’t.
It’s not safe for him."]

The push and pull between these two was intoxicating. The hurt/comfort was almost kind. The opposites attract was blurry. It was a hot mess of "oh my god, yes" and "no, you idiot." 

Torren and Felix were made for each other. They felt that zing the moment they met, the moment they locked eyes with each other. They had such instant chemistry, everyone at the diner saw it. Their tragedies even matched. Their biggest enemies (well Torren's) were themselves. Somehow, through the tears and blood and nightmares, they made it work. 

I canNOT wait for Gabe's! Even if it's going to hurt like hell. 

Trigger Warnings: memories of child sex trafficking, murder, extreme physical violence, pharmacological poisoning, domestic violence, parental suicide, descriptions of mental health disturbances, suicidal ideation, extreme breath play, and more.

#revvedup #silentdamage #thebadboysofbelmont #thebadboysofbelmontseries #blanebellamy #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

His Reaper (Unexpectedly Twisted #4)

Here's Cora Rose's "His Reaper." It's the fourth novel in her Unexpectedly Twisted series.

["Some say I’m too soft and cuddly for a guy who wields bone saws and strings friendship necklaces with human eyeballs—but I just call that work-life balance.

And honestly, I love my job as the Costellos’ reaper.

Lately, though, my biggest problem isn’t the dismembered corpses, it’s something far more seductive. Georgiy Sokolov. He smells mouth-watering, like disinfectant and fancy aftershave. Plus, he comes with a stern promise to ruin me with surgical precision—and believe me, I will be begging him for it.

If only I could get him to return my texts…

But when a shadowy evil threatens my found family, and my nightmares stir up repressed memories that somehow feel connected, Georgiy and I will stop at nothing to protect what is ours.

Armed with my bloody handsaw and Georgiy’s dainty scalpel, we try to uncover the dark truths about the past that haunts me and the Death that stalks me. It’s all very romantic.

So if you've come to witness my final chapter…good luck, friend.

My name’s Bane. Say it while you still have your tongue."]

Bane! You’ve broken my heart in every single book you’ve been in. And you broke my heart sooo many times in this novel (which I knew before going in, hence the hesitation to actually read your book). The sheer number of times I teared up or full on cried because your brain was trying to fuck you over. Not to mention your past, your hurt/comfort grumpy Russian, and you’re enormous love for your found family. 

I predicted a few of the twists and connections but that didn't make them less horrible or sad or horrific.

The last chapter/epilogue? God, why was all of that so damn sweet!? D: Bane deserved all of it (and more--which he got).

Trigger Warnings: violence, physical assault, drugs, kidnapping, detailed torture, blood, branding, needles, forced sedation, semi-dubcon tattoo, murder, past child abused and neglect, PTSD, and more. 

#thesilencer #hisprince #hisenforcer #reaper #unexpected #unexpectedseries #unexpectedlytwistedseries #corarose #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Beautiful Obsession (House of Obsession #1)

My mood-reading has taken me on a journey lately (the amount of books I've started and paused). But this book has been on my TBR for a while (mostly due to the length (over 700 pages!)). Here's Vee Edddy's "Beautiful Obsession." It's the first book in the House of Obsession series.

["The first time I saw Alexander Petrov, I knew my life would never be the same. He’s rich, dangerous, and cold, filled with quiet power and wrapped in silent rage. The difference between our worlds is something extraordinary. But no matter how hard I try to build walls between us, I keep getting pulled back into his orbit like a moth to a flame I shouldn’t touch. I’m scared to fall for him, but I can’t help it.

My past still claws at me every scar, every silence, every night that reminds me of what was taken. I’ve spent years trying to feel whole again, terrified that if I let him in, he’ll either shatter what’s left of me… or somehow piece me back together.

And even if he doesn’t break me, will the shadows of my past still come back to destroy everything?"]

This book was looong. Like, really long. But the pace didn't feel slow or sluggish. I can't think of anything in particular that I would have necessarily cut to make it shorter, but oh boy, I hope the other books are shorter. I know Tyler's isn't next, but I canNOT wait for his!

These two were adorable. A hot mess. But adorable. They both were so kind and careful with each other's feelings, sometimes to the point of too careful (they held back for (mostly) good reasons, but communicating some of those reasons would have been even healthier, just saying). 

Since this book was so long, so much happened. And so many characters. But it, I suppose, also makes it hard to summarize my thoughts/feelings for this review. Either way, if you have a few days (or longer) to spare, this book was soooo worth it. 

Trigger Warnings: depictions of sexual assault, emotional distress, violence, detailed torture, drug use, alcoholism, physical and emotional, abuse, flashbacks, homophobia slurs, self-hatred, intense trauma, hearing loss, trauma-induced mutism, and more.

#beautifulobsession #recklessobsession #veeddy #houseofobsession #houseofobsessionseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Heat Lightning (Masked Mates #1)

Here's "Heat Lightning" by A Knightley. This is the first novel in the Masked Mates series.

["Max
Having a stalker should be thrilling in a ‘run for the hills screaming’ kind of way, not a ‘lights me up from the inside’ kind of way. Alas, here we are. To my great dismay, I want to climb that big, scary, masked man like a tree. But seriously, can I be blamed? Have you seen him
My life has always been black and white, good and bad, right and wrong—but my Masked Man revels in the gray. He kills bad guys. Which should terrify me, except it only adds to the magnetic pull that reels me in time and again. He’s my stalker, my rescuer, my alpha, and my soul's deepest, darkest desire. Even still, he insists on keeping secrets. And when I finally find out the truth?
They become life or death.
How much can I overlook for the man who makes my omega scream, mate, mate, mate?

The Masked Man
I’m a hunter—a killer. I live by a simple set of rules, and I don’t break them. Playing the hero? Not interested.
Until him.
From the very first moment, the omega calls to me. His cautious curiosity makes my alpha’s mouth water, aching to bite and claim. He’s mine. Mine to hunt, mine to protect, mine to watch.
But never mine to have.
So, I’ll do everything—and I mean everything—in my power to keep him safe, even if that means longing from the shadows forever."]

I've been waiting MONTHS for this! Soo many teasers and art and quotes on socials. I kept checking A's IG for an official release date and then for arc sign-ups. So. Worth. The. Wait. 

The time jump between Part 1 and Part 2...it was one of those moments where, logically and realistically, you understand. Like those horribly noble and sadly needed third act break-ups. It makes sense. But that doesn't make it less sad. And me being sad about that, when these two didn't even know each other well, or at all, in Part 1, says something about my dark romance habit. But it also says a lot about The Masked Man. 

Part 1 was all mystery and danger and hesitant inevitability. It teetered on the edge of want and mates and fate being a bit of a bitch. Part 2 was angst and want and danger. It was mutual desire and mutual destruction, destruction of sanity and fate continuing to push two people together but they push each other apart. Part 3 still had the angst but the inevitability was there and fate was there and love was there; so was the utter devastation. Part 4 started with nearly breaking me, just like Part 3 ended. Then came the danger and the threats and the guilt and the negotiating and the denial. All followed with some groveling, some much-needed cuddles, and a HEA. It was protective and possessive in equal parts by equal partners. 

It was a hot mess all around. But honestly? It was SO fucking good. Easily top ten (top five) of the year. 

I canNOT wait for the next one. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, noncon drugging leading to attemped SA, forced/drug-induced heat, descriptions of domestic violence, witnessing domestic violence as a child, past child abuse, stalking, home invasion, past parental loss, and more.

#heatlightning #aknightley #maskedmates #maskedmatesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

In Your Light (Tenebrea Cove #4)

Here's NR Walker's "In Your Light." It's the fourth novel in the Tenebrea Cove series.

["Hadeom had always revelled in the darkness. The belief that he was doing the righteous thing fed him, sustained him. But as time stretched on, the world around him changed.

Humans changed.

And somewhere in the thick of it all, Hadeom lost his way.

Fyn is the embodiment of sunshine and all things good in this world. His life in the faun camp he grew up in is simple and peaceful, but he yearns for more. He wants excitement. He wants love.

He wants the tall, dark, and handsome stranger who’s lodging at the hut.

As Hadeom heals and finds his true form again, he can no longer hide who he really is. His identity is revealed, and he knows Fyn deserves so much better than his darkness and shadows.

But as humans threaten life in Tenebrae Cove, Hadeom must first fight his past, and Fyn must fight for Hadeom. Because after everything Hadeom has done, it will be Fyn who brings him out of the darkness and into the light."]

Cern continues to be mysterious and cryptic. The little godlings continue to be adorable, beautiful menaces. Sawyer continues to be...well... "'Jesus Christ,' Ciaran mumbled from across the clearing. 'Sawyer, love of my life, my shining beacon of eternal love, you gotta stop pissing the gods off.'"

But, honestly, now knowing who and what Hadeom is, Fyn makes even more sense as his mate. Sunshine-y and connected to the earth, rainbows and butterflies and flowers. It matches the shadows and darkness and rain and...well... a lot of trauma. A match made long ago and retold here. 

Tenebrea Cove continues to be a hot mess of found family and legends becoming reality and Ciaran throwing himself off the pier. I kinda want more...

Trigger Warnings: past trauma, PTSD, past death of a loved on, humans being the real monsters, and more.

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