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

PAH! (Deaf Hearts #3)

Here's Cora Rose and EM Lindsey's "PAH!" It's the third novel in their new Deaf Hearts series.

["Whoever convinced me that sleeping with the hot co-owner of PUMPT Gym was a good idea should be tied to a tree and left in the woods to rot.

Too bad I'm the only one to blame.

There’s something about Dex that captured my attention the moment I first saw him, and no matter what I do, I can’t get him out of my head.

But there’s one tiny problem.

He's hearing.
And he doesn’t sign.
Oh, and he’s also the brother of the guy my ex is in love with.

But while three years working in another country with an ocean between us should have cured my addiction, the second I see Dex again, he’s all I want. And this time, it’s worse. This time, he’s learned my language, and he uses his hands to tell me exactly what he thinks of me.

And exactly what he wants to do when he gets his hands on me.
And his lips.
And his tongue.

In spite of my own rules against dating men like him, I find myself wanting to break down all the walls I’ve built up. But will giving in to Dex make me the world’s biggest hypocrite?

Or will I be making the best decision of my life?"]

Fucckk, the angst in this one was real. It was strong and rude (because of the miscommunication) and it hurt so bad. Both of these men were dealing with their feelings (or not dealing with them) and trying so hard to figure life out. 

Then they FINALLY got together and they were perfect for each other. Granted, the journey wasn’t smooth, but it was sooo worth it! 

Even though I read “Hunt Me” already, it was really fun to see their beginnings in this novel. 

Trigger Warnings: ableism, ableist language, mild public violence against a dead person, and more.

#thedeafchef #kissfist #ily #pah #emlindsey #corarose #deafhearts #deafhearttsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hunt Me (Murder Hearts #1)

Here's EM Lindsey and Cora Rose's "Hunt Me." It's the first novel in their Murder Hearts series. 

["Doing Deaf drag isn’t supposed to come with threats to my life, damn it. I’ve had a stalker before, and apparently—even after involving my friend from the FBI—he’s decided to come back and make my life hell.

But this time, however, a slightly terrifying stranger shows up to play hero.

He knocked my stalker on his ass and left me with blood smears on my jaw and a kiss on my lips so devastating, it threatened to rearrange my whole life. And then he disappeared into the shadows.

But just when I think I’ll never see him again, I find him haunting my steps everywhere I turn.

It’s not long before I realize hunting me might be his love language, and god help me, I think I’m into it. Especially when each time he catches me, he leaves me breathless and wanting more.

My stalker is still around, but being with Archie is worth whatever the unwelcome blast from my past wants to throw at me.

After all, having a boyfriend with a thing for knives, coffins, and funeral flowers is a great way to protect myself, and if his obsession and love for me isn’t enough to take my stalker down, my determination to get my happily ever after will."]

Whelp, I didn't know this was in the same universe/town as the Deaf Hearts series (and haven't yet read the last book yet), though looking back, there were signs (same authors, similar series same, ASL/deaf teasers). This book had all of the sweetness and community that the Deaf Hearts series did but with a little more darkness. SUCH a perfect combination!!

These two were adorable as hell. Both a little (or a lot) neuro-spicy, both a little dark, both a lot in need of something of their own, someone of their own. They healed each other and helped each other grow.

I canNOT wait for more of this series. More damaged brothers with their own level of neuro-spice getting their own HEAs. 

Trigger Warnings: stalking, violence, murder, on-page physical assault, mentions of past abuse, abelism, ableist language, and more. 

#huntme #murderhearts #murderheartsseries #corarose #emlindsey #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bootylicious

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

["Bigfoot Boone has one job: protect the forest, manage the Monster Network, and absolutely not get emotionally attached to humans.

He’s already failing.

For two summers, he’s watched Elias Hart from the shadows—brilliant, distractible, and far too curious for his own good. A human biologist with terrible coffee and worse survival instincts, Elias keeps wandering dangerously close to truths that could upend Boone’s entire world.

When Elias returns early in the spring, Boone’s careful distance starts to crack. What begins as quiet observation turns into something far more dangerous: connection.
But humans don’t belong in the hidden world Boone protects—and the deeper Elias gets, the harder it will be to keep him safe… or let him go.

With watchful rangers, unpredictable monsters, and a network that’s starting to notice Boone’s slip in judgment, the line between duty and want is about to snap.

Because some secrets can be hidden.

And some are worth risking everything to keep."]

This was incredible adorable!! I took a hot minute to get into it, as the plot doesn't pick-up-pick-up for a bit, but when it does? Butterflies and feels all around. Then again, this is a slow-burn.

This was about fated feelings and kismet moments, but it was also about kindness and trust. It was caring about nature before yourself and letting the magic remain mysterious. Family and friends, even if you prefer solitude, always having your back. 

This was sooo sweet! I don’t know if the rest will be as sweet, or if there will be more angst and/or darkness,  it I’m here for it. 

And this is just the first novel in the first of two multi-author cryptid-based mm romance series coming this fall. Bring all of the spooks. 

Trigger Warnings: wilderness peril, a concussion/head injury, cryptid hunters, some fantasy violence, and more.

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

The Researcher's Guide to Unexpected Mates

Here's Amy Padilla's latest: "The Researcher's Guide to Unexpected Mates." This is the first novel in her Spellbound series, which is a spin-off from her Charmed Away Temp Agency series. 

["Volunteering for Spellbound Corp’s new Residential Pilot Program was supposed to make Mateo’s life easier.

Instead, between a demanding cyber security job, chaotic roommates, and sleepless nights, he’s more stressed than ever.

Then he meets Dax.

Sweet, earnest, and always showing up when Mateo needs him most, the kraken researcher quickly becomes Mateo’s favorite part of the day. Mateo never intended to rely on anyone, but it’s hard to resist someone offering support, massages, fried chicken, and a safe place to land when life gets overwhelming.

For Dax, falling for Mateo is easy.

The problem is that Dax already knows something Mateo doesn’t.

Krakens recognize their mates at first touch, and the moment Dax met the exhausted human, he knew they’d found each other.

Now he just has to figure out when to tell Mateo the truth.

After all, when is the right time to tell someone they’re your mate?"]

That. was. adorable. 

Mateo and Daz were the perfect amount of possession and caring, of obsessive and protective. They were sweet and fluffy and kind. They were also easy chemistry and spice. They were acceptance and family and Home. A smidge of angst but the more adorable of stories. It was all just...perfect. 

Not to mention that ending! Loooved it!

I canNOT wait for the rest of this series and even more HEAs at Spellbound. Not to mention more Taron (causing more trouble). ;)

#theresearchersguidetounexpectedmates #spellbound #spellboundseries #charmedawaytempagency #charmedawaytempagencyseries #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Pregnant Wolf Omega Next Door (Babies for Broken Dads #7)

Here is Anna Wineheart's latest: "The Pregnant Wolf Omega Next Door." It's the seventh 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).

["Pregnant and on the run from his ex-alpha, Emre hides with his wolf pup in a run-down apartment. Thing is, he's out of cash, out of food, and his neighbor is cooking something that smells delicious.

Desperate to feed himself and his pup, Emre knocks on his neighbor's door.

What he doesn't expect is a handsome alpha with a secret. Zenith is protective and offers his own apartment as shelter; he accepts Emre and his pups even though neither child belongs to him.

Then Emre goes into labor, dragging his inexperienced alpha neighbor along for the ride.

This is just a case of neighbors helping each other. No one is going to fall in love... right?"]

Another hot-mess meet-cute. But at least no one was kidnapped. ;)

I love how the omega (Emre) in this one wasn't the only character without a filter. Zenith was also completely (and adorably) unable to say most of the things that popped into his head. Their honesty and awkwardness matched.

They were sooooo sweet and kind and caring and just the right amount of neediness and protective without being over the top. They were perfect.

As was our most anticipated couple/HEA. I literally cannot wait for the next book! 

Trigger Warnings: past domestic abuse, violence, and more.

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

Puck Them (Lakeview Cougars Hockey #1)

Here's Jenn Bullard's "Puck Them." It's the first novel in the Lakeview Cougars Hockey series.

["This is my team. I’ve worked my tail off to be the captain of it, and I’m a quietly gay omega. No one needs to know my sexuality, which is why I work harder than anyone to play hockey.

If I’m honest, this is my true identity and love. Omegas tend to be smaller, less muscle dense, and I was devastated when I came into my designation. My father was the one who encouraged me, went to every game, until he died last year.

Now there are two alphas that have joined The Lakeview Cougars and they refuse to leave me alone. They’re stalking me, forcing me to my knees in the locker room, and what’s worse is I love it.

I feel like I’m losing my mind. They’re willing to take everything from me unless I admit that I’m theirs.

But you know what? Puck them."]

Well Sky and Rhodes were not like I expected based on that blurb. Then again, when it came to those two alphas Koen wasn't exactly an unbiased source. Their first set of POV chapters were spicy as hell but might lighter and more playful than I expected. They were loving and caring and kind and sweet; granted, they're not afraid to go all shades of morally gray for each other (and Koen), but it's all in the name of safety and happiness for their pack.

I honestly really loved these three. It took me a while to sort through who was who, but that was probably a me thing (I don't always pay attention to names). They were all just so perfect for each other. They each brought something to the table to enhance the relationship, as pairs as as a whole. They were...n't patient, but they tried their best to be for Koen, just as Koen (eventually) trusted them.

I canNOT wait for more of this series!

Trigger Warnings: stalking, homophobia, drink spiking, murder, destruction of home, manipulation and gaslighting, hidden cameras, dub-con, forced proximity, breaking and entering, violence drugging, sedation and kidnapping, restraint, and more. 

#puckthem #puckedandfucked #lakeviewcougarshockey #lakeviewcougarshockeyseries #jennbullard #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Bratva's Mercy (Bratva's Undoing #3)

Here's Gianni Holmes's "Bratva's Mercy." It's the third novel in her her Bratva's Undoing series.

["Leo Cavanagh lost his husband less than a month ago.
A brutal murder I helped cover up for the Morozov Bratva.
That should’ve been the end of it.

Instead, I watch him.
Wait for the moment he looks at me and doesn’t see a monster.

When he finally gives me a chance, I take it.
And for the first time, I give someone everything—my heart, my body… my soul.
But nothing about Leo is simple.

Everyone thinks he's using me.
I say his feelings are real.
But even if they aren't, it's already too late, because he is mine."]

These two were complicated. One all in and utterly devoted, willing to walk away from almost everything for this feeling in his chest that he didn't fully understand until it was far too late. And one falling despite himself, walking the fine line of new love and old love (moving on and holding grudges). 

None of their love story so far was easy. It was rough and rocky, it was hurt/comfort, it was a ticking time bomb of dislike turning to something much deeper while the domesticity gets higher. 

Well, at least this book didn't end on a sad and rather massive cliff hanger like Wren's first book...just a massive sense of doom. Fun. Thooouuugh, I did really love seeing that single chapter in Wren's POV. 

Trigger Warnings: self-harm, murder, torture, fatal overdose from clubbing, stalking, attempted suicide by a minor character, attempted murder, the medical resuscitation of an individual, the staging of a murder to look like suicide, grieving the murder of a spouse, on-page graphic description of a body falling from a high-rise building, and more.

#bratvasintern #bratvasvow #bratvasmercy #bratvaswrath #bratvasbrat #bratvasundoing #bratvasundoingseries #gianniholmes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Heart Ripper (Sex & Mayhem #9)

Here's KA Merikan's "Heart Ripper." It's the ninth 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.

["--- You always want what you can’t have. ---

David. Catholic. Gay. Set on keeping his purity ring.
Raja. Biker. Manwhore. Never refuses a bet.

David has always tried to be the best son his parents could dream of.
Always at church on Sunday.
Always eager to help with the garden.
Always trying his best at school.
Prim, proper, innocent, and kind.
But deep inside of him, there is a yearning planted by the devil himself, and when a cocky, foul-mouthed biker pulls him a step too far, David doesn’t fall into the abyss. He leaps.
Raja is all he’s ever dreamed of, yet didn’t dare voice. Older, dangerous, a wall of muscle with a grip so strong David can’t resist him no matter how hard he tries.

As a freshly appointed president of a motorcycle club on the verge of ruin, Raja has a lot to live up to. Being gay doesn’t do him any favors in terms of commanding the respect of his men. He has his way of compensating though.
Always first in a fight.
Always bragging about his sexual conquests.
Always up for a bet.
Daring, tattooed, sexy, and unapologetic.
After he boasts he can have any man he wants, he gets challenged to hook up with the preppy guy wallflowering at a party. Raja can’t wait to pop the innocent cutie’s cherry. But when he finds out the guy is his friend’s younger brother, life gets a whole lot messier.

Why is the one guy who should be off-limits always the most tempting?"]

Talk about hurt/comfort. Fuck.

The angst was strong (on one side). The fluff was strong (on both sides). The spice? Oh boy.

These two were a hot mess. One "I really shouldn't" haven't the other until they fell in love and couldn't really back out after that. Some parts were a little juvenile, but then you remember that David just turned 18 and it makes more sense.

I WILL be back to finish the rest of the MM parts of this series (looking at you Lucky).

Trigger Warnings: violence, homophobia, religious trauma, toxic parents, talks of conversion therapy, organized crime, and more.

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

Love Bites: Volume 1

Here's "Love Bites: Volume 1." It's based on the novel "Bite Me" by Alicia Wallace and adapted by Ele. 

["As a teenage vampire, Kieran has always been warned to stay away from werewolves, but everything changes when he falls for Mason—the Alpha’s son.

What started off as disdain, lines drawn in the sand between two opposing sides, quickly turns to fascination after the two share one fateful kiss.

Kieran and Mason know they can’t be together, their communities would never approve. And with every hidden kiss and rendezvous, keeping their secret takes on a whole new set of problems.

Avoiding the eyes of both society and Kieran’s extremist family grows more and more challenging, and as silver blades sharpen, the two must choose to stand up for a love worth fighting for."]

The angst!!! It was both delicious and aggravating. It was all so mysterious and titillating. Just when you think someone will cave, the angst gets upped. I wished there was more kissing (between our two MMCs, duh) and a little more fate talk. I'll have to see where the Webtoon is at, episode wise (and maybe that OG novel). 

But really, this was glorious. Trauma plus family legacy plus a over-protective and slightly-unhinged big brother. High school drama, friendships and dating and homework. Fighting your unnatural natural instincts and hormones. All of the yes.  

#lovebites #biteme #aliciawallace #ele #graphicnovel #queergraphicnovel #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Goodbye, July!

July was looong. And busy. Sooo long.

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

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

(2) July Memories: A few doctor's appointments. A few family dinners. Sooooo much work at work. Nothing too, too thrilling this month (here's to August though). 

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 31.

(4) A few evenings were the blues came through. Though I was working very, very hard so...not wantig to do anything made sense. My eating habits were all over the place. But it wasn't too hot, it didn't rain too much. 

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

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

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyejuly #helloaugust #hello2026 #dontstopreading #makememories #shareloveofbooks #shareloveofreading #bekindertomyself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Out of the Dark (Tenebrea Cove #3)

Here's NR Walker's "Out of the Dark." It's the third novel in the Tenebrea Cove series.

["Aurin Leeming has always known Salem’s secret. He knows what he is, his fears, and every secret he’s tried to hide. He knows every form Salem can morph into, and he loves every single one.

When Salem is gravely injured and close to death, he’s taken to a special place to heal. With the magic of the old gods and with Aurin by his side, he regains his strength, and he knows he must go back to Tenebrae Cove to face the truth.

A truth he’s spent eons hiding, and for good reason.

But Aurin and Salem take more than the truth home with them, and Salem’s secret is soon about to quadruple in size. As secrets come to light, it’s no longer just Salem the consortium needs to protect.

Secrets never stay hidden forever.

There comes a time when they all must come out of the dark."]

This started a little slow. Then again, the previous book ended on a few cliffhangers. And not to nitpick, but I feel like a lot of the bigger secrets were just...freely given in the first two or so chapters with zero lead-up. But when it picked up? It fucking picked up. Talk about a whirl-wind (nothing like the second novel, but still wooow).

These two were cute. I wish we could have seen their falling, but seeing them already in love was just as sweet. They were dedicated to each other to the extreme. And the "take more than the truth home with them"? Oh yeah. So much more. ;) But that was prefect, too! I could have read pages and pages, chapters and chapters of just that (even if--especially if--it added nothing to the plot). 

Again, not sure if there's going to be another book or not...I could be here for it. Or even a spin off..or both.

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

Peter Pan: A Graphic Novel

I found a graphic novel version of Peter Pan! It was illustrated and adapted by Fern Cano and Blake Hoena.

["Peter Pan is a special boy. He can fly. He doesn't grow old. And he comes from a magical island called Neverland. So when Peter shows up at the Darling residence, Wendy and her brothers are all too eager to follow Peter on an adventure of a lifetime. But the Darlings find themselves caught in the middle of a battle between Peter's gang of orphans, the Lost Boys, and a band of pirates led by the treacherous Captain Hook. Will Peter be able to protect the Darlings while leading the Lost Boys to victory? Or will Captain Hook make Peter Pan walk the plank? These full-color graphic novels feature enhanced Common Core State Standards support, including discussion and writing prompts developed by a Common Core expert, an expanded introduction, and bolded glossary words."]

This was a delightful and colorful retelling of Peter Pan. It was fun and light, but it still kept the original story in mind. Most of the prose and quotes were the original from Barrie himself. A fun read!

#peterpan #agraphicnovel #peterpanagraphicnovel #jmbarrie #blakehoena #ferncano #peterpanadaptation #peterpanandwendy #wendymoiraangeladarling #peterpan #captainhook #neverland #lostboys #lostgirls #tigerlily #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

One More Dare (Cove Lake College #1)

Here's "One More Dare" by Bec Benson and Lexi Amber. It's the first novel in their Cove Lake College series.

["Will
The last two and a half years have been all about living life to the fullest, enjoying my time at college, the glory years and all that, but that doesn’t mean I’m a jerk.
I’ve always considered myself to be a decent person, but a few conversations with my new debate partner, Porter Johnson, are enough for me to realize how self-centered I’ve been.
I like who I am around him, and I’m determined to show him I’m not as bad as he assumed I was, that maybe we could even be friends.

Porter
When my heart was broken by a man who wasn’t ready to come out of the closet, I promised myself I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
I will not be falling for another emotionally unavailable, self-identifying straight man.
And I absolutely won’t be falling for my inconsiderate debate partner, Will Carter.
No matter how attractive he is or how charming he seems to be now that he’s decided he wants to be my friend.
I am stronger than that.
Probably…"]

Oh jocks. So sweet and kind and total king behavior, but literally needing to be told their feelings for it to click. 

These two were fucking adorable. Instant best friends. Then add in the flirting that’s not really flirting until it turns into Flirting. Add in some dares, silly then spicy. Not to mention all of those feelings that have been building from that very first moment. 

They communicated, granted not right away, but they talked. It was refreshing. And their best friends and family were all so supportive. There was angst but it was here and there (mostly just the Big Feelings stuff). 

I canNOT wait for more from this series!! 

Trigger Warnings: mention of SC's childhood cancer, past trauma MC having experimented with closeted guy in high school, and more.

#onemoredare #covelakecollage #covelakecollageseries #lexiamber #becbenson #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Stubborn as a Shadow (Willow Lake Pack #2)

Here's "Stubborn as a Shadow" by Lori Ames. It's the second novel in her Willow Lake Pack series, which is a spin-off of the Willow Lake Supernaturals series. 

["Rainbows and darkness don't belong together, but fate has other ideas.

People use the word unicorn to describe the rarest of the rare. The thing that is more myth than reality. The thing that makes you question if it even existed.

Yeah.

Nelson knows firsthand how apt that metaphor is, because finding an abducted unicorn is about as easy as tracking down rocking-horse crap. After months of searching, all he’s found is failure. Every time he closes his eyes he imagines the poor man—Morgan—fading away somewhere, unable to escape. And that’s better than magically enhanced caffeine at keeping him awake at night.

So, when Nelson agrees to do a side job for someone at the Supernatural Council, the last person he expects to find is Morgan. But here he is at a black magic market, dressed up like a stand in for a B movie about evil witches, and Nelson knows he has to get him back to the safety of Willow Lake.

If only Morgan would listen to him.

Morgan’s dedicated his life to finding out what happened to his parents. Although that hunt has gotten people killed in the past, he can’t stop. But he is open to help. And who could better than a deliciously hot shadow jumper? Particularly when Nelson is all heroic and stuff…

Hurrah for heroes. Hmm… Maybe Morgan should try to seduce him. Because Nelson really should be rewarded for his services and, more importantly, Morgan is dying—hopefully not literally—to see a smile on the grumpy grump’s cute face."]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["very grump needs a bit of sunshine. Cuddling during a blizzard is mandatory. Unicorns are amazing. Some shadow jumpers will never blend into the background. What is going on? Who is Rudy Tada? Everyone should wear a cloak. (Seriously, they are awesome!) It’s hard to disguise a unicorn. Oh look, there is only one bed! Oh, crap, are there supernatural hunters here too? It sucks when things aren’t all rainbows and unicorns."]

I have been WAITING for Nelson's story for soooo long! SO long. I canNOT believe that our serious and dark little shadow is falling for a sunshiny unicorn! And how utterly prefect they are together! How the darkness makes the rainbow shine brighter and the sparkles is protected by/anchored by the shadows?! Beautiful.

These two were hilarious. Morgan was fucking hilarious. He was earnest and honest and a little naïve but sooo kind and sunshiney. He made Nelson smile and relax (and go over the top with protectiveness and anything to make his mate smile). Nelson needed Morgan to help him realize how happy he could be, how much Willow Lake had become a home, how much his friends had become a family. Morgan needed Nelson to help give him a home and a family, somewhere he could be himself, all shimmering and shimmying. 

Honestly, I cannot wait for Teagan and Keegan. Though getting Carter and Eric's HEA next isn't all that bad. ;) 

Trigger Warnings: violence, abduction and imprisonment, mental health concerns, murder, gun and shooting violence, serious injury due to gun shot wounds, and more. 

#moodyasaminotaur #stubbornasashadow #shyasasasquatch #loriames #willowlakepack #willowlakepackseries #willowlakesupernaturals #willowlakesupernaturalsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Hazard (Mike Bravo Ops #5)

Here's Eden Finley's Mike Bravo Ops series. "Hazard" is the fifth novel in this series. 

["HAZARD
Joining the infamous Mike Bravo Ops to meet the godfather I never knew doesn’t go the way I expect. I’m hoping to meet the man I’ve only read about in my late father’s journals, someone who’s warm, caring, and a ride or die. But when I arrive, all I get is coldness and hostility from someone who doesn’t even want to know me.
I don’t understand how he can be the same man my father wrote so passionately about. Or why I find him annoyingly attractive.

DECAF
I’ve been through a lot in my lifetime—rejection from my family, enlisting in the military, a literal warzone—but nothing, nothing, comes close to the day I lost my best friend.
He’s the reason I have nightmares and hate sleeping, the reason I drink so much coffee. Now, his grown son shows up in my life, and there are so many reasons I don’t want him anywhere near me. Mike Bravo Ops is dangerous, and if Hazard stays here, there’s no way I can fulfil the promise I made to his father to protect him. The best way I can do that is if he stays as far away from me as possible.
But he has a familiar stubborn streak, and when he refuses to leave, he gives me no choice but to commit to my protector role.
If only I didn’t find it so confusing.
We have a connection, but how genuine can it be when the ghost of his father haunts us both?"]

Whelp, I ended the last book crying. Started this book crying. Fun times. Thanks, Eden. 

These two didn't have it easy. There were secrets and such heavy guilt, grief in sooo many different stages and cycles. Not to mention the fucking burn notices (*heavy af sigh*). There was so much happening, but it never felt like too much. 

But the love and dedication (not to mention the possession and protection and obsession) between these two, through it all, through all of the heartache and the danger (though these men like their danger), they figured it out (and had quite a few people cheering for them).

I don't love series that seem to go on forever and ever just because it's popular, BUT I kinda hate that this book is over. I looove these men. They're insane and giant toddlers and somehow still so wholesome for having favorite weapons and C4 uses. I'll certainly miss them (and fuck me, but Iris is still my favorite)--though maybe they'll get a cameo/mention like Ezra and Harley did in a new series.

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, car bombs, hospitalization, PTSD, loss of a friend and loss of a parent, associated grief, the government being the government, past military homophobia, and more. 

#iris #rogue #atlas #zeus #hazard #angeldomino #edenfinely #mikebravoops #mikebravoopsseries #popstar #famous #famousseries #thornedheart #cashemeoutside #cashmeoutsideseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Zeus (Mike Bravo Ops #4)

Here's Eden Finley's Mike Bravo Ops series. "Zeus" is the fourth novel in this series. 

["CALLIE
After constantly looking over my shoulder as I run for my life, I’m on the brink of giving up.
On happiness.
On love.
On life.
Which is why, when a familiar face shows up where I’m hiding, I shock myself by running again. Though, probably not as shocked as Zeus is when I run him off the road with my car.
For some reason, my survival instinct is stronger than my mind is, and I find myself fighting for the life I’m not even sure I want.
On the run and nowhere to turn, I flee into the arms of the last person I should. Suddenly, I find myself involved in one of the worst crime syndicates in Las Vegas, and no way to get out.

ZEUS
Why would Callie run away from me? I’m delightful, damn it. I mean, sure, he probably thinks I’m trying to kill him, but I’m not. I’ve been hired to make sure he’s okay and that he’s surviving after escaping an abusive relationship, making mistakes, and putting multiple people’s lives in danger.
He screwed up, but he doesn’t deserve to die for it. And now, because of me, his life is at risk yet again.
Technically, my job is done. Callie is still breathing. That’s all I was supposed to find out. But I can’t sit by knowing he’s selling his soul. His body. I need to get him out, and I’ll go to any lengths to do it."]

Whelps, that was all of the feels in rapid succession and in a rollercoaster order. I cried, a few fines. 

But I was also giggling and smiling and cheering often. There’s just something about this grown ass men who love blowing shit up instead of dealing with their feelings, the constant back and forth banter, the found family filled with so much trust and sass. 

Callie and Zeus met each other time and time again. Enemies, friends, lovers. But it was never the right time. They both had growing up and self-reflection to do. It sucked (for me), but it only made them closer together in the end. 

Loooove the Princess cameo (and drunk Iris moments)! 

Trigger Warnings: recovery from domestic violence, sex trafficking, torture, mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation, murder, and more.

#iris #rogue #atlas #zeus #hazard #angeldomino #edenfinely #mikebravoops #mikebravoopsseries #popstar #famous #famousseries #thornedheart #cashemeoutside #cashmeoutsideseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

My Demon, My Handyman (Hotter Than Hell #6)

Here's Callie Colby's "My Demon, My Handyman." It's the sixth book in her Hotter Than Hell series.

["A survivor of the occult. A demon prince with a sudden, inexplicable urge to mow the lawn.

I joined the support group for the stale donuts and the shared trauma. I just wanted a safe place to complain about the time a poltergeist hijacked my body.

I didn’t expect to sit next to Malphas. He’s seven feet of horned, terrifying muscle who smells like brimstone and danger. He should be ruling the Underworld. Instead, he’s panic-spiraling because he can’t stop thinking about cargo shorts.

Apparently, he was "reverse-possessed" by a Midwestern ghost named Gary. Now, I’m stuck with a roommate who looks like a sin but acts like a suburban dad. He’s not stealing my soul; he’s aggressively fixing my leaky faucet and lecturing me on my tire pressure.

The problem is, I’m attracted to him. Dangerous, stupidly attracted. But it’s hard to maintain a dark, steamy romance when your demon lover interrupts a heavy make-out session to remind you that tomorrow is recycling day.

I should probably run. But he’s incredibly good with his hands, and I’m starting to realize that his version of "eternal damnation" looks suspiciously like a trip to Home Depot."]

 This was equal parts amusing and entertaining—okay fine those are synonyms. This book was soft and sweet and spicy. It was kismet in a trauma group. It was a cross-realms HEA. It was falling in love with your person, even if your person alphabetizes your books a little neurotically (not to mention the demon thing, or the midwest dad thing). 

Another adorable book ima wonderful series. I just love how the series is all interconnected thematically but it’s within the same universe. It’s so unique. Now off to catch up with the other three I’ve been holding off on. 

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

Hero Worship (Wayward Sons #5)

Here's "Hero Worship" by L Eveland. It's the fifth novel in the Wayward Sons series.

["They say beauty is a weapon. I've perfected it as an art form.

I'm Xander Laskin—vigilante, lethal seducer, and absolutely obsessed with my new handler. Ash Valentine is everything I never knew I ex-FBI legend, iron-willed disciplinarian, and a man who's about to discover he isn't as straight as he thought.

Our mission is infiltrate fashion icon Avery Roche's inner circle and expose a killer who turns beautiful boys into preserved art. Playing newlyweds should be easy—I'm excellent at seduction, and Ash... Well, let's just say his possessive streak isn't entirely for show. But when we discover Roche is keeping the child of a Russian crime boss as their latest muse, the stakes become deadly personal.

I've spent my life using beauty as armor, turning heads while hiding knives. But Ash sees past my careful masks, past the dresses and deadly grace, to the broken parts I thought no one could want. As our fake marriage ignites very real passion, we're both discovering that some boundaries are meant to be crossed.

One thing is by the end of this mission, he'll be mine completely. He just doesn't know it yet."]

Well, I remember why I took a break from this series. No matter the brother, no matter the mental health spice level, it hits you right in the chest with a fuck-I-feel-that-way-too. It's very strong, and it's incredibly relatable, and it causes soooo many feels--so many tears for me and so much angst for the couple/family.

It's always the ones with the best poker faces and the strongest I'm-tough-shit personas that are always the most broken. And these two were sooo broken, hiding so many traumas and skeletons and insecurities (soo many insecurities). But they held each other up, they helped each other grow. They helped each other heal, and they gave each other a home. 

I almost need another break…then again it would be another dark romance so…we’ll see what happens tomorrow. 

Trigger Warnings: graphic violence and gore, murder, blood, death, sexual assault, drug-use and addiction references, self-destructive behavior, mental health issues, BPD, PTSD, schizophrenia, child abuse and neglect, family, trauma, mild body horror, medical procedures and body modification, torture, gender dysphoria, transphobia/misgendering, non-con drug use, kidnapping and human trafficking, parental abandonment, suicidal ideation, preservation/taxidermy of human bodies, and more. 

#bodycount #skindeep #viciouscycle #bodyandsoul #heroworship #playingwithfire #vitalsigns #waywardsons #waywardsonsseries #leveland #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Carnage (Crestvale Killers #3)

Here's "Carnage" by Mia Monroe. It's the third novel in the Crestvale Killers series.

["Take out an entire gang just to get close to the man I’m obsessed with? I’m in.

Rue
Leave it to me to get caught up with the wrong crowd as soon as I move to the big city. Now I’m trapped with nowhere to run, stuck counting down the days until the worst man alive decides he’s done with me. I’m too afraid to ask what happens after that.
Then I see him. A viable escape route. He’s just as scary as my current captor, but there’s a kindness in his eyes that draws me closer. Out of one fire into another, but maybe this one won’t burn as much. I’m obsessed with finding him again, and when I do, I’ll do anything to get him to save me.

Carnage
The last thing I need is to get caught up in business that isn’t mine, but the minute I see the stunning blond with way too innocent eyes pleading with me from across the bar, I’m hooked. This isn’t a mild interest, it’s taking over my world, and I can’t rest until I find him.
I know he’s supposed to be with me and I’ll burn this entire city down to make it happen. Getting him away from the men he’s tied up with won’t be an easy task, but easy things bore me anyway. Turns out, my obsession has a wild streak in him that rivals my own. This is gonna be fun.
Revenge will be sweet, but maybe, love is even sweeter."]

These two were sooo perfect for each other. They were both afraid of the other, in a I-might-catch-feelings kind of way (and in the this-has-the-potential-to-break-me kind of way).

But they figured it out. They talked with each other, with their found family. They were honest with what they were feeling and with what they wanted. It was refreshing (even if the group of them are all contract killers).

I canNOT wait for the rest of these men to fall utterly smitten and get their HEAs.

Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, emotional abuse, unwanted sexual advances, previous parental murder/suicide, discussion of child SA material and trafficking, violence, murder, and more.

#specter #wraith #carnage #whisper #crestvalekillers #crestvalekillersseries #miamonroe #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks