Spotlight – The Bull Rider and the Bookworm

08 Wednesday Jul 2026

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The Bull Rider and the Bookworm

Snow Creek Ranch series

by V.L. Locey

Blurb:

Sometimes the wildest ride isn’t in the arena – it’s falling in love.

Bull rider Hoyt Knox has spent his life chasing applause, adrenaline, and the next eight-second ride. With his body starting to break down and sponsors pulling out, he finds himself facing a possible life change. Confused and hurting, he heads to Snow Creek Ranch to try his hand at something a little easier as he heals while trying to figure out what’s left for him besides a sore back and a fading spotlight.

Enter Aubrey Lancombe, a quiet, bookish man who’s just moved to Chance to escape the city life – and the loss of his beloved grandmother followed by a bad breakup – and finally open the bookstore of his dreams. Aubrey has always preferred words to people, quiet to chaos, and certainly has no time for cocky cowboys with something to prove.

When their worlds collide over a shared love of poetry they strike up a friendship that teeters on the edge of something else entirely. But Hoyt’s not out and Aubrey is scared to fall again. As his time at Snow Creek Ranch passes Hoyt must decide if he’s ready to hang up his spurs for good – or risk his heart on the bookworm who’s rewritten everything he thought he knew about love.

The Bull Rider and the Bookworm is a 58K opposites attract, age gap, gay MM contemporary western romance with a weary rodeo rider, a shy bookhound, a ranch that heals all manner of hurts, a gentleman rooster, a plethora of romantic poetry, and a shiny as a gold buckle happy ending.

Content Warning: This story has references to past sexual abuse, death of a parent, and suicidal thoughts

Buy link: getbook.at/SnowCreekRanch2

Review – Hide and Seek

06 Monday Jul 2026

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Hide and Seek

Appleton Falls #2

by Felice Stevens

Blurb:

I’m finally living the life I want as a deputy sheriff in the small town of Appleton Falls. I gave up my job as a cop in the NYPD to search for the truth about a father I barely know, except finding him brought me no peace.

But I’m happy. Really. I’d love to fall in love, but it just hasn’t happened. Yet.

Then he shows up to join our force.

My old high school nemesis, Dominic Starr. The gorgeous loner and the bane of my existence.

As well as my secret fantasy.

Why did he leave the NYPD? Was he running from his powerful father? Or hiding from him?

It’s not like he wants to forgive and forget and be friends. At every turn he’s in my face, taunting and teasing me with that stupid nickname he loves and knows I hate.

Starr should be careful, because he’s got secrets only I know.

And one of them is mine as well.

But when the past we both want to leave behind crashes into our present—with deadly consequences—neither of us can hide what we’ve been running from all our lives: The future we both seek is in each other’s arms.

If we make it out alive.

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/0iKNLXBV

Available in KU

*****

Review:

I love Dom and Emerson together, and their enemies to lovers transition. It was a little insta-love once it got going but there was history there to help get them to that point. I think there was potential to develop on that even more, for a better understanding of their changing feelings, but I like them as a couple.

Stevens does add quite the suspense element to their love story and it packed a pretty big punch. We start with the shift from a strained association to something more and then BAM it gets hairy for Dominic, speeding us straight to the last chapter. I’d only read a couple of her hockey romances so this was a surprise for me. She packed in so much stress and fear and anguish to go with the love and steam and sweetness. And I ate up every page of it!

While I felt the evolution of their relationship could have used a little more something, the two were great together. The way they help each other create something that works for them and are there for each other when they need it. And I really got caught up in the suspense part of it. Not exactly what I was expecting (based on a very small sample size of two hockey books) but very much appreciated and I’ll definitely be looking for the next book in the series.

*****

Author Info:

Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.

Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. 

Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.

Felice is a two time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda Literary Award winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir.

Connect with Felice Stevens:

https://www.instagram.com/felicestevens

Spotlight – The City Boy and the Rancher

01 Wednesday Jul 2026

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The City Boy and the Rancher

Snow Creek Ranch series

by RJ Scott

Blurb:

Sell the ranch or save it—either way, someone’s going to lose everything.

Jesse Knox has given his heart and soul to Snow Creek Ranch. It’s not just dirt and cattle—it’s family, legacy, and the only place he’s ever belonged. So when Lucas Barrett arrives with city clothes, sharp eyes, and a plan to sell everything Jesse loves, there’s no compromise to be had. Just a line drawn in the dirt—and a promise that Jesse won’t back down, no matter what it costs. He only owns a quarter of the ranch, but it’s enough to stop anyone tearing it out from under him, and he’ll fight to the last breath to keep it.

When Lucas needed him most, his grandfather turned him away without a second thought. Now that same man has left him a majority share in a remote ranch he’s never seen. If Lucas lasts six months, he can sell and walk away with millions that will fund beds, safety, and second chances for kids with nowhere else to turn, just like he’d once been. Only, nothing about Snow Creek fits neatly into a spreadsheet, and the more time he spends battling Jesse, the more cracks appear in Lucas’s control. Because this ranch isn’t empty land. Secrets are revealed that change everything. And Jesse Knox is anything but a problem he can solve.

Six months. One ranch. Two men with everything to lose—and no way to walk away unchanged.

The City Boy and the Rancher is a 69,000 word MM Romance. With hate-to-love, opposites-attract, forced proximity romance, found family, secrets, lies, passion, high-stakes legacy, and a battle between saving Snow Creek ranch and selling it. It is book 1 in the shared world of Snow Creek Ranch. Each book can be read as a standalone, so be sure to check out the entire series!

Buy Link

https://getbook.at/SnowCreekRanch1

*****

Author Info:

RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate stories about men who fight for love, even when it’s not easy. With themes of found family, trust, and second chances, every story leads to one promise—every man gets his happily ever after.

Review – Home Ice

30 Tuesday Jun 2026

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Home Ice

by Saxon James

Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs

Photography: Wander Aguiar Photography

Model: Jerrin

Discreet Cover Design: Emily Wittig

Blurb:

TAI

Ten years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life.

When Hawke left for the NHL and my hockey dreams went up in smoke, I ghosted my best and longest friend. It made sense at the time, but there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t missed him.

So when we run into each other again, and his only response is “Do I know you?”, I know I deserve it. But I refuse to let one mistake keep us apart forever. Especially when he has bigger problems, and I’m in a position to help him.

JENSEN

All I wanted this offseason was to spend my time relaxing–not getting an emergency phone call from Mom to come home. My hometown is full of too many memories of me and Tai so I avoid returning there as much as I can.

But now I have one more memory to add to the list: my high school girlfriend.

And the kid we apparently had together.

Kasen hates me and thinks I abandoned them, and my only way to get to him is through his coach. My ex-best friend. The friend that has been impossible to forget. No matter how much I’ve tried.

Add to Goodreads Want to Read Shelf

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Read with Kindle & Kindle Unlimited

*****

Review:

I think, based on the blurb, that there is some expectation that this is ALL the angst buuuut it really isn’t there. It’s totally understandable that Hawke would be upset with Tai for ghosting him. And about having a son that apparently no one knew about. However if you are reading that and hoping for more, my apologies 🙂

I really enjoyed it tho as Tai and Hawke find their way back to each other, sliding into their close friendship like no time had passed and coming to the realization that maybe it was always something a little more. And poor Tai, who has carried so much on his shoulders for so long, needing to let someone in again to be there for him again. It’s so obvious how much he loves his dad, who makes a great supporting character in the story, but there’s so much guilt and pain wrapped up in the situation for him. Good thing Hawke is stubborn because Tai’s not going to make it easy.

I’ll agree that there could have been a bit more development of Hawke’s relationship with Kason. The book concentrates more on the two MMCs but I did love seeing them grow closer and Hawke realizing what’s important to him. And Kason is such a cute kid with a smart mouth, hiding his hurt, which is totally understandable, and he’s definitely keeping Hawke on his toes.

I’ve only read a couple of James’s books but she is recommended so often and I see why. I love that she brings the feels, doesn’t scrimp on the heat, and delivers it all in a way that has me hooked to the end. It’s not dramatic but it also isn’t easy and full of issues that feel real and give us an oh-so-satisfying HEA when they finally figure things out.

*****

Giveaway:

Enter the KingSumo Giveaway

*****

Author Info:

Saxon James unapologetically writes happy endings for LGBT+ characters.

While not writing, SM is a readaholic and Netflix addict who regularly lives on a sustainable diet of chocolate and coffee.

Member of SCBWI.

Website: https://saxonjamesauthor.com/

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BNVADV

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2QSVCmS

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/36slT1W

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2SYfPKU

Instagram: https://bit.ly/33m1XPb

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3AvMmha

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZXjp9C

BookBub: https://bit.ly/3fKt5MC

Review – Found in the Falls

28 Sunday Jun 2026

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Found in the Falls

Devon Falls #4

by J.E. Birk

Blurb:

He rescued me in New York. I followed him to Vermont.

After Dr. Milo Warner saves me from humiliation in a hotel hallway, I can’t stop thinking about him. When I get the chance to hide from my problems and open a community center with Milo in a small town called Devon Falls, I take that opportunity and run. But now things between the two of us are heating up fast. Milo protects me from runaway gondolas, takes care of me when I’m injured, shields me from my trauma, and sees power and strength in me that no one else ever has. We keep making jokes about the two of us being the perfect alpha/omega pair, but honestly? I’m not joking.

The problem is that it’s becoming more and more likely our parents will soon run against each other in a high-profile political primary race. Milo and I have both been burned by the public spotlight before, and we understand the dangerous territory we’re wading into. When we uncover a secret that’s been kept from our parents, one thing becomes clear: Milo and I will both need to take some big risks if we plan to fight for each other.

Found in the Falls comes with an older doctor who struggles to suppress his protective side, a younger social worker who just wants to make the world better, a sweet rescue dog they accidentally adopt together, and the Devon Falls found family they both desperately need. This is the fourth book in the Devon Falls series, but it can be read as a standalone.

*****

Review:

There is a little Alpha/Omega play (Omegaverse?) here and since it’s not my normal type of read I can’t answer how well the author delivers it. But I felt it works for them as a couple and the dynamic they are developing. I love that Noah gains confidence thru Milo’s protection and their deepening relationship.

There’s plenty of humor and steam and, my favorite, a large dose of found family as Noah settles into his job in Devon Falls. I love how Birk finds a way to mix a light-hearted read, with the depth of trauma & hurt that her main characters bring. It’s an easy read but with growth & feels.

I read Fanboy in the Falls, book 3 in this series, and really enjoyed it. It really wasn’t necessary in order to read this one but I like the fact that Birk and this series are pushing me a little outside my normal reads. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for what comes next.

Review – Surprise Me Always

28 Sunday Jun 2026

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Surprise Me Always

Claimed On Sight #2

by Dani Elias

Blurb:

A single weekend. A quiet connection. And a choice that refuses to be forgotten.

PHILIP

I wasn’t supposed to meet anyone. My life is already mapped out. Safe. Sensible. Predictable. Then I meet Mark.
One impulsive decision turns into a weekend I already know has an end date. It’s meant to be simple. Temporary. But it isn’t. Somewhere between the slow touches and the way he looks at me like I matter, it starts to feel dangerously real. And real is exactly what I can’t afford. So I leave. Because I always choose the life that makes sense, even when it feels like I’m walking away from something that could have been everything.

MARK

I didn’t expect Philip. I didn’t expect the way he gets under my skin, or how easily he lets himself feel when he forgets to hold back. He tells me it’s just a weekend. I can see the walls he hides behind, the careful distance he keeps. I let him go anyway. Because some people need to make their own mistakes before they’re ready to choose something real. But when he leaves, he takes more with him than he realises.

Distance should have been the end of it. Instead, it turns everything sharper, clearer, harder to ignore. Because it’s one thing to make the sensible choice. It’s another to live with it. Some risks aren’t worth taking. And some feel impossible to walk away from twice.

Surprise Me Always is a standalone MM romance set in an interconnected world. It is written in British English and can be read independently.

*****

Review:

I really enjoyed this as an instalove story. The two of them have an amazing weekend together, one where they fall so very quickly. But that’s not how things work, right? It’s not sensible to change your entire life for someone you’ve only known for a few hours, right?

I appreciate that Elias had them separate instead of just spend two days together and live HEA. It works, especially with Philip’s personality, and gives them an opportunity to really reflect on their time together. To decide what’s real.

Surprise Me Always mixes humor and emotion and steam in a fun little package. It’s such an easy read and well paced, with enjoyable characters and an adorable little neurotic hamster that steals the show.

Review – The Troublemaker

25 Thursday Jun 2026

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The Troublemaker

The Dugout #4

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

A fake marriage deal was never in my life’s plan.

Especially not to Easton Bailey.

Chicago Colts flashy shortstop.

The kind of man built for a good time and allergic to forever.

And the one who just slid a ring on my finger… on paper.

It’s supposed to be simple.

A mutually beneficial arrangement.

I play nanny to his son. He plays husband to my family.

No emotions. No complications. And absolutely no falling for each other.

Turns out pretending to be a family is the fastest way to break every rule we set.

Because he watches me like it was never just a deal.

Because he trusts me with the person who matters most.

Because the more we pretend, the less fake it feels.

And now the man who was never supposed to stay is the one I can’t lose.

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/48RvRgf

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://books2read.com/ttm

Duet Narration by: Connor Crais & Christine Lakin
Also featuring: JF Harding, Sean Masters, Teddy Hamilton, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan & Austin Stone

*****

Review:

Oh my goodness, daddy Easton is a dream – love me a single dad and reformed playboy mixed together! Even freaking out he’s swoony 🙂 Also love how supportive the Baileys are (no surprise) and my heart goes out to Hadley for not having that growing up. I would have liked to see more of her with the other girls because she needs more positivity and support in her life. But Easton definitely shows up for her. Ooof, then there’s Tanner’s mom resolution … Glad they all have created a little family unit together, to be there for each other because there were definitely times they needed it. (Found family like this is one of my favorite things in books.)

My only real complaint with this one is I would have loved a little more of Easton and Hadley from before. They seemed like they had a bit of a connection, not friends-with-benefits but maybe more benefits-with-a-friend. They develop a lovely little unit, pretty quickly, and I would like to have seen some hints of that before, ya know?

Piper Rayne delivers some delicious single dad, fake marriage, close proximity, single bed tropes with this one. I’m sad to see this group of friends go but I really enjoyed how they all got their HEA. And that epilogue not only ties things up wonderfully but definitely gives us a taste of what’s to come & I can’t wait!

Review – Thunderstruck

22 Monday Jun 2026

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Thunderstruck

Toronto Thunder #4

by Beth Bolden

Tropes: bisexual awakening, stepbrother romance, forbidden romance, forced proximity, opposites attract, teammate x teammate

Blurb:

When Lane realizes he’s attracted to his straight stepbro, he’s absolutely thunderstruck . . .

It’s not the worst day of Lane’s life when his team, the Toronto Thunder, drafts his baby stepbro, Trevor, but it’s close.

No. The worst day was when his mom married Trevor’s dad. Trevor’s just too good, too naïve, too sheltered. Too hot.

Lane might claim he wants nothing to do with him, but that’s the worst delusion of all. He’s always wanted everything to do with Trevor. Even when they have zero in common. Even when Trevor’s always been on the straight and narrow. Literally.

Lane’s the total opposite. He’s walked—and danced and sashayed—to the beat of his own drum, forever. Mentoring Trevor now that they’re on the same team? Sounds like his idea of hell—and heaven, too. There’s a reason their teammates call them the demon twins.

But with the final few games of the season and the Thunders’ playoff run looming, Lane’s self-control is weaker than ever. Especially when Trevor confesses that he’s been thinking about it, too.

Suggesting Trevor experiment with their mutual attraction would be a terrible idea, but Lane’s had worse, and that’s never stopped him before.

And when it becomes way more than just sex? When Trevor becomes the first guy he wants to see in the mornings and the last thing before he goes to bed at night? When they’re so completely entangled together that he couldn’t get free, even if he wanted to?

That’s a special kind of thunder.

Available on: Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, paperback (model & discreet), and audio narrated by Darcy Stark (est early July)

https://readerlinks.com/l/5430374

*****

Review:

I could not put this one down and read it in about a day. That prologue just made me hurt for Lane and it explains so much of the dynamic between the two. But once things become different, once they have the chance to explore an attraction between them … at one point Cam calls men “the most thickheaded morons” when in love and I couldn’t agree more 🙂

Both of them are so hesitant and so unsure about the other. But as their experiment turns into feelings and those feelings deepen, things get even more complicated and neither is really sure what to do about it. Especially Lane who has spent so many years having to repress his feelings, and now no longer able to with Trevor in his home. In all his caring, sweet, earnestness while telling him that he may be into guys. Poor Lane didn’t have a chance.

Bolden’s characters are always so appealing and so delicious in their downfall that I don’t even need to read the blurb to know that it’s a must read. And once again she delivers a steamy slow burn, low angst, idiots-to-lovers romance but at least Lane & Trevor are fun in their idiocy.

*****

Author Info:

A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.

Review – Through the Storm

22 Monday Jun 2026

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Through the Storm

Owens Wildlife Wardens – Ironvale Ridge #1

by Natalie Parker

Blurb:

I never thought I’d get married…let alone to a man I’ve had to pull a gun on.

Twice.

But I also couldn’t have anticipated some sleazy land developer would threaten to take my home.

If I don’t get married to fulfill some stupid clause in my grandparents’ will…

I’ll lose everything.

Until game warden Wolf Owens steps in and claims to be my fiancé.

Beyond staring down the barrel of my weapon, we barely know each other.

The handsome, stoic man has no reason to help me beyond protecting the land we both love so much…

Yet from the moment we share our first kiss as husband and wife, this fake marriage starts to feel very real.

With each heated look…

Every lingering touch…

We grow closer.

Until the only thing I’m afraid of losing is him.

Grab this small town romance featuring a feisty veterinarian heroine who doesn’t want to need anyone else and a reclusive man who has never let himself want who find love in the wilderness and hope in each other.

Buy Link:
https://a.co/d/0dnwlyHu
Available in KU

*****

Review:

Wolf is on the spectrum but Molly appreciates him for who he is and I love that for them both. They struggle a little trying to figure out how a relationship between them works, neither having any real experience being in a couple. Add in some childhood trauma & insecurities on both their parts and it isn’t a smooth road.

But I’m so proud of Molly for her patience and willingness to understand Wolf but to also push when it’s needed. And Wolf for asking for help and stepping up when required. They are just so sweet together, fully embracing each other and slowly creating a home that fits them both.

There’s a bit of a suspense element towards the end, but really the story is about these two falling in love and I could not have asked for anything more. This is the first book of Parker’s that I’ve read but it is a delightful introduction and I can’t wait to see where she goes with Wolf’s brothers.

*****

Author Info:

Natalie Parker resides in the Seattle area with her husband and two rugrats, but is originally a Michigan girl.

She always enjoyed writing and noticed she had a knack for it while earning her Psychology degree and has always been an avid reader, but never thought of becoming an author until one day there seemed to be a story to tell.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, reading, reading to her kids, drinking coffee, reading, occasional yardwork, reading, listening to music, reading and writing.

Connect with Natalie Parker:

https://www.instagram.com/natalie.parker.author

Review – Double Dared

21 Sunday Jun 2026

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Double Dared

The Boys of Elmwood U #2

by Hayden Hall

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

Easy.

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

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

Double Dared is the second novel in The Boys of Elmwood U series, but it can be read as a standalone. It features one film student with a broken heart and an ill-advised theory about grand romance, one fraternity jock who has just discovered, somewhat inconveniently, that he has a type, and a fake-dating scenario that will bewilder, boggle, and befuddle its way to an accidentally happy ending.

*****

Review:

Aww, idiots in love. My favorite!

Taylor has so much golden retriever energy – charming, loved by everyone, and always up for something fun. It’s so easy to see why he knocks Harrison off kilter, there’s absolutely no way to prepare yourself for the vibrancy of Taylor. And Harrison’s more subdued, old-soul vibe is a good match for it. As they find themselves spending time together as part of their pact, it takes about half a second to develop into something more. They just need a bit to catch on 🙂

Taylor’s go-with-the-flow attitude is apparent as he starts to realize exactly what his growing feelings for Harrison really means. And Harrison is more than willing to help him discover himself, his desires, and his feelings. It’s spicy, a smidge kinky, but very compelling as they explore their connection. Taylor so trusting & open to exploring everything under Harrison’s guidance & care. It’s a bit insta-lust / insta-love but I don’t know that I even noticed how quickly things happen for them. The progression seemed very natural and Hall paces it well.

Low angst, slow burn, and spicy, I’m loving this series by Hall. They’ve been fun to read with a good mix of humor and heat and characters that just grabbed me from page 1. After this and Extra Credit, I’m definitely putting him on my must read list and I can’t wait to see what comes next!