Review – Ethan

16 Sunday Aug 2026

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Ethan

Hockey Bros #1

by Beth Bolden

Cover Designer: Ozark Witch Cover Design

Model: Jake

Photographer: Katie Cadwallader Photography @cadwalladerphotography

Blurb:

There’s nothing Ethan Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick.

Starting his rookie season on the New York Bandits, Ethan’s finally going to get the chance to play with his brother Charlie. But while Charlie’s great—a fantastic roommate, a better teammate, and a damn good forward—it turns out the guy Ethan’s really interested in doesn’t have a last name of Barnes.

Hank Tucker’s been working his ass off for two years to make the Bandits opening roster as one of their starting defensemen. What he needs is determination, hard work and focus.

What he doesn’t need is a rookie forward with a famous last name, who, since the first time they met at development camp last year, has permanently moved into his thoughts with his rumpled curls and magnetic smiles and killer body. No matter how grumpy Hank is or how determined he is to shake him, Ethan’s sunshine ends up buried deep under Hank’s skin.

Hank’s always been sure he was straight. But Ethan tempts him and entices him and ultimately, makes himself so irresistible Hank’s got no shot at holding back.

Especially when it turns out that Ethan’s not just been working hard to make a spot on the Bandits’ roster but in Hank’s bed, too.

Tropes: double bisexual awakening, player x player, black cat x golden retriever, grumpy x sunshine, pining/yearning

Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/5517829

*****

Review:

There’s a connection between Ethan and Hank from the moment they meet. And they slowly build on that as they go their separate ways for the season. Because Ethan is going to do everything he can to get his guy and I love that for him. Not that Hank is exactly adverse but it’s definitely Ethan that gets things going.

It has a real feel to it tho as Hank especially comes to terms with their sexuality. They go at a pace that works for both of them which doesn’t involve jumping right in to anything sexual and keeping their evolving relationship private. It’s so much slow burn and so much yearning as these two spend a lot of time separated due to hockey 🙂

It’s also the first in a new series so we get some time being introduced to the world inhabited by the Barnes siblings. I think it’s going to be more of a mood read because you kinda have to just sit back and let the story come to you. But I did enjoy Ethan and Hank and I liked the glimpses of the other Barnes siblings we get, their dynamic and the pressure they are under to be no just good but extraordinary.

Review – Worth Melting For

12 Wednesday Aug 2026

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Worth Melting For

Sleighbell Springs #6

by Bellamy West

Blurb:

Ten years ago, his brother’s best friend left Cameron behind—now, the only person who can save the day is the one that got away.

To support the family dairy farm, Cameron Frost opens up his dream ice cream shop. Creamsicle Day is right around the corner, the perfect time to unveil a large mural and cement Frosty’s Creamery as a Sleighbell Springs institution.

Mere weeks before the event, the muralist he hired ghosts him.

Now a talented fine artist, Nico Galanis, makes an unexpected post-breakup return to Sleighbell Springs and offers Cameron a trade. He’ll paint the mural if Cameron will be his fake date to his upcoming solo show in Boston—at the art gallery run by his ex.

Cameron’s resentment toward the man who broke his heart is still ice-cold, but he won’t let a past flame get in the way of his dreams. The longer Nico is in town, the more Cameron’s grudge thaws, and the line between pretend and reality starts to blur.

Will they repeat the mistakes of the past, or will they decide that this love is worth melting for?

Worth Melting For is a second-chance MM romance set in the shared world of Sleighbell Springs, following the local residents of the Christmas-themed town in Vermont once all the tourists go home.

https://getbook.at/WorthMeltingFor

*****

Review:

Worth Melting For is based around a kitschy Christmas themed small town with an adorable little ice cream & dairy shop owned by Cameron. Enter, or re-enter I guess, Nico who is back home to help Cameron by painting him a mural. Which gives both of them a chance to put some old ghosts to bed. And maybe start something new.

I definitely understand why Cameron has been avoiding Nico for so long. The way things happened when they were younger would definitely cause some hurt, especially at the age & stage they were. And while Nico doesn’t understand exactly what went wrong, he’s going to take this chance to put things right. It just takes a little to get there, for both of them, because it’s hard to risk being hurt again.

If you are looking for something syrupy sweet & fun with plenty of spice, West has you covered. She manages to weave steamy moments and a second chance romance together nicely. Is it predictable? Yes. Is it Hallmark level cutesy? Yes. Is it enjoyable because of that? Oh, yes.

Review – The CEO and The Mountain Man

10 Monday Aug 2026

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The CEO and the Mountain Man

Snow Creek Ranch series

by Kelly Fox

Blurb:

Desperation will make a man do crazy things.

Like drag my grieving son from Chicago to a queer-friendly ranch in Colorado.

I just wanted River to find himself again. I didn’t expect Beau, the ranch’s handsome, gentle giant of a youth coordinator, to make me question everything. Or for my son to actually like him.

Besides, we live a thousand miles apart. And my one college experience with a man could best be described as experimental and vaguely disappointing.

But my son is starting to smile again. And so am I.

Here’s hoping I don’t accidentally leave my heart in Colorado.

The CEO and the Mountain Man is a 51-k word contemporary mm cowboy romance featuring hurt/comfort, size difference, first times, and found family. It is book six 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!

Tropes: hurt/comfort, size difference, first time, city boy/country boy
Trigger/Content Warnings: trauma from car accident, homophobia.

*****

Review:

Oh my gosh, this was just the sweetest and funniest thing I’ve read in a while. The banter is seriously on point and I actually caught myself giggling out loud throughout the book. And I could not have loved River any more – he’s carrying so much pain but even when he lashes out, his snark is funny, not cutting. They obviously love each, it’s just there is a lot of trauma to get thru.

Then there is Clark’s relationship with Beau. It’s no surprise that Beau finds himself enchanted by Clark because he feels big but also knows how to roll with what the world throws at him. He’s not afraid to laugh at himself or to show how much he cares. Beau is solid, both in body and constitution, very calm and caring. The two connect so effortlessly and once they realize their feelings are mutual, they don’t waste any time falling into bed. Their time is limited and they aren’t wasting any of it 🙂

While there are issues to work thru, which are taken seriously, Fox doesn’t make it too heavy. It’s a journey back to each other for father & son, a chance to heal, and a chance to find happiness and love again. It’s heartwarming and touching, while also full of humor and spice. I’ve read only one other book by Fox, which I loved as well, so after this she is going on my must read author list.

Review – Hollywood

09 Sunday Aug 2026

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Hollywood

Redemption Road #2

by DJ Jamison

Blurb:

Everyone calls me Hollywood because I look like a leading man, but I didn’t expect the starring role of single father….

When my ex-girlfriend, Carrie, is injured in an accident, I take sole custody of my two-year-old daughter overnight. I’ve wanted to be Ruby’s father for a long time, but my ex–and her family–haven’t forgiven me for going to prison.

This is my chance to get to know Ruby and prove that I’ve changed. I leap at the chance, even though I’ve got no idea what I’m doing.

Thankfully, my former best friend Tex shows up and sticks by me. He’s a natural with kids and instantly calms the panic setting in. One night of support turns into another and another. Bit by bit, Tex is moving into my life and making himself a second father to Ruby.

But he’s bailed on me before. Three months ago, he ran from the feelings growing between us. He couldn’t handle the idea of being bisexual.

Now he’s here, plucking all of my heartstrings and making me love him all over again. Ruby is head over heels, too. He’s everything I want in a partner. For me. For my daughter.

But will Tex return the love this time–or will he break both our hearts?

*****

Review:

Hollywood finally gets the chance to get to know his daughter but it means that he has to become an instant dad, with none of the know-how. You can feel how much he wants this chance but how scary it is to find himself responsible for a little girl and having no idea what he’s supposed to do. Luckily he’s got friends on his side, especially Tex.

And Tex is going to take advantage of this opportunity to make up for running away and hurting Hollywood. It takes a little bit to come to terms with his sexuality but he knows how he feels about him is special. As is the family they are creating together, both with Ruby and their Redemption Ridge friends.

And I couldn’t love that any more; found families is one of my favorite tropes and Jamison does it well here. These guys are here for each other, supporting each other, checking in and stepping up when someone needs it. Sometimes they just need to get out of their own way and accept the help in the manner that it is meant, to realize that they are worthy of such care.

While not quite as angsty as Knight, I loved seeing Tex and Hollywood get together. And them getting the opportunity to form a relationship with sweet, little Ruby … oh my heart. There is just so much with the feels and the slow slide to a HEA for them. So while it isn’t necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, returning readers will love that opportunity to find out exactly how things work out between these two. We got just enough of a teaser before that I was rooting for them from the start. And we get just enough here to have me anxious to get my hands on Joyride!

Review – Unexpected Shot

07 Friday Aug 2026

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Unexpected Shot

Nashville Players series

by Chelle Sloan

Blurb:

Two rivals. One mistake. A shot we never thought we’d take.

Being a professional golfer has always been my dream. But there are parts of the job I hate.

Interviews. Tournaments that make me wear skirts. Being nice to Beau Devereaux.

I hate that one—and him—the most.

Since we were kids, he’s had a special way of getting under my skin. As adults, it’s only gotten worse.

My best friend’s brother will always be the most infuriating man on the planet in his bright, tight, and outlandish golf shirts and his stupid beard covering his annoyingly chiseled jaw.

Which is why it’s my worst nightmare that I’m paired with him for a golf tournament in Las Vegas. But I’ll do it if it means I get my career back on track after my injury.

Good PR can’t hurt, right?

“Shelby LeBlanc, Beau Devereaux get in fight on 16th green.”

“Did Shelby LeBlanc and Beau Devereaux get married in Vegas?”

Yes, we did.

And yes, we did.

I don’t want to stay married, but I said I wanted good PR, and somehow this is giving it to us.

It’s fine. This marriage isn’t for love. It’s for our careers.

Except the looks he gives me now are filled with heat, not disgust. The childhood nickname he calls me doesn’t have the same bite.

And seeing him shirtless around the house? A woman is only so strong.

Now I’m starting to hate how much this feels right.

Because this marriage might’ve been unexpected, but now I’m wondering if Beau and I were always meant to be.

*****

Review:

The drama, so much drama! First there’s Shelby who sometimes just can’t get out of her own way. She’s got quite the chip on her shoulder with her default setting to come out swinging. And her favorite target is Beau. There’s a lot of bad blood between them (of course, much of it is hiding some unresolved sexual tension – duh) but there are also 20 years of hurt there as well. We know there has to be more to that story, and if Shelby gave it a half a chance she would too, but it all comes out in the wash. And does it do it in spectacular fashion. Just when you think things can’t get any more outrageous Sloan says hold my beer 🙂

Of course, the heart of the story is Shelby and Beau realizing what their fighting has been hiding all these years. Forced to team up at a tournament, time (and a lot of alcohol) has them falling into bed … and into a wedding chapel. When it’s decided that staying together means good PR, they find themselves enjoying their new relationship more than they expect. And I love that for them. They blend so well, when they aren’t sniping at each other, elevating each other’s games beautifully. Their lives blending smoothly, understanding each other in ways only they can.

I loved Unplanned Play for it’s lack of angst but this one definitely made up for it! Once Shelby lets her guard down, lets Beau in, she is so fierce and funny and confident in herself. And Beau supports her and lifts her up, showing her everything she can have if she lets people help her. Together these two could take on just about anything.

Spotlight – One More Dare

04 Tuesday Aug 2026

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One More Dare

Cove Lake College #1

by Lexi Amber & Bec Benson

Photography: Wander Aguiar

Model: Kye

Blurb:

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…

Tropes: Strangers to lovers, bi awakening, slow burn, athlete x barista, spicy dares, light “daddy” (no age play), lingerie, class difference

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Read with Kindle & Kindle Unlimited

*****

Author Info:

Lexi is an American author who is obsessed with queer happily ever afters. Most of her time is spent with her two kids, but if they’re asleep, then she is either reading, writing, or watching hockey.

Professionally trained as a nurse, Lexi decided to start writing when she became a stay at home mom and the characters in her head haven’t stopped talking since.

Lexi also loves Diet Coke, traveling, and Halloween. Her house is probably obnoxiously decorated for whatever holiday is next because she thinks that little things that make people smile are important.

Website: https://lexiamber.com/

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BookBub: https://geni.us/otdK

~

Bec Benson is based in the Northeast, lives for the first sip of hot coffee in the morning, and genuinely believes emo music can make you happy. She’s obsessed with mgk, a good uninterrupted writing session, and queer romance novels.

Website: https://becbenson.com/

Newsletter: https://geni.us/90N9pqT

Facebook: https://geni.us/GZdwY

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BookBub: https://geni.us/Vd4aV

*****

Promotion support provided by Foreword PR & Marketing for Romance Authors, specializing in reader-focused book launches and long-term author visibility.

Review – How to Fan the Flames

31 Friday Jul 2026

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How to Fan the Flames

Hearts of the Press #3

by Dani Elias

Blurb:

BREAKING: ONE FIRE. ONE CARELESS ARTICLE. AND A SPARK NEITHER OF THEM IS QUALIFIED TO HANDLE.

Carlisle prides itself on being quietly respectable. Unfortunately, a breaking news reporter and a fire brigade watch manager have just made that considerably more combustible.

PHILIPPA

I have spent twenty years earning my place in the fire service. Same assessments. Same risks. Same decisions under pressure. So when a newspaper article about a farm fire leaves readers questioning whether I took charge quickly enough, I am not exactly delighted. Especially when the article also points out that I am the first female watch manager in the county.

I know how these things go. One careless line, one loaded quote, one little implication, and suddenly I am not just a professional doing her job. I am a debate. So when the Carlisle Gazette agrees to send the journalist responsible to shadow the station, I am not exactly thrilled. AJ Hodgson is tall, tired, annoyingly attractive, and far too good at looking sorry while still asking questions. He is here to learn what the job really involves. I am here to make sure he stays out of the way.

AJ

I thought I had written a fair article. Sharp, balanced, carefully phrased. Then I realised careful and harmless are not the same thing. Now I am spending two weeks at Fellside Fire Station, trading my newsroom desk for night shifts, hose drills, turnout gear, and a watch manager who can cut through my best excuses with one look.

Pippa Hart is sharp, capable, and absolutely not interested in being part of my redemption story. Which is fair. Unfortunately, she is also funny when she forgets not to be, terrifyingly competent under pressure, and increasingly difficult to keep out of my head. This assignment was supposed to teach me about firefighting. It was not supposed to make me want the woman whose trust I have not yet earned.

But between long shifts, dangerous call-outs, and the quiet moments after the alarms stop, lines start to blur. Because wanting each other is already complicated. Trusting each other might be harder. And in a job where everyone is watching, getting it wrong could burn more than either of them is ready to lose.

(Fair there’s a cheeky dose of adult content inside. Set in England and written in British English.)

*****

Review:

I loved how this became more than just a firefighter romance. And I also loved that it wasn’t really an enemies-to-lovers type situation. Instead it’s more of a misunderstanding coming out of AJ’s article than anything and time spent together gives them the opportunity to get to know each other better. It was so much slow burn but also so easy to read as AJ got to know not only Pippa, but the rest of the firefighters at the station. Learning how the fire station works and how everyone interacts together. And most importantly to the article, how the job works. It’s a delightful look at their humanity and how they have to handle such a stressful job. And below it all is Pippa & AJ falling in love. It’s so sweet as they truly start to understand each other, their highlights and their hangups. AJ showing that he truly sees Pippa and appreciates everything about her. I have only read a couple of Elias’s books but each have had a good mix of humor and something a little deeper as she slowly makes her way to a HEA that works.

Review – Sweet Something

23 Thursday Jul 2026

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Sweet Something

Wood Hollow Stories #2

by Lane Hayes

Blurb:

The baker, the grumpy lumberjack, and a new dad journey…

DEXTER

The donut business is booming in Wood Hollow, along with my flag football program. Now I’m ready to take on a new challenge—parenthood. See, I’ve always wanted to be a dad and it’s finally happening. Wood Hollow is the perfect place to raise a child. It’s quiet, safe, and the folks here are friendly.

One glaring exception is the grumpy lumberjack…who ends up being besties with my surrogate. What are the odds?

Yeah…this will be interesting.

VIGGO

I’m a logger. I like wood. That’s it. Maybe that makes me a solitary person, but so what?

Unfortunately, I can’t ignore the handsome donut man’s new dad-to-be situation. Not when it concerns an old family friend.

Look, I don’t want to be involved, but I have no choice. And if that means I’ll have to step outside of my comfort zone and do people-y things to make sure Dexter is a going to be a good dad, so be it.

It doesn’t mean I like Dexter. He’s accidentally funny, kind of sweet, very hot, and—

Okay, fine.

Maybe I like him too much.

Sweet Something is an MM bisexual, grumpy/sunshine, small-town romance featuring Wood Hollow’s hottest baker and the grumpy lumberjack with a big heart.

getbook.at/WoodHollowStories2

*****

Review:

I can’t decide who I love more – Dexter or Viggo. Dexter’s brightness and tendency to run at the mouth when nervous or excited and his ability to get Viggo to step out of his comfort zone – wonderful. But the way that Viggo opens up as he spends more and more time with Dex is just so sweet. Together they are fun and funny and touching.

Dex’s eagerness (and worry) for becoming a dad is just as vivid as he is. He’s going to love that baby with everything he has, providing it with everything he wanted but didn’t have growing up – unconditional love and attention. And that enthusiasm is infectious and draws in Viggo, and the reader, as well. Viggo who usually prefers spending his time alone but soon finds himself drawn into Dex’s life and life in their small town, participating in flag football and socializing *shudder* 🙂 And even worse, enjoying himself.

Dexter & Viggo together are just the best. A grumpy/sunshine kinda vibe but with a little trauma thrown in. Like with This Guy, their story is very low angst with the only conflict coming from each of them facing ghosts from their pasts and having to decide if they are willing to risk the chance of getting hurt. And, as with any of Hayes’s books, I was there for every moment leading up to their HEA. (That epilogue is absolute sweetness on the page.)

Review – Falling Into You

19 Sunday Jul 2026

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Falling Into You

Colburn Brothers #3

by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

Some love stories don’t stay buried, no matter how far you run.

Hazel Pierce has three goals for coming back to Star Falls:
1. Help her estranged dad.
2. Keep things strictly temporary.
3. Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for Tucker Colburn again.

That plan dies a dramatic, soggy death when a rogue wasp sting sends Hazel swerving off the road and into the river—only to be hauled out, half-drowned and furious, by the Star Falls Fire Department’s finest. Unfortunately, “finest” is ex–best friend, ex–one-night mistake, and the man she’s been avoiding for a decade.

Tucker’s always had a way of getting into her head. And now between a family that thrives on gossip and a town that’s way too small for all this chemistry, Hazel’s running out of ways to avoid the truth. As sparks turn into late-night confessions and slow, toe-curling kisses, Hazel has to decide if she’s done running—from her past, from this town, and from the only man who’s ever made her feel like home. And Tucker has to prove that this time, he’s not just her safe place to crash—he’s her always.

Buy Links: https://www.jillshalvis.com/falling-into-you

*****

Review:

Shalvis brings us so much slow burn, angst, and ups & downs with the final Colburn book. When Hazel comes home to help her dad after a health scare, she’s forced to face her past and her feelings for Tucker. And goodness does she have feelings. She struggles so much with feeling like love can’t last, that she’s not worth sticking around for. Especially when she makes things difficult. And like all small towns, Star Falls residents have long memories and don’t make it easy for her to forget her misspent youth.

And that youth always comes back to Tucker Colburn. Before she left town they were always there for each other, because things weren’t easy for either of them. He’s still there, taking care of his family and taking care of the town. He’s steady and calm and patient and he’s going to need to be. To be willing to wait as Hazel figures out if she’s brave enough to risk her heart again.

I adore this family. The way the Colburn siblings pull together and support each other after their abusive childhood. They are messy, chaotic, noisy, and loving. And I love the way they consider Hazel family, even after she’s been gone for years. I’m sad to see this series end but I’m glad I was here for their journey to a HEA.

Review – Hot Mother Pucker

17 Friday Jul 2026

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Hot Mother Pucker

Hollis U #3

by Sarah Smith

Blurb:

Briar Bennett has always been my best friend, nothing more.

I’ve had a crush on her since high school, but we’ve never crossed that line.

Except when she transfers to Hollis U and asks me for a wild favor: Take her V-card and show her the ropes in the bedroom.

I agree to show her all the steamy stuff she wants. We promise to stay best friends, despite all the dirty things we do.

But the more time I spend in my bed with Briar, the more the lines blur…

Soon she’s sleeping in my bed every night. She’s wearing my jersey and cheering me on the ice.

And when I tell her about my secret sexy social media account outside of hockey, she helps me turn it into a life-changing opportunity.

When she confesses that she’s always had a crush on me too, my whole world turns upside down.

I’m falling hard for Briar…I think she’s falling for me too…

Maybe my beautiful best friend isn’t off limits after all.

Read the Hollis U series here: https://geni.us/QWGHWHT

*****

Review:

I’m used to idiots-to-lovers in MM Romances, not so much MF, but I’m pretty sure this one qualifies 🙂 I get why they didn’t feel comfortable sharing their feelings, since both are convinced the other isn’t interested, plus they’ve been at different universities. But it is pretty obvious to everyone but them.

When they do take the chance, I really like them together. Because of their years of friendship their relationship easily moves into something more and it is very sweet. Blake makes for a really good book boyfriend – amazingly caring, understanding, and patient both in bed and out.

Speaking of in bed, once these two start hooking up the story becomes quite steamy. For a virgin, Briar has ALL sorts of ideas thanks to all the spicy books she reads and Blake is willing to make all her dreams come true. (Gotta say, I didn’t know any one in college that was this good in bed … maybe that says more about the guys I knew 😉 )

Hot Mother Pucker is a really good introduction to this author for me. It’s pretty low angst with a nice mix between the heat & the emotions that come with their shifting relationship. Smith gives us an enjoyable dynamic between not only the main couple but also with their friend group as a whole. I’ll definitely be looking out for Leo’s upcoming book and adding the previous 2 stories to my TBR list.