Ryder Vorhees was born to ride—until the day he stopped.
A tragic accident stole his brother, his will to compete, and any reason to step back on a snowboard. Now he’s stuck serving community service hours at the last place he wants to be: the mountain that haunts him. The only thing worse? The man in charge of babysitting him.
Hayden Chaulke lives for helping people rediscover what they’ve lost. Running a fledgling adaptive sports program is supposed to be his dream job—until his newest “instructor” shows up hungover, bitter, and infuriatingly gorgeous. Hayden doesn’t do lost causes… but Ryder isn’t just anyone.
Forced to work together on the slopes, sparks fly between the surly ex–pro and the rule-following manager. What starts as hostility turns into something neither expected—an attraction that feels as dangerous as it is undeniable. But Ryder’s ghosts are never far behind, and learning to let go might mean facing the one thing he’s fought hardest to avoid: forgiveness.
Because some mountains aren’t meant to be conquered—they’re meant to heal you.
*****
Review:
I enjoyed these two together so much. From the beginning, when Ryder got such a kick out of getting Hayden all riled up, finally feeling something more than his pain, they were fun together. Ryder needs someone who doesn’t know why he’s struggling, someone who won’t baby him as he lives with the loss of his brother. And while Hayden doesn’t let him get away with a lot, he does show Ryder patience and understanding when it’s important.
My only complaint was that I wish they had gotten Ryder some professional help. Hayden does what he can with the training he has had as well as his own personal experiences with losing a loved one but … Ryder just really needed someone to help him work thru his grief and his survivor’s guilt. The man is carrying a lot. A lot.
Shattered is another enjoyable installment to Lenard’s Adrenalin series, so emotional and with characters that captured me from the first page. It looks like maybe Beck finally gets his story next and I’ll be here waiting for it.
Some thrills you chase. Others blindside you in a red plaid skirt and combat boots.
Axel – It was probably a little stalkerish to follow him to this office and pin him up against the wall before knowing his name, but in my defense, red is my favorite color. And he made it look so good I found myself tempted to try eggplant for the first time.
Besides, it’s not like I was the only one looking. He’d been not-so-discretely ogling me all afternoon, I just made the first move. And the second. And pretty much all the others until tragedy struck his hometown and he sought me out for comfort.
I knew after that first night one wouldn’t be enough, but when he turned to me in his moment of need, I was done for. Too bad forever is the one thing Lennon doesn’t believe in. He’s spent years building a life he controls—running his restaurant, protecting his heart, keeping everyone at arm’s length. And me? I’m a professional dirt biker with no fixed address and no idea how to stay still.
We don’t make sense. Not on paper. Not in real life. But when he’s in my arms, nothing’s ever felt more right.
He thinks our timing’s all wrong.But I think I finally found the place I want to land—and the man I want to stay for.
This spicy queer romance features a workaholic who channels David Rose’s fashion sense – and emotional neurosis; a daredevil who thrives on challenges – including his first-time attraction to a man; A+ dirty talk; stolen underwear; a restaurant that functions as part therapy space, part relationship bootcamp;and a quirky small town that’s got that nowhere-on-a-map vibe, but somehow becomes the place where people find themselves and fall in love.
*****
Review:
Persistent is all slow burn, with just a little bit of angst at the very end. It’s definitely not for everyone, her late in the third act breakups thing, but it works for me. I enjoy the interaction between the two, how they slowly go from hookups to something much more, and how they don’t let their issues ruin everything for them.
Axel is absolutely the best. Kind, caring, and supportive. He shows up again and again, proving that he’s in the relationship. I do wish he’d done a little more to communicate his plans to Lennon instead of … testing him, I guess. I get it, he wants to know where Lennon stands but a conversation would maybe have helped their issues later on.
Lennon is fabulous too. I love how confident he is in himself as a person, comfortable in his skin and persona, but also guarded due to his family issues. Which are totally understandable. And with some help from his friends, plus Axel’s, he does figure things out eventually.
Just like the other books in the series, Persistent is a good mix of steam & feels, with relatable characters and good pacing & plot. This series is all about the delightful found family/small town charm & satisfying HEAs and I’m looking forward to where she takes us next.
Ryder Vorhees was born to ride—until the day he stopped.
A tragic accident stole his brother, his will to compete, and any reason to step back on a snowboard. Now he’s stuck serving community service hours at the last place he wants to be: the mountain that haunts him. The only thing worse? The man in charge of babysitting him.
Hayden Chaulke lives for helping people rediscover what they’ve lost. Running a fledgling adaptive sports program is supposed to be his dream job—until his newest “instructor” shows up hungover, bitter, and infuriatingly gorgeous. Hayden doesn’t do lost causes… but Ryder isn’t just anyone.
Forced to work together on the slopes, sparks fly between the surly ex–pro and the rule-following manager. What starts as hostility turns into something neither expected—an attraction that feels as dangerous as it is undeniable. But Ryder’s ghosts are never far behind, and learning to let go might mean facing the one thing he’s fought hardest to avoid: forgiveness.
Because some mountains aren’t meant to be conquered—they’re meant to heal you.
Carter – I’m used to pressure. Used to privilege. What I’m not used to? Having the fate of an entire town resting on my shoulders, and my long dormant libido smacking me in the face mid-back rub.
That’s what happened on Monday morning, when my assistant sent in a masseuse—and in walked Sloan. With strong hands, soft eyes, and a very firm directive for me to undress… Let’s just say it relieved the tension, though not in the way I was expecting.
It should have been a one-time thing. A tension-reliever. A professional service.
Instead, it’s my undoing.
Because Sloan isn’t just anyone. He’s an employee. The one person I should never touch—especially with my father on the board that decides whether I sink or save the ski resort that keeps this small town alive.
And yet, every time I look at Sloan, every rule I’ve lived by starts to unravel.
I can fix the resort. I can fix my relationship with my father. But can I do it without destroying the one man who makes me feel like I’ve finally found home?
This spicy small-town MM romance features a workaholic, a do-gooder, costumes with way too much latex, and a drinking game you’ll have to try for yourself.
Author’s Note: Privileged is written as book two in the Adrenalin series, although it can be read as a standalone. This slow-burn, workplace romance with adult themes and humor will have you dreaming of the mountains, craving small-town charm, and wishing you had a reason besides Halloween to wear a costume. HEA guaranteed.
*****
Review:
*minor spoilers*
Oh Carter *sigh* I just want to give him a hug. His younger years as a pro skier had many positives, but it also left him at a disadvantage at people-ing. Add that he’s spent a year by himself, giving his all into figuring out how to save the ski resort, and by extension the town, well … it means that he doesn’t have the best reputation with the locals. And that he’s carrying all sorts of stress on his own. Until he meets Sloan.
I like Sloan. He’s a stand-up guy, hardworking and big hearted. He’s compassionate, giving, & loyal and just what Carter needs. He’s able to help Carter set down some of his burden, ask for help where he needs it, and open up to others. Together they are just the sweetest and I couldn’t get enough of them together.
For me, third act breakups can be an obvious choice but Lenard’s work. This one just about broke my heart but I appreciate where they were both coming from and why things went the way they did. And I really like how it all gets resolved.
I am really enjoying Lenard’s books. She delivers relatable characters, interesting story lines, and a good mix of heat & heart. Her Adrenalin series so far has been feel good, lower angst, and charming. It’s got a lovely found family, small town charm and satisfying HEAs.
Okay, I might have a reputation as a playboy, but I swear that’s not my fault.
Cade – When your small tourist town is lacking in single people, your only option for company is the temporary kind. And if given the choice between sleeping alone or sleeping around, well, can you blame me for choosing the latter?
If you think about it, I’m a victim of circumstance. A product of my environment. And that suits me just fine. Or it did, until a sexy stranger knocked me over, literally.
The newcomer is an angel to my devil. The type A to my slacker, working on a PhD thesis while I do everything in my power to delay taking over the family business. We should be totally incompatible. Yet somehow, I feel more at ease with this outsider than people I’ve known my whole life.
For the first time in—ever—I don’t want to be just a fling, but how do I win over a relationship prone genius when I’m a notorious flirt? That’s not even the worst part. Did I mention I’m crushing on a guy, and until I met him, I considered myself straight?
This opposites attract MM romance features a small-town bad boy, the studious boy next door, townspeople who love an excuse to wear a costume, and a not safe for work drinking game.
*****
Review:
Worthy is low angst, steamy, and sweet. These two together are delightful and I loved being with them as they fell in love over the course of a summer. It just grabbed me with its mix of feels and flirty fun.
My only complaint is that I’m not sure why Cade is so hard on himself. Sure, he’s slept around but he’s also young and only with those more than willing. He’s also got a lot to offer others – he’s caring, hard working, playful, and supportive of his friends & community. And Maddox sees that as well. With his help, maybe Cade will too.
It’s a slow burn romance so it won’t be for everyone. But those who do pick it up will get emotion, growth, and a LOT of heat, mixed with a good dose of small town charm, humor, and fun. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from Lenard so far and I’m adding her to my list of go to authors.
Ever have someone get you so well it’s like looking in a mirror?
Cruz
Starting over is not what I had planned.
Those stories about magically becoming best friends with the person assigned to live with you… Yeah, that won’t be me. I already have a best friend. Even if I wanted a new one, Liam wouldn’t be it. He’s permanently grouchy, carrying a negative energy I don’t need since I’m finally in a good place. But I’ve never been good at ignoring when people need help, so I paste on a smile and play nice.
Predictably, Liam isn’t much of a talker, but after an unexpected accident he needs my help in other ways. Ways that offer me answers about myself. Ways that raise new questions about the football dreams I’ve been chasing since I was a kid. Ways that make me relive the past I want to ignore.
To say I’m confused is an understatement, but there’s one thing I know for certain…Liam is either the key to one door or the bolt that could prevent another from ever opening. And I have to choose which I want him to be.
Liam
Starting over is exactly what I need.
I can’t get any more invisible than I’ve been for the past few years, and I figure rooming with another person means at least one human on the planet can’t ignore me. Unfortunately, that human is Adonis personified, and not gay, so it’s looking like my invisibility streak might continue.
Then I suffer a minor accident, and Cruz’s hero complex comes out in full force.
I should be grateful to have someone to open my door and carry my books, but when you pair his selfless personality with that body… My mind starts to blur the roommate line, which makes his blur the line of not being gay.
My heart is already battered, and I doubt it can take rejection from the one person who broke down all the walls I’d built around it. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to give it to him anyway.
**Beautifully Fractured is a high-heat MM romance with medium angst that features a grumpy/sunshine relationship, forced proximity, hurt/comfort situations and a bi-awakening. This is book one in a series of interconnected standalones. Though the main characters are athletes, this is not a sports romance. Rather, it’s a romance that happens to feature people who play sports.
“So, now that we’re friends.” Cruz’s voice halts my internal rambling, and I try not to choke on my own breath as he steps back into our room wearing only a towel that does very little to hide the delicious little ‘V’ I suspected he’d have at the base of his torso. “Got any thoughts about what to do with this room?”
I swallow back the saliva pooling in my mouth as he pulls on a pair of boxers–before letting the towel drop to the floor thank God. “What do you mean?”
His head swivels around, taking in the space. “It’s kind of depressing, don’t you think?”
“It’s a dorm.”
“We might need to work on your vocabulary, Sunshine.” He tugs on a pair of sweats that do nothing to hide how round his ass is. “This place isn’t just a plain dorm room, it resembles a prison cell. Where’s the personalization?”
I force myself to look at his face. “Just because we’ve called a truce doesn’t mean you get to give me a nickname.”
“An ironic nickname.” He smiles proudly, like we’re already on our way to being best buddies, and I can’t decide if that makes me want to roll my eyes or smile back.
He’s just so…eager.
Rolling my eyes wins out, though I take my own tour of the bare white walls, plain tile floor, and worn wood furniture. “What did you have in mind?”
*****
Review:
Lenard’s first book in her newest series is a spicy slow burn. I liked that she brought readers an ace character – the diversity in characters is one of my favorite things in MM romances. Traditional MF romances tend to be … well, traditional and I love that she took the opportunity to explore.
I do struggle a little tho with New Adult age romances, especially first year college students. I’m an old lady 🙂 and recognize how much growing is done, especially through the 20s. But I also realize that there are couples that get together young and last, which can be appealing too. And Cruz & Liam have dealt with a lot so I feel like it helped them bond and matured them a bit more than your average 18/19 year old.
Speaking of them going through a lot, I hurt for these two but through luck of the residence lottery they were matched up with someone who could truly get them. And I love how their pasts made them different, with Cruz being positive & happy-go-lucky but Liam being grumpy & sullen, but it also helped them be the support the other needed.
There’re these delightful moments of humor mixed in with the steam & emotion as Cruz explores his sexuality and both of them start to become more than just friends, sharing some of their hurts. There’s also a delightful mix of side characters so Lenard has given her readers plenty of material for future stories. Looking forward to what comes next (I’m just torn on who I want it to be more).
*****
Author Info:
Hi! I’m Michele-or at least that’s the name I write under-because my parents and my kids are not allowed to read my books. Ever. Though sports romance is my guilty pleasure, I like to dabble in all MM tropes. My books are set in my home state of Colorado, because to me the mountains are the only thing that can compete with a good book. My favorite food is Mexican, my favorite shoes are flip-flops, and my drink of choice is whiskey, the same as virtually every character I’ve ever written.
Thor meets Tony Hawk in this comedic, low-angst/high spice MM romance about a serious hockey goalie who is drawn out of his shell by a bratty skateboarder, a dare involving cake, and a lesson in how to use joysticks-for video games of course.
Bad Pucking Influence
Colorado Bulldogs #2
by Michele Lenard
Blurb:
On the surface, I’ve got it all. I’m the starting goalie and Captain of the Colorado Bulldogs hockey team. I’ve got more money than I know what to do with. I can count an entire team of elite athletes as my friends. And according to the pundits, I’m an eligible bachelor.
That’s the image everyone sees, but it’s just a role I play. A part dictated by my career. I have to be just as perfect off the ice as I am on it since everything I do reflects on my team in some way or another. So, those questions I have about why I don’t crave sexual contact the way my teammates do–questions I’m afraid to ask with the world watching… I decided a long time ago it didn’t make sense to look for answers until after I retire.
Then I ran into him.
Tripp is loud, obnoxious, and full of confidence. Some people find his sass off-putting, but not me. I find it intriguing, and I admire his ability to be himself, consequences be damned. Apparently, I also admire the way he looks, since my eyes seem to linger on him longer than they should, and when he sets his sights on me…
Waiting for retirement to explore who I am seems like too big a sacrifice, so when Tripp offers to help me answer some of those questions about myself, I jump.
I’m tired of pretending to be Mr. Perfect… Tripp and his playboy antics might be just the thing I need to figure out who I am outside of hockey. The only problem is, everyone–including our mutual friends–see him as a bad pucking influence.
Bad Pucking Influence is a low-angst, high-spice MM romance featuring a hockey player and a brat, not a hockey book featuring a romance. Fans of bratty playboys and gentle giants will enjoy this light-hearted, steamy yet touching love story.
Since I first saw Tripp at a team barbeque Xander dragged him to last summer, I’ve found myself noticing him more and more. In my defense, it’s hard not to. Standing at six feet, with perfectly mussed bleached-blond hair and dark stubble that’s hard to miss since the contrast is so stark, it’s the mischievous tilt of his lips that really captures my attention. I often find myself wondering what’s going on in his mind, particularly since he’s a professional at giving people the shock-and-awe treatment. His antics amuse me more than they should, even when they involve silly excuses to measure my biceps with his hands.
Between his loud looks and even louder personality, he doesn’t exactly fade into the background, and if I’m being honest, I find his brash nature freeing. I sort of like that he’s become a bit of a regular fixture in our social circle. What’s confusing to me is that it’s not just his personality that catches my attention. His appearance fascinates me, especially now, with him skating around shirtless.
Tall and lean, every muscle is on display, showing off a smattering of tattoos that would otherwise be hidden. They’re kind of mesmerizing to watch as they ripple under his skin. So is the youthful gleam in his eye. It’s not arousing exactly, but it’s something. Something I’ve yet to put a label on, but I only seem to experience it around him. Which might mean sitting here watching him is a bad idea, at least until I sort out some of my confusion.
If only I could look away.
*****
Review:
I liked the characters – Noah is a big, ol’ teddy bear and Tripp is as in-your-face as you can get – but there’s definitely something more lurking beneath the surface of both. We get an understanding of Noah’s pretty early on, and Tripp is definitely all in for helping him explore his sexuality, which means he also brings his own baggage into their situation. There’s a reason he’s not willing to get involved with people and it takes a while to share it with us. I don’t know that everyone is willing to put in the time needed to go from casual sex to Tripp opening up & spilling all his secrets but I found it a satisfying resolution to their relationship.
While it isn’t necessary to have read the first book, Bad Pucking Timing, I do think it will help with how quickly Noah and Tripp fall into a sexual relationship together. It also gives a better look at the fun, & supportive, side of Tripp and how he & Noah have gotten to this point. While the beginning is oh-so-steamy, I think that foundation may be needed so that Tripp’s bratty side is better understood and to help readers get through the slower transition of their relationship.
*****
Author Info:
Michele is a tomboy who writes contemporary romance (usually sports themed) that is both sweet and steamy. Her goal is to make you fan your face as you wipe a tear from your eye. Her books are part of a series but there are no cliffhangers so each can be read as a standalone. When she isn’t reading or writing she enjoys the outdoors, something that pops up in her books from time to time.
The ice is my happy place. My sanctuary. The source of my happiest memories, and the promise of my future. It’s also the reason I’m living a lie.
As a kid you don’t think about the sacrifices you’ll have to make for your dreams. After all, dreams are supposed to be happy, so all you see is the finish line, not what you’ll have to give up to get there.
I surrendered a carefree childhood to hours upon hours of grueling practices. Abandoned life with my family in favor of a boarding school that would hone my skills to perfection. But my biggest sacrifice, the one I couldn’t predict I’d have to make as a little boy, is denying who I am.
To the world I’m the top rookie in this year’s NHL draft. The most promising defender the league has seen in years. For years that’s all I wanted to be, and now that I’m here…
I knew my career would intersect with my personal life at some point, I just didn’t expect it to happen before I played my first pro game.
That’s why he is so dangerous. My lifelong dream is within reach, and now there’s another I want to pursue. If only it weren’t such bad pucking timing.
“What’s your address?” I change the subject, pulling my phone from my pocket to open my contacts. “I need to get an Uber back to my car.”
“Uh, uh. No address until I get your phone number.” He smiles triumphantly around a mouthful of coffee.
“Didn’t Tripp already give you my information so you could deliver me home last night? Which you clearly didn’t do.” I make a show of looking at the room around me.
Niko rubs the bridge of his nose. “He gave me your address, which I lost while I was trying to copy it in the Uber app, so no.”
“Typical jock.” I can’t stop the corner of my lip from ticking up as I shake my head.
“Don’t avoid the subject,” he barks. “Phone number, or you’re walking. And stop pretending you don’t like jocks.”
“I don’t.”
“You like me.”
“I tolerate you.” I drink my coffee to disguise what I’m pretty sure is a grin.
“You tolerate hockey. You like me. That smile you’re trying to hide says so.” He crosses his arms in front of his broad chest with a proud smirk.
I look at him from under hooded eyes. “Still not fucking you, Nikolas.” Flirting yes, fucking no.
“Yet… Alexander.” His blue eyes seem to promise there’s a distinction.
Jesus he’s going to give me a semi.
“Address.” I tap the screen of my cell.
“Phone number.”
“Address first.”
“Same time.” He slides his phone toward me and picks mine up, arching a sly brow as he waits for me to meet his challenge.
“Fine.” We each tap at the screens, entering the information, and the moment my phone is back in my hand it starts to vibrate.
“Just checking.” He flashes me those coy dimples.
*****
Review:
Xander, still a little burned by a relationship gone bad, is comfortable in his life and pretty much only looking for a good time. Meeting a hottie at the bar for a night of great sex and a definite connection … not his usual but he’ll never see him again. Well, not until Xander finds him in his dad’s backyard and discovers that his one night stand is the newest member of his dad’s hockey team.
Niko is new to town and thrilled to see Xander again. But things are complicated – not only does he play for Xander’s dad but he’s also not exactly looking to broadcast his sexuality the first year of his NHL career. But that connection is still there and one night of great sex turns into more. Can they figure out how to balance their needs and wants?
I loved Niko’s teammates. They are a hoot and help support him as he figures out how to be a pro player, to settle into his new life. And Xander’s friend Tripp is definitely a highlight, with how he supports them in his own way and how he unabashedly enjoys life.
I enjoyed the start of Lenard’s Colorado Bulldogs series. There’s some drama, but not too much. Lots of steam, but there can never be too much. A grumpy/sunshine mix that can go bad but is a delight when done right (which it was). And entertaining secondary characters that are just begging for their own stories. A good mix of humor and heat, Bad Pucking Timing is a fun first book and I’m all for finding out what’s coming up next!
*****
Author Info:
Michele is a tomboy who writes contemporary romance (usually sports themed) that is both sweet and steamy. Her goal is to make you fan your face as you wipe a tear from your eye. Her books are part of a series but there are no cliffhangers so each can be read as a standalone. When she isn’t reading or writing she enjoys the outdoors, something that pops up in her books from time to time.
Romantic Reads and Such 