Reviews by Tammy and Kim

Tough Guy and the Show Off

Relationship Goals #1
Mia Monroe and K.M. Neuhold
Amazon
October 2, 2026

Beau has been my right hand man on the ice for years, but this season I'm learning a lot of new things about his wrist shot.

We’ve been best friends since our rookie year. On the ice Beau is the tough guy, quick to slam any opponent into the boards so I'm free to show off with a goal. Off the ice, I'm his protector, his wingman, and the guy who's happy to speak for him when he's all done playing nice for the day.

We’ve roomed together hundreds of nights on the road, so I was bound to walk in on him cranking one out eventually. No big deal, we all do it. So why can’t I get the image of it out of my head now? The look on his face, the sounds he was making…

Chalk it up to mid-season stress and exhaustion, I guess?

And, hey, if we’re both going to be doing it anyway, no problem if we do it at the same time. We’re both only playing with our own sticks, right?

Neither of us are looking to be the token queer players in the league, but it’s getting harder and harder to deny that something is happening here.

Beau getting traded mid-season isn’t just going to screw up my game, it feels like a whole part of me has been ripped away. How are either of us supposed to get our heads around these feelings and still crush it on the ice?

If we can figure that out we might just have a scoring chance.

Tags: Wrist shots aren’t just on the ice, what’s a jerk off between besties, Show Off takes on a new meaning in private, the Tough Guy sure likes his cuddles, they’re a bonded pair, do not separate, no catching feelings allowed (spoiler: feelings will be caught) but wait, we’re straight guys. Do straight guys kiss? They do now.

Graphics from author's Facebook page

Beau and Travis are best friends, sometimes roommates, teammates, and together they are a force on the ice and play off each other well. Beau is the tough guy defenseman who lets Travis "Show" shine on the ice. Off the ice, Beau is the quieter, less social, protective teddy bear while Travis is the superstitious, golden boy, and center of attention. But together they are "ShowBeau-t" and magic. I just adored them and their friendship.

They’re just inseparable best friends and bros until one day Travis sees something he cannot seem to forget but makes things a bit awkward. So Travis takes it into his own hands to try to fix it.

And what if two bros wanna just let off a little steam together? They already do everything together, so it shouldn’t be that weird, right? But one thing leads to another, and these two seemingly straight guys are finding themselves in an unexpected situation. And when life gets a little bit more complicated, it makes things even messier and makes them realize that maybe there’s more to this than they thought.

This is a best friends, teammates-to-lovers, double bisexual awakening romance with two bros just hanging out together with secret activities.

I was not prepared for this book to sneak in and hit me so hard in the feels. It got to a point where I was really, really feeling for these guys, seeing how intense their connection is and how much they relied on each other, but then things got complicated. It really hurt my heart. But it also gave them opportunities for growth and to figure out what they really needed to be happy and what was most important to them. Once things got going, their physical chemistry was off the charts, and they had already had this very established personal friendship and were in sync on the ice as teammates as well. So the physical and eventually emotional component just added layers to an already strong bond.

I liked getting the little cameos from the Gymbos, and I’m looking forward to more in this series.

Website | Facebook | Neuhold's Nerds Group | X | Instagram

Author K.M.Neuhold is a complete romance junkie, a total sap in every way. She started her journey as an author in new adult, MF romance, but after a chance reading of an MM book she was completely hooked on everything about lovely- and sometimes damaged- men finding their Happily Ever After together. She has a strong passion for writing characters with a lot of heart and soul, and a bit of humor as well. And she fully admits that her OCD tendencies of making sure every side character has a full backstory will likely always lead to every book having a spin-off or series. When she’s not writing she’s a lion tamer, an astronaut, and a superhero…just kidding, she’s likely watching Netflix and snuggling with her husky while her amazing husband brings her coffee.

Mia Monroe

Facebook | Facebook Group | Website | Instagram

Mia is a USA Today Bestselling author of queer contemporary and paranormal romance. She’s obsessed with HEA’s, tattoos, and all the ways to celebrate love.

She’s fluent in sarcasm, addicted to caffeine, and easily amused by memes.

Her books are low to mid-angst, high heat, and a celebration of queer joy.

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THE SPARE AFFAIR
The Crown Jewels #2
Amazon

September 29, 2026

Red, White & Royal Blue meets The Hating Game in this witty royal romance where two rival princes turn flirting into a competition—and accidentally fall in love.

Gabriel

Winning people over has always been my greatest talent.

One smile, one joke, one perfectly timed wink, and I have them eating out of my hand.

But I don’t think that’s going to work so well on Prince Alejandro of Solterra. The man my twin, King Nicholas Valemont, cast aside for his footman in his pursuit of true love.

Alejandro is infuriatingly handsome, impossibly stubborn, and determined to turn every conversation into a competition. Every move feels suspiciously like a trap designed to make me—the other Valemont brother—suffer.

So naturally, I decide to make a game of it.

No feelings.

No jealousy.

No falling in love.

Simple.

At least…it was supposed to be.

Alejandro

I’ve already been the world’s biggest royal headline because of a Valemont once. I have no interest in becoming one again.

Then Gabriel arrives—charming, relentless, impossible to ignore—and somehow turns every argument into flirtation and every competition into something dangerously fun.

We agree on one rule above all else: no falling in love.

It should’ve been easy.

Instead, every sharp word, every stolen kiss, every moment no one else is watching makes it harder to remember where the game ends…and where real feelings begin.

Because the most dangerous thing about competing with Gabriel isn’t losing.

It’s realizing I’d happily let him win.

This follows the events of the first book, Fit for A King, when Gabriel's twin brother, Nicholas, who is now the King of Valoria, fell in love with his footman and caused a bit of a scandal and ruined an engagement to a Prince that would have brought a union between two countries. Now this jilted Prince is a little bit salty and feels humiliated, and the union of Valoria and Solterra is now in jeopardy.

So Nicholas asks his twin brother, Gabriel, the more charming twin, to spend some time in Solterra and try to officially apologize for any negative feelings and try to bring goodwill to both of their countries again. And Gabriel may be very charming and quite a flirt, but he’s also outspoken, challenging, passionate, and knows what he wants.

And Prince Alejandro is bitter, snarky, intelligent, and feeling a bit vengeful. He’s not going to make anything easy on Gabriel and sets out to break him down. Gabriel is such a go-with-the-flow personality but also a competitive man who is not going back down. And that includes not backing down from the fact that there is a lot of sexual tension and chemistry between these two. There’s a thin line between fire and ice, and they are leaning a lot more on the fiery side. They push and challenge each other. They fuss, fight, and figure a little hate f***ing while he’s visiting can’t cause too many problems. But they are clear on their rules, and they are not supposed to be anything romantic or have feelings involved at all... just a transactional situationship.

But the more time these two spend together, the more time they find they actually WANT to spend together. And maybe there’s actually a thin line between love and hate. But that’s against the rules that they set for themselves. And everything they do is in front of the eyes of both of their countries.

It's got enemies-to-lovers with games, challenges, competition, and one-upmanship, but also serious sexual tension, chemistry, and compatible proclivities. But they are both prideful, stubborn, fearful of vulnerability, and are not the best at communicating. It did frustrate me at times just because of so much of the tension and turmoil, but it also hit me in the feels. And I really loved these two guys together, and their big personalities, banter, and passion, and how they wanted to live a full life.

This brings back Nicholas and Noah, and other characters from the first book, and ties up these two stories rather nicely. I absolutely adored Gabriel all along. He is just such a feisty and fun charmer. I will admit Alejandro took me a little bit to warm up to just because he was so standoffish and inflexible at first, but as his layers of animosity were peeled away, I really came to like his spiciness and sense of humor. They actually both have more common ground than they realize, and they really play off each other nicely and have incredible passion for each other and life in general.

I have enjoyed this royal duet from this author duo and have become attached to these characters and this modern fairytale-ish world of theirs.

FIT FOR A KING
The Crown Jewels #1

Amazon

Red, White & Royal Blue meets a modern-day Downton Abbey in this forbidden royal romance about a newly crowned king who falls for the sunshine footman assigned to serve him.

Nicholas

Being king was never the life I wanted. But it was the one I inherited.

Every decision I make belongs to Valoria. Every smile, every appearance, every promise.

Including the one that says I’m expected to marry a prince I’ve barely met.

It’s the perfect match.

The perfect alliance.

The perfect future.

Until my new footman starts reminding me there’s a difference between being loved by a nation… and being truly seen.

Noah

Serving the king is my job. Wanting him is my biggest mistake.

I’ve spent years standing just out of sight—straightening cuffs, opening doors, making sure the man carrying the crown never has to carry anything else.

He’s kind when no one is watching

Lonely in ways the world never sees.

But kings don’t fall in love with footmen.

They marry princes.

No matter what my heart wishes every time he looks at me.

When duty collides with desire, we’ll have to decide whether some fairytales are worth rewriting.

I already know the answer, though. I’ll never be Fit for a King.

Ella Frank

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Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take,Trust, Tease, Tate, and True, and is the co-author of the fan-favorite PresLocke Series. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Connect with Ella Frank:

https://linktr.ee/ellafrank1

Brooke Blaine 
Website | Facebook | FB Street Team  | TikTok | Pinterest | Instagram 

Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author best known for writing romantic comedy and M/M romance. Her novels lead with humor and heart, but Brooke never shies away from throwing in something extra naughty that will scandalize her conservative Southern family for life (bless their hearts). She’s a choc-o-holic, lives for eighties bands (which means she thinks guyliner is totally underrated), believes it’s always wine o’clock, and lives with the coolest cat on the planet—her Maine Coon mix, Jackson Agador Spartacus. Connect with Brooke Blaine: https://linktr.ee/brookeblaine1

Join Brooke and Ella’s Facebook Group or Patreon  to stay up to date on the latest news

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Rookie Moves
The Rookie Diaries #1
Jodi Oliver
Amazon

September 24, 2027

COLBY

For almost ten years, the world of hockey has had their eyes on me, watching my every move.

I’m projected to be the first overall pick in the NHL draft this summer, and have been nicknamed a franchise altering talent.

But with high praise comes a lot of pressure I can’t escape, and has resulted in me being a rookie in more ways than one.

The only problem is there’s only one person I feel safe with, and I'm pretty sure there are rules about not crushing on your teammate.

TYLER

Ever since I met Colby, I’ve kept an eye on him. No one should have to put up with the pressure the world has laid on his gorgeous shoulders and the defeated look in his beautiful eyes.

But you shouldn’t notice these things about your teammates.

So when Colby asks me to teach him everything I know in the bedroom because I’m the only one he feels safe with?

I should say no, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Colby McKay.

I should’ve known it wouldn’t be as simple as a friends with benefits arrangement.

Some Graphics from Author's Facebook or newsletters

I absolutely adored Tyler and Colby separately and together. Colby is just this kind of sweet sunshine living in a fishbowl with very few safe places to hide. He’s been a hockey phenom all his life, and he’s enjoying one year of college before going into the NHL draft. But despite the pressure and attention, his teammate Tyler becomes one of those safe people. He also happens to be a guy that the closeted gay Colby has been crushing on.

Tyler’s a senior defenseman who is magnetic, protective, kind, and caring. And when Colby asks him to give him sex lessons, Tyler is okay with Colby being a rookie in all ways and him being a mentor. It’s not supposed to be serious. It’s supposed to just be sex lessons, but the more time they spend together, the more truly intimate they become. They become each other’s safe space in their chaotic lives as they plan for their futures. Colby's is based on where he’s going to be chosen in the draft, but he’s also keeping a big secret so that it doesn’t become a media frenzy. And Tyler's life has always been planned out by his father, but Colby's helping him realize that he’s allowed to have his own dreams and plans. But Tyler just has to figure out what he really wants to do and be brave enough to go after it.

This is a friends-and-teammates-to-lovers with first times, sex tutoring, and a secret relationship in a college hockey setting.

Their fling gets complicated by feelings, and they both have to be vulnerable and figure out what they need to be happy and if there’s any way for them to find a way to be more. I loved these characters and even though we were left in a very good place and a HFN, I am looking forward to the rest of their story. I really want it now because I can’t get enough of these guys. I’m also excited about Beau’s spin-off story, The Redeemer, co-written with Garrett Leigh.

Rookie Secrets
book 2
Pre-order Amazon

Jodi Oliver is a British author who writes MM romance, happily ever after guaranteed. She loves donuts, dogs and ice hockey, and when she hasn’t got her head in a book or hiding in the writing cave, you can find her at an ice hockey game.

She lives in England but dreams of living in the Canadian countryside, with some highland cows and otters.

You can find her on Instagram @JodiOliverAuthor or in her Facebook reader group ‘Jodi Oliver’s Sin Bin’

Connect with Jodi Oliver:

https://www.jodioliver.com/links

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Axe Backwards Axford Brothers #3

May Archer
September 15, 2026

eBook | Audio | Model Paperback | Alternate Cover Paperback

A fake engagement to the hot sheriff who escorted me to family camp? Weirdly delightful.

Failing to tell him that my family is a bunch of professional thieves? Small oversight.

I left the Callahan family business years ago. These days I’m a law-abiding citizen. A photographer who takes nothing but pictures. A man who’s learned not to get greedy for anything… or anyone.

But my family hasn’t gotten that memo, so I expect my week at family camp to be filled with guilt-trippy attempts to lure me back into the fold.

Until Holden Axford comes along… and everything goes axe backwards.

Winsome’s gorgeous sheriff was supposed to be nothing more than a one-night-stand. He doesn’t have a clue why I’m dreading this week, but he takes his protection game seriously. So when he thinks I need a rescue, he steps in and declares himself my fiancé… and I’m too busy swooning to argue.

Now Holden’s sharing my bed, stealing kisses like Callahans steal Rembrandts, planning a camp heist (for fun, obvs!), and charming my family of criminals.

Our motto is ‘Callahans don’t get caught’ but nobody warned me about catching feelings.

Unfortunately, secrets don’t stay buried forever. And when someone forces the Callahans toward one last impossible job, protecting the family I love means becoming the man I swore I’d never be again.

But if Holden learns the truth about my past, it’ll be goodbye fake engagement, goodbye sheriff… goodbye heart.

Character Graphics From Author's newsletter

Holden Axford is the Winsome Sheriff. He’s loyal, responsible, a rule follower, witty, and not looking for love in any way, shape, or form. He’s a one-and-done type, and he tries to avoid his matchmaking mama's attempts at all costs.

It turns out that a one-night half-stand with Merritt Callahan isn't as anonymous as hoped, and things get too close for comfort, as Merritt is friends with one of his brother’s partners. And now he’s remembering the good parts of the night that he does remember clearly and trying to talk himself out of wanting to go back for a second helping. And his brain misfire causes him to volunteer to not only drive Merritt to his family camping vacation but also to stay there and pretend that he is his fake fiancé in front of Merritt's family. He is just protective like that.

So now they’re definitely too close for comfort, and the initial attraction that started it all is back in full force. Neither of these guys wanted a relationship; that’s problem number one. Problem number two is that they don’t live in the same area and Merritt is a traveling photographer. And problem number three is that Merritt’s family are (secretly) former thieves, while Holden is a small-town Sheriff. And lying to everyone (sometimes even themselves) is also another problem. Messy, messy, messy.

I loved seeing Sheriff-Stick-Up-His-Butt start to let go and have fun, enjoy life, and have passion outside of work. And Merritt has been running so long and just alone, and I enjoyed seeing him reconnect with his family and also feel safe, protected, and cared for by Holden. Their chemistry is amazing and they balanced each other well. They both see to the heart of each other to what the other needs, unfortunately there is a secret and some obstacles to navigate and they could be a deal breaker.

This is a small-town, one-night stand that kept going, opposites-attract, fake engagement romance with plenty of family shenanigans, secrets, lies, humor, and a pinch of suspense. It brings back the other Axford Brothers and their significant others and their parents, as well as introduces Merritt's quirky family. I have really enjoyed the series, and I’m excited for the last Axe brother, True, to find his true love. I am excited about the match up that was teased.

Kiss My Axe

Axford Brothers #1
Goodreads
Amazon | Audible | Model Paperback | Alternative Paperback

Kim's 5 star review

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy/Sarcastic Sunshine
Opposites Attract, Fish Out of Water, Small Town

Living in a treehouse? Unavoidable.

Falling for the grumpy lumberjack hottie next door? Unthinkable.

After a viral PR disaster torpedoes my marketing career, I flee Manhattan. The only place left to land? A fairy-tale treehouse in a pickle-obsessed Vermont town, left to me by an uncle I barely knew.

Yes, I said pickles.

No, I’m not okay.

But I’m only here temporarily. Just long enough to regroup, let the notoriety die down, and figure out my next steps in peace.

Unfortunately, my new neighbor has other ideas.

Beckett “the Axe” Axford–cranky local heartthrob and unapologetic tree-murderer–claims Uncle Jim made him promises about the forest around the treehouse, and he’s none too pleased when I won’t take his word for it.

Unfortunately for him, I’m done playing by other people’s rules. I’m not backing down just because some sexy–I mean grumpy–lumberjack says so, and I can handle whatever he dishes out.

Tree climbing? No problem.

Pickle festival popularity contest? Sign me up.

Kissing my unexpectedly-tender, flannel-clad nemesis in the woods after dark? I can take it, bro. And take it. And t– Ahem. You get the picture.

I’m tired of losing, so I’m not giving up my inheritance or my heart without a fight.

And if Beckett thinks differently, he can kiss my axe.

Hot Axe

Axford Brothers #2
Goodreads

Amazon | Universal | Website

Kim's 5 star review

Falling in love with my straight best friend? Tragically inevitable.

Telling him? Completely out of the question.

Everyone in Winsome knows Robbie and I are a matched set. A package deal. Ames and Robbie, Robbie and Ames.

He’s the calm to my chaos. The sun shining through my rain cloud. The guy who convinced me to be a firefighter. The man who’s known every single thing about me since we were thirteen…

Except for the teeny, tiny, inconsequential fact that I’ve been in love with him for years.

I planned to take this secret to the grave. Robbie’s straight. He’s engaged. And I’m finally–finally–ready to move on.

But one uncontrollable blaze, one daring rescue, one inconvenient injury, and one heavily-medicated, wildly inappropriate love confession later, my plan’s up in flames.

Suddenly helpful, perfect, shirtless Robbie is bathing me, dressing me, and nursing me back to health. And if being around my gorgeous bestie 24/7 wasn’t torture enough, it seems I’m not the only one having un-platonic thoughts.

But there’s no way I’m letting myself fall into the fantasy again. Because if I let myself believe this is real and it isn’t, it won’t just break my heart… it’ll break us.

And I refuse to risk our friendship, no matter how tempting the man’s hot axe might be.

Smart Axe
Axford Brothers #4
Amazon

Aug 24, 2027

May Archer

May is an M/M author who lives in Boston. She spends her days raising three incredibly sarcastic children, finding inventive ways to drive her husband crazy, planning beach vacations, avoiding the gym, reading M/M romance, and occasionally writing it. She also writes MF romance as Maisy Archer .

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