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Brother's Best Friend
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
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Hate to Love
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Small Town

Fall for Grae and Caden in their fake dating, brother’s best friend, small town romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Catherine Cowles!

He hadn’t always just been my brother’s best friend. There was a time when he was mine, too. Until he disappeared from our small town when I needed him the most.

Now, Caden’s back. With his cocky smirk and infuriating nicknames. And I’m struggling to ignore his presence.

When my ex refuses to leave me alone, Caden steps in, suggesting that it will get my ex and Caden’s calculating father off both our backs if we just pretend to be madly in love.

There’s just one problem… Nothing I feel for Caden Shaw is fake—even when I thought I hated him. And there’s no denying how the touch of his lips sparks a flame I’ll never be able to extinguish.

As those pretend moments start to turn oh so real, someone’s watching. They’re not happy about Caden’s new role in my life. And they’ll do anything to rip me away from him—even burn us all to the ground…

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Let me start by saying, I especially loved Grae. She made this book for me. Our girl's bad ass. It's what kept me turning the pages. I just loved her strength, tenacity, independence, and soft heart. I loved her dedication to her family and friends, as well as her job. I loved her personality. There's so much to admire and like about her that she became one of my favorite leading ladies Ms. Cowles has written.

On top of that, I adored the Hartleys and their small town. They give that warm fuzzy feeling, making you feel as though you're part of the inner circle.

And it kills me to say this, but I had a love/hate relationship with this book. There's just something about it that didn't resonate through me like its predecessors.Which left me sad, because brother's best friend is my absolute FAVORITE cup of tea, and Glimmers of You was on my highly anticipated list.

Sadly, Caden & Grae's story fell a tad bit flat for me and I wish I could nail why. But unfortunately, I can't, because all of Catherine's trademark ingredients were there. The writing was on point. The characters were written with depth and growth. The who done it added the right amount of mystery. The characters were likeable. It should have been a slam dunk. Making me think this was most likely a this is me not you issue.

I think part of my issue may have been the familiarity of the story line; the been there done that. Caden and Grae reminded me a lot of Falling Embers, And normally, I don't mind that. It adds an air of comfort. But this time around, it left me wanting.

Now that's not to say I didn't enjoy Glimmers of You. Because I did. I just didn't feel Grae and Cayden in my soul. Something I've become used to with Catherine Cowles' books, and I missed that feeling.

When it comes to this author's books I tend to have high expectations, She's a top three fave of mine for a reason. Her books suck me in, captivate me, and keep me glued until the very end. I know when I open one of her stories I'm going on one hell of an emotional ride. I know I'm about to meet my newest addiction. And even though this one wasn't the hit I was hoping for, I'm eagerly waiting on Roan. I have a feeling this man will put us through the ringer and I'm sooo there for it. *sigh*

Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.

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Title: Nocticadia

Author: Keri Lake

Genre: Dark Academia Gothic Romance

Release Date: April 25, 2023

Mortui vivos docent.

The dead teach the living.

After watching my mother succumb to a mysterious illness, I promised myself two things. I’d find the cure for what ravaged her. And leave the godforsaken city where she abandoned me.

Four years later, I receive an acceptance letter from Dracadia University, one of the oldest, most prestigious schools in the country. Nestled on a secluded island off the coast of Maine, it’s rumored to be haunted by the souls of the mental patients exiled there centuries before. Those whose bones are said to make up the island’s white sandy shores.

And restless ghosts aren’t even its most daunting peculiarity.

Devryck Bramwell, known on campus as Doctor Death, is a brilliant pathologist in charge of the midnight lab. He’s also my devastatingly handsome professor, who seems to loathe tenacious first-years, like me. Except, his dark and enigmatic gaze tells me all the ways he’d devour me if given the chance, and his stolen kisses burn my lips with forbidden jealousy.

I crave his authority.

He aches for redemption.

Together, we’re toxic. Delicious fodder for the prying eyes hellbent on exhuming the rotted skeletons of our pasts.

For the dead have much to teach, and it’s only a matter of time before Dracadia’s most depraved secret is resurrected.

AMAZON US | UK | CA | AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Nocticadia is one of those stories I sit on the fence with. There were parts that I loved and then there were those parts that were just meh.

To start off, in my opinion, I wouldn't classify this book as "dark." Were there darker elements? Yes absolutely, scattered throughout but mainly towards the last 25-30%. Overall though, I did not find this to be too dark, not when I place this in comparison to other dark reads from CJ Roberts, Monty Jay, Marissa Honeycutt, Stylo Fantome, and even Keri Lake's own Ricochet, to name a few. To me, this book was tame; one I could comfortably recommend to my blog partner who doesn't do dark.

Due to this, I was a tad disappointed. My expectations were high, because this was advertised as a very dark read so I was expecting very dark, straight from the beginning, and appropriate that way.

With that said, I did like the taboo aspect to this story. Student/Professor with an added in age gap is usually not my cuppa, but I really enjoyed the trope in this book. I fucking loved Doctor Death. Devryck stole the show and my heart. He was all broody and stoic, until he wasn't. And that was because of Lilia. I found her to be the perfect balance for Dev's coldness and indifference. Our girl knocked him right on his ass, and I loved being there for every second of it. Not to mention, their chemistry was off the charts, which is what kept me turning the pages. The tension just radiated, especially towards the end, building until it had no where to go but combust. A quick fyi, this is a slow burn, so you have a bit of a ways to wait until it reaches its boiling point. But man, once it does...be prepared.

The paranormal aspect of the worms was interesting. However, the world building around these worms and the focus on Noctisoma sometimes bogged down the story for me. It was a lot of small details that took up over 3/4 of the book, and I found myself skimming a bit. Since this was a slow burn, I yearned for more Dev and Lilia and less technical science stuff. I wanted more of a balance between the two. Outside of our two MCs, I enjoyed the last maybe 40% the most, when the book started to pick up and we saw some action, in and out of the bedroom.

What I'm hoping and wishing hard for is that a certain side character will get their own story. Because baby, I love me a damaged man and this one intrigued the fuck out of me. I have a feeling, the author will take us on one hell of a deliciously dark ride with him.

Keri Lake is a dark romance writer who specializes in demon wrangling, vengeance dealing and wicked twists. Her stories are gritty, with antiheroes that walk the line of good and bad, and feisty heroines who bring them to their knees. When not penning books, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and their rebellious Labrador (who doesn’t retrieve a damn thing). She runs on strong coffee and alternative music, loves a good red wine, and has a slight addiction to dark chocolate.

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Playing the Palace
Paul Rudnick
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Release Date May 25, 2021

THEIR LOVE STORY CAPTIVATED THE WORLD…THE CROWN PRINCE AND THAT GUY FROM NEW YORK

When a lonely American event planner starts dating the gay Prince of Wales, a royal uproar ensues: is it true love or the ultimate meme? Find out in this hilarious romantic comedy.

After having his heart trampled on by his cheating ex, Carter Ogden is afraid love just isn’t in the cards for him. He still holds out hope in a tiny corner of his heart, but even in his wildest dreams he never thought he’d meet the Crown Prince of England, much less do a lot more with him. Yes, growing up he’d fantasized about the handsome, openly gay Prince Edgar, but who hadn’t? When they meet by chance at an event Carter’s boss is organizing, Carter’s sure he imagined all that sizzling chemistry. Or was it mutual?

This unlikely but meant-to-be romance sets off media fireworks on both sides of the Atlantic. With everyone having an opinion on their relationship and the intense pressure of being constantly in the spotlight, Carter finds ferocious obstacles to his Happily Ever After, including the tenacious disapproval of the Queen of England. Carter and Prince Edgar fight for a happy ending to equal their glorious international beginning. It’s a match made on Valentine’s Day and in tabloid heaven.

This has a cute premise. I am always a sucker for the fairytale marrying-a-Prince story and it is even more fun in a M/M version.

Carter Ogden is a Jersey boy. He works in event planning and knows how to make things fabulous, but personally, he is in a slump. He was cheated on and dumped his ex. He is awkward, anxious, has self-worth issues, and is afraid of failure. And he has given up on the idea of love.

Prince Edgar is tightly ruled and tightly wound. He lives under a layer of expectations and is trying not to repeat the mistakes of his past and keep a professional reputation.

When these guys meet at an event, they find an easy rapport. Edgar pursues Carter but not too quickly due to his duties, but they find themselves enjoying time together despite their different lives. And things move pretty quickly from there.

Both are afraid of letting their families down. Both have trust issues. Both are afraid of failure and getting hurt. And now they are in the middle of the media spotlight. And bless Carter's heart, he is a quirky American prone to accidents, verbal screw-ups, mistakes, and flights of fancy. And everything Carter does wrong gets blasted through the press on both sides of the pond and reflects on Edgar and the royal family.

They have a whole cast of outspoken and opinionated side characters weighing in including the royals and Carters equally domineering Jersey family and friends. It is full of over-the-top shenanigans and comedic and crazy events. So it is a bit challenging for these two to find their way. Sometimes Carter was too much for me and I wanted to shake sense into him. And Edgar was a bit stodgy but Carter did help loosen him up. They have the potential to be the partner they are both seeking, but can they merge together their personalities and public personas in order to actually have a future?

I enjoyed this as a royal rom-com even though sometimes it was a bit slapstick for my taste and had a lot of current topics and promo. I did not get overly connected to the characters or feel a lot of emotion. The sex is mentioned, but pretty much off-page so would be suitable for various audiences. It felt more like a Lifetime movie mixed with a rom-com, but sometimes it is okay to have something a bit more silly and fluffy. I would have liked a bit more at the end to see farther into the future.

Paul Rudnick
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Paul M. Rudnick is an American playwright, screenwriter and novelist. His plays include I Hate Hamlet, Jeffrey, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla and The New Century. He also wrote for Premiere magazine under the pseudonym Libby Gelman-Waxner. He is openly gay.

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Settled in the tranquil remoteness of the Scottish Highlands, Ardnoch Estate caters to the rich and famous. It is as unattainable and as mysterious as its owner —ex-Hollywood leading man Lachlan Adair—and it's poised on the edge of a dark scandal.

After narrowly escaping death, police officer Robyn Penhaligon leaves behind her life in Boston in search of some answers. Starting with Mac Galbraith, the Scottish father who abandoned her to pursue his career in private security. To re-connect with Mac, Robyn will finally meet a man she’s long resented. Lachlan Adair. Hostility instantly brews between Robyn and Lachlan. She thinks the head of the Adair family is high-handed and self-important. And finding closure with Mac is proving more difficult than she ever imagined. Robyn would sooner leave Ardnoch, but when she discovers Mac is embroiled in a threat against the Adairs and the exclusive members of the estate, she finds she’s not yet ready to give up on her father.

Determined to ensure Mac’s safety, Robyn investigates the disturbing crimes at Ardnoch, forcing her and Lachlan to spend time together. Soon it becomes clear a searing attraction exists beneath their animosity, and temptation leads them down a perilous path.

While they discover they are connected by something far more addictive than passion, Lachlan cannot let go of his grip on a painful past: a past that will destroy his future … if the insidious presence of an enemy lurking in the shadows of Ardnoch doesn’t do the job first.

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I'm not going to lie, Here With Me was a really, really hard start. I found myself skimming, distracted, and turning to the last couple of chapters before I even hit 20%. I seriously contemplated a DNF. Thank god for insomnia and perseverance. It's the only reason I stuck with it. I'm so glad I did. I would have missed a town and characters I grew quite fond of.

Here I was just slowly plugging along, thinking it's just time to put this misery to an end, then bam! Out of nowhere, I was in tears over something that happened between Mac (father) and Robyn (daughter), making me realize I was more invested in this set of characters than I realized. Mac, Robyn, Lachlan, Arro, Lucy, etc. snuck up on me.

The chemistry I felt was lacking between the characters was finally present for me. Lachlan and Robyn had captured my attention. Granted it happened around 35% or so, but hey-- better late then never! Once I got past the issues I had with the first quarter or so of the book, it didn't take me long to adore the hell out of each individual.

I truly can't wait for you to meet this crew, especially Robyn. Normally I would be waxing poetic about our hero, but not today. I'm totally girl crushing on our heroine. Our girl is so damn badass. She's EPIC. *wink* A breath of fresh air. No doormat here. Robyn stands toe to toe with Lachlan and gives as good as she gets. It's no wonder our hero falls head over heels for her.

You'll love Lachlan. He could be a complete douche-canoe, at times. You'll definitely want to smack him around some, but it won't take long for you to forgive him for his stupidity.

I really loved our couple. It was so much fun watching these two antagonize each other. To deny, deny, deny only to find they couldn't keep their hands, lips, tongues and other body parts to themselves! Once that chemistry kicked in they were unputdownable.

By the time I reached the end and reread those couple of chapters I'd skipped to, I appreciated them even more. I didn't want Lachlan and Robyn to end. And when I turned that last page, all I could think was I need the next book stat, just so I can get another glimpse of them.

Until then, I'll have to indulge in a reread to get my fix.

P.s. Speaking of the next books in the series--Mac and Arro. I am SOOOOO there for that! Damn, they had me as intrigued as our leading couple. I really hope they are next, but if the epilogue is anything to go by I don't think they will be.

Samantha is a Scottish bookworm whose dream of having a writing career came true. Thanks to readers her books have hit the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists and several of her books have been nominated for Goodreads Choice Awards. She writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction. Currently published in 28 languages in 30 countries, Samantha is a #1 international bestselling author.

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Up in Smoke
(Hotshots #4)
Annabeth Albert

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Release Date April 27, 2021

Three Men and a Baby meets Backdraft with explosive chemistry and heartfelt feels.

Freewheeling smoke jumper Brandt Wilder thrives on adrenaline. He’s never met a parachute he can’t repair or a dangerous situation he couldn’t wrangle his way out of. He’s popular and fun-loving and not at all looking to settle down or form lasting relationships. It’s a lifestyle that’s served him well…right up until the day he finds a baby on his doorstep.

Shane Travis is used to putting his country music career—and his own happiness—on hold after his sister rolls through his life. Like last spring when she convinced him to try skydiving for his birthday—and she walked away with the hot parachute instructor.

Now he gets to deliver the piece of news that will upend Brandt’s carefree life: he very well might be a dad.

Shane’s niece is safe in Brandt’s strong, capable hands, but too many questions remain unanswered. Co-parenting while they sort it out leads to late-night talks, and soul-bearing confessions lead to a most inconvenient attraction. Still, Shane can’t leave this makeshift family behind—even if it means playing house with the one man he can’t resist.

Brandt Wilder is a smokejumper and sometimes parachute instructor. He grew up in the system and still tends be a wanderer. He thrives on adrenaline and lives life to the fullest.

Shane Travis is an aspiring country music singer and songwriter. He is more cautious, dependable, and looks before leaping. But he comes from a flighty family and his sister has just dropped a bombshell on his doorstep.

One memorable meeting. Two guys and a baby, who are now in over their heads. An MIA sister/baby mama. Temporary roommates and baby helpers while everything is being sorted out. But along the way they become more than roommates. They never planned to get attached and they both don't stick around one place very long.

This is a surprise baby, temporary roommates and friends-to-lovers, sweet, sexy, M/M romance about exploration, trust, found family, and taking a leap of faith. Two lost souls finding purpose, partnership, love, and home.

This had interesting story elements and likable characters, but for some reason I did not get completely invested and connected to it. Not sure if it was the point of view, that there was not too much conflict, or it is was just my mood. I did like that they were both experiencing new things together in and out of the bedroom. They really were cute together as they took care of the diva and found themselves playing house. They were not looking for anything, but the diva brought them together. And there were good life lessons and healing found along the way.

Burn Zone
(Hot Shots #1)
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Kim's 4 star review

Introducing Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts…

Smoke jumper Lincoln Reid is speechless to see Jacob Hartman among his squad’s new recruits. Linc had promised his late best friend he’d stay away from his little brother. And yet here Jacob is…and almost instantly, the same temptation Linc has always felt around him is causing way too many problems.

Jacob gets everyone’s concerns, but he’s waited years for his shot at joining the elite smoke jumping team, hoping to honor his brother’s memory. He’s ready to tackle any challenge Linc throws his way, and senses the chemistry between them—chemistry Linc insists on ignoring—is still alive and kicking. This time, Jacob’s determined to get what he wants.

Close quarters and high stakes make it difficult for Linc to keep his resolve, never mind do so while also making sure the rookie’s safe. But the closer they get, the more Linc’s plan to leave at the end of the season risks him breaking another promise: the one his heart wants to make to Jacob.

This book is approximately 90,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

High Heat

(Hot Shots #2)

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Kim's 4 star review

Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series continues—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild .

Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.

Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all...

Feel The Fire

(Hot Shots #3)

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The third installment of Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild .

When their career paths bring two high school sweethearts together again, the forest isn’t the only thing ablaze…

Fire behavior specialist Luis Riviera goes where his job takes him. But when he’s assigned to an arson investigation in Central Oregon—the place he left his broken heart twenty years ago—he’s afraid of being burned all over again.

Tucker Ryland had planned to join his first love, Luis, in LA after high school graduation, but life got in the way. Now a fire management expert and a divorced father of teen twins, Tucker’s thrown for a loop when he finds himself working side by side with his Luis, now all grown up and more intriguing than ever.

Though consumed by a grueling fire season and family responsibilities, the two men discover their bond has never truly broken. Tentative kisses turn to passionate nights. But smoking sheets aside, old hurts and new truths stand in the way of this time being the start of forever.

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: High Heat, Burn Zone and Feel the Fire.

Annabeth Albert

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Mr. Right Now joins her many other critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series and stand-alone titles. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and particularly loves uncovering unique main characters.

In her personal life, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

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💙 IS LIVE💙
Brother's Best Friend
Fake Dating
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Hate to Love
Romantic Suspense
Small Town

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💙 IS LIVE💙
Brother's Best Friend
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Billionaire
Hate to Love
Romantic Suspense
Small Town