Cherish (Skins #3.6) [Harry & Joe] by Garrett Leigh

This was a sweet and endearing novella of my favorite couple in the series - Harry and Joe. Now happily married for 10 years they are contemplating the next step. It's something they both want yet unable to articulate to themselves or each other. 

I was a bit frustrated with both of them for not being able to communicate with each other. At least at first. Maybe I was being a bit harsh. Harry sort of dropped a "hot potato" into Joe's lap, accusing him of not being able to see himself, his worth and because of that not being able or ready to take the next step in their relationship but in a way Harry wasn't ready too. He was accusing Joe of something he himself was struggling with. It took both time apart to think, consider and re-consider what they have and what they COULD have before an honest conversation could be made.

Fall of Night (Midnight Breed #17) [Micah & Phaedra] by Lara Adrian

It's been a while since I've last read this series but coming back to it always feels so welcoming. I read this book almost in one setting, enjoying the ride, and everything that is unfolding towards the final installment. I admit I waited with this one a bit because I wanted it to be closer to the release of the last book and I think it was a good idea as the ending brings even more complexity than I would have thought. Also I really enjoyed getting a bit more of the original couples - Tegan and Elise - as Micah's parents but also a quite surprising part with Jenna and Brock (From "Taken by Midnight"). Truth being told I forgot there were some unfinished business concerning her special ability. 

Micah and Phaedra couldn't be more different. He, the son of Breed Warrior Tegan and his breedmate Elise, worked hard to become a fighter his legendary father can be proud of. Sharing his mother's gift of telepathically hearing the sins of humans has hardened him even more, making him one of the best warriors in the Order, currently in command of covet ops. She, and Atlantean living among humans for centuries dedicating her life to stopping the cycle of violence, running a shelter for women and children in need. They meet for the first time in the deadlands of Siberian taiga for a brief moment before a deadly light kills all Micah's team, and severely wounding him. For Phaedra this was just a bad dream, or so it seems, after a week long of dreaming of walking through those deadlands following a white doe. Micah experienced those same dreams himself which is what made him try and find this place. He didn't expect it would cost him (and his teammates) so much. 

Blue Christmas (Lord and Lady Hetheridge #6) by Emma Jameson

I really don't know why it takes me this long to sit myself with one of Emma's mystery novels. I struggle to find the "right time" but in the end, once I start I'm immersed in the story and the pages almost turn themselves. It's been awhile since I've read this series and though there are some things I had to scratch my head a bit to remember it was great revisiting Tony and Kate (as well as Paul!). 

The previous installment ending was quite devastating. Both Tony and Kate were injured which let to them leaving London for Tony's ancestral home in Devon - Briarshaw. Truth being told, Tony had enough. He is ready to get back to work (as a PI / Consultant to the Scotland Yard) but Kate is still struggling mentally. Tony tries to be as supportive as he can while also lightly directing Kate to seek help. That's how they find themselves spending a week in London. 

Naturally them arriving in London "just for a light vacation" means someone is going to get murdered and these two are going to be swept into the center of it all. They could have said no when Paul Bahr (Kate's partner) called with the news, and yet they didn't. As they say the curiosity got the cat(s). It helps that the whole murder scene almost looked like a prank. Yet Galen Barnaby was dead, there was no doubt about that. 

Hope on the Rocks (Rainbow Cove #4) [Adam & Quinn] by Annabeth Albert

This one was extremely sweet! Really happy Annabeth decided to give us this (final?) installment. While I don't really remember having a significant thought about Adam I ADORED all previous installments so I was really excited where she's going to take this one. Adam and Quinn were perfect for each other. While the "Daddy" kink was at times a bit OTT for me, I did understand where it was coming from for Quinn as well as why it was something that appealed to Adam from his side. 

Adam Ringer works as a bartender in the Tavern he and his two other partners own. He enjoys his job but it's not the only thing he has on his plate. There's also his mother's business he helps in quite a bit as well as his sister and her kid (though they are away to Alaska till the end of summer). His days are long and exhausting so it's no wonder he has no interest in a relationship at the moment. 

Doctor Quinn Strauss has moves to Rainbow Cove not that long ago. He likes the small town and its residents and though he doesn't have a social life he still manages to fill his life with things he enjoys. Yet we start the book when he is at his lowest, sitting at the bar in front of Adam looking to get drunk and forget his sorrows. While Adam enjoys seeing this side of the more reserved Quinn he also can't let anything happen to him so when the night is over he offers his a ride home. 

Sleight of Hand (The Kings: Wild Cards #3) [Joker & Gio] by Charlie Cochet

This book is the perfect comfort read. It's sweet and endearing, with a bit of action and sass (mostly from a certain dog..). Joker and Gio have been circling around each other for a WHILE now so getting to see them finally find their HEA was fun. They know each other in a way and they sure know OF each other especially once Gio finally returns to Florida from his endless travels. Being Laz's older brother means he spends a lot of time with the Kings so it's impossible to really avoid each other, well, there's only one doing the avoiding - Joker - with Gio doing his best to lure him in.

Giovanni "Gio" Galanos knows what he wants. He wants Joker (or Sacha as he insists on calling him). There is simply something about him that appeals to Gio in a deeper level. His desire towards him has a few layers. There's the confident Gio seeing exactly the kind of guy he carves and the more vulnerable Gio looking for safe and comfort he believe he can only find in Sacha's arms. He might put up a front of the rich and capable guy, but underneath it, there is someone who is still struggling with what happened to him a year ago in a far away continent. 

Sacha “Joker” Wilder doesn't know how to keep away from Gio. Whenever he is around he just feels like he should be putting a distance though truthfully his feelings get VERY confusing when he starts to spend more time with the guy. It also doesn't help that Gio is Chip's favorite human. Chip being Joker's Belgian Malinios or not so silent partner at Four Kings Security. 

Winter (Signs of Love, #0.5) [Caspian & Eli] by Anyta Sunday

This short novella was THE sweetest thing EVER. I LOVED IT. I'm so sad it's no longer available! I really hope Anyta would bring it back!!! Caspian and Eli have been the best of friends since they were teens, living and studying in far away places makes both of them miserable and that's without admitting to themselves they wish for more than they have in this friendship. 

Best friends to lover is my absolute favorite trope so it's not wonder I'm all over this novella. Caspian has been trying to find his "guy" for the longest time, going through all the astrological signs but no one feels right. He doesn't feel comfortable with any of them especially not to proceed to something a bit more. 

Raising the Ante (The Kings: Wild Cards #2) [Frank & Joshua] by Charlie Cochet

I would have given this book a 5 stars rating but I'm still a bit salty we only got a novella of Frank and Joshua. I've been waiting for their story for SO LONG I feel deprived seeing them get their HEA so fast. Well, in a way these two were circling each other for a few years now so it's no wonder they didn't need more than a little spark to ignited a beautiful (and sexy) relationship. 

As this one is rather short I won't say much about it.. Frank Ramirez is having issues in his exclusive club "Sapphire Sand" and it more than the accidental glitter bomb exploding (I laughed SO HARD on that one!) there is also someone trying to hurt him personally so he needs two things - First is sort out the Christmas party and second have the "Four Kings Security" find the threat and deal with it. So with Ace - and Colton - being involved it's no wonder they feel like playing match makers. 

Summer's Child (Titania's Court #2) (Dis & Marten #2) by Cari Z.

This novella starts right after the ending of the previous one - The Solstice Gift (the 4th installment in Oberon's Court). Dis is on his way to the Summer Fae's lands to bring Queen Titania the gift from her husband King Oberon. With his protective wolf Ciurlen by his side and a heavy heart for leaving his lover Marten behind he sets on his journey. 

The Summer Fae and their land couldn't be more different than the Winter land he has grown up in. It's warm and sunny. Filled with laughter and celebrations. Most of the Fae are friendly and charming and though they try to convince him he should stay he always denies them. He needs to come home to Marten even if his life there is far from perfect. Titania is nothing like what Dis expected she is honorable and welcoming. So very different than anything he has come to associate with the Fae world. Yet not everything is perfect.. 

The Solstice Gift (Oberon's Court #4) (Dis & Marten #1) by Cari Z.

This short novella was SO interesting. I was glued to it and couldn't put it down but then it ended. SO abruptly. I could see the promise of a better tomorrow if only Dis would survive today which is still something no one can be sure of. 

Dis is a "Changeling" - a human stolen from the human world to become a slave in the world of the Fae. These aren't your friendly faeries, oh no, these ones are mean and cruel and their world is no different, always frozen and cold, so so cold for Dis' human body. 

Dark Around the Edges (Cambion #1-6) by Cari Z.

This book was unavailable for a while now but it was suddenly "revived" so while I was a bit worried it's going to be more on the erotica side (which I haven't been interested in reading lately) I was happily surprised this was a sweet romantic read with a lot of intriguing suspense and action. Our MCs worked great together even though they seem like total opposites (and in a way they are..) but it also what made their relationship so special. 

Devon Harper and Rio Pagani both work for Safeguard Systems. It's a security company though they also deal with discarding demons and the cult they create around them. This time Devon is after Porter Grey a very powerful demon summoner whom the company have been hunting for years. He's finally in the US and it's time to get him. When his plans don't exactly go according to plan and his cover or rather his identity as half human-half incubus is revealed he is rescued by his favorite Safeguard's employee - Rio. Once together - they stay together and do their best to track and capture Porter who seem to be one step ahead of them. 

Lies & Lullabies (Hush Note #1) [Jonas & Kira] by Sarina Bowen

When I say I got into this book blind as a bat I MEAN IT. This book was waiting on my kindle and I was swamped studying for an exam. Once it was over I delved in. Haven't read the synopsis. I knew this series is going to be about a rock band but I was mildly surprised there was a girl involved.. (I was THAT out of it hehe). Also was surprised and not in a good way to realize this is a "surprise baby" trope which to say mildly isn't my favorite but I just exhaled trusting Sarina she knows what she's doing. I REALLY enjoyed this one, it wasn't what I was expecting on any level. It was an honest and mature love story that started when both MCs weren't honest OR mature but 5 years later they are both ready to face the truth and life differently. 

When "Rock-Star" Jonas Smith needed to take a summer off he found himself visiting a small town in Maine his mother used to talk about when he was as small kid. His days were peaceful and quiet, writing music and swimming in the lake. Exactly what he had in mind. It was also where he met Kira Cassidy. He didn't want a summer fling and it's the last thing she needed as well, which is how they became friends, spending time together, getting to know each other. Kira knew almost anything there is to know about Jonas, except for who he really is and that's part of the reason why after their final night together she hasn't contacted him with the consequences.. 

The Tank (The Train #3) by Cari Z.

While this isn't my usual read Cari is! This is the third installment in what I refer to as "The Train" series, as it was the first story of Anton and Camille. Where last we left off it's clear both men wish for more than they have but it doesn't seem like a future together is something they can have at the moment. Camille's post as "a Lumiere" the Emperor's investigator takes him whenever there is trouble and Anton is all invested in his academic studies. Please be advised, if you haven't read the first two installment you MUST start at the beginning but no worries, all three are free reads though Cari's blog.

Now that Anton Seiber has finished his Master training in Thaumaturgy (magic) in the Universitate Zurich he isn't sure what to do with his life. His previous "adventure" with Camille has brought him no more trouble but the association with the man who has tried to kill him has left him with no employment offers. On the eve of his graduation he wishes for a friendly face. He has contacted both his mother and his closest friend from childhood Caroline but both haven't replied to his letters. He would have LOVED for Camille to come but he doesn't even know how to contact him. Camille seems to appear out of the blue and stay for the shortest time. Yet before the evening ends two of the three appear with a promise of adventure, one he isn't really sure about..

Burn Zone (Hotshots #1) [Linc & Jacob] by Annabeth Albert

I'm not sure if this book had a slow start or it's just me who had one stressed out 2 weeks. But for some reason it took me time to understand Linc's true reasoning for pushing the one guy he is unable to resist, no matter the promises made to a dead man. Yet once I was IN the story I was TOTALLY in. Linc's background story is heart breaking and Jacob with his fun and loving personality seems to be the best cure for Linc's default mode of burying himself in the past. There is quite a bit age difference between them (10 years) but I gotta say it never truly showed in the interaction between them. They were a match made in heaven or rather Annabeth's head yet though there is fire around them with their occupation as Smoke Jumpers this is a true slow burn. 

Lincoln Reid has known Wyatt Hartman all of his life. They have been best friends from when they were little and though Linc coming out as gay pushed their friendship to it's limits, after awhile away, when he returned, things sort of went back to how they were before. Though some (or rather few) people know about Linc's sexual orientation it's not something he talks about and even the Hartman family - one he considers his own - doesn't know. Yet one guy figures it out - Jacob - Wyatt's little brother, who comes out himself as being gay. That's when Wyatt makes it VERY clear to Linc he needs to STAY AWAY and that he does, for 6 years. But when Wyatt dies on the job he shortly takes comfort in Jacob's arms and from there, especially considering Jacob's new post on his (their) Smoke Jumpers crew, makes him totally and utterly irresistible. 

Wanted, a Gentleman by K.J. Charles

I gotta say, took me time to warm up to both Theo and Martin, maybe somehow like it took both characters to feel about each other. But once I actually SAW both men for who they are and what they are (including the unexpected reveals along the way) I was more than hooked and couldn't wait for them to finish their pursuit of a young lady to one of their own.

Theodore "Theo" Swann is the publisher of "Matrimonial Advertiser", might not be the most respectable newspaper to be a publisher of, but it pays the bills.. Also Theo is pragmatic and realistic - matrimony is a business exchange and he doesn't mind being the one to publish people's "offers" of their own. He also spends time writing romantic novels finding himself being FAR better at interesting and conniving villains than the much less appealing heroes. When Martin St. Vincent comes to his office and accuses him of his business, Theo isn't impressed or threatened but he expects to be paid for his services - honestly Martin didn't expect less of him.

Martin St. Vincent is a black man living in London, more than than he is a FREE man. He wasn't free for most of his life and his relationship with his current state lies between resentment and gratefulness. It's GREAT being free, for sure, but it also doesn't feel RIGHT to be grateful for something that shouldn't have been taken from him in the first place as well as something other men and women aren't offered. That also makes his current mission from his previous owner a bit muddled. It seems the reckless daughter of said owner has gone missing with a man she has found through the pages of Theo's newspaper and so he came to ask his help in finding the couple before the young girl makes a decision she can't go back from and find herself in who knows what awful future.

The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter (Lilywhite Boys #0.5) [Christiana & Stan] by K.J Charles

This was SUCH a sweet novella. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't what I've got hehe Christiana and Stan are an ENDEARING couple. So gentle and sweet. I could imagine them walking the streets holding hands having a quiet conversation like nothing around them really matters. They had each other and they were happy the way they are.

Yet that's not how we start.. Miss Christiana found herself in a REALLY bad situation being "owned" by Kammy Grizzard who took her debt and made it his own, or rather, made her HIS own expecting her to pay up through working for him - "entertaining" rich men and stealing from them. It's not something she could EVER imagine herself doing no matter the cost and now that Kammy's men are in her dressing room she feels it's all over.. She is more than surprised when two men appear on the doorstep telling Kammy they are paying her debt for her and after Kammy has left, tell her she is basically off the hook and have her life back and she can take it as a birthday present of whatever.. The only thing they suggest is saying her thanks (and nothing more!) to their friend Stan.

Cuddly Behavior (Bad Behavior #6) by Cari Z. & L.A. Witt

I'll start by saying I'm NOT a fan of cats. AT ALL. Though I did thought at a certain point I'll have a Maine Coon (probably at least partly the breed of Mark's cat). What I AM a fan of? Andreas and Darren. ~sigh~ After everything these two have gone through together seeing them in such a domestic relationship was simply heart warming. When the big decisions in life is where to order takeout from or if to fall asleep on the couch with the cat on you or keep on working on your paperwork. I couldn't have asked for more from these two so adding the cat into the mix (even with my general dislike of the spices) was still cute and fun.

While reading this novella without reading the previous installment of Mark and Ryan IS possible I think it's a silly idea considering who GREAT it was. So I'm asking you here - don't make short cuts! But generally speaking all you probably need to know is after Mark is injured on the job he could have Harley (his cat) in the house with him while recovering considering her disregard to him having stitches all over his stomach. Darren who have been feeding her while Mark was in the hospital suggested he and Andreas take her for a week or two till Mark gets better.

An Unsuitable Heir (Sins of the Cities, #3) [Mark & Pen] by K.J. Charles

It's not easy to gather my thoughts about this book because it's not only the end of this book, it's the end of the series as well, and I'm mourning the loss of Justin and Nathaniel from my life and yeah I know this book was about Pen and Mark but I'm still not over it and I'm glad we got more of these two in the current novel. With all my misgivings along the way (mostly in the first novel, and a bit in this one) it's an AWESOME series and I HIGHLY recommend it start to finish. It has three beautiful romance stories each unique in it's own way as well as a mystery that keeps everyone on their toes (hoping not to lose some..).

I really enjoyed this novel though I was a bit frustrated with Pen. I could understand his position and yet I had a hard time accepting his, let's call it selfishness. He might REALLY want to live his own life the way he wants and these are hard times to try and be transsexual, yet when there are people tortured and killed around you, think again if it's "none of your business" and you would rather sit in your beautiful tight cloths, skirt, long hair spread around your back wearing kohl.. Being an Earl is literally his worst nightmare I get it but I think it took him long enough to realize - (A) Mark literally had no other choice (and it's no spoiler as it this particular scene was portrayed in detail in the previous installment as well. (B) There are enough people on the line, people's LIVES on the line, for him to at least try and work with Mark and Nathaniel and see where this thing could be going.

Sergeant Delicious by Annabeth Albert

Sweet novella. I would have loved getting a full novel of these two. The idea behind it was really cool. Food writer Damien publishes an ad looking for someone to share a special (and free) meal with him on Valentine's Day with no strings attached. Soon to be ex-marine Xavier jumps on the offer to have "plans" so none of his family or friends be even tempted to hook him up..

After the first email Damien explains he got the exclusive invite to this restaurant and besides wanting to taste the food he wants to write a review about it, but coming alone on Valentine's might look a bit suspicious so he was looking for someone to share the food with and like Xavier he didn't feel like taking someone his friends set him up with..

After sharing quite a few emails, both men are excited to meet the other. Their coffee meet before Valentine's feels almost like meeting an actual friend and though they haven't talked about what's going to happen after, they both want more than dinner and even more than just friendship.

Fight for This (For This #1) [Grey & Si] by Suki Fleet

WOW, there was A LOT going on in this one, especially nearing the end where the action and doomsday feel was all over the place. I gotta say I really liked it and can't wait for the next installment. The world building was pretty easy to ease into with more and more information sprinkled in especially when not everything that was going on was clear even to our MCs. Later on, nearing the end, we got more in a bigger chunk I'll guess will be better explained in the next one.

Grey Matthews and Simon Peveril work at the same school. Grey is a teacher and the much younger Simon (or Si as most call him) is a teaching assistant. There is something different not only about their school and how guarded it is, but also about it's inhabitants. Teachers, staff and kids are not exactly what they seem. To outsiders for sure but also to one another. It's actually unclear how many of them have the gift of magic when Headmaster Greene - a High Elf - keeps all these details to himself.

Si is a Fairy, or part Fairy at least. He has magical abilities but his aura and power is pretty messed up. Basically it NEVER does what he wants or expects it to do but it's not like he has many opportunities to actually use his power.. Grey on the other hand is considered "Nomic", meaning a non-magical entity. He can channel A LOT of power from the earth around him but he himself has no magic of his own, putting him lower on the "magical food chain". Not that it matters to him.. He would rather not use his power for a different reason.. The one time he abused it he found himself in jail - he got his lesson for sure.

Tender with a Twist (Rainbow Cove #2) [Curtis & Logan] by Annabeth Albert

This book was special. It's not my go-to read, and I had my issues with it because I wasn't sure Logan's need to dominate "worked" for me, but in the end, it didn't really matter, because a relationship isn't built solely on the sexual interaction. Sure, it's important but it's not everything. Curtis and Logan, on the outside, seem total opposite yet somehow they each brought into the other's life exactly what they needed. Not because they were perfect, no, it was their imperfection and their need to be there for the other even when their future didn't feel like possible. So even if you're not into kink (pain\bondage) there is SO MUCH more to this story and I ask you to give it a go.

We've already met both Curtis and Logan in the previous installment. Logan Rosner is one of the three owners of the new tavern in Rainbow Cove. Logan had a comfortable life in Portland, but he wanted something different. He wanted freedom, a place to express the person he really is, and not the one people expect him to be. Being the Chef of the tavern, getting to make and decide on the menu makes him happy like nothing in the past did. Yeah they might be struggling but he hopes and believes they can overcome it. This town has totally captured his heart and he doesn't want just the tavern to succeed he wants the town itself to do better as well.

The few times Curtis Hunt came to the tavern with his long time friend Nash (the MC in the previous installment) he was his usual self - grumpy. He has changed the last two years after losing the love of his life. He had it all, a partner he adored, a future together, true happiness. But he lost it all and now, besides his work as a chainsaw wood carver, nothing truly brings him joy, including the shy kid who makes THE best vegan food (even though he won't admit that to ANYONE).