A Monstrous Light by Cari Z.

I liked the idea behind this novella. I wonder if at a different time I would have felt differently about it. Reading it left me feeling.. sad. I'm not even sure what I feel about the ending as I'm not entirely sure what it means for Beniel and Korran. 

The story is told from Beniel Tallance's POV. He has lost his lover in - a monstrous light - a few months ago in the battle of a lifetime. Korran was gone and yet, and yet he didn't really. He became something else. Something Beniel isn't sure how he's going to find and when he does what he's going to do in order to have him back in his arms. 

This novella is his journey, through unfriendly towns and scary roads to the end of the universe where they fought. Writing these words saddens me. Beniel doesn't have anyone besides his lover. Their relationship was even more complicated with Korran being a prince and Beniel his "Indulgence", let's call him his valet, since a young age. Now after the war is over, the old ruler (Korran's father) dethroned, his brother Ormyr is the ruler and things aren't exactly working in his favor. He needs Beniel's help and he is offering the one thing that matters to him. Beniel accepts.

Spirited (Treasured #4) [Jack & Garrick] by Cari Z.

My thoughts are a bit jumbled. I liked this one but I can't say I loved it. It was action packed which was great, moving the plot and allowing the two MCs to work together and through that work their own issues with one another. The magical part was pretty cool! Each on his own as well as when they finally joined forces near the end.  

Detective Jack Haney is working a case and he isn't getting closer to solving it. There's a new drug on the market and since there's magic involved, it's almost impossible to track. That's where Garrick O'Connel - his former partner and lover comes in. They are assigned together AGAIN to try and catch the sorcerer who is making and distributing the drug. 

Mr Fairfax, Mr West and the Meet Cute (Love, Austen #0.5) [Josh & West] by Anyta Sunday

I loved this series and this short novella (though not based on a Jane Austen novel) was a fun way of getting a bit more. For anyone who hasn't read the series it's also a wonderful introduction to one of my absolute favorite series of all times. 

Josh Fairfax is going to a Jane Austen retreat. He isn't thrilled his ex (Cassius) is going to be there and when he sees him with his new boyfriend he is even more annoyed. Cassius is like a mirror of everything Josh isn't and couldn't be - fun and / or interesting (beyond his academic knowledge). When his friend Noah (the MC from the last installment) sends him a photo of a guy just when they arrive at their destination he somehow shows him off as his new boyfriend, not realizing Noah got the photo from the retreat's photo albums - meaning - Mr. West is one of the hosts for this whole week. Yet while our innocent Josh stumbles through his first meeting with West Churchill, West turns to be a total "rake", enjoying the whole idea of having a bit of unexpected fun. 

Cold Light of Day (TIN, #1.5) [Wolf & Sean] by Charlie Cochet

What a PLEASURE this short novella was! I can't believe I have to wait MORE not only for the next installment but the one after where we get Wolf and Sean's FULL story. ~sigh~ Surprising enough I think this book could be read as a stand alone, maybe it's going to be a way to get into the series, well, at least TIN. 

We've met Wolf - aka Alfie Colbourn (Hudson's brother) enough times in the past. He tortured Dex and though he hasn't exactly redeemed himself he also helped his brother (and others) since then. He used to be a TIN operative before his last mission - 16 years ago - in which he and his best friend and partner were betrayed by one of their own resulting in Tucker's death. Since then he has been a free lance and he is VERY good at his job.

After losing Tucker (real name Benji) he promises his younger brother - Sean - if he ever needed any help to contact him. They hadn't really stayed in touch and Sean doesn't know what his brother TRULY did for a living but there is still a connection between the two. Occasionally Sean would call Wolf and speak with him. Remembering his brother through him.

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.

Perfect Score (Easton U Pirates #3) [Morgan & Elliot] by Christina Lee

While usually I'm a HUGE fan of Christina, a definite auto-buy / auto-read, this one didn't work for me. I don't know exactly why. I thought maybe it was them being rather young (this IS New Adult), but I think it's mostly the way they circled each other didn't get me excited, rather frustrated by their redundant thoughts, trying to justify every little step they made outside of their friendship as "not a big deal" while it CLEARLY was for both of them. 

Elliot and Morgan have been best friends for years. They love each other dearly and couldn't see themselves living without one another (which is another justification for NEVER changing their bestfriends dynamics). Morgan has a certain disability. I like the way Christina finds unique yet genuine characters, flawed like we all are, even if we don't share exactly what the MCs are dealing with. For Morgan, this is who he is but he IS frustrated people - guys - think less of him or are not interested in him (sexually) due to his disability. Another reason to love Elliot who sees FAR past Morgan's daily difficulties. 

Super Hot Wingman (The Best Men Prelude) by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely

This was a great prelude to the romance between Mark and Asher. I really like this teaser idea! Getting to know a little bit about both MCs (from their own POVs) as well as the general setting was fun. 

Mark Banks isn't thrilled when his sister meets Flip and falls head over heels with him in a matter of weeks, moving in with him and now engaged to be married. 

Mark is TOO familiar with hasty decisions and their consequences and he doesn't wish those on his sister. Especially considering her previous disastrous relationships... 

Must Be Santa (Better Not Pout, #1.5) by Annabeth Albert

A sweet Christmas treat. A bit like the full novel - "Better Not Pout"- was for me (even if I don't celebrate this holiday). Nick Nowicki and Teddy MacNally are a formed couple now. Happily married living their best life. When Teddy catches Nick looking at their spare bedroom saying "Maybe", things starts to change. From thinking about extending their family, to actually doing something about it. 

The possibility presents itself sooner than they expected and not exactly AS they expected it to be but it's here and they are needed so even with Nick's reluctance (mostly worries) they jump right into it.

Dauntless (Luckless, #2) by Cari Z.

I've got say this wasn't my favorite.  In general it felt like an interlude and not a whole story even if in a way we got what I was missing in the previous one "Luckless" (also novella length) - seeing Evan and Lee / Ladon as a formed couple and how they manage life in Forge together with Lee's son Jason. 

In the previous installment we've met Evan Luck, or as he was referred to - Luckless - for losing his dragon. The same dragon his father and grandfather rode. When he came to Forge it was expected he would find a dragon to bond with, but until that happened, he was basically shunned. When he met Lee Caldwell he didn't know half of it.. 

Dr. Bones and the Lost Love Letter (Dr Benjamin Bones Mysteries #2.6) by Emma Jameson

I've got to say, now that Ben and Juliet actually have some sort of a relationship (even if a hidden one) I like their interaction even better. It's the comfortable companionship without all those insecurities and speculations from both sides. This time these two have a "mild mystery" to uncover though the story it mostly about the people of Birdswing and the connections Ben has made since he arrived at the village. It was actually nice to see how much he is becoming a part of the community even if there are some things he still struggles with - like their beliefs in the supernatural. Even if the less harmful kind.

When a lost love letter comes to Ben's possession he is asked to find the couple, or at least start with the guy who wrote it. While they start with quite a solid idea who to turn to, what they uncover there is not what they expected but it does help them uncover a bit more. In the end the story does offer a sort of a happy ending as well as a one to be uncovered (in the coming books - as per Emma's promise at the very end). It's not exactly what you'd expect though I did guess a little bit (even if not enough). 

Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish (Dr Benjamin Bones Mysteries #2.5) by Emma Jameson

This should have been the 2nd installments' epilogue! FINALLY we get something resembling romance in this series! Also after everything that happened there (hint hint as to NOT read this one before reading the two full length novels) seeing Ben and Juliet rekindle their relationship and even aspire to more was the sweet promise I needed when I finished the (previous) book. 

This one had a very different vibe then the previous two. It's not a mystery, as Emma puts it, this is about PEOPLE. It started with a very magical second hand shop where both Ben and his nosy neighbor find what they were searching for, even if Ben isn't a believer in Christmas. Turns out the 'pass it forward' that starts that day (rather night) continues on to a few more people in the small Cornish village of Birdswing.

Winter's Knight (L'Ange #3.5) [Tucker & Keir] by Mary Calmes

I've read this series almost exactly 3 years ago (in June 2018). I ADORED the first 3 installments but frankly I remember very few details about the series itself. It's been a LONG time and as I read quite a lot (not exactly this year but the 2 before for sure) I got into this one expecting to enjoy it mostly as it is. Yet the last few books I've read by Mary led me to realize while I've read most of her published work, I've drifted apart from her writing. These days I need something different so it's no wonder this book or rather, novella, was just an okay read for me. 

We've met Tucker Flynn in the previous installments though I don't actually remember the details of what brought him to be severely wounded and stuck in L'Ange where he feels nobody likes him. Well, he barely likes himself so it's no wonder he is so insecure. Living in the cabin in the woods is preferable. But something strange is happening, animals are migrating, running away. From what/who? Since no-one believes him, he goes to check it out on himself. 

Salem's Wish by Charlie Cochet

This novella was simply ADORABLE and SO funny! I don't even know what took me so long to get into it! It was originally published in the "Heart2Heart Vol. 4" Anthology - which is no longer available - lucky for us Charlie has made it a free read through Prolific Works (link bellow). While this is quite short the connection, affection as well as love between Salem and Izzie was obvious in everything they did and said to one another they just needed a reason, a push, or maybe just a hopeful wish..

Salem Havercroft is the younger member of the  most powerful mage family in Florida. Though he is clearly loved by all his family members he can't shake the feeling they basically pity him for being so, well, unlike them, you could say powerless. Well he DOES have one magical power - if you've read the synopsis you might guess (if not, read it and ROFL!) but he can't see how this silly ability can help him in any shape of form... 

Izzie is a dog shifter, his brother's best friend as well as one of his father's trusted bodyguards. All of which make him the LAST one to lust over and from Izzie's POV also a VERY bad idea. But it's obvious they feel for one another and hope for something more especially today, on their way to one of Salem's family reunions. 

Better For You (Harrison Campus #3.5) [Charlie & Evan] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

Like the previous ones, this was a sweet heartfelt story of two guys coming from very different backgrounds yet having so much in common. Both being shy and a bit insecure not being sure the other was interested but when the two of them were left all along in the dorms on Christmas break it was just the time for finding courage to go after what they wanted. 

The story is told from both guys so it's easy to see how much this new relationship was affecting them. Evan Tergen might be very wealthy but it's exactly why he feels insecure about guys, thinking they are just into his family's wealth. It doesn't help that people perceive him as being stupid because of his learning disabilities. Charlie O’Leary is on a scholarship, while he was interested in Evan before he thought someone like him would never even look at someone from such a different background as well as a geek (and not sporty like Evan). 

The Labours of Lord Perry Cavendish (Winterbourne #4) [Perry & Jonny ] by Joanna Chambers

What a wonderful story! My only two complaints would be Perry not being a real life person and me not being able to have him for myself! It was so obvious what Jonny saw in him as well as why he and Lysander (and Adam) loved him so much. He doesn't see himself for the wonderful human being that he is. As he himself says - "Sometimes people don't see what you are. They only see what you're not". This fault tend to turn against us when we start seeing the faults certain people see in us and not our true potential or more basically who we are at heart. 

Lord Peregrine "Perry" Cavendish had enough time of drinking and waking up hung over. That's why he travels to his friends estate. Failing to announce his visit he come when his best friend Lysander Winterbourne is too busy with harvest to entertain him and his partner Adam Freeman is away on a business trip. Having time for himself allows him to travel the grounds and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. When Adam finally returns he has his dearest friend Jonathan "Jonny" Mainwaring with him. 

The First Snow of Winter (Winterbourne #3) [Sam & Jasper] by Joanna Chambers

This novella was SO amazingly tender and sweet! I didn't want it to end and I truly wish this was a full length novel as I would have LOVED seeing these two become a real couple, exposing their weaknesses, their hearts. 

Sam Alderton and Jasper Huxley have known each other most of their lives. As their mothers have been best friends since an early age as well. When Jasper was 17 and Sam 20 they shared a kiss neither of them forgot but thinking about seeing each other again 5 years later makes Sam weary. Weary of his reaction back then and insecure in himself after losing his left arm in battle. 

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. 

Cancer Sweetens Aquarius (Signs of Love #5.5) [Reid & Sullivan] by Anyta Sunday

This is short, TOO DAMN SHORT. Reid and Sullivan are one of my absolute favorite couples in this series. Their book was HILLARIOUS but it was also heartfelt and beautiful. I don't know what took me so long to get to this short novella - or rather scene. But after 2 (!) disappointments today I was more than ready to get a compensation. 

When Joanna (Sullivan's daughter) is unhappy after her boyfriend and his family leave the marina they are stationed on both men would do ANYTHING to make her happy. Which means Reid is all for everything sugary - Sullivan not so much. Which is what makes Reid bust out her Christmas present.