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review

Make Me Stay: A Hurt/Comfort Small Town MM Roommates Romance (Safe Harbor Book 2) by Annabeth Albert: New Release Review

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Roommate Not Wanted

I’m a forty-year-old homeowner and former detective. My friends think a roommate is the solution to my recent funk, but I know that’s the last thing I need.

And even if they’re right, sharing my home with Cal is a bad idea. The prickly SEAL rescue diver has muscles for miles, haunted eyes, a wounded soul, and wandering feet that won’t be happy for long in Safe Harbor. Yet those fathoms-deep blue eyes have me making an offer I’ll surely regret.

Our arrangement may be doomed, but Cal is an amazing roommate. We’re soon cooking my mom’s favorite recipes, watching terrible TV, accidentally cuddling, and trying not to cross the line from friendship to fling.
Until I discover Cal’s sexy secret.

Boundaries blur, and I forget I’m not supposed to fall for Cal. Every kiss, touch, and discovery we make together pulls us deeper until there’s no denying our feelings.

I want nothing more than to keep Cal in town, in my bed, and in my heart, but Cal seems destined to swim back to his solo ways.

Can I bear to let him go, or will our love make him stay forever?

MAKE ME STAY is a hurt/comfort roommates-to-lovers MM romance. It features two mature, wounded heroes, disability rep, a proud pansexual, a SEAL having a demisexual awakening, and sexy discoveries involving rope. Deep feels, dual point-of-view, and big fluffy HEA guaranteed.

MAKE ME STAY is book two in the Safe Harbor series from acclaimed author Annabeth Albert. This small historic Oregon town has a tight friend group, memorable secondary characters, quirky businesses, and long-held secrets. Each book stands alone with a fresh couple, but the background mystery of the town’s secrets ties the series together, making reading in order more fun!

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Holden caught my interest in book one of this series, so I was very happy to see he got book 2 and I didn’t have to wait to hear his story. We get the whole story of why he is in a wheelchair and how much he hates his friends- or anyone really- making concessions for him. Which is really him not completely accepting his fate. Because why wouldn’t his friends put a ramp in or choose an accessible place for them to meet? And the way he covers his pain by being the class clown, always having a joke ready.

Cal is basically Holden’s complete opposite. A total loner, works alone, travels alone, lives in his RV alone. Doesn’t smile, laugh or joke. Carrying over from book 1 is a murder mystery that Cal is there to help with. He is a recovery diver and ready to go deep into the lake to see if he can find anything. The murky water conceals sharp objects and he rips open his dry suit, shoulder and neck. Which brings him together with Holden. The guy he already decided he didn’t like just because he didn’t think diving alone was safe.

The men get throw together sort of, Holden offering a place to stay and Cal begrudgingly accepting it, and really fall into a routine together. It’s super cute how domestic they become so quickly, even with Cal being a giant grump.

We do get the answer as to why he is the way he is and it’s heartbreaking. But he also can’t ignore Holden and the pull he has on him.

I love how Holden’s friends are so nosy about what is going one between him and Cal. Like, guys, you are not subtle. At all. Cracks me up.

I love that Holden and Cal take is slowly. That building heat just SMOLDERS. They have great chemistry together.

We got another great couple, another piece to the mystery and a set up of the next couple. And I have a feeling that the next 2 guys are going to bring all the angst.

4 pieces of eye candy

Baxter’s Right-Hand Man: MM Romance/Secret Boyfriends (The Baxter Chronicles Book 2) by Lane Hayes: New Release Review

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The movie star meets his match…

Pierce

Welcome to Hollywood, baby! Perhaps you’ve heard of me. I play Baxter, the adventure-seeking, crime-fighting hero, adored by fans around the world. Nice gig, right? My job has its perks for sure—private jets, a chauffeur, and the best tables at the fanciest restaurants in town. It’s nuts!

Downside—it’s hard to know who you can trust.

But I trust Lorenzo. He’s funny, sweet, and very real.

Look, I’m not in the market for anything serious. Between my greedy brother and the old man who claims we’re related, I’m a little wary, but I could use a friend.

And a sexy distraction.

Lorenzo

What is happening here? Major movie star, Pierce Allen wants me.

Me!

I don’t get it. I’m too fabulous and he’s too famous.

No, wait. He wants something from me, like my help and maybe my body. This should be a no-brainer. However, closing the last chapter on a long-term relationship has left me feeling a little fragile, and the last thing I need is to risk another broken heart.

But I’m too intrigued to walk away. I can play the part of Pierce’s “right-hand man” and keep things light and friendly. No problem.

I’m way too smart to fall for a movie star.

I hope.

Baxter’s Right-Hand Man is a MM, bisexual romance featuring a sexy, slightly egotistical movie star and the adorable diva who brings him back to reality.

Full disclosure, I did not read book 1. And while you definitely don’t need to, you know I’m gonna!

Baxter is a character, much like James Bond. But American. So that’s kind of fun. It sounds like that is all Pierce is really known for, but that’s ok.

Lorenzo is a manager at a boutique furniture and accessory store. That leads he and Pierce to meet when Lorenzo (Lo moving forward) makes a regular delivery to one of his favorite customers, an older fabulously gay gentleman named Mr Gowan who may or may not be related to Pierce.

The meeting was orchestrated to clean up Pierce’s image in the press. With a fake girlfriend on his arm, but a cater waiter in his bed, the studio isn’t pleased. Although I kind of love that it isn’t that he is bi. It’s that they want to promote the fake girlfriend as an actress as well.

And it’s Mr. Gowan that makes this story unique to me. Pierce is a bit desperate to find a relation that isn’t his father or brother, but he will never admit it. And Lo is fiercely protective of Mr. Gowan as a long time client who doesn’t have a ton of time left.

Pierce absolutely started off pretty despicable. Kind of the way you usually read about movie stars being. All about him on the outside, who cares what anyone thinks. I slowly warmed up to him through the book as his feelings for Lo blossom and more of the truth about how he is related to Mr. Gowan come to light.

Lo is likable from the start. Still sort of recovering from a big break up two years ago, he has a job he loves and great friends. And he does treasure his time with Mr. Gowan. Who, while amazing, doesn’t share a lot of his life stories until it is almost too late.

I also really loved how the setting of LA really framed the story. So often it’s celebrities in big glass beach houses or they are on set or off in another country filming. But Mr. Gowan’s house, Lo’s store, etc, really show something that we don’t always see. The regular guy does ok for himself. He isn’t living in some studio apartment with no air conditioning while working 17 jobs. He really doesn’t want to be an actor or work in the film business. And he is just fine working for someone, not necessarily being the boss and owner.

I really did enjoy this story that made me laugh and cry. It wasn’t the same old scene.

And I really REALLY want Mr. Gowan’s story. When he was Jasper in the 60’s. The little bit we got was fascinating to me.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Head Over Feels: A Bent Oak, Texas Novel by Bix Barrow: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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.                                     .

Well, this puts the “ex” in “explosive”…

Felix: What would happen if everyone you’d ever dated got together and plotted against you?

For me, it’s glitter bombs. Lots and lots of glitter bombs.

Okay, maybe I deserved the first one or two. Or three. But when things become less glitter and more grenade, I’m forced into hiding with the smokin’ hot older client I just had a sizzling one-night stand with.

Malcolm’s gruff exterior hides a marshmallow center (who else would hire a pet massage therapist for their elderly cat?) — but until the bomber is behind bars, neither of us are safe.

And no one would risk their life for a disaster like me…right?

Malcolm: I wasn’t under any illusions the night I ended up in Felix’s bed. He’s just my type — smart, funny, and adorable with just the right amount of meat on his bones.

But a guy like that deserves more than a grouchy forty-something ex-FBI agent with a broken body and a screwed-up brain. So, I knew we were only ever in this for one night.

Except now with his dating history blowing up in his face, Felix is turning to me for help.

And I’m pretty sure my feelings can’t be defused.

Head Over Feels is a low-angst MM contemporary romance. Come for the grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity (but there are two beds, sorry), hurt/comfort, and found family. Stay for the 1985 Buick Riviera convertible, dreams coming true, personal growth, game nights, and an online date gone very, very, wrong. HEA guaranteed!

Head Over Feels is part of the Bent Oak, Texas series. It can be read as a standalone but will be more enjoyable if you’ve read Heart Me Up first. Characters from Holding On to a Hero have significant roles as well, in case you want the complete backstory.

Title: Head Over Feels

Author Name: Bix Barrow

Series Title: Bent Oak, Texas

Release Date: Friday, June 23 2023

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Holding On to a Hero

Heart Me Up

(from Felix’s POV)

“So,” Jaime remarked as he forked up some of his osso buco, “Tell me your professional aspirations. Surely you aren’t planning on working in a call center forever.”

The way he phrased the comment rubbed me a little the wrong way, but I brushed the concern aside. He’d brought up something I was excited to share with him.

“I’m actually planning to go into business for myself,” I told him. He gazed at me with rapt attention while he sipped his wine. It was heady, let me tell you, to have someone that good-looking focused on me.

“I recently got my certification to be a pet massage therapist.”

Jaime went still, his wine glass midair. “I’m sorry, a what?”

“A pet massage therapist,” I repeated enthusiastically. “Animals get arthritis or other mobility issues, same as humans. Massage can help them walk more easily and reduce pain. I completed a certification course and in a few months I’ll be doing pet massage full time.”

While I’d expounded on my favorite topic, Jaime had slowly lowered his wine glass to the table. I’d been so energized by what I was saying, I’d finished speaking before I noticed his expression was… not encouraging.

Jaime’s eyebrows—which I now noticed had been waxed—scrunched together. “This is a career you are set on?”

Hadn’t I just said that? “Yes. I’d originally planned to be a Veterinary Technician, but I did some shadowing in a vet’s office and, well… it wasn’t for me. Doc Pinkerton, the vet there, suggested I try pet massage therapy instead. I love it.”

Jaime frowned and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Felix. It didn’t occur to me to ask about this when we were chatting online. I’ve enjoyed our dinner very much up to now.”

My mouth dropped open. He. Was. Not. And yet, he was. “But I cannot date someone with such an…” He waved a hand as if searching for the right word. “Unambitious career. I’d be the laughingstock of my friends and business associates.”

I sat there, staring in shock. I could feel the blood draining from my face. Jaime would be embarrassed by my being a pet massage therapist? My dream job?

Cal’s voice rang through my head, reminding me how vulnerable my former dates had made themselves by sharing their unusual pastimes.

Jaime interrupted my awful epiphany. “I’d still be down to fuck after dinner though.”

Who the heck did this guy think he was?

I sputtered, trying to form the words to tell him to go screw himself, when Jaime glanced past me toward the restaurant’s entrance.

He froze. His eyes went wide and his face went Oh shit. “Quick,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “You are my work colleague, an architect. Just play along.”

Oh, hell to the no. On top of everything else, he was cheating? My dream career was embarrassing to a cheater?

I considered throwing my drink on him, but I didn’t have much left. In the spirit of getting something, however small, out of this debacle, I drained my wine glass. Then I set my napkin next to my plate and pushed back from the table. I’d wallow in my anger later. Right now I needed to exit, pronto.

“Sorry, Jaime, I’m not helping you. You’re an ass.”

Jaime barely had time to look confused before a harsh voice boomed out, “What the fuck is this?”

Dang it, too late.

I couldn’t avoid looking at the man stomping toward us. He was in his mid-thirties, dark-haired, tall, and rangy like a runner. And—scowly glare notwithstanding—very attractive. Huh, Jaime must be one of those rare people who didn’t have a physical type. I mean, my face was okay, but….

What the heck was I doing? It was past time to leave.

Jaime’s boyfriend—hopefully just a boyfriend; I didn’t see a ring—was followed by two other men, another tall dark-haired guy and a shorter blond guy. The boyfriend’s entire body was taut with rage, and his friends’ expressions were grim. Any of them could probably kick my ass. Crap.

Jaime put out a placating hand toward his boyfriend. “Listen, babe,” he started.

“You said you had to work late. You said you’d be ordering dinner in with your team. He is not your team.” He pointed at me but stared daggers at Jaime.

Jaime’s expression said he was pretty sure he’d be able to talk his way out of the situation. I was pretty sure he was wrong.

Felix, get out.

I stood up, pushing the chair back with my legs. “I thought he was single, I swear,” I muttered, keeping my head down. Hopefully I’d be allowed to leave without getting punched first.

I stepped away from the table to make my getaway, but in my haste I caught my shoe on a chair leg, causing me to stumble right into Jaime’s boyfriend.

“Oof! I’m so sorry!” I cried as I thudded into his chest. He didn’t look like he lifted weights or anything, but it was like I’d hit a wall; he didn’t even step back. Did I mention I’m not the skinniest guy around? The boyfriend didn’t look at me, just put his hands on my biceps and pushed me upright. I sidled away as quickly and inconspicuously as possible. Thankfully the blond guy took my elbow and pointed me toward the exit. I managed to nod my thanks and hightail it out of the restaurant.

Cole owed me so hard for this.

I yanked my phone from my pocket as I power-walked through the parking lot. Should I call or text him? Yelling would be pretty satisfying right now, I decided.

This is a new series to me, as well as a new to me author. It mentioned that it was stand-alone, but the beginning was a bit hard to follow, so I’m thinking it would be easier to read the first two books.

Malcolm and Felix are quite sweet together, and I enjoyed how the author was able to integrate the mystery and the romance to their relationship. Felix was a pet massage therapist (who knew that was a thing?) with some serious dating disasters. Meanwhile Malcom was a grump, but also very protective.

While there was a lot of action, suspense, mystery, there was also a lot of funny parts. With great secondary characters that came from the previous books. If you like grumpy/sunshine, with a side of forced proximity, then give this one a shot.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

When Bix Barrow got an idea for her first book, it ended up turning into her second — and thus the first two stories in the Bent Oak, Texas series emerged. An aspiring author for most of her life, it took a foray into the MM romance genre to spark the steamy scenes and blazing banter Bix now weaves into her novels. Accompanying her on her writing exploits are her two dogs and multitude of cats (seven at last count). An avid traveler, Bix has started to view her expeditions as interviews for her future home. Born and raised in Texas, she is eager to move somewhere with fewer politicians, hurricanes and flooding. Connect with Bix at www.bixbarrow.com

Author Website: https://www.bixbarrow.com/

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/bixbarrow

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/bixbarrow

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bixbarrow/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21740152.Bix_Barrow

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/bix-barrow/

Author Amazon: https://amzn.to/44EKaiX
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Contractually Yours: A Hot Bite story by Sarah Honey: New Release Review

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FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE SARAH HONEY

A Hot Bite story

Nate just signed up to take a werewolf lover. Hottest. Summer. Ever.

The Shiftercorp Companion Program— where willing humans can sign up to offer their services as a werewolf ‘ companion’ for the summer, and be generously compensated for their time and services.

Perth local Nathan Watson is young, single and loves sex, so it makes sense to apply to spend his summer as a shifter’ s lover. He’ s thrilled when he’ s accepted by Shiftercorp, but when the werewolf he chose as his partner is no longer available, a mysterious stranger steps up to claim his contract.

Nate is cautious, but agrees to at least meet the wolf in question— and when he does? Sign him up. Cooper Hudson is drop-dead gorgeous, compelling and irresistible, and Nate can’ t keep his hands off him. His only concern is that Cooper’ s obviously hiding something about who he is and what he does. Still, Nate’ s almost certain Cooper isn’ t an underworld boss.

Well, sixty-percent certain.

When Cooper Hudson saw Nate’ s profile, he wanted him. And while it probably wasn’ t strictly ethical to use his position to claim Nate as his companion, Cooper’ s looking forward to flying to Western Australia and spending time with this gorgeous boy. He expects a pleasant summer fling— no more, no less.

Then he meets Nate, and the chemistry between them is scorching. Cooper falls hard— and recognises Nate as his true mate. Now he just has to figure out how to tell him. Oh, and there’ s the small matter of what, exactly, Cooper does for a living.

But he’s sure it’ ll be fine.

Probably.

Amazon – All Regions

Pride Publishing

Load this one up on your Kindle for a summer day at the beach!

Kind of paranormal-ish in that there are werewolves and they are out of the proverbial closet living amongst humans. And there’s a company that is kind of like a pay to play dating site where humans offer themselves up as companions to be bid on. And it pays very well.

Nate is a regular guy wanting to make some cash having sex with a werewolf instead of working in the hot summer sun. Cooper sees his profile and has to have him. But Nate doesn’t know that Cooper pulled a couple of strings AND is the owner of the company.

Their first meeting is electric and it doesn’t stop. After not even two days Cooper realizes that Nate is his mate. Nate feels the pull too but doesn’t think it’s possible.

So yes, pretty much insta-love with the whole mate thing. And they had some seriously hot sex. They had some time outs to do fun things. Like eat. HA! And swim, sight see, etc.

My only real complaints were WAY too much use of “Baby” as an endearment. Gag. And I would have loved to read the background story of how werewolves were discovered and how they integrated with people. And their shifting. Cooper shifts but it isn’t a full shift. Is that by design in the book? Or a genetic mutation thing? I always have questions.

But yes, for a short book, it told a decent story with no angst. Read it in an afternoon while sipping a cold drink.

4 pieces of eye candy

Kicking it with the Best Man (Out and Kickin’ Book 1) by Riley Long: New Release Review

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I’ve been out and proud for years, happily living my truth. Never did I imagine I would be asked to step back into the closet.

Until that night at the club.

After one too many cocktails, I ended up in a bathroom stall enjoying a hot and steamy tryst with a super sexy guy named Nate. We exchanged numbers and indulged in some spicy sexting.

But when I asked him to meet up again, he ghosted me.

I tried distracting myself by acting as a friend’s plus one to a wedding. Who do I see standing next to the groom, looking like a snack? Nate. He claims no one knows he’s gay and asks me to be discreet. Still, my years of hiding are behind me. Can I help him find the strength to come out to his family and friends? Or will his reservations be too big an obstacle to overcome?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Fun and low angst. A little silly, a lot sexy. Good beach read overall.

One character is out and proud but getting over a break up. The other is closeted and scared to come out. But they have an encounter at a bar and then actually text each other for a while without meeting up. Closeted guy panics and ends whatever it is.

Till they meet again unexpectedly and after a little stumbling it’s all happy roses and sunshine.

Like I said. It’s cute. A little far fetched, but cute. Perfect no thinker for a beach day

3 pieces of eye candy

He’s The One (Fate We Make Book 1) by Barbara Elsborg: New Release Review

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Col’s world is falling apart. His relationship has been exposed as a sham, he’s lost his home, and been fired from his job as a stonemason. Who says bad luck doesn’t come in threes? With no option but to move back in with his parents, and with his efforts to find a new job hitting a brick wall, Col’s life is going nowhere.

Theo, unwilling heir to the ancient Asquith Hall estate, is desperate to gain some independence from his overbearing family. Despite his efforts to live up to the role he never wanted, he’s constantly battling to earn his family’s respect. Being made to feel lacking takes its toll, and sometimes, it’s hard to stay happy.

When a near fatal accident forces their paths to cross, Col and Theo discover in each other the connection both have been craving. As their love story unfolds, so do the secrets and sadness hidden at the heart of Asquith Hall. The past can’t be changed, but with Col’s stonemasonry skills and Theo’s determination, they might just be able to restore what’s broken and find happiness.

Warning – past child abuse of a secondary character (no on-page detail), descriptions of violence, horrible parents and lovely parents, wayward brothers, a man who mends stone and hearts, and a young man who never has an unspoken thought.

The feeling of this story brought me back to my first reading of The Making of Jonty Bloom, which I *think* was my first book by her that I read. Interesting setting, story, characters and backgrounds. The story wasn’t rushed nor was there any suspension of reality necessary. There was even a bit of a subplot surprise that I totally didn’t see coming. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I read quite a few British authors, so this wasn’t the first to feature an old castle or estate with aristocracy as main characters. It does always surprise me how these people generally aren’t wealthy and it takes A LOT to keep their estates running.

Lord Theo, Theo to most of us, is actually “the spare” as his older brother disappeared years ago. And for someone who takes the brunt of his parents depression and general unhappiness as well as the snide remarks he gets from the estate manager who is supposed to be training him, Theo is a pretty happy guy. He’d be happier if his parents weren’t trying to force him to marry a woman knowing he is gay.

Col has had a fairly difficult life. Abusive, neglectful, drug addicted parents. An older brother he practically worships in prison for killing them. He was in the system for a couple of years before ending up with the couple he lovingly calls mom and dad, although they never formally adopted him. And then he finds out his live in boyfriend is actually married and not taking care of his parents on the weekends, but going home from London to his wife and children. Ouch.

Theo and Col find each other when Col is working at the estate. There are quite a few obstacles in front of them but they take them one at a time and knock them down. Each wonder if they are good enough for the other. Each taking the others concerns to heart. Col really doesn’t mind that Theo talks. A lot. And Theo doesn’t care that Col comes from an ugly background. They worked to get to know each other AND unravel a bit of a mystery.

Then there are two epilogues which are very satisfying.

This one is fighting Jonty for my favorite Elsborg book.

4.5 pieces of eye candy