Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

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Notorious (Shifter Scoundrels Book 1) by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake: Release Day Review

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Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Cas’s world, he’s forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.

Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when he’s summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.

Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger–and their attraction to each other–grows.

With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

This was a match made in heaven. Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake co-authored this series, this being book one. It drew on the strengths of both authors, fantasy, shifters, snark, very hot sex, intrigue and great world building. And I want more already.

They world they created, Bridgerton in contemporary times, was very unique. There was a King and Lords and Dukes and Duchesses who had a Season of parties and seeing and being seen that starts with a matchmaking for some of those that are eligible.

Thrust together in a matchmaking scheme behind the scenes, Saphir and Cassian have the same goal, to find out who murdered the Prince, next in line for the throne and Cassian’s best friend. Both determined to keep their distance, the sparks inevitably fly.

Saphir’s sister plays a fairly big role in the book as well. It is her debut season and while Saphir wants to make it memorable for her, I don’t think he is quite ready for his baby sister to be an adult. She is very funny, charming and witty and can hold her own, not only against her brother, but against Cassian or any other member of the ton.

There are a lot of characters to get to know while the mystery of the smoke beasts that were unleashed on the palace, ending with the murder of the Prince, plays out. But always Cas and Saphir can’t fight what they feel for each other. It’s pretty swoony how quickly Cas goes from stalwarth spy determined to solve his best friend’s murder without the shackles of love to mushy heart eyes guy when Saphir is there.

Even though everyone is a shifter, that doesn’t come into play all that often. We really only read about a couple of shifts, but so far that characteristic doesn’t seem to be a major plot device. Which was kind of nice. Like, yes, they are shifters. BUT it doesn’t dominate their lives. There also doesn’t seem to be much of a hierarchy depending on what animal shifter you are. Except the King who is a dragon.

Besides not mattering about your shifter animal, being gay is just as accepted as being straight and women are not treated any less than men. Pretty refreshing.

There is a HEA, but there are many unanswered questions. I eagerly await book 2.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Charlie Cochet is the international bestselling author of the THIRDS series. Born in Cuba and raised in the US, Charlie enjoys the best of both worlds, from her daily Cuban latte to her passion for classic rock.

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found devouring a book, releasing her creativity through art, or binge watching a new TV series. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Join Charlie’s newsletter and stay up to date with Charlie’s latest releases, receive exclusive content, giveaways, and more! https://newsletter.charliecochet.com/

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Macy Blake believes in unicorns and fairies, in moonbeams and stardust, and that happily ever after comes in all colors of the rainbow. She loves to lose herself in paranormal romance, living vicariously through her favorite sexy fictional heroes. These days you can often find her pounding away at the keyboard, trying to capture the magic of her own worlds while arguing with her feisty German Shepherds, Minerva and Pomona.

Killer Honeymoon (Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem, Book 3) by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Honeymoon, happily ever after, and…homicide?

Newlyweds, Royce Locke and Sawyer Key, embark on a honeymoon road trip where their biggest threat should be dodging drunk tourists on golf carts. But their arrival on South Bass Island lands them in the middle of a contentious battle between lifelong islanders and a property developer who won’t accept no for an answer. Tempers soar as the barometric pressure drops, signaling a dangerous storm brewing on the horizon and across the street. Minding their own business becomes impossible when a homicide wrecks their vacation and puts Royce and Sawyer in the path of a twisted killer.

Will their honeymoon be two tickets to paradise or a one-way trip to the morgue?

Killer Honeymoon is book three in the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy, the second story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour trilogy before reading Matrimony and Mayhem. ** Killer Honeymoon is a continuation of Royce and Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their lives—professionally and personally. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned. 18+

Title: Killer Honeymoon
Authors: Aimee Nicole Walker
Length: 247 pages
Series: Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem, Book 3
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

The Magnolia Murders (Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem Book 1)

Marriage is Murder (Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem Book 2)

“Where are you going?”

Sawyer whisked his shirt over his head but kept walking. “Now it’s time.”

Royce pushed back from the table so fast his chair crashed to the ground. He caught up to Sawyer before he reached the hallway. Sawyer laughed when Royce pulled him into his arms and ghosted a finger over his lips.

“The only thing more beautiful than seeing your lips curve in a smile just for me is seeing them wrapped around my cock.”

“You charmer,” Sawyer teased, though he was utterly enchanted by his man.

Royce pushed him against the wall and caged Sawyer’s head between his hands. “Less talking, more kissing and sucking.”

Sawyer pushed off the wall, forcing Royce to take a step back. He grabbed his hand and led Royce to the bathroom. Sawyer turned on the water to let it heat up, then focused on stripping his husband bare. He was so eager to touch and suck that he nearly stepped into the shower fully dressed before checking the temperature.

Royce snagged his wrist and dragged him back. “I love that you want me so badly, but maybe you should take your clothes off first.”

Finally, FINALLY…Sawyer and Royce make it down the aisle and are married. But before that, I cried. Yes, literally 2 percent into the book and I was blubbering.

Anyway, luckily the wedding was uneventful as far as catastrophes. Evangeline made everything absolutely perfect.

Off they go on their honeymoon. First to TN and Sawyer’s sister’s cabin. Idk, this seemed like a weird stop for me. SC to TN and from there to MI where Sawyer’s parents have a house on one of the little islands.

Being that I live in a seasonally active vacation area, some of the descriptions were just so spot on. Corporations buying up properties so that they can use them as vacation rentals and slowly pushing the full timers out. It’s sad that it is so real. So when Frank, the permanent resident who lives across the street from Sawyer’s parents place has issues with the barely legal kids renting next door, I sympathized.

The “kids” are nasty too. Just mean and rude and ridiculous. But then there is a nasty storm and when the debris is cleared, several people are missing and others are turning up dead. So OF COURSE Sawyer and Royce stayed out of it. Laughing yet? I know.

Figuring out the murderer wasn’t difficult. Their motivation I didn’t guess and it was pretty cool.

This was mostly a light hearted, schmoopy honeymoon book with a murder mystery that wasn’t difficult to figure out, but that’s fine. It was a nice closure on this chapter of their lives.

Pack tissues.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:
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Austin: Learning to Love Book #4 by Con Riley: New Release Review

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Can Austin learn to love the opposite who attracts him?

Austin Russell doesn’t belong at a small school like Glynn Harber. He’s meant to be a high flyer in finance not a book-keeping bursar. Now there’s only one renovation project left to budget, it’s time he toughened his soft heart and got back to climbing the corporate ladder.

The truth is he’d rather climb Maisie Dymond’s father.

That urge doesn’t add up—Dom Dymond is his polar opposite—but when a near-miss brings them together, Austin discovers there’s more below his laid-back surface, especially as Dom’s determined to win the bid for the school’s last rebuilding project.

Working in proximity means Austin can’t deny that they’re opposites who don’t only attract, they combust whenever they’re close. Telling himself it’s only a fling doesn’t ring true when Dom opens up about what keeps him in Cornwall. He’s there to heal his fractured family, and he wants Austin as part of it.

That openness makes Austin want to share too, but will Dom still feel the same attraction once he knows what drives Austin to keep climbing his ladder?

♥ Austin is the fourth standalone novel in the Learning to Love series. Set in England’s glorious county of Cornwall, each book has a fulfilling happily ever after. ♥

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

This series just gets better and better. You don’t have to read them in order. Or at all. But they are worthy of your time.

I think what gets me the most is that it is really good writing. The author isn’t just telling a story. They are weaving you into a world that makes you care so much about the characters. Like little Maisie, who’s father is always late to pick her up from school. And Austin, former “bad guy” who is slowly realizing there is more to life than making money.

Austin, now the school’s bursar, had a special place in his heart for little Maisie. Always there to keep her company at lunch or wait with her when her father is late. Then he truly ends up being a hero to Maisie- and her father. And even though he wants to be mad at Dom, once he realizes what is going on, his heart cracks open a little more.

I loved the fact that Austin was kind of the outsider in the town and school as he was new to the area and position but people seemed to love him. But Dom, born and raised there, is a pariah.

Dom is great with no using what he can (no spoilers!) to woo Austin and instead just takes his time. But Austin doesn’t have a lot of time. If he wants to stay on his self imposed schedule and little tick boxes to check off, he will be leaving the school sooner rather than later.

All of the previous characters make a good show in this book but no one eclipses the main characters. They add to the story and make Austin know that he is valued for who his is. Not how much money he has or will have.

There is also catharsis, understanding a closure between Austin and another person he had sort of a volatile relationship with.

Of course there is a happily ever after. And little Maisie will steal all of your hearts.

4 pieces of eye candy

Crown Court Killer (London Podcast Mystery #3): Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Months after saving their flamboyant theatre friend from disaster, Dannel Ortea and Osian Garey are back with a thrilling murder investigation in the third London Podcast Mystery series novel.

Dannel and Osian’s breakfast double date rapidly devolves into a murder mystery when a dead body is found in their solicitor friend’s car. Wayne is taken for questioning by police. He was last seen arguing with the deceased.

When Wayne’s tie is identified as the murder weapon, it’s hard to refute the growing evidence stacked against him.

Convinced of their friend’s innocence, Dannel and Osian throw themselves into the investigation. When Wayne’s boyfriend, Roland, finds himself suspended from the police, they realise powerful people are involved in the murder.

With a philandering crown court judge, two disgruntled wives, and an angry client as suspects, the clock is ticking for them to find the killer before Wayne winds up arrested—or dead.

Author: Dahlia Donovan
Title: Crown Court Killer
Series: London Podcast Mystery, #3
Genre: Cosy Mystery
Release Date: May 27th
Word Count: Approx. 50k

Amazon – All Regions

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London Podcast Mystery Series

Cosplay Killer (book 1) ON SALE FOR 99c

Ghost Light Killer (book 2)

“We’re here.” Osian nudged him out of his thoughts. “Not sure the Uber driver wants to idle forever.”

“Sorry.” Dannel muttered an apology to the driver and got out of the car. He leaned his forehead against Osian’s shoulder after the vehicle had driven away. “Maybe we should’ve stopped for coffee.”

“Poor lad.” Osian reached up to gently massage Dannel’s neck. “It could always be worse.”

“How?”

“Chelsea could’ve already won.”

“Arse.” Dannel went to push him away when flashing lights caught his attention. “Ossie.”

“Hmm?” Osian followed his gaze to the numerous police vehicles blocking off a section of the car park. “Someone’s died.”

“Checked your crystal ball?”

“Don’t be daft.” Osian gestured to a group off to one side near the entrance to the building. They walked closer, trying to see what was happening. “Haider’s over there. Why else would they call him in, since he mostly handles homicides?”

“Rolly.” Dannel spotted his brother speaking with Detective Inspector Haider Khan. Roland was waving his hands about quite animatedly. “He’s not happy.”

“Inside voice,” Osian murmured. “Let’s not draw the attention of the nice constables and detectives just yet.”

“Look.” Dannel elbowed Osian in the side, nodding his head toward a familiar figure seated in the back of one of the police vehicles. “Not good.”

“Wayne locked up in the back is more than not good.” He caught Dannel by the arm, guiding him forward. “Let’s see if Haider will tell us anything.”

“Wayne’s car.”

They’d moved close enough to easily see the vehicle cordoned off with caution tape. Several detectives were inspecting the interior while others, who Dannel recognised from the coroner’s office, lifted a body out of the boot onto a stretcher. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“Danny.” Roland drew their attention, jogging over. He gripped Dannel’s arms tightly as if he’d fall over without the hold. “They won’t listen to me.”

Gone was his confident and strong brother. Dannel awkwardly hugged Roland. He couldn’t recall ever seeing him so affected.

Dannel didn’t quite know how to help his brother. He couldn’t tell if Roland was angry or sad; deciphering emotions didn’t come easily to him. “Who’s not listening to you about what?”

“DI Khan. Any of them.” Roland shook his head, stepping back and standing up straight. “They’ve taken Wayne in for questioning because they found Barnaby’s body in his boot.”

“I’d honestly hoped we’d run out of dead bodies to find.” Dannel kept a hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“Maybe third time’s the charm?” Osian suggested.

“We’ve discovered more than three bodies.”

Another fun (can that be a word for it?) cozy murder mystery with Ossie and Dannel and the rest of the crew. Poor long suffering DI Haider, although he is great at pretending to not care, but he does.

I love that these guys are not supposed to get involved, but really can’t help themselves. They have people they care about, and are not willing to let them be railroaded, so they just poke around until they find what they need, usually when it’s too late and someone is in danger. It’s just fun, enjoyable to read.

The relationship between Osian and Dannel is perfect. They do not feel the need to be glued to each other’s sides. And Osian knows when Dannel needs time on his own, and not only respects that, but doesn’t allow anyone else to disrespect that. Meanwhile, Dannel knows that Osian will take care of those things that Dannel just doesn’t have the capacity to deal with. He doesn’t question it, he just knows that Osian will cover it, and that kind of love and trust shows that not only are they an established couple, but one that has known each other for their entire lives. The short crayon story by Dannel’s father really showed how integral they’ve always been in each other’s lives.

I won’t give any spoilers on this, other than to say that the entire group gets involved in this one…and who knew about Ian??? 🙂 …Another really good story, and I can see how this series just blooms in different directions but still can focus on two such different MC’s but with such a loving and companionable relationship.

You will definitely want to read this if you’ve read the first two books.

4 pieces of eye candy

Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.

Connect with Dahlia:
Website: http://dahliadonovan.com
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Forever, Con Amor (For Him, Book 4) by A.M. Johnson: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review, and Giveaway

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Chance,

I never in a million years thought I would want a guy who smells like a tree and probably hugs them on the daily, but alas, you’ve somehow snuck your sexy, khaki-covered ass into my life. It doesn’t help that we’re stuck living in this apartment together for God knows how long, but I can’t stop thinking about that kiss. I know I said it was one and done, and maybe that’s the smart thing to do since I’m not convinced of your emotional availability. Maybe I’m a masochist. Or, maybe I might kind of like you. I said what I said.

No regrets, Marcos~

***

Marcos,

Your ability to simultaneously compliment and insult me is probably one of my favorite things about you. I think it’s part of your charm. Does that make me a masochist as well? I definitely like to torture myself. The night I kissed you, I knew it had the potential to push you away, but I couldn’t stop myself from wanting you. I still can’t. You can flirt and bully me all you like. I’m not going anywhere. I’ve finally found my home, and it’s here. And just in case you need me to be more specific, I like you too.

Forever, con amor…

Chance~

Forever, Con Amor

For Him, Book 4

By A.M. Johnson

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – Universal

Goodreads

God, he tasted all warm and minty and something perfectly him. His beard burned my skin, something I hoped would linger long after this kiss ended. I scratched my nails through the coarse hair, gripping his chin, his jaw, anything to get him closer. His large hands snuck under the hem of my shirt, and the heat of his palm enveloped my waist. I was fragile in his hold, delicate in a way I’d always wanted, breakable, and I wanted him to break me. A low, rough sound rumbled in his chest as his hands slid along my rib cage. I was surrounded by him, by the scent of clay and sandalwood and rain, and as I pulled my fingers through his hair, he groaned, tugging my hips forward, dragging me from the countertop until I was in his arms. He held me like I weighed nothing, our mouths melded together in a scorching war of teeth and lips, and walked me toward the living room, dinner somewhere distant in the background of my memory.

Panting, he broke the kiss long enough to utter one word. “Couch.”

I smiled against his mouth before I bit his bottom lip. “You sound like a caveman.”

He hummed, his tongue pushing into my mouth, taking control of the kiss as he sat us both onto the sofa. I adjusted my legs, straddling him, the kiss more frantic as I rocked against him. I planted my knees against the cushion, leaning back, I took a moment to breathe. Chance brushed the back of his fingers along my cheek, his eyes on my mouth, and swept a curl from my forehead as I stared back at him.

“These are my favorite,” he said, drawing the tip of his finger along the bridge of my nose.

“What?”

“Your freckles.” His touch was reverent. My stomach clenched at the sincerity of his tone. The room overly warm all of a sudden. “You cover them when you wear makeup, but I think they’re beautiful.” The blue color of his eyes danced with shadows as the flames of the candles flickered on the coffee table. “You’re beautiful.” The force of his gaze was too much. No one had ever looked at me like this, with such raw candor. 

This is book 4 and while it can be read as a stand alone (I didn’t read the other three), the backstories of some of the other characters intrigued me. So if I have time I might go back.

Chance is the guy who puts duty above all, especially himself and his relationships. But he finally has a job that keeps him in one place, as the director of an LGBT nonprofit.

Marcos is finally himself. Kicked out at 17 for being gay, in the Air Force at 18, he is once again a civilian wanting to be a clothing designer. He isn’t afraid to express himself with clothes, heels or make up either. Basically the opposite of Chance. Like, complete opposites.

The snark Marcos uses toward Chance “tee hugging hippie”, etc is both cute and an obvious way of Marcos trying to keep Chance at a distance. Because those two have sparks. So when Marcos is suddenly in need of a place to live, Chance offers up his second bedroom. It almost kills Marcos to accept but he does.

They had a great back and forth kind of snarky, but also flirty thing going on for a while. ALL of their friends saw the sparks. ALL of the kids at the house saw the sparks. But it takes them a while to get there. And it’s worth it.

And as much as Marcos makes fun of Chance in his t shirts and cargo shorts, Chance is very free with the compliments to Marcos. Telling him he is beautiful. Loves him with make up but also without when his freckles show. Just swoony.

Chance always had a sense of duty which sent him all over the world, but he is really a romantic relationship guy. He just needed how to put himself and his partner, if not first, then second only behind the kids they help.

Fun, sexy, snarky…definite recommend from me.

4 pieces of eye candy

Amanda is an award winning and best selling author of LGBTQIA and contemporary romance and fiction. She lives in Utah with her family where she moonlights as a nurse on the weekends and hikes in the mountains as much as possible.

If she’s not busy with her three munchkins, you’ll find her buried in a book or behind the keyboard where she explores the human experience through the written word, exploring all spectrums and genres.

She’s obsessed with all things Hockey, Austen, and Oreos, and loves to connect with readers!

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To celebrate this exciting new installment, Amanda is giving away the Winner’s choice of the Illustrated or Amazon Cover of a Signed Paparback of Forever, Con Amor!

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The Long Game (Game Changers book 6) by Rachel Reid: New Release Review

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The sequel is finally here! Shane and Ilya’s story, first seen in Heated Rivalry, continues in this long-awaited hockey romance from Rachel Reid.

“Everything you could want from this magnetic couple! A passionate, sexy, emotional sequel that grips your heart! Shane and Ilya forever!” —#1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely, author of Hopelessly Bromantic

To the world they are rivals, but to each other they are everything.

Ten years.

That’s how long Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov have been seeing each other. How long they’ve been keeping their relationship a secret. From friends, from family…from the league. If Shane wants to stay at the top of his game, what he and Ilya share has to remain secret. He loves Ilya, but what if going public ruins everything?

Ilya is sick of secrets. Shane has gotten so good at hiding his feelings, sometimes Ilya questions if they even exist. The closeness, the intimacy, even the risk that would come with being open about their relationship…Ilya wants it all.

It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love.

It’s time to make a call.

Amazon

Game Changers
Book 1: Game Changer
Book 2: Heated Rivalry
Book 3: Tough Guy
Book 4: Common Goal
Book 5: Role Model
Book 6: The Long Game

Who has been waiting since the end of book 2 to see Shane and Ilya’s happily ever after? We fell in love with these guys in Heated Rivalry and then got glimpses of them for the next 3 books, just whetting our appetites. And this is our payoff.

Something I really loved was the overlap between this book and the one just prior, Role Model. It was fun realizing that book 6 was happening while book 5 was happening. Well, book 5 would have ended about halfway through book 6. But still. Nicely done.

Ilya is still Ilya, but in this book he is vulnerable. Like with a capital V. He is hiding from everyone- especially Shane- that depression has creeped in. Even though he is terrified of ending up like his mother, he also doesn’t believe he would end up like his mother. And wow, the portrayal of his depression and how he goes about hiding it and faking it are so SO spot on. It broke my heart.

Their differing personalities are so evident in this installment. Ilya, the tough guy, the jokester who lets everything roll off his back because his ego is the size of Canada is just done. He wants his happily every after. He wants to tell the world how much he loves Shane. He has the confidence to say “if you don’t like it too bad”. But Shane isn’t there. He just wants to play hockey and win more Cups and not be the poster boy for being an out hockey player. Obviously there are others, but that only means he has seen the scrutiny on them since they came out. He is willing to tough out their original plan of waiting. Ilya isn’t happy with that, but he is also quiet about it.

Their journey includes fights and disagreements and dipping their toes in safe waters of hanging out as a couple when it is safe and of course hockey and a commissioner who gives Shane some veiled threats. And then Shane and Ilya some not so veiled threats.

But they do get their happily ever after and I kind of loved it. A lot. And while their story is, by romance book standards, complete, I would love more. Even as background characters supporting new main characters. I want to see them playing hockey as out players. I want to see them become dads.

I’m not ready to let them go.

4.5 pieces of eye candy