Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (10th April 2018)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3 1/2 Hearts
Blurb: This was his worst plan ever. Trent Sanchez was only going out for a coffee, just an afternoon break from all the responsibilities, and somehow he ended up a hundred miles away!
It was a mistake, a foolish act. He’d had a fantasy plan, not a real one, but here he was on the run with Billy, a plucky human who had nifty little concoctions that saved them from Renegades.
He wasn’t sure anyone could forgive him or would understand. He had a job to do, one that saved thousands of lives. But when innocents died and he found he couldn’t save everyone no matter how hard he tried, Tre faltered. Even his gift wasn’t working properly anymore and his beloved bear, Tredd Croggen, who he’d fallen for the moment they met, was gruff and annoyed with him. His head hurt and his thoughts were jumbled. Tre was lost, but he was fighting to get back what they’d had.
Review: Tre gets overwhelmed with everything and decides to off for a while without telling anyone including his mate Tredd.
Things are not as smooth as he would like when he meets Billy being mugged. The two then set off for an adventure. Tredd eventually catches up with them and they discuss the stress Tre’s been under.
I liked that Tre and Tredd talked eventually. Tre was under way too much stress and suffering for it. I felt he had no life to do what he wanted. Especially when everyone seemed to keep him under lock and key twenty four seven. Billy was sweet yet knew how to hold his own in a fight for a human.
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand, Inc. (April 29, 2019)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Blurb: Gus has been in love with Denver since first laying eyes on him nearly a year ago, but Denver is a recluse, staying tucked away in his attic suite. He has no idea what’s wrong with Denver, and although Gus has tried, the youngest Cabell brother refuses to utter a single word to him. Until one morning Denver starts to talk to him, and their lives are changed forever.
When he was a teenager, Denver accidently killed his best friend. He hadn’t meant to let his beast loose, and has lived with his guilt ever since. Afraid of losing control again, Denver keeps himself locked away, even from the one human who has come to mean everything to him.
When some friends Gus met online shows up at the hotel to help him ghost hunt, Gus starts to suspect all is not what it seems, and it’s up to Gus to save Denver’s life when his suspicions are confirmed. .
Review: Each book in the Honey Haven collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Gus has his heart set on Denver and tries to show it. The problem is Denver pretty much ignores everyone and stays in his room. He knew something was wrong with Denver, but it wasn’t till he found out that not only was Denver a shifter but a bit about his past. When two online friends show up for a ghost hunt, Gus’s isn’t to sure about them. He did invite them but there was something off about them.
These stories crack me up especially when Gus is always speaking about ghosts. Wait for the surprise, it is going to be a scorcher. However these stories don’t flow as well as they should and there is always something missing from them. This one was no different but I can’t put my finger on what it is. Other than that small issue, this story is quite different and very quirky. I got a kick out of them. Although I must admit that the ghosts being thrown in at the last minute was a bit weird. I mean two years and no one has seen them till now just doesn’t flow with me.
I had a blast reading it and look forward to seeing more from this author. I will admit she is a favorite of mine.
Blurb: Life for Isamu Taylor is now a Cinderella story that includes a Manhattan loft, a new position in the hottest LGBT film production company in New York City, and an upcoming wedding in Bryant Park to his very own handsome prince.
He’s come a long way from that struggling film student with ratty sneakers and shaggy hair. Isamu is now living an urbanite’s fairy tale with that happily ever after just around a bustling city street corner.
But as all wedding planners know, even the best laid plans seem to go awry, and Isamu and Brian’s wedding is no exception. But love—both old and new—is in the air, so nothing can go too badly, right?
Review: Nine Small Sips is the super heart-warming sequel to Tales of Bryant by VL Locey. This would probably work as a standalone book, however, why deprive yourself of the story that sets the scene for the characters as they move onto the next stage in their lives? I absolutely love VL Locey’s writing, she is one of my favourite MM authors and every book is a must read.
The story picks up the life of Isamu Taylor and his fiancé, rich businessman Brian Gillies. Things have changed a lot for Isamu since the first book and not just because he is now engaged to the love of his life. He’s now finished with college and has a new job for a production company that specialises in LBGTQI+ projects. After meeting in New York’s Bryant Park and moving in together, Isamu and Brian are getting ready to get married in the very park where they first met. There’s drama in the form of Isamu’s Japanese grandmother wanting the traditional sake ceremony included into the nuptials, as well as a very flighty wedding planner.
This is a short read and the plot, much like the first book is simple. The most important thing is the journey here and it’s great to get to know more about Isamu and Brian. I knew at the end of the first book that these guys weren’t fully developed and I feel this one completes them more. In addition, knowing more about Isamu’s family was absolutely perfect.
This is the first of two wedding novellas that I’ve been looking forward to this year by VL Locey. Though the one that I am looking forward to the most is the Harrisburg Railers wedding novella, Nine Small Sips was the perfect chance to catch up with some characters I recently got introduced to and gets me into the mood for more from the fantastic VL Locey. This is a sweet story with a sprinkle of funny moments and so much love.
Blurb: Martin Graham built his business from the ground up with hard work and intuition. Due to a degenerative eye disease, he’s learned to rely on his other senses to feel out the competition. To realize his dream, he just needs to broker one last deal… and finally secure an assistant.
Brock Littleton is desperate for money—desperate enough take the job no one else wants: assistant to demanding, fussy, intensely private Mr. Graham.
Everything about Brock gets under Martin’s skin in ways he never expected, making him realize a successful business isn’t the only component to a happy future. But as Martin’s deal comes together, one of the prices could be the relationship with Brock that Martin is just starting to believe could be real.
Review: On Shaky Ground is a standalone novella by Andrew Grey. It was previously published as part of an anthology in 2018, although I never read it at the time. However, Andrew Grey is a must read author for me. I love reading anything by Andrew Grey and will do so without taking too much notice of the blurb. I love his writing style, I always connect with it and always feel the emotions of the characters that he weaves throughout the prose. Grey has a talent for stories of incredibly strong and inspirational MCs that have children or some sort of physical disability.
In the case of this novella, one MC, Martin Graham, has a degenerative eye disease which is slowly taking away his sight. Martin hasn’t let his medical issues stop him from building a very successful business and playing an active role as the CEO as his company. But in order to be able to work so hard, Martin needs an extremely competent personal assistant. Unfortunately, he has trouble keeping anyone because no one he’s hired has met his exacting standards. This is where Brock Littleton steps in.
Brock Littleton has just finished college and is desperate for a job. So much so he applies to become a personal assistant to a businessman, which is a complete side step for his career considering his qualifications but he needs to earn money and he needs to get his foot into the door for anything that could lead to his dream job. And so he accepts the job, trying to get a handle on Martin’s exacting standards.
Quickly, Brock becomes the perfect PA. Martin and Brock grow closer and Martin needs to battle his growing feelings for his PA, as well as knowing that the man is meant for more than being a PA. The two men need to work together so that they can see where their relationship may go. They take their time and get to know each other, while brokering a business deal, and showing each other just why they work so damn well together.
Fans of Andrew Grey will not be disappointed. For others, if you’re into the whole falling for the boss kind of story, this is a wonderful book to read.
Hi guys, we have V.L. Locey stopping by today with her new release Shake The Stars, we have a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Shake The Stars
by
V.L. Locey
Spending time in the Poconos with his family was the last thing Dane Forrester wanted to do over the summer. He had dreams of spending his last break touring Europe and gathering story ideas for his upcoming creative writing classes before heading to college. Maybe even finding that elusive first love in a small café in Paris, or along the Rhine, or even in a sultry villa in Italy. But no, he was stuck at the Silver Fir Lodge with his family where his dreams of romance and passion would wither and die a slow painful death, or so he imagined.
When all seemed lost, the budding wordsmith is saved—in more than one sense—by Khalid Novak, a lifeguard at the lodge’s pool. Khalid is two years older, a bit more sophisticated, and the most incredibly alluring thing Dane has ever seen. The two young men find themselves joyously wound in a searing romance that teaches Dane that love can be wildly intense yet fleeting so one should revel in it when the discovery is made.
Can this summer romance survive the chill of autumn as well as the winds of time?
Hey guys! We have R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey stopping by today with the tour for their new release Save The Date, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ ~
Save The Date
(Harrisburg Railers 09)
by
R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey
Ever since he first set foot in Harrisburg, Tennant’s life has been a rollercoaster. Ups and downs too numerous to mention, hard knocks and championship rings. Through all of those monumental moments, one thing has been a constant for him, Jared Madsen. Now that their wedding day is drawing nearer, Ten is seriously considering eloping. He would, if not for his mother, his father, his brothers, the wedding planner, the guests, the cake, the press, and the team. Oh, and then there’s his best friend, who is vying for the job of ringmaster of the wedding circus. Would sneaking off during the night with Jared and skipping to the honeymoon part of the festivities really be all that bad?
When Jared proposed to Ten, he imagined a quiet wedding, on a beach somewhere, with family, and maybe the team. But life gets complicated with Ten’s warring brothers, a Russian goalie with a love of sequins, and a bachelor party organized by Adler. When Trent sends them a wedding planner, every spare hour is filled with choosing invitations, cake tasting, and finding a rose in the perfect shade of green. Add in Layton organizing a press conference, and suddenly their private wedding is destined to become a media sensation. Is it wrong to think seriously about kidnapping Ten and spiriting him away to a small deserted island?
Adler organizing the bachelor party, Trent supplying the wedding planner, and Stan writing a speech. What can possibly go wrong?
Hi peeps, we have R.A. Thorn popping in today with her new release My Baby Chased Away the Blues, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
My Baby Chased Away the Blues
by
R.A. Thorn
It’s 1925 in Los Angeles, and motor patrol officer Del Randolph keeps making one mistake after another. Struggling to keep his job with the Los Angeles Police Department, Del is also lonely and heartbroken after his last lover left him.
But then he meets Ev, a gentle but cynical invert, and has his heart stolen again. Del knows he’s no great catch—he isn’t smart or particularly handsome or rich—but he’s determined to show Ev how much he loves him.
Unfortunately, his misguided attempts at winning Ev’s affections might end up destroying their relationship instead. Del joins a hapless gang of bootleggers to try to make some money but quickly winds up in trouble. Soon he’s in debt, breaking the law, and lying to Ev about all of it.
Hi guys! We have Leigh M. Lorien stopping by with her new release Through The Tears, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Through The Tears
(Torn Between Worlds 01)
by
Leigh M. Lorien
Huge, horrid creatures with a taste for human flesh have been invading Seacliff Manor and its surrounding lands for years. Ghouls are coming from another world through portals made of magic. No one knows why or how, but nothing good ever comes with them.
During a hunting trip, Eamon encounters one such monster and falls through a portal into the ghoul’s hellacious desert home world. Separated from his home, his friends, and his lover, with no magic of his own and no sign of other life, Eamon expects to die there…until an encounter with a lone stranger gives him hope. There is a way home. But can Eamon survive alone in ghoul-infested terrain long enough to get there?
Worlds away, the Lord of Seacliff Manor is determined to bring Eamon home. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Rafe knows his human lover is alive. It’s just a matter of finding out where. To that end, Rafe has a plan. It’s dangerous, perhaps even suicidal, but he’ll do anything to save the man he loves.
From different sides of the galaxy, the lovers fight monsters and seek magic with one goal in mind: reunion. Monsters aren’t the only things they’ll have to defeat to find their way back to each other, and the horrors uncovered along the way may be more than they can handle.
Hi guys! We have L.A. Ashton popping in today with their new release Another Dance, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Another Dance
by
L.A. Ashton
Kaito Watanabe has finally nabbed an interview with his idol, Cristian Alvarez. Kaito is a journalist who’s spent his entire life looking up to the figure-skating champion. Cristian’s passion on the ice unearthed a love of dance in Kaito and made him believe in the power of artistic expression.
Now Kaito is face-to-face with the man he’s always admired. He believes himself insignificant and ordinary, a moth drawn to the light Alvarez casts. He can’t allow himself to believe Cristian’s flirtations are anything but natural charm—but Cristian has other plans. The tension pitches higher, legs and fingers intertwine, and Kaito begins to wonder if his fantasies have a shot at becoming reality.
Hi guys! We have Nell Iris popping in today with her new release 9 Willow Street, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
9 Willow Street
by
Nell Iris
Heartbroken after the death of his beloved Nana, Hannes, the family outsider, finally allows himself to grieve. The legal battle over Nana’s quirky old house — the only place he’s ever felt accepted and loved — is over, and he moves in and finds a sense of peace.
… And a rabbit.
An adorable bunny with a huge personality moves in, too, and refuses to leave. Hannes instantly falls in love with the sweet animal who helps heal his heart. But one morning, Hannes’ view of the world changes when the rabbit transforms into a man. A man named Mattis.
After the initial shock, Hannes and Mattis discover a connection between them that runs deeper than it seems. Will their newfound feelings survive unraveling secrets and meddling families, and grow into something real? Something deep and everlasting?
Hi peeps! We have L.A. Bryce stopping by today with the tour for her new release Love, Trust & Secrets, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway. So check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for our review coming soon!
Love, Trust & Secrets
by
L.A. Bryce
For a man on the run, is finding love a good enough reason to stay? And for a man who doesn’t want to leave, is a secret enough reason to walk away?
Even though a bad situation brings Tyler and Jarod together, they quickly find the good in their relationship. But when Tyler falls in love and finds the feelings returned, he’s forced to question if his and Jarod’s relationship is worth risking his freedom, his life, and their hearts.
Jarod knows Tyler is hiding something, but his fear of scaring Tyler away has him accepting Tyler’s silence. But instead of keeping Tyler close, Jarod’s avoidance ultimately leads to Tyler being taken away, leaving Jarod clueless and unable to help the man he loves.
Love, Trust, and Secrets is a story whose main focus is the love between two men and all the trial and tribulations that come with that love.
Blurb:Ben Miles always knew it was tough being a human sheriff to a town occupied by monsters. When Ben falls hard for a monster of his own in the form of werebear mechanic Griffin, Ben knew his entire life was about to change. For the better or worse, Ben isn’t entirely sure, but he’s certain the sparks between Griffin and he won’t die down any time soon. Would picking Griffin mean surrendering his career in law enforcement or could he find a balance between love of his bear and love of his job?
Griffin Dawson’s only been obsessed about two things, fixing cars and a particularly smart-mouthed and strong-willed human sheriff. When destiny leads him to Ben, Griffin knows its time he made his move. Ben was born to be his mate and nothing would get in the way of him claiming Ben, not even a war between his bear clan and the resident werewolf biker gang.
Review: Griffin and Ben have been dancing around each other for a while.
It takes Ben getting attacked by one of reapers wolves for Griffin to make his move. But the sheriff has his own mind and despite Griffin wanting him to stay safe and out of danger Ben has a job to do with finding proof against the wolf pack and their shady dealings to get rid of them for good.
Great read with plenty of suspense, danger and action.
Hi guys! We have Sam Burns stopping by today with her new release Salmon & The Hazel, we have fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Salmon & The Hazel
(Rowan Harbor Cycle 08)
by
Sam Burns
Jesse’s only priority in life is protecting the people he loves, so he’s determined to see Rowan Harbor’s wards rebuilt. There’s just one problem: they’re missing an ingredient that can’t be ordered online.
Jesse volunteers to search for the missing component in the realm of the fae, but his boyfriend, Sean, isn’t letting him go alone. The town has an enemy among the fae, so they’ll need to keep a low profile. Along their way, they find unexpected allies, surprising enemies, and a whole host of problems.
The journey is a test of their endurance, but also of their relationship and their faith in each other. Can they find what they need and get back home in one piece in time for the summer solstice?
Hi guys! We have Michael Mandrake stopping by today with his new release Death’s Angel, we have a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Death’s Angel
(An Immortals Story)
by
Michael Mandrake
Death’s plan for revenge is derailed by his lust for one of the Creator’s angels.
Being second to Michael has never sat well with Allerio. Feeling slighted, he travels beyond the heavens, meeting a creature who informs him of his Father’s secrets. With curiosities niggling him, he challenges his god, seeking freedom from stringent rules. Though the prize might look wonderful on the surface, it comes with a heavy price the angel will bear for eternity.
Death’s banishment was only the beginning of his descent. Since then, he’s concocted a scheme to overthrow the highest being, proving him to be a liar. Although confident his plot will succeed, he convinces one of High’s top helpers to assist him. However, Death never intended for feelings of affection to consume him. Suddenly wrecking God’s perfection isn’t as important anymore.
Two gods join forces and become bonded in more ways than one. Can they overcome their emotions to achieve their ultimate goal?
Death’s Angel is the prequel story to Immortals, chronicling the very beginning of Lucifer’s ascent as the god of the third and fourth planes. This story involves male pregnancy and mating.
Warning: On page violence, extreme torture, and death. Look inside for further triggers.
Hi guys! We have M.D. Grimm visiting today with her upcoming release On Wings Of Passion, we have a short guest post with an exclusive excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~
On Wings Of Passion
(A Story from the On Wings Saga)
by
M.D. Grimm
Prequel to On Wings of Thunder
Every story has a beginning….
Dragons. Angels fear them and demons follow them. Formidable beasts of incredible power, they fight each other to the death for dominance. But dwindling dragon numbers cause alarm among the angelic ranks. Surely when the dragons have finished killing each other, the victors will search elsewhere for conquest… maybe even the Upper Realm.
Roland, an angelic artist of significant talent, doesn’t know what to believe. Part of him longs to see a dragon in person, and his peaceful life of contentment is wearing thin. He wants passion, desire, adventure, and love. He gets more than he bargained for when he and his sister are ambushed and captured by demons, and they bring him to a creature who surpasses Roland’s wildest imaginings.
But the mighty dragon Asagoroth is not all that he seems. Something sparks between him and Roland. Something neither anticipated. Something that will shake the cosmos to its core.
Hi guys! We have Andrew Grey popping in today with his upcoming release Survive and Conquer, we have a short guest post from Andrew and a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~
Survive and Conquer
by
Andrew Grey
Newton DeSantis was on the ground when the towers collapsed on 9/11. Though he still carries the scars on his body and his heart, he’s determined to ease some of the world’s suffering. Now a social worker and father to two children with special needs, he’s doing his best. But when his son’s health takes a drastic turn, Newton knows he can’t do it alone.
Family law attorney Chase Matthews is a rising star, and he’s in high demand. Still, Newton is very persuasive, and Chase takes his case pro bono. Everything about the other man appeals to Chase, but he’s determined to keep the relationship professional—even though, after meeting Newton’s kids, he wants to be a part of their lives.
Chase’s job doesn’t always allow him to pick his clients, though, and a case that could make him partner will put him on the opposite side of the courtroom from Newton—along with everything he believes in and the future they could build together.
Hi guys, we have A.E. Via visiting today with her new audio release Here Comes Trouble, we have a brilliant giveaway where you can win your own audiobook of Here Comes Trouble, so check out the post and then enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for Prime’s review coming soon!
Here Comes Trouble
(Nothing Special 03)
by
Narrator: Aiden Snow
A.E. Via
Detectives Mark Ruxsberg and Chris Green are very good at their jobs. Being the enforcers for God and Day’s notorious Atlanta PD Narcotics Task Force causes the crazy duo to get into more trouble than they can often get out of. The pair never misses out on an opportunity to drive their lieutenants crazy with their dangerous, reckless, and costly stunts, landing them in the hot seat in front of God…often.
Ruxs and Green love their jobs and they don’t mind the very demanding schedule that leaves them little time for socializing or dating. It’s fine with them, they enjoy hanging out with each other anyway.
However, most of the men in their close circle of friends and colleagues are pairing off and settling down. God has Day, Ro has Johnson, and their Sergeant Syn has Furious.
For the past several years, Ruxs has only sought out the advice and company of one person, his partner and best friend Green, and vice versa. Both of these alpha males are presumed straight, but neither can deny the heat that’s building in their once-“just friends” relationship.
Hi guys! We have Dianne Hartsock stopping by today with her new release Eran’s Release, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Eran’s Release
by
Dianne Hartsock
It’s cliché to fall for the cute barista at the coffee shop, but Paul can’t help it. Eran’s shy smile and heated gaze are driving him wild. Convincing Eran to go out with him, however, is a lot harder than expected.
Eran’s been burned before—by family and more, enough to make him jump at shadows and avoid intimacy. But Paul is determined, and with the help of counselors, classes, and an unexpected modeling gig, Eran might just find that taking a risk on what scares him the most, has a worthy payoff.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (21st March 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Ezra Kellerman flew across the country to see if he had another chance with the man he let slip through his fingers. He didn’t. Rico has moved on, but he doesn’t just leave his ex high and dry. Instead Rico entrusts his family and friends with Ezra’s care. Ezra, confused, hurt, and lost, clings to Rico’s cousin and his boyfriend as the lifelines they are – but their friend, Miguel, is another story.
Miguel Rodriguez had great plans and ambition – but a hearty dose of real life crushed those flat. When Miguel finds himself partially in charge of the befuddled, dreamy, healing Ezra, he’s pretty resentful at first. But Ezra’s placid nature and sincere wonder at the simple life Miguel has taken for granted begin to soften Miguel’s hardened shell. Miguel starts to notice that Ezra isn’t just amazingly sweet – he’s achingly beautiful as well. Suddenly Miguel is fending off every sin-gle man on the planet to give Ezra room to get over Rico – while fighting a burning suspicion that the best thing to help Ezra get over his broken heart is Miguel.
Review: Bitter Taffy is the second book in Amy Lane’s Candy Man series. I’ve have come to enjoy some of Lane’s books and this book is no exception. I find the writing style is really accessible, in that it is well written and very expressive without too much complicated language, so it’s easy to relax and read or listen to the book. The narration was performed by Philip Alces, who narrates the full series. Alces has a soft and gentle voice that matches the sweetness of the plot and conveys the variety of emotions that tumble through the MCs. It was a wonderful performance and completely on point.
Candy Man has a really cute premise. It’s about this almost hippy-like guy, Darren, who runs a boutique candy store in Old Sacramento and just so happens to have psychic visions about the people that he needs to help, i.e. people that are down on their luck and may not be looking for love but are gonna get it anyway. Really cool.
I remember that I tried reading this book years ago without reading – or realising – that there were other books in the series before it. I don’t think it went down well, maybe, but to be fair I don’t remember it at all. Regardless, I’m here to say, I recommend hearing this one in order. Also, I’m here to say that I loved listening to the audio and I loved the story.
Lollipop is a story of redemption in a lot of way. Ezra is the ex of Rico from book 2, Ezra regrets how he handled things back in New York at his father’s company. Ezra bowed to his strict Jewish father’s wishes. But a mental breakdown changed that and sent him to Sacramento to make amends.
However, Ezra doesn’t allow himself to stop and think what would happen if Rico had moved on, and for those that already heard book 2, you know that Rico has indeed moved on. Instead, he is not only befriended by Rico’s tough looking, ex-army cousin, Adam (who along with Darren and the dog Clopper and cat Jacob, are the common threads for this series) and Adam’s boyfriend, another friend of Rico and Adam’s takes Ezra under his wing.
Miguel Rodriguez has already had one failed business, which took him back to working at the store Candy Heaven. He is very family orientated and is all around a great, fun loving guy. He’s just still bruised by his failed attempt at going into business for himself. But Miguel’s life changes when he meets Ezra while dog and cat sitting Clopper and Jacob. He feels for Rico’s ex and wants to make the guy comfortable. They have an easy friendship and an instant connection. Although they don’t rush into any romance, the friendship is beautiful and patient as both men come to care greatly for the other.
This is another sweet, low-angst romance that is above healing and friendship. A total joy to listen to on audio.
Blurb: Can two divorced dads get a second chance at a redneck wedding?
When Reid Porter agrees to be his best friend’s man of honor, he never considers that his ex, Mateo, will be there too. Which is ridiculous, because Jennifer is marrying Mat’s brother. Reid would never let Jen down, though, so he finds himself at the Leaning N Ranch with his two daughters and a whole lot of baggage about seeing Mat again.
Mat loves his baby brother and would do anything for him, including face the love of his life, whom he’s sure has moved on. When he and Reid come face-to-face after more than two years apart, they realize they’ve never let go. Now they have to do what they never could before—balance work, home, and children, while finding a way to come back around to each other’s love.
Review: Come Back Around, by BA Tortuga, is the fourth instalment of the series Leaning N. I don’t believe that the books need to be read in order, although I would say that people should at least read the first book because that is the introduction to the guys on the Leaning N ranch, which now operates as a destination for LBGT+ weddings and the like.
Now, I love BA Tortuga. I really enjoy Tortuga’s writing and always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy! However, although I did enjoy this book overall, I had a couple issues with the main plot which had me unable to really suspend my disbelief.
I’ll explain why after I do a quick overview of the plot.
The plot is quite simple. A wedding at the Leaning N ranch brings together ex-husbands Reid and Mateo. The wedding is for Mateo’s brother and Reid’s best friend, where Mateo is best man and Reid is man of honour. They have two daughters together, who they had through surrogacy, but they haven’t seen each other in two years. In that time Reid panicked and took his daughters away to another state, causing an ever-bigger gulf between the two men. While Reid’s life has changed and he has gone from struggling artist to an artist in high demand, Mateo has gone through his own personal issues. Their time at the Leaning N ranch, even with their families making their opinions known, is a time for them to reconnect and realise what is best for them as a couple and what is best for the children, who have undeniably suffered from the absence of their papa.
So now the reason why I found this book less enjoyable compared to other books by Tortuga. First off, I found the two years apart difficult to swallow, especially with their daughters, but mostly of their frustrating miscommunication. I do not like miscommunication storylines as a general, and unfortunately for me, this is where the book fell short for me. I also felt really frustrated because I kept thinking that Mateo needed Reid’s help, but Reid appears to have a penchant for acting before he thinks.
Despite this, I did like the characters a lot. Mateo is really likable, although at the time of their separation he was a over-stressed business man who needed to talk more to his husband. Reid is equally as likable, but he is too quick to jump to conclusions and is very hot-headed, forgetting that something as simple as talking could help them a long way. But in the end, the guys have learnt a valuable lesson. The love has never gone, but they needed this second chance to get to know each other again.
Title: Worst Plan Ever
