Nothing Special V by A.E. Via ~ Audio Review

Title: Nothing Special V

Series: Nothing Special 05

Author: A.E. Via

Narrator: Aiden Snow

Genre: Contemporary, Action, Men in Uniform

Length: 12 hrs, 29 mins

Publisher: A.E. Via

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Atlanta’s notorious narcotics task force is at it again. They are stronger, bigger, and better than ever. Especially when a city councilman sends RECON Marine Edwin Steele – who’s been black-listed from his Oakland department – to join the team.

Steele was ready to hang up his shield. He was done fighting with bigoted bastards that couldn’t respect the job. He was good at fighting; he just needed the right team to fight with. When his uncle – City Councilman Rasmus Steele – shows him a video of God’s team in action, he knows right away it’s where his nephew belongs in order to restore his faith.

Steele was skeptical about his new placement, but when he meets God’s technology special-ist/computer genius, “Tech”, he’s willing to give it his all, and he definitely shows and proves.
Tech is stunning. His sweater vest and khakis, a stark contrast to the blue-jeaned roughnecks he works with. A beautiful sheep amongst the wolves. Steel thinks there’s no way the brilliant man would be interested in a hardhead like him, but Tech has a few badass hidden talents of his own and manages to surprise him…surprise all of them.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Nothing Special V is (obviously), the fifth book in AE Via’s Nothing Special series.
I have absolutely loved this series from the start, although I’ve not read it and only been listening to the audio. Which I at first found out, because this book has some very long and steamy sex scenes, which usually I find rather boring. However, Via does an excellent job of writing multiple, very explicit scenes into books that actually fit in the flow of story, as opposed to being crow-barred in because hey, let’s have characters have sex in stupid places (Via doesn’t do the latter, but it’s one of my pet hates in romances, erotic or otherwise).

The audio narration is performed by Aiden Snow, which summed up in one word is sublime. Each book, although has one couple which is the primary focus, features a whole cast of characters which become more complex and developed throughout the course of the books. At this point we’re talking seven or eight sets of lovers with a handful of other characters who have popped up more than once in the course of the series. What I love the most about Snow’s audio is how he gives these very complex characters distinctive voices and feels. I felt this more so in this book because at the end we have a character with an English accent pop up, and another with a Southern drawl also pop up. This was a totally amazing performance that reflected Snow’s skill and versatility to narrate a story and perform the characters in a way that does the writing justice.

Nothing Special V brings technical, computer and communications specialist for the Atlanta PD’s most successful narcotics squad, Tech. Tech joined the team as part of a deal, which Lieutenants God and Day helped him get a deal when he was caught hacking into government databases while trying to find his brother. Tech is smart as hell, he’s been to MIT and only got caught hacking that one time. He joined the unit as their tech specialist, but he continued to become a detective in his own right. However, being much younger than his colleagues, as well as having a much more slight build with significantly less muscle, means that he feels his team are over protective of him. But Tech has been working and training because it is his dream to become a field officer, as well as help with the technical side of things.

To make this more complicated, we multiple storylines from multiple characters. In particular, the first couple that started this series, God and Day, the leaders of the squad. After becoming engaged, and despite working together and living together, fears and insecurities have caused a breakdown in communication. While they aren’t all out brawling there is a lot of tension. I liked this particular aspect because not only did it reflect the characters past. I liked how the tension showed that things aren’t always rosy in a relationship, especially with the dangerous and stressful job they have, even though they have their HEA.

Lieutenant Godfrey of the APD isn’t took happy when he is forced to take a new member on his squad. They aren’t even recruiting and he and Day haven’t asked for more boots on the ground. But he has a new guy and that man is ex-marine, medal of honour recipient Steele. Since leaving the service Steele has found it difficult to find his place in a career as a police officer. But it is his uncle who pulls some pretty serious strings to join a team that would better fit him before Steele’s dependence on alcohol got any worse. Steele isn’t exactly happy that his uncle did what he did, despite being his only surviving family, and it also has Steele living in the same state as his uncle once more. Yet when he first lays eyes on Tech, he is instantly intrigued. Suddenly, his new job is looking better and better, and he finds out his uncle left out a few important details when he had shown Steele a video of the APD team in action.

The book is full of passionate love scenes, a number of comedic moments and plenty of action. This is a must read (or listen) series for anyone that loves to read about rough and tough law enforcement guys. They work and play hard. This is an ongoing story, so it’s vital to start this series from the start and not treat this as a standalone book.

The end of this audio also features a short story which involves the brother and the adopted son of some of our most beloved characters from the APD Narcotics squad. It was a nice little story, and while it’s removed from the world of cops and action, I really liked how well developed the romance and characters felt – both have changed a lot since we first met them in earlier novels of this series and have been written into very mature young men that reflect the values of the cops in their lives.

There is one more book in this series, the set up for it was laid towards the end of Nothing Special V, and I can’t wait to hear the audio for it and get what I’m sure will be another stellar performance by Aiden Snow.

Saving Sean by Con Riley (2nd Edition)

Title: Saving Sean (2^nd Edition)

Series: Seattle Stories 02

Author: Con Riley

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (280pgs)

ISBN: B0821QPLRZ

Publisher: Figment Ink (3^rd January 2020)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: No more running from love…

Nearly a year after being rejected for another man, Seattle paramedic Peter Morse is still pining, so when the one that got away asks him for a favor, he agrees. His mission: track down Sean Reid, the runaway brother of a mutual friend. Peter isn’t thrilled about it—until he finds Sean injured by the side of the road.

Everything about Sean stirs Peter’s protective instincts—saving people is what he lives for—but he never anticipated falling for someone so hell-bent on running from him. On top of his physical wounds, Sean struggles with grief and guilt, and the mess his estranged father left when he died threatens to overwhelm him.

Saving Sean means Peter must let go of his pride and turn to friends and family. Asking for help is a bitter pill for Peter to swallow, but if he can’t, how can he expect Sean to accept his help—and his love—in turn?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: In Saving Sean we pick up with a character we’ve met before and meet another. Peter was a love interest for Theo in After Ben and in the year after that book ended, Peter is now getting over his crush for Theo. It is Morgan and Theo who actually call upon Peter to help a friend, which leads him directly to Sean.

These two guys are a tad argumentative and very much alpha males – or maybe just stubborn. Like with After Ben, this is a well paced book. The main characters have brilliant chemistry and it is a bonus that it now feels like we’re settling with friends when it comes to the minor characters.

Family Camp by Eli Easton ~ Audio Review

Title: Family Camp

Series: Daddy Dearest 01

Author: Eli Easton

Narrator: Matthew Shaw

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 10 mins

Publisher: Eli Easton (14th August 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: When Geo signs up for Family Camp, he envisions nature hikes, s’mores, and a chance to win over his recalcitrant new foster kids, Jayden and Lucy. He’s tried to become a dad for so long, and he hopes the three of them can be the family he’s always wanted. What he doesn’t antici-pate is the prickly and gorgeous camp counselor who constantly comes to his rescue.

Travis spends a week every year at Camp Evermore, the camp his adoptive parents own. As a pro baseball player, his presence guarantees a full campground and excited campers. He has one rule: Never, ever mess around with anyone at camp. His profession demands he stay in the closet. But one sweet and funny new dad is about to test all his resolve.

Sparks fly for Geo and Travis, and not because of the nightly campfire. Having been a foster kid himself, Travis is drawn to Geo’s sincerity and big heart and to his kids. The four of them just fit. But will this be a summer romance? Or can they find a way to be a family long after Family Camp is over?

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Family Camp is the first book in Eli Easton’s newest series, Daddy Dearest. I’ve come to enjoy many of Easton’s books in the past year or so, and this was no different. I love the writing style and down to earth characters that make them so relatable – in both story and emotion.

In Easton’s own words, this is what we can expect from the new series: “The Daddy Dearest series will consist of stand-alone contemporary novels focusing on single gay dads who find hot romance. Expect laughs, sweet and sexy slow-burn romance, and lots of family feels!”

That is exactly what you will get as a reader when you read, or listen to, Family camp. So if you’re into sweet romances with down to earth characters, and a couple of cute kids, then I think that this is the book for you.

I’ve not read this book, so the audio was a complete introduction into this new world for me. The narration of this was performed by Matthew Shaw, who is a completely new narrator to me. However, I really enjoyed the voice and tone that he gave this story. It completely suited both main characters, as well as the kids. A great performance that was a joy to listen to.

The story starts with Geo. He’s stressed out. His dreams have finally come true now that he is a foster father to Jayden and Lucy, with hopes to adopt the children once he’s gone through all the necessary legal hoops. They haven’t been a family for long, but Geo signs them up to Family Camp, with the hope that some bonding over nature walks, camp fires, s’mores and all that kind of stuff will help the kids adapt. Being foster kids Jayden and Lucy haven’t had an easy time, Geo understands this but it is taking all his energy to bring them together. All he wants to do is be a daddy and bring joy to his kids life.

A breakdown on the side of the road means that a stranger helps him. A sexy stranger called Travis who had been sending some pretty flirty vibes out – and was good to the kids – until he turned cold and left Geo confused. But Geo wasn’t about to let that get in his way, because he’s a father now and he knows that romance isn’t something that he is actively seeking.

However, Travis is a camp counsellor. He was adopted by his family, after spending years in the foster system. And despite being a famous pro baseball player, he spends the summer helping his family at the camp they have run for years. Travis doesn’t expect that Geo, the good looking stranger who ran out of petrol that he helped earlier to be at his family camp. Especially when he gleans a wrong impression of the man.

There is great chemistry between these two, but this isn’t any insta-love. The two men are forced to get to know each other – not exactly against their will but they are definitely thrown together on more than one occasion. Then there are also the kids, who come with their own insecurities and trauma from being in the foster system.

While this is a fun, sweet book, there is a lot to overcome and that just means that there is a whole pile of emotions that make this book so good.

Life According to Liam by V.L. Locey

Title: Life According to Liam

Series: According to Liam 01

Author: V.L. Locey

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Novella (136 pages)

ASIN: B07YMW2WBS

Publisher: Self Published (1 Oct 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: There’s always that chance that your heart’s desire is one click away.

Someone needs to pinch web designer/humor blogger/Pittsburgh Ravens mega fan Mike Kneller. Hard. For years, Mike has been living his life for his younger sister Kelly and his four-year-old nephew Liam. He’d opened up his home to Kelly when she found herself pregnant at sixteen and facing having a baby alone. Sure, his days are filled with skinned knees, snotty noses, and the occasional mishap with stuffed superheroes, but he’s perfectly happy because he loves Liam as much as he loves his baby sister. Giving up a social life and going to bed alone is a small price to pay. Little does he know that someone on the Ravens is about to show Ravens goalie Bryn Mettler one of his vlog posts. Of course he’s not going to believe it when his phone rings and the world-famous netminder—and his goalie crush—is on the other end. I mean, life doesn’t work that way for ordinary, hardworking uncles like Mike. Does it?

Bryn Mettler is a superstar athlete and a major part of the Pittsburgh sports society. He seems to have it all. He’s well-dressed, handsome, wealthy, an elite goaltender, a famed philanthropist, and the holder of numerous medals and trophies. To date, there are two things that have avoided him: lifting that big shiny silver cup over his head and finding a man to settle down with. Now that he’s over thirty, Bryn is finding the gay club scene is wearing thin. His teammates’ wives have decided it’s their duty to the team—and to Bryn—to find him Mr. Right. He’s relatively sure the man who’ll capture his heart surely won’t be found on a humor blog. Funny how life likes to take the things that you’re most certain about and flip them—and you—on its ear. When Bryn meets Mike, he is instantly drawn to the warm, funny, sexy man who shares his hectic days with thousands of Pittsburgh natives. Now he just has to convince Mike he is who he says he is so he can get to know him better. Thankfully, Bryn isn’t a quitter. But does he have what it takes to leap into life with Mike, Kelly, and Liam?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Life According to Liam is a really sweet standalone book by VL Locey. I’ve been loving Locey’s work, particularly since she started writing the world of the Harrisburg Railers and it’s two spin off series with RJ Scott. So a new romance by Locey that includes some ice hockey is always a score for me these days.

As well as being sweet, the other descriptor that comes to mind for the story is charming. The story is pretty much what I expected it to be. The characters are charming and endlessly endearing. Despite MC one being a popular NHL player, he has some great friends that really add to the feel that this is a down to earth character, and totally on the same level as the MC who really is just an ordinary guy, a web designer and blogger. The MCs have some great chemistry but I love how real and relatable they seem as they get to know each other, adding some depth to the romance.

The story opens with Mike Kneller. He’s the web designer and blogger who has a modest following as he writes about his life as a single gay man, helping to raise his nephew with his younger sister and is a massive fan of the Pittsburgh Ravens. Mike was disowned by his family when he came out as gay, a couple years later his then teenage sister, Kelly, turns up needing help because she was disowned for becoming pregnant. Since then, Kelly and Mike’s nephew, Liam, has become his life. They make a beautiful family and Liam is a total joy. The siblings are super close and have a lot of love for each other and Kelly is a bit of a mother hen, towards both her son and her big brother. Mike and Liam also share their love for NHL, in particular the Ravens and their out and proud player, Bryn Mettler. Liam, like all kids, comes out with some quirky one lines, but he loves his Uncle Mike with all his heart and he is part of the reason why this story is just so damn wholesome.

When we meet Bryn Mettler for the first time he is having dinner with his team mates and their wives and/or girlfriends. Being a single gay man, the women in the lives of his team mates want to fix Bryn up with a man so that he isn’t lonely. It’s usual problem of being the only single person in a whole group of couples. It is one of those women that mentions the blog, Life According to Liam, and how the blogger, Mike, is gay and has mentioned that he is attracted to his favourite NHL player. Captured by the blog, Bryn reaches out to Mike, starting a sweet and sometimes rocky journey towards love.

Furborn by Isabelle Rowan

Title: Furborn

Author: Isabella Rowan

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Shape shifters

Length: Novel (195 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-293-8

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press / Dreamspinner (15 Oct 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Foxes are vermin.

Australian sheep farmers regard them as an enemy to be shot on sight and hung from the branches of an old gum tree.

But not all foxes are just foxes.

Connor Coutts could be the last surviving male Furborn in Victoria, maybe in the whole country, a heavy bur-den for a teenager. His life’s path is clear— protect what’s left of the Furborn line. That is until someone new arrives at the MacKenzie sheep farm. Spencer MacKenzie, with his long black hair and gothic style, is a strange sight in Connor’s forest, but Fate throws the two teenagers together to save their families.

Can Connor trust Spencer to keep his life-or-death secret, or will he hang on the tree?

Purchase Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Furborn is a standalone young adult novel by Isabelle Rowen. This isn’t your usual paranormal, shape shifting human novel. There is something rather laid back about it, which makes it feel so obviously Australian (at least to me) and as a reader we aren’t being led to some massive apocolytic event and true mates. Instead this is a story about two teenage boys living out in the country on a farm. The setting made me think of classic Australian writer Colin Thiele, who I grow up reading books such as Storm Boy (Mr Percival the Pelican on the Coorong!) and Sun on Stubble (thought about this one as it was based around farm life, hence the title).

Foxes have always been the bane of farmer’s in Australia ever since they were introduced on the large island nation by early settlers. But, not all foxes are just foxes. Some foxes also have human skin. With an explanation of shape shifters that compares them to the myth of Selkies from Scotland, the scariest part of this story is the Furborn having to go against the hunters who need to get rid of the foxes that decimate chickens and the like, as well as damaging crops and fences. After all, many farmers believe that the only good fox is a dead fox.

Connor Coutts comes from an ancient line of furborns who turn into foxes. He’s a teenager on the cusp of being a man. There aren’t many left, and his grandmother – the matriarch of all that is left of his family – will do whatever it takes to ensure the family’s survival, now and into the future. Connor’s life turns upside down when Spencer Mackenzie arrives at the Mackenzie Sheep Farm. The Coutts are almost like a local legend and so Spencer’s grandfather finds Spencer and Connor hanging out together rather amusing.

Connor’s friendship with Spencer comes with a lot of changes. The two young men start to explore some more romantic feelings, while Connor knows he has to do all he must to protect his secret and his family. As their lives intertwine Connor begins to realise that perhaps there is another path for him in life. Being a teenager is difficult, but being a teenage furborn is stressful with so much secrecy and expectation.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect but I loved it, I could not put this down. The writing was so emotive without overloading the reader with more angst than necessary. There is so much sweetness and naivety that makes this a beautiful coming of age story. It just so happens that one boy is human and the other boy can turn into a fox.

For anyone that is looking for some YA fiction which doesn’t lead to a heap of post-apocolytic drama but still want your shape shifters, then this is a good book for you. The setting, out in regional Australia on farms, felt so wonderful and was really realistic. I think that was my favourite part of the book.

The Christmas Dragon’s Mate by Silvia Violet

Title: The Christmas Dragon’s Mate

Series: Lonely Dragons Club 01

Author: Silvia Violet

Genre: Paranormal, Shape shifter, M-Preg

Length: Novella (128 pages)

ISBN: 1707820686

Publisher: Silvia Violet (12th November 2019)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Best Surprise Ever: Going out to add to your Christmas hoard and finding your fated mate.

Laszlo
I’ve been longing to find my mate for over a thousand years. When I see him for the first time, he’s standing beneath sparkling glass ornaments, like a present waiting to be unwrapped. A present I intend to lay claim to.

If I can lure him back to my lair, I’ll shower him with so many gifts he’ll never want to leave. Bonded with my mate by Christmas? Yes, please.

Roman
I’m no good at flirting and have terrible luck with men, so when a gorgeous alpha says he wants to take me home, I’m shocked. And wary. My heat is about to start, and I’ve never shared it with anyone, so why do I suddenly want to say yes to this stranger?

There’s something unusual about him, the way his eyes shine, the odd phrases he keeps using. He says he wants to add me to his collection of beautiful things. I should be offended, but instead, I’m intrigued. Just this once, should I take a risk?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The Christmas Dragon’s Mate is the first book in Silvia Violet’s Lonely Dragons Club series. I like the premise, which is a group of dragons who are about 1000 years old all long for their mates, living rather solitary lives except when they get together on occasion. With the coming Christmas season gives at least a couple of dragons hope for their HEA. This is a totally enjoyable read for anyone that likes shifters and m-preg but not looking for anything too heavy. This is just purely a romance without no angst.

I’m not super familiar with Violet’s work. However, a Christmas story, an alpha shifter and his omega human mate and throw in some M-preg… I was totally down for this. The only word of advice I will give is to those that don’t like insta-love (i.e. the whole fated mate thing in shifter romances) or pushy alpha getting their omega partner into bed.

This is a relatively quick holiday read. What you read in the blurb is essentially what you get, so I’m not going to get into too many details.

Dragons are well known for guarding their hoards. Laszlo is no exception to this rule. He loves the glittery and sparkle of Christmas, it is his favourite time of year. It is the one human festival that he loves. So he goes to a small gift shop in the town near his home, knowing he wanted to buy some glass baubles. This is how he meets his mate, a human omega called Roman. Laszlo has to fight his dragon, who wants to claim his mate as soon as possible, so that his mate won’t run screaming. He lures Roman to his lair and that’s when things heat up!

Roots of Evil by K.C. Wells

Title: Roots of Evil

Series: Merrychurch Mysteries 02

Author: K.C. Wells

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (210 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-270-9

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22 Oct 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Many consider Naomi Teedle the village witch. Most people avoid her except when they have need of her herbs and potions. She lives alone on the outskirts of Merrychurch, and that’s fine by everyone—old Mrs. Teedle is not the most pleasant of people. But when she is found murdered, her mouth bulging with her own herbs and roots, suddenly no one has a bad word to say about her.

Jonathon de Mountford is adjusting to life up at the manor house, but it’s not a solitary life: pub landlord Mike Tattersall sees to that. Jonathon is both horrified to learn of the recent murder and confused by the sudden reversal of public opinion. Surely someone in the village had reason to want her dead? He and Mike decide it’s time for them to step in and “help” the local police with their investigation. Only problem is, their sleuthing uncovers more than one suspect—and the list is getting longer….

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Roots of Evil is the second book in the Merrychurch Mysteries series by KC Wells. Since I’ve already read and loved the first book in the series, I was looking forward to this. I’ve enjoyed many books by KC Wells, but Merrychurch novels satisfies the part of me that loves to indulge in the typical British Mystery shows.

If you don’t get exactly what I mean, here are some examples. Think the line in the movie Hot Fuzz “it’s just a tragic accident”. Or the fact that villages of Midsommer has a murder every week? Or series that have nosey bakers, gardeners and priests that all insist on investigating crimes instead of just leaving it to the police. Well, that’s pretty much what you’re getting here.

This book is not a standalone book. This is the continuation of the relationship of ex-policeman turned pub owner (there was a British TV show with one of those!), Mike, and the new lord of the manor, Jonathan De Mountford.

Their romance and their overall wonderful relationship isn’t the main focus of this book. The romance and relationship aspects are really quite well written and realistic, because you can see that they are still adapting to their new relationship and Jonathan is getting used to the change in his life after taking his uncle’s position as earl. Although it’s not all roses in their personal life. Jonathan has his very traditional father on his back to get married and produce a De Mountford heir, despite knowing his son is gay and with Mike. Of course, this upsets Mike, but this leads to a very important point about trust in their relationship.

Instead, in the time since the murder of Jonathan’s uncle had been solved, where Mike and Jonathan had done a lot of their own investigation, life had settled down and the men could focus on their relationship. But when the woman who is said to be the local witch and famous for her jams and preserves is found dead, Jonathan can’t leave the newest mystery alone. And since Mike is an ex-cop who loves the new lord, the two men begin their own investigation on the side. Of course, they do help the local constabulary, passing on their information, but neither man can leave the mystery alone. Jonathan and Mike dig through more of the village’s secrets, looking at black mail, questionable identities, missing people, affairs and even a couple more members of the very traditional Merrychurch community who may not be as straight as they appear.

Slow Dating the Detective by Sue Brown

Title: Slow Dating the Detective

Series: Cowboys and Angels 03

Author: Sue Brown

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (189 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-653-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (29 Oct 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: A gentle bartender might have what it takes to mend a relationship-phobic detective’s broken heart… but first they have to admit they’re dating.

Keenan Day could kick himself for letting the hot, dark-haired stranger he met outside a strip club get away. Instead of a phone number, he gets a punch in the face—from the boyfriend of his prospective employer at the Cowboys and Angels bar. When two cops come to check up on him, one is the sexy stranger, Detective Nate Gordon.

The initial attraction hasn’t cooled, and though Nate is leery of commitment, one hookup turns into another until they’re seeing each other in everything but name. After a recent nasty breakup, Nate balks at being part of a couple, and Keenan agrees, even though that’s all he’s ever wanted.

Just as they reach a standstill, a crisis shows them what their friends have known all along—they’ve already moved way past hookups. Now they just have to decide how to move forward.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Slow Dating the Detective is the third book in Sue Brown’s series, Cowboys and Angels. I’ve become quite a fan of Brown’s writing, particularly after her Island Medics series and her contributions to Dreamspun Desires. I find the characters so relatable and easy to sympathise with, I also love the romance, which isn’t insta-love and is sometimes a slow burn.

The world of the Cowboys and Angels series is based around the world of a city bar called Cowboys and Angels, which is owned by Gideon, whose story kicked off the first book in the series. Even though both MCs of this book are completely new to the series, I still recommend that this series be read in order. The four men who were the MCs of the previous books, plus a couple we sort of met in the second book but never saw their romance properly, are very strong secondary characters. Also, how both the present MCs, Keenan and Nate, are brought into the Cowboys and Angels family has strong ties to these characters. I’m sure it would make sense as a standalone, but I feel that reading this without reading the first two books will do all the characters an injustice.

Keenan is dragged to a strip club by his sister. He’s having a tough time. An attack and resulting brain injury means that Keenan doesn’t have many career options open, but enjoys his job with a family run construction company. Now, the company was folding and has been brought out by a much larger corporation and has resulted in Keenan, as well as other employees, losing their jobs.
This is why Keenan’s sister has taken to a club to enjoy some talented male exotic dancers. The club itself had been brought out by the owner of the Cowboys and Angels bar by the end of book 2 in the series, and the club manager is a stripper who goes by the stage name Lionman, aka Cris. That night happens to be Lionman’s last hurrah on the stage as he takes over the day to operations of the club. But Keenan doesn’t know any of this yet, instead he sees a man he likes but is too shy to get the man’s number.

However, at the club he gets a lead on a possible job, even if it is bar tending at a local red neck bar, Cowboys and Angels, which has ties to the same guy who now owns the strip club. Keenan doesn’t have much choice and takes the dive. When he goes for his job interview he is greeted by a fist to his face from the bar’s ex-owner (Gideon, because he gifted the bar to his partner), and an offer for a trial period by the bar owner (Dan). And if the situation doesn’t just keep getting worse, two cops step in. One of them being Detective Nate Gordon.

Nate is a commitment-phobe. He comes by it honestly after having his heartbroken and struggling with the idea of putting his heart on the line again. Nate is a nice change from many cop storylines in MM romance where homophobia in the workplace is the least of his issues. After all, one of the other detectives is dating a guy (Mikey, who features in both books 1 and 2). He’s not ready for a relationship and after being honest with Keenan about not dating, Keenan is willing. These guys have a lot of complex emotions to come to terms with before they can think beyond to labelling whatever it is they are having. But there is no doubt that of the two men it is Nate whose baggage is the heaviest.

This was an excellent addition to the world of Cowboys and Angels. I love how closely connected all the characters are (I suppose Gideon’s millions of dollars and given so many business interests help this fact along). I love how there is a friendly, family feel to this series. The characters are relatable, and I love the spark between Nate and Keenan. They are both pretty lost when we first meet them, but they have so much potential together and the possibility of many new friends to add to their circle.

Interpretive Hearts by Amanda Meuwissen

Title: Interpretive Hearts

Series: Dreamspun Desires 94

Author: Amanda Meuwissen

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (197 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-740-7

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (19 Nov 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Love is easy once you learn the steps.

In the competitive world of dance, Teddy was a flawless performer and hardass choreographer who students feared and admired in equal measure. But hip surgery ended the glamour and drama, and now Teddy is recovering at his beach house, lost and listless.

Until he meets Finn, his neighbor, who is too perfect, gorgeous, and kind to exist—but very ill timed. In a seaside town as small as theirs, they can’t avoid each other, especially since Finn is also Teddy’s new physical therapist. But Teddy isn’t the man he used to be, and though Finn flirts shamelessly with him, Teddy can’t believe a has-been dancer is worthy of someone so young and full of life.
Finn’s sunny smile is also hiding heartache. Pursuing Teddy challenges both his professionalism and his self-preservation, but if he can convince Teddy to trust him, maybe they both can heal.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Interpretive Hearts is a standalone romance by Amanda Meuwissen for the house line Dreamspun Desires. I didn’t really know what to expect, to be perfectly honest. I’ve read only one other book by the author in the past and I really couldn’t remember it from the top of my head. However, the blurb grabbed and add in that Dreamspun Desires is something of a guilty pleasure for me, then I was ready to give it a go.

The first character we are introduced to is Teddy. He’s a professional dancer – a skilled performer and as he got older he stepped with ease into the role of an equally skilled choreographer. He has the admiration of various members of the dancing community, as well as his very own enemy that seems to delight in rubbing in the fact that he now had Teddy’s job after surgery has changed Teddy’s whole life. Teddy, as with every other dancer, knew that that the performing part of his career was limited, and unfortunately the same is true for choreography. Vital hip surgery has left Teddy confused and is happy to keep to himself in his beachside condo. The physical part of recovery is difficult, but he had never realised that the mental side of recovery was just as difficult.

Things begin to change when Teddy bumps into one of his neighbours, Finn. Teddy feels an instant spark of attraction but because of the surgery he holds himself back. Especially when he feels humiliated when Finn needs to help him inside to his home after a minor setback. The complications continue when it turns out that Finn is also Teddy’s physical therapist, helping him with his rehab. Because now Finn, who also felt the attraction, is torn because Teddy is now his patient and therefore off limits for any personal relationships.

There is angst as Teddy works through his recovery and Finn comes to terms with his attraction to a patient. Overall, it is really enjoyable and the characters took on a really nice depth that made their romance feel realistic. Fans of romances that involve professional in the arts will like this one. This is the a sweet story of one character on his journey to recovery and the man that becomes important to him for multiple reasons.

Secretly Dating the Lionman by Sue Brown

Title: Secretly Dating the Lionman

Series: Cowboys and Angels 02

Author: Sue Brown

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-651-1

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27 Nov 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Can a man burdened with family drama find his way into the arms of a happy-go-lucky stripper called Lionman?

Cris likes a drink at Cowboys and Angels bar after his shift at the strip club—until one night when a trashed young guy named Mikey tries to kiss him. He’s not Cris’s type, but Cris is good enough to see the kid home safely. There he meets Mikey’s handsome older brother, Bennett, and there’s an immediate spark between them.

But Bennett might not be in a position to start a relationship, let alone with the carefree Cris. He’s trying desperately to hold his family together, with a younger brother who’s running off the rails and hostile parents who will never accept not just one, but two gay sons.

When Cris is unexpectedly fired and Bennett’s family drama escalates, they turn to each other for support. But can a shoulder to lean on develop into something much closer, something they both deserve?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Secretly Dating the Lionman is the second book in Sue Brown’s series, Cowboys and Angels. I’ve become quite a fan of Brown’s writing, particularly after her Island Medics series and her contributions to Dreamspun Desires. I find the characters so relatable and easy to sympathise with, I also love the romance, which isn’t insta-love and is sometimes a slow burn.

The world of the Cowboys and Angels series is based around the world of a city bar called Cowboys and Angels, which is owned by Gideon, whose story kicked off the first book in the series. While the second book starts the story of a new couple, there is some subtle background information which we are given back in book 1 which would make it easier to understand both MCs.

The Lionman in the title of the story is the stage name of a popular male stripper, whose real name is Cris. He first went to the red neck bar Cowboys and Angels for a gay speed dating event, which had seen bar manager Dan and the bar owner Gideon get together. Though Cris didn’t end up with a boyfriend he got a good friend in Dan after the speed dating event. In the months since that meeting, Cris now frequents the bar to relax after he performs on stage at a local strip. He is wildly popular with the audience, but his shifts are being less and less frequent. One night at Cowboys, another man who is 1) deeply closeted and 2) another attendee of the speeding dating night, Mikey, kisses Cris. But Cris is a good guy and not interested in Mikey. So instead helps the drunk guy home.
This is how Cris meets Bennett.

Bennett’s brother, Mikey, is a dominant second character throughout the book, as it is his antics/influence that seem to be bringing Bennett and Cris together. Mikey is troubled and this book is just as much his story of his struggles as much as it is Cris and Bennett’s romance. I like that we get to see Mikey’s story resolve but I have to say I am interested in Mikey’s own dive into the world of dating and love.

Bennett means well, he only wants what is best for his little brother and is very protective of him. His intentions are good, but he is aggressive and rather rude when dealing with Cris. Bennett is under pressure to keep his family and their business going – his parents are very traditional and so Bennett has accepted that he cannot be himself as an out gay man, free to date whom he pleases. At the same time he knows his brother is gay too, and wants to protect him at all costs. However, Mikey’s behaviour is spiralling out of control – making him seem more childlike than adult, or perhaps that is how Bennett sees his brother. Despite his attraction to Cris, who is the complete opposite to Bennett, he believes that Cris is one of the people that he needs to shield Mikey from.

This was a totally enjoyable book, one that I enjoyed more than I did the first book in this series. Though Cris is a stripper, this is no Pretty Woman or some such thing. Cris is realistic, smart as hell and is true to himself. And while Bennett is smart as hell in his own right, he has a lot of learning to do while being the over protective older brother that he is. Both MCs are strong, but they have a lot to learn and they just might find out that they are even stronger together.

Though I just need to end, OMG, I think I had Mumford and Sons playing on repeat in my head at every reference of Cris’s stage name, Lionman.

Truth Will Out by K.C. Wells

Title: Truth Will Out

Series: Merrychurch Mysteries 01

Author: K.C. Wells

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery

Length: Novel (192 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-629-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (30 Oct 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Jonathon de Mountford’s visit to Merrychurch village to stay with his uncle Dominic gets off to a bad start when Dominic fails to appear at the railway station. But when Jonathon finds him dead in his study, apparently as the result of a fall, everything changes. For one thing, Jonathon is the next in line to inherit the manor house. For another, he’s not so sure it was an accident, and with the help of Mike Tattersall, the owner of the village pub, Jonathon sets out to prove his theory—if he can concentrate long enough without getting distracted by the handsome Mike.

They discover an increasingly long list of people who had reason to want Dominic dead. And when events take an unexpected turn, the amateur sleuths are left bewildered. It doesn’t help that the police inspector brought in to solve the case is the last person Mike wants to see, especially when they are told to keep their noses out of police business.

In Jonathon’s case, that’s like a red rag to a bull….

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Truth Will Out is the first book in the Merrychurch Mysteries by KC Wells. Wells is an author that I’ve read a number of books in the past and have found them on the whole enjoyable and well written. I’ve actually heard the audio of this book some months ago – I don’t remember when – but at the time I wasn’t aware that it was part of the series. I remembering really getting into the story and it was great to actually read it for myself.

Overall, this was a really cool story and I think was greatly enhanced by listening to the audio. I feel that this is a book that I’ve got more out of it by listening to the audio – and the fabulous performances that brought the characters to life – than I would have reading the book.

There is a definite “British Mystery” feel to it, as in that there’s a murder in the small village but surely “it was nothing but an accident, I’m sure”. I probably have watched too many of said British Mysteries on television, and I’m not ashamed to say that Hot Fuzz is one of my favourite comedy movies. And not to mention that I figured out the plot of the story, mostly because I was thinking, “this reminds of the Doctor Who episode The Unicorn and the Wasp”. Yeah, I’m a nerd and I barely had to think to remember the name of the episode, whatever.

The story starts with Jonathon de Mountford. He goes to visit his uncle, the present Lord de Mountford at the family’s country seat/property. He has a lot of guilt for not seeing his uncle, whom he had been so close to as a kid. But the years and his career as a famous photographer sent him on a whirlwind journey that he has loved. Of course, his father, who heads the family law firm, is disappointed in Jonathon not only because he’s gay but also because he didn’t go into law and sees photography as nothing but a hobby. So clearly the guy has baggage and his life is about to get a whole lot more complicated, first when he meets local bar owner Mike Tattersall, and then goes to find his uncle and ends up finding him dead in his study.

Mike Tattersall moved to the quiet village of Merrychurch in the English countryside after losing his foot ended his career as a police officer in London. Now he owns the village pub (and oh my god! This just makes me think of watching Heartbeat with my mum when I was home sick from school). He moved to be closer to his recently divorced sister and has made something of a life for himself, even if he is lonely. Mike isn’t in the closet, though he doesn’t advertise his sexuality. He was also very much out when he was a policeman, and got his own set of baggage from that as well as dealing with his sister.

Jonathon and Mike have an instant connection. Their chemistry has been written perfectly. The sparks start to fly instantly, but they have a lot of learning to do together before anything can get too serious. On top of that, Jonathon and Mike can’t resist getting involved in the local to mystery, trying to piece together all the clues to solve what happened to Jonathon’s uncle.

I recommend this to anyone that wants a light-hearted romance with a good dose of adventure and mystery. I’m really looking forward to reading the second book in this series really soon!

A Holiday Homecoming by Liv Rancourt

Title: A Holiday Homecoming

Series: 2019 Advent Calender: Homemade for the Holidays

Author: Liv Rancourt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (62 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-779-7

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1 Dec 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Ten years ago Jon’s passion for the piano took him across the country to New York, where a demanding concert career consumed his life and left him no time to look back. His father’s stroke is the only thing that brings him home to Seattle. The sickroom makes for a dreary holiday until Jon runs into Bo, whose inner light can make anything sparkle.

Bo loves the holidays: the food, the crafts, the glitter! A fling with an old school friend—who grew up to be his celebrity crush—makes a good thing better. The season turns sour, though, when Jon is offered a gig he can’t refuse. He wants Bo to share the moment, but Bo doesn’t fly. Anywhere. Ever. Is this goodbye, or will a handmade ornament bring Jon home to Bo?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: A Holiday Homecoming is a Christmas novella by Liv Rancourt for Dreamspinner Press’s 2019 Advent Calender, the theme of which for this year is “Homemade for the Holidays”.

I love a Christmas novella, or novel, of almost any kind. I love the stereotypically sugary sweet romances that always come out in November and December. They warm the heart and the love makes me happy. I’ve not heard of Liv Rancourt before, so after reading this I think I’d be interested in more their works.

This story is the romance between two men, who had been school friends until life took them apart before they were teenagers.

Jon, a classical concert pianist, has spent the last ten years in New York, first at Julliard and then building his career, until his father has a stroke and he goes back to his hometown to help his parents. Soon after he gets back in town, he encounters Bo, they had been friends when they had been thirteen, before Jon’s love of music had him home schooled so that Jon could take his interest in music further. Jon finds his newly resurfacing emotions confusing. With his feelings of guilt towards not being close to his parents adding to the confusion of his budding romance.

Bo has never left their hometown, but he is happy with his life as a teacher and has a passion for arts and crafts. Seeing Jon again sparks emotions that hadn’t had the chance to fully form into anything more when they had been kids.

This is a short and sweet Christmas romance that has everything that I expect, a real lighted-hearted and sweet romance.

Speed Dating the Boss by Sue Brown

Title: Speed Dating the Boss

Series: Cowboys and Angels 01

Author: Sue Brown

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (195 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-649-8

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (26 June 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Will a mix of privilege and blue collar be a recipe for love… or disaster?

Dan’s pretty satisfied with his job at the working-class bar Cowboys and Angels. He enjoys his simple life, his apartment, and his cat, but he could do without the fights that break out in the bar, his boss’s meddling daughter, Ariel… oh, and a brutal, unrequited crush on his straight alpha boss, Gideon.

When Dan’s friend prepares to tie the knot, everyone insists that Dan needs a date for the wedding. Before he can protest, Ariel arranges a gay speed-dating event at the bar with Gideon as a participant. The unforeseen revelation that Gideon is bisexual raises Dan’s hopes, especially when Gideon announces that he wants to accompany Dan to the wedding. Could Gideon really be interested in Dan?

When Dan needs someone most, Gideon offers his unconditional support, and with genuine commitment, he shows Dan the kind of man he really is. Teaming up to save the wedding from a hungover groom and intolerant parents, can Gideon convince Dan they’re the best match since beer and pizza?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Speed Dating the Boss is the first book in Sue Brown’s series, Cowboys and Angels. I’ve become quite a fan of Brown’s writing, particularly after her Island Medics series and her contributions to Dreamspun Desires. I find the characters so relatable and easy to sympathise with, I also love the romance, which isn’t insta-love and is sometimes a slow burn.

To be honest when I see a series called Cowboys and Angels I am going to stop for a second look, no matter who the author is. I have a weakness for cowboy romances. However, this was not a cowboy romance and I was in no way disappointed about this fact. Instead this is a series that is based around the world of a city bar called Cowboys and Angels, which is owned by Gideon.

Gideon is introduced to the reader through Dan. Dan is the lead bar tender and has been working at Cowboys and Angels that he could run the place with his eyes closed and without his boss. Gideon is a widower with a college aged daughter, Ariel, who he has spoiled after the death of her mother years ago. Gideon is a man of many surprises. He may run a red neck bar, but he is a man of money and his hands in many pies.

Dan is invited to a wedding and needs to bring a date. Dan has devoted so much over the years of his time to the bar that he has no time for dating. He also nurses a crush on his seemingly straight boss. With not a lot of options and a hare-brained scheme concocted by Ariel, Dan allows his boss’ daughter to help him find a date.

The area where the bar is located is a little rough. So, having someone – and someones – out and proud isn’t something that happens really in Cowboys and Angels, but Dan and Gideon are not only realising their feelings for each other they are also changing their little world around them for the better.

This was a light-hearted read but the complexity of the characters is deep, which is what I enjoyed about the book so much. There was chemistry between Gideon and Dan from the start, they have very interesting and driven personalities that compliment each other more than they clash. While this isn’t a slow burn romance, the romance does come around slowly. Dan needs to sort his feelings out, as does Gideon, but they also need to get to know each other better, beyond a friendship between boss and employee.

The Dragon CEO’s Assistant by Jenn Burke

Title: The Dragon CEO’s Assistant

Series: Golden Kingdom Book 02

Author: Jenn Burke

Genre: Paranormal, Shape shifters

Length: Novel (211 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-517-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (29 Oct 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: The heart remembers.

When Aidan Bishop staggers out of the woods, naked and suffering from amnesia, he needs to relearn who he is and where he fits in the world.

His boss, nearly five-hundred-year-old dragon Nassim, head of a successful tech company, hurries to claim his wayward assistant and guide him back into the life he disappeared from. As they get to know each other again, Aidan wonders if their relationship went deeper than employer and employee. But Nassim isn’t telling, and Aidan has a secret of his own… even if he doesn’t know it yet.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The Dragon CEO’s Assistant is the second book in Jenn Burke’s Golden Kingdom series. This does work as a standalone book, there is a brief appearance of the couple featured in the first book, but this appearance does not require any knowledge of what had happened to that particular couple.

I was looking forward to this book because I remember being surprised as just how good and how much I enjoyed the first book. And while I did enjoy this book, the plot line is something of a stereotypical plot from amnesia, a possible office romance, and a distinct lack of communication between the MCs. This is both good and bad. If this ticks all your boxes and have enjoyed similar romances – as I have with various MF romances – then this will be enjoyable, especially if you’re love your MM romances with paranormal themes and shapeshifters.

I’m not going to go too deep into my descriptions. The blurb basically tells you everything you need to know – as a blurb does, but there really isn’t anything too surprising that pops up in the course of the book. I feel that if I do I will spoil things too much.

The story starts when Aidan Bishop emerges out of the woods, after being missing for a short period of time, with amnesia. Not only does he not remember how he got to be found staggering around in a dark, creepy wood, he has no idea of a great many things in his life. As a result, his boss, a five hundred year old dragon shifter, Nassim, endeavours to help Aidan relearn his job and reacquaint himself with the people he had day to day contact with. This is, of course, a confusing time for Aidan, but he is further confused by the ease he feels with Nassim and the just how well they get along, as well as the tingly feeling Nassim leaves him with.

Because Aidan is a stranger to himself, this type of story really does lend itself to some really good character development and depth in the relationship between Aidan and Nassim. There is a certain level of care and attention towards Aidan that shows that he is important in more ways than one. Overall, this was a fun and relaxing book. The romance was sweet, and felt relatable. Perhaps I think this would be an enjoyable read if you need a book to come down after getting through a rather intense story.

Love and Linguistics by Tara Lain

Title: Love and Linguistics

Series: Movie Magic 02

Author: Tara Lain

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (218 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-748-8

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (26 Nov 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: In his neighborhood, El Martin stands out, and that can be life-threatening. Against the odds, he’s managed to graduate high school and then master IT. Now he’s desperate to get a good job to free his drunken dad and himself from the control of gang leader M2 and the drugs he sells. But with his piercings and his slang-ridden speech, El looks and sounds like a Bronx gangbanger, and potential employers won’t give him a second look. So when El hears about Henry Fairhaven, PhD, linguistics researcher and wealthy New York socialite, El takes his life in his hands to escape from M2 and ends up sleeping in the stairwell at Henry’s building, hoping to learn how to speak.

To Henry, who wants to prove himself as a scholar and not merely a rich dilettante, El isn’t only the most beautiful man he’s ever seen—he’s also the key to getting a paper published on Henry’s ground-breaking linguistics methods before a competitor beats him to the punch. But Henry doesn’t tell El the truth, and El thinks Henry’s helping him because he cares.

El’s dreams collide with Henry’s ambitions at the elegant Met Gala, where El captivates a prince of Silicon Valley. But the real collision comes when M2 tracks El down and Henry has to choose between the validation he craves and a future with the man he’s come to love.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Love and Linguistics is the second novel in Tara Lain’s Move Magic series. This works as a standalone book, since there is no plot or characters that join the two books together. I think why it is part of the same series is a rather tenuous connection where the characters in the first book love movies and talk about them, while in this book we have direct reference to My Fair Lady. Doesn’t matter, regardless, it is an enjoyable book.

As I said, this is very much a modern take on the classic movie, My Fair Lady, to the point even the character who is the benefactor acknowledges he needs a Miss Eliza Doolittle. For those that aren’t familiar with the movie – Henry Higgins, a wealthy man from high society, who happens to be a phonetics professor finds a rather unpolished woman who a low (i.e. poorer) social class. He teaches her how to talk, walk and dress like a “proper lady” and presents her to society.

It just so happens that in this book, Miss Doolittle is in fact a Mr Doolittle.

El (Elijah) Martin is a young man who has grown up in the slums of the Bronx, with a father who is alcoholic and now gang leader is adding drugs to his addiction. El is smart, he finished high school and has done community courses in IT, which he has excelled at. On paper he isn’t a bad prospect for an employer, but in person he looks and sounds like the same dangerous gang members he longs to get away from. At a job interview this is explained to him and he is given the card of one of the most successful linguistics researcher in New York. El doesn’t have the money to pay but he’s desperate to get out of the current hell that his life is becoming.

It takes a lot for El to finally make the move to get help from Henry Fairhaven. Henry is young, only thirty, but he is much more mature for his age and sometimes to me comes across as being much closer to forty. He comes from a rich family of socialites, which coupled with his chosen career is probably part of the reason why he is so mature. Henry also wants to beat one of his rivals in linguistics (and on the social scene) and when El comes in with enthusiasm to change but no money, Henry sees the “Miss Doolittle” that he needs to prove that his developed methodology of linguistics and social training works. So, Henry, with the help of his assistant and a friend who was one of his successes, takes El under his wing and readily foots the bill for everything and has El staying in his home because El has nowhere else to go.

The only snag is that El doesn’t know that he is the subject what is intended to become a research paper. At first he is told he has a sort of scholarship, and then as he and Henry get closer he believes it is out of friendship. Henry and El fight their attraction from the start – or more accurately, Henry fights their attraction because he doesn’t like the ethical implications of being involved with a client/student.

However, things come to a head at the Met Gala, the ball that is El’s graduation. Not only does the full truth come out, but El’s life is also in danger. Both Henry and El need to face up to certain truths or else there is not going to be a chance of a HEA for them.

Heartward by Andrew Grey

Title: Heartward

Author: Andrew Grey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (193 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-555-7

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (12 Nov 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: He doesn’t know that home is where his heart will be….

Firefighter Tyler Banik has seen his share of adventure while working disaster relief with the Red Cross. But now that he’s adopted Abey, he’s ready to leave the danger behind and put down roots. That means returning to his hometown—where the last thing he anticipates is falling for his high school nemesis.

Alan Pettaprin isn’t the boy he used to be. As a business owner and council member, he’s working hard to improve life in Scottville for everyone. Nobody is more surprised than Alan when Tyler returns, but he’s glad. For him, it’s a chance to set things right. Little does he guess he and Tyler will find the missing pieces of themselves in each other. Old rivalries are left in the ashes, passion burns bright, and the possibility for a future together stretches in front of them….

But not everyone in town is glad to see Tyler return….

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Heartward is a standalone by Andrew Grey. I am unashamedly a massive fan of Grey’s books, he has a great knack for writing stories of tough men in uniform, who are really just down to earth, ordinary men, as well as heartfelt stories involving vulnerable children. And luckily for us, Heartward, is a wonderful combination of these.

The story starts out with firefighter Tyler Banik. He’s left his hometown some years ago in his wish to help people, which led him to working disaster relief all over the world. However, things have changed now that Tyler has adopted a traumatised child named Abey. To give Abey stability that he needs and the support that Tyler needs as a single dad, Tyler returns to his hometown where his parents still live. Tyler has got a new job as part of the local crew of firefighters, and while it is a change of pace, he sees a lot that needs fixing – particularly when he comes face to face with an incompetent superior who holds a lot of power.

Then there is Alan Pettapin, he and Tyler were something of enemies in high school, in one of those ways where the rift was caused by assumptions and jealousies in the way that teenagers are so good at doing. However, Alan has changed – for the better – he is a successful business owner, and much like Tyler, wishes to help people. That is how Alan has ended up on the local council, but much like Tyler he knows that there are people in power abusing their privileges.

Between getting to know each other – properly, as adults, finding the actual enemies, and Tyler finding his feet again and pouring his devotion onto Abey, the two men manage to find love as they grow closer.

Abey, the little boy that Tyler adopts is adorable and so completely vulnerable because of the circumstances he had been in before Tyler finds him. His story really tugs at the heart strings and his character also gives Tyler so much depth as he learn their shared backstory. Then there is the part of the plot which deals with corrupt council officials, I really likes this because as a reader we get a real strong indication of the shared moral values held by Tyler and Alan and just how much they care for other people. Finally, there is the personal aspect, which is essentially how Tyler and Alan move from high school enemies meeting as adults to two men falling in love. Each aspect of this story gives great insight and depth to the characters, which just added to the chemistry I felt on the page between the two men.

Overall, a really enjoyable book. I recommend this to fans of Andrew Grey, those that love a firefighter finding his love and family and those that love a good romance with a kid adding to the family.

Something Wild by Anna Martin

Title: Something Wild

Author: Anna Martin

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Length: Novel (209 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-272-3

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22 Oct 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: The South Pacific Archipelago is home to a tiny island community of around three hundred scientists… and twenty thousand dinosaurs. As a paleogeneticist, Kit Sterling leads a team studying the dinosaurs to unlock the unanswered questions of evolution.

But there is something more dangerous than dinosaurs on the islands.

Head ranger Logan Beck discovers evidence of poachers, while rumors of a black market for dinosaur leather swirl around the community. Kit and Logan haven’t always gotten along professionally, though that has nothing to do with their attraction to each other. So when they’re thrown together to save an injured infant dinosaur, their professional disdain turns into a clandestine romance.

With not just the injured dinosaur at risk, but all of the precious dinosaurs on the islands too, Kit and Logan have to figure out how to balance their budding romance without letting their careers go extinct.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Something Wild is a standalone romance by Anna Martin. While the author is known to me, nothing immediately comes to mind about any opinions that I’ve formed in the past. Let’s face it, I saw dinosaurs in the blurb and I was happy.

I’m going to get my negativity out of the way first. While I loved the set up of the book, the themes and the characters, I felt that there was something missing in terms of spark between the MCs. The spark was there, but I’m thinking that there wasn’t quite enough character development that meant that the book exceeded my expectations. TL:DR version – I just wasn’t feeling “it” a number of times throughout the book.

Now: the dinosaurs and the inevitable pop culture references.

Something Wild, to me, is like if Jurassic Park was a scientific commune combined with a national parks type of set-up, rather than a theme park. And the romance was as if Dr Grant (palaeontologist) and Robert Muldoon (Jurrasic Park game warden) discovered that they had romantic feelings for each other. In this world a small, isolated archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean was found to the be home of dinosaurs in the 1970s, when everyone had previously thought them extinct. Since them, the archipelago has become a protected site for these amazing animals, with the only people are the scientists who study and protect the creatures.

Basically, what you see in the blurb is what you get in the book. So there isn’t any real surprises, and to be honest with the poaching subplot, I had that figured out pretty quickly. Nonetheless it was good to see how the characters arrived at their conclusions in the end, and our heroes saved the day.

The MCs are palaeogeneticist, Kit Sterling and head ranger, Logan Beck. In the big scheme of things, Kit and Logan are nemeses by any stretch of the imagination. Instead they have a complicated relationship at the start simply because their work does not bring them together all that often. I mean, yeah, Kit and Logan would have encountered the usual academic arguments you see these days of whose name should be included on published papers, and at what line do you draw between acknowledging someone to giving them authorship. But again, in the big scheme of things, that’s actually normal in the academic world.

As a palaeoscientist specialising in dinosaur genetics, Kit doesn’t venture into the wilds of the dinosaur habitat, instead getting information and samples (from blood to carcasses) from the rangers. He is also on the ethics committee, and so he has a particular and stringent set of rules that he requires the rangers to follow when they are out among the dinosaurs.

Then there is Logan is essentially a field scientist, who had previously worked in safari parks in Africa, after completing his PhD (he is referred to as Dr Beck numerous times and is explained in the beginning) he found his calling in the wild with animals, although that also meant that many lab-based scientists overlooked his expertise. He loves working with the dinosaurs on the archipelago and is meticulous when it comes to ensuring the care of all animals on the islands.

It is perhaps fortunate that Logan’s experience in Africa means that he recognises the signs of poachers on the Island, which coincides with the possibility of dinosaur leather being sold on the black market is brought to Kit’s attention. This is the catalyst which brings Kit and Logan together, to actually work together in the field and in the lab, getting to know each other. Add in the sweetest little runt of a dinosaur, Dizzy, which pulls at Kit’s heart and has him going against the ethics code and I was happy. You can see that Kit and Logan have so much potential as they work together to find out about the poachers and foster the injured dinosaur.

Return of the Chauffer’s Son by Tara Lain

Title: Return of the Chauffer’s Son

Series: Movie Magic Romance 01

Author: Tara Lain

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-63533-478-4

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2 June 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Luca McGrath may be returning to Napa Valley, California, as a promising chef with dreams of starting his own restaurant and winery, but his heart still lives with the bad-boy son of a billionaire, James Armstrong. Luca spent his childhood playing games with the golden boy of California society, so blinded by James he barely noticed the dark, quiet lure of his conservative older brother, Dylan Armstrong.

But now Luca’s home, and his own powers of attraction are enough to make James question his dedicated heterosexuality and his promised marriage to a wealthy and powerful businesswoman. The obvious attraction between Luca and James spurs Dylan into action—but he’s fighting a huge secret. While Luca dreamed of James, Dylan dreamed of Luca. When Luca gets caught in the struggle between the brothers and gets accused of culinary espionage he’s ready to chuck the fairy tale—unable to even imagine Dylan’s power to make his dreams come true.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The Return of the Chauffeur’s Son is a standalone book by Tara Lain. Tara Lain is not an unknown author for me and I have enjoyed a number of her books and the writing style that she uses. In fact, I’ve actually heard the audio of this book but hadn’t yet read it until now. It’s sweet and charming and had me engrossed from start to finish. It’s one of those books that I think just about anyone could listen or read this book and enjoy their escape from reality.

The story starts with Luca McGrath finding his way home to California after some years away in college and then making his name as an up and coming chef. He was raised in Napa Valley by his father after the death of his mother. Luca grew up on the Armstrong winery estate where his father was the family chauffeur. The Armstrong family supported Luca and his father after the death of Luca’s mother, although he was a baby at the time. As a result, Luca grew up alongside Armstrong boys, more so James who is Luca’s best friend and Luca’s first crush..

Luca’s homecoming is joyous but things are complicated when it comes to the Armstrong brothers. While Luca has spent so many years of his life pining away for James, he begins to learn that that he entirely overlooked James’s much older brother, Dylan. Dylan is helping Luca with just about everything but doesn’t know how to communicate his feelings. He is the strong and stoic type and there is no end to his chivalry, with his need to protect his baby brother. While James is a playboy, who is now engaged and seems keen to now suddenly explore his sexuality. Dylan is frustrated because he is attracted to Luca, but his parents are dismissing James’ behaviour as James continued hero worship of his out and proud, gay older brother.

Luca and Dylan don’t know much about each other, that much is clear from the start. However, as they get to know each other there is a lot they have in common, including a passion for movies and once again they have startling similar tastes. It’s just another point that shows that there is more beneath the surface.

Overall, this is a fun, sweet and sexy novel that shows us that sometimes a HEA is right in front of us and with the person least expected.

Single by R.J. Scott ~ Audio Review

Title: Single

Series: Single Dads 01

Author: R.J. Scott

Narrator: Sean Crisden

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 4 hrs, 35 mins

Publisher: Love Lane Books (9th August 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Reeling from the painful rejection of a man he thought he loved, Asher is left holding the baby.

Ash wants a family, and is determined to continue with a surrogacy he’d begun with his ex. Bringing baby Mia home, he vows that he will be the best father he can be. Nothing in this world matters more to him than caring for his daughter, not even accidentally falling in lust with the doctor next door. Challenged by his growing attraction to Sean, and confronted by painful mem-ories of his family, Ash has to learn that love is all that matters.

When ER doctor Sean moves in with his friends next door to sexy, single-father Ash, he falls so quickly it takes his breath away. The sex they have is hot, but Ash is adamant his heart is too full with love for his daughter to let anyone else in. Why is Sean the only one who sees how scared Ash is, and how can he prove to his new lover that he desperately wants the three of them to become a family?

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Single is the first book in RJ Scott’s Single Dads series, which its pretty easy by the end of this book to see that this is following smoking hot first responders in their quest for love.

RJ Scott isn’t an unknown author to me, I’ve recently become reacquainted with her writing through hockey romances, so Single is a bit of a change of pace for me. I’ve read the book before, but I was keen to listen to the audio. I love that this is a super sweet romance that just me so many warm feelings with main characters that felt so real, so I wanted to get the audio experience too.

The narration of the story is performed by Sean Crisden. I’ve not heard of anything narrated by Crisden in what feels like a long time, so while I knew that I had enjoyed his performances in the past I couldn’t remember why. Crisden does an excellent job, and in fact his performance allowed me to enjoy Single in audio format more than I had by simply reading it. He a gentleness to his tone that suits the paternal side that comes out in Ash’s character, as well as the caring and compassionate side that comes from Sean (the character, not the narrator himself).

If you’re into hot men with babies, which is certainly a draw for many readers of romance, then this is the book (and audio book) for you.

The story is about Ash and Sean. Ash is the single dad of the story. He’s wanted children for so long and had started investigating surrogacy with his ex. When his ex leaves just as the surrogate got pregnant, Ash is left on his own. It was not a rosy picture to begin with. Ash had so much support from his twin sister after his daughter had been born, but he now he had to get back into his own home and start a routine for him and Mia. He’s stressed and sleep deprived, and so when one night he has his new, albeit drunken, neighbour banging on his front door one night when he finally got Mia to sleep, Ash is pissed off.

That drunken neighbour was one of the three very single men who moved next door, who Ash hasn’t met at all yet. His friends wrangle him after it was clear that the he stumbled to Ash’s place because the homes look so alike. This is how he meets the other two neighbours, but it’s Sean who is immediately captured by his new neighbour.

Sean is an ER doctor, not the most glamourous of first responders, but he is a doctor, and in romances where all us fickle people swoon over certain types, a doctor is certainly up there. Sean is instantly attracted to Ash, but is going to have a difficult time to make it through the man’s defences. First because of the awkward introduction to each other, and then later because Ash is completely stressed out trying to be the best dad in the world.

And while love isn’t instantaneous, these guys slowly get to know each other, which Mia in the mix. That is what I liked the most, this wasn’t an instant happy family. They had a simmering chemistry that complimented the overall tone of the book and the characters that I really liked. It is sweet and gentle, but there is depth to the characters and some depth to their emotions (although not as much as I would want of the latter).

This was a wonderful story and the ending hints to us about book 2, which I’m totally excited for.

His Turn by Elsa Aarden

Title: His Turn

Author: Elsa Aarden

Genre: Paranormal, Vampires

Length: Novella (89pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-64243-975-5

Publisher: Siren Publishing (5th September 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: To certain humans, the city is a place riddled with vampires. Cameron Jameson, a lover of art, ventures out of his rural hometown to see the work of his favorite painter in person. There, he meets Duncan Marlow, a persistent vampire. During their spark, an enemy throws Cameron into a new vampire world unknown to him with Duncan.

Duncan Marlow is new to dating a human. Is the vampire world too much for his human partner? A family secret takes Cameron by surprise and Duncan has to find a way to help him adapt. His intentions to keep Cameron away from danger are to no avail.

A fatal accident turns Cameron’s life around. While all expected it to be that simple, it turns out to be much more than ever imagined for them. His new-found existence creates surprise and fear in others during the test-run of his abilities.

Purchase Link: Siren-BookStrand | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: His Turn is a standalone paranormal romance by Elsa Aarden. Aarden is not an author that I’m super familiar with – I’ve come across her name a number of times while perusing the Siren website, and I’ve a couple of books in the past. However, this is not an author that I am invested in, to the point that I must read every book. That’s not to saying anything bad about the author or the writing style, I have enjoyed each book I’ve read by Aarden, but there are just so many book and authors that this did not tip to become on my very long must read authors list.

The story starts with Cameron Jameson. He’s a fairly ordinary human who lives with his very human family in a rural town. There seems to be a lot of fear and distrust when it comes to vampires from his people. The big, bad vampires all seem to populate the big, bad city. But being that Cameron loves art, there isn’t much he can do in his small town or farm, so when his favourite artist makes an appearance at an art gallery in the city, Cameron makes the drive. It is at the gallery, that not only does Cameron get to meet his idol, but he also meets Duncan Marlow, a vampire.

Duncan seems to be everything fearful that Cameron has heard about vampire, yet at the same time there is some inexplicable link between the two of them. However, Cameron is uncertain, and rather than push and become too aggressive, Duncan is ready to take things slow. However, there is as much darkness in the world of vampires that Cameron fears. Duncan will do anything to help and protect Cameron.

Cameron and Duncan have a great connection. There is sexual tension from the moment they meet, and while there is kindness and romance, there is also harshness and danger when Cameron must see and become a part of Duncan world, ultimately facing his fears. What I really like the most about Duncan is that while he can be a “brutal vampire” and is partly why he has survived for so long and has become so successful. While the story didn’t grab me and enchant me as much as I would have liked it was these elements that allowed me to enjoy the book.

His Turn is a pretty good, solid romance that wonderfully captures the danger and uncertainty that comes with the world of vampires along with the hot attraction between the main characters. If you’re into paranormal or vampire romances, I reckon it’s worth giving it a go.

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