Tag: Prime’s Reviews

Puzzle Me This by Eli Easton (2nd Edition)

Eli Easton - Puzzle Me This Cover s bheru89Title: Puzzle Me This (2nd Edition)

Author: Eli Easton

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (120 pages)

ASIN: B07XCWMZNN

Publisher: Self Published (6 Sept 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Luke Schumaker designs computer games, working from his home. Every day he walks his dog in the woods nearby, never suspecting that someone who is completely smitten is watching.

The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper.

When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Puzzle Me This is a standalone novel by Eli Easton. It’s a quick and fairly easy read that was totally enjoyable. It doesn’t hurt that I’ve discovered an appreciation for Eli Easton’s writing style and stories in the past year or so. I just find it very easy to connect to the characters and Puzzle Me This is no different. Admittedly, this is a re-release, however, I’ve never gone far enough back in Easton’s catalogue to find it before this new edition was released.

The story is a sweet romance between Luke Schumaker and Alex Shaw. Luke works from home designing computer games. He loves his job and is good at it. He lives a somewhat quiet life, not realising that he has a secret admirer near by who has been (no creepy-like) watching him from afar. He only realises that he does have a secret admirer when he does the cross word in the local paper and notices that the solutions are about him. Intrigued, Luke tries to find out what’s going on.

That semi-stalker is Alex. Alex is shy, that’s why he watches. He admires Luke, but some of his shyness stems from the fact that he needs a wheelchair. He can’t find the courage to confront Luke, but since Alex is a crossword creator for the local paper, he sends out his message that way.

This is fun and cute. You have to suspend your disbelief or else you would go crazy – who does the cross word in the local paper that Alex could hope that Luke would even see it and do it? Why isn’t Luke more creeped out? I feel my questions are valid.

However, it is totally worth it to set aside your doubts and enjoy the story. In many way Alex and Luke are two sides of the same coin, they are different enough to be similar but not complete opposites. They have a gentle chemistry that I really appreciate and find very relatable. This is the type of story that warms the heart and leaves the reader with a smile on their face.

The Good Green Earth by V.L. Locey

V.L. Locey - The Good Green Earth Cover s nj4578Title: The Good Green Earth

Series: Colors of Love 03

Author: V.L. Locey

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Novel (230 pages)

ASIN: B07XZN29SD

Publisher: V.L. Locey (16 Sept 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Will their attraction grow into something deeper, or will it wither and die on the vine?

After the Syracuse Stallions clinch the championship, Nathan Zinkan, the renowned wild man of the AHL is arrested for a DUI. Again. When a no-nonsense judge adds a heavy dose of community service to an already stiff sentence, Nathan has to forget a summer of partying and slide on a pair of gardening gloves. His entire future now rides on how well he can behave while helping elderly urban gardeners tend to their tomatoes.

Watching local garden center owner Bran Cavanaugh working without his shirt is a benefit he wasn’t expecting. Pity Bran is also the one in charge of the community garden as well as keeping tabs on Nathan’s hours served. The two men are instantly at odds due to Nathan’s rebellious nature and Bran’s icy demeanor. Yet there’s no denying the attraction that begins to build between the hot-headed athlete and the cool as a cucumber master gardener.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | B&N

Review: The Good Green Earth is the third book from VL Locey’s Colors of Love series, which is based around the lives of men from various teams of the AHL (this is the development teams that feed into the NHL). As the characters aren’t related this works as a standalone book, but so far this has been a fantastic series so I also recommend going back to the previous books if you enjoy this one.

For those readers that have become attached to many of Locey’s ice hockey romances, The Good Green Earth is a wonderful book to add to your list. I don’t hide the fact that I adore Locey’s work, particularly the hockey romances of recent years.

For others unfamiliar, but love a sweet sports romance, I highly recommend this. This also deals with themes that I know will attract many readers, including main characters with an age gap, enemies to lovers, moving on after the loss of a loved one and addiction.

Nathan Zinkan is known as a the AHL’s wild one, having been arrested previously for a DUI, another arrest after his team wins the championship has Nathan in front of a judge. Nathan had hoped that his lawyer could get him out of any trouble, but instead the judge gives him 1000 hours community service at a local community garden centre.

Then Nate meets Bran Cavanaugh, the older man that owns the garden centre and the men that will sign off on Nathan’s community services hours for the court. Nathan’s laid-back nature is at complete odd with Bran’s more conscientious outlook on life.

Both men have their issues and they undergo an intense but satisfying character development. Bran is dealing with the loss of his husband, the people in his life tell him he needs to move on but Bran is simply not ready to let go yet. As for Nate, he doesn’t think he needs to get his shit together, and he acts like a resentful, spoilt child at first when he first arrives at the garden centre. But he needs to battle his own demons and recognise that he has issues when it comes to alcohol.

This book is an emotional roller coaster, but it’s a great read with hugely relatable characters.

How to Walk Like A Man by Eli Easton *Dual Review*

Eli Easton - How To Walk Like A Man Cover t43494Title: How to Walk Like A Man

Series: Howl at the Moon 02

Author: Eli Easton

Genre: Paranormal, Shape shifters

Length: Novel (267 pages)

ASIN: B0176KQPH8

Publisher: Pinkerton Road (13 Nov 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer’s: Prime & Shorty

Blurb: Deputy Roman Charsguard survived Afghanistan where he lost his best friend—his K-9 handler James. Roman was a military dog until two years ago when he developed the ability to shift into a human. It’s not easy to learn how to be a man. He found a place to live in Mad Creek, a haven for the secret world of dog shifters. Finding a reason to live has been harder. That is, until a certain human walks into the Mad Creek Sheriff’s office and starts making trouble.

Matt Barclay has the worst luck. First he was shot in a SWAT drug raid, then he was sent as DEA investigator to Mad Creek, a little town in the California mountains. Matt’s job is to keep a lookout for illegal drug farms, but nobody in the town wants him there. And then there’s Roman, Matt’s erstwhile baby-sitter. He’s the hottest guy Matt’s ever seen, even if he is a bit peculiar. If this job doesn’t kill Matt, sexual frustration just might.

The town is counting on Roman to prevent Matt from learning about dog shifters, Matt’s counting on Roman to be his work partner and tell him the truth, and Roman’s trying to navigate love, sex, and a whole lot of messy human emotions. Who knew it was so complicated to walk like a man?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Prime’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

How to Walk Like a Man is the second book in Eli Easton’s Howl at the Moon series. While I hadn’t known what to expect when I started book one, I was really excited to read book 2. I strongly recommend reading this series in order, not only is it a fun, charming and sweet series, it is also totally unique. Also, there are a number of sub plots that are directly linked to book one and I think it would difficult to appreciate this book on its own.

After reading book 1, I couldn’t wait to start How to Walk Like a Man after I read the blurb. We me Roman, one of the MCs of this book, while reading Lance and Tim’s story in book 1. Roman had instantly intrigued me in the first book, he had such a gentle, firm but protective nature that I wanted to know more about the man and the dog that he was. After all, Roman is quickened, meaning that he had been born a dog but the love and emotion from his human owner meant that Roman received the spark that caused him to transform after his owner died.

Roman’s back story is one that will appeal to most readers. He was a military dog and had complete adoration for his handler, of course this affection was returned him. He was in Afghanistan with his handler, sniffing out bombs and the like. I won’t spoil and give the full back story, but it’s easy to figure out even reading the book. I loved the emotional connection I felt to this story line.

But now that he lives in Mad Creek and over the past couple years has learnt to be a man, he finds a new place in life. His military training makes him perfect to help the sheriff and has been recently made a deputy. With drugs threatening to encroach, Roman now has the job of babysitting the human DEA agent who has come to scope out Mad Creek for drugs.

In fact, the human DEA agent, Matt Barclay had also appeared in book 1, albeit very briefly. He had been shot in the cross fire and Roman had saved him then. Again, I won’t go into it because this all ties in with Roman’s backstory. But trust me, it is all very sweet. Matt knows that there is something different about Mad Creek, and he also knows that Roman is keeping him away from the town, which puts him on alert. The fact that the two men have a lot of chemistry is just another added layer for Matt.

This story is everything that is sweetness with the added strength of characters that are from law enforcement. Roman is naïve when it comes to human love and physicality, so he is learning a lot along the way. It is this naivety that adds the charm into the story, while Matt is more worldly but isn’t about to storm Roman’s defences. Once again, I loved this story. This is an excellent series I recommend to those that love a good shape shifter story.

Shorty’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

I loved this story about Roman and Matt. Keeping a secret from Matt was hard for Ro as he was such an honest and open person but keep it he did. With the threat of possible drug being grown in their town Lance and Roman attend a meeting where they learn a DEA agent will be assigned to their town. It’s up to Roman to keep the man from learning the truth about them.

Roman’s back story is both happy and heartbreaking. He was a brave German shepherd and served his country well while in the service. He had a hard time adjusting as a human which was to be expected. Matt suspects things are going on but does not report the strange things he see’s to his superior. As the investigation continues he and Roman grow closer.

I found this story to be dramatic, humorous and intense at times. I liked the way the story flowed and progressed. Amazing addition to the series.

Fantastic read and highly recommended.

Forbidden in Uniform by W.S. Long

W.S. Long - Forbidden In Uniform Cover s q3kj83Title: Forbidden in Uniform Box Set

Series: Forbidden in Uniform

Author: W.S. Long

Genre: Contemporary, Military

Length: Collection (Novel + Novella, 306 pages)

ISBN: 9781634869485

Publisher: JMS Books LLC (6th March 2019)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Two of W.S. Long’s best-selling gay romance stories are now available in a box set! Fall in love with Pad and RJ’s love story. Contains the stories:

Ask and I’ll Tell: Raised by his aunt, after his mother died, Pad McLaughlin enlisted in the Air Force to see the world, and save money for college, but he didn’t expect to fall in love with his supervisor, RJ Davis, a handsome, dashing officer. Rather than return home right away after his tour of duty in Saudi Arabia, Pad gambles on love by joining RJ in Bangkok, despite the government’s policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” When Pad realizes RJ doesn’t love him, he returns home broken-hearted only to be distracted by Wayne, another hunky airman, who keeps secrets from Pad.

When RJ finally realizes after Pad’s gone what Pad means to him, is he too late? Will Pad choose the officer or the airman? Set in 2008, this love story takes place before the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” when gay men who loved each other were forced to remain in the closet and deny themselves happiness.

Splendidly Ever After: Seven years after they meet, and more than four years since RJ initially proposes, RJ and Pad are back. The wedding invitations have been sent again and the date is set. This time, both men are more committed than ever to each other and willing to make their relationship work.

But old issues surface that cause conflict before their big day. Will RJ’s recent diagnosis of sexual addiction disorder tear them apart? Can they weather the growing disapproval from their families over same-sex marriage before they walk down the aisle? Will RJ and Pad finally tie the knot?

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Forbidden in Uniform Box Set is the collection of the two books that make the Forbidden in Uniform series, Ask and I’ll Tell and Splendidly Ever After, by WS Long. This is my first encounter with WS Long, so I had no idea what to expect, but I was attracted by the fact that this was a military type romance. I’m a bit of a sucker, even when (or especially because) of those based around DADT, where the romance holds a forbidden element (hence the name of the series, I suppose).

I’m going to give a quick review for both the novel and the novella which is featured in this collection. However, I’ve not rated them individually because for me they both get the same rating, whether individually or bundled together.

To me they weren’t really individual stories as such, the second book carries on from the first (about the same couple) and is completely dependent on the reader having read book 1 first (lucky it’s a box set). With that in mind, I find it really easy to make a number of overall comments about the story and treating it as one.

The first book starts when your two MCs meet. This is the romance between enlisted Air Force person, Pad McLaughlin, and Pad’s supervisor/commanding officer, RJ Davis. Pad has had a crush on his supervisor while they have been both stationed in Saudi Arabia, but DADT means that Pad could never act on his feelings. Not only that, he has no idea if RJ would be receptive. A little bit of scheming on Pad’s part and they end up in Thailand, indulging in a wild time of sex. But things get messy when emotions become involved. RJ, as an officer is in a difficult place, too, as any misstep could spell the end of his career. Meanwhile, Pad is moving to the base in Tampa, Florida and desperately wants to make a relationship with RJ work. However, when Pad realises RJ doesn’t love him, he goes back to Florida alone and picks up the pieces. Obviously the story doesn’t end here, because RJ has to get his shit together and the bumpy journey to a full fledged relationship continues.

The second book, Splendidly Ever After, picks up seven years later. RJ and Pad are still together and they are on their way to get married, with the stressful lead up wreaking havoc on their relationship. They’ve already been engaged and almost married once, but they broke up and got back together and (I hope) they’re stronger than ever. This is another serving of angst. Once again it seems that RJ is the cause of conflict, he suffers from sexual addiction disorder and his addiction to porn put a strain on their relationship.

I’m going to be upfront. While I didn’t dislike the book and didn’t have any trouble finishing it, I felt a little disappointed by the general feel of the book. I’m not sure if it is writing style or if it comes down to the details that were given to the reader throughout the book. However, I really struggled to feel the emotion between the two men, as well as struggling to get a firm hold of the attraction between them. Don’t get me wrong, the attraction was there but I felt there was something missing. I don’t think the fact that this is very much an insta-love type of situation helped, because I felt as though a lot of emotions, besides anger and heart break, were being muted by the fact that things seemed to be glossed over and told. In the end I feel I didn’t know the MC’s all that well.

The other thing is, I think it’s an interesting angle and I liked the struggle between the characters. However, I felt that it was a missed opportunity that the author did not go into further detail. The disorder wasn’t explained properly and the mental issues that RJ has gone through were not really brought out well. I know that sounds like an odd criticism, BUT I recently listened to an audio book of an MC who suffered sex addiction and used his work as an escort to help his treatment, that was pretty awesome.

TL;DR: I easily felt all the negative emotions and struggled to feel more out of the positive emotions.

This is probably the type of book for someone that likes insta-love, angst, heart break all rolled up into a military romance.

Chef on Top by M.J. O’Shea

M.J. O'Shea - Chef On Top Cover s rebh0Title: Chef on Top

Series: Sizzling in the Kitchen 03

Author: M.J. O’Shea

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (126 pages)

ASIN: B07V6FRDNZ

Publisher: M.J. O’Shea

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Chef Jake Casey has never been what you’d call… liked. By anyone. He was the odd outcast son of the town drunk, and he’s spent his adult life doing everything he can to be nothing like his father. If that meant stomping on a few dozen toes, so be it. But contrary to popular belief, he is human. It gets a little old being alone all the time. When he lands a new job on the other side of the country, Jake decides he’s going to change. New city, new restaurant, new Jake.

It’s going pretty well until his first and only friend’s ex shows up with a fiancé in tow. Ty is horrified. Jake might not have much practice with the friend thing, but he decides he’ll do what everyone in the movies always does – he offers to be Ty’s fake boyfriend. It can’t go wrong. Right?

Ty Caldecott knows better. His life isn’t a teen rom-com and situations like these always end up in humiliation. But the prospect of seeing Taran every day with that ring shining on his finger makes Ty want to vomit. Ty doesn’t want to look like a pining loser, so he tells Jake he’s in.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Chef on Top is the third book in MJ O’Shea’s self-published series, Sizzling in the Kitchen. Unfortunately, at the time I read this series I read another series (Recipe for Love by Ari McKay), and so I mixed things up and only just realised that I did a review for one series and not this one. Which sucks, because this won’t have as much detail as I usually try to put in reviews since it’s been almost two months since I read these books.

While I enjoyed the story, I felt that there was a certain spark missing from the story that meant that I did not enjoy this one as much as I had thought I would, or as much as I had wanted. It wasn’t so much that there was a HFN end, instead of an HEA (that doesn’t bother me so much, especially if there is meant to be a fourth book). It was more that the end seemed rather abrupt. This also felt odd because this book is significantly shorter than previous two books. No idea if that makes sense or any difference, but there you have it.

This book follows the man who was originally introduced in book 1 as celebrity chef Baldwin Powell’s arch-rival, Jake Casey. Things aren’t all what they seem when it comes to Jake Casey, though he has a great passion for food which led him to be one of the biggest chefs in New York, he wasn’t exactly happy. The most recent development was when Baldwin offered Jake a job in his new restaurant in Las Vegas. Jake grabs the opportunity and is ready to turn his life around. The next big shift in his life is when his best friend in world, Ty, needs help. Jake takes it upon himself to save Ty from humiliation when he has to face his ex, suggesting to be fake boyfriends.

This is a really light and breezy type of romance, there isn’t too much drama or angst, and despite the story not having a heck of a lot of spark, Ty and Jake have got enough chemistry bringing the story along. I strongly recommend reading this series in order, while each book features a new couple the story picks up after the previous book and there are a lot of references that require knowing the background to fully get the storylines.

How to Howl at the Moon by Eli Easton *Dual Review*

Eli Easton - How to Howl at the Moon Cover 348herTitle: How to Howl at the Moon

Series: Howl at the Moon 01

Author: Eli Easton

Genre: Paranormal, Shape shifters

Length: Novel (323 pages)

ASIN: B00T12QQOW

Publisher: Pinkerton Road (28 Feb 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewers: Prime & Shorty

Blurb: Sheriff Lance Beaufort is not going to let trouble into his town, no sir. Tucked away in the California mountains, Mad Creek has secrets to keep, like the fact that half the town consists of ‘quickened’—dogs who have gained the ability to become human. Descended on both sides from Border Collies, Lance is as alert a guardian as they come.

Tim Weston is looking for a safe haven. After learning that his boss patented all of Tim’s work on vegetable hybrids in his own name, Tim quit his old job. A client offers him use of her cabin in Mad Creek, and Tim sees a chance for a new start. But the shy gardener has a way of fumbling and sounding like a liar around strangers, particularly gorgeous alpha men like Sheriff Beaufort.

Lance’s hackles are definitely raised by the lanky young stranger. He’s concerned about marijuana growers moving into Mad Creek, and he’s not satisfied with the boy’s story. Lance decides a bit of undercover work is called for. When Tim hits a beautiful black collie with his car and adopts the dog, its love at first sight for both Tim and Lance’s inner dog. Pretending to be a pet is about to get Sheriff Beaufort in very hot water.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Prime’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts:

How to Howl at the Moon is the first book in Eli Easton’s series, Howl at the Moon. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, Easton is not an unknown author to me and I’ve always enjoyed her writing style. I can’t think of a book that I haven’t either liked or loved. The thing that I wasn’t sure about was the shape shifting part, as I don’t think I’ve read anything by Easton that involves paranormal themes.
However, all these concerns were for nothing. Other than an excellently written book that was easy to follow and had be completely engrossed from start to finish, this was a really different take on the whole shape shifter thing. While it wasn’t dark and gritty, this is a rather light hearted series that is great to read when you don’t want to go full angst, this was a creative and unique look at how shape shifters come about. It’s fascinating because I love that the creation/emergence of shifters gets a back story. To put it simply, that is really cool.

The story starts with Sheriff Lance Beaufort, from the little town of Mad Creek nestled in the Californian mountains. He, like his father and grandfather before him, protect the town from any threats and discovery by humans. Lance and much of Mad Creek are called “quickened” or “quick”. A quickened is a dog, an actual pet dog, who was so loved that they received the ability to shape shift, becoming half man and half dog. This transformation is called receiving the “spark”. Lance is a third generation quickened, which means that he was never a pet, instead he was born with the ability to change.

For Lance, life is not smooth, trying to help the newly quickened as they arrive in town, and adding the danger of discovery caused by humans with increasing drug trade Lance is on alert. When a new human moves into town, Lance is concerned especially since he appears to be an adept gardener. Despite his physical attraction to the man, Lance can’t do anything with the human – not until he sure that man is not growing and distributing marijuana. But the other obstacle of having a human around, until there is complete trust Lance cannot betray the town and his family and reveal the secret of the quickened.

When Tim Weston moves into a house in Mad Creek, looking for a safe place to regroup. After losing the rights and trademarks of the hybrids he had created from the boss that he had trusted, he has nothing and the opportunity for free rent while working on new hybrids is an enticing offer which he takes. He likes Mad Creek and begins to fix things so that he can start creating his hybrids. The problem is that when he arrived, he attracted the interest of the sheriff and not in a good way.

This is a totally unique story and a lot of fun. The characters have a bit of a slow burn chemistry, but they are also completely endearing. Loved this book, can’t wait to move onto the next book.

Shorty’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts:

I loved Lance and Tim together even though Lance screw things up at first by deceiving Tim. This story is about a misunderstanding leading to investigating an innocent man and the antics of several characters that lead to anger and an attack by people who have ill intent.

I loved everything about the story. It progressed beautifully. there was the right amount of sexual tension, shyness, frustration, humor, and suspense to make for a well written book that fully immerses the reader in a quaint little town and it’s inhabitants.

The explanation behind quicken was intriguing to say the least. I loved all the characters and am looking forward to getting know more of them as the series continues.

Fantastic read and highly recommended.

Chef vs. Chef by M.J. O’Shea

M.J. O'Shea - Chef vs Chef Cover bhw93Title: Chef vs Chef

Series: Sizzling in the Kitchen 02

Author: M.J. O’Shea

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (167 pages)

ASIN: B07SPJJ9V6

Publisher: MJ O’Shea (June 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Bobby Diaz has worked his whole life to get where he is – running a restaurant with his two closest friends, no boss, no stress. When his best friend Baldwin gets the opportunity of a lifetime, he asks Bobby to take over the restaurant while he’s gone. Bobby will miss his friend, but he’s excited to put himself to the test. He can’t believe he’s getting the chance to finally be in charge.

Cal Mayer is thirty and starting over. His last relationship was a failure. His job went down the drain. So when his cousin Pete, a.k.a Baldwin Powell celebrity chef, offers him a gig in his restaurant, he can’t help but to jump at the offer to reinvent himself.

Bobby and Cal don’t exactly hit it off—to put it lightly. Bobby resents getting Cal dumped in his lap. Cal doesn’t appreciate Bobby’s frosty attitude. They’re stuck together day and night, and their chemistry is undeniable… but will it be sweet summer love or a case of too many chefs in the kitchen?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Chef vs. Chef is the second book in MJ O’Shea’s self-published series, Sizzling in the Kitchen. Unfortunately, at the time I read this series I read another series (Recipe for Love by Ari McKay), and so I mixed things up and only just realised that I did a review for one series and not this one. Which sucks, because this won’t have as much detail as I usually try to put in reviews since it’s been almost two months since I read these books.

Bobby Diaz is more than happy with his life now. After head chef, and friend, Baldwin Powell was unceremoniously fired and eventually found his own HEA with the love of his life and a small-town restaurant, Bobby was more than happy to follow. And it has become a dream, helping his friends run their restaurant and out of the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. But life is getting better for Baldwin which leaves Bobby with the dream opportunity to be more independent and run the place while Baldwin and Murphy are gone, something that his friends trust him to do but know that it will take more than just Bobby to keep the place going. Bobby probably understands this on some level, but it annoys him that a stranger wants to disregard his history and expertise with the place.

This is where Cal Mayer enters the story. His cousin is none other than celebrity chef Baldwin Powell, real name being Pete. Cal’s own world has just gone to hell, with heartbreak from a broken relationship as well as losing his job (in some ways his story echoes his cousin’s in book 1). Not really knowing what to expect, he went to his cousin’s restaurant expecting to fully be in charge, not just share the duties with a man that knew that place as well as Baldwin and Murphy do.

So, it unsurprising that Bobby and Cal do not start on the right foot. They get along as best they can for a few weeks while they learnt about each other and Cal learnt about his cousin’s restaurant. I wouldn’t go as far saying that this is an enemies to lovers type of romance, but it is certainly slow burn fraught with two headstrong men that won’t give into anything without a fight.

I strongly recommend reading this series in order, while each book features a new couple the story picks up after the previous book and there are a lot of references that require knowing the background to fully get the storylines. Much like the first book this a slow and sweet romance. I recommend this for anyone who loves a bit of romance in the kitchen.

Saved by His Demons by Camellia Dawn

Camellia Dawn - Saved by His Demons Cover n393Title: Saved by his Demons

Series: Under Demon Rule 02

Author: Camellia Dawn

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (105 pages)

ISBN: 9781642438642

Publisher: Siren Publishing

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Bishop Cyre has denied Ervyn Bauer is his mate since finding him on death’s door four years ago, and Ervyn has had enough. Either Bishop moves past his fears and claims him, or Ervyn is giving up for good.

Ervyn Bauer goes to a club to let loose, but he never expects to meet Mykel Leon. It’s bitter-sweet that Mykel turns out to be his mate, when he loses control and almost claims Ervyn against his will.

Mykel can’t believe he finally found his mate only to discover he already belongs to somebody else. After almost ruining everything, he decides to do whatever it takes to fix their mating, even if that means sharing Ervyn with the handsome demon that takes his breath away.

When Ervyn is kidnapped, Mykel and Bishop must overcome their differences and work togeth-er to find Ervyn before the worst happens, and maybe find a little love along the way.

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

Review: Saved by His Demons is the second book in Camellia Dawn’s Under Demon Rule series, it is also the second book by the author that I have read. I’ve been looking forward to this book after enjoying the first book, as well as getting insight to who was going to be the involved into the next book, and I really wanted to know what was going to happen next.

While I can’t say that this was a totally awesome and amazing book, I still found this quite enjoyable and I’d be more than happy to read any more additions to this series. This is an MMM book where the thruple is two demons and a human. You have one reasonable demon, one demon that has a protective complex that keeps him from claiming his mate, and one human who is a lot stronger than his demons realise.

Like the first book in this series the plot is quite simple and so I don’t want to go into too much detail and spoil the plot.

Ervyn was found, pretty much dying, by demons a little over four years ago. The demon who found him, Bishop knew that Ervyn was his mate when he saw the broken human and decided that he would break the man if he ever claimed him. Bishop kept this knowledge to himself but four years later Ervyn now knows that his attraction for the demon is more. Since he has been rejected from the man destined to be his mate, Ervyn has decided that the best course of action is to move on with his life. Which brings him to a club where he meets Mykel, another demon who also happens to be Ervyn’s mate and a demon that wants to claim him. To Mykel, finding his mate is his every dream come true. But with danger taking Mykel on a dangerous scouting trip and Bishop so angry that he doesn’t see that Mykel is also his mate, the trio are in for a rough ride.

As I said, over all this was an enjoyable book. The guys are interesting, distinct characters and like how they fit together as a thruple. I particularly liked Mykel and Ervyn, although I also liked Bishop I found him a little to brutish and pig headed for my liking. If you’re into paranormal romances that are based in their own worlds (i.e. not sure if we’re on earth or in another realm), particularly recommended for those that like a bit of demon lovin’!

Here Comes Trouble by A.E. Via ~ Audio Review

A.E. Via - Here Comes Trouble Audio Cover s 3847hnTitle: Here Comes Trouble

Series: Nothing Special 03

Author: A.E. Via

Narrator: Aiden Snow

Genre: Contempoary, Crime, Thriller, Suspense

Length: 8 hrs, 30 mins

Publisher: A.E. Via

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: 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 set-tling 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.

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

Review: Here Comes Trouble is the third instalment of AE Via’s Nothing Special series, which is based around the action and romance of Atlanta PD’s elite narcotic team, lead by partners, both in personally and professionally, God and Day. This series can be read out of order, however, I would say that that there could be some confusion when it comes to the two couples from book 1 and 2, as well as a third couple which had formed in book 1 and featured somewhat heavily though it. Being that these characters are a team and how Via has written it, these guys lives intertwine significantly.

I’ve absolutely loved this series so far and I’ve loved Aiden Snow’s narration throughout of the series so far as well. His voice has the right tone and timbre that just goes so well, pulling off the rush of emotion combined with the danger of the job that these men do.

I looked forward to book 3, which is the story of two of the detectives, who do a lot of the leg work on the streets for the team, Mark Ruxberg and Chris Green. I think it’s because of Green’s name, but I kind had these two guys cast in my head as the two cops from the movie Boondock Saints – Greenly and Duffy. However, if you know what I’m talking about, then you will also find out that I am very wrong. Rux and Green are as strong and tough as their bosses, Lieutenants Days and Knight. These guys work hard and live hard, although lately they spend most of their free time together just hanging out eating pizza and drinking beer. Yet, despite all that even despite having openly gay bosses, Rux and Green don’t know everything about each other. When talk of dating brings tension between the two men, we begin to learn that there is even more to these guys. As it is they have complicated families, like most people, but there is a new level of emotion at play in their friendship. Add the danger from their jobs and these guys have to navigate an emotional minefield. And being tough, manly men, they aren’t super good with being honest with their feelings.

Fans of the series will not be disappointed. There is action, hot sex and so much sexual chemistry I wouldn’t have been surprised if the characters had imploded before their story started (I know, that makes little sense, bear with me). For those that like hot cops, a lot of action and deadly adventure, I think that this is the book and series for you to get into.

Chef in the Wild by M.J. O’Shea

M.J. O'Shea - Chef In The Wild Cover eb3n83Title: Chef in The Wild

Series: Sizzling in the Kitchen 01

Author: M.J. O’Shea

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (202 pages)

ASIN: B07R6ZB245

Publisher: M.J. O’Shea

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Chef Baldwin Powell has everything he could ever want … until he doesn’t. Fancy parties, celebrities, magazine write-ups, his own little empire of stainless steel and fire – he thought all of it was forever. It only takes one awful meeting for everything he’s worked for to be yanked out from underneath him. And one fateful meeting with the owner of food truck, of all things, to realize maybe what he thought he wanted isn’t what he needs after all.

Murphy Haynes chose a different route. He decided right away that high-pressure kitchens weren’t for him so he took his skills on the road. If he happens to stop in a certain well known chef’s neighborhood more often than anywhere else on his route, sue him. He’s his own boss for a reason and there’s something about Baldwin Powell that he can’t resist.

They’re opposites in nearly every way – On paper it should be a disaster. But life and love in the wilds of Manhattan rarely work out the way anyone expects.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Chef in the Wild is the first book in MJ O’Shea’s self-published series, Sizzling in the Kitchen. This is the first in a four book series. Unfortunately, at the time I read this series I read another series (Recipe for Love by Ari McKay), and so I mixed things up and only just realised that I did a review for one series and not this one. Which sucks, because this won’t have as much detail as I usually try to put in reviews since it’s been almost two months since I read these books.

So quick rundown on the story:

Baldwin Powell is one of the most well known chefs in New York City. He’s at the top of his game and a chef at a 5 Michelin star restaurant. And then when he thought that his boss had called him in to offer him the next big opportunity in his career it all comes crashing down, and Baldwin loses his position to his archnemesis in the business. I will admit the boss’s move seemed a little silly but who am I to argue when it sets the scene and move the story forward?

After moping for weeks, Baldwin finally leaves his apartment and ends up at a food truck which makes all manner of gourmet wraps. All them made and sold by Murphy, who also has a massive passion for food and while he has the cooking skills to run his own kitchen, but at the moment all his passions are in the long hours required for him to run his hugely successful food truck. He’s certainly popular on the scene of New York foodies, which more than anything makes me want to make the marathon flight to visit!

There is a definite spark between the two men from the get go, and their friendship blossoms quite quickly as Baldwin finds both Murphy and his food truck fascinating. However, life leads Baldwin out of Manhattan and to his family, in the small town where he grew up. Baldwin’s recent career bombs along with getting to know Murphy has him thinking about his future and getting back to what he truly dreamed to do. The only problem is he’s not sure how Murphy fits into it at all.

I think the only thing that sort of disappointed me was relying so heavily on the whole miscommunication trope to help these guys through to the end. Otherwise they are fascinating and its so easy to see that they are written for each other.

This is a slow burn and exceedingly sweet romance. Baldwin and Murphy have excellent chemistry and it really comes up when it comes to their mutual love for food, which is what keeps them together long enough to get to know each other. In fact, for me it was the passion for food that made the book so real and relatable, in between all the romance and brooding on Baldwin’s behalf. I recommend this for anyone who loves a bit of romance in the kitchen and a bit of romance in New York.

Recipe for Romance by Ari McKay

Ari McKay - Recipe For Romance Cover s m392h3Title: Recipe for Romance

Series: Recipe for Romance

Author: Ari McKay

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Collection, 4 Novellas (455 pages)

ASIN: B07TDP3JH5

Publisher: Ari McKay (28 June 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts (Combined)

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Four couples, four different stories — and one spicy Recipe for Romance from author Ari McKay!

Welcome to Montgomery House, Charleston’s finest restaurant. When you walk in the front doors of the stately former mansion, you’ll be surrounded by true Southern charm. Owner Rhys Montgomery will personally welcome you, while the tantalizing scents of Executive Chef Stephen Pierce’s latest culinary masterpiece linger in the air. Enjoy a walk in the gardens or an elegant meal in the dining room, as you watch the love stories play out around you…

Bay Leaves and Bachelors — Clay Turner’s heart was broken by a wealthy man who said he was boring. When rich, outgoing restaurateur Rhys Montgomery sets his sights on the quiet academic, drawn in by Clay’s intelligence and sex appeal, he finds he has an uphill battle to win Clay’s trust. Can Rhys burrow his way into Clay’s heart, or will Clay’s insecurity become a wall between them that not even true love can break down?

Fennel and Forgiveness — Seven years ago, Max Boyd broke Darius Cooper’s heart. Darius wanted a commitment, and Max wanted to focus on his career in Georgia’s television industry. Their ten year difference in age and experience tore them apart, but fate throws them back together when Max arrives at the Montgomery House, where Darius now works. Will Southern Wedding Belles bring them a second chance for love or is Darius’s trust too shattered for Max to heal?

Ginger and Gentlemen — Ian Pierce has lived in his older brother Stephen’s shadow his entire life, always feeling second best. His best friend, Matt Davis, is the only person he trusts to be on his side. Despite being in dire financial straits, Ian wants to refuse Stephen’s request to film an episode of Mouth of the South at Ian’s restaurant, but the bonus money offered in the contract is too much to resist. He accepts without knowing the hefty bonus comes from Matt, not the production company. Will Ian feel betrayed by the one person he trusts above all others when he finds out, or will Matt’s desire to help Ian succeed even at his own financial risk take them from friends to lovers at last?

Cinnamon and Seduction — Chef Stephen Pierce has talent and a determination to succeed that is matched only by his fierce temper and prickly personality. Yet his long-suffering personal assistant, Robert Logan, has carried a torch for Stephen since the day they met. Everyone around Montgomery House knows Robert is in love with Stephen — everyone, that is, except Stephen himself. Can Rhys, Clay, Darius, Max, Ian, and Matt find a way to make Stephen see that Robert is the perfect man for him, or will even Robert’s legendary talent for matchmaking fail to win him the man he loves?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Recipe for Romance is a collection of the novellas that make up Ari McKay’s self-published series, Recipe for Romance. Set in the world of Montgomery House, Charlestown’s finest restaurant, which is run by some of the strongest, and maybe temperamental, men in the business. This is a successful establishment that owner Rhys prides for being authentic from the building to the food.

Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable series filled with passionate and relatable characters, who have their hearts on their sleeves and have great chemistry with their significant others. Since this is a collection of four stories, I’m going to do a brief review of each.

Bay Leaves and Bachelors

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Bay Leaves and Bachelors is the story of Clay Turner and Rhys Montgomery. Clay is a quiet and reserved man for the most part, he is passionate about history, though. He is a respected historian in Charlestown and is impressed with what he sees when he goes to historic Montgomery House. Rhys Montgomery, the owner and is just as concerned about fine food as he is about keeping the heart of the historic building. The sparks between the men are instant but Rhys has to work hard to show Clay that he isn’t just a spoiled rich guy who is just going to use him.

Clay has a lot of walls built up around his heart but there is so much about Rhys to love. I found it so easy to relate to both characters, in the world of old money they are totally relatable guys.

Fennel and Forgiveness

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts

Fennel and Forgiveness is a story about second chances. Some years ago, Max Boyd broke up with Darius Cooper. Cooper saw his happily ever after with Max, but Max wasn’t ready and instead wanted to focus on his career in the TV industry. But life has a funny way of throwing people together and after seven years they are pulled together when Max’s job on a reality TV show brings him back to Charlestown and Montgomery House, where Darius works.

These guys have a lot of chemistry and they have a lot going on between them. I was instantly pulled into their story as I hoped that they got the second chance that they deserved.

Ginger and Gentlemen

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

In Ginger and Gentlemen we meet the brother of one of the characters I’ve become most intrigued by, Stephen the head chef of Montgomery House and Ian Pierce his brother. Ian has been compared to Stephen his whole life and he resents everything about Stephen. Matt Davis, Ian’s best friend, has always been by Ian’s side and has helped him in his own business. However, unlike his big brother Ian is struggling and he needs to put aside his pride when his brother Stephen wants to film an episode of his new TV show at Ian’s place. Add onto that Matt has a bit of a knight in shining armour thing going on, he will do anything to help Ian and make him happy.

It’s not surprising that things begin to change between them. It’s a relationship that works really well, though I found Ian a little annoying and hard-headed at times, he learnt to let go.

Cinnamon and Seduction

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Cinnamon and Seduction is the story of Chef Stephen Pierce and his personal assistant Robert Logan. This has been the story that I’ve seen coming and was waiting for when I got about halfway through the first story in this series. Stephen, who has the reputation of being a hard-nosed head chef, hasn’t really had time for romance and hasn’t noticed that Robert, the man he depends on for so much in his life, is actually falling in love with him. Everyone at Montgomery House has a soft spot for Robert, after all the guy is a hopeless romantic who had a hand in the romances of his friends in the first three books of this series. The trick is showing Stephen, who has now taken off as a celebrity chef and has always taken pride in his work, that Robert is so much more to him than a personal assistant.

I was not disappointed by Stephen’s and Robert’s story and it was a wonderful way to end the story. Both characters are quite complex, having been present throughout the series. This is by far my most favourite book in the series.