ARC Review : Happily Ever After Isn't Easy by Jake C. Wallace

 

How do you start a new life when your old one won’t let go?

Freed from a marriage he entered because he feared coming out to his judgmental family, Gabe Reynolds feels his life is just starting—at forty-three. But what was supposed to be exciting and wonderful has been nothing but disappointing. The man he’s loved since they were teens broke his heart—again. Gabe has no clue how to meet men who are looking for more than one night, much less date them. Add to that his job as a mental health counselor, helping to keep his mentally ill ex-wife stable, and caring for children that belong to another man, and he has little time to look for Mr. Right.

Just as Gabe is giving up, Brandt Sawyer, with his hard body and gorgeous eyes, crashes into Gabe’s life. Brandt pushes all Gabe’s buttons—though he could do without the younger man’s know-it-all attitude. Gabe never thought he could be so torn between wanting to punch a man and wanting to kiss him. Yet, as he gets to know Brandt, Gabe sees past the military-programmed ex-soldier and catches a glimpse of what could be his happily ever after.

But with a troubled ex and young children involved, Gabe can’t just walk away from his past. Guilt is tearing him in every direction—maybe even away from the man he’s falling in love with.

Happily Ever After Isn't Easy by Jake C. Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book has a lot to say. About relationships, acceptance, forgiveness, kids, hope and desperation.
It's quite a long book but even it started slow in the beginning, I enjoyed Gabe's journey to find his happily ever after.
It's an enemy to lover story, not so much of an enemy actually. It was just a different perception about how to 'communicate' with kids with Brandt.
They're quite good in communication those two. And good with kids on their own way.
When the attraction between the two guys became clear there's an ex (exes) problems.
Some misunderstanding happened, of course, but they solved it without too much drama added.
Oh and the sex between Gabe and Brandt is hot (grins), we're all need this anyway.
Overall, this one is a good read, thoughtful and promising.
Recommended.

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for a fair and unbiased review.*

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ARC REVIEW : One Call Away by Felice Stevens

When a brutal attack from a jealous competitor leaves Noah Strauss, darling of the modeling world, physically scarred and emotionally damaged, he quits the runway to become a psychologist. Using his contacts from his time in the spotlight, he creates One Call Away, a radio show dedicated to gay men looking for love, advice or someone to talk to. But with secrets of his own and a mother who refuses to understand the career path he's chosen, the one person Noah can't seem to help is himself.

On a drunken dare from the senior partner's grandson, Oren Leavitt calls Noah’s radio show, pretending to be gay. Only Oren isn't certain if he's pretending. He's left his strict Orthodox Jewish upbringing behind, but the guilt remains. Guilt that his actions have prevented his sister from finding a husband and guilt that he's failed his parents. Talking to "Dr. Noah" helps, and as he finds himself calling the man again and again, he knows he must be honest. But Oren is unsure if he's lying to Noah or himself.

For Noah, trust is paramount; he's been deceived in his personal and professional life and while he desperately wants to help Oren, he also finds himself falling for the sweet and tortured man. Oren is trapped: he risks losing his job and more importantly the love and security of his family but knows he can't hide if he wants to be with Noah. When unresolved heartaches from the past rise up to control the present, Noah and Oren discover that love often comes from the most unexpected places, and sometimes a call for help not only saves a life, it can be a new and beautiful beginning.

One Call Away by Felice Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book hit close to home to me. Oren and Noah touched my fragile heart in a way, only Micah from Memories of the heart can do. I think I always have a soft spot for people like Micah, Noah and Oren. Especially Oren, I know how much he love his traditional religious family, that’s why he did all he can to cope with that. But still he can’t stay. But admitting that he’s gay? That’s another story. That’s the problem with the traditional religion like Jewish (Oren is Jewish). Felice talked a lot about religion in this book, I think we have the same problem in the modern world, I’m Muslim and there’s no differences about my religion’s perspective of homosexual. Oren struggled with that. With family and at work. Then he found Noah and his radio show. Noah, who has his own demon to fight.

I loved the chemistry and the strong attraction between the two men since their first call. It’s just they can’t stop thinking about the call, and become addicted to each other. And I can feel how much Oren need Noah as much as Noah need Oren.

We also can ‘see’ the guys from Through Hell and Back in this book as cameos. Especially Dr. Tash and Asher! OMG Asher! I wouldn’t spoil you about this, because, well, you need to meet the guys…For you who haven’t read TH&B, don’t worry, this can be read as stand alone. But where have you been this time? Go read the series after this and meet all my favorite guys!

I read this book twice already, and I think I need more of Noah and Oren in the future, in Jeremy’s book maybe? Oh and I loved Jeremy, I NEED Jeremy in my life!!!!


*ARC generously provided by the author for an honest, and unbiased review.*

 

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ARC REVIEW : Setting the Hook by Andrew Grey

 

It could be the catch of a lifetime. William Westmoreland escapes his unfulfilling Rhode Island existence by traveling to Florida twice a year and chartering Mike Jansen’s fishing boat to take him out on the Gulf. The crystal-blue water and tropical scenery isn’t the only view William enjoys, but he’s never made his move. A vacation romance just isn’t on his horizon.

William Westmoreland escapes his unfulfilling Rhode Island existence by traveling to Florida twice a year and chartering Mike Jansen’s fishing boat to take him out on the Gulf. The crystal-blue water and tropical scenery isn’t the only view William enjoys, but he’s never made his move. A vacation romance just isn’t on his horizon.

Mike started his Apalachicola charter fishing service as a way to care for his daughter and mother, putting their safety and security ahead of the needs of his own heart. Denying his attraction becomes harder with each of William’s visits.

William and Mike’s latest fishing excursion starts with a beautiful day, but a hurricane’s erratic course changes everything, stranding William. As the wind and rain rage outside, the passion the two men have been trying to resist for years crashes over them. In the storm’s wake, it leaves both men yearning to prolong what they have found. But real life pulls William back to his obligations. Can they find a way to reduce the distance between them and discover a place where their souls can meet? The journey will require rough sailing, but the bright future at the end might be worth the choppy seas.

Setting the Hook by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Family is very important for both William and Mike.
So when they're finally can pass their doubts about each other, and falling in love, would family become something torn them apart?
At first, yes. But they worked it out with the help of their family members, especially Mike's little daughter to encourage them to reach their own happiness.
I liked it how William didn't just jump into the relationship with Mike, but he had to make everything worked out for his parents.
Not to ignore Mike, but working it out.
I'm glad that there's no big drama, but enough to make sure that this is what they wanted.
I liked William, I think he's doing so much for Mike and their relationship. I can understand why Mike was hesitant at first, but, there's nothing you can't solve with a good communication, right?


*ARC provided by Dreamspinner press for an honest and unbiased review.*

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ARC REVIEW ; Stage Two (Lexington Lovers #3) by Ariel Tachna

 

Love has a steep learning curve.

Assistant high school principal Blake Barnes has everything he wants—a chance to help troubled students and an outlet for his passion for theater. Well, almost everything—he still goes home to an empty apartment. Then his high school crush explodes back into his life, the unexpected guardian of two boys in Blake’s care.

Thane Dalton has always been a bad boy through and through. Not much has changed, including his mistrust of authority figures, and no amount of institutional bureaucracy will keep him from protecting his nephews from the bullies terrorizing them. If that means butting heads with Blake, so be it.

Blake and Thane have lessons to learn: that they both have the boys’ best interests at heart, that the tension between them isn’t just confrontational, and that sparks can fly when opposites come together.

Stage Two by Ariel Tachna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Blake has always been a good teacher for his students.
But meeting Thane, his teenage crush lowered down his self confidence.
Definitely an opposite attracts since the beginning, Thane didn't even realized or remember about Blake back then.
He's always an arrogant one.
But after his sister left him with his two teenage nephew, he's suddenly became a parent and he seemed a little unprepared for that. Especially when he have to face bullying.
Blake offered his idea. Didn't trust Blake in the beginning, they're finally passed the barricade of awkward teacher-parent relationship, became friends, and then lovers.
This a sweet story about acceptance, grief, adjustment and a chance o be more.
Not a hard book, the bullying is light one, the nephews are both great.
This one is more of 'family building', and how to be a parent for teenagers..ouch. Not easy, I know.
This is a good book, read this one.

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner press in exchange of an honest and fair review.&

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ARC REVIEW : Two for Trust by Elle Brow

 

A fairy-tale vacation—if he can get the ending right.

American nurse Finch Mason steps beyond the comfort of his orderly life and takes a dream trip to England, complete with a National Trust Pass so he can visit numerous historical sites. At the first one on his list, he’s warmly welcomed—and told he bought a pass good for two.

Finch doesn’t hesitate to offer the pass to Benedict, a handsome Brit also there on an outing. They spend a magical week touring the countryside, and while it’s too soon to get attached, Finch wishes their time together would never end.

Then Finch finds himself stuck abroad with no money, and he has no one to turn to but Benedict. Benedict is happy to help, but he also owes Finch some answers—such as who he really is and why he was at the estate where they first met.

Two for Trust by Elle Brownlee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2,5*

This is an insta-love countryside and a very clean romance. Not even a romance, they're just sharing some walk and outing and nursing a grandma.
There's the robbery and some accident and also the exes, of course...
But even the kisses were just kisses...not even a passionate one.
I didn't see romance and a strong chemistry between the two MC.
Honestly, I was skimming a lot. Too much telling didn't sit well with me apparently. I was bored easily.
Oh and no sex on page or off page. They're seems like a traditional sweet couple who's doing sex after marriage.
I think this is just not my cuppa.
You'll probably like it though.

ARC provided by the publisher for an honest, fair and unbiased review.

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ARC REVIEW : Hearts in Ireland (World of Love) by J.C. Long

 

When the future is shrouded and it’s hard to find direction, maybe it’s time to let the heart lead the way….

Ronan Walker stands at a crossroads, unsure how to pursue his education… unsure if he even wants to. Now that his mother is gone, all he has left are the wonderful stories of her youth in Ireland, and he’s drawn to the land of his ancestors. There, he seeks out his mother’s family and meets Fergal Walsh, who works at Ronan’s aunt’s bookstore. A love of literature facilitates a fast friendship between the two men, and even though Ronan cannot deny the potential—and his desire—for more, he cannot see a future for the two of them when he leaves Ireland. Fergal must persuade Ronan to give school in Dublin a chance—and convince Ronan that his heart has already found its home.


World of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.

Hearts in Ireland by J.C. Long
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is the story of finding your root and your home. Easy and light and sweet.
But sadly I didn't find any good connection between the two MCs.
It's a love at first sight and moving forward to a relationship and love in days is okay with me, but I need more strong chemistry, a sparkle , a heart-beating fast. But, no.
It was just when they're first met, in the book store and Fergal bought a book for Ronan and invited him to lunch. Ronan is clueless about Fergal and Fergal didn't seem to show any determination about what he wanted.
It was smooth, a bit arguing about whether Ronan stay or back to USA.
This was an okay read, but not very memorable to me.

*ARC provided by the publisher for an hones, fair and unbiased review.*

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ARC REVIEW : Imagines (Imago #2) by N.R. Walker

 

Jack Brighton and Lawson Gale have been together for six months and are very much in love. Lawson’s work ensuring the survival of the Tillman Copper is demanding as ever, and Jack’s work with the regeneration of the bushfire-ravaged national park is just as hectic.

When Jack suggests they take a short trip, Lawson agrees. But then he is offered a two-week research position in tropical Queensland to help determine why the Ulysses butterfly is on the decline. Figuring they could combine work and pleasure, Jack and Lawson go on their first vacation together.

Working alongside renowned professor Piers Bonfils isn’t easy. But personal and professional differences aside, Lawson is offered a more permanent role in Queensland. Torn between his new life in Tasmania with Jack and a dying species of butterfly he feels compelled to save, Lawson has to decide where his fate lies.

But fate changes the rules. On a research expedition into the depths of the rainforest, suddenly it's not only the butterflies’ existence that hangs in the balance

A butterfly’s life cycle never changes. From larvae to imago, their course is plotted by design. Jack and Lawson need to determine where they stand, if they live through it. Because the only thing more incredible than one imago is two.

Imagines by N.R. Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars






Looking for true love is never easy. But in Jack's case, his true love was just stumbled in front of him, literally. Lawson with his determined attitude locked his heart forever.
Lawson and Jack is getting stronger, their love is a true example of an unconditional love.
Where everything is less important than their love ones.
Jack gave all his heart to Lawson with all 'the consequences', and Lawson to jack.
This is sweet, adorable story, completed with Lawson's 'habit' of finding himself in danger and near death. But that moment alone, showed how much Jack cannot stand to live without Lawson and the fear of losing him, is so unbearable to Jack.
This is jack and Lawson's journey, with all the flaws, imperfect but perfect for the two of them.
Their love is..you know, that kind of forever kind of love, and I couldn't ask for more perfect story from Nic Walker.
I missed the boys already. Jack and Lawson will stay in a very long time in my life.
and I'm sure, I'll visit them eventually in the near future.
Highly recommended, especially for NR Walker addict out there!


*ARC generously provided by the author for a fair, honest and unbiased review.*

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