ARC REVIEW : Joy (States of Love) by C.S. Poe

 

Down on his luck is Gideon Joy’s default state. He doesn’t know why he expected anything different on his cross-country trip, but not surprisingly, the hits keep coming—literally this time. Gideon strikes a moose with his car in New Hampshire, not only totaling his own vehicle, but damaging one belonging to local construction worker Silas Bright. He has no choice but to stay in Lancaster and take a job that’ll pay for the repairs. And in a town so small, Gideon’s always running into Silas. What starts as annoyance between them soon blooms into something much more romantic. But when Gideon’s notorious bad luck rears its head yet again, how many disastrous dates will Silas be willing to weather before realizing Gideon’s not worth it?

Despite Gideon’s desire to remain in the quaint community that has accepted him as one of their own, past fears of inadequacy threaten the very joy he left Los Angeles to discover. If he’s to find a happily ever after with Silas, Gideon must learn that sometimes it’s okay to not be the best. And true happiness might be waiting in a small town nestled among the great White Mountains.


 States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States Joy by C.S. Poe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

OMG this is so freaking adorable, what's about Silas we cannot love? NONE. ZERO. NADA.
Because Silas is so damn adorable I want to wrap him and take him home.
A shy giant with a heart of gold and gay! Openly gay. And everybody loves him in a not so friendly neighborhood.
That's a quality that brought Joy to do anything for Silas, even tried breaking the rule of boring lunch and made him ate it! Fish. and Silas didn't like fish!
Because of what?He likes Joy! Awww...I kept aww-ing and ooh-ing when Silas came to my 'vision'.
Okay, I'm sounded like a creepy stalker fan-girl. But whatever, I liked Silas. Like a lot. Hahaha....
Did I say Joy did 'everything' to win Silas? Yeah, that. The LA guy even stay and determined to stay there forever, with Silas. Cute.
Recommended.

* ARC is provided by Dreamspinner press for an honest and fair review. No high rating required.*




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ARC FREVIEW : Heart Unseen by Andrew Grey

 

As a stunningly attractive man and the owner of a successful chain of auto repair garages, Trevor is used to attention, adoration, and getting what he wants. What he wants tends to be passionate, no-strings-attached flings with men he meets in clubs. He doesn't expect anything different when he sets his sights on James. Imagine his surprise when the charm that normally brings men to their knees fails to impress. Trevor will need to drop the routine and connect with James on a meaningful level. He starts by offering to take James home instead of James riding home with his intoxicated friend.

For James, losing his sight at a young age meant limited opportunities for social interaction. Spending most of his time working at a school for the blind has left him unfamiliar with Trevor's world, but James has fought hard for his independence, and he knows what he wants. Right now, that means stepping outside his comfort zone and into Trevor's heart.

Trevor is also open to exploring real love and commitment for a change, but before he can be the man James needs him to be, he'll have to deal with the pain of his past.

Heart Unseen by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars







This is Andrew Grey's classic with all the sweetness.
Reminds me of one of his book Love Comes in Darkness that I haven't read yet.
Now I need to push it up.
I liked the chemistry between James and Trevor. james isn't a typical helpless disable. He survived and stand on his own feet. That's what made Trevor admired him from the start.
Met in a bar one night, James had to put his trust in Trevor to take care of him once, twice and by time, it's James who's really taking care of Trevor. How sweet.
James and Trevor didn't complication in their relationship. It was smooth and they're solved their differences and adjusting with 'conversation'. It's very adult, don't you think?
Overall, I really liked this one. Besides, I have a special soft spot for imperfect main characters like James in general.

* ARC is provided by Dreamspinner press for an honest and fair review. No high rating required.*


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ARC REVIEW : Breaking the Ice (States of Love) by Tali Spencer

 

For Matt Wasko, February in Wisconsin is the best time of the year, and ice fishing on Lake Winnebago is his idea of heaven. With shanty villages cropping up, barbeques on the ice, monster sturgeon to spear, and plenty of booze to keep everybody warm, things couldn’t be better — until a surprise storm hits and an uninvited guest shows up at his frozen doorstep.

Matt’s not happy to see John Lutz, a coworker who cracks lame gay jokes at Matt’s expense. But John’s flimsy new ice shelter got blown across the lake, and it wouldn’t be right to leave even a jerk outside to freeze. Would it?

In the close quarters of Matt’s fabulous ice shanty, between stripping off wet clothes, misadventures with bait, and a fighting trophy-sized walleye, the two men discover creative ways to keep the cold at bay. And when John confesses his long-running attraction, Matt must decide if he can believe in John’s change of heart — and crack the ice for a chance at finding love.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

Breaking the Ice by Tali Spencer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is actually a very nice story about a bully (not really a bully, but a coward closeted gay) and an out and proud gay guy who happened to like fishing a lot.
But I don't know anything about fishing. I think I was a bit loss in a fishing world for a while.
This is short, and I think for a short story, I liked the dynamic of John and Matt's relationship from enemy to lovers.
Not so much romantic time, but John's intention for stalking and tried to do the fishing with no knowledge about fishing at all was kinda cute. Stupid but cute.
The epilogue was a little bit over the top with a HEA guaranteed. But I'm not complaining much.
Sometimes I need to know about the MCs future as well.
Try this one.

* ARC is provided by Dreamspinner press for an honest and fair review. No high rating required.

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REVIEW : Just a Bit Unhealthy (Straight Guys #3) by Alessandra Hazard

 

When the line between “need” and “want” gets blurred...

Gabriel DuVal, rising soccer star.

Jared Sheldon, team physician.

To the outside world, they’re just good friends. But the truth is, Gabriel isn’t entirely sure what they are to each other.

Some call their relationship unhealthy. Some call it codependency. Gabriel calls it confusing. He knows Jared wants him – as more than a friend. He doesn’t want Jared. He’s straight, he has a girlfriend, and he loves her. But Jared is… Jared is more. Jared is his. He needs him – his touch and his strength.

But is it enough for Jared?


Publisher's warning: This is not a light-hearted story; this is a rather twisted gay-for-you story. It contains some steamy MM scenes, explicit language, and two people so wrapped up in each other that the nature of their relationship goes beyond friendship--and beyond normal.

Just a Bit Unhealthy by Alessandra Hazard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars






________

"Maybe one day, I'll fall in love with someone and will actually love me back"

________

OMG this is so unhealthy. Gabe and Jared's relationship was unhealthy since the very beginning. It's not love, their obsessions to each other even surpass Alexander's obsession over Christian. I can't purely blamed Claire for hating Jared. They have a child and Gabe left them for Jared. Whatever it takes just to be with Jared!

_________


"I love you, you know. In every possible way"

_________


I felt losing my breath just thinking how clingy and depending Gabe to Jared. Jared is a doormat for years for Gabe and he accepted it. My God.
LOL. This is so fucked up.
Or just like what's Jared said at the end of this book...

__________

"Maybe their love for each other wass too deep and all-consuming to be very healthy, but he didn't give a damn. Every love was different. He wouldn't trade this for anything in the world"

___________


But I loved the stories of this series. It's quite addictive. Now I need to hurry to find Tristan and Zach!

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ARC REVIEW : Bonfires by Amy Lane

 

Ten years ago Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron George lost his wife and moved to Colton, hoping growing up in a small town would be better for his children. He’s gotten to know his community, including Mr. Larkin, the bouncy, funny science teacher. But when Larx is dragged unwillingly into administration, he stops coaching the track team and starts running alone. Aaron—who thought life began and ended with his kids—is distracted by a glistening chest and a principal running on a dangerous road.

Larx has been living for his kids too—and for his students at Colton High. He’s not ready to be charmed by Aaron, but when they start running together, he comes to appreciate the deputy’s steadiness, humor, and complete understanding of Larx’s priorities. Children first, job second, his own interests a sad last.

It only takes one kiss for two men approaching fifty to start acting like teenagers in love, even amid all the responsibilities they shoulder. Then an act of violence puts their burgeoning relationship on hold. The adult responsibilities they’ve embraced are now instrumental in keeping their town from exploding. When things come to a head, they realize their newly forged family might be what keeps the world from spinning out of control.

Bonfires by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I think this an Amy Lane's classic with flawed heroes and some mystery as a garnish.
This book has two different stories, not a gut wrenching as usual, not fluffy as usual as well.
Amy made this story close to reality, with the two MCs both in their late 40, almost 50. Have a family and currently single.

How many times we see in real life there's some rich girl with powerful parents do whatever they wanna do with other people's life? Being a bully to others? Many times.
So this mean girl and her mother has a big 'influence' in this story, with the mystery.

The other one, is about family, acceptance, forgiveness...and the big wide heart of Principal Larx.
It's not hard for Deputy Sheriff Aaron George to fall for him, with his 'quality'.
I liked that Aaron have to wait for 7 years to have 'courage' to ask Larx to 'run' with him. And the silent attraction between the two men, the 'we're old and we can't have sex like teenagers again', is very entertaining.

Larx and Aaron's kids are adorable and 'perfect'. And there's poor boy Kellan who's easily became Larx additional son after what happened in his life. Larx was just 'this is your home, son. For as long as you need'. And that what's made me fall in love with the Principal.

The ending was quite satisfying, because...they're planning to be grandpas in the near future!
That's for me is an absolute HEA.

Highly recommended.


*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review. No high rating required upon the receiving of this copy.*

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ARC REVIEW : Counting Down (Counting #2) by Kelly Jensen

 

It’s been a week since a Christmas Eve blizzard changed the course of Marcus Winnamore’s life. Plan A is now Plan B, and the first item on his new agenda is taking Henry Auttenberg on a date. They’ve been invited to a New Year’s Eve party, and Marc is counting down the hours until midnight… until he can kiss Henry in front of his colleagues and friends.

Things don’t quite work out to plan. Finding the elevator out of service, Marc and Henry check the stairs, only to choose the wrong door and become locked in the basement. Close quarters once again make for close conversation, and as they explore every avenue of escape, they also explore the deepening attraction between them. For Marc, this isn’t an experiment. Will he still feel that way when he has to admit to someone other than Henry that he’s gay?

Counting Down by Kelly Jensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


What is it with Marc and Henry and stranded in a place they're not expected?
Basement laundry room? Seriously? I used to work at the hotel, and laundry room has a big open window to the inside alley. I used walked through the laundry room everyday to reach employee's dinning room.
But whatever.
I think Marc is still having a serious 'confuse' about Henry or his sexuality. Because to me, he sounds like he doubted his 'relationship' with Henry, sans the blow jobs and hand jobs here and there.
I think this story about Henry and Marc didn't end here, book three is a much needed.
Because, Marc...If you still 'confuse', I'll slap your head and ask Henry to let you go. Just saying.
Still no penetrative sex with the boys...because..yeah...stranded, no condom...and Marc is still 'confuse'.LOL.

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review. No high rating required upon the receiving of this copy.*





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ARC REVIEW : Rainbow Sprinkles (States of Love) by Anna Martin

 

Cooper Reed has a fairly relaxed life for someone who lives in LA. He’s no celebrity—just the guy who makes sundaes at the Dreamy Creamery, and that’s the way he likes it. The highlight of every week is the beautiful guy who turns up and orders a sundae with rainbow sprinkles. Cooper still isn’t sure if that’s a code, because he has a huge crush and the hot guy is terrible at flirting.

Drew Tanner, it turns out, is an original California dreamer. He’s as wholesome as apple pie and twice as sweet, a real-life Disney Prince at Disneyland. But while Drew’s head is in the clouds, Cooper’s feet are firmly on the ground, and their different outlooks might be more than their new relationship can take.

Rainbow Sprinkles by Anna Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is Anna Martin's sweet light adorable (almost) no angst short romance, and full of rainbow sprinkles.
What caught my first was the cover, how can you not fall for that gorgeous cover, right? Cute guy, ice cream, and rainbows.
I liked this one, just when I needed some 'distraction' from my current OA. I didn't need books with angst. I picked this one, and I enjoyed it.
I liked the interaction between Drew and Cooper, from the way that clueless Drew with ice cream, and gave Cooper a 'rainbow' sign every time he bought an ice cream. To the way he tried to properly made a 'date' with Cooper.
But the guys also need some communication skills (typical) when it comes to their 'pride'.
Good thing Cooper has Alana, his best friend, who helped him with his relationship with Drew.
This is short read, the epilogue is not overly with all HEA and rainbows, but surely ended with some rainbow sprinkles... I'm okay with that.
Enjoy!

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review. No high rating required upon the receiving of this copy.*

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COVER REVEAL : WEDLOCKED BY Ella Frank&Brooke Blaine

Wedlocked from Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine is coming March 23rd!!

Wedlocked by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine

Cover Reveal: March 2nd, 2017

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Cover Designer: Jay Aheer Genre: Contemporary Romance

Because you have believed in them,

Celebrated with them,

Loved and encouraged them,

Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine invite you to join

Ace Samuel Locke

And

Dylan Prescott

Saturday the Twenty-Fourth of May

At Six-O’Clock in the Evening

The Grand Floridian Hotel

4406 Palm Way

Orlando, Florida

For Love, Laughter and Happily Ever After

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/WLH3bh

About Ella Frank:

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!” A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Connect with Ella:

Newsletter – www.bit.ly/1hEYtgn Bookbub - http://bit.ly/29d67dD Website – www.ellafrank.com Twitter – @EllaFrank2012 FB - www.facebook.com/ella.frank.31 FB Street Team - www.facebook.com/groups/TheBrellas/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/ellafrank1/ Email: admin@ellafrank.com

About Brooke Blaine:

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas. She is the author of Flash Point, a romantic suspense standalone, as well as the co-author of the erotic series, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts. Licked, a romantic comedy, will be released November 11th, 2015 and is the first in the L.A. Liaisons series. If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

Connect with Brooke:

Newsletter-http://eepurl.com/brxPkP

Website- http://www.brookeblaine.com/home

Twitter- @BrookeBlaine1

FB- https://www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer/

FB Street Team- www.facebook.com/groups/TheBrellas/

ARC REVIEW : Cowboys Don't Ride Unicorns (Cowboys Don't #2) by Tara Lain

 

Cowboy Danny Boone—a name he made up one drunken night and has regretted ever since—harbors a big past and yearns for a small future. A short, bright career as a champion bull rider almost ended in his death when his homophobic father discovered Danny was gay. Now Danny longs for a plot of land he can build a ranch house on and enough money to make up for some of the education he missed.

Danny also hides a preference for beautiful femmes who like to top—a combo rarer than a unicorn. Then onto the guest ranch where Danny works drives San Francisco decorator Laurie Belmont, a young man so gorgeous he makes horses gasp, and so ballsy he almost kills Danny’s attacker.

Laurie’s trying to find his way out from under the thumb of a domineering mother, helpless father, and rich, privileged boyfriend.

But no matter the attraction, their lives are worlds apart, and cowboys don’t ride unicorns.

Cowboys Don't Ride Unicorns by Tara Lain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I liked this one better than the previous book with Rand and Kai.
Danny and Laurie were definitely made for each other.
Lawrence a.k.a Laurie is a flamboyant and beautiful man, with a great sense of fashion, rich boyfriend and a city guy.
Not compatible with Danny the bull rider at all.
But don't ever under estimate Laurie. He's probably looked like a girl, but he can make a bull rider fall on his feet. Literally! And he can fight man! What a guy!
I liked the chemistry between Danny and Laurie from the start, even some point, I doubted his fidelity to his rich lawyer boyfriend. But I knew something's coming so...I waited.
And yeah, as predictable the case with the boyfriend is, I think Laurie made a point why he's 'not comfortable with his boyfriend.
Not everybody liked it when your whole life you have to do things for everybody and makes everybody happy and being a trophy boyfriend.
At some point, Laurie had to make a decision how would he live his life the way he wanted.
And Danny is in the picture.
Enjoy the ride!

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review. No high rating required upon the receiving of this copy.*

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ARC REVIEW : Bound by the Fang: M/M Shifter Mpreg Romance (Black River Pack Book 1) by Kellan Larkin

 

Omega Rian doesn't want to get married—not to an Alpha, anyway. Everyone knows they have... strange desires, and Rian's scared. But the Black River Pack is besieged on all sides by enemies, and the Council wants him to get married... now. When he's paired with Taryn, his life will be changed forever.

Taryn doesn't want to get saddled with an Omega when he's too busy trying out for the Alpha Guard, the pack's prestigious warriors. It's been his dream to follow in his father's footsteps ever since he was small. But it's not up to him, and he's paired with Rian.

When Taryn fails his Guard tryouts and Rian learns he's infertile, it seems like life is just getting worse for the brash Alpha and his reluctant Omega. The pair has to learn to work together to get through it all—and will Rian ever learn about his own desires?

Bound by the Fang is a m/m gay shifter mpreg novella with a HEA.

No cheating, no cliffhangers. Each book in the Black River Pack series focuses on a different couple while expanding the overarching plot. They can be enjoyed alone, but it is recommended to read the series in order.

Bound by the Fang: M/M Shifter Mpreg Romance by Kellan Larkin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bound by the Fang is one book defined the actual mpreg in this genre.
I think Kellan Larkin nailed it with no conflict about whether a man can get pregnant or not. It's just is.

The connection between Rian and Taryn was right there from the start, as you mpreg readers knew all this time, the soul bond is much needed for looking for a mate.
Problem is with Rian's pregnancy. They have problem with that, but I liked that Taryn didn't make it a big deal and not making their relationship broken.

Sure he's disappointed that Rian can't give him a baby from his own body, but after one scary night, and parallel to that night, they've got a bundle of joy and loving it!
Rian is good Omega, I mean, really good, he's doing his fate seriously.
And in the end, there's a surprise waiting for the loving couple!

I won't spoiled it here guys. READ THIS BOOK!
It's an mpreg classic and it's adorable.
Enjoy!


*ARC provided by the author for an honest review. No high rating required upon the receiving of this copy.*

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