ARC REVIEW : Yanni's Story (Spencer Cohen #4) by N.R. Walker

 

When Yanni Tomaras is kicked out of his family home, his parents’ final words are religious insults and an order to never return. Homeless and desperate, he’s lured in by Lance, charming on the outside, an evil predator underneath, who abuses him until he finds the courage to leave.

After years of being trapped, Yanni should feel free, but by the time Spencer Cohen finds him, he’s resigned to being handed back to Lance, and once again being caged by fear.

Starting school and a part-time job, Yanni starts to reclaim his life. But a love for silent films leads him to Peter Hannikov, a man twice his age with a kind heart, and an unlikely friendship between them blooms into so much more. Neither man knows what he wants, at first. Finding out exactly what he needs is Yanni’s story.

“I’d spent years as a bird, caged with my wings clipped, tormented and beaten.

I thought I’d escaped when I’d left my abuser, but in hindsight I could see that I was still caged, this time by fear and self-doubt.

Spencer and Andrew, and Andrew’s parents, opened the door to the cage that confined me.

But it was Peter who taught me how to fly.”

Yanni's Story by N.R. Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

...this gentle, perfect man love me. He never once treated me like I was broken beyond repair...instead, he found beauty in fault lines, like the cracks in my life were what made me strong...

I didn't know that Yanni one day will have his own story. And with Peter, one of Spencer's client no less. From the moment they met after the party Spencer and Peter attended, there's spark between them. The story started from there. Good thing is I didn't have to 'experience' what Yanni had been through with is ex, Lance.

But on the other hand, I need some gripping background of how much Yanni been through what he had been through with that (view spoiler) of his.[abuser and rapist (hide spoiler)]

This is a (very) slow burn because yeah...healing need process, and with a little Daddy kink on both side, so they're definitely made for each other. Though I'm not really sure that I liked about this Daddy issue, felt a little weird to me, maybe because Nic never wrote this one before. Sure she writes May December, remember Thomas Elkin? I loved that series. I didn't mind their age gap, I liked it even.

And as for the conflict, there's some small scenes with Tyler (Lance's other victim) and in court. Also with his house mates, they're all cool, including Ajit :)

It was enjoyable until 70 percent mark, if only there's something 'more' through the end.
Not my favorite of the series, because yeah blame on Spencer and Adrew thingy , but still enjoyable, especially when you need story that won't make your heart breaking into pieces. This one is light, more comfort healing story about our Yanny, with his little Daddy kink. Sugary sweet with all people around Yanni including the Landons...
As for the steam, you need to be more patient to wait until 'the time is right'. Wink.


*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review for Lelyana's Book Blog.*

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REVIEW : What's the Use of Wondering? (WMU #2) by Kate McMurray

 

Violinist Logan has spent most of his life training for a career in music. But as the pressure mounts during his junior year, he questions whether playing in an orchestra is the future he wants, or one chosen by his parents. His new roommate—that annoying jerk Peter from last year’s production of _i>Guys and Dolls—complicates matters. Crammed into a dorm room with the overconfident but undeniably hot accounting major, Logan can’t stop snarling.

Then Peter sprains his ankle building sets, and Logan grudgingly agrees to play chauffeur. But instead of putting further strain on their relationship, spending time together reveals some common ground—and mutual frustration. Logan discovers he isn’t the only one who doesn’t know what he wants from life, and the animosity between him and Peter changes keys. But just as the possibility of a happier future appears, Logan gets a dream offer that will take him away from Western Massachusetts University—and Peter. Now he has to decide: will he live the solitary life laid out for him, or hold on to Peter and forge his own path? 


 

What's the Use of Wondering? by Kate McMurray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was started slow, but after everything settled with Peter and Logan, things getting better and I enjoyed the story.
This is not a love at first sight, it's a slow burn and I liked how the chemistry between Logan and Peter developing.
In fact, the way Logan hated Peter for so long was kinda 'real' to me, and yeah, after some ' I want to slap Logan' moments so many times, finally Logan came into his senses.
I loved Peter, he's definitely a book boyfriend material, and Logan is definitely very lucky to have Peter.
We met again with Dave and Noel from the first book, and Noel and Dave a little bit opened Logan's eyes of what's his priority in his life, what path he must take.
I felt sorry for Logan about his 'dedication' to his violin, and pushy parents didn't help too. Good thing is, once he talked to his parents, everything's seemed easier for him.
I really loved the ending, it was a real promised of a HEA. Oh well, it's a HEA! Those guys!
Adorable!

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner press in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*

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REVIEW : Wheat Kings and Pretty Things by G.S. Wiley

 

As soon as he graduated high school, Paul Thompson fled the tiny, heavily Ukrainian town of Liddon, Saskatchewan, for bigger and better things. Now in his late thirties, Paul owns a struggling art gallery in Toronto. His grandmother’s one-hundredth birthday is approaching, and Paul will return to place where he grew up for the first time since he left.

The town—and the province—don’t match Paul’s memories. Have they changed? Or has he? He reconnects with Dylan Shevchenko, an old friend who now teaches phys. ed. in Regina. When Paul learns his grandmother had an Aboriginal son he never knew about, he wonders what else he missed while he was away. Did he make the right choice all those years ago? He receives the rare opportunity to start over when he discovers a gallery for sale in Regina. He’s faced with a choice between his youthful dreams in the big city and making a life with Dylan in a place that somehow finally feels like home.


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

Wheat Kings and Pretty Things by G.S. Wiley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I really liked the things with coming home after years away from it, and found your first crush and the one who crashed your heart million years ago at the same time.
But I didn't really get into Dylan and Paul's relationship, I need more 'intimacy' between the two men after separated for that long. Not only sex, but something's missing. The chemistry?
I have no idea. It's just I need more of Dylan and Paul, instead of Paul's family secret and his gallery.
I know, I'm greedy for romantic moments, I didn't find it here it frustrated me.
Overall, this was and okay read, not memorable enough for me, sorry.

*Dreamspinner press provided the ARC for an honest and fair review.*

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ARC REVIEW : Finding Mr. Wrong by Charlie Cochet

 

He’s nobody’s definition of Mr. Right—but that might make him perfect.

Matthew Hart is heir to the family fortune and owner of Hart & Home. When a near-death experience has him fretting over the future, he decides he needs a husband, and not just any husband—an appropriate man to protect the Hart legacy. The last thing Matthew expects is to cross paths with Jax Foster, his first love and the boy who crushed his heart when he disappeared.

Jax is unlikely to make Matthew’s list of suitable candidates. Bad boy, vagabond, deep in debt, with a father who can’t keep out of trouble, Jax has nothing to offer—except his heart and a second chance at the romance they never got to explore.

Finding Mr. Wrong by Charlie Cochet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Despite of all cinderfella vibes that was obvious in this story (well, I grew up with Cinderella anyways), I really did enjoy this book. All the second chance really works for me.
Some of this story were a little bit 'too much'. Including what's Jax experienced as a kid because of something his father's idiotic behavior. Including Adam and Rai things (but, that was really cute. I know some people will despise it.LOL).
Things with Jax and Matty easily solved (thanks to Adam!), but they still need to polish their communication skills in the future. Starting with 'trust each other', because you know it that 'assumption is a mother of all f%^& up!)
This was like, a cinderella dreams comes true, a fairy tales, but somehow, could happen in real life (not).
If you're into this kind of story, go for it, this is sweet and adorable and 'dreamy'.
I wonder, would Rai and Adam get their own story? Interesting because Adam is so adorable and Rai's a 'runner'. Complicated.
Recommended for dreamers like me :)

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COVER REVEAL : TATE (THE TEMPTATION SERIES V) BY ELLA FRANK

"The Temptation Series by Ella Frank was proof that if we open our minds and our hearts to love without boundaries, the result is nothing less than extraordinary."

-- Audrey Carlan, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Tate, the sexy new installment in The Temptation Series by Ella Frank is coming September 12th!!!

Tate (Temptation #5) by Ella Frank

Publishing Date: September 12th, 2017

Genre: Contemporary MM Romance

Cover Designer: Shanoff Formats

Photographer: Fred Goudon

Model: Clément Becq

William Tate Morrison – The man who came into my life and turned my entire world—and me—on its ass.

Logan Mitchell has always been a man with a plan.

One for work. One for his relationship. And one for his life. Which is exactly the way he liked it—until recently.

Now with words like marriage and weddings floating around his head, Logan’s plans have suddenly changed course, and where they want him to go has him feeling somewhat distracted.

Tate Morrison knows Logan better than anybody else—or so he thinks. So when his lawyer is finding it hard to sleep at night, he chalks it up to the craziness that has recently descended on their lives.

Never in a million years would he guess what’s really on Logan’s mind.

Tate is the fifth book in the Temptation Series, and the next chapter in the lives of the two men we have all come to know and love.

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2vBNz5r

Start the Series Today!

(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Try (Temptation #1)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2ofZBK0

REVIEW : Michael, Reinvented (Delta Restorations #2) by Diana Copland

 

Cute hipster and interior designer Michael doesn’t do love—not after his ex screwed him over. Sex is a different story, though, and the gentle giant who’s painting the mural in the old mansion they’re restoring might be perfect hookup material. Gil is just Michael’s type with his solid muscle, wicked sense of humor, and the hazel eyes that seem to see into Michael’s soul.

Trouble is, Gil does do love. He wants romance and forever, and he’s set his sights firmly on Michael. Michael’s not going there again.

Yet when Michael is the victim of a vandal who’s been plaguing the men working for Delta Restoration, Renovation, and Design, Gil is the first person he tells. No matter how he fights it, it’s becoming harder and harder to deny he’s crazy about the guy—even if that thought terrifies him. But the true fear sets in when the criminal behavior escalates, and Michael realizes he might have lost the 
chance to tell Gil how he feels—forever.  


REVIEW

Michael, Reinvented by Diana Copland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read the story about David and Jackson quite awhile ago, kinda forget what's the story about. Good this is, Diana reminds me of their story. Thing is, Michael and Gilbert's story started from the end of book one. So, I was lost for awhile. But not for long. I felt like Gil was a bit creepy at the time, you know, flirting and a little pushy about his attraction to Michael.
But Michael was also a bit annoying with his rejection, good thing is, Gil played with his game. And that's what Michael's need to open his heart for Gil.
This book is definitely cannot read as a stand alone, the case from David and Jackson's story continued, and it seems like, in the next book the case is going to be this one as well.
It ended just like that, problem not really solved. I'm a bit curious about the next book though.
Well, let's see...


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ARC REVIEW : Five Dares by Eli Easton

 

Andy Tyler has been the class daredevil since middle school. Over the years, he’s convinced his best friend, Jake Masterson, to perform some dangerous-looking stunts with him. But the dare they attempt on the night of their college graduation goes sideways. The firecrackers explode too soon and both of them end up with badly burned palms.

But hey, nothing gets the “terrible duo” down for long, and they recuperate in style at Andy’s family cottage in Nantucket. As the weeks go by, both Andy and Jake grow frustrated over the inability to use their hands for all sorts of daily activities—including getting off. So Andy begins a new series of dares that don’t just cross the friendship line, they obliterate it.

But what might be mere sexual relief to Andy is serious business to Jake, who only recently got over years of secret pining for his straight best friend. Inevitably, the burns heal, summer ends, and hearts are broken. To fix things, Andy will have to face the greatest dare of all.

Five Dares by Eli Easton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time with Jake was like a closed circuit. Being with him was so easy and natural and fun, it just made me want to be with him more.

Well, Eli Easton and her college stories never failed me. And add to the mix that adrenaline junkies Andy and his wingman, Jake a.k.a his unconscious mind forever crush.

Being friends forever didn't make it easier to 'admit' that they're attracted to each other more than best buddies. But Andy is straight, or he thought so. He is sooooo not into guy. At all. Nope.
But he can't live without Jake and the thought of not seeing Jake after college is killing him, or when Jake had another friend, it was also made him felt insecure. So what to do?
Then the dares begun, and it was addictive, they never stopped.

Even so many times I wanted to slapped Andy and Jake for NOT open up about their felling, I can understand what they're afraid of.
So, I enjoyed their journey to find out how much they need each other, how much they're actually, secretly cannot live without each other.
The answer seeking, was (not) surprisingly full of joy and sweat. Cough.

This is a fun read, and the epilogue? It was EPIC!
Add this to your top reading wish list, I promised you, you'll having fun with Jake and Andy.

Recommended.




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REVIEW : Fire and Fog (Carlisle Cops #6) by Andrew Grey

 

Carlisle police officer Dwayne knows what Robin is doing the moment he lays eyes on the young man at Bronco’s club. But he doesn’t know that they both come from families who’ve cast them out for being gay, or that they’re still lugging around the pain of those rejections. Robin leaves the club, and soon after Dwayne decides to as well—and is close by when things between Robin and his client turn violent.

When Dwayne finds out Robin is the victim of a scam, which lost him his apartment, he can’t leave Robin to fend for himself on the streets. Despite Dwayne’s offer of help and even opening up his home, it’s hard for Robin to trust anything good. The friendship between them grows, and just as the two men start warming up to each other, Robin’s sister passes away, naming Robin to care for her son. Worse yet, their pasts creep back in to tear down the family and sense of belonging both of them long for.

 



Fire and Fog by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I'm not a fan of all Carlisle Cops series, but this one is more bearable to me. I liked Dwayne way much better than Robin. Oh, I know, being young and all, and making abd decision and add shitty parents to the mix.
Robin need to be 'more' for Dwayne, imo. I felt sorry for Robin's past, good thing is he met Dwayne before everything's getting worse. And Dwayne is being Dwayne, he's the right one for Robin, now and in the future.
Not like the first book, even Robin went straight away living with Dwayne, the 'L' word took time, and I liked that.
I was kinda enjoyed this book and I think Robin and Dwayne are more solid that any of others in the series.
I liked the ending, it was so promising.
So yeah, if you're a fan of this series, I think this one is going to be your favorite.


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REVIEW : You Never Know by Mary Calmes

 

Hagen Wylie has it all figured out. He’s going to live in his hometown, be everybody’s friend, explore new relationships, and rebuild his life after the horrors of war. No muss, no fuss is the plan. He’s well on his way—until he finds out his first love has come home too. Hagen says it’s no big deal, but a chance encounter with Mitch Thayer’s two cute sons puts him directly in the path of the only guy he’s never gotten out of his head.

Mitch returned for three reasons: to raise his sons where he grew up, to move his furniture business and encourage it to thrive, and to win Hagen back. Years away made it perfectly clear the young man he loved in high school is the only one for him. The problem? He left town and they have not talked since.

If Hagen’s going to trust him again, Mitch needs to show him how he’s grown up and isn’t going to let go. They could have a new chance at love… but Hagen is insistent he’s not reviving a relationship with Mitch. Then again, you never know.

 









You Never Know by Mary Calmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh being young and stupid and making a confusing decision and regretted it after life hit you in the face. I liked that Mitch tried to making amend with his past life and trying to get back to Hagen again. Kinda pushy and tricky using his kids to get back to Hagen.
And Hagen is being a doormat, and even he still loved Mitch, he need more gut to say no.
But hey, who am I to judge when it comes to heart matter?
I think it's a good thing he had a choices between Ash or Mitch before he made his decision.
Well, I know he won't take Ash's offer but still he need to make peace with his past and decided whether Mitch worth his heart or not.
In the end, heart's always won what heart's want, isn't it?
As for the result, you never know... :)

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REVIEW : Somewhere to Belong (Thornwood, #3) by Caitlin Ricci

 

Needy. Obsessive. Clingy. Twenty-five-year-old Eli Walker has heard it all. That’s why he doesn’t bother calling back the guys he’s been with anymore. Sex should be about fun, not a relationship, and no one has complained about him getting overly attached in years. If only he actually felt wanted for once instead of empty and used when guys are done with him.

Grayson Pendleton is a wealthy business consultant with clients all over the world. His life is often glamorous, but it leaves him no time for a relationship, and at forty-eight, he’s starting to notice the lack of romance in his life. His only romantic connection is Eli, but they’re just two guys who have sex occasionally. It took him months to get Eli’s first name, and even now they only communicate through a hookup app.

When Grayson inherits a house in Thornwood, Colorado, it’s one more thing he doesn’t need in his life, and he knows he won’t be there enough to enjoy it. Still, the old house has the potential to be a home, and more importantly, it gives Grayson a chance to save Eli when he needs it most.

Somewhere to Belong by Caitlin Ricci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this story. It was at some point, an adorable May-December interracial relationship.
A lesson (trauma?) from his past relationship, Eli didn't believe that he's worth a good relationship. Very skeptical, but then he met this guy Grayson, twenty something senior his age, and cared about him.
I haven't read the two earlier books, I'm not sure if I want to read about Eli's past lover, Trent.
He seemed like a clueless a**hole for Eli.
But, that's another story.
I was kinda pissed with Eli's stupidity about his landlord son, but that's the risk he's taken for being stupid.
Good thing is, it was not too long and before he make any damage for himself, Grayson's offer has became his only one solution.
Love came easily for both of them. There's one racist friend I'd like to punch in the face, but I think even Grason had been an idiot before, he's finally did the right thing.
There's times when I really wanted to slap both Gray and Eli of course. But I'm glad that everything ended well in the end.

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