Love, Never Ending by Michele Notaro

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Blurb

Jax~
Years ago, I picked myself up and started a new life after having my heart broken. And now I love it, I love my life. But it still isn’t enough. Something is missing. When I meet Symon for the first time, I know there’s something special about him, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s my missing piece. But everything’s confusing because my ex shows back up in my life. I want Symon more than anything, but a part of me still wants Tanner, too.

Symon~
When Jax first asks me to help him out with his ex, I’m not exactly thrilled, but after spending some time with him, I realize how much I like him. I don’t expect him to feel the same way about me, but for some reason, he sticks around. And before I know it, Jax is a huge part of my life. But somehow, his ex—Tanner—winds up working with me, and even though I’m with Jax, I can’t help my growing attraction and feelings for Tanner. How in the world can I care about two men at once?

Tanner~
Seeing Jax again after all this time is nothing short of amazing. Add in the fact that he’s actually talking to me, and it’s a flat-out miracle. I never expected to get him back in my life even if it’s just as friends, but now that he is I want to keep him. I’m lucky to be building a life here again, and I’m grateful to meet new people, especially the sweet, kind, and adorable man, Symon. The strange thing is after spending so much time with Symon, I want to keep him just as much as Jax.

Will Jax ever be able to forgive Tanner and move on? Will Symon overcome his fears and explore what could be something amazing with the two men in his life? Will Tanner be able to forget the past and open himself up to the two men he wants to be with? Jax, Symon, and Tanner try to navigate their confusing feelings and attractions, but will all three men be able to come together as a unit and make it work? Or will someone end up with a broken heart?

***Love, Never-Ending is the first book in the Flash Me Photos series, but is a standalone novel. Each book will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the series. You may even recognize some characters from the Finding My Forever series, although it’s not necessary to read that series first. This book contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 and over.***


REVIEW
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Love, Never Ending is an amazing menage romance by Michele Notaro, that just draws you in immediately.

Jax, Symon and Tanner are a terrific trio. I enjoy the relationships that each man individually develops with the other men, all having a perfect balance with one another, and each contributing equally to the relationship.

It isn't easy for them though, as the start with things being sex only, then the feelings start to intensify, and the need for more becomes too strong. Decisions need to be made, conversations need to be had, and the need for honestly will be huge. There are explanations to be made, betrayal to be confronted, and most of all the forgiveness to be had.

The second chance part of this story is well written. I was originally surprised that Jax let Tanner in again, but in time, it all works great, and I love that Jax is open to explanations.

As this is Michele Notaro's debut menage story, I really hope she writes some more! If you've read my other reviews, you know I am an avid fan of MMM romances. Love, Never Ending is a terrific addition to this genre. 

Edge Jump by Elizabeth Noble

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True to You by Tony Correia

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Blurb

Jorge Gomez is a gay teen from a working-class family who drops out of school after fighting with bullies on behalf of another kid. He starts training to become a pro wrestler, and finds that he has the talent that could make it a promising career. At the first wrestling show Jorge attends, he meets Thom, who is from a politically active upper middle-class family. It's a case of opposites attracting, but Jorge feels threatened when he learns that Thom's ex-boyfriend is determined to win Thom back.

Jorge tries to reconcile his sexual orientation with the image and loyalty demanded of a career as a wrestler. Looking to jumpstart his career, he switches to a wrestling club that promises to make him a star. When he adopts a flamboyantly gay "bad guy" wrestling persona, Thom calls him out for promoting homophobia. Jorge reacts badly with the result that he is kicked out of the club and is dumped by Thom. The crisis leads Jorge to find a way to be true to himself and who he is, and to reconcile with Thom.

REVIEW
My Rating - 4 Stars!


In True To You, when Jorge is kicked out of school for fighting, he starts training for pro-wrestling, most likely as a way of coping with his sexuality.

Once he starts dating Thom, he is warned that he needs to hide the fact that he's gay from the fans. He's also warned that Thom's ex wants to win him back.

This is a well told story of an up and coming wrestler as he faces many tough decisions along the way. There were times I really wanted to smack Jorge and tell him to smarten up, knowing the crash course he is setting himself on.

The writing style is fast paced, with a lot happening quickly. There isn't much "meat" to the reasons of the events taking place, but it is still a good story.

Overall, True To You is a story about choices. It isn't always easy to make the right choice, and sometimes you need to admit defeat and decide how to move forward. Tony Correia does a good job of telling such a tale.

Leaning into Forever by Lane Hayes

Title:  Leaning Into Forever

Series: Leaning Into Stories, #7

Author: Lane Hayes

Publisher: Lane Hayes

Release Date: June 29

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 75K

Genre: Romance, Comfort, Healing , Heartbreak, New Beginnings, Contemporary Romance

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Summary

Geordie de la Rosa is a legend among wine lovers in Napa Valley. His ultra-fabulous style paired with a penchant for leading impromptu sing-a-longs has made him a star attraction at Conrad Winery. Co-owning a well-respected winery was never Geordie’s aspiration but he likes the niche he’s made for himself. He won’t deny that his job and his friends have helped ease his heartache and grief after the death of his longtime partner.

Levi Yeager excels at the art of reinventing himself. He’s been a minor league baseball player, a college coach and now a restaurant owner. The problem is he doesn’t know a thing about the food business. And when his chef quits unexpectedly, he’s afraid his new venture is doomed. But Levi isn’t a quitter. It may be the only thing he has in common with the beautiful, sassy man from the neighboring winery who agrees to help get his new business up and running. Neither man counts on their fast friendship or the wild attraction they feel for each other. However, they know they won’t stand a chance until they let go of the past and lean into forever.

REVIEW

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Leaning into Forever by Lane Hayes, Book #7 in the Leaning Into series, is a wonderful, emotional love story.

Geordie is one of those characters who hits you full force, as a consummate scene-stealer. As such, I have been longing for his story, despite knowing it would be a tough one.

After Geordie's partner, Mike, died, he's been spending the last few years barely living. Despite his suffering and the fact that he's constantly talking to his dead partner, he remains the dynamic personality, very femme, full of flair and showtunes. He is one of the sweetest characters ever, making me smile, cry and laugh, over and over again.

Then he meets Levi, a former baseball player, who's a strange combination of sexy and silly. Levi is everything Geordie needs, as he's sweet, patient, charming, and determined. Of course, Geordie is not looking for love, but he'll be hard pressed to pass up Levi, despite the fact that's he's been holding onto his past like a lifeline.

Together, Geordie and Levi are perfect for one another, as they become close friends. I love that they have fun together and are silly together, pulling Geordie away from his grief and helping him to start living again. Their story is a beautiful second chance at love for Geordie, helping him to finally accept that it's ok that Mike is gone.

I would be remiss to not mention the laughs inspired by the pink vespa and the font discussions, as the humor involved is ongoing and hysterical.

Lane's writing style is perfect, with beautiful descriptions, allowing us to feel the land, as well as the characters. She delivers this charming romance with humor, grace and emotion. 

She also tackles many issues that we all need to remember:

- Don't take anything for granted, as you never know what will happen next.

-Sometimes life takes a detour that you aren't expecting, but can end up being a fantastic gift. 

She also delivers some amazing quotes that we should all take heed of:

"Everyone should have the chance to live fearlessly at least once in their lifetime."

"We're always changing and if we're lucky, we learn along the way."

After waiting for this story, I am thrilled with it's delivery. I am left feeling extremely happy and content. I highly recommend Leaning Into Forever. And if you haven't read the other books in the series, do so and you will love them too.

Excerpt

“My game is coming back. If I keep talking and you keep listening, you’ll eventually warm up to me. Where was I?”

“The psychology of alliterations,” I deadpanned.

“Right. Your tone is imperial, you use alliterations like a poet and you dress like a diva. You’re pleasant to strangers but you hold them at bay. You’re kind but controlled. Most likely you were an elite member of a royal family in a former life.”

“You’re probably right,” I said, amused in spite of myself. “Since you have me figured me, let me see if I can do the same.”

“Be my guest.” Levi made a sweeping motion with his left arm before resting it on his steering wheel. The casual gesture was ripe with potent masculinity. And I hated that I noticed.

I tore my gaze from his stubble jaw and cleared my throat. “You’re a newly out sports enthusiast at a crossroad.”

“Sports enthusiast at a crossroads,” he repeated with a laugh. “I guess that’s better than has-been athlete looking for a new gig.”

“As you said, I do have a way with words and I’m a firm believer it’s crucial to accentuate the positives.” I set my hand over his without thinking then pulled back when a familiar spark of awareness skittered along my spine.

Levi smirked. “You’re weird. I like you.”

“Thanks. I like you too. Platonically of course,” I added.

“Of course. What exactly is my crossroad?”

“I’m not sure. Perhaps you quit your job to try a new venture with this lover who dumped you and now you’re heading to LA to woo him back—”

“Not a chance,” he snapped.

I raised a brow at his vehemence. “Or…you’re going on a fact-finding mission to salvage what you can of your original idea and determine what comes next.”

Levi nodded. “Closer.”

“Have you thought about selling the diner?”

“Yes. But I’m not going to.”

“Why not?”

“I have nothing to lose. And you know what? It’s kinda liberating. No net required ’cause I’m already free falling. Have you ever felt that way before, Geord?”

Every fucking day.

Silence fell like a blanket between us. Soft and warm and safe.  I didn’t want to break the quiet but I couldn’t allow myself to be pulled under either.

I licked my lips and whispered, “Yes.”

Suddenly, I couldn’t move and I couldn’t look away. Maybe I was a sucker for ruggedly handsome men who weren’t ashamed to reveal their vulnerable sides. I admired that he made free-falling sound like an adventure. I’d been doing it for nearly four years and my outlook was nothing like Levi’s. I worked my ass off to make sure no one knew how tired and raw and afraid I felt every damn day. I clung to the best parts of my past like a lifeline, hoping my ghosts would ease the inevitable ‘splat on the concrete’ nosedive I had coming my way.

Levi’s story was certainly different, but I recognized something in him I knew too well. A desperate spirit that wasn’t quite ready to give up. I’d like to think that sense of acknowledgment was why I leaned across the console, closed my eyes and pressed my lips against his.

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Meet the Author

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and won first prize in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

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Spark, North Star Trilogy Book 1, by Posy Roberts

The North Star Trilogy by Posy Roberts is one of my all-time favorite series.

I recently reviewed the revised and released Book 1, Spark.

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BLURB

A love story with a seventeen-year intermission.

Hugo Thorson fell in love when he was sixteen. He’s maybe been in love since, but probably not. He’s been too busy directing plays to devote much time to men who can’t accept all of him. No one ever made him feel like his first love did.

Kevin Magnus married a woman and has two children, but the marriage wasn’t happy. In the shadow of divorce, he’s striving to be a better father, but he’s still a work in progress.

When Hugo and Kevin bump into each other at the lake, memories of their last kiss incite a new first kiss. Visions of the life they always wanted are vivid, but so much stands in the way of their dreams. Hugo is out and proud but no one knows Kevin’s bisexual. If Kevin comes out, he risks losing custody of his kids. If he doesn’t walk hand in hand with Hugo, he risks losing the love of his life.

The curtain may never rise on their second act.

REVIEW - 5 Stars!

The North Star Trilogy by Posy Roberts is one of the first male/male series that I read and it remains dear to my heart to this day. I am super excited that the series has been re-edited and re-released.

In Spark, the start of this trilogy, we meet Hugo and Kevin and learn the history of their relationship through expertly crafted flashbacks.

As teenagers, Hugo and Kevin sneak around and fall in love. Unfortunately, their relationship remains closeted because Kevin’s controlling father doesn’t even want Kevin to be friends with Hugo.

During their high school years, Kevin dates girls to try and hide his feelings about Hugo and despite promising to keep in touch when they leave for college, their plans never come to fruition.

The deceptive nature of their relationship is a tough read. I adore the couple as they have their fun and romantic times, but it’s heartbreaking to witness Hugo have to see Kevin with girls.

Fast forward seventeen years, Hugo reunites with Kevin by mistake when Hugo agrees to accompany his best friend, Summer, on a trip.

Throughout the book, they learn about each other’s lives. Kevin is now a father of two, and having drifted apart from his wife, is in the process of a divorce after his father’s death affords him the courage to start proceedings.

Hugo travels often directing plays and is weary of developing a real relationship. He has been cheated on in the past and is reluctant to trust anyone again.

The chemistry is still there as they rekindle the flame. I promise you will feel every single romantic moment with them and will be riveted by every sexual interaction.

I absolutely adore Hugo and Kevin, from the beginning to the end. I love how they connect as teens and struggle with their sexuality. They are both just trying to be with the one they love.

To get a glimpse of their strong feelings for each other, this is a  note that Kevin sends to Hugo in high school, accompanying a little bouquet of candy canes:

Red because you woke me up and make me feel alive.
Orange because your words heal what my father breaks.
Yellow because your smile is like sunshine.
Green because of where I first kissed you. It was because you were so beautiful surrounded by the forest.
Blue because I feel serenity when I’m with you.
Violet because we’re connected. I feel you in me all the time.
Rainbow because you showed me my truth even though it has to remain a secret.

Posy Roberts writing style is riveting and charming and leaves you feeling every single emotion these men experience as if you’re right there with them. Her descriptions of the environment are realistic and generous. The lake ends up being a wonderful secondary character that adds life to the setting, as well as being an integral part of the story.

Spark is an absolute page-turner. Set aside some time to read this because it will suck you in and you won’t be able to put it down. Posy Roberts will take you on a spectacular journey of love and discovery.

To see how this release differs from the original 2013 version, check out this post on Posy Roberts blog. It is extremely informative and hits on the true nature of her edits. I have long suggested this series to others, noticing that it seemed to live in the shadows. I am thrilled for Posy’s re-release and I hope that this series now gets the attention it so deserves!