Collaring Chaz (Dante's Infernal #2) by Joel Abernathy

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Chaz

Rafael is the best friend-with-benefits a guy could ask for, but I had to go and screw it all up by falling in love.

Everyone gets sick of me eventually. My birth parents, the endless conveyor belt of foster homes, even the band that became my family.

Why should Raf be any different?

When he wants to take our friendship to the next level by welcoming me into his world of collars and pet names that make me feel wanted and cherished, I know it can’t be permanent.

No matter what he says, there’s no way someone like him could actually want me forever. But I’m going to enjoy pretending for as long as it lasts.

Rafael

I spent so long pining after my best friend, I didn’t even realize the perfect guy was right under my nose.

Chaz is an adorkable goofball who’s kept a band full of hotheads from melting down on numerous occasions, and he and I are perfectly in sync in and out of the bedroom.

Turns out, he’s also a natural submissive who just might be the pup I’ve always wanted, if I can convince him this thing between us is meant to last forever, and not just be a one-hit wonder.

Collaring Chaz is a surprisingly sweet M/M rock star romance loaded with angst, band drama, contractual pup play, a cinnamon roll MC struggling with mental health and addiction, and a dominant rock god who saves him.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

I was elated to get a chance to review Joel Abernathy's Collaring Chaz. I am thrilled to once again get to spend time with the messed up men of Dante's Infernal. The second book in the series, I would highly suggest reading Taming Dante first.

Chaz and Rafe have one hell of a complicated and messy relationship. Best friends since they were young, Chaz is hopelessly in love with Raf, and they've been friends with benefits for a while. So complicated indeed. And in all the band drama, Chaz's meltdowns, managerial hell, and things just get messier.

This book will have your emotions running all over the place, smiling one moment, and wanting to scream the next. Chaz is way too easygoing, always trying to please everyone. It's frustrating and hard to read. Chaz is so damn easy to love but he's also a god damn mess. Hell, I wanted to protect him and love him myself. Luckily he had Raf to fufill that role in the end. But good god, it's much harder to love Raf. He's just aggressive and forceful, with needs that Chaz can't meet, yet in the end he's protective and loving. 

If you enjoy Puppy play, this is a must read. The author not only adds in puppy play, but takes Chaz through the exploration and education of what puppy play is and how it can help him. It's wonderfully written and emotional as can be. 

Of course, there's also some great banter and humor. There's one particular sex scene that left me chuckling. Omg, I am still laughing thinking about the phone call. 

There is one thing I didn't like though. I was surprised at the end with Chaz's discovery. It was suddenly thrown out there, making me question if I had missed something. I would have definitely preferred more discussion on his condition. 

Collaring Chaz is a fantastic addition to the Dante's Infernal series. Joel Abernathy has created a fabulously messy world and these extremely chaotic characters who continue to keep me intrigued and riveted. These men are absolutely addicting and I can't wait to get more of this band. If you're in the mood for messy and angsty, this is your read.

Midnight Ash by Ana Ashley

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

If I didn't know better, I'd think my life is a fairytale.

Orphan? Check.
Evil stepmom? Check.
The only problem with my theory is the lack of a dashing prince coming to my rescue.

That is until Xander comes along. He’s charming, gorgeous, and caring. With him my life doesn’t feel like a neverending list of chores.

After my stepmother does the unthinkable, my only hope is winning a publishing competition. But when I find who Xander really is, even that becomes a lost cause.

Midnight Ash is a sweet romance with a sexy kinky twist on the side, and a cast who don’t quite behave as you’d expect.

Midnight Ash is a contemporary Cinderella retelling, and part of the MM Fairy Tale Romance series. All books are completely standalone and are modern retellings of classic fairy tales with a gay romance twist.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Midnight Ash is a sweet and tender fairytale romance by Ana Ashley. From the first time I read an Ana Ashley book, I was extremely impressed with the author's writing style. And this book is no different.

Ash and Xander star in this modern Cinderella like romance. From the start, the author throws in some differences that I love. For one, Ash loves and adores his stepsisters, which makes for a touching aspect of this tale. 

Overall, it's a loosely based re-telling of the story that has a lot of heart to it. Of course we get the evil stepmom, and the tragic backstory. 

But, we also get so many moments of hope and happiness. And there's some steaminess you won't want to miss if you enjoy men wearing lace. Awww...

Not only does the author excel in developing characters, Ana also excels in setting the atmosphere. The bookstore is fabulous. I have actually been in a place similar to this, so it's charm resonated with me greatly, as it oozes off the pages.  

Midnight Ash is a feel-good romance. Ana Ashley will leave you happy to have met these men. It's all pure sugary sweetness!

Always Together: An M/M Daddy Romance (The Boys of Talbert Hall #2) by Quinn Ward

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

They’ve been best friends since they were little. Can their relationship survive the secrets one of them has been keeping?

No one believes Matt when he swears he and his roommate are just friends. That probably has something to do with the way he looks at Brandon when he thinks no one is watching and the fact Brandon doesn’t balk whenever Matt teasingly calls him Daddy.

Everything changes when they go home for winter break…

Brandon doesn’t like the feeling that Matt’s pulling away from him. He’s always been the person Matt leaned on when he felt scared and alone, but he’s barely seen his best friend since dropping him off at his mom’s for the break.

They can’t hold out any longer…

Once Brandon forces him to open up, Matt finally admits he wants something more from Brandon. He never expected his friend’s reply to be a mind-blowing kiss. But just being together isn’t enough…

The more Matt reveals, the closer he pushes Brandon to his limits. Will he be able to accept Matt’s need to regress or will that be the secret that destroys their friendship?

Always Together is the second book in The Boys of Talbert Hall, the newest series set in the kinky town of Annandale. If you’re in the mood for the perfect combination of silly, sweet, and spicy, you’re going to love watching Matt try to wiggle his way into Daddy’s heart.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Holy crap! Always Together is a freaking awesome friends to lovers romance. This Quinn Ward book, the second in The Boys of Talbert Hall series, is even better than I could have ever anticipated.

In the first book, Rooming Together, we met Matt and Brandon and had a sense of their relationship. Now we get the details. (If you haven't read Jayden and Ash's story yet, make sure you do so after reading this book. It is a sexy, delicious age play romance.)

Seriously, I love everything about this book. First there's the longing and pining. There's cartoons and "daddy." Then there's the confessions and the start of a riveting romance with all the complications involved. 

The friends aspect is wonderfully established early on. College roommates and life long best friends, there's so much history between the two. They grew up together. Their families celebrate the holidays together. Basically, there's a lot to lose if things go wrong for these two. It's truly beautiful how close they are. And, damn, I love the parents. 

And then there's the Daddy aspect. Oh...I just love this. The two were clearly in these roles before, without even acknowledging it. But with the acknowledgement of it, and all that's involved in the lifestyle, I fell madly in love with these men. I love the way they explore, learning what's involved with a Daddy/boy relationship. And the emotions are so well written.

And omg, when they do get together, they are so damn hot together. I love the small little changes with them, and all the steamy moments.

Always Together is one of those special college romances that I knew early on would be added to my re-read list. I love every single moment with these men. Quinn Ward is an amazing writer who continues to impress me with every one of their books. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Nice Catching You by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood

Title: Nice Catching You: A Holiday Love Story

Author: Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood

Publisher: Wainscott Press

Release Date: 10/30/2020

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 84,000 words

Genre: Romance, Gay Holiday Romance, Contemporary Gay Romance, Holiday Romance

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What happens when the No. 1 college hockey star in the country falls in love—with a man? Nick Johnson, a top prospect for a pro hockey team, has a secret: he’s gay. Tired of living in the closet for the sport he loves, he sees no way out.

Jacob Meyer’s string of bad boyfriends left him cynical about love. Instead, he focuses on his studies as a third-year law student. With a new job waiting for him, he’s eager to graduate and move on.

On a school-sponsored trip, Nick and Jacob meet in a most unexpected way. When Nick tells Jacob his secret, they decide to hang out, just as friends. But their attraction is too strong to ignore, and they soon begin dating.

Since Nick is a big man on campus, it doesn’t take long for people to notice his attachment to Jacob. All hell breaks loose when the relationship gets out. As the national media descends, university officials try to figure out how to solve their “problem.” Their efforts divide Nick’s team, inflame fans, and put Nick and Jacob’s futures in jeopardy. Will the men be able to
survive a plot to destroy them without derailing both their careers?

Nice Catching You is an out-for-you romance featuring a lot of love, exciting hockey, and a beautiful holiday. There’s also plenty of steam and a very happy ending.

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My Rating - 4 Stars!

Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood's Nice Catching You is a sweet, fluffy holiday romance. Nick and Jacob's tale is one of two college men, forced proximity, and coming out. 

They meet on a bus trip, and get stranded together during a storm. The attraction is instant and they can't fight their chemistry for long. 

The meat of the story is Nick's closeted status as an athlete. Their relationship takes heat and is an obstacle for many. But it's sweet and heart-warming and will give you all the holiday feels, despite some rampant homophobia.

The angst is there, but it's never overwhelming. You can just feel they will work things out. Overall, it's a lot less angsty than I was expecting. 

Nice Catching You is a quick, easy Out For You romance.  This Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood tale is fluffy and will leave you in a good mood. 

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JACOB

Sunday, December 4

I haven’t been on many buses, but I was starting to think I might die on this one. The snow began falling before we left Whiteface Mountain early in the afternoon, not unusual for one of the top ski resorts in the Northeast. We were due in Syracuse before six, and I hoped the weather didn’t delay us much. The last week of classes would start the next day, and I had work to do. The snow was coming down hard, and by the time we reached I-87, I could see very little
out the window. Many of the cars had pulled over to the side, and others were creeping along with their hazards flashing. Our bus joined the traffic and immediately began slipping all over the road.

With fifty-odd college students on the trip, there had been a lot of noise when we left the resort, but nerves had soon taken over, and people were mostly quiet now. I sat alone, three rows from the back of the bus, trying to read a case for Federal Courts. With only one more semester of law school to go, I needed to do well. A big firm in Boston offered me a job right before Thanksgiving, contingent on my maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Pulling a C in Fed Courts would bring me slightly under the requirement. Although I had high hopes for a job in DC, I couldn’t risk
losing the Boston offer.

Between the bus sliding in the snow and the constant chatter from the guys in the seat behind me, I couldn’t concentrate at all. They were hockey players, and they kept up a conversation about the game, other players, cars, and whatever else dumb undergrad jocks talk about. They were the only people behind me except for their friend, who was passed out on a seat in the back.

Whoa! The rear end of the bus lurched violently into the left lane. I tried to grab something to hold onto, but I was already airborne by the time I dropped the heavy casebook. Hands grabbed my shoulders but didn’t slow my momentum. Dreading the impact with the seat across the aisle, I screwed my eyes shut and held my breath. All at once, something stopped me. Rather, someone stopped me, and that someone had brawny arms and a hard body. He’d caught me in midair.

“You all right?”

“What?” On my back in the man’s arms, facing the top of the bus, I couldn’t see much. I turned my head, trying to find out who had hold of me.

“Everything okay?”

I craned my neck in the other direction just as he leaned over, and it was—shit!—one of the hockey guys who’d been sitting behind me. I’d seen him over the weekend with his buddies, at least one of whom had laughed at me the whole time. Now they’d laugh even harder, and I’d be known as the skinny little runt who couldn’t even stay in his seat—the twit who had to be rescued by a real man.

Purchase at Amazon

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Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood met in law school and were married in 2017. They live in a suburb of Washington, DC, and share their home with a big, cuddly German shepherd. Ryan and Josh enjoy travel, friends, and advocating for causes dear to their hearts. Ryan also loves to swim, and Josh likes to putter in the garden whenever he can. The romance they were so lucky to find with each other inspires their stories about love between out and proud men.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail | Instagram | Bookbub | Linktree

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Street of Dreams (The Road To Rocktoberfest #4) by Jenna Galicki

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Street of Dreams by Jenna Galicki

The Road to Rocktoberfest, Book 4

One street touched a thousand lives and sent two boys in opposite directions.

For Reid Mackenzie, Street of Dreams offers hope for a better life and a chance to share his music with the world. For Jake King, it reinforces his life of crime and the ties to a city that empowers him.

They were two boys, growing up side by side in the same neighborhood, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Mac comes from a humble Scottish family and dreams of the stage and the day he has enough money to escape Chicago’s South Side. Jake knows he’ll never leave. The impoverished city, and his notorious father, have a hold on him that won’t let go.

Circumstances force them to carry on their relationship in private, until it explodes in the worst way. With the will of a warrior, Jake vows he’ll do whatever he has to in order for them to be together, no matter how brutal the consequences.

This is a story of courage, kilts, and second chances.

Street of Dreams is the fourth book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not stay and enjoy the whole show? If you like scorching tales of hot rock stars and the men who love them, then you’ll adore the untamed musicians of Rocktoberfest!

Amazon US  *  Universal Link

Goodreads

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My Rating - Stars!

Street of Dreams is an amazing enemies to lovers romance by Jenna Galicki. The fourth book in the multi-author The Road to Rocktoberfest series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

The majority of their story is long before Mac's music career takes off. Instead, we get an intense tale of want, need, and fear. It definitely took me a while to get invested in this one, but once I did, wow, I couldn't put it down.

The enemies to lovers aspect is well done, as Jake and Mac have been fighting since childhood. Jake is truly awful to Mac, with Mac often pushed to his limit. But as Jake says,  "...I think you know there's more to me than just being a jerk all the time." Damn, at first Jake is hard to love. There was only so much give and take I could handle. But then we get Jake's story and it becomes understandable. I still hurt for Mac though and wanted more for him. Hell, I hurt for both of them. Basically, I was as wrecked as they both were.

The homophobic element is the driving factor of their journey, as Jake certainly can't come out in his family. His father is a evil, ruthless man, who lives in a world of gangs, danger, and control. The family issues truly had me gutted, with so much hate, pain, and devastation. It's absolutely agonizing at times, with the pain jumping off the pages. I definitely was ready to cry often. 

As for the rocker aspect of the story, it's there, mostly at the end. It definitely isn't the main aspect of this tale though. It is used more to guide things along. So if you're in the mood for straight up rocker romance, this probably isn't for you. But if you're in the mood to be agonizingly destroyed, read on. 

Street of Dreams is riveting, exceptional  and all-consuming. I am still shocked by how amazing this Jenna Galicki book is. It is definitely one hell of an impressive read. Seriously, I am still floored by Jake's decision at the turning book of the story. This one just blew me away!

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 Jake sat with his back against the headboard, smoking cigarette after cigarette, while re-runs of Friends played on the flat screen. He glanced at the time on the cable box for the fourth time, just as a knock sounded on the door. One side of his mouth drew back in a smile while he slowly brought his feet to the floor. He snubbed out his Marlboro in the ashtray on the nightstand and leisurely walked across the room. Another impatient knock on the door made him slow his stride, even though he wanted to run. He counted to three before he turned the knob. “I knew you’d come.”

Mac didn’t reply. He only stood there glaring at Jake with fire behind his eyes.  Jake knew that look so well. It was burning lust, overwrought with passion, and he allowed himself to drink in the man in front of him. How he’d missed that mane of deep red hair and those incredibly soulful eyes. They were bottomless pools of emotion. And they were boring into Jake with madness that seemed incomprehensible. They conveyed equal parts of love and rage.

 Jake had always thought a hair separated love and hate, anger and passion, and that both sides of the emotions were interchangeable at times. Mac proved that theory, because seeing how his eyes shifted from hostile to deep longing and back again was like flipping a switch on and off.

 Jake watched as Mac’s nostrils flared and his deep breaths blew his long hair off his chest. His hair and his upper body had grown significantly. The tight T-shirt strained across Mac’s broadened chest, and the short sleeves pinched the indent between his deltoids and biceps. Jake’s eyes dropped lower, and his knees almost buckled. Mac had worn the kilt. It wasn’t the same one he wore earlier at the show, which meant Mac had showered and changed, and deliberately worn a kilt at Jake’s request. Warmth, that hadn’t been there in a long time, filled Jake’s chest, and a crooked smile spread across his lips. “You wore the kilt.”

 Mac pushed past Jake and marched into the room, tugging at the roots of his hair. He suddenly stopped and swung around, wildly. “I couldn’t stop fucking thinking about you! I can’t believe the way you get in my head!”

 Jake’s smile broadened because he knew that passion lurked under all the anger. Mac wouldn’t be here if he didn’t care. There wouldn’t be fire behind his eyes, and his jaw wouldn’t be clenched. Labored breaths wouldn’t be blowing in and out of his lungs, and there wouldn’t be such vehemence behind his words. But Jake never doubted Mac’s feelings for one fucking minute. Not one fucking second. The two of them were bound together by some kind of invisible rope, that may stretch to the limits sometimes, but it would never break. Their lives couldn’t be more different, but their souls were cemented together.

 

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Street of Dreams, Jenna is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a5792/?

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Jenna Galicki writes rock star romance in multiple genres, including mf, mmf and mm.  A native New Yorker, she now resides in Southern California. She's a Rottweiler enthusiast and an avid music buff. When she's not hunched over a computer, you can find her front row at a rock concert.    

Follow Jenna, she would love to hear from you

 

Connect with Jenna:
Website: www.jennagalicki.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/authorjennagalicki
FB Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Jennasrockstars
Amazon: http://bit.ly/AmazonJennaGalicki
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennaGalicki
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennagalicki/

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Honeythorn by Marina Vivancos

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Omega Milan Pryor knows his duty. He must travel North through the continent towards the snow, the cold, and his new betrothed. They say that Lord Alpha Raphael Ledford, the man he is to marry, is as artic as the weather of his land. But Milan has always been an optimist. Perhaps he might find friendship in the arranged marriage. Even love.

It doesn’t take long for Milan to realize that all the rumours about Lord Raphael are true. Reclusive, distant, frigid. Milan finds himself unwelcome in what he must now call his new home. He’s used to fighting for what he wants—but can he survive a husband as cruel as Lord Raphael?

Being bonded to one who rejects you is a painful thing. Will Milan be able to win his husband’s regard? What terrible secret is Lord Raphael keeping, and will Milan be able to discover it before it’s too late?
Or will Milan perish along with his heart?

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Marina Vivancos' Honeythorn is a sweet historical romance. 

An omegaverse read, Milan and Lord Raphael certainly don't get along at the start. Milan is dealing with being in a strange place and is faced with a bethrothed who doesn't seem to want him around. 

His is a story of new customs, mistakes, and fears. It's a combination of arranged marriage, and being tossed into a world full of unknowns. The thing I love most about Milan is the way he treats the servants as his equal. 

But damn, the emotions. The author takes us on Milan's journey, with his emotions front and center every step of the way. The writing is well done, with a nice, pleasant tone. All told from Milan's pov, it takes the reader a while to warm up to Raphael. He is rude and stand-offish at first, and isn't a man of many words. 

Raphael's background is horrible, with all of his behavior making sense. Unfortunately, it takes the reader a long time to understand him. It probably would have been better if we got his pov also. 

But damn, the bond aspect is amazingly well written. Now only are they hot together, but the emotions around the bond is mesmerizing. Outside of sex, it's the sweetness between the two that had me hooked. There are plenty of sweet and tender moments that just make you smile. 

This is a book of different halves. The first is a standoffish enemies to lovers tale. The second is a romantic and beautiful tale. 

Overall, Honeythorn is a great choice when you're in the mood for an omegaverse historical read, Marina Vivancos has built a world that will interest you and leave you happy to have visited. And if you enjoy reading about the strength of alpha/omega bonds, this is a must read. 

Saxon's Savior (Protect and Serve Book 3) by Pandora Pine

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Paramedic Dallas Haynes is between a rock and a hard place. Needing to replace a fallen paramedic, but not wanting anyone else to fill his shoes, he procrastinates until the decision is taken out of his hands. Dallas is less than thrilled when the new medic turns up for his first shift.

Saxon James hopes his first day at Gloucester’s Firehouse Three will be a turning point in his life. Sent packing from his previous job, and branded a troublemaker, this new position is his last chance to get it right. When he receives a frosty reception from his new boss, Dallas, he’s even more upset to find himself attracted to the taciturn man.

The new coworkers are like oil and water from the moment they meet. But the burning desire between them inevitably begins to draw them closer and soften the animosity between the two men.

Finally surrendering to the fiery passion between them, Saxon and Dallas are doused by approaching Hurricane Tess, who has her sights set on Gloucester. Can they band together to save lives in the height of the storm, or will their budding relationship sink in the rising tide?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Saxon's Savior, the third book in the Protect and Serve series, is an awesome read. This Pandora Pine book is easily read as a standalone, but the books are all connected and best enjoyed if read in order. 

If you enjoy paramedics falling in love, you'll love this co-worker romance. Dallas and Saxon get off of the wrong foot when they become co-workers. But once the pretenses are dropped, and everything is forgiven, they bond over their similar pasts. They make for a fun couple from the start, but when a wrench is thrown into Saxon's life, things get iffy for the couple.  

As for the action and danger, good god, the first action scene had me on the edge of my seat. I could feel the heat from the fire. I could see the men and the car. I could feel the anxiousness of the situation. Wow! What a way to start the action. Classic Pandora Pine writing!

The author also excels in developing strong family units, always visiting with them, and making them an essential part of the storyline. Of course, Dallas is one of the many McCoy foster children. I seriously love this family. The bond between the family members is unbreakable, and dear lord, I love Mindy! I love her and her enthusiasm about helping strays. The whole family is just wonderful, continuing to charm me. They alone make this series a must read for me. 

But my favorite part of a Pandora Pine book is always the children she creates. They're lovable, sweet, funny, and always add greatly to the story. This book has two adorable kids, with one that will make you smile and laugh throughout. Seriously, Lola is the cutest kid ever! 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, the author continues to impress me. Not only are her characters well developed, it's the writing style that always has me consumed. She manages to set a scene with little details here and there, fully pulling you into the moment. She never bogs the reader down with unnecessary details, but rather just little ones that help you see what's happening. It's truly a gift to be able to write like this, as it's a delicate balance to not overwhelm the reader with too many details.

I absolutely love Saxon's Savior. From the first page, Pandora Pine had me hooked. This men in uniform romance is a feel-good, charming read, with plenty of action and obstacles throughout. This is definitely going on my re-read list. 

Lord of a Thousand Steps (Love in Laguna #4) by Tara Lain

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

“I’m going to remind you what it’s like to be twenty-one.”

When Ian Carney’s perfect boyfriend turns out to be a rat, and his internship in architecture morphs into an emergency round of babysitting for his gorgeous boss Braden Lord’s kids, Ian gets a dose of real-life real fast.

Braden’s two kids idolize Ian and his cat, and they’re pretty disappointed to find him in their dad’s bed.
But Braden’s ex-wife is delighted to have grounds for sole custody.
Just how much reality can a twenty-one-year old handle?

Still, he might be young, but Ian’s the one with all the experience – in bed and in life. He’s just got to prove he’s serious about wanting an “old guy” with a mountain of baggage -- and he’s willing to take the thousand steps to get him.

LORD OF A THOUSAND STEPS is a MM, age-gap, boss/employee, sexy babysitter, single-dad, late-coming-out, custody battle romance – with the world’s most fabulous cat.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Lord of a Thousand Steps is another wonderful read by Tara Lain. The fourth book in the Love in Laguna series, it's definitely best enjoyed if you read the books in order. 

The differences between Braden and Ian are ever present, starting with the fact that they're in different parts of their lives. Braden's in the middle of a divorce, fighting for custody of his kids. He's a successful businessman who's spent his life in the closet, until now. On the other hand, Ian's a poor, young college student who's trying to get some work experience via his internship. After having just found his brother in an earlier book, his dream is to have a real family but his boyfriend is toying with him. 

The boss/employee aspect is intriguing, but I enjoy that it isn't the overriding angst-causing factor that it often is in romances. Instead, the angst primarily revolves around Braden's custody battle. 

I love and adore Braden's kids and the way Ian gets along with them. They're great kids; cute, realistic, and never bratty or over the top. Their presence just adds to the fun. My favorite part has to be the way the daughter falls for Anderson. From the start, this part is just precious. 

As for the exes, they're infuriating. I can't stand Braden's ex, and Ian's boyfriend can rot in hell. Poor Ian is blindsided in a heartbreaking way. It's annoying that Ian's so naive, but of course his desperate desire for a family makes it understandable. 

Personally, I like the way Braden's coming out is handled. He's older and just now realizing his regrets and guilt about having been closeted. He definitely regrets having used his wife and letting her live in an unfulfilled marriage. But he's also eternally grateful for the fact that his marriage gave him his children. He loves them immensely and will do anything to be able to have custody of them. 

As for the work the men do, I love the way Ian's architecture ideas come to life and are easy to picture in one's mind. I like his creativity and the way he impresses everyone.

Written in alternating 3rd person pov, the author gives both men a voice;  easily bringing both to life. The addition of previous characters greatly adds to the charm, as everyone continues to be interwoven. And damn, I really enjoy the previous men!

Lord of a Thousand Steps is a fantastic read. Tara Lain entertains with a great mix of fluff and emotion in this out for you romance. The found family theme is heavy with this one and will warm your heart, especially Anderson!!