His Heart Knows by Riley Long

 

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People fall in love with their best friends all the time. But for me, the circumstances of this unrequited attraction are even more agonizing.

I am gay.

My best friend, Sawyer, is not.

Since we were fifteen, I've harbored this torturous crush. Now, as we both enter our thirties, it seems time to resign myself to the fact that nothing is going to come of it. Ever.

Or so I thought…

One night, a bottle of gin and a little uncharacteristic self-pity were all the inspiration I needed to launch into a ramble about being alone because I’m bad at everything - even kissing. Determined to prove me wrong, Sawyer decided to shut me up with a kiss.

I know he meant for it to be innocent.

Turns out it was anything but.

Sparks flew as we unlocked a side of Sawyer he never knew existed. Now, more than anything, he wants me by his side forever. But this realization comes with its own set of obstacles. Can we learn to lean on each other as we build a future together? Or will the stresses of our day to day lives tear us apart?

My Rating - 4 Stars!

His Heart Knows is a sweet friends to lovers romance by Riley Long. 

This one starts slow and took me a while to become fully invested. I found it hard to care about the characters for a little while. 

But once I did, I enjoyed their story. It's a bisexual awakening between best friends, with one having long been in love with the other. 

Their story is full of hot and sexy first times and plenty of charming moments between the two. 

Their story also includes an opposites attract, with a rich versus poor aspect. One's family is high society and controlling, with major expectations. The other came from a poor family that was full of love. 

The writing style is nice, but there are some things with the story that threw me off and kept the score lower. 

Overall, His Heart Knows is a nice romance with an adorable ending. I'm glad I gave this Riley Long book a chance. 

MF - RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - The Love Playbook by Jerica MacMillan

 

Jackson Lancaster is a mystery. At least to me.

He's not your typical jock at all—shy, studious, and apparently not looking to get all the action he can.

I know, I know, stereotypes are bad. But if the shoe fits ...

Except in this case, it doesn't. At all. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen Jackson with anyone, male, female, or otherwise.

When I learn that it's lack of experience holding him back—not lack of interest, and definitely not lack of opportunity—I find myself drawn to the idea of helping him out.

I've been looking for a project. And it seems like teaching Jackson the ways of love and pleasure is just the project I need.

The Love Playbook is a standalone love tutor romance featuring a shy, straight-laced football player and the off beat woman who turns his world upside down. HEA guaranteed!

My Rating - 4 Stars!

The Love Playbook is a hot sports romance by Jerica MacMillan.

I have mixed feelings about this one. It took me a while to like Autumn. I appreciate how open she is about sex and how quirky she is. But I felt a little weird about her proposition. I just found her to be pushy, until I read more. 

Once I was over that issue, the story grew on me. Autumn and Jackson are great together. 

Poor Jackson is so clueless about girls. I just love him! Having Autumn as his love tutor, making the first move, and then more moves, is exactly what he needed. And let's just say that everything that follows in hot!

And in the end, Autumn discovers that Jackson is just what she needs to let her heart open to love. 

This is a tale with plenty of college fun, first times, and some great returning secondary characters. 

The Love Playbook is a fun college sports romance. This Jerica MacMillan book is sweet and a great way to pass the time with a New Adult romance. 

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

http://mybook.to/tlpb

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Jerica MacMillan has been reading romance since she stumbled into the paperback section of the library as a middle schooler. And it's been an ongoing love affair ever since!

You can frequently find her sipping coffee out of snarky mugs while dreaming up stories and trying to bring them to life on the page. Join her Book Club at www.jericamacmillan.com/book-club and get a free book!

 

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Always (Indigo Falls #1) by Loren Leigh

Amazon Link - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

I avoid him.

Every time Kepler Quinn steps into a room, I get the hell out.

He does . . . something to me. When those discerning gray eyes flick towards me, his brow rising in a silent greeting, there’s a tightening of my abs. A zapping hum quivering low along my spine.

There are about a million reasons it shouldn’t be what the little voice in the back of my head insists . . . a crush.

Because Kepler isn’t just some random guy. He’s my brother’s best friend. He’s also my TA for physics this semester. And also . . . a guy. I’ve never held strongly onto being straight, but I’ve also never had this sun-scorching need for another guy before.

But I can’t avoid him when we’re suddenly in the back stacks of the library—alone—nothing but the smell of old books and softly falling dust around us. And instead of walking away from him, I let out the two words that burn in my throat:

“Kiss me."

Always is a swoony M/M college romance with a bisexual awakening and sizzling chemistry. It’s the first in the Indigo Falls College series, a standalone, and features a happy ending.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Always is a fabulous start to the Indigo Falls series by Loren Leigh. I am truly in love with this story.

Kepler and Jin are amazing together. The longing and pining between them jumps off the pages. And damn, when they get together, the sex is sizzling. 

There's a lot to their history together, as they've long known one another. Their relationship is forbidden from both the brother's best friend element, as well as the teacher's assistant/student aspect. 

I love their penchant for getting frisky together in public. And there are plenty of hot scenes. But it's the deeper connection they develop that I really enjoy. 

Their story includes some family issues for both men, including a large focus of alcoholism and it's affects on those around the addict. 

Always is a delicious forbidden relationship romance. As brother's best friend is my favorite trope, I was super excited to read this one. And it definitely didn't disappoint. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Us Against the World (Roseden U #1) by Shayne Prescott

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Us Against the World

Author: Shayne Prescott

Publisher: Self-Published - Spartakittah Press

Cover Artist: GetCovers.com

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Friends to lovers, sports, college

Themes: Bullying

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length: 65 000 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links 

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Betrayed by the only family he's ever known, Owen must decide: for love or team?

Betrayed by the only family he's ever known, Owen must decide: for love or team?
 
For Roseden University frosh Theo Carter, the journey to his true self has been long and publicized. It seems most everyone on campus saw the TV series in which he was transitioning, and some feel very strongly he doesn't belong at the prestigious all-male school. Struggling with classes and bullying, junior Owen Lewis swoops in like his own personal savior.  But as the heat rises between the two, so too does the torment from some of the school's lacrosse team.
 
As a product of the foster care system, Owen knows all about not being wanted.  That's why his lacrosse teammates are so important to him — they've become the closest thing he's found to a real family.  Being bounced around constantly between different homes with just a plastic bag of his possessions taught Owen there was no such thing as love. But if that's true, why does Theo feel like a home he's never known? Owen is convinced that nothing will stop him from protecting Theo — but what if the choice is between his found family and his first love?
 
When all seems lost, both have choices to make. Will they choose each other?
 
Us Against the World is a 65 000-word HEA set at the fictional Roseden University, in Roseden, Pennsylvania. It is the first in the series of Roseden U books, and contains some derogatory language (LGBTQIA+)

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Us Against the World is a new adult romance by Shayne Prescott. The first book in the Roseden U series, this is a story of a trans man and an athlete falling in love.

Both characters are complex and interesting. Both bring baggage to their relationship, with Theo's gender dysphoria being an issue for him to learn to overcome, and Owen struggling with his upbringing and being a black, gay athlete. 

Their journey is a nice journey as they learn how they fit together. Theo has a lot of growth throughout, as he's unexperienced with sex and being comfortable with his body. His journey isn't anything unexpected, but it's well done. His emotions are well written and easily jump off the pages. 

One would expect Theo to have the most growth along the way, but damn, Owen's story is just as important. Having grown up without stability and a loving family, he struggles to deal with opening his heart and trusting one to love them. 

I enjoy the some of secondary characters, with Brett and his girlfriend being fabulous friends to the young men. I appreciate that both men have supportive and understanding friends. 

Their story includes a transphobic teammate, a lot of bullying, and a slew of doubts and fears. Uncertainty pops up throughout, adding a lot to the storyline.

Overall, Us Against the World is a nice romance. I enjoy the way Shayne Prescott brings these men through the pain of their pasts and into a loving, supportive relationship. It's a worthwhile read and I highly recommend it to anyone in a mood for a new adult hurt/comfort book. 

 “Hi! Do you need help finding your books?” My books, my brain, my capacity to speak…

 “Y-yes.” My tongue tangled like when I was a kid, when I’d had a mouth full of Gobstoppers and couldn’t manage any words. I bet I looked really intelligent.

 Owen grinned at me, either oblivious or nonplussed by my brainless moments. “Do you have your class schedule? I’ll need that to find your books.”

 “Sure do,” I confirmed. I handed him my class list and he looked it over, nodding quietly to himself before suddenly grinning even wider at me.

 “You’re in my Spanish class. But I don’t remember seeing you in the fall semester?”

 “I took the fall semester online, back home in New Hampshire.” Before he could ask why — I could see the curiosity on his chiseled face — I explained. “I had surgery early in the year; it made more sense to be home, rather than recovering here.” Smooth, Theo, so smooth. Why don’t you tell him about the time you tripped and skinned both knees while you’re at it?

 Owen nodded. “I totally get that. So since you’ve got Spanish covered, it’ll just be the other four classes?”

 “Yeah. Take all my money,” I groused, and he laughed, which made my stomach do a little flip-flop. I fought the urge to groan. I needed to get over myself. I didn’t know this guy, and despite him looking damn good, I shouldn’t have been swooning.

 Owen went off to search the stacks for the books, while I decided to pick up some more highlighters. I’d brought some from home, but given the current state of my Spanish book, it would take me no time at all before those were dried up and in need of replacements. Finding a five-pack of assorted colors, I made a happy little noise and snatched them up, coming back to the book section just as Owen approached with a thick stack of books.

 “Oh God. How am I going to get all of those back to my dorm?” Yes, Theo, complain to the handsome man about your own ineptitude.

 Owen peeked around the books to peer down at me. “You didn’t bring a backpack?” I shook my head morosely. “Two options. You can either buy a Roseden one, or if you’ve got one back in your room, I can set the books aside while you go grab it.”

 “Can you really set them aside?” Owen nodded. “Okay, thanks! I’ll get back here as fast as I can.”

 “Don’t rush,” Owen assured me with a dazzling smile. “It’s been slow. More professors are going for online textbooks instead of the physical ones.”

 I hazarded a glance at my stack. “Not mine, it seems.” Owen winked at me and my stomach fluttered again. I started towards the door, then remembered the highlighters in my hand. Turning, I placed them beside my texts. “I’ll pay for those, too, when I come back.” Owen gave me a friendly wave, and then I was off, back to Tucker Hall.

Shayne Prescott has been putting together books since his medium was scraps of paper and pencil nubs. A children’s book was considered for publication while in middle school, and his short stories were often a favorite of his beloved English teacher, Mrs. Mazzacarro. Still, he writes.

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MF - Campus Hottie (Campus #3) by Jennifer Sucevic

 

Amazon Link  
Goodreads Link

From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Sucevic comes the next sexy standalone novel in the Campus Series.

Carson Roberts is Western University’s most sought after tight end. He’s the total package. A pretty face to go along with all those sculpted muscles—check. An All-American—double check. A guaranteed one-way ticket to the NFL after graduation—triple check.

Did I happen to mention that he’s also my brother’s best friend, which means I grew up with the guy and have crushed on him for nearly just as long?

We’re talking a decade of unrequited yearning here, folks. Don’t worry, I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that he’ll never see me as anything more than the little sis he never had.

Sort of.

And even if he did just so happen to notice that I’ve filled out and no longer wear braces, Brayden would have a major conniption. When it comes to the male species, he’s ridiculously overprotective. Any guy who has so much as given me a bit of side-eye has been treated to a swift and memorable beat down.

Which is precisely why I’m still in possession of my V-card.
Want to know how to make being a nineteen-year-old virgin with a major crush on her brother’s best friend even more pathetic?

Blurt out at a frat party that you’ve spent all these years saving yourself for him. Sadly, I can’t even blame it on the alcohol because I don’t drink.

If you’re thinking it can’t possibly get more humiliating than that, you’d be wrong.

Oh. So. Wrong.

*This is a mature New Adult novel with strong language and sexual situations intended for readers over the age of 18*

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Campus Hottie is the third book in the Campus series by Jennifer Sucevic. Each book can be read as a standalone. As one who can't read enough college romances, I absolutely love this series. 

I love everything about this book except the title. Sorry, but Campus Hottie just doesn't set the right tone for this one. As much as we know Carson's a hot, popular football player on campus, that never is really a part of this story. Nor is the fact that he plays sports.

Instead, this story revolves around Carson being in love with his best friend's younger sister, Elle. The majority of this story is about Carson fighting their mutual desire for one another, as he knows Elle's brother would kill him for being with her. 

Their relationship is full of intense attraction, plenty of will they/won't they, hot sex, and sneaking around. And damn, the sex is sizzling! 

These two ooze chemistry and one just can't wait for them to finally give into their desires. And when they do, watch out!

But, good god, Elle is so damn naive. Spending any time with her professor is creepy, but damn, the repeated times with him are just pathetic. This was a forced plot point that never seemed natural to me, but of course, it helped to establish Elle's positive look at the world. 

Campus Hottie is just my kind of book. This Jennifer Sucevic gem is a riveting brother's best friend romance that combines forbidden romance and a ton of heat. I just love it. Definitely pick it up the next time you're in the mood for a college romance. 

Worth the Wait by Joelle Lynne

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Growing up together meant life should have been easy, but it wasn’t.

Shane was confident and proud, but couldn’t figure out why a relationship just wouldn’t stick. There had been very few constants in his life. These were limited to his best friend Christopher and his younger brother Michael.

Shane and Michael had always shared a special bond, but when Shane decides to figure out why he can’t keep a stable relationship, Michael can’t keep his secret any longer. There had always been something there, but he lacked Shane’s confidence.

Can they work past their struggles and prove their relationship was always Worth The Wait?

Worth The Wait is a small-town romance that follows what happens when you fall for your brother's best friend. It's a sweet story with plenty of heat!

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Worth the Wait is a best friend's brother romance by Joelle Lynne. I quickly feel in love with these men and couldn't put this story down. 

I love this book. It's a wonderful brother's best friend story that's sweet and tender. 

Shane and Michael have been longing for each other, but even if they can admit their feelings, things won't go seamlessly. 

Of course, Michael has his insecurities that leads to some light angst. It all makes sense though and never feels forced. 

I appreciate that Michael's brother isn't upset about his best friend being with his brother. It's a nice change from the usual forbidden relationship. 

Written in alternating first person pov, the characters fully come alive, with every emotion being felt by the reader. And damn, the author brings plenty of heat, including some hot rimming. 

Worth the Wait is a fantastic best friend's brother romance. This Joelle Lynne tale had me happy throughout. I'm thrilled to have gotten to read this book and am adding it to my re-read list.

The No Strings Theory by Hayden Hall

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

I keep falling for Dallas, and it's not just gravity's fault.

Dallas

Kai’s nothing like I expected.

The scrawny kid I once knew is gone, replaced by a nerdy, curious young man who crawls deep under my skin. The moment he enters my life, he disrupts everything.

I don’t do attachments. I don’t do dates.

There are so many other college guys to keep me distracted.

Yet I can’t get him out of my head.

I shouldn’t want my best friend’s little brother. But I’ve never been great at resisting temptation.

What starts as messing around in secret, soon becomes a lot more serious. I’m gambling my friendship and risking more than I should. But I’m falling, and I’m falling hard.

Kai

I’ve had a crush on Dallas since I was old enough to crush. He’s my oldest fantasy; my only fantasy. He’s also an obnoxious, insufferable, smug jock with the stupidest adorable dimples and a gorgeous… Uh… Where was I?

Oh right, he never noticed me except when I was the punchline of his jokes.

He’s also the very definition of a guy I shouldn’t want. Just ask my big brother; he warned me time and time again not to look up to Dallas. He’d lose his mind if he only knew the things Dallas and I did when the lights were out.

But Dallas and I have an agreement: no strings attached. That way, we get to have fun and nobody needs to know. I get to live out my fantasies, to get them out of my system. No harm done, right?

Yeah. I was dumb enough to think my crush on him wouldn’t come back to life. It’s not gravity that’s pulling me in.
Now I’m falling for him faster and harder than ever despite knowing what’s at stake.

The only way this ends is with a lost friendship and a broken heart.

It’s too late anyway. I’m in free fall already.

The No Strings Theory is the fourth book in College Boys of New Haven series but it can be read on its own. It is a full-length story featuring best friend’s younger brother, forbidden love, nerd/jock relationship, close proximity, and the happiest of endings. Sink your teeth into this sweet and steamy romance

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The No String Theory is an entertaining romance by Hayden Hall. 

There's plenty going on in this tale, including brother's best friend, roommates, first times, and a friends with benefits arrangement. 

From the start, these two ooze attraction and chemistry. When they finally get together, hot damn! 

I adore the long time crush and I enjoy the way everything evolves between them. I just love their story and it's sweetness. It's always fun seeing a playboy fall in love. 

The No Strings Theory is a great read. This Hayden Hall book is perfect the next time you're in the mood for a brother's best friend romance.