Rescue (Men of Hidden Creek - Season 4, #3) by Alison Hendricks

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Blurb

"I don't need you to rescue me."

Tiberius "The Beast" Caulville is the bad boy of the NFL: an arrogant PR nightmare who doesn't care about his public image. But when an off-season fight lands him in hot water, he's forced to hide out in Hidden Creek and clean up his act with the help of the one person who doesn't buy it.

Caleb Brower has lived in the shadow of his manipulative ex-boyfriend for years. One breakout client will give him the freedom he needs, if he can withstand that client's outrageously inappropriate behavior. But Caleb is used to entitled athletes, and can tell there's more to Ty than the mask he wears.

Volunteering at his uncle's dog rescue could save Ty—or bury him under the fears he thought he'd left behind. Caleb can't help being drawn to the broken man beneath the bluster, and soon business gets personal. Can he show the rest of the world the sweetheart Ty really is?

Welcome to Hidden Creek, Texas, where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after. Every Men of Hidden Creek novel can be read on its own, but keep an eye out for familiar faces around town! This book contains a pair of irresistible rescue dogs, a Beast who's really a softie, and plenty of healing for two lost souls.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!


Rescue is Alison Hendrick's contribution to the multi author series, Men of Hidden Creek, Season Four. Like I've come to expect from Alison Hendricks, it's a good one.

Ty's an NFL player who's in Hidden Creek, hiding while his PR team tries to rehab his imagine. They're trying to save his reputation from his nickname "The Beast" and his "anger" issues. There he meets Caleb.

Their relationship involves dealing with a lot of past abuse, manipulation, and control. They have to deal with lies and sabotage. And dogs. Lots of rescue dogs. Not only do the men have an emotional journey, the dog scenes will leave you feeling wrecked at times too.

This is a story of seeing beneath the public persona and falling for the man behind the mask. It's a story of finding someone who brings you peace.

The author includes a good look at the negative reaction by people on the internet. Ty has way too many haters making up things about him, including lots of rumors and wrong information about him. The author also does a great job exploring the mental damage that is caused by abuse. 

Rescue is an enjoyable read of two men falling in love while they deal with their insecurities and doubts. I absolutely enjoyed it all.

Trial Run (The DADcademy #3) by Alison Hendricks

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Blurb

"You hurt me more than anyone ever has. But for some reason I still love you."

Jeremy Hess made a promise to his sister, vowing to take care of her infant daughter if anything happened to her. When the worst comes to pass, he steps up as Cooper's godfather despite how unsure he feels as a single dad. But Jeremy isn't the only one who has claims on her, and when another family member challenges him for guardianship, he's forced to seek legal counsel from the person who hurt him most--his former best friend and the first man he ever loved.

Logan Ellis has always had a plan to work his way up to partner at a prestigious law firm, then use that clout to be a legal all-star for the local LGBT community. Working a pro-bono case for his childhood friend may not be part of that plan, but he'd do anything for Jeremy. He owes him that much after ruining their friendship so many years ago.

When old feelings resurface, all attempts to keep things professional between them fall by the wayside. Jeremy thought he was over the betrayal, but as he and Logan become closer than he ever dared to dream, it'll take more than an apology to rebuild the burnt bridges between them. It'll take trust, love, and forgiveness on both sides to turn this trial run into something permanent.

The DADcademy is now in session! Follow a group of well-meaning, lovable, but ultimately clueless single dads as they band together to support one another in raising their kids and finding their Happily Ever After. Every book in The DADcademy series can be read as a standalone, but reading them in order is strongly recommended.

Review 

My Rating - Stars!

Trial Run, the third book in Alison Hendricks' DADcademy series, is a great addition to this world of single dads.    

Jeremy's suddenly raising his niece Cooper after his sister died. But when a custody fight ensues, he contacts his former best friend, Logan, to be his lawyer.

There's many sweet aspects to this story. I adore Cooper. She's well written, as a moody infant, but the love Jeremy has for her is beautiful. I just wished Jeremy had more confidence in myself.  

Second chances is always fun, and Jeremy and Logan get a chance to reconcile after an incident years ago. Betrayal is never easy to get over, but once they do, there's attraction, friendship, and a natural connection between the two. And when they hook up, it's hot, wonderful, and passionate.

Logan's job as a lawyer is explored in a great way, questioning money and prestige versus helping people who truly need help. I really enjoyed this part and the growth in Logan as a person.

Trial Run's a sweet romance, full of rekindling old friendships and second chances. The whole DADcademy series is enjoyable, and it's always fun to see past characters return.

Hold Tight (The DADcademy #2) by Alison Hendricks

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Blurb

"I won't let you go without a fight."

After a painful divorce, Josh Ford is left fighting for his son in a high-stakes custody battle. When he contacts the DADcademy for help, he gets much more than he bargained for in the form of his college crush, a deliciously sexy pastry chef who's always set his heart--and his body--aflame.

Andy Perez is everyone's knight in shining armor. He took care of his family when they needed him most, and he's more than willing to do the same for his long-time crush, too. It's not like anything could ever happen between them. The sweet, sensitive artist was off-limits back then and he's off-limits now.

After a major setback in the custody case, Andy is right there. Strong. Steady. And... kissing Josh. That one moment of vulnerability reveals a decade of suppressed longing. But when old fears threaten to tear them apart, they'll have to cast aside their doubts and find strength in each other--and the family they could build together.

The DADcademy is now in session! Follow a group of well-meaning, lovable, but ultimately clueless single dads as they band together to support one another in raising their kids and finding their Happily Ever After. Every book in The DADcademy series can be read as a standalone, but reading them in order is strongly recommended.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Alison Hendricks' Hold Tight is the second book in the DADcademy series. 

Josh's an empathetic character, as he's living with a career that is full of rejection, and an ex wife who constantly be-littles him and insults him. The author expertly captures the power of rejection, and the way it slowly chips at your feeling of self-worth.

When Andy and Josh reconnect, the attraction is still there. Their past is muddled, as Josh used to date Andy's sister. Now helping Josh with his custody battle, Andy is so damn loving towards Josh. 

Their romance is one between former friends who never admitted their mutual crush. It's beautifully written and developed, as Andy finds someone who lifts him up instead of always tearing him down. 

Their relationship is inspirational and exquisite, as it's one of finding someone who validates you and helps you see your worth. The author excels in exploring a tale of finding someone who believes in you and encourages you.

It's a strong reminder that our past experiences create who we are now. The struggles Andy experienced during his youth have completely shaped him into the person he is now. This part is effectively written, and explains Andy's insecurities.

The custody fight is front and center, realistic, raw and gritty. It's written with knowledge, understanding, and care. Always a tough thing to read about, this one had me wanting to scream at times. 

Hold Tight is a wonderfully sweet and tender romance. I definitely enjoyed this Alison Hendricks book.

Mistletoe (Men of Hidden Creek Season 3, #6) by Alison Hendricks

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Blurb

"All I want for Christmas is you."

As the youngest son of a Christmas-obsessed family, Micah Winters knows he can't show up to the holiday festivities without a date. So when his long-time crush volunteers to be his fake boyfriend for a week, it's nothing short of a miracle.

Brandon Harris just wants to give his daughter the best Christmas possible, even if it means borrowing his friend's family for a week of holiday zaniness. He just has to find some way to not fall for his sweet, perfect pretend boyfriend.

One fateful kiss under the mistletoe is all it takes to turn Micah and Brandon's fake relationship into something real. But when the holidays are over and their secret is revealed, they'll need more than a little Christmas magic to make it work.

Welcome to Hidden Creek, Texas, where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after. Every Men of Hidden Creek novel can be read on its own, but keep an eye out for familiar faces around town! This book contains an all-up-in-your-business Southern mama, a Santa with plenty of dad jokes, and a pinch of holiday magic under the mistletoe.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Alison Hendricks' contribution to the third season of the Men Of Hidden Creek series is the fun and romantic Mistletoe.

Micah and Brandon spent Christmas together as fake boyfriends. I love that trope and this one is well done. 

Micah's family is so damn fun and lead to a whole lot of laughs. The family is crazy about Christmas, and as embarrassing as they are, they are certainly full of love.

Mistletoe contains great, strong characters, a wonderful family and a fun plot. You'll also enjoy a little bit of heat between the two.

Overall, Mistletoe's a cute, feel-good Christmas romance that I enjoyed a lot!

Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology, Volume 2

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Authors-

RG Alexander
May Archer
Macy Blake
Charlie Cochet
E Davies
E Finley
A Hendricks
Sloane Kennedy
Alexa Land
Lucy Lennox
Ruthie Luhnow
Annabella Michaels
KN Neuhold
Hailey Turner
Aimee Nicole Walker
Max Walker
AE Wasp

Blurb

Once upon a time, a bunch of M/M authors wondered… What if the Heart2Heart dating app put on a charity raffle in cities around the globe, and random guys in each location were paired up for an adventure? The dates could go terribly wrong…or spectacularly right.

Seventeen of your favorite gay romance authors have joined forces once again, bringing you back to the Heart2Heart world for more love and laughter just in time for the holidays. This collection of fun, sexy, and hot short stories features all-new characters once again chosen from your reader suggestions! From Boston to Los Angeles to Melbourne, Australia and cities in between, these lucky raffle winners will learn love has a way of appearing when you least expect it.

Once again, all proceeds from this collection will go to the authors’ favorite LGBTQ charities, to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Heart2Heart Anthology 2 is a great book for a fantastic cause. 

I love the idea of each author writing about the Heart2Heart app holding raffles in different cities. So much fun!!!

As I can't take the time to review every short story in the book, I will highlight a few.

Alexa Land - Oakland
Classic Alexa Land. So much so that we even get a little appearance by Skye and Dare! Their story is a fun example of not judging someone too quickly. And, of course, it has all the charm of an Alexa Land story.

KM Neuhold - Scotland
Two strangers winning a trip to Scotland together? How fun! And KM doesn't disappoint. Two complete opposites, one a workaholic, the other a free spirit. It's a sweet story of the two exploring Scotland together, while the workaholic slowly learns the wonder of living in the moment.

E Davies - Denver
A wonderful story of a trans man and an agoraphobic man. The men are so good together, complimenting one another well. It's fantastic how tender and gentle they are with each other as they help the other to overcome their obstacles. And, they are hot together too!

Ruthie Luhnow - Baltimore
I adore this story of Adam and Michael. It's a inspiring story of two complete opposites, one helping the other to come out of his shell. They end up being so good together.

Overall, each story is a great little read, and every purchase donates money to great causes.

Ache (Men of Hidden Creek) by Alison Hendricks

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Blurb

“You're what makes me whole.”

Doctor Wes Monroe is just looking for another one-night stand. When he takes a stranger home from the bar, he never expects to see the man again–and definitely not at the hospital he calls home.

Kyle Harris is ready for a change. New town. New job. New person to mend his broken heart. After a lifetime of thinking he was straight, he never expected that person to be a man, let alone a very difficult man he has to work alongside every day.

Sparks and tempers fly as Wes and Kyle try to co-exist in the same workplace without giving in to the heat between them. But when the hospital threatens to close its doors, can they trust each other enough to fight for the town–and each other?

Welcome to Hidden Creek, Texas, where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after. Every Men of Hidden Creek novel can be read on its own, but keep an eye out for familiar faces around town! This book contains an arrogant doctor in need of emotional healing, a stubborn nurse with the perfect cure, and an on-call room that sees more action than the rest of the hospital combined.

REVIEW

My Rating -  5 Stars!



Ache is a new contribution to the Men Of Hidden Creek series, which is penned by different authors. This is a fun one by Alison Hendricks.

When Kyle moves to Hidden Creek, he almost has a one night stand with a guy who ends up being a doctor at his work. Kyle, who's never been attracted to a guy before meeting Wes, can't resist the handsome and confident man. He isn't quite ready for what the doctor wants though, as he needs some time to come to terms with this new side of his sexuality.

I adore Kyle. He was engaged to a woman, but caught her cheating on him. He is just so darn likeable and you can't help rooting for him.

Adrian's past has been tough and he's closed his heart of from love. Kyle might be the one man who can teach him to take a chance again.

There are a couple of quotes that just stand out to me -  
"Change was the order of the day, and with change came risk."

"Your life and your experiences are yours, Kyle. Live them the way you want."


This tale contains angst and suspense, as the hospital is having money problems. I actually appreciate this storyline, as this is an all too common problem.

Alison Hendricks has a hit with Ache,  this new contribution to the Men of Hidden Creek. She manages to perfectly capture what makes Hidden Creek so wonderful - small town charm, handsome and intriguing men, and the overwhelming acceptance of the LGBT community.  

http://menofhiddencreek.com/

Savior by Allison Hendricks

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Blurb:

NoahLove always comes with a price. I realized that the moment I was kicked out of my parents' house.
For years I've made my living servicing the physical and emotional needs of my clients. My body, my rules, my choice. Helping Caldwell Investigations is my choice, too, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't show up to that office just to get under a certain someone's skin.
Cam McCabe is sexy, sweet, and really bad for business. I've wanted him for years, but he's the type of guy who has to have me all to himself, and I don't do exclusivity. When an old client starts threatening me, Cam's whole white knight thing might just make me reconsider.
No one's ever cared about me as intensely as he does, and as much as it scares me... I think I'm starting to like it. I might even need it.

Cam
Losing the man I loved in Afghanistan pretty much destroyed any hope I had of finding my happily ever after.

Since I got back, I've focused on my work with only one major distraction. Noah Blair is the worst tease, and he's completely off limits. As much as I'd like to make him scream my name, I refuse to be just another one of his johns.
But when some assh*le starts stalking Noah, my protective instincts kick into overdrive. I'm supposed to be working a case to find a senator's runaway daughter, but all I can think about is keeping Noah safe, no matter the cost.
And maybe once this is all over, I'll make him mine once and for all.

Join the Caldwell Investigations team as they fight for justice--and for love. Savior is a steamy standalone that includes an overprotective grump who's secretly a sweetheart and the mouthy informant he can't resist.

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REVIEW:

I really enjoyed this latest book, Savior, by Alison Hendricks.

Noah and Cam have been skirting around each other for a few years. Noah is currently helping Caldwell Investigations with a case. As a result, he and Cam start spending time together. As far as their mutual attraction goes, neither are interested in having things go anywhere.

Noah does not want to be exclusive. He is a sex worker and he is devoted to his clients. And Cam is still reeling from the loss of someone he loved. Noah wants to focus on his clients, and Cam on his work. 

But, when Noah finds himself in danger, Cam steps in to keep him safe. This causes them to reconsider a relationship.

I truly adore both Noah and Cam. Despite what we think about Noah at the beginning, he is likable. You can tell he is a good guy who wants to help others. Later on, we find out just how helpful he really is. He is a completely sweet guy. Cam, meanwhile is suffering. He thinks he isn't good enough for Noah, despite being confused by Noah's profession of being an escort. He is definitely more elusive and closed off, but does open up to Noah.

Their chemistry is great. The suspense in the book is well written. Overall, it's another good job by Alison Hendricks and I recommend it.