Forbidden (Strictly Off Limits #1) by Skyler Snow & Rheland Richmond

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Everyone knows you don't date your best friend's son. Right?

Scott

I would never do something like that…

But when my best friend asks me if his son could stay for a few weeks until he got on his feet, the plan wasn’t to fall for him.

I know I should stay away from Elliot. He's half my age and I’m not even sure he’s gay.

But no matter how hard I try, all I can think about is making Elliot mine.

Elliot

I've known Scott all my life. He's been there for me and my dad countless times.

So why do I suddenly have such a huge crush on him?

Seeing him after my years away in college has changed everything. I can't stop looking at him. I can't stop thinking about him. His whole vibe screams Daddy and I'm officially confused.

Am I falling in love with my dad's best friend?

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Forbidden, the first book in the Strictly Off Limits series, is an enjoyable read by Skyler Snow and Rheland Richmond. 

If you enjoy age gap romances, you will love this father's best friend story. Elliott is off to stay with his father's friend, Scott, as his new job is nearby. Cue the fun, as the attraction is instant. I like that their attraction is new, despite having known one another for years. Elliott has grown up, allowing Scott to see him as the man he now is, and Elliott is suddenly seeing Scott from new eyes. 

Their story is full of intense want. And of course, the forbidden aspect is always there. They don't jump right into bed, instead developing this new part of their friendship first and working out their feelings. 

This story includes some Daddy play, but nothing heavy. It seemed to come out of nowhere, but I just went with it, since Scott screams Daddy. Their story also includes some pleasurable sexual exploration, as Scott teaches the young Elliott some things.

Written in alternating 1st person pov, the reader is able to get into the mindset of both men. The characters are both charming, their chemistry is strong, and they make for a fabulous couple. The tension between the two jumps off the pages, and the reader will fall in love with this couple.

If you are looking for a serious forbidden element however, this book isn't for you. The forbidden aspect is certainly present, but it's a surprisingly low angst read. 

Forbidden is a fabulous May to December romance. The authors excel in developing this forbidden romance into a riveting tale. It's perfect when you're in the mood for something light and fluffy. As for now, I am excited to see what comes next in this series. 

GRL 2019 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Waited so Long by J.M. Dabney

In my attempt to explore some of the attending authors for this year's GRL,
I am reviewing 

JM Dabney's

Waited So Long!

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

BLURB

What happens when your best friend’s son comes home and he’s all grown up?

Devon Hoffman has a secret. He’s wanted a Daddy all his own, but when you’re pushing fifty, you’re completely over the hill. Newly divorced and trying to be single again after an almost thirty-year relationship, he’s lost and needs someone to ground him. Except he’s anxious and his depression intensifies until Bern returns after leaving the service and the younger man suddenly takes interest. Can he let his guard down and risk losing his best friend or should he do whatever is needed to keep his secret safe?

REVIEW

My Rating -  5 Stars!

If you enjoy daddy kink, you need to read JM Dabney's Waited So Long! Perfectly sweet and completely intriguing from the start, I love Devon and Bern and their story.

This book goes into the wonderful explanation of the dynamics of daddy kink, including that it has nothing to do with age. It's fantastic in both it's development and it's delivery.

Devon's the older man, but has always longed to be submissive. With Bern, his best friend's son, he's able to find what he needs both sexually and emotionally. Bern longs to care for Devon, and Devon longs to taken care of. Devon's needs are excellently explored, explaining his need for someone to take away his choices, thus easing his anxieties and depression. 

How can one not love Bern? He's been waiting for way too long to give Devon what he needs, to treat him as he deserves to be treated. It's superb the way their ages don't matter in their relationship.

I am completely in love with Waited So Long. It's a beautiful romance, equal in it's level of emotion and heat. Well done JM Dabney!

JM Dabney

J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre author who writes mainly LGBT romance and fiction. They live with a constant diverse cast of characters in her head. No matter their size, shape, race, etc. they live for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure they do them justice and give them the happily ever after they deserve. J.M. is dysfunction at its finest and they makes sure their characters are a beautiful kaleidoscope of crazy. There is nothing more they want from telling their stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be amazing. 

http://jmdabney.wix.com/jmdabneyauthor

Merrick The Art Thief by Michelle Woody

Amazon Link

Blurb

Brilliant art thief Merrick Davidson can steal anything, except Grant Silvan’s heart. Merrick has to keep Grant at arm’s length for fear of revealing his secret. When Merrick’s biggest rival exposes his secret to Grant, the rejected lover returns to win back his relationship with Merrick, but there are obstacles to overcome.

Wyatt Silvan, Grant’s father and Merrick’s employer, is after the famous seven Xanderclied paintings, which all contain clues to a treasure. If Merrick succeeds in obtaining all the paintings and find the treasure, he can retire as an art thief and start a normal, uncomplicated life with Grant.

Together, they hunt the paintings from art galleries to private collections, from city to city, dodging bullets and escaping from life threatening attacks. With danger all around and the FBI on their tails, will Wyatt and Merrick find the paintings and treasure they are looking for? Will Merrick realize love is the biggest treasure of it all, before it is too late?

REVIEW

My Rating - 4 Stars

Merrick the Art Thief is a well crafted, complex, multi-layered action/romance by Michelle Woody.

Wyatt is trying to find and protect his father. In order to do so, Merrick and Wyatt will have to face some tough and crazy times, as they are being chased.

This is a story of deception, lies, threats, secrets, suspense, murder attempts, mystery, and romance, all contained within a treasure hunt.

Merrick wants to be with Wyatt's son, Grant, but has never revealed his secret life that he's hidden from Grant, leading to some major problems.

The story is captivating, keeping you on your toes to the end. And in the end, it is a discovery of what is ultimately important in life.

I am happy to have discovered Merrick The Art Thief  and recommend this Michelle Woody story to anyone looking for an action based romance.