Pretty Wild (Boys in Makeup #3) by Riley Hart & Christina Lee

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Clark
I see myself as mature and responsible for a twenty-four-year-old—I have a steady job, a comfortable apartment, and eventually I’ll find the right guy to settle down with. Some might find this boring, but at least I know what I want. That is, until reconnecting with a childhood companion flips my preconceived notions upside down. Skylar was my first real friend—my first crush too—and twelve years later, he’s still the same gorgeous and charismatic free spirit. I’m easily sucked back into his orbit, my protests futile when it comes to his amusingly harebrained ideas. I can’t let myself fall for him, though, because I’m searching for forever and he only wants casual.

Skylar
If you’re looking for a good time, I’m your guy. I love hookups, shaking my booty at the club, and having fun. I’ve seen how love can hurt and have mended too many broken hearts to risk my own.

Still, having Clark back in my life makes me feel grounded…and sort of mushy inside. It’s not only because his chunky glasses turn him into an adorably hot Clark Kent. It’s also how he makes me feel like I can be more. Which is why hooking up with him is a bad idea. But resisting him becomes impossible, and before I know it, each touch, kiss, and night spent together only makes me crave more.

We want different things, so there’s no way this will last. But Clark makes me consider breaking my rules and trying this boyfriend stuff for real. What’s a guy to do when his best friend steals the heart he’s afraid to give? I guess it comes down to potentially hurting him, or losing the only guy I’ve ever really wanted. Pretty wild, right?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pretty Wild is a fabulous addition to Riley Hart and Christina Lee's Boys in Makeup series. This whole series is spectacular!

Skylar and Clark's romance is a wonderful combination of friends to lovers and opposites attract.

Their romance is a long time coming. They were friends as kids but suddenly the two parted ways. Reconnecting via a Facebook message, their friendship immediately feels right again. 

There's a lot going on for these men. Not only is their friendship rekindled, but soon they are temporary roommates. And oh how I love the feelings this results in. Not just the physical desires, but also the feelings of the situation in general. Clark is generous and caring. And Skylar struggles with overstaying his welcome. And yes, there's plenty of unresolved feelings and attraction between the two as well.

They're such opposites. One wants love. One doesn't. One is rich. One isn't. One has a solid loving relationship with their mother. One doesn't. 

Both are amazing characters. Skylar is pretty, untamed and totally outgoing. He's a dancer at a club who leaves everyone mesmerized. And then there's Clark. He's serious, fancy, and proper. And he has a respectable job. Their personalities and lives couldn't be much further apart, but they definitely belong together and balance each other out. 

Skylar wants nothing to do with a relationship. His mother's issues have totally built a wall around his heart. Hell, one can't be heartbroken if they don't let love into their hearts, right? Clark meanwhile is looking for love and believes in happily ever afters.

As a couple, the chemistry is sizzling. Once they give into their desires, watch out.

The relationships and issues with both mothers is a large part of this story. Clark's mother is a snobby bitch. She doesn't want Clark involved with someone like Skylar. And of course she has never approved of Skylar's mother, who was a poor, teenage mom and floats from man to man. 

The writing is great, with two loveable characters and a slew of secondary characters who add immensely to the story. I love the whole crew of friends. 

Pretty Wild is a beautiful friends to lovers romance. I couldn't read this one fast enough. It's no surprise that this author duo has once again left me elated with one of their books. They excel, as usual, at creating charming characters who will delight you with their story. Everything about it is perfect and it will have you smiling, crying, laughing, and swooning. 

Home Plate (Easton U Pirates #2) by Christina Lee

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Dominic Girard

My final baseball season with the Easton U Pirates feels bittersweet. I’d like to go out on a high note, graduate, and focus on the family business. But a certain pitcher is making senior year a challenge. Not only because Maclain is stubborn as hell, but because he makes me feel things I never have about another guy. With each snarky comment and hard-won grin, he reveals a little more of himself, and before I know it, I’m in over my head.

Mason Maclain

I’ll be graduating college this year, which also means the end of baseball, a sport I’ve played my entire life. It feels like a significant chapter is coming to a close, leaving behind a void I’m unwilling to face. Something else I don’t want to face? The impossibly charming Pirates catcher, whose quick wit and killer smirk poke holes in all my defenses. With each lingering look and quiet exchange, I want to push him away and pull him closer at the same time. I’ve never felt this intense draw before, and there’s no way I’ll ever admit it.

When Coach proposes a team-building activity to improve our chemistry on the field, little does he know things are heating up behind the scenes as well. A flicker of a connection sparks into a firestorm, and soon Girard and I are experiencing things for the first time—together. But outside the haven of our hotel room, reality infringes all too soon. I’m clinging to my fraying relationship with my dad, and for Girard, coming out is still scary, loving family or not. Resisting the pull to Girard seems futile, but I struggle at every turn. Any longer and I’ll lose the only person who makes my pulse thud quicker than a fastball over home plate.

There’s a pitcher-and-catcher joke in there somewhere. 

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

Christina Lee's Home Plate is a fan-freakin-tastic college sports romance. The second book in the Easton U Pirates series, it's easily read as a standalone, but do yourself a favor and read the first book Bat Boy, as it's wonderful. 

It's no surprise that my favorite read is a college sports romance. And this one grabbed me immediately and consumed me throughout. I love every single second of this book. 

This is an emotional read, with plenty of baggage and angst involved. 

The enemies to lovers aspect is a large part of their story, as hatred can often be a disguise for something else. The two men need to work together and drop all their anger for the good of their team. Cue the forced proximity, which is the driving motivator here.

What follows is an amazing romance, as two road roommates give into their sexual desires. There's tension, want, and need throughout. Theirs is a stunning tale of sexual discovery, sexual experimentation, and first times. 

Omg, the sex scenes. They're as emotional as can be, just leaving me in awe of the closeness between the two. I can't praise these scenes enough. Every single touch, caress, and moment between the two is simply brilliant.

The relationship between the two is truly remarkable. They go from enemies to lovers, with many small, slow steps along the way. Their slow experimentation, while placing mutual trust in one another, is beautiful. 

Their tale is also drowning in family issues and heartache. Mason's relationship with his step-father is painful to read. The feelings about his long deceased mother are tear inducing. All of these scenes will leave you wanting to hold Mason and tell him he's worthy. 

This is a tale of fear. So much fear. Fear of coming out to a the only family member you have left, knowing he's homophobic. Fear of facing a future alone.

This is also a tale of baseball and some of the nuisances of the game. I appreciate how many game moments were in this tale, including the importance of the relationship between a pitcher and catcher. The teammate moments are perfectly done as well. I love it all.

And omg, the ending!!! 

The writing is wonderful. No surprise there, as Christina Lee is a marvelous author. She excels in creating memorable characters and a riveting storyline. The characters, their journey, and all that's between them, is written with the emotions jumping off the pages throughout. 

The secondary characters are well developed and add tremendously to the story. Hell, Mrs Girard is absolutely amazing, even though she made me cry big, ugly, fat tears. I was absolutely choked up and glad no one saw me. 

Home Plate is a must read for any sports romance fans. Christina Lee had be consumed throughout this journey of coming out and found family. Christina's ability to combine a love story between two athletes and a heartfelt, emotional tale, makes this a must read in my eyes. Honestly, I love this effin book! Just read it!

Bat Boy (Easton U Pirates #1) by Christina Lee

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Brady Donovan

With a baseball scholarship to Easton University and awesome family and friends, my life is pretty golden. Except, things have never come together for me in the romance department. Until Kellan Crawford walks onto the field as the team’s newest bat boy. Bells and whistles go off in my body, and just like that, I’m totally crushing on a guy for the first time in my life. Too bad he’s the coach’s son and officially off-limits.

Kellan Crawford

I’m working toward my statistics degree, so landing the bat-boy position with the Easton U Pirates is right up my alley. It keeps me close to the action on the field, even if that means hauling equipment, picking up sweaty jockstraps, and putting up with the players’ antics. My dad’s the coach, and his number-one rule is never to play favorites…which probably includes getting too friendly with the team captain. But Brady Donovan’s annoyingly perfect smile and protective nature are making that nearly impossible.

When something shifts between us at an away game, everything is thrown off-kilter. Donovan’s never been with a guy before, and I certainly don’t want to be his test case. But I can’t seem to help myself. He’s sweet and hot and somehow charms the baseball pants right off me. If Coach ever catches wind of this, he’ll bench us both. Disappointing my dad might kill me, but so would losing the guy who makes my heart pound harder than a home run in the bottom of the ninth.

So much for not playing favorites.


*Bat Boy is a feel-good college baseball romance with swoon and banter and steam. It’s a tad shorter than my other full-length novels and is intended for those readers who might need a lighter escape from the real world.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Bat Boy is a fabulous college baseball romance by Christina Lee. My favorite romances are those with athletes, and it's a college romance which just ups the fun for me. The first book in the Easton U Pirates series, I am excited for this book and it's certainly everything I was hoping it would be.

Seriously, I love this book! From the first page to the last, every second of this story is perfectly done. 

This is a tale with a player falling for the coach's son, so we get some forbidden romance from the start. Personally I am also a sucker for a good coach's son romance. In this one, Brady falls for Kellan who isn't only the coach's son, but also works with the team. 

As for the romance, it's a fantastic gay for you theme, as Brady is suddenly developing feelings for a man. What follows is his compelling story of sexual discovery and sexual exploration. Not only is he conflicted because of his fear of coming out, but he's also afraid of his coach's reaction.

I just love this book. There's so many tender moments between the two. Add in the banter and it's just amazingly fun.

And then there's Ricky, Brady's brother who has autism. Brady's relationship with Ricky is wonderful, but it's Kellan's relationship with Ricky that will totally melt your heart. 

Bat Boy is a sweet, fluffy, feel good romance. If you enjoy college sports romances, this Christina Lee book is a must read. My only complaint is that it ever had to end. Basically, thank you Christina for this story and I can't wait for the next book. 

Have Mercy by Christina Lee

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Julian North

My whole world changed with one roadside bomb and an honorable discharge. Not even the city I used to love can ease the restlessness inside me. I don’t expect visiting my cousin Sienna’s farm to do the trick either, but the change of scenery can’t hurt. Wyoming isn’t what I expected—from the mischievous pig following me around, to the rescue horse I’ve become strangely fascinated with. And then there’s Kerry, the handsome, brooding cowboy, who somehow calms the storm inside me—and just happens to be Sienna’s ex-husband.

Kerry Carmichael

I’ve had a rough go of it since I came out—disappointing my family, the divorce, and the blow of my daughter’s illness. Things are settling down now, my kiddo is healthy, and Sienna and I are finally on solid ground. Not everyone accepts me, but I’ve owned my truth, even if I spend my life solo. Only, now that Julian’s here, I’m not so lonesome anymore. He’s a kindred spirit. First as someone to talk to, then as…more. The first time I hold him through one of his nightmares, I feel a rightness I never expected to find.

We know this’ll end with the summer, but with every stolen kiss against the stable walls, with every heated or tender moment, I fall deeper. The reality is, I can’t risk my family or the business by going public with him. I know this can never last and that Julian doesn’t belong here. So why does it feel like he already does? 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Have Mercy is a spectacular standalone cowboy romance by Christina Lee. It has cowboys, horses, and romance galore. 

I absolutely adore Julian and Kerry. Both are broken, at changing point in their lives, just being who they need to be while trying to survive. Don't worry though, it's not overly heavy. There is plenty of light hearted and sweet moments to lighten things up. 

Julian's an ex marine who's suffering from some major PTSD. Meanwhile, Kerry is a cowboy who's trying to be the father he needs to be to his child, while dealing with the effects of having come out. 

Kerry's backstory is heartbreaking, leaving him and his ex dealing with trying to heal their daughter, Ainsley, through equine therapy. It's well explored, with both the therapy and the therapist adding immensely to the tale. 

There are many, many amazing moments that touch my heart during this book. First there's Julian and the horse Mercy, who he just connects with naturally. Seeing them heal one another is beautiful. Then there's the way Kerry helps with Julian's PTSD, just helping to ground him and bring him back to the present. I was truly touched by this aspect.

These are two men who have been living lives that left them feeling uncomfortable. Two men finding their new place in the world. Of course, they are also attracted to one another, but Kerry is only in town temporarily. 

As for the woman who brought them together, Sienna, she is wonderful. Adding to the fun is the fact that she's Kerry's ex and Julian's cousin. How's that for a forbidden aspect?

Written in alternating 1st person pov, both men fully come alive, with their feelings jumping off the pages. The characters are caring and lovable, perfectly fitting together. Their story is beautiful as they move from strangers to friends to more. The setting is atmospheric, with everything easily imagined and the animals coming to life. 

Have Mercy is a truly touching book. Christina Lee always keeps me intrigued throughout and this one is no different. I was sad to see it end. 

Pretty Sweet (Boys in Makeup #2) by Christina Lee & Riley Hart

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Seth
Portland was supposed to be my fresh start, my chance to live for myself. Unfortunately, it’s not working out that way. I stay in the apartment Mom chose and major in finance like she wants. I let bad memories keep me from hooking up. I wouldn’t know the first thing about finding a guy who gets me, who’s okay with my need to be held and feel safe.

When I befriend a worker at the assisted living facility where I volunteer, I don’t expect to get invited to dinner, only to realize her son is Jake, a guy I met through friends last fall. Jake’s not only hot, he’s also sweet, a caretaker, and attracted to me too. Since he’s never been with a guy, and I’m a virgin, we’re setting the pace together, learning what we like, one bone-melting touch at a time.

Jake
My childhood was rocky, with an abusive father and a mother I needed to protect. The first thing I did after high school graduation was get us out of there so we could finally breathe. And start living. For me that means managing the garage I own with my best friend and enjoying the modest house I call my own.

Then Seth enters my life. Our connection is palpable. He’s shy, innocent, and sets my blood on fire. He makes it impossible to ignore my attraction to men. The trust he puts in me is more potent than any desire. I get as much from talking to or holding him as when we let our inhibitions go.

Seth and I fulfill each other’s needs—in and out of the bedroom. But our struggles aren’t easy to shake. With my urge to protect and Seth’s desire to fly, we’ll have to strike the right balance, but when we do, the results will be pretty sweet. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pretty Sweet, the second book in the Boys in Makeup series, is fabulous! I love everything about this Christina Lee and Riley Hart book.

This is a phenomenal story. Seth and Jake are perfect for one another. The way they gravitate to each other and the natural evolution of their relationship is impeccable. 

Seth's a superb character; adorable and lovable, yet totally wounded. However, he fully comes alive when performing. He's a breathe of fresh air with his makeup, and his motivation to work at the nursing home. He's certainly a complex character who's rich but lonely. As his past is unveiled, the reader learns of his motivations, his desire to be strong, and his strength in the end. His relationship with his mother is certainly painful, and has been a leading factor in who he is. As for his loneliness and his fear of being touched, cue the heart-breaking emotions. 

Through Seth's friendship with Bonnie, who is delightful, Seth meets her son Jake. Jake's a mechanic who's locked away his bisexual side. I enjoy the way he gravitates towards the cute Seth. It's all easy and natural, with attraction and want added in. As for Bonnie, she's a delight in general and her relationship with Seth is totally feel-good.

I love these men together. They each come with some baggage, but together they help one another, complimenting each other perfectly.

Jake's coming out as bisexual, and exploring sex with a man for the first time is wonderfully explored. As well, Seth is a virgin, doubling the first time fun. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, the characters fully come alive, with their emotions on their sleeves. This author combo is superb, gifting us complex characters and a heartfelt storyline. 

If you love hurt/comfort romances, you will love Pretty Sweet. I love this series and hope these authors continue this for a while. 

A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies by Christina Lee

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link



Blurb

The last thing Emerson Rose expects is to fall for his best friend, Rhys, especially since he’s never been attracted to a man before. Everything in his life is already complicated enough. He’s put his own future on hold to raise his two younger siblings, and confusing feelings for the guy who always has his back muddy the waters even more. But then something astonishing happens. For one perfect moment, he thinks Rhys might feel the same—only to have his world come crashing down around him a second time.

Rhys Lancaster has always known he’s gay and that Emerson isn’t. Best friends since childhood, their easy companionship has usually been enough. Between his job, his adrenaline-filled adventures, and hanging out with Emerson and his siblings, he has it good…until he wakes up in the hospital with no memories of the last year of his life.

Like they normally do when things go horribly wrong, Rhys and Emerson support each other. Frustrated by all he’s lost, Rhys stays with Emerson during his recovery, and Emerson helps Rhys through the fog, while pushing those other feelings aside. To make matters worse, Rhys knows Emerson’s keeping something from him. Everything feels different now when he looks at Emerson, and as they fall into a comfortable routine, that aching desire doesn’t stay buried for long.

But Emerson has a family to raise, and Rhys is struggling to figure out what’s going on inside his head. Unless they can push past the doubts and fears to seal that connection between them again, this tragedy might become the one each has to weather alone.


Review 
My Rating - 5+ Stars!

Wow, Christina Lee's A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies is a stunning read. This character driven romance is an absolute must read. 

Emerson and Rhys are best friends and neighbors. They have both suffered too much loss in their lives. And now Rhys losses a year of his life, and a large part of himself to his accident. His story is one of trying to figure out who he is now and it's absolutely riveting. 

This is a story of trying to preserve the strength of one's friendship. This is a story about trying to protect one's heart. It's a story about the fear of going from friends to lovers. It's a story of losing one's best friend. And every single second is amazing.

The author illustrates in a spectacular manner, that sometimes it takes a loss to face one's fears. These are characters for whom accidents have shaped their lives. The author excels in demonstrating that in loss, we gain other things, as with Emerson and Rhys, they may find a new kind of family. 

The author's character development is extraordinary. She has brought to life some spectacular people, including young Sam, who is a wise, old soul. 

Then there's the emotional rollercoaster. Damn, just damn. I felt every single second of this book as if it was happening to me. The ups, the downs, the hope, the despair, the longing, the fear. All of it. 

Then there's the title. Wow, I just love the title and it's meaning in this story. It's impressive in both it's symbolism and importance.

As for quotes, this one perfectly sums up Emerson's demisexuality perfectly.
"I was slowly falling in love with you...during all the bigger and smaller moments in our lives...and all the spaces in between." Honestly, I don't think the author could have done any better with exploring this type of sexuality. 

A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies is impressive and absolutely beautiful. Set time aside for this Christina Lee book, as you'll want to read it in one sitting. It is exquisite! 

Pretty Perfect (Boys in Makeup #1) by Riley Hart & Christina Lee

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Jesse
After spending the first part of my life trapped in a small town where it wasn’t okay to be a makeup-wearing boy who liked boys, I swore I’d leave and never be anything but loud, proud, and unapologetically me. I’ve kept that promise. I’m following my dreams, have an apartment with my bestie, and get to dance my nights away at one of the hottest gay bars in Portland.

The only downfall is Dane, the sexy bartender with a perma-scowl always aimed my way. The tension between us is so strong that even the clubgoers notice, and they eat that stuff up. Our boss makes us dance on the bar together every Friday night. I might shake my booty a little more with Dane just because I love getting under his skin. It’s not my fault he doesn’t know how to have any fun…but I kind of want to teach him.

Dane
I got burned bad by my last boyfriend. Thankfully, my sister, Bree, and my niece, Hailey, make my days a whole lot brighter. I’m getting back on my feet, including a decent job as a bartender. But working in a gay club makes it harder to keep to myself. No way do I want to get reeled in by another charming, pretty face and get hurt again, and definitely not by someone like Jesse, whose audacity frustrates me to no end.

So why do I want to shove him against the wall and screw that boldness right out of him?

Only…sometimes he’s pretty sweet, especially with Hailey. As we go from enemies to angry hookups to friends, our feelings are changing and moving into uncharted territory. This can’t go anywhere. Jesse and I are like oil and water; we just don’t mix…right?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow, Pretty Perfect, the first book in the Boys in Makeup series is a marvelous enemies to lovers romance. There is just so damn much to love about this Riley Hart and Christina Lee story.

Dane and Jesse are two workers who have to dance together every Friday night. Why? Because they exude heat. They mix like water and oil, and both the crowd and they themselves are totally turned on by it.

Damn, I love these men. Both are so much more than they appear on the surface. They are two men with their walls up, trying to protect themselves. 

Jesse is amazingly lovable. Determined to finally live the way he wants, he's unapologetic about his desire to dress the way he wants, act the way he wants, and wear any makeup he wants. He's femme and fabulous. But my favorite part of him is his heart. His connection to Dane's niece is heart-warming.

As for Dane, I enjoy the complexity of his character. He's brash and abrasive, but not to be mean. He's drowning in his responsibilities and does what he needs to do.

Their story is beautiful, both sweet and tender. It's full of heat and competition, leading to some explosive moments. 

It's no surprise that the writing is superb, as this writing duo excels at crafting complex characters and stories. The lovable characters are well developed and fully come alive, bringing the reader firmly into their actions and feelings. 

Pretty Perfect is a beautiful story of finding acceptance and love; of just wanting to be loved for who you are. I can't praise this Riley Hart and Christina Lee book enough. I also love the secondary characters and look forward to getting a story about Seth in the future. 

Beautiful Temptation (So This is Christmas #2) by Christina Lee

Amazon Link 

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Blair Anderson only thinks of Caden Bell as his best friend’s younger brother, a straight-laced jock still dating his high-school sweetheart. They are as different as night and day. Caden has always considered Blair an enigma, the way he lights up every room with his self-confidence and perfectly sculpted cheekbones. But since childhood they’ve drifted worlds apart. Life as an international model isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, so when Blair escapes to his best friend’s beach house for some R&R, he’s shocked to discover Caden had the same idea. Apparently, he called it quits with his girlfriend and was looking for a little alone time too. Instead of rock, paper, scissors to determine who gets to stay, they decide to share the house and keep out of each other’s way. Easier said than done. As they reconnect, Blair is captivated by Caden’s bald honesty. And Caden realizes that Blair isn’t a mystery—he’s genuine and funny and still utterly gorgeous.

Seeing Blair in a new light short-circuits Caden’s brain, and before he knows it, he’s confiding in Blair about his bi-curiosity. Blair couldn’t be more taken aback as advice turns to solace, then ignites into an intense spark neither man anticipated. Blair had done and seen it all, so what could it hurt to help Caden experience some new things?

After all, it’s only a holiday hookup.
Until it’s not.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Christina Lee's Beautiful Temptation is a feel-good Christmas romance. Blair and Caden end up sharing a place over the holidays, resulting in a developing romance between the men. Their history isn't friendly, as their high school years found them distance and in different crowds. It's a fun holiday hookup romance. Damn, I love these guys. Blair and Caden are complete opposites. One a jock, the other a model. To say that their life experiences are vastly different is an understatement. Despite being a short story, I found both men and their relationship to be well developed. The food issues resonated with me on a large scale. Knowing people who suffer like this, I find this aspect to be extremely well written, and a tough thing to read. I seriously love Beautiful Temptation. I am a sucker for a good best friend's brother romance and this one is spectacular. It's a perfect combination of best friend's brother and hookup turning into more. Add in the addition of all the holiday feels and it has all the makings of a heart-warming read.