A Jock for Matthew (Sanderson Brothers # 4) by Declan Rhodes

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
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Brainy nerd, Matthew Sanderson, meets sensitive jock, Shawn Trent, in an opposites attract romance.

Matthew, the youngest of four brothers in the Sanderson clan, feels invisible in a family of local celebrities. Known only as “the tall, skinny one,” Matthew’s the brainiest of the bunch and signs on to help conduct a research project led by a tyrannical, but well-known, professor as a short track to fame and fortune in his field.

Soon, Matthew meets test-subject Shawn Trent, a handsome, muscular, blond college football offensive lineman. Shawn is an English literature major fond of quoting Walt Whitman to his teammates. He’s all muscle laced with sensitive smarts, and he’s in the closet—for now.

A Jock for Matthew is a 54,000-word first-time gay romance with strong family relationship, jock-nerd, and opposites attract themes. This is the fourth book in the Sanderson Brothers series.

All of the books can be read as standalone stories, but they are best read as a continuing series about the Sanderson family including all four brothers as characters in each novel.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

A Jock for Matthew is the fourth book in the Sanderson Brothers series by Declan Rhodes. Each book is easily read as a standalone, but I adore this whole series that centers around the Sanderson brothers.

Matthew's the brainy/nerdy Sanderson brother. He definitely doesn't fit in with his "famous" brothers.  When he's assigned to study some athletes for his studies, he never expects to connect with one.

Shawn may be a jock, but he's an English major who easily meshes with Matthew's nerd side. They spare with words and I adore how well they do so.

The two men are cute and sweet together. But Shawn is closeted. Yes, the closeted jock tale which I happen to love.

Their relationship is a slow burn one, as they two opposites fight their attraction for each other. Cue the forbidden factor, as Matthew isn't supposed to get involved with one of his subjects. Oh, so much fun!

Their story involves some hot moments, plenty of sneaking around, and a whole lot of insecurities. The conflict that arises is natural, although the resolution is definitely an easy way out. None the less, I really enjoy it all and love these men together.

The writing is great, with two likeable characters and a compelling storyline. In addition to the Sanderson family, there are lots of entertaining secondary characters. I basically love the whole crew.

A Jock For Matthew is a fun sports romance by Declan Rhodes. This jock/nerd story is a definite one to consider the next time you're in the mood for a college sports romance. 

South Main and Gentry (Willow Springs #1) by A.D. Ellis & Declan Rhodes

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Mitch Aiken serves up authentic small-town comfort food in Willow Springs’ South Main diner. Willow Springs is the kind of town where you hunt mushrooms in May while trying to avoid poison ivy. Mitch dominates the local food scene until young upstart Tanner Gentry arrives from Chicago to prove small-town foodies are aching for a contemporary approach to coffee and sandwiches.

The battle for the hearts and stomachs of Willow Springs residents is on with one major complication - the sexual chemistry between Mitch and Tanner is off the charts and everyone recognizes it except Mitch and Tanner themselves.

South Main and Gentry is a 53,000-word gay romance with enemies to lovers, age gap, and opposites attract themes. It is the first book in the Willow Springs series. All books can be read as standalone stories, but characters from each book will reappear across the series. A happily ever after ending is guaranteed.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

South Main and Gentry is a sweet, small town romance. AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes perfectly combine an age gap with opposites attract and enemies to lovers aspects. 

Overall, this is the story of two competitors trying to figure their way through their attraction. We see them slowly develop a friendship and then deal with their increasing feelings for each other. 

The business part is well done, with ups and downs between the men. They compete, they help, they hurt. I appreciate how well both places were brought to life, with their unique and special charms.

Mitch is so damn hurt from his past; unable to move past his pain. His diner means the world to him, not just as his livelihood, but as a way of holding onto his grandfather. With Tanner's new bakery offering so much to the town, it causes a lot of issues between the men. 

I love the slow burn between Mitch and Tanner. So much of this book is spent with them slowly going from rivals to friends. It takes a long time for a kiss to happen. Yay slow burn!

I definitely enjoy the men together, and my heart hurts for both of them. Mitch's anguish is well illustrated, as well as his pride. And Tanner's confusion, as he's finds himself enjoying small town life, takes a lot out of him. He came to town to start his business, planning to return to the city. Instead, he finds a new home in Willow Springs, which has a special small town feel, new friends, and the love of his life. Swoon.

The age gap is another large aspect of this tale. Mitch struggles with thinking a man so much younger would want to be with him. I love how all of this plays out.

The writing flows great and keeps the reader intrigued throughout. The storyline is sweet and the men are likeable.  The small town is fully brought to life and is definitely charming. Small things add up to make the town special. Even the mushroom hunting had me happy. 

South Main and Gentry is a fabulous small town romance. And the authors definitely end this one on a sweet note. I am excited for AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes to continue their collaboration. I hope to revisit this town often. 

Geeked (Matchmakers #2) by Declan Rhodes

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

From the outside, self-described computer programming geek Blake Moss is a straight, happy-go-lucky partner in the rising gay matchmaking company, Match Made. On the inside, the facade he’s built since a traumatic breakup nearly a decade ago is starting to crack.

Hunter Schultz, former football jock, is still licking his wounds only months after walking out on his incompatible boyfriend, Robert. Devotion to his job as head of the city’s LGBTQ+ youth center helps him make it through the rough patches.

The CinderFella charity auction sponsored by Match Made and benefiting the youth center brings Blake and Hunter together in an unexpected way. After a last-minute confession from Blake, his boss, Daniel, buys him a date with Hunter.

Blake is terrified, and Hunter is intrigued by the quirky man who’s fascinated by old dance music and science fiction TV. Against all expectations, the future looks like it might be bright until Robert’s jealousy intervenes, and Blake’s anxiety flares.

Geeked is a 53,000-word gay romance. It’s the second book in the Matchmakers series. The book includes steamy scenes, dancing ducks, disco, and cheesy sci-fi, plus a guaranteed happy ending.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Geeked is another fun book in Declan Rhodes' Matchmakers series. The second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

Blake and Hunter meet at a charity auction run by Match Made. Hunter's a hot, athletic looking bachelor who's on auction. Blake's a computer nerd whose friend bids on the impressive looking Hunter on Blake's behalf. A jock and a nerd? Yes please!

What follows is a fun opposites attract romance. Blake and Hunter are cute together and I enjoy Blake's struggle with his confidence. Blake knows he's a geek and can't understand why Hunter would even want to go on one date with him, let alone see him more. 

I love these two individually and together. Poor Blake has been stuck in the closet and forced out due to the actions of his friend. It's all entertaining and heartwarming. And, damn, Hunter's backstory, including his motivation for his career, are touching. Of course, there are wonderful secondary characters who add greatly to the story.

Their story includes a pushy ex and a long battle with Hunter's insecurities. There's some sweet humor, and I adore the issues with the matchmaker program. In addition, there's a great aspect of family in this book, as both men have to deal with family issues. I love both of these storylines and enjoyed the development throughout.

Overall, Geeked is a sweet romance and I love this Declan Rhodes series. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Mismatched (Matchmakers #1) by Declan Rhodes

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Blurb

Hot-shot lawyer Hank Donovan and motorcycle maintenance man Lucas Dean were hopelessly mismatched until a lakeside kiss, a death in the family, and a little girl named Jasmine turned their world upside down.

Lucas Dean, owner of Cycle Shift, a motorcycle maintenance and second-hand shop, wants a match who’s as much of a free-spirit as he is, and someday he wants to be a father. His business partner, Jerry, thinks Match Made is the perfect way to find the dream partner.

Hank Donovan, one of the hottest names on the local legal scene, is lonely, although he’s the last to admit it. He buries his fears that he’ll never find a man in courtroom success and a stunning view of Lake Michigan from his living room window. Kids are out of the question, but there must be a single man out there who can bring Hank his happily ever after.

When Daniel and Blake match up Hank and Luke, it’s a guaranteed success. Or it was supposed to be, if it weren’t for the computer error that put the mismatched pair together for a disastrous first date.

A last-ditch second-chance outing puts the wheels of fate into motion, and they just might cure Hank’s loneliness, make Luke a dad, and give a precocious little girl named Jasmine a permanent home.

Mismatched is a 53,000-word gay romance. It’s the first book in the Matchmakers series. The book includes steamy scenes and a guaranteed happily-ever-after ending. 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Declan Rhodes's Mismatched is a fabulous read! I was drawn into this story immediately. The writing is smooth, calming, and extra comforting. 

Hank and Luke meet as they are paired up by a dating app service. In a unique twist, we get to learn about the men who run the service, leading to some cute and funny moments.

This book includes an awkward and boring first date. The lawyer and biker certainly have nothing to talk about. Both are too nervous and skeptical to be themselves, and neither acts as themselves. But after trying a second date, with a more open mind, the walls come down, and they get quickly become close. 


Theirs is a story of interruptions, doubts, priorities, and family. There's a cute kid and a custody fight. Their tale includes the complications of attorney/client conflict of interest, trying to do what's best for everyone, and the re-evaluation of ones' priorities. The storyline is carried out at an excellent pace, and the characters are all extremely likeable. And don't forget Hank's co-worker Hazel, who's fantastic, with fun banter and wise-cracks.

Told in dual 1st person pov, I feel like I'm sitting down catching up with a good friend. The whole story is downright enjoyable, as it's riveting, compelling, and a truly delightful read.  

Mismatched is a wonderful story of two men who are great together, but have some obstacles to face. I love this Declan Rhodes book and am excited for more of this series. And, omg I love the epilogue!

Hero (The Mathesons #3) by Declan Rhodes

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Blurb

Benji needs a new home, and Jax needs a new hero.

For southern California native Benji Matheson, moving to Boston for graduate school was a great idea on paper. He joined one of the most prestigious academic departments in the world of artificial intelligence and robotics. Unfortunately, that meant abandoning his large family and living in a place half a day away from his nearest relatives. Faced with the pressures of higher education and the isolation of leaving his college friends behind, shy Benji slowly turned into a recluse.

Born and bred in Boston, Jax Carmichael thought the world was his oyster until embezzling charges landed his father in prison with a twenty-year sentence. With his family’s confidence shattered, and his mother battling rounds of depression, Jax faced tough choices caught between his career ambitions and the commitment to his family.

When Benji’s twin brother, Jamie, connects the dots and suggests that Benji move in with his old swim camp buddy, Jax, and his two roommates, it sounds like the perfect solution to a nearly nonexistent social life. Jax’s presence does help solve the problem, but it also leads to a future that’s different and twice as romantic as what either of them ever imagined. Jax desperately needs a new hero in his life, and Benji needs to feel the support of family. Jax senses an attraction to Benji that goes beyond friendship, but he’s never fallen for a man before.

After stray sparks light a fire and slowly kindle it into a burning flame, Benji and Jax find a growing love that neither anticipated. Unfortunately, life circumstances threaten to break their fragile shared dream of a future in each other’s arms.

Hero is a 56,000-word gay romance with first time gay themes, a whole big bunch of family, and steamy scenes. It is the third book in the series The Mathesons and can be read as a standalone story but is best as a follow-up to First and Cowboy. There are no cliffhangers, and the story includes a guaranteed happy ending. 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Damn! Just when I thought Declan Rhodes couldn't get any better, she gifts us with Hero, the third book in the Mathesons' series.

I absolutely love this book and series. Everything about it. Every character, every storyline. 

A huge fan of roommate romances, this one is perfect for me. When Benji moves in with Jax, they quickly become friends, with romantic feelings developing soon afterwards. I love them as a couple, as they are certainly different. 

As friends, they are great, but as lovers they're spectacular. As for Benji and Jax, their romance is a delicious Gay for You story, full of great 1st times. And, holy hell, I never knew a hand-job could be so hot! If you like sexy and steamy, do not miss out on these two!

And Jax, wow, his background is tough with a horrible family situation. I enjoy how it's developed and carried out for Jax. 

The storyline with Benji's twin, Jaime, is enjoyable. I especially appreciate the differences between the twins. It's entertaining, and greatly compliments the story.

 Already an accomplished author, Declan Rhodes' writing continues to be strong. The pace is perfect and the angst is well done. Hero's both riveting and compelling. It's one of those delightful stories that will keep up reading late into the night. Emotional and completely satisfying, you won't be disappointed. 

Cowboy (The Mathesons #2) by Declan Rhodes

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

In the most unlikely of places, a party in Manhattan, Tate found his cowboy, the hero of his dreams—at least it was a handsome man dressed up as a cowboy. Unfortunately, Tate’s lasso failed, the cowboy escaped, and he found out that forever would require a second chance.

Tate, the second son of the large Matheson clan, moved to New York City from his native Los Angeles to head up the East Coast branch of the family business Matheson and Greene. A fan of cowboys from his early childhood, Tate fell hard when he saw a vision out of his dreams clad in Western shirt, hat, boots and tight-fitting jeans. It was infatuation at first sight. Soon it became the perfect relationship until the Matheson family disease interfered.

Simon, the target of Tate’s affections, grew up in Manhattan, the adopted son of two moms, a successful sculptor and an art history professor. He found it easy to fall in love with the tall, broad-shouldered, muscular Tate. They were a perfect match from their preferences in food to the hot times together in bed. Unfortunately, poor communication was the frayed rope binding them together that eventually broke.

Eighteen months after the breakup, Tate’s older brother, Mason, intervenes with a plan to hire Simon and his interior design talents to spruce up the new New York offices of Matheson and Greene. The fire is soon lit again, but the old complications and a new one with deep pockets threaten to ruin Tate and Simon’s second chance.

Cowboy is a 57,000-word gay romance with second chance themes and steamy scenes. It is the second book in the series The Mathesons and can be read as a standalone story but is best as a follow-up to First. There are no cliffhangers, and the story includes a guaranteed happy ending.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Cowboy's a unique book by Declan Rhodes, as it starts with a break-up, thus, setting up a melancholy tone from the start.

After their break-up, Tate and Simon are still in love, despite their past problems and past mistakes. This is second chances romance at its finest. It's beautiful and sweet as this former couple reunites and try to learn from their mistakes. 

The writing drew me in immediately, and had me invested in every thought, feeling, and action. I was routing for these men from the beginning, as they desperately love one another.

My favorite quote is "...no relationship is perfect. If  you're looking for perfection, you're always going to be disappointed." I found this to be extremely profound and something everyone needs to remember.

Cowboy's an amazing tale of re-writing one's destiny and trying to right one's wrongs. It's about forgiveness and understanding, and dealing with the fear
of getting hurt again. Its about learning how to cooperate better and to make your relationship work. And it's inspiring and tender in it's delivery.