Ignite: Set on Fire series by Rebecca James

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

It's the same old story: gay boy falls for his straight best friend.

When Luca's best friend Michael asks him to pose as his boyfriend for a week at a resort in Miami, Luca's suddenly given a taste of everything he's always wanted. And although he knows it's going to be difficult to go back to the real world, he can't help but get a little lost in the act. Funny thing is, before this trip Luca would have sworn he knew everything about his best friend. But before they leave Miami, Michael reveals something that Luca never expected.

Tropes: Fake boyfriend, friends-to-lovers, bi-discovery, virgin, tall/short.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Ignite is a friends to lovers romance by Rebecca James. I have mixed feelings about this Set of Fire book. 

From a fake relationship, to admitting one's feelings, I love this premise and the story had a lot of potential.

Michael's bisexual awakening is great, with plenty of enjoyable moments. I love Michael's admission, his moving home to be with Luca, and all that follows. Michael's parents are quite the pair, with some crazy antics when Michael comes out. 

This is a story with some family issues, an attack, and a small mystery of who the attacker is. The attack is well entwined into their story but isn't a huge aspect. It still felt a little off to me though.

But I definitely have issues with the couple. It isn't easy to connect to them emotionally. And even when they are together, the story is more about everything else going on around them than their relationship. I still didn't fully connect with them. 

Ignite is an interesting read and their is plenty of potential for this series. This Rebecca James book has definitely left me curious about what comes next in this series. 

Out of Harm's Way (Balls and Brawn #1) by Rebecca James

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

I’m coming after you, baby boy. You’re going to pay for what you did.

The terrifying text message from Mick Water's abuser, recently escaped from prison, sends him spiraling into panic. His life is just getting back on track, and now he's constantly looking over his shoulder and barely able to sleep at night. When his friends arrange for a bodyguard for him, Mick feels a confusing combination of relief at having protection, dismay at the sheer size of his new bodyguard, and arousal due to Mick's attraction to big men. His ex was a big man, and Mick paid dearly for that attraction.

Oxford Bradley enjoys his job with Foster Security, which includes a mixed bag of high-stakes cases--some of them dangerous--and dull babysitting-type situations. When he isn't working, he prefers a serene life devoid of drama and, let’s face it, a somewhat vanilla sex life. Assigned to protect a terrified man from his abusive ex, Ox is horrified at his body’s reaction to not only Mick himself, but also Mick’s admission to a Daddy kink--he’s never had an unprofessional relationship with a client and he isn’t starting now.

As Mick warms up to Ox and the two men get to know one another, the attraction between them grows. Ox refuses to break his professional code, but what about when the danger's over? Living in different states, they can't possibly have more than a one-off, and the temptation to explore with this intriguing man is undeniable.

Will one night send Ox running back to his comfortable vanilla lifestyle, or will Mick help him find a new favorite flavor? And what happens when an opportunity presents itself for Ox to see Mick again?

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Out of Harm's Way is first book in the Balls and Brawn series. This Rebecca James tale is a great mix of bodyguard romance, danger, and sex.

Oz is hired to protect Mick after his ex escapes from prison. Oz is bisexual and can't deny his attraction to his subject. It's does take them a little while though, as they aren't going to allow Oz to eff up his assignment. 

I felt bad for Mick immediately. The reader can feel his fear from the start, with plenty of fearful moments to follow. 

The attraction and friendship that develops is sweet. And I love the long distance issues and how they play into the storyline. 

Their story includes some steamy scenes, including dirty talk, lingerie, and some public sex. The risky sex is a delightful scene. But damn, I love Mick in a skirt. 

The Daddy kink aspect of this story is very light. Yes, their sex life includes some Daddy moments, but it's few and far between.

The suspense and danger is riveting, with some twists and turns thrown in to keep things intriguing. 

One of my favorite parts of the story involves Ox's parents. I don't want to give anything away, but it's both sad and satisfying. 

Out of Harm's Way is a great read by Rebecca James. The combination of danger and action, with sex and romance, is all well done. 

The Hookup and the Hedonist (The Hedonist #8) by Rebecca James

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Book 8, final book in the Hedonist Series.

Can I even be called a biker when I can’t ride anymore?

Four years ago, Adam Gamble suffered a head injury that left him with sporadic absence seizures that have limited his autonomy. Hating how much he’s come to rely on his club brothers, Adam decides to move out of the clubhouse.
After failing to rekindle a past relationship, NYPD detective Tyson McCormick is wary of getting into another one anytime soon. An unexpected lunchtime hookup is just what he needs, but afterward, he can’t seem to get Adam out of his mind.
When the two start seeing each other, Adam worries that once he tells Tyson about his condition, things will change between them. Both men want to take things slow, but sometimes love has other ideas. 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

The Hookup and the Hedonist is the eight and final book in The Hedonist series by Rebecca James. It definitely is a great way to end the series. 

Adam and Tyson's story starts with a hot hookup, but soon leads to so much more. 

Their story is beautiful as they each help bring the other back to life. This hurt/comfort aspect is wonderfully done, with both men having things in their pasts that left them effected in a bad way. 

And damn, their chemistry is intense. Seriously, the sex really brings these men together. 

Their relationship has it's fair share of obstacles, with Adam's secret being one of them. He has a history of seizures, but doesn't want to tell this to Tyson. It definitely gets annoying at times, but it's also understandable. Over all, Adam desperately  wants to be treated as an equal, and not as a delicate flower. 

The writing is great, as I've come to expect from this series. And with the addition of great friends and family, everything is just that much better. I love getting to spend time with the other men in the series again. 

The Hookup and the Hedonist is a great wrap up to this series. Rebecca James combines a lot of heart and heat into this tale. If you haven't yet met The Hedonists, do yourself a favor and go back and start  with book one, The Ballerino and the Biker. You won't regret it. 

The Single Dad and his Soul Mate (Hedonist Book 7) by Rebecca James

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link - still not live.



Blurb

The seventh book in the Hedonist series, this novel can be enjoyed as a standalone but is better read with the rest of the series.

It's been five years since Flynn returned to New York and adopted his son, Cooper. In that time, not once has he run into his sexy biker ex-boyfriend. And then, at a party, Flynn and Matteo’s eyes meet, and in that moment Flynn realizes they haven't lost the intense connection they've always had between them. But the issues in Matteo’s life that drove Flynn away seven years ago are still present, and Flynn needs to guard his son’s heart as well as his own.

Matteo is shocked to realize the love of his life has been living nearby for such a long time. He wants to wrap up Flynn and his little boy in his arms and never let them go. Except Matteo’s grandmother still doesn't know he's gay. How can he disappoint the woman who has always been there for him?

Being with Flynn again and getting to know his little boy have shown Matteo what he's missing in his life, and this time he can’t blame Flynn for wanting more from him. In the end, Matteo must choose between familial responsibility and his own happiness.

The Single Dad and his Soulmate is a story of family and second chances containing the passion you’ve come to expect of a Rebecca James romance.


Review 
My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Single Dad and His Soulmate is a great second chance romance. 

Matteo and Flynn have never forgotten each other. Starting a relationship again is just part of life's plan for them, but their original problems still exist. 

Flynn's a single dad who has an adorable kid while Matteo is caring for his grandmother. The same grandmother that he wasn't able to come out to last time they dated, thus ending their relationship. 

Their story includes jealousy and resentment, anger and frustration, and an hysterical parrot. It's a story of two men who are in love, but can't really be together.

In a no win situation, stuck between his soulmate and his grandmother. Honestly, the way things are resolved started to piss me off. But in the end, it's fabulous. Yes, I would have preferred something else, but it's still great.

Written in alternating first person pov, the characters fully come alive. I enjoy the writer's writing style and the wonderful characters she gifts the readers with.

Rounding off the story, the reader is treating to appearances from the other Hedonists, which is always fun. If you haven't read the other books, this is still easily read as a standalone.

The Single Dad and his Soul Mate is a touching romance. It's a fantastic addition to this series, all of which I recommend.

Some Girls Bind by Rory James

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Jamie knows that she isn't like other girls. She has a secret. She binds her chest every day to feel more like herself. Jamie questions why she is drawn to this practice and why she is afraid of telling her friends, who have their own secrets. Could she really be genderqueer?

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Rory James' Some Girls Bind is a great young adult novel.

Jaime has a secret, that they binds their chest everyday. This action helps them to feel more comfortable in her body. 

In this wonderful exploration of gender fluidity, Jaime binds to try to be more comfortable with their body. They don't feel right as a boy or a girl. The author does a great job illustrating this struggle of body dysphoria and coming to terms with one's nonbinary awareness. 

Rory James truly does a spectacular job writing this tale. It's gripping from the start. Written in first person pov, the reader easily understands the main character. 

Some Girls Bind is a great story that involves coming out, hiding, and identity issues. It's an accomplished tale of the everyday, constant divide between genders. This is a must read for any teen questioning their gender identity.

The Hacker and his Heart's Desire (The Hedonist #5) by Rebecca James

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

When Tony left town, Cane accepted the guilt of having driven the sexy computer whiz away by rejecting him after a night of passion. Now Tony's back, and Cane wants him more than ever. But nothing's changed; Cane is still under the control of his ruthless cousin, and getting close to Tony would only draw the young man into the egocentric conman's orbit. Keeping Tony at arm's length, however, proves extremely difficult.

When Tony returns to the Hedonists' clubhouse, he tells himself to stay away from Cane Winters. He knows there's more to the man than the shallow hunk-of-muscle Cane portrays, but Tony refuses to insert himself where Cane's made it clear Tony isn't wanted.

When a twist of fate introduces Tony to Karl Bruder, Cane's powerful cousin, Tony swiftly becomes embroiled in the hidden side of Cane's life. Soon the two men realize the full extent of Bruder's nefarious deeds and begin to work together to bring the man down. This means putting their lives on the line just when their feelings for each other become too strong to deny--which is just the advantage Bruder needs.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Rebecca James' The Hedonist books are phenomenal. Book five, The Hacker and the Heart's Desire is a fantastic addition to the series. 

Tony left his porn career and the club after a hot scene with Cane. Now back at the club, the two men remain awkward with one another. They have intense chemistry, but Cane won't allow them to be together. 

Their story includes so much more than just a romance. There's human trafficking, which is a tough read. There's manipulation, family issues, and more. As they fight against Cane's cousin, there's a whole lot of danger and suspense. 

Cane's background is tragic, explaining so damn much about the closed off man. And the two get closer amidst the danger and baring of souls.

The writing is fantastic, with an intriguing storyline, complex characters, and a great pace. Told in dual pov, the reader gets great insight into both men, as well as the strength of the MC club's bonds. 

Iin the end, it's also a wonderful romance, as Tony and Cane finally allow themselves to be together. Oh, and yes, their are some steamy scenes involved.

The Hacker and his Heart's Desire is all around enjoyable. Rebecca James will keep you riveted with all the action, as well as plenty of twists and turns. 

The Brat and the Bossman (The Hedonist series Book 3) by Rebecca James

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

Kicked to the curb by his wealthy parents, Lake Adams works four jobs just to get by. When handsome Blaze Harrington walks back into his life, Lake doesn't have the time to flirt. Besides, the first time they had met, the sexy biker had turned Lake down. Now Blaze seems interested, but in more than just a one-nighter.
And Lake isn't boyfriend material.Ever since his older brother died, Blaze has run the Hedonist Motorcycle Club. He also owns a porn company, Hard Time Productions. When he decides to merge with another company, he's surprised to find his new business partner's PA is Lake Adams, the feisty, sharp-tongued young man Blaze had met at a party over a year ago. Blaze has come to terms with a lot of things since then and, after some initial uncertainty, wants to give dating Lake a try. But the guy's burning the candle at both ends and determined not to make things easy for Blaze. However, the more Blaze sees of Lake, the more he's convinced the man is worth the effort.
And Blaze is a determined man.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

As I've come to expect from Rebecca James' Hedonist Series, The Brat and the Bossman is a riveting and complex romance. 

It's always fun when a man discovers he's not as straight as he thought, which is exactly what happens to Blaze. He's the tough owner of a porn studio and is the leader of the Hedonists MC.

When he meets Lake, Lake is close to hitting rock bottom. Lake certainly can't survive much longer at the pace he's working, and with all the people he's in contact with daily.

Lake and Blaze are fantastic together. They're a compelling pair, who have a tough road to travel to be together. They're two men who are not only sweet together, but also hot.

Lake's background is fascinating. He's such a brave and courageous young man. He's been abused, assaulted and is still standing tall. He certainly isn't ready to accept Blaze's love, but he certainly can't resist the hot biker. After all, it's Blaze who keeps saving him. It's Blaze who's protecting him. It's Blaze who's making him feel. And it's Blaze who will make him realize he's strong and a survivor.

Overall, it's a tender tale of self-discovery, overcoming past trauma and issues, and taking chances on love. Blaze's discovery of being attracted to Lake, and his subsequent reactions are a whole lot of fun. I love the way he reacts and his ability to accept his sexuality. Lake's a wonderful character who I fell in love with immediately. Both the changes that take place in him and the growth he experiences are just delightful and impressive. 

Did I mention that Lake is a dancer, as in a pole dancer? Yeah, this leads to some sensual moments. 

The porn scenes are well written, and super intriguing. I can't wait to read more about Tony.

I love the Hedonist Series and look forward to seeing what happens next. Each book has drawn me in and hooked me until the end. They can be read as standalones, but are definitely more fun if read in order. 


Be sure to check out my reviews of the previous books - 

Book One - The Ballerino and the Biker

Book Two - The Pet Stylist and the Playboy

The Pet Stylist and the Playboy (The Hedonist #2) by Rebecca James

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Swish has been in love with Dante since the day the tough biker found him homeless and miserable in a gas station restroom, but Dante's never shown the younger man anything more than brotherly affection. Deciding it's time to move out of the MC's clubhouse and away from Dante, Swish takes a live-in job working in a privately-owned animal shelter where he can continue his pet stylist business. What he doesn't realize is he's not going to be as far away from the object of his affection as he thinks.
Dante's time of being a playboy biker is fast coming to a close. At summer's end he turns 30, and that means fulfilling his promise to his parents and returning to high society in the Hamptons. That dim prospect should be all Dante can think about, only Swish is moving out, and suddenly Dante can't do anything but obsess over the kid he's always thought of as a younger brother. Telling himself he's only making sure Swish is doing okay on his own, Dante takes a summer job landscaping at the animal shelter where Swish has taken a job. There he learns a few things about the young man he's never bothered to find out before, including that Swish's real name is Isaac, and he enjoys wearing a certain something under his jeans--something that Dante's surprised to find he would really like to remove--preferably with his teeth.
When Dante gives in to his need for Isaac, the playboy biker quickly finds that disentangling himself from the man he once thought of as a kid brother proves harder than expected, and that perhaps after years of one-night-stands and partying, his priorities need to change. Only not in the way his wealthy and controlling parents want them to.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Pet Stylist and the Playboy is the second book in Rebecca James' Hedonist series, which is fantastic. I previously reviewed Book One, The Ballerino and the Biker, which I loved. 

The Pet Stylist and the Playboy packs some interesting things into it's pages. We get controlling parents, lace, and a special, complex relationship. It includes themes such as wanting more from life than to just be fine; wanting to find love and happiness.

Isaac was literally saved by Dante, as well as given a home and a friend. He's a complex character who likes to wear lace, and wants to be a pet groomer. And, man, the lace scenes are hot! 

Dante's a guy who's had his fun and now he's being forced to live by his parent's expectations. He doesn't find any part of his future appealing and he's being weighted down by all the lies and secrets.

These two men have to work on themselves before them can be together. But, it's well worth the effort. Isaac has never found anyone who's wanted him before, and this path to trusting Dante is breathtaking. 

And Gus, sweet and precious Gus, is sure to make you smile and will have your heart growing bigger. 

The Pet Stylist and the Playboy is a story of finding love and acceptance, and forming a family from those who support you. It's a hot and steamy, friends to lovers story that focuses on living life on your own terms. I enjoy the writing style and the pace and am excited to read more of this series.