My Irresistible Enemy (Rebel Hearts Book 3) by Spencer Spears

  

Amazon Link - Available in KU
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Baking with the enemy shouldn’t feel so good…

Aiden: In my defense, I didn’t expect to be cast on a reality baking show when I started my cam boy account. I’m just crossing my fingers no one from A Piece of Cake discovers my salacious side hustle—but I never counted on fellow contestant Nolan McAllister…

Quiet, self-possessed, and infuriatingly attractive, Nolan would be perfect—if he weren’t also aloof, stuck-up, and judgmental. The worst part? He accidentally walked in on me filming a very compromising video for my fans, and now he holds my future in his hands.

But when Nolan and I find out we’re both about to get cut from the show, we have to work together to stay. My solution? We pretend to fall for each other. There’s nothing America loves more than a co-star romance.

The only problem is that the more time I spend with Nolan, the more I realize he’s not what he seems. And as things get steamy in the kitchen, it gets harder and harder to keep my hands—and other body parts—off of him.

Fake dating my biggest rival wasn’t supposed to involve real feelings, but I’m starting to realize the real prize might not be fame or money—it might just be Nolan’s heart.

My Irresistible Enemy is Book 3 in the Rebel Hearts series set in steamy southern Georgia. Each book is snarky, swoony, and full of heat. They can be read on their own, but are even more fun together. My Irresistible Enemy is a 100,000 word m/m romance with a cheeky cam boy, a guarded chef, a TV baking show, and fake dating and enemies to lovers themes. HEA guaranteed.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Irresistible Enemy is the third book in the Rebel Hearts series. This Spencer Spears book can easily be read as a standalone, although reading the previous books will add to the fun. 

Damn! Once again, Spencer left me in awe of one of his books. This one started off slow-ish to me, and took me a while to fully appreciate the characters. But, damn, Aiden and Nolan are amazingly complex and their story is so wonderfully multi-layered. 

Basically, there is way more to each man than appears to the eye. Or to the public eye, as they're on a baking competition reality show. 

Aidan's lack of self esteem is heartbreaking. I just wanted to hug the man and tell him that yes, he is indeed worthy. 

And then there's Nolan. He's super serious and cautious, but he certainly has good reasons. He's trying to win money to help his sick mother, but doesn't want anyone to know about her issues. And after learning about his past, I am impressed by what a forgiving, wonderful son he is. 
As for the thing that leaves him cautious, well damn, that just made me so mad. Poor man. 

One of my favorite aspects is when Nolan learns to trust and let loose with Aidan. It isn't easy for him, but god, I love when he truly gets there. 

There's a lot going on in the story, with plenty of twists and turns. Nothing was a surprise to me, as I was assuming the correct things early on, but that didn't distract me from enjoying it. 

This is a story with a baker who doesn't know how to bake, a fake relationship that slowly turns real, a cam boy and his stalker, and more. 

Their storyline is riveting, with a fabulous ending. I love this story. By the end, I was left in love with these men and all they went through. 

Irresistible Enemy is another remarkable romance by Spencer Spears. This is one of those books you will stay up late into the night reading. I love Summersea and all the wonderful people in this town. 

My First Time Fling (Rebel Hearts #1) by Spencer Spears

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Don’t worry, I’m straight. It’s not like I’m gonna fall in love with you…

Mark: Fresh out of the military, and even more freshly diagnosed with PTSD after a very public breakdown, I moved to small-town Georgia to clear my head. The plan was to renovate my grandmother’s house, and maybe renovate my brain a little, too.

I should have known my brain would have plans of its own…

When I meet Jesse, a wise-cracking bartender with a soft spot for the world’s ugliest dogs, we agree to run a marathon together. As friends. Just friends. Jesse’s getting over a breakup, and the last thing he needs is another guy to mess with his head. But hey, it’s not like I’m gonna fall for him.

After all, I’m straight…right?

That’s what I’ve always thought, but Jesse’s eyes just do something to me. And when we spend a night together in a ramshackle bed and breakfast, his body does something to me, too. Several things. The kind that leave me desperate for more.

I didn’t mean to fall in love with anybody—much less with a man—but I can’t keep Jesse out of my heart. Only, he doesn’t know the truth about me, or all the ways I’m broken. And I don’t know if he’ll still want me, once he sees all my damage.

There’s only thing I know for sure: I’m not going down without a fight.

My First Time Fling is Book 1 in the Rebel Hearts series set in steamy southern Georgia. Each book is snarky, swoony, and full of heat. They can be read on their own, but are even more fun together. My First Time Fling is a 65,000 word m/m romance with a military veteran and first-time gay themes. HEA guaranteed.

And earlier version of My First Time Fling was published under the title Runaway Heart by Harper Logan. The book has been revised, updated, and expanded for re-release 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

My First Time Fling is the first book in the Rebel Hearts series by Spencer Spears. And it's wonderful. 

There's a lot going on for these two. Their connection is quick and strong. But there's secrets, fears, and doubts throughout. 

There's the aftermath of being cheating on, including the inability to fully trust. There's PTSD that's extremely well written and illustrated. And there's a sexual awakening with first times. Oh, so good. 

I love these men and their layers. They compliment one another well, creating a sweet romance. But their complications add plenty of light tension and some obstacles at times. 

The writing is fabulous, the characters charming, and the storyline full of heart and substance. Written in alternating first person pov, both men fully pulled me into their feelings. Add in plenty of banter and I love it. 

My First Time Fling is a great small town romance. I adore this Spencer Spears book. It's a fabulous mix of romance, heat, and emotion. I applaud the way Spencer explores serious subject matters in a sensitive manner, all while keeping things from getting too heavy. 

XOXO, Santa by Spencer Spears

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

How do you ask your best friend to be your first time?

Blake: What do you do when you realize at age 20 that you might like guys?

If you’re me, you come up with a brilliant and foolproof plan:
Proposition the one gay guy you know to swipe your V-card over winter break.
In my case, that’s my childhood best friend, Henry.

Just one problem—Henry hates my guts.

That’s okay, though, because I’ve got a Plan B:
Download an app, find a guy to hook up with, and figure out once and for all if I’m as gay as my internet search history suggests.

One more little problem—before I can meet the guy I’m messaging online, I have to get through a week’s vacation with Henry and our families.

Henry, who can’t stand me, but who I can’t get out of my head.
Henry, who’s off-limits, but who I maybe kinda sorta kissed last night?
Henry, who’s spending an awful lot of time checking messages on his phone…

XOXO, Santa is a 70,000 word stand-alone gay romance novel with holiday sweetness, first-time steam, and a borderline-unhealthy level of snark. It features jock/nerd, friends-to-lovers, and online love tropes.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

XOXO, Santa is a great enemies to lovers romance by Spencer Spears. 

Blake and Henry have a messy past; former best friends whose families are still friends. With some family time together in a cabin, they're forced to spend the holidays together. I always enjoy a good wintertime forced proximity! Add in two men who don't get along, and let the real fun begin.

Henry's always been out, but Blake struggles with his developing sexuality and exploring his gay feelings. Looking for some sexual guidance, as he's finally admitting he's gay, he turns to a dating app. As he forms an online friendship with a stranger, he certainly gets more than he expected. 

First, the humor is so damn funny. Seriously, some of the texts are absolutely hysterical. If you enjoy banter, sass, and innuendoes in text form, you'll love this one. If you enjoy dirty baking references, and some messy situations, you will laugh your ass off.

Second, the online friends aspect is well done. There's certainly no surprise, but I enjoy the way it's all executed. 

I always enjoy Spencer's writing, and this book is no different. The beginning is a little long winded, but it definitely sets up the situation. Blake's exploration into porn could have been summed up quicker, but don't let that stop you - just keep reading. Trust me. It's honestly just an authentically feeling situation. And from there, the humor starts. 

XOXO, Santa is a romance filled with endless banter and sass. Spencer Spears spares no expense in this delightful, sweet tale. This one has a little of everything, with a great mix of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, ex best friends, and online friends. It's definitely a cute story. 

Sea Kissed by Spencer Spears

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

The last thing I expected to get for Christmas was kidnapped…

Ari: I also didn’t expect to escape, get amnesia, and wash up on a reclusive millionaire’s private beach.

I didn’t expect that millionaire to turn out to be insanely-hot, ex-actor Holden Amundsen, who fled Hollywood years ago after a scandal.

And I definitely didn’t expect famously straight Holden Amundsen to not be quite so straight after all—at least not when he’s in bed with me.

Talk about holy nights...

But when pictures of us kissing end up online, more than Holden’s reputation is at stake. Holden promises he’ll protect me when my kidnappers come calling, but I’m more worried about my heart.

Holden says what we have can’t last, but I know love when I feel it. So how do I convince him that finding each other is a Christmas miracle worth fighting for?

Sea Kissed is part of the MM Fairy Tale Romance series. All books are completely standalone and are modern retellings of classic fairy tales with a gay romance twist. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Spencer Spears Sea Kissed is a delightful modern day fairy tale. It's fabulous and is definitely worth a read!

Ari is on the run, but when he's washed up on a beach, he has amnesia. Luckily for him, Holden is there to both save him and care for him.

It's a great story, as both men have complicated backstories, and both are hiding. I appreciate the way both men have some mental damage and the way they work through it. With some forced proximity, the two get to know one another, and eventually care for each other. In the end, both are trying to save and protect the other. 

The opposites attract aspect is wonderfully explored. There's an age gap, and some major personality differences. I always love a good quiet and withdrawn man meeting a talkative and outgoing one. 

Best of all though is a cat named Frog, who will have you laughing out loud. 

Their story is certainly sweet, with plenty of humor, as well as some major dirty mind moments. So much fun. There are some wonderful secondary characters who you'll fall for, as well as some twists and turns to keep you on the edge at times. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, we get to know both characters well. Both are complex men, with well developed backgrounds. The light action and danger add a good element to the story. And there's definitely some heat involved, with a little bit of a daddy kink. 

Sea Kissed is a fantastic modern day retelling of The Little Mermaid. Spencer Spears does a great job switching things up for a unique take on the classic fairytale. I love it all!

Savage Grace (Murphy Brothers Book 3) by Spencer Spears

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

My ex in my bed is a bad idea. But consequences are for when the sun comes up…

Connor: If there’s such a thing as a soul, Julian Jackson owns mine.
But that doesn’t mean I want to see him.

I left Summersea Island 10 years ago, nursing wounds from a past I’d rather forget.
Julian was my first love and my first heart-break.
He saved me when I thought I was beyond saving—then turned his back when I tried to return the favor.

When work takes me back to Summersea unexpectedly, I promise myself I’ll steer clear.
But I don’t even make it a week before I’m on my knees in front of him.
And I don’t last a month before he’s back in my bed.

In high school, we had to hide what we were to each other. And Julian’s still hiding—still convinced he has to face all his demons alone.

No one’s ever told Julian he’s worth fighting for.
But I’ll be damned if I lose him again.

Savage Grace is the 3rd book in the Murphy Brothers series, which follows a family of brothers as they find their sweet, snarky, and steamy happily-ever-afters on small-town Summersea Island. Each book can be read on its own—but why would you do that, when you could read them all together? Savage Grace is a 125,000 word m/m romance with second chance, out-for-you, and hurt/comfort themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Saving Grace, the third book in the Murphy Brothers series, is another tremendous small town romance by Spencer Spears. The author excels at developing the small town feel. And in this small town, there's a continued fight against condos being built versus protecting the land. 

Julian and Connor have a second chance at love when Connor returns home to help the town against the developers. The two are working together on a committee and the tension is ever present, along with anger and resentment. Forgiving Connor for leaving will not be an easy feat for Julian. 

Julian's past is painful. Not only is he scarred from Connor leaving, his father is religious, homophobic, and abusive. Thus, he's always remained in the closet. Every choice Julian has made has centered around his desire to keep his sister safe. 

This is a story with years up built up resentment, pain, and confusion, as well as attraction and want. It's a story with lies, sneaking around, and denial. Overall, it's a story of two men in love put into a no win situation. As much as Connor may still want his ex lover, he knows Julian isn't capable of giving him what he wants. 

There are plenty of problems for these men along the way. In addition to trying to figure themselves out, they have to deal with Julian's homophobic father, a vindictive boss, and an ass of a former classmate. 

As a couple, they are sweet, complimenting one another wonderfully, and bringing out the best in each other. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, I love the author's writing style. As usual, the author develops a long and detailed story, that never has an extra, unneeded word. He manages to delve into amazing character reflections at times and keeps the reader riveted throughout. 

Saving Grace is a beautiful story with a wonderful ending. Spencer Spears impresses in this complex tale full of heart and character growth. Put some time aside for this amazing romance that explores living for others, always trying to please people, instead of reaching for what you want and living your life for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Free Spirit by Spencer Spears

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

He’s my fake boyfriend and I’m straight. So why do I suddenly want more?

Tate: I’m everything people hate—
Spoiled, arrogant heir to a billion-dollar fortune.
Scion of a family that made its name opposing LGBTQ+ rights.
The last thing I expected to develop was a conscience.

I blame Emory Murphy—the golden-haired mess of a dreamer who turned my life upside down.

Somehow, I agree to pretend be Em’s boyfriend for his brother’s wedding.
Somehow, I don’t realize this means we’ll share a bed.
Somehow, I find myself kissing him.
More than kissing him.
And liking it.

How do you go back to being friends after that?
Hey, wanna grab some beers and forget about the time I had my mouth around your—
Yeah. Not happening.

With my family calling me home, I need to put this all behind me.
But try as I might, I can’t get Em out of my mind.

He has no idea that I’m really falling for him.
And my family has no idea who I really am.
I just want to feel free for once in my life—

But am I brave enough to tell either of them the truth?

Free Spirit is a 122,000 word m/m romance that’s got more sweetness than sunshine and peaches, more angsty pining than a coniferous forest, and more steam than a south Georgia summer night. Fake boyfriends, discovering bisexuality, and out-for-you themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.


Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Falling into a Spencer Spears book is like taking a vacation with good friends. And in Free Spirit, it's a wonderful time with those friends. 

I always know I will get lovable characters, a worthy storyline, and will enjoy the heck out of it all. In this one, like all his books, there is a lot going on throughout. It starts with Em needing a fake boyfriend and some fun times with Tate and his aunt. 

Two major themes throughout are homophobia and sexual discovery. 

Both men are fantastic characters. Em is so darn loveable, and to see him hurting is heart breaking. Tate's a complex character who's struggling with what he wants from life. His time with his aunt is life changing and well written. 

The way the two develop their friendship is beautiful. They are just perfect for each other, both giving the other a sense of love and home. 

Tate was previously a homophobic ass, but he's suddenly changing his views. He knows this won't go over well with his parents, thus making his decisions even more difficult.

And awww, Mal, Deacon, and their daughter Lily just make me smile. And this is what I mean by visiting family. Old characters making appearances just endear me more to Spencer's books. That said, this is easily read as a standalone, yet more appreciated being read after Wild Heart.

This story has a lot going on, including fake relationship, friends to lovers, exes, and a mystery. I love the story and all it's discoveries. The mystery revolves around land developers that are definitely up to no good. 

What can I say? Fear makes people do stupid things. 

Damn, in the end, I love the way that Tate is written. A man who's so lost and confused for most of the book, his story and character growth is beautiful. He's such a gentle soul and completely lovable. His sexual discovery is perfectly done, with all the first time feelings and more.

And, omg, the humor is amazing. Be prepared for hilarious dates, funny drunken tales, and more. 

This is a story of what if's, wondering who one would be if they were born into a different family. This aspect is totally relatable and well explored. It's also a story of finding a place where one belongs. Tate has never felt he belonged anywhere before, and his journey is fabulous. And in the end, it's a story of finding one's choosen family.

My favorite quote is "You can't put a price on yourself." What can I say? It's both poignant and important. 

As usual, the author delivers with a long, complex tale full of tons of character growth. Free Spirit is a wonderful, feel-good story. At just under 500 pages, you are getting more than your money's worth, as well as plenty of laughs.

Maple Springs: The Complete Series by Spencer Spears

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

Love in the North Woods
Finally, the complete Maple Springs series! Fall in love with these men of the northwoods as their romances blossom under the starry skies and pine forests of Minnesota. The series follows a group of friends in the lake-side small town of Maple Springs as they uncover secrets, reconnect with old flames, and find love in the most unexpected of places…

Billion Dollar Bet
Kian: He’s a self-made billionaire. He wants to destroy my town. And he’s straight up told me he’s bad at relationships. There’s no reason for this to work, and every reason for it not to. So why can’t I stop falling for him?

Beneath Orion
Colin: I don’t date. Period. And I definitely don’t date single dads. Or straight guys. Or men who give me butterflies and make me feel things. I’m supposed to be protecting my heart. But it’s so hard to remember that when I’m in his arms.

Sugar Season
Graham: What do you do when your random hook-up turns out to be your dead husband’s estranged brother? You feel guilty as sin. You swear it’ll never happen again. And you definitely don’t wake up with him in your bed… over and over again.

Strawberry Moon
Josh: How the hell do you survive a summer stuck in a tiny cabin with a guy who hates your guts? A guy who just happens to be your deliciously hot, but total mistake of a one-night-stand from a week ago. And more importantly--how do you keep yourself from repeating that delicious mistake all summer long?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

If you follow my blog, you know I'm an avid fan of Spencer Spears. This Maple Springs: The Complete Series Collection is everything I love about Spencer's writing.

Taking place in small town Minnesota, there's that perfect embodiment of small town atmosphere. This collection contains four books - Billion Dollar Bet, Beneath Orion, Sugar Season, and Strawberry Moon. Each can be read as a standalone, but getting them in one collection is even better. You'll love the men, you'll love their stories, and you'll love the writing. 

There's a variety of tropes and aspects involved - slow burn, friends to lovers, GFY, ex wife causing problems, abuse, loss of a spouse, falling for your ex's brother, homophobia, some mystery, a one night stand, and more.

Each man has a unique journey and you can't help to root for all of them along the way. Some are learning to trust while some are learning to love again. The men will make you laugh, cry, and swoon along the way.  

Don't ask me to pick a favorite from these books. I don't think I can. They are all great Spencer Spears stories, each with a while lot of emotion and heart.  Basically, you can't go wrong with Maple Springs: The Complete Series.