Den of Thieves (Valley Boys # 3) by Vicki Tharp

 

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Max never wanted to leave, but now he’s back…

…and he has a lot to make up for.

When Max’s estranged sister goes missing, he must face the man he hurt the most—his ex.

Desperate for help, Max drops back into Derek’s life. Derek wants to refuse…

…but the stakes are too high.

Though their explosive chemistry hasn’t diminished, life with Max is never simple. His sister’s disappearance is no exception.

Derek’s brilliant plan? Solve the case quickly, and put Max back where he belongs—in Derek’s rearview mirror.

Except the world has another plan, putting their hearts—and their lives—on the line.

Will their forced proximity foster reconciliation, or are their old wounds too deep to heal?

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Den of Thieves is the third book in the Valley Boys series by Vicki Tharp. It's easily read as a standalone. 

Max is on a hunt for his sister after she disappears. With the help of his ex, Mason, who's a PI, they set off to find her.

What follows is an action/danger tale mixed with a second chance at love. There's drug cartels and human trafficking, as well as a slew of dangerous people who will gladly kill them. 

Max's background is messy, with a complicated relationship with his sister. He also left behind a mess with Mason. But they're able to use this time together to explain the past, understand, and forgive one another.

Den of Thieves is a nice second chance romance. Vicki Tharp's writing is great, as usual, with a great flow, good development, and an intriguing adventure. I definitely recommend this when you're in the mood for some danger and action, as well as heat, with your romance.

Flight of Fancy (The Valley Boys Book 2) by Vicki Tharp

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One donor heart. Two damaged men. Three tangled destinies.

Seven years after his partner’s tragic death, pilot Joss Kincaid is ready to love again. Only he never expected love to come knocking on his hangar door.

Milo Malone has made the sky’s bluer, his days brighter, and his nights… well, you know… Now Joss is ready to take things to the next level.
Except something isn’t right.

When Joss finds out Milo is so much more than the man he thought he was, it pitches their budding relationship into chaos.

Can Joss trust his feelings for Milo? Or are they merely remnants of the love he had for the man he’d lost?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Flight of Fancy is an enjoyable romance by Vicki Tharp. The second book in The Valley Boys series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

Milo's life changed when he had his heart transplant. Not only was his life extended, but he also had strange new thoughts and feelings. He desperately wanted to meet and thank his donor's family, but never expected what he'd find. 

Josh is the man who's ex was the donor. Each year he receives letters from the recipient, and each year he doesn't open said letters. His grief is still real, holding him back from living fully.

Milo and Josh's story is one with an instant connection. It's a boss/employee story, as Josh hires Milo, completely unaware of who he is, thus adding in the secrets aspect. 

The relationship the two develop is wonderfully done. After the instant connection, the two continue to grow closer, which I love. But the best part is the way Josh is reminded of his ex with things Milo says or does. These memories make things tough for Josh to deal with, making for an emotional read. I enjoy the way this is all explored and carried out. 

And then there's the sexual chemistry, which is strong. These two definitely enjoy their time together and so will you.  

Ohhh...but the ending. The ending definitely throws a wrench into everything. I thought it would be a cliffhanger at first, but instead, it's a gotcha moment leading into the next book. 

The author's writing style is not my typical go-to, but I really enjoy her books. The characters and storylines continue to delight. And damn the emotional rollercoaster. With a relationship based on lies and secrets, the reader is on edge, knowing something bad will be happening. And damn, I'm not one bit disappointed with how the author handles this. It's perfectly gut wrenching, with me feeling the pain in my soul. Well done.

Flight of Fancy is a compelling and touching read. This Vicki Tharp romance is complicated and messy, with the emotions felt throughout. There's agonizing pain at times, and in the end, there's a sweet and heartfelt happy ending. 

Art of Love (Valley Boys Book 1) by Vicki Tharp

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The professor is about to be schooled.

Art professor Demetri Stavros has one rule:

Don’t sleep with your students.

Despite a few offers, he’s never been tempted… until now.

Though it could end his career, Demetri can’t stay away. Roman Reed makes him question his priorities and his life. But Demetri’s secret? He’ll keep that to himself.

After all, is a lie of omission really a lie?

A past betrayal has taught Roman the importance of running his personal life by strict standards. Honesty is a must.

Then he discovers Demetri’s truth.

Can Roman overcome his history and find forgiveness, or are the lies more powerful than their growing love?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Art of Love, the first book in the Valley Boys series by Vicki Tharp, is a great read. This is a spin off of her Black Stallion Studios series, which I love, so I was excited to read this one. 

First of all, I enjoy the way the author connects this new series to her previous porn studio series. It's well done and her previous men are around at times. 

Dmitri's a college professor who's living in shame and fear, as he's HIV positive. His experience tell him this is a sure fire way to turn a man away. My heart hurt for him from the start. 

After a safe hook up with the hot bartender Roman, Dmitri discovers that Roman's one of his new students. Yikes. Cue the forbidden romance fun.

I enjoy the way the student/teacher aspect is written. Some times this trope can be annoying, or too cliche, but the author gives this relationship a whole lot of chemistry and a strong bond, creating a real connection. 

As well as already having hooked up, and being student/teacher, they also have a connection at the youth center that Roman starts working for. This just gives them even more in common, further strengthening their bond. 

This is a story of two men who try to fight their attraction. They are two men who know they can't be together. But, damn, the chemistry between the two is smoking! 

Best of all, the author takes these two men on a worthwhile journey with plenty of character growth. These are two men who both have trust issues and the author excels in bringing the reader fully into their emotions, leaving us riveted throughout. 

Art of Love looks to be the start of another great series.  Vicki Tharp delights in her combo of professor/student, age gap, and forbidden romance. It's a beautiful story of learning to love oneself, and opening up oneself to love. Don't miss this one the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and steamy. 

Best Boy (Black Stallion Studios #3) by Vicki Tharp

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Niko took Vin in when Vin’s family kicked him out.

He gave an aimless street kid direction, a career, a life.

But Vin Andino is now a grown man, and he wants more. What he wants is Niko.

Black Stallion Studios’ owner Niko Stavros has a thing for younger men, but with wealth and power comes responsibility, and there are rules even he won’t break:
1. No f*cking the employees.
2. No f*cking Vin—That would be wrong… Right?

After a bachelor auction, Niko sees Vin in a new light, and while the whole studio crew is out of the country on location, Niko tiptoes up to the forbidden line.

But Vin has a secret, and his past threatens to blow up his life, and Niko’s.

Can love bring them together and allow them to let go of the past?

Or will the revelation tear them apart?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Best Boy, the third book in the Black Stallion Studios series is a sweet and sexy age gap romance. 

Nico's a porn director who's attracted to the younger Vin, the same man he once saved from the streets. They've been friends a while now and their relationship has become one of a friendship with some benefits and a desire for more. It's a story of temptation, conflict, and doubts. And it's a delight.

I enjoy the attraction and tension between the two men. Nico's issues that keep him from being with Vin are reasonable, making for a realistic read. The emotions are front and center, leaving me riveted throughout. 

The writing is great, with delightful characters, a compelling storyline, and good dialogue. The author also adds in some wonderfully entertaining side characters, especially Betty. She alone is worth the read. The author also throws in some twists and turns along the way, as she makes the men face their pasts. 

The whole series is a lot of fun. If you haven't meet these men yet, go back and start with One Shot.  This Vicki Tharp series is definitely one to check out the next time you are looking to read about porn stars falling in love. 

 

Key Grip (Black Stallion Studios #2) by Vicki Tharp

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Blurb

For Grant Hardy, the closet is a lonely place.

And Black Stallions Studios’ straight-acting stud wants out of gay p*rn.

But when Grant’s father’s gambling addiction jeopardizes his grandmother’s home, Grant’s forced to keep working to bail her out.

Can he f*ck his way into solvency?

Sebastian Stavros wants to prove himself to his uncle, the owner of Black Stallion Studios. To be taken seriously, he must keep his pants on and his hands off the talent.

Easier said than done.

Grant and Sebastian’s secret attraction can no longer be denied, and when their affair renders Grant unable to perform, everything he’s worked so hard for is at stake.

Will the truth set him free to love the man he wants?

Or will his family suffer the consequences?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I love Key Grip from the start. The second book of Vicki Tharp's Black Stallion Studios, this is a fantastic read.


I have a soft spot in my heart for porn stars finding romance and this one didn't disappoint. It's a tender story of finding love.

Key Grip is a lot of fun, as Grant is gay, but has always said he was gay-for-pay. He's firmly stuck in the closet, and he's in a spot where he can't be connected to porn, least he'll lose his lgbt center. But he needs money and he needs it now. In other words, Grant's in a no win situation. Not only does he show up at the porn studio again, he also has to avoid the relationship he wants with Sebastion.
Grant's long liked Sebastian, but he can't take a chance and risk his center. 

Damn, I love Grant and Sebastion. They have some steamy chemistry and are full of passion. Not only are they hot and sexy together, they are also heavy on the emotions. 

A closeted gay porn star? I love this unique idea. The author excels in carrying this out in a way that makes complete sense. I love the writing style, and a thoroughly impressed. 

In addition to the main storyline, there's an emotional secondary storyline involving Tavi, a homeless teen. This part of the story is beautifully done.

Overall, this story has a lot going on. Grant has his share of struggles, fighting between his heart and his head. Sebastian struggles with his career versus his heart, as well as his self esteem issues. And then there's Tavi, who's problems are many.

Holy shit, I seriously love Key Grip. It's a marvelous forbidden romance mixed with a whole lot of confusion and tough decisions. It's a beautiful story of family and making one's own family. It's one of those rare compelling books that make me want to re-read it immediately.

One Shot (Black Stallion Studios #1) by Vicki Tharp

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Blurb

One pitch ended Alex Payne’s major league baseball debut.
Coming out as gay…
Could end his career.

Alex is dropped from the team after a prolonged post-surgical rehab stint. Short on cash and determined to make a comeback, Alex will stop at nothing to get enough money to continue his therapy and training.
Including jumping headfirst into the world of gay p*rn.

The only catch?

To work with Black Stallion Studios, you have to be straight.
No problem. Until Alex is paired with Elijah Maddox, and Alex discovers he’s not so straight after all, unfortunately, Elijah refuses to live in the closet.

But when news breaks about Alex’s association with Black Stallion, Alex’s secret is exposed.

Will Alex strike out and lose it all?

Or can he find a way to have his career and his love?

One pitch ended Alex Payne’s Major League Baseball debut.

Coming out as gay…

Could end his career.

Alex is dropped from the team after a prolonged post-surgical rehab stint. Short on cash and determined to make a comeback, Alex will stop at nothing to get enough money to continue his therapy and training.
Including jumping headfirst into the world of gay p*rn.

The only catch?
To work with Black Stallion Studios, you have to be straight.

No problem. Until Alex is paired with Elijah Maddox, and Alex discovers he’s not so straight after all. Unfortunately, Elijah refuses to live in the closet.

But when news breaks about Alex’s association with Black Stallion, Alex’s secret is exposed.

Will Alex strike out and lose it all?

Or can he find a way to have his career and his love?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

From the start, One Shot grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. This Vicki Tharp romance is a gripping start to the fabulous Black Stallion Studios series.

Alex is an injured athlete, who suddenly he finds himself doing gay porn for the money, despite being straight. When partnered with Elijah for a scene, he suddenly finds himself attracted to his co-star.

What follows is a sweet story of self-discovery and sexual exploration. Alex and Elijah are definitely hot together, but they're also sweet and tender. These are two men who are both doing porn as a way of making some fast money. As hot as their chemistry is, it's their developing emotional connection that is superb. 

My first time reading this author, I found myself super impressed. I love the main characters, and am charmed by the secondary characters. If you're a big fan of porn romances, as I am, you will love this story. The author includes some great behind the scenes action which I always enjoy. And the use of dual pov allows the readers to get to understand both men well.

Honestly, I love One Shot and can't wait to read the next book in the series.