How to Catch a Vet (Chester Falls #6) by Ana Ashley

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

The first thing I learned at Vet school was to always expect the unexpected.
Well, I sure never saw Santiago Torres or his adorable Great Dane coming.

Santi is everything I’m not. Tall, confident, overbearing, and if I’m to believe his advances, he’s also very experienced in...well, you know what.

I always play safe, but it’s time to ditch the v-card. We couldn’t be more different, but that doesn’t matter because this is just a one time thing.

I’m not going to want more, right?
I’m not going to fall for him, right?

How to Catch a Vet is the sixth book in the Chester Falls series and features an opposites attract story between a virgin and a player, a Great Dane with a tendency to rescue- read kidnap- other people’s pets, and a small town like no other.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

How to Catch a Vet is the sixth book in Ana Ashley's Chester Falls series. It's a great addition to this small town world. 

This story is one of a vet and a veteran. And there's a lot going on.

Santi is home after leaving the service. And unfortunately, he's losing his eyesight. Oh man, this element had me wanting to hug him tight. My heart breaks for him throughout, despite his ability to handle it well. 

Micah's a veterinarian who's struggling to keep his business going. Course he has a former bully who's set on making his life difficult, which doesn't help. 

Their story is one with a lot of self doubts. Santi doesn't feel worthy of love as he's losing his sight, while Micah feels unworthy of love as he struggles with his weight. 

Their story includes first times and plenty of heat. 

And then there are the animals. Omg, I absolutely love these animals and the constant new additions to the crew. Honestly, this aspect alone makes this worth the read. 

With an overall theme exploring that the past doesn't define us, I am impressed with the way the author illustrates this. This story is compelling and emotional throughout.

How to Catch a Vet is a sweet romance. Ana Ashley kept me entertained and delighted throughout this heartwarming tale.

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW - Better Than People by Roan Parrish

Title: Better Than People

Author: Roan Parrish

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Imprint: Carina Press (Carina Adores)

On-Sale: August 25, 2020

Format: Trade Paperback (ebook & audio also available!)

Price: $14.99 U.S.

ISBN: 9781335542823

Goodreads Link

It’s not long before their pet-centric arrangement sparks a person-centric desire…

Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is unexpectedly put on hold, Simon turns to the PetShare app to find the fluffy TLC he’s been missing. Meeting a grumpy children’s book illustrator who needs a dog walker isn’t easy for the man whose persistent anxiety has colored his whole life, but Jack Matheson’s menagerie is just what Simon needs.

Four dogs, three cats and counting. Jack’s pack of rescue pets is the only company he needs. But when a bad fall leaves him with a broken leg, Jack is forced to admit he needs help. That the help comes in the form of the most beautiful man he’s ever seen is a complicated, glorious surprise.

Being with Jack—talking, walking, making out—is a game changer for Simon. And Simon’s company certainly…eases the pain of recovery for Jack. But making a real relationship work once Jack’s cast comes off will mean compromise, understanding and lots of love.

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Buy Better Than People by Roan Parrish

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My Rating - 4 Stars!

Better Than People is a sweet romance by Roan Parrish.

Simon's a fragile man. He's not necessarily broken, but it's as if he's never been allowed to exist without fearing that he'll fall apart. His anxiety is all encompassing and often painful to read. I definitely appreciate the way the author dealt with his anxiety, with care and compassion.

When we meet Simon, he's unable to talk to strangers at all, but he feels comfortable with animals. By responding to Jack's ad to walk his dogs, Simon gets the chance to feel the love of animals, as well as meeting the man with whom he can fully come alive. I love seeing the change in Simon.

This is a story that revolves around Simon's anxiety, with Jack helping him to cope better, as well as learning how to deal with it himself. Written in alternating pov, the reader is pulled into the mindset of both men and experiences everything along with them.

Jack's thoughts sum him up wonderfully - "Sometimes Jack felt what it must be like in Simon's head with a pang of sadness."

And then there's Jack. He's an artist who's dealing with an injury. He has some major trust issues. His love of animals is awesome, and like Simon, he trusts animals more than people.

This is a story with a broken leg, severe social anxiety, and some cute dogs, including a lovable Saint Bernard named Bernie. There are some worthy side characters who add to the entertainment and there are some wonderful first times that up the spice factor. 

Better Than People is a great pick the next time you're in the mood for  major hurt/comfort read. Roan Parrish will satisfy you with this sweet, feel-good read. 

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Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

Connect with Roan Parrish

Website: https://www.roanparrish.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoanParrish 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roanparrish/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parrishorperish/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14070842.Roan_Parrish

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Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories featuring beloved romance tropes, where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.

A new Carina Adores title is available each month in trade paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.

• The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover (available now!)

• The Girl Next Door by Chelsea M. Cameron (available now!)

• Just Like That by Cole McCade (available now!)

• Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters (available now!)

• The Love Study by Kris Ripper (available September 29)

• The Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher (available October 27)

• Just Like This by Cole McCade (available November 24)

• Teddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love by Kim Fielding (December 29)

Destiny Collides Past and Present (The Manx Cat Guardians #3) by J.P. Sayle

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

On the worst day of Stuart Wilson’s life he has a chance encounter with a stranger on a street corner. He finds himself inexplicably drawn from the second their eyes connected. Over the following decade he has never forgotten the brief encounter, or the eyes that have haunted his dreams.
Finding his life has stalled, though successful and financially independent, Stuart feels his life is sadly lacking that one thing everyone wants, love. Making a decision to change, Stuart uproots himself from his life. On the recommendation of a friend he moves to a small island in the Irish Sea, where Stuart’s life takes several unexpected turns and twists when he offers to help his new boss.

Joe King has it all, or so it appeared, until he made a wrong choice which has left him reeling both emotionally and physically. Devastated by the turn of events he seeks refuge with his friend hoping to find some peace and quiet to lick his wounds. What he finds is an unexpected connection to his past that he struggles to accept. The present situation is hindered by a past he wants to escape that will not let go.

Will they find the true happiness Stuart believes can be theirs? Or will the threat from Joe’s past take away what Joe is only starting to realise could be his future, Stuart.

Guardian cats walk this earth, there to protect—if you are fortunate enough to be blessed by the fates. Princess is one such cat. Having found herself in trouble for breaking the rules, Princess believes that being paired with Stuart Wilson as his guardian is her penance. Unbeknown to her that is not the case.
Things turn ugly when Princess steps in to protect Stuart putting her own life at risk causing her new arch enemy Maximillian, an ancient guardian cat to make a decision that has far reaching consequences for them both. Will she accept or fight the changes, only time will tell.

Warning
The content of some of this book is sexually graphic, with the use of explicit language and adult situations involving two/three males. It is only intended for mature adults. There are also some potential triggers of violence and partner abuse.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Destiny Collides Past and Present is the 3rd book in the Manx Cat Guardians series by JP Sayle. It's creative and interesting with two wonderful main characters.

I absolutely adore Stuart and Joe. Both men have intriguing backgrounds, and it's great seeing how well they come together. Joe's part is front and foremost, as his ex was abusive, leaving him scared and unable to commit, as well as fearful that his ex will find him. 

The road for these two is not an easy one, but it's totally worth it. They're both survivors who desperately need someone to love and care for them. 

Of course there's Princess, and oh man, I love Princess. She's the guardian cat who's watching out for Stuart, and she's a sassy and fun girl.

With undeniable chemistry, there's some amazing sex scenes. The author really knows how to steam up the pages.

My only complaint is the writing style. JP Sayle is a fantastic writer, with spectacular ideas. However, this writing style isn't my favorite. Full of extreme detail, I prefer less description and a faster pace. But, I know many do love this writing style. That is just my issue.

That said, I still really enjoy Destiny Collides Past and Present, for it's outstanding characters, as well as plenty of humor, and a refreshing storyline. There's action, suspense, sex, and romance. It's a slow burn romance entwined with an emotional ride.

Strays and Lovers by John Inman

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Forty-six-year-old Eddie Hightower has a problem. He’s all alone. The only thing that saves him from facing that stark reality is the fact that he isn’t really alone at all. He has a house full of pets and a refuge full of stray unwanted animals he spends every waking hour trying to place in homes. While he loves what he does with all the joy in his heart, that same poor aging heart is still missing something. And Eddie knows exactly what it is. Romance.

But wait. Cue the music. Suddenly, beyond all hope, it happens. In the small desert town of Spangle, California, where Eddie lives, comes a sad young stranger with piercing gray eyes. They are the palest, most stunningly beautiful eyes Eddie has ever seen. Poor Eddie Hightower is swallowed up in their silver depths and disappears without a gurgle. The stranger’s name is Gray Grissom. Gray, like his eyes. Without hesitation Eddie opens his doors—and his heart—to the lost young man. After all, that’s what Eddie does. He finds homes for strays. But this is one stray Eddie intends to keep for himself.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Strays and Lovers is a good May to December romance by John Inman. It just so happens to include a whole lot of animals too.

Eddie, who's closer to 50 than to 40, runs an animal refugee. Gray meanwhile, is 20 years his junior, but he certainly helps Eddie to feel less lonely.

When they first meet, Eddie can easily see the sadness in Gray. He's ashamed and embarrassed by his past, full of pain and fear. He's definitely a survivor, he just doesn't realize this.

Eddie and Gray are two men who are definitely better off together than alone. Each man fills a hole in the other's life and heart.

I found the story to start off with a slow start. But, soon the pace and the story picked up. It is most definitely a relationship-driven story. 

Strays and Lovers has an ending that's super sweet, and you can just feel the love jumping off the pages. 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - To Love and Protect His Omega by Quinn Michaels

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: To Love & Protect His Omega

Author: Quinn Michaels

Publisher: Enticed by Books Press

Cover Artist: Pebbles Davis

Genre/s: Mpreg Romance, Mpreg Mystery, omegaverse

Length: 65 000 words: 

This is the first of a new series but each book will stand alone. 

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links

Quinn Michael's Blog

Amazon US

Amazon UK 

Blurb

Gunnar swore to serve and protect, but he couldn't save the omega he loved. Will a sick kitten give him a second chance at love?

Police Detective and single dad, Gunnar Justice swore an oath to serve and protect, but he couldn't save the omega closest to him. Now he's raising his 8-year-old daughter alone. But when his daughter adopts a sick kitten, will a hot veterinarian with his own secrets offer a second chance at love?

Pursued by a relentless stalker, omega veterinarian, Liam Chandler, packs up his entire life and moves across the country to start over. He has lost faith in romance and instead devotes his time to saving his animal patients. But when a handsome alpha detective and his daughter come into Liam's exam room with a kitten who needs a miracle, will Liam give romance a second chance?

Can these two men overcome their pasts to make a family together? Even as a final threat from Liam's past threatens not only their relationship but their lives.

To Love and Protect His Omega is a single dad Omegaverse romance with mystery, action and all of the feels.

If you love Omegaverse m/m romance that keeps you turning pages into the wee hours of the morning, start reading To Love and Protect now!

REVIEW

My Rating - 4 Stars!

To Love and Protect His Omega is a sweet romance by Quinn Michaels.

Gunnar is a police detective, who is raising his daughter alone, after losing his omega when he couldn't save him. He can't let go of his guilt for not being able to save him. When his daughter's newly adopted kitten gets sick, Gunnar meets the hot veterinarian and the action starts.

Liam is new to town, trying to hide from his stalker ex. He has no desire to start dating after his last disaster. 

Thus, this romance features two men, neither of whom are looking for love, happening to stumble upon it, if they can allow it in. They need to overcome their pasts, let go of guilt and overcome the fear developed from the stalker ex, and more if they are going to be together.

One of the fun aspects of this story is about control. Gunnar loves having Liam follow his orders so easily and letting his Alpha take control. As well, I love that they each come together to find strength in each other, as well as comfort. They don't work well on paper, but they are indeed perfect together. 

To Love and Protect His Omega is a quick, emotional, suspenseful, romance. Quinn Michaels  does  great job with this one.

Excerpt

Gunnar pulled the car into an empty parking space two cars back from the bus stop and unlocked the doors. "Get out on the curb and cross with me," he said.

Normally, Olivia would've grumbled about being told the rules again, but this time she just nodded, her lips tight and her face pale. "He sneezed," she said.

Gunnar nodded. If he was sneezing, at least that meant he was alive.

Gunnar took the carrier with one hand and Olivia's hand with his other as they crossed the street. It was 8:05, and a young guy, with blond hair and glasses bent down on the ground between the inside door and a partially opened gate as he picked up a white metal box with a red medical symbol on the side.

"Excuse me, sir, are you the vet?” Olivia asked, slipping inside the gap where the gate was partially opened. Gunnar grabbed OlivIa’s shoulder to keep her from bowling the guy over as the man looked up. His nose twitched, and his eyes widened as his gaze rested on Gunnar.

Gunnar smelled it too, the subtle sweetness of an omega mingling with his own alpha musk. Adam had been cinnamon chocolate. This man was more cream and mint, with a hint of... caramel? It was attractive, and Gunnar ruthlessly crushed the sudden desire to get closer and identify that third, underlying scent.

Gunnar didn’t want to be attracted to another omega. Adam had only been dead for a year. This slight stirring of interest – and it was barely interest - felt like a betrayal.

Olivia said, “Puff is very sick."

"Puff?" The doctor stood. Getting a better look at his face, Gunnar estimated his age upward. Late twenties, not mid, closer to Gunnar’s own age. Worse, the man was handsome, in a boyish way, his blue eyes bright and magnified a bit too large behind the lenses of his glasses as he ran a hand through his wavy blond hair. He wore a stethoscope around his neck, and thankfully his tone was warm and businesslike as he said, "I'm Dr. Chandler," looking only at Olivia.

"We adopted Puff from the shelter on Sunday," Gunnar explained, holding out the carrier over his daughter’s head so that the doctor could see.

Dr. Chandler looked into the carrier, and his lips tightened as the smile faded from his face. He held out his hand. "Come with me." He opened the inside door. "Carolyn, my tech, is running late, but if you two don't mind letting me take him into the back, Pam will get your paperwork started while I take a look at Puff."

“Whatever you have to do for him, do it,” Gunnar said.

About the Author 

From Quinn: I love fantasy, werewolves and M/M omegaverse romance! My goal is to write action-packed adventures of romance, self-discovery and second chances, all served up with a hefty helping of sweet, sexy Omegas and hot, determined Alphas who will do anything to cherish, love, and protect them. It’s so exciting to be able to share my characters and worlds with you, and I hope you enjoy them (and the sexytimes!)

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RELEASE BLITZ SCHEDULE

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Where It All Began by JP Sayle

Amazon Link

Blurb

The King of the otherworld, Manannán, witnessing changes to how the love between those who chose differently was being accepted, intervened. Wanting the world to have love and hope eternally, ensuring that soulmates connected without restrictions regardless of the person they chose to love, he created the Manx Cat Guardians.
Maximillian, born in the eleventh century, King of his kind, he struggled to always follow the rules King Manannán had laid down. Given no choice about his destiny like his fellow guardians, he’d been granted a Wiccan guide to aid him.
Never having had any problems with his past charges, Maximillian finds himself struggling to get his current charge, King Óláfr the Black, to accept his soulmate Magnus, a lowly servant. The connection is strong between them, but the changing times that Manannán witnessed and the introduction of Christianity had Óláfr struggling to accept his soulmate.
Ignoring the dire warning from Christina, his Wiccan guide, about interfering, Maximillian finds himself creating ripples from his actions with untold consequences that cause devastation. As he is left to wander this earth, his role irrevocably changed by his actions. He must now ensure promises that were made are honoured, no matter the length of time that passes.
Can he help fulfil those promises made by another without breaking the rules again? Or will the souls searching for love be destined to never find each other?
Only time will tell.

This is the prequel to book 1 and 2 in this series and can be read as a stand-alone, but it does make a small reference to book 2 and will connect into book 3, which will be released sometime in the summer.
This book has some themes of violence, along with references to sexual content and one adult situation involving two males. It is only intended for mature adults.



REVIEW
My Rating - 4 stars!

Where It All Began managed to suck me in at the first page, as it is interesting, imaginative and memorable. It is a prequal to the Manx Cat Guardians books, explaining how it all began, and thus answering a lot of questions.

The story is well written, intriguing, including a wonderful historical aspect, that includes the absolute homophobia of the times.

This whole world, created by JP Sayle, is unique, fun and romantic, as the Manx Cats set off to help souls find each other. Where it All Began is a great prequal to the other books in the series.  

I previously reviewed Destiny Collides Past and Present.