Dear Daddy, Please Want Me (Naughty or Nice #4) by Reese Morrison

 

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Dear Santa,
It’s hard to be a Jew on Christmas. Nobody brings me presents, like sexy Daddies or Peppermint Mocha Frappes (because, let’s be honest, I can totally sell-out if it gets me peppermint in my caffeinated sugar).
But do you know what I really want for Christmas? I want to know what’s wrong with the app so I don’t have to work on the weekend.
So maybe you can work on that, Santa, for the Jewiest Jew Boy ever?
Love and kisses, Levi

Saul shouldn’t be attracted to his funny and adorable employee, Levi. He shouldn’t be excited about debugging an error in the kinky dating together. And he definitely shouldn’t bring him peppermint mocha frappes just to see him smile.
Saul has enough to do with running a company and figuring out his gender transition on the job. But he can’t help wondering what it would be like to hear Levi call him Daddy.

Dear Daddy, Please Want Me is an office romance about an exuberant boy, a reluctant Daddy, and the age-old Jewish tradition of Chinese food and movies on Christmas day. It has plenty of kink and a happily ever after.

This book is part of the Naughty or Nice multi-author series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are so many boys hoping that holiday magic will bring them their perfect Daddy, why not grab them all? 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Dear Daddy, Please Want Me is a compelling Daddy romance. Part of the Naughty or Nice multi-author series, this is Reese Morrison's contribution. 

This is a tale of co-workers, employer/employee, and a dating app. Working together, trying to find the glitch in the app, brings Levi and Saul close together.

There are some wonderful aspects to this story that definitely keep it unique from other holiday romances. 

First, I love that Saul is trans, which adds a lot of layers to his personality. I appreciate the way Saul struggles with his body and the body expectations of being a Daddy. He's only transitioned recently, thus he still struggles a lot. The author includes an up close look at using packers and binders, and all the emotions involved. The author does a fantastic job in the overall development of Saul.

And, damn, I love the term "Manniversery."

The Daddy aspect is well done, with Levi being submissive and Saul being the perfect daddy for him. I love how Saul helps to calm the adorable Levi. Even better though, is the way Saul manages to spoil him. It's all perfectly sweet. 

The two men have plenty of issues to deal with throughout, making for some honest and realistic conflict. 

One of the highlights of this story for me is that Saul never thought of being a daddy. Until Levi. I like that being with the his boy also completes him in a way he never expected. And he ends up being a great daddy for his boy.

And then there's the cultural aspect. The author includes plenty of Jewish traditions and culture, as well as the emotions they invoke.  It makes for some interesting conversations.

The writing is great, as Reese Morrison excels in developing intriguing characters with a wide range across the LGBT spectrum. With Saul being trans, the author once again explores that one's body doesn't define their gender. Reese also manages to explore that one's body may not be able to show their arousal in the usual way, but it's still there.  I loved this little comment. 

Dear Daddy, Please Want Me is a sweet Daddy kink romance. Reese Morrison sets this tale during the holidays, with the fun dating app front and center.

MMF - Grif's Salvation (Delta Force: Team Panther #6) by Annabella Stone

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Blurb

Do no harm. It’s a mantra former Delta Force Team Panther medic, Griffin St. Clare, follows to the letter—until someone comes after his family. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe, even if it puts his own life on the line. Grif knows the only way he can fix things, including his own broken heart, is to find his man, bring him home, and open himself to love again, but getting his family back together is going to be a challenge—especially considering his guy is AWOL.

Garrett ‘Rock’ Rockwell is used to dealing with trouble, but betrayal is another matter. After the devastating blow Shar delivered, he thought he would never want another woman in his bed again, but Allie has awoken something in him he can’t explain. Rock loves Grif, but they both know something is missing from their life—a third. Is Allie the right person to fill the hole left behind, or is getting into something new with a teammate’s sister a bad idea?

Allie Kennedy has always loved her bosses. She regretted not taking a chance with them before, but now they are finally free, she is determined to help her two troubled warriors heal. Grif and Rock may have had their hearts hurt, but Allie will prove to them that bruised is not broken.

Their path has never been straight or perfect. Many times, it hasn’t even gone in the right direction, but can Grif and Rock open themselves up to loving more than each other once more? Can Allie get them to trust her enough to give them all one more shot at happily ever after, or will Grif and Rock refuse to see what has been right in front of them all along?

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Annabella Stone's Delta Force series continues with Grif's Salvation, the sixth book. 
 As I've come to expect from this author, the story is fast paced with non-stop action, and full of tension and heat.

The book is separated into different sections, each with a unique tone.

Grif and Rock have long wanted Allie to join their relationship, but things got in the way. Now, if they can survive their current danger, they want to claim her.

Their relationship is not at the forefront, as the action and trying to save one another is the main driving force. That said, the building of them as a throuple is wonderful, full of heart, forgiveness, and romance.

I absolutely love Allie's daughter , as she is just so darn adorable.

The author's writing style is consistent to the rest of her books. Each book is wonderful, building upon the next. In other words, the books need to be read in order. The characters are all complex and well developed, constantly evolving.

Grif's Salvation is a must read for any fans of the Delta Force series. It will not disappoint.

GRL 2019 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Long Way Home by Nicky James

In my attempt to cover some of the attending authors for this year's GRL,

I am reviewing 

Nicky James' 

Long Way Home!

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BLURB

It was love at first sight.
They were soulmates.
It was forever.
But they were only sixteen.
Too innocent. Too naïve.
Too ignorant about the world around them.
Besides, nothing lasts forever.
With their fairy-tale future torn to shreds, both boys need to learn to find their own way in an unforgiving world.
Gavin Buchanan is thrown into a life he didn’t want, molded to do a job he always feared. He must learn to get by, but with only his brothers in arms to lean on and secrets so deep they eat at his core every day, he struggles. How long until life in the Marine Corps turns this gentle, tender-hearted man into someone no one recognizes?
Owen Wallace is adrift and going through the motions. Every time he tries to stand tall and put the past behind him, life kicks him down. There is only so much a person can take before they turn bitter and jaded. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.
Their souls are bound to each other.
Nothing will keep them apart.
It will take time, but they just need to find their way home.

**Triggers for PTSD**

REVIEW

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow. Nicky James' Long Way Home is one of those special books that immediately bores it's way into my soul. I could feel every single emotion in my bones. What an amazing journey of two long lost lovers.

Gavin and Owen, two boyfriends who were separated through no choice of their own, never forget the strength of their love. Neither are ever able to truly move on. Their tale is full of excruciating pain, hurt, and angst. 

This is a story of trying to live even though the life you're living isn't the one you want. It's a story of not being able to be with the other half of your soul. It's a story of trying to live when your heart is with someone you can't be with. And it's a story of no one living up to the man of your past.

Both men suffer tremendously during their years apart. Both men suffered in ways that left me gutted at times. They struggle to survive extreme loss, grief, and despair. 

The writing is fantastic, with stupendously strong characters, and an emotionally complex storyline. Their story contains homophobia, family issues, and a vivid look into the horrors one sees in the marines. It's a tragically long road for these two as they try to survive after going adrift. The author explores the pain of PTSD and depression for both the one suffering, as well as their loved one.

In the end, they will find their way back to one another. And even more importantly, they will get their happy ending. But, it's a long and ugly road to get there. Definitely save this one for when you're in the mood for a deep, ugly romance.

Every single word, every single moment is well drilled into my heart. I will not be forgetting Long Way Home anytime soon. Thank you Nicky James for these spectacular men and their heart-wrenching journey. This is a new found favorite which I will be re-reading often. 

Nicky James

I live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.

I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.

Afterburner (Afterburner #1) by Lex Valentine

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Blurb

The specter of Don't Ask, Don't Tell hovers ominously over the romance between former USAF Thunderbird pilots, Sebastian Marchetti and Ryder Beckett.

Sebastian Marchetti has spent his life doing two things, hiding his sexuality and flying. After leaving the USAF, Bas meets active duty pilot Ryder Beckett. Bas loves Ryder enough to be his dirty little secret. But Ryder loves his man so much he'll risk court martial to be with Bas.

This story was originally part of the anthology DON'T ASK DON'T TELL.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Afterburner is a super fast and short romance that takes place during the time of don't ask, don't tell. Lex Valentine perfectly captures the the unfairness, helplessness, and complete lack of rights involved.

The two men grow close quickly and soon it's clear they are a long term thing.

Afterburner is a decent DADT romance that will have you feeling the pain of being forced to hide. Personally, I didn't feel a huge connection to the couple at first, but I still enjoyed the story, and am glad I kept reading. 

Step Up with Me (With Me #5) by Kris Jacen

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Blurb

Richard “Tank” Martin was a big boy from the start. Born weighing over 11 pounds, he didn’t stop growing. When he was in middle school, a football coach took him under his wing and finally explained to him the mystery of calories in, calories out and from then on it was all good for him. At least he thought. Being called to meet with his platoon sergeant and told that he was now part of the Army’s overweight program, sent him into a spin that only his crews can help him out of.
Dr. Jack Dillon thought his life was good and finally settled. Part of an active veterinarian practice, volunteering with a service dog organization, spoiling his sister’s triplets and training in sports jiu-jitsu…the only this missing was a partner. He never thought that his world could be shattered with just a phone call even after being around his military friends.
Tank and Jack have been dancing around each other for months until Tank takes a chance and kisses Jack at their friends’ wedding moving their slow dance into a heated bump and grind. Can these two survive the changes coming their ways together or will all the changes break them apart?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Damn! Step Up With Me is a fantastic read by Kris Jacen. We get Jack and Tanks's story and it's definitely my favorite book in the With Me series.

It's emotional and complicated, while being full of humor, romance, and complications. It includes weight issues, friends to lovers, virginity, and the importance of family. Jack's weight story is so tough to read, as his struggles effect his self-confidence.

I absolutely love the babies and the nicknames that Jack calls the babies. This part of the story is a true delight to read. 

This friends to lovers romance is wonderfully developed. It's sweet that both men have feelings for the other but never told each other. I am so happy to get their story and I love the way it develops.

Step Up With Me is a beautiful, sweet and cute romance. I knew what was coming, but it still shook me. But, all in all, I loved this story. I'm so glad I found this series and Kris Jacen's writing. Her stories are realistic, with a fantastic way of exploring the lives of our military at home. They are a refreshing way of looking at army families.