Shipping Orders (Valentine's Inc. Cruises #2) by Ashe Winters

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Blurb

A happy ever after is not in the cards for me. But a short fling aboard a ship crossing the Atlantic might just be exactly what I need.

When my friends suggest I take a much-needed vacation on their Valentine’s Inc. hosted cruise, I leap at the chance. I don’t have a lot of expectations for this matchmaking singles cruise—I’m certainly not looking for a future Mr. Chase Kelton.

What I’m not prepared for is walking into my assigned suite to find a man passed out on the first day. I recognized the shy barista immediately. He’s been serving me my morning fix for a year and driving me crazy with the hard shell he keeps locked around him. I want to break it. I know there’s an entirely different man beneath it that I’m itching to reveal.

Reign is the proverbial fish out of water, and when I learn the real reason he’s on this cruise, I see an opportunity I can’t resist. He needs a companion to show him the ropes—I can do that and so much more.

An introverted barista with a crush, a wealthy executive afraid to fall in love, and a twist on fake boyfriends. Shipping Orders is a full length, standalone novel in the Valentine’s Inc. multi-author series.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Ashe Winters' contribution to the Valentine's Inc Cruises, Shipping Orders, is wonderful. If you enjoy cruise ship romances, you don't want to miss this one.

Reign and Chase have long crushed on one another, as Chase always stops by Reign's coffee shop. Now they find themselves on the same cruise, and can't help up to get to know one another. Their time together is emotional, with a strong connection, some hot sex, but a limited time frame. 

As for their sexual connection, it is spicy and steamy, as Reign likes to be restrained, and Chase is all for it. This definitely makes for some fun scenes.

I love this book. All of it. The bond formed between the two men is beautiful, yet also devastating in it's finality. With a mystery of why Chase has to end things after the cruise, the reader is left broken hearted along with both men. 

One of my favorite things is the reasoning behind Chase calling Reign "puppy." It is seriously a great reason, and left me smiling every time he said it. 

Their story includes some childhood trauma, a demanding family, and some great friends. The writing is fun, keeping the reader fully engaged throughout. The characters are interesting and both have good backstories. 

Overall, Shipping Orders is a great contribution to this multiple author series. Ashe Winters does a superb job with this cruise ship romance. 

Time for a Change by H.L. Day

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Blurb

The last thing Michael needs while trying to work in the coffee shop is a half-naked idiot employee performing circus acrobatics to get his attention. However, the more he tries to ignore him and the ruder he gets, the more the gorgeous guy just won’t leave him alone.

Michael just wants to get his ex-boyfriend back: Christian, the suave and sophisticated art gallery manager. That’s his type, not Sam, the sexy but irritating coffee shop employee with the devastating smile and the tight clothes showing off his muscles. Michael and Christian are far more suited to each other.

When Michael sees an opportunity to use Sam to make his ex-boyfriend jealous, of course he’s going to take it. But what if Christian’s not the right guy for him, and what if Sam could actually be more than just the best sex of his life? Will uptight Michael be able to take the plunge and change, or will he let possible happiness slip through his fingers because he can’t see what’s straight in front of him?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

HL Day's Time for a Change is fun opposites attract romance.

When Michael meets Sam, he's annoyed and bothered by the crazy barista. Sam, however, is intrigued by the serious workaholic Michael. Love these men. From the start, I love the way Sam's ADHD is written. And damn, Sam is one persistent man. 

As for Michael, he's a workaholic who's hesitant to take up Sam on his advances. After being burnt in the past by several exes, he certainly has his reasons. Written in first person POV from Michael's side, the reader can easily get into Michael's mindset and understand why he's acting they way he does. Yes, he's a total jerk at times. Yes, he lacks self confidence. And yes, his behavior's completely maddening at times. But, in the end, his journey towards taking a chance and accepting he's worthy of love is worth it. 

One of my favorite parts of their relationship is the transformation of Michael from start to end. Sam certainly helps to relax the uptight man.  

The writing is great, with a seamless flow. It's certainly no surprise to me, as I love many of her books. 

Time for a Change is a sweet and easy read. Definitely check out this HL Day book when you're in the mood for something low angst, yet full of relationship drama. 

Fighting for Love (Cut to the Feeling #2) by Noah Steele

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Blurb

When daydreamer Oliver Park falls—literally—into the arms of a boy he’s never seen at the coffee house before, the spark of mystery muscle boy Seth Kane’s touch sends him reeling.

He hasn’t felt anything like it since he was in love with his ex-boyfriend turned best friend Aiden. When Seth asks Oliver out, the immediate heat between them is too great to ignore.

But Seth is holding back.

Are stolen moments with Oliver enough, or will Seth’s growing love risk putting a target on Oliver’s back? Someone dangerous stands in the way of the new couple’s happily ever after. Someone willing to do whatever it takes to keep Seth and Oliver apart.

Can Seth get close to Oliver without letting the sweet, soft boy get too close?

What if the truth sends Oliver running scared?

Is their whirlwind romance worth the fight?

Fighting for Love is book 2 in the Cut to the Feeling series. It is a gay instalove romantic drama that is better read as part of the series.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Told in 1st person pov, Fighting for Love drew me right in, as this Noah Steele book is a great addition to his Cut to the Feeling series. Despite being part of the series, it is great as a standalone. 

First of all, I have to say that I absolutely love the name of the coffee shop. Seriously, it's awesome. 


This is a story full of insecurities, intense chemistry, and a sense of danger. The tone is mysterious and ominous, allowing you to really sense the fear, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the danger escalates.
An insta-love story, stay away from this one if you hate this trope. 

Seth's reserved and doesn't reveal much. He's full of fear and sadness. I found myself just wanting to give him a hug. As a couple, Seth and Oliver are so damn sweet together. Intense, sacrificial, determined, and full of love

The title is perfect, as these two have a long road ahead of them, fighting to be together. Their story is one of overcoming issues and finding love. It's about making sacrifices for those you love. Ultimately, it's a sweet, yet intense romance. 

Fighting for Love is great, with a storyline that's riveting and full of emotion. I definitely felt it all; the fear, the need, the want, the apprehension, and the love. A new author, Noah Steele is impressive in his writing style; the storyline, the character development, and the likeable characters all add up to a great story.

Tyler Tuesday - Silver and Black by Tyler May

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This was an early read of mine, as far as the MM genre is concerned.

And it just included so many wonderful factors for me:

- Rich CEO falls in love with Barista

- betrayal from a former lover

- sparks, lots and lots of sparks

- painful past

- a lovable, funny roommate

- mystery

- potential blindness

- a wonderful journey of trust and faith

I totally loved this book and suggest you check it out if you haven't read it yet!