Denver's Calling (Cooper's Ridge #1) by J.J. Harper

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

This book has previously been released in 2017. It has been re-edited and extended, but the story hasn't changed.

When Denver’s long-term partner breaks up with him, he flees his life, his career, and his bright future as one of the country’s leading trauma surgeons. Ditching everything but his dog, Denver returns to the quiet town of Cooper’s Ridge and his parents’ ranch.

Leaving twelve years earlier, Denver knew he would never be accepted as a gay man in an unaccepting town. So, when he meets Kes—an old school friend—in the bar he owns, he is shocked to find him in an openly gay relationship. Something he never thought would happen here.

What surprises him even more is the instant, mutual attraction the three men have. Accepting a job in Kes’ bar, they dance around each other, wanting them but not believing he would ever fit in with a couple so obviously in love. But, they want him. And they are not prepared to let him go.

Denver takes a risk and accepts their offer of a night out, finding a side of himself he never knew existed. Not trusting himself to be enough for the two men, the desire blooming in him is unprecedented and he can’t deny it: he wants them as much.

He finds his life falling into place, all because of two men. Is it possible he found his forever in a place he never expected it?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Denver's Calling is a delightful menage romance. The first book in the Cooper's Ridge series by JJ Harper, it's a sweet, feel good, and effin smoking read. 

Don't read this one in public though! Seriously, just don't even bother trying. It's not worth it.

This one caught my attention early on. The writing is easy and smooth and the characters charming. And hot. Hell, early on the author puts a hot glory hole image in our heads. 

I enjoy Kas and East a lot. They're hot and ooze sex. They are strongly committed and easily get along. I enjoy their connection. 

Then adding Denver into the mix, as both are attracted to him, just makes things better. 

I adore the way everything develops. There's the instant attraction, amazing chemistry, and all the fears and doubts involved with getting involved with an established couple. The emotions are well explored and realistic.

As well, I appreciate the complications and fear of coming out as a throuple in a small town. Of course, the fact that a child is involved just complicates things. And then there's Denver's past experiences also causing him some problems.

Denver's Calling is a steamy menage romance. Everything about this JJ Harper tale works for me. I love it all!

Hope on the Rocks (Rainbow Cove #4) by Annabeth Albert

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

One too many…
Doctor Quinn Strauss is beloved by his small-town patients. He almost never drinks, especially not alone on a weeknight. But he’s heartbroken over an unexpected reminder of exactly how much his bad breakup has cost him. And the sexy ginger bartender keeps making him special drinks that go down a little too easy.

Take a drunk doc home…
Bartender Adam Ringer can tell when someone’s hurting, and the heroic local doctor is practically radiating pain. Adam’s a natural caretaker and can’t help but spring to Quinn’s rescue. And when the drunk and rambling Quinn reveals a mutual sexy interest, Adam’s other instincts are intrigued. He can’t wait for Quinn to sober up.

All mixed up…
When Adam offers Quinn a chance to explore secret desires he’s long repressed, Quinn finds himself saying yes to a summer fling with the younger Daddy bear. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan, but amid all their steamy encounters and intimate exchanges, a deep, emotional bond is forged. Summer is nearly over. Real life pressures are mounting. Can they grow enough to find a way to forever?

Hope on the Rocks is a brand-new, full-length Rainbow Cove novel featuring a younger Daddy and a doctor convinced he’s too old to follow his secret desires. Contains a lot of sexy exploration, opposites attract, loads of feels, and a guaranteed happy ending. No age play or cliffhangers!

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Hope on the Rocks is the fourth book in the Rainbow Cove series. This Annabeth Albert is a nice addition to the small town series. 

I like Quinn and Adam from the start. We first meet them in a cute, drunken moment that develops into more. 

The couple is certainly good together, as well as cute and good compliments for each other. I enjoy their opposite natures and the way everything develops between them. 

One of my favorite aspects of their relationship is Quinn's lack of confidence in having a Daddy. He believes he's too old to explore the type of relationship he wants. Luckily for him, Adam thinks that's BS.

I enjoy the way Quinn falls into calling Adam Daddy. It's both easy and natural, despite his hesitation. That said, I love the way their Daddy relationship plays out. They are definitely into the lifestyle, although it's not a 24/7 thing. They make it work the way they want it to.  

The migraines are a great addition to the story, both in moving things along for them, as well as adding a lot of heart to the story. If you enjoy a man who helps nurse the one he loves, you will appreciate this element.

Hope on the Rocks is a nice sweet and steamy romance. Annabeth Albert entertains in this Daddy romance. 

Knave of Broken Hearts (Love in Laguna #2) by Tara Lain

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

One look at his cardiologist and Jim’s got two heart problems.

Jim disappointed his wealthy family at 16 and he’s been perfecting the skill ever since.
Too much booze.
Too little responsibility.
Too much faking his interest in women.

Then Jim does one good deed to help out his best friend Billy and winds up in the doctor’s office face-to-face with Dr. Ken Tanaka – and Jim’s secret yaoi kink.

Ken’s got baggage like a Beverly Hills debutante, so if Jim wants to be other than a notch on Ken’s stethoscope, he’s going to have to fix more than his mitral valve.

Or maybe he’ll just figure that when you’re a blue-collar guy and fall for your cardiologist, you deserve a broken heart.

KNAVE OF BROKEN HEARTS is an opposites-attract, coming out, finally growing up, yaoi-love, meeting-his-mother, MM romance. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Knave of Broken Heart is another great book in the Love in Laguna series. The second book in this Tara Lain series, it's easily read as a standalone.

These two men and their story drew me in immediately. We met Jim in Knight of Ocean Avenue and getting to read his tale is awesome. His immediate connection Ken is fabulous. 

Jim, like Billy in the first book, is a construction worker who never thought about his sexuality. Until Billy comes out. His past put him firmly in the straight column and he never looked back. And now he's about to deal with his sexuality for the first time. And damn, his backstory is heartbreaking. 

And then there's Ken. Oh man, the family pressure on him is ever present. His momma runs his life and he struggles to stand up to her. I really wanted to smack some sense into him often. 

I love the way these two men naturally came together. Neither are the type to jump into a gay relationship quickly, so I love how everything evolved for them slowly. 

Their tale includes a rape drug event that left me extremely shaken. Seriously, this scene is a tough read, but I enjoy the way the author wraps it all up. 

Written in alternating 3rd person pov, these men fully come alive and kept me intrigued throughout. The author includes plenty of Japanese culture into this tale, with Ken being Japanese and Jim being a fan of Japanese comics. The author definitely threw in some things I didn't love, but overall I enjoyed the book a lot. 

Knave of Broken Hearts is an intriguing out for you/sexual awakening romance. Tara Lain definitely put a lot of emotion into this tale and the men make a great couple. 

Mascara & Bandages (Mary's Boys #3) by Brandon Witt

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link  

Ariel Merman is a new drag queen who’s already finding a family at Hamburger Mary’s. After a performance as Ariel, Zachary Cooper walks home in his makeup and is assaulted by homophobes. Zachary’s worry that the attack has thrown a wrench in his good fortune is eased when he looks into the eyes of his doctor.

Dr. Teegan Chau is a little lost after divorcing his wife and coming out of the closet, but he can’t deny the pull he feels toward the young man he patches up. Luckily, Zachary takes the initiative and asks Teegan out. But attraction is the easy part of their blossoming relationship—as they deal with an ex-wife and child, being a drag queen in a heteronormative culture, Zachary’s lingering trauma from his attack, and Teegan acclimating to life as part of an out-and-proud gay couple.

The challenges seem daunting at the start of a romance. Can Zachary and Teegan make it through the rough patches and take a chance on the love that’s been missing from both their lives?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Mascara & Bandages, the third book in the Mary's Boys series, is an amazing story. This Brandon Witt book is best read as part of the series, but could easily be rad as a standalone. 

Being a drag queen at St Mary's is what saves Zachary, as being Ariel helps set him free. Zachary is timid, but Ariel is bold and confident. But most important, Ariel is worry free. 

Teegan's a doctor who meets the young Zachary after he's gay bashed. Like Zachary, Teegan is also wonderfully complex. He has an ex wife who's actually lovely, and a young daughter. His reasons for being in the closet are well explored.

The attack is a tough read, and the aftermath messes with Zachary emotionally and physically. Both men come with their share of issues, including a whole hell of a lot of doubts and fears. But along the way they find strength and love, as they compliment one another perfectly. There's also some good humor in this story of courage and trust. 

Overall, Zachary and Teegan have a tender and sweet relationship. It's a beautiful journey that is full of heat and emotion. There are homophobic parents, with some barbs that left me numb. 

Mascara & Bandages, the third book in the Mary's Boys series is well worth a read. Brandon Witt brings all the emotions to the table in this story, starting with the gay bashing incident and ending with a HEA. It's a wonderful combination of pain and suffering along with attraction, chemistry, and love.

The New Normal (Gold Coast Collage #1) by L.J. Hayward

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Brian Stagliano’s life should be pretty sweet right now. Two of his closest friends are getting married, and he’s taking a new, exciting step in his career as a doctor. Most amazing though, his best mate has been given the all clear from cancer. But Brian’s normal has just been tipped A over T and the friendship he’s relied on for years is in danger. All because of five little words.

Andrew Fitzroy should be on top of the world. The cancer that’s haunted him is gone. He can finally get on with his life—except he doesn’t know what that life is anymore. Is he brave enough to come out as bisexual? Should he pursue architecture or stay in construction? Either way, Andrew knows happiness won’t be his until he has what his engaged friends have—love, joy, passion. So, he says those five little words to Brian—I’m in love with you.

Friends since childhood, Brian and Andrew have always been closer than brothers. Best mates. Nothing could ever tear them apart. Except for those five little words. Now, Brian’s not sure about so many things—their friendship, his own desires—and the foundation Andrew’s built his world on feels like its crumbling. But if they manage not to destroy everything they have together, Andrew and Brian might just find a new normal with each other. 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

The New Normal, the first book in LJ Hayward's Gold Coast Collage series, is an interesting friends to lovers read.

This is the story of mixing a friendship with sex and feelings, and all the problems that come with doing so. Both men are floundering with what they want out of life, including if they want to be together. 

At it's heart, this is a story of struggling to define one's sexuality. In a time when Andrew has just survived cancer and has a second chance, he's struggling with his career choices as well as his love life. He's a closeted bisexual who fears taking his friendship with Brian to the next level. And Brian has his own doubts.

At the beginning, the reader is thrown into a large group of friends, which I found overwhelming. But soon after, things slowed down and we got to know the two main characters. Their story has a lot of subplots taking place, which all add to the character development and growth. 

The humor is fantastic, with a lot of banter and innuendoes sprinkled throughout. That is definitely the thing that kept me invested. The pace is slow, but it's not a mood killer. My biggest issue is that it's told in alternating third person pov. I would have preferred first person pov, as it would have brought a little more to the story. 

Overall, The New Normal is a good read. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this LJ Hayward read is a decent, fresh take on this idea. I will definitely give the next book a try, as there is a lot of potential with this group of friends. 

Deep Down (Crush #4) by Elouise East

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Trusting your instincts can have unexpected consequences...

Craig is a website designer. He spends much of his time happily chained to his desk and, as a boyfriend, he looks after the home while his partner works. It’s all about balance.

Alex is a workaholic doctor, often covering others’ shifts because a busy hospital is where he is most comfortable. He doesn’t have much of a social life even with his best friend dragging him out. He knows nothing about balance.

But Craig’s life is not as picture perfect as it appears… And when Alex has to patch him up, he realises something is amiss with Craig’s relationship. Craig is just another patient, but Alex can’t let him go back into a dangerous situation.

But when Alex reaches out, Craig’s boyfriend sees him as a threat and Craig’s carefully balanced life falls apart - under the fists of the man who has promised to love him.

As a doctor, Alex can heal Craig’s body, but it is up to Craig to learn to heal his own heart… and maybe, give love another chance.

*This book contains sensitive material that could be a trigger for some*

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Elouise East's Deep Down is way more than I was expecting. The fourth book in the Crush series, it is easily read as a standalone. 

Before you even consider reading this book, note that this book is about domestic abuse. If that is a trigger for you, just pass on by. 

Now, as for the story itself. I struggled with the writing at the very beginning. But it didn't take long for me to be sucked in by the storyline. 

This is the story of two men who meet under the worst of circumstances. Craig is injured and Alex is his doctor. Alex immediately suspects domestic abuse at play, and can't let this suspicion go. 

I have to admit that Alex definitely is a little creepy with the way he goes above and beyond to check on Craig. However, these incidences help guide the plot along the way, so just go with it. 

This is a powerful story, as the author tackles some serious issues. The author expertly explores that one can be a serious victim of abuse without ever thinking they are being abused. The author excels at illustrating the calculating ways of an abuser. And in the end, the author shows the reader the struggle one has to endure upon recovery. This part is enlightening for sure. 

Deep Down is a tough read, but this Elouise East story is a wonderful one of survival, healing, and hope. 

BLITZ & REVIEW - Forever (Always & Forever #2) by Kindle Alexander

Title: Forever

Author: Kindle Alexander

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: April 6, 2020

Goodreads Link

Forever, the continuation of the number 1 bestselling novel, Always is coming soon.

Dr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most—the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life.

For Tech Sergeant Landon Russo, determination isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Joining the US Air Force allows him to prove his worth, and he takes the values of integrity, service and excellence to heart in every decision he makes. Until on one fateful night, in celebration of a much-deserved promotion, a simple misstep sends his life flying into a tailspin.

As both men fight to regain control of their lives, they’ll soon discover fate rules. Will they ignore the signs and risk everything or will they take a chance and trust they're destined to be together...forever? 

Amazon US -  Available in KU

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

An avid fan of Kindle Alexander, I am not surprised at the beauty that is Forever. The second book in the Always & Forever series, this book is the journey of Robert following his fathers' deaths. And wow, just wow! 

After Landon is injured, Robert appears at this bedside. The reason Robert ever ends up in that hospital, where he meets Landon, is as touching as can be. Feathers. Enough said. Read it, you'll understand. 

Just like what happened to his fathers in Always, Robert knew that this man was his. This is a beautiful story of intense love, as fate brings these two men together. And a backstory that makes their connection immediate is amazing. Chills. Just chills.

Both men have their share of issues, but their love and chemistry is never in doubt. Robert's issues with self confidence and feel unworthy are well explored. This side of Robert's personality just made me fall for him even harder. 

One needs to have read Always to get the full feel for this book. Avery and Kane are talked about often and are the magnets that brought these two men together. They're both a huge aspect of this tale and understanding their story seems necessary to enjoy Robert and Landon's story. 

Two fantastic contributing side characters are Robert's sister and grandmother. I just love them. Both are full of support, encouragement, and love, adding greatly to the story.

Oh, and if you're looking for heat, there's plenty of that as well.

One of the aspects of this tale that just guts me is the distance factor. When lovers are separated, that just kills me, and of course, these two definitely face their share of distance issues. Of course, these two not only spend a lot of time apart, but their lives are very separate too. 

But, do not fear, in the end, this love story is magnificent. 

Forever is everyone I was hoping it would be. Kindle Alexander manages to impress me again with this magnificent tale. If you have read Always, grab this sequel now. And if you never read Always, omg, start with that one and then read Forever. Be prepared to have tissues handy however, as Always is one of the most gut wrenching books ever. 

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“You think you know me?” The words and tone said something different than the playfulness dancing in Dr. Adams’s eyes as he lifted a single brow.

Yeah, in another place and time, that look would have been sexy as hell. Now though, wasn’t that time. “No, I don’t know you, not at all. I don’t even know people like you, so I don’t know how to guess. It’s why I have to ask.” 

“What does ‘people like me’ mean?” Dr. Adams asked, the fun tone vanished as his eyes narrowed and his brow dropped into a hard V. The intensity coming off the man kind of impressed Landon who lifted his good hand in a peace offering. 

“Don’t get defensive. I meant sophisticated, if that’s the right word?” 

Dr. Adams did another one of his sudden visual mood shifts and started laughing. Shit, this wasn’t working out well for Landon at all. The man had a wonderful laugh, even if it was directed at him, and his dick took notice, plumping underneath his hospital gown. 

“You mean stuffy,” Dr. Adams corrected, his face filled with amusement as he gave Landon a racy teasing look. 

“You’re messing with me on purpose, and I can’t really tell if you’re joking, so let me tell you something I haven’t said because I didn’t know if I should. When you’re contemplating your signs and their meaning to your life and whether you should open yourself to understanding this world is bigger than you thought, you need to know I stood as the honor guard on duty the night you stayed with your father while he sat by your dad’s casket.”

The air stood completely still. The confession caused Landon’s heart to drum steadily in his chest as he stared at the utter shock filling Dr. Adams’s face. He waited through the range of emotion until disbelief hit, and he narrowed his eyes, shifting toward Landon for a closer look. “That was you?”

He clearly didn’t believe him. 

“I volunteered to stay all night with you both.” Landon scrunched his face into his serious I’m-a-badass-sergeant expression then put a hand to his brow partially covering his face like the brim of his wheel cap would do. Recognition instantly filled those blue eyes. 

“I tried to find you to thank you. Did you get my email?” Dr. Adams asked, sitting back in astonishment, like Landon had given the best possible gift. He seemed sincerely appreciative, not in the least bit angry that Landon hadn’t mentioned this before now. 

“I did. The email was forwarded to me by my CO, but I didn’t do it for a thank-you. I’m not kidding when I say your father was a great man. I moved heaven and earth to get there. I owed Vice President Adams my respect to watch over him as an honor guard, but when I watched his husband, in person with my own eyes, grieve like he did, I realized true love was possible for guys like me.” Landon didn’t waver in speaking his truth, damn the consequences of confessing his belief in something so filled with romance and lacking in any solid reason.

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!

Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.

I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I'll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died - weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn't have to be alone.

That time in my life was terrible. It's everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.

Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness - it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.

Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn't a time she wasn't there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It's its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn't be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com

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