Pines and Violets (Colors of Love #7) by V.L. Locey

 

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Colors of Love Series

Lost In Indigo - All Buy Links

Touch Of A Yellow Sun - All Buy Links

The Good Green Earth - All Buy Links

Slow Dances Under An Orange Moon - All Buy Links

A Brush Of Blue - All Buy Links

Songs of a Red Currant Wine - All Buy Links

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He never thought he’d find love again, but one summer changes his entire life.

Greg Mattar always had a clear path in life. The son of wealthy professionals, he and his sister wanted for nothing growing up in Montreal. His skills playing hockey led him to be picked first in the draft and a successful career as one of the premier defensemen in the league. He married his college sweetheart and within a year, they’d been blessed with twin girls. Then the unthinkable happened, and Greg’s life was turned inside out.

After losing his wife to cancer, he’s left alone to raise his daughters and at the same time balance his career. After a rough two years of mourning coupled with a dismal season, Greg and his girls travel to a small vacation community deep in the Catskills. There he meets Aiden Burke, a local artisan with a past who enchants not only Greg’s daughters but Greg as well. During a vacation filled with laughter, acceptance, and morning goose parades, the two men fall for each other, which begins a journey down a winding road of revelations and romance. 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pines and Violets is the seventh book in VL Locey's Colors of Love series. Each book is easily read as a standalone. 

Greg's a black hockey player who's spending some time in the woods with his daughters. Still grieving the loss of his wife, he's surprised to find himself attracted to the strange guy with the goats. 

Their story is cute and sweet, with everything evolving naturally between the men. And I adore the kids and their contribution to the story. They are cute and funny, and totally loveable. 

I appreciate that Greg never struggles with his sexuality. Instead, this is the story of him falling in love, coming out, and dealing with some obstacles that are in his way. 

Their story is full of first times and sexual experimentation. It's a story with racism and homophobia, both of which had my heart hurting for Greg. 

Theirs is a story of redemption, acceptance, and forgiveness. It's a story of finding one's place in the world again. And I love it all!

Pines and Violets is the perfect feel-good escape. This VL Locey is nice and low-angst, with plenty to keep you charmed throughout. 

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USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

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MF - The Risk Taker (Boston Hawks Hockey #2) by Gina Azzi

 

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My brother's best friend, NHL god Easton Scotch, has always seen me as a kid. Now, I'm his new roommate and I'm determined to show him that Claire Merrick is all grown up.

Boston Hawks left wing and bad boy personified, Easton is untouchable, reckless, and sexier than any one man ought to be. He has a complicated past, makes questionable life choices, and doesn't want anyone growing too close. Least of all me.

East makes himself clear on his first day out of rehab, when we become reluctant roommates. At best, I'm angling for friendship. But soon, East is lowering his guard and we're bonding.

When we cross a line there's no coming back from, he spirals, jeopardizing his recovery and my heart. If Easton is the risk taker, then why does it feel like I'm the one gambling it all?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Risk Taker is the second book in Gina Azzi's Boston Hawks Hockey series. And it's a fun brother's best friend romance. 

Brother's best friend is my favorite trope. Add in sports, especially hockey, and it's absolutely awesome!

Claire and Easton's story is great. I was excited to read about Easton after meeting him in the first book, and am thrilled with his story. 

When we first met Easton, he was in rehab. Now he's out and trying to get his life back on track. With Claire as his new roommate, he is determined not to get involved with her. 

What follows is the slow breaking down of walls and a delightful ride from acquaintances to lovers. 

Both are at a crossroads in life. Easton's trying to keep his career going and trying to stay sober. Claire's struggling to get her life in order, trying to follow her dreams instead of the expectations put upon her. 

I love the way they support and encourage one another. 

Easton's demons with alcohol are well illustrated, including the things that make him want to drink. I applaud his character in the end. His lack of self esteem is heart breaking. 

The family dynamics are fabulous, with lots of wonderful moments and fun. 

The Risk Taker is a great read. This Gina Azzi tale had me happy throughout. I am in love with this sports romance series so far. 

Deliverance (Darkest Skies #2) by Garrett Leigh

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

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Banished gangster Benito Martell is living on the edge. An explosive hook-up in a club gifts him the relief he craves, but nothing about his life is ever so simple. Complications abound, and before long, he’s falling for the only man who can save his family from eviction.

Recovering addict Mickey Larwood has worked hard to leave his past behind. He can’t look back, not even for the beautiful Benito, the last soul on earth he expected to steal his heart—a soul who’s knee-deep in the underworld Mickey has run hundreds of miles to escape.

Benito can deny it all he wants, but Mickey can smell trouble a mile off.

And Benito is trouble with a capital T. As his desperate lies unravel, so does the fledgling love that’s grown between them. If Benito wants deliverance from his old life and a future with Mickey, old ghosts need to die.

If they don’t kill him first.

Deliverance is an angsty standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness. Trigger warnings for addiction and childhood trauma. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Deliverance is the second book in Garrett Leigh's Darkest Skies series. As the title suggests, this series is a tough and raw one. Each is easily read as a standalone. 

If you enjoy tough hurt/comfort romances, you will enjoy this book. If you enjoy seeing men overcome their tough pasts and circumstances, you will enjoy this book. 

Mickey and Benito's relationship is messy and complex, but also wonderful in the end. And damn, their sex scenes are sizzling. 

After hooking up, they find themselves in a complicated relationship. With a mix of business and pleasure, it isn't the easiest thing ever. 

Mickey goes above and beyond to help Benito's family. But at the same time, Mickey struggles with the life Benito's living. Running drugs and living the criminal life is something Mickey wants nothing to do with. Add in Mickey's former drug addiction, and he can't be near Benito's life. 

Of course, the angst and tension is high. The twists and turns are emotionally filled. I seriously was surprised with the storyline. The secondary characters add a lot to the tale, with Benito's sister being fabulous. 

Deliverance is powerful and well worth a read. This Garrett Leigh romance is full of chemistry and longing, while also full of the struggles between good and bad. I'm excited to see what happens next in this gritty series. 

Flirting with Fire (Shore Thing #3) by Grace Kilian Delaney

 

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A stuntman with a love for fire.
A yoga teacher in search of zen.
A holiday season neither will forget.

Stunt performer and self-declared badass, Tate Astbury returns to his hometown to spend another dreaded Thanksgiving with his dad. But his father forgets and makes other plans, resigning Tate to a quiet and depressing holiday alone unless he can find someplace else to celebrate.

When Tate’s mischievous friend learns about the unfortunate twist, he dares Tate to enter a radio contest to become a fake boyfriend for a desperate caller’s holiday dinner, and Tate never turns down a dare.

Endre Michel is a mess. His yoga business is on the cusp of ruin, and his moms are visiting from out of state for the holiday, intent on meeting his boyfriend, a person Endre invented. Through the contest, he meets Tate, a crude, tattooed older man who plays the role of doting boyfriend so well, Endre suspects and hopes it’s not all for show.

Neither man can deny the unintended connection, and they struggle to overcome the distance between Tate’s put-together Hollywood career and the chaos surrounding Endre’s unsteady future—a situation that intensifies when an unthinkable tragedy uncovers a dark and painful truth.

Will Tate and Endre’s future together perish in flames, or can their love rise from the ashes?

Flirting with Fire can be read as a standalone holiday romance with several cups of angst, questionable jokes, a bird with a wicked sense of humor, a bed with loud, squeaky springs, and an HFN/HEA ending.

CW: suicide, substance abuse disorder, grief, mental illness

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Flirting with Fire is a wonderful hurt/comfort read by Grace Kilian Delaney. The third book in the Shore Thing series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

The themes explored throughout this book are heavy. There's a huge emphasis on grief, guilt, depression, and addiction. Everything is written with extreme care, compassion, and heart. It's realistic, emotional, and all consuming. I am downright impressed with the way the author handles everything. 

As for Tate and Endre, they meet via a radio contest for a fake boyfriend for the holidays situation. It's a cute thing and I adore their first meeting, as things get off to a bad start. They do eventually click and end up being great supports for one another.

Learning the details of these men's pasts is as emotional as it gets. Both suffered, and continue to suffer, greatly. The meat of this story is Endre and the fact that his life is at a crossroads. Things with his best friend are strained, he's struggling with his business decision, and he's trying to stay clean through it all. It's a lot to deal with and the reader gets a front row seat for it all. 

One of the highlights of this story for me is the way Endre uses his videos to talk through his pain and addiction issues. He not only talks through his current issues, but we get flashbacks to how he started doing so and why. He's open and honest about his addiction and recovery, putting his vulnerability out into the world. It's remarkable and would be a fantastic way for many people to deal with such issues in real life. I truly love this. 

I love and adore Tate and Endre as a couple. They have a lot on their plates and many reasons to not try to be together, including distance. But through it all, they genuinely are perfect for one another and help the other to heal. Fate is definitely at play for these two.

And then there's Endre and Jackson. What a complicated relationship these two have. Omg, my heart breaks for Jackson and I completely understand his decisions, despite the impact they have on Endre. I am crossing my fingers that we get Jackson's story, as I desperately need him to find love. 

This story has a lot going on. Much of it is the men dealing with their emotional baggage. It has looks into Tate's career as a stunt man and the danger he faces. There's also real life danger to deal with, as well as some twists and turns that help bring this story full circle. I should say, the twists and turns weren't a shock to me, as I suspected the big reveal all along, but I love the way it's developed and executed. Another well done moment for the author.

In the end, Flirting With Fire is a beautiful story. This Grace Killian Delaney book is one hell of a ride. as we're reminded that sometimes what looks like a bad thing can actually be a new opportunity for better things. Definitely consider this book the next time you're in the mood for an angst ridden emotional journey towards healing. You won't regret it. 

Second Nature (His Chance #2) by Alexa Land

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link 

The last time I saw Gabriel, he was putting me on a bus and sending me to some relatives I’d never met, with the hope of a fresh start after rehab.

That was four years ago.

Now he’s back in my life. I’ve wanted him for years, while he’s always thought of me as just a friend. This is my one shot at turning our friendship into so much more.

But how do I convince him I’m the man he needs, and not the broken boy he used to know?

Second Nature is book two in Alexa Land’s His Chance Series, which is a spinoff of her best-selling Firsts and Forever Series. Firsts and Forever readers will recognize some familiar faces, but this gay romance can be read as a stand-alone.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Second Nature is classic Alexa Land. The second book in the His Chance series, Land starts us off on Catalina Island, the setting of her Castaways series, and ends up taking us to San Fransico, where her Firsts and Forever series takes place. 

For this book, Gabriel and Riley get their second chance, after many years of hoping to find one another again. I love these men. They are survivors who clearly belong together. They helped each other in the past and are doing so again. 

Their story includes former prostitution, drugs, a vile Dom, and more. They have to deal with temptation, stubbornness, and pride. And for the good stuff, their tale includes sexy panties, delicious outfits, and a pantry revolution. 

The main characters are fabulous, with complex pasts and a strong connection. They truly deserve a happy ending. And the side characters consist of past characters who made me cheer when they showed up. Yes, I actually cheered out loud. 

My favorite quote has to be "Why not just let people be themselves and be happy? It doesn't cost anything to accept others instead of judging them." If only!

Second Nature is a compelling romance that will keep you satisfied throughout. I love Alexa Land and the heart she infuses into her stories. This one is sure to delight!

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Where Loves Grows by Jay Northcote

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Length: 70,000 words approx.

Goodreads Link

Blurb

When two broken men look to each other for help, an unexpected romance blooms.

Stephen’s home, deep in the heart of the Welsh valleys, suits his reclusive nature. However, as he recovers from illness, he’s struggling to manage alone. As nature reclaims the land he’s poured his heart into cultivating, he becomes increasingly unhappy. His only outlet is his blog, where he documents the decline of the garden that had been his pride and joy.

Luke is more used to a concrete jungle. He was a high-flyer, living and working in London, until addiction sent him into free fall. Now on the road to recovery, he still wants to make some changes, but he’s unsure where to find the purpose and fulfilment he craves.

A mutual acquaintance suggests Luke visits Stephen to help him out for a while, and a seed of hope is planted. From prickly beginnings, shoots of friendship emerge, blossoming into a deeper connection when they act on their mutual attraction.

This was only ever supposed to be a temporary arrangement, and soon Stephen will be able to manage on his own again. But both men need each other in ways they’re afraid to admit. If their love is going to last for more than one season, they’ll need to find the courage to be honest.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Where Love Grows got off to a slow start for me, but in the end, this Jay Northcote book is beautiful.

Stephen and Luke are two men who desperately need one another. They just don't know it. Both men have tough pasts, one has had to endure many physical issues, the other a mess of mental issues.

Stephen's background is absolutely tragic, with a horrific accident that left him physically disabled. He's still trying to come back physically to being able to do what he loves. 

Luke's tough past started early, with serious issues during his young years. Having dealt with a lot of his own issues, he's struggling to overcome his addiction. 

Their story full of fear, confusion, and hurt. These are two men who are drowning in their fears. Their tale does a great job of exploring the natural inclination to not trust in a future or in happiness.

The author expertly explores the importance of spending some time with nature, connecting with the beauty of the world we live in. The differences between living in the city versus living in the suburbs and getting to spend time outdoors are well explored. As the author notes at the end, this part is written with knowledge, and personal inspiration. It's a tender and meaningful aspect to this story. 

In the end, Where Love Grows is a tender and beautiful story of hope and survival.

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press.


Website: https://jaynorthcote.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jay_Northcote

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/jaynorthcotewriter

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/jaynorthcotefiction

Facebook author group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaysplayground

Newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/JN-readers

Jay’s books: http://author.to/JayNorthcote

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Wayward Son (My Best Friend's Brother #3) by Kay Simone

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Blurb

“I’ve been halfway around the world, baby. But I had to come home to find out who I am--and who I need by my side.”

Life has never been as sweet for Reese and Otto as it is now--but the Blair family has never been so fractured.

With Cheshire changing around him every day, it’s all too easy for Otto to forget his commitments back in Texas--but good news is around the corner for once. His house in Fort Worth is as good as sold. His role at Sweetpetal Inn expands every day. Even his obstinate little brother is making some desperately-needed changes.

“But what are we going to do about Luke?”

After an ultimatum, Luke must re-examine his actions and his relationship to his foster brother, Reese. But with Luke’s volatile behavior, can anything truly fix the rift between Luke and his best friend this time?

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Freed from some of his worries at last, Reese finds himself deeply in love with Otto, with his friends, with his life in Cheshire. He never thought he’d be able to find his best life simply by staying put in the town where he was born.

But in the back of his mind, one question looms large: will the Blair family ever feel like a family again?

Wayward Son is the third book in the three-book series, My Best Friend’s Brother. It has a happily-ever-after ending, but is NOT self-contained. Wayward Son contains frank discussions about drug use and recovery.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wayward Son is a fantastic addition to Kay Simone's My Best Friend's Brother series. If you haven't already read Black Sheep and Golden Boy, do so now. 

In this third book in the series, Otto and Reese are dating, but are still hiding their relationship from Luke. Oh man, the issues with Luke are so damn realistic and well written. It's his reaction to them that spurs all the tension in this series. In the end, it's perfectly handled.

But it's Otto's addiction that really guts me. l love the honest and realistic way in which it's portrayed. Addiction never goes away, and Otto perfectly exemplifies this. I can't praise the way this is written enough. 

Otto's fear of letting people down has always lead his decisions, which is also heartbreaking. I just want to hug young Otto and tell him to stop worrying about everyone else. 

The entire My Best Friend's Brother series is superb. Kay Simone fills the pages with sweetness, love, romance, and the right amount of angst. I truly love this series that follows the same relationship throughout. Everything is wonderful; the men, the town, and the depth of this romance. The ending is superb, with these men having grown as individuals and as a couple.

Wayward Son is a beautiful continuation of Otto and Reese's love story. They are a perfect couple, who definitely belong together. I have absolutely fallen in love with and hate to see the series ending.