Tricks by Rick R. Reed

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Blurb

Tricks can mean many things: sex partners, deceptions, even magic ... or maybe all three.

Arliss is a gorgeous young dancer at Tricks, the hottest club in Chicago’s Boystown. Sean is the classic nerd, out of place in Tricks, but nursing his wounds from a recent breakup. When the two spy each other, magic blooms.

But this opposites-attract tale does not run smooth. What happens when Arliss is approached by one of the biggest porn producers in the business? Can he make his dreams of stardom come true without throwing away the only real love he’s ever known? And ... will it even matter if the mysterious producers realize their dark intentions?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

It took me a while to become fully invested in Rick Reed's Tricks, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. 

Arliss, a dancer at a sleezy club meets Sean. What follows is a riveting ride, as the two mesh well, but are facing a whole lot of conflict. And damn, that conflict is intense. 

This story includes many references to drug use, prostitutes, orgies, porn, gang bangs, rape, and more. If that isn't your thing, skip this one. What I truly enjoy is the intense fear and awareness of contracting HIV in this story that explores many aspects of the world of "tricks." 

The author does a great job developing this tale with fabulous writing, a complex storyline, and two intriguing characters. The pace is quick, and the action non-stop. 

Tricks is a great read. Definitely check out this Rick Reed book when you're in the mood for a complex story revolving around the world of drugs, sex, clubs, and porn.  

Secrets from the Edge by S.C. Wynne

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Blurb

Once a rising super star in the competitive world of snowboarding, Keith Williams is grappling with the results of a horrible crash that almost wrecked his body and ripped his confidence from him. Four surgeries later he’s struggling with debilitating fear, but trying to hide it, even as he forces himself to fight his way back to his number one spot.

Keith grudgingly agrees to take part in a snowboarding documentary his buddy is shooting. He hopes that the documentary will help entice sponsors to return and get him back on top where he belongs. Unfortunately, a reporter is also coming along on the shoot.

Jesse Royce is a journalist embedded on the snowboarding documentary. Keith and Jesse have a past sexual relationship, but Keith knows he still needs to hide his lack of nerve from his ex-lover. Jesse is looking for a juicy story, and Keith can’t afford to let his guard down.

Unfortunately, Keith’s loss of nerve isn't the only secret he’s keeping; he also has a dark, heartbreaking past he’d rather no one knows about.

But no matter how much Keith hates it, no secret can stay hidden forever.

Secrets From the Edge is a 53,000 word story about recapturing courage and learning to trust and love again. This is a re-release originally published in 2015.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Secrets From the Edge is a great sports romance, which is one of my favorite things to read. This SC Wynne story is sweet while also being very serious. 

Keith's a snowboarder who's trying to get back to the sport after an injury. Adding to his stress is an ex coming to work with him as a reporter. The problem? Keith is closeted and does not want to be outed. On top of that, he's ashamed of his past, not wanting anyone to learn his secrets.

I enjoy the underlying angst of their conflict of interest throughout. After all, an athlete getting involved with a reporter sent to write about him isn't an easy ride.

This is a story with stellar character growth, as Keith learns about himself as well as his relationships with others. It's a fantastic story of reevaluating the benefits of friendship and love.

The teammate issues are a huge part of Keith's character development. I enjoy this, as we all know that there's always some jealousy involved. But it's his stoic nature that is his real problem with his fellow snowboarders. I absolutely love this aspect of the story, as what one sees as being self sufficient, another resents.

The writing is excellent, with stellar dialogue. The author expertly draws the reader into the tension and pull throughout. There are some great secondary characters who add a lot to the story. 

Secrets From the Edge is an impressive sports romance. I definitely recommend it when you're in the mood for your next complex-athlete-falling-in-love story. 

Or the Highway (Haven Hills #2) by J.D. Light

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Blurb

Trying to make it through one day at a time is all Justice has known for the last six years. To say that he had an interesting past is putting whipped cream on top of dog crap. He's done what he's had to to survive, but he's well aware of the stigma that comes with some of those things. Nobody had the ability to keep a straight face when you told them you were a prostitute for five years. After a few bad experiences in a row with Johns, he promised himself he'd never go back to that again. It's time to get his life in order. Starting with getting a normal job in a new town where nobody recognizes him and getting his GED. There's no time in his life for crushing on his gorgeous, older boss with the kind, patient heart and the no-nonsense attitude, and he definitely can't, in good conscience, go into a relationship with somebody without telling them about his past. Luther would never want him if he knew.

Luther takes one look at the gorgeous younger man who shows up looking for a job and slips almost immediately into protective mode. Justice might have a lot of secrets, but he recognizes a soul in need of compassion and love in those pretty brown eyes, because Justice isn't the only one with a past. Though he enjoys the innocent flirting from the sassy waiter, he's not sure he's got what it takes to be in a relationship, but life has a way of throwing two souls together who have the ability to heal each other.

Or the Highway is Book two in the Haven Hills series. It can be read as a standalone, but you will better understand the background characters if you read the series in order. Lowish angst and plenty of humor.

Trying to make it through one day at a time is all Justice has known for the last six years. To say that he had an interesting past is putting whipped cream on top of dog crap. He's done what he's had to to survive, but he's well aware of the stigma that comes with some of those things. Nobody had the ability to keep a straight face when you told them you were a prostitute for five years. After a few bad experiences in a row with Johns, he promised himself he'd never go back to that again. It's time to get his life in order. Starting with getting a normal job in a new town where nobody recognizes him and getting his GED. There's no time in his life for crushing on his gorgeous, older boss with the kind, patient heart and the no-nonsense attitude, and he definitely can't, in good conscience, go into a relationship with somebody without telling them about his past. Luther would never want him if he knew.

Luther takes one look at the gorgeous younger man who shows up looking for a job and slips almost immediately into protective mode. Justice might have a lot of secrets, but he recognizes a soul in need of compassion and love in those pretty brown eyes, because Justice isn't the only one with a past. Though he enjoys the innocent flirting from the sassy waiter, he's not sure he's got what it takes to be in a relationship, but life has a way of throwing two souls together who have the ability to heal each other.

Or the Highway is Book two in the Haven Hills series. It can be read as a standalone, but you will better understand the background characters if you read the series in order. Lowish angst and plenty of humor.

Trying to make it through one day at a time is all Justice has known for the last six years. To say that he had an interesting past is putting whipped cream on top of dog crap. He's done what he's had to to survive, but he's well aware of the stigma that comes with some of those things. Nobody had the ability to keep a straight face when you told them you were a prostitute for five years. After a few bad experiences in a row with Johns, he promised himself he'd never go back to that again. It's time to get his life in order. Starting with getting a normal job in a new town where nobody recognizes him and getting his GED. There's no time in his life for crushing on his gorgeous, older boss with the kind, patient heart and the no-nonsense attitude, and he definitely can't, in good conscience, go into a relationship with somebody without telling them about his past. Luther would never want him if he knew.

Luther takes one look at the gorgeous younger man who shows up looking for a job and slips almost immediately into protective mode. Justice might have a lot of secrets, but he recognizes a soul in need of compassion and love in those pretty brown eyes, because Justice isn't the only one with a past. Though he enjoys the innocent flirting from the sassy waiter, he's not sure he's got what it takes to be in a relationship, but life has a way of throwing two souls together who have the ability to heal each other.

Or the Highway is Book two in the Haven Hills series. It can be read as a standalone, but you will better understand the background characters if you read the series in order. Lowish angst and plenty of humor.
Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

JD Light's Or the Highway, the second book in the Haven Hills series, is great age gap romance.

Justice is poor, barely getting by, just trying to survive. He's got an ugly past he's ashamed of, as he's a former prostitute. Luther is his boss who's very protective of him. With secrets of his own, he's a multi-layered character as well. Despite being 19 years older than the young Justice, the attraction and chemistry is there. Honesly, I absolutely love that Luther fell for Justice at their first meeting. Not only wanting to help him, save him, and protect him, he also wanted to love him. Swoon.

Their story is one of intrigue and compassion, courage and smoking hot spice. It's a story of secrets and hidden pasts. It's a story of violence and growth. 

The writing is great, with well developed, likable characters. Told in alternating 1st person pov, the reader is fully invested, as we fully feel the couple's feelings. As well, we once again visit with the characters from New Tricks, which is a bonus.

Or the Highway is a great mix of dark, sweet and spicy. JD Light once again delights in this tale of finding a fresh start. 

Keep Me (Rutledge Brothers #3) by Piper Scott

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Blurb

For here or to go? It’s a question Nathaniel O’Toole asks every day while working in his uncle’s pie shop. But when Harrison Rutledge walks through the front door, Nathaniel can’t help but imagine a third option—forever.
Not that it’s possible, of course.
Even if a guy as attractive as Harrison wanted him, Nathaniel’s duty is with his uncle’s business. Ever since his older brother disappeared, he’s done his best to keep what little family he has left together.
He can’t let a man interfere.
At least, not until the impossible happens and Nathaniel’s brother comes home.

Nathaniel O’Toole is the sweetest thing in Pie Five bakery, and Harrison Rutledge can’t help but want a taste. When he leaves his number, he hopes Nathaniel will call to ask him out, but when he finally gets in touch, it’s for business—his brother needs help.
And so might Harrison if he can’t get Nathaniel out of his head.

Keep Me is the third and final novella in the Rutledge Brothers series. Please note: this book was previously released in May 2017 under the same title, but its contents, including elements of its plot, have significantly changed.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Keep Me, Piper Scott's third book in the Rutledge Brothers series, is a sweet read, as a doula alpha falls in love with his patient's brother. 

Nate and Harrison are attracted to one another when they meet. Soon they develop a professional relationship and can't pursue anything more.

I enjoy all of this story. The pregnancy, the doula work, and the relationship that develops between Nate and Harrison. It's just a sweet story of falling in love.


Keep Me is a good tale of an alpha finding love and a family, something he never dreamt he could have. 

Save Me (Rutledge Brothers #2) by Piper Scott

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Blurb

"All I want is to keep you safe... why can't you understand that?"

Detached, by-the-books, and devoted to his job, alpha Silas Rutledge would rather save omegas than date them. As an omega rehabilitation counselor, he’s worked with some of the city’s most troubled young men and never let a single one of them into his heart. But the second snarky ex-prostitute Elijah McMillan walks into his office, Silas knows he’s in trouble. Not only is Elijah the most stubborn omega he’s ever met, he’s the most gorgeous, too.

Survival is all Elijah McMillan understands, and after years spent selling his body in order to stay alive, he has life figured out: no alpha is worth the heartache, and there are no happily ever afters. When Elijah is rescued against his will from the brothel that’s kept him fed and sheltered, Elijah is pissed—and he’s even more pissed when his care is entrusted to soft-spoken, dangerously handsome alpha Silas Rutledge, whose green eyes make Elijah long for everything he can’t have.

When Elijah is thrust into harm’s way while under Silas’ care, the two must make a choice that will shape the rest of their lives—give in to love and pay the price, or walk away and be saved.

Save Me is a 34,000 word novella set in an alpha/beta/omega universe. It contains male pregnancy and two men whose love triumphs over all obstacles. It can be read as a stand-alone, but is best enjoyed after reading Thaddeus and Seth’s story, Love Me.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Save Me, Piper Scott's second in the Rutledge Brothers series, is a good read. 

Silas grows an inappropriate attachment to the young omega, Elijah. Elijah is such a damaged soul, full of self-doubts and insecurities. He knows nothing other than life in a brothel. Elijah's an interesting character who's grown up believing Omegas are useless in society. 

As Silas, who's a rehab counselor for troubled omegas, longs to help out the young omega, the lines get blurred. Elijah's attracted to Silas who treats him right, and Silas is definitely attracted to Elijah. 

I love the ending, and the way they handled everything. Overall, these Rutledge Brothers books would make for an outstanding long series.

Save Me is a sweet story of healing; of gaining self confidence. This Piper Scott tale is an entertaining story of helping one to heal and to know their true strength.

A Package Deal by Mia Kerick

Dreamspinner Press

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Blurb

Robby Dalton is the perfect all-American boy. He played the sports his father chose for him in high school, attended the college his father selected, and has worked hard to conform to his father's macho views. But emotionally he doesn’t fit anywhere, and he can’t connect with a woman beyond a few uninspired dates. Robby’s not in the closet, because he’s never guessed he’s gay. Now he owns a small commercial construction company, and one night after work he runs into Savannah Meyers. He finds her fascinating and agrees to a date, thinking maybe this woman would be different.

But Savannah has her own agenda. She is looking for a love match for her roommate, Tristan Chartrand, whom she rescued from the streets years ago. He’s like a brother, and her only family, so she wants him safe and happy. Her plan seems to begin well, because when Robby meets Tristan, he’s surprised to find it’s Tristan he wants, not Savannah. But some people in Robby’s life don’t approve of Tristan’s lowly station in life, and some don’t approve of Robby being gay. Some people are full of hate and violence, and Robby and Tristan will need courage and strength if a loving future is to be part of the deal.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

A Package Deal, by Mia Kerick, is a complicated and messy romance.

I found the beginning to be a little difficult, as I was having a tough time caring about Savannah. As I wasn't interested in reading a M/F romance, I was weary. But, later, it gets so good and was definitely worth the read.

I love the slow burn in which Robbie truly falls for Tristan. Once they really connect, it's with such intensity, and an all-consuming need. In other words, it's passionate and hot, jumping off the page. It a total turn on.

Don't let the potential sex with a girl turn you off. This story is wonderful. It's about love and growth. It's about trust and strength. It's about friendship and family. It's about shame and embarrassment. It's about rising above and surviving. It's about dreams and choices.

The author gifts us with some extremely broken and scarred characters. Tristan and Savannah's past is heart wrenching and the more we learn, the more I like Savannah. Both my heart and body ached for Tristan. As for the relationship between Tristan and Savannah, it's truly a gift. Neither would have survived without the other. Two former street kids, Savannah saved Tristan and helped him become a confident, successful man. 

As for Robbie, his best friend is a jackass.

A Package Deal is an amazing read. The storyline is stellar and unique, as Mia Kerick entwines romance with so much more. It's crazy and intricate, making for a fantastic book.