If Wishes Were Horses by Silvia Violet

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

A cop and a rancher who never meant to fall in love.

Andy’s last undercover assignment nearly broke him. He’s got another chance to capture his target, but the gorgeous rancher he’s investigating makes him long for things he can’t have.

Ken gave up his society life to run a ranch, and he’ll do anything to protect what’s his. When he starts to suspect his new employee is hiding something, he knows he should send the man away. But Andy is as gorgeous as he is infuriating, and he‘s pulling Ken to him like a magnet. Both men long for control, yet neither knows how to surrender.

A clash of wills is inevitable, but neither man expects the tenderness that grows every time they touch. With secrets between them and outside forces threatening the ranch, each man will need to decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the other.

This 73k western MM romance was previously published. It's been re-edited and an epilogue has been added.

Andy’s last undercover assignment nearly broke him. Now he’s got another chance to capture his target, but the gorgeous rancher he’s investigating makes him long for things he can’t have.

Ken gave up his society life to run a ranch, and he’ll do anything to protect what’s his. When he starts to suspect his new employee is hiding something, he knows he should send the man away. But Andy is as gorgeous as he is infuriating, and he‘s pulling Ken to him like a magnet. Both men long for control, yet neither knows how to surrender.

A clash of wills is inevitable, but neither man expects the tenderness that grows every time they touch. With secrets between them and outside forces threatening the ranch, each man will need to decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the other.
Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Silvia Violet's If Wishes Were Horses is a decent suspenseful/action romance.

From the start, I became intrigued by Ken's decision to leave his company and family behind. This quick glimpse into his personality makes him immediately likable. Fast forward and he owns a ranch, having left his old life firmly in the past.

Andy's an undercover cop who's working on Ken's farm while trying to make a drug bust. The two get off to a good start, full of banter and snark. And lots of flirting. They are full of quick wit and some hot tension. But, as much as they liked one another instantly, it took me a lot longer to feel their connection. Why? Because it's all angry sex and push and pull. The lack of trust they have for each other, and the secrets between them firmly keep them at a distance emotionally.


Both men are well developed individually. The reader fully understands their emotions and their backstory, both of which drives this plot. Their story is full of danger and suspense, as well as hot sex and domination. I love their physical connection, but the emotional connection took a while to be established.

As for the action, I liked it, but it also seems a little forced. Secrets and trust issues greatly affect the way they act. I enjoy the depth of their emotions, but I still felt like things didn't always work together. I found myself confused at times, and wishing the reader knew a little more of what was going on.

I enjoy the author's writing. It's always fluid with interesting characters. In this one, she mixes a semi complex storyline with some BDSM to keep the sparks flying.

Overall, If Wishes Were Horses is a decent read. Silvia Violet manages to fully draw the reader into the pain, fear, and doubts. There's plenty of action and emotion to keep one intrigued.

Rushing In (Ace's Wild #3) by Alice Winters

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

I finally have a chance to team up with Bradley, the hot fellow police officer that I've been longing to get closer to. Somehow, I haven't scared him off, even with my awkward flirting and my father telling him that I mimed giving birth to a cat as a child. When we get a call about a missing college student, I'm eager for the chance to work a case with Bradley, especially when we realize that there might be something more going on. But Bradley and I are determined to figure it out together, even if it means that I have to walk through an adult shop with him by my side. It's not my fault that the store owners think he's a stripper with his tight uniform. Okay, maybe that's just what I was hoping for. A man can dream, right?

Spending time with Bradley is better than I ever imagined. He's sweet, funny, and goes along with just about anything I say or do. It doesn't help that I have a problem of rushing into situations without thinking them through, like the death ride on his motorcycle. But when we go to Ace's Wild to see if we can find out more about the missing person, I learn something new about Bradley that could help me get closer to him. And the book I buy might give me some insight if I would actually read it instead of just looking at the pictures. When he asks me out, I realize that maybe I'm not the only one who wants more. Here's hoping I don't scare him off with the location of our second date!

Rushing In is 41k words of humor, snark, action, romance, and the kind of restaurant you don't want to tell your mom about.

PLEASE NOTE: For the first 90 days of this title's publication, all sales and page reads will be donated to Kaleidoscope Youth Center, an LGBTQ+ center.

**Rushing In is part of a multi-author series of books that take place in the same fictional town. Each story can be read in any order. The connecting element in the Ace's Wild series is an adult store owned by Ace and Wilder. The main characters from each book will make at least one visit to Ace's Wild, where they'll buy a toy to use in their story! The only characters who cross over to each book are Ace and Wilder. And with various heat levels, there's sure to be something for everyone!

I finally have a chance to team up with Bradley, the hot fellow police officer that I've been longing to get closer to. Somehow, I haven't scared him off, even with my awkward flirting and my father telling him that I mimed giving birth to a cat as a child. When we get a call about a missing college student, I'm eager for the chance to work a case with Bradley, especially when we realize that there might be something more going on. But Bradley and I are determined to figure it out together, even if it means that I have to walk through an adult shop with him by my side. It's not my fault that the store owners think he's a stripper with his tight uniform. Okay, maybe that's just what I was hoping for. A man can dream, right?

Spending time with Bradley is better than I ever imagined. He's sweet, funny, and goes along with just about anything I say or do. It doesn't help that I have a problem of rushing into situations without thinking them through, like the death ride on his motorcycle. But when we go to Ace's Wild to see if we can find out more about the missing person, I learn something new about Bradley that could help me get closer to him. And the book I buy might give me some insight if I would actually read it instead of just looking at the pictures. When he asks me out, I realize that maybe I'm not the only one who wants more. Here's hoping I don't scare him off with the location of our second date!

Rushing In is 41k words of humor, snark, action, romance, and the kind of restaurant you don't want to tell your mom about.

PLEASE NOTE: For the first 90 days of this title's publication, all sales and page reads will be donated to Kaleidoscope Youth Center, an LGBTQ+ center.

**Rushing In is part of a multi-author series of books that take place in the same fictional town. Each story can be read in any order. The connecting element in the Ace's Wild series is an adult store owned by Ace and Wilder. The main characters from each book will make at least one visit to Ace's Wild, where they'll buy a toy to use in their story! The only characters who cross over to each book are Ace and Wilder. And with various heat levels, there's sure to be something for everyone!

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Upon reading Rushing In, Alice Winters' contribution to the multi-author Ace's Wild series, I am convinced I would love anything that Alice writes.

From the start, I could not stop laughing, as it has all the banter and snark I've come to love from her books. Basically, if you want to laugh, read this book!

Bradley and Clyde are partners on the force. As their investigating a murder, they also get to know one another. Part of the multi-author series that revolves around a sex shop called Ace's Wild, they end up at Ace's Wild during their research on a case.

This is a story that involves abuse, a past with abuse, and the beginning of a relationship. And hot damn, these two are hysterical together. From their assumptions, to interactions, dates, and family dynamics, it is all wonderful.

I am completely impressed with the author's ability to create such a detailed short story. The characters are all well defined, the issues are well developed, and in just 128 pages, this story is full of hilarity and charm.  She doesn't waste any words, there's no overly descriptive parts, and the pace is fast. 

Basically, read Rushing In when you want to laugh! You won't be disappointed. As for me, this will be a frequent re-read.

With a Friend's Strength (Badge and Bullets #2) by Brittany Cournoyer

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

After surviving two brutal attacks that nearly killed him, Bradley Danforth was determined to put them behind him and move on with his life. He moved into a new house on the other side of town and made a new resolve to live his life to the fullest. Only, Bradley can’t seem to get the one person out of his mind who let him down the most, Max Donohue. When he starts receiving threatening messages, Max is the first person Bradley turns to for help.

Max is a homicide detective who quickly learned that the job is about more than catching the bad guy and being a hero. When he’s assigned a cold case he’d rather leave alone. Max knows he must face a past he buried a long time ago so he can close it once and for all. Max is soon immersed in more than just a murder as he discovers evidence of corruption and a massive cover up. The combination of working the cold case and battling his demons is enough to send Max into a downward spiral, but when Bradley comes to him for help, Max finds the strength to do whatever he can to keep him safe.

Will Max step up to the challenge he failed to overcome before, or will someone succeed in ending Bradley’s life once and for all?

With a Friend’s Strength is the second installment of the Badge and Bullets series featuring the same two characters. It is a suspenseful murder mystery that depicts detailed crimes, strong language, and adult situations. While this series will include a romance, it’s a slow burn that develops throughout the series.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

With a Friend's Strength is the second book in Brittany Cournoyer's amazing Badge and Bullets series.

First, let's all take a moment to enjoy this beautiful cover! Seriously, just damn!
As for the story, if you like suspense mixed with your romance, you will love it. 

Max is assigned to investigate a cold case. Unfortunately, the case has him facing a tragedy from his past. This part is so damn sad, as his struggles are emotional and realistic. 

Bradley's an accountant, which is fun. We don't get enough stories with ordinary people in ordinary professions. Unfortunately for this accountant, he seems to have developed a stalker.

Someone's after Bradley, which is bad enough, but add in Max's search for a killer, and the stakes are raised. Although a thriller and suspense, the author excels in the art of subtle humor. Their story is an emotional ride full of intrigue, action, and danger. The men deal with regrets and a fight for justice. 

I shed many tears with the cold case. The execution of this mystery is perfectly done. Not just well done on it's own, it's also amazingly weaved into Bradley's stalker storyline. 

Overall, With a Friend's Strength is fantastic and I can't recommend it enough. Brittany Cournoyer is an automatic read for me. If you haven't read any of her books yet, what are you waiting for?