Tempt Me (Rebel Mechanics #4) by A.T. Brennan

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
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After a life of hiding, can I find the courage to be myself?

Being single, an introvert, and closeted has made my life lonely. The only bright parts are my coworkers at Rebel Mechanics and my volunteer work with a cat rescue.

In a moment of desperation, I sign up for a dating app, hoping to finally make a connection with someone. Despite me not exactly having stellar social skills, I find myself opening up to a virtual stranger in ways I never have before. What is happening here?

Then a new guy is hired at the garage, Jude. He’s funny, outgoing, and a genuinely nice person. He looks past my shyness and awkwardness, and for reasons I can’t understand, he wants to be friends. It feels like there’s something between us, but that can’t be. He’s straight, and to the outside world, so am I.

Then there’s SinBin7, the guy I’ve been chatting with online. He makes me want to take chances. To share all of myself with him, even though we’ve never met or seen each other’s faces. He feels familiar, like we’ve known each other forever. But then again, so does Jude.

How can I be drawn to two men at the same time? And more importantly: how do I choose?

Tempt Me is a steamy 89k word, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort story featuring coworkers who start as friends, a found family, some scene-stealing cats, and all the feels. It is book four in the Rebel Mechanics series but can be read as a standalone.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Tempt Me is the fourth book in the Rebel Mechanics series. This AT Brennan tale is a great addition to this world. 

Wes and Jude make for a great couple. Their story is compelling and I enjoy the character development. 

It's an opposites attract romance between the somewhat awkward Wes and his outgoing and lively coworker Jude. There's instant attraction but Wes won't let anything happen. 

This is a story where they become friends slowly in person, as well as online, without knowing it. I actually really enjoy the way this plays out. It doesn't have any of the looming doom or angst normally involved. But it's adorable that they are falling for each other in real life, as well as falling for someone else online. 

Both men are closeted, but for different reasons. They're both well developed, with their reasons for being closeted are fully explored. I enjoy the way things progress between them, and their chemistry is undeniable. 

The writing is great, as I've come to expect from this series. And I'm left impressed with the way the author explores the issues of both men. Everything is written and handled with care and compassion. 

Trust Me is a co-worker romance with some sweetness and heat. This AT Brennan tale kept me entertained throughout. 

Trust Me (Rebel Mechanics #3) by A.T. Brennan

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

I want to believe I deserve more, but how can I when no one has ever taken the time to understand me?

A year ago, I thought I found the perfect man. He was sweet, attentive, and promised to take care of me. Then he showed his true colors, and I’ve been trapped with him ever since. I don’t want to live like this, but I can’t seem to find the courage to end things.

That is, until my best friend, Quinn, shows me that I have people who care about me. It’s with their support that I’m finally able to break free and start my journey of healing.

Quinn is right there by my side, helping me find myself again. He’s the best friend I could’ve asked for, and the more time we spend together, the more my feelings for him grow. I’m not used to wanting someone the way I want Quinn. I’m worried it will ruin our friendship if I tell him how I feel, but then again, what could be better than falling in love with my best friend?


Trust Me is a 65k word slow burn best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort story featuring a sweet mechanic, an artistic wheelchair user, a found family, and all the feels. It is Book 3 in the Rebel Mechanics series but can be read as a standalone.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Already in love with the Rebel Mechanics series, I am now delightful and thrilled for this third book, Trust Me. AT Brennan's third book in this series is fabulous and is easily read as a standalone. 

There's a lot going on in this friends to lovers story. And I love it all.

At the start, Bennett's in an abusive relationship, making him automatically a sympathetic character. When he finally realizes he deserves to be treated better, he turns to his best friend Quinn for help. 

I love the friendship they have at the start. Each helps ground the other, and brings a peace into the other's world. The easily fall into living together and spending all their time together.

Quinn is wheelchair bound, and yet Bennett doesn't mind at all. Bennett is supportive and helpful, making him even more loveable. The author does an excellent job illustrating the sexual issues Quinn has with his injury. It's all written with care and compassion, as well as brings so much reality to their situation. I absolutely love this aspect.

Another key issue for these two is Bennett's sexuality. He's demisexual and isn't quite sure of what that means for him. 

Ultimately, both care for one another and everything about them as a couple works wonderfully. I adore the way they care about each other. And I love the way their relationship evolves. 

Trust Me is a beautiful story. This AT Brennan romance impresses as it explores some sexual issues and what it means to both men. I love it. It's unique and well worth a read. 

Tame Me (Rebel Mechanics, #2) by A.T. Brennan

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

I’ve never felt like I fit in. Why would that change now that I’m in college?

Two years ago my best friend broke my heart and left me to pick up the pieces of my self-esteem. I swore I’d never let another person hurt me and shifted my focus to school and getting to where I want to be in the future. I have a job I enjoy, friends who understand me, and a family that loves me. Everything was going according to my plan, until I started to spend time with my housemate Drew.

Drew is everything I’ve always wanted but told myself I couldn’t have. He’s popular, a jock, and most importantly, straight. But the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that what he shows the world is just scratching the surface of who he really is. He’s so much more than I ever thought, and for reasons I can’t explain, he seems bound and determined to be my friend.

Friends. I can do that. Until Drew kisses me and my entire world is flipped upside down. I don’t want to lose the friendship we’ve forged, but I’ve been down this road before. Can we figure out a way to keep things platonic between us? Or am I going to lose another friend when whatever is between us eventually fades away?


***Tame Me is a steamy 83k word, opposites attract, hurt/comfort new adult story featuring a bisexual awakening, a sweet jock, a quirky nerd, some zany coworkers, and accidental feels. It is Book Two in the Rebel Mechanics series but can be read as a standalone.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Tame Me is a wonderful jock/nerd romance by AT Brennan. The second book in the Rebel Mechanics series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

I love this book from the start. The tone is pleasant and easy to read. And the characters immediately had me intrigued. 

Good god, I love college romances. Add in roommates, sharing a house, jock versus nerd, and even better!

Lux and Drew are housemates, who don't know one another well. I adore these men and their story. It's beautiful the way they connect and the little things that bring them closer. 

Their tale is one of sexual exploration, as Drew is attracted to Lux. Not only has Drew never been with a guy before, this is the first time he's ever been attracted to one.  GFY? Bisexual? He isn't really sure. But he knows he wants Lux.

Both men have their complications. Drew has to deal with his new found sexuality, as well as his family issues. Drew's at the mercy of what his father wants him to do, both career wise and personally. And then there's Lux, who has to deal with trust issues, as he's been burnt in his past.

This is a story of a first time GFY/bisexual romance. It has plenty of sexual discovery and sexual exploration. There are first times and lots of fun times. And lace! You gotta love the lace!

It's a story that includes partying housemates, fantastic co-workers, and porch pirates. I enjoy all the humor throughout.

I love the way the author explores that everyone wears masks. Both men hide things from others, always acting the way they think they should. This is wonderfully discussed.

Even more, the author excels in illustrating the assumptions people make about one another. After all, we all know a bunch of jocks don't want anything to do with a nerd, right? I adore and appreciate this aspect of the story.

It's beautiful seeing both men find someone who loves them as they are, and only wants what's best for them. 

Written in alternating first person pov, the men fully come to life. The characters are charming, and they are perfect together. I love the way these two opposites balance one another. Of course, they're also pretty damn hot together.

Tame Me is a beautiful new adult romance. AT Brennan delights in this feel-good love story. I love every single moment of this book. Can't wait to see what happens next in this series. 

Pretty Sweet (Boys in Makeup #2) by Christina Lee & Riley Hart

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Seth
Portland was supposed to be my fresh start, my chance to live for myself. Unfortunately, it’s not working out that way. I stay in the apartment Mom chose and major in finance like she wants. I let bad memories keep me from hooking up. I wouldn’t know the first thing about finding a guy who gets me, who’s okay with my need to be held and feel safe.

When I befriend a worker at the assisted living facility where I volunteer, I don’t expect to get invited to dinner, only to realize her son is Jake, a guy I met through friends last fall. Jake’s not only hot, he’s also sweet, a caretaker, and attracted to me too. Since he’s never been with a guy, and I’m a virgin, we’re setting the pace together, learning what we like, one bone-melting touch at a time.

Jake
My childhood was rocky, with an abusive father and a mother I needed to protect. The first thing I did after high school graduation was get us out of there so we could finally breathe. And start living. For me that means managing the garage I own with my best friend and enjoying the modest house I call my own.

Then Seth enters my life. Our connection is palpable. He’s shy, innocent, and sets my blood on fire. He makes it impossible to ignore my attraction to men. The trust he puts in me is more potent than any desire. I get as much from talking to or holding him as when we let our inhibitions go.

Seth and I fulfill each other’s needs—in and out of the bedroom. But our struggles aren’t easy to shake. With my urge to protect and Seth’s desire to fly, we’ll have to strike the right balance, but when we do, the results will be pretty sweet. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pretty Sweet, the second book in the Boys in Makeup series, is fabulous! I love everything about this Christina Lee and Riley Hart book.

This is a phenomenal story. Seth and Jake are perfect for one another. The way they gravitate to each other and the natural evolution of their relationship is impeccable. 

Seth's a superb character; adorable and lovable, yet totally wounded. However, he fully comes alive when performing. He's a breathe of fresh air with his makeup, and his motivation to work at the nursing home. He's certainly a complex character who's rich but lonely. As his past is unveiled, the reader learns of his motivations, his desire to be strong, and his strength in the end. His relationship with his mother is certainly painful, and has been a leading factor in who he is. As for his loneliness and his fear of being touched, cue the heart-breaking emotions. 

Through Seth's friendship with Bonnie, who is delightful, Seth meets her son Jake. Jake's a mechanic who's locked away his bisexual side. I enjoy the way he gravitates towards the cute Seth. It's all easy and natural, with attraction and want added in. As for Bonnie, she's a delight in general and her relationship with Seth is totally feel-good.

I love these men together. They each come with some baggage, but together they help one another, complimenting each other perfectly.

Jake's coming out as bisexual, and exploring sex with a man for the first time is wonderfully explored. As well, Seth is a virgin, doubling the first time fun. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, the characters fully come alive, with their emotions on their sleeves. This author combo is superb, gifting us complex characters and a heartfelt storyline. 

If you love hurt/comfort romances, you will love Pretty Sweet. I love this series and hope these authors continue this for a while. 

The Only Way to Dream (The Mechanics of Love #3) by M.A. Innes

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Flirting with two fascinating men is fun for Destin, but he has to pick just one of the sweet guys if he wants to open up and share his secrets, doesn’t he?

Growing up in a unique environment hasn’t prepared Destin for college or the real world. Luckily, he knows how to throw himself into a project, whether it’s about learning to live in the dorms or the wonderful world of BDSM.

But it isn’t until he realizes that he might not have to choose between the sexy cop and the mechanic with the wicked smile that he realizes how much he still has to learn.

Avery and Ray have been flirting with the mysterious and mischievous Destin for weeks, but it isn’t until he starts to open up that they realize there’s more to the loveable flirt than meets the eye. But when getting to know Destin means dating each other as well, they start to realize how much is riding on their new relationship…everything.


74k words

Story Contains: M/M/m romantic content, age play (no ABDL), puppy play, spankings, an excitable sub who throws himself into every situation, a mechanic with a terrible sense of humor, and a cop who thinks they’re both uniquely perfect.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

The Only Way to Dream is a fun menage romance. The third book in The Mechanics of Love series, it is sure to delight all of MA Innes' fans.

Destin is interested in exploring BDSM, a whole big world of which he knows nothing about. He's a college student who grew up in a religious cult and is now interested in exploring his sexual desires. 

Upon meeting Ray and Avery, Destin takes an interest in both men. What follows is a fun development, as Destin learns that three can be together. 

Their story is a menage romance, with puppy play and an age gap. They are all wonderful together, in this fun, sweet, and easy going tale. Their combined dynamic kept me intrigued throughout. And the way Destin approaches Ray and Avery is wonderful.

As usual, I love the author's writing style. The characters are interesting, and the relationship development is entertaining. The book is charming with some light kink, and some tender emotions. 

The Only Way to Dream is a menage romance that is full of humor and heat. MA Innes entertains with this angst free romance. 

Hearts Ablaze (Forged in the City #1) by A.D. Ellis

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Chase Steele and Xander Copperfield are down on their luck, as similar as they are different, and ready for a love they didn’t even realize they’d been waiting on their whole lives.

With two gorgeous “tough guys” discovering and exploring their true selves, Hearts Ablaze is a steamy, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, bisexual awakening romance.

*This is the first book in the Forged in the City series.*

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Oh, I love Hearts Ablaze! The first book in AD Ellis' Forged in the City series, it is set upon the back of her Silver in the City series. 


When we meet Chase, he's reunited with his long lost aunt, discovers he has a young sister, and is set upon a new life plan. One that involves Xan. 

These are two men who are hardened to life's unwanted struggles early on. Chase's mother was neglectful, Xan's years were full of running with the wrong group of guys. 

Xan's an ex foster care kid who ended up in a thug life that included being pimped out. One thing that endeared me to Xan early on is his lack of regrets for his old life. He knows what he did is wrong, but he admits he didn't hate it, or being forced into it, at the time. I appreciate this, as I find it very realistic. 

When it comes to relationships and sex, Xan is bisexual, but hasn't explored this side of himself. Chase never planned on being with a guy, but he can't deny his attraction to Xan. 

These are two men who find a best friend, when they desperately need one, and struggle with their feelings of attraction and want. It's a story of insta attraction turned best friends turned lovers. And it's wonderful!

My favorite quote is "Be open to the unexpected; sometimes our expectations and plans keep us from something amazing. Don't lose out on something amazing."

As the men from Silver in the City are part of this series, there is a fantastic group of friends and family in this story. After loving everyone when I first met them, I am loving reuniting with them. They are all lovable men and I can't get enough of them. Chase and Xan naturally fit into their world and add so much to this group of men.  

Hearts Ablaze is sweet and tender. I find it completely soothing; the perfect book to curl up on the couch with a blanket and read in one sitting. It's a fantastic book. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series. 

Candy Hearts (So Over The Holidays #2) by Erin McLellan

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Mechanic Benji Holiday is so over Valentine’s Day and men who don’t get him. A weekend getaway with friends to escape the holiday hubbub is exactly what he needs. But William O’Dare—a stern and silent nightclub owner with “Be My Valentine” practically stamped on his forehead—throws a wrench into Benji’s plans.

William has spent years focused on his career, and it has cost him friendships and love. Inexperienced in the business of romance, he’s on the hunt for the perfect partner, and he’s armed with specific criteria to guide him. But William didn’t expect a hunky mechanic wrapped in satin and lace to show up on his doorstep.

Unable to resist their attraction, Benji and William agree to be secret fake valentines for the weekend, but secrets have a way of getting out. William gets struck by Cupid’s arrow, and as the weekend winds down, he doesn’t want fake or secret. He wants Benji to be his valentine for real and for keeps.

Candy Hearts is a male/male Valentine’s Day novella featuring a house party power outage, meddling friends and siblings, naughty lingerie and naughtier toys, homemade Valentine's Day cards, and a happily ever after.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Erin McLellan's Candy Hearts, the second book in the So Over The Holidays series, is a super fun Valentine's Day romance. 

With an Anti-Valentine's Day weekend planned at William's place, Benji is surprised to find there's no power and the party's postponed. Suddenly William is thrown off this game by Benji and the sparks fly. 

Ahh...the come-ons. "Oh sweetheart, I'd do more than entertain you. If you'd let me." What starts as some hot hook-ups to pass the time eventually turns to more. 

Their story involves a romantic setting, an enjoyable and easy storyline, and plenty of steam. The men have a strong chemistry and are hot together while exploring some spicy things. And yes, there is lace, as well as sex toys! But best of all are the reasons Benji, the hot mechanic, wears his pink lace!

The writing is great, with just the right amount of depth to the characters. The storyline is enjoyable, and the dialogue great. I definitely enjoy the way the men come together as their feelings develop. 

Candy Hearts is a the perfect read when you're in the mood for a fluffy Valentine's Day romance. Erin McLellan mixes some humor with intense need and want into this delightful age gap romance.

Motorcycles and Macarons (Hearts of Snow Lake #1) by Ashton Cade

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

Layton:

As a biker, I've always loved the open road—and no man ever compared. I’ve mastered the quickie, the one-night stand, and I’m not into changing things up. Why mess with perfection?

When I roll into Snow Lake to take over my uncle’s mechanic shop, the last thing I want to do is settle down. Until I lay eyes on Grayson, who is not the kind of man suited for a one-night stand. He’s domestic as all hell, running his bakery and doing cute sh!t with his son all damn day. Not. My. Type.

But I can’t take my eyes off of him. Every time I see him, my heart pounds; I go weak in the knees. I dream about holding up a ring, and making him mine forever.

I never wanted this life—I always thought it was a trap. But Grayson, gorgeous and kind, is giving me a sweet tooth for his baked goods and all his other delights.  

I just might want to make a home on this road where I’ve landed. If Gray is with me, I might fall in love with Snow Lake after all.

Grayson:

My partner left the minute Harry came into our lives. Ever since then, it’s been me and my boy, all on our own. I didn’t want to be a single dad, but Harry makes it all worthwhile. Sure, I’m not going on any dates, but romance can wait. I’m done with the heartbreak of losing my man, and I’m not pulling Harry into any relationship that won’t last forever.

That’s why Layton comes as a surprise. He’s everything I never wanted—a bad boy with bedroom eyes, and thighs muscled from gripping his motorcycle. He keeps showing up in my nighttime fantasies—and at my bakery every morning, looking like he wants to take a bite out of me.

When I slip up and let him get a taste, I know he’s all wrong. I can’t keep a man like Layton happy, and I need him out of my life for good. It’s too bad because I was a little bit in love.

I never imagined it would hurt so much to leave Layton behind—or that my sweet boy would want to have Layton around. Layton keeps telling me he’s for real, that he’s in this for keeps. I’ve never been the kind of guy to take a chance, but maybe this is the time to give it a try.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Motorcycles and Macarons is a wonderful romance by Ashton Cade. The first book in the Hearts of Snow Lake series, it kept me intrigued throughout.

Layton and Grayson are complete opposites. Grayson's a baker who's a single dad to his young son, Harry. He is a "one man" kind of guy who's interested in having a serious relationship. Meanwhile, Layton's a former rocker who's never stayed long in one place. He's a former "man whore" who's never turned down a groupie.

The two are neighbors, and the development of their relationship is fantastic. The sparks are intense, and the matter of trust is a prevalent thing for both men. Full of doubts, insecurities, and lots of hot sex, these two men learn a lot about each other as well as themselves throughout their time together. 

Harry is an adorable kid who greatly adds to the story. He's cute, his bond with Layton is great, and he's an integral part of their relationship.

The writing is wonderful, with some marvelous characters, a riveting storyline, and lots of romance. The small town feel is there throughout, adding greatly to the atmosphere. 

Overall, Motorcycles and Macarons is a delightful read.  The change in the men is outstanding, as both men truly evolve throughout, learning to trust in love.