Holt's Hope (Protect and Serve #5) by Pandora Pine

 

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Former Army pilot Quentin Harding has finally gotten his life back on track after a devastating injury ended his military career. Flying has always been his greatest dream come true, a dream he thought was over after his helicopter was shot down. Qualifying as an Angel Flight pilot, Quentin can take to the skies once again, helping people receive care unavailable in their hometowns.

Cancer patient Holt Robertson’s only lifeline is his weekly Angel Flight chopper trip from Albany to Boston to receive treatment for leukemia while he waits on a potential matching bone marrow donor. Usually a boring trip, he’s surprised to meet new pilot, Quentin, who isn’t at all what Holt bargained for. Tall, and handsome, he’s the kind of man who could give Holt something to live for. If only Quentin felt the same way in return.

When Holt’s condition takes a turn for the worse, Quentin steps up to the plate offering him a place to stay as his course of treatment ramps up. Living in the crazy McCoy household, Holt finds himself falling for Quentin’s brothers, his rambunctious nieces, and falls hardest of all for Quentin himself.

Faced with illness, frustration, and a drop of sunshine, both men fight for love and a bright future filled with endless tomorrows.

Holt’s Hope is the final book in the Protect and Serve series. Catch up with all your favorite characters and their ultimate happy endings! 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Holt's Hope is a wonderful addition to the Protect & Serve series. The fifth book in this Pandora Pine series, it's best read as part of the series. 

Holt and Quentin are two men who feel an instant connection. Holt is getting cancer treatments, and finds himself under Quentin's care.

Both men know pain and suffering. Quentin's experiences make it easy for him to feel comfortable with Holt. Of course, Holt is used to people not knowing how to talk to him as he's sick.

These men are fabulous. Quentin's past includes a mentally ill mother who couldn't care for him. He spent years in the military, leaving without a leg. This is a man who knows suffering, and yet also knows how to survive.

Then there's Holt who's sick and isn't used to a caring, supportive, and accepting family like Quentin's.

They are wonderful together, easily falling in love, with both being exactly what the other needs.

And as always, Mandy and David are family goals. They are absolutely amazing parents. And we get more Lola, who I just adore. I would read this just for her. This entire large family is amazing. As usual, the author excels in developing a strong and loving family who the reader easily wishes to be a part of. 

The beauty of this author is her ability to write a tale with some extremely serious issues without ever making the story heavy. I appreciate this whole heartedly. It's a gift to keep everything light despite the trauma involved. And as a reader, I can't get enough of the way Pandora writes. 

I'll admit I was a little distracted by some of the Albany info, as I wish it had been the real names instead of made up names. But that is on me, and most people wouldn't ever even notice. But, I did cringe every time the airport's name is mentioned.

Holt's Hope is sweet, tender, and cute. And the ending, oh the ending! It's wonderfully sweet and perfect. Overall, this is another feel-good, charming Pandora Pine read. 

The Guy From Glamour (The Guy #1) by Skylar M. Cates

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Blurb

Anthony Carrino loves his big, gregarious Italian-American family, even if his sisters are interfering, and his dad, the local sheriff, knows everything going on in town. He’s happy as a middle school guidance counselor. Despite helping kids and their parents fix their problems, Anthony can’t manage to get his own love life right. If only everyone would stop calling him the “nice” guy.

Dean Pierce doesn’t do relationships. A tough-minded military man, he is dedicated to his job as a Night Stalker, flying Chinook helicopters and not speaking much to anybody. He certainly doesn’t want to deal with a mess of emotions. But when tragedy strikes, Dean finds his hands full with his troubled niece, her irresistible guidance counselor, and a meddlesome family, which includes a rather large puppy.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

The Guy From Glamour, by Skylar M Cates, is a tough review for me. I was hooked at the start, but the second half left me wanting.

Dean's world is upended when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of his niece, Nicki. Only having known the military world, he's lost. From the start, the writing had me invested in Dean's life. And you can't help but to love Moose, the puppy.

Anthony is there to help Dean pick up the pieces and help. Ends up the two men are very compatible and have some hot chemistry. Yes, there are some hot scenes!

This book is definitely about family. There's a whole lot of fun with Anthony's family. I love them all. And Nicki is someone who you can't help but to love and root for. She's definitely a teen with a chip on her shoulder, but for good reasons. Dean getting to know Nicki, and starting to get that sense of family, is wonderfully done. 

The bullying is spot-on, and left me hurting for Nicki. We've all seen kids bullying others, and it's awful to read this. Middle School sucks with the jealousy and the desire to cut others down.

The Guy From Glamour is definitely a little longer than I needed. A faster pace would have definitely improved this story, thus the 3.5 rating. But it's still a decent romance. 

Defiance (Submission #3) by Jason Collins

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Blurb

CONNOR:We’re snowed in together, and he demands submission.

I manage models, so I spend all day surrounded by beautiful people. But when a sudden blizzard snows us into a luxury lodge before a photoshoot, I’m no longer in control. Our beast of a pilot takes charge of the situation—and of me. He knows what he’s doing, and what he wants.

Grayson looks strong enough to bench press these models. And when I push his buttons, he pushes me straight into bed. But we have a real problem: if this photoshoot is ruined, the trip will be a bust, and my career will be in jeopardy. Grayson has the iron will and steel grip to keep the crew together, but the clock is ticking.

And the ropes around my wrists are getting tighter.

GRAYSON:

We may be snowed in, but things are just starting to heat up.

I fly a bunch of models up to Denali for a shoot, and one little blizzard has them rattled. They’re out of their element, but their manager is trying to play it cool. He’s vulnerable. But even with all the models in the room, I can’t tear my eyes off him.

So maybe I’ll tear his clothes off instead and teach him what it means to be managed.

I’ll dial up the pressure until he begs me to stop. I’ll let him manage his models, but by night fall, I’m the one in charge. And the winter brings some long, hard nights. Alaskan blizzards are harsh, and if Connor wants this to go well, he needs to give up control.

Or I might just take it.

This is the third book in the Submission series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger. Readers can expect an extra spicy MM romance with several steamy scenes that will leave you gasping.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jason Collins' Defiance is the third book in the Submission series and it's absolutely compelling. 

Connor and Grayson meet during a photo shoot that goes wrong, as a snow storm changes everything. One's a pilot who's big and burly, the other's an agent for the models. These two have no business being attracted to each other, let alone ending up together. 

One of the best parts of their relationship is the fact that among all the hot models, these two men choose each other. It's refreshing that they are drawn to each other, instead of one of the models. 

As for the best part of their relationship, well that has to be their D/s relationship. The reason for them to fall into these sexual roles is perfectly explained, and adds tremendously to their story. Not only are their sexual encounters steamy and hot, they are also emotional and cathartic. 

As for outside of the bedroom, their relationship is amazingly equal, as both men help one another, and contribute to the shoot's success. They compliment one another perfectly and are splendidly dynamic together.

The setting in Alaska is wonderful. It's described well and definitely becomes a character of its' own. The snow, the scenery, the lodge, all of it plays an important role. 

Defiance is definitely my favorite of this Jason Collins Submission series. Between Alaska, great men, and some scorching sex scenes, it's a lot of fun.

Afterburner (Afterburner #1) by Lex Valentine

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Blurb

The specter of Don't Ask, Don't Tell hovers ominously over the romance between former USAF Thunderbird pilots, Sebastian Marchetti and Ryder Beckett.

Sebastian Marchetti has spent his life doing two things, hiding his sexuality and flying. After leaving the USAF, Bas meets active duty pilot Ryder Beckett. Bas loves Ryder enough to be his dirty little secret. But Ryder loves his man so much he'll risk court martial to be with Bas.

This story was originally part of the anthology DON'T ASK DON'T TELL.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Afterburner is a super fast and short romance that takes place during the time of don't ask, don't tell. Lex Valentine perfectly captures the the unfairness, helplessness, and complete lack of rights involved.

The two men grow close quickly and soon it's clear they are a long term thing.

Afterburner is a decent DADT romance that will have you feeling the pain of being forced to hide. Personally, I didn't feel a huge connection to the couple at first, but I still enjoyed the story, and am glad I kept reading. 

Obedience (Submission, #1) by Jason Collins

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Blurb

ELLIOT:

Romance is one thing – obedience is another.

After almost crashing my vehicle in the remote Alaskan wilderness, I wake up in the muscled arms of one of the locals. He’s a rugged pilot whose job is to equip my research station with supplies, but I get the feeling he’s got more than work on his mind.

His intense gaze is focused on me. Being stranded in the middle of nowhere with a sexy pilot feels like a fantasy. Except it’s very real, and when his plane breaks down and traps him with me, I have an untamed dominant man’s lust to handle. I’m his, and he knows it. And he demands submission.

We’re trapped together, but not forever. When it’s time for Caleb to fly out, will he take me with him?

A fearsome beast has my heart in his hands, and he’s tightening his grip.

CALEB:

If he wants to survive out here, he’ll do what I say.

I’m divorced, straight, and single, but those labels disappear when I see Elliot. He’s soft and innocent—and I have him all to myself. He’s not a pushover but surviving in Alaska is no easy task. He needs a strong pair of hands to show him the ropes.

Elliot awakens something in me. The desire to dominate him, to bend him to my will and hear him beg for more makes me feel alive. And I love it.

I’m a hardened man with a sturdy body, but as much as I bury it, part of me wants to spoil someone—then have them scream my name all night. Doesn’t matter that Elliot’s a man: he’s the only one I want in my cockpit.

I don’t just want to tie him down. I want him to submit.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jason Collin's Obedience is a delightful romance that takes place in the Alaskan wilderness.

When Elliot travels to Alaska to work on his grad student research, he meets the handsome pilot, Caleb. As the two spend time together, they fall hard and fast for one another despite Elliot's short term assignment in the area. The two men compliment one another perfectly and their story is sweet, tender, and hot! 

Told in my favorite, alternating 1st person pov, we get to understand both men well.

The Alaskan way of life, isolation, and the dangers of the weather, are all fantastically described. The author excels with his atmospheric telling of this romance, allowing us to understand the Alaska elements and way of life.

I enjoy Caleb's desire to dominate Elliot, and even better is his possessiveness. My favorite thing about them though is the way Caleb makes Elliot feel safe and brave.

Obedience is another great read by Jason Collins.

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Love In The Clouds by Sarah Hadley Brook

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | JMS Books

Length: 62,771 words

Publisher: JMS Books

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Rafael Patino has a great life in Rain Valley. He’s a teacher at the high school, has a great group of friends, and enjoys the occasional baseball game. Other than the sporadic call from his drunken mother, he’s pretty content.


He’s also been in love with his best friend Dustin for nearly a decade. Years of keeping those feelings under control are put to the test when they begin a summer project together.


Dustin Vance builds furniture for a living, has just earned his pilot’s license, and has an amazing best friend. When he buys a 1976 Cessna Skyhawk, he asks Rafael to help restore it, then travel with him to Wisconsin for the largest aviation convention in the world.


As they spend their days working on the plane, they begin to spend their nights together. Will they find love in the clouds, or will they stall out before they even take off?

REVIEW

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Love In The Clouds, by Sarah Hadley Brook is a feel good, friends to lovers romance.

Rafael and Dustin, best friends, are so close that most people assume they are a couple. As a friend tells Raphael, "You guys talk - what? - five times a day? You spend nearly every evening together. You two might not realize it, but trust me, everyone else is pretty sure you're dating."

After hearing this, Raphael starts to notice Dustin in a new light. But, can friends become lovers? Can they even take that risk? Raphael has no idea how to deal with his new feelings.

Meanwhile, Dustin is excited to take Raphael on a trip in his new plane. Raphael is the only one he would even consider taking with him. And suddenly, he is noticing his friend's body and is feeling something more than friendship.

We get to follow this couple along, as they traverse the complicated world of falling for your best friend, being scared to tell them, and then allowing yourself to love them wholly.

Rafael and Dustin are perfect together, best friends who care for each other whole-heartedly. Adding a physical relationship to their friendship only makes their bond stronger.

One of Rafael's students, Daisy, lends a lot to this story, as she is being abused and Rafael is the one who comes to her help. I found this part of the story to be so well written, with heart and thoughtfulness.

Love In The Clouds also contains family issues, and some great friends. I hope we get to read about some of the other men soon. But for now, I suggest this Sarah Hadley Brooks to anyone who loves a friends to lovers romances. 

Excerpt

A cool breeze blew past him as he walked out into the night. Rafael texted Dustin before he pulled out of the parking lot, letting him know he was leaving the hospital and asking about Mac’s phone number.

He put the phone back in his pocket and made the short drive home. He wasn’t going to check his phone if Dustin answered, but he didn’t hear an alert anyway. Dustin was probably sound asleep in his bed. He might have to get that number in the morning.

As he turned onto his street, he saw a vehicle in his drive and smiled when he realized it was Dustin’s. His best friend had a key, so he was probably inside. He pulled into the drive and parked behind Dustin’s Honda, peering inside just in case, as he headed inside.

He flipped on the entryway light as he closed the door and found Dustin sprawled out on his sofa, sound asleep, his arm crooked over his head. Rafael was pulled to him like a magnet and he was too damn tired to fight the urges at the moment, so he gave in and let himself look. Dustin’s T-shirt rode up, showing a stripe of pale skin and Rafael imagined it was soft and silky. His fingers itched to slip under the hem. He stared a little too long, though and by the time he dragged his gaze up to Dustin’s face, his friend’s eyes were open and he was staring right back at him, a smirk on his lips.

“You want to take a picture of ... something?” he drawled out teasingly.

Heat flooded his cheeks and he forced a chuckle. “Whatever.”

Dustin rose from the sofa and strode over and hugged him hard, as if just remembering what had happened. “God, I’m so sorry, Raf. Is the girl going to be okay?”

Rafael nodded, but wrapped Dustin up in his arms, letting his head fall to Dustin’s shoulder.

They stayed like that for a while. With anyone else, Rafael might have been embarrassed that he was fighting the urge to cry. Dustin held him tight and shared his strength. It crept into Rafael, shored him up. Helped him get past the image of Daisy huddled in that hospital bed. At least for a while.

When he finally pulled away, Dustin kept his arms around him and Rafael was too exhausted to read anything into it.

“Why are you here?” Rafael’s voice was quiet as he stared at Dustin.

“Because I know you, Raf. I know you care about all of your students -- you open your heart to everyone. But I also know you’ve been particularly worried about this girl. I just didn’t want you coming home to an empty house.”

Rafael’s heart cracked more and he was raw. Open. Vulnerable. The world had reared its ugly head and shown its hideousness and he was lonely. Bone tired and lonely. And he didn’t want to be lonely. At least not for the night. He swallowed hard. “Will you ... stay?”

Dustin nodded, no hint of hesitation in his blue green eyes. “Of course.”

Author Bio

Sarah Hadley Brook lives smack-dab in the middle of the Heartland and is the mother of two wonderful young men, as well as two cats. During the day, she works in the nonprofit world, but reserves evenings for her hobby-turned-passion of writing, letting the characters she conjures in her mind take the lead and show her where the story will go. When not working or writing, she can be found reading, working on dollhouses, trying her hand at new recipes, or watching old movies and musicals. In her ideal world, Christmas would come at least twice a year, Rock Hudson and Doris Day would have costarred in more than three movies, and chocolate would be a daily necessity. She dreams of traveling to Scotland some day and visiting the places her ancestors lived. Sarah believes in “Happily Ever After” and strives to ensure her characters find their own happiness in love and life.

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