Small City Heart by Erin McLellan

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Patrick Pearl’s career is in shambles, and his love life is in even worse shape. The last place he wants to be is his horrid hometown’s biggest shindig and high school reunion, but he’s decided to stomach it for a chance to see his mom.

After years away, Patrick doesn’t anticipate the longing that hits him the moment he sees his hometown’s hills, the same pull that has him itching for his camera. But Patrick’s biggest shock of all is Charlie North—Small City’s golden boy and resident firefighting hunk.

Charlie has had a crush on Patrick Pearl since they were fifteen, but avoided him like the plague in high school, intimidated by Patrick’s courage to be different. Now that they’re all grown up, Charlie isn’t going to let Patrick slip through his fingers, much to Patrick’s surprise.

If Patrick has to withstand the torture of the Small City Alumni Weekend, then he might as well bang the hottest, most popular guy from his graduating class, right? It’s not like there are hearts involved. What could possibly go wrong?

Warning: This novella contains a lot of blackberry cobbler, a hometown hunk who didn’t have the good grace to peak in high school, a millennial hot mess that does not have his shit together, and super sweet small-town charm.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Small City Heart is a sweet small town novella by Erin McLellan. 

Two men are reunited when Patrick returns home for a high school reunion. Patrick is surprised by the former stud Charlie asking him out, making for a fun read. Their relationship is great in it's development, it's natural and perfectly charming. And of course, the two are steamy together. 

The small town factor is well explored, as Patrick never wanted to live in this small town again. And as with many small town romances, in Charlie, he finds something worth reconsidering this for. 

I appreciate the openness of the two, as things have changed over the years. I enjoy the factors that shape Patrick's development. He isn't just affected by his feelings for Charlie, but also by the other people who have accepted him in town. It's all well done, intriguing, and highly emotional. 

I love the way Charlie has changed, as he went from a closeted high school boy to an out and proud adult man. He crushed on Patrick on high school, but certainly wasn't about to out himself then. 

The writing is great. Written in alternating 3rd person pov, the characters are well developed and fully come to life. Their relationship is one with comfort and ease, as the two men fully complement one another. The author excels in bringing Patrick's photographer skills, his photos and talent to life. 

Small City Heart is a short, fast story that's full of sugary sweetness. This Erin McLellan novella is a story of love, acceptance, and family. It's a perfect quick, sweet read.

Safe Harbor (Pine Cove Book 1) by HJ Welch

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Blurb

Robin Coal wonders if asking his straight housemate Dair to be his fake boyfriend for his high school reunion will be the worst thing he’s ever done…or the best. But there’s no way he’s going home to face his abusive ex alone, and former Marine Dair is just the protection he needs. So long as he doesn’t find out about Robin’s secret crush, everything will be fine.

Mechanic Dair Epping never expected to spend a week sharing a bed with his adorkable friend, however pretending to be bi is easier than he imagined. He knows he’ll do anything to keep Robin safe from his ex-boyfriend, but as the chemistry between them grows, the line between fake and reality begins to blur.

Could Dair actually be bi? Even if he was, would an ex-Marine really be interested in a computer geek like Robin? When his ex’s intentions turn dangerous, how far will Dair go to protect the man he’s falling for?

Safe Harbor is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cliffhanger. 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I immediately fell in love with HJ Welch's new series, Pine Cove. This first book, Safe Harbor completely holds up to being as good as I was hoping. 

Robin returns home for a school reunion, but he's scared and still damaged by his abusive ex. Robin's a geeky man who instantly won over my heart. He's full of annoying insecurities, but that's just part of who he is. In comes his new roommate, Dair, and his life's about to change for the better. 

Dair's the tough ex-marine who offers to act as Robin's fake boyfriend. In doing so, he has no idea what he's getting into, as the lines begin to blur. 

"Their mouths crashed together, and Dair's whole world changed in an instant."

Their romance includes some great first time moments, as well as some angst and manipulation. I love roommate romances and this one holds up to be intriguing, funny, and charming. 

Best of all though, I enjoy Robin's transformation. A victim of things he experienced when he was young, it's beautiful to witness him overcoming his past issues. 

The writing is fantastic, as the author draws the readers into these me, friends, and families. Robin's family is awesome, adding a lot to the charm of this story. 

If you love GFY stories, do not miss out on Safe Harbor. HJ Welch, a proven author in her genre, excels in this sweet small town romance. This is definitely going on my re-read list and I'm excited to read more of this series. 

Hard Tackle (Worth the Weight #2) by Jason Collins

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

TYLER:

Never thought I’d tackle football again, much less love.

We used to be teammates until we lost touch. Now Mason’s a trainer with a sculpted body, and a plan too tempting to turn down: I’ll fix up his truck, and he’ll be my private personal trainer.

But his truck isn’t the only thing I want to get my hands on.

It figures we’d cross paths right before our high school reunion. When the old team organizes a reunion football game, I realize I’m not as comfortable with my body as I thought.

I’m not so fast or fit anymore, and I could shed a few pounds. Mason thinks I’m perfect, but this game is personal for me. I want to bring my best body to the field—and his bedroom. I’ll show him a real hard tackle.

The game is on, and I’m wide open for Mason.

MASON:

I see an opening for Tyler, and I’m not passing it up.

I went from quarterback to personal trainer, so I know a thing or two about good bodies. And Tyler? Well, his looks flawless to me. He’s worried a little extra weight will hold him back on the football field, so I’ve jumped at the chance to train him.

And if that means we’ll be alone in the locker room, then bring the heat.

Tyler isn’t just a feast for my eyes. He’s a kind man with an honest heart, and I want him to feel as good about his body as I do. We’ve got each other’s backs on the field, and in my bedroom.

But love tackles hard, and I’m playing for keeps.

This is the second book in the Worth the Weight series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger. Readers can expect a steamy MM romance with two red-hot men and several scenes that will leave you gasping. Heat level: 10.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jason Collins' Hard Tackle is a fun romance involving two former high school teammates, second chances, and a high school reunion.

Fifteen years ago, Mason and Tyler were teammates, but they certainly weren't friends. Now they find themselves getting to know one another, as they help each other. Mason's helping Tyler work out, and Tyler's fixing up Mason's beloved truck.

They make a great couple who are smoking hot together with their undeniable chemistry. Mason's reaction to Tyler fixing his truck is emotional, as this is the ultimate gift to Mason. It's beautiful and touching. As for Tyler, as they work out, it's exciting and romantic that Mason tells him he's perfect as he is. 

Their story is one of desire, longing and need. It's well written with a great pace. The author perfectly uses a small town to create this fantastic series with small town feel and charm. 

Hard Tackle revolves around a man who's never left room in his life for love, as he finally finds someone worth letting into his life. It's fun, entertaining, and a delightful story. I definitely recommend it.