The Other Brother by Jax Calder

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
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What happens when you fall for the one person you can't have?

Ryan has had seventeen years of being compared to Cody, part of his toxic fractured family, so you’ll forgive him for some epic eye-rolling when it comes to Mr Perfect. Although not related to him by blood, Cody has always been annoying background noise in Ryan’s life. It doesn’t help that Cody’s a high achieving musician, while Ryan’s life ambition doesn’t extend past catching the next wave.

One summer changes everything. It’s the summer when circumstances collide, and Cody and Ryan end up spending time together at Cody’s family’s beach house. It’s the summer Ryan teaches Cody to surf and Cody teaches Ryan to play guitar. It’s the summer when they become friends.

And then more than friends.

But when summer ends, Cody and Ryan are forced back to reality, where they must hide their relationship from their warring family members. And as tragedy strikes and family secrets buried deep in the past worm their way to the surface, their relationship is threatened. Can their feelings, which began in the summer sun, survive the winter ahead?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Other Brother is a fabulous romance by Jax Calder. I love every single moment of this friends to lovers book. 

This book is truly awesome. The set-up is great, as Cody and Ryan aren't related, but they share the same half sisters, as Ryan's mother and Cody's father used to be married. But they aren't related, even if it means things are a little bit awkward. 

I love that the two young men grew up barely seeing one another, until they are together at college. It perfectly sets up a situation that seems completely realistic and intriguing. There's also a history between the two and their sisters that cause a lot of animosity and doubts. 

The friendship that the two develop is wonderful. It develops naturally and the bond is easily established. I was definitely rooting for these two throughout.

This is a story with some beach scenes, surfing, and a slow burn. It's a story between complete opposites who have a complicated history and a shared proximity. 

Adding to the storyline is the extreme tension between the ex spouses and their families. Everyone knows the exes can't be in the same room together, but it isn't known why until the end. And I appreciate the way this all is revealed. 

The writing is well done, with the author's writing style immediately pulling me into the storyline. The characters are well developed and the pace is perfect. I am quickly falling in love with this author's writing. 

The Other Brother is a riveting new adult romance. I highly recommend this story for the next time you're in the mood for a sweet college romance. I couldn't read this one fast enough and am definitely adding it to my re-read list. 

Valor: The Complete Duology by Keira Andrews

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Forbidden love in the White House—read the complete action-packed romance!

He’d give his life to protect the president’s son. But he never expected to risk his heart.

Growing up gay in the White House hasn’t been easy for Rafael Castillo. Codenamed “Valor” by the Secret Service, Rafa feels anything but brave as he hides in the closet and tries to stay below the radar in his last year of college.

It’s definitely not part of Rafa’s plan to get a hot new Secret Service agent, but he’s made it this long dateless and innocent, keeping his desires strictly to himself. Besides, it’s not like Shane Kendrick would even look at him twice if it wasn’t his job.

While protecting the president’s shy, boring son isn’t Shane's dream White House assignment, it’s an easy enough task since no one pays Rafa much attention. He discovers there’s a vibrant young man beneath the timid public shell, and while he knows Rafa has a crush on him, he assures himself it’s harmless. Shane’s never had room for romance in his life, and he’d never cross that line with a protectee.

But he's never been tempted like this before.

Even if Shane and Rafa can run away together, will their forbidden love survive in the real world?

Read Valor on the Move and Test of Valor in one convenient collection!

Valor: The Complete Duology by Keira Andrews is a collection of two M/M bodyguard gay romances featuring an age difference, Jane Austen levels of pining, first times, forbidden love against the odds, and of course a happy ending.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Valor: The Complete Duology is a fabulous read by Keira Andrews. I am thrilled that these books are being re-released in this duology, as I loved them when I first read them years ago. 

This is forbidden romance at it's finest, with the President's son falling for his bodyguard. Cue all the feels. I love the way the two slowly connect, despite knowing they shouldn't. They bond on a level a bodyguard shouldn't bond with his charge. And it's awesome!

There's plenty of intrigue, danger, and action. This is Washington after all. There's romance, politics, and plenty of sexual connection. And, of course, with his dad being in the White House, Rafa has been hiding his sexuality. 

Their story also includes grief and loss, and learning to make the most out of one's life. This part is wonderfully done. 

I enjoy the forbidden aspect a lot, as it certainly leads to some interesting things once they are outed. I also enjoy the complex nature of the family issues. 

I don't want to give everything away, but the two fight hard to be together and to be accepted among Rafa's family and Shane's colleagues. Both men get a chance for happiness and fully embrace this opportunity. 

Valor: The Complete Duology is a fabulous bodyguard romance. I enjoy every moment of this Keira Andrews gem. The relationship, as well as the political factor are riveting. If you haven't yet read this one, do yourself a favor and set some time aside for it. 

Hold the Door (Open Doors #1) by Vinni George

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

One hidden crush.
One bunch of plastic mistletoe.
One alcohol-fueled kiss.
One set of taillights as Max Martino left town.

Sixteen years later…

Sam Addison hates change, and his company’s new merger is stretching him to his limit. When Sam finds out an older, hotter, and amazingly talented Max Martino is part of the acquisition, he knows the only way to keep his sanity is to avoid Max—and their history—at any cost.

Max never planned to settle down, but recently he’s been pining for roots. A new job, a new city, and a second chance with Sam makes the thought of staying in one place exciting for the first time ever.
But the harder Max pushes, the farther Sam runs, sometimes literally, and Max begins to wonder if Sam can ever let go of the biggest mistake Max ever made—leaving.

But maybe a second chance at forever is as simple as holding the door open for love.

Hold the Door is an 80,000-word contemporary romance that features friends to lovers and a second chance at love, a sassy work husband, and surfing lessons that often lead to more. Hold the Door is the first book in the Open Doors series and can be read as a standalone.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Hold the Door is the first book in Vinni George's Open Doors series. It's a nice combination of second chances, co-workers, and a lot of awkward moments. 

This is a heartfelt tale of trust and taking chances. When Sam and Max last saw one another, things didn't go well. A whole lot of tension and weariness arises when they meet again. 

I have to admit I love Sam's reaction to seeing Max again. I felt bad for him, but I admit to giggling a lot. 

Their story is super sweet. It includes many surf lessons, that ultimately help bring them much closer. Not only does it increase the physical attraction between them, their friendship rekindles, and feelings are admitted. 

The writing style is perfect to me. Written in alternating first person pov, everything about the writing works for me. I find the author's writing style to be soothing and comforting. 

Hold the Door is one of those tales where a lack of communication caused the rift between the men. Some readers hate that aspect, but I have no problem with it. This Vinni George is well worth a read the next time you're in the mood for a second chance romance. 

Gnarly (World of Love) by Mickie B. Ashling

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Dr. Ed Hollingsworth, widowed for five years, returns to San Sebastián, Spain, after a thirty-year absence. He seeks out his first and only male lover, pro surfer Javi Elizalde.

After surviving a near-fatal shark attack, Javi turned his back on the sport he loves and became a recluse.

Iker Lizaso, professional jai alai player, finds himself at loose ends now that his contract has expired. Forced to retire at thirty-eight, he returned to his home in the Basque Country to figure out what to do with the rest of his life.

Three different men, encumbered by their past, converge in a city famous for its food, summer festivals, and romantic promenades. Can they find happiness together? It’ll be difficult, maybe even improbable, considering their backgrounds, but Cupid’s arrow usually hits the mark, and this particular strike might be epic.

World of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

When I start a book, I try to not look at the blurb, so I go into it with no clue what I'm about to read. (I read the blurbs when I buy a book or request an ARC. I'm not that crazy. lol) Thus, Gnarly, by Mickie B Ashling, is nothing like I was expecting.

From the cover, I certainly wasn't expecting a menage romance, but, luckily, that is exactly what I got. 

I found the beginning to be a little awkward, as the author packs in so much background information. There's the description of Ed and Javi's relationship 30 years ago and Ed's years since. Once we are all caught up and start with the present, the story really grabbed my interest.  

Ed left Spain 30 years ago, and hasn't spoken to Javi since, but he's back trying to find him. The Javi he finds is a mere shell of the man he used to be. Back then, Javi was a surfer and he went on to become famous. But, now, he's a depressed, washed up has-been, after losing his foot to a shark. 

With Ed's visit, and strong words, Javi is inspired to live again. Ed's able to jumpstart Javi's life again, as Javi realizes he's still got things to appreciate in this life, mainly Ed.

But there's also fear. As much as he's happy to have Ed back, he's terrified that Ed will leave again. He's still hurt from the 30 years of silence.

The changes in Javi from the beginning to the end are amazing. I absolutely came to love Javi. He's so insightful and so loving. And the strength in his love for Ed is stellar. 

One of my favorite parts is the cuddling between Ed and Javi. Honestly, it's so damn sweet and tender. 

Now, add in Iker, who's a much younger lifeguard and things get more interesting. The way the addition of Iker is handled is unique and completely impressive. I certainly never expected any of it. And I found it romantic and enchanting. 

Gnarly is an impressive tale of facing your fears and overcoming challenges. It's a second chance story, not just of love, but also life.