FF - Robin's Lake Road by C.L. Avery

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

A tender story about two girls who find their true selves when they fall in love . . . but that was just the easy part.

When Asher meets Robin, everything finally makes sense.

Robin is beautiful, talented, and popular while Asher is on the opposite end of the social spectrum. But after a chance meeting, the two hit it off and become friends. In clumsy-sweet fashion, it doesn’t take long for their friendship to morph into a romance as wild as the untamed prairie wind.

Only thing is, Robin’s family is hiding something. And when secrets emerge, the romance that seemed unstoppable is put to the test. Amid misfortune and tragedy, both girls are forced to confront a sobering truth.

Can Asher navigate a “complicated” first romance? Can Robin survive her own family’s dark secrets?

Or will a cruel universe have the last say on whether the romance gets a happy ever after?

"Regardless of your age or sexuality, if you like a moving story about first love, this is for you." -  Amazon review

“The ending of this book left me speechless. It’s hard to come home again.” – NetGalley Review

“I absolutely adore this book for so many reasons.” – Goodreads review

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Wow, Robin's Lake Road is a powerful novel by CL Avery. Do not for one minute by fooled into thinking this is a happy story. It is not. Not at all. This is pure tragedy. The ending is hard to deal with for sure. 

When we first meet Ash, she's a high school senior who's confused, questioning why she's never been in love before. Then she meets Robin. What follows is a gripping tale of sexual discoveries, sexual exploration, and an emotional rollercoaster unlike anything I've read before. 

This lesbian story of Ash and Robin is one of intense highs and intense lows. This coming of age tale is heavy on the homophobia. I am still in shock at how intense and deep this story is. Focusing on first love and self loathing, loving oneself and self acceptance, it's a multi-layered story, full of extreme twists and turns. 

Ultimately, this tragic tale reminds the reader to never give up, as you never know what's coming next. Always remember that life goes on. 

An absolutely powerful read, Robin's Lake Road is well worth a read. Just be sure to save this CL Avery book for when you're in the mood for a depressing and serious read. 

How to Deal (An All Cocks Story #3) by TM Smith

Amazon Link


Blurb

Jon Brennan comes from a long line of men in uniform; all born and bred to both bleed and wear blue. His family and the majority of his co-workers support him every step of the way, so he doesn’t need to hide the fact that he prefers men over women. Between the job and his larger than life, loud and rowdy half Irish, half Italian family, there isn’t much time for dating, much less finding a guy that can deal with the stress and demands placed on the shoulders of an NYPD Detective.

Kory White is cocky and abrasive with most people, but it is all a mirage, a façade he hides behind to keep his heart safe. As a child, Kory lost his mother to an act of violence. Soon after, he and his baby sister Kassandra were separated by the system. Kassandra was immediately adopted, but Kory spent the next ten years cycling through foster homes before moving to the Big Apple. In an effort to keep everyone at a distance, Kory has meticulously built himself an alter ego: Hayden Cox, All Cocks’ cockiest model.

These two strong willed men definitely prove opposites do attract. Both are stubborn and hard headed to a fault, Kory more so than Jon. But Jon is used to being in control, the one calling the shots, and Kory fights him at every turn. Just when it seems they have found a way to navigate the unchartered territory that is love, tragedy knocks on Kory’s door yet again. Volatile and strong, even in the face of adversity, both men refuse to give up on each other - or their love.


REVIEW
My Rating - 5 Stars!


The third book in the All Cocks series by TM Smith is How To Deal, which revolves around Joe and Kory.

I have to start by talking about Kory. I love him. He's a member of the All Cocks crew because he's single, he's young, and he gets to have sex with no strings attached. More importantly though, he prefers to keep people at a distance, finding it easier to be open with people when he's facing the world as his porn star persona.

What is truly beautiful is how quickly he opens up to Jon however. He even admits that he is a runner, who can't deal with stress or pressure, thus causing him to shut down and run. 

Jon is not easily deterred however and ignores Kory's warning to just walk away right now. Jon is interested in Kory and is his match at being stubborn and aggressive. In other words, Jon won't be giving up on worming his way into Kory's heart.

My favorite thing about Jon though, is his family. In this book, we are introduced to the fabulous and highly entertaining Brennan family. They are loud, a lot crazy and a whole lot loveable. Or, as Jon tells it "Our family is in-fucking-sane on a good day." And Jon's Grandma, well, it's worth a read just to see the shit that comes out of her mouth.

Be warned, after they start falling in love, a tragedy hits them, as well as the entire All Cocks family. It is not an easy ride, but it is well worth it. Just be sure to have some tissues handy.

How To Deal is another fantastic book in the All Cocks series. TM Smith continues to wow me with all of the well developed characters, the overwhelming strength and love from the All Cocks family and the stupendous storylines involved. 

Changing Tides by KA Sands

Amazon Link

Blurb:

Twenty six years.

Nine thousand, four hundred and ninety days.

Every hour, a relief.

I’m a thug. A pusher. A low life. Governed by the hand that feeds me and holds my sister against me. I am named ‘Gripp’ for good reason. Every breath I take is one I hold dear, for my life dictates a short span.

I hit on women to save face, while I screw men in back alleyways to hide. My brazen attempt to seduce my sister’s best friend fell short, leaving me spiralling out of control. I’m not good enough for Ayden Rinaldi, but it doesn’t mean I’m not going to try.

I want him with a passion I have never felt before.

The chips are stacked against me, against us. The muddy waters I tread, taint all who come near. On bended knees, my world finally rips itself apart, leaving me sinking to the bottom of my black existence. In death’s darkest hour, I am lost, Ayden a shadow of the man he once was.

But he is my anchor.
I am his.

And we must swim these choppy waters before they drown us.

Please note that Changing Tides has instances of m/f scenes which are integral to the plot and the character of the main MC. It is not possible to tell this story without these scenes.

Twists and turns abound in K A Sands first M/M novel. An interconnected standalone full of action, suspense and toe-curling heat. You’d be a fool not to read! Please be aware, this book contains distressing and mature themes and you must be 18+ to read.





REVIEW
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Changing Tides is one of those rare books that comes along and grips you down to your soul. KC Sands manages to create an action packed tale where two different worlds collide and will never be the same again. This book will grab your attention and never let go.

Gripp, aka Shaun, is a thug. He's a drug dealer who is watching his world collapse around him. But meeting Ayden makes him reassess his life. He falls in love with Ayden and wants to be better for him.

As much as their two lives are so vastly different, their worlds are strangely intertwined.

It is a powerful story of love and what one will do for those they love. It can assume you that it is not a light-hearted read. The content is heavy and difficult to read at times.

Even is you find someone you love,  someone for who you want to be a better person, someone for who you find yourself needing to be a better person, changing your life isn't always going to be easy.

When you work for a drug dealer, all stops will be pulled out trying to keep you on your current path. There will be consequences. And how do you move on? How do you help the others in your life to move on? If they can all survive, it won't be easy. But if you have enough desire, you will keep fighting.

Changing Tides leaves me absolutely gutted. It takes one on a complete and utter emotional journey. One that I cannot recommend highly enough.  KA Sand's first M/M novel is pure brilliance.

Liberty by Seth King

I recently read Liberty by Seth King.

5 Stars are not enough for this book.  It deserves 10 stars!

Amazon Link
Seth manages to write a story that is so loving, heart-breaking, eye-opening and tender.
And to make matters worse (for the reader's eyes and hearts), Seth's heart-felt letter at the end of the book is so raw and honest.

This book touched me on so many levels.

Seth writes about 2 boys who fall in love.  But if you are hoping for a happily-ever-after, this is not the story.

To write something similar to what the people at Pulse experienced that night was so brave.  Seth achieved to put you through some of the raw issues of that night. 
To be forced out of the closet because of a tragedy.  To watch your lover die. To finally be in an environment where you can be your true self for the first time.

And the other struggles in the book are so real and honest.  To be afraid to come out.  To be told you are wrong for being gay. For having conversion therapy forced upon you. To lose great people to suicide because of conversion therapy.

This book is definitely a must read.

And, I must say Thank You Seth for such an amazing book!