One Shot by Grant C Holland

 

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Drew Thompson is a widowed single father. Ashe Huntsman is an HIV+ banker. They stumble upon each other, both clad in speedos, at a beefcake photo shoot and attraction at first sight erupts. Soon, they are both unpacking their personal baggage, revealing themselves piece by piece, like peeling back the layers of an onion. Can a budding romance survive the skeletons in their closets and the meddling of concerned relatives over the custody of Drew’s child?

One Shot is a 53,000-word standalone gay romance with hurt/comfort, second chance, and family themes. It has a guaranteed happy ending.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

One Shot is a wonderful romance by Grant C Holland. There is plenty of depth to these men and their story, as they deal with some heavy subjects, including grief and having HIV.

Drew and Ashe meet at a photo shoot, where their bodies are fully on display, and the attraction is all too real. It doesn't take long for the sparks to fly, but both men have some secrets, fears, and doubts. 

Drew's a trainer for an NBA team, thus we get some delightful sports moments. He's a single father to an adorable son, Carter, raising him by himself after the death of his wife. I adore Carter and all his moments in the story. I always enjoy kids in my stories, so this is a big plus for me. 

Drew's emotional baggage is heavy, as he's gay but was in an essentially loveless marriage to a women. His is one of those stories where the grief is real, but also a blessing. It's sad, but well explained. 

Ashe, meanwhile is a banker whose past is messy. After years of being promiscuous, he got sick and discovered he's HIV positive. His journey is very explored, with plenty of care.

There's a lot going on in this story. Drew's dealing with starting to date, and his son's reaction to it. Drew has some issues with his former in laws to deal it. And he also has to deal with his sexuality, as he's always been gay, but "fell" into being a father and married to a woman. 

I appreciate the way Ashe's HIV status is handled, both the diagnosis, the illness itself, and his learning to cope with it. As well, I like the way he struggles with telling people his status. And I appreciate that despite the safety of being with an HIV person being addressed, it also addresses the first reactions and the natural fear involved.

Theirs is a tale with pain and regret. I appreciate everything about this story. The overall theme is written with knowledge and care. The author delivers a thoughtful, heartfelt tale of loving someone who has HIV. We get to follow along as they meet, make confessions, and fall in love. I also love the way Drew deals with his son.

One of my favorite parts of the story is their sex lives. I adore the way Drew approaches sex with the HIV positive Ashe. The bondage is a great touch. 

It's a tale of taking chances. And it's a tale where honesty is more important than ever, and both men are mature and thoughtful.  

Written in alternating first person pov, both men are well developed and their storyline is intriguing. Although the writing focuses on actions and events, there's a good amount of emotion as well.

One Shot is truly a sweet tale. Grant Hollands impresses in this multi-layered romance. And it's a must read for anyone looking for a book with an HIV positive character. 

Chandler (Training Days #1) by J.D. Light

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Blurb

Chandler Bell

When my boyfriend breaks up with me because I'm overweight, I go to the one place I feel the most comfortable. Oddly enough, it's the gym I was basically raised in. Things have changed over the years, but the people inside are my family. Some of them literally. Baker reluctantly agrees to help me get in shape, and so begins the torture. Baker and I have always been close and though I've had a crush on him basically since I was floating around in amniotic fluid, I've always known he was off limits. I mean, come on. The guy is scorching hot with women throwing themselves at him constantly, and I can't even keep a man who wears tweed shorts around. It's kinda a no-brainer where I fall on the food chain. Plus, he's straight, and apparently pining after someone?

Baker Storm

When Chandler's douche bag boyfriend dumps him and makes him feel like he needs to change, I reluctantly agree to help. Mostly because I've never been able to say no to him. In my eyes, Chandler is perfect. Always has been. I know I'm not good enough for him, I mean I barely graduated high school, and I only did that because he tutored me the whole time, but it doesn't stop me from having those secret wants. A chance encounter with the man who made him feel like shit leads to me all but peeing on him in public, and I maybe go a little too far and reveal some things about myself that I'd been holding on to for years. Will I have the confidence to be the man Chandler seems to think I am, or will my self-doubt cause me to miss out on something I've only ever dreamed about.

As with all my books, this series is pretty fluffy. Not much angst at all, no cheating and definitely a happy ending! Meant to be a light hearted read to make you laugh… or at least smile.

Enjoy!! ::blowing you kisses:: 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Chandler, the first book in the Training Days series, is a cute and sweet friends to lovers romance. 

It's short and hot, with a great pace and fun characters. I love the way they've always been so physical together. For a brother's best friend relationship, their connection is amazing and unbreakable.

The transition from friends to lovers seems to be inevitable. I can't get enough of their banter, with undeniable humor. To me this is a great book that left me happy and wanting more of this fun couple. 

Healing Him (Bromley Brothers #2) by Laura N. Andrews

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Blurb

Henry Bromley wants to find not only the perfect submissive, but he’s also searching for love. When he meets Ryan Scott, a man who seems to take control, Henry is conflicted.

However, when passion and lust ignite a spark and their flame is lit, Henry discovers there’s no turning back. He wants Ryan.

Ryan Scott has fought hard to protect himself and his desires. With his wounds freshly opened, Ryan has to make a choice: submit to Henry and allow himself to heal or continue to live the lie he’s created for himself.

Will this Dom help his sub fly? And if trust is broken, can it truly ever be healed?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Healing Him, a fun BDSM romance, is the second book in the Bromley Brothers series by Laura N Andrews.

Ryan and Henry make for an entertaining couple. Henry's a Dom who takes an instant liking to Ryan. It's sad from the start that Ryan's nervous and can't trust, after obviously being hurt in the past.

They have an immediate connection and things heat up fast. They have such a strong connection that Henry has to have Ryan even if he's not allowed to dominate. I love that Henry enjoys having Ryan on top of him, despite being the dom. It's a fun and refreshing twist.

Their story is a great tale of wanting to submit, but fearing it; of healing and allowing someone to dominate you again. And in the meanwhile, finding love. It's fast paced, steamy, and a lot of fun. It's also serious as Ryan has both physical and emotional scars.

Seriously though, it doesn't get much hotter than a dom willing to bottom, and the feelings this evokes. Their emotional connection is amazing and they make for a wonderful couple. I love the way they both help each other along the way.

One of my favorite parts is the term of endearment Henry uses for Ryan, calling him "pup." Henry's loving, caring, and supportive, and finds hope and the desire to heal. 

It's low angst, as it tells a nice, pleasant, feel good story. It's impressive that such a serious topic can be discussed while being light hearted in general. Most abuse stories aren't described as sweet.

I definitely recommend Healing Him, as it perfectly captures the trust and emotions involved in a healthy BDSM relationship. I'm hoping there's many more books in this series. 

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

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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. 

Team Chemistry: MMM First Time Hockey Romance by Van Cole

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Blurb

They Might Be In A Three-Way Tie

Harvey Price is the best player in the league but he’s playing for the wrong team.

He’s known as hockey’s playboy. Every time he goes into a bar, he finds someone new to flirt with. That is until he meets Jay Collins, the new defenseman for his team and his potential replacement.

His usual approach doesn’t work on Jay because, well, he’s smitten. But Harvey Price can’t be gay. He’s known for chasing skirts and yet, he cannot deny that Jay is the best-looking thing he’s seen in a while.

And then there’s the fitness trainer. Oh, he is too.

Will Harvey stick to the straight and narrow?

Or will he go for the handsome young hockey player gunning for his position?

Or maybe work up a sweat with his personal trainer during after-hours?

Whatever his choice, this book is bound to melt right through the ice.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Van Cole's Team Chemistry is a fun hockey menage romance. 

Harvey's always been a bit of a man whore, until he finds himself attracted to his new teammate Jake. Soon he's wanting to hookup with Jake, as well as their trainer, Kalvin. As it's a short story, everything happens quickly. You'll get to enjoy some steamy scenes, in addition to an entertaining story that involves denial, fear, and coming out. There's not a lot of character development, nor a lot of angst. 

Overall, Team Chemistry is a quick, enjoyable tale of a hockey player learning to accept his sexuality.