chez_jae: (Books)
The Rivals of Copper CountyThe Rivals of Copper County by May Archer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


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I took Tuesday off work and used my free day to read The Rivals of Copper County by May Archer. It’s the second book in her “Copper County” series of male/male romance. Main characters are Watt Bartlett, single father and owner of an apple orchard, and Jasper (Wrigley) Lancaster, divorced former model.

When they were teens, Watt and Jasper were best friends and friendly rivals, daring and challenging one another each summer that Jasper spent in Copper County. After one awkward kiss, Jasper left town and didn’t return, never reached out, and seemed to have shaken the dust of Copper County from his heels. Now, twenty years later, he’s back in town to settle his great-aunt’s estate. He’s also taken on the dual roles of history teacher and hockey coach, which infuriates Watt. His son, Derry, has a chance at a scholarship, but not if the new coach can’t even skate. When Watt gets roped into co-coaching, he and Jasper end up spending more time together and what they learn is that things aren’t always black and white, and sometimes a second chance is all you need.

Once the two idiots main characters cleared the air between them, the story was surprisingly low-angst. From there, it was a matter of dancing around their long-time attraction to one another and then wondering how to handle it once they took things to the next level. I loved how supportive the secondary characters were, not to mention how zany many of them were, as well. There was also the conflict of Jasper’s looming return to LA and how that would impact his renewed relationship with Watt. If I have any complaint at all, it was the overused trope of “youthful romantic feelings-misunderstanding-reunion-reconciliation” with a side of “dastardly ex puts in an appearance”. It didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story, but it did make me wish for something more original.

Favorite lines:
♦ I’d craved solitude and a chance to mutter under my breath without anyone wondering whether I’d gone crazy.
♦ “You can’t tell a story like that to a pregnant woman. I’m made up of ninety percent hormones and ten percent chocolate right now. I need happy endings only.”
♦ “Sometimes you need to take a wrong turn to get where you’re supposed to be.”
♦ I released a breath that sounded a little too much like a marmot hiss.
♦ “Chris and I will be your gay sherpas. Together, we will help you summit Gay Sex Mountain. The climb will be hard.”
♦ “Labels are for cheese.”
♦ “You brought me a cheese skate and a flying groundhog? As a Mature Friendship Peace Offering?”


Excellent characterizations, lively banter and humor, spicy times, and a hard-won HEA. Five stars.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
The Time-Out (Business as Usual #1)The Time-Out by Vinni George

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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After company cleared out today and I had an epic nap, I finished reading The Time-Out by Vinni George. It’s the first in the “Business As Usual” series of contemporary male/male romance. Lead characters are workaholic Oscar and the more laid-back, impulsive Cole.

As CEO of his family’s business, Oscar takes his job very seriously. Too seriously, if you ask his parents. They declare they’re sending him to time-out via a nonrefundable, nontransferable, and nonnegotiable vacation. Oscar is horrified, but things begin to look up when Cole, a handsome hipster, drops into the plane seat beside him. When Oscar learns that Cole plans to wing it his entire vacation, he impetuously invites him to stay in the extra bedroom of the villa his parents have rented for him. Soon, Oscar finds himself being dragged into one adventure after another, and he’s astonished when he enjoys it.

For Cole, life is an adventure. He flies standby and goes wherever he can get a ticket. When he accepts Oscar’s invitation, he makes it his mission to get the uptight businessman to unwind a little. The more time they spend together, the more undeniable their attraction to one another becomes. They succumb to the heat building between them, knowing full well that it’s just a holiday fling and wishing it can be more. When Oscar and Cole learn they both live in San Diego, they promise to keep in touch, but can their busy work schedules accommodate their budding relationship?

Delightful fun! It was endearing to see how Oscar learned to relax and let someone else take charge for once, and it was also nice that Cole pushed him out of his comfort zone without overwhelming Oscar. Although there was conflict with schedules and real life once they returned home, the story overall was low-angst. Intimate scenes were spicy and well-paced throughout.

Favorite lines:
♦ “Get up here. If this thing collapses, I don’t want to tumble down alone.”
♦ “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.”
♦ “I find being too serious to be a horrible way to go through life.”


Lovely story, four stars
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Purrfect Healing (Tropes Are Us)Purrfect Healing by Tiana Renatus

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


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I finished reading Purrfect Healing on Monday night. It’s the first “Tropes Are Us” book by author Tiana Renata. It’s a male/male paranormal romance featuring Alpha Ryder and Omega Samson, both lion shifters.

Author Ryder Zemar has longed to find a mate of his own, and when he begins picking up tantalizing scents of the man he knows is his, Ryder’s writing gets an inspirational boost. Now he just needs to track down his Omega, and his life will be perfect.

Rejected by his family for being an Omega, Samson doesn’t believe in fated mates. He works in construction and indulges in one-night stands. However, when he has the opportunity to spend a night with his favorite author, Samson can’t resist. He pulls a runner afterward, not knowing why he feels compelled to seek Ryder out again.

This was rather jumbled. World building was frustratingly scant, merely touching on a dystopian event that led to shifters outing themselves. Alphas and Omegas are rare, as most shifters present as Betas, but no real explanation was given as to why. Characterizations were not great. The main characters came across as dramatic, mopey teens most of the time. I did like that Ryder, the Alpha, was a second son, not the oldest, and that Samson, an Omega, was strong and powerful.

Favorite lines:
♦ “It’s love we need and love sometimes requires us to fight.”
♦ “Love simply is. It always has been and it always will be.”
♦ “If you’re good, I’ll buy you a lollipop after we’re finished.”


Eh...two stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Meet Me There (More Than Friends)Meet Me There by K.M. Neuhold

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


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I completed the book Meet Me There by KM Neuhold last night. It’s a male/male romance featuring aspiring writer Reed and model Marlon.

Reed and Marlon met in an online chat room, where they bonded over the difficulties they faced as gay teens. They lost touch after high school until a chance meeting brings them together again. Their friendship picks up right where it left off, but with a new element—adding sex to the mix. Although they live far apart and both travel for their jobs, they manage to hook up in different cities. The heat and attraction between them is undeniable, but can they make an actual relationship work?

This was an interesting and unique story. Alas, it was not my cup of tea. The narrative seemed disjointed and lacked any smooth flow. Reed and Marlon spent the majority of their time apart, so when they got together it was all about the ungh ungh ungh. Which, fine, if that’s your thing. Me, I prefer the romance, the emotional connection, the just being together as the characters build a relationship. I also prefer monogamy. Sue me. While apart, Reed and Marlon weren’t being celibate. Understandable and realistic, but not what I want when I read a romance. I liked how they encouraged one another to chase different dreams, and I liked that the more times they hooked up, the more they missed one another when apart.

Favorite lines:
♦ “Do you think maybe for some people that home isn’t a place, it’s a person?”
♦ ‘If I have to hear “Holly Jolly Christmas” one more time I might scream.’ // ‘Where’s your Christmas spirit?’ // ‘It was smothered by elves days ago.’


The story was all kinds of spicy and even included some kink. If that’s your thing, you’d probably enjoy it. Unfortunately, it didn’t push my buttons. I’m giving it an average rating of three.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
The Pretenders of Copper CountyThe Pretenders of Copper County by May Archer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


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Today I finished reading The Pretenders of Copper County by May Archer. It’s the first in her “Copper County” series of male/male romance. Story is told in alternating first-person points-of-view of the main characters, Reed Sunday, undercover bodyguard, and Chris Winowski, shy charcuterie enthusiast.

Reed’s current assignment should be easy enough: pick up his latest protectee in Vermont and keep him safe until his mafia boss uncle signs a plea deal and testifies. What Reed hadn’t counted on was just how adorkable and accident-prone his new charge would be, nor how naive and chatty. When Chris befriends the drug dealer next door and blows their cover, Reed must go on the run with him as they search for a new safehouse. They both end up going undercover as the new caretakers of a rundown campground near O’Leary, NY. Make that married caretakers. The more time Reed spends with Chris, however, the less pretend their relationship seems.

Chris leads the most boring life in existence. When his boss tells him he should open himself to new experiences and seize the day, Chris responds by allowing Reed Sunday to pick him up. Only what Chris thought was a date seems more like a kidnapping, and what’s this about his beloved Uncle Danny being a crime lord? But, when Reed saves him from the midst of a bar brawl (one that Chris might have sort of accidentally instigated), Chris begins to see his protector in a new light. Too bad Reed is only pretending to like him as part of their cover.

This was laugh-out-loud funny, in spite of the danger lurking in the background. I loved how the author wove this story neatly into other series she writes: “Love in O’Leary”, “Sunday Brothers”, and “Whispering Key”. There were so many misunderstandings, especially in regards to Chris and his co-worker, Crys, and there was a lot to unpack and untangle along the way. This was like reading a Ray Cooney play. LOL! Of course, Reed and Chris developed feelings for one another, but neither wanted to say anything for fear the other didn’t feel the same. Maddening. But, what’s a May Archer book without its HEA?

Favorite lines:
♦ I resisted the urge to punch myself in the face.
♦ Was this how I would finally lose my mind?
♦ “Shouldn’t the universe have limits on the number of times a person can mortify himself in one day?”
♦ “He couldn’t walk across an open field without triggering a groundhog rebellion and compelling the bumblebees to fight for him to the death.”
♦ “You did call me the greatest lover of all time, which I think I’m going to have printed on a T-shirt and noted on my Grindr profile.” // “Do with it what you will. Ten out of ten. Excellent service. Will come again.”
♦ “Life’s all about embracing your own personal weird.”
♦ “See how much we have in common? Tell me you like hockey and I’ll make us friendship bracelets right now.”
♦ “Nothing says I want to be committed to you like getting hit in the face with a chair for the person you love, right?”


But, there was also this line: ”I’ve got eleven-eleven-cases that have all gone hot at once.”
Can’t even escape the curse of 1111 in a May Archer book!

Funny, flirty, fabulous, and hot! Five stars!
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Flakes (Licking Thicket, #0.5)Flakes by Lucy Lennox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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It was after midnight when I began reading the novella Flakes by May Archer and Lucy Lennox, and I finished it in less than two hours. This is billed as a prequel to the authors' "Licking Thicket" series of humorous male/male romance. The main characters are interior designer Colin Kearns and contractor Ryder Richards.

It's New Year's Eve, and Colin just wants to finish up some last minute details on a house that he's working on with Ryder's crew. Ryder, however, has sent his crew home early and has no sense of urgency, unlike Colin does. And really, sexy Ryder has been a thorn in Colin's side on every project they've ever worked on together. By the time he's had enough of Ryder's chicanery for one night, the forecasted bad weather has hit, stranding Colin with Ryder.

Ryder has long been attracted to the fussy, sassy Colin, but he's kept his distance. Tonight, however, with just the two of them stuck here on New Year's Eve, Ryder breaks out the moonshine and ropes Colin into a game of Truth or Dare. Turns out, Colin isn't as remote and unaffected as he seems, and when things get a bit heated between them, it may just be the start of not only a new year, but something good.

I know this was only a novella, but it seemed super rushed. The guys went from "you annoy the shit out of me" to "I'm in love with you" over the course of NYE. Okaaaaay. The story had all the hallmarks of what I enjoy from these authors: bickering, bantering, humor and heat, but I wish it would have been a tad more realistic, such as the two of them admitting to a mutual attraction with a promise to see how it plays out.

Favorite lines:
♦ I'd stared so long and hard at his ass, I'd been shocked not to get a subpoena from the perv police.
♦ "I wonder if PornHub has a selection of videos of sexy men simply checking off items on their task list with authority."
♦ "My mom's attained her final form, in which she can literally be everywhere in the Thicket at once."


Fun and funny story, but I'm knocking a star off for how rushed it was. Four stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Ginger Snapping All the Way (Love in Mission City)Ginger Snapping All the Way by Gabbi Grey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


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I finished reading Ginger Snapping All the Way last night. It's the first in author Gabbi Gray's "Mission City" series of male/male romance. Story is told in the alternating, first-person pov of the main characters, Maddox and Ravi.

After a search and rescue mission went awry, killing his best friend and leaving Maddox with a lingering injury, he has become a recluse. The change in him caused his partner to leave him as well, and now he shares his cabin in the woods with just his dog, Sofia, for company. When a friend calls him up before Christmas to ask Maddox to take in a stranded traveler, he can't tell her no. Now a blizzard has him stuck at home with the most beautiful man he's ever seen.

Ravi is desperate to get home to Calgary to be there for the birth of his godchild. Fate has other plans when his airplane experiences mechanical difficulties, stranding him in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, his sister's girlfriend knows a guy who agrees to take Ravi in for a day or two. He is immediately drawn to the taciturn Maddox.

Two men who couldn't be any more different are forced to co-habitate, if only for a couple days. Each of them is carrying a load of emotional baggage, yet their mutual attraction is undeniable. Trying to build something together will require sacrifices. Are they willing to take a chance on a Christmas miracle?

I enjoy holiday romances, but this one fell a bit flat, in my opinion. The first half of the book only alluded to the issues each character was dealing with, leaving me feeling adrift and floundering. I also had difficulty wrapping my head around the near instant love. They'd only known one another for two or three days! Insta-lust, I get, but not a deep, emotional connection. Plus, once the (inevitable) sex happened, it seemed never ending. I like me some steamy scenes, but that aspect should enhance the plot, not become the plot. Finally, it seemed that whenever the guys weren't gettin' it on, they were angsting over their individual issues. Basically, most of the story was comprised of sex and angst.

Favorite line: All I needed to do was spend ten minutes in civilization to remember why I preferred being on my own.

The story was okay; it just wasn't for me. Three stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Turkeys (Licking Thicket)Turkeys by Lucy Lennox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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Over the course of about 24 hours, I read Turkeys by May Archer and Lucy Lennox. It's the 4th book in their ridiculous "Licking Thicket" series of male/male romance. The main characters are Hunter Jackson and Charlton "Charlie" (or "Junior") Nutter.

After 15 long years away from his home town of Licking Thicket, TN, Charlie has returned to spend Thanksgiving with his family. A lot has changed in his absence, including a fresh new diversity along with many small, thriving businesses. Other things haven't changed at all, from the absurd puns the town seems to embrace, to the multitude of festivals, and the matchmaking busy bodies.

Hunter can't believe it when he learns that Junior Nutter has returned to the Thicket. They used to be good friends, until Junior turkeynapped Hunter's prize-winning turkey, then had the nerve to leave town without an explanation or even saying goodbye. The fact that Junior is handsome and sexy just serves to aggravate Hunter further, which is the only reason he bid on him at the Biddin' and made Junior wear a comical turkey costume at the Thanksgiving festival. When Junior insists he prefers to be called Charlie and takes his disgrace with good grace, Hunter realizes that maybe Charlie isn't as bad as he'd spent years imagining.

Thanks to the Matchmaking Mafia in Licking Thicket, Hunter and Charlie end up spending time together. When they finally talk and clear the air, they each realize that they may have (re)discovered something special in the other. When the entire town of Licking Thicket conspires to get them together, these two turkeys don't stand a chance.

This book was noticeably shorter than others in the series, so things progressed quickly. It helps that Charlie and Hunter knew one another from when they were young so it was just a matter of owning up to some things and then wondering how they could possibly make a relationship work between them when Hunter was fully committed to Licking Thicket and Charlie had a successful career in Chicago. I enjoyed reconnecting with familiar characters and meeting new ones. The story was humorous although not laugh out loud funny, and the spicy times were spicy indeed. It did feel a bit rushed, especially at the end.

Favorite line: I changed my mind about my family being the best and briefly considered putting myself up for adoption.

Delightful story, but again, it felt rushed. Four stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Off Key (Whispering Key #3)Off Key by May Archer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


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Completed the book Off Key by May Archer last night. It's the third in her "Whispering Key" series of male/male romances. Main characters are Rafe Goodman, a Whispering Key lifer, and Jay Rollins, up-and-coming rock star.

Rafe and Jay grew up as besties, spending their summers together on Whispering Key. Rafe developed a crush on Jay as they got older, but he knew he had no chance with his straight BFF. When he had a chance to help Jay's sister, Aimee, via a marriage of convenience, Rafe took it, not knowing he was breaking Jay's heart in the process.

Jay always knew he wanted to write songs and play music, but he also knew the industry wasn't kind to gay men. For that reason, he kept his sexuality to himself along with his burgeoning feelings for his friend Rafe. Once he found success as "Jayd Rollins" and learned that Rafe and Aimee got married, Jay couldn't bear to spend time with either of them. He made sure he was always too busy to get together or even call. His attitude resulted in a huge falling out with Rafe, and now the two of them haven't spoken in years, never mind that "Jayd's" gold album was filled with songs inspired by Rafe.

When Aimee goes no-contact with both her brother and her ex-husband, Jay and Rafe are forced to travel together to find her and make sure she's okay. Being in close proximity reminds each of them of the closeness they once shared, but both are too scared to admit to any feelings or make the first move. It's going to take a kinda-sorta kidnapping, a stolen van, a phone call from Aimee, and the quirky residents of Whispering Key to convince Rafe and Jay that they were always meant to be together.

This one hit all the right feels. Typically in a romance, there's the getting to know one another stage, falling in love, then some drama or conflict before the HEA. In this story, we dive right into the drama and conflict stage. I was pleasantly surprised that, once Jay and Rafe finally talked to one another and got through it, there were no further monkey wrenches thrown into their lives other than the dilemma of how they would handle Jay being a famous musician, while Rafe hates to fly. Hint: the Key is the key! Characterizations were marvelous, even those characters who merely flitted through the narrative. I adored Jay's friend, Oak. The plot had great pacing, the dialogue was witty and heart-warming, and the sexy times were amazing.

Favorite lines:
♦ I had the resources to enjoy myself to the fullest. So what was I doing? Chaperoning a meeting of the Extravaganza Committee. As one does.
♦ A dynastic marriage with a dowry of loaded nachos was not the weirdest setup for a Whispering Key love story I'd ever heard. Literally not even the weirdest this month.
♦ "The Rafe I know and tolerate is a bitter little ball of righteous indignation."
♦ "Did thinking of the giant penises rot your brain?"
♦ Every time I open my mouth, I make a noise like an Edvard Munch painting.
♦ "Choose dicks at every opportunity, you hear me?"
♦ If I kept trucking down Pity Party Lane, I was pretty sure I'd end up sobbing into my fritters.
♦ When I was with him, something in my soul sighed and whispered, "Ah, there you are!" And I was pretty sure it always would.
♦ "Lord a'mercy, we got us a geyser! The end-times are upon us!"*
♦ "A man never appreciates what he has until shit's half a foot high and rising, am I right?"
♦ "And this guy loves a good topping."
♦ "The kidnapping wasn't for nothing. Best kidnapping I've ever experienced. Ten out of ten."
♦ "Responsibility is stupid. We should throw away our phones and just stay here."
♦ I might have worried that the rapture had come, except my cousin Fenn wasn't replying either, and there was no way that fucker wouldn't be left behind just like me.


May Archer always makes me laugh! Loved this story, five stars.
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Hot as Heller (Aster Valley)Hot as Heller by Lucy Lennox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Since I didn't have to work today, I stayed up until the wee hours to finish reading Hot as Heller by Lucy Lennox. It's the third book in her "Aster Valley" series of male/male romances. Main characters are Sheriff Declan Stone and Hollywood star Finn Heller.

Declan moved to Aster Valley from LA to get away from the Hollywood crazy. Now Hollywood has come to Aster Valley in the form of a production crew. An action movie is being filmed in Aster Valley, disrupting the peace and quiet. Declan is particularly annoyed with Finn Heller, especially after Finn mistook him for a valet and instructed Declan to park his car. Still, there's something about Finn that brings all of Dec's protective instincts to the fore. He's both gorgeous and vulnerable, and Declan can't help but be drawn to him.

Finn got his start in acting as a child on a wildly popular TV series. Ever since then he's been trying to make it as a serious actor. He's only working on this film in hopes of landing a role in a Shakespeare adaptation. Finn is accustomed to people wanting a piece of him, using him for connections, and riding his coat tails. Sheriff Stone, however, is different. He seems to see right through Finn's front to the insecure young man he is. With Declan's encouragement, Finn may just learn how to stand up for himself and reach for what he really wants out of life.

A lovely, tender story. Humorous, although not laugh-out-loud funny. You couldn't help but feel sorry for Finn. It's as if there was no one in his life who truly cared about him as a person, rather than as a commodity, including his own mother. Spending time with Declan and his friends makes Finn feel like he belongs for the first time in his life. The drama was exciting, sexy times were delish, and characters were marvelous--even the ones I wanted to punt off the mountain.

Favorite lines:
♦ I was still busy backing up my salt truck over this latest outrage.
♦ "She comes in here with Pickles all the time and makes everyone laugh."
♦ "Everyone knows Scooby-Doo."
♦ "I swore to myself not to treat you like a piece of meat, and now here I am with my steak sauce out and my knife sharpened."
♦ "No matter what nefarious plans were afoot, our intrepid sheriff was all in."


I really liked this book. I'm hesitant to give it five stars, but it deserves more than four. Why can we not give halfsies?! As a nod to the author, I'll bump this from 4.5 to 5.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Spirited Situation (Ghostly Guardians #1)Spirited Situation by Louisa Masters

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Earlier this evening I finished reading Spirited Situation by Louisa Masters. It's the first in her "Ghostly Guardians" series of male/male romance with a paranormal flair. Main characters are Josh, who's always been able to see and speak to ghosts, and Ewan, who works as a blacksmith on the historic Mannix Estate.

Josh is excited to land an interview to work at Mannix Estate. It's known to be haunted; therefore no one will look at him oddly if he's seen talking to empty air. The night before his interview, Josh hooks up with a burly hottie in a bar, only to later learn that his one night stand also works at Mannix Estate.

Ewan has gone into town in hopes of pulling someone. He didn't expect to spend the night with an adorable little firecracker. When he finds out later that his hook up is the estate's new hire, Ewan decides to let Josh take the lead on whether or not to remain colleagues or explore the connection between them.

As if relationship and new-job drama aren't enough, Josh has been informed by the resident ghosts that they managed to trap a soul-eating demon in the basement 50 years ago, and they would like him to get rid of it. Josh knows nothing about banishing demons, but with some in-depth research, the backing of his new co-workers, Ewan's steady presence, and a little help from an anonymous internet source, he thinks that maybe, just maybe, he can do this.

A delightful story. I enjoyed the easy, slow pace of Josh and Ewan's relationship, as well as the easy acceptance of not just their co-workers but also the ghosts. The author could have delved into horror with the whole subplot of the demon, but while it was certainly creepy, it didn't give me the willies. Characters, including the ghosts, were portrayed well, and the narrative moved forward in a sensible, steady fashion.

Favorite lines:
♦ We had a Zoom meeting last week. I did the whole thing in a salt circle, praying the evangelical ghost that lives on the downstairs landing hadn't somehow managed to get into my apartment and was about to pop up to ask me if I'd heard about Christ our savior.
♦ Who knew I had a secret fantasy about being ravished by a blacksmith?
♦ I'm pretty sure it's a health and safety violation for us to have a being that tries to kill people and eat their souls on the premises.
♦ "We really need to, if only so I can assure myself I took all possible steps to prevent a demon from eating souls."
♦ There's an awkward little silence while we all mull over how much we don't want to be shoved down a flight of stairs by a dark spirit that's hoping we'll die so it can eat our souls.
♦ "Twincest is not as good as McDonald's."
♦ "We're really bad at this. Scooby and Shaggy were smarter than us."


One would think that having a soul-eating demon on the premises isn't funny, but it made for some of the most amusing musings. LOL! Very good story, four stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Hitched (Licking Thicket: Horn of Glory #2)Hitched by Lucy Lennox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Over the course of the weekend I read Hitched by May Archer and Lucy Lennox. It's the second book in their "Horn of Glory" series, which is a spin-off of the "Licking Thicket" series. Main characters are Percy "Champ" Champion, owner of Champion Security, and Quinn Taffet, event planner extraordinaire.

Champ doesn't do relationships; he's more of a one-night-stand kind of guy. However, his current one-night-stand has been going on for over twenty nights, not that he's counting. Quinn is smart and sexy, challenging and sassy, and Champ is comfortable with him. That may prove distracting just when Champ can least afford a distraction. His team provides security for Jacob Horn (of Horn of Glory gaming fame), and a stolen HOG device, which may contain potentially explosive intel on a dangerous drug cartel, has wound up in the wrong hands. Champ doesn't want to involve Quinn, but Quinn is already involved--he's busy planning a wedding for the daughter of the man who bought the HOG.

Quinn doesn't do relationships, which is why he's astounded that he keeps letting Champ come around and sex him up. He figures their days nights together are numbered, so why not enjoy it while it lasts? When Champ horns in on his wedding planning, Quinn can't help but wonder if he's just a means to an end or does he mean more to the gruff former Marine?

Loved this story. I always enjoy revisiting Licking Thicket in all its ridiculous glory, and I was delighted to reconnect with familiar characters. Everyone in town knows that Champ and Quinn are smitten with one another, with the exception of Champ and Quinn. They're still deluding themselves that they can quit whenever they want to. Not only did we get to follow the convoluted path to their HEA, the story also involved lots of drama and action and mystery. The plot pelted along, and I laughed out loud several times while reading it. The book was sweet and sexy and everything I look for in a male/male romance.

Favorite lines:
♦ Seriously, why did the universe make the hot ones so damn annoying?
♦ "He and I are kind of still on the outs from when I accidentally commandeered his orc forces to storm the Forbidden Quagmires of Sod."
♦ What was the most polite way to state that I'd rather light myself on fire than sit through another planning meeting?
♦ Riggs's face morphed from hardened soldier to demented cow like it always did when he thought about Carter.
♦ "If you thought my peace-offering donuts were good, wait until you try my peace-offering tacos."
♦ Hercules cocked his head like he wanted to help but didn't have enough toe beans to count that high.
♦ Served him right to be on the receiving end of someone else's monkey wrench for once.
♦ Was there a word for people who became suddenly anxious around men with badges? I was suddenly, irrationally sure that I'd not only killed someone that morning and forgotten about it, but I probably also still had the gun on my person.
♦ "I will not report to that egotistical orc-hoarder for all the pips in Hornlandia."
♦ I simply couldn't work up a single iota of righteous indignation. And since on any given day half my body weight was comprised of righteous indignation, this was a big deal.
♦ "I had one condition in a man, and it was that he knew how to subdue insurgents with grace while I hijacked a plane."


Hot and hilarious--five stars!
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Borrowing Blue (Made Marian #1)Borrowing Blue by Lucy Lennox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I had no power Monday night; all I could do was read my Kindle, and I knocked back most of Borrowing Blue by Lucy Lennox. I finished it last night. This is the first part of the author's "Made Marian" series of male/male romance. Main characters are Blue Marian and Tristan Alexander.

Blue's sister is getting married. It's a destination wedding at a winery, and he's looking forward to spending time with his family before he leaves for a new job in London. What Blue hadn't counted on was his ex showing up with a much younger boy toy in tow. When the stranger seated next to him at the bar plants a toe-curling revenge kiss on him, Blue is smitten.

Tristan had locked down his bi-sexuality, but something about Blue brings his dormant attraction to men roaring to the fore. Next thing he knows, Tris is agreeing to play the part of Blue's new boyfriend. It's only for a week, right? The problem is, the more time Tristan spends with Blue, the more time he wants to spend with him. Blue seems to agree, but how will the two of them manage a long-distance relationship?

This was a lovely story, rife with lots of feels, humor, heart, and sexy times. I wasn't completely onboard with the (almost) insta-love, but it worked here. Characters were portrayed well, and I can't wait to read more about them in upcoming books in the series. I really liked Tristan's dog, Piper, and how she glommed onto Blue. I think she fell in love with him before Tristan did!

A few minor irritations... )

Favorite lines:
♦ The man was all that and a bag of the best kind of chips.
♦ "You have a big, beautiful cock. Remind me to have Aunt Tilly cross-stitch that on a pillow for you for Christmas."


I really can't justify giving this five stars, but it does earn a solid four.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Hijacked (Licking Thicket: Horn of Glory #1)Hijacked by Lucy Lennox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I took advantage of my long weekend to read Hijacked. It's the first book in May Archer and Lucy Lennox's "Horn of Glory" series, which is a spin-off of their "Licking Thicket" series. This one was just as funny and punny as the original series. Main characters are (William) Riggs, former Marine currently working for Champion Security, and Dr Carter Rogers (whom we met in the Licking Thicket series).

Carter has to get out of Dodge. He's surrounded by loving couples, including his ex Tucker with his new husband, and Carter just needs a break from it. He decides to travel to Venezuela with the Doctors Across Continents program to spend several weeks in an under-served community. There's just one catch--Carter's grandfather insists on hiring a bodyguard to keep him safe.

Riggs doesn't want to accompany a prima donna doctor to Venezuela, but he knows this assignment is punishment for the fact that he screwed up his last mission with an ill-advised hook-up. The more time he spends with Carter, however, the more Riggs realizes that the good doctor is also a good person. When the two of them are abducted by a local drug cartel, they'll need to rely on one another to escape.

In spite of the dire circumstances, this book was hilarious. Initially, Carter and Riggs couldn't help but antagonize one another, but their attitudes shift when they have only each other to count on. The Horn of Glory game played a large role, and it will be interesting to see how that subplot develops.

Favorite lines:
♦ "I don't know. Maybe I'll ask my husband. The gun-toting drag queen."*
♦ "There are a limited number of people in the world I'd save from a rampaging capybara."
♦ "I just gave you the best orgasm of your life. If you don't pass out in the next five minutes, it's because you're trying to stay awake."
♦ What I was not going to do that morning was obsess over Riggs or what I'd decided to call the Unfortunate Insomnia Frottage Incident.
♦ "You just sound so put out about it. Like you're offended that these were the best henchmen the cartel could come up with. You want to give them a course in remedial badassery, don't you?"
♦ It was a sad day when a man's own flopping couch was taken over.
♦ "I'm sure relationship advice coming from someone who's married to a gun-toting drag queen may not seem like much to you."*
That bit was funny enough early in the book, and when it got trotted out again near the end, I nearly died laughing!
♦ "I gave you a fucking naked mole rat, and that wasn't good enough for you?"

Epic hilarity, forced proximity, groan-worthy puns, tension and high heat make this one a winner. Five stars!
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Eight Lives (Match Made in Hell, #1)Eight Lives by Autumn Breeze

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Finished off an ebook last night. It was Eight Lives by Autumn Breeze (Seriously?!) and Ashley Chamblee. Story is told in alternating points of view of the main characters, Anselm the vampire, and Edmund the...catboy, I guess.

One hundred years ago, a dark witch cursed Edmund to an immortal life as a cat. He was found on the streets by the vampire, Anselm, and the two have lived together ever since. When Edmund suddenly transforms back into a human (with cat ears and tail), they realize the witch who cursed him must have died. Edmund isn't sure he wants to be human again, not if it means he will age and die, leaving Anselm behind. For his part, Anselm worries about what the future holds for Edmund. Together, they embark on a search for another dark witch who can cast the curse again, and Edmund must decide if he wants to return to being an immortal cat and companion or a mortal man and lover.

Not sure what to think of this. There really wasn't much of a plot. It's hard to assign it a genre, too. There was no mystery, although the authors could have made one of it in regards to what happened to the witch who cursed Edmund. Since they'd been together for a century, there was no meet-cute to kick off a romance. Frankly, it read like catboy fanfiction. I've read and enjoyed catboy fanfiction before, but I knew what I was getting at the onset. This was just sort of meandering and pointless. Characterizations were rather flat, and I was somewhat nonplussed by how tiny Edmund was. He often sat on Anselm's lap or was carried around by him, which...meh.

Favorite line: Maybe she hadn't believed me when I told her my immortal, cursed cat was broken.

Lackluster--two stars
chez_jae: (Books)
Mr. Important (Honeybridge)Mr. Important by Lucy Lennox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Good thing today is a holiday, because I stayed up hella late last night to finish reading Mr Important by May Archer and Lucy Lennox. It's the second part of their "Honeybridge" series of male/male romance. Story is told in alternating first-person pov by the main characters, Reagan Wellbridge and Thatcher Pennington.

On impulse, Reagan hooks up with a hot silver fox at a NYE masquerade, only to discover his anonymous hook up is none other than Thatcher Pennington: his parents' friend, father of Reagan's friend, and oh yeah, his boss. Reagan's intentions to pretend nothing happened go up in smoke when he's tabbed to accompany Thatcher on a two-week PR tour by bus. In such close, constant proximity, will Reagan be able to keep his hands to himself?

By the time Thatcher realizes he mistook one masked man for another on NYE, it's too late. As he wonders how to handle the situation, a PR nightmare crops up and he's compelled to go on tour to show their brand, PennCo, in a positive light. When the woman he's scheduled to travel with gets sick, Thatcher ends up traveling with Reagan. He'd never paid much attention to the Wellbridges' son, but now that they're forced to spend so much time together, Thatcher realizes just how smart, charming, and talented Reagan is, not to mention how stunningly attractive he is as well. Will he be able to keep his hands to himself...and will he want to?

What a lively story! Reagan has been longing to prove (to himself and everyone else) that he's more than just a photogenic backdrop to his father's political campaign. Working at PennCo was meant to allow him to showcase his social media skills; instead, he's felt stifled there. Now that he's been shoved into the limelight on tour with Mr Pennington, Reagan finally has a chance to shine. Thatcher has always been content to leave the running of PennCo in the competent hands of Layla James, but now that he sees the results that Reagan is getting via social media, he has a newfound respect for Reagan and the marketing tool. As the two of them succumb to their mutual attraction and grow closer, they both fear the repercussions of their involvement. Eventually, they'll need to decide what's most important to them. The characterizations in this were amazing, from Reagan's ability to shift into whatever persona suited the situation, to Thatcher's taciturn disdain for the need to go on tour. Even the villainess was portrayed well, as in I wanted to punch her in the face. One of my favorite characters was McGee, the driver of the bus. The plot moved at a good, sensible pace, and it was laced with humor.

Favorite lines:
♦ Not fascinating. He was a jerk this morning, and we don't waste our fascination on jerks.
♦ "You look terrified. Like you expected to find a cute little bunny waiting for you in the bus and instead found a rabid beaver who might tear you limb from limb."
♦ "They're going to think I can't do the work, which is bullshit, or that you don't like me, which is ridiculous because I'm a fucking delight."
♦ "Layla's side-eyeing me like she's a fucking flat-earther who thinks I'm showing her doctored pictures from outer space."
♦ "Living up to other people's expectations is a losing game. You need to live up to your own. And if that's not good enough for the people around you, find new people."
♦ "Opportunity knocks, but it doesn't pick locks. You gotta open the door."
♦ "Is this one of those things where you've been kidnapped but can't say so directly? Cough if you need me to call the police."
♦ I glared at him, but activity behind Reagan's curtain saved McGee from getting a fat lip to match his nose and eyes.


Sheer delight! Lots of laughs and heat, but with enough drama and angsting included to save it from being nothing but fluff. Five stars!
chez_jae: (Archer book)
The New Neighbor (Corio Heights, #1)The New Neighbor by Rye Cox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I finished an ebook last night. It was The New Neighbor by Rye Cox, and it's the first in the "Corio Heights" series of male/male romance. Main characters are Caleb and Zack.

Caleb works as a CPA, but his passion is baking. After his father passed, Caleb devoted himself to taking care of his mother and his younger brother. He doesn't do relationships. However, Caleb would like to do his hot new neighbor.

Zack works in the hospitality industry, helping new ventures get the funding they need to launch their businesses. He doesn't have time for a relationship, but when he's just moving into his new apartment and a neighbor brings him some cookies, Zack wouldn't mind making time for Caleb.

The two of them are determined to remain in the friends zone, but as they spend more and more time together, they gradually start to fall for one another. Everyone else realizes they're perfect together; now if only Caleb and Zack can figure that out.

Very sweet story, very low angst. I enjoyed the slow burn, and I loved that Zack has a cat. It was at turns amusing and exasperating to see the two of them dance around one another, each of them afraid to make that first move in case they didn't click and it ruined their friendship. The progression of the plot was fairly predictable, but it was a fun read nevertheless.

Favorite line: Anyone who loved cats got an A-plus in my book.

Sweet and spicy: four stars
chez_jae: (Books)
The Crazy Bookshop (Cadenbury Town, #1)The Crazy Bookshop by E. Broom

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



It took forever, but I finally finished reading The Crazy Bookshop by E Broom. It's the first in the "Cadenbury Town" series. Main character is Ernest Turnbull.

Ernest is fired from his job after tossing a latte in his boss' face. Now out of work, he applies for a job at a bookstore in Cadenbury. Ernest is offered the job immediately, which delights him, but he can't help but feel things in Cadenbury are a bit off. There's a woman who looks like a crone and always has an animal with her, his new boss Alfred reminds Ernest of an exuberant puppy, and the mayor, Adhan Stone, broods and growls a lot. Soon Ernest learns that the crone, Mollyanne, is an actual witch, and that Alfred and Adhan (his father) are wolf shifters. Even more bizarre, Ernest learns that he's a witch, too. It seems he's arrived in town just in time. Various townspeople are being targeted by harmful spells. Ernest, with his fresh outlook on all things magical, comes up with a plan to not only protect the town, but to roust their enemies once and for all.

This book had everything I like: bookstore, shifters, witches, magic, male/male romance, but...I didn't much like it. The writing was rife with grammatical errors, and it was (mostly) written in present tense, which always seems odd to me. The plot wasn't very cohesive. The "romance" was insta (fated mates), and the conflict was low key and rather easily dealt with. It was like reading a Disney movie.

Favorite lines:
♦ "No harm ever came from opening a book."
♦ "What do you call throwing a latte in someone's face?" // "Passive aggressive violence?"
♦ "People actually use wands?" I ask, because what is this? Harry Potter?


Interesting premise, disappointing execution. Three stars, and that's being generous.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
A Subtle Breeze (Southern Spirits, #1)A Subtle Breeze by Bailey Bradford

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



About half an hour ago I finished reading A Subtle Breeze by Bailey Bradford. It's the first in her "Southern Spirits" series of male/male romance, featuring a paranormal element. The main characters are Ezekiel "Zeke" Matthers and Brendon Shanahan.

Coming out in a small Texas town was difficult for Zeke, and when a violent assault happened, he retreated into himself. Now he stays on his ranch and makes a longer trek to a larger town for any needed supplies. Brendon's cousin Gloria is BFFs with Enessa Matthers. The two girls conspire to introduce Zeke and Brendon. The men's chemistry is off the charts from the get-go, but Zeke is afraid for Brendon's safety if he sticks around. His worry is not for nothing, because the old homophobia rears its ugly head once more. This time, however, Brendon is willing to stand at Zeke's side and fight for what they have. They are strengthened in their resolve by the presence of Zeke's mama, in spirit form, who offers comfort and warning in equal measure.

I enjoy male/male romance, and I love all things paranormal; therefore, this book should have been my perfect cuppa tea. Instead, I was very meh about the entire story. The plot, what there was of it, was simply framework for the sex. Don't get me wrong; the sex scenes were hot and steamy, but they dominated the story. Gloria and Enessa connived to get Zeke and Brendon together for dinner at Zeke's home then they abruptly dipped out, leaving the guys alone. Within minutes they were going at it like bunnies, and I nearly lost my eyebrows somewhere in my hairline. Okaaaay...They also were in love the next day. Cue my eyebrows disappearing again. The sheer frequency of the sexual activity also perplexed me. I mean, shouldn't there be some recovery time involved? Zeke and Brendon aren't teenagers, ffs. Speaking of Brendon, my first loss of eyebrows happened when I read his full name. Is Bailey a hockey fan? Because Brendan Shanahan is an NHL Hall-of-Famer. Any half-iced hockey fan would recognize the name. It made things a tad awkward for me to read, because I kept picturing the Brendan Shanahan I am familiar with.

Favorite line: "Someone ought to bury her and slap an invisible 'x' over the spot, then burn the damn treasure map."

I am really torn over the rating here. I've read and enjoyed other books by this author, but this doesn't deserve more than a two. I'd love to give it 2 1/2, but since I can't...sorry. Two stars.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Felix and the Prince (Forever Wilde, #2)Felix and the Prince by Lucy Lennox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I had today off work, and I used the time to finish reading Felix and the Prince by Lucy Lennox. It's the second in her "Forever Wilde" series of male/male romances. The main characters are Felix Wilde, art history nerd and glass artisan, and Lio, the royal prince who's slated to take the throne much sooner than he'd anticipated.

With his movie-star mother's newest film set to release, Felix is anxious to escape his small hometown in Texas in an effort to dodge the paparazzi. He books a trip to an island in the north Atlantic, home to Gadleigh Castle and the incredible stained glass that Gadleigh is famous for. Felix intends to take advantage of the peace and quiet to study the glass and finish his dissertation. He hadn't counted on meeting a handsome stranger and having a fling.

When his father, the king, is embroiled in a scandal that's about to blow up in the royal family's face, Lio learns his father intends to step down, making him king of Liorland. Lio opts to take some time to come to grips with the new responsibilities he'll need to shoulder. He plans a quick get-away to one of his favorite homes, Gadleigh Castle. Lio didn't count on meeting a shy, beautiful glassmaker there, nor did he anticipate falling so hard and fast for Felix. Lio doesn't know how to break it to Felix that he's a prince, nor does he know how he can have both the throne and Felix, too.

This story was all about the flangst. It was sweet and delicious and lovely, but all along there was that looming doom of Lio's responsibility to his family and his nation and the stress of wondering how they'd ever make it work. I loved how supportive Felix's family members were; Lio had his sister in his corner, along with several devoted employees. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, although I wish it would have had more humor. It had its humorous moments, but nothing that made me grin like a loon or laugh out loud.

Favorite lines:
♦ Lio was the type to fuck and duck.
♦ Great, now I had a goddamned boner at the ball.
♦ I hated those fuckers and their stupid-assed unconditional love.
♦ "Permission to invade, sir."


Felix was made of sass! LOL!

Very good, four stars

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