Review: Secret at Skull House (Secrets and Scrabble #2) by Josh Lanyon

Secret at Skull House
(Secrets and Scrabble #2) by Josh Lanyon

Published April 28th 2020 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.

Genre: M/M, Mystery, Romance

Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ellery Page is back--and in hot water again!

Unlike everyone else in Pirate's Cove, Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, reigning Scrabble champion, and occasionally clueless owner of the village's only mystery bookstore, is anything but thrilled when famed horror author Brandon Abbott announces he's purchased legendary Skull House and plans to live there permanently.

Ellery and Brandon have history. Their relationship ended badly and the last thing Ellery wants is a chance to patch things up--especially when his relationship with Police Chief Jack Carson is just getting interesting. But then, maybe Brandon isn't all that interested in getting back together either, because he seems a lot more interested in asking questions about the bloodstained past of his new home than discussing a possible future with Ellery. What is Brandon really up to?

Ellery will have to unscramble that particular puzzle post haste. Because after his former flame disappears following their loud and public argument, Ellery seems to be Police Chief Carson's first--and only--suspect.


***This story contains no on-screen sex or violence

An M/M Cozy Mystery.

I have a confession. I really like Ellery! More so in this book than in the first. He's settling in quite nicely with his shop, the theater, scrabble club, and the mystery book club. And he's at a happy place in his friendship with Jack. I'm still on the fence about Jack. I want to like him for Ellery's sake, so I'm willing to cut him a little slack. I could appreciate his honesty regarding a certain situation, even though it hurt Ellery. I suppose it's better to know up front rather than when you're head over heels. But, oh, the lost potential makes me so sad!

I do usually prefer one character in Lanyon's books, while the other one frustrates me beyond belief. That's what is happening again! I'm looking forward to learning more about Jack and the events in his past that make him behave this way. I can't wait to see how his and Ellery's relationship evolves.

The secondary cast of characters are, once again, a mixed bag. The gossip flies around town faster than I could keep up with. I just shake my head every time one of them encourages Ellery to investigate a murder. Enough already! I feel as though Pirate's Cove is running low on murder suspects, so I think some fresh faces need to be introduced pronto!

Lanyon’s writing talents are spot on, always providing a well paced and easy to follow mystery that holds my attention to the end. I can't wait for the next book!

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

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Review: Murder at Pirate's Cove (Secrets and Scrabble #1) by Josh Lanyon

Murder at Pirate's Cove
(Secrets and Scrabble #1) by Josh Lanyon

Published February 29th 2020 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.

Genre: M/M, Mystery, Romance
Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, Scrabble champion and guy-with-worst-luck-in-the-world-when-it-comes-to-dating, is ready to make a change. So when he learns he's inherited both a failing bookstore and a falling-down mansion in the quaint seaside village of Pirate's Cove on Buck Island, Rhode Island, it's full steam ahead!

Sure enough, the village is charming, its residents amusingly eccentric, and widowed police chief Jack Carson is decidedly yummy (though probably as straight as he is stern). However, the bookstore is failing, the mansion is falling down, and there's that little drawback of finding rival bookseller--and head of the unwelcoming-committee--Trevor Maples dead during the annual Buccaneer Days celebration.

Still, it could be worse. And once Police Chief Carson learns Trevor was killed with the cutlass hanging over the door of Ellery's bookstore, it is.

**This story contains NO on-screen sex or violence.

I haven't read a lot of cozy mysteries, but it's Josh Lanyon, so of course I was going to read it! It's a different genre than I'm used to, but I enjoyed it enough to read it in one sitting because I just had to find out what happened!

I loved both of the main characters. At first, Ellery was a little timid, but he soon proved just how much of a busybody he was. He was all up in everyone's business trying to investigate the murder on the sly. And Jack seemed like a nice, manly fella with terrific policing instincts. Ellery and Jack's paths crossed frequently, and I really enjoyed their interactions.

The mystery plot went along nicely, becoming more and more complicated with each turn of the page. A whole slew of suspects were introduced, and numerous secrets were revealed. There was certainly lot of nefarious activity for such a small seaside village!

Overall, this was a very entertaining cozy mystery, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

arc received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Blind Side (Dangerous Ground #6) by Josh Lanyon

Blind Side (Dangerous Ground #6) by Josh Lanyon

Published January 30th 2020 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.

Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

With resources already overstretched, the last thing Will and Taylor need is another client.

And the last thing Will needs is for that client to turn out to be an old boyfriend of Taylor’s.

But Ashe Dekker believes someone is trying to kill him, and Taylor is determined to help--whatever the cost.

I did a reread of the entire series so I would be ready when this was released! The ending of this series was a long time coming and I'm so sad to see it go. I'm going to miss having new adventures with these characters.

Blind Side was a bit light on the action and adventure, and heavy on Will and Taylor's relationship. The men were still working through their issues, so miscommunications abound. However, I really liked that they acknowledged the problems they had been having and wanted to work through them. It would be unrealistic to expect everything to be resolved immediately, but there was no denying these two are in it for the long haul.

As if their personal problems weren't enough, Will and Taylor's work situation was not in a good place either. They were both unhappy, but trying to make the best of the situation that they found themselves in. Once again, it truly made me so happy when they finally discussed things like adults, rather than ignoring their problems.

The writing was excellent, as usual, and the ending left me satisfied. So overall, this was a great read, but I'm still not thrilled that the series is over. I'm sure I'll be giving this entire series another reread in the future.

arc received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: I Buried a Witch (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #2) by Josh Lanyon

I Buried a Witch (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #2)
by Josh Lanyon

Published November 30th 2019 by Josh Lanyon
Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance
Amazon

Synopsis:

Something old, something new, something borrowed…something blacker than the darkest night.

Cosmo Saville adores his new husband, but his little white lies—and some very black magic—are about to bring his fairytale romance to an end. Someone is killing San Francisco's spellcasters—and the only person Cosmo can turn to—the man who so recently swore to love and cherish him—isn't taking his phone calls.

The only magic Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith believes in is true love. Discovering he’s married to a witch—a witch with something alarmingly like magical powers—is nearly as bad as discovering the man he loved tricked and deceived him. John shoulders the pain of betrayal and packs his bags. But when he learns Cosmo is in the crosshairs of a mysterious and murderous plot, he knows he must do everything in in his mortal power to protect him.

Till Death do them Part. With their relationship on the rocks, Cosmo and Commissioner Galbraith join forces to uncover the shadowy figure behind the deadly conspiracy…

Can the star-crossed couple bring down a killer before the dark threat extinguishes true love’s flame?

I Buried a Witch is the second book in the smart and sexy Bedknobs and Broomsticks romantic gay mystery trilogy. If you like endearing characters, spell-binding conflict, and spooky, good fun, then you’ll love Josh Lanyon’s tale of a blue knight and his slightly wicked witch.

I Buried A Witch was another well written book from Josh Lanyon. I liked what was going on here with the world building and the character development. The first book was a bit of a blur with a lot of introductions, so I was happy to settle in with this one and just enjoy the story.

I was looking forward to getting to know John better, but he's still mostly a mystery to me. Except that he's very judgemental! Almost to the point of being unlikable. Oh well, Cosmo sure seems to love him, so I will at least give him a chance to redeem himself. We'll see. As for Cosmo, being a bit out of practice leaves him fumbling his way through some awkward and dangerous situations. I found myself liking him more and more as the book went on. Especially when he finally opened his eyes and saw his and John's relationship for what it really was. It was a bit of a reality check for Cosmo, but I think it was needed for him (and for the readers.)

So far, this series is working for me. It may not turn out to be my favorite Lanyon series, but it has potential. I like that the relationships and characters aren't perfect. It seems like a lot of changes are going to have to take place for things to work out. Especially if Cosmo and John are going to get an HEA.

Part of the mystery was solved by the end, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions! I can't wait to see how things turn out in the next book.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Mainly by Moonlight (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #1) by Josh Lanyon

Mainly by Moonlight
(Bedknobs and Broomsticks #1) by Josh Lanyon

Published August 1st 2019 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc

Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A gay high-society wedding. A stolen book of spells. A love-threatening lie.

Can a witch avoid a murder rap without revealing the supernatural truth?

Cosmo Saville guiltily hides a paranormal secret from his soon-to-be husband. And if he can’t undo a powerful love spell, uncertainty threatens his nuptial magic. But when he’s arrested for allegedly killing a longtime rival, he could spend his honeymoon behind bars…

Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith never believed in love until Cosmo came along. Falling head over heels for the elegant antiques dealer is an enchantment he never wants to break. So when all fingers point to Cosmo’s guilt, John races to prove his fiancé’s innocence before they take their vows.

As Cosmo searches for the real killer among the arcane aristocracy, John warns him to leave it to the police. But with an unseen enemy threatening to expose Cosmo’s true nature, the couple’s blissful future could shatter like a broken charm.

Can Cosmo find the lost grimoire, clear his name and keep John’s love alive, or will black magic “rune” their wedding bells?

Mainly by Moonlight is the first book in the sexy Bedknobs and Broomsticks romantic gay mystery series. If you like spell-binding suspense, steamy star-crossed fun, and a dash of paranormal, then you’ll love Josh Lanyon’s charming tale.

I really liked this! Lanyon gave me the perfect blend of whirlwind romance and murder mystery in this first installment. There was a lot going on in a very short period of time, so the story held my attention and made this a quick read. I didn't want to stop reading until I found out what was going on. This is the first part of a continuing story, so the end of the book was really just a stopping point. I'm so glad the rest of this series will be releasing soon because I don't think I could wait too long.

Because this was told in Cosmo's POV, we didn't get to know John very well, so I can't wait to learn more about him. So far he seems very 'by the book' and a bit detached, but resigned to love Cosmo, so I can definitely see the $hit hitting the fan when he finds out the truth! Cosmo is a bit different, but likable, and he has a big heart. I'm looking forward to more character development as the series progresses.

I'm also looking forward to seeing how hard Cosmo and John land when they come back to earth after their whirlwind engagement and wedding! Things are bound to be rough, and I do love my angst in romance books!

I completely understand other's lack of enjoyment with this book, but I've read enough of her books to know what to expect, so I try to not look for 'more'. Yes, I had some issues with a few things, so no, it's not perfect, but I still enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series (and hoping that she follows through with making this more than a 3 book series.)

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Craft Brew (Trouble Brewing #2) by Layla Reyne

Craft Brew (Trouble Brewing #2) by Layla Reyne

Published October 8th 2018 by Carina Press

Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Assistant US attorney Dominic Price is staring down the barrel of his father’s debts. The bull’s-eye on his back makes him a threat to everyone he cares about, so when his lover wants to go public with their relationship, he bolts. Not because he isn’t in love—he can’t stomach the thought of putting Cam in danger.

Kidnap and rescue expert Cameron Byrne is determined to figure out what trouble Nic is running from, but devastating news from home brings him back to Boston and to the cold case that has haunted his family for two decades. Shoving aside his pride, he calls Nic for help.

Together they search for answers, navigating the minefield of Cam’s past. But when they get too close to the truth, Cam must use every skill in his arsenal to save the man he loves…before it’s too late.

I think I enjoyed Craft Brew more than I did the first book in this series. Although there wasn't quite as much character and relationship development as I would like, it was enough to progress the story along nicely and still leave room for more in book 3. I also loved that the guys were closer in this book, so I was able to feel more for them as individuals and as a couple.

Nic and Cam were struggling to keep their relationship on the down low, and then they suddenly had Cam's family drama to contend with. Luckily, they had really good friends they could count on who freely offered up help when needed.

Overall, this was another excellent story from this author with a great mix of action and romance. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.



An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert

Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert

Expected publication: November 12th 2018 by Carina Press

Genre: M/M, Romance, Holiday

Synopsis from Goodreads:

One hard-nosed military police officer.

One overly enthusiastic elf.

One poorly timed snowstorm.

Is it a recipe for disaster? Or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for holiday romance?

Teddy MacNally loves Christmas and everything that goes along with it. When he plays an elf for his charity’s events, he never expects to be paired with a Scrooge masquerading as Santa Claus. His new mission: make the holiday-hating soldier believe he was born to say ho-ho-ho.

Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki doesn’t do Santa, but he’s army to his blood. When his CO asks an unusual favor, Nick of course obliges. The elf to his Kris Kringle? Tempting. Too tempting—Nick’s only in town for another month, and Teddy’s too young, too cheerful and too nice for a one-night stand.

The slow, sexy make-out sessions while Teddy and Nick are alone and snowbound, though, feel like anything but a quick hookup. As a stress-free holiday fling turns into Christmas all year round, Teddy can’t imagine his life without Nick. And Nick’s days on the base may be coming to a close, but he doesn’t plan on leaving anything, or anyone, behind.

I had a good time reading this light, and mostly angst free, Christmas story. Teddy and Nick are likeable enough - one is a grumpy pants and the other an eternal optimist. I liked that they complimented each other so well. They were each able to bring that special something to the relationship that the other was lacking.

Overall, the really good writing, the lovely setting, and great secondary characters made this close to 4 stars for me. A lovely story just perfect to curl up with at Christmastime.

Spoiler below!

OMG, there was no kinky uniform sex, and I don't know why I'm so disappointed by that!

An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Whiskey Business by Avon Gale

Whiskey Business by Avon Gale

Published December 28th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ryder Waites will do anything to keep the tiny town of Gallows Grove, Kentucky, from vanishing off the map—even sell his family’s whiskey recipe to Bluegrass Bourbon in Lexington. Hopeful that the larger company can provide necessary improvements to the distillery, Ryder’s ultimate goal is to get Gallows Grove on the Bourbon Trail… and bring in much-needed tourism revenue. But to keep producing Hanged Man Bourbon in Gallows Grove, he’ll have to convince company liaison, unbearably stuffy and seriously hot Adam Keller, that he's worth the investment.

Adam comes from an old-money family, but he’s determined to make his own way in the world. When he’s sent to Gallows Grove, he questions the life choices that led him to a rented room in a funeral home, in a town full of macabre-themed businesses. And he doesn’t know what to make of Ryder, the descendant of bootleggers who’s on a mission to save his strange town from extinction. When Adam and Ryder put aside their initial mistrust, the results are as smooth as good whiskey. But after Adam’s assignment ends, he’ll have to decide if small-town life and a future with Ryder is to his tastes.

Ah, what a super cute and fun book! Both MCs were likable, the romance wasn't insta-love, and I enjoyed the small town setting.

So yeah, two hot guys, lots of sex, and some really bad puns made this a very entertaining read. The book was only 100 pages, so the story is obviously not long enough to get super deep and meaningful, but it was close to perfect for a novella.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Imperial Stout (Trouble Brewing #1) by Layla Reyne

Imperial Stout (Trouble Brewing #1) by Layla Reyne

Publication: July 23, 2018 by Carina Press

Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Suspense, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Layla Reyne spins off from her pulse-pounding Agents Irish and Whiskey books with Imperial Stout, the first installment in the Trouble Brewing series.

It’s a good thing assistant US attorney Dominic Price co-owns a brewery. He could use a cold one. Nic’s star witness has just been kidnapped, his joint operation with the FBI is in jeopardy, his father’s shady past is catching up with him and the hot new special agent in San Francisco is the kind of distraction best handled with a stiff drink.

Kidnap and rescue expert Cameron Byrne has his own ideas about how to handle Nic, but his skills are currently needed elsewhere. The by-the-book FBI agent goes deep undercover as a member of an infamous heist crew in order to save Nic’s witness, break up the crew and close the case before anyone else gets hurt. Nic in particular.

Things heat up when Cam falls for Nic, and the witness falls for Cam. As the crew’s suspicions grow, Cam must decide how far he’s willing to go—and how far into his own dark past he’s willing to dive—to get everyone out alive.

I've been looking forward to the start of this spin off series, and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed this author's AI&W series, and she delivered again with another action packed story. The pace, the storyline, and the chemistry between Cameron and Dominic was spot on. The case they teamed up on provided good suspense and brought in a lot of characters from the previous series. 

I enjoyed learning about Dominic and Cameron, and their back stories really left me wanting to know more about them! Their relationship was definitely a slow burn, but it was SO worth waiting for. I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses in the rest of the series.

Imperial Stout can be read as a standalone, but I feel that it would help if you’ve read the Agents Irish & Whiskey series so you aren't completely lost with the multiple characters and the previous goings on.


An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Murder Takes the High Road by Josh Lanyon

Murder Takes the High Road by Josh Lanyon
Publication: April 23rd 2018 by Carina Press
Kindle Edition, 250 pages
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Librarian Carter Matheson is determined to enjoy himself on a Scottish bus tour for fans of mystery author Dame Vanessa Rayburn. Sure, his ex, Trevor, will also be on the trip with his new boyfriend, leaving Carter to share a room with a stranger, but he can’t pass up a chance to meet his favorite author.

Carter’s roommate turns out to be John Knight, a figure as mysterious as any character from Vanessa’s books. His strange affect and nighttime wanderings make Carter suspicious. When a fellow traveler’s death sparks rumors of foul play, Carter is left wondering if there’s anyone on the tour he can trust.

Drawn into the intrigue, Carter searches for answers, trying to fend off his growing attraction toward John. As the unexplained tragedies continue, the whole tour must face the fact that there may be a murderer in their midst—but who?

I'm always excited to read a new Josh Lanyon book, so I was pleased to get approved for an arc of Murder Takes the High Road. This was another wonderful multi-layered mystery from this author. The story was filled with just the right amount of heat, humor, and murder to be very entertaining. I loved the old school feel of the murder mystery and I enjoyed Carter's amateur sleuthing.

The Scotland bus tour provided an intriguing setting and an endless list of suspects. The characters were nicely developed and very engaging. Some of them were likable, some not so much, but they sure were an interesting group!

I'm pretty sure the reason I've always enjoyed Lanyon's characters so much is because they tend to be a bit older and have already been through a lot. Their experiences brings a maturity to the relationship that is deep and meaningful. I quite enjoyed Carter. I liked how he was able to deal with his ex being on the tour, while simultaneously attempting to start something with John. But John I wasn't too sure about. I didn't get to know him well enough, but I think he proved his worth by the end of the book.

Murder Takes the High Road had everything that I love in a Josh Lanyon book! This was a highly anticipated book and it did not disappoint.

Next up for me is The Magician Murders, which I purchased from Amazon and have waiting for me on my Kindle.


An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Armed & Dangerous (Cut & Run #5) by Abigail Roux

Armed & Dangerous (Cut & Run #5) by Abigail Roux
Kindle Edition, 330 pages
Published May 18th 2012 by Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Left alone in Baltimore after his unpredictable lover bails, Special Agent Zane Garrett takes his frustration out on everything in his path until he is ordered to Chicago to back up an undercover operative. When he gets there, though, he finds himself face to face with his wayward partner, Special Agent Ty Grady. They have to deal with the uncertainty lingering between them while they work to retrieve their intended mark, a retired hit man and CIA wet-works operative named Julian Cross.

Ty, once a marine and now an FBI hotshot, has a penchant for being unpredictable, a trait Zane can vouch for. Zane is a man who once lived for his job but has come to realize his heartbreaking past doesn’t have to overshadow his future. They're partners, friends, lovers, and the go-to team for unusual cases. With Cross and his innocuous boyfriend, Cameron Jacobs, in tow, Ty and Zane must navigate the obstacles of a cross-country trek, including TSA pat-downs, blizzards, their uncooperative prisoners, CIA kill teams, a desperate lack of sleep or caffeine, and each other. Ty and Zane are determined to get Julian Cross to DC in one piece, but it’s starting to look like it might be the last thing they do.

I have to admit that this series is addicting. I'm just happy that I am able to read the whole series in one go, rather than reading them one at a time when they were released. I don't know how anyone didn't lose their shit waiting for each book!

After 5 books, I still don't know who I like more - Ty or Zane. They are both equally aggravating, but then they have moments where I love them so much. There were a couple of  'romantic' gestures from the guys that really saved this book for me.

Ty and Zane have changed so much from the first book, and I am frustrated that they are just now getting around to 'talking'. I know, I know, 2 tough guys being afraid to talk about their feelings is understandable. But this shit is getting downright ridiculous. They really need to start sharing more and not be afraid to ask questions about each other.

Zane: "Do you have a history with every guy with a gun in the Northern hemisphere?"
Ty: "Oh, like you don't have some winners back there you hope we never run into. Let's head to Miami and see what comes out of the woodwork."
Zane: "Ty."
Ty: "I like guys with guns!"

There were parts of this book that I loved, like the epic sex scenes and the sharing of feelings. And then there were parts that could have been better - the writing is still choppy and all over the place, and these guys are the worst FBI agents EVER! They are just completely terrible at their job. (I blame this on the writing, not on the characters themselves.)

I'm also hoping for more insight on Zane's character in the future. I'm especially interested in learning more about his wife's death, how he's dealing with his addictions, his family troubles, and just what the hell happened in Miami.

I'm happy that my library has these books available on Hoopla so I can keep chugging along with this series and see if my guys get better at opening up, and if their job performance improves.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: The Veranda (Lavender Shores #3) by Rosalind Abel

The Veranda (Lavender Shores #3) by Rosalind Abel
Kindle Edition, 260 pages
Published August 25th 2017
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Donovan Carlisle helps countless people in Lavender Shores with his skills as a therapist. It seems, however, that his ability to enable others to live their happiest life only works outside of himself. Donovan truly loves his life, but isn’t able to find a relationship that satisfies his heart’s craving. Maybe the problem is that the only man he wants is off-limits.
Spencer Epstein came to Lavender Shores to find himself. Instead, he married one of the local town beauties. He’d thought his prayers had finally been answered. Then, he met his pregnant fiancée’s brother. It turned out those answered prayers were just cruel twists of fate.
A decade later, after a divorce and the crumbling of all Spencer thought was set in stone, he sees his brother-in-law at a masquerade sex party. He takes full advantage of the anonymity and acts on the desires he’s held at bay all those years. The problem is, those silent and frenzied moments didn’t satiate anything. The fire and heat between the two men only grows as secrets are uncovered and they must determine if the cost of their passion is too high...

I am really enjoying this series! I was seriously looking forward to reading Donovan's story after I liked him SO much in The Garden. I ended up completely loving this book, although I did have reservations after reading the blurb.

Donovan and Spencer had a complex and controversial relationship, but they were so strong together that I couldn't help but want them to get their HEA (despite my feelings regarding the 'ick' factor.)

I truly felt that both men deserved love, and I was pleased that once they put voice to what they wanted, they both went after it without looking back. They were determined to be together and be happy, and I absolutely loved that neither one wavered on that decision!

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: The Garden (Lavender Shores #2) by Rosalind Abel

The Garden (Lavender Shores #2) by Rosalind Abel
Kindle Edition, 264 pages
Published July 25th 2017 by Wings of Ink Publications, LLC
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Beautiful Gilbert Bryant designs jewelry for the rich and famous, and he made his escape from his gossipy little hometown of Lavender Shores. However, with so many friends and family, he keeps getting pulled back. When he attends his best friend’s engagement party, Gilbert can’t help but sample one of the new men in town. It’s just some innocent—or not so innocent—fun. Nothing that will even cross his mind once he gets back to his everyday life.

Walden Thompson dreamed about living in Lavender Shores since he visited as a child. He finally gets his chance, and he embraces the opportunity to start over, to become someone new. He leaves both hurts and dangerous habits in the past, where they belong. When Gilbert crosses his path, Walden gives in to his baser instincts. He can indulge in the carnal pleasures this once and still be okay.

Their few hours together haunt Gilbert, the two-hundred-mile buffer from home no longer shutting out the past or the sexy man he left behind. Walden is just beginning to recover from the smoldering encounter with Gilbert when they are thrust together once more. This time, neither of them can walk away, no matter how hard they try. But when their pasts crash into each other as surely as the magnetism that pulls them together, walking away may be the only option.

I enjoyed The Garden SO much more than I did the first book in this series, The Palisade. I wasn't sure I was going to like Gilbert - first impressions are everything - but I liked him more and more as the story progressed. And now I can firmly say that he completely won me over! And Walden? Simply too adorable for words! I loved them both so much, and they were just too cute together.

Gilbert and Walden were both such beautiful characters, but they were damaged and carrying a bit of baggage. The story wasn't too weighed down by their issues, and I loved that both characters realized not only were they deserving of love, they were capable of loving each other. I felt they couldn't be more perfect for each other!

My Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Trick Roller (Seven of Spades #2) by Cordelia Kingsbridge

Trick Roller (Seven of Spades #2) by Cordelia Kingsbridge
Published January 29th 2018 by Riptide Publishing
Page Count: 295
Genre: M/M, Romance, Crime

Synopsis from Goodreads:

It’s the height of summer in Las Vegas. Everyone believes the serial killer Seven of Spades is dead—except Levi Abrams and Dominic Russo—and it’s back to business as usual. For Levi, that means investigating a suspicious overdose at the Mirage that looks like the work of a high-class call girl, while Dominic pursues a tough internship with a local private investigator. The one bright spot for both of them is their blossoming relationship.

But things aren’t so simple. Soon Levi is sucked into a dangerous web of secrets and lies, even as his obsession with the Seven of Spades intensifies. Dominic knows that Levi isn’t crazy. He knows the Seven of Spades is still out there, and he’ll do anything to prove it. But Dominic has his own demons to battle, and he may be fighting a losing war.

One thing is certain: the Seven of Spades holds all the cards. It won’t be long before they show their hand.

The first book in this series, Kill Game, was one of my favorite reads last year. I'm placing Trick Roller right up there on a high shelf as my favorite read so far this year. I'm convinced the rest of this series will not disappoint!

I am loving the progression of Levi and Dominic's relationship. They are absolutely perfect for each other and I love seeing them together. They have the potential to be tremendously awesome! I'm still waiting for them to have the 'relationship talk', but neither is ready to admit just how much they mean to each other. I may have to guard my heart (and break out the tissues) if they have tough times ahead.

Levi and Dominic's working relationship is an important part of why I enjoy them so much. The professional attention they give to each other speaks volumes about their mutual respect. They are both dedicated to doing their jobs well, and I like that Dominic is 100% behind Levi and his theories regarding the seven of spades killer.

Once again, the writing was impeccable. The plot had a ton of depth, and I loved how the the author managed to intertwine Levi's current murder investigation together with the seven of spades investigation.

Trick Roller was quite an enjoyable and memorable read. The murder / mystery plot was very tightly-constructed and kept me interested right to the end. After such a shocking ending, I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens in the rest of this 5 book series.

An arc of Trick Roller was generously provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

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Reviews: A Case of Christmas / Halloween is Murder by Josh Lanyon

Halloween is Murder by Josh Lanyon
Published October 30th 2017 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.

Page Count: 53

Genre: M/M, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When his enigmatic partner takes off on an annual fishing trip, City of Angeles gumshoe Barry Fitzgerald is left to handle an All Hallows’ Eve kidnapping case on his own.

The victim? A murdered millionaire’s penny-pinching son and heir. The culprit? That’s where it gets tricky. According to the missing man’s sister, vampires are behind Patrick O’Flaherty’s disappearance.

Barry doesn’t believe in ghosts, goblins or vampires, but when the case goes—literally—to hell…well, who you gonna call?

This was a nice, but really short Halloween story. Not scary, although I did find it interesting. I really needed more Mike, since he wasn't on page long enough for me to form an opinion about. There was zero heat, which was disappointing, but not unexpected from this author. And I'm still confused about what year it was supposed to be. Overall, this was an okay read for me.

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

A Case of Christmas by Josh Lanyon

Published December 13th 2015 by Just Joshin

Page Count: 73

Genre: M/M, Christmas, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Christmas on Catalina Island--it's just what the doctor ordered.

Injured in the line of duty, FBI Special Agent Shane Donovan is longing for a few days of peace and quiet. Some nice meals, a couple of good books, and maybe a bottle of the best. No family, no friends, no Fa la la la la...just a little time on his own to think things through.

But an offshore storm, a geriatric treasure hunter, and the guy who dumped him without a word two years earlier are about to unwrap all Shane's carefully laid holiday plans.

This was a very nice read with characters that were likable. I really, really enjoyed the banter in the first half of this novella. Most of the misunderstanding between these 2 guys was due to the fact that neither could communicate for crap. Once they actually started talking to each other, the story managed to move in a direction that I liked. The story isn't too Christmas-y, but it was perfect for kicking off my holiday reading.

My Rating: 4 Stars

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