All In
Kate Hawthorne (Trophy Doms New York #1)
If my favorite recurring theme of Hawthorne’s writing is the depiction of kink and power dynamics beyond the simple trappings of a scene, a close runner-up is her nontraditional villain redemption arcs. After all, Kale is never a villain in Dalton and Ivey’s story, simply a good friend not used to being challenged. That inability to accept the word “no” leads to his own dramatic relationship arc, one that skirts the line of realism (secret royalty, really?) (yes, please!) while simultaneously remaining true to the realistic, complicated, sometimes messy, always genuine look at character development Hawthorne excels at. The moment this collection of friends was introduced in a previous series, I knew we’d be in for a wild ride with their own stories, and I thoroughly enjoyed this series opener. Nothing in this book rehashes territory already explored in the original Trophy Doms Social Club collection, and I look forward to seeing where Hawthorne takes our East Coast adventure next.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Limitless Love (A Polyamorous Charity Anthology) (add to Amazon)
Aurora Crane, Abrianna Denae, Elouise East, M.J. Green, Sage Abbott, Colette Davison, E.M. Denning, J.L. Gribble, Leigh Kenzie, Michele Notaro
Favorite story: “Triple XP” by Colette Davison
Story I want expanded into a novel: “The Two That Got Away” by Aurora Crane
Disclaimer: I have a story included in this collection, but I was not involved in any way with the selection process for the other contributions.
Something Unprofessional
Rory Maxwell (Split Rock Ranch #5)
I’ve been dying to know more about Ev since he crashed onto the scene in the previous book in this series, so I was perfectly happy to take a field trip away from Split Rock Ranch to follow his love story in New York City. Little does Ev know that he and his boss Gabe have more in common than mutual friends, but he’s determined not to let a masquerade hookup turn into repeating history. I adored the visceral chemistry that sends Ev and Gabe crashing together repeatedly, regardless of their best intentions. This story is proof that the journey can be thoroughly enjoyable even when the inevitable ending is obvious early on. Each book I read by Maxwell is better than the last, but she’ll have a lot of work to do to unthrone Ev from his status as my favorite!
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Goodbye Note
J.R. Gray
Fans of rock star romances, especially those who also loved Gray’s Pretty Broken series, shouldn’t miss this latest love story to and about the unique world at the intersection of music and fame. Arik and Varian are fascinating characters who developed a fast, intense bond that could have survived anything…except their dreams. The fantastic supporting cast further brings this story to life, and I especially enjoyed getting to know all of these characters at multiple stages of their journey. This second-chance romance goes none of the directions I expected, which made me appreciate the highs and lows of the love and angst even more.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Darkness
Eden Winters
While I understand the ease of marketing this book as a paranormal romance, I found it to be much more of an urban fantasy (that leans more toward contemporary science fantasy) with a subtly interwoven love story. That’s a lot of specific genre terms when the important message of this review is that this book was imaginative, compelling, and so different from anything I’ve ever read. Morse’s character development as he learns the truth about his world–and then the truth about himself–is the true meat of this story. The relationship he develops with Farren is less a traditional romance and more a subtle interrogation of the nature of soulmates. This book is a solid stand-alone that ends on a satisfying note for both the romance and external plot, but Winters leaves plenty of room for additional storytelling in this fascinating world. I’d certainly be interested in learning more, whether or not romance is involved in the story.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Notorious
Leslie McAdam (IOU #6)
So, definitely heed the list of content warnings before reading this book. However, if you are in a mental place to enjoy this story, I promise you definitely will. McAdam balances heavy topics with sweet characters who may experience certain points of their romance arc backward, but the emotion is genuine throughout. Despite the heavy topics, this book is not heavy on angst, with the focus always on healing rather than the pain itself. Though so much of the story understandably centers on Johnny, Kurt is never lost in the shuffle. I adored both heroes equally, and I cheered for every step toward their happily ever after–especially when their choices focused on what was right for them instead of fitting the traditional narrative of success.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Deadly Little Sparrow
K.M. Neuhold (Mafia Bound #1)
Neuhold takes a chance on something completely different with this book, and the effort pays off wonderfully. Sparrow and Xaviaro evoke many of the sweetly sexy characterization traits I adore about Neuhold’s writing even when combined with the darker elements of a mafia romance. As icing on the cake, I thoroughly enjoyed the trope inversion elements that perfectly bind Sparrow and Xavi in a nontraditional romance. Is darkly sweet, or sweetly deadly, a thing? If so, these are perfect descriptors for Neuhold’s first foray into dark romance. I hope it won’t be her last because I’m already interested in reading more about the secondary characters we’re introduced to here.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Red Line
L.A. Witt (Games We Play #1)
Theo and Christian are the perfect couple, from physical chemistry to professional ambition. Unfortunately, Christian’s homophobic father has too much say in their professional lives, which forces both men into an awkward closet. The resulting moments of interpersonal conflict are always a result of them loving each other so much and wanting the best for each other, which makes for an emotionally intense story with secrets balanced on a (skate) blade’s edge. The shocking resolution is incredibly satisfying on multiple levels, and once again, Witt channels her passion for this sport into a compelling romance.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Even Strength
Cari Z & Ann Gallagher (Games We Play #3)
The steam and action levels of this book may be a solid departure from what is typical from these authors, but that doesn’t mean the emotion has any less of an impact. Marek and Carson meet and bond over a fairly atypical issue (life after significant concussion), but they find a kindred soul in each other despite the other significant differences in their lives. I loved how the love between the men allowed them to support each other as they make independent decisions that will drastically affect their own lives, but that they make the effort to keep each other in them as much as possible beyond doing what is best from themself.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Creek
Nora Phoenix & E.M. Lindsey (Honorably Discharged #1)
Creek and Heath have enough similarities and differences to make this annoyances-to-lovers romance a delicious ride. Phoenix and Lindsey never sugarcoat these men’s physical limitations, but nor do they veer the story toward the unrealistic in some attempt to be “inspirational.” I also appreciated that these men put in the hard work toward the emotional and mental aspects of recovery that are as important as the physical. The love that develops between them is probably most surprising to the characters themselves, but I also enjoyed how that love acts as a support, rather than a crutch, for each man to overcome their inner conflicts. I can’t wait to read more about the former military characters in this world as they find their happily ever afters.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.