Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
For the Night
Cara Dee (The Game #15)
Penelope has always been the outlier within the Mclean House founders as a woman, which only made me more excited to learn more about her and see her find her own happily ever after. We’ve had glimpses of the ending of her long-term relationship in previous books, so her proclaimed status as forever single at the beginning of this story is both understandable and hilarious (since clearly she’s about to meet her match). That match comes in the form of Nora, who makes no secret of her interest in Penelope and dares to tick all of Penelope’s boxes besides. The meat of this story is the loveliness of these two women taking a chance on each other. The delicious accompaniment is how much fun it is to see all our favorite Mclean House members from a queer female point of view, through which Dee once again shows her immense talent with voice and characterization through this subtle difference in perspective. I sincerely hope that fans of this series take a chance on this F/F romance because there’s so much here not to be missed about so many of our favorite characters — of whom Penelope and Nora have definitely been added to my list.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
The Outcasts
Kelly Fox (Lost Boys #4.5)
Fox gives us two gifts with these companion novellas to her Lost Boys series. First, the much anticipated happily ever afters for important secondary characters in her greater universe, including one we’ve known from the very beginning. Second, a glimpse into the future of other familiar and beloved characters. Fox may break the mold of her usual M/M romances with these stories, but the way her readers have been anticipating them is proof that we love her characters as a whole, not simply those who fit into the “main” genre. The sexual orientations and gender identities Jules/Ginger and Leo/Lovett are simultaneously essential to these queer love stories and secondary to the genuine connections experienced between the characters. Fox also packs both stories with plenty of her signature high emotion and high heat, leaving us with a satisfying conclusion to this particular series and already looking forward to what comes next.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
The Amazing Alpha Tau Romeo and Juliet Project
Lisa Henry & Sarah Honey (Alpha Tau #4)
I will never stop finding it hilarious that my favorite college romance series, set in Southern-ish Virginia, is written by two Australian women. They continue to delight me with this series that is a lovely mix of hilarious and poignant, not shying away from difficult topics while still imbuing each book with the hopeful notes of characters just beginning their adult lives. Charlie and Tanner are also the perfect blend of awkward and sweet as they navigate a relationship that is new in multiple ways for both of them. The external conflict implied by the title could have been much more fraught, but the authors deftly balance how serious things can feel at that age while also showing how completely ridiculous some drama can be. The result is another note-perfect installment to a truly excellent series.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
Sugar
E.M. Lindsey (Beginning of Always #3)
Lindsey is one of my comfort authors, which is a funny thing to say when their books almost always make me cry at least once. Juno and Piper’s story was no exception as these two men find their way to each other. Juno’s medical diagnosis adds a bit of a speed-run element to their romance, with the forced proximity of their road trip leading both men to confront their greatest wants…and fears. As usual, Lindsey handles medical elements with care, making them relevant to the characters’ stories but not the only element of their characterization. While the story of these men brought me to tears more than once, the high emotion is balanced by equally high heat and all the sweetness that the title implies.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Joint Penetration
Katherine McIntyre (Hot Under the Collar #3)
One of the joys of reading an interconnected series is finally getting to that couple whose relationship has been teased from the very beginning. In this case, Liam has clearly been pining for his bestie for ages, content to love from afar due to the barriers between them. McIntyre doesn’t waste time tearing those barriers down. Ollie’s pending divorce is handled especially well, maintaining the relatively low-angst tone of this series, with the drama stemming from how and when to share the news rather than conflict with the ex. McIntyre also avoids angst with the bi-awakening element of this book, with Ollie exploring the new depths of his connection with Liam in ways that are both sexy and completely in line with the character as presented. I’ve had a blast with this series and these characters, who embody the found family dynamic that is a feature of this author’s brand I always look forward to.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Something Borrowed
Lily Morton (Confetti Hitched #2)
The escapism element of Morton’s books is in how all her characters, primary and secondary, are so extraordinarily stylish, clever, unique, or all of the above. The heart and emotion of her romance arcs, however, are always genuine. The use of flashbacks to share how the nature of Raff and Stan’s friendship has recently changed allows Morton to keep the tight pace of this book and focus on how it is about to shift again without sacrificing any of the relevant background details or necessary emotional beats. This author’s unique storytelling style is always a joy to read, and this series is fun and entertaining no matter how you might personally feel about weddings.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Felix
Emmy Sanders (Elite 8 Studios #6)
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series so far, but Sanders hits excellent notes in this story regarding the characters and the relationship that develops between them based on a unique premise. Exhibitionism is often treated in spicier fiction as a fun fetish, but Emil’s need for it rises to the level of much more than a kink. I was fascinated by how he has balanced achieving his future goals with fulfilling his cravings in a safe manner, and the way Sanders reinforces important elements of consent without unnecessary awkwardness also impressed me. Emil and Christian may have the most unique meet-cute ever, but the multiple ways they encounter each other and address it resolves what might feel contrived in any other story. The additional themes of family conflict were also seamlessly woven into the scope of this story without weighing down the plot or pacing. I look forward to more glimpses of Emil and Christian enjoying their happily ever after as a thoroughly perfect pairing in future books in this series.
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