Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
Tied Down
Kate Hawthorne (Trophy Doms New York #2)
Though Hawthorne hits some of the more generic queer romance tropes in this book, such as best friend’s brother and bi-awakening, she always put her unique spin on them. Ford won me over by being unapologetic about who he is (and not liking whiskey) while still trying to do the right thing. Boston wins overall, however, for being honest about what he wants in the first place. Their ending up together is a sweet, sexy ride from the first delightful moment that Boston flirts back, though this book is a much more subtle depiction of D/s than others set in this world. The power exchange is based on the heroes’ personalities and character development rather than the trappings of kink, with the dating, quiet moments, and actual sex as swoony as it is spicy. Hawthorne also tweaks the angst expected from the previously mentioned tropes by tying it more into the individual characters (and I adored the arc represented by Boston’s twin). The most heartwrenching elements of this book are Ford’s acknowledgment of how much he wants with Boston and his willingness to accept the pain of their inevitable end. Luckily, Boston is full of surprises from page 1, willing to forge his own path toward happiness, and his influence makes the eventual resolution feel like the best sort of warm hug.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Junkyard Heart
Garrett Leigh (Porth Ewan Bay #2)
Jas and Kim have immediate chemistry…and together, they have enough baggage for a luggage train. Their road toward a happily ever after isn’t a straight line, and I appreciate the way Leigh takes us on a journey that feels so real with its starts and stops as these men try to figure out whether they should be friends, lovers, or something in between. These men also don’t exist in a vacuum (hence the baggage), and while each helps confront the other’s demons, they also introduce conflict of their own into the equation. Leigh’s decision to have the entire story from a single point-of-view could have left me feeling like I was missing some of the pieces; instead, this limited perspective makes the reward all the sweeter once we’ve struggled along with Jas to build something lasting. As a bonus, Leigh brings the setting of Porth Ewan to life in a way that makes it feel as much of an important character as Kim’s best friend and Jas’s unique (but still so familiar) family.
Finding You
E.M. Lindsey (Words We Never Said #3)
For a book with technically so few explicit scenes, I found the story incredibly full of heat. Dallas and Kylen should have become fond memories of a single random encounter, but the effects of that meeting have a significant impact on the external conflicts each man is dealing with. Their path to love is nowhere close to a straight line (pun not intended), but I loved it all the more for the genuine emotion that gripped me with each subsequent encounter as they figured out the bond that grows between them. I especially love that the group of single dads who formed the core of this series has become stronger for each man who finds a partner rather than fracturing from the original premise of their friendship.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Pretty Boy
E.M. Lindsey (Beginning of Always #1.5)
Even when the happily ever after moment of a book feels solid, I never want that to be the end of the story. However, it’s not easy to write an extended epilogue that introduces conflict without making me fear for the original HEA. Here, Lindsey delivers a stunning follow-up to two of their most unique characters that delivers enough conflict for an engaging story that only serves to bring Victor and Oliver closer together rather than drive a wedge between them. This novella is definitely worth reading for anyone who loved these characters the first time around.
Written at Randy’s
Katherine McIntyre (Diner Days collection)
Sometimes, the characters and circumstances of a romance novel feel like pure escapism. Sometimes, they feel so authentic and realistic that you can commiserate with the characters’ conflicts and wish you were friends with them. Very rarely, both of these scenarios are true at the same time. Avery and Myles definitely have the sort of meet-cute that can only exist in a romance novel, but their characters and connection transcend the page. I may have never read characters quite like them before, but McIntyre infuses their personalities and lives with elements that many readers can relate to. This launching point for the Diner Days series means the future books in this collection have a high bar to match.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
The Tighthead
Charlie Novak (Lincoln Knights #1)
Though the premise of this book has been “done” before, Novak puts her spin on the resulting romance by bringing her signature blend of sweetness and spice to the wonderfully unique characters. Ryan and Mason are a perfect match, both in bed and out, and even when it looks like they may be headed for heartbreak, Novak remains true to her dedication to delivering a truly joyful book to her readers. Her joy for both drag and rugby shines through on every page in this friends-to-lovers arc packed full of emotion even though it may be light on the traditional notions of conflict. I especially loved some of the twists Novak brings to the typical bi-awakening storyline regarding Mason’s previous experience. I also appreciated being shoved out of my comfort zone by how Novak prioritized Ryan’s notion of gender over such pesky issues as grammar “rules.” I can’t wait to welcome more Lincoln Knights rugby players to Novak’s expansive and lovely world.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
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