Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
More Than Need
Aurora Crane (Better in Threes #1)
Being familiar with these characters from other books by the author in the same shared world means I came at this story from a different perspective than brand-new readers enjoying Crane’s work for the first time. Riley and Gideon are absolutely not a romantic relationship I would have predicted, and even when I first saw this book teased, I was intrigued but willing to be convinced. In true Crane fashion, she throws the best wrench possible in the works by adding a third man into the mix. Dawson is the last person I would have expected for either Riley or Gideon individually — and that’s probably what makes him so perfect for both of them. The original connections between these men lead directly to each of the external conflicts they must deal with. Crane resolves these conflicts well, in ways that are simultaneously surprising and satisfying. I adore the extended cast of this well-developed contemporary world, and I look forward to my next visit when I can check in on these three again.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Rough Country
Kelly Fox
The major tropes of this book are a fairly generic combination, but in the hands of Fox, a master of characterization, they are elevated to truly immersive and enjoyable storytelling. Though the element of escapism that is a prerequisite of any romance story is present, Fox also roots this story in a wholly realistic representation of the Central Texas locale. The combination of her love for the setting and her deft hand at all a story’s characters, not just the primary heroes, means I enjoyed this sweet story that felt like a warm hug even when the two main characters were at the darkest moment of the plot. Fox’s dependability as a writer doesn’t mean her work has ever grown stale for me. Instead, I can always guarantee that warm hug at times I need one most, even while reading a brand-new work.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
The Amazing Alpha Tau Reunion Project
Lisa Henry & Sarah Honey (Alpha Tau #5)
I’d already read the first four stories in this collection when they were released to accompany the previous books in this series. They are all excellent supplemental stories in their own right, but I’ll note that “Bro Job” is the only one necessary to read to fully enjoy the entire context of the newest work in this collection. One of the biggest reasons that I don’t read much college romance is because I find it so hard to believe that people find their forever partners at that age, but Henry and Honey not only make it feel effortless in the main novels themselves but also reinforce how well the pairings they’ve created work even as the characters continue to grow and develop years later. This reunion brings the series full circle to another wedding, but a bit of fun misdirection keeps us from knowing who the lucky couple is…until it’s entirely obvious. Where all of these guys end up in the future while still maintaining such solid friendships is the true happily ever after of this series, and one I appreciate even though I’m sorry to see them go.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
Divine Heart
Garrett Leigh (Rebel Kings #8)
Ranger, the nomad of the Rebel Kings MC, and Viktor, shadowy Russian gangster, ending up together wasn’t a foregone conclusion — until it absolutely was. We’ve seen hints of both men’s stories and personalities through other beloved characters, enough for me to be intrigued by each of them. Leigh gives us a semi-flashback glimpse of their initial connection, but don’t be fooled by how she skips over the “traumatic” events that occur before we return to the main timeline of this series. Vik and Ranger have plenty of trauma to endure, both physically and emotionally, to reach their happily ever after. This book also brings the overarching plot of the full series to an epic conclusion, though the path is as winding and complicated and incredibly worthwhile as everything else that has come before. I may not have shed any tears for Ranger or Viktor during their romance arc, but these men and their fraught but poignant connection provided plenty of those addictive swooping sensations only created by the most delicious angst. I’ll never be ready to say goodbye to this incredible found family of nontraditional heroes created by Leigh, but I know I’ll return to this series time and time again.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Five Star Review
Marie Reynard (Elemental Bonds/MateHub novella)
For a novella that started life as a bit of a joke based on another series that was also kind of a joke riffing on yet another series, it’d be easy to assume that this roommates/friends-to-lovers romance wouldn’t contain much substance. Especially once you add the toy review element! However, Reynard surprises with an adorable story featuring two sweet nerds that would have worked in a completely contemporary setting, elevating how these astronomy lovers connect with plenty of lovely allegories to the skies that bond them together. The fantasy aspect, and then the toy aspect, is simply icing on the cake to present a well-rounded paranormal romance easily read separately from the other books set in this world. I urge readers interested in checking out this author to give this appetizer a chance.
The Rest is History
Jen Samson
The author included in their note at the beginning of the book that this is their attempt at less angsty. Considering I sobbed my way through a good chunk of the story, I’m not sure I want to know what they consider true angst! The genuine emotions of these characters, both the pain and the hard-won hope, continually swept me away as the book progressed. That this would end up being a polyamory relationship is not obvious from the very beginning, and the progression of that relationship never took the path I expected. The external conflict, while completely realistic, also struck me by surprise (which, oddly enough, ended up feeling like a pretty solid twist). These three men have overcome a lot in their lives, making their nontraditional happily ever after that much more satisfying. This book is a solid stand-alone that I recommend to any reader, though I guess you should be prepared for either more or less angst than you’re expecting, depending on your expectation level!