Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
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Remade
Cara Dee (Hillcroft Group #3)
This second half picks up immediately where we left the action in the first half, creating a complete romance and external plot arc by the end, but not without putting us through the wringer. Before any resolution to either arc, we’ll fear for both men’s lives more than once in an epic military operation that balances suspense with the no-nonsense professionalism of the Hillcroft Group that I’ve come to expect from these characters (and from Dee’s writing about such combat actions). That professionalism also lends itself to how things work out for the slightly taboo nature of the fraternization between Bo and Leighton, where any angst is placed solidly in the character development realm (to both poignant and good effect). If these are the first books you pick up by this author, you might find the references to Leighton’s family overwhelming, but fear not. While the rest of us gleefully enjoy visits from familiar favorites, you’re in for the treat of meeting everyone in this fabulous, expansive world for the very first time.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Unsettled
Abrianna Denae & Leigh Kenzie (Crimson Bonds #3)
Echoes of when the authors originally planned this series as a mere trilogy are evident in this book, such as a partial resolution to one of the driving conflicts. However, the authors also created such intricate connections between their characters that I’m glad they decided that there was much more here to explore. In the grander scheme of things, nothing is anywhere near closure, from the mysterious external plot that originally incites this epic adventure to the numerous relationship arcs, some of which have extended through all three books so far, and some of which are even now just being introduced. We’re left on another stressful cliffhanger, but we’re fortunate to know that the next story is already written. While I wasn’t originally sure about how much content they’d have to explore for so many books, at this point, I’m in for the long haul as Denae and Kenzie have proven they’ve barely scraped the surface of the potential for this massive crossover.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
Peculiar Engagements
Iris Foxglove (Starian Tale novella)
We return to the House of Onyx, where it all began, in this Starian novella, as two of my favorites in this expansive fantasy world finally get their long-awaited happily ever after. Yves and Charon are utterly perfect for each other, except for one tiny detail — neither of them truly knows who the other is. The glimpses we get into each man’s history make this story as compelling as their nontraditional romance, which comes in equally brief glimpses of how well they connect when they finally allow each other to be themselves (plus one equally poignant and sexy bath scene). Of course, Foxglove layers much more than a romance within each venture into this fascinating setting, and readers are treated to subtle, yet creative, worldbuilding that shows that as much as the author(s) expand upon the larger world, even the kingdom of Staria is far from stagnant. I’m not sure I’d recommend this book as a starting point for those interested in exploring this world, but it’s a delicious treat for those of us returning for a visit.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
The Hitman’s Prince
Kate Hawthorne (Thorned Vows #2)
Much of the dark romance appeal is how the genre allows for characters to stretch the limits of acceptability, and I’m not just talking about the violent mafia aspects in this book. While typical mafia-style machinations certainly inform the events of this story, “morally gray” could not be a better definition for how Vince collects, and then controls, the men around him. Orion, Jacob, and Caspian aren’t who they say they are, and each has plenty of secrets. Vince strips all that away until we’re left with a fascinating polyamorous romance that’s less about the romance and more about their undeniable chemistry — with Vince, and with each other. Hawthorne’s unique take on kink and power exchange has always elevated her storytelling; here, her perspective also informs her foray into dark romance by setting the bar quite high for character development and dynamics. While many dark romance authors seem to rely on shock value to push limits, Hawthorne’s men truly push each other’s limits to create engrossing, nontraditional relationship arcs that feature the unrealistic escapism readers crave, but with utterly believable characterization.
Looking for Trouble
Misha Horne
I’ve seen this book highly recommended by other authors I enjoy, so while I don’t necessarily put any of this story’s subgenres on my “must read” list, I was intrigued by their combination. From the very first chapters, those subgenres became secondary to the incredible voices Horne gifts Will and Jesse, making them leap off the page. This is a stunning historical western setting for an emotionally riveting, slow-burning romance…and also a fascinating take on “kink exploration” at its most basic, for characters who have no outside resources beyond how their inherent desires complement each other so well. Those looking for an immersive, stand-alone story that shows how amazing storytelling can be when genres are blended well should definitely give this book a try. Even if, like me, you’re a little hesitant about the individual ingredients.
Tameron
Nora Phoenix & E.M. Lindsey (Honorably Discharged #3)
Phoenix and Lindsey have more than proven what an excellent writing team they make with yet another solid installment to this co-written series. I enjoyed this take on the golden retriever/black cat romance, with the inevitable draw on both sides coming from a place of character development rather than pure physical interest. Even more, Tameron isn’t the only one who goes on a journey of healing, as Dayton also confronts lingering fragments of trauma that came from growing up as the only hearing person in a Deaf family. Dayton is far from Tameron’s “savior” as Tameron faces his hearing loss journey, since both men must learn truths about themselves to finally become the foundations of an equally solid partnership. And, now that Tameron, Bean, and Creek have each found both healing and their happily ever afters, I can’t wait to see what these fabulous storytellers have in store for fearless leader Nash, who clearly doesn’t have his life together in quite the way everyone thinks he does.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
Atlas and the Traitor
Layla Reyne (Soul to Find #3)
One of the most fascinating aspects of this trilogy for me has been that, after the first book, the main characters were not who I expected. However, Reyne also doesn’t give Paris and Atlas redemption stories because neither man truly had anything to redeem. Instead, she has done an amazing job of taking each man as he is and given them romantic partners and character development worthy of their inherent complexity. This latest book, as well, blows the overarching external plot that has tied these books together to the next level, giving depth to the thematic conflict between Nature and Chaos. Like the choice of characters, the plot never followed a direction I expected, creating a unique and engrossing urban fantasy adventure. Atlas and Robin’s combative (and collective) grumpiness made them a joy to read as they grew closer together, against their initial wishes. That the grumpiness never goes away then becomes a highlight of their unexpected, but incredibly satisfying, romance. I’m not sure whether we will get more to read in this world after the epic finale of this book, but I definitely would not be opposed!
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love
Emmy Sanders
Sometimes you pick a random contemporary romance by an author you’ve previously enjoyed merely as a palate cleanser, and you end up laughing hysterically for hours in the St. Louis airport during an extended weather delay layover to the great embarrassment of your spouse. Oh, just me? While there are a few cameos from the Elite 8 boys in this book, their books are not required reading to enjoy this one. No matter which way you come to this book, Brad being friends with a bunch of adult film stars only adds to his overall adorable ridiculousness, which sweeps Joey up for a ride he never expected. Sanders deftly balances the angst of falling for your straight friend with the joy of developing a strong new friendship as an adult, something all readers can identify with. She also threads that thin line of keeping Brad’s accidental innuendos hilarious without making him an over-the-top “gym bro” caricature. Despite the underlying internal conflict of their assumed original sexualities posing a barrier, this romance is an engrossing read that put a big smile on my face the entire time from how happy the characters made me, not just because of how hard I laughed.