Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
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The Fall
Tal Bauer
A surprise release by one of my favorite authors means that I dropped everything and read. And read. And then read some more, because while this book is a slow burn, it is also incredibly long. That doesn’t mean it’s a slow read, though, because this novel engrossed me from the very beginning. Torey is a compelling character as we see him go from a low point in his life to dropped at a high point in the future. Then, we’re in for a true roller coaster of a ride as Bauer’s clever spin on the amnesia trope makes for an unconventional romance arc. I would also argue that elements of the romance are secondary to Torey’s emotional character development, then also Blair’s healing journey both before and after the characters begin to truly connect. The hockey element is also integral in how the sport and teammates affect all aspects of their lives, rather than just used as a currently popular romance setting. Though this book does not seem to be set in the same world as Bauer’s previous hockey romances (unless I missed a tiny reference somewhere), the story packs the same emotional punch and definitely fits thematically, offering a solid addition to this particular corner of Bauer’s writings.
Collision of Winters
Cara Dee (Hillcroft Group #4)
Kayden and Doc have a history that extends earlier than Doc’s Hillcroft Group days. Though the PMC group is the link that ties the books in this series together, we’re dropped into the story at a point when Hillcroft feels very far away. Unbeknownst to our heroes, however, their connections (old and new) to Hillcroft provide the chance at a happily ever after neither man ever saw coming. This book is lighter on the suspense element of this romantic suspense series, but since this is appropriate to the characters and their journey, I appreciated the balance rather than feeling like I missed out. Of course, in true PMC fashion, readers only get information about the Hillcroft Group on a need-to-know basis. For this book, we do get a glimpse into one of the families that make up the core of Hillcroft, which includes an unintentionally hilarious reveal that connects one character with a familiar name. Sure, Dee could make any information more obvious, but the way her characters share information speaks to how well she writes her characters, bringing them to life on the page in a way that serves their story, not the reader’s curiosity. The story arc of this novel is born from a blend of tropes and kinks that provide tantalizing conflict, fantastic character development, and a unique romance, highlighting everything I love about Dee’s writing. This book would serve as a great introduction point to this corner of Dee’s expansive shared world, whether readers are brand-new or already familiar with her other work.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Absolutely Pucked
E.M. Lindsey (Punk as Puck #3)
Not every character should be, or needs to be, redeemed when they are the villain of someone’s story. That being said, sometimes perspective is everything. Adding in the “best friend’s brother” trope meant I knew I was in for a wild and emotional ride in this book. Ford and Killian may accidentally find everything they didn’t know they were searching for in each other, but the external conflicts they face are incredibly close to home, making them all the more difficult. One thing I especially appreciate about this book is that we have a front-row seat to Killian’s character development as he struggles with his past and occasionally repeats some mistakes. The tension in this book, as we wait for secondary characters to discover what’s going on, is as strong as in the horror movies Ford loves. The resolution is as rocky as everyone involved deserves, both due to past actions and for the strength of the conflict itself. Lindsey neatly balances a perfectly believable happily ever after without erasing the ongoing emotional work that will still need to be done. This makes for a wonderfully satisfying read from start to finish, and I look forward to more time with these characters in secondary roles in the upcoming spin-off series.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Filtration Play
Katherine McIntyre (Leather and Lattes #4)
McIntyre leans into the found family theme of this series by showing how the path to joining one can be completely different but equally necessary. Fin’s backstory is, sadly, the more expected, having removed themself from a dangerous situation made more difficult by choosing to live as their authentic self. Ollie, on the other hand, already has the “dream” biological family full of supportive parents and siblings. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve a community of his own, out of their shadow. What starts as a fling turns into a journey of discovery for both main characters, who discover that romance and love can be freeing instead of limiting. I especially loved exploring a relatively “unique” dynamic for this subgenre, with Fin being both a brat AND a Dom, and how that plays out in both immediate scenes and within the burgeoning relationship. I continue to fall in love with all the members of this found family, and I always enjoy my time at Whipped immensely.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.