Book Review: Save the Date by Reegan Ellis

Noah loves his job as a firefighter, so he decides to participate in an annual charity auction in which people bid for a date. Although he's firmly in the closet, Noah figures that one evening can't hurt...even if it has to be with a woman.

Cary receives a surprise of a lifetime when his close friend wins a charity auction and gives him the date with a hot fireman. At first he's worried because macho guys like that don't typically feel comfortable around more flamboyant men like him. However, Cary is completely surprised by how sweet, gracious and kind Noah turns out to be. Will good conversation, awesome chemistry and an incredible man convince Noah to come out of the closet?

I thought this was a pretty cute story! All of the characters, with the exception of one, are very likable and I liked the progression of the Noah and Cary's relationship. Some might call his insta-love, and it is, but sometimes you're in the mood for that type of read. The storyline did follow some pretty common tropes, so I predicted quite a few things that eventually happened down the road. However, I liked the characters so much that I overlooked that. There are editing issues early on in the book. In one chapter, Noah is called Liam for absolutely no reason, and I noticed typos that should have been caught by an editor.

I do wish that readers could have learned a little more about Noah's background and his family. We only heard about them in passing, and a full chapter about them may have fleshed out his character a little more.

3.5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Link
Amazon

~ M

Loving Both You and Him by RamenKitsune

Loving Both You and Him by RamenKitsune

Makoto and Haru have a great life. They're happy in their careers and even happier in their marriage. However, they feel now is the time to grow their family and make it complete.

This is an absolutely adorable, fluffy story that melted my heart! RamenKitsune has written this story in a very realistic, but incredibly sweet way. It's still a work in progress, so I look forward to seeing what happens next for the Nanase-Tachibana family!

~ M

artwork credit: andys

I ❤️ Yaoi: Hana to Junketsu by Katsura Komachi

Hello yaoi lovers! This week's feature is Hana to Junketsu by Katsura Komachi!

In a world where vampires and humans co-exist, the line between "hunting prey" and "making love" has long since been blurred. But whatever you decide to call it, it's still very sweet... 

I was very pleasantly surprised by this manga! The depth of emotion Katsura Komachi was able to convey through artwork and words was wonderful and I really enjoyed the main characters. They were both complex and didn't fall into the typical tropes that we've come to know in yaoi manga. Highly recommended! It's a new favorite for 2016 and I look forward to reading more from this mangaka!!

Also be sure to check out the extra one-shot that is separate from the main storyline. It is just as beautiful and poignant.

~ M

Drive It Like You Stole It by venomedveins

Drive It Like You Stole It by venomedveins

Spartacus has a knack for taking in lost causes. It's how he's formed his group, his family really. Rebels and misfits that somehow find themselves stuck together by love and loyalty. It's a ragtag team, but they're bound by more than just affection. It's blood and salt and the strength that seems to burn along all over their spines.

I was pleasantly surprised by this one shot! It definitely has a The Fast & the Furious vibe to it, but also manages to stay true to the overarching Spartacus storyline with the rebels. The smart ass banter between Agron and Nasir will leave you laughing, and, as always, Duro's presence is a treat. Check it out!

~ M

Blog Tour: A New Life for Christmas by Liam Livings

A New Life For Christmas - Liam Livings

Author: Liam Livings

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Cover Design: Meredith Russell 

Blurb

A house exchange between two single men leads to a romantic new life for both of them.

Oliver and Kyle live thousands of miles apart, but each needs a break from his current life and love. Enter the Cloud B&B website, a wonderful new way to exchange homes for the holiday. They both muster their courage, and decide to visit another continent for Christmas.

In the UK, Oliver has been pining after his neighbour for far too long, living his comfortable but quiet life in a town in the New Forest. When his crush moves on in the worst possible way, Oliver is seduced by the chance to stay in fun-loving, sunny Miami.

In Miami, Kyle is a club owning workaholic, who suddenly discovers the man he lives with has been unfaithful. Yet again. As consolation, Kyle is tempted to see first hand the picture book charm of the New Forest in winter.

Both of them find not just a new setting but a new romance. Oliver makes a big effort to shed his inhibitions and meets a musician, Mark, who plays in the Florida bars, and who may be just as cautious and polite as Oliver in making the first move.

And while Kyle’s trying to come to terms with England’s very different culture—and food!—he’s charmed by Oliver’s best friend Edward, who’s bold and sexy, but secretive.

Will Oliver take the leap of faith and encourage a lover who can and will give the commitment he deserves? And will Kyle find a man who can be loyal and also offer Kyle the family life he needs?

But perhaps more importantly—when Christmas is over, can a new life survive?

Book Review: Love Unwrapped by Hayden Hunt

When Eli's jerk of a boyfriend breaks up with him out of the blue, he's not sad; he's pissed. They were supposed to move in together, but now those plans are ruined. Eli planned on going to the local animal shelter and adopting a dog for his ex, but after all the chaos, he decides to keep his appointment and at least look at the dogs. While there he meets Gene, one of the workers at the shelter, with whom he has instant chemistry. Is it too soon for Eli to have feelings for another man after just breaking up with his long-term boyfriend?

While this was a pretty sweet story, I think Gene's insecurities and plot cliches kept the book from being great. It really made it difficult for me to root for this couple when they fell into the typical relationship traps that could be easily solved with simple communication. The book isn't extremely angsty, but it definitely has its moments. That's why I felt the addition of Gene's insecurities seemed unnecessary and frustrating.

All in all, this is a nice, Christmas-themed book, but I would recommend checking out some of the author's earlier books, like Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice or Very Late Blooming, instead.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Links
Amazon

~ M

Room For One More by glitterbb

Room For One More by glitterbb

Oliver and Connor are celebrating the holidays with family when Oliver gives him one of the best gifts he could ever receive.

This is one of those feel-good reads that everyone loves during the holidays. It will definitely warm your heart and bring a HUGE smile to your face!

~ M