[ARC] From The Ashes

Title: Igniting His Flame

Series: Redwood Bay Fire Book 2

Author: Helen Juliet writing as HJ Welch

Pages: 265

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

After a solid first entry in the series, HJ Welch is back with the second book in the Redwood Bay Fire series, this time Zahir’s story.

More affectionally known as Del, book two finds the paramedic in a tough situation- in the middle of a resus he soon discovers that the hero on the beach is known other Colton Ross, his once high school love.

Son enough, piece by piece, we find Del and Colton reconnecting while all the time exploring what exactly happened to doom their love affair during high school days.

The great thing about this book series- and the author- is that the character development is amazing- things are shown to us and not just told, and they feel organic- nothing out of left field which is nice.

It’s worth a borrow from KU.

[ARC] Crocodile Tears

Title: Crocodile Tears

Series: Dark Water, Book 1

Author: Xanthe Walter

Pages: 511

Formats: Ebook

Rating:  4.5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

This book was amazing!

This is the first book in the Dark World series, and thankfully there’s release dates for the next 3 as I can’t wait!
The fantastic thing about this novel is that it never drags- yes, it’s a long book at a tad shy of 500 pages, but it never feels that way- instead there’s soo much twists and turns, that you can’t help devour it and then when you know the end is approaching, instead of rushing it we have a natural ending!

In short, Crocodile Tears is set in the future; one where the world has been decimated by climate change and we find ourselves in New London- one where the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament have been submerged for sometime now, a world where there’s refugees galore and “IS”’s- I won’t spoil it because the less you know the better you will enjoy this piece of work.

Walter develops a world that is richly developed as well as dealing with matters that aren’t for the faint heighted- indeed I found myself checking my privilege numerous times, as well as questioning my believes in some hot button issues.

While this isn’t a “normal” romance in the traditional sense. what this book delivers is a fantastic piece of literature, a world where you crave to read more and frankly deals with topics without being preachy- it will last with you.

I highly recommend a purchase of this book and bring on books 2 3 and 4!

[ARC] Zero Pucks by E.M. Lindsey

Title: Zero Pucks

Author: E.M Lindsey

Pages:  324

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to GRR for providing an ARC.

I’m a massive hockey romance reader and this read blew my mind away!

The best advice I can give to you is to go in with as little details as possible so you can savour this read- this book has fantastic representation which you don’t often see- the writing is fantastic and you will love these characters.

buy this book!

[ARC] Breaking Through the Doubt

Title: Breaking Through the Doubt

Series: Espen Jetties #4

Author: Haven Hadley

Pages: 233

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

Another book in the Jetties series, and yet another knockout piece of work from this author.

We now get to be told about Knox’s story- the loveable goalie who is ever so lonely and just wants to find love and someone to come home to.

He happens to meet Corey- who runs his own tattoo shop and who has his own demons.

This is a great read and I am hoping for more in the series

[ARC] Igniting His Flame

Title: Igniting His Flame

Series: Redwood Bay Fire Book 1

Author: Helen Juliet writing as HJ Welch

Pages: 271

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

When one reads the word “himbo” in a blurb, one is liable to think that the book will be sweet, fluffy and a light read- and while all these words do apply at some point to this particular work, the words “intense” “amazing” “i didn’t see that coming” also do apply!

The previously mentioned himbo is Lochlan, a firefighter who is best described as a golden retriever in human form for he has boundless energy and is just a ray of sunshine and happiness- it’s this nature that we see him find and adopt a dog from a house that’s on fire that he attends to.

In order to keep him at the fire house, Lochlan must take his new fur baby to a dog obedience school where he meets Dario- who despite being shy they become firm friends fast, which eventually leads to much more then friendship.

The content warning of domestic abuse must be noted- normally I don’t mention them in reviews, but in this case I do because while it is not on page, there is a few scenes that the reader will go “oh my!”

This is a great read and everything is handled beautifully and delicately and i’m looking forward to the next book in the series

[ARC] Power Forward

Title: Power Forward

Series: Chicago Thunder Book 4

Author: Jodi Oliver

Pages:  322

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC.

Just when you think that the Chicago Thunder series of books can’t get any better, Jodi Oliver delivers us another novel that is so amazing it bursts though the stratosphere!
Like most readers of the series, I am awaiting Elliot’s story (which should be the next in the series); having said that this novel I eagerly devoured even if I ended up ugly crying a lot!

Power Forward is the story of Jackson- a newly single dad on the team trying to juggle it all, while also trying to come to terms with his ex from the past Hayden; who’s now a sports agent managing several people including fellow Thunder hockey players and thus their paths soon come across once more.

The best thing I can say about any book is how “real” it feels; as in do the characters feel like people we could know in our lives and do their actions feel like its something we could do and as per all of Jodi Oliver’s novels thus far it continues to be so- in this case perhaps even more so.

Without spoiling much, your heart breaks and feels for both Jackson and Hayden and their past- the feelings are incredibly visceral that it almost becomes too much (in a great way). Jackson and his children are just so loveable and when we dive into Hayden and his past, we just want to hug him soooo much and protect him (and of course Jackson).

This is worth spending your money on!

[ARC]Switch Pitching

Title: Switch Pitching

Series: Off the Bench, Book 1

Author: S.J. Crawford

Pages:  289

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Review and Evernorth Books for providing an ARC.

This was an amazing read!

Recently, my measure of if a book is good has changed and I am a firm believer of “how real does this real?”

And to answer that question, in this case is it’s VERY real.

We are introduced to both Ethan and James- Ethan working his way up from the minor leagues who has just received a call up to the MLB and James is the new young hot shot.

Soon we see sparks fly between the two and not long until they form a relationship- and with this all that relationships entails.

Both Ethan and James are fully developed characters and you can’t help falling in love with them.

A highly recommended read!

[ARC] Breaking Through the Past

Title: Breaking Through the Past

Series: Espen Jetties Book 3

Author: Haven Hadley

Pages:  235

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC.

I have to acknowledge I have skipped the second book in the series, and read the first one a little over a year ago.

Breaking Through the Past finds one of the D-Men for the Jetties- in this case Jansen- recently dumped by his girlfriend and longing for more- more connections, more anything- like what some of his teammates.

In enters Stephen- the father of the above mentioned ex- and also recently dumped by his ex-partner (in this case a man)

In what slowly starts as a friendship due to mutual loneliness, we soon find Jansen falling for Stephen despite the fact there’s a age difference and Stephen is also father of his ex.

Breaking Through is a nice slow burn which doesn’t really have too much unexpected nastiness to it- yes there’s the traditional third act “break up”, but there is a logic too it. Additionally, the secondary characters are also nicely well developed.

This is a fun, dependable read if you’re not looking for any sudden nastiness

[ARC] Hot Spring Remedy

Title: Hot Spring Remedy

Author: Mae Rossi

Pages:  256

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC.

This was an enjoyable read!

Originally published as The Winter Quarters, this is my first read of this author who has republished it with revisions and an additional epilogue.

The novel follows Kai, a Japanese- American 30something who has escaped from America back to Japan- in fact to his best friend Hiro’s inn- trying to escape all the “fame and fortune” that his mums reality show has brought him; including an abusive and abrasive fake boyfriend, a publicist that ups and leaves him and genuinely living a life that he truly hates.

Where this story shines is how well written and developed all the characters are- you truly get into the mindset of both Kai and Hiro, and you grow to love both of them while also yelling out “argh!!!!!” at the same time- hahahah!

While there is some spice in this book, as mentioned above this book shins brightly because of the plot and character development- at no point do you think anything feels forced nor do you wish for ths story to end!

This book is worth an investment both in terms of your time and your money!

[ARC] The Flower Shop Arrangement

Title: The Flower Shop Arrangement

Author: R Cayden

Pages:  283

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC.

This was surpassingly a sweet little read.

While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the author does have a way with words- this is essentially a sweet little “meet cute” that works well and if you want something light to read, then this is your read

[ARC] The Unlikely Pair by Jax Calder

Title: The Unlikely Pair

Series: Unlikely Dilemmas Book 2

Author: Jax Calder

Pages:  435

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC.

What an interesting book!

I loved the previous book in this series, so this book was going to be an instant buy regardless- after all the plot sounding intriguing.

Harry is the Leader of the Opposition Party in the British House of Commons, who is on his way to a climate accord in Oslo when the plane him and Toby (a member of Government), “crashes” in the Finish wilderness.

The vast majority of this noel takes places after the plane crash- Toby and Harry spend around 50ish days fighting for their survival- and for the most part the setting works. There was times when I felt it did drag (more so initially), but then it got to this point where it found its mark and went super super fast!

The novel itself I would say handles the survival aspect of a crash quite well frankly, yes a little slow as mentioned above, but the character exploration was very well handled.

I’m loathed to give a spoiler of the ending here so I will not, however I will say I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

[ARC] Taylor-Made for Me

Title: Taylor-Made for Me

Author: K.C. Wells

Pages:  336

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

What's that old saying- never judge a book by its cover? Well Taylor-Made For Me fits this cliché- for while yes it is a rom-com and no reinventing of the wheels, it is a super yarn of a story.

The story opens with Will being fake engaged to Becca- who is fearful of her mother constantly setting her up with yet more guys at yet another social event; both Will and Becca are gay, with Becca fearful of her family finding out, especially her parents.

On their arrival, Will is “accidently” hit by a hotel luggage cart that was pushed by Becca’s brother Aiden; who again like Becca is deeply deeply in the closet.

As you can imagine, the novel plays around with all the hilarious hijinx that you can imagine are involved in such a situation; though while not original it is written refreshingly and honestly that you feel for each of the characters despite also thinking “your parents are sweethearts, what have you to loose?” (Side note Will also thinks and states this repeatedly).

When the truth does come out, it is refreshing to see it handled in a mature way and not devolve into a total farce, rather KC Wells keeps the humour that is throughout this novel and treats the subject with respect.

This book is like a hug- I would recommend reading it.

[ARC] Breaking Through the Pain

Title: Breaking Through the Pain

Series: Espen Jetties Book 1

Author: Haven Hadley

Pages: 246

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

In my defence, I am reading this backwards- the Espen Jetties is a spin off from the Espen Emperors novels, though I still managed to follow (it appears little to no overlap with the Emperors series).

Devon, one of the main characters, is just a massive sweetheart that you can’t help falling in love with- after all he just wants to find someone to fall in love with and isn’t that what we all want at the end of the day?

The great thing about this novel is that the characters aren’t perfect, but they are so very very real- Lincoln, the other main character- has his own struggles and not once are his or Devon’s are other minimised; they are treated as equal and valid as each others rightly or wrongly (no spoilers here sweetie!)

The novel is such a great read I’m looking forward to the next book in the series- hell I’m even going to buy this book on release, that’s how much I loved this novel!

[ARC] Rest Ashored

Title: Rest Ashored

Series: Rehomo Beach Book 1

Author: Will Freshwater, B.J Irons

Pages: 277

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

What can I say about this novel?

I came across this soon after I read B.J Irons novel Up Your HOA Hole and this novel contains much of what I liked about that book- interesting characters, funny moments and also some tender moments.

Dev himself is a a very likeable character in fact- so much so that when in the novel something happens and blame is tried to be put on Dev; while technically correct it just felt off considering the whole premise of this book.

At the end of the day, the story was quite sweet and the ending while not bad, felt natural to the plot and didn’t feel forced.

[ARC] Meet You in The Waves

Title: Meet You in The Waves

Series: South Coast Book 1

Author: Aria Brennan

Publisher:

Pages: 290

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

This is a hard book to read because even a week after finishing it, I don’t know what to think.

While I do my best not to be disrespectful to authors- after all it’s a process to write and it would be very hard to poor your heart, sweat and tears into your art- I am unsure as to the authors background and this for me plays into my enjoyment of the novel.

Meet You in the Waves is a story that is allegedly written by an Australian author and allegedly set in Australia; the reason I use so many allegedlies is because while I can grasp the concept of using fake towns etc, what I can’t understand is using the real name of a town (in this case real world Esperance which is in Western Australia and is known for whales and surfing, is transplanted to New South Wales in an area that is known for farming!), while also making the book full of Americanisms.

The writing itself is ok as is the story, but when an Australian author decides to use American spellings instead of British spellings (which is their prerogative), it seems an odd choice because it heavily impacts the ability to try to capture the unique way that us Australians speak- in fact for me it was very jarring.

The novel itself is of little angst and Ajay was a delightful character as was Nick, I loved both these fools.

If I was to recommend this book, it is worthy more of a borrow then it is of a purchase

[ARC] Chasing Howe

Title: Chasing Howe

Author: JF Miev

Publisher:

Pages: 369

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

What can I say other then wow, wow, wow!

The concept of this novel had me intrigued and I didn’t want to put this novel down- while it was a bit slow paced the plot itself is amazing!

We are introduced to Aiden, who has recently lost his (female) fiancé and in order to find out more about her death, creates a fake identity in order to go under cover as a warden at the prison where her killer; Darren Howe, is incarcerated.

This is a hard book to review because it doesn’t want to be pigeonholed into any one genre; while it does contain sci fi elements, it’s also a murder mystery with slight tinges of romance- if you’re here for the romance you will be sorry because it’s VERY light when it does appear and that’s at around the 75% mark of the book.

That’s not to say this novel is bad- on the contrary it is amazing and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Not once did it drag (well maybe towards the end but that could just be my own impatience!), though towards the ending you do start wondering how it’s going to get wrapped up.

JF Miev is a new author to me and I will be reading more of their works; if you're happy with a semi cliff hanger then read this book!

[ARC] Not Strictly Ballroom

Title: Not Strictly Ballroom

Series: Dance Lovers 1

Author: Jim Wendel

Publisher: Lark About Press

Pages: 328

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

While the author in their introduction to this novel tries to encapsulates this novel by saying it’s like a gay Strictly Ballroom- while this is true, it also does a great disservice to how bloody awesome this novel is.

The novel features Darcy, the son of a former professional dancer who never quite got to reach her dreams. And as you can imagine, she has subsequently foistered her dreams upon him; while you can tell Darcy does enjoy the dancing (and the winning), you can tell that he also longs for me, to be his own person with his own dreams.

Thankfully he has his best friend Nick, who in a nice little subversion is a gay tradesman who helps in his dad’s business to earn enough money to buy his own house for a place to escape to.

Wendel is a very talented writer- both Nick and Darcy are written sooo well and their dreams, desires and fears are often shown in the book in such a way, you can’t disagree with them.

He also sets this book in the north of England- traditionally a working class area that you think are going to feature homophobic attacks, but again Wendel nice subverts this by only featuring just love and acceptance; while not glossing over any nastyness, it just feels all kinds of real and true.

I highly recommend this book to everyone to purchase

Icebreaker: A MM Hockey Romance (Portland Lumberjacks Book 1) by Blair Brady

Title: Icebreaker: A MM Hockey Romance (Portland Lumberjacks Book 1)

Author: Blair Brady

Pages: 226

Formats: ebook

Rating:  4.5 Stars out of 5

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

As I’ve previously mentioned in a recent review, I love me some hockey romance. Thus my standards are quite high as I’ve read some good stories (the benchmark being The Harrisburg Railers series and spin offs) and some I so wish to desperately forget.

Icebreaker is one that I am going to hold dear to me heart and Blair Brady has now become an instant buy author.

While the storyline is familiar in this genre, what ISN’T familiar is the way the angst is introduced to the plot- for me it wasn’t over the top, but it felt oh so real- while I haven’t been in the position, the thoughts that Axel provide us is all too human and possibly in a “bad” way- but that won’t let Quinn stop his damnest from falling for Axel, nor will it stop him from showing Axel what a true relationship of equals is like- never mind the age gape, true love is being there for the highs and the lows and all that’s in between.

Most hockey romances are all about the insta love and while this applies to Icebreakers, Icebreakers shines with the fact that the drama and angst is slowly revealed over time and as mentioned above, feels all to real- too often in any romance novel the drama/third act breakup/conflict often feels trite and can be seen a mile away- not so here.

This book is actually worth spending your money on- it’s like a hug in book form.

[ARC] My Darcy by Lily Morton

Title: My Darcy

Author: Lily Morton

Pages: 66

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

A short quick read, My Darcy was originally published in recent charity anthology, though I am new to this story story.

Based on a tour bus setting, this story is all about a friends to lovers, workplace situation that is very well paced and packs a lot of punch.

Both Freddie and Darcy have the feel of life long friends and when they get together, you are already cheering for them, no mean feat in such a short amount of pages.

[ARC] Rookie Recovery by Jemma Croft and Lex Veia

Title: Rookie Recovery

Series: Bobcat Boys Book 1

Author: Jemma Croft and Lex Veia

Pages: 374

Formats:  Reviewed on eBook

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC

One of my weaknesses is a hockey romance as for some reason it just tickles me in all the right places and with Rookie Recovery, this is one that certainly gave me all the feels.

Rookie Recovery features Jamie, a PT for the Bobcats who is also an ex NHL player; it’s this background that is always back of mind for both Jamie and the reader; the authors really captures the readers attention so you feel equal parts sympathy as well as wanting to give him a slap on the backside of the head; for Jamie still hasn’t gotten over his past when the bright new star that is Archie Bowman skates into town.

Archie is the new British phenome who despite growing up in a rugby mad world, is all about the hockey- just give him his skates, some ice and off he goes. Like a puppy, Archie is all sunshine and smiles and as to be expected in this trope, it only serves to hide things.

Soon enough we are in a cat and mouse game between Jamie and Archie, the lines often crossing between the professional and the personal, as well as the chaser and chasee; adding a different dynamic to this trope and is mostly executed quite well.

A solid well that you will invest in, it’s worth the investment in buying and reading; I am looking forward to the next book in the series.