Early Book Review: Best Laid Plaids (Kilty Pleasures) by Ella Stainton

Best Laid Plaids is the first book in the Kilty Pleasures series by Ella Stainton and is currently scheduled for release on August 31 2020. In Scotland, 1928, Dr. Ainsley Graham is cultivating a reputation as an eccentric. Two years ago, he catastrophically ended his academic career by publicly claiming to talk to ghosts. When Joachim Cockburn, a WWI veteran studying the power of delusional thinking, arrives at his door, Ainsley quickly catalogs him as yet another tiresome Englishman determined to mock his life’s work. But Joachim is tenacious and open-hearted, and Ainsley’s intrigued despite himself. He agrees to motor his handsome new friend around to Scotland’s most unmistakable hauntings. If he can convince Joachim, Ainsley might be able to win back his good name and then some. He knows he’s not crazy-- he just needs someone else to know it, too. Joachim is one thesis away from realizing his dream of becoming a psychology professor, and he’s not going to let anyone stop him, not even an enchanting ginger with a penchant for tartan and lewd jokes. But as the two travel across Scotland’s lovely-- and definitely, definitely haunted-- landscape, Joachim’s resolve starts to melt. And he’s beginning to think that an empty teaching post without the charming Dr. Graham would make a very poor consolation prize indeed. 

Best Laid Plaids is a book that left me with mixed feelings. I really liked the set up, the characters, and much of how everything happened. I thought that Ainsley's character was very well done, and I liked how open and directly neuro diversity was handled. I was equally pleased with Joachim's character and the way he dealt with the aftermath of war and trying to figure out his future. I liked that consent was covered, and how honestly the mistakes, concerns, and fears the two of them had were dealt with. I liked the secondary characters as well, and think the balance of personalities was well done. However, for some reason this felt like a very slow read for me. I liked it, but was fully able to put the book down and delay getting back to it without feeling that drive to see what happened next. I am not sure what it was about the style that just did not capture me, because all of the actual story elements worked. It was something in the voice or writing style that I could not connect with, but I cannot put my finger on what it was. I did like the read, it just did not capture me the way I expected it to. 

Best Laid Plaids is a solid romance with several layers to the love story. It had a number of great elements, but never grabbed my attention completely. 

Book Review: Love at First Hate by J.L. Merrow

Love at First Hate by J.L. Merrow is a contemporary romance. Bran Roscarrock has been living in the closet all his life. As heir to an expansive family legacy in the town of Porthkennack, old-fashioned ideals of respectability and duty were drummed into him since childhood, and he’s never dared to live—or love—openly. Sam Ferreira, an old friend of Bran’s brother, Jory, is a disgraced academic desperate to leave his dead-end job. When Jory asks him to take over as curator of a planned exhibition on Edward of Woodstock, the fourteenth-century Black Prince, Sam leaps at the chance to do what he loves and make a fresh start. But Bran’s funding the exhibition, and though sparks fly between the two men, they’re not all happy ones. Bran idolises Prince Edward as a hero, while Sam’s determined to present a balanced picture. With neither of them prepared to give ground, a hundred years of war seems all too possible. And if Bran finds out about Sam’s past, his future may not be bright, and their budding romance may be lost to history.

Love at First Hate is a romance that is about the main characters growing as it is them finding love with each other. I loved the spark of conflict between them, that was made more frustrating for each of them because they knew some of it was coming from attraction. Getting to see and understand how both Sam and Bran were thinking, and how their pasts colored their outlooks, really made me connect with the characters and their story more. I felt for Sam, who has made some serious mistakes but is trying his hardest to grow and move forward. I worried for Bran, who could have died in an attack and the following illness while trying to shrug off the need to do "what is right for the family" rather than what feels right. The journey they had was heartfelt and painful at times, but it felt real. I like that as a reader I got to see what the people around our main characters were going through as well. No one lives in a bubble, family connections and struggles affect who we are and how we think, and seeing those connections and how they changed and grew made everything even more realistic and engaging. Not all of the secondary characters and related drama worked for me, and at least one of the surprises I rather expected, but that was such a small disappointment compared to all the things that fell into place perfectly for me. 

Love at First Hate is a romance that resonated with me and felt incredibly real. I was engaged through the entire read, and often delayed putting the book down to do necessary tasks (like cooking dinner or going to sleep) because I just wanted to keep going. 

Early Book Review: Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Game Changer by Rachel Reid is currently scheduled for release on October 22 2018. Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So, when a smoothie made by juice bar barista Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic...and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter. Kip knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, never mind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors. Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career…like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?

Game Changer is not just a romance, it is also about being comfortable in your own skin and in how the world sees you. Kip is not exactly living his dream. He has great friends and family, but is not using the degree he is still paying off and feels adrift. When he connects with Scott, who is certainly living his dream, neither is prepared for the relationship that develops. The only problem is that Scott is still firmly in the closet, and being famous that means staying under the radar. I thought the emotional and personal issues that the pair need to face are very well written and had me alternating between cheering the pair on and getting frustrated with them. It was so real and relatable- the worries and fears that they face in a relationship and in the bigger picture. I also loved that the romance and related issues were the focus of the book, each of the characters had separate conflicts and questions to deal with that had nothing directly to do with the relationship. The problems were all things that can and do happen, and I felt like all of the characters are people I could meet, and would love to join for a drink or a meal. 

Game Changer is an emotionally engaging story, and I enjoyed the read. It is about more than just two people falling in love, that that is still the heart of the tale.

Early Book Review: Check Please!: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu

Check Please!: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu is the first graphic novel in a two volume series for new and young adults, and older readers of course. It is currently scheduled for release on September 18 2018. 

Bitty may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented pie maker, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking. And then, there is there is Jack—our very attractive but moody captain. This volume is a collection of the first half of the webcomic series of the same name. It is a coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during what could be the best four years of your life.

Check Please!: #Hockey is a graphic novel that tackles the fears of fitting in, especially when you are different, or do not conform to gender expectations. Bitty is not just gay, he also bakes like a dream, has a video blog, was a figure skater, and faints at the thought of getting checked on the ice rink. I worried that the character was going to be too stereotypical, but I was glad to get the story from his perspective, and was easily lost in his story. I felt like his journey toward being comfortable with himself, and sharing that with his team when he was ready. There were places I wanted more information, or a peek at someone else's mindset. However, the story was well done and captured my attention while leaving me wanting more. I thought the artwork was a great match to the story. I thought it did a good job of covering some of the good and bad of college life without getting too caught up in any one aspect. 

Check Please!: #Hockey is a fun and heart warming story, with a nice variety of characters and challenges that are tackled with light-hearted, hopeful, and realistic. My only complaint is that While left hopeful, I was left with a bit of a cliffhanger, wondering how things will work out. I will be checking out the next volume. 

Book Review: Royal Secret by M. Knopik

Royal Secret by M. Knopik is a novella about two men with secrets. To save his kingdom from war, Raven married Prince Nicholas—as a princess. But on their wedding night, instead of his secret being revealed, Nicholas refuses to have any intimate contact with his new bride, and even goes out of his way to maintain distance between them. To make matters worse, the queen makes increasing demands for an heir. When Raven overhears Prince Nicholas ask his best friend, Lord Henry to father the child, he panics. He turns to the only person he can trust—his chambermaid, Emilia. With her help, he soon learns that the Prince has a secret of his own.

Royal Secret is short and sweet in its way. I liked the fact that the main characters got to know each other slowly, and that there is more than just a single story line happening in the novella. I loved getting to know Raven and discover his secrets, and the connection and care for Emilia. I was a little disappointed that he was not trans but in the position of pretending to be female because of family obligations. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to explore those boundaries, but the story was still an interesting read. I do feel like we learned very little about Nicholas in comparison with Raven and I would have liked to know more about his emotions and thoughts- rather than just what I can cobble together from observations.

Royal Secret is a good, quick read for those looking for a different male/male romance. The Goodreads information on this book labels it as the start of a series, but I have yet to find more.

Book Review: Its Not a Date by Heather Blakemore

Its Not a Date by Heather Blakemore is a contemporary romance. Entrepreneur and innovator Kadrienne Davenport gets results. A demanding executive and stickler for punctuality, Kade throws herself into work to avoid hurting anyone, convinced she only causes pain to those she loves. When Jennifer Spencer meets an incognito Kade at a conference, sparks fly. But when Kade unexpectedly becomes her boss, Jen’s problems multiply. The company she founded is going broke, her grandmother’s dementia is worsening, and her attraction to Kade; her difficult, brilliant, charismatic mentor, is growing. Kade’s desire to keep things professional between them is in Jen’s best interest. Yet what’s in Kade’s best interest is Jen.

Its Not a Date is a modern romance where family obligation, business, and trust issues all come into play. For me, this made the characters and the story more belivable- because we all have at least one of these things complicating our lives at some point. Kade's childhood has made her blame hersdelf for things outside her control, and made her rigid in many ways. Jen focuses on the love and good in her life, but does not want to lose her company or her ailing grandmother as she struggles to balance everything. I enjoyed many of the secondary characters as much as the struggling couple, and loved that each had a support system and trials of their own as they struggled with what they want, need, and how to get there. Both Kade and Jen had emotional journeys along the way, and I think Kade had huge changes and revelations as she grew through the story. I think the growth and development of the characters was extremely well done and tugged at my heart just as much as any of the romantic journey. I look forward to reading more from this author, particularly if she continues writing such well developed and dynamic characters. 

Its Not a Date was a fun and heart warming romance. I enjoyed Kade's journey to find love and trust, in herself as much as for Jen. A well written story with characters that left me hoping for their future long after the book was over. 

Book Review: A Scot's Surrender (Townsend Novel) by Lily Maxton

A Scot's Surrender is the third book in the Townsend series of historical romances by Lily Maxton. While this is the third book in a series, but it works as a stand alone with only a few mentions of incidents and characters from previous book. It is also the only book in the series (thus far at least) that is a male/male romance. I have not read anything else by the author, but I think I will be changing that soon.

When his brother leaves him in charge of Llynmore Castle, Robert Townsend is determined to make everything go smoothly. What does it matter if he's inexplicably drawn to Ian Cameron, the estate’s stoic steward? Robert is sure he can ignore the way the Highlander's apparent dislike of him gets under his skin. They'll muddle along just fine so long as they avoid one another. An excellent plan…until a fire forces Ian into the castle—and Robert's personal space. Ian Cameron has worked for everything he owns, unlike spoiled Robert Townsend. And he may not have friends, but he has the Highlands and the stars, and what more could he really need? But when a guest's stolen possession appears in his room, he doesn't have much choice but to admit to the handsome and aggravatingly charming Townsend brother that he needs help. To solve this mystery, they'll have to put aside their differences. And as Ian learns more about Robert, he'll have to guard his heart or it may be the next thing stolen.

A Scot's Surrender is a slow burn, that starts as almost and enemy to lover romance. Robert and Ian are under the same roof due to crisis outside their control. They each have assumptions about each other, and in general avoid each other because attraction is not always a good thing. Robert, acting as master of the house until his brother returns, just wants everything to go smoothly as he works on writing his second book. He wants to make his family proud. Ian is a working man and is itching to get back to his work, and has no time or respect for the idle rich. When other visitors are end up sharing the home as well, thanks to more crisis, things begin getting out of control. I understand why our pair were tiptoeing around each other, in the era of the story homosexuality could get you killed, so acting on an attraction is a dangerous business. I liked the way the pair slowly learned about each other and became reluctant friends before even admitting fully to themselves about the shared attraction. I liked the funny moments, and the sweet moments as they came to know each other.  Most of all, I just like the characters and how much they focused on doing the right thing and protecting others rather than themselves, even when it did not seem like it on the surface. The slow steps they took towards finding their happy ending make the conclusion even more heart warming and fulfilling. 

A Scot's Surrender is a historical romance that I am glad not to have missed. I enjoyed the story, but the characters most of all. I am now going to have to go back and get a look at the previous (and future) books by the author.

Early Book Review: The Little Library by Kim Fielding

The Little Library by Kim Fielding is a contemporary romance that is currently scheduled for release on March 26 2018. Elliott Thompson was once a historian with a promising academic future, but his involvement in a scandal meant a lost job, public shame, and a ruined love life. He took shelter in his rural California hometown, where he teaches online classes, hoards books, and despairs of his future. Simon Odisho has lost a job as well—to a bullet that sidelined his career in law enforcement. While his shattered knee recovers, he rethinks his job prospects and searches for the courage to come out to his close-knit but conservative extended family. In an attempt to manage his overflowing book collection, Elliott builds a miniature neighborhood library in his front yard. The project puts him in touch with his neighbors—for better and worse—and introduces him to handsome, charming Simon. While romance blooms quickly between them, Elliott’s not willing to live in the closet, and his best career prospects might take him far away. His books have plenty to tell him about history, but they give him no clues about a future with Simon.

The Little Library is a romance that feels very real. Elliott made a big mistake in his previous relationship, and he is still dealing with the fall out, because it makes finding the job he prepared for increasingly hard to find. He brother is pushing him to get out there, and live a little outside his head and interact with more people. Simon was injured on the job, and is starting fresh, and at least admitting to himself that he is gay, but not quite ready to share that information with his very traditional family. When the two come together, it is wonderful to see- mainly because they are living rather than just going through the motions. Both have big challenges and worries, and seeing them talk and face them was both heart warming and occasionally frustrating. I like the fact that neither character was perfect- and it was clear when they were nervous or over thinking the moment. I also like that the issue and discussions they shared are ones that are real issues that people actually face. While some bits came a little too easy, most of the victories were hard fought and kept me turning pages well past my bed time.

The Little Library is a wonderful, realistic romance. The characters face real issues and talk to each other and admit their own failings.  It was wonderful, and I think many readers would love to have this couple as neighbors- I know I would. 

Book Review: Scorpio Hates Virgo (Signs of Love) by Anyta Sunday

Scorpio Hates Virgo is the second book in the Signs of Love series by Anyta Sunday. While I did read, and greatly enjoy, the first book in this series each book can stand on its own.

Percy Freedman is not grieving. Absolutely not, take that back at once. No, he’s entirely sure that selling his dead aunt’s home and leaving the neighbors he’s known for years is the sane thing to do. Who in their right mind would keep the house that smells like all the hugs he’ll never have again? Nobody, that’s who. Well, except his cul-de-sac neighbors. They all seem to think some paint and new furniture will clean the emotional slate. They all want him to stay. Even his nemesis, Callaghan Glover. Especially his nemesis, Callaghan Glover. Lured into a game of Sherlock Gnomes, Percy finds himself hanging out with his neighbors more than might be considered healthy. Along with juggling new and surprising verbal grenades from Cal, and his burgeoning friendship with Gnomber9, Percy is starting to wonder if selling might have been the grief talking after all.

Scorpio Hates Virgo is a wonderful slow burn romance, and it made me happy in a variety of ways. Percy is mourning the loss of the one family member that stood by him after he came out, the aunt that took him in when his parents turned their backs on him. Coming back is hard, and the accepting and caring nature of the neighborhood makes it even harder. I loved watching Cal and Percy dance around each other, trading barbs and innuendoes as they become friends. I enjoyed that everyone else seems aware of what is happening, and that Percy seems to be the last to know. The family and neighborhood dynamics were wonderful, and I enjoyed  watching them grow and become more acquainted with the characters since the first book in the series happened in other settings. Watching Percy come to terms with his loss, how it effected others, and the problems others are having was sometimes heartbreaking, and other time heart warming. I quickly came to care about the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the read. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, which is already waiting for my attention on my Kindle.

Scorpio Hates Virgo is a wonderful read, with well written characters and realistic actions and reactions. I love Sunday's writing style because of this realism, and will continue to explore their work. 

Book Review: Gemini Keeps Capricorn (Signs of Love) by Anyta Sunday

Gemini Keeps Capricorn is the third book in the Signs of Love series by Anyta Sunday. Each book in the series can stand up fine on its own, however some characters from previous books do have cameos.

Wesley loves annoying his RA, Lloyd Reynolds. He just can’t help it. Lloyd is focused, decisive, grounded. He has this amusing ability to follow rules. Of course Wesley wants Lloyd to break one, or more. But Lloyd doesn’t crack easily. He’s full of principles. He’s unshakable. He’s the perfect friend to have when Wesley needs help. Like with his truant brother and his old high school principal. One little lie is all it takes to find Wesley fake-engaged to his off-limits RA. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Gemini Keeps Capricorn is a delightfully slow burn, and Wesley is a fun but clueless main character that makes the journey entertaining and more than a little frustrating. I loved the banter and friendship between Lloyd and Wes, it made me smile. I found the family drama and hard life choices that need to be made to be on point and realistic. There characters reminded me of people I new in college, and afterward, and felt like people I might run into in real life. The background stories, Wes's brother Caleb and the parent connections, did not distract from the relationship growth, rather they added to it and help build on it. I love that I could get lost in the characters and the day to day issues, and enjoy the developing friendship and more. Sunday's stories are so much about people, life, and getting to know yourself and be yourself that I wish more people would discover her work- particularly those that cannot get past other people being different. I wish I did not have close to two hundred books in my Netgalley queue so I could go read more from Sunday right now, without the guilt. I will get to them though- eventually. 

Gemini Keeps Capricorn is another slow burn from Sunday that I loved. All I could ask for to change here (or any of the books in this series) is to get a glimpse into the other main character's head. I just want more!

Book Review: Elemental Ride by Mell Eight

Elemental Ride by Mell Eight is a urban fantasy and romance novella. Rawley isn't the type to crush hard and fast on anyone, but he's somehow helpless when it comes to the new mailman. Even his bikes and his job as enforcer for a local motorcycle gang, the center of his world, don't compare to his interest in Reign. Unfortunately, Reign doesn't seem to be as interested—but secrets and magic have a way of turning everything upside down.

Elemental Ride is a short tease into a fantasy world I want to know more about. It seems to be part of a larger ongoing series by the publisher- but no links to this series are clear on Goodreads, so I will have to do some hunting. As a novella, there is much to squeeze into a short bit of text, but I think it handled very well. I feel like I got to know Rawley fairly well, and understood him as a character- as well as his fascination with his new mailman. I liked the way the world and supernatural aspects are revealed- although I feel like I need a novel set in this world to make me really happy. The story is complex despite the shortness, and has a few layers and surprises. I really enjoyed the unique take on magic and the elements as sprites, and the character of Reign, Leif, and so on satisfied me. 

Elemental Ride is a fast and entertaining read. My only disappointment is in the fact that it was a novella, and I want more. I will be taking a look at Less Than Three Press to see if I can find the rest of this series and enjoy it as a whole.

Book Review: You Make Me Tremble by Karis Walsh

You Make Me Tremble by Karis Walsh is a contemporary romance. Animal rescue worker Iris Mallery thinks she has created a stable and secure home for herself, but when her small town is battered by an earthquake, Iris needs to rebuild not only her own life, but the lives of the displaced dogs and cats now filling her shelter. The quake’s effects are personal for Iris, but not for seismologist Casey Radnor. Casey is a scientist above all else, logical and disconnected from the natural disasters she studies. When she rescues a stray dog from some rubble, she finds herself caught up in the lives of Iris and the others affected by the quake, despite her best efforts to remain professional. The beautiful San Juan Islands in Washington State become the epicenter of both the earthquake and the collision of Iris and Casey’s hearts. Can love bind the shattered fragments together again?

You Make Me Tremble is a book with lots of promise. Iris and Casey think they are so very different, but I found that at the center they are very much the same. Both have less than perfect childhoods and spend most of their time either trying to deal with or avoid the issues that that have as a result. I liked the honesty and maturity that they show in actually discussing their problems for the most part. I loved the emotional growth and the role the animals and secondary characters on the island play. However, I felt like at one point Iris and Casey went from zero to sixty with very little warning, and then back again. I will say that the backing off was completely expected and fit with the character's personalities perfectly- as did the reactions and actions there after. I am not sure what it was, but despite the solid characters, I just never really connected with them or felt all that invested in the story. I think that was more about me than the book though, since I cannot point out any fault in the writing or story that prevented that connection.

You Make Me Tremble is a book that I was very excited to read. The premise and characters promised a great read. While it was well done, I just never really connected with the characters and felt I was told rather than shown the issues and conflicts they had. Perhaps I was just not in the right headspace to read it, which sometimes happens. I liked the book, but it did not rock (ha!) my world like I expected. 

Book Review: Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday

Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday is a lovely new adult romance. Theo Wallace usually laughs at the horoscopes his mom sends. Still hung up on his ex-girlfriend and practically friendless, this one begs him to reconsider. Because a friendship that stuck, that thrived. Well, that would be a reason to leave past pains behind and look to the Bright Future. When his sister Leone challenges him to find her the perfect date for a spring wedding, Theo uses it as a chance to make new friends. Theo’s ex economics tutor and newest roommate Mr. Jamie Cooper seems to be a possible and convenient match. Real convenient. Like written in the stars, convenient. All he has to do is make sure this Jamie is good enough. Could really be The One for her, and the friend for him.

Leo Loves Aries might catch readers by surprise, just like it catches one of the main characters. I loved Theo's journey of self discovery, and the cluelessness he has about the world around him. He is just so good hearted and blind to some aspects of those around him that he constantly made me smile. He is not stupid, far from it, but just does not see everything he should. I know so many people like that, which made the character feel even more real to me. I loved that friendship is so important to the story, and that Leone is such a smart, capable, and strong character. She often sees things he cannot, even is she is blind. Meanwhile, Jamie is a nice balance between them, smart and aware. I loved the developing friendship that happens between all the major players, and how the dynamics between them grew and changed through out the book. I just loved the read, and will be looking for more from the author.

Leo Loves Aries is a new adult romance and coming of age story that had me smiling as I read. I just enjoyed the characters and the read that much. While some readers might not enjoy the story simply because it is a same sex romance, I found the characters and the journey to be charming and enjoyable.

Book Review: Antisocial by Heidi Cullinan

Antisocial by Heidi Cullinan is a wonderful contemporary romance that made me happy on multiple levels. Xander Fairchild can’t stand people in general and frat boys in particular, so when he’s forced to spend his summer working on his senior project with Skylar Stone, a silver-tongued Delta Sig with a trust fund who wants to make Xander over into a shiny new image, Xander is determined to resist. He came to idyllic, Japanese culture-soaked Benten College to hide and make manga, not to be transformed into a corporate clone in the eleventh hour.  Skylar’s life has been laid out for him since before he was born, but all it takes is one look at Xander’s artwork, and the veneer around him begins to crack. Xander himself does plenty of damage too. There’s something about the antisocial artist’s refusal to yield that forces Skylar to acknowledge how much his own orchestrated future is killing him slowly…as is the truth about his gray-spectrum sexuality, which he hasn’t dared to speak aloud, even to himself. Through a summer of art and friendship, Xander and Skylar learn more about each other, themselves, and their feelings for one another. But as their senior year begins, they must decide if they will part ways and return to the dull futures they had planned, or if they will take a risk and leap into a brightly colored future—together.

Antisocial is so much more than I expected. It is a romance, it is a coming of age story, and it is a wonderful study of the shades of the spectrum when it comes to sexual identity.Xander is an artist, and is as closed off and moody as any stereotype you might image. Skylar is a golden boy, being groomed for a life as a corporate lawyer. Each has their wounds and secrets. I loved the development of friendship between these two unlikely partners, and how the one that seemed the most in need of saving at the start was the one that offered the most encouragement and support through the entire story. I found the open communication between Xander and Skylar was so important, and something that happens too rarely in real life and romance novels alike. The inclusion of a friend group, and the struggles with parents and finances were important and valuable parts of the story- making it more real and engaging. My only sticking point was just how perfect their happy ending was, I think some of the parental resolution was left hanging. However, as this is my only issue with the book, I still want to highly recommend the read to anyone even vaguely interested.

Antisocial is a contemporary romance that explores the shades of sexual identity and the search most of us have for who we want to be, and what makes us happy. Every time I had to step away from reading I found myself eager to get back to the world of Xander and Skylar. I think this is a great read, and that young and new adults should read it particularly if they or anyone they care about is struggling with their own sexuality.

Book Review: Guarding Mr. Fine by Helen Kay Dimon

Guarding Mr. Fine by Helen Kay Dimon is a contemporary romance novel. As an agent with the CIA’s special activities division, Seth Lang lives for risk, and yet he’s stuck playing bodyguard to the U.S. consul general in Munich. Although Seth’s last assignment nearly killed him, babysitting some desk jockey in a suit sounds way too easy. But when he lays eyes on the new top man, tactical expert Rick Fine, Seth’s thrilled to see just how hard this job is going to get. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Quiet has a body worth guarding, and he requires hands-on attention day and night. Dispatched to a German consulate to expose the murder of his predecessor, Rick finds himself in an extremely vulnerable position. He needs a man like Seth, in so many ways. This mission will inevitably plunge them both into jeopardy, but each new threat only brings them closer. Rick just hopes that he can keep his deepest, darkest secret hidden, or else risk imperiling a relationship they’re both fighting for their lives to protect.

Guarding Mr. Fine is a solid romance, with aspects of danger- both emotional and physical, that keep the reader guessing. I think both Seth and Rick have their issues, and hide away pieces of themselves for protection. I like that they are both capable and complex men, with a significant mystery surrounding the death of the previous consul general and the missing vaccines. I think the solution was a little too expected, as I had my suspicious about that particular character from the very beginning. However, the journey toward the reveal and later the happy ever after, were well worth it. I liked that the characters were open about their faults, even if they were not open about their secrets. I found the give and take, and gradual emotional growth from Seth to be very well done. 

I think many readers will enjoy Guarding Mr. Fine. There is suspense, romance, and an accurate portrayal of gay and bi characters. I would not recommend it to readers that do not enjoy same sex romances with men in the staring roles. However, readers that like contemporary, suspense, and military or undercover agent style romances will enjoy the read.

Book Review: Courting the Countess by Jenny Frame

Courting the Countess by Jenny Frame is a contemporary romance. Professor of Archeology Henrietta “Harry” Knight becomes Countess of Axedale upon her father’s death and takes a sabbatical from Cambridge University to begin refurbishing the long-neglected and run-down Axedale Hall. The child of a loveless marriage, witness to her father’s infidelities and her mother’s pain, Harry has no intention of ever falling in love. Annie Brannigan is a survivor, remaining positive through hardships. As an agency housekeeper, she moves from post to post with her daughter Riley, taking care of people who have everything she will never have. Annie’s greatest wish is to find her happy ever after. Can love restore the countess’s heart and the crumbling Axedale Hall, or will the first foundations of love turn to dust?

Courting the Countess is a realistic, contemporary romance novel. I will admit that it took me a bit to get into the story, and to decide that it was contemporary. The use of Countess and the responsibilities of such a role in modern times was unusual for me. I liked the character building and thought Harry was a well defined, fairly realistic character. I really loved Anne's character- and the tension between the two. I did enjoy the relationship that grew between Harry and Anne's daughter, and felt like that was one of the things that helped Harry the most, and was just solid story writing. I think there was a lot more build up than there was actual movement in the relationship between Harry and Anne, and I know that most of it was necessary to impart the growth that Harry had to make and to reveal the unhappy past for Anne, but there were moments where I just wanted to hit fast forward and get to a confrontation, realization, or conversation that would significantly move things along. It did happen, it just took longer than I wanted. Some of this was my own impatience rather than somethi9ng wrong with the book- it just was not the kind of read I was looking for at the moment. It all came together well, but it was just a little slower paced than I was looking for. However, I can think of many readers that would absolutely love the story and writing style.

Courting the Countess is a solid story, with well defined characters and an interesting premise. My main complaint is that there was more of the characters worrying to them selves and other people talking about them than there was actual conflict or action between them. However, the characters were portrayed realistically, which can atone for many faults.

Book Review: The Woman Upstairs by Camryn Eyde

The Woman Upstairs by Camryn Eyde is a lovely romance. Ricci Velez is a fiercely independent woman that worked her way up from the poverty line to become a respected engineer and property developer. Mistaken as the little wifey by Tara Reeves, the new tenant at her Manhattan apartment building, Ricci wants to evict her before she even signs the lease. A slighted ex-tenant, a vandalized apartment, and an interfering best friend means that she’s forced to offer Tara a room in her own apartment. Can she survive having the secretive hard-nosed executive judging her in her own home? Worse still, can she survive her match-making mother shamelessly besotted by the temporary housemate?

The Woman Upstairs is a emotional and realistic romance. Ricci and Tara start off as annoyances to each other- each dealing with thier own significant problems. I like that being attachted to each other was not the magic pill to make them suddenly get along or open up to each other, rather trust had to be earned and issues needed to be dealt with. I found Ricci’s family dynamics to be charming, and while I could not completely relate to Ricci’s need to build and renovate- I could relate to the idea of getting lost in gardening and creative worek. I could also relate to Tara’s struggles, both with the recent past and waiting for Ricci to face her own troubles. I enjoyed the read, a and look forward to explore more books from the author.

The Woman Upstairs is a romance that deals with the trust and family issues that real people face, and makes the characters feel real. I like that I could connect with the characters, and feel like I could run into them at the store. A heart wrenching and warming story that is well worth the read.

Book Review: Just Enough Light by A.J. Quinn

Just Enough Light by A.J. Quinn is a wonderful contemporary romance with a dash of suspense and mystery. Kellen Ryan has taken the survival skills she learned on the streets and used them to create an elite search-and-rescue operation, as well as the first home she’s known in forever—a sanctuary in Haven, Colorado, high in the Rockies. A small mountain town was the last place Harvard-educated Dr. Dana Kingston expected to find herself. Still, when she’s offered an opportunity to partner with Kellen’s operation and develop a medical triage center, Dana follows her heart. Dana falls hard and fast for the enigmatic Kellen. But she quickly realizes Kellen’s heart is as carefully guarded as her past, and breaking through will take time. Except time is the one thing they may not have, because a deadly threat has returned, and this time he plans to finish what he started.

Just Enough Light is a story with wonderfully complex characters. Kellen has survived much, a horrible home life, time on the streets, and a fall that would have killed most people. However, she is still determined to help others and rescue everyone she can, even when it means putting herself at risk. The only thing she really does not want to face is her past. Dana is a doctor that wants to live her life for herself and make her own decisions. Working with Search and Rescue in the Rockies seems like a great way to start over. She did not expect to need rescuing, or to fall in love. But, life and love seem to have their own ideas. Finding their footing in their working roles, and in the relationship has its pitfalls. But when danger comes too close for comfort the past must be confronted and Kellen needs to face down more than a grieving murderer, she also needs to face her past and decide if she is ready to stick around and forge a brighter future. A great love story, and interesting mystery, and a look at characters with different backgrounds and history. I really enjoyed the look at how the past can shape our present, but that we have control over who we become. I also found that I loved the pure honesty ad organic nature of the love story. At no point did the fact that the romantic interests were both woman become the major point of the story. They are just two people in love. That is beautiful. Too often the heart of the story gets lost in the gender, sexual orientation, or race of a character rather than just enjoying that we are all people and none of that really matters.

Just Enough Light is a well-told romance. I like that the psychological scars of the characters are addressed, but at no point is that the main point of the story. The love story was just so natural and organic that any aspect of the story that might otherwise override it just melted away. Great writing, I look forward to more from the author.

Early Book Review: The Farther He Runs (Kick) by Lynda Aicher

The Farther He Runs is the third book in the Kick series by Lynda Aicher. It is currently scheduled for release on December 6 2016. I have not read the other books in the series, but I caught up on the two main players quickly and do not feel like I lost much because of the learning curve.

After years away from home, Tanner Dorsey is back and sorting through feelings that have him in a stranglehold. The hardened Marine will do anything for a fallen comrade, so when an accident leaves Finn Kelley fighting for his life, Tanner’s eager to be there for him. In fact, Tanner’s ready and willing to do anything Finn asks—especially if it means finally acting on the sexual tension that’s always kept him craving more. Finn senses it too—when he brushes against Tanner’s stubbled jaw, when he inhales the scent of the T-shirt that clings to Tanner’s body like a second skin. Now that he’s more vulnerable than ever, Finn knows the time is right to take control, even if it means risking the heart and soul of their friendship. The bond they share goes beyond desire; it’s a bond of brotherhood, forged under conditions few could imagine. But once they cross that line, there will be no more secrets. No more boundaries. And no turning back.

The Farther He Runs is a story that is rich in character development, emotion, and plenty of steamy moments. I liked that we get to see the intensity of the attraction and emotion shared by Tanner and Finn. They are both battle scarred, emotionally, mentally, and physically, and they have huge battles to face individually and together. I also liked that when the pair understand each other, and their wounds, so well that they often understand what the other needs without words but still communicate more than most couples in romance novels. While I was not expecting the amount of BSDM the book included (my fault for not reading up on the series before reading) but it was dealt with perfectly. The explanation of the hows and whys, and the strength of the submissive and the emotions and desires that often come with it all was well done. So often authors toss in moments of bondage, pain, or humiliation without touching on the importance of consent, care, and boundaries. Again, with military characters many authors do not cover the mixed emotions and wounds that many men that had or are serving our country face, it is handled extremely well and accurately. You can tell that the author has a full understanding of the subjects and took the time to write it correctly and honestly. Even though this is not my typical read, I very much respect and appreciate the authors writing and handling of the multiple aspects of the story.

The Farther He Runs was more than expected. I was ready for an LBGQT romance, but I was not expecting the level of BSDM that was included. This was my fault for not reading the full description. However the handling of the aspects of military, BSDM, and recovery included in the story are all extremely well done and has earned my respect and admiration for the author. 

Early Book Review: The Fairy’s Assistant by Sasha L. Miller

The Fairy’s Assistant by Sasha L. Miller is currently scheduled for release on November 2 1016. Hayden typically enjoys his life, he gets to travel, he has a fairy in his pocket, and he helps her bring happiness to people who would otherwise go overlooked and continue suffering. The only problem is that magic is illegal and there's a certain stubborn, handsome knight determined to prove that Hayden deserves to be locked up. Between dodging the stubborn knight and the odious nobles he's currently working for, helping his fairy get a woman to a ball is going to be more difficult than their missions usually are.

The Fairy’s Assistant is a fun twist on the Cinderella style fairy tale. It started a little slow for me, but quickly captured and held my interest. Hayden is an all-around good guy. He is not afraid of hard work, does his best to stay out of trouble, and does everything he can to help the fairy Lily help others- even though he cannot understand a word she says. Sir Sydney, a very determined knight of the realm is on his trail in search of illegal magic users. Hayden gets a sable hand job in order to assist Lily's plan to help a woman named Renee find happiness. Everything is more than it seems, and so are the characters. I liked the personalities and depth of the characters, and the way that the romances happened very naturally, and if I was unaware of the LGBTQ label on the description I might have guessed the final pairings of differently. The major wins here were the complexity of the plot twists and the well written characters. The one thing I think I was missing was some world building. I wanted a little bit more information about the why's of magic being illegal and so on. However, the story over rode those issues enough that I was still a happy reader.

The Fairy’s Assistant is a wonderful novel, that I enjoyed more than I was expecting after a slow start. I am inspired to read more by the author, and hope that this world is revisited in other books they have either already written or that are yet to come. miller has a new fan.