Survival Game (Me of London, #9) by Susan Mac Nicol

HANDLE...

Kyle Tripper has led an interesting life. Currently the manager of London's famous Club Delish, he used to be a croupier extraordinaire in Las Vegas. But not everything in that life was so glamorous; his ex was a piece of work. Now gun-shy, Kyle hopes there is someone special out there for him, and secretly wishes it's luscious paramedic, Eric Kirby.

WITH CARE

Every day Eric Kirby goes through the motions. Yeah, he saves lives, and, sure, he makes a difference, but he doesn't feel it anymore - not since he lost his one true. But, when he meets wild, flamboyant Kyle Tripper and learns there's a skittish, apprehensive man beneath the bold façade, the best of Eric's protective nature kicks in and opens his heart to a new love.

This story is about Kyle and Eric, whom we both met in previous books.

These men have an instant attraction, hitting it off right off the bat.  Very flirtatious and sexually-charged air about them.

"Strong on the outside, vulnerable on the inside. Mouthy and too damn sexy for his own good."

Unbeknownst to them, they're the same in several ways.

They equally have hidden demons. Traumatic pasts they fight daily to survive.

Heavy material without being too "heavy," if that makes sense. Tragic and sad, very much so, but, of course, Susan's usual witty and cheeky banter is front and center, helping to ease the heaviness.

I will say, Eric's job is so stressful and sad. I felt for him so much! So much heartache on the daily. It's a wonder he found the time to smile! My heart went out to him.

"We both suffered, just in different way."

This was definitely a quick and pleasant read. I love the inclusion of past characters, which is always nice.

A new character emerges as well...looking forward to hearing more about him!

Amazon US / UK

Tease (Temptation Series) by Ella Frank

Tease - verb: to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it....unless your name is Tate Morrison.

It’s been four years since Logan Mitchell walked into Tate’s life and irrevocably changed it. Four years since the sexy as sin lawyer dared him to try, and four years since Tate won his love.

Now, as they approach the next chapter of their lives Logan is determined they won’t end up like many of their friends. Settled. Domestic. Boring. However, that’s easier said than done. With busy careers and working odd hours, finding time for one another is becoming increasingly difficult.

But that sh*t isn’t going to fly with Logan or Tate.

The two of them are determined to compromise to get what it is they want, and what they want is each other.

Tease is the sexy, tantalizing continuation of the two men who stole your heart... and popped your cherry.

What do you do when one of your favorite authors announces she's adding to one of your favorite series?? You do a little dance... that's what! After you finish screaming, that is!

Tease to me was a loving and very sweet, where are they now kind of read. Not only that, but some matters that were previously left unfinished/unanswered where brought to light and touched on.

It wasn't a drama-filled... OMG what happens now... it was like visiting with old friends for me (unfuckingbelievably hot friends that do unbelievably hot things to each other).

A sweet revisit of our guys... 

I know, Logan and sweet? no worries, still lustful and hot as only L&T can be, but at the same time, so very loving with a  family-esque feel to it!

"kiss"

Can't wait to see what happens next!!

Amazon US / UK

Sight Unseen by Susan Mac Nicol

Tragedy brings together a reserved but brilliant sculptor and an outgoing gallery owner, friends whose love was sidetracked—but was always meant to be deeper. 

BLINDSIDED

SoCal natives, Nate and Cody have been friends since childhood. Both knew they were different—and the same. At seventeen, a stolen weekend in the Florida Keys drove their connection deeper and hotter than either could imagine. They were meant to be together. Then, for reasons only Nate knows, suddenly they weren’t.

They’re still friends. Best friends. But they’ve moved on and found other partners. The yearning remains, however, despite the long-ago secret that drove them apart, and when tragedy strikes, both men find themselves in the dark. They must grope their way back to who and what they are...which they will find in each other’s arms. Sometimes, losing one’s sight can open one’s eyes—and heart.

I'm a Susan Mac Nicol junkie! She writes, I read!

This book came with a warning, a not her usual sexified story.

That was fine with me. 

No, this story is not a sex-filled read, nor did it have to be.

This is a second chance, friends to lovers read.

It's about love, about prevailing... and can't forget to mention the "Ghost" scene! ;)

There were certain aspects I can honestly say that I struggled with. The bigotry and hate Nate's had to deal with was outrageous and cruel. Is this truly how people are treated?

At first I thought it was a little out there and too far-fetched... but knowing the way Susan writes, those instances probably happened to someone she knows, making this so very real, and my heart truly hurt for them. 

Ultimately, Sight Unseen is about a man's struggle not only with his relationship with his childhood best friend, but with an unseen tragedy in his life.

It's about coping and overcoming, and about those you love and trust to be in your life and to help you live the best life you can.

Amazon US / UK

Hard Climate (Men of London, #8) by Susan Mac Nicol

Eco-warrior Mango Manning must shake the demons of his past to win back London nightclub owner Ryan Bishop, who is suddenly facing issues of his own. 

WITH BOTH HANDS 

Brawny, beautiful, complicated and sexy as hell, eco-warrior Mango Manning is everything performer and London nightclub owner Ryan Bishop wants in a life-partner. But Mango has been loving and leaving Ryan for the past two years, and Ryan’s had enough. That’s why he’s moving on. Ryan’s the monogamous type—which means now he’ll be alone at the worst possible time. 

Mango Manning knows he’s screwed up and has commitment issues. That’s why he’s been so on-and-off with Ryan these past two years. He’d thought he found a safe haven, a place to hide from the losses of his past, but there are other demons you just can’t escape. Like Ryan’s health. If Mango is to put things right, he must man up and discover a way back into Club Delish and the heart of its owner. Only then can they look to the future together, come what may. True happiness will slip through their fingers...unless they both grab on and hold tight.

Commitment issues, fear, love and hope encompass much of this story.

Mango and Ryan are perfect for each other and fit like pieces of a puzzle... but Mango has issues that Ryan just can't deal with nor should he have to.

I wanted to shake Mango to his senses at first! 

Ryan is funny, sarcastic, cheeky and so in love!

Mango is rugged, handsome, Ryan's match in every way, but he's just afraid! 

This story was funny, sweet, sexy and sad.

"It wasn't all glitter and sparkly shoes."

Things happen that are sometimes beyond your control and I enjoyed how these two came together and made it work.

"When things go wrong, don't go with them."

As I've read the previous 7 Men of London books, I was very happy with the inclusion of Lenny and Brook who I absolutely adored.

Amazon US / UK

Aced by Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank

From Ella Frank’s Sunset Cove series and Brooke Blaine’s L.A. Liaisons series comes a scorchingly hot novel that blends humor, passion, and romance.

What happens when these two worlds collide?

Ace Locke is Hollywood’s hottest action hero. Women across the globe fling their panties in his direction, but Ace isn’t interested in those—he’s more of a boxer briefs kind of guy. Specifically, those of the nearly naked male model on a billboard he drives past every day.

Though he recently made headlines for his public coming out, Ace is wary about pursuing a relationship, fearing what the court of public opinion will do to his career. But there’s something in the model’s expression that intrigues him and has him wondering what if?

Dylan Prescott just scored his biggest modeling campaign yet. One that has him plastered all over L.A. in not much more than what he was born with. And when he’s cast in Ace’s latest blockbuster, it puts him in close proximity to his ultimate fantasy.

Outwardly confident, Dylan has no problem with his sexuality or his pretty-boy looks, and uses both to his advantage to get what he wants. And what he wants is the impossible—Ace Locke.

Dylan and Ace!!!!!! H.O.T.

Everyone knows how big an Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine fan I am!! 

When I heard a book with both Dylan and Ace was on its way... I squealed like a 13 year old girl at a Justin Bieber concert!! Seriously!!

I fell in love with Ace in Hooker and was beyond excited to get his story. He was everything I wanted him to be. Commanding, larger than life presence, but at the same time, sweet, charismatic and romantic.

Dylan we meet in Devil's Kiss. He's the hottie surfer turned model. "Marky Mark" Ace labels him.

He is delicious. He is also sweet, charismatic and oh so sexy.

There's a reference to Pretty Woman in this book. Funny, I know, but I loved it. There's so many books nowadays that always have the poor little sweet heroine being swept off her feet by the big, powerful almighty hero who sends her on shopping sprees, buys her a car and they live happily ever after! I loathe that! When it's done incorrectly.

This time it was done correctly. Yes, I know there's two heroes here, and it wasn't a total Pretty Woman thing, but when you read it, you'll understand what I'm saying. I loved that part.

These characters are perfect for each other. They were sweet and naive at times, like virgins! Learning from each other for the first time. On the other hand, they were also assertive, adventurous and oh so damn hot!!!!

I must say... one part in particular though...  These gals know how to write a steamy, panty-melting scene!!!

All I can say is... please hurry with the next book!! I NEED more Ace and Dylan!!!!

Amazon  US /  UK

Dirty Angel by Barbara Elsborg

Dying Sucks

Particularly when you discover there really is a hell. Aden thinks there’s no way he can avoid going down, but when an angel and demon can’t agree over his fate, Aden is given one more month to gain redemption. He doubts he can find a way to become a better man in so short a time. But it’s worth a try, right?

Living sucks

Particularly when you can’t shake free of an obsessive ex. Brody might be managing to hold down his job as a vet, but his personal life is a mess. If he doesn’t pull himself together soon, he’s going to be sliding downhill too fast to stop.

One wet night, on a dark country lane, two worlds collide and destinies change forever. 

Heaven and Hell. Right and wrong. Good vs evil. Angels and demons!

I myself have wondered, have I done enough? Been good enough? 

Will I be forgiven for those I've wronged? The lies I've told? Will I be allowed in Heaven?

This book makes you think! 

It sucks you into otherworldly thoughts and possibilities. 

It makes you fall in love.

As in usual Barbara Elsborg fashion, this book is witty, the characters sarcastic, the story emotional, funny and thought provoking!

Aden's backstory broke my heart.  Over the course of the story bits and pieces of his childhood and the suffering he endured was revealed. 

It brought me to tears on many occasions. 

"Worried you'll get lost?"

"I've been lost all my life, " Aden replied quietly. 

"Not lost." Brody squeezed his fingers. 
"Just undiscovered."

Brody on the other hand has also had a rough go at life, getting wrangled into things at a young age he had no control over.

These two together are sexy as hell, but they're also extremely sweet.

 Barbara also has a gift of making even the sexiest of moments fun and funny. 

Her characters are always cheeky and sarcastic and I love that! They're very endearing.

Also, I can't not mention the animals! 

Brody is a vet and lives on a farm, so several different animals come in to play throughout the story. From emotional moments that brought me to tears to laugh out loud ones, these animals made a great addition to the story.

All in all, another fantastic read from Barbara Elsborg! 

I highly recommend you read this one!

Amazon US / UK

Damaged Goods (Men of London) by Susan Mac Nicol

Touched by tragedy, love is an elusive dream never to be realised by eighteen-year-old Jax Grady--until he discovers his secret admirer and receives the sweetest gift he could ever desire.

THE SWEETEST GIFT 

Tragedy and horror shaped Jackson Grady's life, leaving him orphaned and scarred. At eighteen he's ready to claim his future, but who could love his disfigured face and damaged soul? Definitely not a big, burly, beautiful Irish Traveller who is entirely the stuff of dreams. 

Dare Rowan didn't mean to become obsessed with the blue-eyed man he first saw across a field, but that porcelain skin and innocent air demanded another meeting. Jax has the face of a wounded angel, and the rest of the young man is as heart-breakingly perfect. Jax is beautiful in every way and teaching him about love and life will be something Dare will embrace. Like unwrapping and savouring the candy at the shop where he works, Dare will show this young man everything Jax desired but never thought he'd have, and take Jax to new highs while he holds him through the lows. Between them, they’ll find out just how sweet life can be.

We were introduced to Jax and his tragic past in Feat of Clay. I was so intrigued with him and could not wait for him to have his story told!

Jax is a young, sweet, innocent, insecure, damaged teenager. 

Oh and horny! Let's not forget horny!

At the same time, he's one of the bravest and strongest characters I've had the pleasure of reading about!

Because of his past and where he saw his future, he never dreamed of finding love or companionship.

Dare was so adorable! Big, strapping man with tats, working in a candy store. He's kind, gentle and caring. I absolutely adored his family also!

He was patient with Jax, his feelings and needs.

He himself seemed insecure and uncertain at times.

Dare was like Jax's wet dream come to life! He was everything Jax thought he would never have, never get to experience. 

Jax was so feisty and eager to experience, yet the progression of their relationship went at a very steady and slower pace than he would have liked! I think it was perfect.

There were funny moments, oh so sweet and tender ones and certainly a few sniffles!

I LOVED Jax & Dare!!

This was the sweetest story and without a doubt my favorite of the Men of London series!

Amazon US / UK

Spencer Cohen, Book Three (Spencer Cohen #3) by NR Walker

Learning to be in a committed relationship has been easy for Spencer. In fact, too easy. Andrew has fit into his life seamlessly. Spencer's let go of his insecurities and hang-ups, and he and Andrew are enjoying where things are headed.

For the first time in years, Spencer's life is unbelievably perfect. Andrew overthinks everything. So when Spencer gets a phone call from Australia, he's certain Spencer will push him away. 

But instead of driving them apart, maybe it will solidify what they already have. Maybe Spencer will depend on Andrew more than ever. Maybe the Spencer Cohen story will come full circle, and maybe, just maybe, Spencer will have the happily ever after he never thought possible. 

This is book 3 in the Spencer Cohen Series. 

That ending!! It was sweet perfection!

Spencer and Andrew are the most adorable couple!!! I love them!

This third installment was so incredibly moving, sweet and touching. A great way to wrap up the series. 

These two men who seemed so unbelievably different from each other were so similar in unbelievable way. They are adorable together and compliment the other so well.

"You look like a shy, mild-mannered guy, but underneath you're really just a bossy top."

Still only a couple of months into dating they're both adjusting to the others lives, friends and family.

But they are blazing through it all.  

This book is full of tragedy, heartache, hardships and revelations!

N.R. Walker has written a spectacular couple.

They were just too cute for words. I felt like I knew them. I want to know them. 

If there were a magazine called Who I Want To Be Friends With, Spencer and Andrew would be on the cover!!!!! 

"the water hadn't even had time to get wet"

(one of my favorite lines!)

Read this series!!! You're going to absolutely love it!

Amazon US /UK

Imperfect Harmony by Jay Northcote

-blurb-

Imperfect harmony can still be beautiful…

John Fletcher, a former musician, is stuck in limbo after losing his long-term partner two years ago. He’s shut himself off from everything that reminds him of what he’s lost. When his neighbour persuades him to join the local community choir, John rediscovers his love of music and finds a reason to start living again.

Rhys Callington, the talented and charismatic choir leader, captures John’s attention from the first moment they meet. He appears to be the polar opposite of John: young, vibrant, and full of life. But Rhys has darkness in his own past that is holding him back from following his dreams.

Despite the nineteen-year age gap, the two men grow close and a fragile relationship blossoms. Ghosts of the past and insecurities about the future threaten their newfound happiness. If they’re going to harmonise in life and love as they do in their music, they’ll need to start following the same score.

-my Review-

Second chances, loss and love. 
Moving on after the loss of a loved one is a daunting task. 
Opening his heart to anyone ever again, let alone to music again, seemed impossible for John.
Add to that endless insecurities and fear of the unknown.
My heart broke for him. For both of them.

Music was such an integral part of each of their lives. 
One found solace in it, while the other shut it out completely. 

This was a sweet and very moving story.  
I fell in love with both characters. Each so very different from the other.
They had several struggles to overcome, their age being a big one!
But they were real and they were adorable together. I love their intimate moments, so sweet.

Their story was funny at times, sweet, sexy and heartbreaking!
It was a quick read, very enjoyable and quite touching.

Amazon

Touch the Sky by Christina Lee and Nyrae Dawn

Lucas Barnett and Gabriel Stewart didn’t have it easy as kids. They were only trying to deal with bad situations at home when they became lifelines for each other. Their pipe dream was to someday meet in LA, where Lucas would design skyscrapers, and Gabriel would learn to fly. But then Gabriel disappeared without so much as a goodbye, and Lucas got himself in trouble with the law. 

Five years later, both men are at a loss when they run into each other at a Hollywood bar. Lucas is still angry, but it’s not as if Gabriel could control how his mind and body had betrayed him. Being found on the ledge of that bridge had changed everything.

The attraction is immediate, but it’s more than their inability to keep their hands off each other. Neither man expects the fierce connection pulling them together. Unfortunately, ignoring their problems doesn’t make them disappear. Gabriel’s internal struggles are serious…dangerous. And no matter how much Lucas wants it to be true, saving Gabriel won’t make up for not being able to save his mom. If they don’t find the strength to face their own demons before the darkness takes hold, they risk more than just losing each other forever. 

Very sweet and sad all in one.

A story about life, loss, forgiveness and acceptance.

They were so sweet as kids, full of hopes and dreams, yet both their lives were so screwed up. 

They had each other and that was all they needed.... until they didn't.

These boys shared a shy and sweet, almost insecure love with a deep down bond... even years later.

I really enjoyed this collaboration. 

Christina and Nyrae delved into some pretty tough issues like mental health, addiction, death, etc.

It was heartbreaking.

There were bouts of sexiness and fun, of course, and I really enjoyed those parts, but overall it was truly an emotional and beautiful story. 

Amazon US / UK