Crossroads by Riley Hart

BLURB

After divorcing the woman he’d been with since he was seventeen, Nick Fuller is starting over. He owns the restaurant of his dreams and he’s determined to meet new people, find new passions, and experience life to its fullest. Easier said than done—that is until he meets his new neighbor, Bryce Tanner…

Bryce is all about a good time. He plans to show Nick how it’s done, help him meet a few women, and enjoy the gift of the single life he’s been given. But things don’t go as planned, and soon they realize they’d rather be together than with anyone else. 

Neither man has ever wanted another guy, but there’s a connection between them from the start—a spark they can’t deny. They find themselves navigating an unfamiliar new world and dealing with unforeseen obstacles. Physical desire isn’t enough, and now Nick and Bryce are at a crossroads. They have to decide which way to go—the easy path they’ve always followed, or the one that's determined to trip them up at every turn.

MY REVIEW

Nick and Bryce, such a sweet story!!!

This one started out so different! 

Both Nick and Bryce are straight. They strike up a friendship and instantly bond. 

Besides both having a big loving family, they couldn't be more different.

Nick is an easy going chef, do gooder, quiet and shy who just divorced his wife and the only person he's ever been with.

Bryce is a mechanic, charismatic, larger than life, and an outgoing flirt!

Watching their friendship build I was giddy. These two were close, but never had the thought of being anything more than friends crossed their minds. I couldn't wait for them to figure it out!

When that moment hit, it hits!!

"He has you just as upside down and backwards as you have him, doesn't he?"

There is so much fun and laughter with these two. 

"Real men take it up the ass, Nick."

There's easy banter not only between the two of them, but with the other characters as well. 

Bryce's best friend and brothers are hilarious!

There's also struggle and real pain. 

How do you change your life so completely not knowing if it's even the right path to take? How will you be judged? Will your family still love you? 

The struggle was real and I appreciate the fact they didn't just go from friends to wham bam, thank you ma'am! There was thought, there was caution and ultimately there was love.

"I'm glad I held out to find my passion, ya know? To find what I love and can't live without."

Speaking of wham bam, I can't forget to mention the hotness!! Cause there was hotness!
These two know what they're doing in the sack.. but this was their first time with a man. I SO enjoyed their learning and experimenting!

Bryce is quite the dirty talker, and he just so happen to have rubbed off on sweet not so little Nick! 

Naughty!

Awesome read, Riley Hart!

Him by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend...and a big one to learn about himself.

Warning: contains sexual situations, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition. 

Loved it! 
This was my first read by Sarina Bowen and second by Elle Kennedy.

Jamie and Wes were best friends and roommates at hockey camp. 

For years they indulged in a very close friendship consisting of skinny dipping, sneaking beer, playing pranks and making bets!

One day a bet goes too far, leaving one of the boys with much regret and eventually ending their friendship.
           

 

Jamie is a hot blonde from California. His family is fun, laid back and easy going.

Wes is tall dark and rugged. He comes from a more conservative and uptight family.
He's the jokster that will do anything for a laugh and he's been in love with his best friend Jamie for as long as he can remember.

"I'd wanted to touch him more than I'd wanted my next breath."

This is a sexy, friends to lovers story. It's so fun and flirty and the chemistry is off the charts hot!

"What are you waiting for, Ryan? Suck it already."

There are also very sweet moments not only between lovers, but between friends.

At times there was a little sadness as well.
Everyone struggles with acceptance. Even the most confident people, like Wes, have moments of doubt.
None the less, the overall feeling of this book is happy.

This story is as hilarious as it is hot. 

"Ryan Theodore Wesley! Put that knife down this instant!"

"I'm sorry, did you call me Ryan Theodore?"

She waves her hand as if the question is inconsequential. "I don't know your middle name so I had to make one up. Because, sweetie, you really needed to be middle-named for mangling those poor onions."

Quick and easy going read that I didn't want to put down!

AMAZON

                                                                                                                                                       

   

Out of Time (Nine Minutes, #2) by Beth Flynn

They thought with his execution it would all be over. 
They were wrong.

The leader of one of South Florida’s most notorious and brutal motorcycle gangs has been put to death by lethal injection. Days later, his family and friends should have been picking up the pieces, moving on. Instead, they’ve been catapulted into a world so twisted and dangerous even the most ruthless among them would be stunned to discover the tangled web of deception, not only on the dangerous streets of South Florida but all the way to the top. 

In this gripping follow-up novel to Nine Minutes, Out of Time takes readers from the sun-drenched flatlands of 1950s Central Florida to the vivid tropical heat of Fort Lauderdale to the halls of Florida’s Death Row as we finally learn the gritty backstory of Jason “Grizz” Talbot, the terrifying leader of Satan’s Army motorcycle gang, and the secret he spent his life trying to conceal. 

Not even Grizz’s inner circle knows his full story—the tragedy that enveloped his early life, the surprise discovery that made him the government’s most wanted and most feared, and the depths of his love for Ginny, the tenderhearted innocent he’d once abducted and later made his wife.

Once Grizz’s obsession and now the mother of his child, Ginny has spent years grieving the man she’d first resisted and then came to love. Now remarried to Tommy, a former member of the gang, the pair have spent more than a decade trying desperately to live a normal existence far from the violent, crime-ridden world they’d once carved out on the edge of the Florida Everglades. For Tommy, especially, the stakes are high. Desperately in love with Ginny for years, he’s finally living his dream: married to the woman he never thought he could have. But even with the façade of normalcy—thriving careers, two beautiful children, and a genuinely happy and loving marriage—they can’t seem to put the past behind them. Every time they turn around, another secret is revealed, unraveling the very bonds that hold them together. 

And with Grizz finally put to death, now Ginny has learned secrets so dark, so evil she’s not even sure she can go on. 

Will these secrets tear their love to pieces? And how far will Grizz go to protect what he still considers his, even from beyond the grave?

"As the old saying goes, life goes on. Time heals."

WOW, just wow! 

Beth Flynn is a master at weaving an intricate tale. I am in awe of her talent!

At the end of Nine Minutes I was left with my mouth hanging open. Not only was that one hell of a ride, but I was left with so many questions and plenty of WTFs rolling around in my head!

"So many secrets, so many."

Out of Time shed light on all of it.

Frankly, it's like two books in one. It's an in depth look, recap if you will, of Nine Minutes, with so much more detail and insight. 
Into the whys and hows.

And at the same time, it's Tommy and Ginny's life after Grizz's execution. Life after Tommy's betrayal.

"Her love for Grizz made her compromise her values. Who had she been back then? Who was she now?"

The story goes from past to present many times. Not only do we get to delve deeper into the past that we already know about from NM, but we're given the gift of both Grunt and Grizz's childhoods.

And oh my god will you need tissues!!! 
Heartbreaking!

I cried so many times while reading. So many emotions. 

Love and loss, regret and hurt.

The story jumps around a lot and is filled with twist after twist. 

What you think you know, you don't.

There were moments I was so angry. You already know about all the crying, and then there were moments of joy.

I'll have to be honest and say one thing in particular kind of left me saying 

"say what now?" but that's just me and it didn't take away from the story.

It's hard not to want to say more. There's SO much I want to talk about, but that would ruin the story for others.

It was amazing and brilliant. 

Are questions answered? Yes. 

Are there more questions to be answered now? Definitely! 

Was I left the same way as with book 1, with my mouth hanging open and a wtf? rolling off my tongue? 

Abso-fucking-lutely!

And I loved every single minute of it!!

AMAZON

Wicked Fall by Sawyer Bennett

 Never in your wildest dreams could you begin to imagine all the filthy and depraved things that go on inside The Wicked Horse. Step inside and Woolf Jennings will make every one of your dirty fantasies come true. He’s covered in a facade of deception. An enticing blend of multi-millionaire and hot-as-hell Wyoming rancher, those that think they know Woolf Jennings admire his abilities to preside as CEO of his family’s cattle and oil empire. But only a privileged few truly understand what fuels the glitter of depravity in those gorgeous blue eyes. Only a few know he’s opened up a sinfully erotic and private sex club named The Wicked Horse right at the base of the beautiful Teton Mountain range. 

Sweet Callie Hayes has returned home to Wyoming and is looking forward to starting her life over again. After a night of impetuosity, she’s managed to put herself right in Woolf’s line of sight… the man who she foolishly offered up her virginity to years ago and was flatly turned down. Now Woolf is seeing that Callie is all grown up and has a kinky side to her that leaves him as confused as it does turned on. Worse yet, both Callie’s dirty desires and sweet heart are getting under his skin, and making Woolf question everything he’s ever believed about himself.

Woolf Jennings

"While I happen to be blessed with a long, thick cock that makes most women scream upon entry, I do some of my best work with my mouth."

Yee Haw and giddy the hell up! DAMN! I need myself some Woolf Jennings!

"Filthy-talking boy who makes me want to do every dirty thing he commands of me."

What she said!

Callie's all sweet and innocent young woman, while Woolf's all hard, rough and tough total man!! They've known each other all their lives. Callie was Woolf's best friend's little sister.

There's history, there's feelings and there's off the charts chemistry.

But life got in the way, people move on and things change.

When Callie returns home, Woolf doesn't want his new lifestyle to corrupt the innocent beauty he once knew. Little does he know, that she aint sweet anymore, and corruption is just what she's come home looking for!

"She's all sunshine and lemonade. I'm like a thunderstorm and will roll right over her, ruining everything she is."

I really enjoyed this fast paced and entertaining read. There's sweetness and innocence mixed in with dirty talking, three-way, and throw me up against the barn door and fuck me hotness!

It's got both belt buckle wearing cowboys AND a secret, members only sex club! 

What more could you ask for?

"No, I don't want to nibble at life. I want to take a big fucking bite, suck down its juiciness, and swallow it hard with a moan."

Although sex club and themed rooms are involved, those looking for whipping, flogging, get down and lick my boots.. which I totally would, if Woolf asked me too, aren't exactly going to find that here. 

Yes there is lots of kinky fuckery, roll play and voyeurism going on, but it's not what I'd call a BDSM book.

It's dirty, it's fun and it's hot as hell!

I'm hooked! Bring on book 2!!!

AMAZON

Outside by Michelle Mankin

When handsome California surf god Lincoln Savage suddenly rolls into Ocean Beach like a rogue wave, shy beauty Simone Bianchi’s foundation is shaken. No longer under the thumb of her domineering father, she’s made a simple quiet life for herself and her fluffy fourteen pound Havanese pup running a surf shop in her hometown of OB. Long ago she gave up her dreams for a future with Linc. 

But now the notorious lead singer of the Dirt Dogs has returned, and Simone is reluctant to admit that she’s still vulnerable to his killer dimpled smile and easy charm. She finds that although she’s stowed away the mementos, it hasn’t been as easy to erase the memories of their epic summer love. 

It seems he hasn’t forgotten, either. 

Is the recording contract he’s offering merely a pretense? 

Or does he have something more in mind? 

Does he really believe that they can just pick up where they left off, despite all the bad luck and heartache? 

And is she willing to risk everything again for one last chance at love? 

Both Simone and Lincoln grew up under an iron fist. 

Their fathers having certain expectations of them and their futures.

In Linc's case, those expectations being not very high.

Unfortunately for them, those insecurities and uncertainties that were ingrained in him are what tore them apart.

"But expectations were tricky things. They could turn on you fast enough to snap your neck."

I liked how Linc was a relateable and normal character. He's human!

 He was this big, bad, up and coming surfer turned rockstar, 

yet insecure and unsure of himself and his self worth. He was prideful and scared.

Simone was everything he ever dreamed of, but he didn't feel like he would ever measure up. And that was his downfall. 

"He told me a man's worth isn't based on his missteps but on the steps he takes to rectify them."

This was a sweet and easy going second chance romance. 

I enjoyed the way it was told in three parts; present, past, present.

Not too much of a loud rocker vibe, but more so a mellow, surfer type read with added angst! And insta-love! 

AMAZON

Designated Alpha by Crissy Smith

Blurb 

Piper’s happily ever after has been postponed. Destiny is funny like that.

In Last Call, Piper Maxwell revealed her true self to her mate, Jace Anderson. After fighting to survive the night on which her biggest secret was exposed, Piper believed she’d get her happily ever after. Too bad fate had other plans.

Jace would do anything to protect Piper. Finding out who and what Piper truly is seems like the best way to help. Unbeknownst to Jace, though, the more he seeks answers, the bigger the risk he’s putting Piper and himself in.

All Piper wanted was to run the bar Jace owned and make her home with the man she loves. Now she’s being stalked by a scared young man, Jace’s best friend is looking into her past while staying with them, and they have a meeting with a stranger who shares Piper’s abilities. Things are changing rapidly and Piper finds herself struggling to understand what is really going on with her.

Nothing is what it appears to be as Piper and Jace are captured and held hostage. The only way they’ll be able to survive this time is if Piper can keep her newest and largest secret yet from the man who holds their lives in his hands. 

Publisher's Note: This book follows the events in Last Call by Crissy Smith and is best read in sequence.

Review

This was my first read by Crissy Smith and also only my second ever shifter/werewolf book.

I enjoyed it!

Piper is struggling with what she is. A werewolf.

Along with her boyfriend Jace, they embark on a journey of knowledge. They need to know more, yet who can they trust?

Along the way they run into many dangers and well as new allies. 

There's action and suspense.

There's also a strong sense of family, love, friendship, and devotion.

There was a lot of sexy time going on too. 

A tad too much for me.. I know, even I can't believe I said it, but there was! 

Piper and Jace are bonded and so in love that I get it, I do,  but I got it the first 5 times!

What I didn't know was that this is book 2 in a series, so this is the book I read first. 

Yes, heed the *publishers note. I didn't see that and I don't read blurbs! So that was on me.

But I was ok. Yes, I felt like I had missed something, how they met and how their connection was established.. but bits and pieces were given so it was easy to follow along.

BUT, if I'd have known, I would have definitely read the first book first!

AMAZON

Caged: Takedown Teague (Caged #1) by Shay Savage

This is not made for TV. This is the raw, brutal underground of no-holds-barred combat. Inside the cage there is nothing but me and the pain I inflict on those who dare enter. In the cage, I never have to worry about anyone but myself. Yet, when she began standing outside of the cage, everything changed. I was no longer fighting for the money or the glory – I was fighting for her. 

This one started off a little dark, seedy and a bit creepy. 
At least, that's the vibe I got.

Liam obviously has a past he's run from. 
He's a fighter, he needs it, he craves it. He has nothing else.

Enter Tria. 
Sweet, innocent and gorgeous.
She adds a little excitement into his life. 
Something he didn't know he was missing.

Now the story's turns funny, sexy and sweet.

The fighting is still there, the intrigue is still there, 
but I loved their relationship and their progression of friendship.

Liam's thoughts were hilarious! 
And all the names he called her bag had me laughing out loud!

Godzilla's Clutch Purse

Thor's Tote

Gorilla Gucci

There are some twists and turns, a little secret that leaves you saying Whaa??
And then BAM! Like a punch to the head, you're left with a cliffy!!!

This was a fast paced read that I finished in one sitting. Funny and entertaining. Love Liam's over protectiveness. 

I also really enjoy Shay's thoughts on the male perspective. She knows how to think like a man!

Bring on Trapped. I need more Liam and Tria!!

AMAZON

Bleeding Love (Hope Town, #2) by Harper Sloan

Blurb 

I've loved once. I gave everything that I had to that love. Blindly believing that nothing could ever take that feeling away from me. Away from us. And when my little world of happiness was ripped from my fingers, I felt a loss that still haunts me to this day.

Now I use that lingering grief as a shield to keep my heart from loving again. It's that fear that keeps me from letting anyone, except my daughter, get close enough to make it hurt. To make my heart bleed when I inevitably lose again.

Until the day I met Liam Beckett and everything I thought I had protected myself from was shoved back in my face. 

He's on a mission to prove to me that a love worth having is a love worth fighting for.

*Bleeding Love is the second book in the Hope Town series. It will follow Liam and Megan. Each book in the series is a HEA and can be read as a standalone.*

     My Review

This story is told in dual pov, both Megan and Liam have their say.

If you've read the Corps Security books, then you know that these men are Alphas! 

Liam is Beck's baby boy.. not so baby really, but still, he's a Beckett.. which means Alpha to the core!

Megan has been surviving, but not living and Liam has been admiring her from afar, just waiting for her to wake up and take notice. 

When he gets his foot in the door, so to speak, he doesn’t stop until he gets what he’s after.

Megan. 

He wants to show her what it's like to feel. What it's like to live, and ultimately to love again.

He does all this in the only way he knows. By making her his!

Lots of 'mine' and 'baby'.

Hot, take me now moments ...

"If you don't want me to take you back to my house, strip you naked and fuck you until you can't walk for weeks, then say so now, because the second I have you I won't be letting go."

... as well as good ole' heart to hearts.

There's also some cutesy talk with Megan's daughter who just loves to bring all these Alpha men to their knees... where she then paints their toenails!

This book has a family reunion feel to it as well. 

Just about everyone from both the Corps Security and Hope Town series' are present. 
But if you haven't read the other books, do not panic. You'll be perfectly fine reading this as a standalone. 

AMAZON

Flash Point by Brooke Blaine

BLURB

The first time I saw her, I knew I’d have to kill her.

It’s been five years since the brutal death of her mother, and Katherine Shaw still relives the nightmares of that night. 

She escaped. 

The danger should’ve been over.

She couldn’t have been more wrong. 

When her father, a prominent judge, receives a chilling death threat, her past comes hurtling into her present.

The warning is clear: They’ve got unfinished business, and they’re coming for her.

Katherine Shaw.

Rich girl? Check.

Spoiled and obstinate? Check.

A beautiful fireball who pushes every button he has? That was not listed on the dossier Jason Garrett receives when he’s assigned as one of her bodyguards. The last thing he ever expected was that his tempting client would prove to be more dangerous than those he’s protecting her from. 

Their attraction would be forbidden even under the best circumstances. But as the threat draws near, the tension between the two of them rises, culminating in an explosive flash point that will blindside them both.

MY REVIEW

LOVED!!
Katherine Shaw is sassy, spunky and mouthy. She's also been living in a nightmare for five long years.

Jason Garrett is one of her bodyguards. He's professional, stealthy, stoic, delicious and down right sexy!

"Forbidden. That was what the hell he smelled like. Something she longed for but could never get her hands on."

He's an ex Seal and bodyguard to high profile clients...until Miss Shaw. She's nothing but a young college student with a chip on her shoulder... or so he thought!

This story has it all. 
It's suspenseful, keeping you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on. 
It's funny. I love the easy banter between Katherine and Kirkpatrick and all the funny names she calls him!
It's sexy! 
Then there's sad and emotional. She's been through a traumatic event. Seen things you can't unsee.
Finally, some serious 'WTF just happened' going on! 

"Things are revealed as you're ready to hear them."

Awesome read Miss Brooke! I look forward to your next masterpiece!

AMAZON