Book Reviews

T5 of 5 stars


Oh, Teddy. My sweet, sweet Teddy. I want to squish him in a giant hug. And maybe Connor too for writing such a hilarious, poignant story.

But I also want to shake Connor and ask him WHY, FOR THE LOVE OF JEEBUS, DID YOU HAVE TO TEAR ME APART IN THE FIRST CHAPTER????

I digress…

I loved the concept of Camp Diversity and the unique way campers were sorted into cabins (by sexuality) to prevent any shenanigans. This process wasn’t fool-proof as the reader learns.

Teddy’s cabinmates were an absolute pleasure and added just the right balance to Teddy and Travis.

There’s Rufus, the joyful, friendly asexual:

“I mean, sexual fantasies are awesome…but contemplating actually having sex is just not that appealing.”

Chastity, the snarky, cynical (but caring underneath all that superficial barbed wire) bff:

“I’m allergic to happiness, not fun.”

And then there’s Travis, the unexpected (at least to Teddy) love interest.

He was hot. He was gay. He couldn’t see me eating a candy bar.

I was overjoyed when Teddy finally saw his worth and let himself just be with Travis.

He was a hot guy and I was…Teddy.

Oh, but Teddy, that’s what makes you perfect.

Of course, Connor had to tear me apart again with one of the most perfect, tender lines I’ve ever read:

He was beautiful in the ways that mattered.

So are you, Teddy.



View all my reviews

The Other Book by Roe Horvat

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Roe Horvat is one of my go-to authors, one that I immediately jump on when there’s a new release.

Based on Horvat’s teasers in his Facebook group, I knew The Other Book was going to be different from his previous books. His last book, Vanilla Clouds, was also a departure from his norm, filled with fluffy goodness. And I loved it. The Other Book is full of sexy times, as promised, and requires a hot shower at various points throughout. Horvat did not disappoint.

“I unlocked the cage, and the beast broke out.”

I love how Tyler broke through Joel’s stoic and hard demeanor. Once they give into their desires, the hott, sexy times flow nonstop. What surprised me most about this story is tender, sweet, and emotional moments between Tyler and Joel. I expected meaningless sex, to be honest, but Horvat perfectly melds the hotness with the sweetness.

As with all this author’s books, Horvat has a unique style that is engaging and The Other Book is no exception.

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.



View all my reviews

The Other Book by Roe Horvat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Roe Horvat is one of my go-to authors, one that I immediately jump on when there’s a new release.

Based on Horvat’s teasers in his Facebook group, I knew The Other Book was going to be different from his previous books. His last book, Vanilla Clouds, was also a departure from his norm, filled with fluffy goodness. And I loved it. The Other Book is full of sexy times, as promised, and requires a hot shower at various points throughout. Horvat did not disappoint.

“I unlocked the cage, and the beast broke out.”

I love how Tyler broke through Joel’s stoic and hard demeanor. Once they give into their desires, the hott, sexy times flow nonstop. What surprised me most about this story is tender, sweet, and emotional moments between Tyler and Joel. I expected meaningless sex, to be honest, but Horvat perfectly melds the hotness with the sweetness.

As with all this author’s books, Horvat has a unique style that is engaging and The Other Book is no exception.

***ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.***

View all my reviews

Therapy Mammals by Jon Methven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jon Methvin is a new-to-me author, and I wasn’t sure what to expect when I cracked open Therapy Mammals.

Therapy Mammals is a satire on modern times, poking fun at everything and everyone. The writing and the story are brash, snarky, blunt, and ridiculous. The comparison to Patrick Bateman from American Psycho is made, and I can’t imagine a more perfect bedmate for the main character and narrator, Tom “Pisser” Pistilini. Drugs, murder, sex tapes, shootings, hipsters, invasive chipmunks…you name it, you’ll no doubt find a tongue-in-cheek analysis of it and how it applies to society.

I enjoyed this story, page for page, and while I didn’t laugh out loud, there were many moments I couldn’t help but feel an ironic smile stretch my face. Only those who take themselves too seriously won’t find value in Therapy Mammals.

Many thanks to the author for sending a paperback copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Paradise Lodge by Riina Y.T.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy tropes, Batman! You’ve got forced proximity (trapped at a deserted lodge in the middle of winter), friends-to-lovers (bandmates and friends), slow burn (will they or won’t they), and matchmaker (meddling bandmates). And ROCK STARS!!!!

Ky and Azariah are so sweet. I love how they tiptoe around each other, not sure of the others feelings. They play this cute game of one step forward and two steps back. I couldn’t help but root for them. When they finally do lay their hearts on the line, their union is hot and heartwarming. I loved the glimpses of the other band members and their personalities. These guys are just plan fun and silly. I can see myself hanging out with them and having a blast.

The feelings are raw and relatable; the romance is sweet and well-earned. I adore this couple and hope to see more of them (and their fellow bandmates in the future).

View all my reviews

Chasing Forever by Kelly Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The third book in the This Time Forever series is my second favorite. I enjoyed the characters and the story much more than I did the second book, but not as much as the first.

I was wary about Brian. We meet him in Building Forever, as Simon’s douchey ex. Nothing he does in book one redeems his character or personality. I was glad to get to know him further in book three. Turns out, he’s a decent guy. Likable, even. He has reasons for acting out and portraying a certain reputation. Underneath that carefully crafted persona, he’s a genuinely good person, and I enjoyed getting to know that side of him. The way he cares for his nephew really tugged at my heart strings.

Malcolm is gentle and doesn’t see exactly what he’s worth until Brian comes along. I loved the way Brian pursues him and the way Mal asserts himself. Mal knows what he wants underneath his hesitancy, and Brian adores those glimpses of dominance.

I appreciated this coupling more over Frank and Tom in Renewing Forever, but none can top Simon and Charlie in Building Forever. Overall, I enjoyed this series.

View all my reviews

Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A return to New Milton pleases me so! I adore the town and residents Malcolm has created here. Alfie is the sweet and sensitive mechanic who loves his audiobooks of the classics. Leo is the standoffish owner of the bookstore. The two unite online over their love of books, but clash spectacularly in person.

Malcolm is a master at conveying her characters’ emotions and feelings. It’s impossible to choose a side when both MCs are lovable, even with all their faults. The internal struggles are relatable in this age of technology and “meeting” people and developing relationships online.

I thoroughly enjoyed the literary references throughout and the adorably sweet book scavenger hunt. Alfie and Leo are the perfect couple, and I love them together.

View all my reviews