Book Reviews

Give Up the Ghost by Jenn Burke

\ My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever loved a book so much that you were certain no other book could come close to giving you that satisfied reader feeling? Well, I thought I felt that way about Not Dead Yet, Book 1 in Burke’s paranormal series, until I read Give Up the Ghost.

There’s lot of excitement and drama and tension to keep the reader on their toes. And the further developing relationship between Wes and Hudson is tender and real.

One of the unique qualities of this series is the creation of well-developed, interesting side characters that don’t overtake the plot or steal the limelight from the MCs. Give Up the Ghost kept me riveted for the almost three hundred pages. It was hard to put my Kindle down until I reached the end.

I think this series is a great introduction for anyone who is on the fence about jumping into paranormal stories.

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All the Better Part of Me by Molly Ringle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Simply amazing.

When I first heard about this story over a year ago, I fell over myself with excitement. I am a huge fan of the 80s, especially the music, and the major draw to All the Better Part of Me for me was the New Wave influences. Each chapter title is a song title from the 80s, and the songs fit perfectly with the narrative.

So I went into reading All the Better Part of Me with extremely high expectations. I wasn’t disappointed in the least.

Have you ever read a book that made you feel giddy, whether it be a particular character, the plot, or the writing? That’s how I felt from the moment I got to know Sinter. Sinter is hands down one of my favorite characters ever, and Ringle’s writing gives him such a great voice. He’s got a huge heart that influences everything he does. He’s endearing, even when he makes mistakes. He’s the kind of person who, if you met in real life, you’d hold on to tight and never let go. Because everyone needs a Sinter in their life.

A decent portion of Sinter’s interactions with other characters is done via text message. These interactions are engaging and perfectly convey the development of his relationships with the other people. Ringle gives life to what can sometimes come across as staid, impersonal communication on page.

Ringle takes stale plot twists and gives them new life. I don’t think this would have worked with any character other than Sinter. He is thrown more than one curve ball over the course of this book, and his actions are genuine and sometimes heartbreaking.

An amazing soundtrack, a captivating MC, and an engrossing plot combine to make this one of the best books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

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The Guy Gets Teddy by Chase Connor

T 5 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.

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Milo by Lily Morton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How does Morton continuously create characters and stories that slay me? She has this phenomenal way of telling stories that are enchanting from page one.

I adored Milo from Oz, the previous book in the Finding Home series, and I was ecstatic that Morton granted her readers his story. I was curious about his background and how he came to work and live at Chi an Mor. My heart ached for Milo and what he’d been through, and I cheered as he slowly became more of the Milo Niall remembered from Milo’s youth.

Niall (Gah, I adore that name!) is a gentle giant, even if he doesn’t come off that way from first appearances. He’s kind and patient with Milo; his love for Milo is evident throughout the book. I thought his wild ways would be off-putting, especially concerning Gideon, but this was just Niall. There’s no other way to explain it.

Morton’s side characters are just enough interesting that they aren’t boring and they do not take away from the main characters. They all have a purpose. I adored the scenes with Cora, who was a delight. It was also good to catch up with Oz and Silas. Thomas had me seeing red, and Simeon has me wanting more of his story.

I don’t know how she does it, but I know I will be waiting anxiously for what Morton has in store for the Finding Home series.

Advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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The Other Book by Roe Horvat

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.

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Not Dead Yet by Jenn Burke

Not Dead Yet by Jenn Burke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new to me author and, holy hell, what an amazing story. There isn’t one thing I didn’t like about it. I was riveted from page one.

This is a paranormal mystery with MM romance thrown into the mix for some spice. It’s a tender second chance romance that builds gradually and feels so damn genuine. Add to that the ace rep, and I think I’ve found a new favorite.

“I couldn’t imagine needing to have sex so badly that you’d seek out a random hookup–let alone have a backup reserved.”

The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat and was perfectly interwoven with the slow burn romance. When I wasn’t biting my nails or swooning from the feels, I was giggling at the random funny moments (Cue random Ghostbusters reference.)

The side characters were equally as engaging. They fit seamlessly with the plot and added extra depth to the story.

There is not one thing I didn’t like about Not Dead Yet. In fact, I loved everything, and I can’t wait for the next installment.

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The Other Book by Roe Horvat

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.***

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The Stars May Rise and Fall by Estella Mirai

The Stars May Rise and Fall by Estella Mirai
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rock star romances are my jam, so there was no way I was going to let this book pass me by.

MC Teru is one of those quiet, introspective types. Having the story of his band told through his eyes gave this contemporary take on The Phantom of the Opera a refreshing overhaul. The reader and Teru both learn a lot about Teru through each chapter.

The setting, Tokyo at the turn of the millennium, is unique and was the perfect place for such a unique story. I enjoyed reading about the city–even the public transport–and life there at that time.

Rei is hauntingly mysterious and talented. It took a few chapters after his introduction for me to warm up to him, but I get that that is only his personality. He’s a prickly man, and rightfully so.

I enjoyed getting to know Teru’s bandmates and friends, and appreciated how they each complimented the story in some way. There were no useless, out-of-place side characters here.

This is a well-crafted story that’s not only about finding romance where (and with whom) least expected, but also about discovery.

I am looking forward to whatever else Mirai has up her storytelling sleeve.

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Therapy Mammals by Jon Methven

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.

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Paradise Lodge by Riina Y.T.

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).

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