Book Reviews

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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Chasing Forever (This Time Forever, #3) by Kelly Jensen

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.

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Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm

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.

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Between the Lines by Sally Malcolm

Between the Lines by Sally Malcolm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Confession time: Characters who start off completely against love and relationships, and then have an epiphany because of the main love interest usually aren’t my cup of tea. I’m cynical and jaded. It takes a lot to convince me one person can completely change someone so drastically. In Between the Lines, Malcolm knocks this trope out of the ballpark. I was rooting for Luca and Theo with every fiber of my being.

If you’ve read Perfect Day by Malcolm, you may remember Luca being very briefly mentioned as the summer lifeguard/surf instructor and son of the owner of the bed and breakfast on the bay. He’s travels all over the country, taking jobs in different states for each season. He’s the anti-relationship, anti-love MC. He’s up for fun and zero attachments. Until…

…dear Theo. Oh, how he stole my heart. I learned a lot about dyspraxia through Malcolm’s portrayal of Theo. He’s sensitive and proud and passionate and trusting, and I just loved him. That’s not to say I didn’t love Luca. I did, just in a different way.

These two were so sweet together when they finally got their heads out of the sand. I adored the grand gesture and the inclusion of “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds, my favorite song by one of my favorite artists.

Without a doubt, I am looking forward to Malcolm’s next offering in the M/M romance genre.

***ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

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Beat of Their Own Drum (Replay 3) by K.M. Neuhold

Beat of Their Own Drum by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give the third book in the Replay series 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Things I loved:
– bad boy drummer Jude
– stressed to the max manager Archer
– unresolved mutual attraction
– different characters’ perspectives of the same scenes from the previous two books
– Chuck Palahniuk reference
– the hot, hot sexy times

Things I didn’t care for:
– fairly stoic, kinda arrogant former military Bennett
– the seemingly easy and quick drug rehab
– the weird dynamic between Bennett and Archer

I’m guessing Benji’s book is next. He’s come off as the only band member without drama. No doubt he has some skeletons hidden in his closet.

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When Fate Falls Short by Brooke Edwards

When Fate Falls Short by Brooke Edwards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unintentional hurt without the comfort.

Have you ever read a book that started you off with a smile and all those fuzzy, cute feelings just to crush you into a million pieces at the end? That is this book, and I loved it.

Edwards’ words convey emotions so perfectly, I was a snotty, blubbering mess for the last half of the book. I love stories that stray from the conventional formula of two people fall in love, overcome a conflict, and live happily ever after. The reader does get the meet-cute and falling in love part. But real life doesn’t always end on a high note, and When Fate Falls Short drives that point home.

The characters are well written, and it wasn’t hard to sympathize with each one, even on the opposite sides of the conflict. My heart ached for the men and the pain they experienced.

If you’re looking for a story that is going to leave you with that aforementioned fuzzy feeling, this is not it. But I can guarantee this is an excellent read. For fans of Last Dance with Mary Jane by John Goode and Olive Juice by TJ Klune.

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