Match Point ~ Leigh Carmen

Two stubborn men.

One is a rude jerk. The other, the life of the party.

It was hate at first sight.

Pro beach volleyball players Finn Callahan and Dexter Savage have been rivals since college. While Finn always comes out on top on the court, Dexter’s carefree and fun-loving personality earns him scores of adoring men and women. And as much as Finn fights to deny it, there’s another reason for the tension he feels when Dex is around. Hate wasn’t the only thing he felt when he first laid eyes on his opponent.

When they’re forced to team up, the two men must bury their differences—on and off the court—if either of them is going to succeed professionally.

I know Leigh Carmen hints at this in the blurb, but these two men are so flipping stubborn. They both are so head strong that either they are going to sexual combust or punch each other in the face. I know I’m getting a head of myself, but I just had to put that out there.

I really enjoyed this M/M romance. I mean one man in denial and the other suffering from a tragedy, they have to team up and overcome their hatred. Or is it really hatred? There are some things in the past that come to light that make me feel some of the hatred was self-induced. But I don’t want to give too much away, so I will just leave it at that.

I love Dex’s personality. He’s loveable, fun and personable. That is until you speak to him about his finances and contracts. He gets paranoid and we can see where his workaholic mind frame comes in to play. I couldn’t stand Finn at first, but as I read on, I could see why he has that bitter, tough guy exterior.  He really is a good guy, but he had his own demons to face.

Match point was really well written and I couldn’t put it down. The sex scenes were just down right HOT!! Whew! The only thing I was frustrated with was how much these two fought each other. While I get why they were both frustrated with each other and themselves, I think a lot of that could have been solved with communication. But we all know how hard it is for guys to open up. I am super happy with how things ended and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Bossman ~ Vi Keeland

The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn't exactly make a good impression.

I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date.

He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice.

So I told him to mind his own damn business―his own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business―and went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn't help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked.

When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out.

But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us―telling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood.

My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I'd never see him again.

I mean, what were the chances I'd run into him again in a city with eight million people?Then again...

What were the chances a month later he'd wind up being my new sexy boss?

Bossman was super sexy and fun. I loved all the stories that Chase came up with, from their first meeting at the restaurant. These characters are funny, witty and smart. And of course HOT!

Reese is the smart, sexy and witty heroine that doesn’t have the best track record with men. After meeting Chase at the restaurant and their impromptu double date, she tries to move on and find someone to really settle with. Unfortunately, she can’t get Chase out of her mind. There may have been some certain stalker tendencies in here that made me giggle as well.

Chase is super hot and a GENIUS! Owning and running his own company, he ends up helping Reese connect with a recruiter, which helps her find a new job. What Chase doesn’t realize is the woman he’s been thinking of for month’s turns up for an interview….at his company! He’s trying to resist and he has a tragedy in his past, that he’s trying to get over, but he just can’t stay away from Reese.

I love Vi’s writing. I was sucked in to this book right away and couldn’t put it down. Their chemistry was sizzling and I had to fan myself a couple times with my kindle to cool down. Loved it. 

First and Last ~ Rachael Duncan

 Mia’s my best friend.

We’ve been inseparable since she moved next door when we were six years old. Then it all changed.

I don’t know when or why, but suddenly I want more. I wanther. The problem was she didn’t.

At first.

But everything changes when you cross that line between friends and lovers. 

I thought convincing her to give us a chance would be my biggest hurdle. Little did I know that was only the beginning. 

Mia consumes all of my thoughts when we’re apart, and all of my senses when we’re together. There’s no going back to the way things were and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she isn’t just my first, but also my last.

Will we be able to hold on, or will our relationship go up in flames?

First of all, I absolutely love this cover!! Holy Hotness!! 

I really liked First and Last!! My heart broke a couple of times there, but thankfully Rachael put it back together. 

This story is told completely from Blake’s point of view. I was surprised it was all from the male’s perspective, but I think Rachael did a great job writing him. He was definitely one of those book boyfriends you want to hold on to. A little sappy, yes, but a definite lover. Did he make mistakes? Absolutely, but he always did so with good intentions. He did everything for Mia.

Mia was kind of like the dude in this relationship. She was very hesitant to get in to the relationship with Blake since they were best friends since being kids. At the same time, she was all in when they did start dating. She was a great heroine, super sweet, beautiful and smart. These two were meant for each other, which made some of Blake’s decisions give me heart burn.

The twists and flashbacks kept me teary-eyed. The story was not how I was expecting it to be told and without giving too much away, the ending, just ahhh. Then the epilogue in Mia’s perspective….GAH!! Get your box of tissues!

Deep Redemption (Hades Hangmen Book 4) ~ Tillie Cole

ONLY THROUGH BLOOD CAN THE DEEPEST REDEMPTION BE FOUND…

He was born to ascend.

He was destined to lead.

He was never meant to fail.

Prophet Cain lies broken and defeated on the floor of his cell. A cell he has been thrown into by the one person who was supposed to stand by his side until the end. His flesh and blood, his only companion. His beloved twin brother.

Cain has sacrificed everything for his people. He left the safety and security of his life of study to infiltrate the infamous Hades Hangmen. He lived with them, rode with them, and then betrayed them. All in the name of a faith he can now feel slipping away from him. Like everything else he once held dear…

But then his isolation is broken. Another prisoner is brought to the cell next to his. A woman fighting her own demons and fears. A woman who Cain understands needs him, as he needs her.

As the connection between them grows, so does Cain’s resolve. He will right the wrongs he has done. He will atone for the evil acts carried out in his name. He will save the one he loves…

… Even if the battle takes him to the gates of hell itself.

Holy Hell! This book…..I just can’t. In an effort to not say too much, I may blab on and make no sense, but once you read Deep Redemption, you will understand. The emotion, the angst, the tension, the suspense…..this book made me feel all of this times 10.

Cain/Rider, man did I hate him, but I don’t think I hated him as much as he hated himself. His self loathing was so powerful, he felt he deserved all that came at him. He welcomed it. Until he hears Harmony’s voice.

Harmony is a strong, fierce and loyal woman. She loves wholeheartedly. There is no half way with her. Willing to continue on and make sacrifices some would not even consider, she continues to stand up for what she believes in. She is an inspiration.

Their story, along with the Hangmen and the New Order completely captured my attention. I did not want this book to stop. The twists in this book are some that I was not expecting. I need more!!

Aced ~ Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

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.

 I think I literally screamed when Aced was announced. I love Brooke and Ella’s writing and I loved these two characters in the Sunset Cove series and the L.A. Liaisons Series.

Dylan is publically out and completely at ease with himself; he’s sexy, funny, witty and sweet. Being a successful model, he lands his first acting job with none other than his secret crush, Ace Locke.

Ace is now publicly out, but terrified of the paparazzi seeing him with the first man he actually dates in the public. He’s frustrated and annoyed at everyone. He’s a complete dick to his closest friends and Dylan the first time they “run into” each other.

Dylan and Ace are super sweet together. Dylan has no problem laying on the charm and Ace has a really hard time resisting. Dylan is super understanding about Ace’s fears and helps him feel more confident in his sexuality.

The entire time I was reading, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. This situation was definitely not easy and while they put a lot of effort in to each other, I just knew something was going to happen. And Brooke and Ella did not disappoint…They totally threw me for a loop and left us hanging!!! Damn you and your cliffy!!!

But I really do love Ella, Brooke their writing and these characters. I want more Dylan and Ace and I tend to get impatient!!!

Olivia's Ride (Sawyer Brothers Book 4) ~ C.A. Harms

 Keeton Pearce hadn’t lived a life full of supportive, loving family… 

In fact, it was just the opposite. 

He had been on his own for so long he had no idea what it felt like to belong. He didn’t want to rehash the life he left behind, or even think about it. But the hate from his father followed him, slowly eating away at the life he had begun to build for himself. 

Olivia Sawyer had been prepped on how to deal with the advances of those college men she would encounter… 

After all, she had been surrounded by three alpha men who made sure she knew just how to handle herself. But when she met Keeton Pearce, all those words of warning flew right out the window. 

For the first time she had nothing to say. She was caught up in those eyes and that dimple. 

The Sawyer attitude no longer gave her the ability to be immune. 

Neither of them counted on meeting each other. It was by chance, and no one expected that one moment would change their lives forever. 

For the first time in his life, Keeton had hope. 

He felt like he had found where he belonged. 

But would he survive the interrogation of an overprotective father and the watchful eyes of Jackson and Noah? 

Or would Keeton run for the hills, fearful of… 

the Sawyer Brothers? 

This fierce loving and protective family is off the charts when it comes to Olivia. None of the brothers can let their daughter/little niece grow up. Ryan and Jackson seem to have the most trouble with it, but it also shows where Olivia gets her fiery attitude as well. She is beautiful, fun and smart. While putting a womanizing jock in his place, Olivia grabs the attention of on hot, sexy college boy who turns out to be a complete gentleman.

Keeton is not your average college kid. Yes, he may have had some fun in prior college years, but it’s kinda hard when you’re taking care of yourself. He doesn’t come from the best example of a family and paying for college has him taxed both physically and mentally. When he meets Olivia, he doesn’t want just a fun fling. He can see what a rarity she is and he wants to hold on to that.

Meeting the Sawyer brothers is not what he is expecting, but at the same time, he will do whatever he can to be in Olivia’s life. It also gives him a chance to see what a big loving family looks like. When tests and people from the past interrupt their happy life, it’s difficult for Olivia and Keeton to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I love C.A. Harms writing. Every time a new book of hers comes out I just have to have it. She has definitely become a “go-to” author of mine. Olivia’s Ride is another great book in the Sawyer Brothers series. I’ve fallen in love with all these characters from the first book, Ryan’s Love, and I love seeing each of them in every one of the books.