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Perfect Imperfections by Cardeno C. (5 Stars)

Apr13

I absolutely loved this amazing story! Jeremy was a high maintenance person, and he struggled to keep anybody around because they would eventually get tired of his antics. However, he was also a very lonely and kind person deep down. He was definitely not your typical bad boy rock star. He fortunately convinces Reg to become a part of his life, even though the plan is for it to be temporary.

Thank goodness plans can change! Reg becomes first his friend, and then eventually his lover, after they spend quite a bit of time together. I loved seeing their relationship develop slowly while they really got to know each other. Not only did they spend a lot of time talking, but they also had several fun adventures together. Reg really understood Jeremy and was able to truly support him so he could focus on his music. Reg was extremely patient and helped Jeremy mature in his behavior.

The build up to their first hot sex scene together was so intense and emotional. I liked the way we saw time pass by so the strengthening of their relationship made sense. Throw in a little mystery about somebody leaking information to the press, and I had a story that I couldn’t put down.

My favorite thing about books by this author is that he spends the time to fully develop both the characters and the relationship. If you haven’t read the author’s work before, this is a great starting point, since it’s not part of a series.

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Originally reviewed for Swept Away By Romance. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

Driving into the Sun by Dev Bentham (5 Stars)

Apr6

A beautiful romance develops during a journey across the country.

His former lover and boss caused Dusty Walker to lose everything, including his license to work in the financial world. He finds a ride with a stranger, Joe Black, to take him back home to his family. Fortunately, Joe turns out to be the savior Dusty needed. At the end of the trip, they need to decide if what they have with each other is real and lasting.

Dusty is such a nice person that it’s hard to believe he’s in his current situation. We learn it’s because he tends to make too many bad decisions. After anxiously watching him make another one, I was left to wonder if he would ever grow up. Although Joe has also made some major mistakes in his life, he has finally matured and is ready to start over. I loved watching Dusty and Joe slowly get to know each other while they drove together. Their heartfelt conversations and actions toward each other were beautiful and inspiring. There were several thoughtful discussions around prejudicial beliefs and behaviors. There were also moments with other family members that added some interesting drama to the story. As they developed deeper feelings toward each other, I was on edge wondering how they could make things work out. The author provided us with the perfect epilogue.

A beautiful story that gives new meaning to a road trip.

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Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

Pup (Guards of Folsom #1) by SJD Peterson (4 Stars)

Apr2

Can an old dog teach a young pup some new tricks?

Micah “Pup” Slayde is a young, sexy submissive who suffers from ADD. Tackett Austin is a much older Dom who has never been in a steady relationship. Micah has wanted Tackett since the moment he first set eyes on him at the Guards of Folsom club. Micah is convinced he can be in a 24/7 D/s relationship with Tackett. Tackett isn’t sure he can be in any relationship let alone with somebody who is as young as Micah, especially with Micah’s issue with focusing.

The story is told from both of their POVs which was very helpful and necessary. Unfortunately, it didn’t really feel like Micah suffered from ADD to any kind of debilitating degree which made the plot feel a bit contrived. Outside of this issue, it was an enjoyable story.

Micah was absolutely charming and adorable. Working as a bartender at the club, we saw his cheeky side as he tried to reel Tackett in. Tackett was a strong character, and although a bit annoying at times with his rough treatment of Micah, he was a good guy. He truly did want to help Micah in any way he could. The story takes place over the course of a few weeks during which they spend the entire time together. You get a good glimpse of how they get along outside of just having sex. There were some really sweet scenes with them hanging out while they got to know each other. There were also a lot of scenes including sex and discipline, but it didn’t overwhelm the story. There was a believable HEA, and a chance to see them again in future stories of this series.

If you’re looking for a fun little romp in the full-time D/s world, this is a great story.

Warnings: Excessive use of the word “pup” and “boy”, and BDSM play including the use of paddles, crops, and a cock cage.

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Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

Comfort and Joy Anthology by Josh Lanyon, L.B. Gregg, Harper Fox, and Joanna Chambers (4 Stars)

Mar28

The title says it all as this enjoyable anthology focused on some established couples and some new couples as they tried to bring comfort to each other’s lives.

Rest and be Thankful by Joanna Chambers (3.5 stars) An utterly depressing story about two people who are down on their luck and relatively unhappy with their lives. Cam lost his job and used his severance to open an active vacation spot which isn’t as successful as he was hoping it would be. It certainly doesn’t help that he’s not the friendliest person in town and people aren’t sending referrals his way. Rob is an artist who lost his partner and is now stuck in their house due to its negative equity. He also owns a café which was never part of his dream. An unfortunate circumstance finally brings them together around the last quarter of the story. At that point, we get a glimmer of hope and an HFN ending.

Out by Harper Fox (4 Stars) Cosmo is the housekeeper-in-chief of a high-end hotel. He suffers from extreme agoraphobia and hasn’t left the hotel for over a year. Ren is a hotel guest with a bit of a mystery behind him. At one point, Cosmo is forced to leave the hotel to save Ren’s life. However, Ren really saves Cosmos’ life by being so supportive of his fears and helping him overcome them. This story was more of a mystery with some romantic elements. The majority of the story is spent learning about running a hotel. Cosmo’s character made this an enjoyable tale.

Waiting for Winter by L. B. Gregg (4.5 Stars) I adored this story. Two people have really hurt each other with their stubborn behavior and poor communication skills. However, their love for each other came through loud and clear. Winter was gruff and serious while Luke was adorable and light-hearted. Winter really screwed up by thinking he could make a major decision and Luke would follow along. Instead, they spent approximately one year being too strong-willed to accept the truth that they both needed to give a little in the relationship. The story takes place while they try to figure out if they can patch things up.

Baby, It’s Cold by Josh Lanyon (3.5 Stars) I wish the whole story had been more like the last quarter of it. Rocky is a chef and Jesse is a food blogger. These two best friends tried to move their relationship forward, but it didn’t work out. Now they have to determine if they should take a second shot at it. Although they spend the majority of the story together, they never really talked much until the end. The beginning of the story focused on an amateur cook making dinner, which was a bit boring. The rest of the story included a third guy, who was also in love with Rocky, and the head games that they played with each other. Once Rocky and Jesse finally talk to each other, we get some idea of why their relationship didn’t work out. Although, considering they were best friends, I’m not sure I really understood the issue, nor did I understand how they planned on fixing it.

The writing was solid for all of the authors making it an enjoyable anthology.

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Originally reviewed for Reading Alley. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb