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Love at First Sight (Home #4) by Cardeno C. (4 Stars)

Jun28

Can you really recognize your true love at first sight?

Johnathan Doyle is a very lonely young man. Although he is loved by his family, he doesn’t really have any true friends. He got his only real friend pregnant after one mistaken night with her and kept his son after she left town. A chance encounter has him hooked on a blue-eyed man, David, that he saw but never met. However, he’s convinced they are meant to be together and spends several years looking for David. After finally finding David, they begin a whirlwind romance. If David can handle Johnathan’s secrets, they might just get their happy ending.

Johnathan seemed a little odd, but he was a very nice person down to the bottom of his soul. It was hard to understand why he would feel so alone in the world. David is charming, wealthy and shocked that he has fallen so hard for Johnathan. Although David has a lot of friends, he’s never been in a relationship that really meant anything to him.

It was nice seeing the characters from the other stories in this series hang out together, especially when they discussed David’s love life. This was a very low angst story with lots of steamy sex, romantic dates, and some nice dialog. These two really care for each other and don’t play games. I’m not a fan of children in erotic romance stories, but Johnathan’s son, Sam, was so adorable, and he actually brought some great moments to the story.

I was tearing up at the end with happy feelings. There were a few minor issues with the story. The sex was a bit excessive, especially toward the end, and it felt like it was just one scene after another. It was also a bit bothersome that David constantly referred to Johnathan as smaller and younger, treating him almost like a child.

Overall, I really enjoyed this beautiful romance between two sexy and kind people who both proved that love can happen at first sight.

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

Masochist’s Choice (Sun, Sea, and Submission #5) by Kim Dare (4.5 Stars)

Jun24

I loved watching Todd and Ash start to learn a bit about masochism. It was interesting getting Ash’s POV about being paddled, which he clearly despised, and Todd’s POV, who definitely enjoyed it. I also liked how Todd stood up for himself about what he wanted out of life.  The only thing that didn’t work for me was how Ash talked about Todd like a prized possession instead of somebody he cared about. His actions made it clear, but I wish his words and thoughts would have too.

Celebrating You by Grace R. Duncan (5 Stars)

Jun20

The world, as we know it, has been wiped out. Fortunately, true love is still a reality.

Daniel and Jake have both spent the past several years living on their own. Daniel has managed to set up a home and has become fairly self-sufficient. Jake has been wandering around the world not really sure what he’s looking for. One chance meeting will change both of their lives forever.

I absolutely adored this story. Daniel and Jake are both wonderful people as evidenced by their behavior. Daniel has several animals that he is taking care of and Jake has his wonderful horse. They were both very kind and considerate to each other. Although it was a short story, I actually felt like I got to know both of the characters and truly believed that they had a chance at a future together. I really enjoyed watching them play chess, cook, and talk to each other. Although it was close to being the end of the world, and options were limited, I still felt that they had a real connection with each other. There is also one truly steamy little scene.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story with two sexy men who turned the end of the world into the beginning of their future together.

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

Second Hand (Tucker Springs #2) by Heidi Cullinan & Marie Sexton (5 Stars)

Jun19

Sweet but clueless, Paul Hannon never felt like he came first for anybody. Can El Rozal, a man that knows all about second hand things but nothing about relationships, convince Paul that he’s first for him?

Paul is stuck in a new town with a rental home he can barely afford after being dumped by Stacey, his ex-fiancée. He’s in a job that is one step below where he really wants to be. His house is full of stuff that he couldn’t afford to buy in the first place, but did it to make Stacey happy. He has the brilliant idea to get rid of his stuff at the local pawn shop where he meets El, the owner. El is immediately smitten with Paul, and finds ways to make sure that they can spend time together. The story focuses on the development of their relationship while dealing with the ex-fiancee and family issues.

I loved this story! I enjoyed the new-friends-to-lover theme with El and Paul spending a lot of time together just hanging out before it turns into something more. Paul is pretty gullible in so many ways, but he’s so sweet that you just want to protect him. El, who doesn’t believe in relationships, truly enjoys being with Paul and genuinely cares for him. They spend quite a bit of time “dating” which I always find very romantic. Paul’s acceptance of his desire for El was very realistic especially given his long-term relationship with Stacey. Once they pass the point of friendship, the sex was extremely erotic and steamy!! Although characters from the other Tucker Springs series appear in this story, it isn’t necessary to read them in order. I’ve enjoyed all of the ones I’ve read so far!

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