An Unlocked Heart (Collars & Cuffs #1) by K.C. Wells (5 Stars)

May26

A captivating story of finding your soulmate for both life and love.

Alex Daniels is a painfully shy young man living at home after graduating from college without any job prospects in his field. While working as a waiter to save enough money to get a place of his own, he meets Leo Hart. Leo is part owner of Collars & Cuffs, a BDSM club. He’s also still mourning the death of his lover. Leo and Alex begin to build a relationship together while dealing with life’s little issues.

This was simple relationship-based story with the focus on really getting to know the characters and watching them fall in love. Outside of a little bit of angst here and there, they spent most of their time happily exploring their adoration of each other while also working through the Dom/sub attributes of their affair. I’m not sure I’ve ever read so many amazing kissing scenes. On top of going out on sweet dates, these guys were huge cuddlers.

At the same time, there was a real story taking place that kept it from passing into the overly sweet category. Alex had some family issues to deal with, including a mother who was extremely detached and a weasel for a brother. Although Leo doesn’t dwell on the lover he lost to the point of depressing the reader, it was obviously still affecting his life.

I really enjoyed the other players in this story, including Thomas Williams, Leo’s partner, and Pietro, Alex’s co-worker and friend. I also loved when Alex started keeping a diary. Since Alex was so shy and he didn’t talk a lot, this served as an excellent chance to get into his head even more.

There were little things I would have liked addressed. Alex’s Facebook friend just seemed to disappear, and I never really understood why he was so afraid to come out to his family when he clearly wanted nothing to do with them. The excessive use of the word “boy” became a bit much. But these were minor issues which I easily overlooked due to the incredible storytelling capabilities of this author. Note that they do spend time in the club, engage in some bondage and whipping scenes, and they have sex in front of a crowd.

I was obsessed with reading this slow-burning, deeply romantic love story with realistic angst, scorching sex scenes, and a good introduction to the BDSM world.

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

Love in La Terraza by Ethan Day (4 Stars)

May25

Can a house ever really be a home without the person you love sharing it with you?

Cain Elliott is desperately trying to save his home, La Terraza, a beautiful apartment complex left to him by his grandmother. Henry Abrams just moved into town to work for a large architectural firm, which ironically is also trying to buy La Terraza from Cain for another client. They meet at a bar one night where it’s lust at first sight.

After a wonderful evening together, they discover that maybe there is a chance for a real relationship between them. First they have to determine if they can work through the challenges of their conflicting desires to save or sell La Terraza.

Cain was an absolutely adorable character. He was charming and sweet and had a heart of gold. He loved La Terraza and was determined to try to save it. Unfortunately, the lovely building was in need of a lot of expensive repairs that he couldn’t afford. Henry was kind, smart, and a bit dominating but in a sexy way. He wanted to take care of Cain and do anything he could to help him out. As they spend time together, they realize they are meant for each other. Their biggest struggle is the concern that Henry has about whether he can trust his feelings for Cain, and if they are truly returned.

The other tenants in the complex were interesting and added to the story without getting in the way. They were also very protective of Cain in addition to being a bit meddlesome.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable, instant love, low-angst romance.

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

Ghost of a Chance by T.A. Chase (3 Stars)

May24

Second chance at love but with a ghostly twist!

Padraig Monaghan was killed in a brawl 10 years ago and has been wandering the world as a ghost ever since. One night, after witnessing a mugging resulting in death, he unexpectedly assumes the body of the dead man. Stepping into a bar for a drink, he runs into Gareth Reilly, the man he had developed a crush on 10 years ago.

Gareth is celebrating his birthday alone, yet again, when he is approached by a man he doesn’t recognize except for his wonderful eyes. Feeling adventurous, he takes Padraig home, thus beginning the second chance for their romance.

I really enjoyed the characters and liked that we heard from both of their perspectives. Although Padraig was a bit of a rebel in his youth, he was always a good person in his heart. Gareth was a sweet but shy person who developed a crush on Padraig while they worked together on the docks 10 years earlier. After reconnecting with each other, there were several steamy scenes while they got to know each other. The romance would have worked much better if the two had formed some sort of friendship during their first infatuation with each other 10 years earlier.

If you enjoy second chance sweet romances with a few paranormal twists, this is a very enjoyable story.

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

Heart of the Race by Mary Calmes (5 Stars)

May23

Best friends and soulmates, but life is taking them in different directions. Can they find their way back to each other?

Brian Christie has been in love with his best friend, Varro Dacien, since they were kids. Brian wants to lead a simple life giving back to the community. Varro is a daredevil who doesn’t feel alive unless he’s racing on his bikes. Through flashbacks, we see their history together and feel their pain at not being together today. Brian is finally ready to settle down in his life and accept that Varro can’t really be his, but Varro has a different idea.

The entire story is told through Brian’s eyes which worked extremely well for this tale. Brian didn’t have an easy to start to his life, but almost everything has worked out for him except for making Varro his partner in life. Brian was an amazing person with a sweet and caring nature. He had a wonderful voice for talking about his life in the past and present. His love for Varro was solid and unwavering.

Varro was a complete adrenaline junkie from the day he was born. He was an interesting character, and once all of his actions were explained, I loved him as much as I did Brian. Watching Brian pine for Varro was difficult at times and had my heart breaking for both of them. Once they finally truly confront each other, it was pure magic. The epilogue was perfect!

If you enjoy a heart-felt romance with some angst and a significant emotional connection, then I highly recommend this lovely story.

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