Beyond Hate by Lee McCormick (Beyond Book #3)

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ Beyond Hate
AUTHOR: ⟫ Lee McCormick

SERIES: ⟫ Beyond #3
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ The only thing stronger than hate is… his obsession.

Otto

In another life, I’d loved Nikki. In another life, he’d betrayed me. Brought back by a corrupt company who deals in souls and reincarnation, I was promised a chance for revenge. I wasn’t born a psychopath, but death made me into one. Nikki made me into the monster I am.

The problem is, the man they say is Nikki is… different. His name is London, and he’s pure light and softness. I want to peel away his layers to see if the boy I knew—the boy who broke me—is still somewhere inside.

London

My life is thrown into a world of darkness and impossibility when I’m taken by a man who tells me he knows me, who tells me I betrayed him. I don’t know Otto, but something inside me recognizes him.

Even though he abducted me, chained me up… even though he made me watch him do unspeakable things… for some reason, my body craves his darkness. I want to run away, I want to run toward him. I need to know why I’m drawn to a man who wants to break me apart.

Beyond Hate is a dual POV dark romance set in a world where soulmates are real, and sometimes you’re given a second chance you didn’t know you needed. Expect high heat, high emotions, and a psychopath bent on revenge, who realizes the only thing he can’t live without is the one person he wants to kill. HEA guaranteed.

REVIEW: ⟫ I have been absolutely loving the stories in the ‘Beyond’ series and this one was no exception. I love all of the intricate details, the tiny signs that the previous soul is ‘hanging around’ that feed into the story – it’s delicious!

I felt so bad for London and despite the fact that Otto was insistent that all he wanted to do was hurt London, he was adamant that no one else was going to do it. The showing your love by murdering someone can go so wrong, but Otto did it perfectly – believe me, within the first two chapters you’ll already have a small list of people you want to send Otto after!

This was an excellent addition to the series and I very much enjoyed how absolutely off the wall Otto and London were together. Talk about jagged edges fitting perfectly – London realising and accepting this before Otto was not something I expected. This was a wild ride and I may have re-read a few parts just to make sure I’ve understood what happened. In the meantime, I’ll happily wait for whoever is our next couple!I have been absolutely loving the stories in the ‘Beyond’ series and this one was no exception. I love all of the intricate details, the tiny signs that the previous soul is ‘hanging around’ that feed into the story – it’s delicious!

The Shadows by J.R. Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13)

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ The Shadows
AUTHOR: ⟫ J.R. Ward

SERIES: ⟫ Black Dagger Brotherhood #13
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on… except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around… but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice…

REVIEW: ⟫ I didn’t expect to care so much about this story – Trez and iAm are both fascinating characters, but they weren’t fully on my radar until reading this. The culmination of years of running away and hiding, the story of Trez and iAm is so entwined that the way things played out should not have been a shock.

The background plot-points – war, the Bastards, Throe and the changes within the whole society – were also gripping and there were times when I gave a hefty sigh of frustration when the next chapter didn’t continue from where the previous chapter ended, but I should have trusted that J.R. Ward knew what they were doing. I cried so much during this story – like, sobbing into a tissue as I dashed the tears away so I could continue reading. Some of this story was so painful to read – my reactions to what Trez and Selena went through were visceral.

Layla continues to drive me insane – like, seriously, so many opportunities to at least try to unravel things, but I could also well understand just why she was holding back. I loved seeing more of the various doggen; Fritz continues to be the MVP; and the three menaces of V, Butch and Rhage were in this enough to keep me happy. I loved the further world building, learning about other societies and how they existed alongside the vampires. The ending was relatively satisfying – although I hesitate to call it a HEA – and it leads directly to “The Beast” which is Rhage and Mary who are one of my favourite couples. I’m glad I read this and will consider looking into the off-shoots that have sprung up but I still have about seven Black Dagger Brotherhood books to read first!

Saving Sparrow by C.P. Harris (Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings)

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ Saving Sparrow
AUTHOR: ⟫ C.P. Harris

SERIES: ⟫ Slow Burns and Tragic Beginnings #2
RATING: ⟫ 5/5

BLURB: ⟫ A missing husband.

A deadly storm.

A stranger he shouldn’t trust.

Miguel Ramirez was living his happily ever after with husbands Quentin and Elliott when tragedy struck. He’s left reeling after waking up in a hospital bed to find both his husbands gone—but only one is missing.

After months of desperate searching, Miguel gets a tip about Elliott’s whereabouts—one that leads him straight into the heart of Alaska’s most brutal snowstorm on record.

Severely injured and with no means of escape, Miguel finds himself held captive in a crumbling mansion by a man he both recognizes and fears. Stumbling upon leverage that could gain him his freedom, he strikes a tenuous bargain with his captor—a bargain that slowly reveals the truth about Elliott’s heartbreaking past.

As buried secrets rise to the surface, missing puzzle pieces begin shifting into place, and Miguel comes to realize he never truly knew his husband at all.

The deeper he digs, the more entangled he becomes in a web of intrigue and longing for a man he thought was his enemy—someone who ends up being something else entirely.

As the polar night draws to an end, both captor and prisoner are aware that their time is running out. Miguel is conflicted, no longer wanting to choose between his past and his present—but he can’t have both. All that’s left to do now is surrender to the inevitable.

Saving Sparrow is book two in the Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings series, but can be read as a standalone. You can expect an MMM romance, told in past/present timelines, that ends in a HEA. Saving Sparrow does contain unhealthy relationship dynamics. Please utilize the “sample” feature for a full list of content warnings, or visit the author’s website.

REVIEW: ⟫
Like, DAMN, C.P. Harris had me in a choke-hold with this one. The past/present timelines were fascinating, the sense of utter terror and dread built throughout the story, and basically my heart was shattered on numerous occasions. I don’t actually know if I even liked any of the characters but I felt so badly for them – I needed them to find a way to be happy. The subject matter was handled sensitively and with passion for what was the right way to demonstrate what they were going through. It’s taken me two days to write this review because I had to keep removing spoilers – it was an incredibly intricate story that was told and I feel so glad that I read it. I just might need to read some Mills & Boon stories and keep things light and fluffy for a while!!

The Cop by Tom North

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ The Cop
AUTHOR: ⟫ Tom North
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Gus is a hardened Cop, lonely and gristled – Can street boy Theo tame him?

Gus has been a Cop all his adult life – he has seen it all but he has never found love. He is married to the job. He rescues Theo, who is caught up dealing drugs for a gang and there is an instant spark. Worried that Theo will suffer in jail or contiue his life of crime, Gus offers to take him in. But can Theo clean up? And Can Gus admit his feelings?

This is a steamy read with plenty of heart, sure to quench you thirst for sexy romance.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was actually an incredibly sweet story beneath the street crime, drug dealing corrupt cops and thugs!! Gus and Theo were really lovely together – I loved the fact that Gus didn’t judge Theo and how Theo was able to accept the help from Gus despite his life being so precarious. I liked the way they related to each other, the sex scenes were hot but didn’t take over the story, and I really loved Gus riding to the rescue! I will definitely look out for more stories by this author and was very pleased to have received an arc from Booksprout.

July 2025 ⟫ Book Reviews Round Up

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Book_Endz

Every month, I try to post a round up of the books I have read and reviewed. They will mostly be M/M books, but occasionally something a little different slips in. These are the books I have read in July 2025.

Books are sourced through Gay Romance Reviews, Foreword PR, Indie Author Creative, Booksprout, BookSirens, Author ARCs and Kindle Unlimited but although some books are gifted, all views are my own honest opinion. <hr>

The Allure of Ruins by Mary Calmes ⟫ 4/5 ⟫ Kindle Unlimited

The Beast’s Broken Angel by Greyson Vale ⟫ 3.5/5 ⟫ Booksprout

His Mate By Allegiance by Mel Aitchess ⟫ Lunetti Pack #3 ⟫ 4/5 ⟫ BookSirens

The King by J.R. Ward ⟫ Black Dagger Brotherhood #12 ⟫ 4.5/5

The Office Bet by Eden Finley ⟫ King Sports #2 ⟫ 4.5/5 ⟫ Foreword PR

Stubborn Puckboy by Eden Finley and Saxon James ⟫ Puckboys #9 ⟫ 4.5/5 ⟫ Foreword PR

These Shoes Weren’t Made for Stalking by CB Wren ⟫ A Cobbler’s Corner Cozy Mystery #1 ⟫ 2.5/5 ⟫ Kindle Unlimited

The Office Bet by Eden Finley (King Sports #2)

Posted on July 26, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ The Office Bet
AUTHOR: ⟫ Eden Finley

SERIES: ⟫ King Sports #2
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Fox

There are only three things in life I’m passionate about: my family, sports, and hating Archer Holloway.

He’s the most prolific associate at the firm and out earns everyone at our level. Plus, he’s annoyingly good-looking and is somehow able to charm everyone. Everyone except me.

His athlete roster might be impressive, but his tactics for signing clients can be questionable at best.

So, when the chance arises to stealthily pitch to someone he’s gunning for, I don’t hesitate.

Two can play at this game.

Archer

I don’t understand why Lincoln Fox hates me. Okay, so maybe I signed a few athletes he was pursuing, but that’s not personal. It’s business.

I really do think he’d come to like me if he got to know me. He won’t give me the time of day though. He never has. Which is a shame because Fox is the most attractive man I’ve ever met.

The more he argues with me, the more everyone around us thinks there’s a spark between us. The office pool is over two thousand dollars now, but they’re backing the wrong horse. No one will win this bet because the chance of us hooking up are less than zero. Fox will never see me as anything more than an over-competitive jerk. What a waste of money. Archer and Fox fall in love in this rival sports agents to lovers in this low-angst MM romance.

REVIEW: ⟫

These two were funny as all heck! I loved the dual point of view and how much they thought about the other person, even when they were pretending that they didn’t like each other. I as fascinated by this insight into how the agents work and what they can achieve, and was seriously impressed with how they handled the entire Dalton situation.

The romance between the two of them was well written and believeable – this wasn’t instalove, this was getting to know someone and discovering the things about them that make you appreciate who they are and how they became the person they are. Both Fox and Archer put the effort and work in to make things work out and I loved that this was shown with their actions. The sex was hot but hotter than that was the honesty and communication between the two of them!

It was great catching up with characters from other series (Damon sounds like he has absolutely turned into a silver fox and I am here for it), as well as football royalty still kicking butt in the background. A very enjoyable read and I can think of at least three people I would like to be the lead in the next book which can only be a good thing!

I received a copy from Foreword PR.

The King by J.R. Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12)

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ The King
AUTHOR: ⟫ J.R. Ward

SERIES: ⟫ Black Dagger Brotherhood #13
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle- with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything- and everyone- at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated with the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response- or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out… or tortured legacy take over?

REVIEW: ⟫ It has been about seven years since I read anything by J.R. Ward but when I saw that the series had been adapted by Passionflix, I tuned in to see what they managed to create. Watching the first season of the series, seeing Wrath and Beth get together and remembering my love for the Brotherhood led me to a new community on Livejournal at this link here and back to the books.

Which led me to The King, whereby we see what life is like for Wrath and Beth after a crazy year or two. Firstly, I truly appreciated the fact that Wrath and Beth are struggling – true love doesn’t necessarily mean everything is hunky dory, and it was good to see them trying to figure out how not to lose sight of each other amidst the madness that is their life.

It was so easy to fall back into this world. I did need to think to remember all of the side-players (how the heck JR Ward manages to keep them all straight is beyond me) and because there are so many people it’s difficult for them all to get face-time.

Trez and Serena were fascinating and I know they have their own story to come. I’m kinda terrified to read it because I don’t think it’s going to have an happily ever after but that’s future me’s problem. Assail and Sola were so aggravating and heart-breaking, especially with how well her grandmother fitted into the mix.

John Matthew and Xhex are going strong, but his seizures continue and I was absolutely convinced we were going to find out about the cause but nope! This was full of political intrigue, fighting, sex, drugs – the only thing it was missing was rock and roll! Wrath and Beth together always make me a little tearful – I think it’s because up until this book, Wrath didn’t seem able to accept that he was allowed to be happy, that he was allowed to have his brothers, take care of his wife, and honour his father’s legacy. Somehow, Ward managed to make all of this clear to Wrath and the world, whilst weaving a tale of love, intrigue and happiness amidst the chaos.

I’m trying to avoid spoilers – I know the books have been out for a long time, but for the people who came to it following the series, I don’t want to ruin anything. Suffice it to say, I really loved returning to this universe, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Then I’ll think about tackling the off-shoots!! Hopefully I’ll see you at the livejournal comm!

These Shoes Weren’t Made for Stalking by CB Wren (Cobbler’s Corner Mystery)

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ These Shoes Weren’t Made for Stalking
AUTHOR: ⟫ CB Wren

SERIES: ⟫ A Cobbler’s Corner Cozy Mystery #1
RATING: ⟫ 2.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Someone’s targeting our historical district, starting with Rosie Wilson’s beloved bakery. As the fourth-generation owner of Cobblers’ Corner, I won’t stand by while our community crumbles.

Enter Dominic Steele, a corporate shark of an alpha whose designer shoes cost more than my monthly rent. He claims he wants to help save our district, but his presence sets off warning bells… and other, more primal instincts I’d rather ignore.

When one of Rosie’s former employees goes missing, what started as vandalism quickly unravels into something far more sinister. Every cobblestone in Millcrest holds a secret, and someone’s willing to kill to keep them buried.

Perfect for readers who love:

* Enemies-to-lovers with age gap romance* Small-town mysteries with high stakes * Protective alphas and stubborn omegas * Knotty romance * A dash of steam with your sleuthing

These Shoes Weren’t Made for Stalking is Book 1 of my Cobblers’ Corner Cozy Mystery series. Enjoy the sparks when a spunky omega craftsman and a ruthless corporate alpha collide in a web of desire and deceit.

Single POV (omega) • 20K words

Note: This serial romance book ends on a cliffhanger, but the complete series promises a new mystery in every book that builds on the overarching story, a satisfying HEA, and eventual mpreg.

REVIEW: ⟫ The cover of this book is utterly gorgeous and a big part of why I looked at it in the first place!

I understand the premise of a serial romance book – if it grabs the reader, they will keep coming back for more. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me – I felt like a whole lot of nothing happened during this book and I know the mystery was meant to be ‘cozy’ but it’s almost an insult to call it a mystery. I didn’t like or particularly care for either of our MMCs and felt zero investment in their relationship, especially with how cryptic Dominic was being.

I don’t know if it was my headspace – I generally enjoy omega/alpha dynamics – but this one just didn’t work for me at all and I won’t be continuing with the rest of the series. Obviously, your mileage may vary.

Cream by Roe Horvat

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ Cream
AUTHOR: ⟫ Roe Horvat
RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Morton

For years, I’ve been hopelessly in love with an omega I’m not allowed to touch. I did what I could to purge my young assistant from my heart, except for the one thing which might have worked—firing him. Instead, I drown myself in work and meaningless hookups. Then one day, he casually mentions he’s no longer engaged, and my world is upside down. My Jamie is single, and I have four days alone with him in a confined space.

Jamie

My boss swore off flying, so when he has a conference on the West Coast, we’re taking a cross-country train instead. The comfy ride isn’t a hassle—until my newly diagnosed hormonal imbalance flares up, and with it, my suppressed crush on my boss. I’m lactating like it’s a competition, my libido bouncing all over the compact train car, and suddenly, Morton Hartley is the sexiest man on Earth. What if I go into heat stuck on a night train in the middle of nowhere?

Cream is an MM omegaverse romance featuring a sudden heat and mpreg. HEA.

REVIEW: ⟫ I enjoy reading Roe Horvat for so many different reasons. Many of their stories have such an emotional edge that they bring me to tears, whereas others are definitely more aimed towards the physical rather than emotional side of things. This one was mainly physical – Morton might be in love with Jamie, but this book is page after page of how they affect each other physically! It wasn’t so much insta-love as they had known each other for a while, but a surprise heat whilst trapped together brings them closer than either of them could ever have dreamed of.

As always, Horvat is excellent at writing these scenes – they are visceral, entertaining and sexy as all hell! If you are looking for a falling in love story with more plot, this is not the book for you and that’s not a bad thing. Different strokes for different folks and periods of time. This felt very short but was entertaining and the writing was, as always, engaging.

The Beast’s Broken Angel by Greyson Vale

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ The Beast’s Broken Angel
AUTHOR: ⟫ Greyson Vale
RATING: ⟫ 3.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ He was meant to save lives. Instead, he signed away his own.

Dr. Noah Hastings is a brilliant trauma specialist with a spotless reputation and a past he doesn’t speak of. When his sister’s life hangs in the balance, he makes a deal with the city’s most dangerous man—a decision that drags him into a world of blood-soaked secrets, brutal power, and a beast with a scarred face and colder heart.

Adrian Calloway rules London’s underworld from the shadows, ruthless and untouchable. But the moment Noah steps into his life, everything tilts. Because Noah doesn’t flinch at Adrian’s monsters. He sees them. Names them. And worse—he stays.

What begins as a transaction spirals into obsession, betrayal, and the kind of love that ruins men.

But love doesn’t cleanse the blood. It only stains you deeper.

REVIEW: ⟫ I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book having finished it, and to be honest I’m still not sure.

There were definitely aspects that I found fascinating. Adrian was an interesting character, especially with how we are introduced to him. It was absolutely horrific what he witnessed as a child and the actions behind it were abhorrent and yet really and truly fascinating.

Noah I found harder to get a grasp on. I didn’t quite understand his back story with regard to his parents, but his devotion to Isabelle was beautiful and he was an interesting character. I struggled slightly with his acceptance of the things that Adrian did and this could have been explored deeper.

Where I really struggled was with how Adrian treated Viktor. For some reason, it just didn’t sit right with me – I actually am still not sure whether it was based on desire, a test of loyalty or just a really messed up view of people and things. I think that this did affect my feelings towards the book. The sex scenes were hot, with some very surprising aspects to them that I hadn’t expected. The plot was okay but the ‘bad’ guy was kinda obvious from the very beginning. I also felt that some of Adrian’s actions didn’t make sense considering what he knew or at least suspected.

The writing was good, the story was interesting and the characters were a little polarising (which meant I didn’t get bored) so I’m probably going to be thinking of this one for a while, trying to figure out how I actually feel!

I received an ARC from Booksprout.