Headmates by October Arden (Inside Book #1)

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ Headmates
AUTHOR: ⟫ October Arden

SERIES: ⟫ Inside #1
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ At six-and-a-half feet tall, Luke should be impossible to miss. Instead, he’s spent his life being overlooked, dismissed, forgotten. So when brilliant, magnetic Jaime starts pursuing him with unusual intensity, Luke doesn’t question it. He’s just grateful someone finally sees him.

What Luke doesn’t know is that Jaime shares his body and consciousness with Alex—his headmate, protector, and the man he’s loved for eleven years. What Luke can’t see is that when Jaime looks at him, he’s seeing someone else entirely.

Because Luke looks exactly like Alex would if he had his own body.

As Jaime becomes obsessed with touching Alex through Luke’s skin, their perfect bond begins to fracture. Alex watches helplessly as the man he loves betrays what they’ve built together. And Luke falls deeper for someone who’s using his body to love a ghost.

When the truth comes out, it will destroy everything they thought they knew about love, identity, and what it means to be real.

An intense, emotional queer romance about the dangerous space between want and need.

For fans of TJ Klune’s hurt/comfort and Eli Easton’s emotional complexity.

REVIEW: ⟫ This is the first book by this author that I have read but as soon as I finished, I went to see what else I could find. The second book incorporating DID that I read this weekend, this book was a trip. I couldn’t get a grip on Jamie – I kept trying to figure out what his deal was. Luke – I felt so bad for Luke, ready to accept the scraps from the table as long as it meant he could continue to be with Jamie – heartbreaking. Alex – who we don’t spend a huge amount of time with – made so much more sense to me. Obviously he was jealous and scared – the thought that he might be replaced was terrifying. I completely understood why the cliffhanger happened when it did but boy, I was cursing because I wanted to know what happened next immediately.

This was fascinating, innovative and satisfying and I look forward to the next instalment. I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews.

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 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.

His Mate by Allegiance by Mel Aitches

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ His Mate By Allegiance
AUTHOR: ⟫ Mel Aitchess

SERIES: ⟫ Lunetti Pack #3
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ M M mafia shifter PNR with a bite (and a knot).

Rocco is being punished and he doesn’t like it. He probably shouldn’t have stalked the police chief’s son, but he’d been bored and no one ever should’ve noticed. His powers as an air witch skilled in illusion are too valuable for the Elemental Mayhem MC to let him go, so they’ve forced him into this sham of a wedding. They’re lucky the wolf shifter is so hot or he’d never go along with it. All bets are off once he can prove he was betrayed.

Emilio spent the last fifteen years away from New Trinity City refining his crafts—street art and assassination—but he’s still loyal to the Lunetti Pack. Unlike his traitor father. He’d do anything for his Alpha. Even marry a witch he’s never met. Coming home for his arranged marriage is the perfect excuse to hunt the source of the dangerous weapons entering the city. He has every intention of being a widower within a year, until he realises his fiancé is his fated mate. How is he supposed to arrange an unfortunate accident for his husband with his wolf whining about forever in his ear?

His Mate By Allegiance is an MM mafia shifter paranormal romance. It features arranged marriage, fated mates, shadow hands, and other paranormal play, including knotting. There is no mpreg in this world.

REVIEW: ⟫ Rocco and Emmy were absolutely amazing together – they are both possessive and stalkerish, keeping themselves away from their pack and MC because of things in the past. The story was fast paced and interesting, with the MC and Pack having to work together against the threat of outsiders wanting to destabilise the area.

With this going on in the background, Rocco and Emmy managed to have an unusual courtship, with lots of banter, sexual tension and deep feelings developing. I loved the descriptions of Emmy’s art; I thought Rocco’s family was so funny and sweet, and I really enjoyed visiting with all of these characters again. Very pleased I read this and looking forward to the next in the series. I received an ARC from BookSirens.

Stubborn Puckboy by Eden Finley & Saxon James

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ Stubborn Puckboy
AUTHOR: ⟫ Eden Finley & Saxon James

SERIES: ⟫ Puckboys #9
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Colby

Once upon a time, playing for the NHL was my dream. Then Radimir Novicov skated circles around me and made it clear I’d never be good enough. He was smart, talented, and worst of all–sexy. Every closeted guy knows that you don’t hit on your teammate, even if his gaze lingers longer than it should.

All it took was one drunken close call before our friendship was in tatters, he was called up to the NHL, and I was sent for further conditioning.

Playing in the NHL was off the table, so coaching became my new dream.

And seventeen years later, I’m finally heading to the big time.

Video coach. Pro level. The only downside?

It’s for Novi’s team.

Novi

Radimir Novicov is not scared of anything. I am one of the best. Future Hall of Famer. There are two years left on my contract and I will end my career on the highest high anyone did see.

Then I will slink into the shadows where no one will hear of me again.

Because while I’m playing professionally, I cannot come out and be myself. Not with my family still in Russia.

The plan has been set since I first moved to America, and I only have two years left to wait. It should be easy to focus on hockey.

Then Colby Kessinger walks back into my life. The teammate with the lopsided smiles and cocky attitude–the one who made my heart want things it can’t have.

Now two years feels like a lifetime.

REVIEW: ⟫ I went into this one a little blind as Novi didn’t really make a huge impact on me in the previous books. Big mistake – huge! Novi is a fabulous character, full of humour, strength of character and love and reading about him and Colby fighting for their happily ever after was a fantastic experience, for which I gave up a night’s sleep as I only meant to read one chapter and then hours later, I finished reading!

The secrecy of the relationship – for both of the main leads – was handled extremely well. None of their reasons for the way they acted were frivolous, and acknowledging all of the dangers inherent in workplace relationship, along with the political aspects and potential for ruining lives and careers were all made clear. Which made it all the more beautiful when both Colby and Novi didn’t play games – their communication was open, honest and really good to read . I loved the background cast of characters (Novi’s sister is a definite favourite) and being together with entire Queer Collective was a joy. I almost died laughing when Colby and Novi attended one of the Collective’s parties, and it’s a really good thing that they have the fire department on speed dial – IYKYK!

Eden and Saxon have managed to keep this long running series on a tight leash, with no repetition of tropes, and up to date understanding of what is going on in the real world whilst also allowing us to escape into their hockey world. I am so pleased I grabbed the opportunity to read this and recommend it wholeheartedly – the world needs more puckboys!

I received an ARC from Foreword PR.

June 2025 ⟫ Book Reviews Round Up

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Book_Endz

Due to ill health, I didn’t do as much reading this much as I normally do. Hopefully things will pick up in July.

Bend Him Break Him by MN Bennett ⟫ 4/5 ⟫ BookSirens

Sweat by Jonah Yorke ⟫ 4.5/5 ⟫ BookSirens

Bend Him Break Him by MN Bennet

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Book_Endz

TITLE: ⟫ Bend Him, Break Him
AUTHOR: ⟫ MN Bennet
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Grumpy Goths and Himbo Jocks Hate to Love Each Other

Colton has always walked the line of golden boy meets bad boy. It helped catapult his popularity as the starting pitcher in his first year of college and during the scandalous exposé when he came out as bi. But Colton struggles with the accolades he receives, balancing who he is versus who he was versus who he’s expected to be. Because before Colton was a queer icon for star athletes, he was a closeted bully who made one guy’s life completely miserable.

Isaac hates Colton. But to be fair, Isaac hates everyone—maintaining an icy distance from even his closest friends. Mostly, Isaac wants to shove Colton off the pedestal he’s been placed upon. Just because he came out publicly doesn’t mean he’s some sort of hero. It doesn’t help that Isaac once fawned over the closeted jock in high school. He cared deeply for Colton and did everything he could to please the star athlete, even keeping their private rendezvous a secret. Which meant Isaac paid the price of utter humiliation, taunting, and bullying as the weirdo loner gay guy with a creepy crush.

When Isaac catches Colton cheating on an exam, he plans to ruin his enemy by destroying his academic standing and costing Colton his baseball scholarship. Isaac wants nothing more than to see Colton kicked out of campus. But when the jock offers to do anything to keep this a secret, Isaac decides to test the lengths Colton is willing to go to make things right between them. Isaac’s over secrets, but this is an opportunity unlike any other. He presents an ultimatum that’ll push Colton to the edge of his limits. In this sordid hate-fueled lust, all Isaac wants is revenge and all Colton wants is redemption.

REVIEW: ⟫ I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one as I have never read this author before.

Colton was fascinating – a strange mix of confident and strong, along with a desperate desire to be loved, he was a people pleaser to the core. Which was a strange thing to think considering how he treated Isaac when they were young teenagers together. It was fascinating watching as his inner sub came out, along with bratty tendencies, and ultimately the ability to become his true self.

I loved Isaac – I loved the fact that even though he hated Colton initially, he still had reservations about what he was doing, as well as a strong ‘moral’ core whereby he went scorched earth on anyone who upset Colton. Their relationship was interesting from the perspective that Isaac didn’t take it easy on Colton – sexually and academically – yet insisted that he didn’t care whilst sorting out Colton’s schedule, making sure he ate well and ultimately giving him a found family through the GSA.

The sex scenes were frequent and hot; I’m going to give a trigger warning for planned assault and some homophobia displayed by Colton’s team mates. I’m pleased that I took a chance on an author I’d never read before and have already downloaded another book!

I received an ARC from BookSirens.