Call to the Devil by B Ripley (Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction #5)

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TITLE: ⟫ Call to the Devil
AUTHOR: ⟫ B Ripley

SERIES: ⟫ Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: Book #5
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Bright Haven is my flock and I am their Blessed Lamb.

Under the guidance of our Father, I lead our congregation for the glory of the Lord. Seeking salvation from the rot that has set in across the country, we cleanse those who sin against us in the red rains, offering them a chance at God’s forgiveness.

We ask the Lord for mercy, but The Devil answers instead.

Once a member of the community, Lazarus was cast out to suffer among the damned long before I came to the compound. Wicked and cruel, he is now more sinner than saint but he wasn’t always that way. Betrayed by those he loved, Lazarus is The Devil that Bright Haven created themselves, and his vengeance upon our community has been swift and merciless.

And now I am his captive.

He meant to kill me when he took me but now I’m not sure he wants me dead. Lazarus seeks instead to corrupt me piece by piece and though I know I am to remain pure, I am weak to the temptation of his touch. The longer he keeps me alive, the more I crave him like I crave air and the more I learn about the man we call our Father.

There’s a sickness in Bright Haven.

Spoiled fruit in the orchard and a snake among the reeds.

We’ve been asking the Lord for mercy, but calling to The Devil may be the only way to save us all.

Call to the Devil is a full-length MM dystopian romance as part of the 1nf3ction shared world collab. Each book is a standalone containing themes and situations not intended for readers under the age of 18. Both characters are consenting adults. This book features dark religious themes, folk horror vibes, snacrifices, a forest full of zombies, actions that have consequences, a broken man with questionable morals learning how to love and trust, and a so-called sacred vessel learning how to be a messy, imperfect human. Please read and heed the content warnings contained within the author’s note.

REVIEW: ⟫ It makes complete sense that at least one cult would be born from something like the red rains and this story definitely sells this outcome. Hard. This was actually quite a tough one featuring themes of abuse as it does.

I wasn’t completely sold on the relationship that built between Lazarus and Day, perhaps because it felt like a mixture between Stockholm Syndrome and the first real relationship that either of them ever had. However, the overall story was satisfying and fit very well into the universe. A good addition.

All Your Days by Ali Woods (Mayhem Manuscripts Season 1: 1nf3ction Book #4)

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TITLE: ⟫ All Your Days
AUTHOR: ⟫ Ali Woods

SERIES: ⟫ Mayhem Manuscripts Season 1: 1nf3ction Book #4
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Eli
Built a century ago as a secret research facility in the middle of the Australian Outback, The Facility is the only home I’ve ever known—and I’m grateful for it. We have food, water, and guards to protect us from the infected. We’re lucky, we’re safe and I never plan to step beyond our walls.
Until I’m given no choice and I’m sent on a supply run with him—Jacob.
The man who saved my life ten years ago now lurks in the shadows, always watching over me. Can his ever-watchful eye, and experience traversing the harsh Australian desert keep us both safe? Or will the Red Rains and the infection in our blood finally claim us?

Jacob
I try not to think too hard about the future. It’s too easy to get disappointed. I’ve learned too many times not to get attached, and in my ten years here at The Facility, I’ve managed to keep my walls even more secure than the ones around our compound.
Except for him—Eli.
Too beautiful for a world as ugly as this one, I can’t keep myself from watching over him and keeping him safe from the ever-present danger of our lives.
When he’s assigned to my team for a supply run to a neighbouring outpost, I’m faced with my darkest nightmares and deepest fears. And I might just find that there is one thing worse than losing him, and that’s never having him at all.

REVIEW: ⟫
Jacob has been through so much, lost so much, that it is entirely understandable that he holds himself aloof from people – there is only so much anyone can take before it becomes too much. Eli doesn’t understand why Jacob stares at him constantly, protects him yet never approaches him. All of that changes when they go on a supply run together – the way there is perilous, but the way back could be utterly deadly. I enjoyed this story – it was less about romance and more about the realities of living in a dystopian universe and the awful things that humans can do to each other, and that’s not even considering the zombies. I wasn’t as attached to these guys as I have been previous stories in this verse, but I definitely enjoyed reading it and found the romance ultimately quite satisfying.

Wingman Score by Crea Reitan (For Puck’s Sake Book #5)

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TITLE: ⟫ Wingman Score
AUTHOR: ⟫ Crea Reitan

SERIES: ⟫ For Puck’s Sake Book #5
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ It’s time to score.

Zak

When you fight for so long, sometimes it’s just easier to give in. I want to give in to the god before me. Sent to me from the heavens, Owen is the very definition of divine perfection. But he doesn’t know my truth. If he did, he’d know that I don’t belong in his world.

The shame of seeing the disgust on his face when he figures it out keeps me running from him. Even though fate or destiny or something cruel keeps throwing us together. Maybe he’s the motivation I need to get my shit in order.

But can I do it before he figures out I’m nothing but a street rat?

Owen

The person who was made for me turns up at the New Year’s Eve party I didn’t want to go to. We’ve been serendipitously thrown together a handful of times since and though I know Zak wants me, he keeps walking out my door and refusing to call.

I can’t figure out why and it’s driving me insane. When I can’t take it anymore, I chance him thinking that I’m a stalker and show up at the address I dropped him off at last. Zak doesn’t live there but I finally learn his secret.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to convince Zak that I’ll give him the world if he’ll let me. Should be as easy as winning that elusive Stanley Cup.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a very romantic, caring and uplifting story with such a lovely storyline. The way in which Owen and Zak are with each other was beautiful, and I absolutely adored the way that Owen supported Zak in everything and helped him realise that he was more than his circumstances. I am very much enjoying reading this series, which is probably pretty obvious since this month I seem to have done nothing but read books by Crea Reitan!

The Crease by Crea Reitan (For Puck’s Sake Book #4)

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TITLE: ⟫ The Crease
AUTHOR: ⟫ Crea Reitan

SERIES: ⟫ For Puck’s Sake Book #4
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Always protect the heart of the ice.Max

This wasn’t supposed to happen to me. I’m supposed to be at the top of my career. Untouchable. Worshiped. Finally proving to all the jerks in my life that I made it. I’m at the top.

Then a video that shouldn’t exist leaks and everything comes crashing down. I’m about to lose it all and I can’t seem to get out of my own way. My agent banishes me to a place that technology can’t touch while he tries to salvage my career.

I’m caught between rage and deep depression, lashing out at everyone and everything around me. I have myself to blame but right now, all I want is to drown in my misery. Even when something unexpected and good comes along, all I can do is push and push until I’m once more drowning all alone.

Deryke

I don’t know what’s come over me. Why does this disaster of a hockey player suddenly call to my heart and everything inside my body and mind? I mean, the world knows what’s in his pants and I’ve never been even slightly turned on by that! Why now? Why him?

Even when he’s bratting so hard I want to break him, I can see that he acts the way he does because he’s hurting somewhere deep inside. He won’t let me in, but for some unknown reason, I can’t let Maximus Latham go.

He needs me. He needs someone to believe in him and not disappear the minute he messes up. He needs someone to love him for him, not for being the hockey god he is. Except I’m not sure I can reach him in time before he self-destructs.

But damned if I’m not going to try.

REVIEW: ⟫ Well this damn near broke my heart. It was obvious the previous times that we’ve seen Max that something isn’t right. But I had absolutely no idea just how bad and awful it was. Deryke was absolutely everything Max needed – from how he handled the tantrums, his refusal to accept Max being less than his true self, his ability to see what Max needs – he was just perfect. I loved the story – the two of them together alone for three months, figuring things out, not least that Deryke was straight before Max and that Max is kinda broken inside and needs help. I read this in one sitting and just felt so relieved and happy with how things ended. This was a good one for me!

Lucky Shot by Crea Reitan (For Puck’s Sake Book #3)

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TITLE: ⟫ Lucky Shot
AUTHOR: ⟫ Crea Reitan

SERIES: ⟫ For Puck’s Sake #4
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ The entire game can be determined by a lucky shot.

PrettyInLace

Even a gay athlete has an appearance to uphold. There are a handful out in every sport and while every trashy magazine wants to get the scoop on what the gays are up to, looking for a scandal and a way to ruin us, every one of us is constantly on our best behavior. Acting a certain way; dressing a certain way; speaking a certain way.

If the world knew the real me, it’d shudder. Lace. Pearls. Dresses. Collars. All I want is to be someone’s pretty little doll that they dress up and tell me how pretty I am. I want to be loved for the real me; not the image I’m forced to show to the world just so I can keep my spot on the ice.

The only place I find that escape is in an online role playing game where I can be the sexy femme mage and get my flirt on. Find the man of my dreams.

And I do. He’s a big, hot druid ready to sweep me off my feet. Now if only I could find the courage to tell him who I am and trust that he won’t share it with the rest of the world. I’m not ready to end my career yet.

DemiDefenseKip

I’m known for my defensive plays. Aggressive. Precise. Quick. Strong. On the ice, I’m an icon that the world loves to put on a pedestal and worship. I’ve carefully cultivated everything about my public appearance to capitalize on my short career. Considering I’m a noted ‘queer athlete’ – a title that never strays too far from any article – I’m truly living a charmed life.

What the world doesn’t know is that it’s not just my sexuality that makes having a relationship in the spotlight difficult. It’s also because I’m demisexual. Finding someone interested in me and not my jersey or bank balance has proven especially challenging.

So how does someone with a recognizable face the world over find love? If you figure it out, let me know.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was delightful! Pretty Boy and Demi God were just so kind to each other, and that along with their emotional honesty and vulnerability is really what sold this story to me. I loved how caring they both were, how determined to make the most of this bizarre opportunity. When the ‘big reveal’ happened, I was worried but I shouldn’t have been – these two came through like complete troopers. I just really enjoyed this story – the struggle for Demi God regarding his demisexuality was a nice contrast to Noah’s struggle with being viewed as a pretty face, and that they were more than willing to help each other – even before they realised what they meant to each other – was just lovely to read. A very good addition to the series and I am so glad I came back to it!!

Obliterated by N Boeyer (Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction #3)

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TITLE: ⟫ Obliterated
AUTHOR: ⟫ N Boeyer

SERIES: ⟫ Mayhem Manuscripts Season 1: 1nf3ction Book #3
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ MAX

They fear me. Worship me. Call me an abomination.

I’ve earned my freedom a dozen times in The Pit, but I keep going back. Because violence is my church, and blood is the only thing that makes me feel alive.

Then he arrives. Pretty. Fast. New. A golden-haired boy with ocean eyes and no clue how this island works.
He doesn’t belong here, and he’s going to get himself killed. Just like all the other wide-eyed fools who think survival is about hope instead of brutality.
So why the fuck can’t I stop watching him? Why do I keep stepping in? Why does the monster in me go quiet when he’s near?

He’s everything I never wanted.
And everything I’d burn this whole godsdamned island for.

KIERAN

My mother is dead.

I followed her last instructions to the letter: get on the boat, get to the island, survive. Her final words still echo in my head—Live, Kieran. Live.
But Ibitha doesn’t want me. I have no papers, no useful skills, nothing to offer… except a pretty face. And here? That’s enough to get you owned. Now I pour drinks in a brothel I never chose, counting down the days until my debt’s repaid. Until I’m free.

Then he notices me. Max. A legend carved in blood and bone.
I should fear him, everyone does. He looks at me like I’m already his. Like he’s made up his mind. Like I’m something he plans to keep. And the most dangerous part? A piece of me wants that. Wants him.

But you don’t fall for someone like Max.
You survive him. Or you don’t.

OBLITERATED is a full-length MM romance as part of the 1nf3ction multi-author post-dystopian zombie apocalypse series. While all the stories take place in a shared world, each book can be read as a standalone.

Expect violence, obsession, biting banter, sword fights, broken boys, morally grey messes, and two lovers who’d rather kiss in a pit full of zombies than say “I love you” out loud.

REVIEW: ⟫ Oh my, yes!! This was brutal, gory, bloody and also incredibly romantic at the same time. Kieran has made his way to Ibitha, a place that’s meant to be a safe haven in these troubled times. The first person he meets is Max – who promptly slams him against a wall and threatens his life. Not the most auspicious start, but when he learns more about Max he can’t help but fall for him.

Max is – well, a monster. Part of what I loved about this story was that the author was unapologetic about just how brutal Max was. The man was a killing machine, with more than a few hints of sociopathic tendencies. He was also a big kid who thought a zombie alligator was fun, somehow built a family and inspired fear and loyalty in others. This was a RIDE!! I was seriously not sure how they were going to get their happily ever after and was utterly engrossed for the whole book. I have really been enjoying the books set in the Mayhem verse and especially when it leads to me finding a new author to read.

I would say there is far more gore and bloodiness than there is romance/sex – think Walking Dead but with slightly more romance if that helps – but as long as that doesn’t squick you out, I think this is one that many people will enjoy. There were some really sad moments that made me sniffle and I’m still not sure I forgive the author for one in particular (you’ll know what I’m talking about once you’ve read the book) but I am going to see if there is more written by them that I can read!

Project FU by Crea Reitan (Longwood University Book #3)

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TITLE: ⟫ Project FU
AUTHOR: ⟫ Crea Reitan

SERIES: ⟫ Longwood University Book #3
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ When you fall in love with the wrong Davenport…

Nolan

I’ve spent my college career editing adult videos but never has one hit me as hard as seeing my girlfriend of sixteen months with the football team. Needless to say, I’m devastated. I need to hurt her like she’s hurt me. My friends dub this mission Project: FU.

A series of bad decisions lands me in bed with the worst one yet.

Tavis

The man my daughter broke is sitting at the bar looking beaten. When I look into his eyes, I feel something I haven’t felt in more than two decades. For just one night, I decide to make this man mine and erase the heartache I see in him.

But one night is not enough and shit is about to hit the fan.

REVIEW: ⟫ Okay, this did not begin the way I expected it to and the addition of the brothers was a head-spin! I liked how Nolan struggled with the idea of revenge – he wanted justice but he was too good of a guy to treat innocent bystanders that badly, although what he did blew my mind. I really didn’t expect Tavis to react the way that he did and was pleasantly surprised. The storyline was entertaining, especially with the way the break-up between Tavis and Rachel was handled. I did read the taboo follow-up and can understand why it wasn’t included as part of this one. I would describe this as HFN because of what happens afterwards, although if you didn’t want to read the taboo side of things, I think most people would be happy with how this ended.

Wicked Confessions by Crea Reitan (Longwood University #2)

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TITLE: ⟫ Wicked Confessions
AUTHOR: ⟫ Crea Reitan

SERIES: ⟫ Longwood University Book #2
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ What started as a job has led to some frightening confessions.

Edin

One mistake can ruin your life. I learned that at fifteen when my hormones got the best of me and I was landed with an unwanted pregnancy. My parents decided to punish me and forced me out of the sport I love to raise my child and provide for my newly forced-upon-us-both marriage.

One mistake can cost a life. My life. If not for my best friend who rescued me and my daughter, I’d have ended it all.

It’s been three years and all I want is to embrace this new lease I have on life – my daughter, school, and hockey.

One mistake can change your life. When an “adult” job leads to some complications, I realize that maybe I didn’t build my walls high enough to keep everyone out.

Elijah

My obsession started through a screen as I edited the videos my fraternity’s basement project Confessions produces. His name is Edin and I’m enthralled. While I don’t participate in shoots often, I make an exception.

Edin is everything – beautiful, mysterious, needy. He’s also very clearly broken. The very first time we’re together on screen, he breaks down after the shoot and I hold him for what feels like days as he trembles.

He refuses to let me into his life, no matter how many times I partner with him or run into him completely coincidentally. That is, until he has a hockey accident that leaves him bed-ridden and he needs help with his daughter.

REVIEW: ⟫ This one was pretty gut-wrenching. Having read Dak and Sparrow’s story, I knew who Edin was and wondered what happened. And it was just as awful as I thought – I was in tears listening to some of Edin’s thoughts about the situation he was in because of circumstances and his parents. The only bright light was Mo – even sex was fraught with difficulty, hence him working for a gay porn company – no chance of a second accidental pregnancy there! Elijah absolutely fascinated me – as did his brother Zeke and their relationship – he was just so ready to be there for Edin in whatever way he needed. The sex scenes were hot but it was actually the after-care and cuddling that really worked for me. I enjoyed watching the two of them fall in love, especially since Edin slowly opened up and began to accept happiness. A worthy addition to the Longwood University series that I enjoyed reading and appreciated the nuance and sensitivity.

Rumor Has It by Crea Reitan (Longwood University Book #1)

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TITLE: ⟫ Rumor Has It
AUTHOR: ⟫ Crea Reitan

SERIES: ⟫ Longwood University Book #1
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ The shiver of something new…

Dak

I don’t know what it is about this man that has captivated me like no one else. It’s made me question everything I think I know about myself. But that’s fine – I’ll obsess from afar until I graduate and move on with my life.

Then I’m handed an exclusive invitation to Rumor, the frat’s ‘gay chicken’ club that performs in front of a camera. The one who doesn’t back out first wins cash. Thinking maybe I can clear up this curiosity once and for all if I try my hand at dick, I go.

Imagine my surprise when the man I’m paired with is none other than the one guy that’s caught my attention. My only problem is the cameras freak me out and I know one of these times when I run, it’ll be the last time I see him.

Sparrow

Rumor is a game for straight men to use whatever excuse they can come up with to get acquainted with a dick not their own. I’m the unbeatable – a fan favorite. But I have a secret – I’m already gayer than a pink unicorn wearing a tutu. Still, I get invited back time and time again.

It’s all business until the most beautiful brown eyes look at me and the sexiest body is pressed against mine. However, this fucking man keeps running away. Thankfully, I’m able to give him private lessons in fucking a man, something I’m all to happy to oblige.

But Dak is more than just a good time. He’s a threat to everything I think I know, forcing me to acknowledge that maybe there’s something deeper between us.

Rumor has it all it takes is a single person to turn your life upside down. I think I just met that person and I’m not sure which way is up or if I’m going to crash and burn before I find the surface.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a fascinating read. I really appreciated the mature approach that Sparrow took to the situation with Dak – it would have far too easy for him to get angry or reject Dak but instead he showed such patience and understanding. I enjoyed the background characters and the progression of their relationship as they figured out what they meant to each other and did what they could to make things happen. Communication was emphasised over and over again which I really did like – Sparrow was determined not to fall into emotional traps and insisted that they talk and this was so refreshing. Even better when Dak called him out on something and he not only admitted fault but apologised. I don’t think I’ve read a lot of stories by this author but I’m making my way through their back catalogue and this book is the main reason for that!

Bonded to the Alpha by Robin Moray (Book #1)

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TITLE: ⟫ Bonded to the Alpha (Book #1)
AUTHOR: ⟫ Robin Moray
RATING: ⟫ 2.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Bonded mates are rare, and every wolf knows that the killing of a bond-mate is punishable by death. But nineteen-year-old Callum is fully human, woefully ignorant of Pack Law, and when an accidental encounter with a frenzied beta leaves the wolf dead and Callum battered but alive, he finds himself facing the wrath of the pack—until the dead wolf’s mate invokes the right to claim Callum as his own.

With his life on the line, Callum’s only choice is to bond with the troubled alpha, and carve a place for himself in the pack by any means necessary.

Taking the bond was the worst mistake Nero ever made. But now, with his bond-mate dead, the clock is ticking. He needs to bond again by the full moon, or his next transformation will kill him. That’s all he needs the human for, just a means to an end. At least that’s what he tells himself. But as the bond takes hold he finds himself falling deeper into something he swore he would never do again.

REVIEW: ⟫
I really loved the idea behind this story and found the beginning quietly interesting. However, as the story went on, I found myself getting annoyed. The sheer fact that Nero had no idea how to create the bond was irritating – like, how did he become bonded in the first place? Even ignoring that, I found that I really disliked the pack – they all admitted how much they hated the wolf that died and yet were willing to kill someone and potentially cause so many issues in their community to avenge their death? It didn’t make sense to me and I found it impossible to suspend disbelief for the rest of the story. I know there are stories that follow on from this but I can’t see me making the effort to read them. Shame because I really did like the idea.