Tag Archives: arc: author

Newcomers by October Arden (Inside Book #3)

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TITLE: ⟫ Newcomers
AUTHOR: ⟫ October Arden

SERIES: ⟫ Inside Book #3
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ “When one of them breaks, they all do.”
Alex was never meant to stay. He was created to protect Jaime—nothing more. Now that Luke is here, devoted and strong and real, what is Alex for?
So he disappears.
And Jaime shatters.
When Luke shuts down from guilt, a new voice rises in the dark. Hunter—born of Luke’s need, desperate to protect them all. As the system tilts toward collapse, it’s someone else’s turn to be the anchor, and Alex must decide what kind of love is worth surviving for.
A gutting, healing, polyamorous conclusion about broken minds, impossible devotion, and the terrifying beauty of being needed.


REVIEW: ⟫ I’ve sat on this for quite a while, allowing my brain to figure out what it wants to say but I’m gonna be honest, my brain has nothing! This book was just such a trip – it simply didn’t occur to me that Luke might have a headmate and it completely threw me. I read this book not quite sure what I wanted to happen, but I was pleased with how it ended. I have learned quite a bit about plurality and am definitely interested in learning more. Overall, I would say that this was a satisfactory end to the series and that Luke, Jamie, Alex and Hunter got the happily ever after that they fought so hard for and well deserved. I received an ARC from the author.

Outsiders by October Arden (Inside Book #2)

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TITLE: ⟫ Outsiders
AUTHOR: ⟫ October Arden

SERIES: ⟫ Inside Book #2
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ “To love them both, he has to stop being afraid of himself.”

After losing them both, Luke isn’t giving up. He refuses to be just another outsider—he wants to be part of the system, not just orbiting around it. Jaime and Alex need him. Even if Alex hates him. Especially if he does.
As Luke pushes deeper into their world, Alex fights him every step of the way. But even rivals can learn to trust. Even enemies can fall in love.

And in the middle is Jaime, still struggling to hold on while the two people who love him most finally see each other clearly.

A queer psychological slow-burn MM romance with enemies-to-lovers heat, mental illness recovery, and found family bonds that can’t be broken—even by trauma.

REVIEW: ⟫ I really wasn’t sure where things were going to go in part 2. I felt so bad for Luke – out of all three of them, he was the one who was used the most and it broke my heart because not only did he accept it, he expected it. There was a part of me that wanted him to pull away from Jaime and Alex, to find himself without them, but as the story progressed, I understood him so much better.

This book concentrates more on the relationship between Luke and Alex and it was utterly fascinating. Both of them have Jaime as their focus and yet they find ways to bond and learn about each other. Alex becomes far more open to the idea that Luke loves Jaime almost as much as he does and that opens his heart in unexpected ways. I read this in one sitting (so much for a good night’s sleep!) and it was well worth the bags under my eyes today. I am truly looking forward to the final instalment and finding out where the author takes us as well as this delightfully flawed but beautiful threesome. I received an ARC from the author.

Not Gentlemen by N.Y.Lysk

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TITLE: ⟫ Not Gentlemen
AUTHOR: ⟫ N.Y.Lysk
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Two alphas (jocks, bullies, stuck in post-season training) into improvised bondage, hand-over-mouth while fucking, really turned on by noncon scenes, love ganging up together

Warnings: non-con, consent is negotiated & then ignored, bondage, gag, lingerie.

REVIEW: ⟫ Well this was a lovely bit of nasty/naughty deliciousness! I really loved the fact that from the very beginning, you could sense that Chalent was trying to deny what it was he wanted. We didn’t get as much insight into Yan – the story was told completely from Chalent’s POV.

This hit me at just the right time – dirty, sexy, nasty – this was a short that I may find myself re-reading. Sometimes I’m here for the plot and other times, I really just want something down and dirty and this was most definitely it!

I received an ARC from the author.

The Sin Eater by Onley James (The Watch #2)

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TITLE: ⟫ The Sin Eater
AUTHOR: ⟫ Onley James

SERIES: ⟫The Watch #2
RATING: ⟫ 4.5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Waylon Boone is no stranger to danger. As the headmaster of the Watch, an elite school hidden in the desert where the wealthy send their psychopathic children to become the perfect covert operatives, he’s trained killers, spies, and manipulators. But none have ever tested his control quite like Payton Skinner—the most dangerous student to walk through the doors, and the one Boone thought he could tame.

Payton’s obsession with the older man is immediate and all-consuming. Boone may be his teacher, but Payton has his own lessons to impart—lessons in seduction, power, and the art of taming a heart long since closed off to the world. But when a twisted video scandal rocks the school, accusing a trusted handler of betrayal, Boone and Payton are thrust into a high-stakes game of lies and espionage. A hacker threatens to reveal dark secrets, both real and fabricated, and no one knows who to trust.

As the investigation deepens, so does the heat between them, and the closer they get to unraveling the mystery, the harder it is to deny their growing connection. In a place where deception is currency and control is everything, Boone and Payton will have to decide how far they’re willing to go for the truth—and for each other.

The Sin Eater is an action-packed, smoking hot, age gap romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features an exhausted, burnt-out assassin turned reluctant headmaster of psychopaths and an infuriating, calculating, psychopathic student who have absolutely no business being together but find themselves unable to resist forbidden fruit. As always, you can expect gratuitous violence, very dark humor, more blood than a slaughterhouse, and enough steamy moments to power a ship. This is book two in The Watch series. Each book follows a different couple.

REVIEW: ⟫ The Sin Eater and the Little Monster – man, these two were fun!! I adored the fact that Boone was absolutely head over heels and fighting it, whilst all of his staff members were basically laying bets on when he would give in!

Payton was fascinating – I loved the insight into his brain and how committed he was to Boone. He decided that Boone was the man for him and did everything to make sure it happened. I loved the vulnerability that Boone and Payton showed each other; Boone’s protectiveness made me sigh in longing, and the sex scenes between the two of them were wild!

I loved the underlying plot arc and am fascinated by what is happening at the school – not least because of all of the intrigue going on whilst trying to corral a group of psychopaths just sounds insane! An excellent addition to The Watch series and I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC through the author’s Patreon.

March 2025 Round Up

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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 March 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.

George’s Big Day by Mary Calmes ⟫ With George #3 ⟫ 4.5/5 ⟫ Kindle Unlimited

Limitless by Willow Thomas ⟫ Squad Goals #5 ⟫ 4/5 ⟫ Author Arc

NotJason by Jennifer Cody ⟫ The Banshee House #1 ⟫ 4/5 ⟫ Kindle Unlimited

His Wicked Wants by Leighton Greene ⟫ West Coast Mobsters #8 ⟫ 5/5 ⟫ Author ARC

On The Edge by JJ Mulder ⟫ SCU Hockey #3 ⟫ 4.5/5 ⟫ GRR

Possessive Puckboy by Eden Finley & Saxon James ⟫ Puckboys #8 ⟫ 4.5/5 ⟫ Foreword PR

Royal Scoundrel by Saxon James ⟫ Frat Wars Novella ⟫ 4.5/5 ⟫ Kindle Unlimited

Ronan by G Eilsel ⟫ Mate’s Mark #1 ⟫ 3.5/5 ⟫ BookSirens

His Wicked Wants by Leighton Greene (West Coast Mobsters #6)

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TITLE: ⟫ His Wicked Wants
AUTHOR: ⟫ Leighton Greene

SERIES: ⟫ West Coast Mobsters #6
RATING: ⟫ 5/5

BLURB: ⟫ For a man who takes what he wants, desiring the one thing he can’t have is torture.

Nero Andretti is used to getting his way. Cold, calculating, and criminally seductive, he clawed his way up from the back streets of Rome to the edge of the Castellani crime family’s inner circle.

No one can resist him.

No one except Gabriel Carstairs.

Straight-laced, stubborn, and infuriatingly principled, landscape architect Gabriel refuses to bow to Nero’s demands or succumb to his seduction. But each heated encounter leaves Nero more obsessed, more determined to conquer the man who looks at him with equal parts defiance and desire.

Gabriel fled East Coast shadows for California sunshine, hoping to bury his past. The last thing he needs is a tattooed Italian mobster stalking him with promises of pleasure. And as their arguments intensify, so does their dangerous attraction.

But when Gabriel needs a favor, he’s forced to turn to the last person he wants to trust. Nero is only too happy to offer his protection, for a price that has nothing to do with money and everything to do with surrender…

Because some wants are too wicked to deny.

His Wicked Wants is the final book in the West Coast Mobsters series, and delivers a finale packed with romance, heat, and the transformative power of found Family.

***

Follow the men of the Los Angeles underworld in this page-turning romantic suspense series as they find love, danger and mystery in the most unexpected places.

Each book in West Coast Mobsters tells the love story of a different couple who find their happy ending, as well as a resolution to the mystery they’re investigating, but there are cliffhangers to the wider suspense plot for the series.

REVIEW: ⟫ So I might be sobbing just a little upon realising that this is the last of the West Coast Mobsters – that means no more Julian, no more Sandro with his crooked grin, no more Bricker – like, how am I meant to go on without them?

However, Leighton Greene gave these guys the most insane farewell, with a story full of twists and turns, an amazing set of male leads and so much excitement. I was on the edge of my seat for Roxie’s wedding and for good reason – that was a wedding that few will forget. We got the answers to many, many questions and there were a number of people who got their just desserts.

Gabriel was a fabulous foil to Nero – strong, stubborn, loyal and faithful, with a rock-solid moral code that somehow made space for Nero. Nero needed a hug from an early age, as well as a slap for how infuriating he was throughout the story. I loved Ray and Linda (who wouldn’t?!) and have basically spent the last two days feeling like I was mainlining some of the best Mob content available. Obviously, I’m going back to the first book and doing a full re-read, as well as grabbing the extended epilogue offered by the author because I am really not ready to say goodbye to these people.

If you love a mafia romance, with excellent, strong storylines that satisfy, sex scenes that are hotter than a sauna, and men that love so deeply and utterly, get yourself this series – you won’t regret it.

I received an ARC from the author.

Limitless by Willow Thomas (Squad Goals #5)

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TITLE: ⟫ Limitless
AUTHOR: ⟫ Willow Thomas
SERIES: ⟫ Squad Goals #5
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB:⟫ The Cheerleader and The Cheerleader

Hudson

Coming out to my straight best friend is harder than I think it will be. Not because he is phobic.

Because I’m in love with him.

I know; I am a walking, talking, queer cliche.

When I do come out, he is supportive… maybe a little too much, because before I know it, he has hatched a crazy plan that involves him easing me into the gay dating scene.

I’m not sure how us being fake boyfriends fits into this, but as if I’d refuse any chance to be close to Wyatt.

In the end, I know I will end up with a broken heart.

As long as I still have my best friend, it will all be worth it.

Wyatt

Hudson is my best friend. My ride or die. My bestie with testes. So when he comes out, I’m a little surprised, but I’m happy for him to live his truth.

In theory.

Because in reality, I’m not liking everyone and their mom trying to set him up on dates.

He’s my best friend, I should be the one to help him.

When I’m put on the spot and announce we are boyfriends, it takes me a minute, but I quickly realize it’s genius. I can keep all the horndogs away from Hudson, and it’s a great reason to spend even more time together.

I love Hudson and will do anything for him.

I love his kindness.

I love his dry sense of humor.

I love his smile.

I love the way his ass looks in his cheerleading uniform.

Wait…what?

Limitless is book five in Squad Goals, a MM cheerleader romance. Expect crystal..toys, meddlesome friends, spice, and a lot of cheer.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a sweet, fun addition to the Squad Goals series by Willow Thomas. Hudson finally got the nerve up to admit out loud that he is gay and his best friend, Wyatt, wants to help him celebrate. But also protect him because other men out there might not appreciate everything that makes Hudson such a great catch! The pouting/texting scene on movie night had me giggling, and the sheer lack of awareness that Wyatt showed on occasion was a trip. I loved how he tried to show Hudson that things were real between them – poor Seth btw – and that everyone else was rooting for them to figure out their lives was golden! This was just what I needed as I’m down with the flu (again) and I very much enjoyed this instalment and catching up with everyone.

I received an ARC from the Author.

Barbarian by Onley James (Jericho's Boys Book #3)

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TITLE: ⟫ Barbarian

AUTHOR: ⟫ Onley James

SERIES: ⟫ Jericho’s Boys #3

RATING: ⟫ 5/5

BLURB: ⟫ Nico Michaels pretends to be carefree, avoiding anything serious, especially relationships; his chaotic past has taught him that love only complicates things. He’s content with one-night stands and his close-knit group of friends, including his roommate, Malachi Mizrahi.

Neurodivergent and gender-fluid, Malachi wakes up each morning with a whole new personality, but one thing remains his love for Nico. They clicked perfectly from day one, sharing a love of everything from anime to nature documentaries. They even share a bed. Platonically, of course.

One night, the lines blur when they share a kiss, but before things can go further, a desperate call from one of Mal’s dance students throws them into a missing person’s case that leaves them with more questions than answers. To complicate matters, Mal reveals he’s been quietly orchestrating Nico’s whole life without him even noticing. Nico is shaken to his core, his perception of their relationship shattered.

As they navigate the perilous world of a vicious Chinese triad, their bond deepens, and Nico begins to see that Malachi is not only the perfect friend, but the perfect man to fulfill all his needs. Together, they must face their past and survive their present if they want any chance of a happy ending in their future.

Barbarian is a friends-to-lovers, dark romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features a masochistic vigilante with ADHD and a video game addiction and his sadistic and controlling best friend who worships the ground he walks on. As with any Onley book, you’ll find dark humor, steamy sexy times, and gratuitous violence, but only against people who totally deserve it. This is book 3 in the Jericho’s Boys series. Each book follows a different couple.

REVIEW: ⟫ In a feat of self control that I didn’t know I possessed, I stopped myself from reading this as it was posted to Onley’s patreon – I wanted to have the whole thing to binge in one go and I downloaded it last night. I haven’t been to sleep yet (I guess the patience and self control only lasted so long) because I had to read this in one go! And it is SO worth the lack of sleep!

Nico and Malachi are absolutely fascinating – the way that their jagged edges match so well. Malachi described it well when he talked about them being two souls waiting to be reunited – which, height of romance right there – and I cannot imagine either of them with anyone else. The sex was off the charts hot – as to be expected from Onley – and I loved the background plot involving the triads, counterfeit handbags and a psychopath (one of the bad ones) masquerading as a good brother.

I loved all of the other boys popping in and out; I adore Felix; but I almost stroked out when Freckles threatened Coe with ‘if you die, I’ll marry Kendra and have the kids call her Mom!’ That was absolute gold and I chuckled so hard I scared my cats.

I love Onley’s characterisations, how she builds the tension in both the plot and the relationship so that you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for the resolution. Thomas Mulvaney remains the absolute GOAT, and I had a complete and utter blast living in this universe for the last six hours. I might console myself with re-reading the Necessary Evils books before I go and have a mooch about on Onley’s Patreon – I don’t have to avoid it now so can catch up on all of the mini fics, etc!

Rex by Willow Thomas (Fallen Gargoyles MC #3)

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TITLE: ⟫ Rex

AUTHOR: ⟫ Willow Thomas

SERIES: ⟫ Fallen Gargoyle’s MC #3

RATING: ⟫ 3.75/5

BLURB: ⟫ Falling in love was not something I had planned

Rex

Watching my club brothers find their forever men has got me wanting something more than the odd hook up.

Love isn’t on the cards for me though. How could it be when the example I had growing up was an abusive asshole.

I’ve always thought that I could never love someone the way that they deserve.

But then I meet him.

Sweet, funny, lonely Ian.

I don’t care if I can’t love, I’ll learn.

Because he deserves the world.

And I am going to be the only one who gives it to him.

Ian is mine.

Ian

I am so freaking lonely.

All my family are gone, I don’t have any friends, and working from home means I don’t even have work colleagues.

Being painfully shy does not invite friendships easily.

I miss hugs.

Having not been touched by another human being in so long I do something a little bit impulsive.

Getting a tattoo just so someone will touch me isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but it quickly proves to be the best thing when I meet Rex.

Rex gives me more than just a tattoo. Pretty soon I am drawn into his world of bikers, parties, and a family I would give anything to be a part of.

I want to stay here. With Rex.

Now I just need to hope the beautiful man might see me as something other than a friend.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a very sweet, sexy, quick read. Ian has been alone for what feels like forever and longs for touch. Rex is surrounded by his friends finding love and feeling like it’s not on the cards for him. When they meet, it’s instant fireworks, with Ian choosing a tattoo with very special meaning to Rex.

The two of them were very sweet (even when their thoughts were decidedly adult) and I loved how quickly Rex’s found family accepted Ian and made sure he felt wanted for himself. The two of them together were a match made in heaven, especially with how much Ian enjoys being tattooed – I can only imagine how much fun they will have covering him in Rex’s work!

I received an ARC from the Author.

Monstrous Travels as Wicked as Sin by W.H.Lockwood (The Sinful Crimes Duology Book #2)

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TITLE: ⟫ Monstrous Tales as Wicked as Sin

AUTHOR: ⟫ W.H. Lockwood

SERIES: ⟫ The Sinful Crimes Duology Book #2

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ “If it hasn’t been too awful, I’d really like it if you’d keep doing crimes with me.”

Deeply in love, traversing the world on the holiday of a lifetime, that hard-earned happy ending is almost in sight for Percy Ashdown and Joe Bruno.

There’s just the small matter of Percy’s ex princess-with-benefits, who seems determined to get her hands on his magical sheath. And apparently she’s recently developed the ability to raise the dead.

Never fear. As always, Percy has a plan. A dangerous plan. And with hot priest Joe Bruno as his new partner in crime, Percy’s never felt more confident. For the first time, the two will work together, secret-free, to face ghosts, sequined hot shorts, and a villain far more powerful and malignant than anything they’ve met before.

But as Percy’s innate darkness clashes time and again with Joe’s unrelenting light, plans go spectacularly awry in a series of ridiculous, hilarious, and horrifying misadventures, leading them to wonder, are they really a match made in heaven? Or are they just too different to ever make things work?

Monstrous Travels as Wicked as Sin is the romantic, heart-stopping, adrenaline-fuelled orgy of steamy, bloody, outrageous excess that will leave you gasping for air, renewing that Valium prescription, and wondering how you’ll ever return to normal life again.

REVIEW: ⟫ I’ll admit, I struggled to read this one. The writing was so evocative that I found myself having nightmares with some of the things the author described and I wasn’t sure if I could carry on reading it.

However, I really wanted to know how Joe and Percy were going to get out of the absolutely horrific situation that they found themselves in, so I persevered. I did have to take several breaks – my goodness, some of the things in this book were far too terrifying – but I am glad that I pushed through and finished it.

The love between Joe and Percy is a one-of-a-kind and that was the ultimate message that came through. The way they feel about each other is the closest thing to real soul-mates that I have read, so if you can handle the horror, the gore and the scary stuff, you will love this book more than the first one.

I’m going to read something light and fluffy and hope that I can get to sleep without the lights on! I received an ARC from the author.