Tag Archives: rating: 4

Stick Lessons by Crea Reitan (For Puck’s Sake Book #7)

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TITLE: ⟫ Stick Lessons
AUTHOR: ⟫ Crea Reitan

SERIES: ⟫ For Puck’s Sake Book #7
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Everyone should learn how to handle a stick.

Atty

High school sweethearts, dream wedding, exotic honeymoon, white picket fence, two and a half kids… that’s the dream. My prescribed future. Except, I don’t want any of that. When me and my on/off girlfriend of fifteen years finally call it quits for good, I decide that I’m ready for a new beginning.

I didn’t expect that new beginning to be a dude.

Toby

This man is perfect… he obeys like a marionette, lets me bend him and choke him until my heart’s content. He lets me dress him up, breed him, and refuse his pleasure as if he were built specifically for my needs.

But Atty isn’t who I thought he was and he’s struggling to find his new identity while I’m freefalling for him off the face of a cliff. I’m not used to needing a safety net in life so there’s a very real chance I’m going to hit the ground like a pancake.

Is love always this tragic?

REVIEW: ⟫ I must admit, I left Toby and Atty’s book a few times but I always came back. The dynamic between them was fascinating, and the respect they showed each other was refreshing. I loved catching up with guys from previous books, even if it was in the background, and ultimately, I was glad I read this book. It was really interesting to watch Atty try to figure out this new aspect of his personality, and the conversations surrounding it were stimulating and thought-provoking. Not one of my favourites from this series, but a solid read.

Coach Stare Down by Crea Reitan (For Puck’s Sake #6)

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TITLE: ⟫ Coach Stare Down
AUTHOR: ⟫ Crea Reitan

SERIES: ⟫ For Puck’s Sake #6
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Adak

After a series of relationships where I’ve been made to feel inadequate because of my asexuality, I’ve made the sole focus of my life my coaching career. I love hockey – the chill of the ice, the fast paced, high stress game. I love the fans and the atmosphere. The energy. Now that I’m coaching in the NHL, I feel a sense of serenity and comfort with life. All that’s left is to get my team to The Stanley Cup.

A series of unfortunate injuries has riddled the Bobcats into a serious funk. The frustration that my boys feel echoes through me and after one of the most horrible plays I’ve ever witnessed, I turn my back on the ice – only to catch his eyes. Suddenly, I know what I’ve been missing. In a sea of over 15,000 faces, I found the one I’ve been waiting my entire life for.

There’s sadness in his eyes that’s only overcome with the fear behind it. Nothing will stop me from making Oren mine and giving him the life and love he deserves. Nothing.

Oren

My life is shit. I’m the pariah of my family for hell knows why. All I want is to get away. But I tried once – at nineteen, I ran and my father with his buddies on the police force dragged me home. I’ve since been dragged down into submission.

But then I meet his eyes and everything inside me just… shifts. Adak takes a chance on me and I think that perhaps my father has finally met a wall he can’t barrel through to keep control. That is, until he starts blasting his hate everywhere.

I wouldn’t blame Adak if he chooses to leave. This is his career on the line. His image and reputation. Am I worth it?

REVIEW: ⟫ I’m not sure how to review this one. There were aspects I struggled with – one of which being the fact that this was Oren’s first (and only) relationship so I felt a little bit wary. I felt that the description of Adak’s previous relationships and struggles was very well done. Oren’s family were a nightmare and I fully appreciate that Crea decided not to give explanations for a few things that happened – it was very grounded in reality because we don’t always find out why people do the things that they do. By the time I had finished reading, I felt like I was better informed about quite a few things but I still can’t decide how I feel about this story!

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!

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!!

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.

Night Call by C T Whistle (Part #2 of the Omegaverse Case Files)

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TITLE: ⟫ Night Call
AUTHOR: ⟫ C T Whistle

SERIES: ⟫ Omegaverse Case Files #2
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Silent Witness meets shifters in this steamy, high stakes omegaverse detective novel.


Pember McArthur’s life is falling apart, one horribly unhinged mother at a time. With no pack, few friends and even fewer family, he must learn to survive as a lone omega in a town that’s still reeling from a recent sex trafficking scandal. Landing a job as a Crime Scene Investigator, he gets thrust into a world of violence, murder and one smoking hot Detective Sergeant who is hell bent on being the most miserable fucker around.

When alphas start turning up dead in a string of bizarre and seemingly unrelated attacks, Pember and DS Blake Smith must work together to catch the person responsible. However, when the number of bodies starts to grow, it becomes clear that dead men tell no tales, and the police have no leads. As the case unfolds, both come to learn that death is not the end, but the beginning of something altogether unexpected.

This is an omegaverse novel, set in an alternative version of England where humans are also wolves, men can get pregnant and everyone has a secondary sex. Contains M/M, open door smut, mpreg (although not featured heavily in this book), alternative human biology, shifting, Brit-cop humour, found family, sarcasm, two traumatised protagonists, serious sexual assault (implied but never described), suicide (described on page), graphic violence and, most importantly, copious amounts of kick-assery. Mature audiences only (18+).

REVIEW: ⟫
This was good – I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the first one, but it was good. Pember and Blake were actually really good together, and I loved their relationship with Val. The background characters really make this story – Oliver is there from book one, the CSI staff and the two police officers that I think are part three were so much fun. The main plot regarding a serial killer was interesting although it was a little too obvious who was involved. I’m glad I read this and will keep an eye out for book three.

Hammer and Gavel by C T Whistle (Part #1 Omegaverse Case Files)

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TITLE: ⟫ Hammer & Gavel
AUTHOR: ⟫ C T Whistle

SERIES: ⟫ Part #1 of the Omegaverse Case Files
RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Hot Fuzz meets shifters, meets buddy cop romance in this sexy, high-stakes M/M omegaverse detective novel.

Detective Constable Oliver Reed enjoys two things in life; tea with biscuits and catching bad guys. For twenty nine years he has walked the tightrope between alpha and omega, but that rope is about to snap when one chilly January afternoon he crosses paths with the devastatingly handsome alpha, Detective Sergeant Lucas White. Tensions skyrocket when the two are forced to work together to take down an omega sex-trafficking ring that is rapidly drowning the sleepy towns of West Newton & High Enfield. However, when the case starts getting out of hand, so too does their desire for one another.

This is a shifter/omegaverse novel, set in an alternative version of England where humans are also wolves, men can get pregnant and everyone has a secondary sex. Your mother will probably judge you for listening to this, but who cares? Contains M/M, smut, mpreg, alternative human biology, shifting, Brit-cop humor, sarcasm, a traumatized protagonist, child abuse (implied but never described), and, most importantly, copious amounts of tea drinking. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll know what to expect.

REVIEW: ⟫ This was brilliant – reading something written in British-English was a slight adjustment but it was worth it for all of the names dropped – bourbons, custard creams, hot toast – this was a feast for the British senses in terms of food and tea!! I really enjoyed the story – the idea of Sigmas isn’t one that I have read a lot about, so I was interested to see just how it affected things. This wasn’t insta-love – more like major lust at first collision. Lucas and Oliver kept things interesting with each other and I appreciated that throughout the misunderstandings and their extremely strong effect on each other, they tried very hard to maintain a decent line of communication.

Oliver had been through so much, I could actually well understand his reluctance to put himself into another relationship – this wasn’t just a break-up, this had medical repercussions that were long-lasting and I appreciate the fact that these weren’t glossed over. The criminal plot line was a very interesting read and I enjoyed the intricacies of it all, along with how normal everything was despite there being shifters in the world. I’ve already downloaded book two because I didn’t want to wait – this was a very solid 4 for me!