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ladymacbeth2024's reviews
406 reviews
Hot Doggin' by Raquel Riley
4.0
4 stars
Very very nice story about two best friends falling in love.
Both Stiles and McCormick are Veterans who got injured during their missions abroad. Stiles lost his short term memory, while Mac lost his leg. They met during their recovery, 4 years before the start of the story, and became the best friends ever.
I really really loved their dynamic: they help, support, complement, understand each other, they're act like idiots sometimes, but their love runs deep. They are well aware of one another's struggles and they do everything they can to ease their own internal demons.
Mac is easygoing and loud, he wears his heart on his sleeves, but he's also been burned by too many rejections and he feels lonely.
Stiles is more successful with women, but the everyday life is harder for him, since he often forgets important dates, appointments and such and he gets frustrated because of that.
During one attempt to help Mac get laid, Stiles agrees to a threesome that will fail but that also will open his eyes about his best friend.
Their bi (or pan) awakening is a mess just like them, but even if they often put the physical part off because they get sidetracked and because they take their time figuring things out, they're still very close emotionally.
I adored that they could go from being very romantic to arguing over how many hot dogs to buy. They were maybe too codependent, but they never let outside noises get in the middle of their relationship.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Sometimes it felt like both Stiles and Mac had a bit too much of going back and forth.
I know that some of the Bitches are MCs in the author's previous books, but I haven't read them yet and I struggled a little with keeping up with their stories.
The found family is amazing and one particular scene had me in tears. Next book will be Jax and Pharo and I'm surely going to read it.
Very very nice story about two best friends falling in love.
Both Stiles and McCormick are Veterans who got injured during their missions abroad. Stiles lost his short term memory, while Mac lost his leg. They met during their recovery, 4 years before the start of the story, and became the best friends ever.
I really really loved their dynamic: they help, support, complement, understand each other, they're act like idiots sometimes, but their love runs deep. They are well aware of one another's struggles and they do everything they can to ease their own internal demons.
Mac is easygoing and loud, he wears his heart on his sleeves, but he's also been burned by too many rejections and he feels lonely.
Stiles is more successful with women, but the everyday life is harder for him, since he often forgets important dates, appointments and such and he gets frustrated because of that.
During one attempt to help Mac get laid, Stiles agrees to a threesome that will fail but that also will open his eyes about his best friend.
Their bi (or pan) awakening is a mess just like them, but even if they often put the physical part off because they get sidetracked and because they take their time figuring things out, they're still very close emotionally.
I adored that they could go from being very romantic to arguing over how many hot dogs to buy. They were maybe too codependent, but they never let outside noises get in the middle of their relationship.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Sometimes it felt like both Stiles and Mac had a bit too much of going back and forth.
I know that some of the Bitches are MCs in the author's previous books, but I haven't read them yet and I struggled a little with keeping up with their stories.
The found family is amazing and one particular scene had me in tears. Next book will be Jax and Pharo and I'm surely going to read it.
SOS HOTEL: Luxury to Die For by Ariana Nash, Adam Vex
5.0
5 stars
I loved this installment! Finally Adam, Victor and Zodiac become a real triad, the vampire and the demon are more at ease with each other and more open about their feelings. Lord Fancy Fangs surely has a way with words!
I liked very much the scene in the elevator, when Adam was happy for his lovers and wanted to give them a little space, but both Victor and Zee dragged him and included him in their embrace.
Obviously, the book could not end in a cliffhanger, as usual. I hope to start the next book soon.
I loved this installment! Finally Adam, Victor and Zodiac become a real triad, the vampire and the demon are more at ease with each other and more open about their feelings. Lord Fancy Fangs surely has a way with words!
I liked very much the scene in the elevator, when Adam was happy for his lovers and wanted to give them a little space, but both Victor and Zee dragged him and included him in their embrace.
Obviously, the book could not end in a cliffhanger, as usual. I hope to start the next book soon.
The Embrace of Evergreen by Rayne Hawthorne, D.W. Michaels
4.0
4 stars
Very romantic and emotional, I loved both Blue and Ethan's personal journey toward love, self discovery and acceptance. I really appreciated that they took their time in getting to know each other: they're love came maybe a little late but it was so so beautiful.
I like very much how this author describes feelings: Ethan and Blue's love is poetic and precious and I adored how it was inevitable too. The night at the hotel was beautifully written: they barely touched, it was more like a brush of skin, but they were imprinted into each other's heart and soul.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Sometimes I found hard connecting with Ethan: while I can understand his need to leave Alaska and put some distance from his mother and Jordyn's painful memories, I don't understand at all why he had to cut his own father off. His explanations don't make any sense, Ken was loving, caring and supportive and he deserved to be loved by his son (luckily, he had Namid who loved him unconditionally).
I also didn't like how he hurt Blue by pushing him away. I think Ethan needed professional help to be able to handle grief and loss because always running and pushing people away is not the healthy thing to do.
Lastly, the first two book have a heavy note of sadness about Jordyn's death, I hope next book will be less painful.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
Very romantic and emotional, I loved both Blue and Ethan's personal journey toward love, self discovery and acceptance. I really appreciated that they took their time in getting to know each other: they're love came maybe a little late but it was so so beautiful.
I like very much how this author describes feelings: Ethan and Blue's love is poetic and precious and I adored how it was inevitable too. The night at the hotel was beautifully written: they barely touched, it was more like a brush of skin, but they were imprinted into each other's heart and soul.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Sometimes I found hard connecting with Ethan: while I can understand his need to leave Alaska and put some distance from his mother and Jordyn's painful memories, I don't understand at all why he had to cut his own father off. His explanations don't make any sense, Ken was loving, caring and supportive and he deserved to be loved by his son (luckily, he had Namid who loved him unconditionally).
I also didn't like how he hurt Blue by pushing him away. I think Ethan needed professional help to be able to handle grief and loss because always running and pushing people away is not the healthy thing to do.
Lastly, the first two book have a heavy note of sadness about Jordyn's death, I hope next book will be less painful.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
Time to Shine by Rachel Reid
3.5
3.5 stars
So, this was disappointing, definitely not the book for me.
Casey is lovely, a ball of sunshine with great empathy and thoughtfulness for other people. He's energetic and always optimistic and I liked him very much.
Landon is the complete opposite, very reserved, both phisically and emotionally. His character, mixed with his sexuality (it's never explicitly said but he's probably demisexual), his dislike for being touched and, especially, the pain for losing his sister and his huge sense of guilt, all of that made him like a vault, almost impenetrable.
What bothered me the most was his determination to being alone and miserable: for years he avoided his parents and never went into therapy, and when he had a chance to be with Casey, he just gave up without even trying.
His resolution to be happy, to work for his spot in the Outlaws and for his relationship with Casey came very late. And I didn't like that he was Casey that actually made the first step (after having done all the first step in their friends/lovers relationship).
Also, at 50% of the story, Casey is still having sex with other people. He and Landon weren't committed to each other, but it was still awful, especially when Landon had to see Casey's hookup guy in the kitchen, making breakfast after a night of sex with Casey.
I'm glad I read this book just for Casey, he was a really awesome character to read about.
So, this was disappointing, definitely not the book for me.
Casey is lovely, a ball of sunshine with great empathy and thoughtfulness for other people. He's energetic and always optimistic and I liked him very much.
Landon is the complete opposite, very reserved, both phisically and emotionally. His character, mixed with his sexuality (it's never explicitly said but he's probably demisexual), his dislike for being touched and, especially, the pain for losing his sister and his huge sense of guilt, all of that made him like a vault, almost impenetrable.
What bothered me the most was his determination to being alone and miserable: for years he avoided his parents and never went into therapy, and when he had a chance to be with Casey, he just gave up without even trying.
His resolution to be happy, to work for his spot in the Outlaws and for his relationship with Casey came very late. And I didn't like that he was Casey that actually made the first step (after having done all the first step in their friends/lovers relationship).
Also, at 50% of the story, Casey is still having sex with other people. He and Landon weren't committed to each other, but it was still awful, especially when Landon had to see Casey's hookup guy in the kitchen, making breakfast after a night of sex with Casey.
I'm glad I read this book just for Casey, he was a really awesome character to read about.
Silent Is The Heart by Dianna Roman
4.5
4.5 stars
Reviewing this book is going to be very hard, because I don't want to spoil anything.
I'll start with saying that I believe it's a very beautiful story: Easton and Aaron met when Easton was 17 and in the hospital. He had just lost his mother and had several severe injuries.
Aaron was the speech therapist who helped Easton regain the ability to talk. During their session, they became friends and Easton had a huge crush on the man and he couldn't wait to be 18 to see if he had a chance with him.
But Aaron, in love with another doctor, left and never thought about Easton again, until 8 years later, when he came back to town, broke and miserable.
Their reconnection is slow: Easton is angry and almost hateful towards Aaron, he refuses to talk to him with his voice to punish him, while Aaron is confused about the reason why Easton has this very cold behaviour; he's also drowning in his personal problems and he desperately needs something good in his life.
Little by little, Easton realises Aaron is genuinely interested in him and doesn't see him as a project and, at the same time, Aaron understands how much he hurt Easton, leaving like he did.
Their friendship is tentative, they have to navigate between financial problems, loneliness, grief. But when finally they take a chance on each other, oh my gosh, it's glorious!
Romantic feelings and emotional moments flood through the whole book: they first time is one of the most beautiful I ever read in MM romance so far.
Every intercourses is beautiful: there wasn't a single time when they didn't look at each other without love in their eyes.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I lost interest during the third part of the book: it seemed too eccessive and both of them were too blindsided by other things to protect their love.
Especially Aaron: I would have loved for him to be more determined and to stand up for himself, his goodness leaned too much towards docility and naivety. He knew what his heart craved but he struggled to follow it.
Wolf, Easton's best friend and business partner, is a very interesting side character: his behaviour is unclear, there were moments when I tought he could be secretly in love with Easton. I hope the author is planning a boom for him too, since his situation at the end is very intriguing.
Overall, I loved it and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Reviewing this book is going to be very hard, because I don't want to spoil anything.
I'll start with saying that I believe it's a very beautiful story: Easton and Aaron met when Easton was 17 and in the hospital. He had just lost his mother and had several severe injuries.
Aaron was the speech therapist who helped Easton regain the ability to talk. During their session, they became friends and Easton had a huge crush on the man and he couldn't wait to be 18 to see if he had a chance with him.
But Aaron, in love with another doctor, left and never thought about Easton again, until 8 years later, when he came back to town, broke and miserable.
Their reconnection is slow: Easton is angry and almost hateful towards Aaron, he refuses to talk to him with his voice to punish him, while Aaron is confused about the reason why Easton has this very cold behaviour; he's also drowning in his personal problems and he desperately needs something good in his life.
Little by little, Easton realises Aaron is genuinely interested in him and doesn't see him as a project and, at the same time, Aaron understands how much he hurt Easton, leaving like he did.
Their friendship is tentative, they have to navigate between financial problems, loneliness, grief. But when finally they take a chance on each other, oh my gosh, it's glorious!
Romantic feelings and emotional moments flood through the whole book: they first time is one of the most beautiful I ever read in MM romance so far.
Every intercourses is beautiful: there wasn't a single time when they didn't look at each other without love in their eyes.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I lost interest during the third part of the book: it seemed too eccessive and both of them were too blindsided by other things to protect their love.
Especially Aaron: I would have loved for him to be more determined and to stand up for himself, his goodness leaned too much towards docility and naivety. He knew what his heart craved but he struggled to follow it.
Wolf, Easton's best friend and business partner, is a very interesting side character: his behaviour is unclear, there were moments when I tought he could be secretly in love with Easton. I hope the author is planning a boom for him too, since his situation at the end is very intriguing.
Overall, I loved it and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders
5.0
5 stars
Do you know the feeling when you're waiting for ages for a book to come out, especially if it's a sequel or if it features an MC you liked, and said book doesn't live up to the expectations?
Well, this book is absolutely NOT that case. It was just perfect and I adored it. I'm so so glad the author decided to give this character his own story.
Brad is a sunshine: he radiates joy and happiness, he loves making friends and he always tries to find the positive side of life. Brad loves people and everyone loves him too: he's not stupid, he's a bit of a clueless dork sometimes, but he's always spontaneous and genuine. I adore his friendship with Cass, they're so at ease with each other, and with Jason, who's like a brother to him.
Joey is amazing too: he was so sweet and patient with Brad and his sexual awakening, he never pushed him, he just loved him in silence, giving him space to figure out his feelings. Joey is a honest and decent man, he loves is family and lives a simple life.
His internal monologues, when he talks about marriage and house and fence are hilarious and sweet at the same time. He was literally swept by Brad's friendship and he just surrendered to the man's attempt to set up dates for him, while falling for him even more in the process.
I literally loved how they were always honest with each other: even when Brad was confused about all the new emotions and feelings he was harbouring, they never hurt each other
He and Joey are simply the most adorable couple ever.
There are cameos of the guys of Elite 8 Studios too and the scenes where they're all together are so funny.
I don't know if the author is planning more books set in this universe, but honestly, Emmy, how can we say goodbye to these amazing men?
Very much recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Do you know the feeling when you're waiting for ages for a book to come out, especially if it's a sequel or if it features an MC you liked, and said book doesn't live up to the expectations?
Well, this book is absolutely NOT that case. It was just perfect and I adored it. I'm so so glad the author decided to give this character his own story.
Brad is a sunshine: he radiates joy and happiness, he loves making friends and he always tries to find the positive side of life. Brad loves people and everyone loves him too: he's not stupid, he's a bit of a clueless dork sometimes, but he's always spontaneous and genuine. I adore his friendship with Cass, they're so at ease with each other, and with Jason, who's like a brother to him.
Joey is amazing too: he was so sweet and patient with Brad and his sexual awakening, he never pushed him, he just loved him in silence, giving him space to figure out his feelings. Joey is a honest and decent man, he loves is family and lives a simple life.
His internal monologues, when he talks about marriage and house and fence are hilarious and sweet at the same time. He was literally swept by Brad's friendship and he just surrendered to the man's attempt to set up dates for him, while falling for him even more in the process.
I literally loved how they were always honest with each other: even when Brad was confused about all the new emotions and feelings he was harbouring, they never hurt each other
He and Joey are simply the most adorable couple ever.
There are cameos of the guys of Elite 8 Studios too and the scenes where they're all together are so funny.
I don't know if the author is planning more books set in this universe, but honestly, Emmy, how can we say goodbye to these amazing men?
Very much recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Faking Ever After by Hayden Hall
4.0
4 stars
New romance from Hayden Hall set in the beautiful island of the Greek archipelago.
When the story starts, Finn is on the run: he stole a hard drive that contains proof of a dangerous man involvement in a scam scheme. Finn asks his friend Kim for help.
Kim is the assistant of a billionaire, Percy, who's in desperate need of a fake boyfriend to accompany him to his parents' anniversary party in Greece.
After spending a lot of time together in close proximity, both Finn and Percy start to realised that they could have more than a fake relationship. I liked very much that Percy was an ordinary guy and that he didn't let his life being tainted by money.
Hayden Hall writes sex scenes that are very emotional and beautiful and Percy and Finn's first time is exactly that.
What prevented him from giving a higher rate:
the timeline of the events didn't sit right with me (I can't say more or I'll spoil the book).
Percy's family is amazing and I loved that Finn could be a bridge between them and Percy.
The epilogue is a little short, but very sweet.
Recommended
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
New romance from Hayden Hall set in the beautiful island of the Greek archipelago.
When the story starts, Finn is on the run: he stole a hard drive that contains proof of a dangerous man involvement in a scam scheme. Finn asks his friend Kim for help.
Kim is the assistant of a billionaire, Percy, who's in desperate need of a fake boyfriend to accompany him to his parents' anniversary party in Greece.
After spending a lot of time together in close proximity, both Finn and Percy start to realised that they could have more than a fake relationship. I liked very much that Percy was an ordinary guy and that he didn't let his life being tainted by money.
Hayden Hall writes sex scenes that are very emotional and beautiful and Percy and Finn's first time is exactly that.
What prevented him from giving a higher rate:
the timeline of the events didn't sit right with me (I can't say more or I'll spoil the book).
Percy's family is amazing and I loved that Finn could be a bridge between them and Percy.
The epilogue is a little short, but very sweet.
Recommended
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Hardwood by K.M. Neuhold
3.5
3.5 stars
Everett is one of the owner of the Four Bears Construction and a single dad. He has been divorced from his wife for five years and during that time he finally came to terms with his sexuality and aknowledged to himself he is gay. But he's still not out to anyone.
During an evening alone in a gay bar, he meets Watson, a wonderful gay man who is also Olivia's teacher.
The two of them become friends and Everett is finally free to be himself, to explore his sexuality, to feel new and exciting emotions.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Everett had all the right to come out on his on time, but he should have been more careful about Watson's feelings.
And again, even if he wasn't as bad as Stone and Cole, he was awful to Ollie too. Ollie didn't deserve that, especially because he genuinely helped him when he was confused and uncertain.
Finally in the next book, Ollie will have his own HEA.
Everett is one of the owner of the Four Bears Construction and a single dad. He has been divorced from his wife for five years and during that time he finally came to terms with his sexuality and aknowledged to himself he is gay. But he's still not out to anyone.
During an evening alone in a gay bar, he meets Watson, a wonderful gay man who is also Olivia's teacher.
The two of them become friends and Everett is finally free to be himself, to explore his sexuality, to feel new and exciting emotions.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Everett had all the right to come out on his on time, but he should have been more careful about Watson's feelings.
And again, even if he wasn't as bad as Stone and Cole, he was awful to Ollie too. Ollie didn't deserve that, especially because he genuinely helped him when he was confused and uncertain.
Finally in the next book, Ollie will have his own HEA.
Nailed by K.M. Neuhold
4.0
4 stars
Stone is the most chaotic of the Four Bears, he's a prankster, hilarious, a little bit unhinged sometimes and, oh my gosh, I found his misinterpretation of common expressions so very funny.
Despite his easygoing attitude, Stone longs for a stable relationship: he would love to have someone to share his life with, but for now, he has to settle for his friends and also for his hot neighbour's cute dog.
Stone and Dare are definitely not friends: because of a misunderstanding, they despise each other and Stone likes to annoy him to no end. All Dare's frustration will lead to a couple of very very hot sexual encounters (we will never geto over with the butter scene).
Stone wants more from Dare, but he's completely closed off and breaking down his walls is difficult.
It will be little Rudy to finally bring them together.
I adore their first "I love you" and I also love so very much the fact that, despite being totally committed and smitten to each other, their dynamic grumpy/sunshine never changed during the whole series.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Sadly, Stone is as much of an asshole to Ollie like Cole is. I really really don't like how they treat the poor guy.
Everett is next.
Stone is the most chaotic of the Four Bears, he's a prankster, hilarious, a little bit unhinged sometimes and, oh my gosh, I found his misinterpretation of common expressions so very funny.
Despite his easygoing attitude, Stone longs for a stable relationship: he would love to have someone to share his life with, but for now, he has to settle for his friends and also for his hot neighbour's cute dog.
Stone and Dare are definitely not friends: because of a misunderstanding, they despise each other and Stone likes to annoy him to no end. All Dare's frustration will lead to a couple of very very hot sexual encounters (we will never geto over with the butter scene).
Stone wants more from Dare, but he's completely closed off and breaking down his walls is difficult.
It will be little Rudy to finally bring them together.
I adore their first "I love you" and I also love so very much the fact that, despite being totally committed and smitten to each other, their dynamic grumpy/sunshine never changed during the whole series.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Sadly, Stone is as much of an asshole to Ollie like Cole is. I really really don't like how they treat the poor guy.
Everett is next.
Caulky by K.M. Neuhold
3.5
3.5 stars
I liked this series very much, so, after reading the eighth book, I decided to re read them all.
In this first book, Cole and Ren's love story, we also get to know the whole crew of the Four Bears Construction.
The brothers Cole and Ollie decided to start their own construction business along with their friends, Stone and Everett. After over a decade, the business is thriving and the four men have built a solid friendship, full with banter and pranks but also with affection and support for each others. The guys are all in their 40s and they're all single.
Cole is the one more happy about his personal life: he's not interested in dating, he just goes out every Thursday to hookup.
Ren is the opposite: he's a relationship guy and he never was into casual sex, but after his last devastating break up, he gives up on relationship and he's pushed by his best friend Daniel to try non committed sex.
They have a epic one time encounter and don't even exchange names. But after a month, Cole knocks at Ren's door to do a renovation job: they were obviously shocked to see each other again.
They start to have regular hookups, where they meet only to have sex without sharing anything about their personal life. Neither of them is interested to have more, even if their physical chemistry is strong.
At the same time they start chatting online and building a solid connection, without knowing they're talking to each other.
I liked how the story evolved, with all their reticences and their personal issues. I especially liked that Cole was the one to fall first: I lovd how he overcame his fears and asked Ren out for a real date.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Cole in love is amazing and I like him. But I can't get past the fact that he is an real asshole to his brother, constantly mocking him about his failed marriages. Even Ren, after just one minute spent with all of them together, could understand how Ollie was hurt by his brother's words.
Next book is Stone's story, I'm going to reread it soon.
I liked this series very much, so, after reading the eighth book, I decided to re read them all.
In this first book, Cole and Ren's love story, we also get to know the whole crew of the Four Bears Construction.
The brothers Cole and Ollie decided to start their own construction business along with their friends, Stone and Everett. After over a decade, the business is thriving and the four men have built a solid friendship, full with banter and pranks but also with affection and support for each others. The guys are all in their 40s and they're all single.
Cole is the one more happy about his personal life: he's not interested in dating, he just goes out every Thursday to hookup.
Ren is the opposite: he's a relationship guy and he never was into casual sex, but after his last devastating break up, he gives up on relationship and he's pushed by his best friend Daniel to try non committed sex.
They have a epic one time encounter and don't even exchange names. But after a month, Cole knocks at Ren's door to do a renovation job: they were obviously shocked to see each other again.
They start to have regular hookups, where they meet only to have sex without sharing anything about their personal life. Neither of them is interested to have more, even if their physical chemistry is strong.
At the same time they start chatting online and building a solid connection, without knowing they're talking to each other.
I liked how the story evolved, with all their reticences and their personal issues. I especially liked that Cole was the one to fall first: I lovd how he overcame his fears and asked Ren out for a real date.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Cole in love is amazing and I like him. But I can't get past the fact that he is an real asshole to his brother, constantly mocking him about his failed marriages. Even Ren, after just one minute spent with all of them together, could understand how Ollie was hurt by his brother's words.
Next book is Stone's story, I'm going to reread it soon.