When the Dust SettlesAuthor: Mary Calmes Reviewer: Sophia Rose Rating: B What I’m Talking About: Years ago, I read the first two books in the Timing series which followed one couple.  I thought it was to be a duology and then When the Dust Settles came out years later and featured two secondary characters.  I have no idea why I didn’t read it as soon as I got it, right after it released, but the series was hazy in my mind when, for a reading challenge, I took this one up and settled in to finally finish the book and the series. I really loved the two main characters, Stef and Rand, i ..read more

Once a RogueAuthor: Allie Therin Reviewer: Jen Rating: A- What I’m Talking About: Wesley and Sebastian are on a boat bound for New York when they receive a cryptic cable from Jade. However, when they arrive, they discover that Jade, Zhang, Arthur, and Rory have all mysteriously left town. Additionally, an acquaintance of Wesley’s who is loosely linked to paranormal artifacts is in town, causing Wesley and Sebastian to worry for their missing associates. Once a Rogue not only continues Wesley and Sebastian’s romance, but carries forward the paranormal intrigue which began in the original Magic ..read more

That Summer FeelingAuthor: Bridget Morrissey Reviewer: Sophia Rose Rating: A- What I’m Talking About: Some books are called a summer read, but That Summer Feeling goes to the heart of summer with all the nostalgia, fun, and groans of the summer camp experience.  A woman recovers from a divorce, explores a part of childhood she missed the first time around when she goes to camp, and is stunned to explore her sexuality as well when she runs into a previous crush and finds herself more into his sister. This was my first experience with Bridget Morrissey’s books and I was not disappointed.&nb ..read more

#TBRChallenge June’s Theme is “Love is Love” This book has been on my TBR since at least 2014, and I purchased it from Audible in November 2015. Why I selected it: Gay Romance Audiobook review: Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux Early in my blogging years, the Cut & Run series was all the buzz, and I bought the first book, Cut & Run with an audible credit, fully intending to listen to the entire series. Fast forward eight years, I’m finally listening, and I’m glad I did. I can see why this series was the “IT” gay romance series for a while. It’s got all the makings ..read more

Audiobook review: Something Spectacular by Alexis Hall If pining for one’s best friend were a virtue, then Peggy Delancey would have been sainted by now—or whatever the non-religious equivalent might be. Unfortunately, being in love with someone who can’t love you back tends to put a strain on a person. Still, with some distance from Arabella Tarleton, Peggy’s beginning to have an idea about what she wants in life, and even wonder if maybe she ought to be able to have it. Of course, running to Belle’s aid the instant she asks (to help her fall in love with someone else) may not be t ..read more

Audiobook review: Bidding for the Bachelor by Jackie Lau Cedric is the last single Fong brother, and his grandmother is determined to  see him settled down. So when his family announces they would hold a bachelor auction as part of their annual charity fundraising, Po-Po bribes Cedric with 200 dumplings if he agrees to participate. Brian led a life of extravagant parties and wild sex as part of his rebellion against his family. He also was in love with Cedric’s now-married brother, Vince. Feeling sorry for a girl whose family was in a bidding war to get her a date with Cedric ..read more

GlitterlandAuthor: Alexis Hall Reviewer: B. Rating: A+ What I’m Talking About: “And, God, I wanted, I wanted. These crumbs of bliss.” Ash Winters has cultivated an impressive résumé so far in his twenty-eight years: beloved son, Oxford alum, successful author… Not to mention being both wealthy and attractive. It would be a golden life, if only he weren’t so inescapably exhausted from trying to live it. But, how can he possibly cling to the shadows he hides in when a man more garish and honest and blinding than the sun has the audacity to want him as he really is? Even though this review i ..read more

Dead Dead GirlsAuthor: Nekesa Afia Reviewer: B. Rating: B+ What I’m Talking About: “She had been a showgirl, a waitress, a lover, a dancer…And now she was a detective too.” And this is the clearest introduction I can offer for the excellent Louise Lloyd, main character of Dead Dead Girls, the debut novel by Nekesa Afia. Of course, Louise doesn’t arrive at that realization about herself until well into the narrative, but I still think it’s an ideal description. Set in 1926 Harlem, New York City, Dead Dead Girls follows the reluctant (at least initially) transformation of Louise from waitress/cl ..read more

Are You Kitten MeAuthor: Quinn Anderson Reviewer: B. Rating: B- What I’m Talking About: After a couple of false starts, Shane Maguire has finally finished culinary school, found a job at a prestigious restaurant, and gotten his own place (and off his parents couch). And, while he is proud of his independence, it doesn’t help with the fact that he’s lonely. With a little nudge from his father, Shane is sure that a visit to the local shelter will be exactly what he needs. A puppy will be a perfect fit. Or maybe a fluffy, red kitten instead… Damian Murphy has an apartment to himself, a job he lik ..read more

A Dash of Salt and PepperAuthor: Kosoko Jackson Reviewer: B. Rating: B+ What I’m Talking About: In the small town of Harper’s Cove, Maine, there are two types of people: those born there who never want to leave, and those who were not born there, but also never want to leave. Xavier Reynolds doesn’t fit into either category. A victim of his own interrupted trajectory, he is the newly-single, reluctant prodigal, eager for his next escape from a familiar place forever in stasis. Except, quite a lot has changed in the years since he left…especially himself. Although A Dash of Salt and Pepper has ..read more