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

#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: 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

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

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

Faith & Fidelity Author: Tere Michaels Reviewer: Jen Rating: B/B- #TBRChallenge November’s Theme is “Lies” This book has been on my TBR since February 13, 2017.  Why I selected it: Two men who have to hide their love for one another. It’s more of omission of truth equals the lie. What I’m Talking About: Evan, a detective with NYPD, lost his wife: his first and only love. He’s shut down and barely living day-to-day, but doing what he can for his four kids. Matt was a detective with the NYPD until he turned in other beloved cops for being dirty. He was forced to Staten ..read more

The Courage to LoveAuthor: Samantha Kane Reviewer: Jen Rating: DNF #TBRChallenge May’s Theme is “Tales of Old” This book has been on my TBR since February 15, 2012. Why I selected it: It’s an historical romance. It’s been on my TBR for over 10 years (so it’s “old”).  What I’m Talking About: Since Kate’s husband died, she’s been the mistress of a few decent men; however the last one used her as fun for his gambling friends who raped her, and then he kicked her out. In the year since, she’s opened her own business to support herself and her young niece. Tony and Jason return from the cont ..read more

I’m So (Not) Over YouAuthor: Kosoko Jackson Reviewer: B. Rating: B- What I’m Talking About: Having recently earned his degree in journalism and sociology, Kian Andrews is ready to conquer the world. Except for the lack of job prospects. And the massive amount of college loan debt. And the broken heart he’s still trying to ignore after his affluent, gorgeous ex-boyfriend, Hudson Rivers, dumped him without warning three months ago. At least Kian isn’t the type to fall in love with said ex again when he calls begging for a favor only Kian can do—right? I was so excited to receive this ARC from Ne ..read more