notguilty's reviews
1757 reviews

These two had a questionable start. They hate each other and Blaze goads Ajax into some interactions that push boundaries and bring up some deeply concerning trauma. 

But they work through it amazingly.  Opening themselves up and exposing their tender underbellies to each other.  It’s really quite lovely.

That’s not to say this is a light-hearted story. The opposite.  It’s explosive and heated, and they are in for a rough ride while they sort themselves out and work through all the ails them. 

It hurt my heart, while also being beautiful and hopeful. A journey from hate to steadfast loyalty.

 

Monster - you sweet gentle giant. He may be a star player in baseball but he’s never felt like a star in his personal life.  Until Finn - who shows him just how special he is.

And so is Finn. Vibrant and confident in who he is.  It was hard won, his freedom to be himself. And it’s that, that captures Monster's attention.

Full of exploration and sweet dates, these two will melt your heart.

 

Secret Santa is revealed and he’s sweet and selfless, and just an all-around terrific human. Christmas Falls is lucky to call him theirs.

The featured romance in this one is a lovely best friend to lovers, sexual awakening with a dash of hurt/comfort. 

They told themselves and each other lies when they were torn apart as children, but their friendship remains the best and most meaningful relationship of their lives. And though Milo’s confession throws their relationship for a loop, it’s exactly what they need to make sure they find the love they deserve.

It’s such a heartwarming story and perfect fit for Christmas Falls.

 

Benny is an aggressively sunshiny guy who is blindly fearless to others' opinions. Rowan on the hand needs a big old hug and a lot of loving. When his mother died, he was left with an a-hole bigot of a father, adding to the fact that they live in a small largely bigoted town.

I adored Benny in the previous book, but I was admittedly a little frustrated with his almost refusal to understand why Rowan didn’t want to come out, as well as Benny’s refusal to take no for an answer.

But it’s a fast-paced story, and they do make a cute couple. And it’s always satisfying to watch the grumpy/hurt guy find love and acceptance.

I especially loved Benny’s parents. They are such warm people.  Here’s hoping Big Bend learns so much more love and acceptance soon.

 

A wonderful heartfelt story with two really great men.

It may seem like an unusual pairing, a Veteran and Cyber Security specialist and a dog accessory designer. But man, they work so well together.

It was a joy to watch them get to know one another and find their person.  Not to mention a little family with Luther’s foster daughter and his sister.

So cute.

What happens when Silas finally snaps and goes from resisting the tempting flirt, Colt and takes matters into his own hands!

This delicious short story is exciting and sweet in 30 pages.  Exactly what West Greene has perfected.

A snippet of lust, possession and sweet happy ever after.

 

This is so on point. I loved growly, protective Ryan and his slightly chaotic, people-pleasing protectee, Zane.

Zane is delightful, though I too, want to scream with every ‘fine’ he utters!

It’s a bodyguard/protectee romance, but also, so much more. And it has a suspense element that really keeps you guessing and turning the pages.  I did slow a bit in the middle but otherwise, I really enjoyed the trajectory of their story.

I also really enjoyed the way the Bear facts podcast was woven into the story. It was a fantastic and fun element.

Also…Jude Marian…eeeeee

 

Enemies to Lovers written so well that I struggled through the beginning. Shawn was so obnoxious I wanted to punch him as much as Daniel.

You need to read past that, because as expected, there is more to the story, and more to them.

The story really delves into self-worth, past trauma, and healing. And, of course, love. With a side of snowed-in cabin for the season!

A lot of heart went into this story.

 

What a delight.  I love a story where grumps are really softies and the sunshiny is also dark. 

Gray and Sunny met at their worst. And to top it off Gray has to take Sunny in when his cabin roof collapses. 

It doesn’t take long for them to start peeling the layers back and see beneath that exterior. And it was wonderful. I especially enjoyed the way the community saw Gray, and how much they loved their grump. It was really special.

These are the kind of characters that will stick with me for a long while.

This story also had a lot of great lines! Here are a couple of my favs:

“Gray shook his head. “You two are the same person in different font.”

“But what I’m hearing you say is that we are both just really f*ing broken.”

Gray snorted. “Got my millionaire at a scratch and dent sale, folks.”

 

This is a deliciously naughty and sweet holiday story with another gorgeous Forestville silverfox.

What starts as a sexy holiday hook quickly turns into something important. Except it takes them a bit to truly acknowledge it. In the process they hold up in a snowy cabin sharing their art, eating good food and working out A LOT!

Santa Ellery definitely approves.