stephreviewsbooks's reviews
760 reviews

The Step Don't by Devon McCormack, Riley Hart

Go to review page

4.0

This story took me a while to settle in to until they got together. Once their personality comes through it makes more sense. Colin is an emotive character, he gets off on Ash being happy and sated. They up the chemistry as it goes along and their exhibitionism kink makes the scenes extra hot and intense. I feel we only just scratched the surface of the exhibitionism, I would have liked to see more. We learn about how they met and became stepbrothers and how their bond began back then, they hadn't realised that they probably fell in love long before they became a couple. They are very intimate with each other, and not just physically, their honesty and promises to not keep secrets adds so much depth to their relationship. Their trust is already well established which possibly helps with the dynamics together. They have great fun with the Frat guys along the way. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
 
The Retreat by Andi Jaxon, J.R. Gray

Go to review page

5.0

This book follows its predecessor with another 5 stars. Still with the fencing, but this one is more character centered. I am not sure which of the two men I loved the most. Owen has a vulnerability that makes you want to go into full on nurturing mode, whereas Colin is sunshiny and knowing how hard depression is also on the partner, I have his back too. 
 I loved the sexual tension that Colin could conjure up in about 3 seconds, Owen never saw it coming and it makes this book hard to put down. Owen has growly tendencies that nobody ever knew about, especially him and this upped the chemistry.  Fancy getting jealous over your husband-on-paper, maybe feelings are getting crosswired. It is inevitable that these two will fall in love.
 I love their honesty with each other, Owen is full disclosure about his struggles with anxiety and depression, and his lack of sexual appetite; which Colin seems to conquer. Despite the heavyness that Owen carries, there is fun banter between these two that was a lot of fun. We hear from Oliver and Issac a lot and I loved how Colin could wind Oliver up. Love isn't just saying the words, actions speak louder than words, and Owen's actions towards a certain event shoots the word to the stars. These two deserve all the comfort and love they bring each other; I miss them already. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Red Zone by Nicole Dykes

Go to review page

4.0

Dallas is a deep character, with so much guilt and regression, despite him not having done anything wrong. His family and others, so called responsible adults, have let him down. He is a shell of his true self and luckily Colt can see there is so much more inside. 
 These two kind of found each other and both fell fast and hard. It is a story that makes you feel so proud of Dallas and so glad Colt gave him love and encouragement. I can't wait to read Benny's story next. 
 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
 
We Could Do This Forever by Emerson Beckett

Go to review page

4.0

An easy read with an insta-love feeling. Nick and Preston openly flirt and both have strong feelings, but Nick cannot be distracted before he graduates. They end up working on a project together and there is no way they can keep things strictly business. Their pent up restraint gives way and everything changes. There is a third act break up and I wasn't convinced that this was unnecessary and could have avoided this but Preston realised his life was empty without Nick and a happy ending followed. 
Someone Like You by Lyla Dane

Go to review page

5.0

What an amazing debut novel. There is so much packed into this story. First, we have Isaac with his crippling PTSD, but he is also fiercely protective too. Brody refers to him as a prickly cactus, which is a perfect name. Then there is Brody, who is a contradiction. People call him weird and quiet and a loner, but Issac never sees him like this. He has his own share of family trauma too. These two start off on the wrong foot and it takes a little while before Issac allows Brody to help him. Issac, is triggered throughout the story, his therapy sessions are key to helping him work through his issues. Brody turns out to be a softee, despite his bad boy looks. He adores Issac and just needs Issac to believe it.  Despite the heaviness that this book carries,  there is also a lot of humour and fun and high heat chemistry. Lots of amazing supporting characters, I would love some of them to get a story. I loved Brody's relationship with his sister, she was so dry and funny and called it between them before they had any idea. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
 
The Blame Game by Brigham Vaughn

Go to review page

4.0

This book rounds off the series well, but Dom has a long journey before his happy ending. Dom is in his final NHL year, before retirement. He just needs several months and he can start living his life without hiding his true self. He has had an arrangement with Shae for years, but paparazzi have decided to print speculation about these two and if Dom doesn't want his personal life printed he is going to have to do some damage control. We watch Dom struggle with opening himself up to his team and how it helps him understand his feelings for Shae. It isn't a quick awakening and he has Shae with him throughout. There was a lot to fit in this story, because there were secondary storylines including family conflicts, leaked stories and hockey games. I am going to miss these men, it has been a really strong series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.