REVIEW : His Cocky Valet (Undue Arrogance #1) by Cole McCade

Title : His Cocky Valet by Cole McCade
Series : Undue Arrogance book 1
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance
Publication Date : May 11th 2018
My Rating(s) : 3.5/5 Stars

Ash Harrington's life is out of control.

At twenty-three years old, he's suddenly the head of a multibillion dollar global corporation he is in no way equipped to run. His father is dying. His mother's run away. He's spent his entire adult life playing fast and loose with his life and his loves, but when he's dragged into a position of responsibility with the fate of the company on his shoulders, he goes spinning into freefall.

And Brand Forsythe is the only man to catch him.

Icy, detached, nearly twice Ash's age, the massive monolith of a British valet is impossible to deal with and like no servant Ash has ever met. Domineering and controlling, Brand quickly puts Ash's life in order.

And quickly takes Ash in hand.

Even if by day Ash has to project authority, leadership, and calm...by night he's discovering the breathless pleasure of giving up control. The shivering thrill of surrendering to Brand. The sweet taboo of being submissive to the man in even the smallest things. Ash can't quite understand why it feels so good to put himself in Brand Forsythe's capable, commanding hands.

He only knows, as he faces the hardest decisions of his life...the only thing that can save him is the love of his cocky valet.

Author's Note: If you're reading this, you likely know why this book exists. Bask in the petty, my darlings. Bask.

Brand smiled faintly, “I will always come to your call, young Master.” 

“Always?” Ashton asked, with a note of broken, sweet vulnerability that tugged at Brand’s heart. “Is that not what a valet is for?”

💦💦💦

Cole McCade definitely a new author for me and the main reason I’m interested with this book is mostly because this book was written as a reaction to the #cockygate ‘scandal’ that happen not too long ago.

First, I thought this book will be another cheap and cheesy reading to ‘cheer up' the party, but apparently I was wrong!
Because soon I found that this story definitely has good plot and was seriously written by the author and the story is good enough to enjoy.

The unique ‘relationship’ between Ash and his ‘older’ valet, Brand was interesting enough to follow. I must admit that at some part it’s a bit not logic, BUT the connection was there and it’s a bit confusing but sound so intriguing and curious me enough to the level hard for me to put it down.

There’s a light D/s scenes at half end of the book that a bit surprise me but since the punishment was not far from using pleasures as part of the discipline and punishment, I have no problems at all.

For a valet, Brand was like a magician who can magically provide almost ANYTHING from behind his jacket and like MacGyver, he has many amazing skills that amazed me at some level and that including helping Ash to manage his father multi-billion dollars business that left to his hand. And THAT made Brand become not just an ordinary valet but a BRAINY SUPERHERO VALET with the ‘superpower’ skills!!!

Sounds crazy huh? And a bit not logic yes?! BUT the CRAZIEST thing is….I don’t even CARE!!! Because I do really enjoying the reading!!!!

I must admit that this book kinda reminds me of a Japanese anime about an amazing Butler and Ash's valet kinda reminds me of Sebastian Michaelis from the very famous anime/manga Black Butler!! (minus the deadly daggers skills of course or maybe it’s not shown for now eh?)

His Cocky Valet is completely entertaining and fun reading with heart warming touch. As the first of the Undue Arrogance series, I really can’t wait what the author will offers in the next book.

REVIEW : Sleeping Beauty (An Erotic Gay Fairy Tale) by Kelex

Title : Sleeping Beauty by Kelex
Genre(s) : short story, gay romance, LGBTQ+,  fairytale, fantasy, retelling, Mpreg 
Publication Date : May 6th 2018
Rating(s) : 5/5 Stars
Buy links : Amazon

Caught in the battle of a lifetime, Prince Rainier’s land is nearing surrender. Years of war have destroyed his once beautiful land and virtually everything he held dear. His forces are dwindling, his gold almost gone, and he’s facing the prospect of an arranged marriage in order to buy allies in a last ditch attempt to save his kingdom.

On a fool’s errand, he races out in search of one last hope—an old fairytale his father had once told him of a sleeping army that could win his war for him.

The only wrinkle? He’ll have to kiss a beautiful princess in order to do it. Unwilling to let his people suffer, he’ll do what he must in order to save them all. And perhaps that princess won’t want him once she awakens… considering he doesn’t want her.

Only his princess isn’t all he’d expected.

Can he find a way to save his people and not curse two people to live in a loveless marriage?

And what’s all this nonsense about true love?

“Who… who are you?” Rainier smiled. “I’m the man who woke you from your five hundred year slumber.” 

Caught by the beautiful cover and the blurb plus the interesting premise of one good fairytale and retelling story  about one of my favorite classic fairytale story, Sleeping Beauty, I devouring and enjoying this book in one sit!

Even when you completely KNOW about the story with my heart, it’s still made me curious and interested in what the author will DO with this famous classic story and really intriguing by the plot twists the author put in this book.

I really enjoying reading Prince Rainier’s journeys to save his Kingdom from the battle by following his heart to find allies through marriage even it means he must marry a Princess and put his own desire of man behind.

Ready to sacrifice himself to his Kingdom sake, Prince Rainier bravely fight the dragon and preparing himself to kiss a Princess. Only what he didn’t expected is…the princess he about to kiss turned out to be a breathtaking and beautiful prince!!!

I always love fairytale and retelling, and this one is one of good combination of it and was written in very interesting, entertaining and good plot twists I ever read. All I can say is…this short story – no doubt – is another recommended short read!!!

ARC REVIEW : Galaxies and Oceans by N.R. Walker

Title : Galaxies and Oceans
Author : N.R. Walker
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, M/M romance
Publication Date : June 25th 2018
My Rating(s) : 5/5 Stars
Buy Links : Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon AUS | Amazon CA | Amazon FR 

Seizing his one chance to escape, Ethan Hosking leaves his violent ex-boyfriend, leaves his entire life, and walks into the path of a raging bushfire. Desperate to start over, a new man named Aubrey Hobbs walks out of the fire-ravaged forest, alive and alone. With no ID and no money, nothing but his grandfathers telescope, he goes where the Southern Cross leads him.

Patrick Carney is the resident lighthouse keeper in Hadley Cove, a small town on the remote Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia. After the tragic death of his lover four years ago, he lives a solitary life; just him, a tabby cat, the Indian and Southern Oceans, and a whole lot of loneliness. Hes content with his life until a stranger shows up in town and turns Patricks head.

Patrick never expected to be interested in anyone else.

Aubrey never expected to be happy.

Between Aubreys love of the stars and Patricks love of the ocean, these two fragile hearts must navigate new waters. If they can weather the storm of their pasts, they could very well have a love that eclipses everything.

“Everything about you means comfort to me…Kind of like I’m lost at sea and you’re the lighthouse and safe harbour. I know when I’m with you, no one can hurt me.”

Even before I read the book, the cover of this book already captivating me with its beauty. Right from the first time I saw the cover, I just knew…that I’ll love the story with all my heart!

This story was sadly beautiful and I fall in love with Aubrey and Patrick right from the start. This very simply and common romance was beautifully written by N.R. Walker. And the way she made this simple story feels so deep was amazing!

I falling in love with both Aubrey and Patrick over and over again through their journey to find each other by the stars and ocean.

The strong connection between the two main characters was so strong right from the very start. The healing process and regaining the trust was not the easy thing for Aubrey, but he learn to trust Patrick and let his heart lead him to Patrick love. Patrick never thought that he will feel the love again after losing Scott. The hurt and grieving had put Patrick life feels so lonely. Everything start to change when Aubrey came to his life. And Patrick start to feels alive again.

I swoon and cried during the reading. And completely in love with Scott’s ‘ghost’ through Patrick’s light and heartwarming ‘chat’ with him. Whether it just Patrick’s imaginary chat or it’s his subconscious, Scott’s presence and his cat, Tabby, also becoming important part in this story. Because they knew, right from the start that Aubrey will bring back the light into Patrick’s lonely life…

And like the Southern Cross who lead Aubrey journey to find his own lighthouse and his home…it also lead Patrick to finally found his own star….

Galaxies and Oceans is a beautiful heartwarming love story about two wounded men who found and heal each other. This book definitely one of the best romantic story I’ve read this year!

Highly Recommended!

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.

She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

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ARC REVIEW : Heroes for Ghosts (Love Across Times #1) by Jackie North

Title : Heroes for Ghosts by Jackie North
Series : Love Across Times book 1
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, time travel romance
Publication Date : June 13th 2018
My Rating(s) : 5 Stars
Buy links : Amazon

Soulmates across time. A sacrifice that could keep them apart forever.

In 2018, near the village of Ornes, France, Devon works on his master's thesis in history as he fantasizes about meeting a WWI American Doughboy.

In 1916, during the Battle of Ornes, Stanley is a young soldier facing the horrors of the battlefield.

Mourning the death of his friends from enemy fire, Stanley volunteers to bring the message for retreat so he can save everyone else in his battalion. While on his mission, mustard gas surrounds Stanley and though he thinks he is dying, he finds himself in a peaceful green meadow where he literally trips over Devon.

Devon doesn't believe Stanley is who he says he is, a soldier from WWI. But a powerful attraction grows between them, and if Stanley is truly a visitor from the past, then he is Devon's dream come true. The problem is, Stanley's soul wants to finish his mission, and time keeps yanking him back to relive his fateful last morning over and over, even as his heart and body long to stay with Devon.

Will Stanley have to choose between Devon and saving his battalion? Will time betray their love, leaving each alone?

A male/male time travel romance, complete with hurt/comfort, French coffee, warm blankets, fireplace kisses, the angst of separation, and true love across time.

I need to see this story made into a movie someday.


The story was endearing, beautiful and heartwarming with a bit angst.

I was caught by the blurb and it’s beautiful cover. The premise of the story was very intriguing and this book successfully caught me since the first page.

The writing was beautiful and I cannot put it down since I started it. The story absolutely consuming and curious me even more. I want to know what will happen next, but at the same time…I really didn’t want the story to end.

For a story that only happened in hours count (for Stanley, or in days count in Devon's time), the story felt not too rush at all. Instead everything that happen feels so right on it portion. The instant connections between Devon and Stanley can strongly felt since they first met, and each time Stanley disappear, it anxious and worried me…

Will he come back this time? Or…never…

This book kinda reminds me of Bill Murray’s movie Groundhog Day (1993) and Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour’s movie Somewhere in Time (1989). Phil Connors (Bill Murray) found himself woke up each day and repeating what he had done that day over and over again until he finally find the reason on how he’d been trapped in ‘time loop'. Yes, he had a ‘mission’ need to finish before everything back to ‘normal’ again. And like Phil, Stanley also have a mission of his own to finish before the time loop end, to save his friends on the battlefield. If a coin can make Richard Collier (Christopher Reeves) time traveling to the past, then it’s fair enough for Stanley to traveling to the future by mustard gas, right?
And all that happen between Devon and Stanley was beautifully written by the author.

Heroes for Ghost is a debut time-travel novel by a new author, Jackie North. For a debut novel, I think the author nailed it very well. This book was the first of the Love Across Times series, and really can’t wait for the next book in this series!

Recommended!

ARC Review : Demon Familiar (Wanted #1) by Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham

Title : Demon Familiar
Part of Series : Wanted Book 1
Author : Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham
Genre(s) : Gay romance, fantasy, paranormal
Publication Date : June 19th 2018
My Rating(s) : 4/5 Stars

Sometimes when you don’t know what you want, life gives you what you need. 

When Neil Markovic witnesses the murder of his mother by Bone Men his world is thrown into turmoil. On the run from the assassins that killed her, his sorcerer father and the police, Neil finds help in the form of a tall half fae alchemist named Malachai. Mal seems more accepting than most of Neil’s demon bloodline, but curiously immune to his charms.

Malachai Valentine, disgraced scion of a noble Leprechaun clan, back in the Old Country, is happy living as an anonymous scrap dealer. Using his talent for alchemy to make fuel and potions, most days he doesn’t even think of his ruinous past. When a scared young man with a fancy car crashes into his life, at first, Mal thinks he can do without the hassle. But as Neil begins to get under his skin, Mal starts to reassess his hopes and ambitions.

Harassed by megalomaniac fae and stalked by sorcerous killers at every turn, Malachai and Neil must fight to be free, and to find what they both truly wanted.

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, murder and non-consensual sex.

“I’m not a hero, Neil. I’m not even a mage. But what I can promise is that I will not give up on you, not while there is breath in my body.”

Neil didn’t expected his life will turned upside down in just one night when he came home from work and found his mother had been slaughtered by some kind assassin called Bone Men, sent by unknown person who also want him….dead or live.

The next thing Neil do is run and save his own life!

Fate then brought him meet with Malachai or Mal,  anonymous scrap dealer slash half fey and an alchemist who also turned out to be a descendants of the very old and powerful leprechaun clan.

Longtime ago, Mal run from his family and lived under the radar as a scrap dealer and selling magical potions to survive. The night when he met Neil had started the mess when the Bone Men attacked and endangered not only his life but his one and only friend, Merc.

Curious and suspicious about what’s had happened and why Neil had been ‘hunt' like that had slowly turned Mal curiosity into care. There’s something in Neil that attracted him in a way he never felt before. The next thing Mal's knew, he had to protect Neil’s life even if it’s cost his own life…..

Actually, I’m in a very bad mood and sick of the over sweet contemporary romance story when I accidentally stumbled with the cover of this book. And when I read the blurb, it curious me even more. It’s been such a long time since the last time I read this kind of story with mage, sorcerer, fey, etc. So, I think it’s about time to change the genre to save my already moody mood, right?

I have a bit high expectations and giddy feeling when I started the book. Will it as good as I expected? Will I like it? Or will it ended with huge disappointment?

Well, I’m so glad that the story was interesting and intriguing enough to made me enjoying he whole reading. The pace, the conflicts, the tensions and the mysteries was writing in good portion. But there's still a lot of loopholes and several unexplained things about Mal that keep me wondering, like what happened with Mal's wings and further explanation about it. Or maybe it will be reveal in the next book perhaps?

There's also few things about Neil that still need further explanation on the how and why and that made really curious with what will happen next. Oh and I also want to know MORE about Merc's story!

Overall, the story was intriguing enough to follow and I enjoying every single thing that happen in this book and YES! I want more!

ARC Review : Rainbow Place (Rainbow Place #1) by Jay Northcote

Title: Rainbow Place (Rainbow Place #1)
Author: Jay Northcote
Publisher: Jaybird Press (self published)
Length: 54,000 words approx
Genre: contemporary m/m romance
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Release Date: Friday 15th June 2018
My Rating(s) : 4/5 Stars
Purchase Links : Amazon | Amazon UK | Universal Amazon Link 

Can Jason find the courage he needs to be the man Seb deserves?

When Seb Radcliffe relocates to a seaside town in Cornwall, he feels like a fish out of water. He misses queer spaces and the sense of community he enjoyed when he was living in the city, and decides to open an LGBT-friendly cafe–bar.

Jason Dunn is the builder Seb hires to help renovate the rundown space where the cafe will be housed. Jason is also gay, but unlike Seb, he’s deep in the closet. He’s never had a relationship with another man—only allowing himself the occasional hook up with guys who are prepared to be discreet.

The attraction between the two men is instant and impossible to ignore. But while Seb is out and proud, Jason is terrified of being exposed. With the grand opening of Rainbow Place approaching, tension is growing among some locals who object to Seb’s plans. When things escalate, Jason is forced to choose whether to hide in the shadows and let Seb down, or to openly support the man he’s fallen so hard for.

Although this book is part of a series, it has a satisfying happy ending and can be read as a standalone.

Seb made him want different things, showing him a glimpse of a future Jason had never allowed himself to consider before.

💦💦💦

Closeted gay story was usually a type story I will avoided to read, but since Jay’s book will always be in my auto-read book, there's no reason I will not give this book a try.

And I’m so glad that I gave this book a chance because what I know next, the book had consumed me and I found that it totally hard to put it down. I read it in one sit and have such a great time with it.

After a hurtful break up with his younger lover at London and at nearly same time also inherited amounts of money from his late grandfather, Seb Radcliffe then decided to leave London and start a new life at a seaside town in Cornwall.

He didn’t expected that after few months living in the small town he misses queer spaces and the sense of community he enjoyed when he was living in the city. Then with the help from his two lesbians new friends from the town, Seb decides to open an LGBT-friendly cafe–bar. And hired Jason Dunn to help him renovated the café.

The sparks between Seb and Jason was instantly there right since the first time they met. What Seb doesn’t expected is the fact that Jason also gay but still live deep in closeted.
But the strong attractions that happen between the two are way more stronger than what they thought. Jason had made Seb broke his own promise to not involved with a closeted gay man. And in the other hand, Seb had made Jason also broke his own rules to not have any love affair with the local and have ‘date’ with the same guy more than once.

Things then start to become a bit complicated when all that they thought as just sex for fun slowly turned into something that more than just a sex. Trapped in between his feeling to Seb and his own frightened about the people reactions about him being gay had put Jason in dilemmas. And when some bigots vandalized Seb's café, Jason then did something that hurt Seb's heart…

When Jason finally realized that he had hurt and disappointed Seb, he decided to do something to gained back Seb trust and love…

Will Seb then give Jason a second chance?

Overall, I like the story except the part when Jason did something that hurt Seb even I do really understand Jason situation. But still, it’s hurt to see the way he hurt Seb like that. The story seems a bit cliché at first, but in Jay's hand it’s feels far from cliché because there’s still strong messages inside the story that will made you think that there’s still a lot of good people out there who respect and love you for who you are. And it’s really warm my heart.

The part that I love from this book is Jason ex wife and daughter who very supportive and accepting. And the way people show their support to Seb and the café after what had happen.

There’s also few things that caught my curiosity while reading this book. Yes! Alex!! I hope Alex and Cam will have their own story, and I hope that Will will also have his own book too. Oh, and don’t forget about Luca! Cuz I have this strong feeling that he will surprise us with his own story!

Recommended!

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as Audiobooks.

Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.

www.jaynorthcote.com

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Review : The Prep and the Punk (Boys Only #1) by Imogene Kash

Title : The Prep and the Punk by Imogene Kash
Part of series : Boys Only book 1
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, Young Adults+
Publication Date : May 3rd 2018
My Rating(s) : 4.5/5 Stars

In this elite school… locked high away in the Colorado mountains… it’s boys only.

He’s a loner.

Sebastian “Bash” Lowell is used to not fitting in or going with the flow.
They call him a punk in the press, so he does his best to live up to the title.
He’s practically a professional outcast at this point, having changed schools so many times he’s lost count.
Bash learned long ago it’s far better to stand out than it is to fit in, so he’s made sure everything about him screams “back-off." Finding friends is more hassle than it’s worth when he knows he’s going to be gone again at his parents’ next whim.
Bash fought to get into the elite, exclusive, private school to avoid his publicity-hungry parents who use him to fuel gossip and fend off far-reaching rumors.
Having learned a few tricks from his vicious, media-savvy mother, Bash broke a few laws, ruffled the right feathers, and was exiled to Castle Pines. Now he gets to finish his high school career in peace and quiet, and in the same damn place.
All Bash wants is to graduate and get on with his life outside the limelight. No attachments, school only, so he can focus on getting into his dream college.
Nothing prepared him for Rutledge Darby.

He’s a legacy.

Rutledge “Edge” Alexander Darby IV has had everything in his life handed to him on a silver platter.
They call him the preppy-billionaire-heir in the press, although he resists his title at every possible opportunity.
Edge is American royalty, his last name synonymous with wealth and privilege. His family crest adorns the walls of the elite private school he’s attended since before he could walk. Castle Pines is all he’s ever known—a kingdom he’s ruled since birth.
Everyone in his world wants something from him, and Edge isn't the type to give anything away for free. His life is simple. No attachments, no entanglements, and the only person he trusts to watch his back is his best friend.
For their senior year, they fully plan to do as they please and raise as much hell as possible.
Edge longs for something to surprise him. He's desperate for the unexpected. He’s ready for something real.
Nothing prepared him for Bash Lowell.

He was the sun—the star that shone brighter than any others in the sky. I was the darkness that surrounded him and all the other stars. I was in the background while they all glowed and glimmered. 

Edge and I weren’t oil and water, unable to blend. We were more like gasoline and a lit match—too dangerous to play around with and ready to ignite at any moment. 

💦💦💦

I've been eyeing and curious about this book since people keep talking about this book even before it release. So when it finally release, I one-clicked it and devouring the book right away.

The cover and blurb totally a magnet to my curiosity. The story really consume me right from the very first page to the end. The author keep saying that this is the gay version of The Gossip Girls, but I must admit that the very elite private school for guys only with the dorm setting felt like some Japanese dorama about boys only dorm school that I've watched before since I'm grew up with that kind of Japanese dorama which is make all of this look way more interesting...

Both Bash and Edge come from a very famous family, while Bash's grew up in a family that full of scandals in the entertainment world, on the other hand, Edge come from a very wealthy American 'royalty' family which also the owner of this prestigious boys only boarding school.

Both Bash and Edge already in their nearly end of their senior years. What Bash wants is to finish his high school without any more trouble before go to college and pursuing his dream to becoming a writer. In his life, Bash had learned to put everyone at arms length and stay alone. Life has teach him to trust no one, what he didn't expect when he joining the boarding school is meet Edge at his first day of school when Edge is in 'compromising act' with another guy in the school bathroom.

Bash had promise himself to not falling for a guy like Edge. Cocky, arrogant guy who can't accept 'no' for everyone he want. But the more Bash trying to avoiding the hot and sexy devil with blond hair, the more he get attached to Edge. Trapped in the battle in his heart, will Bash be able to stay away from the devil?

The story was so intriguing and very consuming right from the first page. The chemistry between the main characters are strong enough to drawn you into the story and make it really hard to put down. The writing surprisingly very good and suit to my liking. The pace is perfect and the conflicts also very real and believable enough.

I feels sorry for Cutter, Edge one and only bestfriend for years. I can feel and understand with what he did even I must admit that there's part of me who dislike him for what he'd done. I do really hope he'll have his own HEA with someone that will own his heart. That hot smexy young cop perhaps?
I also want to know more about Mac story. Will he succeed with his 'plan' that will include the two straights roommates ??

I really NEED the next story ASAP!!!!

Recommended!!

Review : You Can't Make This Sh*t Up by G.A. Hauser

Title : You Can't Make This Sh*t Up by G.A. Hauser
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, LGBTQ+, enemies-to-lovers, gay for you
Publication Date : April 9th 2018
My Rating(s) : 3/5 Star

Two straight dudes in competition for the same woman, end up trapped together.
In a world where truth is more bizarre than fiction, Albert Lane and his arch rival, Douglas Jefferies, can’t believe what happens next.

You can’t make this sh*t up…but in reality, you can.

Enjoy this new twist on an old trope-
‘Enemies’ becoming a lot more than just ‘good friends.’
(A ‘first-touch’ gay romance story.) #firsttouch

“Are you gay?” 

“No, are you?”

Finding a good book from random choice was really something!

The cover of the book successfully caught my coverslut eyes for it simplicity but looks unique. The blurb didn't give much information about the story but successfully grew my curiosity and expectations because my over creative brain automatically picturing the naughty possibilities that will happen when two straight guys accidentally trapped together.
I mean it's MM genre and what possibly could happen when two straight guys trapped together, right?

I start this book with huge expectations and excitement, and feels so glad that the book turned out to be such a great reading.

This book caught me from page one until the very last page. It's very entertaining, funny and consuming enough reading Douglas and Albert journey in finding the truth about their feeling. BUT there's also few things that quite annoyed me while reading this book. The constant repetition of “Are you gay?” - "No, are you?" - "I'm not gay." - "I'm not either." - "You're gay." - "No I'm not." - "I'm not either." - almost the whole reading feels kinda fun at first, but when the repetition last until the very end of the book it turned a bit annoying tho'.

Another part that offense me is the sex without proper preparation (when the both MC practically still have virgin ass and I can imagine how uncomfortable sex with no proper preparation is!). Add the constant sex without protection that maybe for some reader look so sexy but for me, it's looks stupid enough especially when both MC never aware or asking about their health conditions! (Let's comparing the story with one of YA book I just finished right before I start this book, when the two MC which age around sexteen-ish but very aware of safe sex practice by using condom in every sex activities they do even when they do the blowjob!!). For two straight guys who just ‘explore’ their new ‘wake up' in their sexuality, both MC seems to looks very ‘expert’ with gay sex and ‘know everything’ (well, except for the 'preparation' part!!). I think it will be look way more sensible IF the author put a scene where at least showing one of the MC googled about all they ‘gay sex things' to fill the loopholes.

The story itself actually quite good with the fast pace and naughty banters between Douglas and Albert were really entertaining.
Well, to be honest I must admit that I have mixed feelings about this book. Overall, it's entertaining enough to enjoy, but definitely with some notes here and there. But still, I WILL recommended this book to you as fun & light reading. Because I have fun time reading this enemies to lovers-Gay for you story!

ARC Review : Frankie - Unforgettable (Man Up #3) by Felice Stevens

Title : Frankie - Unforgettable 
Author : Felice Stevens
Part of series : Man Up book 3
Publication Date : June 7th 2018
My Rating(s) : 5/5 Stars
Buy links : Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | Kobo | Barnes&Noble

Frankie

No one understands why I love him.
Why I need him.
Why I took him back.
But they don’t have to.
I know.
Despite the hurt and the heartache, I see beneath his skin.
And I’m different now.
No more Flirty Frankie. I'm done with being King of the club.
My dreams have changed, and so have I.
I’m stronger.
I believe in myself.
And I’m a hell of a lot smarter than a year ago.
Now it's his turn to show me the man he really is.
To prove it.
I've always loved him.
But that's not enough.
I need to learn to trust him.

Aaron

No more excuses.
No more chances.
I make this right or lose him for good.
I have to do this.
No one has ever believed in me but him.
No one has ever wanted me but him.
I can’t let him down.
I won’t.
I can’t let myself down.
I’m trying, but it's so damn hard.
No matter what they throw at me, I’m stronger.
And I’m going to make it.
I’m on my way.
With Frankie by my side.
I can see the future.
I have a future.
Us. Together.
Forever.

“You. I got you. You’re all that matters.” 

“I don’t deserve you.” 

“So prove them wrong. Show them you do.”

Frankie had stole my curiosity since the first time he appeared as Austin’s best friend in the first book in this series and I want to know more about his story. I must admit that I kinda hope that he will ended with James ya know, so when the author said that Frankie story will include his ex Aaron, I turned skeptical right in the moment. That because a second chance romance was definitely not one of my favorite trope.

So, yes….it kinda ruined my mood at first when I'm about to start the book and I automatically choose Austin’s ‘side’ (and probably half characters in this book) to not to trust easily and be skeptical with Aaron ‘intentions’ and waiting for him to ‘failed’….

But what happen next was beyond what I expected. Aaron past completely broke my heart and he slowly gained my sympathy and stole my heart with his story. What I want to do next after knowing what had happened in his past made me want to hug him and protect him from those  people out there who hurt him and didn’t trust him!

I’m so glad that in his stubbornness, Frankie had given Aaron a second chance and not just TRUST him, but HELP him to gained back his life by giving him another chance even he must faced all prejudices who think he was fool by his decision and taking Aaron back in his life.

What had happened since ‘the incident’ back almost a year ago had changed Frankie completely. Life had teach him a lot of lesson that made him become more independent and stronger person. It also help him see what he need and want to achieve in the future.

Giving Aaron the second chance and starting everything from the new start had made him see the future he want to have with Aaron by his side. With Frankie’s help, Aaron can finally learned how to stand in his own feet and try to respect and trust himself that he can be a good person not just for Frankie, but for himself.

Together they learned how to build a healthy relationships like an adult through good communication. There’s still a lot of obstacles they must faced, include gaining the trust from people around them, facing the prejudices that almost ruined their already fragile relationship was completely not easy. But the way the author wrote it was so good. I can feels the struggles, the emotions and all the love connection between the two almost the entire reading. And it melt my heart…

So, yes. Frankie and Aaron story was no doubt become my favorite story in this series so far and don’t forget the cover, because the cover also become my favorite cover in this series and completely please and won this coverslut eyes!

And now I really can’t wait for Cort's story!!!

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, My characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love, but getting there is oh so fun and oh so sexy.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass (or two of red wine). I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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ARC Review : Out, Proud, and Prejudiced By Megan Reddaway

Title : Out, Proud and Prejudiced by Megan Reddaway
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, LGBTQ+, retelling
Publication Date : June 4th 2018
My Rating(s) : 3.5/5 Stars
Buy link : Amazon

One’s proud, one’s prejudiced, and they can’t stand each other.  

     Quick-tempered Bennet Rourke dislikes Darius Lanniker on sight. Darius may be a hotshot city lawyer, but that doesn’t give him the right to sneer at Bennet, his friends, and their college. It doesn’t help that Bennet’s restaurant job has him waiting at Darius’s table. So when his tutor recommends him for an internship at Darius’s Pemberley estate, Bennet isn’t sure he wants it. He’s also not sure he can afford to turn it down.
    Darius is a fish out of water in the small college town of Meriton, but something keeps pulling him back there. He’s helping out a friend with business advice, nothing more. If he’s interested in Bennet, it’s not serious. Sure, Bennet challenges him in a way no other man has. But they have nothing in common. Right?
     Wrong. Their best friends are falling in love, and Bennet and Darius can’t seem to escape each other. Soon they’re sharing climbing ropes and birthday cake, and there’s a spark between them that won’t be denied.
     But betrayal is around the corner. Darius must swallow his pride and Bennet must drop his prejudices to see the rainbow shining through the storm clouds.
A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

I've been grew up with Jane Austen's book and had read Pride and Prejudice more than once and also read many another retelling story that wrote based on the original book. So when I saw the promotion about this book and know that this book gonna be another retelling of Jane's book and also a gay version, I'm SOLD!

The author smoothly 'moved' the original story to the modern setting without ruined the basic plot but with some 'adjustment' here and there but you can still feels the red line to the original plot.

You can feel the Pride and Prejudice typical push and pull between the two main characters (Darius and Bennet) and also their friends Tim and James love story. The setting changed into modern story which put Bennet and his bestfriend, James in the final terms of their studies on the very high and well-known college in Meriton.

They meet a very rich guy who bought one of gallery near the college, Tim and his friend, Darius who work as a very famous lawyer at London. Fire and of course 'hate' at first meet had sparked between Bennet and Darius right from the start. Both Bennet and Darius drown in their prejudices to each other based only what they seen from outside. But even while they both feels the mutual dislikes among each other, they also can't denied the strong attraction that grew between them.

And like any other Pride and Prejudice retelling story, we definitely know for sure there will be this *shifty* 'Mr. Wickham' in every story and this time will be portraying by a character named  Mr. Wyndham's that will come, interfere, manipulated and ruined what had happened between Bennet and Darius before they finally come to their sense and found their HEA, including the ambitious aunt who eager to ruined their already fragile 'relationship' like usual.

I must admit that the story was very interesting right from the first page and I can't put it down even when I already KNOW where the story will goes with all the drama and twist, but still I really enjoying every part of it. The only complaint that unsatisfied me is the ending who suddenly felt way to rush as if the author want to end the story right away after that long tortures up and down feeling the readers felt since the very beginning. And that's why I deducted my rating from solid 4 stars into 3.5 stars.

But overall, the story still interesting and enjoyable enough to follow. And for all Pride and Prejudice fans out there, I still will recommended this gay version of the already famous story to ALL!!