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booksafety
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Who was this guy who stole his tongue and spoke for him in front of the president? That asshole always said the dumbest things.
There really is no one like Tal Bauer. It doesn’t seem to matter what sub genre he writes. Romantic suspense is my favorite, so of course those books are perfect for me. I finally took the plunge (aka got *everything* spoiled so I could manage to get through this), and I’m just sorry I didn’t do it ages ago. This first book wasn’t horribly angsty. There’s plenty of external danger and drama, but I don’t really find that angsty. I know I’m in for it in book two though.
For this first time, he wanted everything. The American dream, the apple pie life. He wanted the morning after, and seeing Jack slowly wake up in his arms. His hair, mussed and standing on end. His lazy smile, sleepy in the sunshine.
Ethan and Jack are really cute together, and I really adore how Tal Bauer manages to give us all the necessary and wanted relationship building, even when the timeline is several months long, with a lot of external plot. I don’t imagine finding that balance is easy. I can’t wait to start the second book. Very highly recommend if you’re like me and love political thrillers and romantic suspense. The author really does write suspense and danger like no one else.
“And at forty-five, my best friend kissed me, and I can’t get that kiss out of my mind.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
President
Secret service agent
Suspense
Political thriller
Ex military
Secret relationship
Sexual awakening
Friends to lovers
Size difference
Widower
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
- MC believed dead
- Death of a spouse (past, off page)
- Discussions of war
- Hitting inanimate objects in anger
- Suicidal ideation (side character)
- Helicopter crash (no MC involved)
- Nuclear detonation/attack (no MC involved)
- Details about radiation and fallout from nuclear bomb
- Mentions of a loved one killed in action (past, off page)
- Death of side characters
- Physical fight with friend
- Gun violence
- IED explosion
- On-page killing
- MC held hostage
- Acts of terrorism
- Injured MCs
- Homophobia
- MC strapped to bomb
- Gunshot wounds
- Assassination attempt
- Attempted coup
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Ethan goes to a club early in the book, looking to hook up with someone. He has a moment with a man (including groping), but gets cold feet and doesn’t go through with it.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multiple POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile (no switching on page)
MCs age: 41 and 45
Pages: 444
Welby never thought he’d be romantic about two middle-aged men falling in love, but there it was. And here he was, buying both middle-aged men sex supplies. He was their condom mule. White House scandals were born from less.
He was a condom mule, and the bearer of sexual happiness. He could live with that.
A blush stained Jack’s cheeks and turned his neck crimson. “When I was ‘researching’, I saw a lot of twinkies as bottoms, but when I searched for bear bottoms, there were far less.
This precious gay-sex-newbie man
Who was this guy who stole his tongue and spoke for him in front of the president? That asshole always said the dumbest things.
There really is no one like Tal Bauer. It doesn’t seem to matter what sub genre he writes. Romantic suspense is my favorite, so of course those books are perfect for me. I finally took the plunge (aka got *everything* spoiled so I could manage to get through this), and I’m just sorry I didn’t do it ages ago. This first book wasn’t horribly angsty. There’s plenty of external danger and drama, but I don’t really find that angsty. I know I’m in for it in book two though.
For this first time, he wanted everything. The American dream, the apple pie life. He wanted the morning after, and seeing Jack slowly wake up in his arms. His hair, mussed and standing on end. His lazy smile, sleepy in the sunshine.
Ethan and Jack are really cute together, and I really adore how Tal Bauer manages to give us all the necessary and wanted relationship building, even when the timeline is several months long, with a lot of external plot. I don’t imagine finding that balance is easy. I can’t wait to start the second book. Very highly recommend if you’re like me and love political thrillers and romantic suspense. The author really does write suspense and danger like no one else.
“And at forty-five, my best friend kissed me, and I can’t get that kiss out of my mind.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
President
Secret service agent
Suspense
Political thriller
Ex military
Secret relationship
Sexual awakening
Friends to lovers
Size difference
Widower
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
- MC believed dead
- Death of a spouse (past, off page)
- Discussions of war
- Hitting inanimate objects in anger
- Suicidal ideation (side character)
- Helicopter crash (no MC involved)
- Nuclear detonation/attack (no MC involved)
- Details about radiation and fallout from nuclear bomb
- Mentions of a loved one killed in action (past, off page)
- Death of side characters
- Physical fight with friend
- Gun violence
- IED explosion
- On-page killing
- MC held hostage
- Acts of terrorism
- Injured MCs
- Homophobia
- MC strapped to bomb
- Gunshot wounds
- Assassination attempt
- Attempted coup
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Ethan goes to a club early in the book, looking to hook up with someone. He has a moment with a man (including groping), but gets cold feet and doesn’t go through with it.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multiple POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile (no switching on page)
MCs age: 41 and 45
Pages: 444
Welby never thought he’d be romantic about two middle-aged men falling in love, but there it was. And here he was, buying both middle-aged men sex supplies. He was their condom mule. White House scandals were born from less.
He was a condom mule, and the bearer of sexual happiness. He could live with that.
A blush stained Jack’s cheeks and turned his neck crimson. “When I was ‘researching’, I saw a lot of twinkies as bottoms, but when I searched for bear bottoms, there were far less.
This precious gay-sex-newbie man
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
It’s almost like I was looking for the pain and the hurt, because it was easier to live with the idea that, even though I want love, I’m not the kind of person who deserves to be loved.
Wow, what a beautiful story. This is one of those that probably everyone should read. Being a teenager is messy. Navigating friendships, new relationships, school? It’s messy. If you add being Black, queer, trans, as well as trying to figure out your gender identity? It’s difficult and beyond messy. Felix is a flawed, young character, making his way through life, trying to find out what he wants in life as well as who he is, and the way it’s explored and written was so, so good. I don’t often read YA (because hello angst, they don’t hold back), and while this for sure had its angsty moments, I couldn’t stop listening. The audiobook was really good and the narrator did a fab job with it.
I had tears in my eyes during so many of the scenes, including every time Felix wrote his mom an email. I’m beyond lucky to say I’ve never had to face non-acceptance, but the way it was tackled in this story was really powerful. Sometimes bigotry is loud and overt, and other times it’s quiet and looks like silence from those who are supposed to love you.
It makes me wonder if I am Felix, no matter how loud I shout that name.
I wish I could make my dad and a few acquaintances read this book. Maybe reading an own voices story like this would do them some good.
Ugh, and also, exploring the themes of someone feeling like they *deserve* love? Makes me cry every time. You just want to give the person a shake and say ‘of course you deserve love!’. If only it were that simple.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
YA
Coming of age
Queer fiction
Black MC
Trans rep
Self-discovery
Gender identity
Falling in love
Own voices
Love triangle
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Drug use (smoking marijuana, on page)
MC deadnamed by parent and SCs
MC’s old photos and deadname posted publically
Underage drinking
Harry Potter references
Themes of transphobia/transphobic comments
MC catfishing SC
Themes of abandonment
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No, but there’s a love triangle with kissing and light petting with two people
Other person drama: Yes, love triangle
Breakup: No, but a couple weeks of no contact during fight pre-relationship
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: YA, queer fiction, coming of age, romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 17 and 17
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 362
Happy ending: Yes
It’s like I’m constantly trying to prove that I deserve love—but how can I, when even my own mom doesn’t love me?
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
It’s almost like I was looking for the pain and the hurt, because it was easier to live with the idea that, even though I want love, I’m not the kind of person who deserves to be loved.
Wow, what a beautiful story. This is one of those that probably everyone should read. Being a teenager is messy. Navigating friendships, new relationships, school? It’s messy. If you add being Black, queer, trans, as well as trying to figure out your gender identity? It’s difficult and beyond messy. Felix is a flawed, young character, making his way through life, trying to find out what he wants in life as well as who he is, and the way it’s explored and written was so, so good. I don’t often read YA (because hello angst, they don’t hold back), and while this for sure had its angsty moments, I couldn’t stop listening. The audiobook was really good and the narrator did a fab job with it.
I had tears in my eyes during so many of the scenes, including every time Felix wrote his mom an email. I’m beyond lucky to say I’ve never had to face non-acceptance, but the way it was tackled in this story was really powerful. Sometimes bigotry is loud and overt, and other times it’s quiet and looks like silence from those who are supposed to love you.
It makes me wonder if I am Felix, no matter how loud I shout that name.
I wish I could make my dad and a few acquaintances read this book. Maybe reading an own voices story like this would do them some good.
Ugh, and also, exploring the themes of someone feeling like they *deserve* love? Makes me cry every time. You just want to give the person a shake and say ‘of course you deserve love!’. If only it were that simple.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
YA
Coming of age
Queer fiction
Black MC
Trans rep
Self-discovery
Gender identity
Falling in love
Own voices
Love triangle
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Drug use (smoking marijuana, on page)
MC deadnamed by parent and SCs
MC’s old photos and deadname posted publically
Underage drinking
Harry Potter references
Themes of transphobia/transphobic comments
MC catfishing SC
Themes of abandonment
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No, but there’s a love triangle with kissing and light petting with two people
Other person drama: Yes, love triangle
Breakup: No, but a couple weeks of no contact during fight pre-relationship
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: YA, queer fiction, coming of age, romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 17 and 17
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 362
Happy ending: Yes
It’s like I’m constantly trying to prove that I deserve love—but how can I, when even my own mom doesn’t love me?
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
He’s right. Being his brother isn’t just enough, it’s everything. I shouldn’t want to be his baby, too.
My first time reading watersports and I was more into it than I thought I’d be! I really enjoy Becca’s novellas. Sometimes you just need some well-written filth, and this author does exactly that so well. Did Luca’s need for love and pleasing his brother also make me tear up? Yes. Apparently there is no limit to what type of fiction that’ll make me cry.
Roman is so angry and really wants to hate Luca, but he’s way too cute and sweet to actually hate, lol. I mean, I would probably feel some resentment too if my dad did what their dad did. I did fear I would dislike Roman too much in the beginning for how he talked to Luca, but thankfully you can see through the blustering bs pretty quickly.
3.5
He’s right. Being his brother isn’t just enough, it’s everything. I shouldn’t want to be his baby, too.
My first time reading watersports and I was more into it than I thought I’d be! I really enjoy Becca’s novellas. Sometimes you just need some well-written filth, and this author does exactly that so well. Did Luca’s need for love and pleasing his brother also make me tear up? Yes. Apparently there is no limit to what type of fiction that’ll make me cry.
Roman is so angry and really wants to hate Luca, but he’s way too cute and sweet to actually hate, lol. I mean, I would probably feel some resentment too if my dad did what their dad did. I did fear I would dislike Roman too much in the beginning for how he talked to Luca, but thankfully you can see through the blustering bs pretty quickly.
3.5
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
He felt a strange, possessive sensation unfurling in his chest, and for a moment, he wanted to burn the world down just so no one could ever get close to Priest again.
ARC review
Yum, I’m really enjoying this series. I had forgotten a lot of the external plot from book 1 and since it’s overarching I didn’t quite follow a couple times, but it was okay anyway and totally on me. I’ve been really excited about this book ever since the last book came out and I loved it this one just as much. Priest and Oliver were so sweet and dorky together. You wouldn’t think an incubus demon would be awkward, but he lost all chill around Oliver, which is just adorable. I also actually really enjoyed the pining, and wouldn’t have minded even more of it.
It was also good to get to know a few of the side characters better, and I can only hope Knight’s book will be out in the not too distant future. I already love the sad, lonely vampire.
Overall just a really solid paranormal book set in a different world with a touch of action, mortal peril, steamy stuff and a couple emotional moments.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Incubus x human
Bookworm
Forked tongue
Possessive and protective
Touch him and die
Mutual pining
Fated mates
‘just the tip’
Purring
Protection agency
Paranormal
Fantasy world
Hands-free orgasms
Size difference
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Recreational drug use (SC)
Vomiting
Severely injured MC (blast, flames)
MC’s friend presumed dead (briefly)
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
MC’s home and business burned down
Hand-collaring
SC enduring forced medical experiments (past)
Brief and mild sounding (forked tongue tip into slit)
MC with bigoted family (past)
MC abandoned by parents (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Connected series (overarching plot)
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 258
Happy ending: Yes
Priest was helplessly and hopelessly charmed by him, and he didn’t understand why or how.
Gods, why was he so head over heels for this disaster Demon?
He started to pull back, but Oliver caught his arm again. “I don’t think so, you obnoxious little martyr. You don’t get to suck my brain out through my dick and then leave.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
He felt a strange, possessive sensation unfurling in his chest, and for a moment, he wanted to burn the world down just so no one could ever get close to Priest again.
ARC review
Yum, I’m really enjoying this series. I had forgotten a lot of the external plot from book 1 and since it’s overarching I didn’t quite follow a couple times, but it was okay anyway and totally on me. I’ve been really excited about this book ever since the last book came out and I loved it this one just as much. Priest and Oliver were so sweet and dorky together. You wouldn’t think an incubus demon would be awkward, but he lost all chill around Oliver, which is just adorable. I also actually really enjoyed the pining, and wouldn’t have minded even more of it.
It was also good to get to know a few of the side characters better, and I can only hope Knight’s book will be out in the not too distant future. I already love the sad, lonely vampire.
Overall just a really solid paranormal book set in a different world with a touch of action, mortal peril, steamy stuff and a couple emotional moments.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Incubus x human
Bookworm
Forked tongue
Possessive and protective
Touch him and die
Mutual pining
Fated mates
‘just the tip’
Purring
Protection agency
Paranormal
Fantasy world
Hands-free orgasms
Size difference
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Recreational drug use (SC)
Vomiting
Severely injured MC (blast, flames)
MC’s friend presumed dead (briefly)
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
MC’s home and business burned down
Hand-collaring
SC enduring forced medical experiments (past)
Brief and mild sounding (forked tongue tip into slit)
MC with bigoted family (past)
MC abandoned by parents (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Connected series (overarching plot)
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 258
Happy ending: Yes
Priest was helplessly and hopelessly charmed by him, and he didn’t understand why or how.
Gods, why was he so head over heels for this disaster Demon?
He started to pull back, but Oliver caught his arm again. “I don’t think so, you obnoxious little martyr. You don’t get to suck my brain out through my dick and then leave.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
He made my heart feel light, my hands sweaty. He filled my belly with butterflies every time he smiled. And when he was sitting next to me, the rest of the world ceased to exist.
ARC review
Ben and Robin had the best and sweetest dynamic ever. I know the series title has created a bit of confusion because the men are actual dads and not daddies (wink wink), but in this book, it’s got daddy vibes for days. Ben is such a caretaker, and the way he looks out for and takes care of Robin was adorable and hot in equal measure. There’s no actual daddy kink, but if you like that sort of dynamic, look no further.
The twins were such important side characters and I really enjoyed that they were such a big part of the story. Both Ben and Robin loved them so much. I only wish the story explored the situation with Bubba a bit more, as I assume Robin would become a bigger part of his life eventually.
“I’m your favorite person?” Robin asked, voice tiny and sweet. “Of course you are,” I said honestly. “You’re my Robin.”
Even though it was still present, and more towards the end, I appreciated that the use of repetition was toned down a little from Fae’s previous books. I was also played by GRR, as the book is listed as being 80k words, and I thought ‘hallelujah, Fae wrote a short book’, but turns out it’s 400 pages, which is not 80k.
Anyway. I might not have requested if I’d known that, but by the time I noticed I was thoroughly enjoying and invested in the story and characters, so wasn’t a big problem. I mean, it’s definitely way longer than any contemporary holiday romance needs to be, but still good.
The balance of taking care of each other sweetly and absolute filth in the forms of edging, milking, praise kink, post-orgasm stimulation, breeding kink, dirty talk, somno and more was done really well and it was super enjoyable.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Single dad
Christmas theme
Found family
Small town
Size difference
Famous musician
Doctor MC
Nipple piercings
Gentle giant
Emo twink
Age gap
Praise kink
Lonely MC
Hurt/comfort
Mild D/s dynamic
Multiple orgasms
Edging
Post-orgasm stimulation
‘good boy’
Dirty talk
Breeding kink
Somnophilia
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Alcohol consumption
Stress-induced insomnia
Health issues
Mentions of past child neglect
Explicit sexual content
Brief mention of death of parent (past)
Chronic pain
Anxiety and panic attacks
Betrayed and robbed by parent (past)
Unsafe sex
Breeding kink
Somnophilia (epilogue)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Holiday romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 33 and 45
Kids’ age: 4 and 4
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 399
Happy ending: Yes
Robin grinned, and I glanced down at him. Quite far. Because he was incredibly short. Barely came up to my rib cage, actually, when we were both standing.
“You are so incredibly sweet,” I said softly—always soft because I didn’t think anyone else had treated Robin gently.
Praise kink. He might have a praise kink. My head spun. Stop thinking about his kinks, Ben, and feed him. He looks hungry.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
He made my heart feel light, my hands sweaty. He filled my belly with butterflies every time he smiled. And when he was sitting next to me, the rest of the world ceased to exist.
ARC review
Ben and Robin had the best and sweetest dynamic ever. I know the series title has created a bit of confusion because the men are actual dads and not daddies (wink wink), but in this book, it’s got daddy vibes for days. Ben is such a caretaker, and the way he looks out for and takes care of Robin was adorable and hot in equal measure. There’s no actual daddy kink, but if you like that sort of dynamic, look no further.
The twins were such important side characters and I really enjoyed that they were such a big part of the story. Both Ben and Robin loved them so much. I only wish the story explored the situation with Bubba a bit more, as I assume Robin would become a bigger part of his life eventually.
“I’m your favorite person?” Robin asked, voice tiny and sweet. “Of course you are,” I said honestly. “You’re my Robin.”
Even though it was still present, and more towards the end, I appreciated that the use of repetition was toned down a little from Fae’s previous books. I was also played by GRR, as the book is listed as being 80k words, and I thought ‘hallelujah, Fae wrote a short book’, but turns out it’s 400 pages, which is not 80k.
Anyway. I might not have requested if I’d known that, but by the time I noticed I was thoroughly enjoying and invested in the story and characters, so wasn’t a big problem. I mean, it’s definitely way longer than any contemporary holiday romance needs to be, but still good.
The balance of taking care of each other sweetly and absolute filth in the forms of edging, milking, praise kink, post-orgasm stimulation, breeding kink, dirty talk, somno and more was done really well and it was super enjoyable.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Single dad
Christmas theme
Found family
Small town
Size difference
Famous musician
Doctor MC
Nipple piercings
Gentle giant
Emo twink
Age gap
Praise kink
Lonely MC
Hurt/comfort
Mild D/s dynamic
Multiple orgasms
Edging
Post-orgasm stimulation
‘good boy’
Dirty talk
Breeding kink
Somnophilia
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Alcohol consumption
Stress-induced insomnia
Health issues
Mentions of past child neglect
Explicit sexual content
Brief mention of death of parent (past)
Chronic pain
Anxiety and panic attacks
Betrayed and robbed by parent (past)
Unsafe sex
Breeding kink
Somnophilia (epilogue)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Holiday romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 33 and 45
Kids’ age: 4 and 4
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 399
Happy ending: Yes
Robin grinned, and I glanced down at him. Quite far. Because he was incredibly short. Barely came up to my rib cage, actually, when we were both standing.
“You are so incredibly sweet,” I said softly—always soft because I didn’t think anyone else had treated Robin gently.
Praise kink. He might have a praise kink. My head spun. Stop thinking about his kinks, Ben, and feed him. He looks hungry.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“You know, you left something off that list of boyfriend qualities you had,” I said. “What’s that?” I stepped into his arms, resting my face against his chest. “Someone to snuggle.”
I think my mood was too shitty to enjoy this book fully. It’s a very strange mix of ‘super depressing’ and ‘christmas puked all over it’. It’s not a bad book by any means, but not right for me at the moment.
I liked all of the character’s well enough and the relationship was sweet once it started, but there were a couple stupid decisions and a moment of miscommunication that, in my humble opinion, has no business being in a christmas romance. Including dating other people when you’ve got feelings for someone and that situation isn’t cleared up yet.
Was he really that eager for a boyfriend that he’d kiss me one night and search for someone new the next? Was that moment with me not meaningful to him at all?
Yeah. That was my question too. And it’s not talked about after, either.
It sounded like a charming small town, but if I lived somewhere where christmas lasted from pre-thanksgiving to new years, I wouldn’t even make it to December, lol.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Christmas themed
Single dad
Sexual awakening
Small town
Divorced MC
Size difference
Slow burn
Strangers to friends to lovers
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of death of sibling and parent (past)
Financial insecurity
Mentions of MC’s ex in rehab
Mentions of relapse (specified drugs)
Mentions of MC’s ex driving under the influence
Some details of past child neglect
Alcohol consumption
Miscommunication
Explicit sexual content
Uncertain custody situation
Mentions of child abandonment (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC goes on date with at least one other person after 60% and after kissing the other MC. Date is off page. No details. Second date with other person is crashed by other MC before it starts.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Kid’s age: 7
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 263
Happy ending: Yes
Ford held out a mug of coffee, and I took it from him. Then he smoothed back my hair and kissed my forehead.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“You know, you left something off that list of boyfriend qualities you had,” I said. “What’s that?” I stepped into his arms, resting my face against his chest. “Someone to snuggle.”
I think my mood was too shitty to enjoy this book fully. It’s a very strange mix of ‘super depressing’ and ‘christmas puked all over it’. It’s not a bad book by any means, but not right for me at the moment.
I liked all of the character’s well enough and the relationship was sweet once it started, but there were a couple stupid decisions and a moment of miscommunication that, in my humble opinion, has no business being in a christmas romance. Including dating other people when you’ve got feelings for someone and that situation isn’t cleared up yet.
Was he really that eager for a boyfriend that he’d kiss me one night and search for someone new the next? Was that moment with me not meaningful to him at all?
Yeah. That was my question too. And it’s not talked about after, either.
It sounded like a charming small town, but if I lived somewhere where christmas lasted from pre-thanksgiving to new years, I wouldn’t even make it to December, lol.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Christmas themed
Single dad
Sexual awakening
Small town
Divorced MC
Size difference
Slow burn
Strangers to friends to lovers
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of death of sibling and parent (past)
Financial insecurity
Mentions of MC’s ex in rehab
Mentions of relapse (specified drugs)
Mentions of MC’s ex driving under the influence
Some details of past child neglect
Alcohol consumption
Miscommunication
Explicit sexual content
Uncertain custody situation
Mentions of child abandonment (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC goes on date with at least one other person after 60% and after kissing the other MC. Date is off page. No details. Second date with other person is crashed by other MC before it starts.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Kid’s age: 7
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 263
Happy ending: Yes
Ford held out a mug of coffee, and I took it from him. Then he smoothed back my hair and kissed my forehead.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I figured since I’d arrived in Crazytown, I may as well take off my coat and stay a while.
Audio ARC review
I had exactly zero expectations gong into this book as I hadn’t heard of the series or author before, but I got the opportunity to sign up for an ARC, and the blurb made it sound like a good time. It was indeed a jolly good time.
The whole book is entirely OTT and crazy, and the narration conveyed all of it perfectly. There’s a lot of characters in it and many of them are truly characters, and the talented narrator made every one of them feel distinct and fun.
It’s not romance heavy, but the romance is a big part of the plot. Pretend that makes any sense. I can’t say I ended up caring much about the MMC, but it’s a big series so still lots of time for that.
Vain, self-proclaimed Prada slut turned vampire and savior in a romcom setting? Yeah it kinda worked. The book had some completely-outta-pocket moments that made me laugh, including:
“So my fighting coach is in my bedroom?”
“Yes.”
“Is it a male Angel or a female Angel?” I asked.
“It ain’t no Angel, baby. It’s a male Fairy!” Pam announced.
“He’s gay?”
3.5⭐️
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Paranormal romance
Vampire MCs
Romantic comedy
Oprah-doppelgänger guardian angel
Age gap
Fated mates
Brief love triangle
Cliffhanger
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of grandparent (past)
Abusive parent commenting on looks
Fatphobia portrayed humorously
Drinking blood
Mention of FMC wanting kids but not able to after becoming vampire
Explicit sexual content
Orgasm in public
Graphic violence
On-page death of — horrible — parent
Brief mention of SC being raped (past, off page)
MC in coma
Pregnancy
Death of FMC’s friend
Verbally and emotionally abusive parent
Brief loss of pregnancy (fetus saved)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: There’s a brief sort-of love triangle before the MCs get together properly, but it ends quickly. The FMC and this other possible MMC kiss once but quickly realize they’ll only be friends.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, mostly single
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/F
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 29 and 522
Series: Series, book 1, cliffhanger
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 502
Happy ending: No
When you die, the only things you leave behind are memories in the minds of those who loved you. That was how you lived on.
“You are mine,” he whispered, running his hand through my hair. “You were meant to be mine. You will always be mine.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
I figured since I’d arrived in Crazytown, I may as well take off my coat and stay a while.
Audio ARC review
I had exactly zero expectations gong into this book as I hadn’t heard of the series or author before, but I got the opportunity to sign up for an ARC, and the blurb made it sound like a good time. It was indeed a jolly good time.
The whole book is entirely OTT and crazy, and the narration conveyed all of it perfectly. There’s a lot of characters in it and many of them are truly characters, and the talented narrator made every one of them feel distinct and fun.
It’s not romance heavy, but the romance is a big part of the plot. Pretend that makes any sense. I can’t say I ended up caring much about the MMC, but it’s a big series so still lots of time for that.
Vain, self-proclaimed Prada slut turned vampire and savior in a romcom setting? Yeah it kinda worked. The book had some completely-outta-pocket moments that made me laugh, including:
“So my fighting coach is in my bedroom?”
“Yes.”
“Is it a male Angel or a female Angel?” I asked.
“It ain’t no Angel, baby. It’s a male Fairy!” Pam announced.
“He’s gay?”
3.5⭐️
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Paranormal romance
Vampire MCs
Romantic comedy
Oprah-doppelgänger guardian angel
Age gap
Fated mates
Brief love triangle
Cliffhanger
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of grandparent (past)
Abusive parent commenting on looks
Fatphobia portrayed humorously
Drinking blood
Mention of FMC wanting kids but not able to after becoming vampire
Explicit sexual content
Orgasm in public
Graphic violence
On-page death of — horrible — parent
Brief mention of SC being raped (past, off page)
MC in coma
Pregnancy
Death of FMC’s friend
Verbally and emotionally abusive parent
Brief loss of pregnancy (fetus saved)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: There’s a brief sort-of love triangle before the MCs get together properly, but it ends quickly. The FMC and this other possible MMC kiss once but quickly realize they’ll only be friends.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, mostly single
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/F
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 29 and 522
Series: Series, book 1, cliffhanger
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 502
Happy ending: No
When you die, the only things you leave behind are memories in the minds of those who loved you. That was how you lived on.
“You are mine,” he whispered, running his hand through my hair. “You were meant to be mine. You will always be mine.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Roman tried to be nothing, but there was still something left to hate.
I don’t know what kinda drug is in Marina’s books, but whatever it is, I am thoroughly addicted. The writing is just stunning, the characters will rip your heart out, and the worlds she creates are just beautiful, vivid and different, yet work perfectly. Their books are really special and I can’t wait to try more.
This one in particular had me on the verge of crying from the very beginning to the very end. I wanted to wrap Roman up in the tightest hug and never let go. Tyler was a sweetheart too, once he got over his prejudices and started to trust Roman.
It was a bright sorrow, to connect to something at last. To let himself unfurl in the spring of the moment, thawing away and growing into more.
The world in this book is super cool and different. It’s kinda just our regular world, but witches and covens are normal, and there is a biological kink element. Similar to omegaverse where characters have a designation, either alpha, beta or omega, in this world, everyone is either a Dom or a sub, and they need to reach Dom or sub space regularly to have healthy hormonal balances. It for sure sounds strange, but it feels very natural and normal while you’re reading it. I thought it was really neat.
Roman hadn’t known that contentment could be sustainable. Not every moment, of course, but it’d stopped leaking out of him throughout the day. He didn’t have to scoop it up desperately, didn’t have to try to grasp at something intangible.
Highly, highly recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Unconventional BDSM
D/s
Witches
Power exchange
Past trauma
Touch-starved MC
Slow burn
Found family
Size difference
Healing from trauma
Edging
Hurt/comfort
Biological kink
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of parent (past)
Suicidal ideation
Details of MC being abused (past — no sleep or food, verbal, physical, etc.)
PTSD symptoms
Dissociation
Sub and Dom drop
On-page panic attacks
MC’s safeword ignored (past, not other MC)
Details of past humiliation and degredation (not between MCs)
MC not safewording when wanting to
Severely ill MC
MC kidnapped and restrained
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC has a scene/hookup with minor character off page. Some details of past hookups with the same person. Happens before anything goes down between the MCs, and only once during the book.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A (no penetrative sex scenes during book)
Main characters’ age: 26 and 30ish
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 225
Happy ending: Yes
Roman closed his eyes and imagined an enormous eraser hovering over him, pressing down on his toes, back and forth, again and again, until the colour of his shoes curled into little balls of nothing. His legs, his waist, his torso, his head. Slowly, scratch by scratch, he was made to disappear.
There was something calming about seeing Roman in his space, like it was the only place Tyler could keep him safe. It was a dumb Dom instinct, but, well…Tyler was kind of a dumb Dom.
Even when everything invariably went wrong, he’d still have these memories, softly glowing embers in a coal-black pit.
It hurt, to be so alone in his broken and dirty body. To be trapped inside something so flawed.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Roman tried to be nothing, but there was still something left to hate.
I don’t know what kinda drug is in Marina’s books, but whatever it is, I am thoroughly addicted. The writing is just stunning, the characters will rip your heart out, and the worlds she creates are just beautiful, vivid and different, yet work perfectly. Their books are really special and I can’t wait to try more.
This one in particular had me on the verge of crying from the very beginning to the very end. I wanted to wrap Roman up in the tightest hug and never let go. Tyler was a sweetheart too, once he got over his prejudices and started to trust Roman.
It was a bright sorrow, to connect to something at last. To let himself unfurl in the spring of the moment, thawing away and growing into more.
The world in this book is super cool and different. It’s kinda just our regular world, but witches and covens are normal, and there is a biological kink element. Similar to omegaverse where characters have a designation, either alpha, beta or omega, in this world, everyone is either a Dom or a sub, and they need to reach Dom or sub space regularly to have healthy hormonal balances. It for sure sounds strange, but it feels very natural and normal while you’re reading it. I thought it was really neat.
Roman hadn’t known that contentment could be sustainable. Not every moment, of course, but it’d stopped leaking out of him throughout the day. He didn’t have to scoop it up desperately, didn’t have to try to grasp at something intangible.
Highly, highly recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Unconventional BDSM
D/s
Witches
Power exchange
Past trauma
Touch-starved MC
Slow burn
Found family
Size difference
Healing from trauma
Edging
Hurt/comfort
Biological kink
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of parent (past)
Suicidal ideation
Details of MC being abused (past — no sleep or food, verbal, physical, etc.)
PTSD symptoms
Dissociation
Sub and Dom drop
On-page panic attacks
MC’s safeword ignored (past, not other MC)
Details of past humiliation and degredation (not between MCs)
MC not safewording when wanting to
Severely ill MC
MC kidnapped and restrained
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC has a scene/hookup with minor character off page. Some details of past hookups with the same person. Happens before anything goes down between the MCs, and only once during the book.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A (no penetrative sex scenes during book)
Main characters’ age: 26 and 30ish
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 225
Happy ending: Yes
Roman closed his eyes and imagined an enormous eraser hovering over him, pressing down on his toes, back and forth, again and again, until the colour of his shoes curled into little balls of nothing. His legs, his waist, his torso, his head. Slowly, scratch by scratch, he was made to disappear.
There was something calming about seeing Roman in his space, like it was the only place Tyler could keep him safe. It was a dumb Dom instinct, but, well…Tyler was kind of a dumb Dom.
Even when everything invariably went wrong, he’d still have these memories, softly glowing embers in a coal-black pit.
It hurt, to be so alone in his broken and dirty body. To be trapped inside something so flawed.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“You look fucking spectacular. Sweet as sugar. From the sip I had, you taste like it too.”
ARC review — 4.5 ⭐️
Reading this book made me feel really happy, and it wasn’t even because of the christmas vibes (of which there wasn’t a lot). This is definitely one you can enjoy year round.
I love age gaps, and even better when the younger character is the one doing the pursuing. I feel like it helps balance out the dynamic. Hayes, the younger MC, quickly made it onto my ‘top book boyfriends’ list. What a delightful character. He is a himbo firefighter who knits, ffs. He’s kind, cocky in an endearing way, confident and funny. People don’t consider him the sharpest tool in the shed, but book smarts defintely isn’t that important. It made me sad when he talked negatively about his own intelligence, even if in jest.
On cue, butterflies take flight in my stomach. I swear, the man only needs to breathe in my direction and he pulls some sort of reaction from me.
Super adorable, quick, hot and sweet little romance book. Can definitely recommend it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Small town
Fresh start
Age gap
Coworkers
Firefighter MC
Nephew’s best friend
Hookup to lovers
Firefighter who knits
Himbo
⚠️ Content warnings ⚠️
MC cheated on by ex (past)
Alcohol consumption
Fighting fire (no injuries)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 31 and 47
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 180
Happy ending: No
“What, do I think it’s adorable or you’re adorable?” He smiles back. “Either. Both.” A soft sigh passes through his slightly parted lips. “I’m not sure anyone who’s adorable could rail me quite as well as you did.”
I’m pretty sure I’m dying inside. I fucked my nephew’s best friend.
Ask Cap and she’ll tell you I couldn’t read between the lines if it was printed in 500-point font and surrounded by flashing neon lights.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“You look fucking spectacular. Sweet as sugar. From the sip I had, you taste like it too.”
ARC review — 4.5 ⭐️
Reading this book made me feel really happy, and it wasn’t even because of the christmas vibes (of which there wasn’t a lot). This is definitely one you can enjoy year round.
I love age gaps, and even better when the younger character is the one doing the pursuing. I feel like it helps balance out the dynamic. Hayes, the younger MC, quickly made it onto my ‘top book boyfriends’ list. What a delightful character. He is a himbo firefighter who knits, ffs. He’s kind, cocky in an endearing way, confident and funny. People don’t consider him the sharpest tool in the shed, but book smarts defintely isn’t that important. It made me sad when he talked negatively about his own intelligence, even if in jest.
On cue, butterflies take flight in my stomach. I swear, the man only needs to breathe in my direction and he pulls some sort of reaction from me.
Super adorable, quick, hot and sweet little romance book. Can definitely recommend it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Small town
Fresh start
Age gap
Coworkers
Firefighter MC
Nephew’s best friend
Hookup to lovers
Firefighter who knits
Himbo
⚠️ Content warnings ⚠️
MC cheated on by ex (past)
Alcohol consumption
Fighting fire (no injuries)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 31 and 47
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 180
Happy ending: No
“What, do I think it’s adorable or you’re adorable?” He smiles back. “Either. Both.” A soft sigh passes through his slightly parted lips. “I’m not sure anyone who’s adorable could rail me quite as well as you did.”
I’m pretty sure I’m dying inside. I fucked my nephew’s best friend.
Ask Cap and she’ll tell you I couldn’t read between the lines if it was printed in 500-point font and surrounded by flashing neon lights.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I press my face against his fur and wrap my arms around his neck, burying my nose in his fur, and take a deep breath.
ARC review
I’ve read a few books with a similar premise lately but this one has been my favorite by far. I finished it really quickly after starting it and I had a good time. I’ve also read lots of books with high levels of spice lately and it was nice with a bit of a break from that. There is spice and it’s detailed, but there’s not a lot of it. I thought that fit the story well.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy fated mates, wolf stuck in shifted form, escaping from captivity and some action and suspense.
Aaand, although books where the epilogue is from the POV of a different character entirely instead of an actual epilogue for the MCs normally annoys the hell out of me, it did actually make me want to read the next book. I don’t know how to feel about that, lol.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Fated mates
Omegaverse
Wolf shifters
Stuck as a shifter
Pack alpha
Past trauma
Size difference
Amnesia (before meeting other MC)
Virgin MC
Desperate and whining
Mpreg universe
Low spice
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
On-page captivity
Details of non-consensual medical experimentation
Animal abuse (MC abused in shifter form)
MC hit by car
Panic attacks (on page)
PTSD symptoms
Injured MCs and SC
MC injuring himself in state of panic
Explicit sexual content
Death of parent (past, off page)
MC experiencing amnesia (pre-meeting other MC)
Slick
MCs drugged on page by SC
MC hurt by shock collar
Vomiting
Graphic violence
On-page killing of bad guys by MCs
Death of estranged parent (off page)
Mpreg possible (does not happen in this book)
Homophobic side character
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Omegaverse romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 19 and 20
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 249
Happy ending: Happy ending for the couple — series cliffhanger
“I like you in my clothes,” he says, his voice gruff as he steps closer. He leans down and takes a deep breath near my neck. “You smell like me, like us.” A shiver goes down my spine and the back of my neck tingles as his breath brushes across my skin. If this is the kind of attention it gets me, I like me in his clothes too.
Luke wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me closer until I rest my cheek on his chest as the water streams down around us.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
I press my face against his fur and wrap my arms around his neck, burying my nose in his fur, and take a deep breath.
ARC review
I’ve read a few books with a similar premise lately but this one has been my favorite by far. I finished it really quickly after starting it and I had a good time. I’ve also read lots of books with high levels of spice lately and it was nice with a bit of a break from that. There is spice and it’s detailed, but there’s not a lot of it. I thought that fit the story well.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy fated mates, wolf stuck in shifted form, escaping from captivity and some action and suspense.
Aaand, although books where the epilogue is from the POV of a different character entirely instead of an actual epilogue for the MCs normally annoys the hell out of me, it did actually make me want to read the next book. I don’t know how to feel about that, lol.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Fated mates
Omegaverse
Wolf shifters
Stuck as a shifter
Pack alpha
Past trauma
Size difference
Amnesia (before meeting other MC)
Virgin MC
Desperate and whining
Mpreg universe
Low spice
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
On-page captivity
Details of non-consensual medical experimentation
Animal abuse (MC abused in shifter form)
MC hit by car
Panic attacks (on page)
PTSD symptoms
Injured MCs and SC
MC injuring himself in state of panic
Explicit sexual content
Death of parent (past, off page)
MC experiencing amnesia (pre-meeting other MC)
Slick
MCs drugged on page by SC
MC hurt by shock collar
Vomiting
Graphic violence
On-page killing of bad guys by MCs
Death of estranged parent (off page)
Mpreg possible (does not happen in this book)
Homophobic side character
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Omegaverse romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 19 and 20
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 249
Happy ending: Happy ending for the couple — series cliffhanger
“I like you in my clothes,” he says, his voice gruff as he steps closer. He leans down and takes a deep breath near my neck. “You smell like me, like us.” A shiver goes down my spine and the back of my neck tingles as his breath brushes across my skin. If this is the kind of attention it gets me, I like me in his clothes too.
Luke wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me closer until I rest my cheek on his chest as the water streams down around us.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr