I loved this book. Then again, I also loved pretty much everything about the Package Deal series so I’m not surprised. These two deliver enjoyable HEAs time and time again.

Adam has some abandonment and self-worth issues left over from his childhood and he’s feeling raw from the end of his last relationship. Having given up on love, he’s content getting ready for his tour and having fun flirting with a certain ex-SEAL.

Michael is demiromantic and hasn’t really experienced that deeper connection with anyone before. While he enjoys teasing Adam, this time it seems a little different. When there’s a threat to Adam his protective side comes out and it doesn’t take long to realize that it definitely means something more.

Adam and Michael’s interactions are all in fun at first but then quickly develop into a romantic connection. Michael is so patient with Adam as he deals with his trauma from being abused and abandoned by his mother. Michael’s unwavering support helps Adam realize that he is worthy of love & commitment. It’s endearing and low angst and very satisfying.

The stalker/blackmailer story line isn’t as huge a part of the story as the romance, which surprised (and dismayed) some. But it does work to get these two together and to give Michael an excuse to find Adam’s father. Which is all sorts of heart-warming and helps to put some of Adam’s ghosts to rest.

Cole & Patrick’s relationship has a pretty decent side story here too, which makes sense as they are both very important parts of Adam’s life and they’ve all been close for decades. It also heavily sets up the next book, which some found a little too much for this story.

(Speaking of which – Rheland! Emerson! Why did you have to tease us so much with Cole and Patrick? And seriously that preview for the next book! Readers, don’t read it unless you want to be anxiously waiting for The Linebacker which doesn’t release for another 2 months! I’ll be sitting on pins and needles until March. *sigh*)

Emotional, funny, and sweet, The Rockstar is a gratifying start to a new series. Both characters are likeable, they are entertaining together, and watching their relationship develop into something more made me so happy.

(At first, I thought this one could stand on its own but after reading some of the other reviews I think maybe it CAN but probably shouldn’t. There are a lot of characters from the Package Deal world who are either mentioned or make an appearance. And while they don’t play a direct role here I know that it can be confusing and annoying when you don’t know who they are. But then again those books are good reads so you can’t go wrong starting there are ending here :) )

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

There are things that you come to expect from a Shalvis book – witty banter, quirky characters, and an emotional journey to a HEA. She delivers all and more with The Bright Spot.

Both Luna and Jameson have abandonment issues from their childhoods that they’ve handled in different ways. Luna surrounds herself with people that she loves but doesn’t really let them all the way in. Jameson keeps on the move and doesn’t stay anywhere long enough to form a deeper connection. Thrown together to save Apple Ridge Farm, they may have finally found the person that will help them put their pasts to rest and look to the future.

I enjoyed all the antics, both human and animal, at the farm – their adventures, hijinks, and lack of regard for personal space. It means there is a decent amount of humor mixed in with deeper moments. And if I have any complaint, it’s that there really wasn’t enough of them :)

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Shalvis story, then you know what you are going to get. But just because it isn’t anything new, doesn’t mean that it isn’t a delightful read. It has the feels. It has the playfulness. It has the characters that you like and root for to find that happy ending. And, of course, a HEA that leaves you satisfied and reminds you why you read her books in the first place.

(Part of a series because they are set in the same area, but they are all independent and read as a stand alone.)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

If you read The Stand-In, then you were there when Erin decided to stay in Bitterroot Valley. It’s been a few months and she’s settling in, fully embracing her new small town lifestyle. She loves the people, the town, and Montana. She even loves trying to get a response from the grumpy (and gorgeous) guy who comes into the coffee shop every afternoon.

Remington Wild has a lot on his plate being a single dad and taking over being in charge of the family ranch. The last thing he needs is to be attracted to the new girl in town. Even more so when she becomes his nanny.

There’s not a lot going on here, except for a bit of a suspense element in the last half, but that works for me. I enjoy a slow burn romance so it was nice getting to know Rem and Erin, Rem’s family and the others in town, and seeing Erin fit in so well with Rem’s kids (who are just adorable). Things aren’t always smooth but they figure it out with a little patience and some work on their communication skills.

While there is nothing all that new, I liked Proby’s latest. I thought Erin and Rem are cute together – she helps brighten his day then later lighten his load and he shows her the beauty (and danger) that can be found in her new home. It’s a good start to a new series, introducing some possible future plot lines, and even though Erin is from a prior series Proby does a good job of making sure that anyone can join her on her new adventure. All needed information is provided so new readers can easily keep up.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

There’s a comment at the end that the authors find it hard to write a friends-to-lovers story and I agree that it can be hard to pull off. I think they did well with what they had. I appreciated that they didn’t do a ton of flashbacks to their college years (I struggle with that as a reader) and that they concentrated the first half on the “will they” and the second half on the transition.

Cooper is just about perfect, as he has been throughout the series. He does pretty much everything for Ellery and lets her set the rules when it comes to their relationship, even when it isn’t what he wants. It’s worked so far … until it doesn’t any more.

Elle struggles a lot with what she wants. She’s allowed her dad to dictate her career (and a good portion of her life) so any changes to her relationship with Cooper scares her. But losing him would be even worse.

I can definitely see both sides of this relationship and what brings them to the brink of throwing everything away. While I appreciate that their struggles get them to their HEA, I do wish Elle had maybe handled things a little differently. I still really enjoyed the story but once I saw where it was heading I kinda didn’t want to go there :)

Piper Rayne knows how to deliver somewhat spicy romances with a satisfying HEA. I always plow through their stories, enjoying the characters and their struggles and finishing them in just a couple of days. They have definitely become a must read for me!

(Part of a series but can be enjoyed as a stand alone.)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

This one is definitely a slow burn second-chance romance. You have to be prepared that it takes pretty much half of the book before London stops actively pushing Trey away. Granted, she has a lot of reasons not to trust him. Or any man for that matter. But there is a lot of thinking about the past and her resisting any attraction that she feels for him, which not everyone enjoys.

Speaking of London, I do wonder a little bit about what changes her mind. She has good reason not to get involved with Trey again, and does a pretty good job of it, but things change and I’m not sure it was enough. I think that there needed to be some resolution on their past earlier, at least I would have wanted it in her situation. But then again he’s awfully, persuasively, seriously sexy on lots of levels.

Because while Trey does pursue London, he does it in a very respectful manner. He pushes her but he never crosses that boundary, respecting her wishes and letting her know it’s her choice. He’s not above a little seduction but he’s not icky about it.

You could see the ending coming a mile away but that doesn’t stop it from being any less satisfying. I appreciate that Solheim saw it through and didn’t take an easier way out. I also liked the whos, whats, and wheres of the big moment at the end. A little bit different and a good way to get to that HEA I wanted for them.

I’ve only read a couple of Solheim books (one being Double Dog Dare, another Milwaukee Growlers story), both of which I really enjoyed. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what else she has to bring us.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

4.5 *s

There’s a fine line between a strong heroine with an attitude & one that is just a bitch and I think that Foster does a good job here with Sable. She’s sassy, stubborn, mouthy, and confident but has a big heart under her prickly exterior, willing to do just about anything for those she loves. She owns her sexuality and gives as good as she gets, especially when she meets just as stubborn and confident Kane Bad.

Kane is a take charge, filthy mouthed, seriously hawt hero and a great foil for Sable. He doesn’t let her get away with anything and enjoys pushing her buttons, but also understands her fears & vulnerabilities. Together they create a lot of sparks – both the good and the bad kind – and it’s a delight watching them slowly opening their hearts to each other, learning to work together to face any problems that come up.

(Can be read as a stand alone but there are A LOT of characters from other books that either make an appearance or are mentioned. Doesn’t bother me but could be confusing for some.)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

here were a few things that weren’t quite believable (like the idea that Olivia would have to spend months in a cabin with a stranger with no way out) but overall I enjoyed this book a lot. Olivia is fun and funny, Noah is sexy and a bit of a curmudgeon. But it doesn’t take long for Olivia’s sunshiny personality to start working on Noah. Turns out he is more grumpy by circumstance than by nature and time together has him looking at the world a little bit differently. Once they give in to their attraction he is amazing at helping Olivia realize and embrace her sexiness, her confidence eroded by past partners. While a little more conversation might have avoided a few of their troubles, their circumstances aren’t exactly normal and it makes for an entertaining HEA ending. It’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect given the rest of their relationship :) From what I can find, Ashford is a new author so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what she comes up with next.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

4.25*s

Sometimes reading m/m romances I’ll find their interactions to be written a little … different than I’m used to. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to find them sexy or not and the beginning of Falling for Raine fits into that category. I get the whole one night stand and anonymous sex thing but some of Hayes’s descriptions were a bit much for me. I actually started to put it down but I know Hayes writes excellent stories so I pushed through. And oh am I glad I did! I loved Raine and Graham together. And I liked that their relationship didn’t go the way I expected.

Raine needs to get away, regroup, and get past his troubles. Taking a job in London has a chance to do that, until it becomes apparent that he’s way under-qualified. And to make matters worse, he runs smack dab into a one night stand. As his new boss.

Graham didn’t expect to see Raine again but since he’s not been able to forget him maybe he can take advantage of the situation. As long as both of them agree to certain terms, most important is not getting their hearts involved. Shouldn’t be too hard, right? Right.

Raine is a delightfully positive foil to Graham’s more serious reservedness. It’s entertaining seeing Raine help Graham to relax, take life a little less seriously. To look at things and people in a different way. And to embrace a more carefree person hidden underneath his well tailored suits.

Funny, cheeky, and with a good amount of heat, Falling for Raine proves to me once again that Hayes just knows how to write stories that I love.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**