Seen (Breaking Free #2) by A.M. Arthur

Here's the blurb!

Hell is a six-by-six jail cell and no hope for the future. 

Kell Iverson has never raised his hand against another person in his entire life—and yet somehow he’s been arrested and charged with the murder of his alpha mate Krause. Sure, Krause brutalized him on a daily basis, and Kell hated his mate, but he never wanted the man dead. Not fighting the charge and accepting his fate is the easiest path—except Kell doesn’t think he’ll survive a week in prison, and he doesn’t want to disappoint his younger brother Braun by giving up. He also doesn’t expect to recognize the lawyer who shows up to defend him. 

Ronin Cross was barely eighteen when he felt the mating bond with then-fourteen-year-old Kell, but his family moved away before Ronin could decide what to do. For the last ten years, he hasn’t forgotten teenage Kell, hasn’t mated, and now he’s in Sansbury Province to defend adult Kell from a capital murder charge. The mating bond is still there, but now isn’t the time to pursue anything with his fragile, battered, emotionally-damaged client. 

For Kell, the term “kind alpha” is a contradiction, because he’s never known one. He went from abusive father to abusive mate, and for twenty-four years, he’s simply done what he’s told. But Ronin asks Kell what he wants. What he likes. Ronin sees him, and it’s both confusing and delightful. But Kell is facing prison time at best, execution at worst, and as his trial date looms, he can’t indulge in a fantasy that will never come true…or can he?

The flow between Saved and this book was so flawless, I'm glad I read them back on back, because if I had had to wait fot the release I would have gone mad. This book was so exciting, I couldn't bear to put it down!
Kell had lived such a hellish life, it felt wonderful to see how things would en up for him with Ronin, what had happened to Branson, and a glimpse of what happened to Tarek and Braun after Saved finished.

I would gush further, but I'm not sure if I could keep on going wihout spoiling anything. I will say, though, that the trial was really exciting.

Saved (Breaking Free #1) by A.M. Arthur

Here's the blurb!

He didn’t want an alpha to save him, but fate had other ideas… 

Braun Etting was raised to know his place as an omega by his alpha father’s cruel words and fast fists, and he expects nothing but violence from the alpha who may one day mate him. His older brother Kell mated a cruel alpha who abuses him daily, and Braun is terrified of that seemingly inevitable future. When Braun’s father dies in a car crash, leaving Braun an orphan, he’s sent to a halfway house for omegas. But on his fourth night there, he witnesses a horrifying crime that sends him fleeing to the streets alone—and edging into his first heat. 

Tarek Bloom is settled in his workaholic, single lifestyle, even if it is somewhat embarrassing to be a twenty-eight year-old unmated alpha. He enjoys his job as a constable, helping people and solving problems, so he isn’t prepared for his life to flip upside-down when he walks into his beta friend Dex’s apartment to help with “a problem.” 

The problem turns out to be an unmated, nearly in-heat omega orphan who Dex and his husband rescued off the street last night. The even bigger problem is that Tarek feels the mating bond for this terrified omega immediately—and he’s pretty sure the omega feels it, too. But Braun hates alphas as a general rule, and no way is he giving in to the bond. All mating leads to is violence and suffering, so no thank you. But Tarek’s gentle kindness slips under Braun’s emotional shields, and Braun begins to want. To dream. All Braun has ever known is violent alphas, but Tarek is determined to make Braun trust him—and to trust in the idea of their happily ever after. 

I had never read an omegaverse book before this, but for some reason the blurb got me and I decided to take the plunge. I'm so glad I did. It takes a bit to get used to the idea of the alpha/omega/beta dynamics, but the plot was really engaging and I couldn't put it down. Plus, I'm a sucker for hurt/comfort, and this series has it to spare. 
And the characters are so well thought of! I immediately felt a connection with Braun, and all his actions in regard to the situations he is in make so much sense! 

I need the second book for yesterday, and will not be at peace until I finish it!

Kidnapped by the Pirate by Keira Andrews

Here's the summary from Goodreads

Nathaniel Bainbridge is used to hiding, whether it’s concealing his struggles with reading or his forbidden desire for men. Under the thumb of his controlling father, the governor of Primrose Isle, he’s sailing to the fledging colony, where he’ll surrender to a respectable marriage for his family’s financial gain. Then pirates strike and he’s kidnapped for ransom by the Sea Hawk, a legendary villain of the New World.

Bitter and jaded, Hawk harbors futile dreams of leaving the sea for a quiet life, but men like him don’t deserve peace. He has a score to settle with Nathaniel’s father—the very man whose treachery forced him into piracy—and he’s sure Nathaniel is just as contemptible.

Yet as days pass in close quarters, Nathaniel’s feisty spirit and alluring innocence beguile and bewitch. Although Hawk knows he must keep his distance, the desire to teach Nathaniel the pleasure men can share grows uncontrollable. It’s not as though Hawk would ever feel anything for him besides lust…

Nathaniel realizes the fearsome Sea Hawk’s reputation is largely invented, and he sees the lonely man beneath the myth, willingly surrendering to his captor body and soul. As a pirate’s prisoner, he is finally free to be his true self. The crew has been promised the ransom Nathaniel will bring, yet as danger mounts and the time nears to give him up, Hawk’s biggest battle could be with his own heart.

I won this book in a contest, and I'm so happy about that. A fighter for the title of  "favorite queer pirate romance", this book has two very complex characters who meet for revenge and whose love is doomed because of fate and family... or is it? The fight for love between Nathaniel and Hawk is fierce, both against themselves and against the world. It was a bit too steamy for my liking at times, but the plot was too exciting to put it down for long. 

Definitely a worthy read. I thank my luck for working in my favor for once, as contests haven't worked out well for me during my life. 

Earl of Wainthorpe (Wicked Earls' Club) by Collette Cameron

Here's the blurb

He didn't gamble on losing his heart when he won her at the gaming tables.

Pierce, the Earl of Wainthorpe has finally thwarted his worst enemy. Except he can't revel in his victory after winning his foe's ward in a winner-takes-all wager. If Pierce refuses to assume Bianca Salisbury's guardianship, the fiery-haired beauty with a matching temper may very well find herself sold to the highest bidder.

The shameful secret she guards makes it impossible to love a rogue.

Desperate to escape her blackguard cousin, Bianca Salisbury ventures to London to find a husband or employment. Instead, she's bartered to a notorious rakehell. She either risks being compromised and accepts The Earl of Wainthorpe's protection, or flees him and her guardian. But without money and a place to go, she fears she'll face the same tragic fate as her mother.

The wicked Earl's Club is a series written by multiple authors, one book per author, that tells the story of a reforming rake falling in love. This is the book by Collette Cameron, that tells the story of Pierce and Bianca. 

This book is absolutely lovely! Both Pierce and Bianca are well rounded characters, with their own demons to explain their actions. With plenty of funny and cute moments, this book is a wonderful way to spend the time. 

My only complaint could be that it was a mite too fast for my taste, but that isn't a real deterrent to me recommending it. All in all, I am yet to read a book by Collette Cameron I do not like. 

Let There Be Love (Sled Dog #1) by Melissa Storm

Here's the blurb

Lauren Dalton’s world shattered the day her father died. Now she’s willing to move four-thousand miles away from the only home she’s ever known in hopes of discovering the truth about his hidden past.

Shane Ramsey’s reputation says all anyone needs to know. He’s an amazing racer, but a terrible person. When an injury leaves him unable to work his dogs, he must swallow his pride and accept help for the sake of his team.Will Shane open his home and his heart to the young woman who already shares his greatest love? Will Lauren find her place—and the truth about her family’s past—in helping the cantankerous Shane? 

This book was really nice. I came to it with a chip on my shoulder because I bought it, and about two or three weeks later the author started giving it away for free, and that annoyance  had me putting off this book until I felt guilty about it. 

Lauren and Shane are both wonderfully complex characters, with complicated back stories and deep feelings about what they care for. Although Shane could have used more softening up in the pages (most of his change was kind of in a timeskip), as I think his personality change was way too abrupt, and the jump from friends to lovers even more so. 

However, I was a most bothered by Lauren's relationship with Barbara. I understand the reason for her reaction (choosing to forgive for herself), but I find the "always forgive bad parents who seek redemption" trope to be sad, especially when being forgiving can come to great emotional cost to a child, and could allow the parent to cause more harm. I think her character was set to be absolutely pitiful in a way that would allow for Lauren's forgiveness to be acceptable. And Barbara's actions were horribly selfish, in every single point. Even if Lauren could forgive her, she's a character I came to hate in a chapter or less.

Although I had a bit of a lengthy complaint, that doesn't mean I didn't find the book to be enjoyable, it means I am done with abusive parents being forgiven by virtue of belonging to the genetic code of the child. Shoutout to Edward Dalton, a deserving, wonderful literary dad.

Kind Ella for the Charming Duke by Bridget Barton

Here's the blurb from Goodreads

Following the death of her beloved father, Ella Winfield is devastated when her mother, a woman with untamed social aspirations, hastily marries the Earl of Dandridge. He is a humorless man, and one whom Ella does not trust for a moment. Leaving her beloved Longton Manor behind, Ella is cast adrift in the large and unwelcoming Dandridge Hall, despite her desperate plea that her mother need not marry at all.

The Earl's daughters, Lady Patience and Lady Georgiana, are spoiled and manner less young ladies, used to their own way in all things and fiercely competitive with one another. But when the Duke of Hillington is reported to be searching for a suitable bride, the tension between the sisters reaches new heights. With Ella's simple beauty, intelligence, and fine manners, the Earl seeks to hide her away from the world and, more importantly, the Duke of Hillington himself.

When he determines that Ella not attend a masquerade ball to which the whole family has been invited, Ella takes it upon herself to attend in disguise and spy on the ambitious little family for her own amusement. When she finds herself in anonymous conversation with the Duke himself, she realizes that there is more to him than a man who would seek nothing more than a pretty bride with a large dowry. He is open and amusing and she finds herself quite captivated.

Rufus Darnley, the Duke of Hillington, cannot shake from his mind the curious and exciting young woman who appeared at his masquerade ball uninvited, and he can no longer find any enthusiasm for his search for a wife with whom he might provide an heir to the Duchy. When he finds the discarded mask of the mysterious woman who left the ball without a word, he holds on to the hope that he might one day discover her true identity.

As the Earl of Dandridge plots the most appalling schemes to keep the Duke interested in his own daughters, Ella Winfield must do what she can to stop the man she is fast becoming attracted to from being steered in the direction of either Lady Patience or Lady Georgiana, all without being discovered by the family who have, one by one, turned their backs upon her.



I really liked this book. Ella is a wonderful main character, a sensible young girl who is practical and a bit adventurous at the same time. She ends up in a horrid situation because of her mother, but tries everything in her power to make her situation bearable. I loved the variation on the "best friend character" that's always present in Barton's books, as this time it is not another girl if the same social status as Ella, and in case of the duke it isn't a man of the same age as him. The only reason for not giving this book five stars is because the extended epilogue isn't part of the book, and it took me a bit to find it in the web (it's free and it's lovely, but having to look for it elsewhere was a bit annoying).

It has certainly unseated A Bride for the Betrayed Earl as my favorite by Bridget Barton.

The Body in the Backyard by Hollis Shiloh

Here's the summary from Goodreads

Clarence Collin is pushing up daisies—in Abe's bed of zinnias! 

When the caustic critic of a TV gardening show winds up murdered in Abe's well-groomed backyard, both Abe and his hunky-but-irritating neighbor Gregory might be on the suspect list. 

Abe starts amateur sleuthing in self-defense...and to spend time with Gregory. When the two green thumbs look into their neighborhood's dirty little secrets, who knows what they'll dig up? 

An interesting change from the author, it is quite enjoyable. Abe isn't the regular criminal hero, being not young (I'm guessing in his 40's, but the author never says), very nervous, not always logical and cool and not very brave. That makes him more likeable, in my opinion. His ex cheated on him, and they got divorced, which also means his self esteem isn't much (which is one of the things I like so much about Hollis's books, that not all of the characters are confident badasses).  His detective partner, Gregory, is also a very human character, with flaws, strong points, obsessions.... I like him. 
The mystery itself is not evident, and you get to suspect everyone before you get to the criminal. Well written, quite enjoyable, and it leaves you guessing everytime you let the book go. 

If Hollis Shiloh ever decides to write mystery again, count me in!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review

The Clockwork War by Katy Haye (Clockwork War #1)

Here's the summary from Goodreads

Imagine that Queen Elizabeth I never ruled. 
England and Scotland never unified. 
It’s 1845 and the two countries are once more at war. 

Mechanical genius Clara Lissing cares little for the war. She just wants to keep her five brothers safe. But when her youngest brother Tom enlists with the army everything she’s worked for starts to fall apart. 
Clara goes to London to work with Duke Murgatroyd building a device that will bring an end to the fighting. Clara is determined to do her duty, help win the war and send everyone’s brothers home to safety. 
But life in London brings with it the distracting presence of Gordy, Murgatroyd’s 18-year-old nephew. Gordy is a loose cog, twisting her clockwork life out of shape and making her think of things that aren’t work and duty. 
Then Clara discovers Murgatroyd’s true plans for the army, the city, and England itself. With war reaching to the heart of London, Clara and Gordy must match duty with determination if they’re to save a nation


I really liked this book. It was engaging and exciting, and I could hardly put it down. Clara is (to me) quite relatable, and I officially declare Gordy a cinnamon roll. Clara can be a bit dense sometimes, but given he fact that she's human and not that used to human company, generally prefering machines, it's understandable. I am really curious to know what really happened to princess Myrtle (and McAllister), as I'm sure it's a story worth hearing, and I hope it's touched in the next books.

You can get this copy in the Shattered Worlds anthology (which has 20 other novels!) or in paperback. I really hope I get to read the next one soon!

(I bought the anthology, but received a copy of this novel for review as well)

Tender with a Twist by Annabeth Albert

Here's the summary from Goodreads

One kinky wood carver. One younger chef looking to try new things. A series of lessons that bring both men more than they bargained for…

Curtis Hunt has made a name for himself as a chainsaw wood carver, winning national competitions and operating a small business in Rainbow Cove, Oregon. As winter whittles away his tourist traffic, his goal is just to survive the season and try to not get lost in grief for his dead lover. It’s been two years, but he’s sure he’ll never be over the love of a lifetime. However, his body has a certain restlessness that he doesn’t quite know how to calm.

Logan Rosner knows a thing or two about restlessness. It’s what drove him to Rainbow Cove to be a chef at a bar and grill run by his friends. And it’s what drives him to a single sizzling encounter with the local legendary lumberjack. Both men get far more than they expected and learn that first impressions aren’t always accurate…

But when Logan proposes a series of sexy lessons, Curtis must decide how much he’s willing to risk. He knows he can’t afford to get attached to Logan’s good cooking, his easy smiles, or his caretaking, but he keeps going back for more, even as deeper emotions become involved. Soon, Curtis must decide whether to risk his heart again or risk losing Logan for good.

This book was way cuter than expected. When I saw that the book included bdsm, I wasn't that sold on it. Up until now all of the books I've read that include the kink are more in a "too much kink and not enough plot " category, but this book was definitely not the case.

Logan and Curtis have a very cute story, and the main focus of it is their romance and personal development and not the kinky sex they both enjoy, which makes this a total winner in my books.

Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of this book

Dissent (Echoes of Earth #2) by Katy Haye

This book is the continuation of Discord, and I honestly have no idea how to summarize this book without spoiling the first book, but if you're desperate enough to know, here's the link to Goodreads.

This book has a different narrator than the previous one, and his name is Hiran. He has a less upbeat tone than Beth does, but given what he's been through, that's definitely understandable. He's been given a very hard life, and is currently in love with a girl who doesn't really love him back. Beth and Toby appear in this book, but they aren't the main focus of it. In fact, Ivo and Oshi appear more than they do, and as they're my favorite couple from Steptoe house, that makes me really happy.

As much as I'd love to gush about my love for Hiran and Roisin and how exciting this book is, it would definitely involve spoilers if you haven't read Discord, so you should take my word and believe that this book and it's predecessor are definitely a worthy read. And it's a good sequel, which is always a plus in my books.

Brooke: Wagers Gone Awry (Conundrums of the Misses Culpepper #1) by Collette Cameron

Here's the summary from Goodreads

Brooke Culpepper resigned herself to spinsterhood when she turned down the only marriage proposal she’d likely ever receive to care for her sister and cousins. After her father dies, a distant cousin inherits the estate, becoming their guardian, but he permits Brooke to act in his stead.

Heath, Earl of Ravensdale detests the countryside and is none too pleased to discover five young women call the dairy farm he won, and intends to sell, their home. 

Desperate, pauper poor, and with nowhere to go, Brooke proposes a wager. Heath's stakes? The farm. Hers? Her virtue. The land holds no interest for Heath, but Brooke definitely does, and he accepts her challenge. Will they both live to regret their impulsiveness? 

This book has a headstrong, powerful lady as a lead: Brooke Culpepper. She has spent years looking after her sister and cousins (all female), doing everything in her power to keep her beloved farm going and providing enough money to feed the girls and the loyal staff members that still remain with her.  Yet life decides to slap her in the face, as her careless cousin lost the deed of their property on a wager to the Earl of Ravensdale. 

He, however, doesn't know who lives on the house and under what condition, so he goes to the farm to evict those who live there and sell the property. He arrives almost at the same time as the news of the new ownership reach the girls, and under many miscommunications, chaos ensues.

I found the book engaging, fun and interesting, and this book left me happy enough that I already purchased the next two books that follow it. I found the "falling in love" part a bit too hurried for my liking, but this book probably wouldn't have worked well without the reduced timeframe. As a first impression to Collette Cameron, this definitely did a good job. I'll be writing more reviews of her books in the future, starting with more of the Culpepper girls. 

Given the reasons stated above, the rating shouldn't be a surprise. Wait a bit for more Collette Cameron books!

Swimming the Distance by Annabeth Albert

This is a really cute short story, which Goodreads says is originally part of an anthology. I got the story by itself as a freebie, so I can't say anything of the anthology itself. So, here's a summary by me!

Bodhan is a swimmer, gay and in the closet. After two years in a relationship with his boyfriend Kyle, it gets harder to keep it a secret, more so counting the amount of press caused by his success. Things between the couple get tense at the eve of the 2012 Olympics, when Bodhan tells in an interview that he's straight. Will they manage to patch things up and win the medal?

Ok, I suck at summaries, but it could've been worse. All in all, I like this story better than most short romance stories, as it doesn't try to make two characters fall in love in a ridiculously short amount of time. Instead, here's the problems of an already established couple, who've been together for years but still have problems (like real couples!).

Also I like how they portray an established relationship, like knowing what makes the other nervous and what makes the other happy. I really like that. They know each other, care about each other, and are a general good couple. That makes it even more angst-y when things start to fail and they're not happy with each other, as you (as the reader) really want to make things work out because they obviously care about each other!

This story is really cute, and quite a relaxing and satisfying read. I recommend it.

Discord (Echoes of Earth #1)by Katy Haye

Here's the summary from Goodreads:

Beth forgot her past. What if there’s nothing to remember?

Beth has spent six months at remote Steptoe House in the English countryside and still can’t remember a single thing from before her car accident. The doctors say that’s normal. They say traumatic brain injuries heal at their own pace and insist the music therapy they prescribe to their patients is the key to recovery. 

But something is off at Steptoe House and Beth can feel it. There’s a wrongness there — a discord between what is and what should be. Strange voices echo down the halls at night and shifting shadows beckon. And Beth doesn’t dare tell anyone she’s been talking to ghosts.

So, when new patient Toby arrives, she’s relieved to find a friend she can trust, a confidant to share her ghosts with. Plus, he’s really cute. Together, they will tackle the mystery of Steptoe House and uncover more than either of them ever bargained for.

I want to start by saying I really like this book. The characters are well rounded, varied and likeable. You get a bit of everything as far as physical appearance and personality go, and you might find someone you can relate to easily enough. I can't say there's anyone among the patients at Steptoe House I don't like, but among the couples the ones I like most are Beth and Toby and Ivo and Oshi (the pain... but they're just too much!). I'm quite sure that if  I ever had to spend time around a real life pair like Jack and Maggie I'd end up getting cavities, but I quite like them in a book. 

Also, brownie points to Katy, for managing to make two characters fall head-over-heels in love with each other in just a pair of chapters without making it seem unreasonable, an afterthought or too hurried. First time I've seen this done, and my HUGE "Read" shelf on Goodreads is my witness (767 books to this day).

 The storyline is exciting, giving enough clues to have you waiting for the answers without giving anything away, and when things go down there's no excitement lost. And things do go down big time. The mystery is greater than you guys imagine. 

And that ending! I REALLY want to read the next book, as there is still too much that needs to happen and the need of knowing is definitely not gone. 

I really recommend this book, and hope I can get my hands on the sequel soon!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review