lilybear's reviews
785 reviews

Knot The Manny by Liam Kingsley

3.0

3.5 Stars. I was kindly given a code for the audiobook in exchange of review.
This story was very, very sweet. Like a vat of syrup just rolled over me kind of sweet. We have single dad Thorne struggling to raise his absolutely, adorable son Mason. And devoted omega Logan looking for a job in childcare. Their paths meet and we are met with sweet family moments and bonding. As cutesy as I think everything is I really don't think it was romantic. Thorne and Logan don't have a lot of one on one time and when they do its hardly swoon worthy. Perhaps I would think different if Thorne had made a big romantic gesture rather than just saying sorry.
Regardless, the cute factor remains. If you're super into single parents finding love and blended families then this is the book for you. The wolf-shifter angle was very low played so if that's not your thing then no worries here.
I thought the narrator did an excellent job, especially with the childish voice of Mason.

Risk by Baylin Crow

3.0

3.5 stars.
Short, low angst mm romance with a healthy dose of heated, sexual tension. Featuring boxing champion/Adonis Asher and a young troubled man with pale blue eyes Asher can't seem to look away from. With a lithe body and mop of curly blond hair, Drew starts working at his uncle's gym. After crossing paths both of them try to ignore the feelings that threaten to bubble over and consume them. The tension and build up were smouldering. The HFN ending was a tad bit dull, but on the whole it was an enjoyable story.

Quarterback Sneak by Baylin Crow

2.0

DNF 42%. It just wasn't doing it for me. It was a good start, but I think Eden Finely has me spoiled. I didn't like how openly gay/bi practically everyone was. I love the thrill of self discovery and then fear of outing for what it would do to a sports career. This book totally by-passed that. I also thought the relationship between Torin and Rush didn't hold the right kind of tension. They both openly loved each other and physically craved each other. AND they lived together. Not only does it seem impossible for 2 people to not fuck under such circumstances but it takes away from the sexual tension. I need my athletes to secretly lust for each other. Otherwise there's no thrill of 'do I love him?' 'does he love me'? 'do I push him away? what are we doing?' 'how can I make this work?' Bottom line this was a gay sports romance without any of the signature things I LIKE about gay sports romance.
I'm sure it evolves into a decently cutesy romance but it just wasn't what I was hoping for.

Be Mine by Stella Starling

4.0

3.75 Stars. This was a very light and fluffy romance. Staring Kelly, founder of Bloved, and the surprisingly low angst orphan/war veteran Jase. Having read previous SS novels it was fun to see Kelly take the spotlight. He was more childish and funny than I would've thought. Straight-laced Jase was a good match. Seeing them clash and argue was both funny and sexy. Typical HEA.
I got the feeling a lot of side characters like Brandon, Shaw, and Jacob are probably main characters with their own books I have yet to read. If not they should be. Regardless I look forward to reading more light romances from Stella Sterling.

The Boyfriend Game by Stella Starling

4.0

3.5 Sparkling Beautiful Stars. I was immediately hit with the fun humor of our bubbling protagonists. This story was funny and sexy with cavity levels of sweetness. I'm taking away some points for being predictable and a touch cliche. But it was definitely a fun read. #lovewins

How Not to Break by Susan Hawke

3.0

3.5 Stars. Typical MM romance with predictable plot. But I'm adding extra points for the steamy forbidden-fruit angle and the likable characters. The dreaming with the lost-loved-ones thing was kind of overkill sweet for me.

How Not To Wait by Susan Hawke

4.0

2 hot guys stuck in a snowy cabin? What are they to do??? Also can they get their own full length book so they can do it some more??

How Not to Blend by Susan Hawke

4.0

This book had me squealing with girl joy. Although the initial fake boyfriend deal between Andy and Corbin comes off as silly at first "it was just crazy enough to work"!! Way better than I was expecting. And I loved Andy, Gam Gam and even little Jeebus the hell hound. Such a lovely and rich set of characters and I was on the edge of my seat with worry over poor Grayson. I wanted nothing more than for Gray to come out happy and loved. I personally learned a good deal about enby. So this book was educational and heartfelt with trace amounts of sexy.

Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan

3.0

3.5 stars. I loved the complex characters that were Ed and Laurie. And I thought it was cute how they started out as practically enemies and became lovers. But my gosh so much angst! This newly budded relationship just got railroaded with all of this drama and angst. And although I was impressed with Laury's patience and devotion I also wondered why he stuck around such a bitter relationship for so long. The book just didn't read as very romantic to me. It was more a tale of personal growth for Ed with his disability and Laurie with taking the stage. The ending was super flat for me and I was a little relieved to had finally reached the end. I don't plan on reading the next book as I understand the angst level goes up a notch.

There was also mention of post-sex farts and a really gross hot tub scene I could have done without!!! Like I need mindsoap.

Damned If You Do by Marie Sexton

3.0

It was interesting enough. Kind of predictable and not nearly as devilish as one might hope from the title. In fact it was a little overly sweet and fluffy. Abaddon truly made the worst devil in hell. Which was kind of the point. A tale of love and redemption.