notguilty's reviews
1847 reviews

Forsaken by Sloane Kennedy

4.5

Sloane has incredible skill at writing dark stories that enthrall and hold you close. Flawed men caught up in worlds most wouldn’t understand, but they have love and loyalty that make you want to know them.

Mav and Eli are an incredible pairing.  They both have secrets and parts of themselves they are scared to share, but they also can’t seem to stay away from each other.

I love how they draw each other out and find love and family.

I also highly recommend the audiobook.  It’s top-notch. Sloane’s writing is perfect for audiobooks and with Michael Dean’s skill and talent, you are in for an engaging ride.

Kill Me Sweetly by Davidson King

4.5

Shep may be one of the big bad Saint Brothers, but he’s mush for JJ. He is so patient and caring for the man who clearly loves him back but struggles to say it. Running Saintly Sweets is the perfect new life for them. At least in between helping people out of tough places.

The way this family seems to find themselves mixed up with the underbelly of society is impressive, and I love how they work as a team, always having each other backs. And you learn the mettle of a person in the process, which is how Shep and JJ just know they are perfect for each other.

I love Davidson’s dark world and how they manage to bring tenderness and love to it all.

Daddy Down Under by Nora Phoenix

4.0

Who doesn’t love an older man finding a younger Daddy! I love when age doesn’t matter, especially in matters of power dynamics and kinks.

They have a wonderful and easy connection that makes them a joy to watch. And it gives them a great foundation for when trouble comes knocking.

Like all great Nora books, there are some unexpected twists and a good deal of justice doled out in the end.

Definitely an enjoyable read.

Drifting Hearts by E.M. Denning

4.0

I love a redemption arc! And I’m so glad Clayton got his. What he did was horrible and a complete betrayal of his best friend, but addiction is a selfish beast.

The journey between them was amazing, and so realistic of the emotions the person and loved ones can take dealing with such a thing.

Self loathing, hatred, anger, sadness, mistrust. It had it all.

And grumpy Keiran, always feeling the need to protect his family, never getting the chance to really live his life for himself. I love him opening up and smiling more. He melted my heart. 

A great pairing, with so much love and acceptance.

The Step Dare by Devon McCormack, Riley Hart

4.0

Who doesn’t love a step brother romance, let alone an entire series of them…yes please!!

This is a really cute story. Two bffs and a dare lead to some fun exploration and a sweet journey to love. It may not be what they expected, but it was all so perfect.

They are both really great characters, and of course we get to see our other favourite step bros and frat house members who always add some great levity to life. I also really enjoyed the parents in this one. 

Can’t wait to see what Devon and his spinoff series brings us.

Balance by Nicole Dykes

4.5

Well that’s an awkward start! LOL

Cane and Archie meeting lead to some hard truths, self reflection, and a lot of delicious sexual tension.  But they are also set free to find true happiness and someone to call home.

Archie is our favourite BFF of beloved Walker. Characterized as a playboy, he’s caught off guard by Cane and how he consumes his thoughts. I love it when someone who insists they will never find a person, falls completely.  It’s cute and so much fun.  He’s endearing, even when he tries to play it cool.

Cane was a bit of a struggle, mostly because he struggled with himself. I could never imagine how hard it would be to live a life true to your self when those around you would never approve. But he meets Archie, and he’s a force to be reckoned with. And together they build something strong and beautiful.

Oakley’s family grows!

French Martini by Mia Monroe

4.5

Back with our favourite group of friends who came back together to open and run a bar.

Lowen has been licking his wounds left by his horrible no-good terrible ex. And running Moby’s has been the best distraction. Including a distraction from the tempting Oakley. The contractor who is definitely interested in him.

It’s a fun story - I love a fake relationship with a side of revenge that ends in perfect love. And it was great to see Lowen restore his sense of self and worth.

PS. they really do suck at being fake!  Which made it so much better. Because no matter how much Lowen tried to avoid feelings, there was no possibility of that happening.

Saving You by E.M. Lindsey

4.5

Ah man, someone give me a hug because these two will make you feel all the feels.

Ridge and Oz are such incredible men in their own rights, and I love watching two people who have a strong attraction but also have some misconception of each other fall in love.

Oz especially, has some baggage. Baggage that will break your heart. But despite his family, he is an incredible man, who is caring and thoughtful, and it’s completely understandable that he would be leary of Ridge.

But when push comes to shove, Oz quickly learns how wonderful and upstanding he really is. And fun. He’s a joy, especially with his daughter.

It’s an emotional journey, but what a perfect family they make.

Finn by Ashley James

4.0

I love Ashley’s writing style, her depth of character, and the settings are always wonderful.  And I’m super intrigued to learn more about the rest of the Moore men.

I struggled with this one, though, I expected it to be awkward, the whole ‘girlfriends brother’ thing, but I wasn’t prepared for actual cheating. I almost didn’t continue reading, as that’s generally a hardline for me, and it made it hard for me to really get into the story.

Ultimately I really like Finn and his family. They are warm men who care deeply, for each other and for their ranch and its history. Ash is lovely with Finn’s son Tucker, for which you can’t help but love him, and he’s wonderful for Finn, opening him up and making him smile, but he’s also a little toxic.

A solid story overall if you are okay with how their story started.

Over and Above by Annabeth Albert

4.5

It’s all been building to Eric’s story. He’s the center of their group of friends. And as they’ve come and gone, finding love of their own. Eric is still mourning the loss of his husband and raising their children who are all growing up, and out. 

Enter Magnus, the neighbourhood barkeep, that makes Eric’s heart beat a little bit faster. It’s a cute story that starts with some casual fun and connection but grows into something more.

Eric, of course, struggles a bit with what it means and the idea of moving forward with his life, but I love him and even more I love him in love. It’s a great pairing, both wonderful men who bring something to the table to make their lives brighter and happier.

I also share Eric’s affinity for potatoes!