notguilty's reviews
1847 reviews

Silent Is the Heart by Dianna Roman

4.5

This is the reason I fell in love with Dianna’s writing. An emotional, character-driven story that kept me glued to the page (and my kleenex box). 

I was totally consumed by this story - a story of second chances and hidden truths. Life sent them in different directions, and they both made assumptions of what the other's life was like after. If only it were true.

At times, it was a tough read - so much pain and hurt, but it was also healing and beautiful.  And I loved the way they drew each other out of themselves and learned to trust and love.

It also had a touch of darkness to it that really added another layer to it. These two will live in my heart for a long while.

Slay Ride by Davidson King

4.0

Oh my, the Saint brothers are equal parts terrifying, sweet and hot!

In today’s episode of…sometimes a good person has to do bad things, you get Gabe and his brothers as they seek vengeance for their family. And along the way Mason and his BFF JJ get thrown into the mix.  

Gabe and Mason meet in a very not cute way, but it has a lasting effect.  Together they make an amazing team, who understand each other, and don’t judge. And I love their acceptance of their families in their lives. I also enjoy the tenderness between them, especially with the violence that surrounds them. That they can find those moments to connect and be loved.

Don’t get me wrong, this is dark and murderous, but there is love and the bad guys get what’s coming to them. So colour me happy!

Bad Idea by Felice Stevens

4.0

Armi and Hayden are adorable together. Full of hope and growth and love.

Armi, is a wealthy NFL team owner who is severely lacking in self-worth wh meets Hayden, a compassionate and confident man whose wounds are hidden behind his outgoing and competent personality. What starts as a night passion turns into something so much more.

Hayden showed Armi such sweet support and really helped him to shine and come into his own. And I love how accepting and down-to-earth Armi is. Hayden needed someone who wouldn’t judge him.

They are an unexpected pair to run a NFL team, but I love the idea of it. And I love them as a couple. As well as some of the lovely people who surrounded them. 

A good riddance to any toxic MFs!

Resting Beach Face by DJ Jamison

5.0

Declan is so beautiful. Quiet, a little grumpy, a little withdrawn, and maybe a little lost and lonely. Then there’s Cash - outgoing, sexual, and completely obsessed with Declan. 

It’s a slow burn. One that requires both of them to shift their understanding of each other, and time to truly learn and understand both themselves and the other.

I love both the trajectory of the relationship as well as the life and home they build.  It’s a truly wonderful pairing that may be my favourite in the series.

Sure I see a bit of myself in Declan, but I also just adore the way Cash grew and how they balanced each other.

10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders

5.0

This was such an endearing, romantic, and fun story. I smiled the entire time.

I’ll admit, normally a character like Brad, over the top and ridiculous, would annoy me, but through Emmy’s deft hand, I adored him.

He was ridiculous, but also, so utterly charming and somehow completely innocent. Also, I really want a Brad hug! For some, he is A LOT, but Joey likes everything about him. And the fact that he was willing to endure a broken heart just keep him in his life - swoon!

“Fuck. This man. I barely know him, and I’m already wondering what kind of fence he’d like around his backyard. White picket?”

Through some hilarious misunderstandings, antics, and unacknowledged feelings Brad finds his way to falling for his Joey - and I fell in love with both of them just as much as they did each other.

Faking Ever After by Hayden Hall

4.0

An outgoing guy in need of lying low, and a shy billionaire faking a relationship to avoid a meddling family!  Complete with a gorgeous Greek Island setting. Which I think we can all agree is a perfect place to fall in love.

The dynamic between Percy and Finn is quite lovely. It’s a sweet pairing and watching them learn about each other, support one another, and fall in love is wonderful. Add in a little external drama was a lot of fun.

It’s on the lighter side for Hayden - just an enjoyable read, evocative and lovely.

Destruction by Abrianna Denae

4.0

This is a multi-person, multi-perspective story twisting two established mob families together.  I can’t imagine following the story and characters without having read some of at least one of the parent series. Especially given the way in which the members of each family are so intertwined with one another.

And it becomes even more complex as these two ally families are forced to work intimately to get their Bosses back. And yes, intimately, is a double entendre!

It’s a dark world they’ve both built and will often make you a little uncomfortable and on the edge of your seat. It’s chaotic, so be prepared!

Love and hate are fully embraced by these men, but weakness is not an option.

Returning Your Love: A Small-Town Gay Romance by Lynn Burke

5.0

Oh man, Lynn put these men through it!!! And such talented writing.

An emotional roller coaster of two best friends who deserve to be together, but life has steered them away, only to bring them back together at the worst times in their lives.

They are both really likeable men whom you can’t help but root for, even if you can’t always see how they might get there. It was great to witness their growth and healing, but geez, it hurt at times.

There are some other fantastic characters in town, and I’m truly excited to read their stories.

Devoted by Lark Taylor

5.0

I’m obsessed with this world that Lark has created. An elite group of Angels finding their mates while protecting people and doing battle for what is right, even if that’s some of the people in heaven.

Ezekiel and Sam are such a great pairing.  Human and angel. Sexy as hell. And really sweet.

Sam is a beautiful human being. Dealing with multiple mental health issues that impact his life, full stop. Resigned to never finding love or real friends, he finds Zeke online. And these two create a special bond even before they ever meet.

Zeke is adorable - super grumpy and hot-tempered, his life is flipped upside down when Sam enters his life. Together they find so much healing and acceptance and I couldn’t love that for them more.

I also really loved Zeke and his Seraphim family and how their relationships evolved throughout the story. They’re a complex group with supernatural egos, so the tender moments and growth melt my heart.  Granted I also really enjoy their bouts of temporarily killing each other constantly!

Ps. I can’t get enough of Nox, and I can’t wait to see what happens for the twins - my heart hurts for them.

Promised Vow by Rye Cox

4.0

I’m with Sam, I’m totally the type to panic and blurt out something wild like my potential roommate is actually my fiance!

It’s great to join Sam on his journey back home to Kither Springs with his awesome grandfather and lovely sister and nephew. This small-town story is full of heart.

I loved Ryker and his adorable crush on Sam.  He’s a warm and lovely guy, and it was great to see him find someone who loves him wholeheartedly.

An enjoyable read with lots of great moments and an even better ending.