notguilty's reviews
1851 reviews

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.

The Killer Who Kept Me by Davidson King

4.5

Really enjoyed this story. Morally grey, murderous & mob wars, but also a little sweet and tender.  A perfect combo.

I love watching Em gain his freedom, and not just physically. Finally feeling safe and finding a family.  It was special.  

And Saros, deadly and stern but the way he melts for Em, gah, so cute. I love it when big bad men fall in love.

There was also some great cat and mouse mob wars that kept me entertained and guessing.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Starts With a Bang: A Redemption Ridge Novel by Aimee Nicole Walker

4.5

Dom and Sven are wonderful characters with wonderful chemistry and perfect for one another.

It’s a slow burn, and I love how it played out and the reasons for it.

And their ‘fake’ dating was amazing. Dom’s family are dysfunctional but oh so lovely. And the way they worked through the turmoil of spending the holidays with an ex was on point. That whole part of the story was wonderful and heartwarming.  And Nanna is amazing.

"𝙱𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚕𝚢, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝. 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗. "

I truly hope they get everything they could dream of.

More reason to stay by Ryder O'Malley

5.0

Such an endearing story.  Full of humour and warmth. I chuckled and smiled the whole way through.  It is full of the best kind of small-town characters, quirky, nosy, and completely loveable.

It’s written from a single-person point of view, and though I would love to see things from Bobby’s point of view, it was great to really delve deep into Chris’s perspective and understanding. And meeting Bobby and the town from his point of view. 

Bobby is the kind of man, you underestimate, but he’s beautiful. He is happy with his ‘simple’ life, but he also has dreams. And a willingness to be in the moment and live for now. It’s a humble bravery that I would fall for. 

This story passed in no time, a true pleasure to read.

Stories from Queens Parade Vol 2 by Kristian Parker

4.0

I really enjoy these little snippets of life on Queen’s Parade - it helps make it even more real and fulsome.  We get to see some of our favourites again, while also meeting the shop owners that have popped in other stories.

Their stories all contain a little bit of relationship drama, that speaks to who they are and their fears but helps them find a real and strong love. Like all of us, they make mistakes, jump to conclusions and buid walls to their hearts.

But mostly it’s fun to get glimpses of life beyond Queen’s Parade and see more men fall in love.

The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak

4.0

The thing about Charlie’s writing is that all her characters feel like friends, and in The Fly-Half, two of the friends group finally find love.

I think many of us can relate with Jonny - having strong feelings but not understanding why or what they mean.  And his obliviousness is kind of endearing, even if he is driving everyone a little insane. He’s cute.

Though so is Devon and his pining.  And frustration. He may love his best friend, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to strangle him from time to time.

But man, once they get together….smoochy goodness. And some hot possessiveness!

It’s a great story that will make you feel warm and happy. 

Royal Scoundrel by Saxon James

4.0

A prequel of sorts, that lets us get a glimpse at how one of our favourite guys came to be, and get a wild and hard-fought love story

They met at University. Complete opposites. One out and proud, another in the closed. Deep. And though it wasn’t easy it was hot and and swoony.

"𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨. '𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪,' 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨.

𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙩𝙤𝙤."