notguilty's reviews
1855 reviews

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."

Malice by Mia Monroe

4.0

This story is a fun read with a quirky take on the supernatural world. Soul Chasers.

A few folks are given the job of bringing escaped souls back to the underworld. Aster’s barely wrapped his head around the fact that he’s now a Soul Chaser before his first assignment comes through.  And it’s a doozy.

Hudson thinks his problems are finally over until he learns ghosts are real. 

These two make a great couple and the one good thing about this Horror terrorizing him…it brings Aster and Hudson together. You always get a glimpse at characters we’ll get to meet in future stories.

Just be prepared to buy a dog by the end - you know - just in case it’s all true! (iykyk)

Mirror, Mirror by Christina Nolte

4.0

This was a really great novel, that is character-driven has some external angst and tension and solid HFN. The writing is detailed and thoughtful.

British transplant Arrick finds himself in a small struggling American town having given up his dream job and taken up a career teaching in a high school that could definitely use some TLC, though it’s not lacking in caring, supportive teachers.

And that is where he meets the outgoing and nosy (!) vice-principal Evan. There is immediate interest between the two, but Arrick has walls miles high, and they are boss/employee. 

It’s a slow burn as they get to know each other, and Arrick settles into his new life. And though their relationship may be new, it’s a good start to something solid.

It also has kittens!!

Alternating Current by Katherine McIntyre

4.0

Totally cute novella that will have you melting!

A sweltering meet-cute leads to an equally hot love story between two really likable men. 

Kyle is cheeky and very forthcoming about what he wants. And though it may start as one night, but with the possibility of more…

A really enjoyable novella to make you smile.

The Year of Us: February by E.M. Denning, Kate Hawthorne

5.0

Oooh, I’m going to fall hard for these two!

These opposites attract, dualling dominants are absolutely seductive. The tension between them is staggering and it’s only their second meeting. Like Cory and Reese, I’ve been thinking about them all month too, and I won’t be stopping any time soon.

I can’t wait to see where things go beyond just their sexual compatibility.

Paper Roses by Lily Morton

5.0

Lily Morton is such an incredible author.  Their humour is witty and endearing and her characters always contain larger-than-life traits while also capturing the simple characteristics that make them human and real.

I love a man who gets a second chance at love.  Jed, owner of Confetti Hitched, was widowed, and has been living in the shadow of that loss ever since. He’s warm and caring but also a little closed off.

Artie is sweet and kind, and despite his crappy upbringing, he hasn’t lost his shine. And he’s been in love with his boss for a while.

So when Jed agrees to fake marry Artie, it’s no doubt it’ll be a wild ride full of emotional struggles, connections, and some flaming heat. The lust is fast, but their love is a beautiful slow burn.

They are an incredible couple full of warmth and tenderness. 

Their story also contains some wonderful cameos, hilarious hijinks and a love story of the epic proportions.

His Reluctant Savior by Courtney W. Dixon

5.0

Give me cat and mouse chases any day of the week! 

Sid and Dalton, with a complicated past, end up on the run together. Protecting Dalton from numerous killers out to get him, and the chase is real. 

Poor Dalton’s life has careened out of control and everything he believed in is now in question. And being on the run with his childhood bully and a killer wasn’t on his bingo card.

What starts off as extremely tense (duh!) builds beautifully. The tension continues but shifts and slowly trust and love are built. World views shift and something new is built in the grey in between with a family that may seem unusual but a family nonetheless.

This one is ‘lighter’ than the others but it’s still deliciously dark and gritty.