vicki_williams's reviews
2716 reviews

Dimitri by Taylor Rylan

relaxing fast-paced

4.0

Very enjoyable fated mates romance. 🥰 

Taylor Rylan is very dependable when it comes to her fated mates series.  Before opening a page in any book of this series I know that I’ll love the characters, there’ll be no angst, there will be some lovely fluff with  plenty of steam and an HEA that leaves me smiling. Dimitri and Caspian’s story is true to form and I loved every moment of this enjoyable and engaging read. It met all my expectations and was a very pleasurable and relaxing way to pass a few hours spending time with some new and some old friends. 

Virgin Skin by K.M. Neuhold

relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This latest offering in the Ink Slingers series tells the story of Piston and Milo. These two wonderful men manage to fulfil some of my of my favourite tropes as they sneak their way to an HEA. Their forbidden romance also manages to include a few extra tropes - age gap, roommates to lovers, first time, best friends son and to top it all off there’s a couple of days of forced proximity to add into the mix. Milo pin balls between hyperfocus to scattered thoughts and everything in between. He’s an absolute dimpled delight and circumstances soon have him in the same orbit as Piston and an evening of rather chaste activities ensues. The next day at work Piston discovers the connection between him, his best friend and Milo. So begins a very challenging romance between them as the caretaker side of Piston activates even though he struggles with hiding from everyone what’s happening with Milo. They really can’t keep their distance (as much as Piston really wants to) and soon enough they begin to explore the sizzling chemistry between them. 

This very enjoyable and engaging read does have a splash of angst in regard to the perceived forbidden nature of the relationship, there’s plenty of steam/sweet, a lot that made me smile and an HEA that left me heart happy. Of course the men of Ink Slingers are included and I’m looking forward to the next Ink Slinger (there’s a not so subtle hint) having their story told. 

Pebble by Louisa Masters

emotional relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Lots of feels! 

This is the final novella in the Elemental Men series and what a way to finish. Sweet gentle and oh so shy Clay just stole my heart. His backstory is pretty miserable and crippling shyness leads to a very lonely life for him. George feels a connection to Clay but a miscommunication leads him to think they can only ever be friends. This does tend to make George somewhat grumpy and devastated that Clay is not his soulmate when all the others have one. Three years pass in friendship before they finally acknowledge their true feelings for each other, with a little help from Perry! 

The story of Clay and George/Pebbles certainly gave me more feels than the previous books. I want from heart sore to unbelievably happy and had the sappiest smile on my face when these two wonderful men got their longed for HEA. As for the overall story arc, it’s left on an optimistic note. 

A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star by Chloe Archer

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Absolutely loved it 😍 

I absolutely adore everything about Noah. His penchant for funny novelty underwear, his sass and joyful personality, his sweetness and how tender hearted he is. He’s perfect for Elryk who can be a tad gruff and gloomy as well as too focused on his duties. When Noah’s previously unknown magical abilities kick in whilst he’s vacationing in the UK, it garners a lot of attention from the Otherkind - both good and bad. It also draws Elryk into his orbit and so begins a beautiful journey as they two fated mates fall in love, fight the villains and Elryk embraces his protective side/awkward romantic side. 

There’s plenty of action, steam and laugh out loud moments including the occasional snort laugh. This spin off from the Monsters Hollow universe is so much fun. I was invested from the very beginning and couldn’t put the book down. I feel in love with Noah, Elryk and the Darkwing clan and can’t wait for some of the very interesting side characters to get their stories told. Mama Delilah’s Daily Horoscope Reading at the start of the relevant chapters are a delight, drunk Noah is hilarious and the Baby Bjorn scene had me laughing so much I cried. I can’t wait for more! 

Aqua by Louisa Masters

funny relaxing fast-paced

4.0

Loved it 😍 

Aqua is the sweetest himbo to ever himbo. He is without guile and is truly one with water whether it be deep within the ocean or splashing water in the kitchen sink. River is a marine biologist, who is rescued by Aqua, after his breathing apparatus malfunctions. It’s very difficult for River to adjust to his new circumstances and the existence of the Elemental Men, so much so the he truly believes it’s all one big hallucination. But these two wonderful men are fated mates and River soon realises that he’s  in exactly the right place and with the right person. 

This is another wonderful instalment in the series which had me giggling and smiling. The overall story arc of saving the planet continues in the next novellas. 

Aether by Louisa Masters

relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Perry is having a really bad, horribly bad, incredibly bad day. He’s lost his home, his job and then his car breaks down. On the plus side he meets Aether although he does comes across as a bit weird according to Perry. Things get even weirder as he learns about the elementals that save the planet and his role amongst them. But on the plus side he learns that he and the gorgeous sweetheart Aether are mates! 

This is a wonderful introduction to the Elemental Men series with great main and secondary characters, some humour and just a smidge of stress for Perry until all becomes clear for him and the role he plays in the overall story arc. Looking forward to the next instalments! 

(This story was previously in the Fated Mates Anthology and the content has not changed with this release) 

Burned by Mika Nix

relaxing medium-paced

5.0

Absolutely brilliant!

This is the final book in the series and eldest brother Lord finally gets his mate. Lord has been feeling even more lonely as his brothers have found their mates and begins to feel that it will never happen for him. Circumstances have his dragon guiding him to Alrick who is barely clinging to life. So begins their beautiful journey as the hunted and the hunter forge their way to a well deserved HEA. There’s plenty of steam as these fated mates learn to trust in each other even as the villains attempt to pull them apart for eternity. With two wonderful main characters you can’t help but love, the perfect amount of drama to balance the romance and all the Drake brothers and their mates doing their bit, this is a very enjoyable and entertaining read that had me hooked immediately. I look forward to seeing what Mika Nix come up with next! 

On the Edge by Annabeth Albert

inspiring relaxing medium-paced

4.0

Loved it 😍 

Annabeth Albert certainly knows how to wrote a small town romance that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. This is the third book in the Mount Hope series and it’s just as enjoyable and entertaining as the previous instalments. 

Jonas and Declan are the featured couple in this age/gap meets hurt/comfort meets Dad’s best friend romance. Circumstances have Declan temporarily moving into the household where Jonas lives and immediately the caretaking side of Jonas comes to the fore. As he and Declan spend more time together sweet kisses slowly morph into more and the bond between is undeniable. Although there’s minimal angst important life decisions need to be made and some personal growth is required for both of these wonderful men as they work their way to a heartwarming HEA. A HEA filled with lots of cuddles, snuggles and kisses, reading together and finally having what you’ve always wanted. 

I really enjoyed this book, it left me with a huge smile on my face at the end and I’m genuinely looking forward to the next in the series. 

The Mercenary's Guide to Mishaps and Romance by Alice Winters

funny relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Loved it 😍 

Once again Alice Winters has written another classic fun filled tale full of laugh out loud moments, misadventures with villains and an Ellis who is the sweetest, kindest man with a huge heart leading a careful life. Until Tavish makes a bit of a miscalculation regarding Ellis causing so much upheaval that his once careful life becomes similar to the spin cycle of a washing machine.  Tavish also makes Ellis feel like he could do anything thus making him a much stronger person. We also get to see firsthand the softer side of Tavish that Ellis brings out. 

These two wonderful men find themselves involved in a very interesting and intriguing plot filled with unexpected twists and turns. A plot that they require assistance with so Leland, Jackson and co are quick to jump on board and embrace the mayhem that ensues. Although it does lead to Leland having to deal with emotions again and also using his supposed communication/telepathic abilities (unique facial expressions) to no avail! 

I loved what I term the unusual minor characters called “The Cake”, “The Vase” and “The Ancient Fighting Spirit”. And I mustn’t forget “The Acknowledgments” which were the final LOL moment of this highly engaging and entertaining read. I’m smiling and giggling just remembering it all for this review! 

Just Bromantically Invested by Saxon James

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Wonderful friends to lovers romance. 😍 

Landscaping Engineer Penn and Madden have been best friends since high school and now have a landscaping business together. Madden is a naturalist, gay and suffers from unrequited love, a love for his straight bestie Penn. These two wonderful men find themselves navigating new territory when circumstances lead them to “having a moment”. There’s a little bit of angst as they both work through the aftermath but communication makes all the difference. They also need to take into consideration their work and Big Bertha family commitments whilst making time for just the two of them. Once again, communication is the key and they soon recognise and embrace that fact. 

This is a very enjoyable read that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. I loved watching Penn and Madden grow into themselves as individuals and as a couple. This is a truly beautiful story of friendship, love and being true to yourself. With a dash of angst, steamy mixed with sweet and a HEA that warmed my heart. I’m looking forward to the next instalment where Zander gets his story told.