Category: Review

Blurb form Goodreads

“Happiness is not a goal…it is a by-product of a life well lived.” 
–Eleanor Roosevelt 

Bernard “Bear” Henson is a blessed man. He is happily married to the love of his life, he co-owns a successful business, and his grown son is desperately in love with a wonderful partner. But Bear knows all too well how precarious that happiness is, so he lives every day with love in his heart and gratitude for everything he has—especially his husband Richard Brightman. Richard has been HIV-positive for thirty years and every new day is a gift. 

When Richard becomes unexpectedly ill and is rushed to the hospital, Bear braces for his beautifully constructed life to come crashing down. A hard-won life full of ups and downs, illnesses and setbacks, love and anger, and a lot of regret for how certain things went down. Certain things involving Bear’s alcoholic ex-wife Debbie and the start of Bear’s relationship with Richard. But the past can’t be changed, only remembered and studied. 

As Richard fights for his life, Bear reflects on the last thirty years of their entwined lives. College days, his shotgun wedding to Debbie, his unexpected feelings for Richard, and the proudest moment of Bear’s life: the birth of his son Gabriel. Bear’s life with Richard is woven with love, heartache, regret, joy, and everything else in between. They’ve overcome every obstacle that’s come their way, and they’ll overcome this new illness, too. Period. Bear simply isn’t ready to live his life without Richard in it.

Published May 8th 2017 by Briggs-King Books

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Review 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

This has to be by far one of the the best books in the series. The book is a back and forth in time novel and while that can sometimes be a bit confusing this one is clever done. It suits the book great and after reading I can’t really imagine it any other way – good thing that I don’t have too I guess.

Things falls into places, you kind the background story of Bear’s marriage with Debbie, Gabe’s mother – Gabe from book two, what really happened? And OH BOY! what a story you get, it kind of amazing. You also get the insight in Gabe being born and growning up with tow dads, they made him the man he is today, his mother not so much.

I know it’s kind of off topic and has nothing to do with the review, but I didn’t really get Debbie, why hold on to a marriage with a man she didn’t love, a pipe dream about a ‘real’ family, I don’t think so.

I liked that the author was brave enough to visit male abuse. We are educated people, but even I think that abuse mostly is a man hitting a woman thing, not really the other way around. I know that it’s out there and I fell the same if it was the other way around, no spouse should be abused man or woman. So thank for that – maybe a bit more in on the counselling would make me understand the whole thing better.

The story itself revolves mostly around Richard being hospitalised, thinking back on the years they have been together, I really like it, form the minute they met until present day. So defiantly a five star read for me.

Read my review of the frist book in the series ‘The Truth as He Knows it’

Read my review of the second book in the series ‘The World as He Sees it’

Read my review of the third book in the series ‘The Heart As He Hears It’

Blurb form Goodreads

Love can slip through the smallest crack in the door. 

Perspectives, Book 3 

While most of his friends have moved on to “real” careers, Jon Buchanan is content skating through life as a part-time waiter and gay porn star. Firmly single thanks to a previous relationship disaster, he focuses his spare time on Henry, a dear friend dying of cancer. And with Henry’s happiness paramount, Jon is on a mission to help Henry meet his recently discovered grandson. 

Isaac Gregory hasn’t set foot outside for the past year. He has everything he needs delivered, and his remaining family knows better than to visit. When a complete stranger shows up claiming to be his grandfather—with a distractingly handsome younger man in tow—his carefully structured routines are shaken.

Despite his instant attraction, Jon senses Isaac is too fragile for a relationship. Yet tentative friendship grows into genuine companionship. And when Henry’s health begins to fail, they realize Fate brought them together for a reason. 

Note: This book was previously published by Samhain Publishing. No significant changes have been made. Please read with tissues handy.

Published March 13th 2017 by Briggs-King Books (first published April 19th 2016)

Review 🌈🌈🌈🌈

This story is a beauty. I still can’t get my head around the porn star thing and it all ending so well. I don’t mean the tea, no sir, I love those. But the ‘Oh honey, by the way, I’m doing porn’ and the boyfriend answering ‘Oh, okay’ and they live happily ever after. I’m pretty sure that would far in the real world.

I loved that cat being a part of the story, sorry guys it’s not a shifter. But it becomes kind of a therapeutic cat to Isaac breaking him out of his habits and it’s cute.

Jon is Jon and yet not. I like the guy, not that I don’t have a reason to. It’s just that he has such a caring heart and take care of both Henry and Isaac, with out asking for anything in return.

But the story of Jon and Isaac is so beautiful. There is someting about sweet and wonuable that goes straight to my heart. I just can’t help it. I was kind of excepting something completely diffrent for the reason why Isaac has his issue. Jon is so patient. But the way he acts when Henry dies I don’t get – sure I get that he’s upset, but that’s no reason for hurting Isaac. The stacker issue took me by surprise, and I think it will do the same to you. I know who you are expecting the moment you read the book… But think again my dear.

It’s a great addition to the series. the sex is kept to a minimum witch is great for this story.

I’m already reading the next book in this series.. I’ll be back when I’m done with it.

Read my review of the frist book in the series ‘The Truth as He Knows it’

Read my review of the second book in the series ‘The World as He Sees it’

Blurb form Goodreads

Love knows no limits…but fear could keep them from seeing it. 

Gabe lives a double life. As Gabriel Henson, he works multiple jobs to support his remorseless, alcoholic mother. As Tony Ryder, he does internet porn for extra cash and regular safe sex without complications. But when he encounters a scared young man freaking out in a night club, he’s compelled to reach out. Ever since then, the memory of that young man has haunted him. 

Tristan Lavalle lives his life thirty minutes at a time. After a traumatic brain injury three years ago, he gets through his day recording his life in spiral notebooks and sticky note reminders. A month after Tristan’s embarrassingly public meltdown, another chance meeting with Gabe sparks a warm, emotionally fulfilling email relationship. Both men crave more, but fear of the next step stands between them. 

And then Tristan gets the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial that could improve his memory—if the side effects don’t kill him. But for Tristan, the possibility of a real life with Gabe is worth any risk… 

Note: This book was previously published by Samhain Publishing. No significant changes have been made to this edition. Please read with tissues handy.

Published March 13th 2017 by Briggs-King Books (first published October 20th 2015)

Review 🌈🌈

Loved the story and the main characters but this story has its faults.

Some might say that I shouldn’t fault the author for my views. Well I’m the reader so I get to decide what I like and what I don’t.

I love the characters, Gabe and Tristan are so sweet, you’ll defiantly fall in love with Tristan and his memory loss – he is so super cute. Gabe has a hard time at home with his mother, again my caring nature just wants to wrap him in a hug and take all his pain away. I guess you could say, two shitty pasts makes a great future and that’s what you get.

However, Gabe is doing porn. You might remember him from the first book as Tony. He’s is still doing scenes while being with Tristan and not telling him. NO MATTER how you put that, that is cheating, and I DO NOT like cheating. Yeah! explain all you want, but that still don’t sit well with me, sorry it’s a no go for me.

The author falls into the pit

This author, unfortunately as many others falls into the pit of sex. When every other chapter becomes a new description of sex I almost want to give up, it gets boring after a while. Some of it even seams corny, when Gabe and Tristan are watching a scene together. I mean who wants to watch their boyfriend doing it with another guy? I can’t even imagine that.

The story was really great and maybe with a bit adjusting it could be a five star/rainbow read.

Read my review of the frist book in the series ‘The Truth as He Knows it’

Blurb form Goodreads

Lies are the chains that keep you weighed down at rock bottom. 

Officer Noel Carlson isn’t out to anyone in small-town Stratton, Pennsylvania, only to distant friends and family, so a relationship is out of the question. That doesn’t stop him from wanting one, though. 

When a night-shift call brings him face to thonged butt with a hired stripper whose girl-party gig went terribly wrong, Noel takes pity on the guy and lets him go. But he can’t get the encounter out of his mind. 

Shane has big-time debts to repay, especially to the brother who sacrificed nearly everything for him. His two jobs, in a deli and as a stripper, leave him no time for a social life. But a non-date of hot sex and takeout food with Noel? He can squeeze that in. 

The bond they form is stronger than either expected or wanted. Especially since the step Shane’s about to take to put his brother—and his soul—back in the black isn’t quite legal. And he never calculated just how much his determination to make things right will cost him in the end. 

Note: This book was previously published by Samhain Publishing. No significant changes have been made to the text. Please read with tissues handy.

Published March 13th 2017 by Briggs-King Books (first published February 10th 2015)

Review 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

When the blurb says to have tissues ready, you better believe it. I do NOT cry over books, it’s just a story… OK I cried.

Porn, we all watch it right? Even if we don’t want to admit it. I don’t mind actually. However I’m a hypocrite, while don’t mind watching it, I do not like to read about it. No matter how hard the author tries to separate the two worlds, with stage names and ‘We are not exclusive’ I still can’t get my head around that’s it’s the one and the same person. I know porn is just sex and love is emotions. But I still think it’s cheating if you are doing porn and you do not tell you boyfriend or the guy you are seeing about it. Also the names stages and real name confuses me.

The brothers, OMG! They are so sweet. I really was ready to ask for their account number so I could transfer some money to them. They take really good care of each other, and boy do they deserve a break, a break they never really get. You just want to cuddle up with both of them and tell them that everything will be alright. I know they are adults, but I don’t care, I just want to make things good for them for once.

The relationship between Noel and Shane, I’ll never pretend to understand it. They have a hard time but like two magnets they are drawn back together. Noel is such a sweet guy, maybe a bit too sweet, when he finds out Shane has been doing porn – I would have been more upset if it was me, but who am I to project my own feelings on to them.

The story is hard I mean really hard, it’s like reading about the dark side of life. But in between you get rays of light that will shine through. I just loved it.

Blurb form Goodreads

Back in high school, nobody noticed quiet nerd Kevin Howard.

But everybody noticed handsome, athletic, and ultrapopular jock Clay Northrup.

They had nothing in common and lived in different worlds.

But a lot can change in fifteen years, and when they meet again at their high school reunion, Clay is no longer the big man on campus, and Kevin isn’t hiding in a corner anymore.

Can they put aside who they were? Can one night really lead to forever?

Published February 22nd 2019 by Dreamspinner Press

Review 🌈🌈🌈

This is a short story, and short it is. I don’t really know what to say. I liked the story, but again it was too short. You never really get into the story, the characters before it’s over, the dynamics are gone, it’s too brief. I just don’t like it. I normally don’t read short stories, simply I sit back with a feeling that something is missing, that’s what I’m doing here. I want to know more about these people, I want to see where they go, sorry I just can’t get my head around it. I have so many questions about these too MC’s I just want to get to know them, know their love see them together.

I landed to three rainbows/stars/hearts, you choose. Because the story is sweet as are the MC’s, if there was a follow up novel I guess I could live with this, but as a stand alone, not so much.

Blurb form Goodreads

A Hearts Entwined Novel

Car restorer Dean Milford knows how to make damaged things beautiful again. Only, after a bad breakup, he loses sight of who he is, playing the field and distracting himself with any man he comes across. But now there’s only one guy who really matters to him. And maybe with his latest restoration job—a vintage Cobra—he’ll get the chance to let him know.

Losing his sight wasn’t the worst thing to happen to Lee Studer—losing his independence was. It’s taken a while, but he’s finally found his place in the world—in a garage. Funny enough, his acute hearing allows him to pinpoint engine problems just by listening. And even better, he’s going to have a chance to help his long-time crush, Dean, rebuild his fantasy car.

As the restoration comes together, so do Lee and Dean, building a friendship that quickly turns into so much more. But before they can think about a future together, they have to deal with the past. Only that turns out to be more dangerous than either one ever dreamed….

Published August 6th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press

Review 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

One page, two pages, three pages and then THE END. WHY WHY WHY?

This is just one of those books that you can’t seam to put down. I was like, I need to know how this goes, who’s the culprit behind all this? You just need to know. So I ended up reading the whole story in one take.

Should you think that this story is just like the others in the series (I hope you read them) you are wrong. Where the others had accidents Lee does not, he’s been blind for at while now, but he still struggles to find his way in the world of the blind, mainly because his mother is extremely overprotective. Lee is fighting against her (I like that guy).

I like the age gab in the story Dean is older than Lee. If you can’t tell I like the older younger guy theme, and Dean is just so sweet, Andrew Greyish I would love to say. Guide but don’t take over sweet.

The story mainly takes place in and around the garage and especially one special car, a vintage Cobra that needs restoration. Both Lee and Dean’s love for cars brings them closer together. When that is said the book is a ‘I watched you for a while but was afraid’. It’s kind of cute, especially since Dean is over 30 and you should think that he was the adult and confident one. However Dean came out of a bad relationship that left him broken, he is of cause afraid to enter a new relationship. I like both MC’s they feel real to me, they have struggles both together and as individuals.

There really isn’t much more to say, if you haven’t read Andrew Grey’s book then, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR. I wouldn’t recommend that you read this as a stand alone. You need to read the other books first in order to understand the relationships between the characters in this book.

A few minus:
For some reason Lee’s mother is against the relationship at first, something to do with the age difference between the two. However you never really get the reason between the reluctance, that would have been nice she just comes across as a controlling bitch. I get that she cares for her son, but that shouldn’t be a reason alone.

Dean was a player, he is approached by a few of his former one night stands, one of them who are now sick with HIV. I would have liked if that would maybe have been a greater part of the story, that part was cut too short.

The honesty of it all. I’m not going to pretend anything here. Andrew Grey is one of my favourite authors, I like his writing, his stories and his style. He is and probably will continue to be on my ‘to read list’ so I basically read anything he publishes. However that doesn’t affect my reviews, I might be biased by not that much.

Blurb form Goodreads

My god, if I have to watch one more happy couple get together, I’m going to lose it completely and probably rip out all of my awesomely pink hair. My older brother is now married and has a family, my best friend is in a committed relationship, and the man I’ve wanted to be with for the last two years just can’t give me what I want… what I know I deserve… I need to do something, go somewhere else and clear my head. 

So, when I get invited to a photographer’s convention in Florida, I jump at the chance. Now I can get away from all the coupled happiness around me and surround myself with… all the photographers from back home.

Well, crap. 

Why didn’t I realize that I already knew half the people here? How did I not know that Andrew—the head of the jerk brigade—would be here too? Ugh. Well, at least I can hang out at the beach, right?

***Left Behind is the third book in the Finding My Forever series, but is a standalone novel. Each book in the series will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the series. It’s a 114,000 word contemporary romance between two men with explicit language and graphic sex intended for Adults Only.***

This book was published in 2017, I haven’t been able to find a publisher so no publisher is mentioned.

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

For some reason this book took me longer to read. Please know that I’m a fast reader, I can usually read a book a day, depending on the number of pages. Something just didn’t catch me with book. It was nice and sweet for sure, and kind of full of surprises. You get an insight on Levi (from the previous books), that’s nice, I was kind of waiting for his story. I kind of expected him to end up with Declan. Let me tell you, he did not.

I never really understand why Andrew (Andy) “hated” Levi so much, maybe I just missed that part, but you never really get a full explanation to why he did the name calling (you’ll have to read the previous books to know what I’m talking about).

****************** DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DON’T WANT A SPOILER ************

I’m not sure how to go about and do this, since it’s kind of a spoiler, but you have been warned. If you don’t want to know then scroll down to the next section after the ******. OK?

Andy has HIV, that is a major thing, even with drugs and every thing. When his HIV is declared undetectable that’s good, right? Andy is still worried that he will pass it on to Levi (I think that great), however Levi brushes him off in a – we’ll talk about it kind of way – however they never do, talk that is.

Now when you wish to bring in heavy subjects into a book, you have to do it right. As I said, HIV is a major thing so don’t just brush it off like it’s nothing. Have that heavy conversation, talk it out. I think it’s a petty, because it would have been a great part of the book.

****************** END OF SPOILER ************

There are some angst in the book, ripping up in the past, especially for Levi. I liked that, the issues. But again I felt that they were not thoroughly done, dealt with. I think the author want’s to make a happy book with serious issues. I don’ t even know if thats possible. I would suggest a book with heavy issues but with a happy ending, I think it would work better, or at least mix the happy and the sad. Don’t just try to brush it off, that doesn’t set well with me.

Also the issues that Andy had with his landlord and/or neighbours is brushed at all, it kind of just happened and the never returned to.

The book is a standalone novel, like the other in the series, however I wouldn’t recommend you read it without reading the other books, I think you would find that you would miss out a lot of things like the dynamics between the characters as well as the family. But this book would probably work better as a stand alone what any of the previous books.

I liked the book ok, but three stars are for that alone. I would have liked if the author had spent a bit more time elaborating the issues in the book.

My review of book one ‘Everything in Between’ Book one in the series.

My review of book two ‘A Little Bit Broken in the series

My review of book three ‘Falling in Time’ in the series

I am gong to take a break for the series before I read the last books, as I have a more urgent read. I’ve got too left. I’ll return with reviews once I’m done reading them, so stay tuned.

Blurb form Goodreads

Watching him dance from that stage is mesmerizing. He is beyond gorgeous. Too bad I freeze every single time he tries to speak to me. If I could just talk to him, maybe I could… ugh, who am I kidding? He would never go for someone like me when he looks like, well, like that. 

I’m a nervous wreck when I get roped into going out with Ezra and the other dancers, but somehow Ezra makes me feel more comfortable and I slowly start to let him in. Turns out, he’s not just a sexy dancer; he’s a sweet guy too. 

When the two men connect, will Jamie be able to open himself up to what Ezra is offering, or will he let the fear of rejection and heartbreak ruin what could be? 

***Falling in Time is a standalone short story, but takes place in the Finding My Forever world, so some of the characters may have cameos. It’s approximately 16,000 words and a contemporary romance between two men with explicit language and graphic sex intended for Adults Only.***

This book was published in 2017, I haven’t been able to find a publisher so no publisher is mentioned.

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a short story. I normally don’t do short stories even if they are part of a series. But I liked this one. I’m not going to fault the author for my dislike of short stories so 4 stars. I loved both Ezra and Jamie. However I fell that the author has chosen a theme that kind of goes through all the books, at leats book one and this one. Tongue tied guy watching his crush from afar, of cause too afraid to talk to him. It gets a bit boring after some time. But since the book was short I can live with it.

There really isn’t much to say about the book, it was cute and a good read, but I would have been better if it was turned into a full novel where the characters and the story could evolve into something beautiful.

My review of book one ‘Everything in Between’ Book one in the series.

My review of book two ‘A Little Bit Broken in the series

Blurb form Goodreads

I have felt alone in this world for a long time, so when new friends come into my life, I’m always afraid to let them get too close. I don’t know if I can risk my heart breaking when those people inevitably leave me. But I’m overwhelmed too. Overwhelmed and so incredibly lonely. Unfortunately, my past has a way of finding me and I’m going to need some help at the coffee shop I own. But it’s hard to find someone you can trust with only three applicants, one of which happens to be an ex-con. My prospects aren’t looking very good. 

When help comes from an unlikely source, will Harley’s past come back to haunt him? Will he let the surprising new friendship he’s found grow into something more, or will he let his rocky past hold him back on the things he needs most; friendship and love? 

***A Little Bit Broken is the second book in the Finding My Forever series, but is a standalone novel. Each book in the series will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the series. It is over 106,000 words and a contemporary romance between two men with explicit language and graphic sex intended for Adults Only.*** 
***Please beware that there are situations of domestic abuse in this book that could be a trigger for some people.*** 

This book was published in 2017, I haven’t been able to find a publisher so no publisher is mentioned.

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ok guys, here we go. Let’s face it, if you liked the first book in the series ‘Everything in between’, you are absolutely going to love this story. Hayley (Har) and Theo are so adorable together, it really is like the perfect match.

Hayley, whom you should know from owns a coffee shop ‘The chipped mug’. Declan, whom you should also know from the first book recommend that Hayley employs Theo after had an ‘accident’, no I’m not going it to that here, but let’s just say abusive realtionship. . Haley has a broken ankel and seriously needs help so he agrees to hire Theo, but who can relax while running a business. Theo is a guy with his own past, recently released from prison and on probation, he has a hard time finding work. So the offer for at job at Haley’s come as haven sent.

I absolutely l love both main characters, they both are so sweet. Theo, how’s a biker and has tattooed sleves (I like that) is a great guy who just rally wants to help his new boos out, slowly he embeds himself Into Hayley’s life and business. Hayley who is defiantly not looking for a relationship with Theo can’t deny the attraction to the other man.

Theres is even a surprise in the book at the end. Though I had my suspicion I rally just thought, no it can’t be him.

There is a bit, I would say the right amount of angst in the story, I almost cried for Theo, he can not go back to prison, he’s a good guy.

The cons:

I don’t understand the dynamic between Hayley and Levi and I don’t think I ever will. I would help a friend out, but no way in hell would I sleep in the same bed as them if I had a boyfriend or otherwise, it’s just too weird.

Thought the book is a standalone, I wouldn’t recoment reading it without reading the first book. There are too many people and even snips of places, like the coffee shop that you will miss if you don’t read the first book. You also revisit Caleb’s family clan som in order to understand the dynamics in the family I would not recommend you read this without reading the first book.

There are a few mishaps, or what ever you would call them in the book, but if you look past them and my cons I would rally recommend this book.

My review of book one ‘Everything in Between’ Book one in the series.

Blurb form Goodreads

Oh God, here he comes now. Okay, he actually greeted me. Now I need to say something… anything. Run down my internal checklist—Step One: wipe drool from mouth; I wiped my mouth; check. Step Two: open mouth and speak; say something… come on, anything… nope, I got nothing. Step Three: refer to Step One and repeat. 

Sigh. This gorgeous man now thinks I’m a moron. Of course, I know that my secret—okay, not so secret—crush, Reese Willoughby, could never have any interest in me anyway. There’s just no way that he hasn’t noticed me openly ogling him at work. I know everyone else in the office has surely seen it. When Reese finally asks for my help with a work project, I can’t help but feel over the moon. Now I can only hope that he notices just how much I like him, because there is no way I’m about to make the first move. 

This book was published in 2016, I haven’t been able to find a publisher so no publisher is mentioned.

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is an older published book (2016) that doesn’t necessary makes it bad. First thing first. There are a few misspellings and a few repeats that are unnecessary, a few facts that I don’t get – does Rees live in a house or an apartment? Theres a mention of both. I’m going for apartment. Since this is an older book I wish that the author would have done an update to correct these things.

When that is said this books is soo sweet. Give me a bowl of sugar and I’ll eat it with a spoon sweet. I love it. However there are a few things that doesn’t set well with me. I think there are too many characters for one books, it tend to confuse me, I do like the group of family and friends. And I just love Caleb’s mother she’s amazing. But the introduction to the characters are clever done I must say. Two kinds also becomes part fo Reese’s and Caleb’s family – just what they alway dreamed about, marriage and kinds. I does seem a little bit too forced, this is what they want, let’s give it to them. Maybe in an another book it would have been a great story. I think that this books should have focused on the relationship between Caleb and Reese and their friends – maybe even a bit more on the past, the hurt and the pain. To me it seems that the author is trying to please a bit too much. They want – they get. But who am I to tell the author how to write a book.

What I do like about the books is that it kind of reel. Caleb lives at a young age in a abusive household with his father and brother who both tortures him. What I don’t like is the non interference from anyone, surely someone must have noticed someting on a young child. When Caleb goes to a clinic because he’s badly hurt, why don’t anyone react (it’s pretty gruesome what he was put through), I would have said that someone professional would have reacted to the abuse, it does seem that for the sake of the story they just let it go/ don’t report it. But it does kind of put other people in a bad light aka they are not doing what they are supposed to, thats kind of wild. But if you can look past this a focus on the story it self, it really is sweet. The dynamic between Caleb and Reese is OHHH boy! I love them and I just want them to be happy.

Drama: there are a few dramas in this books and they are good, I like a bit of angst and drama. But I must also say that they kind of falls flat, they are not really allowed to develop, they pop-up and they vanish, just like that.

I was debating with my self between three or four stars, but ended up letting my heart get away with me, it is sweet.

This is my first read by this author, I’m going to read the next books in the series.