GaleMR

We are back to the beautiful and kinky world of Maverick Molly - a very special, safe place, where gay men can explore the intricacies of D/S dynamics, play games Victorian style and enjoy the performance of the servers slash entertainers, who are there not only to serve drinks, but ensure that the customers feel welcome. And while for the readers who haven't read about Maverick Molly, that might sound like a sex dungeon, the servers aren't sex workers. The idea behind it, is completely different - a safe place for like minded people who enjoy travelling back in time, surrounded by the cosy atmosphere of the Victorian era and indulging a fantasy of being part of a time long gone, while sipping a drink and playing Parlor games. Sounds cosy, inviting and warm! Fletcher and Aiden's story is beautifully interwoven in the delicate threads of this magnificent fictional world.
After the unexpected death of his beloved husband, Fletcher is not only grieving, but floundering. Daniel has been a significant part of his life for many years - a soul mate, a friend, a Dom. Summarised in one word - Everything! A part of this wonderful man still breathes and exist in his biological daughter and Fletcher is pouring all his love and devotion in raising the child. But there is time to grieve and time to live! While the memories are bitter-sweet, Fletcher slowly starts to move on. And he finds the perfect temptation to do so in Aiden. The instant flare of attraction between both men turns into a sweet love story and interesting exploration of the D/S lifestyle.
After reading some of AE Lister's books, I quickly realised that heavy emotional topics, combined with healthy dose of kink, are their “bread and butter”, a dystinct signature that makes them stand out and fit so well in the Author's writing style. And that's something I love in the books I read.

I think this new author's debut book is off to a very strong promising start, and I hope that more kinky reads and pure dark pleasure are waiting around the corner.
If you're a fan of triggering topics like dubious consent, torture, kidnapping and violence; if you love abundance of dirty talk and dark humour; if a game of a lamb and wolf where the lost lamb is doomed from the start and the wolf has the traps from the start knowing every move of his little lamb, is something you enjoy - then this is the right story to dive in.
It was obvious from the very beginning who was the lamb and who was the wolf here.
I am sure that somewhere deep, down, in the most hidden corners of his soul, Seb knew that starting work as a bartender in an establishment ruled by the Russian mafia, is a recipe for trouble. But desperate times called for desperate measures. Unfortunately when he stepped foot in Starlight, he immediately attracted the attention of Dima Kozlov. So what followed for Seb was quite scary, fast and rude bi awakening while Dima was just stretching his claws, marking his territory and setting the perfect trap for his frightened new toy.
It's safe to say that the way their relationship took off, the game of cold - hot, the constant push and pull was “so heady like the most powerful drug in the world.”
What I liked about Seb was his flexibility and healthy sense of self preservation which helped him to quickly adapt and merge seamlessly into the darkness of his new underground life as well as the bold way he embraced and explored the new unexpected side of his sexuality.
But Dima was the anti hero who really made me smile and sing - his fierce determination and brutality, violent and aggressive personality, possessiveness beyond any sense of normalcy and filthy but intriguing imagination. He was unstoppable force of nature - direct to the point of being crude, harsh, manipulative and unpredictable but at the same time loyal, considerate and strangely endearing in the cruel but fair way he watched over his family.

I was captivated by Rodman's world building the moment I started reading the first book. The dragons, their riders, rituals and secrets living in a hidden society amongst the human race and leading a never ending battle against the tylwyth who are opening portals and trying to invade our dimensional plane. It was a solid, well-thought and even more surprisingly well written beginning of unique fantasy world. So I was really impatiently waiting the continuation to see what will happen next. And this second installment didn't disappoint. Here the bonds between Harlen, Kirby and Cai strenghten and develop exponentially - they learn, they listen, they observe step by step turning into an unbreakable triad that love, value and protect each other, face challenges together, build strategies and deflect attacks that threaten not only their safety but the safety of their dragons. I loved the added twists and turns, the personal growth of the characters. Seeing the story unfolds from Harlen's point of view/ this horny bugger lol/, I truly, deeply enjoyed the edge and spiciness to their interactions. But what really impressed me was the way they took in stride the upending of the world they knew and was raised into. it's a steep, difficult and jarring learning curve which I suppose, we will see develop and give results in the third book. Amazing work, S.Rodman - thank you for this reading delight

This is a bittersweet, suspenseful and heartfelt omegaverse story about the cost of every dream, about how different people react to trauma and their ability to heal, regroup and build up their lives again.It's a story about strength, resilience, determination and unconditional love.
Outwardly, omega Zelena Ortega seemed to be living her perfect dream and the glamorous lifestyle of a famous, talented singer fitted her like a glove. But in reality, hidden behind the dazzling lights and the luxury, she was drowning in joyless, hollow sea of loneliness. The truth is that she felt hopelessly trapped by the contract signed when she was only 18y old. It gave her the golden ticket to follow her dream to sing but took away her freedom to claim mates, have friendships and make her own choices.
While Zelena was the heart and core of this tangled web of connections and relationships, this wasn't a story just about her. Zane, Dale, Archer, Russ, and Cam had their own struggles, challenges, and choices, but in the end, each step led to their bonding as a pack. There was an impressive amount of miscommunication, which of course was the cause of a lot of pain and frustration that could have been avoided if they could have spoken honestly and openly. But if they had, we wouldn't have a book to read. Overall, It was an enjoyable read. I needed to see more of the relationship development between the characters. Most of the book was focused on building the plot, the intensity and anticipation of what was about to happen, which I always appreciate in a book. But that left almost no room for developing the relationships between all the pack members - how they form and blossom fully, how internal conflicts are resolved - for example, Cam's animosity towards Dale's alpha Zane magically disappeared in a matter of minutes, which wasn't believable. I also expected another more detailed description of what happened to the people who ruined much of Zelena's life, but the consequences of their actions were somewhat glossed over and condensed into a short summary.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I wish we weren't restricted in how many stars we can give a book! I wouldn't have hesitated to give it a whole Galaxy!
When a story has its own story,
When your heart sings in a way it never has before, just because of the presence of someone special in your life,
When someone's smile awakens all your senses in a way you've never experienced before,
When someone's pain is your pain
When someone's success is like your own,
When someone's joy is your joy,
When your love goes high and beyond the boundaries of friendship, without you realizing when it happened...
So many “When's” and only one answer : When River met Skye and When Skye met River, it was such a fateful moment that their lives flipped on their axis to take a new direction. 9yrs of the most heartbreakingly beautiful, life-changing friendship I've ever seen described on a page. This book hit me so hard on such a deep level that it just shattered me to pieces. There aren't many people in real life who will turn their entire life upside down selflessly, without hesitation, and pour their whole heart and love into someone else's well-being. But we can pick up a book like this and dream for a few hours with River and Skye, following the path of their deep love for each other. A love that they never even knew existed, but that proves its existence in the way they face every challenge life throws at them, only to come out the other side stronger, closer, wiser.
And Yes, I did intentionally repeat the word Love more than one time! Because if Love was a book, you can touch, this one is magnificent example!

Cheers for joining the playground of extremely dark authors, Abrianna Denae. I was really impressed with all the monsters that you let out of your imagination to play outside. And what a twisted game - violent, gory, suspenseful. Even though the heat amongst all the blood was very high, there wasn't a a whisper of doubt that it's heavily plot oriented. The next thing I want to address is to pay attention to the triggers listed kindly at the beginning - they aren't there for pretty decorations. And last but not less important is the way the book is written with the constant back and forth between past and present which made the beginning a little bit disorientating - if you don't like this kind of storytelling, take this as a fair warning.. So now, let's go ahead! The story plunges deeply into the dark, the characters are more black than grey, but to give them justice, in such a ruthless world, ruled by mafia families, where blood and life are more valuable currency than money, that has to be expected. Carter and Christian are one of the most intense couples I have ever had the pleasure to read and there were moments when their dynamic was emotionally unsettling and highly disturbing - definitely not a romance or love despite their declarations for loving sach other. One of the things I really liked were the secondary characters. Once again, Abrianna showed a remarkable attention to every detail and made a statement that nothing is actually secondary in her stories - Roman and Tennant, were so vibrant, intriguing pieces of the action. There were also other characters I'd love to see in the next book as well as their further development like Hollis and Leandro.
I truly enjoyed this new face of Abrianna's writing.

A journey of self discovery, a path of healing, the precious gift of second chances and finding the place you belong - all of this beautifully wrapped up in a sweet, low angst omegaverse story. A heavy part of the book is the designation dysphoria. Bee is a Beta who longs to be an omega and in reality has some omega treats. All her formative years she was criticised for not being Beta enough, for wanting to be something she isn't, for being a disappointment and the list goes on and on. So when she flees her past, her abusive ex and the cruel confines of her conservative small town, the big city is her last chance to figure out not only herself but her future.More than half of the book is an inner monologue about her insecurities, fears and designation struggles. From the very beginning of Bee's new life, she meets the members of St.Laurent pack and the attraction is startlingly strong and immediate. But her trust issues run so deep, she is projecting mixed signals all the time she interacts with Kade, James, Jae and Nate. After awhile Bee running the hot and cold game, turns a little tedious and tiresome.
So what's next is the logical question? Next is the enigma of the St. Laurent. Who are they and what are they looking for?
On the surface St. Laurent pack might look perfect, but they hide secrets of their own, a whole new level of deep turmoil that threatens to tear them apart before their inner bonds are fully developed and set in. Jae is supposed to be the heart and soul of his pack but he is silently drowning in despair because he is an Omega that doesn't feel like one and this affects badly all of the others. They haven't even bonded properly before Bee appeared into the picture. This was one of the aspects of the story that felt somehow rushed to me - it looked like Bee was a magic potion that miraculously healed all the deep cracks and trust issues into St. Laurent. As a result I felt like Jae was left on the sidelines and I really wanted to see more of the pack dynamics with him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

There is never a dull day in the Amato family. All I fear delivers a fresh helping of madness in an unforgettable way. The Amato's heir extraordinaire, Roman, is all grown up - though he looks like a doll, acts like a brat, revels in the feel of exquisite lingerie caressing his skin, and defends his deadly daring style on all costs, he has perfected the art to hide his femme side when needed and grueling training has turned him into a fierce predator and lethal weapon. It turns out there's one more test he must endure, and it sets him on the path to an inevitable confrontation with his father's second in command, Tennant. Ohhh, what a clash it was! Roman hissing and showing claws like a wild cat and Tennant patiently bulldozing through his defenses - it was a real delight to read. The attraction Roman harbors for his unhinged, unpredictable and fiercely devoted to the Amatos, mentor literally explodes and turns into an unstoppable inferno. But Tennant is already taken, so the question is whether Roman will be able to handle both men. Possessiveness and obsession reach a whole new level here. Tennant, Roman and Hollis are one of the most deranged triads I have read about but endearing in somehow disturbing and “omg, are they for real?” kind of way. When you read their favourite bucket of kinks, you will really understand what I am talking about. And while the chemistry and the strong connection between Tennant and Roman are undeniable and visible from the start, Roman and Hollis had to work in that direction. But no matter Roman's internal insecurities and doubts about his position with an established couple, when Holis' past come knocking, the three of them show an united front in eliminating the threat. The taste of imminent danger and the challenge to survive, solidified the bond between Holis and Roman as well. It's a story written in blood where loyalties are always shifting, weaknesses exploited, only those who keep improving and playing it 1 step ahead wisely survive, mistakes are often fatal and family is of utmost importance!

Out of the pit of generational trauma and layers upon layers of distorted, unorthodox beliefs, emerges the story of three brothers, who are the product of a small, insular, unconventional and very rigid religious community, locked in their own time and thinking. This is specifically the story of the oldest of them, Ford, but for better understanding of the plot, the reasons for certain choices and events, the history of all the twisted relationships, the books must be read in sequence. It's fascinating to see how most of the life choices, made by the characters, are well-intentioned, but the results are anything but good and constructive. The toxicity of the relationships between family members and in the community itself, is embedded deep in the very fabric of the story. In the same way that Ford was a rotten product of the lack of education, poverty, and a normal family environment, while growing up, his son Beckett was following behind minus the education issue. But the curse to be born a Reed, is a heavy weight he has to carry like a loop around his neck. For me personally, this isn't a romance story and not because of the blood relation they share. Damaged, fractured and drawn together like two moths by a flame, their personalities clash spectacularly, while they try to build a somewhat healthy relationship and navigate all the challenges, thrown their way by their own hang ups, unresolved trauma and incompatibility conflict.
The book is definitely of the darker variety, touching a lot of triggering topics, have an intriguing concept and delves deep into the darkest recesses of the human mind.

Earth has become a giant water bowl, and Phoenix - the last city of the surviving human civilization - is resting safely at the bottom of the vast ocean in a cocoon created by the song of Sian, Erin and Ivan. The three of them, despite appearing mostly humanoid, are much more than meets the eye. In their DNA are interwoven millennium of knowledge of long forgotten civilizations and Pantheon of Gods. The whole world building of the book is a fascinating mix of post apocalyptic, paranormal, sci fi fantasy elements with a healthy dose of the author's wild imagination. Cian is finally able to follow the pull of his heart and find his mate. I have always been partial to this main character and his loneliness was deeply touching to me. But this book is his song and I am happy for him. The chapters follow a pattern of time travelling which was a little bit anticlimactic to my own reading preferences and I couldn't fully sink into the right mind space and enjoy the experience. The plot is heavily action packed and follows more than one story thread and more than one character. It also taps in the deepest dark recesses of the human mind and how far people can sink in order to guarantee their own survival and keep the power to themselves. I am referring here to the Disciples of Annunaki on the Moon and the gruesome picture Cian found when he finally reached it. The search for his mate turned into a full blown rescue operation and a lot more secrets revealed.
If you're looking for unusual sci fi heavy on the plot and less on the smut, that's a good choice. The books however have to be read in order because they are closely interconnected and the main characters are more than cameos when they pop into the different stories.

In the chaos that has ensued since the elimination of the High Alpha, the removal of such an important player as Bisha, the alpha of New York and some of his supporters - has left a power vacuum that is creating ripples of uncertainty and instability in the shifter world. The remaining alphas have an urgent task of utmost importance - to create a council that represents a united front and can guarantee the rights of the most vulnerable members of shifter society - the Omegas. This is a thrilling, extremely well written continuation to the Blood Brothers duet. Reading this new installment was a mind-blowing experience of epic proportions. It was a pleasure to see how much Elvie has grown into her newfound powers. Instead of feeling broken and defeated after all the pain and hurt she has been through, she has discovered a hidden well of confidence and a core of steel that has been waiting to be explored and tapped. Omg, reading all the 3 books,I lost the count of times I was wondering, how much more this tiny slip of a girl can take, how much more betrayal she can endure, but every time she refused to stay down up and rolled with the punches . I love this kind of characters - that have integrity, determination, fierce life force that nobody can extinguish. Kelly is the the perfect another half of this power duo; they complimented each other beautifully. What still wasn't perfect here was the fractured dynamic of Elvi's pack - they made some progress in the previous book for strengthening the internal bonds but there was obviously a long road ahead of all them so they could present a united group and not only a strong core like Kelly and Elvi are. I am impatiently waiting the next book because the cliffhanger in such a key moment was really mean

Twisted lies or may be distorted truths, manipulated and shaped in a way, that suits their user; chasing goals, often beyond morally grey and borderline black; a dazzling web of questionable reasons; a ton of heartbreaking choices and hard decisions that lead to unexpected results. All of this and then some more is Roxie Collins' world building in a nutshell. She has amazing talent for writing unforgettable fictional worlds that leave a reader emotionally drained and craving more. The Blood brothers duet is no exception. She added again new elements and twists that make her omegaverse stories stand out but what I love the most are her characters - they feel like real, breathing human beings and like any other human, they are often infuriating in their short-sightedness, annoying in their hasty decisions or fascinating in the depth of the feelings they express or suppress depending on the situation. What these characters lack is perfection -they aren't polished, shiny or ideal. Their flows is what makes the story interesting.
Elvana is a brilliant example of what's a wholesome, inherently good personality. From the first page of the first book ‘till the last page of the second one, she showed incredible personal growth, resilience and unparalleled fighting spirit. But not everything was there at the very beginning - she was so, so naive and trusting at first, I was really perturbed. How the heck are you going to survive, girl, in this small, fragile and soft omega package!?!
Meeting Rory, Cam and Link wasn't a beginning of a fairytale for Elvi. It was like crossing a bridge, leaving one nightmare to find a new one. Lied, manipulated and turned into a puppet yet again, a convenient chip that should be discarded when the need arise, Elvi once again demonstrated impressive strength and remarkable adapting and surviving instincts. But what she never lost even in the deepest pit of disappointment and hurt, was the grain of good. She was always able to compartmentalise her pain and feelings, lock them deep down in her mind and soul and focus on the current crisis, prioritise and help. I was truly sorry Link, Rory and Cam weren't able to see what a gem they found and instead chose poorly. Link, for example, was heaping a mind boggling stack of mistake after mistake. Lost in reaching the ultimate goal - finding their missing omega - Kelly, the heart of their pack, driven and determined to succeed, Link was ruthless, cold and unstoppable force of destruction. But he at least had a position, a goal and was following them no matter the collateral damage. Rory was floundering mindlessly, focused more on his dck swinging chasing Elvi's attention instead of following the plan he and his blood brothers created before Elvi landed in the middle of their pack. Cam was an utter disappointment to me when I first met him on page - neither here, nor there - just floating, without a hard opinion of his own, following Link's direction. I have to say, Elvi was a master in finding the most unsuitable alphas to take care of her or more accurately - she was at the wrong place, the wrong time and attracted the attention of the wrong alphas. Unfckingbeliavable how many times they broke her heart, treated her badly or walked all over her feelings. The only good outcome was that the whole ordeal she went through gave her a strong boost to grow up and change faster. But only if she knew that this was just beginning, just the peak of the iceberg, the hint of the darkness that was fast closing in around her.
This is a dark omegaverse story with a lot of triggers but a real treat for the readers who love mind games, tricks and a lot of twists.

Omg, Mel, you're not writing anymore, you're flying and filling the story with your magical, captivating narrative. When you started this new project, I was a little skeptical if you'd be able to pull it off. Dystopia may seem easy, but it requires so much world building. And,oh, how wrong I was - you delivered a fast-paced, emotionally intense story with so many twists and turns, a galore of vivid supporting characters, and even a continued further expansion of your world. Oliver's redemption ARC was a real surprise and seeing his point of view of the past, actually made me love him just a teeny-tiny bit. My only complaint? It was so good I couldn't believe I finished it in a few hours.

2046 - deadly pandemic and a string of disastrous events has turned the Earth we knew into a hostile environment for the last survivors. And the last survivors? Ohh, they are an interesting bunch of genius level scientists and group of elite soldiers, carefully vetoed, monitored and sent on an isolated base in Antarctica. The plans of the creators of this massive and ambitious project that selected the best of the best of all human minds and established the base in secure location, weren't able to reach the desired finale. Doomsday hit unexpectedly early and severed the arrival of last shipments and groups of people who had to join and reunite with their relatives and spouses at the base. So the last survivors were only males and totally isolated from the rest of the world. The book has a very intense Prologue with a strong post apocaliptyc dystopian feel. The plot quickly expands adding new and intriguing elements - time traveling, DNA experiments, vampires, humans that aren't actually human but descendants of lost Gods. On surface level everything seems exactly like the calm before the storm. 2000 male soldiers and scientists in forced proximity who have to adjust frighteningly fast to the new reality. They are alone, nobody is coming, the world they knew no longer exists. General McCormick has his hands full with managing this new reality, establishing rules, providing a safety net for the men that feel lost. And may be the most important - he has to be an example of moral integrity and support, thus he has to change his perception for gay relationships hard and fast.
The story holds one of the highest possible rankings for unusual bi‐awakening. For a lot of them it was just a reluctant acceptance in the way of “we don't like it, but it's the only option”.
What made the Doomsday feeling bearable was the witty banter, the beautiful friendships, the humour- even a little bit black on the edges and the first romantic bonds that formed. If only they knew how much heartbreak, shocking revelations and hardships were awaiting ahead while they were learning to navigate their new, forever altered lives....
The second installment is a total shock of its own high magnitude. While in the first one the men were learning how to live on their own, adapt and even how to preserve and create new lives in artificial “wombs”, here the story turns darker with streaks of violence and some sensitive triggering topics - imprisonment, death of key side character, cannibalism, DNA manipulation that happened before the events on page and as a result the birth of mutations, kidnapping. There is a huge information overload that felt overwhelming to me. But overall it was fast-paced, thought-provoking and entertaining in slightly disturbing kind of way - for example how far a person could go to survive and how many moral boundaries are acceptable to be crossed. You will find for yourself if you read the story, because what's totally fine for one, could be a solid No for another. I liked Eryn - king of the brawl, to a certain degree but a lot of his personal choices were questionable at best. The twins Ivan and Cian are a real menace, disaster in the making, still growing in power and knowledge. And Cian's book shows his astounding personal growth and development as well as his emotional scars and vulnerability. I have a separate review on the third book so I won't repeat myself here.
The 3 books are closely interconnected, huge and complicated world building that expands in one main ARC and a few secondary storylines.

Such a tremendous relief to finally see the whole Reed family together and happy, just the way the brothers and their sons like it - rowdy and delightfully filthy. There is a basket of more surprises that really made me laugh amongst all the smut. Ford was the cherry on top of it. I really loved the grand final and the darkness dissipating because really, they had enough pain and heartbreak in their lives. It makes me a little bit sad too, because all of them were captivating in their a little twisted, but charming way and now all the books are done. Learning to live no only as a couple but in a dynamic of 6 presented new challenges and hurdles but after all they lived through, this unconventional “Adams” type of family bulldozed their own way to satisfying HEA. Good bye, kinksters and farewell!

When I picked up the book, I thought it would be mainly a lot of smut and spice. After all, it has a demon of lust as one of the main characters. But I couldn't have been more wrong. To say that I was surprised by the plot and the depth, is an understatement. This is one of the saddest smutty books I have ever read. The author has packed so much meaningful moments, so much pain, heartbreak and raw, unfiltered emotions in these pages along with the high spice, that a reader has barely any time to breathe. It's one revelation after another. The story is simply a live wire, buzzing with high voltage of sensual experience. It's hard to describe the incredible rainbow of emotions I went through while reading - anger, resentment, frustration, disappointment, relief, hope, even joy. The other very interesting and valuable achievement, the author has managed to accomplish is building a plot solidly on dub con base. The begining of the relationship between Adrian, Sally and Ethan was absolutely pure dub con to me. Sadly, I can't duel on the motivations and the reasons because that's a major spoiler. Even later in the book, the dub con that started it, could still be felt with the way Ethan treats Adrian and the way he refuses to acknowledge their relationship which makes the triad extremely unbalanced. No matter the positive development further in the book, the bitter disappointment of the beginning, continued to plague me because Ethan is the crowned Prince of the land, where Prejudice and Judgement are born. The author has done exceptionally well with creating characters that feel multidimensional and tangible. The urban fantasy elements of the usual lore have a life of their own, refracted through one unique and captivating prism, that veers away from what we, as readers, know about Hell, demons, ghosts and the whole preternatural world.
Never trust a s*x demon will definitely appeal to the lovers of complex world building and high spice. It's definitely one of my best findings for 2025.

Definitely different from my usual reading choices - a lighter version of a supernatural world where the humans aren't aware, that a dazzling variety of creatures live amongst them; demons could be adorable and have dimples, werewolves can talk in shifted form, harpies could be knocked out with a bag of books/it's a very cool weapon if there isn't anything else lying around/, death witches can heal, mermen can turn into walking humans/clothes and all intact/in a blink of an eye and mating rituals have cool side effects. Ohh, and let's not forget the biting - it's kinky, dirty and hot during s*x but won't turn you furry. There was definitely a lot to process and for Jeremy - one of our MCs - it was like landing in a magical wonderland. His endless curiosity and barrage of questions were raining non stop and driving Adrian wild. The snark, banter and hilarious absurdity of some situations were the most distinctive part of the story. There was even a twist I was expecting to happen while the plot was developing and that really helped Adrian and Jeremy to be together and connect better. Overall it was entertaining, just a teeny-tiny bit too cheesy for my taste. Also, while I understand the concept of possessiveness, I don't like to see it too much front and center in events happening on page/this of course is just my preference/. The author has done a good job in creating one engaging world of magic and mayhem.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I still haven't decided if you're a songwriter or a storyteller, because this story has the hauntingly beautiful vibe of a song and the emotionally heavy feel of a developing drama. I harbour a lot of conflicting emotions about the new triad in this new series. Casper, Reed, and Elic struggle with their own formidable horde of inner demons - fears, insecurities, nightmares, and doubts create a web of delicate dark emotional threads that affect their daily lives in unforgettable ways. Reed and Casper have more than two decades of history together, first as stepbrothers and then as lovers. But what their relationship lacks is true intimacy and togetherness. It takes the word toxic to a spectacular new level. After another successful tour for their band, they rescue a young homeless man off the streets on their way home. It is Reed who stopped the bus and intervened, so the rescuer and the rescued bond quickly and powerfully. Reed is inexplicably drawn to the young man, while the brooding Casper is as reserved as ever, but also intrigued by the unexpected addition to the family. Elic was actually a much-needed wake-up call for Casper, the last one before his so-called relationship with Reed completely failed and the devastation was absolutely irreparable. Because there was only so much despair, longing, and heartbreak Reed could take - he already wore the mantle of quiet resignation and the weariness of life. This is a slow-burn love story, heavy on the hurt/comfort and healing in the typical for this author high quality writing style, gentle way of representing triggering matters while dialing up the angst and letting the characters walk their own paths of redemption, self discovery and well deserved HEA.
I am leaving my personal reservations off page, because I really enjoyed it to a certain degree and besides every reader could see the story through their own unique perspective.

After reading this book, I really needed to step back and deal with all the heavy emotions it evoked and carefully sort through the kaleidoscope of feelings that remained long after the last page. The story shows one of the uglier sides of life - the difficulties, the challenges, the pain of rejection or not fitting in someone's expectations and being part of the Invisible ones. All these children who fall through the cracks of conversion therapy, foster care or know the Street as their only home, are Invisible to the so-called society in which they live; a society that has conveniently forgotten that they exist and stolen their childhood without remorse or a trace of guilt. Pippin and Nacho are the final product of a system that has utterly failed to protect and raise them with even a modicum of concern and humanity. The only lucky thing was that they found each other while being transferred like broken, unwanted toys from one home to another. This is a compelling, deeply moving story of a friendship, born in the dark times of extreme need, in a hellhole that was supposed to be a place to live. A friendship that survived living on the streets and growing up while dealing with the results of severe childhood trauma, abuse and neglect. The story presents themes such as mental health issues, ADHD and codependency with impressive care, reflection and thoughtful exploration of this sensitive subject matter. And as readers we were gifted with the chance to see all of this through the lense of one extraordinary love between two broken souls- selfless, deep and incredibly precious, because it's based on the only thing they have left and value immensely- Trust! Trust that they always will have each other's back no matter what.

If love is a bird with broken wings, even if you set it free, it will not be able to fly. When Adrien meets Phillipp, they are both badly damaged from painful past experiences and recovering from their own wounds, trying to close the door on bad memories. But recovery is so much faster and better when you have someone who believes in you and helps you get back on your feet. This is one of the most heart-wrenching, slow-burning love stories following the difficult path of healing and rebuilding self-esteem. Every emotion in this book is like a live wire laid out raw, bare ,and fractured in a way that makes the reader experience every feeling, every thought, every sound very acutely. Adrien is a fictional character, but who doesn't want a friend or partner like this. The slow burn was perfectly in sync with the trauma represented on page and the love bloomed so very gently step by step.

When the need for revenge and the thrill of the unknown meet the taste of the forbidden, the rest is history. This is a well-written story with an original plot idea that stays hidden in the background, because the main focus is the relationship between Talon and Alex. I would have really enjoyed more plot development and less spice, but no luck in this regard. In a world where the peace between Hell and Earth hangs by a fragile thread, a master manipulator has found a way to not only thrive, but secure his position as an important player - the Paladin organization, those who are supposed to be the warriors of God and walk the fine line between Good and Evil, always making the right choice; the only guardians humanity has at its disposal, the last shield if all other defenses fail. It all sounds like pretty words, but do they have actual substance or are they a poison for Alex' mind, warping his view of the world. Msy be the status quo wouldn't have been rocked to its core, if the demonic nightmare Alex miraculously experienced as a child resurfaced again. I loved the way the past and present were described, the clash between them creating a whole new level of conflict that questioned the very foundations of Alex's life and beliefs. It was fascinating to watch this house of cards crumble and take away Alex's old life in one fell swoop, leaving big emptiness behind and a place for Talon to take on. As I said there was a lot of spice and less world building but overall I enjoyed the story. The aspect that left a little bit of bitter aftertaste was Talon's obsessive possessiveness - for someone who is immortal and has had the chance of living to the fullest, experiencing all kinds of pleasure, it was a tad bit hypocritical to deprive Alex of his own share.

Who wouldn't be tempted by a story for hot firefighters in equally hot summer!?!
I liked the concept behind the story but it lacked the emotional depth and believability, I usually look for in the books I read. The problem is probably in me, because I need vivid descriptions and vibrancy and richness of the storytelling to be able to feel inside of a story, not only looking from the doorway.
If I have to summarise what I did like, it was the subtle, but very strong thread that was screaming at me “ Dare to try” and the 3 characters didn't disappoint on this front. Emerson and Owen were in a traditional, happy marriage and their love, care and respect for each other were palpable on every page. But when Drew moved in, in the town where the couple lived in and started working in the same Firestation as Owen, a beautiful friendship bloomed. A friendship that grew beyond their expectations, tested by time and life challenges. A friendship that turned in so much more when feelings were involved, that the classic boundaries started to blur and morph into something new, a little bit terrifying and a lot more daring! The story gives a homey, cozy, intimate vibe. It has a variety of interesting elements like a wonderful bi-awakening for Owen and Drew, overcoming great loss and finding love again for Drew, falling in love with not 1 but 2 men which was a novelty for a devoted to her husband and very sweet Emerson; exploring the depths and unknowns of triad relationship and finding the balance in all of the new relationships for all of them.
The 3 characters dared to try something new, to put their hearts on the line in the process and were determined to find their happiness, despite the constraints of a small town, closed-minded thinking. Overall it was a good read, I just missed the feeling of what was written in the title - Sparks of desire.

This is the kind of darkness that isn't welcome in your home and in which you can easily sink into. It's also the darkness that can change a person's psyche and leave very deep emotional scars. It's a story about deep loneliness and serious abandonment issues. Ethan is the “product” of a complicated family environment and upbringing - his parents' divorce left him adrift - but worse, and in fact the real problem for his total lack of self-esteem and self-worth, is the fact that he became the invisible child. His desperation and thirst to be seen, cherished and loved has become a slow burning, festering wound.
Meeting Alex, his first boyfriend, and finally being a center of attention and care were like a dream come true. And keeping this newfound feeling of safety on all costs, turned into a priority. When Alex tried to break up with him, the darkness and danger came knocking. But Ethan wasn't capable of seeing the red flags and taking healthy decisions. In order to be with Alex he decided the jump blindly into the lifestyle of the hidden society Alex belonged to with only limited knowledge what lies ahead. The story unfolds from Ethan's POV so the feel of his struggles, fears, pain and psychological transformation was even more amplified and heartbreaking. He didn't even know how wrong, twisted and far away from the real and safe BDSM practice, his own training was. He wanted to be where his Alèx was - his only safety net, that turned out not to be so safe after all; the only love or what he thought was love but was actually borderline obsession and pure fear of abandonment, of not being enough or worth the time and attention. The story was an endless loop of mind games and sensory overload. Definitely very well written and the triggers shouldn't be ignored. If dub con, slavery, sexual abuse aren't your thing, the reading won't be a pleasant experience.

I wholeheartedly agree with the final note in the book. This is one crazy world, the walk on its winding paths a thrill like no other, leading to unexpected places. The continuation of the story is definitely more intense, just a touch more darker in some moments but also very compelling and addictive in heart-stopping kind of way. The spice isn't very high as a level but the few moments, beautifully described on page, were a real treat. I enjoy reading immensely such complicated, detailed and vast world building especially when there are more characters on page and we get so see the plot lines expanding and developing from different POVs. I really like fmc like Sunday that not only adapt to the uprooting of their lives fast but take the awakening of their powers in stride and try to utilise them to the best of their abilities. Even though her barely developed mating group was unexpectedly split and suffered enormous pressure, every single one of the group showed impressive personal growth facing new challenges, taking decisions or just following their inner calling. And the challenges - some of them were really though, requiring sacrifices and pushing personal boundaries. I loved the way Grayson started to change under the influence of our little cat. His frozen attitude and aloofness were melting rapidly, revealing a glimpse of the real man underneath - man worth fighting for, a leader that could eventually be trusted by his subjects and a mate that is fiercely protective, loyal and caring. I won't analyse every one of the characters, instead leaving that to everyone's free interpretation. I, personally, love their quirks, the way their temperaments clash, but also how they are starting to listen to each other and talk, slowly but surely gravitating toward each other and forming the core of a formidable force.

A unique experience! Every minute spent reading was a real pleasure. Engaging word building, complex contradictory characters, carefully thought out subtle details and mythological elements woven into 1 exciting story full of unexpected twists. A plethora of heart-warming or gut-wrenching moments that alternate and flow into one another and leave the reader reeling.
For anyone who enjoys poly books this is an excellent choice!
I received the book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.