Susan Scribner

Review and rating removed 10/30/22.

Review and rating removed 10/30/22.

Funny and sweet, perfect ending to the series. Only Kris Ripper could make me appreciate a HEA that involves polyamory. And the Motherf*ckers (the friend group including the MCs from books #1 and #2) continue to be delightfully supportive and annoying in equal measure.

I read the series out of order - started with #2 [b:The Hate Project 55422666 The Hate Project (The Love Study, #2) Kris Ripper https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1612738183l/55422666.SX50.jpg 86421385], and I'm glad I did. If The Love Study had been my introduction, I'm not sure I would have continued. Declan was an annoying MC with a tendency to ramble, and Sidney was so patient, understanding and pedantic about queer relationship issues that they didn't seem fully human. I appreciated the unique bond among the friends, and the message that queer relationships don't have to mirror straight ones to be successful, but the romance itself was meh. I highly recommend the sequel, however, in which a grumpy, depressed, anxious MC gets the relationship he needs and deserves.

I haven't read the previous two books in this series, but I have enjoyed Annabeth Albert's Gaymer and Portland Heat series, so I was happy to see All Note Long available from Net Galley (in exchange for an honest review etc.). Unfortunately this was not my favorite book by the author. Part of it is the plot, one of those old groaners - the fake relationship. Michelin Moses is a very closeted country music star on the rise who gets caught in what appears to be a compromising position with go-go dancer Lucky Ramirez. Moses' publicist decides the best thing to do is take control of the story by having Moses finally come out as gay, with Lucky pretending to be his real boyfriend. As they play out their fake romance for the public and the press, Moses and Lucky start to fall for each other. But Moses isn't sure how much he wants to claim this new identity that risks alienating some of his fans. And Lucky doesn't want anything to get in the way of his dream of making it as a real dancer, especially a rich dude who wants to open his wallet but isn't sure he can open his heart.

I have to admit being more of a fan of computer geeks (Gaymers) and hipsters (Portland Heat) than country musicians and guys who can twerk, so Albert already had her work cut out for her in convincing me to connect with this story. Unfortunately, while Lucky was adorable, Michelin was for the most part grumpy, self-centered and wimpy. Apparently he was a secondary character in the previous books of this series, and I hope he built up lots of goodwill in those earlier appearances because here he was not at all endearing. By the time he got his act together and took a stand to be true to himself and his relationship with Lucky, I was half hoping that Lucky would move to Vegas and find a nice fellow dancer to love.

I really don't like the fake relationship plot. It forces the MCs to lie to each other about their true feelings far longer than if they had gotten to know each other through other, more natural circumstances. Albert did this well via road trip in Status Update and through normal everyday interactions in all of the Portland Heat novellas. She doesn't need the cliched trope to spin a convincing romance.

I'm still looking forward to more releases from this talented author, but this one struck a sour note (sorry).

Given the beautiful cover and interesting setting, I was underwhelmed by this book. The writing style was straightforward but unremarkable. I liked the relationship between the MCs, but Wil was basically a damsel in distress, locked away and waiting for Jack to figure out a plan to free him. The female characters were actually more interesting and nuanced, especially Evangeline, who varied between maternal figure and conniving bitch. YMMV, especially if you are actually within the YA target audience.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I thought I would like this book more than I did. Roan Parrish has a beautiful writing style, and I'm a sucker for the “lonely misfit finds love” trope. Parrish creates a memorable character in Corbin Wale, and my heart broke for him several times as he displayed his resigned expectations that everyone he met would either ignore or tease him. However, I couldn't help feeling that there was a power imbalance between him and Alex, and it bothered me in a way I couldn't ignore. Supposedly Alex is in a vulnerable spot too - he has lost his lover and his job in New York City - but as soon as he moves to Ann Arbor everything goes smoothly for him. His new bakery cafe is an instant success, he has a great relationship with his mom and her boyfriend, he rescues his best friend from a bad relationship, and he is perfectly, unerringly patient and understanding about Corbin's eccentricities. I wanted to see a little more growth or change in Alex or maybe a flaw or two; he's like the Prince Charming who rescues the princess in the forest.

There are two secondary characters in the novel who seem poised to get their own story, so hopefully we'll get a chance to see Alex and Corbin again, even if it's in a supporting role. I'd love to see a sequel in which Corbin has come into his own enough to stop being constantly grateful to Alex and get grouchy or bitchy about something.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I agree with another reviewer who complained that the story just kind of stopped at about 50%. It felt like the author was so in love with both of the MCs that she couldn't bear to bring any real tension or conflict to their relationship. And they were both pretty adorable, but reading about a giant love fest, tempered only slightly by some insecurities, got a little boring. Potential conflicts about an evil ex and the financial future of the orchard were brushed aside very quickly so the MCs could have more sex, and their family and friends could tell them how cute they were together. Did not inspire me to seek out other books by this author.

3.5 stars. Holiday keeps the energy flowing with snappy dialogue and strong chemistry between the two MCs. I especially liked the slow burn romance between two very different men as rocker Jessie and physician Hunter become BFFs before they act on their attraction to each other. The secondary characters, especially Jesse's bandmate Billy, are also a hoot. But I guess I'm over the closeted MC trope, especially when that's the primary obstacle to the relationship. And even within that context, Jesse jerks Hunter around a few too many times for my liking. Still, this was very engaging. I wish Holiday wrote more M/M romances, I would definitely check them out.

Cute novella about two MCs with different personalities who get stuck at an airport together and go from hostile to hot for each other. Would have worked better with a tentative HFN ending; didn't quite believe the two had connected enough to determine they were perfect for each other.

4.25 stars. Aster Glenn Gray has a singular talent for historical romance that completely grounds the reader in the time period, accurately reflecting the news, the clothing, the speech patterns, and even the way of thinking. Tramps and Vagabonds, set in the 1930's American Midwest, is told through the POV of orphan and perennial drifter James, who reluctantly agrees to let a near stranger travel the rails with him after the two men finish a stint in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era work relief program). James figures that the slender, beautiful Timothy, who comes from a nice family, will last a few weeks at most before he's crying for his Mama. But Timothy takes to the hobo life rather easily, and the two have numerous adventures together during a memorable summer. But when the darker side of the traveling life rears its ugly head, the excitement and fun are replaced by hunger and danger. It's time for Timothy to go back home - but not alone, if Timothy has anything to say about it. Gray has obviously done her research about the tramps and hobos of the Depression (myth busted: they didn't carry bindles of their belongings on a stick - they wore everything they owned). She portrays the best of the vagabond life, including people who are willing to give James and Timothy a hot meal and a place to sleep just for doing a few odd chores. But she doesn't shy away from the worst, such as older “wolves” who consider younger “punks” sexual prey. And the ever present knowledge that one wrong move jumping onto a train can maim or kill you.James and Timothy start having casual sex fairly quickly. Timothy is beautiful and effeminate, but James is rougher and brawnier. James does not label himself as queer; as far as he is concerned he and Timothy are just BFFs who are using each other to scratch their sexual itches, and besides, “it ain't queer if you play the man's part.” Very subtly Gray shows how James catches feelings for his travel partner, even if there are no grand romantic gestures. The word “love” is never uttered by either MC, although James does reluctantly admit that he “kinda missed” Timothy's face. The future for two men who are together in the 1930s seems uncertain, but the end of the book suggests that they have found a place where they will be accepted if they are careful. Like Gray's [b:Honeytrap 55135062 Honeytrap Aster Glenn Gray https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598478534l/55135062.SY75.jpg 85889122], the unlikely romance between a Russian spy and an American FBI agent during the Cold War, this isn't the book for you if you want hearts, flowers and eloquent vows of undying love. But it's the small moments, a tender gesture here or a jokingly affectionate word there, that somehow are even more satisfying. Spoiler alert for those who are bothered by romances that involve cheating: James sleeps with an older man he knows so that he and Timothy can have a warm, safe place to sleep. James views it as simply transactional, and the episode is presented as an accepted part of the hobo life, although Timothy is very unhappy about it for a while.

3.5 stars. Second books of trilogies are hard...neither the interesting set up or the exciting conclusion. And I was warned in advance that this one ended in a cliffhanger, so I was very wary. But Lukens pulled if off better than I anticipated. Yes, there is angst to the max, and the HFN that Ren and Asher found at the end of [b:The Star Host 27830154 The Star Host (Broken Moon, #1) F.T. Lukens https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1447534529s/27830154.jpg 47811227] is quickly shattered. Asher is arrogant, Ren is surly and they both keep way too many secrets from each other. But the story moves quickly, the world-building is adept, and the plot thickens as it gets harder to tell the good guys from the bad guys. I don't like reading books that give me a lump in the throat, which is how I experienced about 75% of Ghosts & Ashes, but I am confident that the final book will bring the warm feels.

3.5 stars. Always a treat to return to the men of the Irons and Works tattoo shop, IMO Lindsey's best series. There's a big age gap between MCs, which isn't my cup of tea, but they become good friends before anything physical happens, so I believed in their chemistry. Luke's backstory is slightly under-developed, as most of the focus is on Raf's Tourette Syndrome and his efforts to start a new life, repair the relationship with his brother (Tony, the owner of the shop), and gain more access to his daughter. As always, it's good to see the MCs from the previous books provide support and good-natured teasing, even if I had a little trouble remembering who was paired off with whom. If you are new to this author I'd recommend starting off with the first book in the series, [b:Free Hand 44752509 Free Hand (Irons and Works, #1) E.M. Lindsey https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554153249l/44752509.SX50.jpg 69385197], and working your way through to this one.

Didn't love this as much as the other books in the series (especially [b:Booked for Love 55312235 Booked for Love (Catalina Dreams Book 3) I.M. Flippy https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1599951763l/55312235.SY75.jpg 86257813]). The romance between Andy and Chad was kind of meh, and it felt like they went from mutual mistrust to madly in love over the course of one day. The pacing was strange too; the big climax occurred in the middle of the book, and then the plot kind of fizzled out, with the focus more on Andy's professional dreams and family dynamics than his romance with Chad. Maybe it's time for Ms. Flippy to move on to a new setting with different characters. I still find her writing breezy, light and enjoyable, but this book was a slight disappointment.

3.5 stars. Very cute and very British contemporary M/M romance between the posh scion of a respectable newspaper family and the scrappy, chip-on-his-shoulder tabloid writer with lofty ambitions. There's a lot of banter, more vomiting than I would have liked, mutual heart-eyes, and a frustrating but somewhat understandable failure to communicate. Loses half a star for inexplicably underplaying some shady behavior by the father of one of the MCs and the death of a secondary character. Maybe it's a “keep calm and carry on” British thing, or maybe the author didn't want to inject too much angst into what is otherwise a lighthearted read.

3.5 stars. I liked the premise: think the male actors from “Dawson's Creek” reuniting years later to star in “Chicago Fire.” Except back then Josh was out, and Walker was in denial about his sexuality. Coming out seriously hurt his burgeoning movie career, and the new TV show is his comeback vehicle. So now both men are openly gay, and there is almost nothing keeping them apart except the old “I don't want to lose my BFF” trope. The angst is minimal, and the MCs are charming apart and together. Not my favorite by this author (it lacked a certain spark) but enjoyable enough that I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

3.5 stars. Sometimes Albert's MCs spend so much time in their heads that every word they say is followed up by an internal monologue, usually about how they are sure they are the other one in the relationship who is catching feelings. That gets old quickly. But I liked the way Calder and Felix complemented each other, and I appreciated the low angst level.

I didn't think it was possible for Alexis Hall to improve upon last summer's [b:Boyfriend Material 50225678 Boyfriend Material Alexis Hall https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575987260l/50225678.SX50.jpg 73590298], but this book might be even better. And I say that as someone who has never watched an episode of The Great British Baking Show, which is obviously the inspiration for the baking competition that the titular Rosaline enters, so I'm not here for the recipes. Rosaline Palmer is the single mother of a (slightly too precocious) eight year old daughter. Both of her parents are successful physicians and ever since she dropped out of medical school to raise her child she has felt like an aimless disappointment. Will winning Bake Expectations finally make her more successful in their eyes? Or are there different ways to define success? And can she afford the distraction of several potential suitors? Of course the book is funny; almost all books by this author have that wondrously wry British sense of humor. But it's also warmer and sweeter than much of his previous work. And I'm impressed that Hall does such a good job at crafting a queer female narrator; other than his Kate Kane series ([b:Iron & Velvet 53102606 Iron & Velvet (Kate Kane, Paranormal Investigator, #1) Alexis Hall https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560489416l/53102606.SX50_SY75.jpg 25492234], etc.), his MCs have primarily identified as male. Rosaline's bisexuality plays an important role in the plot, and Hall clearly understands the potential damage of bisexual stereotypes, despite the fact that both of his heroine's love interests are male.This book is so good that it even made me not completely hate love triangles. It's pretty easy to identify the right guy for Rosaline vs. the dickwad, but there are enough lovely, charged, and sweet interactions between Rosaline and Mr. Right that I didn't mind she was sleeping with Mr. Wrong for most of the book. Plus even though I know nothing about GBBS, I loved the reality show competition. Week by week, Rosaline's wins and near-losses are dramatically contrasted to the fates of the other contestants, some of whom I couldn't wait to get rid of, and others whose departure I mourned. Bonus points for the cheerfully profane producer who livens up the page every time she finds new ways to terrorize anyone who annoys her (and that's everyone). The book is worth the price just for the hilarious Discussion Questions which Hall helpfully provides. And for those who care, there are a few recipes, written very much in the style of the contestants who provide them. I've been reading Alexis Hall ever since his 2013 debut novel, [b:Glitterland 39332293 Glitterland (Spires, #1) Alexis Hall https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1521574094l/39332293.SY75.jpg 24797122], and he just keeps getting better and better. I'm so glad he has found mainstream publisher success without having to change his voice or style.

The sexual chemistry between the two MCs was off the charts, but I didn't quite buy that they had fallen in love, and the ending rushed through the resolution of some very real issues. Not as much fun as Temple's [b:Honeymoon Sweet 52672329 Honeymoon Sweet (Out & About, #2) Allison Temple https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1586185157l/52672329.SY75.jpg 78505006], but very readable with a nicely diverse set of secondary characters. Plus I have to agree with Brady, printers are the worst!

This book should be in the dictionary as the definition of “guilty pleasure.” So many tropes I hate but were utterly irresistible here: cheating, Gay-For-You, adorable kids, all wrapped up in so much DRAMA. And Cara Dee makes it work in a can't-put-it-down, Jon-Stewart-eating-popcorn-GIF sort of way.

I don't know how she does it, but she made me root for Bennett (don't call me Ben) and Kieran despite the cheating, she made me believe Bennett was crazy hot for his new BFF despite never being attracted to another man before, and she even made me care about the happiness of the adorable moppets. Despite the morality of it, there's just something about the angst of two people who desperately want to be together but can't because of the hurt it would cause others that is terribly romantic, and Dee milks that for all it's worth. And although the writing is sometimes rough, there's a good balance of humor and heat, and despite the infidelity she makes it clear that both MCs want to do the right thing, especially for their kiddos. I'm not sure she's a strong enough writer for all types of plots, but this one was perfect for her style. A guilty pleasure that I'm sure I will re-read.

I really want to like this series more than I do. It's well written and plotted, and I appreciate the Jewish representation (one MC is half-Jewish but it's not In Your Face, just occasional mentions about Hanukkah instead of Christmas). But Cooper is such an annoying MC that I can't bring myself to recommend it more. The entire book consists of him afraid to tell Park how he feels until he blurts it out when Park is held at gunpoint during the book's climactic scene. Until then we get lots of “I really should tell him....just not now because Reasons.” Frankly, I'm not too sure what Park sees in him, other than great sex. Maybe it would help if we saw Cooper from Park's POV, but since everything is narrated by Cooper we only see his endless emotional dithering and (self admitted) toxic masculinity. Having read the first two books in the series, I probably will finish out the trilogy with [b:Thrown to the Wolves 42639979 Thrown to the Wolves (Big Bad Wolf #3) Charlie Adhara https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1549295763s/42639979.jpg 65574581] because there are some major questions left unanswered, but I'm not in any rush.

Finally, this series lives up to its potential. Yes, there is more secret keeping (this time from the previously perfect Park) but there is also a lot of growth in the relationship and demonstrations of how much Cooper and Park have come to love and trust each other. Plus we get to meet Park's colorful family members and see lots of cool werewolf behavior I'm glad I stuck with it despite the frustrations of the previous two books. I think the series is over for now, but the door is definitely open for additional cases, and I'd be interested to see how the MCs navigate their relationship from here - as long as they stop keeping secrets from each other!

I don't need every book I read to be a literary masterpiece, but the writing in this book is so pedestrian and flat that I never felt involved in the story or any of its characters. I'm hesitant to criticize a YA novel about a transgender teen in 2023, because I don't want to contribute to the hateful right-wing war on the trans community. But my 2-star rating is entirely due to the execution of the book, not its subject matter. I recommend [b:Ander & Santi Were Here 57884665 Ander & Santi Were Here Jonny Garza Villa https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1658575149l/57884665.SY75.jpg 90682328] and [b:Beating Heart Baby 58724791 Beating Heart Baby Lio Min https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1644888200l/58724791.SY75.jpg 92367307] as much stronger recent YA books with trans MCs.

A holiday book in the best sense in that it embodies the spirit of the season without getting all ho-ho-ho about it. A hermit and a drifter are thrown together and slowly open themselves up to each other and the possibility that they deserve happiness and love. The sex scenes are limited but Cousins manages to make the act of the two MCs sitting together and reading by the fire, with Eddie's toes resting on Gray's thighs an act of intimacy and trust.

I'm really not a big fan of holiday romances but this one hit all of the right notes.

3.25 stars. I think if I were a teen reading this book I would find it very helpful and validating to discover along with Bradley that coming out as gay is only the first step in a process. As an adult it was a little slow and at times didactic, with characters literally quoting stats about the percent of homeless youth who are LGBTQ+ and the percent of trans people killed who are black women (not that the numbers aren't horrifying, it's just that they're presented in an awkward way). The interview subjects for TJ's documentary are mostly there to teach Bradley important Life Lessons about love and acceptance, which again could be impactful for a younger reader but not quite as engaging for me. The romance between Bradley and TJ is a sweet, slow burn as Bradley becomes more and more comfortable with his identity along their road trip, and the relationship between Bradley and his three basketball bros feels appropriate for a bunch of teenage boys. Nothing really wrong with the book, just didn't strike any sparks with me.