Unholy Craving (Sinful Natures #1) by Lynn Burke ❤️❤️❤️❤️

 

Forbidden Romance

Conservative, bible thumping community, led by the hypercritical Pastor Bram, with his surprisingly enlighted son, Isaac; goes head-to-head with the guild ridden, shame laden youth minister, Malachai. Between the nine year age difference, Isaac is only seventeen when they meet, and Malachai's position of power, Unholy Craving sets the stage for a very taboo romance.

How Isaac has resisted buying into his dad's teaching is a testament to his strength and self awareness. The wily way this young man directs Malachi, from the first moment they meet, is really nicely done. Lynn Burke gets deep into Isaac's head, and explores this character beautifully.

We get Malachai's story slowly, as his resistance to Isaac's advances war with his interpretations of God's Word. Weak sinner that he is, and mired in his guilt and shame, Pastor Malachai is ripe for corruption, and Isaac's advances are impossible for him to resist.

One of the most interesting parts of Unholy Craving, is how thoroughly Lynn Burke explores Pastor Bram, and how this man interprets the Bible. The person Bram shows his family, the personna he shows his community, at war with the loving father he perceives himself to be, makes him a fascinating character.

There's plenty of erotic romance woven in with the Christian fundamentalism, and a happily ever after for these young lovers. Plus, the possiblity for a sequel, Zeke's story, is on the very near horizon.

The Long Game (Game Changers #6) by Rachel Reid ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

 Fans of Rachel Reid’s marvelous Game Changers series rejoice, the most recent episode, The Long Game, is part two of Ilya and Shane’s romance! While the rest of the novels in this fabulous series can be read in any order, you’ll definitely need to read Heated Rivalry first.

I adore established couple stories, and the scope of this one is epic! One of the finest enemies to lovers romances of all time, Ilya and Shane have incredible chemistry. From their very first meeting, the heat between these two burly hockey players leaps off the page, and they are just so darn cute together.

Fast approaching their thirtieth birthdays, the guys have known each other for eleven years now, and are still firmly in the closet with their relationship. It’s not so much about coming out about their sexuality, as it is facing what the hockey world will say about these two fierce rivals being a devoted couple.

I’m delighted by how Rachel Reid explores every aspect of what these two men go through as they face various challenges in this story. We spend time with family, friends, teammates, and folks in the hockey world, and delve deep into how each of them is feeling.

Shane’s drive and determination to be #1 hasn’t changed. It’s no surprise that his dedication to his career conflicts with his desire for a real romance with Ilya, and there are some terrific scenes from Shane’s side of the story.

What is an unexpected surprise is how deeply Rachel Reid gets into Ilya's head and heart in The Long Game. I fell hard for Ilya in the first book, and I love spending time learning what makes this intricate guy tick. An extraordinarily interesting character, Ilya has a unique sense of humor, is a solid friend and teammate, and is an appealingly dommy but sensitive lover.

Ilya struggles with his mental health, and it’s an intense journey as he gradually comes to grips with his emotions. Painful memories force Ilya to do some intense soul searching about how he sees himself, and how his past impacts the relationships he forms with others.

The Long Game focuses mainly on the development of their relationship, and how both guys are coping with life. And there are some terrific cameos from other characters from the Game Changers series. I love the bonus that a little of Troy and Harris’ story overlaps the timeline here. My only complaint is that it’s a little short on hockey scenes, but Rachel Reid totally makes up for that at the end!

A superb series, and I definitely hope this isn’t the last we hear from Ilya and Shane!

Exclusive by Melissa Brayden ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Melissa Brayden always finds a unique and special way to explore relationships, and that’s never been more true than in her new book, Exclusive.

Filled with interesting insights into the life of the folks working in television news, Exclusive had me revisiting fond memories of my favorite news station based sitcoms. It’s not just the adrenaline Melissa Brayden captures as Skyler chases down a story, but the powerful camaraderie that develops between the employees, which makes Exclusive such a fun novel to read.

Skyler is looking to really shake up her life. A big career change, a physical move back to her hometown, and reconnecting with her family, are a good way to start. It’s easy to see Skyler’s character growing more confident as the story progresses. And when it comes time for Skyler to stay true to her own emotions, she does what’s right for her.

Skyler’s choice isn’t easy to watch, and it’s certainly not the popular “romance novel” way to go, but Melissa Brayden doesn’t shy away from what’s expected in her characters, and their imperfections are what makes Brayden’s stories great.

For fans of the Tangle Valley novels, there are mentions of both the addictive biscuits, as well as a nod to the wonderful vino of the region, and this sure had me craving a revisit to that series. I’d love a holiday short where Skyler and Carrie take a vacation at The Jade… how great would that be?

Vegas Bound by Bruce Rose ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

 

Fans of Bruce Rose already know he writes some of the steamiest erotica in the biz, so it’s no surprise that his latest novel, Vegas Bound, is a toe-curling delight. My new favorite one-handed read, this book oughta be sold as an aphrodisiac!