#e.m. lindsey

[transbookoftheday]

To Touch the Light by E.M. Lindsey

“I see them…In you, I see them.”

Estranged from his family and locked in a demanding job which monopolizes all of his time, Head Chef, Mario Garcia, doesn’t exactly have holiday spirit. He spends all season creating magic for others, and for himself, he’s resigned to another lonely winter. There’s a reason he’s known as the Devil in Fairfield Resort’s high-end kitchen, and he has no plans to change that. What most people don’t realize, however, is that Chef Garcia has a soft spot for one man—a half-blind, Russian dishwasher who is the first person in years to make Mario feel.

Viktor Popov's life is full of secrets and lies. He showed up in Fairfield with a handful of suspicious papers, no past, and secured a job in the bowels of a resort kitchen. He spends his waking hours washing dishes and trying his best to manage his failing eyesight without anyone taking notice. Once upon a time, he was a man of wealth and reputation, and now he’s living day-to-day, hoping no one will ever take notice.

It's been forever since Vitya believed in anything, and these long years of loneliness only proved to him that miracles didn’t exist. At least, until the night when warm hands pulled him out of the cold, and a soft voice whispered in his ear that he mattered.

Life isn’t easy, and both men have never expected any different. But maybe, by the soft light of the menorah, both men will finally be able to see that for each other, they’re exactly what they need.

To Touch the Light is a 43,000 word holiday novel set in the Irons and Works Universe. This book contains no cheating and an HEA.

[hannaedits]

Five-Star Reads for May 2024

[haveyoureadthistransbook]

To Touch the Light by E.M. Lindsey

goodreads

Estranged from his family and locked in a demanding job which monopolizes all of his time, Head Chef, Mario Garcia, doesn’t exactly have holiday spirit. He spends all season creating magic for others, and for himself, he’s resigned to another lonely winter. There’s a reason he’s known as the Devil in Fairfield Resort’s high-end kitchen, and he has no plans to change that. What most people don’t realize, however, is that Chef Garcia has a soft spot for one man—a half-blind, Russian dishwasher who is the first person in years to make Mario feel. Viktor Popov's life is full of secrets and lies. He showed up in Fairfield with a handful of suspicious papers, no past, and secured a job in the bowels of a resort kitchen. He spends his waking hours washing dishes and trying his best to manage his failing eyesight without anyone taking notice. Once upon a time, he was a man of wealth and reputation, and now he’s living day-to-day, hoping no one will ever take notice. It's been forever since Vitya believed in anything, and these long years of loneliness only proved to him that miracles didn’t exist. At least, until the night when warm hands pulled him out of the cold, and a soft voice whispered in his ear that he mattered. Life isn’t easy, and both men have never expected any different. But maybe, by the soft light of the menorah, both men will finally be able to see that for each other, they’re exactly what they need.

Mod opinion: I haven't heard of this book before and since I'm not really a fan of holiday romances I personally won't check it out, but this sounds like it could be interesting for an audience who enjoys those types of stories more than me.

[cattatonically]

Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology, Vol. 7

Synopsis

Once upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches. So a fresh, new group of your favorite authors wondered… what happens when the world’s most perceptive dating software gets an upgrade, just in time for Valentine’s Day?

Will the porcelain teacup collector, the shy rugby player, and the bank robber with a heart of gold find their perfect matches? Only fate (and C.U.P.I.D) know.

As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!

Stories included in this collection are: Among Friends, by Annabeth Albert A New Thrill, by Avril Ashton Brie Mine, by Charlie Novak When CUPID Strikes, by Cora Rose Mixed Signals, by E.M. Lindsey August’s Thief, by Fearne Hill Skating After You, by Hayden Hall Wings of Love, Jackie North Love in Bloom, by Jocelynn Drake The Shape of the Heart’s Desire, K.C. Wells Meat Cute, by Kelly Fox Mixed Motives, by Leslie McAdam

My Thoughts

As with every Heart2Heart Anthology I read, there were some hits, and there were some misses. But overall, we’re gonna keep this review short and sweet.

I loved the concept of this anthology, and each story was interesting, and unique. I loved some more than others, and I’ve definitely added a couple of new authors to my future reading list.

Every time I read one of these anthologies, I wait in impatient anticipation for the next one. And luckily for me, there’s the Paranormal half I get to explore next!

[booksandwords]

Fortune and Fate by E.M. Lindsey

Series: Baum's Boxing #2 Read time: 2 Days Rating: 4/5 Stars

The Quote: “He knows,” Ryan said from behind a sigh. Cole’s smile widened. “I’m fairly sure they all do. You’re not subtle. I’m totally blind and even I know you give me heart-eyes.” — Ryan and Cole

Perhaps unsurprisingly the early parts Fortune and Fate follows alongside the events of Below the Belt. With the import of Ryan to Noah and the hints we get from Adrain through the latter parts of Below the Belt it was unavoidable. But what I didn't expect to be given was details of Adrain and Noah's pasts (and not just as it impacts Ryan). That said once I stopped and thought about it it did make sense, Adrian and Noah were wrapped up in their own moment, living in the now, as suits their personalities. Ryan and Cole aren't like that, they need openness and communication in order for a relationship to work. The Baum's Boxing series can in theory be read individually and standalone but I think you get so much more out of them if you read them in order and together. During Fortune and Fate are introduced to some aspects of Fringe Contender, Rhys and Trevor's story. Though we already got a hint of Trevor's truth when it comes to some of the blackmail anyway. But not his whole truth. We know Rhys is bisexual. Trevor is I'm guessing either gay and passing or bi but was not being blackmailed by Charlie over sexuality.

Like Below the Belt once it starts moving it really moves. But there is more of a calmness to the end of this. Cole and Noah take time apart to mull over their growing feelings, new wants and realities before coming together. There are realisations and relationships to contend with and ghosts to banish. We do get to meet Cole's family, including his beautiful daughter Claire and questionably intelligent former partner Isabel. The plot is fairly simple and a bit of a who is who? E.M. Lindsey doesn't throw the positions of the players in your face from the start but the clues are there if you want to see them. A couple of the players important to the plot, outside the leads, were introduced in Below the Belt.

The core characters of the Baum's Boxing series feels like it is actually the Anderson brothers, Wes and Adrian, and Noah who have preexisting relationships with all the other characters. Ryan is Noah's best friend (and ex), Rhys while Ryan's brother is also Noah's friend and importantly Trevor is Noah's former colleague. Ryan also has a surprising relationship with Wes. Wes is undoubtedly loyal to his gorgeous wife, he was also Ryan's lover with her permission. Wes and Anna are poly, but Ryan... really not into women. One of the softest exchanges in Fortune and Fate is “And I can’t lie to you, Ryan, I’m probably going to want you forever.” Ryan chuckled quietly. “The feeling’s mutual. Trust me.” “I do." (Wes and Ryan). This isn't a spoiler, it's 5% of the way in before Ryan even meets Cole. I gotta admit I did not expect Wes and Ryan to be anything more than a hook-up level relationship. Or maybe friends with benefits. But it's so much deeper than that.

Okay let me be honest the blurb for Fortune and Fate is a bit misleading and Cole, as much as I adore the man, is an unreliable narrator. Actually, his being an unreliable narrator, that pure human element, may make him even more likable. Cole and his ex, Isabel, were never married. Claire was the product of a one-night stand. While Isabel did what Cole says, Cole didn't fight to be near his daughter Claire, to be part of her life. He ran. He ran to the US and gave up on her. Seven-year-old Claire is no Maggie, but she is still cute. Maggie and Cole is just a whole thing because of course it is. Maggie is Maggie.

Some quotes I liked • Being brave means to know something is scary, difficult, and dangerous, and doing it anyway, because the possibility of winning the fight is worth the chance of losing it. — Emilie AutumnThis is the epigraph for Fortune and Fate. I include it for three reasons, one I like the quote, two do you have any idea how rare it is to see an epigraph from a non-classic source? And three I really like Emilie Autumn. • Or rather, the day when he’d been trying to figure out the damned sinks in the locker room and a voice said, “About a foot to your left." — This is quite possibly my favourite first words from one romantic lead to another. Ryan is comfortable with helping someone with limited sight. What isn't here is the way Ryan says this. There is no judgement in his tone. And the whole exchange after this leaves them both struck. (Cole) • “I just walked by a real douchey looking guy on my way in. Why do I get the feeling I should have punched him in the face?” — This is the reaction to Ryan walking past Mike, the abusive ex of the very sweet Connie. MIke would absolutely deserve it. I mean I laughed because Mike is a douche and it was very obvious when Ryan walked in that Baum's Boxing has just had a Mike visit. (Ryan) • “You don’t look monstrous, Cole. Trust me. I know what it’s like to live with the insecurity that the only thing the people you care about will see is your scars but…” “You honestly can’t know what it’s like to live with this,” — This is a moment. Cole being blind cannot see Adrian's scars, cannot see what he wears. This leads to Cole finding out that yes Adrian does know exactly what Cole is feeling. (Adrian and Cole) • “It mostly hit me on my lower back and legs, which is why I wear braces. But I caught some of it to the face. It ruined my ear and my hearing in it, scarred my face. It took me a long time to accept that the people who give a shit about me see the scars as a part of me, but not something that ruined me. Even when I feel ruined myself. She’s young and it might make her nervous, but she’ll also remember you’re her dad, and if she’s afraid at first, she won’t stay that way." — This is what caused Adrian's scarring. Is this more than what we learned in Below the Belt I think. We knew he was scarred but (Adrian) • Adrian had given him the courage. He’d felt monstrous and mangled until Adrian had taken his hand and revealed the braille map of scars across his face, his neck, his ear, his back. Adrian had all that, and his lover wanted him in the body he now possessed, and Cole was allowed to have that too. — This is exactly why Adrian did it. It was all about confidence and courage and knowing worth. Something that Cole and Ryan both struggle with deeply. Both carry scars. (Cole) • It told him absolutely nothing, because he learned early on after losing his sight that what he could feel did not replace what he had once been able to see. It had angered him at first—everything he thought he knew about being blind had been a romanticized lie made for movies and TV. — This is a brilliant moment for me. The refuting of tv stereotypes and the acceptance of anger as part of the process. I know calling it a process is also a stereotype but it's closer to accurate than others. (Cole) • “It’s not him,” Ryan said, his tone a little more harsh than he intended. “Cole’s amazing. I don’t trust myself. I fucked up so badly with you, and I couldn’t handle doing that to him.” Noah let out a frustrated sigh. “You were barely an adult, Ryan. The both of us had no business moving in together and trying to play at husbands when we didn’t even know what the fuck being in love was about. We made mistakes and yeah, it sucked, but what’s the point if you can’t move on?” — I appreciate seeing another of these conversations between Noah and Ryan. Bringing age into it is smart. But Noah is a very smart man. The pain it causes him to see Ryan like this because he can't let it go. (Noah and Ryan) • Something had settled, become permanent, had turned into a love which Ryan would cling to the rest of his life. He didn’t want to be with Noah—the guy deserved far better than him—but he wanted to be in his life, and he was bound and determined to earn his place there. — I really like this. Seeing Noah and Ryan's relationship from Ryan's perspective. We know Noah has forgiven Ryan but Ryan will never forgive himself. He knew what he lost or possibly destroyed. (Ryan) • It was everything a real relationship was supposed to be without the title or the promises, and he wasn’t sure if that was better, or if he was cheating Cole out of something more stable. In truth, if Cole asked him for more, he knew he’d be willing to give it. — Well at least they're not stupid or lying to themselves, just that lie of omission to each other. (Ryan) • “You deserve to be happy, Ryan. You know I love you to death and I’ll never stop. You’re one of the sexiest men I have ever met, and a good man too. You don’t give yourself enough credit most days, and I know for a fact you deserve this with Cole. So, you gotta decide if this is what you want, if he’s worth the struggle. Because it’s obviously going to be a struggle.” — 💗 (Wes) • "But daddy says that the Avengers might take you anyway cos you’re brave enough and cos you’re prettier than Thor.” — 🤩 Look this is just cute okay. I can't not share it. (Claire)

[the-novel-approach-reviews]

Review: Paper Swans by E.M. Lindsey

Review: Paper Swans by E.M. Lindsey #AmReading #BookTwitter

Title: Paper Swans Author: E.M. Lindsey Publisher: Amazon/Kindle Unlimited Length: 131 Pages Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: 4 Stars At a Glance: This is a short novel, but E.M. Lindsey began it from a place that made it impossible not to feel Shiloh and Dom’s connection. This isn’t insta-love; it’s delayed gratification of a love everyone but the two involved could see. Reviewed By:…

[melaniem54]

Review: Knowing You (Words We Never Said Book 1) by E. M. Lindsey

Rating: 3.5🌈 Knowing You is the first in a new series. Words We Never Said, by E.M. Lindsey. It’s a contemporary romance that has multiple core characters with the main characters here each having their own distinct struggles and personal challenges. This includes single dads or guardians as a core group and they have additional layered in issues that arise from their current situation. Lindsey…

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

Queer Books Coming Out January 2024

🌈 Good morning, my bookish bats! Struggling to keep up with all the amazing queer books coming out this month? Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Remember to #readqueerallyear! Happy reading!

❤️ Tentacle Wonderland by Reese Morrison 🧡 Cupid’s Revenge by Wibke Brueggemann 💛 Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver 💚 Soren by Miranda Page & Lina Ganef 💙 Just Happy to Be Here by Naomi Kanakia 💜 Stars and Soil by Dax Murray ❤️ Deep Sounding Chaos by Adrian J. Smith & Neen Cohen 🧡 Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments by Hema Sukumar 💛 Evergreen by Devin Greenlee 💙 Matsdotter and Adrastus (Adventures in Levena #2) by Aelina Isaacs 💜 Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu Vol. 3 by Meng Xi Shi and Me Mimo 🌈 Destined by Jen Carter

❤️ Her Spell That Binds Me by Luna Oblonsky 🧡 Her Mechanic Bear Mate (Crescent Lake Bears #3) by Arizona Tape 💛 That Bitter Sting by Melissa Polk 💚 Bioluminescence by Toni Duarte 💙 Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary 💜 Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma R. Alban ❤️ Bachelorette Number Twelve by Jae 🧡 How to Share a Cat and Other Life Lessons by Evelyn Fenn 💛 A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing by Amy Allen 💙 Bound by Kate Hawthorne 💜 Moonbreak by Lise MacTague 🌈 Falling All In by Laina Villeneuve

❤️ Murder on Castaway Island by Alicia Gael 🧡 The Butler's Vessel by S. Rodman 💛 Tadek and the Princess by Alexandra Rowland 💚 Escaping Mr. Rochester by L.L. McKinney 💙 Amid Our Lines by Zarah Detand 💜 Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa ❤️ A Doctor’s Touch by A.A. Fairview 🧡 So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole 💛 Never Be a Saint by Mark Runte 💙 Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook 💜 Eli Harpo's Adventure to the Afterlife by Eric Schlich 🌈 City of Laughter by Temim Fruchter

❤️ Enthralled by Her by Chelsea M. Cameron 🧡 Knight of Staria by Iris Foxglove 💛 The Storm Gathers by Maelan Holladay 💚 Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang Vol. 2 by Priest 💙 Fence: Redemption SC by C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad 💜 Dreamer by Kris Bryant ❤️ Not Just Friends by Jordan Meadows 🧡 Winter's Spell by Ursula Klein 💛 Two is a Pattern by Emily Waters 💙 All Things Beautiful by Alaina Erdell 💜 Curse of Souls by Niranjan 🌈 Voyage of the Damned by Frances White

❤️ The Principle of Moments by Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson 🧡 Curse of the Dragon Shadow by Selina A. Fenech 💛 No Shelter But The Stars by Virginia Black 💚 Shards of Trust by Fox Beckman 💙 My Fair Brady by Brian D Kennedy 💜 The Summer Queen (The Buried and the Bound #2) by Rochelle Hassan ❤️ A Luminous Heart by Cailee Francis 🧡 To Cage a God (These Monstrous Gods #1) by Elizabeth May 💛 Out of Our League by Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli 💙 Earth and Water by J.L. Gribble 💜 Rend Me, The Wayward Knight by Mary Vanalstine 🌈 Prince of Endless Tides by Ben Alderson

❤️ Sweet Wicked Thing by Jessie Walker 🧡 Ocean’s Blood by Thelma Mantey 💛 Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms by Sarah Wallace and S.O. Callahan 💚 A Reckless Oath by Kaylie Smith 💙 Fallen Thorns by Harvey Oliver Baxter 💜 Faded Moon by T.L. Morgan ❤️ Game On by Amy Aislin 🧡 The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers 💛 The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland 💙 Spark of Wrath by E.M. Lindsey 💜 Honeybloods by I.S. Belle 🌈 Love Me At My Worst by Adrian J. Smith

[poisindonottouch]

Queer Reads: EM Lindsey

For the fifth of Wednesday’s post, we have two sports: hockey AND baseball. 

E.M. Lindsey writes a variety of topics in the romance world, and I haven’t read nearly enough of their books. Lindsey’s books are full of really well written angst, disability rep, and trauma, with a healthy side of well-communicated kinky spice. 

The hockey books are two duos, one co-written with Marina Vivancos, and the other one solo written. While I enjoyed all of them, the West Coast Sin Bin books, Breakaway and Soft Hands, have the added bonus of being set in Denver. I love a story set in my home state. 

The baseball trilogy is also set in Denver, and features a sports world where out players are a thing (which the hockey books do too). Lindsey does hurt/comfort really well, and book 3 has a fantastic redemption arc in it. Out of the 9 or 10 baseball books I read (and attempted to read) in April, these three were definitely my favorites. 

On my to-read list of basically every other book Lindsey has written, so check them out. 

Remember folks, read queer all year. 

[franticvampirereads]

Twenty Books Challenge

Hypothetically, you are only able to keep 20 of your books. Only one book per author/series. So what books are you keeping?

Tagged by the lovely @dkafterdark! Thank you for the tag, this was literally the hardest thing ever 😭💕!

1. Lady Knight by Tamora Pierce (this one has my heart and always will)

2. The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards

3. I’ll Be The One by Lyla Lee

4. Therapy Game Restart vol 1 by Meguru Hinohara

5. On The Ice by Amy Aislin (it’s so hard to pick just one!! 😭)

6. On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

7. Network Effect by Martha Wells

8. White Trash Warlock by David R Slayton

9. The Scapegracers by H.A. Clarke

10. In Strange Woods by Claire Cray

11. Blank Canvas by E.M. Lindsey

12. Taproot by Kezzy Young

13. Wild Blue Wonder by Carlie Sorosiak

14. Wolfsong by TJ Klune

15. Psycho by Onley James

16. Cherry Picked by May Archer (it was so fucking difficult to pick just one May Archer book 😭)

17. Charisma Check by Charlie Novak

18. Bite Me! By Fae Quin

19. Best Laid Plans by Roan Parrish

20. Role Model by Rachel Reid (I love Shane & Ilya but I love Harris & Troy just as much! 😭💕)

Tagging: @glaciya @therefugeofbooks @godzilla-reads @sleepyphilia and anyone else who would like to do this tag and hasn’t yet!

[oldfangirl81]

Suddenly I am very glad I went a little overboard on that "queer your bookshelf" sale at the start of the month. It looks like the train I am taking to Portland doesn't have WiFi if the online data is still accurate.

I haven't read any beyond a couple pages yet but still thought it might interest some. Caution most fall on the adult side. A couple are on the darker side(I tried to note them but again haven't read them yet and might have missed some). And tend to be sci-fi/fantasy.

Tidal Wave by E.M. Lindsey (Motorcycle Club/Gang)

For Real: An M/Mx Romance by R.A. Frick (BDSM)

Double Crossed: A Why Choose Military Romance by Adora Crooks

Stumptown Spirits by E.J. Russell

T.A.G. You're Seen by D.G. Carothers (BDSM/Kink)

Rough Sketchers by MJ Green (Mafia)

Soulmates by Liv Rancourt

Wormwood Summer by Kai Butler

Silent Truth by Samuel York

Acoustics by London Price

Changing His Tune by Blake Allwood

Love is Blind by Scarlet Blackwell

The Viking and the Drag Queen by V.L. Locey

One Wild Heat by Kelex (Omegaverse)

Twenty-One Arrow Salute by Kasia Bacon

Love Is A Stranger by John Wiltshire

As You Wish by Isobel Starling

Wrong Hunt by JS Harker

Adverse Conditions by Elle Keaton

First Moon by Richard Amos

Surrender Love by Kayelle Allen

Forbidden Devotion by Lee Colgin

The Things We Find by BL Maxwell

Trial By Fire by BA Tortuga

Dark Warrior by Lily Harlem

The Witch's Familiar by TJ Nichols

Teeth and Tarot by A.A. Fairview

His Death Bringer by Courtney W. Dixon (Rape)

Shards of Hope by BL Jones (many of the reviews say it starts off very dark)

Black Ice Heart by Abrianna Denae (suicidal ideation, torture)

Double Trouble by Babara Elsborg

Stone Wings by Jenn Burke

Kitchen Sink Dom by Tanya Chris (BDSM)

Mr Mustachio Is Falsely Accused by Dawn MacKinnon

Embers and Flames by Sadie Jay

Sebastian by Linden Bell

The Date Mistake by Joelle Lynne

[hannaedits]

Book Review: London Fog (BrewBiz #2) by E.M. Lindsey

Read my review of the previous book in the BrewBiz series, Affogato. This book begins on the heels of the ending of the previous in the series, though can mostly stand alone. Wren and Percy have one of the most awkward meet-cutes ever, stemming from Percy’s good but misguided intentions and heightened by immediate chemistry between the men despite the incident that could have completely…

[scoobybuddie]

June 2023 Book Ratings

His Compass by Con Riley (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Touch and Go by Aiden Bates (Kindle Version) - 2 out of 5 star rating

Vampire With Benefits by E.J. Russell (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Reckless by Kate Hawthorne (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Marked by Kim Richardson (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Date In A Pinch by Brigham Vaughn (Kindle Version) - 4 out of 5 star rating

The Seventh Sense by Kim Richardson (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Hear Me Out by Lila Rose (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Death Trace by Zoe Cannon (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

The Bandalore by D.K. Girl (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Three by 'Nathan Burgoine (Kindle Version) - 5 out of 5 star rating

Taking It by Cara Cumberland (Kindle Unlimited Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Of Heart and Wings by Debbie McQueen (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Scintilla by Elizabeth Noble (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

An Oracle Walks Into A Bar by Scott Burtness (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Say You'll Be Nine by Lucy Lennox (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

A Darker Shade Of Magic by V.E. Schwab (Hardback Version) - 5 out of 5 star rating

Ginger Snapping All The Way by Gabbi Grey (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Conspiracy Theory by Elle Keaton (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Like Water Catching Fire by E.M. Lindsey (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Dead & Buried by T.K. Eldridge (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Turning Points by Megan Linden (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Infamous Heart by Ryder O'Malley (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Launch The Hunt by Mia West (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Course Correction by Mia West (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Prince Of Killers by Layla Reyne (Kindle Version) - 4 out of 5 star rating

Redhot Sugar by Connor Peterson (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Learn The Rules by Leighton Greene (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Princess by Daniel May (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Beneath The Opal Arc by Lee Colgin (Kindle Version) - 5 out of 5 star rating

Hold Firm by Sue Brown (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

How Much For The Whole Night by RJ Scott (Newsletter Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Hell On Earth by Macy Blake (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Airbag Scars by Jim Heskett (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Hold The Door by Vinni George (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Theo's Game by CS Joyce (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Booklover by J.E. Birk (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Written On My Heart by Annabella Michaels (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Rule Breaker by Lily Morton (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

After The Crash by Emma Alcott (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

A Serpent's Bond by Misha Paige (Kindle Version) - 2 out of 5 star rating

Transfer Wizard by Tavia Lark (BookFunnel Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

Warlock In Training by TJ Nichols (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

For The Long Run by Elizabeth Noble (Kindle Version) - 3 out of 5 star rating

[cattatonically]

Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology - Vol. 5 - Edited by Leslie Copeland

My Thoughts

I've seen a few of these floating around my suggestions on Kindle, and have been intrigued for a while. As such, you would think I would start with the first volume. But of course I didn't - I had to be contrary! So here we are, beginning this short story anthology adventure with volume 5!

With short story anthologies, there's always a risk of disliking some stories over the others. With this one, I can honestly say this was not the case for me! I really did enjoy them all! These stories ran me through every emotion - it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, though the happy endings were very heavily implied, and appreciated.

It was lovely to see glimpses into various stories, characters, and places. Each story took the Never Have I Ever challenge and spun it into its own beautiful little world. Honestly, I wanted more! I wanted to see these stories for farther, see where they could go beyond the constraints of the anthology. A few of the stories had very open-ended endings which could lend to this, but I am also perfectly happy imaging them all on my own!

Overall, I am truly pleased I picked up this anthology. I got so many wonderful stories, and now have a whole list of authors to check out for further reading! I will absolutely be checking out the other Heart2Heart anthologies, as well! How can I not?

[booksandwords]

Below the Belt by E.M. Lindsey

Series: Baum's Boxing #1 Read time: 3 Days Rating: 4/5 Stars

The Quote: I’m going to k-kill him. I’m going to rip his fuh-fucking throat out and use skull as a goddamn c-cuh-candy dish, — Noah Avidan

Warnings: Ableism

I have no idea why I bought this originally, it was on my kindle and I needed something until I could get to the library to collect my holds but omg I'm so glad I read it. And it has taken me too long from the time I did buy it to read it. This gets full marks for working with a challenging and oft-ignored subject (disability/ability and severe scaring), it doesn't ignore ablism in the process and it allows for friendship between exes (seriously I'm not sure I've ever read that done this well). I definitely need to read Baum Boxing's book two, Fortune and Fate.

Below the Belt moves so fast once all the dominos start falling, honestly getting to that point takes a while. But that isn't a bad thing, as the first book in a trilogy we need to be made aware of the world and the main characters in it. I love the diversity in the injuries of the characters and the representation of disability. There is a lot of loyalty and love on show here. Though most of the injuries are mil service injuries. Cole is in a whole other league. There is a predictability to the plot but I don't mind. It just made me happy to read. The only slight surprise given the author (E.M. Lindsey uses they/them pronouns) is that there is no enby character. Maybe there will be in the next books once we move from the heavily military core.

I appreciate the characters. I like Adrian Flores as a veteran. He is scarred inside and out. He kinda doesn't believe it is real when Noah accepts him. His honourable attitude made the whole situation is so effective. Even if that situation makes me so frustrated (as they do in real life). Noah Avidan is a hot mess and I adore him. His relationship with Ryan is one of the most valuable I've ever read in fiction. Charlie is an idiot and so extreme he is so so easy to dislike. He is a creep and it just works. Wes (Adrain's brother) and Anna are sweet as hell. They are poly, I really need to know more about them. We do meet the other protags all of whom are appealing in their own right. It is easy to see how the reader could fall for them. Book twos Ryan and Cole have a dynamic quite unlike Noah and Adrian, also they move at a very different pace. Rhys is a fighter of a different form he is matched with the highly secretive Trever.

I really wanted to add a set of quotes to this but I haven't. Let's just say this is a book that is written in a way that amused me.

[the-book-queen]

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