Not Guilty of Books

Review: Bruised But Not Broken is the first book in a series exploring characters who have experienced trauma. It was a beautiful story, that yes, was at times sad, but it was also playful, and sweet, and sexy. Two genuine and kind men who have their past pain and the struggles that have left them with. But together they learn how to heal and forgive (themselves and others). Ben and Colby complement each other wonderfully. They are fun and flirty with one another, but also there for the tough stuff. As Colby learns to believe in himself, Ben learns to stop hiding behind his need to ‘save’ people. In short, they are pretty adorable together, and nothing can be better than them getting their happy ending. This story is deep and covers difficult topics, but it didn’t feel oppressive or draining. Rather the opposite, in fact, it definitely had an optimistic vibe. Stars: 5 🕮 Bruised But Not Broken by @nicoledauthor 📚 Add to your TBR ➟ https://bit.ly/38Q0iab Synopsis: Ben Spark of Hope:...

Review: “It’s not that you like to be needed; it’s that when you care about someone, you want to be able to take care of them.” Ugh, this was fantastic. Loved these two so much. Camden and Jude had such perfect chemistry, were a lot of fun, had so much delightful banter, and, well, were pretty damn hot together. Cam is so hilariously cocky, but with an absolute heart of gold. Jude compliments him well, he can give as good as he gets but balances him out with a quieter, gentler demeanor. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole way through (minus a few tears) and didn’t want to put it down, at all. It was so great to see them both find happiness, love, and a home. “I love you,” he said a few minutes later. “This…you…it’s more than I ever thought I’d have, more than I ever realized I wanted.” Theo was also a favourite, that kid was absolutely adorable. So sweet, awkward, and wise all at once. “Awkward Boy really loves being a part of something…and it’s all because of Friendly Man and Const...

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: ⭐Grumpy/Sunshine ⭐Age Gap ⭐Professor/Student ⭐Family Drama A story of miscommunication gone awry between two men who compliment each other really well but can’t bring themselves to be honest and but their hearts on the line. They are fun and cute and are sweet together. They also have a host of eclectic and interesting friends who make up part of this series. I love most of these tropes, especially grumpy growly older men, but the extreme amount of miscommunication put me off a bit. All in all, it’s an enjoyable book and with a really good narrator who does a great job at distinguishing between the personalities of the characters. 3.5 Stars 🕮 My (Not So) Grumpy Professor by DK Sutton 📚 Add to your TBR ➟ https://bit.ly/3lPitzP 🎧 Narrator ➟ Kevin Earlywine Synopsis: ISO: Ways to tame a grumpy professor who likes to throw things, growls commands, and is a decade older. Oh, and he’s also the boss. Asking for a friend. Professor Gabriel Morgan is in southern Missouri ...

Review: What a great story, these two were absolutely wonderful and sweet, and funny. This was my first KC Wells novel (though many have made my TBR list), and as with every ‘new-to-me’ author I didn’t know what to expect, but I can say this surpassed those expectations. And I can confirm that reading the rest of the Maine Men series has moved up my reading list. The writing, pacing, humour, and love were all fabulous. It felt perfect for the setting and who they were, and I love a story where a true friendship is developed, then blossoms into more. There were moments of tears, but mostly it was playful and loving. I’m already super invested in Levi and Noah’s story coming next, and can’t wait to go back and get the stories of the rest of this tight-knit group of friends. Stars: 5 🕮 Aaron’s Awakening by @k.c.wells 📚 Add to your TBR ➟ https://bit.ly/3GhzBaz Synopsis: Aaron isn’t looking for love, but it finds him – and it has a few surprises in store… A laidback man who goes with th...

  Review: “Also maybe wait for him to ask you out before you start picking out matching suits and decorating the nursery.” This was a sweet, uplifting story with two men ready for love and white picket fences. They just need to trust that it isn’t all in their head. Centered around Connor a nurse who moved home to care for his younger sister and his mom who is battling cancer. He needs someone to be by his side and love him and the people he cares about. Brett, a doctor who has moved home to build a forever life, and he wants nothing more than to stand at Connor's side. They are both wonderful people and are really sweet together. All in all, a really nice story by a ‘new-to-me’ author. Stars: 4 🕮 The Hardest Fall by @rhelandrichmond 📚 Add to your TBR ➟ https://bit.ly/3LHAUkr Synopsis: Connor I thought I had it all—an awesome family… mostly. A career I kinda like, and the man of my dreams. But then life has a way of kicking me in the teeth when I least expect it. My prince tur...

Review: It’s not easy to find love and to feel like you belong when you are the town misfit. But when you find another misfit…the two men figure out that having someone in your corner, who believes in you and loves you, can change everything. They are pretty cute together and they got a really lovely ending. As expected from a TL Travis novel, it’s a sweet story with lots of witty humour, healing, and beautiful love. Stars: 4 🕮 Heat by @tltravis1 📚 Add to your TBR ➟ https://bit.ly/3PBb44E Synopsis: What do you get when you throw a burly blacksmith and the town’s poster child for clumsiness together? A whole lot of swearing and a threatening use of duct tape. And the need to construct a sign that reads, “DO NOT LET CAMPBELL NEAR THE FORGE!” Alabaster Falls’ local blacksmith, Daughtry Blackburn, was satisfied with his reclusive status. He had iron to bend and orders to fill but he knew he needed something to take the business to the next level. His father had fought taking their bus...

Review: Con Riley writes another masterful tale in the Learning to Love series. Who doesn’t love a redemption story? And Austin was due his, which was beautiful, mushy, and sexy. This was a story that reminds us that running from our traumas won't make it go away and living life based on past expectations isn't’ going to bring happiness. In Austin, he falls for Dom (along with the rest of us) and his daughter Maisy. They are a wonderful pair with a beautiful chance at a future once he gets out of his own way. A story that involves healing, forgiveness, and laughter. And though they’ve both been dealt some blows and there is sadness throughout - the book maintains a lightness that makes it an uplifting and bewitching story. “Still, desire crackled to life out of nowhere–Austin awake in a way he’d almost forgotten.” Love these two completely. Stars: 5 🕮 Austin by @con_riley 📚 Add to your TBR ➟ https://bit.ly/3MCf9DR Synopsis: Austin Russell doesn’t belong at a small school l...

Review: I have a major soft spot for the single dads of Sourwood, who admittedly can’t exactly call themselves single by the end. I really do love this series. Not just the dads, but their kids, and the small town. I love AJ’s writing style, it’s light, low angst, and witty. And he writes such wonderful, thoughtful, hardworking, and loyal characters. The story of Mitch and Charlie has some of the best tropes... grumpy/sunshine, age gaps, forced proximity, employer/employee. So many opportunities to play the 'we should/we shouldn’t' game. Oh, how I love grumpy older men! It was great to see Mitch get his story. Stoic and hard-working, owning a bar doesn’t leave a lot of time for a personal life. Then in walks Charlie, the young good-time bro. A guy who hasn’t spent much time figuring out who he wants to be. But having someone steady in your life, who believes in you can make you realize there is more to life than partying. It’s lovely to watch Charlie come into his own and...

Review: "He'd razed me to my foundations and built me back up again all at the same time." I'll be the first to tell you that the character type that I like least is the “can’t have a serious conversation, have to make everything a joke, love pushing peoples buttons” type. Aka Constantine. It just grates me, in real life too. But I get it, I get that is a defense mechanism, and I get that people love those characters and May Archer captured him perfectly, as the did the narrator. And I do come around in the end 😉 Micah, of course, I loved. He’s my type; the serious one, the rescuer, the carer. I may also have a thing for older men (haha). They had some fun banter (employee/boss has never been so fun) and I really enjoyed the storyline (though Con’s mother is the reason children move away! lol). It was heartfelt, full of self-growth, beautiful emotions, and some satisfying payback! I like a story where both characters learn and change. And I will admit I was crying in...

      Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Beck By JJ Harper Bar 28, Book 4 Finally, he’s found his perfect man. Will he be able to keep him? Beck Thompson is out and proud. He has a job he loves and friends he considers his family. Okay, he doesn’t have a boyfriend, but chances are slim he’ll find the man who’ll accept all of him, his past and his tattoos. He’s happy. Sort of. Until he sees the perfect man…with the same woman hanging on his arm every night. Damn. Munro Sylvester has put every aspect of his life on hold to make his business a success. And he’s done it. But he’s never been true to himself. One look at the gorgeous, colourful man changes everything. He knows he has to make the first move, but he may risk losing everything he’s worked so hard for. Can Beck trust his heart that Munro is the one for him? Is Munro brave enough to come out and fight for their happily ever after? Beck has a tattooed bartender who has never had any luck with love, a h...

  Love is not just a four-letter word. Wicked Flame, a steamy, opposites attract MM romance and the highly-anticipated conclusion to the Chicago Heat Duet, set in the beloved Chicagoverse from USA Today bestselling author Ella Frank, is now available! Jameson Life is hard. I learned that at an early age growing up on the South Side of Chicago. I accepted it, even came to expect it. With a sister who was a constant source of worry, and a track record of losing anyone even remotely close to me, trouble seemed to follow me no matter where I turned. Some people were born lucky. I was just born. That’s what I used to believe, anyway, until GQ. The gorgeous guy in the fancy clothes who for some reason decided to look twice at me. He gave me a place to call my own, a space to feel safe, and he made me believe in the impossible—that love was more than just a four-letter word. Ryan Life is unexpected. I learned that just recently when I walked into a bar on the...

Review: That was intense! There is so much going on in these stories that it’s hard to put into words. It’s sometimes tense and dark, heartbreaking and lonely, but still lovely and passionate. Troy and Kaide are wonderful together. They don’t always make sense as a couple but they are meant for one another. “He loves you in a way some people live and die and never get close to experiencing.” This on again, off again relationship seems doomed, Troy can’t seem to commit, as soon as they get close again he pulls the plug, but once you unravel their secrets it begins to make sense. It’s also required to figure out who is threatening his life. Thankfully he has Kaide by his side. Strong, caring and loyal Kaide, he will do anything to keep Troy safe and in his life. “After all this time, after all the sh*t he’s put me through, I am still completely, madly, head-over-heels in love with him.” It’s hard to discuss Mountains that Move without giving anything away. But rest assured there is ...

  Review: What a marvelous story. “Rowan had become a spectator in his own life. Until Vegas. Until he met Sid.” It’s an insta-love story with a really fantastic journey. These two started on a whim. One night in Vegas ends in a marriage neither of their families are happy with. But for Rowan and Sid, it’s the first time they’ve done something solely to make themselves happy. It was wonderful to watch both of them discover themselves and separate their happiness from the pressures of families that don’t really have their best interests at heart. And the bond they built together and watching them fall deeply in love was pretty magical. “For Better or worse, Rowan had fallen in love with his husband.” This was a sweet and funny story with some pretty endearing characters. They absolutely deserved their happy ending. Can’t wait to see who else gets theirs. And I can’t wait to read more by EM Denning, I love a compelling low angst story. Stars: 4 🕮 Rearranged by  @em.denning 📚...

Review: How beautiful is this story?! Everything about it is perfect. Their backstories, that brought them to meeting. The way their lives intertwined, present and past. Saint’s relationship with family and the hurt, pain, and love that comes with it. Lucky’s self-discovery and finding himself. Lucky and Saint finding each other, and themselves within it, everything else ultimately culminating in their love. “Love rarely makes sense, and it damn well shouldn’t. There’s no room for logic in love, and once you find it, you fight for it, because it’s a rare and beautiful thing” The writing is also stunning. I love Riley’s writing style, flow, and pace. The perfect balance of narration and dialogue. The emotion that the description of simple gestures like Saint running his hands through Lucky’s curls can evoke. Every word she writes is perfectly placed. And the narrator, Sean Crisden, absolutely captures the story beautifully. His poetic voice lulls you along with so much emotion, ...

Review: A delightful and uplifting Daddy romance between a tattooed god and a sweet boy. A story about a man who’s finally able to live his life out loud, looking for someone to have by his side for the journey, and a Boy who’s trying to take a chance at love after being crushed by an emotionally abusive ex. Gunnar is incredible. He knows Simon will need a little extra time, patience, and caring in order to trust again. And it works, he quickly realizes that Gunnar is nothing like the ex that broke his trust, thanks in part to a sweet little niece who likes bunnies and tea parties. This is insta-lovish story, but it isn’t syrupy sweet. It was beautiful to watch them settle into their relationship and find a home with each other. And for Simon to finally know what it’s like to have someone who truly cares about him-his heart, needs, and wants. I love a story about regular guys finding love. Stars: 4 🕮 Gunnar by @jackileejames 📚 Add to your TBR ➟ https://bit.ly/3yT50ym Synopsis: The...

Review: I love an insta-love story that still feels real and raw. And boy do these two manage that. They may have felt an instant connection but they are going to have to work for, trust each other, and lean on one another. They are such a great couple. Both are strong and vulnerable in their own rights. And they need to trust themselves as much as they need to trust each other. It’s beautiful when they do, when they work through their issues and self-doubts and come out more confident, happy and stronger together. I love this fiercely loyal group of friends. There is nothing they won’t do for each other. Through the good and the bad. And I love that Beck and Munro got their dreams and such a beautiful happy ending. Stars: 5 🕮 Beck by @jessjharper 📚 Add to your TBR ➟ https://bit.ly/3sAPhAc Synopsis: Finally, he’s found his perfect man. Will he be able to keep him? Beck Thompson is out and proud. He has a job he loves and friends he considers his family. Okay, he doesn’t have a boy...

Review: “Stepping in through the doors of Irons and Works felt like coming home in ways Luke couldn’t describe in words.” I’ve only read a few books from the Iron and Works series, but I have to say, I absolutely love this diverse found family. So accepting, loyal, and protective. I love the representation and the very real messiness of their lives. There is no cotton candy sweetness. But there is tons of beautiful acceptance and support. They all deal with a myriad of different abilities, mental health issues, and past traumas. As well as trying to parent in the real world. “He’d never craved anything the way he craved those warm, strong hands, or that pouting mouth, or the scrape of stubble.” In Ornamental, Raf and Luke are decades apart in age, both newly out as bisexual. Luke has recently returned to town and trying to settle back in. Raf is new to town, a single dad, trying to start his life over. It’s a slow burn, full of friendship, patience, and acceptance. And beautiful lo...

Review: "You've always loved big, wildly, fiercely, despite what others thought. So it doesn’t surprise me that you have enough love in that heart of yours for two.” I can’t put into words how perfect Emmy’s stories are. She writes these amazing stories that are beautiful, kind, patient, and tender. They flow so well, and they make you swoon, smile, and feel completely at peace. You can read the novels on their own, but I don’t recommend it. They are a family, and progressively knowing them through each novel is part of what makes each story so incredible. This story about Wil is a case in point, we’ve seen him grow up, love his family so incredibly, and now, with his own story, his love, it’s amazing. Not to mention getting to see the people from previous stories will make you happy all over again. This family, the people of Plum Valley, are special. As is this fascinating triad. They are all wonderful as their own people and their coming together was perfect. Their dyn...

  PLATONIC RULEBOOK Divorced Men's Club - Book Two by Saxon James Cover & Excerpt Reveal Release Date: June 15, 2022 Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs Photo: Wander Aguiar Photography Model: Sam M. Genre: M/M Later-in-Life Roma...