It’s April and I’m already falling behind in my reading goals 😅
My trouble at the moment is that I keep re-reading and picking up fluffy books that don’t count towards my Reading Challenges (fan fiction I am looking at you). I’m also struggling a little bit with picking books that fit challenges and then sticking to these books.
I may also have a few books that I need to read and review but for a multitude of reasons am dragging my heels. I thought that by popping them all into a post, it may prompt me to actually pick up the books and get them read 😊
Second book in the Game Changer series, I was incredibly lucky to be given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Like the first book, I absolutely adored the characters in the novel.
Blurb: In this quick and easy guide to queer and trans identities, cartoonists Mady G and JR Zuckerberg guide you through the basics of the LGBT+ world! Covering essential topics like sexuality, gender identity, coming out, and navigating relationships, this guide explains the spectrum of human experience through informative comics, interviews, worksheets, and imaginative examples. A great starting point for anyone curious about queer and trans life, and helpful for those already on their own journeys!
Release Date: 23rd April, 2019.
Length: 96 pages.
Series: N/A.
Genre: QUILTBAG. Educational.
Read as an: eBook.
Sourced: NetGalley.
My Thoughts: A Quick and Easy Guide to Queer and Trans Identities is a great introduction for people wanting to know more about gender, orientation, and self expression. The book provides definitions of words, histories, and encourages people to treat others with respect.
Blurb: Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.
Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn’t just crazy talented, he’s got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardise that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.
Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. They’ve made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realises he wants more than a few secret hookups, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.
As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option…
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Release Date: 25th March, 2019.
Length: 310 pages.
Series: Game Changers #2.
Genre: M/M Romance. QUILTBAG. Sports.
Read as: eBook.
Sourced: NetGalley.
My Thoughts:Heated Rivalry is a book that takes place over the course of many years. While technically a sequel to the first Game Changers book (of the same name) Heated Rivalry takes place before and after the events of the first book.
Blurb: New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pregame rituals very seriously. In this case, it’s not just a lucky smoothie he’s craving—it’s the man who made it.
Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So, when a smoothie made by juice bar barista Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic…and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.
Kip knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, never mind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors.
Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career…like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?
Length: 334 Pages.
Series: Game Changers #1
Genre: M/M Romance. QUILTBAG. Sports
Read as an: eBook
My Thoughts: I’m not going to say I read Game Changers for the cover but I definitely read the blurb because of that cover. Once I started Game Changers, the story and characters of this book were so engaging that I finished the book in a day.
The blurb does hint at some angst, especially in regards to Scott being in the closet but I found that this wasn’t the case. The book is not just about Scott and Kip getting together but about the pair as they come to accept things about themselves and their relationship.
I *thought* finding a sports book would be difficult but then I found myself reading one by accident. Game Changer is a m/m romance that features a Hockey Player.
Blurb: Gender is at the forefront of our cultural landscape today. From pronouns to politics to pop culture, people are finally finding a new freedom in the fluidity of identity. Now more than ever, it’s important to understand, embrace, and intelligently discuss the many sides of gender.
She/He/They/Me is a unique and engagingly creative take on an increasingly complex concept. A nontraditional, nonlinear structure allows readers to choose their own path, from a patriarchal culture to a scenario where sex doesn’t even exist, and beyond.
This method of individual exploration will help readers gain the understanding and confidence they need to engage in meaningful conversations about gender.
Release Date: 5th, March, 2019.
Length: 320 pages.
Series: N/A.
Genre: Non-Fiction. QUILTBAG.
Read as: eBook.
Sourced: NetGalley.
My Thoughts: Think of She/He/They/Me as a ‘Choose Your Own Gender Adventure’ book. You start the book off making decisions about your sex, gender, identity, and where you are within human history – from here you explore the world around you and what your life would be like with these factors.
Blurb:It’s typical of video game programmer Josiah Simmons to be the last one on the plane on the way to the biggest meeting of his career. Though he’s (mostly) coping with his ADHD, he can’t handle another distraction. But he also can’t ignore his rugged seatmate—especially once he learns the military man’s a fan of his game.
Ryan Orson refuses to let his severe injuries pause his career as a navy SEAL. He’s got hours of grueling physical therapy ahead of him, and no time for anything that might get in the way of his return to active duty. But that doesn’t mean he’s above a little first-class flirtation with geeky-cute Josiah.
When a delay strands the pair in St. Louis, they agree to share a hotel room and a night of gaming. Neither expects their new connection to move to the next level in the light of day. Opposites may attract, but is this game over before it’s even begun?
Length: 245 pages.
Series: #gaymers #3
Genre: QUILTBAG. M/M Romance.
Read as an: eBook.
My Thoughts: Reeeally loved this couple. I loved the dynamic between them and how they both viewed the relationship – it added an emotional depth to the pair. The unstable ground between them mixed with their easy compatibility was so great. Especially when you combined this with the emotional journeys the characters were on, Josiah and his leadership issues and Ryan with his rehabilitation.
I knew while I was reading this that it was not only amazing but that it was one of my favourites for the year ❤
Smut Level: Lots of off-screen action and relationship development but I enjoyed this aspect of the novel. The sexy scenes were great and really emotionally charged.
I loved seeing the emotional development of Ryan throughout these scenes as he learned that he can still be the same sexual being he was previous to his accident.
Blurb: Aurora Rose slumbers in the city of Oldpass, a cursed kingdom once allied with Grimvein. The victim of a malicious spell, she is powerless to control her own fate. At least, that’s how the story goes.
Now, as Grimvein faces attack, Prince Amir has been tasked with the life-threatening rescue of Aurora, his parents hopeful he will marry the princess and secure safety for their kingdom. Talia, the strongest spellcaster in the known lands, protects and guides the prince in his quest to save a woman that threatens to change their lives forever.
In finding Aurora, the pair will realise the truth about themselves and each other, coming to understand just what—and who—they really want in life.
My Thoughts: Finding Aurora is a beautiful and inclusive retelling of Sleeping Beauty. From Australian author, Rebecca Langham, this novelette is not only a great read but it packs a powerful punch!
Billionaire CEO Nic Price lives for his job. With sales down and grumbling from the board of directors—including Nic’s permanently dissatisfied father—the last thing Nic needs is distraction from the new manny, whose freewheeling approach to childcare is outlandish… and who makes Nic feel things he’s never allowed himself to feel.
Ex-teacher Sasha Lindsey is all about fun—that’s the reason people love him, so he has to be. After a bad break-up leaves him jobless and homeless, the live-in manny job with Mr. Price seems like a windfall. But his chemistry with Nic is off the charts, and he can’t afford another workplace romance disaster.
Can Nic leave his dominance in the bedroom and open his heart to the best thing that’s ever happened to him? Or will Sasha’s leap of faith backfire and ruin his chances at the family happily ever after he’s always dreamed of?
Genre: Romance. M/M. QUILTBAG. Read as an: eBook. Sourced: NetGalley.
My Thoughts: The CEO’s Christmas Manny is a quick and emotional Christmas read. The characters of the novel shine through and the story is an engaging and entertaining one. Tipping the babysitter/governess trope on its head, The CEO’s Christmas Manny is a such a great Christmas read.
Finding Aurora
The CEO’s Christmas Manny