Review: Snowed in for Christmas by F.A. Ray

4 stars

Available: Nov. 19, 2024

The thing I like about F.A. Ray's stories is that they always write characters at least one MC who do not feel inclined hide their sexual orientation, it's simply not a struggle in their universe and I love that about them.  

This was such a cute story just in time for the holidays, I can definitely see it being made into a Hallmark movie, or you know a more queer version of what a Hallmark movie would be called. 

It's got all the drama inducing elements, snowed in, step-brothers, close proximity and hating each other.

I love the hidden depth to Jett and the way both characters had their own strength in comforting each other during their own chaotic moments. In terms of competency in life, Ben had it covered in spades, while Jett excelled in the emotional relationship aspect of it. The two were perfect for each other, it felt very balanced. 

The main MCS had penetrative sex, but there seemed to be no mention of prepping or condoms, which I can only think that it was omitted for brevity sake.

Also it jumps very quickly from enemies to interest in the other person, when in the previous moment, they were just having an argument about not having food etc. I mean they put up a good fight, and didn't get into the actual feelings until the big event that changed both their minds, but I did not believe in their change of heart, but since this is a holiday story, I went with it. 

I enjoyed this holiday short story.

Book Review: Defensive Zone by Jodi Oliver

5 stars

Book Launch: Nov 14, 2024

Buy book here:  https://mybook.to/DefensiveZoneThunder3

I love it, I love it, I love it. Saying it three times to really hit the point home. The different way with how this best friend to lovers trope came together made it stand out from the rest. Also the way Carter really owned up to his obliviousness with Zach’s crush/love really spoke to me at how genuine Carter was. 

I had no expectation to love this book as much as I do and ok I’m so glad Zach and Carter pushed for their love to be told because I’d hate to Zach to have to suffer MORE with his unrequited love. It was about time you woke up Carter!!!

Spoilerish alert with Epilogue. The tease at the end with Elliot was uncalled for, but I guess it helps settle my annoyance a little at still NOT getting Elliot’s story next. And I totally didn’t see the next story coming. I can’t wait until 2025!!!

#myshiodareads #jodioliver #defensivezone #zachandcarter #bestfriendtolovers #epicepilogue #mmromance #footballxhockey #sportsromance 

Blurb:

Zach

Since I was six years old, my world has revolved around two things: Carter Lockwood and hockey.

We made a pact in college before we turned pro to always put each other first. To make each other our priority, but being in love with your straight best friend can make that hard, especially when you have to watch them fall in love with someone else.

I don’t want to break my best friend's heart to save my own, but I need to put some space between us to save our friendship.

Only this time, it’s not just the defensive zone I’m protecting, but also my heart.

 

Carter

From the moment I met Zach Reid, we were inseparable.

Nobody really understands why I always wanted to be with him. Our relationship is what some people call codependent, but he’s been my favorite person for over two decades, and life is always calmer when he’s around.

But something changed between us over the summer, and I started to see him in a different way.

Then the pact we made in college started to fall apart, along with my football career.

I don’t know what happened or how to make it right, but there’s one thing I know for certain.

I’m lost without him.

 

Defensive Zone is a childhood best friends to lovers sports romance featuring a hockey player and football player. It includes unrequited love, a bi-awakening, mutual pining and all the Thunder found family vibes.

It is book three in the Chicago Thunder series and can be read as a standalone.

Book Review: Stray for You by F.A. Ray

 

Stray for You by F.A. Ray

::Book Review::

Available Nov. 12, 2024 on Amazon or KU

Series: Rainbow Rescue Cat Cafe, Book 3

This is my fav of the Rainbow Rescue Cat Cafe series. This grump/sunshine, nearly step-brother trope is so doing it for me. If you read the boyfriend cafe, you would have met Cam and Julian from it, but no worries if you haven’t, there is plenty of back story in this book to catch you up, you don’t miss anything really. 

I don’t know what it is about this storyline. Is it the second chance, is it the slight forbidden romance, is it the long distance? Is it the grump/sunshine? Together combined, it just all works for me. 

I really love how Cameron thinks one thing, but speaks another, perhaps I see a lot of myself in him. The way he’s puts himself out there with Julian is just adorable, he can’t help himself. Julian and his one track mind to make Cameron his makes me swoony. I love a good, he’s only this way to me kind of guy. Julian puts up a front for his salespeople, but with Cam, all his facade is down.

In the sentiment of Goldilocks, the spice was just right, not too much, nor too little. I am all for Julian’s Cameron fetish.

There are cameo from past book characters from the series, like Sebastian and Henry, although Henry doesn’t make an actual appearance, just in mention. I love the set up for River in the next book, thank goodness he started talking to the author and demanded his story be told. I can’t wait as the preview at the end really sparks my interest. 

Five Star Reads

#myshiodareads #bookreview #grr #strayforyou #faray #rainbowcatcafe #readin2024