Title: Cut & Run
Series: Cut & Run #1
Author: Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban
Genre: Contemporary / MM Romantic Suspense
Goodreads

My Rating:

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Blurb

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He’s cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he’s paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it’s hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliche: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer’s knife.
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My Review

I hate adding books to my everyone-liked-but-me shelf, believe me. It was my second try to read it actually: it couldn’t engage me for the first time, and I thought I just was not in the mood, so I put it aside. For the second time, it was still boring. But I didn’t give up and tried to find those amazing qualities the positive reviews mention. Sadly, with no avail.

Both Ty and Zane irritated me, and the jumping viewpoint made them indistinguishable.

The continuous banter tired me, the suspense bored me to death, I felt the chemistry forced.

Romance – what romance?

Poor writing, full of repetitions: heads were cocked 31 times, eyebrows were raised 40 times, eyebrows climbed in surprise twice!, heads were tilted 25 times, and eyes were narrowed 47 times. And there was a glorious moment when two of these were in the same sentence:

“Wait wait, let me guess,” Ty said as he held out his hand toward Zane. “Psychology major with a…,” he narrowed his eyes and cocked his head, “political science minor,” he guessed.

Yes, I love statistics.

Anyway, it was a disappointment. I have no interest in the following books.

Title: Dare You To
Series: Wild Side #0.5
Author: Riley Hart
Genre: MM Romance
Goodreads

My Rating:

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Blurb

Austin Thompson spends most of his spare time reading or logging in extra hours at the LGBTQ youth center where he works. His only standing “night out,” if you can call it that, is his weekly movie night with his best friend, Dare Nichols. Between work and Dare, it’s hard to find time for much else, so when he does actually try to date, it ends in disaster.

Dare thrives on living life on the wild side—surfing, mountain biking, sky diving. If it’s extreme, he’s game. Between sports and spending his evenings at his West Hollywood bar, Dare never sees a dull moment. Still, with all that excitement, most of his favorite times are when he’s tucked away in Austin’s apartment. Probably because he’s the only best friend Dare’s ever had.

Then the kiss happens and the men realize they don’t want to stop there. As they explore this new adventure in their relationship, Austin realizes the excitement he’s been looking for has been right there all along, and and Dare has to decide if he can conquer his only fear by risking his heart.

Previously published in the anthology, IT WAS ALWAYS YOU.
Also a prequel of sorts to the Wild Side series.
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My Review

Dare You To is a sweet friends-to-lovers / opposites-attract love story.

Austin and Dare are best friends for six years now, though they are very different. Austin is steady and predictable, Dare is intense and spontaneous. Austin works as a youth counselor at an LGBT center, and looking for a relationship. Dare is the owner of a bar, and does only hook-ups.

Still, they accept, respect and admire the other just the way they are, and they always enjoy each other’s company.

“I’m boring.”
Dare went tense. His pulse shot through the roof. “Did that motherfucker tell you that?”

But one night, a kiss changes their friendship. They discover something new and exciting, not only in their relationship, but in themselves too.

“I think I just need something new. To test myself, to step out of my shell. I want to test what it’s like to color outside the lines.”

Romantic and fun story. Highly recommended!

Title: Rough Edges
Author: Cardeno C.
Genre: MM Romance
Goodreads

My Rating:

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Blurb

Kyle has an unwelcome crush on his nemesis Brent. Brent has a welcome crush on his friend Kyle. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks to the wrong family, Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson.

Born with a silver spoon to a well-established family, Brent Haralson has never been interested in leveraging his connections. Friends, success, and dates come easily to Brent and rejection isn’t something he has to deal with in life. And then he meets perfect Kyle Potter.

Kyle despises his unwelcome crush on his lazy, arrogant nemesis. Brent welcomes his feelings for his stubborn, brilliant friend. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

Published in the anthology, IT WAS ALWAYS YOU.
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My Review

A sweet hate-to-love story. Well, on the part of Kyle. Brent has always had a thing for Kyle.

When Kyle and Brent first met two years ago, the attraction between them was immediate and mutual. But it was cut short when Kyle learned Brent had no job, but a wealthy background.

Kyle is quick to judge without getting to know Brent better, as he respects only hard work, people who earn their ways, and are doing something useful their lives. As he is still attracted to Brent, he masks it with mockery and open disdain.

“What did you do today?” He narrowed his eyes at Brent. “Based on your appearance, I’m guessing a shower wasn’t on the agenda.”
“I woke up, beat off, watched TV, beat off again, found an old pack of cigs under the couch, beat off, looked for a lighter, beat off, gave up on the lighter and lit up with the burner on my La Cornue stove that probably cost more than that deposit you earned, and then beat off again.” Brent pressed his lips together, raised his eyebrows, and nodded. “Huh. I guess you were right. No shower.”

But Brent never gives up hope to break through Kyle’s resistance. When Kyle gets into a difficult situation, Brent is ready to help him. Spending more time together by necessity, Kyle can’t help but see beyond the surface and put aside his prejudices.

“Having dinner together means spending time with you. And if I drag it out just the right way, I’m thinking maybe we can even have a real conversation in between the insults.”

I loved the development of Kyle, and the perseverance of Brent. Sweet story, great writing style, amazing chemistry, lots of humor. Highly recommended!