Nikyta’s Reviews

Book Review: The Last Gift by Chrissy Munder

Posted on January 21, 2018 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: The Last Gift
Author: Chrissy Munder
Series: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily – Stocking Stuffers
Heroes: Nick & Aaron
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 48 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: College student Nick Reed works late shift at a convenience store and dreams of graduation, a job he can be proud of, and finding the man of his dreams.

But the man of his dreams is about to find him.

A change in his lab hours forces Nick to swap shifts with a coworker. But no one prepared Nick for Mr. 5:25—Aaron Hampton—a beefy blond who’s Nick’s perfect guy, but professionally and socially out of Nick’s reach. Soon Aaron becomes the highlight of Nick’s workday, and when the overly focused lawyer needs Nick’s help with holiday gifts, Nick is eager to spend time with Aaron.

They become friends, share book recommendations, and are surprised to find themselves at the same charity run. But is that all? When Aaron learns Nick is heading back to his old shift, will he find the courage to ask for one last, very special gift? Continue reading →

Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily - Stocking Stuffers, Chrissy Munder, Christmas, cute, Dreamspinner Press, Holiday - Christmas, M/M, no sex, Series - 2017 Advent Calendar - Stocking Stuffers, sweet, The Blogger Girls, The Last Gift, yearning | Leave a comment

Book Review: Rebel by Rhys Ford

Posted on January 3, 2018 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Rebel
Author: Rhys Ford
Series: 415 Ink #1
Heroes: Gus & Rey
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 220 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 29, 2017
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: The hardest thing a rebel can do isn’t standing up for something—it’s standing up for himself.

Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After Gus spends years running from his past, present, and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, karma delivers the one thing Gus could never—would never—turn his back on: a son from a one-night stand he’d had after a devastating breakup a few years ago.

Returning to San Francisco and to 415 Ink, his family’s tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together… until the firefighter who’d broken him walked back into Gus’s life.

For Rey Montenegro, tattoo artist Gus Scott was an elusive brass ring, a glittering prize he hadn’t the strength or flexibility to hold on to. Severing his relationship with the mercurial tattoo artist hurt, but Gus hadn’t wanted the kind of domestic life Rey craved, leaving Rey with an aching chasm in his soul.

When Gus’s life and world starts to unravel, Rey helps him pick up the pieces, and Gus wonders if that forever Rey wants is more than just a dream. Continue reading →

Categories: 4.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: against all odds, Angst, artists, assholes, Contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, emotionally damaged, ex-lovers, favorites, Firefighter, grieving, kids, M/M, meddling family, Pets, Rebel, Rhys Ford, second chances, series, Series - 415 Ink, slow burn, Tattoo Artist, The Blogger Girls, yearning | 1 Comment

Book Review: Bad Company by K.A. Mitchell

Posted on January 2, 2018 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Bad Company
Author: K.A. Mitchell
Series: Bad in Baltimore #1
Heroes: Nate & Kellan
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 200 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: January 2, 2018
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Some things are sweeter than revenge.

“I need a boyfriend.”

Hearing those words from his very straight, very ex-best friend doesn’t put Nate in a helpful mood. Not only did Kellan Brooks’s father destroy Nate’s family in his quest for power, but Kellan broke Nate’s heart back in high school. Nate thought he could trust his best friend with the revelation that he might be gay, only to find out he was horribly wrong and become the laughingstock of the whole school. Kellan must be truly desperate if he’s turning to Nate now.

Kellan’s through letting his father run his life, and he wants to make the man pay for cutting him off. What better way to stick it to the bigot than to come out as gay himself—especially with the son of the very man his father crushed on his quest for money and power. Kellan can’t blame Nate for wanting nothing to do with him, though. Kellan will have to convince him to play along, but it’s even harder to convince himself that the heat between them is only an act…. Continue reading →

Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2018 | Tags: assholes, Bad Company, bi-curious, Contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, fake relationships, famous, injury/recovery, K.A. Mitchell, M/M, OFY, Playboy, Re-release, Rich Boy, series, Series - Bad in Baltimore, The Blogger Girls | 1 Comment

Book Review: A Timely Gift by Kris T. Bethke

Posted on December 26, 2017 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: A Timely Gift
Author: Kris T. Bethke
Series: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily – Stocking Stuffers
Heroes:Rory & Deacon
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 39 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Sometimes the right gift can be life-changing….

On the solstice, Rory’s grandfather gives him a pocket watch that he claims will have Rory’s life sorted and his problems solved by Christmas. Rory starts out skeptical, but when he reconnects with an ex he never thought he’d see again, he has to admit there might be some holiday magic working after all.

Deacon’s life is in shambles, and he’s returned to Syracuse for a fresh start. Running into Rory again feels like much more than a coincidence, and neither of them can deny the passion between them is still smoldering. With the watch behaving oddly at just the right moments, Rory and Deacon might receive the gift of a lifetime—if they’re willing to accept it. Continue reading →

Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: Christmas, Contemporary, cute, Dreamspinner Press, ex-lovers, Holiday - Christmas, M/M, musicians, Pets, second chances, Series - 2017 Advent Calendar Daily - Stocking Stuffers, sweet, teachers, The Blogger Girls | Leave a comment

Book Review: Ballerina Dad by Amy Aislin

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Ballerina Dad
Author: Amy Aislin
Series: NineStar Press 2017 Holiday
Heroes: Patrick & Lee
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 64 pages
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: December 11, 2017
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Attending his daughter’s holiday dance recital should be easy for pro hockey player Patrick Barnes. Showing up in a tutu, however, wasn’t exactly part of the plan. And yet the holidays get even more interesting when he bumps into Lee, the man he let get away years ago.

Ballet instructor Lee can’t believe who just walked into his studio. He also can’t believe how quickly the flare of attraction between he and Patrick resurfaces, despite the years that have gone by since they last spoke.

Once upon a time, they let opportunities get away. Is it possible they’ll now have the chance to pursue the spark that has come back to life after just one conversation?

Holidays are a time for giving, and neither Patrick nor Lee are about to take this particular gift for granted.
Continue reading →

Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: Amy Aislin, Ballerina Dad, Christmas, cute, famous, Hockey Player, Holiday - Christmas, kids, M/M, NineStar Press, Series - NineStar Press 2017 Holiday, Sports, sweet, The Blogger Girls | Leave a comment

Book Review: Candy Canes and Cappuccinos by Elizabeth Coldwell

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Candy Canes and Cappuccinos
Author: Elizabeth Coldwell
Series: 2017 Advent Calendar – Stocking Stuffers
Heroes: Kyle & Steven
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 24 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Kyle is struggling to run his coffee shop on his own after his partner walked out on him. He has his eye on Steven, who comes into the shop each day, but hasn’t worked up the nerve to express his interest. When Steven asks Kyle to help out with Christmas lunch at the homeless shelter where he works, Kyle is too exhausted to agree. He donates his tips but still feels he’s blown his chances with Steven and made himself look like a selfish jerk.

On Christmas Day, Kyle sees a way to make amends—to both Steven and the needy people depending on his kindness. It’s the right thing to do, and Kyle hopes he can clear up the misunderstanding and show Steven the type of man he really is. Maybe then they can consider some dessert when the lunch at the shelter is over…. Continue reading →

Categories: 3 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: Candy Canes and Cappuccinos, Christmas, Contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Elizabeth Coldwell, ex lovers as secondary characters, Holiday - Christmas, M/M, Series - 2017 Advent Calendar - Stocking Stuffers, sweet, The Blogger Girls | Leave a comment

Book Review: Wreck the Halls by Jessica Payseur

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Wreck the Halls
Author: Jessica Payseur
Series: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily – Stocking Stuffers
Heroes: Paul & Nick
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 46 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Business has been good at Paul’s Café in Madison, Wisconsin—until a few months before Christmas. When Nick opens Nick’s Restaurant next door, Paul watches his customers leave for cheaper food and an owner who smiles more. With his livelihood at stake, Paul lashes out, trying to drive away Nick’s customers, but Nick won’t go easy, and escalating sabotage threatens to ruin the holidays for both of them.

Paul thinks all he wants for Christmas is to see Nick’s Restaurant go under, but the more he tries to drive Nick away, the less he’s sure he wants him to go. Nick is everything Paul secretly craves, but by the time he realizes Nick is all he really wants for the holidays, he might have ruined any chance for them to get together. And there might not be a present in the world that can fix that. Continue reading →

Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: assholes, Christmas, Dreamspinner Press, enemies to lovers, Holiday - Christmas, Jessica Payseur, M/M, neighbors, Restaurants, Rivals, Series - 2017 Advent Calendar Daily - Stocking Stuffers, The Blogger Girls, Wreck the Halls | Leave a comment

Early Review: Roger by S.J.D. Peterson

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Roger
Author: SJD Peterson
Heroes: Colt & Killian & Roger
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 51 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 20, 2017
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Texas native Colt Burrow isn’t happy about his third cold, lonely Christmas in frozen Michigan. But when fate sends him a gift in the form of an abandoned puppy, he can’t keep his heart from melting. With the puppy’s companionship, he doesn’t feel so isolated anymore, and the holidays don’t seem as bleak. He even finds enough Christmas spirit to take Roger tree shopping. But just when Colt’s starting to hope Roger’s owner doesn’t show up… he does, and Colt doesn’t want to say goodbye.

Will Roger end up being Colt’s Christmas heartbreak… or his Christmas miracle?

Continue reading →

Categories: 3.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: Christmas, Contemporary, cute, Dreamspinner Press, Holiday - Christmas, M/M, no sex, Pets, Roger, S.J.D. Peterson, sweet, The Blogger Girls | Leave a comment

Book Review: Trading Tridents by C.M. Taylor

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Trading Tridents
Author: C.M. Taylor
Series: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily – Stocking Stuffers
Heroes: John & Derek
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 32 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Available at: Deramspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: DecemberCon 2017. John Perlan, aka YouTuber “SmileyNibor,” has come to the con for one reason and one reason only: to see his idol, actor Derek Kitow. And since Derek has announced he’ll be dressed as the original Aquaman, Perlan decides to come as the Aquaman reboot. It helps that he already has the beard and the bod to make a convincing Momoaman.

But when Derek Kitow makes his entrance, he recognizes Perlan from his tiny YouTube channel and wants him onstage! Has Kitow been following him online? Could SmileyNibor’s hero also be a fan? And what exactly does Kitow have in mind by inviting Perlan to meet him after the panel? Continue reading →

Categories: 3.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: Actors, BDSM, C.M. Taylor, Christmas, Dreamspinner Press, famous, Holiday - Christmas, kink, M/M, Series - 2017 Advent Calendar Daily - Stocking Stuffers, The Blogger Girls, Trading Tridents | Leave a comment

Book Review: Welcome Home, Soldier by Deanna Wadsworth

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title:Welcome Home, Soldier
Author: Deanna Wadsworth
Series: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily – Stocking Stuffers
Heroes: Clay & Daniel
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 76 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Clay and Daniel fell in love as enlisted men during Desert Shield, but Don’t Ask Don’t Tell meant they had to keep it secret. After Clay’s convoy was ambushed, PTSD changed him, and their relationship ended in a horrible fight on Christmas Eve.

Twenty-five years later, they’ve reconnected on Facebook, and Clay finds out Daniel will be alone on Christmas Eve. Impulsively, he sets out for Daniel’s hometown of Gilead, Ohio—where Daniel is now the mayor—to surprise him with a visit. But a blizzard strikes and Clay wrecks his car. All hope of seeing Daniel is lost—until a mysterious old man named Nick offers Clay a ride.

The weight of past wounds and the scars of war might make their reunion awkward, but Clay is willing to take the risk to win back his lost love. Despite a lifetime of disappointing holidays, Clay hopes that this soldier is finally coming home for Christmas. Continue reading →

Categories: 2 Star Ratings, Book Review, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2017 | Tags: addicts, cute, Deanna Wadsworth, ex-lovers, Holiday - Christmas, older couple, second chances, Series - 2017 Advent Calendar Daily - Stocking Stuffers, sweet, The Blogger Girls, Welcome Home Soldier, yearning | Leave a comment

Nikyta’s Reviews

Book Review: The Last Gift by Chrissy Munder

Book Review: Rebel by Rhys Ford

Book Review: Bad Company by K.A. Mitchell

Book Review: A Timely Gift by Kris T. Bethke

Book Review: Ballerina Dad by Amy Aislin

Book Review: Candy Canes and Cappuccinos by Elizabeth Coldwell

Book Review: Wreck the Halls by Jessica Payseur

Early Review: Roger by S.J.D. Peterson

Book Review: Trading Tridents by C.M. Taylor

Book Review: Welcome Home, Soldier by Deanna Wadsworth

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